bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two decades of dune slack restoration in North Wales: Diversity, community and habitat specialists
Authors: Johansen Nicola , Davis Michelle , Ashton Paul
Published: January 2024

Humid dunes slacks are a highly threatened habitat, listed as vulnerable
in the EU habitat red list. Accelerated successional processes in dune
systems have resulted in the loss and degradation of ideal conditions
for specialist dune slack species, many of whom are increasingly rare.
This study investigated the restoration of a dune slack in North Wales,
where soil removal was undertaken to reverse succession and reinstate
nutrient-poor open conditions. It assessed the outcomes of the
restoration for dune plant slack species and communities and examined
how these communities have changed over the 18 years since restoration,
exploring ecological factors affecting these changes. Annual data was
available from fixed quadrat surveys undertaken since restoration and a
repeat survey was carried out in 2022 using the same methods, along with
a new quadrat survey in un-restored areas. Data was analysed to
determine species, species richness and species diversity and NDMS
ordinations were used to reveal community composition over time. The
study found that the restoration has re-established typical dune slack
species and plant communities during the first 18 years. The
establishment of species occurred rapidly in the first three years,
followed by continued but slower increases in species richness and
diversity. The plant community has changed over time by the addition of
new species and few losses of species have taken place. The stages since
restoration are characterised by indicator species After 18 years a
species rich and diverse community exists, containing all the initial
pioneer species, with species richness and diversity still increasing.
These are likely to be largely recruited from an existing seed bank.
Restoration by turf removal may be suitable for other low nutrient,
species rich habitats dependent upon high groundwater levels.
Development and interaction of sensory systems in babies
Authors: EĞRİKILINÇ Duygu AKAGÜNDÜZ , Dere Doç. Dr. Zeynep
Published: January 2024

Sense enables babies to perceive the physical and chemical changes that
occur in the external environment. It occurs as a result of the dynamic
interaction of sensory stimuli with sensory receptors in the eyes, ears,
tongue, nose, and skin. The stimuli that newborns see, touch, and hear
affect their brain development. The brain develops faster in the early
years than in other years. Newborns have a vestibular system,
proprioceptive sense, neonatal imitation, and special senses that help
them understand the world. Some babies’ senses are more sensitive than
others. Each baby develops differently. The interaction that the baby
will establish with his/her environment early on is invaluable for
supporting its development. Their senses are stimulated from birth by
the warm intimacy and contact established with the adult and the rich
stimulating environment. Stimulation of the senses is critical to
supporting the baby’s holistic development. This study discusses the
relationship between interaction and the development of the sensory
system in babies and offers suggestions for families and educators.
Verification of key genes and pathways explores the anti-inflammation mechanism of NR4a1on macrophage through bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Tan Juntao , Teng Teng , Chen Su , Huang Tiegeng , Xiao Zhenni , Luo Xiaotian , Tang Yixin
Published: January 2024

NR4a1 has been demonstrated to exert a protective role in various
chronic inflammatory disease. The underlying mechanism has yet to be
clarified. This research aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory
mechanism of NR4a1on macrophage through bioinformatics analysis and
further verified by a series of experiments. In this study, The GSMs
(GEO samples) that LPS(lipopolysaccharide) treated macrophage derived
from wild type and NR4a1 knockout mice were extracted from GSE68167 gene
expression profiles in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. DEGs
(Differentially expressed genes) screened out. The gene ontology (GO)
and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway) enrichment
were conducted. PPI (Protein-protein interaction) network that comprised
49 nodes was mapped. The enrichment of biological process (BP) was
principally and significantly revealed in signal transduction,
inflammatory response and positive regulation of chemokine production.
In terms of KEGG pathway, DEGs were primarily enriched in
Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, JAK-STAT signaling pathway and
cAMP signaling pathway. In the PPI network, IL10, IFNG, Fos, IL19, PDE4B
NPY, Cnr1, MMP13, Rtn1, UCHL1 were selected as Hub gene. PDE4B and cAMP
signaling pathway may associate with anti-inflammatory function of
NR4a1. Our data showed that NR4a1 could promotes the protein level of
cAMP, p-PKA and decreased p-p65, p-IκBα through down-regulating PDE4B.
NR4a1-downregulated PDE4B expression notably decreased the LPS induced
mRNA level of IL-6 and IL1β. This study also pointed the potential
physiological processes regulated by NR4a1.Our findings supports that
NR4a1 may be a considerable therapeutic target in inflammatory disease.
An appraisal of the molecular systematics of Sapindaceae, in the light of wood anatomical distribution pattern of the family
Authors: M VIGI GEORGE , Hari N
Published: January 2024

This paper reviews the molecular classification of Sapindaceae, by
collating the existing wood anatomical details of each tribe. The
comparison is restricted to how much the wood anatomical distribution is
supported or conflicts with the current subfamilial and tribal shifting
of the genera, from their traditional placement in Radlkofer’s
classification. The presence of simple vessel perforations, alternate
vessel wall pitting, and vessel-ray and vessel-parenchyma pits similar
in size, shape, and arrangement to the inter vessel pits, and fibers of
the libriform type with simple to minutely bordered pits in both
Aceraceae and Hippocastanceae clades strongly support their embedding
under Sapindaceae. The present analysis also confirms the placement of
the Delavaya group as the basal clade under Sapindoideae, the retrieval
of Conchopetalum to the Dodonaeoideae subfamily, and the definition of
Hippocastanoideae as a temperate subfamily. The wood anatomical
similarity of the Dodonaeoideae genera with the other three subfamilies
points towards the polyphyly of the Dodonaeoideae subfamily and is
comparable with the polyphyly concept of Radlkofer. The current
circumscription of Tinopsis and Neotina under Tina is also agreed by
their homogenous Cupania type wood anatomy. The systematic affinities of
the traditional Schleichereae and Cupanieae tribe are also revealed in
their Cupania type wood anatomy. Albeit the wood anatomy agrees with the
wider circumscription of Sapindaceae, the wood anatomy details for the
majority of the tribes go in line with that of the traditional
Radlkofer’s concept.
Validation of the Chinese Empathy Questionnaire for Pre-school Children
Authors: Li Zijian , Li Boya , Tsou Yung-Ting , Rieffe Carolien
Published: January 2024

Empathy plays an important role in children’s early social-emotional
development. However, there are not many instruments available for
measuring the different aspects/levels of empathy in preschool children.
Moreover, few studies examined the validity of the existing measures for
empathy in Chinese children. The present study tested the Chinese
version of the Empathy Questionnaire (EmQue) upon a group of Chinese
preschool children (N = 182) aged from 2 to 6 years. The Chinese EmQue
is a parent-report translated from Dutch that assesses the behavioral
manifestations of three distinct levels of empathy: emotion contagion,
attention to others’ feelings, and prosocial behaviors among preschool
children. Confirmatory factor analysis showed satisfactory
goodness-of-fit indexes for a three-level structure with 19 loading
items. The results of concurrent validity showed that the three levels
of empathy were functioning differently in the early social-emotional
development. We could conclude that the 19-item Chinese EmQue is a
valid, reliable instrument for measuring empathy in 2- to 6-year-old
children in the Chinese context.
Use of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants to treat cattle diseases by the Oulad Heriz farmers in the Chaouia region, North West of Morocco
Authors: Chaachouay Noureddine
Published: January 2024

Using medicinal plants for healthcare practices in indigenous
communities presents a chance to discover natural remedies. This study
aims to provide a detailed account of the ethnoveterinary knowledge of
medicinal plants utilized for therapeutic purposes. From December 2020
to December 2021, a field investigation was carried out within the Oulad
Heriz tribes. Two hundred local farmers were interviewed using
open-ended, semi-structured discussions, free listing and focus groups.
A total of one hundred medicinal plants belonging to 87 genera and 33
families were discovered to be employed for ethnoveterinary purposes.
Rosmarinus officinalis L. was the most frequently utilized
ethnoveterinary plant species in the study area (70 citations). Leaves
are shown to be the most commonly employed plant parts (55%). However,
digestive disorders were the most often mentioned ailment (33 medicinal
plants, 599 citations), and most herbal medicines were made by infusion
(46.2%). According to the current investigation findings, local farmers
in Oulad Heriz have continuous knowledge of ethnoveterinary plants. This
ethnoveterinary medicinal heritage needs to be incorporated with
contemporary medicine to use plants and their products as potentially
viable medications for various cattle illnesses.
Empagliflozin ameliorated chondrocytes inflammation, catabolism and senescence and osteoarthritis via suppressing the nuclear factor kappa-B signal pathway.
Authors: Ru Bin , Chen Zhonggai , Xu Langhai , Li Shun , Cai Wenjun
Published: January 2024

Background Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, chondrocyte
inflammation, and cellular senescence contribute to the pathology of
osteoarthritis (OA). Empagliflozin, a selective inhibitor of
sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2), has been reported to show the
anti-inflammatory properties in several conditions. However, whether
empagliflozin can be used to improve OA is still unknown. Methods The
protective effects and underlying mechanism of empagliflozin in OA were
investigated in vitro and in vivo. Cell viability, catabolic markers,
inflammatory mediators, cellular senescence level, cartilage
degeneration were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, safranine O staining, ELISA,
real-time PCR, western blot, β-galactosidase Staining, and histological
analysis. Results We found that empagliflozin significantly
downregulated the expression of catabolic enzymes (MMP9 and MMP13), and
decreased the expression of inflammatory mediators (NO, PGE2, IL-6,
COX2, and INOS), and reduced the cellular senescence level in
IL-1β-treated chondrocytes by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa-B
(NF-κB) signaling pathway. What’s more, empagliflozin prevented
cartilage degeneration in DMM-induced OA mice model with significant
lower OARSI grade. Conclusion Our findings reveal that empagliflozin
inhibited chondrocytes ECM degradation, inflammation and cellular
senescence in vitro and prevented cartilage degeneration in vivo by
suppressing NF-κB signal pathway, indicating a therapeutic potential in
OA treatment.
Prdm1 Regulates Cytokine Expression in CD4+T Cells and Alters Islet and Skin Allograft Survivals through regulate Th1/Th2 differentiation
Authors: Ma Yi , Zhang Xuzhi , Cheng Pengrui , Xue Zhicheng , Jian Qian , Fu Zongli , Wang Hanyu , Rao JiaWei , Ren Ao , Zhu Xiaonan , Deng Ronghai
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of Prdm1
inhibition or overexpression on levels of CD4+T cells, and islet and
skin transplantation, in mice. Mice CD4+T cells (from the spleen) were
cultured, purified and enriched, and then transfected with shRNA
lentiviral vector Prdm1-RNAi-GFP and overexpression lentiviral vector
LV-Prdm1-puro. Murine cytokine levels were then measures. Murine islet
transplantation and skin transplantation model were established, and the
mice were injected with CD4+T cells transfected with lentivirus
Prdm1-RNAi-GFP or LV-Prdm1-puro. Levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were
measured, and the survival times of the grafts were measured and
compared. The expressions of IL-4 and IL-10 were up-regulated after
overexpression of Prdm1, and the expression of IFN-γ was up-regulated in
CD4+T cells after inhibition of Prdm1 (P<0.05). Overexpression
of Prdm1 resulted in longer islet and skin graft survival and better
graft function, while inhibition of Prdm1 shortened islet and skin graft
survival. Microscopic examination showed evidence of mild rejection of
islet and skin grafts in the LV-Prdm1-puro, but severe rejection in the
Prdm1-RNAi group. Taken together, the results indicate that
overexpression of Prdm1 can prolong graft survival and induce the
formation of transplant immune tolerance via secretion of Th2 cytokines
by CD4+T cells. Inhibition of Prdm1 can promote transplant rejection and
shorten graft survival via secretion of Th1 cytokines.
Natural killer cells immunosenescence
Authors: Xiao Weihua , Wang Lian , Mao Liwei , Chen Peijie
Published: January 2024

Natural killer cells (NKs) are lymphocytes of the innate immune system
that quickly respond to viruses, infections, and tumors during their
short cell life cycle. However, it was recently found that NKs undergo
quantitative, distributional, structural, and functional phenotypic
changes during aging that suppress immune responses, which is known as
immunosenescence. The aging host environment, cytokine regulation,
cytomegalovirus status, and hypothalamic‒pituitary‒adrenal axis have
significant effects on NK function. Different lifestyle management
interventions modulate the number and cytotoxic activity of NKs, which
are essential for rebuilding the immune barrier against pathogens in
elderly individuals. Based on recent studies, we review the phenotypic
changes of and potential threats of NKs during aging and explore the
underlying mechanisms. By summarizing the effects of lifestyle
management on NKs and their application prospects, we aim to provide
evidence for enhancing immune system function against immune diseases in
elderly individuals.
Identification of two pIgR-like molecules in teleost fish with opposite roles in mucosal immunity against bacterial infection
Authors: xu zhen , Xu Haoyue , Wang Zixuan , Huang Zhenyu , Lin Ruiqi , Yu Yongyao
Published: January 2024

The polymeric immunoglobulin (Ig) receptor-like (pIgRL) molecules have
been identified in teleost fish. However, compare to the functional
studies of their related genes (mammalian CD300 family, et al) in
eliminating pathogen invasion while preserving homeostasis, the roles of
pIgRL in teleost fish remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated
that a pair of pIgRL molecules in zebrafish, pIgRL3.5 and pIgRL4.2, were
highly expressed in the intestine and immune cells. Moreover, we
constructed an Edwardsiella piscicida infection model, which
induced strong inflammatory responses in the zebrafish intestine.
Interestingly, pIgRL3.5 and pIgRL4.2 exhibited opposite inducible
expression patterns in response to bacterial infection, suggesting that
they perform different roles. More importantly, by conducting
overexpression and knockdown experiments, our findings demonstrated that
zebrafish pIgRL3.5 played a protective role in the host defense against
E. piscicida infection by inhibiting excessive inflammatory
responses. In contrast, pIgRL4.2 facilitated pathogen growth and
dissemination in zebrafish intestine. Collectively, our findings were
the first to demonstrate that a pair of pIgRL molecules in teleost fish
play opposite roles in mucosal immune response to bacterial infection.
Therefore, our results provide crucial insights into the conserved role
of pIgRL molecules in immune regulatory functions throughout vertebrate
evolution.
Healthcare and Cybersecurity: Zero Trust
Authors: Vukotich George
Published: January 2024

This article looks at Healthcare and the issues that exist with current
cybersecurity measures. As attacks, including those related to
ransomware become more commonplace it is important to provide safeguards
to protect the data of patients and healthcare organizations. Examples
of cybersecurity breaches are looked at with insights shared on how they
happened and what could have been done to prevent them. Rather than the
original perimeter security approach which many organizations took a
newer approach known as Zero-Trust looks at how to neutralize attacks
even if a hacker has penetrated the perimeter security. Key areas
involved in Zero-Trust are reviewed and explained as to how the
applicability to healthcare can make a difference in protecting
individuals and healthcare organizations.
LncRNA HOTAIR regulates the PI3K/AKT pathway via the miR-126-3p/PIK3R2 axis to participate in synovial angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: FEIFEI LIU , WANG YUAN , Dan Huang , Sun Yanqiu
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Background: The abnormal expression of lncRNA HOTAIR has been
associated with synovial angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The
aim of this study is to investigate whether lncRNA HOTAIR can
participate in synovial angiogenesis in RA by regulating the PI3K/AKT
pathway through the miR-126/PIK3R2 axis. Methods: In this study, we
conducted in vitro experiments by designing overexpression plasmids and
small interfering RNAs targeting lncRNA HOTAIR and then transfected them
into fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) obtained from RA patients. We
then co-cultured the modified FLS with human umbilical vein endothelial
cells (HUVEC) to establish an RA-FLS-induced HUVEC model. We
investigated the effects of lncRNA HOTAIR on the proliferation,
migration, and tube formation abilities of HUVECs, as well as the
expression of synovial endothelial cell markers, angiogenic factors, and
the PI3K/AKT pathway. To validate the interactions between lncRNA
HOTAIR, miR-126-3p, and PIK3R2, we used bioinformatics and luciferase
reporter experiments. We also used a combination of real-time
fluorescence quantitative (RT-qPCR), Western blotting (WB), and
immunofluorescence (IF) methods to identify target genes and proteins.
Results: LncRNA HOTAIR was highly expressed in HUVEC cells induced by
RA-FLS. Overexpression of lncRNA HOTAIR significantly increased the
expression of VEGF, bFGF, CD34 and CD105 in HUVEC cells, promoted their
proliferation, invasion, and tube formation, while the silencing of
lncRNA HOTAIR reversed these effects, and the PI3K/AKT activator also
reversed them. Overexpression of lncRNA HOTAIR activated the PI3K/AKT
pathway, promoting the expression of PI3K, AKT, and P-AKT proteins.
Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase assays verified the targeting
relationship between LncRNA HOTAIR, miR-126-3p, and PIK3R2. Conclusion:
LncRNA HOTAIR can activate the PI3K/AKT pathway, possibly through the
regulatory axis of miR-126-3p/PIK3R2, and thus participate in synovial
angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis.
National Data Privacy and Usage Legislation in the European Union, the United States, and South Korea in the Post-Covid-19 Era of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Roh Myunghoon , Son Hyeungseob
Published: January 2024

The protection and utilization of personal data is an highly significant
issue in both the legal and technological industries. This article
examines the legislative changes implemented in the EU and the United
States, as well as the privacy laws established, designed to cope with
international data trends, and the Personal Information Protection Act
(PIPA) enacted in South Korea. It analyzes the privacy acts and
conditions through comparative research methods, and studies the
suitability and direction of each country’s privacy act, focusing on
documents from Korea, EU, and the United States. Ultimately, legislative
changes in these countries are developing in accordance with their
constitutions and international privacy trends, while simultaneously
confronting conflicts between their national sovereignty and the
internationalized trends or development of norms and practices embodied
in the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We must explore
new mechanisms for protecting data transmission, requiring countries to
develop a concept of global public interest. This would enable personal
data to cross borders, combat common threats around the world, and
protect the legitimate values that form the basis of a democratic
society.
Cybersecurity Technology Strategic Plan for Data Loss Prevention
Authors: AGBOR GEORGE EFI
Published: January 2024

Executive Summary Technology is constantly evolving every day,
and as it evolves, cyber-attacks also increases making it a challenge
for all businesses worldwide. “Between January 1, 2005, and May 31,
2020, there have been 11,762 recorded breaches” (Sober,2021). As a
result, all businesses need to create strategies for Data Loss
Prevention that will provide a plan for the future of mass connectivity,
the internet of things (IoT), a plan for incorporating IPv6, and data
loss prevention techniques. In addition, it is important to develop a
strategy for emerging technology such as tokenization, Blockchain, data
obfuscation, data masking, etc. A good data loss prevention plan will
effectively provide organizations with a great degree of protection. The
Organization’s security relies greatly on situational awareness and
understanding of the critical areas of cybersecurity. When setting up a
proper cyber security defense, the infrastructure, people, data
application, business partners, security, and outsourcing must be
considered. Furthermore, risk, business priority, and critical assets
must be accounted for protection. It is also important to understand
what data is fundamental to the business and what degree of security
must be taken to protect unauthorized access or theft of that data. This
paper will create a Data Loss Prevention plan/strategy that describes
devices and technologies important for data loss prevention in an
organization. This plan will also explain how the devices and
technologies will help the organization prepare for the future. Next, it
will include reasons why it is beneficial to add these devices and
technologies to the network infrastructure. The plan will also describe
certain issues when new devices and technologies are introduced to the
network. Lastly, it will detail what changes will be necessary for the
new devices and technologies to be introduced.
Gynodioecy of Origanum vulgare ssp. gracile (Lamiaceae) in Tajikistan
Authors: Godin Vladimir , Astashenkov Aleksey , Cheryomushkina Vera , Bobokalonov Kobil
Published: January 2024

Gynodioecy has been identified to occur in the herbaceous polycarpic
Origanum vulgare ssp. gracile growing in Tajikistan and is here
described in detail for the first time. The investigated populations of
O. vulgare ssp. gracile form two types of flowers, perfect and
pistillate, on different individuals. In pistillate flowers, stamens are
represented by staminodes. The size of many parts of the corolla and
androecium of perfect flowers is significantly larger than in pistillate
flowers. Four criteria have been identified that make it possible to
reliably distinguish flowers of different sexual forms: the size of the
corolla and its parts, the difference between calyx tube length versus
corolla tube length, the position of the anthers, and the rate of
development of stamens. Perfect flowers are characterized by strictly
pronounced protandry. According to the pollen/ovule ratio (from 825 to
953), O. vulgare ssp. gracile is facultatively xenogamous.
Hermaphrodites predominated (from 58.9% to 76.2%) in five of the
investigated populations. The frequency of females in O. vulgare ssp.
gracile was shown to be most dependent on annual precipitation (Bio12).
Finally, we discuss the presence and distribution of gynodioecy within
the genus Origanum and its adaptive significance for the existence of
populations of O. vulgare ssp. gracile.
Rediscovery of Thottea philippinensis (Aristolochiaceae) from Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape, Zamboanga Sibugay including the confirmation on the occurrence of Thottea tomentosa in the Philippines
Authors: Naive Mark Arcebal , Ancheta Donnafe , Yongco Jannah , Fulgencio Bea Katrina
Published: January 2024

Collecting expeditions carried out in the Zamboanga Peninsula of western
Mindanao led to the rediscovery of Thottea philippinensis, previously
known only by a single collection made 93 years ago in the Philippines.
Thus, in this paper, we provide descriptions, comments on the affinities
among closely related species, an updated geographical distribution,
habitat information, conservation assessment, and the first-ever
published photos of living T. philippinensis in the wild. Additionally,
we include notes on confirming the occurrence of T. tomentosa in the
Philippine archipelago.
Anatolian Preschool Mathematics Skills Scale: A Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: Erdoğan Serap , Akyıldız Murat , Parpucu Nurbanu , Karademir Abdulhamit , Alan Ümran , Yanık Hüseyin Bahadır , Kumtepe Alper
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to conduct validity and reliability tests
of the Anatolian Preschool Mathematics (ANOMAT) Skills Scale, developed
to measure the mathematical skills of children aged 36-85 months. In
this context, the scale was individually administered to a total of 471
children selected through stratified sampling from families with low,
middle, and high socio-economic status with normal development in the
province of Eskisehir/Türkiye. The structural validity of the ANOMAT
Skills Scale was tested with confirmatory factor analysis, and the
McDonald’s Omega and Cronbach’s Alpha (Alpha ordinal) reliability
coefficients of the factors were calculated. The results showed that the
ANOMAT Skills Scale consisting of 156 items and four factors (numbers,
operations, measurement, and geometry) is a valid and reliable tool for
assessing the early mathematical skills of children aged 36-85 months.
THE ASSESMENT OF ANGIOSPERM FLORISTIC DIVERSITY IN PACHAMALAI HILLS OF EASTERN GHATS TOWARDS THE EX SITU CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY .
Authors: A Melba Priyadharshini , M Immanuel Sagayaraj
Published: January 2024

THE ASSESMENT OF ANGIOSPERM FLORISTIC DIVERSITY IN PACHAMALAI HILLS OF
EASTERN GHATS TOWARDS THE EX SITU CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
Effects of moderate exercise on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury and tracheal hyperresponsiveness in rats
Authors: Sahranavard Toktam , Moghaddam HamidReza Rezaei , Rezaee Ramin , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein , Gholamnezhad Zahra
Published: January 2024

Aim: Assessment of the effects of moderate exercise on
lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered lung injury. Method: Thirty-two male
Wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight as follows: (1)
control; (2) LPS; (3) exercise (EX); and (4) exercise+ LPS (EX+LPS).
Exercise groups were submitted to exercise (15 m/min for 30 min, 6
days/week, for a period of 8 weeks). LPS (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally
injected on a daily basis for 5 successive days during the last week of
the experiment. Ultimately, the levels of stress oxidative markers in
the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and in lung tissues, total white
blood cells (WBC) counts in the BALF, inflammatory markers in lung
tissue, tracheal responsiveness to methacholine, and lung
histopathological changes were assessed. Results: LPS injection
increased the number of total WBC, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes,
and lymphocytes as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the BALF,
tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)- 1β, and MDA in lung
tissues, and tracheal responsiveness to methacholine, and caused lung
pathological damages (P<0.05-P<0.001). Moderate
exercise preconditioning decreased total WBC, neutrophils, eosinophils,
monocytes, and lymphocytes counts in the BALF, diminished levels of
TNF-α, IL-1β, and MDA in the lung, but increased thiol levels in lung
tissues (P<0.05-P<0.01). Furthermore, moderate
exercise alleviated tracheal hyper-responsiveness (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Moderate training improved LPS-induced lung injury by
attenuating lung inflammatory cytokine levels, oxidative damage, and
pathological changes and tracheal hyper-responsiveness.
Absorption based rapid acquisition of single enzyme kinetics in microdroplets
Authors: Chen Shan , Zheng Yuhao , Sun Hao , Huang Zongxiong , Wang Pengcheng , Fang Yimin
Published: January 2024

Single molecule catalysis reflects the heterogeneity of each molecule,
providing a unique insight to the complex catalytic mechanism through
the statistics of stochastic individuals. However, the present study
methods for single molecule catalysis are either complicated or low
throughput, limiting their rapid acquisition of single molecules
reaction kinetics with statistic significance. Here, we developed a
label-free imaging method for the study of single molecule catalysis in
microdroplets with high throughput based on the absorption of the
reaction molecules. A wide distribution of the relative catalytic
reaction rate constant value of 0.51-4.32 s-1 was observed from 37
single enzymes. Interestingly, a Boltzmann distribution of the enzyme
activity can be clearly observed due to the rapid denaturation of the
enzymes. The denaturation mechanism of HRP enzyme was clarified. It was
revealed that the denaturation of each enzyme goes through a gradual
decay rather than a truncated turn-off process from a single molecule
point of view. This absorption based method can be applied to most of
the catalytic reactions with high throughput, providing a indispensable
route for the rapid statistical analysis of various single molecule
catalytic reactions, especially when the enzymes is highly unstable.
A new species of Tragopogon from Anatolia: Tragopogon davut-turanii
Authors: Gültepe Mutlu , Makbul Serdar , Güzel Murat , Türker Zeynep , Coşkunçelebi Kamil
Published: January 2024

A new salsify species, Tragopogon davut-turanii is described from
Anatolia based on micro- and macro-morphological, and molecular
evidences. The new species is morphologically similar to T. vvedenskyi
and T. abbreviatus but, it is closely related to T. stenophyllus and T.
coelesyriacus on the basis of the phylogenetic tree obtained nrDNA ITS
sequences. Diagnostic characters, description, and conservation status
together with micro- and macro-morphological properties of achenes and
pollen grains are also provided.
Psammogeton rani-magotrae sp. nov. (Apiaceae) a new species from Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Bhellum B. L.
Published: January 2024

A new species of Psammogeton (Apiaceae) found in Jammu district
of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is described and illustrated. It is similar
to Psammogeton canescens and P. shivalikense but differing
from them in having noticeably radical leaves, deeply ternate leave with
acuminate apex, pale yellow flowers, an elongated stylopodium, and
fruits hairs that are over three times longer than they are wide.
Together with the images, a distribution map, comparison of closely
related Psammogeton canescens and P. shivalikense with
comparable morphologies and phenology, and a key are included.
Size- and Charge-Matching Effect between Oxaporphyrin Core and Central Metal on the Stability of Cuprous Ion
Authors: Liu Qiuhua , Gao Junhao , Lin Qin , Liao Borong , Zhang Qian , Zhou Zaichun
Published: January 2024

Cuprous (I) catalysts have been widely used in the coupling reaction of
forming C-X bond. The core-modified porphyrins are known to stabilize
the unusual oxidation state of many metals. Thus, in this work, a
21-oxaporphyrin was obtained under the improved Adler–Longo
condensation condition and successfully used for complexing the cuprous
ion. It is found that the synergy of the two factors, the diameter
expansion and the univalent form of the N₃O core in the ligand, plays a
decisive role in stabilizing the metastable ion, the former effectively
stabilizes the electron pair of the equatorial d orbital by aiding the
d-π interaction, and the latter exactly balances the single charge of
the ion. A size axis of copper species in porphyrinate systems is
established by comparing with two previously reported distorted copper
(II) porphyrin series.
Infants’ Diurnal Cortisol During the Transition to Center-Based Child Care: Exploring Associations with Maternal, Child Care, and Child Factors
Authors: Vet Sanne de , Vrijhof Claudia , Veek Shelley van der , Bakel H. J. A. van , Vermeer Harriet
Published: January 2024

Transitioning to an out-of-home child care setting has been shown to be
a challenging event for young children. One of the physiological
indicators of stress, cortisol secretion, has only been studied
minimally in infants yet (e.g., Albers et al., 2016). In the current
replication study we therefore followed 32 healthy infants (Mage = 11.59
weeks), their mothers, and their primary professional caregivers during
the transition from home to the child care center. We found that on
average (1) infants’ cortisol levels were significantly lower at
mid-afternoon than mid-morning both at home and child care; (2) cortisol
levels at home (both time-points) were significantly higher before
transition than after transition; (3) the difference between cortisol
levels at child care versus home showed a (non-significant) medium
effect with higher levels at child care at both time-points; (4)
individual cortisol patterns illustrated large variability between
infants; and (5) three exploratory correlates of cortisol secretion at
child care displayed a (non-significant) small to medium effect: infants
who displayed a cortisol increase over the day scored lower on infant
negative emotionality, and had mothers who scored lower on sensitivity
and higher on separation anxiety. Larger studies are required, including
multiple caregivers and various physiological measures.
Microbiota driven macrophage mediators in pathogenesis and treatment of gut leakage: current strategies and future perspectives
Authors: Samsudin Rani , Selvakumar Balachandar , Sekar Priyadharshini
Published: January 2024

Macrophages play key roles in tissue homeostasis, defense, disease and
repair. Macrophages are highly plastic and exhibit distinct functional
phenotypes based on micro-environmental stimuli. Despite several
advancements in understanding macrophage biology and their different
functional phenotypes in various physiological and pathological
conditions, currently available treatment strategies targeting
macrophages are limited. Macrophages’ high plasticity and diverse
functional roles – including tissue injury and wound healing mechanisms
– mark them as potential targets to mine for efficient therapeutics to
treat diseases. Despite mounting evidence on association of gut leakage
with several extra-intestinal diseases, there is no targeted standard
therapy to treat gut leakage. Therefore, there is an urgent need to
develop therapeutic strategies to treat this condition. Macrophages are
the cells that play the largest role in interacting with the gut
microbiota in the intestinal compartment and exert their intended
functions in injury and repair mechanisms. In this review, we have
summarized the current knowledge on the origins and phenotypes of
macrophages. The specific role of macrophages in intestinal barrier
function, their role in tissue repair mechanisms and their association
with gut microbiota are discussed. In addition, currently available
therapies and the putative tissue repair mediators of macrophages for
treating microbiota dysbiosis induced gut leakage are also discussed.
The overall aim of this review is to convey the intense need to screen
for microbiota induced macrophage-released pro-repair mediators, which
could lead to the identification of potential candidates that could be
developed for treating the leaky gut and associated diseases.
Nickel-Catalyzed Acid Chlorides with Tetrasulfides for the Synthesis of Thioesters and Acyl disulfides
Authors: Chen Wang , Sheng Dao-Peng , Jiang Yi-Fang , Zhu Wei-Chen , Rao Weidong , Shen Shu-Su , Yang Zhao-Ying , Wang Shun-Yi
Published: January 2024

Herein, we report a novel method for the synthesis of thioesters and
acyl disulfides via nickel-catalyzed reductive cross-electrophile
coupling of acid chlorides with tetrasulfides. This approach for the
synthesis of thioesters and acyl disulfides is convenient and practical
under mild reaction conditions, relying on easy availability. In
addition, a wide range of thioesters and acyl disulfides were obtained
in medium to good yields with good functional group tolerance. Moreover,
thioesters and acyl disulfides can also be prepared at the gram scale,
indicating that they have certain potential for industrial application.
Neuroprotective α-pyrones from Nigrospora oryzae, an endo-phytic fungus residing in Taxus chinensis var. mairei
Authors: Fan Ziyun , Peng Jing , Lou Junqiao , Chen Yong , Wu Xueming , Tan Rui , Tan Ren Xiang
Published: January 2024

Endophytes coevolve with plant hosts and thus are more probable to
acquire the character (in favor) of producing novel bioactive
metabolites. Consequently, the topic has been intensely investigated for
over two decades, but endophytic metabolites with neuro-protective
effect remain scarce. Here we present the discovery of eight undescribed
(named solanapyrones S–X and prosolanapy-rones A and B) and six known
pyrones (solanapyrones A–C, E-G) from the culture of Nigrospora oryzae,
an endophytic fungus associ-ated with Taxus chinensis var. mairei. The
structures and absolute configurations of new pyrones were elucidated by
extensive spec-troscopic analysis, modified Mosher’s method, and induced
circular dichroism (ICD) spectrum. Solanapyrones A and B and an
un-described pyrone (solanapyrone S) were demonstrated to be more
neuroprotective than clenbuterol in inducing bone marrow mesenchymal
stem cells (bMSCs) to secret nerve growth factor (NGF). The work updates
the pyrone chemodiversity in nature and extends the biofunction
repertoire of solanapyrone-related polyketides.
Epidermal Appendages in Selected Species of Angiosperms: A Study of Morphological Categories.
Authors: Naeem Hafiza , Iqbal Maheen , Maqsood Farah , Kanwal Samia , Ahmed Farooq , Imran Sehrish , Fatima Urooj
Published: January 2024

Background: Epidermal appendages are mono-cellular or multicellular,
root hairs, trichomes that grow or develop epidermis. Taxonomically,
selective members of different angiosperm families were observed
focusing on their presence or absence, position, types of surface
appendages (colliculate, hairy, wart and papil) and types of trichomes
(simple hairs, tubercle-based hair minerals) concrete, secretory hairs,
vesicular hairs, moniliform hairs, dendritic hairs. The epidermal
appendages were studied in thirty species of angiospermic families
collected from Botanical Garden University of Agriculture Faisalabad, by
using double staining technique under light microscope. The data was
then subjected to ANOVA and cluster analysis to investigate relationship
among different angiosperm species. The maximum cell length in the
abaxial epidermis is recorded in Pentas lanceolata, which is closely
related to Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques, Lawsonia innermis L.
and Cana indica L. The minimum cell length in the upper epidermis is
recorded as Ficus elastica Roxb., closely related to Hemarocallis fulva
L. and Alpinia allughas Retz. Cricum asiaticum L., Barlaria cristata L.,
Terminallia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb, Morus leavigata Wall. and
Schizinthus terebunthifolus Raddi., show the maximum number of stomas in
the Abaxial epidermis, while Strelitzia reginae Regel & Koch., shows
the minimum number of stomata in the Abaxial epidermis. Our study
emphasizes the distinctive and similar features of those epidermal
appendages. These observations will provide as a basis for subsequent
research on the physiology and ethnobotany of the chosen species.
Gold-Phosphine-tri-Chloro Catecholato (AuPTCA)-Complexes- Synthesis and Spectroscopic Charecterisation.
Authors: Byabartta Prithwiraj
Published: January 2024

Ag+- assisted dechlorination of Gold(I) and Gold(III) phosphine
complexes followed by the reaction with tri-Chloro Catecholato
(TRI-H2CA) in presence of Et3N gives a neutral violet complexes whereas
1-9, 8a, 14-16 are Gold(I) two coordinate linear complexes and 10-13 are
Gold(III) square planar four coordinate complexes. The seventeen new
complexes are charecterised by ESIMS, IR and multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C,
19F; 31P) spectroscopic studies. In addition by dimentional NMR studies
as 1H 1H COSY permit a complete assignment of the complexes in the
solution phase.
Design of a reference concrete semi-submersible floater and its cross-sections for a 10 MW wind turbine
Authors: Oh Sho
Published: January 2024

Adequate design methods for concrete offshore wind turbines need to be
determined through investigations on the characteristics of the dynamic
responses and the concrete structural behavior. For these future
studies, a reference concrete semi-submersible floater for a 10 MW wind
turbine was designed in this study along with the associated
cross-sections for the concrete members. A structural assessment was
carried out for the ultimate, fatigue, and serviceability limit states.
Six cases of combinations of the loading conditions and structural
requirements were assumed for the assessment of watertightness, as the
required criteria for floating wind turbines is not clarified in the
presently available guidelines. The different assessment conditions for
watertightness resulted in different design of prestressing tension,
which also caused differences in the design margins for the ultimate
limit states as well as the SN diagram used for the assessment of the
fatigue limit states. The maximum stress acting on the member of the
floating wind turbine differed by about 7.6 to 16.2 % for the 50-year
and 1-year environmental conditions. The small difference between the
stress for the two return periods can be attributed to the large
component of the wind turbine thrust in the variable loads. When the
partial load factor of 1.0 is used, the structural requirement in the
prestressing design caused larger differences compared to the return
period of the loading conditions in the watertightness assessment. The
use of the partial load factor of 0.5 for the prestressing design also
caused a large difference in the results of the structural assessment,
indicating the importance of the careful choice of the partial load
factor.
Identifying Bacterial and Eukaryotic Communities Related to Marine Mucilage with eDNA Metabarcoding
Authors: Çelik Işılay , Gülen Berkay , Taş Pelin , Geçgil Gizem , Keskin E.
Published: January 2024

Marine mucilage is a cluster of visible organic compounds with a viscous
structure and can be found in marine water. Mucilage has been previously
reported in the Adriatic Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Mediterranean Sea,
and the Ionian Sea. Identification of the mucilage composition is
essential to determine which microbial communities are abundant and
examine potential marine diseases that affect almost all organisms. For
this purpose, eDNA metabarcoding offers quick, reliable, and diverse
advantages. In this study, mucilage samples taken from Bandırma Bay are
subjected to eDNA metabarcoding by using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA regions
(V3 and V4, respectively) to identify bacterial and eukaryotic
diversity. ObiTools and SILVAngs were used for the bioinformatic
analysis, and all species-level identifications were made using the NCBI
GenBank database. According to the results, abundant species belonged to
Polaribacter, Fusibacter, Vibrio, Formosa,
Ulvibacter, and Marinifilum in bacterial communities,
while species from Alexandrium, Gyrodinium,
Thalassiosira, Eucarida, and Protodinium were found
as eukaryotic communities populated the mucilage samples. This is the
first marine mucilage metabarcoding study evaluating both bacterial and
eukaryotic communities.
Using structural controllability in detecting effective immune system elements against cancer cells
Authors: Ebrahimi Ali , Fayazi Reihane , Ghavami Shaghayegh Baradaran , Safari Elahe , Khoshbakht Samane , Ghobadi Mohadeseh Zarei , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Masoudi-Nejad Ali
Published: January 2024

Motivation: Cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide, is
intertwined with immune system. Changing the state of immune system, as
a complex network of cells and molecules interacting in a hierarchical
mode, holds considerable fascination to fight cancer. This alteration
can involve debilitating pro-tumorigenic and reinvigorating
anti-tumorigenic functions by the help of driver vertices. The
utilization of network controllability and control centrality-based
analysis will aid in the identification of driver vertices to control
target proteins that play significant roles in the anti-tumorigenic and
pro-tumorigenic functions of immune cells. In this study, a weighted
generalization of the control centrality was constructed, in which the
control power of each vertex in the network is obtained based on the
importance of a set of under control vertices. Results:
Screening all homo sapiens-related pathways in KEGG database, we find
that “Immune and cancer pathways” subnetwork showed the greatest
number of edges and nodes in relation to positive and negative target
proteins. The first five driver vertices obtained for positive targets
are ICAM2, TLR2, MAP2K4, ELK1, SIRT1 and for negative targets are ELK4,
RBX1, NFATC1, NFATC2, NFATC3. Our results suggest that exposing the
external signal to reinvigorate driver vertices of positive targets and
debilitate driver vertices of negative target will result in changing
the immune system state to fight cancer.
Resistance Training to Treat Clinically Elevated Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Young People -- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marinelli Ryan , Parker Alexandra , Levinger Itamar , Woessner Mary N.
Published: January 2024

Background Children, adolescents and young adults are
experiencing an increase in the prevalence of depressive and anxiety
symptoms. Aerobic training (AT) has been shown to be effective at
reducing symptoms, but the efficacy of resistance training (RT) in
reducing anxiety and depression levels in young individuals is unclear.
Aim To quantify the change in depressive or anxiety symptoms
following RT in young individuals. Methods We searched MEDLINE,
PsychINFO, and PubMed for articles published in English from January
1980 to February 2022 for randomised controlled trials (RCT) that
included at least 4 weeks of RT, with participants aged 26 years or
younger. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate a pooled
effect size of RT pre-and post-intervention compared to control groups
and the quality of evidence was assessed using a Cochrane risk-of-bias 2
(RoB 2) and Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and
Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Results Ten RCTs were eligible for
inclusion in the analysis. RT was associated with a significant
reduction with a large-sized mean effect in depressive (Hedge’s g=
-1.06, 95% CI -1.61 to -0.51, p<.001) and anxiety symptoms
(Hedge’s g = -1.02, 95% CI -1.50 to -0.54, p <.001).
Sensitivity analyses on the training variables were not conducted due to
the small sample and large heterogeneity, however, a summary of the
trials with a large effect size (≥-1.0) was conducted.
Conclusion RT significantly reduces depression and anxiety
symptoms in young people. Future studies exploring the effect RT
training intervention with adequate detail and in various mental health
treatment treating settings are warranted.