bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Control of Three Fungal Diseases in Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Demir Semra , Durak Emre Demirer , Güneş Hasret , Boyno Gökhan , Mulet José M. , Rezaee Danesh Younes , Porcel Rosa
Published: September 2023

Similar to many other plant-based products, strawberries are susceptible to fungal diseases caused by various pathogen groups. In recent years, efforts have been made to combat these diseases using biological control methods, particularly the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). This study aimed to determine the effects of AMF (Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) and Gigaspora margarita (Gm)) on Rhizoctonia fragariae (Rf), Fusarium oxysporum (Fo), and Alternaria alternata (Aa), which are major pathogens for strawberry. The results showed that the effects of AMF on disease severity and plant growth varied depending on the pathogens involved. Rf caused the highest disease severity, followed by Fo and Aa, but all AMF treatments significantly reduced the disease severity compared to control treatments. The study also found that the specific AMF species and their combinations influenced plant growth responses under different pathogenic conditions. Different AMF treatments resulted in varying increases in plant fresh weight, dry weight, and length, depending on the pathogen. Moreover, the application of AMF led to increased levels of total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and phosphorus content in pathogen-infected plants compared to control treatments. Fm was more efficient than Gm in increasing these biochemical parameters. The levels of root colonization by AMF were similar among different AMF treatments, but the effects on fungal spore density varied depending on the pathogen. Some AMF treatments increased fungal spore density, while others did not show significant differences. In conclusion, our research sheds light on the differential effects of AMF species on disease severity, plant growth, and biochemical parameters in strawberry plants facing diverse pathogens. These findings underscore the potential benefits of AMF in disease management, as they reduce disease severity and bolster plant growth and defense mechanisms.
Effects of Different Salinity Levels in Drip Irrigation with Brackish Water on Soil Water-Salt Transport and Yield of Protected Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Ma Jiaying , Li Zhaoyang , Jiang Wenge , Liu Jiangfan
Published: September 2023

The effective exploration and utilization of brackish water resources are crucial to alleviating the scarcity of freshwater in arid regions. This study focused on protected tomato plants and set up four irrigation salinity levels: T1 (2 g·L−1), T2 (4 g·L−1), T3 (6 g·L−1), and T4 (8 g·L−1), with freshwater irrigation as a control (CK). The aim was to investigate the effects of continuous brackish water irrigation on soil water-salt transport and tomato yield. The outcomes highlighted that the moisture content in different layers of soil exhibited a “high in the middle, low at both ends” pattern, with the primary accumulation of soil moisture occurring at the 40 cm depth. The range and moisture content of the soil wetted zone increased with elevated salinity levels. Under continuous brackish water irrigation, the range of the soil wetted zone expanded further for the autumn crops, and the moisture content significantly increased compared to the spring crops. The concentration of soil salt gradually decreased with increasing soil depth, exhibiting greater levels in the 0–20 cm layer compared to the 40–80 cm layer. The average salt concentration in the soil at the end of the growth period was significantly higher than before transplantation, and this phenomenon became more pronounced with increasing salinity levels. Initial irrigation with brackish water with a salinity level of 2–4 g·L−1 promoted the growth of the tomatoes planted in the spring and the plant height and stem diameter reached the peak values of 1.68 m and 1.08 mm for the T2 treatment, respectively, which were 7.1% and 9.2% higher than that of the CK treatment, ensuring efficient yield and water usage. However, continuous irrigation with brackish water with a salinity level of 2–4 g·L−1 inhibited the growth and yield of the tomatoes planted in autumn, while the T1 and T2 treatments only yielded 24,427.42 and 16,774.86 kg·hm−2, respectively, showing a decline of 32.2% and 46.1% compared to the yields of the spring season. Considering the soil water-salt and yield indicators, under the conditions of non-continuous brackish water irrigation, using water with a salinity level of 2–4 g·L−1 is recommended for drip irrigation of protected tomatoes.
Effects of the Use of Rice Grain on Growth Performances, Blood Metabolites, Rumen Fermentation, and Rumen Microbial Community in Fattening Hanwoo Steers
Authors: Yoo Daekyum , Yang Sungjae , Kim Hanbeen , Moon Joonbeom , Seo Jakyeom
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to assess the influence of rice grain in the total mixed ration (TMR) on the growth performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbial community of fattening Hanwoo steers. Two experimental diets were prepared: (i) a TMR containing 33% dry matter (DM) corn grains (Corn TMR) and (ii) a TMR containing 33% DM rice grains (Rice TMR). Twenty-two Hanwoo steers (body weight [BW], 498 ± 32 kg; months, 17 ± 0.5) were distributed into two treatment groups in a completely randomized block design according to BW. The Rice TMR group had a higher final BW and DM intake (DMI) compared to those in the Corn TMR group (p < 0.01). However, no difference was observed in the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) between the two treatments. For the rumen fermentation parameters, the molar portion of butyrate in the Rice TMR was higher than in the Corn TMR (p < 0.01). Streptococcus bovis tended to be higher in the Rice TMR (p = 0.09). The results of this study suggest that using rice grain as the primary starch source in TMRs may be an alternative option for fattening Hanwoo steers.
Epidemiological and Molecular Approaches for a Fatal Feline Panleukopenia Virus Infection of Captive Siberian Tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Yeo Yong-Gu , Kim Hye-Ryung , Park Jonghyun , Kim Jong-Min , Shin Yeun-Kyung , Lee Kyoung-Ki , Kwon Oh-Kyu , Jeoung Hye-Young , Kang Hae-Eun , Ku Bok-Kyung , Park Seung-Chun , Kwon Oh-Deog , Park Choi-Kyu
Published: September 2023

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), a member of the species Protoparvovirus carnivoran1, is one of the most fatal pathogens of domestic and wild carnivores. The virus endemically infects domestic carnivores worldwide and its cross-species transmission threatens endangered wild carnivores, including Siberian tigers. In this study, a fatal FPV infection in endangered Siberian tigers was investigated to trace the origin of the virus and elucidate the reason behind FPV’s infection of the vaccinated tigers. Our genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus detected in the infected tigers, designated as the KTPV-2305 strain, was closely related to FPV strains circulating in Korean cats, suggesting that it might have been transmitted from stray cats wandering around the zoo. Compared with the prototype FPV reference strains, the KTPV-2305 strain carried three distinct amino acid (aa) mutations in the VP2 protein sequence (I101T, I232V, and L562V) in this study. These three mutations are commonly found in most global FPV strains, including Korean strains, indicating that these mutations are common evolutionary characteristics of currently circulating global FPVs. The reason why the vaccinated tigers were infected with FPV was most likely the insufficient protective immunity of the affected tigress or vaccine failure triggered by the interference of maternal-derived antibodies in the affected tiger cubs. These findings suggest that improved vaccination guidelines are urgently needed to save the lives of wild carnivores from this fatal virus.
Timing of Artificial Insemination Using Sexed or Conventional Semen Based on Automated Activity Monitoring of Estrus in Holstein Heifers
Authors: Tippenhauer Christie Marie , Plenio Jan-Lukas , Madureira Augusto , Heuwieser Wolfgang , Borchardt Stefan
Published: September 2023

Investigations on the optimum timing of artificial insemination (AI) following automated activity monitoring (AAM) depending on different types of semen in heifers are limited and in part show controversial results. Therefore, the objective of this observational study was to determine the association between the timing of AI using different characteristics of estrus (i.e., the onset, peak, and end of estrus) and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in Holstein heifers. Heifers were fitted with a neck-mounted AAM system and inseminated with frozen conventional and sexed semen. The pregnancy per AI (n = 4159) from 2858 heifers from six commercial dairy farms in Germany inseminated upon the alert of an AAM system was evaluated. Estrous intensity was classified based on peak activity into low (35 to 89 index value) and high (90 to 100 index value). We detected a quadratic association between the interval from the onset of estrus to AI and P/AI (p = 0.02). The greatest P/AI was observed for heifers inseminated from 9 to 32 h after the onset of estrus. The intervals from the peak of activity to AI and the end of estrus to AI were not associated with P/AI (p ≥ 0.05). Heifers inseminated with frozen conventional semen (50.1%) had a greater P/AI compared with heifers inseminated with frozen sexed semen (43.3%; p = 0.03). There were no interactions between the intervals from the onset, peak, or end of estrus to AI or the type of semen and the P/AI (p ≥ 0.05). The pregnancy per AI was not associated with estrous intensity (50.5% for low intensity vs. 53.0% for high intensity; p = 0.37). In conclusion, inseminating heifers between 9 and 32 h after the onset of estrus, as detected by the AAM, optimized the P/AI regardless of semen type.
Effects of Cha-Cha Dance Training on Physical-Fitness-Related Indicators of Hearing-Impaired Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Han , Kim Youngsuk , Zhou Zhenqian , Qiu Xuan , Kim Sukwon
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: The physical fitness (PF) of hearing-impaired students has always been an international research hotspot since hearing-impaired students have difficulty in social interactions such as exercise or fitness programs. Sports interventions are proven to improve the fitness levels of hearing-impaired students; however, few studies evaluating the influence of Cha-cha (a type of Dance sport) training on the PF levels of hearing-impaired students have been conducted. (2) Purpose: This study aimed to intervene in hearing-impaired children through 12 weeks of Cha-cha dance training, evaluating its effects on their PF-related indicators, thus providing a scientific experimental basis for hearing-impaired children to participate in dance exercises effectively. (3) Methods: Thirty students with hearing impairment were randomly divided into two groups, and there was no difference in PF indicators between the two groups. The Cha-cha dance training group (CTG, n = 15) regularly participated in 90-min Cha-cha dance classes five times a week and the intervention lasted a total of 12 weeks, while the control group (CONG, n = 15) lived a normal life (including school physical education classes). Related indicators of PF were measured before and after the intervention, and a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed. (4) Results: After training, the standing long jump (CONG: 1.556 ± 0.256 vs. CTG: 1.784 ± 0.328, p = 0.0136, ES = 0.8081), sit-and-reach (CONG: 21.467 ± 4.539 vs. CTG: 25.416 ± 5.048, p = 0.0328, ES = 0.8528), sit-ups (CONG: 13.867 ± 4.912 vs. CTG: 27.867 ± 6.833, p < 0.0001, ES = 2.4677) and jump rope (CONG: 52.467 ± 29.691 vs. CTG: 68.600 ± 21.320, p = 0.0067, ES = 0.6547) scores showed significant differences. (5) Conclusions: After 12 weeks of Cha-cha dance training for hearing-impaired students, the PF level of hearing-impaired students in lower-body strength, flexibility, core strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance were effectively improved; however, there was no significant change in body shape, upper-body strength, vital capacity, and speed ability.
Scoping Meta-Review of Methods Used to Assess Artificial Intelligence-Based Medical Devices for Heart Failure
Authors: Di Bidino Rossella , Piaggio Davide , Andellini Martina , Merino-Barbancho Beatriz , Lopez-Perez Laura , Zhu Tianhui , Raza Zeeshan , Ni Melody , Morrison Andra , Borsci Simone , Fico Giuseppe , Pecchia Leandro , Iadanza Ernesto
Published: September 2023

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) are playing increasingly important roles, permeating the field of medical devices (MDs). This rapid progress has not yet been matched by the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) process, which still needs to define a common methodology for assessing AI/ML-based MDs. To collect existing evidence from the literature about the methods used to assess AI-based MDs, with a specific focus on those used for the management of heart failure (HF), the International Federation of Medical and Biological Engineering (IFMBE) conducted a scoping meta-review. This manuscript presents the results of this search, which covered the period from January 1974 to October 2022. After careful independent screening, 21 reviews, mainly conducted in North America and Europe, were retained and included. Among the findings were that deep learning is the most commonly utilised method and that electronic health records and registries are among the most prevalent sources of data for AI/ML algorithms. Out of the 21 included reviews, 19 focused on risk prediction and/or the early diagnosis of HF. Furthermore, 10 reviews provided evidence of the impact on the incidence/progression of HF, and 13 on the length of stay. From an HTA perspective, the main areas requiring improvement are the quality assessment of studies on AI/ML (included in 11 out of 21 reviews) and their data sources, as well as the definition of the criteria used to assess the selection of the most appropriate AI/ML algorithm.
Oils from Transgenic Flax Lines as Potential Chemopreventive Agents in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gębarowski Tomasz , Wiatrak Benita , Jęśkowiak-Kossakowska Izabela , Grajzer Magdalena , Prescha Anna
Published: September 2023

Colorectal cancer is a major global health concern, and the need for effective chemopreventive agents is paramount. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of oils from transgenically modified flax for the prevention of colorectal cancer, in relation to the oil concertation. Flaxseed oils were obtained from traditional (Nike) and genetically modified flax lines (M and B). Cell viability assays were performed on various cancer cell lines, including colon adenocarcinoma cells. Flaxseed oil B exhibited the strongest anti-proliferative properties compared to the reference drugs and other oils. Additionally, M and B oils showed enhanced accumulation of Rhodamine 123 and increased apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. M oil exhibited the highest levels of p53 protein. Notably, the tested transgenic oils did not induce metastasis and displayed stronger inhibition of COX-1 compared to COX-2. These data indicate the utility of flaxseed oils, especially from the M line, as adjuvants in colorectal cancer treatment, targeting the colon specifically.
Novel Cytochrome P450-3A4 Enzymatic Nanobiosensor for Lapatinib (a Breast Cancer Drug) Developed on a Poly(anilino-co-4-aminobenzoic Acid-Green-Synthesised Indium Nanoparticle) Platform
Authors: January Jaymi Leigh , Tshobeni Ziyanda Zamaswazi , Ngema Nokwanda Precious Pearl , Jijana Abongile Nwabisa , Iwuoha Emmanuel Iheanyichukwu , Mulaudzi Takalani , Douman Samantha Fiona , Ajayi Rachel Fanelwa
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common types of cancer disease worldwide and it accounts for thousands of deaths annually. Lapatinib is among the preferred drugs for the treatment of breast cancer. Possible drug toxicity effects of lapatinib can be controlled by real-time determination of the appropriate dose for a patient at the point of care. In this study, a novel highly sensitive polymeric nanobiosensor for lapatinib is presented. A composite of poly(anilino-co-4-aminobenzoic acid) co-polymer {poly(ANI-co-4-ABA)} and coffee extract-based green-synthesized indium nanoparticles (InNPs) was used to develop the sensor platform on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), i.e., SPCE||poly(ANI-co-4-ABA-InNPs). Cytochrome P450-3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were incorporated on the modified platform to produce the SPCE||poly(ANI-co-4-ABA-InNPs)|CYP3A4|PEG lapatinib nanobiosensor. Experiments for the determination of the electrochemical response characteristics of the nanobiosensor were performed with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The nanobiosensor calibration for 0–100 ng/mL lapatinib was linear and gave limit of detection (LOD) values of 13.21 ng/mL lapatinib and 18.6 ng/mL lapatinib in physiological buffer and human serum, respectively. The LOD values are much lower than the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of lapatinib (2.43 µg/mL), which is attained 4 h after the administration of a daily dose of 1250 mg lapatinib. The electrochemical nanobiosensor also exhibited excellent anti-interference performance and stability.
Decreased Functional Connectivity of the Core Pain Matrix in Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia Patients
Authors: Yang Jiaojiao , Jiang Xiaofeng , Gu Lili , Li Jiahao , Wu Ying , Li Linghao , Xiong Jiaxin , Lv Huiting , Kuang Hongmei , Jiang Jian
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore the resting-state functional connectivity (FC) changes among the pain matrix and other brain regions in herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) patients. Fifty-four PHN patients, 52 HZ patients, and 54 healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans. We used a seed-based FC approach to investigate whether HZ and PHN patients exhibited abnormal FC between the pain matrix and other brain regions compared to HCs. A random forest (RF) model was constructed to explore the feasibility of potential neuroimaging indicators to distinguish the two groups of patients. We found that PHN patients exhibited decreased FCs between the pain matrix and the putamen, superior temporal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, middle cingulate gyrus, amygdala, precuneus, and supplementary motor area compared with HCs. Similar results were observed in HZ patients. The disease durations of PHN patients were negatively correlated with those aforementioned impaired FCs. The results of machine learning experiments showed that the RF model combined with FC features achieved a classification accuracy of 75%. Disrupted FC among the pain matrix and other regions in HZ and PHN patients may affect multiple dimensions of pain processing.
Identification of Potentially Novel Molecular Targets of Endometrial Cancer Using a Non-Biased Proteomic Approach
Authors: Taylor Anthony H. , Konje Justin C. , Ayakannu Thangesweran
Published: September 2023

The present study was aimed at identifying novel proteins in endometrial cancer (EC), employing proteomic analysis of tissues obtained after surgery. A differential MS-based proteomic analysis was conducted from whole tissues dissected from biopsies from post-menopausal women, histologically confirmed as endometrial cancer (two endometrioid and two serous; n = 4) or normal atrophic endometrium (n = 4), providing 888 differentially expressed proteins with 246 of these previously documented elsewhere as expressed in EC and 372 proteins not previously demonstrated to be expressed in EC but associated with other types of cancer. Additionally, 33 proteins not recorded previously in PubMed as being expressed in any forms of cancer were also identified, with only 26 of these proteins having a publication associated with their expression patterns or putative functions. The putative functions of the 26 proteins (GRN, APP, HEXA, CST3, CAD, QARS, SIAE, WARS, MYH8, CLTB, GOLIM4, SCARB2, BOD1L1, C14orf142, C9orf142, CCDC13, CNPY4, FAM169A, HN1L, PIGT, PLCL1, PMFBP1, SARS2, SCPEP1, SLC25A24 and ZC3H4) in other tissues point towards and provide a basis for further investigation of these previously unrecognised novel EC proteins. The developmental biology, disease, extracellular matrix, homeostatic, immune, metabolic (both RNA and protein), programmed cell death, signal transduction, molecular transport, transcriptional networks and as yet uncharacterised pathways indicate that these proteins are potentially involved in endometrial carcinogenesis and thus may be important in EC diagnosis, prognostication and treatment and thus are worthy of further investigation.
Editorial for Special Issue “Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways in Melanoma”
Authors: Giubellino Alessio , Torres-Cabala Carlos
Published: September 2023

Melanoma represents the leading cause of death from cutaneous malignancy [...]
Novel Variant in CEP250 Causes Protein Mislocalization and Leads to Nonsyndromic Autosomal Recessive Type of Progressive Hearing Loss
Authors: Kang Minjin , Kim Jung Ah , Song Mee Hyun , Joo Sun Young , Kim Se Jin , Jang Seung Hyun , Lee Ho , Seong Je Kyung , Choi Jae Young , Gee Heon Yung , Jung Jinsei
Published: September 2023

Genetic hearing loss is the most common hereditary sensorial disorder. Though more than 120 genes associated with deafness have been identified, unveiled causative genes and variants of diverse types of hearing loss remain. Herein, we identified a novel nonsense homozygous variant in CEP250 (c.3511C>T; p.Gln1171Ter) among the family members with progressive moderate sensorineural hearing loss in nonsyndromic autosomal recessive type but without retinal degeneration. CEP250 encodes C-Nap1 protein belonging to the CEP protein family, comprising 30 proteins that play roles in centrosome aggregation and cell cycle progression. The nonsense variant in CEP250 led to the early truncating protein of C-Nap1, which hindered centrosome localization; heterologous expression of CEP250 (c.3511C>T) in NIH3T3 cells within cilia expression condition revealed that the truncating C-Nap1 (p.Gln1171Ter) was not localized at the centrosome but was dispersed in the cytosol. In the murine adult cochlea, Cep250 was expressed in the inner and outer hair cells. Knockout mice of Cep250 showed significant hair cell degeneration and progressive hearing loss in auditory brainstem response. In conclusion, a nonsense variant in CEP250 results in a deficit of centrosome localization and hair cell degeneration in the cochlea, which is associated with the progression of hearing loss in humans and mice.
Effect of Top-Coat Thickness and Interface Fluctuation on the Residual Stress in APS-TBCs
Authors: Zhao Weiling , Hu Zhongchao , Wang Liang , Wang Xintong , Wu Qihao , Liu Runpin
Published: September 2023

This study focused on the numerical simulation of the distribution of residual stress in yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings prepared with atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). We particularly investigated the stress distribution around the interface between the top coat and bond coat. During thermal spray deposition, droplets and particles deposit on the substrate in a complex manner, causing interface waviness and non-uniform stress distribution. Therefore, residual stress is an important consideration when preparing thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Residual stresses directly affect the performance of bond coats (BCs) and ceramic top coats (TCs). To accurately evaluate residual stress, we considered interface waviness and the thickness of the ceramic top coat and conducted a detailed analysis of stress distribution. The results show that compressive stress exists at the TC/BC interface, which may be caused by the mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficient between the YSZ top coat and the substrate, potentially leading to coating delamination. Moreover, the residual stress at the TC/BC interface significantly increases with an increasing YSZ thickness. When the top-coat thickness exceeds 300 μm, stress concentration and failure of the coating are likely to occur. Meanwhile, the optimized thermal spray experiment results confirm that the residual stress at the BC/YSZ interface of the thermal barrier coating is tensile stress, with a maximum value of 155 MPa, which is consistent with the finite element calculation results. Furthermore, the failure modes of TBCs with rough interface conditions are discussed in detail. Our research provides important guidance for TBC design and optimizing their performance.
Synthesis and Characterization of Amorphous Selenium, Cadmium and Silver Selenide Thin Films on Polyamide-6
Authors: Skuodaitė Emilija , Krylova Valentina
Published: September 2023

Increasing photon absorption by capturing light is an important way to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic devices. In this regard, the small optical band gap (Eg) and high absorption coefficient of Se-containing thin nanofilms make them ideal for next generation photovoltaic devices based on selenides. Amorphous selenium was introduced into polyamide-6 (PA 6) via a chemical synthesis in a bath and the influence of the products of its reaction with Cd2+ and Ag+ ions on the film phase composition, topographic and optical properties were evaluated. AFM data have revealed that the surface roughness of the a-Se/PA 6 composite noticeably increases compared to that of unreacted PA 6. However, at later stages of film deposition, the roughness decreases, and the thin film becomes smoother and uniform. The incorporation of solid inorganic nanoparticles into flexible polyamide network causes chain stretching, which has been confirmed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy data. The data of X-ray diffraction analysis, depending on the stage of synthesis, showed the crystalline composition of the film with peaks of Se8, CdSe, Ag2Se and Ag, which may explain the observed optical properties. The optical properties of the composites indicate a shift in the band gap from 4.46 eV for PA 6 to 2.23–1.64 eV upon the stepwise deposition of amorphous Se, CdSe and Ag2Se. Eg is conveniently located in the visible region of solar energy, making the obtained nanofilms ideal for solar energy harvesting.
Sustainable Integration of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Enhancing Properties of Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Electrospun Nanofibers and Cast Films
Authors: Abdullah Johar Amin Ahmed , Benítez José J. , Guerrero Antonio , Romero Alberto
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the impact of adding zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to electrospun membranes and cast films made of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The physicochemical, mechanical, and morphological properties of the samples were analyzed. Physicochemical parameters included water contact angle (WCA), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), permeance, water vapor permeability (WVP), light transmission (T600), and transparency (T). Mechanical properties, such as maximum stress (Ϭmax), elongation (εmax), and Young’s modulus (MPa), were also evaluated. Morphological properties were analyzed in terms of thickness, dispersion, and surface roughness (measured by the arithmetic (Ra) and quadratic (Rq) averages). The crystallinity and melting point, as well as the functional DPPH• scavenging percentage (SP%), were also studied. The results showed that adding 1 wt% ZnO-NPs improved the water barrier properties of PCL membranes and films, increasing WCA by 1%–6% and decreasing WVTR by 11%–19%, permeance by 34%–20%, and WVP by 4%–11%, respectively. The T600 values of PCL/ZnO-NPs membranes and films were 2–3 times lower than those of neat PCL samples, indicating improved optical properties. The mechanical properties of the composite membranes and films also improved, with Ϭmax increasing by 56%–32% and Young’s modulus increasing by 91%–95%, while εmax decreased by 79%–57%. The incorporation of ZnO-NPs also increased the thickness and surface roughness of the samples. The SP% of PCL/ZnO-NPs increased by almost 69%, demonstrating the beneficial effects of ZnO-NPs on the system. These findings suggest that incorporating ZnO-NPs into PCL membranes and films can enhance their properties, making them well suited for various applications, such as those within the realm of materials science and nanotechnology.
2D-Perovskite Multiferroics: Interface-Induced Magnetoelectric Effect in Perovskite-Based Multiferroic Superlattices
Authors: Gareeva Zukhra , Sharafullin Ildus , Zvezdin Anatoly
Published: September 2023

Multiferroics are materials crucial for energy-efficient scalable electronics. The implementation of an effective combination of ferroic orderings on the nanoscale requires the design of new multiferroic materials. Recently, there have been observations of magnetoelectricity in the antiferromagnetic Ruddlesden-Popper and perovskite oxides with the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. We propose a model for studying magnetic states and magnetoelectric effects in magnetoelectrically coupled antiferromagnetic–ferroelectric bi-layers with the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. The ground magnetic states are calculated for a system on a rectangular lattice, with Heisenberg spins interacting with each other via an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction and a Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in the absence of an external magnetic field. Our calculations show that the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in the considered system leads to the stabilization of topological skyrmionic states in a zero magnetic field. We explore transformations of magnetic states considering the changes in the in-plane magnetic anisotropy constant and the magnetoelectric coupling parameter. Our findings have shown the possibility of the existence of several magnetic configurations: a skyrmion lattice, a skyrmion state, and a uniform antiferromagnetic ordering realized at a definite ratio of the system parameters. We determine the areas of the phases existence and the conditions required for spin-reorientation phase transitions.
Studies on the Effects of Hypercholesterolemia on Mouse Ophthalmic Artery Reactivity
Authors: Buonfiglio Francesco , Xia Ning , Yüksel Can , Manicam Caroline , Jiang Subao , Zadeh Jenia Kouchek , Musayeva Aytan , Elksne Eva , Pfeiffer Norbert , Patzak Andreas , Li Huige , Gericke Adrian
Published: September 2023

Atherogenic lipoproteins may impair vascular reactivity, leading to tissue damage in various organs, including the eye. This study aimed to investigate whether ophthalmic artery reactivity is affected in mice lacking the apolipoprotein E gene (ApoE−/−), a model for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Twelve-month-old male ApoE−/− mice and age-matched wild-type controls were used to assess vascular reactivity using videomicroscopy. Moreover, the vascular mechanics, lipid content, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression of pro-oxidant redox enzymes and the lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) were determined in vascular tissue. Unlike the aorta, the ophthalmic artery of ApoE−/− mice developed no signs of endothelial dysfunction and no signs of excessive lipid deposition. Remarkably, the levels of ROS, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 (NOX1), NOX2, NOX4, and LOX-1 were increased in the aorta but not in the ophthalmic artery of ApoE−/− mice. Our findings suggest that ApoE−/− mice develop endothelial dysfunction in the aorta by increased oxidative stress via the involvement of LOX-1, NOX1, and NOX2, whereas NOX4 may participate in media remodeling. In contrast, the ophthalmic artery appears to be resistant to chronic apolipoprotein E deficiency. A lack of LOX-1 expression/overexpression in response to increased oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels may be a possible mechanism of action.
The Impact of Climate Change on Environmental Sustainability and Human Mortality
Authors: Chen Xingzhi Mara , Sharma Andrew , Liu Hua
Published: September 2023

Climate dictates the critical aspects of human environmental conditions. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions due to human-induced climate change have alarmingly increased. Consequently, climate change directly affects environmental sustainability and human mortality in the short term and creates prolonged and complicated long-term indirect grave risks. This paper examines three-level environmental impact risks associated with climate change on human mortality. It proposes a conceptual framework for developing an empirical event-based human mortality database related to climate change and communication strategies to enhance global environmental adaptation, resilience, and sustainability.
Study on the Milling Machinability of Bamboo-Based Fiber Composites
Authors: Ding Yucheng , Liu Tongbin , Ma Yaqiang , Yang Chunmei , Shi Changyu , Cao Yongjian , Zhang Jiawei
Published: September 2023

Bamboo-based fiber composites, known as recombinant bamboo, have emerged as a new material in the construction and decoration industry. With its excellent mechanical and ornamental properties, recombinant bamboo is gaining popularity. However, its high hardness and abrasion resistance pose challenges in the milling process. To address this, we conducted an experimental study to investigate the milling machinability of recombinant bamboo. We studied the impact of various factors—fiber angle, feed rate, and spindle speed—on the tangential and normal roughness of milled surfaces. Our findings indicated that increasing the spindle speed within an acceptable range can effectively mitigate issues such as carbonization and endface cracking on a milled surface. Additionally, we developed a prediction model to assess the probability of end splitting in recombinant bamboo. This research aimed to enhance the milling quality of recombinant bamboo, improve control over surface roughness, reduce the likelihood of end splitting, and, ultimately, expand application possibilities.
Identifying the Determinants of the Increase in Native Forests in Southern Chile
Authors: Roco Lisandro , Grebe José , Rosales Patricia , Bravo Carmen
Published: September 2023

In Chile, the native forest has suffered anthropic pressure that has resulted in the reduction in its surface and increased degradation, which has led to the development of public policies to reverse this scenario and encourage its sustainable management and conservation. This study examines the socioeconomic variables that influence the area increase in native forests in southern Chile, based on the analysis of 154 properties in the regions of Los Ríos, La Araucanía and Los Lagos. Georeferenced information from the 2015 SIMEF program survey and the Cadastre and Evaluation of Native Vegetation Resources of Chile were used. A Probit regression model was implemented, which associates a traceable increase in the native forest area with the variables regarding the owner: location, gender, age, schooling, management plan and technical advisory; and regarding the exploitation: farm size, percentage of native forest, scrub and forest plantations of the property and number of animal units. The econometric results show that smaller farms and those located in Los Lagos presented less probability of increasing their native forests. In the same way, an increase in the share of forest plantations area decreases the probability. Conversely, the scrub area share is related to the recovery of native forests in the sample. No significant effects of the variables associated with the implementation of management plans and technical assistance were found.
Fish Waste: A Potential Source of Biodiesel
Authors: Anu Prasanna Vankara , Chandrasekhar Thummala , Riazunnisa Khateef , Kumar Pula Rajendra , Teja Shegu Venkata Ravi , Rajeswari Dasari , Reddy Madhava C. , Wee Young-Jung , Lebaka Veeranjaneya Reddy
Published: September 2023

The continuously increasing energy requirement on one hand and the incessant depletion of non-renewable fossil fuels on the other urge us to focus on alternative renewable energy sources such as biofuels. Biofuels including biodiesel, bioethanol, biobutanol, biohydrogen, etc., are generated from different biological sources, and their waste which stands as the best alternative in the present scenario. Specifically, the utilization of biological wastes as raw materials for the production of biofuels is considered as best waste management practice. To date, most of the biodiesel production research has been carried out with plant, algal, and microbial samples, or their waste. It is a well-known fact that diesel can also be produced from specific oily fish and their waste using different methods. In addition, fish waste constitutes a major quantity compared to other food waste which is a serious concern. Furthermore, the disposal of fish waste shows an impact on both the environment and the economy. Hence, the development of protocols for the efficient production of biodiesel from fish waste is the ultimate goal. However, insufficient knowledge and less effort in the conversion of fish waste to biodiesel impede the achievement of this goal. Therefore, this review intends to summarize the mechanism of biodiesel production from fish waste. Also, various physico-chemical factors involved in biodiesel production from fish waste were discussed. In addition, research on biodiesel generation from various fish wastes or waste fish oil was also emphasized in detail, which will be helpful for commercial practice. Overall, this information will be useful for improvement in biodiesel production from fish waste.
Cost Efficiencies of the Shrimp Fishery in Mexico: A Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Authors: Avilés-Polanco Gerzaín , Almendarez-Hernández Marco Antonio , Beltrán-Morales Luis Felipe , Aranceta-Garza Fernando
Published: September 2023

Fishing sector fuel subsidies are designed to increase profitability by reducing costs. However, despite the number of liters of fuel subsidized in 2018 in Mexico, there is no information available on the effectiveness of the subsidies in reducing cost inefficiencies. The purpose of this study was to estimate the cost efficiency of shrimp fishing companies in Mexico, as well as measure the impact of fuel subsidies on the cost inefficiency of the sector from 2003 to 2018. The True Fixed Effects model was used to represent a Cobb–Douglas stochastic production frontier, which included a shrimp fishing inefficiencies model. The results indicate that shrimp fishing companies could reduce their costs by 25% without reducing their catch levels. Fishing companies in the Gulf of Mexico were more efficient than those operating in the Gulf of California and the South Pacific. Fuel subsidies reduce cost inefficiencies, with a greater effect when the subsidy reaches a level of 20% of the total liters of subsidized fuel.
The Composition and Diversity of Intestinal Microbes at Different Growth Stages of Giant Freshwater Prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
Authors: Xu Hongxiang , Ren Jindong , Xu Xiaojun , Lou Bao , Zhang Demin
Published: September 2023

Intestinal bacterial communities play an important role in the growth and health of aquatic animal hosts and have drawn increasing attention. However, the role of the intestinal microbiota in the growth of freshwater prawns remains unclear. Here, the intestinal microbiota of freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) at different life stages (one, two, and three months old) were investigated using 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that community richness and diversity increased with growth, which might be one of the reasons that the prawns maintained a fast growth rate before sexual maturation. Three core phyla were identified in the one-month-old group, namely, Firmicutes (79.24%), Proteobacteria (17.09%) and Actinobacteriota (2.01%). Five core phyla were identified in the two-month-old group, including Firmicutes (47.84%), Proteobacteria (44.22%), Actinobacteriota (1.83%), Acidobacteriota (1.66%) and Bacteroidota (1.24%), and the core phyla in the three-month-old group were similar, except for Acidobacterota, which was not identified. A total of 12 core genera were identified in all samples, and significant differences were observed in the relative abundance of gut microbiota between the three groups (p < 0.05). Exiguobacterium, Lactococcus and Shewanella were the three most significantly differentially abundant genera between stages. In addition, Candidatus Hepatoplasma was detected only in the two- and three-month-old prawn groups. This study provides information on the differences in the intestinal microbiota in different developmental stages, which contribute to adaptation to salinity in the early developmental stage and digestive ability to meet the growth needs of Macrobrachium rosenbergii.
Homoplasy of Retrotransposon Insertions in Toothed Whales
Authors: Doronina Liliya , Ogoniak Lynn , Schmitz Jürgen
Published: September 2023

Retrotransposon insertion patterns facilitate a virtually homoplasy-free picture of phylogenetic history. Still, a few most likely random parallel insertions or deletions result in rare cases of homoplasy in primates. The following question arises: how frequent is retrotransposon homoplasy in other phylogenetic clades? Here, we derived genome insertion data of toothed whales to evaluate the extension of homoplasy in a representative laurasiatherian group. Among more than a thousand extracted and aligned retrotransposon loci, we detected 37 cases of precise parallel insertions in species that are separated by over more than 10 million years, a time frame which minimizes the effects of incomplete lineage sorting. We compared the phylogenetic signal of insertions with the flanking sequences of these loci to further exclude potential polymorphic loci derived by incomplete lineage sorting. We found that the phylogenetic signals of retrotransposon insertion patterns exhibiting true homoplasy differ from the signals of their flanking sequences. In toothed whales, precise parallel insertions account for around 0.18–0.29% of insertion cases, which is about 12.5 times the frequency of such insertions among Alus in primates. We also detected five specific deletions of retrotransposons on various lineages of toothed whale evolution, a frequency of 0.003%, which is slightly higher than such occurrences in primates. Overall, the level of retrotransposon homoplasy in toothed whales is still marginal compared to the phylogenetic diagnostic retrotransposon presence/absence signal.
The Impact of Exercise Training on Physical Activity among Elderly Women in the Community: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lii You-Ying , Tai Yao-Chung , Wang Hung-Yi , Yeh I-Chen , Chiu Yen-Chun , Hou Chieh-Yi , Tsai Feng-Hua
Published: September 2023

According to a survey conducted by the Taiwanese government, the elderly spend most of their time watching TV for their daily leisure activities, and most do not pant or sweat during exercise. Relevant studies have shown that physical activity has benefits and importance for the physical functions of the elderly. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on the functional fitness of elderly females in the community. The women subjects were from the community of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. In total, 34 females were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The ages of the subjects ranged from 65 to 80 years old, with an average age of 75.13. The experimental group continued their physical activity intervention for 20 weeks. The control group had no training plan. The results of the study showed that after 20 weeks of intervention, participants in the intervention group experienced improvements in back grasping, right-hand grip strength, sitting to standing, right hip flexion, right knee extension, right ankle dorsiflexion, right sitting forward extension balance, and sitting back around objects. Six-minute walking distances also showed a significant difference in all cases. The results demonstrated that the 20-week physical activity program intervention used in this study can assist in improving back grasping, right-hand grip strength, sitting to standing, right-hand sitting posture, forward balance, sitting back around objects, and six-minute walking distance among older women in the community. In summary, we recommend a moderate-intensity physical activity exercise program for older women in the community.
The First Report on the Application of ISSR Markers in Genetic Variance Detection among Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) Accession in North Maluku Province, Indonesia
Authors: Nurhasanah  , Hindersah Reginawanti , Suganda Tarkus , Concibido Vergel , Sundari  , Karuniawan Agung
Published: September 2023

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) is a leguminous plant with several potential health benefits. The scientific name is derived from its origin on Ternate Island, North Maluku. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the genetic variability in butterfly pea using Intergenic Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers in North Maluku. Field surveys, collection trips, and habitat studies of butterfly pea plants were conducted on Ternate, Tidore, Halmahera, and Morotai Islands. Genetic diversity was analyzed based on molecular data from the ISSR method. The molecular analysis results obtained using PCR-ISSR on 18 accessions showed a low degree of similarity. Among these, 15 accessions from Ternate, Tidore, Morotai, and Halmahera were in group A, while 3 from Ternate, Tidore, and Halmahera were in group B. All accessions exhibited a genetic similarity level of 0.709, indicating significant diversity. The arrangement among accessions on the dendrogram was similar to the phylogenetic tree, showing separation and spread at 0.608–0.924 based on the Jaccard coefficient. The results suggested that C. ternatea probably originated from Ternate, and subsequently spread to Tidore, Halmahera, and Morotai due to its use as a herbal medicine and ornamental plant. This information could be used as the basis for butterfly pea conservation and cultivation activities in Indonesia, specifically in Ternate Island, North Maluku.
Changes in Residential Greenspace and Birth Outcomes among Siblings: Differences by Maternal Race
Authors: Gailey Samantha
Published: September 2023

Growing research investigates the perinatal health benefits of greenspace in a mother’s prenatal environment. However, evidence of associations between residential greenspace and birth outcomes remains mixed, limiting the relevance this work holds for urban policy and greening interventions. Past research relies predominantly on cross-sectional designs that are vulnerable to residential selection bias, and rarely tests effect modification by maternal race/ethnicity, which may contribute to heterogeneous findings. This study uses a rigorous, longitudinal sibling comparison design and maternal fixed effect analyses to test whether increases in maternal exposure to residential greenspace between pregnancies precede improved birth outcomes among non-Hispanic (NH) white (n = 247,285) and Black (n = 54,995) mothers (mean age = 28 years) who had at least two consecutive live births in California between 2005 and 2015. Results show that increases in residential greenspace correspond with higher birthweight (coef. = 75.49, 95% CI: 23.48, 127.50) among Black, but not white (coef. = −0.51, 95% CI: −22.90, 21.90), infants. Additional analyses suggest that prior evidence of perinatal benefits associated with residential greenspace among white mothers may arise from residential selection; no such bias is observed for Black mothers. Taken together, these findings support urban greening initiatives in historically under-resourced neighborhoods. Efforts to evenly distribute residential greenspace may reduce persistent racial disparities in birth outcomes, an important step towards promoting health equity across the life course.