bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and α-pyrones isolated from Cantinoa stricta
Authors: Barbosa Felipe Lukacievicz , Ehrenfried Carlos Augusto , Radulski Débora Rasec , Oliveira Cristhian Santos , Stefanello Maria Elida Alves , Paraná Aleksander Roberto 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the composition of the crude extracts obtained from the leaves of Cantinoa stricta (Lamiaceae) and explore the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts and two isolated compounds: anamarine (ANA) and 10-epi-olguine (eOL). Different extracts were obtained from the leaves of C. stricta and compared by NMR data. Crude ethanolic extract (EEt) and dichloromethane extract (DCM) were selected for the pharmacological tests in mice. The oral administration of EEt and DCM in male Swiss mice significantly reduced the second phase of formalin-induced nociception, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, and carrageenan (Cg)-induced edema. ANA and eOL, the major compounds in EEt and DCM extracts, administered orally or locally (in the paw), also reduced the LPS-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and the Cg-induced edema without changing the thermal acute nociception or the motor performance of the animals. These isolated compounds did not change the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, prostaglandin E2, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, or forskolin but reversed the hyperalgesia induced by dopamine, epinephrine, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The mechanical hyperalgesia induced by epinephrine was reversed in male but not in female mice, in which this response is not dependent on protein kinase C. These results suggest that C. stricta extracts possess antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity which is, at least partially related to the presence of ANA and eOL. Differently from the known analgesics, these substances seem to exert their action mainly interfering with the sympathetic component of pain, possibly with protein kinase C.
Cinchona officinalis L. in vitro conservation by means of slow-growth storage and cryopreservation techniques
Authors: Armijos-Gonzalez Rosa Enith , Ramón-Contento Pablo , Cueva-Agila Augusta 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Cinchona officinalis has experienced anthropogenic pressures for nearly 400 years, such as overexploitation, habitat fragmentation, and the subsequent reduction of genetic diversity. Additionally, the challenge of regeneration in its natural environment makes it a vulnerable species. In this context, various treatments for the in vitro conservation of explants were evaluated in the present study. For short-term conservation, the effects of osmotic substances such as sorbitol, mannitol, and sucrose at different concentrations were assessed. Different concentrations of MS and B5 culture media were also examined for their impact on the growth, budding, mortality, and rooting of explants over 12 months without subcultures. For long-term conservation by cryopreservation, two techniques were tested: vitrification and encapsulation-dehydration. Short-term preservation of explants in sorbitol resulted in low mortality, minimal growth, and limited development of new shoots compared to preservation in sucrose or mannitol, although tissues could be recovered successfully from all storage conditions. After cryopreservation and 45 days of recovery, explants with the lowest mortality (4%) were from the control treatment, cultivated in a medium with sucrose which proved useful as a cryoprotectant, followed by the encapsulation-dehydration treatment. In conclusion, it is possible to conserve C. officinalis tissues in the short-term using in vitro techniques, while further assays are needed for long-term conservation.
Trazodone attenuates the neuroinflammation signaling mechanism and restores the activity of BACE 1 and ChAT in scopolamine-induced AD-like symptoms in male wistar rats
Authors: . Neha , . Pinky , Dhaka Prashant , Das Anvesha , Parveen Darakhshan , Shaquiquzzaman M , Alam Mohammad , Parvez Suhel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Trazodone, an antidepressant may play a role in attenuating neuroinflammation induced by scopolamine. We propose the potential novel mechanistic insights that link up between neuroinflammation and memory biomarkers modulate the pathogenesis of AD. Docking studies and histopathological alterations were performed against scopolamine toxicity. Scopolamine was administered into the brain through the peritoneal cavity for the establishment of the AD model. Trazodone (TRAZ) was administered orally used to treat AD-like symptoms in male wistar rats aged between 200–250 g. We confirmed that TRAZ administration significantly attenuates the SCOP-induced cognitive decline targeted neuroinflammation-mediated age-dependent disease progression. TRAZ attenuates the activity of TNF-α, ChAT, and BACE1 and inhibits apoptosis. These findings confirmed that TRAZ has the potential efficacy to modulate the interference in cognitive decline induced by scopolamine. TRAZ is the controlling candidate that regulates the neuroinflammation-dependent memory biomarkers activity response pathway that positively manages apoptosis.
Performance characteristics and lower limb muscle reflex properties in female volleyball athletes and non-athletes
Authors: Pechlivanidou Evmorfia , Livanou Maria Effrosyni , Papadopetraki Argyro , Zambelis Thomas , Philippou Anastassios 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Sports training may lead to alterations in muscle reflex responses of the trained muscles. This study compared performance characteristics and the knee reflex (KR) and soleus Hoffmann (H-)reflex (SR) properties, as well as their potential associations in female volleyball players and non-athletes.
Methods
Nine female amateur volleyball players (VP) in the middle of their competition season and nine age-matched women without athletic background, used as a control group (CG), participated in the study. KR and SR amplitude and latency, handgrip strength (HS), sit-and-reach, jumping performance [countermovement jump (CMJ) using one or both legs, and long jump (LJ)] were assessed.
Results
VP performed better than CG in CMJ-both legs (27.99cm vs 20.02cm; p = 0.006), CMJ-non-dominant leg (13.40cm vs 9.88cm; p = 0.02), HS-dominant arm (33.67kg vs 27.64kg, p = 0.002) and HS-non-dominant arm (32.44kg vs 24.64kg; p = 0.001). There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the reflex properties between the groups. A positive correlation was found between SR latency and CMJ-both legs (VP: ρ = 0.7, p < 0.05, CG: ρ = 1, p = 0.01). Interestingly, only in the control group, there was also a positive correlation between KR and SR latencies (ρ = 0.96, p < 0.001) and a negative correlation between KR latency and amplitude (ρ= -0.68, p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Although volleyball players performed better in vertical (CMJ) jumps, the expected training-induced alterations in KR and SR reflex properties were not observed. This finding, combined with the correlations between SR latency and CMJ in both groups, suggests similar neuromuscular function in the trained and untrained subjects.
Differential impact of high-salt levels in vitro and in vivo on macrophage core functions
Authors: Müller Linda , Nasr Aya Rafea , Jux Bettina , Makdissi Nikola , Trowbridge Justin Wayne , Schmidt Susanne V. , Schultze Joachim L. , Quast Thomas , Schulte-Schrepping Jonas , Kolanus Waldemar , Mass Elvira 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The consumption of processed food is on the rise leading to huge intake of excess dietary salt, which strongly correlates with development of hypertension, often leading to cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack, as well as activation of the immune system. The effect of salt on macrophages is especially interesting as they are able to sense high sodium levels in tissues leading to transcriptional changes. In the skin, macrophages were shown to influence lymphatic vessel growth which, in turn, enables the transport of excess salt and thereby prevents the development of high blood pressure. Furthermore, salt storage in the skin has been linked to the onset of pro-inflammatory effector functions of macrophages in pathogen defence. However, there is only little known about the mechanisms which are involved in changing macrophage function to salt exposure. Here, we characterize the response of macrophages to excess salt both in vitro and in vivo. Our results validate and strengthen the notion that macrophages exhibit chemotactic migration in response to salt gradients in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrate a reduction in phagocytosis and efferocytosis following acute salt challenge in vitro. While acute exposure to a high-salt diet in vivo has a less pronounced impact on macrophage core functions such as phagocytosis, our data indicate that prolonged salt challenge may exert a distinct effect on the function of macrophages. These findings suggest a potential role for excessive salt sensing by macrophages in the manifestation of diseases related to high-salt diets and explicitly highlight the need for in vivo work to decipher the physiologically relevant impact of excess salt on tissue and cell function.
In vitro asymbiotic seed germination and micropropagation of Dendrobium heyneanum Lindl. – an endemic orchid of Western Ghats, India
Authors: Kaladharan Shivakrishnan , Rengasamy Anbazhakan , Chinnaiyan Rajasekar , Mariappan Muthukumar , Kumar Thiruppathi Senthil 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Dendrobium heyneanum Lindl. or Heyne’s Dendrobium is an endemic epiphytic orchid of Western Ghats categorized as a threatened taxon. The present investigation was aimed for conservational strategy using in vitro regeneration methods. In this investigation, mature pods of the D. heyneanum were collected from the field, and were inoculated aseptically on various nutrient media. Half-strength macro-MS media was found to be an efficient asymbiotic seed germination with 86.70% in 12 days old culture. Different stages (I-VI) of morphogenic characters were observed during entire studies; however, 20.84% of seeds produced young seedlings with roots on half-strength macro-MS media. Micropropagation protocol of D. heyneanum was established by using the protocorms (Stage IV) from the asymbiotic germinated seeds. The metamorphosis was observed on half-strength macro-MS fortified with 0.1 mg/L to 2.0 mg/L of Thidiazuron (TDZ), Benzyl amino purine (BAP) and Kinetin (KN). Higher frequency of protocorms (90.20%) were found in 1.0 mg/L KN with 95.56% of proliferation, shoot number (6.56) and shoot length (1.13 cm). Different frequency of in vitro flower buds was observed in protocorm at 0.5 mg/L (30.2%) and 1.0 mg/L (22.37%); and callus induction at 2.0 mg/L (20.67%) of BAP. Synergistic effect of plantlets were assessed with different concentration of combination of KN (1.0 mg/L) and auxins - α- Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), Indole- 3- acetic acid (IAA), and Indole- 3- butyric acid (IBA) from 0.1 mg/L to 1.0 mg/L). Combination of KN + IAA (1.0 mg/L) induced elongation, 0.92 cm long pseudobulbs and 0.74 cm rooting. The plantlets were then subsequently acclimatized and hardened on pots containing cocopeat and brick pieces. The survival rate was 52.73%. The present study results finding introduced a protocol for in vitro propagation of Dendrobium heyneanum Lindl. and thus, can be implemented as an ex-situ conservation.
Critically ill children with SARS-COV-2 Omicron infection at a national children medical center, Guangdong, China
Authors: Lin Fen , Jiang Dao-Ju , Zhang Song , Yang Zhe , Zeng Hua-Song , Liu Zhi-Ping , Yang Li-Ye 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
SARS-CoV-2 infection is described as asymptomatic, mild, or moderate disease in most children. SARS-CoV-2 related death in children and adolescents is rare according to the current reports. COVID-19 cases increased significantly in China during the Omicron surge, clinical data regarding pediatric critical patients infected with the omicron variant is limited. In this study, we aim to provide an overview of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at a national children's medical center in Guangdong Province, China, during the outbreak of the omicron variant infection.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study from November 25, 2022, to February 8, 2023, which included 63 critically ill children, under the age of 18, diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patients were referred from medical institutions of Guangdong province. The medical records of these patients were carefully analyzed and summarized.
Results
During the study period, 63 children were included. The median age was 2 years (IQR: 1.0–8.0), sex-ratio (male/female) was 1.52. Twelve patients (age ≥ 3 years) were vaccinated. The median length of hospital stay was 14 days (IQR: 6.5–23) and duration of fever was 5 days (IQR: 3-8.5). 30 cases had clear contact history with family members who were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Three children who tested positive for COVID-19 infection did not show any abnormalities on chest imaging examination. Out of the total patients, 33 had a bacterial co-infection, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most commonly detected bacterial pathogen. Our cohort exhibited respiratory and nervous system involvement as the primary features. Furthermore, 50 patients required mechanical ventilation, with a median duration of 7 days (IQR 3.75–13.0). Among these patients, 35 developed respiratory failure, 16 patients experienced a deteriorating progression of symptoms and ultimately succumbed to the illness, with multiple organ failure being the attributed cause of death.
Conclusion
We present a case series of critically ill children infected with the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant. While there is evidence suggesting that Omicron may cause less severe symptoms, it is important to continue striving for measures that can minimize the pathogenic impact of COVID-19 infection in children.
Unlocking the Potential of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing the Fisheries Supply Chain: An Exploration of Critical Adoption Barriers in China
Authors: Nisar Ubair , Zhang Zhixin , Wood Bronwyn P , Ahmad Shadab , Ellahi Ehsan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The application of blockchain technology holds significant potential for improving efficiency, resilience, and transparency within the Fisheries Supply Chain (FSC). This study addresses the critical barriers hindering the adoption of blockchain technology (BT) in the Chinese FSC, recognizing the unique challenges posed by its intricacies. Through a comprehensive literature review, fourteen Critical Barrier Factors (CBFs) were identified, and a grey Delphi method was employed to distill this set. Five pivotal CBFs emerged, including "Regulatory Compliance," "Cost of Implementation," and "Complex Supply Chain Network." A subsequent grey Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) analysis revealed the causal relationships among these factors, categorizing them into influencing and influenced groups. "Regulatory Compliance," "Cost of Implementation," and "Complex Supply Chain Network" were identified as primary influencing factors demanding attention for effective BT integration in the FSC. The findings serve as a valuable resource for FSC stakeholders, assisting in prioritizing efforts to address these barriers. The discerned causal relationships provide guidance for managers in optimizing resource allocation. Ultimately, this research advocates for the adoption of blockchain technology in the FSC supply chain to enhance overall performance and operational efficiency.
Fast descriptor-based 2D and 3D microstructure reconstruction using the Portilla-Simoncelli algorithm
Authors: Seibert Paul , Raßloff Alexander , Kalina Karl , Kästner Markus 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Reconstructing microstructures from statistical descriptors is a key enabler of computer-based inverse materials design. In the Yeong-Torquato algorithm and other common methods, the problem is approached by formulating it as an optimization problem in the space of possible microstructures. In this case, the error between the desired microstructure and the current reconstruction is measured in terms of a descriptor. As an alternative, descriptors can be regarded as constraints defining subspaces or regions in the microstructure space. Given a set of descriptors, a valid microstructure can be obtained by sequentially projecting onto these subspaces. This is done in the Portilla-Simoncelli algorithm, which is well known in the field of texture synthesis. Noting the algorithm's potential, the present work aims at introducing it to microstructure reconstruction. After exploring its capabilities and limitations in 2D, a dimensionality expansion is developed for reconstructing 3D volumes from 2D reference data. The resulting method is extremely efficient, as it allows for high-resolution reconstructions on conventional laptops. Various numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate its versatility and scalability. Finally, the method is validated by comparing homogenized mechanical properties of original and reconstructed 3D microstructures.
Substrate specificity mapping of fungal CAZy AA3_2 oxidoreductases
Authors: Zhao Hongbo , Karppi Johanna , Mototsune Owen , Poshina Daria , Svartström Jenny , Nguyen Thi Truc Minh , Vo Tri Minh , Tsang Adrian , Master Emma , Tenkanen Maija 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Oxidative enzymes targeting lignocellulosic substrates are presently classified into various auxiliary activity (AA) families within the carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZy) database. Among these, the fungal AA3 glucose–methanol–choline (GMC) oxidoreductases with varying auxiliary activities are attractive sustainable biocatalysts and important for biological function. CAZy AA3 enzymes are further subdivided into four subfamilies, with the large AA3_2 subfamily displaying diverse substrate specificities. However, limited numbers of enzymes in the AA3_2 subfamily are currently biochemically characterized, which limits the homology-based mining of new AA3_2 oxidoreductases. Importantly, novel enzyme activities may be discovered from the uncharacterized parts of this large subfamily.
Results
In this study, phylogenetic analyses employing a sequence similarity network (SSN) and maximum likelihood trees were used to cluster AA3_2 sequences. A total of 27 AA3_2 proteins representing different clusters were selected for recombinant production. Among them, seven new AA3_2 oxidoreductases were successfully produced, purified, and characterized. These enzymes included two glucose dehydrogenases (TaGdhA and McGdhA), one glucose oxidase (ApGoxA), one aryl alcohol oxidase (PsAaoA), two aryl alcohol dehydrogenases (AsAadhA and AsAadhB), and one novel oligosaccharide (gentiobiose) dehydrogenase (KiOdhA). Notably, two dehydrogenases (TaGdhA and KiOdhA) were found with the ability to utilize phenoxy radicals as an electron acceptor. Interestingly, phenoxy radicals were found to compete with molecular oxygen in aerobic environments when serving as an electron acceptor for two oxidases (ApGoxA and PsAaoA), which sheds light on their versatility. Furthermore, the molecular determinants governing their diverse enzymatic functions were discussed based on the AlphaFold structures.
Conclusions
The phylogenetic analyses and biochemical characterization of AA3_2s provide valuable guidance for future investigation of AA3_2 sequences and proteins. A clear correlation between enzymatic function and SSN clustering was observed. The discovery and biochemical characterization of these new AA3_2 oxidoreductases bring exciting prospects for biotechnological applications and broadens our understanding of their biological functions.
Does Double Mean Trouble? Coexistence of Myeloproliferative and Lymphoproliferative Neoplasms: Clinical Observations and Implications
Authors: Ivanovic Jelena , Lekovic Danijela , Terzic Tatjana , Jovanovic Maja Perunicic , Fekete Marija Dencic , Jovanovic Jelica , Arsenovic Isidora , Vukovic Vojin , Bogdanovic Andrija , Antic Darko 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The coexistence of two clonal hematologic malignancies in the same patient is very rare. Although the occurrence of myeloid neoplasms evolves one into each other is largely known and also, the same potential has lymphoproliferative disorders, less is known about the permutation of a myeloid into a lymphoid malignancy and inversely, and about their co-occurrence. Fourteen patients have been identified with coexistence of MPNs and LPDs at Clinic of Hematology, University Clinical Center of Serbia and due to the unusual presentation, we singled out two cases in particular.
WITHDRAWN: Comparative research on ultrasonic and THz methods for thickness measurement of thermal barrier coatings
Authors: HUANG Zhonghao , CAO Binghua , FAN Mengbao , SUN Fengshan , YE Bo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The thickness evaluation of thermal barrier coatings has emerged as a crucial issue, with ultrasonic testing (UT) and THz testing being the two dominant non-destructive evaluation methods. Focusing on thermal barrier coatings, this paper compares the thickness measurement results obtained from these two methods. When compared to the results obtained from a profilometer, the maximum error in ultrasonic thickness measurement is found to be 6.7%, while the maximum error in THz thickness measurement is 5.8%. The paper also discusses the primary advantages and disadvantages of the existing methods, concluding that both approaches can enhance the lifespan and safety of turbine blades.
Evaluation of elafin as a marker of skin fibrosis – a preliminary study.
Authors: Polanska Adriana , Kowalczyk Michał J. , Olewicz-Gawlik Anna , Łojko-Dankowska Anna , Walecka Irena , Ciechanowicz Piotr , Żaba Ryszard , Dańczak-Pazdrowska Aleksandra 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Elafin can act as a possible serum marker modulated in multiple pathological conditions, including fibrosis and vascular remodelling. The aim af our pilot study was to check the possible role of elafin in patients with skin fibrosis, including systemic sclerosis (SSc), chronic variants of graft versus host disease (cGvHD) and different variants of morphea regarding its relationship with the severity of skin involvement and clinical parameters. The study included 125 Caucasian patients and 30 healthy controls. In all groups serum elafin was measured using commercially available enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kits (Elisa). cGVHD patients presented significantly higher mean plasma levels of elafin in comparison to other groups of patients and there was no statistically significant difference in mean serum levels of elafin between morphea and SSc patients. Also there was no difference in mean serum levels of elafin in morphea patients between its clinical variants and severity of the disease, although the non-active stage morphea presented higher values of elafin concentrations. There was no correlation between elafin concentration and Rodnan skin score, lungs involvement and GFR in SSc. We noticed the elevated levels of elafin in the group of patients with cGvHD, which may suggest a relationship of this marker with a chronic disease process, including fibrosis. We did not find the association of elafin and SSc as well as morphea (including severity of the disease process and phase). However, taking into account the inconsistent role of elafin in fibrosis, the complex regulation of the elafin gene in human keratinocytes, as well as the multifaceted involvement in skin inflammation, further studies are needed.