ALEKSANDRA GORNOSTAEVA, LUDMILA BURAVKOVA, MARGARITA LOBANOVA, ELENA ANDREEVA^*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.5, pp. 677-692, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.048873

Abstract The structural and associated molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM) complex is an important component of the local milieu of cells, both for maintaining their functions and homeostasis. It is a dynamic structure that is finely tuned to changes in the microenvironment. One of these factors is hypoxia, which can arise in tissues due to physiological or pathological effects. As a result of the hypoxic effect, the properties of the ECM are significantly modified, stiffness increases, the balance between degradation and synthesis of structural proteins shifts, and the deposition of biologically active mediators’ changes. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) contribute significantly to… More >

VIRAAJ VISHNU PRASAD, JENNIFER SALLY SAMSON, VENKATACHALAM DEEPA PARVATHI^*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.5, pp. 693-706, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.048776

Abstract Physical activity and exercise have several beneficial roles in enhancing both physiological and psychological well-being of an individual. In addition to aiding the regulation of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, exercise can stimulate the synthesis of exerkine hormones in the circulatory system. Among several exerkines that have been investigated for their therapeutic potential, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is considered the most promising candidate, especially in the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Owing to the ability of physical activity to enhance BDNF synthesis, several experimental studies conducted so far have validated this hypothesis and produced satisfactory results at the pre-clinical level. This review… More > Graphic Abstract

Guangwei Sun^1,2,#, Xuanhao Zhang^3,#, Yi Liu³, Liguang Chai², Daisong Liu², Zhenguo Chen^1,*, Shiyou Lü^3,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.93, No.4, pp. 641-659, 2024, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.049285

Abstract The Nicotiana genus, commonly known as tobacco, holds significant importance as a crucial economic crop. Confronted with an abundance of herbivorous insects that pose a substantial threat to yield, tobacco has developed a diverse and sophisticated array of mechanisms, establishing itself as a model of plant ecological defense. This review provides a concise overview of the current understanding of tobacco’s defense strategies against herbivores. Direct defenses, exemplified by its well-known tactic of secreting the alkaloid nicotine, serve as a potent toxin against a broad spectrum of herbivorous pests. Moreover, in response to herbivore attacks, tobacco enhances the discharge of volatile… More >

Yan Jin, Wei Chen^*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.26, No.3, pp. 189-198, 2024, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2023.045331

Abstract An authoritative parenting style has been shown to promote children’s emotion regulation in European-American family studies. However, little is known about how sleep problems and the child’s sibling status in Chinese families affect this relationship. Based on family system theory, this study attempts to better understand the relationship between authoritative parenting style and emotion regulation. Mothers of preschool children in Chinese kindergartens completed questionnaires about their children’s sleep habits, their authoritative parenting styles, and children’s emotion regulation. A total of 531 children participated in this study. Results showed that authoritative parenting was positively associated with emotional regulation. Sleep problems mediated… More >

Kaiyue Hong, Yasmina Radani, Teja Manda, Jinhui Chen, Liming Yang^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.93, No.3, pp. 413-425, 2024, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.047739

Abstract This study explores CAMTA genes in the rare and endangered Chinese plant species, Liriodendron chinense. Despite the completion of whole-genome sequencing, the roles of CAMTA genes in calcium regulation and stress responses in this species remain largely unexplored. Within the L. chinense genome, we identified two CAMTA genes, Lchi09764 and Lchi222536, characterized by four functional domains: CG-1, TIG, ANK repeats, and IQ motifs. Our analyses, including phylogenetic investigations, cis-regulatory element analyses, and chromosomal location studies, aim to elucidate the defining features of CAMTA genes in L. chinense. Applying Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), we explored the impact of CAMTA… More >

Zhongping Liu¹, Enhui Sun^2,*, Jiahao Shi², Lei Zhang², Qi Wang¹, Jiali Dong¹

Energy Engineering, Vol.121, No.4, pp. 913-932, 2024, DOI:10.32604/ee.2023.043973

Abstract There is a growing need to explore the potential of coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) to enhance the utilization rate of wind power (wind) and photovoltaic power (PV) in the green energy field. This study developed a load regulation model for a multi-power generation system comprising wind, PV, and coal energy storage using real-world data. The power supply process was divided into eight fundamental load regulation scenarios, elucidating the influence of each scenario on load regulation. Within the framework of the multi-power generation system with the wind (50 MW) and PV (50 MW) alongside a CFPP (330 MW), a lithium-iron phosphate… More > Graphic Abstract

RAN PAN^1,#, JIAYAN MAO^2,#, YUELIANG ZHENG³, WEI CHEN², JUNPING GUO^1,*, LIJUN WANG^3,*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.3, pp. 431-441, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.046484

Abstract Background: Sepsis, a type of systemic disease, can impact nearly all organs, tissues and cells. Among them, endothelial cells are amongst the first to be affected and respond to the insult. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of microRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p) on human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) treated with lipolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: An in vitro model of sepsis was established in HPMECs with the use of LPS. Transfecting with different tools (mimetic and inhibitor) to modify miR-30a-5p expression. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were detected by the CCK-8 assay, the EdU kit and fluorescence staining, respectively. The autophagy-related… More >

Zhengrong Shi^1,3, Jie Ren¹, Tao Zhang^1,3,*, Yanming Shen^2,*

Energy Engineering, Vol.121, No.3, pp. 681-702, 2024, DOI:10.32604/ee.2023.045238

Abstract Building energy consumption and building carbon emissions both account for more than 20% of their total national values in China. Building employing phase change material (PCM) for passive temperature control shows a promising prospect in meeting the comfort demand and reducing energy consumption simultaneously. However, there is a lack of more detailed research on the interaction between the location and thickness of PCM and indoor natural convection, as well as indoor temperature distribution. In this study, the numerical model of a passive temperature-controlled building integrating the developed PCM module is established with the help of ANSYS. In which, the actual… More > Graphic Abstract

Zaihe Yang^1,*, Shuling Wang¹, Runhang Zhu¹, Jiao Cui², Ji Su², Liling Chen³

Energy Engineering, Vol.121, No.3, pp. 807-820, 2024, DOI:10.32604/ee.2023.028167

Abstract To address the scheduling problem involving energy storage systems and uncertain energy, we propose a method based on multi-stage robust optimization. This approach aims to regulate the energy storage system by using a multi-stage robust optimal control method, which helps overcome the limitations of traditional methods in terms of time scale. The goal is to effectively utilize the energy storage power station system to address issues caused by unpredictable variations in environmental energy and fluctuating load throughout the day. To achieve this, a mathematical model is constructed to represent uncertain energy sources such as photovoltaic and wind power. The generalized… More >

DAOLUN YU¹, DEYONG SHE², KAI GE¹, LEI YANG¹, RUINA ZHAN¹, SHAN LU^3,*, YAFEI CAI^4,*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.1, pp. 139-147, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.045884

Abstract Background: SMAD family proteins (SMADs) are crucial transcription factors downstream of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß)/SMAD signaling pathways that have been reported to play a pivotal role in mammalian reproduction. However, the role of SMAD family member 8 (SMAD8, also known as SMAD9), a member of the SMAD family, in mammalian reproduction remains unclear. Methods: We employed RNA interference techniques to knock down Smad8 expression in mouse granulosa cells (GCs) to investigate the effects of Smad8 on GC growth and steroidogenesis. Results: Our findings revealed a significant decrease in the proliferative capacity and a substantial increase in the apoptosis rate… More >