bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Development Trends for Rotating Detonation Engines Based on Experimental Studies
Authors: Yun Min-Sik , Roh Tae-Seong , Lee Hyoung Jin
Published: July 2024

Rotating detonation engines (RDEs), which are Humphrey cycle-based constant-volume combustion engines, utilize detonation waves to attain higher efficiencies compared with conventional constant-pressure combustion engines through pressure gain. Such engines have garnered significant interest as future propulsion technologies, and thus, numerous research and development initiatives have been launched specific to RDEs in various forms. This paper presents a survey of research and development trends in RDE operating systems, based on experimental studies conducted worldwide since the 2010s. Additionally, a performance comparison of RDEs developed to date is presented.
Spelt in Diversified and Spelt-Based Crop Rotations: Grain Yield and Technological and Nutritional Quality
Authors: Wanic Maria , Jastrzębska Magdalena , Kostrzewska Marta K. , Parzonka Mariola
Published: July 2024

A properly designed crop rotation contributes to the equilibrium of the agro-ecosystem and the volume and quality of the yield. The cultivation of spelt in crop rotations enriches its biodiversity and provides grains with many different types of nutritional value. The aim of this current study was to investigate how the distribution of winter spelt in different positions and after different forecrops in four-field crop rotations would affect the technological quality of the grain, the nutrient content of the grain, and the grain yield. A 6-year field experiment, designed in a randomised block, was conducted from 2012 to 2018 in north-eastern Poland (53°35′47″ N, 19°51′20″ E). This study provides the results from a 6-year (2013–2018) field experiment. The spelt was cultivated in four crop rotations: CR1—winter rape + catch crop (blue tansy), spring barley, field pea and winter spelt; CR2,—winter rape, winter spelt + catch crop (blue tansy), field pea and winter spelt; CR3—winter rape + catch crop (blue tansy), field pea, winter spelt and winter spelt; and CR4—winter rape, winter spelt + catch crop (blue tansy), spring barley and winter spelt. This study evaluated grain yield and the following grain parameters: the total protein, wet gluten and starch contents, the Zeleny index, the falling number, the weight of 1000 grains, the N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn contents, and the grain yield. The results were assessed at the significance level p < 0.05. It was demonstrated that the cultivation of spelt in all four crop rotations after winter rape and after field pea was characterised by higher protein and wet gluten contents, Zeleny index value and falling number, a greater weight of 1000 grains, higher N, P, Fe and Zn contents, and greater grain yield than those harvested from the crop rotations CR3 and CR4 after spelt and after barley. It was demonstrated that the cultivation of spelt in crop rotations CR3 and CR4, in succession after spelt and after barley, caused deterioration in grain quality (lower protein and gluten contents, a lower Zeleny index value, a lower falling number, and a smaller weight of 1000 grains, and the N, P, Fe and Zn contents). In addition, a smaller grain yield was obtained from these crop rotation fields. Regardless of the type of crop rotation, the cultivation of spelt after winter rape and after pea produced a high yield and a good quality yield of this cereal. Due to the lower yield of grain and its lower quality, it is not recommended that winter spelt is grown after each other or after spring barley.
Influence of a Modified Drinking System and Barn Climate on the Behavior of Fattening Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)
Authors: Schäfers Stephanie , Kulke Katje , Kemper Nicole
Published: July 2024

Agonistic behavior is a problem of animal welfare in commercial turkey fattening. In this study, possible influences of the barn layout and the climate of the barn on the behavior of fattening turkeys on a commercial farm were investigated. The study was conducted on a turkey farm with two comparable barns. A modified ventilation system was installed in the trial barn to improve the removal of NH3 and CO2. The drinkers were rearranged to increase the animals’ free floor area. In each barn, 3600 male turkeys (B.U.T. 6) were housed. Videos were recorded continuously from housing until removal for three consecutive fattening periods. NH3 and CO2 values were recorded. Turkeys showed increased activity (p < 0.001) and comfort behavior in the trial barn during late fattening (p = 0.002). Agonistic behavior increased during late fattening, particularly around the drinkers (p < 0.001). NH3 levels differed at the beginning of fattening. The study shows that extending the resting area contributes to increased activity and comfort behavior. The rearrangement of drinkers showed no positive effects on agonistic behavior, as the distance between individual drinkers was too small. Due to behavioral differences being most evident in late fattening, no conclusions can be drawn concerning the influence of CO2 and NH3.
The Suitability of Several Grasses for the Remediation of Hotspots Affected by Cadmium Contamination
Authors: Korzeniowska Jolanta , Stanislawska-Glubiak Ewa
Published: July 2024

Areas contaminated with cadmium require remediation because it is a highly toxic element. The aim of this study was to assess the Cd tolerance of four grass species (Poa pratensis, Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra, and Festuca pratensis) and to identify the most useful grass for the phytostabilization of areas with extremely high Cd content in the soil. Additionally, the relationship between grass tolerance to Cd and the glutathione (GSH) content in shoots was examined. Two series of pot experiments were carried out using soil artificially contaminated with Cd. Three levels of contamination were used—30, 60, and 130 mg kg−1 Cd—against a control. The plants were cut down 2 months after sowing. At the Cd1 level, L. perenne showed the highest tolerance to Cd (tolerance index TI = 86), while P. pratensis had the lowest tolerance (TI = 65). At Cd2, the TIs ranged from 52 to 59, indicating a similar tolerance of all species. Cd3 was most harmful to L. perenne (TI = 24), while P. pratensis was the most tolerant (TI = 31). Grassroots accumulated much more Cd than shoots. L. perenne showed the greatest increase in root Cd at each contamination level, followed by F. pratensis and then P. pratensis and F. rubra. It is noteworthy that the tolerance of grasses to Cd3 was related to the GSH content in shoots. P. pratensis and F. rubra increased the GSH content 4.6 and 3.6 times, respectively, while L. perenne and F. pratensis only increased it 2.3 times compared to the control plants.
Humanized Mouse Models of Bacterial Infections
Authors: McDonald Katya , Rodriguez Adryiana , Muthukrishnan Gowrishankar
Published: July 2024

Bacterial infections continue to represent a significant healthcare burden worldwide, causing considerable mortality and morbidity every year. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains continues to rise, posing serious risks to controlling global disease outbreaks. To develop novel and more effective treatment and vaccination programs, there is a need for clinically relevant small animal models. Since multiple bacterial species have human-specific tropism for numerous virulence factors and toxins, conventional mouse models do not fully represent human disease. Several human disease characteristic phenotypes, such as lung granulomas in the case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections, are absent in standard mouse models. Alternatively, certain pathogens, such as Salmonella enterica serovar typhi and Staphylococcus aureus, can be well tolerated in mice and cleared quickly. To address this, multiple groups have developed humanized mouse models and observed enhanced susceptibility to infection and a more faithful recapitulation of human disease. In the last two decades, multiple humanized mouse models have been developed to attempt to recapitulate the human immune system in a small animal model. In this review, we first discuss the history of immunodeficient mice that has enabled the engraftment of human tissue and the engraftment methods currently used in the field. We then highlight how humanized mouse models successfully uncovered critical human immune responses to various bacterial infections, including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Examining the Progress in Additive Manufacturing in Supporting Lean, Green and Sustainable Manufacturing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maware Catherine , Muvunzi Rumbidzai , Machingura Tinotenda , Daniyan Ilesanmi
Published: July 2024

The quest for waste reduction and the development of manufacturing processes that meet the economic, social and environmental requirements necessitate this study. Additive manufacturing is an emerging digital technology that can be used to seamlessly develop a product through material deposition in layers. The study aims to investigate the progress made in the development of additive manufacturing to support lean, green and sustainable manufacturing. The study employs a systematic literature review approach, specifically the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A total of 158 articles identified from different academic databases that detailed empirical, conceptual and theoretical findings were reviewed, having matched the selection criteria. The outcome of the study indicated that additive manufacturing can be used to achieve waste reduction, reduction in emission generation and carbon footprints with significant energy and material conservation. The findings also indicated that the additive manufacturing process also boasts time- and cost-effectiveness during manufacturing compared to the conventional manufacturing technique. Although the process is energy intensive, careful selection of the suitable additive manufacturing process to be employed based on the requirements coupled with a proper product design may result in considerable energy savings at the preprocessing, processing or post-processing stages. This work adds to the understanding of additive manufacturing and contributes to the existing literature on the relationship among additive, lean, and green manufacturing. The study may help manufacturing organizations in their quest to minimize waste generation and achieve material and energy efficiency throughout their product lifecycles.
Lifting Activities Assessment Using Lumbosacral Compression and Shear Forces
Authors: Varrecchia Tiwana , Chini Giorgia , Serrao Mariano , Ranavolo Alberto
Published: July 2024

In this study, we have analyzed the behavior of shear and compression forces at the L5-S1 joint during the execution of controlled lifting tasks designed on the basis of the revised NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) lifting equation (RNLE) with an increasing lifting index (LI = 1, LI = 2, and LI = 3). We aim to verify the sensitivity of force indices with regard to risk levels. Twenty subjects performed the tasks, and the kinematic and kinetic data of their movement were acquired by using an optoelectronic motion analysis system and platform, respectively. Lumbosacral forces were calculated using the lower and upper body models, and some indices (i.e., maximum, medium, and range values) were extracted. Our findings confirm that the kinetic-based indices extracted from shear and compression forces at the L5-S1 joint are related to risk conditions, and they could improve the quantitative tools and machine-learning approaches that can also be used in a workspace to assess risk conditions during lifting tasks.
Experimental Study on Permeability Characteristics of Compacted Backfill Body after Gangue Grouting and Backfilling in the Mining Space
Authors: Xu Jianfei , Liu Sixu , Wang Haodong , Zhou Nan , Zhang Yuzhe
Published: July 2024

The timely injection of gangue slurry into the mining space formed after coal mining can scale up the disposal of gangue and control surface deformation. However, the waterproof effect of gangue slurry in the mining space remains unclear, necessitating urgent investigation into the permeability characteristics of compacted backfill bodies of gangue slurry under the action of overburden. In this study, a multi-field coupled seepage test system for backfill materials was developed based on Forchheimer’s nonlinear seepage law, and a laboratory preparation method for compacted backfill body (CBB) of gangue slurry after grouting and backfilling in mining space under pseudo-triaxial conditions was proposed. Additionally, the pressure bleeding characteristics of gangue slurry under the action of overburden were studied, the variation law of permeability of the CBB with the axial pressure, a particle size range, and cement dosage was revealed, and the determination method for the permeability level of the CBB and its optimization method were put forward. The research results indicate that there are obvious staged characteristics in the pressure bleeding changes in gangue slurry. Axial pressure, particle size range, and cement dosage all have a significant impact on the permeability of the CBB. The permeability level of the CBB of gangue slurry is within the range of poor permeability and extremely poor permeability. After backfilling into the mining space, gangue slurry exhibits a significant water-blocking effect.
Integrating Task Component Design in Excavator–Truck Operation Planning: Enhancing Automation Systems through a Web-Based System
Authors: Park Soohyun , Kim Jeonghwan , Cho Kiyong , Seo Jongwon
Published: July 2024

Excavator–truck operations, characterized by their repetitive excavation and loading tasks, present a prime candidate for automation. While numerous studies have aimed to automate the earthworks, practical implementations remain scarce. This research introduces a task component design focused on excavator–truck operation planning to improve the functionality of an earthwork automation system. To address this, fundamental task primitives necessary for executing excavation tasks were engineered, and a web-based system was developed to automate the generation of work plans for both point and trench excavation through algorithmic processes. Additionally, a JSON-based protocol was introduced to facilitate efficient integration with other subsystems. Field tests were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the newly developed algorithm and protocol within the broader context of earthwork automation systems. The results demonstrated the successful implementation of the task components, confirming their operational viability and seamless integration into the existing earthwork automation framework.
Evaluation of Landslide Susceptibility in Tekes County, Yili Prefecture Based on the Information Quantity Method
Authors: Cao Xiaohong , Wu Bin , Shang Yanjun , Wang Weizhong , Xu Tao , Li Qiaoxue , Meng He
Published: July 2024

In order to scientifically and rationally evaluate the susceptibility to landslide hazards in Tekes County, Yili State. This paper takes Tekes County in Xinjiang as an example, on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of the regional geological environment conditions and the distribution pattern and formation conditions of geological disasters, using the data of geological disaster points (landslide center points), and through the correlation matrix calculation of the evaluation factors, the nine evaluation factors with larger absolute values of correlation coefficients were determined to construct the evaluation system of the susceptibility to landslide geological hazards in Tekesi County. Combining the information quantity method and the entropy value method, using the weights determined by the entropy value method, the information quantity method is used to calculate the information quantity value of each factor within the factor, calculate the susceptibility index of landslide geological disasters within the territory of Tekes County, and then carry out the landslide susceptibility evaluation. The susceptibility of landslide disasters was evaluated by ArcGIS. The results show that the landslide disaster susceptibility level in Tekes County can be divided into four levels: high susceptibility, medium susceptibility, low susceptibility, and not susceptible, with areas of 491.3276 km2, 1181.5171 km2, 1674.7609 km2 and 5295.2976 km2 accounting for 5.68%, 13.67%, 19.38% and 61.27% of the total area of Tex County, respectively. The AUC number obtained by the success curve method (ROC) is 0.8736, reflecting the evaluation accuracy of 87.36%, indicating that the model method used in this paper is effective. The results are expected to provide practical data support for landslide disaster control in Tekes County and provide a reference for geological disaster monitoring, early warning and engineering prevention and control deployment in Yili Valley.
A New Fuzzy Backstepping Control Based on RBF Neural Network for Vibration Suppression of Flexible Manipulator
Authors: Wei Zhiyong , Zheng Qingchun , Zhu Peihao , Ma Wenpeng , Deng Jieyong
Published: July 2024

Flexible manipulators have been widely used in industrial production. However, due to the poor rigidity of the flexible manipulator, it is easy to generate vibration. This will reduce the working accuracy and service life of the flexible manipulator. It is necessary to suppress vibration during the operation of the flexible manipulator. Based on the energy method and the Hamilton principle, the partial differential equations of the manipulator were established. Secondly, an improved radial basis function (RBF) neural network was combined with the fuzzy backstepping method to identify and suppress random vibration during the operation of the flexible manipulator, and the Lyapunov function and control law were designed. Finally, Simulink was used to build a simulation platform, three different external disturbances were set up, and the effect of vibration suppression was observed through the change curves of the final velocity error and displacement error. Compared with the RBF neural network boundary control method and the RBF neural network inversion method, the simulation results show that the effect of the RBF neural network fuzzy inversion method is better than the previous two control methods, the system convergence is faster, and the equilibrium position error is smaller.
Effects of Age and Sex on the Kinematics of the Sprinting Technique in the Maximum Velocity Phase
Authors: Chatzilazaridis Ioannis , Panoutsakopoulos Vassilios , Bassa Eleni , Kotzamanidou Mariana C. , Papaiakovou Georgios I.
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to compare the step parameters, the Body Center of Mass (BCM) kinematics, as well as the angular and linear kinematics of the lower extremities’ joints of prepubescent and adult sprinters of both sexes. A total of forty-two athletes were examined, including adult men (AM) and women (AF) as well as preadolescent boys (PPB) and girls (PPG). A 2D-DLT analysis was conducted on video recordings (sampling frequency: 100 fps) of the participants’ maximum effort trial while in their maximum sprinting velocity phase. A 2 (age) × 2 (sex) ANOVA revealed significant (p < 0.05) effects of the factors age and sex, and an interaction of age × sex in the sprint running velocity. It was also found that the spatiotemporal structure of the step parameters was significantly (p < 0.05) different between AM and AF but not between PPB and PPG. Also, a significant (p < 0.05) main effect of age was evident mainly for the ankle joint of both legs, as well as for the angular kinematics of the swing leg’s knee joint. In conclusion, apart from the possible disparities in training experience, differences due to age and sex exist in the step parameters and the kinematics of the sprinting technique due to differences in the technical elements related to coordination, strength application capability, and stiffness.
“The Park of Emotions”: A Serious Game for the Development of Emotional Intelligence in Children
Authors: Papoutsi Chara , Drigas Athanasios , Skianis Charalabos , Skordoulis Constantine , Pappas Marios
Published: July 2024

The potential of digital games to enhance learning in various areas of child development has attracted increasing interest in children’s emotional well-being and social–emotional difficulties. The present serious game named “The Park of Emotions” was based on the nine-level pyramid model of emotional intelligence, had conceptual relevance to the questions of a new emotional intelligence scale, and served as an intervention tool. The aim was to experimentally evaluate to what extent the serious game “The Park of Emotions” improved children’s emotional intelligence through the improvised scale measuring the emotional intelligence of children aged 9–12. The study was conducted on a group of 436 children aged 9–10 years, 4th grade. To assess the impact of the program, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on the experimental group and the control group at the pre-test stage, as well as an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA post-test). The results for the post-intervention ANCOVA confirmed the existence of significant differences between the groups, as participants in the experimental group had significantly higher scores compared to participants in the control group on the total score and individual subscales. Furthermore, ANCOVA results confirmed that the intervention had a similar positive effect for both sexes. Consequently, this study experimentally validates an effective intervention tool, highlighting the importance of implementing digital games aimed at improving emotional intelligence and emotional skills throughout childhood and preadolescence. “The Park of Emotions” could be considered a useful serious game that affects personal, emotional, and social factors.
Efficient Solution Resilient to Noise and Anchor Position Error for Joint Localization and Synchronization Using One-Way Sequential TOAs
Authors: Zhang Shuyi , Xu Yihuai , Tang Beichuan , Yang Yanbing , Sun Yimao
Published: July 2024

Joint localization and synchronization (JLAS) is a technology that simultaneously determines the spatial locations of user nodes and synchronizes the clocks between user nodes (UNs) and anchor nodes (ANs). This technology is crucial for various applications in wireless sensor networks. Existing solutions for JLAS are either computationally demanding or not resilient to noise. This paper addresses the challenge of localizing and synchronizing a mobile user node in broadcast-based JLAS systems using sequential one-way time-of-arrival (TOA) measurements. The AN position uncertainty is considered along with clock offset and skew. Two redundant variables that couple the unknowns are introduced to pseudo-linearize the measurement equation. In projecting the equation to the nullspace spanned by the coefficients of the redundant variables, the affection of them can be eliminated. While the closed-form projection solution provides an initial point for iteration, it is suboptimal and may not achieve the Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB) when noise or AN position error is relatively large. To improve performance, we propose a novel robust iterative solution (RIS) formulated through factor graphs and developed via message passing. The RIS outperforms the common Gauss–Newton iteration, especially in high-noise scenarios. It exhibits a lower root mean-square error (RMSE) and a higher probability of converging to the optimal solution, while maintaining manageable computational complexity. Both analytical results and numerical simulations validate the superiority of the proposed solution in terms of performance, resilience, and computational load.
Holistic Testing and Characterization of Commercial 18650 Lithium-Ion Cells
Authors: Zatta Nicolò , De Cesaro Bernardo , Dal Cin Enrico , Carraro Gianluca , Cristofoli Giovanni , Trovò Andrea , Lazzaretto Andrea , Guarnieri Massimo
Published: July 2024

Reduced-order electrothermal models play a key role in the design and control of lithium-ion cell stacks, calling for accurate model parameter calibration. This paper presents a complete electrical and thermal experimental characterization procedure for the coupled modeling of cylindrical lithium-ion cells in order to implement them in a prototype Formula SAE hybrid racing car. The main goal of the tests is to determine how the cell capacity varies with the temperature and the discharge current to predict the open-circuit voltage of the cell and its entropic component. A simple approach for the characterization of the battery equivalent electrical circuit and a two-step thermal characterization method are also shown. The investigations are carried out on four commercial 18650 NMC lithium cells. The model was shown to predict the battery voltage with an RMS error lower than 20 mV and the temperature with an RMS error equal to 0.5 °C. The authors hope that this manuscript can contribute to the development of standardized characterization techniques for such cells while offering experimental data and validated models that can be used by researchers and BMS designers in different applications.
Innovative Green Tea Mate: Physicochemical Profile and Sensory Aspects
Authors: Ollani Selene , Lo Presti Caterina , Donno Dario , Stura Ilaria , Giuggioli Nicole Roberta , Peano Cristiana
Published: July 2024

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a plant originating from South America. From this plant, mate a drink is produced. Brazil is the first mate producer in the world. The diffusion of mate is mainly limited to the native regions of South America, as it is consumed with cuia and bombilla. Trying to expand mate culture and export it towards Europe makes it necessary to offer this drink in a new guise that sets it apart from traditional preparation patterns. In this instance, the introduction of green tea mate may represent a solution. This innovative product comes from I. paraguariensis sprouts, which are further processed and consumed as green tea from Camellia sinensis. The present study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical and nutraceutical characteristics and consumer perceptions towards the visual aspect of the innovative green tea mate (L1, L2, and L3) compared to commercial traditional Brazilian mate (CI and CB) and roasted mate (L). Moreover, a preliminary sensory evaluation with untrained panellists was carried out. Significant results were detected, highlighting the higher content of bioactive compounds in the innovative product. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) almost doubled in green tea mate (L1 117.14 mg GAE/g d.p., L2 128.10 mg GAE/g d.p., L3 126.21 mg GAE/g d.p.) compared to the other samples (CI 71.91 mg GAE/g d.p., CB 54.23 mg GAE/g d.p., L 34.16 mg GAE/g d.p.) (p < 0.05). Considering caffeine, batches L1 and L3 had a content of 3.68 mg/g d.p. and 3.58 mg/g d.p., respectively, significantly higher when compared to the amount retrieved in the CB sample, 1.57 mg/g d.p. (p < 0.05). The consumer survey demonstrated the interest of consumers towards the new product, as it was perceived similar to more commonly consumed teas, while from a sensory point of view, a vegetal and hay flavour were more defining for the product.
Causal Effects and Immune Cell Mediators of Prescription Analgesic Use and Risk of Liver Cancer and Precancerosis in European Population: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Tao Xuewen , Mao Shuai , Wang Jincheng , Li Guoqiang , Sun Beicheng
Published: July 2024

Diverse clinical observations and basic studies have been conducted to explore the implications of analgesic medications in liver diseases. However, the direct causal relationship between prescription analgesic use (PAU) and the risk of liver cancer and precancerosis remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to reveal the conceivable causal effect of PAU on liver cancer and precancerosis, with immune cells as mediating factors. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to ascertain the causality of PAU on liver cancer and precancerosis. Sensitivity analysis approaches were employed to assess the heterogeneity and pleiotropy of results. Our findings revealed a causal correlation between different PAUs and the risk of liver cancer and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Specifically, salicylic acid derivatives (SADs) and anilide medications were found to have a protective effect on liver cancer. And non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anilide medications showed a causal impact on ALD. Finally, mediation analyses found that anilide medications influence liver cancer through different immune cell phenotypes. Our research provides new genetic evidence for the causal impact of PAU on liver cancer and precancerosis, with the mediating role of immune cells demonstrated, offering a valuable foundation for researching analgesic medications in liver cancer and precancerosis treatment.
Role of ncRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Al-Haidose Amal , Hassan Sondoss , Elhassan Mahmoud , Ahmed Eiman , Al-Riashi Abdulla , Alharbi Yazeed M. , Ghunaim Monther , Alhejaili Talal , Abdallah Atiyeh M.
Published: July 2024

Sjögren’s syndrome is a multisystemic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the exocrine glands, causing dryness of the eyes and the mouth as the principal symptoms. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), once regarded as genomic “junk”, are now appreciated as important molecular regulators of gene expression, not least in Sjögren’s syndrome and other autoimmune diseases. Here we review research into the causative roles of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) on immunological responses, inflammation, and salivary gland epithelial cell function in Sjögren’s syndrome patients. These ncRNAs represent promising new therapeutic targets for treating the disease and possibly as biomarkers for early diagnosis.
Can We Go beyond Pathology? The Prognostic Role of Risk Scoring Tools for Cancer-Specific Survival of Patients with Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Ślusarczyk Aleksander , Wolański Rafał , Miłow Jerzy , Piekarczyk Hanna , Lipiński Piotr , Zapała Piotr , Niemczyk Grzegorz , Kurzyna Paweł , Wróbel Andrzej , Różański Waldemar , Radziszewski Piotr , Zapała Łukasz
Published: July 2024

Radical cystectomy (RC) remains a mainstay surgical treatment for non-metastatic muscle-invasive and BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer. Various perioperative scoring tools assess comorbidity burden, complication risks, and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) risk. We investigated the prognostic value of these scores in patients who underwent RC between 2015 and 2021. Cox proportional hazards were used in survival analyses. Risk models’ accuracy was assessed with the concordance index (C-index) and area under the curve. Among 215 included RC patients, 63 (29.3%) died, including 53 (24.7%) cancer-specific deaths, with a median follow-up of 39 months. The AJCC system, COBRA score, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) predicted CSM with low accuracy (C-index: 0.66, 0.65; 0.59, respectively). Multivariable Cox regression identified the AJCC system and CCI > 5 as significant CSM predictors. Additional factors included the extent of lymph node dissection, histology, smoking, presence of concomitant CIS, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and model accuracy was high (C-index: 0.80). The internal validation of the model with bootstrap samples revealed its slight optimism of 0.06. In conclusion, the accuracy of the AJCC staging system in the prediction of CSM is low and can be improved with the inclusion of other pathological data, CCI, smoking history and inflammatory indices.
Immunoexpression Patterns of Megalin, Cubilin, Caveolin-1, Gipc1 and Dab2IP in the Embryonic and Postnatal Development of the Kidneys in Yotari (Dab1−/−) Mice
Authors: Žužul Sani , Kelam Nela , Racetin Anita , Kovačević Petra , Konjevoda Suzana , Filipović Natalija , Pavlović Nikola , Vukojević Katarina
Published: July 2024

Our study examines the immunoexpression patterns of Megalin, Cubilin, Caveolin-1, Gipc1 and Dab2IP in the embryonic development (E) and postnatal (P) mouse kidney, with a focus on differentiating patterns between wild-type (wt) and yotari, Dab1−/− (yot) mice. Immunofluorescence revealed raised immunoexpression of receptors Megalin and Cubilin at the ampulla/collecting ducts and convoluted tubules across all developmental stages, with the most prominent immunoexpression observed in the convoluted tubules and the parietal epithelium of the Bowman’s capsule. Quantitative analysis showed a higher percentage of Megalin and Cubilin in wt compared to yot mice at E13.5. Co-expression of Megalin and Cubilin was observed at the apical membrane of convoluted tubules and the parietal layer of the Bowman’s capsule. The staining intensity of Megalin varied across developmental stages, with the strongest reactivity observed at the ampulla and collecting ducts at embryonic day (E) 13.5 in wt mice. In contrast, Caveolin-1 exhibited high immunoexpression in the metanephric mesenchyme, blood vessels, and the border area between the metanephric mesenchyme and renal vesicle, with a decrease in immunoexpression as development progressed. Gipc1 showed diffuse cytoplasmic staining in metanephric mesenchyme, convoluted tubules and collecting ducts, with significant differences in immunoexpression between wild-type and yot mice at both investigated embryonic time points. Dab2IP immunofluorescent staining was most prominent in renal vesicle/glomeruli and ampulla/collecting ducts at E13.5, with mild staining intensity observed in the distal convoluted tubules postnatally. Our findings elucidate distinct immunoexpression of patterns and potential parts of these proteins in the development and function of the kidney, highlighting the importance of further investigation into their regulatory mechanisms.
The Clinical Significance and Application of Heart Rate Variability in Dialysis Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Jhen Rong-Na , Wang Ping-Chen , Chang Yu-Ming , Kao Jsun-Liang , Wu Eric Chien-Hwa , Shiao Chih-Chung
Published: July 2024

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is prevalent in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients, carrying significant risks for morbidity and mortality. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a simple and non-invasive method to evaluate ANS functions and predict prognoses in specific patient populations. Since there is a lack of a clear understanding of the clinical significance of HRV in predicting prognoses in ESKD patients, an updated review on this topic is urgently warranted. The clinical significance of HRV in dialysis patients includes its associations with metabolic syndrome, nutritional status, intradialytic hypotension, vascular access failure, major adverse cardiovascular events, and mortality. These findings underscore the essential role of the autonomic reserve, which might denote the elevation of ANS activity as a response to external stimulus. Patients with a higher level of sympathetic activity at the resting stage, but who are unable to adequately elevate their sympathetic activity under stress might be susceptible to a worse outcome in critical circumstances. Further applications of HRV include HRV biofeedback, risk classification, and real-time HRV monitoring. Overall, HRV is an optimal tool for predicting prognoses in dialysis patients. Further study is encouraged in order to gain a clearer understanding of the clinical significance and application of HRV, and thereby enhance the care of ESKD patients.
One-Step Formation Method of Plasmid DNA-Loaded, Extracellular Vesicles-Mimicking Lipid Nanoparticles Based on Nucleic Acids Dilution-Induced Assembly
Authors: Okami Kazuya , Fumoto Shintaro , Yamashita Mana , Nakashima Moe , Miyamoto Hirotaka , Kawakami Shigeru , Nishida Koyo
Published: July 2024

We propose a nucleic acids dilution-induced assembly (NADIA) method for the preparation of lipid nanoparticles. In the conventional method, water-soluble polymers such as nucleic acids and proteins are mixed in the aqueous phase. In contrast, the NADIA method, in which self-assembly is triggered upon dilution, requires dispersion in an alcohol phase without precipitation. We then investigated several alcohols and discovered that propylene glycol combined with sodium chloride enabled the dispersion of plasmid DNA and protamine sulfate in the alcohol phase. The streamlined characteristics of the NADIA method enable the preparation of extracellular vesicles-mimicking lipid nanoparticles (ELNPs). Among the mixing methods using a micropipette, a syringe pump, and a microfluidic device, the lattermost was the best for decreasing batch-to-batch differences in size, polydispersity index, and transfection efficiency in HepG2 cells. Although ELNPs possessed negative ζ-potentials and did not have surface antigens, their transfection efficiency was comparable to that of cationic lipoplexes. We observed that lipid raft-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis contributed to the transfection of ELNPs. Our strategy may overcome the hurdles linked to supply and quality owing to the low abundance and heterogeneity in cell-based extracellular vesicles production, making it a reliable and scalable method for the pharmaceutical manufacture of such complex formulations.
Organelle Targeting Self-Assembled Fluorescent Probe for Anticancer Treatment
Authors: Hasan Md Sajid , Kim Sangpil , Lim Chaelyeong , Lee Jaeeun , Seu Min-Seok , Ryu Ja-Hyoung
Published: July 2024

Organic fluorescent probes have attracted attention for bioimaging due to their advantages, including high sensitivity, biocompatibility, and multi-functionality. However, some limitations related to low signal-to-background ratio and false positive and negative signals make them difficult for in situ target detection. Recently, organelle targeting self-assembled fluorescent probes have been studied to meet this demand. Most of the dye molecules suffer from a quenching effect, but, specifically, some dyes like Pyrene, Near-Infrared (NIR), Nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD), Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), Naphthalenediimides (NDI), and Aggregation induced emission (AIE) show unique characteristics when they undergo self-assembly or aggregation. Therefore, in this review, we classified the molecules according to the dye type and provided an overview of the organelle-targeting strategy with an emphasis on the construction of fluorescent nanostructures within complex cellular environments. Results demonstrated that fluorescent probes effectively target and localized inside the organelles (mitochondria, lysosome, and golgi body) and undergo self-assembly to form various nanostructures that possess bio-functionality with long retention time, organelles membrane disruption/ROS generation/enzyme activity suppression ability, and enhanced photodynamic properties for anticancer treatment. Furthermore, we systematically discussed the challenges that remain to be resolved for the high performance of these probes and mentioned some of the future directions for the design of molecules.
Sustainable Dynamic Wrinkle Efficacy: Non-Invasive Peptides as the Future of Botox Alternatives
Authors: Nguyen Trang Thi Minh , Yi Eun-Ji , Jin Xiangji , Zheng Qiwen , Park Se-Jig , Yi Gyeong-Seon , Yang Su-Jin , Yi Tae-Hoo
Published: July 2024

Dynamic wrinkle reduction continues to challenge aesthetic dermatology, predominantly addressed through Botulinumtoxin (Botox) injections. Despite Botox’s robust efficacy with up to an 80% reduction in wrinkle visibility within just one week, its invasive administration and specific mechanism of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex inhibition prompt the exploration of safer, non-invasive alternatives. This review critically assesses recent innovations in non-invasive effects, with a focus on peptides and botanical extracts that exhibit a diverse array of mechanisms including SNARE complex inhibition, modulation of calcium and sodium channels, and interactions with acetylcholine receptors, contributing to their effectiveness in muscle relaxation on dynamic wrinkle approaches. Noteworthy peptides such as Argireline and SYN-Ake replicate the neuromodulatory effects of Botox, achieving up to a 52% reduction in wrinkles within four weeks without injections. Moreover, botanical extracts meet the rising demand for clean beauty solutions by enhancing skin elasticity and health through gentle yet potent mechanisms. However, the main concern with peptides is their low absorption rate, with only six clinical validations regarding Botox-like peptide anti-wrinkle efficacy available. These advancements not only deepen our understanding of cosmetic dermatology but also significantly influence market dynamics and consumer behavior, underscoring their pivotal role in redefining the future landscape of anti-aging effects.
Age and Growth of Mitre Squid (Uroteuthis chinensis) in the Northwestern South China Sea Based on Statolith Microstructure Analysis
Authors: Liu Dan , Zhang Chi , Guo Jianzhong , Wang Haozhan , Pang Yumeng , Tian Yongjun
Published: July 2024

The mitre squid Uroteuthis chinensis is distributed widely in the Chinese coastal areas and contributes to the majority of the Chinese neritic squid fishery, especially in the South China Sea. However, little has been investigated about its life history traits, despite its commercial importance. In this study, using samples of U. chinensis collected through bottom trawlers from December 2019 to March 2021 in the northwestern South China Sea, biological traits including hatching date, growth pattern and dorsal mantle length at maturity of male individuals were explored by age determination based on statolith microstructure analysis. The results indicated that the U. chinensis showed a year-round spawning pattern with three main cohorts (spring, summer and autumn) that can be identified according to their hatching season. The range of the dorsal mantle length (DML) was 117–259 mm for females and 70–312 for males, and the body weight ranged from 55.1 to 480.5 g for females and from 19.3 to 560.2 g for males; the age ranges were estimated between 82 and 173 days for females and between 76 and 175 days for males. As for the length–weight relationship, males possessed a larger mantle length than females, while the body weight of females increased more compared to males at the same mantle length. The population recruits to the fishing ground, with individuals reaching sexual maturity at around 3 months, and the lifespan is less than 200 days. The growth model is well described by the exponential equation, which revealed that spring and autumn cohorts showed a higher growth rate than summer cohorts. As for male individuals, the smallest dorsal mantle length at maturity (DML50%) was recorded in the spring cohort (DML50% = 116 mm) compared with the summer (DML50% = 129 mm) and autumn cohorts (DML50% = 149 mm). This study provides key and updated fishery biological information of U. chinensis in the South China Sea and contributes to the understanding of U. chinensis resources.
The Correlation between Oral Health and Air Pollution: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sinjari Bruna , Santilli Manlio , Di Carlo Piero , Aruffo Eleonora , Caputi Sergio
Published: July 2024

This systematic review assessed to evaluate the potential correlation between oral health and air pollution. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic review endeavoring to compare air pollution and oral health. A systematic search was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) statement and employed the PICO(S) approach (Patient or Population, Intervention, Control or Comparison, Outcome, and Study types). The search was limited to English-language articles, and publications within a 15-year timeframe were included in the electronic search. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases, spanning the years 2008 to 2023, resulting in a total of 4983 scientific articles. A final selection of 11 scientific papers was made based on their study type and the specific air pollutants examined. The selected papers analyzed various air pollutants associated with health-related diseases, including Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide, Nitrogen Monoxide, Carbon Monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. Three out of eleven of the reviewed studies assert a strong correlation between air pollutants and oral diseases, specifically periodontitis. However, the exact biological mechanisms underlying this correlation do not seem to be fully understood, indicating the need for further comprehensive investigation in this regard. Dentists can contribute to the collective effort by educating their patients about the oral health implications of air pollution, thereby supporting initiatives aimed at promoting environmental and health sustainability.
BPT-PLR: A Balanced Partitioning and Training Framework with Pseudo-Label Relaxed Contrastive Loss for Noisy Label Learning
Authors: Zhang Qian , Jin Ge , Zhu Yi , Wei Hongjian , Chen Qiu
Published: July 2024

While collecting training data, even with the manual verification of experts from crowdsourcing platforms, eliminating incorrect annotations (noisy labels) completely is difficult and expensive. In dealing with datasets that contain noisy labels, over-parameterized deep neural networks (DNNs) tend to overfit, leading to poor generalization and classification performance. As a result, noisy label learning (NLL) has received significant attention in recent years. Existing research shows that although DNNs eventually fit all training data, they first prioritize fitting clean samples, then gradually overfit to noisy samples. Mainstream methods utilize this characteristic to divide training data but face two issues: class imbalance in the segmented data subsets and the optimization conflict between unsupervised contrastive representation learning and supervised learning. To address these issues, we propose a Balanced Partitioning and Training framework with Pseudo-Label Relaxed contrastive loss called BPT-PLR, which includes two crucial processes: a balanced partitioning process with a two-dimensional Gaussian mixture model (BP-GMM) and a semi-supervised oversampling training process with a pseudo-label relaxed contrastive loss (SSO-PLR). The former utilizes both semantic feature information and model prediction results to identify noisy labels, introducing a balancing strategy to maintain class balance in the divided subsets as much as possible. The latter adopts the latest pseudo-label relaxed contrastive loss to replace unsupervised contrastive loss, reducing optimization conflicts between semi-supervised and unsupervised contrastive losses to improve performance. We validate the effectiveness of BPT-PLR on four benchmark datasets in the NLL field: CIFAR-10/100, Animal-10N, and Clothing1M. Extensive experiments comparing with state-of-the-art methods demonstrate that BPT-PLR can achieve optimal or near-optimal performance.