bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulated Climate Change Impacts on Corn and Soybean Yields in Buchanan County, Iowa
Authors: Osei Edward , Jafri Syed H. , Saleh Ali , Gassman Philip W. , Gallego Oscar
Published: January 2023

Projections of climate patterns through the end of the 21st century indicate varying impacts across the U.S. However, a common thread of these projections calls for increasing atmospheric temperatures in every region, some more pronounced than others. The significance of these projections for corn and soybean production cannot be overestimated. This study contributes to our understanding of climate change impacts on production and farm revenues by projecting their impacts on corn and soybean yields in Buchanan County, Iowa, a county in the center of the Corn Belt. Projections indicate that as atmospheric temperatures rise and precipitation levels vary markedly, the result is a significant decline in corn and soybean yields, the latter to a lesser extent, as compared to long-term yield trends. Depending upon the climate change scenario that will materialize, corn yields are projected to decline by up to 29%, while soybean yields are projected to decline by up to 24% from their normal upward trends by the year 2100. Due to the long-term upward trends in yields, corn and soybean yields will increase in absolute terms by the end of the century. Depending upon the climate change scenario, actual corn and soybean yields will increase by 30 to 57% and 30 to 66%, respectively, by the end of the 21st century, significantly less than they would have in the absence of these climate projections.
Subcellular Responses and Avoidance Behavior in Earthworm Eisenia andrei Exposed to Pesticides in the Artificial Soil
Authors: Lackmann Carina , Šimić Antonio , Ečimović Sandra , Mikuška Alma , Seiler Thomas-Benjamin , Hollert Henner , Velki Mirna
Published: January 2023

Earthworms are key organisms of the soil ecosystem and bioindicators for soil quality. While pesticides are used for the improvement of crop yields, they also present a burden for soil organisms. To understand the complex effects of pesticides on soil organisms, it is important to test these effects in soil exposures to include influences of the soil matrix on the toxicity. Therefore, the aim of this study was the assessment of the effects pesticides on earthworm Eisenia andrei. In an initial screening, active ingredients and commercial preparations were tested for comparison. Since the commercial preparations showed a higher toxicity, all further investigations (biomarkers, multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) activity, and avoidance behavior) were performed using the commercial pesticide formulations only: Sumialfa (esfenvalerate), Calypso (thiacloprid), Frontier (dimethenamid-p), and Filon (prosulfocarb). Significant differences in avoidance behavior were observed for Filon and Frontier. All pesticides inhibited the MXR activity and affected oxidative stress-related markers. Frontier was the only pesticide that did not affect enzymatic biomarkers related to neurotransmission. The results show the potential hazards associated with the usage of the tested pesticides and the importance of evaluating the effects of commercial pesticide preparations for a more realistic insight into the adverse effects on the environment.
Composition of Strawberry Flower Volatiles and Their Effects on Behavior of Strawberry Pollinators, Bombus terrestris and Apis mellifera
Authors: Liu Jinjia , Chen Min , Ma Weihua , Zheng Lifang , Zhang Bing , Zhao Huiting , Jiang Yusuo
Published: January 2023

Strawberries are popular fruits around the world, and their yield and fruit quality rely on pollination by honey bees and bumblebee colonies. Both bee species have their own advantages in strawberry pollination. This study investigates the characteristic of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa ‘Red Face’) flower volatiles and their effects on bee pollinators by (1) detecting the volatile compounds of strawberry flowers by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), (2) determining whether Bombus terrestris or Apis mellifera showed antennae responses to certain compounds of strawberry flower volatiles by an electroantennography test (EAG), and (3) testing whether these compounds could elicit a corresponding behavioral response in bees. The results showed that (1) there were 38 chemical compounds in ‘Red Face’ volatiles with 7 types, most of which were known to be generally emitted by flowers but also have some compounds that have not been reported in strawberry flowers; (2) B. terrestris and A. mellifera had strong EAG responses to several compounds, respectively, especially to ethyl benzoate, (Z)-3-hexenyl propionate, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, benzeneacetaldehyde and melonal; and (3) both bee species showed significant avoidance behaviors to four tested compounds, especially the B. terrestris. Flower volatiles of strawberry ‘Red face’ were different from other strawberry varieties that have been reported; some of these electrophysiologically active compounds could cause antennal potential responses in bees, as well as behavioral responses. Our study supports the idea that strawberry flower volatiles are one of the factors influencing bee foraging decisions and provides a reference for formulating more reasonable bee pollination to improve strawberry fruit quality.
The Impact of Care Bundles on Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Prevention in Adult ICUs: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mastrogianni Maria , Katsoulas Theodoros , Galanis Petros , Korompeli Anna , Myrianthefs Pavlos
Published: January 2023

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a common risk in mechanically ventilated patients. Different care bundles have been proposed to succeed VAP reduction. We aimed to identify the combined interventions that have been used to by ICUs worldwide from the implementation of “Institute for Healthcare Improvement Ventilator Bundle”, i.e., from December 2004. A search was performed on the PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct databases. Finally, 38 studies met our inclusion criteria. The most common interventions monitored in the care bundles were sedation and weaning protocols, semi-recumbent positioning, oral and hand hygiene, peptic ulcer disease and deep venus thrombosis prophylaxis, subglottic suctioning, and cuff pressure control. Head-of-bed elevation was implemented by almost all studies, followed by oral hygiene, which was the second extensively used intervention. Four studies indicated a low VAP reduction, while 22 studies found an over 36% VAP decline, and in ten of them, the decrease was over 65%. Four of these studies indicated zero or nearly zero after intervention VAP rates. The studies with the highest VAP reduction adopted the “IHI Ventilator Bundle” combined with adequate endotracheal tube cuff pressure and subglottic suctioning. Multifaced techniques can lead to VAP reduction at a great extent. Multidisciplinary measures combined with long-lasting education programs and measurement of bundle’s compliance should be the gold standard combination.
Klebsiella pneumonia in Sudan: Multidrug Resistance, Polyclonal Dissemination, and Virulence
Authors: Osman Einas A. , Yokoyama Maho , Altayb Hisham N. , Cantillon Daire , Wille Julia , Seifert Harald , Higgins Paul G. , Al-Hassan Leena
Published: January 2023

The emergence and global expansion of hyper-virulent and multidrug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae is an increasing healthcare threat worldwide. The epidemiology of MDR K. pneumoniae is under-characterized in many parts of the world, particularly Africa. In this study, K. pneumoniae isolates from hospitals in Khartoum, Sudan, have been whole-genome sequenced to investigate their molecular epidemiology, virulence, and resistome profiles. Eighty-six K. pneumoniae were recovered from patients in five hospitals in Khartoum between 2016 and 2020. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by disk-diffusion and broth microdilution. All isolates underwent whole genome sequencing using Illumina MiSeq; cgMLST was determined using Ridom SeqSphere+, and 7-loci MLST virulence genes and resistomes were identified. MDR was observed at 80%, with 35 isolates (41%) confirmed carbapenem-resistant. Thirty-seven sequence types were identified, and 14 transmission clusters (TC). Five of these TCs involved more than one hospital. Ybt9 was the most common virulence gene detected, in addition to some isolates harbouring iuc and rmp1. There is a diverse population of K. pneumoniae in Khartoum hospitals, harbouring multiple resistance genes, including genes coding for ESBLs, carbapenemases, and aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes, across multiple ST’s. The majority of isolates were singletons and transmissions were rare.
Klotho, Oxidative Stress, and Mitochondrial Damage in Kidney Disease
Authors: Donate-Correa Javier , Martín-Carro Beatriz , Cannata-Andía Jorge B. , Mora-Fernández Carmen , Navarro-González Juan F.
Published: January 2023

Reducing oxidative stress stands at the center of a prevention and control strategy for mitigating cellular senescence and aging. Kidney disease is characterized by a premature aging syndrome, and to find a modulator targeting against oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular senescence in kidney cells could be of great significance to prevent and control the progression of this disease. This review focuses on the pathogenic mechanisms related to the appearance of oxidative stress damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney disease. In this scenario, the anti-aging Klotho protein plays a crucial role by modulating signaling pathways involving the manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and the transcription factors FoxO and Nrf2, known antioxidant systems, and other known mitochondrial function regulators, such as mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2), Wnt/β-catenin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1 alpha), transcription factor EB, (TFEB), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma). Therefore, Klotho is postulated as a very promising new target for future therapeutic strategies against oxidative stress, mitochondria abnormalities, and cellular senescence in kidney disease patients.
Enhancement of Lipid Stability and Acceptability of Canned Seafood by Addition of Natural Antioxidant Compounds to the Packing Medium—A Review
Authors: Aubourg Santiago P.
Published: January 2023

Seafoods are known to include high contents of valuable constituents. However, they are reported to be highly perishable products, whose quality rapidly declines post-mortem, thus demanding efficient processing and storage. Among the traditional technologies, canning represents one of the most important means of marine species preservation. However, owing to the thermal sensitivity of the chemical constituents of marine species, remarkable degradative mechanisms can be produced and lead to important quality losses. The demand for better quality food makes the need for advanced preservation techniques a topic to be addressed continually in the case of seafood. One such strategy is the employment of preservative compounds obtained from natural resources. The current review provides an overview of the research carried out concerning the effect of the addition of bioactive compounds to the packing medium on the thermal stability of canned seafood. This review addresses the preservative effect of polyphenol-rich oils (i.e., extra virgin olive oil) and different kinds of products or extracts obtained from plants, algae and seafood by-products. In agreement with the great incidence of lipid damage on the nutritional and acceptability values during high-temperature seafood processing, this work is especially focussed on the inhibitory effect of lipid oxidation development.
Comparative Analysis of the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antibacterial, Cytoprotective Potential and Metabolite Profile of Two Endophytic Penicillium spp.
Authors: Naveen Kumar Vishven , Saravanakumar Kandasamy , Sathiyaseelan Anbazhagan , Wang Myeong-Hyeon
Published: January 2023

The current study assessed the metabolite abundance, alpha (α)-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of endophytic Penicillium lanosum (PL) and Penicillium radiatolobatum (PR). A higher extract yield was found in EAE-PR with a total phenolic content of 119.87 ± 3.74 mg of GAE/g DW and a total flavonoid content of 16.26 ± 1.95 mg of QE/g DW. The EAE-PR inhibited α-amylase and scavenged ABTS+ radicals with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 362.5 and 37.5 µg/mL, respectively. Compared with EAE-PL, EAE-PR exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Treatment with EAE-PR (1000 µg/mL) did not cause significant toxicity in the HEK-293 cell line compared to the control cells (p < 0.05). EAE-PR treatments (250–1000 µg/mL) showed higher cytoprotective effects toward H2O2-stressed HEK-293 cells compared with ascorbic acid (AA). The UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of thiophene A (C13H8S), limonene (C10H16), and phenylacetic acid (C8H8O2) in EAE-PR. Furthermore, these compounds demonstrated substantial interactions with diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), oxidative stress (NADPH-oxidase), and bacteria (D-alanine D-alanine ligase)-related enzymes/proteins evidenced in silico molecular docking analysis.
Zinc Protoporphyrin-9 Potentiates the Anticancer Activity of Dihydroartemisinin
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Xu , Zhou Bing
Published: January 2023

Besides the clinically proven superior antimalarial activity, artemisinins (ARTs) are also associated with anticancer properties, albeit at much lower potency. Iron and heme have been proposed as possible activators of ARTs against cancer cells. Here we show that zinc protoporphyrin-9 (ZnPPIX), a heme homolog and a natural metabolite for heme synthesis during iron insufficiency, greatly enhanced the anticancer activity of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in multiple cell lines. Using melanoma B16 and breast cancer 4T1 cells, we demonstrated ZnPPIX dramatically elevated intracellular free heme levels, accompanied by heightened reactive oxidative species (ROS) production. The tumor-suppression activity of ZnPPIX and DHA is mitigated by antioxidant vitamin E or membrane oxidation protectant ferrostatin. In vivo xenograft animal models confirmed that ZnPPIX significantly potentiated the tumor-inhibition capability of DHA while posing no apparent toxicity to the mice. The proliferating index and growth of tumors after the combinatory treatment of DHA and ZnPPIX were evidently reduced. Considering the clinical safety profiles of both DHA and ZnPPIX, their action synergy offers a promising strategy to improve the application of ARTs in our fight against cancer.
Impact of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle Respiration, Antioxidants, and the Muscle Proteome in Thoroughbred Horses
Authors: Henry Marisa L. , Wesolowski Lauren T. , Pagan Joe D. , Simons Jessica L. , Valberg Stephanie J. , White-Springer Sarah H.
Published: January 2023

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transfer system and a potent antioxidant. The impact of CoQ10 supplementation on mitochondrial capacities and the muscle proteome is largely unknown. This study determined the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on muscle CoQ10 concentrations, antioxidant balance, the proteome, and mitochondrial respiratory capacities. In a randomized cross-over design, six Thoroughbred horses received 1600 mg/d CoQ10 or no supplement (control) for 30-d periods separated by a 60-d washout. Muscle samples were taken at the end of each period. Muscle CoQ10 and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were determined using mass spectrometry, antioxidant activities by fluorometry, mitochondrial enzyme activities and oxidative stress by colorimetry, and mitochondrial respiratory capacities by high-resolution respirometry. Data were analyzed using mixed linear models with period, supplementation, and period × supplementation as fixed effects and horse as a repeated effect. Proteomics was performed by tandem mass tag 11-plex analysis and permutation testing with FDR < 0.05. Concentrations of muscle CoQ10 (p = 0.07), GSH (p = 0.75), and malondialdehyde (p = 0.47), as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (p = 0.16) and catalase (p = 0.66), did not differ, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity (p = 0.003) was lower when horses received CoQ10 compared to no supplement. Intrinsic (relative to citrate synthase activity) electron transfer capacity with complex II (ECII) was greater, and the contribution of complex I to maximal electron transfer capacity (FCRPCI and FCRPCIG) was lower when horses received CoQ10 with no impact of CoQ10 on mitochondrial volume density. Decreased expression of subunits in complexes I, III, and IV, as well as tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) enzymes, was noted in proteomics when horses received CoQ10. We conclude that with CoQ10 supplementation, decreased expression of TCA cycle enzymes that produce NADH and complex I subunits, which utilize NADH together with enhanced electron transfer capacity via complex II, supports an enhanced reliance on substrates supplying complex II during mitochondrial respiration.
Mediterranean Diet and Melatonin: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grao-Cruces Elena , Calvo Juan Ramon , Maldonado-Aibar Maria Dolores , Millan-Linares Maria del Carmen , Montserrat-de la Paz Sergio
Published: January 2023

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has beneficial effects on human health, which is evidenced by the observation of lower incidence rates of chronic diseases in Mediterranean countries. The MD dietary pattern is rich in antioxidants, such as melatonin, which is a hormone produced mainly by the pineal gland and controls several circadian rhythms. Additionally, melatonin is found in foods, such as fruit and vegetables. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the melatonin content in Mediterranean foods and to evaluate the influence of the MD on melatonin levels in both humans and model organisms. A comprehensive search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and data were extracted. A total of 31 records were chosen. MD-related foods, such as tomatoes, olive oil, red wine, beer, nuts, and vegetables, showed high melatonin contents. The consumption of specific MD foods increases melatonin levels and improves the antioxidant status in plasma.
Novel Design Method in Wireless Charger for SS Topology with Current/Voltage Self-Limitation Function
Authors: Jo Seungjin , Shin Chang-Su , Kim Dong-Hee
Published: January 2023

This study proposes a novel wireless power transfer (WPT) resonance compensation design method based on the SS topology with a self-limitation function that achieves fault tolerance without additional components when the secondary circuit is in a short and open state. Conventionally, WPT compensation topologies have constant current (CC) or constant voltage (CV) output characteristics. The CC and CV characteristics can lead to overvoltage and overcurrent, respectively. Several control systems have been proposed to counter this issue; however, they tend to increase the cost and weight of the system. The proposed topology has a self-limitation function that limits the voltage–ampere output. Here, the wireless charging system was designed after the parameters were obtained using the proposed analysis. The performance of the proposed design was verified by configuring a 400 W experimental prototype and comparing it with the conventional series–series (SS) topology. Experimental results indicated that the system could effectively limit the output voltage and current resulting from open-or short-circuit states.
A Two-Phase Ensemble-Based Method for Predicting Learners’ Grade in MOOCs
Authors: Wunnasri Warunya , Musikawan Pakarat , So-In Chakchai
Published: January 2023

MOOCs are online learning environments which many students use, but the success rate of online learning is low. Machine learning can be used to predict learning success based on how people learn in MOOCs. Predicting the learning performance can promote learning through various methods, such as identifying low-performance students or by grouping students together. Recent machine learning has enabled the development of predictive models, and the ensemble method can assist in reducing the variance and bias errors associated with single-machine learning. This study uses a two-phase classification model with an ensemble technique to predict the learners’ grades. In the first phase, binary classification is used, and the non-majority class is then sent to the second phase, which is multi-class classification. The new features are computed based on the distance from the class’s center. The distance between the data and the center of an overlapping cluster is calculated using silhouette score-based feature selection. Lastly, Bayesian optimization boosts the performance by fine tuning the optimal parameter set. Using data from the HMPC- and the CNPC datasets, the experiment results demonstrate that the proposed design, the two-phase ensemble-based method, outperforms the state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms.
Detection of Periapical Lesions on Panoramic Radiographs Using Deep Learning
Authors: Ba-Hattab Raidan , Barhom Noha , Osman Safa , Naceur Iheb , Odeh Aseel , Asad Arisha , Al-Najdi Shahd , Ameri Ehsan , Daer Ammar , Silva Renan , Costa Claudio , Cortes Arthur , Tamimi Faleh
Published: January 2023

Dentists could fail to notice periapical lesions (PLs) while examining panoramic radiographs. Accordingly, this study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) designed to address this problem. Materials and methods: a total of 18618 periapical root areas (PRA) on 713 panoramic radiographs were annotated and classified as having or not having PLs. An AI model consisting of two convolutional neural networks (CNNs), a detector and a classifier, was trained on the images. The detector localized PRAs using a bounding-box-based object detection model, while the classifier classified the extracted PRAs as PL or not-PL using a fine-tuned CNN. The classifier was trained and validated on a balanced subset of the original dataset that included 3249 PRAs, and tested on 707 PRAs. Results: the detector achieved an average precision of 74.95%, while the classifier accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 84%, 81% and 86%, respectively. When integrating both detection and classification models, the proposed method accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 84.6%, 72.2%, and 85.6%, respectively. Conclusion: a two-stage CNN model consisting of a detector and a classifier can successfully detect periapical lesions on panoramic radiographs.
BBAP-WSN: A New Blockchain-Based Authentication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Dener Murat , Orman Abdullah
Published: January 2023

Wireless Sensor Networks—WSNs, an important part of IoT—consist of sensor nodes with limited processing, memory capacities, and energy. Wireless Sensor Networks face many dangers as they are often distributed into untrusted regions. The accuracy of the data obtained in a WSN, where security threats cannot be prevented, is also questioned. In WSNs, the authentication of the resources and the data can be verified with the authentication mechanism. Authentication in WSNs allows the node to verify whether data have been sent from authorized sources and protects the original data from changes. However, there are some deficiencies in terms of security in existing authentication protocols such as ID spoofing attacks. In addition, blockchain, one of the emerging technologies, gives significant successful results in security applications. Cryptographically secured, immutable, non-repudiable, irrevocable, auditable, and verifiable can be given as security-related characteristics of the blockchain. This study aims to use these features of the blockchain in WSNs. In this study, a new blockchain-based authentication protocol was developed for WSNs. Based on the study’s system model, sensor nodes, cluster nodes, base station, and blockchain networks were created using a private blockchain, and users. A detailed security analysis was carried out for the study. At the same time, efficiency analysis was performed by implementing the proposed model on the WiSeN sensor node.
Evaluating Learner Engagement with Gamification in Online Courses
Authors: Puig Anna , Rodríguez Inmaculada , Rodríguez Álex , Gallego Ianire
Published: January 2023

Several reasons underlie the low retention rates in MOOCs. These reasons can be analysed from different perspectives, either in terms of the course design or the enrolled students. On the student side, we find little social interaction, boredom, tiredness, and a lack of motivation and time. These challenges can be addressed by adaptive gamification that proposes the design of personalised, hedonic learning experiences. Studies to date have adopted either the one-fits-all approach or the adaptive approach. Nevertheless, the adaptive solutions have considered a static player profile throughout the entire experience. This paper presents the design and evaluation of a dynamic adaptive gamification approach which—based on students’ interactions with game elements and also their opinions about these elements—dynamically updates the students’ player profile to better figure out which game elements suit them. We evaluated the engagement of students with gamification elements by means of a course composed of a knowledge "pill" related to the topic of “recycling plastics from the sea”, offered through the nanoMOOCs learning platform. We propose metrics such as the mean number of interactions with the gamification dashboard, the time spent by participants with game elements, and the opinions of students about these elements to compare the Dynamic Adaptive Gamification (DynamicAG) and the Static Adaptive (StaticAG) approaches. An experimental study with 66 high school students showed significant differences between both approaches. Specifically, the DynamicAG group spent twice as much time with the Dashboard than the StaticAG group. Moreover, students in the DynamicAG group were more engaged with game elements (mean number of interactions = 12.13) than those in the StaticAG group (mean number of interactions = 3.21).
Study on Improvement Characteristics of a Novel Geotextile with Stitched Transverse Ribs
Authors: Liu Weichao , Li He , Yang Yan , Xu Peng , Dai Zhengjie , Yang Guangqing , Wang He , Wang Zhijie
Published: January 2023

Geotextile is one of the reinforcement materials adopted in many engineering structures. Conventional geotextiles have a limited reinforcement effect due to the insufficient friction strength between geotextiles and soils. This paper proposes a novel type of geotextile with stitched transverse ribs to improve the reinforcement effect. A series of large-scale direct shear tests have been conducted, and the improvement characteristics between conventional geotextiles, geogrids, and the novel geotextiles have been studied. The results show that the novel stitched transverse rib geotextiles can significantly increase the shear strength compared to conventional geotextiles and geogrids. Moreover, due to the restraint and friction effect of ribs on the soils, the reinforcement effect of the novel geotextile is increased with increasing ribs. Insights from this study can provide a new understanding of the novel stitched transverse ribs geotextile’s reinforcement mechanism in engineering.
Investigation of the Influence of Sublayer Thickness on Pairing of Metallic MEMS Shutter Blades
Authors: Elsaka Basma , Kästner Philipp , Käkel Eireen , Donatiello Roland , Hillmer Hartmut
Published: January 2023

For the 3D self-assembly of microstructures, the net intrinsic stress within a hybrid metal layer stack is utilised to study the dynamics of the pairing of metallic MEMS shutter blades with dimensions of 150 × 400 µm2, representing a highly nonlinear Casimir system. The study focuses on two main geometries: (i) unpaired (freestanding) and (ii) paired metallic Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) shutter blades. The hybrid metal stack comprises three metal layers that are under intrinsic stress, which enables the curling of the freestanding shutter blades. The top aluminum layer thickness is varied systematically, creating tailored stress in the shutter blades, resulting in the freestanding blades curling differently, as well as geometrical changes in the paired shutter blades. Concerning the thickness variations, a large technological processing window has been identified, during which the pairing of the neighbouring shutter blades occurs (the top aluminum layer thickness ranges between 70 and 88 nm). Circles and ellipses have been fitted to micrographs obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). We observed a trend of the reduction of the radius of curvature RoC (ranging between 17 and 79 µm) for the unpaired shutters, and eccentricity (0.36 < ε < 0.67) occurs throughout the system for the paired shutters. Concerning the specific shape of the overlapping region of the two blades of the paired shutters, three pairing scenarios (I, II, and III) have been identified, classified, evaluated, and reported. The overlapping length lo between the paired shutter blades ranges between 31 and 8 µm. These scenarios also reveal nonlinearities in the pairing process.
Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
Authors: Barari Ahmad , Tsuzuki Marcos Sales Guerra
Published: January 2023

Smart manufacturing processes and systems have received great attention through the latest innovations, ongoing efforts, and best practices in the Industry 4 [...]
Single and Interactive Effects of Unmalted Cereals, Hops, and Yeasts on Quality of White-Inspired Craft Beers
Authors: Baiano Antonietta , Fiore Anna , la Gatta Barbara , Tufariello Maria , Gerardi Carmela , Savino Michele , Grieco Francesco
Published: January 2023

White beers owe their name to their straw yellow colour deriving from the use of unmalted wheat, which also supplies a relatively high protein content causing haze formation. This study aimed to develop white-inspired craft beers made with combinations of three mixtures of barley malt/unmalted wheat (alternatively durum-var. Dauno III, soft-var. Risciola, or emmer-var. Padre Pio), two hop varieties (Cascade or Columbus), and two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (Belgian yeast and a high-ester producing yeast); and assess the single and interactive effects of these ingredients on physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of the beers. According to the graphical representation of the results for the Principal Component Analysis, most of the samples appear overlapped since they had similar characteristics, but it was possible to highlight two clusters of beers different from the others: those produced with (a) Risciola wheat and Columbus hop and (b) Dauno III wheat, Cascade hop, and the Belgian yeast. The beers of these clusters obtained the highest scores for their overall quality that, in turn, was positively correlated with concentrations of citric acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, and epicatechin; alcohol %, colour, amount and persistence of foam, intensity of fruity flavour, and body.
Multi-Targeting Intranasal Nanoformulation as a Therapeutic for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Fihurka Oksana , Wang Yanhong , Hong Yuzhu , Lin Xiaoyang , Shen Ning , Yang Haiqiang , Brown Breanna , Mommer Marcus , Zieneldien Tarek , Li Yitong , Kim Janice , Li Minghua , Cai Jianfeng , Zhou Qingyu , Cao Chuanhai
Published: January 2023

Melatonin, insulin, and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been shown to reverse cognitive deficits and attenuate neuropathologies in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) when used individually. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic properties of long-term intranasal treatment with a novel nanoformulation containing melatonin, insulin, and THC in aged APPswe/PS1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) mice, a transgenic model of AD. Transgenic mice at the age of 12 months were intranasally administered with a new nanoformulation containing melatonin, insulin, and THC at doses of 0.04, 0.008, and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively, once daily for 3 months. The spatial memory of the mice was assessed using the radial arm water maze (RAWM) test before and after drug treatment. Brain tissues were collected at the end of the treatment period for the assessment of Aβ load, tauopathy state, and markers of mitochondrial function. The RAWM test revealed that the treatment with the melatonin–insulin–THC (MIT) nasal spray improved the spatial learning memory of APP/PS1 mice significantly. Results of protein analyses of brain homogenates indicated that MIT treatment significantly decreased the tau phosphorylation implicated in tau toxicity (p < 0.05) and the expression of CKMT1 associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, MIT significantly decreased the expression of two mitochondrial fusion-related proteins, Mfn2 and Opa1 (p < 0.01 for both), while increasing the expression of a mitophagy regulator, Parkin, suggesting a compensatory enhancement of mitophagy due to MIT-promoted mitochondrial fusion. In conclusion, this study was the first to demonstrate the ability of an MIT nanoformulation to improve spatial memory in AD mice through its multi-targeting effects on Aβ production, tau phosphorylation, and mitochondrial dynamics. Thus, MIT may be a safe and effective therapeutic for AD.
Crosstalk between Gut Microbiota and Host Immunity: Impact on Inflammation and Immunotherapy
Authors: Campbell Connor , Kandalgaonkar Mrunmayee R. , Golonka Rachel M. , Yeoh Beng San , Vijay-Kumar Matam , Saha Piu
Published: January 2023

Gut microbes and their metabolites are actively involved in the development and regulation of host immunity, which can influence disease susceptibility. Herein, we review the most recent research advancements in the gut microbiota–immune axis. We discuss in detail how the gut microbiota is a tipping point for neonatal immune development as indicated by newly uncovered phenomenon, such as maternal imprinting, in utero intestinal metabolome, and weaning reaction. We describe how the gut microbiota shapes both innate and adaptive immunity with emphasis on the metabolites short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids. We also comprehensively delineate how disruption in the microbiota–immune axis results in immune-mediated diseases, such as gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, cardiometabolic disorders (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension), autoimmunity (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), hypersensitivity (e.g., asthma and allergies), psychological disorders (e.g., anxiety), and cancer (e.g., colorectal and hepatic). We further encompass the role of fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary polyphenols in reshaping the gut microbiota and their therapeutic potential. Continuing, we examine how the gut microbiota modulates immune therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and anti-TNF therapies. We lastly mention the current challenges in metagenomics, germ-free models, and microbiota recapitulation to a achieve fundamental understanding for how gut microbiota regulates immunity. Altogether, this review proposes improving immunotherapy efficacy from the perspective of microbiome-targeted interventions.
A Mathematical Model for Determining the Body’s Fluctuating Need for and Synthesis of Active Vitamin D
Authors: Maloney Sean R.
Published: January 2023

The process by which 1,25(OH)2D3 is synthesized and degraded and how it is transported out of the cell and body is described. The changing demand for the synthesis of 1-25(OH)2D3 during different conditions experienced by the body is reviewed. A method of determining 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis and demand, and the percent utilization of 25(OH)D3 to make 1,25(OH)2D3 is presented based on the measurement of the end metabolites of 1,25(OH)2D3 and of its immediate precursor, 25(OH)D3. A mathematical model has been developed to allow the calculation of 1,25(OH)2 D synthesis, and demand, and the percent utilization of 25(OH)D3. Simple algebraic equations have been derived which allow the calculation of these new parameters using the concentrations of the end metabolites of 1,25(OH)2D3 and its immediate precursor, 25(OH)D3 in the serum and urine. Vitamin D plays an important role in combating invading bacteria and viruses and in subduing the body’s associated inflammatory response. This new approach to evaluating vitamin D status may help clinicians determine 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels needed to suppress bacterial infections, viral replication during new viral infections and the reactivation of latent viruses, and to downregulate the inflammatory responses caused by bacteria and viruses.
Low Expression of MATR3 Is Associated with Poor Survival in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Durślewicz Justyna , Klimaszewska-Wiśniewska Anna , Antosik Paulina , Grzanka Dariusz
Published: January 2023

Matrin 3 (MATR3) is one of the most abundant inner nuclear matrix proteins involved in multiple nuclear processes. However, to date, the biological role and prognostic relevance of MATR3 in human cancers still need to be explored. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the expression levels and prognostic significance of MATR3 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. We assessed MATR3 immunohistochemical staining and RNA-seq data from publicly available data sets, and the results were analyzed with reference to clinicopathological characteristics and the overall survival of patients. Furthermore, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network for MATR3 and its neighbors was constructed, functionally annotated, and screened for survival-related genes. MATR3 protein and mRNA levels were lower in tumor tissues compared to control tissues. Lower MATR3 protein (HR 2.36, 95%CI 1.41–3.97; p = 0.001) and mRNA (HR 2.01, 95%CI 1.46–2.75; p < 0.0001) expression levels were found to be a significant independent adverse prognostic factor for the patient’s overall survival (OS). Moreover, of the candidate genes, the MRPL23 gene was identified as being the most predictive of OS, and combined MRPL23/MATR3 expression status predicted patient survival better than looking at each marker individually (HR 3.15, 95%CI 2.05–4.83; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the results from the present investigation warrant further research into the biological and prognostic value of MATR3 and MRPL23 in ccRCC patients.
Development of a 3D Printed Brain Model with Vasculature for Neurosurgical Procedure Visualisation and Training
Authors: Encarnacion Ramirez Manuel , Ramirez Pena Issael , Barrientos Castillo Rossi E. , Sufianov Albert , Goncharov Evgeniy , Soriano Sanchez Jose A. , Colome-Hidalgo Manuel , Nurmukhametov Renat , Cerda Céspedes José Rafael , Montemurro Nicola
Published: January 2023

Background: Simulation-based techniques using three-dimensional models are gaining popularity in neurosurgical training. Most pre-existing models are expensive, so we felt a need to develop a real-life model using 3D printing technology to train in endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Methods: The brain model was made using a 3D-printed resin mold from patient-specific MRI data. The mold was filled with silicone Ecoflex™ 00-10 and mixed with Silc Pig® pigment additives to replicate the color and consistency of brain tissue. The dura mater was made from quick-drying silicone paste admixed with gray dye. The blood vessels were made from a silicone 3D-printed mold based on magnetic resonance imaging. Liquid containing paprika oleoresin dye was used to simulate blood and was pumped through the vessels to simulate pulsatile motion. Results: Seven residents and eight senior neurosurgeons were recruited to test our model. The participants reported that the size and anatomy of the elements were very similar to real structures. The model was helpful for training neuroendoscopic 3D perception and navigation. Conclusions: We developed an endoscopic third ventriculostomy training model using 3D printing technology that provides anatomical precision and a realistic simulation. We hope our model can provide an indispensable tool for young neurosurgeons to gain operative experience without exposing patients to risk.
Association of Serum Omentin-1 Concentration with the Content of Adipose Tissue and Glucose Tolerance in Subjects with Central Obesity
Authors: Sperling Marcelina , Grzelak Teresa , Pelczyńska Marta , Bogdański Paweł , Formanowicz Dorota , Czyżewska Krystyna
Published: January 2023

Omentin is one of the few adipokines with potentially beneficial metabolic effects. The main aim of this study was to determine the association between serum omentin-1 levels and the occurrence of central obesity and abnormal glucose tolerance, taking into account gender. The study involved 88 participants aged 30–60, including 47 women and 41 men. Two subgroups among the obese subjects were distinguished—those with normal and abnormal glucose tolerance. Anthropometric and biochemical examinations and blood pressure measurements were performed. Omentin-1 concentrations were significantly lower among patients with obesity compared to those without obesity (p = 0.027) and, similarly, comparing men with abnormal glucose tolerance with men with normal glucose tolerance (p = 0.035). In contrast, no such pattern was observed in women. The multivariable regression model showed a significant effect of gender status and important factors of tissue insulin sensitivity, such as OGGT results, WHR and amount of body fat, on the variability of serum omentin-1 concentration in the entire study population (R2adj. = 13.7%; p = 0.003). High omentin-1 levels found in men with obesity and normal glucose tolerance suggest that omentin-1 protects against metabolic disorders associated with obesity in the male population.
Contralateral Selectivity of Upper-Limb Motor Pools via Targeted Stimulation of the Cervical Spinal Cord
Authors: Fleming Neil , Taylor Clare , Etzelmueller Mark , Gill Conor , O'Keeffe Clodagh , Mahony Nicholas , Reilly Richard B.
Published: January 2023

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) at the cervical level may facilitate improved upper-limb function in those with incomplete tetraplegia. While clinical trials are ongoing, there is still much debate regarding the transmission pathway as well as appropriate stimulation parameters. This study aimed to explore the extent to which cervical tSCS can induce mono-synaptic reflexes in discrete upper-limb motor pools and examine the effects of altering stimulus location and intensity. Methods: Fourteen participants with intact nervous systems completed two laboratory visits, during which posterior root-muscle reflexes (PRMRs) were evoked via a 3 × 3 cathode matrix applied over the cervical spine. An incremental recruitment curve at the C7 vertebral level was initially performed to attain resting motor threshold (RMT) in each muscle. Paired pulses (1 ms square monophasic with inter-pulse interval of 50 ms) were subsequently delivered at a frequency of 0.25 Hz at two intensities (RMT and RMT + 20%) across all nine cathode positions. Evoked responses to the 1st (PRMR1) and 2nd (PRMR2) stimuli were recorded in four upper-limb muscles. Results: A significant effect of the spinal level was observed in all muscles for PRMR1, with greater responses being recorded caudally. Contralateral stimulation significantly increased PRMR1 in Biceps Brachii (p < 0.05, F = 4.9, η2 = 0.29), Flexor Carpi Radialis (p < 0.05, F = 4.9, η2 = 0.28) and Abductor Pollicis Brevis (p < 0.01, F = 8.9, η2 = 0.89). Post-activation depression (PAD) was also significantly increased with contralateral stimulation in Biceps Brachii (p = 0.001, F = 9.3, η2 = 0.44), Triceps Brachii (p < 0.05, F = 5.4, η2 = 0.31) and Flexor Carpi Radialis (p < 0.001, F = 17.4, η2 = 0.59). Conclusions: A level of unilateral motor pool selectivity may be attained by altering stimulus intensity and location during cervical tSCS. Optimising these parameters may improve the efficacy of this neuromodulation method in clinical cohorts.
A Nomogram Based on Atelectasis/Obstructive Pneumonitis Could Predict the Metastasis of Lymph Nodes and Postoperative Survival of Pathological N0 Classification in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Liu Yi-Han , Wu Lei-Lei , Qian Jia-Yi , Li Zhi-Xin , Shi Min-Xing , Wang Zi-Ran , Xie Long-Yan , Liu Yu’e , Xie Dong , Cao Wei-Jun
Published: January 2023

The eighth TNM staging system proposal classifies lung cancer with partial or complete atelectasis/obstructive pneumonia into the T2 category. We aimed to develop nomograms to predict the possibility of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and the prognosis for NSCLC based on atelectasis and obstructive pneumonitis. Methods: NSCLC patients over 20 years old diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The nomograms were based on risk factors that were identified by Logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was performed to confirm the predictive values of our nomograms. Cox proportional hazards analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were also used in this study. Results: A total of 470,283 patients were enrolled. Atelectasis/obstructive pneumonitis, age, gender, race, histologic types, grade, and tumor size were defined as independent predictive factors; then, these seven factors were integrated to establish nomograms of LNM. The AUC is 0.70 (95% CI: 0.694–0.704). Moreover, the Cox proportional hazards analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the scores derived from the nomograms were significantly correlated with the survival of pathological N0 classification. Conclusion: Nomograms based on atelectasis/obstructive pneumonitis were developed and validated to predict LNM and the postoperative prognosis of NSCLC.
iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes in Inherited Cardiac Arrhythmias: Pathomechanistic Discovery and Drug Development
Authors: Simons Eline , Loeys Bart , Alaerts Maaike
Published: January 2023

With the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) a wide range of cell types, including iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM), can now be generated from an unlimited source of somatic cells. These iPSC-CM are used for different purposes such as disease modelling, drug discovery, cardiotoxicity testing and personalised medicine. The 2D iPSC-CM models have shown promising results, but they are known to be more immature compared to in vivo adult cardiomyocytes. Novel approaches to create 3D models with the possible addition of other (cardiac) cell types are being developed. This will not only improve the maturity of the cells, but also leads to more physiologically relevant models that more closely resemble the human heart. In this review, we focus on the progress in the modelling of inherited cardiac arrhythmias in both 2D and 3D and on the use of these models in therapy development and drug testing.