bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of eculizumab, a terminal complement inhibitor, in the management of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in a 14-month-old Chinese pediatric patient: a case report
Authors: Wei Xin , Liu Xinzhu , Yu Yingying , Xie Wei , Luo Wentao , Tu Ye , Bu Shuhong , Guo Guimei
Published: July 2024

Eculizumab, a recombined humanized monoclonal antibody which possesses high affinity for the complement protein C5, is a therapeutic agent utilized in the treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) by inhibiting the terminal complement complex C5b-9. In a pediatric patient with aHUS of 14 months, the administration of eculizumab therapy was accompanied by the inclusion of meningococcal vaccine as part of the national immunization program. Notably, no other antibiotics were administered prior to or during the course of eculizumab treatment. Moreover, there were no occurrences of infusion reactions or meningococcal infections observed throughout the course of treatment. Due to the presence of anti-factor H antibodies and insufficient recovery, glucocorticoids and eculizumab were administered at week 0 and week 1, followed by the initiation of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) at a dosage of 250 mg (approximately 548 mg/m2) per day starting from Day 10. Due to the recovered of complement antibody after 8 doses of eculizumab, the therapeutic interval was extended from once every 3 weeks to once a month since 9th administration. We experienced and successfully treated a rare case of aHUS with eculizumab in a 14-month-old Chinese pediatric patient.
The beneficial pharmacological effects of Uncaria rhynchophylla in neurodegenerative diseases: focus on alkaloids
Authors: Chen Leilei , Liu Yingjuan , Xie Junxia
Published: July 2024

With the intensification of aging population, the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, has drawn more and more attention. As a long used traditional Chinese medicine, Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks., named Gouteng in Chinese, has been reported to have an effective neuroprotective role in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the beneficial pharmacological effects and signaling pathways of herbal formulas containing U. rhynchophylla, especially major compounds identified from U. rhynchophylla, such as corynoxine B, corynoxine, rhynchophylline, and isorhynchophylline, in neurodegenerative diseases, were summarized, which not only provide an overview of U. rhynchophylla for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases but also give some perspective to the development of new drugs from traditional Chinese medicine.
A non-randomized feasibility study of a voice assistant for parents to support their children’s mental health
Authors: Richmond Sally , Bell Mietta , Ngo Dyung , Yap Marie B. H.
Published: July 2024

Background

Mental disorders affect one in seven Australian children and although effective, evidenced based treatments exist, there is a critical shortage of mental health clinicians which has created a “treatment gap.” Artificial intelligence has the potential to address the high prevalence rates of mental disorders within overburdened mental health systems.

Methods

This was a non-randomized feasibility study to evaluate the novel application of voice technology to an evidence-based parenting intervention designed to support children’s mental health. We deployed an Amazon Alexa app to parents recruited from the community (N = 55) and to parents with children receiving psychological treatment (N = 4). Parents from the community used the app independently whereas parents from the clinical group used the app in conjunction with attending a six-week parenting program. The primary outcome measure, feasibility was assessed in terms of acceptability, via recruitment and retention rates, quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews.

Results

In the community group, the recruitment rate was 23.8% and the retention rate 49.1%. In the clinical group, all 6 families approached for recruitment agreed to participate and 4 out of 6 completed the trial. Parents attending the parenting program spent on average, three times longer using the app than parents from the community. Overall, parents reported that the app contained easy-to-understand information on parenting, and that they could see the potential of voice technology to learn and practice parenting skills. Parents also faced several challenges, including difficulties with installation and interactions with the app and expressed privacy concerns related to voice technology. Further, parents reported that the voices used within the app sounded monotone and robotic.

Conclusion

We offer specific recommendations that could foster a better voice assistant user experience for parents to support their children’s mental health. The app is highly scalable and has the potential to addresses many of the barriers faced by parents who attempt to access traditional parenting interventions.
Social media use for work during non-work hours and turnover intention: the mediating role of burnout and the moderating role of resilience
Authors: Fang Zhenbang , Bao Yuanjie , Hua Min
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study uses survey data from 504 Chinese teachers to investigate the relationship between social media use for work during non-work hours (SMUNW) and turnover intention, focusing on the mediating role of burnout and the moderating role of resilience in this relationship.

Methods

In November 2023, online survey links were sent to 529 teachers from Shandong Province, China, asking them to report their perceptions of SMUNW, burnout, resilience, and turnover intention. A sample of 504 valid responses was obtained. The analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and Hayes’ PROCESS MACRO for SPSS for testing the hypotheses.

Results

The results revealed that burnout acts as a mediator in the relationship between SMUNW and turnover intention. In addition, resilience moderated the relationship between SMUNW and burnout such that when resilience was higher, the relationship between SMUNW and burnout was alleviated. Moreover, resilience moderated the indirect relationship between SMUNW and turnover intention through burnout such that when resilience was higher, the indirect relationship was alleviated.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that SMUNW is related to turnover intention through the mediating role of burnout. Furthermore, resilience moderates the influence of SMUNW on burnout and thus weakens the influence of SMUNW on turnover intention through burnout. This study expands our knowledge of the nuanced influence mechanisms of social media use in the context of increasing technostress among public employees. Practically, it suggests that managers should pay due attention to the impairments brought about by social media use, especially from the perspectives of preventing burnout and fostering resilience.
Incidence and influencing factors of kinesiophobia in patients with chronic heart failure: a scoping review
Authors: Xiang Qin , Xiong Xiao-Yun , Zhang Mei-Jun , Liu Si , Chen Hua , Liu Meng-Die , Wang Ying , Yang Ying
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Kinesiophobia denotes an excessive and irrational apprehension towards physical activity or exercise among patients, stemming from a perception of susceptibility to painful injury or re-injury. Cardiac rehabilitation stands pivotal in the secondary prevention spectrum for individuals with cardiovascular ailments, with exercise constituting a cornerstone of this regimen. However, the emergence of kinesiophobia poses a formidable challenge, diminishing patient adherence to cardiac rehabilitation protocols, particularly among those grappling with chronic heart failure. To bolster exercise-based rehabilitation initiatives in this cohort, a thorough comprehension of the multifaceted factors precipitating kinesiophobia is imperative. This review endeavors to delineate prevailing evidence and prevalence concerning kinesiophobia triggers in chronic heart failure patients, while pinpointing research lacunae for future exploration.

Methods

Employing a scoping review methodology, our investigation culled data from diverse scholarly databases, including Embase, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Medline, Sinomed, CNKI, Wangfan, and VIP.

Results

After thorough evaluation, 9 studies that met the inclusion criteria were ultimately incorporated.

Discussion

Our findings underscore a notable prevalence of kinesiophobia in chronic heart failure patients, predominantly influenced by socio-demographic factors, psychological and cognitive factors, disease and treatment factors, as well as lifestyle and behavior. Armed with these insights, future interventions can be tailored to mitigate kinesiophobia levels, fostering enhanced engagement in exercise-centric cardiac rehabilitation endeavors among patients grappling with chronic heart failure.
Assisted death in eating disorders: a systematic review of cases and clinical rationales
Authors: Roff Chelsea , Cook-Cottone Catherine
Published: July 2024

Background

Assisted dying for reasons solely related to an eating disorder (ED) has occurred in multiple countries, including those which restrict the practice to individuals with a terminal condition. The aims of this systematic review were to (1) identify all known cases of assisted deaths among patients with EDs and (2) describe the clinical rationales used to grant patients’ requests for assisted death.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed studies and publicly available government reports to identify cases of assisted death in patients with EDs. In reports that included qualitative data about the case, clinical rationales were extracted and grouped into domains by qualitative content analysis.

Results

We identified 10 peer-reviewed articles and 20 government reports describing at least 60 patients with EDs who underwent assisted dying between 2012 and 2024. Clinical rationales were categorized into three domains: irremediability, terminality, and voluntary request. Reports emphasized that patients with EDs who underwent assisted death had terminal, incurable, and/or untreatable conditions and had adequate decision-making capacity to make a life-ending decision. Most government reports did not include descriptive-enough data to verify psychiatric conditions.

Conclusion

The results of our systematic review underscore considerable gaps in the reporting of assisted death in patients with psychiatric conditions, posing substantial concerns about oversight and public safety. In many cases, the clinical rationales that were used to affirm patients with EDs were eligible for assisted death lack validity and do not cohere with empirical understanding.
Alarm fatigue and sleep quality in medical staff—a Polish-Czech-Slovak study on workplace ergonomics
Authors: Rypicz Łukasz , Witczak Izabela , Šupínová Mária , Salehi Hugh Pierre , Jarabicová Oľga
Published: July 2024

Background

Alarms are crucial in informing Healthcare Workers (HCWs) about critical patient needs, but unmanaged frequency and noise of alarms can de-sensitize medical staff and compromise patient safety. Alarm fatigue is identified as the major cause of the clinical alarm management problem. It occurs when the medical staff is overwhelmed by the number of clinical alarms.

Methods

The survey was conducted online using Google’s form-making tools from June to July 2023. There were three parts to the survey used in the study: a socio-demographic metric, the Alarm Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire (AFAQ), and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A significance level of 0.05 was used in the analysis.

Results

The survey included 756 medical professionals from three European countries (Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland). The participants in the study were 42 years old on average, and they had 12 years of work experience. 603 out of 756 survey participants had poor sleep quality, 147 had good sleep quality, and 6 did not provide an answer. This study analyzed the alarm fatigue levels of respondents in every country. In the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, a statistically significant association (p = 0.039, p = 0.001, p < 0.001) was found between alarm fatigue and sleep quality in medical staff.

Conclusion

Based on our study, alarm fatigue and sleep quality of HCWs are correlated. Therefore, alarm fatigue and sleep hygiene should be monitored.
Performance of artificial intelligence in predicting the prognossis of severe COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Chu , Ma Huan , Hu Mahong , Xu Xiujuan , Ji Conghua
Published: July 2024

Background

COVID-19-induced pneumonia has become a persistent health concern, with severe cases posing a significant threat to patient lives. However, the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in assisting physicians in predicting the prognosis of severe COVID-19 patients remains unclear.

Methods

To obtain relevant studies, two researchers conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases, including all studies published up to October 31, 2023, that utilized AI to predict mortality rates in severe COVID-19 patients. The PROBAST 2019 tool was employed to assess the potential bias in the included studies, and Stata 16 was used for meta-analysis, publication bias assessment, and sensitivity analysis.

Results

A total of 19 studies, comprising 26 models, were included in the analysis. Among them, the models that incorporated both clinical and radiological data demonstrated the highest performance. These models achieved an overall sensitivity of 0.81 (0.64–0.91), specificity of 0.77 (0.71–0.82), and an overall area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 (0.85–0.90). Subgroup analysis revealed notable findings. Studies conducted in developed countries exhibited significantly higher predictive specificity for both radiological and combined models (p < 0.05). Additionally, investigations involving non-intensive care unit patients demonstrated significantly greater predictive specificity (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The current evidence suggests that artificial intelligence prediction models show promising performance in predicting the prognosis of severe COVID-19 patients. However, due to variations in the suitability of different models for specific populations, it is not yet certain whether they can be fully applied in clinical practice. There is still room for improvement in their predictive capabilities, and future research and development efforts are needed.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ with the Unique Identifier CRD42023431537.
Age, period, cohort effects in trends of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults
Authors: Hu Xiaoqian , Jin Wenxue , Wang Junlei , Dong Hengjin
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate the effects of age, period, and cohort on the trends of depression; and to examine the influence of these three temporal effects on residential disparities in depression.

Methods

Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) during 2011 to 2020, involving 77,703 respondents aged 45 years old and above. The measurement of depressive symptoms was the score of 10-question version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D 10). The hierarchical age-period-cohort cross-classified random effects models were conducted to examine trends in depressive symptoms related to age, period and cohort.

Results

CES-D scores increased with age and slightly decreased at older age. The cohort trends mostly increased except for a downward trend among those born in 1950s. As for the period effect, CES-D scores decreased gradually from 2011 to 2013 followed by a upward trend. Rural residents were associated with higher level of depression than those live in urban area. These residence gaps in depression enlarged before the age of 80, and then narrowed. The urban–rural disparities in CES-D scores gradually diminished across cohorts, while the corresponding period-based change in urban–rural gaps was not significant.

Conclusion

When age, period, cohort factors are considered, the age effects on depression dominated, and the period and cohort variations were relatively small. The residence disparities in depression reduced with successive cohorts, more attention should be paid to the worsening depression condition of younger cohorts in urban areas.
Insights from coronial recommendations for preventing natural deaths in sport and recreation in Québec, Canada
Authors: Richard Philippe , Perron Paul-André , Sylvain-Morneau Jérémie , Poirier Paul
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This descriptive retrospective study analyzed coronial recommendations for natural deaths in sport and recreation from January 2006 to December 2019 using data from the Bureau du coroner du Québec.

Methods

Reports with recommendations were analyzed by sex, age group, cause of death, context, and activity. The nature of recommendations was assessed using a public health-based model. Thematic analysis was conducted following a four-phase approach in which themes developed were emphasized and further connected with existing literature.

Results

Reports involving individuals aged 18–24 and reports related to ice hockey were significantly more likely to contain recommendations. Reports related to individuals ≥45 years old, or related to cycling or hunting had higher death frequencies, but relatively low recommendation rates. Most recommendations aligned with the public health-based model but specifying implementation time frames was rare (11.7%). Nearly 60% of coroner’s recommendations focused on automated external defibrillator implementation, delivery and training.

Discussion

Mitigation of sudden cardiac arrest risk for individuals ≥45 years old, timely treatment of life-threatening arrhythmias especially for activity practiced in remote regions and specifying implementation time frames were identified as improvement areas. The multi-faceted approach to enhancing public access defibrillation developed by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation in 2022 addresses recurrent themes covered by coroners and holds the potential to inform evidence-based decision making.
Lifting COVID-19-associated non-pharmaceutical interventions: potential impact on notifications of infectious diseases transmitted from person to person in 2022 in Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Hausmann Judith , Dörre Achim , Katz Katharina , van de Berg Sarah
Published: July 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have led to substantial decreases in case numbers of infectious diseases in several countries worldwide. As NPIs were gradually lifted, intense or out-of-season outbreaks of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases were reported, raising the hypothesis of a potential catch-up effect of infections. By analysing surveillance data from the federal reporting system for notifiable infectious diseases, we aimed to assess the potential impact of lifting COVID-19 associated NPIs on notifications of selected infectious diseases in Bavaria, 2022.

Methods

We compared influenza, chickenpox, norovirus gastroenteritis, rotavirus gastroenteritis weekly case numbers in a pre-pandemic period (2016–2019) and 2022 using two time series analyses approaches: (i) a predictive model forecasting weekly case numbers for the pandemic years 2020–2022, based on 2016–2019 data, (ii) interrupted time series model, based on 2016–2022 data, including a term per pandemic period.

Results

In 2022, incidence rates were higher compared to pre-pandemic period for influenza (IRR = 3.47, 95%CI: 1.49–7.94) and rotavirus gastroenteritis (IRR = 1.36, 95%CI: 0.95–1.93), though not significant for rotavirus gastroenteritis. Conversely, case numbers remained significantly below pre-pandemic levels for chickenpox (IRR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.41–0.65) and norovirus gastroenteritis (IRR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.42–0.82). Seasonality changed notably for influenza, showing an earlier influenza wave compared to pre-pandemic periods.

Conclusion

The lifting of NPIs was associated with heterogenic epidemiological patterns depending on the selected disease. The full impact of NPIs and their discontinuation may only become clear with continued monitoring and assessment of potential additional contributing factors.
Valorization of animal waste proteins for agricultural, food production, and medicinal applications
Authors: Boboua Stopira Yannick Benz , Wen Qingmei , Zhang Lei , Chen Yilu , Yu Jingmou , Chen Pu , Sun Yong , Zheng Tao
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Animal waste proteins have been increasing in the past decade, along with consumer demands. Their huge volume and the environmental issues caused by improper treatment probably pose a massive threat to human health. These animal waste proteins contain many valuable bioactive peptides and can be used not only as nutrient substances but also as primary functional ingredients in many industries, including agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals. However, the advancement of the value-added application of animal waste proteins within the past 10 years has not been elucidated yet. In this regard, this paper scrutinized the studies on the applications of hydrolysates and peptides from animal waste proteins throughout the last decade, hoping to display a whole picture of their value-adding applications.

Methods

The Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched from January 1, 2013, to December 12, 2023. This review included field trials, in vitro and in vivo assays, and in silico analysis based on literature surveys or proteolysis simulation. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by Journal Citation Reports, and the rationality of the discussion of studies included.

Results

Numerous studies were performed on the application potential of hydrolysates and peptides of animal waste proteins in agricultural, food, and medicinal industries. Particularly, due to the nutritional value, safety, and especially competitive effects, the peptide with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, or antithrombotic activities can be used as a primary functional ingredient in food and pharmaceuticals.

Discussion

These value-added applications of animal waste proteins could be a step towards sustainable animal by-products management, and simultaneously, open new avenues in the rapid development of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. However, further studies on the bioavailability and structure-activity relationship are required to verify their therapeutic effects.
Influence of Herringbone Grooves Inspired by Bird Feathers on Aerodynamics of Compressor Cascade under Different Reynolds Number Conditions
Authors: Han Shaobing , Yang Zhijie , Zhong Jingjun , Yan Yuying
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, high aerodynamic load has made blade separation an issue for compact axial compressors under high-altitude low-Reynolds-number conditions. In this study, herringbone grooves inspired by bird feathers were applied to suppress the suction side separation and reduce loss. To study the effect of bio-inspired herringbone grooves on the aerodynamic performance of compressor cascades, a high subsonic compressor cascade was taken as the research object. Under the conditions of different Reynolds numbers, the effects of herringbone grooves of different depths on the flow separation were numerically studied. The research results show that at a high-Reynolds-number condition (Re = 5.6 × 105), the sawtooth-shaped wake induced by herringbone grooves increases the turbulent mixing loss near the suction surface, and the blade performance deteriorates. At a low-Reynolds-number condition (Re = 1.3 × 105), the span-wise secondary flow and micro-vortex structure induced by the herringbone grooves effectively suppress the laminar separation on the suction surface of the blade, and there is an optimal depth for the herringbone grooves that reduces the profile loss by 8.33% and increases the static pressure ratio by 0.55%. The selection principle of the optimal groove depth with the Re is discussed based on the research results under six low-Reynolds-number conditions.
Research and Prediction of Wear Characteristics of Alfalfa Densification Die Based on the Discrete Element Method
Authors: Du Haijun , Du Hailong , Ma Yanhua , Su He , Xuan Chuanzong , Xue Jing
Published: July 2024

In this study, the wear characteristics of the die were tested and analyzed through compaction tests, and the distribution of wear depth along the direction toward the extrusion outlet was obtained. A discrete element method (DEM) model of the die’s wear process was established. The results show that the severe wear area is located near the stop position of the compression rod, forming a plow-shaped wear area along the extrusion direction, accompanied by fatigue peeling. The wear depth gradually decreases towards the extrusion outlet. The DEM model partially reveals the occurrence of the wear phenomenon, but the particle motion speed deviates from the actual situation. The maximum compression force value range during the DEM compression stage is within the actual maximum compression force value range, and the relative error range of the average maximum compression force is less than 2%. By verifying the formula to calibrate the model, the calibrated model is compared with the actual mold wear, and the predicted value is close to the actual test result. The DEM can be used to explore the wear mechanism and predict the die’s wear failure process, laying the foundation for optimizing die wear resistance design.
Smartphone Contact Imaging and 1-D CNN for Leaf Chlorophyll Estimation in Agriculture
Authors: Barman Utpal , Saikia Manob Jyoti
Published: July 2024

Traditional leaf chlorophyll estimation using Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) devices and spectrophotometers is a high-cost mechanism in agriculture. Recently, research on chlorophyll estimation using leaf camera images and machine learning has been seen. However, these techniques use self-defined image color combinations where the system performance varies, and the potential utility has not been well explored. This paper proposes a new method that combines an improved contact imaging technique, the images’ original color parameters, and a 1-D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) specifically for tea leaves’ chlorophyll estimation. This method utilizes a smartphone and flashlight to capture tea leaf contact images at multiple locations on the front and backside of the leaves. It extracts 12 different original color features, such as the mean of RGB, the standard deviation of RGB and HSV, kurtosis, skewness, and variance from images for 1-D CNN input. We captured 15,000 contact images of tea leaves, collected from different tea gardens across Assam, India to create a dataset. SPAD chlorophyll measurements of the leaves are included as true values. Other models based on Linear Regression (LR), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) were also trained, evaluated, and tested. The 1-D CNN outperformed them with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 2.96, Mean Square Error (MSE) of 15.4, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 3.92, and Coefficient of Regression (R2) of 0.82. These results show that the method is a digital replication of the traditional method, while also being non-destructive, affordable, less prone to performance variations, and simple to utilize for sustainable agriculture.
The Role of Organic Matter in Phosphorus Retention in Eutrophic and Dystrophic Terrestrial Ecosystems
Authors: Debicka Magdalena
Published: July 2024

Phosphorus (P) retention in soils in the presence of organic matter (OM) has been, for years, a topic with no clear conclusions. Considering the important ecological functions of peatlands, the objective of this study is to examine the role of OM transformation in relation to P status in Histosols in the Oder Valley (Poland). Basic physical and chemical properties and the following P forms were determined in the organic horizons of 5 soil profiles from two habitats (eutrophic and dystrophic): total (Pt) and organic P (Po), available P (PM3), easily soluble P (PCaCl2), water-soluble P (PW), and fraction of Po in humic (Po_HA) and fulvic (Po_FA) acids after extraction with 0.5 mol L−1 NaOH. The results were statistically verified in both examined habitat groups separately. The higher values of mobile P forms were found in the upper organic horizons released from OM constituents as a result of their decomposition. The role of OM in P retention was strongly related to the activity of humic substances (HS): a higher Po percentage (6.9–99.4% of Po) was observed in dystrophic, whereas a lower (9.3–28.6% of Po) was observed in eutrophic Histosols. Humic acids played a dominant role in P retention compared to fulvic acids in most peat horizons, especially at pH < 5. The role of HA and FA in P retention was clearly dependent on forms found only in eutrophic Histosols. The important role of FA in P retention during OM transformation was confirmed by negative correlations between Po_FA and macronutrient ratios in both soil groups. The results confirm the variable role of OM in P retention, depending on soil environmental conditions and OM type (peat and moorsh). This may have important applications not only in areas of natural importance, for which the release of mobile P forms may be a threat, but also in agricultural areas where, for a change, we struggle to increase P availability.
Enhanced In Vitro Efficacy of Verbascoside in Suppressing Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation via ROS Scavenging with Reverse Microemulsion
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Yang Feiyu , Huang Yuling , Liu Shaohui , Hu Zhenhua , Liao Shanggao , Li Yuanyuan
Published: July 2024

Numerous approaches targeting hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have emerged as pivotal therapeutic strategies to mitigate liver fibrosis and are currently undergoing clinical trials. The investigation of herbal drugs or isolated natural active compounds is particularly valuable, due to their multifaceted functions and low risk of side effects. Recent studies have hinted at the potential efficacy of verbascoside (VB) in ameliorating renal and lung fibrosis, yet its impact on hepatic fibrosis remains to be elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the potential effects of VB on liver fibrosis by assessing its ability to inhibit HSC activation. VB demonstrated significant efficacy in suppressing the expression of fibrogenic genes in activated LX-2 cells. Additionally, VB inhibited the migration and proliferation of these activated HSCs by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and downregulating the AMPK pathway. Furthermore, a biosafe reverse microemulsion loaded with VB (VB-ME) was developed to improve VB’s instability and low bioavailability. The optimal formulation of VB-ME was meticulously characterized, revealing substantial enhancements in cellular uptake, ROS-scavenging capacity, and the suppression of HSC activation.
Evaluation of In Vitro-Derived Hop Plantlets, cv. Columbus and Magnum, as Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Leto Leandra , Favari Claudia , Agosti Anna , Del Vecchio Lorenzo , Di Fazio Andrea , Bresciani Letizia , Mena Pedro , Guarrasi Valeria , Cirlini Martina , Chiancone Benedetta
Published: July 2024

The demand for bioactive secondary metabolites of natural origin is increasing every day. Micropropagation could be a strategy to respond more quickly to market demands, regardless of seasonality. This research aims to evaluate in vitro-grown plants of two hop varieties, namely Columbus and Magnum, as a potential source of bioactive compounds. The extracts were characterized in terms of total phenolic content by a Folin–Ciocalteu assay and antioxidant capacity by DPPH•, ABTS+, and FRAP assays. The bioactive compound profile of the extracts from both varieties was determined by using UPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS. The results confirmed richness in (poly)phenols and other secondary metabolites of the in vitro-grown hop plantlets. Thirty-two compounds belonging to the major families of phytochemicals characteristic of the species were identified, and twenty-six were quantified, mainly flavonoids, including xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol, phenolic acids, as well as α- and β-acids. This study confirms the validity of in vitro-derived hop plantlets as source of bioactive compounds to be used in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
Chromosome Segregation–1–like Gene Participates in Ferroptosis in Human Ovarian Granulosa Cells via Nucleocytoplasmic Transport
Authors: Hu Luanqian , Hong Tongtong , He Yuheng , Wang Huiyuan , Cao Jinxiang , Pu Danhua , Gao Li , Gao Chao , Cui Yugui , Wu Jie , Tan Rongrong
Published: July 2024

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as the depletion of ovarian function before the age of 40 years. The global prevalence of POI is 3.5%. To date, genetic factors account for 23.5% of the etiology of POI. Herein, a previously uncharacterized pathogenic homozygous variant of the chromosome segregation–1–like gene (CSE1L) was identified in POI patients via targeted panel sequencing. It is reported that dysregulated iron metabolism is involved in many reproductive endocrine disorders; however, its precise role in POI remains obscure. In this study, we identified CSE1L as a potential candidate gene that plays an important role in maintaining iron homeostasis. Deficiency of CSE1L led to ferroptosis in human granulosa cells, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Mechanistically, coimmunoprecipitation identified the direct interaction between CSE1L and FoxO1. Inhibition of CSE1L led to the excessive accumulation of FoxO1 in the nucleus via nucleocytoplasmic transport. Then, FoxO1 bound to the promoter region of NCOA4 and promoted its transcription, which was verified by a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Moreover, inhibition of CSE1L in cumulus cell monolayer could impede oocyte maturation, which might be associated with oxidative stress. Consequently, our study first revealed that CSE1L participated in ferroptosis in human ovarian granulosa cells via nucleocytoplasmic transportation, which might be helpful in revealing the molecular mechanism of CSE1L in the development of POI. Importantly, these findings might provide new insights into the application of ferroptosis inhibitors in the treatment of POI.
Self-Cleaning Solar Mirror Coatings: From the Laboratory Scale to Prototype Field Tests
Authors: Castaldo Anna , Gambale Emilia , Vitiello Giuseppe , Cara Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

In this study, a low-cost, scalable and robust process is proposed as an innovative method for coating solar mirrors with a self-cleaning, transparent in the full solar range and versatile material based on auxetic aluminum nitrides, previously obtained at the laboratory scale. This work presents the scaling-up of the fabrication process from the laboratory to prototypal scale and the preliminary results of outdoor self-cleaning solar mirror field tests in the demonstrative concentrating solar power (CSP) plant ENEASHIP located in Casaccia (Rome) ENEA Research Center. Prototypes with a size of 50 × 40 cm have shown stability in external conditions: no coating degradation occurred during the test campaign. Their washing restores the initial reflectance affected by soiling and the self-cleaning performance allows for the utilization of a reduced quantity of water for cleaning operations with respect to the uncoated glass of back surface mirrors. A similar self-cleaning AlN coating could be utilized on other solar components affected by soiling, such as the glass envelopes in heat-collecting elements, PV panels and other parts where a self-cleaning performance combined with an optical one is required.
Docker Performance Evaluation across Operating Systems
Authors: Sobieraj Maciej , Kotyński Daniel
Published: July 2024

Docker has gained significant popularity in recent years. With the introduction of Docker Desktop for Windows and macOS, there is a need to determine the impact of the operating system on the performance of the Docker platform. This paper aims to investigate the performance of Docker containers based on the operating system. One of the fundamental goals of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the Docker architecture. This technology utilizes Linux kernel virtualization mechanisms such as namespaces and cgroups. Upon analyzing the distribution of Docker Desktop for Windows and Docker Desktop for macOS, it was discovered that running the Docker environment on these requires a lightweight virtual machine that emulates the Linux system. This information suggests that the additional virtualization layer may hinder the performance of non-Linux operating systems hosting Docker containers. The paper presents a performance test of the Docker runtime on Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS. The test evaluated specific aspects of operating system performance on a MacBook computer with an ×86/64 processor architecture. The experiment carried out examined the performance in terms of CPU speed, I/O speed, and network throughput. This test measured the efficiency of software that utilizes various system resources.
A Novel Malware Detection Model in the Software Supply Chain Based on LSTM and SVMs
Authors: Zhou Shuncheng , Li Honghui , Fu Xueliang , Jiao Yuanyuan
Published: July 2024

With the increasingly severe challenge of Software Supply Chain (SSC) security, the rising trend in guarding against security risks has attracted widespread attention. Existing techniques still face challenges in both accuracy and efficiency when detecting malware in SSC. To meet this challenge, this paper introduces two novel models, named the Bayesian Optimization-based Support Vector Machine (BO-SVM) and the Long Short-Term Memory–BO-SVM (LSTM-BO-SVM). The BO-SVM model is constructed on an SVM foundation, with its hyperparameters optimized by Bayesian Optimization. To further enhance its accuracy and efficiency, the LSTM-BO-SVM model is proposed, building upon BO-SVM and employing LSTM networks for pre-classification. Extensive experiments were conducted on two datasets: the balanced ClaMP dataset and the unbalanced CICMalDroid-2020 dataset. The experimental results indicate that the BO-SVM model is superior to other models in terms of accuracy; the accuracy of the LSTM-BO-SVM model on the two datasets is 98.2% and 98.6%, respectively, which is 2.9% and 2.2% higher than that of the BO-SVM on these two datasets.
Correlation between Soil Moisture Change and Geological Disasters in E’bian Area (Sichuan, China)
Authors: Guo Hongyi , Martínez-Graña Antonio Miguel
Published: July 2024

E’bian Yi Autonomous County is a mineral-rich area located in a complex geological structure zone. The region experiences frequent geological disasters due to concentrated rainfall, steep terrain, and uneven vegetation cover. In particular, during the rainy season, large amounts of rainwater rapidly accumulate, increasing soil moisture and slope pressure, making landslides and debris flows more likely. Additionally, human activities such as mining, road construction, and building can alter the original geological structure, exacerbating the risk of geological disasters. According to publicly available data from the Leshan government, various types of geological disasters occurred in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, resulting in economic losses and casualties. Although some studies have focused on geological disaster issues in E’bian, these studies are often limited to specific areas or types of disasters and lack comprehensive spatial and temporal analysis. Furthermore, due to constraints in technology, funding, and manpower, geophysical exploration, field geological exploration, and environmental ecological investigations have been challenging to carry out comprehensively, leading to insufficient and unsystematic data collection. To provide data support and monitoring for regional territorial spatial planning and geological disaster prevention and control, this paper proposes a new method to study the correlation between soil moisture changes and geological disasters. Six high-resolution Landsat remote sensing images were used as the main data sources to process the image band data, and terrain factors were extracted and classified using a digital elevation model (DEM). Meanwhile, a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index–Land Surface Temperature (NDVI-LST) feature space was constructed. The Temperature Vegetation Drought Index (TVDI) was calculated to analyze the variation trend and influencing factors of soil moisture in the study area. The research results showed that the variation in soil moisture in the study area was relatively stable, and the overall soil moisture content was high (0.18 < TVDI < 0.33). However, due to the large variation in topographic relief, it could provide power and be a source basis for geological disasters such as landslide and collapse, so the inversion value of TVDI was small. The minimum and maximum values of the correlation coefficient (R2) were 0.60 and 0.72, respectively, indicating that the surface water content was relatively large, which was in good agreement with the calculated results of vegetation coverage and conducive to the restoration of ecological stability. In general, based on the characteristics of remote sensing technology and the division of soil moisture critical values, the promoting and hindering effects of soil moisture on geological hazards can be accurately described, and the research results can provide effective guidance for the prevention and control of geological hazards in this region.
Boost Your Brainpower: 24 Daily Sleep Hacks for Active Lifestyles
Authors: Migliaccio Gian Mario , Di Filippo Gloria , Sancassiani Federica , Padulo Johnny , Russo Luca
Published: July 2024

Sleep is a fundamental biological process that plays a pivotal role in the health and performance of physically active individuals (PAI). Sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality can negatively impact recovery capacity, concentration, coordination, and muscular strength, thereby compromising physical performance and increasing the risk of injuries. Objectives: This narrative literature review aims to examine the scientific evidence on the importance of sleep hygiene for the health and performance of PAI. A search was conducted for studies published on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies that investigated the effect of sleep hygiene on health and performance variables in athletes were included. The literature analysis highlighted that good sleep hygiene, adequate sleep duration (7–9 h per night), high sleep quality, and a regular sleep routine are associated with a range of benefits for the health and performance of PAI, including: (1) improved post-training recovery; (2) reduced risk of injuries; (3) enhanced concentration and attention; (4) improved coordination and muscle strength; (5) better mood and mental well-being; (6) reduced risk of chronic diseases. Sleep hygiene is a key factor for the health and performance of PAI. Implementing a comprehensive and personalized sleep hygiene routine can lead to significant improvements in the quality and quantity of sleep, with positive effects on physical and mental health, and overall well-being of PAI.
Projected Increase in Heatwaves under 1.5 and 2.0 °C Warming Levels Will Increase the Socio-Economic Exposure across China by the Late 21st Century
Authors: Liu Jinping , Wang Antao , Zhang Tongchang , Pan Pan , Ren Yanqun
Published: July 2024

The impending challenge posed by escalating heatwave events due to projected global warming scenarios of 1.5 and 2.0 °C underscores the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of their impact on human health and socio-economic realms. This study delves into the anticipated implications of elevated global temperatures, specifically the 1.5 and 2.0 °C warming scenarios under the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 pathways, on population and GDP exposure to heatwaves in China. We also evaluated the aggregated impacts of climate, population, and GDP and their interactions on future socio-economic exposure across China. We leveraged data sourced from the climatic output of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) for heatwave analysis and integrated population and GDP projections under divergent Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs), including SSP2-4.5 (low emission) and SSP5-8.5 (high-emission). Results indicate a drastic surge in the number of heatwave days under both warming scenarios, particularly in regions like Xinjiang (XJ), North China (NC), and South China (SC) subregions, with a notable disparity in the elevation of heatwave days among different levels. There is an alarming surge in population exposure, escalating approximately 7.94–8.70 times under the 1.5 °C warming scenario and markedly increasing by 14.48–14.75 times by the 2100s relative to the baseline (1985–2014) under the more extreme 2.0 °C warming level. Likewise, the study unveils a substantial elevation in GDP exposure, ranging from 40.65 to 47.21 times under the 1.5 °C warming level and surging dramatically by 110.85–113.99 times under the 2.0 °C warming level. Further analyses disclose that the climate effect predominantly influences changes in population exposure, constituting 72.55–79.10% of the total change. Meanwhile, the interaction effect notably shapes GDP exposure alterations, contributing 77.70–85.99% to the total change. The comprehensive investigation into alterations in population and GDP exposure under varying warming scenarios, coupled with the quantification of each contributing factor, holds paramount importance in mitigating the detrimental repercussions of heatwaves on both human life and socio-economic landscapes.
Using the Multiple-Sensor-Based Frost Observation System (MFOS) for Image Object Analysis and Model Prediction Evaluation in an Orchard
Authors: Kim Su Hyun , Lee Seung-Min , Lee Seung-Jae
Published: July 2024

Accurate frost observations are crucial for developing and validating frost prediction models. In 2022, the multi-sensor-based automatic frost observation system (MFOS), including an RGB camera, a thermal infrared camera, a leaf wetness sensor (LWS), LED lighting, and three glass plates, was developed to replace the naked-eye observation of frost. The MFOS, herein installed and operated in an apple orchard, provides temporally high-resolution frost observations that show the onset, end, duration, persistence, and discontinuity of frost more clearly than conventional naked-eye observations. This study introduces recent additions to the MFOS and presents the results of its application to frost weather analysis and forecast evaluation in an orchard in South Korea. The NCAM’s Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was employed as a weather forecast model. The main findings of this study are as follows: (1) The newly added image-based object detection capabilities of the MFOS helped with the extraction and quantitative comparison of surface temperature data for apples, leaves, and the LWS. (2) The resolution matching of the RGB and thermal infrared images was made successful by resizing the images, matching them according to horizontal movement, and conducting apple-centered averaging. (3) When applied to evaluate the frost-point predictions of the numerical weather model at one-hour intervals, the results showed that the MFOS could be used as a much more objective tool to verify the accuracy and characteristics of frost predictions compared to the naked-eye view. (4) Higher-resolution and realistic land-cover and vegetation representation are necessary to improve frost forecasts using numerical grid models based on land–atmosphere physics.