bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Comparison of the Histological Skin Structures of Common Sunda Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) and Grass Frog (Fejervarya limnocharis)
Authors: LIM ZI QI , RASIT AHMAD HATA , ZAINUDIN RAMLAH
Published: July 2024

Anuran skin preserves all functional activities, especially for respiration and water regulation. Duttaphrynus melanostictus and Fejervarya limnocharis are the common species found in Borneo lowlands and are well-adapted to humans. Hence, they can reproduce quickly and rapidly in great numbers in the urban area. This study aims to select these urban-type anurans and describe the skin structure and glands. Four regions of skin samples were obtained, namely Dorsal Head (DH), Dorsal Centre (DC), Ventral Head (VH) and Ventral Centre (VC). The microscopic slides were prepared accordingly as in the histological techniques including skin grossing, fixing, processing, embedding, sectioning and were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin staining. The seromucous glands are most prevalent in all four regions for both species. Parotoid glands are clearly visible in the skin structure of D. melanostictus, while there is a lack of parotoid glands in F. limnocharis. Nonetheless, F. limnocharis contains regular rows of glands, whereas the distribution of glands in D. melanostictus is scattered. In addition, D. melanostictus possess dermal bones, which are absent in F. limnocharis. Since anuran skin is a mucosal surface that in constant direct contact with the environment, their adaptations to harsh habitats should be reflected in the skin, particularly in the urban and invasive species in this study.
Design, synthesis, and bioevaluation of diarylpyrimidine derivatives as novel microtubule destabilizers
Authors: Xiu Yutao , Zhang Yujing , Yang Shanbo , Shi Lingyu , Xing Dongming , Wang Chao
Published: July 2024

In this work, a series of new diarylpyrimidine derivatives as microtubule destabilizers were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for anticancer activities. Based on restriction configuration strategy, we introduced the pyrimidine moiety containing the hydrogen-bond acceptors as cis-olefin bond of CA-4 analogs to improve structural stability. Compounds 11a-t exerted antiproliferative activities against three human cancer cell lines (SGC-7901, HeLa, and MCF-7), due to tubulin polymerization inhibition, showing high selectivity toward cancer cells in comparison with non-tumoral HSF cells, as evidenced by MTT assays. In mechanistic investigations, compound 11s remarkably inhibited tubulin polymerization and disorganized microtubule in SGC-7901 cells by binding to tubulin. Moreover, 11s caused G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in SGC-7901 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, molecular modeling analysis revealed that 11s interacts with tubulin through binding to the colchicine site. In addition, the prediction of physicochemical properties disclosed that 11s conformed well to the Lipinski’s rule of five. This work offered a fresh viewpoint for the discovery of new tubulin-targeting anticancer drugs.
Etiological, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of sexually transmitted infections and M. genitalium resistance in Shenzhen: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhang Chi , Xiu Leshan , Li Yamei , Zeng Yaling , Li Yizhun , Cai Yumao , Peng Junping
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study aims to determine the etiological, sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics of STIs, and the level of resistance in M. genitalium in Shenzhen, a representative first-tier city of southern China.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted and 7886 sexually active participants attending STI-related departments were involved from 22 hospitals. Nine STI-related organisms including N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, T. vaginalis, M. genitalium, HSV-1, HSV-2, M. hominis, U. parvum, and U. urealyticum were screened.

Results

Being single or divorced was associated with increased detection of N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, HSV-1, HSV-2 and M. hominis. Lower education level was associated with increased detection of C. trachomatis, HSV-2 and M. hominis. No insurance coverage was an independent risk factor for T. vaginalis, M. hominis and U. parvum positivity. Three resistance-determining regions related to macrolide and fluoroquinolone were sequenced in 154 M. genitalium positive samples, among which 90.3% harbored mutations related to macrolide or fluroquinolone resistance and 67.5% were multidrug-resistant M. genitalium. A2072G in 23S rRNA and Ser83Ile in parC were the most common mutations. M. hominis was associated with manifestations of bacterial vaginosis in female and epididymitis in male.

Conclusions

Single or divorced individuals, those with lower education level and individuals without insurance are higher-risk key populations for STIs. The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant M. genitalium in Shenzhen is high. Detection of M. hominis increased significantly with lower education level and no health insurance coverage, and it is associated with bacterial vaginosis or epididymitis, indicating that M. hominis deserves further attention.
Serum metabolites and hypercholesterolemia: insights from a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Weitao , Qiao Jingwen , Su Zhaoyin , Wei Hui , Wu Jincan , Liu Yatao , Lin Rubing , Michael Nerich
Published: July 2024

Background

Hypercholesterolemia, a critical contributor to cardiovascular disease, is not fully understood in terms of its relationship with serum metabolites and their role in disease pathogenesis.

Methods

This study leveraged GWAS data to explore the relationship between serum metabolites and hypercholesterolemia, pinpointing significant metabolites via Mendelian Randomization (MR) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Data on metabolites were sourced from a European population, with analysis focusing on individuals diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia.

Results

Out of 486 metabolites analyzed, ten showed significant associations with hypercholesterolemia, categorized into those enhancing risk and those with protective effects. Specifically, 2-methoxyacetaminophen sulfate and 1-oleoylglycerol (1-monoolein) were identified as risk-enhancing, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.545 (95% CI: 1.230–1.939; P_FDR = 3E−04) and 1.462 (95% CI: 1.036–2.063; P_FDR = 0.037), respectively. On the protective side, 3-(cystein-S-yl)acetaminophen, hydroquinone sulfate, and 2-hydroxyacetaminophen sulfate demonstrated ORs of 0.793 (95% CI: 0.735–0.856; P_FDR = 6.18E−09), 0.641 (95% CI: 0.423–0.971; P_FDR = 0.042), and 0.607 (95% CI: 0.541–0.681; P_FDR = 5.39E−17), respectively. In addition, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis further revealed eight critical pathways, comprising “biosynthesis of valine, leucine, and isoleucine”, “phenylalanine metabolism”, and “pyruvate metabolism”, emphasizing their significant role in the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia.

Conclusion

This study underscores the potential causal links between particular serum metabolites and hypercholesterolemia, offering innovative viewpoints on the metabolic basis of the disease. The identified metabolites and pathways offer promising targets for therapeutic intervention and warrant further investigation.
Causal relationship between body mass index and anal fistula: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Bo , Liu Yicheng , Wang Yueting , Wang Qingming
Published: July 2024

Background

Significant evidence has been documented regarding the intricate connection between the development of anal fistula (AF) and the composition of Body Mass Index (BMI). Nevertheless, due to the inherent limitations of reverse causality and confounders inherent in observational studies, this relationship remains unclarified. Our study aims to reveal the causal impact between BMI and AF, as well as identify its associated risk factors, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of this complex interaction.

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS) databases were used as instrumental variables for analysis. BMI served as the exposure variable, with six pooled GWAS datasets included. AF was the outcome variable. The Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analytical technique, with MR-Egger regression, Weighted Median (WME) estimation, and Multiplicity Residual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) tests serving as secondary validations of the IVW results. Odds ratios (OR) were utilized as indicators to evaluate the causal relationship between BMI and AF.

Results

A total of 738 SNPs strongly associated with the exposure were identified as instrumental variables. The IVW results demonstrated a positive correlation between BMI and the risk of AF. The MR-Egger analysis yielded p-values greater than 0.05, indicating no pleiotropic effects among the selected SNPs. Cochran’s Q test also resulted in p-values greater than 0.05, suggesting no significant heterogeneity among the instrumental variables. The MR-PRESSO analysis revealed no horizontal pleiotropy or outliers potentially violating the causal assumption (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

High BMI is positively associated with the risk of AF, and correcting BMI levels may have a preventive effect on the incidence of AF.
Association between pain threshold and manifested pain assessed using a PD-specific pain scale in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Stoyanova-Piroth Galina , Milanov Ivan , Stambolieva Katerina
Published: July 2024

Background

The neurodegenerative process in Parkinson's disease (PD) affects both dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic structures, which determine the wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS), including different types of pain. Diverse mechanisms contribute to pain in PD. Abnormal nociceptive processing is considered a distinctive feature of the disease.

Objective

In the present study, we used a validated PD-specific pain assessment tool to investigate self-reported pain in PD patients and to analyze the association with the objective pain threshold.

Methods

The RIII component of the nociceptive flexor reflex was assessed in 35 patients with PD and was compared to 40 healthy controls. Self-reported pain was measured using the Bulgarian version of the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS-BG). A correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the objective nociceptive threshold and PD pain as assessed by KPPS-BG.

Results

PD patients had a significantly lower RIII threshold than control individuals (the mean SD value was 6.24 ± 1.39 vs. 10.33 ± 1.64) when assessed in the “off” state. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) fairly negative Spearman's correlation was observed between the decreased spinal nociceptive threshold and fluctuation-related pain (−0.31). Domain 4, “nocturnal pain” (−0.21), and the KPPS-BG total score (−0.21) showed a weak negative correlation. An insignificant positive correlation was found between domain 6—“discoloration, edema/swelling”—and the RIII threshold. A higher Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part III score and modified Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scale are associated with a decreased nociceptive flexor reflex threshold.

Conclusion

The results of the present study demonstrate the important role of increased spinal nociception in the occurrence of pain, which is associated with fluctuations and, to a lesser extent, nocturnal pain.
Automated identification of thrombectomy amenable vessel occlusion on computed tomography angiography using deep learning
Authors: Han Jung Hoon , Ha Sue Young , Lee Hoyeon , Park Gi-Hun , Hong Hotak , Kim Dongmin , Kim Jae Guk , Kim Joon-Tae , Sunwoo Leonard , Kim Chi Kyung , Ryu Wi-Sun
Published: July 2024

Introduction

We developed and externally validated a fully automated algorithm using deep learning to detect large vessel occlusion (LVO) in computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Method

A total of 2,045 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent CTA were included in the development of our model. We validated the algorithm using two separate external datasets: one with 64 patients (external 1) and another with 313 patients (external 2), with ischemic stroke. In the context of current clinical practice, thrombectomy amenable vessel occlusion (TAVO) was defined as an occlusion in the intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA), or in the M1 or M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). We employed the U-Net for vessel segmentation on the maximum intensity projection images, followed by the application of the EfficientNetV2 to predict TAVO. The algorithm’s diagnostic performance was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).

Results

The mean age in the training and validation dataset was 68.7 ± 12.6; 56.3% of participants were men, and 18.0% had TAVO. The algorithm achieved AUC of 0.950 (95% CI, 0.915–0.971) in the internal test. For the external datasets 1 and 2, the AUCs were 0.970 (0.897–0.997) and 0.971 (0.924–0.990), respectively. With a fixed sensitivity of 0.900, the specificities and PPVs for the internal test, external test 1, and external test 2 were 0.891, 0.796, and 0.930, and 0.665, 0.583, and 0.667, respectively. The algorithm demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of approximately 0.95 in both internal and external datasets, specifically for cases involving intracranial ICA or M1-MCA occlusion. However, the diagnostic performance was somewhat reduced for isolated M2-MCA occlusion; the AUC for the internal and combined external datasets were 0.903 (0.812–0.944) and 0.916 (0.816–0.963), respectively.

Conclusion

We developed and externally validated a fully automated algorithm that identifies TAVO. Further research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness in real-world clinical settings. This validated algorithm has the potential to assist early-career physicians, thereby streamlining the treatment process for patients who can benefit from endovascular treatment.
Preparations offered to workers in different food services: application of the score for qualitative assessment of preparations
Authors: Dohms Pietra Oselame da Silva , Stangarlin-Fiori Lize , Medeiros Caroline Opolski
Published: July 2024

The quality of preparations offered in the workplace can vary according to the different segments of food services and may impact the health of the workers. This study aimed to qualitatively assess the food preparation offered to workers in from different food services. A total of 384 preparations were offered to workers in Curitiba City, Brazil. The preparations from three different segments of food services were evaluated: commercial (pilot study), non-commercial, and outsourced, selected for convenience. To identify the preparations, the nutritionist was interviewed, and the production process was monitored. The Score for Qualitative Assessment of Preparations (EAQP) was applied to evaluate the preparations, and they were classified according to their quality: high, intermediate, low, and very low quality. The chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests with post-hoc Least Significant Difference (LSD) Test were used. Most of the preparations were of high quality (72.9%), using mainly the unprocessed or minimally processed ingredients. The preparations offered by the non-commercial food service provider had a better mean quality score when compared to other food services (p < 0.01). This study outcome is essential to help food service professionals to decide and choose the ingredients used in the preparations.
Unravelling the synergistic effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and vermicompost on improving plant growth,nutrient absorption, and secondary metabolite production in ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)
Authors: Sarathambal C. , Srinivasan V. , Jeevalatha A. , Sivaranjani R. , Alagupalamuthirsolai M. , Peeran Mohammed Faisal , Mukesh Sankar S. , George Priya , Dilkush Fathima
Published: July 2024

The present research explored the impact of varying concentrations of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus inoculum and vermicompost on the growth, nutrient absorption, photosynthetic gas exchange, and quality parameters of ginger over a 2-year period in field conditions. In this study, the combination of 50 g each of AM and vermicompost increased plant height, number of tillers, and rhizome yield compared to the control. However, higher dry biomass (61 g) was observed with the combination of 75 g of each amendment. As expected, the application of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) positively affects spore count and mycorrhizal dependency percentage ranging from 58 to 70.5 spores per 50 g substrate and 19–36%, respectively. The combined use of vermicompost and AM led to a lower disease incidence of 10.5% in treatments with 25 g of each amendment and 10.1% in treatments with 50 g of each. Nutrient accumulations, particularly phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn), exhibited greater levels in ginger plants treated with vermicompost and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inoculation, compared to uninoculated ginger rhizomes. The plants treated with AM and vermicompost increased the biomass accumulation by increasing the stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate of leaves. AM and vermicompost improved ginger rhizome quality, increasing phenols by 37.8%, flavonoids by 35.7%, and essential oil by 29% compared to the control. The analysis revealed that the total flavonoid content was significantly higher in AM-treated samples compared to the control. However, the phenol content did not exhibit statistical significance across the treatments. Regarding essential oil (EO) content, our experiment highlighted that treatments with AM and vermicompost have consistently yielded higher EO content compared to other treatments. In contrast, there was no discernible trend in the fiber content with the application of AM and vermicompost amendments. PCA and correlation analyses revealed a positive influence on plant growth, nutrient absorption, and quality parameters, except for the incidence of diseases in ginger. Overall, our study finds that the concurrent use of vermicompost and arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) makes a substantial contribution to the growth, nutrient uptake, photosynthetic, and quality parameters of ginger.
Two-Stage Control Strategy Based on Motion Planning for Planar Prismatic–Rotational Underactuated Robot
Authors: Li Dawei , Wei Ziang , Huang Zixin
Published: July 2024

Intelligent robots are often used to explore various areas instead of humans. However, when the driving joint is damaged, the actuated robot degenerates to an underactuated robot, and the traditional control method is not suitable for the underactuated robot. In this work, a two-stage control approach for a planar prismatic–rotational (PR) underactuated robot is introduced. Firstly, we establish the dynamic model and describe the underactuated constraint between an underactuated rotational joint and active prismatic joint. Secondly, the trajectory with multiple parameters is planned to ensure that the two joints reach the target position. Based on underactuated constraints and the evaluation function, the differential evolution algorithm (DEA) is used to optimize these parameters. After that, in stage 1, we design the controller to move the active prismatic joint to the desired position. Meanwhile, the underactuated rotational joint is rotating freely. In stage 2, we design the controller for the active prismatic joint to track the planned trajectory. By means of this strategy, both joints reach their target locations simultaneously. The final simulation result demonstrates that this strategy is effective.
Fuzzy Control for Aircraft Engine: Dynamics Clustering Modeling, Compensation and Hardware-in-Loop Experimental Verification
Authors: Pan Muxuan , Wang Hao , Zhang Chenchen , Xu Yun
Published: July 2024

This paper presents an integrated framework for aircraft engines, which consists of three phases: modeling, control, and experimental testing. The engine is formulated as an uncertain T–S fuzzy model. By a hierarchical dynamical parameter clustering, the number and premise variables of fuzzy rules are optimized, which keeps the engine’s prime and representative dynamics. For each fuzzy rule, a global stability-guaranteed method is developed for the identification of the consequent uncertain dynamic model. The resulting stable T–S fuzzy model accurately approximates the actual engine dynamics in the operation space. Based on this fuzzy model, a new robust control is constructed with hierarchical compensators. The control parameters take advantage of the fuzzy blend of engine prime dynamics and uncertainty thresholds. Extensive hardware-in-loop (HIL) experimental tests in the flight envelope and a flight task cycle demonstrate the effectiveness and real-time performance of the proposed control. The settling times and overshoots of engine response are suppressed to be under 2.5 s and 10%, respectively.
Social-Ecological Spatial Analysis of Agroforestry in the European Union with a Focus on Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Fotakis Dimitrios , Karmiris Ilias , Kiziridis Diogenis A. , Astaras Christos , Papachristou Thomas G.
Published: July 2024

Agroforestry has a long history of evolution in Europe and has been especially selected under the unfavorable socioeconomic and environmental conditions of the Mediterranean region. The recent changes in social-ecological conditions have increased the interest in the contribution of agroforestry to the mitigation of forthcoming challenges. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic and ecological suitability of agricultural lands for preserving, restoring, and establishing agroforestry practices in Europe. We classified different agroforestry systems based on the LUCAS database, finding that most agroforestry in Europe is in areas associated with older human populations of varying densities and employment levels at lower altitudes, gentler slopes, moderate annual mean temperature and precipitation, and in medium textured soils with limited organic carbon content. Focusing on the prevalent agroforestry system of silvopasture, the majority of which is found in three Mediterranean ecoregions of mainly sclerophyllous forests, the most important factors for the occurrence of this system were subsoil available water content (Aegean), land cover (Adriatic), and topsoil available water content (Iberian). The suitable area for silvopasture according to MaxEnt was 32%, 30%, and 22% of the Aegean, Adriatic, and Iberian ecoregion’s area, respectively. Such mapping of agroforestry suitability can help policymakers to undertake adaptive management for the implementation of agroforestry-based solutions to address ecosystem restoration, food insecurity, and rapid environmental changes and threats.
Spray Deposition and Losses to Soil from a Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Airblast Sprayer on Coffee
Authors: Cunha João Paulo Arantes Rodrigues da , Lopes Luana de Lima , Alves Caio Oliveira Rodrigues , Alvarenga Cleyton Batista de
Published: July 2024

Remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) have been increasingly used for crop protection in coffee plantations. However, the applications can result in low spray deposition on leaves and higher product losses between rows compared to ground airblast sprayers. This study aimed to evaluate the spray deposition on the coffee canopy and potential losses to the soil during application with an RPA and an airblast sprayer at varying spray volumes. The experiment comprised four spray treatments: RPA at 10 L ha−1 and 20 L ha−1, and airblast sprayer at 200 L ha−1 and 300 L ha−1. Leaf deposition was quantified by measuring a tracer on leaves from the lower and upper parts of the coffee canopy using spectrophotometry. Spray losses to the soil were measured by analyzing tracer residues on Petri dishes positioned within the inter-rows and beneath the coffee canopy. Statistical process control was used to analyze spray deposition quality in the study area. Ground-based airblast spraying resulted in the highest overall canopy deposition, while RPA spraying led to greater losses within the inter-rows. No significant difference was observed in spray runoff beneath the canopy between ground-based and aerial applications. Leaf deposition exhibited random variability across all application methods. Therefore, application stability, control, and spray quality standards were maintained.
Wheat Response to Foliar-Applied Phosphorus Is Determined by Soil Phosphorus Buffering
Authors: Malik Raj , Scanlan Craig , van Burgel Andrew , Singh Balwinder
Published: July 2024

In no-till cropping systems, banding of phosphorus (P) fertiliser at seeding results in low use efficiency due to chemical reactions in soil. Foliar P has the potential to allow grain producers to respond tactically with P application after sowing when P supply from soil and fertiliser is not meeting crop demand. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of foliar P on wheat grain yield, grain quality, biomass yield, P uptake and P use efficiency indices. Nine field experiments were conducted to investigate the response of wheat to foliar P. Three rates of P, 0, 2.5 and 5.0 kg/ha, as phosphoric acid (H3PO4 85%) were applied to wheat at three different growth stages: first tiller emergence (Z21), first node detection (Z31) and flag leaf emergence (Z39). Grain yield responses ranging from 176 kg/ha to 505 kg/ha to foliar-applied P were observed in six out of nine experiments. The percent grain yield response to foliar P was negatively related to the P buffering index (PBI, 0–10 cm soil depth), which is attributed to greater sorption by soil of the foliar P at the higher PBI levels. Mean agronomic efficiency (AE) across the experiments was 111 kg/kg P but reached up to 232 kg/kg P. It was also evident that foliar P has the potential to improve P concentration in shoots and grains and increase P uptake but with no or minimal effect on grain quality. Our results suggest that a combination of tissue testing at the seedling stage and soil P buffering can be used to guide when foliar P application is likely to increase grain yield in wheat.
The Biological Activity of an SfMNPV-Based Biopesticide on a Resistant Strain of Spodoptera frugiperda Developing on Transgenic Corn Expressing Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 + Cry1F Insecticidal Protein
Authors: Geisler Fernanda Carla Santos , Martins Liliane Nachtigall , Machado Inessa Emanuelle da Fonseca , Matozo Lara Fernandes , Lucena Willian Furtado , Soares Vanessa Nogueira , Pazini Juliano de Bastos , Schneid da Rosa Ana Paula Schneid Afonso , Bernardi Daniel
Published: July 2024

Insecticides based on baculoviruses have become an alternative for pest control in different agricultural crops. The aim of this study was to assess the biological activity of the bioinsecticide Cartugen™ (SfMNPV: Baculoviridae: Alphabaculovirus) on larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistant to Bt corn expressing the insecticidal proteins Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2+Cry1F. In addition, we assessed the efficiency of SfMNPV on S. frugiperda control in the field from natural infestation of the pest during two agricultural seasons. The results showed that no larvae survived 10 days after being inoculated with Bt and non-Bt corn leaves contaminated with 1.50 × 1010 occlusion bodies (OBs)/L (equivalent to the recommended dose of the product). However, when using doses equivalent to 50% (7.50 × 109 OBs/L) and 25% (3.75 × 109 OBs/L), the larval mortality ranged from 21.12% to 46.55%, respectively. Although larvae resistant to the Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2+Cry1F proteins, when exposed to 50% of the SfMNPV dose (7.50 × 109 OBs/L), showed reductions in larval weight (52 to 67% reduction), pupal weight (32 to 59% reduction), and total fecundity (67 to 86% reduction) compared to the control. Furthermore, doses above 25% (3.75 × 109 OBs/L−1) caused a population decrease in the growth of the species in both Bt and non-Bt corn according to the fertility life table. In the field, at 7 and 10 DAA (days after application), corn plants sprayed with SfMNPV (1.50 × 1010 OBs/L) showed reductions in leaf damage according to the Davis scale. However, from 14 to 21 DAA, there was an increase in leaf damage in corn leaves from both treatments, with or without the application of SfMNPV. This shows that SfMNPV may be an important strategy in the integrated management and resistance management of S. frugiperda.
A Model for Feature Selection with Binary Particle Swarm Optimisation and Synthetic Features
Authors: Ojo Samuel Olusegun , Adisa Juliana Adeola , Owolawi Pius Adewale , Tu Chunling
Published: July 2024

Recognising patterns and inferring nonlinearities between data that are seemingly random and stochastic in nature is one of the strong suites of machine learning models. Given a set of features, the ability to distinguish between useful features and seemingly useless features, and thereafter extract a subset of features that will result in the best prediction on data that are highly stochastic, remains an open issue. This study presents a model for feature selection by generating synthetic features and applying Binary Particle Swarm Optimisation with a Long Short-Term Memory-based model. The study analyses the correlation between data and makes use of Apple stock market data as a use case. Synthetic features are created from features that have weak/low correlation to the label and analysed how synthetic features that are descriptive of features can enhance the model’s predictive capability. The results obtained show that by expanding the dataset to contain synthetic features before applying feature selection, the objective function was better optimised as compared to when no synthetic features were added.
Biomarker-Based Analysis of Pain in Patients with Tick-Borne Infections before and after Antibiotic Treatment
Authors: Garg Kunal , Thoma Abbie , Avramovic Gordana , Gilbert Leona , Shawky Marc , Ray Minha Rajput , Lambert John Shearer
Published: July 2024

Tick-borne illnesses (TBIs), especially those caused by Borrelia, are increasingly prevalent worldwide. These diseases progress through stages of initial localization, early spread, and late dissemination. The final stage often leads to post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) or chronic Lyme disease (CLD), characterized by persistent and non-specific multisystem symptoms affecting multiple systems, lasting over six months after antibiotic therapy. PTLDS significantly reduces functional ability, with 82–96% of patients experiencing pain, including arthritis, arthralgia, and myalgia. Inflammatory markers like CRP and TNF-alpha indicate ongoing inflammation, but the link between chronic pain and other biomarkers is underexplored. This study examined the relationship between pain and biomarkers in TBI patients from an Irish hospital and their response to antibiotic treatment. Pain ratings significantly decreased after antibiotic treatment, with median pain scores dropping from 7 to 5 (U = 27215.50, p < 0.001). This suggests a persistent infection responsive to antibiotics. Age and gender did not influence pain ratings before and after treatment. The study found correlations between pain ratings and biomarkers such as transferrin, CD4%, platelets, and neutrophils. However, variations in these biomarkers did not significantly predict pain changes when considering biomarkers outside the study. These findings imply that included biomarkers do not directly predict pain changes, possibly indicating allostatic load in symptom variability among long-term TBI patients. The study emphasizes the need for appropriate antibiotic treatment for TBIs, highlighting human rights issues related to withholding pain relief.
Adverse Events Comparison of Double Beta-Lactam Combinations for Bloodstream Infections: Ampicillin plus Ceftriaxone and Ampicillin/Cloxacillin
Authors: Ishikawa Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Daiki , Mori Nobuyoshi
Published: July 2024

In Japan, only ampicillin/cloxacillin (ABPC/MCIPC) is available as an anti-staphylococcal penicillin-based treatment for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. However, the incidence of adverse events associated with double beta-lactam administration remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the adverse events of double beta-lactam administration in patients with bacteremia. Adult patients (≥18 years) with bacteremia treated with ABPC, ABPC + ceftriaxone (CTRX), or ABPC/MCIPC were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of adverse events such as acute kidney injury, liver dysfunction, and myelosuppression. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used for bivariate analysis. Propensity score (PS) matching was conducted to adjust for confounding factors. We included 277 ABPC-, 57 ABPC + CTRX-, and 43 ABPC/MCIPC-treated patients. Significant differences were noted in age, number of male patients, proportion of patients with qSOFA score ≥2, incidence of chronic kidney disease, treatment duration, mechanical ventilation use, vasopressor use, and proportion of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) KDIGO grade ≥2. Further, a significant difference was observed between ABPC and ABPC/MCIPC, with a hazard ratio of 1.83 in AKI. In the PS-matched cohort, AKI incidence associated with ABPC/MCIPC was significantly higher than that associated with ABPC. ABPC + CTRX may be safe, whereas ABPC/MCIPC presents a higher risk of AKI and may not be suitable.
Multitarget Pharmacology of Sulfur–Nitrogen Heterocycles: Anticancer and Antioxidant Perspectives
Authors: Drakontaeidi Aliki , Papanotas Ilias , Pontiki Eleni
Published: July 2024

Cancer and oxidative stress are interrelated, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) playing crucial roles in physiological processes and oncogenesis. Excessive ROS levels can induce DNA damage, leading to cancer, and disrupt antioxidant defenses, contributing to diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Antioxidant mechanisms include enzymes and small molecules that mitigate ROS damage. However, cancer cells often exploit oxidative conditions to evade apoptosis and promote tumor growth. Antioxidant therapy has shown mixed results, with timing and cancer-type influencing outcomes. Multifunctional drugs targeting multiple pathways offer a promising approach, reducing side effects and improving efficacy. Recent research focuses on sulfur-nitrogen heterocyclic derivatives for their dual antioxidant and anticancer properties, potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy in oncology. The newly synthesized compounds often do not demonstrate both antioxidant and anticancer properties simultaneously. Heterocyclic rings are typically combined with phenyl groups, where hydroxy substitutions enhance antioxidant activity. On the other hand, electron-withdrawing substituents, particularly at the p-position on the phenyl ring, tend to enhance anticancer activity.
The Effect of Pre-Treatment and the Drying Method on the Nutritional and Bioactive Composition of Sea Cucumbers—A Review
Authors: Das Amit , Hossain Abul , Dave Deepika
Published: July 2024

Sea cucumbers are well demarcated for their valuable role in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical sectors. The demand for well-processed dried sea cucumber retaining quality is prioritized by local markets and industries. There are several techniques for the pre-processing of fresh sea cucumbers, including traditional and modern methods, such as salting, boiling, high-pressure processing, high-pressure steaming, and vacuum cooking, among others, in order to inactivate enzymes and microbial attacks. Further, pre-treated sea cucumbers require post-processing before human consumption, transportation, or industry uses such as hot air, freeze, cabinet, sun, or smoke drying. However, despite the ease, traditional processing is associated with several challenges hampering the quality of processed products. For instance, due to high temperatures in boiling and drying, there is a higher chance of disrupting valuable nutrients, resulting in low-quality products. Therefore, the integration of traditional and modern methods is a crucial approach to optimizing sea cucumber processing to obtain valuable products with high nutritional values and retain bioactive compounds. The value of dried sea cucumbers relies not only on species and nutritional value but also on the processing methods in terms of retaining sensory attributes, including colour, appearance, texture, taste, and odour. Therefore, this review, for the first time, provides insight into different pre- and post-treatments, their perspective, challenges, and how these methods can be optimized for industry use to obtain better-quality products and achieve economic gains from sea cucumber.
Automated Construction Method of Knowledge Graphs for Pirate Events
Authors: Xie Cunxiang , Zhong Zhaogen , Zhang Limin
Published: July 2024

With the development of seaborne trade, international maritime crime is becoming increasingly complex. Detecting maritime threats by fusing the physical movement data from traditional physical sensors is not sufficient. Thus, soft data, including intelligence reports and news articles, need to be incorporated into the situational awareness models of maritime threats. In this regard, this study developed an automated construction method of knowledge graphs for pirate events, which lays a foundation for subsequent maritime threat reasoning and situational awareness. First, a knowledge graph ontology model for pirate events was designed. Secondly, the BERT-BiLSTM-CRF model is proposed for named-entity recognition, and an entity linking algorithm based on distant learning and context attention mechanism is proposed to remove the conceptual ambiguity. Thirdly, based on traditional distant supervision relation extraction, which is based on sentence-level attention mechanism, bag-level and group-level attention mechanism methods are additionally proposed to further enhance the performance of distant supervision relation extraction. The proposed model demonstrated high performance in named-entity recognition, entity linking, and relation extraction tasks, with an overall F1-score of over 0.94 for NER and significant improvements in entity linking and relation extraction compared to traditional methods. The constructed knowledge graphs effectively support maritime threat reasoning and situational awareness, offering a substantial contribution to the field of maritime security. Our discussion highlights the model’s strengths and potential areas for future work, while the conclusion emphasizes the practical implications and the readiness of our approach for real-world applications.
Game Analysis of Different Transportation Modes in a Corridor Considering Carbon Emission Costs
Authors: Xian Yong , Li Yinzhen , Ma Changxi , Wu Zichao
Published: July 2024

This study aims to elucidate the implications of carbon peak and carbon neutrality targets on corridor logistics, with a focus on the burgeoning high-speed rail express sector. Acknowledging carbon emissions taxation as an integral component of transportation costs, it examines the competitive dynamics among four cargo transport modes: high-speed rail (HSR), conventional rail, aviation, and road transport. Within a strategic game framework, carriers are analyzed based on freight rates, speed, safety, reliability, and convenience to assess their utility. A dynamic game model and a solution approach are developed, aiming to optimize freight-related variables, maximize carriers’ generalized profits, and enhance shippers’ utility. Empirical validation is provided through case studies in Xi’an and Lanzhou, northwest China, affirming the model’s efficacy. The findings reveal the strong competitive edge of the high-speed rail express in the corridor, offering valuable insights for carrier pricing strategies, emission tax rate setting, and macro-policy adjustments in the transport sector.
Stress State Analysis of the Soil Plug of Open-Ended Piles during Impact Driving Using Particle Flow Code (PFC)
Authors: Kim Youngsang , Kim Mintae
Published: July 2024

The increasing demand for energy and industrial development necessitates the construction of large-scale structures, often in previously undeveloped areas. Pile foundations, particularly open-ended piles (OEPs), are extensively used in such projects due to their drivability and structural integrity. This research focuses on the unique plugging effect in OEPs, where soil enters the pile during installation, forming a soil plug that significantly contributes to the pile’s static resistance. A significant challenge in OEP applications is the uncertainty in internal stress states and bearing capacity due to the dynamic nature of impact driving in sands. Current standards assume that the inner skin friction equals the outer skin friction along the entire soil plug length, a conservative approach lacking in consideration of the actual stress states. Utilizing the Particle Flow Code (PFC) software, this research aims to analyze the internal stress conditions within the soil plug during impact driving, providing a more accurate prediction of OEP behavior under various conditions. The study’s findings, validated against experimental results, enhance the understanding of soil–pile interactions, contributing to the development of improved design methodologies for open-ended piles.
Existence Result for a Class of Time-Fractional Nonstationary Incompressible Navier–Stokes–Voigt Equations
Authors: Xu Keji , Zeng Biao
Published: July 2024

We are devoted in this work to dealing with a class of time-fractional nonstationary incompressible Navier–Stokes–Voigt equation involving the Caputo fractional derivative. By exploiting the properties of the operators in the equation, we use the Rothe method to show the existence of weak solutions to the equation by verifying all the conditions of the surjectivity theorem for nonlinear weakly continuous operators.
Advanced Thermal Management of Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery Packs in Electric Vehicles: A Comparative CFD Study of Vertical, Horizontal, and Optimised Liquid Cooling Designs
Authors: Murphy Michael , Akrami Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Battery packs found in electric vehicles (EVs) require thermal management systems to maintain safe operating temperatures in order to improve device performance and alleviate irregular temperatures that can cause irreversible damage to the cells. Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are widely used in the electric vehicle industry due to their high energy density and extended life cycle. This report investigates the thermal performance of three liquid cooling designs for a six-cell battery pack using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The first two designs, vertical flow design (VFD) and horizontal flow design (HFD), are influenced by existing linear and wavy channel structures. They went through multiple geometry optimisations, where parameters such as inlet velocity, the number of channels, and channel diameter were tested before being combined into the third and final optimal design (OD). All designs successfully maintained the maximum temperature of the cells below 306.5 K at an inlet velocity of 0.5 ms−1, meeting the predefined performance thresholds derived from the literature. The HFD design was the only one that failed to meet the temperature uniformity goal of 5 K. The optimal design achieved a maximum temperature of 301.311 K, which was 2.223 K lower than the VFD, and 4.707 K lower than the HFD. Furthermore, it produced a cell temperature difference of 1.144 K, outperforming the next-best design by 1.647 K, thus demonstrating superior temperature regulation. The OD design can manage temperatures by using lower inlet velocities and reducing power consumption. However, the increased cooling efficiency comes at the cost of an increase in weight for the system. This prompts the decision on whether to accommodate the added weight for improved safety or to allocate it to the addition of more batteries to enhance the vehicle’s power output.
Long-Term Preclinical Evaluation of a Permanent Stent Developed for the Human Eustachian Tube
Authors: Schmitt Katharina , Timm Malena , Krüger Philipp , Oppel Niels , Napp Alexandra , Pohl Friederike , Schuon Robert , Kampmann Andreas , Kötter Lisa , Bankstahl Marion , Lenarz Thomas , Stein Tobias , Paasche Gerrit
Published: July 2024

The Eustachian tube (ET) is a bottleneck when it comes to middle ear (ME) health. If its function is impaired, this can lead to serious consequences for the patient, such as hearing problems or deafness. Therefore, this study investigated a tapered nitinol stent (3–5 mm × 14 mm) for the human ET as a potential new permanent treatment for chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and thus ME ventilation disorders. The self-expanding stent was inserted unilaterally into the ET of 24 sheep with observation periods of 3, 6, and 12 months. Local tissue effects and the safety of the stent insertion were analyzed based on regular endoscopic checks, weekly tympanometry measurements, final imaging, and histological examinations. The animals showed no stent-related health restrictions. However, the individual anatomy and stenting procedure had an influence on the results. The tissue reaction in the endoscopic examinations was mild even though no concomitant antibiotics were administered. After all three monitoring periods, stented ETs had a significantly larger ET lumen than the non-stented contralateral ETs. However, tissue growth was detected in the stent. Overall, the first long-term study on an ET stent showed that the tapered ET stent could be a promising treatment option for ETD.
Nicotinamide: Bright Potential in Glaucoma Management
Authors: Babighian Silvia , Gattazzo Irene , Zanella Maria Sole , Galan Alessandro , D’Esposito Fabiana , Musa Mutali , Gagliano Caterina , Lapenna Lucia , Zeppieri Marco
Published: July 2024

Background: Glaucoma is a major cause of incurable ocular morbidity and poses significant challenges in its management due to the limited treatment options and potential adverse effects. Nicotinamide, a naturally occurring diet-rich nutrient, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for glaucoma, offering neuroprotective effects and the potential modulation of intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation pathways. This comprehensive review sought to analyze the current literature on nicotinamide in glaucoma management, exploring its mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profile. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed database was conducted to identify relevant records on the therapeutic actions of nicotinamide in ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Publications evaluating nicotinamide’s effects on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), optic nerve function, IOP regulation, and neuroinflammatory pathways were included. Results: The literature review revealed the preclinical evidence supporting nicotinamide’s neuroprotective effects on RGCs, the preservation of optic nerve integrity, and the modulation of glaucoma-associated neuroinflammation. Additionally, nicotinamide may exert IOP-lowering effects through its influence on ocular blood flow and aqueous humor dynamics. Conclusions: Nicotinamide holds promise as a novel therapeutic approach in glaucoma management, offering potential neuroprotective and IOP-lowering effects. The authors recommend more research to determine the nicotinamide efficacy, safe dosing parameters, and any long-term safety concerns in glaucoma patients.