bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbiota and Mitochondrial Sex-Dependent Imbalance in Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Descriptive Study
Authors: Ramírez-Tejero Jorge A. , Durán-González Elena , Martínez-Lara Antonio , Lucena del Amo Laura , Sepúlveda Isabel , Huancas-Díaz Andrés , Carvajal Marco , Cotán David
Published: July 2023

Fibromyalgia is a widespread chronic condition characterized by pain and fatigue. Among the long list of physiological disturbances linked to this syndrome, mitochondrial imbalance and oxidative stress stand out. Recently, the crosstalk between mitochondria and intestinal microbiota has caught the attention of biomedical researchers, who have found connections between this axis and several inflammatory and pain-related conditions. Hence, this pilot descriptive study focused on characterizing the mitochondrial mass/mitophagy ratio and total antioxidant capacity in PBMCs, as well as some microbiota components in feces, from a Peruvian cohort of 19 females and 7 males with FM. Through Western blotting, electrochemical oxidation, ELISA, and real-time qPCR, we determined VDAC1 and MAP1LC3B protein levels; total antioxidant capacity; secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels; and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides/Prevotella, and Roseburia/Eubacterium ratios; as well as Ruminococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Akkermansia muciniphila levels, respectively. We found statistically significant differences in Ruminococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. levels between females and males, as well as a marked polarization in mitochondrial mass in both groups. Taken together, our results point to a mitochondrial imbalance in FM patients, as well as a sex-dependent difference in intestinal microbiota composition.
Glycation of Whey Proteins Increases the Ex Vivo Immune Response of Lymphocytes Sensitized to β-Lactoglobulin
Authors: Złotkowska Dagmara , Kuczyński Mateusz , Fuc Ewa , Fotschki Joanna , Wróblewska Barbara
Published: July 2023

Glycation is a spontaneous reaction accompanying the thermal processing and storage of food. It can lead to changes in the allergenic and immunogenic potential of protein. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the glycation of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) on the ex vivo response of β-lg sensitized lymphocytes. C57BL/6 mice were immunized intragastrically (i-g) or intraperitoneally (i-p) with β-lg. The humoral response of the groups differed only with respect to the IgE level of the i-p group. Cellular response was studied after stimulation with antigen variants. The lymphocytes from the i-g/group mesenteric lymph nodes, stimulated with β-lg before and after glycation, presented a higher percentage of CD4 and CD8 T cells compared to the i-p/group. The cytokine profile of the i-p/group splenocytes stimulated with antigens showed elevated levels of pro-inflammatory IL-17A regardless of protein modification. In conclusion, the ex vivo model proved that the glycation process does not reduce protein immunogenicity.
An Updated Review Summarizing the Anticancer Efficacy of Melittin from Bee Venom in Several Models of Human Cancers
Authors: Pandey Pratibha , Khan Fahad , Khan Minhaj Ahmad , Kumar Rajnish , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar
Published: July 2023

Apitherapy (using bee products) has gained broad recognition in cancer therapeutics globally. Honeybee venom has a broad range of biological potential, and its utilization is rapidly emerging in apitherapy. Bee products have significant potential to strengthen the immune system and improve human health. Thus, this review is targeted toward recapitulating the chemo-preventive potential of melittin (MEL), which constitutes a substantial portion of honeybee venom. Honeybee venom (apitoxin) is produced in the venom gland of the honeybee abdomen, and adult bees utilize it as a primary colony defense mechanism. Apitoxin comprises numerous biologically active compounds, including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates, and volatile components. We are mainly focused on exploring the potential of melittin (a peptide component) of bee venom that has shown promising potential in the treatment of several human cancers, including breast, stomach, lung, prostate, ovary, kidney, colon, gastric, esophageal, cervical cancers, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review has summarized all potential studies related to the anticancerous efficacy of melittin (apitoxin), its formulations, conjugates, and nano-formulations against several human carcinomas, which would further pave the way for future researchers in developing potent drugs for cancer management.
IgE Mediated Shellfish Allergy in Children—A Review
Authors: Giannetti Arianna , Pession Andrea , Bettini Irene , Ricci Giampaolo , Giannì Giuliana , Caffarelli Carlo
Published: July 2023

Shellfish is a leading cause of food allergy and anaphylaxis worldwide. Recent advances in molecular characterization have led to a better understanding of the allergen profile. High sequence homology between shellfish species and between shellfish and house dust mites leads to a high serological cross-reactivity, which does not accurately correlate with clinical cross-reactions. Clinical manifestations are immediate and the predominance of perioral symptoms is a typical feature of shellfish allergy. Diagnosis, as for other food allergies, is based on SPTs and specific IgE, while the gold standard is DBPCFC. Cross-reactivity between shellfish is common and therefore, it is mandatory to avoid all shellfish. New immunotherapeutic strategies based on hypoallergens and other innovative approaches represent the new frontiers for desensitization.
Uptake of Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling Scheme after 5 Years of Adoption in Thailand: An Analysis of New Launched Pre-Packaged Food and Beverages Products
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Hung , Photi Juntima , Tangsuphoom Nattapol , Kriengsinyos Wantanee
Published: July 2023

In 2016, Thailand introduced voluntary front-of-pack nutrition labeling, the ‘Thailand Healthier Choice’ logo (THCL), in order to help consumers make informed, healthier food choices in each food category. This study aimed to assess the uptake of the THCL scheme in Thailand after five years of implementation by analyzing a newly launched product database. Data on the nutritional composition and labeling were obtained from the Mintel Global New Products Database between 2017 and 2021. The product’s healthfulness was determined using the Health Star Rating (HSR) algorithm. The numbers and proportions of total, eligible, and labeled products bearing the THCL logo were analyzed and classified by food category, by HSR value, and by manufacturer. After 5 years of implementation, THCL uptake as a proportion of total products and eligible products continues to increase by 3.0% and 10.2% per annum, respectively. The logo has correspondingly appeared on 10.7% and 39.5% of total and eligible products. As a voluntary implementation, 76.1% of products displaying the THCL logo belonged to the ‘non-core’ group, i.e., non-alcoholic beverages and instant foods. This food category (HSR < 3.0) was more likely to register to bear THCL rather than those ‘core’ food scoring an HSR ≥ 3.5, which might reflect economic considerations and benefits. The present analysis also found that only 10% of manufacturers in Thailand launched ‘healthier’ products that display the THCL logo with varied product numbers. To summarize, the initial five-year implementation of the THCL program shows promise, but its adoption remains limited and inconsistent, thereby restricting its influence on public health. Our discoveries highlight the limitations of commercial goodwill in applying THCL voluntarily in Thailand and offer potential suggestions to enhance its adoption in the coming years.
Cross-Classification Analysis of Food Products Based on Nutritional Quality and Degree of Processing
Authors: Abreu Sandra , Liz Martins Margarida
Published: July 2023

This study aims to compare the classification of foods available in the Portuguese market using Nutri-Score and NOVA classifications and to analyse their ability to discriminate the fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt content of foods. A sample of 2682 food products was collected. The nutritional quality of foods was established using the Nutri-Score, classifying them into five categories (from A to E). The NOVA classification was used to classify foods according to the degree of food processing into unprocessed/minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods (UPF). The nutritional content of food products was classified using a Multiple Traffic Light label system. It was observed that 73.7% of UPF were classified as Nutri-Score C, D, and E, 10.1% as Nutri-Score A, and 16.2% as Nutri-Score B. Nutri-Score was positively correlated with NOVA classification (ρ = 0.140, p < 0.001) and with the Multiple Traffic Lights system (ρTotal Fat = 0.572, ρSaturated Fat = 0.668, ρSugar = 0.215, ρSalt = 0.321, p < 0.001). NOVA classification negatively correlated with the Multiple Traffic Lights system for total fat (ρ = −0.064, p < 0.001). Our findings indicate the presence of many UPFs in all Nutri-Score categories. Since food processing and nutritional quality are complementary, both should be considered in labelling.
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection among Humans and Animals: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, Treatment, and Prevention
Authors: Prpić Jelena , Baymakova Magdalena
Published: July 2023

The public health significance of hepatitis E is very important [...]
Pulmonary Co-Infections Detected Premortem Underestimate Postmortem Findings in a COVID-19 Autopsy Case Series
Authors: Platt Andrew P. , Bradley Benjamin T. , Nasir Nadia , Stein Sydney R. , Ramelli Sabrina C. , Ramos-Benitez Marcos J. , Dickey James M. , Purcell Madeleine , Singireddy Shreya , Hays Nicole , Wu Jocelyn , Raja Katherine , Curto Ryan , Salipante Stephen J. , Chisholm Claire , Carnes Stephanie , Marshall Desiree A. , Cookson Brad T. , Vannella Kevin M. , Madathil Ronson J. , Soherwardi Shahabuddin , McCurdy Michael T. , Saharia Kapil K. , Rabin Joseph ,   NIH COVID-19 Autopsy Consortium, Grazioli Alison , Kleiner David E. , Hewitt Stephen M. , Lieberman Joshua A. , Chertow Daniel S.
Published: July 2023

Bacterial and fungal co-infections are reported complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in critically ill patients but may go unrecognized premortem due to diagnostic limitations. We compared the premortem with the postmortem detection of pulmonary co-infections in 55 fatal COVID-19 cases from March 2020 to March 2021. The concordance in the premortem versus the postmortem diagnoses and the pathogen identification were evaluated. Premortem pulmonary co-infections were extracted from medical charts while applying standard diagnostic definitions. Postmortem co-infection was defined by compatible lung histopathology with or without the detection of an organism in tissue by bacterial or fungal staining, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with broad-range bacterial and fungal primers. Pulmonary co-infection was detected premortem in significantly fewer cases (15/55, 27%) than were detected postmortem (36/55, 65%; p < 0.0001). Among cases in which co-infection was detected postmortem by histopathology, an organism was identified in 27/36 (75%) of cases. Pseudomonas, Enterobacterales, and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently identified bacteria both premortem and postmortem. Invasive pulmonary fungal infection was detected in five cases postmortem, but in no cases premortem. According to the univariate analyses, the patients with undiagnosed pulmonary co-infection had significantly shorter hospital (p = 0.0012) and intensive care unit (p = 0.0006) stays and significantly fewer extra-pulmonary infections (p = 0.0021). Bacterial and fungal pulmonary co-infection are under-recognized complications in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Cyclic Peptides in Pipeline: What Future for These Great Molecules?
Authors: Costa Lia , Sousa Emília , Fernandes Carla
Published: July 2023

Cyclic peptides are molecules that are already used as drugs in therapies approved for various pharmacological activities, for example, as antibiotics, antifungals, anticancer, and immunosuppressants. Interest in these molecules has been growing due to the improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the cyclic structure over linear peptides and by the evolution of chemical synthesis, computational, and in vitro methods. To date, 53 cyclic peptides have been approved by different regulatory authorities, and many others are in clinical trials for a wide diversity of conditions. In this review, the potential of cyclic peptides is presented, and general aspects of their synthesis and development are discussed. Furthermore, an overview of already approved cyclic peptides is also given, and the cyclic peptides in clinical trials are summarized.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Studies of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Comprising Anionic Ciprofloxacin Ionic Liquids and Organic Salts
Authors: Filipe Luís , de Sousa Telma , Silva Dário , Santos Miguel M. , Ribeiro Carrott Manuela , Poeta Patrícia , Branco Luís C. , Gago Sandra
Published: July 2023

The combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients in the form of ionic liquids or organic salts (API-OSILs) with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as drug carriers can provide a useful tool in enhancing the capabilities of current antibiotics, especially against resistant strains of bacteria. In this publication, the preparation of a set of three nanomaterials based on the modification of a MSN surface with cholinium ([MSN-Chol][Cip]), 1-methylimidazolium ([MSN-1-MiM][Cip]) and 3-picolinium ([MSN-3-Pic][Cip]) ionic liquids coupled with anionic ciprofloxacin have been reported. All ionic liquids and functionalized nanomaterials were prepared through sustainable protocols, using microwave-assisted heating as an alternative to conventional methods. All materials were characterized through FTIR, solution 1H NMR, elemental analysis, XRD and N2 adsorption at 77 K. The prepared materials showed no in vitro cytotoxicity in fibroblasts viability assays. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for all materials was tested against Gram-negative K. pneumoniae and Gram-positive Enterococcus spp., both with resistant and sensitive strains. All sets of nanomaterials containing the anionic antibiotic outperformed free ciprofloxacin against resistant and sensitive forms of K. pneumoniae, with the prominent case of [MSN-Chol][Cip] suggesting a tenfold decrease in the MIC against sensitive strains. Against resistant K. pneumoniae, a five-fold decrease in the MIC was observed for all sets of nanomaterials compared with neutral ciprofloxacin. Against Enterococcus spp., only [MSN-1-MiM][Cip] was able to demonstrate a slight improvement over the free antibiotic.
Novel Golden Lipid Nanoparticles with Small Interference Ribonucleic Acid for Substrate Reduction Therapy in Fabry Disease
Authors: Beraza-Millor Marina , Rodríguez-Castejón Julen , Miranda Jonatan , del Pozo-Rodríguez Ana , Rodríguez-Gascón Alicia , Solinís María Ángeles
Published: July 2023

Substrate reduction therapy (SRT) has been proposed as a new gene therapy for Fabry disease (FD) to prevent the formation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Nanomedicines containing different siRNA targeted to Gb3 synthase (Gb3S) were designed. Formulation factors, such as the composition, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) preparation method and the incorporation of different ligands, such as gold nanoparticles (GNs), protamine (P) and polysaccharides, were evaluated. The new siRNA–golden LNPs were efficiently internalized in an FD cell model (IMFE-1), with GNs detected in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Silencing efficacy (measured by RT-qPCR) depended on the final composition and method of preparation, with silencing rates up to 90% (expressed as the reduction in Gb3S-mRNA). GNs conferred a higher system efficacy and stability without compromising cell viability and hemocompatibility. Immunocytochemistry assays confirmed Gb3S silencing for at least 15 days with the most effective formulations. Overall, these results highlight the potential of the new siRNA–golden LNP system as a promising nanomedicine to address FD by specific SRT.
Antimicrobial Agent against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Monitored Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Jina , Chin Young-Won
Published: July 2023

The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has become a major challenge worldwide. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)—a leading cause of infections—forms biofilms on polymeric medical devices and implants, increasing their resistance to antibiotics. Antibiotic administration before biofilm formation is crucial. Raman spectroscopy was used to assess MRSA biofilm development on solid culture media from 0 to 48 h. Biofilm formation was monitored by measuring DNA/RNA-associated Raman peaks and protein/lipid-associated peaks. The search for an antimicrobial agent against MRSA biofilm revealed that Eugenol was a promising candidate as it showed significant potential for breaking down biofilm. Eugenol was applied at different times to test the optimal time for inhibiting MRSA biofilms, and the Raman spectrum showed that the first 5 h of biofilm formation was the most antibiotic-sensitive time. This study investigated the performance of Raman spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) to identify planktonic bacteria from biofilm conglomerates. Raman analysis, microscopic observation, and quantification of the biofilm growth curve indicated early adhesion from 5 to 10 h of the incubation time. Therefore, Raman spectroscopy can help in monitoring biofilm formation on a solid culture medium and performing rapid antibiofilm assessments with new antibiotics during the early stages of the procedure.
Emerging Strategies to Improve the Design and Manufacturing of Biocompatible Therapeutic Materials
Authors: Martínez Guillermo , Vázquez Juan , Begines Belén , Alcudia Ana
Published: July 2023

Currently, the field of medicine is drastically advancing, mainly due to the progress in emerging areas such as nanomedicine, regenerative medicine, and personalized medicine. For example, the development of novel drug delivery systems in the form of nanoparticles is improving the liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (LADME) properties of the derived formulations, with a consequent enhancement in the treatment efficacy, a reduction in the secondary effects, and an increase in compliance with the dosage guidelines. Additionally, the use of biocompatible scaffolds is translating into the possibility of regenerating biological tissues. Personalized medicine is also benefiting from the advantages offered by additive manufacturing. However, all these areas have in common the need to develop novel materials or composites that fulfill the requirements of each application. Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue was to identify novel materials/composites that have been developed with specific characteristics for the designed biomedical application.
Osteoinductive Electrospun Scaffold Based on PCL-Col as a Regenerative Therapy for Peri-Implantitis
Authors: Sanhueza Claudia , Hermosilla Jeyson , Klein Catherine , Chaparro Alejandra , Valdivia-Gandur Iván , Beltrán Víctor , Acevedo Francisca
Published: July 2023

Peri-implantitis is a serious condition affecting dental implants that can lead to implant failure and loss of osteointegration if is not diagnosed and treated promptly. Therefore, the development of new materials and approaches to treat this condition is of great interest. In this study, we aimed to develop an electrospun scaffold composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers loaded with cholecalciferol (Col), which has been shown to promote bone tissue regeneration. The physical and chemical properties of the scaffold were characterized, and its ability to support the attachment and proliferation of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells was evaluated. Our results showed that the electrospun PCL-Col scaffold had a highly porous structure and good mechanical properties. The resulting scaffolds had an average fiber diameter of 2–9 μm and high elongation at break (near six-fold under dry conditions) and elasticity (Young modulus between 0.9 and 9 MPa under dry conditions). Furthermore, the Col-loaded scaffold was found to decrease cell proliferation when the Col content in the scaffolds increased. However, cytotoxicity analysis proved that the PCL scaffold on its own releases more lactate dehydrogenase into the medium than the scaffold containing Col at lower concentrations (PCL-Col A, PCL-Col B, and PCL-Col C). Additionally, the Col-loaded scaffold was shown to effectively promote the expression of alkaline phosphatase and additionally increase the calcium fixation in MG-63 cells. Our findings suggest that the electrospun membrane loaded with Col can potentially treat peri-implantitis by promoting bone formation. However, further studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of this membrane in vivo.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Therapeutic Efficacy of 177Lu-DMSA@SPIONs in Nanobrachytherapy of Solid Tumors
Authors: Stanković Dragana , Radović Magdalena , Stanković Aljoša , Mirković Marija , Vukadinović Aleksandar , Mijović Milica , Milanović Zorana , Ognjanović Miloš , Janković Drina , Antić Bratislav , Vranješ-Đurić Sanja , Savić Miroslav , Prijović Željko
Published: July 2023

As an alternative to classical brachytherapy, intratumoral injection of radionuclide-labeled nanoparticles (nanobrachytherapy, NBT) has been investigated as a superior delivery method over an intravenous route for radionuclide therapy of solid tumors. We created superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated with meso-1,2-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and radiolabeled with Lutetium-177 (177Lu), generating 177Lu-DMSA@SPIONs as a potential antitumor agent for nanobrachytherapy. Efficient radiolabeling of DMSA@SPIONS by 177Lu resulted in a stable bond with minimal leakage in vitro. After an intratumoral injection to mouse colorectal CT-26 or breast 4T1 subcutaneous tumors, the nanoparticles remained well localized at the injection site for weeks, with limited leakage. The dose of 3.70 MBq/100 µg/50 µL of 177Lu-DMSA@SPIONs applied intratumorally resulted in a high therapeutic efficacy, without signs of general toxicity. A decreased dose of 1.85 MBq/100 µg/50 µL still retained therapeutic efficacy, while an increased dose of 9.25 MBq/100 µg/50 µL did not significantly benefit the therapy. Histopathology analysis revealed that the 177Lu-DMSA@SPIONs act within a limited range around the injection site, which explains the good therapeutic efficacy achieved by a single administration of a relatively low dose without the need for increased or repeated dosing. Overall, 177Lu-DMSA@SPIONs are safe and potent agents suitable for intra-tumoral administration for localized tumor radionuclide therapy.
An Optimal Adaptive Constellation Design Utilizing an Autoencoder-Based Geometric Shaping Model Framework
Authors: Wei Yuan , Yao Li , Zhang Haoyu , Shen Chao , Chi Nan , Shi Jianyang
Published: July 2023

Since visible-light communication (VLC) has become an increasingly promising candidate for 6G, the field of underwater visible-light communication (UVLC) has also garnered significant attention. However, the impairments introduced by practical systems and the time-varying underwater channels always limit the performance of underwater visible-light communication. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an autoencoder-based geometric shaping model (AEGSM) framework to jointly optimize quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals at the symbol-wise and bit-wise levels for underwater visible-light communication. Unlike traditional geometric shaping (GS) methods, which only give theoretically optimal shaping solutions, our framework can always obtain the globally optimal shaping scheme for a specific channel condition or different application scenarios. In our AEGSM framework, an autoencoder is used to find the optimal shaping scheme at the symbol-wise level and a revised pairwise optimization (RPO) algorithm is applied to achieve bit-wise optimization. In a real UVLC system, 2.05 Gbps transmission is achieved under the hard decision–forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10−3 by employing the autoencoder-based 8QAM (AE-8QAM) optimized by the AEGSM, which is 103 Mbps faster than the Norm-8QAM. The AE-8QAM also shows its resistance to nonlinearity and enables the UVLC system to operate within a larger dynamic range of driving voltages. The results substantiate the potential and practicality of the proposed AEGSM framework in the realm of underwater visible-light communication.
Numerical Modelling of the Optical–Acoustical Characterization of an Anti-Resonant Bragg Hollow Core Fiber
Authors: Shi Ying , Zhou Yilin , Ni Wenjun , Tian Yongsheng , Lian Zhenggang , Shum Perry Ping
Published: July 2023

Anti-resonant hollow core fibers (AR-HCFs) provide a promising solution for photothermal spectroscopy and photoacoustic imaging applications. Here, the AR-HCF serves as a micro platform to induce the photothermal/photoacoustic effect. Since the Bragg structure can induce multiple AR effects compared with the general AR-HCF, we proposed a novel device, the AR-BHCF (AR-HCF with Bragg cladding), to enhance the excitation efficiency. The simulation and experimental results validate that the AR-BHCF dominates in having a stronger ability to confine the optical field in the air core indeed. Then, the acoustic signal stimulated by the photoacoustic effect will propagate along with the fiber axial, and part of it will penetrate out of the AR-BHCF. The results revealed that the transmission bandwidth of the acoustic wave in the AR-BHCF ranges from 1 Hz to 1 MHz, covering infrasound to ultrasound. In particular, a constant coefficient of 0.5 exists in the acoustic wave fading process, related to the propagation frequency and time. The acoustic signal can be monitored in real time, assisted by the ultra-highly sensitive sensor head. Therefore, BHCF-based devices combined with photoacoustic techniques may accelerate their sensing applications. Meanwhile, this scheme shines a light on the theoretical foundation of novel short-haul distributed acoustic sensing.
Two-Stage Link Loss Optimization of Divergent Gaussian Beams for Narrow Field-of-View Receivers in Line-of-Sight Indoor Downlink Optical Wireless Communication (Invited)
Authors: Yan Xinda , Wang Yuzhe , Li Chao , Li Fan , Cao Zizheng , Tangdiongga Eduward
Published: July 2023

The predominant focus of research in high-speed optical wireless communication (OWC) lies in line-of-sight (LOS) links with narrow infrared beams. However, the implementation of precise tracking and steering necessitates delicate active devices, thereby presenting a formidable challenge in establishing a cost-effective wireless transmission. Other than using none-line-of-sight (NLOS) links with excessive link losses and multi-path distortions, the simplification of the tracking and steering process can be alternatively achieved through the utilization of divergent optical beams in LOS. This paper addresses the issue by relaxing the stringent link budget associated with divergent Gaussian-shaped optical beams and narrow field-of-view (FOV) receivers in LOS OWC through the independent optimization of geometrical path loss and fiber coupling loss. More importantly, the geometrical path loss is effectively mitigated by modifying the transverse intensity distribution of the optical beam using manipulations of multi-mode fibers (MMFs) in an all-fiber configuration. In addition, the sufficiently excited higher order modes (HOMs) of MMFs enable a homogenized distribution of received optical powers (ROPs) within the coverage area, which facilitates the mobility of end-users. Comparative analysis against back-to-back links without free-space transmission demonstrates the proposed scheme’s ability to achieve low power penalties. With the minimized link losses, experimental results demonstrate a 10 Gbps error-free (BER < 10−13) LOS OWC downlink transmission at 2.5 m over an angular range of 10° × 10° without using any optical pre-amplifications at a typical PIN receiver. The proposed scheme provides a simple and low-cost solution for high-speed and short-range indoor wireless applications.
Variation in the Chemical Composition of Endemic Specimens of Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig from the Amazon and In Silico Investigation of the ADME/Tox Properties of the Major Compounds
Authors: Cruz Jorddy Neves , Oliveira Mozaniel Santana de , Cascaes Marcia , Mali Suraj N. , Tambe Srushti , Santos Cleydson Breno Rodrigues dos , Zoghbi Maria das Graças Bichara , Andrade Eloisa Helena de Aguiar
Published: July 2023

Four species of the genus Hedychium can be found in Brazil. Hedychium coronarium is a species endemic to India and Brazil. In this paper, we collected six specimens of H. coronarium for evaluation of their volatile chemical profiles. For this, the essential oils of these specimens were extracted using hydrodistillation from plant samples collected in the state of Pará, Brazil, belonging to the Amazon region in the north of the country. Substance compounds were identified with GC/MS. The most abundant constituent identified in the rhizome and root oils was 1,8-cineole (rhizome: 35.0–66.1%; root: 19.6–20.8%). Leaf blade oil was rich in β-pinene (31.6%) and (E)-caryophyllene (31.6%). The results from this paper allow for greater knowledge about the volatile chemical profile of H. coronarium specimens, in addition to disseminating knowledge about the volatile compounds present in plant species in the Amazon region.
Screening of Reference miRNA of Different Early- and Late-Flowering Tree Peony Varieties
Authors: Shen Jiajia , Wang Xiaohui , Li Yuying , Guo Lili , Hou Xiaogai
Published: July 2023

miRNA plays an important role in plant growth and development and in response to various stresses. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) technology is often used to detect the expression level of miRNAs and genes by comparing with reference genes. In order to screen out the optimal reference miRNAs in different tree peony varieties, the petals of 42 different early- and late-flowering tree peony varieties were used as experimental materials, and geNorm, NormFinder, Bestkeeper, and RefFinder software were used to evaluate the stability of 16 candidate reference miRNAs. The results showed that the average Ct values of all candidate reference miRNAs were between 15.34 ± 0.29 and 32.64 ± 0.38. The optimal number of reference miRNAs was four, which were PsPC-5p-19095, PsPC-3p-51259, PsmiR159a, and PsPC-3p-6660 in geNorm. The stability of PsPC-3p-6660 was the highest in the analysis results of NormFinder software. Among the analysis results of Bestkeeper software, PsMIR319-p5 has the highest stability. Among the results of comprehensive evaluation and analysis of several software using RefFinder, the candidate reference miRNA with the highest stability was PsPC-3p-6660. When PsPC-3p-6660 was used as the reference miRNA, the expression of PomiR171 and PomiR414 in response to different flowering times of tree peony was relatively stable in 42 tree peony varieties, indicating that PsPC-3p-6660 was stable and reliable. The results of this study provide a reference miRNA for studying the expression changes of miRNA in different tree peony varieties and further exploring the regulatory mechanism of miRNA in different peony varieties.
Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Poly (ɛ-Caprolactone) (PCL) and MgO Incorporated PCL Nanofibers
Authors: Gicheha Daisaku , Cisse Aicha Noura , Bhuiyan Ariful , Shamim Nabila
Published: July 2023

The study delves into the kinetics of non-isothermal crystallization of Poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and MgO-incorporated PCL nanofibers with varying cooling rates. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC-3) was used to acquire crystallization information and investigate the kinetics behavior of the two types of nanofibers under different cooling rates ranging from 0.5–5 K/min. The results show that the crystallization rate decreases at higher crystallization temperatures. Furthermore, the parameters of non-isothermal crystallization kinetics were investigated via several mathematical models, including Jeziorny and Mo’s models. Mo’s approach was suitable to describe the nanofibers’ overall non-isothermal crystallization process. In addition, the Kissinger and Friedman methods were used to calculate the activation energy of bulk-PCL, PCL, and MgO-PCL nanofibers. The result showed that the activation energy of bulk-PCL was comparatively lower than that of nanofibers. The investigation of the kinetics of crystallization plays a crucial role in optimizing manufacturing processes and enhancing the overall performance of nanofibers.
Tetramine-Based Hyperbranched Polyimide Membranes with Rigid Crosslinker for Improved Gas Permeability and Stability
Authors: Liu Xiangyun , Ling Honglei , Luo Jiangzhou , Zong Xueping , Xue Song
Published: July 2023

Triamine-based HBPI membranes are known for high gas separation selectivity and physical stability, but their permeabilities are still very low. In this study, we utilized a tetramine monomer called TPDA (N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)-1,4-benzenediamine) as a crosslinking center and incorporated an additional diamine comonomer called DAM (2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-diaminobenzene) to enhance gas separation performance, especially gas permeability. The findings demonstrated that the resultant 6FDA−DAM/TPDA membranes based on tetramine TPDA exhibited a greater amount of free volume compared to the triamine-based HBPI membranes, resulting in significantly higher gas permeabilities. Furthermore, the higher concentration of DAM component led to the generation of more fractional free volumes (FFV). Consequently, the gas permeabilities of the 6FDA−DAM/TPDA membranes increased with an increase in DAM content, with a minimal compromise on selectivity. The enhanced gas permeabilities of the 6FDA−DAM/TPDA membranes enabled them to minimize the footprint required for membrane installations in real-world applications. Moreover, the 6FDA−DAM/TPDA membranes exhibited remarkable durability against physical aging and plasticization, thanks to the incorporation of a hyperbranched network structure.
Chemical Feedback in Templated Reaction-Assembly of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles: A Molecular Simulation Study of the Kinetics and Clustering
Authors: Gioldasis Christos , Gkamas Apostolos , Moultos Othonas A. , Vlahos Costas Hristos
Published: July 2023

The chemical feedback between building blocks in templated polymerization of diblock copolymers and their consecutive micellization was studied for the first time by means of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Using a stochastic polymerization model, we were able to reproduce the experimental findings on the effect of chemical feedback on the polymerization rates at low and high solution concentrations. The size and shape of micelles were computed using a newly developed software in Python conjugated with graph theory. In full agreement with the experiments, our simulations revealed that micelles formed by the templated micellization are more spherical and have a lower radius of gyration than those formed by the traditional two-step micellization method. The advantage of molecular simulation over the traditional kinetic models is that with the simulation, one studies in detail the heterogeneous polymerization in the presence of the oppositely charged template while also accounting for the incompatibility between reacted species, which significantly influences the reaction process.
Influence of Particle Properties on Filter Cake Compaction Behavior under Oscillatory Shear
Authors: Yildiz Tolga , Gegenheimer Joel , Gleiß Marco , Nirschl Hermann
Published: July 2023

Filter cake compaction is a common method for mechanical deliquoring of compressible filter cakes. In addition to the conventional squeezing compaction method, applying oscillatory shear to filter cakes at low pressure is an alternative compaction process in cake filtration. While basic differences in terms of compaction success have already been identified for various materials, a systematic analysis of the influence of material properties on compaction behavior under oscillatory shear is missing. The present work addresses the influence of particle size distribution and increasing particle agglomeration on the compaction success of oscillatory shear to further clarify the process knowledge and applicability. The compressibility achieved by this technique was investigated for calcium carbonate materials with various particle size distributions. The results show that the compaction potential increases from 17.3% for the coarsest material (x50,3 = 23.5 μm) to 26.6% for the finest material (x50,3 = 2.3 μm) with decreasing mean particle size. The more widely distributed material exhibits a higher compaction potential of 21.7% compared to 18.4% for the narrowly distributed material. Increasing particle agglomeration to improve the slurry filterability does not affect the achievable compaction states of the material by vibration compaction at sufficiently high energy input.
Promising Porous Carbon Material Derived from Argan Paste Cake by KOH Activation, for Paracetamol Removal
Authors: Yahia El Habib , Cherif El Khalil , Ouzzine Mohammed , Touijer Abdellah , Coren Franco , Saidi Mohamed
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of activated carbon derived from Argan paste cake through carbonization at 300 °C followed by activation at 800 °C, utilizing KOH as the activation agent with a ratio of 1:1. The objective of this research is to compare the adsorption capacity of the obtained sample, referred to as APC-300-800, with a commercially available granular activated carbon (GAC) purchased from Aquasorb. The preparation involved various characterization techniques such as BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) analysis, XRD (X-ray diffraction), and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). BET analysis revealed that APC-300-800 exhibited a high surface area of 1937 m2/g. Subsequently, adsorption tests were conducted, leading to the observation that APC-300-800 conforms to the second pseudo-order kinetic model, and the adsorption of paracetamol can be accurately described by the Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm model, exhibiting an R2 value of 0.89665. The maximum adsorption capacity of paracetamol on APC-300-800, as determined by the Langmuir model, was found to be 344.82 mg/g. Additionally, thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process on APC-300-800 was primarily governed by physisorption, while for GAC, it was attributed to chemisorption. These findings highlight the potential of APC-300-800 as an efficient adsorbent for water treatment applications, showcasing its favorable adsorption characteristics compared to commercially available alternatives.
Ultrasound and Eco-Detergents for Sustainable Cleaning
Authors: Sarasua Miranda Jon Ander , Ruiz Rubio Leire , Trinidad Cristobal Ander , Vilas Vilela Jose Luis , Izaguirre Goyoaga Jon Kepa , Barbero Mangas Francisca , Aranzabe Basterrechea Estibaliz
Published: July 2023

Green chemistry faces a major challenge imposed by the Sustainable Development Goals (6, 14 and 15) defined in the 2030 Agenda. In the case of cleaning products (detergents), the challenges often become a paradox: even if it is biodegradable, no surfactant is harmless to aquatic life. Compared to other studies in the field, this paper covers ultrasound–detergent interactions beyond the cavitation removal process. It also considers synergistic effects with regard to the initial wetting phase and final rinsing. It concludes that the best detergent–ultrasound combination is that which minimises receding and critical sliding angles. At the same time, detergent concentration should be reduced so as to just to capture grease in micelles and avoid reattachment during rinsing. In combination with ultrasound, the concentration of eco-detergents can thus be reduced by up to 10% of their nominal value while attaining the same results.
Human Walking Gait Classification Utilizing an Artificial Neural Network for the Ergonomics Study of Lower Limb Prosthetics
Authors: Putri Farika Tono , Caesarendra Wahyu , Królczyk Grzegorz , Glowacz Adam , Prawibowo Hartanto , Ismail Rifky , Indrawati Ragil Tri
Published: July 2023

Prosthetics and orthotics research, studies, and technologies have been evolving through the years. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, it is estimated that, globally, 35–40 million people require prosthetics and orthotics usage in daily life. Prosthetics and orthotics demand is increasing due to certain factors. One of the factors is vascular-related disease, which leads to amputation. Prosthetic usage can increase an amputee’s quality of life. Therefore, studies of the ergonomic design of prosthetics are important. The ergonomic factor in design delivers prosthetic products that are comfortable for daily use. One way to incorporate the ergonomic design of prosthetics is by studying the human walking gait. This paper presents a multiclassification of human walking gait based on electromyography (EMG) signals using a machine learning method. An EMG sensor was attached to the bicep femoris longus and gastrocnemius lateral head to acquire the EMG signal. The experiment was conducted by volunteers during normal walking activity at various speeds and the movements were segmented as initial contact, which was labeled as initial gait; loading response to the terminal stance, which was labeled as mid-gait; and pre-swing to terminal swing, which was labeled as final gait. The EMG signal was then characterized using an artificial neural network (ANN) and compared to six training accuracy methods, i.e., the Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation training algorithm, quasi-Newton training method, Bayesian regulation backpropagation training method, gradient descent backpropagation, gradient descent with adaptive learning rate backpropagation, and one-step secant backpropagation. The machine learning study performed well in the classification of three classes of human walking gait with an overall accuracy (training, testing, and validation) of 96% for Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation. The gait data will be used to explore the design of lower limb prosthetics in future research.
The Influence of Wŏnhyo’s Understanding of “Shenjie” 神解 on the Chinese Commentaries on the Awakening of Faith in Mahāyāna
Authors: Kim Jiyun
Published: July 2023

This study aims to reveal the influence of Wŏnhyo’s Kisillon so (Wŏnhyoso) on Chinese commentaries on the Awakening of Faith in Mahāyāna (AFM), which is regarded as important in East Asian Buddhism. Previous studies focused only on the influence on Fazang’s Qixinlun shu (Fazangshu), but it should be noted that the Wŏnhyoso also had an effect on the understanding of the AFM in China. First, by comparing the usage of “shenjie” in the Fazangshu and in the Wŏnhyoso, one can identify Wŏnhyoso’s unique interpretation. The Wŏnhyoso defines it as “mystical understanding as the nature of One Mind in the aspect of thusness and the nature of the mind of original enlightenment in the aspect of arising and ceasing”, whereas the Fazangshu defines “shenjie” as “an excellent comprehension”. Next, examining the usage of “shenjie” of the Wŏnhyoso in the later commentaries on the AFM after Fazang, such as the Shilun, the Zanxuanshu, the Puguanji, the Zongmishu, the Bixueji, the Shulue, and the Huiyue, has confirmed the influence of the Wŏnhyoso in Chinese Buddhism. In addition, the relationships between Chinese commentaries on the AFM were also clarified based on the commentaries’ acceptance of “shenjie”.
Building a Macroeconomic Simulator with Multi-Layered Supplier–Customer Relationships
Authors: Obata Takahiro , Sakazaki Jun , Kurahashi Setsuya
Published: July 2023

This study constructs an agent-based model suitable for analyzing the propagation of economic shocks based on a macroeconomic agent-based model structure that covers major economic entities. Instead of setting an upstream and downstream structure of firms in the inter-firm networks, our model includes a mechanism that connects each firm through supplier–customer relationships and incorporates interactions between firms mutually buying and selling intermediate input materials. It is confirmed through the proposed model’s simulation analysis that, although a firm’s sales volume temporarily falls due to an economic shock of the type that causes a sharp decline in households’ final demand, the increase in assets held by households as they refrain from spending rather expands their capacity for consumption. As a result, after the economic shock ceases to exist, the firm’s sales volume tends to be even greater than that of the preceding periods of the shock. Furthermore, we found that when the sales volume of products in a final consumer goods sector falls during the shock, the falls in sales in the non-final consumer goods sectors are suppressed due to replacement demand, and the increase in sales volume for the non-final consumer goods sectors is moderated after the shock ceases to exist.
High-Accuracy Filtering of Forest Scenes Based on Full-Waveform LiDAR Data and Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Luo Wenjun , Ma Hongchao , Yuan Jialin , Zhang Liang , Ma Haichi , Cai Zhan , Zhou Weiwei
Published: July 2023

Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology has been widely utilized for collecting three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data on forest scenes, enabling the generation of high-accuracy digital elevation models (DEMs) for the efficient investigation and management of forest resources. Point cloud filtering serves as the crucial initial step in DEM generation, directly influencing the accuracy of the resulting DEM. However, forest filtering presents challenges in dealing with sparse point clouds and selecting appropriate initial ground points. The introduction of full-waveform LiDAR data offers a potential solution to the problem of sparse point clouds. Additionally, advancements in multi-source data integration and machine learning algorithms have created new avenues that can address the issue of initial ground point selection. To tackle these challenges, this paper proposes a novel filtering method for forest scenes utilizing full-waveform LiDAR data and hyperspectral image data. The proposed method consists of two main steps. Firstly, we employ the improved dynamic graph convolutional neural network (IDGCNN) to extract initial ground points. In this step, we utilize three types of low-correlation features: LiDAR features, waveform features, and spectral features. To enhance its accuracy and adaptability, a self-attention module was incorporated into the DGCNN algorithm. Comparative experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the algorithm, demonstrating that the IDGCNN algorithm achieves the highest classification accuracy with an overall accuracy (OA) value of 99.38% and a kappa coefficient of 95.95%. The second-best performer was the RandLA-net algorithm, achieving an OA value of 98.73% and a kappa coefficient of 91.68%. The second step involves refining the initial ground points using the cloth simulation filter (CSF) algorithm. By employing the CSF algorithm, non-ground points present in the initial ground points are effectively filtered out. To validate the efficacy of the proposed filtering method, we generated a DEM with a resolution of 0.5 using the ground points extracted in the first step, the refined ground points obtained with the combination of the first and second steps, and the ground points obtained directly using the CSF algorithm. A comparative analysis with 23 reference control points revealed the effectiveness of our proposed method, as evidenced by the median error of 0.41 m, maximum error of 0.75 m, and average error of 0.33 m.