bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Two-Dimensional Distribution of Soil pH and Phosphorus in the Charosphere: A Short-Term Incubation Experiment
Authors: Chen Xuejiao , Gu Feng , Zhang Dongdong , Lin Wei , Tang Jie , Zhang Bin , Yu Xuan
Published: December 2024

Biochar, which contains abundant nutrients like phosphorus (P), is considered a potential source of nutrients for plant use after its application in soil. However, the localized distribution of P in the vicinity of biochar (that is, the charosphere) is poorly understood. In this study, the biochars derived from pinewood (PWB), maize straw (MSB), and chicken manure (CMB) were granulated and investigated for their short-term charosphere effect, using an integrated imaging technique in situ. The results showed that biochars significantly elevated the soil pH and P concentration around their granules, leading to the development of a charosphere over several days. Both pH and P were distributed in a gradient in the charosphere: the values were highest where the biochars were located and declined with increasing distance from the biochar. A highly positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between the pH, electric conductivity (EC), ash content of the biochar, and the scope of the pH gradient in the charosphere. Moreover, the scope of the P gradient was positively related to the pH and EC values of the biochar as well (p < 0.05). The charosphere effect was prominent around the CMB and MSB granules because of their high ash content, an especially soluble component. The P diffusion in the charosphere was inferred to be influenced by the soil pH as well as the endogenous P species in the biochars. These findings provide new insight into the localized effect of biochars in soil, which is conducive to understanding the nutrient availability to plants after biochar application.
Cotton Weed-YOLO: A Lightweight and Highly Accurate Cotton Weed Identification Model for Precision Agriculture
Authors: Hu Jinghuan , Gong He , Li Shijun , Mu Ye , Guo Ying , Sun Yu , Hu Tianli , Bao Yu
Published: December 2024

Precise weed recognition is an important step towards achieving intelligent agriculture. In this paper, a novel weed recognition model, Cotton Weed-YOLO, is proposed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of weed detection. CW-YOLO is based on YOLOv8 and introduces a dual-branch structure combining a Vision Transformer and a Convolutional Neural Network to address the problems of the small receptive field of the CNN and the high computational complexity of the transformer. The Receptive Field Enhancement (RFE) module is proposed to enable the feature pyramid network to adapt to the feature information of different receptive fields. A Scale-Invariant Shared Convolutional Detection (SSCD) head is proposed to fully utilize the advantages of shared convolution and significantly reduce the number of parameters in the detection head. The experimental results show that the CW-YOLO model outperforms existing methods in terms of detection accuracy and speed. Compared with the original YOLOv8n, the detection accuracy, mAP value, and recall rate are improved by 1.45, 0.7, and 0.6%, respectively, the floating-point numbers are reduced by 2.5 G, and the number of parameters is reduced by 1.52 × 106 times. The proposed CW-YOLO model provides powerful technical support for smart agriculture and is expected to promote the development of agricultural production in the direction of intelligence and precision.
Evaluation of Endophytic Bacteria from Durum Wheat on Fusarium Root and Crown Rot Disease (Fusarium culmorum) Under Drought Stress
Authors: Abu El Samen Firas M. , Alsawalha Imran , Alananbeh Kholoud M. , Al-Karablieh Nehaya , Al-Abdallat Ayed M.
Published: December 2024

Drought and Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR) are major stresses impacting durum wheat growth. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of endophytic bacteria against FCRR pathogens and their drought tolerance, as well as assess their effects on wheat growth under normal irrigation, drought stress, and F. culmorum-induced root rot. Sixty bacterial isolates from durum wheat plants in Jordan were tested for antagonism against F. culmorum and drought tolerance. Ten isolates were selected based on their antagonistic activity and drought tolerance for further molecular identification. Greenhouse experiments showed that several endophytes, including Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (isolate 52), Bacillus licheniformis (isolates 37 and 38), and Paenibacillus ehimensis (isolate 60), exhibited significant growth promotion under both normal and drought stress conditions. Isolate 52 demonstrated high antagonistic activity against F. culmorum and very high drought tolerance, making it a promising candidate for biocontrol and biofertilizer development. Furthermore, bacterial treatments significantly reduced FCRR severity, with reductions of up to 82% under normal conditions and up to 61% under drought stress. These findings suggest that endophytic bacteria can enhance durum wheat resilience to both drought and Fusarium infections, offering a sustainable solution for improving wheat productivity in stress-prone environments.
Unveiling Hidden Allies: In Silico Discovery of Prophages in Tenacibaculum Species
Authors: Ramírez Carolina , Romero Jaime
Published: December 2024

Tenacibaculosis, caused by Tenacibaculum species, is a significant disease in aquaculture, leading to high mortality and economic losses. Antibiotic treatment raises concerns about resistance, making phage therapy an interesting alternative. Analyzing phage traces in Tenacibaculum genomes is crucial for developing these bacteriophage-based strategies. Methods: We assessed the presence of prophages in 212 Tenacibaculum genomes/assemblies available in the NCBI repository, comprising several species and global locations, using the PHASTEST program. Then, we focused on those regions classified as intact, evaluating the most common phages found using VICTOR. The protein of interest discovered in the prophages was evaluated using the ProtParam, DeepTMHMM, InterPro, and Phyre2 tools. In addition, we evaluated the presence of antiphage defense systems in those genomes with intact prophages using the DefenseFinder tool. Results: We identified 25 phage elements in 24 out of the 212 Tenacibaculum genomes/assemblies analyzed, with 11% of the assemblies containing phage elements. These were concentrated in T. maritimum and T. mesophilum, which harbored 10 and 7 prophage regions, respectively. Of the identified elements, six were classified as intact, including four in T. maritimum, with the most common phages belonging to the Pippivirus and Siphoviridae families. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the putative endolysin is a stable protein of 432 amino acids and 49.8 kDa, with three transmembrane helices and a CHAP domain, structurally similar to the CHAP lytic domain of S. aureus bacteriophage K. Conclusions: Key prophage elements in Tenacibaculum, especially in T. maritimum, show promise for phage therapy against tenacibaculosis, supporting sustainable, antibiotic-free treatments in aquaculture.
Elaeagnus latifolia Fruit Extract Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice and Alleviates Macrophage-Induced Inflammation in Adipocytes In Vitro
Authors: Munkong Narongsuk , Jantarach Nattanida , Yoysungnoen Bhornprom , Lonan Piyanuch , Makjaroen Jiradej , Pearngam Phorutai , Kumpunya Sarinya , Ruxsanawet Kingkarnonk , Nanthawong Saharat , Somparn Poorichaya , Thim-Uam Arthid
Published: December 2024

Elaeagnus latifolia (EL) is a wild fruit known for containing several health-promoting compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of EL fruit extract on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. Mice fed an HFD and given EL fruit extract for 10 weeks exhibited significantly lower body weight, reduced lipid accumulation, diminished oxidative stress in adipocytes, and decreased macrophage infiltration compared to those not receiving the EL extract. Moreover, the EL fruit extract activated the transcription factors Pparg and Cebpa, initiating adipogenesis and modulating the expression of NF-κB/Nrf-2-induced target genes. This resulted in smaller adipocyte size, reduced inflammation, and less oxidative stress in HFD-fed mice. In vitro, the EL extract induced a shift in macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2, reduced IκBα/NF-κB phosphorylation, and effectively decreased energy production in macrophages by downregulating the expression of several proteins involved in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This mechanistic study suggests that administering EL fruit extract could be an effective strategy for managing obesity and its associated pathologies.
Isolation and Antioxidant Mechanism of Polyphenols from Sanghuangporous vaninii
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Yuyang , Chen Daoyou , Li Zhengpeng , Wu Di , Zhang Zhong , Chen Wanchao , Li Wen , Yang Yan
Published: December 2024

Sanghuangporous vaninii, as an edible and medicinal macrofungus, represents a high source of polyphenols with considerable antioxidant activities. However, due to the significant differences in polyphenol content and bioactivity caused by different cultivation substrates, its antioxidant mechanism has not been fully determined. In this paper, five groups of S. vaninii fruiting bodies were collected from cultivation substrates from different areas. The ethanol extracts of mulberry sawdust from Haining City (HNMS) had the highest polyphenol content, as well as excellent antioxidant activity. HNMS3, a polyphenol component with promising antioxidant capacity, was further isolated through optimization with different extractants, silica gel column chromatography, and thin layer chromatography analysis. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis showed that HNMS3 was composed of 33 compounds, corresponding to 257 targets of oxidative stress by network pharmacology analysis, which were strongly associated with mental health and neurodegenerative diseases. Protein–protein interaction and molecular docking analysis indicated that eight hub genes (PPARG, IL-6, STAT3, PTGS2, SRC, MTOR, ERS1, and EGFR) are attributed to the regulation of the key compounds hispidin, inoscavin A, inoscavin_C, and phellibaumin B. Consequently, this study obtains S. vaninii polyphenolic component HNMS3 with excellent antioxidant capacity, simultaneously revealing its potential antioxidant mechanisms, providing new insights into the application of S. vaninii.
Research on Waterless Cosmetics in the Form of Scrub Bars Based on Natural Exfoliants
Authors: Ogorzałek Marta , Klimaszewska Emilia , Małysa Anna , Czerwonka Dominik , Tomasiuk Ryszard
Published: December 2024

Scrub bars are an innovative alternative to traditional liquid, semi-liquid, and oily body scrubs. Through the elimination of water from their formulas, they align with the current ‘waterless’ trend in the cosmetics market. The aims of this study were to create anhydrous formulations for body scrub bars and to assess their physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics depending on the type of exfoliant added. A total of five solid body scrub formulations were developed using different natural exfoliants: sugar, microcrystalline cellulose, ground coffee beans, corn granules, and sodium chloride. The shape and dimensions of the exfoliant particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formulations were subjected to texturometric tests. The final products underwent color assessment along with a consumer evaluation of sensory appeal. The test results showed that the body scrubs exhibiting the highest hardness and adhesive force were those containing exfoliants with small particles, either angular (sodium chloride) or subrounded (Coffea arabica seed powder) in shape. Conversely, the lowest hardness was determined for the product formulated with the addition of an exfoliant with well-rounded particles (microcrystalline cellulose). Among the exfoliants tested, microcrystalline cellulose proved to be the most suitable for body scrubs, demonstrating superior texture and exfoliating effectiveness. However, cosmetics containing ground coffee received the highest esthetic ratings. Coffee gave the product a natural color and an appealing scent, as judged by the testers.
The Endocrine and Body Composition Responses to Accentuated Eccentric Loading Performed in Cluster Sets During a Strength–Endurance Training Block
Authors: McDowell Kurt W. , Long Alex , Gahreman Daniel , Nelson D. Andrew , Goode Nicholas J. , Lis Ryan P. , Chae Sungwon , Mizuguchi Satoshi , Baur Marten , Breuel Kevin F. , Duca Marco , Wagle John P. , Fry Andy C. , Stone Michael H.
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the endocrine responses to accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) paired with cluster sets (CSs) versus traditional training (TRAD). Seventeen recreationally active subjects (male = 11, females = 6, age = 23.18 ± 4.15 yrs, height = 1.72 ± 0.1 m, body mass = 81.29 ± 22.18 kg, back squat-to-body mass ratio = 1.55 ± 0.33, and bench press-to-body mass ratio = 1.06 ± 0.28) were randomly allocated into AEL and TRAD groups and trained for 4 weeks. The training was performed during a strength–endurance block with the target load consisting of three sets of 10 repetitions. The AEL group performed three sets of 10 for the squat and bench press using AEL every other repetition (5 AEL repetitions per set). In this protocol, CSs were also performed as one AEL repetition plus one traditional repetition followed by 15 s rest. Resistance training was performed three days a week, whilst sprint and agility training were performed two days a week. Testosterone (T), cortisol (C), creatinine (CREA), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed pre- and post-test. With a series of 2 × 2 repeated-measure ANOVA, the differences in the means between the two training methods and across time were compared. No statistically significant differences in resting blood variables or body composition were observed between the AEL and TRAD protocols after 4 weeks of training. Whilst the results marginally favored the use of AEL, these results did not support significant improvements in body composition or hormonal responses.
Change in Water Quality of the Vistula River During the Emergency Discharge of Untreated Wastewater
Authors: Grzywna Antoni , Bronowicka-Mielniczuk Urszula , Kuśmierz Katarzyna , Sender Joanna , Jóźwiakowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

This paper presents an environmental analysis of the impact of an emergency discharge of untreated municipal sewage from the sewage system in Warsaw. This study was based on monitoring water quality in the Vistula River at stations located before and after the discharge site. Statistical analysis, including correlation analysis and Friedmann’s test, was performed for the data covering eight measurement stations and sixteen chemical parameters. The results confirm the negative impact on the water quality in the river, especially in the mixing zone. In the mixing zone, a statistically significant increase in pollution was found for TN, N-NO3−, N-NH4+, TP, P-PO43+, SS, EC, COD, and TOC. The results of the analysis show the self-cleaning capacity of the river ecosystem and illustrate the response to a sudden, excessive influx of pollution. The direct impact of the untreated sewage discharge was found on a section of the river 1200 m after the place of the failure. The good ecological status and drinking water standards are not met in the mixing zone. The supply of water to the people requires the use of highly effective physical and chemical treatment.
Study on Fire Smoke Distribution Characteristics in Mountain Spiral Highway Tunnels
Authors: Cui Yuang , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: December 2024

In previous studies on tunnel fires, researchers primarily focus on the impact of a single factor on smoke dispersion characteristics in tunnels, neglecting the combined effects of multiple influencing factors and their mutual interactions. Based the theory of smoke dispersion, a series of numerical simulations were performed using a fire dynamics simulator to reveal smoke distribution characteristics in mountain spiral highway tunnels. The results indicated that the radius of curvature, altitude, and slope gradient predominantly govern tunnel fire distribution in spiral tunnels. Specifically, the impact of the radius of curvature on smoke dispersion patterns is independent, whereas altitude and slope gradient exhibit interactive effects. Notably, increased altitude intensifies the chimney effect induced by a slope due to faster smoke dispersion in tunnels with higher altitude. Conversely, an enlarged slope mitigates the thickening of the smoke layer caused by the altitude, as it reduces the layer thickness in tunnels with steeper slopes. The results can play a role for further elucidating the numerical smoke distribution patterns in spiral tunnels.
Study on Airflow Field Distribution and Dust Distribution Characteristics at Blast Piles
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Liu Rong , Wang Haoran , He Yi , Chen Jie
Published: December 2024

During the mining process of open-pit mines, multiple operations are prone to generating dust, especially during the blasting, where a significant amount of dust is raised and subsequently deposited on the surface of the blast pile. The impact of the blasting force further saturates the interior of the pile with dust. Subject to the combined effects of natural wind and shoveling operations, this dust is re-suspended and disseminated throughout the mine pit, posing a significant threat to the safe operation of the mine and the health of workers. This study comprehensively utilizes field testing and numerical simulations to delve into the migration characteristics of blast pile dust under the combined influence of wind and shoveling operations. Attention is paid to the effects of different wind speeds, wind directions, and shoveling operations on the distribution and migration trajectory of blast pile dust. The research results indicate that the movement of dust is primarily controlled by wind flow, determining its ultimate migration path and diffusion range. This study not only provides a significant theoretical foundation for precise prevention and control of dust pollution in open-pit mines but also has vital practical significance for enhancing the safety of mine operating environments and safeguarding the physical and mental health of workers.
Utilizing Graphite Waste from the Acheson Furnace as Anode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Inchan , Choi Seonhui , Kim Sang-Wook , Ha Man Youl , Park Sei-Min , An Jung-Chul
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the potential of graphite waste (GW) from the Acheson furnace as a sustainable and cost-effective anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Conventional anode materials face challenges such as energy-intensive production processes and reliance on virgin graphite resources, leading to high costs and environmental concerns. GW from the Acheson furnace, which already possesses high carbon purity (98.5%–99.9%) and crystallinity (93.5%), offers a promising alternative by eliminating the need for graphitization and extensive purification. Through spheronization and carbon coating, GW was successfully optimized to achieve electrochemical properties comparable to commercial anode materials (CAM), including an initial Coulombic efficiency of 85.1% and a specific capacity of 348.9 mAh/g. These findings suggest that GW from the Acheson furnace represents a viable pathway toward cost-effective and environmentally friendly LIB anodes.
Training Fully Convolutional Neural Networks for Lightweight, Non-Critical Instance Segmentation Applications
Authors: Veganzones Miguel , Cisnal Ana , de la Fuente Eusebio , Fraile Juan Carlos
Published: December 2024

Augmented reality applications involving human interaction with virtual objects often rely on segmentation-based hand detection techniques. Semantic segmentation can then be enhanced with instance-specific information to model complex interactions between objects, but extracting such information typically increases the computational load significantly. This study proposes a training strategy that enables conventional semantic segmentation networks to preserve some instance information during inference. This is accomplished by introducing pixel weight maps into the loss calculation, increasing the importance of boundary pixels between instances. We compare two common fully convolutional network (FCN) architectures, U-Net and ResNet, and fine-tune the fittest to improve segmentation results. Although the resulting model does not reach state-of-the-art segmentation performance on the EgoHands dataset, it preserves some instance information with no computational overhead. As expected, degraded segmentations are a necessary trade-off to preserve boundaries when instances are close together. This strategy allows approximating instance segmentation in real-time using non-specialized hardware, obtaining a unique blob for an instance with an intersection over union greater than 50% in 79% of the instances in our test set. A simple FCN, typically used for semantic segmentation, has shown promising instance segmentation results by introducing per-pixel weight maps during training for light-weight applications.
Channel-Hopping Using Reinforcement Learning for Rendezvous in Asymmetric Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Jin Dongsup , Jang Minho , Jang Ji-Woong , Kong Gyuyeol
Published: December 2024

This paper addresses the rendezvous problem in asymmetric cognitive radio networks (CRNs) by proposing a novel reinforcement learning (RL)-based channel-hopping algorithm. Traditional methods like the jump-stay (JS) algorithm, while effective, often struggle with high time-to-rendezvous (TTR) in asymmetric scenarios where secondary users (SUs) have varying channel availability. Our proposed RL-based algorithm leverages the actor-critic policy gradient method to learn optimal channel selection strategies by dynamically adapting to the environment and minimizing TTR. Extensive simulations demonstrate that the RL-based algorithm significantly reduces the expected TTR (ETTR) compared to the JS algorithm, particularly in asymmetric scenarios where M-sequence-based approaches are less effective. This suggests that RL-based approaches not only offer robustness in asymmetric environments but also provide a promising alternative in more predictable settings.
Analyzing the Cooling Effects of Water Facilities in Urban Park: The Case of Sangju Namsan Park, South Korea
Authors: Lim Young-Shin , Zoh Hyunmin Daniel , Kim Tae Hyoung , Kwon Tae Kyung
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates the cooling effects of small-scale water features and fog systems in Sangju Namsan Park, South Korea, focusing on their impact on thermal comfort. While previous studies have demonstrated the potential of urban parks in reducing temperatures, studies on small-scale interventions that examine their effects on thermal comfort and analyze microclimate data collected in specific areas are limited. This study collected and analyzed microclimate data using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and physiological equivalent temperature (PET) to assess the effectiveness of a small water path and a cooling fog system. The results indicate that surface temperature reductions reached up to 1.1 °C, with the pergola area showing the most significant cooling effect, lowering PET values to an average of 36.2 °C. In contrast, the small water path recorded the highest PET values, peaking at nearly 50.2 °C, likely due to radiant heat from the surrounding surfaces. While these interventions provided localized cooling, their overall effect on urban temperature reduction remained modest. This study suggests that small-scale water features are effective in enhancing thermal comfort in neighborhood parks but must be integrated into broader urban cooling strategies to maximize their impact.
Dynamic Response of Vegetation Net Primary Productivity to Climate and Human Impacts in Mining-Dominated Basin in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Yang Ye , Li Guilan , Wang Yidi , Wu Lijie , Ding Kaifang , Xing Shilu , Zhang Yilong , Zhang Luxing
Published: December 2024

The net primary productivity (NPP) of vegetation is the key indicator for assessing ecosystem productivity and carbon cycling. The Ulan Mulun River Basin (UMRB) in Northwest China is a typical coal mining area, including open-pit mining (OPM) and underground coal mining (UGM). There are limited studies utilizing long-term, high-resolution data to investigate the spatiotemporal and driving mechanisms of NPP in different types of mining and non-coal mining (NCM) areas. In this study, NPP was estimated using high-resolution Landsat data (30 m) and an improved CASA model for the period 1987–2022. The spatiotemporal variations in NPP across the basin were systematically investigated using Theil–Sen–MK trend analysis, partial derivatives, and multivariate regression residual to explore and quantify the impacts of climate variability (CV) and human activities (HAs) on the different coal mining and NCM areas. The research results show that the overall fluctuating upward trend of vegetation cover in the country is 64.84% during the period from 1987 to 2022. However, there is a decreasing trend of NPP in the coal mining areas. Precipitation was the major factor influencing the change in NPP (21.835 gC/m2/a), while HAs had a lesser effect (4.667 gC/m2/a). In addition, UGM and NCM were more positively affected by HAs than OPM, while OPM was more positively affected by CV than UGM and NCM. These findings can guide scientific ecological restoration strategies, assess carbon balance impacts, and optimize land management and planning in mining areas to achieve a balance between resource development and environmental protection.
Antibacterial Activity of Silver-Modified CuO Nanoparticle-Coated Masks
Authors: Udawant Tanuja , Thorat Prajkta , Thapa Payal , Patel Manali , Shekhawat Saroj , Patel Roshni , Sudhir Ankit , Hudka Om , Pulidindi Indra Neel , Deokar Archana
Published: December 2024

A green and cost-effective sonochemical synthetic method was followed for coating silver-modified copper oxide (Ag-CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) on disposable surgical mask. The NP-coated masks were systematically characterized using XRD and FT-IR for understanding the structural and surface functionalities. In addition, the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis showed the homogeneous coating of Ag-CuO NPs over the mask fibers. The average particle size of Ag-CuO was found to be ~70 nm. The NP-coated masks are useful to combat a broad range of bacterial species by taking the unique advantage of the synergistic effect of Ag and metal oxide (CuO and ZnO) NPs for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Zone of inhibition (ZoI) studies demonstrated antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli bacteria, probably due to the elevated production of ROS by the defect structure of the Ag-modified metal oxide NPs. The material was found to be effective against both airborne and soil-borne bacteria. We repeat that this paper deals only with the killing effect of the nanoparticles (Ag-modified CuO) on bacteria, and no studies on viral species are performed.
Crosstalk Within the Intestinal Epithelium: Aspects of Intestinal Absorption, Homeostasis, and Immunity
Authors: Yu Liang-En , Yang Wen-Chin , Liang Yu-Chaun
Published: December 2024

Gut health is crucial in many ways, such as in improving human health in general and enhancing production in agricultural animals. To maximize the effect of a healthy gastrointestinal tract (GIT), an understanding of the regulation of intestinal functions is needed. Proper intestinal functions depend on the activity, composition, and behavior of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). There are various types of IECs, including enterocytes, Paneth cells, enteroendocrine cells (EECs), goblet cells, tuft cells, M cells, and intestinal epithelial stem cells (IESCs), each with unique 3D structures and IEC distributions. Although the communication between IECs and other cell types, such as immune cells and neurons, has been intensively reviewed, communication between different IECs has rarely been addressed. The present paper overviews the networks among IECs that influence intestinal functions. Intestinal absorption is regulated by incretins derived from EECs that induce nutrient transporter activity in enterocytes. EECs, Paneth cells, tuft cells, and enterocytes release signals to activate Notch signaling, which modulates IESC activity and intestinal homeostasis, including proliferation and differentiation. Intestinal immunity can be altered via EECs, goblet cells, tuft cells, and cytokines derived from IECs. Finally, tools for investigating IEC communication have been discussed, including the novel 3D intestinal cell model utilizing enteroids that can be considered a powerful tool for IEC communication research. Overall, the importance of IEC communication, especially EECs and Paneth cells, which cover most intestinal functional regulating pathways, are overviewed in this paper. Such a compilation will be helpful in developing strategies for maintaining gut health.
Plastic Design of Metal Thin-Walled Cross-Sections of Any Shape Under Any Combination of Internal Forces
Authors: Agüero Antonio , Baláž Ivan , Höglund Torsten , Koleková Yvona
Published: December 2024

A short tribute to pioneers in the development of the plastic design of metal thin-walled cross-sections is presented. This large study investigates altogether fourteen steel and four extruded aluminum cross-sections in detail. Six groups of the cross-sections with various shapes consist of four I-shaped doubly symmetric sections with or without lips; three monosymmetric sections with an axis of symmetry z including T- and diamond sections; four monosymmetric channels with or without lips; two point-symmetric Z-sections; and four asymmetric sections. The four extruded aluminum cross-sections are an I 200a section, a diamond section, and closed oblique and irregular sections. For all 18 cross-sections, the plastic section moduli of three kinds were calculated, namely Wpl,y,nB and Wpl,z,nB for bimoment not considered as a constraint; Wpl,y, Wpl,z, and Wpl,w for bimoment considered as a restraint; and maximum values Wpl,y,max, Wpl,z,max, and Wpl,w,max. The values of cross-section plastic resistances Npl, Mpl,y,Rd, Mpl,z,Rd, and Bpl are calculated in numerical examples too. The values of cross-section properties are calculated in different ways to verify the correctness of the results. The following methods of calculation are used: the rules given in Eurocode EN 1993-1-1:2022; MathCad programs; and freeware. Recommendations for educational institutes and designers in practice are given, including simple formulae for all cross-sectional properties for doubly and monosymmetric I-shaped sections, channels, and Z-sections. The formulae are presented in three tables containing formulae in dimensionless form convenient for parametrical studies and formulae for direct design. The background of the Eurocode rules given in EN 1993-1-1:2022 is explained together with recommendations for how to avoid the problems with using them.
Addressing COVID-19 Screening Delays: The Impact of HPV Self-Sampling on Non-Attenders in a Cervical Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Chiereghin Angela , Pizzi Lorenzo , Buriani Carolina , Sanna Tiziana , Amico Andrea , Squillace Lorena , Molinari Elena , Florean Maria Siponta , Lanza Giovanni , Mezzetti Francesca
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Self-sampling is recognized as a viable alternative to clinician-sampling for HPV primary screening. This study aimed to assess, within an Italian organized cervical cancer screening program, the acceptance and ease of use of self-sampling and the adherence to follow-up. The prevalences of HPV infection, cervical dysplasia, and cancer were contextually evaluated. Methods: Electronic records of 19,327 women, 30–64 years-old, residing within the Bologna Local Health Authority territory, who were offered self-sampling as an alternative to clinician-sampling, were retrospectively reviewed. They had never or irregularly attended and were overdue for a screening invitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An opt-in approach was adopted, involving local pharmacies for kit delivery and sample collection. Initially, HPV-positive results led to direct referral to colposcopy; later, cytological triage on clinician-samples was provided. Results: Self-sampling reached over twice as many women (11.5%) compared to historical clinician-sampling alone (<5%), showing high acceptance. Additionally, a high screening completion level was observed, with 79.5% of self-samples returned to pharmacies. A low percentage of self-samples resulted in inadequate results (1.1%), suggesting the method’s ease of use. HPV-positivity was 13.1%, higher than the 9.9% recorded in the ordinary screening population in 2019 (p < 0.001), the last year before the pandemic. Compliance to both immediate colposcopy and cytology triage exceeded 90% (p = 0.675). The rate of cervical adenocarcinoma was twice as high as in the routinely screened population in 2019 (0.9‰ versus 0.4‰). Finally, 6% of women opted for clinician appointments. Conclusions: Self-sampling proved to be an easy-to-use and effective tool for reaching non-attenders, who are at high risk of cancer. Cytology triage on clinician-samples did not negatively impact follow-up adherence. It seems appropriate to maintain a clinician-collection option even among non-attenders.
Utility of Machine Learning Models to Predict Lymph Node Metastasis of Japanese Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ueki Hideto , Terakawa Tomoaki , Hara Takuto , Uemura Munenori , Okamura Yasuyoshi , Suzuki Kotaro , Bando Yukari , Teishima Jun , Nakano Yuzo , Yamaguchi Raizo , Miyake Hideaki
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Extended pelvic lymph node dissection is a crucial surgical technique for managing intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer. Accurately predicting lymph node metastasis before surgery can minimize unnecessary lymph node dissections and their associated complications. This study assessed the efficacy of various machine learning models for predicting lymph node metastasis in a cohort of Japanese patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Methods: Data from 625 patients who underwent extended pelvic lymph node dissection or standard dissection with lymph node metastasis between October 2010 and February 2023 were analyzed. Four machine learning models—Random Forest, Light Gradient-Boosting Machine, Logistic Regression, and Support Vector Machine—were used to predict lymph node metastasis. Their performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, a decision curve analysis, and predictive values at different thresholds. Results: Lymph node metastasis was observed in 34 patients (5.4%). The Light Gradient-Boosting Machine had the highest AUC of 0.924, followed by the Random Forest model with an AUC of 0.894. The decision curve analysis indicated substantial net benefits for both models, particularly at low threshold probabilities. The Light Gradient-Boosting Machine demonstrated superior accuracy, achieving 95.6% at the 0.05 threshold and 96.7% at the 0.10 threshold, outperforming other models and conventional nomograms in the validation dataset. Conclusion: Machine learning models, especially Light Gradient-Boosting Machine and Random Forest, show significant potential for predicting lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer, thereby aiding in reducing unnecessary surgical interventions.
The Influence of Danish Cancer Patient Pathways on Survival in Deep-Seated, High-Grade Soft-Tissue Sarcomas in the Extremities and Trunk Wall: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Thorn Andrea , Seem Kristoffer Michael , Talman Maj-Lis , Engelmann Bodil E. , Sørensen Michala Skovlund , Aggerholm-Pedersen Ninna , Baad-Hansen Thomas , Petersen Michael Mørk
Published: December 2024

Background: Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare and challenging to diagnose due to their heterogeneous presentation. In 2009, Denmark introduced the Cancer Patient Pathways for sarcomas (CPPs) to improve sarcoma treatment by streamlining diagnostic and therapeutic processes. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the CPPs on the overall survival of patients with deep-seated, high-grade STSs, comparing outcomes from before and after CPP implementation. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from 712 patients diagnosed with high-grade STSs in the extremities or trunk wall between 2000 and 2018. Patients were grouped into pre-CPP (2000–2008) and post-CPP (2010–2018) cohorts. Overall survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimates. Results: The five-year overall survival improved from 43% in the pre-CPP cohort to 52% post-CPP (p = 0.05). Time-to-treatment was significantly reduced in the post-CPP cohort, with a median decrease of 3 days (18 vs. 15 days, p < 0.001). We found only a very weak tendency toward larger tumor sizes in the pre-CPP cohort and no difference regarding the percentage of patients that had distant metastases at diagnosis between cohorts. In the post-CPP cohort, the percentage of whoops operations decreased and the use of oncological services increased. Conclusions: After the introduction of the CPPs for the sarcoma patients, overall survival improved and time to treatment was reduced. This study highlights the importance of efficient referral pathways in improving cancer outcomes but cannot exclude that other factors could also have contributed.
GPpred: A Novel Sequence-Based Tool for Predicting Glutamic Proteases Using Optimized Hybrid Encodings
Authors: Firoz Ahmad , Malik Adeel , Mahajan Nitin , Ali Hani Mohammed , Kamli Majid Rasool , Kim Chang-Bae
Published: December 2024

Glutamic proteases (GPs) represent one of the seven peptidase families described in the MEROPS database of peptidases (also known as proteases, proteinases, and proteolytic enzymes). Currently, the GP family is divided into six sub-families (G1–G6) distributed across three clans (GA, GB, and GC). A glutamic acid and another variable amino acid are the catalytic residues in this family. Members of the GP family are involved in a wide variety of biological functions. For example, they act as bacterial and plant pathogens, and are involved in cancer and celiac disease. These enzymes are considered potential drug targets given their crucial roles in numerous biological processes. Characterizing GPs provides insights into their structure–function relationships, enabling the design of specific inhibitors or modulators. Such advancements directly contribute to drug discovery by identifying novel therapeutic targets and guiding the development of potent and selective drugs for various diseases, including cancers and autoimmune disorders. To address the challenges associated with labor-intensive experimental methods, we developed GPpred, an innovative support vector machine (SVM)-based predictor to identify GPs from their primary sequences. The workflow involves systematically extracting six distinct feature sets from primary sequences, and optimization using a recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm to identify the most informative hybrid encodings. These optimized encodings were then used to evaluate multiple machine learning classifiers, including K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs), Random Forest (RF), Naïve Bayes (NB), and SVM. Among these, the SVM demonstrated a consistent performance, with an accuracy of 97% during the cross-validation and independent validation. Computational methods like GPpred accelerate this process by analyzing large datasets, predicting potential enzyme targets, and prioritizing candidates for experimental validation, thereby significantly reducing time and costs. GPpred will be a valuable tool for discovering GPs from large datasets, and facilitating drug discovery efforts by narrowing down viable therapeutic candidates.
The Role of Endothelial L-PGDS in the Pro-Angiogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Low-Dose Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Li Jiyu , Li Chun , Subedi Utsab , Subedi Pushpa , Panchatcharam Manikandan , Sun Hong
Published: December 2024

Light alcohol consumption (LAC) may reduce the incidence and improve the prognosis of ischemic stroke. Recently, we found that LAC promotes cerebral angiogenesis and inhibits early inflammation following ischemic stroke. In addition, LAC upregulates lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-PGDS) in the brain. Thus, we determined the role of endothelial L-PGDS in the protective effect of LAC. In in vitro studies, chronic exposure to low-concentration ethanol upregulated L-PGDS and significantly increased the proliferation in cultured C57BL/6J mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (MBMVECs). AT-56, a selective L-PGDS inhibitor, abolished low-concentration ethanol exposure-induced proliferation. In in vivo studies, 8-week gavage feeding with 0.7 g/kg/day ethanol, defined as LAC, promoted cerebral angiogenesis under physiological conditions and following ischemic stroke in male C57BL/6J mice. In addition, LAC inhibited the post-ischemic expression of adhesion molecules, neutrophil infiltration, and microglial activation. AT-56 and endothelial cell (EC)-specific L-PGDS conditional knockout did not significantly alter cerebral angiogenesis and post-ischemic inflammation in the control mice but eliminated the pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of LAC. Furthermore, EC-specific L-PGDS conditional knockout alleviated the neuroprotective effect of LAC against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. These findings suggest that endothelial L-PGDS may be crucial in the pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of LAC against ischemic stroke.
HIV-1 Tat Protein and Cigarette Smoke Mediated ADAM17 Upregulation Can Lead to Impaired Mucociliary Clearance
Authors: Panda Kingshuk , Santiago Maria J. , Rahman Md. Sohanur , Ghorai Suvankar , Black Stephen M. , Rahman Irfan , Unwalla Hoshang J. , Chinnapaiyan Srinivasan
Published: December 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) associated comorbidities account for the majority of poor health outcomes in people living with HIV (PLWH) in the era of antiretroviral therapy. Lung-related comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bacterial pneumonia are primarily responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in PLWH, even when compensated for smoking. Smokers and COPD patients demonstrate cilia shortening, attenuated ciliary beat frequency (CBF), dysfunctional ciliated cells along with goblet cell hyperplasia, and mucus hypersecretion. This is exacerbated by the fact that almost 60% of PLWH smoke tobacco, which can exacerbate inflammation and mucociliary clearance (MCC) dysfunction. This study shows that HIV Tat alters the microRNAome in airway epithelial cells and upregulates miR-34a-5p with consequent suppression of its target, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). SIRT1 is known to suppress Metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), a protease activating Notch signaling. HIV and cigarette smoke (CS) upregulate ADAM17. ADAM17 upregulation followed by SIRT1 suppression can lead to decreased ciliation, mucus hypersecretion, and attenuated MCC, a hallmark of chronic bronchitis in smokers and COPD. It is, therefore, essential to understand the pathophysiological mechanism resulting in acquired Notch dysregulation and its downstream impact on HIV-infected smokers.
Linking Mechanisms in the Intergenerational Transmission of Mental Health: The Role of Sex in Parent–Adolescent Dynamics
Authors: Yun Hye-Jung , Heo Jungyeong , Wilson Cynthia B.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: This study addresses the significance of mental health concerns by examining the intergenerational transmission of mental health between parents and adolescents. It investigates the serial mediating effects of family resilience, adolescents’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their ability to flourish in the transmission of mental health from parents to adolescents, with a focus on sex differences. Methods: This study used a sample of 54,434 adolescents aged 12–17 from the 2016–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). Mothers reported on their mental health status and family resilience, and adolescents’ ACEs, flourishing, and mental health problems including depression and anxiety. Serial mediation models were used to assess the hypotheses. Results: The findings revealed that better parental mental health status was associated with fewer mental health problems in adolescents, with significant sex differences observed in these associations. Specifically, in both maternal and paternal models, better parental mental health was linked to higher family resilience, which was associated with fewer ACEs, greater flourishing, and ultimately fewer adolescent mental health problems. Furthermore, maternal mental health had a stronger association with daughters’ mental health, while paternal mental health more strongly influenced sons’. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of targeted prevention and clinical interventions to disrupt the intergenerational transmission of mental health issues.
A Novel Index for Agricultural Drought Measurement: Soil Moisture and Evapotranspiration Revealed Drought Index (SERDI)
Authors: Hamarash Hushiar , Rasul Azad , Hamad Rahel
Published: December 2024

Droughts are common across various climates, typically caused by prolonged decreases in rainfall. Several factors contribute to drought, including the temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity and the timing, amount, and intensity of rainfall during the growing season. This study introduces the Soil Moisture and Evapotranspiration Revealed Drought Index (SERDI), a new index that combines soil moisture and evapotranspiration (calculated using the Penman–Monteith method) to enhance drought early warning systems. To validate the SERDI, we compared it with other established indices such as the Land Surface Temperature (LST), Vegetation Health Index (VHI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), using metrics like the R-squared (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and p-value to assess the accuracy, data variability, and forecast conditions. The results showed a low RMSE and high R2 between the SERDI and the LST and VHI, indicating a strong correlation. However, weaker correlations were observed between the SERDI and NDVI/NDWI, as shown by the lower R2 and higher RMSE values in semi-arid areas. Regions across Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Israel experienced mostly moderate to severe drought conditions, with a few areas in Iran and Syria showing normal conditions. The SERDI’s strong correlation with the LST and moderate correlation with the VHI can be attributed to the direct influence of the soil moisture and evapotranspiration on the surface temperature and vegetation health. On the other hand, the weaker correlation with the NDVI and NDWI is due to variability in the vegetation response, irrigation practices, and regional differences. This study concludes that the SERDI is an effective tool for the detection of drought based on soil moisture and evapotranspiration.