bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Solar Radiation Forecasting in Diverse Moroccan Climate Zones: A Comparative Study of Machine Learning Models with Sugeno Integral Aggregation
Authors: Mendyl Abderrahmane , Demir Vahdettin , Omar Najiya , Orhan Osman , Weidinger Tamás
Published: January 2024

Hourly solar radiation (SR) forecasting is a vital stage in the efficient deployment of solar energy management systems. Single and hybrid machine learning (ML) models have been predominantly applied for precise hourly SR predictions based on the pattern recognition of historical heterogeneous weather data. However, the integration of ML models has not been fully investigated in terms of overcoming irregularities in weather data that may degrade the forecasting accuracy. This study investigated a strategy that highlights interactions that may exist between aggregated prediction values. In the first investigation stage, a comparative analysis was conducted utilizing three different ML models including support vector machine (SVM) regression, long short-term memory (LSTM), and multilayer artificial neural networks (MLANN) to provide insights into their relative strengths and weaknesses for SR forecasting. The comparison showed the proposed LSTM model had the greatest contribution to the overall prediction of six different SR profiles from numerous sites in Morocco. To validate the stability of the proposed LSTM, Taylor diagrams, violin plots, and Kruskal–Wallis (KW) tests were also utilized to determine the robustness of the model’s performance. Secondly, the analysis found coupling the models outputs with aggregation techniques can significantly improve the forecasting accuracy. Accordingly, a novel aggerated model that integrates the forecasting outputs of LSTM, SVM, MLANN with Sugeno λ-measure and Sugeno integral named (SLSM) was proposed. The proposed SLSM provides spatially and temporary interactions of information that are characterized by uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of the aggregation function in mitigating irregularities associated with SR data and achieving an hourly time scale forecasting accuracy with improvement of 11.7 W/m2.
Lightning-Ignited Wildfires and Associated Meteorological Conditions in Western Siberia for 2016–2021
Authors: Kharyutkina Elena , Moraru Evgeniia , Pustovalov Konstantin , Loginov Sergey
Published: January 2024

The analysis of the spatio-temporal variability of lightning-ignited wildfires and meteorological conditions preceding their occurrence from both dry lightning and lightning with precipitation in Western Siberia for the warm seasons (May–September) of 2016–2021 was carried out. In the Arctic zone, fires from lightnings occur in most cases (83%) almost without precipitation (<2.5 mm/day), whereas in the forest and steppe zones the number of cases is less (81% and 74%, respectively). The most significant changes in meteorological conditions before the ignition were also revealed in the northern part 3–4 days before. Among all considered parameters, the most important role in the occurrence of dry lightning-ignited wildfires belongs to mid-tropospheric instability, lower-tropospheric dryness, and the moisture content of the top soil and surface floor layer. Moreover, in the Arctic zone of Western Siberia, more extreme (hotter and drier) meteorological conditions should be observed for the occurrence of ignition from lightning. The threshold values for the considered meteorological parameters were derived for our region for the first time. Obtained results can be used in the development of models for potential fire hazards prediction in various landscapes, which will have a practical application in various spheres of the national economy.
Energy Shift of the Atomic Emission Lines of He-like Ions Subject to Outside Dense Plasma
Authors: Chang Tu-Nan , Fang Te-Kuei , Sun Rui , Wu Chensheng , Gao Xiang
Published: January 2024

We present an extension of our study of the energy shift of the atomic emissions subject to charged-neutral outside dense plasma following the good agreement between the experimental measurements and our recent theoretical estimates for the α and β emission lines of a number of H-like and He-like ions. In particular, we are able to further demonstrate that the plasma-induced transition energy shift could indeed be interpolated by the simple quasi-hydrogenic picture based on the application of the Debye–Hückel (DH) approximation for the n=3 to n=2 transitions of the He-like ions. Our theoretically estimated redshifts of those emissions may offer the impetus for additional experimental measurement to facilitate the diagnostic efforts in the determination of the temperature and density of the dense plasma.
Minimal and Primitive Terracini Loci of a Four-Dimensional Projective Space
Authors: Ballico Edoardo
Published: January 2024

We study two quite different types of Terracini loci for the order d-Veronese embedding of an n-dimensional projective space: the minimal one and the primitive one (defined in this paper). The main result is that if n=4, d≥19 and x≤2d, no subset with x points is a minimal Terracini set. We give examples that show that the result is sharp. We raise several open questions.
Cutting-Edge Monte Carlo Framework: Novel “Walk on Equations” Algorithm for Linear Algebraic Systems
Authors: Todorov Venelin , Dimov Ivan
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we introduce the “Walk on Equations” (WE) Monte Carlo algorithm, a novel approach for solving linear algebraic systems. This algorithm shares similarities with the recently developed WE MC method by Ivan Dimov, Sylvain Maire, and Jean Michel Sellier. This method is particularly effective for large matrices, both real- and complex-valued, and shows significant improvements over traditional methods. Our comprehensive comparison with the Gauss–Seidel method highlights the WE algorithm’s superior performance, especially in reducing relative errors within fewer iterations. We also introduce a unique dominancy number, which plays a crucial role in the algorithm’s efficiency. A pivotal outcome of our research is the convergence theorem we established for the WE algorithm, demonstrating its optimized performance through a balanced iteration matrix. Furthermore, we incorporated a sequential Monte Carlo method, enhancing the algorithm’s efficacy. The most-notable application of our algorithm is in solving a large system derived from a finite-element approximation in constructive mechanics, specifically for a beam structure problem. Our findings reveal that the proposed WE Monte Carlo algorithm, especially when combined with sequential MC, converges significantly faster than well-known deterministic iterative methods such as the Jacobi method. This enhanced convergence is more pronounced in larger matrices. Additionally, our comparative analysis with the preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) method shows that the WE MC method can outperform traditional methods for certain matrices. The introduction of a new random variable as an unbiased estimator of the solution vector and the analysis of the relative stochastic error structure further illustrate the potential of our novel algorithm in computational mathematics.
Optimizing RNNs for EMG Signal Classification: A Novel Strategy Using Grey Wolf Optimization
Authors: Aviles Marcos , Alvarez-Alvarado José Manuel , Robles-Ocampo  Jose-Billerman , Sevilla-Camacho  Perla Yazmín , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal
Published: January 2024

Accurate classification of electromyographic (EMG) signals is vital in biomedical applications. This study evaluates different architectures of recurrent neural networks for the classification of EMG signals associated with five movements of the right upper extremity. A Butterworth filter was implemented for signal preprocessing, followed by segmentation into 250 ms windows, with an overlap of 190 ms. The resulting dataset was divided into training, validation, and testing subsets. The Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm was applied to the gated recurrent unit (GRU), long short-term memory (LSTM) architectures, and bidirectional recurrent neural networks. In parallel, a performance comparison with support vector machines (SVMs) was performed. The results obtained in the first experimental phase revealed that all the RNN networks evaluated reached a 100% accuracy, standing above the 93% achieved by the SVM. Regarding classification speed, LSTM ranked as the fastest architecture, recording a time of 0.12 ms, followed by GRU with 0.134 ms. Bidirectional recurrent neural networks showed a response time of 0.2 ms, while SVM had the longest time at 2.7 ms. In the second experimental phase, a slight decrease in the accuracy of the RNN models was observed, standing at 98.46% for LSTM, 96.38% for GRU, and 97.63% for the bidirectional network. The findings of this study highlight the effectiveness and speed of recurrent neural networks in the EMG signal classification task.
Photobiomodulation Therapy Improves Repair of Bone Defects Filled by Inorganic Bone Matrix and Fibrin Heterologous Biopolymer
Authors: Vigliar Maria Fernanda Rossi , Marega Lais Furlaneto , Duarte Marco Antonio Hungaro , Alcalde Murilo Priori , Rosso Marcelie Priscila de Oliveira , Ferreira Junior Rui Seabra , Barraviera Benedito , Reis Carlos Henrique Bertoni , Buchaim Daniela Vieira , Buchaim Rogerio Leone
Published: January 2024

Biomaterials are used extensively in graft procedures to correct bone defects, interacting with the body without causing adverse reactions. The aim of this pre-clinical study was to analyze the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) with the use of a low-level laser in the repair process of bone defects filled with inorganic matrix (IM) associated with heterologous fibrin biopolymer (FB). A circular osteotomy of 4 mm in the left tibia was performed in 30 Wistar male adult rats who were randomly divided into three groups: G1 = IM + PBM, G2 = IM + FB and G3 = IM + FB + PBM. PBM was applied at the time of the experimental surgery and three times a week, on alternate days, until euthanasia, with 830 nm wavelength, in two points of the operated site. Five animals from each group were euthanized 14 and 42 days after surgery. In the histomorphometric analysis, the percentage of neoformed bone tissue in G3 (28.4% ± 2.3%) was higher in relation to G1 (24.1% ± 2.91%) and G2 (22.2% ± 3.11%) at 14 days and at 42 days, the percentage in G3 (35.1% ± 2.55%) was also higher in relation to G1 (30.1% ± 2.9%) and G2 (31.8% ± 3.12%). In the analysis of the birefringence of collagen fibers, G3 showed a predominance of birefringence between greenish-yellow in the neoformed bone tissue after 42 days, differing from the other groups with a greater presence of red-orange fibers. Immunohistochemically, in all experimental groups, it was possible to observe immunostaining for osteocalcin (OCN) near the bone surface of the margins of the surgical defect and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) bordering the newly formed bone tissue. Therefore, laser photobiomodulation therapy contributed to improving the bone repair process in tibial defects filled with bovine biomaterial associated with fibrin biopolymer derived from snake venom.
COVID-19 Detection and Diagnosis Model on CT Scans Based on AI Techniques
Authors: Zolya Maria-Alexandra , Baltag Cosmin , Bratu Dragoș-Vasile , Coman Simona , Moraru Sorin-Aurel
Published: January 2024

The end of 2019 could be mounted in a rudimentary framing of a new medical problem, which globally introduces into the discussion a fulminant outbreak of coronavirus, consequently spreading COVID-19 that conducted long-lived and persistent repercussions. Hence, the theme proposed to be solved arises from the field of medical imaging, where a pulmonary CT-based standardized reporting system could be addressed as a solution. The core of it focuses on certain impediments such as the overworking of doctors, aiming essentially to solve a classification problem using deep learning techniques, namely, if a patient suffers from COVID-19, viral pneumonia, or is healthy from a pulmonary point of view. The methodology’s approach was a meticulous one, denoting an empirical character in which the initial stage, given using data processing, performs an extraction of the lung cavity from the CT scans, which is a less explored approach, followed by data augmentation. The next step is comprehended by developing a CNN in two scenarios, one in which there is a binary classification (COVID and non-COVID patients), and the other one is represented by a three-class classification. Moreover, viral pneumonia is addressed. To obtain an efficient version, architectural changes were gradually made, involving four databases during this process. Furthermore, given the availability of pre-trained models, the transfer learning technique was employed by incorporating the linear classifier from our own convolutional network into an existing model, with the result being much more promising. The experimentation encompassed several models including MobileNetV1, ResNet50, DenseNet201, VGG16, and VGG19. Through a more in-depth analysis, using the CAM technique, MobilneNetV1 differentiated itself via the detection accuracy of possible pulmonary anomalies. Interestingly, this model stood out as not being among the most used in the literature. As a result, the following values of evaluation metrics were reached: loss (0.0751), accuracy (0.9744), precision (0.9758), recall (0.9742), AUC (0.9902), and F1 score (0.9750), from 1161 samples allocated for each of the three individual classes.
Implementation of Fluorescent-Protein-Based Quantification Analysis in L-Form Bacteria
Authors: Tian Di , Liu Yiyuan , Zhang Yueyue , Liu Yunfei , Xia Yang , Xu Boying , Xu Jian , Yomo Tetsuya
Published: January 2024

Cell-wall-less (L-form) bacteria exhibit morphological complexity and heterogeneity, complicating quantitative analysis of them under internal and external stimuli. Stable and efficient labeling is needed for the fluorescence-based quantitative cell analysis of L-forms during growth and proliferation. Here, we evaluated the expression of multiple fluorescent proteins (FPs) under different promoters in the Bacillus subtilis L-form strain LR2 using confocal microscopy and imaging flow cytometry. Among others, Pylb-derived NBP3510 showed a superior performance for inducing several FPs including EGFP and mKO2 in both the wild-type and L-form strains. Moreover, NBP3510 was also active in Escherichia coli and its L-form strain NC-7. Employing these established FP-labeled strains, we demonstrated distinct morphologies in the L-form bacteria in a quantitative manner. Given cell-wall-deficient bacteria are considered protocell and synthetic cell models, the generated cell lines in our work could be valuable for L-form-based research.
Unraveling the Life History of Past Populations through Hypercementosis: Insights into Cementum Apposition Patterns and Possible Etiologies Using Micro-CT and Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Massé Léa , d’Incau Emmanuel , Souron Antoine , Vanderesse Nicolas , Santos Frédéric , Maureille Bruno , Le Cabec Adeline
Published: January 2024

The “teeth-as-tools” hypothesis posits that Neanderthals used their anterior teeth as a tool or a third hand for non-dietary purposes. These non- or para-masticatory activities (e.g., tool-making or food preparation prior to ingestion) have also been described in other past and extant human populations, and other Primates. Cementum is the mineralized tissue that covers the tooth root surface and anchors it to the alveolar bone. Under certain conditions (e.g., mechanical stress, infection), its production becomes excessive (i.e., beyond the physiological state) and is called ‘hypercementosis’. Several studies in dental anthropology have established a correlation between the teeth-as-tools and hypercementosis. The present work aims to characterize the different patterns of cementum apposition on archeological teeth and discuss their supposed etiology. Using microtomography and confocal microscopy, the patterns of cementum apposition (i.e., thickness, location, and surface characteristics) were analyzed in 35 hypercementotic teeth (Sains-en-Gohelle, France; 7th–17th c. A.D.). Four groups were identified with distinct hypercementosis patterns: (1) impacted, (2) infected, (3) hypofunctional, and (4) hyperfunctional teeth. Characterizing hypercementosis can contribute to documenting the oral health status (paleopathology) and/or masticatory activity of individuals, even from isolated teeth. This has implications for the study of fossil hominins, particularly Neanderthals, known for their use of anterior teeth as tools and frequent and substantial occurrence of hypercementosis.
Phytochemical Profiles and Biological Activities of Plant Extracts from Aromatic Plants Cultivated in Cyprus
Authors: Chrysargyris Antonios , Petrovic Jovana D. , Tomou Ekaterina-Michaela , Kyriakou Kalia , Xylia Panayiota , Kotsoni Andria , Gkretsi Vasiliki , Miltiadous Panagiota , Skaltsa Helen , Soković Marina D. , Tzortzakis Nikolaos
Published: January 2024

Medicinal and aromatic plants’ properties, still an interesting research area, are attributed to the presence of various specialized products that possess important pharmacological activities. In the present study, six medicinal/aromatic plants (Sideritis cypria, Origanum dubium, Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Thymus capitatus, and Salvia fruticosa) were evaluated for their phytochemical and nutritive composition, as well as their biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties. The results obtained indicate that M. piperita was rich in proteins and minerals such as N and Mg, while S. cypria accumulated more K, Na, P, and Ca. The highest content of phenols and flavonoids was observed in M. piperita, followed by O. dubium and T. capitatus, which eventually influenced their high antioxidant capacity. NMR screening revealed the presence of (i) triterpenoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in M. officinalis; (ii) terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acid derivatives in S. fruticosa; (iii) flavonoids and phenolic acid derivatives in M. piperita; (iv) phenolic monoterpenes in O. dubium and T. capitatus; and (v) terpenoids, flavones, and phenylethanoid glycosides in S. cypria. The results of the antimicrobial activity showed that the tested samples overall had quite good antimicrobial potential. High antibacterial activity was found in O. dubium and T. capitatus, while O. dubium and S. cypria exhibited great antifungal activities. The studied species also had an important effect on the viability of female-derived and colon cancer cells. In particular, in colon cancer cells, the extracts from T. capitatus, M. officinalis, M. piperita, and S. fruticosa exhibited a stronger effect on cell viability in the more metastatic cell line at significantly lower concentrations, indicating an important therapeutic potential in targeting highly metastatic tumors. This finding is worth further investigation. The present study unveiled interesting phytochemical profiles and biological properties of the six medicinal/aromatic plants, which should be further explored, contributing to green chemistry and the possible creation of natural health products for humans’ health/nutrition and additives in cosmetics.
Comprehensive Proteomic Analysis of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Seeds Reveal Shared and Unique Proteins Involved in Terminal Drought Stress Response in Tolerant and Sensitive Genotypes
Authors: Subramani Mayavan , Urrea Carlos A. , Tamatamu Sowjanya R. , Sripathi Venkateswara R. , Williams Krystal , Chintapenta Lathadevi K. , Todd Antonette , Ozbay Gulnihal
Published: January 2024

This study identified proteomic changes in the seeds of two tolerant (SB-DT3 and SB-DT2) and two sensitive (Merlot and Stampede) common bean genotypes in response to terminal drought stress. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were abundant in the susceptible genotype compared to the tolerant line. DEPs associated with starch biosynthesis, protein–chromophore linkage, and photosynthesis were identified in both genotypes, while a few DEPs and enriched biological pathways exhibited genotype-specific differences. The tolerant genotypes uniquely showed DEPs related to sugar metabolism and plant signaling, while the sensitive genotypes displayed more DEPs involved in plant–pathogen interaction, proteasome function, and carbohydrate metabolism. DEPs linked with chaperone and signal transduction were significantly altered between both genotypes. In summary, our proteomic analysis revealed both conserved and genotype-specific DEPs that could be used as targets in selective breeding and developing drought-tolerant common bean genotypes.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Saturated and Unsaturated Hydroxy Fatty Acids (HFAs) and Study of Their Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Mountanea Olga G. , Mantzourani Christiana , Gkikas Dimitrios , Politis Panagiotis K. , Kokotos George
Published: January 2024

Hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) constitute a class of lipids, distinguished by the presence of a hydroxyl on a long aliphatic chain. This study aims to expand our insights into HFA bioactivities, while also introducing new methods for asymmetrically synthesizing unsaturated and saturated HFAs. Simultaneously, a procedure previously established by us was adapted to generate new HFA regioisomers. An organocatalytic step was employed for the synthesis of chiral terminal epoxides, which either by alkynylation or by Grignard reagents resulted in unsaturated or saturated chiral secondary alcohols and, ultimately, HFAs. 7-(S)-Hydroxyoleic acid (7SHOA), 7-(S)-hydroxypalmitoleic acid (7SHPOA) and 7-(R)- and (S)-hydroxymargaric acids (7HMAs) were synthesized for the first time and, together with regioisomers of (R)- and (S)-hydroxypalmitic acids (HPAs) and hydroxystearic acids (HSAs), whose biological activity has not been tested so far, were studied for their antiproliferative activities. The unsaturation of the long chain, as well as an odd-numbered (C17) fatty acid chain, led to reduced activity, while the new 6-(S)-HPA regioisomer was identified as exhibiting potent antiproliferative activity in A549 cells. 6SHPA induced acetylation of histone 3 in A549 cells, without affecting acetylated α-tubulin levels, suggesting the selective inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) class I enzymes, and was found to inhibit signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression.
Immunosuppression in Sepsis: Biomarkers and Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators
Authors: Padovani Cristina M. , Yin Kingsley
Published: January 2024

Severe infection can lead to sepsis. In sepsis, the host mounts an inappropriately large inflammatory response in an attempt to clear the invading pathogen. This sustained high level of inflammation may cause tissue injury and organ failure. Later in sepsis, a paradoxical immunosuppression occurs, where the host is unable to clear the preexisting infection and is susceptible to secondary infections. A major issue with sepsis treatment is that it is difficult for physicians to ascertain which stage of sepsis the patient is in. Sepsis treatment will depend on the patient’s immune status across the spectrum of the disease, and these immune statuses are nearly polar opposites in the early and late stages of sepsis. Furthermore, there is no approved treatment that can resolve inflammation without contributing to immunosuppression within the host. Here, we review the major mechanisms of sepsis-induced immunosuppression and the biomarkers of the immunosuppressive phase of sepsis. We focused on reviewing three main mechanisms of immunosuppression in sepsis. These are lymphocyte apoptosis, monocyte/macrophage exhaustion, and increased migration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The biomarkers of septic immunosuppression that we discuss include increased MDSC production/migration and IL-10 levels, decreased lymphocyte counts and HLA-DR expression, and increased GPR18 expression. We also review the literature on the use of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in different models of infection and/or sepsis, as these compounds have been reported to resolve inflammation without being immunosuppressive. To obtain the necessary information, we searched the PubMed database using the keywords sepsis, lymphocyte apoptosis, macrophage exhaustion, MDSCs, biomarkers, and SPMs.
Innovative Biomedical and Technological Strategies for the Control of Bacterial Growth and Infections
Authors: Matias Lídia Leonize Rodrigues , Damasceno Karla Suzanne Florentino da Silva Chaves , Pereira Annemberg Salvino , Passos Thaís Souza , Morais Ana Heloneida de Araujo
Published: January 2024

Antibiotics comprise one of the most successful groups of pharmaceutical products. Still, they have been associated with developing bacterial resistance, which has become one of the most severe problems threatening human health today. This context has prompted the development of new antibiotics or co-treatments using innovative tools to reverse the resistance context, combat infections, and offer promising antibacterial therapy. For the development of new alternatives, strategies, and/or antibiotics for controlling bacterial growth, it is necessary to know the target bacteria, their classification, morphological characteristics, the antibiotics currently used for therapies, and their respective mechanisms of action. In this regard, genomics, through the sequencing of bacterial genomes, has generated information on diverse genetic resources, aiding in the discovery of new molecules or antibiotic compounds. Nanotechnology has been applied to propose new antimicrobials, revitalize existing drug options, and use strategic encapsulating agents with their biochemical characteristics, making them more effective against various bacteria. Advanced knowledge in bacterial sequencing contributes to the construction of databases, resulting in advances in bioinformatics and the development of new antimicrobials. Moreover, it enables in silico antimicrobial susceptibility testing without the need to cultivate the pathogen, reducing costs and time. This review presents new antibiotics and biomedical and technological innovations studied in recent years to develop or improve natural or synthetic antimicrobial agents to reduce bacterial growth, promote well-being, and benefit users.
Optimization of a Photobiomodulation Protocol to Improve the Cell Viability, Proliferation and Protein Expression in Osteoblasts and Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts for Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Gonçalves Aline , Monteiro Francisca , Oliveira Sofia , Costa Inês , Catarino Susana O. , Carvalho Óscar , Padrão Jorge , Zille Andrea , Pinho Teresa , Silva Filipe S.
Published: January 2024

Numerous pieces of evidence have supported the therapeutic potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) to modulate bone remodeling on mechanically stimulated teeth, proving PBM’s ability to be used as a coadjuvant treatment to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). However, there are still uncertainty and discourse around the optimal PBM protocols, which hampers its optimal and consolidated clinical applicability. Given the differential expression and metabolic patterns exhibited in the tension and compression sides of orthodontically stressed teeth, it is plausible that different types of irradiation may be applied to each side of the teeth. In this sense, this study aimed to design and implement an optimization protocol to find the most appropriate PBM parameters to stimulate specific bone turnover processes. To this end, three levels of wavelength (655, 810 and 940 nm), two power densities (5 and 10 mW/cm2) and two regimens of single and multiple sessions within three consecutive days were tested. The biological response of osteoblasts and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts was addressed by monitoring the PBM’s impact on the cellular metabolic activity, as well as on key bone remodeling mediators, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANK-L), each day. The results suggest that daily irradiation of 655 nm delivered at 10 mW/cm2, as well as 810 and 940 nm light at 5 mW/cm2, lead to an increase in ALP and OPG, potentiating bone formation. In addition, irradiation of 810 nm at 5 mW/cm2 delivered for two consecutive days and suspended by the third day promotes a downregulation of OPG expression and a slight non-significant increase in RANK-L expression, being suitable to stimulate bone resorption. Future studies in animal models may clarify the impact of PBM on bone formation and resorption mediators for longer periods and address the possibility of testing different stimulation periodicities. The present in vitro study offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of specific PBM protocols to promote osteogenic and osteoclastogenesis responses and therefore its potential to stimulate bone formation on the tension side and bone resorption on the compression side of orthodontically stressed teeth.
Therapeutic Potential of Bipolar Androgen Therapy for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Yu Jiwoong , Lim Joung Eun , Song Wan
Published: January 2024

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a primary treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PCa), but resistance often leads to castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). CRPC remains androgen receptor (AR)-dependent, and AR overexpression causes vulnerability to high doses of androgen in CRPC. Bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) refers to the periodic administration of testosterone, resulting in oscillation between supraphysiologic and near-castrate serum testosterone levels. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of BAT against CRPC in a preclinical setting. To emulate CRPC characteristics, PCa cell lines (LNCaP, VCaP, and 22Rv1) were cultured in phenol red-free RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% dextran-coated charcoal treated FBS (A− cell line). Cell viability, AR, and AR-V7 expression were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and Western blotting. In vivo studies involved 12 castrated NOG mice injected with LNCaP/A− cells, treated with testosterone pellets or controls in 2-week cycles. Tumor sizes were measured post a 6-week treatment cycle. Bicalutamide inhibited PCa cell viability but not in the adapted cell lines. Supraphysiologic androgen levels suppressed AR-expressing PCa cell growth in vitro. In vivo, high AR-expressing LNCaP cells proliferated under castrate conditions, while BAT-treated xenografts exhibited significant growth inhibition with low Ki-67 and mitotic indexes and a high cell death index. This study provides preliminary evidence that BAT is effective for the treatment of CRPC through rapid cycling between supraphysiologic and near-castrate serum testosterone levels, inducing an anti-tumor effect.
Aptamer-Based Smart Targeting and Spatial Trigger–Response Drug-Delivery Systems for Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Park Dongsik , Lee Su Jin , Park Jee-Woong
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the field of drug delivery has witnessed remarkable progress, driven by the quest for more effective and precise therapeutic interventions. Among the myriad strategies employed, the integration of aptamers as targeting moieties and stimuli-responsive systems has emerged as a promising avenue, particularly in the context of anticancer therapy. This review explores cutting-edge advancements in targeted drug-delivery systems, focusing on the integration of aptamers and stimuli-responsive platforms for enhanced spatial anticancer therapy. In the aptamer-based drug-delivery systems, we delve into the versatile applications of aptamers, examining their conjugation with gold, silica, and carbon materials. The synergistic interplay between aptamers and these materials is discussed, emphasizing their potential in achieving precise and targeted drug delivery. Additionally, we explore stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems with an emphasis on spatial anticancer therapy. Tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles are elucidated, and their capacity to exploit the dynamic conditions within cancerous tissues for controlled drug release is detailed. External stimuli-responsive strategies, including ultrasound-mediated, photo-responsive, and magnetic-guided drug-delivery systems, are examined for their role in achieving synergistic anticancer effects. This review integrates diverse approaches in the quest for precision medicine, showcasing the potential of aptamers and stimuli-responsive systems to revolutionize drug-delivery strategies for enhanced anticancer therapy.
Circulating Lipoprotein Sphingolipids in Chronic Kidney Disease with and without Diabetes
Authors: Lopes-Virella Maria F. , Hammad Samar M. , Baker Nathaniel L. , Klein Richard L. , Hunt Kelly J.
Published: January 2024

Abnormalities of sphingolipid metabolism play an important role in diabetes. We compared sphingolipid levels in plasma and in isolated lipoproteins between healthy control subjects and two groups of patients, one with chronic kidney disease without diabetes (ND-CKD), and the other with type 2 diabetes and macroalbuminuria (D-MA). Ceramides, sphingomyelins, and sphingoid bases and their phosphates in LDL were higher in ND-CKD and in D-MA patients compared to controls. However, ceramides and sphingoid bases in HDL2 and HDL3 were lower in ND-CKD and in D-MA patients than in controls. Sphingomyelins in HDL2 and HDL3 were lower in D-MA patients than in controls but were normal in ND-CKD patients. Compared to controls, lactosylceramides in LDL and VLDL were higher in ND-CKD patients but not in D-MA patients. However, lactosylceramides in HDL2 and HDL3 were lower in both ND-CKD and D-MA patients than in controls. Plasma hexosylceramides in ND-CKD patients were increased and sphingoid bases decreased in both ND-CKD and D-MA patients. However, hexosylceramides in LDL, HDL2, and HDL3 were higher in ND-CKD patients than in controls. In D-MA patients, only C16:0 hexosylceramide in LDL was higher than in controls. The data suggest that sphingolipid measurement in lipoproteins, rather than in whole plasma, is crucial to decipher the role of sphingolipids in kidney disease.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta 2 (TGFB2) and Interferon Gamma Receptor 2 (IFNGR2) mRNA Levels in the Brainstem Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Significantly Impact Overall Survival in Pediatric DMG Patients
Authors: Qazi Sanjive , Talebi Zahra , Trieu Vuong
Published: January 2024

This hypothesis-generating study characterized the mRNA expression profiles and prognostic impacts of antigen-presenting cell (APC) markers (CD14, CD163, CD86, and ITGAX/CD11c) in pediatric brainstem diffuse midline glioma (pbDMG) tumors. We also assessed the mRNA levels of two therapeutic targets, transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFB2) and interferon gamma receptor 2 (IFNGR2), for their biomarker potentials in these highly aggressive pbDMG tumors. The expressions of CD14, CD163, and ITGAX/CD11c mRNAs exhibited significant decreases of 1.64-fold (p = 0.037), 1.75-fold (p = 0.019), and 3.33-fold (p < 0.0001), respectively, in pbDMG tumors relative to those in normal brainstem/pons samples. The pbDMG samples with high levels of TGFB2 in combination with low levels of APC markers, reflecting the cold immune state of pbDMG tumors, exhibited significantly worse overall survival outcomes at low expression levels of CD14, CD163, and CD86. The expression levels of IFNGR2 and TGFB2 (1.51-fold increase (p = 0.002) and 1.58-fold increase (p = 5.5 × 10−4), respectively) were significantly upregulated in pbDMG tumors compared with normal brainstem/pons samples. We performed multivariate Cox proportional hazards modelling that showed TGFB2 was a prognostic indicator (HR for patients in the TGFB2high group of pbDMG patients = 2.88 (1.12–7.39); p = 0.028) for poor overall survival (OS) and was independent of IFNGR2 levels, the age of the patient, and the significant interaction effect observed between IFNGR2 and TGFB2 (p = 0.015). Worse survival outcomes in pbDMG patients when comparing high versus low TGFB2 levels in the context of low IFNGR2 levels suggest that the abrogation of the TGFB2 mRNA expression in the immunologically cold tumor microenvironment can be used to treat pbDMG patients. Furthermore, pbDMG patients with low levels of JAK1 or STAT1 mRNA expression in combination with high levels of TGFB2 also exhibited poor OS outcomes, suggesting that the inclusion of (interferon-gamma) IFN-γ to stimulate and activate JAK1 and STAT1 in anti-tumor APC cells present the brainstem TME can enhance the effect of the TGFB2 blockade.
Diatomite-Based Recyclable and Green Coating for Efficient Radiative Cooling
Authors: Lu Jing , Fan Yile , Lou Xing , Xie Wei , Zhao Binyuan , Zhou Han , Fan Tongxiang
Published: January 2024

Radiative cooling is a promising strategy to address energy challenges arising from global warming. Nevertheless, integrating optimal cooling performance with commercial applications is a considerable challenge. Here, we demonstrate a scalable and straightforward approach for fabricating green radiative cooling coating consisting of methyl cellulose matrix-random diatomites with water as a solvent. Because of the efficient scattering of the porous morphology of diatomite and the inherent absorption properties of both diatomite and cellulose, the aqueous coating exhibits an excellent solar reflectance of 94% in the range of 0.25–2.5 μm and a thermal emissivity of 0.9 in the range of 8–14 µm. During exposure to direct sunlight at noon, the obtained coating achieved a maximum subambient temperature drop of 6.1 °C on sunny days and 2.5 °C on cloudy days. Furthermore, diatomite is a naturally sourced material that requires minimal pre-processing, and our coatings can be prepared free from harmful organic compounds. Combined with cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness, it offers a viable path for the commercial application of radiative cooling.
Photonic Crystal Surface Mode Real-Time Imaging of RAD51 DNA Repair Protein Interaction with the ssDNA Substrate
Authors: Nifontova Galina , Charlier Cathy , Ayadi Nizar , Fleury Fabrice , Karaulov Alexander , Sukhanova Alyona , Nabiev Igor
Published: January 2024

Photonic crystals (PCs) are promising tools for label-free sensing in drug discovery screening, diagnostics, and analysis of ligand–receptor interactions. Imaging of PC surface modes has emerged as a novel approach to the detection of multiple binding events at the sensor surface. PC surface modification and decoration with recognition units yield an interface providing the highly sensitive detection of cancer biomarkers, antibodies, and oligonucleotides. The RAD51 protein plays a central role in DNA repair via the homologous recombination pathway. This recombinase is essential for the genome stability and its overexpression is often correlated with aggressive cancer. RAD51 is therefore a potential target in the therapeutic strategy for cancer. Here, we report the designing of a PC-based array sensor for real-time monitoring of oligonucleotide–RAD51 recruitment by means of surface mode imaging and validation of the concept of this approach. Our data demonstrate that the designed biosensor ensures the highly sensitive multiplexed analysis of association–dissociation events and detection of the biomarker of DNA damage using a microfluidic PC array. The obtained results highlight the potential of the developed technique for testing the functionality of candidate drugs, discovering new molecular targets and drug entities. This paves the way to further adaption and bioanalytical use of the biosensor for high-content screening to identify new DNA repair inhibitor drugs targeting the RAD51 nucleoprotein filament or to discover new molecular targets.
Transitional Electrodes in Electrowetting-Based Droplet Dispensing
Authors: Wang Wei , Cai Qijun , Xu Shangzhe , Chen Xucan
Published: January 2024

Digital microfluidic systems based on electrowetting-on-dielectric technology, particularly valuable in producing and manipulating microdroplets steadily and consistently, have experienced notable advancements in recent years. In this paper, experimental characterizations reveal that simply adding one transitional electrode between the reservoir and the splitting electrode improves the volumetric consistency and reproducibility for droplet dispensing. The volumetric coefficient variation of the consecutively dispensed droplets from a non-refilling reservoir decreases by 1% after the addition of one transitional electrode, with no extra external apparatus. This work provides a straightforward yet effective approach to the improvement of digital microfluidic systems and micro total analysis systems.
Tic Cough in an Adolescent with Organic Brain Pathology—A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Grinevica Agnese , Udre Agnese , Balodis Arturs , Strumfa Ilze
Published: January 2024

Chronic cough in children and adolescents can be troublesome both to the patient and the whole family. The most common causes of chronic cough in children are protracted bacterial bronchitis and bronchial asthma. However, differential diagnostic workup and treatment can become complicated when a cough of different etiology is encountered, especially in a child having a complex medical history for an unrelated pathology. A cough lacking any identified somatic cause and response to medical treatment in combination with core clinical features of tics that include suppressibility, distractibility, suggestibility, variability, and the presence of a premonitory sensation is labeled tic cough. Here we discuss a case of an adolescent who had atrophy of the corpus callosum and a history of ventriculoperitoneal shunting due to hydrocephalus caused by stenosis of the sylvian aqueduct, but now presented with a debilitating dry cough lasting for several months. After physical causes of cough were ruled out, the diagnosis of tic cough was reached, and multidisciplinary treatment ensured complete recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case showing coincidence of tic cough and hydrocephalus. The co-occurrence of non-syndromic corpus callosum atrophy and tic cough might hypothetically suggest a predisposing pathogenetic link via reduced signaling through cortical inhibitory neurons; further studies are needed. The importance of careful assessment of medical history, clinical picture, and features of the cough itself are emphasized in order to reach the correct diagnosis. Increased awareness of medical society is mandatory to recognize tic cough and to distinguish it from the neurologic manifestations of organic brain pathology.
Analysis of Cortico-Muscular Coupling and Functional Brain Network under Different Standing Balance Paradigms
Authors: Ke Weijie , Luo Zhizeng
Published: January 2024

Maintaining standing balance is essential for people to engage in productive activities in daily life. However, the process of interaction between the cortex and the muscles during balance regulation is understudied. Four balance paradigms of different difficulty were designed by closing eyes and laying sponge pad under feet. Ten healthy subjects were recruited to stand for ten 15 s trials in each paradigm. This study used simultaneously acquired electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) to investigate changes in the human cortico-muscular coupling relationship and functional brain network characteristics during balance control. The coherence and causality of EEG and EMG signals were calculated by magnitude-squared coherence (MSC) and transfer entropy (TE). It was found that changes in balance strategies may lead to a shift in cortico-muscular coherence (CMC) from the beta band to the gamma band when the difficulty of balance increased. As subjects performed the four standing balance paradigms, the causality of the beta band and the gamma band was stronger in the descending neural pathway than that in the ascending neural pathway. A multi-rhythmic functional brain network with 19 EEG channels was constructed and analyzed based on graph theory, showing that its topology also changed with changes in balance difficulty. These results show an active adjustment of the sensorimotor system under different balance paradigms and provide new insights into the endogenous physiological mechanisms underlying the control of standing balance.
Polymersomes for Sustained Delivery of a Chalcone Derivative Targeting Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Alves Ana , Silva Ana M. , Moreira Joana , Nunes Claúdia , Reis Salette , Pinto Madalena , Cidade Honorina , Rodrigues Francisca , Ferreira Domingos , Costa Paulo C. , Correia-da-Silva Marta
Published: January 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system responsible for the most deaths among patients with primary brain tumors. Current therapies for GBM are not effective, with the average survival of GBM patients after diagnosis being limited to a few months. Chemotherapy is difficult in this case due to the heterogeneity of GBM and the high efficacy of the blood–brain barrier, which makes drug absorption into the brain extremely difficult. In a previous study, 3′,4′,3,4,5-trimethoxychalcone (MB) showed antiproliferative and anti-invasion activities toward GBM cells. Polymersomes (PMs) are an attractive, new type of nanoparticle for drug administration, due to their high stability, enhanced circulation time, biodegradability, and sustained drug release. In the present study, different MB formulations, PEG2000-PCL and PEG5000-PCL, were synthesized, characterized, and compared in terms of 14-day stability and in vitro cytotoxicity (hCMEC/D3 and U-373 MG).
Phonon Transport Characteristics of Nano-Silicon Thin Films Irradiated by Ultrafast Laser under Dispersion Relation
Authors: Mao Yudong , Liu Shouyu , Liu Jiying , Yu Mingzhi , Li Xinwei , Kim Moon Keun , Yang Kaimin
Published: January 2024

The gray model simplifies calculations by ignoring phonon polarization, but sacrifices a certain level of computational accuracy. In effect, the frequency and wavevector of phonons form complex polarization patterns, which means their propagation modes and vibrational directions have different influences. Therefore, based on the phonon dispersion relations in silicon, the lattice Boltzmann method is used to analyze the phonon transport characteristics in nano-silicon films under ultrafast laser excitation. The results show that the total energy density distribution obtained by superimposing acoustic and optical branches exhibits multiple wave-like behaviors. Among them, the acoustic branch has excellent transfer capability, dominating the rate at which the total energy density reaches a steady state distribution, while the optical branch has stronger heat capacity characteristics, with a greater impact on the peak value of the total energy density. When the heat transfer approaches a steady state, the longitudinal optical branch surprisingly contributes up to 52.73%. This indicates that the often-neglected optical phonons should also receive sufficient attention. Additionally, compared to the results of the gray model, it is found that the dispersion model is preferred when more attention is paid to the propagation characteristics during phonon transport.