bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Impact of Glycogen-Depleting Exercise Combined with Prolonged Fasting on Autophagy and Cellular Health in Humans: A Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Masedunskas Andrius , de Ciutiis Isabella , Hein Leanne , Ge Anjie , Kong Yvonne , Qi Miao , Mainali Drishya , Rogerson-Wood Lara , Kroeger Cynthia , Aguirre Candia Yvonne , Cagigas Maria , Wang Tian , Hutchinson David , Sabag Angelo , Passam Freda , Piccio Laura , Sargeant Timothy , Fontana Luigi
Published: December 2024

Importance: Although prolonged fasting has become increasingly popular, the favourable biological adaptations and possible adverse effects in humans have yet to be fully elucidated. Objective: To investigate the effects of a three-day water-only fasting, with or without exercise-induced glycogen depletion, on autophagy activation and the molecular pathways involved in cellular damage accumulation and repair in healthy humans. Design: A randomised, single-centre, two-period, two-sequence crossover trial. The primary outcome is autophagic activity, assessed as flux in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) measured in the context of whole blood. Secondary outcomes include changes in body composition, heart rate variability, endothelial function, and genomic, epigenomic, metabolomic, proteomic, and metagenomic adaptations to fasting in plasma, platelets, urine, stools, and PBMCs. Detailed profiling of circulating immune cell populations and their functional states will be assessed by flow cytometry. Setting: All clinical investigations will be undertaken at the Charles Perkins Centre Royal Prince Alfred Hospital clinic, University of Sydney, Australia. Participants: Twenty-four individuals aged 18 to 70 years, with a BMI of 20–40 kg/m2, free of major health conditions other than obesity. Discussion: While autophagic flux induction through fasting has garnered interest, there is a notable lack of human studies on this topic. This trial aims to provide the most detailed and integrated analysis of how three days of prolonged water-only fasting, combined with glycogen-depleting exercise, affects autophagy activation and other crucial metabolic and molecular pathways linked to cellular, metabolic, and immune health. Insights from this study may pave the way for safe and effective strategies to induce autophagy, offering potential preventive interventions for a range of chronic conditions.
Caffeine-Induced Upregulation of pas-1 and pas-3 Enhances Intestinal Integrity by Reducing Vitellogenin in Aged Caenorhabditis elegans Model
Authors: Lee Mijin , Lee Jea , Kim Dongyeon , Min Hyemin , Shim Yhong-Hee
Published: December 2024

Background: Intestinal aging is characterized by declining protein homeostasis via reduced proteasome activity, which are hallmarks of age-related diseases. Our previous study showed that caffeine intake improved intestinal integrity with age by reducing vitellogenin (VIT, yolk protein) in C. elegans. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms by which caffeine intake improves intestinal integrity and reduces vitellogenin (VIT) production in aged Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods: We performed RNA-seq analysis, and qRT-PCR to validate and confirm the RNA-seq results. Transgenic worms with VIT-2::GFP and VIT-6::GFP were used for measuring VIT production. dsRNAi was conducted to elucidate the roles of pas-1 and pas-3 genes. Results: pas-1 and pas-3, a C. elegans ortholog of human PASM4, was upregulated by caffeine intake. They reduced VIT production by repressing unc-62, a transcriptional activator of vit expression. Interestingly, vit-2 was required for pas-1 and pas-3 expression, and RNAi of pas-1 and pas-3 promoted intestinal atrophy and colonization, suggesting a balancing mechanism for VIT levels in intestinal health. Additionally, lifespan was extended by caffeine intake (2 ± 0.05 days), however, this effect was not observed by pas-1 but not pas-3 RNAi, suggesting that the mode of action for an anti-aging effect of caffeine through pas-1 and pas-3 is distinctive. The lifespan extended by pas-1 was mediated by SKN-1 activation. Conclusions: Caffeine intake enhances intestinal health through proteasome activity and extends lifespan in aged C. elegans by upregulating pas-1 and pas-3. These findings suggest that caffeine consumption mitigates age-related proteasome impairment and maintains intestinal integrity during aging.
Satisfaction and Workload as Predictors of Psychological Distress in Professionals of Psychosocial Care Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pinto Debora Maria Salimon , Lourenção Luciano Garcia , Eid Letícia Palota , Ponce Maria Amélia Zanom , André Júlio César , Tiol Emilia Batista Mourão , Giacon-Arruda Bianca Cristina Ciccone , Arruda Guilherme de Oliveira , Souza Maria da Graça Girade , Sasaki Natália Sperli Geraldes Marin dos Santos , Santos Emerson Roberto , Martinez William Donegá , Costa Ana Carolina Santos , Engel Ana Maria Rita Pedroso Vilela Torres de Carvalho , da Silva Júnior Amilton José , Werneck Alexandre Lins , Souza Marise Ramos de , Martins Marlene Andrade , Silva Gabriele Cássia Santos , Menezes João Daniel de Souza , Silva Matheus Querino da , Pompeo Daniele Alcalá
Published: December 2024

Background and aims: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of healthcare professionals, especially those working in Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS), which are crucial services in the Brazilian mental health system. This study aimed to investigate the association between job satisfaction, workload, and psychological distress among CAPS professionals during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 53 professionals from seven CAPS. The Workload Impact Scale (IMPACTO-BR) and Job Satisfaction Scale (SATIS-BR), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between job satisfaction, workload, and psychological distress. Results: Professionals reported moderate satisfaction (3.67 ± 0.45) and mild workload (1.82 ± 0.63). One-third of the sample showed scores indicative of psychological distress. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that workload (p = 0.0025) and low job satisfaction (p = 0.0495) were significantly associated with psychological distress. Conclusions: Low job satisfaction and high professional workload were predictive variables of psychological distress. These findings highlight the need for investments in promoting the quality of life at work for mental health professionals, especially during crises. The implications for human resource management and public policy development emphasize the importance of an integrated approach that considers the well-being of professionals for the effectiveness and sustainability of the psychosocial care model.
Characterization and Genomics of Pectinolytic Bacteria Isolated from Soft Rot Symptomatic Produce
Authors: Radke Kyla , Rivers Brandon , Simpkins Mya , Hardy Jacob , Schachterle Jeffrey K.
Published: December 2024

Bacterial soft rot causes major crop losses annually and can be caused by several species from multiple genera. These bacteria have a broad host range and often infect produce through contact with soil. The main genera causing bacterial soft rot are Pectobacterium and Dickeya, both of which have widespread geographical distribution. Because of many recent renaming and reclassifications of bacteria causing soft rot, identification and characterization of the causative agents can be challenging. In this work, we surveyed commercially available produce exhibiting typical soft rot symptoms, isolating pectinolytic bacteria and characterizing them genetically and phenotypically. We found that in our sampling, many samples were from the genus Pectobacterium; however, other genera were also capable of eliciting symptoms in potatoes, including an isolate from the genus Chryseobacterium. Genomic analyses revealed that many of the Pectobacterium isolates collected share prophages not found in other soft rot species, suggesting a potential role for these prophages in the evolution or fitness of these isolates. Our Chryseobacterium isolate was most similar to C. scophthalmum, a fish pathogen, suggesting that this isolate may be a crossover pathogen.
Bibliometric Analysis of Anxiety and Physical Education in Web of Science—A Performance and Co-Word Study
Authors: González-Ruiz Josué , Granero-Gallegos Antonio , Marín-Marín José-Antonio , Moreno-Guerrero Antonio José
Published: December 2024

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the concepts ‘physical edu- cation’ and ‘anxiety’ (PHYEDU_ANX) in the Web of Science (WoS) database. Background/Objectives: No previous biblio- metric studies were found that addressed this intersection, so this research is a pioneering exploration of this knowledge gap. The aim of the study is to examine the presence of both concepts in the scientific literature, identifying their trends, approaches, and future prospects. Methods: For this purpose, the methodology of co-word analysis was used. Results: The results of the study show that research on PHYEDU and ANX has traditionally focused on three main areas: motivation, exercise, and depression. In this first period, the focus was on the problem (ANX, depression…), Conclusions: whereas nowadays, research focuses on the subjects who suffer from it, mainly adolescents and students. The study suggests that future research in this field will focus on the areas of satisfaction, intervention, and association. This research also answers questions relevant to the field, such as which institutions or countries are the most prolific publishers of PHYEDU_ANX, as well as the most cited authors in this area of study.
Bacillus clausii Attenuates 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis in Mice
Authors: Lima Francisco Ronaldo Farias , Monteiro Carlos Eduardo da Silva , Damasceno Samara Rodrigues Bonfim , Pantoja Patricia da Silva , Franco Álvaro Xavier , Silva Renan Oliveira , Sousa Johnatan Alisson Oliveira , Mendes Tiago Santos , Lima Marcos Aurélio , Justino Priscilla Fernanda Campos , de Souza Marcellus Henrique Loiola Ponte , Soares Pedro Marcos Gomes
Published: December 2024

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite widely prescribed in cancer treatments, but its use in highly proliferative tissues can cause significant problems such as mucositis. Bacillus clausii is a probiotic commonly used for protection against acute diarrhea, gastrointestinal dysbiosis and inflammatory bowel diseases. We investigated the effect of B. clausii on 5-FU intestinal mucositis in mice. B. clausii was administered concomitantly with 5-FU on the first day and alone for the other two days. After the third day of 5-FU (450 mg/kg, ip), the animals were euthanized. Ileum samples were removed for evaluation for histopathological and biochemical analyses (myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). In addition, we investigated gastric emptying and intestinal transit, intestinal permeability, intestinal smooth muscle contractility, transepithelial electrical resistance and intestinal transport of water and electrolytes. B. clausii reduced histopathological scores and increased the villus/crypt ratio in all intestinal segments after mucositis. B. clausii attenuated 5-FU-induced weight loss. The probiotic treatment increased GSH levels, reduced MPO and CAT activity, and also reduced MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α levels. B. clausii attenuated the delay in gastric emptying, water and electrolyte secretion and intestinal hypercontractility, and increased 5-FU-induced intestinal permeability. Thus, our data suggest that B. clausii may be a potential candidate for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis.
Nanomedicines for Pulmonary Drug Delivery: Overcoming Barriers in the Treatment of Respiratory Infections and Lung Cancer
Authors: Fernández-García Raquel , Fraguas-Sánchez Ana I.
Published: December 2024

The pulmonary route for drug administration has garnered a great deal of attention in therapeutics for treating respiratory disorders. It allows for the delivery of drugs directly to the lungs and, consequently, the maintenance of high concentrations at the action site and a reduction in systemic adverse effects compared to other routes, such as oral or intravenous. Nevertheless, the pulmonary administration of drugs is challenging, as the respiratory system tries to eliminate inhaled particles, being the main responsible mucociliary escalator. Nanomedicines represent a primary strategy to overcome the limitations of this route as they can be engineered to prolong pulmonary retention and avoid their clearance while reducing drug systemic distribution and, consequently, systemic adverse effects. This review analyses the use of pulmonary-administered nanomedicines to treat infectious diseases affecting the respiratory system and lung carcinoma, two pathologies that represent major health threats.
Pharmacogenetics of Neoadjuvant MAP Chemotherapy in Localized Osteosarcoma: A Study Based on Data from the GEIS-33 Protocol
Authors: Salazar Juliana , Arranz María J. , Martin-Broto Javier , Bautista Francisco , Martínez-García Jerónimo , Martínez-Trufero Javier , Vidal-Insua Yolanda , Echebarria-Barona Aizpea , Díaz-Beveridge Roberto , Valverde Claudia , Luna Pablo , Vaz-Salgado María A. , Blay Pilar , Álvarez Rosa , Sebio Ana
Published: December 2024

Background: Osteosarcoma is a rare disease, but it is the most frequent malignant bone tumor. Primary treatment consists of preoperative MAP (methotrexate (MTX), doxorubicin and cisplatin) chemotherapy followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Pathological response to preoperative chemotherapy is one of the most important prognostic factors, but molecular biomarkers are lacking. Additionally, chemotherapy-induced toxicity might jeopardize treatment completion. We evaluated variants in genes involved in DNA repair and drug metabolism pathways as predictors of response to MAP-based treatment. Material and Methods: Germline polymorphisms in MTHFR, SLC19A1, ABCB1, ABCC2, ABCC3, ERCC1, ERCC2 and GSTP1 genes were determined for association studies in 69 patients diagnosed with localized osteosarcoma who enrolled in the prospective GEIS-33 trial. P-glycoprotein expression in tumor tissue was also analyzed. Results: In the multivariate analysis, the ABCC2 rs2273697 (odds ratio [OR] 12.3, 95% CI 2.3–66.2; p = 0.003) and ERCC2 rs1799793 (OR 9.6, 95% CI 2.1–43.2; p = 0.003) variants were associated with poor pathological response. P-glycoprotein expression did not correlate with pathological response. The ABCB1 rs1128503 (OR 11.4, 95% CI 2.2–58.0; p = 0.003) and ABCC3 rs4793665 (OR 12.0, 95% CI 2.1–70.2; p = 0.006) variants were associated with MTX grade 3–4 hepatotoxicity. Conclusions: Our findings add to the evidence that genetic variants in the ABC transporters and DNA-repair genes may serve as predictive biomarkers for MAP chemotherapy and contribute to treatment personalization.
Effects of Different Microplastics on Wheat’s (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth Characteristics and Rhizosphere Soil Environment
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hao Songze , Li Ping , Du Zhenjie , Zhou Yuze , Wang Guohao , Liang Zhijie , Dou Ming
Published: December 2024

In order to reveal the effects of microplastics (MPs) on the growth and rhizosphere soil environmental effects of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), three microplastic types (polypropylene MPs (PP-MPs), high-density polyethylene MPs (HDPE-MPs), and polylactic acid MPs (PLA-MPs)), particle sizes (150, 1000, and 4000 μm), and concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 1 g·kg−1) were selected for a pot experiment under natural environment conditions. The differences in germination rate (GR), germination inhibition rate (GIR), growth characteristics, physicochemical properties, and enzymatic activities of wheat in rhizosphere soil were analyzed using statistical analysis and variance analysis. The results show that the germination rate of wheat seeds decreased under different MPs, and the HDPE-MPs, medium particle size (1000 μm), and medium concentration (0.5 g·kg−1) had the greatest inhibitory effect on wheat seed germination. The effects of MPs on wheat seed growth characteristics were inconsistent; the germination potential (GP), germination index (GI), and vitality index (VI) showed a significant decreasing trend under the PLA-MPs and medium-concentration (0.5 g·kg−1) treatment, while the mean germination time (MGT) showed a significant increasing trend; the GP and MGT showed a significant decreasing and increasing trend under the high-particle-size (4000 μm) treatment, respectively, while the GI and VI showed a significant decreasing trend under the medium-particle-size (1000 μm) treatment. The growth characteristics of wheat plants showed a significant decreasing trend under different MPs, with the SPAD, nitrogen concentration of the leaves, and plant height decreasing the most under PLA-MP treatment, the SPAD and nitrogen concentration of leaves decreasing the most under low-particle-size (150 μm) and low-concentration (0.1 g·kg−1) treatments, and the decreases in plant height under the high-particle-size (4000 μm) and high-concentration (1 g·kg−1) treatments being the largest. There were significant increasing trends for ammonium nitrogen (NH4+), total phosphorus (TP), soil urease (S-UE), soil acid phosphatase (S-ACP), and soil sucrase (S-SC) under different microplastics, while the PLA-MPs had a significant increasing trend for nitrate nitrogen (NO3−) and a significant decreasing trend for pH; there was a significant decreasing trend for total nitrogen (TN) under the HDPE-MPs and PLA-MPs, and for each particle size and concentration, the PLA-MPs and low-concentration (0.1 g·kg−1) treatments showed a significant decreasing trend for soil catalase (S-CAT). The research results could provide certain data and theoretical bases for evaluating the effects of MPs on crop growth and soil ecological environments.
In Vitro Anthelmintic Effect of Mexican Plant Extracts and Partitions Against Trichinella spiralis and Strongyloides venezuelensis
Authors: Rodríguez-Garza Nancy E. , Gomez-Flores Ricardo , Quintanilla-Licea Ramiro , Elizondo-Luévano Joel H. , Romo-Sáenz César I. , Marín Miguel , Sánchez-Montejo Javier , Muro Antonio , Peláez Rafael , López-Abán Julio
Published: December 2024

Parasitic diseases represent a significant global public health concern. Two clinically important parasites of high prevalence rates are Trichinella spiralis and Strongyloides stercoralis. However, the limitations of currently used nematocidal drugs highlight the urgent need for novel treatment approaches. The present study investigated the in vitro nematocidal activity of methanol extracts from Amphipterygium adstringens, Artemisia ludoviciana, Cymbopogon citratus, Heterotheca inuloides, Jatropha dioica, Justicia spicigera, Larrea tridentata, Mimosa tenuiflora, Psacalium decompositum, Ruta chalepensis, Semialarium mexicanum, and Smilax aspera against T. spiralis L1 and S. venezuelensis L3 (model for S. stercoralis). Most of the plants showed antiparasitic activity, but R. chalepensis crude methanol extract showed the most potent nematocidal activity against both parasites, with a mean lethal concentration (LC50) of 28.2 µg/mL and a selectivity index (SI) of 22.4 for T. spiralis and an LC50 of 244.8 µg/mL and SI of 2.58 for S. venezuelensis. This extract was further separated into n-hexane, chloroform, and methanol partitions by continuous Soxhlet extractions. The n-hexane partition demonstrated the strongest activity against both parasites, with an LC50 of 147.6 µg/mL and an SI of 7.77 against T. spiralis and an LC50 of 39.2 µg/mL and an SI of 3.77 against S. venezuelensis. LC-MS/MS analysis identified coumarins as the main chemical class (53%), and chalepin represented this partition’s most abundant compound (29.9%). Overall, this study confirmed the antiparasitic potential of medicinal plants commonly used in Mexico. In addition, it highlights the possibility of obtaining bioactive compounds from plants like R. chalepensis, or the other plants evaluated in this study, as novel treatments against parasitic diseases.
Novel Nanocomposites and Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites for Hexavalent Chromium Removal from Aqueous Media
Authors: Segneanu Adina-Elena , Bradu Ionela Amalia , Calinescu (Bocanici) Mihaela Simona , Vlase Gabriela , Vlase Titus , Herea Daniel-Dumitru , Buema Gabriela , Mihailescu Maria , Grozescu Ioan
Published: December 2024

Designing new engineered materials derived from waste is essential for effective environmental remediation and reducing anthropogenic pollution in our economy. This study introduces an innovative method for remediating metal-contaminated water, using two distinct waste types: one biowaste (eggshell) and one industrial waste (fly ash). We synthesized three novel, cost-effective nanoadsorbent types, including two new tertiary composites and two biopolymer-based composites (specifically k-carrageenan and chitosan), which targeted chromium removal from aqueous solutions. SEM analysis reveals that in the first composite, EMZ, zeolite, and magnetite nanoparticles are successfully integrated into the porous structure of the eggshell. In the second composite (FMZ), fly ash and magnetite particles are similarly loaded within the zeolite pores. Each biopolymer-based composite is derived by incorporating the corresponding tertiary composite (FMZ or EMZ) into the biopolymer framework. Structural modifications of the eggshell, zeolite, chitosan, and k-carrageenan resulted in notable increases in specific surface area, as confirmed by BET analysis. These enhancements significantly improve chromium adsorption efficiency for each adsorbent type developed. The adsorption performances achieved are as follows: EMZ (89.76%), FMZ (84.83%), EMZCa (96.64%), FMZCa (94.87%), EMZC (99.64%), and FMZC (97.67%). The findings indicate that chromium adsorption across all adsorbent types occurs via a multimolecular layer mechanism, which is characterized as spontaneous and endothermic. Desorption studies further demonstrate the high reusability of these nanomaterials. Overall, this research underscores the potential of utilizing waste materials for new performant engineered low-cost composites and biocomposites for environmental bioremediation applications.
Facile Synthesis of Thermoresponsive Alternating Copolymers with Tunable Phase-Transition Temperatures
Authors: Huang Zichen , Chen Fan , Wang Qi , Zhang Dingxiang , Wang Hongdong , Zhang Xiacong
Published: December 2024

A series of novel amphiphilic alternating CPEG copolymers were synthesized through an amine–epoxy click reaction comprising aliphatic amine and polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE). These polymers were characterized in detail via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to confirm the successful synthesis. Due to their amphiphilic structure, these polymers display thermoresponsiveness, with tunable cloud points (Tcps) that are adjustable from 20.8 °C to 46.8 °C by altering the side-chain length of the aliphatic amine, varying the mixing ratios of copolymers, the solution’s pH, and salt additions. This tunable thermoresponsive behavior positions CPEG copolymers as promising candidates for a range of functional material applications.
Experimental Evaluation of the Effect of Degradation on the Mechanical Behavior and Morphometric Characteristics of Functionally Graded Polymer Scaffolds
Authors: Elenskaya Nataliya , Vindokurov Ilia , Sadyrin Evgeniy , Nikolaev Andrey , Tashkinov Mikhail
Published: December 2024

Bone transplantation ranks second worldwide among tissue prosthesis surgeries. Currently, one of the most promising approaches is regenerative medicine, which involves tissue engineering based on polymer scaffolds with biodegradable properties. Once implanted, scaffolds interact directly with the surrounding tissues and in a fairly aggressive environment, which causes biodegradation of the scaffold material. The aim of this work is to experimentally investigate the changes in the effective mechanical properties of polylactide scaffolds manufactured using additive technologies. The mechanism and the rate of the degradation process depend on the chosen material, contact area, microstructural features, and overall architecture of sample. To assess the influence of each of these factors, solid samples with different dimensions and layers orientation as well as prototypes of functionally graded scaffolds were studied. The research methodology includes the assessment of changes in the mechanical properties of the samples, as well as their structural characteristics. Changes in the mechanical properties were measured in compression tests. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) studies were conducted to evaluate changes in the microstructure of scaffold prototypes. Changes caused by surface erosion and their impact on degradation were assessed using morphometric analysis. Nonlinear changes in mechanical properties were observed for both solid samples and lattice graded scaffold prototypes depending on the duration of immersion in NaCl solution and exposure to different temperatures. At the temperature of 37 °C, the decrease in the elastic modulus of solid specimens was no more than 16%, while for the lattice scaffolds, it was only 4%. For expedited degradation during a higher temperature of 45 °C, these ratios were 47% and 16%, respectively. The decrease in compressive strength was no more than 32% for solid specimens and 17% for scaffolds. The results of this study may be useful for the development of optimal scaffolds considering the impact of the degradation process on their structural integrity.
The Design of Hyperbranched Polymer Biguanide Molecules with a Four-Arm Branched Core Structure Enhances Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Wang Bin , Meng Xu
Published: December 2024

Amide–amine (PAMAM) dendrimers are biodegradable, non-immunogenic, genotoxic, and biocompatibible, which make them excellent materials for biological applications. In order to reduce the cytotoxicity of the designed branched molecules, a four-armed branched nucleus (B4) of PAMAM dendrimers as hyperbranched molecules was fused with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) (A2); hyperbranched polymeric biguanides (PAPBs) with a four-arm central core PAMAM structure were synthesized. The bactericidal and cell toxicity tests showed that PAPB had excellent bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative, and the chemical binding of PHMB and PAMAM had synergistic effects. PAMAM reduced the toxicity of PAPB to 3T3 cells.
Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nappi Francesco
Published: December 2024

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) has undergone significant changes over the past five decades and is currently affecting an aging population, with an increasing prevalence in patients with transcatheter valve implants. The introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) represents a significant advance in the field of interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. The incidence of IE after TAVR has remained stable, with rates similar to those reported after surgical aortic valve replacement. This is despite significant refinements in the TAVR procedure, with less invasive handling and its extension to younger and healthier patients. TAVR should be considered as a potential treatment option for patients with PVE, despite some differences. In terms of evolutionary advances, there have been notable and significant developments in the fields of microbiology and imaging diagnostics. The 2023 Duke-International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases diagnostic criteria for infective endocarditis now incorporate significant advances in molecular biology and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography. This has led to a significant enhancement in diagnostic sensitivity for PVE while maintaining the same level of specificity in validation studies. PVE is a deadly disease. A multidisciplinary endocarditis treatment team in a cardiac center is essential to improve outcomes. The availability of novel surgical options allows clinicians to offer an increasing number of patients the opportunity to avoid surgical intervention. Some patients will complete antimicrobial treatment at home. Those with prosthetic valves are eligible for antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures. Post-TAVR infective endocarditis (IE) is a subcategory of prosthetic valve endocarditis. This condition presents a particularly complex scenario, characterized by a distinctive clinical and microbiological profile, a high prevalence of IE-related complications, an ambiguous role of cardiac surgery, and a poor prognosis for the majority of patients with TAVR IE. The number of TAVR procedures is set to skyrocket in the coming years, which will undoubtedly lead to a significant rise in the number of people at risk of this life-threatening complication. This review will provide an overview of this rare complication in light of the advent of IE following TAVR. It is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the disease and its associated complications to enhance clinical outcomes.
Do Not Throw Pet Faeces Away: Composted Manures Obtained from Dog and Cat Faeces Contain High Nutrients and Effectively Cultivate Plants
Authors: Wuthisuthimethavee Suwit , Prempramote Jindarha , Boonhoh Worakan , Promwee Athakorn , Hayakijkosol Orachun , Wongtawan Tuempong
Published: December 2024

Dog and cat faeces are a globally neglected issue that demands proper management. The poor handling of pet waste not only impacts environmental health but also contributes to community conflicts due to insufficient waste management practices. The objectives were to investigate the properties of pet wastes compared to livestock wastes (pigs, hens, and cattle) with the intention of formulating an efficient compost product suitable for agricultural applications. Faeces from dogs and cats were collected from the community, while faeces from livestock (pigs, cattle, and hens) were collected from farms. Faeces were mixed with probiotics, rice bran, and rice husk to make compost and used to grow sweet corn plants. The nutrient content was compared between fresh and composted faeces. Composted manure from different animal sources was compared for its effectiveness in promoting sweet corn growth. The results showed that fresh and composted dog and cat manures contained higher levels of nutrients (p < 0.05) compared to livestock manures. Additionally, composted pet manure accelerated (p < 0.05) the growth of the plants compared to composted livestock manures and control groups. This is the first study to conclude that composted pet faeces surpass livestock manure in their higher nutrients and enhance plant growth. The findings could help reduce pet waste and transform it into a valuable recycled resource. However, the safety of composted manure, especially concerning toxoplasmosis from cat faeces, remains a significant concern and requires further investigation.
Feasibility Study of the Seven-Bar Linkage 7-PR(RRRR)RP Used for Medical Disinfection Robot
Authors: Tulcan Elida-Gabriela , Sticlaru Carmen , Oarcea Alexandru , Sandu Melania Olivia , Crăciun Narcis-Grațian , Lovasz Erwin-Christian
Published: December 2024

Current disinfection robots either have a bulky design or cannot operate in multiple configurations, therefore being unable to disinfect the hard-to-reach areas, which leads to low efficiency of the disinfection process. A solution for this problem would be to use disinfection robots with folding mechanisms which can operate in different configurations based on the area type that needs to be disinfected. This paper presents the feasibility study of the 7-PR(RRRR)RP seven-bar linkage used for a disinfection robot with folding mechanism. First, the structure’s parameters were computed with a synthesis method by developing the inequalities system in order to avoid the singularities positions of the mechanism. This initial method took into consideration different values of the design coefficient p (which indicates the two possible designs of the selected linkage) and an arbitrary value of the coefficient k > 1, which was imposed in order to substitute the resulting inequalities system with an equation system. However, applying this method does not ensure that the optimal 7-PR(RRRR)RP seven-bar linkage structure for the design of a medical disinfection robot is obtained. Furthermore, an optimized synthesis method was applied, which took into consideration the ratio between the total height of the mechanism and its total size. The parameters of the seven-bar linkage were computed for multiple values of the design coefficient p ∈ [1.1; 2] and multiple values of the coefficient k ∈ (0; 2], while a target function was implemented in order to identify the mechanism with the highest height range and the lowest size, which is considered to be the optimal structure for the design of a medical disinfection robot with a folding mechanism. The accuracy and the reliability of the results are furthermore strengthened by a performance analysis between the optimal indicated structure from the optimized synthesis method and other 7-PR(RRRR)RP seven-bar linkage structures, which were computed with different values of the parameters.
A New Multi-Channel Triangular FMCW LADAR Signals Denoising Method Based on Improved SMVMD
Authors: Li Wei , Dong Qinghai , Wang Bingnan , Xiang Maosheng
Published: December 2024

Due to the short coherent integration time and other issues, the echo signal is seriously contaminated by noise, which reduces the target recognition accuracy of frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) laser radar (LADAR) in three-dimensional imaging. To solve it, this paper proposes a denoising method combining the improved dung beetle optimizer (DBO), successive multivariate variational mode decomposition (SMVMD), and singular-value decomposition (SVD). In our method, the improved DBO is applied to find the optimal balance parameter for decomposition; SMVMD jointly and adaptively decomposes multi-channel signals into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with aligned center frequencies and finds the target IMF with the optimal peak side lobe ratio (PSLR) among all decomposition results. To find possible multi-target peaks, the maximum singular value in the SVD of the target IMF is used as a threshold to filter the singular values in each IMF. The denoised signal can be obtained by accumulating the reconstructed IMFs with the low-rank approximation method. Finally, the targets are filtered by the frequency differences between the pulse pressure peaks of the opposite frequency-modulated signals from the same period. The proposed method can suppress more noise and extract appropriate target peaks for signals that are indistinguishable to peaks by amplitude, which is verified using actual FMCW LADAR three-dimensional imaging data.
High-Quality Short-Range Radar Imaging with Coprime Sampling
Authors: Wang Yaping , Zeng Tianjiao , Zhan Xu , Ma Xiangdong , Wang Mou , Shi Jun , Wei Shunjun , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: December 2024

Short-range imaging radar, with its all-day and all-weather perception capabilities, has gained considerable attention in emerging fields such as autonomous vehicle sensing and industrial robotic perception. However, compared to traditional imaging radar, short-range imaging radar systems face more stringent constraints in terms of physical sampling resources, particularly the number of sampling channels and the resulting aperture size. These limitations lead to reduced resolution and a lower signal-to-noise ratio, ultimately degrading the imaging quality and making it difficult to interpret. To address these challenges, we explore coprime sampling as a strategy to achieve high-quality short-range radar imaging using limited physical sampling resources. Our approach is built upon three core perspectives: (1) physical sampling: we adopt a coprime pattern to form an extended sampling aperture with a structured layout, enabling effective utilization of limited channels and minimizing aperture loss; (2) signal measurement: we utilize the second-order statistics of the measured data to generate additional equivalent measurements, thus enhancing the system’s capability to capture diverse spatial information; and (3) scene reconstruction: we establish a novel forward measurement model, linking these equivalent measurements to the scene, and then formulate a sparsity-regularized optimization problem. We design a background-texture-preserving, target-enhanced resolving method based on the first-order proximal gradient algorithm to achieve robust and high-quality imaging results. Our method is verified on several measured data. The results show that our proposed approach achieves high-quality imaging while utilizing approximately half of the typical sampling resources. This study not only validates the effectiveness of coprime sampling for short-range radar imaging but also highlights its potential to alleviate sampling constraints in various resource-constrained applications.
Three-Dimensional Surface Reconstruction for Specular/Diffuse Composite Surfaces
Authors: Huang Chung-Hsuan , He Ssu-Chia , Chen Tsung-Yu , Cheng Chau-Jern , Tu Han-Yen
Published: December 2024

This paper presents an effective three-dimensional (3D) surface reconstruction technique aimed at profiling composite surfaces with both specular and diffuse reflectance. Three-dimensional measurements based on fringe projection techniques perform well on diffuse reflective surfaces; however, when the measurement targets contain both specular and diffuse components, the efficiency of fringe projection decreases. To address this issue, the proposed technique integrates digital holography into the fringe projection setup, enabling the simultaneous capture of both specular and diffuse reflected light in the same optical path for full-field surface profilometry. Experimental results demonstrate that this technique effectively detects and accurately reconstructs the 3D profiles of specular and diffuse reflectance, with fringe analysis providing the absolute phase of composite surfaces. The experiments validate the effectiveness of this technique in the 3D surface measurement of integrated circuit carrier boards with chips exhibiting composite surfaces.
Non-Invasive Malaria Detection in Sub-Saharan Africa Using a DNA-Based Sensor System
Authors: Juul-Kristensen Trine , Thiesen Celine , Wulff Haurum Line , Keller Josephine Geertsen , Lendamba Romeo Wenceslas , Zoleko Manego Rella , Betouke Ongwe Madeleine Eunice , Knudsen Birgitta Ruth , Pareja Eduardo , Pareja-Tobes Eduardo , Labouriau Rodrigo , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Tesauro Cinzia
Published: December 2024

Malaria poses a serious global health problem, with half the world population being at risk. Regular screening is crucial for breaking the transmission cycle and combatting the disease spreading. However, current diagnostic tools relying on blood samples face challenges in many malaria-epidemic areas. In the present study, we demonstrate the detection of the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasite in non-invasive saliva samples (N = 61) from infected individuals by combining a DNA-based Rolling-circle-Enhanced-Enzyme-Activity-Detection (REEAD) sensor system with a chemiluminescence readout that could be detected with an in-house-developed affordable and battery-powered portable reader. We successfully transferred the technology to sub-Saharan Africa, where the malaria burden is high, and demonstrated a proof of concept in a small study (N = 40) showing significant differences (p < 0.00001) between malaria-positive individuals (N = 33) and presumed asymptomatic negative individuals (N = 7) all collected in Gabon. This is the first successful application of the REEAD sensor system for the detection of malaria in saliva in a high-epidemic area and holds promise for the potential future use of REEAD for malaria diagnosis or surveillance based on non-invasive specimens in sub-Saharan Africa.
Observations and Reflections from Sub-Saharan Africa. Comment on Shahait, M. Urology Practice in Low- to Middle-Income Countries. Soc. Int. Urol. J. 2024, 5, 374–375
Authors: Nedjim Saleh A. , Gebreselassie Kaleab H. , Mahamat Mahamat A. , Ziba Ouima J. D. , Kifle Anteneh T. , Khalid Abdullahi , Kimassoum Rimtebaye , Ouchemi Choua , Ndoye Alain Khassim
Published: December 2024

Shahait’s article on “Urology Practice in Low- to Middle-Income Countries” [...]
Optimizing Smart City Street Design with Interval-Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making and Game Theory for Autonomous Vehicles and Cyclists
Authors: Fayyaz Maryam , Fusco Gaetano , Colombaroni Chiara , González-González Esther , Nogués Soledad
Published: December 2024

Encouraging older and newer mobility alternatives to standard privately owned cars, such as cycling and autonomous vehicles, is necessary to reduce pollution, enhance safety, increase transportation efficiency, and create a more sustainable urban environment. Implementing mobility plans that identify the use of different transport modes in their confidence intervals can lead to the development of smarter and more efficient cities, where all citizens can benefit from safe and environmentally friendly streets. This research aims to provide insights into designing urban streets that seamlessly integrate autonomous vehicles and cyclists, promoting sustainable mobility while ensuring urban transport efficiency. With this aim, the research identifies and prioritizes the factors that are relevant to street design as well as the appropriate strategies to address them. Our methodology combines Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) with Game theory to identify and realize the most convenient conditions for this integration. Initially, the basic factors were identified using the value-interval fuzzy Delphi method. Following this, the factors were weighted with the interval-fuzzy Analytic Network Process (ANP), and the cause-and-effect variables were evaluated using the interval-fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory ANP (DANP). Finally, Game theory was employed to determine the optimal model for addressing these challenges. The results indicate that safety emerged as the most significant factor and two optimal strategies were identified; the integration of green infrastructure and smart technology.
Unveiling Lived Realities: Narratives of South Asian Indian Women in Academia
Authors: Seshadri Gita , Poulsen Shruti Singh , Natarajan-Tyagi Rajeswari
Published: December 2024

This paper will focus on illustrating through qualitative personal narratives the lived realities of three South Asian Indian women in academia across the continuum of their experiences personally, professionally, and as academics within the field of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). The authors will speak to their South Asian identity, their acculturation experiences as Asian Indian women in the US professional and academic context, their different generational experiences in immigration journeys, their different academic and clinical journeys, and other contextual variables such as age, solidarity with other South Asian women in academia, peer mentorship experiences, and finding their own voices and empowerment through connections with other women with similar experiences. In addition to the lack of formal academic mentorship, the authors will describe how they as South Asian Indian women have grappled with the challenges of systemic gender and racial biases that undermined their development as academics and hindered their progress toward gender and racial equality in academic and clinical settings. The authors will situate their personal narratives within the frameworks of feminist solidarity and social justice through describing their mentorship experiences, as mentors and mentees, and how they still were able to establish their professional identities as professional, academic, South Asian women of color.
Childhood Trauma and Sexual Violence Perpetration in Adolescence: Mediating Effect of Temperament
Authors: Ferreira Catarina Braz , Pitrez Jennifer , Silva Sofia , Figueiredo Patrícia , Ramião Eduarda , Barroso Ricardo
Published: December 2024

Child maltreatment is a worldwide issue with serious consequences throughout life. Maltreated children tend to be at greater risk of developing aggressive and antisocial behaviours (e.g., violent behaviour in adulthood). The present study aims to analyse how temperament mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and sexual violence perpetration in adolescence. The present cross-sectional study was conducted with 252 Portuguese adolescent students between ages 11 and 20 years (n = 126 boys), of whom 126 self-identified as perpetrators of sexual violence. Overall, the results show that temperament mediated the relationship between emotional abuse and the perpetration of sexual violence. Limitations and implications for future studies were discussed. This study will be crucial for the development of intervention programs on violence and will help to explore these practices in intimate relationships. A better understanding of violence through the identification of variables of interest will allow a better understanding of this phenomenon, deepening the relational dynamics between the different genders.
The Potential Carrying of Bicycles Inside the Train Carriage: An Experimental Pilot Study Based on Valparaíso Metro, Chile
Authors: Seriani Sebastian , Aprigliano Vicente , Peña Álvaro , Rubio Milenka , Arredondo Bernardo , Bustos Emilio , Bastías Iván , Gonzalez Felipe , Fujiyama Taku
Published: December 2024

This study analyses the potential carrying of bicycles inside a train carriage. To this end, an experimental methodology based on observation and experimentation is implemented. The survey is conducted on the metro system in Valparaíso, Chile, highlighting the importance of intermodality between bicycles and trains. It identifies that the current capacity of the carriages is not adequate to ensure safety and efficiency during boarding and alighting. As a result of the survey, a solution is tested to reduce the number of seats in the carriage and create a designated special waiting area for cyclists. This test is conducted experimentally in a laboratory, using a full-scale model of a metro carriage and its corresponding platform. The experiments show that the designated special waiting area for bicycles reduces boarding time and results in a better distribution of passengers inside the carriage, offering a solution that improves both safety and efficiency. This study could contribute to the development of incentive policies for intermodality, which is a key aspect in achieving sustainability in railway transportation systems. Future research will aim to expand this study by including other carriage configurations and a wider variation of demand levels.