bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Assessment Based on Vibration Measurement Test Combined with an Artificial Neural Network for the Steel Truss Bridge
Authors: Tran Minh Q. , Sousa Hélder S. , Ngo Thuc V. , Nguyen Binh D. , Nguyen Quyen T. , Nguyen Huan X. , Baron Edward , Matos José , Dang Son N.
Published: June 2023

Damage assessment is one of the most crucial issues for bridge engineers during the operational and maintenance phase, especially for existing steel bridges. Among several methodologies, the vibration measurement test is a typical approach, in which the natural frequency variation of the structure is monitored to detect the existence of damage. However, locating and quantifying the damage is still a big challenge for this method, due to the required human resources and logistics involved. In this regard, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach seems to be a potential way of overcoming such obstacles. This study deployed a comprehensive campaign to determine all the dynamic parameters of a predamaged steel truss bridge structure. Based on the results for mode shape, natural frequency, and damping ratio, a finite element model (FEM) was created and updated. The artificial intelligence network’s input data from the damage cases were then analysed and evaluated. The trained artificial neural network model was curated and evaluated to confirm the approach’s feasibility. During the actual operational stage of the steel truss bridge, this damage assessment system showed good performance, in terms of monitoring the structural behaviour of the bridge under some unexpected accidents.
FSCB-IDS: Feature Selection and Minority Class Balancing for Attacks Detection in VANETs
Authors: Amaouche Sara , Guezzaz Azidine , Benkirane Said , Azrour Mourade , Khattak Sohaib Bin Altaf , Farman Haleem , Nasralla Moustafa M.
Published: June 2023

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are used for vehicle to vehicle (V2V) and vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communications. They are a special type of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) that can share useful information to improve road traffic and safety. In VANETs, vehicles are interconnected through a wireless medium, making the network susceptible to various attacks, such as Denial of Service (DoS), Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), or even black hole attacks that exploit the wireless medium to disrupt the network. These attacks degrade the network performance of VANETs and prevent legitimate users from accessing resources. VANETs face unique challenges due to the fast mobility of vehicles and dynamic changes in network topology. The high-speed movement of vehicles results in frequent alterations in the network structure, posing difficulties in establishing and maintaining stable communication. Moreover, the dynamic nature of VANETs, with vehicles joining and leaving the network regularly, adds complexity to implementing effective security measures. These inherent constraints necessitate the development of robust and efficient solutions tailored to VANETs, ensuring secure and reliable communication in dynamic and rapidly evolving environments. Therefore, securing communication in VANETs is a crucial requirement. Traditional security countermeasures are not pertinent to autonomous vehicles. However, many machine learning (ML) technologies are being utilized to classify malicious packet information and a variety of solutions have been suggested to improve security in VANETs. In this paper, we propose an enhanced intrusion detection framework for VANETs that leverages mutual information to select the most relevant features for building an effective model and synthetic minority oversampling (SMOTE) to deal with the class imbalance problem. Random Forest (RF) is applied as our classifier, and the proposed method is compared with different ML techniques such as logistic regression (LR), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), decision tree (DT), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The model is tested on three datasets, namely ToN-IoT, NSL-KDD, and CICIDS2017, addressing challenges such as missing values, unbalanced data, and categorical values. Our model demonstrated great performance in comparison to other models. It achieved high accuracy, precision, recall, and f1 score, with a 100% accuracy rate on the ToN-IoT dataset and 99.9% on both NSL-KDD and CICIDS2017 datasets. Furthermore, the ROC curve analysis demonstrated our model’s exceptional performance, achieving a 100% AUC score.
Competing Failure Modeling for Systems under Classified Random Shocks and Degradation
Authors: Liu Jingyi , Zhang Kaichao , Pang Huan
Published: June 2023

A new model is presented to analyze reliability for systems subjected to competing risks of a typical degradation process and external random shocks. The external random shocks may cause hard failure and instantaneous increases in the degradation process. Random shocks are classified into three types in the new model according to their sizes. Different types will lead to different instantaneous increases in the degradation process. Besides system reliability, the competing failure probabilities are also studied. Competing failure probability indicates the probability that one risk mode fails while the other risk mode does not fail. Competing failure probabilities are helpful in determining which risk mode is more likely to occur during a system’s lifetime. It is impractical if both risk modes fail together for systems under competing failure modes, while the system reliability and failure probabilities, which are simply calculated by expression, do not resolve this impractical situation. The modified values of system reliability and competing failure probability are calculated in this paper with the impractical situation excluded. The effectiveness of the presented model is demonstrated by the reliability analysis of the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), which proved that the probabilities calculated using this method are more practical. In addition, sensitivity analysis is performed for specific parameters.
Magnetic Levitation Belt Conveyor Control System Based on Multi-Sensor Fusion
Authors: Hu Kun , Jiang Hao , Zhu Qinqin , Qian Wangqian , Yang Jinhan
Published: June 2023

Belt conveyors are critical in coal transportation systems; however, they are supported by rollers, which incur high energy costs. Magnetic levitation support is adopted. The measurement of a magnetic levitation air gap is important, and a displacement sensor is usually used in real-time. To address the problems of poor linearity and low measurement stability of single displacement sensors in magnetic levitation systems, a magnetic levitation support system based on multi-sensor data fusion is proposed. First, an industrial camera sensor is used to collect images, and the suspended air gap is obtained through image processing. Second, using an extended Kalman filter, the photoelectric position sensor and industrial camera sensor are fused to the suspension air gap value in the process of suspension. The electromagnet current is controlled by the PID (proportion integration differentiation) control algorithm, and experiments are carried out. Experimental results showed that, compared with an estimation of the suspension state of two sensors before and after EKF fusion, the root mean square error is reduced by 0.0597 and 0.0081, respectively, compared with the measurement value of a single sensor. Moreover, the fusion data were more robust, thereby meeting the requirements of magnetic levitation control.
Built Environment Cybersecurity: Development and Validation of a Semantically Defined Access Management Framework on a University Case Study
Authors: Alshammari Kaznah , Beach Thomas , Rezgui Yacine , Alelwani Raed
Published: June 2023

To achieve the potential of smart cities, there is a strong requirement to use a set of useful, but still accessible services within smart city systems. Interoperability challenges and roadblocks for software developers and integrators are well-known consequences of fragmented semantics across different contexts. Furthermore, in the smart city context, there is a need to ensure the security and identity of real-world services operating on this data through the adoption of access control principles (authorization and authentication). The use of ontologies to unify the diverse semantics of multiple domains is one strategy that has had considerable success in the past. This paper describes an access management ontology in smart cities developed to enable the interoperability of physical built environment assets, sensing and actuation devices and current built environment services with existing security standards, digital twin and Building Information Model (BIM) datasets. It also provides interoperability between user interfaces and the actors who use them in the context of establishing an access management in smart cities framework for the built environment. This has been validated through its implementation in the Cardiff Urban Sustainability Platform (CUSP), deployed to manage a variety of smart services on a university campus. This validation has successfully shown the ability of the ontology to function as intended in the context of a digital twin, thereby offering single sign-on and suitable access control.
Analysis of the Severe Dust Process and Its Impact on Air Quality in Northern China
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Yu , Yao Hailan , Lian Qinlai , Xu Jianjun
Published: June 2023

Extreme meteorological events can influence air quality. In March 2021, northern China experienced a severe dust event, leading to widespread air quality deterioration. Using reanalysis datasets and station data, we investigate the synoptic weather patterns, dust transport characteristics, and associated impacts on air quality during this event. The results are as follows. (1) The dust event is closely linked to the Mongolian cyclone, providing favorable conditions for dust emission and long-distance transport. (2) The Gobi Desert in Mongolia is the primary source, with dust particles transported from Mongolia to northern China via the northwesterly flow. Dust transport exhibits a complex three-dimensional structure, with the most intense dust transport at approximately 2500 m altitude. (3) The impact of this dust event on air quality was characterized by its remarkable intensity, extensive spatial coverage, and prolonged duration. Additionally, 58.8% of the stations in northern China experienced pollution, 36.3% of them reached severe pollution levels or higher, and 35.9% of the sites experienced more than 12 h of pollution. (4) The visibility at the northern stations near the dust source rapidly decreases due to solid dust particles. In contrast, the southern stations, with higher moisture content, are primarily affected by liquid particles in terms of visibility. After the frontal passage, wet deposition from the precipitation process gradually improves visibility.
Best Proximity Points for p–Cyclic Infimum Summing Contractions
Authors: Hristov Miroslav , Ilchev Atanas , Kopanov Petar , Zhelinski Vasil , Zlatanov Boyan
Published: June 2023

We investigate fixed points for p cyclic maps by introducing a new notion of p–cyclic infimum summing maps and a generalized best proximity point for p–cyclic maps. The idea generalizes some results about best proximity points in order to widen the class of sets and maps for which we can ensure the existence and uniqueness of best proximity points. The replacement of the classical notions of best proximity points and distance between the consecutive set arises from the well-known group traveling salesman problem and presents a different approach to solving it. We illustrate the new result with a map that does not satisfy the known results about best proximity maps for p–cyclic maps.
Mathematical Analysis of the Vibratory Pile Driving Rate
Authors: Ter-Martirosyan Armen Z. , Shebunyaev Alexander N. , Sidorov Vitalii V.
Published: June 2023

Vibratory piling technology does not require analytical tools to predict displacement rates and arising forces. The authors consider the problem of vibratory driving of a pile into a homogeneous unsaturated sandy massif under the action of static and dynamic loads. The purpose of this study is to develop a new analytical solution to the problem of the vibratory pile driving rate in a homogeneous sand base taking vibration creep into account. The solution is provided for the quasi-dynamic problem statement (inertial terms in equations of motion are neglected): the sand medium develops viscous properties due to vibration under the action of the dynamic component of the load, and a pile is driven into the viscous sand base due to the static component of the vertical load. The obtained mathematical model converges with the results of laboratory flume and field experiments performed by other researchers earlier, where the pile vibratory embedding rate increased along with an increase in static loading, the amplitude of dynamic load, and vibration frequency. It can be used to predict the pile or sheet pile driving rate into the unsaturated sand base under the action of vibration, and also to evaluate the necessary parameters of pile driving to obtain the required value of the pile embedding rate.
Bibliometric Analysis of Computational and Mathematical Models of Innovation and Technology in Business
Authors: Castillo-Vergara Mauricio , Muñoz-Cisterna Víctor , Geldes Cristian , Álvarez-Marín Alejandro , Soto-Marquez Mónica
Published: June 2023

There is consensus, both in academia and in the business world, that one of the main resources of a company is the incorporation of technology and, along with this, its capacity to generate innovation. Therefore, knowing the development of a company’s research becomes essential. The aim of this work is to develop a bibliometric analysis of the literature published in the Web of Science database to analyze the advances and trends in the development of research. The methodology analyzed bibliometric quantity and quality indicators using Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and SciMAT software. The results show the evolution of the topic as well as recognition of the different lines along which research has organized the debate.
Cross-Linked Solid Polymer-Based Catholyte for Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Jean-Fulcrand Annelise , Jeon Eun Ju , Karimpour Schahrous , Garnweitner Georg
Published: June 2023

All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) are a promising next-generation battery technology. They exhibit high energy density, while mitigating intrinsic problems such as polysulfide shuttling and lithium dendrite growth that are common to liquid electrolyte-based batteries. Among the various types of solid electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) are attractive due to their superior flexibility and high safety. In this work, cross-linkable polymers composed of pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETEA) and tri(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether (PEG), are incorporated into sulfur–carbon composite cathodes to serve a dual function as both a binder and electrolyte, as a so-called catholyte. The influence of key parameters, including the sulfur–carbon ratio, catholyte content, and ionic conductivity of the electrolyte within the cathode on the electrochemical performance, was investigated. Notably, the sulfur composite cathode containing 30 wt% of the PETEA-PEG copolymer catholyte achieved a high initial discharge capacity of 1236 mAh gS−1 at a C-rate of 0.1 and 80 °C.
A Comparative Mechanistic Study on the Intercalation Reactions of Mg2+ and Li+ Ions into (Mg0.5Ni0.5)3(PO4)2
Authors: Romio Martina , Surace Yuri , Mautner Andreas , Hamid Raad , Jahn Marcus , Cupid Damian M. , Abrahams Isaac
Published: June 2023

Magnesium-ion batteries represent promising environmentally sustainable energy-storage systems with higher energy densities than their lithium counterparts. In this work, the charge storage mechanisms of the olivine-related compound (Mg0.5Ni0.5)3(PO4)2 using Mg2+ and Li+ ions were investigated and compared for the first time when copper was chosen as the current collector. A comprehensive physicochemical and electrochemical characterization was performed on the pristine powder and electrodes at different states of charge. Although (Mg0.5Ni0.5)3(PO4)2 is electrochemically active, it undergoes irreversible conversion reactions in both Mg and Li chemistries. The conversion reactions proceed with an ionic exchange between structural Ni2+ and Mg2+ or Li+ cations, which results in the formation of sarcopside-Mg3(PO4)2, a Cu–Ni alloy and poorly crystalline Li3PO4, respectively. A capacity of 600 mA h g−1 was achieved with a Li metal counter electrode in the Li cell since the conversion reaction could go to completion. A capacity of 92 mA h g−1 was delivered in the Mg cell using an activated carbon counter electrode. These findings shed light on the fundamental mechanism of activity in olivine-related compounds, underlining the importance of performing systematic studies to unveil the complex interactions between both single-valent and multivalent ions with novel structures.
Concurrent Optical- and Magnetic-Stimulation-Induced Changes on Wound Healing Parameters, Analyzed by Hyperspectral Imaging: An Exploratory Case Series
Authors: Traber Jürg , Wild Thomas , Marotz Jörg , Berli Martin C. , Franco-Obregón Alfredo
Published: June 2023

The effects of concurrent optical and magnetic stimulation (COMS) therapy on wound-healing-related parameters, such as tissue oxygenation and water index, were analyzed by hyperspectral imaging: an exploratory case series. Background: Oedema and inadequate perfusion have been identified as key factors in delayed wound healing and have been linked to reduced mitochondrial respiration. Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction is a promising approach in the treatment of therapy refractory wounds. This sub-study aimed to investigate the effects of concurrent optical and magnetic stimulation (COMS) on oedema and perfusion through measuring tissue oxygenation and water index, using hyperspectral imaging. Patients and methods: In a multi-center, prospective, comparative clinical trial, eleven patients with chronic leg and foot ulcers were treated with COMS additively to Standard of Care (SOC). Hyperspectral images were collected during patient visits before and after treatment to assess short- and long-term hemodynamic and immunomodulatory effects through changes in tissue oxygenation and water index. Results: The average time for wound onset in the eleven patients analyzed was 183 days, with 64% of them being considered unresponsive to SOC. At week 12, the rate of near-complete and complete wound closure was 64% and 45%, respectively. COMS therapy with SOC resulted in an increased short-term tissue oxygenation over the 8-week treatment phase, with oxygen levels decreasing in-between patient visits. The study further found a decrease in tissue water content after the therapy, with a general accumulation of water levels in-between patient visits. This study’s long-term analysis was hindered by the lack of absolute values in hyperspectral imaging and the dynamic nature of patient parameters during visits, resulting in high interpatient and intervisit variability. Conclusions: This study showed that COMS therapy as an adjunct to SOC had a positive short-term effect on inflammation and tissue oxygenation in chronic wounds of various etiologies. These results further supported the body of evidence for safety and effectiveness of COMS therapy as a treatment option, especially for stagnant wounds that tended to stay in the inflammatory phase and required efficient phase transition towards healing.
Novel Bone Void Filling Cement Compositions Based on Shell Nacre and Siloxane Methacrylate Resin: Development and Characterization
Authors: Wilson Bridget Jeyatha , Philipose Pampadykandathil Lizymol
Published: June 2023

Shell nacre from Pinctada species has been extensively researched for managing bone defects. However, there is a gap in the research regarding using shell nacre powder as a cement with improved biological and physicochemical properties. To address this, bone void filling cement was formulated by incorporating shell nacre powder and an organically modified ceramic resin (ormocer). The shell nacre powder was specifically processed from the shells of Pinctada fucata and analysed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, confirming the presence of organic constituents and inorganic aragonite. Trace element analysis confirmed the eligibility of shell nacre powder for biomedical applications. Next, the ormocer SNLSM2 was synthesized through a modified sol–gel method. FTIR, Raman, TGA, and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed the presence of a ladder-structured siloxane backbone and methacrylate side chain. To develop chemical curable composite shell nacre cement (SNC), different amounts of shell nacre (24%, 48%, and 72%) were added to the SNLSM2 resin, and the impact on the physicochemical properties of the cement was studied. Among the compositions, SNC 72 exhibited significantly lower linear polymerization shrinkage (0.4%) and higher compressive (>100 MPa) and flexural strength (>35 MPa). SNC 72 was radiopaque, and the exotherm generated during the cement curing was minimal. Cytotoxicity studies with L929 cells revealed the non-cytotoxic nature of the cement. Overall, the findings of this study prove that the shell nacre cement is a promising candidate for managing bone voids.
Corneal Surface Wave Propagation Associated with Intraocular Pressures: OCT Elastography Assessment in a Simplified Eye Model
Authors: Ma Guoqin , Cai Jing , Zhong Rijian , He Weichao , Ye Haoxi , Duvvuri Chaitanya , Song Chengjin , Feng Jinping , An Lin , Qin Jia , Huang Yanping , Xu Jingjiang , Twa Michael D. , Lan Gongpu
Published: June 2023

Assessing corneal biomechanics in vivo has long been a challenge in the field of ophthalmology. Despite recent advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based elastography (OCE) methods, controversy remains regarding the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) on mechanical wave propagation speed in the cornea. This could be attributed to the complexity of corneal biomechanics and the difficulties associated with conducting in vivo corneal shear-wave OCE measurements. We constructed a simplified artificial eye model with a silicone cornea and controllable IOPs and performed surface wave OCE measurements in radial directions (54–324°) of the silicone cornea at different IOP levels (10–40 mmHg). The results demonstrated increases in wave propagation speeds (mean ± STD) from 6.55 ± 0.09 m/s (10 mmHg) to 9.82 ± 0.19 m/s (40 mmHg), leading to an estimate of Young’s modulus, which increased from 145.23 ± 4.43 kPa to 326.44 ± 13.30 kPa. Our implementation of an artificial eye model highlighted that the impact of IOP on Young’s modulus (ΔE = 165.59 kPa, IOP: 10–40 mmHg) was more significant than the effect of stretching of the silicone cornea (ΔE = 15.79 kPa, relative elongation: 0.98–6.49%). Our study sheds light on the potential advantages of using an artificial eye model to represent the response of the human cornea during OCE measurement and provides valuable insights into the impact of IOP on wave-based OCE measurement for future in vivo corneal biomechanics studies.
Recent Advances in Nanomaterials-Based Targeted Drug Delivery for Preclinical Cancer Diagnosis and Therapeutics
Authors: Tiwari Harshita , Rai Nilesh , Singh Swati , Gupta Priyamvada , Verma Ashish , Singh Akhilesh Kumar , Kajal  , Salvi Prafull , Singh Santosh Kumar , Gautam Vibhav
Published: June 2023

Nano-oncology is a branch of biomedical research and engineering that focuses on using nanotechnology in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nanomaterials are extensively employed in the field of oncology because of their minute size and ultra-specificity. A wide range of nanocarriers, such as dendrimers, micelles, PEGylated liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles are used to facilitate the efficient transport of anti-cancer drugs at the target tumor site. Real-time labeling and monitoring of cancer cells using quantum dots is essential for determining the level of therapy needed for treatment. The drug is targeted to the tumor site either by passive or active means. Passive targeting makes use of the tumor microenvironment and enhanced permeability and retention effect, while active targeting involves the use of ligand-coated nanoparticles. Nanotechnology is being used to diagnose the early stage of cancer by detecting cancer-specific biomarkers using tumor imaging. The implication of nanotechnology in cancer therapy employs photoinduced nanosensitizers, reverse multidrug resistance, and enabling efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA molecules for therapeutic applications. However, despite recent advancements in nano-oncology, there is a need to delve deeper into the domain of designing and applying nanoparticles for improved cancer diagnostics.
Insights from a Nine-Segment Biomechanical Model and Its Simulation for Anthropometrical Influence on Individualized Planche Learning and Training in Gymnastics
Authors: Wang Xiuping , Shan Gongbing
Published: June 2023

The Planche is a challenging, the most required, and a highly valued gymnastic skill. Yet, it is understudied biomechanically. This article aims to explore the anthropometric variations that could affect the quality of balancing control in the Planche and to identify the body types that have an advantage in learning and training. To achieve this goal, a 9-segment rigid-body model is designed to simulate the skill performance by using 80 different body types. The results demonstrate that body type is a critical factor in determining an individual’s innate ability to perform the Planche. The innate ability is affected by body mass, height, gender, and race. The findings reveal that a personalized training plan based on an individual’s body type is necessary for optimal learning and training. A one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective since each individual’s body type varies. Additionally, this study emphasizes the importance of considering segmental and/or limb characteristics in designing effective training plans. This study concludes that, for a given height, individuals with relatively longer legs and a shorter trunk (the characteristics of Europeans in comparison to Asians) could be better suited to perform the Planche. This suggests that European body types are naturally more advanced than Asian body types when it comes to performing the Planche. The practical implications of the current study are that practitioners can use biomechanical modeling and simulation techniques to identify body types that are most suited for the Planche and design training programs that are tailored to individual body types for optimizing their learning and training.
Surface Modification of Cyclic-Olefin-Copolymer (COC)-Based Microchannels for the Large-Scale Industrial Production of Droplet Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Guan Yefeng , Zhang Huiru , Yan Zhibin , Wei Xue , Zhang Zhuo , Chen Xuelian
Published: June 2023

The copolymers of cycloolefin (COC), a type of thermoplastic material, have been widely used for the large-scale industrial fabrication of droplet microfluidic devices, which is often performed using hot-embossing or injection-molding techniques. The generation of droplets and the uniformity of droplet sizes are significantly affected by the surface wettability of COC during fabrication and the pressure stability of the employed fluid pump during operation. In order to alleviate the effects of undesirable surface wettability and pressure variation on the generation of droplets in COC-based devices, a simple surface modification procedure was applied to hydrophobically modify the surfaces of COC-based microchannels for large-scale industrial production. The surface modification procedure consisted of an oxygen plasma treatment of the polymer surface followed by a solution-phase reaction in fluorocarbon solvent. The experimental results demonstrate that following the proposed surface modification, the COC droplet microfluidic devices could stably generate microvolume water droplets with a small coefficient of variation, even if the pressure of the dispersed phase (water) fluctuated. The durability test results regarding the modified surfaces show that the hydrophobicity of the modified COC surfaces could be sustained for up to four months, deteriorating with time thereafter. Our study can provide a potential solution useful in and guidance for the large-scale industrial production of droplet microfluidic devices for various applications, including polymerase chain reaction and single-cell analysis.
Sample Treatment with Trypsin for RT-LAMP COVID-19 Diagnosis
Authors: García-Sorribes Soraya , Lara-Hernández Francisco , Manzano-Blasco Iris , Abadía-Otero Jessica , Albert Eliseo , Mulet Alba , Briongos-Figuero Laisa Socorro , Gabella-Martín Miriam , Torres Ignacio , Signes-Costa Jaime , Navarro David , Martín-Escudero Juan-Carlos , García-García Ana-Bárbara , Chaves Felipe Javier
Published: June 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a global health emergency. Given its rapid spread and high number of infected individuals, a diagnostic tool for a rapid, simple, and cost-effective detection was essential. In this work, we developed a COVID-19 diagnostic test, that incorporates a human internal control, based on the Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP). When working with synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA, the optimized RT-LAMP assay has a sensitivity of 10 viral copies and can be detected by fluorescence in less than 15 min or by the naked eye in 25 min using colorimetric RT-LAMP. To avoid the RNA extraction step, a pre-treatment of the sample was optimized. Subsequently, a validation was performed on 268 trypsin treated samples (including nasopharyngeal, buccal, and nasal exudates) and amplified with colorimetric RT-LAMP to evaluate its sensitivity and specificity in comparison with RT-qPCR of extracted samples. The validation results showed a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for samples with Ct ≤ 30. The rapid, simple, and inexpensive RT-LAMP SARS-CoV-2 extraction-free procedure developed may be an alternative test that could be applied for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 or adapted to detect other viruses present in saliva or nasopharyngeal samples with higher sensitivity and specificity of the antibody test.
Physiological and Genetic Modifications Induced by Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in Tomato Plants under Moderate Water Stress
Authors: Lucas Jose Antonio , Garcia-Villaraco Ana , Montero-Palmero Maria Belen , Montalban Blanca , Ramos Solano Beatriz , Gutierrez-Mañero Francisco Javier
Published: June 2023

Physiological, metabolic, and genetic changes produced by two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Pseudomonas sp. (internal code of the laboratory: N 5.12 and N 21.24) inoculated in tomato plants subjected to moderate water stress (10% polyethylene glycol-6000; PEG) were studied. Photosynthesis efficiency, photosynthetic pigments, compatible osmolytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes activities, oxidative stress level and expression of genes related to abscisic acid synthesis (ABA; 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase NCDE1 gene), proline synthesis (Pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase P5CS gene), and plasma membrane ATPase (PM ATPase gene) were measured. Photosynthetic efficiency was compromised by PEG, but bacterial-inoculated plants reversed the effects: while N5.12 increased carbon fixation (37.5%) maintaining transpiration, N21.24 increased both (14.2% and 31%), negatively affecting stomatal closure, despite the enhanced expression of NCDE1 and plasma membrane ATPase genes, evidencing the activation of different adaptive mechanisms. Among all parameters evaluated, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzymes guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) responded differently to both strains. N 5.12 increased photosynthetic pigments (70% chlorophyll a, 69% chlorophyll b, and 65% carotenoids), proline (33%), glycine betaine (4.3%), and phenolic compounds (21.5%) to a greater extent, thereby decreasing oxidative stress (12.5% in Malondialdehyde, MDA). Both bacteria have highly beneficial effects on tomato plants subjected to moderate water stress, improving their physiological state. The use of these bacteria in agricultural production systems could reduce the amount of water for agricultural irrigation without having a negative impact on food production.
Correction: Mahmoud et al. Neurotoxic Effect of Fipronil in Male Wistar Rats: Ameliorative Effect of L-Arginine and L-Carnitine. Biology 2021, 10, 682
Authors: Mahmoud Yasmina K. , Ali Ahmed A. , Abdelrazek Heba M. A. , Aldayel Tahany Saleh , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , El-Menyawy Menna Allah I.
Published: June 2023

In the original publication [...]
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Begacestat Mitigate Amyloid-β 25–35-Induced Cognitive Decline in Rat Dams and Hippocampal Deteriorations in Offspring
Authors: Gaber Asmaa , Ahmed Osama M. , Khadrawy Yasser A. , Zoheir Khairy M. A. , Abo-ELeneen Rasha E. , Alblihed Mohamed A. , Elbakry Ahlam M.
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of age-related neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. AD more commonly occurs in females than in males, so it is necessary to consider new treatments specifically targeting this population. The present study investigated the protective effects of Begacestat (γ-secretase inhibitor-953, GSI-953) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) during pregnancy on cognitive impairment in rat dams and neurodegeneration in offspring caused by the intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ 25–35 before pregnancy. The performances of dams injected with amyloid-β 25–35 (Aβ 25–35) during behavioral tests were significantly impaired. The offspring of Aβ 25–35-injected dams treated with BM-MSCs or GSI-953 showed a dramatically reduced number and size of activated microglial cells, enhancement in the processes length, and a decrease in the proinflammatory cytokine levels. Additionally, BM-MSC or GSI-953 therapy reduced Aβ 25–35-induced increases in tau phosphorylation and amyloid precursor protein levels in the neonates’ hippocampus and elevated the lower levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor; moreover, reversed Aβ 25–35-induced alterations in gene expression in the neonatal hippocampus. Finally, the treatments with BM-MSC or GSI-953 are globally beneficial against Aβ 25–35-induced brain alterations, particularly by suppressing neural inflammation, inhibiting microglial cell activation, restoring developmental plasticity, and increasing neurotrophic signaling.
Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses of Myzus persicae Carrying Brassica Yellows Virus
Authors: He Meng-Jun , Zuo Deng-Pan , Zhang Zong-Ying , Wang Ying , Han Cheng-Gui
Published: June 2023

Viruses in the genus Polerovirus infect a wide range of crop plants and cause severe economic crop losses. BrYV belongs to the genus Polerovirus and is transmitted by Myzus persicae. However, the changes in transcriptome and proteome profiles of M. persicae during viral infection are unclear. Here, RNA-Seq and TMT-based quantitative proteomic analysis were performed to compare the differences between viruliferous and nonviruliferous aphids. In total, 1266 DEGs were identified at the level of transcription with 980 DEGs being upregulated and 286 downregulated in viruliferous aphids. At the protein level, among the 18 DEPs identified, the number of upregulated proteins in viruliferous aphids was twice that of the downregulated DEPs. Enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs and DEPs were mainly involved in epidermal protein synthesis, phosphorylation, and various metabolic processes. Interestingly, the expressions of a number of cuticle proteins and tubulins were upregulated in viruliferous aphids. Taken together, our study revealed the complex regulatory network between BrYV and its vector M. persicae from the perspective of omics. These findings should be of great benefit to screening key factors involved in the process of virus circulation in aphids and provide new insights for BrYV prevention via vector control in the field.
Tanshinone IIA and Cryptotanshinone Counteract Inflammation by Regulating Gene and miRNA Expression in Human SGBS Adipocytes
Authors: Carpi Sara , Quarta Stefano , Doccini Stefano , Saviano Anella , Marigliano Noemi , Polini Beatrice , Massaro Marika , Carluccio Maria Annunziata , Calabriso Nadia , Wabitsch Martin , Santorelli Filippo Maria , Cecchini Marco , Maione Francesco , Nieri Paola , Scoditti Egeria
Published: June 2023

Inflammation of the adipose tissue contributes to the onset and progression of several chronic obesity-related diseases. The two most important lipophilic diterpenoid compounds found in the root of Salvia milthorrhiza Bunge (also called Danshen), tanshinone IIA (TIIA) and cryptotanshinone (CRY), have many favorable pharmacological effects. However, their roles in obesity-associated adipocyte inflammation and related sub-networks have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the gene, miRNAs and protein expression profile of prototypical obesity-associated dysfunction markers in inflamed human adipocytes treated with TIIA and CRY. The results showed that TIIA and CRY prevented tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced inflammatory response in adipocytes, by counter-regulating the pattern of secreted cytokines/chemokines associated with adipocyte inflammation (CCL2/MCP-1, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL1/GRO-α, IL-6, IL-8, MIF and PAI-1/Serpin E1) via the modulation of gene expression (as demonstrated for CCL2/MCP-1, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL1/GRO-α, and IL-8), as well as related miRNA expression (miR-126-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-155-5p, and miR-132-3p), and by attenuating monocyte recruitment. This is the first demonstration of a beneficial effect by TIIA and CRY on adipocyte dysfunction associated with obesity development and complications, offering a new outlook for the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic diseases.
A Review on Pathophysiology, and Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Chondronecrosis and Osteomyelitis in Commercial Broilers
Authors: Choppa Venkata Sesha Reddy , Kim Woo Kyun
Published: June 2023

Modern day broilers have a great genetic potential to gain heavy bodyweights with a huge metabolic demand prior to their fully mature ages. Moreover, this made the broilers prone to opportunistic pathogens which may enter the locomotory organs under stress causing bacterial chondronecrosis and osteomyelitis (BCO). Such pathogenic colonization is further accelerated by microfractures and clefts that are formed in the bones due to rapid growth rate of the broilers along with ischemia of blood vessels. Furthermore, there are several pathways which alter bone homeostasis like acute phase response, and intrinsic and extrinsic cell death pathways. In contrast, all the affected birds may not exhibit clinical lameness even with the presence of lameness associated factors causing infection. Although Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Enterococcus are considered as common bacterial pathogens involved in BCO, but there exist several other non-culturable bacteria. Any deviation from maintaining a homeostatic environment in the gut might lead to bacterial translocation through blood followed by proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in respective organs including bones. It is important to alleviate dysbiosis of the blood which is analogous to dysbiosis in the gut. This can be achieved by supplementing pro, pre, and synbiotics which helps in providing a eubiotic environment abating the bacterial translocation that was studied to the incidence of BCO. This review focused on potential and novel biomarkers, pathophysiological mechanism, the economic significance of BCO, immune mechanisms, and miscellaneous factors causing BCO. In addition, the role of gut microbiomes along with their diversity and cell culture models from compact bones of chicken in better understanding of BCO were explored.
Hormonal Signaling during dPCD: Cytokinin as the Determinant of RNase-Based Self-Incompatibility in Solanaceae
Authors: Zakharova Ekaterina , Khanina Tatiana , Knyazev Andrey , Milyukova Natalia , Kovaleva Lidia V.
Published: June 2023

Research into molecular mechanisms of self-incompatibility (SI) in plants can be observed in representatives of various families, including Solanaceae. Earlier studies of the mechanisms of S-RNase-based SI in petunia (Petunia hybrida E. Vilm.) demonstrate that programmed cell death (PCD) is an SI factor. These studies suggest that the phytohormon cytokinin (CK) is putative activator of caspase-like proteases (CLPs). In this work, data confirming this hypothesis were obtained in two model objects—petunia and tomato (six Solanaceae representatives). The exogenous zeatin treatment of tomato and petunia stigmas before a compatible pollination activates CLPs in the pollen tubes in vivo, as shown via the intravital imaging of CLP activities. CK at any concentration slows down the germination and growth of petunia and tomato male gametophytes both in vitro and in vivo; shifts the pH of the cytoplasm (PHc) to the acid region, thereby creating the optimal conditions for CLP to function and inhibiting the F-actin formation and/or destructing the cytoskeleton in pollen tubes to point foci during SI-induced PCD; and accumulates in style tissues during SI response. The activity of the ISOPENTENYLTRANSFERASE 5 (IPT5) gene at this moment exceeds its activity in a cross-compatible pollination, and the levels of expression of the CKX1 and CKX2 genes (CK OXIDASE/DEHYDROGENASE) are significantly lower in self-incompatible pollination. All this suggests that CK plays a decisive role in the mechanism underlying SI-induced PCD.
Enzymatic Modification of Pomace Olive Oil with Natural Antioxidants: Effect on Oxidative Stability
Authors: Fotiadou Renia , Lefas Dimitrios , Vougiouklaki Despina , Tsakni Aliki , Houhoula Dimitra , Stamatis Haralambos
Published: June 2023

Enzymatic lipophilization has been proposed as a cost-effective strategy to produce new liposoluble antioxidant compounds. In this study, modified oils rich in structured phenolipids were prepared via one-pot enzymatic acylation of hydroxytyrosol (HTYR), vanillyl alcohol (VA) and homovanillyl alcohol (HVA) with pomace olive oil (POO) in solvent-free conditions using immobilized lipase on biogenic nanoparticles. The effect of temperature (30–70 °C) and enzyme concentration (0.1–1%, w/w) on the efficiency of the bioprocess as well as the reusability of the nanobiocatalyst were thoroughly investigated. The modified oils exhibited increased antioxidant activity compared to the control oil according to DPPH and CUPRAC assays (p < 0.05). The oxidative stability of pomace olive oil was also significantly enhanced after modification, as depicted by the K232 values and TBARS contents under accelerated oxidation at 60 °C (p < 0.05). Moreover, a fortified mayonnaise containing modified oil with HTYR was prepared that was noticeably stable compared to the control mayonnaise at 28 °C for 5 months (p < 0.05). Enzymatically modified oils have great potential for application in the nutraceutical and food industry, encouraging the exploitation of immobilized lipases as effective and green catalytic tools.
Voltage-Gated Proton Channels in the Tree of Life
Authors: Chaves Gustavo , Jardin Christophe , Derst Christian , Musset Boris
Published: June 2023

With a single gene encoding HV1 channel, proton channel diversity is particularly low in mammals compared to other members of the superfamily of voltage-gated ion channels. Nonetheless, mammalian HV1 channels are expressed in many different tissues and cell types where they exert various functions. In the first part of this review, we regard novel aspects of the functional expression of HV1 channels in mammals by differentially comparing their involvement in (1) close conjunction with the NADPH oxidase complex responsible for the respiratory burst of phagocytes, and (2) in respiratory burst independent functions such as pH homeostasis or acid extrusion. In the second part, we dissect expression of HV channels within the eukaryotic tree of life, revealing the immense diversity of the channel in other phylae, such as mollusks or dinoflagellates, where several genes encoding HV channels can be found within a single species. In the last part, a comprehensive overview of the biophysical properties of a set of twenty different HV channels characterized electrophysiologically, from Mammalia to unicellular protists, is given.
Differential Metabolic Stability of 4α,25- and 4β,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and Identification of Their Metabolites
Authors: Mizumoto Yuka , Sakamoto Ryota , Iijima Kazuto , Nakaya Naoto , Odagi Minami , Tera Masayuki , Hirokawa Takatsugu , Sakaki Toshiyuki , Yasuda Kaori , Nagasawa Kazuo
Published: June 2023

Vitamin D3 (1) is metabolized by various cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, resulting in the formation of diverse metabolites. Among them, 4α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (6a) and 4β,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (6b) are both produced from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (2) by CYP3A4. However, 6b is detectable in serum, whereas 6a is not. We hypothesized that the reason for this is a difference in the susceptibility of 6a and 6b to CYP24A1-mediated metabolism. Here, we synthesized 6a and 6b, and confirmed that 6b has greater metabolic stability than 6a. We also identified 4α,24R,25- and 4β,24R,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3 (16a and 16b) as metabolites of 6a and 6b, respectively, by HPLC comparison with synthesized authentic samples. Docking studies suggest that the β-hydroxy group at C4 contributes to the greater metabolic stability of 6b by blocking a crucial hydrogen-bonding interaction between the C25 hydroxy group and Leu325 of CYP24A1.
Targeted Disruption of the MORG1 Gene in Mice Causes Embryonic Resorption in Early Phase of Development
Authors: Wulf Sophie , Mizko Luisa , Herrmann Karl-Heinz , Sánchez-Carbonell Marta , Urbach Anja , Lemke Cornelius , Berndt Alexander , Loeffler Ivonne , Wolf Gunter
Published: June 2023

The mitogen-activated protein kinase organizer 1 (MORG1) is a scaffold molecule for the ERK signaling pathway, but also binds to prolyl-hydroxylase 3 and modulates HIFα expression. To obtain further insight into the role of MORG1, knockout-mice were generated by homologous recombination. While Morg1+/− mice developed normally without any apparent phenotype, there were no live-born Morg1−/− knockout offspring, indicating embryonic lethality. The intrauterine death of Morg1−/− embryos is caused by a severe failure to develop brain and other neuronal structures such as the spinal cord and a failure of chorioallantoic fusion. On E8.5, Morg1−/− embryos showed severe underdevelopment and proliferative arrest as indicated by absence of Ki67 expression, impaired placental vascularization and altered phenotype of trophoblast giant cells. On E9.5, the malformed Morg1−/− embryos showed defective turning into the final fetal position and widespread apoptosis in many structures. In the subsequent days, apoptosis and decomposition of embryonic tissue progressed, accompanied by a massive infiltration of inflammatory cells. Developmental aberrancies were accompanied by altered expression of HIF-1/2α and VEGF-A and caspase-3 activation in embryos and extraembryonic tissues. In conclusion, the results suggest a multifactorial process that causes embryonic death in homozygous Morg1 mutant mice, described here, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time.