bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a New Collagen Gel Product for Leather Finishing
Authors: Zhang Xinping , Sorolla Sílvia , Casas Concepció , Bacardit Anna
Published: November 2023

Leather finishing is a critical process in the leather industry, as it significantly influences the final appearance, durability, and quality of leather products. Traditional leather finishing techniques often involve the use of synthetic chemicals, which may lead to environmental concerns and potential health hazards. In this study, we investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a new collagen-based product for leather finishing. Collagen, a natural protein found abundantly in animals, has shown promise as an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative for leather finishing. The new collagen gel product obtained from bovine hide waste by using an alkaline extraction method with lime was functionalized through an enzymatic treatment that allows to achieve a finishing product suitable for coating formulations, and at the same time, a biodegradable finishing. The collagen gel product was optimized by varying parameters, such as temperature, pH, and enzyme quantity. The optimized collagen gel product exhibits a wide particle size range and retains the triple-helical structure of collagen. The leather samples treated with the collagen gel product show enhanced properties compared to those with conventional finishes. The results show that the collagen gel product enhances water vapor permeability, color stability, and touch in the finishes. However, a low resistance to wet rubbing is obtained; therefore, it is necessary to study how to improve this parameter.
The State of Pharmacoeconomics Education in the Doctor of Pharmacy Curriculum amid the Changing Face of Pharmacy Practice
Authors: Adunlin Georges , Skiera Jordan , Cupp Chandler S. , Ali Askal Ayalew , Afeli Serge Amani Yao
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: Continuous growth in pharmaceutical expenditure indicates the need for more advanced pharmacoeconomics evaluations to optimize healthcare outcomes and resource allocation. This study assesses the extent to which accredited pharmacy colleges in the United States cover pharmacoeconomics content within the didactic curriculum of their Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the websites of accredited professional-degree programs in pharmacy schools located in the United States to identify pertinent content related to pharmacoeconomics. (3) Results: Out of 141 pharmacy programs, a total of 111 programs of varying sizes were found to have publicly accessible information regarding the content of their pharmacoeconomic curricula on their websites. All these programs required the inclusion of pharmacoeconomics content in their curricula. An examination of course syllabi revealed that the goals and descriptions were broad, aiming to provide students with an introductory understanding of the principles of pharmacoeconomics. The number of credit hours allocated to pharmacoeconomics education ranged from one to seven across the programs. The approach to delivering pharmacoeconomics content varied among the programs. (4) Conclusions: Advanced knowledge of the principles of pharmacoeconomics must be an integral component of all PharmD curricula to prepare pharmacists to assess the rational use of pharmacy products and services, improve clinical outcomes, and mitigate healthcare expenditures.
Effect of Chest Physiotherapy on Quality of Life, Exercise Capacity and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Martín-Núñez Javier , Heredia-Ciuró Alejandro , López-López Laura , Calvache-Mateo Andrés , Hernández-Hernández Sofía , Valenza-Peña Geraldine , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: November 2023

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most deleterious diseases of the pulmonary fibrosis spectrum. Its clinical presentation includes irreversible loss of lung function, and increasing cough, dyspnea and impaired quality of life. Chest physiotherapy can improve ventilation capacity, gas exchange, dyspnea, exercise capacity and quality of life. The aim of this study was to review the evidence about chest physiotherapy in IPF, specifically meta-analyzing quality of life, exercise capacity and pulmonary function. Methods: A wide search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science for articles included until October 2023. PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022333496. The Downs and Black scale and the Cochrane tool were employed to evaluate quality assessments and to assess the risk of bias. Data were pooled, and a meta-analysis was conducted. Results: We selected 10 studies in which a chest physiotherapy program was performed with a total of 340 patients; of these, three articles were meta-analyzed. Significant effects in favor of chest physiotherapy were found for quality of life (MD = −8.60, 95% CI = −11.30, −5.90; p < 0.00001; I2 = 24%), exercise capacity (MD = 37.62, 95% CI = 15.10, 60.13; p = 0.001; I2 = 65%) and pulmonary function (MD = 7.86, 95% CI = 2.54, 13.17; p = 0.004; I2 = 80%). Conclusions: The systematic review showed significant results for the application of chest physiotherapy regarding pulmonary capacity, diffusion of gases and quality of life in IPF patients. The meta-analysis showed a significant improvement associated with applying chest physiotherapy in pulmonary function, exercise capacity and quality of life.
Elucidating Softening Mechanism of Honey Peach (Prunus persica L.) Stored at Ambient Temperature Using Untargeted Metabolomics Based on Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kong Xiaoxue , Luo Haibo , Chen Yanan , Shen Hui , Shi Pingping , Yang Fang , Li Hong , Yu Lijuan
Published: November 2023

Peach fruit softening is the result of a series of complex physiological and biochemical reactions that influence shelf life and consumer acceptance; however, the precise mechanisms underlying softening remain unclear. We conducted a metabolomic study of the flesh and peel of the honey peach (Prunus persica L.) to identify critical metabolites before and after fruit softening. Compared to the pre-softening profiles, 155 peel metabolites and 91 flesh metabolites exhibited significant changes after softening (|log2(FC)| > 1; p < 0.05). These metabolites were mainly associated with carbohydrate metabolism, respiratory chain and energy metabolism (citrate cycle, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and pentose and glucuronate interconversions), reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. During peach fruit softening, energy supply, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, oxidative damage, and plant hormone metabolism were enhanced, whereas amino acid biosynthesis and cell growth declined. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex mechanisms of postharvest fruit softening, and may assist breeding programs in improving peach fruit quality during storage.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the SWEET Transporters and Their Potential Role in Response to Cold Stress in Rosa rugosa
Authors: Li Ronghui , Gao Peng , Yang Tao , Dong Jie , Chen Yunting , Xie Yangyang , Yang Yvtong , Liu Chengzhi , Zhang Jinzhu , Che Daidi
Published: November 2023

Sugar Will Eventually be Exported Transporter (SWEET) proteins are a recently discovered group of efflux transporters that play essential roles in sugar efflux, phloem loading, reproductive tissue development and stress responses. To date, there have been no reports on the Rosa rugosa (R. rugosa) SWEET genes. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genomic analysis of the SWEET genes, including chromosome localization, phylogenetic comparison, cis-regulatory element analysis, expression pattern analysis in different tissues, expression pattern analysis under cold stress and subcellular localization analysis. A total of 33RrSWEET members were identified and classified into four distinct clades (Clade I, Clade II, Clade III and Clade IV). They were distributed across seven chromosomes and contained cis-regulatory elements associated with hormone and stress responses. The expression of RrSWEETs showed tissue specificity, with higher expression in roots, flowers or pistils compared to other tissues. Furthermore, during the entire cold stress process, the relative expression levels of RrSWEET4, 16 and 20 were significantly upregulated, especially in the roots and stems of R. rugosa. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that RrSWEET4, 16 and 20 were located on the cell membrane. In summary, the results of this study provide a theoretical basis for future research on the functions of RrSWEET genes in R. rugosa and their role in cold tolerance responses.
Harvest Season and Morphological Variation of Canistel (Pouteria campechiana) Fruit and Leaves Collected in Different Zones of Mexico
Authors: Granados-Vega Karen M. , Evangelista-Lozano Silvia , Escobar-Arellano Sandra L. , Rodríguez-García Tomás , Pérez-Bárcena José F. , Cruz-Castillo Juan G.
Published: November 2023

Canistel (Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni; yellow sapote, canistel) is an edible fruit that is native to Mexico; the tree is used as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Descriptive studies were carried out with the objective of characterizing the morphology of the fruit and leaves of trees located in different regions of Mexico to select outstanding specimens for large scale reproduction. The selection of trees was carried out in three geographically neighboring areas, where visible differences have been observed in fruit morphology: size, shape, color, number of seeds, and leaf shape. Semi-ripe fruit were collected from each area, weight and measurements were noted, seeds were extracted, and a data matrix was obtained: (fruit weight (grams), fruit polar diameter (centimeters), fruit equatorial diameter (centimeters), pulp weight (grams), number of seeds, seed weight (grams), seed polar diameter (centimeters), seed equatorial diameter (centimeters), and total soluble solids (SST)). Leaves were collected at the mature stage, and an image analysis was carried out to evaluate morphometric parameters: area, perimeter, major diameter, minor diameter, circularity, solidity, and angle. An analysis of variance was performed to find significant differences in the fruit data and a principal component analysis was performed with the leaf data. In Zone 2, the fruit had three seeds, the highest weight in all the zones sampled (180 to 330 g), and the greatest amount of pulp (198.88 g); they were subglobose in shape, and 33% soluble solids. There were eight months to harvest in Zone 1 and nine months in Zone 3. The main variables in the principal component analysis were leaf area, perimeter, and minor diameter; 84.6% of the variability represented by the first three components is sufficient to explain the difference between the leaves of the three zones. This data can be used to assess the propagation of canistel in areas with favorable climatic conditions for fruiting in tropical and subtropical regions.
Machine-Learning-Based Precipitation Reconstructions: A Study on Slovenia’s Sava River Basin
Authors: Ramírez Molina Abel Andrés , Bezak Nejc , Tootle Glenn , Wang Chen , Gong Jiaqi
Published: November 2023

The Sava River Basin (SRB) includes six countries (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro), with the Sava River (SR) being a major tributary of the Danube River. The SR originates in the mountains (European Alps) of Slovenia and, because of a recent Slovenian government initiative to increase clean, sustainable energy, multiple hydropower facilities have been constructed within the past ~20 years. Given the importance of this river system for varying demands, including hydropower (energy production), information about past (paleo) dry (drought) and wet (pluvial) periods would provide important information to water managers and planners. Recent research applying traditional regression techniques and methods developed skillful reconstructions of seasonal (April–May–June–July–August–September or AMJJAS) streamflow using tree-ring-based proxies. The current research intends to expand upon these recent research efforts and investigate developing reconstructions of seasonal (AMJJAS) precipitation applying novel Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) techniques. When comparing the reconstructed AMJJAS precipitation datasets, the AI/ML/DL techniques statistically outperformed traditional regression techniques. When comparing the SRB AMJJAS precipitation reconstruction developed in this research to the SRB AMJJAS streamflow reconstruction developed in previous research, the temporal variability of the two reconstructions compared favorably. However, pluvial magnitudes of extreme periods differed, while drought magnitudes of extreme periods were similar, confirming drought is likely better captured in tree-ring-based proxy reconstructions of hydrologic variables.
Kinesin Family Member C1 (KIFC1/HSET) Underlies Aggressive Disease in Androgen Receptor-Low and Basal-Like Triple-Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Jinna Nikita , Yuan Yate-Ching , Rida Padmashree
Published: November 2023

Quadruple-negative breast cancer (QNBC) lacks traditional actionable targets, including androgen receptor (AR). QNBC disproportionately afflicts and impacts patients of African genetic ancestry. Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1/HSET), a centrosome clustering protein that prevents cancer cells from undergoing centrosome-amplification-induced apoptosis, has been reported to be upregulated in TNBCs and African-American (AA) TNBCs. Herein, we analyzed KIFC1 RNA levels and their associations with clinical features and outcomes among AR-low and AR-high TNBC tumors in three distinct publicly available gene expression datasets and in the breast cancer gene expression database (bc-GenExMiner). KIFC1 levels were significantly higher in AR-low and basal-like TNBCs than in AR-high and non-basal-like TNBCs, irrespective of the stage, grade, tumor size, and lymph node status. KIFC1 levels were also upregulated in AR-low tumors relative to AR-high tumors among Black and premenopausal women with TNBC. High KIFC1 levels conferred significantly shorter overall survival, disease-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival among AR-low and basal-like TNBC patients in Kaplan–Meier analyses. In conclusion, KIFC1 levels may be upregulated in AR-low tumors and, specifically, in those of African descent, wherein it may promote poor outcomes. KIFC1 may be an actionable cancer-cell-specific target for the AR-low TNBC subpopulation and could aid in alleviating racial disparities in TNBC outcomes.
Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Therapy of COVID-19: Summarizing the Results of 2022
Authors: Gusev Evgenii
Published: November 2023

The aim of this Special Issue is to analyze the key patterns of the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19), the biology of SARS-CoV-2 (severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus 2, formerly 2019-nCoV), and the characteristics of the human body’s response to the invasion of this virus [...]
Circulating Tumour Cells: Detection and Application in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Andrikou Kalliopi , Rossi Tania , Verlicchi Alberto , Priano Ilaria , Cravero Paola , Burgio Marco Angelo , Crinò Lucio , Bandini Sara , Ulivi Paola , Delmonte Angelo
Published: November 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. Tissue biopsy is the current gold standard for the diagnosis and molecular profiling of NSCLC. However, this approach presents some limitations due to inadequate tissue sampling, and intra- and intertumour heterogenicity. Liquid biopsy is a noninvasive method to determine cancer-related biomarkers in peripheral blood, and can be repeated at multiple timepoints. One of the most studied approaches to liquid biopsies is represented by circulating tumour cells (CTCs). Several studies have evaluated the prognostic and predictive role of CTCs in advanced NSCLC. Despite the limitations of these studies, the results of the majority of studies seem to be concordant regarding the correlation between high CTC count and poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Similarly, the decrease of CTC count during treatment may represent an important predictive marker of sensitivity to therapy in advanced NSCLC. Furthermore, molecular characterization of CTCs can be used to provide information on tumour biology, and on the mechanisms involved in resistance to targeted treatment. This review will discuss the current status of the clinical utility of CTCs in patients with advanced NSCLC, highlighting their potential application to prognosis and to treatment decision making.
Postoperative Hemodynamics of Total Knee Arthroplasty Unaffected by Cementless Approach under Contemporary Patient Blood Management Protocol: A Propensity Score-Matched Study
Authors: Choi Keun Young , Kim Yong Deok , Cho Nicole , Kim Man Soo , In Yong , You Hwang Yong , Koh In Jun
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: A cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a recent and an increasingly popular innovation that enhances porous fixation surfaces. However, the lack of cemented sealing of an exposed resected bone has raised concerns about the potential for greater blood loss. The goals of this study were to determine if a cementless approach impacts post-TKA hemodynamics and to identify risk factors for blood loss in instances of cementless (vs. cemented) TKAs under a contemporary patient blood management (PBM) protocol. (2) Methods: We recruited 153 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral TKAs between 2019 and 2023. All enrollees received cementless or cemented prostheses of the same design (cementless, 87; cemented, 66). After propensity score matching for demographics, there were 46 patients in each group. We then compared blood loss metrics (total [TBL] and estimated [EBL]), drainage volumes, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and transfusion rates by group. (3) Results: Post-TKA hemodynamics (i.e., TBL, EBL, drainage, Hb level, and transfusion rate) of cementless (n = 46) and cemented (n = 46) TKA groups did not differ significantly. In addition, the proportions of patients with Hb drops > 3.0 g/dL were similar for the two groups. A logistic regression analysis revealed that only preoperative Hb and EBL during the early postoperative period were predictive of a substantial fall in Hb levels. The fixation method was not associated with Hb decline > 3.0 g/dL by postoperative Day 3. (4) Conclusion: The cementless TKA has no impact on customary post-TKA hemodynamics and is not associated with greater TKA-related blood loss when implementing a contemporary PBM protocol.
Visual Outcomes of Traumatic Lens Dislocations and Subluxations Managed by Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Lensectomy
Authors: Hapca Mădălina-Claudia , Muntean George-Adrian , Nemeș-Drăgan Iulia-Andrada , Vesa Ștefan Cristian , Nicoară Simona-Delia
Published: November 2023

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual outcome of lens dislocation and subluxation managed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and lensectomy in patients with open (OGIs) or closed globe injuries (CGIs). Methods: Medical records of 70 consecutive patients treated by PPV and lensectomy over a period of 11 years (1 January 2010–31 December 2020) were retrospectively reviewed. We collected demographic data, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using a Snellen Chart pre- and postoperatively, associated ocular injuries and treatment strategy. Visual outcome was evaluated according to the final BCVA which was defined as poor <0.1 or good ≥0.1. Results: The mean age was 57.9 ± 17.6 years. CGIs were present in 49 (70.0%) cases and open OGIs in 21 (30.0%) cases. The dislocation mechanism was zonular lysis in 59 cases (84.3%) and capsular rupture in 11 cases (15.7%). The intraocular lens implant (IOL) was sutured to the sclera in 51 (72.9%) cases or positioned in the capsular bag or in the sulcus in 3 (4.3%) cases and 1 (1.4%) case, respectively, whereas 15 (21.4%) patients remained aphakic. A good BCVA ≥ 0.1 was achieved in 45.71% of the eyes. The presence of retinal detachment (RD) (p = 0.014), iridodonesis (p = 0.011) and initial BCVA (p = 0.000) achieved statistical significance in predicting visual outcome. After treatment, 45.71% of patients achieved a final BCVA ≥ 0.1. Conclusion: RD, iridodonesis and initial BCVA were risk factors for poor visual outcome in our series.
Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Swamy Sowmya , Noor Sahibzadi Mahrukh , Mathew Roy O.
Published: November 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common occurrence in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), occurring in approximately 40% of cases. DM is also an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but CKD is an important mediator of this risk. Multiple CVD outcomes trials have revealed a greater risk for CVD events in patients with diabetes with CKD versus those without. Thus, reducing the risk of CKD in diabetes should result in improved CVD outcomes. To date, of blood pressure (BP) control, glycemic control, and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RASI), glycemic control appears to have the best evidence for preventing CKD development. In established CKD, especially with albuminuria, RASI slows the progression of CKD. More recently, sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP1RA) have revolutionized the care of patients with diabetes with and without CKD. SGLT2i and GLP1RA have proven to reduce mortality, heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, and worsening CKD in patients with diabetes with and without existing CKD. The future of limiting CVD in diabetes and CKD is promising, and more evidence is forthcoming regarding combinations of evidence-based therapies to further minimize CVD events.
Outcomes of ECLS-SHOCK Eligibility Criteria Applied to a Real-World Cohort
Authors: von Lewinski Dirk , Herold Lukas , Bachl Eva , Bugger Heiko , Glantschnig Theresa , Kolesnik Ewald , Verheyen Nicolas , Benedikt Martin , Wallner Markus , von Lewinski Friederike , Schmidt Albrecht , Harb Stefan , Ablasser Klemens , Sacherer Michael , Scherr Daniel , Manninger-Wünscher Martin , Pätzold Sascha , Gollmer Johannes , Zirlik Andreas , Toth Gabor G.
Published: November 2023

Background: Cardiogenic shock (CS) exhibits high (~50%) in-hospital mortality. The recently published Extracorporeal life Support in Cardiogenic Shock (ECLS-SHOCK) trial demonstrated the neutral effects of the use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) on all-cause death, as well as on all secondary outcomes in subjects presenting with myocardial-infarction (MI)-related CS. Here, we compared ECLS-SHOCK eligibility criteria with a real-world cohort of CS patients. Methods and Results: ECLS-SHOCK eligibility criteria were applied to a prospective single-center CS registry (the PREPARE CS registry) consisting of 557 patients who were consecutively admitted to the catheterization laboratory (cath lab) of the Medical University of Graz, Austria, due to CS (SCAI C-E). Overall use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in this cohort was 19%. Sixty-nine percent of the entire cohort had MI-related CS, 38% of whom would have met ECLS-SHOCK eligibility criteria, thus representing only 27% of the PREPARE CS registry. Exclusion from the ECLS-SHOCK trial was based on patients with initial lactate values below 3 mmol/L (n = 168; 43.6%), aged over 80 years (n = 65; 16.9%), and with a duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) exceeding 45 min (n = 22; 5.7%). The 30-day mortality of patients of the PREPARE CS registry who met the ECLS-SHOCK eligibility criteria was 57.0%, compared to 48.4% of patients in the ECLS-SHOCK trial. The patients’ baseline characteristics, however, differed considerably with respect to type of infarction, age, and gender. Conclusions: In a real-world cohort of patients with MI-related CS, only 38% of patients met the eligibility criteria of the ECLS-SHOCK trial. Thus, the impact of the use of VA-ECMO on outcome parameters in MI-related CS, as observed in the ECLS-SHOCK trial, may differ in a more heterogeneous real-world CS population of the PREPARE CS registry.
Comparison of the Shutdown Transitions of the Full-Flow Pump and Axial-Flow Pump
Authors: Jiao Haifeng , Shan Jilian , Yang Guorui , Wang Mengcheng , Chen Songshan
Published: November 2023

In this study, a comparative analysis of the shutdown transitions of a full-flow pump and an axial-flow pump was carried out through numerical simulation and model tests. The UDF method was used to achieve control of the impeller rotational speed during shutdown. The results show that during the shutdown transition, the rate of decline of rotational speed, flow rate, and torque of the axial-flow pump are greater than those of the full-flow pump, so the axial-flow pump stops faster than the full-flow pump. The axial force of the axial-flow pump is significantly lower than that of the full-flow pump, and the maximum value of the radial force of the axial-flow pump is approximately 1.14 times that of the full-flow pump. Due to the influence of the clearance backflow vortex, the impeller inlet and outlet of the full-flow pump generate clearance backflow vortices in the near-wall area, resulting in the overall flow pattern of the impeller chamber being worse than that of the axial-flow pump and the hydraulic loss being greater than that of the axial-flow pump. The runaway speed and flow rate of the axial-flow pump are higher than those of the full-flow pump. Due to the influence of the clearance backflow, the range of the high entropy production rate at the suction side of the impeller of the full-flow pump is always larger than that of the axial-flow pump. The research results in this paper can provide theoretical support for the selection and operation of pumps in large low-head pumping stations.
ɬwa:n⁵ as a Marker of the Degree of Expressiveness in the Kam Language
Authors: He Hui
Published: November 2023

This paper presents an analysis of syntactic collocations that include the constraints on an adjective phrase (AP) and adverbs or final particles (X) in the ɬwa:n⁵ + AP + X construction, as well as its pragmatic features and grammatical functions in the Kam language. ɬwa:n⁵ functions as an exclamative marker (EM) that conveys the expressive meaning of the speaker’s attitude. The primary lexical meaning of ɬwa:n⁵ is ‘to calculate’ or ‘to regard as’, and the word is borrowed from Chinese (算 suàn, ‘to count’, ‘to calculate’, ‘to regard as’). The role of ɬwa:n⁵ in the construction ɬwa:n⁵ + AP + X will mainly be discussed in this paper. In addition, the adjectives that can collocate with ɬwa:n⁵ are subject to a gradeability restriction, that is, only gradable adjectives can collocate with ɬwa:n⁵. In general, the ɬwa:n⁵ construction is used to express that the speaker expected an existing situation with a gradable property; in reality, the degree follows a particular scalar and surpasses the expectation.
Phonetic Tonal Manifestations and Trends in Tone Change: A Case Study of the Yong-Deng Dialect in Northwest China
Authors: Yi Li
Published: November 2023

This study takes the Yong-deng dialect as a case study to investigate the phenomenon of tonal merging observed in Northwest Chinese dialects. It begins by examining the various monosyllabic tone patterns of the Yong-deng dialect, then supplements this with a review of the relevant literature, comparisons with the tone patterns of the neighbouring dialects, and an analysis of its tone sandhi in disyllabic and trisyllabic combinations. Each step of the dialect’s tonal variation is scrutinised, allowing for the identification of pertinent phonetic biases and the derivation of associated phonological rules. The central argument advanced here is that both synchronic tonal variation and diachronic tone change are governed by specific phonological rules. Despite the ostensibly variable phonetic manifestations, these rules can enable the prediction of the trajectory of tone change. The paper contributes to the understanding of tone merger and highlights its systemic and rule-bound nature.
The Impact of Neck Cooling on Serum Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and HSP70 Levels during High-Intensity Cycling
Authors: Choi Kyung-Su , Roh Hee-Tae , Cho Su-Youn
Published: November 2023

Numerous studies have been conducted in an attempt to discover cooling strategies that can be effective in improving exercise performance. However, the mechanism by which neck cooling relieves exercise-induced physiological stress and the optimal cooling temperature are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of neck cooling at different temperatures during high-intensity cycling on body temperature, physiological variables, oxidant/antioxidant status, heat shock protein (HSP) 70 levels, and exercise performance in adolescent athletes. Seven well-trained male adolescent cyclists (age, 17.00 ± 0.76 years; athletic career, 3.86 ± 0.90 years) participated in three exercise trials involving three cooling regimens: control (CON), low-temperature (7 °C) neck cooling (LNC), and mixed-temperature (14 + 20 °C) neck cooling (MNC). The experimental condition used a cross-over design to minimize adaption to the repetitive cycling trials. Cycling consisted of a 20 km warm-up session and a two 2 km race session. Neck cooling at different temperatures was administered for 20 min during each rest period: after the warm-up, after the first 2 km race, and after the second 2 km race. Blood samples were taken to assess serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and HSP70 levels. In addition, tympanic temperature (Tty), thermal sensation (TS), heart rate (HR), and the saturation of percutaneous oxygen (SpO2) were measured before, immediately after, and 24 h after exercise. As a measure of cycling performance, the race record and speed were measured in the first and second 2 km races. In all trials, Tty, TS, HR, MDA, SOD, and HSP70 levels significantly increased (p < 0.05), and SpO2 levels significantly decreased (p < 0.05). TS significantly decreased 24 h after exercise compared to that immediately after exercise in the LNC and MNC trials (p < 0.05). Serum HSP70 levels were significantly higher 24 h after exercise (0.87 ± 0.10 ng/mL) than immediately after exercise (0.79 ± 0.04 ng/mL) in the CON trial (p < 0.05). Twenty-four hours after exercise, the CON (0.87 ± 0.10 ng/mL) trial showed significantly higher serum HSP70 levels than the LNC (0.73 ± 0.01 ng/mL) trial (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in cycling race record or speed between the trials (p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that neck cooling can induce a positive effect on thermal perception during recovery after cycling and that neck cooling at a relatively low temperature may be more effective in reducing exercise-induced HSP70 expression.
Estimating the Slope Safety Factor Using Simple Kinematically Admissible Solutions
Authors: Bacharz Kamil , Bacharz Magdalena , Trąmpczyński Wiesław
Published: November 2023

Determining soil and water conditions is essential for designing the optimal foundation and safely transferring loads, including the self-weight of structures, to the ground. Excessive or uneven settlement of the subsoil may ultimately lead to the formation of structural cracks in buildings or the loss of slope stability. In extreme cases, the damage results in structural failure. This paper presents the application of simple solutions from plasticity theory—an evaluation of the upper and lower bounds of the exact solution—to estimate the slope safety factor. It is demonstrated that simple kinematically admissible mechanisms for the non-associated flow rule provide solutions are close to those obtained from the traditional Fellenius method.
Properties, Applications and Recent Developments of Cellular Solid Materials: A Review
Authors: Costanza Girolamo , Solaiyappan Dinesh , Tata Maria Elisa
Published: November 2023

Cellular solids are materials made up of cells with solid edges or faces that are piled together to fit a certain space. These materials are already present in nature and have already been utilized in the past. Some examples are wood, cork, sponge and coral. New cellular solids replicating natural ones have been manufactured, such as honeycomb materials and foams, which have a variety of applications because of their special characteristics such as being lightweight, insulation, cushioning and energy absorption derived from the cellular structure. Cellular solids have interesting thermal, physical and mechanical properties in comparison with bulk solids: density, thermal conductivity, Young’s modulus and compressive strength. This huge extension of properties allows for applications that cannot easily be extended to fully dense solids and offers enormous potential for engineering creativity. Their Low densities allow lightweight and rigid components to be designed, such as sandwich panels and large portable and floating structures of all types. Their low thermal conductivity enables cheap and reliable thermal insulation, which can only be improved by expensive vacuum-based methods. Their low stiffness makes the foams ideal for a wide range of applications, such as shock absorbers. Low strengths and large compressive strains make the foams attractive for energy-absorbing applications. In this work, their main properties, applications (real and potential) and recent developments are presented, summarized and discussed.
Synthesis of Porous Materials Using Magnesium Slag and Their Adsorption Performance for Lead Ions in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Lu Guangjun , Han Jingang , Chen Ying , Xue Hongjiao , Qiu Ruifang , Zhou Xinxing , Ma Zhibin
Published: November 2023

Magnesium slag-based porous materials (MSBPM) were successfully synthesized using alkali activation and foaming methods as an effective adsorbent for Pb2+ in solution. The effects of foaming agent type, foaming agent dosage, alkali dosage, and water glass modulus on the properties of the MSBPM were studied, and the micromorphology and porosity of the MSBPM were observed using microscopy. The influence of pH value, initial concentration, and adsorbent dosage on the Pb2+ adsorption was investigated. The results showed that a porous material (MSBPM-H2O2) with high compressive strength (8.46 MPa) and excellent Pb2+ adsorption capacity (396.11 mg·g−1) was obtained under the optimal conditions: a H2O2 dosage of 3%, an alkali dosage of 9%, a water glass modulus of 1.3, and a liquid–solid ratio of 0.5. Another porous material (MSBPM-Al) with a compressive strength of 5.27 MPa and the Pb2+ adsorption capacity of 424.89 mg·g−1 was obtained under the optimal conditions: an aluminum powder dosage of 1.5‰, an alkali dosage of 8%, a water glass modulus of 1.0, and a liquid–solid ratio of 0.5. When the pH of the aqueous solution is 6 and the initial Pb2+ concentrations are 200~500 mg·L−1, the MSBPM-H2O2 and MSBPM-Al can remove more than 99% of Pb2+ in the solution. The adsorption process of both materials followed the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating that the adsorption process was a single-molecule layer chemical adsorption.
Benthic Diatom Blooms of Blue Haslea spp. in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Seveno Julie , Car Ana , Sirjacobs Damien , Fullgrabe Lovina , Dupčić Radić Iris , Lejeune Pierre , Leignel Vincent , Mouget Jean-Luc
Published: November 2023

Blue Haslea species are marine benthic pennate diatoms able to synthesize a blue-green water-soluble pigment, like marennine produced by H. ostrearia Simonsen. New species of Haslea synthetizing blue pigments were recently described (H. karadagensis, H. nusantara, H. provincialis and H. silbo). Their marennine-like pigments have allelopathic, antioxidative, antiviral and antibacterial properties, which have been demonstrated in laboratory conditions. Marennine is also responsible for the greening of oysters, for example, in the Marennes Oléron area (France), a phenomenon that has economical and patrimonial values. While blue Haslea spp. blooms have been episodically observed in natural environments (e.g., France, Croatia, USA), their dynamics have only been investigated in oyster ponds. This work is the first description of blue Haslea spp. benthic blooms that develop in open environments on the periphyton, covering turf and some macroalgae-like Padina. Different sites were monitored in the Mediterranean Sea (Corsica, France and Croatia) and two different blue Haslea species involved in these blooms were identified: H. ostrearia and H. provincialis. A non-blue Haslea species was also occasionally encountered. The benthic blooms of blue Haslea followed the phytoplankton spring bloom and occurred in shallow calm waters, possibly indicating a prominent role of light to initiate the blooms. In the absence of very strong winds and water currents that can possibly disaggregate the blue biofilm, the end of blooms coincided with the warming of the upper water masses, which might be profitable for other microorganisms and ultimately lead to a shift in the biofilm community.
Active Thermal Control of IGBT Modules Based on Finite-Time Boundedness
Authors: Hu Zhen , Wu Xiaohua , Cui Man
Published: November 2023

One of the most important causes of the failure of power electronic modules is thermal stress. Proper thermal management plays an important role in more reliable and cost-effective energy conversion. In this paper, we present an advanced active thermal control (ATC) strategy to reduce a power device’s thermal stress amplitude during operation, with the aim of improving the reliability and lifetime of the conversion system. A state-space model based on a Foster-type thermal model is developed to achieve junction temperature estimation in real time. A feedback controller based on finite-time boundedness (FTB) is proposed to precisely regulate the temperature in order to reduce the thermal stress according to the temperature profile. The designed controller permits the precise control of the temperature and strongly reduces the thermal stress during fast transients in the power demand. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Anisakid Presence in the European Conger, Conger conger, from Spanish Mediterranean Waters
Authors: Roca-Geronès Xavier , Sarrà-Alarcón Lídia , Delgado Eulàlia , Alcover Maria Magdalena , Casadevall Margarida , Fisa Roser
Published: November 2023

The European conger, Conger conger, is a benthic marine fish species with a geographical distribution extending through the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Despite being extensively distributed and widely appreciated by Spanish consumers, studies regarding parasite presence in this fish are scarce. In the present work, a hundred and eight specimens from the Mediterranean coast of northeastern Spain (Catalan waters) were surveyed for the presence of nematode parasites. Several species were morphologically identified: third-stage larvae of Anisakis type I (sensu Berland, 1961) (n = 131), third-stage larvae of Anisakis type II (sensu Berland, 1961) (n = 18), third- and fourth-stage larvae and adults of Hysterothylacium spp. (n = 48), adults of Cucullanus sp. (n = 391), and adults of Cristitectus congeri (n = 69). Moreover, some fish and decapode species were also observed as part of the host’s diet, with the most detected preys being Micromesistius poutassou, Sardina pilchardus, Macropipus sp., and Goneplax rhomboides. This represents the first survey of nematode parasites infecting C. conger from the northeastern Spanish Mediterranean waters. Among the parasite species detected, the presence of Anisakis species should be highlighted as the ingestion of C. conger parasitized with these larvae could potentially lead to anisakiasis in consumers.
Correction: Chen et al. Identification of the Causal Agent of Brown Leaf Spot on Kiwifruit and Its Sensitivity to Different Active Ingredients of Biological Fungicides. Pathogens 2022, 11, 673
Authors: Chen Jia , Ran Fei , Shi Jinqiao , Chen Tingting , Zhao Zhibo , Zhang Zhuzhu , He Linan , Li Wenzhi , Wang Bingce , Chen Xuetang , Wang Weizhen , Long Youhua
Published: November 2023

In the original publication [...]
Alterations of Plasma Biochemical and Immunological Parameters and Spatiotemporal Expression of TLR2 and TLR9 in Gibel Carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) after CyHV-2 Infection
Authors: Gao Jinwei , Hu Yiwen , Xie Min , Wu Hao , Wu Jiayu , Xi Bingwen , Song Rui , Ou Dongsheng
Published: November 2023

Cyprinid herpesvirus II (CyHV-2), a highly contagious pathogen of gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio), causes herpesviral hematopoietic necrosis disease (HVHND) and enormous financial losses. However, there is limited information available regarding the changes in plasma biochemical and immunological parameters and the response characteristics of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in gibel carp after CyHV-2 infection. To address this knowledge gap, a sub-lethal CyHV-2 infection was conducted in gibel carp, and the sample was collected daily from 1 to 7 days post infection. The plasma biochemical analyses showed significant decreases in the content of glucose, total cholesterol (TCHO), and total protein (TP), along with marked increases in the level of uric acid, urea, creatinine (CREA), Complement 3 (C3), immunoglobulin D (IgD), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) as well as in the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the infected group. Compared with the control group, the concentration of cortisol, triglyceride (TG), and Complement 4 (C4) had no noticeable alterations in the infected group. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed significant upregulation of TLR2 and TLR9 mRNA expression in the spleen, kidney, brain, liver, intestine, and gill post CyHV-2 infection. Interestingly, a time- and tissue-dependent expression profile has been comparatively observed for TLR2 and TLR9 in the above tissues of gibel carp after CyHV-2 infection, suggesting distinct roles between TLR2 and TLR9 in antiviral response to CyHV-2 infection. Overall, our results demonstrated that CyHV-2 infection led to the disruption of the physiological metabolic process and damage to the liver and kidney, and induced different spatiotemporal expression patterns of TLR2 and TLR9, ultimately stimulating antiviral response via innate and adaptive immune system. These findings may provide a deeper understanding of the host immunity response to CyHV-2 infection and offer novel perspectives for the prevention and treatment and therapeutic drug development against CyHV-2.
Enhancing Tamoxifen Therapy with α-Mangostin: Synergistic Antiproliferative Effects on Breast Cancer Cells and Potential Reduced Endometrial Impact
Authors: Vargas-Castro Rafael , García-Becerra Rocío , Díaz Lorenza , Avila Euclides , Ordaz-Rosado David , Bernadez-Vallejo Samantha V. , Cano-Colín Saúl , Camacho Javier , Larrea Fernando , García-Quiroz Janice
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer is the most prevalent neoplasia among women worldwide. For the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) phenotype, tamoxifen is the standard hormonal therapy; however, it carries the risk of promoting endometrial carcinoma. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of the phytochemical α-mangostin (AM) as a co-adjuvant alongside tamoxifen on breast cancer cells to improve its efficacy while reducing its adverse effects on endometrium. For this, ER+ breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T-47D) and endometrial cells (N30) were treated with AM, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OH-TMX), and their combination. Cell proliferation was evaluated using sulforhodamine B assay, and the pharmacological interaction was determined through the combination index and the dose reduction index calculation. The genes KCNH1, CCDN1, MKI67, and BIRC5 were amplified by real-time PCR as indicators of oncogenesis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. Additionally, genes involved in ER signaling were analyzed. In breast cancer cells, the combination of AM with 4-OH-TMX showed a synergistic antiproliferative effect and favorable dose reduction. AM and 4-OH-TMX decreased KCNH1, CCND1, and BIRC5 gene expression. In endometrial cells, AM decreased MKI-67 gene expression, while it reverted the 4-OH-TMX-dependent CCND1 upregulation. This study establishes the benefits of incorporating AM as a co-adjuvant for first-line ER+ breast cancer therapy.
Delivery Strategies of Probiotics from Nano- and Microparticles: Trends in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease—An Overview
Authors: Lopes Sílvio André , Roque-Borda Cesar Augusto , Duarte Jonatas Lobato , Di Filippo Leonardo Delello , Borges Cardoso Vinícius Martinho , Pavan Fernando Rogério , Chorilli Marlus , Meneguin Andréia Bagliotti
Published: November 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, most known as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), that affects the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), causing considerable symptoms to millions of people around the world. Conventional therapeutic strategies have limitations and side effects, prompting the exploration of innovative approaches. Probiotics, known for their potential to restore gut homeostasis, have emerged as promising candidates for IBD management. Probiotics have been shown to minimize disease symptoms, particularly in patients affected by UC, opening important opportunities to better treat this disease. However, they exhibit limitations in terms of stability and targeted delivery. As several studies demonstrate, the encapsulation of the probiotics, as well as the synthetic drug, into micro- and nanoparticles of organic materials offers great potential to solve this problem. They resist the harsh conditions of the upper GIT portions and, thus, protect the probiotic and drug inside, allowing for the delivery of adequate amounts directly into the colon. An overview of UC and CD, the benefits of the use of probiotics, and the potential of micro- and nanoencapsulation technologies to improve IBD treatment are presented. This review sheds light on the remarkable potential of nano- and microparticles loaded with probiotics as a novel and efficient strategy for managing IBD. Nonetheless, further investigations and clinical trials are warranted to validate their long-term safety and efficacy, paving the way for a new era in IBD therapeutics.
Non-Reciprocal Frequency Contributions from the Active Medium in a Ring Laser
Authors: Velikoseltsev Alexander A. , Schreiber Karl Ulrich , Kodet Jan , Wells Jon-Paul R.
Published: November 2023

Under ideal conditions, the optical path for the two counter-propagating beams in a square ring laser cavity is expected to be entirely reciprocal. This property, together with the absence of any moving parts in the gyro, makes ring lasers a very useful rotation-sensing device. For a typical aircraft application, a sensor stability of the order of 0.01 °/h and a resolution of 1 ppm is required. The demands for inertial rotation sensing in space geodesy are three orders of magnitude higher. Therefore, the perturbations from the presence of the active laser gain medium inside the cavity cannot be ignored. While these perturbations can be sufficiently contained in aviation gyros due to the much lower requirements, they cause a notable bias in large ring laser gyroscopes for the observation of the instantaneous rotation rate of the Earth. In this paper, we report on an improved model for bias stability from the presence of the laser gain medium in the gyro cavity of the large ring laser “G” at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell. Typical values between 5 and 10 ppB are obtained over several months.