bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Accuracy of Ultrasound Guided Injections in the Treatment of Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Viva Mattia Giuseppe , Sveva Valerio , Ruggiero Marco , Fai Annatonia , Savina Alessio , Perrone Riccardo , Donati Danilo , Tedeschi Roberto , Monticone Marco , Farì Giacomo , Bernetti Andrea
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Cervical facet joint syndrome (CFJS) is a frequent cause of neck pain and motor disability. Among the available therapies for CFJS, ultrasound (US)-guided injections are becoming more and more widespread, but the evidence about their accuracy and effectiveness is still debated in the scientific literature. The aim of this systematic review is to assess efficacy, accuracy and feasibility of US-guided cervical facet injections for the related chronic neck pain treatment. Methods: This review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis 2020 (PRISMA) statement guidelines. The scientific articles were identified through the PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases. Qualitative assessment of the selected studies was carried out using the modified Oxford quality scoring system. Nine studies with a total of 958 patients were included in this review. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO 2024 (n°CRD42024512214). Results: The results of this review suggest that the US-guided cervical facet injection for CFJS treatment is an effective technique in terms of accuracy (using the lateral technique it ranges from 92% to 98%), and efficiency (it grants pain relief with a decrease in the procedure time and fewer needle passes in comparison with the X-ray-guided technique, which also involves radiation exposure). Conclusions: US-guided injections are a safe and effective method to treat this musculoskeletal disease, granting a high functional recovery and long-lasting pain relief, net of the used drugs. However, these procedures are strictly operator-dependent and require important training to acquire good expertise.
Intraovarian Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration for Anovulatory Infertility: Preliminary Findings of a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Potiris Anastasios , Stavros Sofoklis , Voros Charalampos , Christopoulos Panagiotis , Pouliakis Abraham , Savvidis Michael , Papapanagiotou Angeliki , Karampitsakos Theodoros , Topis Spyridon , Vrantza Tereza , Salvara Maria , Gerede Angeliki , Anysiadou Sophia , Daskalakis Georgios , Drakakis Peter , Domali Ekaterini
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Infertility constitutes a significant challenge for couples around the world. Ovarian dysfunction, a major cause of infertility, can manifest with anovulatory cycles, elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and diminished ovarian reserve markers such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels or the Antral Follicle Count (AFC). Blood-derived therapies including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been used in fertility treatments in women with low ovarian reserve or premature ovarian insufficiency. This prospective clinical cohort study aims to assess the effects of intraovarian PRP therapy on ovarian function in women diagnosed with anovulatory cycles. Methods: The preliminary findings of this prospective cohort study are based on the first 32 patients enrolled. In this study, patients over 40 years old with anovulatory infertility were included. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant for the preparation of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Each participant received two courses of intraovarian PRP injections using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided approach. Serum levels of reproductive hormones before and after PRP intervention were measured. Results: This study’s results demonstrate a significant improvement in ovarian physiology following transvaginal ultrasound-guided PRP infusion. A 75% increase in Antral Follicle Count (AFC) was observed, which was statistically significant. Furthermore, statistically significant reductions in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin levels were observed. Serum Vitamin D 1–25 levels were substantially increased after the injection. Conclusions: These findings highlight the beneficial impact of intraovarian PRP injection in optimizing ovarian function and other metabolic parameters. However, the published literature on this subject is limited and further clinical studies should be conducted to confirm the role of intraovarian PRP in fertility treatments.
Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Male Infertility: Tests, Mechanisms, Meaning and Sperm Population to Be Tested
Authors: Conti Donata , Calamai Costanza , Muratori Monica
Published: September 2024

Sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) is a DNA damage able to predict natural conception. Thus, many laboratories added tests for the detection of sDF as an adjunct to routine semen analysis with specific indications. However, some points related to sDF are still open. The available tests are very different each from other, and a direct comparison, in terms of the prediction of reproductive outcomes, is mandatory. The proposed mechanisms responsible for sDF generation have not yielded treatments for men with high levels of sDF that have gained the general consent in clinical practice, thus requiring further research. Another relevant point is the biological meaning to attribute to sDF and, thus, what we can expect from tests detecting sDF for the diagnosis of male infertility. SDF can represent the “tip of iceberg” of a more extended and undetected sperm abnormality somehow impacting upon reproduction. Investigating the nature of such a sperm abnormality might provide novel insights into the link between sDF and reproduction. Finally, several studies reported an impact of native sDF on assisted reproduction technique outcomes. However, to fertilise the oocyte, selected spermatozoa are used where sDF, if present, associates with highly motile spermatozoa, which is the opposite situation to native semen, where most sDF associates with non-viable spermatozoa. Studies comparing the impact of sDF, as assessed in both native and selected spermatozoa, are needed.
Mastectomy Skin Flap Perfusion Assessment Prior to Breast Reconstruction: A Narrative Review
Authors: Orădan Alex Victor , Georgescu Alexandru Valentin , Ilie-Ene Alexandru , Corpodean Alma Andreea , Juncan Teodora Paula , Muntean Maximilian Vlad
Published: September 2024

Background: Predicting the viability of the skin flaps after mastectomy is of high importance and significance in immediate breast reconstruction. Numerous methods have been used and are readily available. This review aims to describe and compare the current preferred perfusion assessment tools. Methods: Four major scientific databases—Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus—were consulted to retrieve reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, experimental studies, and case reports focused on skin flap perfusion assessment following mastectomy. English-language articles published within the last 10 years were included. The most recent search was conducted on 31 July 2024. Results: A summary focused on the relevant information of all included studies was drafted, and the results of the studies have been synthetized and compared. A total of 58 studies have been included in this review. Conclusion: Indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A) is the preferred and most-used method of evaluating perfusion, especially in high-risk patients, while new technologies show promising results and might be of great interest in the future. Perfusion assessment tools complement and should not replace clinical evaluation.
Determination of Soil Erodibility by Different Methodologies in the Renato and Caiabi River Sub-Basins in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Jones Anschau Xavier de , Almeida Frederico Terra de , Souza Adilson Pacheco de , Paulista Rhavel Salviano Dias , Zolin Cornélio Alberto , Hoshide Aaron Kinyu
Published: September 2024

Mitigating soil erosion‘s effects have been prioritized since the early 20th century. Rainfall simulators and analytical prediction models are used to determine soil erosion susceptibility. This study used different methodologies to measure soil erodibility in two hydrographic sub-basins, the Renato and Caiabi, in the Middle and Upper Teles Pires River in Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The rainfall simulator showed a higher range of K-factor values for the Renato sub-basin of 0.0009 to 0.0086 Mg × h × (MJ × mm)−1 and a lower range of K-factor values for the Caiabi sub-basin of 0.0014 to 0.0031 Mg × h × (MJ × mm)−1. Soil loss equations similarly estimated a higher range of K-factor values for the Renato of 0.0008 to 0.0990 Mg × h × (MJ × mm)−1 and a lower range of K-factor values for the Caiabi of 0.0014 to 0.0846 Mg × h × (MJ × mm)−1. There was no significant difference at the 5% level for the K factor determined by the rainfall simulator for both sub-basins. Equations specified in Bouyoucos (1935) and Lombardi Neto and Bertoni (1975) showed significant correlation (5%) for farming systems in the Caiabi sub-basin. Indirect methodologies that performed well for correlation were equations 2 and 3 from Roloff and Denardin (1994), which use iron and aluminum as parameters. Soil erosion was most influenced by physical texture parameters of the region’s soil.
Past and Future Land Use and Land Cover Trends across the Mara Landscape and the Wider Mau River Basin, Kenya
Authors: Sitati Evans Napwora , Abdallah Siro , Olago Daniel , Marchant Robert
Published: September 2024

The Maasai Mara and the wider Mau River Basin in East Africa provide fundamental ecosystem services that support people, wildlife, livestock and agriculture. The historical indigenous land use of the Mara and wider Mau basin was wildlife conservation and pastoralism with highland agriculture. However, land policy changes, the rise of community conservancies and the increase in human populations have mediated unprecedented land use shifts over time. We analyze land use and land cover change (LULCC) trends from 1990 to 2040 in the Mara and the wider Mau River Basin landscape. The study examines land use and land cover change trends, establishes factors driving the trends, and assesses the implications of these trends on biodiversity. Multi-temporal satellite images, together with physical and social economic data, were collated to generate future scenarios for transitions for forest, shrubland, grassland, cropland, wetlands and built-up areas between 1990 and 2040. Agricultural expansion is the chief driver of LULCC in the Mara and the wider Mau River Basin, particularly since 2015. There was insignificant change to the forest cover after 2015, which was in part due to government intervention on forest encroachment and boundaries. The anthropogenic choice of tilling the land in the basin caused a decline in grasslands, forests and expanded shrublands, particularly where there was clear tree cutting in the Mau forest. Land use and land cover trends have generated undesirable impacts on ecosystem services that support wildlife conservation.
Planning Challenges and Opportunities in the Conservation of National Trails: The Case of the Israel National Trail
Authors: Ravinsky Raichel Noa , Yahel Havatzelet
Published: September 2024

This study examines the planning challenges and opportunities in conserving national trails, focusing on the Israel National Trail. National trails offer crucial benefits, including health promotion, social connectivity, cultural education, ecological conservation, and economic growth. Despite their value, these trails face sustainability challenges from environmental impacts, resource constraints, and competing interests, often exacerbated by weak statutory protections. Using a case study approach, this study analyzes three decades of case law and planning committee decisions, uncovering real-life conflicts and challenges in trail conservation. This study uncovers issues like difficulties in preserving the trail’s national identity, risks of route diversions, failure to realize ecological and economic potential, and inefficiencies in planning due to a lack of statutory footing. This study contributes to the emerging field of national trail research by proposing a retrospective methodology for identifying sustainability challenges based on practical realities and by emphasizing the need for comprehensive and transparent planning to ensure the sustainable future of national trails. Legal case studies prove to be a valuable tool for identifying conservation challenges and a significant database for developing a sustainable planning strategy. This methodology serves as a useful and globally relevant tool.
“Geological Wonders of Italy”: The Coveted Privilege of Disseminating Geology and Geomorphology through Science Documentaries in the Marche Region
Authors: Farabollini Piero , Bendia Fabrizio , Bignami Luigi
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes an unusual method for the dissemination of geological sciences and the promotion of geotourism: a scientific documentary, where a representative itinerary of geological and geomorphological evolution of the Umbria and Marche regions was presented. The considerations that led to the identification of the geological route proposed to the editorial staff of FOCUS TV are presented in detail. At each stop, there was an explanation by academic professors and researchers, mainly from the Geology Division of the University of Camerino (MC), who explained the outcrops in detail. During the episode, insights were also given into the anthropogenic frequentation of the epigean caves in Frasassi (AN), ancient places of frequentation and worship thanks to their suggestiveness and the sense of magnificence that they can elicit. In addition to the illustration of the individual stops, the article offers further insights into the geomorphology of the most important geosites depicted, all of which are in natural parks or protected areas and characterized by a high landscape value. The result was the production of an episode of the television program ‘Geological Wonders of Italy: the Marche and Umbria Regions’, which was broadcast in October 2022 by the Italian national Mediaset group.
Asymmetric-Convolution-Guided Multipath Fusion for Real-Time Semantic Segmentation Networks
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhao Bing , Tian Ming
Published: September 2024

Aiming to provide solutions for problems proposed by the inaccurate segmentation of long objects and information loss of small objects in real-time semantic segmentation algorithms, this paper proposes a lightweight multi-branch real-time semantic segmentation network based on BiseNetV2. The new auxiliary branch makes full use of spatial details and context information to cover the long object in the field of view. Meanwhile, in order to ensure the inference speed of the model, the asymmetric convolution is used in each stage of the auxiliary branch to design a structure with low computational complexity. In the multi-branch fusion stage, the alignment-and-fusion module is designed to provide guidance information for deep and shallow feature mapping, so as to make up for the problem of feature misalignment in the fusion of information at different scales, and thus reduce the loss of small target information. In order to further improve the model’s awareness of key information, a global context module is designed to capture the most important features in the input data. The proposed network uses an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU experiment on the road street view Cityscapes and CamVid datasets, with the average simultaneously occurring ratios reaching 77.1% and 77.4%, respectively, and the running speeds reaching 127 frames/s and 112 frames/s, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve a real-time segmentation and improve the accuracy significantly, showing good semantic segmentation performance.
On Polar Jacobi Polynomials
Authors: Costas-Santos Roberto S.
Published: September 2024

In the present work, we investigate certain algebraic and differential properties of the orthogonal polynomials with respect to a discrete–continuous Sobolev-type inner product defined in terms of the Jacobi measure.
Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanisms and Virulence Determinants in Colistin- and Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kalaiarasan Ellappan , Alex Anoop , Narasimha Harish Belgode , Sehgal Rakesh
Published: September 2024

Antibiotics like colistin can save patients infected with carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, patients can succumb to such infections even if they undergo colistin therapy. This prompted us to investigate the probable antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and virulence determinants involved in colistin- and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CCRPA). Of the 448 P. aeruginosa clinical strains, 19 isolates were resistant to both colistin and carbapenem. Carbapenemases and efflux pump encoding genes were assessed by multiplex PCR and qPCR, respectively. blaVIM was detected among six CCRPA isolates and blaIMP in one strain. The expression levels of pmrA and phoP, as well as pmrB genes and their association with colistin resistance, were assessed by qPCR and semi-quantitate PCR, respectively. pmrA and phoP genes were significantly enhanced in three and nine CCRPA isolates, respectively. We also phenotypically evaluated biofilms, pyocyanin, and alginate production among CCRPA strains. Alginate production was observed in 15 isolates, followed by biofilm (n = 8) and pyocyanin (n = 5). Our results highlighted the coexistence of colistin and carbapenem resistance and biofilm formation among clinical isolates of CCRPA. Further studies are required to trace the source and the origin of colistin and carbapenem resistance in this specific environment.
Mechanical Properties, Failure Modes, and Damage Development of Stratified Cemented Tailings Backfill under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Xu Wenbin , Zhang Yalun , Chen Wei , Sun Tong , Sang Yilin
Published: September 2024

Layered cemented filling leads to a layered composite structure of cemented tailings backfill (CTB) composed of high-strength top and bottom layers, as well as a low-strength middle layer. To solve the problem of the low mechanical properties of the middle layer caused by layered filling, this study proposes the concept of an enhance layer, that is, an enhance layer is added to the middle weak layer to improve its overall mechanical properties. To explore the characteristics of strength, failure modes, energy dissipation, and progressive damage of stratified cemented tailings backfill (SCTB) with varying layered structures, the uniaxial compressive tests of SCTB specimens with enhance layers c/t of 1:15, 1:10, and 1:6, as well as height proportions of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3, are examined. The results show that the elastic modulus and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of SCTB samples increase with the height ratio and cement-to-tailings ratio of the enhance layer. The elastic modulus and strength of SCTB specimens is more sensitive to the height ratio of the enhance layer than the c/t ratio. Moreover, the SCTB specimens mainly manifested as tensile failure of the upper layer and lower layer, but they did not penetrate the entire specimen. The propagation of cracks is limited by the addition of the enhance layer. The SCTB specimens have stronger plastic deformation ability, and a large part of the all-strain energy is dissipated in the shape of plastic failure. In addition, a constitutive model for damage in SCTB samples has been developed. The SCTB samples with a reasonable structure can also achieve sufficient strength compared to directly increasing the c/t ratio of CTB specimens while reducing the cost of cemented tailings backfill preparation. This approach reduces the carbon footprint of the mining industry and improved the overall mechanical properties and stability of the stratified cemented tailings backfill. This study provides a new approach for high-stage subsequent stope backfilling. The findings will offer guidance for the design of a layered filling mining method.
Comparison of MLR, MNLR, and ANN Models for Estimation of Young’s Modulus (E50) and Poisson’s Ratio (υ) of Rock Materials Using Non-Destructive Measurement Methods
Authors: Deniz Orcun Tugay , Deniz Vedat
Published: September 2024

In this study, the static E50 and υ parameters of rock materials were investigated using P-S wave velocities and Shore hardness (SH), using non-destructive measurement methods. In this study, the multiple linear regression (MLR), multiple non-linear regression (MNLR), and artificial neural network (ANN) models were used to estimate and determine the static E50 and υ parameters. When comparing the models defined by MLR, MNLR, and ANN to the R2 values, it was found that the ANN models, which estimate the E50 and υ parameters of rock materials using non-destructive methods (Vp, Vs, Vp/Vs, ρd, and SH), achieved higher accuracy than the MLR and MNLR models. The originality of this study is rooted in the fact that ores such as galena, chromite, and barite were studied for the first time from a rock mechanics perspective, providing an innovative viewpoint. In addition, the use of all non-destructive measurement methods, Vp, Vs, and Shore hardness tests, also increases the importance of the study findings.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the miR-155 Duplex: Impact of Ionic Strength on Structure and Na+ and Cl− Ion Distribution
Authors: Bizzarri Anna Rita
Published: September 2024

MiR-155 is a multifunctional microRNA involved in many biological processes. Since miR-155 is overexpressed in several pathologies, its detection deserves high interest in clinical diagnostics. Biosensing approaches often exploit the hybridization of miR-155 with its complementary strand. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were applied to investigate the complex formed by miR-155 and its complementary strand in aqueous solution with Na+ and Cl− ions at ionic strengths in the 100–400 mM range, conditions commonly used in biosensing experiments. We found that the main structural properties of the duplex are preserved at all the investigated ionic strengths. The radial distribution functions of both Na+ and Cl− ions around the duplex show deviation from those of bulk with peaks whose relative intensity depends on the ionic strength. The number of ions monitored as a function of the distance from the duplex reveals a behavior reminiscent of the counterion condensation near the duplex surface. The occurrence of such a phenomenon could affect the Debye length with possible effects on the sensitivity in biosensing experiments.
Structure and Intercalation of Cysteine–Asparagine–Serine Peptide into Montmorillonite as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent Preparation—A DFT Study
Authors: Barrientos-Salcedo Carolina , Soriano-Correa Catalina , Hernández-Laguna Alfonso , Sainz-Díaz Claro Ignacio
Published: September 2024

Peptides are receiving significant attention in pharmaceutical sciences due to their applications as anti-inflammatory drugs; however, many aspects of their interactions and mechanisms at the molecular level are not well-known. This work explores the molecular structure of two peptides—(i) cysteine (Cys)–asparagine (Asn)–serine (Ser) (CNS) as a molecule in the gas phase and solvated in water in zwitterion form, and (ii) the crystal structure of the dipeptide serine–asparagine (SN), a reliable peptide indication whose experimental cell parameters are well known. A search was performed by means of atomistic calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). These calculations matched the experimental crystal structure of SN, validating the CNS results and useful for assignments of our experimental spectroscopic IR bands. Our calculations also explore the intercalation of CNS into the interlayer space of montmorillonite (MNT). Our quantum mechanical calculations show that the conformations of these peptides change significantly during intercalation into the confined interlayer space of MNT. This intercalation is energetically favorable, indicating that this process can be a useful preparation for therapeutic anti-inflammatory applications and showing high stability and controlled release processes.
In Silico Molecular Modeling of Four New Afatinib Derived Molecules Targeting the Inhibition of the Mutated Form of BCR-ABL T315I
Authors: Rocha Kelvyn M. L. , Nascimento Érica C. M. , de Jesus Rafael C. C. , Martins João B. L.
Published: September 2024

Four afatinib derivatives were designed and modeled. These derivatives were compared to the known tyrosine-kinase inhibitors in treating Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, i.e., imatinib and ponatinib. The molecules were evaluated through computational methods, including docking studies, the non-covalent interaction index, Electron Localization and Fukui Functions, in silico ADMET analysis, QTAIM, and Heat Map analysis. The AFA(IV) candidate significantly increases the score value compared to afatinib. Furthermore, AFA(IV) was shown to be relatively similar to the ponatinib profile when evaluating a range of molecular descriptors. The addition of a methylpiperazine ring seems to be well distributed in the structure of afatinib when targeting the BCR-ABL enzyme, providing an important hydrogen bond interaction with the Asp381 residue of the DFG-switch of BCR-ABL active site residue and the AFA(IV) new chemical entities. Finally, in silico toxicity predictions show a favorable index, with some molecules presenting the loss of the irritant properties associated with afatinib in theoretical predictions.
The Phase Distribution Characteristics and Interphase Mass Transfer Behaviors of the CO2–Water/Saline System under Gathering and Transportation Conditions: Insights on Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Wang Shuang , Cheng Qinglin , Li Zhidong , Zhao Shaosong , Liu Yue
Published: September 2024

In order to investigate the interphase mass transfer and component distribution characteristics of the CO2–water system under micro-scale and nano-scale transport conditions, a micro-scale kinetic model representing interphase mass transfer in the CO2–water/saline system is developed in this paper. The molecular dynamics method is employed to delineate the diffusion and mass transfer processes of the system’s components, revealing the extent of the effects of variations in temperature, pressure, and salt ion concentration on interphase mass transfer and component distribution characteristics. The interphase mass transfer process in the CO2–water system under transport conditions can be categorized into three stages: approach, adsorption, and entrance. As the system temperature rises and pressure decreases, the peak density of CO2 molecules at the gas–liquid interface markedly drops, with their aggregation reducing and their diffusion capability enhancing. The specific hydration structures between salt ions and water molecules hinder the entry of CO2 into the aqueous phase. Additionally, as the salt concentration in water increases, the density peak of CO2 molecules at the gas–liquid interface slightly increases, while the density value in the water phase region significantly decreases.
The Content of Volatile Organic Compounds in Calypogeia suecica (Calypogeiaceae, Marchantiophyta) Confirms Genetic Differentiation of This Liverwort Species into Two Groups
Authors: Wawrzyniak Rafał , Wasiak Wiesław , Guzowska Małgorzata , Bączkiewicz Alina , Buczkowska Katarzyna
Published: September 2024

Calypogeia is a genus of liverworts in the family Calypogeiaceae. The subject of this study was Calypogeia suecica. Samples of the liverwort Calypogeia suecica were collected from various places in southern Poland. A total of 25 samples were collected in 2021, and 25 samples were collected in 2022. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from liverworts were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 107 compounds were detected, of which 38 compounds were identified. The identified compounds were dominated by compounds from the sesquiterpene group (up to 34.77%) and sesquiterpenoids (up to 48.24%). The tested samples of Calypogeia suecica also contained compounds belonging the aromatic classification (up to 5.46%), aliphatic hydrocarbons (up to 1.66%), and small amounts of monoterpenes (up to 0.17%) and monoterpenoids (up to 0.30%). Due to the observed differences in the composition of VOCs, the tested plant material was divided into two groups, in accordance with genetic diversity.
Fabrication and Application of Tannin Double Quaternary Ammonium Salt/Polyvinyl Alcohol as Efficient Sterilization and Preservation Material for Food Packaging
Authors: Li Laiqi , Zha Wenke , Huang Ximei , Gong Yangyi , Li Sufang
Published: September 2024

Food packaging films play a vital role in preserving and protecting food. The focus has gradually shifted to safety and sustainability in the preparation of functional food packaging materials. In this study, a bisquaternary ammonium salt of tannic acid (BQTA) was synthesized, and the bioplastics based on BQTA and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were created for packaging applications. The impact of BQTA on antibacterial effect, antioxidant capacity, opacity, ultraviolet (UV) protective activity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and anti-fog of the resultant bioplastics was examined. In vitro antibacterial experiments confirmed that BQTA possesses excellent antimicrobial properties, and only a trace amount addition of BQTA in PVA composite film could inhibit about 100% of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Compared to BQTA/PVA bioplastics with pure PVA, the experiment findings demonstrate that BQTA/PVA bioplastics show strong antioxidant and UV protection action and the performance of fruit preservation. It also revealed a small improvement in thermal stability and tensile strength. The small water contact angle, even at low BQTA concentrations, gave BQTA/PVA bioplastics good anti-fog performance. Based on the findings, bioplastics of BQTA/PVA have the potential to be used to create packaging, and they can be applied as the second (inner) layer of the primary packaging to protect food freshness and nutrition due to their antioxidant activity and biocompatibility.
Advancements in Inorganic Membrane Filtration Coupled with Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Zhang Chaoying , Yuan Rongfang , Chen Huilun , Zhou Beihai , Cui Zexin , Zhu Boyun
Published: September 2024

Membrane filtration is an effective water recycling and purification technology to remove various pollutants in water. Inorganic membrane filtration (IMF) technology has received widespread attention because of its unique high temperature and corrosion resistance. Commonly used inorganic membranes include ceramic membranes and carbon-based membranes. As novel catalytic inorganic membrane processes, IMF coupled with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), can realize the separation and in situ degradation of pollutants, thus mitigating membrane contamination. In this paper, the types and performance of IMF are discussed. The influencing factors of inorganic membranes in practical wastewater treatment are summarized. The applications, advantages, and disadvantages of the coupled process of IMF and AOPs are summarized and outlined. Finally, the challenges and prospects of IMF and IMF coupled with AOPs are presented, respectively. This contributes to the design and development of coupled systems of membrane filtration with inorganic materials and IMF coupled with AOPs for practical wastewater treatment.
Influence of Solvent Relative Permittivity in Swab Spray Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Muggli Thomas Michael , Schürch Stefan
Published: September 2024

The influence of solvent properties on ion generation by swab spray ionization was investigated. The ability of a variety of solvents of different relative permittivity, surface tension, and viscosity to form a stable and reproducible electrospray was examined. It is demonstrated that in swab spray ionization, a crucial balance between solvent composition, applied potential, and the solvent flow fed to the swab head must be maintained. The solvent composition was found to significantly affect the shape of the Taylor cone and the emerging cone jet, which eventually have an impact on the resulting ion yield. The results indicate that the relative permittivity of solvents measured under standard conditions is the main factor governing jet shaping, and consequently, the ionization efficacy. Short jets, which are required for maximum ion yield, were observed for solvents with relative permittivity εr higher than 25. Solvents exhibiting lower relative permittivity required the addition of 20% to 60% methanol to limit the jet length and to avoid the ineffective dripping pulsation. The observed effects were compared to conventional electrospray ionization and paper spray ionization.
Laser-Assisted Photo-Thermal Reaction for Ultrafast Synthesis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Copper Nanoparticles Hybrid Films as Flexible Electrodes
Authors: Kim Mi-Jeong , Jeong Hee Jin
Published: September 2024

The hybridization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and Cu nanoparticles offers a promising strategy for creating highly conductive and mechanically stable fillers for flexible printed electronics. In this study, we report the ultrafast synthesis of SWCNT/Cu hybrid nanostructures and the fabrication of flexible electrodes under ambient conditions through a laser-induced photo-thermal reaction. Thermal energy generated from the nonradiative relaxation of the π-plasmon resonance of SWCNTs was utilized to reduce the Cu-complex (known as a metal–organic decomposition ink) into Cu nanoparticles. We systematically investigated the effects of SWCNT concentration and output laser power on the structural and electrical properties of the SWCNT/Cu hybrid electrodes. The SWCNT/Cu electrodes achieved a minimum electrical resistivity of 46 μohm·cm, comparable to that of the metal-based printed electrodes. Mechanical bending tests demonstrated that the SWCNT/Cu electrodes were highly stable and durable, with no significant deformation observed even after 1000 bending cycles. Additionally, the electrodes showed rapid temperature increases and stable Joule heating performance, reaching temperatures of nearly 80 °C at an applied voltage of less than 3.5 V.
In the Depths of Wash Water: Isolation of Opportunistic Bacteria from Fresh-Cut Processing Plants
Authors: Kanarek Piotr , Breza-Boruta Barbara , Bogiel Tomasz
Published: September 2024

The fruit and vegetable industry in post-harvest processing plants is characterized by a substantial consumption of water resources. Wash waters may serve as an environment for the periodic or permanent habitation of microorganisms, particularly if biofilm forms on the inner walls of tanks and flushing channels. Despite the implementation of integrated food safety monitoring systems in numerous countries, foodborne pathogens remain a global public health and food safety concern, particularly for minimally processed food products such as vegetables and fruits. This necessitates the importance of studies that will explore wash water quality to safeguard minimally processed food against foodborne pathogen contamination. Therefore, the current study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria contaminating the wash waters of four fresh-cut processing plants (Poland) and to evaluate the phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles in selected species. Bacteria were isolated using membrane filtration and identified through mass spectrometry, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing according to EUCAST guidelines. The results revealed that the level of contamination with total aerobic bacteria in the water ranged from 1.30 × 106 cfu/mL to 2.54 × 108 cfu/mL. Among the isolates, opportunistic pathogens including Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, and Proteus vulgaris strains were identified. An especially noteworthy result was the identification of cefepime-resistant K. oxytoca isolates. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring the microbial microflora in minimally processed foods and the need for appropriate sanitary control procedures to minimize the risk of pathogen contamination, ensuring that products remain safe and of high quality throughout the supply chain.
The Occurrence of Chlamydia felis in Cats and Dogs in Hungary
Authors: Ulbert Áron Balázs , Juhász Hajnalka , Karácsony Zsanett , Bencze Katalin , Deim Zoltán , Burián Katalin , Terhes Gabriella
Published: September 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that many human infections are zoonoses, creating a worldwide public health challenge. Among Chlamydia species, Chlamydia felis is the leading cause of conjunctivitis in cats and is a prominent zoonotic species. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and risk of chlamydiosis in cats and dogs in Szeged, Hungary, and surrounding areas. The total nucleic acids from conjunctival swab samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic animals were extracted using an automated nucleic acid extraction system. After that, DNA was amplified by pan-chlamydia PCR. Bacterial and fungal cultures were also performed to detect other microorganisms. Of the 93 animals, 32 (34.4%) were positive for pan-chlamydia PCR. The positivity rates were 33.3% (26/78) in cats and 40.0% (6/15) in dogs. Furthermore, the positivity rates were 37.2% (16/43) in the cat shelter, 42.4% (14/33) in the veterinary clinic, and 11.7% (2/17) in household pets. In total, 103 species were identified through culture-based examinations, including 97 (94.2%) bacterial and 6 fungal (5.8%) species. From both human and animal health perspectives, it is essential to have a detailed understanding of the circumstances of chlamydiosis, given the global impact of zoonotic diseases.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Histone Modification Gene (HM) Family and Expression Investigation during Anther Development in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Huang Yongxiang , Liu Jiawei , Cheng Long , Xu Duo , Liu Sijia , Hu Hanqiao , Ling Yu , Yang Rongchao , Zhang Yueqin
Published: September 2024

Histone modification plays a crucial role in chromatin remodeling and regulating gene expression, and participates in various biological processes, including plant development and responses to stress. Several gene families related to histone modification have been reported in various plant species. However, the identification of members and their functions in the rice (Oryza sativa L.) histone modification gene family (OsHM) at the whole-genome level remains unclear. In this study, a total of 130 OsHMs were identified through a genome-wide analysis. The OsHM gene family can be classified into 11 subfamilies based on a phylogenetic analysis. An analysis of the genes structures and conserved motifs indicates that members of each subfamily share specific conserved protein structures, suggesting their potential conserved functions. Molecular evolutionary analysis reveals that a significant number of OsHMs proteins originated from gene duplication events, particularly segmental duplications. Additionally, transcriptome analysis demonstrates that OsHMs are widely expressed in various tissues of rice and are responsive to multiple abiotic stresses. Fourteen OsHMs exhibit high expression in rice anthers and peaked at different pollen developmental stages. RT-qPCR results further elucidate the expression patterns of these 14 OsHMs during different developmental stages of anthers, highlighting their high expression during the meiosis and tetrad stages, as well as in the late stage of pollen development. Remarkably, OsSDG713 and OsSDG727 were further identified to be nucleus-localized. This study provides a fundamental framework for further exploring the gene functions of HMs in plants, particularly for researching their functions and potential applications in rice anthers’ development and male sterility.
Evaluation of the Biostimulant Activity and Verticillium Wilt Protection of an Onion Extract in Olive Crops (Olea europaea)
Authors: Falcón-Piñeiro Ana , Zaguirre-Martínez Javier , Ibáñez-Hernández Ana Claudia , Guillamón Enrique , Santander Kristell , Barrero-Domínguez Belén , López-Feria Silvia , Garrido Dolores , Baños Alberto
Published: September 2024

The olive tree is crucial to the Mediterranean agricultural economy but faces significant threats from climate change and soil-borne pathogens like Verticillium dahliae. This study assesses the dual role of an onion extract formulation, rich in organosulfur compounds, as both biostimulant and antifungal agent. Research was conducted across three settings: a controlled climatic chamber with non-stressed olive trees; an experimental farm with olive trees under abiotic stress; and two commercial olive orchards affected by V. dahliae. Results showed that in the climatic chamber, onion extract significantly reduced MDA levels in olive leaves, with a more pronounced reduction observed when the extract was applied by irrigation compared to foliar spray. The treatment also increased root length by up to 37.1% compared to controls. In field trials, irrigation with onion extract increased the number of new shoots by 148% and the length of shoots by 53.5%. In commercial orchards, treated trees exhibited reduced MDA levels, lower V. dahliae density, and a 26.7% increase in fruit fat content. These findings suggest that the onion extract effectively reduces oxidative stress and pathogen colonization, while enhancing plant development and fruit fat content. This supports the use of the onion extract formulation as a promising, sustainable alternative to chemical treatments for improving olive crop resilience.
A Fast, Efficient, and Tissue-Culture-Independent Genetic Transformation Method for Panax notoginseng and Lilium regale
Authors: Deng Jie , Li Wenyun , Li Xiaomin , Liu Diqiu , Liu Guanze
Published: September 2024

The Agrobacterium-based transgenic technique is commonly used for gene function validation and molecular breeding. However, it is not suitable for plants with a low regeneration capacity or a low transformation rate, such as Panax notoginseng (Burk) F.H. Chen and Lilium regale Wilson. In this study, a novel Agrobacterium transformation method based on injection in the meristems was developed using P. notoginseng and L. regale as experimental models. PCR analysis confirmed the successful integration of the reporter gene DsRed2 (Discosoma striata red fluorescence protein 2) into the genome of two experimental models. QRT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated the transcriptional and translational expression of DsRed2. Additionally, laser confocal microscopy confirmed the significant accumulation of the red fluorescent protein in the leaves, stems, and roots of transformed P. notoginseng and L. regale. Most importantly, in the second year after injection, the specific bright orange fluorescence from DsRed2 expression was observed in the transgenic P. notoginseng and L. regale plants. This study establishes a fast, efficient, and tissue-culture-independent transgenic technique suitable for plants with a low regeneration capacity or a low transformation rate. This technique may improve the functional genomics of important medicinal and ornamental plants such as P. notoginseng and L. regale, as well as their molecular breeding.
Preparation and Properties of Waterborne Polyurethane/Carbon Nanotube/Graphene/Cellulose Nanofiber Composites
Authors: Huang Xiaoyue , Mo Ya , Wu Wanchao , Ye Miaojia , Hu Chuanqun
Published: September 2024

With the rapid advancement of the flexible electronics industry, there is an urgent need to enhance the mechanical properties and thermal stability of flexible electronic devices to expand their range of applications. To address this need, flexible conductive composites have been developed using waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as the matrix, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (GA) as conductive fillers, and incorporating cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). The carbon fillers create a conductive and thermal conductivity network within the matrix, while the presence of CNFs improves the dispersion of CNTs and GA, thereby enhancing the overall network structure. The resulting WGNF composites exhibit a resistivity of up to 1.05 × 104 Ω·cm, a tensile strength of 26.74 MPa, and a thermal conductivity of 0.494 W/(m·K). This demonstrates that incorporating cellulose offers an effective solution for producing high-performance polymeric conductive and thermally conductive composites, showing promising potential for flexible wearable devices.
A Novel CEM-Based 2-DOF PID Controller for Low-Pressure Turbine Speed Control of Marine Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: So Gun-Baek
Published: September 2024

Gas turbine engines have several advantages over piston reciprocating engines, such as higher output per unit volume, reduced vibration, rapid acceleration and deceleration, high power output, and clean exhaust gases. As a result, their use for propulsion in ships has been steadily increasing. However, gas turbine engines exhibit significant parameter variations depending on the rotational speed, making the design of controllers to ensure system stability while achieving satisfactory control performance, a very challenging task. In this paper, a novel CEM-based 2-DOF PID controller design technique is proposed to ensure the stability of a gas turbine engine while improving tracking and disturbance rejection performance. The proposed controller consists of a PID controller focused on enhancing disturbance rejection performance and a set-point filter to improve tracking performance. The set-point filter is composed of gains from the controller and a single weighting factor. When tuning the gains of the controller, the maximum sensitivity is considered to maintain an appropriate balance between system stability and response performance. The key novelty of this study can be summarized in two main points. One is that the controller is designed by matching characteristic equations, and by setting the roots of the desired characteristic equation as multipoles, the gains of the PID controller can be tuned with only one adjusting variable, making the tuning of the 2-DOF controller easier. The other is that the controller parameters are tuned based on maximum sensitivity, thus taking into account the robust stability of the control system. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, simulations are conducted for four scenarios using various performance indices.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the IDMUQ: A Short Measure to Assess Increased Digital Media Use in Preschool Children
Authors: Wartberg Lutz , Schmidt Hannah , Menrath Ingo , Witt Stefanie , Pawils Silke
Published: September 2024

Background: Today, the use of digital media is already present at an early stage in the lives of children. Even preschool children can already develop increased digital media use (IDMU). Empirical findings indicate associations of IDMU with several problems in psychosocial development. Therefore, it seems important to identify IDMU early, but there are very few specific approaches for preschool children. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate a newly developed brief screening instrument (based on DSM-5 criteria) named the IDMUQ (an abbreviation for “Increased Digital Media Use Questionnaire”). Methods: We investigated two samples, consisting of 341 parents and of 809 parents, with the IDMUQ, the Short CIUS, and the Parenting Stress Index. Data on screen time and sociodemographic aspects were also collected. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as well as reliability and correlation analyses. Results: The findings of both the EFA and the CFA support a one-dimensional structure for the IDMUQ. The reliability coefficients (Cronbach’s alpha values) were 0.74 and 0.86. We observed first indications of criterion validity for the IDMUQ as well as correlations between parenting stress and IDMU. Conclusions: The results indicate that the IDMUQ, with its four items, is a promising screening tool to measure IDMU in preschool children.