bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect Sizes of Cognitive and Locomotive Behavior Tests in the 5XFAD-J Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Choi Moonseok , Jang Hyung-Sup , Son Taekwon , Kim Dongsoo , Youn Young-Jin , Hwang Gyu-Bin , Choi Young Pyo , Jeong Yun Ha
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment and other clinical symptoms. The 5XFAD mouse model is commonly used in AD research because it expresses five human transgenes that result in the accumulation of Aβ plaques and cognitive decline at a relatively early age. Behavioral experiments are frequently conducted using this model; however, the effect size has not yet been reported. In this study, we examined basic cognition and locomotion in 5XFAD mice with a C57BL6/J background (5XFAD-J) at 6 months of age, a period in which impairments of cognitive function and locomotion are commonly observed. We analyzed the effect sizes of cognitive and locomotive experiments in the 5XFAD mice compared with those in the wild-type mice. Our results suggest that for long-term memory analysis, the novel object recognition test (p = 0.013, effect size 1.24) required a sample size of at least 12 to obtain meaningful results. Moreover, analysis of general locomotion over total distance with the Laboratory Animal Behavior Observation, Registration and Analysis System (LABORAS) test during the dark phase (p = 0.007, effect size −1.37) needed a sample size of 10 for a statistical power (1-β) of 0.8. In conclusion, we can conduct more ethical and scientifically rigorous animal experiments using 5XFAD mice based on the effect and sample sizes suggested in this study.
A Comparative Study of the Inhibitory Effect of Some Flavonoids and a Conjugate of Taxifolin with Glyoxylic Acid on the Oxidative Burst of Neutrophils
Authors: Shubina Victoria S. , Kozina Victoria I. , Shatalin Yuri V.
Published: October 2023

During the storage, processing, and digestion of flavonoid-rich foods and beverages, a condensation of flavonoids with toxic carbonyl compounds occurs. The effect of the resulting products on cells remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of quercetin, taxifolin, catechin, eriodictyol, hesperetin, naringenin, and a condensation product of taxifolin with glyoxylic acid on the oxidative burst of neutrophils. It was found that the flavonoids and the condensation product inhibited the total production of ROS. Flavonoids decreased both the intra and extracellular ROS production. The condensation product had no effect on intracellular ROS production but effectively inhibited the extracellular production of ROS. Thus, the condensation of flavonoids with toxic carbonyl compounds may lead to the formation of compounds exhibiting potent inhibitory effects on the oxidative burst of neutrophils. The data also suggest that, during these reactions, the influence of a fraction of flavonoids and their polyphenolic derivatives on cellular functions may change. On the whole, the results of the study provide a better understanding of the effects of polyphenols on human health. In addition, these results reveal the structure–activity relationship of these polyphenols and may be useful in a search for new therapeutic agents against diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Readthrough Approach Using NV Translational Readthrough-Inducing Drugs (TRIDs): A Study of the Possible Off-Target Effects on Natural Termination Codons (NTCs) on TP53 and Housekeeping Gene Expression
Authors: Perriera Riccardo , Vitale Emanuele , Pibiri Ivana , Carollo Pietro Salvatore , Ricci Davide , Corrao Federica , Fiduccia Ignazio , Melfi Raffaella , Zizzo Maria Grazia , Tutone Marco , Pace Andrea , Lentini Laura
Published: October 2023

Nonsense mutations cause several genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, β-thalassemia, and Shwachman–Diamond syndrome. These mutations induce the formation of a premature termination codon (PTC) inside the mRNA sequence, resulting in the synthesis of truncated polypeptides. Nonsense suppression therapy mediated by translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) is a promising approach to correct these genetic defects. TRIDs generate a ribosome miscoding of the PTC named “translational readthrough” and restore the synthesis of full-length and potentially functional proteins. The new oxadiazole-core TRIDs NV848, NV914, and NV930 (NV) showed translational readthrough activity in nonsense-related in vitro systems. In this work, the possible off-target effect of NV molecules on natural termination codons (NTCs) was investigated. Two different in vitro approaches were used to assess if the NV molecule treatment induces NTC readthrough: (1) a study of the translational-induced p53 molecular weight and functionality; (2) the evaluation of two housekeeping proteins’ (Cys-C and β2M) molecular weights. Our results showed that the treatment with NV848, NV914, or NV930 did not induce any translation alterations in both experimental systems. The data suggested that NV molecules have a specific action for the PTCs and an undetectable effect on the NTCs.
Artificial Intelligence and Software Modeling Approaches in Autonomous Vehicles for Safety Management: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abbasi Shirin , Rahmani Amir Masoud
Published: October 2023

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have emerged as a promising technology for enhancing road safety and mobility. However, designing AVs involves various critical aspects, such as software and system requirements, that must be carefully addressed. This paper investigates safety-aware approaches for AVs, focusing on the software and system requirements aspect. It reviews the existing methods based on software and system design and analyzes them according to their algorithms, parameters, evaluation criteria, and challenges. This paper also examines the state-of-the-art artificial intelligence-based techniques for AVs, as AI has been a crucial element in advancing this technology. This paper reveals that 63% of the reviewed studies use various AI methods, with deep learning being the most prevalent (34%). The article also identifies the current gaps and future directions for AV safety research. This paper can be a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners on AV safety.
The Characterization of Melanaphis sacchari Microbiota and Antibiotic Treatment Effect on Insects
Authors: Xoconostle-Cázares Beatriz , Ramírez-Pool José Abrahán , Núñez-Muñoz Leandro Alberto , Calderón-Pérez Berenice , Vargas-Hernández Brenda Yazmín , Bujanos-Muñiz Rafael , Ruiz-Medrano Roberto
Published: October 2023

Insects are under constant selective pressure, which has resulted in adaptations to novel niches such as crops. This is the case of the pest Melanaphis sacchari, the sugarcane aphid, native to Africa and currently spreading worldwide. The aphid undergoes successful parthenogenesis, causing important damage to a variety of crops and leading to important economic losses for farmers. A natural M. sacchari population grown in sorghum was studied to identify its microbiome through the sequencing of its 16S rDNA metagenome. A high proportion of Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria, was observed. We also detected Wolbachia, which correlates with the asexual reproduction of its host. M. sacchari was challenged in a bioassay with the antibiotics oxytetracycline and streptomycin, resulting in a dose-dependent decay of its survival rate. The possibility of controlling this pest by altering its microbiota is proposed.
The Effect of Femtosecond Laser Surface Patterns on the Effectiveness of Resin Composite to Zirconia Bonding
Authors: Alsarani Majed M. , Alsadon Omar , Alageel Omar , Alfrisany Najm , Almutairi Zeyad , Al-Gawati Mahmoud A. , Almozainy Mayyadah
Published: October 2023

This laboratory study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface patterns using femtosecond laser treatment on the enclosed mold shear bond strength (EM-SBS) of resin composite to zirconia (ZrO2) surfaces and to contrast it with the widely used tribochemical silica coating (TBC) surface conditioning method. A set of fifteen rectangular ZrO2 blocks were randomly divided into five groups according to surface pretreatment: Control G0—no treatment; G1—TBC with silane application; G2—femtosecond laser irradiation with horizontal lines 30 µm apart; G3—femtosecond laser irradiation with horizontal lines 15 µm apart; and G4—femtosecond laser irradiation with cross lines 30 µm apart. The pretreated surfaces were characterized by a surface profilometer, tensiometer and scanning electron microscope. The EM-SBS of resin composite stubs to ZrO2 was measured followed by fractographic analysis. The surface roughness and water contact angle were observed to be statistically higher among the femtosecond laser groups compared to the TBC and control groups. The G4 group exhibited the highest EM-SBS among all the groups, irrespective of the ageing conditions used. At the end of 5000 thermocycles, G4 exhibited EM-SBS of 14.05 ± 4.21 MPa compared to 13.80 ± 3.01 MPa in G1 and 5.47 ± 0.97 MPa in G0. The two-way ANOVA revealed a significant effect of both study groups and ageing conditions on the EM-SBS (p < 0.001). Utilization of femtosecond laser technology holds promise as a potential and alternative mechanical retention approach for enhancing the bonding strength of the resin composite to ZrO2.
Carbon Sink Trends in the Karst Regions of Southwest China: Impacts of Ecological Restoration and Climate Change
Authors: Xu Xiaojuan , Jiao Fusheng , Lin Dayi , Liu Jing , Zhang Kun , Yang Ruozhu , Lin Naifeng , Zou Changxin
Published: October 2023

Southwest China (SWC) holds the distinction of being the world’s largest rock desertification area. Nevertheless, the impacts of climate change and ecological restoration projects on the carbon sinks in the karst area of Southwest China have not been systematically evaluated. In this study, we calculated carbon sinks by utilizing the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach (CASA) model, and the actual measurements, including the net primary productivity (NPP) data and soil respiration (Rs,) were calculated to obtain carbon sink data. Our findings suggest that the carbon sinks in the karst areas are displaying increasing trends or positive reversals, accounting for 58.47% of the area, which is larger than the overall average of 45.08% for Southwest China. This suggests that the karst areas have a greater carbon sequestration potential. However, approximately 10.42% of carbon sinks experience negative reversals. The regions with increasing and positive reversals are primarily located in the western parts of Guizhou and Guangxi, while negative reversals are observed in the eastern parts of Chongqing, Guangxi, and Guizhou. Ecological restoration projects are the main driving factors for the carbon sinks with increasing trends. Increased humidity and ecological restoration management are the main reasons for the positive reversals of carbon sinks. However, warming and drought shift the carbon sinks from increasing to decreasing in Chongqing, east of Guangxi and Guizhou. The findings of this study highlight the significant role of ecological restoration projects and reexamine the impact of climate change on carbon sequestration.
What Does It Meme? English–Spanish Codeswitching and Enregisterment in Virtual Social Space
Authors: Dickinson Kendra V.
Published: October 2023

This project investigates English–Spanish codeswitching in internet memes posted to the Facebook page, We are mitú (mitú), and analyzes how lexical insertions and quotatives contribute to the enregisterment of linguistic patterns and the construction of collective identity among U.S. Latinx millennials in virtual social spaces. Data include instances of lexical insertion (n = 280) and quotative mixed codes (n = 114) drawn from a collected corpus of 765 image–text memes. The most frequent lexical insertions included food items (e.g., elote and pozole), kinship terms (e.g., abuelita and tía), and culturally specific artifacts or practices (e.g., quinceañera and lotería), which reflect biculturalism and rely on a shared set of references for the construction of a group identity. Additionally, the quotatives in the data construct Spanish-speaking characterological figures that enregister a particular brand of U.S. Latinx millennial identity that includes being bilingual, having Spanish-speaking parents, and having strong ties to Latinx culture. Overall, this work highlights not only internet memes as a vehicle for enregisterment, but also, and more importantly, how the language resources employed within them work to enregister linguistic and cultural norms of U.S. Latinx millennials, and thereby, play a role in identity construction in virtual social spaces.
Influence of Dry-Film Lubricants on Bond Strength and Corrosion Behaviour of 6xxx Aluminium Alloy Adhesive Joints for the Automotive Industry
Authors: Gruber Ralph , Singewald Tanja Denise , Bruckner Thomas Maximilian , Hader-Kregl Laura , Hafner Martina , Stifter David
Published: October 2023

In the automotive industry, the application of dry lubricants on aluminium is indispensable for achieving a high-quality forming behaviour. To provide a short production time, these forming aids are not removed during the joining step. The aim of this study is the characterisation of the influence of dry lubricants on the bond strength and the corrosion resistance of a 6xxx aluminium alloy for automotive applications. For this purpose, samples with a well-defined surface were coated with 1 g/m2 dry lubricant and joined with a commercial thermosetting 1K epoxy structural adhesive. The bond strength was measured with lap shear tests. To evaluate the corrosion resistance of the adhered aluminium samples, an immersion test in a 5 wt.% NaCl solution was used. Based on the fracture pattern analysis, the corrosion behaviour could be described, and the possible corrosion mechanisms are proposed. The influence of the load quantity of the dry lubricants is observed microscopically and mechanically. The environmentally induced degradation process of the adhesive is examined by an investigation of the volumetric change during the testing and with scanning electron microscopy. Using a simulation, the changes in the adhesive polymer matrix at the metal–adhesive interface caused by the dry lubricants are examined using polymer test procedures like dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile tests. The results show a significant effect of the forming aid on the corrosion resistance of the adhered aluminium samples against the corrosive infiltration of the metal–adhesive interface.
Investigation of the Material Elasto-Plastic Response under Contact Indentation: The Effect of Indenter Material
Authors: Tonazzi Davide , Piva Francesco , Mondelin Alexandre , Le Jeune Gwenolè , Mahéo Yves , Massi Francesco
Published: October 2023

When dealing with joints and bearings, high pressures localised at the contact interface lead to residual plastic strain. The present paper combines numerical simulations and experimental tests to investigate the role of the material constitutive law in the indentation process. Numerical indentation tests between similar materials showed a good agreement with the experiments when classical material laws recovered from tensile-compressive tests on bulk samples were accounted for. On the other hand, when simulating indentation between different materials in contact, the comparison between the numerical and experimental results highlighted the limits of using classical material laws. Bilinear material laws were then derived for different steel materials (ASP 2060 PM, 100Cr6, 440C, Marval X12, and Z15 CN17-03) in contact with a ceramic indenter, leading to the correct simulation of the residual indentation profiles (error less than 5%). The proposed approach to determine suitable material laws for indentation between dissimilar materials can be further applied when dealing with applications involving contacts undergoing local plastic deformation.
Stainless Steel in Municipal Sewage—How to Recognize Favorable Corrosion Conditions
Authors: Lochyński Paweł , Domańska Magdalena , Dziedzic Robert , Hamal Kamila
Published: October 2023

While chromium–nickel steel is known to be extremely resistant to corrosion, the occurrence of certain factors can unfortunately initiate an uncontrolled corrosion process. This paper presents samples made of 304 stainless steel containing delta ferrite that have been exposed to wastewater for 18 months. Samples placed above the surface of the wastewater (A-series) were intensively corroded. Samples half-submerged in the wastewater and periodically fully submerged at higher effluent flows through the screenings and grit separator (B-series) only suffered minor mechanical erosion. No significant changes in the tested surface were observed on samples fully submerged in wastewater (C-series). The results indicated that the observed pitting corrosion of samples placed above the surface of the wastewater was a consequence of the presence of bacteria in a wet hydrogen sulfide environment. The fluorescence in situ hybridization method showed that either the sludge taken from the wastewater, or from the surface of samples submerged in wastewater exhibited increased amounts of bacteria from the δ-proteobacteria class, indicating the presence of microorganisms involved in the reduction of sulfur or sulfate compounds. A new approach to microbiological evaluation by determining classes of bacteria may be a promising tool for evaluating wastewater in terms of aggressiveness and recognizing favorable corrosive conditions.
Polycarboxy/Sulfo Betaine—Calcium Phosphate Hybrid Materials with a Remineralization Potential
Authors: Rabadjieva Diana , Gergulova Rumiana , Ruseva Konstans , Bonchev Alexander , Shestakova Pavletta , Simeonov Marin , Vasileva Radosveta , Tatchev Dragomir , Titorenkova Rositsa , Vassileva Elena
Published: October 2023

Biomacromolecules control mineral formation during the biomineralization process, but the effects of the organic components’ functionality on the type of mineral phase is still unclear. The biomimetic precipitation of calcium phosphates in a physiological medium containing either polycarboxybetaine (PCB) or polysulfobetaine (PSB) was investigated in this study. Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) or a mixture of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) in different ratios were identified depending on the sequence of initial solution mixing and on the type of the negative functional group of the polymer used. The more acidic character of the sulfo group in PSB than the carboxy one in PCB determines the dominance of the acidic solid phases, namely, an acidic amorphous phase or DCPD. In the presence of PCB, the formation of ACP with acicular particles arranged in bundles with the same orientation was observed. A preliminary study on the remineralization potential of the hybrid material with the participation of PSB and a mixture of OCP and DCPD did not show an increase in enamel density, contrary to the materials based on PCB and ACP. Moreover, the latter showed the creation of a newly formed crystal layer similar to that of the underlying enamel. This defines PCB/ACP as a promising material for enamel remineralization.
Rapid Identification of Material Defects Based on Pulsed Multifrequency Eddy Current Testing and the k-Nearest Neighbor Method
Authors: Grochowalski Jacek M. , Chady Tomasz
Published: October 2023

The article discusses the utilization of Pulsed Multifrequency Excitation and Spectrogram Eddy Current Testing (PMFES-ECT) in conjunction with the supervised learning method for the purpose of estimating defect parameters in conductive materials. To obtain estimates for these parameters, a three-dimensional finite element method model was developed for the sensor and specimen containing defects. The outcomes obtained from the simulation were employed as training data for the k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) algorithm. Subsequently, the k-NN algorithm was employed to determine the defect parameters by leveraging the available measurement outcomes. The evaluation of classification accuracy for different combinations of predictors derived from measured data is also presented in this study.
Life Cycle Assessment of Production of Hydrochar via Hydrothermal Carbonization of Date Palm Fronds Biomass
Authors: Yin Chun-Yang , El-Harbawi Mohanad , Jiang Zhong-Tao
Published: October 2023

This study presents novel life cycle assessment (LCA) findings on hydrochar production from Saudi-Arabia-based date palm fronds biomass waste using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). The LCA procedure incorporated normalization, weighting, and improvement assessment. The system boundary encompassed water consumption and energy requirements within a lab setting representing a gate-to-gate process. The OpenLCA 1.11.0 software with the European Life Cycle Database 3.2 (ELCD 3.2) was utilized for the study and we employed the ReCiPe Midpoint (H) 2016 and Environmental Footprint 3.0 (EF 3.0) impact assessment methods. The results indicated that fossil fuel usage represented the most significant impact category with the HTC and drying processes identified as major contributors. It was also observed that the HTC process exerted far greater detrimental impacts on the environment than the biomass grinding process. The overwhelming impact of fossil fuel resources could be mitigated by optimizing the batches of biomass or hydrochar samples in each operation, which could alleviate fossil fuel consumption by up to 94%. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the environmental burden and contribute to sustainable hydrochar production.
Electric Power Flow Control in Double Three-Phase Machines without Shift between Magnetic Axes
Authors: Milićević Dragan , Vukajlović Nikola , Hajdarpašić Amar , Popadić Bane , Dumnić Boris , Čorba Zoltan , Porobić Vlado
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the control strategy adopted for six-phase machines that have been designed as double three-phase machines without a displacement between the magnetic axes of the two sets of three-phase windings (6PH-ZS). The approach is based on vector control principles, enabling the independent control of direct- and quadrature-current components in both three-phase windings. The advantages of such an approach stem from the flexibility of the current distribution between windings, which aims to achieve the required flux and torque. The proposed control strategy is considered for both motor and generator operating regimes. However, an additional quasi-transformer regime is also addressed. While the classic operation regime requires the machine to produce either driving or generating/braking torque, the quasi-transformer regime enables the control of electric power flow between two three-phase windings. A theoretical analysis of the machine model and control algorithm for the flow of electric power through machines is presented for the three aforementioned operating regimes. Verification of the proposed control algorithm is performed through extensive experimental verification.
Fast Calculation of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Flow, Heat Transfer Performance, and Mass Flow Rate Matching Optimization of Printed Circuit Heat Exchangers Used as Recuperators
Authors: Xi Kun , Xie Zhihui , Zhao Xiang , Song Yu , Liu Hanyu
Published: October 2023

Printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs) are widely used as recuperators in the supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton cycle design. The variation of heat sources will have a great impact on the heat transfer effect of the recuperator. It is of interest to study the fast calculation of flow and heat transfer performance of PCHEs under different operating conditions to obtain the optimal comprehensive performance and provide guidance for the operation control strategy analysis. Herein, a fast calculation method is established through a one-dimensional model of a PCHE based on Modelica. The effects of working medium mass flow rate and inlet temperature on the flow and heat transfer process are analyzed from the three aspects of heat transfer rate, flow pressure drop, and comprehensive performance, and the mass flow rate matching optimization is realized. The results show that increased mass flow rate increases heat transfer rate and flow pressure drop. The efficiency evaluation coefficient (EEC) has a maximum value at which the mass flow rate values of the cold and hot channels are best matched, and the comprehensive performance is optimal. When the mass flow rate of the heat channel is 4.8 g/s, the maximum EEC is 1.42, corresponding to the mass flow rate of the cold channel, 4.2 g/s. Compared with the design condition, the heat transfer rate increases by 62.1%, and the total pump power increases by 14.2%. When the cold channel inlet temperature increases, EEC decreases rapidly, whereas EEC increases when the hot channel inlet temperature increases. The conclusions can provide theoretical support for the design and operation of PCHEs.
A Novel Neural Network Architecture Using Automated Correlated Feature Layer to Detect Android Malware Applications
Authors: Alabrah Amerah
Published: October 2023

Android OS devices are the most widely used mobile devices globally. The open-source nature and less restricted nature of the Android application store welcome malicious apps, which present risks for such devices. It is found in the security department report that static features such as Android permissions, manifest files, and API calls could significantly reduce malware app attacks on Android devices. Therefore, an automated method for malware detection should be installed on Android devices to detect malicious apps. These automated malware detection methods are developed using machine learning methods. Previously, many studies on Android OS malware detection using different feature selection approaches have been proposed, indicating that feature selection is a widely used concept in Android malware detection. The feature dependency and the correlation of the features enable the malicious behavior of an app to be detected. However, more robust feature selection using automated methods is still needed to improve Android malware detection methods. Therefore, this study proposed an automated ANN-method-based Android malware detection method. To validate the proposed method, two public datasets were used in this study, namely the CICInvestAndMal2019 and Drebin/AMD datasets. Both datasets were preprocessed via their static features to normalize the features as binary values. Binary values indicate that certain permissions in any app are enabled (1) or disabled (0). The transformed feature sets were given to the ANN classifier, and two main experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, the ANN classifier used a simple input layer, whereas a five-fold cross-validation method was applied for validation. In Experiment 2, the proposed ANN classifier used a proposed feature selection layer. It includes selected features only based on correlation or dependency with respect to benign or malware apps. The proposed ANN-method-based results are significant, improved, and robust and were better than those presented in previous studies. The overall results of using the five-fold method on the CICInvestAndMal2019 dataset were a 95.30% accuracy, 96% precision, 98% precision, and 92% F1-score. Likewise, on the AMD/Drebin dataset, the overall scores were a 99.60% accuracy, 100% precision and recall, and 99% F1-score. Furthermore, the computational cost of both experiments was calculated to prove the performance improvement brought about by the proposed ANN classifier compared to the simple ANN method with the same time of training and prediction.
A Two-Stage Hypervolume-Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Many-Objective Optimization
Authors: Wen Chengxin , Ma Hongbin
Published: October 2023

Many-objective optimization is a critical research topic in the evolutionary computing community. Many algorithms have been proposed to tackle this problem, with evolutionary algorithms based on the hypervolume being among the most effective ones. However, calculating the hypervolume indicator in high-dimensional objective spaces remains time-consuming. To address this issue, we propose a two-stage hypervolume-based evolutionary algorithm (ToSHV) that separates global search and local search to ensure both convergence and diversity. ToSHV performs a global search in the first stage by generating multiple offspring per generation. We modified the R2HCA method to estimate the overall hypervolume contribution, avoiding the time-consuming nature of updating the hypervolume contribution with the greedy method. In the second stage, only one offspring is produced per generation to emphasize local exploration and enhance population diversity. Furthermore, a stage-switching mechanism is designed to dynamically select the appropriate search mode based on the prevailing population distribution. We evaluate our algorithm on WFG and DTLZ test suites, comparing it with three hypervolume-based algorithms and four state-of-the-art algorithms. Experimental results show that our approach is competitive in most cases.
Antidiabetic Drug Efficacy in Reduction of Mortality during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gonikman Daniel , Kustovs Dmitrijs
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is a complex challenge for the existing scientific and medical landscape. It is an ongoing public health crisis, with over 245,373,039 confirmed cases globally, including 4,979,421 deaths as of 29 October 2021. Exploring molecular mechanisms correlated with the disease’s severity has demonstrated significant factors of immune compromise, noted in diabetic patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections. Among diabetics, the altered function of the immune system allows for better penetration of the virus into epithelial cells, increased viral binding affinity due to hyperglycemia, reduced T cell function, decreased viral clearance, high risks of cytokine storm, and hyper-inflammatory responses, altogether increasing the susceptibility of these patients to an extreme COVID-19 disease course. Materials and Methods: This research involved a systematic literature search among various databases comprising PubMed and Google Scholar in determining credible studies about the effects of antidiabetic drugs on the high mortality rates among diabetic patients infected with COVID-19. The primary search found 103 results. Duplicated results, non-pertinent articles, and the unavailability of full text were excluded. Finally, we included 74 articles in our review. The inclusion criteria included articles published during 2020–2023, studies that reported a low risk of bias, and articles published in English. Exclusion criteria included studies published in non-peer-reviewed sources, such as conference abstracts, thesis papers, or non-academic publications. Results: Among the studied anti-diabetic drugs, Metformin, the Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), and Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) have demonstrated decreased mortality rates among diabetic patients infected with COVID-19. Insulin and Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) have demonstrated increased mortality rates, while Sulfonylureas, Thiazolidinedione (TZD), and Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGI) have demonstrated mortality-neutral results.
Comparison of Various Reducing Agents for Methane Production by Methanothermobacter marburgensis
Authors: Mock Maximilian Peter , Ochi Rayen , Bieringer Maria , Bieringer Tim , Brotsack Raimund , Leyer Stephan
Published: October 2023

Biological methanation is driven by anaerobic methanogenic archaea, cultivated in different media, which consist of multiple macro and micro nutrients. In addition, a reducing agent is needed to lower the oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) and enable the growth of oxygen-sensitive organisms. Until now, sodium sulfide (Na2S) has been used mainly for this purpose based on earlier published articles at the beginning of anaerobic microbiology research. In a continuation of earlier investigations, in this study, the usage of alternative reducing agents like sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4) and L-Cysteine-HCl shows that similar results can be obtained with fewer environmental and hazardous impacts. Therefore, a newly developed comparison method was used for the cultivation of Methanothermobacter marburgensis. The median methane evolution rate (MER) for the alternatives was similar compared to Na2S at different concentrations (0.5, 0.25 and 0.1 g/L). However, the use of 0.25 g/L Na2S2O4 or 0.1 g/L L-Cys-HCl led to stable MER values over consecutive batches compared to Na2S. It was also shown that a lower concentration of reducing agent leads to a higher MER. In conclusion, Na2S2O4 or L-Cys-HCl can be used as a non-corrosive and non-toxic reducing agent for ex situ biological methanation. Economically, Na2S2O4 is cheaper, which is particularly interesting for scale-up purposes.
Naphthaleneoxypropargyl-Containing Piperazine as a Regulator of Effector Immune Cell Populations upon an Aseptic Inflammation
Authors: Yu Valentina K. , Sycheva Yelena S. , Kairanbayeva Gulgul K. , Dembitsky Valery M. , Balabekova Marina K. , Tokusheva Aliya N. , Seilkhanov Tulegen M. , Zharkynbek Tolganay Y. , Balapanova Anar Kh. , Tassibekov Khaidar S.
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the effects of aseptic inflammation and heavy metal exposure on immune responses, as well as the potential immunomodulatory properties of the newly synthesized 1-[1-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-(naphthalene-1-yloxy)but-2-ynyl]-4-methylpiperazine complexed with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Aseptic inflammation was induced by a subcutaneous injection of turpentine in rats, while heavy metal exposure was achieved through a daily administration of cadmium chloride and lead acetate. The levels of immune cell populations, including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), monocytes, and granulocytes, were assessed in the spleen. The results showed that aseptic inflammation led to decreased levels of CTL, monocytes, and granulocytes on the 14th day, indicating an inflammatory response accompanied by a migration of effector cells to the inflamed tissues. The exposure to cadmium chloride and lead acetate resulted in systemic immunotoxic effects, with reduced levels of B cells, CD4+ Th cells, monocytes, and granulocytes in the spleen. Notably, piperazine complexed with β-CD (the complex) exhibited significant stimulatory effects on CD4+, CD8+, and myeloid cell populations during aseptic inflammation, even in the presence of heavy metal exposure. These findings suggest the potential immunomodulatory properties of the complex in the context of aseptic inflammation and heavy metal exposure.
Investigation of Vacancy-Ordered Double Perovskite Halides A2Sn1−xTixY6 (A = K, Rb, Cs; Y = Cl, Br, I): Promising Materials for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Chen Wen , Liu Gang , Dong Chao , Guan Xiaoning , Gao Shuli , Hao Jinbo , Chen Changcheng , Lu Pengfei
Published: October 2023

In the present study, the structural, mechanical, electronic and optical properties of all-inorganic vacancy-ordered double perovskites A2Sn1−xTixY6 (A = K, Rb, Cs; Y = Cl, Br, I) are explored by density functional theory. The structural and thermodynamic stabilities are confirmed by the tolerance factor and negative formation energy. Moreover, by doping Ti ions into vacancy-ordered double perovskite A2SnY6, the effect of Ti doping on the electronic and optical properties was investigated in detail. Then, according to the requirement of practical applications in photovoltaics, the optimal concentration of Ti ions and the most suitable halide element are determined to screen the right compositions. In addition, the mechanical, electronic and optical properties of the selected compositions are discussed, exhibiting the maximum optical absorption both in the visible and ultraviolet energy ranges; thus, the selected compositions can be considered as promising materials for application in solar photovoltaics. The results suggest a great potential of A2Sn1−xTixY6 (A = K, Rb, Cs; Y = Cl, Br, I) for further theoretical research as well as experimental research on the photovoltaic performance of stable and toxic-free perovskite solar cells.
Characteristics of Current Teaching Kitchens: Findings from Recent Surveys of the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative
Authors: Badaracco Christina , Thomas Olivia W. , Massa Jennifer , Bartlett Rachel , Eisenberg David M.
Published: October 2023

Teaching kitchens are physical and virtual forums that foster practical life skills through participation in experiential education. Given the well-supported connection between healthy eating patterns and the prevention and management of chronic diseases, both private and public organizations are building teaching kitchens (TKs) to enhance the health and wellness of patients, staff, youth, and the general community. Although implementation of TKs is becoming more common, best practices for starting and operating programs are limited. The present study aims to describe key components and professionals required for TK operations. Surveys were administered to Teaching Kitchen Collaborative (TKC) members and questions reflected seven primary areas of inquiry: (1) TK setting(s), (2) audiences served, (3) TK model(s), (4) key lines of operations, (5) team member who manages or directs the TK, (6) team member(s) who performs key operations and other professionals or partnerships that may be needed, and (7) the primary funding source(s) to build and operate the TK (among various other topics). Findings were used to articulate recommendations for organizations seeking to establish a successful TK as well as for TKs to expand their collective reach, research capacity, and impact.
Integration with Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveals the In Vitro Cytotoxic Mechanisms of Chinese Poplar Propolis by Triggering the Glucose Metabolism in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Guo Yuyang , Liu Zhengxin , Wu Qian , Li Zongze , Yang Jialin , Xuan Hongzhuan
Published: October 2023

Natural products serve as a valuable reservoir of anticancer agents. Chinese poplar propolis (CP) has exhibited remarkable antitumor activities, yet its precise mechanisms of action remain elusive. This study aims to elucidate the in vitro cytotoxic mechanisms of CP in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) through comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Our evidence suggested that CP possesses a great potential to inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells by targeting the glucose metabolism. Notably, CP exhibited a dose- and time-dependent reduction in the viability of HepG2 cells. Transcriptome sequencing unveiled significant alterations in the cellular metabolism, particularly within glucose metabolism pathways. CP effectively restrained glucose consumption and lactic acid production. Moreover, the CP treatment led to a substantial decrease in the mRNA expression levels of key glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3) and glycolytic enzymes (LDHA, HK2, PKM2, and PFK). Correspondingly, CP suppressed some key protein levels. Cellular metabolomic analysis demonstrated a marked reduction in intermediary products of glucose metabolism, specifically fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and acetyl-CoA, following CP administration. Finally, key compounds in CP were screened, and apigenin, pinobanksin, pinocembrin, and galangin were identified as potential active agents against glycolysis. It indicates that the effectiveness of propolis in inhibiting liver cancer is the result of the combined action of several components. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic value of propolis in the treatment of liver cancer by targeting glycolytic pathways.
The Effect of Three Different Ketogenic Diet Protocols on Migraine and Fatigue in Chronic and High-Frequency Episodic Migraine: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tereshko Yan , Dal Bello Simone , Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Pittino Alice , Filippi Francesca , Belgrado Enrico , Lettieri Christian , Merlino Giovanni , Gigli Gian Luigi , Valente Mariarosaria
Published: October 2023

Aims: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three different ketogenic diets on migraine and fatigue in chronic and high-frequency episodic migraineurs. Methods: 76 patients with migraine were treated with the KD for at least three months. Three different KD protocols were used (2:1 KD, LGID, and VLCKD). We evaluated the fatigue severity scale (FSS), migraine frequency, migraine intensity, MIDAS, and HIT-6 at the baseline and 3-month follow-up, and we compared the results. We also correlated the mean FSS reduction with the mean migraine frequency, migraine intensity, BMI, fat mass, free-fat mass, MIDAS, and HIT-6 reduction. Results: FSS improved from 4.977 ± 1.779 to 3.911 ± 1.779 at the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001). This improvement was significant in both high-frequency and chronic migraineurs. Moreover, the three KD protocols effectively improved migraine intensity, frequency, MIDAS, and HIT-6. There was a mild correlation between mean FSS reduction (p < 0.001), mean MIDAS (p = 0.001), and HIT-6 (p = 0.002) reduction. Conclusions: The VLCKD, LGID, and 2:1 KD may improve migraine intensity, frequency, and fatigue in chronic and high-frequency episodic migraineurs.
Community-Based Hip Screening for Up to Four-Month-Old Infants and Health Guidance for Their Caregivers in Japan: A Nation-Wide Survey
Authors: Yoshioka-Maeda Kyoko , Matsumoto Hiroshige , Inagaki-Asano Asa , Honda Chikako
Published: October 2023

Early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children is crucial. Due to COVID-19, maternal and child health services have been suspended temporarily, increasing the risk of late detection of DDH. This study aimed to reveal Japan’s current situation regarding community hip screening for newborns and infants and to provide health guidance for caregivers regarding DDH. A web-based, nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and March 2023 (n = 1737). One public health nurse overseeing maternal and child health per municipality responded to the 2022 municipality hip screening system. Among the 436 municipalities that responded (response rate: 25.1%), 97.5% implemented hip screening within 4 months, and approximately 60% performed it during newborn home visits, while only 2.3% conducted hip ultrasound screening. Perfect checking of the risk factors for DDH during newborn home visits and training opportunities for home visitors must be improved. Educational programs regarding DDH for home visitors and caregivers are needed to prevent the late diagnosis of DDH. Furthermore, collaboration between pediatric orthopedic surgeons and nurses is crucial for developing effective community-based hip-screening systems by bridging the evidence and practice gap in the early detection of DDH.
The Development of a Smart Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Contrast Agent for the Imaging of Sulfatase Activity
Authors: Welleman Ilse M. , Reeβing Friederike , Boersma Hendrikus H. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Feringa Ben L. , Szymanski Wiktor
Published: October 2023

The molecular imaging of biomarkers plays an increasing role in medical diagnostics. In particular, the imaging of enzyme activity is a promising approach, as it enables the use of its inherent catalytic activity for the amplification of an imaging signal. The increased activity of a sulfatase enzyme has been observed in several types of cancers. We describe the development and in vitro evaluation of molecular imaging agents that allow for the detection of sulfatase activity using the whole-body, non-invasive MRI and CEST imaging methods. This approach relies on a responsive ligand that features a sulfate ester moiety, which upon sulfatase-catalyzed hydrolysis undergoes an elimination process that changes the functional group, coordinating with the metal ion. When Gd3+ is used as the metal, the complex can be used for MRI, showing a 25% decrease at 0.23T and a 42% decrease at 4.7T in magnetic relaxivity after enzymatic conversion, thus providing a “switch-off” contrast agent. Conversely, the use of Yb3+ as the metal leads to a “switch-on” effect in the CEST imaging of sulfatase activity. Altogether, the results presented here provide a molecular basis and a proof-of-principle for the magnetic imaging of the activity of a key cancer biomarker.
Recent Perspectives on Cardiovascular Toxicity Associated with Colorectal Cancer Drug Therapy
Authors: Kashyap Monu Kumar , Mangrulkar Shubhada V. , Kushwaha Sapana , Ved Akash , Kale Mayur B. , Wankhede Nitu L. , Taksande Brijesh G. , Upaganlawar Aman B. , Umekar Milind J. , Koppula Sushruta , Kopalli Spandana Rajendra
Published: October 2023

Cardiotoxicity is a well-known adverse effect of cancer-related therapy that has a significant influence on patient outcomes and quality of life. The use of antineoplastic drugs to treat colorectal cancers (CRCs) is associated with a number of undesirable side effects including cardiac complications. For both sexes, CRC ranks second and accounts for four out of every ten cancer deaths. According to the reports, almost 39% of patients with colorectal cancer who underwent first-line chemotherapy suffered cardiovascular impairment. Although 5-fluorouracil is still the backbone of chemotherapy regimen for colorectal, gastric, and breast cancers, cardiotoxicity caused by 5-fluorouracil might affect anywhere from 1.5% to 18% of patients. The precise mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity associated with CRC treatment are complex and may involve the modulation of various signaling pathways crucial for maintaining cardiac health including TKI ErbB2 or NRG-1, VEGF, PDGF, BRAF/Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, and the PI3/ERK/AMPK/mTOR pathway, resulting in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis, ultimately damaging cardiac tissue. Thus, the identification and management of cardiotoxicity associated with CRC drug therapy while minimizing the negative impact have become increasingly important. The purpose of this review is to catalog the potential cardiotoxicities caused by anticancer drugs and targeted therapy used to treat colorectal cancer as well as strategies focused on early diagnosing, prevention, and treatment of cardiotoxicity associated with anticancer drugs used in CRC therapy.
Compressive Performance of Longitudinal Steel-FRP Composite Bars in Concrete Cylinders Confined by Different Type of FRP Composites
Authors: Duan Maojun , Tang Yu , Wang Yusheng , Wei Yang , Wang Jiaqing
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an experimental study on the compressive performance of longitudinal steel-fiber-reinforced polymer composite bars (SFCBs) in concrete cylinders confined by different type of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Three types of concrete cylinders reinforced with (or without) longitudinal SFCBs and different transverse FRP confinements were tested under monotonic compression. The results showed that the post-yield stiffness of SFCBs is higher when confined with high elastic modulus carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite than with low elastic modulus basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) composite. Decreasing confinement spacing did not significantly improve the compressive strength of SFCBs in concrete cylinders. The compressive failure strain of SFCBs could possibly reach 88% of its tensile peak strain in concrete cylinders confined by CFRP sheets, which is significantly higher than the value (around 50%) in previous studies. Existing design equations, which applied a strength reduction factor or a maximum compressive strain of concrete to consider the compressive contributions of SFCBs in concrete members, underestimate the load-carrying capacity of SFCB-reinforced concrete cylinders. The design equation that considers the actual compressive stress of SFCBs gives the most accurate prediction; however, its applicability and accuracy need to be verified with more experimental data.