bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the efficacy of enuresis alarm treatment through early prediction of treatment outcome: a machine learning approach
Authors: Jönsson Karl-Axel , Andersson Edvin , Nevéus Tryggve , Gärdenfors Torbjörn , Balkenius Christian
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Bedwetting, also known as enuresis, is the second most common chronic health problem among children and it affects their everyday life negatively. A first-line treatment option is the enuresis alarm. This method entails the child being awoken by a detector and alarm unit upon urination at night, thereby changing their arousal mechanisms and potentially curing them after 6–8 weeks of consistent therapy. The enuresis alarm treatment has a reported success rate above 50% but requires significant effort from the families involved. Additionally, there is a challenge in identifying early indicators of successful treatment.

Methods

The alarm treatment has been further developed by the company Pjama AB, which, in addition to the alarm, offers a mobile application where users provides data about the patient and information regarding each night throughout the treatment. The wet and dry nights are recorded, in addition to the actual timing of the bedwetting incidents. We used the machine learning model random forest to see if predictions of treatment outcome could be made in early stages of treatment and shorten the evaluation time based on data from 611 patients. This was carried out by using and analyzing data from patients who had used the Pjama application. The patients were split into training and testing groups to evaluate to what extent the algorithm could make predictions every day about whether a patient’s treatment would be successful, partially successful, or unsuccessful.

Results

The results show that a large number of patient outcomes can already be predicted accurately in the early stages of treatment.

Discussion

Accurate predictions enable the correct measures to be taken earlier in the treatment, including increasing motivation, adding pharmacotherapy, or terminating treatment. This has the potential to shorten the treatment in general, and to detect patients who will not respond to the treatment early on, which in turn can improve the lives of children suffering from enuresis. The results show great potential in making the treatment of enuresis more efficient.
Temporary intravascular shunts and limb salvage in civilian vascular trauma
Authors: Martinelli Ombretta , Miceli Francesca , Cuozzo Simone , Irace Francesco Giosuè , Avenia Stefano , Iannone Immacolata , Clementi Ilaria , Sapienza Paolo , Bellini Maria Irene
Published: November 2023

Background

Temporary intravascular shunts (TIVS) may allow quick revascularization and distal reperfusion, reducing the ischemic time (IT) when an arterial injury occurs. Furthermore, TIVS temporarily restore peripheral perfusion during the treatment of concomitant life-threatening injuries or when patients require evacuation to a higher level of care. Notwithstanding, there are still disputes regarding the use of TIVS, in view of the paucity of evidence in terms of potential benefits and with regard to the anticoagulation during the procedure. The present study aimed to assess TIVS impact, safety, and timing on limb salvage in complex civilian vascular traumas.

Patients and methods

Data were retrieved from the prospective database of our department, which included all patients hospitalized with a vascular injury of the extremities between January 2006 and December 2022. Patients undergoing TIVS during vascular injury management were included in group A, and those who could not postpone immediate care for TIVS insertion were included in group B (control group). Data concerning the times required for extremity revascularization or other surgical procedures such as orthopedic interventions and the time of limb ischemia were compared between the two groups. A comparison of the postoperative course between the two groups was also performed.

Results

A total of 53 patients were included: group A (TIVS insertion, n = 31) and group B (control, n = 22). Revascularization time significantly differed (p = 0.002) between the two groups, which is lower in group A (4.17 ± 2.37 h vs. 5.81 ± 1.26 h). TIVS positively affected the probability of limb salvage (p = 0.02). At multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with limb salvage were TIVS usage, the necessity of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and the total IT. In group A, there were three deaths and one major amputation, and in group B, there were two deaths and four major amputations.

Conclusions

The use of TIVS minimizes revascularization time and improves limb salvage probability. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended, and correct surgical timing is key to ensure the best outcome.
Perioperative analgesic effects of an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block using bupivacaine in goats undergoing celiotomy
Authors: Morris Tate B. , Hopster Klaus , Fecteau Marie-Eve
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Never has the anatomy, the procedure of the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, or the perioperative analgesic effects of a bupivacaine TAP block been described in goats.

Methods

This report details the relevant anatomy in a cadaveric study combined with the description/use of a TAP block in a controlled, randomized, prospective, blinded clinical study in which 20 goats with urolithiasis presenting for either ventral midline or paramedian celiotomy were enrolled. Anesthesia was induced with ketamine and midazolam and maintained with desflurane in oxygen. An ultrasound-guided TAP block was performed using 0.25% bupivacaine (4 sites, 0.4 mL/kg each site) (bupivacaine-TAP,n= 10) or equal volume of saline (control-TAP,n= 10). When indicated, urethral amputation was performed followed by celiotomy with cystotomy or tube cystostomy. Urethrotomy was performed if warranted. Intraoperatively, a 20% increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and/or respiratory frequency was treated with an increase in desflurane concentration of 0.5 Vol.%. Goats received ketamine boluses (0.2 mg/kg IV) when moving spontaneously. At 2, 12, and 24 h post-extubation, pain was scored with a descriptive scale. Data were analyzed with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, andP< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Bupivacaine-TAP goats exhibited lower end-tidal desflurane concentration requirements (P= 0.03), lower pain scores at 2-h post-extubation (P= 0.02), shorter anesthetic recovery times (P= 0.03) and decreased HR and MAP during surgical stimulation. Goats receiving a bupivacaine TAP block experienced less intraoperative nociceptive input requiring less inhalant anesthetic leading to faster anesthetic recoveries and decreased postoperative pain.

Discussion

Ultrasound-guided TAP block is a simple technique to decrease anesthetic requirement while providing additional postoperative comfort in goats undergoing celiotomy.
Evaluación del riesgo y situación financiera del subsector de otras actividades de transporte por vía terrestre
Authors: Pinos-Luzuriaga Luis Gabriel , Tonon-Ordóñez Luis , Reyes-Clavijo Marco , Orellana-Osorio Iván
Published: November 2023

El presente trabajo de investigación se enfoca en determinar el desempeño empresarial, riesgo y rendimiento del subsector de otras actividades de transporte por vía terrestre (CIIU 492); la importancia de este subsector radica en que es transversal a todas las actividades económicas y que ayuda a los encadenamientos productivos de los diferentes sectores económicos. En particular se determina el impacto de la eficiencia, margen de utilidad y apalancamiento financiero en el desempeño del subsector por medio del modelo DUPONT, y se aplica el modelo de valoración de activos de capital (CAPM) para determinar el riesgo y rendimiento requerido del subsector. En el estudio intervinieron 56.146 observaciones correspondiente al periodo 2012-2021, la cual, fue obtenida de la Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros. En el subsector se determinó que las empresas no presentaron rentabilidad a lo largo de todo el periodo analizado, tanto el ROA como el ROE presentan valores negativos, pero estos resultados negativos se acentúan notablemente en el año 2020. Además, se encontró que el subsector H492 es más riesgoso que el mercado en su conjunto, ya que tiene un coeficiente Beta de 1,7154. Además, el rendimiento mínimo requerido que debería exigir un inversionista del subsector es de 9,206%. Conocer y gestionar indicadores financieros y de riesgo sirven como base para la toma de decisiones empresarial. Incluso, el nivel de riesgo debe ser expuesto por las entidades para el buen porvenir de las inversiones.
Análisis de los factores que intervienen en el crecimiento de cartera vencida de empresas servicios financieros
Authors: León-Vega Luisa Susana , Espinoza-Alcívar Edison Ignacio
Published: November 2023

La presente investigación fue realizada a empresas dedicadas al servicio externalizado de manejo de otorgamiento de crédito y gestión de cobro, estas empresas de crédito brindan servicios financieros a empresas de diversos sectores, el objetivo fue identificar las principales causas del incremento de la cartera vencida de estas organizaciones. La revisión de la literatura permitió conceptualizar algunos aspectos importantes relacionados con la gestión de cobranzas y las políticas de control de cartera como políticas de crédito, evaluación de riesgos, condiciones económicas, calidad del proceso de cobranza, características del cliente y factores internos y externos que pueden influir en el incumplimiento de pagos. Con un enfoque cualitativo y utilizando una metodología como la entrevista a profundidad a los gerentes financieros de empresas administradoras de crédito para profundizar en los resultados. Como principal hallazgo se pudo observar que falta de actualización de sus políticas de crédito sobre la evaluación del récord crediticio de los clientes, constituye el factor responsable dentro de la cartera vencida de estas empresas. Con base en esto, se concluyó que una gestión de cobranzas efectiva requiere de políticas firmes las cuales deben de cumplirse de manera estricta para un adecuado control de cartera, estas políticas deben establecerse considerando aspectos como una pormenorizada valoración para otorgamiento de crédito, condiciones de pago claras, seguimiento proactivo, políticas claras de cobranza en donde se establezcan las penalidades de cada caso, además, apoyados por el uso de la tecnología se deben considerar otras  alternativas de financiamiento.
Exogenous Enzymes as Zootechnical Additives in Monogastric Animal Feed: A Review
Authors: Sureshkumar Shanmugam , Song Junho , Sampath Vetriselvi , Kim Inho
Published: November 2023

Feed enzymes have been extensively used in livestock diets to enhance nutrient digestion and promote their growth performance. Indeed, recent research has indicated that feed enzymes, notably phytase, protease, and xylanase, function as catalysts, facilitating the breakdown of phytic acid, proteins, and β-1,4-xylan bonds and offering prospective advantages linked to the intestinal well-being and microbiota of young pigs and chickens. Various feed enzymes are currently being added to the diets of swine and broiler chickens. The potential enzymes used in the feed industry include cellulase, β-mannanase, β-glucanases, xylanases, phytases, proteases, lipases, and galactosidases. Though significant research has been conducted on phytase, protease, and xylanase, consistent findings, particularly in terms of improving nutrient digestibility and promoting growth performance of monogastric animals, are still limited. Also, the outcome of recent studies raises the question whether phytase and xylanase could play functional roles beyond increasing nutrient digestibility and intestinal health, such as positively modulating the intestinal microbiota and reducing environmental problems. Therefore, in this review we aimed to address the functional roles of exogenous enzyme activities in monogastric animal diets. Also, we sought to explore the advantages of these enzymes in enhancing the nutritional value of both alternative and conventional feedstuffs.
Association Analyses between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in ZFAT, FBN1, FAM184B Genes and Litter Size of Xinggao Mutton Sheep
Authors: Gong Yiming , Chen Qiuju , He Xiaolong , Wang Xiangyu , He Xiaoyun , Wang Yunfei , Pan Zhangyuan , Chu Mingxing , Di Ran
Published: November 2023

Previous studies have screened key candidate genes for litter size in sheep, including fibrillin-1 (FBN1), family with sequence similarity 184 member B (FAM184B) and zinc finger and AT-hook domain containing (ZFAT). Therefore, it is necessary to verify these genes in the Xinggao mutton sheep population and determine the associated loci for litter size. In this study, three loci (FBN1 g.160338382 T > C, FAM184B g.398531673 C > T and ZFAT g.20150315 C > T) were firstly screened based on the population differentiation coefficient between the polytocous and monotocous sheep groups. Then, population genetic analysis and association analysis were performed on these loci. The results revealed that the g.160338382 T > C in FBN1 was significantly associated with the litter size of sheep. Moreover, there was no significant interaction effect between the g.160338382 T > C locus and FecB on litter size. Notably, g.160338382 T > C is adjacent to the anterior border of exon 58 and belongs to a splice polypyrimidine tract variant, which may lead to alternative splicing and ultimately cause changes in the structure and function of the protein. In summary, our results provided a potentially effective genetic marker for improving the litter size of sheep.
Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Herbs and Spices from Plants of the Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae Families: Chemometric Interpretation of the Data
Authors: Ulewicz-Magulska Beata , Wesolowski Marek
Published: November 2023

Plant products, especially medicinal herbs and spices, have been used for centuries as a remedy to support human health and improve the flavor of food. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify plant species distinguished by their high content of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity using advanced multivariate statistical techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). To realize the purpose of the study, the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (FC) content, antioxidant activity (TAC) and Fe(II) ion chelating capacity (FIC) of medicinal herbs and spices from plants belonging to three botanical families, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae were determined. The interpretation of the obtained data revealed that the studied samples are localized in the PCA and HCA plots according to their TPC, FC, TAC and FIC values. Chemometric analysis confirmed that medicinal herbs and spices from plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family are richer sources of phenolic compounds and exhibit stronger antioxidant activity than those raw materials from plants in the Apiaceae family. In addition, no significant differences were found in terms of TPC, FC, TAC and FIC values between medicinal herbs and spices from the same plant species, i.e., oregano (Origanum vulgare), common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), caraway (Carum carvi) and lovage (Levisticum officinale). A close relationship between antioxidant properties and contents of phenolic compounds was also confirmed.
Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Attenuates Hepatic Oxidative Stress in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through the Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Activation
Authors: Nam Heechul , Lim Ji , Kim Tae , Kim Eun , Oum Sae-Jong , Bae Si , Park Cheol
Published: November 2023

Oxidative stress is key in type 2 diabetes-associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We explored whether extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) activates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to enhance antioxidant synthesis and lipid metabolism in NAFLD. Human recombinant EC-SOD (hEC-SOD) was administered to 8-week-old male C57BLKS/J db/db mice through intraperitoneal injection once a week for 8 weeks. Target molecules involved in oxidative stress and lipid metabolism were investigated. hEC-SOD improved insulin resistance and systemic and hepatic oxidative stress characterized by increases in urinary 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine and 8-isoprostane levels in db/db mice and a decrease in DHE expression in the liver, respectively. Hepatic SOD3 expression in db/db mice was reversed by hEC-SOD, which improved hepatic steatosis, inflammation with M2 polarization, apoptosis, autophagy, fibrosis and lipid metabolism in db/db mice, as reflected by the changes in serum and hepatic markers, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, TUNEL-positive cells, Bcl-2/BAX ratio, beclin1 and LC3-II/LC3-1. At the molecular level, hEC-SOD increased phosphorylated-AMPK related to CaMKKß, activation of peroxisome proliferative-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1α and dephosphorylation of forkhead box O (FoxO)1 and their subsequent downstream signaling. In HepG2Cs cells using AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 siRNA, hEC-SOD demonstrated a protective effect via the direct activation of both AMPK-PGC-1α and AMPK-FoxO1. EC-SOD might be a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD through the activation of AMPK-PGC-1α and AMPK-FoxO1 signaling in hepatocytes, which modulates lipid metabolism, leading to anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects and improving autophagy in the liver.
Antibacterial and In Vitro Bioactivity Studies of Silver-Doped, Cerium-Doped, and Silver–Cerium Co-Doped 80S Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Particles via Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Taye Mannie Belay , Ningsih Henni Setia , Shih Shao-Ju
Published: November 2023

Researchers are concentrating on discovering reducing treatments for bacterial infections due to the worrisome and quick rise of drug-resistant microbial-related illnesses. Metallic ion doping and co-doping mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) can defend against drug-resistant pathogens of Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection of wounds and solve the issues of bone deformities. In this study, un-doped MBG, silver-doped MBG (Ag-doped MBG), cerium-doped MBG (Ce-doped MBG), and silver–cerium co-doped MBG (Ag-Ce co-doped MBG) have been successfully synthesized via the spray pyrolysis method. In addition, various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption, were used to investigate the phase compositions, surface morphologies, chemical compositions, inner structure morphologies, chemical bonds/functional groups, and specific surface areas, respectively. The antibacterial efficacy against E. coli was assessed using the colony count technique. All types of MBG with Ag, Ce, and Ag-Ce were effective against E. coli. Furthermore, when immersed in simulated body fluid, the MBGs formed hydroxyapatite and could be used to improve bone defects. Only 5.75 mol% Ag-doped MBG showed toxicity in the MTT assay test. According to our analysis, the 80S-Ag-Ce-MBG was the first Ag-Ce co-doped MBG.
End Face Attitude Detection of Special Steel Bars Based on Improved DBSCAN
Authors: Li Ziliang , Zhang Jinzhu , Wang Tao , Shi Wei , Xiong Xiaoyan , Huang Qingxue
Published: November 2023

An end face attitude detection system for special steel bars is designed to solve the problem of defect localization for steel bar grinding. A circle detection method based on improved Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) is proposed for calculating special steel bars’ end face attitude. Firstly, the images are subjected to edge detection, connected region marking, and improved DBSCAN in accordance with the image characteristics. After that, the arcs belonging to the same circle are clustered into the same category to create virtual connected regions. Then, circle parameters of a virtual connected region are clustered using an improved DBSCAN algorithm. The actual circle parameter is obtained by calculating the centroid of each category. Finally, the vector is generated under the set coordinate system, passing through the center of the circumcircle of the steel bar end and one endpoint of the two-dimensional code, and the angle of the vector is calculated to determine the attitude of the special steel bar’s end face. The experimental results demonstrate that the method can obtain an attitude angle resolution of 0.2 degrees with an error range of ±0.1 degrees. This will provide accurate defect localization support for the digitization and intelligence of the grinding platform on the special steel bar production line.
Blockchain-Based Multistage Continuous Authentication for Smart Devices
Authors: Yao Yue , Zhang Xiaomei , Hu Haomin , Liu Huibin , Huang Rong , Wang Zejie
Published: November 2023

With the increasing connectivity between multiple smart devices in the Internet of Vehicles, privacy and security have become stringent threats due to unauthorized access. To overcome this issue, designing continuous authentication systems has become an important research topic because of the advantages of continuous monitoring of users after the initial access to the smart devices. Unfortunately, the existing systems are based on a third-party centralized structure, and most of them suffer storage pressure on equipment, thus resulting in significant security hazards and limited performance. In this paper, we propose a multistage continuous authentication system based on blockchain technology and the IPFS, which achieves decentralization and reduces storage pressure. In the first stage of authentication, we adopt Hyperledger Fabric to implement the underlying technical architecture of the blockchain to enhance the security and reliability of identity parameters. The preoutputs of the first-stage authentication are compared against behavioral biometric characteristics stored in the IPFS that aim to accomplish the final authentication. In particular, we use fuzzy extractors to deal with behavioral biometric feature templates, thus solving the privacy problem caused by user information leakage. To evaluate the security of our system, we prove the correctness of the communication protocol and two-way authentication of the scheme using BAN Logic. Furthermore, we use Hyperledger Caliper to analyze the impact of the sending rate of authentication requests on various performance parameters such as throughput, memory, and CPU utilization of the authentication system. Security and experimental results show that: (i) We solve the problem of centralized authentication and can resist replay attacks. (ii) Our scheme can maintain high throughput and effectively reach consensus. Compared to related works, the throughput is improved by 8.6%.
Fish Detection under Occlusion Using Modified You Only Look Once v8 Integrating Real-Time Detection Transformer Features
Authors: Li Enze , Wang Qibiao , Zhang Jinzhao , Zhang Weihan , Mo Hanlin , Wu Yadong
Published: November 2023

Fish object detection has attracted significant attention because of the considerable role that fish play in human society and ecosystems and the necessity to gather more comprehensive fish data through underwater videos or images. However, fish detection has always faced difficulties with the occlusion problem because of dense populations and underwater plants that obscure them, and no perfect solution has been found until now. To address the occlusion issue in fish detection, the following effort was made: creating a dataset of occluded fishes, integrating the innovative modules in Real-time Detection Transformer (RT-DETR) into You Only Look Once v8 (YOLOv8), and applying repulsion loss. The results show that in the occlusion dataset, the mAP of the original YOLOv8 is 0.912, while the mAP of our modified YOLOv8 is 0.971. In addition, our modified YOLOv8 also has better performance than the original YOLOv8 in terms of loss curves, F1–Confidence curves, P–R curves, the mAP curve and the actual detection effects. All these indicate that our modified YOLOv8 is suitable for fish detection in occlusion scenes.
Algorithm Research on Detail and Contrast Enhancement of High Dynamic Infrared Images
Authors: Zhang Duo , Liu Yinnian , Zhao Yun , Liang Jian , Sun Boyuan , Chu Shibing
Published: November 2023

Infrared images have the advantages of being employed in all weather conditions and exhibiting strong anti-interference abilities and are widely used in many fields. However, there are also problems of low contrast, high noise and blurred details, for which a high dynamic infrared image enhancement method based on wavelet transform is proposed. First, multi-resolution analysis is performed using wavelet transform, and the image is decomposed into a low-frequency information layer and high-frequency information layer, which are processed separately. The low-frequency information layer is subjected to contrast-constrained adaptive histogram equalisation to improve the contrast. The high-frequency information layer is enhanced with adaptive coefficients, and the gain coefficients are determined using gamma transform, which is designed to increase the applicability. Wavelet inverse transform is performed on the processed image to meet the desired requirements. It is shown that the algorithm can effectively enhance the high dynamic image contrast and improve the image detail information.
Behind the Scenes: Insights on Pedagogy during Implementation of an RbT Open Educational Resource
Authors: Cox Susan , Smithdeal Matthew , Lee Michael
Published: November 2023

Research-based Theatre (RbT) offers a powerful stimulus for dialogue about the challenges of graduate supervisory relationships. This paper traces the implementation process for Rock the Boat, an open-access educational resource that includes four professionally acted scenes, a facilitator’s guide, and supplementary reading materials. The resource has been used extensively in online, in-person, and hybrid workshops to identify difficulties in graduate supervision, heighten awareness of power dynamics, and increase reflective practice among participants. Reflecting on lessons learned about the importance of pedagogy and practical logistics, we suggest that implementation aspects of RbT methodology are as vital as the creative and developmental.
Diagnosis of Warm-Sector Heavy Rainfall with Warm Shear in the Yangtze–Huaihe Coastal Areas from the Perspective of Moist Static Energy
Authors: Yu Yiping , Zhang Ling
Published: November 2023

Based on the Climate Precipitation Center Morphing (CMORPH) precipitation data and the fifth-generation ECMWF reanalysis (ERA5) data, moist static energy (MSE) diagnosis for 14 cases of southerly warm-sector heavy rainfall with warm shear (WSWR) along the Yangtze-Huaihe coastal area (YHCA) was conducted. The results indicate that the vertically integrated MSE tendency peaks before the precipitation reaches its maximum. This suggests a rapid MSE accumulation leading up to precipitation onset, with moist enthalpy advection dominantly influencing this increase. The vertical advection of MSE is negative, suggesting that upward motions and rainfall play a crucial role in consuming MSE. Vertical integrated MSE budget analysis for the nine cases of nocturnal rain shows that moist enthalpy advection was the primary contributor, driven mainly by meridional latent energy advection. Scale analysis shows that the combination of meridional disturbance wind and the mean specific humidity field results in pronounced meridional latent energy advection. For the five cases of non-nocturnal rain, the net energy flux was dominant before the onset of precipitation, primarily driven by clear-sky net shortwave radiation (SWCS). The meridional internal energy advection also makes a substantial contribution. The scale analysis indicates that the combined effects of the meridional disturbance wind and the average temperature field lead to significant meridional internal energy advection.
Nuclear Localization of G3BP6 Is Essential for the Flowering Transition in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yuzhu , Li Zhiyong , Liang Xiaoju , Zhou Yeling , Liang Jiansheng
Published: November 2023

The Ras GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein (G3BP) belongs to the highly conserved family of RNA-binding proteins, which has been well-investigated in humans and animals. However, limited study of plant G3BP has been reported, and the precise biological function of the G3BP family has not been elucidated yet. In this study, the Arabidopsis G3BP family, comprising seven members, was comparatively analyzed. Transcriptome analysis showed that most G3BP genes are ubiquitously expressed in various tissues/organs. Transient expression analysis revealed that all G3BPs were presented in the cytoplasm, among which G3BP6 was additionally found in the nucleus. Further study revealed a conserved NLS motif required for the nuclear localization of G3BP6. Additionally, phenotypic analysis revealed that loss-of-function g3bp6 presented late-flowering phenotypes. RNA-sequencing analysis and qRT-PCR assays demonstrated that the expressions of abundant floral genes were significantly altered in g3bp6 plants. We also discovered that overexpression of G3BP6 in the nucleus, rather than in the cytoplasm, propelled bolting. Furthermore, we revealed that the scaffold protein Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) interacted with and modulated the nuclear localization of G3BP6. Altogether, this study sheds new light on G3BP6 and its specific role in regulating the flowering transition in Arabidopsis.
Rhododendron chrysanthum’s Primary Metabolites Are Converted to Phenolics More Quickly When Exposed to UV-B Radiation
Authors: Gong Fushuai , Yu Wang , Zeng Qingpan , Dong Jiawei , Cao Kun , Xu Hongwei , Zhou Xiaofu
Published: November 2023

The plant defense system is immediately triggered by UV-B irradiation, particularly the production of metabolites and enzymes involved in the UV-B response. Although substantial research on UV-B-related molecular responses in Arabidopsis has been conducted, comparatively few studies have examined the precise consequences of direct UV-B treatment on R. chrysanthum. The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) methodology and TMT quantitative proteomics are used in this study to describe the metabolic response of R. chrysanthum to UV-B radiation and annotate the response mechanism of the primary metabolism and phenolic metabolism of R. chrysanthum. The outcomes demonstrated that following UV-B radiation, the primary metabolites (L-phenylalanine and D-lactose*) underwent considerable changes to varying degrees. This gives a solid theoretical foundation for investigating the use of precursor substances, such as phenylalanine, to aid plants in overcoming abiotic stressors. The external application of ABA produced a considerable increase in the phenolic content and improved the plants’ resistance to UV-B damage. Our hypothesis is that externally applied ABA may work in concert with UV-B to facilitate the transformation of primary metabolites into phenolic compounds. This hypothesis offers a framework for investigating how ABA can increase a plant’s phenolic content in order to help the plant withstand abiotic stressors. Overall, this study revealed alterations and mechanisms of primary and secondary metabolic strategies in response to UV-B radiation.
The Exposure to 2.45 GHz Electromagnetic Radiation Induced Different Cell Responses in Neuron-like Cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Bertuccio Maria Paola , Acri Giuseppe , Ientile Riccardo , Caccamo Daniela , Currò Monica
Published: November 2023

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by commonly used devices became an issue for public health because of their harmful effects. Notably, 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation exposure has been associated with DNA damage and alterations in the central nervous system. We here investigated the effects of 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation on cell redox status by using human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, which were differentiated to neuronal-like cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which were exposed to an antenna emitting 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation for 2, 24, and 48 h. We evaluated cell viability and mitochondrial activity alterations by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), NAD+/NADH ratio, mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene transcript levels. We also investigated apoptosis and autophagy, evaluating B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) gene transcript levels. Cell viability was significantly reduced after 24–48 h of exposure to radiation. ROS levels significantly increased in radiation-exposed cells, compared with controls at all exposure times. ΔΨm values decreased after 2 and 24 h in exposed SH-SY5Y cells, while in PBMCs, values decreased soon after 2 h of exposure. Alterations were also found in the NAD+/NADH ratio, mtTFA, SOD1, LC3 gene expression, and BAX/BCL2 ratio. Our results showed that neuron-like cells are more prone to developing oxidative stress than PBMCs after 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation exposure, activating an early antioxidant defense response.
Recent Advances in Immune-Mediated Cerebellar Ataxias: Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Approaches, Therapies, and Future Challenges—Editorial
Authors: Manto Mario , Mitoma Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

The clinical category of immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias (IMCAs) has been established after 3 decades of clinical and experimental research. The cerebellum is particularly enriched in antigens (ion channels and related proteins, synaptic adhesion/organizing proteins, transmitter receptors, glial cells) and is vulnerable to immune attacks. IMCAs include various disorders, including gluten ataxia (GA), post-infectious cerebellitis (PIC), Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD), opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS), and anti-GAD ataxia. Other disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Behçet disease, and collagen vascular disorders may also present with cerebellar symptoms when lesions are localized to cerebellar pathways. The triggers of autoimmunity are established in GA (gluten sensitivity), PIC and MFS (infections), PCD (malignancy), and OMS (infections or malignant tumors). Patients whose clinical profiles do not match those of classic types of IMCAs are now included in the spectrum of primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (PACA). Recent remarkable progress has clarified various characteristics of these etiologies and therapeutic strategies in terms of immunotherapies. However, it still remains to be elucidated as to how immune tolerance is broken, leading to autoimmune insults of the cerebellum, and the consecutive sequence of events occurring during cerebellar damage caused by antibody- or cell-mediated mechanisms. Antibodies may specifically target the cerebellar circuitry and impair synaptic mechanisms (synaptopathies). The present Special Issue aims to illuminate what is solved and what is unsolved in clinical practice and the pathophysiology of IMCAs. Immune ataxias now represent a genuine category of immune insults to the central nervous system (CNS).
Mind-Mapping Assessment of Reuse Potential of Glulam: An Experimental Study
Authors: Yahmi Aghiless , Nouri Mustapha , Tahlaiti Mahfoud , Khelidj Abdelhafid , Raffin Charlène , Place Nicolas
Published: November 2023

The goal of this work is to suggest a method for assessing the state of salvaged glued laminated timber and deciding whether it is appropriate for reuse. After conducting a thorough analysis of the wood pathology, a decision tree mind map was created. This was followed by the application of this methodology to evaluate a salvaged glulam frame obtained from a demolition site. To ensure the reliability of this approach, laboratory-based ex situ tests were carried out. A working protocol was established for obtaining a sample of the salvaged timber, and its characteristics were identified by examining the species, density, type of adhesive and its shear resistance, as well as the mechanical properties in the bending of both single and double laminates of timber. The results concluded that the glulam under investigation can be reused. The results revealed that the wood was spruce, with a density of 420 ± 45 kg/m3 under dry conditions. The glue used was melamine–urea–formaldehyde with a shear strength of 7.37 ± 1.79 MPa, which is below the standard threshold. The results of the bending strength and modulus of elasticity show that the single laminations and glulam are class C16 and class GL20H, respectively.
Advancing the Circular Economy: Reusing Hybrid Bio-Waste-Based Gypsum for Sustainable Building Insulation
Authors: Balti Sameh , Boudenne Abderrahim , Belayachi Naima , Dammak Lasâad , Hamdi Noureddine
Published: November 2023

Finding eco-friendly products that are beneficial to the environment and serve as tools for sustainable development is a contemporary challenge. This work illustrates the recovery of bio-waste-based materials, which not only improve the hygrothermal properties of gypsum but also promote the paper and wood recycling processes in a circular economy approach. The samples were subjected to tests for density, water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity, flexural strength, compressive strength, and thermophysical property characterization. A statistical analysis of variance was used to study the impact of waste on the physico-mechanical behavior of gypsum, leading to the development of predictive models that can be used to predict and optimize the performance of bio-composites in various applications. The results revealed a reduction in mechanical strength with the addition of waste, but the samples still exhibit superior insulation properties, surpassing commonly used standard boards. By adding ouate and wood wastes to a mass of 20% in its natural state, the gypsum becomes lighter and acts as a better insulator with a reduced density, thermal conductivity, and ultrasound velocity of up to 50%, 57%, and 83%, respectively. These findings show the significant implication of reducing environmental impacts while contributing to the promotion of sustainable building practices, both in new construction projects and in building renovations.
Circulating sRANKL, Periostin, and Osteopontin as Biomarkers for the Assessment of Activated Osteoclastogenesis in Myeloma Related Bone Disease
Authors: Gerov Vladimir , Gerova Daniela , Micheva Ilina , Nikolova Miglena , Pasheva Milena , Nazifova Neshe , Galunska Bistra
Published: November 2023

The hallmark of multiple myeloma is myeloma related bone disease. Interactions between myeloma plasma cells (MPCs), stromal cells, and the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MBD. Bone remodeling is severely dysregulated with the prevalence of osteoclast activity. We aimed to assess circulating levels of sRANKL, periostin, and osteopontin as osteoclast activators in NDMM patients at diagnosis and in the course of treatment, correlations with clinical and laboratory data, and to evaluate their potential as additional biomarkers for the assessment of MBD. The current study involved 74 subjects (41 NDMM patients, 33 controls). MBD was assessed by whole-body low-dose computed tomography. sRANKL, periostin, and osteopontin were assayed by commercial ELISA kits. At diagnosis, all tested parameters were significantly higher in NDMM patients compared to the controls (p < 0.0001), correlating with disease stage, MBD grade, and BM infiltration by MPCs. During therapy, the serum levels of all tested proteins decrease, most prominently after autologous stem cell transplantation (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction was established in patients achieving complete and very-good partial response compared to all others (p < 0.05). In conclusion, sRANKL, periostin, and osteopontin reflect MBD severity and could be promising markers for MBD monitoring and the effect of myeloma treatment.
Carcinogenesis and Prognostic Utility of Arginine Methylation-Related Genes in Hepatocellular Cancer
Authors: Ali Waleed , Xiao Weirui , Hoang Henry , Cali Vincent , Kajdacsy-Balla Andre
Published: November 2023

Protein arginine methylation is among the most important post-translational modifications and has been studied in cancers such as those of the lung and breast. However, comparatively less has been investigated regarding hepatocellular carcinoma, with an annual incidence of almost one million cases. Through using in silico methods, this study examined arginine methylation-related gene expression and methylation levels, and alongside network and enrichment analysis attempted to find how said genes can drive tumorigenesis and offer possible therapeutic targets. We found a robust relationship among the selected methylation genes, with ⅞ showing prognostic value regarding overall survival, and a medley of non-arginine methylation pathways also being highlighted through the aforementioned analysis. This study furthers our knowledge of the methylation and expression patterns of arginine histone methylation-related genes, offering jumping points for further wet-lab studies.
A Hard-Timeliness Blockchain-Based Contract Signing Protocol
Authors: Ferrer-Gomila Josep-Lluis , Hinarejos M. Francisca
Published: November 2023

In this article, we present the first proposal for contract signing based on blockchain that meets the requirements of fairness, hard-timeliness, and bc-optimism. The proposal, thanks to the use of blockchain, does not require the use of trusted third parties (TTPs), thus avoiding a point of failure and the problem of signatories having to agree on a TTP that is trusted by both. The presented protocol is fair because it is designed such that no honest signatory can be placed at a disadvantage. It meets the hard-timeliness requirement because both signatories can end the execution of the protocol at any time they wish. Finally, the proposal is bc-optimistic because blockchain functions are only executed in case of exception (and not in each execution of the protocol), with consequent savings when working with public blockchains. No previous proposal simultaneously met these three requirements. In addition to the above, this article clarifies the concept of timeliness, which previously has been defined in a confusing way (starting with the authors who used the term for the first time). We conducted a security review that allowed us to verify that our proposal meets the desired requirements. Furthermore, we provide the specifications of a smart contract designed for the Ethereum blockchain family and verified the economic feasibility of the proposal, ensuring it can be aligned with the financial requirements of different scenarios.
Assessment of Post-Tensioned Grout Durability by Accelerated Robustness and Corrosion Testing
Authors: Permeh Samanbar , Lau Kingsley
Published: November 2023

The corrosion of steel in post-tensioned tendons has been associated with deficient grout materials containing high free sulfate ion concentrations. In a Florida bridge in 2011, tendon corrosion failures occurred for a prepackaged thixotropic grout that had developed material segregation. However, the available grout and corrosion testing prescribed in material specifications, such as grout bleed water testing, was not able to identify the propensity or modality for the grout deficiencies and the associated steel corrosion that was observed in the field. It was of interest to identify corrosion testing methods that could prescribe grout resistance to segregation-related deficiencies that can form by aberrations in construction. The objectives of the work presented here included (1) characterizing the development of physical and chemical grout deficiencies due to excess mix water and water volume displacement, (2) developing small scale test methodologies that identify deficient grout, and (3) developing test methodologies to identify steel corrosion in deficient grout. The inverted-tee test (INT) and a modified incline-tube (MIT) test were assessed and both were shown to be useful to identify the robustness of grout materials to adverse mixing conditions (such as overwatering and pre-hydration) by parameters such as sulfate content, moisture content, electrical resistance, and steel corrosion behavior. It was shown that the different grout products have widely different propensities for segregation and accumulation of sulfate ions but adverse grout mixing practices promoted the development of grout deficiencies, including the accumulation of sulfate ions. Corrosion potentials of steel < −300 mVCSE developed in the deficient grout with higher sulfate concentrations. Likewise, the corrosion current density showed generally high values of >0.1 μA/cm2 in the deficient grouts. The values produced from the test program here were consistent with historical data from earlier research that indicated corrosion conditions of steel in deficient grout with >0.7 mg/g sulfate, further verifying the adverse effects of elevated sulfate ion concentrations in the segregated grout.
Assessing Genetic Diversity and Population Differentiation in Wild Hop (Humulus lupulus) from the Region of Central Greece via SNP-NGS Genotyping
Authors: Tegopoulos Konstantinos , Fountas Dimitrios V. , Andronidou Elisavet-Maria , Bagos Pantelis G. , Kolovos Petros , Skavdis George , Pergantas Panagiotis , Braliou Georgia G. , Papageorgiou Aristotelis C. , Grigoriou Maria E.
Published: November 2023

A growing need for the development of novel hop (Humulus lupulus) varieties has emerged as a result of the increasing demand for beers with distinct organoleptic characteristics and the expected impact of climate change on hop cultivars. As the genetic variation in the existing hop cultivars is low, wild hop germplasm can be used as a source for the development of novel cultivars. In this work, we analyzed, for the first time, the genetic diversity of H. lupulus var. lupulus wild germplasm in Greece. A SNP-NGS genotyping approach using a set of nine specific genetic markers, was employed in order to determine individual genotypes and to perform population structure analyses of wild hops from a region with complex topography, namely the Region of Central Greece. Our results revealed low differentiation among populations, with the spatial genetic patterns observed relating mainly to topographical elements rather than geographic distance. Interestingly, within wild hop populations, high genetic diversity was observed, showing that in the region of Central Greece, wild H. lupulus germplasm has significant potential that can be exploited in breeding programs towards the development of local, well adapted and potentially superior hop varieties.