bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Birth Weight and Mortality over the Two First Months after Birth in Feline Species: Definition of Breed-Specific Thresholds
Authors: Mugnier Amélie , Gaillard Virginie , Chastant Sylvie
Published: June 2023

In many species, low birth weight is identified as a major determinant for neonatal survival. The objectives of the present study were (i) to assess, in a large feline purebred population, the impact of birth weight on 0–2 months mortality in kittens, and (ii) if such mortality occurs, to define cut-off values for birth weight to identify at-risk kittens. Data from 5596 kittens from 15 breeds and provided by 194 French breeders were analysed. A logistic mixed model was used to identify low birth weight, being a male, and being born in a large litter as significant risk factors for kitten mortality during the first two months after birth. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to define the thresholds, first at the species level and, when possible, at the breed level. Two thresholds were defined to group kittens into three categories: low, moderate, or high risk of 0–2 months mortality (normal, low, and very low birth weight, respectively). In our population, 19.7% of the kittens were classified as low birth weight and 1.9% as very low birth weight. Critical thresholds may differ between breeds with similar birth weight distributions and equivalent mortality rates (e.g., Russian Blue/Nebelung vs. Egyptian Mau). These critical birth weight thresholds, established in 15 breeds, could be used to identify kittens requiring more intensive nursing to improve survival.
Intraspecific Interactions Decrease Stress Affecting Welfare in Shelter Dogs: A Comparison of Four Different Housing Conditions
Authors: Corsetti Sara , Natoli Eugenia , Palme Rupert , Viggiano Emanuela
Published: June 2023

Shelters are stressful environments for domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). Evaluating dogs’ welfare is crucial to improve their life condition and to promote a better management of shelters. We aimed at verifying which variables improved welfare in 10 shelter dogs ((hosted in the shelter “Centro cinofilo Caerite” in Bracciano (Rome)) by analysing their behavioural responses in different environmental conditions. Furthermore, faecal samples were taken to measure cortisol metabolites (CM), a non-invasive method to evaluate adrenocortical activity in dogs. Dogs were observed for a total of 400 h in 4 different cage conditions: (i) alone in a cage; ii) alone in an enriched cage; (iii) in cage with conspecifics; (iv) in cage with regular interaction with humans outside the cage. Alone in the cage situation showed highest frequencies of displacement activities (Friedman test: χ2 = 13.32; p = 0.004). In contrast, being in the cage with conspecifics seems to reduce displacement activity frequency, as well as the level of faecal cortisol metabolites (Friedman test: χ2 = 8.04; p = 0.045). Our results suggest that conspecifics’ presence is the best way to reduce stress in shelter dogs. This research could provide some useful guidelines for managing shelters and improving dogs’ life condition.
Physicochemical and Biological Characterization of Encapsulated Olive Leaf Extracts for Food Preservation
Authors: Medfai Wafa , Oueslati Imen , Dumas Emilie , Harzalli Zina , Viton Christophe , Mhamdi Ridha , Gharsallaoui Adem
Published: June 2023

Phenolic compounds in olive leaves have an excellent antioxidant activity and good antimicrobial properties. These bioactive molecules have beneficial properties for health, arousing great scientific and commercial interest. This study reports lyophilized olive leaf extracts (OLE) encapsulated by spray-drying using maltodextrins, maltodextrins–pectin and maltodextrins–gum Arabic as encapsulating agents. Lyophilized OLE were collected from two varieties cultivated in a harsh pedo-climatic conditions of the arid region of Tunisia. The effects of the genetic factor and the different encapsulating agents on the physicochemical properties of microcapsules and their behavior during storage, as well as their antimicrobial activities, were studied. Microcapsules successfully passed heat treatment and storage conditions and their antimicrobial activities were preserved. The encapsulating agent combination improved the encapsulation efficiency and the product yield in Zarrazi variety compared to Dhokar one. In addition, Dhokar variety microparticles showed the best heat stability at 4 and 25 °C after 90 days of storage and the higher inhibition percent against bacteria. The results of the present study evidenced that the best conditions for OLE encapsulation were obtained when the maltodextrins–pectin and maltodextrins–gum Arabic were combined to form a hybrid coating material.
Recent Evolution of Susceptibility to Beta-Lactams in Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Deghmane Ala-Eddine , Hong Eva , Taha Muhamed-Kheir
Published: June 2023

Beta-lactams are the main antibiotics for the treatment of invasive meningococcal disease. However, reduced susceptibility to penicillin G is increasingly reported in Neisseria meningitidis and reduced susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporines (3GC) and the rare acquisition of ROB-1 beta-lactamase were also described. Modifications of penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2) encoded by the penA gene are the main described mechanism for the reduced susceptibility to penicillin and to other beta-lactams. penA modifications were analyzed using the sequences of all penA genes from cultured isolates between 2017–2021 in France (n = 1255). Data showed an increasing trend of reduced susceptibility to penicillin from 36% in 2017 to 58% in 2021. Reduced susceptibility to 3GC remained limited at 2.4%. We identified 74 different penA alleles and penA1 was the most frequent wild-type allele and represented 29% of all alleles while penA9 was the most frequently altered allele and represented 17% of all alleles. Reduced susceptibility to 3GC was associated with the penA327 allele. The amino acid sequences of wild-type and altered PBP2 were modeled. The critical amino acid substitutions were shown to change access to the active S310 residue and hence hinder the binding of beta-lactams to the active site of PBP2.
Ubiquinol Short-Term Supplementation Prior to Strenuous Exercise Improves Physical Performance and Diminishes Muscle Damage
Authors: Moreno-Fernandez Jorge , Puche-Juarez Maria , Toledano Juan M. , Chirosa Ignacio , Chirosa Luis J. , Pulido-Moran Mario , Kajarabille Naroa , Guisado Isabel M. , Guisado Rafael , Diaz-Castro Javier , Ochoa Julio J.
Published: June 2023

The benefits of physical exercise on health are diminished when it is non-planned, strenuous, or vigorous, which causes an increase in oxygen consumption and production of free radicals, particularly serious at the muscular level. Ubiquinol could help achieve an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ergogenic effect. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a supplementation of ubiquinol during a short period could have a positive effect on muscle aggression, physical performance, and fatigue perception in non-elite athletes after high intensity circuit weight training. One hundred healthy and well-trained men, (firemen of the Fire Department of Granada) were enrolled in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and randomized study, and separated into two groups: the placebo group (PG, n = 50); and the ubiquinol group (UG, n = 50), supplemented with an oral dose. Before and after the intervention, data related to the number of repetitions, muscle strength, and perceived exertion, as well as blood samples were collected. An increase was observed in the UG regarding average load and repetitions, revealing an improvement in muscle performance. Ubiquinol supplementation also reduced muscle damage markers, showing a protective effect on muscle fibers. Therefore, this study provides evidence that ubiquinol supplementation improves muscle performance and prevents muscle damage after strenuous exercise in a population of well-trained individuals who are not elite athletes.
The Glutathione System: A Journey from Cyanobacteria to Higher Eukaryotes
Authors: Cassier-Chauvat Corinne , Marceau Fanny , Farci Sandrine , Ouchane Soufian , Chauvat Franck
Published: June 2023

From bacteria to plants and humans, the glutathione system plays a pleiotropic role in cell defense against metabolic, oxidative and metal stresses. Glutathione (GSH), the γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine nucleophile tri-peptide, is the central player of this system that acts in redox homeostasis, detoxification and iron metabolism in most living organisms. GSH directly scavenges diverse reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as singlet oxygen, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide and carbon radicals. It also serves as a cofactor for various enzymes, such as glutaredoxins (Grxs), glutathione peroxidases (Gpxs), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), which play crucial roles in cell detoxication. This review summarizes what is known concerning the GSH-system (GSH, GSH-derived metabolites and GSH-dependent enzymes) in selected model organisms (Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana and human), emphasizing cyanobacteria for the following reasons. Cyanobacteria are environmentally crucial and biotechnologically important organisms that are regarded as having evolved photosynthesis and the GSH system to protect themselves against the ROS produced by their active photoautotrophic metabolism. Furthermore, cyanobacteria synthesize the GSH-derived metabolites, ergothioneine and phytochelatin, that play crucial roles in cell detoxication in humans and plants, respectively. Cyanobacteria also synthesize the thiol-less GSH homologs ophthalmate and norophthalmate that serve as biomarkers of various diseases in humans. Hence, cyanobacteria are well-suited to thoroughly analyze the role/specificity/redundancy of the players of the GSH-system using a genetic approach (deletion/overproduction) that is hardly feasible with other model organisms (E. coli and S. cerevisiae do not synthesize ergothioneine, while plants and humans acquire it from their soil and their diet, respectively).
Correction: Alencar et al. Assessment of the Bearing Capacity of Bridge Foundation on Rock Masses. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 12068
Authors: Alencar Ana , Galindo Rubén , Olalla Marañón Claudio , Melentijevic Svetlana
Published: June 2023

Svetlana Melentijevic was not included as an author in the original publication [...]
Hamstring vs. All-Soft-Tissue Quadriceps Tendon Autograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Athletes: Early Follow-Up Results of a Prospective Study
Authors: Rakauskas Ritauras , Šiupšinskas Laimonas , Streckis Vytautas , Balevičiūtė Justė , Galinskas Laurynas , Malcius Dalius , Čekanauskas Emilis
Published: June 2023

Background: The quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft has recently drawn attention for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Finding the best autograft option for adolescents after an ACL injury is essential to ensure them a high-quality active lifestyle. There are no studies comparing the all-soft-tissue QT autograft with the hamstring tendon (HT) autograft in such population. Methods: In this study, 68 patients younger than 18 years of age were assigned to the HT (38 patients) or the QT (30 patients) ACLR group. The groups were similar, allowing their comparison. The instrumented knee laxity was evaluated with a Genourob arthrometer. In total, 48 patients (27 HT and 21 QT) were tested 3 months post-op, and 45 patients (26 HT and 19 QT) were tested 6 months post-op. Results: We found that 3 months post-op, the side-to-side anterior tibial translation measurements (GNRB1) were worse in the HT than in the QT group (1.4 (0.2–5.2; 1.715) vs. 0.6 (0.1–2.1; 0.905) mm, p = 0.02). There was no difference in side-to-side anterior tibial translation at 6 months post-op (GNRB2) between the HT and the QT group (1 (0.2–5.3; 1.519) vs. 1.1 (0.3–3.4; 1.279) mm, p = 0.927). At 3 months post-op, the side-to-side anterior tibial translation (GNRB1) was worse in males than in females. irrespective of the graft choice (1.45 (0.1–5.2; 1.696) vs. 0.4 (0.1–3.4; 0.89) mm, p = 0.016). The displacement curve slopes 6 months post-op were better for females (3 (0–13.1; 3.335) vs. 5.3 (0–26.1; 7.848), p = 0.014). At 3 months post-op, the GNRB measurements showed that the side-to-side anterior tibial translation (GNRB1) was better for females when the HT autograft had been used (0.45 (0.2–3.4; 0.942) vs. 2.4 (0.3–5.2; 2.333) mm, p = 0.003). In general, both autografts provided excellent objective outcomes at early follow-up. Conclusions: The all-soft-tissue QT autograft should be considered as a reliable alternative for ACLR in adolescents. This autograft has at least the same properties as the HT autograft in the early stages after ACL reconstruction in adolescent athletes and, in some respects, seems superior to the HT autograft. Research should continue to find the best possible graft choice for the most active and willing-to-return-to-sport population.
An Approach to Guide the Search for Potentially Hazardous Scenarios for Autonomous Vehicle Safety Validation
Authors: Koné Tchoya Florence , Bonjour Eric , Levrat Eric , Mayer Frédérique , Géronimi Stéphane
Published: June 2023

Safety validation of Autonomous Vehicles (AV) requires simulation. Automotive manufacturers need to generate scenarios used during this simulation-based validation process. Several approaches have been proposed to master scenario generation. However, none have proposed a method to measure the potential hazardousness of the scenarios with regard to the performance limitations of AV. In other words, there is no method offering a metric to guide the search for potentially critical scenarios within the infinite space of scenarios. However, designers have knowledge of the functional limitations of AV components depending on the situations encountered. The more sensitive the AV is to a situation, the more safety experts consider it to be critical. In this paper, we present a new method to help estimate the sensitivity of AV to logical situations and events before their use for the generation of concrete scenarios submitted to simulators. We propose a characterization of the inputs used for sensitivity analysis (definition of the context of the automation function, generation of functional and logical situations with their associated events). We then propose an approach to set up a distribution function that will make it possible to select situations and events according to their importance in terms of sensitivity. We illustrate this approach by implementing it on the Traffic Jam Chauffeur (TJC) function. Finally, we compare the obtained sensitivity rank with expert judgment to demonstrate its relevance. This approach has been shown to be a promising method to guide the search for potentially hazardous scenarios that are relevant to the simulation-based safety validation process for AV.
A New Approach to Production Process Capability Assessment for Non-Normal Data
Authors: Borucka Anna , Kozłowski Edward , Antosz Katarzyna , Parczewski Rafał
Published: June 2023

The process quality capability indicators Cp and Cpk are widely used to measure process capability. Traditional metric estimation methods require process data to be explicit and normally distributed. Often, the actual data obtained from the production process regarding the measurements of quality features are incomplete and do not have a normal distribution. This means that the use of traditional methods of estimating Cp and Cpk indicators may lead to erroneous results. Moreover, in the case of qualitative characteristics where a two-sided tolerance limit is specified, it should not be very difficult. The problem arises when the data do not meet the postulate of normality distribution and/or a one-sided tolerance limit has been defined for the process. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to present the possibility of using the Six Sigma method in relation to numerical data that do not meet the postulate of normality of distribution. The paper proposes a power transformation method using multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for the asymmetry coefficient and kurtosis coefficient. The task was to minimize the Jarque–Bera statistic, which we used to test the normality of the distribution. An appropriate methodology was developed for this purpose and presented on an empirical example. In addition, for the variable after transformation, for which the one-sided tolerance limit was determined, selected process quality evaluation indices were calculated.
Preparation Methods and Properties of CNT/CF/G Carbon-Based Nano-Conductive Silicone Rubber
Authors: Mei Shunqi , Wang Jian , Wan Jitao , Wu Xichun
Published: June 2023

Carbon-based nano-conductive silicone rubber is a kind of composite conductive polymer material that has good electrical and thermal conductivities and high magnetic flux. It has good application prospects for replacing most traditional conductive materials, but its mechanical and tensile strengths are poor, which limit its applications. In this study, carbon fiber (CF), graphene (G) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are used as fillers to prepare carbon-based nano-conductive silicone rubber via solution blending, and the preparation methods and properties are analyzed. The results show that when the carbon fiber content is 7.5 wt%, the volume resistivity of carbon fiber conductive silicone rubber is 9.5 × 104 Ω·cm, the surface resistance is 2.88 × 105 Ω, and the tensile strength reaches 2.12 Mpa. When the graphene content is 5.5 wt%, the volume resistivity of graphene conductive silicone rubber is 8.7 × 104 Ω·cm, and the surface resistance is 2.4 × 106 Ω. When the carbon nanotube content is 1.25 wt%, the volume resistivity of carbon nanotube conductive silicone rubber is 1.34 × 104 Ω·cm, and the surface resistance is 1.0 × 106 Ω. The three conductive nano-fillers in the blended carbon nano-conductive silicone rubber form a stable three-dimensional composite conductive network, which enhances the conductivity and stability. When the tensile rate is 520%, the resistance of the blended rubber increases from 2.69 × 103 to 9.66 × 104 Ω, and the rubber maintains good resilience and tensile sensitivity under repeated stretching. The results show that the proposed blended carbon nano-conductive silicone rubber has good properties and great application prospects, verifying the employed research method and showing the credibility of the research results.
Maintaining Secure Level on Symmetric Encryption under Quantum Attack
Authors: Shiu Hung-Jr , Yang Chao-Tung , Tsai Yun-Ru , Lin Wei-Chung , Lai Chun-Ming
Published: June 2023

Quantum computing is currently being researched in many countries, and if implemented in the near future, it may pose a threat to existing encryption standards. In the quantum computer environment, asymmetric encryption can be solved by Shor’s Algorithm in polynomial time, and the difficulty of breaking symmetric encryption using brute force is reduced from N times to square root N times by Grover’s Algorithm. We take the Advanced Encryption Standard as the theme and increase the key length from the original standard 192 bits and 256 bits to 384 bits and 512 bits, respectively, in order to maintain the security level of AES 192/256 under the environment of quantum computing, so we propose the key schedule of AES 384/512, and write the software in C++ on FPGA. The experimental results show that our scheme can achieve Level III and Level V security levels in a quantum computer attack environment. In addition to increasing the length of the key, we use the LUT method in the process of writing SubBytes to replace the array and speed up the computation to optimize the execution speed. In addition, the proposed scheme is still based on 128-bit computing blocks, rather than computing blocks in larger blocks.
Immunological Aspects of EBV and Oral Mucosa Interactions in Oral Lichen Planus
Authors: Čēma Ingrīda , Kakar Jagriti , Dzudzilo Madara , Murovska Modra
Published: June 2023

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is considered a T cell-mediated chronic inflammatory process activated by an unknown antigen, making basal keratinocytes vulnerable to a cytotoxic cell mediated immune response. The aim of this review is to summarize information on the role and pathways of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and immune cells in inducing OLP as an autoimmune lesion. The pathogenesis of OLP is analyzed from immunological aspects of interactions between EBV and oral mucosa. The results of the available studies allow us to assume that EBV can act both as an exogenous and an endogenous antigen in the pathogenesis of OLP. We emphasized the role of antigen-presenting cells (APC), such as dendritic cells (Langerhans cells, LC), in detecting and capturing antigens and modulating the adaptive immune response. Although EBV shows tropism for B cells and epithelial cells, under certain conditions it can infect monocytes, LCs, NK, and T lymphocytes. It means that under some circumstances of the chronic inflammatory process, EBV particles can react as endogenous agents. During the development of the autoimmune process, a decisive role is played by the loss of immune tolerance. Factors like the activity of cytokines, chemokines, and autoantibodies secreted by EBV-positive plasma cells, autoantigens formed due to virus protein mimicry of human proteins, new self-peptides released from damaged tissues, self-reactive B and T cells, dysregulation of LC function, the anti-apoptotic effect of EBV early lytic antigens, and an imbalance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune cells facilitate the development of an autoimmune process.
Coupled Biogas and Fiber Production from Agricultural Residues and Energy Crops with Steam Explosion Treatment
Authors: Hülsemann Benedikt , Baumgart Marian , Lenz Leonhard , Elviliana  , Föllmer Marie , Sailer Gregor , Dinkler Konstantin , Oechsner Hans
Published: June 2023

The global demand for packaging materials and energy is constantly increasing, requiring the exploration of new concepts. In this work, we presented a bioeconomic concept that uses steam explosion and phase separation to simultaneously generate fibers for the packaging industry and biogas substrate for the energy sector. The concept focused on fiber-rich residues and fiber-rich ecological energy crops from agriculture. Feasibility of the concept in the laboratory using feedstocks, including Sylvatic silphia silage, Nettle silage, Miscanthus, Apple pomace, Alfalfa stalks, and Flax shives was confirmed. Our results showed that we were able to separate up to 26.2% of the methane potential while always extracting a smaller percentage of up to 17.3% of organic dry matter (ODM). Specific methane yields of 297–486 LCH4 kgODM−1 in the liquid and 100–286 LCH4 kgODM−1 in the solid phase were obtained. The solid phases had high water absorption capacities of 216–504% due to the steam explosion, while the particle size was not significantly affected. The concept showed high potential, especially for undried feedstock.
Pharmaceutical Residual Solvent Analysis: A Comparison of GC-FID and SIFT-MS Performance
Authors: Perkins Mark J. , Hastie Colin , Whitlock Sophia E. , Langford Vaughan S.
Published: June 2023

Residual solvents in pharmaceutical excipients, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and finished products are usually analyzed using gas chromatography (GC)-based techniques according to a pharmacopeial monograph, such as the United States Pharmacopeia’s (USP) chapter <467>. GC analyses are often slow, which limits sample throughput. Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) removes the rate-limiting chromatographic separation step, potentially offering faster sample analyses. This approach was demonstrated recently with the publication of an alternative SIFT-MS procedure which was successfully validated against the performance criteria in USP chapter <1467>. The present study expands upon the previous work by conducting a head-to-head comparison of GC-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and SIFT-MS procedures. The results obtained in this cross-platform study demonstrated similar performance for the GC-FID and SIFT-MS procedures for linearity (R2 > 0.94 and 0.97, respectively) and repeatability (<17%RSD and <10%RSD). For accuracy and recovery, acceptance criteria (within 20%) were achieved for most compounds across the two drug products (SIFT-MS suffered fewer failures, possibly due to shorter wait times prior to analysis). Additionally, SIFT-MS analyzed samples over 11-fold faster than GC-FID, increasing daily sample throughput and reducing the time taken to determine the result. This study therefore suggests that residual solvent analysis using SIFT-MS may support workflow improvements for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Present and Future of Heavy Rain Events in the Sahel and West Africa
Authors: Saley Inoussa Abdou , Salack Seyni
Published: June 2023

Gridding precipitation datasets for climate information services in the semi-arid regions of West Africa has some advantages due to the limited spatial coverage of rain gauges, the limited accessibility to in situ gauge data, and the important progress in earth observation and climate modelling systems. Can accurate information on the occurrence of heavy precipitation in this area be provided using gridded datasets? Furthermore, what about the future of heavy rain events (HRE) under the shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP) of the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (i.e., SSP126 and SSP370)? To address these questions, daily precipitation records from 17 datasets, including satellite estimates, interpolated rain gauge data, reanalysis, merged products, a regional climate model, and global circulation models, are examined and compared to quality-controlled in situ data from 69 rain gauges evenly distributed across West Africa’s semi-arid region. The results show a consensus increase in the occurrence of HRE, between observational and gridded data. All datasets showed three categories of HRE every season, but these categories had lower intensities and an overstated frequency of occurrence in gridded datasets compared to in situ rain gauge data. Eight out of 17 databases (~47%) show significant positive trends and only one showed a significant negative trend, indicating an increase in HRE for all categories in this region. The future evolution of HRE considered under the shared socioeconomic pathways SSP1-2.6 and SSP3-7.0, showed a trend toward the intensification of these events. In fact, the mean of the ensemble of the models showed significant changes toward higher values in the probability distribution function of the future HRE in West Africa, which may likely trigger more floods and landslides in the region. The use of gridded data sets can provide accurate information on the occurrence of heavy precipitation in the West African Sahel. However, it is important to consider the representation of heavy rain events in each data set when monitoring extreme precipitation, although in situ gauge records are preferred to define extreme rainfall locally.
The Effects of Utilizing Cartilage Conduction Hearing Aids among Patients with Conductive Hearing Loss
Authors: Kakuki Takuya , Miyata Ryo , Yoshida Yurie , Kaizaki Aya , Kimura Ayami , Kurashima Kaede , Kuwata Rui , Takano Kenichi
Published: June 2023

The cartilage-conduction hearing aid (CC-HA) is a new hearing device that is suitable for use in patients with conductive hearing loss. It has been 5 years since the introduction of the CC-HA. Although the number of users has increased, the CC-HA is not yet widely known. This study examines the effects of CC-HA on patients with conductive hearing loss and investigates factors that affect the willingness to use the device by comparing purchasers and non-purchasers of CC-HA in patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss. Eight patients had bilateral conductive hearing loss, and 35 had unilateral conductive hearing loss. Each patient underwent sound field tests and speech audiometry, and the effects of the CC-HA were compared with those of conventional bone conduction hearing aids (BC-HA). In patients with bilateral conductive hearing loss, the CC-HA was non-inferior to BC-HA. The CC-HA improved the hearing thresholds and speech recognition in patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss. Moreover, in patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss, experiencing the effect of wearing the CC-HA under conditions such as putting noise in the better ear could affect patients’ willingness to use the CC-HA.
Trajectory Control in Discrete-Time Nonlinear Coupling Dynamics of a Soft Exo-Digit and a Human Finger Using Input–Output Feedback Linearization
Authors: Alam Umme Kawsar , Shedd Kassidy , Haghshenas-Jaryani Mahdi
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a quasi-static model-based control algorithm for controlling the motion of a soft robotic exo-digit with three independent actuation joints physically interacting with the human finger. A quasi-static analytical model of physical interaction between the soft exo-digit and a human finger model was developed. Then, the model was presented as a nonlinear discrete-time multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) state-space representation for the control system design. Input–output feedback linearization was utilized and a control input was designed to linearize the input–output, where the input is the actuation pressure of an individual soft actuator, and the output is the pose of the human fingertip. The asymptotic stability of the nonlinear discrete-time system for trajectory tracking control is discussed. A soft robotic exoskeleton digit (exo-digit) and a 3D-printed human-finger model integrated with IMU sensors were used for the experimental test setup. An Arduino-based electro-pneumatic control hardware was developed to control the actuation pressure of the soft exo-digit. The effectiveness of the controller was examined through simulation studies and experimental testing for following different pose trajectories corresponding to the human finger pose during the activities of daily living. The model-based controller was able to follow the desired trajectories with a very low average root-mean-square error of 2.27 mm in the x-direction, 2.75 mm in the y-direction, and 3.90 degrees in the orientation of the human finger distal link about the z-axis.
Ultra-Thick Cathodes for High-Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Aluminium Foams—Microstructural Evolution during Densification and Its Impact on the Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Oehm Jonas , Kamlah Marc , Knoblauch Volker
Published: June 2023

Using three-dimensional (3D) metal foams as current collectors is considered to be a promising approach to improve the areal specific capacity and meet the demand for increased energy density of lithium-ion batteries. Electrodes with an open-porous metal foam as current collector exhibit a 3D connected electronic network within the active mass, shortening the electron transport pathways and lowering the electrodes’ intrinsic electronic resistance. In this study, NMC622 cathodes using an aluminium foam as current collector with a measured areal capacity of up to 7.6 mAh cm−2 were investigated. To this end, the infiltrated foams were densified to various thicknesses between 200 µm and 400 µm corresponding to an electrode porosity between 65% and 30%. The microstructural analysis reveals (i) the elimination of shrinking cavities and a decrease in the porosity of the infiltrated active mass, (ii) an improved contact of active mass to the current collector structure and (iii) a pronounced clogging of the surface pores. The electrochemical properties such as capacity and rate capability are correlated to the electrode’s microstructure, demonstrating that densification is necessary to improve active material utilization and volumetric capacity. However, strong densification impairs the rate capability caused by increased pore resistance and hindered electrolyte accessibility.
Effects of Mobile Phone Use on Gait and Balance Control in Young Adults: A Hip–Ankle Strategy
Authors: Lu Zijun , Zhang Xinxin , Mao Chuangui , Liu Tao , Li Xinglu , Zhu Wenfei , Wang Chao , Sun Yuliang
Published: June 2023

Background: This study aimed to derive the effects of walking while using a mobile phone on balance perturbation and joint movement among young adults. Methods: Sixteen healthy college students with no history of brain injury were tested. The participants were asked to walk under four different conditions: (1) walking, (2) browsing, (3) dialing, and (4) texting. Indicators related to balance control and lower limb kinematic/kinetic parameters were analyzed using the continuous relative phase and statistical nonparametric mapping methods. Results: Walking while using a mobile phone slowed participants’ gait speed and reduced the cadence, stride length, and step length. The posterior tilt angle (0–14%, 57–99%), torque of the hip flexion (0–15%, 30–35%, 75–100%), and angle of the hip flexion (0–28%, 44–100%) decreased significantly. The activation of biceps femoris and gastrocnemius, hip stiffness, and ankle stiffness increased significantly. This impact on gait significantly differed among three dual tasks: texting > browsing > dialing. Conclusion: Che overlap of walking and mobile phone use affects the gait significantly. The “hip–ankle strategy” may result in a “smooth” but slower gait, while this strategy was deliberate and tense. In addition, this adjustment also increases the stiffness of the hip and ankle, increasing the risk of fatigue. Findings regarding this effect may prove that even for young healthy adults, walking with mobile phone use induces measurable adjustment of the motor pattern. These results suggest the importance of simplifying the control of the movement.
Cutting-Edge Research in Sports Biomechanics: From Basic Science to Applied Technology
Authors: Tai Wei-Hsun , Zhang Rui , Zhao Liangliang
Published: June 2023

Sports biomechanics is the study of the mechanical principles of human movement and how they apply to sports performance [...]
Diagnosis of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain by Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Machine Learning
Authors: Zeng Xinglin , Tang Wen , Yang Jiajia , Lin Xiange , Du Meng , Chen Xueli , Yuan Zhen , Zhang Zhou , Chen Zhiyi
Published: June 2023

Chronic pain (CP) has been found to cause significant alternations of the brain’s structure and function due to changes in pain processing and disrupted cognitive functions, including with respect to the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, until now, no studies have used a wearable, low-cost neuroimaging tool capable of performing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to explore the functional alternations of the PFC and thus automatically achieve a clinical diagnosis of CP. In this case-control study, the pain characteristics of 19 chronic pain patients and 32 healthy controls were measured using fNIRS. Functional connectivity (FC), FC in the PFC, and spontaneous brain activity of the PFC were examined in the CP patients and compared to those of healthy controls (HCs). Then, leave-one-out cross-validation and machine learning algorithms were used to automatically achieve a diagnosis corresponding to a CP patient or an HC. The current study found significantly weaker FC, notably higher small-worldness properties of FC, and increased spontaneous brain activity during resting state within the PFC. Additionally, the resting-state fNIRS measurements exhibited excellent performance in identifying the chronic pain patients via supervised machine learning, achieving F1 score of 0.8229 using only seven features. It is expected that potential FC features can be identified, which can thus serve as a neural marker for the detection of CP using machine learning algorithms. Therefore, the present study will open a new avenue for the diagnosis of chronic musculoskeletal pain by using fNIRS and machine learning techniques.
Towards a More Comprehensive Picture of the MicroRNA-23a/b-3p Impact on Impaired Male Fertility
Authors: Becker Lea Simone , Al Smadi Mohammad A. , Koch Hanna , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim , Meese Eckart , Abu-Halima Masood
Published: June 2023

The expression levels of various genes involved in human spermatogenesis are influenced by microRNAs (miRNAs), specifically microRNA-23a/b-3p. While certain genes are essential for spermatogenesis and male germ cell function, the regulation of their expression remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether microRNA-23a/b-3p targets genes involved in spermatogenesis and the impact of this targeting on the expression levels of these genes in males with impaired fertility. In-silico prediction and dual-luciferase assays were used to determine the potential connections between microRNA-23a/b-3p overexpression and reduced expression levels of 16 target genes. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was conducted on 41 oligoasthenozoospermic men receiving infertility treatment and 41 age-matched normozoospermic individuals to verify the lower expression level of target genes. By employing dual-luciferase assays, microRNA-23a-3p was found to directly target eight genes, namely NOL4, SOX6, GOLGA6C, PCDHA9, G2E3, ZNF695, CEP41, and RGPD1, while microRNA-23b-3p directly targeted three genes, namely SOX6, GOLGA6C, and ZNF695. The intentional alteration of the microRNA-23a/b binding site within the 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of the eight genes resulted in the loss of responsiveness to microRNA-23a/b-3p. This confirmed that NOL4, SOX6, GOLGA6C, PCDHA9, and CEP41 are direct targets for microRNA-23a-3p, while NOL4, SOX6, and PCDHA9 are direct targets for microRNA-23b-3p. The sperm samples of oligoasthenozoospermic men had lower expression levels of target genes than age-matched normozoospermic men. Correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between basic semen parameters and lower expression levels of target genes. The study suggests that microRNA-23a/b-3p plays a significant role in spermatogenesis by controlling the expression of target genes linked to males with impaired fertility and has an impact on basic semen parameters.
The Expression of the Endocannabinoid Receptors CB2 and GPR55 is Highly Increased during the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease in AppNL-G-F Knock-In Mice
Authors: Medina-Vera Dina , Zhao Hongjing , Bereczki Erika , Rosell-Valle Cristina , Shimozawa Makoto , Chen Gefei , de Fonseca Fernando Rodríguez de , Nilsson Per , Tambaro Simone
Published: June 2023

Background: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and associated lipid transmitter-based signaling systems play an important role in modulating brain neuroinflammation. ECS is affected in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here we have evaluated the non-psychotropic endocannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) and lysophosphatidylinositol G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) localization and expression during Aβ-pathology progression. Methods: Hippocampal gene expression of CB2 and GPR55 was explored by qPCR analysis, and brain distribution was evaluated by immunofluorescence in the wild type (WT) and APP knock-in AppNL-G-F AD mouse model. Furthermore, the effects of Aβ42 on CB2 and GPR55 expression were assessed in primary cell cultures. Results: CB2 and GPR55 mRNA levels were significantly upregulated in AppNL-G-F mice at 6 and 12 months of age, compared to WT. CB2 was highly expressed in the microglia and astrocytes surrounding the Aβ plaques. Differently, GPR55 staining was mainly detected in neurons and microglia but not in astrocytes. In vitro, Aβ42 treatment enhanced CB2 receptor expression mainly in astrocytes and microglia cells, whereas GPR55 expression was enhanced primarily in neurons. Conclusions: These data show that Aβ pathology progression, particularly Aβ42, plays a crucial role in increasing the expression of CB2 and GPR55 receptors, supporting CB2 and GPR55 implications in AD.
Mathematical and Machine Learning Approaches for Classification of Protein Secondary Structure Elements from Cα Coordinates
Authors: Sekmen Ali , Al Nasr Kamal , Bilgin Bahadir , Koku Ahmet Bugra , Jones Christopher
Published: June 2023

Determining Secondary Structure Elements (SSEs) for any protein is crucial as an intermediate step for experimental tertiary structure determination. SSEs are identified using popular tools such as DSSP and STRIDE. These tools use atomic information to locate hydrogen bonds to identify SSEs. When some spatial atomic details are missing, locating SSEs becomes a hinder. To address the problem, when some atomic information is missing, three approaches for classifying SSE types using Cα atoms in protein chains were developed: (1) a mathematical approach, (2) a deep learning approach, and (3) an ensemble of five machine learning models. The proposed methods were compared against each other and with a state-of-the-art approach, PCASSO.
Mucoadhesive Rifampicin-Liposomes for the Treatment of Pulmonary Infection by Mycobacterium abscessus: Chitosan or ε-Poly-L-Lysine Decoration
Authors: Forte Jacopo , Hanieh Patrizia Nadia , Poerio Noemi , Olimpieri Tommaso , Ammendolia Maria Grazia , Fraziano Maurizio , Fabiano Maria Gioia , Marianecci Carlotta , Carafa Maria , Bordi Federico , Sennato Simona , Rinaldi Federica
Published: June 2023

Mycobacterium abscessus (Mabs) is a dangerous non-tubercular mycobacterium responsible for severe pulmonary infections in immunologically vulnerable patients, due to its wide resistance to many different antibiotics which make its therapeutic management extremely difficult. Drug nanocarriers as liposomes may represent a promising delivery strategy against pulmonary Mabs infection, due to the possibility to be aerosolically administrated and to tune their properties in order to increase nebulization resistance and retainment of encapsulated drug. In fact, liposome surface can be modified by decoration with mucoadhesive polymers to enhance its stability, mucus penetration and prolong its residence time in the lung. The aim of this work is to employ Chitosan or ε-poly-L-lysine decoration for improving the properties of a novel liposomes composed by hydrogenated phosphatidyl-choline from soybean (HSPC) and anionic 1,2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylglycerol sodium salt (DPPG) able to entrap Rifampicin. A deep physicochemical characterization of polymer-decorated liposomes shows that both polymers improve mucoadhesion without affecting liposome features and Rifampicin entrapment efficiency. Therapeutic activity on Mabs-infected macrophages demonstrates an effective antibacterial effect of ε-poly-L-lysine liposomes with respect to chitosan-decorated ones. Altogether, these results suggest a possible use of ε-PLL liposomes to improve antibiotic delivery in the lung.
RNA-Seq Analysis of Aboveground and Underground Parts of Biomass Sorghum Was Performed to Evaluate Its Suitability for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Zhou Tao , Ling Dingxun , He Qihao , Wang Ping , Zhu Jian
Published: June 2023

“Alto2” is a new biomass sorghum variety, which has the characteristics of fast growth, high growth, and strong cadmium (Cd) resistance, so it has the application prospect of soil remediation plants. In order to reveal the Cd resistance mechanism of this plant and pave the way for genetic breeding and cultivation of efficient remediation plants in the future, in this research, through the determination of Cd content in various tissues of sorghum under Cd stress and the physicochemical response combined with RNA-Seq analysis, the mechanism of Cd resistance of “Alto2” was initially revealed. The results show biomass sorghum “Alto2” was mainly connected with aboveground and underground parts through the MAPK signaling pathway and plant hormone signaling pathway, and transmit stress signal in response to Cd stress. Chelase and metal-binding proteins may be the functional genes mainly responsible for Cd enrichment and transport and regulated by stress signals. However, the expression of aboveground transporters was not significant. This may be because Cd in biomass sorghum is mainly concentrated in the underground part and is enriched by the chelation of secondary metabolites from plant roots by the cell wall leading to inhibition of aboveground transporter expression. The results of this study indicate that the biomass sorghum “Alto2” on Cd has high resistance, but the lack of the aboveground enrichment of transportability requires further research to improve the Cd transportability of this plant.
Unlocking the Power of Nanopores: Recent Advances in Biosensing Applications and Analog Front-End
Authors: Liu Miao , Li Junyang , Tan Cherie S.
Published: June 2023

The biomedical field has always fostered innovation and the development of various new technologies. Beginning in the last century, demand for picoampere-level current detection in biomedicine has increased, leading to continuous breakthroughs in biosensor technology. Among emerging biomedical sensing technologies, nanopore sensing has shown great potential. This paper reviews nanopore sensing applications, such as chiral molecules, DNA sequencing, and protein sequencing. However, the ionic current for different molecules differs significantly, and the detection bandwidths vary as well. Therefore, this article focuses on current sensing circuits, and introduces the latest design schemes and circuit structures of different feedback components of transimpedance amplifiers mainly used in nanopore DNA sequencing.
Improved Differential Evolution Algorithm for Sensitivity Enhancement of Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Based on Two-Dimensional Material for Detection of Waterborne Bacteria
Authors: Han Lei , Xu Wentao , Liu Tao , Zhang Yong , Ma Yanhua , Jin Min , Xu Chaoyu
Published: June 2023

Due to the large number of waterborne bacteria presenting in drinking water, their rapid and accurate identification has become a global priority. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor with prism (BK7)-silver(Ag)-MXene(Ti3T2Cx)-graphene- affinity-sensing medium is examined in this paper, in which the sensing medium includes pure water, vibrio cholera (V. cholera), and escherichia coli (E. coli). For the Ag-affinity-sensing medium, the maximum sensitivity is obtained by E. coli, followed by V. cholera, and the minimum is pure water. Based on the fixed-parameter scanning (FPS) method, the highest sensitivity is 246.2 °/RIU by the MXene and graphene with monolayer, and with E. coli sensing medium. Therefore, the algorithm of improved differential evolution (IDE) is obtained. By the IDE algorithm, after three iterations, the maximum fitness value (sensitivity) of the SPR biosensor achieves 246.6 °/RIU by using the structure of Ag (61 nm)-MXene (monolayer)-graphene (monolayer)-affinity (4 nm)-E. coli. Compared with the FPS and differential evolution (DE) algorithm, the highest sensitivity is more accurate and efficient, and with fewer iterations. The performance optimization of multilayer SPR biosensors provides an efficient platform.