bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction and Control of Small Deviation in the Time-Delay of the Image Tracker in an Intelligent Electro-Optical Detection System
Authors: Shen Cheng , Wen Zhijie , Zhu Wenliang , Fan Dapeng , Chen Yukang , Zhang Zhuo
Published: July 2023

A small deviation in the time-delay of the image tracker is essential for improving the tracking precision of an electro-optical system, and for future advances in actuator technology. The core goal of this manuscript is to address issues such as tracking the controller time-delay compensation and the precision of an electro-optical detection system using an advanced filter design, a fire control modeling, and an anti-occlusion target detection system. To address this problem, a small deviation in the time-delay prediction and control method of the image tracker is proposed based on the principle of linear motion transformation. The time-delay error formation is analyzed in detail to reveal the scientific mechanism between the tracking controller feedback and the line-of-sight position correction. An advanced N-step Kalman filtering controller model is established by combining a line-of-sight firing control judgment and a single-sample training anti-occlusion DSST target tracking strategy. Finally, an actuator platform with three degrees of freedom is used to test the optical mechatronics system. The results show that the distribution probability of the line-of-sight measuring error in a circle with a radius of 0.15 mrad is 72%. Compared with the traditional control method, the tracking precision of the optimal method is improved by 58.3%.
Similarity Analysis of Klebsiella pneumoniae Producing Carbapenemases Isolated from UTI and Other Infections
Authors: Pruss Agata , Kwiatkowski Paweł , Sienkiewicz Monika , Masiuk Helena , Łapińska Agnieszka , Kot Barbara , Kilczewska Zuzanna , Giedrys-Kalemba Stefania , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: July 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important opportunistic pathogen responsible for severe infections, mainly urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pneumonia. Hospital epidemic infections caused by multiresistant strains of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae are the most concerning. NDM-producing strains are resistant to a wide range of antibiotics and have become the most significant threat. Determining the natural reservoirs and routes of infections is essential to end hospital outbreaks. Understanding the relatedness of K. pneumoniae strains is essential to determine the range and nature of the infection. The study compared phylogenetic relatedness between multiresistant K. pneumoniae strains isolated from hospitalized patients. Susceptibility to drugs and mechanisms of resistance were confirmed using phenotypic methods. PFGE was used to analyze the relatedness between strains. We analyzed 69 K. pneumoniae strains from various healthcare units. The isolates were mainly identified from urine. Strains were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics with β-lactamase inhibitors, cephalosporins, and quinolones. Their susceptibility to aminoglycosides and carbapenem antibiotics was diverse. Most of the isolated strains produced New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase (NDM). Although K. pneumoniae strains were classified into several genotype clusters, closely related isolates were confirmed in the same hospital’s wards, and in two hospitals in the same province.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Lipoxygenase Activity of Berberis vulgaris L. Leaves, Fruits, and Stem and Their LC MS/MS Polyphenolic Profile
Authors: Och Anna , Olech Marta , Bąk Kamil , Kanak Sebastian , Cwener Anna , Cieśla Marek , Nowak Renata
Published: July 2023

Berberis vulgaris L. is currently widely studied for its antioxidant and chemopreventive properties, especially with regard to the beneficial properties of its fruits. Although the bark and roots have been well known and used in traditional medicine since ancient times, little is known about the other parts of this plant. The aim of the research was to determine the antioxidant and LOX inhibitory activity effects of extracts obtained from the leaves, fruits, and stems. Another aim of the work was to carry out the quantitative and qualitative analysis of phenolic acids, flavonoid aglycones, and flavonoid glycosides. The extracts were obtained with the use of ASE (accelerated solvent extraction). The total content of polyphenols was determined and was found to vary depending on the organ, with the highest amount of polyphenols found in the leaf extracts. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically in relation to the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical, with results ranging from 63.9 mgTE/g for the leaves to 65.2 mgTE/g for the stem. Antioxidant activity was also assessed using the ABTS test. The lowest value was recorded for the barberry fruit (117.9 mg TE/g), and the highest level was found for the barberry leaves (140.5 mgTE/g). The oxygen radical absorbance capacity test (ORAC) showed the lowest value for the stem (167.7 mgTE/g) and the highest level for the leaves (267.8 mgTE/g). The range of the percentage inhibition of LOX was determined as well. The percentage inhibition of the enzyme was positively correlated with the sum of the flavonoids, TPC, TFC, and the content of selected flavonoids. Phenolic acids, flavonoid aglycones, and flavonoid glycosides were determined qualitatively and quantitatively in individual parts of Berberis vulgaris L. The content of phenolic acids, flavonoid aglycones, and flavonoid glycosides was determined with the LC-MS/MS method. The following phenolic acids were quantitatively and qualitatively identified in individual parts of Berberis vulgaris L.: gallic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, protocatechuic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-caffeoylquinic acid, and caffeic acid. The flavonoid glycosides determined were: eleutheroside E, Eriodictyol-7-glucopyranoside, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitin, luteoloside, narcissoside, naringenin-7-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-glucoside, afzeline, and quercitrin. Flavonoid aglycones such as catechin, luteolin, quercetin, and eriodictyol were also determined qualitatively and quantitatively.
1,3-Butanediol Administration Increases β-Hydroxybutyrate Plasma Levels and Affects Redox Homeostasis, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Adipokine Production in Rat Gonadal Adipose Tissue
Authors: Panico Giuliana , Fasciolo Gianluca , Migliaccio Vincenzo , De Matteis Rita , Lionetti Lillà , Napolitano Gaetana , Agnisola Claudio , Venditti Paola , Lombardi Assunta
Published: July 2023

Ketone bodies (KBs) are an alternative energy source under starvation and play multiple roles as signaling molecules regulating energy and metabolic homeostasis. The mechanism by which KBs influence visceral white adipose tissue physiology is only partially known, and our study aimed to shed light on the effects they exert on such tissue. To this aim, we administered 1,3-butanediol (BD) to rats since it rapidly enhances β-hydroxybutyrate serum levels, and we evaluated the effect it induces within 3 h or after 14 days of treatment. After 14 days of treatment, rats showed a decrease in body weight gain, energy intake, gonadal-WAT (gWAT) weight, and adipocyte size compared to the control. BD exerted a pronounced antioxidant effect and directed redox homeostasis toward reductive stress, already evident within 3 h after its administration. BD lowered tissue ROS levels and oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and enhanced tissue soluble and enzymatic antioxidant capacity as well as nuclear erythroid factor-2 protein levels. BD also reduced specific mitochondrial maximal oxidative capacity and induced endoplasmic reticulum stress as well as interrelated processes, leading to changes in the level of adipokines/cytokines involved in inflammation, macrophage infiltration into gWAT, adipocyte differentiation, and lipolysis.
Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of a Novel Tetraphenolic Compound as a Potential Antioxidant
Authors: Xu Mengqi , Meng Pengcheng , Wang Hongyan , Liu Jun , Guo Tao , Zhu Zhenjie , Bi Yanlan
Published: July 2023

A novel antioxidant containing four hydroxyl groups, namely 2,2′-(2-methylpropane-1,3-diyl)bis(hydroquinone) (MPBHQ), was synthesized using hydroquinone and methylallyl alcohol as the raw materials, phosphoric acid as the catalyst, and toluene as the solvent system. The structure of MPBHQ was characterized by mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that MPBHQ has a good radical scavenging effect, as measured by the ORAC assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay, ABST radical scavenging assay, and Rancimat test. In fatty acid methyl ester and lard without exogenous antioxidants, MPBHQ showed better antioxidant performance than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), hydroquinone (HQ), tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), and propyl gallate (PG), meeting the need for a new antioxidant with better properties to ensure the oxidative stability of lipids and biodiesel.
Fundamental Investigations of the Deformation Behavior of Single-Crystal Ni-Mn-Ga Alloys and Their Polymer Composites via the Introduction of Various Fields
Authors: Chiu Wan-Ting , Okuno Motoki , Tahara Masaki , Inamura Tomonari , Hosoda Hideki
Published: July 2023

To meet the great requirements of future technologies, such as robots, single-crystal (SC) Ni-Mn-Ga alloys and their composites were designed and investigated in this study. Ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) are promising materials for applications in high-speed actuators, which are core components of robots; however, there are some issues of embrittlement and small deformation strain. Therefore, in this work, we first prepared SC Ni-Mn-Ga alloys for fundamental investigations of the shape deformations under the application of different fields (e.g., compressive and magnetic fields). Second, the SC Ni-Mn-Ga alloys were integrated with polymers of epoxy resin or silicone rubber to solve the embrittlement problem. The obvious two-stage yielding and sudden intensifying of the magnetization both suggest martensite variant reorientation (MVR) under the compressive and magnetic fields, respectively. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) and an X-ray diffractometer were utilized for the observations of shape deformation brought about by the MVR of the SC Ni-Mn-Ga particles in the polymer matrix. Clear MVR and shape deformation could be found in the compressed composites.
Training on Sand or Parquet: Impact of Pre-Season Training on Jumping, Sprinting, and Change of Direction Performance in Professional Basketball Players
Authors: Vuong Jo-Lâm , Heil Johanna , Breuer Nina , Theodoropoulos Matthaios , Volk Nicola , Edel Antonia , Ferrauti Alexander
Published: July 2023

This study examined the effects of combined change of direction (CoD) and plyometric training on sand in basketball players’ jump, sprint, and CoD performances. In total, twenty-five male professional basketball players (age, 24.1 ± 4.2 years; height, 192.5 ± 8.0 cm; body mass, 92.6 ± 11.6 kg) participated in a pre-season intervention study over seven weeks, where two teams completed an identical speed training protocol, either on sand or on a hard surface, while a third team served as the control. All participants followed their regular pre-season training, while the intervention groups additionally performed the training protocol twice weekly. A repeated-measures ANOVA (rANOVA) showed significant interaction effects on the countermovement jump (F = 14.90, p < 0.001), pivot–step–jump test (F = 8.09, p = 0.002), 10 m sprint time (ST) (F = 4.18, p = 0.050), and 20 m ST (F = 8.49, p = 0.002). Moreover, an rANOVA showed significant interaction effects for the CoD performance regarding total time (F = 5.70, p = 0.010) and average velocity prior to the CoD (F = 8.40, p = 0.002) and after the CoD (F = 3.89, p = 0.036). As such, the findings suggest that sand-based training elicits kinematic adaptations, increased muscle activation, and a shift towards concentric force development that all contribute to enhanced athletic capabilities.
Automation of Cluster Extraction in Fundus Autofluorescence Images of Geographic Atrophy
Authors: Arslan Janan , Benke Kurt
Published: July 2023

The build-up of lipofuscin—an age-associated biomarker referred to as hyperfluorescence—is considered a precursor in the progression of geographic atrophy (GA). Prior studies have attempted to classify hyperfluorescent regions to explain varying rates of GA progression. In this study, digital image processing and unsupervised learning were used to (1) completely automate the extraction of hyperfluorescent regions from images, and (2) evaluate prospective patterns and groupings of hyperfluorescent areas associated with varying levels of GA progression. Patterns were determined by clustering methods, such as k-Means, and performance was evaluated using metrics such as the Silhouette Coefficient (SC), the Davies–Bouldin Index (DBI), and the Calinski–Harabasz Index (CHI). Automated extraction of hyperfluorescent regions was carried out using pseudocoloring techniques. The approach revealed three distinct types of hyperfluorescence based on color intensity changes: early-stage hyperfluorescence, intermediate-stage hyperfluorescence, and late-stage hyperfluorescence, with the early and late stages having three additional subclassifications that could explain varying levels of GA progression. The performance metrics for early-stage hyperfluorescence were SC = 0.597, DBI = 0.915, and CHI = 186.989. For late-stage hyperfluorescence, SC = 0.593, DBI = 1.013, and CHI = 217.325. No meaningful subclusters were identified for the intermediate-stage hyperfluorescence, possibly because it is a transitional phase of hyperfluorescence progression.
Back to the (Winter) Garden: On Still Video, Motion Pictures and the Time of Early Photography
Authors: Saltzman Lisa
Published: July 2023

This essay, which reframes elements of my 2015 book, Daguerreotypes: Fugitive Subjects, Contemporary Objects, returns to the lacuna at the heart of Roland Barthes’s reflections on photo-graphy: the so-called “Winter Garden” photograph of his mother as a little girl. An image that is lovingly conjured but forever withheld, this photograph is the fulcrum of a theory of photography that emerged from the conjunction of mourning and desire. For Barthes, and all those working in his wake, the absent photograph is something of photography’s primal scene. With attention to the work of Eve Sussman and Simon Lee, their 2011 three-channel HD video Wintergarden and her 2018 NFT 89 Seconds Atomized in particular, this essay takes readers “back to the garden” to think about the time of early photography. To do so, this essay considers a range of contemporary videos that mine and mime the conventions of photography to produce static, durational encounters with stillness in a medium that is anything but, ultimately, revealing the truths and fictions of photography’s founding moment and fundamental logic.
Application of the Self-Organizing Map Method in February Temperature and Precipitation Pattern over China: Comparison between 2021 and 2022
Authors: Zhang Zengping , Gu Yu , Wang Zhikuan , Luo Siyuan , Sun Siyuan , Wang Shuting , Feng Guolin
Published: July 2023

In this study, we compared two anomalous wet February periods in 2021 and 2022 in China. The same anomalies appeared in the spatial distribution of precipitation, with anomalous precipitation centered over the southeast coast. However, temperature discrepancies appeared in most of China, with anomalously high temperatures in 2021 and lower temperatures in 2022. Both instances of increased precipitation were attributed to warm and moist advection from the south, with transport in 2021 being partly enhanced by the South China Sea cyclone, whereas transport in 2022 was mainly due to the subtropical western North Pacific anticyclone. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare and analyze temperature and precipitation anomalies in February 2021 and 2022 using the self-organizing map method. Warm events in East Asia and cold events in Siberia and the Tibetan Plateau types were obtained by mode 1, which contained 2021. Mode 6 exhibited opposite warm types in Siberia and cold types in southern Asia, including February temperature and precipitation anomalies in 2022. Based on the results of this study, we can conclude that precipitation anomalies in February 2021 and 2022 occurred under different temperature and circulation anomalies, and both were influenced by La Niña events. Autumn sea ice loss in the Barents Sea contributed significantly to warm and rainy events in February 2021. However, the cold and rainy events of February 2022 were closely related to the strengthening of the Siberian High.
Climate Change: An Issue That Should Be Part of Workers’ Information and Training Duties Envisaged by EU Directives on Occupational Health and Safety
Authors: Grandi Carlo , Lancia Andrea , D’Ovidio Maria Concetta
Published: July 2023

The impact of climate change on the physical environment, ecosystems, and human societies is increasingly recognized as the most important global challenge. Climate change may alter, among others, the thermal environment, the occurrence of extreme weather events, and the human exposure to physical, chemical, and biological pollutants, thus affecting human health with several potential outcomes. The impact of climate change on occupational health and safety has been receiving increasing attention in last years. In the European Union, the health and safety of workers is under the rule of Directive 89/391 and its daughters. In a changing climate, compliance with all requirements of the existing EU regulation entails an additional effort to implement preventive and protective measures. A central role in workers’ health protection is played by proper workers’ information and training, which is partly in charge of the occupational physicians. This paper provides a basic proposal on topics related to climate change to update workers’ information and training and to integrate the curricula of occupational physicians. Importantly, suitable information and training may contribute to promoting workers’ health and to implement adaptation measures, which are part of the individual, societal, and global responses to climate change.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Drought in Northwest China Based on SPEI Analysis
Authors: Peng Yongqin , Peng Tao , Li Yan
Published: July 2023

Drought has a direct impact on regional agricultural production, ecological environment, and economic development. The northwest region of China is an important agricultural production area, but it is also one of the most serious areas of water shortage due to drought and little rain. It is of great significance to make full use of agricultural resources to clarify the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the drought regime in Northwest China. Based on the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), this paper used the methods of Mann–Kendall non-parameter trend, mutation test, and Morlet wavelet analysis to explore the drought characteristics in Northwest China from 1961 to 2017. The results showed that the spatial distribution of SPEI on annual and seasonal scales differed slightly in different regions, but from northwest to southeast, the distribution was generally wetter to drier. The drought intensity (Sij) had a step-like distribution with a range of 1.14–1.98. Based on Sij analysis, the frequency of drought in Northwest China was moderate, followed by extreme drought, severe drought, and light drought. The inter-annual drought station proportion (Pj) ranged from 7.4% to 84.1%. A total of 25, 18, 7, and 5 years of pan-regional drought, regional drought, partial region drought, and local drought occurred, respectively, based on Pj analysis. Moreover, from the whole study period, the regional drought changes tended to cause humidification to different degrees. The results of Morlet wavelet analysis showed that there were multiple time scales of 33–52, 11–19, and 4–7 years of SPEI in the entire time domain, and dry and wet trends occurred. The results of the present research can provide a reference for the efficient utilization of water resources, drought monitoring and early warning, drought prevention, and drought relief in Northwest China.
Systematic Workflow for Efficient Identification of Local Representative Elementary Volumes Demonstrated with Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Microstructures
Authors: Kellers Benjamin , Lautenschlaeger Martin P. , Rigos Nireas , Weinmiller Julius , Danner Timo , Latz Arnulf
Published: July 2023

The concept of a representative elementary volume (REV) is key for connecting results of pore-scale simulations with continuum properties of microstructures. Current approaches define REVs only based on their size as the smallest volume in a heterogeneous material independent of its location and under certain aspects representing the same material at the continuum scale. However, the determination of such REVs is computationally expensive and time-consuming, as many costly simulations are often needed. Therefore, presented here is an efficient, systematic, and predictive workflow for the identification of REVs. The main differences from former studies are: (1) An REV is reinterpreted as one specificsub-volume of minimal size at a certain location that reproduces the relevant continuum properties of the full microstructure. It is therefore called a local REV (lREV) here. (2) Besides comparably cheap geometrical and statistical analyses, no further simulations are needed. The minimum size of the sub-volume is estimated using the simple statistical properties of the full microstructure. Then, the location of the REV is identified solely by evaluating the structural properties of all possible candidates in a very fast, efficient, and systematic manner using a penalty function. The feasibility and correct functioning of the workflow were successfully tested and validated by simulating diffusive transport, advection, and electrochemical properties for an lREV. It is shown that the lREVs identified using this workflow can be significantly smaller than typical REVs. This can lead to significant speed-ups for any pore-scale simulations. The workflow can be applied to any type of heterogeneous material, even though it is showcased here using a lithium-ion battery cathode.
Accelerating High b-Value Diffusion-Weighted MRI Using a Convolutional Recurrent Neural Network (CRNN-DWI)
Authors: Zhong Zheng , Ryu Kanghyun , Mao Jonathan , Sun Kaibao , Dan Guangyu , Vasanawala Shreyas , Zhou Xiaohong
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To develop a novel convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN-DWI) and apply it to reconstruct a highly undersampled (up to six-fold) multi-b-value, multi-direction diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) dataset. Methods: A deep neural network that combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) and recurrent neural network (RNN) was first developed by using a set of diffusion images as input. The network was then used to reconstruct a DWI dataset consisting of 14 b-values, each with three diffusion directions. For comparison, the dataset was also reconstructed with zero-padding and 3D-CNN. The experiments were performed with undersampling rates (R) of 4 and 6. Standard image quality metrics (SSIM and PSNR) were employed to provide quantitative assessments of the reconstructed image quality. Additionally, an advanced non-Gaussian diffusion model was employed to fit the reconstructed images from the different approaches, thereby generating a set of diffusion parameter maps. These diffusion parameter maps from the different approaches were then compared using SSIM as a metric. Results: Both the reconstructed diffusion images and diffusion parameter maps from CRNN-DWI were better than those from zero-padding or 3D-CNN. Specifically, the average SSIM and PSNR of CRNN-DWI were 0.750 ± 0.016 and 28.32 ± 0.69 (R = 4), and 0.675 ± 0.023 and 24.16 ± 0.77 (R = 6), respectively, both of which were substantially higher than those of zero-padding or 3D-CNN reconstructions. The diffusion parameter maps from CRNN-DWI also yielded higher SSIM values for R = 4 (>0.8) and for R = 6 (>0.7) than the other two approaches (for R = 4, <0.7, and for R = 6, <0.65). Conclusions: CRNN-DWI is a viable approach for reconstructing highly undersampled DWI data, providing opportunities to reduce the data acquisition burden.
Multi-Modal Data Correspondence for the 4D Analysis of the Spine with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Comte Nicolas , Pujades Sergi , Courvoisier Aurélien , Daniel Olivier , Franco Jean-Sébastien , Faure François , Boyer Edmond
Published: July 2023

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that evolves during adolescence. Combined with static 3D X-ray acquisitions, novel approaches using motion capture allow for the analysis of the patient dynamics. However, as of today, they cannot provide an internal analysis of the spine in motion. In this study, we investigated the use of personalized kinematic avatars, created with observations of the outer (skin) and internal shape (3D spine) to infer the actual anatomic dynamics of the spine when driven by motion capture markers. Towards that end, we propose an approach to create a subject-specific digital twin from multi-modal data, namely, a surface scan of the back of the patient and a reconstruction of the 3D spine (EOS). We use radio-opaque markers to register the inner and outer observations. With respect to the previous work, our method does not rely on a precise palpation for the placement of the markers. We present the preliminary results on two cases, for which we acquired a second biplanar X-ray in a bending position. Our model can infer the spine motion from mocap markers with an accuracy below 1 cm on each anatomical axis and near 5 degrees in orientations.
Fluid Osmolarity Modulates the Rate of Spontaneous Contraction of Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Flow by Means of a Cooperation between TRPV and VRAC Channels
Authors: Solari Eleonora , Marcozzi Cristiana , Negrini Daniela , Moriondo Andrea
Published: July 2023

Lymphatic vessels are capable of sustaining lymph formation and propulsion via an intrinsic mechanism based on the spontaneous contraction of the lymphatic muscle in the wall of lymphatic collectors. Exposure to a hyper- or hypo-osmolar environment can deeply affect the intrinsic contraction rate and therefore alter lymph flow. In this work, we aimed at defining the putative receptors underlying such a response. Functional experiments were conducted in ex vivo rat diaphragmatic specimens containing spontaneously contracting lymphatic vessels that were exposed to either hyper- or hypo-osmolar solutions. Lymphatics were challenged with blockers to TRPV4, TRPV1, and VRAC channels, known to respond to changes in osmolarity and/or cell swelling and expressed by lymphatic vessels. Results show that the normal response to a hyperosmolar environment is a steady decrease in the contraction rate and lymph flow and can be prevented by blocking TRPV1 channels with capsazepine. The response to a hyposmolar environment consists of an early phase of an increase in the contraction rate, followed by a decrease. The early phase is abolished by blocking VRACs with DCPIB, while blocking TRPV4 mainly resulted in a delay of the early response. Overall, our data suggest that the cooperation of the three channels can shape the response of lymphatic vessels in terms of contraction frequency and lymph flow, with a prominent role of TRPV1 and VRACs.
Differential Participation of Plant Ribosomal Proteins from the Small Ribosomal Subunit in Protein Translation under Stress
Authors: Fakih Zainab , Plourde Mélodie B. , Germain Hugo
Published: July 2023

Upon exposure to biotic and abiotic stress, plants have developed strategies to adapt to the challenges imposed by these unfavorable conditions. The energetically demanding translation process is one of the main elements regulated to reduce energy consumption and to selectively synthesize proteins involved in the establishment of an adequate response. Emerging data have shown that ribosomes remodel to adapt to stresses. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ribosomes consist of approximately eighty-one distinct ribosomal proteins (RPs), each of which is encoded by two to seven genes. Recent research has revealed that a mutation in a given single RP in plants can not only affect the functions of the RP itself but can also influence the properties of the ribosome, which could bring about changes in the translation to varying degrees. However, a pending question is whether some RPs enable ribosomes to preferentially translate specific mRNAs. To reveal the role of ribosomal proteins from the small subunit (RPS) in a specific translation, we developed a novel approach to visualize the effect of RPS silencing on the translation of a reporter mRNA (GFP) combined to the 5’UTR of different housekeeping and defense genes. The silencing of genes encoding for NbRPSaA, NbRPS5A, and NbRPS24A in Nicotiana benthamiana decreased the translation of defense genes. The NbRACK1A-silenced plant showed compromised translations of specific antioxidant enzymes. However, the translations of all tested genes were affected in NbRPS27D-silenced plants. These findings suggest that some RPS may be potentially involved in the control of protein translation.
Impact and Advances in the Role of Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles in Neurodegenerative Disease and Its Therapeutics
Authors: Iyaswamy Ashok , Lu Kejia , Guan Xin-Jie , Kan Yuxuan , Su Chengfu , Liu Jia , Jaganathan Ravindran , Vasudevan Karthick , Paul Jeyakumari , Thakur Abhimanyu , Li Min
Published: July 2023

Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles (BEVs) possess the capability of intracellular interactions with other cells, and, hence, can be utilized as an efficient cargo for worldwide delivery of therapeutic substances such as monoclonal antibodies, proteins, plasmids, siRNA, and small molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). BEVs additionally possess a remarkable capacity for delivering these therapeutics across the blood–brain barrier to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This review summarizes the role and advancement of BEVs for NDs, AD, and their treatment. Additionally, it investigates the critical BEV networks in the microbiome–gut–brain axis, their defensive and offensive roles in NDs, and their interaction with NDs. Furthermore, the part of BEVs in the neuroimmune system and their interference with ND, as well as the risk factors made by BEVs in the autophagy–lysosomal pathway and their potential outcomes on ND, are all discussed. To conclude, this review aims to gain a better understanding of the credentials of BEVs in NDs and possibly discover new therapeutic strategies.
Has-miR-129-5p’s Involvement in Different Disorders, from Digestive Cancer to Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Boicean Adrian , Birsan Sabrina , Ichim Cristian , Boeras Ioana , Roman-Filip Iulian , Blanca Grama , Bacila Ciprian , Fleaca Radu Sorin , Dura Horatiu , Roman-Filip Corina
Published: July 2023

At present, it is necessary to identify specific biochemical, molecular, and genetic markers that can reliably aid in screening digestive cancer and correlate with the degree of disease development. Has-miR-129-5p is a small, non-coding molecule of RNA, circulating in plasma, gastric juice, and other biological fluids; it plays a protective role in tumoral growth, metastasis, etc. Furthermore, it is involved in various diseases, from the development of digestive cancer in cases of downregulation to neurodegenerative diseases and depression. Methods: We examined meta-analyses, research, and studies related to miR-129-5-p involved in digestive cancer and its implications in cancer processes, as well as metastasis, and described its implications in neurological diseases. Conclusions: Our review outlines that miR-129-5p is a significant controller of different pathways, genes, and proteins and influences different diseases. Some important pathways include the WNT and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways; their dysregulation results in digestive neoplasia and neurodegenerative diseases.
Inflammatory Forms of Cardiomyocyte Cell Death in the Rat Model of Isoprenaline-Induced Takotsubo Syndrome
Authors: Borodzicz-Jażdżyk Sonia , Kołodzińska Agnieszka , Czarzasta Katarzyna , Wojciechowska Małgorzata , Główczyńska Renata , Szczepankiewicz Benedykt , Puchalska Liana , Opolski Grzegorz , Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska Agnieszka
Published: July 2023

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is associated with inflammatory response, therefore the aim of the study was to evaluate the presence and dynamics of inflammatory-associated forms of cell death, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in the female rat model of isoprenaline (ISO)-induced TTS. TTS was induced in female Sprague Dawley rats (n = 36) by ISO 150 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Animals were divided into four groups: TTSO (TTS+ovariectomy; n = 10), TTSP (TTS+sham operation; n = 10), CO (0.9% NaCl+ovariectomy; n = 8), CP (0.9% NaCl+sham operation; n = 8). Histopathological analysis, evaluation of plasma concentration, and myocardial expression of pyroptosis- and necroptosis-associated proteins were performed. TTSO and TTSP groups had higher plasma concentrations of interleukin-1β in comparison with the controls. Low myocardial protein expression of mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL), caspase-1 (Casp-1), and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase type II isoform delta (CAMKIIδ) was visible 6 and/or 12 h post-ISO. Twenty-four hours post-ISO, high myocardial and vascular protein expression of CAMKIIδ was visible in TTSO but not TTSP rats, while high myocardial expression of MLKL and Casp-1 was visible both in TTSO and TTSP rats. The course of TTS is associated with activation of inflammatory-associated programmed cell death, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, therefore inflammation may be a primary response occurring simultaneously with cardiomyocyte death in TTS.
Effect of the Mechanical Properties of Soft Counter-Faces on the Adhesive Capacity of Mushroom-Shaped Biomimetic Microstructures
Authors: Gonen May , Kasem Haytam
Published: July 2023

The effects of mechanical properties and contact environment conditions on the adhesiveness of the biomimetic adhesive mushroom-shaped micro-structure have been experimentally investigated. The idea is based on the adhesive micro-structures and surfaces inspired by nature after observing the abilities of some animals. Applications are proposed in various fields of engineering and technology. However, to enable unconventional uses of these biomimetic adhesion surfaces, such as in the biomedical field, it is necessary to adjust and optimize their tribological properties (friction, adhesion, and peeling strength) in contact with soft substrates that can simulate the mechanical features of biological tissues. Our work explores the effect of the combinations of the various parameters on the strength of adhesion. Under dry contact conditions, soft counter-faces lead to lower adhesion than hard counter-faces, whereas under wet conditions, soft counter-faces lead to higher adhesion than harder counter-faces.
Neural Correlates of Impaired Grasp Function in Children with Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Gutterman Jennifer , Gordon Andrew M.
Published: July 2023

Unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) is caused by damage to the developing brain and affects motor function, mainly lateralized to one side of the body. Children with USCP have difficulties grasping objects, which can affect their ability to perform daily activities. Although cerebral palsy is typically classified according to motor function, sensory abnormalities are often present as well and may contribute to motor impairments, including grasping. In this review, we show that the integrity and connectivity pattern of the corticospinal tract (CST) is related to execution and anticipatory control of grasping. However, as this may not explain all the variance of impairments in grasping function, we also describe the potential roles of sensory and sensorimotor integration deficits that contribute to grasp impairments. We highlight studies measuring fingertip forces during object manipulation tasks, as this approach allows for the dissection of the close association of sensory and motor function and can detect the discriminant use of sensory information during a complex, functional task (i.e., grasping). In addition, we discuss the importance of examining the interactions of the sensory and motor systems together, rather than in isolation. Finally, we suggest future directions for research to understand the underlying mechanisms of grasp impairments.
Systematic Review on the Link between Sleep Bruxism and Systemic Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Fulek Michal , Wieckiewicz Mieszko , Szymanska-Chabowska Anna , Michalek-Zrabkowska Monika , Fulek Katarzyna , Lachowicz Gabriella , Poreba Rafal , Mazur Grzegorz , Martynowicz Helena
Published: July 2023

Sleep bruxism (SB) is a sleep-related behavior characterized as rhythmic (phasic) or non-rhythmic (tonic) masticatory muscle activity. SB is a common sleep behavior with a predominantly central origin. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the relationship between inflammatory status and SB according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 (PRISMA 2020). The research was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023395985). We performed a systematic literature analysis using five different databases. Furthermore, the backward snowballing technique was applied to identify additional papers. Initially, 28 papers were screened from the database search, and 162 papers were revealed in the backward snowballing process. Eventually, five articles were included. Data concerning the inflammatory status of patients experiencing SB were investigated and summarized. Due to the heterogeneity of the compared studies, only a qualitative comparison and narrative summary were performed. The results suggest that SB could be associated with systemic inflammation. In fact, this systematic review revealed that there are no papers conclusively showing that the inflammatory status in bruxers is comparable to non-bruxers. However, each of the examined studies utilized different methods of assessing systemic inflammation, which makes the results dubious.
Autism Spectrum, Hikikomori Syndrome and Internet Gaming Disorder: Is There a Link?
Authors: Dell’Osso Liliana , Amatori Giulia , Muti Dario , Giovannoni Federico , Parri Francesca , Violi Miriam , Cremone Ivan Mirko , Carpita Barbara
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study is to review the available literature investigating the relationship between hikikomori, a pathological condition characterized by severe social withdrawal or isolation, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Studies on the relationship between ASD and IGD have found significant positive correlations between these two conditions. Individuals with ASD would appear to be at risk of developing a problematic use of the Internet, which, to the right extent, would represent a useful tool for social interaction and cognitive development. Even subjects with hikikomori, in whom rarefied interpersonal relationships and social isolation could be balanced by the use of online connections, appear to be at high risk of developing IGD. On the other hand, the finding of significant autistic traits in populations with hikikomori could lead to considering this psychopathological condition as a particular presentation of autism spectrum, a hypothesis that requires further investigation.
Predictors of Response to Hydroxyurea and Switch to Ruxolitinib in HU-Resistant Polycythaemia VERA Patients: A Real-World PV-NET Study
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Rossi Elena , Auteri Giuseppe , Breccia Massimo , Paglia Simona , Benevolo Giulia , Elli Elena M. , Cavazzini Francesco , Binotto Gianni , Tieghi Alessia , Tiribelli Mario , Heidel Florian H. , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Pugliese Novella , Caocci Giovanni , Crugnola Monica , Mendicino Francesco , D'Addio Alessandra , Tomassetti Simona , Martino Bruno , Polverelli Nicola , Ceglie Sara , Mazzoni Camilla , Mullai Rikard , Ripamonti Alessia , Garibaldi Bruno , Pane Fabrizio , Cuneo Antonio , Krampera Mauro , Semenzato Gianpietro , Lemoli Roberto M. , Vianelli Nicola , Palumbo Giuseppe A. , Andriani Alessandro , Cavo Michele , Latagliata Roberto , De Stefano Valerio
Published: July 2023

In polycythemia vera (PV), the prognostic relevance of an ELN-defined complete response (CR) to hydroxyurea (HU), the predictors of response, and patients’ triggers for switching to ruxolitinib are uncertain. In a real-world analysis, we evaluated the predictors of response, their impact on the clinical outcomes of CR to HU, and the correlations between partial or no response (PR/NR) and a patient switching to ruxolitinib. Among 563 PV patients receiving HU for ≥12 months, 166 (29.5%) achieved CR, 264 achieved PR, and 133 achieved NR. In a multivariate analysis, the absence of splenomegaly (p = 0.03), pruritus (p = 0.002), and a median HU dose of ≥1 g/day (p < 0.001) remained associated with CR. Adverse events were more frequent with a median HU dose of ≥1 g/day. Overall, 283 PR/NR patients (71.3%) continued HU, and 114 switched to ruxolitinib. In the 449 patients receiving only HU, rates of thrombosis, hemorrhages, progression, and overall survival were comparable among the CR, PR, and NR groups. Many PV patients received underdosed HU, leading to lower CR and toxicity rates. In addition, many patients continued HU despite a PR/NR; however, splenomegaly and other symptoms were the main drivers of an early switch. Better HU management, standardization of the criteria for and timing of responses to HU, and adequate intervention in poor responders should be advised.
Casein Kinase 2 (CK2): A Possible Therapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Bruserud Øystein , Reikvam Håkon
Published: July 2023

The protein kinase CK2 (also known as casein kinase 2) is one of the main contributors to the human phosphoproteome. It is regarded as a possible therapeutic strategy in several malignant diseases, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is an aggressive bone marrow malignancy. CK2 is an important regulator of intracellular signaling in AML cells, especially PI3K–Akt, Jak–Stat, NFκB, Wnt, and DNA repair signaling. High CK2 levels in AML cells at the first time of diagnosis are associated with decreased survival (i.e., increased risk of chemoresistant leukemia relapse) for patients receiving intensive and potentially curative antileukemic therapy. However, it is not known whether these high CK2 levels can be used as an independent prognostic biomarker because this has not been investigated in multivariate analyses. Several CK2 inhibitors have been developed, but CX-4945/silmitasertib is best characterized. This drug has antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in primary human AML cells. The preliminary results from studies of silmitasertib in the treatment of other malignancies suggest that gastrointestinal and bone marrow toxicities are relatively common. However, clinical AML studies are not available. Taken together, the available experimental and clinical evidence suggests that the possible use of CK2 inhibition in the treatment of AML should be further investigated.
High-Speed Videoendoscopy Enhances the Objective Assessment of Glottic Organic Lesions: A Case-Control Study with Multivariable Data-Mining Model Development
Authors: Malinowski Jakub , Pietruszewska Wioletta , Stawiski Konrad , Kowalczyk Magdalena , Barańska Magda , Rycerz Aleksander , Niebudek-Bogusz Ewa
Published: July 2023

The aim of the study was to utilize a quantitative assessment of the vibratory characteristics of vocal folds in diagnosing benign and malignant lesions of the glottis using high-speed videolaryngoscopy (HSV). Methods: Case-control study including 100 patients with unilateral vocal fold lesions in comparison to 38 normophonic subjects. Quantitative assessment with the determination of vocal fold oscillation parameters was performed based on HSV kymography. Machine-learning predictive models were developed and validated. Results: All calculated parameters differed significantly between healthy subjects and patients with organic lesions. The first predictive model distinguishing any organic lesion patients from healthy subjects reached an area under the curve (AUC) equal to 0.983 and presented with 89.3% accuracy, 97.0% sensitivity, and 71.4% specificity on the testing set. The second model identifying malignancy among organic lesions reached an AUC equal to 0.85 and presented with 80.6% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 71.1% specificity on the training set. Important predictive factors for the models were frequency perturbation measures. Conclusions: The standard protocol for distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions continues to be clinical evaluation by an experienced ENT specialist and confirmed by histopathological examination. Our findings did suggest that advanced machine learning models, which consider the complex interactions present in HSV data, could potentially indicate a heightened risk of malignancy. Therefore, this technology could prove pivotal in aiding in early cancer detection, thereby emphasizing the need for further investigation and validation.
NAFLD-Related HCC: Focus on the Latest Relevant Preclinical Models
Authors: Fang Jing , Celton-Morizur Séverine , Desdouets Chantal
Published: July 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Despite extensive research, the biological mechanisms underlying HCC’s development and progression remain only partially understood. Chronic overeating and/or sedentary-lifestyle-associated obesity, which promote Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), have recently emerged as worrying risk factors for HCC. NAFLD is characterized by excessive hepatocellular lipid accumulation (steatosis) and affects one quarter of the world’s population. Steatosis progresses in the more severe inflammatory form, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), potentially leading to HCC. The incidence of NASH is expected to increase by up to 56% over the next 10 years. Better diagnoses and the establishment of effective treatments for NAFLD and HCC will require improvements in our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the disease’s development. This review describes the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the mechanisms underlying the transition from NAFL/NASH to HCC. We also discuss a selection of appropriate preclinical models of NAFLD for research, from cellular models such as liver-on-a-chip models to in vivo models, focusing particularly on mouse models of dietary NAFLD-HCC.
Metformin Treatment Reduces CRC Aggressiveness in a Glucose-Independent Manner: An In Vitro and Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Boutaud Marie , Auger Clément , Verdier Mireille , Christou Niki
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, seems to protect against aggressive acquisition in colorectal cancers (CRCs). However, its mechanisms are still really unknown, raising questions about the possibility of its positive impact on non-diabetic patients with CRC. (2) Methods: An in vitro study based on human colon cancer cell lines and an ex vivo study with different colon cancer stages with proteomic and transcriptomic analyses were initiated. (3) Results: Metformin seems to protect from colon cancer invasive acquisition, irrespective of glucose concentration. (4) Conclusions: Metformin could be used as an adjuvant treatment to surgery for both diabetic and non-diabetic patients in order to prevent the acquisition of aggressiveness and, ultimately, recurrences.