bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and Electrochemical Evolution of Water Hyacinth-Derived Activated Carbon with Gamma Pretreatment for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Weerasuk Bordin , Chutimasakul Threeraphat , Prigyai Nicha , Nilgumhang Kewalee , Kaeopookum Piriya , Sangtawesin Tanagorn
Published: July 2024

This study introduces a gamma pretreatment of water hyacinth powder for activated carbon (AC) production with improved electrochemical properties for supercapacitor applications. The structural and morphological changes of post-irradiation were meticulously analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The pretreatment significantly modifies the pore structure and reduces the particle size of the resulting activated carbon (WHAC). Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms indicated a substantial increase in micropore volume with escalating doses of gamma irradiation. Electrochemically, the activated carbon produced from pretreated WH at 100 kGy exhibited a marked increase in specific capacitance, reaching 257.82 F g−1, a notable improvement over the 95.35 F g−1 of its untreated counterpart, while maintaining 99.40% capacitance after 7000 cycles. These findings suggest that gamma-pretreated biomasses are promising precursors for fabricating high-performance supercapacitor electrodes, offering a viable and environmentally friendly alternative for energy storage technology development.
Re-Optimized Design for the ADR-Based Dual-Loop Controller of 100 m Class Aperture Radio Telescope
Authors: Li Ning , Xu Qian , Wang Na , Liu Zhiyong
Published: July 2024

Pointing accuracy is a crucial performance index for a fully steerable large-aperture radio telescope and is subject to external and internal disturbances. Improvement of the antenna’s servo control performance is meaningful for pointing, especially for blind pointing of the antenna. This paper firstly establishes a multi-motor-driving four-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) model of an antenna servo system, then optimizes the original design consisting of the active disturbance rejection (ADR)-based velocity controller and lead–lag-based position controller, making the velocity controller a novel linear ADR-based controller coupled with a disturbance-velocity compensation (DLADRC) and the position controller the simplest proportional (P) controller. Simulation results based on a 100 m class radio telescope servo model indicate that the new control system’s velocity-loop response is smoother, the position-loop peak disturbance response is reduced by 17.8%, the position-loop dynamic performance with the short settling time and slight overshoot remains the same as the former PD-LADRC system, and the RMS pointing/tracking error is 2.16 arcsec under a mean wind of 3 m/s, less than the design specification of 2.5 arcsec RMS required.
Fault-Tolerant Control Study of Four-Wheel Independent Drive Electric Vehicles Based on Drive Actuator Faults
Authors: Guo Mingjie , Bao Chunjiang , Cao Qinghua , Xu Fuxing , Miao Xinhong , Wu Jian
Published: July 2024

Failure of any of the drive systems in a Four-Wheel Independent Drive (4WID) electric vehicle may affect the control performance and driving safety of the whole vehicle. Therefore, in this paper, a fault-tolerant controller (FTC) for 4WID electric vehicles considering drive actuator failures is proposed. First, a comprehensive characterization of multiple fault types is achieved by establishing a generalized fault model and designing a comprehensive fault factor. Second, based on the comprehensive fault factor, an LPV model with faults is constructed. Further, a fault-tolerant controller based on LPV/H∞ output feedback is designed by combining the weighting function. Finally, the effectiveness of the FTC in this paper is verified by simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiments. The experimental results show that the FTC designed in this paper can improve the stability of the vehicle traveling while ensuring tracking accuracy when the drive system fails.
An Improved Laplacian Gravity Centrality-Based Consensus Method for Social Network Group Decision-Making with Incomplete ELICIT Information
Authors: Mao Jinjing , Gou Xiangjie , Hua Zhen
Published: July 2024

With the advancement of information technology, social media has become increasingly prevalent. The complex networks of social relationships among decision-makers (DMs) have given rise to the problem of social network group decision-making (SNGDM), which has garnered considerable attention in recent years. However, most existing consensus-reaching methods in SNGDM only consider local network information when determining the influence of DMs within the social network. This approach fails to adequately reflect the crucial role of key DMs in regulating information propagation during the consensus-reaching process. Additionally, the partial absence of linguistic evaluations in the decision-making problems also poses obstacles to identifying the optimal alternative. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved Laplacian gravity centrality-based consensus method that can effectively handle incomplete decision information in social network environments. First, the extended comparative linguistic expressions with symbolic translation (ELICIT) are utilized to describe DMs’ linguistic evaluations and construct the incomplete decision matrix. Second, the improved Laplacian gravity centrality (ILGC) is proposed to quantify the influence of DMs in the social network by considering local and global topological structures. Based on the ILGC measure, we develop a trust-driven consensus-reaching model to enhance group consensus, which can better simulate opinion interactions in real-world situations. Lastly, we apply the proposed method to a smart city evaluation problem. The results show that our method can more reasonably handle incomplete linguistic evaluations, more comprehensively capture the influence of DMs, and more effectively improve group consensus.
Convergence and Almost Sure Polynomial Stability of Partially Truncated Split-Step Theta Method for Stochastic Pantograph Models with Lévy Jumps
Authors: Abosenna Amr , AlNemer Ghada , Tian Boping
Published: July 2024

This paper addresses a stochastic pantograph model with Lévy leaps where non-jump coefficients exceed linearity. The partially truncated split-step theta method is introduced and applied to the proposed model. The finite time Lϱ^(ϱ^≥2) convergence rate of the numerical scheme is obtained. Furthermore, the almost sure polynomial stability of the numerical scheme is investigated and numerical examples are presented to endorse the addressed theorems.
A Rate of Change and Center of Gravity Approach to Calculating Composite Indicator Thresholds: Moving from an Empirical to a Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Garuti Claudio , Mu Enrique
Published: July 2024

A composite indicator (CI) is the mathematical aggregation of sub-dimension (local) indicators used to provide an overall score for the multidimensional concept being measured. CIs are widely used to assess the benefits or risks in human endeavors, such as by creating life satisfaction indices or disaster risk indicators. One important aspect of the development of CIs is setting up value thresholds for taking action, such as in determining the minimum acceptable level of life satisfaction in a community or the maximum acceptable flood risk value beyond which people should be ordered to evacuate from the area in danger. The analytic hierarchy/network process (AHNP) is widely used for the development of CIs. In a review of 111 AHP/ANP CI studies, fewer than 10% discussed any threshold. This means that about 90% of the developed CIs were theoretically sound but lacked the actionable thresholds necessary to be of practical use. Furthermore, for the few studies that set thresholds, the values were typically set arbitrarily or using inadequate statistical approaches. To address this important concern, this study first discusses the most commonly used approaches to setting up thresholds, as well as their inadequacies, and proposes the development of AHP/ANP CI thresholds using a mathematical approach based on the rate of change and center of gravity (RCCG) concepts. Using this approach, a virtual reference alternative, i.e., a threshold profile (TP) made up of the local thresholds of each indicator, is calculated. The key advantage of the proposed method is that it not only provides a non-arbitrary way to set up a CI threshold; more importantly, it is independent of the data and/or alternatives to be evaluated; that is, a threshold calculated with the proposed approach constitutes an absolute reference value, outside the dataset.
Analog Implementation of a Spiking Neuron with Memristive Synapses for Deep Learning Processing
Authors: Ramirez-Morales Royce R. , Ponce-Ponce Victor H. , Molina-Lozano Herón , Sossa-Azuela Humberto , Islas-García Oscar , Rubio-Espino Elsa
Published: July 2024

Analog neuromorphic prototyping is essential for designing and testing spiking neuron models that use memristive devices as synapses. These prototypes can have various circuit configurations, implying different response behaviors that custom silicon designs lack. The prototype’s behavior results can be optimized for a specific foundry node, which can be used to produce a customized on-chip parallel deep neural network. Spiking neurons mimic how the biological neurons in the brain communicate through electrical potentials. Doing so enables more powerful and efficient functionality than traditional artificial neural networks that run on von Neumann computers or graphic processing unit-based platforms. Therefore, on-chip parallel deep neural network technology can accelerate deep learning processing, aiming to exploit the brain’s unique features of asynchronous and event-driven processing by leveraging the neuromorphic hardware’s inherent parallelism and analog computation capabilities. This paper presents the design and implementation of a leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neuron prototype implemented with commercially available components on a PCB board. The simulations conducted in LTSpice agree well with the electrical test measurements. The results demonstrate that this design can be used to interconnect many boards to build layers of physical spiking neurons, with spike-timing-dependent plasticity as the primary learning algorithm, contributing to the realization of experiments in the early stage of adopting analog neuromorphic computing.
Sensorless Control of Surface-Mount Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors Based on an Adaptive Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Wang Hengqiang , Zhang Guangming , Liu Xiaojun
Published: July 2024

The Sliding Mode Observer (SMO) is widely used for the sensorless control of Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) due to its simple structure and strong parameter robustness. However, traditional SMOs have a limited speed range and suffer from chattering issues, which affect the accuracy of rotor position estimation. To address these problems, this paper proposes an Adaptive Super-Twisting SMO (AST-SMO) method. First, a fast super-twisting function is designed to resolve the step problem that occurs at the zero-crossing of the traditional sign function. Next, an adaptive-tracking high-order Sliding Mode Observer is constructed to extend the speed range of the SMO. The stability of the system is proven using the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, a sensorless control system for PMSMs is implemented and validated in MATLAB/SIMULINK. The results indicate that, compared to the traditional SMO, the AST-SMO reduces the back EMF THD from 20.03% to 14.2%. Additionally, the rotor estimation error across all speed ranges is less than 0.01. Therefore, AST-SMO offers a higher tracking accuracy, a wider speed range, and effectively suppresses sliding mode chattering and harmonic interference.
Existence and Sensitivity Analysis of a Caputo Fractional-Order Diphtheria Epidemic Model
Authors: Ahmed Idris , Kiataramkul Chanakarn , Muhammad Mubarak , Tariboon Jessada
Published: July 2024

Diphtheria, a potentially life-threatening infectious disease, is primarily caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This pathogen induces a range of severe symptoms, including respiratory distress, cardiac arrhythmias, and, in extreme cases, fatal outcomes. This paper aim to unravel the transmission dynamics of diphtheria infection within the Caputo fractional derivatives framework, establishing the solutions’ existence and uniqueness. Through forward normalized sensitivity analysis, we scrutinize the key parameters influencing the basic reproduction number, a pivotal metric in understanding and controlling the spread of the disease. The results indicate that reducing the values of the interaction rate, transmission rate, and birth rate plays a key role in curtailing diphtheria transmission. Furthermore, employing an effective numerical tool, we present graphical representations that delineate the influence of various crucial model parameters on infection dynamics.
Maximizing Closeness in Bipartite Networks: A Graph-Theoretic Analysis
Authors: Hayat Fazal , Otera Daniele Ettore
Published: July 2024

A fundamental aspect of network analysis involves pinpointing nodes that hold significant positions within the network. Graph theory has emerged as a powerful mathematical tool for this purpose, and there exist numerous graph-theoretic parameters for analyzing the stability of the system. Within this framework, various graph-theoretic parameters contribute to network analysis. One such parameter used in network analysis is the so-called closeness, which serves as a structural measure to assess the efficiency of a node’s ability to interact with other nodes in the network. Mathematically, it measures the reciprocal of the sum of the shortest distances from a node to all other nodes in the network. A bipartite network is a particular type of network in which the nodes can be divided into two disjoint sets such that no two nodes within the same set are adjacent. This paper mainly studies the problem of determining the network that maximize the closeness within bipartite networks. To be more specific, we identify those networks that maximize the closeness over bipartite networks with a fixed number of nodes and one of the fixed parameters: connectivity, dissociation number, cut edges, and diameter.
Private Partner Prioritization for Public–Private Partnership Contracts in a Brazilian Water Company Using a Multi-Criteria Decision Aid Method
Authors: Corrêa Thaís Lima , Morais Danielle Costa
Published: July 2024

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are long-term contracts between government entities and private companies, and are increasingly being adopted in developing countries due to the large need for investments in sectors such as water and sewerage and also in order to benefit from the experience and to have access to the resources and technology of the private sector. Prioritizing the private party of the contract becomes a complex decision due to the characteristics of PPP contracts, and a standard of evaluation has not been adopted yet, the decision usually being made by evaluating the price. Thus, this research aims to propose a set of criteria to be incorporated into the decision problem that involves technical aspects. It then seeks to rank alternatives by using a multi-criteria decision aid method, FITradeoff, which supports the decision-maker (DM) in prioritization and provides transparency and security to the process.
On a Local and Nonlocal Second-Order Boundary Value Problem with In-Homogeneous Cauchy–Neumann Boundary Conditions—Applications in Engineering and Industry
Authors: Barbu Tudor , Miranville Alain , Moroşanu Costică
Published: July 2024

A qualitative study for a second-order boundary value problem with local or nonlocal diffusion and a cubic nonlinear reaction term, endowed with in-homogeneous Cauchy–Neumann (Robin) boundary conditions, is addressed in the present paper. Provided that the initial data meet appropriate regularity conditions, the existence of solutions to the nonlocal problem is given at the beginning in a function space suitably chosen. Next, under certain assumptions on the known data, we prove the well posedness (the existence, a priori estimates, regularity, uniqueness) of the classical solution to the local problem. At the end, we present a particularization of the local and nonlocal problems, with applications for image processing (reconstruction, segmentation, etc.). Some conclusions are given, as well as new directions to extend the results and methods presented in this paper.
An NTRU-like Message Recoverable Signature Algorithm
Authors: Shen Tingle , Miao Li , Hua Bin , Li Shuai
Published: July 2024

An important feature of Nyberg-Rueppel type digital signature algorithms is message recovery, this signature algorithm can recover the original information from the signature directly by the verifier in the verification phase after signing the message. However, this algorithm is currently vulnerable to quantum attacks and its security cannot be guaranteed. Number Theory Research Unit (NTRU) is an efficient public-key cryptosystem and is considered to be one of the best quantum-resistant encryption schemes. This paper proposes an NTRU-like message recoverable signature algorithm to meet the key agreement requirements in the post-quantum world. This algorithm, designed for the Internet of Things (IoT), constructs a secure system using the Group-Based Message Recoverable Signature Algorithm (NR-GTRU), by integrating a Group-Based NTRU-Like Public-Key Cryptosystem (GTRU) with an efficient Nyberg-Rueppel type of NTRU digital signature algorithm (NR-NTRU). This signature algorithm, resistant to quantum algorithm attacks, offers higher security at the cost of a slight efficiency reduction compared to traditional NTRU signature algorithms, and features Nyberg-Rueppel message recovery, making it well-suited for IoT applications.
Dynamical Behaviors and Abundant New Soliton Solutions of Two Nonlinear PDEs via an Efficient Expansion Method in Industrial Engineering
Authors: Alraddadi Ibrahim , Chowdhury M. Akher , Abbas M. S. , El-Rashidy K. , Borhan J. R. M. , Miah M. Mamun , Kanan Mohammad
Published: July 2024

In this study, we discuss the dynamical behaviors and extract new interesting wave soliton solutions of the two significant well-known nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs), namely, the Korteweg–de Vries equation (KdVE) and the Jaulent–Miodek hierarchy equation (JMHE). This investigation has applications in pattern recognition, fluid dynamics, neural networks, mechanical systems, ecological systems, control theory, economic systems, bifurcation analysis, and chaotic phenomena. In addition, bifurcation analysis and the chaotic behavior of the KdVE and JMHE are the main issues of the present research. As a result, in this study, we obtain very effective advanced exact traveling wave solutions with the aid of the proposed mathematical method, and the solutions involve rational functions, hyperbolic functions, and trigonometric functions that play a vital role in illustrating and developing the models involving the KdVE and the JMHE. These new exact wave solutions lead to utilizing real problems and give an advanced explanation of our mentioned mathematical models that we did not yet have. Some of the attained solutions of the two equations are graphically displayed with 3D, 2D, and contour panels of different shapes, like periodic, singular periodic, kink, anti-kink, bell, anti-bell, soliton, and singular soliton wave solutions. The solutions obtained in this study of our considered equations can lead to the acceptance of our proposed method, effectively utilized to investigate the solutions for the mathematical models of various important complex problems in natural science and engineering.
Optimal Markup Pricing Strategies in a Green Supply Chain under Different Power Structures
Authors: Li Senbiao , Sun Shuxiao
Published: July 2024

Fixed-dollar and flexible markups are two markup pricing strategies commonly adopted in the retail industry, but their impacts on green behaviors of enterprises remain unknown. This paper investigates how the two markup pricing strategies influence firms’ managerial behaviors in a green supply chain, considering three power structures: Manufacturer Stackelberg, Retailer Stackelberg, and Vertical Nash. We find that the retailer’s pricing strategy choice is jointly affected by power structures and consumer sensitivity to product green levels. Particularly under Manufacturer Stackelberg, the fixed-markup strategy makes the retailer earn a higher profit. However, under Vertical Nash, the retailer’s pricing strategy depends on consumer sensitivity to green levels. When consumers are less sensitive to green levels, a flexible-dollar markup strategy is more profitable for the retailer; otherwise, the fixed-markup strategy is better. Additionally, for the manufacturer, the green levels of the product and the firm profit are always higher when the retailer adopts a fixed-dollar markup strategy under Manufacturer Stackelberg and Vertical Nash. Interestingly, if the retailer adopts a flexible-dollar markup strategy, the manufacturer has the “late-mover advantage” only when consumer sensitivity to the green level is high. Furthermore, the supply chain achieves the highest profit when the manufacturer acts as the leader under the fixed markup strategy.
The Prediction of Stability in the Time-Delayed Milling Process of Spiral Bevel Gears Based on an Improved Full-Discretization Method
Authors: Tian Chong , Wang Taiyong , Tian Ying
Published: July 2024

Spiral bevel gear drives are widely used in mechanical transmission devices due to their compact structure, smooth transmission, and cost-effectiveness. With the continuous improvement in mechanical product quality, higher and higher requirements are set for the precision, smoothness, and power density of gear transmission devices. Chatter can lead to poor workpiece surface finish on spiral bevel gears, excessive tool wear, and even damage to machine tools. Therefore, the effective prediction of milling chatter during the processing of spiral bevel gears is essential. Regenerative chatter is one of the most fundamental types of vibration in machining processes. This paper presents an improved fully discrete algorithm for predicting the stability of time-delayed cutting in the milling process of spiral bevel gears. The method is validated using single- and double-degree-of-freedom models, demonstrating its accuracy and computational efficiency. The results show that the proposed method improves computational efficiency while ensuring accuracy.
Deep Learning-Based Intelligent Diagnosis of Lumbar Diseases with Multi-Angle View of Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Chen Kaisi (Kathy) , Zheng Lei , Zhao Honghao , Wang Zihang
Published: July 2024

The diagnosis of degenerative lumbar spine disease mainly relies on clinical manifestations and imaging examinations. However, the clinical manifestations are sometimes not obvious, and the diagnosis of medical imaging is usually time-consuming and highly relies on the doctor’s personal experiences. Therefore, a smart diagnostic technology that can assist doctors in manual diagnosis has become particularly urgent. Taking advantage of the development of artificial intelligence, a series of solutions have been proposed for the diagnosis of spinal diseases by using deep learning methods. The proposed methods produce appealing results, but the majority of these approaches are based on sagittal and axial images separately, which limits the capability of different deep learning methods due to the insufficient use of data. In this article, we propose a two-stage classification process that fully utilizes image data. In particular, in the first stage, we used the Mask RCNN model to identify the lumbar spine in the spine image, locate the position of the vertebra and disc, and complete rough classification. In the fine classification stage, a multi-angle view of the intervertebral disc is generated by splicing the sagittal and axial slices of the intervertebral disc up and down based on the key position identified in the first stage, which provides more pieces of information to the deep learning methods for classification. The experimental results reveal substantial performance enhancements with the synthesized multi-angle view, achieving an F1 score of 96.67%. This represents a performance increase of approximately 15% over the sagittal images at 84.48% and nearly 14% over the axial images at 83.15%. This indicates that the proposed paradigm is feasible and more effective in identifying spinal-related degenerative diseases through medical images.
Isolation and Total Synthesis of PM170453, a New Cyclic Depsipeptide Isolated from Lyngbya sp.
Authors: Fernández Rogelio , Pérez Marta , Losada Alejandro , Reboredo Silvia , Gómez-San Juan Asier , Martín María Jesús , Francesch Andrés , Munt Simon , Cuevas Carmen
Published: July 2024

In our continuing search for biologically active new chemical entities from marine organisms, we have isolated a new cyclic depsipeptide, PM170453 (1), from a cyanobacterium of the genus Lyngbya sp., collected in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Structure elucidation of the isolated compound was determined by spectroscopic methods including MS, 1H, 13C and 2D-NMR. To solve the supply problem for 1 and progress pharmaceutical development, the total synthesis of 1 that involves a total of 20 chemical steps in a convergent process was carried out. Its in vitro cytotoxic activity against four human tumor cell lines, as well as the inhibition of the interaction between the programmed cell death protein 1 PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 were also evaluated.
Marine Pharmacology in 2019–2021: Marine Compounds with Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiprotozoal, Antituberculosis and Antiviral Activities; Affecting the Immune and Nervous Systems, and Other Miscellaneous Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Mayer Alejandro , Mayer Veronica , Swanson-Mungerson Michelle , Pierce Marsha , Rodríguez Abimael , Nakamura Fumiaki , Taglialatela-Scafati Orazio
Published: July 2024

The current 2019–2021 marine pharmacology literature review provides a continuation of previous reviews covering the period 1998 to 2018. Preclinical marine pharmacology research during 2019–2021 was published by researchers in 42 countries and contributed novel mechanism-of-action pharmacology for 171 structurally characterized marine compounds. The peer-reviewed marine natural product pharmacology literature reported antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antituberculosis, and antiviral mechanism-of-action studies for 49 compounds, 87 compounds with antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities that also affected the immune and nervous system, while another group of 51 compounds demonstrated novel miscellaneous mechanisms of action, which upon further investigation, may contribute to several pharmacological classes. Thus, in 2019–2021, a very active preclinical marine natural product pharmacology pipeline provided novel mechanisms of action as well as new lead chemistry for the clinical marine pharmaceutical pipeline targeting the therapy of several disease categories.
Association between Perinatal Outcomes and Maternal Risk Factors: A Cohort Study
Authors: Martin-Alonso Raquel , Prieto Paula , Fernández-Buhigas Irene , German-Fernandez Cristina , Aramburu Cristina , Piqueras Victor , Cuenca-Gomez Diana , Ferrer Emilia , Rolle Valeria , Santacruz Belén , Gil María M.
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the association between maternal risk factors, such as age, body mass index (BMI), and cigarette smoking, and perinatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis based on prospectively collected data at Hospital Universitario de Torrejón (Madrid, Spain) between September 2017 and December 2019. All pregnant women with singleton pregnancies and non-malformed live fetuses attending their routine ultrasound examination at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks’ gestation were invited to participate. The association between preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or fetal-growth-restricted (FGR) neonates, and type of delivery and maternal age, BMI, and cigarette smoking was studied. Logistic mixed models were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 1921 patients were included in the analysis. Women who were ≥40 years old had a significantly higher risk of having GDM (odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08 to 2.36) and SGA neonates (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.37). Women with a BMI < 18 had an increased rate of giving birth to SGA and FGR neonates (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.51 to 7.05, and OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.54 to 8.37, respectively), whereas women with a BMI ≥ 35 had a higher risk of GDM (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.95 to 4.89). Smoking increased the risk of having SGA and FGR neonates (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.46, and OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.78). Conclusions: Advanced maternal age, low or high BMI, and smoking status are significant risk factors for pregnancy complications. Both clinicians and society should concentrate their efforts on addressing these factors to enhance reproductive health.
Automated Liquid Handling Extraction and Rapid Quantification of Underivatized Amino Acids and Tryptophan Metabolites from Human Serum and Plasma Using Dual-Column U(H)PLC-MRM-MS and Its Application to Prostate Cancer Study
Authors: Kipura Tobias , Hotze Madlen , Hofer Alexa , Egger Anna-Sophia , Timpen Lea E. , Opitz Christiane A. , Townsend Paul A. , Gethings Lee A. , Thedieck Kathrin , Kwiatkowski Marcel
Published: July 2024

Amino acids (AAs) and their metabolites are important building blocks, energy sources, and signaling molecules associated with various pathological phenotypes. The quantification of AA and tryptophan (TRP) metabolites in human serum and plasma is therefore of great diagnostic interest. Therefore, robust, reproducible sample extraction and processing workflows as well as rapid, sensitive absolute quantification are required to identify candidate biomarkers and to improve screening methods. We developed a validated semi-automated robotic liquid extraction and processing workflow and a rapid method for absolute quantification of 20 free, underivatized AAs and six TRP metabolites using dual-column U(H)PLC-MRM-MS. The extraction and sample preparation workflow in a 96-well plate was optimized for robust, reproducible high sample throughput allowing for transfer of samples to the U(H)PLC autosampler directly without additional cleanup steps. The U(H)PLC-MRM-MS method, using a mixed-mode reversed-phase anion exchange column with formic acid and a high-strength silica reversed-phase column with difluoro-acetic acid as mobile phase additive, provided absolute quantification with nanomolar lower limits of quantification within 7.9 min. The semi-automated extraction workflow and dual-column U(H)PLC-MRM-MS method was applied to a human prostate cancer study and was shown to discriminate between treatment regimens and to identify metabolites responsible for discriminating between healthy controls and patients on active surveillance.
Sequential Sampling of the Gastrointestinal Tract to Characterize the Entire Digestive Microbiome in Japanese Subjects
Authors: Ishizawa Kota , Tamahara Toru , Suzuki Suguo , Hatayama Yutaka , Li Bin , Abe Michiaki , Aoki Yuichi , Arita Ryutaro , Saito Natsumi , Ohsawa Minoru , Kaneko Soichiro , Ono Rie , Takayama Shin , Shimada Muneaki , Kumada Kazuki , Koike Tomoyuki , Masamune Atsushi , Onodera Ko , Ishii Tadashi , Shimizu Ritsuko , Kanno Takeshi
Published: July 2024

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors trillions of microorganisms known to influence human health and disease, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) now enables the in-depth analysis of their diversity and functions. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted on the GI microbiome, comprehensive metagenomic datasets covering the entire tract are scarce due to cost and technical challenges. Despite the widespread use of fecal samples, integrated datasets encompassing the entire digestive process, beginning at the mouth and ending with feces, are lacking. With this study, we aimed to fill this gap by analyzing the complete metagenome of the GI tract, providing insights into the dynamics of the microbiota and potential therapeutic avenues. In this study, we delved into the complex world of the GI microbiota, which we examined in five healthy Japanese subjects. While samples from the whole GI flora and fecal samples provided sufficient bacteria, samples obtained from the stomach and duodenum posed a challenge. Using a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), clear clustering patterns were identified; these revealed significant diversity in the duodenum. Although this study was limited by its small sample size, the flora in the overall GI tract showed unwavering consistency, while the duodenum exhibited unprecedented phylogenetic diversity. A visual heat map illustrates the discrepancy in abundance, with Fusobacteria and Bacilli dominating the upper GI tract and Clostridia and Bacteroidia dominating the fecal samples. Negativicutes and Actinobacteria were found throughout the digestive tract. This study demonstrates that it is possible to continuously collect microbiome samples throughout the human digestive tract. These findings not only shed light on the complexity of GI microbiota but also provide a basis for future research.
Effects of Age in Fecal Microbiota and Correlations with Blood Parameters in Genetic Nucleus of Cattle
Authors: Estrada Richard , Romero Yolanda , Figueroa Deyanira , Coila Pedro , Hañari-Quispe Renán Dilton , Aliaga Mery , Galindo Walter , Alvarado Wigoberto , Casanova David , Quilcate Carlos
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to determine the impact of age on the fecal microbiota in the genetic nucleus of cattle, with a focus on microbial richness, composition, functional diversity, and correlations with blood parameters. Fecal and blood samples from 21 cattle were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Older cattle exhibited greater bacterial diversity and abundance, with significant changes in alpha diversity indices (p < 0.05). Beta diversity analysis revealed significant variations in microbial composition between age groups and the interaction of age and sex (p < 0.05). Correlations between alpha diversity, community composition, and hematological values highlighted the influence of microbiota on bovine health. Beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, were more abundant in older cattle, suggesting a role in gut health. Functional diversity analysis indicated that younger cattle had significantly more abundant metabolic pathways in fermentation and anaerobic chemoheterotrophy. These findings suggest management strategies including tailored probiotic therapies, dietary adjustments, and targeted health monitoring to enhance livestock health and performance. Further research should include comprehensive metabolic analyses to better correlate microbiota changes with age-related variations, enhancing understanding of the complex interactions between microbiota, age, and reproductive status.
The Cellular Microbiome of Visceral Organs: An Inherent Inhabitant of Parenchymal Cells
Authors: Sun Xiaowei , Zhang Hua , Zhang Xiao , Gao Wenmin , Zhou Caiyun , Kou Xuanxuan , Deng Jingxin , Zhang Jiangang
Published: July 2024

The cell is the basic unit of life. It is composed of organelles and various organic and inorganic biomolecules. Recent 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) gene sequencing studies have revealed the presence of tissue bacteria in both tumor and normal tissues. Recently, we found that the liver microbiome resided in hepatocytes. Here, we further report on the cellular microbiome in the parenchymal cells of visceral organs as inherent inhabitants. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing on visceral organs of male adult Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, pregnant rats, newborn rats, and fetuses and placentas; then, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence in visceral organs. Furthermore, we performed Western blotting on nuclear and cytoplasmic extractions of visceral organs of SD rats and cell lines HepG2, Huh-7, Hepa1-6, and HSC-T6. A high abundance of 16S rRNA gene was detected in the visceral organs of male adult, pregnant, newborn, and fetal rats as well as their placentas. The number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of visceral bacteria was higher than that of the feces and ileum bacteria. Bacterial 16S rRNA, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) were found in the parenchymal cells of visceral organs, as well as in HepG2, Huh-7, HSC-T6, and Hepa1-6 cells. LPS consistently appeared in the nucleus of cells, while LTA was mainly found in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, the cellular microbiome is an intrinsic component of cells. Gram-negative bacteria are located in the nucleus, and Gram-positive bacteria are located in the cytoplasm. This differs from the gut microbiome and may be inherited.
Infective Endocarditis Due to Corynebacterium jeikeium: Four Case Reports and Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Arnés-García Daniel , Lucena-Torres Laura , Bustos-Merlo Antonio , Rosales-Castillo Antonio , Hidalgo-Tenorio Carmen
Published: July 2024

Corynebacterium jeikeium, a pleomorphic Gram-positive bacillus, is a common component of the cutaneous microbiota, usually considered as a contaminant, with little pathogenic potential. However, its role in various types of infections, such as bacteremia, sepsis, endocarditis (IE) and infection of prosthetic material is gradually being proven. Few cases of IE due to Corynebacterium jeikeium have been described in the literature. The aim of this article was to describe four cases of IE due to Corynebacterium jeikeium diagnosed in our hospital between May 2021 and April 2022, as well as to conduct a narrative review of the literature on this entity. After analysis, we highlight that 65.6% were men, 81.3% were valve or intravascular device carriers, and IE cases presented early, before one year after surgery. The most affected valve was the aortic valve (68.8%), followed by the mitral valve (21.1%). Valve replacement was performed in 65.6% of cases, and the most commonly used antibiotic was vancomycin (68.8%) at a dose of 15 mg/kg/12 h. With respect to prognosis, the overall mortality rate was 21.9%. The comparative results between our series and the literature review were similar except for a higher mortality rate (50%) and the use of dalbavancin in the treatment. We go on to review previously reported cases, along with four cases described in our hospital, of C. jeikeium endocarditis and will discuss various aspects of C. jeikeium infection, focusing on microbiology, pathophysiology, and treatment.
Bioactives in Oral Nutritional Supplementation: A Pediatric Point of View
Authors: Cecchi Nicola , Romanelli Roberta , Ricevuti Flavia , Carbone Maria Grazia , Dinardo Michele , Cesarano Elisabetta , De Michele Alfredo , Messere Giovanni , Morra Salvatore , Scognamiglio Armando , Spagnuolo Maria Immacolata
Published: July 2024

Background: Oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) are crucial for supporting the nutritional needs of pediatric populations, particularly those with medical conditions or dietary deficiencies. Bioactive compounds within ONSs play a pivotal role in enhancing health outcomes by exerting various physiological effects beyond basic nutrition. However, the comprehensive understanding of these bioactives in pediatric ONSs remains elusive. Objective: This systematic narrative review aims to critically evaluate the existing literature concerning bioactive compounds present in oral nutritional supplements from a pediatric standpoint, focusing on their types, sources, bioavailability, physiological effects, and clinical implications. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across the major academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, employing predefined search terms related to oral nutritional supplements, bioactives, and pediatrics. Studies published between 2013 and 2024 were considered eligible for inclusion. Data extraction and synthesis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: The initial search yielded 558 of articles, of which 72 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies encompassed a diverse range of bioactive compounds present in pediatric ONS formulations, including, but not limited to, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, and phytonutrients. These bioactives were sourced from various natural and synthetic origins and were found to exert beneficial effects on growth, development, immune function, gastrointestinal health, cognitive function, and overall well-being in pediatric populations. However, variations in bioavailability, dosing, and clinical efficacy were noted across different compounds and formulations. Conclusions: Bioactive compounds in oral nutritional supplements offer promising avenues for addressing the unique nutritional requirements and health challenges faced by pediatric populations. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal composition, dosage, and clinical applications of these bioactives in pediatric ONS formulations. A deeper understanding of these bioactive compounds and their interplay with pediatric health may pave the way for personalized and effective nutritional interventions in pediatric clinical practice.
Effect of Meal-Timing on the Association of Unsaturated Fatty Acids with All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality among Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study with 10-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Gao Jian , Li Chuan , Chen Huan , Li Zhi-Hao , You Fang-Fei , Song Wei-Qi , Zhong Wen-Fang , Chen Pei-Liang , Yang Jin , Huang Qing-Mei , Mao Chen
Published: July 2024

Background: Conflicting results have been reported on the association of dietary unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) with longevity and cardiovascular health. Most previous studies have focused only on the amount of UFAs consumed, not the timing of intake. Methods: This prospective cohort study used data from 30,136 adults aged 18 years and older. Intakes of UFAs by meal time and types were assessed by a 24-h dietary recall for two days. The covariate-adjusted survey-weighted Cox proportional hazards models were performed to evaluate the associations of dietary total unsaturated fatty acid (TUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intakes throughout the day and three meals with mortality. Results: During a median of 10.0 years of follow-up, 4510 total deaths occurred. All-cause mortality decreased with increasing intakes at dinner of TUFA (HR: 0.87 [0.77–0.98]), PUFA (HR: 0.81 [0.73–0.91]), and MUFA (HR: 0.88 [0.77–0.99]). With an increased intake of PUFA at dinner, CVD mortality showed a decreasing trend. However, the inverted L-shaped non-linear trend in all-cause mortality was found with increasing intake at breakfast of TUFA (HR: 1.35 [1.17–1.57], Q3 vs. Q1), PUFA (HR: 1.30 [1.13–1.50]), and MUFA (HR: 1.28 [1.13–1.45]). Meanwhile, increased breakfast intake of UFAs was associated with increased CVD and heart disease mortality. Conclusions: Meal timing influences the association of UFAs with all-cause and CVD-related mortality.
Periodic Fasting and Acute Cardiac Events in Patients Evaluated for COVID-19: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Horne Benjamin D. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Haddad Francois , May Heidi T. , Le Viet T. , Knight Stacey , Bair Tami L. , Knowlton Kirk U.
Published: July 2024

Background: Periodic fasting was previously associated with greater longevity and a lower incidence of heart failure (HF) in a pre-pandemic population. In patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), periodic fasting was associated with a lower risk of death or hospitalization. This study evaluated the association between periodic fasting and HF hospitalization and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Methods: Patients enrolled in the INSPIRE registry from February 2013 to March 2020 provided periodic fasting information and were followed into the pandemic (n = 5227). Between March 2020 and February 2023, N = 2373 patients were studied, with n = 601 COVID-positive patients being the primary study population (2836 had no COVID-19 test; 18 were excluded due to fasting <5 years). A Cox regression was used to evaluate HF admissions, MACEs, and other endpoints through March 2023, adjusting for covariables, including time-varying COVID-19 vaccination. Results: In patients positive for COVID-19, periodic fasting was reported by 180 (30.0% of 601), who periodically fasted over 43.1 ± 19.2 years (min: 7, max: 83). HF hospitalization (n = 117, 19.5%) occurred in 13.3% of fasters and 22.1% of non-fasters [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.63, CI = 0.40, 0.99; p = 0.044]. Most HF admissions were exacerbations, with a prior HF diagnosis in 111 (94.9%) patients hospitalized for HF. Fasting was also associated with a lower MACE risk (aHR = 0.64, CI = 0.43, 0.96; p = 0.030). In n = 1772 COVID-negative patients (29.7% fasters), fasting was not associated with HF hospitalization (aHR = 0.82, CI = 0.64, 1.05; p = 0.12). In COVID-positive and negative patients combined, periodic fasting was associated with lower mortality (aHR = 0.60, CI = 0.39, 0.93; p = 0.021). Conclusions: Routine periodic fasting was associated with less HF hospitalization in patients positive for COVID-19.
Ecklonia cava Polyphenols Have a Preventive Effect on Parkinson’s Disease through the Activation of the Nrf2-ARE Pathway
Authors: Yasuda Yuri , Tokumatsu Tamaki , Ueda Chiharu , Sakai Manami , Sasaki Yutaro , Norikura Toshio , Matsui-Yuasa Isao , Kojima-Yuasa Akiko
Published: July 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological disorder defined by the deterioration and loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to a range of motor impairments and non-motor symptoms. The underlying mechanism of this neurodegeneration remains unclear. This research examined the neuroprotective properties of Ecklonia cava polyphenols (ECPs) in mitigating neuronal damage induced by rotenone via the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)–antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. Using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and PD model mice, we found that ECP, rich in the antioxidant polyphenol phlorotannin, boosted the gene expression and functionality of the antioxidant enzyme NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1. ECP also promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and increased p62 expression, suggesting that p62 helps sustain Nrf2 activation via a positive feedback loop. The neuroprotective effect of ECP was significantly reduced by Compound C (CC), an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, which also suppressed Nrf2 nuclear translocation. In PD model mice, ECPs improved motor functions impaired by rotenone, as assessed by the pole test and wire-hanging test, and restored intestinal motor function and colon tissue morphology. Additionally, ECPs increased tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the substantia nigra, indicating a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons. These findings suggest that ECP has a preventative effect on PD.