bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online PID Tuning Strategy for Hydraulic Servo Control Systems via SAC-Based Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: He Jianhui , Su Shijie , Wang Hairong , Chen Fan , Yin BaoJi
Published: May 2023

Proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control is the most common control technique used in hydraulic servo control systems. However, the nonlinearity and uncertainty of the hydraulic system make it challenging for PID control to achieve high-precision control. This paper proposes a novel control strategy that combines the soft actor-critic (SAC) reinforcement learning algorithm with the PID method to address this issue. The proposed control strategy consists of an upper-level controller based on the SAC algorithm and a lower-level controller based on the PID control method. The upper-level controller continuously tunes the control parameters of the lower-level controller based on the tracking error and system status. The lower-level controller performs real-time control for the hydraulic servo system with a control frequency 10 times higher than the upper controllers. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed SAC-PID control strategy can effectively address disturbances and achieve high precision control for hydraulic servo control systems in uncertain working conditions compared with PID and fuzzy PID control methods. Therefore, the proposed control strategy offers a promising approach to improving the tracking performance of hydraulic servo systems.
Evolutionary Stable Strategies in Multistage Games
Authors: Petrosyan Leon A. , Liu Xiuxiu
Published: May 2023

Direct ESS has some disadvantages, which are seen even in the case of repeated games when the sequence of stage ESSs may not constitute the direct ESS in the repeated game. We present here the refinement of the ESS definition, which eliminates these disadvantages and represents the base for the definition of ESS in games in extensive form. The effectiveness of this approach for multistage n-person games is shown for metagame (this notion is used for the first time), in which under some relevant conditions, the existence of ESS is proved, and ESSs are constructed using threat strategies.
Development of CAVLAB—A Control-Oriented MATLAB Based Simulator for an Underground Coal Gasification Process
Authors: Ahmed Afaq , Javed Syed Bilal , Uppal Ali Arshad , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: May 2023

The Cavity Simulation Model (CAVSIM) is a 3D, parameterisable simulator of the Underground Coal Gasification Process (UCG) that serves as a benchmark for UCG prediction. Despite yielding accurate outputs, CAVSIM has some limitations, which chiefly include inadequate graphical capabilities to visualise cavity geometry and gas production, time-ineffectiveness in terms of parametrisation, i.e., it involves editing, compiling multiple files and checking for errors, and lack of tools to synthesise a controller. Therefore, to compensate for these shortcomings, the services of third-party software, such as MATLAB, must be procured. CAVSIM was integrated with MATLAB to utilise its functionalities and toolboxes such as System Identification, Neural Network, and Optimization Toolbox etc. The integration was accomplished by designing C-mex files, and furthermore, the simulation results in both environments exhibit the same behaviour, demonstrating successful integration. Consequently, CAVSIM has also acquired a controllable structure, wherein parametrisation is now a single-click process; this is demonstrated by a case study outlining the implementation of Model Predictive Control (MPC) on a UCG plant. Moreover, the performance metrics, i.e., Mean Average Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.13, 0.23 for syngas heating value, and 0.012, 0.02 for flowrate quantitatively establishes the efficacy of CAVLAB in designing MPC for the UCG system. The novelty of this work lies in making the software package open-source with the aim of streamlining the research of multiple aspects of the UCG process.
Aggregate Bound Choices about Random and Nonrandom Goods Studied via a Nonlinear Analysis
Authors: Maturo Fabrizio , Angelini Pierpaolo
Published: May 2023

In this paper, bound choices are made after summarizing a finite number of alternatives. This means that each choice is always the barycenter of masses distributed over a finite set of alternatives. More than two marginal goods at a time are not handled. This is because a quadratic metric is used. In our models, two marginal goods give rise to a joint good, so aggregate bound choices are shown. The variability of choice for two marginal goods that are the components of a multiple good is studied. The weak axiom of revealed preference is checked and mean quadratic differences connected with multiple goods are proposed. In this paper, many differences from vast majority of current research about choices and preferences appear. First of all, conditions of certainty are viewed to be as an extreme simplification. In fact, in almost all circumstances, and at all times, we all find ourselves in a state of uncertainty. Secondly, the two notions, probability and utility, on which the correct criterion of decision-making depends, are treated inside linear spaces over R having a different dimension in accordance with the pure subjectivistic point of view.
Mathematical Modelling of Physiological Effects Caused by a Glycine Receptors Post-Synaptic Density Spatial Polymorphism
Authors: Nartsissov Yaroslav R. , Ivontsin Leonid A.
Published: May 2023

Synaptic transmission is the main process providing cross-connecting activity among neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, the 3D mathematical model of a neuronal bouton with a cluster localization of glycine receptors (GlyRs) on the post-synaptic membrane was developed. The number and eventual position of the receptors are defined by the structural data of the GlyR-gephyrin complex. Furthermore, the forming of inhibitory post-synaptic potential (IPSP) and an electro-diffusion of chloride ions were evaluated by applying the boundary problems for a Poisson’s equation and a non-steady-state diffusion equation, respectively. It was shown that local changes in the chloride ion concentration near the post-synaptic membrane, mediated by GlyRs activation, can raise up to 80–110% from the initial level. The average value of the concentration increase was as high as 10% in a pike of activity under the full activation of GlyRs. The central spatial localization of GlyRs in the cluster had a considerable difference both in the chloride ion concentration changes (6%) and IPSP (17%) compared to the divided or rear localization. Thus, a spatial polymorphism of the post-synaptic density of GlyRs is important to form a physiological response to a neuromediator release.
An Evolutionarily Based Type-2 Fuzzy-PID for Multi-Machine Power System Stabilization
Authors: Wang Ye , Ma Zhaiaibai , Salah Mostafa M. , Shaker Ahmed
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the impact of one of the challenges of the power transmission system, namely three-phase short-circuits, on the stability of the system is discussed. This fault causes the speed change of the synchronous generators, and the control system needs to quickly zero this speed difference. This paper introduces a completely new and innovative method for power system stabilizer design. In the proposed method, there is a PID controller with a type-2 fuzzy compensator whose optimal parameter values are obtained using an improved virus colony search (VCS) algorithm at any time. In the simulation section, both transient short-circuits (timely operation of breakers and protection relays) and permanent short-circuits (failure of breakers and protection relays) are applied. For transient short-circuits, the three control systems of type-1 fuzzy-PID, type-2 fuzzy-PID, and optimized type-2 fuzzy-PID based on VCS for the nominal load and heavy load modes were compared in the simulations. Apart from the three control systems mentioned earlier, the response of a standalone PID controller was also evaluated in the context of the permanent short-circuit mode. According to the simulation results, the proposed method demonstrates superior performance and high efficiency. In contrast, the standalone PID exhibits divergence.
Towards Balanced Strength and Plasticity in Graphene-Nickel Composites: The Role of Graphene, Bimodal Metal Powder and Processing Conditions
Authors: Kurapova Olga Yu. , Smirnov Ivan V. , Archakov Ivan Yu. , Chen Chao , Konakov Vladimir G.
Published: May 2023

Due to their higher strength and lighter weight compared to conventional metals, graphene-nickel (Gr-Ni) composites have recently gained growing interest for use in the automotive and aerospace industries. Homogeneous Gr dispersion, the metal powder dispersity and processing conditions play a key role in obtaining the desired grain size distribution, an amount of high angle grain boundaries thus reaching the desired balance between strength and plasticity of the composite. Here, we report an approach to fabricating graphene-nickel composites with balanced strength and ductility through the microstructure optimization of the nickel matrix. A graphite platelets (GP) content of 0.1–1 wt.% was used for the optimization of the mechanical properties of the material. In situ, conversion GP-to-Gr was performed during the milling step. This paper discusses the effect of bimodal nano- and micro-sized Ni (nNi and mNi) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of Gr-Ni composites synthesized using a modified powder metallurgy approach. Specimens with varied nNi:mNi ratios were produced by two-step compaction and investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) and nanoindentation. The best combination of ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield limit (YL), elongation and hardness were obtained for 100nNi and 50nNi matrices, and the best composites were those with 0.1% graphene. The addition of more than 0.5 wt.% GP to the nickel matrix induces the fracture mechanism change from tensile to brittle fracture. Dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the St. Petersburg University Foundation.
Research on the Efficacy of Ganpu Vine Tea in Inhibiting Uric Acid Production
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Xu , Mo Run-Ming , Liu Dong-Bo , Liu Yi-Song , Liu Cong-Hui , Li Yong-Shen , Liu Zhong-Hua , Qin Dan
Published: May 2023

Ganpu vine tea is a new type of health care citrus fruit tea made from citrus shell, Pu-er tea, and vine tea baked as raw materials. In this study, the in vitro uric acid synthase inhibition system and hyperuric acid cell model were constructed to appraise the uric acid lowering efficacy of Ganpu vine tea, traditional Ganpu tea, and vine tea. Results showed that in the uric acid synthase inhibition system, the aqueous extract can inhibite the puric metabolically related enzymes, such as adenosine deaminase (ADA), purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), and xanthine oxidase (XOD). The ability of the aqueous extract to inhibit the above enzyme was as follows: vine tea > Ganpu vine tea > Ganpu tea; all teas had a strong effect on XOD inhibition. The hyperuric acid cell model test showed that the aqueous extract inhibited uric acid production through accumulating inosine and hypoxanthine and hindering xanthine synthesis. The uric acid reductive ability was as follows: Vine tea > Ganpu vine tea > Ganpu tea. The inhibition of enzymes related to uric acid synthesis and the inhibition of uric acid production were significantly enhanced through adding vine tea to Ganpu tea. It also shows that flavonoids are the main factor driving this ability because they are the main active ingredients in these botanical drinks.
A Review of Machine Learning Methods Recently Applied to FTIR Spectroscopy Data for the Analysis of Human Blood Cells
Authors: Fadlelmoula Ahmed , Catarino Susana O. , Minas Graça , Carvalho Vítor
Published: May 2023

Machine learning (ML) is a broad term encompassing several methods that allow us to learn from data. These methods may permit large real-world databases to be more rapidly translated to applications to inform patient–provider decision-making. This paper presents a review of articles that discuss the use of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ML for human blood analysis between the years 2019–2023. The literature review was conducted to identify published research of employed ML linked with FTIR for distinction between pathological and healthy human blood cells. The articles’ search strategy was implemented and studies meeting the eligibility criteria were evaluated. Relevant data related to the study design, statistical methods, and strengths and limitations were identified. A total of 39 publications in the last 5 years (2019–2023) were identified and evaluated for this review. Diverse methods, statistical packages, and approaches were used across the identified studies. The most common methods included support vector machine (SVM) and principal component analysis (PCA) approaches. Most studies applied internal validation and employed more than one algorithm, while only four studies applied one ML algorithm to the data. A wide variety of approaches, algorithms, statistical software, and validation strategies were employed in the application of ML methods. There is a need to ensure that multiple ML approaches are used, the model selection strategy is clearly defined, and both internal and external validation are necessary to be sure that the discrimination of human blood cells is being made with the highest efficient evidence.
Structure Design and Characterization of 3D Printing System of Thermal Battery Electrode Ink Film
Authors: Liu Fengli , Lu Jiale , Hao Yongping , Chang Yao , Yu Kuaikuai , Liu Shuangjie , Chu Zhiwei
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a 3D printing system for a thermal battery electrode ink film is set up and investigated based on the on-demand microdroplet ejection technology. The optimal structural dimensions of the spray chamber and metal membrane of the micronozzle are determined via simulation analysis. The workflow and functional requirements of the printing system are set up. The printing system includes a pretreatment system, piezoelectric micronozzle, motion control system, piezoelectric drive system, sealing system, and liquid conveying system. Different printing parameters are compared to obtain optimized printing parameters, which can be attributed to the optimal pattern of the film. The feasibility and controllability of 3D printing methods are verified by printing tests. The size and output speed of the droplets can be controlled by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the driving waveform acting on the piezoelectric actuator. So, the required shape and thickness of the film can be achieved. An ink film in terms of nozzle diameter = 0.6 mm, printing height = 8 mm, wiring width = 1 mm, input voltage = 3 V and square wave signal frequency = 35 Hz can be achieved. The electrochemical performance of thin-film electrodes is crucial in thermal batteries. The voltage of the thermal battery reaches its peak and tends to flatten out at around 100 s when using this printed film. The electrical performance of the thermal batteries using the printed thin films is found to be stable. This stabilized voltage makes it applicable to thermal batteries.
Shared and Distinct Gut Microbial Profiles in Saudi Women with Metabolically Healthy and Unhealthy Obesity
Authors: Aljuraiban Ghadeer S. , Alfhili Mohammad A. , Aldhwayan Madhawi M. , Aljazairy Esra’a A. , Al-Musharaf Sara
Published: May 2023

Background: Mounting evidence suggests a pivotal role for the gut microbiome in energy disequilibrium characteristic of obesity. The clinical utility of microbial profiling for the distinction between metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) remains ill-defined. We aim to probe microbial composition and diversity in young adult Saudi females with MHO and MUO. This observational study included anthropometric and biochemical measurements and shotgun sequencing of stool DNA for 92 subjects. α- and β-diversity metrics were calculated to determine the richness and variability in microbial communities, respectively. Results showed that Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium merycicum were less abundant in MUO compared to healthy and MHO groups. BMI was negatively correlated with B. adolescentis, B. longum, and Actinobacteria in MHO, while being positively correlated with Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron in both MHO and MUO. Positive correlations between waist circumference and B. merycicum and B. thetaiotaomicron were observed in MHO and MUO, respectively. Compared to MHO and MUO groups, higher α-diversity was detected in healthy individuals who also had higher β-diversity compared to those with MHO. We conclude that modulation of the gut microbiome cohorts through prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation may be a promising preventive and therapeutic approach to obesity-associated disease.
Identification of a New Pathogenic fungi Causing Sorghum Leaf Spot Disease and Its Management Using Natural Product and Microorganisms
Authors: Wei Guoyu , Zhao Wei , Hu Anlong , Ren Mingjian , Huang Yunxiao , Xu Huayang
Published: May 2023

Sorghum bicolor is cultivated worldwide. Leaf spot of sorghum, which leads to leaf lesions and yield reduction, is a prevalent and serious disease in Guizhou Province, southwest China. In August 2021, new leaf spot symptoms were observed on sorghum leaves. In this study, traditional methods and modern molecular biology techniques were used to isolate and identify the pathogen. Sorghum inoculated with the isolate GY1021 resulted in reddish brown lesion that similar to symptoms observed in the field: the original isolate inoculated was reisolated and Koch’s postulates were fulfilled. Based on morphological features and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) combined sequence with β-tubulin (TUB2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF-1α) genes, the isolate was identified as Fusarium thapsinum (Strain accession: GY 1021; GenBank Accession: ITS (ON882046), TEF-1α (OP096445), and β-TUB (OP096446)). Then, we studied the bioactivity of various natural products and microorganisms against F. thapsinum using the dual culture experiment. Carvacrol, 2-allylphenol, honokiol, and cinnamaldehyde showed excellent antifungal activity, with EC50 values of 24.19, 7.18, 46.18, and 52.81 µg/mL, respectively. The bioactivity of six antagonistic bacteria was measured using a dual culture experiment and the mycelial growth rate method. Paenibacillus polymyxa, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus velezensis displayed significant antifungal effects against F. thapsinum. This study provides a theoretical basis for the green control of leaf spot of sorghum.
Epidemiology of Zoonotic Coxiella burnetii in The Republic of Guinea
Authors: Ohlopkova Olesia V. , Yakovlev Sergey A. , Emmanuel Kabwe , Kabanov Alexey A. , Odnoshevsky Dmitry A. , Kartashov Mikhail Yu. , Moshkin Alexey D. , Tuchkov Igor V. , Nosov Nikita Yu. , Kritsky Andrey A. , Agalakova Milana A. , Davidyuk Yuriy N. , Khaiboullina Svetlana F. , Morzunov Sergey P. , N’Fally Magasuba , Bumbali Sanaba , Camara Mamadou Fode , Boiro Mamadou Yero , Agafonov Alexander P. , Gavrilova Elena V. , Maksyutov Rinat A.
Published: May 2023

Background: Q fever is a zoonotic infectious disease characterized by fever, malaise, chills, significant weakness, and muscle pain. In some cases, the disease can become chronic and affect the inner membranes of the heart, such as the valves, leading to endocarditis and a high risk of death. Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) is the primary causative agent of Q fever in humans. This study aims to monitor the presence of C. burnetii in ticks collected from small mammals and cattle in the Republic of Guinea (RG). Methods: Rodents were trapped in the Kindia region of RG during 2019–2020, and ticks were collected from cattle in six regions of RG. Total DNA was extracted using a commercial kit (RIBO-prep, InterLabService, Russia) following the manufacturer’s instructions. Real-time PCR amplification was conducted using the kit (AmpliSens Coxiella burnetii-FL, InterLabService, Russia) to detect C. burnetii DNA. Results and Conclusions: Bacterial DNA was detected in 11 out of 750 (1.4%) small mammals and 695 out of 9620 (7.2%) tick samples. The high number of infected ticks (7.2%) suggests that they are the main transmitters of C. burnetii in RG. The DNA was detected in the liver and spleen of a Guinea multimammate mouse, Mastomys erythroleucus. These findings demonstrate that C. burnetii is zoonotic in RG, and measures should be taken to monitor the bacteria’s dynamics and tick prevalence in the rodent population.
Nitric Oxide Synthases in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Huang Jia-Bao , Chen Zhi-Ru , Yang Shu-Long , Hong Fen-Fang
Published: May 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe joint damage and disability. However, the specific mechanism of RA has not been thoroughly clarified over the past decade. Nitric oxide (NO), a kind of gas messenger molecule with many molecular targets, is demonstrated to have significant roles in histopathology and homeostasis. Three nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are related to producing NO and regulating the generation of NO. Based on the latest studies, NOS/NO signaling pathways play a key role in the pathogenesis of RA. Overproduction of NO can induce the generation and release of inflammatory cytokines and act as free radical gas to accumulate and trigger oxidative stress, which can involve in the pathogenesis of RA. Therefore, targeting NOS and its upstream and downstream signaling pathways may be an effective approach to managing RA. This review clearly summarizes the NOS/NO signaling pathway, the pathological changes of RA, the involvement of NOS/NO in RA pathogenesis and the conventional and novel drugs based on NOS/NO signaling pathways that are still in clinical trials and have good therapeutic potential in recent years, with an aim to provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the role of NOS/NO in the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of RA.
Substituent-Controllable Cascade Regioselective Annulation of β-Enaminones with N-Sulfonyl Triazoles for Modular Access to Imidazoles and Pyrroles
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhou Tongtong , Wu Mengdi , Ye Qingqing , He Xinwei
Published: May 2023

A controllable synthesis of trisubstituted imidazoles and pyrroles has been developed through rhodium(II)-catalyzed regioselective annulation of N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-trizaoles with β-enaminones. The imidazole ring was formed through a 1,1-insertion of the N-H bond to α-imino rhodium carbene, followed by a subsequent intramolecular 1,4-conjugate addition. This occurred when the α-carbon atom of the amino group was bearing a methyl group. Additionally, the pyrrole ring was constructed by utilizing a phenyl substituent and undergoing intramolecular nucleophilic addition. The mild conditions, good tolerance towards functional groups, gram-scale synthesis capability, and ability to undergo valuable transformations of the products qualify this unique protocol as an efficient tool for the synthesis of N-heterocycles.
Mesoporous Core–Cone Silica Nanoparticles Can Deliver miRNA-26a to Macrophages to Exert Immunomodulatory Effects on Osteogenesis In Vitro
Authors: Hosseinpour Sepanta , Dai Huan , Walsh Laurence J. , Xu Chun
Published: May 2023

Nanoparticles can play valuable roles in delivering nucleic acids, including microRNAs (miRNA), which are small, non-coding RNA segments. In this way, nanoparticles may exert post-transcriptional regulatory influences on various inflammatory conditions and bone disorders. This study used biocompatible, core–cone-structured, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-CC) to deliver miRNA-26a to macrophages in order to influence osteogenesis in vitro. The loaded nanoparticles (MSN-CC-miRNA-26) showed low-level toxicity towards macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells) and were internalized efficiently, causing the reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as seen via real-time PCR and cytokine immunoassays. The conditioned macrophages created a favorable osteoimmune environment for MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts, driving osteogenic differentiation with enhanced osteogenic marker expression, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production, extracellular matrix formation, and calcium deposition. An indirect co-culture system revealed that direct osteogenic induction and immunomodulation by MSN-CC-miRNA-26a synergistically increased bone production due to the crosstalk between MSN-CC-miRNA-26a-conditioned macrophages and MSN-CC-miRNA-26a-treated preosteoblasts. These findings demonstrate the value of nanoparticle delivery of miR-NA-26a using MSN-CC for suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines with macrophages and for driving osteogenic differentiation in preosteoblasts via osteoimmune modulation.
Impact of Nutrition or FDA-Approved Medicine Repurposing on Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetic Complications
Authors: Cai Lu
Published: May 2023

Both obesity and diabetes are global health threats due to their high risk of developing different complications [...]
Nutrients and Cardiometabolic Health in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tricò Domenico
Published: May 2023

Paralleling the obesity pandemic, the prevalence and socioeconomic burden of type 2 diabetes are growing worldwide, requiring immediate attention and novel cost-effective preventive and therapeutic strategies [...]
Vitamin D Status in Women with a History of Infertility and Decreased Fecundability: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Lumme Johanna , Morin-Papunen Laure , Pesonen Paula , Sebert Sylvain , Hyppönen Elina , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Herzig Karl-Heinz , Ojaniemi Marja , Niinimäki Maarit
Published: May 2023

Background: Infertility and fecundability problems have been linked with lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, but studies conducted with small, heterogenous or selected populations have shown inconsistent results. Methods: This study included women at age 31 from prospective population-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were evaluated between women with or without previous infertility examinations or treatments (infertility group, n = 375, reference group, n = 2051) and time to pregnancy (TTP) of over 12 months (decreased fecundability group, n = 338) with a wide range of confounders. Furthermore, 25(OH)D concentrations were also compared among reproductive outcomes. Results: The mean 25(OH)D concentration was lower and 25(OH)D < 30 nmol/L was more frequent in women with a history of infertility compared to reference group. Moreover, 25(OH)D > 75 nmol/L was more frequent in the reference group. The mean 25(OH)D concentration was lower in women who had had multiple miscarriages. Both history of infertility (β = −2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) −4.6, −0.7) and decreased fecundability associated with lower 25(OH)D concentration (β = −4.1, 95% CI −7.4, −0.8) after adjustments. In conclusion, this population-based study demonstrated that previous infertility and decreased fecundability were associated with lower 25(OH)D.
Berries and Human Health: Mechanisms and Evidence
Authors: Martini Daniela , Marino Mirko , Del Bo’ Cristian
Published: May 2023

Berry fruits (e [...]
Nutrition Therapy by Nutrition Support Team: A Comparison of Multi-Chamber Bag and Customized Parenteral Nutrition in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Cheon Seunghyun , Oh Sang-Hyeon , Kim Jung-Tae , Choi Han-Gon , Park Hyojung , Chung Jee-Eun
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the activity of a nutrition support team (NST) and the trends of multi-chamber bag (MCB) and customized parenteral nutrition (PN) with NST consultations in South Korea. Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample Cohort between 2015 and 2020. Three datasets were constructed for NST consultation, MCB-PN product prescriptions, and aseptic preparation of total PN. The intersections of the NST consultation and each PN dataset were compiled into MCB-PN with NST or customized PN with a NST sub-dataset, respectively. Using personal identifiers, the patients’ characteristics were evaluated in the NST cohort. A total of 91,384 reimbursements and 70,665 patients were included. The NST activity had increased by more than 50% over 6 years. Approximately 70% and 11%, respectively, of the NST cohort were classified into two subgroups: MCB-PN with NST (M-NST) and customized PN with NST (C-NST). M-NST had many elderly patients with cancer and showed a higher in-hospital mortality than C-NST (12.6% vs. 9.5%). C-NST included a larger number of patients under the age of 5 years, and the hospitalization period was more extended than M-NST (26.2 vs. 21.2 days). The present study showed that NST activities and the proportion of PN with NST consultation are gradually increasing in South Korea.
Soy Milk Consumption in the United States of America: An NHANES Data Report
Authors: Storz Maximilian Andreas , Brommer Maria , Lombardo Mauro , Rizzo Gianluca
Published: May 2023

With the increasing adoption of plant-based diets in the United States, more and more individuals replace cow milk with plant-based milk alternatives. Soy milk is a commonly used cow milk substitute, which is characterized by a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fibers. Despite these favorable characteristics, little is known about the current prevalence of soy milk consumption the United States. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) to assess soy milk usage in the United States and identified potential predictors for its consumption in the US general population. The proportion of individuals reporting soy milk consumption in the NHANES 2015–2016 cycle was 2%, and 1.54% in the NHANES 2017–2020 cycle. Non-Hispanic Asian and Black ethnicities (as well as other Hispanic and Mexican American ethnicities in the 2017–2020 cycle) significantly increased the odds for soy milk consumption. While a college degree and weekly moderate physical activity were associated with significantly higher odds for consuming soy milk (OR: 2.21 and 2.36, respectively), sex was not an important predictor. In light of the putative health benefits of soy milk and its more favorable environmental impact as compared to cow milk, future investigations should attempt to identify strategies that may help promote its consumption in selected populations.
Psychometric Properties of General Self-Efficacy (GSE) Scale Korean Version for Older Korean Immigrants with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study in the United States
Authors: Kim Jung Eun , Jiang Ying-Hong , Dee Vivien
Published: May 2023

Patients with diabetes must have self-efficacy to perform necessary self-care tasks. Self-efficacy has been considered as one of the primary motivators on diabetes self-care; therefore, it is essential for health care professionals to assess the self-efficacy of patients with diabetes to provide optimal care. Despite older Korean immigrants having greater difficulty in diabetes management, research on self-efficacy for them is lacking. This study aims to examine the psychometric property of the General Self-Efficacy scale Korean version for older Korean immigrants with diabetes in the United States. In this cross-sectional, methodological study, data were collected using convenience sampling. Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were employed to examine the psychometric properties. Cronbach’s alpha for the entire GSE scale Korean version is 0.81. The initial Eigenvalues show two factors, coping and confidence; however, the confirmatory factor analysis showed reasonable goodness of fit to the data (χ2(35) = 86.24, p < 0.01), χ2/df ratio = 2.46, AGFI = 0.87, GFI = 0.91, IFI = 0.90, ECVI = 0.74, CFI = 0.89, and RMSEA = 0.093 in the one-factor model. The General Self-Efficacy scale Korean version demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity. It can be used to investigate self-efficacy and to devise culturally tailored diabetes interventions.
PICTUREE—Aedes: A Web Application for Dengue Data Visualization and Case Prediction
Authors: Yi Chunlin , Vajdi Aram , Ferdousi Tanvir , Cohnstaedt Lee W. , Scoglio Caterina
Published: May 2023

Dengue fever remains a significant public health concern in many tropical and subtropical countries, and there is still a need for a system that can effectively combine global risk assessment with timely incidence forecasting. This research describes an integrated application called PICTUREE—Aedes, which can collect and analyze dengue-related data, display simulation results, and forecast outbreak incidence. PICTUREE—Aedes automatically updates global temperature and precipitation data and contains historical records of dengue incidence (1960–2012) and Aedes mosquito occurrences (1960–2014) in its database. The application utilizes a mosquito population model to estimate mosquito abundance, dengue reproduction number, and dengue risk. To predict future dengue outbreak incidence, PICTUREE—Aedes applies various forecasting techniques, including the ensemble Kalman filter, recurrent neural network, particle filter, and super ensemble forecast, which are all based on user-entered case data. The PICTUREE—Aedes’ risk estimation identifies favorable conditions for potential dengue outbreaks, and its forecasting accuracy is validated by available outbreak data from Cambodia.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by In Situ Hybridization in Lung-Cancer Cells Metastatic to Brain and in Adjacent Brain Parenchyma
Authors: Valyi-Nagy Tibor , Fredericks Brian , Wilson Jessica , Shukla Sajal Deea , Setty Suman , Slavin Konstantin V. , Valyi-Nagy Klara
Published: May 2023

The mechanisms by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may spread to the human brain are poorly understood, and the infection of cancer cells in the brain by SARS-CoV-2 in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has been the subject of only one previous case report. Here, we report the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by in situ hybridization in lung-cancer cells metastatic to the brain and adjacent brain parenchyma in a 63-year-old male patient with COVID-19. These findings suggest that metastatic tumors may transport the virus from other parts of the body to the brain or may break down the blood–brain barrier to allow for the virus to spread to the brain. These findings confirm and extend previous observations that cancer cells in the brain can become infected by SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19 and raise the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 can have a direct effect on cancer growth and outcome.
Phase II, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Investigating the Efficacy of Mebendazole in the Management of Symptomatic COVID-19 Patients
Authors: El-Tanani Mohamed , Ahmed Khaled Abdul-Aziz , Shakya Ashok K. , Ammari Wesam G. , Al-Shudifat Abdel-Elah
Published: May 2023

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the world, affecting almost all nations and territories. The current double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of mebendazole as an adjuvant therapy for outpatients with COVID-19. The patients were recruited and divided into two groups: a Mebendazole-treated group and placebo group. The mebendazole and placebo groups were matched for age, sex, and complete blood count (CBC) with differential and liver and kidney function tests at baseline. On the third day, the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were lower (2.03 ± 1.45 vs. 5.45 ± 3.95, p < 0.001) and the cycle threshold (CT) levels were higher (27.21 ± 3.81 vs. 24.40 ± 3.09, p = 0.046) significantly in the mebendazole group than in the placebo group on the third day. Furthermore, CRP decreased and CT dramatically increased on day three compared to the baseline day in the mebendazole group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). There was a significant inverse correlation between lymphocytes and CT levels in the mebendazole group (r = −0.491, p = 0.039) but not in the placebo group (r = 0.051, p = 0.888). Mebendazole therapy increased innate immunity and returned inflammation to normal levels in COVID-19 outpatients faster than it did in the placebo group in this clinical trial. Our findings add to the growing body of research on the clinical and microbiological benefits of repurposing antiparasitic therapy, specifically mebendazole, for SARS-CoV-2 infection and other viral infections.
A Review of Recent Pharmacological Advances in the Management of Diabetes-Associated Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Syed Osman , Jancic Predrag , Knezevic Nebojsa Nick
Published: May 2023

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of longstanding diabetes mellitus. These neuropathies can present in various forms, and with the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, a subsequent increase in peripheral neuropathy cases has been noted. Peripheral neuropathy has a significant societal and economic burden, with patients requiring concomitant medication and often experiencing a decline in their quality of life. There is currently a wide variety of pharmacological interventions, including serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, gapentanoids, sodium channel blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants. These medications will be discussed, as well as their respective efficacies. Recent advances in the treatment of diabetes mellitus with incretin system-modulating drugs, specifically glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, have been promising, and their potential implication in the treatment of peripheral diabetic neuropathy is discussed in this review.
Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Study of 4,6-Dimethyl-5-aryl/alkyl-2-[2-hydroxy-3-(4-substituted-1-piperazinyl)propyl]pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3(2H,5H)-diones as Anti-Inflammatory Agents with Dual Inhibition of COX and LOX
Authors: Redzicka Aleksandra , Wiatrak Benita , Jęśkowiak-Kossakowska Izabela , Kochel Andrzej , Płaczek Remigiusz , Czyżnikowska Żaneta
Published: May 2023

In the present study, we characterize the biological activity of a newly designed and synthesized series of 15 compounds 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(4-substituted-1-piperazinyl)propyl] derivatives of pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole 3a–3o. The compounds were obtained with good yields of pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole scaffold 2a–2c with secondary amines in C2H5OH. The chemical structures of the compounds were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FT-IR, and MS. All the new compounds were investigated for their potencies to inhibit the activity of three enzymes, i.e., COX-1, COX-2, and LOX, by a colorimetric inhibitor screening assay. In order to analyze the structural basis of interactions between the ligands and cyclooxygenase/lipooxygenase, experimental data were supported by the results of molecular docking simulations. The data indicate that all of the tested compounds influence the activity of COX-1, COX-2, and LOX.
Relevance of Visual Acuity Measurement for Therapeutic Decisions in Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Mathis Thibaud , El Ameen Batoul , Vartin Cristina , Serrar Yasmine , Matonti Frédéric , Sudhalkar Aditya , Bilgic Alper , Rezkallah Amina , Kodjikian Laurent
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to determine the validity of basing retreatment decisions on anatomical criteria alone (captured using optical coherence tomography (OCT)—OCT-guided strategy) rather than the gold standard (combined visual acuity (VA) and OCT) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). This cross-sectional study included 81 eyes undergoing treatment for DME from September 2021 to December 2021. An initial therapeutic treatment decision based on OCT results was made on inclusion. Subsequently, in light of the patient’s VA score, this initial decision was upheld or adjusted, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. In 67 out of the 81 eyes included in the study (82.7%), the OCT-guided strategy produced equivalent results to the gold standard. In this study, the OCT-guided retreatment decision strategy yielded sensitivity and specificity of 92.3% and 73.8%, respectively, and PPV and NPV of 76.6% and 91.2%, respectively. These findings differed according to the patient’s treatment regimen: the sensitivity and specificity for eyes under a treat and extend regimen was higher, 100% and 88.9%, respectively, than eyes under a Pro Re Nata regimen, 90% and 69.7%, respectively. These findings show that VA testing could be omitted from the follow-up of certain patients with DME treated with intravitreal injections without impacting the quality of care.
The Secretome of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Treating Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The First Step to Bedside
Authors: Dzhauari Stalik , Basalova Nataliya , Primak Alexandra , Balabanyan Vadim , Efimenko Anastasia , Skryabina Mariya , Popov Vladimir , Velichko Arkadiy , Bozov Kirill , Akopyan Zhanna , Malkov Pavel , Stambolsky Dmitry , Tkachuk Vsevolod , Karagyaur Maxim
Published: May 2023

Intracerebral hemorrhage is an unmet medical need that often leads to the disability and death of a patient. The lack of effective treatments for intracerebral hemorrhage makes it necessary to look for them. Previously, in our proof-of-concept study (Karagyaur M et al. Pharmaceutics, 2021), we have shown that the secretome of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) provides neuroprotection of the brain in a model of intracerebral hemorrhage in rats. Here, we have conducted a systematic study of the therapeutic potential of the MSC secretome in the model of hemorrhagic stroke and provided answers to the questions that need to be addressed in order to translate the secretome-based drug into clinical practice: routes and multiplicity of administration, optimal dose and door-to-treatment time. We have found that MSC secretome reveals prominent neuroprotective activity when administered intranasally or intravenously within 1–3 h after hemorrhage modeling, even in aged rats, and its multiple injections (even within 48 h) are able to reduce the delayed negative effects of hemorrhagic stroke. To our knowledge, this study provides the first systematic investigation of the therapeutic activity of a biomedical MSC-based cell-free drug in intracerebral hemorrhage and is an integral part of its preclinical studies.
Recent Progress of Rational Modified Nanocarriers for Cytosolic Protein Delivery
Authors: He Xiao , Xiong Su , Sun Yansun , Zhong Min , Xiao Nianting , Zhou Ziwei , Wang Ting , Tang Yaqin , Xie Jing
Published: May 2023

Therapeutic proteins garnered significant attention in the field of disease treatment. In comparison to small molecule drugs, protein therapies offer distinct advantages, including high potency, specificity, low toxicity, and reduced carcinogenicity, even at minimal concentrations. However, the full potential of protein therapy is limited by inherent challenges such as large molecular size, delicate tertiary structure, and poor membrane penetration, resulting in inefficient intracellular delivery into target cells. To address these challenges and enhance the clinical applications of protein therapies, various protein-loaded nanocarriers with tailored modifications were developed, including liposomes, exosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and nanomotors. Despite these advancements, many of these strategies encounter significant issues such as entrapment within endosomes, leading to low therapeutic efficiency. In this review, we extensively discussed diverse strategies for the rational design of nanocarriers, aiming to overcome these limitations. Additionally, we presented a forward-looking viewpoint on the innovative generation of delivery systems specifically tailored for protein-based therapies. Our intention was to offer theoretical and technical support for the development and enhancement of nanocarriers capable of facilitating cytosolic protein delivery.
Curcuminoids as Anticancer Drugs: Pleiotropic Effects, Potential for Metabolic Reprogramming and Prospects for the Future
Authors: Pouliquen Daniel L. , Trošelj Koraljka Gall , Anto Ruby John
Published: May 2023

The number of published studies on curcuminoids in cancer research, including its lead molecule curcumin and synthetic analogs, has been increasing substantially during the past two decades. Insights on the diversity of inhibitory effects they have produced on a multitude of pathways involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression have been provided. As this wealth of data was obtained in settings of various experimental and clinical data, this review first aimed at presenting a chronology of discoveries and an update on their complex in vivo effects. Secondly, there are many interesting questions linked to their pleiotropic effects. One of them, a growing research topic, relates to their ability to modulate metabolic reprogramming. This review will also cover the use of curcuminoids as chemosensitizing molecules that can be combined with several anticancer drugs to reverse the phenomenon of multidrug resistance. Finally, current investigations in these three complementary research fields raise several important questions that will be put among the prospects for the future research related to the importance of these molecules in cancer research.
Through-The-Coating Fabrication of Fiber Bragg Grating Relative Humidity Sensors Using Femtosecond Pulse Duration Infrared Lasers and a Phase Mask
Authors: Mihailov Stephen J. , Ding Huimin , Hnatovsky Cyril , Walker Robert B. , Lu Ping , De Silva Manny
Published: May 2023

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) relative humidity (RH) sensors are fabricated in commercially available polyimide (PI)-coated optical fibers with diameters of 50 and 125 μm. Infrared (800 nm) femtosecond pulse duration laser pulses and a phase mask are used to inscribe Type-I and Type-II FBGs directly through the protective polyimide coatings of both 50 and 125 μm diameter fibers without typical fiber processing such as hydrogen loading, cryogenic storage, stripping, recoating or annealing. The devices are then evaluated for their performance as humidity sensors. At telecom wavelengths, the 50 μm diameter fiber devices with a 10 μm thick PI coating had a wavelength shift of the Bragg resonance at a constant temperature of 2.7 pm/%RH, whereas the 125 μm diameter fiber devices with a 17 μm thick PI coating had a wavelength shift of 1.8 pm/%RH. The humidity sensors in the 50 µm diameter fiber demonstrated a more rapid response time to small changes in humidity and a weaker hysteresis when compared to the 125 µm diameter fiber devices. No modification to the PI coatings was observed during fabrication. No difference in RH sensitivity was observed for Type-I devices when compared with Type-II devices with the same fiber. The applicability of this approach for fabricating distributed RH sensing arrays with hundreds of sensing elements on a single fiber is discussed.
Intrapulse Correlated Dynamics of Self-Phase Modulation and Spontaneous Raman Scattering in Synthetic Diamond Excited and Probed by Positively Chirped Ultrashort Laser Pulses
Authors: Kudryashov Sergey , Danilov Pavel , Chen Jiajun
Published: May 2023

In synthetic diamond plates, the intrapulse-correlated dynamics of self-phase modulation and spontaneous nonresonant Raman scattering by center-zone optical phonons were for the first time directly investigated for tightly focused (focusing numerical aperture NA = 0.25) positively chirped visible-range high-intensity laser pulses with variable durations (0.3–9.5 ps) and energies transmitted through the sample. The observed self-phase modulation broadening and modulation of the transmitted light and Stokes Raman spectra for the (sub)picosecond pulse durations indicate the considerable Raman–Kerr contribution to the nonlinear polarization. The latter appears through plasma emission of the optical phonons, which emerges on the (sub)picosecond timescale and dominates at ≈1 ps. Later, this phonon contribution is eventually suppressed in the material due to picosecond-scale electron-lattice thermalization and the related thermally enhanced symmetrical decay of optical phonons into lower-frequency acoustic ones.