bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Substantiation of the Dependence of Spring Deformation of an Improved Opener
Authors: Sarsenov Amangeldy , Kubasheva Zhanna , Ibrayev Adil , Sugirbay Adilet
Published: May 2024

The article presents factors influencing the germination and development of plants after seeding with disk seeders. Schemes of improved two-disk seeders are proposed, forces acting on the improved seeder during operation, determination of the maximum distance between the seeder disks at the field surface level, and calculation schemes for determining the draft resistance of the serial and improved seeders, the area of the flat disk segment of the seeder, determination of the deformer, and tailstock area of the pressing plate. During the theoretical study of the seeding process, the following parameters and observations were obtained: analytical dependencies of soil density created by the pressing plate; geometric parameters of the pressing plate with a curvature radius r = 52…57 mm, plate section thickness of 2.5 mm; installation of the pressing plate insignificantly increases the draft resistance of the seeder; and the depth of the seeder’s travel has the greatest influence on spring deformation. Experimental studies reveal that the stiffness of the pressing plate is 7500…7600 N/m, ensuring an optimal furrow bottom density of 1.1–1.3 g/cm3; in the range of seed embedding depth of 0.05…0.07 m, 89% of the total number of seeds are placed compared to 76% of seeds embedded by the serial seeder.
Evaluation of the Rhizosphere Resistome of Cultivated Soils Polluted with Antibiotics from Reclaimed Wastewater
Authors: Mayans Begoña , Zamora-Martin Sergio , Antón-Herrero Rafael , García-Delgado Carlos , Delgado-Moreno Laura , Guirado María , Pérez-Esteban Javier , Segura Mª Luz , Escolástico Consuelo , Eymar Enrique
Published: May 2024

The use of reclaimed wastewater to irrigate crops is a valuable option due to water scarcity. However, the presence of antibiotics residues that are not removed in the tertiary treatments reaches crop soils when irrigated and it poses a serious concern for human health. Crops rhizosphere is considered a hotspot of antibiotic resistant genes (ARG) being in addition a link to plant phyllosphere and human microbiome. Understanding the structure of the soil microbiota is crucial before applying any bioremediation or biostimulation strategy. The aim of this work was firstly to confirm the presence of antibiotics residues in soil and fruits in two greenhouses at the south of Spain irrigated with reclaimed water. Secondly, to characterize the rhizosphere microbiome of three crops (Capsicum annuum, Cucumis melo and Solanum melongena) cultured in those greenhouses. Finally, a predictive functional analysis was done using PICRUSt2 to figure out the rhizosphere resistome. The presence of residues of antibiotics was confirmed both soil and fruits. Antibiotics absorbed by plants correlated with those on soil. The most abundant resistance gene was the multidrug in all the three crops tested. Compatibility of basidiomycete fungi (i.e., Pleurotus) with soil bacteria could be indicative of their possible use for restoration of agricultural soils polluted with antibiotics.
Exploring the Link between Helicobacter pylori, Gastric Microbiota and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Sgamato Costantino , Rocco Alba , Compare Debora , Priadko Kateryna , Romano Marco , Nardone Gerardo
Published: May 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) still represents one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality and is a major public health issue worldwide. Understanding the etiopathogenetic mechanisms behind GC development holds immense potential to revolutionize patients’ treatment and prognosis. Within the complex web of genetic predispositions and environmental factors, the connection between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and gastric microbiota emerges as a focus of intense research investigation. According to the most recent hypotheses, H. pylori triggers inflammatory responses and molecular alterations in gastric mucosa, while non-Helicobacter microbiota modulates disease progression. In this review, we analyze the current state of the literature on the relationship between H. pylori and non-Helicobacter gastric microbiota in gastric carcinogenesis, highlighting the mechanisms by which microecological dysbiosis can contribute to the malignant transformation of the mucosa.
Unlocking the Nutraceutical Potential of Legumes and Their By-Products: Paving the Way for the Circular Economy in the Agri-Food Industry
Authors: Guo Fanghua , Danielski Renan , Santhiravel Sarusha , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: May 2024

Legumes, including beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils, are cultivated worldwide and serve as important components of a balanced and nutritious diet. Each legume variety contains unique levels of protein, starch, fiber, lipids, minerals, and vitamins, with potential applications in various industries. By-products such as hulls, rich in bioactive compounds, offer promise for value-added utilization and health-focused product development. Various extraction methods are employed to enhance protein extraction rates from legume by-products, finding applications in various foods such as meat analogs, breads, and desserts. Moreover, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, tocols, and polyphenols are abundant in several residual fractions from legumes. These bioactive classes are linked to reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammation, some cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, among other relevant health conditions. The present contribution provides a comprehensive review of the nutritional and bioactive composition of major legumes and their by-products. Additionally, the bioaccessibility and bioavailability aspects of legume consumption, as well as in vitro and in vivo evidence of their health effects are addressed.
The Oxidative Potential of Airborne Particulate Matter Research Trends, Challenges, and Future Perspectives—Insights from a Bibliometric Analysis and Scoping Review
Authors: Sánchez Luis Felipe , Villacura Loreto , Catalán Francisco , Araya Richard Toro , Guzman Manuel A. Leiva
Published: May 2024

This study is a comprehensive analysis of the oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM) and its environmental and health impacts. The researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis and scoping review, screening 569 articles and selecting 368 for further analysis. The study found that OP is an emerging field of study, with a notable increase in the number of publications in the 2010s compared to the early 2000s. The research is primarily published in eight journals and is concentrated in a few academic and university-based institutions. The study identified key research hotspots for OP-PM, emphasizing the importance of capacity building, interdisciplinary collaboration, understanding emission sources and atmospheric processes, and the impacts of PM and its OP. The study highlighted the need to consider the effects of climate change on OP-PM and the regulatory framework for PM research. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of PM and its consequences, including human exposure and its effects. It will also inform strategies for managing air quality and protecting public health. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the field of OP-PM research and highlights the need for continued research and collaboration to address the environmental and health impacts of PM.
Children’s Functional Clothing: Design Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Santiago Diana , Cabral Isabel , Cunha Joana
Published: May 2024

Functional textiles and clothing designed for children should provide a safe and supportive environment, encompassing comfort, safety, health, wellbeing, and cognitive development, as well as fostering interaction and exploration. This study explores the multifaceted nature of functional textiles and clothing for children. It emphasises the importance of comprehensive knowledge about the user and an interdisciplinary approach in the design process. The integration of expertise from diverse fields contributes to a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in creating clothing that satisfies aesthetic demands and promotes the wellbeing of children. Through a study of existing research in functional textiles and a market analysis of children’s clothing, this research underscores the importance of practical application of studied materials and technologies in children’s fashion, creating innovative and purposeful solutions. This collaborative effort involves working with multidisciplinary teams and applying designers’ updated knowledge of functional materials throughout all stages of the design process. The study emphasises the designer’s responsibility in articulating the essential knowledge needed to integrate functionality from the beginning of the design process, ensuring that practical considerations are integral to the core attributes of the clothing. The study also proposes a framework that represents the design process for functional children’s clothing.
Robust DOA Estimation Using Multi-Scale Fusion Network with Attention Mask
Authors: Yan Yuting , Huang Qinghua
Published: May 2024

To overcome the limitations of traditional methods in reverberant and noisy environments, a robust multi-scale fusion neural network with attention mask is designed to improve direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation accuracy for acoustic sources. It combines the benefits of deep learning and complex-valued operations to effectively deal with the interference of reverberation and noise in speech signals. The unique properties of complex-valued signals are exploited to fully capture inherent features and rich information is preserved in the complex field. An attention mask module is designed to generate distinct masks for selectively focusing and masking based on the input. After that, the multi-scale fusion block efficiently captures multi-scale spatial features by stacking complex-valued convolutional layers with small size kernels, and reduces the module complexity through special branching operations. Experimental results demonstrate that the model achieves significant improvements over other methods for speaker localization in reverberant and noisy environments. It provides a new solution for DOA estimation for acoustic sources in different scenarios, which has significant theoretical and practical implications.
State Parameter Fusion Estimation for Intelligent Vehicles Based on IMM-MCCKF
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhang Feng , Su Liang , Lin Baoxing , Chen Sien , Zhang Yong
Published: May 2024

The prerequisite for intelligent vehicles to achieve autonomous driving and active safety functions is acquiring accurate vehicle state parameters. Traditional Kalman filters often underperform in non-Gaussian noise environments due to their reliance on Gaussian assumptions. This paper presents the IMM-MCCKF filter, which integrates the interacting multiple model theory (IMM) and the maximum correntropy cubature Kalman filter method (MCCKF), for estimating the state parameters of intelligent vehicles. The IMM-MCCKF successfully suppresses non-Gaussian noise by optimizing a nonlinear cost function using the maximum correntropy criteria, allowing it to capture and analyze signal data outliers accurately. The filter designs various state and measurement noise submodels to adapt to the environment dynamically, thus reducing the impact of unknown noise statistical properties. Accurately measuring the velocity of a vehicle and the angle at which its center of mass drifts sideways is of utmost importance for its ability to maneuver, maintain stability, and ensure safety. These parameters are critical for implementing advanced control systems in intelligent vehicles. The study begins by constructing a nonlinear Dugoff tire model and a three-degrees-of-freedom (3DOF) vehicle model. Subsequently, utilizing low-cost vehicle sensor signals, joint simulations are conducted on the CarSim-Simulink platform to estimate vehicle state parameters. The results demonstrate that in terms of estimation accuracy and robustness in non-Gaussian noise scenarios, the proposed IMM-MCCKF filter consistently outperforms the MCCKF and CKF algorithms.
Reinforcement Learning Based Speed Control with Creep Rate Constraints for Autonomous Driving of Mining Electric Locomotives
Authors: Li Ying , Zhu Zhencai , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: May 2024

The working environment of mining electric locomotives is wet and muddy coal mine roadway. Due to low friction between the wheel and rail and insufficient utilization of creep rate, there may be idling or slipping between the wheels and rails of mining electric locomotives. Therefore, it is necessary to control the creep rate within a reasonable range. In this paper, the autonomous control algorithm for mining electric locomotives based on improved ε-greedy is theoretically proven to be convergent and effective firstly. Secondly, after analyzing the contact state between the wheel and rail under wet and slippery road conditions, it is concluded that the value of creep rate is an important factor affecting the autonomous driving of mining electric locomotives. Therefore, the autonomous control method for mining electric locomotives based on creep control is proposed in this paper. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through simulation. The problem of wheel slipping and idling caused by insufficient friction of mining electric locomotives in coal mining environments is effectively suppressed. Autonomous operation of vehicles with optimal driving efficiency can be achieved through quantitative control and utilization of the creep rate between wheels and rails.
Study on the Two-Step Construction Method of Super Large Cross-Section Tunnels Crossing Karst Cave Areas
Authors: Wan Fei , Liu Gang , Tang Yifeng , Zhang Nian , Xu Dongliang , Yan Xuehui , Li Shuai
Published: May 2024

To explore the solution of the two-step method applied in the rapid construction of super large cross-section tunnels passing through IV-and V-grade surrounding rock sections in karst cave areas, based on an engineering example of the Lianhuashan Tunnel, we use the numerical calculation method to analyze the stability of surrounding rock and the design parameters of the control measures for super large cross-section tunnels during the construction of the step method. The calculated results show that the working face of IV-grade surrounding rock can be stabilized by an advanced small pipe, and the stability of the supporting structure should be controlled mainly by IV-grade surrounding rock. In order to control the stability of the tunnel face, it is necessary to use an advanced large pipe shed in the surrounding V-grade rock. The reinforcement range of the advanced large pipe shed is 120° and the length is 20 m. This is the most economical design parameter of the advanced large pipe shed, ensuring the deformation control effect. For control of the stability of the supporting structure, under the condition that the working space is suitable for large machinery, the settlement of the arch of the supporting structure can be obviously reduced by shortening the step cycle footage and reducing the step length, and the peripheral convergence of the supporting structure can be obviously reduced by reducing the step height. After comprehensive analysis and considering the development of karst caves, the advanced support measures, design parameters, bench excavation design parameters, initial support measures, karst cave treatment measures, and bench construction process of IV- and V-grade surrounding rock is determined. The application verification shows that the research results have a good control effect on the stability of the surrounding rock and cave and are suitable for large-scale mechanical operations, which can significantly improve the excavation speed of the super large cross-section tunnel passing through the IV- and V-grade surrounding rock sections in the karst cave area.
A Knowledge-Guided Competitive Co-Evolutionary Algorithm for Feature Selection
Authors: Zhou Junyi , Zheng Haowen , Li Shaole , Hao Qiancheng , Zhang Haoyang , Gao Wenze , Wang Xianpeng
Published: May 2024

In real-world applications, feature selection is crucial for enhancing the performance of data science and machine learning models. Typically, feature selection is a complex combinatorial optimization problem and a multi-objective optimization problem. Its primary goals are to reduce the dimensionality of the dataset and enhance the performance of machine learning algorithms. The selection of features in high-dimensional datasets is challenging due to the intricate relationships between features, which pose significant challenges to the performance and computational efficiency of algorithms. This paper introduces a Knowledge-Guided Competitive Co-Evolutionary Algorithm (KCCEA) for feature selection, especially for high-dimensional features. In the proposed algorithm, we make improvements to the foundational dominance-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm in two aspects. First, the use of feature correlation as knowledge to guide evolution enhances the search speed and quality of traditional multi-objective evolutionary algorithm solutions. Second, a dynamically allocated competitive–cooperative evolutionary mechanism is proposed, integrating the improved knowledge-guided evolution with traditional evolutionary algorithms, further enhancing the search efficiency and diversity of solutions. Through rigorous empirical testing on various datasets, the KCCEA demonstrates superior performance compared to basic multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, providing effective solutions to multi-objective feature selection problems while enhancing the interpretability and effectiveness of prediction models.
Tracing the Origins of an Anthropic Vitrified Structure with “Pre-Bleached with Blue LED” Thermoluminescence Dating: The Enigmatic Serravuda Hilltop Fortification in Calabria, Italy
Authors: Galli Anna , Saleh Miriam , Foggia Francesco , Sighinolfi Gian Paolo
Published: May 2024

The Serravuda site on a hill near Acri, Calabria in Italy was discovered in 1970. The site presents a unique vitrified lithoid structure. Early theories speculated on its vitrification, ranging from forest fires to extraterrestrial impacts. The structure consists of vitrified Paleozoic rock fragments forming a 45-m-long wall, possibly once extending further. Analysis suggests that humans transported these fragments for construction, with subsequent partial vitrification occurring due to high temperatures from wood combustion. Thermoluminescence dating, using the innovative “Pre-bleached with Blue LEDs” protocol, indicates origins between the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age, aligning with settlement periods in the region. Fading studies were conducted to correct the error in the age data due to signal loss. The scenario suggests that the vitrification of the structure may have been a consequence of human utilization of timber for construction, with combustion resulting from random events such as forest fires or lightning strikes. This description has remarkable similarities with to those proposed for Iron Age vitrified forts in Northern Europe, suggesting that Serravuda could be seen as a precursor to such forts. Moreover, this prompts intriguing inquiries into the origins and evolution of Nordic engineering techniques focused on fire utilization in construction.
Kalman Filter Using a Third-Order Tensorial Decomposition of the Impulse Response
Authors: Dogariu Laura-Maria , Paleologu Constantin , Benesty Jacob , Albu Felix
Published: May 2024

For system identification problems associated with long-length impulse responses, the recently developed decomposition-based technique that relies on a third-order tensor (TOT) framework represents a reliable choice. It is based on a combination of three shorter filters, which merge their estimates in tandem with the Kronecker product. In this way, the global impulse response is modeled in a more efficient manner, with a significantly reduced parameter space (i.e., fewer coefficients). In this paper, we further develop a Kalman filter based on the TOT decomposition method. As compared to the recently designed recursive least-squares (RLS) counterpart, the proposed Kalman filter achieves superior performance in terms of the main criteria (e.g., tracking and accuracy). In addition, it significantly outperforms the conventional Kalman filter, while also having a lower computational complexity. Simulation results obtained in the context of echo cancellation support the theoretical framework and the related advantages.
Progressive Damage Simulation of Wood Veneer Laminates and Their Uncertainty Using Finite Element Analysis Informed by Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Reiner Johannes , Fu Yun-Fei , Feser Thomas
Published: May 2024

Within the search for alternative sustainable materials for future transport applications, wood veneer laminates are promising, cost-effective candidates. Finite element simulations of progressive damage are needed to ensure the safe and reliable use of wood veneers while exploring their full potential. In this study, highly efficient finite element models simulate the mechanical response of quasi-isotropic [90/45/0/−45]s beech veneer laminates subjected to compact tension and a range of open-hole tension tests. Genetic algorithms (GA) were coupled with these simulations to calibrate the optimal input parameters and to account for the inherent uncertainties in the mechanical properties of wooden materials. The results show that the continuum damage mechanistic simulations can efficiently estimate progressive damage both qualitatively and quantitatively with errors of less than 4%. Variability can be assessedthrough the relatively limited number of 400 finite element simulations as compared to more data-intensive algorithms utilised for uncertainty quantification.
Escaping from Confinement: Hell Imagery in the Shōjuraigōji Rokudō-e Scrolls
Authors: Zhou Zhenru
Published: May 2024

This article explores the pictorial representation of the Buddhist hell in Kamakura (1185–1333) Japan, with a focus on a mid-thirteenth century rokudō-e, or Pictures of the Six Realms, preserved at Shōjuraigōji Temple. The examination revolves around how these scroll paintings convey messages of salvation by representing the symbolic architecture of the hell realm, the lowest level within the six realms. By scrutinizing the visual representation of hell landscapes in four hell scrolls in the Shōjuraigōji set, the study unveils the architectural symbolism of boundaries and pathways. A visual analysis of two hell-tearing narrative scrolls further reveals that the key iconography involves the destruction of the architectural symbols of hell. Through tracing the concurrent processes of constructing and destroying the imaginary space of hell, the study demonstrates that the conceptual and visual construction of hell is coupled with an equally pronounced intent for hell-tearing. Lastly, based on the visuality of the hell-escaping narratives, the medium of hanging scrolls, and the centrality of an Enma scroll within the Shōjuraigōji set, the author proposes a spatial arrangement of this set of fifteen scrolls that could systematically convey the visual massage of “escaping from suffering in the six courses”.
Fault Detection and Normal Operating Condition in Power Transformers via Pattern Recognition Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Gifalli André , Bonini Neto Alfredo , de Souza André Nunes , de Mello Renan Pinal , Ikeshoji Marco Akio , Garbelini Enio , Neto Floriano Torres
Published: May 2024

Aging, degradation, or damage to internal insulation materials often contribute to transformer failures. Furthermore, combustible gases can be produced when these insulation materials experience thermal or electrical stresses. This paper presents an artificial neural network for pattern recognition (PRN) to classify the operating conditions of power transformers (normal, thermal faults, and electrical faults) depending on the combustible gases present in them. Two network configurations were presented, one with five and the other with ten neurons in the hidden layer. The main advantage of applying this model through artificial neural networks is its ability to capture the nonlinear characteristics of the samples under study, thus avoiding the need for iterative procedures. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed methodology were evaluated on 815 real data samples. Based on the results, the PRN performed well in both training and validation (for samples that were not part of the training), with a mean squared error (MSE) close to expected (0.001). The network was able to classify the samples with a 98% accuracy rate of the 815 samples presented and with 100% accuracy in validation, showing that the methodology developed is capable of acting as a tool for diagnosing the operability of power transformers.
Study of 10 kW Vanadium Flow Battery Discharge Characteristics at Different Load Powers
Authors: Rashitov Ilia , Voropay Aleksandr , Tsepilov Grigoriy , Kuzmin Ivan , Loskutov Alexey , Osetrov Evgeny , Kurkin Andrey , Lipuzhin Ivan
Published: May 2024

Vanadium redox flow batteries are promising energy storage devices and are already ahead of lead–acid batteries in terms of installed capacity in energy systems due to their long service life and possibility of recycling. One of the crucial tasks today is the development of models for assessing battery performance and its residual resource based on the battery’s present state. A promising method for estimating battery capacity is based on analyzing present voltage and current values under various load conditions. This paper analyzes the discharge characteristics of a 10 kW all-vanadium redox flow battery at fixed load powers from 6 to 12 kW. A linear dependence of operating voltage and initial discharge voltage on load power is established. It is also determined that the slope of the discharge curve linear section does not increase linearly in absolute value, and the Box–Lucas model can be used to describe it. Models for predicting current VRFB capacity based on different curve fitting functions are proposed. These models can be used to roughly estimate battery capacity at different load powers.
“Acid + Oxidant” Treatment Enables Selective Extraction of Lithium from Spent NCM523 Positive Electrode
Authors: Wang Hui , Wu Zejia , Wang Mengmeng , Cheng Ya-Jun , Gao Jie , Xia Yonggao
Published: May 2024

With the rapid development of new energy vehicles and energy storage industries, the demand for lithium-ion batteries has surged, and the number of spent LIBs has also increased. Therefore, a new method for lithium selective extraction from spent lithium-ion battery cathode materials is proposed, aiming at more efficient recovery of valuable metals. The acid + oxidant leaching system was proposed for spent ternary positive electrode materials, which can achieve the selective and efficient extraction of lithium. In this study, 0.1 mol L−1 H2SO4 and 0.2 mol L−1 (NH4)2S2O8 were used as leaching acid and oxidant. The leaching efficiencies of Li, Ni, Co, and Mn were 98.7, 30, 3.5, and 0.1%, respectively. The lithium solution was obtained by adjusting the pH of the solution. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies of the lithium leaching process revealed that the apparent activation energy of the lithium leaching process is 46 kJ mol−1 and the rate step is the chemical reaction process. The leaching residue can be used as a ternary precursor to prepare regenerated positive electrode materials by solid-phase sintering. Electrochemical tests of the regenerated material proved that the material has good electrochemical properties. The highest discharge capacity exceeds 150 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, and the capacity retention rate after 100 cycles exceeds 90%. The proposed new method can extract lithium from the ternary material with high selectivity and high efficiency, reducing its loss in the lengthy process. Lithium replenishment of the delithiation material can also restore its activity and realize the comprehensive utilization of elements such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese. The method combines the lithium recovery process and the material preparation process, simplifying the process and saving costs, thus providing new ideas for future method development.
Optimization of Lithium Metal Anode Performance: Investigating the Interfacial Dynamics and Reductive Mechanism of Asymmetric Sulfonylimide Salts
Authors: Feng Shuang , Yin Tianxiu , Bian Letao , Liu Yue , Cheng Tao
Published: May 2024

Asymmetric lithium salts, such as lithium (difluoromethanesulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiDFTFSI), have been demonstrated to surpass traditional symmetric lithium salts with improved Li+ conductivity and the capacity to generate a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) while maintaining compatibility with an aluminum (Al0) current collector. However, the intrinsic reductive mechanism through which LiDFTFSI influences battery performance remains unclear and under debate. Herein, detailed SEI reactions of LiDFTFSI–based electrolytes were investigated by combining density functional theory and molecular dynamics, aiming to clarify the formation process and atomic structure of the SEI. Our results show that asymmetric DFTFSI− weakens the interaction between carbonate solvents and Li+, and substantially alters the solvation structure, exhibiting a well-balanced coordination capacity compared to bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI−). Nanosecond hybrid molecular dynamics simulation further reveals that preferential decomposition of LiDFTFSI produces sufficient LiF and Li2O to facilitate a robust SEI. Moreover, abundant F− generated from LiDFTFSI decomposition accumulates on the Al surface and subsequently combines with Al3+ from the current collector to form AlF3, potentially inhibiting corrosion of the current collector. Overall, these findings elucidate how LiDFTFSI regulates the solvation sheath and SEI structure, advancing the development of high-performance electrolytes compatible with current collectors.
Preventive and Therapeutic Efficacy of Roselle Beverage Residue in Late-Stage Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Regalado-Rentería Evelyn , Serna-Tenorio Jesús E. , García-Gutiérrez David G. , Reynoso-Camacho Rosalía , García Olga P. , Anaya-Loyola Miriam A. , Pérez-Ramírez Iza F.
Published: May 2024

The residue from roselle beverage production is rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber. We investigated its potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD) for 17 weeks, reaching insulin resistance by week 9, and induced to T2DM with streptozotocin (STZ) at week 13. Roselle beverage residue (RBR) was administered ad libitum mixed at 6% with the HFFD. Rats received HFFD+RBR as a preventive strategy starting at week 1 (healthy) and week 9 (insulin resistant), whereas the treatment strategy in T2DM rats started at week 14 alone or in combination with metformin (200 mg/kg/day), with a control metformin-treated group. All RBR-supplemented groups showed reduced serum glucose levels (1.4-fold to 1.8-fold) compared with the HFFD+STZ control group. Preventive RBR administration enhanced pancreatic function, leading to improved insulin sensitivity (6.5-fold to 7.9-fold). Gene expression analysis identified slight alterations in hepatic and skeletal muscle glucose metabolism. Additionally, RBR supplementation demonstrated a preventive role in mitigating hyperuricemia (2.1-fold to 2.2-fold), with no effect on glomerular hyperfiltration. While the exact mechanisms underlying RBR effects remain to be fully elucidated, our findings highlight its promising potential as a dietary supplement for preventing and treating T2DM.
Fracture Resistance of Direct versus Indirect Restorations on Posterior Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Moussa Carol , Savard Guillaume , Rochefort Gael , Renaud Matthieu , Denis Frédéric , Daou Maha H.
Published: May 2024

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare static compression forces between direct composite resin restorations and indirect restorations for posterior teeth. All studies comparing mechanical properties of direct versus indirect restorations of posterior teeth were included from 2007 up to February 2024. A meta-analysis was conducted for static compression fracture resistance. Medline, Central, and Embase databases were screened. Twenty-four articles were included in the qualitative synthesis, and sixteen studies were finally included in the quantitative synthesis. There was no difference in terms of fracture resistance between direct and indirect restorations for posterior teeth (p = 0.16 for direct and indirect composite resin restorations and p = 0.87 for direct composite resin restorations and indirect ceramic restorations). Also, sub-group analysis with or without cusp coverage in each group revealed no discernable difference. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the choice between direct and indirect restoration approaches may not significantly impact fracture resistance outcomes. There was no statically significant difference between direct and indirect restorations for posterior teeth in all cases of restorations with or without cusp coverage and no matter the used materials. However, to better evaluate these materials, further studies are warranted.
The Use of Head-Mounted Display Systems for Upper Limb Kinematic Analysis in Post-Stroke Patients: A Perspective Review on Benefits, Challenges and Other Solutions
Authors: De Pasquale Paolo , Bonanno Mirjam , Mojdehdehbaher Sepehr , Quartarone Angelo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: May 2024

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the clinical adoption of instrumental upper limb kinematic assessment. This trend aligns with the rising prevalence of cerebrovascular impairments, one of the most prevalent neurological disorders. Indeed, there is a growing need for more objective outcomes to facilitate tailored rehabilitation interventions following stroke. Emerging technologies, like head-mounted virtual reality (HMD-VR) platforms, have responded to this demand by integrating diverse tracking methodologies. Specifically, HMD-VR technology enables the comprehensive tracking of body posture, encompassing hand position and gesture, facilitated either through specific tracker placements or via integrated cameras coupled with sophisticated computer graphics algorithms embedded within the helmet. This review aims to present the state-of-the-art applications of HMD-VR platforms for kinematic analysis of the upper limb in post-stroke patients, comparing them with conventional tracking systems. Additionally, we address the potential benefits and challenges associated with these platforms. These systems might represent a promising avenue for safe, cost-effective, and portable objective motor assessment within the field of neurorehabilitation, although other systems, including robots, should be taken into consideration.
Basement Membranes, Brittlestar Tendons, and Their Mechanical Adaptability
Authors: Wilkie Iain C.
Published: May 2024

Basement membranes (BMs) are thin layers of extracellular matrix that separate epithelia, endothelia, muscle cells, and nerve cells from adjacent interstitial connective tissue. BMs are ubiquitous in almost all multicellular animals, and their composition is highly conserved across the Metazoa. There is increasing interest in the mechanical functioning of BMs, including the involvement of altered BM stiffness in development and pathology, particularly cancer metastasis, which can be facilitated by BM destabilization. Such BM weakening has been assumed to occur primarily through enzymatic degradation by matrix metalloproteinases. However, emerging evidence indicates that non-enzymatic mechanisms may also contribute. In brittlestars (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea), the tendons linking the musculature to the endoskeleton consist of extensions of muscle cell BMs. During the process of brittlestar autotomy, in which arms are detached for the purpose of self-defense, muscles break away from the endoskeleton as a consequence of the rapid destabilization and rupture of their BM-derived tendons. This contribution provides a broad overview of current knowledge of the structural organization and biomechanics of non-echinoderm BMs, compares this with the equivalent information on brittlestar tendons, and discusses the possible relationship between the weakening phenomena exhibited by BMs and brittlestar tendons, and the potential translational value of the latter as a model system of BM destabilization.
Comprehensive Bio-Screening of Phytochemistry and Biological Capacity of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Salvia triloba Extracts against Oral Cariogenic and Food-Origin Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Antoniadou Maria , Rozos Georgios , Vaou Natalia , Zaralis Konstantinos , Ersanli Caglar , Alexopoulos Athanasios , Dadamogia Aikaterini , Varzakas Theodoros , Tzora Athina , Voidarou Chrysoula (Chrysa)
Published: May 2024

This study utilized phytochemical screening to conduct the qualitative analysis of plant extracts, aiming to identify various classes of secondary metabolites. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of different types of Oregano vulgare and Salvia triloba extracts was determined. To achieve the aim of this study, aqueous, ethanolic, and enzymatic extracts were prepared and screened for phytochemical capacity and antioxidant activities. The determination of the antibacterial activity included phenotypic screening of antibiotic susceptibility pattern of oral and food pathogenic bacterial strains, determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration—via microdilution broth test and in vitro valuation of antibacterial efficacies—of the anti-biofilm properties of the studied herbal extractions. Results: Our study evaluated the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm properties of O. vulgare and S. triloba extracts. The analyzed samples contained bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids, contributing to the observed strong antioxidant effect. Furthermore, they exhibited notable activity against oral biofilm formation and demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against dental caries’ microorganisms as well as food pathogens. Despite methodological variations, all extracts showed significant antioxidant capacity and promising antibacterial activity against various pathogens, including resistant strains, while also inhibiting biofilm formation. Although limited to two plant species and facing methodological constraints, this study lays the groundwork for future research, indicating the therapeutic potential of O. vulgare and S. triloba extracts. Further exploration is needed to report on underlying mechanisms and validate efficacy through clinical trials.
Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) in Inflammation and Disease: A Unique Inflammatory Pathway Activator
Authors: Hamada Mostafa , Varkoly Kyle Steven , Riyadh Omer , Beladi Roxana , Munuswamy-Ramanujam Ganesh , Rawls Alan , Wilson-Rawls Jeanne , Chen Hao , McFadden Grant , Lucas Alexandra R.
Published: May 2024

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a unique protease binding receptor, now recognized as a key regulator of inflammation. Initially, uPA/uPAR was considered thrombolytic (clot-dissolving); however, recent studies have demonstrated its predominant immunomodulatory functions in inflammation and cancer. The uPA/uPAR complex has a multifaceted central role in both normal physiological and also pathological responses. uPAR is expressed as a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked receptor interacting with vitronectin, integrins, G protein-coupled receptors, and growth factor receptors within a large lipid raft. Through protein-to-protein interactions, cell surface uPAR modulates intracellular signaling, altering cellular adhesion and migration. The uPA/uPAR also modifies extracellular activity, activating plasminogen to form plasmin, which breaks down fibrin, dissolving clots and activating matrix metalloproteinases that lyse connective tissue, allowing immune and cancer cell invasion and releasing growth factors. uPAR is now recognized as a biomarker for inflammatory diseases and cancer; uPAR and soluble uPAR fragments (suPAR) are increased in viral sepsis (COVID-19), inflammatory bowel disease, and metastasis. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, function, and current studies examining uPAR and suPAR as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Understanding uPAR is central to developing diagnostic markers and the ongoing development of antibody, small-molecule, nanogel, and virus-derived immune-modulating treatments that target uPAR.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Serum Leptin in Critically Ill Patients with Acute versus Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Hohlstein Philipp , Salvarcioglu Can , Pollmanns Maike R. , Adams Jule K. , Abu Jhaisha Samira , Kabak Elena , Eisert Albrecht , Hamesch Karim , Weiskirchen Ralf , Koch Alexander , Wirtz Theresa H.
Published: May 2024

Differentiation between acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) can be challenging in patients with de novo liver disease but is important to indicate the referral to a transplant center and urgency of organ allocation. Leptin, an adipocyte-derived cytokine that regulates energy storage and satiety, has multiple regulatory functions in the liver. We enrolled 160 critically ill patients with liver disease and 20 healthy individuals to measure serum leptin concentrations as a potential biomarker for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Notably, patients with ALF had higher concentrations of serum leptin compared to patients with decompensated advanced chronic liver disease (dACLD) or ACLF (110 vs. 50 vs. 29 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Levels of serum leptin below 56 pg/mL excluded ALF in patients with acute hepatic disease, with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.8% in our cohort. Lastly, serum leptin did not show any dynamic changes within the first 48 h of ICU treatment, especially not in comparison with patients with ALF vs. ACLF or survivors vs. non-survivors. In conclusion, serum leptin may represent a helpful biomarker to exclude ALF in critically ill patients who present with acute liver dysfunction.
Generation of a Specific Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Test for the Detection of Ovarian Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Limburg Amelie , Qian Xueqian , Brechtefeld Bernice , Hedemann Nina , Flörkemeier Inken , Rogmans Christoph , Oliveira-Ferrer Leticia , Maass Nicolai , Arnold Norbert , Bauerschlag Dirk O. , Weimer Jörg Paul
Published: May 2024

Examinations of ovarian cancer cells require the ability to identify tumor cells. Array-based comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) on 30 ovarian carcinomas (OC) identified three genomic loci (8q24.23; 17p12; 18q22.3) over- or under-represented in OC. A fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe of these three loci is intended to identify tumor cells by their signal pattern deviating from a diploid pattern. Human DNA from these three loci is isolated from bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC), amplified and labeled with fluorescent dyes. After a standard FISH procedure, 71 OC suspensions from primary tumors, three OC cell lines, three lymphocyte suspensions, and one mesenchymal cell line LP-3 are analyzed with a fluorescence microscope. On average, 15% of the lymphocytes deviate from the expected diploid signal pattern, giving a cut-off of 36%. If this value is exceeded, tumor cells are detected. The mesenchymal cell line LP-3 shows only 21% as a negative control. The OC cell lines as positive controls exceed this value at 38%, 67%, and 54%. Of the 71 OC primary cultures, four cases fell below this cut-off as false negatives. In the two-sample t-test, the percentages of conspicuous signal patterns differ significantly.
Temporal Course of Interference Control from Early to Late Young Adulthood: An ERP Study
Authors: Knežević Martina
Published: May 2024

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the neural dynamics of interference control using event-related potentials (ERPs) to reveal time course of interference control from the beginning to the end of young adulthood. Three groups of participants aged 19–21, 23–27 and 28–44 performed a Stroop task. The results revealed age differences in both accuracy and ERP amplitudes during all aspects of interreference control processing that reflect selective attention (P2), conflict monitoring (N2), conflict evaluation (P3) and interference control (N450). Both younger groups made more errors on incongruent trials compared to participants in their early 30s. The presence of higher P2 and N2 amplitudes, diminished P3 and again higher N450 amplitudes in participants in their early 20s points to a shortage of available resources for top-down control at this age. These results are in accordance with structural and functional studies that show that development of the frontoparietal network, which underlies interference control, continues after adolescence. While brain mechanisms are still developing, the use of accompanying cognitive abilities is still not optimal. The findings that change in neural dynamics and related performance continues into early adulthood challenge current models of cognitive development and call for new directions in developmental theorizing.
The Development of Global-Level Categorization: Frequency Tagging EEG Responses
Authors: Peykarjou Stefanie , Hoehl Stefanie , Pauen Sabina
Published: May 2024

Adults and infants form abstract categories of visual objects, but little is known about the development of global categorization. This study aims to characterize the development of very fast global categorization (living and non-living objects) and to determine whether and how low-level stimulus characteristics contribute to this response. Frequency tagging was used to characterize the development of global-level categorization in N = 69 infants (4, 7, 11 months), N = 22 children (5–6 years old), and N = 20 young adults. Images were presented in an oddball paradigm, with a category change at every fifth position (AAAABAAAABA…). Strong and significant high-level categorization was observed in all age groups, with reduced responses for phase-scrambled control sequences (R2 = 0.34–0.73). No differences between the categorization of living and non-living targets were observed. These data demonstrate high-level visual categorization as living and non-living from four months to adulthood, providing converging evidence that humans are highly sensitive to broad categorical information from infancy onward.