bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing the Power of Our Immune System: The Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Roberts Jonathan Matthew , Milo Scarlet , Metcalf Daniel Gary
Published: December 2024

Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical of the human innate immune response to invading pathogens. NO, produced by nitric oxide synthases (NOSs), is used by the immune system to kill microorganisms encapsulated within phagosomes via protein and DNA disruption. Owing to its ability to disperse biofilm-bound microorganisms, penetrate the biofilm matrix, and act as a signal molecule, NO may also be effective as an antibiofilm agent. NO can be considered an underappreciated antimicrobial that could be levied against infected, at-risk, and hard-to-heal wounds due to the inherent lack of bacterial resistance, and tolerance by human tissues. NO produced within a wound dressing may be an effective method of disrupting biofilms and killing microorganisms in hard-to-heal wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure injuries. We have conducted a narrative review of the evidence underlying the key antimicrobial and antibiofilm mechanisms of action of NO for it to serve as an exogenously-produced antimicrobial agent in dressings used in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds.
A Seed Endophytic Bacterium Cronobacter dublinensis BC-14 Enhances the Growth and Drought Tolerance of Echinochloa crus-galli
Authors: Cheng Sheng , Wang Qingling , Yang Dashan , He Quanlong , Deng Jianxin , Zhou Yi , Zhang Lin , Jiang Jianwei
Published: December 2024

Successful seed germination and plant seedling growth often require association with endophytic bacteria. Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.) is a main weed during rice cultivation and has frequently been found in drought-prone fields such as cornfields in recent years. To determine whether endophytic bacteria enhance the survival chances of barnyard grass in dryland conditions, endophytic bacteria were collected from barnyard grass seeds. An endophytic bacterial strain, BC-14, was selected and confirmed as Cronobacter dublinensis based on its morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and genomic information. Moreover, C. dublinensis BC-14 secreted IAA in the Luria–Bertani broth up to 28.44 mg/L after 5 days; it could colonize the roots of barnyard grass. After the inoculation with seeds or the well-mixed planting soil, the bacterium can significantly increase the root length and plant height of barnyard grass under drought conditions. When comparing with the control group on the 28th day, it can be seen that the bacterium can significantly increase the contents of chlorophyll b (up to 7.58 times) and proline (37.21%); improve the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase (36.90%, 51.51%, and 12.09%, respectively); and reduce the content of malondialdehyde around 25.92%, which are correlated to the drought tolerance. The bacterial genomic annotation revealed that it contains growth-promoting and drought-resistant functional genes. In a word, C. dublinensis BC-14 can help barnyard grass suppress drought stress, promote plant growth, and enhance biomass accumulation, which is helpful to interpret the mechanism of weed adaptability in dry environments.
Enhancing Lithium Recovery from Slag Through Dry Forced Triboelectric Separation: A Sustainable Recycling Approach
Authors: Javadi Mehran , Rachmawati Cindytami , Wollmann Annett , Weiss Joao , Lucas Hugo , Möckel Robert , Friedrich Bernd , Peuker Urs , Weber Alfred P.
Published: December 2024

The increasing use of lithium-containing materials highlights the urgent need for their recycling to preserve resources and protect the environment. Lithium-containing slags, produced during the pyrometallurgical process in lithium-ion battery recycling, represent an essential resource for lithium recovery efforts. While multiple methods for lithium recycling exist, it is crucial to emphasize environmentally sustainable approaches. This study employs dry forced triboelectrification (FTC) to recover valuable components from slag powder, commonly known as engineered artificial minerals (EnAMs). The FTC method is used to change the charge of the target material and achieve a neutral state while other materials remain charged. The downstream electrostatic separator enables the charged particles to be separated from the target material, which in this study is lithium aluminate. The results show that the method is effective, and lithium aluminate can be successfully enriched.
Impact of the Timed and Targeted Counselling Model on Maternal Health Continuum of Care Outcomes in Northern Uganda: Protocol of a Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Zibugu Douglas , Gubbels Jessica S. , Namugenyi Christabellah , Asiimwe John Bosco , Gerards Sanne
Published: December 2024

Background: About 287,000 women died globally during their pregnancy journey in 2020, yet most of these deaths could have been prevented. In Uganda, studies show that using Community Health Worker (CHW) visits to households with a pregnant woman can support the prevention of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. One such intervention is through the timed and targeted counselling (ttC) approach, where CHWs deliver tailored messages to mothers and their male caregivers at key stages of pregnancy. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the ttC approach on maternal health in Northern Uganda. The main outcomes include antenatal care attendance, advised place of delivery, and postnatal care visit. Methods: We will employ a cross-sectional quasi-experimental design, with retrospective data to compare an intervention group (where ttC is implemented) to a control group (without intervention) using the propensity score matching (PSM) technique applying a 1:1 ratio with a caliper width of 20% of the standard deviation to estimate the average treatment effects. Adjusted odds ratios after generating matched pairs will be reported with 95% confidence intervals with Rosenbaum sensitivity analysis carried out for robustness. Discussion: These findings can be used to modify the implementation of the ttC approach, thereby enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness.
Animal Models of Intervertebral Disc Diseases: Advantages, Limitations, and Future Directions
Authors: Hong Jin Young , Kim Hyunseong , Jeon Wan-Jin , Yeo Changhwan , Kim Hyun , Lee Junseon , Lee Yoon Jae , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: December 2024

Animal models are valuable tools for studying the underlying mechanisms of and potential treatments for intervertebral disc diseases. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of animal models of disc diseases, focusing on lumbar spinal stenosis, disc herniation, and degeneration, as well as future research directions. The advantages of animal models are that they enable controlled experiments, long-term monitoring to study the natural history of the disease, and the testing of potential treatments. However, they also have limitations, including species differences, ethical concerns, a lack of standardized protocols, and short lifespans. Therefore, ongoing research focuses on improving animal model standardization and incorporating advanced imaging and noninvasive techniques, genetic models, and biomechanical analyses to overcome these limitations. These future directions hold potential for improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of disc diseases and for developing new treatments. Overall, although animal models can provide valuable insights into pathophysiology and potential treatments for disc diseases, their limitations should be carefully considered when interpreting findings from animal studies.
Individual Responses to Repeated Dosing with Anthocyanin-Rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract During High-Intensity Intermittent Treadmill Running in Active Males
Authors: Perkins Ian C. , Blacker Sam D. , Willems Mark E. T.
Published: December 2024

Intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract for 7 days has been shown to improve high-intensity intermittent running (HIIR) performance. Objectives: We examined the repeat response of NZBC extract on HIIR performance. Methods: Sixteen active males (age: 23 ± 3 yrs, height: 179 ± 5 cm, mass: 79 ± 11 kg, V˙O2max: 55.3 ± 5 mL∙kg−1∙min−1, velocity at V˙O2max: 17.2 ± 0.8 km∙h−1, mean ± SD) participated. Familiarized subjects completed the HIIR test at individualized exercise intensities with stages consisting of six 19 s high-intensity running bouts interspersed by 15 s of low-intensity running and 1 min of inter-stage rest. The test was repeated at increasing speeds until exhaustion, under four conditions; two with a daily dose of 600 mg of NZBC extract (CurraNZ™, providing 210 mg anthocyanins) and two with a placebo, each over 7 days. The study used a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design with a wash-out period of at least 14 days. Results: For the cohort, there were no differences between the placebo and NZBC conditions for mean heart rate (p = 0.071), mean oxygen uptake (p = 0.713), and mean lactate (p = 0.121) at exhaustion for the HIIR. The NZBC extract increased the mean total running distance and mean high-intensity running distance by 7.9% and 8.0% compared to the placebo. With NZBC extract, 8 of the 16 participants (50%) enhanced in both trials beyond the smallest worthwhile change for total running distance (≥173 m) and high-intensity running distance (≥111 m). For repeated responders, total running distance and high-intensity running distance was increased by 16.7% (95% CI [11.0, 22.4%] and 16.6% (95% CI [11.0, 22.2%]. Three participants had enhanced running performance in one trial beyond the SWC, and five participants were considered non-responders. Conclusions: This is the first study on the repeated response by an anthocyanin-rich supplement on high-intensity running performance. New Zealand blackcurrant extract can substantially enhance intermittent high-intensity running performance in consistent responders. Future work should examine dosing strategies of New Zealand blackcurrant, and whether a repeated response rate exceeding 50% can be attained. These findings suggest that NZBC extract could be beneficial for athletes participating in high-intensity team sports.
Effects of a One-Year Intensified Weight Loss Program on Body Composition Parameters in Patients with Severe Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Miralles-Llumà Laia , Vilarrasa Nuria , Monasterio Carmen , López-Padrós Carla , Alves Carolina , Planas Rosa , Arribas Lorena , Montserrat Monica , Pérez-Ramos Sandra , Pallarès Natàlia , Salord Neus
Published: December 2024

Background: Studies focusing on the effects of lifestyle strategies on patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that go beyond body weight and explore body composition are currently scarce and inconclusive. Objectives/Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-month intensive life intervention program (ILI), based on a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet, on changes in the body composition parameters as assessed by abdominal computed tomography (CT) and the cardiorespiratory profile of patients with severe OSA and grade I–II obesity, compared to patients receiving standard care. Resultts:Thirty-four patients (30 males and four females) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) (n = 18) or a control group (CG) (n = 16). We observed an improvement in OSA severity following the intervention. Patients in the IG lost 8.2% of their body weight compared to 0.1% of the patients in the CG (p < 0.001), and this loss was primarily due to reductions in total body fat, visceral adipose tissue index (VATI) [IG −19.4 (18.1) cm2/m2 versus CG 2.32 (11.6) cm2/m2, p < 0.001], and a tendency toward lower intramuscular adipose tissue index (IMATI) [IG −0.69 (0.85) cm2/m2 versus CG 0.04 (1.3) cm2/m2, p = 0.098]. These changes were associated with an improvement in patients’ metabolic and inflammatory profile. Younger age and a higher degree of obesity at baseline were associated with greater weight loss. Conslusions: In conclusion, the ILI was effective in reducing 8.2% of body weight at 12 months, leading to favorable changes in patients’ body composition profile that resulted in healthier metabolic and inflammatory parameters.
H-SVEST: Validation and Adaptation of the Hebrew Version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool
Authors: Cohen Rinat , Sela Yael , Catz Or , Nissanholtz-Gannot Rachel
Published: December 2024

Background: Adverse medical events not only harm patients and families, but also have a significant negative impact on healthcare providers, with the potential to compromise future professional functioning. These “second victims” may need organizational support and rehabilitation to return to functionality. Objectives: We analyzed the validity of an adapted tool, the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST), on a population in Israel, H-SVEST. Methods: The H-SVEST was completed by 172 nurse participants working in a variety of patient care settings. All of the participants reported experiencing SVP. The H-SVEST was assessed for content validity, internal consistency, and construct validity with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: The CFA, when run on the initial model with 9 factors and 29 items, did not meet criteria for suitability of fit. After removing three items based on their low-factor loadings and the correlation, the model fit significantly improved with acceptable CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR. The final version included 26 items and 9 factors with Cronbach α values ranging from 0.66 to 0.94. Conclusion: The H-SVEST demonstrates robust psychometric properties and valuable insights into the second victim experience in the Israeli context. Comparative analysis with other versions highlights potential cultural influences and areas for further investigation. Implementing this tool and developing evidence-based interventions based on its results can significantly improve the well-being and resilience of healthcare providers in Israel and other countries with diverse cultural populations.
Effects of Body Condition and Ectoparasitism on Host–Pathogen Interactions of Heteromyid Rodents
Authors: Beristain-Ruiz Diana M. , Márquez-Chacón Ana K. , Vital-García Cuauhcihuatl , Figueroa-Millán Julio V. , Lira-Amaya José J. , Aristizabal John F. , Olivas-Sánchez Martha P. , Gatica-Colima Ana B. , Martínez-Calderas Jesús M. , Quezada-Casasola Andrés , Alvarado-Robles Beatriz , Alonso-Mendoza Víctor M.
Published: December 2024

Rodents play a significant role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases; anthropization has increased human contact with these animals, vectors of infectious agents. However, the processes driving parasitism of hosts remains poorly understood. Yersinia pestis, Rickettsia spp., and Francisella tularensis are three infectious agents transmitted to humans through ectoparasites, with rodents serving as the primary reservoirs. To explore the relationship between both intrinsic and extrinsic factors on host pathogen status, we evaluated heteromyid rodents in the Chihuahuan desert (ChD). From December 2022 to May 2023, we sampled 213 rodents at three locations with different anthropization levels. A total of 103 rodent blood samples, 84 organ samples, and 204 collected ectoparasites were analyzed for molecular detection of infectious agents (Y. pestis, Rickettsia spp., and F. tularensis) with PCR. We captured seven species of rodents (Dipodomys ordii, D. merriami, D. spectabilis, Chaetodipus hispidus, Ch. eremicus, Perognathus flavus, and P. flavescens) and identified one tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), two fleas (Meringis altipecten and M. dipodomys) and one louse (Fahrenholzia spp.). Molecular analyses yielded positive for Y. pestis, Rickettsia spp., and negative for F. tularensis. We then modelled the pathogen status as a function of intrinsic (body condition and sex) and extrinsic factors (locality, anthropization level, season, sample type, and parasite-infestation status). We found that non-parasite-infested individuals with better body condition have a higher probability of pathogen infection. Furthermore, we observed that blood samples had a higher probability of detecting pathogen-infected individuals, as compared to spleen or liver samples. Our results offer important insights into host–pathogen interactions and the role of body condition in the pathogen status.
Heat Treatment as a Safe-Handling Procedure for Rift Valley Fever Virus
Authors: Romeo Maria Anele , Specchiarello Eliana , Mija Cosmina , Zulian Verdiana , Francalancia Massimo , Maggi Fabrizio , Garbuglia Anna Rosa , Lapa Daniele
Published: December 2024

Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne virus with high pathogenic potential in ruminants and humans. Due to its high potential for spreading, it is considered a priority pathogen, and it is included in the Bluepoint list of the World Health Organization (WHO). Given the high pathogenic potential of the virus, it is crucial to develop a rapid heat-mediated inactivation protocol to create a safer working environment, particularly in medical facilities that lack a biosafety level 3 laboratory required for direct handling of RVFV. Our results reveal the broad tissue tropism of RVFV, showing the virus’s capacity for replication in various cell lines. In terms of the thermal stability of RVFV, our findings showed that a 70 °C heat treatment did not fully inactivate the virus within 15 min. However, when exposed to 80 °C and 95 °C, the virus was completely inactivated after 15 min and 5 min, respectively. Additionally, our results indicated that heat-treatment only slightly decreased the integrity of the RVFV genome whether there is a high or low number of viral RNA copies. Overall, the study established a straightforward protocol for heat inactivation that may be beneficial in handling clinical and research samples of RVFV.
Effects of the Tobacco Defensin NaD1 Against Susceptible and Resistant Strains of Candida albicans
Authors: Shevchenko Olga V. , Voropaev Alexander D. , Bogdanov Ivan V. , Ovchinnikova Tatiana V. , Finkina Ekaterina I.
Published: December 2024

Today, Candida albicans is still the most common cause of both local and life-threatening systemic candidiasis. The spread of resistant fungal strains has resulted in an urgent need to search for new promising antimycotics. Here, we investigated the antifungal action of the tobacco defensin NaD1 against susceptible and resistant to azoles and echinocandins strains of C. albicans. We demonstrated that NaD1 was equally effective and fungicidal against all tested strains. The MIC and MFC values were 6.25 and 12.5 µM, respectively. We showed for the first time that NaD1 could act synergistically not only with caspofungin but also with human host defense antimicrobial peptides cathelicidin LL-37 and β-defensin-2 (HBD2) against susceptible and resistant fungal strains. Using flow cytometry, we demonstrated that NaD1 in combinations with LL-37 or HBD2 can reinforce each other by enhancing membrane disruption. Using the Caco-2 cell monolayer model, we demonstrated that NaD1 impaired the adhesion of C. albicans cells to the human epithelium. Moreover, NaD1 inhibited the formation of fungal biofilms in Sabouraud broth and less markedly in nutrient-rich RPMI-1640 medium, and enhanced the antibiofilm activity of caspofungin. Thus, we hypothesized that NaD1 might affect the development of candidiasis in vivo, including that caused by resistant fungal strains.
Low Renalase Levels in Newly Diagnosed CML: Dysregulation Sensitive to Modulation by Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Milenkovic Jelena , Stojanovic Dijana , Velickovic Sanja , Djordjevic Branka , Marjanovic Goran , Milojkovic Maja
Published: December 2024

Background: A dysregulated proinflammatory microenvironment is considered one of the reasons why current therapies of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) do not secure disease control. Therefore, the development of BCR-ABL1-independent therapies is encouraged. Renalase (RNLS) is a multifunctional protein that exhibits both enzymatic and non-enzymatic cytokine-like properties, along with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. It is expressed in various tissues, including tumors. Methods: We investigated the levels of RNLS in the blood of CML patients in the chronic phase, treatment naïve patients, and those in remission under TKI treatment (either imatinib or nilotinib) and compared them to healthy individuals. Results: Renalase concentration was markedly decreased in treatment-naive CML patients compared to other groups (p = 0.000), while lower levels in the TKI group were not statistically significant compared to controls. The levels correlated negatively with the total leukocyte and neutrophil count (p < 0.05), while a positive correlation was present with CRP levels in treatment naïve patients. Conclusions: Dynamic regulation of RNLS expression and activity is coupled with transcription factors NF-κB and STAT3. Interpretation of our results might rely on differential requirements of activated STATs (STAT3/5) during CML clone development and maintenance, including the observation of RNLS rise upon TKI introduction. Overall, our research provides new insights into the field of hematological malignancies. Unlike other malignancies studied, RNLS plasma levels are significantly decreased in CML. In future perspectives, RNLS could potentially serve as a diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic option for these patients.
Attributional Styles and Their Impact on Depressive and Anxious Symptoms in Italian Children: Insights from the Italian Children’s Attributional Style Questionnaire-Revised (CASQ-R)
Authors: Scaini Simona , Grazioli Silvia , Giani Ludovica , Forresi Barbara , De Francesco Stefano , Caputi Marcella
Published: December 2024

Background: There is evidence that the tendency to adopt a peculiar pattern of causal inference, known as attributional style, is likely related to specific patterns of psychopathology among youth. Objective: This study aims to assess preliminary psychometric properties of the Italian Children’s Attributional Style Questionnaire-Revised (CASQ-R) and to explore the presence of any subgroups of children and early adolescents from the general population who might exhibit internally homogeneous and externally heterogeneous attributional styles through latent class analysis, delving into the potential sociodemographic, namely age and gender, and clinical differences among the identified classes of attributional styles. Method: A sample of 337 children (11.29 ± 1.76 years old, 169 females, and 168 males) was recruited and their attributional styles and depressive and anxious symptoms were analyzed. Results: Two distinct classes were defined using the CASQ-R items in a latent class analysis (LCA). In particular, high levels of depressive (Kruskal–Wallis chi-squared = 9.37, df = 1, Bonferroni-adjusted p = 0.002) and school phobia (Kruskal–Wallis chi-squared = 7.17 df = 1, Bonferroni-adjusted p = 0.037) symptoms were reported by children showing an internal, global and stable attributional style for negative events and an external, specific and unstable attributional style for positive events. Conversely, low levels of depressive and school phobia symptoms were reported by children showing the opposite attributional style. Conclusions: The identified classes shed light on distinct patterns associated with depressive and anxious symptoms, offering potential insights for targeted interventions.
The Small GTPase Ran Increases Sensitivity of Ovarian Cancer Cells to Oncolytic Vesicular Stomatitis Virus
Authors: Geoffroy Karen , Viens Mélissa , Kalin Emma Mary , Boudhraa Zied , Roy Dominic Guy , Wu Jian Hui , Provencher Diane , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Bourgeois-Daigneault Marie-Claude
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, and with the majority of patients dying within the first five years of diagnosis, new therapeutic options are required. The small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Ras-related nuclear protein (Ran) has been reported to be highly expressed in high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs) and associated with poor outcomes. Blocking Ran function or preventing its expression were shown to be promising treatment strategies, however, there are currently no small molecule inhibitors available to specifically inhibit Ran function. Interestingly, a previous study suggested that the Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) could inhibit Ran activity. Given that VSV is an oncolytic virus (OV) and, therefore, has anti-cancer activity, we reasoned that oncolytic VSV (oVSV) might be particularly effective against ovarian cancer via Ran inhibition. Methods: We evaluated the sensitivity of patient-derived ovarian cancer cell lines to oVSV, as well as the impact of oVSV on Ran and vice versa, using overexpression systems, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and drug inhibition. Results: In this study, we evaluated the interplay between oVSV and Ran and found that, although oVSV does not consistently block Ran, increased Ran activation allows for better oVSV replication and tumor cell killing. Conclusions: Our study reveals a positive impact of Ran on oVSV sensitivity. Given the high expression of Ran in HGSOCs, which are particularly aggressive ovarian cancers, our data suggest that oVSV could be effective against the deadliest form of the disease.
Design, Synthesis and Molecular Modeling of Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Derivatives as Dual Inhibitors of CDK2 and TRKA Kinases with Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Attia Mohamed H. , Lasheen Deena S. , Samir Nermin , Taher Azza T. , Abdel-Aziz Hatem A. , Abou El Ella Dalal A.
Published: December 2024

Background: The increasing prevalence of drug resistance in cancer therapy underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Dual enzyme inhibitors, targeting critical kinases such as CDK2 and TRKA, represent a promising strategy. The goal of this investigation was to design, synthesize, and evaluate a set of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives for their dual inhibition potential toward CDK2 and TRKA kinases, along with their potential antiproliferative against cancer cell lines. Methods: A set of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives (6a–t, 11a–g, and 12) was synthesized and subjected to in vitro enzymatic assays to determine their inhibitory activity against CDK2 and TRKA kinases. Selected compounds were further assessed for antiproliferative effects across the set of 60 cell lines from the NCI, representing various human cancer types. Additionally, simulations of molecular docking were conducted to explore the modes of binding for the whole active compounds and compare them with known inhibitors. Results: Compounds 6t and 6s exhibited potent dual inhibitory activity, showing an IC50 = 0.09 µM and 0.23 µM against CDK2, and 0.45 µM against TRKA, respectively. These results were comparable to reference inhibitors ribociclib (CDK2, IC50 = 0.07 µM) and larotrectinib (TRKA, IC50 = 0.07 µM). Among the studied derivatives, compound 6n displayed a notable broad-spectrum anticancer activity, achieving a mean growth inhibition (GI%) of 43.9% across 56 cell lines. Molecular docking simulations revealed that the synthesized compounds adopt modes of binding similar to those of the lead inhibitors. Conclusions: In this study, prepared pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives demonstrated significant potential as dual CDK2/TRKA inhibitors, and showed potent anticancer activity toward diverse cancer cell lines. These findings highlight their potential as key compounds for the design of novel anticancer therapeutics.
Performance Analysis of Parallel Free-Space Optical/Radio Frequency Transmissions in Satellite–Aerial–Ground Integrated Network with Power Allocation
Authors: Li Xin , Li Yongjun , Zhao Shanghong , Song Xinkang , Li Jianjia
Published: December 2024

Satellite–aerial–ground integrated networks (SAGINs) combined with hybrid free-space optical (FSO) and radio frequency (RF) transmissions have shown great potential in improving service throughput and reliability. The coverage mismatch and rate limitation of traditional hybrid FSO/RF design have restricted its development. In this paper, we investigate the performance of parallel FSO/RF transmissions in SAGIN, taking into account the effect of weather conditions and the quality of service (QoS) of ground users. A three-hop relay system is proposed, where the FSO and RF links jointly provide services to ground users in remote areas. Specifically, considering the limited transmit power of the relay node, we have studied the optimal power allocation between parallel FSO and RF links to further improve system energy efficiency. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated in terms of capacity outage probability, weighted average bit-error rate (BER), and energy efficiency. Moreover, asymptotic capacity outage probability is also derived to obtain more engineering insights. Finally, numerical results show that the energy efficiency of the proposed parallel scheme improves by 30.9% compared to only the FSO scheme at a total transmit power of 15 dBW.
Biodegradation Assessment of Bioplastic Carrier Bags Under Industrial-Scale Composting Conditions
Authors: Mörtl Mária , Damak Mariem , Gulyás Miklós , Varga Zsolt István , Fekete György , Kurusta Tamás , Rácz Ádám , Székács András , Aleksza László
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the environmental impacts of plastic production and consumption have become increasingly significant, particularly due to their petroleum-based origins and the substantial waste management challenges they pose. Currently, global plastic waste production has reached 413.8 million metric tons across 192 countries, contributing notably to greenhouse gas emissions. Bioplastics have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives, with bioplastic carrier bags composed of 20% starch, 10% additives, and 70% polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) being the focus of this research. This study aimed to evaluate the biodegradation of these bioplastic bags under industrial composting conditions, addressing the gap in the existing literature that often lacks real-world applicability. A large-scale composting experiment was conducted using 37.5 tons of manure/wood and 50 tons of biopolymer bags over 12 weeks. Results showed that compost temperatures peaked at 70 °C and remained above 50 °C, pH levels stabilized at 8.16, and electrical conductivity was recorded at 1251 μs cm−1. Significant changes were observed in key metrics, such as the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and organic matter content. Disintegration tests revealed that 95% of the bags disintegrated by the 12th week, though ecotoxicity tests indicated varying germination inhibition rates. Advanced analytical methods (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) highlighted morphological and chemical transformations in the bags. This research enhances understanding of bioplastic degradation in real-world composting environments and suggests potential improvements to existing standards, promoting sustainable waste management solutions.
Mercury Adsorption by Ca-Based Shell-Type Polymers Synthesized by Self-Assembly Mineralization
Authors: Peng Yang , Zhang Chuxuan , Li Xiaomin , Feng Tianyi , Gong Xun
Published: December 2024

Adsorption is one of the most promising strategies for heavy metal removal. For Hg(II) removal, mineralized Ca-based shell-type self-assembly beads (MCABs) using alginate as organic polymer template were synthesized in this work. The adsorbent preparation consists of gelation of a Ca-based spherical polymer template (CAB) and rate-controlled self-assembly mineralization in bicarbonate solution with various concentrations. The comparative study demonstrates that 1% (MCAB-1) is the optimal concentration of bicarbonate. Based on this condition, the maximum adsorption capacity (48 ± 4 mg/g) of MCAB-1 was observed at pH = 5 in a batch test, which was 2.67 times more than that of the unmodified one, CAB, at 18 ± 1 mg/g. Long-duration (10 h) adsorption tests showed that MCAB-1 exhibited remarkable performance stability and anti-wear ability (43.2% removal efficiency and 74.3% mass retention, compared to 2.7% and 38.6% for CAB at pH = 3, respectively). The morphology determination showed that a shell-type porous amorphous carbonate layer was formed at the surface of the organic polymer template by rate-controlled self-assembly mineralization. This transition not only promotes the pore structure and activated cation binding functional sites, but also improves the anti-wear ability of materials effectively.
The Impact of Nickel–Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles on the Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Green-Synthesized Chitosan Films Produced Using Natural Juices
Authors: Hassan Dilawar , Sani Ayesha , Antonio Pérez Aurora , Ehsan Muhammad , Hernández-Varela Josué D. , Chanona-Pérez José J. , Torres Huerta Ana Laura
Published: December 2024

A trend has been established concerning the research and development of various green and biodegradable plastics for multi-purpose applications, aiming to replace petroleum-based plastics. Herein, we report the synthesis of chitosan (CH) films using lemon juice; these were reinforced with NiZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NiZnFe2O4 NPs) to obtain improved mechanical and barrier properties, facilitating their future application as sustainable, corrosion-resistant coatings for medical instruments. The synthesized NiZnFe2O4 NPs had a crystallite size of ~29 nm. Reinforcement with the nanoparticles in bio-sourced chitosan films was conducted at two concentrations: 1% and 2%. The mechanical strength of the CH film was found to be 1.52 MPa, while the 2% NiZnFe2O4 NP-containing films showed stress-bearing potential of 1.04 MPa with a larger strain value, confirming the elastic nature of the films. Furthermore, the % elongation was directly proportional to the NP concentration, with the highest value of 36.833% obtained for the 2% NP-containing films. The CH films presented improved barrier properties with the introduction of the NiZnFe2O4 NPs, making them promising candidates for coatings in medical instruments; this could protect such instruments from corrosion under controlled conditions. This approach not only broadens the application range of biopolymeric films but also aligns with global sustainability goals, serving to reduce the reliance on non-renewable corrosion-resistant coatings.
Precipitation Polymerization-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymers: A Novel Approach for Transdermal Curcumin Delivery
Authors: Djunaidi Muhammad Cholid , Putri Viona Resda , Maharani Nesti Dwi , Lusiana Retno Ariadi , Siahaan Parsaoran , Sunarno Sunarno
Published: December 2024

This research describes the synthesis and characterization of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as a candidate for the transdermal delivery of curcumin. The MIP was synthesized through precipitation polymerization using methacrylic acid as the functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linking agent. MIP characterization studies were conducted using SEM-EDX and FTIR spectroscopy to determine the morphology and interaction between curcumin and polymers. The MIP obtained through precipitation polymerization was in the form of a fine powder with a surface morphology resembling a collection of small granules with a uniform shape. The adsorption capacity of the MIP follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, with a maximum capacity of 4.239 mg/g, which is greater than that of the NIP (3.219 mg/g), resulting in an imprinting efficiency of 1.317. The percentage of curcumin released from the MIP after 8 h was 41.26%, which is lower than that from the NIP, at 51.50%. The drug release kinetics study follows the Higuchi model, indicating drug diffusion from the polymer matrix. Imprinting on the MIP can modify drug diffusion from the polymer matrix, resulting in a reduced release rate in the MIP. Therefore, the MIP can be considered a candidate for the controlled transdermal delivery of curcumin.
Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Black Soil at Sanjiang Plain: From Source Analysis to Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Gao Zijie , Jiang Jie , Sun Guoxin
Published: December 2024

Heavy metals were discharged into the agricultural soil through coal mining, transportation, etc., posing a threat to human health through the food chain. In order to investigate the sources of heavy metals and potential risk to the population, we collected 298 surface soil samples in the black soil area of Sanjiang Plain in Heilongjiang province and tested the concentrations of seven heavy metals. Toxic element contamination in the soil was evaluated by combining the potential ecological risk index and environmental capacity, and pollution sources are identified through positive matrix factorization. The results indicate that the concentrations of Cd and As exceed background values by 1.74 and 1.51 times, respectively, and the ecological risk of Cd is significantly higher than those of other toxic elements. The comprehensive ecological risk level is a moderate comprehensive ecological risk level at 78.5% and a low comprehensive ecological risk level at 21.5%. The sources of heavy metal elements include pesticide spraying (36.5%), input fertilizer and transport activities (20.5%), and mining and metallurgy-related activities (43.1%). When linking the PMF to the Human Health Risk Assessment model, it was found that about 56% of the samples pose a carcinogenic risk to children. Knowledge of soil pollution can certainly help to understand the sources of toxic elements and the health risks to people in the black soil area and provide a scientific basis for the prevention of heavy metal pollution.
The Design and Application of an Advanced System for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Flatfoot Based on Infrared Thermography and a Smart-Memory-Alloy-Reinforced Insole
Authors: Abdulkareem Ali F. , Al-Neami Auns Q. , Mohammed Tariq J. , Al-Omairi Hayder R.
Published: December 2024

Background: Flatfoot deformity is a common condition in children and teenagers that may increase the risk of knee, hip, and back pain. Most of the insoles suggested to treat flatfoot symptoms are not designed to adapt to foot temperature during walking, and they are either too soft to provide support or hard enough to be uncomfortable. Purpose: This study aims to develop an advanced solution to diagnose and treat flexible flatfoot (FFT) using infrared thermography measurements and a hybrid insole reinforced by nitinol (NiTiCu) smart-memory-alloy wires (SMAWs), this super-elastic alloy can return back to its pre-deformed shape when heated, which helps to reduce the local high-temperature points caused by the uneven pressure of FFT. This approach achieves a more uniform thermal distribution across the foot, which makes the hybrid insole more comfortable. Methods: The study involved 16 subjects, divided into two groups of eight flat-footed and eight normal. The procedure includes two parts, namely, designing a prototype insole with SMAW properties based on thermography measurement by using SolidWorks, and evaluating this design using Ansys. Second, a hybrid insole reinforced with SMAWs is customized for flatfoot subjects. The thermography measurement differences between the medial and lateral sides of the metatarsophalangeal line are compared for the normal and flatfoot groups before and after wearing the suggested design. Results: The results show that our approach safely diagnosed FFT and significantly improved the thermal distribution in FFT subjects by more than 80% after wearing the suggested design. A paired t-test reported significant (p-value > 0.001) thermal decreases in the high-temperature points after using the SMAW insole, which was closely approximated to the normal subjects. Conclusions: the SMAW-reinforced insole is comfortable and suitable for treating FFT deformity, and infrared thermography is an effective tool to evaluate FFT deformity.
Impact of Scrap Impurities on AlSi7Cu0.5Mg Alloy Flowability Using Established Testing Methods
Authors: Kleinhans Robert , Jugert Constantin , Pintore Manuel , Volk Wolfram
Published: December 2024

In view of the increasing demand for secondary aluminum, which is intended to partially replace the very energy- and resource-intensive primary aluminum production, effective treatment methods can maintain the high quality level of light metal castings. The transition from a linear to a circular economy can result in an accumulation of oxides or carbides in aluminum. Therefore, melt purification is crucial, especially as foundries aim to increase the use of often dirty end-of-life scrap. Nonmetallic inclusions in the melt can impact its flowability and mechanical properties. As the purity of the melt increases, its flow length also tends to increase. Available assessment methods like reduced pressure test or K-mold are capable of ensuring high levels of purity. This study demonstrates the implication of inclusions originating from dirty scrap. An experimental test run deals with various scrap contents in an AlSi7Cu0.5Mg alloy and shows correlations between impurity and performance, expressed by flowability and mechanical properties. These performance indicators have been connected to inclusion and porosity rates. In conclusion, these findings emphasize the need for further extensive research on contaminants in the field of scrap melting and the development of methods for easy-to-handle assessment methods.
Robotized 3D Scanning and Alignment Method for Dimensional Qualification of Big Parts Printed by Material Extrusion
Authors: Antolin-Urbaneja Juan Carlos , Pacheco Goñi Rakel , Alberdi Olaizola Nerea , Luengo Pizarro Ana Isabel
Published: December 2024

Moulds for aeronautical applications must fulfil highly demanding requirements, including the geometrical tolerances before and after curing cycles at high temperatures and pressures. The growing availability of thermoplastic materials printed by material extrusion systems requires research to verify the geometrical accuracy after three-dimensional printing processes to assess whether the part can meet the required geometry through milling processes. In this sense, the application of automated techniques to assess quick and reliable measurements is an open point under this promising technology. This work investigates the integration of a 3D vision system using a structured-light 3D scanner, placed onto an industrial robot in an eye-in-hand configuration and synchronized by a computer. The complete system validates an in-house algorithm, which inspects the whole reconstructed part, acquiring several views from different poses, and makes the alignment with the theoretical model of the geometry of big parts manufactured by 3D printing. Moreover, the automation of the validation process for the manufactured parts using contactless detection of the offset-printed material can be used to define milling strategies to achieve the geometric qualifications. The algorithm was tested using several parts printed by the material extrusion of a thermoplastic material based on black polyamide 6 reinforced with short carbon fibres. The complete inspection process was performed in 38 s in the three studied cases. The results assure that more than 95.50% of the evaluated points of each reconstructed point cloud differed by more than one millimetre from the theoretical model.
Design Optimization of a Parallel–Serial Manipulator Considering Stiffness Criteria
Authors: Antonov Anton
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we analyze stiffness and perform geometrical optimization of a parallel–serial manipulator with five degrees of freedom (5-DOF). The manipulator includes a 3-DOF redundantly actuated planar parallel mechanism, whose stiffness determines the stiffness of the whole mechanical system. First, we establish the kinematic and stiffness models of the mechanism and define its stiffness matrix. Two components of this matrix and the inverse of its condition number are chosen as stiffness indices. Next, we introduce an original two-step procedure for workspace analysis. In the first step, the chord method is used to find the workspace boundary. In the second step, the workspace is sampled inside the boundary by solving the point-in-polygon problem. After that, we derive stiffness maps and compute the average stiffness indices for various combinations of design variables. The number of these variables is reduced to two geometrical parameters, simplifying the representation and interpretation of the obtained results. Finally, we formulate the multi-objective design optimization problem, whose main goal is to maximize the lateral stiffness of the mechanism. We solve this problem using a hierarchical (ε-constraint) method. As a result, the lateral stiffness with optimized geometrical parameters increases by 54.1% compared with the initial design.
Analysis of Tidal Cycle Wave Breaking Distribution Characteristics on a Low-Tide Terrace Beach Using Video Imagery Segmentation
Authors: Yin Hang , Cai Feng , Qi Hongshuai , Jiang Yuwu , Liu Gen , Cao Zhubin , Sun Yi , Xiao Zheyu
Published: December 2024

Wave breaking is a fundamental process in ocean energy dissipation and plays a crucial role in the exchange between ocean and nearshore sediments. Foam, the primary visible feature of wave breaking areas, serves as a direct indicator of wave breaking processes. Monitoring the distribution of foam via remote sensing can reveal the spatiotemporal patterns of nearshore wave breaking. Existing studies on wave breaking processes primarily focus on individual wave events or short timescales, limiting their effectiveness for nearshore regions where hydrodynamic processes are often represented at tidal cycles. In this study, video imagery from a typical low-tide terrace (LTT) beach was segmented into four categories, including the wave breaking foam, using the DeepLabv3+ architecture, a convolutional neural networks (CNNs)-based model suitable for semantic segmentation in complex visual scenes. After training and testing on a manually labelled dataset, which was divided into training, validation, and testing sets based on different time periods, the overall classification accuracy of the model was 96.4%, with an accuracy of 96.2% for detecting wave breaking foam. Subsequently, a heatmap of the wave breaking foam distribution over a tidal cycle on the LTT beach was generated. During the tidal cycle, the foam distribution density exhibited both alongshore variability, and a pronounced bimodal structure in the cross-shore direction. Analysis of morphodynamical data collected in the field indicated that the bimodal structure is primarily driven by tidal variations. The wave breaking process is a key factor in shaping the profile morphology of LTT beaches. High-frequency video monitoring further showed the wave breaking patterns vary significantly with tidal levels, leading to diverse geomorphological features at various cross-shore locations.