bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive and social screen time in children with autism and in association with obesity
Authors: Must Aviva , Eliasziw Misha , Stanish Heidi , Curtin Carol , Bandini Linda G. , Bowling April
Published: July 2023

Background

Screen time has been identified as a risk factor for childhood obesity, but the media landscape has evolved rapidly. Children with autism tend to be heavy users of screens and have an elevated prevalence of obesity. We know little about screen use patterns among children with autism vs. typically developing (TD) peers and in association with obesity.

Methods

Baseline data from 10,842 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognition Development Study was used to characterize time spent with child-reported passive screen use (television/movies/watching videos), playing video games, and using social media. Duration of screen time by autism status and gender was summarized as mean time per day; obesity was defined using CDC/WHO criteria. A propensity score analysis was used to create a matched dataset for analysis.

Results

Overall, 1.7% of children were was identified as having autism. Significant mean differences were observed by autism status and gender for both passive viewing and playing video games. Compared to TD children, boys with autism spent more time (2.9 vs. 2.3 h, p < 0.001) watching TV, movies or videos, as did girls (3.0 vs. 2.0 h, p = 0.002). Compared to TD peers, boys with autism reported more video game time (102.7 vs. 77.5 min, p = 0.001), as did girls with autism (64.4 vs. 37.9 min, p = 0.03); girls with autism also spent more time on social media sites or video chat (45.5 vs. 21.9 min, p = 0.04). Overall, obesity prevalence increased with increasing screen time duration, significantly for passive screen time (p-value = 0.002) and texting (p-value = 0.02). Associations between obesity and screen time duration did not differ by autism status.

Discussion

Children with autism spend more time playing video games and on passive and social screen activities than their TD peers, with some variations by gender. High rates of social media use among girls with autism and multiplayer video game use among both boys and girls with autism may challenge the notion that the high levels of screen time reflect social isolation in the group. Given potential positive aspects of screen time in children with autism movement to focus on content and context is appropriate.
Optimizing the enzymatic release of MMAE from isoDGR-based small molecule drug conjugate by incorporation of a GPLG-PABC enzymatically cleavable linker
Authors: Zambra Marco , Ranđelović Ivan , Talarico Francesco , Borbély Adina , Svajda Laura , Tóvári József , Mező Gábor , Bodero Lizeth , Colombo Sveva , Arrigoni Federico , Fasola Elettra , Gazzola Silvia , Piarulli Umberto
Published: July 2023

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and Small Molecule-Drug Conjugates (SMDCs) represent successful examples of targeted drug-delivery technologies for overcoming unwanted side effects of conventional chemotherapy in cancer treatment. In both strategies, a cytotoxic payload is connected to the tumor homing moiety through a linker that releases the drug inside or in proximity of the tumor cell, and that represents a key component for the final therapeutic effect of the conjugate. Here, we show that the replacement of the Val-Ala-p-aminobenzyloxycarbamate linker with the Gly-Pro-Leu-Gly-p-aminobenzyloxycarbamate (GPLG-PABC) sequence as enzymatically cleavable linker in the SMDC bearing the cyclo[DKP-isoDGR] αVβ3 integrin ligand as tumor homing moiety and the monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) as cytotoxic payload led to a 4-fold more potent anti-tumoral effect of the final conjugate on different cancer cell lines. In addition, the synthesized conjugate resulted to be significantly more potent than the free MMAE when tested following the “kiss-and-run” protocol, and the relative potency were clearly consistent with the expression of the αVβ3 integrin receptor in the considered cancer cell lines. In vitro enzymatic cleavage tests showed that the GPLG-PABC linker is cleaved by lysosomal enzymes, and that the released drug is observable already after 15 min of incubation. Although additional data are needed to fully characterize the releasing capacity of GPLG-PABC linker, our findings are of therapeutic significance since we are introducing an alternative to other well-established enzymatically sensitive peptide sequences that might be used in the future for generating more efficient and less toxic drug delivery systems.
Analytical analysis of fractional nonlinear Jaulent-Miodek system with energy-dependent Schrödinger potential
Authors: Hammad Ma’mon Abu , Alrowaily Albandari W. , Shah Rasool , Ismaeel Sherif M. E. , A. El-Tantawy Samir
Published: July 2023

In this work, a novel technique is considered for analyzing the fractional-order Jaulent-Miodek system. The suggested approach is based on the use of the residual power series technique in conjunction with the Laplace transform and Caputo operator to solve the system of equations. The Caputo derivative is applied to express the fractional operator, which is more suitable for modeling real-world phenomena with memory effects. As a real example, the proposed technique is implemented for analyzing the Jaulent-Miodek equation under suitable initial conditions. Additionally, the proposed technique’s validity (accuracy and effectiveness) is examined by studying some numerical examples. The obtained solutions show that the suggested technique can provide a reliable solution for the fractional-order Jaulent-Miodek system, making it a helpful tool for researchers in different areas, including engineering, physics, and mathematics. We also analyze the absolute error between the derived approximations and the analytical solutions to check the validation and accuracy of the obtained approximations. Many researchers can benefit from both the obtained approximations and the suggested method in analyzing many complicated nonlinear systems in plasma physics and nonlinear optics, and many others.
Coat protein is responsible for tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus pathogenicity in tomato
Authors: Vo Thuy T. B. , Lal Aamir , Nattanong Bupi , Tabassum Marjia , Qureshi Muhammad Amir , Troiano Elisa , Parrella Giuseppe , Kil Eui-Joon , Lee Sukchan
Published: July 2023

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), a bipartite Begomovirus belonging to the family Geminiviridae, causes severe damage to many economically important crops worldwide. In the present study, pathogenicity of Asian (ToLCNDV-In from Pakistan) and Mediterranean isolates (ToLCNDV-ES from Italy) were examined using infectious clones in tomato plants. Only ToLCNDV-In could infect the three tomato cultivars, whereas ToLCNDV-ES could not. Genome-exchange of the two ToLCNDVs revealed the ToLCNDV DNA-A segment as the main factor for ToLCNDV infectivity in tomato. In addition, serial clones with chimeric ToLCNDV-In A and ToLCNDV-ES A genome segments were generated to identify the region determining viral infectivity in tomatoes. A chimeric clone carrying the ToLCNDV-In coat protein (CP) exhibited pathogenic adaptation in tomatoes, indicating that the CP of ToLCNDV is essential for its infectivity. Analyses of infectious clones carrying a single amino acid substitution revealed that amino acid at position 143 of the CP is critical for ToLCNDV infectivity in tomatoes. To better understand the molecular basis whereby CP function in pathogenicity, a yeast two-hybrid screen of a tomato cDNA library was performed using CPs as bait. The hybrid results showed different interactions between the two CPs and Ring finger protein 44-like in the tomato genome. The relative expression levels of upstream and downstream genes and Ring finger 44-like genes were measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and compared to those of control plants. This is the first study to compare the biological features of the two ToLCNDV strains related to viral pathogenicity in the same host plant. Our results provide a foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying ToLCNDV infection in tomatoes.
Influencing factors of quality of life among front-line nurses who collected nucleic acid samples during COVID-19: a path analysis
Authors: Yan Jiaran , Wu Chao , Liu Yu , Zhang Hongli , He Chunyan , Lin Yawei , Li Yang , Zhang Yuhai , Li Yinglan , Lang Hongjuan
Published: July 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate the quality of life of nurses who collected nucleic acid samples throughout the COVID-19 epidemic's routine management, as well as the factors that may have influenced it.

Background

After the outbreak of COVID-19, normalized epidemic prevention and control throughout China were implemented. Nucleic acid testing has become an effective measure for the early detection of virus-infected individuals. Nurses collecting nucleic acid samples undertake important tasks. Their quality of life is significant to maintaining team stability and containing the epidemic. However, research on their quality of life is still limited.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1,292 nurses who collected nucleic acid samples from five tertiary general hospitals in Xi'an through self-reported electronic questionnaires (including general demographic information, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale). Descriptive, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression were performed using SPSS 26.0. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the influencing factors.

Results

The nurses collecting nucleic acid samples had a modest level of quality of life. Age, marital status, average daily sleep duration, frequency of exercise, psychological resilience, and social support were all influencing factors of quality of life, according to multiple linear regression analysis. Quality of life was found to be significantly related to psychological resilience and social support.

Conclusion

Demographic characteristics, psychological resilience, and social support are the factors affecting the quality of life of nurses who collect nucleic acid samples. Nursing managers should focus more on these factors to improve the quality of life for nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing managers should realize the importance of the quality of life of nurses who collect nucleic acid samples in maintaining a vigorous nursing team and ensuring optimized epidemic control. Social support should also be provided to nurses to improve their psychological resilience, thereby improving their quality of life.
Longitudinal relationships between school assets, traditional bullying, and internet gaming disorder: the role of self-control and intentional self-regulation among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Qin Ke-Nan , Gan Xiong
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Although developmental assets have been proven to be enabling factors for both adolescent traditional bullying and internet gaming disorder (IGD), there is a lack of empirical evidence that has investigated the direct relationship between school assets and both of these problematic behaviors concurrently. Based on the positive youth development (PYD) perspective, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between school assets, intentional self-regulation (ISR), self-control, traditional bullying, and IGD among Chinese adolescents.

Methods

A total of 742 middle school students (Mage = 13.88 years, SD = 1.99 years) were followed up to measure school assets, ISR, self-control, traditional bullying, and IGD in two waves that were separated by 5 months.

Results

Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that T1 school assets negatively predicted T2 traditional bullying and T2 IGD. T1 self-control significantly mediated the relationships between T1 school assets and T2 traditional bullying, as well as between T1 school assets and T2 IGD. Additionally, T1 ISR strengthened the positive effect of T1 school assets on T1 self-control and further moderated the two mediating paths.

Discussion

These findings show that plentiful school assets support the development of self-control and are more successful in reducing traditional bullying and IGD, particularly among students with higher ISR. As a result, schools should take measures to provide superior-quality assets for the positive development of youth, which will help to prevent and relieve traditional bullying and IGD in the school context.
Combined Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Nitrogen Fertilizer Alters the Physicochemical Soil Properties, Nitrogen Uptake, and Rice Yield in a Polybag Experiment
Authors: Mulyadi  , Jiang Ligeng
Published: July 2023

Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer during rice cultivation leads to progressive soil contamination in the long term and increases production costs. An alternative to reduce over fertilization is to partially replace the fertilizer with microbes that promote nutrition and growth, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We investigated the combination of four different rates of AMF (M): (M0: 0 g polybag−1, M1: 15 g polybag−1, M2: 30 g polybag−1, and M3: 45 g polybag−1) and three rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer: (N0: 0 kg N ha−1, N1: 90 kg N ha−1, N2: 180 kg N ha−1) on Trisakti rice cultivar cultivated in polybag. Our findings indicate that the combination of 45 g AMF polybag−1 and 180 kg N ha−1 decreased soil bulk density by 38.02% and 37.24%, increased soil pH by 14.81% and 14.95%, soil porosity by 60.68% and 61.09%, soil organic matter by 28.62% and 30.46%, total N by 92.59% and 89.66%, available phosphorus by 30.12% and 29.85%, available potassium by 3.75% and 4.01%, rice plant height by 19.19% and 19.79%, tiller number by 25.27% and 26.08%, SPAD by 20.71% and 20.62%, flag leaf area by 107.76% and 108.02%, panicle length by 49.72% and 52.31%, panicle number by 67.44% and 72.35%, 1000-grain weight by 30.70% and 32.44%, root dry matter by 54.34% and 53.69%, shoot dry matter by 26.08% and 28.26%, root length by 54.68% and 56.44%, root volume by 42.73% and 43.37%, and N uptake by 107.93% and 108.06% compared to control during the early and late seasons, respectively. Conclusively, the combined application of AMF and N fertilizer increased the physiochemical properties, rice growth, rice productivity, and N uptake compared to AMF alone, N fertilizer alone, and the control treatment.
Adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ in Agricultural Water by Potassium Permanganate and Nitric Acid-Modified Coconut Shell Biochar
Authors: Qin Hengji , Shao Xiaohou , Shaghaleh Hiba , Gao Wei , Hamoud Yousef Alhaj
Published: July 2023

Biochar prepared from agricultural waste resource coconut shells was used as the original charcoal, which was oxidatively modified and characterized using batch adsorption tests before and after modification by SEM, FTIR, surface area, and elemental analyses. The removal capacity and adsorption mechanism of the modified biochar for Pb2+ and Cd2+ in water were investigated, and its adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics were discussed. The findings demonstrated that the specific surface area of potassium permanganate and nitric acid-modified coconut shell carbon (MHBC) is 3.02 times than that of the coconut shell carbon (BC). The kinetic data of adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ on MHBC were more in accordance with the pseudo-second order kinetic model, indicating that chemical adsorption played a dominant role, and the adsorption rate gradually tended to balance with a decrease in solution ion concentration. The isothermal thermodynamic data of the adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ by MHBC conformed to the Langmuir model. At pH = 5.5, the maximum adsorption capacities of Pb2+ and Cd2+ were 160.41 mg·g−1 and 47.46 mg·g−1, respectively. Thermodynamic parameter fitting showed that the process of adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ by MHBC is a spontaneous endothermic reaction. The higher the temperature is, the stronger the adsorption capacity is. When the ions coexist, Pb2+ and Cd2+ have obvious competitive adsorption, and Pb2+ has a significant competitive advantage. Among them, MHBC has high adsorption and good reusability for Pb2+ and Cd2+, and has good practical application prospects.
An R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor RoMYB10 Regulates Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Black Raspberry
Authors: Li Tiemei , Xin Wenjiao , Li Yutao , Wang Aoxue , Yang Guohui
Published: July 2023

At present, there are many excellent cultivars of raspberry worldwide with different fruit colors, such as yellow, red, purple and black. Anthocyanin accumulation is responsible for flower and fruit coloration in plants. Anthocyanins belong to flavonoids which are natural pigments widely distributed in plants. The MYB transcription factor (TF) plays a vital regulatory role in the metabolic pathway of anthocyanins. Here, RoMYB10, an R2R3-MYB in black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.), was isolated. The basic physical and chemical properties, conserved motif distribution, evolutionary relationship and subcellular localization were analyzed for the RoMYB10 encoded amino acid sequence. The contents of anthocyanin were determined in four different colored raspberry fruits by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The expression levels of MYB10 genes in various tissues and fruits at different developmental stages of the four different colored raspberries were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed that the contents of anthocyanin and the expression levels of the MYB10 gene were the highest in black raspberry. Moreover, the expression of MYB10 in the fruit was significantly higher than in other tissues, especially in ripe and mottled fruits. When ectopic overexpression of RoMYB10 occurred in tobacco, the expression levels of the RoMYB10 gene and total anthocyanin contents in transgenic tobacco plants were significantly higher than those in wild-type (WT) plants. In addition, overexpression of RoMYB10 up-regulated the key genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis, such as NtCHS, NtCHI, NtF3H, NtANS and NtUFGT. Our study suggests that RoMYB10 is involved in the regulating of anthocyanin biosynthesis in raspberry and has potential as a molecular tool for manipulating biosynthesis of anthocyanins in fruits using metabolic engineering.
Characterization of β-Glucans from Cereal and Microbial Sources and Their Roles in Feeds for Intestinal Health and Growth of Nursery Pigs
Authors: Choi Hyunjun , Kim Sung Woo
Published: July 2023

The objectives of this review are to investigate the quantitative, compositional, and structural differences of β-glucans and the functional effects of β-glucans on the intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. Banning antibiotic feed supplementation increased the research demand for antibiotic alternatives to maintain the intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. It has been proposed that β-glucans improve the growth efficiency of nursery pigs through positive impacts on their intestinal health. However, based on their structure and source, their impacts can be extensively different. β-glucans are non-starch polysaccharides found in the cell walls of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), bacteria, fungi (Basidiomycota), and cereal grains (mainly barley and oats). The total β-glucan content from cereal grains is much greater than that of microbial β-glucans. Cereal β-glucans may interfere with the positive effects of microbial β-glucans on the intestinal health of nursery pigs. Due to their structural differences, cereal β-glucans also cause digesta viscosity, decreasing feed digestion, and decreasing nutrient absorption in the GIT of nursery pigs. Specifically, cereal β-glucans are based on linear glucose molecules linked by β-(1,3)- and β-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds with relatively high water-soluble properties, whereas microbial β-glucans are largely linked with β-(1,3)- and β-(1,6)-glycosidic bonds possessing insoluble properties. From the meta-analysis, the weight gain and feed intake of nursery pigs increased by 7.6% and 5.3%, respectively, through the use of yeast β-glucans (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and increased by 11.6% and 6.9%, respectively, through the use of bacterial β-glucans (from Agrobacterium sp.), whereas the use of cereal β-glucans did not show consistent responses. The optimal use of yeast β-glucans (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was 50 mg/kg in nursery pig diets based on a meta-analysis. Collectively, use of microbial β-glucans can improve the intestinal health of nursery pigs, enhancing immune conditions, whereas the benefits of cereal β-glucans on intestinal health were not consistent.
Peripubertal Testosterone, 17β-Estradiol and Progesterone Concentrations in Hair and Nails in Dobermann Dogs
Authors: Fusi Jasmine , Veronesi Maria Cristina , Prandi Alberto , Probo Monica , Faustini Massimo , Peric Tanja
Published: July 2023

Studies about puberty in dogs are few, probably because many factors are involved in the delicate process of puberty onset, leading to difficulties in the proper enrollment of subjects. Moreover, the use of blood for monitoring hormonal changes can be problematic, and not feasible for long-term studies. Hair and nails proved to be suitable matrices for the retrospective evaluation of hormones’ long-term accumulation. This study was performed using hair and nails for the evaluation of testosterone (T), 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations to assess possible sexual steroid changes during the peripubertal period in dogs. The results, obtained on five males and five females, showed a significant increase in T in hair and nails of males immediately before puberty. In females, a significant increase in E2 at puberty and a marked increase in P4 after puberty was found in both biological specimens. Sex-related differences were detected only for T hair concentrations, but when the sex and sampling time were considered together, hair and nails T and nails P4 concentrations allowed us to discern between male and female dogs at specific sampling times. The results from this study showed that hair and nails are useful biological specimens for the retrospective evaluation of changes in T, E2 and P4 concentrations in peripubertal dogs.
Temporal Microbial Dynamics in Feces Discriminate by Nutrition, Fecal Color, Consistency and Sample Type in Suckling and Newly Weaned Piglets
Authors: Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U. , Lerch Frederike , Yosi Fitra , Vötterl Julia , Ehmig Juliane , Koger Simone , Verhovsek Doris
Published: July 2023

Feces enable frequent samplings for the same animal, which is valuable in studies investigating the development of the gut microbiome in piglets. Creep feed should prepare the piglet’s gut for the postweaning period and shape the microbiome accordingly. Little is known about the variation that is caused by differences in fecal color and consistency and different sample types (feces versus swab samples). Therefore, this study evaluated the age-related alterations in the microbiome composition (16S rRNA gene) in feces of suckling and newly weaned piglets in the context of nutrition and fecal consistency, color and sample type from day 2 to 34 of life. Feces from 40 healthy piglets (2 each from 20 litters) were collected on days 2, 6, 13, 20, 27, 30 and 34. Weaning occurred on day 28. Half of the litters only drank sow milk during the suckling phase, whereas the other half had access to creep feed from day 10. Creep feeding during the suckling phase influenced the age-related total bacterial and archaeal abundances but had less of an influence on the relative bacterial composition. Results further showed different taxonomic compositions in feces of different consistency, color and sample type, emphasizing the need to consider these characteristics in comprehensive microbiome studies.
Inhibitors of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Ischemic Heart Disease: Focus on Functional and Redox Aspects
Authors: Pagliaro Pasquale , Penna Claudia
Published: July 2023

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is caused by several mechanisms, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), altered cellular osmolarity, and inflammatory response. Calcium overload, altered oxygen levels, and mitochondrial ROS are also involved in these MIRI processes, resulting in the irreversible opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). These mechanisms and processes are associated with NLRP3 inflammasome priming and activation, which can also induce cell death by pyroptosis through the up-regulation of the caspase-1 pathway and IL-18 release. In addition, endothelial dysfunction, both in the presence and absence of MIRI, is also accompanied by altered oxygen levels, decreased nitric oxide production, and ROS overproduction, resulting in the expression of adhesion molecules and leukocyte infiltration in which the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role, thus contributing, through endothelial dysfunction, to the alteration of coronary flow, typical of ischemic heart disease. Given the intricate interrelationship between ROS and NLRP3, ROS inhibitors can reduce NLRP3 inflammasome activation, while NLRP3 inhibitors can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. NLRP3 inhibitors have been intensively studied as anti-inflammatory agents in basic cardiovascular sciences. In this review, we analyze the interrelation between ROS and NLRP3 in ischemic heart disease and the effects of some NLRP3 inhibitors as possible therapeutic agents in this disease condition. All compounds considered in this review need larger studies to confirm their appropriate use in clinical scenarios as anti-ischemic drugs.
Antioxidant Therapy Reduces Oxidative Stress, Restores Na,K-ATPase Function and Induces Neuroprotection in Rodent Models of Seizure and Epilepsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: de Melo Anderson Dutra , Freire Victor Antonio Ferreira , Diogo Ítalo Leonardo , Santos Hérica de Lima , Barbosa Leandro Augusto , de Carvalho Luciana Estefani Drumond
Published: July 2023

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by epileptic seizures resulting from neuronal hyperexcitability, which may be related to failures in Na,K-ATPase activity and oxidative stress participation. We conducted this study to investigate the impact of antioxidant therapy on oxidative stress, Na,K-ATPase activity, seizure factors, and mortality in rodent seizure/epilepsy models induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), pilocarpine (PILO), and kainic acid (KA). After screening 561 records in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus databases, 22 were included in the systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis included 14 studies and showed that in epileptic animals there was an increase in the oxidizing agents nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), with a reduction in endogenous antioxidants reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SO). The Na,K-ATPase activity was reduced in all areas evaluated. Antioxidant therapy reversed all of these parameters altered by seizure or epilepsy induction. In addition, there was a percentage decrease in the number of seizures and mortality, and a meta-analysis showed a longer seizure latency in animals using antioxidant therapy. Thus, this study suggests that the use of antioxidants promotes neuroprotective effects and mitigates the effects of epilepsy. The protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42022356960.
Heavy Metals and Essential Elements in Association with Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—A Systematic Review
Authors: Srnovršnik Tinkara , Virant-Klun Irma , Pinter Bojana
Published: July 2023

Altered levels of heavy metals and essential elements have been associated with oxidative stress (OS) and metabolic and hormonal changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We aimed to summarize the knowledge on the association of heavy metals and essential elements with OS in PCOS. An electronic literature search using PubMed for studies published between January 2008 and April 2023 was conducted. We evaluated heavy metals and essential elements in relation to OS in PCOS in 15 articles. PCOS women had increased antimonium (Sb), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), tellurium (Te), thallium (Tl) and osmium (Os) blood levels and decreased zinc (Zn) blood levels; the results of copper (Cu) blood levels were conflicting. Some studies showed a significant correlation between heavy metals (Sb, Cd, Pb, Hg, As, Te and Tl) and essential elements (Se, Zn, Cr, Ca, Mg and Cu) and markers of OS and chronic inflammation. Heavy metals (Sb, Cd, Pb and Hg) and essential elements (Zn, Cr, Se, Ca, Mg and Cu) were associated with metabolic and hormonal characteristics in PCOS. There might be a possible benefit from supplementation therapy in reducing OS and endocrinological problems related to PCOS. Our review confirmed an association between heavy metals and essential elements with OS in PCOS women. This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42023418453.
Protective Effects of Different Molecular Weights of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Aqueous Extract on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice
Authors: Ning Ke , Duan Yameng , Tong Weiwei , Chen Yue , Zhang Qinghui , Xie Qiuhong , Xiang Hongyu
Published: July 2023

Purslane, a common wild vegetable, contains active substances with various biological functions. However, its effects have been under-investigated in ulcerative colitis (UC). Therefore, this study investigated the therapeutic effects of purslane macromolecular (POEM) and small molecular extracts (POES) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Membrane separation was used to obtain extracts of different molecular weights, and their compositional differences were compared using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS). POEM contained more proteins and polysaccharides, whereas POES contained more organic acids and alkaloids. These differences in composition were directly responsible for the different degrees of remission of the alleviated UC in model mice. POEM may alleviate UC by regulating the antioxidant capacity and the gut microbiota, whereas the major alleviatory effect of POES was primarily related to the regulation of antioxidant capacity. The POEM and POES effects identified in this study provide a theoretical basis for the development of purslane as a functional food.
Characterization of Health Beneficial Components in Discarded Leaves of Three Escarole (Cichorium endivia L.) Cultivar and Study of Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Donadio Giuliana , Bellone Maria Laura , Mensitieri Francesca , Parisi Valentina , Santoro Valentina , Vitiello Maria , Dal Piaz Fabrizio , De Tommasi Nunziatina
Published: July 2023

Plants of genus Cichorium (Asteraceae) can be used as vegetables with higher nutritional value and as medicinal plants. This genus has beneficial properties owing to the presence of a number of specialized metabolites such as alkaloids, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarins, unsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Cichorium endivia L., known as escarole, has achieved a common food status due to its nutritionary value, bitter taste, and the presence of healthy components, and is eaten cooked or raw in salads. Presently, wastes derived from the horticultural crops supply chain are generated in very large amounts. Vegetable waste comprises the discarded leaves of food sources produced during collection, handling, transportation, and processing. The external leaves of Cichorium endivia L. are a horticultural crop that is discarded. In this work, the phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of hydroalcoholic extract obtained from discarded leaves of three cultivars of escarole (C. endivia var. crispum ‘Capriccio’, C. endivia var. latifolium ‘Performance’ and ‘Leonida’) typical horticultural crop of the Campania region were investigated. In order to describe a metabolite profile of C. endivia cultivars, the extracts were analysed by HR/ESI/Qexactive/MS/MS and NMR. The careful analysis of the accurate masses, the ESI/MS spectra, and the 1H NMR chemical shifts allowed for the identification of small molecules belonging to phenolic, flavonoid, sesquiterpene, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acid classes. In addition, the antioxidant potential of the extracts was evaluated using cell-free and cell-based assays, as well as their cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity. All the extracts showed similar radical-scavenging ability while significant differences between the three investigated cultivars emerged in the cell-based assays. The obtained data were ascribed to the content of polyphenols and sesquiterpenes in the extracts. Accordingly, C. endivia by-products can be deemed an interesting material for healthy product formulations.
Behavioral Analysis of an Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Controller Designed with Harmony Search Enhanced with Shadowed Type-2 Fuzzy Parameter Adaptation
Authors: Peraza Cinthia , Ochoa Patricia , Castillo Oscar , Melin Patricia
Published: July 2023

The challenges we face in today’s world are increasingly complex, and effectively managing uncertainty when modeling control problems can yield significant benefits. However, the complexity of these models often leads to higher computational costs. Therefore, the main contribution of this article is the use of the theory of shadowed type-2 fuzzy sets to address these challenges and to control the search space exploration in the harmony search algorithm by employing two alpha planes, and with this, it was possible to reduce the computational cost and obtain effective results. Furthermore, the application of this approach aims to find optimal parameters for the membership functions of a type-2 fuzzy controller and analyze its behavior. By adopting the proposed methodology, it becomes possible to minimize computational costs while still achieving feasible solutions for interval type-2 control problems. A key aspect is that symmetry is considered in the design of the controller to also obtain good results. To validate the effectiveness of the approach, extensive simulations were conducted with varying levels of noise introduced to the type-2 controller. This comprehensive analysis allowed for a thorough examination of the results obtained. The findings of the simulations are presented, showcasing the advantages of the proposed methodology. By incorporating noise into the system, it was observed that the objective function, in this case, the root mean square error (RMSE), was reduced. Moreover, the signal obtained with the presence of noise demonstrated a superior performance compared to the noise-free reference. In conclusion, the proposed approach of utilizing shadowed type-2 fuzzy systems, combined with the harmony search algorithm, offers a promising solution for managing complex control problems. By carefully analyzing the behavior of the system through simulations, it is evident that the inclusion of noise helps improve the system’s performance.
A Lifetime Prediction Method of Pressured Gas Polyethylene Pipes by Strain-Hardening Modulus and Tensile Test
Authors: Ran Wen-Shen , Niu Li , Wang Yang , Lin Nan , Feng Guo-Wei , Lan Hui-Qing
Published: July 2023

In recent years, polyethylene (PE) pipes have been widely utilized for urban natural gas transmission. However, as the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes increases, their service life and long-term performance assessment have become one of the most significant issues to be addressed. There has been a ton of studies on PE pipe life prediction techniques both domestically and internationally, but very little has been carried out on PE pipe life prediction in actual gas working environments with varying acid and alkaline levels. This experiment accelerates the aging of PE pipes using acid and alkaline corrosion immersion experiments to determine the lifespan of PE pipes. This study aims to investigate the performance changes of HDPE under strong, weak, and neutral corrosion conditions using corrosion solutions with PH values of 1, 5, and 8, to propose the impact of corrosion caused by various acids and alkalies on the HDPE aging life for natural gas, and to develop a mathematical model between the aging life of polyethylene and the PH values of acid and alkali corrosion solutions. The studies involved soaking and corroding HDPE pipes with various acidity and alkalinity chemicals to speed up the aging process, and then the tensile test was used to determine the mechanical characteristics of the aged PE pipes. Based on our findings, the empirical equation between acidity and service life of PE pipes is obtained by the mathematical fitting method, and a life prediction model of buried city gas HDPE pipes is proposed. The actual life of the aged pipes is determined by the relationship between strain-hardening (SH) modulus and aging time. The findings demonstrate that the service life of PE pipes changes with different levels of acidity and alkalinity: 1.872 days, 1060.507 days, and 1128.58 days following corrosive solution-accelerated aging with solution acidities of PH1, PH5, and PH8, respectively. The life prediction method applies to various plastic pipes in comparable environments as well as HDPE city gas pipes that are subject to acid and alkali corrosion forces.
An Efficient Algorithm for De-Interleaving Staggered PRI Signals
Authors: Cheng Wenhai , Zhang Qunying , Dong Jiaming , Wang Haiying , Liu Xiaojun
Published: July 2023

Resolution and mapping bandwidth are the two most important image performance indicators that reflect satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging reconnaissance capability. The PRI-staggered signal can simultaneously achieve high resolution in azimuth and wide swath during SAR imaging, and is an important signal form of SAR. It is important for anti-SAR reconnaissance to de-interleave the staggered PRI signal from the mixed signals. To address the problem that the existing staggered signal de-interleaving algorithms cannot accommodate PRI jitter and are computationally inefficient, this paper proposes an efficient algorithm for de-interleaving staggered PRI signals. A clustering-based square sine wave interpolation method and a threshold criterion are proposed, improving computational efficiency while suppressing interference between sub-PRIs and the frame period of the staggered PRI signal. In addition, a sequence retrieval algorithm incorporating matched filter theory is proposed to improve the separation accuracy of radar pulse sequences. The simulation shows that the novel algorithm can adapt to PRI jitter and de-interleave staggered PRI signals from mixed signals with high efficiency. Compared with the existing staggered signal de-interleaving algorithm, the computational efficiency is improved by an order of magnitude.
The Importance of Preventive Analysis in Heritage Science: MA-XRF Supporting the Restoration of Madonna with Child by Mantegna
Authors: Mazzinghi Anna , Castelli Lisa , Giambi Francesca , Ruberto Chiara , Sottili Leandro , Taccetti Francesco , Giuntini Lorenzo
Published: July 2023

The Madonna with Child by Andrea Mantegna owned by the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan is painted on canvas with an unusual distemper technique. During the period of 1863–1865, the painting was restored by Giuseppe Molteni. The identification of potential retouchings by Molteni, possibly covering part of the original layer, was the object of this work carried at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure. To evaluate the extent of both Molteni’s intervention and Mantegna’s original layer, the MA-XRF spectrometer developed by CHNet-INFN was used to discriminate between the two paint layers and identify the materials and the extension of both “artists”. Indeed, the elemental maps showed that Molteni’s work entirely covered the mantle of the Virgin, even changing the fold of the draperies and enriching the red robe with shell gold highlights, giving a different appearance to the painting. Moreover, MA-XRF also revealed that the original Mantegna was still mostly intact underneath Molteni’s layer, thereby providing a decisive guide for conservation works. These results indeed formed the basis for the technical decision to remove the varnish and Molteni’s version, unveiling the original Mantegna. A second MA-XRF campaign was then carried out to fully characterise the materials of this unusual painting technique.
Developing a Comprehensive Quality Control Framework for Roadway Bridge Management: A Case Study Approach Using Key Performance Indicators
Authors: Matos José , Fernandes Sérgio , Tran Minh , Nguyen Quyen , Baron Edward , Dang Son
Published: July 2023

Transportation infrastructures, especially roadway bridges, play a pivotal role in socioeconomic development. Recently, bridge engineers are increasingly facing the challenge in terms of shifting their strategy from building new facilities to maintaining the existing aging infrastructures, to preserve their service performance during the operational stage. In fact, the infrastructure administrators lack a quality control (QC) strategy for the existing roadway bridges, which leads to the decision-making application and tool being still minor. To overcome those challenging issues, this paper proposes a quality control framework for roadway bridge management using key performance indicators (KPIs). The case study methodology is suggested to be used and then conducted for several bridges, mostly in European countries. In which the performance indicators (PIs) and goals (PGs) are defined, after assessing the bridges and vulnerable zones, the derivation KPIs from those PIs are introduced and developed considering time functions and different maintenance scenarios. Eventually, a two-stage quality control framework will be proposed in which the static stage includes preparatory works, inspection responsibilities, and a quick assessment of KPIs; while the dynamic stage helps the decision maker in estimating the time remaining of the bridge service life, managing the evolution of KPIs as well as planning the best possible maintenance strategy. The selected two case studies are present and curated, which show the excellent potential to develop a long-term strategy for roadway bridge management on a lifecycle level.
Advanced Innovation Technology of BIM in a Circular Economy
Authors: Behún Marcel , Behúnová Annamária
Published: July 2023

The traditional concept of the primary, secondary, tertiary and later quaternary economy is based on several structurally divided and related tasks and processes in processing raw materials and earth resources. Gradually, a new concept of the functioning of the economy was created, called “circular economy” or “circular economy”. Its basis is the transformation of linear economic processes managing the use of raw materials to create a sustainable economic growth model. The circular economy transforms economic activity associated with the consumption of limited resources into the more efficient reuse of resources. Based on the above, the presented article aims, based on theoretical and empirical analysis, to identify the potential of processing and using non-energy raw material—recycled aggregate—in the construction industry and to propose a concept for information modeling of the parameters of sustainable construction using this non-energy raw material per the principles of the circular economy. The solution to this research problem is realized through theoretical analysis and comparison of approaches to the circular economy, reuse of non-energy raw materials in the construction industry and analysis for the creation of a concept based on the use of information needed for sustainable construction planning through building information modeling (BIM). Based on my research, my results will be presented, the applicability of which is verified through a case study. The object of the case study is the construction of a new building, which will represent a set of five similar constructions interconnected by underground floors (garages, technical facilities of buildings) and communication spaces (corridor, hall). The priority of the construction of the centre is to build a sustainable building, i.e., to implement the work using sustainable methods with the greatest possible use of sustainable materials and procedures, which will reduce the impact on the ecosystem and support the goals of the circular economy. Traditional, natural raw materials will be replaced by recycled secondary raw materials within individual constructions and elements. When choosing suitable raw materials, the design of the BIM library of sustainable elements will help. The BIM library will act as a link between manufacturers and BIM digital replicas of real building products and components.
Determination of the Fleet Size of AGVs with AGV Pools Using a Genetic Algorithm and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Şenaras Onur Mesut , Solmaz Erol , Öztürk Nursel , Öztürk Ferruh
Published: July 2023

The utilization of low-cost AGVs in the industry is increasing every day, but the efficiency of these systems is low due to the lack of a central management system. Low-cost AGVs’ main characteristic is navigation via magnetic sensors, which they follow via magnetic tape on the ground with a low-level automation system. The disadvantages of these systems are mainly due to only one circuit assignment and the lack of system intelligence. Therefore, in this study, AGV pools were employed to determine the required AGV number. This study begins by calculating the required AGV number for each AGV circuit combination assigned to every parking station by the time window approach. Mathematical-solution-based mixed integer programming was developed to find the optimum solution. Computational difficulties were handled with the development of a genetic-algorithm-based approach to find the solutions for complex cases. If production requirements change, system parameters can be changed to adapt to the production requirements and there is a need to determine the number of AGVs. It was demonstrated that AGVs and pool combinations did not lead to any loss in production due to the lack of available AGVs. It was shown that the proposed approach provides a fleet size which requires five fewer AGVs, with a 29% reduction in the number of AGVs. The effects of system parameter changes were also investigated with artificial neural networks (ANNs) to estimate the required AGVs in the case of production requirement changes. It is necessary to determine the effect of the change in system parameters on the number of AGVs without compromising on computational cost and time, especially for complex systems. Thus, in this study, an artificial neural network (ANN), the response surface method (RSM), and multiple linear regression (MLR) techniques were used to examine the effects of the system parameter changes on the AGV number. In the present case, the ANN obtained the solution at a good rate with reduced computational costs, time, and correction errors compared to the GA, at 0.4% (ANN), 7% (RSM), and 24% (MLR). The results show that the ANN provides solutions which can be used in workshops to determine the number of AGVs and also to predict the effect of changes in system parameters.
Resonant Fatigue Tests on Drill Pipe Connections with Different Geometries and Sizes
Authors: Santus Ciro , Romanelli Lorenzo , Burchianti Alessandro , Inoue Tomoya
Published: July 2023

In this study, a resonant bending fatigue test rig, designed and implemented by the University of Pisa, is presented, providing a detailed description of the set-up of the machine, the strain gauges calibrations, and the control system used with the main electronic devices. Several geometries of drill pipe connections and pipe samples made of different materials were tested, and all the obtained experimental fatigue results are presented in the paper and compared to previous experimental data. Fractographic images are provided to clearly show that, in two kinds of drill pipe connections, the crack initiation was found at the connection zone, whereas for another connection geometry, it was found at the pipe body. In order to interpret these latter results, a discussion about the section modulus of bending of the various sections of the drill pipes was provided, along with an FE model of a specific zone of one of these connections.