bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orthodontic Compression Enhances Macrophage M2 Polarization via Histone H3 Hyperacetylation
Authors: Wang Yao , Groeger Sabine , Yong Jiawen , Ruf Sabine
Published: February 2023

Orthodontic tooth movement is a complex periodontal remodeling process triggered by compression that involves sterile inflammation and immune responses. Macrophages are mechanically sensitive immune cells, but their role in orthodontic tooth movement is unclear. Here, we hypothesize that orthodontic force can activate macrophages, and their activation may be associated with orthodontic root resorption. After force-loading and/or adiponectin application, the migration function of macrophages was tested via scratch assay, and Nos2, Il1b, Arg1, Il10, ApoE, and Saa3 expression levels were detected using qRT-PCR. Furthermore, H3 histone acetylation was measured using an acetylation detection kit. The specific inhibitor of H3 histone, I-BET762, was deployed to observe its effect on macrophages. In addition, cementoblasts were treated with macrophage-conditioned medium or compression force, and OPG production and cellular migration were measured. We further detected Piezo1 expression in cementoblasts via qRT-PCR and Western-blot, and its effect on the force-induced impairment of cementoblastic functions was also analyzed. Compressive force significantly inhibited macrophage migration. Nos2 was up-regulated 6 h after force-loading. Il1b, Arg1, Il10, Saa3, and ApoE increased after 24 h. Meanwhile, higher H3 histone acetylation was detected in the macrophages subjected to compression, and I-BET762 dampened the expression of M2 polarization markers (Arg1 and Il10). Lastly, even though the activated macrophage-conditioned medium showed no effect on cementoblasts, compressive force directly impaired cementoblastic function by enhancing mechanoreceptor Piezo1. Compressive force activates macrophages; specifically, it causes M2 polarization via H3 histone acetylation in the late stage. Compression-induced orthodontic root resorption is macrophage-independent, but it involves the activation of mechanoreceptor Piezo1.
Structural Insight into the Working Mechanism of the FAD Synthetase from the Human Pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae: A Molecular Docking Simulation Study
Authors: Kwon Sunghark
Published: February 2023

Flavin adenine dinucleotide synthetases (FADSs) catalyze FAD biosynthesis through two consecutive catalytic reactions, riboflavin (RF) phosphorylation and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) adenylylation. Bacterial FADSs have RF kinase (RFK) and FMN adenylyltransferase (FMNAT) domains, whereas the two domains are separated into two independent enzymes in human FADSs. Bacterial FADSs have attracted considerable attention as drug targets due to the fact that they differ from human FADSs in structure and domain combinations. In this study, we analyzed the putative FADS structure from the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae (SpFADS) determined by Kim et al., including conformational changes of key loops in the RFK domain upon substrate binding. Structural analysis and comparisons with a homologous FADS structure revealed that SpFADS corresponds to a hybrid between open and closed conformations of the key loops. Surface analysis of SpFADS further revealed its unique biophysical properties for substrate attraction. In addition, our molecular docking simulations predicted possible substrate-binding modes at the active sites of the RFK and FMNAT domains. Our results provide a structural basis to understand the catalytic mechanism of SpFADS and develop novel SpFADS inhibitors.
Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling of the Mouse Testicular Germ Cells Reveals Important Role of Phosphorylated GRTH/DDX25 in Round Spermatid Differentiation and Acrosome Biogenesis during Spermiogenesis
Authors: Kavarthapu Raghuveer , Anbazhagan Rajakumar , Pal Soumitra , Dufau Maria L.
Published: February 2023

Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH)/DDX25 is a member of DEAD-box family of RNA helicase essential for the completion of spermatogenesis and male fertility, as evident from GRTH-knockout (KO) mice. In germ cells of male mice, there are two species of GRTH, a 56 kDa non-phosphorylated form and 61 kDa phosphorylated form (pGRTH). GRTH Knock-In (KI) mice with R242H mutation abolished pGRTH and its absence leads to infertility. To understand the role of the GRTH in germ cell development at different stages during spermatogenesis, we performed single-cell RNA-seq analysis of testicular cells from adult WT, KO and KI mice and studied the dynamic changes in gene expression. Pseudotime analysis revealed a continuous developmental trajectory of germ cells from spermatogonia to elongated spermatids in WT mice, while in both KO and KI mice the trajectory was halted at round spermatid stage indicating incomplete spermatogenesis process. The transcriptional profiles of KO and KI mice were significantly altered during round spermatid development. Genes involved in spermatid differentiation, translation process and acrosome vesicle formation were significantly downregulated in the round spermatids of KO and KI mice. Ultrastructure of round spermatids of KO and KI mice revealed several abnormalities in acrosome formation that includes failure of pro-acrosome vesicles to fuse to form a single acrosome vesicle, and fragmentation of acrosome structure. Our findings highlight the crucial role of pGRTH in differentiation of round spermatids into elongated spermatids, acrosome biogenesis and its structural integrity.
Ribosome Protein Composition Mediates Translation during the Escherichia coli Stationary Phase
Authors: Reier Kaspar , Liiv Aivar , Remme Jaanus
Published: February 2023

Bacterial ribosomes contain over 50 ribosome core proteins (r-proteins). Tens of non-ribosomal proteins bind to ribosomes to promote various steps of translation or suppress protein synthesis during ribosome hibernation. This study sets out to determine how translation activity is regulated during the prolonged stationary phase. Here, we report the protein composition of ribosomes during the stationary phase. According to quantitative mass-spectrometry analysis, ribosome core proteins bL31B and bL36B are present during the late log and first days of the stationary phase and are replaced by corresponding A paralogs later in the prolonged stationary phase. Ribosome hibernation factors Rmf, Hpf, RaiA, and Sra are bound to the ribosomes during the onset and a few first days of the stationary phase when translation is strongly suppressed. In the prolonged stationary phase, a decrease in ribosome concentration is accompanied by an increase in translation and association of translation factors with simultaneous dissociation of ribosome hibernating factors. The dynamics of ribosome-associated proteins partially explain the changes in translation activity during the stationary phase.
Efficient Redirection of NK Cells by Genetic Modification with Chemokine Receptors CCR4 and CCR2B
Authors: Feigl Frederik Fabian , Stahringer Anika , Peindl Matthias , Dandekar Gudrun , Koehl Ulrike , Fricke Stephan , Schmiedel Dominik
Published: February 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells are a subset of lymphocytes that offer great potential for cancer immunotherapy due to their natural anti-tumor activity and the possibility to safely transplant cells from healthy donors to patients in a clinical setting. However, the efficacy of cell-based immunotherapies using both T and NK cells is often limited by a poor infiltration of immune cells into solid tumors. Importantly, regulatory immune cell subsets are frequently recruited to tumor sites. In this study, we overexpressed two chemokine receptors, CCR4 and CCR2B, that are naturally found on T regulatory cells and tumor-resident monocytes, respectively, on NK cells. Using the NK cell line NK-92 as well as primary NK cells from peripheral blood, we show that genetically engineered NK cells can be efficiently redirected using chemokine receptors from different immune cell lineages and migrate towards chemokines such as CCL22 or CCL2, without impairing the natural effector functions. This approach has the potential to enhance the therapeutic effect of immunotherapies in solid tumors by directing genetically engineered donor NK cells to tumor sites. As a future therapeutic option, the natural anti-tumor activity of NK cells at the tumor sites can be increased by co-expression of chemokine receptors with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) or T cell receptors (TCR) on NK cells can be performed in the future.
Thinking on the Construction of Antimicrobial Peptide Databases: Powerful Tools for the Molecular Design and Screening
Authors: Zhang Kun , Teng Da , Mao Ruoyu , Yang Na , Hao Ya , Wang Jianhua
Published: February 2023

With the accelerating growth of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), there is an urgent need for new antimicrobial agents with low or no AMR. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been extensively studied as alternatives to antibiotics (ATAs). Coupled with the new generation of high-throughput technology for AMP mining, the number of derivatives has increased dramatically, but manual running is time-consuming and laborious. Therefore, it is necessary to establish databases that combine computer algorithms to summarize, analyze, and design new AMPs. A number of AMP databases have already been established, such as the Antimicrobial Peptides Database (APD), the Collection of Antimicrobial Peptides (CAMP), the Database of Antimicrobial Activity and Structure of Peptides (DBAASP), and the Database of Antimicrobial Peptides (dbAMPs). These four AMP databases are comprehensive and are widely used. This review aims to cover the construction, evolution, characteristic function, prediction, and design of these four AMP databases. It also offers ideas for the improvement and application of these databases based on merging the various advantages of these four peptide libraries. This review promotes research and development into new AMPs and lays their foundation in the fields of druggability and clinical precision treatment.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Dysregulation of the Mycobiome and Archaeome and Distinct Oncogenic Characteristics according to Subtype and Gender in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: John Daniel , Yalamarty Rishabh , Barakchi Armon , Chen Tianyi , Chakladar Jaideep , Li Wei Tse , Ongkeko Weg M.
Published: February 2023

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) is characterized by unique tumor morphology, treatment response, and patient outcomes according to subtype and gender. While previous studies have implicated the intratumor bacterial microbiome in the incidence and progression of PTC, few studies have investigated the potential role of fungal and archaeal species in oncogenesis. In this study, we aimed to characterize the intratumor mycobiome and archaeometry in PTC with respect to its three primary subtypes: Classical (CPTC), Follicular Variant (FVPTC), and Tall Cell (TCPTC), and also with respect to gender. RNA-sequencing data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), including 453 primary tumor tissue samples and 54 adjacent solid tissue normal samples. The PathoScope 2.0 framework was used to extract fungal and archaeal microbial read counts from raw RNA-sequencing data. Overall, we found that the intratumor mycobiome and archaeometry share significant similarities in CPTC, FVPTC, and TCPTC, although most dysregulated species in CPTC are underabundant compared to normal. Furthermore, differences between the mycobiome and archaeometry were more significant between males and females, with a disproportionate number of fungal species overabundant in female tumor samples. Additionally, the expression of oncogenic PTC pathways was distinct across CPTC, FVPTC, and TCPTC, indicating that these microbes may uniquely contribute to PTC pathogenesis in each subtype. Furthermore, differences in the expression of these pathways were observed between males and females. Finally, we found a specific panel of fungi to be dysregulated in BRAF V600E-positive tumors. This study demonstrates the potential importance of microbial species to PTC incidence and oncogenesis.
Vitamin D Inadequacy Affects Skeletal Muscle Index and Physical Performance in Lumbar Disc Degeneration
Authors: Dechsupa Sinsuda , Yingsakmongkol Wicharn , Limthongkul Worawat , Singhatanadgige Weerasak , Jitjumnong Manassanan , Honsawek Sittisak
Published: February 2023

Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is one of the fundamental causes of low back pain. The aims of this study were to determine serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and physical performance and to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels, muscle strength and physical activity in elderly patients with LDD. The participants were 200 LDD patients, including 155 females and 45 males aged 60 years and over. Data on body mass index and body composition were collected. Serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone levels were measured. Serum 25(OH)D was classified into the insufficiency group: <30 ng/mL and the sufficiency group: ≥30 ng/mL. Muscle strength was assessed by grip strength, and physical performance (short physical performance battery) was evaluated by the balance test, chair stand test, gait speed, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Serum 25(OH)D levels in LDD patients with vitamin D insufficiency were significantly lower than in those with vitamin D sufficiency (p < 0.0001). LDD patients with vitamin D insufficiency had a prolonged time in physical performance on gait speed (p = 0.008), chair stand test (p = 0.013), and TUG test (p = 0.014) compared to those with vitamin D sufficiency. Additionally, we found that serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly correlated with gait speed (r = −0.153, p = 0.03) and TUG test (r = −0.168, p = 0.017) in LDD patients. No significant associations with serum 25(OH)D status were observed for grip strength and balance tests among patients. These findings demonstrate that higher serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with better physical performance in LDD patients.
Frail Silk: Is the Hughes-Stovin Syndrome a Behçet Syndrome Subtype with Aneurysm-Involved Gene Variants?
Authors: Manole Simona , Rancea Raluca , Vulturar Romana , Simon Siao-Pin , Molnar Adrian , Damian Laura
Published: February 2023

Hughes-Stovin syndrome is a rare disease characterized by thrombophlebitis and multiple pulmonary and/or bronchial aneurysms. The etiology and pathogenesis of HSS are incompletely known. The current consensus is that vasculitis underlies the pathogenic process, and pulmonary thrombosis follows arterial wall inflammation. As such, Hughes-Stovin syndrome may belong to the vascular cluster with lung involvement of Behçet syndrome, although oral aphtae, arthritis, and uveitis are rarely found. Behçet syndrome is a multifactorial polygenic disease with genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and mostly immunological contributors. The different Behçet syndrome phenotypes are presumably based upon different genetic determinants involving more than one pathogenic pathway. Hughes-Stovin syndrome may have common pathways with fibromuscular dysplasias and other diseases evolving with vascular aneurysms. We describe a Hughes-Stovin syndrome case fulfilling the Behçet syndrome criteria. A MYLK variant of unknown significance was detected, along with other heterozygous mutations in genes that may impact angiogenesis pathways. We discuss the possible involvement of these genetic findings, as well as other potential common determinants of Behçet/Hughes-Stovin syndrome and aneurysms in vascular Behçet syndrome. Recent advances in diagnostic techniques, including genetic testing, could help diagnose a specific Behçet syndrome subtype and other associated conditions to personalize the disease management.
Targeting and Monitoring Acute Myeloid Leukaemia with Nucleophosmin-1 (NPM1) Mutation
Authors: Chin Lynn , Wong Chantelle Ye Gwen , Gill Harinder
Published: February 2023

Mutations in NPM1, also known as nucleophosmin-1, B23, NO38, or numatrin, are seen in approximately one-third of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). A plethora of treatment strategies have been studied to determine the best possible approach to curing NPM1-mutated AML. Here, we introduce the structure and function of NPM1 and describe the application of minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring using molecular methods by means of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) to target NPM1-mutated AML. Current drugs, now regarded as the standard of care for AML, as well as potential drugs still under development, will also be explored. This review will focus on the role of targeting aberrant NPM1 pathways such as BCL-2 and SYK; as well as epigenetic regulators (RNA polymerase), DNA intercalators (topoisomerase II), menin inhibitors, and hypomethylating agents. Aside from medication, the effects of stress on AML presentation have been reported, and some possible mechanisms outlined. Moreover, targeted strategies will be briefly discussed, not only for the prevention of abnormal trafficking and localisation of cytoplasmic NPM1 but also for the elimination of mutant NPM1 proteins. Lastly, the advancement of immunotherapy such as targeting CD33, CD123, and PD-1 will be mentioned.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Stimulated Interleukin-4-Induced-1 (IL4I1) Promotes Human Decidualization via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor
Authors: Luo Jia-Mei , Zhang Tong-Tong , He Yu-Ying , Luo Hui-Na , Hong Yu-Qi , Yang Zeng-Ming
Published: February 2023

Decidualization is necessary for the successful establishment of early pregnancy in rodents and humans. Disturbed decidualization results in recurrent implantation failure, recurrent spontaneous abortion, and preeclampsia. Tryptophan (Trp), one of the essential amino acids in humans, has a positive effect on mammalian pregnancy. Interleukin 4-induced gene 1 (IL4I1) is a recently identified enzyme that can metabolize L-Trp to activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Although IDO1-catalyzed kynurenine (Kyn) from Trp has been shown to enhance human in vitro decidualization via activating AHR, whether IL4I1-catalyzed metabolites of Trp are involved in human decidualization is still unknown. In our study, human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates IL4I1 expression and secretion from human endometrial epithelial cells through ornithine decarboxylase-induced putrescine production. Either IL4I1-catalyzed indole-3-pyruvic acid (I3P) or its metabolite indole-3-aldehyde (I3A) from Trp is able to induce human in vitro decidualization by activating AHR. As a target gene of AHR, Epiregulin induced by I3P and I3A promotes human in vitro decidualization. Our study indicates that IL4I1-catalyzed metabolites from Trp can enhance human in vitro decidualization through AHR-Epiregulin pathway.
Different Dimensional Copper-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks with Enzyme-Mimetic Activity for Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Lin Chuyan , Guo Xiangjian , Mo Fayin , Sun Duanping
Published: February 2023

Fighting against bacterial infection and accelerating wound healing remain important and challenging in infected wound care. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received much attention for their optimized and enhanced catalytic performance in different dimensions of these challenges. The size and morphology of nanomaterials are important in their physiochemical properties and thereby their biological functions. Enzyme-mimicking catalysts, based on MOFs of different dimensions, display varying degrees of peroxidase (POD)-like activity toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposition into toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) for bacterial inhibition and accelerating wound healing. In this study, we investigated the two most studied representatives of copper-based MOFs (Cu-MOFs), three-dimensional (3D) HKUST-1 and two-dimensional (2D) Cu-TCPP, for antibacterial therapy. HKUST-1, with a uniform and octahedral 3D structure, showed higher POD-like activity, resulting in H2O2 decomposition for •OH generation rather than Cu-TCPP. Because of the efficient generation of toxic •OH, both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus could be eliminated under a lower concentration of H2O2. Animal experiments indicated that the as-prepared HKUST-1 effectively accelerated wound healing with good biocompatibility. These results reveal the multivariate dimensions of Cu-MOFs with high POD-like activity, providing good potential for further stimulation of specific bacterial binding therapies in the future.
Neuroprotection by Drugs, Nutraceuticals and Physical Activity
Authors: Tarozzi Andrea , Angeloni Cristina
Published: February 2023

Acute and chronic neural injuries, including stroke, brain trauma and neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease (HD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates [...]
Short Telomere Lesions with Dysplastic Metaplasia Histology May Represent Precancerous Lesions of Helicobacter pylori-Positive Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Fujiwara-Tani Rina , Takagi Tadataka , Mori Shiori , Kishi Shingo , Nishiguchi Yukiko , Sasaki Takamitsu , Ikeda Masayuki , Nagai Kenta , Bhawal Ujjal Kumar , Ohmori Hitoshi , Fujii Kiyomu , Kuniyasu Hiroki
Published: February 2023

Gastric cancers are strongly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, with intestinal metaplasia characterizing the background mucosa in most cases. However, only a subset of intestinal metaplasia cases proceed to carcinogenesis, and the characteristics of high-risk intestinal metaplasia that link it with gastric cancer are still unclear. We examined telomere reduction in five gastrectomy specimens using fluorescence in situ hybridization, and identified areas with localized telomere loss (outside of cancerous lesions), which were designated as short telomere lesions (STLs). Histological analyses indicated that STLs were characteristic of intestinal metaplasia accompanied by nuclear enlargement but lacking structural atypia, which we termed dysplastic metaplasia (DM). A review of gastric biopsy specimens from 587 H. pylori-positive patients revealed 32 cases of DM, 13 of which were classified as high-grade based on the degree of nuclear enlargement. All high-grade DM cases exhibited a telomere volume reduced to less than 60% of that of lymphocytes, increased stemness, and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression. Two patients (15%) exhibited low levels of p53 nuclear retention. After a 10-year follow-up, 7 (54%) of the high-grade DM cases had progressed to gastric cancer. These results suggest that DM is characterized by telomere shortening, TERT expression, and stem cell proliferation, and high-grade DM is a high-grade intestinal metaplasia that likely represents a precancerous lesion of gastric cancer. High-grade DM is expected to effectively prevent progression to gastric cancer in H. pylori-positive patients.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Pregnancy: New and Old Pathogenetic Mechanisms
Authors: D’Ippolito Silvia , Barbaro Greta , Paciullo Carmela , Tersigni Chiara , Scambia Giovanni , Di Simone Nicoletta
Published: February 2023

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized, according to the Sydney criteria, by the persistent presence of autoantibodies directed against phospholipid-binding proteins associated with thrombosis and/or obstetrical complications. The most frequent complications in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome are recurrent pregnancy losses and premature birth due to placental insufficiency or severe preeclampsia. In recent years, vascular APS (VAPS) and obstetric APS (OAPS) have been described as two different clinical entities. In VAPS, antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) interfere with the mechanisms of coagulation cascade and the ‘two hit hypothesis’ has been suggested to explain why aPL positivity does not always lead to thrombosis. OAPS seems to involve additional mechanisms, such as the direct action of anti-β2 glycoprotein-I on trophoblast cells that can lead to a direct placental functional damage. Furthermore, new actors seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of OAPS, including extracellular vesicles, micro-RNAs and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps. The aim of this review is to investigate the state-of-the-art antiphospholipid syndrome pathogenesis in pregnancy, in order to provide a comprehensive overview of both old and new pathogenetic mechanisms involved in this complex disease.
The Dynamics of Calcium Signaling in Beta Cells—A Discussion on the Comparison of Experimental and Modelling Data
Authors: Müller Michael , Walkling Jonas , Seemann Nele , Rustenbeck Ingo
Published: February 2023

The stimulus–secretion coupling of the pancreatic beta cell is particularly complex, as it integrates the availability of glucose and other nutrients with the neuronal and hormonal input to generate rates of insulin secretion that are appropriate for the entire organism. It is beyond dispute however, that the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration plays a particularly prominent role in this process, as it not only triggers the fusion of insulin granules with the plasma membrane, but also regulates the metabolism of nutrient secretagogues and affects the function of ion channels and transporters. In order to obtain a better understanding of the interdependence of these processes and, ultimately, of the entire beta cell as a working system, models have been developed based on a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, and were tested and parametrized on a limited set of experiments. In the present investigation, we have used a recently published version of the beta cell model to test its ability to describe further measurements from our own experimentation and from the literature. The sensitivity of the parameters is quantified and discussed; furthermore, the possible influence of the measuring technique is taken into account. The model proved to be powerful in correctly describing the depolarization pattern in response to glucose and the reaction of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration to stepwise increases of the extracellular K+ concentration. Additionally, the membrane potential during a KATP channel block combined with a high extracellular K+ concentration could be reproduced. In some cases, however, a slight change of a single parameter led to an abrupt change in the cellular response, such as the generation of a Ca2+ oscillation with high amplitude and high frequency. This raises the question as to whether the beta cell may be a partially unstable system or whether further developments in modeling are needed to achieve a generally valid description of the stimulus–secretion coupling of the beta cell.
Exergy-Based Efficiency Assessment of Fans vs. Isentropic Efficiency
Authors: Brötz Johannes , Schänzle Christian , Pelz Peter F.
Published: February 2023

The efficiency definition allows us to compare two machines with each other. In general, the efficiency is defined as the ratio of usable power to the required power. This raises the question: what is the usable power? Most engineers discuss efficiency on the basis of the energy balance, i.e., the first law of thermodynamics. In this paper, we derive the exegetic efficiency taking the second law of thermodynamics into account. Exergy analysis takes into account work and heat and is able to model reality very accurately. On this basis, a comparison between the isentropic and exergetic efficiencies is given. A high-pressure radial fan is used as an example, and the differences are discussed. Therefore, measurements of a non-adiabatic fan are evaluated, and the role of the heat flux in the environment is discussed. The investigations show that a relevant difference between the isentropic and exergetic efficiencies becomes apparent in the partial-load range with high-pressure build-up. The thermal energy contained in the flow belongs proportionally to the exergy, i.e., the working capacity of the gas relative to its environment. For a standard such as ISO 5801 “Fans—Performance testing using standardized airways”, the efficiency must not only be physically correct, it must also be simple and practical. Against this background, the outlook of this paper discusses when and which efficiency definition is appropriate and best suited for a standard.
Abstractive Summary of Public Opinion News Based on Element Graph Attention
Authors: Huang Yuxin , Hou Shukai , Li Gang , Yu Zhengtao
Published: February 2023

The summary of case–public opinion refers to the generation of case-related sentences from public opinion information related to judicial cases. Case–public opinion news refers to the judicial cases (intentional homicide, rape, etc.) that cause large public opinion. The public opinion news in these cases usually contains case element information such as the suspect, victim, time, place, process, and sentencing of the case. In the multi-document summary of case–public opinion, due to the problem of information cross and information redundancy between different documents under the same case, in order to generate a concise and smooth summary, this paper proposes an abstractive summary model of case–public opinion based on the attention of a case element diagram. Firstly, multiple public opinion documents in the same case are split into paragraphs, and then the paragraphs and case elements are coded based on the transformer method to construct a heterogeneous graph containing paragraph nodes and case element nodes. Finally, in the decoding process, the two-layer attention mechanism is applied to the case element node and paragraph node, so that the model can effectively solve the redundancy problem in summary generation.
Operational Modal Analysis as a Support for the Development of Digital Twin Models of Bridges
Authors: Nicoletti Vanni , Martini Riccardo , Carbonari Sandro , Gara Fabrizio
Published: February 2023

Many transportation infrastructures all around the world are facing new challenges in terms of ageing and loss of performance. The infrastructural asset managers are required to perform scrupulous control of the health condition of the infrastructures over time and to execute the required maintenance works. In this context, digital twin models of the infrastructures should have a key role to simplify and speed up the procedures for proper maintenance. This paper discusses the advantages of developing digital twin models for the management of infrastructures, with a focus on bridges. In particular, the role of dynamic tests performed on bridges for the development of digital twin models is addressed, paying attention to test procedures and requirements. Issues such as the quality of instrumentation, the numerosity, and layout of sensors, and the acquisition and post-processing procedures are addressed through applications to two real bridge case studies. Both infrastructures are multi-span pre-stressed RC bridges that were dynamically tested after the restoration and seismic upgrading works. Results of ambient vibration tests and operational modal analyses are described, providing an idea of dynamic test requirements, as well as their use within the framework of the digital twin model creation.
Methodologic Recommendations to Implement Pavement Management Systems and Eco-Sustainable Solutions for Local Road Administrations
Authors: Grilli Andrea , Balzi Alex
Published: February 2023

Local Road Administrations (LRA) manage wide and fragmented road networks with constrained financial and human resources. Though LRA manage the most road networks and the relative development and maintenance have a huge impact on environment and society, frequently, LRA cannot implement new technologies and methodological advancements because innovations are generally fitted to different kinds of users. For these reasons, the adoption of a customised pavement management system (PMS) for LRA is strongly recommended to define workflows, make investments, and find long-lasting and cost-effective solutions. Considering the goal of a sustainable development, new complex aspects must be also considered in the PMS matching policies, investment strategies and engineered solutions. Eco-sustainable techniques for the maintenance of road pavements and utility trenches must be gradually introduced in PMS involving stakeholders to preserve natural resources, to reduce atmospheric pollutions and to stimulate the local economic growth. The definition of a PMS guideline for LRA considering new concepts of a circular economy is a contemporary and open challenge. This paper shows a new PMS approach for LRA, including the strategy and requirements for environmentally friendly road materials that can be progressively adopted by each LRA to lessen the negative effects of maintenance activities on the environment.
Ferrocene and Its Derivatives: Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of Its Discovery
Authors: Snegur Lubov V.
Published: February 2023

Ferrocene is already 70 years old! A respectable age, as claimed by the authors of this Special Issue [...]
Not All Field Margins Are Equally Useful: Effects of the Vegetation Structure of Margins on Cereal Aphids and Their Natural Enemies
Authors: Salat-Moltó Agnès , Caballero-López Berta , Pérez-Hidalgo Nicolás , Michelena José M. , Ferrer Suay Mar , Guerrieri Emilio , Blanco-Moreno José M.
Published: February 2023

Differences in the semi-natural vegetation of field margins will affect the biological control services derived from the presence of these semi-natural habitats adjacent to fields. Of the plant functional traits that are most relevant for insects, plant life forms reflect different aspects of plant structure and functioning that can help predict the value of marginal vegetation for arthropods in agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the vegetation structure of field margins on cereal aphids and on some of their natural enemies (parasitoids, hoverflies and ladybugs) in terms of plant life forms. We characterized margin vegetation using the relative cover of each life form and sampled insects in crops along transects parallel to field margins. Our results show that in the studied areas, the abundance of natural enemies was greater near margins dominated by annual plants than in margins dominated by perennial plants. On the other hand, the abundances of aphids and parasitism rates were higher near margins dominated by perennial woody plants than near margins dominated by perennial herbaceous plants. By promoting specific life forms in existing margins, farmers can enhance the conservation biological control and relieve aphid pressure on their crops.
Advances in Neurological Diseases and Stroke
Authors: Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy
Published: February 2023

Neurological diseases are a major cause of death and disability worldwide [...]
Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes: Facts and Fallacies
Authors: Han Jennie , Lalario Andrea , Merro Enzo , Sinagra Gianfranco , Sharma Sanjay , Papadakis Michael , Finocchiaro Gherardo
Published: February 2023

The benefits of exercise for cardiovascular and general health are many. However, sudden cardiac death (SCD) may occur in apparently healthy athletes who perform at the highest levels. A diverse spectrum of diseases is implicated in SCD in athletes, and while atherosclerotic coronary artery disease predominates in individuals of >35 years of age, primary cardiomyopathies and ion channelopathies are prevalent in young individuals. Prevention of SCD in athletes relies on the implementation of health policies aimed at the early identification of arrhythmogenic diseases (such as cardiac screening) and successful resuscitation (such as widespread utilization of automatic external defibrillators and training members of the public on cardiopulmonary resuscitation). This review will focus on the epidemiology and aetiologies of SCD in athletes, and examine fallacies in the approach to this controversial field. Furthermore, potential strategies to prevent these tragic events will be discussed, analysing current practice, gaps in knowledge and future directions.
In Vitro Comparison of Several Thrombus Removal Tools
Authors: Pigoń Katarzyna , Tomecka Natalia , Korner Dominika , Pękała Maciej , Grzegorczyn Sławomir , Konka Adam , Nowalany-Kozielska Ewa , Tomasik Andrzej
Published: February 2023

Background: Although the routine use of thrombus aspiration is not recommended, the thrombectomy technique still might be considered for a selected population of patients. Therefore, the assessment of the effectiveness of commercially available thrombectomy devices is still clinically relevant. Aim: Here, we present an in vitro comparison of several different types of catheters that can be used for thrombus aspiration or removal. Methods: Through the removal of 6 h and 24 h human blood clots in an in vitro model, four catheters were compared: the Launcher, Pronto V4, Vasco+ and the stent-retriever Catchview. The aspiration efficacy was expressed as a percentage of the initial thrombus weight. The effectiveness of the patient’s aspiration was dependent on the time of thrombus formation and was significantly higher for a thrombus formed over 24 h (58.5 ± 26.5%) than for one formed over 6 h (48.0 ± 22.5%; p < 0.001). In the presented in vitro model, Pronto V4 and Launcher showed the highest efficiency. Conclusions: Large-bore aspiration catheters were found to be more effective than narrow-bore catheters or stent-retrievers in an in vitro model of thrombus removal. The thrombus aspiration efficacy increases with longer thrombus formation times.
The Prolonged Effect of Shift Work and the Impact of Reducing the Number of Nightshifts on Arterial Stiffness—A 4-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Skogstad Marit , Goffeng Elisabeth , Skare Øivind , Zardin Erika
Published: February 2023

Aim: To assess changes in blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness among 84 rotating shift and 25 dayworkers (control subjects) at two industrial plants during a 4-year follow-up, and to assess changes in outcome variables among shift workers at the two plants after a reduction in the number of night shifts during the last year of follow-up in one of the plants. Methods: We collected demographic data using a questionnaire, examined systolic and diastolic blood pressure (sBP, dBP), central systolic and diastolic aorta pressure (cSP, cDP), augmentation pressure (AP), central pulse pressure (cPP), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). We registered sleep quality. The last 4–14 months of follow-up one plant implemented a 12-week shift plan reducing the total number of night shifts and consecutive night shifts from 16.8 to 14 and from 7.2 to 4. To assess differences in change of outcomes between study groups we applied linear mixed models. Results: The dayworkers were older, more hypertensive, reported less sleep disturbance, and smoked/snuffed less than the shift workers did. The adjusted annual increase in PWV was 0.34 m/s (95%CI, 0.22, 0.46) among shift workers and 0.09 m/s (95%CI, −0.05, 0.23) in dayworkers, yielding a significant difference of change of 0.25 m/s (95%CI, 0.06, 0.43). No significant differences were found between the two groups of shift workers in any cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcome during the last year of follow-up. Conclusions: Shift work in industry is associated with arterial stiffness, reflecting an increased risk of future CVD. No significant changes in arterial stiffness were identified as a consequence of a small reduction in the number of night shifts and consecutive night shifts.
Self-Sensing Eco-Earth Composite with Carbon Microfibers for Sustainable Smart Buildings
Authors: Birgin Hasan Borke , D’Alessandro Antonella , Meoni Andrea , Ubertini Filippo
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a new sustainable earth–cement building composite with multifunctional sensing features and investigates its properties through an experimental campaign. Earth and cement are proportioned as 2/7 in volume, while carbon microfibers are added in various amounts to achieve piezoresistivity, ranging from 0 to 1% with respect to the weight of the binder (i.e., earth + cement). The proposed material couples the construction performance with self-sensing properties in order to monitor the structural performance during the servile life of the building. The use of earth in the partial replacement of cement reduces the environmental footprint of the material while keeping sufficient mechanical properties, at least for applications that do not require a large load-bearing capacity (e.g., for plasters or for low-rise constructions). This paper analyzes the electrical and sensing behavior of cubic and beam samples through electrical and electromechanical tests. The results show that the samples with a filler percentage near the percolation zone, ranged between 0.025 and 0.25%, exhibit the best performance. From the cyclical compressive tests and linear developed models, it could be deduced that the filler content of 0.05% of carbon fibers, with respect to the binder weight, represents the best-performing smart composite for further investigation at higher scales. As demonstrated, the selected mix generated clear strain-sensing electrical signals, reaching gauge factors over 100.
A Standardized Approach for Skin Detection: Analysis of the Literature and Case Studies
Authors: Nanni Loris , Loreggia Andrea , Lumini Alessandra , Dorizza Alberto
Published: February 2023

Skin detection involves identifying skin and non-skin areas in a digital image and is commonly used in various applications, such as analyzing hand gestures, tracking body parts, and facial recognition. The process of distinguishing between skin and non-skin regions in a digital image is widely used in a variety of applications, ranging from hand-gesture analysis to body-part tracking to facial recognition. Skin detection is a challenging problem that has received a lot of attention from experts and proposals from the research community in the context of intelligent systems, but the lack of common benchmarks and unified testing protocols has hampered fairness among approaches. Comparisons are very difficult. Recently, the success of deep neural networks has had a major impact on the field of image segmentation detection, resulting in various successful models to date. In this work, we survey the most recent research in this field and propose fair comparisons between approaches, using several different datasets. The main contributions of this work are (i) a comprehensive review of the literature on approaches to skin-color detection and a comparison of approaches that may help researchers and practitioners choose the best method for their application; (ii) a comprehensive list of datasets that report ground truth for skin detection; and (iii) a testing protocol for evaluating and comparing different skin-detection approaches. Moreover, we propose an ensemble of convolutional neural networks and transformers that obtains a state-of-the-art performance.
Development and Practical Implementation of Digital Observer for Elastic Torque of Rolling Mill Electromechanical System
Authors: Gasiyarov Vadim R. , Radionov Andrey A. , Loginov Boris M. , Karandaev Alexander S. , Gasiyarova Olga A. , Khramshin Vadim R.
Published: February 2023

The strategic initiative aimed at building “digital metallurgy” implies the introduction of diagnostic monitoring systems to trace the technical condition of critical production units. This problem is relevant for rolling mills, which provide the output and determine the quality of products of metallurgical companies. Making up monitoring systems requires the development of digital shadows and coordinate observers, the direct measurement of which is either impossible or associated with numerous difficulties. These coordinates include the spindle torque applied by the spring-transmitting torque from the motor to the rolling stand rolls. The development and research are conducted by the example of the electromechanical systems of the horizontal stand at the plate mill 5000. The stand electric drive characteristics are given, and the emergency modes that cause mechanical equipment breakdowns are analyzed that. The relevance of analyzing transient torque processes in emergency modes has been accentuated. The paper points to the shortcomings of the system for elastic torque direct measurement, including low durability due to the harsh operating conditions of precision sensors. It also highlights the need to install the measuring equipment after each spindle. The disadvantage of the previously developed observer is the function of calculating the electric drive speed derivative. This causes a decrease in noise immunity and signal recovery accuracy. The contribution of this paper is building a digital elastic torque observer that has advantages over conventional technical solutions, based on the theoretical and experimental studies. The technique for virtual observer adjustment was developed and tested in the Matlab-Simulink software package. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis was conducted for spindle elastic torques in emergency modes that caused equipment damage. An algorithm was developed for an emergency shutdown of a stand electric drive in the worst-case mode of strip retraction between work and backup rolls, due to the overlap of the strip on the roll. Further, the algorithm was tested experimentally. The criteria for diagnosing pre-emergencies was then justified. An adaptive motor-braking rate controller was developed. The developed observer and emergency braking system are in operation at the mill 5000. Long experimental research proved the efficiency of dynamic load monitoring and the reduction in the number of equipment breakdowns.
The Cdc25 and Ras1 Proteins of Candida albicans Influence Epithelial Toxicity in a Niche-Specific Way
Authors: Wijnants Stefanie , Vreys Jolien , Nysten Jana , Van Dijck Patrick
Published: February 2023

The PKA pathway is a signaling pathway involved in virulence in Candida albicans. This mechanism can be activated via addition of glucose and activation involves at least two proteins, namely Cdc25 and Ras1. Both proteins are involved in specific virulence traits. However, it is not clear if Cdc25 and Ras1 also affect virulence independently of PKA. C. albicans holds a second, atypical, Ras protein, Ras2, but its function in PKA activation is still unclear. We investigated the role of Cdc25, Ras1, and Ras2 for different in vitro and ex vivo virulence characteristics. We show that deletion of CDC25 and RAS1 result in less toxicity towards oral epithelial cells, while deletion of RAS2 has no effect. However, toxicity towards cervical cells increases in both the ras2 and the cdc25 mutants while it decreases in a ras1 mutant compared to the WT. Toxicity assays using mutants of the transcription factors downstream of the PKA pathway (Efg1) or the MAPK pathway (Cph1) show that the ras1 mutant shows similar phenotypes as the efg1 mutant, whereas the ras2 mutant shows similar phenotypes as the cph1 mutant. These data show niche-specific roles for different upstream components in regulating virulence through both signal transduction pathways.
Ascochyta Blight in Chickpea: An Update
Authors: Foresto Emiliano , Carezzano María Evangelina , Giordano Walter , Bogino Pablo
Published: February 2023

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), one of the most cultivated legumes worldwide, is crucial for the economy of several countries and a valuable source of nutrients. Yields may be severely affected by Ascochyta blight, a disease caused by the fungus Ascochyta rabiei. Molecular and pathological studies have not yet managed to establish its pathogenesis, since it is highly variable. Similarly, much remains to be elucidated about plant defense mechanisms against the pathogen. Further knowledge of these two aspects is fundamental for the development of tools and strategies to protect the crop. This review summarizes up-to-date information on the disease’s pathogenesis, symptomatology, and geographical distribution, as well as on the environmental factors that favor infection, host defense mechanisms, and resistant chickpea genotypes. It also outlines existing practices for integrated blight management.