bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Escherichia coli in Dairy Goat Kids with Diarrhea in Partial Regions of Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Yang Xin , Wang Junwei , Huang Shuang , Song Junke , Fan Yingying , Zhao Guanghui
Published: September 2023

Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Escherichia coli are important diarrheal pathogens threatening the health of humans and various animals. Goats, especially pre-weaned goat kids, that carry these pathogens are important reservoirs related to human infection. In the present study, PCR-based sequencing techniques were applied to characterize Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi and E. coli in 202 fecal samples of diarrheal kids for Guanzhong dairy goats from five locations in Shaanxi Province. The positive rates of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi and E. coli were 37.6% (76/202), 16.3% (33/202), 55.4% (112/202) and 78.7% (159/202) in these goat kids, respectively. Co-infection of two to four pathogens was found in 114 of 202 fecal samples. Significant differences (p < 0.001) in the positive rates of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were found among locations and age groups. Furthermore, two Cryptosporidium species (C. parvum and C. xiaoi), two G. duodenalis assemblages (E and A), nine E. bieneusi genotypes (CHG3, CHG1, BEB6, CHG5, CHG2, SX1, CHG28, COS-II and CD6) and two E. coli pathotypes (EPEC and EHEC) were identified. As for Cryptosporidium, two (IIdA19G1 and IIdA19G2) and two (XXIIIa and XXIIIg) subtypes were recognized in samples positive for C. parvum and C. xiaoi, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS locus of E. bieneusi indicated that all nine genotypes of E. bieneusi identified in this study belonged to the group 2. Four virulence factors (ehxA, eae, stx2 and stx1) of EPEC and EHEC were found in E. coli strains. Collectively, this study explored the colonization frequency of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi and E. coli in diarrheal kids of Guanzhong dairy goats in Shaanxi Province and expanded our understanding of the genetic composition and zoonotic potential of these pathogens in goats.
Severely Asthmatic Horses Residing in a Mediterranean Climate Shed a Significantly Lower Number of Parasite Eggs Compared to Healthy Farm Mates
Authors: Simões Joana , Sales Luís José Paulo , Madeira de Carvalho Luís , Tilley Paula
Published: September 2023

The relationship between helminth infection and allergic diseases has long intrigued the scientific community. This interaction was previously studied in a horse family with high incidence of severe equine asthma and in non-related severely asthmatic horses from equine hospital referrals in Switzerland. Our aim was to determine if this interaction would also be observed in a group of non-related client-owned severely asthmatic horses living in a Mediterranean climate and recruited through a first-opinion veterinarian group. Fecal samples from severe equine asthma-affected and healthy horses living in the same farms and subjected to identical environmental and deworming management were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. Strongyle-type eggs and Cyathostomum sensu latum larvae were the most abundant parasites in the studied population of horses; no significant differences between the groups were observed regarding the types of egg and infective larvae. However, we observed significant differences in the number of eggs and infective larvae per gram of feces shed, as this number was significantly lower in the SEA group than in the healthy horses. This may indicate that severely asthmatic horses have an intrinsic resistance to gastrointestinal helminths. Further studies in a larger population of horses are required to ascertain the immunological mechanisms responsible for these findings.
Development of Chicken Embryos in Double-Yolk Eggs: Fertility, Hatchability, Embryo Malposition and Time of Embryonic Mortality
Authors: Banaszewska Dorota , Kasianiuk Angelika , Biesiada-Drzazga Barbara , Zaremba Urszula
Published: September 2023

Fertility rate and hatchability rate are low for all types of double-yolk (DY) eggs in comparison to single-yolk eggs (SY), but these parameters also depend on the number of developing embryos in the egg. The hatchability rate of double-yolk eggs containing two developing embryos (DY2F) is vastly lower than in the case of double-yolk eggs containing only one embryo (DY1F). The aim of the study was to determine the differences between egg fertility rate, hatchability rate, time of embryonic mortality, and embryo malposition during incubation in three types of eggs from Hy-Line Brown hens: SY, DY1F and DY2F. In addition, the quality of the hatched chicks was assessed using the Pasgar©score. Following a 21-day incubation, chicks were obtained from DY1F and SY eggs. No chicks were obtained from DY2F eggs, although the embryos in these eggs developed up to the late stage of incubation. Early (≤7 d of incubation), middle (8–14 d), and late (≥15 d) embryonic mortality was significantly higher in DY eggs than in SY eggs. The embryonic mortality rate during early incubation was the same for DY1F and DY2F eggs, but middle and late embryonic mortality were significantly higher for DY2F eggs. Based on evaluation of embryo position according to Landauer, only three types of malposition that could potentially lead to embryonic death were noted. There were fewer malpositioned embryos in double-yolk eggs containing one embryo. Quality assessment of chicks (Pasgar©score) showed no differences between chicks hatched from eggs containing one yolk and those hatched from double-yolk eggs with one developing embryo, but chicks from double-yolk eggs were significantly heavier. The results of the research will contribute to a better understanding of the development and mortality of embryos in double-yolk eggs.
Analyses of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase, Metallo-β-Lactamase, and AmpC-β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae from the Dairy Value Chain in India
Authors: Dey Tushar Kumar , Lindahl Johanna Frida , Lundkvist Åke , Grace Delia , Deka Ram Pratim , Shome Rajeswari , Bandyopadhyay Samiran , Goyal Naresh Kumar , Sharma Garima , Shome Bibek Ranjan
Published: September 2023

The consumption of milk contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant health threat to humans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae producing β-lactamases (ESBL, MBL, and AmpC) in cow and buffalo milk samples from two Indian states, Haryana and Assam. A total of 401 milk samples were collected from dairy farmers and vendors in the specified districts. Microbiological assays, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and PCR-based genotyping were employed to analyze 421 Gram-negative bacterial isolates. The overall prevalence of β-lactamase genes was 10% (confidence interval (CI) (7–13)), with higher rates in Haryana (13%, CI (9–19)) compared to Assam (7%, CI (4–11)). The identified β-lactamase genes in isolates were blaCMY, blaMOX, blaFOX, blaEBC, and blaDHA, associated with AmpC production. Additionally, blaCTX-M1, blaSHV, and blaTEM were detected as ESBL producers, while blaVIM, blaIMP, blaSPM, blaSIM, and blaGIM were identified as MBL producers. Notably, Shigella spp. were the dominant β-lactamase producers among identified Enterobacteriaceae. This study highlights the presence of various prevalent β-lactamase genes in milk isolates, indicating the potential risk of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in dairy products. The presence of β-lactam resistance raises concern as this could restrict antibiotic options for treatment. The discordance between genotypic and phenotypic methods emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive approaches that integrate both techniques to accurately assess antibiotic resistance. Urgent collaborative action incorporating rational and regulated use of antibiotics across the dairy value chain is required to address the global challenge of β-lactam resistance.
Study on the Properties and Synergistic Antioxidant Effects of Novel Bifunctional Fusion Proteins Expressed Using the UTuT6 System
Authors: Yan Qi , Wei Jingyan , Song Junxia , Li Mengna , Guan Xin , Song Jian
Published: September 2023

Important antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), are involved in maintaining redox balance. They can protect each other and result in more efficiently removing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting cells against injury, and maintaining the normal metabolism of ROS. In this study, human cytosolic GPx (hGPx1) and human phospholipid hydroperoxide GPx (hGPx4) genes were integrated into the same open reading frame with human extracellular SOD active site (SOD3-72P) genes, respectively, and several novel fusion proteins were obtained by using the UTuT6 expression system for the first time. Among them, Se-hGPx1UAG-L4-SOD3-72P is the bifunctional fusion protein with the highest GPx activity and the best anti-hydrogen peroxide inactivation ability thus far. The Se-hGPx4UAG-L3-SOD3-72P fusion protein exhibits the strongest alkali and high temperature resistance and a greater protective effect against lipoprotein peroxidation damage. Se-hGPx1UAG-L4-SOD3-72P and Se-hGPx4UAG-L3-SOD3-72P fusion proteins both have good synergistic and antioxidant abilities in H2O2-induced RBCs and liver damage models. We believe that this research will help with the development of novel bifunctional fusion proteins and the investigation of the synergistic and catalytic mechanisms of GPx and SOD, which are important in creating novel protein therapeutics.
Optimization of Multilayer Absorbers Using the Bald Eagle Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Kankılıç Sueda , Karpat Esin
Published: September 2023

Electromagnetic (EM) absorbers have several uses in today’s military and civilian industries, and there is a growing demand for microwave absorbers with good absorption characteristics and thin layer structures over a broad frequency range (FR) within a specific EM spectrum band. This study aimed to find the most suitable design using different material sets, using the recently introduced Bald Eagle Search Optimization Algorithm (BESOA) to design a multilayer EM absorber for the required FR. An FR of 1 to 20 GHz was considered, and the multilayer absorbers were designed for 2–8 GHz, 12–18 GHz, 2–18 GHz, and 1–20 GHz FRs. For various incidence angles between 30° and 75° and polarizations (TE and TM) in chosen FRs, comparisons were made with the Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Differential Evolution (DE), Central Force Optimization (CFO), Lightning Search Algorithm (LSA), Double Stage Ant Bee Colony (DS-ABC) and other optimization algorithms found in the literature. The optimization algorithms that were used to design MMAs in the literature aim to construct the absorber with the lowest maximum reflection coefficient (RC) in the given FR and the thinnest thickness by selecting suitable material layers from a predefined database. The numerical and visual comparisons show that the obtained designs have the lowest maximum RC with the thinnest overall thickness compared to those in the literature. Numerical best results are presented for each variation obtained as a result of the optimization.
High-Precision Ranging Method of 5G NR Co-Band PRS in Industrial Internet Scenarios
Authors: Luo Kai , Deng Zhongliang , Guo Xiaobin , Ma Ziyao , Liu Jingrong
Published: September 2023

To meet the demand for high-precision positioning in commercial industrial internet scenarios, 3GPP introduced the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) in the 5G standard. However, the PRS signal occupies specific time and frequency resources for transmission in 5G systems, limiting the efficiency of communication signal transmission to some extent. In this regard, we propose a 5G NR Co-Band PRS model that allows for the superimposition of PRS signals on communication signals in a low-power manner, without requiring additional communication resources or causing too much interference to the communication signal. Since orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals are sensitive to synchronization errors, we have developed a three-stage Co-Band PRS-based reception scheme. First, an innovative weighted window coarse synchronization method is proposed to enhance the performance of capturing communication signals at a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Next, the interference cancellation technique is utilized to remove the communication signals, and the synchronization error is corrected through multipath delay estimation. Finally, to further improve the ranging accuracy, we propose an iterative delay-locked loop (DLL) algorithm that can achieve a tracking accuracy of one percent sampling. Simulation and real environment tests confirm that the proposed Co-Band PRS reception scheme can achieve a ranging accuracy of 0.16 m@90%.
Smart Firefighters PPE: Impact of Phase Change Materials
Authors: Santos Gilda , Neves Soraia F. , Silva Margarida , Miranda João M. , Campos João B. L. M. , Ribeiro João , Moreira Adriana , Fernandes Patrícia , Miranda Francisca , Marques Rita
Published: September 2023

Considering the high level of heat and flame exposure firefighters encounter while performing their work activities, personal protective equipment (PPE) is of the utmost importance to enhance their safety. Phase change materials (PCMs) are known as advanced materials able to absorb high amounts of thermal energy, with the potential to increase the thermal performance of protective clothing. In this work, a PCM-vest was developed for the first time, and its thermal performance was evaluated. A three-stage approach was followed: (1) at a small scale in the laboratory, the effect of different encapsulated PCMs on a multilayer assembly performance was evaluated; (2) in the laboratory, the essential requirements of heat and flame tests were assessed; and (3) in a simulated urban fire, the thermal performance of three different PCM-vests (different textiles and designs) was studied. As the main conclusions, the PCMs significantly affected the heating rate of the multilayer assembly, particularly when a PCM with higher latent heat was used. In some cases, the heat transfer index (HTI) doubled by comparison with the sample without PCMs. As a drawback and as expected, the cooling time was increased. The PCM-vest sample ensured the requirements of the heat and flame tests. Through this study, the positive impact of using PCMs to enhance the heat protection of conventional PPE can be highlighted.
Vibration Characteristics Analysis of Immersed Tunnel Structures Based on a Viscoelastic Beam Model Embedded in a Fluid-Saturated Soil System Due to a Moving Load
Authors: Huang Hongyuan , Rong Yao , Xiao Xiao , Xu Bin
Published: September 2023

This study aims to investigate the vibration responses on underwater immersed tunnels caused by moving loads, taking into account factors such as the viscoelastic characteristics of riverbed water, foundation soil, and the immersed tunnel itself. An ideal fluid medium is adopted to simulate the water, while a saturated porous medium is used to simulate the riverbed soil layer. The immersed tunnel structure is simplified as an infinitely long viscoelastic Euler beam, and the vibration effects are described by the theory of the standard linear solid model, taking into account structural damping. The coupled dynamic control equations were established by utilizing the displacement and stress conditions at the interface between the ideal fluid medium, the saturated porous medium, and the immersed tunnel structure. The equivalent stiffness of the riverbed water and site foundation was obtained. Furthermore, the numerical solutions of the tunnel displacement, internal forces, and pore pressure in the riverbed site were obtained in the time-space domain using the IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) algorithm. The correctness of the model was validated by comparing the results with existing studies. The numerical results show that the riverbed water significantly reduces the Rayleigh wave velocity of the immersed tunnel structure in the riverbed-foundation system. Therefore, it is necessary to control the driving speed during high water levels. As the permeability of the saturated riverbed foundation increases, the vertical displacement, bending moment, and shear force of the beam in the immersed tunnel structure will increase. As the viscosity coefficient of the viscoelastic beam in the immersed tunnel structure increases, the vertical vibration amplitude of the beam will decrease, but further increasing the viscosity coefficient of the beam will have little effect on its vibration amplitude. Therefore, the standard solid model of the viscoelastic beam can effectively describe the creep and relaxation phenomena of materials and can objectively reflect the working conditions of the concrete structure of the immersed tunnel.
New Empirical Laws in Geosciences: A Successful Proposal
Authors: Díaz-Curiel Jesús , Biosca Bárbara , Arévalo-Lomas Lucía , Paredes-Palacios David , Miguel María Jesús
Published: September 2023

The importance of empirical versus theoretical laws is a controversial issue in many scientific fields, the latter being generally accepted and the relevance of which is not discussed here. As in other areas, there are well-known theoretical and empirical formulas in geosciences that do not adequately represent the reality of a given phenomenon. Quantitative comparison of geophysical and petrophysical results with data from the other multiple fields that comprise the geosciences compels a high exigency to avoid discontinuities in existing relationships. However, the proposal of new empirical laws that more accurately reflect a given phenomenon is often considered insufficient to contradict existing formulas. The aim of this work is to defend the development of new empirical laws by showing that they constitute a true model of analysed behaviour if certain criteria are followed. This defence is especially needed when non-linearisable functions are required to fit the empirical data. To achieve this aim, this study shows the established algebraic function as a function of a single variable, whose main advantage is its application to phenomena of a geological nature that show two differentiated behaviours as the variable x is increased. A series of five examples of different phenomena related to geosciences is selected to demonstrate the level of accuracy that new empirical laws can reach in contrast to the widely accepted historical relationships.
Study of the Failure Mechanism of Soft Rock Mining Roadways Based on Limit Analysis Theory
Authors: Zhang Jie , Gao Shoushi , Yang Tao , He Yifeng , Wu Jianjun , Wu Haohao
Published: September 2023

To study the deformation and failure mechanisms of soft rock mining roadways, the 1506 return airway of Anyang Coal Mine is taken as the engineering background. Based on limit analysis theory, a failure model based on a rigid slider system is constructed to assess the failure of the soft rock surrounding a roadway. The formulas for calculating the self-weight power of the slider in the velocity discontinuity line of the rock surrounding the roadway, the work power of the surrounding rock pressure, and the energy dissipation rate of the velocity discontinuity line are derived, and the upper limit objective function of the velocity discontinuity line height is obtained. The failure characteristics and fracture evolution process of the surrounding rock under different mining stresses are analyzed by means of physical similarity simulations. The simulation results show that shear failure occurs first on the roadway side due to stress concentration. The fissures expand along the bottom angle of the roadway to the blind support area and the low-intensity support area. The cracks weaken the support strength of the angled anchor cable and bolt in the roadway shoulder. Under the action of roof pressure, the status of the rock mass inside and outside the shear slip zone changes from static to dynamic. This causes deformation and failure of the roadway roof, side, and floor.
The Role of Rehabilitation on the Evolution of Disability and Self-Sufficiency in a Population of Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Giovannini Silvia , Iacovelli Chiara , Loreti Claudia , Fusco Augusto , Amoruso Vincenza , Cuccagna Cristina , Biscotti Lorenzo , Padua Luca , Castelli Letizia
Published: September 2023

Frailty is characterized by increased vulnerability, which impairs the ability to cope with stressors and represents a risk factor for the development of disability. Moreover, the population of older adults is continuously increasing. For this reason, frailty and aging represent very important social and health topics. The management of elderly patients, especially when they are hospitalized, is complex and requires the collaboration of multiple professionals and different approaches to intervene in the multi-morbidity that characterizes this population. A significant percentage of hospitalized older patients present several comorbidities that cause prolonged hospital stays. This condition could lead to clinical complications, increased costs of care, and a higher likelihood of in-hospital death. Aging is a concept that encompasses several symptoms and requires a multidisciplinary and specific approach, especially during hospitalization and in acute care settings. The present study aims to evaluate how intensive rehabilitation treatment is accompanied by improvement in some hematological and clinical parameters and could contribute to an evolution in disability among elderly patients. The results of the present research show the crucial role of rehabilitation treatment in the development of disability, independence, and self-sufficiency in a population of older inpatients in a post-acute care setting. Further research should be conducted to identify other biomarkers useful in the management of frail patients.
Classification of Events in Selected Industrial Processes Using Weighted Key Words and K-Nearest Neighbors Algorithm
Authors: Walczak Mateusz , Poniszewska-Marańda Aneta , Stepień Krzysztof
Published: September 2023

The problem of classifying events in the industry is related to a large amount of accumulated text data including, among others, communication between the company and the client, whose expectations regarding the quality of its service are constantly growing. The currently used solutions for handling incoming requests have numerous disadvantages; they imply additional costs for the company and often a high level of customer dissatisfaction. A partial solution to this problem may be the automation of event classification; for example, by means of an expert IT system. The presented work proposes the solution to the problem of classifying text events. For this purpose, textual descriptions of events were used, which were collected for many years by companies from many different industries. A large part of text events are various types of problems reported by company customers. As part of this work, a complex text-classification process was constructed by using the K-Nearest Neighbors algorithm. The demonstrated classification process uses two novel proposed mechanisms: the dynamic extension of stop list and weighted keywords. Both of the mechanisms aim to improve the classification performance by solving typical problems that occur when using a fixed stop list and a classical keyword extraction approach by using TF or TF-IDF methods. Finally, the Text Events Categorizer system that implements the proposed classification process was described.
Research on the Preparation Process of SBS-Modified Asphalt Using Early Shearing Instead of High-Speed Shearing of Modifier
Authors: Wang Yanlei , Yi Hongyu , Cui Yong , Li Shijiang , Zhou Shengxiong , Yan Chuanqi
Published: September 2023

To investigate the effect of pre-shredding as a replacement for high-speed shearing in the preparation process of SBS-modified asphalt, the particle size and mixing time of pre-shredded SBS modifier were studied. Laser confocal microscopy was used to observe the morphological changes and dispersion state of the SBS modifier during the mixing process, and process parameters were determined through rheological performance tests. FTIR tests were conducted on the original asphalt and PAV-aged modified asphalt to assess the impact of the pre-shredding process on the chemical composition and aging resistance of the modified asphalt. The specific conclusions were as follows. During the preparation process of the SBS modifier using low-speed mixing, the morphological changes of the SBS modifier can be summarized as follows: It cycles through edge networking, mesh fiberization, and filamentous granulation, and eventually presents a granular atomization form after multiple cycles. It is recommended that the mixing time be maintained between 30 and 60 min, which results in the microstructure of the modified asphalt consisting of filamentous and point-like combinations. This asphalt exhibited excellent performance in high-temperature rut resistance, fatigue resistance, and low-temperature crack resistance. When the mixing time was too long, the SBS modifier formed small granules in an atomized state, which weakened the strength of the mesh structure and led to a decrease in overall performance. It is recommended that the SBS be shredded into particles sized between 18 and 30 mesh or 30 and 100 mesh. SBS-modified asphalt with SBS particles sized between 18 and 30 mesh exhibited greater hardness in the mesh structure, resulting in better high-temperature rut resistance. SBS-modified asphalt with SBS particles sized between 30 and 100 mesh had better extensibility in the mesh structure, leading to superior performance in medium-temperature fatigue resistance and low-temperature crack resistance. Compared to the conventional process, the pre-shredding process for preparing SBS-modified asphalt improved aging resistance by 10% to 13%. Additionally, SBS-modified asphalt prepared using the pre-shredding process saved 1 to 3 h of processing time compared to the traditional preparation method, reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the asphalt produced through the new process exhibited better performance, reducing road wear and saving maintenance costs.
Borromini, the Casa dei Filippini and the Two-Way Relationship between Representation and Architectural Form
Authors: Colonnese Fabio , Carpiceci Marco
Published: September 2023

The stratified relationship and mutual influence between the representation of the project and the form of built architecture manifest above all in the facade design by virtue of its natural rhetorical vocation. This is the case of the Casa dei Filippini, designed by Francesco Borromini in the second quarter of the 17th century in Rome. The perspective niche in its façade appears to be a literal three-dimensional transcription of a graphic convention adopted in the presentation drawings. To understand the context and the reasons for this “translation”, this article historically frames the theme of the facade intended as a mask and its implicit representational qualities, which can configure it as an autonomous work from the building itself; it frames the interferences between architecture and its image in the era of the advent of pseudo-projective representation and the resistance it finds; it focuses on the facade of the Casa dei Filippini and its perspective niche, here surveyed and photo-modeled to determine the size and relationship between the actual and the perceived shape. Through these methodological and operational premises, the article reconstructs the original center of the façade deformation and analyzes the fictitious value of the facade, as testified by Borromini’s attempt to orient its perception through the drawings of his Opus Architectonicum and those derived from them, eventually confirming the two-way relationship between form and representation.
Sign and Symbol in Picasso
Authors: Karmel Pepe
Published: September 2023

Writers on the semiology of Cubism have often cited Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler’s 1946–48 descriptions of Cubism as a form of writing. They seem, however, to have overlooked Pablo Picasso’s 1945–48 statements about art as a sign language. The first section of this essay argues that Kahnweiler was in fact inspired by Picasso’s statements. The second section retraces the origins of semiology in nineteenth-century philology, its revival by Claude Levi-Strauss, his influence on critical theory, the rise of a semiological interpretation of Cubism, and the problems with this interpretation. The third section links Picasso’s 1945–48 statements about art as a sign language to his contemporary visual work; specifically, to his illustrations for Pierre Reverdy’s book of poems Le Chant des morts. The idea of art as a sign language is traced to Picasso’s 1924 drawings of “star charts” or “constellations”. However, Picasso’s 1945–48 designs using a similar vocabulary are analyzed as signifiers without signifieds—that is, as symbols, rather than signs.
Preliminary Study of the Effect of Short Maceration with Cherry and Oak Wood Chips on the Volatile Composition of Different Craft Beers
Authors: Correia Ana C. , González-SanJosé Maria L. , Ortega-Heras Miriam , Jordão António M.
Published: September 2023

In the last few years, the production and consumption of craft beers has increased notably. However, there is restricted knowledge about the potential impact of chips from different wood species on beer quality. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of the addition of wood chips from cherry and oak species—after the fermentation was completed and during a brief maceration time—on the volatile composition of three different beer groups (Ale, Lager, and Porter) through a headspace solid-phase dynamic extraction (HS-SPDE) and GC-MS analysis. Fifty-six volatile compounds from different chemical families (esters, alcohols, terpenes, acids, aldehydes, ketones, and pyrazines) were detected, identified, and considered in this study. In general, the volatile composition of the beers macerated with wood chips was very similar to that of the control beers. However, the control beers showed higher volatile compound levels. The results suggest potential interactions between beer volatile compounds and the wood chips during maceration. The outcomes of this research could be of practical interest to brewers since they could improve the knowledge of the impact of short-time contact and low wood chip concentration on the volatile composition of different craft beers.
Efficacy of Fractional Laser on Steroid Receptors in GSM Patients
Authors: Pinho Stella Catunda , Heinke Thais , Dutra Paula Fernanda Santos Pallone , Carmo Andreia , Salmeron Camilla , Karoleski Luciana , Focchi Gustavo , Speck Neila Maria Góis , Pennati Beatrice Marina , Silva Ivaldo
Published: September 2023

Background: To compare the efficacy of CO2 fractional laser with that of topical estriol for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause and to investigate the relationship between epithelial thickness and vaginal atrophy. Methods: Twenty-five menopausal women were randomized to receive either laser or estrogen treatment. Vaginal biopsies before and after treatment were compared to assess the amount and distribution of estrogen and progesterone receptors. Results: Estrogen receptor levels were statistically similar between groups before and after treatment. Although there was no change over time in the estrogen group, an increase in receptor levels was confirmed in the laser group. Changes in estrogen receptor levels showed no association with treatment. Progesterone receptor levels were statistically similar between groups throughout treatment. There was no change over time in both groups. These changes displayed no association with the type of treatment. There was no significant correlation between epithelium thickness and estrogen or progesterone receptor levels. Conclusions: Estrogen and progesterone receptor levels increased and were maintained, respectively, in the vaginal epithelium in both groups. There was no significant relationship between epithelium thickness and receptor density. Laser therapy had similar outcomes to the gold standard without involving the disadvantages of hormone therapy.
Biological Materials for Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts: Overview of Recent Advancements
Authors: Di Francesco Dalila , Pigliafreddo Alexa , Casarella Simona , Di Nunno Luca , Mantovani Diego , Boccafoschi Francesca
Published: September 2023

The clinical demand for tissue-engineered vascular grafts is still rising, and there are many challenges that need to be overcome, in particular, to obtain functional small-diameter grafts. The many advances made in cell culture, biomaterials, manufacturing techniques, and tissue engineering methods have led to various promising solutions for vascular graft production, with available options able to recapitulate both biological and mechanical properties of native blood vessels. Due to the rising interest in materials with bioactive potentials, materials from natural sources have also recently gained more attention for vascular tissue engineering, and new strategies have been developed to solve the disadvantages related to their use. In this review, the progress made in tissue-engineered vascular graft production is discussed. We highlight, in particular, the use of natural materials as scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering.
Transformer-Based Multi-Modal Data Fusion Method for COPD Classification and Physiological and Biochemical Indicators Identification
Authors: Xie Weidong , Fang Yushan , Yang Guicheng , Yu Kun , Li Wei
Published: September 2023

As the number of modalities in biomedical data continues to increase, the significance of multi-modal data becomes evident in capturing complex relationships between biological processes, thereby complementing disease classification. However, the current multi-modal fusion methods for biomedical data require more effective exploitation of intra- and inter-modal interactions, and the application of powerful fusion methods to biomedical data is relatively rare. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-modal data fusion method that addresses these limitations. Our proposed method utilizes a graph neural network and a 3D convolutional network to identify intra-modal relationships. By doing so, we can extract meaningful features from each modality, preserving crucial information. To fuse information from different modalities, we employ the Low-rank Multi-modal Fusion method, which effectively integrates multiple modalities while reducing noise and redundancy. Additionally, our method incorporates the Cross-modal Transformer to automatically learn relationships between different modalities, facilitating enhanced information exchange and representation. We validate the effectiveness of our proposed method using lung CT imaging data and physiological and biochemical data obtained from patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Our method demonstrates superior performance compared to various fusion methods and their variants in terms of disease classification accuracy.
Patients with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) Show Differences in Autoantibody Signatures Based on Disease Activity
Authors: Krainer Julie , Hendling Michaela , Siebenhandl Sandra , Fuehner Sabrina , Kessel Christoph , Verweyen Emely , Vierlinger Klemens , Foell Dirk , Schönthaler Silvia , Weinhäusel Andreas
Published: September 2023

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is a severe rheumatic disease in children. It is a subgroup of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA; MIM #604302), which is the most common rheumatic disease in children. The diagnosis of SJIA often comes with a significant delay, and the classification between autoinflammatory and autoimmune disease is still discussed. In this study, we analyzed the immunological responses of patients with SJIA, using human proteome arrays presenting immobilized recombinantly expressed human proteins, to analyze the involvement of autoantibodies in SJIA. Results from group comparisons show several differentially reactive antigens involved in inflammatory processes. Intriguingly, many of the identified antigens had a high reactivity against proteins involved in the NF-κB pathway, and it is also notable that many of the detected DIRAGs are described as dysregulated in rheumatoid arthritis. Our data highlight novel proteins and pathways potentially dysregulated in SJIA and offer a unique approach to unraveling the underlying disease pathogenesis in this chronic arthropathy.
Senescent Markers Expressed by Periodontal Ligament-Derived Stem Cells (PDLSCs) Harvested from Patients with Periodontitis Can Be Rejuvenated by RG108
Authors: Roato Ilaria , Baima Giacomo , Orrico Clarissa , Mosca Balma Alessandro , Alotto Daniela , Romano Federica , Ferracini Riccardo , Aimetti Mario , Mussano Federico
Published: September 2023

Periodontal ligament (PDL) has become an elective source of mesenchymal stem cells (PDLSCs) in dentistry. This research aimed to compare healthy PDLSCs (hPDLSCs) and periodontitis PDLSCs (pPDLSCs) to ascertain any possible functional differences owing to their milieux of origin. Cells were tested in terms of colony-forming unit efficiency; multi differentiating capacity; immunophenotype, stemness, and senescent state were studied by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and β-galactosidase staining; gene expression using RT-PCR. Both hPDLSCs and pPDLSCs were comparable in terms of their immunophenotype and multilineage differentiation capabilities, but pPDLSCs showed a senescent phenotype more frequently. Thus, a selective small molecule inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), RG108, known for its effect on senescence, was used to possibly reverse this phenotype. RG108 did not affect the proliferation and apoptosis of PDLSCs, and it showed little effect on hPDLSCs, while a significant reduction of both p16 and p21 was detected along with an increase of SOX2 and OCT4 in pPDLSCs after treatment at 100 μM RG108. Moreover, the subset of PDLSCs co-expressing OCT4 and p21 decreased, and adipogenic potential increased in pPDLSCs after treatment. pPDLSCs displayed a senescent phenotype that could be reversed, opening new perspectives for the treatment of periodontitis.
Blood-Based MicroRNAs in Psychotic Disorders—A Systematic Review
Authors: Grosu Ștefania-Alexandra , Dobre Maria , Milanesi Elena , Hinescu Mihail Eugen
Published: September 2023

Psychotic disorders are a heterogenous class of mental illness, with an intricate pathophysiology, involving genetics and environmental factors, and their interaction. The identification of accessible biomarkers in bodily systems such as blood may lead to more accurate diagnosis, and more effective treatments targeting dysfunctional pathways, and could assist in monitoring the disease evolution. This systematic review aims to highlight the dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in the peripheral blood of patients with psychotic disorders. Using the PRISMA protocol, PubMed and Science Direct databases were investigated and 22 articles were included. Fifty-five different miRNAs were found differentially expressed in the blood of psychotic patients compared to controls. Seventeen miRNAs (miR-34a, miR-181b, miR-432, miR-30e, miR-21, miR-137, miR-134, miR-7, miR-92a, miR-1273d, miR-1303, miR-3064-5p, miR-3131, miR-3687, miR-4428, miR-4725-3p, and miR-5096) were dysregulated with the same trend (up- or down-regulation) in at least two studies. Of note, miR-34a and miR-181b were up-regulated in the blood of psychotic patients in seven and six studies, respectively. Moreover, the level of miR-181b in plasma was found to be positively correlated with the amelioration of negative symptoms. The panel of miRNAs identified in this review could be validated in future studies in large and well-characterized cohorts of psychotic patients.
Evaluating the Causal Association between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Univariable and Multivariable Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Liu Baike , Qin Zijian , Cai Zhaolun , Liu Zheran , Chen Yun-Lin , Yin Xiaonan , Yin Yuan , Peng Xingchen , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2023

Background: Observational studies suggested that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (i.e., Crohn’s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC]) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke. However, it is still unclear whether the observed associations causally exist. Thus, we aim to examine the potential effect of IBD, CD, and UC on the risk of CAD and ischemic stroke, using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Methods: Genetic instruments for IBD, CD, and UC were retrieved from the latest published genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of European ancestry. GWAS summary data for instrument–outcome associations were gathered from four independent resources: CARDIoGRAMplusC4D Consortium, MEGASTROKE consortium, FinnGen, and UK Biobank. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method and multiple pleiotropy-robust approaches were conducted and, subsequently, combined in a fixed-effect meta-analysis. Moreover, multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was conducted to adjust for potential influencing instrumental variables. Results: The IVW method revealed no causal effect of IBD on the risk of CAD (overall IBD on CAD: OR 1.003, 95%CI 0.982 to 1.025; CD on CAD: OR 0.997, 95%CI 0.978 to 1.016; UC on CAD: OR 0.986, 95%CI 0.963 to 1.010) or the risk of ischemic stroke (overall IBD on ischemic stroke: OR 0.994, 95%CI 0.970 to 1.018; CD on ischemic stroke: OR 0.996, 95%CI 0.979 to 1.014; UC on ischemic stroke: OR 0.999, 95%CI 0.978 to 1.020). The results of the meta-analysis and MVMR remained consistent. Conclusion: Our MR analysis does not support a causal effect of IBD on CAD and ischemic stroke, and previous results from observational studies might be biased through uncontrolled confoundings (such as IBD-specific medications and detection bias, etc.) that warrant further research.
Language Experience Modulates the Visual N200 Response for Disyllabic Chinese Words: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Liu Jiang , Zhang Yang
Published: September 2023

Prior event-related potential (ERP) research on how the brain processes non-alphabetic scripts like Chinese has identified an N200 component related to early visual processing of Chinese disyllabic words. An enhanced N200 response was observed when similar prime-target pairs were presented, but it was not elicited when native Chinese speakers read Korean Hangul, a script resembling Chinese characters. This led to the proposal that N200 was not a universal marker for orthographic processing but rather specific and unique to Chinese. However, there was uncertainty due to the absence of Korean participants in the previous research. The impact of language experience on N200 remains unclear. To address this, the present pilot ERP study included three adult groups (totaling 30 participants) with varying language proficiency levels. The participants judged if randomly presented words were Chinese or Korean, while the ERP responses were recorded. The behavioral data showed high accuracy across the groups. The reaction times differed between the groups with the native speakers responding faster. The N200 patterns varied across the groups. Both Chinese native speakers and Chinese-as-second-language learners showed stronger N200 responses for Chinese words compared to Korean words regardless of whether an adaptive or a fixed-time window was used for the N200 quantification, but this was not the case for Korean native speakers. Our cross-linguistic study suggests that N200 is not exclusive to Chinese orthography. Instead, it reflects general visual processing sensitive to both orthographic features and learning experience.
Investigation of Autonomic Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease—A Computational Model-Based Approach
Authors: Nair Sajitha Somasundaran , Govindankutty Mini Maniyelil , Balakrishnan Minimol , Prasad Krishna , Sathyaprabha Talakad N. , Udupa Kaviraja
Published: September 2023

(1) Background and Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is commonly accompanied by autonomic dysfunction. Investigating autonomic dysfunction’s occurrence patterns and severity may aid in making a distinction between different dementia subtypes, as cardiac autonomic dysfunction and AD severity are correlated. Heart rate variability (HRV) allows for a non-invasive assessment of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). AD is characterized by cholinergic depletion. A computational model of ANS based on the kinetics of acetylcholine and norepinephrine is used to simulate HRV for various autonomic states. The model has the flexibility to suitably modulate the concentration of acetylcholine corresponding to different autonomic states. (2) Methods: Twenty clinically plausible AD patients are compared to 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls using HRV measures. Statistical analysis is performed to identify the HRV parameters that vary significantly in AD. By modulating the acetylcholine concentration in a controlled manner, different autonomic states of Alzheimer’s disease are simulated using the ANS model. (3) Results: In patients with AD, there is a significant decrease in vagal activity, sympathovagal imbalance with a dominant sympathetic activity, and change in the time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear HRV characteristics. Simulated HRV features corresponding to 10 progressive states of AD are presented. (4) Conclusions: There is a significant difference in the HRV features during AD. As cholinergic depletion and autonomic dysfunction have a common neurological basis, autonomic function assessment can help in diagnosis and assessment of AD. Quantitative models may help in better comprehending the pathophysiology of the disease and assessment of its progress.
Perceived Social Support, Depressive Symptoms, Self-Compassion, and Mobile Phone Addiction: A Moderated Mediation Analysis
Authors: Yang Xiaofan , Ma Hang , Zhang Ling , Xue Jinyang , Hu Ping
Published: September 2023

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationships between perceived social support and mobile phone addiction, as well as the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and the moderating effect of self-compassion. Methods: A total of 874 college students completed questionnaires, including the perceived social support scale, depression–anxiety–stress scale, mobile phone addiction index, and the short form of the self-compassion scale. The participants included 202 males and 672 females, with an average age of 19.54 (SD = 2.16). Results: A moderated mediation analysis was conducted. The results revealed that perceived social support fully mediated the negative relationship between perceived social support and mobile phone addiction. Self-compassion attenuated the mediating effects. Conclusions: The present study indicated that insufficient perceived social support may increase the risk of mobile phone addiction among college students because of the impact of depressive symptoms. However, self-compassion could buffer this adverse effect.