bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacogenomics assists in controlling blood pressure in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients during Rehabilitation: a case report
Authors: Hou Tian , Yu Luhai , Shi Xiaoliang , Zhen Yueran , Ji Longyu , Wei Zhenbang , Xu Yipeng
Published: October 2024

Hypertension is a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Pharmacogenomics, as a tool for personalized healthcare, helps in determining the optimal drug treatment based on the genome of individual patient. This study reports a 49-year-old male with acute cerebral infarction, pulmonary infection, extremely high-risk hypertension (grade3), type 2 diabetes, hyperhomocysteinemia, hyperlipidemia, and fatty liver. The patient initially received conventional systemic treatment but continued to have severe hypertension (159/85 mmHg). To better control blood pressure, a pharmacogenomic test was performed, and results showed that the SNP genotype of rs4961 (ADD1) suggests poor efficacy with certain antihypertensive drugs. The genotype of rs4149601 (NEDD4L) indicates better efficacy with hydrochlorothiazide, while the CYP3A5*3 genotype indicates a slow metabolism of calcium channel blockers, suggesting that amlodipine may be more effective than nifedipine. By replacing nifedipine with amlodipine and increasing the dosage of hydrochlorothiazide, the patient’s systolic blood pressure was stabilized, although diastolic blood pressure remained suboptimal (131/91 mmHg). Despite low potassium levels, the patient was not sensitive to spironolactone (141/91 mmHg) but achieved exhibited well-controlled blood pressure (129/90 mmHg) with hydrochlorothiazide, consistent with pharmacogenomics recommendations. In summary, pharmacogenomics testing identified genetic variations influencing the patient’s response to specific drugs, guiding their selection and administration. This approach can lead to better blood pressure control and reduce the risk of adverse drug events, highlighting the potential of personalized drugs in managing hypertension through pharmacogenomics.
Worldwide research trends in Crohn’s disease treatment over the past 2 decades: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Xu Likang , Zou Jinzhao , Sun Chao , Chen Gong , Gao Sujun
Published: October 2024

Background

The treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) has received widespread attention in clinical practice, but there is currently a lack of quantitative evaluation of the literature published in this field. This study aimed to describe the development trends and research hotspots of CD treatment through bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Publications related to CD treatment published from 2004 to 2023 were searched in the WoSCC. Microsoft Office Excel 2021 was used for the analysis and visualization of the annual number of publications. CiteSpace was used to visualize the collaboration networks of authors, institutions, and countries, as well as to construct a reference timeline visualization map and identify keywords with the strongest citation bursts.

Results

The bibliometric analysis included 25,608 publications between 2004 and 2023. The most productive year was 2021. The United States of America (n = 7,891) and the University of California System (n = 939) are the country and institution with the most published papers, respectively. Among the 97,564 authors, Peyrin-Biroulet, Laurent (n = 424) published the most articles. The core journals were Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Journal of Crohns and Colitis, Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, etc. The timeline view showed that “#5 JAK Inhibitor” was the most recent topic. The keywords that burst and persist from 2020 to 2023 include “ustekinumab” and “vedolizumab”.

Conclusion

An increasing number of researchers are dedicating their efforts to exploring the treatment of CD, with the United States making the largest contribution to this field. Currently, the research hotspots predominantly involve drug therapy including ustekinumab, vedolizumab, and JAK inhibitors. Our study provides valuable information for scholars studying CD treatment.
FOXO1-mediated autophagy regulation by miR-223 in sepsis-induced immunosuppression
Authors: Xiang Guoan , Li Qi , Lian Di , Su Chengcheng , Li Xin , Deng Shoulong , Xie Lixin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Immunosuppression is the main cause of the high mortality rate in patients with sepsis. The decrease in the number and dysfunction of CD4+ T lymphocytes is crucial to the immunosuppressed state of sepsis, in turn affecting the development and prognosis of sepsis. Autophagy has been shown to play an important role in the immune imbalance exhibited during sepsis.

Methods

In this study, we modulate the expression of miR-223 in CD4+ T lymphocytes, via the transfection of a mimic or an inhibitor of miR-223 to establish cell models of miR-223 overexpression and knockdown, respectively. Levels of autophagy were monitored using a double-labeled lentivirus (mRFP-GFP-LC3) and electron microscopy, and western blot analysis was used to estimate the levels of autophagy-related proteins and FOXO1 in the two cell models after co-treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and siRNA against FOXO1.

Results

We found that when the expression of miR-223 increased, FOXO1 expression decreased and autophagy decreased; whereas, when FOXO1 expression was inhibited, autophagy decreased significantly in different cell models after LPS induction.

Conclusion

Thus, this study proved that miR-223 participate in the regulation of LPS-induced autophagy via the regulation of FOXO1 expression in CD4+ T lymphocytes which shed a new light for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.
Current landscape of cystic fibrosis gene therapy
Authors: Plasschaert Lindsey W. , MacDonald Kelvin D. , Moffit Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2024

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disease that is caused by mutations in CFTR, a gene which encodes an ion channel that supports proper function of several epithelial tissues, most critically the lung. Without CFTR, airway barrier mechanisms are impaired, allowing for chronic, recurrent infections that result in airway remodeling and deterioration of lung structure and function. Small molecule modulators can rescue existing, defective CFTR protein; however, they still leave a subset of people with CF with no current disease modifying treatments, aside from lung transplantation. Gene therapy directed to the lung is a promising strategy to modify CF disease in the organ most associated with morbidity and mortality. It is accomplished through delivery of a CFTR transgene with an airway permissive vector. Despite more than three decades of research in this area, a lung directed gene therapy has yet to be realized. There is hope that with improved delivery vectors, sufficient transduction of airway cells can achieve therapeutic levels of functional CFTR. In order to do this, preclinical programs need to meet a certain level of CFTR protein expression in vitro and in vivo through improved transduction, particularly in relevant airway cell types. Furthermore, clinical programs must be designed with sensitive methods to detect CFTR expression and function as well as methods to measure meaningful endpoints for lung structure, function and disease. Here, we discuss the current understanding of how much and where CFTR needs to be expressed, the most advanced vectors for CFTR delivery and clinical considerations for detecting CFTR protein and function in different patient subsets.
The impact of an innovative education and outreach project
Authors: Barnett R. Michael , Johansson K. Erik
Published: October 2024

In 1995, the ATLAS Experiment at the Large Hadron Collider embarked on an ambitious journey, driven by a passion to ignite curiosity and inspire future scientists. Our quest wasn’t just about uncovering the universe’s mysteries; it was a cosmic odyssey to share the thrill of scientific exploration with all. Our exploratory collection included engaging classroom activities, a dynamic website, captivating videos, a vibrant YouTube channel, global social media connections, and a captivating planetarium show, all intertwined with the exciting search for the elusive Higgs Boson. This scientific program celebrates the enduring curiosity of humanity and the passion that fuels discovery.
Research on the prediction method of wing structure noise based on the combination of conditional generative adversarial neural network and numerical methods
Authors: Jiang Shujie , Liang Yuxiang , Cheng Yu , Gao Lingyu
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a technique for predicting noise generated by airfoil structures that combines deep learning techniques with traditional numerical methods. In traditional numerical methods, accurately predicting the noise of airfoil structures requires significant computational resources, making it challenging to perform low-noise optimization design for these structures. To expedite the prediction process, this study introduces Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (CGAN). By replacing the generator and discriminator of CGAN with traditional regression neural network models, the suitability of CGAN for regression prediction is ensured. In this study, the data computation was accelerated by expanding the kernel function in the traditional boundary element method using a Taylor series. Based on the resulting data, an alternative predictive model for wing structure noise was developed by integrating Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (CGAN). Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method are demonstrated through three case studies.
Genome-wide association study and genotypic variation for the major tocopherol content in rice grain
Authors: Kazemzadeh Sara , Farrokhi Naser , Ahmadikhah Asadollah , Tabar Heydar Kourosh , Gilani Abdolali , Askari Hossein , Ingvarsson Pär K.
Published: October 2024

Rice tocopherols, vitamin E compounds with antioxidant activity, play essential roles in human health. Even though the key genes involved in vitamin E biosynthetic pathways have been identified in plants, the genetic architecture of vitamin E content in rice grain remains unclear. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 179 genotypically diverse rice accessions with 34,323 SNP markers was conducted to detect QTLs that define total and α- tocopherol contents in rice grains. Total and α-tocopherol contents had a strong positive correlation and varied greatly across the accessions, ranging from 0.230-31.76 and 0.011-30.83 (μg/g), respectively. A total of 13 QTLs were identified, which were spread across five of the rice chromosomes. Among the 13 QTLs, 11 were considered major with phenotypic variation explained (PVE) greater than 10%. Twelve transcription factor (TF) genes, one microprotein (miP), and a transposon were found to be associated with the QTLs with putative roles in controlling tocopherol contents. Moreover, intracellular transport proteins, ABC transporters, nonaspanins, and SNARE, were identified as associated genes on chromosomes 1 and 8. In the vicinity of seven QTLs, protein kinases were identified as key signaling factors. Haplotype analysis revealed the QTLs qAlph1.1, qTot1.1, qAlph2.1, qAlph6.1, qTot6.1, and qTot8.3 to have significant haplogroups. Quantitative RT-PCR validated the expression direction and magnitude of WRKY39 (Os02g0265200), PIP5Ks (Os08g0450800), and MADS59 (Os06g0347700) in defining the major tocopherol contents. This study provides insights for ongoing biofortification efforts to breed and/or engineer vitamin E and antioxidant levels in rice and other cereals.
Contrasted agronomical and physiological responses of five Coffea arabica genotypes under soil water deficit in field conditions
Authors: Sarzynski Thuan , Vaast Philippe , Rigal Clément , Marraccini Pierre , Delahaie Boris , Georget Frédéric , Nguyen Chang Thi Quynh , Nguyen Hung Phi , Nguyen Hai Thi Thanh , Ngoc Quyen Luu , Ngan Giang Khong , Bossolasco Laurent , Etienne Hervé
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Breeding programs have developed high-yielding Coffea arabica F1-hybrids as an adaptation against adverse conditions associated with climate change. However, theresponse to drought of coffee F1 hybrids has seldom been assessed.

Methods

A trial was established with five C. arabica genotypes (2 pure lines: Catimor and Marsellesa and 3 F1 hybrids: Starmaya, Centroamericano and Mundo Maya) planted under the leguminous tree species Leuceana leucocephala. Coffee growth, yield and physiological responses were assessed under a rain-fed (control: CON) and a rainfall reduction treatment (RR) for 2 years.

Results

The RR treatment created a long-term rainfall deficit in a region with suboptimal temperature similar to those predicted by climate change scenarios. Moreover, the RR treatment reduced soil water content by 14% over 2 successive years of production and increased hydric stress of the three F1-hybrids (leaf water potentials averaged -0.8 MPa under RR compared with -0.4 MPa under CON). Under RR, coffee yields were reduced from 16 to 75% compared to CON. Mundo Maya F1 hybrid was the sole high-yielding genotype apable of sustaining its yield under RR conditions. Our results suggested that its significant increase in fine root density (CON = 300 and RR = 910 root.m-2) and its maintenance of photosynthetic rate (2.5 – 3.5 mmol CO2 m-2 s-1) at high evaporative demand might explain why this genotype maintained high yield under RR condition.

Discussion

This work highlights a possible drought tolerance mechanism in fruit bearing adult coffee trees where the plant fine root number increases to intake more water in order to preserve turgor and sustainphotosynthesis at high ETo and therefore conserves high yield in dry conditions.
Resilience, emotions, and suicidal ideation in Mexican adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic: risk factors and protective mechanisms
Authors: Puig-Lagunes Ángel Alberto , Varela-Castillo Guerson Yael , Rodríguez-Landa Juan Francisco , Ortiz-Cruz Fabiola , German-Ponciano León Jesús
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents worldwide. Suicidal ideation (SI) in adolescents may be influenced by factors such as resilience, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a significant stressor with documented impacts, yet further research is needed to clarify its effects. While stressful events are known to be associated with increased SI, direct evidence linking COVID-19 specifically to elevated SI remains limited.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the risk and protective factors associated with SI in Mexican adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

A cross-sectional, correlational descriptive study was conducted between May and June 2022 with a sample of 2,194 high school students, with a mean age of 16.6 years (SD = 1.2). Among the participants, 58.9% were female and 41.1% were male. They completed inventories to assess stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and resilience.

Results

Of 2194 adolescents, 15.5% presented SI, with females showing a higher prevalence of SI, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared to males. In contrast, resilience was lower in females. Furthermore, depressive symptoms were identified as a risk factor for SI (OR 1.212; 95% CI 1.186, 1.240), whereas social competence was highlighted as a protective factor (OR 1.046 95% CI 1.044, 1.078).

Conclusions

The findings underscore the importance of preventing SI in adolescents by addressing anxiety and depressive symptoms, which were identified as risk factors, and by promoting social competence as a protective factor. Therefore, an integrated approach that addresses both individual mental health and the social context must be considered for preventing SI in adolescents.
Case–control study on risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Wu Kemei , Yin Lili , Han Jiangqin , Cai Qiuhan , Guo Yang , Jin Xin , Wu Jinling , Cheng Yupei
Published: October 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify independent risk factors affecting patient survival and explore predictors of severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational, case–control study on adult patients with severe COVID-19 who were admitted to affiliated hospitals in Tianjin between December 18, 2022, and January 31, 2023. We used univariate and multifactorial logistic regression analyses to analyze demographic indicators, comorbidity profiles, and laboratory parameters in two groups of patients (deceased and surviving) to identify independent risk factors for death in patients with severe COVID-19.

Results

Patients in the deceased group were older than those in the survival group (p = 0.018), and there were more cases of coexisting respiratory insufficiency in the deceased group (p = 0.002). Additionally, laboratory test results for white blood cell count (WBC) and creatine kinase (CK) showed significantly higher values in the deceased group (p = 0.047 and p = 0.029, respectively), while arterial oxygen partial pressure (PAO2) showed significantly lower values compared to the survival group (p = 0.021). Age, respiratory insufficiency, WBCH (highest WBC value), CKH (highest CK value), and PAO2F (first PAO2 value) had area under curve (AUC) values of 0.698, 0.838, 0.721, 0.744, and 0.633, respectively.

Conclusion

The main risk factors for mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 that we identified in this study were the advanced age of patients, coexisting respiratory insufficiency, elevated levels of WBC and CK, and decreased levels of PAO2. Elevated WBC and CK laboratory parameters, in particular, demonstrated good predictive value for in-hospital mortality risk.
Mortality salience and helping behavior amidst public crisis: cross-sectional evidence during COVID-19
Authors: Xie Qing , Yan Yaqin , Lai Ji , Wei Meiting
Published: October 2024

Background

As a real mortality salience, a public crisis would have a major impact on individual minds, behaviors, and lifestyles. COVID-19 provides us with a stark real-world example to understand these implications. Previous research has revealed that some individuals become more willing to help the infected at the risk of their own lives, while others become more self-centered and indifferent during COVID-19. To explain this paradoxical phenomenon, our study used two rival mediators in the relationship between mortality salience and helping behavior during COVID-19: death anxiety and death reflection.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Chinese college students (N = 684) during the pandemic. We used a parallel mediation model to explore the mediating roles of death anxiety and death reflection in the relationship between mortality salience and helping behavior during COVID-19.

Results

The results of our study indicate two key findings. First, mortality salience is negatively related to helping behavior during COVID-19 via death anxiety. This suggests that individuals with higher levels of mortality salience experienced increased death anxiety, which in turn led to a decrease in helping behavior. Second, mortality salience is positively related to helping behavior during COVID-19 via death reflection. This indicates that individuals with higher levels of mortality salience engaged in deeper reflection on death, which subsequently resulted in an increase in helping behavior.

Conclusion

Our study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between mortality salience and helping behaviors in the time of public crisis, and can help lead to more positive attitudes toward public crisis events such as COVID-19.
The impact of green low-carbon development on public health: a quasi-natural experimental study of low-carbon pilot cities in China
Authors: Wang Zhanjie , Wang Xinyue , Wang Zhichao , Mai Sheng
Published: October 2024

Background

In recent years, climate change and environmental pollution have posed significant threats to public health. As environmental policies such as low-carbon city initiatives are progressively implemented, their role in enhancing public health has become a topic of growing interest. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between green low-carbon development and public health and to analyze the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

We utilized data from 271 prefecture-level cities in China spanning from 2007 to 2020, focusing on green low-carbon development, climate change, environmental pollution, and public health. Employing the quasi-natural experimental framework of China’s low-carbon city pilot projects, we constructed a multi-site difference-in-differences (DID) model for empirical analysis. Various robustness checks, including parallel trend tests, placebo tests, sample selection bias checks, and adjustments to the temporal and spatial scope of the samples, were conducted to ensure the reliability of the results. Additionally, we explored the positive effects of green low-carbon development on public health through dual mediation pathways involving climate change mitigation and pollution reduction. Finally, we examined the heterogeneity of the results across different city tiers, economic growth rates, levels of technological investment, and green finance development.

Results

The findings indicate that green low-carbon development significantly enhances public health, a conclusion supported by robustness tests. Mechanism analysis reveals that the benefits of green low-carbon development on public health are realized through mitigating climate change and reducing environmental pollution. Further analysis reveals that the positive impact on public health is more pronounced in first-and second-tier cities, as well as in cities with faster economic growth, greater technological investment, and more developed green finance sectors.

Discussion

This study highlights the crucial role of urban green low-carbon development in improving environmental quality and public health. In addition to providing empirical evidence that supports the promotion of green low-carbon development in cities, the results point to policy recommendations for enhancing public health. Moreover, the findings contribute to the development of environmental policies and the implementation of the “Healthy China” strategy.
Exploring print media coverage of elite athletes’ mental illness between 2010 and 2023 in Germany: a quantitative content analysis
Authors: Hapig Marcia , Zurstiege Guido , Mayer Jochen , Thiel Ansgar , John Jannika M.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Recently, the stereotype of elite athletes' invulnerabilty has begun to be challenged by an increasing number of elite athletes who talk openly about struggling with mental health. Relatedly, previous research has focused primarily on specific incidents like the media's portrayal of personal disclosures. The purpose of this study was to expand this perspective and give a systematic overview of media coverage related to elite athletes' mental illness by examining more than one decade (2010–2023) of German print media reporting. Specifically, we were interested in changes over time and between broadsheet and tabloid press regarding content-related and formal aspects.

Methods

Based on a systematic search and screening process in eleven German newspapers and magazines, 699 print media articles were analyzed with a codebook, forming a framework of content-related (reported mental disorder; central thematic focus; sources of comments and quotations; perspectives on the high-performance sports system) and formal categories (article genre; elements of responsible journalism). Univariate analyses and binary logistic regression models were used to examine changes over time (2010–2016 vs. 2017–2023) and differences between types of press (tabloid vs. broadsheet press) regarding content-related and formal characteristics.

Results

The results indicate an enhanced awareness towards the topic of mental illness and those affected in recent years within German print media. This was demonstrated by the increased integration of responsible reporting elements, the inclusion of diversified perspectives and the considerate selection of content. Despite this positive trend over time, the findings also suggest that media reporting in the tabloid press bears an increased risk for inappropriate storytelling, focusing primarily on personal tragedies.

Conclusion

As personal fate of prominent figures like elite athletes will always meet great interest in the public, it is of utmost importance that the media report responsibly and promote critical thinking in society. The study shows the media's willingness to question conventional ideals embedded in the sports culture and take a more critical approach to the topic of mental illness in high-performance sports. By demonstrating a greater understanding of the importance and the seriousness of the issue, the media might also contribute to improved mental health awareness in society.
Improved atopic dermatitis accompanied by pompholyx
Authors: Murakami Emi , Morioke Satoshi , Tanaka Akio
Published: October 2024

In the treatment process of atopic dermatitis, pompholyx may occurs on palms and soles. However, there is limited knowledge about which patients are more likely to develop pompholyx and when it is expected to occur. Therefore, this study investigated the occurrence of pompholyx after the start of induction remission treatment. We collected medical information from 48 AD patients who visited Hiroshima University Hospital for the first time between January 2019 and December 2020, from the time of their first visit to 12 months later. In the initial group of 48 patients, 10 individuals developed pompholyx within 1 year after their first visit. There was no clear connection between the occurrence of pompholyx and treatment received. Most of the patients who developed pompholyx were above the age of 30. Serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) levels tended to be higher at the first visit in the group that later developed pompholyx compared to the group that did not. In conclusion, patients over the age of 30 with higher serum TARC levels may develop pompholyx while their AD is improving. It is crucial to provide these patients with information about the possibility of developing pompholyx during the course of their AD treatment and that it would be cured in the course of treatment.
Unified Fault-Tolerant Control and Adaptive Velocity Planning for 4WID-4WIS Vehicles under Multi-Fault Scenarios
Authors: Lu Ao , Tian Guangyu
Published: October 2024

Four-wheel independent drive and four-wheel independent steering (4WID-4WIS) vehicles provide increased redundancy in fault-tolerant control (FTC) schemes, enhancing heterogeneous fault-tolerant capabilities. This paper addresses the challenge of maintaining vehicle safety and maneuverability in the presence of actuator faults in autonomous vehicles, focusing on 4WID-4WIS systems. A novel unified hierarchical active FTC strategy is proposed to handle various actuator failures. The strategy includes an upper-layer motion controller that determines resultant force requirements based on trajectory tracking errors and a middle-layer allocation system that redistributes tire forces to fault-free actuators using fault information. This study, for the first time, considers multi-fault scenarios involving longitudinal and lateral coupling, calculating FTC boundaries for each fault type. Additionally, a fault tolerance index is introduced for 256 fault scenarios, using singular value decomposition to linearly represent the vehicle attainable force domain. Based on this, an adaptive velocity planning strategy is developed to balance safety and maneuverability under fault conditions. Matlab 2021a/Simulink and Carsim 2019 co-simulation results validate the proposed strategies, demonstrating significant improvements in fault-tolerant performance, particularly in complex and emergency scenarios.
Comparative Analysis of Armature Structure on Constant Force Characteristics in Long-Stroke Moving-Iron Proportional Solenoid Actuator
Authors: Shang Rongkai , Liu Peng , Quan Wenwen , Ouyang Yuwen
Published: October 2024

The influence of key design parameters on the constant force characteristics of long-stroke moving-iron proportional solenoid actuators (MPSAs) has been explored by a method combining finite element modelling and correlation analysis. First, the finite element model (FEM) of long-stroke MPSA was developed and validated. Subsequently, the two evaluation indexes, the average-output solenoid force and maximum-output solenoid force variability, were introduced to disclose the influence law of pole shoe parameters on the constant force characteristics of a long-stroke MPSA. After that, correlation analysis was employed to quantify the influence of several parameters and parameter interaction factors on the constant force characteristics. The results indicate a strong contradiction between the average-output solenoid force and maximum-output solenoid force variability; however, increasing the inner diameter of the cone helps enhance the average-output solenoid force without causing maximum-output solenoid force variability to increase. Among all the parameters examined, the cone angle is the most significant parameter affecting the constant force characteristics. Additionally, interactions between the cone angle and the cone length, the cone angle and the inner cone diameter, the cone angle and the outer cone diameter, the cone length and the outer cone diameter, as well as the inner cone diameter and the outer cone diameter also have an important influence on the constant force characteristics. This study deepens our understanding of how the key parameters affect the constant force characteristics and assists designers in optimizing these parameters for developing new structures.
Study on the Influence of Tip Clearance on Working Characteristics of High-Altitude Fan
Authors: Qu Wei , He Xiaohui , Duan Chunlian , Qin Yumei , He Zeqing , Yang Yanchu
Published: October 2024

To study the influence of tip clearance on the working characteristics of high-altitude fans, this paper takes the MIX-140 high-altitude fan as the research object. Five different tip clearance (TC) models are selected. The CFD method is used to analyze the changes in the working characteristics of the fan under different flow rates and TCs in ground and high-altitude environments. The reliability of the numerical method is verified through a fan test bench. The results show that the tip leakage flow caused by the TC will continuously deteriorate the working characteristics of the fan. Under the rated flow rate in the ground environment, for every doubling of the blade’s TC, the static pressure difference will decrease by 5%, the efficiency will decrease by 2%, and the power will decrease by 3%. In a high-altitude environment, the flow rate corresponding to the maximum shaft power point of the fan will continuously increase with an increase in the tip clearance, which will bring about additional energy consumption. For high-altitude fans, the deformation caused by the high-speed rotation of the impeller needs to be taken into account. Undoubtedly, it is advantageous to choose the smallest possible tip clearance value. The results of the analysis and test methods in this paper will provide a basis for designing the tip clearance of high-altitude fans.
Liquid Rocket Engine Performance Characterization Using Computational Modeling: Preliminary Analysis and Validation
Authors: Hossain Md. Amzad , Morse Austin , Hernandez Iram , Quintana Joel , Choudhuri Ahsan
Published: October 2024

The need to refuel future missions to Mars and the Moon via in situ resource utilization (ISRU) requires the development of LOX/LCH4 engines, which are complex and expensive to develop and improve. This paper discusses how the use of digital engineering—specifically physics-based modeling (PBM)—can aid in developing, testing, and validating a LOX/LCH4 engine. The model, which focuses on propulsion performance and heat transfer through the engine walls, was created using Siemens’ STAR-CCM+ CFD tool. Key features of the model include Eulerian multiphase physics (EMP), complex chemistry (CC) using the eddy dissipation concept (EDC), and segregated solid energy (SSE) for heat transfer. A comparison between the complete GRI 3.0 and Lu’s reduced combustion mechanisms was performed, with Lu’s mechanism being chosen for its cost-effectiveness and similar output to the GRI mechanism. The model’s geometry represents 1/8th of the engine’s volume, with a symmetric rotational boundary. The performance of this engine was investigated using NASA’s chemical equilibrium analysis (CEA) and STAR-CCM+ simulations, focusing on thrust levels of 125 lbf and 500 lbf. Discrepancies between theoretical predictions and simulations ranged from 1.4% to 28.5%, largely due to differences in modeling assumptions. While NASA CEA has a zero-dimensional, steady-state approach based on idealized conditions, STAR-CCM+ accounts for real-world factors such as multiphase flow, turbulence, and heat loss. For the 125 lbf case, a 9.2% deviation in combustion chamber temperature and a 15.0% difference in thrust were noted, with simulations yielding 113.48 lbf compared to the CEA’s 133.52 lbf. In the 500 lbf case, thrust reached 488 lbf, showing a 2.4% deviation from the design target and an 8.6% increase over CEA predictions. Temperature and pressure deviations were also observed, with the highest engine wall temperature at the nozzle throat. Monte Carlo simulations revealed that substituting LNG for LCH4 affects combustion dynamics. The findings emphasize the need for advanced modeling approaches to enhance the prediction accuracy of rocket engine performance, aiding in the development of digital twins for the CROME.
Study on the Influence of Different Slot Sizes on the Flow Field of Transonic Compressor Rotors
Authors: Gao Yu , Li Xiaodong , Zhong Jingjun
Published: October 2024

Blade slotting technology is an effective measure to improve the flow structure on the suction surface of a blade and enhance the performance of turbomachinery. To investigate the impact of various slot sizes on the flow field of a single-stage transonic compressor rotor, seven kinds of slot schemes were designed and calculated by numerical simulations. The results show that the above slotting schemes significantly enhance the stability margin of the compressor. In particular, the slotting scheme H9W3 increases the surge margin by 60.9% and slightly reduces peak efficiency by 0.3%, with an almost identical maximum pressure ratio. Slotting promotes high-energy fluid to generate jets from the slot located at the exit of the suction side, effectively controlling blade surface flow separation and reducing channel blockage. Square slots are more effective than elongated slots for controlling separation when using differently shaped slots with equal areas. Increasing slot area gradually decreases outlet total pressure at a constant aspect ratio. A slight increase in the overall blade load causes a backward shift in the front portion load.
Evaluating the Efficacy of an Extract for UV Defense and Mitigation of Oxidative Stress, Transitioning from Biomass to Bioprotection
Authors: Vamanu Emanuel , Lakićević Milena , Dedović Nebojša , Dumitru Georgiana , Badea Ileana Georgiana , Gatea Florentina , Dinu Laura Dorina
Published: October 2024

This study evaluated natural extracts from plant biomass for UV protection and oxidative stress reduction. Conducted in Bucharest, Romania, it focused on medicinal mushrooms and pomegranate bark. The biotechnological process involved a two-phase extraction: hot water processing of Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Inonotus obliquus, and Tremella mushrooms, followed by ethanol extraction with pomegranate bark and green tea. The spectrophotometric analysis identified phenolics and flavonoids. The ethanol extract showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity, particularly in DPPH radical scavenging. UVB exposure tests demonstrated its protective effect, comparable to vitamin B3, delaying oxidative stress onset by 30 min. This research underscores the potential of using natural biomass extracts in skincare, promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability by converting agricultural waste into valuable bioactive compounds.
Impact of Temperature on Podding in Faba Bean (Vicia faba)
Authors: Manning Bill K. , Trethowan Richard , Adhikari Kedar N.
Published: October 2024

Faba bean is grown globally for human consumption and animal feed and is a significant rotation crop in cereal-dominant areas in many countries, including Australia. It is sensitive to several abiotic stresses, such as drought, frost, and high temperatures, especially at the reproductive stage. However, little is known of the upper and lower temperature limits for successful podding. Experiments were conducted over 2 years at Breeza and Narrabri in northwestern New South Wales to assess the impact of temperature on flowering and podset of three genotypes—Doza, Cairo, and IX1148f—under field conditions. Flowering nodes were tagged from designated plants in the field and scored for podding; field temperatures were recorded. Optimum maximum temperature for podset ranged from 23.7–26.1 °C, and the equivalent minimum temperature was 3.2–3.8 °C. Optimum average daily temperature for podset ranged from 12.7–13.9 °C. The strongest correlations between temperature and podding were observed at minimum temperatures, indicating that low temperatures are more important than high temperatures in determining yield in faba bean.
Double Cervical Adjacent Hydrated Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion (HNPE) in a Yorkshire Terrier
Authors: Fugazzotto Domenico , Tabbì Marco , Lozano Pilar Lorena , Barillaro Giuseppe , Macrì Francesco , Minato Simone
Published: October 2024

A 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier was brought to the emergency department for inability to maintain the correct station with acute onset. Neurological examination showed a non-ambulatory tetraparesis, spontaneous proprioceptive deficit in all limbs, and decreased flexor reflex in the forelimbs. The neurological symptoms suggested a cranial cervical spinal cord with suspicion of spinal shock. The clinical differential diagnoses included degenerative (intervertebral disc extrusion), vascular, inflammatory, or neoplastic disease. No pathological findings were evident in the hematobiochemical tests or in the radiograph examination. MRI examination of the cervical spine showed the presence of two adjacent hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusions at C3-C4 and C4-C5 tracts. Treatment included analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy; movement restriction was initially necessary, followed by physiotherapy. Follow-up at 4 weeks showed complete recovery. A telephone follow-up after 3 months with the owner confirmed the absence of symptoms. This article reports the first double cervical HNPE case in a dog, adding the possibility that the disease may present in this form and the success of conservative treatment as described in the literature.
Comparison of Citrated Whole Blood to Native Whole Blood for Coagulation Testing Using the Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM Vet™) in Horses
Authors: Vokes Jessica R. , Lovett Amy L. , de Kantzow Max C. , Rogers Chris W. , Wilkins Pamela A. , Sykes Benjamin W.
Published: October 2024

Viscoelastic monitoring of horse coagulation is increasing due to its advantages over traditional coagulation testing. The use of a point-of-care viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM Vet™) has been validated for use in horses using native whole blood (NWB) but has not been assessed using citrated whole blood (CWB), a technique that might have advantages in practicality and precision. Blood was collected from 70 horses, tested in duplicate immediately using NWB (T0), and stored at room temperature as CWB for testing in duplicate at 1 (T1) and 4 (T4) hours after venipuncture for comparison to NWB. Of these horses, 20 were classified as clinically healthy and used to determine reference intervals for CWB at 1 and 4 h post-collection. There were clinically relevant differences in all measured viscoelastic parameters of CWB compared to NWB meaning that they cannot be used interchangeably. These differences were not consistent at T1 and T4 meaning the resting time of CWB influences the results and should be kept consistent. The use of CWB in this study also resulted in more machine errors when compared to NWB resulting in measurements that might not be interpretable.
Interdisciplinary Animal Research Ethics—Challenges, Opportunities, and Perspectives
Authors: Mertz Marcel , Hetzel Tatiana , Alex Karla , Braun Katharina , Camenzind Samuel , Dodaro Rita , Jörgensen Svea , Linder Erich , Capas-Peneda Sara , Reihs Eva Ingeborg , Tiwari Vini , Todorović Zorana , Kahrass Hannes , Selter Felicitas
Published: October 2024

Can nonhuman animals be used for the benefit of humans in a scientifically and morally justified manner and, if yes, how? Based on our own experiences as scholars from various academic backgrounds, we argue that this question can only be answered as an interdisciplinary and international endeavor, considering insights from research ethics and animal ethics as well as scientific and legal aspects. The aim of this article is to contribute to the foundation of the emerging field of animal research ethics. In doing so, we describe the following seven phases of animal research experiments: ethical, legal and social presumptions (phase 0), planning (phase I), review (phase II), conduct of experiments (phase III), publication/dissemination (phase IV), further exploitation of results (phase V), and evaluation (phase VI). In total, 20 key ethical, legal, and practical challenges that an ethical framework for the use of animals in research needs to address are identified and analyzed. Finally, we characterize the following four meta-challenges and opportunities associated with animal research ethics as a field: (1) moral pluralism, (2) the integration of views and positions outside the laboratory, (3) international plurality of conduct, standards, and legal norms, and (4) interdisciplinary education.
Morphological and Metabolic Features of Brain Aging in Rodents, Ruminants, Carnivores, and Non-Human Primates
Authors: Lepore Gianluca , Succu Sara , Cappai Maria Grazia , Frau Adele , Senes Alice , Zedda Marco , Farina Vittorio , Gadau Sergio D.
Published: October 2024

Brain aging in mammals is characterized by morphological and functional changes in neural cells. Macroscopically, this process, leading to progressive cerebral volume loss and functional decline, includes memory and motor neuron deficits, as well as behavioral disorders. Morphologically, brain aging is associated with aged neurons and astrocytes, appearing enlarged and flattened, and expressing enhanced pH-dependent β-galactosidase activity. Multiple mechanisms are considered hallmarks of cellular senescence in vitro, including cell cycle arrest, increased lysosomal activity, telomere shortening, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. The most common markers for senescence identification were identified in (i) proteins implicated in cell cycle arrest, such as p16, p21, and p53, (ii) increased lysosomal mass, and (iii) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) expression. Finally, dysfunctional autophagy, a process occurring during aging, contributes to altering brain homeostasis. The brains of mammals can be studied at cellular and subcellular levels to elucidate the mechanisms on the basis of age-related and degenerative disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize and update the most recent knowledge about brain aging through a comparative approach, where similarities and differences in some mammalian species are considered.
The Genetic Characteristics of FT-MIRS-Predicted Milk Fatty Acids in Chinese Holstein Cows
Authors: Li Chunfang , Fan Yikai , Wang Dongwei , Chu Chu , Shen Xiong , Wang Haitong , Luo Xuelu , Nan Liangkang , Ren Xiaoli , Chen Shaohu , Yan Qingxia , Ni Junqing , Li Jianming , Ma Yabin , Zhang Shujun
Published: October 2024

Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-MIRS) can be used for quantitative detection of milk components. Here, milk samples of 458 Chinese Holstein cows from 11 provinces in China were collected and we established a total of 22 quantitative prediction models in milk fatty acids by FT-MIRS. The coefficient of determination of the validation set ranged from 0.59 (C18:0) to 0.76 (C4:0). The models were adopted to predict the milk fatty acids from 2138 cows and a new high-throughput computing software HiBLUP was employed to construct a multi-trait model to estimate and analyze genetic parameters in dairy cows. Finally, genome-wide association analysis was performed and seven novel SNPs significantly associated with fatty acid content were selected, investigated, and verified with the FarmCPU method, which stands for “Fixed and random model Circulating Probability Unification”. The findings of this study lay a foundation and offer technical support for the study of fatty acid trait breeding and the screening and grouping of characteristic dairy cows in China with rich, high-quality fatty acids. It is hoped that in the future, the method established in this study will be able to screen milk sources rich in high-quality fatty acids.
Correction: Agbadua et al. Oxidized Resveratrol Metabolites as Potent Antioxidants and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors. Antioxidants 2022, 11, 1832
Authors: Agbadua Orinamhe G. , Kúsz Norbert , Berkecz Róbert , Gáti Tamás , Tóth Gábor , Hunyadi Attila
Published: October 2024

There was an error in the original publication (Section 2 [...]
Employing Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles as Biostimulant against Salinity: Improving Antioxidative Defense and Reactive Oxygen Species Balancing in Eggplant Seedlings
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Fasih , Jawaid Muhammad Zaid , Nawaz Muddasir , Shakoor Rana Abdul , Ahmed Talaat
Published: October 2024

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that affects the agricultural sector and poses a significant threat to sustainable crop production. Nanoparticles (NPs) act as biostimulants and significantly mitigate abiotic stress. In this context, this experiment was designed to assess the effects of foliar application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles at 200 and 400 ppm on the growth of eggplant (Solanum melongena) seedlings under moderate (75 mM) and high (150 mM) salinity stress. The TiO2-NPs employed were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The seedlings were assessed physiologically, growth-wise, and biochemically. The seedlings were significantly affected by their physiological attributes (Fv′/Fm′, Fv/Fm, NPQ), growth (root length, shoot length, number of leaves, fresh biomass, dry biomass, leaf greenness), antioxidative enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APx, GR), stress indicators (H2O2, MDA), and toxic ion (Na+) concentrations. The maximum decrease in physiological and growth attributes in eggplant seedling leaves was observed with no TiO2-NP application at 150 mM NaCl. Applying TiO2-NPs at 200 ppm showed significantly less decrease in Fv’/Fm’, root length, shoot length, number of leaves, fresh biomass, dry biomass, and leaf greenness. In contrast, there were larger increases in SOD, POD, CAT, APx, GR, and TSP. This led to less accumulation of H2O2, MDA, and Na+. No significant difference was observed in higher concentrations of TiO2-NPs compared to the control. Therefore, TiO2-NPs at 200 ppm might be used to grow eggplant seedlings at moderate and high salinity.