bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative Public Administration—A Dimension of Sustainable Development: Exploratory Study on Local Authorities in Romania
Authors: Berceanu Ionuț , Nicolescu Cristina
Published: February 2024

The contribution of sustainable public administration to the promotion of sustainable development is increasingly emphasized in the literature, including through an emerging and facilitating concept: collaborative administration. The sustainability of public organizations and of the public interventions carried out by these organizations is a central pillar of a modern administrative model, the desideratum of any government agenda. For this reason, the aim of this paper is to contribute to a more nuanced view on the relationship of sustainable development–institutional sustainability–collaborative dimension, covering some gaps that prevail in the literature by contextualizing the theoretical hypotheses in a case study. The novelty and added value of the research lies in establishing links between these three concepts by referring to a fourth concept: organizational intelligence. The study uses theoretical instruments, such as a questionnaire based on the design model proposed by Lefter et al., for the indirect assessment of the collaborative dimension. The outcomes demonstrate that the collaborative dimension of a public organization can be quantified using the proposed model. Moreover, organizational plans that promote the sustainability of public administration and sustainable development are identified. However, additional complementary studies are required to further investigate the cause-and-effect relationship between sustainable development, institutional sustainability, and collaborative dimensions.
Chestnut Episperm as a Promising Natural Source of Phenolics from Agri-Food Processing by-Products: Optimisation of a Sustainable Extraction Protocol by Ultrasounds
Authors: Donno Dario , Turrini Federica , Farinini Emanuele , Mellano Maria Gabriella , Boggia Raffaella , Beccaro Gabriele Loris , Gamba Giovanni
Published: February 2024

Chestnut processing has increasingly grown in recent years. All the processes involved in the chestnut supply chain are characterized by the production of high levels of by-products that cause several environmental and disposal issues. The Castanea spp. fruit production is related to a high number of chestnut episperm. This underutilized agricultural by-product may be evaluated as a good resource for the extraction of health-promoting natural molecules, such as phenolics. This preliminary study aimed to develop and optimize, using a multivariate statistical approach, a sustainable protocol for the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of the main phenolics from chestnut episperm (cv Marsol, C. sativa × C. crenata). A design of experiment (DoE) approach was employed. This approach focused on the two quantitative UAE process factors: the extraction time (X1), within a timeframe ranging from 10 to 30 min, and the sample-to-solvent (w/v) ratio (X2), ranging from 1/30 to 1/10. These variables were investigated to determine their impact on phenol extraction yield. Exploratory analysis, in particular principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression (MLR), were carried out on the studied responses. The phenolic characterization of ten different extracts was also performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), both to define the levels of specific phenolics selected for their health-promoting properties and to evaluate some important features, such as the total antioxidant capacity. The values of total polyphenolic content (TPC) obtained in the different experiments ranged between 97 (extract 4) and 142 (extract 6) mg GAE/g of dried weight (DW). Moreover, results from the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test confirmed the high TPC values, highlighting that all the ultrasound extracts contained excellent levels of molecules with good antioxidant properties. In particular, extracts 2 and 3 showed the highest AOC values (about 490–505 mmol Fe2+/Kg of dried weight). The proposed optimized protocol allowed for obtaining formulations characterized by high levels of tannins, phenolic acids, and catechins. Indeed, episperm extracts contained high levels of chlorogenic acid (15–25 mg/100 g DW), ferulic acid (80–120 mg/100 g DW), castalagin (20–80 mg/100 g DW), and vescalagin (40–75 mg/100 g). Finally, in this research study, the potential of chestnut episperm as a source of polyphenolic molecules to be extracted by green technologies and used in several food and/or pharmaceutical applications was evaluated to valorize a sustainable reuse strategy of agri-food processing by-products, also reducing the environmental impact of this waste derived from chestnut processing.
Community Engagement and the Effectiveness of Free-Roaming Cat Control Techniques: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramírez Riveros Daniela , González-Lagos César
Published: February 2024

Although free-roaming and feral cat control techniques are often applied in human communities, community engagement is not always considered. A systematic literature review following an update of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) methodology was conducted to evaluate whether community engagement influences the effectiveness of control techniques, excluding culling, in managing cat populations. The degree of community engagement was estimated based on the number of roles reported during the application of the control technique, which included adoption, trapping, care, and/or education. Education followed by adoption was the determining factor in the decreasing cat populations over time. The limited evaluations of control technique effectiveness, narrow geographical scope, and our simple measure of engagement emphasize the need for more detailed studies. These studies should evaluate the effectiveness of control techniques, while considering community engagement more comprehensively.
Lactobacillus johnsonii Improves Intestinal Barrier Function and Reduces Post-Weaning Diarrhea in Piglets: Involvement of the Endocannabinoid System
Authors: Yin Zhangzheng , Wang Kaijun , Liu Yun , Li Yunxia , He Fang , Yin Jie , Tang Wenjie
Published: February 2024

Probiotic intervention is a well-established approach for replacing antibiotics in the management of weaning piglet diarrhea, which involves a large number of complex systems interacting with the gut microbiota, including the endocannabinoid system; nevertheless, the specific role of the endocannabinoid system mediated by probiotics in the piglet intestine has rarely been studied. In this study, we used antibiotics (ampicillin) to perturb the intestinal microbiota of piglets. This resulted in that the gene expression of the intestinal endocannabinoid system was reprogrammed and the abundance of probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii in the colon was lowered. Moreover, the abundance of Lactobacillus johnsonii was positively correlated with colonic endocannabinoid system components (chiefly diacylglycerol lipase beta) via correlation analysis. Subsequently, we administered another batch of piglets with Lactobacillus johnsonii. Interestingly, dietary Lactobacillus johnsonii effectively alleviated the diarrhea ratio in weaning piglets, accompanied by improvements in intestinal development and motility. Notably, Lactobacillus johnsonii administration enhanced the intestinal barrier function of piglets as evidenced by a higher expression of tight junction protein ZO-1, which might be associated with the increased level in colonic diacylglycerol lipase beta. Taken together, the dietary Lactobacillus johnsonii-mediated reprogramming of the endocannabinoid system might function as a promising target for improving the intestinal health of piglets.
Microbiological Quality and Antimicrobial Resistance of Commercial Probiotic Products for Food-Producing Animals
Authors: Tran Hoang My , Prathan Rangsiya , Hein Si Thu , Chuanchuen Rungtip
Published: February 2024

Probiotics have been popularly used in livestock production as an alternative to antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the microbiological quality and phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance of bacteria in probiotic products sold for food animals. A total of 45 probiotic products were examined for the number of viable cells, species, and antimicrobial susceptibility; the contamination of Escherichia coli and Salmonella; and the presence of 112 genes encoding resistance to clinically important antimicrobials and transferability of AMR determinants. The results showed that 29 of 45 products (64.4%) were incorrectly labeled in either number of viable cells or bacterial species. None of the tested products were contaminated with E. coli and Salmonella. A total of 33 out of 64 bacterial isolates (51.6%) exhibited resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent. Of the 45 products tested, 16 (35.5%) carried AMR genes. Almost all AMR genes detected in probiotic products were not correlated to the AMR phenotype of probiotic strains formulated in the products. Three streptomycin-resistant Lactobacillus isolates could horizontally transfer their AMR determinants. The findings demonstrated that the probiotic products could serve as reservoirs for the spread of AMR genes and may not yield benefits to animals as claimed. The need for the adequate quality control of probiotic products is highlighted.
A Study on the Rock-Breaking Characteristics of an Arcing-Blade Cutter under Different Cutting Parameters
Authors: Ma Zhao , Ye Junjie , Zhang Xin , Ye Wenhua
Published: February 2024

To analyze the rock-breaking characteristics of an arcing-blade cutter in cutting red sandstone, a two-cutter cutting model was established based on the finite element method. Then, the cutting processes of the arcing-blade cutter at penetrations of 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm with different cutter spacings were investigated, and the changing rules of the rock-breaking load, rock crushing state, and rock-breaking efficiency were obtained. Subsequently, the obtained simulation results were validated through linear cutting experiments. The research results showed that, as the penetration of the arcing-blade cutter increased, the rock-breaking load also increased; specifically, under 2 mm penetration, the rock-breaking load remained stable, irrespective of the cutter spacing. However, under 4 mm and 6 mm penetration, the vertical and rolling force increased and then stabilized with an increase in the cutter spacing, while the lateral force decreased and then stabilized, attributed to the synergistic effect between the cutters. At 2 mm penetration, the absence of interaction between the cutting of two cutters in sequence resulted in two separate crushed areas on the rock surface. However, at 4 mm and 6 mm penetration, the rock ridge could be crushed under a smaller cutter spacing. Meanwhile, with an increase in the cutter spacing, the synergistic effect between the cutters diminished, causing the rock ridge between two cuttings to remain uncrushed. The specific energy at the 4 mm and 6 mm penetrations decreased initially with an increase in the cutter spacing, then increased, and eventually stabilized. The optimal cutter spacings at these penetrations were determined as 50 mm and 60 mm, respectively. Conversely, at 2 mm penetration, the specific energy remained almost unchanged with an increase in the cutter spacing, maintaining at a high level and resulting in a low efficiency in cutting rock.
Two-Step Relaxation of Non-Equilibrium Electrons in Graphene: The Key to Understanding Pump–Probe Experiments
Authors: Cunha Diogo F. P. , Dias Rui , Rodrigues Manuel J. L. F. , Vasilevskiy Mikhail I.
Published: February 2024

In the majority of experiments targeting nonlinear optical phenomena, the application of high-intensity pulses drives electrons in graphene into a strongly non-equilibrium state. Under these conditions, conventional perturbation theory falls short in explaining graphene’s intricate optical response because of significant deviations in electron distribution over energy states from the equilibrium Fermi-Dirac one. In this work, we present a two-step relaxation model capable of predicting the transient dynamics of graphene’s carriers out of equilibrium, from the generation of spectrally narrow populations of non-thermalized electrons and holes to the establishment of a hot-electron gas and its subsequent cooling toward equilibrium with the crystal lattice. By comparing our model calculations to experimental results, we demonstrate its reliability and relevance to pump–probe experiments, providing insights into the pivotal role of hot electrons in comprehending ultrafast dynamics in graphene.
Osteonecrosis of Humeral Head after Arthroscopic Capsular Release for Postoperative Shoulder Joint Stiffness: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Hyung-Suh , Nha Kyung-Wook , Lee Jae-Hoo
Published: February 2024

An arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) is used for persistent shoulder stiffness after an index surgery. No cases of post-ACR humeral head osteonecrosis have been reported to date. A 56-year-old male patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a hook plate for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Despite hardware removal, the patient presented with unresolved shoulder pain and range-of-motion (ROM) limitations. He had a history of hypertension, chronic hepatitis B infection, and alcohol consumption. His preoperative ROM was 90° for active forward flexion, 90° for abduction, 40° for external rotation, and at a sacral level for internal rotation. His preoperative functional status was a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 4, an American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score of 51, and a Constant–Murley (CMS) score of 48 through normal radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. A standard ACR was performed with a 360° release of the joint capsule via electrocautery ablation. Six months post-ACR, his ROM (forward flexion: 135°; abduction: 135°; external rotation: 70°; internal rotation: T10 vertebra) and functional outcomes (VAS 2; ASES 79; CMS 75) were significantly improved, without an interval change in radiographic assessment. However, 15 months post-operation, the patient experienced a recurrence of shoulder pain and subsequently underwent triamcinolone injections in both the 15th and 21st postoperative months. Radiography revealed humeral head osteonecrosis. Patients with intrinsic or extrinsic risk factors related to humeral head circulation disturbance should be monitored for humeral head osteonecrosis post-ACR.
A Hybrid Control Path Planning Architecture Based on Traffic Equilibrium Assignment for Emergency
Authors: Zhao Zilin , Cai Zhi , Chang Mengmeng , Ding Zhiming
Published: February 2024

Unconventional events exacerbate the imbalance between regional transportation demand and limited road network resources. Scientific and efficient path planning serves as the foundation for rapidly restoring equilibrium to the road network. In real large-scale road networks, especially during emergencies, it is usually difficult to obtain or predict accurate dynamic traffic network flows in real-time, which is used to support equilibrium path planning. Moreover, the traditional iterative methods cannot meet the real-time demand of emergency equilibrium path planning decision generation. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a hybrid control architecture for path planning based on equilibrium traffic assignment theory. The architecture introduces the travelers’ real-time travel data and constructs a spatio-temporal neural network, which captures the evolution of traffic network loads. Adaptive multi-graph fusion technology is used to mix the background traffic flow data and the traveler’s real-time Origin–Destination (OD) data, to mine the dynamic correlation between the traffic state and the travelers’ travel. Based on the real-time prediction of dynamic network states, equilibrium mapping learning is carried out to pre-allocate potential travel demands and construct equilibrium traffic graphs based on system optimization traffic assignment. Finally, individual evacuation path strategies are generated online in a data-driven manner in real time to achieve improved resilience in the transportation system.
Fast State-of-Charge-Balancing Strategy for Distributed Energy Storage Units Interfacing with DC–DC Boost Converters
Authors: Duan Minghang , Duan Jiandong , An Quntao , Sun Li
Published: February 2024

State-of-charge balance is vital for allowing multiple energy storage units (ESUs) to make the most of stored energy and ensure safe operation. Concerning scenarios wherein boost converters are used as the interfaces between ESUs and loads, this paper proposes a balancing strategy for realizing consistent state-of-charge (SoC) levels and equal currents among different ESUs. This strategy is valid for both parallel and series applications. Its advantages also include its high precision of SoC equalization without extra sensors and fast convergence. A common outer voltage loop is used to accomplish tight voltage regulation, while multiple inner current loops are utilized to achieve current control and SoC balance simultaneously. Firstly, by introducing SoC-based current distribution ratios (CDRs) to modify current references online, the currents are gradually adjusted to eliminate SoC deviations. Secondly, to expedite the balancing process, current saturations are further adopted. Thirdly, the influences of accelerating factor and current limits in CDR expressions are analyzed, and their selection guidelines are subsequently provided. Fourthly, the controller design, consisting of a dual loop, is illustrated to guarantee sufficient stability margins. Fifthly, an experimental platform consisting of three battery ESUs is developed to verify the proposed strategy.
Analysis of Aerosol Types and Vertical Distribution in Seven Typical Cities in East Asia
Authors: Tang Qingxin , Zhao Yinan , He Yaqian , Yu Quanzhou , Liang Tianquan
Published: February 2024

Identifying the types and vertical distribution of aerosols plays a significant role in evaluating the influence of aerosols on the climate system. Based on the aerosol optical properties obtained from Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO), this study analyzed the long-term aerosol characteristics of seven cities in East Asia (Ulaanbaatar, Beijing, Lanzhou, Shanghai, Lhasa, Hong Kong, and Bangkok) from 2007 to 2021, including the spatiotemporal variations of aerosol optical depth (AOD), the vertical stratification characteristics of aerosols, and the main aerosol subtype. The results showed that, except for Lhasa, the AOD values of all cities exhibited a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing over the years. Except for Shanghai, the high values of AOD in the other cities occurred in the spring and summer seasons, while the low values occurred in the autumn and winter seasons. In all four seasons, the AOD contribution within the 1–3 km range accounted for more than 50% of the total. In the autumn and winter seasons, this proportion reached over 80%. The main types of aerosols and their contributions varied at different altitudes. Overall, dust, polluted continental/smoke, polluted dust, and elevated smoke dominated in all aerosol layers across each city. On the other hand, clean marine, clean continental, and dusty marine had very small proportions, accounting for less than 5% of all the cities’ aerosol layers.
Can Extensive Training Transform a Mouse into a Guinea Pig? An Evaluation Based on the Discriminative Abilities of Inferior Colliculus Neurons
Authors: Martin Alexandra , Souffi Samira , Huetz Chloé , Edeline Jean-Marc
Published: February 2024

Humans and animals maintain accurate discrimination between communication sounds in the presence of loud sources of background noise. In previous studies performed in anesthetized guinea pigs, we showed that, in the auditory pathway, the highest discriminative abilities between conspecific vocalizations were found in the inferior colliculus. Here, we trained CBA/J mice in a Go/No-Go task to discriminate between two similar guinea pig whistles, first in quiet conditions, then in two types of noise, a stationary noise and a chorus noise at three SNRs. Control mice were passively exposed to the same number of whistles as trained mice. After three months of extensive training, inferior colliculus (IC) neurons were recorded under anesthesia and the responses were quantified as in our previous studies. In quiet, the mean values of the firing rate, the temporal reliability and mutual information obtained from trained mice were higher than from the exposed mice and the guinea pigs. In stationary and chorus noise, there were only a few differences between the trained mice and the guinea pigs; and the lowest mean values of the parameters were found in the exposed mice. These results suggest that behavioral training can trigger plasticity in IC that allows mice neurons to reach guinea pig-like discrimination abilities.
The Importance of Offering Exome or Genome Sequencing in Adult Neuromuscular Clinics
Authors: Dratch Laynie , Bardakjian Tanya M. , Johnson Kelsey , Babaian Nareen , Gonzalez-Alegre Pedro , Elman Lauren , Quinn Colin , Guo Michael H. , Scherer Steven S. , Amado Defne A.
Published: February 2024

Advances in gene-specific therapeutics for patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) have brought increased attention to the importance of genetic diagnosis. Genetic testing practices vary among adult neuromuscular clinics, with multi-gene panel testing currently being the most common approach; follow-up testing using broad-based methods, such as exome or genome sequencing, is less consistently offered. Here, we use five case examples to illustrate the unique ability of broad-based testing to improve diagnostic yield, resulting in identification of SORD-neuropathy, HADHB-related disease, ATXN2-ALS, MECP2 related progressive gait decline and spasticity, and DNMT1-related cerebellar ataxia, deafness, narcolepsy, and hereditary sensory neuropathy type 1E. We describe in each case the technological advantages that enabled identification of the causal gene, and the resultant clinical and personal implications for the patient, demonstrating the importance of offering exome or genome sequencing to adults with NMDs.
Olfactory Critical Periods: How Odor Exposure Shapes the Developing Brain in Mice and Flies
Authors: Mallick Ahana , Dacks Andrew M. , Gaudry Quentin
Published: February 2024

Neural networks have an extensive ability to change in response to environmental stimuli. This flexibility peaks during restricted windows of time early in life called critical periods. The ubiquitous occurrence of this form of plasticity across sensory modalities and phyla speaks to the importance of critical periods for proper neural development and function. Extensive investigation into visual critical periods has advanced our knowledge of the molecular events and key processes that underlie the impact of early-life experience on neuronal plasticity. However, despite the importance of olfaction for the overall survival of an organism, the cellular and molecular basis of olfactory critical periods have not garnered extensive study compared to visual critical periods. Recent work providing a comprehensive mapping of the highly organized olfactory neuropil and its development has in turn attracted a growing interest in how these circuits undergo plasticity during critical periods. Here, we perform a comparative review of olfactory critical periods in fruit flies and mice to provide novel insight into the importance of early odor exposure in shaping neural circuits and highlighting mechanisms found across sensory modalities.
Identifying OGN as a Biomarker Covering Multiple Pathogenic Pathways for Diagnosing Heart Failure: From Machine Learning to Mechanism Interpretation
Authors: Zhu Yihao , Chen Bin , Zu Yao
Published: February 2024

Background: The pathophysiologic heterogeneity of heart failure (HF) necessitates a more detailed identification of diagnostic biomarkers that can reflect its diverse pathogenic pathways. Methods: We conducted weighted gene and multiscale embedded gene co-expression network analysis on differentially expressed genes obtained from HF and non-HF specimens. We employed a machine learning integration framework and protein–protein interaction network to identify diagnostic biomarkers. Additionally, we integrated gene set variation analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and transcription factor (TF)-target analysis to unravel the biomarker-dominant pathways. Leveraging single-sample GSEA and molecular docking, we predicted immune cells and therapeutic drugs related to biomarkers. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction validated the expressions of biomarkers in the plasma of HF patients. A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was implemented to investigate the causal impact of biomarkers on HF. Results: We first identified COL14A1, OGN, MFAP4, and SFRP4 as candidate biomarkers with robust diagnostic performance. We revealed that regulating biomarkers in HF pathogenesis involves TFs (BNC2, MEOX2) and pathways (cell adhesion molecules, chemokine signaling pathway, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, oxidative phosphorylation). Moreover, we observed the elevated infiltration of effector memory CD4+ T cells in HF, which was highly related to biomarkers and could impact immune pathways. Captopril, aldosterone antagonist, cyclopenthiazide, estradiol, tolazoline, and genistein were predicted as therapeutic drugs alleviating HF via interactions with biomarkers. In vitro study confirmed the up-regulation of OGN as a plasma biomarker of HF. Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that genetic predisposition toward higher plasma OGN promoted the risk of HF. Conclusions: We propose OGN as a diagnostic biomarker for HF, which may advance our understanding of the diagnosis and pathogenesis of HF.
Bacterial Decontamination of Water-Containing Objects Using Piezoelectric Direct Discharge Plasma and Plasma Jet
Authors: Konchekov Evgeny M. , Gudkova Victoria V. , Burmistrov Dmitriy E. , Konkova Aleksandra S. , Zimina Maria A. , Khatueva Mariam D. , Polyakova Vlada A. , Stepanenko Alexandra A. , Pavlik Tatyana I. , Borzosekov Valentin D. , Malakhov Dmitry V. , Kolik Leonid V. , Gusein-zade Namik , Gudkov Sergey V.
Published: February 2024

Cold atmospheric plasma has become a widespread tool in bacterial decontamination, harnessing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to neutralize bacteria on surfaces and in the air. This technology is often employed in healthcare, food processing, water treatment, etc. One of the most energy-efficient and universal methods for creating cold atmospheric plasma is the initiation of a piezoelectric direct discharge. The article presents a study of the bactericidal effect of piezoelectric direct discharge plasma generated using the multifunctional source “CAPKO”. This device allows for the modification of the method of plasma generation “on the fly” by replacing a unit (cap) on the working device. The results of the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in a buffer solution in the modes of direct discharge in air and a plasma jet with an argon flow are presented. The bactericidal effect of these types of plasma against the bacteria E. coli BL21 (DE3) was studied. The issues of scaling the treatment technique are considered.
The Pine Cone Optimization Algorithm (PCOA)
Authors: Valikhan Anaraki Mahdi , Farzin Saeed
Published: February 2024

The present study introduces a novel nature-inspired optimizer called the Pine Cone Optimization algorithm (PCOA) for solving science and engineering problems. PCOA is designed based on the different mechanisms of pine tree reproduction, including pollination and pine cone dispersal by gravity and animals. It employs new and powerful operators to simulate the mentioned mechanisms. The performance of PCOA is analyzed using classic benchmark functions, CEC017 and CEC2019 as mathematical problems and CEC2006 and CEC2011 as engineering design problems. In terms of accuracy, the results show the superiority of PCOA to well-known algorithms (PSO, DE, and WOA) and new algorithms (AVOA, RW_GWO, HHO, and GBO). The results of PCOA are competitive with state-of-the-art algorithms (LSHADE and EBOwithCMAR). In terms of convergence speed and time complexity, the results of PCOA are reasonable. According to the Friedman test, PCOA’s rank is 1.68 and 9.42 percent better than EBOwithCMAR (second-best algorithm) and LSHADE (third-best algorithm), respectively. The authors recommend PCOA for science, engineering, and industrial societies for solving complex optimization problems.
Surface-Enhanced Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy in Tissue
Authors: Kotturi Dayle , Paterson Sureyya , McShane Mike
Published: February 2024

One aim of personalized medicine is to use continuous or on-demand monitoring of metabolites to adjust prescription dosages in real time. Surface-enhanced spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SESORS) is an optical technique capable of detecting surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active targets under a barrier, which may enable frequent metabolite monitoring. Here we investigate how the intensity of the signal from SERS-active material varies spatially through tissue, both experimentally and in a computational model. Implant-sized, SERS-active hydrogel was placed under different thicknesses of contiguous tissue. Emission spectra were collected at the air-tissue boundary over a range of offsets from the excitation site. New features were added to the Monte Carlo light-tissue interaction model to modify the optical properties after inelastic scattering and to calculate the distribution of photons as they exit the model. The Raman signals were detectable through all barrier thicknesses, with strongest emission for the case of 0 mm offset between the excitation and detector. A steep decline in the signal intensities occurred for offsets greater than 2 mm. These results did not match published SORS work (where targets were much larger than an implant). However, the model and experimental results agree in showing the greatest intensities at 0 mm offset and a steep gradient in the intensities with increasing offset. Also, the model showed an increase in the number of photons when the new, longer wavelengths were used following the Stokes shift for scattering and the graphical display of the exiting photons was helpful in the determination and confirmation of the optimal offset.
Animal Approaches to Studying Risk Factors for Parkinson’s Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Silva R. H. , Lopes-Silva L. B. , Cunha D. G. , Becegato M. , Ribeiro A. M. , Santos J. R.
Published: February 2024

Despite recent efforts to search for biomarkers for the pre-symptomatic diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the presence of risk factors, prodromal signs, and family history still support the classification of individuals at risk for this disease. Human epidemiological studies are useful in this search but fail to provide causality. The study of well-known risk factors for PD in animal models can help elucidate mechanisms related to the disease’s etiology and contribute to future prevention or treatment approaches. This narrative review aims to discuss animal studies that investigated four of the main risk factors and/or prodromal signs related to PD: advanced age, male sex, sleep alterations, and depression. Different databases were used to search the studies, which were included based on their relevance to the topic. Although still in a reduced number, such studies are of great relevance in the search for evidence that leads to a possible early diagnosis and improvements in methods of prevention and treatment.
Impact of Physical Activity and Bio-Psycho-Social Factors on Social Network Addiction and Gender Differences in Spanish Undergraduate Education Students
Authors: Sanz-Martín Daniel , Ubago-Jiménez José Luis , Cachón-Zagalaz Javier , Zurita-Ortega Félix
Published: February 2024

Social network use has increased in recent years. Social networks are fast-changing and may cause negative effects such as dependence and addiction. Hence, it was decided to establish two research aims: (1) to identify the social network used by university students and their use levels according to their sex and (2) to analyse how age, body mass index, physical activity, emotional intelligence and social network type affect addiction to social networks according to young people’s sex. A cross-sectional study was designed involving Spanish university students from Education Degrees. The mean age of the participants was 20.84 years (±2.90). Females made up 69.8% of the sample and males 30.2%. An online questionnaire was administered that included sociodemographic questions, IPAQ-SF and TMMS-24. This study found that all students use WhatsApp and more than 97% have YouTube and Instagram accounts. The linear regression model obtained was as follows: social network addiction = 3.355 + 0.336*emotional attention − 0.263*emotional clarity. There is a positive relationship between social network addiction and emotional attention (r = 0.25; p < 0.001) and negative relationships between social network addiction and emotional clarity (r = −0.16; p = 0.002) and between social network addiction and age (r = −0.17; p = 0.001). University students report lower levels of social network addiction and slightly higher levels of social network addiction among females. In addition, there are significant differences between the average social network addiction scores of university students in terms of their use of Telegram, TikTok and Twitch.
Experimental Study on Seismic Performance of Partially Corroded Squat RC Shear Walls in Coastal Environment
Authors: Song Yuanyuan , Wang Jian , Du Jinsheng
Published: February 2024

In coastal environments, squat reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls are susceptible to local accumulation of moisture and chloride salts, causing local corrosion in the shear walls, which in turn affects their seismic performance. Four squat RC shear wall specimens were designed considering the corrosion locations and the heights of the corroded area. The seismic performance of partially corroded squat RC shear wall specimens was analyzed through a quasi-static test. The results show that as the height of the corroded area increases from 15% to 25% of the total height, the area of the hysteresis loop of the shear walls obviously decreases. As the height of the corroded area increases from 0 to 15% and 25% of the total height, the peak and ultimate displacements of shear walls are, respectively, reduced by 6.7% and 19.2% in the positive loading direction, and are, respectively, reduced by 22.3% and 18.3% in the negative loading direction. Compared with the unilateral corroded shear wall, the area of the hysteresis loop and the stiffness of the bilateral corroded shear wall remain approximately unchanged, and the peak and ultimate displacements, the shear strain, and the ratio of shear deformation to horizontal displacement are reduced. Compared with the uncorroded shear wall, the hysteresis loop of the unilateral corroded shear wall is plump, the displacement ductility ratio and the plastic rotation angle are both increased, and the stiffness degradation is relatively slow.
A Novel Dual Self-Centering Friction Damper for Seismic Responses Control of Steel Frame
Authors: Qu Juntong , Liu Xinyue , Bai Yuxiang , Wang Wenbin , Li Yuheng , Pu Junxiang , Zhou Chunlei
Published: February 2024

Due to their weight, the seismic response control of buildings needs a large-scale damper. To reduce the consumption of shape memory alloys (SMAs), this study proposed a dual self-centering pattern accomplished by the coil springs and SMA, which could drive the energy dissipation device to recenter. Combined with the friction energy dissipation device (FD), the dual self-centering friction damper (D-SCFD) was designed, and the motivation and parameters were described. The mechanical properties of D-SCFD, including the simplified D-SCFD mechanical model, theoretical index calculations of recentering, and energy dissipation performance, were then investigated. The seismic response mitigation of the steel frame adopting the D-SCFDs under consecutive strong earthquakes was finally analyzed. The results showed that a decrease in the consumption of SMA by the dual self-centering pattern was feasible, especially in the case of low demand for the recentering performance. Reducing the D-SCFD’s recentering performance hardly affected the steel frame’s residual inter-story drift ratios when the residual deformation rate was less than 50%, which can help strengthen the controls on the steel frame’s peak seismic responses. It is recommended to utilize the D-SCFD with not too high a recentering performance to mitigate the seismic response of the structure.
Ground-Motion Intensity Measures for the Seismic Response of the Roof-Isolated Large-Span Structure
Authors: Zhen Wei , Qiu Yikun , Zhang Yanhua , Li Wei
Published: February 2024

Ground-motion intensity measures (IMs), which quantify and describe the characteristics of earthquake ground motion, are of utmost importance in the assessment of seismic risk and the design of resilient structures with large spans. The appropriate selection of a ground-motion IM is crucial in establishing a reliable and robust correlation between seismic hazards and structural demands. The current study presents a novel ground-motion IM that incorporates the influence of multiple vibration modes and period elongation resulting from isolation based on the velocity spectrum. A comprehensive study has been conducted to examine the efficiency of 37 different ground-motion IMs on a roof-isolated large-span structure with engineering demand parameters (EDPs), using far-field ground-motion data. The initial examination of the proposed intensity measure involves a planar lumped-mass model. Subsequently, a numerical model of a large-span roof-isolated structure, specifically the Beijing Workers’ Stadium, is constructed and examined. The results suggest that the proposed intensity measure (IM) demonstrates satisfactory adequacy and achieves optimal efficiency when considering three different engineering demand parameters among 37 other ground-motion intensity measures.
The Poor Prognosis of Acquired Secondary Platinum Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Patients
Authors: Elyashiv Osnat , Aleohin Natalie , Migdan Zohar , Leytes Sophia , Peled Ofri , Tal Ori , Levy Tally
Published: February 2024

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate response to treatment and survival in epithelial ovarian cancer patients with acquired secondary platinum resistance (SPR) compared to patients with primary platinum resistance (PPR). Methods: Patients were categorized as PPR (patients with disease recurrence occurring during or <6 months after completing first-line platinum-based chemotherapy) and SPR (patients with previously platinum-sensitive disease that developed platinum resistance on subsequent treatments). Clinico-pathological variables and treatment outcomes were compared. Results: Of the 118 patients included in this study, 60 had PPR and 58 developed SPR. The SPR women had a significantly higher rate of optimal debulking during their upfront and interval operations, significantly lower CA-125 levels during their primary treatment, and a significantly higher complete and partial response rate to primary chemotherapy. Once platinum resistance appeared, no significant difference in survival was observed between the two groups. The median PFS was 2 months in the PPR group and 0.83 months in the SPR group (p = 0.085). Also, no significant difference was found in post-platinum-resistant relapse survival, with a median of 17.63 months in the PPR and 20.26 months in the SPR group (p = 0.515). Conclusions: Platinum resistance is an important prognostic factor in women with EOC. Patients with SPR acquire the same poor treatment outcome as with PPR. There is a great need for future research efforts to discover novel strategies and biological treatments to reverse resistance and improve survival.
Evaluating the Impact of Bowel Gas Variations for Wilms’ Tumor in Pediatric Proton Therapy
Authors: Ates Ozgur , Pirlepesov Fakhriddin , Uh Jinsoo , Hua Chia-ho , Merchant Thomas E. , Boria Andrew , Davidoff Andrew M. , Graetz Dylan E. , Krasin Matthew J.
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: Proton therapy, a precise form of radiation treatment, can be significantly affected by variations in bowel content. The purpose was to identify the most beneficial gantry angles that minimize deviations from the treatment plan quality, thus enhancing the safety and efficacy of proton therapy for Wilms’ tumor patients. (2) Methods: Thirteen patients with Wilms’ tumor, enrolled in the SJWT21 clinical trial, underwent proton therapy. The variations in bowel gas were systematically monitored using daily Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging. Air cavities identified in daily CBCT images were analyzed to construct daily verification plans and measure water equivalent path length (WEPL) changes. A worst-case scenario simulation was conducted to identify the safest beam angles. (3) Results: The study revealed a maximum decrease in target dose (ΔD100%) of 8.0%, which corresponded to a WEPL variation (ΔWEPL) of 11.3 mm. The average reduction in target dose, denoted as mean ΔD100%, was found to be 2.8%, with a standard deviation (SD) of 3.2%. The mean ΔWEPL was observed as 3.3 mm, with an SD of 2.7 mm. The worst-case scenario analysis suggested that gantry beam angles oriented toward the patient’s right and posterior aspects from 110° to 310° were associated with minimized WEPL discrepancies. (4) Conclusions: This study comprehensively evaluated the influence of bowel gas variability on treatment plan accuracy and proton range uncertainties in pediatric proton therapy for Wilms’ tumor.
The Influence of Telomere-Related Gene Variants, Serum Levels, and Relative Leukocyte Telomere Length in Pituitary Adenoma Occurrence and Recurrence
Authors: Gedvilaite Greta , Kriauciuniene Loresa , Tamasauskas Arimantas , Liutkeviciene Rasa
Published: February 2024

In this study, we examined 130 patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs) and 320 healthy subjects, using DNA samples from peripheral blood leukocytes purified through the DNA salting-out method. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to assess single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and relative leukocyte telomere lengths (RLTLs), while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of TERF1, TERF2, TNKS2, CTC1, and ZNF676 in blood serum. Our findings reveal several significant associations. Genetic associations with pituitary adenoma occurrence: the TERF1 rs1545827 CT + TT genotypes were linked to 2.9-fold decreased odds of PA occurrence. Conversely, the TNKS2 rs10509637 GG genotype showed 6.5-fold increased odds of PA occurrence. Gender-specific genetic associations with PA occurrence: in females, the TERF1 rs1545827 CC + TT genotypes indicated 3.1-fold decreased odds of PA occurrence, while the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was associated with 4.6-fold increased odds. In males, the presence of the TERF1 rs1545827 T allele was associated with 2.2-fold decreased odds of PA occurrence, while the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was linked to a substantial 10.6-fold increase in odds. Associations with pituitary adenoma recurrence: the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was associated with 4.2-fold increased odds of PA recurrence. On the other hand, the TERF1 rs1545827 CT + TT genotypes were linked to 3.5-fold decreased odds of PA without recurrence, while the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was associated with 6.4-fold increased odds of PA without recurrence. Serum TERF2 and TERF1 levels: patients with PA exhibited elevated serum TERF2 levels compared to the reference group. Conversely, patients with PA had decreased TERF1 serum levels compared to the reference group. Relative leukocyte telomere length (RLTL): a significant difference in RLTL between the PA group and the reference group was observed, with PA patients having longer telomeres. Genetic associations with telomere shortening: the TERF1 rs1545827 T allele was associated with 1.4-fold decreased odds of telomere shortening. In contrast, the CTC1 rs3027234 TT genotype was linked to 4.8-fold increased odds of telomere shortening. These findings suggest a complex interplay between genetic factors, telomere length, and pituitary adenoma occurrence and recurrence, with potential gender-specific effects. Furthermore, variations in TERF1 and TNKS2 genes may play crucial roles in telomere length regulation and disease susceptibility.
Photodynamic Therapy for Eye, Ear, Laryngeal Area, and Nasal and Oral Cavity Diseases: A Review
Authors: Domka Wojciech , Bartusik-Aebisher Dorota , Mytych Wiktoria , Myśliwiec Angelika , Dynarowicz Klaudia , Cieślar Grzegorz , Kawczyk-Krupka Aleksandra , Aebisher David
Published: February 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising modality for the treatment of various diseases. This non-invasive approach utilizes photosensitizing agents and light to selectively target and destroy abnormal cells, providing a valuable alternative to traditional treatments. Research studies have explored the application of PDT in different areas of the head. Research is focusing on a growing number of new developments and treatments for cancer. One of these methods is PDT. Photodynamic therapy is now a revolutionary, progressive method of cancer therapy. A very important feature of PDT is that cells cannot become immune to singlet oxygen. With this therapy, patients can avoid lengthy and costly surgeries. PDT therapy is referred to as a safe and highly selective therapy. These studies collectively highlight the potential of PDT as a valuable therapeutic option in treating the head area. As research in this field progresses, PDT may become increasingly integrated into the clinical management of these conditions, offering a balance between effectiveness and minimal invasiveness.
Preparation of NaCl Particles Added Polyvinylidene Fluoride Microporous Filter and a Simple Filtration Device
Authors: Peng Lei , Liu Ping , Hao Jian , Gao Qingguo , Yang Jianjun
Published: February 2024

Clean and pollution-free water plays a crucial role in human metabolism and is essential for everyone’s daily life. However, with industrialization, a significant amount of sewage has been produced for many years. Water resources tend to become stressed when the rate of sewage production speed is purified. Many researchers are working on sewage purification to eliminate this hidden danger. It is urgent to find an efficient, high-speed, and environmental way to purify sewage. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of pore morphology on filtration. In addition, a Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-microporous filter (MPF) based on non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) and vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS) methods was designed, the morphology and properties of a series of sodium chloride particles (NaCl-ps) added PVDF-MPF was researched, and a simple semi-automatic filtration device based on the character of this PVDF-MPF was manufactured. According to the light transmittance of filtered sewage through PVDF-MPF and NaCl-ps added PVDF-MPF, both PVDF-MPFs can remove particles in sewage. However, after adding NaCl-ps, the purification capacity of PVDF-MPF is higher than that of PVDF-MPF without adding NaCl-ps. The addition of NaCl-ps changes the morphology and improves the sewage purification capacity of PVDF-MPF.