bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Watering Volume and Growing Design’s Effect on the Productivity and Quality of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cerasiformae) Cultivar Ruby
Authors: Ahmad Farhan , Kusumiyati Kusumiyati , Soleh Muhammad Arief , Khan Muhammad Rabnawaz , Sundari Ristina Siti
Published: September 2023

It is intriguing to understand the influence of the watering volume and growing design on the growth, yield, and quality of cherry tomatoes. This study sought to identify the most effective watering volume and growing design treatment for the production and quality of the cherry tomato cultivar Ruby. This study was an exploration using a factorial experiment with an RCBD design. The treatment factors included the growing design (greenhouse, rain shelter, and screen house) and the watering volume (100% ETc, 75% ETc, and 50% ETc). The results showed that the root dry weight and root–shoot ratio were higher in the screen house design, while the fruit firmness was higher in the rain shelter design. Considering the effect of the watering volume, a higher fruit diameter, heavier fruits, more fruits per plant, higher ultimate fruit and biological yield per plant, higher root and shoot biomass, better root–shoot ratio, higher leaf chlorophyll content, greater fruit skin firmness, and greater elasticity were noted for the 100% ETc treatment. In contrast, the growth rate was higher for the 50% ETc treatment. Cultivating cherry tomatoes in a greenhouse using a watering volume of 100% ETc is recommended based on the results. These conditions led to better growth, higher fruit yield, and improved fruit quality, making them favorable options for successful cherry tomato production.
Genome Variation Map of Domestic Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Yaks by SLAF-Seq Reveals Genetic Footprint during Artificial Selection
Authors: Li Biao , Yang Jinzeng , Liu Yili , Jiang Mingfeng
Published: September 2023

The yak (Bos grunniens) was domesticated in the high-altitude QTP. Research about their genetic diversity and population structure is limited. In this study, we resequenced the genome of 494 domestic yaks using Specific-Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF-seq). The survey was conducted on six populations sampled from isolated locations in China in order to analyze their structure and genetic diversity. These six domestic populations were clearly grouped into two independent clusters, with Jinchuan, Changtai, and Jiulong showing a tight genetic relationship with the wild yak. Nerve development pathways were enriched with GO enrichment analysis of 334 domesticated genes. Major genomic regions associated with the differentiation of domestic yaks were detected. These findings provide preliminary information on the yak genome variability, useful to understand the genomic characteristics of different populations in QTP.
Chinese Herbal Extracts Mitigate Ammonia Generation in the Cecum of Laying Hens: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Li Miao , Feng Kunxian , Chen Jingyi , Liu Tianxu , Wu Yinbao , Mi Jiandui , Wang Yan
Published: September 2023

The objectives of the study were to screen one or several Chinese herbal extracts with good ammonia emission reduction effects using an in vitro gas production study. The study consisted of a control (without Chinese herbal extract), and 11 experimental groups with added cinnamon extract (CE), Osmanthus extract (OE), tangerine peel extract (TPE), dandelion extract (DE), Coptis chinensis extract (CCE), honeysuckle extract (HE), Pulsatilla root extract (PRE), yucca extract (YE), licorice extract (LE), Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), or astragalus extract (AE). The results showed that HE, PRE, YE, LE, GBE, and AE significantly reduced ammonia production (p ≤ 0.05). The most significant ammonia inhibition was achieved via AE, resulting in a 26.76% reduction. In all treatments, Chinese herbal extracts had no significant effect on pH, conductivity, or uric acid, urea, and nitrate-nitrogen concentrations (p > 0.05). However, AE significantly reduced urease activity and the relative activity of uricase (p ≤ 0.05). AE significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and decreased the relative abundance of Clostridium, Desulfovibrio, and Prevotell (p ≤ 0.05). Astragalus extract inhibited ammonia emission from laying hens by changing the gut microbial community structure, reducing the relative abundance of ammonia-producing bacteria, and reducing microorganisms’ uricase and urease activities.
The Oxidative and Color Stability of Beef from Steers Fed Pasture or Concentrate during Retail Display
Authors: Terevinto Alejandra , Cabrera María Cristina , Zaccari Fernanda , Saadoun Ali
Published: September 2023

Beef production in Uruguay is based on pasture (~85%) or concentrate (~15%), resulting in differences in meat quality. The objective of this study was to compare the oxidative stability and color of beef from these two systems during refrigerated retail display. For these purposes, the Semimembranosus muscle was removed from ten Aberdeen Angus steers raised and fed on pasture (130 days prior to slaughter) and from another ten steers fed concentrate (100 days prior to slaughter), sliced. The muscles were placed in a refrigerated showcase for 3, 6, and 9 days. The contents of β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and fatty acids were determined before the meat was placed on display. Lipid and protein oxidation, color, and heme iron content were determined before and during display. The meat from pasture-fed steers had a lower intramuscular fat content (1.78 ± 0.15 vs. 4.52 ± 0.46), lower levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, a lower n-6/n-3 ratio, less lipid and protein oxidation, lower L* and a* values, and higher levels of α-linolenic acid, DHA, total n-3, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol. In conclusion, the meat from pasture-fed steers was more stable during retail display from an oxidative point of view, which may be due to its higher levels of antioxidant compounds such as β-carotene and α-tocopherol and had a healthier fatty acid profile for consumers.
Characterization of N-Terminal Asparagine Deamidation and Clipping of a Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Zhen Jing , Lee Jennifer , Wang Yueyang , McLaughlin Lena , Yang Fei , Li Zhengjian , Wang Jihong
Published: September 2023

This study presents a novel degradation pathway of a human immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecule featuring a light chain N-terminal asparagine. We thoroughly characterize this pathway and investigate its charge profiles using cation exchange chromatography (CEX) and capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF). Beyond the well-documented asparagine deamidation into isoaspartic acid, aspartic acid, and succinimide intermediate, a previously unreported clipping degradation pathway is uncovered. This newly identified clipped N-terminal IgG variant exhibits a delayed elution in CEX, categorized as a “basic variant”, while retaining the same main peak isoelectric point (pI) in cIEF. The influence of temperature and pH on N-terminal asparagine stability is assessed across various stressed conditions. A notable correlation between deamidation percentage and clipped products is established, suggesting a potential hydrolytic chemical reaction underlying the clipping process. Furthermore, the impact of N-terminal asparagine modifications on potency is evaluated through ELISA binding assays, revealing minimal effects on binding affinity. Sequence alignment reveals homology to a human IgG with the germline gene from Immunoglobulin Lambda Variable 6-57 (IGLV6-57), which has implications for amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. This discovery of the N-terminal clipping degradation pathway contributes to our understanding of immunoglobulin light chain misfolding and amyloid fibril deposition under physiological conditions.
Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Lipoprotein-Gene ragB-1 of Porphyromonas gingivalis—A Pilot Study
Authors: Böcher Sarah , Meyer Hendrik L. , Dafni Evdokia , Conrads Georg
Published: September 2023

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) is a key pathogen involved in periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and phylogenetic origin of the lipoprotein-gene ragB in its most virulent variant, ragB-1 (co-transcribed with ragA-1 as locus rag-1), in different P.g. strains collected worldwide. A total of 138 P.g. strains were analyzed for the presence of ragB-1 by pooled analysis and subsequently individual PCRs. Sequencing a core fragment of ragB-1 of the individual strains made it possible to carry out a phylogenetic classification using sequence alignment. In total, 22 of the 138 P.g. strains tested positive for ragB-1, corresponding to a prevalence of 16%. The fragment investigated was highly conserved, with variations in the base sequence detected in only three strains (OMI 1072, OMI 1081, and OMI 1074). In two strains, namely OMI 1072 (original name: I-433) and OMI 1081 (original name: I-372), which originate from monkeys, two amino-acid alterations were apparent. Since ragB-1 has also been found in animal strains, it may be concluded that rag-1 was transferred from animals to humans and that this originally virulent variant was weakened by mutations over time so that new, less virulent, adapted commensal versions of rag (rag-2, -3, and -4), with P.g. as the host, evolved.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Endophytic Alternaria sp. Isolated from Eremophila longifolia
Authors: Caruso Daniel J. , Palombo Enzo A. , Moulton Simon E. , Duggan Peter J. , Zaferanloo Bita
Published: September 2023

The threat to public health resulting from the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is ever rising. One of the major bacterial pathogens at the forefront of this problem is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, for which there is a great need to find alternative treatments. One of the most promising alternatives is endophytic fungi, which were shown to produce a vast array of bioactive compounds, including many novel antibacterial compounds. In this study, two endophytic Alternaria sp., EL 24 and EL 35, were identified from the leaves of Eremophila longifolia. Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of their culture filtrates were found to inhibit both methicillin-sensitive S. aureus ATCC 25923 and MRSA strains M173525 and M180920. The activity of each extract was shown to be greatly affected by the growth medium, with considerable reductions in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) observed when tested in tryptic soy broth with glucose (TSBG) compared with Mueller–Hinton broth (MHB). Both extracts displayed significant (p ≤ 0.05) antibiofilm activity against all three S. aureus strains, the greatest of which was that of EL 35, which reduced biofilm formation by M180920 by 72%, while that of EL 24 resulted in a 57% reduction against ATCC 25923. Both extracts also disrupted established biofilms, of which the most effective was EL 35, which reduced the M180920 biofilm by 64%, while EL 24 also performed best against M180920, reducing biofilm by 54%. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the EL 24 EtOAc extract revealed five known compounds. This study highlights the promise of endophytic fungi from Australian plants as a potential source of substances effective against important bacterial pathogens. Further understanding of the responsible compounds and their mechanisms could lead to the development of treatments effective against MRSA, as well as novel biofilm-resistant biomedical materials, contributing towards reducing the burden of AMR.
Evaluation Method for Rock Burst Hazards in Strip Filling of Working Faces in Deep Coal Mines
Authors: Chen Yang , Sun Xikui , Zhang Xiufeng , Gu Peng , Li Guoying , Yang Shenglong , Fan Deyuan , Liu Chuancheng , Liu Xuesheng
Published: September 2023

The impact risk evaluation for the strip filling of working faces has always been a research hotspot and a difficulty in the field of rock bursts. In this paper, the concept of the critical filling rate is first proposed, and the criterion for identifying the impact risk of the strip filling of a working face is established. Then, the membership function of coal body stress and the coal seam elastic energy index to impact risk was established, and the classification index of the impact risk grade was formed. On this basis, the overall and local evaluation method of the rock burst hazard for the strip filling of working faces was proposed. Finally, the C8301 working face of the Yunhe coal mine was taken as the engineering background, and the impact risk evaluation was carried out. It was found that the overall risk of the C8301 working face was determined as a strong impact risk, and there were six local risk areas, which included two weak impact risk areas, two medium impact risk areas, and two strong impact risk areas. This study can provide guidance and a reference for the impact risk evaluation of strip-filling mining under the same or similar conditions.
Fragility Analysis Based on Damaged Bridges during the 2021 Flood in Germany
Authors: Pucci Alessandro , Eickmeier Daniel , Sousa Hélder S. , Giresini Linda , Matos José C. , Holst Ralph
Published: September 2023

Floods trigger the majority of expenses caused by natural disasters and are also responsible for more than half of bridge collapses. In this study, empirical fragility curves were generated by referring to actual failures that occurred in the 2021 flood in Germany. To achieve this, a calibrated hydraulic model of the event was used. Data were collected through surveys, damage reports and condition ratings from bridge owners. The database comprises 250 bridges. The analysis revealed recurrent failure mechanisms belonging to two main categories: those induced by scour and those caused by hydraulic forcing. The severity of the damage was primarily dependent on the bridge typology and, subsequently, on the deck’s weight. The analysis allowed us to draw conclusions regarding the robustness of certain bridge typologies compared to others for a given failure mechanism. The likelihood of occurrence of the triggering mechanism was also highlighted as a factor to consider alongside the damage probability. This study sheds light on existing vulnerabilities of bridges to river floods, discussing specific areas in which literature data are contradictory. The paper also strengthens the call for a shift towards a probabilistic approach for estimating hydraulic force in bridge design and assessment.
Federated Few-Shot Learning-Based Machinery Fault Diagnosis in the Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: Liang Yingying , Zhao Peng , Wang Yimeng
Published: September 2023

Deep learning has undergone significant progress for machinery fault diagnosis in the Industrial Internet of Things; however, it requires a substantial amount of labeled data. The lack of sufficient fault samples in practical applications remains a challenge. One feasible approach is to leverage prior knowledge from similar source domains to enhance fault diagnosis with limited samples in the target domain. Nevertheless, complex operating conditions and fault types can give rise to domain shift issues between different domains, therefore hindering direct data-sharing due to data privacy concerns. To address these challenges, this article introduces a novel federated few-shot fault-diagnosis method called FedCDAE-MN. FedCDAE-MN employs a convolutional denoising auto-encoder and feature-space metric learning to enhance the model’s generalization across domains for improving the adaptability to varying working conditions, new fault types, and noisy data. Moreover, our approach ensures privacy preservation by avoiding the need to share sensitive data with other participants. Through extensive experiments on real-world datasets, FedCDAE-MN surpasses existing methods and significantly improves the accuracy of fault diagnosis.
Applying Object Detection and Embedding Techniques to One-Shot Class-Incremental Multi-Label Image Classification
Authors: Park Youngki , Shin Youhyun
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we introduce an efficient approach to multi-label image classification that is particularly suited for scenarios requiring rapid adaptation to new classes with minimal training data. Unlike conventional methods that rely solely on neural networks trained on known classes, our model integrates object detection and embedding techniques to allow for the fast and accurate classification of novel classes based on as few as one sample image. During training, we use either Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)- or Vision Transformer-based algorithms to convert the provided sample images of new classes into feature vectors. At inference, a multi-object image is analyzed using low-threshold object detection algorithms, such as YOLOS or CutLER, identifying virtually all object-containing regions. These regions are subsequently converted into candidate vectors using embedding techniques. The k-nearest neighbors are identified for each candidate vector, and labels are assigned accordingly. Our empirical evaluation, using custom multi-label datasets featuring random objects and backgrounds, reveals that our approach substantially outperforms traditional methods lacking object detection. Notably, unsupervised object detection exhibited higher speed and accuracy than its supervised counterpart. Furthermore, lightweight CNN-based embeddings were found to be both faster and more accurate than Vision Transformer-based methods. Our approach holds significant promise for applications where classes are either rarely represented or continuously evolving.
A Denoising Method for Multi-Noise on Steel Surface Detection
Authors: Chen Zhiwu , Wang Wenjing , Wu QingE , Lu Yingbo , Zhou Lintao , Chen Hu
Published: September 2023

In order to solve the problem that steel surface defects are easily covered or submerged by other objects or noise, this paper proposes an open–closed transformation algorithm which can eliminate or weaken multiple noises. In the case of a small number of samples, this paper establishes a super-resolution generative adversarial neural network to achieve the enhancement of sample data. For avoiding unrealistic image defects caused by cuts or brightness variations, an enhancement method is given which incorporates the original defective high-frequency information into classical image fusion methods, such as rotation and error slicing. Experimental results show that the accuracy of the proposed denoising method reaches over 90%, which is more than 2.6% of that of the most primitive classification network. To compare with existing denoising methods, the denoising method proposed in this paper not only has higher accuracy, faster denoising speed, and stronger anti-interference ability, but also has better adaptation to the environment. This research will provide a new solution method for the denoising of multi-noise phenomena in multiple different environments.
Dynamic Dark Channel Prior Dehazing with Polarization
Authors: Suo Haotong , Guan Jinge , Ma Miao , Huo Yongsheng , Cheng Yaoyu , Wei Naying , Zhang Liying
Published: September 2023

For traditional dark channel prior (DCP) imaging through haze environments, intensity information acts as the carrier to acquire the reflective character of the dehazed target image. We introduce polarization as auxiliary information into the traditional DCP dehazed process for achieving better imaging performance that can improve target detection or target tracking. In this paper, a polarization imaging system with a split-amplitude structure is designed to enable real-time polarization acquisition of transient scenes. The experimental results show that besides descattering, the proposed method can also simultaneously obtain both light intensity and polarization information from the target. Compared with the traditional DCP method, which only utilizes intensity information as a carrier, a combination of intensity and polarization in the proposed method can effectively detect the target hidden in the background with similar reflectivity. Our investigation has potential application value for optical imaging in scattering environments.
Analyzing the Role of Identity Elements and Features of Housing in Historical and Modern Architecture in Shaping Architectural Identity: The Case of Herat City
Authors: Alavi Sayed Farhad , Tanaka Tomoyuki
Published: September 2023

Herat has a long and rich history of architecture and culture that has been shaped by many different historical and imperial periods. Since 2002, the city’s urban landscape has changed significantly due to a rapid rise in the city’s population and modern building processes. This has had a significant impact on the historical image and identity of Herat, as modern architecture has introduced identities that are not in harmony with the city’s environment, climate, and culture. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of architectural identity characteristics to explore the role of traditional and modern architectural elements in forming Herat’s architectural identity. This research is based on primary and secondary sources including literature reviews, historical documents, case studies, and interviews with local architects and residents. The results indicate that Herat’s architectural identity is shaped by a multitude of factors, including its historical and cultural importance, the utilization of construction materials, the surrounding environmental conditions, architectural guidelines and expertise, political dynamics, and the preferences of both the architect and client. This study provides vital insights for architects, policy makers, and government agencies seeking to promote sustainable and culturally sensitive development in Herat’s dynamic architectural landscapes.
Clean-Up Workers (Deluxe Series): The Embodiment of Waste Values and Aesthetics
Authors: Matthias Gayle
Published: September 2023

Written from the perspective of practice-led research, this reflective case study rationalises and charts the production of ‘Clean-Up Workers (Deluxe Series)’—mixed media sculptures that embody notions of waste aesthetic, value and abjection. Integrating discourses surrounding waste theory and using the sink and plug as a metaphor to discuss Lacan’s theory of the objet petit a, the paper is presented as an autobiographical waste narrative. Production of a series of anatomical vacuum cleaners made from re-appropriated artwork found waste materials in the form of ‘pre-owned objects or materials’ and ‘by-products’ of a creative practice’, sit alongside crafted luxurious glass objects and speak of corporeal ageing, dysfunction and the domestic realm. Discarded objects take the form of car parts found in the non-places of the gutter. Through assemblage, these unique items’ ‘use-time’ is recontextualised and elevated as art objects viewed within a gallery arena.
New Method of Isothermal, Hairpin Assisted, Primer Independent Amplification of DNA
Authors: Naberezhnov Denis Sergeevich , Alferov Alexander Andreevich , Kuzmin Yuriy Borisovich , Kushlinskii Nikolay Evgenievich
Published: September 2023

The isothermal amplification of nucleic acids refers to processes that quickly increase the amount of DNA at a constant temperature. These methods are mainly developed as alternatives to PCR for cases in which the application of a thermal cycler is not possible or the assay method must be as rapid as possible. We have developed a new method of isothermal amplification based on the formation of hairpins at the ends of DNA fragments containing palindromic sequences and increased by the hydrolysis of one or both DNA strands by restriction endonuclease, known as hairpin-assisted isothermal reaction (HAIR). The key steps in HAIR are the formation of a self-complementary hairpin and the DNA breakage introduced by nickase. The end hairpins facilitate primer-free amplification, the amplicon strand cleavage by nickase produces additional 3′ ends that serve as new amplification points, and the amount of DNA can increase exponentially. The rate of amplification in HAIR is more than five times the rate of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and the total amount of DNA product of HAIR is more than double the amount of the LAMP product.
Effect of Sugar Beet Pulp on the Composition and Predicted Function of Equine Fecal Microbiota
Authors: Ford Tamara , McAdams Zachary L. , Townsend Kile S. , Martin Lynn M. , Johnson Philip J. , Ericsson Aaron C.
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the partial replacement of dietary hay with sugar beet pulp (SBP) on the composition and predicted function of the fecal microbiota of healthy adult horses. Fecal samples were collected daily for 12 days from six adult horses after removal from pasture, including a five-day acclimation period, and a seven-day period following the introduction of SBP into their diet, and compared to six untreated horses over a comparable period. Fecal DNA was subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and a longitudinal analysis was performed comparing the composition and predicted function. While no significant treatment-associated changes in the richness, alpha diversity, or beta diversity were detected, random forest regression identified several high-importance taxonomic features associated with change over time in horses receiving SBP. A similar analysis of the predicted functional pathways identified several high-importance pathways, including those involved in the production of L-methionine and butyrate. These data suggest that feeding SBP to healthy adult horses acutely increases the relative abundance of several Gram-positive taxa, including Cellulosilyticum sp., Moryella sp., and Weissella sp., and mitigates the predicted functional changes associated with removal from pasture. Large-scale studies are needed to assess the protective effect of SBP on the incidence of the gastrointestinal conditions of horses.
Genetic Monitoring of Grey Wolves in Latvia Shows Adverse Reproductive and Social Consequences of Hunting
Authors: Žunna Agrita , Ruņģis Dainis Edgars , Ozoliņš Jānis , Stepanova Alda , Done Gundega
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, genetic research methods play an important role in animal population studies. Since 2009, genetic material from Latvian wolf specimens obtained through hunting has been systematically gathered. This study, spanning until 2021, scrutinizes the consequences of regulated wolf hunting on population genetic metrics, kinship dynamics, and social organization. We employed 16 autosomal microsatellites to investigate relationships between full siblings and parent–offspring pairs. Our analysis encompassed expected and observed heterozygosity, inbreeding coefficients, allelic diversity, genetic distance and differentiation, mean pairwise relatedness, and the number of migrants per generation. The Latvian wolf population demonstrated robust genetic diversity with minimal inbreeding, maintaining stable allelic diversity and high heterozygosity over time and it is not fragmented. Our findings reveal the persistence of conventional wolf pack structures and enduring kinship groups. However, the study also underscores the adverse effects of intensified hunting pressure, leading to breeder loss, pack disruption, territorial displacement, and the premature dispersal of juvenile wolves.
The Role of G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) in Vascular Pathology and Physiology
Authors: Xu Fujie , Ma Jipeng , Wang Xiaowu , Wang Xiaoya , Fang Weiyi , Sun Jingwei , Li Zilin , Liu Jincheng
Published: September 2023

Objective: Estrogen is indispensable in health and disease and mainly functions through its receptors. The protection of the cardiovascular system by estrogen and its receptors has been recognized for decades. Numerous studies with a focus on estrogen and its receptor system have been conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Although nuclear estrogen receptors, including estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-β, have been shown to be classical receptors that mediate genomic effects, studies now show that GPER mainly mediates rapid signaling events as well as transcriptional regulation via binding to estrogen as a membrane receptor. With the discovery of selective synthetic ligands for GPER and the utilization of GPER knockout mice, significant progress has been made in understanding the function of GPER. In this review, the tissue and cellular localizations, endogenous and exogenous ligands, and signaling pathways of GPER are systematically summarized in diverse physiological and diseased conditions. This article further emphasizes the role of GPER in vascular pathology and physiology, focusing on the latest research progress and evidence of GPER as a promising therapeutic target in hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Thus, selective regulation of GPER by its agonists and antagonists have the potential to be used in clinical practice for treating such diseases.
Are Anti-rhGAA Antibodies a Determinant of Treatment Outcome in Adults with Late-Onset Pompe Disease? A Systematic Review
Authors: Ditters Imke A. M. , van Kooten Harmke A. , van der Beek Nadine A. M. E. , van der Ploeg Ans T. , Huidekoper Hidde H. , van den Hout Johanna M. P.
Published: September 2023

Background: Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disease characterised by skeletal and respiratory muscle weakness. Since 2006, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alfa has been available. ERT significantly improves the prognosis of patients with Pompe disease. The effect of high antibody titres on treatment response in adults with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) remains unclear but may contribute to interpatient variation. We therefore conducted a systematic review on this subject. Methods: A systematic search was performed in Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Psych Info Ovid, Cochrane (Clinical Trials only), and Google Scholar (random top-200). Articles were included if they involved adults with LOPD treated with alglucosidase alfa and mentioned anti-rhGAA antibodies or antibody titres. In addition, articles mentioning dosages different from the standard recommended dosage were included. Results: Our literature search retrieved 2562 publications, and 17 fulfilled our selection criteria, describing 443 cases. Seven publications reported on anti-rhGAA antibody titres on a group level, with the percentage of patients with a high titre as defined in the included articles ranging from 0–33%. Six publications reported on the effect of anti-rhGAA antibody titre on clinical course, and four found no correlation. Two studies reported a negative effect on treatment. The first study found a greater improvement in Medical Research Council (MRC) score in patients with no detectable antibody titre. In the second study, a patient discontinued ERT due to a declining neuromuscular state as a result of high anti-rhGAA antibody titres. Seven publications reported on 17 individual patients with a high antibody titre (range 1:12,800–1:3,906,250). In only two cases were high-sustained neutralising antibodies reported to interfere with treatment efficacy. Conclusions: No clear effect of anti-rhGAA IgG antibodies on treatment response could be established for the majority of LOPD patients with a high antibody titre. In a minority of patients, a clinical decline related to (possible) interference of anti-rhGAA antibodies was described.
Safety and Metabolic Tolerance of Citrate Anticoagulation in Critically Ill Polytrauma Patients with Acute Kidney Injury Requiring an Early Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy
Authors: Mariano Filippo , Mella Alberto , Randone Paolo , Agostini Fulvio , Bergamo Daniela , Berardino Maurizio , Biancone Luigi
Published: September 2023

For severe polytrauma patients with an early AKI requiring renal replacement therapy, anticoagulation remains a great challenge. Due to a high bleeding risk, hemodynamic instability, and increased lactate levels, continuous modality (CKRT) and citrate anticoagulation seem to be the most appropriate. However, their safety with regard to the potential risk of impaired citrate metabolism is not documented. A retrospective study of 60 severe polytrauma patients admitted to the emergency department between January 2000 and December 2021 was conducted; the patients requiring CKRT during the first 72 h were treated with citrate (n. 46, group Citrate) or with heparin (n. 14, group Heparin). Out of 60 patients, 31 survived (51.7%). According to logistic regression analysis, age and SOFA score were significant predictors of mortality. The incidence of rhabdomyolysis was more common in the survivors (77.4 vs. 51.7%), and Kaplan–Meyer analysis showed a better trend towards survival at 90 days for the group Citrate than the group Heparin (p 0.0956). In the group Citrate, hemorrhagic episodes were significantly less common (0.045 vs. 0.273 episodes/day, p < 0.001); the effective duration (h/day) of CKRT was longer; and the effective net ultrafiltration rate (mL/kg/h) and blood flow rate were lower. For severe polytrauma patients, early, soft CKRT with citrate anticoagulation at a low blood flow rate and circuit citratemia showed a better safety and hemodynamic stability, suggesting that citrate should be the first choice anticoagulant in this subset of patients.
Tracheostomy in Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia—How to Decide in the Absence of Evidence
Authors: Miller Audrey N. , Shepherd Edward G. , Manning Amy , Shamim Humra , Chiang Tendy , El-Ferzli George , Nelin Leif D.
Published: September 2023

Infants with the most severe forms of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may require long-term invasive positive pressure ventilation for survival, therefore necessitating tracheostomy. Although life-saving, tracheostomy has also been associated with high mortality, postoperative complications, high readmission rates, neurodevelopmental impairment, and significant caregiver burden, making it a highly complex and challenging decision. However, for some infants tracheostomy may be necessary for survival and the only way to facilitate a timely and safe transition home. The specific indications for tracheostomy and the timing of the procedure in infants with severe BPD are currently unknown. Hence, centers and clinicians display broad variations in practice with regard to tracheostomy, which presents barriers to designing evidence-generating studies and establishing a consensus approach. As the incidence of severe BPD continues to rise, the question remains, how do we decide on tracheostomy to provide optimal outcomes for these patients?
Efficacy of Combined Initial Treatment of Methotrexate with Infliximab in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Yoon-Zi , Kang Ben , Kim Eun-Sil , Kwon Yiyoung , Choe Yon-Ho , Kim Mi-Jin
Published: September 2023

Background: The combination of antitumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents with immunomodulators (IMMs) is a common treatment for pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD). Although methotrexate (MTX) can be a first-line medication as an IMM, most clinicians in real-life practice, especially in South Korea, are more familiar with thiopurines. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and immunogenicity of MTX and azathioprine (AZA) as concurrent therapies for pediatric CD. Methods: In this pilot study, 29 newly diagnosed pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe CD were randomized to receive either MTX (n = 15) (15 mg/body surface area (BSA) per week) or oral AZA (n = 14) (0.5 mg/kg per day) in combination with Infliximab (IFX). The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients in endoscopic, biochemical, and transmural remission after 14 and 54 weeks of IFX therapy. The trough levels (TLs) of IFX and anti-drug antibody (ADA) levels were also compared. Results: Among the 29 patients, there were no significant differences in the biochemical (p = 1.0 at week 14, p = 0.45 at week 54), endoscopic (p = 0.968 at week 14, p = 0.05 at week 54), or transmural (p = 0.103 at week 54) remission rates between the two medications during the concurrent therapy. Additionally, the trends in the IFX trough and ADA levels over time during the treatments were similar for both medications, with no significant differences (p = 0.686, p = 0.389, respectively). Conclusion: The MTX showed comparable efficacy to the AZA in pediatric CD patients with moderate-to-severe disease. This effectively maintained adequate IFX levels and reduced ADA production. Therefore, although additional large-scale clinical trials are needed, this study demonstrated that either MTX or AZA can be selected as IMMs in the concurrent treatment of pediatric CD, depending on individual medical institutions’ circumstances.
Advances in Understanding the Phenomena and Processing in Audiovisual Speech Perception
Authors: Tiippana Kaisa
Published: September 2023

The Special Issue entitled “Advances in Understanding the Phenomena and Processing in Audiovisual Speech Perception” attracted a variety of articles written by prominent authors in the field [...]
The Roles of Potassium and Calcium Currents in the Bistable Firing Transition
Authors: Borges Fernando , Protachevicz Paulo , Souza Diogo , Bittencourt Conrado , Gabrick Enrique , Bentivoglio Lucas , Szezech José , Batista Antonio , Caldas Iberê , Dura-Bernal Salvador , Pena Rodrigo
Published: September 2023

Healthy brains display a wide range of firing patterns, from synchronized oscillations during slow-wave sleep to desynchronized firing during movement. These physiological activities coexist with periods of pathological hyperactivity in the epileptic brain, where neurons can fire in synchronized bursts. Most cortical neurons are pyramidal regular spiking (RS) cells with frequency adaptation and do not exhibit bursts in current-clamp experiments (in vitro). In this work, we investigate the transition mechanism of spike-to-burst patterns due to slow potassium and calcium currents, considering a conductance-based model of a cortical RS cell. The joint influence of potassium and calcium ion channels on high synchronous patterns is investigated for different synaptic couplings (gsyn) and external current inputs (I). Our results suggest that slow potassium currents play an important role in the emergence of high-synchronous activities, as well as in the spike-to-burst firing pattern transitions. This transition is related to the bistable dynamics of the neuronal network, where physiological asynchronous states coexist with pathological burst synchronization. The hysteresis curve of the coefficient of variation of the inter-spike interval demonstrates that a burst can be initiated by firing states with neuronal synchronization. Furthermore, we notice that high-threshold (IL) and low-threshold (IT) ion channels play a role in increasing and decreasing the parameter conditions (gsyn and I) in which bistable dynamics occur, respectively. For high values of IL conductance, a synchronous burst appears when neurons are weakly coupled and receive more external input. On the other hand, when the conductance IT increases, higher coupling and lower I are necessary to produce burst synchronization. In light of our results, we suggest that channel subtype-specific pharmacological interactions can be useful to induce transitions from pathological high bursting states to healthy states.
What General Neurologists Should Know about Autoinflammatory Syndromes?
Authors: de Moraes Marianna Pinheiro Moraes , do Nascimento Renan Rodrigues Neves Ribeiro , Abrantes Fabiano Ferreira , Pedroso José Luiz , Perazzio Sandro Félix , Barsottini Orlando Graziani Povoas
Published: September 2023

Autoinflammatory disorders encompass a wide range of conditions with systemic and neurological symptoms, which can be acquired or inherited. These diseases are characterized by an abnormal response of the innate immune system, leading to an excessive inflammatory reaction. On the other hand, autoimmune diseases result from dysregulation of the adaptive immune response. Disease flares are characterized by systemic inflammation affecting the skin, muscles, joints, serosa, and eyes, accompanied by unexplained fever and elevated acute phase reactants. Autoinflammatory syndromes can present with various neurological manifestations, such as aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalitis, sensorineural hearing loss, and others. Early recognition of these manifestations by general neurologists can have a significant impact on the prognosis of patients. Timely and targeted therapy can prevent long-term disability by reducing chronic inflammation. This review provides an overview of recently reported neuroinflammatory phenotypes, with a specific focus on genetic factors, clinical manifestations, and treatment options. General neurologists should have a good understanding of these important diseases.
Study on Thixotropy of Mastic Asphalt Binder and Asphalt Mastic
Authors: Zhang Shunxian , Luo Chuanxi , Huang Zhiyong , Li Jian
Published: September 2023

In order to analyze the thixotropy of mastic asphalt concrete during the mixing process, the factors affecting the thixotropy of mastic asphalt binder and asphalt mastic are studied, and the measures to shorten the mixing time of mastic asphalt mixture are given. The dynamic viscosity of mastic asphalt binder and asphalt mastic with time and shear rate is obtained via the step frequency method, and the thixotropic constitutive models of mastic asphalt binder and asphalt mastic are constructed by structural dynamics model, exponential equation, and extended exponential equation respectvely. The improved time thixotropy index is used to analyze the effects of asphalt type, asphalt–aggregate ratio, filler type, heating temperature, and shear rate, and the laws of various factors affecting the thixotropy of mastic asphalt binder and asphalt mastic are obtained. The research shows that the extended exponential model can better characterize the thixotropy of mastic asphalt binder and asphalt mastic under different shear rates. When the amount of lake asphalt or cement is increased, the viscosity of the system and the mixing time to reach a steady viscosity increases; that is, the mixing time needs to be increased. Increasing shear temperature does not change the time parameter to reach steady viscosity; that is, it cannot shorten mixing time. When the shear rate is increased, the time for the system to reach the steady viscosity will be shortened; that is, the time for mixing the mixture can be shortened.
Social Procurement in the Chinese Construction Industry: Relevance, Drivers and Barriers to Implementation
Authors: Loosemore Martin , Zhang Shang , Alkilani Suhair , Wang Zihao
Published: September 2023

This paper addresses the current imbalance in construction social procurement research toward Western countries with neo-liberal models of public governance. It does this by exploring the potential value of construction social procurement in the Chinese centralized unitary state and socialist market system. Findings from a survey of one hundred and sixty-four professionals from the Chinese construction industry are reported. They highlight the institutional foundations into which social procurement could be implemented and the significant untapped social value that could be created. However, they also show that for social procurement to achieve its full potential in the Chinese construction industry, such policies need to be underpinned by meaningful industry consultation, effective education and clearly mandated targets that create a market for social value. This paper contributes to the global advancement of social procurement research in construction by providing new insights into the implementation of social procurement beyond the narrow confines of the Western political and governmental orthodoxies where such research has hitherto been focused.
GradWise: A Novel Application of a Rank-Based Weighted Hybrid Filter and Embedded Feature Selection Method for Glioma Grading with Clinical and Molecular Characteristics
Authors: Tasci Erdal , Jagasia Sarisha , Zhuge Ying , Camphausen Kevin , Krauze Andra Valentina
Published: September 2023

Glioma grading plays a pivotal role in guiding treatment decisions, predicting patient outcomes, facilitating clinical trial participation and research, and tailoring treatment strategies. Current glioma grading in the clinic is based on tissue acquired at the time of resection, with tumor aggressiveness assessed from tumor morphology and molecular features. The increased emphasis on molecular characteristics as a guide for management and prognosis estimation underscores is driven by the need for accurate and standardized grading systems that integrate molecular and clinical information in the grading process and carry the expectation of the exposure of molecular markers that go beyond prognosis to increase understanding of tumor biology as a means of identifying druggable targets. In this study, we introduce a novel application (GradWise) that combines rank-based weighted hybrid filter (i.e., mRMR) and embedded (i.e., LASSO) feature selection methods to enhance the performance of feature selection and machine learning models for glioma grading using both clinical and molecular predictors. We utilized publicly available TCGA from the UCI ML Repository and CGGA datasets to identify the most effective scheme that allows for the selection of the minimum number of features with their names. Two popular feature selection methods with a rank-based weighting procedure were employed to conduct comprehensive experiments with the five supervised models. The computational results demonstrate that our proposed method achieves an accuracy rate of 87.007% with 13 features and an accuracy rate of 80.412% with five features on the TCGA and CGGA datasets, respectively. We also obtained four shared biomarkers for the glioma grading that emerged in both datasets and can be employed with transferable value to other datasets and data-based outcome analyses. These findings are a significant step toward highlighting the effectiveness of our approach by offering pioneering results with novel markers with prospects for understanding and targeting the biologic mechanisms of glioma progression to improve patient outcomes.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway in Advanced, Recurrent Endometrial Cancer: A Scoping Review with SWOT Analysis
Authors: Johnson Racheal Louise , Ganesan Subhasheenee , Thangavelu Amudha , Theophilou Georgios , de Jong Diederick , Hutson Richard , Nugent David , Broadhead Timothy , Laios Alexandros , Cummings Michele , Orsi Nicolas Michel
Published: September 2023

Results of recent clinical trials using the immune check point inhibitors (ICI) pembrolizumab or dostarlimab with/without lenvatinib has led to their approval for specific molecular subgroups of advanced recurrent endometrial cancer (EC). Herein, we summarise the clinical data leading to this first tissue-agnostic approval. As this novel therapy is not yet available in the United Kingdom standard care setting, we explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of ICI treatment in EC. Major databases were searched focusing on clinical trials using programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) ICI which ultimately contributed to anti-PD-1 approval in EC. We performed a data quality assessment, reviewing survival and safety analysis. We included 15 studies involving 1609 EC patients: 458 with mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) status and 1084 with mismatch repair proficiency/microsatellite stable (MMRp/MSS) status. Pembrolizumab/dostarlimab have been approved for MMRd ECs, with the addition of lenvatinib for MMRp cases in the recurrent setting. Future efforts will focus on the pathological assessment of biomarkers to determine molecular phenotypes that correlate with response or resistance to ICI in order to identify patients most likely to benefit from this treatment.