bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complexation of Olive Protein with Soluble Dietary Fibers: A Way to Improve the Functional Properties of Proteins and Efficiently Utilize Olives
Authors: Xiang Yan , Chi Yumin , He Qiang , Jia Lirong , Zhang Wenxue , Dong Yi
Published: August 2024

High-value resources beyond oil extraction for the olive industry need to be developed due to increased olive production. Soluble dietary fibers (SDFs) and olive proteins (OPIs) are important components of olives. However, the commercial production process partially damages OPIs’ emulsifying and foaming properties. Thus, the preparation of SDF-OPI complexes would help protect and even improve the emulsifying and foaming properties. The effects of pH and thermal–ultrasonic treatment on the complexation were explored, which showed that the SDF-OPI complexes prepared at pH 5 exhibited superior solubility (p < 0.05). SDF addition noticeably improved OPI thermal stability, emulsifying properties, and foaming properties. Moreover, the complexes prepared by thermal–ultrasonic treatment exhibited higher emulsion stability and lower emulsification activity than those prepared without thermal–ultrasonic treatment. In the acidic system, the electrostatic interaction was considered the main driving factor, assisted by the hydrophobic interaction. Additionally, after thermal–ultrasonic treatment, the covalent binding was observed by infrared spectroscopy. These results revealed the interaction mechanism between SDF and OPI, and the complexes significantly enhanced the functional properties of OPI. This study provides a reference for the high-value utilization of olives, thus broadening their potential uses in the food sector and beyond.
Stationary Responses of Seven Classes of Fractional Vibrations Driven by Sinusoidal Force
Authors: Li Ming
Published: August 2024

This paper gives the contributions in three folds. First, we propose fractional phasor motion equations of seven classes of fractional vibrators. Second, we put forward fractional phasor responses to seven classes of fractional vibrators. Third, we bring forward the analytical expressions of stationary responses in time to seven classes of fractional vibration systems driven by sinusoidal force using elementary functions. The present results show that there are obvious effects of fractional orders on the sinusoidal stationary responses to fractional vibrations.
Integrating ATAC-Seq and RNA-Seq Reveals the Signal Regulation Involved in the Artemia Embryonic Reactivation Process
Authors: Li Anqi , Song Zhentao , Zhang Mingzhi , Duan Hu , Sui Liying , Wang Bin , Hao Tong
Published: August 2024

Embryonic diapause is a common evolutionary adaptation observed across a wide range of organisms. Artemia is one of the classic animal models for diapause research. The current studies of Artemia diapause mainly focus on the induction and maintenance of the embryonic diapause, with little research on the molecular regulatory mechanism of Artemia embryonic reactivation. The first 5 h after embryonic diapause breaking has been proved to be most important for embryonic reactivation in Artemia. In this work, two high-throughput sequencing methods, ATAC-seq and RNA-seq, were integrated to study the signal regulation process in embryonic reactivation of Artemia at 5 h after diapause breaking. Through the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of the high-throughput datasets, it was showed that after 5 h of diapause breaking, the metabolism and regulation of Artemia cyst were quite active. Several signal transduction pathways were identified in the embryonic reactivation process, such as G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway, cell surface receptor signaling pathway, hormone-mediated signaling pathway, Wnt, Notch, mTOR signaling pathways, etc. It indicates that embryonic reactivation is a complex process regulated by multiple signaling pathways. With the further protein structure analysis and RT-qPCR verification, 11 GPCR genes were identified, in which 5 genes function in the embryonic reactivation stage and the other 6 genes contribute to the diapause stage. The results of this work reveal the signal transduction pathways and GPCRs involved in the embryonic reactivation process of Artemia cysts. These findings offer significant clues for in-depth research on the signal regulatory mechanisms of the embryonic reactivation process and valuable insights into the mechanism of animal embryonic diapause.
Developing Physiotherapy in Primary Health Care: A First Snapshot from the Italian Metropolitan City of Milan
Authors: Cordani Claudio , Perillo Sergio , Corbetta Davide , Sarasso Elisabetta , Agosta Federica , Filippi Massimo , Mazzali Angelo G. , Pennestrì Federico
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian National Health Service (NHS) has been undergoing a structural reform shifting focus from hospital-centered care to smaller, intermediate, or primary health facilities closer to the community (e.g., community hospitals and community houses). This reorganization should include rehabilitation and physiotherapy, but the actual spread of these services is still unclear. Objective: This study explored the number and characteristics of community-based physiotherapy services in the Metropolitan City of Milan (Italy). Methods: Between April and May 2024, we distributed a structured, anonymous online survey about community physiotherapy services and users to all Directors of the Health and Social Care Professions Departments (DAPSS) in the Metropolitan City of Milan. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the number of community houses offering physiotherapy services, the specific intervention areas, and access modalities. Results: Six out of seven DAPSS Directors completed the survey (87%). Thirty-seven community houses were reported in the area, with fourteen of these offering physiotherapy services. In most of them, physiotherapy was a primary reason for access following a general practitioner’s prescription. Five out of six responders reported that rehabilitation needs were mainly assessed by specialists in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, with physiotherapists involved in the assessment process in two cases. Physiotherapists primarily handled the intervention phase, dealing mainly with orthopedic and neurological conditions. DAPSS Directors noted that additional physiotherapy initiatives focusing on prevention will be implemented. Conclusions: Physiotherapy services are becoming available in the Metropolitan City of Milan. However, more efforts are needed to facilitate access and ensure tailored assessment and effective interventions, particularly in preventive care. Future investigations should help to better define the number and the characteristics of the patients who can most benefit from this type of care, the number of sessions they need, and with what types of intervention; it would be also necessary to better define the communication network in the area that allows doctors, health professionals, and patients to be informed about this possibility.
Evaluating the Impact of the Nirvana Fitness and Functional Training Programs on Young Women’s State Body Appreciation and Its Correlates
Authors: Jankauskiene Rasa , Balciuniene Vaiva , Rutkauskaite Renata , Pajaujiene Simona , Baceviciene Migle
Published: August 2024

This study examined the effects of the Nirvana Fitness (NF) program on state body appreciation (BA) and its correlates, as well as the mechanisms that could explain these changes. The study participants were allocated to NF (n = 21) and functional training (control, n = 22) groups and participated in an 8-week exercise intervention. The mean age was 24.4 ± 6.7. The participants filled out online questionnaires on state measures of BA, body surveillance (BS), functionality appreciation, body–mind connection, mindfulness in physical activity (SMS-PA), intrinsic exercise motivation (IM), satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and perceived physical fitness (PPF) immediately after the first and last sessions. The results revealed a significant improvement in state BA and its correlates in both groups, with no changes in PPF in the NF group or IM in either group. An interaction between group and time effects was revealed in a change of relatedness, indicating a stronger effect in the NF group. Positive changes in SMS-PA, BS, and satisfaction of the need for relatedness significantly predicted improvement in state BA. These findings highlight the importance of targeting mindfulness, body surveillance, and relatedness during physical activity in interventions aimed at promoting positive body image in university-aged women.
Surveying Psychological Wellbeing in a Post-Pandemic World: The Role of Family and Social Support for LGBTQ+ and Cisgender Heterosexual Adults in the UK
Authors: Stokes Katie , Houghton Marie , Gato Jorge , Tasker Fiona
Published: August 2024

Studies have emphasized the importance of social support in mitigating the relationship between psychological distress and mental health effects, with family of origin and family of formation providing key sources of social support over the life course. However, LGBTQ+ people may experience family of origin relationships as a source of distress, while partners and friends may buffer the relationship between minority stress and psychological wellbeing. Through our online survey (March–June 2022), which was conducted when the social restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted in the UK, we considered the association between psychological wellbeing and sources of social support by sampling n = 1330 LGBTQ+ and cisgender heterosexual adults. LGBTQ+ adults generally experienced poorer psychological wellbeing outcomes than did cisgender heterosexual people. For LGBTQ+ adults, social support from family of origin, a special person, or friends was not associated with depression, anxiety, or stress levels, but social support from family or a special person was positively associated with higher levels of life satisfaction. Our findings indicate the importance of considering negative as well as positive wellbeing.
Lower-Limb Exoskeletons for Gait Training in Parkinson’s Disease: The State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Fortunati Matteo , Febbi Massimiliano , Negro Massimo , Gennaro Federico , D’Antona Giuseppe , Crisafulli Oscar
Published: August 2024

Gait dysfunction (GD) is a common impairment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which negatively impacts patients’ quality of life. Among the most recent rehabilitation technologies, a lower-limb powered exoskeleton (LLEXO) arises as a useful instrument for gait training in several neurological conditions, including PD. However, some questions relating to methods of use, achievable results, and usefulness compared to traditional rehabilitation methodologies still require clear answers. Therefore, in this review, we aim to summarise and analyse all the studies that have applied an LLEXO to train gait in PD patients. Literature research on PubMed and Scopus retrieved five articles, comprising 46 PD participants stable on medications (age: 71.7 ± 3.7 years, 24 males, Hoehn and Yahr: 2.1 ± 0.6). Compared to traditional rehabilitation, low-profile lower-limb exoskeleton (lp-LLEXO) training brought major improvements towards walking capacity and gait speed, while there are no clear major benefits regarding the dual-task gait cost index and freezing of gait symptoms. Importantly, the results suggest that lp-LLEXO training is more beneficial for patients with an intermediate-to-severe level of disease severity (Hoehn and Yahr > 2.5). This review could provide a novel framework for implementing LLEXO in clinical practise, highlighting its benefits and limitations towards gait training.
Inclusive Information Design in Heritage Landscapes: Experimental Proposals for the Archaeological Site of Tiermes, Spain
Authors: Fernández Villalobos Nieves , Rodríguez Fernández Carlos , Fernández Raga Sagrario , Zelli Flavia
Published: August 2024

The social recognition of cultural landscapes has increased in recent years. Culture must be accessible to all citizens, helping them to interpret the cultural landscape in the most respectful and autonomous way possible. Nevertheless, the link between accessibility and heritage requires a sensitive perception of the environment and individuals in their different situations. Usually, however, only partial solutions are offered, whereas a global, truly sustainable, and inclusive approach should be adopted. In this sense, information design can play an essential role in the enjoyment and knowledge of heritage landscapes. The aim of this article is to present some reflections on this topic, which have led a group of teachers and students from the Laboratory of Architectural, Cultural, and Heritage Landscape of the University of Valladolid (LAB/PAP) to develop experimental design proposals for the archaeological site of Tiermes, in Soria, Spain. The method applied is based on field research, case studies, project proposals, workshops, and user testing. The resulting proposals emerge from the previous research developed by the LAB/PAP. They will focus on information design to present this extraordinary site in an inclusive way. The final discussion will decide which of these proposals will be easier and more useful to implement.
Seed Morpho-Anatomy, Dormancy and Germination Requirements in Three Schizanthus Species (Solanaceae) with Ornamental Potential
Authors: Moreno Joaquín , Gómez Miguel , Contreras Samuel
Published: August 2024

Schizanthus carlomunozii, S. hookeri, and S. porrigens are herbaceous species native to Chile and Argentina and have high ornamental potential. Their propagation through seeds is challenging due to low and uneven germination percentages. This study aimed to determine the morpho-anatomical characteristics, dormancy, and germination requirements of the seeds of these three species. The seeds from all three species have a flattened and reniform shape with a foveolate testa. However, the seeds of S. hookeri are distinguished by their larger size, more pronounced C-shape, seed coat with more marked prominences, and symmetrically arranged areoles. Histological analysis and imbibition tests with methylene blue revealed that the seeds have well-developed embryos and permeable seed coats, ruling out physical and morphological dormancy. Germination tests under various conditions showed that the seeds of the three species exhibit physiological dormancy. Imbibition in gibberellic acid (200 ppm) proved to be an effective treatment to promote germination. When evaluated in S. hookeri seeds, cold stratification and after-ripening also improved germination. The optimal temperatures for seed germination were calculated to be 26 °C for S. carlomunozii, 19 °C for S. hookeri, and 23 °C for S. porrigens.
EPAD1 Orthologs Play a Conserved Role in Pollen Exine Patterning
Authors: Li Huanjun , Hua Miaoyuan , Tariq Naveed , Li Xian , Zhang Yushi , Zhang Dabing , Liang Wanqi
Published: August 2024

The pollen wall protects pollen during dispersal and is critical for pollination recognition. In the Poaceae family, the pollen exine stereostructure exhibits a high degree of conservation with similar patterns across species. However, there remains controversy regarding the conservation of key factors involved in its formation among various Poaceae species. EPAD1, as a gene specific to the Poaceae family, and its orthologous genes play a conserved role in pollen wall formation in wheat and rice. However, they do not appear to have significant functions in maize. To further confirm the conserved function of EPAD1 in Poaceae, we performed an analysis on four EPAD1 orthologs from two distinct sub-clades within the Poaceae family. The two functional redundant barley EPAD1 genes (HvEPAD1 and HvEPAD2) from the BOP clade, along with the single copy of sorghum (SbEPAD1) and millet (SiEPAD1) from the PACMAD clade were examined. The CRISPR-Cas9-generated mutants all exhibited defects in pollen wall formation, consistent with previous findings on EPAD1 in rice and wheat. Interestingly, in barley, hvepad2 single mutant also showed apical spikelets abortion, aligning with a decreased expression level of HvEPAD1 and HvEPAD2 from the apical to the bottom of the spike. Our finding provides evidence that EPAD1 orthologs contribute to Poaceae specific pollen exine pattern formation via maintaining primexine integrity despite potential variations in copy numbers across different species.
Recent Advances in the Development of Metal/Metal Oxide Nanoparticle and Antibiotic Conjugates (MNP–Antibiotics) to Address Antibiotic Resistance: Review and Perspective
Authors: Abdullah  , Jamil Tayyaba , Atif Muhammad , Khalid Shumaila , Metwally Kamel , Yahya Galal , Moisa Mihaela , Cavalu Daniela Simona
Published: August 2024

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon whereby microbes develop or acquire genes that render them resistant. The rapid emergence and spread of this phenomenon can be attributed to human activity specifically, the improper and excessive use of antimicrobials for the treatment, prevention, or control of infections in humans, animals, and plants. As a result of this factor, many antibiotics have reduced effectiveness against microbes or may not work fully. Thus, there is a pressing need for the development of new antimicrobial agents in order to counteract antimicrobial resistance. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) are well known for their broad antimicrobial properties. Consequently, the use of MNPs with current antibiotics holds significant implications. MNPs, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPS), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), have been extensively studied in conjunction with antibiotics. However, their mechanism of action is still not completely understood. The interaction between these MNPs and antibiotics can be either synergistic, additive, or antagonistic. The synergistic effect is crucial as it represents the desired outcome that researchers aim for and can be advantageous for the advancement of new antimicrobial agents. This article provides a concise and academic description of the recent advancements in MNP and antibiotic conjugates, including their mechanism of action. It also highlights their possible use in the biomedical field and major challenges associated with the use of MNP–antibiotic conjugates in clinical practice.
Citrus Flavanone Effects on the Nrf2-Keap1/GSK3/NF-κB/NLRP3 Regulation and Corticotroph-Stress Hormone Loop in the Old Pituitary
Authors: Miler Marko , Živanović Jasmina , Kovačević Sanja , Vidović Nevena , Djordjevic Ana , Filipović Branko , Ajdžanović Vladimir
Published: August 2024

Oxidative stress and inflammation are significant causes of aging. At the same time, citrus flavanones, naringenin (NAR), and hesperetin (HES) are bioactives with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nevertheless, there are still no data about flavanone’s influence and its potential effects on the healthy aging process and improving pituitary functioning. Thus, using qPCR, immunoblot, histological techniques, and biochemical assays, our study aimed to elucidate how citrus flavanones (15 mg/kg b.m. per os) affect antioxidant defense, inflammation, and stress hormone output in the old rat model. Our results showed that HES restores the redox environment in the pituitary by down-regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein while increasing kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) protein expression. Immunofluorescent analysis confirmed Nrf2 and Keap1 down- and up-regulation, respectively. Supplementation with NAR increased Keap1, Trxr1, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), and glutathione reductase (Gr) mRNA expression. Decreased oxidative stress aligned with NLRP3 decrement after both flavanones and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) only after HES. The signal intensity of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) cells did not change, while corticosterone levels in serum decreased after both flavanones. HES showed higher potential than NAR in affecting a redox environment without increasing the inflammatory response, while a decrease in corticosterone level has a solid link to longevity. Our findings suggest that HES could improve and facilitate redox and inflammatory dysregulation in the rat’s old pituitary.
Enhancing Selectivity and Inhibitory Effects of Chemotherapy Drugs Against Myelogenous Leukemia Cells with Lippia alba Essential Oil Enriched in Citral
Authors: Quintero-García Wendy Lorena , Espinel-Mesa Denerieth Ximena , Moreno Erika Marcela , Stashenko Elena , Mesa-Arango Ana Cecilia , García Liliana Torcoroma
Published: August 2024

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is one of the most lethal cancers, lacking a definitive curative therapy due to essential constraints related to the toxicity and efficacy of conventional treatments. This study explores the co-adjuvant potential of Lippia alba essential oils (EO) for enhancing the effectiveness and selectivity of two chemotherapy agents (cytarabine and clofarabine) against AML cells. EO derived from L. alba citral chemotype were produced using optimized and standardized environmental and extraction protocols. Rational fractionation techniques were employed to yield bioactive terpene-enriched fractions, guided by relative chemical composition and cytotoxic analysis. Pharmacological interactions were established between these fractions and cytarabine and clofarabine. The study comprehensively evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic, oxidative stress, and cell death phenotypes induced by therapies across AML (DA-3ER/GM/EVI1+) cells. The fraction rich in citral (F2) exhibited synergistic pharmacological interactions with the studied chemotherapies, intensifying their selective cytotoxic, genotoxic, and pro-oxidant effects. This shift favored transitioning from necrosis to a programmed cell death phenotype (apoptotic). The F2-clofarabine combination demonstrated remarkable synergistic anti-leukemic performance while preserving cell integrity in healthy cells. The observed selective antiproliferative effects may be attributed to the potential dual prooxidant/antioxidant behavior of citral in L. alba EO.
A Comprehensive Examination of the Role of Epigenetic Factors in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Manna Ida , De Benedittis Selene , Porro Danilo
Published: August 2024

According to various research, the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) is strongly influenced by genetic variations. Population, familial, and molecular studies provide strong empirical support for a polygenic pattern of inheritance, mainly due to relatively common allelic variants in the general population. The strongest MS susceptibility locus, which was unmistakably identified in tested populations, is the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6p21.3. However, the effect of a given predisposing variant remains modest, so there is the possibility that multiple gene–gene and/or gene–environment interactions could significantly increase the contribution of specific variants to the overall genetic risk. Furthermore, as is known, susceptibility genes can be subject to epigenetic modifications, which greatly increase the complexity of MS heritability. Investigating epigenetic and environmental factors can provide new opportunities for the molecular basis of the MS, which shows complicated pathogenesis. Although studies of epigenetic changes in MS only began in the last decade, a growing body of literature suggests that these may be involved in the development of MS. Here, we summarize recent studies regarding epigenetic changes related to MS initiation and progression. Furthermore, we discuss how current studies address important clinical questions and how future studies could be used in clinical practice.
Identification of Two Long Noncoding RNAs, Kcnq1ot1 and Rmst, as Biomarkers in Chronic Liver Diseases in Mice
Authors: Yokoyama Shinya , Muto Hisanori , Honda Takashi , Kurokawa Yoichi , Ogawa Hirotaka , Nakajima Riku , Kawashima Hiroki , Tani Hidenori
Published: August 2024

This study investigates novel short-lived long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in mice with altered expression in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASH) and liver fibrosis. LncRNAs share similarities with mRNAs in their transcription by RNA polymerase II, possession of a 5′ cap structure, and presence of a polyA tail. We identified two lncRNAs, Kcnq1ot1 and Rmst, significantly decreased in both conditions. These lncRNAs showed dramatic expression changes in MASH livers induced by Western diets and CCl4, and in fibrotic livers induced by CCl4 alone. The decrease was more pronounced in liver fibrosis, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for disease progression. Our findings are consistent across different fibrosis models, indicating a crucial role for these lncRNAs in MASH and liver fibrosis in mice. With MASH becoming a global health issue and its progression to fibrosis associated with hepatocarcinogenesis and poor prognosis, understanding the underlying mechanisms is critical. This research contributes to elucidating lncRNA functions in murine liver diseases and provides a foundation for developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting lncRNAs in MASH and liver fibrosis, offering new avenues for potential therapeutic interventions.
The Current Understanding of Molecular Mechanisms in Adenomyosis-Associated Infertility and the Treatment Strategy for Assisted Reproductive Technology
Authors: Wu Hsien-Ming , Tsai Tian-Chi , Liu Shang-Min , Pai Angel Hsin-Yu , Chen Liang-Hsuan
Published: August 2024

Adenomyosis, endometriosis of the uterus, is associated with an increased likelihood of abnormal endometrial molecular expressions thought to impair implantation and early embryo development, resulting in disrupted fertility, including the local effects of sex steroid and pituitary hormones, immune responses, inflammatory factors, and neuroangiogenic mediators. In the recent literature, all of the proposed pathogenetic mechanisms of adenomyosis reduce endometrial receptivity and alter the adhesion molecule expression necessary for embryo implantation. The evidence so far has shown that adenomyosis causes lower pregnancy and live birth rates, higher miscarriage rates, as well as adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Both pharmaceutical and surgical treatments for adenomyosis seem to have a positive impact on reproductive outcomes, leading to improved pregnancy and live birth rates. In addition, adenomyosis has negative impacts on reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology. This association appears less significant after patients follow a long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) protocol, which improves implantation rates. The pre-treatment of GnRHa can also be beneficial before engaging in natural conception attempts. This review aims to discover adenomyosis-associated infertility and to provide patient-specific treatment options.
The Impact of Sciatic Nerve Injury on Extracellular Matrix of Lower Limb Muscle and Thoracolumbar Fascia: An Observational Study
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxiao , Fede Caterina , Petrelli Lucia , Pirri Carmelo , Stocco Elena , Fan Chenglei , Porzionato Andrea , Tiengo Cesare , De Caro Raffaele , Masiero Stefano , Stecco Carla
Published: August 2024

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a complex clinical challenge resulting in functional disability. Neurological recovery does not always ensure functional recovery, as extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations affect muscle function. This study evaluates hyaluronan (HA) and collagen concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle and thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in unilateral lower limb PNI rats to explore systemic ECM alterations following PNI and their impacts on functional recovery. Eighteen 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into experimental (n = 12 left sciatic nerve injury) and control (n = 6) groups. After six weeks, motor function was evaluated. Muscle and TLF samples were analysed for HA and collagen distribution and concentrations. SFI and gait analysis confirmed a functional deficit in PNI rats 6 weeks after surgery. HA concentration in both sides of the muscles decreased by approximately one-third; both sides showed significantly higher collagen concentration than healthy rats (12.74 ± 4.83 µg/g), with the left (32.92 ± 11.34 µg/g) significantly higher than the right (20.15 ± 7.03 µg/g). PNI rats also showed significantly lower HA (left: 66.95 ± 20.08 µg/g; right: 112.66 ± 30.53 µg/g) and higher collagen (left: 115.89 ± 28.18 µg/g; right: 90.43 ± 20.83 µg/g) concentrations in both TLF samples compared to healthy rats (HA: 167.18 ± 31.13 µg/g; collagen: 47.51 ± 7.82 µg/g), with the left TLF more affected. Unilateral lower limb PNI induced HA reduction and collagen accumulation in both the lower limb muscles and the TLF, potentially exacerbating motor function impairment and increasing the risk of low back dysfunctions.
Enhancing Brain Tumour Multi-Classification Using Efficient-Net B0-Based Intelligent Diagnosis for Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) Applications
Authors: Iqbal Amna , Jaffar Muhammad Arfan , Jahangir Rashid
Published: August 2024

Brain tumour disease develops due to abnormal cell proliferation. The early identification of brain tumours is vital for their effective treatment. Most currently available examination methods are laborious, require extensive manual instructions, and produce subpar findings. The EfficientNet-B0 architecture was used to diagnose brain tumours using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The fine-tuned EffeceintNet B0 model was proposed for the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) environment. The fine-tuned EfficientNet-B0 architecture was employed to classify four different stages of brain tumours from the MRI images. The fine-tuned model showed 99% accuracy in the detection of four different classes of brain tumour detection (glioma, no tumour, meningioma, and pituitary). The proposed model performed very well in the detection of the pituitary class with a precision of 0.95, recall of 0.98, and F1 score of 0.96. The proposed model also performed very well in the detection of the no-tumour class with values of 0.99, 0.90, and 0.94 for precision, recall, and the F1 score, respectively. The precision, recall, and F1 scores for Glioma and Meningioma classes were also high. The proposed solution has several implications for enhancing clinical investigations of brain tumours.
Synthesis and Redox Properties of Iron and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Obtained by Exsolution from Perovskite Ferrites Promoted by Auxiliary Reactions
Authors: Filimonov Dmitrii , Rozova Marina , Maksimov Sergey , Pankratov Denis
Published: August 2024

Nanoparticles of iron and iron oxides, as well as their composites, are of great scientific and technological interest. However, their properties and sustainability strongly depend on the preparation methods. Here, we present an original approach to synthesizing Fe and FeNix metal nanoparticles by exsolution, in a reducing environment at elevated temperatures from perovskite ferrites (La1−xCaxFeO3−γ, CaFeO2.5, etc.). This approach is made possible by the auxiliary reactions of non-reducible A-site cations (in ABO3 notation) with the constituents of reducing compounds (h-BN etc.). The nanoparticles exsolved by our process are embedded in oxide matrices in individual voids formed in situ. They readily undergo redox cycling at moderate temperatures, while maintaining their localization. Fe nanoparticles can be obtained initially and after redox cycling in the high-temperature γ-form at temperatures below equilibrium. Using their redox properties, a new route to producing hollow and layered oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4, Fe3O4/La1−xCaxFeO3−γ), by separating the oxidized exsolved particles, was developed. Our approach provides greater flexibility in controlling exsolution reactions and matrix compositions, with a variety of possible starting compounds and exsolution degrees, from minimal up to ~100% (in some cases). The described strategy is highly important for the development of a wide range of new functional materials.
Linear Actuators Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol/Lithium Chloride Hydrogels Activated by Low AC Voltage
Authors: Dayyoub Tarek , Zadorozhnyy Mikhail , Filippova Kseniia V. , Iudina Lidiia D. , Telyshev Dmitry V. , Zhemchugov Pavel V. , Ladokhin Dmitriy G. , Maksimkin Aleksey
Published: August 2024

The development of fast-responding electrically conductive polymers as actuators activated by low electrical current is now regarded as an urgent matter. Due to their limited electrical conductivity, actuators based on polymeric hydrogels must be activated using a high voltage (up to 200 V) and frequency (up to 500 Hz) when employing AC power. In this work, to improve the electrical conductivity of the hydrogel and decrease the required activation voltage of the hydrogel actuators, lithium chloride (LiCL) was added as a conductive filler to the polymer matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). In order to ascertain the deformation of actuators, activation and relaxation times, actuator efficiencies, and generated force under the conditions of activation, linear actuators that can be activated by extension/contraction (swelling/shrinking) cycles were prepared and investigated depending on the LiCl content, applied voltage, and frequency. Under a load of approximately 20 kPa and using a 90 V AC power at a 50 Hz frequency with a 30 wt.% LiCl content, it was found that the actuators’ total contraction, reinforced by a woven mesh braided material, was about 20% with a ~2.2 s activation time, while the actuators’ total extension, reinforced by a spiral weave material, was about 52% with a ~2.5 s activation time, after applying a 110 V AC at a 50 Hz frequency with a 10 wt.% LiCl content. Furthermore, as the lowest voltage, a 20 V AC power can operate these actuators by increasing the LiCl weight content to the same PVA mass content. Moreover, the PVA/LiCl hydrogels’ activation force can be greater than 0.5 MPa. The actuators that have been developed have broad applications in soft robotics, artificial muscles, medicine, and aerospace fields.
Comparison of Optical Properties and Fracture Loads of Multilayer Monolithic Zirconia Crowns with Different Yttria Levels
Authors: Kang Chien-Ming , Peng Tzu-Yu , Wu Yan-An , Hsieh Chi-Fei , Chi Miao-Ching , Wu Hsuan-Yu , Lin Zih-Chan
Published: August 2024

Multilayer monolithic zirconia, which incorporates polychromatic layers that mimic natural tooth gradients, offers enhanced aesthetics and functionality while reducing debonding risks and improving fabrication efficiency. However, uncertainties remain regarding the fracture characteristics of multilayer monolithic zirconia crowns under occlusal loading, whether composed of uniform or combined yttria levels. The current study investigated how variations in yttria levels and thicknesses affected the optical properties and fracture loads of multilayer monolithic zirconia. Samples of multilayer monolithic zirconia in the Vita A1 shade were used, while employing 3Y (SZ) and 4Y + 5Y (AZ) yttria levels. The optical properties, including the color difference (ΔEWS) and translucency parameters (TP00), were measured using a digital colorimeter. The fracture loads were analyzed using a universal testing machine, and fractured surfaces were examined under a stereomicroscope. Statistical analyses assessed the impacts of the yttria levels and sample thicknesses on the optical properties. The ΔEWS values of SZ ranged 3.6 to 4.0, while for AZ, ΔEWS at 0.5 mm was 3.9 and <2.6 for other thicknesses. The TP00 values decreased with an increased thickness, with AZ generally exhibiting greater translucency than SZ. In the fracture load investigations, SZ (>1600 N) generally exceeded AZ (>1260 N), with fracture loads notably increasing with thickness, particularly for premolars (SZ > 3270 N, AZ > 2257 N). SZ predominantly exhibited partial and complete fractures, whereas AZ showed fewer non-fracture categorizations. Complete fractures began with dense, irregular cracks that extended outward to reveal smooth surfaces, while premolars subjected to higher loads exhibited concentric ripple-like structures. Partial fractures revealed radial textures indicative of areas of stress concentration. In summary, higher yttria levels were correlated with increased translucency, while variations in the fracture loads primarily stemmed from differences in the tooth position or thickness. Overall, multilayer monolithic zirconia incorporating combined yttria levels of 4Y + 5Y (AZ) offered high translucency, precise color matching, and substantial fracture resistance, rendering it highly suitable for aesthetic and functional dental applications.
Mannan-Decorated Lipid Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticle Vaccine Increased the Antitumor Immune Response by Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Wu Liusheng , Yang Lei , Qian Xinye , Hu Wang , Wang Shuang , Yan Jun
Published: August 2024

With the rapid development of tumor immunotherapy, nanoparticle vaccines have attracted much attention as potential therapeutic strategies. A systematic review and analysis must be carried out to investigate the effect of mannose modification on the immune response to nanoparticles in regulating the tumor microenvironment, as well as to explore its potential clinical application in tumor therapy. Despite the potential advantages of nanoparticle vaccines in immunotherapy, achieving an effective immune response in the tumor microenvironment remains a challenge. Tumor immune escape and the overexpression of immunosuppressive factors limit its clinical application. Therefore, our review explored how to intervene in the immunosuppressive mechanism in the tumor microenvironment through the use of mannan-decorated lipid calcium phosphate nanoparticle vaccines to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with tumors and to provide new ideas and strategies for the field of tumor therapy.
Ship Segmentation via Combined Attention Mechanism and Efficient Channel Attention High-Resolution Representation Network
Authors: Li Xiaoyi
Published: August 2024

Ship segmentation with small imaging size, which challenges ship detection and visual navigation model performance due to imaging noise interference, has attracted significant attention in the field. To address the issues, this study proposed a novel combined attention mechanism and efficient channel attention high-resolution representation network (CA2HRNET). More specially, the proposed model fulfills accurate ship segmentation by introducing a channel attention mechanism, a multi-scale spatial attention mechanism, and a weight self-adjusted attention mechanism. Overall, the proposed CA2HRNET model enhances attention mechanism performance by focusing on the trivial yet important features and pixels of a ship against background-interference pixels. The proposed ship segmentation model can accurately focus on ship features by implementing both channel and spatial fusion attention mechanisms at each scale feature layer. Moreover, the channel attention mechanism helps the proposed framework allocate higher weights to ship-feature-related pixels. The experimental results show that the proposed CA2HRNET model outperforms its counterparts in terms of accuracy (Accs), precision (Pc), F1-score (F1s), intersection over union (IoU), and frequency-weighted IoU (FIoU). The average Accs, Pc, F1s, IoU, and FIoU for the proposed CA2HRNET model were 99.77%, 97.55%, 97%, 96.97%, and 99.55%, respectively. The research findings can promote intelligent ship visual navigation and maritime traffic management in the smart shipping era.
The Mitochondrial Distribution and Morphology Family 33 Gene FgMDM33 Is Involved in Autophagy and Pathogenesis in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Lv Wuyun , Tu Yiyi , Xu Ting , Zhang You , Chen Junjie , Yang Nan , Wang Yuchun
Published: August 2024

The mitochondrial distribution and morphology family 33 gene (MDM33) regulates mitochondrial homeostasis by mediating the mitochondrial fission process in yeast. The wheat head blight Fusarium graminearum contains an FgMdm33 protein that is orthologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mdm33, albeit its function remains unknown. We have reported here the roles of FgMdm33 in regulating fungal morphogenesis, mitochondrial morphology, autophagy, apoptosis, and fungal pathogenicity. The ΔFgmdm33 mutants generated through a homologous recombination strategy in this study exhibited defects in terms of mycelial growth, conidia production, and virulence. Hyphal cells lacking FgMDM33 displayed elongated mitochondria and a dispensable respiratory-deficient growth phenotype, indicating the possible involvement of FgMDM33 in mitochondrial fission. The ΔFgmdm33 mutants displayed a remarkable reduction in the proteolysis of GFP-FgAtg8, whereas the formation of autophagic bodies in the hyphal cells of mutants was recorded under the induction of mitophagy. In addition, the transcriptional expression of the apoptosis-inducing factor 1 gene (FgAIF1) was significantly upregulated in the ΔFgmdm33 mutants. Cumulatively, these results indicate that FgMDM33 is involved in mitochondrial fission, non-selective macroautophagy, and apoptosis and that it regulates fungal growth, conidiation, and pathogenicity of the head blight pathogen.
Combined Application of Chemical and Organic Fertilizers Promoted Soil Carbon Sequestration and Bacterial Community Diversity in Dryland Wheat Fields
Authors: Song Hongmei , Chang Zixuan , Hu Xuan , Li Yan , Duan Chengjiao , Yang Lifan , Wang Haoying , Li Tingliang
Published: August 2024

The use of fertilizers is mainly adopted in arid regions to improve the soil carbon (C) pool and crop productivity. However, the mechanisms underlying improvements in dryland wheat field soils related to microbial metabolic activity and community structure remain poorly understood. Therefore, a field experiment with four fertilization treatments and no fertilizer as the control (CK) was conducted for 10 years in a semi-arid region of China. The results revealed that the combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers (fermented chicken manure) clearly increased the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and light-fraction organic carbon (LFOC) by 13.54–16.72%, 6.96–9.01%, and 11.00–13.51%, respectively, compared to the sole use of chemical fertilizers (FP treatment). Moreover, the combined treatment not only enhanced the metabolic activity of microorganisms concerning carbon source utilization but also increased the diversity of the bacterial community. This caused noticeable changes in the composition of the bacterial community. A Mantel test analysis revealed that Bacteroidetes and Mortierellomycota significantly enhanced the metabolic activity associated with carbohydrate, amino acid, and carboxylic acid C sources. Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Mortierellomycota facilitated the accumulation of active C and particulate organic carbon (POC), whereas Mortierellomycota specifically promoted the accumulation of heavy-fraction organic carbon (HFOC), thereby collectively influencing the SOC content. The combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Mortierellomycota. This enhancement improved the metabolic utilization of carbohydrates, amino acids, and carboxylic acids, resulting in alterations in the types and quantities of soil metabolites. Consequently, these alterations ultimately affect the composition and quantity of the SOC pool in arid agroecosystems. In conclusion, the combined application of balanced NPK fertilizers and organic fertilizers has a strong positive effect in improving soil microbial activity and the soil C pool.
Dynamic Analysis of Urban Land Use Efficiency in the Western Taiwan Strait Economic Zone
Authors: Xu Haixiang , Zhang Rui
Published: August 2024

The Western Taiwan Strait (WTS) Economic Zone connects the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, playing a significant role in China’s coastal economy and forming part of the East Asian economic structure. This study used panel data from 20 cities in the WTS Economic Zone, spanning 2011 to 2020, to investigate urban land use efficiency and its dynamic evolution characteristics. The study used a super-efficiency EBM model, which accounts for undesirable outputs, combined with kernel density estimation and Malmquist–Luenberger (ML) index analysis, to thoroughly examine the changes in total factor productivity (TFP) of urban land use and the factors driving these changes within the WTS Economic Zone. The findings are as follows: (1) From 2011 to 2020, the overall trend of urban land use efficiency in the WTS Economic Zone was upward, with coastal areas generally exhibiting higher urban land use efficiency compared to inland areas. (2) The urban land use efficiency of cities in the WTS Economic Zone displayed four types of changes: rising, stable, “U”-shaped, and inverted “U”-shaped. (3) The TEP index of the WTS Economic Zone exhibited a right-leaning “M” trend. Technological change was the primary driver of enhanced urban land use efficiency, although there is still room for improvement in technical efficiency. Based on these findings, this study proposes policy insights to foster high-quality development of urban land use efficiency in the WTS Economic Zone.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Jobs–Housing Dynamic Balance: Empirical Evidence from Wuhan between 2019, 2021, 2023
Authors: Wu Lei , Yuan Muxi , Liu Fangjie , Niu Qiang
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic, a significant public health emergency, has underscored the criticality of jobs–housing proximity. Static statistical research, however, struggles to uncover the mechanisms underlying jobs–housing balance, providing limited guidance for urban management. This paper adopts the concept of jobs–housing dynamic balance, analyzing the trends in jobs–housing balance in the metropolitan development area of Wuhan in the early and later period of the pandemic from the perspective of individual jobs–housing migration. Using mobile phone signaling data, we identified a stable population of 161,698 residents in June 2019, June 2021, and June 2023, and calculated jobs–housing synchronization and migration impact indices across seven regions. The study finds the following: (1) there is a pronounced misalignment of jobs–housing in the new cities of Wuhan’s suburbs, with clear asynchronous in-migration and out-migration; (2) COVID-19 initially led to a unidirectional exodus of the local population for job purposes, significantly contributing to regional jobs–housing imbalance, followed by a partial rebound in the later stages; and (3) the stability of jobs–housing balance in suburban new cities lacking policy support and comprehensive urban functions is worse, primarily due to insufficient employment resilience and the out-migration of the employed population. This paper puts forward a set of recommendations for the sustainable development of suburban new cities. It offers insights into the theoretical advancement of jobs–housing balance and the dynamic, refined transformation of urban studies, enhancing urban managers’ understanding of human–place interactions and new city construction.