bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on a Unified Data Model for Power Grids and Communication Networks Based on Graph Databases
Authors: Li Dong , Yang Bin , Liu Lei , Chen Chongbin , Sun Chao , Ma Liang , Xiao Shenyang , Sun Jian
Published: May 2024

With the continuous development of the power grid, its structure is becoming increasingly complex. The occurrence of faults in transmission lines may lead to cascading failures in the power grid, ultimately resulting in widespread power outages. The transmission of equipment information and the sending of fault reports in the power grid rely on the power communication network. This network is crucial for ensuring the safe, stable, and economical operation of the power grid. As the number of devices in the power grid increases and sensor technology becomes more widespread, the volume of data generated by both the power grid and the power communication network has increased sharply. However, relational databases have limited scalability and struggle to meet the growing volume of data and user demands. This paper proposes a graph mapping method based on the power grid and communication network, utilizing data from both networks to construct a unified data plane in a graph database. Taking power transfer operations as an example, a unified standard data model and monitoring indicator system are established for both networks, enabling faster response and power restoration to blackout areas in the event of power grid faults. Simulation results demonstrate that compared to traditional relational databases, graph databases exhibit significantly improved efficiency in handling large-scale, highly connected data, making them more suitable for future power grids.
Research on the Longitudinal and Transverse Coupling Dynamic Behavior and Yaw Stability of an Articulated Electric Bus
Authors: Song Jinxiang , Qi Honglei , Li Zebin , Liu Shiqi , Ren Ze , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2024

The dynamic behaviors of articulated buses during braking and steering processes are exceedingly complex due to the transmission of various forces and torques by the articulated device. The coupling of forces between the front and rear carriages often renders the bus prone to yaw instability under extreme operating conditions. In this paper, according to the characteristics of the structure and parameter matching of an electrically driven articulated bus, a dynamic model of longitudinal and transverse coupling applied on an articulated bus is established, and the influence of the articulated structure on the yaw stability of the drive vehicle is analyzed. Combined with the relationship between the driving motor, the hinge device, and the vehicle motion, a cruise simulation model of the bus is developed, enabling a comparative analysis and verification of vehicle stability under typical road conditions. The results offer a theoretical foundation for the design and control of highly reliable articulated buses.
An Experiment and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Synergistic Foaming between a Surfactant and CO2 and the Structure–Activity Effect
Authors: Zhou Lang , Chen Pengfei , Wu Tong
Published: May 2024

CO2 foam fracturing in tight and shale reservoirs is a revolutionary technique for commercially viable production. Nevertheless, the screening of foaming agents used in CO2 foam fracturing fluid and the understanding of foaming mechanisms have not been sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive method for evaluating and selecting an optimized foaming agent for CO2 foam fracturing fluid integrating macroscopic and microscopic approaches through laboratory experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. The relationship between the molecular structure of the foaming agent and its corresponding foaming effect was elucidated by taking the interaction between CO2 and the foaming agent into account. Foam evaluation experiments indicated that the anionic surfactants exhibited superior foaming capacity and inferior stability compared to zwitterionic and non-ionic surfactants. The molecular dynamics simulation results demonstrated that the foaming mechanism of the CO2 foaming agent relied on the equilibriums between CO2-surfactant, CO2-water, and surfactant–water interactions. At the same time, it was found that if the molecular structure of the surfactant contained functional groups that could produce hydrogen bonding with CO2, the stability of the foaming effect improved to a certain extent, but the foaming volume was not obvious. The classic hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) theory was not applicable when screening the CO2 foaming agents. It was found that the ionic surfactants with CO2-philic groups and linear structures were suitable as the main foaming agents for CO2 foam fracturing fluids, while non-ionic surfactants with significant steric hindrance were suitable as auxiliary foaming agents. This study provides valuable guidance for selecting cost-effective foaming agents on-site and adds to the understanding of the relationship between the molecular structure of foaming agents and their foaming effects.
Dead-Time Inverter Voltage Drop in Low-End Sensorless FOC Motor Drives
Authors: Voglitsis Dionisis , Paglia Massimo , Papanikolaou Nick
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of voltage drop of a three-phase voltage source inverter on driving brushless motors. This study also proposes an enhanced field-oriented control scheme that accounts for inverter voltage drop, enabling efficient driving at very low motor speeds. Experimental results are provided to verify the theoretical study and the proposed control scheme.
Looking at Economics through the Eyes of Thermodynamics
Authors: Costa Vítor A. F.
Published: May 2024

Based on Thermodynamics and its well-established First and Second Laws, this work presents and explores their economics counterparts, introducing new concepts, variables, and equations. This includes, among others, the economic counterparts of temperature, reversibility and irreversibility, and entropy and entropy generation resulting from economic irreversibility. The meaning of the new concepts, variables, equations, and their messages are introduced and discussed considering simple yet relevant economic processes. The economic counterparts of the First and Second Law balance equations are set in addition to the base concepts and Laws. These are effective and valuable tools for the analysis of economic processes. Observations from selected economic activities are analyzed using the new concepts, variables, and equations.
State of Health Estimation for Lithium-Ion Batteries with Deep Learning Approach and Direct Current Internal Resistance
Authors: Sun Zhongxian , He Weilin , Wang Junlei , He Xin
Published: May 2024

Battery state of health (SOH), which is a crucial parameter of the battery management system, reflects the rate of performance degradation and the aging level of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) during operation. However, traditional machine learning models face challenges in accurately diagnosing battery SOH in complex application scenarios. Hence, we developed a deep learning framework for battery SOH estimation without prior knowledge of the degradation in battery capacity. Our framework incorporates a series of deep neural networks (DNNs) that utilize the direct current internal resistance (DCIR) feature to estimate the SOH. The correlation of the DCIR feature with the fade in capacity is quantified as strong under various conditions using Pearson correlation coefficients. We utilize the K-fold cross-validation method to select the hyperparameters in the DNN models and the optimal hyperparameter conditions compared with machine learning models with significant advantages and reliable prediction accuracies. The proposed algorithm is subjected to robustness validation, and the experimental results demonstrate that the model achieves reliable precision, with a mean absolute error (MAE) less than 0.768% and a root mean square error (RMSE) less than 1.185%, even when LIBs are subjected to varying application scenarios. Our study highlights the superiority and reliability of combining DNNs with DCIR features for battery SOH estimation.
Stability Analysis of a Wind Turbine Controlled by Direct Torque Control
Authors: Ikni Djamel , Raducan Elena
Published: May 2024

Increasingly, electricity network managers, through their grid codes, require renewable energy production systems to participate in system services, which includes requirements such as the stability of these production systems, the quality of the energy injected into the networks, the ability to withstand voltage dips, etc. To meet these requirements, the use of appropriate commands for the control of the production systems is necessary. Various control methods have been proposed, among which direct torque control (DTC) stands out. However, several studies have highlighted the impact of parametric variations on this control method. The contribution of the work presented in this article is the improvement of DTC when combined with a fuzzy estimate applied to a wind production system based on an asynchronous machine. Robustness tests were simulated to highlight the sensitivity of this control to variations in the stator resistance of asynchronous machines. To make this command robust and stable, a fuzzy estimator was used with this command. The simulation results demonstrated that this combination (DTC with a fuzzy estimator) makes the wind system more stable. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed solution, the root mean square error index was used.
An Improved RANSAC-ICP Method for Registration of SLAM and UAV-LiDAR Point Cloud at Plot Scale
Authors: Zhang Shuting , Wang Hongtao , Wang Cheng , Wang Yingchen , Wang Shaohui , Yang Zhenqi
Published: May 2024

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) using LiDAR technology can acquire the point cloud below the tree canopy efficiently in real time, and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle LiDAR (UAV-LiDAR) can derive the point cloud of the tree canopy. By registering them, the complete 3D structural information of the trees can be obtained for the forest inventory. To this end, an improved RANSAC-ICP algorithm for registration of SLAM and UAV-LiDAR point cloud at plot scale is proposed in this study. Firstly, the point cloud features are extracted and transformed into 33-dimensional feature vectors by using the feature descriptor FPFH, and the corresponding point pairs are determined by bidirectional feature matching. Then, the RANSAC algorithm is employed to compute the transformation matrix based on the reduced set of feature points for coarse registration of the point cloud. Finally, the iterative closest point algorithm is used to iterate the transformation matrix to achieve precise registration of the SLAM and UAV-LiDAR point cloud. The proposed algorithm is validated on both coniferous and broadleaf forest datasets, with an average mean absolute distance (MAD) of 11.332 cm for the broadleaf forest dataset and 6.150 cm for the coniferous forest dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed method in this study can be effectively applied to the forest plot scale for the precise alignment of multi-platform point clouds.
Single-Species Leaf Detection against Complex Backgrounds with YOLOv5s
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Su Xiyou , Mao Shiwei
Published: May 2024

Accurate and rapid localization and identification of tree leaves are of significant importance for urban forest planning and environmental protection. Existing object detection neural networks are complex and often large, which hinders their deployment on mobile devices and compromises their efficiency in detecting plant leaves, especially against complex backgrounds. To address this issue, we collected eight common types of tree leaves against complex urban backgrounds to create a single-species leaf dataset. Each image in this dataset contains only one type of tree but may include multiple leaves. These leaves share similar shapes and textures and resemble various real-world background colors, making them difficult to distinguish and accurately identify, thereby posing challenges to model precision in localization and recognition. We propose a lightweight single-species leaf detection model, SinL-YOLOv5, which is only 15.7 MB. First, we integrated an SE module into the backbone to adaptively adjust the channel weights of feature maps, enhancing the expression of critical features such as the contours and textures of the leaves. Then, we developed an adaptive weighted bi-directional feature pyramid network, SE-BiFPN, utilizing the SE module within the backbone. This approach enhances the information transfer capabilities between the deep semantic features and shallow contour texture features of the network, thereby accelerating detection speed and improving detection accuracy. Finally, to enhance model stability during learning, we introduced an angle cost-based bounding box regression loss function (SIoU), which integrates directional information between ground-truth boxes and predicted boxes. This allows for more effective learning of the positioning and size of leaf edges and enhances the model’s accuracy in detecting leaf locations. We validated the improved model on the single-species leaf dataset. The results showed that compared to YOLOv5s, SinL-YOLOv5 exhibited a notable performance improvement. Specifically, SinL-YOLOv5 achieved an increase of nearly 4.7 percentage points in the mAP@0.5 and processed an additional 20 frames per second. These enhancements significantly enhanced both the accuracy and speed of localization and recognition. With this improved model, we achieved accurate and rapid detection of eight common types of single-species tree leaves against complex urban backgrounds, providing technical support for urban forest surveys, urban forestry planning, and urban environmental conservation.
The Risk of Aircraft-Acquired SARS-CoV-2 Transmission during Commercial Flights: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhao Diana , Cheng Stephanie , Tsui Fuchiang R. , Mathur Maya B. , Wang Chih-Hung Jason
Published: May 2024

The aircraft-acquired transmission of SARS-CoV-2 poses a public health risk. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and analysis of articles, published prior to vaccines being available, from 24 January 2020 to 20 April 2021 to identify factors important for transmission. Articles were included if they mentioned index cases and identifiable flight duration, and excluded if they discussed non-commercial aircraft, airflow or transmission models, cases without flight data, or that were unable to determine in-flight transmission. From the 15 articles selected for in-depth review, 50 total flights were analyzed by flight duration both as a categorical variable—short (<3 h), medium (3–6 h), or long flights (>6 h)—and as a continuous variable with case counts modeled by negative binomial regression. Compared to short flights without masking, medium and long flights without masking were associated with 4.66-fold increase (95% CI: [1.01, 21.52]; p < 0.0001) and 25.93-fold increase in incidence rates (95% CI: [4.1, 164]; p < 0.0001), respectively; long flights with enforced masking had no transmission reported. A 1 h increase in flight duration was associated with 1.53-fold (95% CI: [1.19, 1.66]; p < 0.001) increase in the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of cases. Masking should be considered for long flights.
A Spatio-Temporal-Dependent Requirement of Sonic Hedgehog in the Early Development of Sclerotome-Derived Vertebrae and Ribs
Authors: Kahane Nitza , Dahan-Barda Yael , Kalcheim Chaya
Published: May 2024

Derived from axial structures, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is secreted into the paraxial mesoderm, where it plays crucial roles in sclerotome induction and myotome differentiation. Through conditional loss-of-function in quail embryos, we investigate the timing and impact of Shh activity during early formation of sclerotome-derived vertebrae and ribs, and of lateral mesoderm-derived sternum. To this end, Hedgehog interacting protein (Hhip) was electroporated at various times between days 2 and 5. While the vertebral body and rib primordium showed consistent size reduction, rib expansion into the somatopleura remained unaffected, and the sternal bud developed normally. Additionally, we compared these effects with those of locally inhibiting BMP activity. Transfection of Noggin in the lateral mesoderm hindered sternal bud formation. Unlike Hhip, BMP inhibition via Noggin or Smad6 induced myogenic differentiation of the lateral dermomyotome lip, while impeding the growth of the myotome/rib complex into the somatic mesoderm, thus affirming the role of the lateral dermomyotome epithelium in rib guidance. Overall, these findings underscore the continuous requirement for opposing gradients of Shh and BMP activity in the morphogenesis of proximal and distal flank skeletal structures, respectively. Future research should address the implications of these early interactions to the later morphogenesis and function of the musculo-skeletal system and of possible associated malformations.
Prg4-Expressing Chondroprogenitor Cells in the Superficial Zone of Articular Cartilage
Authors: Ignatyeva Nadezda , Gavrilov Nikita , Timashev Peter S. , Medvedeva Ekaterina V.
Published: May 2024

Joint-resident chondrogenic precursor cells have become a significant therapeutic option due to the lack of regenerative capacity in articular cartilage. Progenitor cells are located in the superficial zone of the articular cartilage, producing lubricin/Prg4 to decrease friction of cartilage surfaces during joint movement. Prg4-positive progenitors are crucial in maintaining the joint’s structure and functionality. The disappearance of progenitor cells leads to changes in articular hyaline cartilage over time, subchondral bone abnormalities, and the formation of ectopic ossification. Genetic labeling cell technology has been the main tool used to characterize Prg4-expressing progenitor cells of articular cartilage in vivo through drug injection at different time points. This technology allows for the determination of the origin of progenitor cells and the tracking of their progeny during joint development and cartilage damage. We endeavored to highlight the currently known information about the Prg4-producing cell population in the joint to underline the significance of the role of these cells in the development of articular cartilage and its homeostasis. This review focuses on superficial progenitors in the joint, how they contribute to postnatal articular cartilage formation, their capacity for regeneration, and the consequences of Prg4 deficiency in these cells. We have accumulated information about the Prg4+ cell population of articular cartilage obtained through various elegantly designed experiments using transgenic technologies to identify potential opportunities for further research.
Could SP-A and SP-D Serum Levels Predict COVID-19 Severity?
Authors: Maddaloni Luca , Zullino Veronica , Bugani Ginevra , Lazzaro Alessandro , Brisciani Matteo , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Santinelli Letizia , Ruberto Franco
Published: May 2024

Given the various clinical manifestations that characterize Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the scientific community is constantly searching for biomarkers with prognostic value. Surfactant proteins A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) are collectins that play a crucial role in ensuring proper alveolar function and an alteration of their serum levels was reported in several pulmonary diseases characterized by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary fibrosis. Considering that such clinical manifestations can also occur during Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, we wondered if these collectins could act as prognostic markers. In this regard, serum levels of SP-A and SP-D were measured by enzyme immunoassay in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 51) at admission (T0) and after seven days (T1) and compared with healthy donors (n = 11). SP-D increased in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls during the early phases of infection, while a significant reduction was observed at T1. Stratifying SARS-CoV-2 patients according to disease severity, increased serum SP-D levels were observed in severe compared to mild patients. In light of these results, SP-D, but not SP-A, seems to be an eligible marker of COVID-19 pneumonia, and the early detection of SP-D serum levels could be crucial for preventive clinical management.
Comparison of Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties of Raphanus sativus L. Leaf and Root Kombucha-Fermented Extracts
Authors: Ziemlewska Aleksandra , Zagórska-Dziok Martyna , Mokrzyńska Agnieszka , Nizioł-Łukaszewska Zofia , Szczepanek Dariusz , Sowa Ireneusz , Wójciak Magdalena
Published: May 2024

In the cosmetics industry, the extract from Raphanus sativus L. is fermented using specific starter cultures. These cosmetic ingredients act as preservatives and skin conditioners. Kombucha is traditionally made by fermenting sweetened tea using symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeast and is used in cosmetic products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cosmetic properties of radish leaf and root extract fermented with the SCOBY. Both unfermented water extracts and extracts after 7, 14, and 21 days of fermentation were evaluated. The analysis of secondary plant metabolites by UPLC-MS showed higher values for ferments than for extracts. A similar relationship was noted when examining the antioxidant properties using DPPH and ABTS radicals and the protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in fibroblasts and keratinocytes using the fluorogenic dye H2DCFDA. The results also showed no cytotoxicity to skin cells using Alamar Blue and Neutral Red tests. The ability of the samples to inhibit IL-1β and COX-2 activity in LPS-treated fibroblasts was also demonstrated using ELISA assays. The influence of extracts and ferments on bacterial strains involved in inflammatory processes of skin diseases was also assessed. Additionally, application tests were carried out, which showed a positive effect of extracts and ferments on TEWL and skin hydration using a TEWAmeter and corneometer probe. The results obtained depended on the concentration used and the fermentation time.
Genome-Wide Detection of Copy Number Variations and Their Potential Association with Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in Pingliang Red Cattle
Authors: Wang Yuanqing , Ma Jun , Wang Jing , Zhang Lupei , Xu Lingyang , Chen Yan , Zhu Bo , Wang Zezhao , Gao Huijiang , Li Junya , Gao Xue
Published: May 2024

Copy number variation (CNV) serves as a significant source of genetic diversity in mammals and exerts substantial effects on various complex traits. Pingliang red cattle, an outstanding indigenous resource in China, possess remarkable breeding value attributed to their tender meat and superior marbling quality. However, the genetic mechanisms influencing carcass and meat quality traits in Pingliang red cattle are not well understood. We generated a comprehensive genome-wide CNV map for Pingliang red cattle using the GGP Bovine 100K SNP chip. A total of 755 copy number variable regions (CNVRs) spanning 81.03 Mb were identified, accounting for approximately 3.24% of the bovine autosomal genome. Among these, we discovered 270 potentially breed-specific CNVRs in Pingliang red cattle, including 143 gains, 73 losses, and 54 mixed events. Functional annotation analysis revealed significant associations between these specific CNVRs and important traits such as carcass and meat quality, reproduction, exterior traits, growth traits, and health traits. Additionally, our network and transcriptome analysis highlighted CACNA2D1, CYLD, UBXN2B, TG, NADK, and ITGA9 as promising candidate genes associated with carcass weight and intramuscular fat deposition. The current study presents a genome-wide CNV map in Pingliang red cattle, highlighting breed-specific CNVRs, and transcriptome findings provide valuable insights into the underlying genetic characteristics of Pingliang red cattle. These results offer potential avenues for enhancing meat quality through a targeted breeding program.
Physicochemical and Volatile Compounds Analysis of Fruit Wines Fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae: FTIR and Microscopy Study with Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Potential
Authors: Paśko Paweł , Galanty Agnieszka , Dymerski Tomasz , Kim Young-Mo , Park Yong-Seo , Cabrales-Arellano Patricia , Martinez Victor Velazquez , Delgado Efren , Gralak Mikołaj , Deutsch Joseph , Barasch Dinorah , Nemirovski Alina , Gorinstein Shela
Published: May 2024

The growing trend in fruit wine production reflects consumers’ interest in novel, diverse drinking experiences and the increasing demand for healthier beverage options. Fruit wines made from kiwi, pomegranates, and persimmons fermented using S. bayanus Lalvin strain EC1118 demonstrate the versatility of winemaking techniques. Kiwifruit, persimmon, and pomegranate wines were analyzed using HPLC and GC-TOFMS analyses to determine their concentrations of phenolic acids and volatile compounds. These results were supported by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to characterize and compare chemical shifts in the polyphenol regions of these wines. The wines’ characterization included an anti-inflammatory assay based on NO, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 production in the RAW 264.7 macrophage model. FTIR spectroscopy predicted the antioxidant and phenolic contents in the wines. In terms of polyphenols, predominantly represented by chlorogenic, caffeic, and gallic acids, pomegranate and kiwifruit wines showed greater benefits. However, kiwifruit wines exhibited a highly diverse profile of volatile compounds. Further analysis is necessary, particularly regarding the use of other microorganisms in the fermentation process and non-Saccharomyces strains methods. These wines exhibit high biological antioxidant potential and health properties, providing valuable insights for future endeavors focused on designing healthy functional food products.
Noble Metal Nanoparticle-Based Photothermal Therapy: Development and Application in Effective Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yu Shujie , Xia Guoyu , Yang Nan , Yuan Longlong , Li Jianmin , Wang Qingluo , Li Dingyang , Ding Lijun , Fan Zhongxiong , Li Jinyao
Published: May 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising cancer therapy modality with significant advantages such as precise targeting, convenient drug delivery, better efficacy, and minimal adverse effects. Photothermal therapy effectively absorbs the photothermal transducers in the near-infrared region (NIR), which induces the photothermal effect to work. Although PTT has a better role in tumor therapy, it also suffers from low photothermal conversion efficiency, biosafety, and incomplete tumor elimination. Therefore, the use of nanomaterials themselves as photosensitizers, the targeted modification of nanomaterials to improve targeting efficiency, or the combined use of nanomaterials with other therapies can improve the therapeutic effects and reduce side effects. Notably, noble metal nanomaterials have attracted much attention in PTT because they have strong surface plasmon resonance and an effective absorbance light at specific near-infrared wavelengths. Therefore, they can be used as excellent photosensitizers to mediate photothermal conversion and improve its efficiency. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the key role played by noble metal nanomaterials in tumor photothermal therapy. It also describes the major challenges encountered during the implementation of photothermal therapy.
Adar Regulates Drosophila melanogaster Spermatogenesis via Modulation of BMP Signaling
Authors: Zhang Qian , Fan Xinxin , Fu Fang , Zhu Yuedan , Luo Guanzheng , Chen Haiyang
Published: May 2024

The dynamic process of Drosophila spermatogenesis involves asymmetric division, mitosis, and meiosis, which ultimately results in the production of mature spermatozoa. Disorders of spermatogenesis can lead to infertility in males. ADAR (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) mutations in Drosophila cause male infertility, yet the causative factors remain unclear. In this study, immunofluorescence staining was employed to visualize endogenous ADAR proteins and assess protein levels via fluorescence-intensity analysis. In addition, the early differentiation disorders and homeostatic alterations during early spermatogenesis in the testes were examined through quantification of transit-amplifying region length, counting the number of GSCs (germline stem cells), and fertility experiments. Our findings suggest that deletion of ADAR causes testicular tip transit-amplifying cells to accumulate and become infertile in older male Drosophila. By overexpressing ADAR in early germline cells, male infertility can be partially rescued. Transcriptome analysis showed that ADAR maintained early spermatogenesis homeostasis through the bone-morphogenetic-protein (BMP) signaling pathway. Taken together, these findings have the potential to help explore the role of ADAR in early spermatogenesis.
SCN1A Channels a Wide Range of Epileptic Phenotypes: Report of Novel and Known Variants with Variable Presentations
Authors: Veltra Danai , Theodorou Virginia , Katsalouli Marina , Vorgia Pelagia , Niotakis Georgios , Tsaprouni Triantafyllia , Pons Roser , Kosma Konstantina , Kampouraki Afroditi , Tsoutsou Irene , Makrythanasis Periklis , Kekou Kyriaki , Traeger-Synodinos Joanne , Sofocleous Christalena
Published: May 2024

SCN1A, the gene encoding for the Nav1.1 channel, exhibits dominant interneuron-specific expression, whereby variants disrupting the channel’s function affect the initiation and propagation of action potentials and neuronal excitability causing various types of epilepsy. Dravet syndrome (DS), the first described clinical presentation of SCN1A channelopathy, is characterized by severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI). Variants’ characteristics and other genetic or epigenetic factors lead to extreme clinical heterogeneity, ranging from non-epileptic conditions to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). This current study reports on findings from 343 patients referred by physicians in hospitals and tertiary care centers in Greece between 2017 and 2023. Positive family history for specific neurologic disorders was disclosed in 89 cases and the one common clinical feature was the onset of seizures, at a mean age of 17 months (range from birth to 15 years old). Most patients were specifically referred for SCN1A investigation (Sanger Sequencing and MLPA) and only five for next generation sequencing. Twenty-six SCN1A variants were detected, including nine novel causative variants (c.4567A>Τ, c.5564C>A, c.2176+2T>C, c.3646G>C, c.4331C>A, c.1130_1131delGAinsAC, c.1574_1580delCTGAGGA, c.4620A>G and c.5462A>C), and are herein presented, along with subsequent genotype–phenotype associations. The identification of novel variants complements SCN1A databases extending our expertise on genetic counseling and patient and family management including gene-based personalized interventions.
Systems Genome: Coordinated Gene Activity Networks, Recurring Coordination Modules, and Genome Homeostasis in Developing Neurons
Authors: Dhiman Siddhartha , Manoj Namya , Liput Michal , Sangwan Amit , Diehl Justin , Balcerak Anna , Sudhakar Sneha , Augustyniak Justyna , Jornet Josep M. , Bae Yongho , Stachowiak Ewa K. , Dutta Anirban , Stachowiak Michal K.
Published: May 2024

As human progenitor cells differentiate into neurons, the activities of many genes change; these changes are maintained within a narrow range, referred to as genome homeostasis. This process, which alters the synchronization of the entire expressed genome, is distorted in neurodevelopmental diseases such as schizophrenia. The coordinated gene activity networks formed by altering sets of genes comprise recurring coordination modules, governed by the entropy-controlling action of nuclear FGFR1, known to be associated with DNA topology. These modules can be modeled as energy-transferring circuits, revealing that genome homeostasis is maintained by reducing oscillations (noise) in gene activity while allowing gene activity changes to be transmitted across networks; this occurs more readily in neuronal committed cells than in neural progenitors. These findings advance a model of an “entangled” global genome acting as a flexible, coordinated homeostatic system that responds to developmental signals, is governed by nuclear FGFR1, and is reprogrammed in disease.
Structural and Interactional Analysis of the Flavonoid Pathway Proteins: Chalcone Synthase, Chalcone Isomerase and Chalcone Isomerase-like Protein
Authors: Lewis Jacob A. , Jacobo Eric P. , Palmer Nathan , Vermerris Wilfred , Sattler Scott E. , Brozik James A , Sarath Gautam , Kang ChulHee
Published: May 2024

Chalcone synthase (CHS) and chalcone isomerase (CHI) catalyze the first two committed steps of the flavonoid pathway that plays a pivotal role in the growth and reproduction of land plants, including UV protection, pigmentation, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and pathogen resistance. Based on the obtained X-ray crystal structures of CHS, CHI, and chalcone isomerase-like protein (CHIL) from the same monocotyledon, Panicum virgatum, along with the results of the steady-state kinetics, spectroscopic/thermodynamic analyses, intermolecular interactions, and their effect on each catalytic step are proposed. In addition, PvCHI’s unique activity for both naringenin chalcone and isoliquiritigenin was analyzed, and the observed hierarchical activity for those type-I and -II substrates was explained with the intrinsic characteristics of the enzyme and two substrates. The structure of PvCHS complexed with naringenin supports uncompetitive inhibition. PvCHS displays intrinsic catalytic promiscuity, evident from the formation of p-coumaroyltriacetic acid lactone (CTAL) in addition to naringenin chalcone. In the presence of PvCHIL, conversion of p-coumaroyl-CoA to naringenin through PvCHS and PvCHI displayed ~400-fold increased Vmax with reduced formation of CTAL by 70%. Supporting this model, molecular docking, ITC (Isothermal Titration Calorimetry), and FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) indicated that both PvCHI and PvCHIL interact with PvCHS in a non-competitive manner, indicating the plausible allosteric effect of naringenin on CHS. Significantly, the presence of naringenin increased the affinity between PvCHS and PvCHIL, whereas naringenin chalcone decreased the affinity, indicating a plausible feedback mechanism to minimize spontaneous incorrect stereoisomers. These are the first findings from a three-body system from the same species, indicating the importance of the macromolecular assembly of CHS-CHI-CHIL in determining the amount and type of flavonoids produced in plant cells.
Utility of Cadaveric Porcine Heads for Teaching Oral Surgical Procedures in an Australian Dental School: A Pilot Study
Authors: Devlin Jessica , Ghosh Yohaann , Shukla Khilan , Forwood Mark , Hurrell Michael
Published: May 2024

Background/Objectives: Cadaveric models have traditionally been a mainstay of dental and medical education worldwide since their inception. In Australia, educators at dental schools were among the first to use cadaveric porcine heads in formal teaching in oral surgery. This practice has since fallen out of favour in most modern dental curricula. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the utility of cadaveric porcine models for oral surgery training from a student perspective (Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia). Methods: Thirty participants who were all third-year dental students attended a two-hour session comprising a 30 min lecture followed by a 90 min practical workshop. The lecture outlined the steps and supervision of students during the practical and was provided by a consultant maxillofacial surgeon. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants were asked to anonymously complete a printed questionnaire with eight questions related to their experience. Results: Prior to the workshop, two-thirds (61%) of participants felt that they had been taught the surgical procedure for raising mucoperiosteal flaps adequately in their dental school curriculum during their third year, although only 43% of students had assisted specialty residents in raising a mucoperiosteal flap and 14% reported having performed the procedure themselves. Almost all students (96%) agreed that the porcine model was useful for their dental education and that they would practice the exercise using the model again if provided with the opportunity. The questionnaire had a 93.33% completion rate. Conclusions: This pilot study indicates that porcine heads present a useful, low-cost adjunct in the learning of basic oral surgical procedures.
Controversies and Future Directions in Management of Acute Appendicitis: An Updated Comprehensive Review
Authors: Dahiya Dushyant Singh , Akram Hamzah , Goyal Aman , Khan Abdul Moiz , Shahnoor Syeda , Hassan Khawaja M. , Gangwani Manesh Kumar , Ali Hassam , Pinnam Bhanu Siva Mohan , Alsakarneh Saqr , Canakis Andrew , Sheikh Abu Baker , Chandan Saurabh , Sohail Amir Humza
Published: May 2024

Globally, acute appendicitis has an estimated lifetime risk of 7–8%. However, there are numerous controversies surrounding the management of acute appendicitis, and the best treatment approach depends on patient characteristics. Non-operative management (NOM), which involves the utilization of antibiotics and aggressive intravenous hydration, and surgical appendectomy are valid treatment options for healthy adults. NOM is also ideal for poor surgical candidates. Another important consideration is the timing of surgery, i.e., the role of interval appendectomy (IA) and the possibility of delaying surgery for a few hours on index admission. IA refers to surgical removal of the appendix 8–12 weeks after the initial diagnosis of appendicitis. It is ideal in patients with a contained appendiceal perforation on initial presentation, wherein an initial nonoperative approach is preferred. Furthermore, IA can help distinguish malignant and non-malignant causes of acute appendicitis, while reducing the risk of recurrence. On the contrary, a decision to delay appendectomy for a few hours on index admission should be made based on the patients’ baseline health status and severity of appendicitis. Post-operatively, surgical drain placement may help reduce postoperative complications; however, it carries an increased risk of drain occlusion, fistula formation, and paralytic ileus. Furthermore, one of the most critical aspects of appendectomy is the closure of the appendiceal stump, which can be achieved with the help of endoclips, sutures, staples, and endoloops. In this review, we discuss different aspects of management of acute appendicitis, current controversies in management, and the potential role of endoscopic appendectomy as a future treatment option.
Impact of Indocyanine Green Angiography on Postoperative Parathyroid Function: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Karahan Salih N. , Toprak Safa , Celik Burak , Ozata Ibrahim H. , Yigci Defne , Kalender Mekselina , Tezelman Serdar , Agcaoglu Orhan
Published: May 2024

Background: Thyroidectomy constitutes an important portion of endocrine surgery procedures and is associated with various complications such as bleeding, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and postoperative hypoparathyroidsm. Effective parathyroid preservation during thyroid surgery is crucial for patient well-being, with current strategies heavily reliant on surgeon experience. Among various methods, Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA) offers a promising method for intraoperative assessment of parathyroid gland perfusion. Methods: In a retrospective study, patients undergoing bilateral thyroidectomy from January 2021 to January 2023 were analyzed, excluding those with previous thyroidectomy, parathyroid disease, or chronic kidney disease. The study compared a control group (n = 175) with an ICGA group (n = 120), using propensity score matching for statistical analysis. Matched cohorts included 120 patients in each group. The primary outcome of this study was identified as temporary postoperative hypoparathyroidism, with secondary outcomes including the rate of parathyroid reimplantation and the incidence of permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Results: The ICGA group showed significantly more parathyroid autotransplantations (p < 0.01). While not statistically significant, the control group had a higher incidence of temporary postoperative hypoparathyroidism (p < 0.09). Rates of hypocalcemia on postoperative day 1 and permanent hypocalcemia were similar. Subgroup analysis indicated more postoperative day 1 hypoparathyroidism in the control group during central neck dissections (p < 0.049). Conclusions: Intraoperative ICGA use correlated with higher parathyroid autotransplantation and suggested reduced postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Changes in fluorescence intensity following a second ICG injection may provide an objective method to assess parathyroid perfusion. Further large-scale studies are needed to fully understand ICGA’s impact on parathyroid preservation.
Analysis of Dynamic Changes in Vegetation Net Primary Productivity and Its Driving Factors in the Two Regions North and South of the Hu Huanyong Line in China
Authors: Liu Weimin , Yan Dengming , Yu Zhilei , Wu Zening , Wang Huiliang , Yang Jie , Liu Simin , Wang Tianye
Published: May 2024

Human activities and global environmental changes have transformed terrestrial ecosystems, notably increasing vegetation greenness in China. However, this greening is less effective across the Hu Huanyong Line (Hu Line). This study analyzes dynamic changes and driving factors of nine vegetation net primary productivities (NPPs) in regions divided by the Hu Line using remote sensing data, trend analysis, and the Geodetector model. Findings reveal that from 2001 to 2022, 38.22% of regional vegetation NPP in China increased, especially in the Loess Plateau, Sichuan Basin, and Northeast Plains, while 2.39% decreased, primarily in the southeastern region and southern Tibet. Grasslands contributed 39.71% to NPP north of the Hu Line, and cultivated vegetation contributed 50.58% south. The driving explanatory power of factors on vegetation NPP on the north side of the Hu Line is generally greater than that on the south side. Natural factors primarily drive NPP changes, with human activities having less impact. Combined factors, particularly climate and elevation, significantly enhance the driving explanatory power (q, 0–1). The joint effects of elevation and precipitation on grassland NPP dynamics (q = 0.602) are notable. GDP’s influence on broadleaf forests north of the Hu Line (q = 0.404) is significant. Grasslands respond strongly to land use changes and population density, with a combined effect of q = 0.535. Shrubs, alpine vegetation, and meadows show minimal response to individual factors (q < 0.2). These findings offer insights for devising ecological protection measures tailored to local conditions.
Applications of Point-of-Care-Ultrasound in Neonatology: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Recker Florian , Kipfmueller Florian , Wittek Agnes , Strizek Brigitte , Winter Lone
Published: May 2024

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) integration into neonatology offers transformative potential for diagnostics and treatment, enhancing immediacy and precision of clinical decision-making in this vulnerable patient population. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on POCUS applications, benefits, challenges, and educational strategies in neonatology. Literature search was conducted using SPIDER scheme keywords and MeSH terms related to POCUS and neonatology. Studies focusing on POCUS applications, its impact on clinical outcomes, and educational interventions for skill acquisition were included and analyzed using standardized tools, followed by a narrative synthesis of the findings. The search yielded 68 relevant publications, encompassing original research, reviews, and guidelines. POCUS applications varied across cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and abdominal assessments. Key benefits included a reduced need for invasive procedures and rapid bedside diagnosis. Challenges included steep learning curves for clinicians and the need for standardized training and guidelines. Educational strategies highlighted the effectiveness of simulation-based training in enhancing ultrasound proficiency among neonatal care providers. POCUS represents a significant advancement in neonatal medicine, offering benefits for patient care. Addressing identified challenges through comprehensive training programs and developing standardized guidelines is crucial for optimized use. Future research should focus on evaluating educational outcomes and long-term impacts of POCUS integration into neonatal care.
Compaction and Segregation of DNA in Escherichia coli
Authors: Woldringh Conrad L.
Published: May 2024

Theoretical and experimental approaches have been applied to study the polymer physics underlying the compaction of DNA in the bacterial nucleoid. Knowledge of the compaction mechanism is necessary to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the segregation process of replicating chromosome arms (replichores) during the cell cycle. The first part of this review discusses light microscope observations demonstrating that the nucleoid has a lower refractive index and thus, a lower density than the cytoplasm. A polymer physics explanation for this phenomenon was given by a theory discussed at length in this review. By assuming a phase separation between the nucleoid and the cytoplasm and by imposing equal osmotic pressure and chemical potential between the two phases, a minimal energy situation is obtained, in which soluble proteins are depleted from the nucleoid, thus explaining its lower density. This theory is compared to recent views on DNA compaction that are based on the exclusion of polyribosomes from the nucleoid or on the transcriptional activity of the cell. These new views prompt the question of whether they can still explain the lower refractive index or density of the nucleoid. In the second part of this review, we discuss the question of how DNA segregation occurs in Escherichia coli in the absence of the so-called active ParABS system, which is present in the majority of bacteria. How is the entanglement of nascent chromosome arms generated at the origin in the parental DNA network of the E. coli nucleoid prevented? Microscopic observations of the position of fluorescently-labeled genetic loci have indicated that the four nascent chromosome arms synthesized in the initial replication bubble segregate to opposite halves of the sister nucleoids. This implies that extensive intermingling of daughter strands does not occur. Based on the hypothesis that leading and lagging replichores synthesized in the replication bubble fold into microdomains that do not intermingle, a passive four-excluding-arms model for segregation is proposed. This model suggests that the key for segregation already exists in the structure of the replication bubble at the very start of DNA replication; it explains the different patterns of chromosome arms as well as the segregation distances between replicated loci, as experimentally observed.