bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commercial Small-Scale Horizontal and Vertical Wind Turbines: A Comprehensive Review of Geometry, Materials, Costs and Performance
Authors: Rosato Antonio , Perrotta Achille , Maffei Luigi
Published: June 2024

The effective exploitation of renewable energy sources is one of the most effective solutions to counter the energy, environmental and economic problems associated with the use of fossil fuels. Small-scale wind turbines (converting wind energy into electric energy with a power output lower than 50 kW) have received tremendous attention over the past few decades thanks to their reduced environmental impact, high efficiency, low maintenance cost, high reliability, wide wind operation range, self-starting capability at low wind speed, limited installation space, reduced dependence on grid-connected power and long transmission lines, low capital costs, as well as the possibility to be installed in some urban settings. However, there are significant challenges and drawbacks associated with this technology from many different perspectives, including the significant discrepancy between theoretical performance data provided by the manufacturers and real field operation, that need to be investigated in greater depth in order to enable a more widespread deployment of small-scale wind turbines. In this review, a complete and updated list of more than 200 commercially available small-scale horizontal and vertical wind turbine models is provided and analysed, detailing the corresponding characteristics in terms of the number and material of blades, start-up wind speed, cut-in wind speed, cut-out wind speed, survival wind speed, maximum power, noise level, rotor diameter, turbine length, tower height, and specific capital cost. In addition, several scientific papers focusing on the experimental assessment of field performance of commercially available small-scale horizontal and vertical wind turbines have been reviewed and the corresponding measured data have been compared with the rated performance derived from the manufacturers’ datasheets in order to underline the discrepancies. This review represents an opportunity for the scientific community to have a clear and up-to-date picture of small-scale horizontal as well as vertical wind turbines on the market today, with a precise summary of their geometric, performance, and economic characteristics, which can enable a more accurate and informed choice of the wind turbine to be used depending on the application. It also describes the differences between theoretical and in-situ performance, emphasizing the need for further experimental research and highlighting the direction in which future studies should be directed for more efficient design and use of building-integrated small-scale wind turbines.
Satellite Image Cloud Automatic Annotator with Uncertainty Estimation
Authors: Gao Yijiang , Shao Yang , Jiang Rui , Yang Xubing , Zhang Li
Published: June 2024

In satellite imagery, clouds obstruct the ground information, directly impacting various downstream applications. Thus, cloud annotation/cloud detection serves as the initial preprocessing step in remote sensing image analysis. Recently, deep learning methods have significantly improved in the field of cloud detection, but training these methods necessitates abundant annotated data, which requires experts with professional domain knowledge. Moreover, the influx of remote sensing data from new satellites has further led to an increase in the cost of cloud annotation. To address the dependence on labeled datasets and professional domain knowledge, this paper proposes an automatic cloud annotation method for satellite remote sensing images, CloudAUE. Unlike traditional approaches, CloudAUE does not rely on labeled training datasets and can be operated by users without domain expertise. To handle the irregular shapes of clouds, CloudAUE firstly employs a convex hull algorithm for selecting cloud and non-cloud regions by polygons. When selecting convex hulls, the cloud region is first selected, and points at the edges of the cloud region are sequentially selected as polygon vertices to form a polygon that includes the cloud region. Then, the same selection is performed on non-cloud regions. Subsequently, the fast KD-Tree algorithm is used for pixel classification. Finally, an uncertainty method is proposed to evaluate the quality of annotation. When the confidence value of the image exceeds a preset threshold, the annotation process terminates and achieves satisfactory results. When the value falls below the threshold, the image needs to undergo a subsequent round of annotation. Through experiments on two labeled datasets, HRC and Landsat 8, CloudAUE demonstrates comparable or superior accuracy to deep learning algorithms, and requires only one to two annotations to obtain ideal results. An unlabeled self-built Google Earth dataset is utilized to validate the effectiveness and generalizability of CloudAUE. To show the extension capabilities in various fields, CloudAUE also achieves desirable results on a forest fire dataset. Finally, some suggestions are provided to improve annotation performance and reduce the number of annotations.
Sequential Pulsed Light and Ultrasound Treatments for the Inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and PPO and the Retention of Bioactive Compounds in Sweet Lime Juice
Authors: Shaik Lubna , Chakraborty Snehasis
Published: June 2024

Designing a pasteurization con dition for sweet lime juice while ensuring microbial safety, enzymatic stability, and high nutritional quality is crucial for satisfying stakeholder demands. The present research investigates the effects of matrix pH, ultrasound treatments, and sequential pulsed light on the microbial population, enzyme activity, and bioactive chemicals in sweet lime juice. The sequential pulsed light (PL: 0.6–0.84 J/cm2) and ultrasound (US: 0.2–0.4 W/cm3) treatments for sweet lime juice were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A three-factor full factorial design was used for this purpose. The independent variables encompassed pH (X1), PL effective fluence (X2, J/cm2), and US intensity (X3, W/cm3). The responses assessed included the inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Y1, log cfu/mL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO: Y2 in %) and the retention of vitamin C (Y3, %). The polynomial models were optimized using numerical optimization to attain the maximum desirability value (0.89). The optimized PL + US sample (0.8 J/cm2 + 0.4 W/cm3, respectively) at pH 3.5 resulted in a 5-log cycle reduction in S. cerevisiae count and a 90% inactivation in PPO activity and retained 95% of its vitamin C content. This optimized sample underwent further analysis, including phenolic profiling, assessment of microbial cell morphology, and examination of enzyme conformational changes. After sequential pulsed-light (0.8 J/cm2) and ultrasound (0.4 W/cm3) treatments, yeast cells showed unusual structural changes, indicating additional targets besides membranes. Following PL + US treatment, the PPO composition changed to 2.7 ± 0.1% α-helix, 33.9 ± 0.3% β-sheet, 1.4 ± 0.2% β-turn, and 62 ± 0.7% random coil. Impressively, the optimized PL + US sample maintained a sensory acceptance level similar to that of the untreated sample.
Pore Structure Characterization and Fractal Characteristics of Tight Limestone Based on Low-Temperature Nitrogen Adsorption and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Lin Wei , Zhao Xinli , Li Mingtao , Zhuang Yan
Published: June 2024

Pore structure characterization and fractal analysis have great significance for understanding and evaluating tight limestone reservoirs. In this work, the pore structure of tight limestone, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption (LTNA), and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are characterized, and the fractal dimension of the pore structure of tight limestone is discussed based on LTNA and NMR data. The results indicate that the pores of tight limestone have H3 and H4 types, the pore size distribution (PSD) of the H3 type is a wave distribution ranging from 2 to 10 nm, and the PSD of the H4 type is a unimodal distribution ranging from 2 to 10 nm. The transverse relaxation time (T2) spectrum of tight limestone shows a single peak (DF), double peak (SF), and triple peak (TF), and the ranges for the T2 spectra for micropores, mesopores, and macropores are 0.1 to 10 ms, 10 to 100 ms, and greater than 100 ms, respectively. The LTNA fractal dimension of tight limestone (DL) ranges between 2.4446 and 2.7688, with an average of 2.5729, and the NMR fractal dimensions of micropores (DNMR1), mesopores (DNMR2), and macropores (DNMR3) are distributed between 0.3744 and 1.1293, 2.4263 and 2.9395, and 2.6582 and 2.9989, respectively. Moreover, there is a negative correlation between DL and average pore radius, a positive correlation between DL and specific surface area, and a positive correlation between DNMR2 and DNMR3 and micropore content, while DNMR2 and DNMR3 are negatively correlated with the content of mesopores and macropores.
Uncovering Nursing Communication Strategies and Relational Styles to Foster Patient Engagement in Oncology: A Scoping Review
Authors: Crivelli Andrea Francesco , Barello Serena , Acampora Marta , Bonetti Loris
Published: June 2024

Nurses play an active role in fostering engagement of oncological patients, and, therefore, adopting effective communication and interpersonal skills is crucial. However, the nurse–patient relationship and communication strategies are frequently undervalued. This scoping review aims to address this gap with a twofold objective: (1) to explore the existing literature to identify communication strategies and relational styles employed by nurses to promote patient engagement in non-pediatric oncology patients; (2) to assess current knowledge on this topic to determine the need for future research. The search was conducted on different scientific databases and grey literature. The review was conducted following the methodology outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for scoping reviews and the updated version of the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. Thirteen articles were included in the study. The studies in total enrolled 863 participants. Four clusters of nursing interventions were identified, encompassing communication strategies and relational styles of varying complexity, along with ten categories of general outcomes emerging from their implementation. This study summarizes the current knowledge regarding nursing communication strategies and relational styles used to promote patient engagement in oncological patients. Further research is needed, to evaluate and integrate the researched techniques, tools, and interventions for future clinical nursing practice.
A Detailed Examination of Retroperitoneal Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Existing Literature
Authors: Balovic Goran , Stojanovic Bojana S. , Radovanovic Dragce , Lazic Dejan , Ilic Milena , Jovanovic Ivan , Svilar Dejan , Stankovic Vesna , Sibalija Balovic Jelena , Markovic Bojana Simovic , Dimitrijevic Stojanovic Milica , Jovanovic Dalibor , Stojanovic Bojan
Published: June 2024

This detailed review focuses on retroperitoneal undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), a particularly aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma that poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its rarity and complex presentation. By documenting a new case of retroperitoneal UPS and conducting a comprehensive review of all known cases, this article aims to expand the existing body of knowledge on the epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, and treatment strategies associated with this rare disease. The complexity of diagnosing UPS is emphasized given that it rarely occurs in the retroperitoneal space and its histological and molecular complexity often complicates its recognition. This review highlights the need for specialized diagnostic approaches, including advanced imaging techniques and histopathological studies, to accurately diagnose and stage the disease. In terms of treatment, this paper advocates a multidisciplinary approach that combines surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and tailors it to individual patients to optimize treatment outcomes. This review highlights case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of surgical intervention in the treatment of these tumors and emphasize the importance of achieving clear surgical margins to prevent recurrence. Furthermore, this review discusses the potential of new molecular targets and the need for innovative therapies that could bring new hope to patients affected by this challenging sarcoma.
Anatomical Variants of the Renal Veins and Their Relationship with Morphofunctional Alterations of the Kidney: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence
Authors: Valenzuela Fuenzalida Juan Jose , Vera-Tapia Karla , Urzúa-Márquez Camila , Yáñez-Castillo Javiera , Trujillo-Riveros Martín , Koscina Zmilovan , Orellana-Donoso Mathias , Nova-Baeza Pablo , Suazo-Santibañez Alejandra , Sanchis-Gimeno Juan , Bruna-Mejias Alejandro , Gutiérrez Espinoza Héctor
Published: June 2024

Background: Variations in renal veins are quite common, and most people do not experience issues due to them. However, these variations are important for healthcare professionals, especially in surgical procedures and imaging studies, as precise knowledge of vascular anatomy is essential to avoid complications during medical interventions. The purpose of this study was to expose the frequency of anatomical variations in the renal vein (RV) and detail their relationship with the retroperitoneal and renal regions. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS databases from their inception until January 2024. Two authors independently carried out the search, study selection, and data extraction and assessed methodological quality using a quality assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). Ultimately, consolidated prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. Results: In total, 91 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were identified. This study included 91 investigations with a total of 46,664 subjects; the meta-analysis encompassed 64 studies. The overall prevalence of multiple renal veins was 5%, with a confidence interval (CI) of 4% to 5%. The prevalence of the renal vein trajectory was 5%, with a CI of 4% to 5%. The prevalence of renal vein branching was 3%, with a CI of 0% to 6%. Lastly, the prevalence of unusual renal vein origin was 2%, with a CI of 1% to 4%. Conclusions: The analysis of these variants is crucial for both surgical clinical management and the treatment of patients with renal transplant and hemodialysis.
Complicated Form of Medication Overuse Headache Is Severe Version of Chronic Migraine
Authors: Göçmez Yılmaz Gülcan , Ghouri Reza , Özdemir Asena Ayça , Özge Aynur
Published: June 2024

Background: MOH (medication overuse headache) is regarded as a complication of chronic migraines (CMs), with a general acknowledgment of reciprocal triggering between these two conditions. The present study aims to investigate the clinical parameters of relevance for the development of MOH among patients with CM, as well as for the subtype classification of MOHs. Method: We compared two groups of CM patients, with and without MOH, separated based on their demographic data and migraine characteristics. A subgroup of MOH accompanied by psychiatric co-morbidities (depression, anxiety, sleep disorder) was delineated, and the clinical features of relevance for the progression of MOH into the complicated state were evaluated. Results: The study revealed a higher prevalence of a family history of migraine in both the MOH and potentially complicated MOH subgroups (p < 0.001, p = 0.036), along with a higher prevalence of bilateral pain localization (p = 0.033, 0.021). Symptoms commonly associated with migraines, such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, and osmophobia, were more common in both the MOH and potentially complicated MOH subgroups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found for the frequency (p < 0.001) and severity (p = 0.010) of migraine attacks and the duration of headaches (p = 0.007), atopy (p = 0.017), sleep disturbances (p = 0.011), and emotional stress (p = 0.022) in the MOH group. Conclusion: We found a positive correlation between the prevalence of MOH among patients with CM and a family history of migraines, higher frequency and intensity of headaches, bilateral manifestation, sleep disturbances, and emotional stress. Moreover, symptoms accompanying migraines were found to be more prevalent in individuals with MOH and potentially complicated MOH.
The Relevance of Implanted Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Orthopedics Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Parikh Sarthak , Echevarria Alexandra C. , Cemenski Brandon R. , Small Travis
Published: June 2024

Background: Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a form of neuromodulation that involves the transmission of electrical energy via metal contacts known as leads or electrodes. PNS has gained popularity in orthopedic surgery as several studies have supported its use as a pain control device for patients suffering from pain due to orthopedic pathologies involving the knee, shoulder, and foot. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the literature involving peripheral nerve stimulation in orthopedic surgery. The existing body of literature provides support for further research regarding the use of PNS in the management of knee pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, foot pain, and orthopedic trauma. Notably, the evidence for its efficacy in addressing knee and shoulder pain is present. Methods: This study was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Seven hundred and forty-five unique entries were identified. Two blinded reviewers assessed each article by title and abstract to determine its relevance and categorized them as “include”, “exclude”, and “maybe”. After a preliminary review was completed, reviewers were unblinded and a third reviewer retrieved articles labeled as “maybe” and those with conflicting labels to determine their relevance. Twenty-eight articles were included, and seven hundred and seventeen articles were excluded. Articles discussing the use of PNS in the field of orthopedic surgery in patients > 18 years of age after 2010 were included. Exclusion criteria included neuropathic pain, phantom limb pain, amputation, non-musculoskeletal related pathology, non-orthopedic surgery related pathology, spinal cord stimulator, no reported outcomes, review articles, abstracts only, non-human subjects. Results: A total of 16 studies analyzing 69 patients were included. All studies were either case series or case reports. Most articles involved the application of PNS in the knee (8) and shoulder (6) joint. Few articles discussed its application in the foot and orthopedic trauma. All studies demonstrated that PNS was effective in reducing pain. Discussion: Peripheral nerve stimulation can be effective in managing postoperative or chronic pain in patients suffering from orthopedic pathology. This systematic review is limited by the scarcity of robust studies with substantial sample sizes and extended follow up periods in the existing literature.
Effect of PVDF, HA, and AgNO3 Annealing on β-Phase, Optical, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Markuniene Ieva , Palevicius Arvydas , Vezys Joris , Augustyniak Jakub , Perkowski Dariusz , Urbaite Sigita , Janusas Giedrius
Published: June 2024

Typically, polymer composites and ceramics are used to create biosensors. Materials with properties that are ideal for biosensors and chemical sensors include AgNO3 (silver nitrate), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), and HA (hydroxyapatite). Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer has been widely used in several applications because of its well-known superior ferroelectric characteristics and biocompatibility. The brittleness and low bending strength of hydroxyapatite limit its applicability. Several HA and polymer composite formulations have been developed to compensate for HA’s mechanical weakness. The final product contains a significant amount of HA, making HA/polymer composites highly biocompatible. When the right amount of silver is deposited, the maximum piezoelectric activity is generated, and silver nitrate has antimicrobial properties. The non-toxic solvent DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and the solvent casting method were chosen for the preparation of the film. Surface roughness was chosen to measure the Str and Sdr properties of the thin film. For liquid preparation, the multifractal spectra analysis was chosen for each sample. SEM was used to examine the samples morphologically. EDX and mapping analyses were presented for chemistry distribution in the samples.
Interannual Variation of Summer Sea Surface Salinity in the Dotson–Getz Trough, West Antarctica
Authors: Yu Lu-Sha , He Hailun , Leng Hengling , Chen Xiaohui
Published: June 2024

In this study, we explore the interannual variability of Sea Surface Salinity (SSS) in the Dotson–Getz Trough located in West Antarctica, focusing on the month of February. Utilizing the oceanic analysis product EN4, we first validate the EN4 SSS with data from a singular ship-based survey, and then delve into potential factors that may influence SSS, with a particular emphasis on surface freshwater flux, sea ice concentration (SIC), and also the surface stress curl, which will induce upwelling via Ekman transport to affect the SSS. Our findings primarily indicate a link between SSS and sea ice concentration, showcasing a negative correlation where the peak (average) coefficient is around −0.6 (−0.4), further affirming the substantial interannual variability of SSS in this region.
Covering Blue Voices: African American English and Authenticity in Blues Covers
Authors: De Timmerman Romeo , Slembrouck Stef
Published: June 2024

Many musicologists and researchers of popular music have recently stressed the omnipresence of covers in today’s music industry. In the sociolinguistics of music, however, studio-recorded covers and their potential differences from ‘original’ compositions have certainly been acknowledged in passing, but very few sociolinguists concerned with the study of song seem to have systematically explored how language use may differ in such re-imagined musical outputs. This article reports on a study which examines the language use of 45 blues artists from three distinct time periods (viz., 1960s, 1980s, and 2010s) and three specific social groups (viz., African American; non-African American, US-based; and non-African American, non-US based) distributed over 270 studio-recorded original and cover performances. Through gradient boosting decision tree classification, it aims to analyze the artists’ use of eight phonological and lexico-grammatical features that are traditionally associated with African American English (viz., /aɪ/ monophthongization, post-consonantal word-final /t/ deletion, post-consonantal word-final /d/ deletion, alveolar nasal /n/ in  ultimas, post-vocalic word-final /r/ deletion, copula deletion, third-person singular
 deletion, and not-contraction). Our analysis finds song type (i.e., the distinction between covers and originals) to have no meaningful impact on artists’ use of the examined features of African American English. Instead, our analysis reveals how performers seem to rely on these features to a great extent and do so markedly consistently, regardless of factors such as time period, socio-cultural background, or song type. This paper hence builds on our previous work on the language use of blues performers by further teasing out the complex indexical and iconic relationships between features of African American English, authenticity, and the blues genre in its various manifestations of time, place, and performance types.
Holistic Measurement of the Friction Behavior of Wet Clutches
Authors: Strobl Patrick , Meingassner Georg Johann , Pflaum Hermann , Voelkel Katharina , Schneider Thomas , Stahl Karsten
Published: June 2024

The safe and efficient torque transmission of wet disk clutch systems requires high coefficients of friction. To achieve good controllability and high comfort, a positive slope of the coefficient of friction over sliding velocity is ensured by a reasonable formulation of the lubricant and choice of the friction pairing. This results in low transmittable torque at low sliding velocities. Thus, the occurrence of unwanted micro-slip in dynamic operation modes must be considered for the design of safety-relevant clutch systems. This work presents a methodology for the holistic measurement of the friction behavior of wet disk clutches. It is suitable for numerous applications and supports a sound understanding of frictional properties in the range of sliding velocities occurring in brake shifts through forced slip operation down to static torque transmission. The experimental determination of the holistic friction behavior is crucial for developing optimized design guidelines for modern clutch systems.
Quaternion Spin
Authors: Sanctuary Bryan
Published: June 2024

We present an analysis of the Dirac equation when the spin symmetry is changed from SU(2) to the quaternion group, Q8, achieved by multiplying one of the gamma matrices by the imaginary number, i. The reason for doing this is to introduce a bivector into the spin algebra, which complexifies the Dirac field. It then separates into two distinct and complementary spaces: one describing polarization and the other coherence. The former describes a 2D structured spin, and the latter its helicity, generated by a unit quaternion.
A Secure Certificate-Based Data Integrity Auditing Protocol with Cloud Service Providers
Authors: Tian Yuan , Zhou Xuan , Zhou Tanping , Zhong Weidong , Li Ruifeng , Yang Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2024

With the surge in cloud storage popularity, more individuals are choosing to store large amounts of data on remote cloud service providers (CSPs) to save local storage resources. However, users’ primary worries revolve around maintaining data integrity and authenticity. Consequently, several cloud auditing methods have emerged to address these concerns. Many of these approaches rely on traditional public-key cryptography systems or are grounded in identity-based cryptography systems or certificateless cryptography systems. However, they are vulnerable to the increased costs linked with certificate management, key escrow, or the significant expenses of establishing a secure channel, respectively. To counter these limitations, Li et al. introduced a certificate-based cloud auditing protocol (LZ22), notable for its minimal tag generation overhead. Nonetheless, this protocol exhibits certain security vulnerabilities. In this paper, we devise a counterfeiting technique that allows the CSP to produce a counterfeit data block with an identical tag to the original one. Our counterfeiting method boasts a 100% success rate ∀ data block and operates with exceptional efficiency. The counterfeiting process for a single block of 10 kB, 50 kB, and 100 kB takes a maximum of 0.08 s, 0.51 s, and 1.04 s, respectively. By substituting the exponential component of homomorphic verifiable tags (HVTs) with non-public random elements, we formulate a secure certificate-based cloud auditing protocol. In comparison to the LZ22 protocol, the average tag generation overhead of our proposed protocol is reduced by 6.80%, 13.78%, and 8.66% for data sizes of 10 kB, 50 kB, and 100 kB, respectively. However, the auditing overhead of our proposed protocol shows an increase. The average overhead rises by 3.05%, 0.17%, and 0.45% over the LZ22 protocol’s overhead for data sizes of 10 kB, 50 kB, and 100 kB, correspondingly.
A Highly Accurate Computational Approach to Solving the Diffusion Equation of a Fractional Order
Authors: Bin Jebreen Haifa
Published: June 2024

This study aims to present and apply an effective algorithm for solving the TFDE (Time-Fractional Diffusion Equation). The Chebyshev cardinal polynomials and the operational matrix for fractional derivatives based on these bases are relied on as crucial tools to achieve this objective. By employing the pseudospectral method, the equation is transformed into an algebraic linear system. Consequently, solving this system using the GMRES method (Generalized Minimal Residual) results in obtaining the solution to the TFDE. The results obtained are very accurate, and in certain instances, the exact solution is achieved. By solving some numerical examples, the proposed method is shown to be effective and yield superior outcomes compared to existing methods for addressing this problem.
Clinical Pharmacy Initiatives Contribute to the Excellent Efficacy of the Dabrafenib/Trametinib Combination for Iodine-Refractory Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Donzé Charlotte , Leenhardt Fanny , Vinches Marie , Eberlé Marie-Claude , Fersing Cyril
Published: June 2024

A 76-year-old female patient presented with an iodine-refractory papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), diagnosed eight years earlier, with several lymph node recurrences requiring successive surgeries. Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging revealed a new unresectable loco-regional recurrence. The patient was diagnosed with a somatic BRAF V600E mutation. Therefore, dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy was introduced and closely monitored by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, involving pharmaceutical consultations. As early as six weeks after treatment initiation, the patient reported multiple adverse events (AEs) to the clinical pharmacy team, who provided advice on resolving AEs or improving tolerance. Close interprofessional collaboration among healthcare workers involved in the care pathway allowed for the identification of the most opportune times for temporary suspension of treatment (four suspensions over seven months) or dose reduction (two reductions over 3.5 months). This resulted in a total treatment duration (one year) longer than the average times reported in the literature. The patient showed a rapid and excellent response to treatment immediately after initiation, culminating in a complete metabolic response assessed by [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging at nine months. Twenty-five months after treatment discontinuation, the disease remained controlled. Overall, dabrafenib and trametinib combination could offer excellent outcomes in selected patients with refractory BRAF-mutated PTC, with additional clinical pharmacy initiatives allowing for the optimized management of AEs and prolonged treatment periods.
Salivary Histamine Levels in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus Lesions
Authors: Radwan-Oczko Małgorzata , Rybińska Anna , Mierzwicka Agata , Duś-Ilnicka Irena
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: An oral lichen planus (OLP) chronic lesion refers to a group of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) that still lack a proper understanding from the point of view of relevant biomarkers for diagnostics and prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the salivary histamine levels in patients with oral lichen planus lesions. Materials and Methods: The study included a group of 76 patients with oral lichen planus. General diseases and medication taken, smoking habits, severity of pain assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), oral hygiene status, and duration of OLP were evaluated. ELISA diagnostics for histamines in saliva levels were assessed. Results: The histamine levels in the OLP group were higher (0.468) in comparison with the control group (0.056), without a statistically significant value p = 0.090 (Mann–Whitney U Test). The median age of 76 OLP patients was 63 years (min 22.0–max. 81), with the biological sex being 80.3% females and 15 19.7% males. The average duration of OLP lesion presence was 29.4 months (SD 37.1) and the median value was 14.5 months. The median of the VAS was 3.0. OLP assessment in accordance with the Malhotra methodology showed the highest frequency—30.3% for only two of the point areas involved and 17.1% for three points. Clinical assessment of the different OLP grades, severity, and oral site involvement and the VAS in correlation with histamine salivary levels showed a lack of statistical significance in the investigated population. Conclusions: Undertaking further research could provide further possibilities for searching for general factors in OLP development.
Molecular and Phylogenomic Analysis of a Vancomycin Intermediate Resistance USA300LV Strain in Chile
Authors: Núñez Daniela , Jiménez Pablo , Cortez-San Martín Marcelo , Cortés Carolina , Cárdenas Matías , Michelson Sofia , Garay Tamara , Vecchiola Maggie , Céspedes Alejandra , Maldonado Jonathan E. , Vásquez-Martínez Yesseny
Published: June 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health problem, and, among Gram-positive bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a serious threat. MRSA causes a wide range of infections, including bacteremia, which, due to the limited use of β-lactams, is difficult to treat. This study aimed to analyze 51 MRSA isolates collected in 2018 from samples of patients with bacteremia from two hospitals of the Metropolitan Health Service of Santiago, Chile, both in their resistance profile and in the identification of virulence factors. In addition, genomic characterization was carried out by the WGS of an isolate that was shown to be the one of greatest concern (N°. 42) due to its intermediate resistance to vancomycin, multiple virulence factors and being classified as ST8 PVL-positive. In our study, most of the isolates turned out to be multidrug-resistant, but there are still therapeutic options, such as tetracycline, rifampicin, chloramphenicol and vancomycin, which are currently used for MRSA infections; however, 18% were PVL positive, which suggests greater virulence of these isolates. It was determined that isolate N°42 is grouped within the USA300-LV strains (ST8, PVL+, COMER+); however, it has been suggested that, in Chile, a complete displacement of the PVL-negative ST5 clone has not occurred.
Large-Scale Molecular Epidemiological Survey of Blastocystis sp. among Herbivores in Egypt and Assessment of Potential Zoonotic Risk
Authors: Naguib Doaa , Gantois Nausicaa , Desramaut Jeremy , Dominguez Ruben Garcia , Arafat Nagah , Atwa Samar Magdy , Even Gaël , Devos Damien Paul , Certad Gabriela , Chabé Magali , Viscogliosi Eric
Published: June 2024

Given the proven zoonotic potential of the intestinal protozoan Blastocystis sp., a fast-growing number of surveys are being conducted to identify potential animal reservoirs for transmission of the parasite. Nevertheless, few epidemiological studies have been conducted on farmed animals in Egypt. Therefore, a total of 1089 fecal samples were collected from herbivores (sheep, goats, camels, horses, and rabbits) in six Egyptian governorates (Dakahlia, Gharbia, Kafr El Sheikh, Giza, Aswan, and Sharqia). Samples were screened for the presence of Blastocystis sp. by real-time PCR followed by sequencing of positive PCR products and phylogenetic analysis for subtyping of the isolates. Overall, Blastocystis sp. was identified in 37.6% of the samples, with significant differences in frequency between animal groups (sheep, 65.5%; camels, 62.2%; goats, 36.0%; rabbits, 10.1%; horses, 3.3%). Mixed infections were reported in 35.7% of the Blastocystis sp.-positive samples. A wide range of subtypes (STs) with varying frequency were identified from single infections in ruminants including sheep (ST1–ST3, ST5, ST10, ST14, ST21, ST24, ST26, and ST40), goats (ST1, ST3, ST5, ST10, ST26, ST40, ST43, and ST44), and camels (ST3, ST10, ST21, ST24–ST26, ST30, and ST44). Most of them overlapped across these animal groups, highlighting their adaptation to ruminant hosts. In other herbivores, only three and two STs were evidenced in rabbits (ST1–ST3) and horses (ST3 and ST44), respectively. The greater occurrence and wider genetic diversity of parasite isolates among ruminants, in contrast to other herbivores, strongly suggested that dietary habits likely played a significant role in influencing both the colonization rates of Blastocystis sp. and ST preference. Of all the isolates subtyped herein, 66.3% were reported as potentially zoonotic, emphasizing the significant role these animal groups may play in transmitting the parasite to humans. These findings also expand our knowledge on the prevalence, genetic diversity, host specificity, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. in herbivores.
Microbial Community Shifts in Tea Plant Rhizosphere under Seawater Stress: Enrichment of Beneficial Taxa
Authors: Zhang Xiaohua , Li Haozhen , Li Bin , Song Kangkang , Sha Yuxue , Liu Ying , Dong Shaolin , Wang Di , Yang Long
Published: June 2024

Seawater intrusion has a significant impact on the irrigation quality of agricultural water, thereby posing a threat to plant growth and development. We hypothesized that the rhizosphere of tea plants harbors beneficial microorganisms, which may improve the tolerance of tea plants to seawater stress. This study utilized 16s and ITS techniques to analyze microbial community shifts in the tea plant rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere under seawater stress conditions. The findings suggest that seawater stress leads to a reduction in microbial diversity, although the rhizosphere microbial diversity in stressed soils showed a relatively higher level. Moreover, the rhizosphere of the tea plant under seawater stress exhibited an enrichment of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria alongside a higher presence of pathogenic fungi. Network analysis revealed that seawater stress resulted in the construction of a more complex and stable rhizosphere microbial network compared to normal conditions. Predictions of bacterial potential functions highlighted a greater diversity of functional groups, enhancing resource utilization efficiency. In general, the rhizosphere microorganisms of tea plants are jointly selected by seawater and the host. The microorganisms closely related to the rhizosphere of tea plants are retained and, at the same time, attract beneficial microorganisms that may alleviate stress. These findings provide new insights into plant responses to saline stress and have significant implications for leveraging vegetation to enhance the resilience of coastal saline soils and contribute to economic progress.
Proteomics Analysis of Duck Lung Tissues in Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Vijayakumar Periyasamy , Mishra Anamika , Deka Ram Pratim , Pinto Sneha M. , Subbannayya Yashwanth , Sood Richa , Prasad Thottethodi Subrahmanya Keshava , Raut Ashwin Ashok
Published: June 2024

Domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) are resistant to most of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infections. In this study, we characterized the lung proteome and phosphoproteome of ducks infected with the HPAI H5N1 virus (A/duck/India/02CA10/2011/Agartala) at 12 h, 48 h, and 5 days post-infection. A total of 2082 proteins were differentially expressed and 320 phosphorylation sites mapping to 199 phosphopeptides, corresponding to 129 proteins were identified. The functional annotation of the proteome data analysis revealed the activation of the RIG-I-like receptor and Jak-STAT signaling pathways, which led to the induction of interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression. The pathway analysis of the phosphoproteome datasets also confirmed the activation of RIG-I, Jak-STAT signaling, NF-kappa B signaling, and MAPK signaling pathways in the lung tissues. The induction of ISG proteins (STAT1, STAT3, STAT5B, STAT6, IFIT5, and PKR) established a protective anti-viral immune response in duck lung tissue. Further, the protein–protein interaction network analysis identified proteins like AKT1, STAT3, JAK2, RAC1, STAT1, PTPN11, RPS27A, NFKB1, and MAPK1 as the main hub proteins that might play important roles in disease progression in ducks. Together, the functional annotation of the proteome and phosphoproteome datasets revealed the molecular basis of the disease progression and disease resistance mechanism in ducks infected with the HPAI H5N1 virus.
Evaluation of Bacterial Viability for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Impact of Thawing Temperature and Storage Time
Authors: Bottino Paolo , Vay Daria , Leli Christian , Ferrara Lidia , Pizzo Valentina , Gotta Franca , Raiteri Alessio , Rapallo Fabio , Roveta Annalisa , Maconi Antonio , Rocchetti Andrea
Published: June 2024

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) represents a promising therapeutic tool under study for several purposes and is currently applied to the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. However, since the use of fresh stool was affected by several issues linked to donor screening, the development of a frozen stool bank is a reliable option to standardize FMT procedures. Nevertheless, different environmental factors impact microbial viability. Herein, we report the effect of different thawing temperatures and storage conditions on bacterial suspensions in the FMT procedure. In total, 20 stool samples were divided into aliquots and tested across a combination of different storing periods (15, 30; 90 days) and thawing procedures (4 °C overnight, room temperature for 1 h; 37 °C for 5 min). Focusing on storage time, our data showed a significant reduction in viability for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria after thawing for 15 days, while no further reductions were observed until after 90 days. Instead, among the different thawing procedures, no significant differences were observed for aerobic bacteria, while for anaerobes, thawing at 37 °C for 5 min was more effective in preserving the bacterial viability. In conclusion, the frozen fecal microbiota remained viable for at least three months, with an excellent recovery rate in all three thawing conditions.
Self-Association and Microhydration of Phenol: Identification of Large-Amplitude Hydrogen Bond Librational Modes
Authors: Mihrin Dmytro , Feilberg Karen Louise , Larsen René Wugt
Published: June 2024

The self-association mechanisms of phenol have represented long-standing challenges to quantum chemical methodologies owing to the competition between strongly directional intermolecular hydrogen bonding, weaker non-directional London dispersion forces and C–H⋯π interactions between the aromatic rings. The present work explores these subtle self-association mechanisms of relevance for biological molecular recognition processes via spectroscopic observations of large-amplitude hydrogen bond librational modes of phenol cluster molecules embedded in inert neon “quantum” matrices complemented by domain-based local pair natural orbital-coupled cluster DLPNO-CCSD(T) theory. The spectral signatures confirm a primarily intermolecular O-H⋯H hydrogen-bonded structure of the phenol dimer strengthened further by cooperative contributions from inter-ring London dispersion forces as supported by DLPNO-based local energy decomposition (LED) predictions. In the same way, the hydrogen bond librational bands observed for the trimeric cluster molecule confirm a pseudo-C3 symmetric cyclic cooperative hydrogen-bonded barrel-like potential energy minimum structure. This structure is vastly different from the sterically favored “chair” conformations observed for aliphatic alcohol cluster molecules of the same size owing to the additional stabilizing London dispersion forces and C–H⋯π interactions between the aromatic rings. The hydrogen bond librational transition observed for the phenol monohydrate finally confirms that phenol acts as a hydrogen bond donor to water in contrast to the hydrogen bond acceptor role observed for aliphatic alcohols.
Self-Responsive Fluorescence Aptasensor for Lactoferrin Determination in Dairy Products
Authors: Liu Hao , Gao Xibao , Qin Hongwei , Yan Mengmeng , Zhu Chao , Li Linsen , Qu Feng
Published: June 2024

In this study, a self-responsive fluorescence aptasensor was established for the determination of lactoferrin (Lf) in dairy products. Herein, the aptamer itself functions as both a recognition element that specifically binds to Lf and a fluorescent signal reporter in conjunction with fluorescent moiety. In the presence of Lf, the aptamer preferentially binds to Lf due to its specific and high-affinity recognition by folding into a self-assembled and three-dimensional spatial structure. Meanwhile, its reduced spatial distance in the aptamer–Lf complex induces a FRET phenomenon based on the quenching of 6-FAM by amino acids in the Lf protein, resulting in a turn-off of the fluorescence of the system. As a result, the Lf concentration can be determined straightforwardly corresponding to the change in the self-responsive fluorescence signal. Under the optimized conditions, good linearities (R2 > 0.99) were achieved in an Lf concentration range of 2~10 μg/mL for both standard solutions and the spiked matrix, as well as with the desirable detection limits of 0.68 μg/mL and 0.46 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the fluorescence aptasensor exhibited reliable recoveries (89.5–104.3%) in terms of detecting Lf in three commercial samples, which is comparable to the accuracy of the HPCE method. The fluorescence aptasensor offers a user-friendly, cost-efficient, and promising sensor platform for point-of-need detection.
Impacts of Climate Change on the Distribution of Suitable Habitats and Ecological Niche for Trollius Wildflowers in Ili River Valley, Tacheng, Altay Prefecture
Authors: Fan Wenhao , Luo Yanyun
Published: June 2024

Xinjiang in China is distinguished by its distinctive regional landscape and high ecological sensitivity. Trollius wildflowers represent a unique and iconic element of the mountain flower landscape in Xinjiang. However, their populations are predominantly distributed in mountainous areas, making them susceptible to climate change. Despite this, the impacts of climate change on the distribution of suitable habitats and ecological niche differentiation for Trollius wildflowers have rarely been quantified. Consequently, simulations were conducted using the R-optimized MaxEnt model to predict the suitable habitat distribution of Trollius wildflowers. This was based on the occurrence data and environmental variables for the four species of Trollius (T. altaicus, T. asiaticus, T. dschungaricus, and T. lilacinus) that exist in the study area. The simulation was conducted over a period of time, beginning with the past glacial period and extending to the present, and then to the future (2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) under multiple scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5). The simulation of suitable habitats enabled the measurement of the ecological niche breadth and differentiation. The results demonstrate that the model predictions are precisely accurate, with AUC values exceeding 0.9. Annual mean temperature (Bio1), isothermality (Bio3), and precipitation in the warmest quarter (Bio18) are the dominant climate variables, in addition to vegetation, elevation, and soil factors. The proportion of suitable habitats for Trollius wildflowers varies considerably over time, from 0.14% to 70.97%. The majority of habitat loss or gain occurs at the edges of mountains, while stable habitats are concentrated in the core of the mountains. The gravity center of suitable habitats also shifts with spatial transfer, with the shifts mainly occurring in a northeasterly–southwesterly direction. The SSP1-2.6 scenario results in the sustained maintenance of habitats, whereas the SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios present challenges to the conservation of habitats. The threshold of ecological niche breadth for Trollius wildflowers is subject to fluctuations, while the ecological niche differentiation also varies. The study aims to examine the evolution of the habitat and ecological niche of Trollius wildflowers in Xinjiang under climate change. The findings will provide theoretical support for delineating the conservation area, clarify the scope of mountain flower tourism development and protection of mountain flower resources, and promote the sustainable development of ecotourism and effective utilization of territorial space in Xinjiang.