bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Female Sex Hormones in ADPKD Progression and a Personalized Approach to Contraception and Hormonal Therapy
Authors: Petrone Micaela , Catania Martina , De Rosa Liliana Italia , Degliuomini Rebecca S. , Kola Kristiana , Lupi Chiara , Brambilla Pisoni Matteo , Salvatore Stefano , Candiani Massimo , Vezzoli Giuseppe , Sciarrone Alibrandi Maria Teresa
Published: February 2024

This review navigates the intricate relationship between gender, hormonal influences, and the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), highlighting the limited literature on this crucial topic. The study explores the impact of female sex hormones on liver and renal manifestations, uncovering gender-specific differences in disease progression. Actually, hormonal therapy in women with ADPKD remains a challenging issue and is a source of concern regarding its potential impact on disease outcomes, particularly at the hepatic level. Notably, women with ADPKD exhibit a slower renal disease progression compared to men, attributed to hormonal dynamics. This review sheds light on the role of estrogen in regulating pathways of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, revealing its complex interplay and implications for cardiovascular and renal health. Therapeutic considerations for fertile women with ADPKD, including contraception options, are discussed, emphasizing the necessity for personalized approaches. In the postmenopausal phase, the review evaluates the role of hormonal replacement therapy, considering its potential benefits and risks in the context of ADPKD. The review concludes by underscoring the imperative need for tailored treatment approaches for ADPKD patients, considering individual risks and benefits. The scarcity of literature underlines the call for further research to enhance our understanding of optimal hormonal therapies in the context of ADPKD, ultimately paving the way for innovative and personalized therapeutic interventions.
Coronary Spasm Testing with Acetylcholine: A Powerful Tool for a Personalized Therapy of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
Authors: Gurgoglione Filippo Luca , Vignali Luigi , Montone Rocco Antonio , Rinaldi Riccardo , Benatti Giorgio , Solinas Emilia , Leone Antonio Maria , Galante Domenico , Campo Gianluca , Biscaglia Simone , Porto Italo , Benenati Stefano , Niccoli Giampaolo
Published: February 2024

Coronary vasomotor disorders (CVD) are characterized by transient hypercontraction of coronary vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to hypercontraction of epicardial and/or microvascular coronary circulation. CVDs play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of ischemia, angina and myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries. Invasive provocative testing with intracoronary Acetylcholine (ACh) administration is the gold standard tool for addressing CVD, providing relevant therapeutic and prognostic implications. However, safety concerns preclude the widespread incorporation of the ACh test into clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the pathophysiology underlying CVD and on the clinical role of the ACh test, focusing on safety profile and prognostic implications. We will also discuss contemporary evidence on the management of CVD and the role of the ACh test in driving a personalized approach of patients with CVD.
Study on the Mechanical Properties of Two General-Purpose Cement–Lime Mortars Prepared Based on Air Lime
Authors: Zagaroli Armando , Kubica Jan , Galman Iwona , Falkjar Kristian
Published: February 2024

It is believed that the use of mortars based on air lime in the construction and renovation of brick buildings has a number of advantages, especially those closely related to the durability and strength of the structure. However, there is still a noticeable difference in the mechanical properties of these materials. This research investigated the mechanical characteristics of a mixed cement–lime mortar with the two most popular proportions of an air lime, cement, and sand mix: 1:1:6 and 1:2:9 (by volume). Mechanical tests were performed on standard and non-standard samples to assess compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and fracture energy. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using these mixtures in modern masonry construction, as well as in the aspect of sustainable development. Additionally, lime mortar with a higher lime content can be used in non-load-bearing walls and in renovation and repair works.
Using Machine Learning and Finite Element Analysis to Extract Traction-Separation Relations at Bonding Wire Interfaces of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor Modules
Authors: Zhao Shengjun , An Tong , Wang Qi , Qin Fei
Published: February 2024

For insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules using wire bonding as the interconnection method, the main failure mechanism is cracking of the bonded interface. Studying the mechanical properties of the bonded interface is crucial for assessing the reliability of IGBT modules. In this paper, first, shear tests are conducted on the bonded interface to test the bonded interface’s strength. Then, finite element–cohesive zone modeling (FE-CZM) is established to describe the mechanical behavior of the bonded interface. A novel machine learning (ML) architecture integrating a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory (LSTM) network is used to identify the shape and parameters of the traction separation law (TSL) of the FE-CZM model accurately and efficiently. The CNN-LSTM architecture not only has excellent feature extraction and sequence-data-processing abilities but can also effectively address the long-term dependency problem. A total of 1800 sets of datasets are obtained based on numerical computations, and the CNN-LSTM architecture is trained with load–displacement (F–δ) curves as input parameters and TSL shapes and parameters as output parameters. The results show that the error rate of the model for TSL shape prediction is only 0.186%. The performance metric’s mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is less than 3.5044% for all the predictions of the TSL parameters. Compared with separate CNN and LSTM architectures, the proposed CNN-LSTM-architecture approach exhibits obvious advantages in recognizing TSL shapes and parameters. A combination of the FE-CZM and ML methods in this paper provides a promising and effective solution for identifying the mechanical parameters of the bonded interfaces of IGBT modules.
Life Cycle Assessment Comparison between an Earthbag Building and a Conventional Sahrawi Cement Blocks Building
Authors: Carrobé Ariadna , Castell Albert , Martorell Ingrid
Published: February 2024

Growing environmental awareness has prompted a resurgence in traditional building techniques that rely on natural or recycled materials since many believe that structures made from these resources are ecologically friendly. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for construction materials offers valuable insights into the impacts produced during their production and construction processes. This study aims to assess the environmental impacts of two different constructions—an Earthbag Building (EB) and a conventional Sahrawi Cement Blocks Building (CBB). It also determines whether it is more environmentally beneficial to construct traditionally, utilizing local materials and aligning with the principles of the circular economy, which is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Europe. This study specifically examines a cradle-to-gate LCA, using the software Simapro v. 9.4.0.1. Results show that in 21 out of the 22 impact categories analyzed, the CBB performs worse, in some cases presenting an impact of 70% higher than the EB. The highest impact is obtained for fine particulate matter formation and Global Warming related to Human Health categories, whilst impact categories related to water consumption and eutrophication obtained an impact of less than 0.001 for both constructions.
Effect of Manganese on the Strength–Toughness Relationship of Low-Carbon Copper and Nickel-Containing Hull Steel
Authors: Zhan Zhide , Shi Zhongran , Wang Zemin , Lu Wenjing , Chen Zuoning , Zhang Dian , Chai Feng , Luo Xiaobing
Published: February 2024

The influence of varying the manganese (Mn) contents of high-strength copper-containing hull steel on its microstructural evolution and mechanical properties was investigated. With increasing Mn content from 2 to 5%, the tensile strength of the steel increased by ~100 MPa, while the elongation of steel remained at ~23.5%, indicating good plasticity. However, the 2Mn sample had 128 J higher low-temperature (−84 °C) impact work than the 5Mn sample. The microstructures of different Mn steels were composed of fresh martensite (FM), ferrite/tempered martensite (F/TM), and reversed austenite (RA). The increase in Mn content markedly increased the presence of RA and intensified the work hardening caused by the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect during the tensile process. However, as the phase transformation in different Mn steels occurred in the early stage of strain and did not extend throughout the entire plastic deformation process, increasing plasticity via phase transformation was difficult. In addition, although the volume fraction of RA increased significantly in 4Mn and 5Mn steels, the stability of RA significantly decreased. The presence of numerous metastable blocks and coarse lath-like RA contributed little to low-temperature impact work and was even detrimental to toughness. The substantial fresh martensite resulting from phase transformation facilitated microcrack generation, owing to rapid volume expansion and mutual impacts, thus reducing the work required for crack formation. Additionally, the abundance of deformation twins significantly reduced the work needed for crack propagation. These combined actions significantly reduced the low-temperature toughness of 4Mn and 5Mn steels.
The Efficacy of Different Laser Applications on Dentin Sealing in Preventing Discoloration Induced by Mineral Trioxide Aggregate
Authors: Sesen Uslu Yesim , Arıcan Alpay Burçin , Sesen Pinar , Özyürek Taha
Published: February 2024

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of the pre-application of a dentin-bonding agent and the application of different lasers on the prevention of tooth discoloration caused by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in the presence of blood. Sixty extracted human anterior teeth were selected, with root lengths standardized to 10 mm and root canals shaped using Gates-Glidden drills #3 to #5. The samples were divided into six groups (n = 10): Group 1 with no surface treatment and Groups 2 to 6 with Optibond universal adhesive and Neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), Erbium yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG), Erbium-chromium-yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er:Cr:YSGG), and diode laser applications, respectively. Root canals were filled with fresh human blood, and ProRoot MTA and a collagen barrier were then placed. Color changes were measured with a spectrophotometer at 0, 7, 30, 90, and 180 days post MTA placement. Color differences (∆E) were analyzed using a two-factor mixed-design ANOVA with the Sidak method (p = 0.05). All treatment groups exhibited discoloration above the acceptability threshold. Although all treatment approaches exhibited less color change compared to the control group (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference among them in terms of preventing color change (p > 0.05). It was determined that none of the methods could guarantee 100% prevention of discoloration caused by MTA–blood contact.
Experimental Investigation of the Dynamic Responses of Thin-Walled and Foam-Filled Steel Tubes Subjected to Repeated Impacts
Authors: Ge Jing , Luo Tingyi , Qiu Jun
Published: February 2024

In this study, a horizontal impact setup was used to measure the dynamic responses of specimens fixed on a reaction wall and subjected to repeated impacts generated by a large-tonnage impactor. The contact force, deformation process, energy absorption, and other properties of two specimens (a thin-walled steel tube and foam-filled steel tube) were thoroughly investigated. The results demonstrated that the thin-walled tube’s properties were consistent with the four-phase and six-phase deformation models and that the foam-filled tube’s properties were consistent with the two-phase deformation model. In the early stages of the experiment, the foam-filled and thin-walled tubes were similar in terms of the contact force and energy absorption. However, when the polyurethane (PU) strain reached 0.8, the PU significantly increased the support of the tubes, reduced the contact force (by extending the contact time), and increased the energy absorption capacity by 33.6–43.5%. The crush curves of the specimens were in agreement for cases involving multiple impacts, as well as for one impact with the same impact of kinetic energy. The crush curves can be used to assess the actual performance of crashworthy devices. Furthermore, after repeated impacts, the foam-filled tube exhibited a pseudo-shakedown behavior.
Numerical Study of Crack Prediction and Growth in Automotive Wheel Rims
Authors: Montassir Soufiane , Moustabchir Hassane , El Khalfi Ahmed , Vlase Sorin , Scutaru Maria Luminita
Published: February 2024

Finite element analysis has become an essential tool for simulating and understanding crack growth. This technique holds significant importance in the field of mechanical engineering, where it finds wide application in the design and optimization of structural components and material properties. This work began with the identification of critical zones and estimated the number of load life repeats through fatigue analysis, specifically applied to automotive rims utilizing innovative finite element methods. To investigate crack behavior, we are used the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) with the volumetric approach to compute the Stress Intensity Factor (SIF). The results obtained by our study align closely with experimental tests in terms of detecting the critical zone where a crack can appear. Our findings contribute to the understanding of fatigue behavior in automotive rims, offering new insights into their structural integrity and performance under various load conditions.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-CoatedCarbon-Nanotubes-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites Fabricated by Ultrasonic-Assisted Casting
Authors: Dong Xiaojian , Zeng Min , Yan Hong
Published: February 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered ideal nanoscale reinforcement for the development of high-performance metal matrix composites due to their unique structure and excellent mechanical properties. However, CNTs are easy to agglomerate and have poor wettability with the aluminum matrix, resulting in unsatisfactory effects when added to the aluminum melt. In this study, Cu-coated carbon nanotubes (Cu@CNTs)-reinforced aluminum matrix composites were fabricated by high-energy ultrasonic-assisted casting. Moreover, the effects of different Cu@CNTs content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites were explored. Meanwhile, Fluent 19.0 software was used to further explore the function of ultrasonic vibration in the melt. The results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of composite with 1.2 wt% Cu@CNTs are optimal. Compared with the matrix, the composite with 1.2 wt% Cu@CNTs displayed a 39.3% increase in yield strength, 53.5% increase in ultimate tensile strength, and 5.7% increase in elongation. The simulation results showed that the uniform dispersion of Cu@CNTs and grain refinement can be attributed to the acoustic streaming effect and cavitation effect of high-energy ultrasound. The improvement of the properties of the composites can be attributed to the grain refinement and the load-bearing effect of CNTs.
Exercise Alleviates Aging of Adipose Tissue through Adipokine Regulation
Authors: Jia Dandan , Zhang Huijie , Liu Tiemin , Wang Ru
Published: February 2024

Adipose tissue undergoes changes with aging, leading to increased adiposity, inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced angiogenesis, heightened oxidative stress, and alterations in its metabolic function. Regular exercise has been recognized as a powerful intervention that can positively influence adipose tissue health and mitigate the effects of aging. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the benefits of regular exercise on aging adipose tissue function remain poorly understood. Adipokines released through regular exercise play a potential role in mitigating adipose tissue aging, enhancing the metabolism of glucose and lipids, reducing inflammation and fibrosis, and promoting fat browning and thermogenesis. This review comprehensively summarizes the benefits of regular exercise in addressing the age-related decline in adipose tissue function. Utilizing relevant examples of this approach, we address the possibility of designing therapeutic interventions based on these molecular mechanisms.
A Fast Transient Response Capacitor-Less LDO with Transient Enhancement Technology
Authors: Chen Chufan , Sun Mengyuan , Wang Leiyi , Huang Teng , Xu Min
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a fast transient load response capacitor-less low-dropout regulator (CL-LDO) for digital analog hybrid circuits in the 180 nm process, capable of converting input voltages from 1.2 V to 1.8 V into an output voltage of 1 V. The design incorporates a rail-to-rail input and push–pull output (RIPO) amplifier to enhance the gain while satisfying the requirement for low power consumption. A super source follower buffer (SSFB) with internal stability is introduced to ensure loop stability. The proposed structure ensures the steady-state performance of the LDO without an on-chip capacitor. The auxiliary circuit, or transient enhancement circuit, does not compromise the steady-state stability and effectively enhances the transient performance during sudden load current steps. The proposed LDO consumes a quiescent current of 47 µA and achieves 25 µV/mA load regulation with a load current ranging from 0 to 20 mA. The simulation results demonstrate that a settling time of 0.2 µs is achieved for load steps ranging from 0 mA to 20 mA, while a settling time of 0.5 µs is attained for load steps ranging from 20 mA to 0 mA, with an edge time of 0.1 µs.
Two Structural Designs of Broadband, Low-Loss, and Compact TM Magneto-Optical Isolator Based on GaAs-on-Insulator
Authors: Liu Li , Chen Wan-Ting , Zhao Jia , Zhang Chen
Published: February 2024

Integrated optical isolators are important building blocks for photonic integrated chips. Despite significant advances in isolators integrated on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platforms, integrated isolators on GaAs-on-insulator platforms are rarely reported. In this paper, two structural designs of optical isolators based on the TM basic mode of GaAs-on-insulator are proposed. The non-reciprocal phase shift (NRPS) of GaAs/Ce:YIG waveguides with different geometric structures are calculated using numerical simulation. The isolators achieve 35 dB isolation bandwidths greater than 53.5 nm and 70 nm at 1550 nm, with total insertion losses of 2.59 dB and 2.25 dB, respectively. A multi-mode interferometric (MMI) coupler suitable for these two structures is proposed. In addition, suitable manufacturing processes are discussed based on the simulated process tolerances.
High Dietary Intake of Iron Might Be Harmful to Atrial Fibrillation and Modified by Genetic Diversity: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Habudele Zierdi , Chen Ge , Qian Samantha E. , Vaughn Michael G. , Zhang Junguo , Lin Hualiang
Published: February 2024

Some studies suggest an association between iron overload and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the relationship between dietary iron intake and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains uncertain, as does the role of genetic loci on this association. The study involved 179,565 participants from UK Biobank, tracking incident atrial fibrillation (AF) cases. Iron intake was categorized into low, moderate, and high groups based on dietary surveys conducted from 2009 to 2012. The Cox regression model was used to estimate the risk of AF in relation to iron intake, assessing the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). It also examined the impact of 165 AF-related and 20 iron-related genetic variants on this association. Pathway enrichment analyses were performed using Metascape and FUMA. During a median follow-up period of 11.6 years, 6693 (3.97%) incident AF cases were recorded. A total of 35,874 (20.0%) participants had high iron intake. High iron intake was associated with increased risk of AF [HR: 1.13 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.22)] in a fully adjusted model. Importantly, there were 83 SNPs (11 iron-related SNPs) that could enhance the observed associations. These genes are mainly involved in cardiac development and cell signal transduction pathways. High dietary iron intake increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, especially when iron intake exceeds 16.95 mg. The association was particularly significant among the 83 SNPs associated with AF and iron, the individuals with these risk genes. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are significantly involved in cardiac development and cell signal transduction processes.
Correction: Ben Ammar et al. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Geraniol Isolated from Lemon Grass on Ox-LDL-Stimulated Endothelial Cells by Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1 via PI3K/Akt and Nrf-2 Signaling Pathways. Nutrients 2022, 14, 4817
Authors: Ben Ammar Rebai , Mohamed Maged Elsayed , Alfwuaires Manal , Alamer Sarah Abdulaziz , Bani Ismail Mohammad , Veeraraghavan Vishnu Priya , Sekar Ashok Kumar , Ksouri Riadh , Rajendran Peramaiyan
Published: February 2024

In the original publication [...]
The Distinct Regulation of the Vitamin D and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors in COVID-19
Authors: Robak Oliver , Kastner Marie-Theres , Voill-Glaninger Astrid , Viveiros André , Steininger Christoph
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: SARS-CoV-2 affects several immune pathways, including the vitamin D (VDR) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathways (AhR). The aim of the study was the evaluation of the VDR and AhR pathways in the blood of COVID-19 patients with regard to the severity of disease. (2) Methods: Observational, single-center, case–control design. A total of 240 samples were selected for exploration. Patients who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 but suffered from other respiratory infections (ORIs) served as a control group. (3) Results: VDR-specific mRNA in the blood of patients with mild symptoms (131.2 ± 198.6) was significantly upregulated relative to the VDR expression of the ORI group (23.24 ± 42.60; p < 0.0001); however, VDR expression of critically ill patients showed an impaired upregulation (54.73 ± 68.34; p < 0.001). CYP27B1 expression was not significantly regulated during SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was a downregulation of VDR and CYP27B1 compared to survivors. There was no significant difference in 25(OH)-vitamin D3 levels between critically ill patients with regard to survival (24.3 ± 9.4 vs. 27.1 ± 11.3; p = 0.433). (4) Conclusion: The VDR and AhR pathways are distinctively regulated in patients suffering from COVID-19 depending on the severity of disease. A combination treatment of antiviral drugs and vitamin D substitution should be evaluated for potentially improved prognosis in COVID-19.
Clustered Cardiometabolic Risk and the “Fat but Fit Paradox” in Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: González-Gálvez Noelia , López-Martínez Ana Belén , López-Vivancos Abraham
Published: February 2024

The “fat but fit paradox” states that people who are fit have a lower cluster cardiometabolic risk (CCMR), even if they are overweight or obese. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the CCMR between four categories based on the “fat but fit paradox” variable, in different fitness categories—cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and physical fitness—in adolescents. Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle fitness, blood samples, and blood pressure were assessed in 230 adolescents, and cardiometabolic risk and three different “fat but fit paradox” variables were calculated. Participants with a higher CRF exhibited a lower CCMR within their body mass index (BMI) category (p < 0.05). Participants with a high BMI and high muscular fitness showed a lower CCMR than participants with a low muscular fitness and a similar BMI, or low BMI and low muscular fitness (p < 0.05). When both variables, CRF and muscular fitness, were combined, their effectabove CCMR increased (p < 0.05). Across all fitness categories, the fat and unfit group, whether considered individually or combined, exhibited the highest risk of CCMR (p < 0.05). This study confirms the “fat but fit paradox” in different physical fitness categories, showing the importance of both CRF and muscular fitness as predictors of CCMR, with the combination of both variables showing a greater agreement.
Potential Therapeutic Properties of Olea europaea Leaves from Selected Cultivars Based on Their Mineral and Organic Profiles
Authors: de Oliveira Natália M. , Machado Jorge , Chéu Maria Helena , Lopes Lara , Barroso M. Fátima , Silva Aurora , Sousa Sara , Domingues Valentina F. , Grosso Clara
Published: February 2024

Olive leaves are consumed as an extract or as a whole herbal powder with several potential therapeutic benefits attributed to polyphenols, tocopherol’s isomers, and flavonoids, among others. This study assessed the potential variance in the functional features presented by olive leaves from three different Portuguese cultivars—Cobrançosa, Madural, and Verdeal—randomly mix-cultivated in the geographical area of Vale de Salgueiros. Inorganic analysis determined their mineral profiles while an organic analysis measured their total phenolic and flavonoid content, and scanned their phenolic and tocopherol and fatty acid composition. The extracts’ biological activity was tested by determining their antimicrobial and antioxidant power as well as their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, MAO-A/B, and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme. The inorganic profiles showed them to be an inexpensive source able to address different mineral deficiencies. All cultivars appear to have potential for use as possible antioxidants and future alternative antibiotics against some multidrug-resistant microorganisms, with caution regarding the arsenic content in the Verdeal cultivar. Madural’s extract displayed properties to be considered a natural multitarget treatment for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, depression, and cardiometabolic and dual activity for blood pressure modulation. This work indicates that randomly cultivating different cultivars significantly modifies the leaves’ composition while keeping their multifaceted therapeutic value.
Pharmakokinetics of Mistletoe Lectins after Intravenous Application of a Mistletoe Product in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Lederer Ann-Kathrin , Rieger Sabine , Schink Michael , Huber Roman
Published: February 2024

Mistletoe lectins (ML) have cytotoxic and immunomodulating properties, and subcutaneously applied mistletoe products (MP) containing ML have approval for supportive cancer treatment. MP are also given off-label intravenously, but data about pharmacokinetics are widely lacking. Therefore, the aim of our phase I trial was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of intravenously applied natural ML. Initially, 12 healthy male volunteers were planned to receive a single infusion of 2000 mg Helixor® P. We had to terminate the study prematurely after the inclusion of eight subjects due to elevation of all subjects’ liver enzymes. ML was detected in all subjects after infusion. The mean half-life of serum ML was 7.02 ± 2.01 h. Mean alanine transaminase increased from 23 ± 6 to a maximum of 445 ± 260 U/L, and mean aspartate aminotransferase increased from 24 ± 3 to a maximum of 318 ± 33 U/L 72 h after infusion. Severity grading for drug-induced liver injury was mild. Participants did not suffer from any liver-specific symptoms and recovered completely. As a conclusion, the dose of 2000 mg Helixor® P caused transient liver injury in healthy subjects and should, therefore, not be used for initial patient treatment. Liver enzymes should be monitored in patients receiving intravenous treatment with Helixor® P.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion of Psychiatric Drugs
Authors: Zakaraya Zainab , Abu Assab Mohammad , Tamimi Lina N. , Karameh Nida , Hailat Mohammad , Al-Omari Laila , Abu Dayyih Wael , Alasasfeh Omar , Awad Mohammad , Awad Riad
Published: February 2024

The two main classifications of antidepressant medications are selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Out of the available choices, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have emerged as the most commonly prescribed option. The class demonstrates a greater degree of diversity in its structural characteristics in contrast to its neurochemical effects. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that the chemical composition of a drug within this specific class does not carry substantial significance in the selection process. A comprehensive analysis of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacodynamic properties of antidepressant drugs proves advantageous for clinicians and managed care providers responsible for selecting preferred selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) from a roster of authorized medications. The physicochemical characteristics, which possess considerable significance, are frequently disregarded except during the drug development stage. Pharmacodynamic properties refer to the physiological and biochemical effects that drugs exert on the human body. It is noteworthy that the inclusion of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in a comprehensive depression management protocol may demonstrate enhanced effectiveness in clinical environments as opposed to controlled trials.
Approaches, Strategies and Procedures for Identifying Anti-Inflammatory Drug Lead Molecules from Natural Products
Authors: Jamtsho Tenzin , Yeshi Karma , Perry Matthew J. , Loukas Alex , Wangchuk Phurpa
Published: February 2024

Natural products (NPs) have played a vital role in human survival for millennia, particularly for their medicinal properties. Many traditional medicine practices continue to utilise crude plants and animal products for treating various diseases, including inflammation. In contrast, contemporary medicine focuses more on isolating drug-lead compounds from NPs to develop new and better treatment drugs for treating inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases. There is an ongoing search for new drug leads as there is still no cure for many inflammatory conditions. Various approaches and technologies are used in drug discoveries from NPs. This review comprehensively focuses on anti-inflammatory small molecules and describes the key strategies in identifying, extracting, fractionating and isolating small-molecule drug leads. This review also discusses the (i) most used approaches and recently available techniques, including artificial intelligence (AI), (ii) machine learning, and computational approaches in drug discovery; (iii) provides various animal models and cell lines used in in-vitro and in-vivo assessment of the anti-inflammatory potential of NPs.
Evolution of the Quinoline Scaffold for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis: A Structural Perspective
Authors: Silva Carlos F. M. , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Fernandes Pedro A. , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: February 2024

Since the beginning of the XXI century, Leishmaniasis has been integrated into the World Health Organization’s list of the 20 neglected tropical diseases, being considered a public health issue in more than 88 countries, especially in the tropics, subtropics, and the Mediterranean area. Statistically, this disease presents a world prevalence of 12 million cases worldwide, with this number being expected to increase shortly due to the 350 million people considered at risk and the 2–2.5 million new cases appearing every year. The lack of an appropriate and effective treatment against this disease has intensified the interest of many research groups to pursue the discovery and development of novel treatments in close collaboration with the WHO, which hopes to eradicate it shortly. This paper intends to highlight the quinoline scaffold’s potential for developing novel antileishmanial agents and provide a set of structural guidelines to help the research groups in the medicinal chemistry field perform more direct drug discovery and development programs. Thus, this review paper presents a thorough compilation of the most recent advances in the development of new quinoline-based antileishmanial agents, with a particular focus on structure–activity relationship studies that should be considerably useful for the future of the field.
Breast Cancer Treatment Using the Magneto-Hyperthermia Technique Associated with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids’ Supplementation and Physical Training
Authors: Theinel Matheus Haubert , Nucci Mariana Penteado , Cianciarullo Gabriela , Oliveira Fernando Anselmo , Alves Arielly da Hora , Mamani Javier Bustamante , Rego Gabriel Nery de Albuquerque , Valle Nicole Mastandrea Ennes do , Dias Olívia Furiama Metropolo , Costa Cícero Júlio Silva , Nascimento Felipe Lima , Munoz Juan Matheus , Moraes Andressa Arruda de , Gamarra Lionel Fernel
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer (BC) presents a growing global concern, mainly for the female population of working age. Their pathophysiology shows challenges when attempting to ensure conventional treatment efficacy without adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of magneto-hyperthermia (MHT) therapy associated with supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (w-3 PUFA) and engagement in physical training (PT) for the triple-negative BC (TNBC) model. First, we assessed the physicochemical properties of iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) in biological conditions, as well as their heating potential for MHT therapy. Then, a bioluminescence (BLI) evaluation of the best tumor growth conditions in the TNBC model (the quantity of implanted cells and time), as well as the efficacy of MHT therapy (5 consecutive days) associated with the previous administration of 8 weeks of w-3 PUFA and PT, was carried out. The results showed the good stability and potential of ION for MHT using 300 Gauss and 420 kHz. In the TNBC model, adequate tumor growth was observed after 14 days of 2 × 106 cells implantation by BLI. There was a delay in tumor growth in animals that received w-3 and PT and a significant decrease associated with MHT. This pioneering combination therapy approach (MHT, omega-3, and exercise) showed a positive effect on TNBC tumor reduction and demonstrated promise for pre-clinical and clinical studies in the future.
Phenolic, Nutritional and Sensory Characteristics of Bakery Foods Formulated with Grape Pomace
Authors: Antoniolli Andrea , Becerra Lucía , Piccoli Patricia , Fontana Ariel
Published: February 2024

The potentiality of cv. Malbec grape pomace (GP) as a functional ingredient in the formulation of bakery foods (muffins, biscuits and cereal bars) was studied. The effect of GP addition on the phenolic compounds (PCs) composition, nutritional and sensory properties were evaluated. The addition of GP increased the content of dietary fiber, proteins, ash, total phenolic content (TPC), antiradical capacity (AC), anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin PCs while decreasing the carbohydrates content. The main PCs given by the GP to supplemented foods were quercetin-3-O-glucoside, rutin, caffeic acid, syringic acid and (+)-catechin. For anthocyanins, the acylated derivatives were more stable to heat treatment (baking) in food processing which was evidenced by a higher proportion of these PCs compounds when compared to the same derivatives quantified in GP. In general, when the TPC or individual concentrations of PCs were analyzed in a nutritional or functional context, one portion of the supplemented foods showed levels high enough to satisfy the recommended dose per day of these bioactive compounds. Additionally, the foods were well received by consumers during the sensory evaluation and supplemented biscuits received the highest acceptability. This study demonstrated that GP could be a viable functional ingredient in bakery foods to incorporate components like PCs and dietary fiber into traditional consumers’ diets.
An Experimental Investigation of the Precipitation Utilization of Plants in Arid Regions
Authors: Feng Wei , Ma Xiaoxu , Yuan Zixuan , Li Wei , Yan Yujie , Yang Wenbin
Published: February 2024

What represents a water source for the ecological restoration of a plant in an arid region is still up to debate. To address this issue, we conducted an in situ experiment in the Ulan Buh Desert of China, to study desert plants absorbing atmospheric water vapor. We selected Tamarisk, a common drought-salt-tolerant species in the desert, for ecological restoration as our research subject, used a newly designed lysimeter to monitor precipitation infiltration, and a sap flow system to track reverse sap flow that occurred in the shoot, branch, and stem during the precipitation event, and observed the precipitation redistribution process of the Tamarisk plot. The results showed that Tamarisk indeed directly absorbs precipitation water: when precipitation occurs, the main stem, lateral branch, and shoot all show the signs of reversed sap flow, and the reversed sap flow accounted for 21.5% of the annual sap flow in the shoot and branch, and 13.6% in the stem. The precipitation event in the desert was dominated by light precipitation events, which accounted for 81% of the annual precipitation events. It was found that light precipitation can be directly absorbed by the Tamarisk leaves, especially during nighttime or cloudy days. Even when the precipitation is absent, it was found that desert plants can still absorb water from the unsaturated atmospheric vapor; even the absorbed atmospheric water vapor was transported from the leaves to the stem, forming a reversed sap flow, as a reversed sap flow was observed when the atmospheric relative humidity reached 75%. This study indicated that the effect of light precipitation on desert plants was significant and should not be overlooked in terms of managing the ecological and hydrological systems in arid regions.
Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria as Tools to Improve the Growth of Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) Plants in an Aquaponics System
Authors: Piñero María Carmen , Collado-González Jacinta , Otálora Ginés , López-Marín Josefa , del Amor Francisco M.
Published: February 2024

The use of nitrogen as a fertilizer can be highly risky when used excessively, and it is therefore necessary to find novel techniques to reduce its use. Aquaponics reduces the use of synthetic fertilizers and water, and the leaching of nitrate into the environment. One way to avoid problems due to a reduction in nitrogen availability could be the use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). This study examines the effect of PGPR on kohlrabi plants grown with a traditional nutrient solution (100S), in combination with “fish water” (50F/50D), or with a supplement of synthetic fertilizers (50F/50D + S). Two formulations were used: T1 (Azospirillum brasilense and Pantoea dispersa) and T2 (Azotobacter salinestris). Irrigation with 50F/50D caused a reduction in several of the measured parameters. The combined application of 50F/50D with T1 attenuated the negative effects. T2 did not present significant effects on the parameters measured. The results obtained with 50F/50D + S hardly showed differences with the 100S. Thus, by irrigating with 50F/50D + S, we were able to maintain the yields while reducing fertilizer use and water. The combined use of T1 and 50F/50D was also positive; however, it would be necessary to continue adjusting the amount of nitrate supplied to maintain production.
Functionalization Methods of Starch and Its Derivatives: From Old Limitations to New Possibilities
Authors: Zarski Arkadiusz , Kapusniak Kamila , Ptak Sylwia , Rudlicka Magdalena , Coseri Sergiu , Kapusniak Janusz
Published: February 2024

It has long been known that starch as a raw material is of strategic importance for meeting primarily the nutritional needs of people around the world. Year by year, the demand not only for traditional but also for functional food based on starch and its derivatives is growing. Problems with the availability of petrochemical raw materials, as well as environmental problems with the recycling of post-production waste, make non-food industries also increasingly interested in this biopolymer. Its supporters will point out countless advantages such as wide availability, renewability, and biodegradability. Opponents, in turn, will argue that they will not balance the problems with its processing and storage and poor functional properties. Hence, the race to find new methods to improve starch properties towards multifunctionality is still ongoing. For these reasons, in the presented review, referring to the structure and physicochemical properties of starch, attempts were made to highlight not only the current limitations in its processing but also new possibilities. Attention was paid to progress in the non-selective and selective functionalization of starch to obtain materials with the greatest application potential in the food (resistant starch, dextrins, and maltodextrins) and/or in the non-food industries (hydrophobic and oxidized starch).
The Potential of Using SDGSAT-1 TIS Data to Identify Industrial Heat Sources in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region
Authors: Xie Yanmei , Ma Caihong , Zhao Yindi , Yan Dongmei , Cheng Bo , Hou Xiaolin , Chen Hongyu , Fu Bihong , Wan Guangtong
Published: February 2024

It is crucial to detect and classify industrial heat sources for sustainable industrial development. Sustainable Development Science Satellite 1 (SDGSAT-1) thermal infrared spectrometer (TIS) data were first introduced for detecting industrial heat source production areas to address the difficulty in identifying factories with low combustion temperatures and small scales. In this study, a new industrial heat source identification and classification model using SDGSAT-1 TIS and Landsat 8/9 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data was proposed to improve the accuracy and granularity of industrial heat source recognition. First, multiple features (thermal and optical features) were extracted using SDGSAT-1 TIS and Landsat 8/9 OLI data. Second, an industrial heat source identification model based on a support vector machine (SVM) and multiple features was constructed. Then, industrial heat sources were generated and verified based on the topological correlation between the identification results of the production areas and Google Earth images. Finally, the industrial heat sources were classified into six categories based on point-of-interest (POI) data. The new model was applied to the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region of China. The results showed the following: (1) Multiple features enhance the differentiation and identification accuracy between industrial heat source production areas and the background. (2) Compared to active-fire-point (ACF) data (375 m) and Landsat 8/9 thermal infrared sensor (TIRS) data (100 m), nighttime SDGSAT-1 TIS data (30 m) facilitate the more accurate detection of industrial heat source production areas. (3) Greater than 2~6 times more industrial heat sources were detected in the BTH region using our model than were reported by Ma and Liu. Some industrial heat sources with low heat emissions and small areas (53 thermal power plants) were detected for the first time using TIS data. (4) The production areas of cement plants exhibited the highest brightness temperatures, reaching 301.78 K, while thermal power plants exhibited the lowest brightness temperatures, averaging 277.31 K. The production areas and operational statuses of factories could be more accurately identified and monitored with the proposed approach than with previous methods. A new way to estimate the thermal and air pollution emissions of industrial enterprises is presented.
Harvest Timing of Standing Corn Using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Digman Matthew F. , Cherney Jerry H. , Cherney Debbie J. R.
Published: February 2024

Harvesting corn at the proper maturity is important for managing its nutritive value as livestock feed. Standing whole-plant moisture content is commonly utilized as a surrogate for corn maturity. However, sampling whole plants is time consuming and requires equipment not commonly found on farms. This study evaluated three methods of estimating standing moisture content. The most convenient and accurate approach involved predicting ear moisture using handheld near-infrared reflectance spectrometers and applying a previously established relationship to estimate whole-plant moisture from the ear moisture. The ear moisture model was developed using a partial least squares regression model in the 2021 growing season utilizing reference data from 610 corn plants. Ear moisture contents ranged from 26 to 80 %w.b., corresponding to a whole-plant moisture range of 55 to 81 %w.b. The model was evaluated with a validation dataset of 330 plants collected in a subsequent growing year. The model could predict whole-plant moisture in 2022 plants with a standard error of prediction of 2.7 and an R2P of 0.88. Additionally, the transfer of calibrations between three spectrometers was evaluated. This revealed significant spectrometer-to-spectrometer differences that could be mitigated by including more than one spectrometer in the calibration dataset. While this result shows promise for the method, further work should be conducted to establish calibration stability in a larger geographical region.
Developing a Portable Fluorescence Imaging Device for Fish Freshness Detection
Authors: Pan Zheng , Huang Min , Zhu Qibing , Zhao Xin
Published: February 2024

Rapid detection of fish freshness is of vital importance to ensuring the safety of aquatic product consumption. Currently, the widely used optical detecting methods of fish freshness are faced with multiple challenges, including low detecting efficiency, high cost, large size and low integration of detecting equipment. This research aims to address these issues by developing a low-cost portable fluorescence imaging device for rapid fish freshness detection. The developed device employs ultraviolet-light-emitting diode (UV-LED) lamp beads (365 nm, 10 W) as excitation light sources, and a low-cost field programmable gate array (FPGA) board (model: ZYNQ XC7Z020) as the master control unit. The fluorescence images captured by a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera are processed by the YOLOv4-Tiny model embedded in FPGA to obtain the ultimate results of fish freshness. The circuit for the YOLOv4-Tiny model is optimized to make full use of FPGA resources and to increase computing efficiency. The performance of the device is evaluated by using grass carp fillets as the research object. The average accuracy of freshness detection reaches up to 97.10%. Moreover, the detection time of below 1 s per sample and the overall power consumption of 47.1 W (including 42.4 W light source power consumption) indicate that the device has good real-time performance and low power consumption. The research provides a potential tool for fish freshness evaluation in a low-cost and rapid manner.