bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of maternal late-gestation lipid mobilization and their offspring's disease risk during the pre-weaned period and performance through first lactation: A cohort study in a dairy herd
Authors: Velasquez-Munoz Ana , Schuurmans Emily J. , Brester Jill L. , Starken Kathryn , Abuelo Angel
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Excessive maternal lipid mobilization in late gestation may impact the immune function of the newborn. However, the long-term effects remain unknown. The objective was to explore associations between excessive maternal lipid mobilization in the last 2 weeks of gestation with offspring health and performance.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed including 1,511 calves (heifer = 692, bull = 819) born between 2015 and 2020 in one MI farm. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) was measured from cows 7 to 14 d before calving. Calves were categorized in 2 groups based NEFA concentration: physiological lipid mobilization (PLM = 1,373; NEFA <0.3 mM) and excessive lipid mobilization (ELM = 138; NEFA ≥0.3 mM). Calf records were obtained from the herd's management software. Outcomes of interest were the hazard of pre-weaned digestive and respiratory disease, pre-weaned ADG, age at first breeding and calving, first lactation 305 d mature equivalent milk yield (305ME), and survival until first calving. Statistical models included dam NEFA category adjusted by year and season of birth, parity of the dam, and sex of the calf. Cox proportional analysis was used to determine the hazard of a pre-weaned health event, first breeding, and first calving. Linear regression was used to evaluate ADG and 305ME. The survival until first calving was analyzed with logistic regression.

Results and discussion

No difference was detected in the hazard of diarrhea (HRPLM vs. ELM = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.82–1.38) and respiratory disease (HRPLM vs. ELM = 1.29; 95% CI = 0.79–2.10) by NEFA category in the pre-weaned period. Also, no difference was detected for the LSM (±SE) of pre-weaned ADG (PLM = 0.77±1.55, ELM = 0.72±2.76 kg/d). In heifers, the hazard for first breeding favored the PLM group (HRPLM vs. ELM = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.18–2.12), with a reduced median age at first breeding (PLM = 400 d, 95% CI = 397–402; ELM = 412 d, 95% CI = 404–421). However, NEFA category was not associated with the hazard of first calving (HRPLM vs. ELM = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.69–1.27), first lactation 305ME (PLM = 16,665±165 kg; ELM = 16,256±532), the odds of presenting at least 1 health event in the first lactation (ORPLM vs. ELM = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.41–1.49), or the odds of leaving the herd before first calving (ORPLM vs. ELM = 1.21; 95% CI = 0.56–2.02). Overall, dam ELM affected the hazard of first breeding but no other indicators of health or long-term performance. However, associations between maternal lipid mobilization and calf outcomes cannot be excluded, as the NEFA cut-off used has not been established as a predictor of offspring health and performance.
SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in dogs and cats in a highly infected area of Brazil during the pandemic
Authors: Jarrah Samar Afif , Kmetiuk Louise Bach , Valleriani Fabrizia , Bonfini Barbara , Lorusso Alessio , Vasinioti Violetta , Decaro Nicola , dos Santos Marco Tulio , Spohr Kledir Anderson Hofstaetter , Pratelli Annamaria , Serroni Anna , Capista Sara , Sousa Valéria Regia Franco , Biondo Alexander Welker , Nakazato Luciano , Dutra Valéria
Published: February 2023

SARS-CoV-2 was a worldwide threat during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state of Mato Grosso had the second highest mortality rate in Brazil, with 427. 4 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. However, no large-scale study among dogs and cats in such highly infected areas of Brazil has so far been conducted. Accordingly, the present study reports on a serosurvey among dogs and cats in Cuiabá, capital of Mato Grosso from November 2020 to July 2021, where the human mortality rate was 605/100,000 at that time. Overall, 33/762 dogs (4.3%) and 4/182 cats (2.2%) were found to be seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 through ELISA, and 3/762 dogs (0.4%) and 3/182 cats (1.6%) were seropositive through the serum neutralization test. Cats presented higher seroprevalence with higher titers of neutralizing antibodies. Although N-protein based ELISA may be a good screening test, cross-reactivity with other canine coronaviruses may impair its diagnostic use among dogs.
Detecting punctuated evolution in SARS-CoV-2 over the first year of the pandemic
Authors: Surya Kevin , Gardner Jacob D. , Organ Chris L.
Published: February 2023

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evolved slowly over the first year of the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic with differential mutation rates across lineages. Here, we explore how this variation arose. Whether evolutionary change accumulated gradually within lineages or during viral lineage branching is unclear. Using phylogenetic regression models, we show that ~13% of SARS-CoV-2 genomic divergence up to May 2020 is attributable to lineage branching events (punctuated evolution). The net number of branching events along lineages predicts ~5% of the deviation from the strict molecular clock. We did not detect punctuated evolution in SARS-CoV-1, possibly due to the small sample size, and in sarbecovirus broadly, likely due to a different evolutionary process altogether. Punctuation in SARS-CoV-2 is probably neutral because most mutations were not positively selected and because the strength of the punctuational effect remained constant over time, at least until May 2020, and across continents. However, the small punctuational contribution to SARS-CoV-2 diversity is consistent with the founder effect arising from narrow transmission bottlenecks. Therefore, punctuation in SARS-CoV-2 may represent the macroevolutionary consequence (rate variation) of a microevolutionary process (transmission bottleneck).
A Disturbance Force Compensation Framework for a Magnetic Suspension Balance System
Authors: Xia Wentao , Dou Fengshan , Long Zhiqiang
Published: February 2023

The research on the dynamic characteristics of vehicles requires wind tunnel tests. The natural mass frequency of the support mechanism and the interference of the support mechanism on the flow field will greatly reduce the repeatability and accuracy of the experimental results. The magnetic suspension and balance system (MSBS) uses non-contact electromagnetic force instead of mechanical support to eliminate the support mechanism’s interference with the test results. The MSBS needs to actively adjust the electromagnetic force to control the position of the tested model. At present, its control strategy is PID control. However, when the wind tunnel is opened, there will be large aerodynamic loads, leading to large changes in displacement. We propose a disturbance compensation control algorithm framework that can quickly estimate the external force disturbance and quickly compensate it to the control loop, reduce the influence of the disturbance on the control system, and provide stability and accuracy of displacement control.
In Vivo Hypolipidemic Effects and Antioxidant Capacity of Pinus morrisonicola Hay Extracts by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction
Authors: Lai Ying-Jang , Cheng Ming-Ching , Chen Hsin-Chun , Chen Chien-Lin , Song Tuzz-Ying
Published: February 2023

Pinus morrisonicola hay (PM) is a pine tree unique to Taiwan, whose needles are used as traditional medicine and as functional drink. PME3-1 was made using supercritical extraction to evaluate the prevention of hyperlipidemia. This study explored the hypolipidemic effect of PME3-1 on hamsters on a high fat and cholesterol (HFC) diet. Three groups of hamsters were fed with PME3-1 (0.2, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/kg bw). After feeding for eight weeks, PME3-1 reduced the serum cholesterol, triglyceride levels, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL/HDL) ratio, and the swelling of the liver and kidney significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, feeding the hamsters with 5.0 mg/kg bw of PME3-1 could significantly reduce their total lipid (TL) content, total cholesterol (TC) content, total triglyceride (TG) content, and the HMG-CoA reductase activity in the liver (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the antioxidant enzymes in the liver, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), can also improve, promoting the excretion of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in the feces (p < 0.05). Therefore, these results confirm that PME3-1 hypolipidemic and antioxidant regulating functions in vivo.
Circular Economy Concept at the Micro-Level: A Case Study of Taruna Mukti Farmer Group, Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Latif Amir , Cahyandito Martha Fani , Utama Gemilang Lara
Published: February 2023

The concept of a circular economy can be utilized in the process of starting a dairy cattle enterprise. A circular economy is not only a chance to lessen the amount of waste produced by dairy farms and cut down on the amount of pollution that is released into the environment, but also an attempt to maximize the number of advantages that are shared between the economy and the environment. A circular economy can be implemented at any level, from the micro-level (businesses and customers) to the meso-level (eco-industrial zones), and all the way up to the macro-level (city, province, or country). The identification of circular economy practices is possible through the use of Circular Performance Indicators (CPIs). The purpose of this research is to identify circular economy practices based on CPIs at the micro-level, with a focus on the Taruna Mukti Farmer Group in the Bandung Regency of West Java, Indonesia. Based on our research, it is found that the identified CPIs achieve an average score of 2.57, with an achievement level value of 85.5% (very good). The results of the MICMAC analysis show that the key indicator in the CPIs of livestock waste management in the Taruna Mukti Farmer Group is additional income/income from the processing of livestock waste (C1). There is a relationship between the management of livestock waste in the Taruna Mukti Farmer Group and the circular economy concept based on Circular Performance Indicators. Farmers see the aspect of economic profit (economic motive) as important in the management of livestock waste. Marketing and sales strategies will have a big influence on the system of converting livestock waste into organic fertilizer. The higher the sales volume, the higher the level of profit.
Patients’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Experiences and Views of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis and Meta-Ethnography
Authors: Sanyaolu Leigh N. , Hayes Catherine V. , Lecky Donna M. , Ahmed Haroon , Cannings-John Rebecca , Weightman Alison , Edwards Adrian , Wood Fiona
Published: February 2023

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and significant problem for patients, clinicians, and healthcare services. Recurrent UTIs (rUTIs) are common, with a 3% prevalence in the UK. Although acute UTIs have a significant negative impact on the lives of patients, evidence of the impact of rUTIs is limited. To enhance shared decision-making around rUTI management, it is important to understand both the patients’ and healthcare professionals’ (HCPs’) perspectives. The objective of this qualitative evidence synthesis is to understand patients’ and HCPs’ experiences and views in the management of rUTIs. Methods: A qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) was performed that included primary qualitative studies involving patients with rUTIs or primary care HCPs who manage patients with rUTIs, up to June 2022. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, ASSIA, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, OpenGrey, and the Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC). The QES was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022295662). Reciprocal translation was conducted and developed into a line of argument synthesis. We appraised the confidence in our review findings by using GRADE-CERQual. Results: Twelve studies were included in the final review; ten of those included patients, and three included HCPs (one study included both). Our review demonstrates that women with rUTIs have a unique experience, but it is generally of a chronic condition with significant impacts on numerous aspects of their lives. Antibiotics can be “transformative”, but patients have serious concerns about their use and feel non-antibiotic options need further research and discussion. HCPs share similar views about the impacts of rUTIs and concerns about antibiotic use and find the management of rUTIs to be complex and challenging. Based on our GRADE-CERQual assessment of the review findings, we have moderate confidence in those related to patients and low confidence in those related to HCPs. New conceptual models for both patients and HCPs are presented. Conclusions: This review has significant clinical implications. Patients require information on antibiotic alternative acute and preventative treatments for rUTIs, and this is not currently being addressed. There are communication gaps around the impact of rUTIs on patients, their perceived expectation for antibiotics, and the reasons for treatment failure. Further development of current clinical guidance and a patient decision aid would help address these issues.
Influences of Initial Empiric Antibiotics with Ampicillin plus Cefotaxime on the Outcomes of Neonates with Respiratory Failure: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Ou-Yang Mei-Chen , Hsu Jen-Fu , Chu Shih-Ming , Chang Ching-Min , Chen Chih-Chen , Huang Hsuan-Rong , Yang Peng-Hong , Fu Ren-Huei , Tsai Ming-Horng
Published: February 2023

Background: Empiric antibiotics are often prescribed in critically ill and preterm neonates at birth until sepsis can be ruled out. Although the current guideline suggests narrow-spectrum antibiotics, an upgrade in antibiotics is common in the neonatal intensive care unit. The impacts of initial broad-spectrum antibiotics on the outcomes of critically ill neonates with respiratory failure requiring mechanical intubation have not been well studied. Methods: A total of 1162 neonates from a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Taiwan who were on mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress/failure at birth were enrolled, and neonates receiving ampicillin plus cefotaxime were compared with those receiving ampicillin plus gentamicin. Propensity score-matched analysis was used to investigate the effects of ampicillin plus cefotaxime on the outcomes of critically ill neonates. Results: Ampicillin plus cefotaxime was more frequently prescribed for intubated neonates with lower birth weight, higher severity of illness, and those with a high risk of early-onset sepsis. Only 11.1% of these neonates had blood culture-confirmed early-onset sepsis and/or congenital pneumonia. The use of ampicillin plus cefotaxime did not significantly contribute to improved outcomes among neonates with early-onset sepsis. After propensity score-matched analyses, the critically ill neonates receiving ampicillin plus cefotaxime had significantly worse outcomes than those receiving ampicillin plus gentamicin, including a higher risk of late-onset sepsis caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens (11.2% versus 7.1%, p = 0.027), longer duration of hospitalization (median [IQR], 86.5 [47–118.8] days versus 78 [45.0–106.0] days, p = 0.002), and a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality (14.2% versus 9.6%, p = 0.023). Conclusions: Ampicillin plus cefotaxime should not be routinely prescribed as the empiric antibiotics for critically ill neonates at birth because they were associated with a higher risk of infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens and final worse outcomes.
One Health Surveillance of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance: Challenges and Successes of Implementing Surveillance Programs in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ariyawansa Sujeewa , Gunawardana Kuruwitage N. , Hapudeniya Muditha M. , Manelgamage Nimal J. , Karunarathne Chinthana R. , Madalagama Roshan P. , Ubeyratne Kamalika H. , Wickramasinghe Darshana , Tun Hein M. , Wu Peng , Lam Tommy T. Y. , Chan Olivia S. K.
Published: February 2023

Background: Sri Lanka is a low-income country, as defined by the World Bank. The country suffered further economic downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation adversely affected the prioritization of policies and programs around healthcare and public health. In particular, inflation, fuel prices, and shortage of food supplies increased struggles to implement antimicrobial resistance (AMR) programs. However, in the long run, it is crucial to gather data and evidence to plan AMR policies and track interventions. (1) Aim: To establish and reiterate the importance of prioritizing AMR programs in the One Health framework, the Fleming Fellows collected and studied antimicrobial use/consumption (AMU/AMC) and resistance (AMR) in humans, food-producing animals, and the environment. (2) Methods: A systematic and cross-sectional study was conducted between 2019 and 2021. By way of coordinating an AMU/AMC and AMR prevalence study across six agencies from human health and food-producing animal sectors, the authors established a field epidemiology study, laboratory testing, and data processing at their institutions. AMU/AMC patterns were surveyed using questionnaires and interviews, while AMR samples were collected for antibiotic susceptibility tests and genomic tests. Samples were tested for phenotypic and genotypic resistance. (3) Results: In human samples, resistance was highest to beta-lactam antibiotics. In non-human samples, resistance was highest to erythromycin, a highest-priority, critically important antibiotic defined by the World Health Organization. From government records, tylosin was sold the most in the food-producing animal sector. (4) Conclusions: Sri Lanka AMU and AMR trends in human and non-human sectors can be ascertained by a One Health framework. Further coordinated, consistent, and sustainable planning is feasible, and can help implement an AMU/AMR surveillance system in Sri Lanka.
Intraocular Sustained Release of EPO-R76E Mitigates Glaucoma Pathogenesis by Activating the NRF2/ARE Pathway
Authors: Naguib Sarah , DeJulius Carlisle R. , Backstrom Jon R. , Haider Ameer A. , Ang John M. , Boal Andrew M. , Calkins David J. , Duvall Craig L. , Rex Tonia S.
Published: February 2023

Erythropoietin (EPO) is neuroprotective in multiple models of neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma. EPO-R76E retains the neuroprotective effects of EPO but diminishes the effects on hematocrit. Treatment with EPO-R76E in a glaucoma model increases expression of antioxidant proteins and is neuroprotective. A major pathway that controls the expression of antioxidant proteins is the NRF2/ARE pathway. This pathway is activated endogenously after elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and contributes to the slow onset of pathology in glaucoma. In this study, we explored if sustained release of EPO-R76E in the eye would activate the NRF2/ARE pathway and if this pathway was key to its neuroprotective activity. Treatment with PLGA.EPO-E76E prevented increases in retinal superoxide levels in vivo, and caused phosphorylation of NRF2 and upregulation of antioxidants. Further, EPO-R76E activates NRF2 via phosphorylation by the MAPK pathway rather than the PI3K/Akt pathway, used by the endogenous antioxidant response to elevated IOP.
Bee Pollen as Functional Food: Insights into Its Composition and Therapeutic Properties
Authors: El Ghouizi Asmae , Bakour Meryem , Laaroussi Hassan , Ousaaid Driss , El Menyiy Naoual , Hano Christophe , Lyoussi Badiaa
Published: February 2023

Bee pollen is a hive product made up of flower pollen grains, nectar, and bee salivary secretions that beekeepers can collect without damaging the hive. Bee pollen, also called bee-collected pollen, contains a wide range of nutritious elements, including proteins, carbs, lipids, and dietary fibers, as well as bioactive micronutrients including vitamins, minerals, phenolic, and volatile compounds. Because of this composition of high quality, this product has been gaining prominence as a functional food, and studies have been conducted to show and establish its therapeutic potential for medical and food applications. In this context, this work aimed to provide a meticulous summary of the most relevant data about bee pollen, its composition—especially the phenolic compounds—and its biological and/or therapeutic properties as well as the involved molecular pathways.
4D-Flow MRI Characterization of Pulmonary Flow in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Hudani Ashifa , Ihsan Ali Safia , Patton David , Myers Kimberley A. , Fine Nowell M. , White James A. , Greenway Steven , Garcia Julio
Published: February 2023

Patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) have multiple surgical sequelae altering the pulmonary flow hemodynamics. Repaired TOF (rTOF) adults frequently develop pulmonary regurgitation impacting the blood flow pressure, right ventricle load, and pulmonary hemodynamics. We aimed to evaluate the pulmonary flow hemodynamics using 4D-flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for characterizing altered blood flow, viscous energy loss (EL), wall shear stress (WSS), pressure drop (PD), and ventricular flow analysis (VFA) in rTOF patients. We hypothesized that 4D-flow based parameters can identify pulmonary blood flow alterations. A total of 17 rTOF patients (age: 29 ± 10 years, 35% women) and 20 controls (age: 36 ± 12 years, 25% women) were scanned using a dedicated cardiac MRI protocol. Peak velocity and regurgitant fraction were significantly higher for rTOF patients (p < 0.001). WSS was consistently elevated along the PA in the rTOF (p ≤ 0.05). The rTOF average circumferential WSS was higher than axial WSS at the main pulmonary artery (p ≤ 0.001). PD and EL were consistently higher in the rTOF as compared with controls (p < 0.05). For VFA, delayed ejection increased and retained inflow decreased in rTOF patients (p < 0.001). To conclude, this study demonstrated that 4D-flow MRI pulmonary flow in the rTOF can exhibit altered peak velocity, valvular regurgitation, WSS, EL, PD, and VFA.
Validation Analysis of Panoramic Dental Application (PDApp) Software as a Tool for Predicting Third Molar Eruption Based on Panoramic Radiograph Images
Authors: Santeiro-Hermida Susana , Fernández-Delgado Manuel , Cernadas Eva , Gallas-Torreira Mercedes
Published: February 2023

The decision-making process for third molar removal or maintenance remains controversial in dental practice. The most important variables to be analyzed in predicting the potential of third molar eruption are retromolar space and the direction of eruption. The various methods for prediction include linear measures: measurement of the available space, mandibular size and growth, size of the third molar, and third molar angulation. The available software is not suitable for predicting third molar eruption. The purpose of the present work was to develop a clinical tool that can automatically predict eruption of the third molars based on combined linear and angular measurements. In this paper, the development and validation analysis of Panoramic Dental Application (PDApp) software (registered by the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC)) is presented, which can automatically predict third molar eruption from panoramic radiographs. This prediction is performed using a machine learning classifier (a support vector machine with Gaussian kernel) trained on a set of 188 cases wherein third molar angulation and the radiological retention coefficient are used as input data. Operating in the daily practice of the School of Dentistry at USC, an accuracy of 97.96% in predicting the potential of third molar eruption is achieved for a set of 539 third molars belonging to 289 patients. The software was also rated as the best imaginable system by the system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire. In this study, we developed and analyzed a new, unique software tool with increased diagnostic accuracy that will facilitate and optimize dental care in routine clinical workflow.
A Chinese Named Entity Recognition Method Based on ERNIE-BiLSTM-CRF for Food Safety Domain
Authors: Yuan Taiping , Qin Xizhong , Wei Chunji
Published: February 2023

Food safety is closely related to human health. Therefore, named entity recognition technology is used to extract named entities related to food safety, and building a regulatory knowledge graph in the field of food safety can help relevant authorities to regulate food safety issues and mitigate the hazards caused by food safety problems. However, there is no publicly available named entity recognition dataset in the food safety domain. In contrast, the non-standardized Chinese short texts generated from user comments on the web contain rich implicit information that can help identify named entities in specific domains (e.g., food safety domain) where the corpus is scarce. Therefore, in this paper, named entities related to food safety are extracted from these unstandardized texts on the web. However, the existing Chinese named entity identification methods are mainly for standardized texts. Meanwhile, these unstandardized texts have the following problems: (1) their corpus size is small; (2) there are various new and wrong words and noise; (3) and they do not follow strict syntactic rules. These problems make the recognition of Chinese named entities for online texts more challenging. Therefore, this paper proposes the ERNIE-Adv-BiLSTM-Att-CRF model to improve the recognition of food safety domain entities in unstandardized texts. Specifically, adversarial training is added to the model training as a regularization method to alleviate the influence of noise on the model, while self-attention is added to the BiLSTM-CRF model to capture features that significant impact entity classification and improve the accuracy of entity classification. This paper conducts experiments on the public dataset Weibo NER and the self-built food domain dataset Food. The experimental results show that our model achieves a SOTA performance of 72.64% and a good performance of 69.68% for F1 values on the public and self-built datasets, respectively. The validity and reasonableness of our model are verified. In addition, the paper further analyses the impact of various components and settings on the model. The study has practical implications in the field of food safety.
Improved Operation of the Step-Up Converter with Large Voltage Gain and Low Voltage on Capacitors
Authors: Hernandez-Ochoa Julio C. , Alejo-Reyes Avelina , Rosas-Caro Julio C. , Valdez-Resendiz Jesus E.
Published: February 2023

This work proposes an improvement for a recently proposed converter. The discussed converter is the so-called low-voltage in capacitors (LVC). It offers a larger voltage gain compared to the standard step-up or boost converter while operating with a relatively low voltage in their capacitors (lower than the voltage at the output port). The improvement consists of a modification in the pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme. The new modulation scheme allows for a reduction in the voltage ripple at the output port, which means an improvement in the power quality. The LVC converter contains two transistors, but it was proposed to operate with a single switching signal. The new PWM scheme is based on two switching signals with the same duty cycle (same waveform and same average time in high) but 180° of phase shift among them. The PWM scheme significantly affects the voltage ripple at the converter’s output port. The voltage ripple reduction at the converter’s output port is achieved without increasing the transistor switching frequency and without modifying the circuit parameters (capacitance in capacitors or inductance in inductors). The article starts by introducing the converter. Then, it presents its mathematical model, including the calculation of the voltage ripple at its output port. The experimental results performed on the LCV in both the former and the proposed operation prove the reduction in the voltage ripple, and the comparison also includes the traditional boost converter.
Fixation of Iliac Avulsion Fracture Using Additive Manufacturing Titanium Mesh after DCIA Flap Harvesting: Case Report
Authors: Jo Ye-Joon , Cho Yong-Jin , Kim Jun-Seong , Kim Jin , You Jae-Seak , Oh Ji-Su , Moon Seong-Yong
Published: February 2023

Jaw defects can have a variety of causes, including tumors, trauma, and osteomyelitis. The reconstruction of jaw defects has been improved with the free flap technique and sophisticated microvascular techniques. A deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap provides a large amount of bone for the reconstruction of the mandible. However, various complications and side effects, such as abnormal hip contour, hernia, severe bleeding tendency, gait disturbance, and hypoesthesia, can occur. Iliac bone fracture is not a common complication after DCIA flap harvesting, because the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) can include the harvested flap. If an iliac avulsion fracture occurs, various treatment options exist. If severe dislocation of the bone fragment exists, open reduction and internal fixation are required. At this time, orthopedic implants composed of various materials can be used. Among these, when using a 3D-fabricated implant using a Ti6Al4V alloy, the accuracy of the size and shape is excellent, and it can have mechanical–biocompatible advantages. In this study, we report cases of iliac bone fracture after reconstruction of the jaw with a DCIA flap and the treatment modality using a 3D-printed, patient-specific titanium implant.
Possibilities of Improving Water Quality of Degraded Lake Affected by Nutrient Overloading from Agricultural Sources by the Multi-Point Aeration Technique
Authors: Łopata Michał , Grochowska Jolanta Katarzyna , Augustyniak-Tunowska Renata , Tandyrak Renata
Published: February 2023

This research concerns the restoration of the strongly eutrophied Lake Łajskie (Masurian Lake District, Poland) that received pollutants from the agricultural catchment. It is a shallow (max depth 7.4 m) and small (area 48 ha) reservoir with a wide profundal zone characterized by complete deoxidation in summer. Due to its important natural and social role, the lake has undergone a restoration process. Artificial oxygenation is the main method of improving water quality. Due to unfavorable morphometric conditions, the necessity to use multi-point aeration was assumed. An experimental installation based on eight reactors selectively oxygenating only the over-bottom waters was launched in 2019. In 2021, spatial studies of the effectiveness of aerators’ work were carried out at 96 measuring points grouped into 12-test fields around each reactor. The investigations were performed three times during the summer season. It was shown that, in the water of the deepest layers of Lake Łajskie, the oxygen concentration around all reactors increased to an average level of 1–2 mg L−1. The oxygenation efficiency was varied and related to the distance from the aerator and the location in relation to the direction of oxygenated water outflow. The results of the research indicate the legitimacy of designing multi-point oxygenation systems in the restoration of waterbodies degraded as a result of the impact of agriculturally transformed catchments.
Rescanning of Digital Impressions’ Mesh Holes: In Vivo and In Vitro Accuracy Evaluation of Three Different Scanning Protocols
Authors: Faur Andrei B. , Rotar Raul N. , Adam Dragoș , Jivănescu Anca
Published: February 2023

Several factors have been identified to have an influence over the accuracy of a digital impression: ambient lighting conditions, the presence of liquid on the intraoral structures, and the scanning patterns. The purpose of this study was to identify which protocol produced the most accurate digital impression regarding a one-preparation scenario in which data were acquired from a single uninterrupted scan, a rescanning of the area of interest in order to obtain more data, or the deletion of the area of interest followed by a rescan. An in vitro scenario using a typodont involving a single full-crown restoration was conceived alongside the selection of an in vivo case of a patient presenting an unrestored right mandibular first molar. The STL (standard tessellation language) reference models for each group were obtained using a high-resolution scanner (Freedom, HD; DOS). With the use of a Medit I700 (Medit, Seoul, South Korea) intraoral scanner, three different scanning protocols were conducted on the typodont and on the clinical case. The measured data (IOS scans) were sorted and further analyzed with the help of Geomagic Control X (Version:16.0.2.16496, 3D Systems, Wilsonville, OR, USA). The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for normality was conducted on the whole set of data. The nonparametric data set underwent Kruskal–Wallis test analysis while the parametric data set underwent a one-way ANOVA test (the level of significance was set to α = 0.05). For the in vitro case, the “SINGLESCAN” group displayed the best trueness; the “DELETE&RESCAN” group displayed the best precision. Regarding the in vivo case, the “SINGLESCAN” group also displayed the best trueness; the “RESCAN” group displayed the best precision. Statistical differences were found in the trueness and precision of the IOS scans captured with the three different scanning protocols, but the differences were so small that they could be considered clinically negligible.
Algorithm and Application of Foundation Displacement Monitoring of Railway Cable Bridges Based on Satellite Observation Data
Authors: Zhu Ying , Shuang Miao , Sun Daqi , Guo Hui
Published: February 2023

In order to realize real time monitoring of foundation displacement of railway cable bridge based on satellite observation system, reasonable data sources of satellite monitoring and data analysis duration are necessary, and the influence of various errors should be eliminated in the process of satellite signal acquisition. In this paper, the validity of foundation settlement monitoring of bridge tower by satellite is verified through accuracy and stability tests. For eliminating the multipath error and random noise of GNSS signal, a new method is presented by combining stationary wavelet transform and empirical mode decomposition in this study. For improving the observation accuracy of the satellite monitoring system, combing the measured data, the GNSS data are corrected by establishing non-linear mapping between the GNSS data and precise leveling data by BP neural network. Based on that, the accuracy of the presented method is verified by the foundation settlement data of a new railway cable bridge tower.
Thermal Characterisation of Automotive-Sized Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells Using Thermal Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Droese Dominik , Kowal Julia
Published: February 2023

This study used thermal impedance spectroscopy to measure a 46 Ah high-power lithium-ion pouch cell, introducing a testing setup for automotive-sized cells to extract the relevant thermal parameters, reducing the time for thermal characterisation in the complete operational range. The results are validated by measuring the heat capacity using an easy-to-implement calorimetric measurement method. For the investigated cell at 50% state of charge and an ambient temperature of 25 °C, values for the specific heat capacity of 1.25 J/(gK) and the cross-plane thermal conductivity of 0.47 W/(mK) are obtained. For further understanding, the values were measured at different states of charge and at different ambient temperatures, showing a notable dependency only on the thermal conductivity from the temperature of −0.37%/K. Also, a comparison of the cell with a similar-sized 60 Ah high-energy cell is investigated, comparing the influence of the cell structure to the thermal behaviour of commercial cells. This observation shows about 15% higher values in heat capacity and cross-plane thermal conductivity for the high-energy cell. Consequently, the presented setup is a straightforward implementation to accurately obtain the required model parameters, which could be used prospectively for module characterisation and investigating thermal propagation through the cells.
Machine Learning Model-Based Estimation of XCO2 with High Spatiotemporal Resolution in China
Authors: He Sicong , Yuan Yanbin , Wang Zihui , Luo Lan , Zhang Zili , Dong Heng , Zhang Chengfang
Published: February 2023

As the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, CO2 has a significant impact on climate change. Therefore, the determination of the temporal and spatial distribution of CO2 is of great significance in climate research. However, existing CO2 monitoring methods have great limitations, and it is difficult to obtain large-scale monitoring data with high spatial resolution, thus limiting the effective monitoring of carbon sources and sinks. To obtain complete Chinese daily-scale CO2 information, we used OCO-2 XCO2 data, Carbon Tracker XCO2 data, and multivariate geographic data to build a model training data set, which was then combined with various machine learning models including Random Forest, Extreme Random Forest, XGBoost, LightGBM, and CatBoost. The results indicated that the Random Forest model presented the best performance, with a cross-validation R2 of 0.878 and RMSE of 1.123 ppm. According to the final estimation results, in terms of spatial distribution, the highest multi-year average RF XCO2 value was in East China (406.94 ± 0.65 ppm), while the lowest was in Northwest China (405.56 ± 1.43 ppm). In terms of time, from 2016 to 2018, the annual XCO2 in China continued to increase, but the growth rate showed a downward trend. In terms of seasonal effects, the multi-year average XCO2 was highest in spring (407.76 ± 1.72 ppm) and lowest in summer (403.15 ± 3.36ppm). Compared with the Carbon-Tracker data, the XCO2 data set constructed in this study showed more detailed spatial changes, thus, can be effectively used to identify potentially important carbon sources and sinks.
SL(2,C) Scheme Processing of Singularities in Quantum Computing and Genetics
Authors: Planat Michel , Amaral Marcelo M. , Chester David , Irwin Klee
Published: February 2023

Revealing the time structure of physical or biological objects is usually performed thanks to the tools of signal processing such as the fast Fourier transform, Ramanujan sum signal processing, and many other techniques. For space-time topological objects in physics and biology, we propose a type of algebraic processing based on schemes in which the discrimination of singularities within objects is based on the space-time-spin group SL(2,C). Such topological objects possess an homotopy structure encoded in their fundamental group, and the related SL(2,C) multivariate polynomial character variety contains a plethora of singularities somehow analogous to the frequency spectrum in time structures. Our approach is applied to a model of quantum computing based on an Akbulut cork in exotic R4, to an hyperbolic model of topological quantum computing based on magic states and to microRNAs in genetics. Such diverse topics reveal the manifold of possibilities of using the concept of a scheme spectrum.
Smoothness of Gait in Overweight (But Not Obese) Children Aged 6–10
Authors: Porta Micaela , Cimmino Demetra , Leban Bruno , Arippa Federico , Casu Giulia , Fastame Maria Chiara , Pau Massimiliano
Published: February 2023

Excessive body mass represents a serious threat to the optimal psychophysical development of children, and it is known to be able to significantly affect their locomotor capabilities, making them more prone to the development of musculoskeletal disorders. However, despite the relevant number of existing studies, a clear gait pattern of overweight children has not been defined yet, particularly in the case of a mass excess that is relatively small (i.e., in those not obese). In the present study, we employed a wearable inertial measurement unit placed on the low back to derive spatio-temporal parameters and quantify the smoothness of gait (by means of harmonic ratio) from trunk accelerations acquired during gait trials carried out by 108 children aged 6–10 (46% males), stratified into two groups according to their body mass index (normal weight, n = 69 and overweight, n = 39). The results show that while gait speed, stride length, cadence and double support duration were found to be almost identical in the two groups, significant differences were observed in terms of harmonic ratio. In particular, overweight children exhibited a reduced harmonic ratio in the antero-posterior direction and higher harmonic ratio in the medio-lateral direction. While the significantly lower harmonic ratio in the antero-posterior direction is likely to be indicative of a loss of smoothness in the walking direction, probably due to a combination of factors associated with the altered movement biomechanics, the higher harmonic ratio in the medio-lateral direction might be associated with specific strategies adopted to increase lateral stability. Although further studies are necessary to elucidate the specific mechanisms that influence the smoothness of gait, it is noteworthy that harmonic ratios appear sensitive even to subtle change in locomotor control in overweight children characterized by apparently regular spatio-temporal parameters of gait and might be employed to assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve mobility functions.
Comparative Analysis of Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Ariosoma meeki (Jordan and Snider, 1900), Revealing Gene Rearrangement and the Phylogenetic Relationships of Anguilliformes
Authors: Huang Youkun , Zhu Kehua , Yang Yawei , Fang Liancheng , Liu Zhaowen , Ye Jia , Jia Caiyi , Chen Jianbin , Jiang Hui
Published: February 2023

The mitochondrial genome structure of a teleostean group is generally considered to be conservative. However, two types of gene arrangements have been identified in the mitogenomes of Anguilliformes. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of Ariosoma meeki (Anguilliformes (Congridae)). For this research, first, the mitochondrial genome structure and composition were analyzed. As opposed to the typical gene arrangement pattern in other Anguilliformes species, the mitogenome of A. meeki has undergone gene rearrangement. The ND6 and the conjoint tRNA-Glu genes were translocated to the location between the tRNA-Thr and tRNA-Pro genes, and a duplicated D-loop region was translocated to move upstream of the ND6 gene. Second, comparative genomic analysis was carried out between the mitogenomes of A. meeki and Ariosoma shiroanago. The gene arrangement between them was found to be highly consistent, against the published A. meeki mitogenomes. Third, we reproduced the possible evolutionary process of gene rearrangement in Ariosoma mitogenomes and attributed such an occurrence to tandem repeat and random loss events. Fourth, a phylogenetic analysis of Anguilliformes was conducted, and the clustering results supported the non-monophyly hypothesis regarding the Congridae. This study is expected to provide a new perspective on the A. meeki mitogenome and lay the foundation for the further exploration of gene rearrangement mechanisms.
Use of GnRH-Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles as an Alternative to eCG for Induction of Estrus and Ovulation during Non-Breeding Season in Sheep
Authors: Hashem Nesrein M. , El-Hawy Ahmed S. , El-Bassiony Moharram F. , El-Hamid Ibrahim S. Abd , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio , Martinez-Ros Paula
Published: February 2023

This study is aimed at determining the reproductive performance of anestrous ewes treated with nanoencapsulated GnRH after a progesterone-based protocol for estrus induction was proposed as a way of replacing eCG. A total of sixty anestrous, multiparous, non-lactating Barki ewes were randomly allocated into three homogenous groups and subjected to a CIDR-based estrus induction protocol. The first group (eCG) received an intramuscular (i.m.) injection of 350 IU of eCG at CIDR removal. The second (LNGnRH) and third (HLNGnR) groups received either 25 µg or 50 µg of encapsulated GnRH nanoparticles by the i.m. route in the form of spherical GnRH-encapsulated chitosan–TPP nanoparticles (which were 490.8 nm and had a 13.6 mV positive charge) 48 h after CIDR removal. Follicular dynamics, estrous behavior, luteal activity, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. Three days after CIDR removal, the number of large follicles increased by similar amounts in the LNGnRH and eCG groups and were significantly higher in both groups than in the HNGnRH group. However, no differences were observed in the numbers and diameters of CLs among the experimental groups and, on the other hand, treatment with HNGnRH significantly increased blood serum progesterone levels compared with eCG and LNGnRH. Treatment with HNGnRH increased conception, lambing, and fecundity rates (p < 0.05), with the trend of a higher litter size (p = 0.081) compared with eCG, whereas LNGnRH resulted in intermediate values. In conclusion, a dose of 50 µg of GnRH encapsulated in chitosan-TPP nanoparticles can be used as an alternative to eCG in progesterone-based estrus induction protocols in sheep.
Effect of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors among Obese/Overweight Individuals Treated with Antipsychotic Drug Classes: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Patoulias Dimitrios , Michailidis Theodoros , Dimosiari Athina , Fragakis Nikolaos , Tse Gary , Rizzo Manfredi
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) constitute a drug class primarily developed for the treatment of subjects with type 2 diabetes, although they have also provided significant benefit for subjects with obesity without underlying diabetes. Individuals with psychotic disorders who are receiving antipsychotic treatment are a patient population at risk of developing obesity, which is linked to other metabolic disturbances. Methods: We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library from inception to 1 December 2022, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling obese or overweight adult subjects with an underlying psychotic disorder treated with antipsychotic drugs, randomized either to GLP-1RAs or a control. We set as the primary efficacy outcome the change in body weight and as secondary efficacy outcomes the change in body mass index (BMI) and in waist circumference, along with indices of glycemia, lipid profile, and blood pressure. Results: We pooled data from 4 trials (2 with liraglutide and 2 with exenatide) in a total of 199 enrolled subjects. GLP-1RA treatment, compared to control, resulted in a significant decrease in body weight by 3.8 kg [mean difference (MD) = −3.80, 95% CI; −6.35 to −1.24, I2 = 64%]. In addition, GLP-1RA treatment led to a significant decrease in BMI, compared to control, of 1.04 kg/m2 (MD = −1.04, 95% CI; −1.92 to −0.17, I2 = 35%). However, no significant effect on waist circumference was shown (MD = −3.2, 95% CI; −6.47 to 0.08, I2 = 88%). A significant improvement in glycemia and lipid profiles was also demonstrated with GLP-1RAs. No subgroup difference between liraglutide and exenatide was shown, and the use of GLP-1RAs did not increase the risk for treatment discontinuation compared to the control group. Conclusion: Treatment with GLP-1RAs can significantly improve weight loss and other cardiometabolic risk factors in obese people taking antipsychotic medications.