bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Design of a MIMO Management System for Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Radiation–Conductivity–Convection Coupled Thermal Analysis
Authors: Wang Qian , Yan Linbin , Yang Lushi , Wang Jianxiao
Published: July 2024

In this study, the heat transfer model of a radiation–conduction–convection coupled lithium-ion battery pack is established through theoretical analysis. The temperature distribution and flow field distribution inside the battery pack are obtained by simulation using ANSYS Fluent software 2022 R1, and the reasonableness of the simulation model is verified with an experiment. This study also analyzes in detail the improvement effect of adding heat dissipation ribs, applying heat dissipation coatings, and adjusting the fan speed on the heat dissipation performance of the system. Under the same heat sink rib height conditions, the relationship between its thickness and total heat dissipation and thermal efficiency is studied in depth, and the temperature distribution of the cell under different rib thicknesses is obtained. At the same time, the emissivity of the heat sink coating under different coating thicknesses was measured by infrared thermography, and the relevant design values were determined through simulation experiments. Finally, based on the experimental test results of fan performance, a corresponding control strategy is proposed to construct an efficient and high-performance multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) battery thermal management system. The experimental results show that optimizing the structure of the forced air cooling system through the above measures can ensure that the Li-ion battery operates within the efficient operating temperature range, thus extending its cycle life, improving its stability, and reducing the risk of thermal runaway. Meanwhile, the problem of excessive temperature difference between different modules is improved, and the output capacity of the energy storage system is increased.
Production of Sustainable Liquid Fuels
Authors: Ormond Nathan , Kamel Dina , Lima Sergio , Saha Basudeb
Published: July 2024

As the world aims to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is becoming more urgent for heavy transportation sectors, such as shipping and aviation, to decarbonise in an economically feasible way. This review paper investigates the potential fuels of the future and their capability to mitigate the carbon footprint when other technologies fail to do so. This review looks at the technologies available today, including, primarily, transesterification, hydrocracking, and selective deoxygenation. It also investigates the potential of fish waste from the salmon industry as a fuel blend stock. From this, various kinetic models are investigated to find a suitable base for simulating the production and economics of biodiesel (i.e., fatty acid alkyl esters) and renewable diesel production from fish waste. Whilst most waste-oil-derived biofuels are traditionally produced using transesterification, hydrotreating looks to be a promising method to produce drop-in biofuels, which can be blended with conventional petroleum fuels without any volume percentage limitation. Using hydrotreatment, it is possible to produce renewable diesel in a few steps, and the final liquid product mixture includes paraffins, i.e., linear, branched, and cyclo-alkanes, with fuel properties in compliance with international fuel standards. There is a wide range of theoretical models based on the hydrodeoxygenation of fatty acids as well as a clear economic analysis that a model could be based on.
Prediction of Pipe Failure Rate in Heating Networks Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Beloev Hristo Ivanov , Saitov Stanislav Radikovich , Filimonova Antonina Andreevna , Chichirova Natalia Dmitrievna , Babikov Oleg Evgenievich , Iliev Iliya Krastev
Published: July 2024

The correct prediction of heating network pipeline failure rates can increase the reliability of the heat supply to consumers in the cold season. However, due to the large number of factors affecting the corrosion of underground steel pipelines, it is difficult to achieve high prediction accuracy. The purpose of this study is to identify connections between the failure rate of heating network pipelines and factors not taken into account in traditional methods, such as residual pipeline wall thickness, soil corrosion activity, previous incidents on the pipeline section, flooding (traces of flooding) of the channel, and intersections with communications. To achieve this goal, the following machine learning algorithms were used: random forest, gradient boosting, support vector machines, and artificial neural networks (multilayer perceptron). The data were collected on incidents related to the breakdown of heating network pipelines in the cities of Kazan and Ulyanovsk. Based on these data, four intelligent models have been developed. The accuracy of the models was compared. The best result was obtained for the gradient boosting regression tree, as follows: MSE = 0.00719, MAE = 0.0682, and MAPE = 0.06069. The feature «Previous incidents on the pipeline section» was excluded from the training set as the least significant.
A Stochastic Model Predictive Control Method for Tie-Line Power Smoothing under Uncertainty
Authors: An Molin , Han Xueshan , Lu Tianguang
Published: July 2024

With the high proportion of distributed energy resource (DER) access in the distributed network, the tie-line power should be controlled and smoothed to minimize power flow fluctuations due to the uncertainty of DER. In this paper, a stochastic model predictive control (SMPC) method is proposed for tie-line power smoothing using a novel data-driven linear power flow (LPF) model that enhances efficiency by updating parameters online instead of retraining. The scenario method is then employed to simplify the objective function and chance constraints. The stability of the proposed model is demonstrated theoretically, and the performance analysis indicates positive results. In the one-day case study, the mean relative error is only 1.1%, with upper and lower quartiles of 1.4% and 0.2%, respectively, which demonstrates the superiority of the proposed method.
FireYOLO-Lite: Lightweight Forest Fire Detection Network with Wide-Field Multi-Scale Attention Mechanism
Authors: Sheng Sha , Liang Zhengyin , Xu Wenxing , Wang Yong , Su Jiangdan
Published: July 2024

A lightweight forest fire detection model based on YOLOv8 is proposed in this paper in response to the problems existing in traditional sensors for forest fire detection. The performance of traditional sensors is easily constrained by hardware computing power, and their adaptability in different environments needs improvement. To balance the accuracy and speed of fire detection, the GhostNetV2 lightweight network is adopted to replace the backbone network for feature extraction of YOLOv8. The Ghost module is utilized to replace traditional convolution operations, conducting feature extraction independently in different dimensional channels, significantly reducing the complexity of the model while maintaining excellent performance. Additionally, an improved CPDCA channel priority attention mechanism is proposed, which extracts spatial features through dilated convolution, thereby reducing computational overhead and enabling the model to focus more on fire targets, achieving more accurate detection. In response to the problem of small targets in fire detection, the Inner IoU loss function is introduced. By adjusting the size of the auxiliary bounding boxes, this function effectively enhances the convergence effect of small target detection, further reducing missed detections, and improving overall detection accuracy. Experimental results indicate that, compared with traditional methods, the algorithm proposed in this paper significantly improves the average precision and FPS of fire detection while maintaining a smaller model size. Through experimental analysis, compared with YOLOv3-tiny, the average precision increased by 5.9% and the frame rate reached 285.3 FPS when the model size was only 4.9 M; compared with Shufflenet, the average precision increased by 2.9%, and the inference speed tripled. Additionally, the algorithm effectively addresses false positives, such as cloud and reflective light, further enhancing the detection of small targets and reducing missed detections.
Fermented Cultured Wild Ginseng Roots (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) Using Limosilactobacillus fermentum HY7303 Enhances the Intestinal Barrier by Bioconversion of Ginsenosides and Extracellular Vesicle Production
Authors: Mo Sung-Joon , Kim Eun-Ji , Lee Yun-Ha , Park Soo-Dong , Shim Jae-Jung , Lee Jung-Lyul , Lee Jae-Hwan
Published: July 2024

Wild ginseng is known to have better pharmacological effects than cultivated ginseng. Additionally, recently developed bioengineering technology has made it possible to produce cultured wild ginseng with the same genetic composition. In this study, we investigated the change in characteristics and the improvement of the intestinal barrier of cultured wild ginseng roots (CWG) and fermented cultured wild ginseng roots (FCWG). First, we screened nine strains of bacteria that are capable of growing on 5-brix CWG medium, and Limosilactobacillus fermentum HY7303 (HY7303) showed the highest growth. Second, changes in the characteristics of CWG due to fermentation using HY7303 showed that pH and total carbohydrates decreased, and reducing sugars increased. The contents of minor ginsenosides (Rg3(s), Rk1, and Rg5) increased. Third, extracellular vesicles (EVs) with a single peak at 493.7 nm were isolated from CWG, and EVs with three peaks at 9.0 nm, 155.6 nm, and 459.0 nm were isolated from FCWG, respectively. Finally, when we treated Caco-2 cells with FCWG and EVs, we confirmed the improvement of intestinal barrier functions, including recovery, permeability, and expression of tight-junction protein genes. In this study, we confirmed the potential pharmacological effects of minor ginsenosides and EVs derived from FCWG. In conclusion, this study suggests that CWG fermentation with HY7303 improves the intestinal barrier by increasing minor ginsenosides and producing EVs.
Bridging the Intention–Behavior Gap in Organic Food Consumption: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Yaqin , Wang Peng , Zhang Mengya , Chen Xi , Li Ke , Qu Jianying
Published: July 2024

The transition to a low-carbon economy emphasizes the importance of green and low-carbon consumption; yet, there is often a discrepancy between consumers’ intentions and their actual behavior regarding organic foods. This study aims to identify strategies to bridge this gap. The research model of organic food consumption intention and behavior is constructed, and a structural equation model is used to test the research hypotheses based on a valid sample of 480 residents of Guangdong Province through an online questionnaire survey. Further, the intention‒behavior gap is defined and its determinants are investigated through multiclass logistic regression. Finally, we categorize and forecast the alignment between consumption intentions and behaviors using machine learning algorithms. The results reveal that attitudes, social interactions, and cognitive information play crucial roles in aligning intentions with behaviors. By enhancing social information exchange or improving cognitive understanding, consumers can reduce their intention‒behavior discrepancy. This research offers valuable policy recommendations for fostering green consumption among residents from various perspectives.
In Vivo Chemical Screening in Zebrafish Embryos Identified FDA-Approved Drugs That Induce Differentiation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Wei Xiaona , Wang Wei , Yin Qianlan , Li Hongji , Ahmed Abrar , Ullah Rahat , Li Wei , Jing Lili
Published: July 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the abnormal proliferation and differentiation arrest of myeloid progenitor cells. The clinical treatment of AML remains challenging. Promoting AML cell differentiation is a valid strategy, but effective differentiation drugs are lacking for most types of AML. In this study, we generated Tg(drl:hoxa9) zebrafish, in which hoxa9 overexpression was driven in hematopoietic cells and myeloid differentiation arrest was exhibited. Using Tg(drl:hoxa9) embryos, we performed chemical screening and identified four FDA-approved drugs, ethacrynic acid, khellin, oxcarbazepine, and alendronate, that efficiently restored myeloid differentiation. The four drugs also induced AML cell differentiation, with ethacrynic acid being the most effective. By an RNA-seq analysis, we found that during differentiation, ethacrynic acid activated the IL-17 and MAPK signaling pathways, which are known to promote granulopoiesis. Furthermore, we found that ethacrynic acid enhanced all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced differentiation, and both types of signaling converged on the IL-17/MAPK pathways. Inhibiting the IL-17/MAPK pathways impaired ethacrynic acid and ATRA-induced differentiation. In addition, we showed that ethacrynic acid is less toxic to embryogenesis and less disruptive to normal hematopoiesis than ATRA. Thus, the combination of ethacrynic acid and ATRA may have broader clinical applications. In conclusion, through zebrafish-aided screening, our study identified four drugs that can be repurposed to induce AML differentiation, thus providing new agents for AML therapy.
Chiral Selectivities of Permethylated α-, β-, and γ-Cyclodextrins Containing Gas Chromatographic Stationary Phases towards Ibuprofen and Its Derivatives
Authors: Juvancz Zoltan , Bodane-Kendrovics Rita , Agoston Csaba , Czegledi Balazs , Kaleta Zoltan , Jicsinszky Laszlo , Riszter Gergo
Published: July 2024

Ibuprofen is a well-known and broadly used, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and painkiller medicine. Ibuprofen is a chiral compound, and its two isomers have different biological effects, therefore, their chiral separation is necessary. Ibuprofen and its derivatives were used as model compounds to establish transportable structure chiral selectivity relationships. Chiral selectors were permethylated α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins containing gas chromatographic stationary phases. The chiral selectivity of ibuprofen as a free acid and its various alkyl esters (methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, and isoamyl esters) derivatives were tested at different temperatures. Every tested stationary phase was capable of the chiral separations of ibuprofen in its free acid form. The less strong included S optical isomers eluted before R optical isomers in every separate case. The results offer to draw transportable guidelines for the chiral selectivity vs. analyte structures. It was recognized that the S isomers of free ibuprofen acid showed an overloading phenomenon, but the R isomer did not. The results were supported by molecular modeling studies.
Introduction to the Special Issue Dedicated to Extracellular Vesicles and Nanoparticles, Part 1
Authors: Josić Djuro
Published: July 2024

The existence of extracellular vesicles [EVs] has been known for more than eighty years, [...]
Concussion-Related Biomarker Variations in Retired Rugby Players and Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Risk: The UK Rugby Health Study
Authors: Alanazi Norah , Fitzgerald Melinda , Hume Patria , Hellewell Sarah , Horncastle Alex , Anyaegbu Chidozie , Papini Melissa G. , Hargreaves Natasha , Halicki Michal , Entwistle Ian , Hind Karen , Chazot Paul
Published: July 2024

The health and well-being of retired rugby union and league players, particularly regarding the long-term effects of concussions, are of major concern. Concussion has been identified as a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), in athletes engaged in contact sports. This study aimed to assess differences in specific biomarkers between UK-based retired rugby players with a history of concussion and a non-contact sports group, focusing on biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s, ALS, and CTE. We randomly selected a sample of male retired rugby or non-contact sport athletes (n = 56). The mean age was 41.84 ± 6.44, and the mean years since retirement from the sport was 7.76 ± 6.69 for participants with a history of substantial concussions (>5 concussions in their career) (n = 30). The mean age was 45.75 ± 11.52, and the mean years since retirement was 6.75 ± 4.64 for the healthy controls (n = 26). Serum biomarkers (t-tau, RBP-4, SAA, Nf-L, and retinol), plasma cytokines, and biomarkers associated with serum-derived exosomes (Aβ42, p-tau181, p-tau217, and p-tau231) were analyzed using validated commercial ELISA assays. The results of the selected biomarkers were compared between the two groups. Biomarkers including t-tau and p-tau181 were significantly elevated in the history of the substantial concussion group compared to the non-contact sports group (t-tau: p < 0.01; p-tau181: p < 0.05). Although between-group differences in p-tau217, p-tau231, SAA, Nf-L, retinol, and Aβ42 were not significantly different, there was a trend for higher levels of Aβ42, p-tau217, and p-tau231 in the concussed group. Interestingly, the serum-derived exosome sizes were significantly larger (p < 0.01), and serum RBP-4 levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the highly concussed group. These findings indicate that retired athletes with a history of multiple concussions during their careers have altered serum measurements of exosome size, t-tau, p-tau181, and RBP-4. These biomarkers should be explored further for the prediction of future neurodegenerative outcomes, including ALS, in those with a history of concussion.
Effects of Biomaterials Derived from Germinated Hemp Seeds on Stressed Hair Stem Cells and Immune Cells
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Kim Namsoo Peter , Kim Boyong
Published: July 2024

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic disorder that commonly causes progressive hair loss in men, leading to diminished self-esteem. Although cannabinoids extracted from Cannabis sativa are used in hair loss treatments, no study has evaluated the effects of germinated hemp seed extract (GHSE) and exosomes derived from the calli of germinated hemp seeds on alopecia. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate their preventive effects against alopecia using various methodologies, including quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, and immunocytochemistry. Our research highlights the preventive functions of GHSE (GE2000: 2000 µg/mL) and exosomes from the calli of germinated hemp seeds (E40: 40 μg/mL) in three biochemical categories: genetic modulation in hair follicle dermal papilla stem cells (HFDPSCs), cellular differentiation, and immune system modulation. Upon exposure to dihydrotestosterone (DT), both biomaterials upregulated genes preventing alopecia (Wnt, β-catenin, and TCF) in HFDPSCs and suppressed genes activating alopecia (STAT1, 5α-reductase type 1, IL-15R). Additionally, they suppressed alopecia-related genes (NKG2DL, IL2-Rβ, JAK1, STAT1) in CD8+ T cells. Notably, E40 exhibited more pronounced effects compared to GE2000. Consequently, both E40 and GE2000 effectively mitigated DT-induced stress, activating mechanisms promoting hair formation. Given the limited research on alopecia using these materials, their pharmaceutical development promises significant economic and health benefits.
Chromosome-Scale Genome Assembly of the Sheep-Biting Louse Bovicola ovis Using Nanopore Sequencing Data and Pore-C Analysis
Authors: Ong Chian Teng , Mody Karishma T. , Cavallaro Antonino S. , Yan Yakun , Nguyen Loan T. , Shao Renfu , Mitter Neena , Mahony Timothy J. , Ross Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2024

Bovicola ovis, commonly known as the sheep-biting louse, is an ectoparasite that adversely affects the sheep industry. Sheep louse infestation lowers the quality of products, including wool and leather, causing a loss of approximately AUD 123M per annum in Australia alone. The lack of a high-quality genome assembly for the sheep-biting louse, as well as any closely related livestock lice, has hindered the development of louse research and management control tools. In this study, we present the assembly of B. ovis with a genome size of ~123 Mbp based on a nanopore long-read sequencing library and Illumina RNA sequencing, complemented with a chromosome-level scaffolding using the Pore-C multiway chromatin contact dataset. Combining multiple alignment and gene prediction tools, a comprehensive annotation on the assembled B. ovis genome was conducted and recalled 11,810 genes as well as other genomic features including orf, ssr, rRNA and tRNA. A manual curation using alignment with the available closely related louse species, Pediculus humanus, increased the number of annotated genes to 16,024. Overall, this study reported critical genetic resources and biological insights for the advancement of sheep louse research and the development of sustainable control strategies in the sheep industry.
Poxvirus A51R Proteins Negatively Regulate Microtubule-Dependent Transport by Kinesin-1
Authors: Seo Dahee , Yue Yang , Yamazaki Shin , Verhey Kristen J. , Gammon Don B.
Published: July 2024

Microtubule (MT)-dependent transport is a critical means of intracellular movement of cellular cargo by kinesin and dynein motors. MT-dependent transport is tightly regulated by cellular MT-associated proteins (MAPs) that directly bind to MTs and either promote or impede motor protein function. Viruses have been widely shown to usurp MT-dependent transport to facilitate their virion movement to sites of replication and/or for exit from the cell. However, it is unclear if viruses also negatively regulate MT-dependent transport. Using single-molecule motility and cellular transport assays, we show that the vaccinia virus (VV)-encoded MAP, A51R, inhibits kinesin-1-dependent transport along MTs in vitro and in cells. This inhibition is selective as the function of kinesin-3 is largely unaffected by VV A51R. Interestingly, we show that A51R promotes the perinuclear accumulation of cellular cargo transported by kinesin-1 such as lysosomes and mitochondria during infection. Moreover, A51R also regulates the release of specialized VV virions that exit the cell using kinesin-1-dependent movement. Using a fluorescently tagged rigor mutant of kinesin-1, we show that these motors accumulate on A51R-stabilized MTs, suggesting these stabilized MTs may form a “kinesin-1 sink” to regulate MT-dependent transport in the cell. Collectively, our findings uncover a new mechanism by which viruses regulate host cytoskeletal processes.
The Interplay between Endogenous and Foodborne Pro-Oxidants and Antioxidants in Shaping Redox Homeostasis
Authors: Jakubek Patrycja , Parchem Karol , Wieckowski Mariusz R. , Bartoszek Agnieszka
Published: July 2024

Oxidative stress has been known about in biological sciences for several decades; however, the understanding of this concept has evolved greatly since its foundation. Over the past years, reactive oxygen species, once viewed as solely deleterious, have become recognized as intrinsic components of life. In contrast, antioxidants, initially believed to be cure-all remedies, have failed to prove their efficacy in clinical trials. Fortunately, research on the health-promoting properties of antioxidants has been ongoing. Subsequent years showed that the former assumption that all antioxidants acted similarly was greatly oversimplified. Redox-active compounds differ in their chemical structures, electrochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and bioavailability; therefore, their efficacy in protecting against oxidative stress also varies. In this review, we discuss the changing perception of oxidative stress and its sources, emphasizing everyday-life exposures, particularly those of dietary origin. Finally, we posit that a better understanding of the physicochemical properties and biological outcomes of antioxidants is crucial to fully utilize their beneficial impact on health.
Vagus Nerve Suppression in Ischemic Stroke by Carotid Artery Occlusion: Implications for Metabolic Regulation, Cognitive Function, and Gut Microbiome in a Gerbil Model
Authors: Zhang Ting , Yue Yu , Li Chen , Wu Xuangao , Park Sunmin
Published: July 2024

The vagus nerve regulates metabolic homeostasis and mediates gut–brain communication. We hypothesized that vagus nerve dysfunction, induced by truncated vagotomy (VGX) or carotid artery occlusion (AO), would disrupt gut–brain communication and exacerbate metabolic dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to test the hypothesis in gerbils fed a high-fat diet. The gerbils were divided into four groups: AO with VGX (AO_VGX), AO without VGX (AO_NVGX), no AO with VGX (NAO_VGX), and no AO without VGX (NAO_NVGX). After 5 weeks on a high-fat diet, the neuronal cell death, neurological severity, hippocampal lipids and inflammation, energy/glucose metabolism, intestinal morphology, and fecal microbiome composition were assessed. AO and VGX increased the neuronal cell death and neurological severity scores associated with increased hippocampal lipid profiles and lipid peroxidation, as well as changes in the inflammatory cytokine expression and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. AO and VGX also increased the body weight, visceral fat mass, and insulin resistance and decreased the skeletal muscle mass. The intestinal morphology and microbiome composition were altered, with an increase in the abundance of Bifidobacterium and a decrease in Akkermansia and Ruminococcus. Microbial metagenome functions were also impacted, including glutamatergic synaptic activity, glycogen synthesis, and amino acid biosynthesis. Interestingly, the effects of VGX were not significantly additive with AO, suggesting that AO inhibited the vagus nerve activity, partly offsetting the effects of VGX. In conclusion, AO and VGX exacerbated the dysregulation of energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism, neuroinflammation, and memory deficits, potentially through the modulation of the gut–brain axis. Targeting the gut–brain axis by inhibiting vagus nerve suppression represents a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.
The Contrasting Effects of Two Distinct Exercise Training Modalities on Exhaustive Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Mice May Be Associated with Alterations in the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wang Cong , Lang Hedong , Yu Hongtao , Zhou Min , Rao Xin , Zhang Qianyong , Yi Long , Zhu Jundong , Mi Mantian
Published: July 2024

Exhaustive exercise is known to induce muscle damage characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. Although “regular” and “weekend warrior” exercise regimens have been shown to confer comparable health benefits in human studies, such as reduced risks of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality, their differential impacts on muscle damage post-exhaustive exercise remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of long-term, moderate-intensity (LTMI) and short-term, high-intensity (STHI) training modalities, matched for total exercise volume, on gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and exhaustive exercise-induced muscle damage in mice, as well as to evaluate the correlation between these factors. LTMI is considered a regular exercise regimen, while STHI shares some similarities with the “weekend warrior” pattern, such as promoting exercise intensity and condensing training sessions into a short period. Our findings indicate that LTMI training significantly enhanced the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, including Akkermansia, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Odoribacter, Alistipes, and Lactobacillus, thereby increasing SCFA levels and attenuating muscle damage following exhaustive swimming. In contrast, STHI training increased the abundance of opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Bilophila, without altering SCFA levels, and was associated with exacerbated muscle damage. Moreover, we observed a significant negative correlation between the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria and SCFA levels with the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the muscle of mice post-exhaustive exercise. Conversely, the abundance of Staphylococcus and Bilophila showed a notable positive correlation with these cytokines. Additionally, the effects of LTMI and STHI on exhaustive exercise-induced muscle damage were transmissible to untrained mice via fecal microbiota transplantation, suggesting that gut microbiota changes induced by these training modalities may contribute to their contrasting impacts on muscle damage. These results underscore the significance of selecting an appropriate training modality prior to engaging in exhaustive exercise, with implications for athletic training and injury prevention.
One-Year Pilot Study Results of Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Šimić Darija , Šarić Ana , Škaričić Ana , Lehman Ivan , Bunoza Branka , Rako Ivana , Fumić Ksenija
Published: July 2024

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disease caused by the homozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7 in 95% of cases. The prognosis for SMA patients has improved with the development of disease-modifying therapies, all of which are available in Croatia. The best treatment outcomes occur when therapy is applied before symptoms appear, making newborn screening (NBS) for SMA a crucial factor. Since SMA NBS is the first genetic test performed in our laboratory, for successful implementation of the program, we had to overcome logistical and organizational issues. Herein, we present the results of the SMA NBS during the one-year pilot project in Croatia and verify the suitability of the Targeted qPCR™ SMA assay for SMA NBS. The pilot project started on 1 March 2023 in the Department for Laboratory Diagnostics of the University Hospital Center Zagreb. A total of 32,655 newborns were tested. Five SMA patients were detected, and their diagnoses were confirmed by the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay. There have been no false positive or false negative results, to our knowledge so far. The incidence of SMA determined during the pilot study is consistent with the SMA incidence data from other European countries.
CDC’s Laboratory Activities to Support Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Lee Francis K. , Greene Christopher , Mercer Kristina , Taylor Jennifer , Yazdanpanah Golriz , Vogt Robert , Lee Rachel , Cuthbert Carla , Cordovado Suzanne
Published: July 2024

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was added to the HHS Secretary’s Recommended Uniform Screening Panel for newborn screening (NBS) in 2018, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of impacted infants to prevent irreversible motor neuron damage. In anticipation of supporting SMA newborn screening, scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have worked towards building resources for public health laboratories in four phases since 2013. In Phase 1, CDC established a real-time PCR assay, which uses a locked nucleic acid probe to attain the needed specificity, to detect SMN1 exon 7. In Phase 2, we developed quality assurance dried blood spot materials made with transduced lymphoblast cell lines established from de-identified SMA patients, carriers, and unaffected donors. In 2021, CDC implemented Phase 3, a proficiency testing program, that now supports 115 NBS labs around the world. We are currently completing Phase 4, which includes the implementation of an external SMA quality control material program. Also, during this time, CDC has provided individual technical assistance to NBS programs and bench training to NBS scientists during our annual molecular workshop. These CDC-led activities have contributed to the rapid and full implementation of SMA screening in all 50 U.S. states as of February 2024.
Spatio-Temporal Influence on the Distribution of Forensically Relevant Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Authors: Oh Hyeon-Seok , Baek In-Seong , Kang Min-Gyu , Park Sang-Hyun
Published: July 2024

The study of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) biodiversity and distribution is crucial for forensic investigations. Abiotic and biotic factors, such as season and habitat type, have a significant impact on blowfly populations. However, only a few forensic entomology studies have been conducted in South Korea, particularly in the Gyeongsangnam-do region. To address this, an extensive year-long survey was conducted to analyze the compositions, habitat preferences, distribution, and seasonal abundance of forensically relevant blowflies in urban and forested habitats of Gyeongsangnam-do, with sampling conducted twice a month using mouse carcass-baited traps set for 48 h each time. A total of 3470 adult blowflies were recorded, encompassing five genera and 13 species, with a noted absence of specimens during the winter months. The predominant species was Lucilia porphyrina, accounting for 37.2% of the total sample, followed by Chrysomya pinguis (27.6%), Lucilia sericata (7.6%), and Lucilia illustris (7.1%). The species composition was consistent across all surveyed regions; however, seasonal variation in species diversity was evident, with a peak in spring and a decline in summer. Notably, certain species exhibited clear preferences for either urban (Calliphora calliphoroides and L. sericata) or forested habitats (L. porphyrina and Ch. pinguis). This pioneering study elucidates the diverse blowfly communities in Gyeongsangnam-do, highlighting significant seasonal and habitat-dependent variations. These findings enrich our understanding of blowfly ecology in this region, offering valuable insights for forensic applications and underscoring the necessity for ongoing entomological surveillance and research.
Molecular Identification of the Glutaredoxin 5 Gene That Plays Important Roles in Antioxidant Defense in Arma chinensis (Fallou)
Authors: Luo Qiaozhi , Shen Zhongjian , Kanjana Nipapan , Guo Xingkai , Wu Huihui , Zhang Lisheng
Published: July 2024

Glutaredoxin (Grx) is a group of redox enzymes that control reactive oxygen species (ROS), traditionally defined as redox regulators. Recent research suggested that members of the Grx family may be involved in more biological processes than previously thought. Therefore, we cloned the AcGrx5 gene and identified its role in A. chinensis diapause. Sequence analysis revealed the ORF of AcGrx5 was 432 bp, encoding 143 amino acids, which was consistent with the homologous sequence of Halyomorpha halys. RT-qPCR results showed that AcGrx5 expression was the highest in the head, and compared with non-diapause conditions, diapause conditions significantly increased the expression of AcGrx5 in the developmental stages. Further, we found that 15 °C low-temperature stress significantly induced AcGrx5 expression, and the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes AcTrx2 and AcTrx-like were significantly increased after AcGrx5 knockdown. Following AcGrx5 silencing, there was a considerable rise in the levels of VC content, CAT activity, and hydrogen peroxide content, indicating that A. chinensis was exposed to high levels of reactive oxygen species. These results suggested that the AcGrx5 gene may play a key role in antioxidant defense.
The Hurdle of Access to Emerging Therapies and Potential Solutions in the Management of Dyslipidemias
Authors: Mansfield Brett S. , Mohamed Farzahna , Larouche Miriam , Raal Frederick J.
Published: July 2024

This review explores the many barriers to accessing lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs) for the prevention and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Geographical, knowledge, and regulatory barriers significantly impede access to LLTs, exacerbating disparities in healthcare infrastructure and affordability. We highlight the importance of policy reforms, including pricing regulations and reimbursement policies, for enhancing affordability and streamlining regulatory processes. Innovative funding models, such as value-based pricing and outcome-based payment arrangements, have been recommended to make novel LLTs more accessible. Public health interventions, including community-based programs and telemedicine, can be utilized to reach underserved populations and improve medication adherence. Education and advocacy initiatives led by patient advocacy groups and healthcare providers play a crucial role in raising awareness and empowering patients. Despite the barriers to access, novel LLTs present a big opportunity to reduce the burden of ASCVD, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among policymakers, healthcare providers, industry stakeholders, and patient advocacy groups to address these barriers to improve access to LLTs globally.
Antibacterial Size Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Role as Additives in Emulsion Waterborne Paint
Authors: El-Habib Imroi , Maatouk Hassan , Lemarchand Alex , Dine Sarah , Roynette Anne , Mielcarek Christine , Traoré Mamadou , Azouani Rabah
Published: July 2024

Nosocomial infections, a prevalent issue in intensive care units due to antibiotic overuse, could potentially be addressed by metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs). However, there is still no comprehensive understanding of the impact of NPs’ size on their antibacterial efficacy. Therefore, this study provides a novel investigation into the impact of ZnO NPs’ size on bacterial growth kinetics. NPs were synthesized using a sol–gel process with monoethanolamine (MEA) and water. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy confirmed their crystallization and size variations. ZnO NPs of 22, 35, and 66 nm were tested against the most common nosocomial bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative), and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). Evaluation of minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) revealed superior antibacterial activity in small NPs. Bacterial growth kinetics were monitored using optical absorbance, showing a reduced specific growth rate, a prolonged latency period, and an increased inhibition percentage with small NPs, indicating a slowdown in bacterial growth. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed the lowest sensitivity to ZnO NPs, attributed to its resistance to environmental stress. Moreover, the antibacterial efficacy of paint containing 1 wt% of 22 nm ZnO NPs was evaluated, and showed activity against E. coli and S. aureus.
Hybrid Bone Substitute Containing Tricalcium Phosphate and Silver Modified Hydroxyapatite–Methylcellulose Granules
Authors: Czechowska Joanna P. , Dorner-Reisel Annett , Zima Aneta
Published: July 2024

Despite years of extensive research, achieving the optimal properties for calcium phosphate-based biomaterials remains an ongoing challenge. Recently, ‘biomicroconcretes’ systems consisting of setting-phase-forming bone cement matrix and aggregates (granules/microspheres) have been developed and studied. However, further investigations are necessary to clarify the complex interplay between the synthesis, structure, and properties of these materials. This article focusses on the development and potential applications of hybrid biomaterials based on alpha-tricalcium phosphate (αTCP), hydroxyapatite (HA) and methylcellulose (MC) modified with silver (0.1 wt.% or 1.0 wt.%). The study presents the synthesis and characterization of silver-modified hybrid granules and seeks to determine the possibility and efficiency of incorporating these hybrid granules into αTCP-based biomicroconcretes. The αTCP and hydroxyapatite provide structural integrity and osteoconductivity, the presence of silver imparts antimicrobial properties, and MC allows for the self-assembling of granules. This combination creates an ideal environment for bone regeneration, while it potentially may prevent bacterial colonization and infection. The material’s chemical and phase composition, setting times, compressive strength, microstructure, chemical stability, and bioactive potential in simulated body fluid are systematically investigated. The results of the setting time measurements showed that both the size and the composition of granules (especially the hybrid nature) have an impact on the setting process of biomicroconcretes. The addition of silver resulted in prolonged setting times compared to the unmodified materials. Developed biomicroconcretes, despite exhibiting lower compressive strength compared to traditional calcium phosphate cements, fall within the range of human cancellous bone and demonstrate chemical stability and bioactive potential, indicating their suitability for bone substitution and regeneration. Further in vitro studies and in vivo assessments are needed to check the potential of these biomaterials in clinical applications.
Electric Current Application on Dental Implant Biofilms: Review
Authors: Rodrigues Flávio , Rodrigues da Silva Mariana , Silva Filipe S. , Madeira Sara , Carvalho Óscar
Published: July 2024

The prevalence of complications due to the presence of biofilms in dental implant surfaces and their relationship with peri-implant diseases, namely peri-implantitis, remain difficult problems to overcome. The information available about the application of electric current on dental implant biofilms; its parameters, namely current level, voltage and exposure time; and related effects are still not enough to understand which individual mechanisms are caused by this technique, culminating in the decrease or eradication of the biofilm. The purpose of this narrative review, based on a systematic search, is to understand the effect of electric current directly applied to biofilms present in dental implants and which parameters are used. For the systematic search, electronic databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, up to and including November 2023, were searched. Seven studies were included. A 12-item checklist was used to assess their methodological quality. All studies used direct/constant electric current; however, that use was not achieved by the same protocol/set-up. Parameters such as current, voltage, resistance, and actuation time were different in all studies. Monospecies and multi-species biofilm were used in the substrate made of titanium. The results indicate that the use of constant and alternating electric current directly applied to dental implant’s surfaces is a promising way to treat problems related to biofilms and peri-implant diseases. Future trials, namely in vivo tests, are necessary to reveal all the potential of this treatment.
Genome-Scale Screening of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Deletion Mutants to Gain Molecular Insight into Tolerance to Mercury Ions
Authors: Xian Jianing , Ni Leilei , Liu Chengkun , Li Jiyang , Cao Yuhang , Qin Jie , Liu Dongwu , Wang Xue
Published: July 2024

Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant and a bioaccumulative toxin that seriously affects the environment. Though increasing information has been obtained on the mechanisms involved in mercury toxicity, there is still a knowledge gap between the adverse effects and action mechanisms, especially at the molecular level. In the current study, we screened a diploid library of Saccharomyces cerevisiae single-gene deletion mutants to identify the nonessential genes associated with increased sensitivity to mercury ions. By genome-scale screening, we identified 64 yeast single-gene deletion mutants. These genes are involved in metabolism, transcription, antioxidant activity, cellular transport, transport facilitation, transport routes, and the cell cycle, as well as in protein synthesis, folding, modification, and protein destination. The concentration of mercury ions was different in the cells of yeast deletion mutants. Moreover, the disruption of antioxidant systems may play a key role in the mercurial toxic effects. The related functions of sensitive genes and signal pathways were further analyzed using bioinformatics-related technologies. Among 64 sensitive genes, 37 genes have human homologous analogs. Our results may provide a meaningful reference for understanding the action mode, cellular detoxification, and molecular regulation mechanisms of mercury toxicity.
Fasting Blood Glucose-Based Novel Predictors in Detecting Metastases and Predicting Prognosis for Patients with PNENs
Authors: Yu Li , Fu Mengfei , Yang Liu , Sun Hui
Published: July 2024

Objective: To explore three novel fasting blood glucose (FBG)-based novel indicators, including the FBG-to-albumin ratio (FAR), FBG-to-lymphocytes ratio (FLR), and FBG-to-hemoglobin ratio (FHR), in predicting prognosis and detecting metastasis for patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) after resection. Materials and Methods: A total of 178 pNENs patients who underwent surgical resection were included in this study. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnosis values of FAR, FLR, and FHR, and the cutoff values were obtained for further analyses. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the independent predictors. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the pNENs patients. Results: The optimal cutoff values of FAR, FLR, and FHR were 0.17, 2.85, and 0.028, respectively. As for PFS, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.693 for FAR, 0.690 for FLR, and 0.661 for FHR, respectively. The AUC was 0.770, 0.692, and 0.715 accordingly for OS. The groups with lower FAR, FLR, and FHR were significantly associated with prolonged PFS and OS (p < 0.05). In patients with metastasis, the lower FAR group was correlated with significantly longer PFS and OS (p = 0.022 and 0.002, respectively). The FLR was an independent predictor of PFS in pNENs patients, and the FAR was a predictor of OS. FAR was an independent indicator of PFS in patients with metastasis. Conclusions: Preoperative FAR, FLR, and FHR are effective in predicting the prognosis of pNEN patients and detecting the synchronous metastases.
Diagnostic Performance of Point-of-Care High-Sensitivity Troponin in the Exclusion of Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the Emergency Department
Authors: Zalama-Sánchez Daniel , del Pozo Vegas Carlos , Sanz-García Ancor , de Santos-Castro Pedro Ángel , Presencio-Dominguez Javier , González-Izquierdo Pablo , Sánchez-Ramón Susana , Pinilla-Arribas Leyre Teresa , Baladrón-Segura Manuel , Cheayeb-Morán Jaldún , Fernandez-García María , Velasco de Cos Guillermo , López-Izquierdo Raúl , Martín-Rodríguez Francisco
Published: July 2024

Background: This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of high-sensitivity troponin using point-of-care testing (POCT) devices compared with main laboratory measurements for ruling out non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in emergency department (ED) patients presenting with non-traumatic chest pain. Methods: This multicenter, observational, prospective, non-interventional study was conducted in two Spanish hospitals from 1 June to 31 December 2023 and included adult patients presenting with non-traumatic chest pain admitted to the ED. High-sensitivity troponin levels were measured using both the Siemens Atellica® VTLi POCT device and main laboratory testing, with data collected on analytical results and measurement times. Results: Of the 201 patients who met the inclusion criteria, a significant correlation was observed between the POCT and laboratory assays. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve was consistently greater than 0.9, indicating a high diagnostic accuracy for ruling out NSTEMI. In addition, measurement times were significantly reduced using POCT compared to the core laboratory. Conclusion: These results suggest that high-sensitivity troponin POCT devices offer comparable diagnostic performance to traditional laboratory methods for the diagnosis of NSTEMI in the emergency department, potentially speeding up clinical decisions and optimizing resource utilization.