bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Crude Protein and Lysine Levels Affect Meat Quality and Myofiber Characteristic of Slow-Growing Chicken
Authors: Chang Cheng , Zhao Weiyu , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Xuan , Zhang Jian , Yan Zhixun , Cao Jing , Liu Huagui , Geng Ailian
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) and lysine levels on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and myofiber characteristics of slow-growing chicken. A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was arranged, and the chickens were fed with 3 levels of dietary CP (16.0%, 17.0%, 18.0%) and 3 levels of dietary lysine (0.69%, 0.84%, 0.99%). A total of 540 8-week-old Beijing-You Chicken (BYC) female growing chickens were randomly allocated to 9 groups, 5 replicates per group, and 12 chickens per replicate. The birds were randomly allocated to one of the 9 experimental diets. Growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and myofiber characteristics were determined at 16 weeks of age. The results showed that dietary CP level and the interaction of dietary CP and lysine levels affected average feed intake (AFI) (p < 0.05). The AFI in the 16.0% CP and 17.0% CP groups was higher than in the 18.0% CP group (p < 0.05). Dietary CP levels significantly affected body weight gain (BWG) (p < 0.05) at 9 to 16 weeks. The 18.0% CP group had the highest BWG (93.99 g). Dietary CP levels affected the percentage of leg muscle yield, and the percentage of leg muscle yield of the 16.0% CP group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). Dietary CP and lysine levels alone and their interactions did not affect pH24h, drip loss, and cooking loss of breast muscle (p > 0.05). The shear force of the 18.0% CP group (29.55 N) was higher than that in the other two groups (p < 0.01). Dietary CP level affected myofiber characteristic (p < 0.01), with the lowest myofiber density (846.35 p·mm−2) and the largest myofiber diameter (30.92 μm) at 18.0% CP level. Dietary lysine level affected myofiber diameter, endomysium thickness, perimysium thickness (p < 0.01), with the largest myofiber diameter (29.29 μm) obtained at 0.84% lysine level, the largest endomysium thickness (4.58 μm) at 0.69% lysine level, and the largest perimysium thickness (9.26 μm) at 0.99% lysine level. Myofiber density was negatively correlated with myofiber diameter and endomysium thickness (R = −0.883, R = −0.523, p < 0.01); perimysium thickness had a significant negative correlation with shear force (R = −0.682, p < 0.05). Therefore, reducing dietary CP level and adding appropriate lysine can reduce myofiber diameter and increase perimysium thickness, reducing shear force and improving meat tenderness. A high lysine level (0.99%) in the low-CP (16.0%) diet can improve meat tenderness by regulating the myofiber characteristic without affecting production performance.
Isolation and Characterization of Two Novel Genera of Jumbo Bacteriophages Infecting Xanthomonas vesicatoria Isolated from Agricultural Regions in Mexico
Authors: Villicaña Claudia , Rubí-Rangel Lucía M. , Amarillas Luis , Lightbourn-Rojas Luis Alberto , Carrillo-Fasio José Armando , León-Félix Josefina
Published: July 2024

Bacterial spot is a serious disease caused by several species of Xanthomonas affecting pepper and tomato production worldwide. Since the strategies employed for disease management have been inefficient and pose a threat for environmental and human health, the development of alternative methods is gaining relevance. The aim of this study is to isolate and characterize lytic phages against Xanthomonas pathogens. Here, we isolate two jumbo phages, named XaC1 and XbC2, from water obtained from agricultural irrigation channels by the enrichment technique using X. vesicatoria as a host. We determined that both phages were specific for inducing the lysis of X. vesicatoria strains, but not of other xanthomonads. The XaC1 and XbC2 phages showed a myovirus morphology and were classified as jumbo phages due to their genomes being larger than 200 kb. Phylogenetic and comparative analysis suggests that XaC1 and XbC2 represent both different and novel genera of phages, where XaC1 possesses a low similarity to other phage genomes reported before. Finally, XaC1 and XbC2 exhibited thermal stability up to 45 °C and pH stability from 5 to 9. All these results indicate that the isolated phages are promising candidates for the development of formulations against bacterial spot, although further characterization is required.
NHE1 Protein in Repetitive Mild TBI-Mediated Neuroinflammation and Neurological Function Impairment
Authors: Bielanin John P. , Metwally Shamseldin A. H. , Oft Helena C. M. , Paruchuri Satya S. , Lin Lin , Capuk Okan , Pennock Nicholas D. , Song Shanshan , Sun Dandan
Published: July 2024

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) are highly prevalent and can lead to chronic behavioral and cognitive deficits often associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in mTBI-mediated axonal injury and pathogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors are not completely understood. In this study, we explore these pathogenic mechanisms utilizing a murine model of repetitive mTBI (r-mTBI) involving five closed-skull concussions in young adult C57BL/6J mice. We observed a significant elevation of Na+/H+ exchanger protein (NHE1) expression in GFAP+ reactive astrocytes, IBA1+ microglia, and OLIG2+ oligodendrocytes across various brain regions (including the cerebral cortex, corpus callosum, and hippocampus) after r-mTBI. This elevation was accompanied by astrogliosis, microgliosis, and the accumulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Mice subjected to r-mTBI displayed impaired motor learning and spatial memory. However, post-r-mTBI administration of a potent NHE1 inhibitor, HOE642, attenuated locomotor and cognitive functional deficits as well as pathological signatures of gliosis, oxidative stress, axonal damage, and white matter damage. These findings indicate NHE1 upregulation plays a role in r-mTBI-induced oxidative stress, axonal damage, and gliosis, suggesting NHE1 may be a promising therapeutic target to alleviate mTBI-induced injuries and restore neurological function.
The Role of Antioxidant Foods and Nutraceuticals in Ageing
Authors: Giorgio Marco , Rigobello Maria Pia
Published: July 2024

The free radical theory of aging proposed by Denham Harman in the 1950s identified the accumulation of oxidative damage over time as a cause of aging [...]
Antioxidant Properties of Zinc and Copper—Blood Zinc-to Copper-Ratio as a Marker of Cancer Risk BRCA1 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Matuszczak Milena , Kiljańczyk Adam , Marciniak Wojciech , Derkacz Róża , Stempa Klaudia , Baszuk Piotr , Bryśkiewicz Marta , Cybulski Cezary , Dębniak Tadeusz , Gronwald Jacek , Huzarski Tomasz , Lener Marcin , Jakubowska Anna , Szwiec Marek , Stawicka-Niełacna Małgorzata , Godlewski Dariusz , Prusaczyk Artur , Jasiewicz Andrzej , Kluz Tomasz , Tomiczek-Szwiec Joanna , Kilar-Kobierzycka Ewa , Siołek Monika , Wiśniowski Rafał , Posmyk Renata , Jarkiewicz-Tretyn Joanna , Scott Rodney , Lubiński Jan
Published: July 2024

Pathogenic mutations in BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) confer high risks of both breast (up to 70%) and ovarian (up to 40%) cancers. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential for various physiological functions, including antioxidant reactions. Their balance, reflected in the Zn/Cu ratio, plays a crucial role in maintaining redox homeostasis, which is vital for cancer prevention. This study examines the antioxidant properties of Zn and Cu, specifically focusing on the blood Zn/Cu ratio as a potential marker for cancer risk among BRCA1 mutation carriers. The study cohort consisted of 989 initially unaffected women, followed up for 7.5 years. Blood samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Although individual Zn and Cu levels did not significantly correlate with overall cancer risk, those women with a Zn/Cu ratio above 6.38 experienced a significantly lower cancer risk than women with a ratio below this cut-off point. This suggests that the Zn/Cu ratio may be a valuable biomarker for cancer prevention in this high-risk group. Given the increased cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers, optimizing Zn and Cu levels through dietary and active interventions could provide a preventive strategy.
Study on a Mechanism of Improving MaAPX1 Protein Activity by Mutating Methionine to Lysine
Authors: Xiao Lu , Jiang Guoxiang , Lai Hongmei , Duan Xiaoyan , Yan Huiling , Chen Shaoge , Chen Zexin , Duan Xuewu
Published: July 2024

Ascorbate peroxidases (APXs) are key components of the ascorbate–glytathione cycle, which plays an important role in removing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants. Herein, MaAPX1 was verified as being involved in the ripening and senescence of banana fruit, exhibiting responsiveness to the accumulation of ROS and the oxidation of proteins. Site-directed mutation was applied to explore the mechanism of MaAPX1 activity changes. We found that the 32-site cysteine (Cys, C) served as a potential S-nitrosylation site. The mutant MaAPX1C32S activity was decreased significantly when Cys32 was mutated to serine (Ser, S). Intriguingly, the neighboring conserved 36-site methionine (Met, M), which is adjacent to Cys32, displayed an enzyme activity that was approximately five times higher than that of the wild-type MaAPX1 when mutated to lysine (Lys, K). Utilizing LC-MS/MS spectroscopy coupled with stopped-flow analysis showed that the enhanced MaAPX1M36K activity might be due to the increased S-nitrosylation level of Cys32 and the promotion of intermediate (compound I, the first intermediate product of the reaction of APX with H2O2) production. Molecular docking simulations showed that the S-N bond between Cys32 and Lys36 in MaAPX1M36K might have a function in protecting the thiol of Cys32 from oxidation. MaAPX1M36K, a promising mutant, possesses immense potential for improving the antioxidant capabilities of APX in the realm of bioengineering technology research.
Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Reducing the Formation of Biogenic Amines and Improving the Formation of Antioxidant Compounds in Traditional African Sourdough Flatbread Fermentation
Authors: Hassan Alaa Ahmed Alsiddig , Jin Young Hun , Mah Jae-Hyung
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the safety and functionality of traditional African sourdough flatbread (kisra), based on the content of biogenic amines (BAs) and antioxidant compounds and their improvement using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species. The primary BAs detected in naturally fermented kisra were tyramine, histamine, putrescine, and cadaverine, with putrescine being the most abundant after baking. In vitro BA production of microorganisms isolated from kisra sourdough revealed that the Enterococcus genus contributed to tyramine accumulation, whereas presumptive yeasts may contribute to putrescine and cadaverine accumulation. The use of LAB species, including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Levilactobacillus brevis, and Weissella cibaria, significantly reduced putrescine content to less than about 23% of that of naturally fermented kisra, and eliminated tyramine, histamine, and cadaverine formation. Meanwhile, DPPH scavenging activity, total polyphenolic content, and tannin content in naturally fermented kisra were 85.16%, 1386.50 µg/g, and 33.16 µg/g, respectively. The use of LAB species did not affect the DPPH scavenging activity or tannin content but significantly increased the total phenolic content by up to 20% compared to naturally fermented kisra. Therefore, fermentation with LAB starter cultures might be a promising approach to improve the safety related to BAs as well as the functionality of kisra bread.
Optimization of Oil and Tocopherol Extraction from Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) by Supercritical CO2 Procedure
Authors: Sánchez Camila , Rodríguez Alicia , Reinoso Francisca , Dovale-Rosabal Gretel , Romero Nalda , Espinosa Alejandra , Pando María Elsa , Claria Benjamín , Valenzuela Rodrigo , Char Cielo , Aubourg Santiago P.
Published: July 2024

This study focused on the oil extraction from freeze-dried maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) by supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2). The basic objective was to optimize the oil yield and the tocopherol concentration. A Box/Behnken experimental design was developed with three processing variables: supercritical pressure (74, 187, and 300 bar), temperature (35, 48, and 60 °C), and extracting time (30, 135, and 240 min). Multiple optimizations, based on the combination of factor levels at 274 bar, 240 min, and 60 °C, led to the highest oil yield and tocopherol values. The validation of the optimized conditions of maqui oil extraction led to an oil yield of 8% and values of 735, 53, and 97 (mg·kg−1 oil) for α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, and γ-tocopherol, respectively. A higher concentration of tocopherol compounds was observed when compared to the employment of the conventional extracting method. The optimized SFE-CO2 method led to an oil extract exhibiting higher Hydrophilic-Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (H-ORAC) assay and total phenol content (22 μmol Trolox equivalents·g−1 oil and 28 mg gallic acid equivalents·g−1 oil) than the oil obtained by the conventional procedure. A practical and accurate oil extraction is proposed for obtaining tocopherol-enriched oil including high concentrations of valuable lipophilic antioxidants.
Vitamin E Regulates the Collagen Contents in the Body Wall of Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) via Its Antioxidant Effects and the TGF-β/Smads Pathway
Authors: Wang Zitong , Xu Rujian , Yang Hongbing , Li Ruixue , Ding Jun , Chang Yaqing , Zuo Rantao
Published: July 2024

A 70-day feeding experiment was performed to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin E at different addition levels (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) on the growth, collagen content, antioxidant capacity, and expressions of genes related to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Sma- and Mad-related protein (SMAD) signaling pathway in sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus). The results showed that the A. japonicus in the group with 200 mg/kg vitamin E exhibited significantly higher growth rates, hydroxyproline (Hyp) and type III collagen contents, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as well as the upregulation of genes related to Tenascin, SMAD1, and TGF-β. Additionally, the A. japonicus in the group with 100 mg/kg vitamin E exhibited significantly higher body-wall indexes, denser collagen arrangements, improved texture quality, higher activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and peroxidase (POD), as well as the upregulation of genes related to collagen type I alpha 2 chain (COL1A2), collagen type III alpha 1 chain (COL3A1), and Sp-Smad2/3 (SMAD2/3). In contrast, the A. japonicus in the group with 400 mg/kg vitamin E showed a decrease in the growth rates, reduced Hyp contents, increased type I collagen contents, collagen fiber aggregation and a harder texture, along with the downregulation of genes related to the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Furthermore, the A. japonicus in the group with 400 mg/kg exhibited oxidative stress, reflected by the lower activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and POD. These results indicated that A. japonicus fed diets with the addition of 100–200 mg/kg vitamin E had improved collagen retention and texture quality by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the expressions of genes in the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. However, the excessive addition of vitamin E (400 mg/kg) induced oxidative stress, which could increase the collagen degradation and fibrosis and pose a threat to the growth and texture quality of A. japonicus.
Influences of Stocking Density on Antioxidant Status, Nutrients Composition, and Lipid Metabolism in the Muscles of Cyprinus carpio under Rice–Fish Co-Culture
Authors: Rong Yongrong , Li Bing , Hou Yiran , Zhang Liqiang , Jia Rui , Zhu Jian
Published: July 2024

Cyprinus carpio is a significant freshwater species with substantial nutritional and economic value. Rice–carp co-culture represents one of its principal cultivation methods. However, in the system, the optimal farming density for carp and the impact of high stocking density on their muscle nutritional composition have yet to be explored. Thus, the objective of the current study was to investigate the influences of stocking density on the muscle nutrient profiles and metabolism of C. carpio in rice–fish co-culture systems. Common carp were cultured at three stocking densities, low density (LD), medium density (MD), and high density (HD), over a period of 60 days. Following this, comprehensive analyses incorporating physiological, biochemical, and multi-omics sequencing were conducted on the muscle tissue of C. carpio. The results demonstrated that HD treatment led to a reduction in the antioxidant capacity of C. carpio, while resulting in elevated levels of various fatty acids in muscle tissue, including saturated fatty acids (SFAs), omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs). The metabolome analysis showed that HD treatment caused a marked reduction in 43 metabolites and a significant elevation in 30 metabolites, primarily linked to lipid and amino acid metabolism. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis revealed that the abnormalities in lipid metabolism induced by high-stocking-density treatment may be associated with significant alterations in the PPAR signaling pathway and adipokine signaling pathway. Overall, our findings indicate that in rice–fish co-culture systems, high stocking density disrupted the balance of antioxidant status and lipid metabolism in the muscles of C. carpio.
Novel Inhibitor of Keap1-Nrf2 Protein–Protein Interaction Attenuates Osteoclastogenesis In Vitro and Prevents OVX-Induced Bone Loss In Vivo
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Yao Hongyuan , Encarnacion Alessandra Marie , Jeong Jujin , Choi Yunju , Park Sangwook , Lee Sunwoo , Lee Taehoon
Published: July 2024

Keap1 interacts with Nrf2 by assisting in its ubiquitination and subsequent proteolysis. By preventing ROS accumulation during RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, Nrf2 activation can prevent the differentiation of osteoclasts. Additionally, inhibiting the Keap1-Nrf2 PPI can be an effective strategy for triggering Nrf2 to regulate oxidative stress. Structure-based virtual screening was performed to discover a potentially novel Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor wherein KCB-F06 was identified. The inhibitory effects of KCB-F06 on osteoclastogenesis were investigated in vitro through TRAP staining and bone resorption assays. An ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mouse model was applied to evaluate KCB-F06’s therapeutic effects in vivo. Lastly, the underlying mechanisms were explored using real-time PCR, Western blotting, and co-IP assays. KCB-F06 was discovered as a novel Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor. As a result, the expression of antioxidants (HO-1 and NQO1) was suppressed, hence reducing ROS accumulation during osteoclastogenesis. Subsequently, this caused the inactivation of RANKL-induced IKB/NF-kB signaling. This eventually led to the downregulation of osteoclast-specific proteins including NFATc1, which is an essential transcription factor for osteoclastogenesis. These results demonstrated that Nrf2 activation in osteoclasts is a valuable tool for osteoclastic bone loss management. In addition, KCB-F06 presents as an alternative candidate for treating osteoclast-related bone diseases and as a novel small molecule that can serve as a model for further Keap1-NRF2 PPI inhibitor development.
Multi-Omics Reveals the Effects of Spirulina platensis Powder Replacement of Fish Meal on Intestinal Metabolism and Stress in Zig-Zag Eel (Mastacembelus armatus)
Authors: Sun Di , Hou Dongqiang , Zheng Yushun , Xiang Wenzhou , Huang Yingshi , Wu Hualian , Zou Jixing
Published: July 2024

The booming aquaculture industry has created a strong demand for fishmeal and increased environmental pressures. Spirulina, as a potential alternative to fishmeal, has been shown to have growth-promoting and animal health-enhancing properties. In this study, 600 large spiny loaches, divided into five experimental groups, F0, F1, F2, F3, and F4, were reared for 10 weeks using Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) as a substitute for 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of fishmeal, respectively. The results of intestinal physiological indexes showed that superoxide dismutase was lower than F0 in all treatment groups, and the activity of F3 was significantly lower than F0 (p < 0.05). The activity of malondialdehyde was significantly higher than that of F0 in all groups except F3 (p < 0.05). The addition of SPP also led to a decrease in the activity of acid phosphatase in the intestine, which was significantly lower in all treatment groups compared to the F0 group (p < 0.05). The results of serum physiology showed that the activity of superoxide dismutase in serum gradually increased with the increase in the percentage of SPP addition, and the F3 group produced a significant difference from the F0 group (p < 0.05). The transcriptomics results showed that DEGs in the low percentage substitution group (<15%) were mostly enriched in metabolism-related pathways, such as bile secretion; DEGs in the high percentage substitution group (>15%) were mostly enriched in inflammation-related pathways, such as complement p and coagulation cascades. Metabolomics confirmed that nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism were the two pathways that were significantly enriched in the treatment groups of fishmeal replacement by SPP. The present study demonstrated that a low percentage (<15%) of fishmeal replacement by SPP in feed mobilized MA digestive metabolism, whereas a high percentage (>15%) of replacement induced intestinal stress. Considering the health and farm efficiency aspects, the proportion of SPP in feed formulation for MA should be less than 15%.
Bioconversion of Apple Pomace to Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Scheffersomyces stipitis Biomass
Authors: Patelski Andrea Maria , Ciach Małgorzata , Dziekońska-Kubczak Urszula , Nowak Agnieszka , Balcerek Maria , Pielech-Przybylska Katarzyna
Published: July 2024

Poland is one of the leading apple-producing countries, both in Europe and around the world. One of the main byproducts of apple processing is pomace, which can account for 20–35% of the harvested apples. Pomace is a potential source of many valuable bioactive components and can also serve as a food ingredient, either directly or indirectly (after bioconversion with fodder yeast). This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of converting polysaccharides contained in apple pomace to yeast biomass. Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Scheffersomyces stipitis yeasts were grown in a medium prepared by pretreatment of the raw material with water or 2% sulphuric acid at 120 °C. Subsequently, enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using a Cellic CTec2 preparation at 30 °C or 50 °C. The resulting hydrolysates were enriched with ammonium salts, and shaken yeast cultures were incubated at 30 °C for 72 h. Based on the results, it can be concluded that acid pretreatment of apple pomace is more effective than water pretreatment under the same time and temperature conditions. The Meyerozyma guilliermondii strain grows in apple pomace hydrolysates more efficiently (16.29 g/L) than Scheffersomyces stipitis cells do (14.63 g/L).
Mathematical Tools for Simulation of 3D Bioprinting Processes on High-Performance Computing Resources: The State of the Art
Authors: Carracciuolo Luisa , D’Amora Ugo
Published: July 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting belongs to the wide family of additive manufacturing techniques and employs cell-laden biomaterials. In particular, these materials, named “bioink”, are based on cytocompatible hydrogel compositions. To be printable, a bioink must have certain characteristics before, during, and after the printing process. These characteristics include achievable structural resolution, shape fidelity, and cell survival. In previous centuries, scientists have created mathematical models to understand how physical systems function. Only recently, with the quick progress of computational capabilities, high-fidelity and high-efficiency “computational simulation” tools have been developed based on such models and used as a proxy for real-world learning. Computational science, or “in silico” experimentation, is the term for this novel strategy that supplements pure theory and experiment. Moreover, a certain level of complexity characterizes the architecture of contemporary powerful computational resources, known as high-performance computing (HPC) resources, also due to the great heterogeneity of its structure. Lately, scientists and engineers have begun to develop and use computational models more extensively to also better understand the bioprinting process, rather than solely relying on experimental research, due to the large number of possible combinations of geometrical parameters and material properties, as well as the abundance of available bioprinting methods. This requires a new effort in designing and implementing computational tools capable of efficiently and effectively exploiting the potential of new HPC computing systems available in the Exascale Era. The final goal of this work is to offer an overview of the models, methods, and techniques that can be used for “in silico” experimentation of the physicochemical processes underlying the process of 3D bioprinting of cell-laden materials thanks to the use of up-to-date HPC resources.
Maleic Anhydride-Derived Copolymers Conjugated with Beta-Lactam Antibiotics: Synthesis, Characterization, In Vitro Activity/Stability Tests with Antibacterial Studies
Authors: Kahraman Aysegul , Sakar Dolunay , Altikatoglu Yapaoz Melda
Published: July 2024

The synthesis and characterization of biocompatible three different maleic anhydride co-polymer conjugated with two different beta-lactam antibiotics at in vitro conditions were conducted. The polymer–drug conjugates were synthesized by coupling β-lactam antibiotics via amide bonds to the copolymer. In this work, six different drug-functionalized maleic anhydride copolymers (DFMACs) were synthesized by the chemical conjugation method. This method is based on the ring-opening reaction of the anhydride ring of the copolymer to form an amide bond linking the drug. The synthesized DFMACs were characterized by 1H NMR and FTIR/ATR spectroscopies and analyses were carried out by UV/VIS spectroscopy and Zeta-sizer instrument in detail with consecutive antibacterial tests. The existence of a newly formed amide covalent bond between the drug and the copolymer chains was confirmed by 1H NMR and FTIR/ATR studies. This is the first report on the application of the selected branched biodegradable polymeric matrices for the covalent conjugation of ampicillin and cefalexin. Optimum stability and activity conditions for the synthesized DFMACs were determined. Analyses were conducted under in vitro conditions including varying pH values and simulated body fluids as a function of time to obtain new drug delivery system candidates for the two different antibiotics.
Wobble Board Performance: A Practical and Useful Quantification in Balance Assessment
Authors: Fuchs Philip X. , Fusco Andrea , Shiang Tzyy-Yuang , Cortis Cristina , Wagner Herbert
Published: July 2024

Balance is integral in ankle injury prevention and therapy, especially in high-risk sports like volleyball. For balance assessment, the recommended wobble board (WB) performance (i.e., time at equilibrium) has never been compared with the gold standard. The objective was to investigate the relationships of force-plate-derived center of pressure (CoP) with WB performance and the accuracy of WB-derived CoP estimates. Twelve high-level volleyball players completed six unipedal standing trials on a computerized WB. WB tilt angles and CoP were obtained simultaneously via tri-axis accelerometers on the WB (200 Hz) and a force plate (1000 Hz), respectively. WB performance, polynomial-transformed CoP estimates, and CoP fractal sway, sway area, and mean sway velocity were assessed via Pearson and concordance correlation, root mean square errors, and dependent t-tests. WB performance was related with CoP sway and sway area (|rlinear| = 0.714–0.842, |rnonlinear| = 0.833–0.910, p < 0.01). The strongest concordance (0.878–0.893, p < 0.001) and smallest errors (6.5–10.7%) were reported for anterior–posterior sway and sway area. Moderate to excellent relationships between the WB performance and force plate CoP variables supported the usefulness of WB performance and estimates (especially sway area) in balance assessment. Furthermore, this study presents recommendations for future analyses and modeling approaches to reflect the complexity of postural control.
Average Slope vs. Cmax: Which Truly Reflects the Drug-Absorption Rate?
Authors: Kokkali Maria , Karalis Vangelis D.
Published: July 2024

Despite ongoing concerns, the primary metric utilized in bioequivalence studies to quantify absorption rate remains the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax). To more accurately depict absorption rate, the concept of “average slope” (AS) has been recently introduced. The objective of this study is to elucidate and compare the characteristics of AS and Cmax in their representation of the drug-absorption rate. For this purpose, an investigation was conducted on five drugs (nintedanib, methylphenidate, nitrofurantoin, lisdexamfetamine, and theophylline) with different absorption and disposition kinetics. The properties of AS and Cmax, as well as their correlations with other pharmacokinetic parameters, were assessed using supervised and unsupervised machine-learning algorithms, namely principal component analysis, random forest, hierarchical cluster analysis, and artificial neural networks. This study showed that, regardless of the absorption kinetics and across every ML algorithm, AS was more sensitive in reflecting the absorption rate compared to Cmax. In all drugs and methods of analysis, AS demonstrated significantly superior performance in expressing the absorption rate compared to Cmax. The joint use of different techniques complemented each other and verified the findings. Moreover, AS can be easily calculated and has the appropriate units and properties to be used as a metric to express the absorption rate in bioequivalence studies. The adoption of AS by regulatory authorities, as an absorption-rate metric, could significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of BE assessments. Overall, this study focused on addressing the longstanding problem of finding an appropriate absorption-rate metric by demonstrating the desirable properties of AS.
Effect of Sorghum and Maize Malt Particle Size on Physicochemical, Stability, Microbiological, and Sensory Characteristics of Umqombothi
Authors: Xolo Thembelani , Keyser Zanephyn , Jideani Victoria Adaora
Published: July 2024

The consumption of Umqombothi alcoholic beverages in South Africa is widespread in townships and rural areas. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sorghum and maize malt particle size on the physicochemical, microbiological, stability, and sensory characteristics of Umqombothi. Three different particle sizes were compared, namely control, coarse, and fine powder particle sizes. Subsamples were taken at the following stages, during the production of Umqombothi: first, second, third, fourth, and fifth. Lactic acid bacteria were significantly dominant, with 8.16, 7.11, and 5.91 log cfu/mL in the final product for the control, coarse, and fine powder particle sizes. The yeast counts were 3.3, 4.64, and 5.63 log cfu/mL for the control, coarse, and fine powder particle sizes. Molds were significantly reduced to non-detectable levels after the second fermentation and the total coliforms in the final product were reduced for all particle sizes. The total soluble solids significantly decreased in the second fermentation samples. The coarse particle size exhibited significantly higher alcohol and significantly lower pH levels, which are encouraging signs for improved quality and shelf life. Different particle sizes of sorghum and maize malt affect the quality of the finished product and the production method of umqombothi.
Energy Transition and Resilient Control for Enhancing Power Availability in Microgrids Based on North African Countries: A Review
Authors: Naseri Nisrine , Aboudrar Imad , El Hani Soumia , Ait-Ahmed Nadia , Motahhir Saad , Machmoum Mohamed
Published: July 2024

The ambition of making North Africa a hub for renewable energies and green hydrogen has prompted local governments and the private sector to work together towards boosting the growth of locally available, sustainable energy resources. Numerous climate and energy challenges can be addressed by microgrid technologies, which enable cost-effective incorporation of renewable energy resources and energy storage systems through smart management and control infrastructures. This paper discusses the ongoing energy transition in the countries of North Africa, highlighting the potential for renewable energy sources as well as regional obstacles and challenges. Additionally, it explores how robust and stable controls and advanced management strategies can improve microgrids’ performances. Special attention is given to assessing the advantages and disadvantages of conventional and advanced controllers, with an emphasis on resilience needed within the harsh North African environment.
Condition Monitoring of a Three-Phase AC Asynchronous Motor Based on the Analysis of the Instantaneous Active Electrical Power in No-Load Tests
Authors: Chitariu Dragos-Florin , Horodinca Mihaita , Mihai Constantin-Gheorghe , Bumbu Neculai-Eduard , Dumitras Catalin Gabriel , Seghedin Neculai-Eugen , Edutanu Florin-Daniel
Published: July 2024

This paper experimentally reveals some of the resources offered by the instantaneous active electric power in describing the state of three-phase AC induction asynchronous electric motors (with a squirrel-cage rotor) operating under no-load conditions. A mechanical power is required to rotate the rotor with no load, and this mechanical power is satisfactorily reflected in the constant and variable part of instantaneous active electric power. The variable part of this electrical power should necessarily have a periodic component with the same period as the period of rotation of the rotor. This paper proposes a procedure for extracting this periodic component description (as a pattern by means of a selective averaging of instantaneous active electrical power) and analysis. The time origin of this pattern is defined by the time of a selected first passage through the origin of an angular marker placed on the rotor, detectable by a proximity sensor (e.g., a laser sensor). The usefulness of the pattern in describing the state of the motor rotor has been demonstrated by several simple experiments, which show that a slight change in the no-load running conditions of the motor (e.g., by placing a dynamically unbalanced mass on the rotor) has clear effects in changing the shape of the pattern.
Swin-FER: Swin Transformer for Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Bie Mei , Xu Huan , Gao Yan , Song Kai , Che Xiangjiu
Published: July 2024

The ability of transformers to capture global context information is highly beneficial for recognizing subtle differences in facial expressions. However, compared to convolutional neural networks, transformers require the computation of dependencies between each element and all other elements, leading to high computational complexity. Additionally, the large number of model parameters need extensive data for training so as to avoid overfitting. In this paper, according to the characteristics of facial expression recognition tasks, we made targeted improvements to the Swin transformer network. The proposed Swin-Fer network adopts the fusion strategy from the middle layer to deeper layers and employs a method of data dimension conversion to make the network perceive more spatial dimension information. Furthermore, we also integrated a mean module, a split module, and a group convolution strategy to effectively control the number of parameters. On the Fer2013 dataset, an in-the-wild dataset, Swin-Fer achieved an accuracy of 71.11%. On the CK+ dataset, an in-the-lab dataset, the accuracy reached 100%.
Subjective Assessment of Impact Quantity and Magnitude in Rugby: A Comparative Analysis with >8G Impact Values from MEMS Technology
Authors: Carbone Leandro , Sampietro Matías , García-Sillero Manuel , Tartaglia-Pulcini Bruno , Cicognini Agustín , Vargas-Molina Salvador
Published: July 2024

Purpose: The main objective of this research was to develop a questionnaire for the subjective evaluation of the quantity and magnitude of impacts experienced by rugby players. Methods: Thirty-six male rugby union players (mean ± SD, age; 23.5 ± 3.6 years, height; 179 ± 10.0 cm, body mass; 89.58 ± 13.6 kg) participated in this study, comprising eighteen forwards and fourteen backs. Participants were tasked with completing self-reported questionnaires assessing their perception of the quantity and magnitude of impacts after thirteen consecutive matches. Objective data were concurrently collected using Micro-Electrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS) integrated with a GPS device (WIMU, Realtrack Systems, Almeria, Spain). Results: The statistical analysis revealed that 49.7% of players overestimated and 39.8% underestimated the number of impacts above 8G, with a mean team error of 0.017 impacts. Bayesian methods indicated a 95% high-density interval for the mean error between −0.46 and 0.45, with 95.8% within the region of practical equivalence, signifying negligible bias at the team level. Positional variations were notable, with Halfbacks overestimating and Fullbacks and Second Row underestimating impacts. The errors and number of impacts displayed a non-linear relationship, better described by an exponential model. Additionally, the study identified significant correlations between the number of impacts players estimated and the actual impacts received, further underlined by position-specific trends, suggesting that players’ estimation abilities are influenced by the actual exposure to impacts and their playing positions. Conclusions: The utilization of a subjective impact questionnaire is a valid tool to assess rugby players level of impacts during a match. This approach proves particularly valuable in situations where technology is unavailable, showcasing its adaptability as a practical tool in diverse sporting contexts.
Fenton-Based Treatment of Flax Biomass for Modification of Its Fiber Structure and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Aliasgharlou Nasrin , Cree Duncan E. , Wilson Lee D.
Published: July 2024

The availability of a sustainable technique for degumming lignocellulose fibers is a challenge for the fiber processing industry. Removal of non-cellulosic content from lignocellulose fibers is essential for improving their mechanical and chemical properties, which makes the fibers more suitable for various applications. Herein, a catalytic Fenton-based oxidation process was employed to isolate microcellulose fibers from raw flax fibers. Various complementary methods such as FT-IR/NMR spectroscopy and TGA were used to obtain insight into the thermal behavior of the treated fibers. The morphology of the fibers was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), whereas the surface chemical properties of the fibers was evaluated by a dye-based adsorption method, along with a potentiometric point-of-zero-charge method. To obtain fibers with suitable properties, such as uniform fiber diameter, several Fenton reaction parameters were optimized: pH (7), reaction time (15 h), iron sulfate (2 wt.%), and hydrogen peroxide (10 wt.%). The results indicate that, under the specified conditions, the average diameter of the raw fibers (12.3 ± 0.5 µm) was reduced by 58%, resulting in an average diameter of 5.2 ± 0.3 µm for the treated fibers. We demonstrate that the treated fibers had a lower dye adsorption capacity for methylene blue, consistent with the smoother surface features of the treated fibers over the raw flax fibers. Overall, this study contributes to utilization of the Fenton reaction an efficient oxidation technique for the production of lignocellulose fibers with improved physicochemical properties, such as reduced fiber diameter distribution, in contrast with traditional alkali-based chemical treatment.
Carbon Dioxide Emission Characteristics and Operation Condition Optimization for Slow-Speed and High-Speed Ship Engines
Authors: Lim Seunghun , Park Jinkyu , Lee Jongtae , Lee Dongin , Oh Jungmo
Published: July 2024

Greenhouse gas emissions from ships are estimated to be approximately 1002 million tons per year; this is the largest carbon dioxide (CO2) emission source among nonroad transportation. Previous studies have generally estimated CO2 emissions using fuel- or power-based emission factors based on fuel consumption or engine power. In this study, CO2 emissions from vessels were measured using a portable emission measurement system. Emission characteristics were analyzed according to the vessel’s operation conditions and compared with the results of other studies. Generally, the higher the rpm value, the more CO2 is emitted, and the emissions at the maximum rpm differ depending on the type and size of the engine. In order to minimize the emissions by ships, those from high seas should be reduced rather than nearby ports. In addition, a method of establishing optimal operating conditions in consideration of economic and environmental perspectives was proposed. Fuel-based emission factors elicited in this study were constant regardless of engine rpm. The fuel-based emission factors of each engine were found to be similar at 3144.22 and 3150.58 kg-CO2/tonne-fuel. Therefore, distinguishing CO2 emission factors according to engine type is not necessary, and additional research is required to understand the emission factors of each fuel type.
Commuter Experience: An Assessment of Metro-Train Comfort Amidst Operational Vibroacoustic Conditions
Authors: Kowalczyk Krzysztof , Opala Michał
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of different passenger rolling stock structures and train configurations on vibrations and noise generated during operation. Vibroacoustic measurements were performed during acceleration, constant speed, and braking phases to analyze the effects using statistical analysis according to the relevant standards, revealing a statistically significant relationship between the equivalent noise level and vibration dose. In the context of the expanding Warsaw metro network, which is adding new lines and modern rolling stock, trends in the development of metro rolling stock were analyzed using five different types of metro vehicles, from the oldest to the newest designs. Vehicle performance was ranked in the context of ride comfort using standards and combined vibration and noise measures. The research results allowed for a collective comparative assessment of the construction of individual types of passenger rolling stock in terms of vibroacoustic phenomena, thanks to which it is possible to assess the impact of modern solutions and the justification for investing in modern rolling stock. Newer trains generally record significantly lower vibration and noise levels. The difference between the oldest and the most modern vehicle types is 57% for the vibration acceleration level (0.08 ms−2 RMS) and 66% for the noise level (2.2 dB LAeq).
A Near-Vertical Well Attitude Measurement Method with Redundant Accelerometers and MEMS IMU/Magnetometers
Authors: Ji Shaowen , Zhang Chunxi , Gao Shuang , Lian Aoxiang
Published: July 2024

Vertical drilling is the first stage of petroleum exploitation and directional well technology. The near-vertical attitude at each survey station directly determines the whole direction accuracy of the borehole trajectory. However, the attitude measurement for near-vertical wells has poor azimuth accuracy because the poor signal-to-noise ratio of radial accelerometers hardly obtains the correct horizontal attitude, especially the roll angle. In this paper, a novel near-vertical attitude measurement method was proposed to address this issue. The redundant micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers were employed to replace the original accelerometers from MEMS inertial measurement unit (IMU)/magnetometers for calculating horizontal attitude under near-vertical conditions. In addition, a simplified four-position calibration method for the redundant accelerometers was proposed to compensate for the installation and non-orthogonal error. We found that the redundant accelerometers enhanced the signal-to-noise ratio to upgrade the azimuth accuracy at the near-vertical well section. Compared with the traditional method, the experiment results show that the average azimuth errors and roll errors are reduced from 34.45° and 27.09° to 5.7° and 0.61°, respectively. The designed configuration scheme is conducive to the miniaturized design and low-cost requirements of wellbore measuring tools. The proposed attitude measurement method can effectively improve the attitude accuracy of near-vertical wells.
Study of Slope Stability of the Mining Wall in an Open-Pit Coal Mine by the Paste Cut-and-Backfill Method
Authors: Francisco Chano Simao , Li Meng , Li Baiyi , Deon Makavelo Germain
Published: July 2024

According to this study’s findings, slope stability problems in open-pit coal mines can be avoided, and mine wall collapse can be effectively mitigated by the use of cut-and-backfill mining techniques. The main research results are as follows: (1) The stope and waste rock’s geotechnical, physical, and mechanical characteristics were gathered and examined; the geotechnical and mechanical characteristics found in this study largely satisfy the criteria for slope stability analysis. (2) Cemented paste backfill (CPB) materials were made of mine waste rock and fly ash at a desired ratio, mixed with cement as a bond material, and were tested in the laboratory, using a combination of cement percentages of 6%, 8%, and 10% for the cement content and 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% for the fly ash content, to determine the ideal mix for artificial ground support in underground mines, taking into account both economic and performance factors. (3) By using this model, the changes in CPB strength were investigated under various factors influencing the cement ratio, and limit equilibrium modeling was used with the FLAC-Slope 8.1 program with different cement paste backfill ratio to calculate the factor of safety for each cement percentage after 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 28 days of curing time (CT) to obtain the optimum compressive strength and shear straight of cemented paste backfill with high paste fill shear strength on the slope. (4) The research results are of great significance for the safety of important facilities in open-pit mines and provide a basis for the design and safety implementation of open-pit slope engineering.