bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Callus Induction and Regeneration in Hypocotyl Explant of Fodder Pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense L.) Using Machine Learning Algorithm Method
Authors: Türkoğlu Aras , Bolouri Parisa , Haliloğlu Kamil , Eren Barış , Demirel Fatih , Işık Muhammet İslam , Piekutowska Magdalena , Wojciechowski Tomasz , Niedbała Gniewko
Published: November 2023

A comprehensive understanding of genetic diversity and the categorization of germplasm is important to effectively identify appropriate parental candidates for the goal of breeding. It is necessary to have a technique of tissue culture that is both effective and reproducible to perform genetic engineering on fodder pea genotypes (Pisum sativum var. arvense L.). In this investigation, the genetic diversity of forty-two fodder pea genotypes was assessed based on their ability of callus induction (CI), the percentage of embryogenic callus by explant number (ECNEP), the percentage of responding embryogenic calluses by explant number (RECNEP), the number of somatic embryogenesis (NSE), the number of responding somatic embryogenesis (RSE), the regeneration efficiency (RE), and the number of regenerated plantlets (NRP). The findings of the ANOVA showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.001) between the genotypes for all in vitro parameters. The method of principal component analysis (PCA) was used to study the correlations that exist between the factors associated with tissue culture. While RE and NRP variables were most strongly associated with Doğruyol, Ovaçevirme-4, Doşeli-1, Yolgeçmez, and Incili-3 genotypes, RECNEP, NSE, RDE, and RECNEP variables were strongly associated with Avcılar, Ovaçevirme-3, and Ardahan Merkez-2 genotypes. The in vitro process is a complex multivariate process and more robust analyses are needed for linear and nonlinear parameters. Within the scope of this study, artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), and multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) algorithms were used for RE estimation, and these algorithms were also compared. The results that we acquired from our research led us to the conclusion that the employed ANN-multilayer perceptron (ANN-MLP) model (R2 = 0.941) performs better than the RF model (R2 = 0.754) and the MARS model (R2 = 0.214). Despite this, it has been shown that the RF model is capable of accurately predicting RE in the early stages of the in vitro process. The current work is an inquiry regarding the use of RF, MARS, and ANN models in plant tissue culture, and it indicates the possibilities of application in a variety of economically important fodder peas.
Transboundary Monitoring of the Wolf Alpine Population over 21 Years and Seven Countries
Authors: Marucco Francesca , Reinhardt Ilka , Avanzinelli Elisa , Zimmermann Fridolin , Manz Ralph , Potočnik Hubert , Černe Rok , Rauer Georg , Walter Theresa , Knauer Felix , Chapron Guillaume , Duchamp Christophe
Published: November 2023

Wolves have large spatial requirements and their expansion in Europe is occurring over national boundaries, hence the need to develop monitoring programs at the population level. Wolves in the Alps are defined as a functional population and management unit. The range of this wolf Alpine population now covers seven countries: Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Liechtenstein and Germany, making the development of a joint and coordinated monitoring program particularly challenging. In the framework of the Wolf Alpine Group (WAG), researchers developed uniform criteria for the assessment and interpretation of field data collected in the frame of different national monitoring programs. This standardization allowed for data comparability across borders and the joint evaluation of distribution and consistency at the population level. We documented the increase in the number of wolf reproductive units (packs and pairs) over 21 years, from 1 in 1993–1994 up to 243 units in 2020–2021, and examined the pattern of expansion over the Alps. This long-term and large-scale approach is a successful example of transboundary monitoring of a large carnivore population that, despite administrative fragmentation, provides robust indexes of population size and distribution that are of relevance for wolf conservation and management at the transnational Alpine scale.
Modeling Paratuberculosis in Laboratory Animals, Cells, or Tissues: A Focus on Their Applications for Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Vaccines, and Therapy Studies
Authors: Jolly Ana , Fernández Bárbara , Mundo Silvia Leonor , Elguezabal Natalia
Published: November 2023

Paratuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis that affects a wide variety of domestic and wild animals. It is considered one of the diseases with the highest economic impact on the ruminant industry. Despite many efforts and intensive research, paratuberculosis control still remains controversial, and the existing diagnostic and immunoprophylactic tools have great limitations. Thus, models play a crucial role in understanding the pathogenesis of infection and disease, and in testing novel vaccine candidates. Ruminant animal models can be restricted by several reasons, related to space requirements, the cost of the animals, and the maintenance of the facilities. Therefore, we review the potential and limitations of the different experimental approaches currently used in paratuberculosis research, focusing on laboratory animals and cell-based models. The aim of this review is to offer a vision of the models that have been used, and what has been achieved or discovered with each one, so that the reader can choose the best model to answer their scientific questions and prove their hypotheses. Also, we bring forward new approaches that we consider worth exploring in the near future.
New Behavioral Handling Test Reveals Temperament Differences in Native Japanese Chickens
Authors: Ishikawa Akira , Takanuma Tomoka , Hashimoto Norikazu , Goto Tatsuhiko , Tsudzuki Masaoki
Published: November 2023

It is well known in the poultry industry that fear and stress experienced during the handling of day-old chicks in commercial hatcheries can have long-lasting effects on their behavior later in life. These hatchery-related stresses are more intense and complex than those encountered in traditional behavioral tests. Consequently, a single behavioral test may not be sufficient to measure hatchery stresses and chicken temperament. In this study, we developed a new behavioral handling test for day-old chickens, which incorporated concepts from established behavioral tests used with both young and adult birds. The new test assessed 10 behavioral traits, including vocalization frequency and responses to human interaction. It was conducted on 96 two-day-old chicks from seven breeds of native Japanese and Western chickens. The results of the principal component analysis classified chicken temperaments into three distinct categories: bustle, aggression, and timidity. Using these categories, the seven breeds were classified into five groups, each with distinct temperaments. This study highlights the reliability and value of the new handling test in characterizing the temperaments of various chicken breeds and provides insights into the complex behaviors of chickens.
Socio-Technical Analysis of the Benefits and Barriers to Using a Digital Representation of the Global Horse Population in Equine Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Sterkenburgh Tomas Rudolf , Villalba-Diez Javier , Ordieres-Meré Joaquín
Published: November 2023

There is a consensus that future medicine will benefit from a comprehensive analysis of harmonized, interconnected, and interoperable health data. These data can originate from a variety of sources. In particular, data from veterinary diagnostics and the monitoring of health-related life parameters using the Internet of Medical Things are considered here. To foster the usage of collected data in this way, not only do technical aspects need to be addressed but so do organizational ones, and to this end, a socio-technical matrix is first presented that complements the literature. It is used in an exemplary analysis of the system. Such a socio-technical matrix is an interesting tool for analyzing the process of data sharing between actors in the system dependent on their social relations. With the help of such a socio-technical tool and using equine veterinary medicine as an example, the social system of veterinarians and owners as actors is explored in terms of barriers and enablers of an effective digital representation of the global equine population.
Behavioral Adaptations of Nursing Brangus Cows to Virtual Fencing: Insights from a Training Deployment Phase
Authors: Nyamuryekung’e Shelemia , Cox Andrew , Perea Andres , Estell Richard , Cibils Andres F. , Holland John P. , Waterhouse Tony , Duff Glenn , Funk Micah , McIntosh Matthew M. , Spiegal Sheri , Bestelmeyer Brandon , Utsumi Santiago
Published: November 2023

Virtual fencing systems have emerged as a promising technology for managing the distribution of livestock in extensive grazing environments. This study provides comprehensive documentation of the learning process involving two conditional behavioral mechanisms and the documentation of efficient, effective, and safe animal training for virtual fence applications on nursing Brangus cows. Two hypotheses were examined: (1) animals would learn to avoid restricted zones by increasing their use of containment zones within a virtual fence polygon, and (2) animals would progressively receive fewer audio-electric cues over time and increasingly rely on auditory cues for behavioral modification. Data from GPS coordinates, behavioral metrics derived from the collar data, and cueing events were analyzed to evaluate these hypotheses. The results supported hypothesis 1, revealing that virtual fence activation significantly increased the time spent in containment zones and reduced time in restricted zones compared to when the virtual fence was deactivated. Concurrently, behavioral metrics mirrored these findings, with cows adjusting their daily travel distances, exploration area, and cumulative activity counts in response to the allocation of areas with different virtual fence configurations. Hypothesis 2 was also supported by the results, with a decrease in cueing events over time and increased reliance with animals on audio cueing to avert receiving the mild electric pulse. These outcomes underscore the rapid learning capabilities of groups of nursing cows in responding to virtual fence boundaries.
HDL-Related Parameters and COVID-19 Mortality: The Importance of HDL Function
Authors: Stadler Julia T. , Habisch Hansjörg , Prüller Florian , Mangge Harald , Bärnthaler Thomas , Kargl Julia , Pammer Anja , Holzer Michael , Meissl Sabine , Rani Alankrita , Madl Tobias , Marsche Gunther
Published: November 2023

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, emerged as a global pandemic in late 2019, resulting in significant global public health challenges. The emerging evidence suggests that diminished high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are associated with the severity of COVID-19, beyond inflammation and oxidative stress. Here, we used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to compare the lipoprotein and metabolic profiles of COVID-19-infected patients with non-COVID-19 pneumonia. We compared the control group and the COVID-19 group using inflammatory markers to ensure that the differences in lipoprotein levels were due to COVID-19 infection. Our analyses revealed supramolecular phospholipid composite (SPC), phenylalanine, and HDL-related parameters as key discriminators between COVID-19-positive and non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients. More specifically, the levels of HDL parameters, including apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), ApoA-II, HDL cholesterol, and HDL phospholipids, were significantly different. These findings underscore the potential impact of HDL-related factors in patients with COVID-19. Significantly, among the HDL-related metrics, the cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) displayed the strongest negative association with COVID-19 mortality. CEC is a measure of how well HDL removes cholesterol from cells, which may affect the way SARS-CoV-2 enters cells. In summary, this study validates previously established markers of COVID-19 infection and further highlights the potential significance of HDL functionality in the context of COVID-19 mortality.
Antioxidant Properties and Geroprotective Potential of Wheat Bran Extracts with Increased Content of Anthocyanins
Authors: Mikhailova Daria V. , Shevchenko Oksana G. , Golubev Denis A. , Platonova Elena Y. , Zemskaya Nadezhda V. , Shoeva Olesya Yu. , Gordeeva Elena I. , Patov Sergey A. , Shaposhnikov Mikhail V. , Khlestkina Elena K. , Moskalev Alexey
Published: November 2023

In recent years, there has been a focus on breeding wheat with high anthocyanin levels in order to improve food quality and human health. The objective of this study was to examine the antioxidant and geroprotective properties of wheat bran extracts using both in vitro and in vivo research methods. Two wheat lines were used: one with uncolored pericarp (anthocyanin-free) and another with colored pericarp (anthocyanin-containing). These lines differed in a specific region of chromosome 2A containing the Pp3/TaMyc1 gene, which regulates anthocyanin production. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of cyanidin glucoside and cyanidin arabinoside in the anthocyanin-containing wheat bran extract (+AWBE), while no anthocyanins were found in the anthocyanin-free wheat bran extract (−AWBE). The +AWBE showed higher radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and membrane protective activity (AAPH oxidative hemolysis model) compared to the −AWBE. Both extracts extended the lifespan of female Drosophila, indicating geroprotective properties. This study demonstrates that wheat bran extracts with high anthocyanin levels have antioxidant and geroprotective effects. However, other secondary metabolites in wheat bran can also contribute to its antioxidant and geroprotective potential.
Phytochemicals Target Multiple Metabolic Pathways in Cancer
Authors: Shuvalov Oleg , Kirdeeva Yulia , Daks Alexandra , Fedorova Olga , Parfenyev Sergey , Simon Hans-Uwe , Barlev Nickolai A.
Published: November 2023

Cancer metabolic reprogramming is a complex process that provides malignant cells with selective advantages to grow and propagate in the hostile environment created by the immune surveillance of the human organism. This process underpins cancer proliferation, invasion, antioxidant defense, and resistance to anticancer immunity and therapeutics. Perhaps not surprisingly, metabolic rewiring is considered to be one of the “Hallmarks of cancer”. Notably, this process often comprises various complementary and overlapping pathways. Today, it is well known that highly selective inhibition of only one of the pathways in a tumor cell often leads to a limited response and, subsequently, to the emergence of resistance. Therefore, to increase the overall effectiveness of antitumor drugs, it is advisable to use multitarget agents that can simultaneously suppress several key processes in the tumor cell. This review is focused on a group of plant-derived natural compounds that simultaneously target different pathways of cancer-associated metabolism, including aerobic glycolysis, respiration, glutaminolysis, one-carbon metabolism, de novo lipogenesis, and β-oxidation of fatty acids. We discuss only those compounds that display inhibitory activity against several metabolic pathways as well as a number of important signaling pathways in cancer. Information about their pharmacokinetics in animals and humans is also presented. Taken together, a number of known plant-derived compounds may target multiple metabolic and signaling pathways in various malignancies, something that bears great potential for the further improvement of antineoplastic therapy.
Instrumental Gait Analysis and Tibial Plateau Modelling to Support Pre- and Post-Operative Evaluations in Personalized High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Belvedere Claudio , Gill Harinderjit Singh , Ortolani Maurizio , Sileoni Nicoletta , Zaffagnini Stefano , Norvillo Fabio , MacLeod Alisdair , Dal Fabbro Giacomo , Grassi Alberto , Leardini Alberto
Published: November 2023

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is intended to treat medial knee osteoarthritis by realigning the joint such that the loading in the knee during functional activity shifts laterally. The aim of this study was to use a novel methodology combining motion analysis and 3D modelling to assess the efficacy of this surgery in changing the loading location in the knee in a cohort of 25 patients treated with personalized HTO. Pre-operatively and at 6 months post-surgery, weight-bearing CT and gait analysis during level walking were performed on all patients, as well as clinical evaluations using KOOS and VAS scores. CT scans were used to generate a knee bone model and a virtual tibial plateau plane; the intersection pattern between this plane and the ground reaction force (GRF) vector was calculated in the pre- and post-operative gait analyses. Clinical scores improved significantly (p < 0.001) after surgery (pre-/post-operative KOOS and VAS: 56.2 ± 14.0/82.0 ± 8.3 and 6.3 ± 1.7/1.5 ± 1.7). Post-operative GRF-to-tibial plateau intersection patterns were significantly (p < 0.001) more lateral (31.9 ± 19.8% of tibial plateau width) than the pre-operative patterns. Personalized HTO successfully and consistently lateralizes the GRF at the knee, in association with significant improvements in function and pain. The novel combination of 3D bone modelling and motion analysis also has the potential to further aid HTO surgical planning.
Noise-to-Norm Reconstruction for Industrial Anomaly Detection and Localization
Authors: Deng Shiqi , Sun Zhiyu , Zhuang Ruiyan , Gong Jun
Published: November 2023

Anomaly detection has a wide range of applications and is especially important in industrial quality inspection. Currently, many top-performing anomaly detection models rely on feature embedding-based methods. However, these methods do not perform well on datasets with large variations in object locations. Reconstruction-based methods use reconstruction errors to detect anomalies without considering positional differences between samples. In this study, a reconstruction-based method using the noise-to-norm paradigm is proposed, which avoids the invariant reconstruction of anomalous regions. Our reconstruction network is based on M-net and incorporates multiscale fusion and residual attention modules to enable end-to-end anomaly detection and localization. Experiments demonstrate that the method is effective in reconstructing anomalous regions into normal patterns and achieving accurate anomaly detection and localization. On the MPDD and VisA datasets, our proposed method achieved more competitive results than the latest methods, and it set a new state-of-the-art standard on the MPDD dataset.
In Vitro Comparison of Three-Dimensional Cultured Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Derived from Permanent and Supernumerary Teeth
Authors: Kim Heejin , Lee Ko Eun , Chae Yong Kwon , Nam Ok Hyung , Kim Mi Sun , Jang Ji-Hyun , Choi Sung Chul , Lee Hyo-Seol
Published: November 2023

The characteristics of 3-dimensional (3D) cultured periodontal ligament stem cells derived from permanent teeth (pPDLSCs) and supernumerary teeth (sPDLSCs) were compared and evaluated in this study. pPDLSCs and sPDLSCs were cultured in an ultra-low attachment 6-well plate, and the changes in morphology and size were observed under an optical microscope for 14 days. Cell counting kit-8 was used to quantitatively evaluate cell viability, and a live/dead assay was performed for the qualitative assessment. The degrees of osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of pPDLSCs and sPDLSCs were also assessed. The pPDLSCs and sPDLSCs were initially spherical, and sPDLSCs were smaller than pPDLSCs. The viability of pPDLSCs decreased by 47.9% (day 3) and 10.4% (day 7), whereas that of sPDLSCs decreased by 34.3% (day 3) and 2.5% (day 7) compared to the percentage on Day 1. No significant difference in osteogenic differentiation was found (p = 0.94); however, significant differences in adipocyte and cartilage differentiation were observed (p = 0.003 and p = 0.013, respectively). Within the limitations of this study, sPDLSCs and pPDLSCs exhibited multilineage differentiation capacities, including osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation, in 3D culture. Overall, pPDLSCs should be further investigated as a source of stem cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
An Assessment of the Development of a Mobile Agricultural Biogas Plant in the Context of a Cogeneration System
Authors: Jarosz Zbigniew , Kapłan Magdalena , Klimek Kamila , Dybek Barbara , Herkowiak Marcin , Wałowski Grzegorz
Published: November 2023

This article presents examples of cogeneration systems, which are standard equipment for biogas installations, based on the production of heat and electricity. It has been shown that in the case of microgeneration, ease of servicing and low installation costs are crucial. Characteristic aspects of developing concepts for mobile installations (small scale) that produce biogas, often with a simple container structure that is ready to be located in the economic infrastructure of the agricultural industry, were indicated. Recommendations for the operation of micro-biogas models are presented, which have the greatest impact on the advisability of using agricultural waste for energy purposes. A characteristic farm was selected, which has a substrate necessary for the process of methane fermentation of slurry from pig farming. The cogenerator, which constitutes a potential energy demand from the point of view of Polish agriculture in the context of renewable energy production, was analyzed. The research goal was to adapt the cogenerator to the conditions existing on a farm, which should meet the technical and technological expectations for the process of managing the produced methane with a value of 80% in agricultural biogas. The assessment of the impact of the amount of biogas on the level of CO, NO, NO2 and PM emissions was carried out at a constant engine speed for various load levels; the percentage of biogas was changed from 40 to approximately 70–80%, i.e., until significant knocking combustion was detected in the tested engines. As a result, the existing control and control system for the operation of the cogeneration unit prevents the most effective mode of operation of the research installation as a prosumer micro-installation. When the AG20P biogas unit operated in parallel with the grid with an active power of up to 11.7 kW, the electricity produced by the unit met the adopted assumptions and requirements. What is new in this article is the use of a cogeneration unit that has been adapted to its functionality, taking into account the assessment of the prospects for optimizing the cogeneration system in the context of the use of renewable energy sources as agricultural biogas. The best method was to attempt to determine the operating conditions of the cogenerator to develop the optimization of a biogas cogeneration unit producing electricity and heat in a micro-installation for the needs of an individual farm.
Vision-Language Models for Zero-Shot Classification of Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Al Rahhal Mohamad , Bazi Yakoub , Elgibreen Hebah , Zuair Mansour
Published: November 2023

Zero-shot classification presents a challenge since it necessitates a model to categorize images belonging to classes it has not encountered during its training phase. Previous research in the field of remote sensing (RS) has explored this task by training image-based models on known RS classes and then attempting to predict the outcomes for unfamiliar classes. Despite these endeavors, the outcomes have proven to be less than satisfactory. In this paper, we propose an alternative approach that leverages vision-language models (VLMs), which have undergone pre-training to grasp the associations between general computer vision image-text pairs in diverse datasets. Specifically, our investigation focuses on thirteen VLMs derived from Contrastive Language-Image Pre-Training (CLIP/Open-CLIP) with varying levels of parameter complexity. In our experiments, we ascertain the most suitable prompt for RS images to query the language capabilities of the VLM. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the accuracy of zero-shot classification, particularly when using large CLIP models, on three widely recognized RS scene datasets yields superior results compared to existing RS solutions.
Research on Nonlinear Vibration Characteristics of Internal Beveloid Gear Transmission System
Authors: Wen Jianmin , Fu Chenqi , Zhang Hong , You Bindi
Published: November 2023

The internal beveloid gear has good scientific research value and a broad application field. However, there is a lack of research on the nonlinear vibration characteristics of internal beveloid gears. The present study establishes a nonlinear vibration model that takes into account axial vibration, gear torsional vibration, and radial support vibration. The effects of various excitation parameters on the vibration characteristics of the gear transmission system are analyzed and computed using the Runge–Kutta method. After analyzing the dynamic model of the gear pair using numerical methods, the harmonic balance method is employed to obtain the theoretical analytical solution for a single−stage gear. The obtained results are compared with the velocity and acceleration time−domain response curves obtained from the numerical method, and they show excellent agreement.
Hydrothermal Treatment via Microwave Radiation Improves Viscoelastic Properties of Native Gluten-Free Flours for Extrusion 3D Printing
Authors: Lisovska Tetiana , Banaś Karol , Orkusz Agnieszka , Harasym Joanna
Published: November 2023

The market for gluten-free products is experiencing significant growth due to the increase in the number of gluten/wheat affected patients diagnosed, but largely as a result of the emergence of a new niche market dedicated for consumers who optionally avoid gluten. Native flours are perceived as viable alternative for industrially used starch and hydrocolloids blends, mainly due to their lack of vitamins and minerals, which are abundant in non-refined raw materials. Edible inks for on-demand printing are under significant consideration, while texture building capacity remains an issue. As heat-moisture treatment has proved to be useful for stabilizing the pasting and rheological behavior of various native flours, HMT supported by microwave heating was investigated as printable ink stabilizers. For Spanish and Polish buckwheat flours and two different varieties of teff (white and brown) flour pasting, structural and textural characteristics after the microwave supported heat moisture treatment in 30% of initial moisture content were evaluated. The peak viscosity was reduced by 54% and 60% for Polish and Spanish flour, respectively, while for teff, the reduction was 15% and 43% for the white and brown varieties, respectively. Significant improvement in viscoelastic modulus G’ (for Polish and Spanish buckwheat flour, 32% and 16%, respectively; for white and brown tef varieties, 14% and 18%, respectively) was observed for all the treated samples regardless of the species or variety; this resulted in better performance during 3D printing.
Physical Modelling of the Set of Performance Curves for Radial Centrifugal Pumps to Determine the Flow Rate
Authors: Reeh Nils , Manthei Gerd , Klar Peter J.
Published: November 2023

To depict the pump power characteristics of radial centrifugal pumps, a physical model was developed. The model relies on established empirical equations. To parameterize the model for specific pumps, physically interpretable tuning factors were integrated. The tuning factors are identified by using the Levenberg–Marquardt method, which was applied to the characteristic curve at a constant speed. A cross-validation of the physical model highlighted the advantage of representing the set of performance curves with less deviation compared to approximation functions. Calculating the entire set of performance curves requires only one pump characteristic curve at a constant speed. Therefore, only a single measurement is necessary. Furthermore, the physical model can be used to calculate the changes in the set of performance curves due to prewhirl. This increases the accuracy of flow rate calculations when prewhirl occurs.
Assessment of the Temporal and Seasonal Variabilities in Air Pollution and Implications for Physical Activity in Lagos and Yaoundé
Authors: Popoola Olalekan A. M. , Alani Rose , Assah Felix , Lawanson Taibat , Tchouaffi Awah K. , Mapa-Tassou Clarisse , Blanche Nfondoh , Odekunle Damilola , Unuigboje Richard , Onifade Victor A. , Ogunro Toluwalope , Thondoo Meelan , Jones Roderic L. , Oni Tolu
Published: November 2023

Physical activity (PA) can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases like heart diseases and diabetes. However, exposure to poor air quality (AQ) when engaging in PA could negate the health benefits. The risk associated with air pollution is relatively severe during physical activities because a higher inhaled pollution dose is experienced during PA compared to when sedentary. We conducted a yearlong AQ monitoring using a commercial low-cost AQ device. The devices were deployed near a public space used for PA as part of a study to understand the health risks encountered by people informally appropriating public spaces for PA in Lagos, Nigeria and Yaoundé, Cameroon. The parameters monitored included CO, NO, NO2, O3, PM2.5, PM10, CO2, pressure, temperature and relative humidity. We detected unique pollutant temporal profiles at the two locations, with a distinct weekday-to-weekend effect observed for the gaseous pollutants but not for the PM. Transboundary emissions related to the Harmattan haze dominated the background PM concentration in both cities in the dry season. Our findings underscore the importance of long-term AQ monitoring to inform action and offer insights into simple behavioural changes that can maximise the health benefits of PA while minimising the risk of air pollution exposure.
Based on the Improved PSO-TPA-LSTM Model Chaotic Time Series Prediction
Authors: Cai Zijian , Feng Guolin , Wang Qiguang
Published: November 2023

In order to enhance the prediction accuracy and computational efficiency of chaotic sequence data, issues such as gradient explosion and the long computation time of traditional methods need to be addressed. In this paper, an improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network are proposed for chaotic prediction. The temporal pattern attention mechanism (TPA) is introduced to extract the weights and key information of each input feature, ensuring the temporal nature of chaotic historical data. Additionally, the PSO algorithm is employed to optimize the hyperparameters (learning rate, number of iterations) of the LSTM network, resulting in an optimal model for chaotic data prediction. Finally, the validation is conducted using chaotic data generated from three different initial values of the Lorenz system. The root mean square error (RMSE) is reduced by 0.421, the mean absolute error (MAE) is reduced by 0.354, and the coefficient of determination (R2) is improved by 0.4. The proposed network demonstrates good adaptability to complex chaotic data, surpassing the accuracy of the LSTM and PSO-LSTM models, thereby achieving higher prediction accuracy.
High-Effectiveness and -Accuracy Difference Scheme Based on Nonuniform Grids for Solving Convection–Diffusion Equations with Boundary Layers
Authors: Tian Fang , Wang Mingjing , Ge Yongbin
Published: November 2023

In this paper, some rational high-accuracy compact finite difference schemes on nonuniform grids (NRHOC) are introduced for solving convection–diffusion equations. The derived NRHOC schemes not only can suppress the oscillatory property of numerical solutions but can also obtain a high-accuracy approximate solution, and they can effectively solve the convection–diffusion problem with boundary layers by flexibly adjusting the discrete grid, which can be obtained with the singularity in the computational region. Three numerical experiments with boundary layers are conducted to verify the accuracy of the proposed NRHOC schemes. We compare the computed results with the analytical solutions, the results of the rational high-accuracy compact finite difference schemes on uniform grids (RHOC), and the other schemes in the literature. For all test problems, good computed results are obtained with the presented NRHOC schemes. It is shown that the presented NRHOC schemes have a better resolution for the solution of convection-dominated problems.
Novel Procedure for Automatic Registration between Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Intraoral Scan Data Supported with 3D Segmentation
Authors: Kim Yoon-Ji , Ahn Jang-Hoon , Lim Hyun-Kyo , Nguyen Thong Phi , Jha Nayansi , Kim Ami , Yoon Jonghun
Published: November 2023

In contemporary practice, intraoral scans and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) are widely adopted techniques for tooth localization and the acquisition of comprehensive three-dimensional models. Despite their utility, each dataset presents inherent merits and limitations, prompting the pursuit of an amalgamated solution for optimization. Thus, this research introduces a novel 3D registration approach aimed at harmonizing these distinct datasets to offer a holistic perspective. In the pre-processing phase, a retrained Mask-RCNN is deployed on both sagittal and panoramic projections to partition upper and lower teeth from the encompassing CBCT raw data. Simultaneously, a chromatic classification model is proposed for segregating gingival tissue from tooth structures in intraoral scan data. Subsequently, the segregated datasets are aligned based on dental crowns, employing the robust RANSAC and ICP algorithms. To assess the proposed methodology’s efficacy, the Euclidean distance between corresponding points is statistically evaluated. Additionally, dental experts, including two orthodontists and an experienced general dentist, evaluate the clinical potential by measuring distances between landmarks on tooth surfaces. The computed error in corresponding point distances between intraoral scan data and CBCT data in the automatically registered datasets utilizing the proposed technique is quantified at 0.234 ± 0.019 mm, which is significantly below the 0.3 mm CBCT voxel size. Moreover, the average measurement discrepancy among expert-identified landmarks ranges from 0.368 to 1.079 mm, underscoring the promise of the proposed method.
Exo Supportive Devices: Summary of Technical Aspects
Authors: André António Diogo , Martins Pedro
Published: November 2023

Human societies have been trying to mitigate the suffering of individuals with physical impairments, with a special effort in the last century. In the 1950s, a new concept arose, finding similarities between animal exoskeletons, and with the goal of medically aiding human movement (for rehabilitation applications). There have been several studies on using exosuits with this purpose in mind. So, the current review offers a critical perspective and a detailed analysis of the steps and key decisions involved in the conception of an exoskeleton. Choices such as design aspects, base materials (structure), actuators (force and motion), energy sources (actuation), and control systems will be discussed, pointing out their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, examples of exosuits (full-body, upper-body, and lower-body devices) will be presented and described, including their use cases and outcomes. The future of exoskeletons as possible assisted movement solutions will be discussed—pointing to the best options for rehabilitation.
Novel Covalent Modifier-Induced Local Conformational Changes within the Intrinsically Disordered Region of the Androgen Receptor
Authors: Harnish Michael T. , Lopez Daniel , Morrison Corbin T. , Narayanan Ramesh , Fernandez Elias J. , Shen Tongye
Published: November 2023

Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of transcription factors play an important biological role in liquid condensate formation and gene regulation. It is thus desirable to investigate the druggability of IDRs and how small-molecule binders can alter their conformational stability. For the androgen receptor (AR), certain covalent ligands induce important changes, such as the neutralization of the condensate. To understand the specificity of ligand–IDR interaction and potential implications for the mechanism of neutralizing liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), we modeled and performed computer simulations of ligand-bound peptide segments obtained from the human AR. We analyzed how different covalent ligands affect local secondary structure, protein contact map, and protein–ligand contacts for these protein systems. We find that effective neutralizers make specific interactions (such as those between cyanopyrazole and tryptophan) that alter the helical propensity of the peptide segments. These findings on the mechanism of action can be useful for designing molecules that influence IDR structure and condensate of the AR in the future.
Comparing Seamounts and Coral Reefs with eDNA and BRUVS Reveals Oases and Refuges on Shallow Seamounts
Authors: Baletaud Florian , Lecellier Gaël , Gilbert Antoine , Mathon Laëtitia , Côme Jean-Marie , Dejean Tony , Dumas Mahé , Fiat Sylvie , Vigliola Laurent
Published: November 2023

Seamounts are the least known ocean biome. Considered biodiversity hotspots, biomass oases, and refuges for megafauna, large gaps exist in their real diversity relative to other ecosystems like coral reefs. Using environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA) and baited video (BRUVS), we compared fish assemblages across five environments of different depths: coral reefs (15 m), shallow seamounts (50 m), continental slopes (150 m), intermediate seamounts (250 m), and deep seamounts (500 m). We modeled assemblages using 12 environmental variables and found depth to be the main driver of fish diversity and biomass, although other variables like human accessibility were important. Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) revealed a strong negative effect of depth on species richness, segregating coral reefs from deep-sea environments. Surprisingly, BRT showed a hump-shaped effect of depth on fish biomass, with significantly lower biomass on coral reefs than in shallowest deep-sea environments. Biomass of large predators like sharks was three times higher on shallow seamounts (50 m) than on coral reefs. The five studied environments showed quite distinct assemblages. However, species shared between coral reefs and deeper-sea environments were dominated by highly mobile large predators. Our results suggest that seamounts are no diversity hotspots for fish. However, we show that shallower seamounts form biomass oases and refuges for threatened megafauna, suggesting that priority should be given to their protection.
Identification of N6-Methyladenosine-Related Factors and the Prediction of the Regulatory Mechanism of Hair Follicle Development in Rex and Hycole Rabbits
Authors: Luo Gang , Gong Ruiguang , Ai Yaotian , Zhu Tongyan , Ren Zhanjun
Published: November 2023

Hair follicle development directly affects the development of the rabbit fur industry. The growth and development of a hair follicle is modified and regulated by many genes and mechanisms. M6A is an important RNA modification. However, there are few studies on the effects of the regulation of m6A on hair follicle growth and development. In this study, hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining was used to explore the difference in hair follicle development between Rex rabbits and Hycole rabbits, and we performed m6A sequencing to identify the key genes with m6A modification in hair follicle growth. The results showed that the hair length, coarse hair percentage, primary hair follicle ratio, and skin thickness of Hycole rabbits were significantly higher than those of Rex rabbits. However, the proportion of secondary hair follicles in Hycole rabbits was significantly lower than that in Rex rabbits. In addition, we found five differential methylases, 20 differential genes, and 24 differential signaling pathways related to hair growth and development. The results of the Sankey diagram showed that 12 genes were related to 13 signal pathways. Finally, we found that five methylases regulated the development of hair follicles through differential genes/signal pathways. These findings laid a molecular foundation for the function of m6A modification in hair development.
Dithiothreitol Affects the Fertilization Response in Immature and Maturing Starfish Oocytes
Authors: Limatola Nunzia , Chun Jong Tai , Chiba Kazuyoshi , Santella Luigia
Published: November 2023

Immature starfish oocytes isolated from the ovary are susceptible to polyspermy due to the structural organization of the vitelline layer covering the oocyte plasma membrane, as well as the distribution and biochemical properties of the actin cytoskeleton of the oocyte cortex. After the resumption of the meiotic cycle of the oocyte triggered by the hormone 1-methyladenine, the maturing oocyte reaches fertilizable conditions to be stimulated by only one sperm with a normal Ca2+ response and cortical reaction. This cytoplasmic ripening of the oocyte, resulting in normal fertilization and development, is due to the remodeling of the cortical actin cytoskeleton and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Since disulfide-reducing agents such as dithiothreitol (DTT) are known to induce the maturation and GVBD of oocytes in many species of starfish, we analyzed the pattern of the fertilization response displayed by Astropecten aranciacus oocytes pre-exposed to DTT with or without 1-MA stimulation. Short treatment of A. aranciacus immature oocytes with DTT reduced the rate of polyspermic fertilization and altered the sperm-induced Ca2+ response by changing the morphology of microvilli, cortical granules, and biochemical properties of the cortical F-actin. At variance with 1-MA, the DTT treatment of immature starfish oocytes for 70 min did not induce GVBD. On the other hand, the DTT treatment caused an alteration in microvilli morphology and a drastic depolymerization of the cortical F-actin, which impaired the sperm-induced Ca2+ response at fertilization and the subsequent embryonic development.
Novel Biomarkers and Advanced Cardiac Imaging in Aortic Stenosis: Old and New
Authors: Drăgan Anca , Mateescu Anca Doina
Published: November 2023

Currently, the symptomatic status and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) play a crucial role in aortic stenosis (AS) assessment. However, the symptoms are often subjective, and LVEF is not a sensitive marker of left ventricle (LV) decompensation. Over the past years, the cardiac structure and function research on AS has increased due to advanced imaging modalities and potential therapies. New imaging parameters emerged as predictors of disease progression in AS. LV global longitudinal strain has proved useful for risk stratification in asymptomatic severe AS patients with preserved LVEF. The assessment of myocardial fibrosis by cardiac magnetic resonance is the most studied application and offers prognostic information on AS. Moreover, the usage of biomarkers in AS as objective measures of LV decompensation has recently gained more interest. The present review focuses on the transition from compensatory LV hypertrophy (H) to LV dysfunction and the biomarkers associated with myocardial wall stress, fibrosis, and myocyte death. Moreover, we discuss the potential impact of non-invasive imaging parameters for optimizing the timing of aortic valve replacement and provide insight into novel biomarkers for possible prognostic use in AS. However, data from randomized clinical trials are necessary to define their utility in daily practice.
Lysosomal-Cleavable Peptide Linkers in Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Balamkundu Seetharamsing , Liu Chuan-Fa
Published: November 2023

Antibody–drug Conjugates (ADCs) are a powerful therapeutic modality for cancer treatment. ADCs are multi-functional biologics in which a disease-targeting antibody is conjugated to an effector payload molecule via a linker. The success of currently used ADCs has been largely attributed to the development of linker systems, which allow for the targeted release of cytocidal payload drugs inside cancer cells. Many lysosomal proteases are over expressed in human cancers. They can effectively cleave a variety of peptide sequences, which can be exploited for the design of ADC linker systems. As a well-established linker, valine-citrulline-p-aminobenzyl carbamate (ValCitPABC) is used in many ADCs that are already approved or under preclinical and clinical development. Although ValCitPABC and related linkers are readily cleaved by cathepsins in the lysosome while remaining reasonably stable in human plasma, many studies have shown that they are susceptible to carboxylesterase 1C (Ces1C) in mouse and rat plasma, which hinders the preclinical evaluation of ADCs. Furthermore, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, two of the most commonly observed dose-limiting adverse effects of ADCs, are believed to result from the premature hydrolysis of ValCitPABC by human neutrophil elastase. In addition to ValCitPABC, the GGFG tetrapeptidyl-aminomethoxy linker is also cathepsin-cleavable and is used in the highly successful ADC drug, DS8201a. In addition to cathepsin-cleavable linkers, there is also growing interest in legumain-sensitive linkers for ADC development. Increasing plasma stability while maintaining lysosomal cleavability of ADC linkers is an objective of intensive current research. This review reports recent advances in the design and structure–activity relationship studies of various peptide/peptidomimetic linkers in this field.
The Pathological Role of miRNAs in Endometriosis
Authors: Begum Mst Ismat Ara , Chuan Lin , Hong Seong-Tshool , Chae Hee-Suk
Published: November 2023

Association studies investigating miRNA in relation to diseases have consistently shown significant alterations in miRNA expression, particularly within inflammatory pathways, where they regulate inflammatory cytokines, transcription factors (such as NF-κB, STAT3, HIF1α), and inflammatory proteins (including COX-2 and iNOS). Given that endometriosis (EMS) is characterized as an inflammatory disease, albeit one influenced by estrogen levels, it is natural to speculate about the connection between EMS and miRNA. Recent research has indeed confirmed alterations in the expression levels of numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) in both endometriotic lesions and the eutopic endometrium of women with EMS, when compared to healthy controls. The undeniable association of miRNAs with EMS hints at the emergence of a new era in the study of miRNA in the context of EMS. This article reviews the advancements made in understanding the pathological role of miRNA in EMS and its association with EMS-associated infertility. These findings contribute to the ongoing pursuit of developing miRNA-based therapeutics and diagnostic markers for EMS.