bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current teachers’ perceptions and students' perspectives regarding activities modalities, instructional settings during primary school physical education classes in China: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Yan Jin , Malkin Max , Smith Jordan J. , Morgan Philip , Eather Narelle
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This study set out to understand the association between teaching practices, teacher confidence, competence, self-efficacy, and the resulting student outcomes.

Methods

Data regarding teaching behaviours were collected via video recording and then evaluated using the MASTER Observation Tool. The information about demographics, self-reported teaching confidence, competence, self-efficacy, and student outcomes was collected using questionnaires. The association between teacher characteristics, and teacher and/or student outcome variables were tested using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

A total of ten primary schools were involved, including 597 children (age range: 10–12 years, grade 4–6) and 16 grade 4–6 PE teachers (with 16 PE classes). Most of the Physical Education (PE) lesson time was spent in training-form activities (60.2% ± 9.1), followed by instructional time (33.1% ± 8.6%), reflection (3.4% ± 2.3%), and warm-up (2.9% ± 2.0 %). It was observed that teaching behaviours and student outcomes were significantly better in urban than rural areas. Smaller class sizes (21–30 children) were found to have more positive feedback than larger ones (41–50 children). PE teachers with more than 10 years of teaching experience reported more teaching competence and self-efficacy than teachers with less than 10 years of experience. PE teachers with class sizes of 21–30 children enjoyed significantly better scores in self-efficacy than classes with 41–50 children. They also scored more highly in confidence and competence than classes with 41–50 and 51–60 pupils.

Conclusion

The current study confirmed that teachers dedicated a large proportion of lesson time to PE delivering training-form activities, followed by instructional time. Teaching behaviour and student outcomes were associated with location and class size, but not gender. The study contributes to our understanding of PE instruction in Chinese primary schools and offers preliminary evidence to improve future PE teaching strategies in the country.
Lipids in Equine Airway Inflammation: An Overview of Current Knowledge
Authors: Mönki Jenni , Mykkänen Anna
Published: June 2024

Mild–moderate and severe equine asthma (MEA and SEA) are prevalent inflammatory airway conditions affecting horses of numerous breeds and disciplines. Despite extensive research, detailed disease pathophysiology and the differences between MEA and SEA are still not completely understood. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology, broadly used in clinical practice and in equine asthma research, has limited means to represent the inflammatory status in the lower airways. Lipidomics is a field of science that can be utilized in investigating cellular mechanisms and cell-to-cell interactions. Studies in lipidomics have a broad variety of foci, of which fatty acid and lipid mediator profile analyses and global lipidomics have been implemented in veterinary medicine. As many crucial proinflammatory and proresolving mediators are lipids, lipidomic studies offer an interesting yet largely unexplored means to investigate inflammatory reactions in equine airways. The aim of this review article is to collect and summarize the findings of recent lipidomic studies on equine airway inflammation.
FA-VTON: A Feature Alignment-Based Model for Virtual Try-On
Authors: Wan Yan , Ding Ning , Yao Li
Published: June 2024

The virtual try-on technology based on 2D images aims to seamlessly transfer provided garments onto target person images. Prior methods mainly concentrated on warping garments and generating images, overlooking the influence of feature alignment on the try-on results. In this study, we initially analyze the distortions present by existing methods and elucidate the critical role of feature alignment in the extraction stage. Building on this, we propose a novel feature alignment-based model (FA-VTON). Specifically, FA-VTON aligns the upsampled higher-level features from both person and garment images to acquire precise boundary information, which serves as guidance for subsequent garment warping. Concurrently, the Efficient Channel Attention mechanism (ECA) is introduced to generate the final result in the try-on generation module. This mechanism enables adaptive adjustment of channel feature weights to extract important features and reduce artifact generation. Furthermore, to make the student network focus on salient regions of each channel, we utilize channel-wise distillation (CWD) to minimize the Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence between the channel probability maps of the two networks. The experiments show that our model achieves better results in both qualitative and quantitative analyses compared to current methods on the popular virtual try-on datasets.
Innovative Ways of Developing and Using Specific Purpose Alternatives for Solving Hard Combinatorial Network Routing and Ordered Optimisation Problems
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Munapo Elias
Published: June 2024

This paper reviews some recent contributions by the authors and their associates and highlights a few innovative ideas, which led them to address some hard combinatorial network routing and ordered optimisation problems. The travelling salesman, which is in the NP hard category, has been reviewed and solved as an index-restricted shortest connected graph, and therefore, it opens a question about its ‘NP Hard’ category. The routing problem through ‘K’ specified nodes and ordered optimum solutions are computationally demanding but have been made computationally feasible. All these approaches are based on the strategic creation and use of an alternative solution in that situation. The efficiency of these methods requires further investigation.
Optimal Placement and Capacity of BESS and PV in EV Integrated Distribution Systems: The Tenth Feeder of Phitsanulok Substation Case Study
Authors: Khunkitti Sirote , Pompern Natsawat , Premrudeepreechacharn Suttichai , Siritaratiwat Apirat
Published: June 2024

Installing a battery energy storage system (BESS) and renewable energy sources can significantly improve distribution network performance in several aspects, especially in electric vehicle (EV)-integrated systems because of high load demands. With the high costs of the BESS and PV, optimal placement and capacity of them must be carefully considered. This work proposes a solution for determining the optimal placement and capacity of a BESS and photovoltaic (PV) in a distribution system by considering EV penetrations. The objective function is to reduce system costs, comprising installation, replacement, and operation and maintenance costs of the BESS and PV. The replacement cost is considered over 20 years, and the maintenance and operation costs incurred in the distribution system include transmission line loss, voltage regulation, and peak demand costs. To solve the problem, two metaheuristic algorithms consisting of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the African vulture optimization algorithm (AVOA) are utilized. The tenth feeder of Phitsanulok substation 1 (PLA10), Thailand, which is a 91-bus distribution network, is tested to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The results obtained from the considered algorithms are compared based on distribution system performance enhancement, payback period, and statistical analysis. It is found from the simulation results that the installation of the BESS and PV could significantly minimize system cost, improve the voltage profile, reduce transmission line loss, and decrease peak demand. The voltage deviation could be reduced by 86%, line loss was reduced by 0.78 MW, and peak demand could be decreased by 5.706 MW compared to the case without BESS and PV installations.
Travelling in Microphis (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) Otoliths with Two-Dimensional X-ray Fluorescence Maps: Twists and Turns on the Road to Strontium Incorporation
Authors: Lord Clara , Haÿ Vincent , Medjoubi Kadda , Berland Sophie , Keith Philippe
Published: June 2024

Indo-Pacific tropical island streams are home to freshwater pipefish (Microphis spp., Syngnathidae). Otoliths were used to uncover life history traits in four species, including a New Caledonian endemic. All four species present the same methodological challenge: their otoliths are small, fragile and mute for growth marks using basic observation tools. Strontium (Sr) is calcium substituent in the mineral lattice, driven by salinity conditions, and thus useful to study diadromous migrations. Synchrotron-based scanning X-ray fluorescence 2D high-resolution mapping allowed us to tackle the global and hyperfine strontium (Sr) distribution. We developed analytical imaging processes to retrieve biological information from otoliths from the data generated via synchrotron analysis. We uncovered plasticity in the life cycle: all species were amphidromous, apart from some freshwater residents from New Caledonia. Understanding life cycle modalities is crucial to categorize species distribution limits and to implement adapted conservation measures, especially when endemic species are at stake. 2D fine-scale images outlined the heterogeneity of Sr distribution: in addition to the trivial Sr incorporation driven by environmental ionic conditions, there is an unusual mosaic arrangement of Sr distribution and we hypothesize that biological control, especially growth during the early life stages, may sometimes overrule stoichiometry. This shows that it is worth studying otolith formation and element integration at imbricated scales, and our methods and results provide a strong basis for future works and prospects in otolith science.
Overcoming Treatment Resistance in Medulloblastoma: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Strategies
Authors: Slika Hasan , Shahani Aanya , Wahi Riddhpreet , Miller Jackson , Groves Mari , Tyler Betty
Published: June 2024

Medulloblastoma is the most frequently encountered malignant brain tumor in the pediatric population. The standard of care currently consists of surgical resection, craniospinal irradiation, and multi-agent chemotherapy. However, despite this combination of multiple aggressive modalities, recurrence of the disease remains a substantial concern, and treatment resistance is a rising issue. The development of this resistance results from the interplay of a myriad of anatomical properties, cellular processes, molecular pathways, and genetic and epigenetic alterations. In fact, several efforts have been directed towards this domain and characterizing the major contributors to this resistance. Herein, this review highlights the different mechanisms that drive relapse and are implicated in the occurrence of treatment resistance and discusses them in the context of the latest molecular-based classification of medulloblastoma. These mechanisms include the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier to drugs, the overactivation of specific molecular pathways, the resistant and multipotent nature of cancer stem cells, intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, and metabolic plasticity. Subsequently, we build on that to explore potential strategies and targeted agents that can abrogate these mechanisms, undermine the development of treatment resistance, and augment medulloblastoma’s response to therapeutic modalities.
Effect of Preparation Process on the Microstructure and Characteristics of TiAl Pre-Alloyed Powder Fabricated by Plasma Rotating Electrode Process
Authors: Zhang Yu , Song Meihui , Li Yan , Li Yanchun , Gong Shulin , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2024

TiAl pre-alloyed powder is the foundation for additive manufacturing of TiAl alloys. In this work, TiAl pre-alloyed powder was prepared using a plasma rotating electrode process (PREP). The effects of electrode rotating speeds and current intensity on the microstructure and characteristics of TiAl pre-alloyed powder have been investigated in detail. The results show that the electrode rotating speeds mainly affected the average particle size of the powder (D50). As the electrode rotating speed increased, the D50 of the powder decreased. The current intensity mainly affected the particle size distribution of the powder. As the current intensity increased, the particle size distribution of the powder became narrower, which was concentrated at 45~105 μm. In addition, the current intensity had a significant effect on the sphericity degree of the powder with the particle size > 105 μm, but it had little effect on that <105 μm powder. TiAl pre-alloyed powder with a particle size > 45 μm demonstrated a dendritic + cellular structure, and the <45 μm powder had a microcrystalline structure. The powder was mainly composed of the α2 phase and γ phase. There were two kinds of phase structure inside the powder, namely the α2 + γ lamellar microstructure (particle size < 45 µm) and the α2 + γ network microstructure (particle size > 45 µm). The phase structure of the powder was related to the solidification path and cooling rate of molten droplets in the PREP. The average thickness of the α2 + γ lamellar was about 200 nm, in which the lamellar γ phases were arranged in an orderly manner in the α2 phase matrix with a thickness of about 20 nm. The network phase structure was corrugated, and the morphology of the γ phase was not obvious.
The Development and Evaluation of Novel Patient Educational Material for a Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) Result in Hereditary Cancer Genes
Authors: Cragun Deborah , Dean Marleah , Baker David , Kelley Meghan , Hooker Gillian , Weidner Anne , Hunt Paige , Pal Tuya
Published: June 2024

A Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) is a difference in the DNA sequence with uncertain consequences for gene function. A VUS in a hereditary cancer gene should not change medical care, yet some patients undergo medical procedures based on their VUS result, highlighting the unmet educational needs among patients and healthcare providers. To address this need, we developed, evaluated, and refined novel educational materials to explain that while VUS results do not change medical care, it remains important to share any personal or family history of cancer with family members given that their personal and family medical history can guide their cancer risk management. We began by reviewing the prior literature and transcripts from interviews with six individuals with a VUS result to identify content and design considerations to incorporate into educational materials. We then gathered feedback to improve materials via a focus group of multidisciplinary experts and multiple rounds of semi-structured interviews with individuals with a VUS result. Themes for how to improve content, visuals, and usefulness were used to refine the materials. In the final round of interviews with an additional 10 individuals with a VUS result, materials were described as relatable, useful, factual, and easy to navigate, and also increased their understanding of cancer gene VUS results.
A Review of Immunotherapy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Capella Mariana Pilon , Pang Steph A. , Magalhaes Marcos A. , Esfahani Khashayar
Published: June 2024

Cancer immunotherapy in the form of immune checkpoint inhibitors has led to a dramatic increase in the survival of patients with lung cancer across all stages. Over the past decade, the field has experienced rapid maturation; however, several challenges continue to complicate patient management. This review aims to highlight the data that led to this dramatic shift in practice as well as to focus on key challenges. These include determining the optimal therapy duration, managing frail patients or those with brain metastases, addressing the challenges posed by immune-related adverse events, and defining the various patterns of clinical and radiological responses to immunotherapy.
How to Balance Prognostic Factors in Controlled Phase II Trials: Stratified Permuted Block Randomization or Minimization? An Analysis of Clinical Trials in Digestive Oncology
Authors: Martin Elodie , Le Malicot Karine , Guérin-Charbonnel Catherine , Bocquet François , Bouché Olivier , Turpin Anthony , Aparicio Thomas , Legoux Jean-Louis , Dahan Laetitia , Taieb Julien , Lepage Côme , Dourthe Louis-Marie , Pétorin Caroline , Bourgeois Vincent , Raoul Jean-Luc , Seegers Valérie
Published: June 2024

In controlled phase II trials, major prognostic factors need to be well balanced between arms. The main procedures used are SPBR (Stratified Permuted Block Randomization) and minimization. First, we provide a systematic review of the treatment allocation procedure used in gastrointestinal oncology controlled phase II trials published in 2019. Second, we performed simulations using data from six phase II studies to measure the impacts of imbalances and bias on the efficacy estimations. From the 40 articles analyzed, all mentioned randomization in both the title and abstract, the median number of patients included was 109, and 77.5% were multicenter. Of the 27 studies that reported at least one stratification variable, 10 included the center as a stratification variable, 10 used minimization, 9 used SBR, and 8 were unspecified. In real data studies, the imbalance increased with the number of centers. The total and marginal imbalances were higher with SBR than with minimization, and the difference increased with the number of centers. The efficiency estimates per arm were close to the original trial estimate in both procedures. Minimization is often used in cases of numerous centers and guarantees better similarity between arms for stratification variables for total and marginal imbalances in phase II trials.
Distributed Photovoltaic Generation Aggregation Approach Considering Distribution Network Topology
Authors: Tang Yajie , Sun Sikai , Zhao Bo , Ni Chouwei , Che Liang , Li Junhao
Published: June 2024

Distributed photovoltaics (DPVs) are widely distributed and the output is random, which brings challenges to the safe operation of the distribution network, so the construction of photovoltaic aggregations can effectively participate in the flexible regulation of the power system. At present, the extraction of DPV clustering features is not sufficient, only considering the output characteristics of PVs. Certain PVs under some nodes may have a more pronounced regulation effect, but they may be ignored in the clustering process. To address the above problems, this paper proposes a DPV aggregation approach considering the distribution network topology. It combines the voltage sensitivity and the power curve and regards them as clustering features to form the DPV aggregation with the highest average voltage sensitivity participating in voltage regulation. The simulation on the IEEE 33-node system verifies that the proposed aggregation approach can select DPV aggregation more suitable for voltage regulation, and make full use of the aggregation to realize the optimal voltage regulation effect.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Battery Systems for PV-Equipped Households with Dynamic Contracts: A Case Study of The Netherlands
Authors: Dam Marion R. , van der Laan Marten D.
Published: June 2024

Dynamic energy contracts, offering hourly varying day-ahead prices for electricity, create opportunities for a residential Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to not just optimize the self-consumption of solar energy but also capitalize on price differences. This work examines the financial potential and impact on the self-consumption of a residential BESS that is controlled based on these dynamic energy prices for PV-equipped households in the Netherlands, where this novel type of contract is available. Currently, due to the Dutch Net Metering arrangement (NM) for PV panels, there is no financial incentive to increase self-consumption, but policy shifts are debated, affecting the potential profitability of a BESS. In the current situation, the recently proposed NM phase-out and the general case without NM are studied using linear programming to derive optimal control strategies for these scenarios. These are used to assess BESS profitability in the latter cases combined with 15 min smart meter data of 225 Dutch households to study variations in profitability between households. It follows that these variations are linked to annual electricity demand and feed-in pre-BESS-installation. A residential BESS that is controlled based on day-ahead prices is currently not generally profitable under any of these circumstances: Under NM, the maximum possible annual yield for a 5 kWh/3.68 kW BESS with day-ahead prices as in 2023 is EUR 190, while in the absence of NM, the annual yield per household ranges from EUR 93 to EUR 300. The proposed NM phase-out limits the BESS’s profitability compared to the removal of NM.
Swimming Performance Assessments of Fish Species of Greatest Conservation Need to Inform Future Stream Crossing Designs in Texas
Authors: Emadi Cameron M. , Bean Preston T. , Mager Edward M.
Published: June 2024

Conventional structures associated with stream crossings such as bridges and culverts can lead to zones of high-velocity water flow that impede fish passage. Such obstacles are likely to harm native fish populations by impacting migrations critical to their life history strategies, causing habitat fragmentation and extirpation, thereby limiting population growth and distribution. Due to the high rates of human population growth and development occurring in Texas, this is an issue of particular concern for fish designated as species of greatest conservation need (SGCN). This project focused on four SGCN fishes native to the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion, namely the Guadalupe Bass, Guadalupe Roundnose Minnow, Guadalupe Darter, and Plateau Shiner, at both adult (all species) and juvenile (Guadalupe Bass only) life stages. Our primary aim was to aid in the design of future culverts associated with stream crossings (or the modification of existing culverts) so that the water velocities through these structures do not exceed the swimming capacities of our target SGCN fishes. To this end, we assessed their maximum sustained swimming speeds (Ucrit) under a typical range of Edwards Plateau stream temperatures (15, 22.5, and 30 °C) to be used in site-specific calculations of the maximum allowable culvert water velocities (Vf). A secondary objective was to collect physiological endpoints of relevance to the overall swimming performance including the maximum burst swimming speeds (Umax), metabolic rate measurements (i.e., standard metabolic rate (SMR), maximum metabolic rate (MMR), and aerobic scope (AS)), cost of transport (COT), and optimal swimming speed (Uopt). Temperature-related effects were observed that can be used to inform site-specific culvert designs. In general, the highest Ucrit values for the tested species were near, or possibly between, 22.5 and 30 °C, while Umax stayed relatively consistent among treatments.
Introduction to the Special Issue of Genealogy on Surnames
Authors: Coates Richard , Parkin Harry
Published: June 2024

Giving personal names to individual children is a cultural universal [...]
Parental Migration and the Social and Mental Well-Being Challenges among Indonesian Left-Behind Children: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Seran Alfonsa Liquory , Aylward Paul , Mwanri Lillian , Ward Paul Russell
Published: June 2024

Parental labour migration, of either one or both parents, has been associated with various challenges among left-behind children (LBC). However, there is a limited understanding of the LBC’s own views and experiences of social and mental well-being and how the new daily life circumstances they encounter following their parents’ migration impact them. This study aimed to understand the influence of parental migration and its aftermath on the social and mental well-being of adolescents (referred to as LBC) in two rural districts in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative design, data were collected through individual in-depth interviews with LBC (n = 24) aged 14 to 18 years, recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Data were thematically analysed, guided by a qualitative data analysis framework. The findings showed that parental migration negatively impacted the social well-being of LBC. This impact was reflected in negative labelling from friends and changes in familial roles which influenced their social interactions and activities with peers. Parental migration was also associated with challenges to the mental well-being of LBC. These manifested in the LBC experiencing fractured emotional bonds, leading to negative emotions, including stress, anxiety, sadness, depression, frustration, loss of motivation, and self-imposed isolation, which were associated with their parents’ migration and abrupt disruptions in parent–child communication. The transition to new life situations with caregivers after parental migration and the dynamics within the caregivers’ households were additional factors that detrimentally affected their mental well-being. Unmet basic needs and educational needs due to financial hardships faced by mothers and caregivers further exacerbated mental health challenges for the children. The findings indicate the importance and improvement of policies and interventions in Indonesia (e.g., counselling services, non-cash food assistance, family hope program, direct cash assistance) that cover and address the diverse needs of mothers or caregivers and the LBC.
A Color Indicator Based on 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) and a Biodegradable Poly(ester amide) for Detecting Bacterial Contamination
Authors: Lovato María José , De Lama-Odría María del Carmen , Puiggalí Jordi , del Valle Luis J. , Franco Lourdes
Published: June 2024

Bacterial contamination is a hazard in many industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. The availability of a rapid and simple method for detecting this type of contamination in sterile areas enables immediate intervention to avoid or reduce detrimental effects. Among these methods, colorimetric indicators are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability, ease of use, and quick visual interpretation of the signal. In this article, a bacterial contamination indicator system was designed by incorporating MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) into an electrospun PADAS matrix, which is a biodegradable poly(ester amide) synthesized from L-alanine, 1,12-dodecanediol, and sebacic acid. Uniaxial stress testing, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and morphology of the mats, respectively. The capacity for bacterial detection was not only analyzed with agar and broth assays but also by replicating important environmental conditions. Among the MTT concentrations tested in this study (0.2%, 2%, and 5%), it was found that only with a 2% MTT content the designed system produced a color response visible to the naked eye with optimal intensity, a sensitivity limit of 104 CFU/mL, and 86% cell viability, which showed the great potential for its use to detect bacterial contamination. In summary, by means of the process described in this work, it was possible to obtain a simple, low-cost and fast-response bacterial contamination indicator that can be used in mask filters, air filters, or protective clothing.
Engineered Antibodies to Improve Efficacy against Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Niazi Sarfaraz K. , Mariam Zamara , Magoola Matthias
Published: June 2024

Antibodies that can selectively remove rogue proteins in the brain are an obvious choice to treat neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), but after decades of efforts, only two antibodies to treat Alzheimer’s disease are approved, dozens are in the testing phase, and one was withdrawn, and the other halted, likely due to efficacy issues. However, these outcomes should have been evident since these antibodies cannot enter the brain sufficiently due to the blood–brain barrier (BBB) protectant. However, all products can be rejuvenated by binding them with transferrin, preferably as smaller fragments. This model can be tested quickly and at a low cost and should be applied to bapineuzumab, solanezumab, crenezumab, gantenerumab, aducanumab, lecanemab, donanemab, cinpanemab, and gantenerumab, and their fragments. This paper demonstrates that conjugating with transferrin does not alter the binding to brain proteins such as amyloid-β (Aβ) and α-synuclein. We also present a selection of conjugate designs that will allow cleavage upon entering the brain to prevent their exocytosis while keeping the fragments connected to enable optimal binding to proteins. The identified products can be readily tested and returned to patients with the lowest regulatory cost and delays. These engineered antibodies can be manufactured by recombinant engineering, preferably by mRNA technology, as a more affordable solution to meet the dire need to treat neurodegenerative disorders effectively.
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) and the Microbiome in Preterm Infants: Consequences and Opportunities for Future Therapeutics
Authors: Marissen Janina , Reichert Lilith , Härtel Christoph , Fortmann Mats Ingmar , Faust Kirstin , Msanga Delfina , Harder Jürgen , Zemlin Michael , Gomez de Agüero Mercedes , Masjosthusmann Katja , Humberg Alexander
Published: June 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial components of the innate immune system in various organisms, including humans. Beyond their direct antimicrobial effects, AMPs play essential roles in various physiological processes. They induce angiogenesis, promote wound healing, modulate immune responses, and serve as chemoattractants for immune cells. AMPs regulate the microbiome and combat microbial infections on the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Produced in response to microbial signals, AMPs help maintain a balanced microbial community and provide a first line of defense against infection. In preterm infants, alterations in microbiome composition have been linked to various health outcomes, including sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, atopic dermatitis, and respiratory infections. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbiome, can alter AMP profiles and potentially lead to inflammation-mediated diseases such as chronic lung disease and obesity. In the following review, we summarize what is known about the vital role of AMPs as multifunctional peptides in protecting newborn infants against infections and modulating the microbiome and immune response. Understanding their roles in preterm infants and high-risk populations offers the potential for innovative approaches to disease prevention and treatment.
The Ethyl Acetate Extract of Phyllanthus emblica L. Alleviates Diabetic Nephropathy in a Murine Model of Diabetes
Authors: Lin Cheng-Hsiu , Shih Chun-Ching
Published: June 2024

Oil-Gan is the fruit of the genus Phyllanthus emblica L. The fruits have excellent effects on health care and development values. There are many methods for the management of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, there is a lack of effective drugs for treating DN throughout the disease course. The primary aim of this study was to examine the protective effects (including analyses of urine and blood, and inflammatory cytokine levels) and mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract of P. emblica (EPE) on db/db mice, an animal model of diabetic nephropathy; the secondary aim was to examine the expression levels of p- protein kinase Cα (PKCα)/t-PKCα in the kidney and its downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibrosis gene transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) by Western blot analyses. Eight db/m mice were used as the control group. Forty db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups. Treatments included a vehicle, EPE1, EPE2, EPE3 (at doses of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg EPE), or the comparative drug aminoguanidine for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of treatment, the administration of EPE to db/db mice effectively controlled hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia by markedly lowering blood glucose, insulin, and glycosylated HbA1c levels. The administration of EPE to db/db mice decreased the levels of BUN and creatinine both in blood and urine and reduced urinary albumin excretion and the albumin creatine ratio (UACR) in urine. Moreover, EPE treatment decreased the blood levels of inflammatory cytokines, including kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). Our findings showed that EPE not only had antihyperglycemic effects but also improved renal function in db/db mice. A histological examination of the kidney by immunohistochemistry indicated that EPE can improve kidney function by ameliorating glomerular morphological damage following glomerular injury; alleviating proteinuria by upregulating the expression of nephrin, a biomarker of early glomerular damage; and inhibiting glomerular expansion and tubular fibrosis. Moreover, the administration of EPE to db/db mice increased the expression levels of p- PKCα/t-PKCα but decreased the expression levels of VEGF and renal fibrosis biomarkers (TGF-β1, collagen IV, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, and Smad4), as shown by Western blot analyses. These results implied that EPE as a supplement has a protective effect against renal dysfunction through the amelioration of insulin resistance as well as the suppression of nephritis and fibrosis in a DN model.
Biodegradation of Photocatalytic Degradation Products of Sulfonamides: Kinetics and Identification of Intermediates
Authors: Madej-Knysak Daria , Adamek Ewa , Baran Wojciech
Published: June 2024

Sulfonamides can be effectively removed from wastewater through a photocatalytic process. However, the mineralization achieved by this method is a long-term and expensive process. The effect of shortening the photocatalytic process is the partial degradation and formation of intermediates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and transformation of photocatalytic reaction intermediates in aerobic biological processes. Sulfadiazine and sulfamethoxazole solutions were used in the study, which were irradiated in the presence of a TiO2-P25 catalyst. The resulting solutions were then aerated after the addition of river water or activated sludge suspension from a commercial wastewater treatment plant. The reaction kinetics were determined and fifteen products of photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides were identified. Most of these products were further transformed in the presence of activated sludge suspension or in water taken from the river. They may have been decomposed into other organic and inorganic compounds. The formation of biologically inactive acyl derivatives was observed in the biological process. However, compounds that are more toxic to aquatic organisms than the initial drugs can also be formed. After 28 days, the sulfamethoxazole concentration in the presence of activated sludge was reduced by 66 ± 7%. Sulfadiazine was practically non-biodegradable under the conditions used. The presented results confirm the advisability of using photocatalysis as a process preceding biodegradation.
PCAS: An Integrated Tool for Multi-Dimensional Cancer Research Utilizing Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium Data
Authors: Wang Jin , Song Xiangrong , Wei Meidan , Qin Lexin , Zhu Qingyun , Wang Shujie , Liang Tingting , Hu Wentao , Zhu Xinyu , Li Jianxiang
Published: June 2024

Proteomics offers a robust method for quantifying proteins and elucidating their roles in cellular functions, surpassing the insights provided by transcriptomics. The Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium database, enriched with comprehensive cancer proteomics data including phosphorylation and ubiquitination profiles, alongside transcriptomics data from the Genomic Data Commons, allow for integrative molecular studies of cancer. The ProteoCancer Analysis Suite (PCAS), our newly developed R package and Shinyapp, leverages these resources to facilitate in-depth analyses of proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and transcriptomics, enhancing our understanding of the tumor microenvironment through features like immune infiltration and drug sensitivity analysis. This tool aids in identifying critical signaling pathways and therapeutic targets, particularly through its detailed phosphoproteomic analysis. To demonstrate the functionality of the PCAS, we conducted an analysis of GAPDH across multiple cancer types, revealing a significant upregulation of protein levels, which is consistent with its important biological and clinical significance in tumors, as indicated in our prior research. Further experiments were used to validate the findings performed using the tool. In conclusion, the PCAS is a powerful and valuable tool for conducting comprehensive proteomic analyses, significantly enhancing our ability to uncover oncogenic mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets in cancer research.
Ocular Changes in Cystic Fibrosis: A Review
Authors: Liberski Slawomir , Confalonieri Filippo , Cofta Szczepan , Petrovski Goran , Kocięcki Jarosław
Published: June 2024

Cystic fibrosis (CF), also known as mucoviscidosis, is the most common autosomal recessive genetic disease in the Caucasian population, with an estimated frequency of 1:2000–3000 live births. CF results from the mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene localized in the long arm of chromosome 7. The product of CFTR gene expression is CFTR protein, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that regulates the transport of chloride ions (Cl−) across the apical cell membrane. Primary manifestations of CF include chronic lung and pancreas function impairment secondary to the production of thick, sticky mucus resulting from dehydrated secretions. It is well known that CF can cause both anterior and posterior ocular abnormalities. Conjunctival and corneal xerosis and dry eye disease symptoms are the most characteristic manifestations in the anterior segment. In contrast, the most typical anatomical and functional changes relating to the posterior segment of the eye include defects in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), vascular abnormalities, and visual disturbances, such as reduced contrast sensitivity and abnormal dark adaptation. However, the complete background of ophthalmic manifestations in the course of CF has yet to be discovered. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding ocular changes in cystic fibrosis.
Rethinking Just Transition in Investment Law Perspective: Incentives against Climate Crisis between Sustainability, Economic Security, and Strategic Industrial Planning
Authors: Pugliese Sara
Published: June 2024

With the expression “Just transition”, the European Commission refers to a new development model to bring in the environmental and digital transition “leaving no one behind”. From an investment law perspective, it implies the adoption of several incentives to support new green economy activities or the reconversion of old ones into green and energy-neutral production models. Starting from an analysis of the EU just transition strategy, the paper focuses on the Italian case, investigating the interconnection between just transition funds and other measures (the Single Special Economic Zone and National Recovery and Resilience Program) to verify their effectiveness in terms of investment retention and attraction and their effects in terms of strategic industrial planning. Concerning retention, the Sider Alloys and Acciaierie d’Italia case studies are analyzed. Concerning attraction, as the incentives may appeal to aggressive activities dangerous to the EU and Member States’ strategic autonomy, the paper offers an overview of the instruments available for screening and preventing creeping economic operations, especially the proposed reform of the investment screening mechanism and the anti-coercion instrument. In conclusion, the paper proposes the adoption of an ex ante impact assessment, including citizen consultation, aimed at verifying investment concrete capacity to contribute to the just transition process.
A Review and Prospects of Manufacturing Process Knowledge Acquisition, Representation, and Application
Authors: Wu Zhongyi , Liang Cheng
Published: June 2024

The evolution of knowledge acquisition and representation in manufacturing technologies is vital for translating complex manufacturing data into actionable insights and advancing a comprehensive knowledge framework. This framework is pivotal in driving innovation and efficiency in intelligent manufacturing. This review aggregates recent research on knowledge acquisition and representation within the manufacturing process, addressing existing challenges and mapping potential future developments. It includes an analysis of 123 papers that focus on harnessing advanced intelligent analytics to extract operationally relevant knowledge from the extensive datasets typical in manufacturing environments. The narrative then examines the methodologies for constructing models of knowledge in manufacturing processes and explores their applications in manufacturing principles, design, management, and decision-making. This paper highlights the limitations of current technologies and projects emerging research avenues in the acquisition and representation of process knowledge within intelligent manufacturing systems, with the objective of informing future technological breakthroughs.
Daily Eicosapentaenoic Acid Infusion in IUGR Fetal Lambs Reduced Systemic Inflammation, Increased Muscle ADRβ2 Content, and Improved Myoblast Function and Muscle Growth
Authors: Beer Haley N. , Lacey Taylor A. , Gibbs Rachel L. , Most Micah S. , Hicks Zena M. , Grijalva Pablo C. , Marks-Nelson Eileen S. , Schmidt Ty B. , Petersen Jessica L. , Yates Dustin T.
Published: June 2024

Intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses exhibit systemic inflammation that contributes to programmed deficits in myoblast function and muscle growth. Thus, we sought to determine if targeting fetal inflammation improves muscle growth outcomes. Heat stress-induced IUGR fetal lambs were infused with eicosapentaenoic acid (IUGR+EPA; n = 9) or saline (IUGR; n = 8) for 5 days during late gestation and compared to saline-infused controls (n = 11). Circulating eicosapentaenoic acid was 42% less (p < 0.05) for IUGR fetuses but was recovered in IUGR+EPA fetuses. The infusion did not improve placental function or fetal O2 but resolved the 67% greater (p < 0.05) circulating TNFα observed in IUGR fetuses. This improved myoblast function and muscle growth, as the 23% reduction (p < 0.05) in the ex vivo differentiation of IUGR myoblasts was resolved in IUGR+EPA myoblasts. Semitendinosus, longissimus dorsi, and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles were 24–39% lighter (p < 0.05) for IUGR but not for IUGR+EPA fetuses. Elevated (p < 0.05) IL6R and reduced (p < 0.05) β2 adrenoceptor content in IUGR muscle indicated enhanced inflammatory sensitivity and diminished β2 adrenergic sensitivity. Although IL6R remained elevated, β2 adrenoceptor deficits were resolved in IUGR+EPA muscle, demonstrating a unique underlying mechanism for muscle dysregulation. These findings show that fetal inflammation contributes to IUGR muscle growth deficits and thus may be an effective target for intervention.
Macrogenomics-Based Analysis of the Effects of Intercropped Soybean Photosynthetic Characteristics and Nitrogen-Assimilating Enzyme Activities on Yield at Different Nitrogen Levels
Authors: Zhang Liqiang , Feng Yudi , Zhao Zehang , Baoyin Bate , Cui Zhengguo , Wang Hongyu , Li Qiuzhu , Cui Jinhu
Published: June 2024

Currently, China’s soybean self-sufficiency rate is only 15%, highlighting the soybean crisis and the supply chain risks that pose a major threat to China’s food security. Thus, it has become imperative to step up efforts to boost soybean production capacity while promoting the green and sustainable development of regional farmland ecosystems. In this context, the present study comprehensively investigated the effects of intercropping and nitrogen application rate on soybean yield, as well as the changes in gradients generated by different levels of nitrogen application. Based on six consecutive years of maize–soybean intercropping planting patterns, the inter-root soils of soybeans were collected at the flowering stage and evaluated for soil nitrogen content, nitrogen-assimilating enzyme activities, and microbial community composition of soybean, which were correlated with yield, to clarify the main pathways and modes of intercropping effects. The N2 level (80 kg·ha−1) was favourable for higher yield. In comparison to monocropping, the intercropping reduced yield by 9.65–13.01%, photosynthetic characteristics by 1.33–7.31%, and plant nitrogen-assimilating enzyme activities by 8.08–32.01% at the same level of N application. Likewise, soil urease and catalase activities were reduced by 9.22 and 1.80%, while soil nitrogen content declined by an average of 6.38%. Gemmatimonas and Bradyrhizobium enrichment significantly increased soil nitrogen content, photosynthetic characteristics, and soybean yield, while it was reduced by Candidatus_Udaeobacter and Candidatus_Solibacte enrichment. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for further optimising maize–soybean intercropping, which is crucial for enhancing the agricultural production structure and improving the overall soybean production capacity.
Bioconversion of Furanic Compounds by Chlorella vulgaris—Unveiling Biotechnological Potentials
Authors: Kriechbaum Ricarda , Spadiut Oliver , Kopp Julian
Published: June 2024

Lignocellulosic biomass is abundant on Earth, and there are multiple acidic pretreatment options to separate the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin fraction. By doing so, the fermentation inhibitors 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural (FF) are produced in varying concentrations depending on the hydrolyzed substrate. In this study, the impact of these furanic compounds on Chlorella vulgaris growth and photosynthetic activity was analyzed. Both compounds led to a prolonged lag phase in Chlorella vulgaris growth. While the photosynthetic yield Y(II) was not significantly influenced in cultivations containing HMF, FF significantly reduced Y(II). The conversion of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural to 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-Furoic Acid and 2-Furoic Acid was observed. In total, 100% of HMF and FF was converted in photoautotrophic and mixotrophic Chlorella vulgaris cultivations. The results demonstrate that Chlorella vulgaris is, as of now, the first known microalgal species converting furanic compounds.
The Description and Analysis of the Complete Genome of Dermacoccus barathri FBCC-B549 Strain
Authors: Kim Yeha , Kim Hyaekang , Kim Jina , Han Ji-Hye , Chung Eu Jin , Nam Seung Won , Shin Miyoung , Kwak Woori
Published: June 2024

Dermacoccus barathri is the first reported pathogen within the Dermacoccus genus to cause a catheter-related bloodstream infection, which occurred in 2015. In this study, the complete genome assembly of Dermacoccus barathri was constructed, and the complete genome of Dermacoccus barathri FBCC-B549 consists of a single chromosome (3,137,745 bp) without plasmids. The constructed genome of D. barathri was compared with those of two closely related species within the Dermacoccus genus. D. barathri exhibited a pattern similar to Dermacoccus abyssi in terms of gene clusters and synteny analysis. Contrary to previous studies, biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) analysis for predicting secondary metabolites revealed the presence of the LAP biosynthesis pathway in the complete genome of D. barathri, predicting the potential synthesis of the secondary metabolite plantazolicin. Furthermore, an analysis to investigate the potential pathogenicity of D. barathri did not reveal any antibiotic resistance genes; however, nine virulence factors were identified in the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB). According to these matching results in the VFDB, despite identifying a few factors involved in biofilm formation, further research is required to determine the actual impact of D. barathri on pathogenicity. The complete genome of D. barathri is expected to serve as a valuable resource for future studies on D. barathri, which currently lack sufficient genomic sequence information.