bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal Protein with Chlorella vulgaris Powder on the Growth and Intestinal Health of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Yang Linlin , Cai Minglang , Zhong Lei , Shi Yong , Xie Shouqi , Hu Yi , Zhang Junzhi
Published: July 2023

Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) powder is a novel non-grain single-cell protein with enormous potential to be a protein source. However, it is poorly studied in aquatic animals. The purpose of the present study was to explore the optimum replacement ratio of C. vulgaris powder and the influence of the substitution of soybean meal with C. vulgaris on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in terms of growth performance, intestinal integrity and the microbial community. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated by replacing 0% (SM, containing 30% soybean meal), 25% (X25), 50% (X50), 75% (X75) and 100% (X100) soybean meal with C. vulgaris. The feeding trial period lasted 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental trial, the X50 group showed higher FW, WGR and PER than the SM group (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the X50 group was significantly lower than that of the SM group (p < 0.05). The X50 group showed the highest value of the goblet cell number, intestinal amylase and trypsin activities when compared with the SM group (p < 0.05). Replacing 50% soybean meal with C. vulgaris improved the intestinal barrier integrity, as evidenced by upregulating zo-1, zo-2 and occluding transcript (p < 0.05), and alleviated oxidative stress by an increased SOD enzymatic activity and transcript level, probably mediated through the Nrf2-keap1 signaling pathway (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the X50 group enhanced intestinal immunity, as manifested by increased ACP and LZM activities (p < 0.05), and downregulated the tlr-4, tlr-7, tlr-8 and il-6 through the tlr pathway (p < 0.05). The functionally predicting pathways related to the nitrate respiration and nitrogen respiration were observably activated in the X50 group (p < 0.05). The X50 group improved the biological barrier, as manifested by increased Firmicutes and Rhodobacter (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary C. vulgaris powder could promote the growth performance of grass carp by restoring intestinal morphology, increasing digestive enzyme activities, improving antioxidant properties and immunity and optimizing the microflora structure. A C. vulgaris powder replacement of 50% soybean meal was recommended as feed for grass carp.
Correction: Davies et al. Impact of Refinements to Handling and Restraint Methods in Mice. Animals 2022, 12, 2173
Authors: Davies Jennifer R. , Purawijaya Dandri A. , Bartlett Julia M. , Robinson Emma S. J.
Published: July 2023

In the original publication [...]
In Silico Analysis of Honey Bee Peptides as Potential Inhibitors of Capripoxvirus DNA-Directed RNA Polymerase
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Mahrosh Hafiza Salaha , Salman Mahwish , Ali Muhammad , Arif Rawaba , Ahmed Sibtain , Ebaid Hossam
Published: July 2023

The genus Capripoxvirus belongs to the Poxviridae family. The sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease viruses are three species of this genus with 96% identity in their genomes. These are financially devastating viral infections among cattle, which cause a reduction in animal products and lead to a loss in livestock industries. In the current study, the phylogenetic analysis was carried out to reveal the evolutionary relationships of Capripoxvirus species (i.e., sheeppox virus (SPPV), goatpox virus (GTPV), and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV)) with other viruses from the Poxviridae family with >96% query coverage to find the similarity index among all members. The three viruses (i.e., SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV) joined the clade of Capripoxvirus of the Poxviridae family in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited close evolutionary relationships. The multiple sequence alignment using ClustalOmega revealed significant variations in the protein sequences of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV. The three-dimensional structures of five selected bee peptides and DNA-directed RNA polymerase of SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV were predicted using trRosetta and I-TASSER and used for molecular docking and simulation studies. The protein–protein docking was carried out using HADDOCK server to explore the antiviral activity of peptides as honey bee proteins against SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV. In total, five peptides were docked to DNA-directed RNA polymerase of these viruses. The peptides mellitin and secapin-1 displayed the lowest binding scores (−106.9 +/− 7.2 kcal/mol and −101.4 +/− 11.3 kcal/mol, respectively) and the best patterns with stable complexes. The molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the complex of protein DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the peptide melittin stayed firmly connected and the peptide binding to the receptor protein was stable. The findings of this study provide the evidence of bee peptides as potent antimicrobial agents against sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease viruses with no complexity.
QTLs and Candidate Genes Associated with Semen Traits in Merino Sheep
Authors: Hodge Marnie J. , de las Heras-Saldana Sara , Rindfleish Sally J. , Stephen Cyril P. , Pant Sameer D.
Published: July 2023

Ram semen traits play a significant role in conception outcomes, which in turn may influence reproductive efficiency and the overall productivity and profitability of sheep enterprises. Since hundreds of ewes may be inseminated from a single ejaculate, it is important to evaluate semen quality prior to use in sheep breeding programs. Given that semen traits have been found to be heritable, genetic variation likely contributes to the variability observed in these traits. Identifying such genetic variants could provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying variability in semen traits. Therefore, this study aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with semen traits in Merino sheep. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was undertaken using 4506 semen collection records from 246 Merino rams collected between January 2002 and May 2021. The R package RepeatABEL was used to perform a GWAS for semen volume, gross motility, concentration, and percent post-thaw motility. A total of 35 QTLs, located on 16 Ovis aries autosomes (OARs), were significantly associated with either of the four semen traits in this study. A total of 89, 95, 33, and 73 candidate genes were identified, via modified Bonferroni, within the QTLs significantly associated with volume, gross motility, concentration, and percent post-thaw motility, respectively. Among the candidate genes identified, SORD, SH2B1, and NT5E have been previously described to significantly influence spermatogenesis, spermatozoal motility, and high percent post-thaw motility, respectively. Several candidate genes identified could potentially influence ram semen traits based on existing evidence in the literature. As such, validation of these putative candidates may offer the potential to develop future strategies to improve sheep reproductive efficiency. Furthermore, Merino ram semen traits are lowly heritable (0.071–0.139), and thus may be improved by selective breeding.
Employing Genome Mining to Unveil a Potential Contribution of Endophytic Bacteria to Antimicrobial Compounds in the Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil
Authors: Vitali Francesco , Frascella Arcangela , Semenzato Giulia , Del Duca Sara , Palumbo Piccionello Antonio , Mocali Stefano , Fani Renato , Emiliani Giovanni
Published: July 2023

Essential oils (EOs) from medicinal plants have long been used in traditional medicine for their widely known antimicrobial properties and represent a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Endophytes may contribute to the yield and composition of EOs, representing a useful tool for biotechnological applications. In this work, we investigated the genomic basis of this potential contribution. The annotated genomes of four endophytic strains isolated from Origanum vulgare L. were used to obtain KEGG ortholog codes, which were used for the annotation of different pathways in KEGG, and to evaluate whether endophytes might harbor the (complete) gene sets for terpene and/or plant hormone biosynthesis. All strains possessed ortholog genes for the mevalonate-independent pathway (MEP/DOXP), allowing for the production of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) precursors. Ortholog genes for the next steps in terpenoid biosynthesis were scarce. All the strains possess potential plant growth promotion (PGP) ability, as shown by the presence of orthologous genes involved in the biosynthesis of indoleacetic acid. The main contribution of endophytes to the yield and composition of O. vulgare EO very likely resides in their PGP activities and in the biosynthesis of precursors of bioactive compounds.
Targeted Metabolomics Analysis Suggests That Tacrolimus Alters Protection against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Joncquel Marie , Labasque Julie , Demaret Julie , Bout Marie-Adélaïde , Hamroun Aghilès , Hennart Benjamin , Tronchon Mathieu , Defevre Magali , Kim Isabelle , Kerckhove Alain , George Laurence , Gilleron Mylène , Dessein Anne-Frédérique , Zerimech Farid , Grzych Guillaume
Published: July 2023

Tacrolimus (FK506) is an immunosuppressant that is experiencing a continuous rise in usage worldwide. The related side effects are known to be globally dose-dependent. Despite numerous studies on FK506, the mechanisms underlying FK506 toxicity are still not well understood. It is therefore essential to explore the toxicity mediated by FK506. To accomplish this, we conducted a targeted metabolomic analysis using LC−MS on the plasma samples of patients undergoing FK506 treatment. The aim was to identify any associated altered metabolic pathway. Another anti-calcineurin immunosuppressive therapy, ciclosporin (CSA), was also studied. Increased plasma concentrations of pipecolic acid (PA) and sarcosine, along with a decrease in the glycine/sarcosine ratio and a tendency of increased plasma lysine was observed in patients under FK506 compared to control samples. Patients under CSA do not show an increase in plasma PA compared to the control samples, which does not support a metabolic link between the calcineurin and PA. The metabolomics changes observed in patients under FK506 highlight a possible link between FK506 and the action of an enzyme involved in both PA and sarcosine catabolism and oxidative pathway, the Peroxisomal sarcosine oxidase (PIPOX). Moreover, PA could be investigated as a potential biomarker of early nephrotoxicity in the follow-up of patients under FK506.
Correction: Kim et al. Mito-TIPTP Increases Mitochondrial Function by Repressing the Rubicon-p22phox Interaction in Colitis-Induced Mice. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 1954
Authors: Kim Jae-Sung , Kim Ye-Ram , Jang Sein , Wang Sang Geon , Cho Euni , Mun Seok-Jun , Jeon Hye-In , Kim Hyo-Keun , Min Sun-Joon , Yang Chul-Su
Published: July 2023

In the original publication [...]
Hardware-in-the-Loop Techniques for Complex Systems Analysis: Bibliometric Analysis of Available Literature
Authors: Cabeza Luisa F. , Verez David , Teixidó Mercè
Published: July 2023

Simulating complex systems in real time presents both significant advantages and challenges. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation has emerged as an interesting technique for addressing these challenges. While HIL has gained attention in the scientific literature, its application in energy studies and power systems remains scattered and challenging to locate. This paper aims to provide an assessment of the penetration of the HIL technique in energy studies and power systems. The analysis of the literature reveals that HIL is predominantly employed in evaluating electrical systems (smart grids, microgrids, wind systems), with limited application in thermal energy systems (energy storage). Notably, the combination of electrical hardware-in-the-loop (EHIL) and thermal hardware-in-the-loop (THIL) techniques has found application in the assessment of vehicle thermal management systems and smart cities and, recently, has also been adopted in building systems. The findings highlight the potential for further exploration and expansion of the HIL technique in diverse energy domains, emphasizing the need for addressing challenges such as hardware–software compatibility, real-time data acquisition, and system complexity.
Optimal Path Planning and Tracking Control Methods for Parafoil
Authors: Li Zhihan , Nan Ying
Published: July 2023

Due to the problems of flexible parafoil systems that are susceptible to complex disturbances, such as external wind fields and being difficult to control, it is necessary to study the path planning and tracking control methods of parafoil under complex conditions. In this paper, the particle model and dynamic model of the parafoil system are established, and the path planning method based on the original natural (ON) principle coupled with meteorological interference, terrain avoidance, and other environmental models is studied. Sliding mode control is introduced into the path tracking control of the parafoil system, and tracking errors of the parafoil position and velocity are taken as the design criteria for the sliding mode surface. The control law of the sliding mode controller is derived. Through simulation comparison with other path planning and tracking control methods, the methods designed in this paper can reflect better path planning and tracking performance. The methods designed in this paper can effectively suppress the impact of external disturbances, improve accuracy, and enhance robustness.
Privacy-Preserving Biometrics Image Encryption and Digital Signature Technique Using Arnold and ElGamal
Authors: Qin Ying , Zhang Bob
Published: July 2023

The scientific study of privacy-preserving biometrics, represented by the palmprint, face, and iris, has grown tremendously. That being said, there has not been much attention paid to the proper preservation, transmission, and authentication of biometric images used in everyday applications. In this paper, we propose a new complete model for encrypting and decrypting biometric images, including their signing and authentication, using a nested algorithm of 3D Arnold Transform. In addition, the ElGamal Encryption Algorithm for the encryption part and the ElGamal Digital Signature for the signature part are applied. The model is mainly based on the Arnold Transform and Public-Key Cryptosystem, which are convenient for key transfer and fully functional. Here, the model succeeds in encrypting and securing the authentication process for privacy-preserving biometric images. Various tests have been carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and security of the proposed model and have been compared with existing encryption methods to achieve better results. Moreover, the proposed model can also be extended to the storage, transmission, and authentication of biometric data for daily use.
A Comparative Biomechanical Analysis of Topspin Forehand against Topspin and Backspin in Table Tennis
Authors: Mao Chuangui , Liu Tao , Li Xinglu , Lu Zijun , Li Zhengao , Xing Kaige , Chen Lixia , Sun Yuliang
Published: July 2023

The topspin forehand is the most frequent and effective shot in top-level table tennis matches. The present study assesses the biomechanical differences in the topspin forehand stroke technique when the incoming ball is in different rotations. Eight national level-1 male table tennis athletes (176.6 ± 4.8 cm, 70.8 ± 6.6 kg, 20.9 ± 2.4 yr) performed two kinds of techniques—topspin forehand strokes against topspin (AT) and against backspin (AB) balls, respectively. The kinematic parameters of their bodies and rackets were calculated. Meanwhile, the force plates analyzed their lower limb moments through inverse dynamics. Paired t-test and non-parametric paired t-test mapping were used to assess the differences between the two conditions. Their center of gravity (COG) vertical distance, elbow flexion, thorax–pelvis flexion, and knee flexion angles had significant differences during the stroke phase (p < 0.05). The moment of the racket-side hip rotation and ankle dorsiflexion showed significant differences during the stroke phase (p < 0.05). The racket velocity, angle, and trajectories showed significant differences at characteristic moments (p < 0.05). This study revealed the different topspin forehand stroke techniques in table tennis, even though the two movements look similar. Compared with AT strokes, the athletes kept a straight elbow and lower center of gravity than they did during the stroke phase of AB strokes. They increased the distance of the racket trajectory and velocity to meet the incoming ball with a backspin, especially in the vertical direction. This detailed information is necessary for beginners to improve the efficiency of their forehand topspin technique, especially in strokes against incoming balls with different rotations.
A Survey on Formal Verification and Validation Techniques for Internet of Things
Authors: Krichen Moez
Published: July 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about a new era of connected devices and systems, with applications ranging from healthcare to transportation. However, the reliability and security of these systems are critical concerns that must be addressed to ensure their safe and effective operation. This paper presents a survey of formal verification and validation (FV&V) techniques for IoT systems, with a focus on the challenges and open issues in this field. We provide an overview of formal methods and testing techniques for the IoT and discuss the state explosion problem and techniques to address it. We also examined the use of AI in software testing and describe examples of tools that use AI in this context. Finally, we discuss the challenges and open issues in FV&V for the IoT and present possible future directions for research. This survey paper aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of FV&V techniques for IoT systems and to highlight areas for further research and development.
A Feature Construction Method That Combines Particle Swarm Optimization and Grammatical Evolution
Authors: Tsoulos Ioannis G. , Tzallas Alexandros
Published: July 2023

The problem of data classification or data fitting is widely applicable in a multitude of scientific areas, and for this reason, a number of machine learning models have been developed. However, in many cases, these models present problems of overfitting and cannot generalize satisfactorily to unknown data. Furthermore, in many cases, many of the features of the input data do not contribute to learning, or there may even be hidden correlations between the features of the dataset. The purpose of the proposed method is to significantly reduce data classification or regression errors through the usage of a technique that utilizes the particle swarm optimization method and grammatical evolution. This method is divided into two phases. In the first phase, artificial features are constructed using grammatical evolution, and the progress of the creation of these features is controlled by the particle swarm optimization method. In addition, this new technique utilizes penalty factors to limit the generated features to a range of values to make training machine learning models more efficient. In the second phase of the proposed technique, these features are exploited to transform the original dataset, and then any machine learning method can be applied to this dataset. The performance of the proposed method was measured on some benchmark datasets from the relevant literature. Also, the method was tested against a series of widely used machine learning models. The experiments performed showed a significant improvement of 30% on average in the classification datasets and an even greater improvement of 60% in the data fitting datasets.
Effects of the Properties of Fines on the Pore Water Pressure Generation Characteristics of Sand–Silt–Clay Mixtures during Cyclic Loading
Authors: Hsiao Darn-Horng , Lin Chung-Chieh
Published: July 2023

To investigate the effects of the properties of plastic fines on the pore water pressure generation characteristics of fine-grained soils during cyclic loadings, we used 29 sets of test data from the literature and prepared another 21 reconstituted specimens with different types of fines and fine contents (FCs) for cyclic triaxial testing. Two types of undisturbed soil specimens and three types of reconstituted soil specimens were also included for testing. The results indicated that under cyclic loading, the pore water pressure (PWP) ratios of clean sands increased slowly, stagnated, then finally accelerated until initial liquefaction, whereas those of the plastic soils containing fines with a plastic index (PI) value of >5 increased sharply in the initial stage. In addition, the cyclic stress ratio of specimens containing mudstone (PI = 12.4) and kaolinite (PI = 32.0) fines increased by 1.5–3.0 times more than non-plastic fines if the cyclic number chosen was 100. The range of the upper and lower limits of the PWP curves of the specimens with an FC of 30% were smaller that of the limits of the PWP curves of the specimens with an FC of 15%. The above results were further analyzed using a mathematical model. This paper systematically uses both the literature and laboratory test data to demonstrate that plastic fines and non-plastic fines have significantly different effects on water pressure generation under cyclic loading conditions, and a mathematical model also demonstrated the same trends. These findings are able to clarify previous unclear arguments. Thus, the model results developed in this study could also provide the field of engineering with a complete advanced calculation, requiring analysis only via software.
Time–Space Conflict Management in Construction Sites Using Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and Path Planning in Unity
Authors: Fathi Sahand , Fathi Soheil , Balali Vahid
Published: July 2023

Time–space conflicts are one of the most common issues facing construction practices, impacting safety and productivity in several negative ways at construction sites. Therefore, implementing and developing methods to reduce the frequency of such conflicts occurring in activity workspaces can effectively enhance project performance. Space is usually a constrained resource in construction project sites; therefore, in this project, we propose an approach as a method of time–space conflict management in construction project sites. The method implements Informed Rapidly Exploring Random Tree-Star (Informed-RRT*) path planning, Discrete Event Simulation (DES), and geometry to automatically detect and resolve time–space conflicts in construction projects. To evaluate the method’s capabilities, it is tested on a case study of an earthwork operation, including the loading, hauling, dumping, and return phases. Finally, our method finds the shortest travel path and duration for each hauling truck between two given starting and end points in each phase without colliding with static obstacles (randomly placed in the site), intersection points of the trucks’ path, the start and stop time for the truck serving higher-priority construction activities, and the total duration of each truck’s earthwork operation.
Commuted PD Controller for Nonlinear Systems: Glucose–Insulin Regulatory Case
Authors: Pujol-Vázquez Gisela , Acho Leonardo , Gibergans-Báguena José
Published: July 2023

As an option to deal with insulin-dependent disease, a recently commuted PD control strategy is designed and carefully analyzed for different clinic diabetic patients. This controller approach is mainly conceived to stabilize the glucose blood concentration in a diabetic patient around its basal value; hence, avoiding extreme situations such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. This control strategy receives two inputs carefully tuned to actuate when the measured variable is out of a prescribed healthy zone. Therefore, one of these variables is invoked to decrease the glucose concentration to insulin injection, and the other is employed to increase the glucose absorption, both by using a proper PD controller. According to our numerical experiments, our controller approach performs well, even when there is an external disturbance in the controlled system.
Fresh Broccoli in Fortified Snack Pellets: Extrusion-Cooking Aspects and Physical Characteristics
Authors: Mitrus Marcin , Combrzyński Maciej , Biernacka Beata , Wójtowicz Agnieszka , Milanowski Marek , Kupryaniuk Karol , Gancarz Marek , Soja Jakub , Różyło Renata
Published: July 2023

The aim of the study was to obtain a new type of potato-based snack pellets fortified with fresh broccoli addition and to estimate their extrusion-cooking parameters (processing stability) and selected physical properties. In this work, fresh broccoli was added at varying levels (10, 20, and 30%) to potato-based pellets—a half-product for expanded ready-to-eat food snacks. The obtained results showed that the assessed variables: moisture content, screw speed, and amount of added fresh broccoli, have significantly affected the extrusion-cooking process and final product physical properties. Accordingly, increasing fresh broccoli by up to 30% induced higher efficiency of the extrusion-cooking process, lower energy consumption, a lower expansion index, lower bulk density values, and proper durability. Application of fresh broccoli may also significantly reduce water consumption during processing and save energy due to the omission of the vegetable drying step. We recommend the application of up to 30% fresh broccoli in newly developed extruded snack pellet formulations. Fresh broccoli, a valuable vegetable source of health-promoting substances, may be an attractive additive in snack pellet half-products with no negative effect on processing.
Experimental Study of the Correlation between the Wear and the Braking System Efficiency of a Vehicle
Authors: Ilie Filip , Cristescu Andreea-Catalina
Published: July 2023

The growing number of vehicles leads to increasingly intense and congested traffic, which will additionally put demand on the braking system, and drivers behave more aggressively. As a result, the braking system must be durable and efficient. For this purpose, the study of the braking system behavior in conditions of intense and moderate traffic is required to increase the safety of traffic participants—respectively, to demonstrate the need for more frequent replacement of some braking system elements. Thus, a series of successive tests were performed on a vehicle, through which the degree of wear of the brake pads and discs was monitored periodically, resulting in the efficiency evolution of the braking system. The tests were carried out both in the laboratory (on a dynamometer) and in traffic to establish the efficiency of the braking system according to some parameters considered essential. The experimental tests showed that the recommendations regarding the frequency of replacement of brake pads and discs are inconsistent with their actual wear. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to establish the braking system efficiency of a vehicle, subject to testing depending on the vehicle mass, travel speed, distance driven, and braking time, based on experimental tests, on stand and in-traffic, according to the road safety regulations. The validation of the braking system efficiency of the tested vehicle was done by measuring the stopping distance and time in relation to the initial speed, the mass of the vehicle, the number of kilometers traveled, and conditions of intense and moderate traffic.
Thermochemical and Kinetic Analysis of Combustion of Plastic Wastes and Their Blends with Lignite
Authors: Vasileiadou Agapi , Tsioptsias Costas
Published: July 2023

The management of plastic waste is considered to be among the major environmental problems that must be urgently addressed. For various reasons, recycling of plastic waste is not always feasible. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of a mixture of plastic wastes (of the municipal solid wastes, MSW) as potential fuel is performed. Precisely, the combustion of plastic waste and the co-combustion of plastic waste-lignite blends are studied. Thermochemical characteristics, chemical composition, and kinetic parameters are measured/estimated. The environmental impact of these samples is also evaluated in terms of CO2 maximum potential emissions and ash production. In addition, the ash quality and its risk for slagging problems are explored. The random mixture of plastic waste revealed extremely high energy content (34 MJ/kg), which is higher than some well-established liquid fuels, e.g., ethanol and lower ash content (~5 wt.%), with lower activation energy and a higher maximum rate of mass loss (~9%/min) than lignite. Besides the much lower amount of produced ash, plastic waste, despite its higher carbon content, exhibits lower CO2 maximum potential emissions (~75 g CO2/MJ). The composition of the ash produced by plastic waste and lignite is different quantitatively but qualitatively is of the same type (similar medium risk ash). The superior characteristics of plastic waste are also evident in the blends. Provided that toxic emissions are captured, the utilization of plastic waste through combustion seems to be an attractive approach for simultaneous waste management and energy production, especially for plastic waste of limited recycling potential.
The Commuting Patterns and Health Effects among Urban Residents in Low-Visibility Air Pollution Environments: An Empirical Study of Gaoyou City, China
Authors: Cao Yang , Xu Hao , Wu Hao , Lu Xi , Shen Shuwen
Published: July 2023

Low-visibility air pollution frequently occurs in the major cities of China and affects residents’ physical and mental health. This study, using Gaoyou City as a case study, selected 10 typical residential communities with different locations and types and conducted a questionnaire survey for two consecutive weeks to measure commuting behavior characteristics and health effects among residents in environments with different degrees of air pollution from November to December 2022. Concerning commuting distance, the average straight distance for short-distance commuting was 1.4 km, and the median commuting distance was 13.2 km. In air-polluted environments, residents’ commuting times were mainly concentrated within 1.5 h, with a majority taking 20 min to 30 min. The working and living spaces presented a circular core distribution pattern, with low-visibility air pollution significantly affecting the choice of commuting mode and having an indirect impact on health. The proportion of people who chose bus commuting significantly increased as air pollution changed from mild to moderate, whereas the proportion of people choosing slower commuting, such as walking, significantly decreased. While no significant fluctuations in physical health levels occurred, psychological health levels significantly decreased. In high air pollution environments, residents’ sleep quality, attitudes towards life, emotional states, and other assessed factors exhibited an inverted U-shaped correlation with commuting patterns. Low-visibility air pollution indirectly damaged the health of residents by affecting their commuting patterns, reducing their physical activity intensity and commuting options, and increasing their psychological stress and anxiety.
In Vivo Measurement of Ear Ossicle and Bony Wall Vibration by Sound Stimulation of Cartilage Conduction
Authors: Yazama Hiroaki , Arii Shiro , Kataoka Hideyuki , Watanabe Tasuku , Kamitani Ryo , Fujiwara Kazunori
Published: July 2023

The cartilage-conduction pathway was recently proposed as a third auditory pathway; however, middle-ear vibrations have not yet been investigated in vivo. We aimed to measure the ossicles and bone vibration upon cartilage-conduction stimulation with a non-contact laser Doppler vibrometer. We recruited adult patients with normal ear structures who underwent cochlear implant surgery at our hospital between April 2020 and December 2022. For sound input, a cartilage-conduction transducer, custom-made by RION Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), was fixed to the surface of the tragus and connected to an audiometer to regulate the output. A posterior tympanotomy was performed and a laser beam was directed through the cavity to measure the vibration of the ossicles, cochlear promontory, and posterior wall of the external auditory canal. Five participants (three men, mean age: 56.4 years) were included. The mean hearing loss on the operative side was 96.3 dB HL in one patient, and that of the other patients was off-scale. The vibrations were measured at a sound input of 1 kHz and 60 dB. We observed vibrations of all three structures, demonstrating the existence of cartilage-conduction pathways in vivo. These results may help uncover the mechanisms of the cartilage-conduction pathway in the future.
Cartilage Conduction Hearing Aids in Clinical Practice
Authors: Nishimura Tadashi , Hosoi Hiroshi , Shimokura Ryota , Kitahara Tadashi
Published: July 2023

A relatively loud sound is audible when a vibrator is attached to the aural cartilage. This form of conduction is referred to as cartilage conduction (CC). In Japan, a new type of hearing aid has been developed using CC and has been available in clinical practice since 2017. A clinical study conducted prior to its launch demonstrated its benefits, particularly in patients with aural atresia who were unable to use air conduction hearing aids. Several studies have been published on the benefits of CC hearing aids since their introduction into clinical practice. Most of the patients included in these studies had canal stenosis or aural atresia, and the purchase rates of CC hearing aids in these patients were relatively high. However, the number of patients with canal-open ears was small, with overall poor results in the trials, with the exception of patients with continuous otorrhea. CC hearing aids are considered a good option for compensating for hearing loss in ears with canal stenosis or atresia in both bilateral and unilateral cases. However, CC hearing aids are not currently considered the first choice for patients with a canal-open ear.
Solving Integral Equations via Fixed Point Results Involving Rational-Type Inequalities
Authors: Shah Khayyam Syed , Sarwar Muhammad , Khan Asad , Mlaiki Nabil , Azmi Fatima M.
Published: July 2023

In this study, we establish unique and common fixed point results in the context of a complete complex-valued b-metric space using rational-type inequalities. The presented work generalizes some well-known results from the existing literature. Furthermore, to ensure the validity of the findings, we have included some examples and a section on the existence of solutions for the systems of Volterra–Hammerstein integral equations and Urysohn integral equations, respectively.
Dopamine Transporter Knockout Rats Display Epigenetic Alterations in Response to Cocaine Exposure
Authors: Vilca Samara , Wahlestedt Claes , Izenwasser Sari , Gainetdinov Raul R. , Pardo Marta
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: There is an urgent need for effective treatments for cocaine use disorder (CUD), and new pharmacological approaches targeting epigenetic mechanisms appear to be promising options for the treatment of this disease. Dopamine Transporter (DAT) transgenic rats recently have been proposed as a new animal model for studying susceptibility to CUD. (2) Methods: DAT transgenic rats were treated chronically with cocaine (10 mg/kg) for 8 days, and the expression of epigenetic modulators, Lysine Demethylase 6B (KDM6B) and Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), was examined in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). (3) Results: We show that only full knockout (KO) of DAT impacts basal levels of KDM6B in females. Additionally, cocaine altered the expression of both epigenetic markers in a sex- and genotype-dependent manner. In response to chronic cocaine, KDM6B expression was decreased in male rats with partial DAT mutation (HET), while no changes were observed in wild-type (WT) or KO rats. Indeed, while HET male rats have reduced KDM6B and BRD4 expression, HET female rats showed increased KDM6B and BRD4 expression levels, highlighting the impact of sex on epigenetic mechanisms in response to cocaine. Finally, both male and female KO rats showed increased expression of BRD4, but only KO females exhibited significantly increased KDM6B expression in response to cocaine. Additionally, the magnitude of these effects was bigger in females when compared to males for both epigenetic enzymes. (4) Conclusions: This preliminary study provides additional support that targeting KDM6B and/or BRD4 may potentially be therapeutic in treating addiction-related behaviors in a sex-dependent manner.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Vasculopathies and Angiogenesis: Therapeutic Applications and Optimization
Authors: Zhu Ying , Liao Zhaofu , Mo Miaohua , Xiong Xingdong
Published: July 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as part of the cellular secretome, have emerged as essential cell–cell communication regulators in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Previous studies have widely reported that mesenchymal stromal cell-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) have potential therapeutic applications in ischemic diseases or regenerative medicine by accelerating angiogenesis. MSC-EVs also exert beneficial effects on other vasculopathies, including atherosclerosis, aneurysm, vascular restenosis, vascular calcification, vascular leakage, pulmonary hypertension, and diabetic retinopathy. Consequently, the potential of MSC-EVs in regulating vascular homeostasis is attracting increasing interest. In addition to native or naked MSC-EVs, modified MSC-EVs and appropriate biomaterials for delivering MSC-EVs can be introduced to this area to further promote their therapeutic applications. Herein, we outline the functional roles of MSC-EVs in different vasculopathies and angiogenesis to elucidate how MSC-EVs contribute to maintaining vascular system homeostasis. We also discuss the current strategies to optimize their therapeutic effects, which depend on the superior bioactivity, high yield, efficient delivery, and controlled release of MSC-EVs to the desired regions, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome to allow their broad clinical translation.
Biological Fluid Microsampling for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: A Narrative Review
Authors: Cafaro Alessia , Conti Matteo , Pigliasco Federica , Barco Sebastiano , Bandettini Roberto , Cangemi Giuliana
Published: July 2023

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a specialized area of laboratory medicine which involves the measurement of drug concentrations in biological fluids with the aim of optimizing efficacy and reducing side effects, possibly modifying the drug dose to keep the plasma concentration within the therapeutic range. Plasma and/or whole blood, usually obtained by venipuncture, are the “gold standard” matrices for TDM. Microsampling, commonly used for newborn screening, could also be a convenient alternative to traditional sampling techniques for pharmacokinetics (PK) studies and TDM, helping to overcome practical problems and offering less invasive options to patients. Although technical limitations have hampered the use of microsampling in these fields, innovative techniques such as 3-D dried blood spheroids, volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS), dried plasma spots (DPS), and various microfluidic devices (MDS) can now offer reliable alternatives to traditional samples. The application of microsampling in routine clinical pharmacology is also hampered by the need for instrumentation capable of quantifying analytes in small volumes with sufficient sensitivity. The combination of microsampling with high-sensitivity analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), is particularly effective in ensuring high accuracy and sensitivity from very small sample volumes. This manuscript provides a critical review of the currently available microsampling devices for both whole blood and other biological fluids, such as plasma, urine, breast milk, and saliva. The purpose is to provide useful information in the scientific community to laboratory personnel, clinicians, and researchers interested in implementing the use of microsampling in their routine clinical practice.
Improving the Mechanical Properties of Orthodontic Occlusal Splints Using Nanoparticles: Silver and Zinc Oxide
Authors: Barbur Ioan , Opris Horia , Colosi Horatiu Alexandru , Baciut Mihaela , Opris Daiana , Cuc Stanca , Petean Ioan , Moldovan Marioara , Dinu Cristian Mihail , Baciut Grigore
Published: July 2023

The goal of the current study was to determine the mechanical proprieties of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and the improved compound, the graphene-based PMMA, with Zn and Ag and to compare the results. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the samples before and after the mechanical test was conducted. The compression behavior, flexural properties, tensile strength, and shape of the samples were all investigated and compared between the variants of PMMA. Commercially available polymethylmethacrylate was used (Orthocryl®—Dentaurum, Ispringen, Germany) with the salt and pepper technique according to the manufacturer’s instructions to produce 20 samples for each mechanical trial with standard cylinders (4 mm diameter × 8 mm length) for compression, parallelepipedal prisms for flexing (2 mm × 2 mm × 25 mm) and flat samples for traction. There was no statistical difference in the mechanical proprieties of the samples evaluated, although there were values that could suggest significance. The graphene-based PMMA demonstrated good mechanical proprieties, like the commercially available PMMA, and appears promising for future clinical use based on its multiple advantages.
Calcium Channel Blockers and the Risk of Exacerbation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Nationwide Study of 48,488 Outpatients
Authors: Rastoder Ema , Sivapalan Pradeesh , Eklöf Josefin , Achir Alispahic Imane , Jordan Alexander Svorre , Laursen Christian B. , Vestbo Jørgen , Jenkins Christine , Nielsen Rune , Bakke Per , Fernandez-Romero Gustavo , Modin Daniel , Johansen Niklas , Davidovski Filip Soeskov , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Carlsen Jørn , Jensen Jens Ulrik Stæhr
Published: July 2023

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prone to developing arterial hypertension, and many patients are treated with the calcium channel blocker amlodipine. However, it remains unclear whether using this drug potentially affects the risk of acute severe exacerbations (AECOPD) and all-cause mortality in these patients. The data were collected from Danish national registries, containing complete information on health, prescriptions, hospital admissions, and outpatient clinic visits. The COPD patients (n = 48,488) were matched via propensity score on known predictors of the primary outcome in an active comparator design. One group was exposed to amlodipine treatment, and the other was exposed to bendroflumethiazide, since both of these drugs are considered to be the first choice for the treatment of arterial hypertension according to Danish guidelines. The use of amlodipine was associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes at the 1-year follow-up (hazard ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval: 0.62–0.76) compared with the use of bendroflumethiazide in the matched patients. No difference in the risk of severe AECOPD was found. In the COPD patients, amlodipine use was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes compared with the use of bendroflumethiazide. Amlodipine seems to be a safe first choice for the treatment of arterial hypertension in COPD patients.
Towards an Optimal KELM Using the PSO-BOA Optimization Strategy with Applications in Data Classification
Authors: Yue Yinggao , Cao Li , Chen Haishao , Chen Yaodan , Su Zhonggen
Published: July 2023

The features of the kernel extreme learning machine—efficient processing, improved performance, and less human parameter setting—have allowed it to be effectively used to batch multi-label classification tasks. These classic classification algorithms must at present contend with accuracy and space–time issues as a result of the vast and quick, multi-label, and concept drift features of the developing data streams in the practical application sector. The KELM training procedure still has a difficulty in that it has to be repeated numerous times independently in order to maximize the model’s generalization performance or the number of nodes in the hidden layer. In this paper, a kernel extreme learning machine multi-label data classification method based on the butterfly algorithm optimized by particle swarm optimization is proposed. The proposed algorithm, which fully accounts for the optimization of the model generalization ability and the number of hidden layer nodes, can train multiple KELM hidden layer networks at once while maintaining the algorithm’s current time complexity and avoiding a significant number of repeated calculations. The simulation results demonstrate that, in comparison to the PSO-KELM, BBA-KELM, and BOA-KELM algorithms, the PSOBOA-KELM algorithm proposed in this paper can more effectively search the kernel extreme learning machine parameters and more effectively balance the global and local performance, resulting in a KELM prediction model with a higher prediction accuracy.
An AAM-Based Identification Method for Ear Acupoint Area
Authors: Li Qingfeng , Chen Yuhan , Pang Yijie , Kou Lei , Lu Dongxin , Ke Wende
Published: July 2023

Ear image segmentation and identification is for the “observation” of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), because disease diagnoses and treatment are achieved through the massaging of or pressing on some corresponding ear acupoints. With the image processing of ear image positioning and regional segmentation, the diagnosis and treatment of intelligent traditional Chinese medicine ear acupoints is improved. In order to popularize ear acupoint therapy, image processing technology has been adopted to detect the ear acupoint areas and help to gradually replace well-trained, experienced doctors. Due to the small area of the ear and the numerous ear acupoints, it is difficult to locate these acupoints based on traditional image recognition methods. An AAM (active appearance model)-based method for ear acupoint segmentation was proposed. The segmentation was illustrated as 91 feature points of a human ear image. In this process, the recognition effects of the ear acupoints, including the helix, antihelix, cymba conchae, cavum conchae, fossae helicis, fossae triangularis auriculae, tragus, antitragus, and earlobe, were divided precisely. Besides these, specially appointed acupoints or acupoint areas could be prominent in ear images. This method made it possible to partition and recognize the ear’s acupoints through computer image processing, and maybe own the same abilities as experienced doctors for observation. The method was proved to be effective and accurate in experiments and can be used for the intelligent diagnosis of diseases.
Perceptions of Birds by Urban Residents in an Australian Regional City and Implications for Conservation
Authors: Champness Brendan S. , Fitzsimons James A. , Kendal Dave , Palmer Grant C.
Published: July 2023

Given the prevalence of common and threatened bird species within cities, more research is necessary to determine human attitudes to urban birds and how this may affect conservation in urban areas In Australia, few studies have considered the impact of human attitudes on birds; those that have focused primarily on particular species. In this study, we aim to understand the perceptions of urban residents of an Australian city (Ballarat) by examining the ways they categorise birds (using the multiple sorting technique). We found that people were particularly enamored by large, exotic species, but if familiar to them, native species were positively perceived by people. People tended to view aggressive species negatively, but only where this aggression was directed at humans. This approach gained important insight into the attitudes of these urban residents to local birds and their conservation. We used this insight to suggest how attitudes to avian species conservation may inform conservation initiatives and methods for maintaining biological diversity in urban areas.