bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renewable Energy and Decarbonization in the Canadian Mining Industry: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Issa Mohamad , Ilinca Adrian , Rousse Daniel R. , Boulon Loïc , Groleau Philippe
Published: October 2023

Mining in Canada stands as one of the most energy-intensive sectors, playing a pivotal role as a significant provider of copper, nickel, and cobalt to the international market. Anticipated growth in the global population, coupled with the transition of several low-income economies to middle-income status, is poised to escalate the demand for essential raw materials. This surge in demand is expected to drive an increase in energy consumption across various stages of the Canadian mining industry, encompassing exploration, extraction, processing, and refining. Due to their geographical constraints, most Canadian mining operations rely heavily on fossil fuels such as diesel and heavy fuel. Considering the global shift towards decarbonization and the pursuit of net-zero emission targets, exploring avenues for adopting electrification solutions and integrating renewable energy technologies, particularly in sizable surface mines, is imperative. Within this context, our study delves into the challenges and prospects associated with infusing renewable energy technologies and embracing electrification alternatives within Canadian mining practices. This exploration encompasses a comprehensive review of pertinent literature comprising academic research, technical analyses, and data disseminated by international entities and experts. The findings underscore a prevalent trend wherein Canadian mining enterprises are prominently investing in robust electric truck fleets, particularly for heavy-duty operations. Additionally, incorporating renewable energy solutions is notably prevalent in remote sites with extended operational lifespans. However, an in-depth examination reveals that the most formidable hurdles encompass successfully integrating renewable energy sources and battery electric vehicles. Financial constraints, logistical intricacies, and the imperative to enhance research and development competencies emerge as pivotal challenges that demand strategic addressing.
Evacuation Path Planning Based on the Hybrid Improved Sparrow Search Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wei Xiaoge , Zhang Yuming , Zhao Yinlong
Published: October 2023

In the face of fire in buildings, people need to quickly plan their escape routes. Intelligent optimization algorithms can achieve this goal, including the sparrow search algorithm (SSA). Despite the powerful search ability of the SSA, there are still some areas that need improvements. Aiming at the problem that the sparrow search algorithm reduces population diversity and is easy to fall into local optimum when solving the optimal solution of the objective function, a hybrid improved sparrow search algorithm is proposed. First, logistic-tent mapping is used to initialize the population and enhance diversity in the population. Also, an adaptive period factor is introduced into the producer’s update position equation. Then, the Lévy flight is introduced to the position of the participant to improve the optimization ability of the algorithm. Finally, the adaptive disturbance strategy is adopted for excellent individuals to strengthen the ability of the algorithm to jump out of the local optimum in the later stage. In order to prove the improvement of the optimization ability of the improved algorithm, the improved sparrow algorithm is applied to five kinds of maps for evacuation path planning and compared with the simulation results of other intelligent algorithms. The ultimate simulation results show that the optimization algorithm proposed in this paper has better performance in path length, path smoothness, and algorithm convergence, showing better optimization performance.
Rabbit Meat Extract Induces Browning in 3T3−L1 Adipocytes via the AMP−Activated Protein Kinase Pathway
Authors: Bae In-Seon , Lee Jeong Ah , Cho Soo-Hyun , Kim Hyoun-Wook , Kim Yunseok , Seo Kangmin , Cho Hyun-Woo , Lee Min Young , Chun Ju Lan , Kim Ki Hyun
Published: October 2023

The browning of white adipocytes may be an innovative approach to address obesity. This study investigated the effects of rabbit meat extract on 3T3−L1 adipocytes, with a specific emphasis on inducing browning. The browning effects of rabbit meat extract were evaluated by analyzing genes specifically expressed in 3T3−L1 adipocytes using quantitative PCR and immunoblotting. Rabbit meat extract increased the expression of brown adipocyte−specific markers, UCP1 and PGC1α, and mitochondrial biogenesis factors, TFAM and NRF1, without affecting cell viability in fully differentiated 3T3−L1 adipocytes. Moreover, adipocyte differentiation and the triglyceride content were decreased; hormone−sensitive lipase activity was promoted. Rabbit meat extract activated the AMPK pathway in the differentiated 3T3−L1 cells. However, in adipocytes treated with rabbit meat extract, the expression of genes related to browning was reduced by the AMP−activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, dorsomorphin dihydrochloride. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that rabbit meat extract induces the browning of white adipocytes via the activation of the AMPK pathway, thereby demonstrating its therapeutic potential in preventing obesity.
The Influence of the Lactation Period and the Type of Milk on the Content of Amino Acids and Minerals in Human Milk and Infant Formulas
Authors: Purkiewicz Aleksandra , Stasiewicz Małgorzata , Nowakowski Jacek J. , Pietrzak-Fiećko Renata
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: This study investigated the effect of the lactation period and the type of infant formula on the content of amino acids and selected minerals in an infant’s food; (2) Methods: The study material consisted of breast milk (colostrum, n = 38; transitional milk, mature milk, n = 38) and three types of infant formulas (for first and follow-on feeding). Amino acid content was determined using an automatic amino acid analyzer, while minerals were determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) technique; (3) Results: Breast milk and infant formulas contained a full range of essential amino acids. In most cases, the content of individual amino acids and minerals decreased with increasing lactation. In infant formulas, there were higher contents of phenylalanine, glutamic acid, proline, serine, and tyrosine in follow-on milk (p < 0.05). The EAA/TAA ratio in breast milk and infant formulas was similar, but the milk differed in their qualitative composition. Infant formulas contained levels of individual minerals that were several times higher—especially Mg, Ca, Mn, and Fe.; (4) Conclusions: Colostrum is more concentrated, and the level of amino acids and minerals is higher in it; as the milk matures, it decreases. In most cases, the content of individual amino acids and minerals is higher in infant formulas than in human milk, which is established through strict Codex Alimentarius procedures to ensure the proper development of infants.
Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Protein Delivery
Authors: Malta Rafaela , Marques Ana Camila , Costa Paulo Cardoso da , Amaral Maria Helena
Published: October 2023

Proteins and peptides are potential therapeutic agents, but their physiochemical properties make their use as drug substances challenging. Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymeric networks that can swell and retain high amounts of water or biological fluids without being dissolved. Due to their biocompatibility, their porous structure, which enables the transport of various peptides and proteins, and their protective effect against degradation, hydrogels have gained prominence as ideal carriers for these molecules’ delivery. Particularly, stimuli-responsive hydrogels exhibit physicochemical transitions in response to subtle modifications in the surrounding environment, leading to the controlled release of entrapped proteins or peptides. This review is focused on the application of these hydrogels in protein and peptide delivery, including a brief overview of therapeutic proteins and types of stimuli-responsive polymers.
GIP_HUMAN [22–51] Peptide Encoded by the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) Gene Suppresses Insulin Expression and Secretion in INS-1E Cells and Rat Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Pusch Emily , Krążek Małgorzata , Wojciechowicz Tatiana , Sassek Maciej , Kołodziejski Paweł , Strowski Mathias , Nowak Krzysztof , Skrzypski Marek
Published: October 2023

GIP_HUMAN [22–51] is a recently discovered peptide that shares the same precursor molecule with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). In vivo, chronic infusion of GIP_HUMAN [22–51] in ApoE−/− mice enhanced the development of aortic atherosclerotic lesions and upregulated inflammatory and proatherogenic proteins. In the present study, we evaluate the effects of GIP_HUMAN [22–51] on insulin mRNA expression and secretion in insulin-producing INS-1E cells and isolated rat pancreatic islets. Furthermore, we characterize the influence of GIP_HUMAN [22–51] on cell proliferation and death and on Nf-kB nuclear translocation. Rat insulin-producing INS-1E cells and pancreatic islets, isolated from male Wistar rats, were used in this study. Gene expression was evaluated using real-time PCR. Cell proliferation was studied using a BrdU incorporation assay. Cell death was quantified by evaluating histone-complexed DNA fragments. Insulin secretion was determined using an ELISA test. Nf-kB nuclear translocation was detected using immunofluorescence. GIP_HUMAN [22–51] suppressed insulin (Ins1 and Ins2) in INS-1E cells and pancreatic islets. Moreover, GIP_HUMAN [22–51] promoted the translocation of NF-κB from cytoplasm to the nucleus. In the presence of a pharmacological inhibitor of NF-κB, GIP_HUMAN [22–51] was unable to suppress Ins2 mRNA expression. Moreover, GIP_HUMAN [22–51] downregulated insulin secretion at low (2.8 mmol/L) but not high (16.7 mmol/L) glucose concentration. By contrast, GIP_HUMAN [22–51] failed to affect cell proliferation and apoptosis. We conclude that GIP_HUMAN [22–51] suppresses insulin expression and secretion in pancreatic β cells without affecting β cell proliferation or apoptosis. Notably, the effects of GIP_HUMAN [22–51] on insulin secretion are glucose-dependent.
Monitoring of Seasonal Under-Vine CO2 Effluxes in a Vineyard under Different Fertilization Practices
Authors: Cirigliano Pasquale , Cresti Andrea , Rengo Andrea , D’Arcangelo Mauro Eugenio Maria , Brunori Elena
Published: October 2023

Soil CO2 efflux is a pivotal component of agro-ecosystem C budgets. It is considered a proxy indicator of biological activity and a descriptor of soil quality that is strongly linked to agricultural soil management. We investigated the effects of soil fertilization practices (organo-mineral (OMN) versus chemical (C)) on soil under-vine CO2 efflux (TSR) in an Italian rainfed vineyard (cv Chardonnay). The TSR was measured using the chamber technique as follows: a close multi-chamber system (prototype) was placed under a vine. Data (CO2, temperature, and moisture) were acquired hourly during two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) from flowering to berry ripening. Physical–hydrological soil parameters were determined, and the seasonal trends of the TSR, soil temperature, and soil moisture were assessed. The TSR measurements fluctuated for the 2021 season, ranging from 1.03 to 1.97 µmol CO2∙m−2∙s−1 for the C treatment, while for the OMN treatment, the TSR measurements ranged from 1.24 to 1.71 µmol CO2∙m−2∙s−1. Extreme weather conditions (2022) highlighted the differences between the two agronomical practices, and a decoupling was found between the TSR and the soil water content, with the TSR being controlled primarily by the soil temperature. At the daily scale, the findings showed that the TSR reached its minimum in the early morning hours (5:00–8:00). The results promote organic–mineral nutrition as an improved practice for soil carbon storage (restoration of the organic fraction) by reducing the TSR, permitting the preservation of soil quality and stabilizing the hydrological traits by preserving the biotic activities.
Scanning for Obesogenicity of Primary School Environments in Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Phetla Morentho Cornelia , Skaal Linda
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to scan for the obesogenicity of primary school environments in Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa. This study was carried out in ten public primary schools in the Tshwane West district of the Gauteng province. An observational design was used to collect the data. Data collection was conducted using an observational checklist guided by the Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity (ANGELO) framework. The findings revealed that although a nutrition policy was available in most schools, few schools were communicating the policy. Despite all the schools having sports fields, children were not exercising. Most schools also had a school nutrition programme. Most primary schoolchildren’s lunchboxes contained sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and snacks. A few lunchboxes contained fruits and vegetables. Primary schools in Tshwane West did not comply with most aspects of the school mapping environment, indicating that the school environments were obesogenic. It is therefore essential to scan for obesogenicity in all South African schools so that tailor-made interventions can be implemented to rectify and further prevent obesogenic school environments.
Transcriptional Dysregulation and Impaired Neuronal Activity in FMR1 Knock-Out and Fragile X Patients’ iPSC-Derived Models
Authors: Maussion Gilles , Rocha Cecilia , Abdian Narges , Yang Dimitri , Turk Julien , Carrillo Valenzuela Dulce , Pimentel Luisa , You Zhipeng , Morquette Barbara , Nicouleau Michael , Deneault Eric , Higgins Samuel , Chen Carol X.-Q. , Reintsch Wolfgang E. , Ho Stanley , Soubannier Vincent , Lépine Sarah , Modrusan Zora , Lund Jessica , Stephenson William , Schubert Rajib , Durcan Thomas M.
Published: October 2023

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by a repression of the FMR1 gene that codes the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA binding protein involved in processes that are crucial for proper brain development. To better understand the consequences of the absence of FMRP, we analyzed gene expression profiles and activities of cortical neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and neurons obtained from FXS patients’ induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) and IPSC-derived cells from FMR1 knock-out engineered using CRISPR-CAS9 technology. Multielectrode array recordings revealed in FMR1 KO and FXS patient cells, decreased mean firing rates; activities blocked by tetrodotoxin application. Increased expression of presynaptic mRNA and transcription factors involved in the forebrain specification and decreased levels of mRNA coding AMPA and NMDA subunits were observed using RNA sequencing on FMR1 KO neurons and validated using quantitative PCR in both models. Intriguingly, 40% of the differentially expressed genes were commonly deregulated between NPCs and differentiating neurons with significant enrichments in FMRP targets and autism-related genes found amongst downregulated genes. Our findings suggest that the absence of FMRP affects transcriptional profiles since the NPC stage, and leads to impaired activity and neuronal differentiation over time, which illustrates the critical role of FMRP protein in neuronal development.
Structure of the Drosophila melanogaster Flight Muscle Myosin Filament at 4.7 Å Resolution Reveals New Details of Non-Myosin Proteins
Authors: Abbasi Yeganeh Fatemeh , Rastegarpouyani Hosna , Li Jiawei , Taylor Kenneth A.
Published: October 2023

Striated muscle thick filaments are composed of myosin II and several non-myosin proteins which define the filament length and modify its function. Myosin II has a globular N-terminal motor domain comprising its catalytic and actin-binding activities and a long α-helical, coiled tail that forms the dense filament backbone. Myosin alone polymerizes into filaments of irregular length, but striated muscle thick filaments have defined lengths that, with thin filaments, define the sarcomere structure. The motor domain structure and function are well understood, but the myosin filament backbone is not. Here we report on the structure of the flight muscle thick filaments from Drosophila melanogaster at 4.7 Å resolution, which eliminates previous ambiguities in non-myosin densities. The full proximal S2 region is resolved, as are the connecting densities between the Ig domains of stretchin-klp. The proteins, flightin, and myofilin are resolved in sufficient detail to build an atomic model based on an AlphaFold prediction. Our results suggest a method by which flightin and myofilin cooperate to define the structure of the thick filament and explains a key myosin mutation that affects flightin incorporation. Drosophila is a genetic model organism for which our results can define strategies for functional testing.
Transferrin-Conjugated Melittin-Loaded L-Arginine-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Mitigating Beta-Amyloid Pathology of the 5XFAD Mouse Brain
Authors: Choi Moonseok , Ryu Junghwa , Vu Huy Duc , Kim Dongsoo , Youn Young-Jin , Park Min Hui , Huynh Phuong Tu , Hwang Gyu-Bin , Youn Sung Won , Jeong Yun Ha
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases and a major contributor to dementia. Although the cause of this condition has been identified long ago as aberrant aggregations of amyloid and tau proteins, effective therapies for it remain elusive. The complexities of drug development for AD treatment are often compounded by the impermeable blood–brain barrier and low-yield brain delivery. In addition, the use of high drug concentrations to overcome this challenge may entail side effects. To address these challenges and enhance the precision of delivery into brain regions affected by amyloid aggregation, we proposed a transferrin-conjugated nanoparticle-based drug delivery system. The transferrin-conjugated melittin-loaded L-arginine-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Tf-MeLioNs) developed in this study successfully mitigated melittin-induced cytotoxicity and hemolysis in the cell culture system. In the 5XFAD mouse brain, Tf-MeLioNs remarkably reduced amyloid plaque accumulation, particularly in the hippocampus. This study suggested Tf-LioNs as a potential drug delivery platform and Tf-MeLioNs as a candidate for therapeutic drug targeting of amyloid plaques in AD. These findings provide a foundation for further exploration and advancement in AD therapeutics.
Insight into the Epigenetics of Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Authors: Srivastava Anusha , Srivastava Ankit , Singh Rajnish Kumar
Published: October 2023

Epigenetic reprogramming represents a series of essential events during many cellular processes including oncogenesis. The genome of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), an oncogenic herpesvirus, is predetermined for a well-orchestrated epigenetic reprogramming once it enters into the host cell. The initial epigenetic reprogramming of the KSHV genome allows restricted expression of encoded genes and helps to hide from host immune recognition. Infection with KSHV is associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma, multicentric Castleman’s disease, KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome, and primary effusion lymphoma. The major epigenetic modifications associated with KSHV can be labeled under three broad categories: DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the role of noncoding RNAs. These epigenetic modifications significantly contribute toward the latent–lytic switch of the KSHV lifecycle. This review gives a brief account of the major epigenetic modifications affiliated with the KSHV genome in infected cells and their impact on pathogenesis.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes Associated with Alkaloid Diversity in Javanese Long Pepper (Piper retrofractum) Fruits
Authors: Meechuen Methat , Pimsawang Lalita , Chaisan Tanapon , Samipak Sompid , Pluempanupat Wanchai , Juntawong Piyada
Published: October 2023

Alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites that play multifaceted roles in plant physiology, including defense mechanisms and interactions with other organisms. The alkaloids from Piper retrofractum (Javanese long pepper) fruits offer potential alternatives to synthetic pesticides due to their natural origin and insecticide properties. However, information on particular alkaloid biosynthesis pathways is required to enhance individual alkaloid production via metabolic engineering. Here, we perform HPLC profiling to demonstrate that fruit ripening influences the alkaloid diversity in P. retrofractum. De novo transcriptomic profiling of young, green mature, and red ripened fruits revealed that the piperine biosynthesis pathway genes were highly upregulated in the mature fruits. However, an enhanced accumulation of methyl piperate and guineensine in the ripened fruit was observed, entailing ripening-related differential gene expression to synchronize the alkaloid biosyntheses. Gene expression clustering and functional enrichment analysis identified a large group of genes involved in diverse biosynthetic processes explicitly enriched in the ripened fruits. A cohort of genes encoding for “Alkaloid Biosynthesis”, remarkably upregulated in the ripening fruits, indicates they may function directly in alkaloid diversity during a later stage of fruit development. This study provides the basis for metabolic engineering to enhance alkaloid diversity and production.
The Impact of Virtual Reality (VR) Tour Experience on Tourists’ Intention to Visit
Authors: Ouerghemmi Chourouk , Ertz Myriam , Bouslama Néji , Tandon Urvashi
Published: October 2023

Drawing on media richness theory, this study investigates the effect of rich media, such as virtual reality (VR), on visit intentions for a specific destination. Specifically, this research employs a mixed-method approach, using abductive theorization to explore and confirm the dimensions of the VR visit experience, notably those related to telepresence, a key concept in tourism through VR. Furthermore, the study aims to elucidate how telepresence influences mental imagery, attitudes towards tourist destinations, and actual visit intentions. To do this, qualitative data were gathered between February and June 2022 from 34 semi-structured interviews with respondents who viewed a VR video of the destination. A second study collected quantitative data from 400 participants through face-to-face questionnaires after a VR video view between June and August 2022. The findings reveal that telepresence comprises three dimensions: realism of the virtual environment, immersion, and the sense of presence in the virtual environment. Telepresence, in turn, both directly and indirectly affects actual visit intentions, with mental imagery and attitude toward tourist destinations partially mediating those relationships. This study provides methodological, theoretical, and tourism management implications to enhance our comprehension of telepresence’s facets, its measurement, and the process by which VR influences real visit intentions.
Evolution of the Road Network Topology of Central European Housing Estates
Authors: Hegyi Pál , Borsos Attila , Koren Csaba
Published: October 2023

The analysis of road network topology has attracted the attention of researchers in the past few decades. In this study, the road topology of housing estates in a few selected Central European countries (Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, and Slovakia) was analysed. This research was carried out in three steps: (1) the road network topology of different decades from the 1950s to the 1980s was described, (2) the ratio of intersections and dead-ends was investigated, and (3) the connectivity indices were analysed and compared. The research was carried out using ESRI ArcGIS software. The results show that the design of road networks built in different countries is similar in the housing estates studied. When analysing the road networks over time, significant differences could be found in the case of Hungary for housing estates built after the 1960s. In general, connectivity has become more important, as it has gradually increased over time.
Prediction of the Overseas Migration of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, to Japan
Authors: Otuka Akira
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is an invasive migratory insect pest that first arrived in Japan in early July 2019. Since then, the species has immigrated to Japan mainly in the summer monsoon season and inflicted damage mainly on the maize used as animal feed in the western region, where major immigrations occur. In this study, to know the precise arrival timing and area of S. frugiperda for purposes of pest management, a prediction method for its overseas migration from neighboring source areas was developed. (2) Methods: The method uses the Weather Research and Forecast model to give numerical weather predictions and the GEARN-insect model to predict migration. Emigration source areas on the Chinese mainland and the island of Taiwan and the insect’s take-off and flight behaviors were input to the GEARN-insect model to calculate the daily migration prediction figures. (3) Results: In a prediction evaluation using 2-year six-point trapping data in Japan, the prediction method achieved an average hitting ratio of 78%. (4) Conclusions: The method has sufficient prediction quality for operational use. The technique may be applicable to other migratory moths immigrating to Japan, such as the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata.
Association of Positive Bacterial Cultures Obtained from the Throat, Anus, Ear, Bronchi and Blood in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Premature Infants with Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity—Own Observations
Authors: Modrzejewska Monika , Bosy-Gąsior Wiktoria , Grzesiak Wilhelm
Published: October 2023

Background: The causative factors responsible for the development of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) are still unexplored. Therefore, one of the most important factors can be perinatal inflammation. Methods: This retrospective study included 114 premature infants (228 eyes) meeting a birth criteria of ≤ 32 weeks gestational age (GA) and a birth weight (BW) ≤ 1710. Examined Group (EG) n = 51 of BW 852.7 ± 255.7; GA 26.3 ± 2.0 with severe ROP treated by diode laser or anti-VEGF intravitreal injection. Control Group (CG) n = 63 of BW 1313.9 ± 284.5; GA 28.8 ± 1.6 without ROP. Microbiological bacterial and fungal cultures of the ear, anus, bronchial throat and blood were taken. Medical data and laboratory tests in correlation to 3 ROP and A-ROP were analysed. Results: Positive bacterial tests dominated in EG, 47% vs. CG, 23%. Significant correlations between positive cultures obtained from natural cavities: anus (p < 0.001), throat (p = 0.002), as well as from blood (p = 0.001) and severe ROP which requires diode laser and anti-VEGF treatment were noted. Significant inflammation markers which correlate with the development of severe ROP are Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) (p = 0.002) and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) (p < 0.001). CoNS, p < 0.001; KP, p = 0.002; the remaining Maltophilia stenotrophomonas (MS); Staphylococcus aureus (SA), p = 0.005; and Enterobacter cloacae (EC), p = 0.02 were the most frequent bacteria in severe ROP. High levels of white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocytes (LYM) and low thrombocytes (PLT) correlated sequentially with (Odds Ratio, OR) CoNS (2.3); MS (5.9); KP (3.1); and all positive cultures (APC) (9.5). An important correlation between the BPD—EC (4.3); intrauterine inflammation—KP (3.4); PDA—EC (3.9); and asphyxia—CoNS (3.0) was identified. Conclusions: It cannot be ruled out that positive microbiological results of blood, anal and pharyngeal cultures may become prognostic markers for the early development of ROP, which would enable early initiation of ophthalmological treatment in premature infants from the VLBW group.
Endometriosis as an Uncommon Cause of Intestinal Obstruction—A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Mușat Florentina , Păduraru Dan Nicolae , Bolocan Alexandra , Constantinescu Alexandru , Ion Daniel , Andronic Octavian
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of intestinal endometriosis has been estimated to be between 3% and 37% of all endometriosis cases. Cases of intestinal occlusion due to endometriosis foci on the small bowel and on the large bowel are even rarer, with a reported prevalence of 0.1–0.7%. The aim of this literature review was to summarize the available published evidence on the diagnosis, characteristics, and management of intestinal occlusion due to endometriosis. The search on PubMed retrieved 295 records, of which 158 were rejected following a review of the title and abstract. After reviewing the full text, 97 studies met the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, and Study (PICOS) criteria and were included in the analysis. The total number of patients with bowel occlusion due to endometriosis included in the studies was 107. The occlusive endometrial foci were localized on the ileum in 38.3% of the cases, on the rectosigmoid in 34.5% of the cases, at the ileocecal junction and the appendix in 14.9% of the cases, and at the rectum in 10.2% of the cases. Only one case reported large bowel obstruction by endometriosis of the hepatic flexure of the colon extending to the transverse colon (0.9%), and in one case the obstruction was caused by an omental giant endometrioid cyst compressing the intestines. We identified six cases of postmenopausal females with acute bowel obstruction due to endometriosis. Malignant degeneration of endometriosis was also identified as a cause of intestinal occlusion. The mechanisms of obstruction include the presence of a mass in the lumen of the intestine or in the wall of the intestine, extrinsic compression, adhesions, or intussusception.
Treatment-Related Factors Affecting the Success of Endodontic Microsurgery and the Influence of GTR on Radiographic Healing—A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Bieszczad Daniel , Wichlinski Jarosław , Kaczmarzyk Tomasz
Published: October 2023

The primary objective of this retrospective study was to assess the correlation between treatment-related factors (resection angle, depth of retrograde filling, length of resected root and use of guided tissue regeneration—GTR) evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and the treatment outcomes of endodontic microsurgery (EMS). The secondary purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of the GTR technique on the radiographic healing state, taking into account the initial parameters of periapical lesions. In 161 cases, the local factors (volume of a lesion, bone destruction pattern, presence/absence of cortical bone destruction) were measured using preoperative CBCT images before undergoing EMS. At least one year after surgery, the outcome of EMS was classified as a success or a failure (based on radiographic and clinical criteria). Using postoperative CBCT, treatment-related factors (resection angle, depth of retrograde filling, and length of resected root) were measured. Additionally, the status of radiographic healing was evaluated (in accordance with modified PENN 3D criteria). Eighteen cases (11.18%) were classified as failures, and 143 were classified as successes (88.82%). Univariate analysis showed that there was no statistically significant influence of treatment-related factors on the healing outcome of EMS. An exact Fischer’s test showed the significant impact of GTR on radiographic healing (P < 0.001) in apical lesions (P < 0.001), lesions with a volume between 100 mm3 and 450 mm3 (P < 0.009) and over 450 mm3 (P < 0.001), lesions with the destruction of one plate (P < 0.001), and lesions with the destruction of two plates (through and through) (P = 0.022). The use of GTR in apical lesions, lesions with volumes over 100 mm3, and lesions with the destruction of at least one plate is significantly associated with better radiographic healing.
Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in Preclinical Models of Glioblastoma
Authors: Llaguno-Munive Monserrat , Villalba-Abascal Wilberto , Avilés-Salas Alejandro , Garcia-Lopez Patricia
Published: October 2023

Cancer is a public health problem requiring ongoing research to improve current treatments and discover novel therapies. More accurate imaging would facilitate such research. Near-infrared fluorescence has been developed as a non-invasive imaging technique capable of visualizing and measuring biological processes at the molecular level in living subjects. In this work, we evaluate the tumor activity in two preclinical glioblastoma models by using fluorochrome (IRDye 800CW) coupled to different molecules: tripeptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD), 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), and polyethylene glycol (PEG). These molecules interact with pathological conditions of tumors, including their overexpression of αvβ3 integrins (RGD), elevated glucose uptake (2-DG), and enhanced permeability and retention effect (PEG). IRDye 800CW RGD gave the best in vivo fluorescence signal from the tumor area, which contrasted well with the low fluorescence intensity of healthy tissue. In the ex vivo imaging (dissected tumor), the accumulation of IRDye 800CW RGD could be appreciated at the tumor site. Glioblastoma tumors were presently detected with specificity and sensitivity by utilizing IRDye 800CW RGD, a near-infrared fluorophore combined with a marker of αvβ3 integrin expression. Further research is needed on its capacity to monitor tumor growth in glioblastoma after chemotherapy.
Parametric Study of the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of the Pumpjet Propulsor for the SUBOFF Submarine
Authors: Kim Jin-Wook , Kim Moon-Chan , Park Il-Ryong , Seol Hanshin , Kim Min-Jea , Jin Woo-Seok
Published: October 2023

Submarines with pumpjet propulsors have recently been used in many countries to improve their propulsion and noise performance. The pumpjet has the advantage of improving noise and cavitation performance by increasing the pressure inside the duct, and it has good efficiency at a low advance ratio. This study analyzed the propulsive performance of a pumpjet propulsor affixed to a SUBOFF submarine as a function of variations in the design parameters using computational fluid dynamics analysis. The incidence angle and camber of the duct and the pitch angle of the stator were selected as the design parameters. To investigate the propulsion performance as a function of the design parameter variations, each case’s thrust, torque, and efficiency were compared, and the velocity and pressure fields of each case were analyzed. In addition, the efficiency was analyzed using the non-dimensional mass flow rate and area ratio difference for each case. The duct incidence angle contributed most dominantly to the dimensionless flow rate and the difference in area ratio, and these two factors resulted in high efficiency at certain values. It is expected that further research will be conducted in the near future that takes into account cavitation inception speed and cavitation.
Narrating the Genetic Landscape of Human Class I Occlusion: A Perspective-Infused Review
Authors: Lone Iqbal M. , Zohud Osayd , Midlej Kareem , Awadi Obaida , Masarwa Samir , Krohn Sebastian , Kirschneck Christian , Proff Peter , Watted Nezar , Iraqi Fuad A.
Published: October 2023

This review examines a prevalent condition with multifaceted etiology encompassing genetic, environmental, and oral behavioral factors. It stands as a significant ailment impacting oral functionality, aesthetics, and quality of life. Longitudinal studies indicate that malocclusion in primary dentition may progress to permanent malocclusion. Recognizing and managing malocclusion in primary dentition is gaining prominence. The World Health Organization ranks malocclusions as the third most widespread oral health issue globally. Angle’s classification system is widely used to categorize malocclusions, with Class I occlusion considered the norm. However, its prevalence varies across populations due to genetic and examination disparities. Genetic factors, including variants in genes like MSX1, PAX9, and AXIN2, have been associated with an increased risk of Class I occlusion. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of clinical strategies for managing Class I occlusion and consolidate genetic insights from both human and murine populations. Additionally, genomic relationships among craniofacial genes will be assessed in individuals with Class I occlusion, along with a murine model, shedding light on phenotype–genotype associations of clinical relevance. The prevalence of Class I occlusion, its impact, and treatment approaches will be discussed, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. Additionally, the role of RNA alterations in skeletal Class I occlusion will be explored, focusing on variations in expression or structure that influence craniofacial development. Mouse models will be highlighted as crucial tools for investigating mandible size and prognathism and conducting QTL analysis to gain deeper genetic insights. This review amalgamates cellular, molecular, and clinical trait data to unravel correlations between malocclusion and Class I phenotypes.
Harnessing Code Interpreters for Enhanced Predictive Modeling: A Case Study on High-Density Lipoprotein Level Estimation in Romanian Diabetic Patients
Authors: Albajy Maitham Abdallah , Mernea Maria , Mihaila Alexandra , Pop Cristian-Emilian , Mihăilescu Dan Florin
Published: October 2023

Diabetes is a condition accompanied by the alteration of body parameters, including those related to lipids like triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). The latter are grouped under the term dyslipidemia and are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular events. In the present work, we analyzed the complex relationships between twelve parameters (disease status, age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, TG, HDL, LDL, glucose, HbA1c levels, and disease onset) of patients with diabetes from Romania. An initial prospective analysis showed that HDL is inversely correlated with most of the parameters; therefore, we further analyzed the dependence of HDLs on the other factors. The analysis was conducted with the Code Interpreter plugin of ChatGPT, which was used to build several models from which Random Forest performed best. The principal predictors of HDLs were TG, LDL, and HbA1c levels. Random Forest models were used to model all parameters, showing that blood pressure and HbA1c can be predicted based on the other parameters with the least error, while the less predictable parameters were TG and LDL levels. By conducting the present study using the ChatGPT Code Interpreter, we show that elaborate analysis methods are at hand and easy to apply by researchers with limited computational resources. The insight that can be gained from such an approach, such as what we obtained on HDL level predictors in diabetes, could be relevant for deriving novel management strategies and therapeutic approaches.
Cell-Free Fetal DNA Screening Analysis in Korean Pregnant Women: Six Years of Experience and a Retrospective Study of 9327 Patients Analyzed from 2017 to 2022
Authors: Park Ji Eun , Kang Kyung Min , Kim Hyunjin , Jang Hee Yeon , Go Minyeon , Yang So Hyun , Jeong Daeun , Jeong Hyeonmin , Kim Jong Chul , Lim Seo Young , Cha Dong Hyun , Shim Sung Han
Published: October 2023

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening for normal fetal aneuploidy has been widely adopted worldwide due to its convenience, non-invasiveness, and high positive predictive rate. We retrospectively evaluated 9327 Korean women with single pregnancies who underwent a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) to investigate how various factors such as maternal weight, age, and the method of conception affect the fetal fraction (FF). The average FF was 9.15 ± 3.31%, which decreased significantly as the maternal body mass index (BMI) increased (p < 0.001). The highly obese group showed a ‘no-call’ rate of 8.01%, which is higher than that of the normal weight group (0.33%). The FF was 8.74 ± 3.20% when mothers were in their 40s, and lower than that when in their 30s (9.23 ± 3.34, p < 0.001) and in the natural pregnancy group (9.31% ± 3.33). The FF of male fetuses was observed to be approximately 2.76% higher on average than that of female fetuses. As the gestational age increased, there was no significant increase in the fraction of fetuses up to 21 weeks compared to that at 10–12 weeks, and a significant increase was observed in the case of 21 weeks or more. The FFs in the NIPT high-risk result group compared to that in the low-risk group were not significantly different (p = 0.62). In conclusion, BMI was the factor most associated with the fetal fraction. Although the NIPT is a highly prevalent method in prenatal analysis, factors affecting the fetal fraction should be thoroughly analyzed to obtain more accurate results.
Influence of Citrus Fruit Waste Filler on the Physical Properties of Silicone-Based Composites
Authors: Mrówka Maciej , Franke Dawid , Ošlejšek Martin , Jureczko Mariola
Published: October 2023

Silicones have been used as protective coatings due to their resistance to hydrolytic degradation and UV (ultraviolet) degradation. There is a growing problem with managing organic waste, which can be used as fillers in composites. This research demonstrated the use of organic waste from citrus peels, including grapefruit, lime, lemon, and orange peels. Silicone-based composites were prepared by gravity-casting using 2.5, 5, and 10 wt.% waste filler. Samples made from the composite panels were subjected to static tensile, density, hardness, pin-on-disc, and Schopper–Schlobach abrasion tests. The test results showed that lower tensile strength values characterized the composite materials compared to the silicone used as a filler. All materials had greater hardness than the silicone without the addition. At the same time, composites with a mass density of the filler of 2.5 and 5 wt.% showed more excellent abrasion resistance than the silicone used as a matrix. This research showed that the samples containing 2.5 wt.% grapefruit filler had the best mechanical properties and the lowest abrasive wear.
The Influence of Selected Laser Engraving Parameters on Surface Conditions of Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Szymański Michał , Przestacki Damian , Szymański Paweł
Published: October 2023

Hybrid metal matrix composites (HMMCs) are a special type of material, possessing combined properties that belong to alloys and metals according to market demands. Therefore, they are used in different areas of industry and the properties of this type of material are useful in engineering applications, e.g., in aircraft engines and electrotechnical parts. The structure of the material requires a number of scientific studies to develop an appropriate processing technology. The paper presents the susceptibility of material from the HMMCs group with the EN AC-44300 (AISi12(Fe)) aluminum alloy matrix with a two-component reinforcement made of alumina particles (AP) and aluminosilicate fibers (AF) to thermal treatment with a laser beam. During this process, laser engraving of the researched material with variable beam power Pav and variable speed of the laser head vl were carried out. A metallographic analysis of the material was carried out. After laser engraving, surface structural changes of the material were determined. The properties of the surface geometric structure of processed material were also examined. Presented studies concern laser engraving on the surface of composite from the HMMC group, which was made by vacuum infiltration. Thanks to this method, it is possible both to produce shaped and precise composite castings with saturated reinforcement and to consequently minimize machining losses. Metal–ceramic composites from the HMMC group are hard-to-machine materials which create problems during machining. The aim of these studies was to develop a laser engraving technology with Al matrix composite with the addition of Al2O3 particles and aluminosilicate fibers, which constitute the reinforcement. The focus was on the selection of engraving parameters (beam power and speed of movement of the laser head). Clear examples of engraving, suitable for macro-assessment, were obtained with minimal change in the initial surface structure of the composite.
In One Fell Sweep: Modeling Exchange, Hyperfine and Dipolar Interactions from EPR Spectra of Copper(II) Spin Triangles
Authors: Boudalis Athanassios K.
Published: October 2023

The weak intramolecular magnetic interactions within a series of CuII3 complexes based on the trinucleating 2,4,6-tris(di-2-pyridylamino)-1,3,5-triazine (dipyatriz) ligand were investigated via Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. X- and Q-band EPR spectroscopy in powders and frozen solutions were recorded and the Q-band spectra were interpreted by a multispin Hamiltonian model comprising exchange, dipolar and hyperfine interactions. The described methodology is suitable for the elucidation of weak intramolecular interactions which are not amenable to analysis via magnetic susceptibility studies.
Some Latest Families of Exact Solutions to Date–Jimbo–Kashiwara–Miwa Equation and Its Stability Analysis
Authors: Akbulut Arzu , Alqahtani Rubayyi T. , Alharthi Nadiyah Hussain
Published: October 2023

The present study demonstrates the derivation of new analytical solutions for the Date–Jimbo–Kashiwara–Miwa equation utilizing two distinct methodologies, specifically the modified Kudryashov technique and the (g′)-expansion procedure. These innovative concepts employ symbolic computations to provide a dynamic and robust mathematical procedure for addressing a range of nonlinear wave situations. Additionally, a comprehensive stability analysis is performed, and the acquired results are visually represented through graphical representations. A comparison between the discovered solutions and those already found in the literature has also been performed. It is anticipated that the solutions will contribute to the existing literature related to mathematical physics and soliton theory.
Decay of a Thermoelastic Laminated Beam with Microtemperature Effects, Nonlinear Delay, and Nonlinear Structural Damping
Authors: Saber Hicham , Yazid Fares , Ouchenane Djamel , Djeradi Fatima Siham , Bouhali Keltoum , Moumen Abdelkader , Jawarneh Yousef , Alraqad Tariq
Published: October 2023

This article deals with a non-classical model, namely a thermoelastic laminated beam along with microtemperature effects, nonlinear delay, and nonlinear structural damping, where the last two terms both affect the equation which depicts the dynamics of slip. With the help of convenient conditions in both weight delay and wave speeds, we demonstrate explicit and general energy decay rates of the solution. To attain our interests, we highlight useful properties regarding convex functions and apply a specific approach known as the multiplier technique, which enables us to prove the stability results. Our results here aim to show the impact of different types of damping by taking into account the interaction between them, which extends recent publications in the literature.
Vertices of Ovals with Constant Width Relative to Particular Circles
Authors: Al-rabtah Adel , Al-Banawi Kamal
Published: October 2023

In this article, we study ovals of constant width in a plane, comparing them to particular circles. We use the vertices on the oval, after counting them, as a reference to measure the length of the curve between opposite points. A new proof of Barbier’s theorem is introduced. A distance function from the origin to the points of the oval is introduced, and it is shown that extreme values of the distance function occur at the vertices and opposite points. Comparisons are made between ovals and particular circles. We prove that the differences in the distances from the origin between the particular circles and the ovals are small and within a certain range. We also prove that all types of ovals described in this paper are analytically and geometrically enclosed between two defined circles centered at the origin.