bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalization and discrimination of inhibitory avoidance differentially engage anterior and posterior retrosplenial subregions
Authors: Met Hoxha Erisa , Robinson Payton K. , Greer Kaitlyn M. , Trask Sydney
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In a variety of behavioral procedures animals will show selective fear responding in shock-associated contexts, but not in other contexts. However, several factors can lead to generalized fear behavior, where responding is no longer constrained to the conditioning context and will transfer to novel contexts.

Methods

Here, we assessed memory generalization using an inhibitory avoidance paradigm to determine if generalized avoidance behavior engages the retrosplenial cortex (RSC). Male and female Long Evans rats received inhibitory avoidance training prior to testing in the same context or a shifted context in two distinct rooms; one room that had fluorescent lighting (Light) and one that had red LED lighting (Dark).

Results

We found that animals tested in a light context maintained context-specificity; animals tested in the same context as training showed longer latencies to cross and animals tested in the shifted context showed shorter latencies to cross. However, animals tested in the dark generalized their avoidance behavior; animals tested in the same context and animals tested in the shifted context showed similarly-high latencies to cross. We next examined expression of the immediate early gene zif268 and perineuronal nets (PNNs) following testing and found that while activity in the basolateral amygdala corresponded with overall levels of avoidance behaviors, anterior RSC (aRSC) activity corresponded with learned avoidance generally, but posterior RSC (pRSC) activity seemed to correspond with generalized memory. PNN reduction in the RSC was associated with memory formation and retrieval, suggesting a role for PNNs in synaptic plasticity. Further, PNNs did not reduce in the RSC in animals who showed a generalized avoidance behavior, in line with their hypothesized role in memory consolidation.

Discussion

These findings suggest that there is differential engagement of retrosplenial subregions along the rostrocaudal axis to generalization and discrimination.
Vestibular dysfunction in lateral semicircular canal dysplasia
Authors: Yun Ji Min , Kim Sung Huhn , Bae Seong Hoon
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Lateral semicircular canal (LSCC) dysplasia is the most common inner ear malformation. The severity of dysplasia can appear in various spectrums, from a short and broad LSCC with normal or small-sized central bony island (CBI) to a single fluid-filled cavity confluent with the vestibule without CBI. However, reports on the association between LSCC dysplasia and the loss of vestibular function are still lacking. In this study, the results of vestibular function tests [caloric test and video-head impulse test (vHIT)] in patients with LSCC dysplasia were analyzed and compared between groups with and without CBI.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 17 patients (23 ears) who had LSCC dysplasia following computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and underwent vestibular function tests.

Results

LSCC dysplasia was observed unilaterally in 11 patients and bilaterally in six patients. Nine of 23 ears had CBIs, and 14 ears had no CBI. Three of 17 patients experienced dizziness. Abnormal caloric tests were detected in 11 of the 16 patients who underwent the caloric tests (69%); in contrast, 11 of 12 patients who underwent the vHIT (92%) had normal LSCC vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain on vHIT. A significant correlation was found between the maximum slow-phase velocity of the caloric test and LSCC VOR gain of the vHIT (correlation coefficient 0.792, p = 0.004). The CBI-absent group showed significantly lower SPV and LSCC VOR gains than the CBI-present group (p = 0.001 and 0.004, respectively).

Discussion

LSCC dysplasia impairs VOR function, especially in the absence of CBI.
Lasting mesothalamic dopamine imbalance and altered exploratory behavior in rats after a mild neonatal hypoxic event
Authors: Nikolic Barbara , Trnski-Levak Sara , Kosic Kristina , Drlje Matea , Banovac Ivan , Hranilovic Dubravka , Jovanov-Milosevic Natasa
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Adversities during the perinatal period can decrease oxygen supply to the fetal brain, leading to various hypoxic brain injuries, which can compromise the regularity of brain development in different aspects. To examine the catecholaminergic contribution to the link between an early-life hypoxic insult and adolescent behavioral aberrations, we used a previously established rat model of perinatal hypoxia but altered the hypobaric to normobaric conditions.

Methods

Exploratory and social behavior and learning abilities were tested in 70 rats of both sexes at adolescent age. Inherent vertical locomotion, sensory-motor functions and spatial learning abilities were explored in a subset of animals to clarify the background of altered exploratory behavior. Finally, the concentrations of dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline in midbrain and pons, and the relative expression of genes for DA receptors D1 and D2, and their down-stream targets (DA- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, Mr 32 kDa, the regulatory subunit of protein kinase A, and inhibitor-5 of protein phosphatase 1) in the hippocampus and thalamus were investigated in 31 rats.

Results

A lesser extent of alterations in exploratory and cognitive aspects of behavior in the present study suggests that normobaric conditions mitigate the hypoxic injury compared to the one obtained under hypobaric conditions. Increased exploratory rearing was the most prominent consequence, with impaired spatial learning in the background. In affected rats, increased midbrain/pons DA content, as well as mRNA levels for DA receptors and their down-stream elements in the thalamus, but not the hippocampus, were found.

Conclusion

We can conclude that a mild hypoxic event induced long-lasting disbalances in mesothalamic DA signaling, contributing to the observed behavioral alterations. The thalamus was thereby indicated as another structure, besides the well-established striatum, involved in mediating hypoxic effects on behavior through DA signaling.
Effect of different proportions of glycerol and D-mannitol as plasticizer on the properties of extruded corn starch
Authors: Xu Xin , Wang Bin , Gao Wei , Sui Jie , Wang Jianfei , Cui Bo
Published: January 2024

In this study, thermoplastic starch (TPS) was prepared by melt extrusion process, in which glycerol and/or D-mannitol were used as plasticizers, and the effect of different glycerol/D-mannitol ratios (4:0, 3:1, 2:2, 1:3, and 0:4) on the physicochemical properties of the extruded starch samples was investigated. The short-range molecular order, crystallization, gelatinization, thermal stability, and thermal properties of the TPS samples were analyzed through attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), rapid visco analysis (RVA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the crystallinity and short-range molecular order of the TPS samples increased with increasing glycerol content. Conversely, the water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI) of the TPS samples decreased with increasing glycerol content. In addition, the TPS samples with higher glycerol content exhibited higher gel and thermal stabilities. This study provides a theoretical basis for starch extrusion and plasticization in the preparation of TPS-based materials with specific properties.
Short sleep time may be the main reason for irregular breakfast to cause overweight—a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Wei , Zhuang Zhao , Huang Pengxiang , Zhang Man , Wang Kebo , Jiang Ying , Zhou Han , Yu Lianlong
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In recent years, the relationship between circadian rhythm and overweight and obesity has attracted the attention of many scholars.

Methods

To evaluate association between the duration of sleep and the regularity of breakfast and overweight. A total of 1,178 students from Qingdao University were selected by stratified cluster sampling. There were 601 males (24.69 ± 0.80 years old) and 569 females (24.54 ± 0.70 years old). We used body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) to define overweight levels. Chi-square test, Pearson correlation test, and logistic regression were applied to test association among overweight, sleep duration, sleep onset time, and breakfast regularity. Pittsburgh sleep quality index was used to assess the overall sleep quality of the study subjects. Mediation effect and Sobel test were used to analyze the effect of sleep duration on breakfast regularity and overweight.

Results

Only 34.1% of the population ate breakfast every day, and eating breakfast 1–3 times per week was associated with a higher risk of overweight (BMI: OR = 2.183, 95%CI: 1.369,3,481; WC: OR = 2.101, 95%CI: 1.232,3,583; WHR: OR = 2.108, 95%CI: 1.331,3,337). The effects of all types of Usual Breakfast Consumption Frequency on overweight were fully mediated by sleep duration (p < 0.05). In particular, the subjects exercised outdoors more than five times per week slept longer (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Short sleep duration may be the main reason for irregular breakfast leading to overweight. Adequate outdoor exercise is essential for weight maintenance.
Mitochondrial DNA D-loop variants correlate with a primary open-angle glaucoma subgroup
Authors: Vallbona-Garcia Antoni , Lindsey Patrick J. , Kamps Rick , Stassen Alphons P. M. , Nguyen Nhan , van Tienen Florence H. J. , Hamers Ilse H. J. , Hardij Rianne , van Gisbergen Marike W. , Benedikter Birke J. , de Coo Irenaeus F. M. , Webers Carroll A. B. , Gorgels Theo G. M. F. , Smeets Hubert J. M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a characteristic optic neuropathy, caused by degeneration of the optic nerve-forming neurons, the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). High intraocular pressure (IOP) and aging have been identified as major risk factors; yet the POAG pathophysiology is not fully understood. Since RGCs have high energy requirements, mitochondrial dysfunction may put the survivability of RGCs at risk. We explored in buffy coat DNA whether mtDNA variants and their distribution throughout the mtDNA could be risk factors for POAG.

Methods

The mtDNA was sequenced from age- and sex-matched study groups, being high tension glaucoma (HTG, n=71), normal tension glaucoma patients (NTG, n=33), ocular hypertensive subjects (OH, n=7), and cataract controls (without glaucoma; n=30), all without remarkable comorbidities.

Results

No association was found between the number of mtDNA variants in genes encoding proteins, tRNAs, rRNAs, and in non-coding regions in the different study groups. Next, variants that controls shared with the other groups were discarded. A significantly higher number of exclusive variants was observed in the D-loop region for the HTG group (~1.23 variants/subject), in contrast to controls (~0.35 variants/subject). In the D-loop, specifically in the 7S DNA sub-region within the Hypervariable region 1 (HV1), we found that 42% of the HTG and 27% of the NTG subjects presented variants, while this was only 14% for the controls and OH subjects. As we have previously reported a reduction in mtDNA copy number in HTG, we analysed if specific D-loop variants could explain this. While the majority of glaucoma patients with the exclusive D-loop variants m.72T>C, m.16163 A>G, m.16186C>T, m.16298T>C, and m.16390G>A presented a mtDNA copy number below controls median, no significant association between these variants and low copy number was found and their possible negative role in mtDNA replication remains uncertain. Approximately 38% of the HTG patients with reduced copy number did not carry any exclusive D-loop or other mtDNA variants, which indicates that variants in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, environmental factors, or aging might be involved in those cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found that variants in the D-loop region may be a risk factor in a subgroup of POAG, possibly by affecting mtDNA replication.
Genetic outcomes in children with developmental language disorder: a systematic review
Authors: van Wijngaarden Vivian , de Wilde Hester , Mink van der Molen Dieuwke , Petter Jildo , Stegeman Inge , Gerrits Ellen , Smit Adriana L. , van den Boogaard Marie-José
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a common childhood condition negatively influencing communication and psychosocial development. An increasing number of pathogenic variants or chromosomal anomalies possibly related to DLD have been identified. To provide a base for accurate clinical genetic diagnostic work-up for DLD patients, understanding the specific genetic background is crucial. This study aims to give a systematic literature overview of pathogenic variants or chromosomal anomalies causative for DLD in children.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in PubMed and Embase on available literature related to the genetic background of diagnosed DLD in children. Included papers were critically appraised before data extraction. An additional search in OMIM was performed to see if the described DLD genes are associated with a broader clinical spectrum.

Results

The search resulted in 15,842 papers. After assessing eligibility, 47 studies remained, of which 25 studies related to sex chromosome aneuploidies and 15 papers concerned other chromosomal anomalies (SCAs) and/or Copy Number Variants (CNVs), including del15q13.1–13.3 and del16p11.2. The remaining 7 studies displayed a variety of gene variants. 45 (candidate) genes related to language development, including FOXP2, GRIN2A, ERC1, and ATP2C2. After an additional search in the OMIM database, 22 of these genes were associated with a genetic disorder with a broader clinical spectrum, including intellectual disability, epilepsy, and/or autism.

Conclusion

Our study illustrates that DLD can be related to SCAs and specific CNV's. The reported (candidate) genes (n = 45) in the latter category reflect the genetic heterogeneity and support DLD without any comorbidities and syndromic language disorder have an overlapping genetic etiology.
Phosphate accumulation in rice leaves promotes fungal pathogenicity and represses host immune responses during pathogen infection
Authors: Martín-Cardoso Héctor , Bundó Mireia , Val-Torregrosa Beatriz , San Segundo Blanca
Published: January 2024

Rice is one of the most important crops in the world and a staple food for more than half of the world’s population. At present, the blast disease caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae poses a severe threat to food security through reduction of rice yields worldwide. High phosphate fertilization has previously been shown to increase blast susceptibility. At present, however, our knowledge on the mechanisms underpinning phosphate-induced susceptibility to M. oryzae infection in rice is limited. In this work, we conducted live cell imaging on rice sheaths inoculated with a M. oryzae strain expressing two fluorescently-tagged M. oryzae effectors. We show that growing rice under high phosphate fertilization, and subsequent accumulation of phosphate in leaf sheaths, promotes invasive growth of M. oryzae. Consistent with this, stronger expression of M. oryzae effectors and Pathogenicity Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (PMK1) occurs in leaf sheaths of rice plants grown under high a phosphate regime. Down-regulation of fungal genes encoding suppressors of plant cell death and up-regulation of plant cell death-inducing effectors also occurs in sheaths of phosphate over-accumulating rice plants. Treatment with high Pi causes alterations in the expression of fungal phosphate transporter genes potentially contributing to pathogen virulence. From the perspective of the plant, Pi accumulation in leaf sheaths prevents H2O2 accumulation early during M. oryzae infection which was associated to a weaker activation of Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homologs (RBOHs) genes involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Further, a weaker activation of defense-related genes occurs during infection in rice plants over-accumulating phosphate. From these results, it can be concluded that phosphate fertilization has an effect on the two interacting partners, pathogen and host. Phosphate-mediated stimulation of fungal effector genes (e.g., potentiation of fungal pathogenicity) in combination with repression of pathogen-inducible immune responses (e.g., ROS accumulation, defense gene expression) explains higher colonization by M. oryzae in rice tissues accumulating phosphate. Phosphate content can therefore be considered as an important factor in determining the outcome of the rice/M. oryzae interaction. As fertilizers and pesticides are commonly used in rice cultivation to maintain optimal yield and to prevent losses caused by pathogens, a better understanding of how phosphate impacts blast susceptibility is crucial for developing strategies to rationally optimize fertilizer and pesticide use in rice production.
Music as aposematic signal: predator defense strategies in early human evolution
Authors: Jordania Joseph
Published: January 2024

The article draws attention to a neglected key element of human evolutionary history—the defense strategies of hominins and early humans against predators. Possible reasons for this neglect are discussed, and the historical development of this field is outlined. Many human morphological and behavioral characteristics–musicality, sense of rhythm, use of dissonances, entrainment, bipedalism, long head hair, long legs, strong body odor, armpit hair, traditions of body painting and cannibalism–are explained as predator avoidance tactics of an aposematic (warning display) defense strategy. The article argues that the origins of human musical faculties should be studied in the wider context of an early, multimodal human defense strategy from predators.
Forest therapy using virtual reality in the older population: a systematic review
Authors: Clemente Davide , Romano Luciano , Zamboni Elena , Carrus Giuseppe , Panno Angelo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

As life expectancy increases, more attention needs to be paid to their mental and physical condition. Many older patients are also bedridden, which makes some treatments, like in vivo exposure to natural environments, more difficult to be applied. This study aimed to systematically review articles that include interventions combining virtual reality and forest environment, targeting a sample of older people.

Methods

Based on PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search in three databases (EBSCO, PubMed, and Scopus), plus gray literature (OpenGrey). We considered only studies that used forest settings via virtual reality and included a sample with age ≥ 65.

Results

After the screening and eligibility stages, 7 articles have been included.

Discussion

The study underlines the need to implement research in this direction to standardize effective procedures that can be used to improve the mental and physical health of the older people and caregivers, while also reducing social costs.
Development of an instrument to assess the mental health of university students: validation of the Outcome Questionnaire-45 in a Hungarian sample
Authors: Matavovszky Dominika , Nguyen Luu Lan Anh , Karner Orsolya
Published: January 2024

The Outcome Questionnaire is a self-report questionnaire developed mainly for treatment impact assessment and monitoring of status change because it can measure the cross-sectional condition very accurately by being sensitive to small changes. The present study aimed to psychometrically evaluate and validate the instrument on a sample of Hungarian university students. 7,695 higher education students (28.6% male, 68.8% female, 1% other,M = 23.7, SD = 6.78) participated in the study and completed a questionnaire package (OQ-45, Beck Depression Inventory, WHO Well-being Questionnaire-5, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, MOS-Social Support Survey, Maslach Burnout Inventory-SS) online, developed to measure general and more specific mental health conditions. The Hungarian version of the questionnaire has a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.951). Based on the confirmatory factor analysis, the original three-factor version of the instrument (due to inadequate fit indicators) did not gain support in our sample. Five subscales were identified and subjected to content analysis in the exploratory factor analysis. Our final questionnaire consists of 39 items. The full scale and the subscales show a high correlation with other questionnaires measuring similar constructs. The psychometric indicators of the questionnaire are adequate and, therefore, considered reliable. The separation of the five factors was confirmed by construct and convergent validation. The questionnaire’s psychometric properties may be worth testing in the future on a clinical sample and a sample of adults from a wider age range. The use of the measurement tool has important implications in research areas beyond therapeutic impact assessment, as it may offer a bridging solution to the methodological problems encountered in the construction of complex questionnaire packages consisting of several instruments. International findings suggest that some items in the questionnaire are particularly sensitive to cultural context, so it is crucial to use a measure adapted to the region of the study sample. Other strengths of the questionnaire include its ability to address subclinical and clinical symptoms in one dimension and provide a comprehensive cross-sectional picture of the bio-psycho-social status of individuals, which allows systematic monitoring of a large and heterogeneous population (higher education students).
The effects of psychiatric disorders on the risk of chronic heart failure: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Yang , Peng Wenke , Pang Min , Zhu Botao , Liu Huixing , Hu Die , Luo Yonghong , Wang Shuai , Wu Sha , He Jia , Yang Yang , Peng Daoquan
Published: January 2024

Background

Substantial evidence suggests an association between psychiatric disorders and chronic heart failure. However, further investigation is needed to confirm the causal relationship between these psychiatric disorders and chronic heart failure. To address this, we evaluated the potential effects of five psychiatric disorders on chronic heart failure using two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR).

Methods

We selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with chronic heart failure and five psychiatric disorders (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia (SCZ)). Univariable (UVMR) and multivariable two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MVMR) were employed to assess causality between these conditions. Ever smoked and alcohol consumption were controlled for mediating effects in the multivariable MR. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) and Wald ratio estimator methods served as the primary analytical methods for estimating potential causal effects. MR-Egger and weighted median analyses were also conducted to validate the results. Sensitivity analyses included the funnel plot, leave-one-out, and MR-Egger intercept tests. Additionally, potential mediators were investigated through risk factor analyses.

Results

Genetically predicted heart failure was significantly associated with ADHD (odds ratio (OR), 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04–1.20; p = 0.001), ASD (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07–1.56; p = 0.008), bipolar disorder (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.96; p = 0.001), major depression (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03–1.29; p = 0.015), SCZ (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00–1.07; p = 0.024). Several risk factors for heart failure are implicated in the above cause-and-effect relationship, including ever smoked and alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated ADHD, ASD, SCZ and major depression may have a causal relationship with an increased risk of heart failure. In contrast, bipolar disorder was associated with a reduced risk of heart failure, which could potentially be mediated by ever smoked and alcohol consumption. Therefore, prevention strategies for heart failure should also incorporate mental health considerations, and vice versa.
How will the public health committees develop after COVID-19 pandemic in China? Exploration from mixed methods study in Pingshan District, Shenzhen
Authors: Shao Xu , Wu Xiangling
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The Public Health Committee has a long-standing presence in the Chinese Constitution. During the pandemic, it served as a grassroots self-governance organization and made significant contributions to China's community epidemic prevention and control system. Currently, 24 provinces in China have promoted the establishment of community public health committees.

Methods

To gather data, we conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 48) with the heads of superior departments of public health committees, the heads of public health committees, and the heads of community health centers, exploring aspects such as organizational structure, job responsibilities, and job security. In parallel, we administered a capacity-building survey to a sample of 23 community residents (n = 1,986) and performed regression analysis. Finally, we examined the impact of gender, age, and education level on the development of public health committees.

Results

Our study reveals that the development of public health committees displays features of administration across various dimensions, including personnel appointment, top-level design, medical professionalism, funding path dependence, and data path dependence. However, the decision-making function of the organization does not exhibit a significant impact.

Discussion

The construction of the Public Health Committee should demonstrate an “autonomization-administration” pendulum effect. Currently, due to the absence of decision-making functions within the Public Health Committee, autonomous organizations are exhibiting characteristics of administration. To prevent excessive autonomization or administrative nature in the development of committees, public health policies are continuously being refined based on the unique characteristics of public health committee construction. During exceptional circumstances or the initial stages of development, the establishment of public health committees should be primarily guided by administrative principles, utilizing political momentum to drive their progress. In contrast, during routine establishment phases or later stages of development, the establishment of public health committees should be primarily led by autonomization, restoring their capacity for self-decision making. It is essential to fully leverage the role of grassroots self-governance organizations, relying on the community to engage in self-management, self-education, and self-service within public health committees.
Structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics studies to explore potential natural inhibitors against 3C protease of foot-and-mouth disease virus
Authors: Sahoo Sthitaprajna , Lee Hak-Kyo , Shin Donghyun
Published: January 2024

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly infectious animal disease caused by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and primarily infects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It has become a significant health concern in global livestock industries because of diverse serotypes, high mutation rates, and contagious nature. There is no specific antiviral treatment available for FMD. Hence, based on the importance of 3C protease in FMDV viral replication and pathogenesis, we have employed a structure-based virtual screening method by targeting 3C protease with a natural compounds dataset (n = 69,040) from the InterBioScreen database. Virtual screening results identified five potential compounds, STOCK1N-62634, STOCK1N-96109, STOCK1N-94672, STOCK1N-89819, and STOCK1N-80570, with a binding affinity of −9.576 kcal/mol, −8.1 kcal/mol, −7.744 kcal/mol, −7.647 kcal/mol, and − 7.778 kcal/mol, respectively. The compounds were further validated through physiochemical properties and density functional theory (DFT). Subsequently, the comparative 300-ns MD simulation of all five complexes exhibited overall structural stability from various MD analyses such as root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), H-bonds, principal component analysis (PCA), and free energy landscape (FEL). Furthermore, MM-PBSA calculation suggests that all five compounds, particularly STOCK1N-62634, STOCK1N-96109, and STOCK1N-94672, can be considered as potential inhibitors because of their strong binding affinity toward 3C protease. Thus, we hope that these identified compounds can be studied extensively to develop natural therapeutics for the better management of FMD.
Modeling and Clamping Force Tracking Control of an Integrated Electric Parking Brake System Using Sliding-Mode-Based Observer
Authors: Yong Jiawang , Li Liang , Wang Dongliang , Liu Yahui
Published: January 2024

This article proposes a hierarchical control strategy to address semi-ABS control as well as the precise clamping force control problems for an integrated electric parking brake (iEPB) system. To this end, a detailed system model, including modeling of the motor, transmission mechanism, friction and braking torque, is constructed for controller and observer design, and a sliding-mode-based observer (SMO) is proposed to estimate the load torque by using the motor rotational speed without installing a force sensor. In addition, a stable and reliable tire–road friction coefficient (TRFC) estimation method is adopted, and the desired slip ratio (DSR) is observed as the target that the rear wheels cycle around. At the upper level of the hierarchical control structure, the desired clamping forces of the rear wheels are generated using a sliding mode control (SMC) technique, and the control objective is to track the DSR to make full use of the road condition. At the lower level, the motor is controlled to track the desired clamping force generated from the upper controller. The hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and high tracking precision of the proposed strategy under different road conditions, and the estimation parameters based on the proposed observers are timely and accurate to satisfy the control requirements.
Addressing Poverty through Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Miah Md. Tota , Lakner Zoltán , Fekete-Farkas Mária
Published: January 2024

The increasing social and environmental challenges, particularly poverty, have brought social entrepreneurship, a highly researched domain, to the attention of academicians. It has emerged as a critical issue in the context of economic development and societal well-being. The current study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis in the field of social entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation to explain the current state, geographical performance, and future research agenda. Utilizing VOS viewer (version 1.6.20) and R Studio software (version 4.3.2), 461 final articles were examined and extracted from the Web of Science database, covering the period from 1998 to 2022. The findings reveal a significant increase in research activity in this field since 2009, indicating a growing demand for it as a solution to social challenges. Notably, the years 2021–2022 witnessed a remarkable 55% surge in research output. The Sustainability Journal ranks first as the most productive source, followed by the Journal of Cleaner Production. The most prolific authors are Nina Kolleck from Germany, David Littlewood, and Diane Holt from the UK. Additionally, this study assesses the geographic distribution of research contributions, highlighting regions with relatively lower research performance, such as South Asian and African countries. Leading in this domain are the UK, Spain, the USA, and European institutions. Co-citation patterns reveal four thematic clusters: (1) dynamics of social entrepreneurship; (2) sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem; (3) social entrepreneurship for social innovation; and (4) integrated sustainable entrepreneurship, shedding light on critical aspects and the intellectual structure of this domain. Finally, keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies emerging research areas, e.g., entrepreneurial development, the role of higher education, enterprise collaboration, inclusive growth, and socio-economic empowerment. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners committed to achieving sustainable social change.
A Solar Thermal Steam Propulsion System Using Disassociated Steam for Interplanetary Exploration
Authors: Vance Leonard , Espinoza Agustin , Martinez Dominguez Jorge , Rabade Salil , Liu Gavin , Thangavelautham Jekan
Published: January 2024

Sustainable space exploration will require using off-world resources for propellant generation. Using off-world-generated propellants significantly increases future missions’ range and payload capacity. Near Earth Objects (NEOs) contain a range of available resources, most notably water-ice and hydrated minerals. However, water-bearing regolith needs to be excavated and the water extracted. Water is a compelling choice for fuel as it is readily available in interplanetary space and easily stored. In this paper, we propose using solar concentrators, which can efficiently convert incident sunlight into heat without the need for moving parts. When water is heated up to 4000 K, a value consistent with high-performance refractive materials, it experiences significant disassociation into H2, O2, OH, H, and O components, providing a path for adding considerable additional chemical energy per degree of temperature increase, and producing theoretical specific impulse (Isp) values in the range of 643 s to 659 s.
Comparative Analysis of the Performance of a Chain Mower and Tools That Perform Under-Row Weed Control with Tillage in the Vineyard
Authors: Gagliardi Lorenzo , Luglio Sofia Matilde , Peruzzi Andrea , Fontanelli Marco , Frasconi Christian , Raffaelli Michele
Published: January 2024

In the Mediterranean area, vineyard soils are often characterized by a high stone content. In these contexts, where tools commonly adopted for under-row weed control are frequently damaged, the utilization of a chain mower could be a preferable alternative. This research aims to compare a modified mower with chains with other tools commonly employed that control weeds through tillage, such as motorized discs, blade weeder, and rotary star hoe. Weed control effectiveness, effects on weed flora composition, soil compaction, and operative efficiencies were evaluated. The chain mower allowed us to obtain encouraging results of weed biomass reduction (55.4 and 25.4%, between and around vine trunks, respectively), weed height reduction (35.9%), and weed cover reduction (79.2%), comparable to the other tools. All the tools showed a lower weed control efficacy around vine trunks rather than between them (weed biomass reductions of 24.8% and 52.6%, respectively). Results regarding the effect on weed flora composition seem to confirm this trend. Despite the higher chain mower field time (3.78 h ha−1) and fuel consumption (24.24 kg ha−1) compared to the blade weeder and the rotary star hoe, its versatility in stony soil and its lower impact on soil (soil penetration resistances of 1602.42 and 2262.83 kPa in 2022 and 2023, respectively) compared to the other tools make it a potentially advantageous implement for under-row weed management in vineyards. Further studies could be useful to improve chain mower performance, particularly around vine trunks, by evaluating in different planting layouts different dimensions of both the cutting element and feeler, which allows the vine-skipping mechanism.
The Importance of Mineral Elements for Sustainable Crop Production
Authors: Guan Dong-Xing , Menezes-Blackburn Daniel , Li Gang
Published: January 2024

By 2050, the global population is projected to reach 9 [...]
Identification and Characterization of Immune-Associated MicroRNAs in Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Responding to Aeromonas veronii and LPS Stimulation
Authors: Liu Meng , Tang Huan , Gao Kun , Zhang Xiqing , Yang Zihan , Gao Yunhang , Shan Xiaofeng
Published: January 2024

The ubiquitous Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Aeromonas veronii (A. veronii) can easily cause inflammatory reactions in aquatic organisms, resulting in high mortality and huge economic losses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in immune regulation and have certain conserved properties. MiRNAs are involved in the immune responses of a variety of teleost fish infected with bacteria, whereas there is no related report in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Therefore, we identified the expression profiles of miRNA in silver carp stimulated by A. veronii and LPS. Among them, the quantity of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) obtained in the silver carp challenge group was 73 (A. veronii) and 90 (LPS). The GO enrichment and analysis of KEGG pathways have shown that the predicted target genes are mainly associated with lipid metabolism and the immune response in silver carp. This indicates the possibility that miRNAs play a role in regulating immune-related pathways. In addition, a total of eight DEmiRNAs validated the accuracy of the sequencing result via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Finally, we selected the silver carp head kidney macrophage cells (HKCs) as model cells and proved that miR-30b-5p can regulate the inflammatory response in silver carp HKCs. This study lays the foundation for exploring miRNA regulation in silver carp during pathogenic bacterial infection. In addition, it provides a reference for the future development of non-coding RNA antibacterial drugs.
Effects of Animal Diet and Processing Methods on the Quality Traits of Dry-Cured Ham Produced from Turopolje Pigs
Authors: Karolyi Danijel , Škrlep Martin , Marušić Radovčić Nives , Luković Zoran , Škorput Dubravko , Salajpal Krešimir , Kljak Kristina , Čandek-Potokar Marjeta
Published: January 2024

The Turopolje pig (TP) is a local Croatian pig breed that almost became extinct in the second half of the 20th century. Today, the TP is still endangered, and a new conservation strategy based on products with higher added value is needed to preserve the breed. There is little information on the quality of TP meat products such as smoked and dry-cured ham, including the impact of natural feeds or processing innovations such as smoke reduction. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of the animal’s diet (either conventionally fed or acorn-supplemented) and the processing method (standard or lightly smoked) on the quality traits of dry-cured TP ham. Twenty hams, evenly distributed among the treatments, were processed for 15 months and then analysed for physicochemical and textural traits, volatiles and sensory profile. The hams from acorn-supplemented pigs lost less weight during processing (p ≤ 0.05). Otherwise, the diet had no significant effect on most examined ham traits. The exceptions were protein content and the texture parameter hardness, which decreased (p ≤ 0.05), and the degree of proteolysis and colour parameters, which increased (p ≤ 0.05) as a result of acorn supplementation. However, these effects were generally small and varied between the inner (m. biceps femoris) and outer (m. semimembranosus) muscles. Furthermore, acorn supplementation was associated with less typical ham odour and lower sensory scores for sweetness and colour uniformity (p ≤ 0.05). The smoke reduction had no effect on the physicochemical and colour properties but resulted in a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in the volatile phenolic compounds and an improved texture to the hams. This was reflected both in reduced (p ≤ 0.05) hardness, identified in the instrumental analysis, and in an increased (p ≤ 0.05) softness, solubility and moistness, identified in the sensory evaluation. To summarize, the quality of the TP ham under the conditions studied was only slightly affected by acorn supplementation, whereas reduced smoking had a more significant effect, which was mainly reflected in an improved texture.
Bile Acid Metabolic Profiles and Their Correlation with Intestinal Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Barrier Integrity in Suckling Piglets
Authors: Zhu Min , Lin Chong , Niu Kaimin , Liu Yichun , Zeng Weirong , Wang Ruxia , Guo Xiongchang , Zhai Zhenya
Published: January 2024

Bile acids (BAs) are crucial for maintaining intestinal epithelial homeostasis. However, the metabolic changes in BAs and the communication between intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in infants after birth remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the BA profiles of newborn piglets (NPs) and suckling piglets (SPs), and to investigate their regulatory effects on IEC proliferation and barrier integrity, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms. In this study, compared with NPs, there were significant increases in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, and albumin levels for SPs. The total serum BA content in SPs exhibited an obvious increase. Moreover, the expression of BA synthase cytochrome P450 27A1 (CYP27A1) was increased, and the ileal BA receptor Takeda G-coupled protein receptor 5 (TGR5) and proliferation marker Ki-67 were upregulated and showed a strong positive correlation through a Spearman correlation analysis, whereas the expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and occludin was markedly downregulated in SPs and also revealed a strong positive correlation. These findings indicate that the increased synthesis and metabolism of BAs may upregulate TGR5 and downregulate FXR to promote IEC proliferation and influence barrier function; this offers a fresh perspective and evidence for the role of BAs and BA receptors in regulating intestinal development in neonatal pigs.
Anastrozole Protects against Human Coronavirus Infection by Ameliorating the Reactive Oxygen Species–Mediated Inflammatory Response
Authors: Kwon Eun-Bin , Kim Buyun , Kim Young Soo , Choi Jang-Gi
Published: January 2024

The common human coronavirus (HCoV) exhibits mild disease with upper respiratory infection and common cold symptoms. HCoV-OC43, one of the HCoVs, can be used to screen drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2. We determined the antiviral effects of FDA/EMA-approved drug anastrozole (AZ) on two human coronaviruses, HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E, using MRC-5 cells in vitro. The AZ exhibited antiviral effects against HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E infection. Subsequent studies focused on HCoV-OC43, which is related to the SARS-CoV-2 family. AZ exhibited anti-viral effects and reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. It also inhibited NF-κB translocation to effectively suppress the inflammatory response. AZ reduced intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, including mitochondrial ROS and Ca2+, induced by the virus. AZ inhibited the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components and cleaved IL-1β, suggesting that it blocks NLRP3 inflammasome activation in HCoV-OC43-infected cells. Moreover, AZ enhanced cell viability and reduced the expression of cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD), a marker of pyroptosis. Overall, we demonstrated that AZ exhibits antiviral activity against HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E. We specifically focused on its efficacy against HCoV-OC43 and showed its potential to reduce inflammation, inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, and suppress pyroptosis in infected cells.
Research on the Spatial and Temporal Distribution Evolution and Sustainable Development Mechanism of Smart Health and Elderly Care Demonstration Bases Based on GIS
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Chen Bowen , Zhang Hongfeng , Wong Cora Un In
Published: January 2024

Utilizing GIS technology and spatial analysis methodologies, this study endeavours to delve into and grasp the localized attributes of the regional units under investigation from a geographical vantage point, as well as the interrelationships among these units. This endeavour encompasses the identification and quantification of developmental patterns, the assessment of trends, and the resolution of any intricate issues about geographical location to make prognostications and informed decisions. Classic spatial analysis techniques such as the geographic concentration index, kernel density analysis, Thiessen polygons, and spatial autocorrelation analysis (Moran’s I index) are employed in this inquiry. Initially, the study utilized the nearest neighbour index and geographic concentration index to gauge the equilibrium, proximity, and concentration of the spatiotemporal distribution of smart health elderly care demonstration bases across 31 provinces in China. Upon confirming the spatial clustering and imbalance of the distribution of elderly care demonstration bases in China, kernel density analysis was applied to compute the density of point features surrounding each output raster cell and to visually represent the spatiotemporal distribution status of the bases. Finally, Thiessen polygons and spatial autocorrelation analysis (Moran’s I index) were introduced to further elucidate and validate the spatial distribution patterns of the elderly care demonstration bases. The findings of the research reveal that smart health and elderly care bases in China manifest spatial clustering, predominantly concentrated in the central and eastern regions of the country. The overarching pattern embodies a spatial model characterized by a “concentration in three poles with multiple cores surrounding”. Ultimately, the study offers recommendations for the nexus between three principal mechanisms: market-driven development mechanisms, policy-driven development mechanisms, and technology-driven development mechanisms, advocating for the further progression of intelligent construction to attain the sustainable development of demonstration bases. This research furnishes a scientific foundation for the planning and industrial advancement of pertinent departments.
Recovery of Bioactive Components from Strawberry Seeds Residues Post Oil Extraction and Their Cosmetic Potential
Authors: Wójciak Weronika , Żuk Magdalena , Sowa Ireneusz , Mazurek Barbara , Tyśkiewicz Katarzyna , Wójciak Magdalena
Published: January 2024

Recently, there has been an increased interest in the valorization of byproducts generated during fruit processing. An example of this is the waste produced during the processing of strawberries. For instance, it has been evidenced that strawberries seeds can be a valuable source of oil. The goal of this paper was to investigate the potential of strawberry seed residues after oil extraction (defatted seeds) as a source of phenolics with possible cosmetic applications. The components were recovered using water and ethanol mixture, assisted by heat, ultrasound, and microwave. The extracts were characterized through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric and mass detectors (UPLC-DAD-MS), and the biological properties of the phenolic-rich fraction were assessed using antioxidant tests and a cell viability assay on human skin fibroblasts. The study revealed that defatted strawberry seeds are rich in low molecular weight phenolics, specifically in tiliroside, kaempferol 3-glucoside, and ellagic acid. Furthermore, the phenolic-rich fraction was effective in scavenging free radicals in human skin fibroblasts and showed cytoprotective activity against oxidative stress. This evidence suggests that defatted strawberry seeds are a valuable material for further processing to obtain a beneficial additive for skincare products.