bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From outputs to insights: a survey of rationalization approaches for explainable text classification
Authors: Mendez Guzman Erick , Schlegel Viktor , Batista-Navarro Riza
Published: July 2024

Deep learning models have achieved state-of-the-art performance for text classification in the last two decades. However, this has come at the expense of models becoming less understandable, limiting their application scope in high-stakes domains. The increased interest in explainability has resulted in many proposed forms of explanation. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown thatrationales, or language explanations, are more intuitive and human-understandable, especially for non-technical stakeholders. This survey provides an overview of the progress the community has achieved thus far in rationalization approaches for text classification. We first describe and compare techniques for producing extractive and abstractive rationales. Next, we present various rationale-annotated data sets that facilitate the training and evaluation of rationalization models. Then, we detail proxy-based and human-grounded metrics to evaluate machine-generated rationales. Finally, we outline current challenges and encourage directions for future work.
Applied artificial intelligence in dentistry: emerging data modalities and modeling approaches
Authors: Feher Balazs , Tussie Camila , Giannobile William V.
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly applied across all disciplines of medicine, including dentistry. Oral health research is experiencing a rapidly increasing use of machine learning (ML), the branch of AI that identifies inherent patterns in data similarly to how humans learn. In contemporary clinical dentistry, ML supports computer-aided diagnostics, risk stratification, individual risk prediction, and decision support to ultimately improve clinical oral health care efficiency, outcomes, and reduce disparities. Further, ML is progressively used in dental and oral health research, from basic and translational science to clinical investigations. With an ML perspective, this review provides a comprehensive overview of how dental medicine leverages AI for diagnostic, prognostic, and generative tasks. The spectrum of available data modalities in dentistry and their compatibility with various methods of applied AI are presented. Finally, current challenges and limitations as well as future possibilities and considerations for AI application in dental medicine are summarized.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, parental stress, and attachment styles
Authors: Coldevin Marit , Brænden Astrid , Zeiner Pål , Øyen Anne-Siri , Melinder Annika , Stubberud Jan E.
Published: July 2024

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a relatively new diagnostic entity concerning children with chronic irritability and severe anger outbursts. Currently, there is limited knowledge about the parental factors associated with the disorder. The aim of this study was to compare stress levels and attachment styles in parents of children with DMDD with those of parents of children with other diagnoses. Our sample consisted of 218 children (6–12 years, Mage = 9.68 years) referred to child mental health outpatient clinics. Clinicians used a standardized semi-structured diagnostic interview to identify diagnoses. Parental stress levels and attachment styles were assessed using parent reports. We found that parents of children with DMDD experience significantly higher levels of parenting stress related to factors in the child than parents of children with other diagnoses. Furthermore, parents of children with DMDD show a higher association with insecure adult attachment styles than parents of children without DMDD. Finally, an adult preoccupied-ambivalent attachment style explains the variability in parental stress in the DMDD group to a large degree. We discuss how parental stress and an insecure attachment style can be associated with negative parenting practices. An implication from this study could be that treatment results might be improved by involving parents more in treatment programs for children with DMDD.
Community hospitals of the future: the role of community hospitals to mitigate health system burden in Singapore
Authors: Foo Chuan De , Chia Hui Xiang , Tan Sherianne Yen Tze , Lai Yi Feng , Khoo Jia En Joy , Tee Shi Yun , Lim Cher Wee , Teo Ken Wah
Published: July 2024

In Singapore, an ageing population with increasing chronic disease burden and complex social circumstances have strained the healthcare system. For the health system to run more efficiently, patients should be appropriately sited according to their medical needs. In Singapore, community hospitals serve as an intermediate inpatient facility managing patients with sub-acute and rehabilitation care needs. Our policy brief uncovers the gaps in transforming community hospital care models and offers actionable steps to unlock the community hospital chokepoints in Singapore's health system. The future community hospitals can accommodate higher acuity but medically stable patients, while patients who do not require inpatient rehabilitation care can be appropriately sited to community partners, if policy, resourcing and technology factors are addressed. An evidence-based, stepwise approach involving all stakeholders will be required to pilot and evaluate new models before large-scale change.
Adaptive satellite attitude control for varying masses using deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Retagne Wiebke , Dauer Jonas , Waxenegger-Wilfing Günther
Published: July 2024

Traditional spacecraft attitude control often relies heavily on the dimension and mass information of the spacecraft. In active debris removal scenarios, these characteristics cannot be known beforehand because the debris can take any shape or mass. Additionally, it is not possible to measure the mass of the combined system of satellite and debris object in orbit. Therefore, it is crucial to develop an adaptive satellite attitude control that can extract mass information about the satellite system from other measurements. The authors propose using deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms, employing stacked observations to handle widely varying masses. The satellite is simulated in Basilisk software, and the control performance is assessed using Monte Carlo simulations. The results demonstrate the benefits of DRL with stacked observations compared to a classical proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller for the spacecraft attitude control. The algorithm is able to adapt, especially in scenarios with changing physical properties.
Hadron-quark phase transition in the neutron star with vector MIT bag model and Korea-IBS-Daegu-SKKU functional
Authors: Sen Debashree , Gil Hana , Hyun Chang Ho
Published: July 2024

Employing the Korea-IBS-Daegu-SKKU (KIDS) density functional for the hadron phase and the MIT bag model with vector (vBag) model for the quark phase, we obtain hadron-quark phase transition in neutron stars considering Maxwell construction. The structural properties of the resultant hybrid stars are computed for three different values of bag constant (B) in the range B1/4=145−160 MeV). We study the effects of symmetry energy (J) on the hybrid star properties with the different KIDS model and found that J has important influence not only on the transition properties like the transition mass, transition radius and jump in density due to phase transition, but also on the stability of the hybrid stars. The vector repulsion of the quark phase via the parameter GV has profound influence in obtaining reasonable hybrid star configurations, consistent with the recent astrophysical constraints on the structural properties of compact stars. Within the aforesaid range of B, the value of GV is constrained to be 0.3 ≲GV≲ 0.4 in order to obtain reasonable hybrid star configurations.
Exploring the relationship between STEVE and SAID during three events observed by SuperDARN
Authors: Macho E. P. , Bristow W. , Gallardo-Lacourt B. , Shepherd S. G. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Correia E.
Published: July 2024

The phenomenon known as strong thermal emission velocity enhancement (STEVE) is a narrow optical structure that may extend longitudinally for thousands of kilometers. Initially observed by amateur photographers, it has recently garnered researchers’ attention. STEVE has been associated with a rapid westward flow of ions in the ionosphere, known as subauroral ion drift (SAID). In this work, we investigate three occurrences of STEVE, using data from one of the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) ground-based all-sky imagers (ASIs) located at Pinawa, Manitoba, and from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN). This approach allows us to verify the correlation between STEVE and SAID, as well as analyze the temporal variation of SAID observed during STEVE events. Our results suggest that the SAID activity starts before the STEVE, and the magnitude of the westward flow decreases as the STEVE progresses toward the end of its optical manifestation.
An insight into carcinogenic activity and molecular mechanisms of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Authors: Pillo Gelsomina , Aldrovandi Federico , Mescoli Ada , Maffei Giangabriele , Mascolo Maria Grazia , Vaccari Monica , Colacci Annamaria
Published: July 2024

Di(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant to which humans are exposed via multiple routes. Human health risk assessments for this substance have recently been updated, focusing on reproductive toxicity, including DEHP, in the list of chemicals classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR). Moreover, DEHP has also been defined as probably and possibly carcinogenic to humans based on its carcinogenicity in rodents. However, the mechanism of action of DEHP and its relevance in humans remain unclear. Rodent data suggests that DEHP induces cancer through non-genotoxic mechanisms related to multiple molecular signals, including PPARα activation, perturbation of fatty acid metabolism, induction of cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress. According to the DEHP toxicological dataset, several in vitro cell transformation assays have been performed using different protocols and cellular models to produce different results. This study aimed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of DEHP by using the A31-1-1 BALB/c-3T3 cell line in a standard cell transformation assay. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis was performed to explore the molecular responses and identify the affected toxicological pathways. Although DEHP treatment did not induce transformation in BALB/c-3T3 cells, the transcriptomic results revealed significant modulation of several pathways associated with DEHP metabolism, tissue-specific functions related to systemic metabolism, and basal cellular signaling with pleiotropic outcomes. Among these signaling pathways, modulation of cell-regulating signaling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, and TGF-β, can be highlighted. More specific modulation of such genes and pathways with double functions in metabolism and neurophysiology underlies the well-known crosstalk that may be crucial for the mechanism of action of DEHP. Our findings offer evidence to support the notion that these models are effective in minimizing the use of animal testing for toxicity assessment.
Effects of yeast culture on growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity and hormonal profile in Mongolian ram lambs
Authors: Chen Hui , Liu Shixiong , Li Songjian , Li Dongfang , Li Xueqiang , Xu Zixuan , Liu Dacheng
Published: July 2024

Introduction

As effective growth-promoters and immune-modulators, yeast fermented products have shown positive effects in ruminants. To explore the mechanisms of yeast culture promoting growth and regulating immunity, this study investigated the effects of yeast culture, and β-glucan as one of its main active ingredients, on the growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity and hormonal profile in Mongolian ram lambs.

Methods

One hundred and five Mongolian ram lambs were randomly assigned to 3 groups, with 35 replicates in each group. The dietary treatments were: total mixed ration (TMR) as the control group, TMR supplemented with 50–70 g/kg yeast culture (YC) or 75 mg/kg β-glucan. The test period was 137 days. All the sheep were weighed and 6 serum samples were collected in each group on days 0, 30, 60, 90 and 130, respectively.

Results

The results showed that both YC and β-glucan could promote the growth performance with increased average daily gain and decreased feed to weight gain ratio. Moreover, these two feed additives facilitated the immune function by selectively increasing the serum levels of lysozyme, IgG, IgM, INF-γ, TNF-α and some interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8); ameliorated the antioxidant capacity with higher total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase; altered the metabolism-associated hormone levels with higher growth hormone and thyroid hormone T3 but lower cortisol and insulin.

Discussion

In conclusion, both YC and β-glucan could improve the growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity, and regulate the serum levels of metabolism-associated hormones, thus exerting effects of promoting growth and improving immune function. Therefore, YC could be considered as a suitable potential alternative strategy to antibiotics and be used as an animal feed additive. This article provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of such yeast fermented preparations in mutton sheep husbandry.
Optimal management plans and initiatives for the valorization and safeguarding of local breeds: a mathematical programming approach
Authors: Skordos Dimitrios , Ragkos Athanasios , Karanikolas Pavlos , Vlahos George
Published: July 2024

In this study, a parametric programming model was developed in order to deliver optimal management plans for various types of farms rearing endangered Greek sheep breeds under three distinct scenarios. The first scenario investigated the optimal internal organization of farms (i.e., management practices and resource allocation strategies that increase profitability of farms) under current market conditions (e.g., product prices) without, however, considering subsidies and compensations. The second assessed the impact of an agri-environmental support scheme on farm optimal structure and socioeconomic performance. The third investigated the effects of integrating farms into value chains and niche markets where premium prices prevail. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the wider region of Epirus and Thessaly, collecting management data from 16 farms rearing (i) Kalaritiko, (ii) Orino Epiru and (iii) Katsika rare sheep breeds. The main finding of this study was that the optimal internal organization of farms is essential for their self-reliance and viability. Therefore, it should be the basis in the designing of any initiative aimed at the preservation and valorization of local breeds. Furthermore, the analysis showed that a niche marketing strategy (i.e., a premium price strategy) can have a broader positive impact on farms structure and socioeconomic performance, particularly those engaged in cheese production, compared to an agri-environmental scheme. However, due to the fact that both initiatives possess limitations that may render them inefficient under specific external conditions, the development of an integrated incentive mechanism, which will combine both policy schemes and market-based initiatives, appeared to be a more effective strategy for the long-term viability of farms.
Key to Progress: the Semiconductor Technology
Authors: Bársony István
Published: July 2024

Future progress in our life is unthinkable without semiconductor technology. Below is a brief sur-vey of the development facilitated by the integration of silicon devices since the discovery of the transistor 75 years ago, hinting also at the limitless future opportunities. In all sectors of everyday life integrated circuits are fundamental components in our instruments, their role in the industrial food-chain and their accessibility is of global-political importance, as witnessed today.
The Influence of Fuel Composition on the Operating Characteristics of the Steam Boiler
Authors: Dósa János , Kovács József , András József
Published: July 2024

The paper presents the impact of using high ash content and poor heating value hard coal as fuel for a steam boiler. As expected, the poor quality of the fuel has an important impact on the efficiency of the steam boiler, reducing it by almost 4%. From that also results an increase in specific fuel consumption of the boiler. The mechanism by which these negative results are reached are mainly the increase in losses through combustion gases by nearly 2% and the heat of the evacuated slag which almost doubles.
Effects of Profile Shifting of a Cosine Gear
Authors: Máté Márton , Gál Károly-István
Published: July 2024

Cosine gears are a special type of gear drive, in which the tooth profile of the theoretical generating rack is described by the cosine function. According to recent research results, the cosine gear drive has a lower slip coefficient and the contact and bending stresses supported by the teeth during the load are smaller than those occurring in involute gears. The main advantage of the cosine drive pair lies in the apparent higher rigidity of the gear tooth: this can reduce flank wear and increase gear life, especially in heavy load and highspeed applications. In contrast to involute profile gears, cosine gears do not show undercut root fillet, even with small teeth number. This paper deals with cosine gear tooth profile design and the meshing of the cylindrical cosine gear pair conceived without, or with the application of the profile shifting. The mathematical model of the meshing was implemented in a Mathcad environment, showing that there exists a significant difference compared to the well-known involute gears. The simulation of the motion during the rolling of the gear pairs was realized with the Autolisp programming interface. Solid models were created and tested in the Autodesk Inventor environment.
A tüzelőanyag összetételének hatása a gőzkazán működési jellemzőire
Authors: Dósa János , Kovács József , András József
Published: July 2024

A cikk bemutatja a magas hamutartalmú és rossz fűtőértékű kőszén gőzkazán-tüzelőanyagként való felhasználásának hatását. Amint az várható volt, a tüzelőanyag rossz minősége jelentős hatással van a gőzkazán hatásfokára, mivel azt közel 4%-kal csökkenti. Ebből is adódik a kazán fajlagos tüzelőanyag-fogyasztásának növekedése. A negatív eredmények elérésének mechanizmusa elsősorban az égési gázok veszteségeinek közel 2%-os növekedése és a kiürített salak hője, amely csaknem megkétszereződött.
Additív gyártással előállított polimer fogaskerekek méret-, alak- és helyzetpontosságának vizsgálata koordinátamérő gépeken
Authors: Egyed-Faluvégi Erzsébet , Gál Károly , Farmos Rudolf-László , Kántor József , Gergely Attila
Published: July 2024

Az additív gyártástechnológiák közül az ömledékrétegezés (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D-nyomtatási technológia nagyon elterjedt, mivel az utóbbi évek során rohamos fejlődésen ment keresztül, és ez jelentős árcsökkenéshez vezetett. A 3D-nyomtatásnak számos technológiai paramétere van, melyek hatása nagymértékben befolyásolja használhatóságát. 3 faktoros Box-Behnken kísérleti terv segítségével tanulmányoztuk a fogaskerekek méret-, alak és helyzetpontosságát. Ez a három faktor a rétegvastagság, a nyomtatási sebesség és a kitöltési tényező. A kapott eredmények szerint a gyártott fogaskerekek a szabvány által meghatározott tűrési tartományon belül voltak, mely alapján kijelenthetjük, hogy a 3D-nyomtatás egy ígéretes fogaskerékgyártó technológia lehet kis és közepes terhelések esetén.
Lefejtő csigamaró modellezése egyenes fogú lécből
Authors: Hodgyai Norbert , Drăgoi Mircea Viorel , Máté Márton
Published: July 2024

A simító csigamaróval gyártott fogazat pontosságát főként a származtató csiga pontossága, a megfelelő homlokfelület kialakítása és az újraélezések száma határozza meg. A generáláselmélet szerint a csigamarót evolvens csigából származtatják, a gyakorlatban ennek ellenére nagyon gyakran használnak konvolut alapcsigát. A csigamaró homlokfelület-kialakítási technológiája eredményeként az elméleti és a gyakorlati felület között eltérés keletkezik. Az élek az utánélezések következtében torzulnak, így a csigamaró már nem adja vissza az elméleti alapcsigát, amelyből származtattuk. Véleményünk szerint a csigamaró-származtató alapcsiga típusmeghatározásának a kérdése még nyitott kutatási terület. Jelen dolgozatban a gyártóléccel generált csiga profilját tanulmányozzuk. A dolgozatban numerikusan vizsgájuk, hogy az egyenes vágóélű származtató léccel lefejtett csigamaró alapcsigája megegyezik-e az elméletben tárgyalt evolvens alapcsigával.
Bolyai Farkas által tervezett öntöttvas kemence tanulmányozása
Authors: Pásztor Judit , Szőcs Krisztina , Csegedi Ferenc-József , Márton Botond
Published: July 2024

Bolyai Farkas neve a matematikusok körében ismert. Azonban kályhák, kemencék tervezése és építése is foglalkoztatta. Dolgozatunkban a Bolyai Farkas által tervezett öntöttvas kemencét tanulmányozzuk a Teleki Tékában található mintadarab alapján. Bár közel kétszáz éves műszaki megvalósításról van szó, az ihlető probléma mind a mai napig foglalkoztatja a társadalmunkat. Úgy gondoljuk, visszatekintve, válaszokat találhatunk, esetleg rész- vagy egész megoldást a takarékos tűzhely problémájára.
AI-alapú röntgenképelemzési eljárás valós idejű out-of-distribution-detektálás segítségével
Authors: Szabó Lóránt , Weltsch Zoltán
Published: July 2024

Az orvostudományban a mesterséges intelligencia (AI) szerepe egyre nagyobb. Kiváló példa erre az AI alkalmazása a röntgenképek elemzésére, ami az orvosi képalkotás során történő képletfelismerés egyik ismert aspektusa. A mesterséges intelligencián alapuló képelemzés alkalmazása szempontjából jelentős kihívással bírnak az úgynevezett out-of-distribution- (OOD-)esetek, melyek a modell betanításához használt adathalmaztól jelentősen különböző adatokat takarnak. OOD-adatok származhatnak olyan tünetekből, amelyekre a modell nincs felkészítve, avagy adódhatnak akár az eszköz előre nem látható viselkedéséből vagy környezeti anomáliákból, esetleg olyan hibákból, amelyek az elsődleges adatgyűjtési fázis során nem fordultak elő. Ez a cikk bemutatja, hogy megfelelő OOD-elemzéssel az AI-alapú eszköz felkészülhet az "ismeretlen" bemeneti adatok kezelésére.
Co wiemy i czego nie wiemy o polszczyźnie kowieńskiej
Authors: Karaś Halina
Published: July 2024

The article aims at providing a synopsis of previous studies on the Kaunas Polish language, as well as identifying knowledge gaps, i.e., the things that – despite extensive research on this language variety – are still not known. At the turn of the 20th and the 21st century, intensified research both on the current Polish language variety, as spoken in the Kaunas region, and its history (mainly over the 19th century up till the 1950s) brought about vast amounts of linguistic and extralinguistic data. However, a detailed analysis shows that there is no easy answer to the question posed in the title of the paper. The article overviews the situation of the Kaunas Polish language, its territorial range, scope, and functions, as well as its defining features observable at the beginning of the 21st century. The author also outlines how the language variety – a subdivision of the Polish in the North-Eastern Borderlands – has evolved over the 20th century.
Keywords: Polish language in the former North-Eastern Borderlands (Kresy) – language features typical of the North-Eastern Borderlands – substrate – linguistic borderland.
Dzienniki dla dzieci prowadzone przez Emilię Wróblewską jako źródła do badania polszczyzny inteligencji wileńskiej w XIX wieku
Authors: Masojć Irena , Sawaniewska-Mochowa Zofia
Published: July 2024

The article initiates historical, linguistic, and textological research into the rich diaristic legacy of Emilia Wróblewska, née Beniowska (1830–1886), a Polish woman from the circle of Vilnius intelligentsia, who had wrttten intimate diaries for herself and her children for almost 30 years. The subject of exploratory study are the texts of the diaries kept by Wróblewska for her son Tadeusz in the years 1859–1886, and her daughter Maria in the years 1865–1873 (with an entry for Emilia’s younger son, Augustyn, added in 1886). The paper aims at identifying the most prominent features of spelling and linguisƟtic phenomena (regarding phonetics, inflection, syntax, vocabulary, and lexis) that can be qualified as regional features typical of the North-Eastern Borderlands(Kresy) in the diarist’s Polish language. A comparative method was used in the study; the material extracted from the diaries was confronted with the usage and developmental tendencies of the standard Polish language of the 19th century.
First Evidence of the Effects of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics on Ruminal Degradability and Gastro-Intestinal Digestibility of Mixed Hay
Authors: Tassone Sonia , Barbera Salvatore , Kaihara Hatsumi , Glorio Patrucco Sara , Abid Khalil
Published: July 2024

Microplastics (MPs) raise environmental concerns. However, their effects on the ruminal–gastro-intestinal system have not yet been studied. This study aims to investigate the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs on the ability of the ruminal–gastro-intestinal system to degrade and digest mixed hay. Using a three-step in vitro ruminal–gastro-intestinal incubation system, PET MPs were introduced at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/L in ruminal and gastro-intestinal solutions. Ruminal fluid was collected from three 16-month-old Piedmontese bulls. The experiment was conducted on three mixed hays and was repeated three times, with triplicate incubations in each run. The results reveal that PET MPs reduced the degradability and digestibility of crude protein. Specifically, crude protein degradation was reduced by 9% at medium and 16% at high PET MP concentrations in the ruminal phase, while the crude protein digestibility of undegraded crude protein was reduced by 8% at the lowest PET MPs concentration in the gastro-intestinal tract. Additionally, PET MPs reduced the degradation of neutral detergent fiber at medium and high PET MP concentrations in the ruminal phase by 9% and 13%, respectively. These results highlight the risks of PET MPs contamination on ruminal–gastro-intestinal functions and underscore the urgent need to mitigate MPs contamination in the livestock sector.
Estimating the Energy Expenditure of Grazing Farm Animals Based on Dynamic Body Acceleration
Authors: Gonçalves Pedro , Magalhães João , Corujo Daniel
Published: July 2024

Indirect methods of measuring the energy expenditure of grazing animals using heartbeat variation or accelerometers are very convenient due to their low cost and low intrusiveness, allowing animals to maintain their usual routine. In the case of accelerometers, it is possible to use them to measure activity, as well as to classify animal behavior, allowing their usage in other scenarios. Despite the obvious convenience of use, it is important to evaluate the measurement error and understand the validity of the measurement through a simplistic method. In this paper, data from accelerometers were used to classify behavior and measure animal activity, and an algorithm was developed to calculate the energy expended by sheep. The results of the energy expenditure calculations were subsequently compared with the values reported in the literature, and it was verified that the values obtained were within the reference ranges. Although it cannot be used as a real metering of energy expended, the method is promising, as it can be integrated with other complementary sources of information, such as the evolution of the animal’s weight and ingestion time, thus providing assistance in animals’ dietary management.
Enhancing Pathogen Detection in Implant-Related Infections through Chemical Antibiofilm Strategies: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Giarritiello Fabiana , Romanò Carlo Luca , Lob Guenter , Benevenia Joseph , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Zappia Emanuele , Drago Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Implant-related infections (IRIs) represent a significant challenge to modern surgery. The occurrence of these infections is due to the ability of pathogens to aggregate and form biofilms, which presents a challenge to both the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of the infection. Biofilms provide pathogens with protection from the host immune response and antibiotics, making detection difficult and complicating both single-stage and two-stage revision procedures. This narrative review examines advanced chemical antibiofilm techniques with the aim of improving the detection and identification of pathogens in IRIs. The articles included in this review were selected from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, MDPI and SpringerLink, which focus on recent studies evaluating the efficacy and enhanced accuracy of microbiological sampling and culture following the use of chemical antibiofilm. Although promising results have been achieved with the successful application of some antibiofilm chemical pre-treatment methods, mainly in orthopedics and in cardiovascular surgery, further research is required to optimize and expand their routine use in the clinical setting. This is necessary to ensure their safety, efficacy and integration into diagnostic protocols. Future studies should focus on standardizing these techniques and evaluating their effectiveness in large-scale clinical trials. This review emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing reliable diagnostic tools and highlights the need for innovative approaches to improve outcomes for patients undergoing both single-stage and two-stage revision surgery for implant-related infections.
Culture of Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells in Galactose Media Enhances Mitochondrial Plasticity and Changes Redox Sensing, Altering Nrf2 and FOXO3 Levels
Authors: Galant Leticia Selinger , Doblado Laura , Radi Rafael , de Bem Andreza Fabro , Monsalve Maria
Published: July 2024

Understanding the complex biological processes of cells in culture, particularly those related to metabolism, can be biased by culture conditions, since the choice of energy substrate impacts all of the main metabolic pathways. When glucose is replaced by galactose, cells decrease their glycolytic flux, working as an in vitro model of limited nutrient availability. However, the effect of these changes on related physiological processes such as redox control is not well documented, particularly in endothelial cells, where mitochondrial oxidation is considered to be low. We evaluated the differences in mitochondrial dynamics and function in endothelial cells exposed to galactose or glucose culture medium. We observed that cells maintained in galactose-containing medium show a higher mitochondrial oxidative capacity, a more fused mitochondrial network, and higher intercellular coupling. These factors are documented to impact the cellular response to oxidative stress. Therefore, we analyzed the levels of two main redox regulators and found that bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) in galactose media had higher levels of FOXO3 and lower levels of Nrf2 than those in glucose-containing media. Thus, cultures of endothelial cells in a galactose-containing medium may provide a more suitable target for the study of in vitro mitochondrial-related processes than those in glucose-containing media; the medium deeply influences redox signaling in these cells.
Ocular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress as a Result of Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia: A Rat Model of Sleep Apnea
Authors: Donkor Nina , Gardner Jennifer J. , Bradshaw Jessica L. , Cunningham Rebecca L. , Inman Denise M.
Published: July 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by intermittent complete or partial occlusion of the airway. Despite a recognized association between OSA and glaucoma, the nature of the underlying link remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether mild OSA induces morphological, inflammatory, and metabolic changes in the retina resembling those seen in glaucoma using a rat model of OSA known as chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Rats were randomly assigned to either normoxic or CIH groups. The CIH group was exposed to periodic hypoxia during its sleep phase with oxygen reduction from 21% to 10% and reoxygenation in 6 min cycles over 8 h/day. The eyes were subsequently enucleated, and then the retinas were evaluated for retinal ganglion cell number, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, metabolic changes, and hypoxic response modulation using immunohistochemistry, multiplex assays, and capillary electrophoresis. Statistically significant differences were observed between normoxic and CIH groups for oxidative stress and inflammation, with CIH resulting in increased HIF-1α protein levels, higher oxidative stress marker 8-OHdG, and increased TNF-α. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-1 protein was significantly reduced with CIH. No significant differences were found in retinal ganglion cell number. Our findings suggest that CIH induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and upregulation of HIF-1α in the retina, akin to early-stage glaucoma.
Antioxidant and Anti-Apoptotic Neuroprotective Effects of Cinnamon in Imiquimod-Induced Lupus
Authors: Maalouly Georges , Martin Christine-Marie-Anne , Baz Yara , Saliba Youakim , Baramili Anna-Maria , Fares Nassim
Published: July 2024

Background: Despite accumulating evidence correlating oxidative stress with lupus disease activity, the brain redox pathways are still poorly investigated. Cinnamomum cassia, a widely used spice with powerful antioxidant properties, could be a novel therapeutic candidate in lupus. Methods: C57BL/6J female mice were divided into five groups: sham, sham-cinnamon, lupus, lupus-cinnamon starting from induction, and lupus-cinnamon starting two weeks before induction. Lupus was induced by skin application on the right ear with 1.25 mg of 5% imiquimod cream three times per week for six weeks. Cinnamomum cassia was given orally, five days per week, at 200 mg/kg. Results: Concomitant to TLR7-MYD88 pathway activation, the p-NRF2/NRF2 and p-FOXO3/FOXO3 ratios were increased in the hippocampus and alleviated by cinnamon treatment. BCL-2 positivity was enhanced in hippocampal neurons and reversed only by preventive cinnamon administration. In vitro, exposure of hippocampal cells to the plasma of different groups induced a surge in oxidative stress. This was associated with an increased t-BID/BID ratio. Cinnamon treatment, particularly in the preventive arm, normalized these modifications. Conclusions: Our study shows a neuroprotective effect of cinnamon by rescuing brain redox and apoptosis homeostasis in lupus, paving the way for its use as a natural therapeutic compound in the clinical management of lupus.
Tumoral Malignancy Decreases Coupled with Higher ROS and Lipid Peroxidation in HCT116 Colon Cancer Cells upon Loss of PRDX6
Authors: Lagal Daniel J. , Montes-Osuna Antonio M. , Ortiz-Olivencia Alberto , Arribas-Parejas Candela , Ortiz-Alcántara Ángel , Pescuezo-Castillo Cristina , Bárcena José Antonio , Padilla Carmen Alicia , Requejo-Aguilar Raquel
Published: July 2024

Peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) is an atypical member of the peroxiredoxin family that presents not only peroxidase but also phospholipase A2 and lysophosphatidylcholine acyl transferase activities able to act on lipid hydroperoxides of cell membranes. It has been associated with the proliferation and invasive capacity of different tumoral cells including colorectal cancer cells, although the effect of its removal in these cells has not been yet studied. Here, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we constructed an HCT116 colorectal cancer cell line knockout for PRDX6 to study whether the mechanisms described for other cancer cells in terms of proliferation, migration, and invasiveness also apply in this tumoral cell line. HCT116 cells lacking PRDX6 showed increased ROS and lipid peroxidation, a decrease in the antioxidant response regulator NRF2, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased sensitivity to ferroptosis. All these alterations lead to a decrease in proliferation, migration, and invasiveness in these cells. Furthermore, the reduced migratory and invasive capacity of HCT116 cancer cells is consistent with the observed cadherin switch and decrease in pro-invasive proteins such as MMPs. Therefore, the mechanism behind the effects of loss of PRDX6 in HCT116 cells could differ from that in HepG2 cells which is coherent with the fact that the correlation of PRDX6 expression with patient survival is different in hepatocellular carcinomas. Nonetheless, our results point to this protein as a good therapeutic target also for colorectal cancer.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Green-Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles and Ericaria selaginoides Extract for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Fontes Nayana Freire de Almeida , Fernandes Mário , González-Ballesteros Noelia , Rodríguez-Argüelles Maria Carmen , Gomes Andreia Castro , Duarte Antoniella Souza Gomes
Published: July 2024

Addressing disease remission and treatment adherence in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn’s disease, poses significant challenges due to underlying oxidative and inflammatory processes. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising avenue for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in IBD by optimizing drug bioactivity, reducing toxicity, and extending circulation time. Gold nanoparticles, known for their resistance to gastrointestinal pH and possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offer particular promise. They can be produced by green synthesis with seaweed Ericaria selaginoides (ES), itself associated with gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. In a murine model of Crohn’s disease induced with 8% acetic acid, pretreatment with dexamethasone (0.2 mL/30 g) or Au@ES (25 and 50 mg/kg) effectively mitigated inflammatory features. Notably, ES (50 mg/kg) and Au@ES (50 mg/kg) administration resulted in significant reductions in both macroscopic and microscopic inflammation scores compared to the disease control group. Furthermore, these treatments normalized inflammatory cytokine expression while safeguarding myenteric plexus glial cells. They also impeded neutrophil activation, leading to reduced myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation, coupled with increased glutathione levels. In conclusion, ES and Au@ES exhibit potent efficacy in counteracting inflammation and oxidation processes in an experimental Crohn’s disease model, suggesting their potential as alternative therapeutic strategies for IBD.
Citrate Promotes Nitric Oxide Production during Human Sperm Capacitation
Authors: Loggia Diego , O’Flaherty Cristian
Published: July 2024

Sperm capacitation is a complex process essential for the spermatozoon to recognize and fertilize the oocyte. For capacitation to occur, human spermatozoa require low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and sufficient levels of energy metabolites such as citrate. Human spermatozoa are exposed to high concentrations of citrate from the seminal plasma, yet the role of citrate in sperm capacitation is largely unknown. We report that citrate can support capacitation in human spermatozoa incubated with no other energy metabolites in the capacitation medium. Reduced capacitation levels were observed in spermatozoa incubated with inhibitors of mitochondrial citrate transporter (CIC), cytosolic ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), malic enzyme (ME), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The role of citrate metabolism in ROS production was further elucidated as citrate increased NO● production in capacitated spermatozoa, whereas inhibition of ACLY reduced NO● production. This research characterizes a novel metabolic pathway for citrate to produce NO● in the process of human sperm capacitation.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Blocks Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophage Differentiation through Elimination of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Carter Taylor H. , Weyer-Nichols Chloe E. , Garcia-Sanchez Jeffrey I. , Wilson Kiesha , Nagarkatti Prakash , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: July 2024

Macrophages are vital components of the immune system and serve as the first line of defense against pathogens. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) induces macrophage differentiation from bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs). Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiol (THC), a phytocannabinoid from the Cannabis plant, has profound anti-inflammatory properties with significant effects on myeloid cells. To investigate the effect of THC on macrophage differentiation, we cultured BMDCs with M-CSF in the presence of THC. Interestingly, THC markedly blocked the differentiation of BMDCs into CD45 + CD11b + F4/80+ macrophages. The effect of THC was independent of cannabinoid receptors CB1, and CB2, as well as other potential receptors such as GPR18, GPR55, and Adenosine 2A Receptor. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the THC-treated BMDCs displayed a significant increase in the expression of NRF2-ARE-related genes. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the expression profiles of THC-treated cells correlated with ferroptosis and glutathione metabolism pathways. Fluorescence-based labile iron assays showed that the THC-treated BMDCs had significantly increased iron levels. Finally, THC-exposed BMDCs showed decreased levels of intracellular ROS. THC has the unique molecular property to block the Fenton Reaction, thus preventing the increase in intracellular ROS that is normally induced by high iron levels. Together, these studies demonstrated that THC blocks M-CSF-induced macrophage differentiation by inhibiting ROS production through both the induction of NRF2-ARE-related gene expression and the prevention of ROS formation via the Fenton Reaction.
Investigation of Antioxidant Mechanisms of Novel Peptides Derived from Asian Swamp Eel Hydrolysate in Chemical Systems and AAPH-Induced Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Wang Xiao , Chen Bingjie , Bhullar Khushwant S. , Yang Hang , Luo Xiaohu , Fu Juan , Liu Hongru , Su Di , Sun Dapeng , Qiao Yongjin , Zhou Wenzong
Published: July 2024

Sixteen novel antioxidant peptides from Asian swamp eel (ASE) were identified in previous studies. However, their chemical and cellular antioxidant mechanisms remain unclear. Molecular docking of these peptides with ABTS and DPPH radicals revealed the critical role of hydrogen bonding and Pi–Pi stacking hydrophobic interactions between hydrophobic amino acid residues and free radicals. Residues, such as tryptophan, proline, leucine, and valine, played significant roles in these interactions. All these peptides exhibited notable erythrocyte morphoprotective effects in a model of AAPH-induced oxidative damage of human erythrocytes. Erythrocyte hemolysis was reduced primarily through the modulation of both non-enzymatic (GSH/GSSG) and enzymatic antioxidant systems (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) by these peptides. A decrease in levels of MDA, LDH release, and hemoglobin oxidation was observed. Among the peptides, VLYPW demonstrated superior chemical and cellular antioxidant activities, which may be attributed to its higher levels of tyrosine and tryptophan, as well as to its increased hydrophobic amino acid content.
Shipbuilding 4.0: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Chen Daoyi
Published: July 2024

Existing research in the shipbuilding field tends to focus on isolated single aspects of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) without a full picture. To address this gap, this paper seeks to offer a thorough and in-depth examination of the concepts and technologies necessary to integrate I4.0 into the design, construction, maintenance, and other stages throughout the entire life cycle of a ship. This paper will firstly examine the recent developments and identify the gaps in I4.0 application within shipbuilding. By conducting a systematic literature review on 68 publications through an appropriate review methodology, we synthesize the current state of I4.0 research in the shipbuilding industry, propose a framework for the application of I4.0 in shipbuilding to analyze the progression and research agenda of I4.0 in the shipbuilding sector, and discuss its implications. The Shipbuilding 4.0 framework proposed comprises five main components: concepts, value chain, smart factory, smart manufacturing, infrastructure, and technologies. The proposed framework aims to enhance the understanding of both academics and practitioners regarding the specific needs of the shipbuilding industry and the role I4.0 can and should play in its advancement.
Study on the Anti-Interference Performance of Substrate-Free PEDOT:PSS ECG Electrodes
Authors: Li Chunlin , Xu Ke , Chen Yuanfen
Published: July 2024

Substrate-free electrodes are promising dry electrodes for long-term physiological electrical signal monitoring due to their ultra-thinness, conformal contact, and stable skin–electrode impedance. However, the response of substrate-free electrodes to various disturbances during electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and the corresponding optimization needs to be investigated. This paper investigates the specific effects of various influencing factors on skin–electrode impedance and ECG during electrocardiogram (ECG) detection. The research utilizes substrate-free poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene-sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) electrodes. The investigation employs several methods, including skin–electrode impedance comparison, ECG waveform analysis, spectrum analysis, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) evaluation. To avoid the impact of physiological state differences in subjects at different times, relevant data were only compared with the same group of experiments conducted in the same period. The results demonstrate that the substrate-free conformal contact PEDOT:PSS electrode has more stable skin–electrode impedance and could obtain a more stable ECG than partial contact electrodes (the SNR of the partial contact and conformal contact electrodes are 1.2768 ± 4.0299 dB and 7.2637 ± 1.4897 dB, respectively). Furthermore, the ECG signal quality of the substrate-free conformal contact PEDOT:PSS electrode was independent of the electrode area and shape (the SNRs of the large, medium, and small electrodes are 4.0447 ± 0.4616 dB, 3.9115 ± 0.5885 dB, and 4.1556 ± 0.5557 dB, respectively; the SNRs of the circular, square, and triangular electrodes are 9.2649 ± 0.6326 dB, 9.2471 ± 0.6806 dB, and 9.1514 ± 0.6875 dB, respectively), showing high signal acquisition capability that is the same as microneedle electrodes and better than fabric electrodes. The results of clothing friction effects show that skin–electrode impedance stability was important for ECG stability, while the impedance value was not (the SNRs of friction and non-friction electrodes are 2.4128 ± 7.0784 dB and 9.2164 ± 0.6696 dB, respectively). Moreover, the skin–electrode impedance maintains stability even at a high breathing frequency, but the ECG signal fluctuates at a high breathing frequency. This experiment demonstrates that even when the skin–electrode impedance remains stable, the ECG signal can still be susceptible to interference from other factors. This study suggests that substrate-free PEDOT:PSS that could form conformal contact with the skin has higher skin–electrode impedance stability and could measure a high ECG signal even with a small electrode area, demonstrating its potential as dry ECG electrodes, but the interference from other physiological electrical signals may require better circuit design.