bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the utilization of palm oil mill effluent in photovoltaic and biogas hybrid energy system for off-grid village
Authors: Hiendro Ayong , Husin Fitriah , Junaidi Junaidi , Khwee Kho Hie
Published: December 2023

The increasing demand for electricity, high prices, and lack of fossil fuels are forcing local community to look for renewable energy sources. Villages in palm oil mills have large volumes of biomass waste, especially palm oil mill effluent (POME), which causes environmental and health issues. This study proposed a hybrid renewable energy system consisting of solar photovoltaic (PV) and biogas to provide sustainable electrification for an off-grid village. To minimize the environmental impact and availability of the applied technology, the PV panels were incorporated with a biogas-fueled generator. Simulation experiments were carried out using the HOMER software for an average daily demand of about 159.65 kWh/day and a peak load of 20 kW. The investigation was emphasized to find the optimal PV/biogas system to serve the village community considering electrical, economical, and environmental aspects. Subsequently, a standalone biogas system was used as the base case. The proposed configuration consisted of a biodigester, a biogas-fueled generator, PV panels, an inverter, and batteries with 8.5 hours of autonomy to produce electricity of around 67,216 kWh/year. The results demonstrated the technical and economic feasibility, as well as the environmental benefits of a PV/biogas system for generating electricity for the off-grid village community.
Enhancing the output power of solar cell system using artificial intelligence algorithms
Authors: Ali Ahmed H. , El-Kammar Raafat A. , Hamed Hesham F. A. , Elbaset Adel A. , Hossam Aya
Published: December 2023

The main objective of research in the field of solar cell systems is to obtain the maximum output power. In this respect, artificial intelligence (AI) is considered the current icon. Hence, in the present paper perturbation & observation (P&O) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms were used to achieve the maximum power. Solar irradiance at three different regions of Egypt was measured using a new technique based on Arduino microcontroller. The obtained experimental results of the solar irradiance were inlaid to the MATLAB simulation program to study the performance of the proposed algorithms. Many improvements were carried out in P&O and PSO algorithms to harvest maximum power for long hours daily by a continuous modulation of the duty cycle. The output maximum power and the reaching time of both improved P&O and PSO are better than the traditional one and PV array, which indicates their efficiency in harvesting the maximum power and enhancing the performance of solar cell systems. The reinforcing of the PV system by P&O improved its efficiency by 98.733%, while PSO improved its efficiency by 99.968%.
Evaluation of readiness to commercialize research results with the IRL framework: a case study of ORC turbines in Indonesia
Authors: Utomo Setyo Margo , Azka Muizuddin , Budiwati Solichah Vichy , Rahman Abdul , Setiawan Hari , Faisal Faisal , Hastuti Pudji , Ilyas Aldrich
Published: December 2023

Indonesia's commitment to reducing the use of fossil fuels for power generation has encouraged the exploration of biomass energy from waste materials. Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) turbine technology that converts waste into electrical energy can be an opportunity for the development of waste power plants. The developed ORC turbine has not been assessed for innovation readiness level (IRL). To address this gap, a comprehensive evaluation of the IRL and technology readiness level (TRL) of the ORC turbine is essential. This study uses qualitative and quantitative methods, combining the IRL and TRL frameworks. The results reveal that the ORC turbine market is ready, although the technology is still in the early stages of development (IRL 2). In order to achieve IRL 3 and be prepared to enter the decline stage as part of the market evolution phase, intellectual property protection, product testing, and certification must be carried out. The establishment of a product certification agency with testing facilities to ensure turbine performance is required. IRL and TRL approaches can be used to determine the stages of research activities that can be achieved by looking at the availability of resources needed at each level.
Energy and economic prospects from the utilization of sawdust waste as biomass briquettes in East Nusa Tenggara
Authors: Nugraha I Made Aditya , Desnanjaya I Gusti Made Ngurah , Luthfiani Febi
Published: December 2023

The utilization of sawdust waste in East Nusa Tenggara has not been utilized optimally. This waste is only burned, so it sometimes causes air pollution. So there needs to be an effort to overcome these problems by making alternative energy in the form of briquettes. Analytical description method with observation, literature study and economic and energy analysis is used in this research. Sources of data in this observation came from direct observations in the field through questionnaires and interviews. Based on the data of sawdust waste produced can reach 20-60 kg per day and can be used as other forms of energy. This energy can be used as a source of electrical energy to replace conventional energy which is less environmentally friendly and fuel for burning fishery products in East Nusa Tenggara. Based on the value of the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and payback period, good results were obtained with a value of 2.13 with a return on investment of 0.82 years. The generated electricity biomass can replace conventional electrical energy and provide cost savings of 19.2% per kWh. In addition, the utilization of this energy can have a positive impact on regional income, health, schools, and transportation as well as agriculture.
Low power CMOS Gm-C based low pass filter for front end neural signal processing
Authors: Dixit Ashish , Srivastava Geetika , Kumar Anil , Shukla Sachchida Nand
Published: December 2023

The sub 100 µV voltage levels and sub 100 Hz frequency range makes the processing of most popular signal electroencephalograph (EEG) for brain functionality analysis, a complex task. The low frequency content of EEG (useful signals below 70 Hz) is commonly used for diagnosis of various brain related disorders making low-pass filter (LPF) a key block in front-end processing as noise reduction and resolution enhancement is crucial for precise recovery of these information. This paper is aimed to design reduced transconductance (Gm) based low power and small area CMOS LPF with cutoff frequency (fc) around 70 Hz. The proposed design is simulated using Cadence virtuoso tool and gives cut-off frequency of 72.958 Hz with low output noise of 3.0609 µV/√Hz and power consumption of 264.060 nW at operating voltage of 0.4 V. The simulation results show linearity of performance over -40 to 100 °C. Layout of circuit takes up area of 86.74×81.21 µm and post layout simulation shows 5% variation in power consumption as compared to pre layout simulations.
Bearing fault diagnosis in induction motor using continuous wavelet transform and convolutional neural networks
Authors: Boudiaf Rabah , Abdelkarim Bouras , Issam Harida
Published: December 2023

Induction motors are widely used in various industries due to their high efficiency, reliability and low cost. However, faults in these motors can lead to serious problems, such as unexpected shutdowns, decreased efficiency, and even damage to other parts of the system. Monitoring and diagnosing these faults are necessary. In this study, we propose a new approach for diagnosing bearing faults using convolutional neural network (CNN) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT). The suggested approach uses Scalograms with various CWT types as the network's input and utilizes many epochs and various batch sizes (Multi Ep-Batch) throughout the bearing fault classification training and testing phases. To assess our method, we implemented an extension of the Squeeze Net pre-trained model (transfer learning). The results show that the proposed method outperforms traditional methods in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency in detecting bearing faults. These results are based on publicly available MFPT data, and the proposed approach is compared to traditional methods. This work opens new research avenues in the field of bearing fault diagnosis and provides a promising solution for real-world applications.
An innovative fuzzy logic frequency regulation strategy for two-area power systems
Authors: Nireekshana Namburi , Ramachandran R. , Narayana Goddati Venkata
Published: December 2023

Modern environmentally friendly power system designs offer several application benefits, but they also generate losses. In order for this structured power system to operate reliably, the total generation, total load demand, and system losses must be balanced. Changes in load demand disrupt both the real and reactive power balances. As a result, the system frequency and tie-line interchange power differ from their planned values. A large variance in system frequency can cause the system to crash. Multiple connected area systems use clever load frequency control techniques in this scenario to deliver dependable and high-quality frequency and tie-line power delivery. In this case, a freestanding hybrid power system is considered, with generated power and frequency intelligently managed. In addition to the unpredictability of the wind, frequent changes in the load profile can result in significant and damaging power variations. The output power of such renewable sources may fluctuate to the point where major frequency and voltage variations occur in the system. The fuzzy logic PID controller (FLPIDC) is an intelligent approach recently proposed to address the load frequency control (LFC) issue of an interconnected power system. Standard proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers operate each section of the system.
Hybrid-excited magnetic gear topology for improved gear efficiency at increasing rotor speed
Authors: Halim Mohd Firdaus Mohd Ab , Rahman Azhan Ab , Yahaya Muhammad Sharil , Sulaiman Erwan
Published: December 2023

Concentric magnetic gear (CMG) and rotating pole piece magnetic gear (RPMG) are two topologies that produce high torque density in magnetic gear (MG) for electrical machine. However, due to the eddy current loss, both suffer high losses when operated in high speed condition. Thus, to overcome this matter, a second flux source is proposed to the RPMG stator. This approach will then transform it into hybrid excited magnetic gear (HMG) topology to achieve higher gear efficiency. Three tooth slot designs were considered, and the outcome of these designs are summarized and ranked. The proposed structures are assessed using JMAG designer 2D finite element software in high speed condition. It is found that partially closed slot structure achieved the highest gear efficiency of 95.34% and average outer rotor torque of 115.64 N.m.
Predictive controllers for synchronous reluctance motor drive systems
Authors: Mubarok Muhammad Syahril , B. Nur Vidia Laksmi , Liu Tian-Hua
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes the design and implementation of predictive controllers for synchronous reluctance motor drive systems to enhance their dynamic responses. The predictive speed and current controllers in this paper are designed in systematic procedures. The predictive speed controller is implemented by using Laguerre function procedure. The Laguerre function is used to simplify the algorithm and to minimize the execution time of the digital signal processor. For predictive current controller, a finite control set method improves the current tracking ability. The measured currents are used to predict the future phase-current based on the motor model. The optimal control inputs of both predictive controllers are determined by using a cost function minimization method. Experimental results show the proposed drive system provides a wide adjustable speed range, from 2 r/min to 1800 r/min. It has better performance than a proportional-integral (PI) controller including fast rise time, which is 0.9 second, small steady state error, which is 0.32 r/min, and small current ripples. A 32-bit floating-point digital signal processor, TMS-320-F-28335 DSP, is employed to implement the control algorithms.
The genus Systenus Meigen, 1803 (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) from Yunnan, China, with descriptions of six new species
Authors: LIN CHEN , ZHANG CHUNMIN , YANG DING
Published: December 2023

Only two species of Systenus Loew, 1857 were previously known to occur in China. Here we report Systenus from Yunnan with the following six new species: S. apicidigitatus sp. nov., S. basiflavus sp. nov., S. digitatus sp. nov., S. flavilateralis sp. nov., S. huanglianus sp. nov. and S. latimaculatus sp. nov. A key to the species of Systenus from China is provided.
Uncovering Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda name length patterns for enhanced scientific communication
Authors: MACÊDO RAFAEL LACERDA , SEGERS HENDRIK
Published: December 2023

The motivations for describing species are multifaceted and extend beyond the scientific disciplines, promoting public engagement and enhancing biodiversity communication. We delve into the practices of naming species of Rotifera, Diplostraca (= Cladocera) and Copepoda, underpinning the effects of time, taxon group and the lengths of genus names on the length of specific names. Our investigation revolves around a comprehensive dataset comprising 6319 names described between 1758 and 2021 of Rotifers, Cladocera and Copepoda. The overall annual average hovers around a mean length of slightly over 10 and 8 letters, respectively, for genus names and specific names, although it varied noticeably across taxa. Notably, our findings reveal no substantial temporal variation in the length of specific names over the years of description. We found a positive although not significant relationship between the length of specific and genus names, suggesting that longer genus names may influence the choice of longer specific names. We support the recommendation by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature and existing related publications on this topic, to prioritize short names, emphasizing the importance of concise and ultimately the use of mnemonic names assigned to zooplankton species.
Alpheid shrimps of the genera Athanas Leach, 1814, Athanopsis Coutière, 1897 and Pseudathanas Bruce, 1983 of the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Caridea)
Authors: ANKER ARTHUR
Published: December 2023

Several species of alpheid shrimps belonging the genera Athanas Leach, 1814, Athanopsis Coutière, 1897 and Pseudathanas Bruce, 1983 (Decapoda: Caridea) are reported based on material collected on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia and in Oman. Athanas claereboudti sp. nov. is described based on specimens from Masirah Island and Bandar Khayran east of Muscat, Oman, whereas A. iranicus Anker, Naderloo & Marin, 2010, A. minikoensis Coutière, 1903, A. parvus De Man, 1910, and a species tentatively identified as A. cf. dentirostris Anker, Jeng & Chan, 2001, are reported from various Omani localities. In the genus Athanopsis, four species are reported, including one species new to science: A. brevirostris Banner & Banner, 1981 from Saudi Arabia, A. dawa sp. nov. and A. rubricinctuta Berggren, 1991 from Masirah Island, Oman, and A. tarahomii Marin, Sheibani & Sari, 2014 from Saudi Arabia. The records of A. rubricinctuta and A. tarahomii represent second findings and significant extensions of their previously known ranges for these species. An important error in the description and illustration of the colour pattern of A. tarahomii is corrected, whereas the colour pattern of A. brevirostris is compared again with that of A. saurus Anker, 2011; the latter species is newly recorded from New Caledonia. The taxonomic identity of A. platyrhynchus Coutière, 1897, the type species of the genus from Djibouti, remains somewhat problematic. Finally, the monotypic genus Alberta Kazmi & Kazmi, 2010 established for Alberta banneri Kazmi & Kazmi, 2010 is placed in the synonymy of Pseudathanas Bruce, 1983 and Pseudathanas banneri (Kazmi & Kazmi, 2010) comb. nov. is reported from Muscat, Oman, for the first time since its original description. The generic diagnoses of Athanas, Athanopsis and Pseudathanas are emended to accommodate new or transferred species. All species reported are illustrated in colour.
Māwhitiwhiti Aotearoa: Phylogeny and synonymy of the silent alpine grasshopper radiation of New Zealand (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: TREWICK STEVEN A. , KOOT EMILY M. , MORGAN-RICHARDS MARY
Published: December 2023

Aotearoa New Zealand has a fauna of endemic alpine grasshoppers, consisting of thirteen species distributed among four genera. The many re-classifications of species within this group and the presence of species complexes highlight the uncertainty that surrounds relationships within and between these genera. High-throughput Next Generation Sequencing was used to assemble the complete mitochondrial genomes, 45S ribosomal cassettes and histone sequences of New Zealand’s four endemic alpine genera: Alpinacris, Brachaspis, Paprides and Sigaus. Phylogenetic analysis of these molecular datasets, as individual genes, partitions and combinations returned a consistent topology that is incompatible with the current classification. The genera Sigaus, Alpinacris, and Paprides all exhibit paraphyly. A consideration of the pronotum, epiphallus and terminalia of adult specimens reveals species-specific differences, but fails to provide compelling evidence for species groups justifying distinct genera. In combination with phylogenetic, morphological and spatial evidence we propose a simplified taxonomy consisting of a single genus for the māwhitiwhiti Aotearoa species radiation.
A new genus of Eurrhacini from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Coleoptera: Lycidae: Lycinae) with an updated key to genera
Authors: NASCIMENTO ELYNTON ALVES DO , BOCAKOVA MILADA
Published: December 2023

Atlanticolycus gen. nov., is herein described as a new genus of Neotropical Lycidae in the Eurrhacini tribe. Five new species are described: Atlanticolycus camposgerais sp. nov., A. japi sp. nov., A. itatiaia sp. nov., A. ilhabela sp. nov., and A. morretes sp. nov., all distributed in Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Illustrations of diagnostic characters, a key for species identification and a key to genera of Eurrhacini with flabellate antennae are presented.
Editorial fatigue and the relationship between 2 Kings 18–20 and Isaiah 36–39
Authors: Brewer Eric J.
Published: December 2023

The near verbatim agreement between Isaiah 36–39 and 2 Kings 18–20 has long invited speculation about the relationship between these passages. Most scholars theorize Isaian dependence on Kings or mutual dependence on a third source, but a minority has argued for Isaian priority. In connection with the similar problem of the relationships among the Synoptic Gospels of the New Testament, recognition of a phenomenon known as editorial fatigue has helped to clarify which Gospels serve as sources for the others. By identifying several instances of editorial fatigue in Isaiah 36–39, this article provides strong evidence against Isaian priority and for the dependence of Isaiah 36–39 on a version of 2 Kings 18–20.
The epidemiology of primary FSGS including cluster analysis over a 20-year period
Authors: McDonnell Thomas , Storrar Joshua , Chinnadurai Rajkumar , Heal Calvin , Chrysochou Constantina , Ritchie James , Rainone Francesco , Poulikakos Dimitrios , Kalra Philip , Sinha Smeeta
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the leading causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. This epidemiological study describes a renal centre’s 20-year experience of primary FSGS.

Methods

Patients were identified with a diagnosis of primary FSGS after exclusion of known secondary causes. In this retrospective observational study, data was collected for baseline demographics, immunosuppression and outcomes. A two-step cluster analysis was used to identify natural groupings within the dataset.

Results

The total cohort was made up of 87 patients. Those who received immunosuppression had lower median serum albumin than those who did not- 23g/L vs 40g/L (p<0.001) and higher median urine protein creatinine ratios (uPCR)- 795mg/mmol vs 318mg/mmol (p <0.001). They were more likely to achieve complete remission (62% vs 40%, p=0.041), but relapsed more 48.6% vs 22% (p=0.027). Overall 5 year mortality was 10.3% and 5 year progression to RRT was seen in 17.2%. Complete remission was observed in 49.4%. The 2-step cluster analysis separated the cohort into 3 clusters: cluster 1 (n=26) with ‘nephrotic-range proteinuria’; cluster 2 (n=43) with ‘non-nephrotic-range proteinuria’; and cluster 3 (n=18) with nephrotic syndrome. Immunosuppression use was comparable in clusters 1 and 3, but lower in cluster 2 (77.8% and 69.2% vs 11.6%, p<0.001). Rates of complete remission were greatest in clusters 1 and 3 vs cluster 2: 57.7% and 66.7% vs 37.2%.

Conclusion

People who received immunosuppression had lower serum albumin and achieved remission more frequently, but were also prone to relapse. Our cluster analysis highlighted 3 FSGS phenotypes: a nephrotic cluster that clearly require immunosuppression; a cohort with preserved serum albumin and non-nephrotic range proteinuria who will benefit from supportive care; and lastly a cluster with heavy proteinuria but serum albumin > 30g/L. This group may still have immune mediated disease and thus could potentially benefit from immunosuppression.

Trial registration

This study protocol was reviewed and approved by the ‘Research and Innovation committee of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group’, study approval number (Ref: ID 22HIP54).
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the Malocclusion Impact Scale for Early Childhood (MIS-EC/C)
Authors: Chen Qiao
Published: December 2023

Background

The Malocclusion Impact Scale for Early Childhood (MIS-EC) is a newly developed questionnaire used to measure the parental perceptions of the impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children aged 3–5 years. This study describes the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the MIS-EC questionnaire into Chinese version (MIS-EC/C).

Methods

The MIS-EC/C was developed in accordance with international standards. The scale was then evaluated in a cross-sectional study comprising 210 preschool children aged 3–5 years. The reliability of the MIS-EC/C was tested using internal consistency and test-retest reliability analyses. Cross-cultural validity, discriminant validity and convergent validity were tested.

Results

The Cronbach’s α value and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value for the MIS-EC/C were 0.943 and 0.873, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the fitting indicators of the two-factor model all reached the standard. The MIS-EC/C can differentiate preschool children with malocclusion from those without malocclusion. In addition, there is a good relationship between the MIS-EC/C and the general oral health question.

Conclusion

The MIS-EC/C is a reliable and effective assessment tool for assessing the effect of malocclusion on the OHRQoL of preschool children in China.
Excitatory neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus mediate the interruptive effect of inflammatory pain on a sustained attention task
Authors: Zheng Huan-Yu , Chen Yu-Meng , Xu Yao , Cen Cheng , Wang Yun
Published: December 2023

Background

Attentional deficits are among the most common pain-induced cognitive disorders. Pain disrupts attention and may excessively occupy attentional resources in pathological states, leading to daily function impairment and increased disability. However, the neural circuit mechanisms by which pain disrupts attention are incompletely understood.

Methods

We used a three-choice serial reaction time task (3CSRTT) to construct a sustained-attention task model in male C57BL/6J mice. Formalin or complete Freund's adjuvant was injected into a paw to establish an inflammatory pain model. We measured changes in 3CSRTT performance in the two inflammatory pain models, and investigated the neural circuit mechanisms of pain-induced attentional deficits.

Results

Acute inflammatory pain impaired 3CSRTT performance, while chronic inflammatory pain had no effect. Either inhibition of the ascending pain pathway by blockade of the conduction of nociceptive signals in the sciatic nerve using the local anesthetic lidocaine or chemogenetic inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMKIIα) neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) attenuated the acute inflammatory pain-induced impairment of 3CSRTT performance, while chemogenetic activation of CaMKIIα neurons in the LPBN disrupted the 3CSRTT. Furthermore, the activity of CaMKIIα neurons in the LPBN was significantly lower on Day 2 after complete Freund's adjuvant injection than on the day of injection, which correlated with the recovery of 3CSRTT performance during chronic inflammatory pain.

Conclusions

Activation of excitatory neurons in the LPBN is a mechanism by which acute inflammatory pain disrupts sustained attention. This finding has implications for the treatment of pain and its cognitive comorbidities.
Learning from cerebrospinal fluid drug-resistant HIV escape-associated encephalitis: a case report
Authors: Kang Jing , Wang Ziqiu , Zhou Ying , Wang Wen , Wen Ying
Published: December 2023

Background

In the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART), central nervous system (CNS) complications in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are sometimes associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral escape. Here, we reported a case of persistent CNS viral escape with recurrent symptomatic encephalitis, which had ultimate stabilization achieved by a combination of ART adjustment and corticosteroids.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old man with HIV infection complained of recurrent headaches during the last year. His magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presented diffused bilateral white matter lesions, and laboratory tests confirmed elevated CSF protein level, lymphocytic pleocytosis, and detectable CSF HIV RNA (774 copies/mL). Plasma HIV RNA was well suppressed with tenofovir, lamivudine, and lopinavir/ritonavir. Prednisone 60 mg once daily was initiated to reduce intracranial inflammation, followed by a good clinical response, with CSF HIV RNA still detectable (31.1 copies/mL). During the gradual tapering of prednisone, his headache relapsed, and booming viral loads were detected in both CSF (4580 copies/mL) and plasma (340 copies/mL) with consistent drug-resistant mutations. Thereupon, prednisone was resumed and the ART regimen was switched to zidovudine, lamivudine, and dolutegravir according to drug resistance tests. Persistent clinical recovery of symptoms, neuroimaging, and laboratory abnormalities were observed in the follow-up visits.

Conclusion

CSF and plasma HIV RNA and further drug resistance tests should be monitored in HIV-infected patients with neurologic symptoms, as opportunistic infections or tumors can be ruled out. ART optimization using a sensitive regimen may be crucial for addressing CSF viral escape and the related encephalitis.
Integration of (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene enables E. coli to become Iron Man E. coli with improved overall tolerance
Authors: Sun Wenjie , Chen Yun , Li Mengkun , Shah Syed Bilal , Wang Tianfu , Hou Jin , Bai Linquan , Feng Yan , Tan Zaigao
Published: December 2023

Background

While representing a model bacterium and one of the most used chassis in biomanufacturing, performance of Escherichia coli is often limited by severe stresses. A super-robust E. coli chassis that could efficiently tolerant multiple severe stresses is thus highly desirable. Sterols represent a featured composition that distinguishes eukaryotes from bacteria and all archaea, and play a critical role in maintaining the membrane integrity of eukaryotes. All sterols found in nature are directly synthesized from (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene. However, in E. coli, (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene is not present.

Results

In this study, we sought to introduce (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene into E. coli. By mining and recruiting heterologous enzymes and activation of endogenous pathway, the ability of E. coli to synthesize (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene was demonstrated. Further analysis revealed that this non-native chemical confers E. coli with a robust and stable cell membrane, consistent with a figurative analogy of wearing an “Iron Man’s armor”-like suit. The obtained Iron Man E. coli (IME) exhibited improved tolerance to multiple severe stresses, including high temperature, low pH, high salt, high sugar and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In particular, the IME strain shifted its optimal growth temperature from 37 °C to 42–45 °C, which represents the most heat-resistant E. coli to the best of our knowledge. Intriguingly, this non-native chemical also improved E. coli tolerance to a variety of toxic feedstocks, inhibitory products, as well as elevated synthetic capacities of inhibitory chemicals (e.g., 3-hydroxypropionate and fatty acids) due to improved products tolerance. More importantly, the IME strain was effectively inhibited by the most commonly used antibiotics and showed no undesirable drug resistance.

Conclusions

Introduction of the non-native (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene membrane lipid enabled E. coli to improve tolerance to various stresses. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of introducing eukaryotes-featured compound into bacteria for enhancing overall tolerance and chemical production.
Repopulating Kupffer cells originate directly from hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Fan Xu , Lu Pei , Cui Xiang-Hua , Wu Peng , Lin Wei-Ran , Zhang Dong , Yuan Shong-Zong , Liu Bing , Chen Fang-Yan , You Hong , Wei Han-Dong , He Fu-Chu , Jia Ji-Dong , Jiang Ying
Published: December 2023

Background

Kupffer cells (KCs) originate from yolk-sac progenitors before birth. Throughout adulthood, they self-maintain independently from the input of circulating monocytes (MOs) at a steady state and are replenished within 2 weeks after having been depleted, but the origin of repopulating KCs in adults remains unclear. The current paradigm dictates that repopulating KCs originate from preexisting KCs or monocytes, but there remains a lack of fate-mapping evidence.

Methods

We first traced the fate of preexisting KCs and that of monocytic cells with tissue-resident macrophage-specific and monocytic cell-specific fate-mapping mouse models, respectively. Secondly, we performed genetic lineage tracing to determine the type of progenitor cells involved in response to KC-depletion in mice. Finally, we traced the fate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in an HSC-specific fate-mapping mouse model, in the context of chronic liver inflammation induced by repeated carbon tetrachloride treatment.

Results

By using fate-mapping mouse models, we found no evidence that repopulating KCs originate from preexisting KCs or MOs and found that in response to KC-depletion, HSCs proliferated in the bone marrow, mobilized into the blood, adoptively transferred into the liver and differentiated into KCs. Then, in the chronic liver inflammation context, we confirmed that repopulating KCs originated directly from HSCs.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings provided in vivo fate-mapping evidence that repopulating KCs originate directly from HSCs, which presents a completely novel understanding of the cellular origin of repopulating KCs and shedding light on the divergent roles of KCs in liver homeostasis and diseases.
Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell sheets transplanted subcutaneously enhance cell retention and survival more than dissociated stem cell injections
Authors: Nakao Mitsuyoshi , Matsui Makoto , Kim Kyungsook , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Grainger David W. , Okano Teruo , Kanazawa Hideko , Nagase Kenichi
Published: December 2023

Background

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) sheets have recently attracted attention as an alternative approach to injected cell suspensions for stem cell therapy. However, cell engraftment and cytokine expression levels between hUC-MSC sheets and their cell suspensions in vivo have not yet been compared. This study compares hUC-MSC in vivo engraftment efficacy and cytokine expression for both hUC-MSC sheets and cell suspensions.

Methods

hUC-MSC sheets were prepared using temperature-responsive cell culture; two types of hUC-MSC suspensions were prepared, either by enzymatic treatment (trypsin) or by enzyme-free temperature reduction using temperature-responsive cell cultureware. hUC-MSC sheets and suspensions were transplanted subcutaneously into ICR mice through subcutaneous surgical placement and intravenous injection, respectively. hUC-MSC sheet engraftment after subcutaneous surgical transplantation was investigated by in vivo imaging while intravenously injected cell suspensions were analyzing using in vitro organ imaging. Cytokine levels in both transplant site tissues and blood were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

After subcutaneous transplant, hUC-MSC sheets exhibited longer engraftment duration than hUC-MSC suspensions. This was attributed to extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell–cell junctions retained in sheets but enzymatically altered in suspensions. hUC-MSC suspensions harvested using enzyme-free temperature reduction exhibited relatively long engraftment duration after intravenous injection compared to suspensions prepared using trypsin, as enzyme-free harvest preserved cellular ECM. High HGF and TGF-β1 levels were observed in sheet-transplanted sites compared to hUC-MSC suspension sites. However, no differences in human cytokine levels in murine blood were detected, indicating that hUC-MSC sheets might exert local paracrine rather than endocrine effects.

Conclusions

hUC-MSC sheet transplantation could be a more effective cell therapeutic approach due to enhanced engraftment and secretion of therapeutic cytokines over injected hUC-MSC suspensions.
In vivo safety and biodistribution profile of Klotho-enhanced human urine-derived stem cells for clinical application
Authors: Kim Sang-Heon , Lee Sung-Hoon , Jin Jeong-Ah , So Hyung-Joon , Lee Jae-Ung , Ji Min-Jae , Kwon Eun-Joong , Han Pyo-Sung , Lee Hong-Ki , Kang Tae-Wook
Published: December 2023

Background

Urine-derived stem cells (UDSCs) can be easily isolated from urine and possess excellent stem cell characteristics, making them a promising source for cell therapeutics. Due to their kidney origin specificity, UDSCs are considered a superior therapeutic alternative for kidney diseases compared to other stem cells. To enhance the therapeutic potential of UDSCs, we developed a culture method that effectively boosts the expression of Klotho, a kidney-protective therapeutic factor. We also optimized the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) system to ensure stable and large-scale production of clinical-grade UDSCs from patient urine. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo safety and distribution of Klotho-enhanced UDSCs after intravenous administration in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations.

Methods

Mortality and general symptoms were continuously monitored throughout the entire examination period. We evaluated the potential toxicity of UDSCs according to the administration dosage and frequency using clinical pathological and histopathological analyses. We quantitatively assessed the in vivo distribution and retention period of UDSCs in major organs after single and repeated administration using human Alu-based qPCR analysis. We also conducted long-term monitoring for 26 weeks to assess the potential tumorigenicity.

Results

Klotho-enhanced UDSCs exhibited excellent homing potential, and recovered Klotho expression in injured renal tissue. Toxicologically harmful effects were not observed in all mice after a single administration of UDSCs. It was also verified that repeated administration of UDSCs did not induce significant toxicological or immunological adverse effects in all mice. Single and repeated administrated UDSCs persisted in the blood and major organs for approximately 3 days and cleared in most organs, except the lungs, within 2 weeks. UDSCs that remained in the lungs were cleared out in approximately 4–5 weeks. There were no significant differences according to the variation of sex and administration frequency. The tumors were found in the intravenous administration group but they were confirmed to be non-human origin. Based on these results, it was clarified that UDSCs have no tumorigenic potential.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that Klotho-enhanced UDSCs can be manufactured as cell therapeutics through an optimized GMP procedure, and they can be safely administered without causing toxicity and tumorigenicity.
Centella asiatica lowers body fat accumulation via regulating cholesterol homeostasis- and lipid metabolism-related genes in mice with high-fat, high-sugar diet-induced obesity
Authors: Chang Yeok Boo , Ahn Yejin , Seo Daebang , Bae Soohyun , Suh Hyung Joo , Hong Yang Hee , Jung Eun Young
Published: December 2023

To understand the mechanisms involved in the anti-obesity effects Centella asiatica (CA), we examined body weight, serum levels, white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, histological analysis, and the expression of cholesterol homeostasis- and lipid metabolism-related genes in mice with high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFHSD)-induced obesity that were orally treated with CA for 12 weeks. Eight-week-old, male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the following four groups (8 mice/group): NOR, normal diet; HFHSD (Control), HFHSD; CA-L, HFHSD + CA 300 mg/kg; CA-H, HFHSD+CA 600 mg/kg. The suspension of powdered CA leaf was fed using oral gavage. CA treatment significantly attenuated HFHSD-induced increase in body weight gain, serum glucose, triacylglycerol, and WAT weight (p < 0.05). Compared to that in HFHSD, adipocyte diameter and macrovesicular area of epididymal WAT significantly decreased with CA treatment (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), 3- hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCR), and stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD 1) were significantly downregulated in the CA-H compared to the HFHSD (p < 0.05). CA exerts anti-obesity effects by lowering body fat accumulation via regulating gene expression and thus, is a potential lipid-lowering agent.
Psoralen synergies with zinc implants to promote bone repair by regulating ZIP4 in rats with bone defect
Authors: Liu Meijing , Tan Junlong , Li Shuang , Sun Chaoyang , Liu Xiangning , Yang Hongtao , Wang Xiaogang
Published: December 2023

Background

The regulation of dose-dependent biological effects induced by biodegradation is a challenge for the production of biodegradable bone-substitute materials, especially biodegradable zinc (Zn) -based materials. Cytotoxicity caused by excess local Zn ions (Zn
2+
) from degradation is one of the factors limiting the wide application of Zn implants. Given that previous studies have revealed that delayed degradation of Zn materials by surface modification does not reduce cytotoxicity; in the present study, we explore whether preventing the entry of excess Zn
2+
into cells may can reduce local Zn toxicity by applying Psoralen (PRL) to Zn implants and assessing its ability to regulate intracellular Zn
2+
concentrations.

Methods

The effects of different concentrations of Zn
2+
on cellular activity and cytotoxicity were investigated; briefly, we identified natural compounds that regulate Zn transporters, thereby regulating the concentrations of intracellular Zn
2+
, and applied them to Zn materials. Of these materials, PRL, a natural, tricyclic, coumarin-like aromatic compound that promotes the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and enhances osteogenic activity, was loaded onto the surface of a Zn material using peptides and chitosan (CS), and the surface characteristics, electrochemical properties, and activity of the modified Zn material were evaluated. In addition, the ability of Zn + CS/pPRL implants to promote bone formation and accelerate large-scale bone defect repairs was assessed both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

We determined that 180 µM Zn
2+
significantly induced pre-osteoblast cytotoxicity, and a 23-fold increase in Zrt- and Irt-like protein 4 (ZIP4) expression. We also found that PRL dynamically regulates the expression of ZIP4 in response to Zn
2+
concentration. To address the problem of cytotoxicity caused by excessive Zn
2+
in local Zn implants, PRL was loaded onto the surface of Zn implants in vivo using peptides and CS, which dynamically regulated ZIP4 levels, maintained the balance of intracellular Zn
2+
concentrations, and enhanced the osteogenic activity of Zn implants.

Conclusions

This study reveals the importance of Zn
2+
concentration when using Zn materials to promote bone formation and introduces a natural active ingredient, PRL, that can regulate intracellular Zn
2+
levels, and thus may be clinically applicable to Zn implants for the treatment of critical bone defects.

Graphical Abstract
Osteogenic effect of magnesium oxychloride cement modified with phytic acid and loaded with strontium ranelate
Authors: Ma Tingting , Guan Yijia , Feng Jinlun , Yang Yue , Chen Junying , Guo Wenjie , Liao Jianguo , Zhang Yanru
Published: December 2023

Background

Magnesium oxychloride cement has good mechanical properties, but poor water resistance.

Methods

Phytic acid, which can form chelate with Mg
2+
, was used to modify magnesium oxychloride cement, and the effects of phytic acid on the strength, in vitro degradation and biological activity of magnesium oxychloride cement were studied. Based on the preparation of phytic acid modified magnesium oxychloride cement with good water resistance and biological activity, osteoporosis treatment strontium ranelate was loaded on phytic acid- magnesium oxychloride cement, strontium ranelate/phytic acid-magnesium oxychloride cement was prepared.

Results

It was found that the compressive strength of 1.25 wt% phytic acid-magnesium oxychloride cement after soaking in SBF for 28 d could reach 40.5 ± 2.0 MPa, 13.33% higher than that of the control group (when phytic acid was 0 wt%), and the mass loss rate of all ages was lower than that of the control group. The water resistance of magnesium oxychloride cement was effectively improved by phytic acid. After loading with strontium ranelate, the water resistance of 1.25 wt% phytic acid-magnesium oxychloride cement was improved. Cell experiments showed that strontium ranelate could effectively promote cell proliferation and improve the expression of osteoblast-related proteins. When strontium ranelate/phytic acid-magnesium oxychloride cement samples were implanted subcutaneously in rats for 4 w, no obvious inflammatory response was observed, and the material was tightly bound to the surrounding tissues. When bone cement was implanted into rat femur for 4 w, the bone cement was gradually wrapped and absorbed by new bone tissue, which grew from the outside to the inside, indicating that the bone cement containing strontium ranelate/phytic acid-magnesium oxychloride cement had excellent bone-forming ability.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the results indicated that strontium ranelate/phytic acid-magnesium oxychloride cement composite bone cement had a potential application prospect in clinical bone repair.

Graphical Abstract
Associations between circadian, sleep, and mood disturbances in Uruguayan dance students
Authors: Paz Valentina , Coirolo Natalia , Tassino Bettina , Silva Ana
Published: December 2023

Background

Current evidence supports associations between circadian, sleep, and mood disturbances. However, it is still debated to what extent different chronobiological and mood variables act independently or in synergy to impact health.

Methods

This study assesses how these variables interact to affect depressive symptoms and sleep quality in 26 Uruguayan dancers (age=22.27±2.43) training in the morning (n=9) or in the night shift (n=17). Participants completed the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II.

Results

Participants reported high social jetlag (1.58±1.45h), late chronotypes (05:43±01:35), and poor sleep quality (6.77±2.67), while adequate sleep duration (7.10±1.31h) and minimal depression (7.15±3.62), without differences across shifts. Depressive symptoms increased as sleep quality worsened (F(1,21)=20.66, p<0.001, η2=0.50). In addition, we found a marginal interaction between sleep duration and the shift to explain depressive mood (F(1,21)=4.06, p=0.057, η2=0.16), with participants in the morning shift showing higher depressive symptoms with decreased sleep duration. Furthermore, sleep quality deteriorated as social jetlag increased (F(1,20)=14.82, p=0.001, η2=0.43), particularly in more depressed individuals (F(1,20)=24.09, p<0.001, η2=0.55).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that social, circadian, sleep, and mood variables are inextricably linked in this population of dancers.
Spatial interaction and economic growth: a case of OECD countries
Authors: Evcim Nurgül , Yesilyurt M. Ensar
Published: December 2023

The Solow residual has presented an opportunity to researchers who have been attempting to explain the unexplained share of output. In pursuing this goal, the literature has relied on different models, estimators, and data sets. One such application is spatial models to estimate growth, but it remains rare in the literature. Such models allow us to determine whether the interaction among countries is significant. Additionally, it is possible to observe efforts to mimic different variables among countries thanks to indirect (spillover) effects. Therefore, using spatial models and data sets on founding OECD countries for the period 1996–2019, this article tests alternative weight matrices to clarify the mutual relationship among countries. The findings reveal that spatial models contribute to estimations by improving parametric results. Empirical evidence found that there are spatial interactions among countries. The spillover effect of technology growth is insignificant, while the direct effect is significantly positive. Investment growth is significantly positive except spillover effect. Human capital growth is significantly positive in any sense.
Levels of Robotic Mesopancreas Dissection According to Malignancy and Vascular Anatomy: What Surgeons Need to Know
Authors: Ielpo Benedetto , d’Addetta Maria Vittoria , Anselmo Alessandro , Rosso Edoardo , de Blasi Vito , Sanchez-Velazquez Patricia , Vellalta Gemma , Podda Mauro , Burdio Fernando
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The robotic approach is attracting increasing interest among the surgical community, and more and more series describing robotic pancreatoduodenectomy have been reported. Thus, surgeons performing robotic pancreatoduodenectomy should be confident with this critical step’s potential scenarios.

Materials and Methods

According to Yosuke et al., there are three different levels of mesopancreas dissection. We describe the main steps for a safe mesopancreas dissection by robotic approach.

Results

This multimedia article provides, for the first time in literature, a comprehensive step-by-step overview of the mesopancreas dissection during robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and its three different levels according to tumor type.

Conclusions

Through the tips and indications presented in this multimedia article, we aim to familiarize surgeons with the mesopancreas dissections levels according to type of malignancy and vascular anatomy.