bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of ‘Calanda’-Type Peach Genotypes Tolerant to Monilinia laxa (Aderh. & Ruhland) Honey
Authors: Montenegro Joaquín , Obi Vitus Ikechukwu , Barriuso Juan Jose , Gogorcena Yolanda
Published: October 2022

One of the diseases that has the greatest negative effect on peach production is brown rot, produced by the fungus, Monilinia spp. The way to diminish this disease is the selection of genotypes with a high tolerance to Monilinia spp. while maintaining fruit quality. In this study, the tolerance to Monilinia laxa and agronomic and biochemical characteristics of forty-two hybrids derived from the ‘Andross’ × ‘Calante’ cross were studied under controlled conditions during two consecutive years, and compared with their parents. The assessment of tolerance to brown rot was estimated on inoculated fruit with M. laxa, recording the incidence of brown rot and colonization, lesion diameter and extent of colonization, to establish the severity of incidence and colonization. At harvest, physicochemical traits and antioxidant compounds (vitamin C, total phenolics, flavonoids and relative antioxidant capacity) were determined. We have found inverse relationships between fruit firmness, pH, titratable acidity and antioxidant contents with the disease symptoms in fruit. Our results confirm that the accumulation of antioxidants tends to reduce the lesion and colonization in inoculated fruit. Principal component analysis allowed the selection of two genotypes, AC-24 and AC-93, of ‘Calanda’-type peaches with a known standard quality, high antioxidant content and minimal susceptibility to brown rot.
Potential Strategies in the Biopesticide Formulations: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Hernandez-Tenorio Fabian , Miranda Alejandra M. , Rodríguez Carlos A. , Giraldo-Estrada Catalina , Sáez Alex A.
Published: October 2022

Biopesticides are pest and pathogen management agents based on living microorganisms or natural products (botanical origin). Due to their natural origins, they stand out as an environmentally friendly tool, since they quickly decompose and minimize pollution problems produced by synthetic pesticides. However, these products present significant challenges that affect the bioactivities of the active components, due to the degradation of the biomass or bioactive metabolite by factors such as air, light, and temperature. Therefore, in this study, a systematic search of the Scopus database was conducted and scientometric tools were used to evaluate formulation techniques and approaches that seek to improve the bioactivities of natural preparations. The results showed that published research on biopesticides has significantly increased by 71.24% in the last decade (2011–2021). Likewise, the bibliometrics showed, through temporal flow analysis, and in the period from 2010 to 2021, investigations evolved have toward the use of nanotechnology, with the purpose of improving and potentiating the formulations of biopesticides. Consequently, nanotechnology tools can be classified as current strategies of interest that allow the increase and protection of bioefficacy to a greater extent than traditional biopesticide preparations. This review constitutes an important contribution to future research and expands the panorama in relation to biopesticide formulations for the control of agricultural pests.
Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals Pathways Related to Proliferation and Differentiation of Shitou Goose Myoblasts
Authors: Chen Jiahui , Zhang Shuai , Chen Genghua , Deng Xianqi , Zhang Danlu , Wen Huaqiang , Yin Yunqian , Lin Zetong , Zhang Xiquan , Luo Wen
Published: October 2022

Chinese Shitou goose is a type of large goose with high meat yield. Understanding the genetic regulation of muscle development in Shitou goose would be beneficial to improve the meat production traits of geese. Muscle development is regulated by genes related to myoblast proliferation and differentiation. In this study, the RNA-seq method was used to construct the mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles of Shitou goose myoblasts and myotubes. A total of 1664 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and 244 DE-lncRNAs were identified. The alternative mRNA splicing in proliferation and differentiation stages was also analyzed. Notably, pathways enriched in DE-mRNAs, DE-splicing transcripts, and DE-lncRNAs all point to the Wnt signaling pathway, indicating that the Wnt signaling is a key regulatory pathway of muscle development in Shitou goose. We also constructed the interactive network of DE-lncRNAs and DE-mRNAs and revealed some key genes of lncRNAs regulating the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. These results provide new insights for the study of the muscle development of the Shitou goose.
Genetic Parameters of Performance and Conformation Traits of 3-Year-Old Warmblood Sport Horses in the Czech Republic
Authors: Novotna Alexandra , Birovas Alena , Vostra-Vydrova Hana , Vesela Zdenka , Vostry Lubos
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of a one-day performance test together with the linear type traits of 3-year-old warmblood horses. The study of genetic parameters was based on 5958 tested horses in the period 1998–2021. A total of 22 traits of linear description, three quantitatively measured traits, and one summary mark from the performance test were tested. The model equation included the fixed effect of gender and combination effects of classifier–year of evaluation–place. A single-trait animal model was used for the estimation of heritability and genetic variance, while the two-trait animal model was applied for the estimation of variance and covariance between all traits. The heritability of the overall score of the performance test was 0.25. The range for heritability was between 0.04 and 0.33 for the linear type traits and between 0.46 and 0.57 for the quantitatively measured traits. Genetic correlations were between −0.47 and 0.92. The estimated genetic parameters suggest that the results from the performance test can be incorporated into genetic evaluation in the Czech Republic.
The Inflammation Level and a Microbiological Analysis of the Anophthalmic Cavities of Unilateral Ocular Prosthesis Users: A Blind, Randomized Observational Study
Authors: Penitente Paulo Augusto , Da Silva Emily Vivianne Freitas , Goiato Marcelo Coelho , Maniçoba Lorena Louise Pontes , Brito Victor Gustavo Balera , Túrcio Karina Helga Leal , Rodrigues Alana Semenzin , Nagay Bruna Egumi , Dos Santos Daniela Micheline
Published: October 2022

Irritation and biofilm adhesion are complaints associated with ocular prosthesis use. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prosthesis repolishing on several conditions of anophthalmic volunteers. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n = 10) and nonintervention (NIG, n = 6) groups. The anophthalmic cavity, contralateral eye, and prosthesis surface were evaluated at initial, day 15, and day 30 after repolishing. Microbiological analysis (colony-forming units), exfoliative cytology (conjunctiva inflammatory cells), sensory analysis (quantitative mechanical sensory test), tear production (Schirmer’s test), and conjunctival inflammation (clinical evaluation) were performed. Nonparametric tests were used to compare groups in the initial period and to analyze periods for the IG (p < 0.05). More microorganisms were formed in the anophthalmic socket and prosthesis than in the contralateral eye in the initial period. For IG, the anophthalmic cavity exhibited more microorganisms and inflammatory clinical signs in the initial period than at 15 and 30 after repolishing. The prosthesis showed greater accumulations of total bacteria and Candida albicans in the initial period than at 15 and 30 days after repolishing. The anophthalmic cavity had more palpebral inflammation than the contralateral eye. In conclusion, repolishing reduced the number of microorganisms and inflammatory signs over time.
Increases in the Macrolide Resistance of Mycoplasma genitalium and the Emergence of the A2058T Mutation in the 23S rRNA Gene: Clonal Spread?
Authors: Piñeiro Luis , Idigoras Pedro , Arrastia Maitane , Manzanal Ayla , Ansa Iñigo , Cilla Gustavo
Published: October 2022

The management of Mycoplasma genitalium sexually transmitted infection (STI) is hindered by increasing resistance to the recommended antibiotics, macrolides and quinolones, worldwide. In Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain), macrolide and quinolone resistance rates in 2014–2018 were reported as <20% and <10%, respectively. The aims of this study were to compare these rates with those in 2019–2021 and analyse the genetic and epidemiological features of the strains and cases associated with striking changes in the resistance trends. Resistance to macrolides (n = 1019) and quinolones (n = 958) was studied, analysing mutations in 23S rRNA and parC/gyrA genes, respectively. The rate of macrolide resistance increased from 17.3% in 2014–2018 to 32.1% in 2019–2021, as much in the more prevalent A2058/2059G mutations (16.6–27.8%) as in the emergent A2058T mutations (0.5–4.1%) but with differences in the odds ratios and the relative risk increase between A2058T and A2058/2059G mutations. MG191 adhesin and MG309 lipoprotein of the 27 emergent strains detected with A2058T mutations were amplified, sequenced, and typed using phylogenetic and variable number tandem repeat analysis, respectively. Genetic clonal spread was ruled out, but most of the A2058T cases were men who had sex with men (24/27) with a history of STI and antibiotic treatments (19/27). No changes were observed in quinolone resistance trends, but the rate of resistance to both antibiotics rose from 2.9% to 8.3%, especially in cases with A2058T mutations. The genetic characterisation of strains and epidemiological surveillance of cases are needed to detect populations at increased risk of treatment failure in this infection.
Vitamin D3 and Ischemic Stroke: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lasoń Władysław , Jantas Danuta , Leśkiewicz Monika , Regulska Magdalena , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

Ischemic stroke is one of the major causes of death and permanent disability worldwide. The only efficient treatment to date is anticoagulant therapy and thrombectomy, which enable restitution of blood flow to ischemic tissues. Numerous promising neuroprotectants have failed in clinical trials. Given the complex pathomechanism of stroke, a multitarget pharmacotherapy seems a more rational approach in stroke prevention and treatment than drugs acting on single molecular targets. Recently, vitamin D3 has emerged as a potential treatment adjunct for ischemic stroke, as it interferes with the key prosurvival pathways and shows neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, regenerative and anti-aging properties in both neuronal and vascular tissue. Moreover, the stimulatory effect of vitamin D3 on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling and neuroplasticity may play a role not only in the recovery of neurological functions, but also in ameliorating post-stroke depression and anxiety. This narrative review presents advances in research on the biochemical mechanisms of stroke-related brain damage, and the genomic and non-genomic effects of vitamin D3 which may interfere with diverse cell death signaling pathways. Next, we discuss the results of in vitro and in vivo experimental studies on the neuroprotective potential of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) in brain ischemia models. Finally, the outcomes of clinical trials on vitamin D3 efficiency in ischemic stroke patients are briefly reviewed. Despite the mixed results of the clinical trials, it appears that vitamin D3 still holds promise in preventing or ameliorating neurological and psychiatric consequences of ischemic stroke and certainly deserves further study.
Oral Administration of Glutathione Trisulfide Increases Reactive Sulfur Levels in Dorsal Root Ganglion and Ameliorates Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice
Authors: Ezaka Mariko , Marutani Eizo , Miyazaki Yusuke , Kanemaru Eiki , Selig Martin K. , Boerboom Sophie L. , Ostrom Katrina F. , Stemmer-Rachamimov Anat , Bloch Donald B. , Brenner Gary J. , Ohshima Etsuo , Ichinose Fumito
Published: October 2022

Peripheral neuropathy is a dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy with paclitaxel. Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is typically characterized by a predominantly sensory neuropathy presenting with allodynia, hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain. Oxidative mitochondrial damage in peripheral sensory neurons is implicated in the pathogenesis of PIPN. Reactive sulfur species, including persulfides (RSSH) and polysulfides (RSnH), are strong nucleophilic and electrophilic compounds that exert antioxidant effects and protect mitochondria. Here, we examined the potential neuroprotective effects of glutathione trisulfide (GSSSG) in a mouse model of PIPN. Intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel at 4 mg/kg/day for 4 days induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in mice. Oral administration of GSSSG at 50 mg/kg/day for 28 days ameliorated mechanical allodynia, but not thermal hyperalgesia. Two hours after oral administration, 34S-labeled GSSSG was detected in lumber dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and in the lumber spinal cord. In mice treated with paclitaxel, GSSSG upregulated expression of genes encoding antioxidant proteins in lumber DRG, prevented loss of unmyelinated axons and inhibited degeneration of mitochondria in the sciatic nerve. In cultured primary neurons from cortex and DRG, GSSSG mitigated paclitaxel-induced superoxide production, loss of axonal mitochondria, and axonal degeneration. These results indicate that oral administration of GSSSG mitigates PIPN by preventing axonal degeneration and mitochondria damage in peripheral sensory nerves. The findings suggest that administration of GSSSG may be an approach to the treatment or prevention of PIPN and other peripheral neuropathies.
Thermal Performance Estimation of Nanofluid-Filled Finned Absorber Tube Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Hua Yue , Yu Chang-Hao , Peng Jiang-Zhou , Wu Wei-Tao , He Yong , Zhou Zhi-Fu
Published: October 2022

Numerical simulations are usually used to analyze and optimize the performance of the nanofluid-filled absorber tube with fins. However, solving partial differential equations (PDEs) repeatedly requires considerable computational cost. This study develops two deep neural network-based reduced-order models to accurately and rapidly predict the temperature field and heat flux of nanofluid-filled absorber tubes with rectangular fins, respectively. Both network models contain a convolutional path, receiving and extracting cross-sectional geometry information of the absorber tube presented by signed distance function (SDF); then, the following deconvolutional blocks or fully connected layers decode the temperature field or heat flux out from the highly encoded feature map. According to the results, the average accuracy of the temperature field prediction is higher than 99.9% and the computational speed is four orders faster than numerical simulation. For heat flux estimation, the R2 of 81 samples reaches 0.9995 and the average accuracy is higher than 99.7%. The same as the field prediction, the heat flux prediction also takes much less computational time than numerical simulation, with 0.004 s versus 393 s. In addition, the changeable learning rate strategy is applied, and the influence of learning rate and dataset size on the evolution of accuracy are investigated. According to our literature review, this is the first study to estimate the temperature field and heat flux of the outlet cross section in 3D nanofluid-filled fined absorber tubes using a deep convolutional neural network. The results of the current work verify both the high accuracy and efficiency of the proposed network model, which shows its huge potential for the fin-shape design and optimization of nanofluid-filled absorber tubes.
Method for Measuring Absolute Optical Properties of Turbid Samples in a Standard Cuvette
Authors: Blaney Giles , Sassaroli Angelo , Fantini Sergio
Published: October 2022

Many applications seek to measure a sample’s absorption coefficient spectrum to retrieve the chemical makeup. Many real-world samples are optically turbid, causing scattering confounds which many commercial spectrometers cannot address. Using diffusion theory and considering absorption and reduced scattering coefficients on the order of 0.01 mm−1 and 1mm−1, respectively, we develop a method which utilizes frequency-domain to measure absolute optical properties of turbid samples in a standard cuvette (45 mm×10 mm×10 mm). Inspired by the self-calibrating method, which removes instrumental confounds, the method uses measurements of the diffuse complex transmittance at two sets of two different source-detector distances. We find: this works best for highly scattering samples (reduced scattering coefficient above 1 mm−1); higher relative error in the absorption coefficient compared to the reduced scattering coefficient; accuracy is tied to knowledge of the sample’s index of refraction. Noise simulations with 0.1% amplitude and 0.1°=1.7 mrad phase uncertainty find errors in absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of 4% and 1%, respectively. We expect that higher error in the absorption coefficient can be alleviated with highly scattering samples and that boundary condition confounds may be suppressed by designing a cuvette with high index of refraction. Further work will investigate implementation and reproducibility.
Three-Dimensional Modeling of Soil-Structure Interaction for a Bridge Founded on Caissons under Seismic Conditions
Authors: Pauselli Davide , Salciarini Diana , Ubertini Filippo
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the urgent need to increase the safety standards of viaducts and bridges—under static and dynamic loading conditions—has required the development of advanced modeling approaches able to accurately predict the expected behavior of such infrastructures in a reliable manner. This paper presents a comparison between the adoption of a simplified modeling approach, widely used in the current practice, where the response of the structural system neglects the effects of the soil-structure interaction (SSI) phenomenon (considering the base of the structure fixed at the ground surface) and a rigorous modeling approach that considers the full 3D problem with all the components of the system (superstructure, foundation, and soil), through a finite element model. The pier of a real-world viaduct in central Italy was considered, with the aim of starting from a specific case study with foundation characteristics that are frequently found in viaducts in Italy, to obtain results that can be generalized to a wide range of similar types. Its behavior was evaluated both in the dynamic range of small oscillations and in the field of the seismic response to low and strong motion events. The results show that, in terms of seismic demand, the fixed-based model appears more conservative, but it significantly underestimates both elastic and residual displacements and rotations
Effect of an Individualised Training Programme on Hamstrings and Change Direction Based on Tensiomyography in Football Players
Authors: Fernández-Baeza Daniel , Diaz-Urena Germán , González-Millán Cristina
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of an individual training programme based on the tensiomyography results in the contractile properties of the knee flexor muscle with football players. Thirty-four subjects were recruited and assigned to an experimental (EG) or control group (CG). The contraction time and the muscle displacement measured by tensiomyography were assessed on two occasions: pre-time (middle of the competitive season, January) and post-time 8 weeks later. The training programme aimed to improve muscle tone and explosiveness according to the individual needs of each player. There was a significant interaction between time (assessment points) × group (EG vs. CG) × muscle in multivariate analysis. The findings confirmed that mechanical and neuromuscular characteristics changed over time and varied with the individual training programme (EG vs. CG) and the muscle being analysed. The 90° change of direction worsens the execution time in the control group and is maintained in the experimental group. The individual training programme, based on the tensiomyography results, showed improvements in the contractile properties in the muscles. Football coaches could use the programme to improve neuromuscular characteristics that improve performance and reduce the risk of muscle injury.
Condition Monitoring of an All-Terrain Vehicle Gear Train Assembly Using Deep Learning Algorithms with Vibration Signals
Authors: Gnanasekaran Sakthivel , Jakkamputi Lakshmipathi , Thangamuthu Mohanraj , Marikkannan Senthil Kumar , Rakkiyannan Jegadeeshwaran , Thangavelu Kannan , Kotha Gangadhar
Published: October 2022

Condition monitoring of gear train assembly has been carried out with vibration signals acquired from an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) gearbox. The location of the defect in the gear was identified based on finite element analysis results. The vibration signals were acquired using an accelerometer under good and simulated fault conditions of the gear. The raw vibration signatures acquired from all the possible conditions of the gear train assembly were processed using the descriptive statistics tool. A set of descriptive statistical features were extracted from the raw vibrational signals. This study used a deep learning algorithm based on the tree family, which includes the decision tree, random forest, and random tree algorithms, to classify gear train conditions. Among the tree family algorithms, the random forest algorithm produced maximum classification accuracy of 99%. The decision rules were used to design an online monitoring system to display the gear condition. This study will help to implement online gear health monitoring in ATVs, ensuring the safety of drivers.
Quantitative Assessment of Dynamic Stability Characteristics for Jet Transport in Sudden Plunging Motion
Authors: Wang Yonghu , Zheng Ran , Zheng Fujun , Hao Jinglong , Huang Xinyu , Zhao Juan
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we present a monitoring program of loss control prevention for airlines to enhance aviation safety and operational efficiency. The assessments of dynamic stability characteristics based on the approaches of oscillatory motion and eigenvalue motion modes for jet transport aircraft response to sudden plunging motions are demonstrated. A twin-jet transport aircraft encountering severe clear-air turbulence in transonic flight during the descending phase was examined as the study case. The flight results in sudden plunging motions with abrupt changes in attitude and gravitational acceleration (i.e., the normal load factor) are provided. Development of the required thrust and aerodynamic models with the flight data mining and the fuzzy logic modeling techniques was carried out. The oscillatory derivatives extracted from these aerodynamic models were then used in the study of variations in stability characteristics during the sudden plunging motion. The fuzzy logic aerodynamic models were utilized to estimate the nonlinear unsteady aerodynamics while performing numerical integration of flight dynamic equations. The eigenvalues of all motion modes were obtained during time integration. The positive real part of the eigenvalues is to indicate unstable motion. The dynamic stability characteristics during sudden plunging motion are easily judged by the values in positive or negative. The present quantitative assessment method is an innovation to examine possible mitigation concepts of accident prevention and promote the understanding of aerodynamic responses of the jet transport aircraft.
Analysis of the Spatio-Temporal Rainfall Variability in Cameroon over the Period 1950 to 2019
Authors: Ebodé Valentin Brice
Published: October 2022

The study of rainfall in the long term is essential for climatic change understanding and socioeconomic development. The main goal of this study was to explore the spatial and temporal variations of precipitation in different time scales (seasonal and annual) in Cameroon. The Mann–Kendall and Pettitt tests were applied to analyze the precipitation variability. In temporal terms, the different regions of Cameroon have recorded significant drops in annual rainfall that Pettitt’s test generally situates around the 1970s. The decreases observed for the northern regions of Cameroon are between −5.4% (Adamawa) and −7.4% (Far North). Those of western regions oscillate between −7.5% (South-West) and −12.5% (West). The southern Cameroon regions recorded decreases varying between −4.3% (East) and −5.9% (Center). In spatial terms, the divisions of the northern, western, and southern regions of Cameroon recorded after the 1970s (a pivotal period in the evolution of precipitation in temporal terms) indicate a precipitation decrease towards the South, the South-West, and the West. This study’s findings could be helpful for planning and managing water resources in Cameroon.
Maximum Entropy Modeling for the Prediction of Potential Plantation Distribution of Arabica coffee under the CMIP6 Mode in Yunnan, Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Liu Biying , Liu Xiaogang , Yuan Qianfeng , Xiao Xiang , Zhou Ting
Published: October 2022

As one of three major beverages in the world, coffee ranks first in terms of production, consumption, and economic output. However, little is known about the habitat of Arabica coffee and the key environmental factors that influence its ecological distribution. Based on climatic, topographic, and soil data, the Arabica coffee planting regions with different levels of ecological suitability in different periods, and environmental factors that have the largest impact on ecological suitability were simulated using the MaxEnt model. The results showed that the ecologically suitable regions were mainly determined by climatic (max temperature of warmest month and annual precipitation) factors, followed by terrain (slope, altitude, and aspect) and soil (silt) factors. Under the current scenario, the most suitable and suitable regions accounted for 4.68% and 14.29% of the entire area, respectively, mainly in the western, southeastern, southern, and southwestern parts of Yunnan. The highly suitable regions shrank by 0.59 × 104–2.16 × 104 km2 under SSPs245 in 2061–2080 and SSPs585 in 2021–2040 and 2041–2060. By contrast, the highly suitable regions increased by 0.33 × 104–9.65 × 104 km2 under other scenarios. The suitable regions migrated towards higher-altitude and higher-latitude regions. Predicting the potential distribution of Arabica coffee based on a species distribution model (MaxEnt) can inform the implementation of long-term plantation development plans to mitigate the effects of climate change on the distribution of Arabica coffee.
A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Medicinal Plant Utilization among the Four Ethnic Communities in Northern Regions of Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Mir Tawseef Ahmad , Jan Muatasim , Jan Hammad Ahmad , Bussmann Rainer W , Sisto Francesca , Fadlalla Imad Mohamed Tahir
Published: October 2022

Medicinal plants are utilized around the globe for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. This study is an attempt to document the utilization of medicinal plants across the four different cultural groups residing in the rural and remote villages of the northern districts of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. To gather information related to medicinal plants and health care practices among the local folk, field surveys were conducted from February 2018 to May 2021. The ethnomedicinal information was gathered through semi-structured interviews and group discussions. During the study, a total of 109 plant species belonging to 35 families were recorded as commonly utilized by the local population, with Asteraceae reported as the dominant family. The most common growth form was herbs, with a percentage contribution of 86%. Leaves (38%) were the most commonly used plant part for the preparation of traditional remedies, and most of the remedies were prepared as paste and applied topically. The highest use value of 0.30 was reported for Capsella bursa-pastoris. Greater similarity (14% species) in the usage of plants was shown by Bakerwal, Gujjar, and Pahadi ethnic groups, whereas the least similarity (1%) was observed between Bakerwal and Kashmiri ethnic groups. Based on the results obtained in the present study, further phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of plants is recommended to confirm the efficacy and safety of the remedies used and to possibly elucidate candidates for the development of new drugs.
SMAC Mimetic BV6 Co-Treatment Downregulates the Factors Involved in Resistance and Relapse of Cancer: IAPs and Autophagy
Authors: Rafat Sahar , Singh Prabhakar , Pandey Kamlesh Kumar , Almatroodi Saleh A. , Alsahli Mohammed A. , Almatroudi Ahmad , Rahmani Arshad Husain , Dev Kapil
Published: October 2022

Cancer is the utmost common disease-causing death worldwide, characterized by uncontrollable cell division with the potential of metastasis. Overexpression of the Inhibitors of Apoptosis proteins (IAPs) and autophagy correlates with tumorigenesis, therapeutic resistance, and reoccurrence after anticancer therapies. This study illuminates the role and efficacy of smac mimetic compound BV6 alone and in co-treatment with death ligands such as TRAIL and TNFα in the regulation of cell death mechanisms, i.e., apoptosis and autophagy. In this study, MTT assays, wound healing assays, and cellular and nuclear morphological studies were done. DAPI staining, AO/EtBr staining and AnnexinV/PI FACS was done to study the apoptosis. The expression of IAPs and autophagy biomarkers was analyzed using Real time-PCR and western blotting. Meanwhile, TEM demonstrated autophagy and cellular autophagic vacuoles in response to the BV6. The result shows a promising anti-cancer effect of BV6 alone as well as in combinational treatment with TRAIL and TNFα, compared to the lone treatment of TRAIL and TNFα in both breast cancer cell lines. The smac mimetic compound might provide an alternative combinational therapy with conventional anticancer therapies to tackle their inefficiency at the advanced stage of cancer, cancer resistance, and reoccurrence. Also, IAPs and autophagic proteins could act as potent target molecules for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs in pathogenesis and the betterment of regimens for cancer.
Identification, Characterization, and Expression of a β-Galactosidase from Arion Species (Mollusca)
Authors: Thoma Julia , Stenitzer David , Grabherr Reingard , Staudacher Erika
Published: October 2022

β-Galactosidases (β-Gal, EC 3.2.1.23) catalyze the cleavage of terminal non-reducing β-D-galactose residues or transglycosylation reactions yielding galacto-oligosaccharides. In this study, we present the isolation and characterization of a β-galactosidase from Arion lusitanicus, and based on this, the cloning and expression of a putative β-galactosidase from Arion vulgaris (A0A0B7AQJ9) in Sf9 cells. The entire gene codes for a protein consisting of 661 amino acids, comprising a putative signal peptide and an active domain. Specificity studies show exo- and endo-cleavage activity for galactose β1,4-linkages. Both enzymes, the recombinant from A. vulgaris and the native from A. lusitanicus, display similar biochemical parameters. Both β-galactosidases are most active in acidic environments ranging from pH 3.5 to 4.5, and do not depend on metal ions. The ideal reaction temperature is 50 °C. Long-term storage is possible up to +4 °C for the A. vulgaris enzyme, and up to +20 °C for the A. lusitanicus enzyme. This is the first report of the expression and characterization of a mollusk exoglycosidase.
The Current Status and Future Promise of SPR Biosensors
Authors: Chiu Nan-Fu
Published: October 2022

The most commonly used protein detection methods in clinical diagnosis and disease monitoring are enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting (immunoblot), and lateral flow assay (LFA) rapid screening, of which ELISA is the gold standard immunoassay in clinical practice [...]
Feasibility Analysis and Implementation of Head-Mounted Electrical Impedance Respiratory Monitoring
Authors: Yan Hongli , Yang Xudong , Liu Yanyan , He Wanting , Liao Yipeng , Yang Jiejie , Gao Yueming
Published: October 2022

The respiratory rate is one of the crucial indicators for monitoring human physiological health. The purpose of this paper was to introduce a head-mounted respiratory monitoring solution based on electrical impedance sensing. Firstly, we constructed a finite element model to analyze the feasibility of using head impedance for respiratory sensing based on the physiological changes in the pharynx. After that, we developed a circuit module that could be integrated into a head-mounted respiratory monitoring device using a bioelectrical impedance sensor. Furthermore, we combined adaptive filtering and respiratory tracking algorithms to develop an app for a mobile phone. Finally, we conducted controlled experiments to verify the effectiveness of this electrical impedance sensing system for extracting respiratory rate. We found that the respiration rates measured by the head-mounted electrical impedance respiratory monitoring system were not significantly different from those of commercial respiratory monitoring devices by a paired t-test (p > 0.05). The results showed that the respiratory rates of all subjects were within the 95% confidence interval. Therefore, the head-mounted respiratory monitoring scheme proposed in this paper was able to accurately measure respiratory rate, indicating the feasibility of this solution. In addition, this respiratory monitoring scheme helps to achieve real-time continuous respiratory monitoring, which can provide new insights for personalized health monitoring.
The Application of Software “Rapid Processing of Perfusion and Diffusion” in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Yudi , Song Shuang , Li Zhenzhong , Huang Boyuan , Geng Yanlu , Zhang Lihong
Published: October 2022

In the event of an acute ischemic stroke, saving the penumbra is the most important aspect of early treatment. The rapid and accurate identification of ischemic penumbra plays a key role in its comprehensive treatment. At present, the identification method and evaluation standard of ischemic penumbra have not been unified. Numerous pieces of software identifying ischemic penumbra have been developed, such as rapid processing of perfusion and diffusion (RAPID), Sphere, Vitrea, and computed tomography perfusion+ (CTP+). The RAPID software, analyzing and integrating multi-mode image data (mainly based on perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) or computed tomography perfusion (CTP) images, shows good performance in identifying ischemic penumbra and has been utilized for the assessment of ischemic penumbra in many ischemic stroke clinical studies, achieving good outcomes and promoting the transition from “time window” to “tissue window” in the treatment of early stage AIS. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the RAPID software and its accuracy in evaluating ischemic penumbra, this paper reviews the background and development of the RAPID software, summarizes the published acute cerebral infarction trials using the RAPID software, generalizes the threshold parameters in different time windows, and further discusses its application and limitations.
Decision Making and Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alfeo Federica , Decarolis Diletta , Clemente Livio , Delussi Marianna , de Tommaso Marina , Curci Antonietta , Lanciano Tiziana
Published: October 2022

Decision making (DM) is the ability to choose among multiple options, considering external and internal variables and identifying potential paths of action that need to be assessed. Some brain areas involved in decision making are also implicated in pain processing, such as in fibromyalgia (FM). FM is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and cognitive difficulties. We conducted a systematic review with the aim of identifying articles that evaluated DM in people with fibromyalgia, highlighting the main assessment tools. This work was conducted according to the PRISMA statement by consulting six online databases and providing a quality assessment of each search that met the inclusion criteria. In line with the limited interest in this in the scientific landscape to date, we found nine studies that evaluated the performance of DM in patients with FM; furthermore, we discovered that only certain types of DM were tested. The importance of our work lies in shedding light on a cognitive ability that is often undervalued in the scientific landscape but essential in everyday life. This review can serve as a starting point for further studies to clarify the relationship between DM and FM, improving understanding of the topic.
Mapping Neuroscience in the Field of Education through a Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Xu Hanqing , Cheng Xinyan , Wang Ting , Wu Shufen , Xiong Yongqi
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to explore the core knowledge topics and future research trends in neuroscience in the field of education (NIE). In this study, we have explored the diffusion of neuroscience and different neuroscience methods (e.g., electroencephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, eye tracking) through and within education fields. A total of 549 existing scholarly articles and 25,886 references on neuroscience in the field of education (NIE) from the Web of Science Core Collection databases were examined during the following two periods: 1995–2013 and 2014–2022. The science mapping software Vosviewer and Bibliometrix were employed for data analysis and visualization of relevant literature. Furthermore, performance analysis, collaboration network analysis, co-citation network analysis, and strategic diagram analysis were conducted to systematically sort out the core knowledge in NIE. The results showed that children and cognitive neuroscience, students and medical education, emotion and empathy, and education and brain are the core intellectual themes of current research in NIE. Curriculum reform and children’s skill development have remained central research issues in NIE, and several topics on pediatric research are emerging. The core intellectual themes of NIE revealed in this study can help scholars to better understand NIE, save research time, and explore a new research question. To the best of our knowledge, this study is one of the earliest documents to outline the NIE core intellectual themes and identify the research opportunities emerging in the field.
Selective Neural Electrical Stimulation of an Injured Facial Nerve Using Chronically Implanted Dual Cuff Electrodes
Authors: Abiri Arash , Chau Steven , James Nathan R. , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Birkenbeuel Jack L. , Sahyouni Ronald , Edwards Robert , Djalilian Hamid R. , Lin Harrison W.
Published: October 2022

Facial nerve (FN) injury can lead to debilitating and permanent facial paresis/paralysis (FP), where facial muscles progressively lose tone, atrophy, and ultimately reduce to scar tissue. Despite considerable efforts in the recent decades, therapies for FP still possess high failure rates and provide inadequate recovery of muscle function. In this pilot study, we used a feline model to demonstrate the potential for chronically implanted multichannel dual-cuff electrodes (MCE) to selectively stimulate injured facial nerves at low current intensities to avoid stimulus-induced neural injury. Selective facial muscle activation was achieved over six months after FN injury and MCE implantation in two domestic shorthaired cats (Felis catus). Through utilization of bipolar stimulation, specific muscles were activated at significantly lower electrical currents than was achievable with single channel stimulation. Moreover, interval increases in subthreshold current intensities using bipolar stimulation enabled a graded EMG voltage response while maintaining muscle selectivity. Histological examination of neural tissue at implant sites showed no appreciable signs of stimulation-induced nerve injury. Thus, by selectively activating facial musculature six months following initial FN injury and MCE implantation, we demonstrated the potential for our neural stimulator system to be safely and effectively applied to the chronic setting, with implications for FP treatment.
Semantic Activation in Badminton Action Processing and Its Modulation by Action Duration: An ERP Study
Authors: Chang Ruohan , Wang Xiaoting , Ding Jinfeng
Published: October 2022

Action processing is crucial for sports activities. Using event-related potentials (ERPs), the present study investigated whether semantics were activated in action processing and, if so, whether semantic activation was modulated by action duration. Badminton athletes were recruited to finish a lexical decision task following an action-semantic priming paradigm, in which short (400 ms) or long (1000 ms) action videos served as primes, and semantically congruent or incongruent action words served as targets. The ERP results showed a P300 effect, that is, larger P300 amplitudes were observed for targets primed by semantically incongruent action videos than for targets primed by semantically congruent action videos, only when the action videos were long and not when the action videos were short. Moreover, a late positive component (LPC) was only sensitive to action duration, showing that the targets primed by long action videos elicited larger LPC amplitudes compared to the targets primed by short action videos. These results suggested that semantics could be activated in action processing and that semantic activation was modulated by action duration, supporting a link between the language system and action processing.
Study on Flexural Performance of Prestressed Concrete Steel Strand Square Piles with Reinforcement
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Gan Gang , Zeng Kai , Chen Kepeng , Yu Xiaodong
Published: October 2022

A new type of precast pile, namely steel strand square piles with reinforcement (PRS), is proposed in present study, which uses steel strand as a prestressed reinforcement and is equipped with hot-rolled reinforcement. Two kinds of full-scale pile specimens with different reinforcement were constructed to study the bending performance by the full-scale tests. The finite element model was also performed to study the differences in bending resistance, deformation capacity, crack resistance, and failure mode because of the reinforcement ratio. The results show that the steel strand in the pile was not pulled off, and the concrete in the compression zone was crushed. The finite element analysis results are close to the results of the full-scale test of the piles, which can simulate the flexural performance of the pile well. The experimental results were closer to the theoretical calculation of the cracking moment. The ultimate bending moment value is about 25% more than the theoretical value. The parametric analysis shows that for the PRS with 0.27% prestressed reinforcement, the best bending performance is achieved with 0.64% non-prestressed reinforcement. For the PRS with 0.64% of non-prestressed reinforcement, the best bending performance is achieved with 0.37% of prestressed reinforcement.
Statistical Evaluation and Development of General Thermal Comfort Equations for Naturally Ventilated Buildings in Humid and Dry Hot Climates
Authors: Ramírez-Dolores César , Wong-Loya Jorge , Velasco-Tapia Fernando , Andaverde Jorge
Published: October 2022

Thermal comfort has become an important element in the design, construction, and remodeling of buildings, as well as in the understanding of human behavior that considers inhabitants’ mental conditions. The objective of this study is to propose general thermal comfort equations via a rigorous statistical evaluation for regions with hot-humid (HH) and hot-dry (HD) climates. From the information on thermal comfort provided in the specialized literature, 17 equations were gathered for hot-humid climates and nine equations for hot-dry climates. These equations were developed for hot climate conditions in zones where buildings operate with natural ventilation (NV). The statistical analysis includes the normality test of the data distribution, the recognition of outliers, and the applications of significance tests for the comparison of the equation parameters. The equations proposed in this paper can be used to initially evaluate the thermal comfort of buildings in locations where no equations have been developed locally, as well as in the energy evaluations of buildings. The equation proposed in this paper for the hot-humid climate is the following: Tc = 16.9 (±2.19) + 0.37 (±0.08) Tout; that for the hot-dry climate is: Tc = 12.9 (±5.36) + 0.56 (±0.20) Tout. These equations can be used to initially assess the thermal comfort of buildings in locations without locally developed equations, as well as in building energy assessments.
Rice-Husk-Based Materials for Biotechnological and Medical Applications
Authors: Smagulova Gaukhar , Imash Aigerim , Baltabay Akniyet , Kaidar Bayan , Mansurov Zulkhair
Published: October 2022

This review contains the main research directions, which are directly aimed at converting materials based on rice husks particularly, for their role for medicine and biotechnology. Especially in developing countries, more than 95% of rice husks are produced. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the production of various materials from rice husks, the existing scientific information is still widely scattered in the literature. Therefore, this review article provides extensive information on the work of various researchers, including the Institute of Combustion Problems (Almaty, Kazakhstan), on the production of various materials from rice husks and their physico-chemical characteristics. The main applications of rice husk materials in medicine are discussed. The ways of prospective conversion of rice husks for biotechnological purposes are considered.
3D Cell Spheroids as a Tool for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Carbon Nanotubes as a Drug Delivery and Photothermal Therapy Agents
Authors: Anisimov Roman A. , Gorin Dmitry A. , Abalymov Anatolii A.
Published: October 2022

Cell spheroids (CSs) are three-dimensional models in vitro that have a microenvironment similar to tissues. Such three-dimensional cellular structures are of great interest in the field of nano biomedical research, as they can simulate information about the characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) by avoiding the use of laboratory animals. Due to the development of areas such as bioethics and tissue engineering, it is expected that the use of such 3D cell structures will become an even more valuable tool in the hands of researchers. We present an overview of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) research on CSs in order to determine the mechanism of their incorporation into CSs, drug delivery, and photothermal therapy. We will look at such areas as the application of CNTs for medical purposes, the advantages of spheroids over classical 2D cell culture, the ways in which CNTs pass into the intercellular space, and the ways in which they are absorbed by cells in a three-dimensional environment, the use of the spheroid model for such studies as drug delivery and photothermal therapy. Thus, CSs are suitable models for obtaining additional information on the required properties of CNTs in their application in nanobiomedicine.