bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of macular choroidal and microvascular network changes by activity scores and serum antibodies in thyroid eye patients and healthy subjects
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Akdeniz University, Konyaalti 07070, Antalya, Turkey, Dogan Mehmet Erkan , Ilhan Hatice Deniz ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Akdeniz University, Konyaalti 07070, Antalya, Turkey, Ayaz Yusuf ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Akdeniz University, Konyaalti 07070, Antalya, Turkey, Ocal Olgar ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Suruc State Hospital, Sanliurfa 63800, Turkey
Published: November 2023

AIM: To investigate the choroidal thickness and the microvascular network changes around the macula in thyroid eye disease (TED) patients at different stages and the relationship of those changes with risk factors, serum antibodies and the severity of TED.
METHODS: A total of 85 participants were enrolled. All participants underwent ophthalmology and endocrinology examinations. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), superficial (s) and deep (d) foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, mean (m) and central (c) superficial vascular density (SVD), deep vascular density (DVD) measurements of the enrolled cases were performed with Topcon swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT)/OCT angiography (OCTA) DRI OCT Triton. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the associations between SFCT, FAZ area, SVD, DVD and the relevant factors of TED.
RESULTS: Those with active TED patients had higher c-DVD and m-DVD levels (P<0.05), however there is no statistically significant difference in SFCT between active and stable TED patients. Among the serum antibodies, it was observed that s-FAZ and d-FAZ increased, c-SVD and m-SVD decreased in patients with high thyroid stimulating hormone-receptor autoantibodies (TRAB) level, whereas SFCT thickened in patients with high levels of both TRAB and human thyroglobulin (hTG). There was no significant difference in SFCT, FAZ, SVD and DVD measurement at gender, between hyperthyroid and euthyroid patients and among those with or without thyroid papillary carcinoma.
CONCLUSION: The results show that both disease activation and serum antibodies differentially affect both superficial and deep retinal vascular density. It has also been shown that high serum antibody levels affect choroidal thickness independent of clinical activity.
ANATOMÍA COMPARADA Y EVOLUCIÓN DE LAS ESPECIES DE PSEUDOPLATYSTOMA BLEEKER 1862 (SILURIFORMES: PIMELODIDAE)
Authors: Buitrago-Suárez Uriel Ángel
Published: November 2023

Se presenta un estudio anatómico comparativo de las especies de Pseudoplatystoma, un grupo diverso de bagres neotropicales. Con la ayuda de caracteres morfológicos significativos se realizó un análisis filogenético preliminar, que si bien no resuelve en forma definitiva la evolución del grupo, demuestra la existencia de una especie putativa no descrita. En consecuencia, se reconoce el estatus de P. tigrinum como especie restringida al río Amazonas, su localidad típica. Las poblaciones del río Orinoco, atribuidas a esta especie, corresponden a un nuevo taxón en proceso de descripción.
ANÁLISIS DE LA MICROPOROSIDAD DE CATALIZADORES DE FCC
Authors: Agámez Pertuz Yazmín Y. , Oviedo Aguiar Luis A. , Navarro Uribe Uriel , Centeno Miguel A. , Odriozola José A.
Published: November 2023

La zeolita Y es un sólido microporoso que se utiliza como componente activo del catalizador en el proceso de ruptura catalítica. Se estudiaron las propiedades texturales de una zeolita comercial USY lixiviada y de una serie de catalizadores con 25, 35 y 45% de zeolita frescos y tratados a 1033 K durante 16 h con 20% de vapor de agua. Las muestras se caracterizaron por fisisorción de nitrógeno a 77 K y a partir de las isotermas obtenidas se determinó el volumen de microporo, el área externa y el área total de superficie aplicando el método de la curva – t y el modelo de Dubinin - Radushkevich (DR) con lo que se logró una combinación de las dos teorías para establecer una metodología válida para la evaluación de la microporosidad (ultra- y supermicroporos) y de la mesoporosidad. Se encontraron correlaciones entre el volumen de microporo calculado por la curva – t y el determinado por el modelo DR para los materiales frescos y tratados hidrotérmicamente.
Methods for the synthesis of salicylic acid. A review
Authors: Sergeev E. E. , Rodikova Yu. A. , Zhizhina E. G.
Published: November 2023

The review considers and analyzes methods for the synthesis of salicylic acid based on phenol, ortho-cresol, and benzoic acid reported in scientific and technical literature. The current trends in the progress of the “Kolbe–Schmitt process”-oriented technology (obtaining aromatic and heteroaromatic hydroxy acids by the action of CO2 on alkali metal phenolates) are shown. Data are presented on the effect of catalytic system composition and conditions of benzoic acid hydroxylation on the achieved values of conversion, selectivity, and purity of the product. The review can be useful in choosing a suitable source of raw materials and a method of precursor transformation for creating domestic production of salicylic acid, an important compound used in various industries.
Role of intestinal microbiota in the development of cardiovascular disease: focus on metabolites and markers of increased intestinal permeability and inflammation of the intestinal wall
Authors: Kolesova E. P. , Boyarinova M. A. , Maslyanskiy A. L. , Malyshkin K. A. , Kibkalo S. V. , Novikova N. S. , Ermolenko E. I. , Artomov N. N. , Rotar O. P. , Konradi A. O.
Published: November 2023

In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown a close relationship between the composition and function of the microbiota and human health, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Increased intestinal permeability is one of the factors that can influence the state of the microbiota and also lead to the penetration of bacteria and their toxins into the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation, in turn, is accompanied by increased levels of cytokines, which can cause endothelial damage and lead to endothelial dysfunction. Metabolites of some bacteria can reduce the production of molecules that regulate vascular tone, such as nitric oxide, which can lead to vasoconstriction and hypertension. The review focuses on the connection between calprotectin, zonulin, and trimethylamine oxide with the risk of CVD, and also highlights possible methods for correcting the composition and function of the microbiota for the prevention of CVD.
Predictors of the preservation of renal parenchyma volume after renal denervation in patients with resistant hypertension according to magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ryumshina N. I. , Zyubanova I. V. , Musatova O. V. , Mochula O. V. , Manukyan M. A. , Sukhareva A. E. , Zavadovsky K. V. , Falkovskaya A. Yu.
Published: November 2023

Objective. To define the indicators that allow predicting the preservation of the volume of the renal parenchyma according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in resistant arterial hypertension (RHT) one year after renal denervation (RDN).

Design and methods. The study included 66 patients with RHT (average age 57,6 ± 9,4 years). Anamnesis, renal MRI data, results of the 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, lipid profile, serum markers of renal dysfunction initial and 1 year after RDN were analyzed. The group with preserved renal parenchyma volume consisted of 30 patients; the group with reduced renal parenchyma volume included 36 patients. Renal MRI was performed with the use of a 1,5 T device. Kidney volumes were calculated by the ellipsoid formula (Total kidney volume, TKV) and by the modified ellipsoid formula — the volume of the cortical layer (Total Cortex Volume, TCortexV). In addition, indices of renal parenchyma volumes adjusted for height are proposed for analysis: htTKV = TKV/height2,7 and htTCortexV = TCortexV/height2,7.

Results. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that statistically significant predictors of the preservation of renal parenchyma volume 1 year after RDN are lower initial values of htTKV (p = 0,02) and htTCortexV (p = 0,033), absence of diabetes mellitus type 2 (p = 0,03), lower pulse BP (p = 0,013) and younger age at the time of RDN (p = 0,03). Multivariate regression analysis, taking into account all variables, showed that the logistic regression model included the following independent predictors of renal parenchyma volume retention 1 year after RDN: age at the time of RDN (odds ratio (OR) 1,06 (confidence interval (CI) 0,99–1,13)), absence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR 0,08 (CI 0,02–0,46)), htTCortexV (OR 0,89 (CI 0,82–0,96)), pulse BP (OR 0,94 (CI 0,91–0,99)), body mass index (BMI) (OR 0,95 (CI 0,85–1,07)).

Conclusions. Predictors of the preservation of renal parenchyma volume include: lower age at the time of RDN, absence of CKD, lower values of htTCortexV calculated from MRI data, lower values of pulse blood pressure and BMI. These parameters can be used for the selection of patients with RHT for the RDN.
EVA syndrome and hypertension in young people according to the work of the University Health Center of the StSMU
Authors: Evsevyeva M. E. , Sergeeva O. V. , Kudryavtseva V. D. , Penzova V. V. , Ovchinnikova O. V. , Gachkova I. N. , Kryuchkov M. S.
Published: November 2023

Relevance. There is still a discussion about what is primary and what is secondary — an increase in blood pressure (BP) or vascular remodeling.

Objective. To assess the occurrence of isolated cases of Early Vascular Aging (EVA) syndrome and in combination with arterial hypertension/prehypertension in young people, taking into account body mass (BM) and manifestations of connective tissue insufficiency (CTI).

Design and methods. In total, 346 people aged 18 to 25 years (131 boys or 37,9 % and 215 girls or 62,1 %) were examined. At first, the examined persons were divided into tercile-groups according to the indicator of vascular stiffness (VS) — the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) (VaSera VS-1500N, Fucuda Denshia, Japan). VS is regarded as the main determinant of vascular aging. The upper CAVI-tercile of this distribution among persons of the same sex and age corresponds to the EVA-syndrome. The first tercile corresponds to the favorable and the average one corresponds to normal vascular aging. Then the association of these aging phenotypes with the level of BP, BM and the severity of signs of CTI was analyzed. The control group comprised normotonic representatives of the first and second CAVI-tercile groups. Data processing was carried out using the software package “Statistica 10.0” (StatSoftInc, USA).

Results. In boys and girls, the incidence of isolated increases in VS is 16,8 % and 26,5 %, in combination with increased BP — 17,6 % and 6,5 %, isolated increases in BP — 39,6 % and 14,0 %, and normotension in combination with preserved elastic potential — 26,0 % and 53,0 %. Among normotonic boys and girls of isolated elevated VS, persons with excessive BM accounted for 14,8 % and 4,9 %, and with insufficient BM — 48,2 % and 29,5 %, respectively. The latter persons were characterized by a significantly higher number of signs of CTI compared to the control. And among the boys and girls of increased BP without an increase in VS, on the contrary, persons with excess BM and obesity are prevalent.

Conclusions. Among young people, cases of increased VS are not always combined with such traditional risk factors as high BP and obesity, which is due to the so-called youth “obesity paradox”, as well as CTI. In preventive examinations of young people, differential diagnosis of the true EVA-syndrome with CTI should be performed, in the latter VS may increase due to the development of dysplastic-associated angiopathy. It is essential for the correct selection of cardio-vascular risk groups and further individualized preventive interventions among young people.
Argumentacja: idee, problemy, pytania
Authors: Gałkowski Artur
Published: November 2023

Artykuł jest głosem w dyskusji na temat znaczenia i zasięgu zjawisk związanych z procesem argumentacji w komunikacji językowej oraz wkładu tego procesu d o ogólnej charakterystyki dyskursu. Wyjście od założeń starożytnej myśli retorycznej, w szczególnym stopniu odnoszącej się do arystotelesowskiej sztuki mówienia, skłania do przybliżenia, a nawet włączenia teorii argumentacji do programu badawczego lingwistyki tekstu, której genotyp niewątpliwie zawiera klasyczne źródła. Stąd też teza o charakterystycznej koncepcji tekstualizacji korzystającej z technik argumentowania w wypowiedzi ustnej i/lub pisemnej oraz stanowiącej rodzaj dyskursu argumentacyjnego.
Proces powstawania, emisji i odbioru tekstu o charakterze argumentacyjnym wpisuje się w szeroki plan zachowań społecznych. Argumentacja, podobnie jak retoryka klasyczna, zapewnia przekazywanej informacji głęboką i skuteczną logiczność, co przyczynia się do osiągnięcia pragmatycznego celu założonego przez twórcę/uczestnika aktu argumentacji. Charakter społeczny argumentacji sprawia, że większość praktyk językowych można rozpatrywać w kontekście ich funkcji argumentacyjnej lub metaargumentacyjnej. Funkcjonalność technik argumentowania gwarantuje w wielu sytuacjach zamierzony przebieg aktu mowy w planie illokucyjnym i perlokucyjnym. Argumentacja okazuje się wreszcie wyznacznikiem intencjonalności wypowiedzi, będąc tym samym jednym z ważniejszych elementów, które pozwalają się prefigurować i realizować w komunikacji językowej.
Dyslipidemia in pre- and post-menopausal women: a study of peri-urban Paundra Kshatriya women
Authors: Adak Dipak Kumar , Bharali Nitamoni , Biswas Saptarshi , Bagchi Niloy Kumar , Biswas Tapas Kumar , Rao Vadlamudi Raghavendra
Published: November 2023

Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease, whereas menopause is a decrease in ovarian follicular activity at the end of reproductive age of the women, which is significantly influenced by hormonal changes brought on by menopause’s impact on serum lipids. This study was undertaken among pre- and post-menopausal Paundra Kshatriya women in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India in order to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia. 142 adult Paundra Kshatriya women (n pre-menopausal women = 96; n post-menopausal women = 46) were selected from a peri-urban setting of Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Anthropometry and arterial pressure data were recorded. Blood samples were collected from study participants who were on 12 hours fasting. 19.79% of pre-menopausal women and 17.39% of post-menopausal women had normal levels of lipids. Prevalence of dyslipidemia was slightly higher (82.7%) among the post-menopausal women compared to pre-menopausal women (80.2%). While high LDL cholesterol emerged as one of the prime causes for dyslipidemia among pre-menopausal women, hypercholesterolemia emerged as one of the prime causes for dyslipidemia among post-menopausal women. Regression analysis revealed a significant impact of 3 factors in pre-menopausal women and impact of 6 factors in post-menopausal women. Though Paundra Kshatriya women maintain a relatively less stressful and high physical activity lifestyle, they exhibited high levels of lipid abnormalities. The peri-urban population is undergoing lifestyle and dietary changes due to a close proximity to the urban centre, Kolkata.
 
Funding
Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Impacts of Land Degradation on Crop Yields and its Management Options: A Review
Authors: Aleminew Amare
Published: November 2023

Land degradation will remain an important global issue for the 21st century because of its adverse impact on agronomic productivity of crop yields, the environment and its effect on food security and the quality of life. However, the on-site impacts of land degradation on productivity are easily screened due to use of additional inputs and adoption of improved technology and have led some to question the negative effects of extreme land degradation. The relative magnitude of economic losses due to productivity decline versus environmental deterioration also has created a debate. Therefore, land is a non-renewable resource, and the productive capacity of the land would be reduced unless proper management options would be taken at a right time. The proper management options of land degradation for sustaining the crop yields are controlling overgrazing, reduced population pressures on natural resources, using energy efficient sources, contour farming, avoiding cultivation of steep slopes for crop production purposes, afforestation and hillside tree plantations and along gullies, increasing soil fertility by adding organic matter, reducing compaction of soil structures and making soil and water conservation structures to reduce soil erosion, sediment loss and run-off.
Comparison of the cumulative energy demand of BEV and FCEV in their long-term operation
Authors: Sitnik Lech Jerzy
Published: November 2023

The paper presents a method of using the theory of cumulative energy demand to assess this demand in long-term operation of vehicles with a mileage forecast of up to 350,000 km. Based on the results of operational "consumption" of energy and taking into account the energy "costs" of obtaining it, a comparison of the currently popular BEV’s (Battery Electric Vehicles) and FCEV’s (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) was presented. The question arises how much energy must be used to propel vehicles in their natural operation. After calculating with using of available data, the answer is – by operating of FCEV’s in average two time more electricity is need as by operating of BEV’s.
From Non-Financial Disclosure to Sustainability Reporting: New Challenge for Financial Analysts and Auditors
Authors: NICULESCU Maria , BURLAUD Alain
Published: November 2023

In the context of recurrent ecological and societal crises, the European institutions are committed to fostering sustainable development that meets the needs of present and future generations, while providing new opportunities for employment, investment and economic growth. These commitments are the guiding principle of European policies and strategies in terms of financing sustainable growth, green transition, and building an economy at the service of citizens. They have been gradually transposed into a large number of European regulations, including those related to sustainability disclosure by certain categories of economic and financial actors. The significance of the paradigm shift fuels the reflection on the relationship between these new regulations and the social reality, in which and upon which they must act. The new regulations referring to are especially: Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council on sustainability‐related disclosures in the financial services; Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (Taxonomy Regulation); Directive (EU) 2022/2464 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, Directive 2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Directive 2013/34/EU, as regards corporate sustainability reporting. As part of the European and international sustainability concerns, this article is a reflection paper on the developments, notably conceptual, axiological and substantive, generated by the Directive (EU) 2022/2464, and their translation into legal and practical innovations. Based on an extensive review of the relevant literature and European legislation, as well as on content analysis and secondary analysis of numerous scientific studies in the field, authors’ contribution focuses on the meaning and implications of the switch from 'non-financial information' to 'sustainability information', as well as on the new relationship between the law and the social reality created by Directive (EU) 2022/2464. The authors assume that such clarifications are a prerequisite for the successful transformation of certain professions significantly affected by this Directive, including those of financial analysts and auditors. This requires, at the same time, upstream changes of university curricula and continuing education in this area, as well as in research programs.
General Quantum Gravity
Authors: Vadurie Shashwata
Published: November 2023

Quantum Gravity is not sufficient to predict the properties of particles (baryonic and non-baryonic) to a great extent. So, we develop General Quantum Gravity (GQG), which is a renormalizable formalization of quantized gravity that emerges from General Relativity through a new scenario of Quantum Mechanics. Inside every observable $(3+1)D$ spacetime in this new scenario of Quantum Mechanics, there must contain an internal hidden $(n+1)D$ spacetime, which immediately yields extra hidden dimensions by a closed continuous mapping, so that the overall spacetime must acquire Supersymmetry. We have also found that Superstrings are inevitably natural and universal but hidden inside every $(3+1)D$ observable spacetime. Superstrings are found eleven-dimensional (rather than lower dimensional) within this quantum spacetime. Consequently, eleven-dimensional Supergravity is necessarily a natural phenomenon within the GQG spacetime. GQG is formalized here in two different aspects. The first one gives an Einstein field equation in a semi-quantum Minkowski spacetime with semi-quantum Lorentzian metric tensor, whereas, the second one yields a purely Quantum Mechanical Einstein field equation in a quantum non-Minkowski spacetime with non-Lorentzian metric tensor. Dark Energy (as well as Dark Matter) appears from GQG quite naturally. We develop here Gravitational Electroweak Dark Energy interactions, where gravity and Dark Energy are allowed to combine with electroweak symmetry. Likewise, in Gravitational Chromodynamic Dark Energy interactions, we combine QCD with gravitational and Dark Energy symmetries. In a Dark Matter gauge symmetry model, we combine Dark matter with all possible gauge symmetries. A Universal Model $SU(7)_{UM}$ combines entire baryonic and non-baryonic particle interactions all together.
Long COVID: A Chronic Shortage of Blood. Pathophysiology and Treatment Proposal
Authors: Molenaar Pieter A.
Published: November 2023

My hypothesis is that the signs and symptoms of Long COVID can be explained by a shortage of blood in the body and a resulting deficient blood flow through nearly all organs. This shortage arises through damage to the blood-producing organs during the acute phase, while the breakdown of blood continues as normal, after an initial increase. In order to ensure the perfusion of organs that are directly necessary for survival, the body takes the emergency measure of diverting blood from other organs and tissues. The perfusion of the blood-producing organs is also affected by this distribution measure, which hinders the smooth recovery of the total blood volume. The body is stuck in this vicious circle: a shortage of circulating blood hinders the recovery of blood production. This explains the long duration of Long COVID. My proposed treatment of Long COVID focuses on the recovery of the correct volume of blood in the body of the right composition by the very careful administration of donor blood products under continuous expert supervision. A trial treatment can be performed in any hospital without much additional preparations, and has a lower associated risk for the patient than analysing the total blood. A diagnosis ex juvantibus, by therapeutic response, is therefore preferable, and will result in the healing process starting earlier. Indications in blood laboratory values of a shortage of blood are a high serum ferritin due to internal breakdown of blood and values for haematocrit and albumin at reciprocal extremes of the reference ranges due to a stagnation of blood production.
A Contribution to Understanding Damage Generated and Propagated by the AAR Reactive Aggregate from Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Trottier Cassandra , Sanchez Leandro F.M.
Published: November 2023

It remains unclear in the literature what is the cause of the so-called alkali-carbonate reaction (ACR) damage to concrete yet, a consensus is reached when considering dedolimitization as non-expansive. However, expansion and cracks as distress features are often attributed to alkali-silica reaction (ASR) when evidence of a reactive mineral is found in the aggregate. Evidently, different types of aggregates may produce different types and degrees of damage. Therefore, this work aims to assess the damage to concrete generated and propagated by the so-called ACR susceptible reactive Kingston coarse aggregate through mechanical testing (i.e., direct shear test), microscopy (the damage rating index – DRI), and other techniques. Distinct induced expansion levels (i.e., 0%, 0.05%, 0.12%, and 0.20%) were selected to compare the distress caused by ACR to concrete affected by ASR. Result show that the behaviour of ACR, namely as captured through the DRI, is inconsistent with that of ASR thus attesting to ACR being a distinct distress mechanism.
AKIS and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources: Current Trends and Future Research Priorities
Authors: Kountios Georgios , Ragkos Athanasios , Koutsou Stavriani , Papadavid George
Published: November 2023

The new Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union (EU) (2023-2027) envisages a stronger Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) that will unite all relevant ac-tors in a co-creation process to ensure knowledge flows within and across Member States. A sig-nificant and increasing body of literature focuses on the strategy and processes of strengthening AKIS. However, there is a relative gap in research related to the role of AKIS in achieving sus-tainability in the farming sector. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the advancements so far of AKIS across the EU when it comes to facilitating the sustainable management of natural resources (SMNR). The paper builds upon a comprehensive review of rel-evant literature during the last 15 years covering all 28 EU countries (including the United King-dom until 2019). We conclude that AKIS architecture in most EU countries lacks a comprehensive structure promoting SMNR. Based on the results we identify countries with relatively high inten-sity of research and development projects linking AKIS to SMNR and where SMNR is better in-tegrated to AKIS. Our results can be of interest to the design of stronger AKIS during the new programming period.
Large-Scale Fabrication of Tunable Sandwich-structured Silver Nanowires/Aramid Nanofiber Films for Exceptional Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding
Authors: Jiang Xinbo , Cai Guoqiang , Song Jiangxiao , Zhang Yan , Yu Bin , Zhai Shimin , Chen Kai , Zhang Hao , Yu Yihao , Qi Dongming
Published: November 2023

The recent advancements in communication technology have facilitated the widespread deployment of electronic communication equipment globally, resulting in the pervasive presence of electromagnetic pollution. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to develop a thin, lightweight, efficient, and durable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material, capable of withstanding severe environmental conditions, and possessing a scalable production method. In this paper, we proposed an innovative and scalable method for preparing EMI shielding films with a tunable sandwich-structure. The film possesses a nylon mesh (NM) backbone, with AgNWs serving as the shielding coating and aramid nanofibers (ANFs) acting as the cladding layer. The prepared film was thin and flexible, with a thickness of only 0.13 mm. AgNWs could easily form a conductive network structure with excellent performance, and the film had a high EMI shielding efficiency, up to 50.6 dB with 1.0mg/cm2. Due to the outstanding thermal resistance, acid and alkali resistance properties of aramid fibers, the NAAANF film demonstrates remarkable robustness in the face of complex usage environments. Such a thin, efficient and environmentally resistant EMI shielding film provided new ideas for the broad EMI shielding market.
Enhancing Material Design for Structural Applications: Investigating the Durability of Woven Kenaf/Unidirectional Glass Roving Reinforced Hybrid Pultruded Composites
Authors: Balakrishnan Thinesh Sharma , Sultan Mohamed Thariq Hameed , Shahar Farah Syazwani , Basri Adi Azriff , Shah Ain Umaira Md , Sebaey Tamer Ali , Łukaszewicz Andrzej , Józwik Jerzy , Grzejda Rafał
Published: November 2023

In order to address the issues of weight, cost and sustainability issues associated with the application of glass fibre in structural composites, plant fibres are proposed as an alternative to reduce and replace the usage of glass fibres. Despite this, there is still a gap in comprehensive research on plant fibre composites, especially with regard to their durability in real structural applications. This research investigates the fatigue and impact properties of pultruded hybrid polyester composites reinforced with glass fibre and kenaf, tailored for structural applications. Utilising kenaf fibres in mat form, unidirectional glass fibre direct roving yarns and unsaturated polyester resin as key components, pultruded kenaf/glass hybrid profiles were meticulously fabricated. Comparative cost and weight analyses were conducted between pultruded hybrid and non-hybrid profiles. The study showed that the pultruded kenaf/glass alternative laminates exhibit commendable fatigue and impact resistance, making them suitable for use in moderately loaded structural applications. Moreover, the use of kenaf as a hybrid alternative shows significant cost and weight reductions. This research provides a basis for the development of sustainable and efficient structural materials and highlights the significant role of material design in shaping the future of engineering applications.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Drug Discovery and Neurodegenerative Disease Modeling
Authors: Beghini Daniela Gois , Kasai-Brunswick Tais Hanae , Henriques-Pons Andrea
Published: November 2023

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are derived from reprogrammed adult somatic cells. These adult cells are manipulated in vitro to express genes and factors essential for acquiring and maintaining embryonic stem cell (ESC) properties. This technology is widely applied in many fields, and there has been much attention to developing iPSC-based disease models to validate drug discovery platforms and study pathophysiological molecular processes underlying disease onset. Especially in neurological diseases, there is a great need for iPSC-based technological research, as these cells can be obtained from each patient and carry the individual’s bulk of genetic mutations and properties. Moreover, iPSC can differentiate into multiple cell types. These are essential characteristics since the study of neurological diseases is affected by limited access to injured sites, in vitro models composed of various cell types, the complexity of reproducing the brain’s anatomy, ethical issues, and the fact that post-mortem cell culture is challenging. Neurodegenerative diseases enormously impact global health due to their high incidence, symptoms severity, and usually lack of effective therapies. Recently, analyses using disease-specific iPSC-based models confirmed their efficacy for testing multiple drugs. This review summarizes the advances in iPSC technology used in disease modeling and drug testing with a primary focus on neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Advocacy of Precision Allergy Molecular Diagnosis in Decision-Making for Eligibility of Customized Allergen Immunotherapy
Authors: González-Pérez Ruperto , Poza-Guedes Paloma , Pineda Fernando , Sánchez-Machín Inmaculada
Published: November 2023

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) with aeroallergens is the only disease modifying treatment for patients with different allergic conditions. Despite the effectiveness of AIT has been evidenced in both randomized controlled trials and real word studies, it remains underused in less than 10% of subjects with allergic rhinitis (AR) and/or asthma (A). We aimed to determine the current eligibility for house dust mite (HDM) AIT by means of a Precision Allergy Molecular Diagnosis (PAMD@) model in a selected cohort of youngsters with different allergic phenotypes according to the available evidence. A complex response to both HDM and storage mite allergens was depicted regardless of the subjects´ basal atopic condition. No solely specific IgE binding responses to Der p 1, Der p 2 and/or Der p 23 were found in the studied cohort. Despite patients with A and atopic dermatitis showed significantly higher serum titers to 6 mite allergens than subjects with AR, no specific molecular profile could be regarded as disease specific. Given the increasing complexity of specific IgE responses to the local prevailing aeroallergens, the identification and presence of such molecules are needed in commercially available AIT in the era of precision medicine.
Assessing Childhood Immunization Coverage Using Novel Approach of Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) Methodology in Shikarpur, Pakistan
Authors: Sahitia Sundeep , Idris Idayu Badilla , Safian Nazarudin Bin , Ali Rozina Feroz , Shamsuddin Khadijah , Hod Rozita
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: Childhood immunization is vital for preventing morbidities and mortalities globally. However, rural Pakistan is facing persistent challenges, particularly after recent global health crises in gauging accurate vaccination coverage estimates. This study aimed to apply a novel Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) methodology due to its rapid and reliable estimates of the routine immunization rates among children aged 12-23 months old in Shikarpur, Sindh, and to identify priority areas for future interventions. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional household survey design was adopted for an in-depth assessment of vaccination coverage in a previously under-studied rural context. (3) Results: Data were collected from 1,402 children aged 12-23 months across 47/49 Union Councils in Shikarpur within 141 randomly identified clusters. LQAS was innovatively employed along with GIS Mapping which provided a spatial analysis of the distribution of immunization coverage and the spot map of clusters. The weighted average for fully immunized children was 42.4% after applying Direct Adjustment Method. A steep decline in coverage for each successive vaccine dose was observed, and 39 key priority areas were identified on GIS-based plotting for intensive health interventions. Multivariate Logistic Regression Model further revealed informational gaps and fear of side effects as major barriers to achieving complete immunization. (4) Conclusions: The innovative application of LQAS and GIS Mapping in this study has provided a comprehensive glimpse of its utility in future follow-ups and similar assessments. The findings stress the critical need to tackle the foundational reasons behind the vaccination gaps, with a special focus on enhancing awareness and information dissemination in the key priority areas.
Facile Fabrication of NIR-Responsive Alginate/CMC Hydrogels Derived through IEDDA Click Chemistry for Photothermal-Photodynamic Anti-tumor Therapy
Authors: Rizwan Ali , Ali Israr , Jo Sung-Han , Vu Trung Thang , Gal Yeong-Soon , Kim Yong Hyun , Park Sang-Hyug , Lim Kwon Taek
Published: November 2023

A novel chemically cross-linked hydrogel was prepared through the utilization of the nor-bornene (Nb)-methyl tetrazine (mTz) click reaction, derived from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and alginate (Alg). The hydrogel was designed to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) from NIR-dye, indocyanine green (ICG) for a combined photothermal and photodynamic ther-apy (PTT/PDT). The cross-linking of Nb and mTz moieties occurred via an inverse elec-tron-demand Diels-Alder reaction under physiological conditions avoiding the need for a cata-lyst. The resulting hydrogels exhibited viscoelastic properties (G′ ~ 492-270 Pa) and high porosi-ty. The hydrogels were found to be injectable with tunable mechanical characteristics. The ICG encapsulated hydrogels demonstrated ROS generation ability under NIR exposure. The ROS production was investigated through DPBF assays to access photodynamic effect (with NIR irra-diation at 1-2W for 5-15 min). The temperature of the ICG-loaded hydrogels was also raised up-on the NIR irradiation to eradicate tumor cells photothermally. In vitro cytocompatibility as-sessments revealed the non-toxic nature of CMC-Nb and Alg-mTz towards HEK-293 cells. Fur-thermore, the ICG-loaded hydrogels effectively inhibited the metabolic activity of Hela cells following NIR exposure. This innovative hydrogel system holds promise for applications in combined PTT and PDT.
RNAsselem: a Python Package for Descriptive Analysis of RNA Secondary Structure Elements in Viral Genomes
Authors: Kazanov Fedor M , Matveev Evgenii V , Ponomarev Gennady V , Ivankov Dmitry N , Kazanov Marat D.
Published: November 2023

Recent advancements in experimental and computational methods for RNA secondary structure detection have revealed the crucial role of RNA structural elements in diverse molecular processes within living cells. It has been demonstrated that the secondary structure of the entire viral genome is often responsible for performing crucial functions in the viral life cycle and also influences virus evolution. To investigate the role of viral RNA secondary structure, alongside experimental techniques, the use of bioinformatics tools is important for analyzing various secondary structure patterns, including hairpin loops, internal loops, multifurcations, external loops, bulges, stems, and pseudoknots. Here, we have introduced a Python package for analyzing RNA secondary structure elements in viral genomes, which includes the recognition of common secondary structure patterns, the generation of descriptive statistics for these structural elements, and the provision of their basic properties. We applied the developed package to analyze the secondary structures of complete viral genomes collected from the literature, aiming to gain insights into viral function and evolution. Both the package and the collection of secondary structures of viral genomes are available at http://github.com/KazanovLab/RNAsselem.
Enhancing Palletizing and Shape Drawing Using Image Processing on Parallel and Serial Link Manipulators
Authors: Kariuki Samuel , Wanjau Eric , Muchiri Ian , Njeri Waweru , Muguro Joseph , Sasaki Minoru
Published: November 2023

The integration of robotics and image processing has led to the realization of robot autonomy in dynamic environments through the provision of visual feedback. This paper presents the application of parallel and open-link robots in palletizing and shape drawing tasks as enhanced by visual feedback from image processing. In determining the set of joint angles that could be used to reach the desired position and orientation of the end effector, the geometric approach in which the spatial geometry of the robotic arms was decomposed into several plane geometry problems was employed. Image processing techniques were used to enhance the performance of the robotic manipulators. In one approach, Color-based segmentation was used to distinguish between different objects in the workspace by using predefined color markers as references in the L*a*b color space. Classification of each pixel in the workspace image was then done by calculating the Euclidean distance between that pixel and a predefined color marker. A second approach employed Edge detection to identify the boundaries of objects within the workspace image by employing the Hough Transform mathematical model to detect the abrupt changes in the image brightness pixel-wise. The pixel locations from Hough were then sorted sequentially to outline the detected object. The integration of image processing with the robotic tasks was expected to improve the precise detection of the position of objects as well as the outline of geometric shapes. The incorporation of visual feedback allowed for dynamic robot manipulation in which prior knowledge of the workspace was not requisite. This led to improved pick and place as well as shape detection as applied in palletizing and shape drawing tasks actuated by the parallel and serial link manipulators, respectively.
Ion Changes and Signaling Under Salt Stress in Wheat and Other Important Crops
Authors: Lindberg Sylvia , Premkumar Albert
Published: November 2023

High concentrations of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), and sulphate (SO42-) are fre-quently found in saline soils. Crop plants cannot successfully develop and produce because salt stress impairs the uptake of calcium, potassium, and water into plant cells. Different intracellular and extracellular ionic concentration changes by salinity, including those of calcium, potassium, and protons. These cations serve as stress signaling molecules in addition to being essential for ionic homeostasis and nutrition. Maintaining an appropriate K+: Na+ ratio is one crucial plant mechanism for salt tolerance, which is a complicated trait. Another important mechanism is the ability for fast extrusion of Na+ from the cytosol. Calcium is established as a ubiquitous secondary messenger, which transmits various stress signals into metabolic alterations that cause adaptive responses. When plants are under stress, the cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration can rise to 10 times or more from its resting level of 50-100 nanomolar. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are linked to the calcium alterations, and are produced by stress. Depending on the type, frequency and intensity of the stress, the cytosolic calcium signals oscillate, are transient, or persist for a longer period and exhibit specific "signatures". Both the input and efflux of Ca2+ from the cytosol affect the length and amplitude of the signal. According to several reports, under stress calcium alterations can occur not only in the cytoplasm of the cell but also in the cell walls, nucleus and other cell organelles and the calcium waves propagate through the whole plant. Here, we will focus on how wheat and other important crops absorb Na+, K+ and Cl- when plants are under salt stress, as well as how calcium, potassium, and pH cause intracellular signaling and homeostasis. Similar mechanisms in the model plant Arabidopsis will also be considered.
Preclinical and Clinical Observations Implying Combination Therapy to Enhance the Efficacy of the Her-2/Neu B Cell Peptide-Based Vaccine Her-Vaxx and to Prevent Immune Evasion
Authors: Tobias Joshua , Högler Sandra , Raigel Martin , Lin Diego Shih-Chieh , Chao Yee , Kenner Lukas , Garner-Spitzer Erika , Yavrom Sharon , Ede Nicholas J. , Zielinski Christoph C. , Kundi Michael , Wiedermann Ursula
Published: November 2023

The targeting-Her-2/neu therapy by passive application with trastuzumab is associated with acquired resistance and subsequent metastasis development, attributed to upregulation of tumoral PD-L1 expression and downregulation of Her-2/neu. We aimed to investigate this association, following active immunization with our recently constructed B cell–peptide based Her-2/neu vaccines in both preclinical and clinical settings. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and combined positive score (CPS), were applied to evaluate Her-2/neu and PD-L1 expression using a murine syngeneic tumor model for Her-2/neu lung metastases, and tumor biopsies from a gastric cancer patient with disease progression. A significant and concomitant reduction of Her-2/neu and upregulation of PD-L1 expression was observed in the vaccinated mice, after 7 but not after 4 weeks of metastases development. A significant increase of tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes was observed at both time points. Downregulation of Her-2/neu and upregulation of PD-L1 were observed in a patient’s primary tumor at the disease progression time point but not prior to vaccination (Her-2/neu IHC: 3 to 0, FISH: 4.98 to 1.63; PD-L1 CPS: 0% to 5%). Our results further underline the need for combination therapy by targeting PD-L1 to prevent metastasis formation and immune evasion of Her-2/neu positive and PD-L1 negative tumor cells.
Recent Progress of Bioinspired Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Electronic Skins and Human-Machine Interaction
Authors: Zhang Baosen , Jiang Yunchong , Chen Baojin , Li Haidong , Mao Yanchao
Published: November 2023

Advances in biomimetic triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have significant implications for electronic skin (e-skin) and human-machine interaction (HMI). Emphasizing the need to mimic complex functionalities of natural systems, particularly human skin, TENGs leverage triboelectricity and electrostatic induction to bridge the gap in traditional electronic devices' responsiveness and adaptability. The exploration begins with an overview of TENGs' operational principles and modes, transitioning into structural and material biomimicry inspired by plant and animal models, proteins, fibers, and hydrogels. Key applications in tactile sensing, motion sensing, and intelligent control within e-skins and HMI systems are highlighted, showcasing TENGs' potential in revolutionizing wearable technologies and robotic systems. This review also addresses the challenges in performance enhancement, scalability, and system integration of TENGs. It points to future research directions, including optimizing energy conversion efficiency, discovering new materials, and employing micro-nanostructuring techniques for enhanced triboelectric charges and energy conversion. The scalability and cost-effectiveness of TENG production, pivotal for mainstream application, are discussed along with the need for versatile integration with various electronic systems. The review underlines the significance of making bioinspired TENGs more accessible and applicable in everyday technology, focusing on compatibility, user comfort, and durability. Conclusively, it underscores the role of bioinspired TENGs in advancing wearable technology and interactive systems, indicating a bright future for these innovations in practical applications.
Trachealization of the Esophagus Using External Stenting Technique for Tracheal Agenesis: A Lesson Learned from the Experience for Tracheomalacia.
Authors: Hirotani Taichi , Tamura Ryo , Ando Makoto , Okajima Hideaki
Published: November 2023

Tracheal agenesis (TA) is a rare congenital anomaly with the incidence of 1 per 50,000 newborns. It appears at birth with severe respiratory distress, cyanosis, and inaudible crying. Prompt esophageal intubation and long-term management of the esophageal airway is essential to overcome the catastrophic condition. In the long-term management, external stenting of the esophageal airway has been reported promising to support the fragile esophageal wall and “trachealize,” which technique was implanted from the surgery for tracheomalacia. We experienced a case of an infant with tracheal agenesis whose respiratory status was stabilized after trachealization of the esophagus using external stenting technique. The stenting was performed based on a lesson learned in the extensive experience in the surgical treatment for tracheomalacia and the surgical techniques for successful stenting in are herein described.
DAO Dynamics: Treasury and Market Cap Interaction
Authors: Karakostas Ioannis , Pantelidis Konstantinos
Published: November 2023

The treasury of a DAO is purported to uphold the value of the DAO-issued token, and this study represents a pioneering effort to delve into these realms. We explore the relationship between the treasury and market capitalization in two DAO projects, namely Olympus DAO and KlimaDAO. Employing Granger Causality tests, we scrutinize the relationship between market capitalization and the treasuries of these DAOs. Furthermore, we use an EGARCH model to investigate the in-fluence of carbon offset tokens on KlimaDAO’s market capitalization, incorporating this variable into the model's conditional mean equation. The findings reveal a significant relationship between market capitalization and the treasuries of the DAOs, indicating a potential impact of market capitalization on treasuries. Additionally, the well-specified EGARCH model highlights the sig-nificance of carbon offset tokens, suggesting their potential to influence the overall market capi-talization of a DAO project and support its value.