bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PIFall: A Pressure Insole-Based Fall Detection System for the Elderly Using ResNet3D
Authors: Guo Wei , Liu Xiaoyang , Lu Chenghong , Jing Lei
Published: March 2024

Falls among the elderly are a significant public health issue, resulting in about 684,000 deaths annually. Such incidents often lead to severe consequences including fractures, contusions, and cranial injuries, immensely affecting the quality of life and independence of the elderly. Existing fall detection methods using cameras and wearable sensors face challenges such as privacy concerns, blind spots in vision and being troublesome to wear. In this paper, we propose PIFall, a Pressure Insole-Based Fall Detection System for the Elderly, utilizing the ResNet3D algorithm. Initially, we design and fabricate a pair of insoles equipped with low-cost resistive films to measure plantar pressure, arranging 5×9 pressure sensors on each insole. Furthermore, we present a fall detection method that combines ResNet(2+1)D with an insole-based sensor matrix, utilizing time-series ‘stress videos’ derived from pressure map data as input. Lastly, we collect data on 12 different actions from five subjects, including fall risk activities specifically designed to be easily confused with actual falls. The system achieves an overall accuracy of 91% in detecting falls and 94% in identifying specific fall actions. Additionally, feedback is gathered from eight elderly individuals using a structured questionnaire to assess user experience and satisfaction with the pressure insoles.
Microbial Metabolic Limitation and Soil Multifunctionality Changes across Subtropical Woodlands in Southern China
Authors: Qiao Hang , Liu Caixia , Deng Chenghua , Sun Qi , Deng Shaohong , Duan Xun , Chen Longsheng , Chen Xiangbi , Su Yirong , Hu Yajun
Published: March 2024

Soil nutrient transformation and the microbial metabolism are primarily regulated by soil microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria, which exhibit distinct growth patterns, energy substrate utilization, and survival strategies. Despite their significance, our understanding of the key microorganisms governing the soil microbial metabolism and multifunctionality in subtropical woodlands remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a large-scale investigation and assessment of the soil microbial metabolic limitation and soil multifunctionality in Camellia oleifera Abel and Pinus massoniana Lamb. woodlands in subtropical China. Our results reveal that the microbial phosphorus limitation was more severe in C. oleifera compared to P. massoniana woodlands. Nonetheless, the pattern of carbon metabolic limitation for microbes and soil multifunctionality was similar in both types of woodland. Specifically, the microbial carbon limitation was positively associated with both bacterial and fungal richness, while the microbial phosphorus limitation was significantly correlated with fungi including the richness and community structure in the P. massoniana woodland. By contrast, we did not observe significant correlations between microbial metabolic limitation indices and microbial parameters in C. oleifera woodlands. Regarding soil multifunctionality, the results reveal a strong positive correlation between the soil multifunctionality and fungal community in both P. massoniana and C. oleifera woodlands. Furthermore, our structural equation modeling revealed that the soil fungal community, rather than the bacterial community, had a significant effect on the microbial metabolic limitation and soil multifunctionality. Overall, our study provides profound insights into the relative importance of bacterial and fungal communities in shaping the soil microbial metabolic limitation and soil multifunctionality in subtropical woodlands. The findings of our study have important implications for the management and conservation of subtropical woodlands.
The Contributions of Climate and Human Activities to Water Use Efficiency in China’s Drylands
Authors: Tang Kexin , He Liang , Guo Jianbin , Jiang Qunou , Wan Long
Published: March 2024

In the context of global warming, terrestrial ecosystems have undergone significant variations. China has implemented a variety of ecological engineering methods to enhance carbon stocks. However, understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of carbon and water in drylands under climate change remains limited. Here, our research elucidates carbon and water dynamics in China’s drylands over the last two decades, with a focus on understanding spatial–temporal changes and the effects of ecological engineering on the carbon–water cycle. Furthermore, this study investigates the relationships among climate change, water use efficiency (WUE), and its components—Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Evapotranspiration (ET)—identifying key climatic drivers and assessing possible directions for enhancing WUE under changing climate conditions. Our research indicates that both GPP and ET have significantly increased over the past 20 years, with growth rates of 4.96 gC·m−2·yr−1 and 4.26 mm·yr−1, respectively. Meanwhile, WUE exhibited a slight declining trend, at a rate of −0.004 gC·mmH2O·yr−1. This confirms the positive impact of vegetation restoration efforts. We found that fluctuations in interannual WUE were influenced by human activities and climate change. Precipitation (Prec) was the key climatic factor driving the GPP increase. Both solar radiation (Solra) and Prec were crucial for the interannual variation of WUE. Interestingly, WUE was the main factor affecting GPP development. The decline in WUE in drylands is linked to interannual variability in WUE and increased Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) due to warming. Seasonal variations in how WUE responds to climatic factors were also observed. For instance, fall rainfall increased WUE, while spring rainfall decreased it. Fall WUE was highly sensitive to VPD. Spatially, we found higher WUE in China’s eastern and Xinjiang regions and lower in inland areas and the Tibetan Plateau. Geomorphologic factors and soil conditions were the main drivers of this spatial variability in WUE. Temperature (Tem), Solra, VPD, and relative humidity (Relah) also played significant roles. Our results show a generalized inverse persistence in WUE variability. This suggests a potential for increased WUE in the eastern regions and a risk of decreased WUE on the Tibetan Plateau. Addressing the threat of vegetation decline in arid regions, particularly within the Tibetan Plateau, is crucial. It is essential to adapt forestry practices to complement the carbon and water cycles in these landscapes.
Regional Forest Structure Evaluation Model Based on Remote Sensing and Field Survey Data
Authors: Lin Shangqin , Wen Qingqing , Wu Dasheng , Huang Huajian , Zheng Xinyu
Published: March 2024

The assessment of a forest’s structure is pivotal in guiding effective forest management, conservation efforts, and ensuring sustainable development. However, traditional evaluation methods often focus on isolated forest parameters and incur substantial data acquisition costs. To address these limitations, this study introduces a cost-effective and innovative evaluation model that incorporates remote sensing imagery and machine learning algorithms. This model holistically considers the forest composition, the tree age structure, and spatial configuration. Using a comprehensive approach, the forest structure in Longquan City was evaluated at the stand level and categorized into three distinct categories: good, moderate, and poor. The construction of this evaluation model drew upon multiple data sources, namely Sentinel-2 imagery, digital elevation models (DEMs), and forest resource planning and design survey data. The model employed the Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV) method for feature selection, alongside various machine learning algorithms. The key findings from this research are summarized as follows: The application of the RFECV method proved effective in eliminating irrelevant factors, reducing data dimensionality and, subsequently, enhancing the model’s generalizability; among the tested machine learning algorithms, the CatBoost model emerged as the most accurate and stable across all the datasets; specifically, the CatBoost model achieved an impressive overall accuracy of 88.07%, a kappa coefficient of 0.6833, and a recall rate of 76.86%. These results significantly surpass the classification precision of previous methods. The forest structure assessment of Longquan City revealed notable variations in the forest quality distribution. Notably, forests classified as “good” quality comprised 11.18% of the total, while “medium” quality forests constituted the majority at 76.77%. In contrast, “poor” quality forests accounted for a relatively minor proportion of the total, at 12.05%. The distribution findings provide valuable insights for targeted forest management and conservation strategies.
A Method for 5G–ICN Seamless Mobility Support Based on Router Buffered Data
Authors: Xing Mengchi , Deng Haojiang , Han Rui
Published: March 2024

The 5G core network adopts a Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) architecture to meet the challenges of low-latency business requirements. In this architecture, a balance between management costs and User Experience (UE) is achieved by moving User Plane Function (UPF) to the edge of the network. However, cross-UPF handover during communication between the UE and the remote server will cause TCP/IP session interruption and affect continuity of delay-sensitive real-time communication continuity. Information-Centric Networks (ICNs) separate identity and location, and their ability to route based on identity can effectively handle mobility. Therefore, based on the 5G-ICN architecture, we propose a seamless mobility support method based on router buffered data (BDMM), making full use of the ICN’s identity-based routing capabilities to solve the problem of UE cross-UPF handover affecting business continuity. BDMM also uses the ICN router data buffering capabilities to reduce packet loss during handovers. We design a dynamic buffer resource allocation strategy (DBRAS) that can adjust the buffer resource allocation results in time according to network traffic changes and business types to solve the problem of unreasonable buffer resource allocation. Finally, experimental results show that our method outperforms other methods in terms of average packet delay, weighted average packet loss rate, and network overhead. In addition, our method also has good performance in average handover delay.
Gastrointestinal Granular Cell Tumor: The First Report of a Multifocal and Potentially Hereditary Case
Authors: Sigon Riccardo , Fusaro Lisa , Monica Fabio , Campigotto Michele
Published: March 2024

Granular cell tumors (GCTs), also known as Abrikossoff tumors, are rare tumors that originate from Schwann cells that primarily localize in the tongue, skin and submucosal tissues and involve the gastrointestinal tract in 11% of cases. We present a case of a young woman who first presented to our center in 2018 for an EGDS to assess a thickening of the esophageal wall, seen on a CT. On that occasion, a diagnosis of Abrikossoff tumor was made. She underwent endoscopic resection with subsequent yearly follow-up without evidence of recurrence. Five years later, during a routine colonoscopy, we found numerous white submucosal formations in all of the explored tracts, with a histological examination compatible with GCTs. Her daughter presented with a white nodule on her tongue, also diagnosed as a GCT. Her daughter was also diagnosed with a GCT of the tongue a few months later. Our research represents a significant contribution to the field given that it presents the first documented case of a patient with multifocal gastrointestinal GCTs and suggests a potential hereditary component.
Variation of FMRP Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Randol Jamie L. , Kim Kyoungmi , Ponzini Matthew D. , Tassone Flora , Falcon Alexandria K. , Hagerman Randi J. , Hagerman Paul J.
Published: March 2024

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. The syndrome is often caused by greatly reduced or absent protein expression from the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene due to expansion of a 5′-non-coding trinucleotide (CGG) element beyond 200 repeats (full mutation). To better understand the complex relationships among FMR1 allelotype, methylation status, mRNA expression, and FMR1 protein (FMRP) levels, FMRP was quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells for a large cohort of FXS (n = 154) and control (n = 139) individuals using time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Considerable size and methylation mosaicism were observed among individuals with FXS, with FMRP detected only in the presence of such mosaicism. No sample with a minimum allele size greater than 273 CGG repeats had significant levels of FMRP. Additionally, an association was observed between FMR1 mRNA and FMRP levels in FXS samples, predominantly driven by those with the lowest FMRP values. This study underscores the complexity of FMR1 allelotypes and FMRP expression and prompts a reevaluation of FXS therapies aimed at reactivating large full mutation alleles that are likely not capable of producing sufficient FMRP to improve cognitive function.
Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) Reveals Novel Sex-Specific Gene Variants in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (MASH)
Authors: Wei Jing , Wu Boyang Jason , Daoud Sayed S.
Published: March 2024

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, also known as MASH) is a severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, also known as MASLD). Emerging data indicate that the progression of the disease to MASH is higher in postmenopausal women and that genetic susceptibility increases the risk of MASH-related cirrhosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in MASH and sexual dimorphism. We applied whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify gene variants in 8 age-adjusted matched pairs of livers from both male and female patients. Sequencing alignment, variant calling, and annotation were performed using standard methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with Sanger sequencing and immunoblot analysis were used to validate specific gene variants. cBioPortal and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used for actionable target analysis. We identified 148,881 gene variants, representing 57,121 and 50,150 variants in the female and male cohorts, respectively, of which 251 were highly significant and MASH sex-specific (p < 0.0286). Polymorphisms in CAPN14, SLC37A3, BAZ1A, SRP54, MYH11, ABCC1, and RNFT1 were highly expressed in male liver samples. In female samples, Polymorphisms in RGSL1, SLC17A2, HFE, NLRC5, ACTN4, SBF1, and ALPK2 were identified. A heterozygous variant 1151G>T located on 18q21.32 for ALPK2 (rs3809983) was validated by Sanger sequencing and expressed only in female samples. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that the protein level of β-catenin in female samples was 2-fold higher than normal, whereas ALPK2 expression was 0.5-fold lower than normal. No changes in the protein levels of either ALPK2 or β-catenin were observed in male samples. Our study suggests that the perturbation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling observed in postmenopausal women with MASH could be the result of polymorphisms in ALPK2.
Transcriptome Analysis of miRNA and mRNA in Porcine Skeletal Muscle following Glaesserella parasuis Challenge
Authors: Zhou Huanhuan , Chen Xuexue , Deng Xiangwei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zeng Xinqi , Xu Ke , Chen Hongbo
Published: March 2024

Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) causes systemic infection in pigs, but its effects on skeletal muscle and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated G. parasuis infection in colostrum-deprived piglets, observing decreased daily weight gain and upregulation of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle. Muscle fiber area and diameter were significantly reduced in the treated group (n = 3) compared to the control group (n = 3), accompanied by increased expression of FOXO1, FBXO32, TRIM63, CTSL, and BNIP3. Based on mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing, we identified 1642 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and 19 known DE miRNAs in skeletal muscle tissues between the two groups. We predicted target genes with opposite expression patterns to the 19 miRNAs and found significant enrichment and activation of the FoxO signaling pathway. We found that the upregulated core effectors FOXO1 and FOXO4 were targeted by downregulated ssc-miR-486, ssc-miR-370, ssc-miR-615, and ssc-miR-224. Further investigation showed that their downstream upregulated genes involved in protein degradation were also targeted by the downregulated ssc-miR-370, ssc-miR-615, ssc-miR-194a-5p, and ssc-miR-194b-5p. These findings suggest that G. parasuis infection causes skeletal muscle atrophy in piglets through accelerated protein degradation mediated by the “miRNAs-FOXO1/4” axis, while further research is necessary to validate the regulatory relationships. Our results provide new insights into the understanding of systemic inflammation growth mechanisms caused by G. parasuis and the role of miRNAs in bacterial infection pathogenesis.
Identification of Conjugated Dienes of Fatty Acids in Vischeria sp. IPPAS C-70 under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Sidorov Roman A. , Starikov Alexander Y. , Sinetova Maria A. , Guilmisarian Elizaveta V. , Los Dmitry A.
Published: March 2024

The microalgae Vischeria sp. IPPAS C-70 produces eicosapentaenoic acid. Several stresses cause the formation of fatty acid peaks that resemble hexadecadienoic acids. We used the integrated technique including TLC, HPLC, and GC–MS to search and determine these fatty acids. Double bond positioning in these fatty acids indicated that they were conjugated dienes and allenes. We identified and described natural nine isomers of C16 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including common methylene-interrupted dienes (Δ6,9-16:2, Δ7,10-16:2, Δ9,12-16:2), and unusual conjugated dienes (Δ6,8-, Δ7,9-, Δ8,10-, Δ9,11-, and Δ10,12-16:2), as well as allenic diene (Δ9,10-16:2). We hypothesize that the formation of conjugated dienes and allenes among fatty acids is the result of oxidative stress caused by H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide also caused an increase in saturated at the expense of unsaturated fatty acids, suggesting inhibition either fatty acid desaturases activities or the corresponding gene expression.
Development of Genome-Wide Intron Length Polymorphism (ILP) Markers in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis) and Related Applications for Genetics Research
Authors: Shen Yuan , He Xiaoying , Zu Feng , Huang Xiaoxia , Yin Shihua , Wang Lifei , Geng Fang , Cheng Xiaomao
Published: March 2024

The market value of tea is largely dependent on the tea species and cultivar. Therefore, it is important to develop efficient molecular markers covering the entire tea genome that can be used for the identification of tea varieties, marker-assisted breeding, and mapping important quantitative trait loci for beneficial traits. In this study, genome-wide molecular markers based on intron length polymorphism (ILP) were developed for tea trees. A total of 479, 1393, and 1342 tea ILP markers were identified using the PCR method in silico from the ‘Shuchazao’ scaffold genome, the chromosome-level genome of ‘Longjing 43’, and the ancient tea DASZ chromosome-level genome, respectively. A total of 230 tea ILP markers were used to amplify six tea tree species. Among these, 213 pairs of primers successfully characterize products in all six species, with 112 primer pairs exhibiting polymorphism. The polymorphism rate of primer pairs increased with the improvement in reference genome assembly quality level. The cross-species transferability analysis of 35 primer pairs of tea ILP markers showed an average amplification rate of 85.17% through 11 species in 6 families, with high transferability in Camellia reticulata and tobacco. We also used 40 pairs of tea ILP primers to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of C. tetracocca with 176 plants from Puan County, Guizhou Province, China. These genome-wide markers will be a valuable resource for genetic diversity analysis, marker-assisted breeding, and variety identification in tea, providing important information for the tea industry.
Multiple Roles of Glycerate Kinase—From Photorespiration to Gluconeogenesis, C4 Metabolism, and Plant Immunity
Authors: Kleczkowski Leszek A. , Igamberdiev Abir U.
Published: March 2024

Plant glycerate kinase (GK) was previously considered an exclusively chloroplastic enzyme of the glycolate pathway (photorespiration), and its sole predicted role was to return most of the glycolate-derived carbon (as glycerate) to the Calvin cycle. However, recent discovery of cytosolic GK revealed metabolic links for glycerate to other processes. Although GK was initially proposed as being solely regulated by substrate availability, subsequent discoveries of its redox regulation and the light involvement in the production of chloroplastic and cytosolic GK isoforms have indicated a more refined regulation of the pathways of glycerate conversion. Here, we re-evaluate the importance of GK and emphasize its multifaceted role in plants. Thus, GK can be a major player in several branches of primary metabolism, including the glycolate pathway, gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, and C4 metabolism. In addition, recently, the chloroplastic (but not cytosolic) GK isoform was implicated as part of a light-dependent plant immune response to pathogen attack. The origins of glycerate are also discussed here; it is produced in several cell compartments and undergoes huge fluctuations depending on light/dark conditions. The recent discovery of the vacuolar glycerate transporter adds yet another layer to our understanding of glycerate transport/metabolism and that of other two- and three-carbon metabolites.
Follicular Fluid-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Influence on In Vitro Maturation of Equine Oocyte: Impact on Cumulus Cell Viability, Expansion and Transcriptome
Authors: Gabryś Julia , Gurgul Artur , Szmatoła Tomasz , Kij-Mitka Barbara , Andronowska Aneta , Karnas Elżbieta , Kucharski Mirosław , Wojciechowska-Puchałka Joanna , Kochan Joanna , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika
Published: March 2024

Cumulus cell (CC) expansion is pivotal for oocyte maturation, during which CCs release factors that initiate paracrine signaling within the follicular fluid (FF). The FF is abundant in extracellular vesicles (EVs) that facilitate intercellular communication. Although bovine and murine EVs can control cumulus expansion, these effects have not been observed in equines. This study aimed to assess the impact of FF-derived EVs (ffEVs) on equine CC expansion, viability, and transcriptome. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) that underwent in vitro maturation (IVM) in the presence (200 µg protein/mL) or absence (control) of ffEVs were assessed for cumulus expansion and viability. CCs were isolated after 12 h of IVM, followed by RNA extraction, cDNA library generation, and subsequent transcriptome analysis using next-generation sequencing. Confocal microscopy images illustrated the internalization of labeled ffEVs by CCs. Supplementation with ffEVs significantly enhanced cumulus expansion in both compacted (Cp, p < 0.0001) and expanded (Ex, p < 0.05) COCs, while viability increased in Cp groups (p < 0.01), but decreased in Ex groups (p < 0.05), compared to the controls. Although transcriptome analysis revealed a subtle effect on CC RNA profiles, differentially expressed genes encompassed processes (e.g., MAPK and Wnt signaling) potentially crucial for cumulus properties and, consequently, oocyte maturation.
Oxidative Stress: The Role of Antioxidant Phytochemicals in the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases
Authors: Muscolo Adele , Mariateresa Oliva , Giulio Torello , Mariateresa Russo
Published: March 2024

Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance favouring oxidants over antioxidants, is a key contributor to the development of various common diseases. Counteracting these oxidants is considered an effective strategy to mitigate the levels of oxidative stress in organisms. Numerous studies have indicated an inverse correlation between the consumption of vegetables and fruits and the risk of chronic diseases, attributing these health benefits to the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals in these foods. Phytochemicals, present in a wide range of foods and medicinal plants, play a pivotal role in preventing and treating chronic diseases induced by oxidative stress by working as antioxidants. These compounds exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anticancer, and protective properties against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and neurodegenerative conditions. This comprehensive review delves into the significance of these compounds in averting and managing chronic diseases, elucidating the key sources of these invaluable elements. Additionally, it provides a summary of recent advancements in understanding the health benefits associated with antioxidant phytochemicals.
SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Breastmilk Three and Six Months Postpartum in Relation to the Trimester of Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Infection—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Fich Line , Christiansen Ann-Marie Hellerung , Nilsson Anna Christine , Lindman Johanna , Juul-Larsen Helle Gybel , Hansen Christine Bo , la Cour Freiesleben Nina , Khalil Mohammed Rohi , Nielsen Henriette Svarre
Published: March 2024

The immune system of neonates is immature and therefore knowledge of possible early-life protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as breastfeeding, is of great importance. Few studies have investigated the presence and duration of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breastmilk in relation to the trimester of maternal infection during pregnancy, and none with successful participation from all three trimesters. This study has dual objectives (1) in relation to the trimester of infection to examine the frequency, concentration and duration of IgA and IgG antibodies in breastmilk and blood serum in the third and sixth month post-partum in former SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers and (2) to examine the association in pediatric emergency admission of children within the first six months of life compared to children of non-SARS-CoV-2-infected women. The first objective is based on a prospective cohort and the second is based on a nested case–control design. The study participants are women with a former SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, whose serology IgG tests at delivery were still positive. Maternal blood and breastmilk samples were collected at three and six months postpartum. Serum IgA frequency three months pp was 72.7% (50%, 90% and 60% in the first, second and third trimester) and 82% six months pp (67%, 91% and 82% in the first, second and third trimester). Breastmilk IgA frequency three months pp was 27% (16.6%, 36% and 20% in first, second and third trimester) and 28% six months pp (0%, 38% and 28% in the first, second and third trimester). The highest IgA concentration in breastmilk was found six months post-partum with infection in the third trimester. Serum IgA was detectable more than 400 days post infection, and serum IgG above threshold was found 430 days after date of infection. We found no correlation between serum IgA and breastmilk IgA, nor between serum IgG and breastmilk IgA regardless of the trimester of infection.
Not Only Editing: A Cas-Cade of CRISPR/Cas-Based Tools for Functional Genomics in Plants and Animals
Authors: Devillars Aurélien , Magon Gabriele , Pirrello Carlotta , Palumbo Fabio , Farinati Silvia , Barcaccia Gianni , Lucchin Margherita , Vannozzi Alessandro
Published: March 2024

The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized genome editing, enabling the attainment of once-unimaginable goals. CRISPR/Cas’s groundbreaking attributes lie in its simplicity, versatility, universality, and independence from customized DNA-protein systems, erasing the need for specialized expertise and broadening its scope of applications. It is therefore more and more used for genome modification including the generation of mutants. Beyond such editing scopes, the recent development of novel or modified Cas-based systems has spawned an array of additional biotechnological tools, empowering both fundamental and applied research. Precisely targeting DNA or RNA sequences, the CRISPR/Cas system has been harnessed in fields as diverse as gene regulation, deepening insights into gene expression, epigenetic changes, genome spatial organization, and chromatin dynamics. Furthermore, it aids in genome imaging and sequencing, as well as effective identification and countering of viral pathogens in plants and animals. All in all, the non-editing aspect of CRISPR/Cas exhibits tremendous potential across diverse domains, including diagnostics, biotechnology, and fundamental research. This article reviews and critically evaluates the primary CRISPR/Cas-based tools developed for plants and animals, underlining their transformative impact.
E-MuLA: An Ensemble Multi-Localized Attention Feature Extraction Network for Viral Protein Subcellular Localization
Authors: Bakanina Kissanga Grace-Mercure , Zulfiqar Hasan , Gao Shenghan , Yussif Sophyani Banaamwini , Momanyi Biffon Manyura , Ning Lin , Lin Hao , Huang Cheng-Bing
Published: March 2024

Accurate prediction of subcellular localization of viral proteins is crucial for understanding their functions and developing effective antiviral drugs. However, this task poses a significant challenge, especially when relying on expensive and time-consuming classical biological experiments. In this study, we introduced a computational model called E-MuLA, based on a deep learning network that combines multiple local attention modules to enhance feature extraction from protein sequences. The superior performance of the E-MuLA has been demonstrated through extensive comparisons with LSTM, CNN, AdaBoost, decision trees, KNN, and other state-of-the-art methods. It is noteworthy that the E-MuLA achieved an accuracy of 94.87%, specificity of 98.81%, and sensitivity of 84.18%, indicating that E-MuLA has the potential to become an effective tool for predicting virus subcellular localization.
Early Treatment of Acute Stage 0/1 Diabetic Charcot Foot Can Avoid Major Amputations at One Year
Authors: Bittante Cristina , Cerasari Valerio , Bellizzi Ermanno , Ahluwalia Raju , Di Venanzio Michela , Giurato Laura , Andreadi Aikaterini , Bellia Alfonso , Uccioli Luigi , Lauro Davide , Meloni Marco
Published: March 2024

Background: If unrecognized, Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO) can be a devastating complication of diabetes. Methods: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcomes in a cohort of diabetic patients diagnosed with active CNO managed in a tertiary level diabetic foot clinic (DFC). We included consecutive patients with active CNO, stage 0–1, according to the Eichenholtz–Shibata classification, who were referred from 1 January 2019 to 27 September 2022. Diagnosis of CNO was based on clinical signs and imaging (X-rays and magnetic resonance). All patients were completely offloaded by a total-contact cast (TCC) or removable knee-high device. Each patient was closely monitored monthly until CNO remission or another outcome. At 12 months of follow-up, the following outcomes were analyzed: remission, time to remission, major amputations (any above the ankle), and surgical indication. Results: Forty-three patients were included. The mean age was 57.6 ± 10.8 years; 65% were males and 88.4% had type 2 diabetes, with a mean duration of 20.6 ± 9.9 years. At baseline, 32.6% was affected by peripheral artery disease. Complete remission was recorded in 40/43 patients (93%), with a mean time to remission of 5.6 ± 1.5 months; major amputation and surgical indication occurred, respectively in 1/43 patients (2.3%) and 3/43 patients (7%). Conclusions: Early treatment of active Stage 0/1 CNO leads to high rates of remission and limb salvage.
Intraoperative Extravascular Ultrasound in the Identification of Flow-Limiting Dissections after Balloon Angioplasty in the Femoropopliteal Segment
Authors: Mwipatayi Bibombe Patrice , Dodd James , Hanna Joseph , Gouëffic Yann , Brodmann Marianne , Guerra Mercedes , Schmidt Andrej , Loewe Christian , Grözinger Gerd , Korosoglou Grigorios , Lichtenberg Michael , Deloose Koen
Published: March 2024

Background: The BIO REACT study is designed to investigate the incremental value of Extravascular UltraSound (EVUS) added to conventional angiography, compared to conventional angiography only for the identification of Flow-Limiting Dissections (FLD) and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the REsponse Adapted Combination Therapy (REACT) for the treatment of femoropopliteal lesions. Methods: The primary endpoints were the specificity and sensitivity of EVUS added to angiography for the detection of FLD. Secondary endpoints were primary patency of the REACT therapy within 12 months, fCD-TLR, freedom from MAE, major target limb amputations (mTLA) and survival rates within 24 months. Results: A total of 150 patients were included. EVUS added to angiography had an overall sensitivity of 29% and specificity of 93% for the detection of FLD. There was no PSVR cut-off offering a clinically acceptable trade-off between meaningful sensitivity and specificity values for the detection of FLD. At 12 months, treatment with the REACT resulted in primary patency and fCD-TLR of 81.6% and 94.3%, respectively. In addition, freedom from MAE was 94.3% at 12 months. At 24 months, the survival rate was 94.0%. No mTLA was reported up to the 24-month follow-up. Conclusions: The addition of DUS to angiography showed limited value for detecting FLD in femoropopliteal artery disease.
Working Memory and Language Relate to Report of Socio-Emotional Functioning in Children with Hearing Loss
Authors: White Dorothy A. , Costa Elizabeth Adams , Mellon Nancy , Ouellette Meredith , Ottley Sharlene Wilson
Published: March 2024

Background: Children with hearing loss have been found to have significantly more behavioral and emotional challenges than their typically hearing peers, though these outcomes are variable at the individual level. Working memory deficits have been found to relate to executive functioning and overall emotion regulation, leading to behavior challenges. Language development is essential for development of social relationships and communicating one’s needs and this may lead to distress when children cannot communicate effectively. Based on prior findings in children with hearing loss and their typically hearing peers, working memory and language skills were hypothesized to be related to parent and teacher report of socio-emotional functioning. Methods: Participants were 35 children with hearing loss (66% female, M = 5.17 years old, SD = ±1.97) whose language, working memory, and socio-emotional functioning were evaluated during the course of treatment and educational planning. Results: Bivariate analyses indicated that working memory was related to a number of socio-emotional domains (e.g., functional communication, atypicality, withdrawal), as were language scores (e.g., social skills, inattention). The direction of these associations was such that stronger working memory and language skills were related to more regulated socio-emotional functioning. Conclusions: This study is limited in generalizability by size and the relative homogeneity of the sample. A call to action of the current study includes more education with regard to profiles and presentations of children with hearing loss, and an early focus on socio-emotional learning to foster the development of regulatory skills.
Rapid and Label-Free Histopathology of Oral Lesions Using Deep Learning Applied to Optical and Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging Data
Authors: Confer Matthew P. , Falahkheirkhah Kianoush , Surendran Subin , Sunny Sumsum P. , Yeh Kevin , Liu Yen-Ting , Sharma Ishaan , Orr Andres C. , Lebovic Isabella , Magner William J. , Sigurdson Sandra Lynn , Aguirre Alfredo , Markiewicz Michael R. , Suresh Amritha , Hicks Wesley L. , Birur Praveen , Kuriakose Moni Abraham , Bhargava Rohit
Published: March 2024

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are precursors to over 80% of oral cancers. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, followed by pathologist interpretation of tissue and cellular morphology, is the current gold standard for diagnosis. However, this method is qualitative, can result in errors during the multi-step diagnostic process, and results may have significant inter-observer variability. Chemical imaging (CI) offers a promising alternative, wherein label-free imaging is used to record both the morphology and the composition of tissue and artificial intelligence (AI) is used to objectively assign histologic information. Here, we employ quantum cascade laser (QCL)-based discrete frequency infrared (DFIR) chemical imaging to record data from oral tissues. In this proof-of-concept study, we focused on achieving tissue segmentation into three classes (connective tissue, dysplastic epithelium, and normal epithelium) using a convolutional neural network (CNN) applied to three bands of label-free DFIR data with paired darkfield visible imaging. Using pathologist-annotated H&E images as the ground truth, we demonstrate results that are 94.5% accurate with the ground truth using combined information from IR and darkfield microscopy in a deep learning framework. This chemical-imaging-based workflow for OPMD classification has the potential to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of clinical oral precancer diagnosis.
The Role of Learner Variables in Pragmatic Development during Study Abroad: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tajeddin Zia , Khanlarzadeh Neda
Published: March 2024

As one of the productive approaches to L2 pragmatic development, study abroad (SA) has drawn the attention of numerous researchers during the past few decades. Different factors, specifically those related to L2 learners, implicate the impact of SA on pragmatic development. The present systematic review aims to identify the roles of individual differences, including personal as well as social and cognitive variables, on the pragmatic development of L2 learners who were involved in SA programs. To this end, 39 studies from peer-reviewed journals and books published from 2000 to 2022 were scrutinized. The results revealed that a substantial amount of research has been conducted on the intersection of L2 pragmatic competence and SA. However, more studies are required to investigate the impact of learner variables on different aspects of L2 pragmatics in the SA context. The results also indicated the extent to which learner variables were analyzed in these studies and how each variable impacted the effectiveness of SA programs. In addition to the effects of learner variables, the methodological features of the studies, including the context of the studies, designs of the studies, data sources, and characteristics of the involved participants, were explored and reported. The findings contribute to the fields of L2 pragmatic acquisition and study abroad by highlighting the gaps in the literature and identifying key learner variables that can have drastic influences on learners’ outcomes.
The Performance of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials in Different Base Oils and an Oil Blend
Authors: Nasr Jack , Cursaru Diana-Luciana
Published: March 2024

Different carbon-based nanomaterials (fullerenes, graphene, SWCNTs, and SWCNT-COOH) were tested as additives in a base mineral oil, SN150; rapeseed oil (RSO); and a 50/50 by volume blend of the two using an HFRR (high-frequency reciprocating rig) tester for coefficient of friction (COF) and wear scar diameter (WSD) determinations and a four-ball tester for welding point determinations. The concentrations considered for the HFRR tests were 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 wt.%, while the concentration considered for the welding point tests was 0.5 wt.%. The results of the welding point tests showed that the addition of different nanoparticles made it so that welding occurred at much lower pressures compared to the pure oils. This is due to the hardness of the nanoparticles, which increases the local temperature and pressure at the contact points between them and the surfaces, causing welding to occur much sooner. The results of the HFRR tests showed a possible synergistic effect between the fullerenes and SWCNT-COOH and the oil blend, which may be attributed to possible interactions that occurred at a molecular level between the nanoparticles and the different molecules of the oil blend.
Tribofilm Formation and Friction Reduction Performance on Laser-Textured Surface with Micro-Grooved Structures
Authors: Li Qianru , Lu Renguo , Tani Hiroshi , Kawada Shohei , Koganezawa Shinji , Liu Xujun , Cong Peihong
Published: March 2024

Tribofilms, resulting from tribochemical reactions involving lubricants, additives, and metal surfaces, are pivotal in reducing friction, preventing adhesion, and minimizing wear. This study investigates the tribological characteristics of textured surfaces in boundary lubrication, emphasizing the impact of surface texturing on tribofilm formation. Untextured surfaces manifest high friction coefficients and low wear owing to the development of thick tribofilms. However, debris accumulation impedes further tribochemical reactions, necessitating more energy for sliding and resulting in higher friction coefficients. Additionally, molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate-derived MoS2 oxidation diminishes the expected lubrication effect. Textured surfaces exhibit lower friction coefficients and higher wear because the structure aids debris removal, promoting the formation of thinner tribofilms. Despite increased wear from solid-to-solid contact, textured surfaces facilitate an early fluid lubrication transition and enhance cavitation capacity, leading to reduced friction coefficients. We also consider the impact of sliding direction angles on friction coefficients, revealing that lower angles parallel to the grooves heighten friction, whereas higher angles enhance cavitation capacity. Unexpectedly, a 90° sliding direction angle increases the friction coefficients, attributed to MoS2 distribution in the tribofilms. These results provide crucial insights for optimizing lubrication strategies and enhancing wear resistance in boundary lubrication scenarios.
Modal Response Improvement of Periodic Lattice Materials with a Shear Modulus-Based FE Homogenized Model
Authors: Luo Tianheng , Wang Lizhe , Liu Fuyuan , Chen Min , Li Ji
Published: March 2024

Lattice materials are widely used in industries due to their designable capabilities of specific stiffness and energy absorption. However, evaluating the mechanical response of macroscopic lattice structures can be computationally expensive. Homogenization-based multi-scale analysis offers an efficient approach to address this issue. To achieve a simpler, while precise, homogenization, the authors proposed an equidistant segmentation (ES) method for the measurement of the effective shear modulus. In this method, the periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) are approximated by constraining the lateral displacement of nodes between parallel layers of periodic cells. The validations were applied to three typical lattice topologies: body-centered cubic (BCC) lattices, gyroid-, and primitive-triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices, to predict and compare their anti-vibration capacities. The results demonstrated the rationality and the promising precision of the multi-scale-based equivalent modal analysis through the proposed method and that it eliminated the geometric limitation of lattices with diverse frameworks. Overall, a higher anti-vibration capacity of TPMS was observed. In the study, the authors examined the influence of the relative densities on the balance between the anti-vibration capacity and loading capacity (per unit mass) of the TPMS topologies. Specifically, the unit mass of the TPMS with lower relative densities was able to resist higher frequencies, and the structures were dominated by the anti-vibration capacity. In contrast, a higher relative density is better when emphasizing the loading capacity. These findings may provide notable references to the designers and inform the selection of lattice materials for various industrial applications.
Indentation of Commercial Pure Titanium Processed by Cold Rolling
Authors: Zhou Diaoyu , Yu Jiasheng , Dong Yiwei , Qin Yalu , Hao Xinwei
Published: March 2024

In this work, the effects of plastic deformation on the indentation behaviors of commercial pure titanium alloy were investigated. Titanium experienced various kinds of deformation by cold rolling processes, and the indentation behaviors were measured using microindentation. The results showed the most deformed sample experienced the largest indentation resistance and had the highest dislocation density and the indentation size influenced the indentation behavior of the CP-Ti. The effect of strain on Vickers hardness demonstrated the dominant role of the dislocation motion in the indentation deformation of CP-Ti alloy. The dependence of the indentation hardness on both the maximum indentation load and the indentation residual depth suggested there exists size effect in the indentation. The effect of the plastic strain on the energy ratio suggested the energy ratio is related to the microstructure in materials. Additionally, the linear relationship between the energy ratio on the indentation depth ratio was obtained for hcp-structured Titanium alloys.
Electrochemical Behavior of Carbon Steel ASTM A36 in Diluted Pregnant Leach Solutions from Electrowinning of Copper
Authors: Cáceres Luis , Soliz Alvaro , Galleguillos-Madrid Felipe M.
Published: March 2024

In Northern Chile, large amounts of highly corrosive solutions are currently generated in the process of cathode washing after completing the electrowinning or electrorefining process of copper. This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of ASTM A36 carbon steel in pregnant-leach-solution (PLS) wash water. Measurements of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry, complemented with weight loss measurements, were performed. Four ratios of PLS containing reverse osmosis (RO) water are evaluated, considering both quiescent and rotating conditions of the steel specimen. The results indicate that oxygen reduction, hydrogen evolution, and iron oxidation reactions are all involved during the corrosion of carbon steel in pure RO water, with the corrosion rate increasing up to 4 times under rotating conditions. In the case of corrosion in RO wash water containing PLS, a galvanic process occurs whereby copper is reduced at the expense of iron oxidation, superimposed on former partial reactions. The deposited copper induces notable corrosion inhibition of steel, observed as a significant drop in corrosion rate from high initial to constant residual values. Morphological and X-ray analyses support that corrosion is affected by oxide layer formation and galvanic copper deposition, confirming the results obtained from electrochemical analysis and weight loss measurements.