bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Probabilistic Version of Eneström–Kakeya Theorem for Certain Random Polynomials
Authors: Sheikh Sajad A. , Mir Mohammad Ibrahim , Dar Javid Gani , Almanjahie Ibrahim M. , Alshahrani Fatimah
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of a probabilistic adaptation of the Eneström–Kakeya theorem, applied to random polynomials featuring various coefficient distributions. Unlike the deterministic rendition of the theorem, our study dispenses with the necessity of any specific coefficient order. Instead, we consider coefficients drawn from a spectrum of sets with diverse probability distributions, encompassing finite, countable, and uncountable sets. Furthermore, we provide a result concerning the probability of failure of Schur stability for a random polynomial with coefficients distributed independently and identically as standard normal variates. We also provide simulations to corroborate our results.
Exploring Sustainability and Economic Growth through Generation of Renewable Energy with Respect to the Dynamical Environment
Authors: Bhattacharya Sandipa , Sarkar Mitali , Sarkar Biswajit , Thangavelu Lakshmi
Published: September 2023

Due to rapid population growth and industrialization, the demand for electrical energy and its consumption has reached a critical point where it is no longer sustainable or stable. Therefore, it is imperative to explore new and reliable energy generation alternatives considering technical and economic perspectives, regardless of whether the community is isolated or urbanized. The research introduces a mixed-integer non-linear programming model of an energy supply chain that combines the roles of a manufacturer and retailer within a dynamic solar energy framework. The study highlights the manufacturer’s significant efforts to sustain itself in a competitive market and emphasizes the importance of government subsidies to support this approach. To meet the demands of a dynamic environment, a non-continuous demand function is utilized to generate and transmit energy at a highly sustainable level, promoting ecological balance. The model’s validity is confirmed through experimental evaluation using two case studies. Furthermore, by increasing the demand by 50%, this study demonstrates the potential for economic growth, resulting in a 20% profit for the manufacturer in the retail sector. This research ensures improved energy efficiency and greener consumption practices and addresses the optimal distribution of renewable energy to minimize imbalances. Finally, it reveals a pathway to sustainable development that promotes technological advancements while minimizing costs, offering a cost-effective scenario for the foreseeable future.
Intelligent Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance Using Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Alanis Alma Y. , Sanchez Oscar D. , Vaca-González Alonso , Rangel-Heras Eduardo
Published: September 2023

Time series classification is a challenging and exciting problem in data mining. Some diseases are classified and diagnosed based on time series. Such is the case for diabetes mellitus, which can be analyzed based on data from the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Prompt diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is essential for disease management. Diabetes mellitus does not appear suddenly; instead, the patient presents symptoms of impaired glucose tolerance that can also be diagnosed via glucose tolerance testing. This work presents a classification and diagnosis scheme for diseases, specifically diabetes mellitus and poor glucose tolerance, using deep neural networks based on time series data. In addition, data from virtual patients were obtained through the Dalla Man and UVA/Padova models; the validation was carried out with data from actual patients. The results show that deep neural networks have an accuracy of 96%. This indicates that DNNs is a helpful tool that can improve the diagnosis and classification of diseases in early detection.
Research into the Beetle Antennae Optimization-Based PID Servo System Control of an Industrial Robot
Authors: Ji Tian , Wei Haoran , Wang Jun , Tian Shaoqing , Yao Yi , Hu Shukai
Published: September 2023

Industrial robot speed control remains a critical aspect for efficient operations, especially given the challenges of nonlinearity and multivariable characteristics inherent to servo motor control systems, as well as energy inefficiencies due to a lack of automatic speed control. This study refines an existing control algorithm, beetle antennae optimization (BAO), by integrating elements of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and a beetle antennae search algorithm (BAS), further enhanced by chaos mapping and an adaptive weighting factor. These modifications aim to improve the algorithm’s search capabilities and mitigate the risks of settling into local optima. Unlike previous iterations, this study includes rigorous dynamic and stability analyses focusing on key performance metrics such as settling time, overshoot, and steady-state error. Comparative Simulink/MATLAB modeling demonstrates that the enhanced BAO algorithm significantly outperforms traditional PID control, BAS, and adaptive weighted-PSO in reducing static error, overshoot, and adjustment time under various conditions, including scenarios with external disturbances. Our results indicate a 60% improvement in the optimization performance of speed curve metrics, confirming the enhanced efficacy and robustness of the robotic control system. This research offers valuable insights into the advantages of the refined BAO algorithm, providing a comprehensive basis for its practical application in industrial robotic control systems.
Nonlinear Dynamic Model-Based Position Control Parameter Optimization Method of Planar Switched Reluctance Motors
Authors: Huang Su-Dan , Lin Zhixiang , Cao Guang-Zhong , Liu Ningpeng , Mou Hongda , Xu Junqi
Published: September 2023

Currently, there are few systematic position control parameter optimization methods for planar switched reluctance motors (PSRMs); how to effectively optimize the control parameters of PSRMs is one of the critical issues that needs to be urgently solved. Therefore, a nonlinear dynamic model-based position control parameter optimization method of PSRMs is proposed in this paper. First, to improve the accuracy of the motor dynamics model, a Hammerstein–Wiener model based on the BP neural network input–output nonlinear module is established by combining the linear model and nonlinear model structures so that the nonlinear and linear characteristics of the system are characterized simultaneously. Then, a position control parameter optimization system of PSRMs is developed using the established Hammerstein–Wiener model. In addition, with a self-designed simulated annealing adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm (SAAPSO), the position control parameter optimization system is performed offline iteratively to obtain the optimal position control parameters. Simulations and experiments are carried out and the corresponding results show that the optimal position control parameters obtained by the proposed method can be directly applied in the actual control system of PSRMs and the control performance is improved effectively using the obtained optimal control parameters.
Near-Field Matching and Universal Limits on Electromagnetic Energy Transfer
Authors: Mikki Said
Published: September 2023

This article introduces the concept of near-field (NF) matching as a continuum-mode generalization of port matching in circuit theory suitable for field-theoretic electromagnetic energy transfer scenarios, with a focus on spatio-frequency processes in coupled systems. The concept is rigorously formulated using the full electromagnetic Green’s function of a generic receiving surface interacting with arbitrary illumination fields where the Riemannian structure and the electromagnetic boundary condition of the problem are encoded into the tensor structure of a Green’s function on a manifold. After a carefully selected combination of proper function spaces for the various field quantities involved, we utilize exact methods to estimate the sizes of various operator quantities using the appropriate function space norms. A field-theoretic measure of power transfer efficiency in generalized NF matching scenarios is introduced, and exact upper bounds on this efficiency are derived using Young’s inequality for integral kernel operators. This theoretical study complements and generalizes the largely empirical and problem-specific literature on wireless energy transfer by providing an exact and rigorous mathematical framework that can guide and inform future optimization and design processes.
Do the Same Determinants Affect Banks’ Profitability and Liquidity? Evidence from West Balkan Countries Using a Panel Data Regression Analysis
Authors: Radovanov Boris , Milenković Nada , Kalaš Branimir , Horvat Aleksandra Marcikić
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine whether the same bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants affect banks’ profitability and liquidity. To achieve the set goal, panel data regression analysis was applied with fixed effects or random effects depending on the results of the Hausman test, as explained in the Results. The research is based on the use of aggregate data on bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants of banks’ profitability and liquidity in West Balkan countries during the period from 2007 to 2022. The dependent variables in the study are ROA, ROE used as proxies for banks’ profitability, and banks’ liquid reserves to banks’ total assets as a proxy for banks’ liquidity. The findings confirm that the bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants affect both banks’ profitability and liquidity in the same direction, except for a few variables. The main contribution of this research is a comprehensive and parallel view of banks’ profitability and liquidity determinants that enables a guide for bank management to better understand the significance of bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants’ effects on their business. The obtained results can improve the balance between the two important principles of banking business.
Advancing Fractional Riesz Derivatives through Dunkl Operators
Authors: Bouzeffour Fethi
Published: September 2023

The aim of this work is to introduce a novel concept, Riesz–Dunkl fractional derivatives, within the context of Dunkl-type operators. A particularly noteworthy revelation is that when a specific parameter κ equals zero, the Riesz–Dunkl fractional derivative smoothly reduces to both the well-known Riesz fractional derivative and the fractional second-order derivative. Furthermore, we introduce a new concept: the fractional Sobolev space. This space is defined and characterized using the versatile framework of the Dunkl transform.
Some Common Fixed Point Results in Modular Ultrametric Space Using Various Contractions and Their Application to Well-Posedness
Authors: Almalki Yahya , Radhakrishnan Balaanandhan , Jayaraman Uma , Tamilvanan Kandhasamy
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study is to prove the existence and uniqueness of fixed point and common fixed point theorems for self-mappings in modular ultrametric spaces. These theorems are proved under varying contractive circumstances and without the property of spherical completeness. As a consequence, the examples of fixed point and common fixed point problems are correctly formulated. As an application, the well-posedness of a common fixed point problem is proved. This study expands on prior research in modular ultrametric space to provide a more comprehensive understanding of such spaces using generalized contraction.
A Practical Website Fingerprinting Attack via CNN-Based Transfer Learning
Authors: Pan Tianyao , Tang Zejia , Xu Dawei
Published: September 2023

Website fingerprinting attacks attempt to apply deep learning technology to identify websites corresponding to encrypted traffic data. Unfortunately, to the best of our knowledge, once the total number of encrypted traffic data becomes insufficient, the identification accuracy in most existing works will drop dramatically. This phenomenon grows worse because the statistical features of the encrypted traffic data are not always stable but irregularly varying in different time periods. Even a deep learning model requires good performance to capture the statistical features, its accuracy usually diminishes in a short period of time because the changes of the statistical features technically put the training and testing data into two non-identical distributions. In this paper, we first propose a convolutional neural network-based website fingerprinting attack (CWFA) scheme. This scheme integrates packet direction with the timing sequence from the encrypted traffic data to improve the accuracy of analysis as much as possible on few data samples. We then design a new fine-tuning mechanism for the CWFA (FM-CWFA) scheme based on transfer learning. This mechanism enables the proposed FM-CWFA scheme to support the changes in the statistical patterns. The experimental results in closed-world and open-world settings show that the effectiveness of the CWFA scheme is better than previous researches, with the slowest performance degradation when the number of data decreases, and the FM-CWFA scheme can remain effective when the statistical features change.
Engineering of Multifunctional Nanocomposite Membranes for Wastewater Treatment: Oil/Water Separation and Dye Degradation
Authors: Mousa Hamouda M , Sayed Mostafa M. , Mohamed Ibrahim M. A. , El-sadek M. S. Abd , Nasr Emad Abouel , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Taha Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Multifunctional membrane technology has gained tremendous attention in wastewater treatment, including oil/water separation and photocatalytic activity. In the present study, a multifunctional composite nanofiber membrane is capable of removing dyes and separating oil from wastewater, as well as having antibacterial activity. The composite nanofiber membrane is composed of cellulose acetate (CA) filled with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in a polymer matrix and dipped into a solution of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). Membrane characterization was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and water contact angle (WCA) studies were utilized to evaluate the introduced membranes. Results showed that membranes have adequate wettability for the separation process and antibacterial activity, which is beneficial for water disinfection from living organisms. A remarkable result of the membranes’ analysis was that methylene blue (MB) dye removal occurred through the photocatalysis process with an efficiency of ~20%. Additionally, it exhibits a high separation efficiency of 45% for removing oil from a mixture of oil–water and water flux of 20.7 L.m−2 h−1 after 1 h. The developed membranes have multifunctional properties and are expected to provide numerous merits for treating complex wastewater.
Frontiers in Bone Metabolism and Disorder in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Mace Maria L. , Lewin Ewa
Published: September 2023

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects 10–15% of the adult population, a prevalence expected to increase worldwide [...]
Probiotics and Their Bioproducts: A Promising Approach for Targeting Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus
Authors: Jain Manav , Stitt Gideon , Son Luke , Enioutina Elena Y.
Published: September 2023

Antibiotic resistance is a serious global health problem that poses a threat to the successful treatment of various bacterial infections, especially those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Conventional treatment of MRSA and VRE infections is challenging and often requires alternative or combination therapies that may have limited efficacy, higher costs, and/or more adverse effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Probiotics and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are two promising approaches that have shown potential benefits in various diseases. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts. AMPs, usually produced with probiotic bacteria, are short amino acid sequences that have broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Both probiotics and AMPs can modulate the host immune system, inhibit the growth and adhesion of pathogens, disrupt biofilms, and enhance intestinal barrier function. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the role of probiotics and AMPs in targeting multi-drug-resistant bacteria, with a focus on MRSA and VRE. In addition, we discuss future directions for the clinical use of probiotics.
Influences of Four Kinds of Surfactants on Biodegradations of Tar-Rich Coal in the Ordos Basin by Bacillus bicheniformis
Authors: Shen Wensheng , Liu Xiangrong , Shi Chen , Yang Jie , Zhao Shunsheng , Yang Zaiwen , Wang Dan
Published: September 2023

The biodegradation of tar-rich coal in the Ordos Basin was carried out by Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) under actions of four kinds of surfactants, namely, a biological surfactant (Rh), a nonionic surfactant (Triton X-100), an anionic surfactant (LAS), and a cationic surfactant (DTAB). The biodegradation rates under the actions of Triton X-100, LAS, Rh, DTAB, and the control group (without surfactant) were 59.8%, 54.3%, 51.6%, 17.3%, and 43.5%, respectively. The biodegradation mechanism was studied by examining the influences of surfactants on coal samples, bacteria, and degradation products in the degradation process. The results demonstrated that Rh, Triton X-100, and LAS could promote bacterial growth, while DTAB had the opposite effect. Four surfactants all increased the cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) of B. licheniformis, and Triton X-100 demonstrated the most significant promotion of CSH. The order of improvement in microbial cell permeability by surfactants was DTAB > TritonX-100 > LAS > Rh > control group. In the presence of four surfactants, Triton X-100 exhibited the best hydrophilicity improvement for oxidized coal. Overall, among the four surfactants, Triton X-100 ranked first in enhancing the CSH of bacteria and the hydrophilicity of oxidized coal and second in improving microbial cell permeability; thus, Triton X-100 was the most suitable surfactant for promoting B. licheniformis’s biodegradation of tar-rich coal. The GC-MS showed that, after the action of Triton X-100, the amount of the identified degradation compounds in the toluene extract of the liquid product decreased by 16 compared to the control group, the amount of dichloromethane extract decreased by 6, and the amount of ethyl acetate extract increased by 6. Simultaneously, the contents of alkanes in the extracts of toluene and dichloromethane decreased, lipids increased, and ethyl acetate extract exhibited little change. The FTIR analysis of the coal sample suggested that, under the action of Triton X-100, compared to oxidized coal, the Har/H and A(CH2)/A(CH3) of the remaining coal decreased by 0.07 and 1.38, respectively, indicating that Triton X-100 enhanced the degradation of aromatic and aliphatic structures of oxidized coal. Therefore, adding a suitable surfactant can promote the biodegradation of tar-rich coal and enrich its degradation product.
Understanding the Effect of Different Glucose Concentrations in the Oligotrophic Bacterium Bacillus subtilis BS-G1 through Transcriptomics Analysis
Authors: Chen Liping , Wang Chenglong , Su Jianyu
Published: September 2023

Glucose is an important carbon source for microbial growth, and its content in infertile soils is essential for the growth of bacteria. Since the mechanism of oligotrophic bacterium adaptation in barren soils is unclear, this research employed RNA-seq technology to examine the impact of glucose concentration on the oligotrophic bacterium B. subtilis BS-G1 in soil affected by desertification. A global transcriptome analysis (RNA-Seq) revealed that the significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) histidine metabolism, glutamate synthesis, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, sporulation, and the TCA cycle pathway of B. subtilis BS-G1 were significantly enriched with a 0.015 g/L glucose concentration (L group), compared to a 10 g/L glucose concentration (H group). The DEGs amino acid system, two-component system, metal ion transport, and nitrogen metabolism system of B. subtilis BS-G1 were significantly enriched in the 5 g/L glucose concentration (M group), compared with the H group. In addition, the present study identified the regulation pattern and key genes under a low-glucose environment (7 mRNAs and 16 sRNAs). This study primarily investigates the variances in the regulatory pathways of the oligotrophic B. subtilis BS-G1, which holds substantial importance in comprehending the mechanism underlying the limited sugar tolerance of oligotrophic bacteria.
Selectivity of MOFs and Silica Nanoparticles in CO2 Capture from Flue Gases
Authors: Bucura Felicia , Spiridon Stefan-Ionut , Ionete Roxana Elena , Marin Florian , Zaharioiu Anca Maria , Armeanu Adrian , Badea Silviu-Laurentiu , Botoran Oana Romina , Ionete Eusebiu Ilarian , Niculescu Violeta-Carolina , Constantinescu Marius
Published: September 2023

Until reaching climate neutrality by attaining the EU 2050 level, the current levels of CO2 must be mitigated through the research and development of resilient technologies. This research explored potential approaches to lower CO2 emissions resulting from combustion fossil fuels in power plant furnaces. Different nanomaterials (MOFs versus silica nanoparticles) were used in this context to compare their effectiveness to mitigate GHG emissions. Porous materials known as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are frequently employed in sustainable CO2 management for selective adsorption and separation. Understanding the underlying mechanism is difficult due to their textural characteristics, the presence of functional groups and the variation in technological parameters (temperature and pressure) during CO2-selective adsorption. A silica-based nanomaterial was also employed in comparison. To systematically map CO2 adsorption as a function of the textural and compositional features of the nanomaterials and the process parameters set to a column-reactor system (CRS), 160 data points were collected for the current investigation. Different scenarios, as a function of P (bar) or as a function of T (K), were designed based on assumptions, 1 and 5 vs. 1–10 (bar) and 313.15 and 373.15 vs. 313.15–423.15 (K), where the regression analyses through Pearson coefficients of 0.92–0.95, coefficients of determination of 0.87–0.90 and p-values < 0.05, on predictive and on-site laboratory data, confirmed the performances of the CRS.
Carrier Modulation via Tunnel Oxide Passivating at Buried Perovskite Interface for Stable Carbon-Based Solar Cells
Authors: Xiao Yuqing , Zhang Huijie , Zhao Yue , Liu Pei , Kondamareddy Kiran Kumar , Wang Changlei
Published: September 2023

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have the impressive characteristics of good stability and potential commercialization. The insulating layers play crucial roles in charge modulation at the buried perovskite interface in mesoporous C-PSCs. In this work, the effects of three different tunnel oxide layers on the performance of air-processed C-PSCs are scrutinized to unveil the passivating quality. Devices with ZrO2-passivated TiO2 electron contacts exhibit higher power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) than their Al2O3 and SiO2 counterparts. The porous feature and robust chemical properties of ZrO2 ensure the high quality of the perovskite absorber, thus ensuring the high repeatability of our devices. An efficiency level of 14.96% puts our device among the state-of-the-art hole-conductor-free C-PSCs, and our unencapsulated device maintains 88.9% of its initial performance after 11,520 h (480 days) of ambient storage. These results demonstrate that the function of tunnel oxides at the perovskite/electron contact interface is important to manipulate the charge transfer dynamics that critically affect the performance and stability of C-PSCs.
Polymer-Based Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems for Purines of Established Importance in Medicine
Authors: Szyk Piotr , Czarczynska-Goslinska Beata , Mlynarczyk Dariusz T. , Ślusarska Barbara , Kocki Tomasz , Ziegler-Borowska Marta , Goslinski Tomasz
Published: September 2023

Many purine derivatives are active pharmaceutical ingredients of significant importance in the therapy of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and viral infections. In many cases, their medical use is limited due to unfavorable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. These problems can be overcome by the preparation of the prodrugs of purines or by combining these compounds with nanoparticles. Herein, we aim to review the scientific progress and perspectives for polymer-based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for purines. Polymeric nanoparticles turned out to have the potential to augment antiviral and antiproliferative effects of purine derivatives by specific binding to receptors (ASGR1—liver, macrophage mannose receptor), increase in drug retention (in eye, intestines, and vagina), and permeation (intranasal to brain delivery, PEPT1 transport of acyclovir). The most significant achievements of polymer-based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for purines were found for tenofovir disoproxil in protection against HIV, for acyclovir against HSV, for 6-mercaptopurine in prolongation of mice ALL model life, as well as for 6-thioguanine for increased efficacy of adoptively transferred T cells. Moreover, nanocarriers were able to diminish the toxic effects of acyclovir, didanosine, cladribine, tenofovir, 6-mercaptopurine, and 6-thioguanine.
Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey and Evaluation for Public Health
Authors: Pippi Roberto , Vandoni Matteo , Fanelli Carmine Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Regular physical activity (PA) and healthy nutrition are effective strategies to improve crucial modifiable lifestyle factors that affect health status, both in healthy people and in special populations suffering from metabolic disorders [...]
Towards Novel Nutritional Strategies in Gestational Diabetes: Eating Behaviour and Obesity in Women with Gestational Diabetes Compared with Non-Pregnant Adults
Authors: Kusinski Laura C. , Tobolska Patrycja , Jones Danielle L. , Atta Nooria , Turner Elizabeth H. , Lewis Hannah B. , Oude Griep Linda M. , Gribble Fiona M. , Meek Claire L.
Published: September 2023

Background: Gestational diabetes is associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Effective nutritional strategies are needed to reduce BMI and improve long-term maternal cardiometabolic health, but the relative contribution of maternal eating behaviour, a potential barrier to dietary change, has not been explored. We compared eating behaviour in women with gestational diabetes with that of men and non-pregnant women with comparable risk factors, and tested associations between eating behaviour traits and BMI in women with gestational diabetes. We hypothesized that eating behaviour would be unfavourable in gestational diabetes and would be associated with BMI. Methods: Participants (n = 417) including 53 men, 164 non-pregnant women and 200 women with gestational diabetes (singleton pregnancy; 29 weeks’ gestation) were recruited into three prospective studies assessing weight loss interventions, with similar entry criteria. The three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ-R18) assessed uncontrolled eating, emotional eating and cognitive restraint at study enrolment. Associations between BMI at study enrolment and TFEQ-R18 (% maximum score) were assessed using linear regression. Results: Women with gestational diabetes had significantly lower uncontrolled eating scores vs. men (53% vs. 65%; p < 0.001) and non-pregnant women (53% vs. 66%; p < 0.001), lower emotional eating scores vs. non-pregnant women (60% vs. 71%; p < 0.001) and higher cognitive restraint (p < 0.001 vs. men and non-pregnant women). In women with gestational diabetes, emotional eating scores were positively associated with BMI at study enrolment (beta coefficient 7.8 (95% CI 3.9 to 11.7), p < 0.001). Conclusions: Women with gestational diabetes have favourable eating behaviour compared with other population groups. Because BMI at study enrolment was associated with emotional eating, nutritional strategies which reduce emotional eating may provide new opportunities to improve long-term maternal health after gestational diabetes.
Macronutrient and Micronutrient Intake in Children with Lung Disease
Authors: Knebusch Nicole , Mansour Marwa , Vazquez Stephanie , Coss-Bu Jorge A.
Published: September 2023

This review article aims to summarize the literature findings regarding the role of micronutrients in children with lung disease. The nutritional and respiratory statuses of critically ill children are interrelated, and malnutrition is commonly associated with respiratory failure. The most recent nutrition support guidelines for critically ill children have recommended an adequate macronutrient intake in the first week of admission due to its association with good outcomes. In children with lung disease, it is important not to exceed the proportion of carbohydrates in the diet to avoid increased carbon dioxide production and increased work of breathing, which potentially could delay the weaning of the ventilator. Indirect calorimetry can guide the process of estimating adequate caloric intake and adjusting the proportion of carbohydrates in the diet based on the results of the respiratory quotient. Micronutrients, including vitamins, trace elements, and others, have been shown to play a role in the structure and function of the immune system, antioxidant properties, and the production of antimicrobial proteins supporting the defense mechanisms against infections. Sufficient levels of micronutrients and adequate supplementation have been associated with better outcomes in children with lung diseases, including pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, asthma, bronchiolitis, and acute respiratory failure.
Microbiota-Dependent Upregulation of Bitter Taste Receptor Subtypes in the Mouse Large Intestine in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Caremoli Filippo , Huynh Jennifer , Lagishetty Venu , Markovic Daniela , Braun Jonathan , Dong Tien S. , Jacobs Jonathan P. , Sternini Catia
Published: September 2023

Bitter taste receptors (Tas2rs in mice) detect bitterness, a warning signal for toxins and poisons, and are expressed in enteroendocrine cells. We tested the hypothesis that Tas2r138 and Tas2r116 mRNAs are modulated by microbiota alterations induced by a long-term high-fat diet (HFD) and antibiotics (ABX) (ampicillin and neomycin) administered in drinking water. Cecum and colon specimens and luminal contents were collected from C57BL/6 female and male mice for qRT-PCR and microbial luminal 16S sequencing. HFD with/without ABX significantly increased body weight and fat mass at 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Tas2r138 and Tas2r116 mRNAs were significantly increased in mice fed HFD for 8 weeks vs. normal diet, and this increase was prevented by ABX. There was a distinct microbiota separation in each experimental group and significant changes in the composition and diversity of microbiome in mice fed a HFD with/without ABX. Tas2r mRNA expression in HFD was associated with several genera, particularly with Akkermansia, a Gram-negative mucus-resident bacterium. These studies indicate that luminal bacterial composition is affected by sex, diet, and ABX and support a microbial dependent upregulation of Tas2rs in HFD-induced obesity, suggesting an adaptive host response to specific diet-induced dysbiosis.
Sarcopenia as a Little-Recognized Comorbidity of Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Salom Vendrell Christian , García Tercero Elisa , Moro Hernández Juan Bautista , Cedeno-Veloz Bernardo Abel
Published: September 2023

Background: Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most widespread metabolic diseases worldwide, with a significant impact on morbi-mortality. Sarcopenia has a high risk in this population (two times more risk) and a high impact at the functional level, especially in older adults. In addition, it poses enormous challenges in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this disease concomitantly. The objective is to review the current knowledge on the state of muscle mass and the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of sarcopenia in people with T2DM. Methods: A bibliographic search was conducted in the PubMed-Medline databases for articles from 2015 with previously defined terms. Results: A loss of muscle mass in older diabetic patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition has a proven negative impact on their autonomy and is closely related to the risk of sarcopenia as a high-impact disease, and also with frailty, as an associated multidimensional syndrome. Notably, we found that malnutrition and protein deficiency are often underdiagnosed in obese and overweight T2DM patients. Biochemical markers could help in the future with approaches to managing T2DM and sarcopenia concomitantly. The four essential elements which form the basis of care for patients with diabetes and sarcopenia are pharmacological treatment, nutrition management, regular physical exercise, and correct daily regime. Conclusions: The increasing prevalence of sarcopenia among older patients with T2DM has significant negative impacts on quality of life and is a public health concern. Effective diagnosis and management require a multidisciplinary approach involving pharmacological treatment, nutrition, exercise, and correct daily regime, with future research needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and improve diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Gut Microbiota-Derived Tryptophan Metabolite Indole-3-aldehyde Ameliorates Aortic Dissection
Authors: Huang Sui-Shane , Liu Rongle , Chang Shufu , Li Xiao , Weng Xinyu , Ge Junbo
Published: September 2023

Tryptophan, an essential dietary amino acid, is metabolized into various metabolites within both gut microbiota and tissue cells. These metabolites have demonstrated potential associations with panvascular diseases. However, the specific relationship between tryptophan metabolism, particularly Indole-3-aldehyde (3-IAId), and the occurrence of aortic dissection (AD) remains unclear. 3-IAId showed an inverse association with advanced atherosclerosis, a risk factor for AD. In this study, we employed a well-established β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate (BAPN)-induced AD murine model to investigate the impact of 3-IAId treatment on the progression of AD. Our results reveal compelling evidence that the administration of 3-IAId significantly mitigated aortic dissection and rupture rates (BAPN + 3-IAId vs. BAPN, 45% vs. 90%) and led to a notable reduction in mortality rates (BAPN + 3-IAId vs. BAPN, 20% vs. 55%). Furthermore, our study elucidates that 3-IAId exerts its beneficial effects by inhibiting the phenotype transition of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from a contractile to a synthetic state. It also mitigates extracellular matrix degradation, attenuates macrophage infiltration, and suppresses the expression of inflammatory cytokines, collectively contributing to the attenuation of AD development. Our findings underscore the potential of 3-IAId as a promising intervention strategy for the prevention of thoracic aortic dissection, thus providing valuable insights into the realm of vascular disease management.
Association of Peer Network with Childhood Obesity in DECIDE-Children Program
Authors: Li Ping , Lyu Jinlang , Zhou Shuang , Liu Zheng , Feng Xiangxian , Lin Yi , Gao Aiyu , Zhang Fang , Wang Haijun
Published: September 2023

Some studies have found associations between the peer network and childhood obesity. The present study aimed to analyze the association of the peer network with obesity-related cognition, behaviors and adiposity indicators, and explore whether peer network influences the effect of a childhood-obesity intervention. Based on DECIDE-Children, 1392 children’s friendship nominations within the class were collected and peer network indicators including the network size, network density, and in- and out-degree centrality were calculated. The linear mixed model was used to analyze the association between peer network indicators and children’s cognition, behaviors and adiposity indicators (body mass index (BMI), BMI z score, the prevalence of overweight and obesity). Children with a higher in-degree centrality had 34.4% (95%CI: 17.4% to 48.1%) lower risk of overweight or obesity. The baseline degree centrality was inversely associated with the BMI and BMI z score at the end of the trial. For each unit increase in in-degree centrality at baseline, the BMI at the end of the trial decreased by 0.047 (95%CI: 0.015 to 0.080), and the BMI z score decreased by 0.015 (95%CI: 0.003 to 0.028). Children’s popularity reflected by centrality in their peer network was associated with cognition, behaviors, and adiposity indicators. Future childhood-obesity intervention research could pay more attention to socially inactive children.
The Changing Landscape of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections
Authors: Bem Reinout A. , van Woensel Job B. M.
Published: September 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a negative-sense, enveloped RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, subfamily Pneumovirinae, and genus Pneumovirus, is the single most important respiratory pathogen affecting infants and young children [...]
Aminoglycosides-Related Ototoxicity: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Prevention in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Rivetti Serena , Romano Alberto , Mastrangelo Stefano , Attinà Giorgio , Maurizi Palma , Ruggiero Antonio
Published: September 2023

Aminoglycosides are broad-spectrum antibiotics largely used in children, but they have potential toxic side effects, including ototoxicity. Ototoxicity from aminoglycosides is permanent and is a consequence of its action on the inner ear cells via multiple mechanisms. Both uncontrollable risk factors and controllable risk factors are involved in the pathogenesis of aminoglycoside-related ototoxicity and, because of the irreversibility of ototoxicity, an important undertaking for preventing ototoxicity includes antibiotic stewardship to limit the use of aminoglycosides. Aminoglycosides are fundamental in the treatment of numerous infectious conditions at neonatal and pediatric age. In childhood, normal auditory function ensures adequate neurocognitive and social development. Hearing damage from aminoglycosides can therefore strongly affect the normal growth of the child. This review describes the molecular mechanisms of aminoglycoside-related ototoxicity and analyzes the risk factors and the potential otoprotective strategies in pediatric patients.
Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of Chalcones and Diarylpentanoids with Antitumor Activity: Potency and Selectivity Optimization
Authors: Moreira Joana , Loureiro Joana B. , Correia Danilo , Palmeira Andreia , Pinto Madalena M. , Saraiva Lucília , Cidade Honorina
Published: September 2023

We previously reported that chalcone CM-M345 (1) and diarylpentanoid BP-C4 (2) induced p53-dependent growth inhibitory activity in human cancer cells. Herein, CM-M345 (1) and BP-C4 (2) analogues were designed and synthesized in order to obtain more potent and selective compounds. Compounds 16, 17, 19, 20, and 22–24 caused pronounced in vitro growth inhibitory activity in HCT116 cells (0.09 < GI50 < 3.10 μM). Chemical optimization of CM-M345 (1) led to the identification of compound 36 with increased selectivity for HCT116 cells expressing wild-type p53 compared to its p53-null isogenic derivative and low toxicity to non-tumor HFF-1 cells. The molecular modification of BP-C4 (2) resulted in the discovery of compound 16 with more pronounced antiproliferative activity and being selective for HCT116 cells with p53, as well as 17 with enhanced antiproliferative activity against HCT116 cells and low toxicity to non-tumor cells. Compound 16 behaved as an inhibitor of p53–MDM2 interaction, and compound 17 was shown to induce apoptosis, associated with an increase in cleaved PARP and decreased levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. In silico studies allowed us to predict the druglikeness and ADMET properties for 16 and 17. Docking and molecular dynamics studies predicted that 16 could bind stably to the MDM2 binding pocket.
Polyalthic Acid from Copaifera lucens Demonstrates Anticariogenic and Antiparasitic Properties for Safe Use
Authors: Santiago Mariana B. , dos Santos Vinicius Cristian O. , Teixeira Samuel C. , Silva Nagela B. S. , de Oliveira Pollyanna F. , Ozelin Saulo D. , Furtado Ricardo A. , Tavares Denise C. , Ambrósio Sergio Ricardo , Veneziani Rodrigo Cassio S. , Ferro Eloisa Amália V. , Bastos Jairo K. , Martins Carlos Henrique G.
Published: September 2023

This study aimed at evaluating the potential of Copaifera lucens, specifically its oleoresin (CLO), extract (CECL), and the compound ent-polyalthic acid (PA), in combating caries and toxoplasmosis, while also assessing its toxicity. The study involved multiple assessments, including determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against cariogenic bacteria. CLO and PA exhibited MIC and MBC values ranging from 25 to 50 μg/mL, whereas CECL showed values equal to or exceeding 400 μg/mL. PA also displayed antibiofilm activity with minimum inhibitory concentration of biofilm (MICB50) values spanning from 62.5 to 1000 μg/mL. Moreover, PA effectively hindered the intracellular proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii at 64 μg/mL, even after 24 h without treatment. Toxicological evaluations included in vitro tests on V79 cells, where concentrations ranged from 78.1 to 1250 μg/mL of PA reduced colony formation. Additionally, using the Caenorhabditis elegans model, the lethal concentration (LC50) of PA was determined as 1000 μg/mL after 48 h of incubation. Notably, no significant differences in micronucleus induction and the NDI were observed in cultures treated with 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL of CLO. These findings underscore the safety profile of CLO and PA, highlighting their potential as alternative treatments for caries and toxoplasmosis.
Patient-Derived Cellular Models for Polytarget Precision Medicine in Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration
Authors: Álvarez-Córdoba Mónica , Talaverón-Rey Marta , Povea-Cabello Suleva , Cilleros-Holgado Paula , Gómez-Fernández David , Piñero-Pérez Rocío , Reche-López Diana , Munuera-Cabeza Manuel , Suárez-Carrillo Alejandra , Romero-González Ana , Romero-Domínguez Jose Manuel , López-Cabrera Alejandra , Armengol José Ángel , Sánchez-Alcázar José Antonio
Published: September 2023

The term neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) brings together a broad set of progressive and disabling neurological genetic disorders in which iron is deposited preferentially in certain areas of the brain. Among NBIA disorders, the most frequent subtype is pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) caused by pathologic variants in the PANK2 gene codifying the enzyme pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2). To date, there are no effective treatments to stop the progression of these diseases. This review discusses the utility of patient-derived cell models as a valuable tool for the identification of pharmacological or natural compounds for implementing polytarget precision medicine in PKAN. Recently, several studies have described that PKAN patient-derived fibroblasts present the main pathological features associated with the disease including intracellular iron overload. Interestingly, treatment of mutant cell cultures with various supplements such as pantothenate, pantethine, vitamin E, omega 3, α-lipoic acid L-carnitine or thiamine, improved all pathophysiological alterations in PKAN fibroblasts with residual expression of the PANK2 enzyme. The information provided by pharmacological screenings in patient-derived cellular models can help optimize therapeutic strategies in individual PKAN patients.
Modification of Diamond Surface by Femtosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Kononenko Vitali V.
Published: September 2023

The basic mechanisms of laser interaction with synthetic diamond are reviewed. The characteristics of the main regimes of diamond surface etching are considered. In addition to the well-known graphitization and ablation processes, nanoablation and accumulative graphitization, which have attracted relatively recent attention, are described in detail. The focus is on femtosecond (fs) laser exposure, which allows for the formation of a dense cold electron–hole plasma in the focal zone and minimal overheating in the surrounding area. This potentially opens the way to the development of unique laser-based technologies that combine physical and chemical processes for precise surface treatment and functionalization. The physical limitations that determine how precisely the diamond surface can be treated by short-pulsed laser radiation and possible ways to overcome them with the ultimate goal of removing ultrathin layers of the material are discussed. Special attention is paid to the novel possibility of inducing the local formation of point active defects—nitrogen vacancy (NV) complexes in the laser-irradiated zone. Such defects have been at the forefront of solid-state physics for the past thirty years due to continuous attempts to exploit their unique properties in quantum optics, quantum computing, magnetometry, probing, and other fields. Both regimes of NV center formation with and without graphitization of the diamond lattice are considered. Thus, it is shown that intense pulsed laser irradiation is a perfect tool for the processing of synthetic diamonds at the micro-, nano-, and even at the atomic level, which can be well controlled and managed.
Physiological and Cellular Ultrastructural Responses of Sesuvium portulacastrum under Cd Stress Grown Hydroponically
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Mazbah , Chen Zhenfang , Xu Fuliu , Huang Lingfeng
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the physiological and cellular mechanisms of Sesuvium portulacastrum under heavy metal stress to evaluate possible tolerance and adaptation mechanisms in a metal-polluted environment. The physiological and cellular ultrastructural responses of S. portulacastrum were studied hydroponically under exposure to a range of cadmium (Cd) concentrations (50 µM to 600 µM) for 28 days. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD), changes in chlorophyll, and cellular ultrastructural content were examined. There was no significant difference in chlorophyll content in the leaf under the stress of 300 μM, but 400 μM and 600 μM Cd stress showed significantly decreased chlorophyll content. The SOD activity indicates an increase under the Cd stress of 100 μM for leaves, 300 μM for stems, and 50 μM for roots; after that, the SOD activity gradually decreased with increasing Cd concentrations. But POD activity was considerably increased with increasing Cd stress. CAT activity showed a gradual increase in concentrations until 300 μM of Cd stress and then decreased sharply in roots, stems, and leaf tissues. Cd stress had a considerable impact on the structure of the roots, stems, and leaves cells, such as distorted and thinner cell walls and the deformation of chloroplasts, mitochondria, and other organelles. Therefore, the increased number of nucleolus in the cell nucleus suggests that cells may be able to maintain their protein synthesis in a stressful environment. This study concludes that SOD is the dominant antioxidant enzyme activity during low Cd toxicity (<100 μM), while POD is the dominant enzyme activity during higher Cd toxicity (>100 μM).