bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Analysis of the Functional Differences of the Two Eclosion Hormones in Regulating Molting in the White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Li Yunjiao , Li Zecheng , Ran Hongmei , Fan Zihan , Yang Fan , Chen Hu , Zhou Bo
Published: November 2024

Litopenaeus vannamei, with an annual production of 5–6 million tons and a value of USD 50–60 billion, is a cornerstone of global aquaculture. However, molting-related losses of 5–20% significantly impact this industry, and the physiological mechanisms of molting remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the role of eclosion hormone (EH) in molting regulation and enhances the understanding of molting physiology in L. vannamei. This study investigated the role of (EH) in L. vannamei molting regulation. Two EH cDNAs, LvEH I and LvEH II, were identified, and their expression patterns across tissues and seven molting stages (A, B, C, D0, D1, D2, and D3) were analyzed. LvEH I was predominantly expressed in the gill, epidermis, and eyestalk, while LvEH II was mainly expressed in the eyestalk and brain. LvEH I was highly expressed in the eyestalk, epidermis, and gills at the D2 and D3 stages of molting, whereas LvEH II was highly expressed in both the D2 (brain) and D3 (eyestalk) stages. RNA interference (RNAi) targeting LvEH I revealed its critical role in molting, as silencing LvEH I disrupted the expression of molting-regulation genes, ETH, CCAP, CHH, EH II, CDA, and bursicon (Burs), significantly delaying the molting process. These findings highlight both LvEH I and LvEH II as indispensable for normal molting in L. vannamei and provide a foundation for developing effective molting management strategies to reduce industry losses.
Reduction of Alcohol-Dependent Lung Pathological Features in Rats Treated with Fenofibrate
Authors: Rojas Diego A. , Coronado Krishna , Pérez-Reytor Diliana , Karahanian Eduardo
Published: November 2024

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a public health problem characterized by a marked increment in systemic inflammation. In the last few years, it has been described as the role of alcohol in neuroinflammation affecting some aspects of neuronal function. Interestingly, inflammation is reduced with fenofibrate treatment, a PPARα agonist used to treat dyslipidemia. On the other hand, alcohol has been associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs, affecting their normal function and increasing respiratory infections. However, a deep characterization of the role of alcohol in the worsening of chronic respiratory diseases has not been described completely. In this work, we present a novel study using rats treated with alcohol and fenofibrate to evaluate the relevant features of chronic respiratory disease: inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and fibrosis. The analysis of extracted lungs showed an increment in the inflammatory infiltrates and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels associated with alcohol. Interestingly, the treatment with fenofibrate decreased the expression of these markers and the infiltrates observed in the lungs. The levels of mucin Muc5ac showed an increment in animals treated with alcohol. However, this increment was markedly reduced if animals were subsequently treated with fenofibrate. Finally, we documented an increment of collagen deposition around airways in the animals treated with alcohol compared with control animals. However, fenofibrate treatment reduced this deposition to a level similar to the control animals. These results showed the role of alcohol in the increment of pathological features in the lungs. Moreover, these features were attenuated due to the fibrate treatment, which allows us to glimpse this drug’s promising role as lung anti-inflammatory therapy.
The Oral Microbial Ecosystem in Age-Related Xerostomia: A Critical Review
Authors: Pei Xiao-Meng , Zhou Lian-Xin , Tsang Man-Wah , Tai William Chi-Shing , Wong Sze-Chuen Cesar
Published: November 2024

Xerostomia is a widespread condition among the elderly, impacting as many as 50% of individuals within this demographic. This review aims to analyze the association between age-related xerostomia and the oral microbial ecosystem. Xerostomia not only induces discomfort but also heightens the susceptibility to oral diseases, including dental caries and infections. The oral microbial ecosystem, characterized by a dynamic equilibrium of microorganisms, is integral to the maintenance of oral health. Dysbiosis, defined as a microbial imbalance, can further aggravate oral health complications in those suffering from xerostomia. This review investigates the composition, diversity, and functionality of the oral microbiota in elderly individuals experiencing xerostomia, emphasizing the mechanisms underlying dysbiosis and its ramifications for both oral and systemic health. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions is vital for the formulation of effective management and prevention strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
Green Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Maerua oblongifolia Root Bark Extract: Photocatalytic Degradation and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Dilika Mamo Dikamu , Fanta Gada Muleta , Tański Tomasz
Published: November 2024

The root bark extract of the Maerua oblongifolia plant in the green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) for photocatalytic degradation of toxic pollutants and antibacterial activities was implemented in this study. The root bark extract served as a novel capping and reducing agent for the first time. Characterization of the TiO2 NPs was conducted by using visual observation, ultraviolet visible spectrometry (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, confirming their successful synthesis. The TiO2 NPs exhibited maximum absorbance at 323 nm and an average particle size of 19.58 nm; the conjugations and existences of Ti-O and OH vibrational bands were revealed by the FTIR spectrum. The photocatalytic activities of the TiO2 NPs were investigated by using solar irradiation as an energy source for aqueous solutions of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) dyes. The TiO2 NPs showed strong photocatalytic activities by degrading 97.23% MB and 91.8% MO under optimized conditions. Degradation behavior was investigated by isotherms and kinetics models, with the Langmuir isotherms (R2: 0.996, 0.979) and Langmuir–Hinshelwood (R2: 0.998, 0.997) highest correlation coefficients for MB and MO, respectively. Moreover, the antibacterial efficacy of the green-synthesized TiO2 NPs and the results indicated higher antibacterial activities on Gram-negative bacteria (27 ± 0.52).
Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles Embedded in 3D-Printed PLA/HA Scaffolds for Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy: An Experimental–Numerical Analysis of Thermal Behavior
Authors: Álvarez-Olcina Serxio , López-Álvarez Miriam , Serra Julia , González Pío
Published: November 2024

Hyperthermia is nowadays intensively investigated as a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy against different types of cancer and resistant infections. In particular, the remote generation of localized hyperthermia by magnetic field through iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) offers good thermal conductivity in a controlled area. The incorporation of these IONPs in 3D-printed scaffolds designed for bone tissue regeneration has been scarcely addressed in the literature. This strategy would add the potential of magnetic-mediated hyperthermia against remnant cancer or resistant infections in the damaged tissue area to these personalized bone-related scaffolds. The present work proposes two methodologies to obtain 3D-printed bone-related scaffolds with magnetic properties: 1-Direct 3D printing with IONPs-embedded polylactic acid (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA), resulting in a uniform distribution of IONPs; and 2-Drop coating on 3D-printed PLA/HA scaffolds, resulting in the IONPs being concentrated on the scaffold surface. Physicochemical/mechanical characterizations were performed to confirm the IONPs’ distributions and viability assays were carried out to validate the absence of cytotoxicity. Hyperthermia tests (314 kHz) were carried out, including the simulation/validation of the experimental equipment, to establish optimal distances from the planar coil. Temperature–time/distance curves were obtained and parametrized (R2 > 0.96) for both methodologies in relation to the contribution of IONPs (0.20–1.00 mg), their distribution in the scaffold (uniform/concentrated), the electric-current intensity, and the distance. The results validated both methodologies to obtain personalized 3D-printed PLA/HA scaffolds with magnetic properties, reaching the required moderate/ablative hyperthermia levels.
Advances in the Mitigation of Microbiologically Influenced Concrete Corrosion: A Snapshot
Authors: Gerengi Husnu , Kaya Ertugrul , Solomon Moses M. , Snape Matthew , Koerdt Andrea
Published: November 2024

Concrete, a versatile construction material, faces pervasive deterioration due to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in various applications, including sewer systems, marine engineering, and buildings. MIC is initiated by microbial activities such as involving sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), etc., producing corrosive substances like sulfuric acid. This process significantly impacts structures, causing economic losses and environmental concerns. Despite over a century of research, MIC remains a debated issue, lacking standardized assessment methods. Microorganisms contribute to concrete degradation through physical and chemical means. In the oil and gas industry, SRB and SOB activities may adversely affect concrete in offshore platforms. MIC challenges also arise in cooling water systems and civil infrastructures, impacting concrete surfaces. Sewer systems experience biogenic corrosion, primarily driven by SRB activities, leading to concrete deterioration. Mitigation traditionally involves the use of biocides and surface coatings, but their long-term effectiveness and environmental impact are questionable. Nowadays, it is important to design more eco-friendly mitigation products. The microbial-influenced carbonate precipitation is one of the green techniques and involves incorporating beneficial bacteria with antibacterial activity into cementitious materials to prevent the growth and the formation of a community that contains species that are pathogenic or may be responsible for MIC. These innovative strategies present promising avenues for addressing MIC challenges and preserving the integrity of concrete structures. This review provides a snapshot of the MIC in various areas and mitigation measures, excluding underlying mechanisms and broader influencing factors.
The Shrinking Fermi Liquid Scenario for Cuprates Under the Scrutiny of Optical Conductivity Measurements
Authors: Caprara Sergio , Di Castro Carlo , Mirarchi Giovanni , Seibold Götz , Grilli Marco
Published: November 2024

In a recent paper [B. Michon et al., Nat. Commun. (2023) 14:3033], optical conductivity experiments in cuprate superconductors were shown to display scaling properties consistent with the Marginal Fermi Liquid theory. Here, we argue that the temperature regime studied in these experiments does not allow for distinguishing between Marginal Fermi Liquid and Shrinking Fermi Liquid. In the latter scenario, which we recently proposed and which applies near a quantum critical point, dynamical fluctuations of the order parameter with a short correlation length mediate a nearly isotropic scattering among the quasiparticles over the entire Fermi surface leading to strange metal behavior. If the damping of these nearly local fluctuations increases by decreasing the temperature, the Fermi liquid regime shrinks and the strange metal behavior is extended to the lowest temperatures. This Shrinking Fermi Liquid scenario has many similarities and some differences with respect to the Marginal Fermi Liquid theory. In particular, we show that the approximate scaling properties of the optical conductivity in some high-frequency regimes predicted by the Shrinking Fermi Liquid scenario account for a very good description of the experimental data.
Equivariant Holomorphic Hermitian Vector Bundles over a Projective Space
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Machu Francois-Xavier
Published: November 2024

The aim here is to describe all isomorphism classes of SU(n+1)-equivariant Hermitian holomorphic vector bundles on the complex projective space CPn. If G⊂SU(n+1) is the isotropy subgroup of a chosen point x0∈CPn, and ρ:G⟶GL(V) is a unitary representation, we obtain SU(n+1)-equivariant holomorphic Hermitian vector bundles on CPn. Next, given any v∈End(Vρ)⊗(Tz00,1CPn)∗ satisfying certain conditions, a new structure of an SU(n+1)-equivariant holomorphic Hermitian vector bundle on this underlying C∞ holomorphic Hermitian bundle is obtained. It is shown that all SU(n+1)-equivariant holomorphic Hermitian vector bundles on CPn arise this way.
A Spectroscopy Solution for Contactless Conductivity Detection in Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Drevinskas Tomas , Maruška Audrius , Ihara Hirotaka , Takafuji Makoto , Jonušauskas Linas , Armonavičius Domantas , Stankevičius Mantas , Bimbiraitė-Survilienė Kristina , Skrzydlewska Elzbieta , Ragažinskienė Ona , Kuwahara Yutaka , Nagaoka Shoji , Kaškonienė Vilma , Kubilienė Loreta
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces a novel contactless single-chip detector that utilizes impedance-to-digital conversion technology to measure impedance in the microfluidic channel or capillary format analytical device. The detector is designed to operate similarly to capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detectors for capillary electrophoresis or chromatography but with the added capability of performing frequency sweeps up to 200 kHz. At each recorded data point, impedance and phase-shift data can be extracted, which can be used to generate impedance versus frequency plots, or phase-shift versus frequency plots. Real and imaginary parts can also be calculated from the data, allowing for the generation of Nyquist diagrams. This detector represents the first of its kind in the contactless conductivity class to provide spectrum-type data, as demonstrated in capillary electrophoresis experiments.
Solvatomorphic Diversity in Coordination Compounds of Copper(II) with l-Homoserine and 1,10-Phenanthroline: Syntheses, Crystal Structures and ESR Study
Authors: Vušak Darko , Šimunović Letić Marta , Tašner Marina , Matković-Čalogović Dubravka , Jurec Jurica , Žilić Dijana , Prugovečki Biserka
Published: November 2024

In this study, we report the syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of ternary copper(II) coordination compounds with l-homoserine (l-Hhser) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). Six new coordination compounds were obtained: [Cu(l-hser)(H2O)(phen)]2SO4·5H2O (1·5H2O), [Cu(μ-l-hser)(H2O)(phen)][Cu(l-hser)(H2O)(phen)]3(SO4)2∙12H2O (2·12H2O), {[Cu(μ-l-hser)(H2O)(phen)][Cu(μ-l-hser)(phen)]SO4·6H2O}n (3·6H2O), {[Cu(μ-l-hser)(H2O)(phen)]2SO4·3H2O}n (4·3H2O), [Cu(l-hser)(H2O)(phen)][Cu(l-hser)(CH3OH)(phen)]SO4·4H2O (5·4H2O) and {[Cu(l-hser)(CH3OH)(phen)][Cu(μ-l-hser)(phen)]SO4·5CH3OH}n (6·5CH3OH). It was shown that slight differences in water content in the synthetic mixtures highly influence the final product, so in some cases, two or three different products were obtained. The compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and ESR spectroscopy. Crystal packings are based on intensive networks of hydrogen bonds and π interactions. Most water solvent molecules in these microporous compounds are found in discrete pockets (1∙5H2O, 2∙12H2O, 3∙6H2O, 4∙3H2O). In 5∙4H2O, water molecules are packed in pockets and 1D channels and in 6∙5CH3OH methanol solvent molecules form 1D channels. ESR spectroscopy measured from room down to liquid nitrogen temperature was used for local magnetic characterization of copper centers. The spin Hamiltonian parameters obtained from the spectral simulation revealed copper coordination geometry that is in agreement with the structural results. Furthermore, ESR spectra revealed no significant exchange coupling between copper ions. 3·6H2O showed pronounced antiproliferative activity toward human colon cancer cell lines (HCT116), human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and human lung cancer cell lines (H460).
Insight into Oil-in-Water Emulsions Stabilized by Cross-Linked and Pregelatinized Starches: The Effect of Molecular Structure, Surface Activity and Proton Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Le Thanh-Blicharz Joanna , Lewandowicz Jacek , Szwengiel Artur , Prochaska Krystyna , Baranowska Hanna Maria , Lewandowicz Grażyna
Published: November 2024

Effective formation and stabilisation of emulsions while meeting high consumer requirements, including the so-called green label, is still a technological challenge. This is related to the multitude of emulsion destabilization mechanisms and the vastness of methods used to study them, which implies the need to develop an understanding of the phenomena occurring in emulsions. Commercial starch preparations obtained by physical and chemical modification were used to prepare model emulsions that were studied in terms of their stability. Native potato starch was the reference material. The analytical methods used included rheology, low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR), size exclusion chromatography with triple detection (SEC), and surface/interfacial tension measurements. The results showed that chemical and physical modification improved the functionality of starch in emulsions. This is due to not only chemical but also physical modifications, i.e., pregelatinization causes changes in the molecular structure of starch, including an increase in the molecular weight and the degree of branching. As a consequence, the conformation of starch macromolecules changes, which results in a change of the dynamics of protons in the continuous phase of the emulsion and the thermodynamics of starch adsorption at the water/oil interface.
Design, Synthesis, Structural Insights, Tyrosinase Inhibition, and Sun Protection Factor of New Thiosemicarbazone Derivatives
Authors: Masuri Sebastiano , Era Benedetta , Pintus Francesca , Floris Sonia , Meloni Francesca , Pettinau Francesca , Podda Enrico , Cabiddu Maria Grazia , Fais Antonella , Pivetta Tiziana
Published: November 2024

Tyrosinase, a key protein in the biosynthesis of melanin pigments, is crucial in determining skin pigmentation. Inhibiting tyrosinase activity is a promising approach for treating conditions related to excessive pigmentation. For the synthesis of more potent tyrosinase inhibitors, we combined two approaches, para-substitution and lipophilicity, to enhance the inhibitory properties of (E)-2-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazine-1-carbotiamide, whose enzyme inhibitory properties have been previously demonstrated. The newly synthesized compounds showed potent inhibition activity against tyrosinase in the micromolar concentration range. The synthesised compounds were up to 41 times more effective than kojic acid. In addition to this biological activity, all molecules were evaluated for their sun protection factor to determine their photoprotective effects. All the compounds showed higher efficacy than reference compounds, used as sunscreens in photoprotective preparations. All compounds were noncytotoxic at the concentration required to inhibit tyrosinase activity. With the aim of defining the potential binding modes and the kind of interactions between the studied molecules and the catalytic site of mushroom tyrosinase, molecular docking simulations were also performed.
Antiprotozoal Activity Against Entamoeba hystolitica and Giardia lamblia of Cyclopeptides Isolated from Annona diversifolia Saff
Authors: Murrieta-Dionicio Ulises , Calzada Fernando , Barbosa Elizabeth , Valdés Miguel , Reyes-Trejo Benito , Zuleta-Prada Holber , Guerra-Ramírez Diana , del Río-Portilla Federico
Published: November 2024

Diseases caused by intestinal parasites such as protozoa represent a worldwide problem mainly for developing countries. From morbidity in different groups of people to cases of mortality in children and/or immunocompromised patients. In addition to the above, there is growing resistance to the drugs used in the treatment of these diseases, as well as undesirable side effects in patients. Therefore, there is an interest in the search for new alternatives for the base and/or development of new drugs with antiparasitic activities without harmful effects. In this sense, natural products offer to be a diverse source of compounds with biological activities. In this work, we describe the isolation and elucidation by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy of three cyclopeptides obtained from seeds of A. diversifolia Saff.: cherimolacyclopeptide D (1), squamin D (2), and squamin C (3). The fractions enriched in cyclopeptides, as well as a pure compound (1), showed antiprotozoal activity against E. hystolitica Schaudinn and Giardia lamblia Kunstler in vitro assays, with values of IC50 = 3.49 and 5.39 μg mL−1, respectively. The molecular docking study revealed that 1 has a strong interaction with targets used, including aldose reductase and PFOR enzymes. The antiprotozoal activity of cherimolacyclopeptide D is reported for the first time in this study.
Pd/Ag-Cocatalyzed Merging Intramolecular Oxidative Coupling and Cascade [4 + 2] Cycloaddition: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Novel Polycyclic N-Heterocycles Fused Naphthoquinones
Authors: Dong Yu , Chen Lin , Wu Han-Qing , Xie Li , Yu Jing-Hao , Yang Fan , Wang Yu-Ting , Liu Yu-Rong , Deng Guo-Wei , Wang Zhi-Fan
Published: November 2024

We report a step-economic strategy for the direct synthesis of novel polycyclic N-heterocycle-fused naphthoquinones by merging intramolecular oxidative coupling and cascade [4 + 2] cycloaddition. In the protocol, mechanistic investigations suggest that the cascade reaction involves the intermediate spiro polycyclic N-heterocycles and [4 + 2] cycloaddition processes. This protocol is featured with moderate to excellent yields, wide substrate scope, and divergent structures of products. In addition, the photophysical properties of the synthesized products were evaluated. These products exhibit interesting fluorescence properties, and surprisingly, the compounds have the ability to selectively recognize trifluoroacetic acid.
How Parents Perceive Their Children’s Body Weight: Insights from a Sample of Schoolchildren from Vienna, Austria
Authors: Moliterno Paula , Franceschini Stefanie , Donhauser Victoria , Widhalm Kurt
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Effective school-based childhood obesity prevention strategies should include parental involvement. In the EDDY (“Effect of sports and diet training to prevent obesity and secondary diseases and to influence young children’s lifestyle”) program, we aimed to describe parental perceptions of children’s body weight in a sample of schoolchildren from Vienna, Austria. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis, including 128 children from the third grade in three Viennese primary schools, was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and parentally reported weight and height. Parental perception of the child’s weight status was assessed using the question, “In your opinion, you would describe your child as being”. Children’s nutritional status was assessed through measurements. Results: Almost 15% of the children had obesity. The median SDS-BMI was 0.39 (−1.00–2.83) and 0.21 (−1.39–2.47) for girls and boys, respectively. More mothers of girls had overweight/obesity compared to mothers of boys (59.2% vs. 41.1%, p = 0.05). Almost half (48.4%) of the parents underestimated their child’s weight. The percentage of mothers with overweight/obesity was higher in the group that underestimated their child’s weight (59.3% vs. 37.7%, p = 0.018). Parents perceived 59.4% of the children as having a normal weight, while BMI classification indicated that 71.9% had a normal weight. Misperception was higher among children who were overweight (75%) and obese (89.5%). Parents of children with a normal weight were less likely to underestimate [Adjusted OR = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.050–0.49)]. Conclusions: The prevalence of misperception was high, especially for children with overweight or obesity. These findings highlight the need to incorporate children’s adequate weight recognition into the EDDY program as part of parents’ content.
Metabolic and Hormonal Responses to Isomaltulose Ingestion Before or During Sustained Submaximal Exercise in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Using Automated Insulin Delivery Systems
Authors: McCarthy Olivia M. , Christensen Merete Bechmann , Tawfik Sandra , Kristensen Kasper Birch , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens Juul , Schmidt Signe , Nørgaard Kirsten , Bracken Richard M.
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This article compares metabolic, pancreatic, and gut-derived hormone responses to isomaltulose ingestion, before versus during submaximal sustained exercise, in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using automated insulin delivery systems. Methods: In a randomized, cross-over trial, eight participants with T1D being treated with automated insulin pumps (five females, age: 47 ± 16 years, BMI: 27.5 ± 3.8 kg·m2, diabetes duration: 23 ± 11 years, HbA1c: 8.3 ± 0.9 [67.5 ± 9.5]% [mmol/mol]) attended the laboratory on two separate occasions and consumed an isocaloric amount of isomaltulose as either (1) a single serving (0.75g CHO·kg−1 BM) with a 25% reduction in bolus insulin 90 min before 45 min of cycling (PEC) or (2) three separate isocaloric servings (0.25g CHO·kg−1 BM each) without bolus insulin during exercise (DEC). Plasma glucose (PG), gut incretins (GLP-1 and GIP), pancreatic glucagon, exogenous insulin, and whole-body fuel oxidation rates were determined. Data were treated via a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, with p ≤ 0.05 accepted as significant. Results: PG concentrations throughout exercise were higher and less variable with DEC compared to PEC. The exercise-induced change in PG was directionally divergent between trials (PEC: ∆ − 3.2 ± 1.2 mmol/L vs. DEC: ∆ + 1.7 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p < 0.001), changing at a rate of −0.07 ± 0.03 mmol/L/min with PEC and +0.04 ± 0.03 mmol/L/min with DEC (p < 0.001 between conditions). Throughout the exercise period, GLP-1, GIP, glucagon, and total insulin concentrations were lower with DEC (all p ≤ 0.02). The oxidation rates of carbohydrates were lower (p = 0.009) and of lipids were greater (p = 0.014) with DEC compared to PEC. Conclusions: The consumption of smaller servings of isomaltulose during, rather than as a single isocaloric serving before, submaximal sustained exercise provided (i) a better glycemic protective effect, (ii) a lesser push on pancreatic and gut-mediated glucoregulatory hormones, and (iii) a lower reliance on whole-body carbohydrate oxidation. Such information serves to remind us of the potential importance of nutrition for modulating the metabolic fate of an acute bout of exercise and may help inform best practice guidelines for exercise management in the T1D-sphere.
Genetically Determined Plasma Docosahexaenoic Acid Showed a Causal Association with Female Reproductive Longevity-Related Phenotype: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Gao Huajing , Ying Yuewen , Sun Jing , Huang Yun , Li Xue , Zhang Dan
Published: November 2024

Background: Female reproductive aging remains irreversible. More evidence is needed on how polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) affect the female reproductive lifespan. Objectives: To identify and validate specific PUFAs that can influence the timing of menarche and menopause in women. Methods: We utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) framework to evaluate the causal relationships between various PUFAs and female reproductive longevity, defined by age at menarche (AAM) and age at natural menopause (ANM). Our analyses leveraged summary statistics from four genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on the plasma concentrations of 10 plasma PUFAs, including 8866 to 121,633 European individuals and 1361 East Asian individuals. Large-scale GWASs for reproductive traits provided the genetic data of AAM and ANM from over 202,323 European females and 43,861 East Asian females. Causal effects were estimated by beta coefficients, representing, for each increase in the standard deviation (SD) of plasma PUFA concentration, the yearly increase in AAM or ANM. Replications, meta-analyses, and cross-ancestry effects were assessed to validate the inference. Conclusions: Higher plasma DHA was identified to be associated with delayed natural menopause without affecting menarche, offering a potential intervention target for extending reproductive longevity.
Efficacy of ETB-F01, Heat-Killed Akkermansia muciniphila Strain EB-AMDK19, in Patients with Respiratory Symptoms: A Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Lee Hyun Woo , Lee Sang-Nam , Seo Jae-Gu , Koo Yemo , Kang Sung-Yoon , Choi Cheon Woong , Park So-Young , Lee Suh-Young , Kim Sung-Ryeol , Kim Joo-Hee , Choi Hye Sook
Published: November 2024

Respiratory symptoms are prevalent in the general population, and they are associated with a decline in lung function and increased mortality. The gut–lung connection suggests intestinal dysbiosis may impact lung diseases, with Akkermansia muciniphila showing promise in regulating extraintestinal diseases. However, its application in patients with respiratory symptoms lacks clinical trial evidence. In this randomized, double-blind trial, ETB-F01, containing heat-killed A. muciniphila strain EB-AMDK19, was compared with a placebo in patients experiencing respiratory symptoms for 4 to 12 weeks. The primary outcome was improvement in Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale (BCSS) score over 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. The primary analysis was performed in the per-protocol set, with a sensitivity analysis in the full analysis set. In the per-protocol population, 68 participants were randomly assigned to the ETB-F01 group and 65 to the placebo group. ETB-F01 had a superior efficacy over placebo in improving BCSS total scores (between-group difference = −0.8 (95% confidence interval, −1.4–−0.3), p-value = 0.004). Specifically, there was a significant reduction in BCSS breathlessness and cough domain scores with ETB-F01. While trends toward improvement in lung function were noted, statistical significance was not achieved. No significant differences were observed in FeNO and other symptom scores (mMRC, SGRQ, and VAS). In safety profile, ETB-F01 did not cause any serious adverse events. These results suggest that ETB-F01 is safe and effective for alleviating respiratory symptoms.
Impact of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Treatment on the Nutritional Status of Paediatric Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Picáns-Leis Rosaura , Nieto Fátima , Romero-Agrelo Anabel , Izquierdo-López Isabel , Rivas-Rodríguez Lucía , Vázquez-Cobela Rocío , Leis Rosaura
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most prevalent cancer in childhood and is one of the leading causes of death annually. Antineoplastic treatments are associated with a high risk of malnutrition, which is important for continuous growth and development. Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of these treatments on the nutritional status of paediatric patients with ALL. Data were collected from the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method. All the studies in which nutritional status was assessed in human beings diagnosed with ALL up to 18 years and published in English or Spanish between January 1900 and December 2023 were included. Results: A total of 18 articles and 1692 participants were analysed in this review. Article quality was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. This systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024505111). ALL treatment has a negative impact on the nutritional status of these patients and played an important role in their growth and global development. ALL treatments can modify hunger perception and the palatability of food. Conclusions: Nutritional status is important for patient prognosis and survival. Nutritional evaluation, a specific nutritional assessment, and follow-up should be recommended for these patients to decrease the nutritional impact on global health. More homogeneous studies must be conducted to reach robust conclusions regarding the best type of nutritional intervention for these patients.
Dendrimers, Dendrons, and the Dendritic State: Reflection on the Last Decade with Expected New Roles in Pharma, Medicine, and the Life Sciences
Authors: Tomalia Donald A.
Published: November 2024

This perspective begins with an overview of the major impact that the dendron, dendrimer, and dendritic state (DDDS) discovery has made on traditional polymer science. The entire DDDS technology is underpinned by an unprecedented new polymerization strategy referred to as step-growth, amplification-controlled polymerization (SGACP). This new SGACP paradigm allows for routine polymerization of common monomers and organic materials into precise monodispersed, dendritic macromolecules (i.e., dendrons/dendrimers) with nanoscale sizes and structure-controlled features that match and rival discrete in vivo biopolymers such as proteins and nucleic acids (i.e., DNA, siRNA, mRNA, etc.). These dendritic architectures exhibit unprecedented new intrinsic properties widely recognized to define a new fourth major polymer architecture class, namely: Category (IV): dendrons, dendrimers, and random hyperbranched polymers after traditional categories: (I) linear, (II) cross-linked, and (III) simple-branched types. Historical confusion over the first examples of the structure confirmed and verified cascade, dendron, dendrimer, and arborol syntheses, while associated misuse of accepted dendritic terminology is also reviewed and clarified. The importance of classifying all dendrons and dendrimers based on branch cell symmetry and the significant role of critical nanoscale-design parameters (CNDPs) for optimizing dendritic products for pharma/nanomedicine applications with a focus on enhancing stealth, non-complement activation properties is presented. This is followed by an overview of the extraordinary growth observed for amphiphilic dendron/dendrimer syntheses and their self-assembly into dendritic supramolecular assemblies, as well as many unique applications demonstrated in pharma and nanomedicine, especially involving siRNA delivery and mRNA vaccine development. This perspective is concluded with optimistic expectations predicted for new dendron and dendrimer application roles in pharma, nanomedicine, and life sciences.
Forward and Backward Private Searchable Encryption for Cloud-Assisted Industrial IoT
Authors: Peng Tianqi , Gong Bei , Tu Shanshan , Namoun Abdallah , Alshmrany Sami , Waqas Muhammad , Alasmary Hisham , Chen Sheng
Published: November 2024

In the cloud-assisted industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), since the cloud server is not always trusted, the leakage of data privacy becomes a critical problem. Dynamic symmetric searchable encryption (DSSE) allows for the secure retrieval of outsourced data stored on cloud servers while ensuring data privacy. Forward privacy and backward privacy are necessary security requirements for DSSE. However, most existing schemes either trade the server’s large storage overhead for forward privacy or trade efficiency/overhead for weak backward privacy. These schemes cannot fully meet the security requirements of cloud-assisted IIoT systems. We propose a fast and firmly secure SSE scheme called Veruna to address these limitations. To this end, we design a new state chain structure, which can not only ensure forward privacy with less storage overhead of the server but also achieve strong backward privacy with only a few cryptographic operations in the server. Security analysis proves that our scheme possesses forward privacy and Type-II backward privacy. Compared with many state-of-the-art schemes, our scheme has an advantage in search and update performance. The high efficiency and robust security make Veruna an ideal scheme for deployment in cloud-assisted IIoT systems.
K-Means Based Bee Colony Optimization for Clustering in Heterogeneous Sensor Network
Authors: Modey Prince , Abdul-Salaam Gaddafi , Freeman Emmanuel , Acheampong Patrick , Brown-Acquaye William Leslie , Agbehadji Israel Edem , Millham Richard C.
Published: November 2024

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), an efficient clustering technique is critical in optimizing the energy level of networked sensors and prolonging the network lifetime. While the traditional bee colony optimization technique has been widely used as a clustering technique in WSN, it mostly suffers from energy efficiency and network performance. This study proposes a Bee Colony Optimization that synergistically combines K-mean algorithms (referred to as K-BCO) for efficient clustering in heterogeneous sensor networks. This is to develop a robust and efficient clustering algorithm that addresses the challenges of energy consumption and network performance in WSNs. The K-BCO algorithm outperformed comparative clustering algorithms such as H-LEACH, DBCP, and ABC-ACO in average error rate (AER), average data delivery rate (ADDR), and average energy consumption (AEC) for transmitting data packets from sensors to cluster heads. The K-BCO outperformed other algorithms in terms of ADDR at 95.00% against H-LEACH (75.86%), DBCP (72.07%) and ABC-ACO (90.08%). The findings indicate that the K-BCO not only optimizes energy consumption but also guarantees more stable and robust solutions, thereby extending the network lifetime of WSNs. Thus, K-BCO is recommended to practitioners in wireless sensor networks as it paves the way for more efficient and sustainable wireless communication.
Deep Fusion of Skeleton Spatial–Temporal and Dynamic Information for Action Recognition
Authors: Gao Song , Zhang Dingzhuo , Tang Zhaoming , Wang Hongyan
Published: November 2024

Focusing on the issue of the low recognition rates achieved by traditional deep-information-based action recognition algorithms, an action recognition approach was developed based on skeleton spatial–temporal and dynamic features combined with a two-stream convolutional neural network (TS-CNN). Firstly, the skeleton’s three-dimensional coordinate system was transformed to obtain coordinate information related to relative joint positions. Subsequently, this relevant joint information was encoded as a color texture map to construct the spatial–temporal feature descriptor of the skeleton. Furthermore, physical structure constraints of the human body were considered to enhance class differences. Additionally, the speed information for each joint was estimated and encoded as a color texture map to achieve the skeleton motion feature descriptor. The resulting spatial–temporal and dynamic features were further enhanced using motion saliency and morphology operators to improve their expression ability. Finally, these enhanced skeleton spatial–temporal and dynamic features were deeply fused via TS-CNN for implementing action recognition. Numerous results from experiments conducted on the publicly available datasets NTU RGB-D, Northwestern-UCLA, and UTD-MHAD demonstrate that the recognition rates achieved via the developed approach are 86.25%, 87.37%, and 93.75%, respectively, indicating that the approach can effectively improve the accuracy of action recognition in complex environments compared to state-of-the-art algorithms.
Environmental Justice Considerations in the Distribution of Federal Brownfield Grants: The Impact of Income, Race, and Demographic Changes in Massachusetts (1994–2022)
Authors: Hinze Aaron , Chrysochoou Maria
Published: November 2024

This study examines the distribution of EPA brownfield grant funding in Massachusetts from 1994 to 2022, focusing on the impact of race, income, and demographic changes. Brownfields are properties complicated by contamination, and the EPA provides grants to assess and clean these sites, promoting environmental justice and sustainability in the impacted communities. This study analyzes grant distribution across Massachusetts municipalities, comparing those with varying income levels, racial compositions, and population changes. Data were obtained from the EPA databases and U.S. Census data, with an additional analysis excluding Boston to assess the city’s impact on the trends. Key findings indicate that the municipalities with higher minority populations and lower incomes were more likely to receive brownfield funding, with larger award amounts and more sites requiring remediation. Income emerged as a stronger predictor of brownfield site prevalence than race, as the municipalities with lower incomes had significantly more sites. The removal of Boston from the dataset clarified the trends, showing that the towns with fewer income gains or minority population increases received more funding. Overall, the results suggest that EPA policies have been effective in directing funding to the communities with greater environmental justice concerns, including those with lower income and minority populations.
PCB Defect Classification with Data Augmentation-Based Ensemble Method for Sustainable Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Jang Jaeseok , Tang Qing , Jung Hail
Published: November 2024

In the rapidly evolving field of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, automated optical inspection (AOI) systems play a critical role but often face challenges such as computational inefficiencies, high costs, and limited defect data. To address these issues, we propose an ensemble methodology that combines lightweight models with custom data augmentation techniques to enhance defect classification accuracy in real-time production environments. Our approach mitigates overfitting in small datasets by generating diverse models through advanced data augmentation and employing feature-specific validation strategies. These models are integrated into an ensemble framework, achieving complementary results that improve classification accuracy while reducing computational overhead. We validate the proposed method using two datasets: the general classification dataset CIFAR-10 and an on-site real-world PCB dataset. With our approach, the average accuracy on CIFAR-10 improved from 97.6% to 98.2%, and the accuracy on the PCB dataset increased from 81% to 89%. These results demonstrate the method’s effectiveness in addressing data scarcity and computational challenges in real-world manufacturing scenarios. By improving quality control and reducing waste, our method optimizes production processes and contributes to sustainability through cost savings and environmental benefits. The proposed methodology is versatile, scalable, and applicable to a range of defect classification tasks beyond PCB manufacturing, making it a robust solution for modern production systems.
Sustainable Electric Vehicle Development in the United States Through Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station Expansion in Colleges
Authors: Haces-Fernandez Francisco
Published: November 2024

The transition to electric vehicles is an important strategy to curb climate change and reduce air pollution. However, the adoption of this new technology has been slower than required to reach the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. This research provides stakeholders with detailed guidance to incentivize electric vehicle adoption at a national level by promoting this new technology through campus colleges, considering that their populations are more receptive to them. This study integrates dispersed and diverse publicly available data, assessing and characterizing colleges in the United States, helping to craft a policy to incentivize investment in solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations based on the best strategies for each particular campus. A novel geospatial concentric buffer feasibility analysis was incorporated into the study to assess not only the campus proper but also its surrounding locations. Locally harvested solar energy was evaluated to power this new infrastructure and the potential to develop vehicle-to-grid (V2G) alternatives. Results provide policymakers and stakeholders with a comprehensive panoramic of the potential to create this new technology in colleges with a national scope. Granular insight into selecting the best technology, the investment level, and the timeframe for each particular campus is generated in this research.
Sustainable Energy Development: Reviewing Carbon Emission Reduction in Photovoltaic Power Systems
Authors: Wang Ailing , Lin Qiongfang , Liu Chunlu , Yang Liu , Sun Shaonan
Published: November 2024

As a driving force of sustainable energy development, photovoltaic power is instrumental in diminishing greenhouse gas emissions and is vital for achieving our targets for a sustainable energy future. Therefore, a systematic review of carbon emission reduction in photovoltaic power systems (CERPPS) is very important for a deeper understanding and advancing the development in this field. This study leverages the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection as a primary database and applies VOSviewer and CiteSpace tools to perform a bibliometric analysis of publications related to CERPPS, spanning from 2006 to June 2024. This study has elucidated the research progress from both a quantitative and visual perspective and delineated the evolution of research hotspots. Analysis of the results is done on the basis of annual publications, authorship, institutional affiliations, national origins, journal publications, references, and keywords. The analysis indicates that recycling, the large-scale deployment of photovoltaic modules, energy storage management within photovoltaic power systems, and large-scale deployment of photovoltaic power systems are hot topics. Future research trends encompass the study of new photovoltaic materials, life cycle assessment and recycling, and the development of smart photovoltaic power systems. This study provides an overview of the evolution of CERPPS’s main research directions, which establishes a reference framework for scholars to get a deeper insight into the most recent advancements and research outlooks within CERPPS, and also fosters the advancement of photovoltaic power systems towards a more low-carbon and sustainable trajectory.
Economic Impact of the Application of the ETS to European Ports: Analysis of Different Scenarios
Authors: Vaca-Cabrero Javier , González-Cancelas Nicoletta , Camarero-Orive Alberto , Corral María Magdalena Esteban-Infantes , Ricci Stefano
Published: November 2024

The fight against climate change is one of the main global challenges of our time, and the European Union (EU) seeks to achieve climate neutrality and energy transition for the continent by 2050 through various policies. This research studies the economic implications of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) on European ports. By analysing various maritime scenarios, the study assesses how the ETS influences shipping routes, port competitiveness, and overall economic activity. A key finding is that the ETS imposes significant additional costs on shipping companies, which could lead to adjustments in routes and a shift in cargo volumes to ports in regions with less stringent environmental regulations. This could result in job losses in European port communities and reduce the competitiveness of European ports. In addition, the potential for carbon leakage, where shipping activities are simply relocated to regions with fewer emission controls, is explored.