bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Potentials of Different Genotypes of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Cultivated in Bulgaria, Southern Europe
Authors: Tzanova Milena Tankova , Stoilova Tsvetelina Dimitrova , Todorova Mima Hristova , Memdueva Neli Yovcheva , Gerdzhikova Maria Asenova , Grozeva Neli Hristova
Published: June 2023

Recently, there has been a growing interest in protein-rich foods and functional foods, as well as plants characterized by high levels of drought resistance. Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. from the Fabaceae family, also known as cowpea, was chosen as the subject of the present study. The antioxidant potentials of 15 genotypes cultivated in Bulgaria, Southern Europe, were determined. The research focused on the green mass used as feed and on the seeds used as an “ancient” traditional crop. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), radical scavenging capacity, determined via the DPPH method, and crude protein content were measured. The seed coat extracts showed higher contents of phenolics (291.0 ± 4.6 mgGAE/g) and flavonoids (83.5 ± 1.1 mgCE/g) and a stronger radical scavenging capacity (50.4 ± 0.7 µmolTE/g) than those obtained from the leaves (22.0 ± 0.5 mgGAE/g, 13.7 ± 0.5 mgCE/g, and 19.7 ± 0.6 µmolTE/g, respectively). The protein content in the seeds ranged from 20.5% to 27.0%. According to the obtained results, the cowpea genotypes with dark-colored seed coats showed greater antioxidant potentials but lower protein contents. Due to its high antioxidant content, strong radical scavenging capacity, and high protein content, V. unguiculata L. shows great potential as a functional food for humans and animals.
Associations between Dietary Fatty Acid Profile and Milk Fat Production and Fatty Acid Composition in Dairy Cows: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gallardo Walter B. , Teixeira Izabelle A. M. A.
Published: June 2023

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of dietary fatty acid (FA) profile on milk fat production and FA profile in dairy cows. The study also aimed to develop prediction models using a meta-regression approach. The database included 217 peer-reviewed articles on lactating dairy cows (n = 12,892), consisting of 515 treatment means. Effect size was assessed using the raw mean differences between diets with supplementary lipid sources and those without. Subgroup analyses were employed to assess heterogeneity. Diets rich in saturated FA (SFA) increased milk fat production and proportion, while reducing de novo FA in milk. Diets high in monounsaturated FA and polyunsaturated FA decreased mixed FA in milk. Most lipid-supplemented diets increase preformed FA in milk, except those rich in SFA. Prediction models were developed using meta-regression. Key predictors of milk fat production included neutral detergent fiber (NDF), dietary myristic acid, and milk production. Milk fat proportion was best predicted by dietary unsaturated FA, NDF, and forage. De novo FA in milk was predicted by dry matter intake (DMI) and dietary FA, while preformed FA was predicted by DMI, dietary oleic and linoleic acids. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of the dietary FA profile in evaluating the effects of lipids on milk fat production and FA profile. Accurate and precise predictions of milk fat production, proportion, and FA profile can be achieved by considering cow production and dietary characteristics.
Assessment of Pain and Inflammation in Domestic Animals Using Infrared Thermography: A Narrative Review
Authors: Whittaker Alexandra L. , Muns Ramon , Wang Dehua , Martínez-Burnes Julio , Hernández-Ávalos Ismael , Casas-Alvarado Alejandro , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Mota-Rojas Daniel
Published: June 2023

Pain assessment in domestic animals has gained importance in recent years due to the recognition of the physiological, behavioral, and endocrine consequences of acute pain on animal production, welfare, and animal model validity. Current approaches to identifying acute pain mainly rely on behavioral-based scales, quantifying pain-related biomarkers, and the use of devices monitoring sympathetic activity. Infrared thermography is an alternative that could be used to correlate the changes in the superficial temperature with other tools and thus be an additional or alternate acute pain assessment marker. Moreover, its non-invasiveness and the objective nature of its readout make it potentially very valuable. However, at the current time, it is not in widespread use as an assessment strategy. The present review discusses scientific evidence for infrared thermography as a tool to evaluate pain, limiting its use to monitor acute pain in pathological processes and invasive procedures, as well as its use for perioperative monitoring in domestic animals.
Fatty Acid Profile, Health Lipid Indices, and Sensory Properties of Meat from Pekin Ducks of Different Origins
Authors: Wasilewski Rafał , Kokoszyński Dariusz , Włodarczyk Karol
Published: June 2023

Conservation duck flocks are of significant importance to science. Over a number of years, many experiments have been carried out to gain a better understanding of individual duck populations. However, the knowledge obtained is still incomplete. The aim of the present study was to compare three duck strains maintained in Poland and included in the Genetic Resources Protection Programme in terms of the fatty acid profile, health lipid indices, and sensory traits of breast and leg meat. The experimental material consisted of 180 sexed Pekin ducks, 60 ducks each (including 30 males and 30 females) from strain P33 (Pekin of Polish origin), P8 (Pekin of Danish origin), and P9 (Pekin of French origin). During 49 days of rearing, the ducks were kept in an enclosed building with six pens on straw. The duck genotype had a significant effect on the myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1n9), linolenic (C18:2n6), arachidonic (C20:4n6), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), PUFAn6 content, and Peroxidisability Index (PI) values of breast muscle. Ducks from the compared strains differed significantly in C16:0 content and the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), including MUFAs, Nutritive Value Index, and Health-Promoting Index in leg muscles. Ducks from the compared strains also differed significantly in the aroma and juiciness of the heat-treated breast muscles and the tenderness of the leg muscles. The sex of the birds had a significant effect on the C18:1, C22:6n3, MUFA, PUFAn6, PUFAn3, PI, and aroma and taste desirability of the breast muscles, as well as the aroma intensity of the leg muscles.
Anthropogenic Neighborhood Impact on Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Polar Bear Feces
Authors: Vecherskii Maksim V. , Kuznetsova Tatiana A. , Khayrullin David R. , Stepankov Aleksandr A. , Artemieva Svetlana M. , Chukmasov Pavel V. , Ivanov Evgeny A. , Mizin Ivan A. , Mordvintsev Ilya N. , Platonov Nikita G. , Pashali Aleksandr A. , Isachenko Artem I. , Lazareva Renata E. , Shestakova Ksenia M. , Rozhnov Viatcheslav V.
Published: June 2023

Climate changes cause a dramatical increase in the ice-free season in the Arctic, forcing polar bears ashore, closer to human settlements associated with new and non-natural food objects. Such a diet may crucially transform the intestinal microbiome and metabolism of polar bears. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in the gut bacterial and fungal communities resulting from the transition to anthropogenic food objects by the means of 16S and ITS metabarcoding. Thus, rectal samples from 16 wild polar bears from the Kara–Barents subpopulation were studied. Human waste consuming resulted in a significant increase in the relative abundance of fermentative bacteria (Lactobacillaceae, Leuconostocaceae, and Streptococcaceae) and a decrease in proteolytic Enterobacteriaceae. However, the alpha-diversity parameters remained similar. Also, for the first time, the composition of the fungal community of the polar bear intestine was determined. Diet change is associated with the displacement of eurybiontic fungi (Thelebolus, Dipodascus, Candida (sake), and Geotrichum) by opportunistic Candida (tropicalis), Kazachstania, and Trichosporon. Feeding on human waste does not cause any signs of dysbiosis and probably leads to adaptive changes in the bacterial microbiome. However, the emergence of fungal facultative pathogens increases the risk of infections.
Effects of Sodium Butyrate Supplementation in Milk on the Growth Performance and Intestinal Microbiota of Preweaning Holstein Calves
Authors: Wu Donglin , Zhang Zhanhe , Shao Kai , Wang Xing , Huang Fudong , Qi Jingwei , Duan Yizong , Jia Yang , Xu Ming
Published: June 2023

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on the growth and intestinal microbiota of preweaning dairy calves. Eighty newborn Holstein calves (56 female and 24 male) were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with 20 calves each (14 female and 6 male). The suckling milk for the four treatments was supplemented with 0, 4.4, 8.8, or 17.6 g/d SB. During the 6-week experiment, dry matter intake was recorded daily, body weight was measured weekly, and rectal fecal samples were collected in the 2nd week. The V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the microbial 16S rRNA were amplified and then sequenced. SB supplementation elevated average daily gains (ADGs) in the first and second weeks. The optimal SB supplementation level for the whole preweaning period was 8.78 g/d, as revealed by analyzing the whole preweaning period ADG using second-order polynomial regression (quadratic) equations. The alpha diversity (Shannon diversity index), beta diversity, core phyla and genera, and function of the intestinal microbiota were affected by SB supplementation. In addition, the Shannon diversity index and core phyla and genera of the intestinal microbiota were correlated with calf growth-related indices. Overall, SB supplementation in suckling milk improved the growth performance and intestinal microbiota development of dairy calves in a quadratic manner, and regression analysis indicated an optimal supplementation level of 8.78 g/d.
The Effect of Brushing on Coffee Stainability of Ceramic Crowns Constructed from Repeatedly Processed Lithium Disilicate Ceramic Ingots: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Anazi Amal Al , Sultan Sherif
Published: June 2023

Heat-pressed lithium disilicate (LDS)-based glass–ceramic ingots are widely used for the fabrication of dental restorations. Repressing or repeat processing the remaining parts of these ingots has been reported to not adversely affect their mechanical properties. However, there is not enough information on the stainability of crowns constructed from these repeated heat-processed LDS ceramic ingots. Seventy-two identical ceramic crowns were constructed from three different repeated heat-processed LDS ceramic ingots representing three groups (n = 24): E-max (Ivoclare), Lisi (GC), and Celtra (Dentsply Sirona). Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (n = 12) representing experimental (coffee) and control groups. Color changes were assessed according to the CIE L * a * b * system and measured initially, after coffee staining and after brushing. All groups were susceptible to staining; however, they showed different behaviors with respect to the three axes of the CIE L * a * b * system. In general, immersion in coffee followed by brushing decreased the staining of all tested ceramic crowns to the acceptability threshold of color change (ΔE = 2.7). Routine brushing of coffee-stained ceramic crowns made from repeatedly processed LDS, LDS-HDM, and ZLS ceramic ingots restored their color to clinically acceptable levels.
Peptide Mapping with LC-HRMS and In Silico Tools for Evaluation of Potential Allergenicity of Commercially Available Whey Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Taivosalo Anastassia , Stulova Irina , Kütt Mary-Liis , Kriščiunaite Tiina , Lints Taivo , Gimaeva Tatjana , Tamm Martti
Published: June 2023

Hypoallergenic formulas containing hydrolyzed protein are intended for use by infants to prevent cow’s milk protein allergy. The degree of hydrolysis of epitopic areas determines the residual allergenicity of whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs). However, only amino-acid-based infant formulas (IFs) are considered entirely nonallergenic. The aim of this study was to investigate four commercially available WPHs with different degree of hydrolysis (H1–H4) for potential allergenicity, by applying LC-HRMS analysis of peptides, and using in silico tools to search for the immunoglobulin (IgE)-binding allergenic epitopes from the Immune Epitope Database. Additionally, the molecular weight distribution of proteins and peptides in the WPHs was measured by SE-UPLC. Based on the peptide coverage and peptide-length distribution profiles, the WPHs showed different extents of hydrolysis: extensively (H1 and H2), partially (H3), and slightly hydrolyzed (H4). Altogether, numerous peptides related to 46 specific IgE-binding epitopes from β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin were found in all the WPHs, regardless of their extent of hydrolysis. Sequence-based identification of the specific peptide composition, with an application of in silico tools, is a reliable approach for discovering the potential allergenicity of protein hydrolysates for IFs.
From Liquid Crystal on Silicon and Liquid Crystal Reflectarray to Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for Post-5G Networks
Authors: Li Jinfeng
Published: June 2023

This communication aims to address the recent surge of interest in reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) among both academic and industrial communities, which has largely neglected the historical developments of two other underpinning technologies, i.e., liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) and liquid crystal reflectarray antenna (LCRA). Specifically, this communication focuses on the state of the art of LC-RIS, highlighting the unique features of this newly raised enabling technology for post-5G (6G) networks and comparing it to LCOS, which operates at different frequencies and is suited to different use cases. Drawing on insights from existing knowledge of LCOS and LCRA, opportunities and challenges are explored for LC-RIS’s technical advancements in enhancing the coverage, capacity, and energy efficiency of wireless networks. In particular, the development status and roadmap of LC-RIS in China is reviewed.
Performance of Polymer Composites Lubricated with Glycerol and Water as Green Lubricants
Authors: Trajkovski Ana , Novak Nejc , Pustavrh Jan , Kalin Mitjan , Majdič Franc
Published: June 2023

The study analysed the tribological performance of five different polymer composites: polyetheretherketone reinforced with 30% carbon fibres—PEEK CF30, polyetheretherketone reinforced with 10% carbon fibres, 10% graphite and 10% polytetrafluoroethylene—PEEK MOD, polytetrafluoroethylene reinforced with 25% carbon fibres—PTFE CF25, polyoxymethylene with 30% carbon fibres—POM CF30 and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene—UHMW PE. The polymers were tested under the sliding regime of a reciprocating stainless-steel ball on a polymer disc, with test parameters expected for hydraulic valves. Two environmentally safe lubricants were used: glycerol and water. The selected polymer materials and their tribological properties were compared based on the coefficient of friction and the specific wear rate. The worn surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy, and the transfer film was analysed using the energy dispersive spectroscopy technique. When tested in glycerol, a comparable and low coefficient of friction was measured for all polymers (~0.02). At the same time, a significantly lower coefficient was measured for all polymers in glycerol compared to water-lubricated conditions (~0.06–0.22). The polymers differed in the measured specific wear rate, which increases significantly in water for all polymers. A lower specific wear rate was measured for three polymers with higher microhardness: PEEK CF30, PEEK MOD and POM CF30. In water, PEEK CF30 showed superior tribological properties under harsh conditions but was well followed by POM CF30, which showed the most intense transfer film.
Deep Learning-Based Portable Image Analysis System for Real-Time Detection of Vespa velutina
Authors: Jeon Moon-Seok , Jeong Yuseok , Lee Jaesu , Yu Seung-Hwa , Kim Su-bae , Kim Dongwon , Kim Kyoung-Chul , Lee Siyoung , Lee Chang-Woo , Choi Inchan
Published: June 2023

Honeybees pollinate over 75% of the total food resources produced annually, and they produce valuable hive products, such as bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly. However, species such as the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) feed on more than 85% of honeybees, causing a decline in their population and considerable damage to beekeepers in Korea. To prevent damage to honeybees, a portable real-time monitoring system was developed that detects V. velutina individuals and notifies users of their presence. This system was designed with a focus on portability and ease of installation, as V. velutina can be found in various areas of apiary sites. To detect V. velutina, an improved convolutional neural network YOLOv5s was trained on 1960 high-resolution (3840×2160) image data. At the confidence threshold of ≥0.600 and intersection over the union of ≥0.500, the performance of the system in terms of detection accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and mean average precision was high. A distance-based performance comparison showed that the system was able to detect V. velutina individuals while monitoring three beehives. During a field test of monitoring three beehives, the system could detect 83.3% of V. velutina during their hunting activities and send alarms to registered mobile application users.
Equine-Assisted Activities (EAAs) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Positive Effects Revealed Using an Ethological Approach
Authors: Collacchi Barbara , Pinchaud Noémie , Borgi Marta , Cirulli Francesca
Published: June 2023

Equine-assisted activities (EAAs) are considered a suitable innovative rehabilitative practice for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While standardized scales have been previously used as a tool to evaluate the effects of EAAs on different domains of functioning in ASD children, few studies have considered an ethological approach as a means to describe human–horse interactions in the context of ASD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the behavior of 19 children with ASD, in comparison with 19 typically developing children (TD), during EAA sessions. We developed an ethogram from the video recordings to assess spatial relationships, social interactions, and communicative behaviors displayed by the child toward the horse, as well as the occurrence of problem behaviors. Results indicate that children’s behaviors during EAA sessions are modulated by sex and age, while previous children’s experience with EAAs appeared to improve interpersonal distance and horse handling. Results from this study highlight the importance of exploring children’s behavioral responses during animal-assisted activities through direct measurements. This may allow linking the quality/strength of the child–horse relationship to the benefits obtained by the child, particularly in the social/communicative domain, a core symptom of ASD.
Vision-Based Hand Detection and Tracking Using Fusion of Kernelized Correlation Filter and Single-Shot Detection
Authors: Haji Mohd Mohd Norzali , Mohd Asaari Mohd Shahrimie , Lay Ping Ong , Rosdi Bakhtiar Affendi
Published: June 2023

Hand detection and tracking are key components in many computer vision applications, including hand pose estimation and gesture recognition for human–computer interaction systems, virtual reality, and augmented reality. Despite their importance, reliable hand detection in cluttered scenes remains a challenge. This study explores the use of deep learning techniques for fast and robust hand detection and tracking. A novel algorithm is proposed by combining the Kernelized Correlation Filter (KCF) tracker with the Single-Shot Detection (SSD) method. This integration enables the detection and tracking of hands in challenging environments, such as cluttered backgrounds and occlusions. The SSD algorithm helps reinitialize the KCF tracker when it fails or encounters drift issues due to sudden changes in hand gestures or fast movements. Testing in challenging scenes showed that the proposed tracker achieved a tracking rate of over 90% and a speed of 17 frames per second (FPS). Comparison with the KCF tracker on 17 video sequences revealed an average improvement of 13.31% in tracking detection rate (TRDR) and 27.04% in object detection error (OTE). Additional comparison with MediaPipe hand tracker on 10 hand gesture videos taken from the Intelligent Biometric Group Hand Tracking (IBGHT) dataset showed that the proposed method outperformed the MediaPipe hand tracker in terms of overall TRDR and tracking speed. The results demonstrate the promising potential of the proposed method for long-sequence tracking stability, reducing drift issues, and improving tracking performance during occlusions.
The Results and Developments of the Radon Monitoring Network in Seismic Areas
Authors: Toader Victorin Emilian , Ionescu Constantin , Moldovan Iren-Adelina , Marmureanu Alexandru , Brisan Nicoleta-Sanda , Lıngvay Iosif , Mihai Andrei
Published: June 2023

The analysis of the relationship between radon and seismicity was previously carried out in the seismic zone of Vrancea (Romania), positioning the measuring stations on tectonic faults. This article analyzed the evolution of radon under conditions of deep and surface seismicity and the presence of mud volcanoes, as well as fires caused by gasses emanating from the ground. The monitoring area was extended to the Black Sea and the area of the Făgăraș-Câmpulung fault, where a special radon detection system was established and proposed for patenting. The case study was the impact of the earthquakes in Turkey (7.8 R and 7.5 R on 6 February 2023) on the seismically active areas in Romania in terms of gas emissions (radon, CO2). The main analysis methods for radon (we also included CO2) were applied to integrated time series and the use of anomaly detection algorithms. Data analysis showed that the effects of global warming led to variations in seasonal gas emissions compared to previous years. This made it difficult to analyze the data and correlate it with seismicity. Several of the cases presented require more in-depth analysis to determine the cause of the unusually high radon levels. The primary purpose of establishing the monitoring network is to use the gas emissions as seismic precursors, but the measurements are affected by the conditions under which the monitoring is conducted. In some cases, we are dealing with the effects of pollution, and in other cases, more extensive studies are required. One solution we plan to use is to expand the measurement points to locate the source of the anomalies and use weather data to determine the impact of global warming on the measurements. The main conclusions related to the development of a radon monitoring network and, in general, to the emission of gasses in earthquake-prone areas relate to the importance of the choice of equipment, monitoring location, and installation method.
Colorectal Cancer Cell Invasion and Functional Properties Depend on Peri-Tumoral Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Franchi Marco , Karamanos Konstantinos-Athanasios , Cappadone Concettina , Calonghi Natalia , Greco Nicola , Franchi Leonardo , Onisto Maurizio , Masola Valentina
Published: June 2023

We investigated how the extracellular matrix (ECM) affects LoVo colorectal cancer cells behavior during a spatiotemporal invasion. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, matrix-degrading enzymes, and morphological phenotypes expressed by LoVo-S (doxorubicin-sensitive) and higher aggressive LoVo-R (doxorubicin-resistant) were evaluated in cells cultured for 3 and 24 h on Millipore filters covered by Matrigel, mimicking the basement membrane, or type I Collagen reproducing a desmoplastic lamina propria. EMT and invasiveness were investigated with RT-qPCR, Western blot, and scanning electron microscopy. As time went by, most gene expressions decreased, but in type I Collagen samples, a strong reduction and high increase in MMP-2 expression in LoVo-S and -R cells occurred, respectively. These data were confirmed by the development of an epithelial morphological phenotype in LoVo-S and invading phenotypes with invadopodia in LoVo-R cells as well as by protein-level analysis. We suggest that the duration of culturing and type of substrate influence the morphological phenotype and aggressiveness of both these cell types differently. In particular, the type I collagen meshwork, consisting of large fibrils confining inter fibrillar micropores, affects the two cell types differently. It attenuates drug-sensitive LoVo-S cell aggressiveness but improves a proteolytic invasion in drug-resistant LoVo-R cells as time goes by. Experimental studies on CRC cells should examine the peri-tumoral ECM components, as well as the dynamic physical conditions of TME, which affect the behavior and aggressiveness of both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant LoVo cells differently.
An Impedance-Based Immunosensor for the Detection of Ovalbumin in White Wine
Authors: Calabrese Alessia , Capo Alessandro , Capaccio Angela , Agovino Elettra , Varriale Antonio , Pascale Michelangelo , D’Auria Sabato , Staiano Maria
Published: June 2023

Food allergies are an exceptional response of the immune system caused by the ingestion of specific foods. The main foods responsible for allergic reactions are milk, eggs, seafood, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and their derived products. Chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA), a common allergen molecule, is often used for the clarification process of wine. Traces of OVA remain in the wine during the fining process, and they can cause significant allergic reactions in sensitive consumers. Consequently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have shown the risks for allergic people to assume allergenic foods and food ingredients, including eggs. Commonly, OVA detection requires sophisticated and time-consuming analytical techniques. Intending to develop a faster assay, we designed a proof-of-concept non-Faradaic impedimetric immunosensor for monitoring the presence of OVA in wine. Polyclonal antibodies anti-OVA were covalently immobilised onto an 11-mercaptoundecanoic-acid (11-MUA)-modified gold surface. The developed immunosensor was able to detect OVA in diluted white wine without the need for an external probe or any pre-treatment step with a sensitivity of 0.20 µg/mL, complying with the limit established by the resolution OIV/COMEX 502–2012 for the quantification of allergens in wine.
Ultrasensitive Nonenzymatic Real-Time Hydrogen Peroxide Monitoring Using Gold Nanoparticle-Decorated Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Electrodes
Authors: Kader Md. Ashraful , Azmi Nina Suhaity , Kafi A. K. M. , Hossain Md. Sanower , Jose Rajan , Goh Khang Wen
Published: June 2023

An amperometric enzyme-free hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor was developed by catalytically stabilizing active gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) of 4–5 nm on a porous titanium dioxide nanotube (TiO2 NTs) electrode. The Au NPs were homogeneously distributed on anatase TiO2 NTs with an outer diameter of ~102 nm, an inner diameter of ~60 nm, and a wall of thickness of ~40 nm. The cyclic voltammogram of the composite electrode showed a pair of redox peaks characterizing the electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2. The entrapping of Au NPs on TiO2 NTs prevented aggregation and facilitated good electrical conductivity and electron transfer rate, thus generating a wide linear range, a low detection limit of ~104 nM, and high sensitivity of ~519 µA/mM, as well as excellent selectivity, reproducibility, repeatability, and stability over 60 days. Furthermore, excellent recovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) were achieved in real samples, which were tap water, milk, and Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria, thereby verifying the accuracy and potentiality of the developed nonenzymatic sensor.
Pathophysiology and Treatment of Lipid Abnormalities in Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis: An Integrative Review
Authors: Ribeiro Rodrigo Mariano , Vasconcelos Sophia Costa , Lima Pedro Lucas Grangeiro de Sá Barreto , Coelho Emanuel Ferreira , Oliveira Anna Melissa Noronha , Gomes Emanuel de Assis Bertulino Martins , Mota Luciano de Albuquerque , Radtke Lucas Soares , Carvalho Matheus dos Santos , Araújo David Augusto Batista Sá , Pinheiro Maria Suelly Nogueira , Gama Vitor Carneiro de Vasconcelos , Júnior Renan Magalhães Montenegro , Braga Neto Pedro , Nóbrega Paulo Ribeiro
Published: June 2023

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in CYP27A1, leading to a deficiency in sterol 27-hydroxylase. This defect results in the accumulation of cholestanol and bile alcohols in various tissues, including the brain, tendons and peripheral nerves. We conducted this review to evaluate lipid profile abnormalities in patients with CTX. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Virtual Health Library in January 2023 to evaluate studies reporting the lipid profiles of CTX patients, including the levels of cholestanol, cholesterol and other lipids. Elevated levels of cholestanol were consistently observed. Most patients presented normal or low serum cholesterol levels. A decrease in chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) leads to increased synthesis of cholesterol metabolites, such as bile alcohols 23S-pentol and 25-tetrol 3-glucuronide, which may serve as surrogate follow-up markers in patients with CTX. Lipid abnormalities in CTX have clinical implications. Cholestanol deposition in tissues contributes to clinical manifestations, including neurological symptoms and tendon xanthomas. Dyslipidemia and abnormal cholesterol metabolism may also contribute to the increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications observed in some CTX patients.
Locked Out: Phoenixin-14 Does Not Cross a Stem-Cell-Derived Blood–Brain Barrier Model
Authors: Schalla Martha A. , Oerter Sabrina , Cubukova Alevtina , Metzger Marco , Appelt-Menzel Antje , Stengel Andreas
Published: June 2023

Phoenixin-14 is a recently discovered peptide regulating appetite. Interestingly, it is expressed in the gastrointestinal tract; however, its supposed receptor, GPR173, is predominantly found in hypothalamic areas. To date, it is unknown how peripherally secreted phoenixin-14 is able to reach its centrally located receptor. To investigate whether phoenixin is able to pass the blood–brain barrier, we used an in vitro mono-culture blood–brain barrier (BBB) model consisting of brain capillary-like endothelial cells derived from human induced-pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-BCECs). The passage of 1 nMol and 10 nMol of phoenixin-14 via the mono-culture was measured after 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240 min using a commercial ELISA kit. The permeability coefficients (PC) of 1 nMol and 10 nMol phoenixin-14 were 0.021 ± 0.003 and 0.044 ± 0.013 µm/min, respectively. In comparison with the PC of solutes known to cross the BBB in vivo, those of phoenixin-14 in both concentrations are very low. Here, we show that phoenixin-14 alone is not able to cross the BBB, suggesting that the effects of peripherally secreted phoenixin-14 depend on a co-transport mechanism at the BBB in vivo. The mechanisms responsible for phoenixin-14′s orexigenic property along the gut–brain axis warrant further research.
Time Course of Reactive Brain Activities during a Stroop Color-Word Task: Evidence of Specific Facilitation and Interference Effects
Authors: Di Russo Francesco , Bianco Valentina
Published: June 2023

The Stroop test represents a widely used task in basic and clinical research for approaching the cognitive system functioning in humans. However, a clear overview of the neurophysiological signatures associated with the different sub-domains of this task remains controversial. In the present study, we leveraged the EEG technique to explore the modulation of specific post-stimulus ERPs components during the Stroop test. Critically, to better disentangle the contribution of facilitation (i.e., faster color identification times for color-congruent Stroop words) and interference (i.e., longer color identification times for color-incongruent Stroop words) processes prompted by the Stroop test, we delivered congruent and incongruent trials in two separate experimental blocks, each including the respective neutral condition. Thanks to this methodological manipulation, we were able to clearly dissociate the two sub-processes. Electrophysiological results suggest specific markers of brain activity for the facilitation and the interference effects. Indeed, distinctive Stroop-related ERPs (i.e., the P3, the N450, and the LPC) were differently modulated in the two sub-processes. Collectively, we provide evidence of selected brain activities involved in the reactive stage of processing associated with the Stroop effect.
Effects of COVID-19 Stress on Healing Behavior in Residential Spaces
Authors: Oh Jiyoung , Park Heykyung
Published: June 2023

This study aims to analyze the effects of COVID-19 stress on healing behavior in residential spaces. Based on the results, the study further examines the residential space as a healing environment according to space use behavior in the post-COVID era. A survey including 2101 Korean people was conducted. The COVID Stress Scale for Korean People (CSSK) was used to identify COVID-19 stress. In addition, using a literature review on healing environment factors and behavioral changes after the pandemic, survey questions were developed to assess changes in healing behavior. A frequency analysis was conducted for sociodemographic factors, and the relationship between COVID stress factors and healing behavior factors in residential spaces was examined using factor and correlation analyses. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to verify the effects of COVID stress factors on changes in healing behavior. The results revealed that COVID stress affected healing behavior in residential spaces; however, there were differences in healing behavior depending on the COVID stress factors. Fear of being infected positively affected infection prevention behavior in homes. Anger towards others negatively affected the establishment of elements that support various activities in the residential spaces and furniture arrangement. Stress from social distancing difficulties affected healing behavior in residential spaces but was not related to infection prevention behavior. Residential spaces can serve as healing spaces when people are provided with various spatial factors that support diverse types of behavior during a pandemic crisis.
Insights and Evidence on Energy Retrofitting Practices in Rural Areas: Systematic Literature Review (2012–2023)
Authors: Abouaiana Ahmed , Battisti Alessandra
Published: June 2023

Rural commons face extraordinary challenges like fragility and sensitivity due to climate change. Retrofitting rural built environments affords benefits that could overcome these challenges and support sustainable development. However, notwithstanding the vast energy retrofitting interventions available, the associated aspects require investigation, particularly in distinct rural contexts with all their valuable, cultural, and historical inheritance. Hence, this study aimed to examine energy retrofitting practices in rural settlements worldwide over a decade to diagnose the goals that are being undertaken, stakeholder engagement, and finally, the bi-correlation between rural contexts and interventions, and retrofitting contributions to valorizing the place’s identity. This study is a systematic literature review (SLR) considering the items of the PRISMA checklist (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). An SLR of published peer-reviewed studies between January 2012 and March 2023 in 16 electronic databases in all available languages, using a combination of seven keywords within three domains, was conducted. The initial search resulted in 397; after applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, there were 60 eligible articles. The academic progress and tendencies in the energy retrofitting domain of rural built environments are discussed and summarized into four major thematic classifications (energy efficiency strategies, energy efficiency planning, policy evaluation, and occupant behavior). Briefly, rural buildings lack energy-saving designs. Simulation tools are essential; however, they should be calibrated with on-site conditions, showing the reasons for selecting the applied retrofitting measures and correlation with the surrounding context. Successful implementation requires cross-disciplinary collaboration, engaging decision makers, and providing energy education for the local community. Regulations should include micro-context-specific environmental performance indicators. These insights could help map out future academic pursuits and help the stakeholders better understand their nature. Simultaneously, this study assists early-stage researchers in conducting systematic literature reviews utilizing different tools. However, the SLR protocol may have limited findings due to the specific search terms used, so the authors believe the more the literature search scope is broadened, the more discoveries could be made.
MicroRNAs in Tumor Endothelial Cells: Regulation, Function and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Gu Yuan , Becker Maximilian A. , Müller Luisa , Reuss Katharina , Umlauf Frederik , Tang Tianci , Menger Michael D. , Laschke Matthias W.
Published: June 2023

Tumor endothelial cells (TECs) are key stromal components of the tumor microenvironment, and are essential for tumor angiogenesis, growth and metastasis. Accumulating evidence has shown that small single-stranded non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) act as powerful endogenous regulators of TEC function and blood vessel formation. This systematic review provides an up-to-date overview of these endothelial miRNAs. Their expression is mainly regulated by hypoxia, pro-angiogenic factors, gap junctions and extracellular vesicles, as well as long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs. In preclinical studies, they have been shown to modulate diverse fundamental angiogenesis-related signaling pathways and proteins, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) pathway; the rat sarcoma virus (Ras)/rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (Raf)/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway; the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway; and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/TGF-β receptor (TGFBR) pathway, as well as krüppel-like factors (KLFs), suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) and metalloproteinases (MMPs). Accordingly, endothelial miRNAs represent promising targets for future anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. To achieve this, it will be necessary to further unravel the regulatory and functional networks of endothelial miRNAs and to develop safe and efficient TEC-specific miRNA delivery technologies.
Regenerative Potential of Injured Spinal Cord in the Light of Epigenetic Regulation and Modulation
Authors: Gupta Samudra , Dutta Suman , Hui Subhra Prakash
Published: June 2023

A spinal cord injury is a form of physical harm imposed on the spinal cord that causes disability and, in many cases, leads to permanent mammalian paralysis, which causes a disastrous global issue. Because of its non-regenerative aspect, restoring the spinal cord’s role remains one of the most daunting tasks. By comparison, the remarkable regenerative ability of some regeneration-competent species, such as some Urodeles (Axolotl), Xenopus, and some teleost fishes, enables maximum functional recovery, even after complete spinal cord transection. During the last two decades of intensive research, significant progress has been made in understanding both regenerative cells’ origins and the molecular signaling mechanisms underlying the regeneration and reconstruction of damaged spinal cords in regenerating organisms and mammals, respectively. Epigenetic control has gradually moved into the center stage of this research field, which has been helped by comprehensive work demonstrating that DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs are important for the regeneration of the spinal cord. In this review, we concentrate primarily on providing a comparison of the epigenetic mechanisms in spinal cord injuries between non-regenerating and regenerating species. In addition, we further discuss the epigenetic mediators that underlie the development of a regeneration-permissive environment following injury in regeneration-competent animals and how such mediators may be implicated in optimizing treatment outcomes for spinal cord injurie in higher-order mammals. Finally, we briefly discuss the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the context of spinal cord injury and their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention.
Lysine Methyltransferase SMYD1 Regulates Myogenesis via skNAC Methylation
Authors: Zhu Li , Brown Mark , Sims Robert , Tiwari Gayatri , Nie Hui , Mayfield R. , Tucker Haley
Published: June 2023

The SMYD family is a unique class of lysine methyltransferases (KMTases) whose catalytic SET domain is split by a MYND domain. Among these, Smyd1 was identified as a heart- and skeletal muscle-specific KMTase and is essential for cardiogenesis and skeletal muscle development. SMYD1 has been characterized as a histone methyltransferase (HMTase). Here we demonstrated that SMYD1 methylates Skeletal muscle-specific splice variant of the Nascent polypeptide-Associated Complex (skNAC) transcription factor. SMYD1-mediated methylation of skNAC targets K1975 within the carboxy-terminus region of skNAC. Catalysis requires physical interaction of SMYD1 and skNAC via the conserved MYND domain of SMYD1 and the PXLXP motif of skNAC. Our data indicated that skNAC methylation is required for the direct transcriptional activation of myoglobin (Mb), a heart- and skeletal muscle-specific hemoprotein that facilitates oxygen transport. Our study revealed skNAC as a methylation target of SMYD1, illuminates the molecular mechanism by which SMYD1 cooperates with skNAC to regulate transcriptional activation of genes crucial for muscle functions and implicates the MYND domain of the SMYD-family KMTases as an adaptor to target substrates for methylation.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Parent-Led Memory-Reframing Intervention to Reduce Distress and Pain Associated with Vaccine Injections in Young Children
Authors: Pavlova Maria , Pirwani Atiqa F. , Thomas Jody , Birnie Kathryn A. , Wan Michelle , Chambers Christine T. , Noel Melanie
Published: June 2023

Children remember their memories of pain long after the painful experience is over. Those memories predict higher levels of future pain intensity. Young children’s memories can be reframed to be less distressing. Parents and the way they reminisce about past events with their children play a key role in the formation of pain memories. A novel parent-led memory-reframing intervention changed children’s memories of post-surgical pain to be less distressing. The intervention efficacy in the context of vaccine injections is unclear. This registered randomized controlled trial (NCT05217563) aimed to fill this gap. Seventy-four children aged 4.49 years (SD = 1.05) and scheduled to obtain two COVID-19 vaccine injections and one of their parents were randomized to receive: (1) standard care; (2) standard care and memory-reframing information; and (3) standard care and memory-reframing information with verbal instructions. Children reported their pain after vaccine injections. One week after the first vaccination, children reported memory of pain. Parents reported their use of memory-reframing strategies and intervention feasibility and acceptability. The intervention did not result in significant differences in children’s recalled or future pain. Parents rated the intervention as acceptable and feasible.
The Child–Mother–Father–Teacher Relationship Network in Kindergarten and Its Association with Children’s Social and Academic Development: An Ecological Perspective
Authors: Weisberger Ifat , Ziv Yair
Published: June 2023

This study examines how a set of the child’s proximal relationships (mother–child, father–child, and teacher–child) and parent–teacher relationships relate to the child’s prosocial and learning behaviors in kindergarten. The sample included 95 mother–father–child triads (child mean age 5.9 years) and 42 kindergarten teachers. All adults reported on their relationship with the child and on their perceptions of parent–teacher relationships. Teachers reported on the child’s behaviors. Main findings: (1) All proximal relationships and the teachers’ relationships with mothers and fathers were related to children’s outcomes; and (2) different patterns of associations were found between father–child and mother–child relationships, and teacher–child relationship, parent–teacher relationships, and children’s outcomes. These findings hint to the different roles of fathers and mothers in their children’s development and to distinguished patterns of relationships of mothers and fathers with kindergarten teachers.
Progress on the Effect and Mechanism of Ultrasonic Impact Treatment on Additive Manufactured Metal Fabrications
Authors: Sun Laibo , Huang Lujun , Wu Pengbo , Huang Ruisheng , Fang Naiwen , Xu Fujia , Xu Kai
Published: June 2023

Metal fabrications experience complex physical metallurgical processes during additive manufacturing, leading to residual stress and coarse microstructure with directional growth. It significantly affects the comprehensive performance of the fabrications, which limits the application of additive manufacturing. Ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT), as a strengthening means to assist additive manufacturing, can effectively improve the stress state and refine the microstructure and the comprehensive performance. This paper introduces the effect of UIT on AM metal fabrications on microstructure morphology, stress distribution, surface roughness, internal defects, and comprehensive performance to gain a deeper understanding of the role of UIT on additively manufactured metal fabrications, which is based on the working principle and effect of process parameters. In addition, the strengthening mechanism of UIT in additive manufacturing is described from the perspective of surface plastic deformation and substructure formation, providing support for the shape and property control of metal fabrications in the process of additive manufacturing assisted by UIT. Finally, the issues that need to be studied in depth on UIT in additive manufacturing are summarized, and an outlook on future research directions is taken.
Mechanical Properties and Mineral Characteristics of Multi-Source Coal-Based Solid Waste Filling Materials under Different Proportioning
Authors: Huang Guodong , Zheng Xiaojun , Gao Miao , Chen Qi , Qiao Zheng , Xie Tianbao , Deng Mengyao , Wei Qing
Published: June 2023

Traditional grouting materials have certain limitations, such as greater cement consumption, high cost, slow setting rate, and insufficient early strength, hindering their wide applicability. In this paper, desulfurization gypsum (DG) and fly ash (FA) are used as the main raw materials, supplemented by a small amount of Portland cement (PC), to develop a low-cost, fast-setting, and high-early-strength filling material. The mechanical properties and setting characteristics were assessed for varying PC, DG, and FA ratios. The effects of different mineral crystal formations on mechanical properties and hydration characteristics were analyzed. The results show that adding DG leads to a sudden decrease in mechanical properties while accelerating the setting. The compressive strength and setting rate increase with increasing DG content. FA can assist in PC hydration and delay the setting time, and the dosage should be limited to 20%. A synergistic enhancement effect between DG and FA can be achieved, forming grossular-type aluminosilicate and promoting compressive strength development. The optimal performance is achieved when PC, DG, and FA are added at 20%, 60%, and 20% dosages, respectively.