bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-cultural nuances in sarcasm comprehension: a comparative study of Chinese and American perspectives
Authors: Du Yiran , He Huimin , Chu Zihan
Published: February 2024

It is evident that sarcasm can be interpreted differently due to various factors, However, rare research was conducted to investigate the influence of national culture on sarcasm comprehension despite its valuable theoretical implication. This study used an online rating task to explore how national culture impacts the comprehension of sarcasm, focusing on the differences between Chinese and American cultural values (i.e., power distance, uncertainty avoidance, collectivism, long-term orientation, and masculinity) and their influence on comprehending sarcastic praise and criticism. The study showed that Chinese participants tend to understand sarcasm less than Americans. It also found that Power Distance is linked to better sarcasm comprehension in both cultures, while Uncertainty Avoidance has a negative effect on it, especially in Chinese participants. Collectivism is also associated with improved sarcasm comprehension, especially in Chinese participants. However, Masculinity and Long-Term Orientation do not seem to have a significant impact on sarcasm comprehension, regardless of nationality or the type of comment (praise or criticism). Overall, the study reveals nuanced differences in how cultural values shape the comprehension of sarcasm in Chinese and American contexts, underscoring the complex interplay between culture and communication.
Feasibility and acceptability of the smart pillbox and medication label with differentiated care to support person-centered tuberculosis care among ASCENT trial participants – A multicountry study
Authors: Tadesse Amare W. , Mganga Andrew , Dube Tanyaradzwa N. , Alacapa Jason , van Kalmthout Kristian , Letta Taye , Mleoh Liberate , Garfin Anna M. C. , Maraba Noriah , Charalambous Salome , Foster Nicola , Jerene Degu , Fielding Katherine L.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Digital adherence technologies (DATs) can offer alternative approaches to support tuberculosis treatment medication adherence. Evidence on their feasibility and acceptability in high TB burden settings is limited. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among adults with drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DS-TB), participating in pragmatic cluster-randomized trials for the Adherence Support Coalition to End TB project in Ethiopia (PACTR202008776694999), the Philippines, South Africa and Tanzania (ISRCTN 17706019).

Methods

From each country we selected 10 health facilities implementing the DAT intervention (smart pillbox or medication labels, with differentiated care support), ensuring inclusion of urban/rural and public/private facilities. Adults on DS-TB regimen using a DAT were randomly selected from each facility. Feasibility of the DATs was assessed using a standardized tool. Acceptability was measured using a 5-point Likert-scale, using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model. Mean scores of Likert-scale responses within each COM-B category were estimated, adjusted for facility-level clustering. Data were summarized by country and DAT type.

Results

Participants using either the pillbox (n = 210) or labels (n = 169) were surveyed. Among pillbox users, phone ownership (79%), use of pillbox reminders (87%) and taking treatment without the pillbox (22%) varied by country. Among label users, phone ownership (81%), paying extra to use the labels (8%) and taking treatment without using labels (41%) varied by country. Poor network, problems with phone charging and access, not having the pillbox and forgetting to send text were reasons for not using DATs. Overall, people with TB had a favorable impression of both DATs, with mean composite scores between 4·21 to 4·42 across COM-B categories. Some disclosure concerns were reported.

Conclusion

From client-perspective, pillboxes and medication labels with differentiated care support were feasible to implement and acceptable in variety of settings. However, implementation challenges related to network, phone access, stigma, additional costs to people with TB to use DATs need to be addressed.
Application of heat pump drying technology to produce dried mango products from Tu Quy mango (Mangifera india L.), Vietnam, on a pilot scale
Authors: Thao Bui Thi Thu , Thanh Hung Pham , Lai Ngoc Dung , Tran Thi Yen Nhi , Nguyen Ngoc Quy , Pham Tri Nhut , Truc Tran Thanh , Giang Bach Long , Dao Tan Phat
Published: February 2024

In this study, the heat pump drying technique was applied to develop the production process of dried mango from Tu Quy mango sources, Ben Tre province, Vietnam. The experiment was performed in three steps. First, mango slices were treated through the blanching process. Samples were pretreated with sizes from 6 to 12 mm at 80–95°C for 3–6 min, and then the mango slices were soaked in a syrup solution concentration range of 25–40°Bx, citric acid of 0.5–2%, and glycerol of 0.1–0.4% at 35–65°C for 90–180 min. Finally, the samples were dried using a pilot-scale heat pump dryer until the moisture content reached 14–16%. The results showed that the blanching and osmosis processes were carried out under optimal conditions to inactivate the Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme, obtain maximum polyphenol compounds, and conform to the product appearance. Additionally, the drying process was carried out at 30°C for 1,080 min with the polyphenol content retaining 11.71 mgGAE/gDW—This signifies a successful endeavor in developing production methodologies and expanding the range of mango-derived products. Employing innovative technological processes enhances both the quantity and quality of the products. Moreover, the manufacturing procedure was executed on a pilot device, streamlining the synchronization of large-scale production processes effortlessly. This advancement not only enhances economic value but also addresses the issue of congestion prevalent in the current state of the mango industry in Vietnam.
Infection-Related Hospitalizations After Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation Compared to Kidney Transplantation Alone
Authors: Grasberger Juulia , Ortiz Fernanda , Ekstrand Agneta , Sallinen Ville , Ahopelto Kaisa , Finne Patrik , Gissler Mika , Lempinen Marko , Helanterä Ilkka
Published: February 2024

The total burden of infections after transplantation has not been compared in detail between recipients of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) and kidney transplantation alone (KTA). We compared infection-related hospitalizations and bacteremias after transplantation during 1- and 5-year follow-up among 162 patients undergoing SPK. The control group consisted of 153 type 1 diabetics undergoing KTA with the inclusion criteria of donor and recipient age < 60, and BMI < 30. During the first year, SPK patients had more infection-related hospitalizations (0.54 vs. 0.31 PPY, IRR 1.76, p = <0.001) and bacteremias (0.11 vs. 0.01 PPY, IRR 17.12, p = <0.001) compared to KTA patients. The first infection-related hospitalizations and bacteremias occurred later during follow-up in KTA patients. SPK was an independent risk factor for infection-related hospitalization and bacteremia during the first year after transplantation, but not during the 5-year follow-up. Patient survival did not differ between groups, however, KTA patients had inferior kidney graft survival. SPK patients are at greater risk for infection-related hospitalizations and bacteremias during the first year after transplantation compared to KTA patients, however, at the end of the follow-up the risk of infection was similar between groups.
Improving Academic Advising in Engineering Education with Machine Learning Using a Real-World Dataset
Authors: Maphosa Mfowabo , Doorsamy Wesley , Paul Babu
Published: February 2024

The role of academic advising has been conducted by faculty-student advisors, who often have many students to advise quickly, making the process ineffective. The selection of the incorrect qualification increases the risk of dropping out, changing qualifications, or not finishing the qualification enrolled in the minimum time. This study harnesses a real-world dataset comprising student records across four engineering disciplines from the 2016 and 2017 academic years at a public South African university. The study examines the relative importance of features in models for predicting student performance and determining whether students are better suited for extended or mainstream programmes. The study employs a three-step methodology, encompassing data pre-processing, feature importance selection, and model training with evaluation, to predict student performance by addressing issues such as dataset imbalance, biases, and ethical considerations. By relying exclusively on high school performance data, predictions are based solely on students’ abilities, fostering fairness and minimising biases in predictive tasks. The results show that removing demographic features like ethnicity or nationality reduces bias. The study’s findings also highlight the significance of the following features: mathematics, physical sciences, and admission point scores when predicting student performance. The models are evaluated, demonstrating their ability to provide accurate predictions. The study’s results highlight varying performance among models and their key contributions, underscoring the potential to transform academic advising and enhance student decision-making. These models can be incorporated into the academic advising recommender system, thereby improving the quality of academic guidance.
Structure and Gait Design of a Lunar Exploration Hexapod Robot Based on Central Pattern Generator Model
Authors: Shu Bin-Ming , Guo Ying-Qing , Luo Wen-Hao , Xu Zhao-Dong , Xu Qiang
Published: February 2024

To address the challenges of sinking, imbalance, and complex control systems faced by hexapod robots walking on lunar soil, this study develops an umbrella-shaped foot lunar exploration hexapod robot. The overall structure of the robot is designed to mimic the body structure of insects. By incorporating a four-bar linkage mechanism to replace the commonly used naked joints in traditional hexapod robots, the robot reduces the number of degrees of freedom and simplifies control complexity. Additionally, an extension mechanism is added to the robot’s foot, unfolding into an umbrella shape to provide a larger support area, effectively addressing the issue of foot sinking instability during walking. This study adopts and simplifies the Central Pattern Generator (CPG) model to generate stable periodic control signals for the robot’s legs. Precise control of the extension mechanism’s unfolding period is achieved through mapping functions. A joint simulation platform using Solid Works and Matlab is established to analyze the stability of the robot’s walking. Finally, walking experiments are conducted on the prototype, confirming the smooth walking of the lunar exploration hexapod robot. The results indicate that the designed lunar exploration hexapod robot has a reasonable structure, excellent stability in motion, and the CPG control scheme is feasible.
Exploring Sustainability in Wineries: Evaluating Food Safety and Environmental Management Aligning with the Farm to Fork Strategy
Authors: López-Santiago Jesús , Md Som Amelia , Asyadi Bin Md Yusof Fahmi , Mazarrón Fernando R. , Gómez-Villarino María Teresa
Published: February 2024

The Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy, a key initiative of the European Commission under the European Green Deal, strives to make the European Union’s (EU) economy sustainable. Focused on the food system, the F2F Strategy prioritizes sustainability in agriculture, eco-friendly practices, biodiversity preservation, and climate change mitigation. It targets high food safety (FS) and environmental management (EM) standards across the Agri-food Supply Chain (ASC). Addressing sustainability challenges in the wine industry, this study delves into the Wine Value Chain (WVC). Emphasizing the intricate sustainability interplay within the WVC, this study concentrates on FS and EM to ensure the long-term viability of wine production. The primary goal is to create a comprehensive sustainability evaluation method for wineries, incorporating performance indicators from FS and EM components. The methodology involves assessing Food Safety Management Systems (FSMSs), evaluating Environmental Management Systems (EMSs), investigating contamination risks, and synthesizing results into a sustainability matrix. Findings highlight commendable FS practices, such as widespread Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) adoption and underscore the need for increased EM focus. Notable figures include a 76.2% adoption of the HACCP system and 68.8% of wineries implementing an EMS. Performance indicators become critical for sustainability assessment, forming the cornerstone to gauge the industry’s effective sustainability management aligned with the F2F Strategy. This study stresses the holistic integration of FS and EM practices, providing insights into workforce engagement, regulatory compliance, and sustainable objectives. This research offers a tool for evaluating and advancing sustainability in the wine industry culminating in a sustainability matrix.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Seed Vigor-Related Traits in Wheat
Authors: Wu Qinxuan , Shi Bingxin , Lai Yao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wu Yu , Li Zhi , Li Yang , Zhu Xiaofei , Pu Zhien , Liu Zihui
Published: February 2024

Seed vigor is a crucial indicator comprehensively assessing the quality of seeds, reflecting the growth advantage and production potential of seeds, and has a significant effect on seeds’ stress resistance. Identifying and controlling loci related to wheat seed vigor is essential for accelerating genetic trait gains. Here, we performed a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify several significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with seed vigor-related traits. A total of 404 wheat samples with diverse genetic backgrounds were used as experimental materials. Twenty-eight loci significantly associated with seed vigor-related traits in wheat were identified, distributed on chromosomes 3A, 4A, 5B, 7A, and 7B. Two potential novel loci controlling wheat seed vigor were discovered, with a total of 80 candidate genes associated with seed vigor located on these loci. Among them, TraesCS4A01G020000.1 encodes a late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein gene, and TraesCS5B01G298500.1 encodes a helicase gene, both showing specific expression in seeds and highly correlated with seed vigor. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for the future application of these genes in wheat breeding.
Development of a Bispecific IgG1 Antibody Targeting BCMA and PDL1
Authors: Cattaneo Irene , Choblet Sylvie , Valgardsdottir Rut , Roth Muriel , Massafra Annamaria , Beeg Marten , Gobbi Marco , Duonor-Cerutti Martine , Golay Josée
Published: February 2024

We designed, produced, and purified a novel IgG1-like, bispecific antibody (bsAb) directed against B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), expressed by multiple myeloma (MM) cells, and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), PDL1, expressed in the MM microenvironment. The BCMA×PDL1 bsAb was fully characterized in vitro. BCMA×PDL1 bound specifically and simultaneously, with nM affinity, to both native membrane-bound antigens and to the recombinant soluble antigen fragments, as shown by immunophenotyping analyses and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), respectively. The binding affinity of bsAb for PDL1 and BCMA was similar to each other, but PDL1 affinity was about 10-fold lower in the bsAb compared to parent mAb, probably due to the steric hindrance associated with the more internal anti-PDL1 Fab. The bsAb was also able to functionally block both antigen targets with IC50 in the nM range. The bsAb Fc was functional, inducing human-complement-dependent cytotoxicity as well as ADCC by NK cells in 24 h killing assays. Finally, BCMA×PDL1 was effective in 7-day killing assays with peripheral blood mononuclear cells as effectors, inducing up to 75% of target MM cell line killing at a physiologically attainable, 6 nM, concentration. These data provide the necessary basis for future optimization and in vivo testing of this novel bsAb.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Regulation of Mitochondrial Glutathione–Glutathione Peroxidase Axis in Hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Malaviya Pooja , Kowluru Renu A.
Published: February 2024

Diabetic patients have elevated homocysteine levels, and hyperhomocysteinemia is shown to exacerbate mitochondrial damage, which plays a central role in diabetic retinopathy. Glutathione peroxidases (GPx) catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction using glutathione (GSH) as a cofactor. GSH and GPx are mainly cytosolic but are also present in the mitochondria to neutralize H2O2 produced by superoxide dismutase, and in diabetes, they are downregulated. Hyperhomocysteinemia also disrupts the balance between S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM); SAM is also a methyl donor for DNA methylation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of homocysteine in mitochondrial GSH–GPx1 regulation in diabetic retinopathy. Human retinal endothelial cells in 20 mM D-glucose + high homocysteine were analyzed for ROS, GSH and GPx in the mitochondria, and SAM levels and GPx1 promoter DNA methylation were also studied (5-methylcytosine and MS-PCR). The results were confirmed in the retina from streptozotocin-induced hyperhomocysteinemic (cystathionine-β-synthase-deficient) diabetic mice. High homocysteine exacerbated the glucose-induced decrease in GSH levels and GPx activity in the mitochondria and the downregulation of GPx1 transcripts and further increased SAM levels and GPx1 promoter DNA methylation. Similar results were obtained in a hyperglycemic–hyperhomocysteinemic mouse model. Thus, elevated homocysteine in diabetes hypermethylates GPx1 promoter, thus decreasing the mitochondrial GPx/GSH pool and exacerbating mitochondrial damage. Modulating hyperhomocysteinemia could be a potential therapeutic avenue to target mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy.
Research on Vibration Reduction in the Transmission System of Plastic Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Zhang Lili , Tang Lingfeng , Wen Qingzhao
Published: February 2024

The inherent weakness in the deformation resistance of plastic centrifugal pumps makes them prone to vibrations. This study explores the impact of flow components on the vibrations of such pumps. Utilizing the given parameters, the primary structural parameters of the plastic centrifugal pump were calculated. The study focused on the torsional vibrations within the pump shaft transmission system, employing a silicone oil damper for vibration mitigation. A dual-mass forced torsion vibration model was developed for the pump shaft transmission system with the added damper. The optimal damping coefficient for this damper was determined, and its structural design was completed, including the creation of three-dimensional models and two-dimensional part drawings. Utilizing a ZT-3 type rotor test bench, a mathematical model correlating centrifugal pump speed with deflection was developed, and the effectiveness of various polynomials was assessed. The analysis showed that the optimal damping value for the silicone oil damper is 0.22. Compared to the system without the damper, the vibration frequency reduced by 10.45%, and the vibration amplitude decreased by 49.29%, demonstrating excellent vibration reduction effectiveness.
Study of the Internal Rebreaking Characteristics of Crushed Gangue in Mine Goaf during Compression
Authors: Wen Peng , Han Sen , Guo Wenbing , Yang Weiqiang , Bai Erhu
Published: February 2024

The deformation and re-crushing characteristics of different lithological caving crushed gangues in mine goaf directly affect the overburden strata movement, which significantly affects the surface subsidence of mining goaf. The effect of particle size on the re-crushing characteristics of different lithological caving crushed gangues in mine goaf is investigated in this study based on an innovative compression–AE (acoustic emission) measuring method. The results showed the following: (1) The compression deformation was divided into three stages: rapid, slow, and stable compaction. With the increase in axial pressure, the large particle skeletons were destroyed, medium particles were displaced and slid, and small particles filled the pores. (2) For singular lithologies, stress was positively correlated with pressure, and porosity was negatively correlated with stress. The composite sample was between the singular gangue samples. (3) The fractal dimension of crushed gangue samples was exponentially related to the proportion of gangue in singular and combined lithologies. (4) The cumulative AE count and energy of the combined lithological gangue samples were between those of the singular samples. The research results provide a theoretical foundation for further research into the characteristics of the overlying strata, surface movement, and safety management of the goaf.
Crustal Apparent Density Variations in the Middle Segment of the North Tianshan Mountains and Their Tectonic Significance
Authors: Kong Xiangkui , Liu Daiqin , Yushan Ailixiati , Li Jie , Chen Rongliu , Chen Li , Li Rui
Published: February 2024

In this study, we collected mobile gravity observations in the middle segment of the North Tianshan Mountains from August 2016 to July 2022 and carried out classical adjustment calculations under the constraint of the absolute gravity datum to obtain the spatiotemporal variation pattern of the local gravity field. We used equivalent source inversion to obtain the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of crustal apparent density. We also extracted the coseismic deformation field from SAR data, using the 2016 Hutubi earthquake as an example, and constructed a model of the seismogenic fault. The gravity monitoring network in the study area performed well in resolving the earthquake source parameters. Both the time-varying gravity field and equivalent apparent density variation pattern show prominent zoning characteristics with a smoothly evolving spatial distribution over time. The variation trends of the gravity field and equivalent apparent density are in line with the orientation of tectonic structures, and their anomalous signals can be detected before and after an earthquake. The constructed seismogenic structure of the 2016 Hutubi earthquake indicates a typical thrust earthquake, probably occurring on a north-dipping blind fault beneath a region with intense crustal deformation. The subsurface tectonic system reflected by this earthquake can be informatively extended to the entire middle segment of the North Tianshan Mountains by subsurface configuration. Our findings can serve as a reference for analyzing the source characteristics of the time-varying gravity field and interpreting anomalous pre-seismic signals, and aid in understanding earthquake preparation zones and the mode of crustal tectonic movements.
Analyzing the Factors Influencing Time Delays in Korean Railroad Accidents
Authors: Kim Ji-Myong , Lim Kwang-Kyun
Published: February 2024

Railroads play a pivotal role in the Korean national economy, necessitating a thorough understanding of factors influencing accidents for effective mitigation strategies. Unlike prior research focused on accident frequency and severity, this study delves into the often-overlooked aspect of time delays resulting from railroad accidents. Analyzing 15 years of nationwide data (2008–2022), encompassing 3244 human-related and 3350 technical events, this research identifies key factors influencing delay likelihood and duration. Factors considered include event type, season, train type, location, operator size, person type involved, facility type, and causes. Despite an overall decrease in events, variable delay times highlight the need to comprehend specific contributing factors. To address excess zeros, the study employs a two-stage model and a zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model, alongside artificial neural networks (ANNs) for non-linear pattern recognition. Human-related delays are influenced by event types, seasons, and passenger categories, exhibit nuanced impacts. Technical-related delays are influenced by incident types and facility involvement. Regarding model performance, the ANN models outperform regression-based models consistently in all cases. This study emphasizes the importance of considering both human and technical factors in predicting and understanding railroad accident delays, offering valuable insights for formulating strategies to mitigate service disruptions associated with these incidents.
Safety Control Technology and Monitoring Analysis for Shield-Tunnel-Stacked Underpass High-Speed Rail Bridge Excavation
Authors: Yang Taihua , Peng Xiaoxiang , Huang Xing , Liu Bin , Li Kejin , Zhang Jianyong , Li Yixiang , Wen Tian
Published: February 2024

In order to ensure the safety of the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway during the construction and operation of the shield tunnel on Line R1 of the Jinan Metro, a numerical simulation of geological disturbance during the underpass of the small-radius stacked tunnel was carried out. We analyzed the mechanism of geological deformation and the construction factors affecting settlement and found that bridge settlement far exceeded safety standards without taking safety control measures. In this regard, safety control technologies such as setting isolation pile sleeve valve pipes, controlling shield tunneling parameters, grouting control technology, and trolley support technology have been proposed. Monitoring was conducted on the uneven settlement of the bridge surface, the internal and external stresses of the pipe segments, and the soil pressure they were subjected to. The results showed that the surface settlement of the bridge after safety control measures was controlled within the safety standard range, and the stress and soil pressure changes of the pipe reinforcement were within the allowable range, further verifying the effectiveness of the safety control measures.
Improved Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients for Compressors and Pumps Fault Diagnosis with Deep Learning Models
Authors: Cabrera Diego , Medina Ruben , Cerrada Mariela , Sánchez René-Vinicio , Estupiñan Edgar , Li Chuan
Published: February 2024

Compressors and pumps are machines frequently used in petroleum and chemical industries for fluid transportation through flow systems to keep industrial processes running permanently. As their failure can produce costly disruption, developing fault detection and diagnosis tools is essential for accurately detecting and diagnosing faults. This research proposes a bi-dimensional representation of the vibration signal corresponding to the Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) and their first two derivatives as features. The pseudo-periodic nature of the fault signature in rotating machines is exploited to put forward an efficient and accurate patch-wise fault classification method. This approach enables the classification of 13 combined types of faults in a multi-stage centrifugal pump and 17 faults in a reciprocating compressor. Classification is performed using the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network, the bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) neural network, and the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Accurate classification over 99% is attained, showing that the proposed feature extraction procedure correctly classifies a large set of faults simultaneously appearing in such rotating machines.
Photoconductive TiO2 Dielectrics Prepared by Plasma Spraying
Authors: Ctibor Pavel , Straka Libor
Published: February 2024

Titanium dioxide coatings (TiO2) were sprayed using a water-stabilized plasma gun (WSP) to form robust self-supporting bodies with the character of a ceramic disc capacitor (CDC). Agglomerated nanometric powder was used as feedstock. Argon was applied for powder feeding as well as coating–cooling to minimize the influence of ambient air. Stainless steel was used as a substrate, and the coatings were released after cooling. A more than three-millimeter-thick self-supporting TiO2 plate was observed using HR-TEM and SEM. Porosity was studied by image analysis on polished sections. Thermal post-treatment on the coating was conducted at a rather low temperature of 500 °C. The results of the subsequent dielectric measurement showed high permittivity, but this was strongly frequency-dependent and accompanied by a progressively decreasing loss tangent. On the other hand, the plasma-sprayed TiO2 exhibited persistent DC photoconductivity under and after illumination with a standard bulb.
Effects of Home Exercise and Manual Therapy or Supervised Exercise on Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain and Disability
Authors: Sipaviciene Saule , Pilelis Vytautas
Published: February 2024

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of two therapeutic methods: home-based exercise and manual therapy (MT) or supervised exercise on pain and functional status in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain. In total, 60 individuals with LBP were included in this randomized study. All participants were treated for 6 weeks in one of two groups: the manual therapy group or the exercise therapy group. In addition, all participants were asked to perform an exercise program at home independently. Levels of pain, spinal mobility, disability, and abdominal and back muscle endurance were measured before and after 6 weeks of intervention. Results: After MT, disability was reduced by 70% (F = 42.2; p < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.99) and pain was reduced by 78% (F = 4.9; p < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.51). After exercise therapy, disability and pain were reduced by 78% (F = 11.5; p < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.78) and 68% (F = 9.4; p < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.41), respectively. Muscle endurance and lumbar spine mobility values were significantly higher in both groups after 6 weeks of intervention (p < 0.00). After 12 MT interventions, lumbar spine mobility increased by 40% (F = 1.9; p < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.24) and after exercise therapy by 38% (F = 28.4; p < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.82). Abdominal muscle endurance improved by 29% (F = 24.2; p < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.79) after MT and by 34% (F = 57.6; p < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.67) after exercise therapy; back muscle endurance improved by 18% (F = 48.6; p < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.78) after MT and by 20% (F = 14.2; p < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.76) after exercise therapy. After 6 weeks of intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the pain, disability, and spinal mobility groups (p > 0.05). However, differences between groups in kinesiophobia (p = 0.02), back (p < 0.02) and abdominal (p < 0.03) muscle endurance values were statistically significant. Following the home exercise program and manual therapy, or the home exercise program and supervised exercise, LBP and disability had clinically significant reductions and functional status showed improvement.
Modelling Binder Degradation in the Thermal Treatment of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries by Coupling Discrete Element Method and Isoconversional Kinetics
Authors: Nobis Christian , Mancini Marco , Fischlschweiger Michael
Published: February 2024

Developing efficient recycling processes with high recycling quotas for the recovery of graphite and other critical raw materials contained in LIBs is essential and prudent. This action holds the potential to substantially diminish the supply risk of raw materials for LIBs and enhance the sustainability of their production. An essential processing step in LIB recycling involves the thermal treatment of black mass to degrade the binder. This step is crucial as it enhances the recycling efficiency in subsequent processes, such as flotation and leaching-based processing. Therefore, this paper introduces a Representative Black Mass Model (RBMM) and develops a computational framework for the simulation of the thermal degradation of polymer-based binders in black mass (BM). The models utilize the discrete element method (DEM) with a coarse-graining (CG) scheme and the isoconversional method to predict binder degradation and the required heat. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the binder polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is utilized to determine the model parameters. The model simulates a specific thermal treatment case on a laboratory scale and investigates the relationship between the scale factor and heating rate. The findings reveal that, for a particular BM system, a scaling factor of 100 regarding the particle diameter is applicable within a heating rate range of 2 to 22 K/min.
The Binding of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein to Platelet Factor 4: A Proposed Mechanism for the Generation of Pathogenic Antibodies
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Huong , Chen Li-Yu , Khan Nida Zaman , Lindenbauer Annerose , Bui Van-Chien , Zipfel Peter F. , Heinrich Doris
Published: February 2024

Pathogenic platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies contributed to the abnormal coagulation profiles in COVID-19 and vaccinated patients. However, the mechanism of what triggers the body to produce these antibodies has not yet been clarified. Similar patterns and many comparable features between the COVID-19 virus and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) have been reported. Previously, we identified a new mechanism of autoimmunity in HIT in which PF4-antibodies self-clustered PF4 and exposed binding epitopes for other pathogenic PF4/eparin antibodies. Here, we first proved that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) also binds to PF4. The binding was evidenced by the increase in mass and optical intensity as observed through quartz crystal microbalance and immunosorbent assay, while the switching of the surface zeta potential caused by protein interactions and binding affinity of PF4-SP were evaluated by dynamic light scattering and isothermal spectral shift analysis. Based on our results, we proposed a mechanism for the generation of PF4 antibodies in COVID-19 patients. We further validated the changes in zeta potential and interaction affinity between PF4 and SP and found that their binding mechanism differs from ACE2–SP binding. Importantly, the PF4/SP complexes facilitate the binding of anti-PF4/Heparin antibodies. Our findings offer a fresh perspective on PF4 engagement with the SARS-CoV-2 SP, illuminating the role of PF4/SP complexes in severe thrombotic events.
Cloflucarban Illuminates Specificity and Context-Dependent Activation of the PINK1–Parkin Pathway by Mitochondrial Complex Inhibition
Authors: Ramirez Adrian T. , Liu Zeyu , Xu Quanbin , Nowosadtko Sarah , Liu Xuedong
Published: February 2024

The PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)-Parkin pathway plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy pool of mitochondria in higher eukaryotic cells. While the downstream components of this pathway are well understood, the upstream triggers remain less explored. In this study, we conducted an extensive analysis of inhibitors targeting various mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes to investigate their potential as activators of the PINK1–Parkin pathway. We identified cloflucarban, an antibacterial compound, as a novel pathway activator that simultaneously inhibits mitochondrial complexes III and V, and V. RNA interference (RNAi) confirmed that the dual inhibition of these complexes activates the PINK1–Parkin pathway. Intriguingly, we discovered that albumin, specifically bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) commonly present in culture media, can hinder carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP)-induced pathway activation. However, cloflucarban’s efficacy remains unaffected by albumin, highlighting its reliability for studying the PINK1–Parkin pathway. This study provides insights into the activation of the upstream PINK1–Parkin pathway and underscores the influence of culture conditions on research outcomes. Cloflucarban emerges as a promising tool for investigating mitochondrial quality control and neurodegenerative diseases.
Using Liver Organoids as Models to Study the Pathobiology of Rare Liver Diseases
Authors: Obeid Dalia A. , Mir Tanveer Ahmad , Alzhrani Alaa , Altuhami Abdullah , Shamma Talal , Ahmed Sana , Kazmi Shadab , Fujitsuka Iriya , Ikhlaq Mohd , Shabab Mohammad , Assiri Abdullah M. , Broering Dieter C.
Published: February 2024

Liver organoids take advantage of several important features of pluripotent stem cells that self-assemble in a three-dimensional culture matrix and reproduce many aspects of the complex organization found within their native tissue or organ counterparts. Compared to other 2D or 3D in vitro models, organoids are widely believed to be genetically stable or docile structures that can be programmed to virtually recapitulate certain biological, physiological, or pathophysiological features of original tissues or organs in vitro. Therefore, organoids can be exploited as effective substitutes or miniaturized models for the study of the developmental mechanisms of rare liver diseases, drug discovery, the accurate evaluation of personalized drug responses, and regenerative medicine applications. However, the bioengineering of organoids currently faces many groundbreaking challenges, including a need for a reasonable tissue size, structured organization, vascularization, functional maturity, and reproducibility. In this review, we outlined basic methodologies and supplements to establish organoids and summarized recent technological advances for experimental liver biology. Finally, we discussed the therapeutic applications and current limitations.
Influence of NUCB/Nesfatin-1 Polymorphism on Treatment Response to Naltrexone/Bupropion SR in Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity
Authors: Carbone Elvira Anna , Caroleo Mariarita , Rania Marianna , de Filippis Renato , Condoleo Francesca , Catalano Federica , Aloi Matteo , De Fazio Pasquale , Arturi Franco , Hribal Marta Letizia , Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Segura-Garcia Cristina
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: The NUCB2 gene and its polymorphisms were identified as novel players in the regulation of food intake, potentially leading to obesity (OBE) and altered eating behaviors. Naltrexone/bupropion SR (NB) showed good efficacy and tolerability for treating OBE and altered eating behaviors associated with binge eating disorder (BED). This prospective study investigates the influence of NUCB2 gene polymorphism on NB treatment response in OBE and BED. Materials and Methods: Body mass index (BMI), eating (EDE-Q, BES, NEQ, GQ, Y-FAS 2.0) and general psychopathology (BDI, STAI-S) were evaluated at baseline (t0) and after 16 weeks (t1) of NB treatment in patients with OBE and BED (Group 1; N = 22) vs. patients with OBE without BED (Group 2; N = 20). Differences were evaluated according to the rs757081 NUCB2 gene polymorphism. Results: NUCB2 polymorphism was equally distributed between groups. Although weight at t0 was higher in Group 1, weight loss was similar at t1 in both groups. BMI was not influenced by NUCB2 polymorphism. In Group 1, the CG-genotype reported significant improvement in eating psychopathology while the GG-genotype reported improvement only for FA. No differences were observed in Group 2. Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with BED and treated with NB exhibited a more favorable treatment response within the CG-genotype of the NUCB2 polymorphism.
Mechanisms of Myocardial Edema Development in CVD Pathophysiology
Authors: Kiseleva Diana G. , Kirichenko Tatiana V. , Markina Yuliya V. , Cherednichenko Vadim R. , Gugueva Ekaterina A. , Markin Alexander M.
Published: February 2024

Myocardial edema is the excess accumulation of fluid in the myocardial interstitium or cardiac cells that develops due to changes in capillary permeability, loss of glycocalyx charge, imbalance in lymphatic drainage, or a combination of these factors. Today it is believed that this condition is not only a complication of cardiovascular diseases, but in itself causes aggravation of the disease and increases the risks of adverse outcomes. The study of molecular, genetic, and mechanical changes in the myocardium during edema may contribute to the development of new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. This review was conducted to describe the main mechanisms of myocardial edema development at the molecular and cellular levels and to identify promising targets for the regulation of this condition based on articles cited in Pubmed up to January 2024.
Effects of Polydopamine Incorporation on the Nanostructure and Electrochemical Performance of Electrodeposited Polypyrrole Films
Authors: Behan James A. , Barrière Frédéric
Published: February 2024

Polypyrrole films are commonly prepared as conductive electrode surfaces for a variety of applications. Recently, there has been increasing interest in improving the adhesive properties and biocompatibility of polypyrrole electrodes via the incorporation of bioinspired polydopamine within the polymer scaffold. However, very little is currently known about the structural effects of polydopamine incorporation during the electropolymerisation of hybrid films. In this work, we combine electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance studies, fundamental electrochemical characterisation, atomic force microscopy, and a suite of spectroscopic techniques in order to correlate changes in the structure and performance of polypyrrole–polydopamine films to the structural modifications of the nanostructure induced by polydopamine incorporation. The results indicate that polydopamine incorporation greatly increases the rate of hybrid film deposition, as well as improving adhesion, surface homogeneity, and wettability, with no compromise in charge transfer properties. Polydopamine incorporation is strongly suggested to occur in non-connected domains within a predominantly polypyrrole-like scaffold. We propose a two-step model of co-polymerisation and the subsequent surface adhesion of hybrid films. Results are expected to be of broad general interest to researchers utilizing polypyrrole and polydopamine to prepare tailor-made electrodes for biosensing and catalysis.
Saving Lives in Thoracic Surgery: Balancing Oncological Radicality and Functional Preservation, Transitioning from Standard Pneumonectomy to Targeted Sublobar Resection
Authors: Eguchi Takashi , Kumeda Hirotaka , Miura Kentaro , Hamanaka Kazutoshi , Shimizu Kimihiro
Published: February 2024

This review chronicles the evolution of thoracic surgical interventions, from the standardized pneumonectomy to the precise approach of sublobar resections. It discusses the emergence and acceptance of minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgical techniques, highlighting their impact on improving outcomes beyond cancer and their influence on the surgical management of early-stage lung cancer. Evaluating historical developments alongside present methodologies, this review underscores the critical need for meticulous surgical planning and execution to optimize both oncological radicality and functional preservation. This evolution portrayed not only technical advancements but also a shift in the clinical approach towards tailored, organ-preserving methodologies, culminating in a contemporary framework promoting sublobar resections as the standard for specific patient profiles, signifying a new era of precision in thoracic surgery.
Malignant Acute Colonic Obstruction: Multidisciplinary Approach for Endoscopic Management
Authors: Mauro Aurelio , Scalvini Davide , Borgetto Sabrina , Fugazzola Paola , Mazza Stefano , Perretti Ilaria , Gallotti Anna , Pagani Anna , Ansaloni Luca , Anderloni Andrea
Published: February 2024

Patients presenting with acute colonic obstruction are usually evaluated in the emergency department and multiple specialties are involved in the patients’ management. Pre-treatment evaluation is essential in order to establish the correct endoscopic indication for stent implantation. Contrast-enhanced imaging could allow the exclusion of benign causes of colonic obstruction and evaluation of the length of malignant stricture. Endoscopic stenting is the gold standard of treatment for palliative indications whereas there are still concerns about its use as a bridge to surgery. Different meta-analyses showed that stenting as a bridge to surgery improves short-term surgical outcomes but has no role in improving long-term outcomes. Multidisciplinary evaluation is also essential in patients that may be started on or are currently receiving antiangiogenic agents because endoscopic stenting may increase the risk of perforation. Evidence in the literature is weak and based on retrospective data. Here we report on how to correctly evaluate a patient with acute colonic malignant obstruction in collaboration with other essential specialists including a radiologist, surgeon and oncologist, and how to optimize the technique of endoscopic stenting.
The Rise of Hypothesis-Driven Artificial Intelligence in Oncology
Authors: Xianyu Zilin , Correia Cristina , Ung Choong Yong , Zhu Shizhen , Billadeau Daniel D. , Li Hu
Published: February 2024

Cancer is a complex disease involving the deregulation of intricate cellular systems beyond genetic aberrations and, as such, requires sophisticated computational approaches and high-dimensional data for optimal interpretation. While conventional artificial intelligence (AI) models excel in many prediction tasks, they often lack interpretability and are blind to the scientific hypotheses generated by researchers to enable cancer discoveries. Here we propose that hypothesis-driven AI, a new emerging class of AI algorithm, is an innovative approach to uncovering the complex etiology of cancer from big omics data. This review exemplifies how hypothesis-driven AI is different from conventional AI by citing its application in various areas of oncology including tumor classification, patient stratification, cancer gene discovery, drug response prediction, and tumor spatial organization. Our aim is to stress the feasibility of incorporating domain knowledge and scientific hypotheses to craft the design of new AI algorithms. We showcase the power of hypothesis-driven AI in making novel cancer discoveries that can be overlooked by conventional AI methods. Since hypothesis-driven AI is still in its infancy, open questions such as how to better incorporate new knowledge and biological perspectives to ameliorate bias and improve interpretability in the design of AI algorithms still need to be addressed. In conclusion, hypothesis-driven AI holds great promise in the discovery of new mechanistic and functional insights that explain the complexity of cancer etiology and potentially chart a new roadmap to improve treatment regimens for individual patients.
ncRNAs Orchestrate Chemosensitivity Induction by Neddylation Blockades
Authors: Pérez-González Andrea , Ramírez-Díaz Ivonne , Guzmán-Linares Josué , Sarvari Pouya , Sarvari Pourya , Rubio Karla
Published: February 2024

We performed an integrative transcriptomic in silico analysis using lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells treated with the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 and the gefitinib-resistant PC9 cell line (PC9GR). We focused on the transcriptional effects of the top differentially expressed ncRNA biotypes and their correlating stemness factors. Interestingly, MLN4924-treated cells showed a significant upregulation of mRNAs involved in carcinogenesis, cell attachment, and differentiation pathways, as well as a parallel downregulation of stemness maintenance and survival signaling pathways, an effect that was inversely observed in PC9GR cells. Moreover, we found that stemness factor expression could be contrasted by selected up-regulated ncRNAs upon MLN4924 treatment in a dose and time-independent manner. Furthermore, upregulated miRNAs and lncRNA-targeted mRNAs showed an evident enrichment of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis pathways, while downregulated ncRNA-targeted mRNAs were implicated in stem cell maintenance. Finally, our results proved that stemness (KLF4 and FGFR2) and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (ZEB2, TWIST2, SNAI2, CDH2, and VIM) factors, which are highly expressed in PC9GR cells compared to gefitinib-sensitive PC9 cells, could be abrogated with the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 mainly through activation of epithelial differentiation pathways, thus exerting a protective role in lung cancer cells and chemosensitivity against lung tumorigenic transformation.