bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of highly transmissible livestock and avian viruses including influenza A and Newcastle disease virus for molecular diagnostics
Authors: Welch Jennifer L. , Shrestha Ram , Hutchings Heather , Pal Narinder , Levings Randall , Robbe-Austerman Suelee , Palinski Rachel , Shanmuganatham Karthik K.
Published: March 2024

There is a critical need for an inactivation method that completely inactivates pathogens at the time of sample collection while maintaining the nucleic acid quality required for diagnostic PCR testing. This inactivation method is required to alleviate concerns about transmission potential, minimize shipping complications and cost, and enable testing in lower containment laboratories, thereby enhancing disease diagnostics through improved turn-around time. This study evaluated a panel of 10 surrogate viruses that represent highly pathogenic animal diseases. These results showed that a commercial PrimeStore® molecular transport media (PSMTM) completely inactivated all viruses tested by >99.99%, as determined by infectivity and serial passage assays. However, the detection of viral nucleic acid by qRT-PCR was comparable in PSMTM and control-treated conditions. These results were consistent when viruses were evaluated in the presence of biological material such as sera and cloacal swabs to mimic diagnostic sample conditions for non-avian and avian viruses, respectively. The results of this study may be utilized by diagnostic testing laboratories for highly pathogenic agents affecting animal and human populations. These results may be used to revise guidance for select agent diagnostic testing and the shipment of infectious substances.
In silico and in vivo evaluation of the anti-cryptosporidial activity of eugenol
Authors: Gattan Hattan S. , Wakid Majed H. , Qahwaji Rowaid M. , Altwaim Sarah , Mahjoub Haifaa A. , Alfaifi Mashael S. , Elshazly Hayam , Al-Megrin Wafa Abdullah I. , Alshehri Eman Abdullah , Elshabrawy Hatem A. , El-kady Asmaa M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic parasitic disease widely distributed worldwide. Although Cryptosporidium sp. causes asymptomatic infection in healthy people, it may lead to severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. Limited effective therapeutic alternatives are available against cryptosporidiosis in this category of patients. So, there is an urgent need for therapeutic alternatives for cryptosporidiosis. Recently, the potential uses of Eugenol (EUG) have been considered a promising novel treatment for bacterial and parasitic infections. Consequently, it is suggested to investigate the effect of EUG as an option for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis.

Materials and methods

The in silico bioinformatics analysis was used to predict and determine the binding affinities and intermolecular interactions of EUG and Nitazoxanide (NTZ) toward several Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) lowa II target proteins. For animal study, five groups of immunosuppressed Swiss albino mice (10 mice each) were used. Group I was left uninfected (control), and four groups were infected with 1,000 oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. The first infected group was left untreated. The remaining three infected groups received NTZ, EUG, and EUG + NTZ, respectively, on the 6th day post-infection (dpi). All mice were sacrificed 30 dpi. The efficacy of the used formulas was assessed by counting the number of C. parvum oocysts excreted in stool of infected mice, histopathological examination of the ileum and liver tissues and determination of the expression of iNOS in the ileum of mice in different animal groups.

Results

treatment with EUG resulted in a significant reduction in the number of oocysts secreted in stool when compared to infected untreated mice. In addition, oocyst excretion was significantly reduced in mice received a combination therapy of EUG and NTZ when compared with those received NTZ alone. EUG succeeded in reverting the histopathological alterations induced by Cryptosporidium infection either alone or in combination with NTZ. Moreover, mice received EUG showed marked reduction of the expression of iNOS in ileal tissues.

Conclusion

Based on the results, the present study signified a basis for utilizing EUG as an affordable, safe, and alternative therapy combined with NTZ in the management of cryptosporidiosis.
mTOR hyperactivity and RICTOR amplification as targets for personalized treatments in malignancies
Authors: Sztankovics Dániel , Moldvai Dorottya , Petővári Gábor , Dankó Titanilla , Szalai Fatime , Miyaura Risa , Varga Viktória , Nagy Noémi , Papp Gergő , Pápay Judit , Krencz Ildikó , Sebestyén Anna
Published: March 2024

The increasing knowledge of molecular alterations in malignancies, including mutations and regulatory failures in the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) signaling pathway, highlights the importance of mTOR hyperactivity as a validated target in common and rare malignancies. This review summarises recent findings on the characterization and prognostic role of mTOR kinase complexes (mTORC1 and mTORC2) activity regarding differences in their function, structure, regulatory mechanisms, and inhibitor sensitivity. We have recently identified new tumor types with RICTOR (rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR) amplification and associated mTORC2 hyperactivity as useful potential targets for developing targeted therapies in lung cancer and other newly described malignancies. The activity of mTOR complexes is recommended to be assessed and considered in cancers before mTOR inhibitor therapy, as current first-generation mTOR inhibitors (rapamycin and analogs) can be ineffective in the presence of mTORC2 hyperactivity. We have introduced and proposed a marker panel to determine tissue characteristics of mTOR activity in biopsy specimens, patient materials, and cell lines. Ongoing phase trials of new inhibitors and combination therapies are promising in advanced-stage patients selected by genetic alterations, molecular markers, and/or protein expression changes in the mTOR signaling pathway. Hopefully, the summarized results, our findings, and the suggested characterization of mTOR activity will support therapeutic decisions.
Potential Reductions in the Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Production in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Wang Penghui , Ding Rui , Shi Wenjiao , Li Jun
Published: March 2024

Quantifying potential reductions in environmental impacts for multi-crop agricultural production is important for the development of environmentally friendly agricultural systems. To analyze the spatial differences in the potential reduction in nitrogen (N) use, we provided a framework that comprehensively assesses the potential of improving N use efficiency (NUE) and mitigating environmental impacts in Hubei Province, China, for multiple crops including rice, wheat, maize, tea, fruits, and vegetables, by considering N and its environmental indicators. This framework considers various sources such as organic N fertilizers and synthetic fertilizers, along with their respective environmental indicators. We designed different scenarios assuming varying degrees of improvement in the NUE for cities with a low NUE. By calculating the N rate, N surplus, N leaching, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under different scenarios, we quantified the environmental mitigation potential of each crop during the production process. The results showed that when the NUE of each crop reached the average level in Hubei Province, the improvement in environmental emissions is favorable compared to other scenarios. The N rate, N surplus, N leaching, and GHG emissions of grain (cash) crops could be reduced by 25.87% (41.26%), 36.07% (38.90%), 49.47% (36.14%), and 51.52% (41.67%), respectively. Overall, improving the NUE in cash crops will result in a greater proportionate reduction in environmental impacts than that in grain crops, but grain crops will reduce the total amount of GHG emissions. Our method provides a robust measure to assess the reduction potential of N pollution and GHG emissions in multi-crop production systems.
Assessing the Microbial Quality of Shrimp (Xiphonaeus kroyeri) and Mussels (Perna perna) Illegally Sold in the Vitória Region, Brazil, and Investigating the Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolates
Authors: Link Daniella Tosta , Viana Gustavo Guimarães Fernandes , Siqueira Lívia Pasolini , Ferraz Carolina Magri , Rodrigues Romário Alves , Mathias Luis Antonio , Cardozo Marita Vedovelli , Rossi Gabriel Augusto Marques
Published: March 2024

The consumption of seafood is crucial for food security, but poor hygiene along the food production chain can result in low microbiological quality, posing significant risks for public health and seafood quality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and antimicrobial sensitivity of E. coli from 69 samples of illegally marketed shrimp and mussels in the Vitória Region, Brazil. These foods exhibited poor microbiological quality due to high counts of mesophilic, psychrotrophic, and enterobacteria microorganisms. While this issue is widespread in this area, shrimp samples displayed higher microbial counts compared to mussels, and fresh mussels had elevated counts of enterobacteria compared to frozen ones. Among the 10 E. coli isolates, none carried the genes blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-2, blaCTX-M-3, blaCTX-M-15, mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and tet, associated with antibiotic resistance. Phenotypical resistance to tetracycline and fosfomycin was not observed in any isolate, while only 20% demonstrated resistance to ciprofloxacin. Regarding ampicillin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, 60% of isolates were resistant, 10% showed intermediate susceptibility, and 30% were sensitive. One isolate was considered simultaneously resistant to β-lactams and quinolones, and none were conserved as ESBL producers. These findings highlight the inherent risks to local public health that arise from consuming improperly prepared seafood in this area.
The Use of CHROMID® Colistin R for the Detection of Colistin-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Marrs Emma C. L. , Milburn Olivia , Eltringham Gary J. , Fenwick Danielle J. C. , Orenga Sylvain , Hazırolan Gulsen , Zarakolu Pinar , Perry John D.
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the utility of CHROMID® Colistin R for direct detection of colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from positive blood cultures. A total of 390 blood cultures from hospitalised patients containing Gram-negative bacteria were included in this study. These blood cultures were referred to clinical laboratories in the United Kingdom and Türkiye. A further 16 simulated positive blood culture bottles were included that contained a range of colistin-resistant strains as well as susceptible control strains. Fluid from each positive blood culture was diluted 1/200 in saline and 10 µL aliquots cultured onto cystine-lactose-electrolyte-deficient agar and CHROMID® Colistin R. All recovered bacteria were identified, and for Gram-negative bacteria, their minimum inhibitory concentration of colistin was measured using the broth microdilution method. From a total of 443 Gram-negative isolates, 57 colistin-resistant isolates were recovered, of which 53 (93%) grew on CHROMID® Colistin R within 18 h. Of the 377 isolates determined to be colistin-susceptible, only 9 isolates were able to grow, including 6 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For positive blood cultures that are shown to contain Gram-negative bacteria, culture on CHROMID® Colistin R is a useful diagnostic tool to detect susceptibility or resistance to colistin within 18 h.
Nitrooxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation Caused by Air Pollutants Are Associated with the Biological Markers of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Ramírez-Mendoza Abraham Alberto , Mendoza-Magaña María Luisa , Ramírez-Herrera Mario Alberto , Hernández-Nazara Zamira Helena , Domínguez-Rosales José Alfredo
Published: March 2024

Millions of people around the world are exposed to air pollutants, such as particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). Such exposure usually does not exclude these two types of pollutants and their harmful effects could be additive or synergistic. O3 is a highly oxidizing gas that reacts with the cellular environment just as PM2.5, triggering nitrooxidative damage. Once nitrooxidative stress overcomes the endogenous antioxidant system, an acute neuroinflammatory process is generated, and once it becomes chronic, it favors the formation of neurodegenerative disease markers. The presence of these markers becomes potentially dangerous in people who have a genetic predisposition and are at a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Our experimental approach for nitrooxidative damage and neuroinflammation caused by air pollutants has focused on the exposure of rats to O3 in an isolated chamber. The hippocampus is the most studied brain structure because of its neuronal connectivity network with the olfactory epithelium, its weak antioxidant defense, and its fundamental roll in cognitive processes. However, other brain structures may exhibit a different degree of damage upon exposure to O3 and PM2.5, making their involvement an important factor in developing other CNS diseases. The age spectrum for augmented sensibility to air pollutants seems to mostly affect the pre-postnatal (autism spectrum) period and the elderly (neurodegenerative). Thus, a new approach could be the estimation of the damage caused by PM2.5 and O3 through a controlled exposure paradigm to determine the extent of damage caused by both pollutants.
Lercanidipine’s Antioxidative Effect Prevents Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Guo Zhaoqi , Tian E , Chen Sen , Wang Jun , Chen Jingyu , Kong Weijia , Crans Debbie C. , Lu Yisheng , Zhang Sulin
Published: March 2024

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a prevalent form of adult hearing impairment, characterized by oxidative damage to auditory sensory hair cells. Although certain dihydropyridines, the L-type calcium channel blockers, exhibit protective properties against such damage, the ability of third-generation dihydropryidines like lercanidipine to mitigate NIHL remains unclear.We utilized glucose oxidase (GO)-treated OC1 cell lines and cochlear explants to evaluate the protective influence of lercanidipine on hair cells. To further investigate its effectiveness, we exposed noise-stimulated mice in vivo and analyzed their hearing thresholds. Additionally, we assessed the antioxidative capabilities of lercanidipine by examining oxidation-related enzyme expression and levels of oxidative stress markers, including 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE). Our findings demonstrate that lercanidipine significantly reduces the adverse impacts of GO on both OC-1 cell viability (0.3 to 2.5 µM) and outer hair cell (OHC) survival in basal turn cochlear explants (7 µM). These results are associated with increased mRNA expression of antioxidant enzyme genes (HO-1, SOD1/2, and Txnrd1), along with decreased expression of oxidase genes (COX-2, iNOS). Crucially, lercanidipine administration prior to, and following, noise exposure effectively ameliorates NIHL, as evidenced by lowered hearing thresholds and preserved OHC populations in the basal turn, 14 days post-noise stimulation at 110 dB SPL. Moreover, our observations indicate that lercanidipine’s antioxidative action persists even three days after simultaneous drug and noise treatments, based on 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxynonenal immunostaining in the basal turn. Based on these findings, we propose that lercanidipine has the capacity to alleviate NIHL and safeguard OHC survival in the basal turn, potentially via its antioxidative mechanism. These results suggest that lercanidipine holds promise as a clinically viable option for preventing NIHL in affected individuals.
Roles of Traditional and Next-Generation Probiotics on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhu Yuezhi , Tan Jen Kit , Liu Jia , Goon Jo Aan
Published: March 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive stage, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are becoming one of the most common chronic liver diseases globally. Lifestyle interventions such as weight reduction, increased physical activity, and maintaining healthy diets play a pivotal role in managing NAFLD/NASH. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiome is associated with the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH, prompting microbiome-targeted therapy to emerge as a new therapeutic option for NAFLD/NASH. We conducted a systematic review based on the PRISMA statement and employed network meta-analysis to investigate the effects of traditional probiotics and next-generation probiotics (NGPs) on NAFLD/NASH. Comparative analysis reveals that traditional probiotics primarily reduce liver fat deposition and inflammation by improving gut microbiota composition, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and modulating immune responses. In contrast, NGPs demonstrate a more significant therapeutic potential, attributed to their direct effects on inhibiting oxidative stress and their ability to enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), NGPs appear as a new potential strategy for the management of NAFLD/NASH through their dual action of directly inhibiting oxidative stress and enhancing SCFA production, highlighting the importance of understanding and utilizing the direct and indirect regulatory mechanisms of oxidative stress in the management of NAFLD/NASH.
Coupled Vibration Analysis of Multi-Span Continuous Cable Structure Considering Frictional Slip
Authors: Tian Zhongchu , Xu Binlin
Published: March 2024

As important load-bearing structures, suspension cables have been widely used in suspension bridges, engineering ropeways, cable suspension systems and other special equipment. Their dynamic problems have always been a research hotspot. Especially for complex cable systems such as engineering ropeways and cable lifting equipment, there will be moving loads acting on multi-span continuous friction-slip cable structures, resulting in nonlinear coupled vibration. Therefore, few scholars have studied how to calculate the nonlinear coupling vibration effect between such moving loads and multi-span continuous cables considering friction slip. Therefore, this paper proposes the use of the combination of the direct stiffness method and the Newmark-β integration method to solve the nonlinear system of equations of motion, which can be derived from the coupled vibration response between the moving load and the main cable. The corresponding calculation program is prepared. Combined with the dynamic load test and simulation results of engineering cases, the correctness and reasonableness of the coupled vibration equations and the program can be verified through comparative analysis. The results show that the calculation results of the self-programmed program are in good agreement with the dynamic load test results, in which the maximum error of the vertical displacement in the span is −4.40% and 0.86%, and the error of the static calculation reaches −13.90%. The impact effect is more obvious when hoisting the weight out of the pulling cable, in which the impact coefficient of the main cable can be up to 2.0. The impact coefficient of the deviation of the cable tower is 4.0. During the traveling process of the moving load, the vertical downward deflection of the main cable at the action point is the largest, and the upward deflection is in the region of 0.2~0.8L from the action point.
Development and Characterization of Innovative Hemp–Gypsum Composites for Application in the Building Industry
Authors: Ferrández Daniel , Álvarez Manuel , Zaragoza-Benzal Alicia , Cobo-González Álvaro , Santos Paulo
Published: March 2024

At present, the development of new eco-friendly building materials for the production of lightweight partitions has become a challenge in order to advance towards the industrialization of the building sector. This work aims to design, characterize, and analyze the possibilities of applying innovative ecological gypsum composites lightened with hemp. To achieve this, samples have been prepared with partial replacement of 15% and 30% in volume of the original gypsum material by adding hemp both in the form of powder and fiber. The results show how the replacement of 15% of gypsum by hemp fiber with a length between 8 and 12 mm improves the flexural strength of the composites. Likewise, all the dosages prepared for this study have met the minimum requirements for mechanical strength required by current regulations, while also improving the water resistance behavior of gypsum composites. However, the main advantage derived from the use of these hemp-lightened gypsum-based materials lies in their reduced thermal conductivity, being up to 50% lower than that obtained for traditional materials. These results suggest the possible application of these materials to produce prefabricated boards and panels for a more sustainable construction.
Motion Sickness in Mixed-Reality Situational Awareness System
Authors: Haamer Rain Eric , Mikhailava Nika , Podliesnova Veronika , Saremat Raido , Lusmägi Tõnis , Petrinec Ana , Anbarjafari Gholamreza
Published: March 2024

This research focuses on enhancing the user experience within a Mixed-Reality Situational Awareness System (MRSAS). The study employed the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) in order to gauge and quantify the user experience and to compare the effects of changes to the system. As the results of SSQ are very dependant on inherent motion sickness susceptibility, the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSQ) was used to normalize the results. The experimental conditions were tested on a simulated setup which was also compared to its real-life counterpart. This simulated setup was adjusted to best match the conditions found in the real system by using post-processing effects. The test subjects in this research primarily consisted of 17–28 years old university students representing both male and female genders as well as a secondary set with a larger age range but predominantly male. In total, there were 41 unique test subjects in this study. The parameters that were analyzed in this study were the Field of View (FoV) of the headset, the effects of peripheral and general blurring, camera distortions, camera white balance and users adaptability to VR over time. All of the results are presented as the average of multiple user results and as scaled by user MSQ. The findings suggest that SSQ scores increase rapidly in the first 10–20 min of testing and level off at around 40–50 min. Repeated exposure to VR reduces MS buildup, and a FoV of 49–54 is ideal for a MRSAS setup. Additionally camera based effects like lens distortion and automatic white balance had negligible effests on MS. In this study a new MSQ based SSQ normalization technique was also developed and utilized for comparison. While the experiments in this research were primarily conducted with the goal of improving the physical Vegvisir system, the results themselves may be applicable for a broader array of VR/MR awareness systems and can help improve the UX of future applications.
Research on Chinese Named Entity Recognition Based on Lexical Information and Spatial Features
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Liu Shengquan , Jian Zhaorui , Yin Huixin
Published: March 2024

In the field of Chinese-named entity recognition, recent research has sparked new interest by combining lexical features with character-based methods. Although this vocabulary enhancement method provides a new perspective, it faces two main challenges: firstly, using character-by-character matching can easily lead to conflicts during the vocabulary matching process. Although existing solutions attempt to alleviate this problem by obtaining semantic information about words, they still lack sufficient temporal sequential or global information acquisition; secondly, due to the limitations of dictionaries, there may be words in a sentence that do not match the dictionary. In this situation, existing vocabulary enhancement methods cannot effectively play a role. To address these issues, this paper proposes a method based on lexical information and spatial features. This method carefully considers the neighborhood and overlap relationships of characters in vocabulary and establishes global bidirectional semantic and temporal sequential information to effectively address the impact of conflicting vocabulary and character fusion on entity segmentation. Secondly, the attention score matrix extracted by the point-by-point convolutional network captures the local spatial relationship between characters without fused vocabulary information and characters with fused vocabulary information, aiming to compensate for information loss and strengthen spatial connections. The comparison results with the baseline model show that the SISF method proposed in this paper improves the F1 metric by 0.72%, 3.12%, 1.07%, and 0.37% on the Resume, Weibo, Ontonotes 4.0, and MSRA datasets, respectively.
Methods for Identifying Effective Microseismic Signals in a Strong-Noise Environment Based on the Variational Mode Decomposition and Modified Support Vector Machine Models
Authors: Shen Sihongren , Wang Bo , Zeng Linfeng , Chen Sheng , Xie Liujun , She Zilong , Huang Lanying
Published: March 2024

The environment for acquiring microseismic signals is always filled with complex noise, leading to the presence of abundant invalid signals in the collected data and greatly disturbing effective microseismic signals. Regarding the identification of effective microseismic signals with a low signal-to-noise ratio, a method for identifying effective microseismic signals in a strong-noise environment by using the variational mode decomposition (VMD) and genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimized support vector machine (SVM) model is proposed. Microseismic signals with a low signal-to-noise ratio are adaptively decomposed into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by using VMD. The characteristics of such IMFs are extracted and used as a basis for the determination of signal validity. The SVM model is optimized by utilizing GA to obtain the optimal penalty factor c and the kernel function parameter g. The availability of IMF components is judged by the optimized SVM model, based on which the effectiveness of microseismic signals is further identified. By applying the algorithm to the microseismic signals with artificially added noise, the effective microseismic signals and ineffective noise are discriminated, verifying the feasibility of the algorithm. After processing the microseismic records collected in the field, we effectively judge the effectiveness of microseismic signals, suppress the interfering noise in the data and greatly improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the seismic records. The results show that the method for identifying effective microseismic signals based on VMD and GA-SVM can well discriminate between effective and ineffective microseismic signals, which is very significant and provides technical support for microseismic monitoring in a strong-noise environment.
Food Passports and Intelligent Food Recipes: The Data-Oriented Way of Producing Food
Authors: Ribeiro Luis , Mihnea Mihaela , Skjöldebrand Christina , Lareke Anders
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses a Multiagent System architecture and its supporting concepts and technical implementation for food-producing systems. The Food and Beverages industry is in dire need of embracing more advanced industrial digitization practices to be able to meet immediate sustainability requirements. One such challenge is improving and optimizing resource utilization. A more rationalized use of raw materials, production processes and machinery is a key aspect of the latter. At the same time, food is still produced, in many instances, in a very traditional way, particularly when it comes to ingredient selection. The architecture introduced in this paper has the ambition of articulating the supply and demand of food products based in the technical characteristics of food (e.g., composition, nutritional content and value, processing efficiency, and taste profiles) instead of the more traditional characteristics. To that end, the paper introduces, among other key concepts, the notion of the Digital Food Identity Card as an active digital document that stores such technical information and the notion of Dynamic Recipe as an active software entity with the dynamic capability of adjusting production parameters in a recipe to market conditions, as well as coordinating the resources included in the execution of a industrial food recipe. Both concepts are modeled as agents and part of the proposed architecture. Finally, the paper provides a formal grammar for a domain specific language, that can be used by human specialists to define a dynamic recipe and be simultaneously interpreted by Dynamic Recipe Agents to enact the behaviours previously described. The domain specific language is an integral part of the architecture, together with the agent-based formulation, and an important link in creating an effectively data-oriented way of articulating different stake-holder concerns. The proposed solution is informed by requirements elicited within domain experts and sustainability targets that food-producing companies currently must adhere to.
Modeling the Influence of Changes in the Edaphic Environment on the Ecosystem Valuation of the Zone of Influence of the Ozogoche and Atillo Lake Systems in Ecuador
Authors: Pazmiño Yadira Carmen , Felipe José Juan de , Vallbé Marc , Pazmiño Yomara
Published: March 2024

Ecosystem valuation (EV) of soil resources is essential for understanding changes in environmental services in monetary terms. A lack of this information, which includes economic indices, hinders the optimal management of natural resources. This study evaluated the influence of changes in the edaphic ecosystem on the EV of the zone of influence of the Ozogoche and Atillo lake systems in Ecuador. The classification was carried out through spectral indices and support vector machines (SVMs), and the EV was determined through opportunity costs including environmental service provisioning and indirect use. The land use and EV classification methods were performed efficiently; the degradation trend was constant. The Modified Water Difference Index was the most efficient in the extraction of water bodies, with an accuracy of 91%. The SVMs algorithm, in recognizing coverage in general, had an overall accuracy of 85%. The adjustment made to the SVMs algorithm to improve the selection of hyperparameters was effective; a robust architecture of the algorithm in terms of automation was achieved. Between 2000 and 2020, moorland, water and wetland degraded by 19%, 2% and 3.4%, respectively. In 2000, the EV as a function of avoided CO2 content was USD 8.00 × 106; in 2010 and 2020, it was USD 6.00 × 106 and USD 5.00 × 106, respectively.
Octopus Predation-Inspired Underwater Robot Capable of Adsorption through Opening and Closing Claws
Authors: Gong Haixia , Li Zicong , Meng Fance , Tan Bowen , Hou Shuping
Published: March 2024

Underwater unmanned robots are an essential tool for human underwater exploration and detection and are widely employed in a variety of underwater operational settings. One of the hottest issues in this field is applying bionic notions to the creation of underwater unmanned robots by simulating fish swimming or cephalopod crawling. Using the tentacle suction cup adsorption technique during octopus’ predation as a model, underwater magnetic adsorption robots with the opening and closing claws were studied in this paper. First, the robot’s general structural design is presented. The claw mechanism is demonstrated by mimicking the octopus’s tentacle action during feeding, which primarily consists of an opening and closing claw that replicates the octopus’s tentacle and a magnetic adsorption unit that replicates the octopus’s suction cup adsorption. Then, the Kriging response surface optimization method is used to optimize the design of the claw mechanism to obtain excellent mechanical properties, and simulation software is used to verify. Finally, a robot prototype was built and its pool tests were conducted, with some experimental results presented. The experimental results show that after the robot reaches the predetermined position through pneumatic ejection and secondary propulsion launch, it can quickly open its claws within 0.11 s and apply 462.42 N adsorption force to complete the adsorption of the target.
Full-Size Experimental Measurement of Combustion and Destruction Efficiency in Upstream Flares and the Implications for Control of Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Production
Authors: Evans Peter , Newman David , Venuturumilli Raj , Liekens Johan , Lowe Jon , Tao Chong , Chow Jon , Wang Anan , Sui Lei , Bottino Gerard
Published: March 2024

Accurately measuring the combustion and destruction removal efficiency of flaring is important when accounting for methane emissions from oil and gas production. Despite this, the amount of experimental data from full-size flares is limited, especially for flares built without air or steam assistance. The use of a single destruction value of 98% is commonly applied. In this paper, we present new empirical measurements of flare efficiency using three common flare designs employed in upstream applications. Combustion products were analyzed using an extractive sampling method. The results demonstrate that whilst destruction efficiencies in excess of 98% are achievable, if the gas composition falls below a critical heating value of ~300 BTU/scf, the efficiency deteriorates leading to elevated methane emissions. This is further complicated by accurately measuring the flow of combustible gas and the impact of crosswinds. In an operational setting, continuous tracking of flare conditions is therefore a key resource in reducing methane emissions but further work is required to standardize how continuous performance tracking is evaluated if such measurements are to attain full traceability.
Hölder-Type Inequalities for Power Series of Operators in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Altwaijry Najla , Dragomir Silvestru Sever , Feki Kais
Published: March 2024

Consider the power series with complex coefficients h(z)=∑k=0∞akzk and its modified version ha(z)=∑k=0∞|ak|zk. In this article, we explore the application of certain Hölder-type inequalities for deriving various inequalities for operators acting on the aforementioned power series. We establish these inequalities under the assumption of the convergence of h(z) on the open disk D(0,ρ), where ρ denotes the radius of convergence. Additionally, we investigate the norm and numerical radius inequalities associated with these concepts.
Solvability Criterion for a System Arising from Monge–Ampère Equations with Two Parameters
Authors: Wang Liangyu , Li Hongyu
Published: March 2024

Monge–Ampère equations have important research significance in many fields such as geometry, convex geometry and mathematical physics. In this paper, under some superlinear and sublinear conditions, the existence of nontrivial solutions for a system arising from Monge–Ampère equations with two parameters is investigated based on the Guo–Krasnosel’skii fixed point theorem. In the end, two examples are given to illustrate our theoretical results.
White Sparkling Wine Proteins and Glycoproteins and Their Behavior in Foam Expansion and Stability
Authors: Lomolino Giovanna , Vincenzi Simone , Zannoni Stefania , Vegro Mara , De Iseppi Alberto
Published: March 2024

The volume and stability of wine foams are influenced by many components of the matrix, especially proteins. However, the synergistic or inhibiting effects among these protein fractions, as well as their interactions with other wine components, are still under study. The present research aims to understand the individual and cooperative effects of different wine proteins and glycoproteins on the volume and stability of foams. To address this objective, different protein fractions were purified from a Chardonnay white wine and tested in different model wine conditions (with/without ethanol), along with a commercial yeast-based oenological additive. Different fractions were considered, including total protein fraction (FT), Mannoproteins (MP), and non-mannosylated proteins (NMP), as well as a protein fraction soluble in ammonium sulfate (FSA). These protein fractions were characterized, and their foaming properties were evaluated using a modified Rudin apparatus. The results showed that FT exhibited higher foam expansion (FE%) compared to its subfractions (NMP and MP) that, when tested individually, did not guarantee optimal foam formation. This suggests that foaming properties are enhanced when both glycosylated and non-glycosylated proteins are present in the system. Additionally, the foaming behavior was influenced by the presence of ethanol in the model wine. The FSA fraction demonstrated high foam expansion and stability, with ethanol enhancing foam expansion but reducing stability. A commercial yeast-based oenological additive, mainly containing glycoproteins, was also tested and behaved similarly to MP. This study provides valuable insights for sparkling wine producers to optimize practices for enhancing product quality and confirm previous research regarding the role of the synergy between MP and NMP in wine foam formation and stability.
Evaluating the Role of Breast Ultrasound in Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Comprehensive Narrative Review
Authors: Iacob Roxana , Iacob Emil Radu , Stoicescu Emil Robert , Ghenciu Delius Mario , Cocolea Daiana Marina , Constantinescu Amalia , Ghenciu Laura Andreea , Manolescu Diana Luminita
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer, affecting both genders, but mostly females, exhibits shifting demographic patterns, with an increasing incidence in younger age groups. Early identification through mammography, clinical examinations, and breast self-exams enhances treatment efficacy, but challenges persist in low- and medium-income countries due to limited imaging resources. This review assesses the feasibility of employing breast ultrasound as the primary breast cancer screening method, particularly in resource-constrained regions. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this study examines 52 publications from the last five years. Breast ultrasound, distinct from mammography, offers advantages like radiation-free imaging, suitability for repeated screenings, and preference for younger populations. Real-time imaging and dense breast tissue evaluation enhance sensitivity, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, limitations include reduced specificity, operator dependence, and challenges in detecting microcalcifications. Automatic breast ultrasound (ABUS) addresses some issues but faces constraints like potential inaccuracies and limited microcalcification detection. The analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer screening, emphasizing international collaboration and addressing limitations, especially in resource-constrained settings. Despite advancements, notably with ABUS, the primary goal is to contribute insights for optimizing breast cancer screening globally, improving outcomes, and mitigating the impact of this debilitating disease.
Deletion of Interleukin-1β Converting Enzyme Alters Mouse Cardiac Structure and Function
Authors: Azhar Gohar , Nagano Koichiro , Patyal Pankaj , Zhang Xiaomin , Verma Ambika , Wei Jeanne Y.
Published: March 2024

Interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE, caspase-1) is a thiol protease that cleaves the pro-inflammatory cytokine precursors of IL-1β and IL-18 into active forms. Given the association between caspase-1 and cardiovascular pathology, we analyzed the hearts of ICE knockout (ICE KO) mice to test the hypothesis that caspase-1 plays a significant role in cardiac morphology and function. We characterized the histological and functional changes in the hearts of ICE KO mice compared to the Wild type. The cardiomyocytes from the neonatal ICE KO mice showed an impaired response to oxidative stress. Subsequently, the hearts from the ICE KO mice were hypertrophied, with a significant increase in the left ventricular and septal wall thickness and a greater LV mass/body weight ratio. The ICE KO mice hearts exhibited irregular myofibril arrangements and disruption of the cristae in the mitochondrial structure. Proapoptotic proteins that were significantly increased in the hearts of ICE KO versus the Wild type included pErk, pJNK, p53, Fas, Bax, and caspase 3. Further, the antiapoptotic proteins Bag-1 and Bcl-2 are activated in ICE KO hearts. Functionally, there was an increase in the left ventricular epicardial diameter and volume in ICE KO. In conclusion, our findings support the important role of caspase-1 in maintaining cardiac health; specifically, a significant decrease in caspase-1 is detrimental to the cardiovascular system.
Predictive Value and Therapeutic Significance of Somatic BRCA Mutation in Solid Tumors
Authors: Szentmartoni Gyongyver , Mühl Dorottya , Csanda Renata , Szasz Attila Marcell , Herold Zoltan , Dank Magdolna
Published: March 2024

Ten percent of patients with breast cancer, and probably somewhat more in patients with ovarian cancer, have inherited germline DNA mutations in the breast and ovarian cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. In the remaining cases, the disease is caused by acquired somatic genetic and epigenetic alterations. Targeted therapeutic agents, such as poly ADP-ribose polymerases (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi), have emerged in treating cancers associated with germline BRCA mutations since 2014. The first PARPi was FDA-approved initially for ovarian cancer patients with germline BRCA mutations. Deleterious variants in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes and homologous recombination deficiency status have been strong predictors of response to PARPi in a few solid tumors since then. However, the relevance of somatic BRCA mutations is less clear. Somatic BRCA-mutated tumors might also respond to this new class of therapeutics. Although the related literature is often controversial, recently published case reports and/or randomized studies demonstrated the effectiveness of PARPi in treating patients with somatic BRCA mutations. The aim of this review is to summarize the predictive role of somatic BRCA mutations and to provide further assistance for clinicians with the identification of patients who could potentially benefit from PARPi.
The Iron Metabolism with a Specific Focus on the Functioning of the Nervous System
Authors: Kulaszyńska Monika , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina
Published: March 2024

Iron is the micronutrient with the best-studied biological functions. It is widely distributed in nature, and its involvement in the main metabolic pathways determines the great importance of this metal for all organisms. Iron is required for cellular respiration and various biochemical processes that ensure the proper functioning of cells and organs in the human body, including the brain. Iron also plays an important role in the production of free radicals, which can be beneficial or harmful to cells under various conditions. Reviews of iron metabolism and its regulation can be found in the literature, and further advances in understanding the molecular basis of iron metabolism are being made every year. The aim of this review is to systematise the available data on the role of iron in the function of the nervous system, especially in the brain. The review summarises recent views on iron metabolism and its regulatory mechanisms in humans, including the essential action of hepcidin. Special attention is given to the mechanisms of iron absorption in the small intestine and the purpose of this small but critically important pool of iron in the brain.
Measurable Residual Disease Detection in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Current Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Moritz Jennifer , Schwab Antonia , Reinisch Andreas , Zebisch Armin , Sill Heinz , Wölfler Albert
Published: March 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive malignant disease with a high relapse rate due to the persistence of chemoresistant cells. To some extent, these residual cells can be traced by sensitive flow cytometry and molecular methods resulting in the establishment of measurable residual disease (MRD). The detection of MRD after therapy represents a significant prognostic factor for predicting patients’ individual risk of relapse. However, due to the heterogeneity of the disease, a single sensitive method for MRD detection applicable to all AML patients is lacking. This review will highlight the advantages and limitations of the currently available detection methods—PCR, multiparameter flow cytometry, and next generation sequencing—and will discuss emerging clinical implications of MRD test results in tailoring treatment of AML patients.
Overexpression of SMYD3 Promotes Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease by Mediating Cell Proliferation and Genome Instability
Authors: Agborbesong Ewud , Zhou Julie Xia , Zhang Hongbing , Li Linda Xiaoyan , Harris Peter C. , Calvet James P. , Li Xiaogang
Published: March 2024

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disorder worldwide and progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, its precise mechanism is not fully understood. In recent years, epigenetic reprogramming has drawn increasing attention regarding its effect on cyst growth. However, considering the complexity of epigenetic mechanisms and the broad range of alterations of epigenetic components in ADPKD, identifying more specific epigenetic factors and understanding how they are mechanistically linked to promote cyst growth is relevant for the development of treatment for ADPKD. Here, we find that the histone methyltransferase SMYD3, which activates gene transcription via histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), is upregulated in PKD1 mutant mouse and human ADPKD kidneys. Genetic knockout of SMYD3 in a PKD1 knockout mouse model delayed cyst growth and improved kidney function compared with PKD1 single knockout mouse kidneys. Immunostaining and Western blot assays indicated that SMYD3 regulated PKD1-associated signaling pathways associated with proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle effectors in PKD1 mutant renal epithelial cells and tissues. In addition, we found that SMYD3 localized to the centrosome and regulated mitosis and cytokinesis via methylation of α-tubulin at lysine 40. In addition, SMYD3 regulated primary cilia assembly in PKD1 mutant mouse kidneys. In summary, our results demonstrate that overexpression of SMYD3 contributes to cyst progression and suggests targeting SMYD3 as a potential therapeutic strategy for ADPKD.