bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements and Insights in Exosome-Based Therapies for Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Systematic Review (2018–June 2023)
Authors: Sousa Patrícia , Lopes Bruna , Sousa Ana Catarina , Moreira Alícia , Coelho André , Alvites Rui , Alves Nuno , Geuna Stefano , Maurício Ana Colette
Published: July 2023

Exosomes have shown promising potential as a therapeutic approach for wound healing. Nevertheless, the translation from experimental studies to commercially available treatments is still lacking. To assess the current state of research in this field, a systematic review was performed involving studies conducted and published over the past five years. A PubMed search was performed for English-language, full-text available papers published from 2018 to June 2023, focusing on exosomes derived from mammalian sources and their application in wound healing, particularly those involving in vivo assays. Out of 531 results, 148 papers were selected for analysis. The findings revealed that exosome-based treatments improve wound healing by increasing angiogenesis, reepithelization, collagen deposition, and decreasing scar formation. Furthermore, there was significant variability in terms of cell sources and types, biomaterials, and administration routes under investigation, indicating the need for further research in this field. Additionally, a comparative examination encompassing diverse cellular origins, types, administration pathways, or biomaterials is imperative. Furthermore, the predominance of rodent-based animal models raises concerns, as there have been limited advancements towards more complex in vivo models and scale-up assays. These constraints underscore the substantial efforts that remain necessary before attaining commercially viable and extensively applicable therapeutic approaches using exosomes.
Pre-Operative SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Asymptomatic Heart Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Zwetsloot Peter-Paul , Smit Wouter L. , Van der Kaaij Niels P. , Szymanski Mariusz K. , Van der Meer Manon G. , Van Laake Linda W. , Troelstra Annet , Wegdam-Blans Marjolijn C. A. , Oerlemans Marish I. F. J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: From the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, international guidelines have recommended pre-operative screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) before heart transplantation (HTx). Due to the changing prevalence of COVID-19, the chances of false positive results have increased. Because of increased immunity in the population and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 to current Omicron variants, associated mortality and morbidity have decreased. We set out to investigate the yield and side effects of SARS-CoV-2 screening in our center. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study in the University Medical Center Utrecht. The study period was from March 2019 to January 2023. All data from patients who underwent HTx were collected, including all pre-operative and post-operative SARS-CoV-2 tests. Furthermore, all clinical SARS-CoV-2 tests for the indication of potential HTx were screened. Results: In the period under study, 51 patients underwent HTx. None of the recipients reported any symptoms of a viral infection. Fifty HTx recipients were screened for SARS-CoV-2. Forty-nine out of fifty patients tested negative. One patient had a false positive result, potentially delaying the HTx procedure. There were no cancelled HTx procedures due to a true positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. Conclusion: Pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 screening in asymptomatic HTx recipients did not lead to any true positive cases. In 2% of the cases, screening resulted in a false positive test result. With the current Omicron variants, in combination with a low-prevalence situation, we propose to abandon pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 screening and initiate a symptom-driven approach for the general viral testing of patients who are called in for a potential HTx.
The Interplay of Oxytocin and Attachment in Schizophrenic Patients: An fMRI Study
Authors: Hennig-Fast Kristina , Meissner Dominik , Steuwe Carolin , Dehning Sandra , Blautzik Janusch , Eilert Dirk W. , Zill Peter , Müller Norbert , Meindl Thomas , Reiser Maximilian , Möller Hans-Jürgen , Falkai Peter , Driessen Martin , Buchheim Anna
Published: July 2023

Background: Attachment theory offers an important framework for understanding interpersonal interaction experiences. In the present study, we examined the neural correlates of attachment patterns and oxytocin in schizophrenic patients (SZP) compared to healthy controls (HC) using fMRI. We assumed that male SZP shows a higher proportion of insecure attachment and an altered level of oxytocin compared to HC. On a neural level, we hypothesized that SZP shows increased neural activation in memory and self-related brain regions during the activation of the attachment system compared to HC. Methods: We used an event-related design for the fMRI study based on stimuli that were derived from the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System to examine attachment representations and their neural and hormonal correlates in 20 male schizophrenic patients compared to 20 male healthy controls. Results: A higher proportion of insecure attachment in schizophrenic patients compared to HC could be confirmed. In line with our hypothesis, Oxytocin (OXT) levels in SZP were significantly lower than in HC. We found increasing brain activations in SZP when confronted with personal relevant sentences before attachment relevant pictures in the precuneus, TPJ, insula, and frontal areas compared to HC. Moreover, we found positive correlations between OXT and bilateral dlPFC, precuneus, and left ACC in SZP only. Conclusion: Despite the small sample sizes, the patients’ response might be considered as a mode of dysregulation when confronted with this kind of personalized attachment-related material. In the patient group, we found positive correlations between OXT and three brain areas (bilateral dlPFC, precuneus, left ACC) and may conclude that OXT might modulate within this neural network in SZP.
Age-Related Changes to Multisensory Integration and Audiovisual Speech Perception
Authors: Pepper Jessica L. , Nuttall Helen E.
Published: July 2023

Multisensory integration is essential for the quick and accurate perception of our environment, particularly in everyday tasks like speech perception. Research has highlighted the importance of investigating bottom-up and top-down contributions to multisensory integration and how these change as a function of ageing. Specifically, perceptual factors like the temporal binding window and cognitive factors like attention and inhibition appear to be fundamental in the integration of visual and auditory information—integration that may become less efficient as we age. These factors have been linked to brain areas like the superior temporal sulcus, with neural oscillations in the alpha-band frequency also being implicated in multisensory processing. Age-related changes in multisensory integration may have significant consequences for the well-being of our increasingly ageing population, affecting their ability to communicate with others and safely move through their environment; it is crucial that the evidence surrounding this subject continues to be carefully investigated. This review will discuss research into age-related changes in the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms of multisensory integration and the impact that these changes have on speech perception and fall risk. The role of oscillatory alpha activity is of particular interest, as it may be key in the modulation of multisensory integration.
Study on the Dynamic Response of the Component Failure of Drum-Shaped Honeycomb-Type III Cable Dome with Quad-Strut Layout
Authors: Zhang Hao , Lv Hui , Zhu Zhongyi , Chen Zhaoquan , Chu Yiyi
Published: July 2023

The drum-shaped honeycomb-type cable dome departs from traditional concepts and incorporates the idea of multiple strut configurations. It is the most diverse type of cable dome structure. Both cables and struts serve as the main load-bearing components. Analyzing the effects of local component failure is crucial for designing large-scale cable domes able to resist continuous collapse. A numerical analysis model using the ANSYS finite element method with a 120 m span is established. Dynamic analysis methods are employed to study the response of structural internal forces and displacements during the failure of different component types. By defining the internal force dynamic coefficient and change coefficient, the structural continuity collapse resulting from component failure is determined based on computational results and observation of structural deformations. Furthermore, the importance of the various components within the overall structure is classified. The research findings indicate that the failure of individual components does not cause overall instability of the structure. The importance level of the ring cables and some upper chord ridge cables is higher than that of the inclined cables. Class a struts have a higher importance level than class b struts. Additionally, the importance level of outer ring components is higher than that of inner ring components.
The Advanced Progress of MoS2 and WS2 for Multi-Catalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Systems
Authors: Yu Haoxuan , Zhang Mengyang , Cai Yuntao , Zhuang Yanling , Wang Longlu
Published: July 2023

Two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are considered as the next generation of hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts due to their adjustable band gap, near-zero Gibbs free energy, and lower cost compared to noble metal catalysts. However, the electrochemical catalytic hydrogen evolution performance of TMDs with two-dimensional properties is limited by innate sparse catalytic active sites, poor electrical conductivity, and weak electrical contact with the substrate. It remains challenging for the intrinsic activity of TMDs for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) to compete with the noble metal platinum. In recent years, significant development of transition metal chalcogenides, especially MoS2 and WS2, as catalysts for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic HERs has proceeded drastically. It is indispensable to summarize the research progress in this area. This review summarizes recent research results of electrocatalysts and photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions based on two-dimensional materials, mainly including MoS2, WS2, and their compounds. The challenges and future development directions of two-dimensional hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalysts and photocatalysts are summarized and prospected as well.
Climate Urbanism as a New Urban Development Paradigm: Evaluating a City’s Progression towards Climate Urbanism in the Global South
Authors: Rahman Md. Abdur , Hossain Md. Zakir , Rahaman Khan Rubayet
Published: July 2023

Climate change impacts, the resulting spatiotemporal changes, and growing uncertainty exert pressure on city leaders and policy makers to create climate adaptive development strategies worldwide. This article introduces climate urbanism as a new development paradigm that advocates for a climate adaptive urban development process, safeguarding urban economics and infrastructure, and ensuring equitable implementation of related strategies. The objective of this article is to determine how far a climate vulnerable city in the Global South has progressed toward climate urbanism. The study employs Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to develop a conceptual framework. Afterward, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and indexing are used to develop a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) method to assess the selected climate sensitive factors related to climate urbanism. Findings reveal that the city of Khulna’s climate urbanism index score is 0.36, which is extremely low and denotes subpar urban performance. ‘Climate Conscious Governance’ and ‘Climate Smart Infrastructure’ contribute little, while ‘Adaptive and Dynamic Urban Form’ and ‘Urban Ecosystem Services’ contribute even less. The binary logistic regression analysis reveals the significant indicators of (transformative) climate urbanism. The article provides a critical lens for stakeholders to evaluate climate urbanism and promote urban sustainability in the face of climate change.
Comparison of the Physical Properties and Electronic Structure of Nb2B3 and Ta2B3
Authors: Zhang Yongmei , Wang Hongxia , Wang Xiaona , Zhang Xiuqing , Gao Yanqin
Published: July 2023

Based on the first-principles method, the effects of pressure and temperature on the physical properties of Nb2B3 and Ta2B3 were discussed. The approximate linear increase in B, G, and E with pressure was observed for Nb2B3 and Ta2B3 with a minor difference for bulk modulus and similar values for shear and Young’s modulus. Nb2B3 shows higher Vickers hardness and similar fracture toughness as compared with Ta2B3. An abnormal phenomenon of the simultaneous increase in hardness and B/G (σ) with the increased pressure was observed. The strong anisotropies of bulk, Young’s, and shear modulus were observed, and the differences of anisotropy between Nb2B3 and Ta2B3 increased with pressure. At low temperatures, the α of Nb2B3 is smaller than that of Ta2B3, but is larger than that of Ta2B3 at high temperatures. The Θ of Nb2B3 are larger than those of Ta2B3 under the same conditions. The combination of relatively high Vickers hardness and fracture toughness is determined by the metallic bond and covalent bond. With the increased pressure, Nb2B3 possesses the greater strength of B–B bonds than Ta2B3, which leads to its high hardness and Debye temperature.
Feature Selection with Weighted Ensemble Ranking for Improved Classification Performance on the CSE-CIC-IDS2018 Dataset
Authors: Göcs László , Johanyák Zsolt Csaba
Published: July 2023

Feature selection is a crucial step in machine learning, aiming to identify the most relevant features in high-dimensional data in order to reduce the computational complexity of model development and improve generalization performance. Ensemble feature-ranking methods combine the results of several feature-selection techniques to identify a subset of the most relevant features for a given task. In many cases, they produce a more comprehensive ranking of features than the individual methods used alone. This paper presents a novel approach to ensemble feature ranking, which uses a weighted average of the individual ranking scores calculated using these individual methods. The optimal weights are determined using a Taguchi-type design of experiments. The proposed methodology significantly improves classification performance on the CSE-CIC-IDS2018 dataset, particularly for attack types where traditional average-based feature-ranking score combinations result in low classification metrics.
The Diversity of Fish Larvae in the Bons Sinais Estuary (Mozambique) and Its Role as a Nursery to Marine Fish Resources
Authors: Mocuba Jeremias , Leitão Francisco , Teodósio Maria Alexandra
Published: July 2023

The study of assemblages of fish in their early phases in estuaries is an essential approach to understanding the functioning of these types of ecosystems and their role as nursery grounds for some marine fish species. The main aim of this study was to analyze the ichthyoplankton assemblage in the Bons Sinais Estuary, specifically to clarify the use of this area by species of socio-economic interest. This study identified 22 fish larval taxa among families, genera, and species. Gobiidae (54%), a group of resident species, dominated the community. The larval taxa of socio-economic importance (Thryssa sp., Clupeidae, Sillago sihama, Johnius dussumieri, Pellona ditchela, Pomadasys kaakan, Cichlidae, and Mugilidae) accounted for 23% of the total abundance. Larval density (N°/100 m3) varied spatially and temporally, with higher density and diversity values both in the middle zone and in the wet season. Multivariate analyses revealed that salinity, temperature, and water transparency had a strong influence on larval abundance and density. While most fish larvae were in the post-flexion stage, there was a predominance of pre-flexion larvae in the lower estuary and in the post-flexion stage in the middle and upper zones, especially for marine fish resources, showing the role of this estuarine habitat as a nursery area.
Advances in Diversity and Conservation of Terrestrial Small Mammals
Authors: Balčiauskas Linas , Benedek Ana Maria
Published: July 2023

Rodents and insectivores are key components in terrestrial ecosystems [...]
Radiomics Based on Single-Phase CTA for Distinguishing Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus from Circulatory Stasis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation before Ablation
Authors: Li Xue , Cai Yuyan , Chen Xiaoyi , Ming Yue , He Wenzhang , Liu Jing , Pu Huaxia , Chen Xinyue , Peng Liqing
Published: July 2023

Differentiation of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) and left atrial appendage (LAA) circulatory stasis is difficult when based only on single-phase computed tomography angiography (CTA) in routine clinical practice. Radiomics provides a promising tool for their identification. We retrospectively enrolled 204 (training set: 144; test set: 60) atrial fibrillation patients before ablation, including 102 LAAT and 102 circulatory stasis patients. Radiomics software was used to segment whole LAA on single-phase CTA images and extract features. Models were built and compared via a multivariable logistic regression algorithm and area under of the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs), respectively. For the radiomics model, radiomics clinical model, radiomics radiological model, and combined model, the AUCs were 0.82, 0.86, 0.90, 0.93 and 0.82, 0.82, 0.84, 0.85 in the training set and the test set, respectively (p < 0.05). One clinical feature (rheumatic heart disease) and four radiological features (transverse diameter of left atrium, volume of left atrium, location of LAA, shape of LAA) were added to the combined model. The combined model exhibited excellent differential diagnostic performances between LAAT and circulatory stasis without increasing extra radiation exposure. The single-phase, CTA-based radiomics analysis shows potential as an effective tool for accurately detecting LAAT in patients with atrial fibrillation before ablation.
On the Finite Complexity of Solutions in a Degenerate System of Quadratic Equations: Exact Formula
Authors: Brezhneva Olga , Prusińska Agnieszka , Tret’yakov Alexey A.
Published: July 2023

The paper describes an application of the p-regularity theory to Quadratic Programming (QP) and nonlinear equations with quadratic mappings. In the first part of the paper, a special structure of the nonlinear equation and a construction of the 2-factor operator are used to obtain an exact formula for a solution to the nonlinear equation. In the second part of the paper, the QP problem is reduced to a system of linear equations using the 2-factor operator. The solution to this system represents a local minimizer of the QP problem along with its corresponding Lagrange multiplier. An explicit formula for the solution of the linear system is provided. Additionally, the paper outlines a procedure for identifying active constraints, which plays a crucial role in constructing the linear system.
Misunderstanding Flight Part 1: A Century of Flight and Lift Education Literature
Authors: Wild Graham
Published: July 2023

The science education literature is littered with “new”, “correct”, “novel”, “explanations”, “theories”, and “approaches” to aerodynamic lift. One might infer from reading the growing number of these articles that there is a fundamental gap in classical physics, where our scientific prowess has failed us. In fact, if you read popular sources, you would believe “no one can explain why planes stay in the air”. This is a disconcerting thought to have while sitting inside a modern engineering marvel provided by Boeing or Airbus. However, rationally, since you are sat in that fuel-efficient and safe aeronautical wonder, the logical conclusion is that some are obviously aware of why planes stay in the air. In this paper, a century of educational literature on the topic of aerodynamic lift and flight is presented. The body of literature encompasses 140 articles, commencing in 1920. It is obvious from the content contained within them that there is more of a misunderstanding rather than an understanding of flight in the education context. There are two paradigms treated as mutually exclusive: those using Bernoulli and those using Newton. Throughout the literature, there are gems lost in the rubble; if the reader does not have an understanding, how will they know what is worth reading? This review attempts to clarify what is worth reading, by presenting a qualitative overview of aerodynamics education in undergraduate engineering, to understand why these opposing camps exist in the literature.
A Novel Localization Technology Based on DV-Hop for Future Internet of Things
Authors: Yang Xiaoying , Zhang Wanli , Tan Chengfang , Liao Tongqing
Published: July 2023

In recent years, localization has become a hot issue in many applications of the Internet of Things (IoT). The distance vector-hop (DV-Hop) algorithm is accepted for many fields due to its uncomplicated, low-budget, and common hardware, but it has the disadvantage of low positioning accuracy. To solve this issue, an improved DV-Hop algorithm—TWGDV-Hop—is put forward in this article. Firstly, the position is broadcast by using three communication radii, the hop is subdivided, and a hop difference correction coefficient is introduced to correct hops between nodes to make them more accurate. Then, the strategy of the square error fitness function is spent in calculating the average distance per hop (ADPH), and the distance weighting factor is added to jointly modify ADPH to make them more accurate. Finally, a good point set and Levy flight strategy both are introduced into gray wolf algorithm (GWO) to enhance ergodic property and capacity for unfettering the local optimum of it. Then, the improved GWO is used to evolve the place of each node to be located, further improving the location accuracy of the node to be located. The results of simulation make known that the presented positioning algorithm has improved positioning accuracy by 51.5%, 40.35%, and 66.8% compared to original DV-Hop in square, X-shaped, and O-shaped random distribution environments, respectively, with time complexity somewhat increased.
Removal of Organic Micro-Pollutants from Wastewater in Electrochemical Processes—Review
Authors: Włodarczyk-Makuła Maria , Myszograj Sylwia , Włodarczyk Maciej
Published: July 2023

The aim of the paper is to present information from the literature concerning the course of electrochemical wastewater treatment processes in regard to organic micro-pollutant removal. Most often, in order to remove xenobiotics that are difficult to degrade biochemically, advanced oxidation processes and photochemical processes with or without catalysts are used. The efficiency of these processes can be supported by the flow of electric current through the solution being purified in a special system. This paper presents the theoretical foundations of processes such as electrocoagulation, electroflotation, and advanced chemical and photochemical oxidation supported by electric power. Among the processes where the Fenton’s reagent is the oxidant, the electro-Fenton and photo-electro-Fenton processes are also described. This information is supplemented with examples of the use of these processes for removal/degradation of selected organic compounds such as pesticides, dyes, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic ingredients, and other organic xenobiotics from wastewater.
Variation of Mean Radiant Temperature in Rooms for Summer and Winter Conditions
Authors: Tamrakar Stutee , Chen Liguo , Sørensen Bjørn Reidar
Published: July 2023

The standard for ergonomics of the thermal environment provides information on the calculation of optimal thermal comfort. Operative temperature (OT) is one of the essential elements of thermal comfort and is a function of air temperature, mean radiant temperature (MRT), and air velocity. This paper investigates the impact of diverse influences on MRT in an office room based on occupant position and posture (seated and standing). A comparative simulation study of the varied thermal transmittance (U-value) of the only external wall with a window in an office room depending on the wide-ranging outdoor temperature is conducted in the MATLAB tool Simulink. The air temperature and air velocity are assumed according to the standards, and the MRT is simulated. The angle factors, U-value of walls/windows, occupant position, occupant posture, and outdoor temperature are the critical parameters that affect MRT. The results show varied responses from MRT for each of the five outdoor temperature scenarios simulated for three types of exterior walls. Seated occupants have equal MRT, whereas standing occupants have minor discrepancies when exposed to a window at the same distance in all outdoor scenarios. When the placement of occupants is not equally exposed to the window, the seated occupants have a higher MRT difference than the standing occupants.
Development of a Numerical Simulation Methodology for PCM-Air Heat Exchangers Used in Decentralised Façade Ventilation Units
Authors: Galiszewska Beata , Zender-Świercz Ewa
Published: July 2023

This paper presents the development of a methodology for using simulation to test decentralised façade ventilation systems with PCM exchangers and its validation with experimental data. Two approaches were compared to simulate the operation of an exchanger filled with phase-change material. In Method A, the geometry consisted of an air domain and a phase-change material domain, located in the cylinders of the exchanger. In this method, the phase transition was not modelled, but the specific heat was made temperature-dependent, wherein within the limits of the melting point, the specific heat is increased to a level that mimics the amount of latent heat from melting and solidification of the phase-change material. In Method B, the geometry consisted only of the air domain, and the temperature was set on the cylinder wall surfaces at each time step using UDFs. When comparing the methods, the temperature difference at the individual measuring points was no greater than 1 K and the resulting exchanger efficiencies did not differ by more than 5%. It was noted that when the phase-change material was modelled in the software with Method A, the results provided better representation of the values obtained in the experiment. Validation of the models was carried out by comparing the experimental results from the real tests with the simulation results of methods A and B. It demonstrated that both models correctly reflected the operation of the exchanger, and that the efficiency results achieved did not differ by more than 6% compared to the experiment. A comparison of supply temperatures and exchanger efficiencies with numerical simulations using two methods is presented. Visual comparison of the temperature distribution in the flowing air and the temperature distribution on the cylinder walls is also presented. This article adds to existing scientific knowledge of computer simulation of exchangers used in façade ventilation units with phase-change material.
Highly Efficient CeO2–CuCrO2 Composite Nanofibers Used for Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Lei Heng-Jyun , Su Homg-Ming , Vasu Dhanapal , You Yu-Feng , Chiu Te-Wei , Vittayakorn Naratip
Published: July 2023

Dopamine (DA) plays a crucial role in the functioning of the human central nervous system, participating in both physiological and psychological processes. It is an important research topic in biomedical science. However, we need to constantly monitor the concentration of dopamine in the body, and the sensors required for this usually require good sensitivity in order to achieve fast and accurate measurements. In this research project, a CeO2 and CuCrO2 composite nanofiber was prepared for the electrochemical detection of dopamine. Coaxial electrospinning techniques were used to prepare CeO2–CuCrO2 composite nanofibers. The characterization techniques of X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyze the composite’s crystal structure, vibrational bonds, and elemental composition, while SEM and TEM were used to analyze the composite’s surface structure, morphology, and microstructure. The prepared nanofiber outer layer was found to have an average thickness of 70.96 nm, average fiber diameter of 192.49 nm, and an average grain size of about ~12.5 nm. The BET analysis was applied to obtain the specific surface area (25.03 m2/gm). The proposed nanofiber-decorated disposable screen-printed carbon electrode acted as a better electrochemical sensor for the detection of dopamine. Moreover, the electrocatalyst had a better limit of detection, 36 nM with a linear range of 10 to 100 μM, and its sensitivity was 6.731 μA μM−1 cm−2. In addition, the proposed electrocatalyst was successfully applied to real-time potential applications, namely, to the analysis of human urine samples in order to obtain better recovery results.
Comprehensive Analysis of Physiological, Biochemical and Flavor Characteristics Changes in Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus) under Different Concentrations of Eugenol
Authors: Jiang Lexia , Huang Baosheng , Tang Jiaming , Jiang Peihong , Chen Dongjie , Zhang Changfeng
Published: July 2023

Eugenol is a widely used fishery anesthetic. This study investigated the effects of various concentrations of eugenol on blood physiological and biochemical indexes, and muscle flavor, in crucian carp (Carassius auratus). To determine the appropriate concentration of eugenol anesthetic for use in crucian carp transportation and production operations, we evaluated seven anesthesia groups of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 mg/L and one control group (without eugenol) to determine the effects on blood physiological and biochemical indexes, and muscle flavor. The red blood cells and platelets of crucian carp decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with eugenol treatment. With increasing eugenol concentration, the white blood cells and hemoglobin did not change significantly, whereas lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase increased significantly (p < 0.05). The content of phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium increased after anesthesia, whereas the content of potassium decreased with increasing eugenol concentration. After anesthesia, the content of albumin and total protein in the serum decreased with increasing eugenol concentration (p < 0.05); triglyceride first increased and subsequently decreased (p < 0.05); blood glucose content first increased and then decreased (p < 0.05); and no significant difference was observed in total cholesterol content (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in muscle glycogen and liver glycogen content after eugenol anesthesia (p > 0.05). The eugenol-based anesthesia test did not indicate major liver histomorphological effects, but the very small number of gill sheet edema cases observed requires further study. Analysis of electronic nose data indicated that eugenol treatment affected the flavor of the fish. The anesthesia concentration of 20–80 mg/L had some effect on the physiology and biochemistry of crucian carp, thus providing a reference for the application of eugenol in crucian carp transportation and experimental research.
Surnames of Jewish People in the Land of Israel from the Sixteenth Century to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Beider Alexander
Published: July 2023

This paper outlines a study of surnames used by various Jewish groups in the Land of Israel for Ashkenazic Jews, prior to the First Aliyah (1881), and for Sephardic and Oriental Jews up to the end of the 1930s. For the 16th–18th centuries, the surnames of Jews who lived in Jerusalem, Safed, Tiberias, and Hebron can be mainly extracted from the rabbinic literature. For the 19th century, by far the richest collection is provided by the materials of the censuses organized by Moses Montefiore (1839–1875). For the turn of the 20th century, data for several additional censuses are available, while for the 1930s, we have access to the voter registration lists of Sephardic and Oriental Jews of Jerusalem, Safed, and Haifa. All these major sources were used in this paper to address the following questions: the use or non-use of hereditary family names in various Jewish groups, the geographic roots of Jews that composed the Yishuv, as well as the existence of families continuously present in the Land of Israel for many generations.
LRP5, SLC6A3, and SOX10 Expression in Conventional Ameloblastoma
Authors: Correa-Arzate Lorena , Portilla-Robertson Javier , Ramírez-Jarquín Josué Orlando , Jacinto-Alemán Luis Fernando , Mejía-Velázquez Claudia Patricia , Villanueva-Sánchez Francisco Germán , Rodríguez-Vázquez Mariana
Published: July 2023

Cell proliferation and invasion are characteristic of many tumors, including ameloblastoma, and are important features to target in possible future therapeutic applications. Objective: The objective of this study was the identification of key genes and inhibitory drugs related to the cell proliferation and invasion of ameloblastoma using bioinformatic analysis. Methods: The H10KA_07_38 gene profile database was analyzed by Rstudio and ShinyGO Gene Ontology enrichment. String, Cytoscape-MCODE, and Kaplan–Meier plots were generated, which were subsequently validated by RT-qPCR relative expression and immunoexpression analyses. To propose specific inhibitory drugs, a bioinformatic search using Drug Gene Budger and DrugBank was performed. Results: A total of 204 significantly upregulated genes were identified. Gene ontology enrichment analysis identified four pathways related to cell proliferation and cell invasion. A total of 37 genes were involved in these pathways, and 11 genes showed an MCODE score of ≥0.4; however, only SLC6A3, SOX10, and LRP5 were negatively associated with overall survival (HR = 1.49 (p = 0.0072), HR = 1.55 (p = 0.0018), and HR = 1.38 (p = 0.025), respectively). The RT-qPCR results confirmed the significant differences in expression, with overexpression of >2 for SLC6A3 and SOX10. The immunoexpression analysis indicated positive LRP5 and SLC6A3 expression. The inhibitory drugs bioinformatically obtained for the above three genes were parthenolide and vorinostat. Conclusions: We identify LRP5, SLC6A3, and SOX10 as potentially important genes related to cell proliferation and invasion in the pathogenesis of ameloblastomas, along with both parthenolide and vorinostat as inhibitory drugs that could be further investigated for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against ameloblastoma.
Experimental Investigation of Levee Erosion during Overflow and Infiltration with Varied Hydraulic Conductivities of Levee and Foundation Properties in Saturated Conditions
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Tanaka Norio
Published: July 2023

This study investigated erosion during infiltration and overflow events and considered different grain sizes and hydraulic conductivity properties; four experimental cases were conducted under saturated conditions. The importance of understanding flow regimes during overflow experiments including their distinct flow characteristics, shear stresses, and erosion mechanisms in assessing the potential for levee failure are discussed. The failure mechanism of levee slopes during infiltration experiments involves progressive collapse due to piping followed by increased liquefaction and loss of shear stress, with the failure progression dependent on the permeability of the foundation material and shear strength. The infiltration experiments illustrate that the rate of failure varied based on the permeability of the foundation material. In the case of IO-E7-F5, where the levee had No. 7 sand in the embankment and No. 5 sand in the foundation (lower permeability), the failure was slower and limited. It took around 90 min for 65% of the downstream slope to fail, allowing more time for response measures. On the other hand, in the case of IO-E8-F4, with No. 8 sand in the embankment and No. 4 sand in the foundation (higher hydraulic conductivity), the failure was rapid and extensive. The whole downstream slope failed within just 18 min, and the collapse extended to 75% of the levee crest. These findings emphasize the need for proactive measures to strengthen vulnerable sections of levees and reduce the risk of extensive failure.
Secondary Central Nervous System Demyelinating Disorders in the Elderly: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bakirtzis Christos , Lima Maria , De Lorenzo Sotiria Stavropoulou , Artemiadis Artemios , Theotokis Paschalis , Kesidou Evangelia , Konstantinidou Natalia , Sintila Styliani-Aggeliki , Boziki Marina-Kleopatra , Parissis Dimitrios , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Karapanayiotides Theodoros , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios , Grigoriadis Nikolaos
Published: July 2023

Secondary demyelinating diseases comprise a wide spectrum group of pathological conditions and may either be attributed to a disorder primarily affecting the neurons or axons, followed by demyelination, or to an underlying condition leading to secondary damage of the myelin sheath. In the elderly, primary demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as multiple sclerosis, are relatively uncommon. However, secondary causes of CNS demyelination may often occur and in this case, extensive diagnostic workup is usually needed. Infectious, postinfectious, or postvaccinal demyelination may be observed, attributed to age-related alterations of the immune system in this population. Osmotic disturbances and nutritional deficiencies, more commonly observed in the elderly, may lead to conditions such as pontine/extrapontine myelinolysis, Wernicke encephalopathy, and demyelination of the posterior columns of the spinal cord. The prevalence of malignancies is higher in the elderly, sometimes leading to radiation-induced, immunotherapy-related, or paraneoplastic CNS demyelination. This review intends to aid clinical neurologists in broadening their diagnostic approach to secondary CNS demyelinating diseases in the elderly. Common clinical conditions leading to secondary demyelination and their clinical manifestations are summarized here, while the current knowledge of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is additionally presented.
A Review of Artificial Neural Network Models Applied to Predict Indoor Air Quality in Schools
Authors: Dong Jierui , Goodman Nigel , Rajagopalan Priyadarsini
Published: July 2023

Background: Indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools can affect the performance and health of occupants, especially young children. Increased public attention on IAQ during the COVID-19 pandemic and bushfires have boosted the development and application of data-driven models, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) that can be used to predict levels of pollutants and indoor exposures. Methods: This review summarises the types and sources of indoor air pollutants (IAP) and the indicators of IAQ. This is followed by a systematic evaluation of ANNs as predictive models of IAQ in schools, including predictive neural network algorithms and modelling processes. The methods for article selection and inclusion followed a systematic, four-step process: identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. Results: After screening and selection, nine predictive papers were included in this review. Traditional ANNs were used most frequently, while recurrent neural networks (RNNs) models analysed time-series issues such as IAQ better. Meanwhile, current prediction research mainly focused on using indoor PM2.5 and CO2 concentrations as output variables in schools and did not cover common air pollutants. Although studies have highlighted the impact of school building parameters and occupancy parameters on IAQ, it is difficult to incorporate them in predictive models. Conclusions: This review presents the current state of IAQ predictive models and identifies the limitations and future research directions for schools.
Plants and Mushrooms as Possible New Sources of H2S Releasing Sulfur Compounds
Authors: Citi Valentina , Passerini Marco , Calderone Vincenzo , Testai Lara
Published: July 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), known for many decades exclusively for its toxicity and the smell of rotten eggs, has been re-discovered for its pleiotropic effects at the cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular level. Therefore, great attention is being paid to the discovery of molecules able to release H2S in a smart manner, i.e., slowly and for a long time, thus ensuring the maintenance of its physiological levels and preventing “H2S-poor” diseases. Despite the development of numerous synthetically derived molecules, the observation that plants containing sulfur compounds share the same pharmacological properties as H2S led to the characterization of naturally derived compounds as H2S donors. In this regard, polysulfuric compounds occurring in plants belonging to the Alliaceae family were the first characterized as H2S donors, followed by isothiocyanates derived from vegetables belonging to the Brassicaceae family, and this led us to consider these plants as nutraceutical tools and their daily consumption has been demonstrated to prevent the onset of several diseases. Interestingly, sulfur compounds are also contained in many fungi. In this review, we speculate about the possibility that they may be novel sources of H2S-donors, furnishing new data on the release of H2S from several selected extracts from fungi.
Novel Variant IMPDH1 c.134A>G, p.(Tyr45Cys): Phenotype–Genotype Correlation Revealed Likely Benign Clinical Significance
Authors: Bjeloš Mirjana , Ćurić Ana , Bušić Mladen , Rak Benedict , Kuzmanović Elabjer Biljana , Marković Leon
Published: July 2023

Pathogenic variants in IMPDH1 are associated with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa 10 (RP10), and Leber congenital amaurosis 11. This case report of a 13-year-old girl with Down’s syndrome and keratoglobus is aimed at linking the novel variant IMPDH1 c.134A>G, p.(Tyr45Cys), a variant of uncertain significance, to a clinical phenotype and to provide grounds for the objective assignment of its benign features. RP10 is characterized by the early onset and rapid progression of ocular symptoms, beginning with nyctalopia in childhood, accompanied by typical RP fundus changes. As evidenced via thorough clinical examination and testing, none of the RP10 characteristics were present in our patient. On the contrary, our patient who was heterozygous for IMPDH1 c.134A>G, p.(Tyr45Cys) showed no signs of peripheral retinal dystrophy, and did not manifest any disease characteristics typical of the IMPDH1 gene mutation. Consequently, we conclude that the variant did not contribute to the phenotype. According to standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants, IMPDH1 c.134A>G, p.(Tyr45Cys) revealed likely benign features.
Microglia and Brain Disorders: The Role of Vitamin D and Its Receptor
Authors: Mirarchi Alessandra , Albi Elisabetta , Beccari Tommaso , Arcuri Cataldo
Published: July 2023

Accounting for 5–20% of the total glial cells present in the adult brain, microglia are involved in several functions: maintenance of the neural environment, response to injury and repair, immunesurveillance, cytokine secretion, regulation of phagocytosis, synaptic pruning, and sculpting postnatal neural circuits. Microglia contribute to some neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Nasu–Hakola disease (NHD), Tourette syndrome (TS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia. Moreover, microglial involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s (PD) diseases, has also been well established. During the last two decades, epidemiological and research studies have demonstrated the involvement of vitamin D3 (VD3) in the brain’s pathophysiology. VD3 is a fat-soluble metabolite that is required for the proper regulation of many of the body’s systems, as well as for normal human growth and development, and shows neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions and influences on neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, playing a role in various neurological diseases. In order to better understand the exact mechanisms behind the diverse actions of VD3 in the brain, a large number of studies have been performed on isolated cells or tissues of the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we discuss the involvement of VD3 and microglia on neurodegeneration- and aging-related diseases.
The Effect of Metal Ions (Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) on the Molecular-Structural, Protein Binding, and Cytotoxic Properties of Metal Pyridoxal-Thiosemicarbazone Complexes
Authors: Jevtovic Violeta , Alshamari Asma K. , Milenković Dejan , Dimitrić Marković Jasmina , Marković Zoran , Dimić Dušan
Published: July 2023

Thiosemicarbazones and their transition metal complexes are biologically active compounds and anticancer agents with versatile structural properties. In this contribution, the structural features and stability of four pyridoxal-thiosemicarbazone (PLTSC) complexes with Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu were investigated using the density functional theory and natural bond orbital approach. Special emphasis was placed on the analysis of the donor atom−metal interactions. The geometry of compounds and crystallographic structures were further examined by Hirshfeld surface analysis, and the main intermolecular interactions were outlined. It has been shown that the geometry and the number of PLTSC units in the structure determine the type and contribution of the specific interactions. The binding of all four complexes to bovine and human serum albumin was investigated through spectrofluorometric titration. The dependency of the thermodynamic parameters on the present metal ion and geometry was explained by the possible interactions through molecular docking simulations. The binding of complexes to DNA, as one of the possible ways the compounds could induce cell death, was examined by molecular docking. The cytotoxicity was measured towards HCT116, A375, MCF-7, A2780, and MCF5 cell lines, with Cu-PLTSC being the most active, as it had the highest affinity towards DNA and proteins.
Microtubule-Associated Serine/Threonine (MAST) Kinases in Development and Disease
Authors: Rumpf Marie , Pautz Sabine , Drebes Benedikt , Herberg Friedrich W. , Müller Hans-Arno J.
Published: July 2023

Microtubule-Associated Serine/Threonine (MAST) kinases represent an evolutionary conserved branch of the AGC protein kinase superfamily in the kinome. Since the discovery of the founding member, MAST2, in 1993, three additional family members have been identified in mammals and found to be broadly expressed across various tissues, including the brain, heart, lung, liver, intestine and kidney. The study of MAST kinases is highly relevant for unraveling the molecular basis of a wide range of different human diseases, including breast and liver cancer, myeloma, inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis and various neuronal disorders. Despite several reports on potential substrates and binding partners of MAST kinases, the molecular mechanisms that would explain their involvement in human diseases remain rather obscure. This review will summarize data on the structure, biochemistry and cell and molecular biology of MAST kinases in the context of biomedical research as well as organismal model systems in order to provide a current profile of this field.