bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cavitation Damage Prediction in Mercury Target for Pulsed Spallation Neutron Source Using Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Wakui Takashi , Takagishi Yoichi , Futakawa Masatoshi
Published: August 2023

Cavitation damage on a mercury target vessel for a pulsed spallation neutron source is induced by a proton beam injection in mercury. Cavitation damage is one of factors affecting the allowable beam power and the life time of a mercury target vessel. The prediction method of the cavitation damage using Monte Carlo simulations was proposed taking into account the uncertainties of the core position of cavitation bubbles and impact pressure distributions. The distribution of impact pressure attributed to individual cavitation bubble collapsing was assumed to be Gaussian distribution and the probability distribution of the maximum value of impact pressures was assumed to be three kinds of distributions: the delta function and Gaussian and Weibull distributions. Two parameters in equations describing the distribution of impact pressure were estimated using Bayesian optimization by comparing the distribution of the cavitation damage obtained from the experiment with the distribution of the accumulated plastic strain obtained from the simulation. Regardless of the distribution type, the estimated maximum impact pressure was 1.2–2.9 GPa and existed in the range of values predicted by the ratio of the diameter and depth of the pit. The estimated dispersion of the impact pressure distribution was 1.0–1.7 μm and corresponded to the diameter of major pits. In the distribution of the pits described by the accumulated plastic strain, which was assumed in three cases, the delta function and Gaussian and Weibull distributions, the Weibull distribution agreed well with the experimental results, particularly including relatively large pit size. Furthermore, the Weibull distribution reproduced the depth profile, i.e., pit shape, better than that using the delta function or Gaussian distribution. It can be said that the cavitation erosion phenomenon is predictable by adopting the Weibull distribution. This prediction method is expected to be applied to predict the cavitation damage in fluid equipment such as pumps and fluid parts.
A Deep Learning Approach to Classify and Detect Defects in the Components Manufactured by Laser Directed Energy Deposition Process
Authors: Patil Deepika B. , Nigam Akriti , Mohapatra Subrajeet , Nikam Sagar
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a deep learning approach to identify and classify various defects in the laser-directed energy manufactured components. It mainly focuses on the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures, such as VGG16, AlexNet, GoogLeNet and ResNet to perform the automated classification of defects. The main objectives of this research are to manufacture components using the laser-directed energy deposition process, prepare a dataset of horizontal wall structure, vertical wall structure and cuboid structure with three defective classes such as voids, flash formation, and rough textures, and one non-defective class, use this dataset with a deep learning algorithm to classify the defect and use the efficient algorithm to detect defects. The next objective is to compare the performance parameters of VGG16, AlexNet, GoogLeNet and ResNet used for classifying defects. It has been observed that the best results were obtained when the VGG16 architecture was applied to an augmented dataset. With augmentation, the VGG16 architecture gave a test accuracy of 94.7% and a precision of 80.0%. The recall value is 89.3% and an F1-Score is 89.5%. The VGG16 architecture with augmentation is highly reliable for automating the defect detection process and classifying defects in the laser additive manufactured components.
Applying Fuzzy Time Series for Developing Forecasting Electricity Demand Models
Authors: Rubio-León José , Rubio-Cienfuegos José , Vidal-Silva Cristian , Cárdenas-Cobo Jesennia , Duarte Vannessa
Published: August 2023

Managing the energy produced to support industries and various human activities is highly relevant nowadays. Companies in the electricity markets of each country analyze the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy to meet the energy needs of various sectors and industries. Electrical markets emerge to economically analyze everything related to energy generation, transmission, and distribution. The demand for electric energy is crucial in determining the amount of energy needed to meet the requirements of an individual or a group of consumers. But energy consumption often exhibits random behavior, making it challenging to develop accurate prediction models. The analysis and understanding of energy consumption are essential for energy generation. Developing models to forecast energy demand is necessary for improving generation and consumption management. Given the energy variable’s stochastic nature, this work’s main objective is to explore different configurations and parameters using specialized libraries in Python and Google Collaboratory. The aim is to develop a model for forecasting electric power demand using fuzzy logic. This study compares the proposed solution with previously developed machine learning systems to create a highly accurate forecast model for demand values. The data used in this work was collected by the European Network of Transmission System Operators of Electricity (ENTSO-E) from 2015 to 2019. As a significant outcome, this research presents a model surpassing previous solutions’ predictive performance. Using Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), the results demonstrate the significance of set weighting for achieving excellent performance in fuzzy models. This is because having more relevant fuzzy sets allows for inference rules and, subsequently, more accurate demand forecasts. The results also allow applying the solution model to other forecast scenarios with similar contexts.
Quantile Regression Based on the Weighted Approach with Dependent Truncated Data
Authors: Hsieh Jin-Jian , Hsieh Cheng-Chih
Published: August 2023

This paper discusses the estimation of parameters in the quantile regression model for dependent truncated data. To account for the dependence between the survival time and the truncated time, the Archimedean copula model is used to construct the association. The parameters of the Archimedean copula model are estimated using certain existing approaches. An inference procedure based on a weighted approach is proposed, where the weights are set according to the variables of interest in the quantile regression model. The finite sample performance of the proposed approach is examined through simulations, and the method is applied to analyze two real datasets: the transfusion-related AIDS dataset and the retirement community center dataset.
Phase-Type Distributions of Animal Trajectories with Random Walks
Authors: Vera-Amaro Rodolfo , Rivero-Ángeles Mario E. , Luviano-Juárez Alberto
Published: August 2023

Animal monitoring systems often rely on expensive and challenging GPS-based systems to obtain accurate trajectories. However, an alternative approach is to generate synthetic trajectories that exhibit similar statistical properties to real trajectories. These synthetic trajectories can be used effectively in the design of surveillance systems such as wireless sensor networks and drone-based techniques, which aid in data collection and the delineation of areas for animal conservation and reintroduction efforts. In this study, we propose a data generation method that utilizes simple phase-type distributions to produce synthetic animal trajectories. By employing probability distribution functions based on the exponential distribution, we achieve highly accurate approximations of the movement patterns of four distinct animal species. This approach significantly reduces processing time and complexity. The research primarily focuses on generating animal trajectories for four endangered species, comprising two terrestrial and two flying species, in order to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Assessing Knowledge Quality Using Fuzzy MCDM Model
Authors: Wei Chiu-Chi , Tai Chih-Chien , Lee Shun-Chin , Chang Meng-Ling
Published: August 2023

The purpose of knowledge management is to excavate the tacit knowledge accumulated by each enterprise member through the knowledge proposal system. Each knowledge proposal must be assessed, and after passing the quality assessment, the knowledge proposal will be stored in the knowledge repository and shared with other employees who need the knowledge at work. In the long run, the capabilities of all employees will gradually enhance and the competitiveness of enterprises will naturally increase. The correct assessment of knowledge quality is the key to the success of knowledge management. Some scholars propose to use the AHP (analytical hierarchical process) to determine the quality of knowledge. The problem with this approach is that the AHP can only obtain the relative quality of all knowledge, not the actual quality of knowledge. Therefore, this study proposes a fuzzy assessment model to measure knowledge quality, which includes a knowledge quality fuzziness index (KQFI) and a checking gate. First, experts conduct linguistic evaluation on the weight of criteria and knowledge quality. All linguistic evaluations are then integrated into a knowledge quality fuzziness index (KQFI), which is compared with a fuzzy threshold (FT); then, the level of goodness of KQFI to FT is obtained. If it is greater than 0.5, it means that the quality of the knowledge proposal is qualified; otherwise, it means that the quality of the knowledge proposal is unqualified. This study uses a case including five experts and nine knowledge proposals to demonstrate the applicability of the method. The results show that the method finally judges six knowledge instances as qualified and three as unqualified. The results show that the proposed method can indeed assist enterprises to effectively screen knowledge proposals.
The Endometrial Microbiota: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Kaluanga Bwanga Pauline , Tremblay-Lemoine Pierre-Luc , Timmermans Marie , Ravet Stéphanie , Munaut Carine , Nisolle Michelle , Henry Laurie
Published: August 2023

Contrary to popular belief, we have known for many years that the endometrium is not a sterile environment and is considered to be a low-biomass milieu compared to the vagina. Numerous trials and studies have attempted to establish a valid sampling method and assess its physiological composition, but no consensus has been reached. Many factors, such as ethnicity, age and inflammation, can influence the microbiome. Moreover, it possesses a higher alpha-diversity and, therefore, contains more diverse bacteria than the vagina. For instance, Lactobacillus has been shown to be a predominant genus in the vaginal microbiome of healthy women. Consequently, even if a majority of scientists postulate that a predominance of Lactobacillus inside the uterus improves reproductive outcomes, vaginal contamination by these bacteria during sampling cannot be ruled out. Certain pathologies, such as chronic endometritis, have been identified as inflammation perpetrators that hinder the embryo implantation process. This pro-inflammatory climate created by dysbiosis of the endometrial microbiota could induce secondary inflammatory mediators via Toll-like receptors, creating an environment conducive to the development of endometriosis and even promoting carcinogenesis. However, studies to this day have focused on small populations. In addition, there is no clearly defined healthy uterine composition yet. At most, only a few taxa have been identified as pathogenic. As sampling and analysis methods become increasingly precise, we can expect the endometrial microbiota to be incorporated into future diagnostic tools and treatments for women’s health.
Early Fever Resolution in Early Childhood Influenza Treated with Baloxavir Marboxil: A Retrospective Study Compared to Those with Oseltamivir
Authors: Nezu Keiko , Hayashida Shingo , Nagano Nobuhiko , Udagawa Seiichi , Morioka Ichiro
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: Baloxavir marboxil is a novel cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor prescribed for influenza treatment. Unlike neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir, which impair viral release from infected host cells, baloxavir blocks influenza virus proliferation by inhibiting viral mRNA transcription. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of baloxavir and oseltamivir for the treatment of early childhood influenza. Materials and Methods: Of 1410 patients diagnosed with influenza between 2015 and 2018 at a Japanese primary care outpatient clinic, 1111 pediatric patients aged 0–6 years who were treated with baloxavir (n = 555) or oseltamivir (n = 556) were enrolled retrospectively. The following clinical factors were compared between patients treated with baloxavir and oseltamivir: age, sex, time from fever onset to drug administration (<24 h or 24–48 h), time from drug administration to fever reduction, influenza type (A or B), and influenza vaccination before disease onset. The duration of the fever, which was used as an index of clinical effectiveness, was compared using the log-rank test. Clinical factors associated with fever duration were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Median age (3.0 vs. 2.5 years), influenza type A (99% vs. 47%), median duration from drug administration to fever resolution (1 day vs. 2 days), and influenza vaccination (done, 41% vs. not done, 65%) were significantly different between the baloxavir and oseltamivir groups (p < 0.001). The number of patients with a fever duration of one day was 553 (99.6%) in the baloxavir group and 6 (1.1%) in the oseltamivir group (p < 0.001). Baloxavir use was only significantly associated with fever duration in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio 50,201, p < 0.001). Apparent adverse effects were not observed in the baloxavir-treated group. Conclusions: Baloxavir treatment resulted in a shorter fever duration than oseltamivir treatment in early childhood influenza.
Future Directions in the Assessment of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Pesapane Filippo , Mariano Luciano , Magnoni Francesca , Rotili Anna , Pupo Davide , Nicosia Luca , Bozzini Anna Carla , Penco Silvia , Latronico Antuono , Pizzamiglio Maria , Corso Giovanni , Cassano Enrico
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and accurate assessment of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) is crucial for patient management and outcomes. We aim to summarize the current state of ALN assessment techniques in BC and provide insights into future directions. Materials and Methods: This review discusses various imaging techniques used for ALN evaluation, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. It highlights advancements in these techniques and their potential to improve diagnostic accuracy. The review also examines landmark clinical trials that have influenced axillary management, such as the Z0011 trial and the IBCSG 23-01 trial. The role of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically deep learning algorithms, in improving ALN assessment is examined. Results: The review outlines the key findings of these trials, which demonstrated the feasibility of avoiding axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in certain patient populations with low sentinel lymph node (SLN) burden. It also discusses ongoing trials, including the SOUND trial, which investigates the use of axillary ultrasound to identify patients who can safely avoid sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Furthermore, the potential of emerging techniques and the integration of AI in enhancing ALN assessment accuracy are presented. Conclusions: The review concludes that advancements in ALN assessment techniques have the potential to improve patient outcomes by reducing surgical complications while maintaining accurate disease staging. However, challenges such as standardization of imaging protocols and interpretation criteria need to be addressed. Future research should focus on large-scale clinical trials to validate emerging techniques and establish their efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Over-all, this review provides valuable insights into the current status and future directions of ALN assessment in BC, highlighting opportunities for improving patient care.
Role of Titanium Dioxide-Immobilized PES Beads in a Combined Water Treatment System of Tubular Alumina Microfiltration and PES Beads
Authors: Hong Sungtaek , Park Sungwoo , Park Jin Yong
Published: August 2023

The membrane process has a limit to the decay of various pollutants in water. To improve the problem, the roles of backwashing media and titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst-immobilized-polyethersulfone (PES) beads’ concentration were investigated in a combined system of tubular alumina MF and the PES beads for advanced drinking water treatment. The space between the outside of the MF membrane and the module inside was filled with the PES beads. UV at a wavelength of 352 nm was irradiated from outside of the acryl module. A quantity of humic acid and kaolin was dissolved in distilled water for synthetic water. Water or air intermittent backwashing was performed outside to inside. The membrane fouling resistance after 3 h process (Rf,180) was minimum at 30 g/L of the PES beads for water backwashing, and at 40 g/L for air backwashing when increasing the PES beads from 0 to 50 g/L. The irreversible membrane fouling resistance after physical cleaning (Rif) was at the bottom at 5 g/L of the PES beads for water backwashing, which was 3.43 times higher than minimal at 40 g/L of the PES beads for air backwashing. The treatment effectiveness of turbidity increased when increasing the PES beads’ concentration from 0 to 50 g/L; however, it reached a maximum at 98.1% at 40 g/L and 99.2% at 50 g/L for water and air backwashing, respectively. The treatment effectiveness of UV254 absorbance, which was dissolved organic matter (DOM), increased dramatically when increasing the PES beads; however, it reached a peak of 83.0% at 40 g/L and 86.0% at 50 g/L for water and air backwashing, respectively. Finally, the best PES beads’ concentration was 20~30 g/L to minimize the membrane fouling; however, it was 50 g/L to remove pollutants effectively. The water backwashing was better than the air at treating DOM; however, the air backwashing was more effective than the water at removing turbid matter and reducing membrane fouling.
The Effect of Heat Treating and Deformation by Rolling and Forging on the Mechanical Properties of the 4032-Type Alloy Prepared from Recycled Materials
Authors: Valencia de Lima José Ivan , García Pastor Francisco Alfredo , Flores Valdés Alfredo
Published: August 2023

In the present work, the relationship between deformation, microstructure and mechanical properties of the Sr-modified 4032-type eutectic aluminum alloy was studied. The alloy was prepared from recycled materials, mainly from maritime and automotive 356 alloy scrap samples. Solubilizing heat treatment was carried out at a temperature of 450 °C with a holding time of 8 h. Finally, different samples were subjected to rolling and forging processes at a temperature of 450 °C, thus achieving a reduction of 25% of the original thickness. As expected, the microstructure and properties changed significantly due to the deformation processes, where an important factor was the change in the morphology of eutectic silicon, not only produced by the application of deformation, but also on the effect of adding strontium as a modifying agent. The samples were characterized by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, where it was possible to observe not only the effect of strontium on the morphology of eutectic silicon but also the effect of the heat treatment performed. The tensile tests showed that there was indeed a notable increase in the ultimate tensile stress, yield strength, and resistance to fracture, while initial hardness also considerably increased. Finally, the fracture analysis showed that, after thermal treatment and deformation, all the samples analyzed presented a fracture within the ductile regime. It was shown that the combination of deformation and the addition of strontium led to improved globulization of the eutectic silicon.
Resistance to Diet Induced Visceral Fat Accumulation in C57BL/6NTac Mice Is Associated with an Enriched Lactococcus in the Gut Microbiota and the Phenotype of Immune B Cells in Intestine and Adipose Tissue
Authors: Raychaudhuri Samnhita , Shahinozzaman Md , Fan Si , Ogedengbe Opeyemi , Subedi Ujjwol , Obanda Diana N.
Published: August 2023

Humans and rodents exhibit a divergent obesity phenotype where not all individuals exposed to a high calorie diet become obese. We hypothesized that in C57BL/6NTac mice, despite a shared genetic background and diet, variations in individual gut microbiota function, immune cell phenotype in the intestine and adipose determine predisposition to obesity. From a larger colony fed a high-fat (HF) diet (60% fat), we obtained twenty-four 18–22-week-old C57BL/6NTac mice. Twelve had responded to the diet, had higher body weight and were termed obese prone (OP). The other 12 had retained a lean frame and were termed obese resistant (OR). We singly housed them for three weeks, monitored food intake and determined insulin resistance, fat accumulation, and small intestinal and fecal gut microbial community membership and structure. From the lamina propria and adipose tissue, we determined the population of total and specific subsets of T and B cells. The OP mice with higher fat accumulation and insulin resistance harbored microbial communities with enhanced capacity for processing dietary sugars, lower alpha diversity, greater abundance of Lactobacilli and low abundance of Clostridia and Desulfobacterota. The OR with less fat accumulation retained insulin sensitivity and harbored microbial communities with enhanced capacity for processing and synthesizing amino acids and higher diversity and greater abundance of Lactococcus, Desulfobacterota and class Clostridia. The B cell phenotype in the lamina propria and mesenteric adipose tissue of OR mice was characterized by a higher population of IgA+ cells and B1b IgM+ cells, respectively, compared to the OP. We conclude that variable responses to the HF diet are associated with the function of individuals’ gut microbiota and immune responses in the lamina propria and adipose tissue.
Etiologies of Zoonotic Tropical Febrile Illnesses That Are Not Part of the Notifiable Diseases in Colombia
Authors: Silva-Ramos Carlos Ramiro , Faccini-Martínez Álvaro A. , Serna-Rivera Cristian C. , Mattar Salim , Hidalgo Marylin
Published: August 2023

In Colombia, tropical febrile illnesses represent one of the most important causes of clinical attention. Febrile illnesses in the tropics are mainly zoonotic and have a broad etiology. The Colombian surveillance system monitors some notifiable diseases. However, several etiologies are not monitored by this system. In the present review, we describe eleven different etiologies of zoonotic tropical febrile illnesses that are not monitored by the Colombian surveillance system but have scientific, historical, and contemporary data that confirm or suggest their presence in different regions of the country: Anaplasma, Arenavirus, Bartonella, relapsing fever group Borrelia, Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia, Hantavirus, Mayaro virus, Orientia, Oropouche virus, and Rickettsia. These could generate a risk for the local population, travelers, and immigrants, due to which they should be included in the mandatory notification system, considering their importance for Colombian public health.
Detection of Bhanja Bandavirus in Patients with Neuroinvasive Disease of Unknown Etiology in Croatia
Authors: Vilibic-Cavlek Tatjana , Stevanovic Vladimir , Krcmar Stjepan , Savic Vladimir , Kovac Snjezana , Bogdanic Maja , Mauric Maljkovic Maja , Sabadi Dario , Santini Marija , Potocnik-Hunjadi Tanja , Al-Mufleh Mahmoud , Barbic Ljubo
Published: August 2023

Background: Although the Bhanja bandavirus (BHAV) is widely distributed in some European countries, human infections are rarely reported. This study analyzed the prevalence of BHAV antibodies in patients with neuroinvasive diseases of unsolved etiology. Methods: A total of 254 Croatian patients who developed neurological symptoms during the four consecutive arbovirus transmission seasons (April 2017–October 2021) were tested. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urine samples were tested using RT-qPCR. In addition, CSF and serum samples were tested using a virus neutralization test. Results: BHAV RNA was not detected in any samples, while neutralizing (NT) antibodies were detected in serum samples of 53/20.8% of patients (95% CI = 16.0–26.3). In two patients, BHAV NT antibodies were detected in the CSF, indicating a recent infection. Both patients were inhabitants of rural areas in continental Croatia, and one reported a tick bite two weeks before symptoms onset. The seropositivity was high in all age groups (15.2–29.1%). The majority of seropositive patients (94.3%) resided at altitudes less than 200 m above sea level. The prevalence rates correlated positively with population density and negatively with certain climate parameters (temperature, number of hot/warm days). Conclusions: The presented results indicate that BHAV is distributed in Croatia. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of this neglected arbovirus.
The Phylogeny, Metabolic Potentials, and Environmental Adaptation of an Anaerobe, Abyssisolibacter sp. M8S5, Isolated from Cold Seep Sediments of the South China Sea
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Songze , Wang Jiahua , Shao Baoying , Fang Jiasong , Cao Junwei
Published: August 2023

Bacillota are widely distributed in various environments, owing to their versatile metabolic capabilities and remarkable adaptation strategies. Recent studies reported that Bacillota species were highly enriched in cold seep sediments, but their metabolic capabilities, ecological functions, and adaption mechanisms in the cold seep habitats remained obscure. In this study, we conducted a systematic analysis of the complete genome of a novel Bacillota bacterium strain M8S5, which we isolated from cold seep sediments of the South China Sea at a depth of 1151 m. Phylogenetically, strain M8S5 was affiliated with the genus Abyssisolibacter within the phylum Bacillota. Metabolically, M8S5 is predicted to utilize various carbon and nitrogen sources, including chitin, cellulose, peptide/oligopeptide, amino acids, ethanolamine, and spermidine/putrescine. The pathways of histidine and proline biosynthesis were largely incomplete in strain M8S5, implying that its survival strictly depends on histidine- and proline-related organic matter enriched in the cold seep ecosystems. On the other hand, strain M8S5 contained the genes encoding a variety of extracellular peptidases, e.g., the S8, S11, and C25 families, suggesting its capabilities for extracellular protein degradation. Moreover, we identified a series of anaerobic respiratory genes, such as glycine reductase genes, in strain M8S5, which may allow it to survive in the anaerobic sediments of cold seep environments. Many genes associated with osmoprotectants (e.g., glycine betaine, proline, and trehalose), transporters, molecular chaperones, and reactive oxygen species-scavenging proteins as well as spore formation may contribute to its high-pressure and low-temperature adaptations. These findings regarding the versatile metabolic potentials and multiple adaptation strategies of strain M8S5 will expand our understanding of the Bacillota species in cold seep sediments and their potential roles in the biogeochemical cycling of deep marine ecosystems.
Molecular Docking Assessment of Cathinones as 5-HT2AR Ligands: Developing of Predictive Structure-Based Bioactive Conformations and Three-Dimensional Structure-Activity Relationships Models for Future Recognition of Abuse Drugs
Authors: Tomašević Nevena , Vujović Maja , Kostić Emilija , Ragavendran Venkatesan , Arsić Biljana , Matić Sanja Lj. , Božović Mijat , Fioravanti Rossella , Proia Eleonora , Ragno Rino , Mladenović Milan
Published: August 2023

Commercially available cathinones are drugs of long-term abuse drugs whose pharmacology is fairly well understood. While their psychedelic effects are associated with 5-HT2AR, the enclosed study summarizes efforts to shed light on the pharmacodynamic profiles, not yet known at the receptor level, using molecular docking and three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3-D QSAR) studies. The bioactive conformations of cathinones were modeled by AutoDock Vina and were used to build structure-based (SB) 3-D QSAR models using the Open3DQSAR engine. Graphical inspection of the results led to the depiction of a 3-D structure analysis-activity relationship (SAR) scheme that could be used as a guideline for molecular determinants by which any untested cathinone molecule can be predicted as a potential 5-HT2AR binder prior to experimental evaluation. The obtained models, which showed a good agreement with the chemical properties of co-crystallized 5-HT2AR ligands, proved to be valuable for future virtual screening campaigns to recognize unused cathinones and similar compounds, such as 5-HT2AR ligands, minimizing both time and financial resources for the characterization of their psychedelic effects.
The Multifaceted Opportunities Provided by the Pheomelanin-Inspired 1,4-Benzothiazine Chromophore: A Still-Undervalued Issue
Authors: Alfieri Maria Laura , Panzella Lucia
Published: August 2023

1,4-Benzothiazines are the main building blocks of the naturally occurring pheomelanin pigments, and their chromophoric properties have been strongly related to the well-known phototoxicity of these pigments, partly responsible for the high incidence of melanoma and other skin cancers in red-haired people. However, some peculiar features of the 1,4-benzothiazine chromophore could be functionally exploited in several sectors. Within this context, in this perspective, an overview of the very recently reported applications of the 1,4-benzothiazine chromophore in pH sensing, filter permeability control, smart packaging, electrochromic device fabrication, bioimaging, photocatalysis, and HPLC detection systems is provided, together with a brief presentation of recently developed synthetic approaches to the 1,4-benzothiazine scaffold, with the aim of emphasizing the still-undervalued multifunctional opportunities offered by this class of compounds.
Assessing Fermentation Broth Quality of Pineapple Vinegar Production with a Near-Infrared Fiber-Optic Probe Coupled with Stability Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling
Authors: Kasemsumran Sumaporn , Boondaeng Antika , Jungtheerapanich Sunee , Ngowsuwan Kraireuk , Apiwatanapiwat Waraporn , Janchai Phornphimon , Vaithanomsat Pilanee
Published: August 2023

In this study, the performance of a near-infrared (NIR) fiber-optic probe coupled with stability competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (SCARS) was investigated for the analysis of acetic acid, ethanol, total soluble solids, caffeic acid, gallic acid, and tannic acid in the broth of pineapple vinegar during fermentation. The NIR spectra of the broth samples in the region of 11,536–3956 cm−1 were collected during vinegar fermentation promoted by Acetobacter aceti. This continuous biological process led to changes in the concentrations of all analytes studied. SCARS provided optimized and stabilized NIR spectral variables for the construction of a partial least squares (PLS) model for each analyte using a small number of optimal variables (under 88 variables). The SCARS-PLS model outperformed the conventional PLS model, and achieved excellent accuracy in accordance with ISO 12099:2017 for the four prediction models of acetic acid, ethanol, caffeic acid, and gallic acid, with root-mean-square error of prediction values of 0.137%, 0.178%, 0.637 μg/mL and 0.640 μg/mL, respectively. In contrast, only an acetic acid content prediction model constructed via the conventional PLS method and using the whole spectral region (949 variables) could pass with acceptable accuracy. These results indicate that the NIR optical probe coupled with SCARS is an appropriate method for the continuous monitoring of multianalytes during vinegar fermentation, particularly acetic acid and ethanol contents, which are indicators of the finished fermentation of pineapple vinegar.
Development of a Purity Certified Reference Material for Vinyl Acetate
Authors: He Chen , Gao Qin , Ye Changwen , Yang Guotao , Zhang Pengfei , Yang Rongchao , Zhang Qing , Ma Kang
Published: August 2023

Vinyl acetate is a restricted substance in food products. The quantification of the organic impurities in vinyl acetate is a major problem due to its activity, instability, and volatility. In this paper, while using the mass balance method to determine the purity of vinyl acetate, an improved method was established for the determination of the content of three impurities in vinyl acetate reference material, and the GC-FID peak area normalization for vinyl acetate was calibrated. The three trace organic impurities were identified by gas chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry to be methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and vinyl propionate. The content and relative correction factors for the three organic impurities were measured. The purity of vinyl acetate determined by the mass balance method was 99.90% with an expanded uncertainty of 0.30%, and the total content of organic impurities was 0.08% with a relative correction factor of 1.23%. The vinyl acetate reference material has been approved as a national certified reference material in China as GBW (E) 062710.
A Comprehensive Review on Bioactive Compounds Found in Caesalpinia sappan
Authors: Vij Twinkle , Anil Pawase Prashant , Shams Rafeeya , Dash Kshirod Kumar , Kalsi Rhythm , Pandey Vinay Kumar , Harsányi Endre , Kovács Béla , Shaikh Ayaz Mukarram
Published: August 2023

Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan) is a tropical hardwood tree found in Southeast Asia. Sappan wood contains a water-soluble compound, which imparts a red color named brazilin. Sappan wood is utilized to produce dye for fabric and coloring agents for food and beverages, such as wine and meat. As a valuable medicinal plant, the tree is also known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It has been observed that sappan wood contains various bioactive compounds, including brazilin, brazilein, sappan chalcone, and protosappanin A. It has also been discovered that these substances have various health advantages; they lower inflammation, enhance blood circulation, and are anti-oxidative in nature. Sappan wood has been used as a medicine to address a range of illnesses, such as gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. Studies have also suggested that sappan wood may have anticarcinogenic potential as it possesses cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. Based on this, the present review emphasized the different medicinal properties, the role of phytochemicals, their health benefits, and several food and nonfood applications of sappan wood. Overall, sappan wood has demonstrated promising medicinal properties and is an important resource in traditional medicine. The present review has explored the potential role of sappan wood as an essential source of bioactive compounds for drug development.
The Phytochemical Screening and Biological Properties of Brassica napus L. var. napobrassica (Rutabaga) Seeds
Authors: Ayadi Jawaher , Debouba Mohamed , Rahmani Rami , Bouajila Jalloul
Published: August 2023

Rutabaga, also known as swede and scientifically classified as Brassica napus napobrassica, is a biennial edible root vegetable that belongs to the Brassica genus and is widely cultivated in North Europe and North America. The present study highlights both the phytochemical profile and the in vitro biological properties of rutabaga seed extracts obtained through maceration using solvents of increasing polarity, namely, cyclohexane (CYHA), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), methanol (MeOH), and water (H2O). HPLC-DAD was used to identify and quantify phenolic compounds, while volatile compounds were detected using GC-MS. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the rutabaga seed extracts was evaluated through DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) enzyme) was determined spectrophotometrically at the same concentration. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the seed extracts was evaluated against human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) using the MTT assay. The rutabaga seed extracts obtained from EtOAc, MeOH, and H2O were particularly rich in reducing sugars, ranging from 189.87 to 473.75 mg/g DW. The MeOH extract displayed the highest concentration of both sugars and polyphenols. Phytochemically, the HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of four phenolic compounds in the tested extracts, including (±) synephrine, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, and trans-ferulic acid, newly discovered in rutabaga organs. Moreover, a total of ten volatile compounds were identified through GC-MS analysis, both before and after derivatization. At a concentration of 50 µg/mL, the methanol extract exhibited high antioxidant activity with 52.95% inhibition, while CYHA, DCM, and EtOAc exhibited moderate anti-15-LOX activity with less than 30% inhibition. Except for DCM and aqueous extracts, rutabaga seeds did not exhibit any anti-proliferative potential against Caco-2 cell lines. Interestingly, no cytotoxicity was registered for any of the seed extracts against the normal cell line HEK-293. Overall, the obtained data highlight the potential utilization of rutabaga seeds as a source of bioactive compounds in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods.
Spice-Derived Phenolic Compounds: Potential for Skin Cancer Prevention and Therapy
Authors: Baloghová Janette , Michalková Radka , Baranová Zuzana , Mojžišová Gabriela , Fedáková Zuzana , Mojžiš Ján
Published: August 2023

Skin cancer is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells, primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Different types of skin cancer include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the advancements in targeted therapies, there is still a need for a safer, highly efficient approach to preventing and treating cutaneous malignancies. Spices have a rich history dating back thousands of years and are renowned for their ability to enhance the flavor, taste, and color of food. Derived from various plant parts like seeds, fruits, bark, roots, or flowers, spices are important culinary ingredients. However, their value extends beyond the culinary realm. Some spices contain bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, which are known for their significant biological effects. These compounds have attracted attention in scientific research due to their potential health benefits, including their possible role in disease prevention and treatment, such as cancer. This review focuses on examining the potential of spice-derived phenolic compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents for managing skin cancers. By compiling and analyzing the available knowledge, this review aims to provide insights that can guide future research in identifying new anticancer phytochemicals and uncovering additional mechanisms for combating skin cancer.
Recent Advances on the Design and Applications of Antimicrobial Nanomaterials
Authors: Ortega-Nieto Clara , Losada-Garcia Noelia , Prodan Doina , Furtos Gabriel , Palomo Jose M.
Published: August 2023

Present worldwide difficulties in healthcare and the environment have motivated the investigation and research of novel materials in an effort to find novel techniques to address the current challenges and requirements. In particular, the use of nanomaterials has demonstrated a significant promise in the fight against bacterial infections and the problem of antibiotic resistance. Metal nanoparticles and carbon-based nanomaterials in particular have been highlighted for their exceptional abilities to inhibit many types of bacteria and pathogens. In order for these materials to be as effective as possible, synthetic techniques are crucial. Therefore, in this review article, we highlight some recent developments in the design and synthesis of various nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles (e.g., Ag, Zn, or Cu), metal hybrid nanomaterials, and the synthesis of multi-metallic hybrid nanostructured materials. Following that, examples of these materials’ applications in antimicrobial performance targeted at eradicating multi-drug resistant bacteria, material protection such as microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), or additives in construction materials have been described.
MOF-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Polyhedrons/Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite for High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chen Jun , Yang Yuanjiang , Yu Sheng , Zhang Yi , Hou Jiwei , Yu Nengfei , Fang Baizeng
Published: August 2023

Nanocomposites that combine porous materials and a continuous conductive skeleton as a sulfur host can improve the performance of lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) anchoring small-size (~40 nm) N-doped porous carbon polyhedrons (S-NCPs/CNTs) are designed and synthesized via annealing the precursor of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 grown in situ on CNTs (ZIF-8/CNTs). In the nanocomposite, the S-NCPs serve as an efficient host for immobilizing polysulfides through physical adsorption and chemical bonding, while the interleaved CNT networks offer an efficient charge transport environment. Moreover, the S-NCP/CNT composite with great features of a large specific surface area, high pore volume, and short electronic/ion diffusion depth not only demonstrates a high trapping capacity for soluble lithium polysulfides but also offers an efficient charge/mass transport environment, and an effective buffering of volume changes during charge and discharge. As a result, the Li-S batteries based on a S/S-NCP/CNT cathode deliver a high initial capacity of 1213.8 mAh g−1 at a current rate of 0.2 C and a substantial capacity of 1114.2 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, corresponding to a high-capacity retention of 91.7%. This approach provides a practical research direction for the design of MOF-derived carbon materials in the application of high-performance Li–S batteries.
Systematic Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Inflammasome Activation in Monocytes/Macrophages
Authors: Qian Na , Distefano Rebecca , Ilieva Mirolyuba , Madsen Jens Hedelund , Rennie Sarah , Uchida Shizuka
Published: August 2023

The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a pivotal role in regulating inflammation and immune responses. Its activation can lead to an inflammatory response and pyroptotic cell death. This is beneficial in the case of infections, but excessive activation can lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Moreover, while most of the mammalian genome is transcribed as RNAs, only a small fraction codes for proteins. Among non-protein-coding RNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play key roles in regulating gene expression and cellular processes. They interact with DNA, RNAs, and proteins, and their dysregulation can provide insights into disease mechanisms, including NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Here, we systematically analyzed previously published RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in monocytes/macrophages to uncover inflammasome-regulated lncRNA genes. To uncover the functional importance of inflammasome-regulated lncRNA genes, one inflammasome-regulated lncRNA, ENSG00000273124, was knocked down in an in vitro model of macrophage polarization. The results indicate that silencing of ENSG00000273124 resulted in the up-regulation tumor necrosis factor (TNF), suggesting that this lncRNA might be involved in pro-inflammatory response in macrophages. To make our analyzed data more accessible, we developed the web database InflammasomeDB.
Polysaccharides: The Potential Prebiotics for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)
Authors: Guo Qin , Li Yun , Dai Xin , Wang Bangmao , Zhang Jie , Cao Hailong
Published: August 2023

Metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is recognized as the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally. However, its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Recent advancements in the gut-liver axis offer novel insights into the development of MAFLD. Polysaccharides, primarily derived from fungal and algal sources, abundantly exist in the human diet and exert beneficial effects on glycometabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammation, immune modulation, oxidative stress, and the release of MAFLD. Numerous studies have demonstrated that these bioactivities of polysaccharides are associated with their prebiotic properties, including the ability to modulate the gut microbiome profile, maintain gut barrier integrity, regulate metabolites produced by gut microbiota such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and bile acids (BAs), and contribute to intestinal homeostasis. This narrative review aims to present a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of the protective effects of polysaccharides on MAFLD through their interactions with the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Specifically, we highlight the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the prebiotic effects of polysaccharides, which may give new avenues for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.
Supplementing Vitamin D in Different Patient Groups to Reduce Deficiency
Authors: Pludowski Pawel
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Studies indicate a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in both the general population and at-risk groups. Given the association between vitamin D deficiency and various diseases, addressing this concern becomes crucial, especially in situations where routine monitoring is challenging. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review of the current knowledge on vitamin D dosing in diverse at-risk populations and the application of the findings to a broader clinical perspective. Results: The reviewed studies revealed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients with musculoskeletal disorders, systemic connective tissue diseases, corticosteroid use, endocrine and metabolic conditions, malabsorption syndromes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and central nervous system diseases. Vitamin D deficiency was often more severe compared to the general population. Higher dosages of vitamin D beyond the recommended levels for the general population were shown to be effective in improving vitamin D status in these at-risk individuals. Additionally, some studies suggested a potential link between intermittent vitamin D administration and improved adherence. Conclusion: Simplified dosing could empower clinicians to address vitamin D deficiency, particularly in high-risk populations, even without routine monitoring. Further research is needed to establish the optimal dosing regimens for specific at-risk populations.