bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between systemic immune-inflammatory index and systemic inflammatory response index with body mass index in children and adolescents: a population-based study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020
Authors: Luo Lisha , Chen Lin , Song Jukun , Ma Xiuqi , Wang Xike
Published: October 2024

Background

The Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index (SII) and Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) are novel composite inflammatory markers. Previous studies suggest that obesity in individuals correlates with persistently low levels of chronic inflammation. This study aims to explore the association between SII and SIRI and Body Mass Index (BMI) among children and adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset from 2 consecutive cycles from 2017-2020. Multivariate linear regression models were employed to examine the linear relationships between BMI and SII and SIRI. Non-linear associations were explored using smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis.

Results

A total of 2980 children and adolescents aged 6-19 years were included in this population-based study. In the population description of body mass index categories, we found progressively higher levels of SII and SIRI, notably peaking among obese children (SII mean ± SD: 528.83 ± 285.46; SIRI mean ± SD: 1.12 ± 0.79). Weighted multivariate linear regression confirmed a significant positive association between BMI and both inflammatory indices (P < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent correlations across gender divisions and highlighted a non-linear relationship between BMI and SII.

Conclusions

SII and SIRI are positively associated with BMI in children and adolescents, indicating their potential as markers for assessing systemic inflammation in pediatric obesity. Further large-scale prospective studies are required to substantiate these findings.
The clinical potential of 1,5-anhydroglucitol as biomarker in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xu Haiying , Chen Renyin , Hou Xiaoli , Li Na , Han Yanwei , Ji Shaoping
Published: October 2024

A crucial measure of diabetes management is to monitor blood glucose, which often requires continuous blood collection, leading to economic burden and discomfort. Blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin A1c serve as traditional indicators of glucose monitoring. But now glycated albumin, fructosamine, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) have been gaining more attention. 1,5-AG is a chemically stable monosaccharide that exists in the human body. Its serum concentration remains stable when blood glucose levels are normal. However, it decreases when blood glucose exceeds the renal glucose threshold. Studies have shown that 1.5-AG reflects blood glucose changes in 1 to 2 weeks; therefore, decreased levels of serum 1,5-AG can serve as a clinical indicator of short-term blood glucose disturbances. Recent studies have shown that 1,5-AG can be used not only for the screening and managing of diabetes but also for predicting diabetes-related adverse events and islet β cell function in prediabetic patients. In addition, saliva 1,5-AG demonstrates potential value in the screening and diagnosis of diabetes. This review focuses on the biological characteristics, detection methods, and clinical application of 1,5-AG to promote understanding and applicable research of 1,5-AG in the future.
Occurrence, residency, and habitat characterization of leopard seals in Chile
Authors: Borras-Chavez Renato , Soteres Rodrigo L. , Gómez-González Gabriela , Martínez Francisco , Fernández-Ferrada Nicolás , Castillo-Aguilar Matias , Moreno Azua Fredy , Dougnac Catherine , Arredondo Cristóbal , Brown Nicholi , Sperou Emily S. , Bonin Carolina A. , Goebel Michael E. , Guerrero Alicia I. , Donke Marcelo , Kienle Sarah S.
Published: October 2024

Leopard seals have traditionally been considered Antarctic predators with a Southern Ocean distribution. Historically, sightings north of the Antarctic Polar Front were considered extralimital. However, recent studies suggest a significant presence of leopard seals in subantarctic regions. Here, we assess the spatial occurrence, residency status, and temporal trends of leopard seals in Chile using historical records, stranding reports, standardized monitoring data, photo-identification (photo ID) catalogs, and sightings from four research expeditions. We also characterize glaciers where sightings are concentrated, identifying glaciological and geomorphic attributes that prolong iceberg residency time, which is linked to high leopard seal concentrations. Based on these attributes, we evaluated other potential suitable glacial habitats in Patagonia. We obtained 438 sighting records of leopard seals from 1927 to 2023. Over the last 15 years, we documented a 4-18% annual increase in stranding events reported to national authorities. Most sightings (75%) were concentrated in two hotspots: National Park San Rafael Lagoon, located in Northern Patagonia, and Parry Fjord in Tierra del Fuego. Using photo ID catalogs, we identified 19 resident leopard seals, including 16 multi-year residents observed between 2010-2023 (10 in San Rafael, 6 in Tierra del Fuego) and 3 potential residents (observed multiple months in the same year in Tierra del Fuego). San Rafael monitoring data showed no inter-annual trend, but seasonal trends were observed. We also provide evidence of breeding in Chile, with records of at least 14 pups born and at least two females giving birth in multiple years. Our habitat characterization suggests that calving flux, fjord sinuosity, and fjord width variation are crucial for prolonging iceberg residency in hotspot areas. Based on these attributes, we identified 13 additional fjords in Patagonia as “very likely” suitable for leopard seals. Our study confirms that Patagonia is part of the species’ breeding distribution, shifting the paradigm that leopard seals are merely visitors north of the Antarctic Polar Front. Given the limited number of suitable glaciers in Chile and the potential impacts of climate change, our assessment highlights glacial retreat as a major threat for the ecosystem of this pagophilic marine apex predator in South America.
First report of Coolia palmyrensis in Korea: seasonal and spatial distribution of C. palmyrensis and C. malayensis in Korean coastal waters
Authors: Hyung Jun-Ho , Moon Seung Joo , Lee Hangy , Park Jaeyeon
Published: October 2024

Distribution patterns of benthic dinoflagellates that are widely observed in tropical and temperate waters and have toxic potential are changing in response to ocean climate change. Although there have been no outbreaks associated with the genus Coolia affecting humans, it is crucial to understand their changing distribution and clearly identify the species in the study area to prepare for potential toxic events. In this study, five strains of Coolia species were isolated from macroalgae samples collected from Jeju Island and the eastern coastal waters of Korea. Through morphological and molecular analysis of these isolates, one strain was identified as Coolia palmyrensis, marking the first report of this species in Korea, and four strains as C. malayensis. One of the C. malayensis strains was isolated in Pohang on the eastern coast of Korea, where it had not been previously reported. From 2021 to 2023, monitoring of Jeju Island using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay revealed that C. palmyrensis cells occurred mostly in autumn, with a maximum density of 242 cells g-1, and overwintering populations were observed in 2023. However, C. malayensis cells were not observed in this area. Additionally, C. malayensis was observed in Pohang and Ulsan, located further north than Jeju Island with maximum cell densities of 537 and 201 cells g-1, respectively. These data and our decade of monitoring experience confirmed the introduction and establishment of C. palmyrensis and habitat shift of C. malayensis in Korean coastal waters. This study provides advances for understanding of the relationships between climate-driven alterations and biogeographic distribution of these species.
Monitoring monthly mortality of maricultured Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Scotland II. A hierarchical dynamic linear model
Authors: Merca Carolina , Boerlage Annette Simone , Kristensen Anders Ringgaard , Jensen Dan Børge
Published: October 2024

The sustainability of the salmon farming industry is being challenged by increased mortality rates. Scotland’s open-source salmon production data provides the possibility of developing an industry-wide mortality monitoring model, valuable for identifying and addressing unexpected increases in mortality without needing data sharing agreements across different companies. This study aimed to utilize these data to develop a hierarchical dynamic linear model (DLM) for monitoring monthly mortality of maricultured Atlantic salmon in Scotland. We evaluated whether considering the hierarchical structure present in the data (country, region, and site) would improve mortality predictions when compared to the production cycle level DLMs developed in a previous study. Our findings demonstrated that the hierarchical DLM outperformed the production cycle level DLMs, confirming the value of this more complex modelling approach. Nevertheless, the hierarchical model, like the production cycle level DLMs, exhibited some uncertainty in the mortality predictions. When mortality is higher than expected, site level warnings are generated, which can encourage producers and inspectors to further investigate the cause. Between 2015 and 2020, approximately 25% of the production cycles and 50% of the sites encountered at least one warning, with most warnings happening in the summer and autumn months. Additionally, the hierarchical model enabled monitoring mortality at multiple levels. This information is useful for various stakeholders as part of a monitoring system, offering insights into mortality trends at national, regional, and sites levels that may benefit from strategic resource management. Recommendations for model improvements include utilizing shorter data aggregation periods, such as weekly, which are not currently available as open-source data.
Phenacyl bromide as Norrish type I photoinitiator for the facile synthesis of chain-end functional PMMA and polystyrene
Authors: Kati Mina , Cakir Yusra Bahar , Kaya Kerem , Kiliclar Huseyin Cem , Kiskan Baris
Published: October 2024

Phenacyl bromide has been explored as a new Norrish Type I photoinitiator for radically polymerizing methyl methacrylate and styrene monomers. A straightforward radical photopolymerization method using UVA light for the synthesis of chain-end functional poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene has been developed. The process has been refined for both bulk and solution photopolymerizations. Chain-end functionalization was demonstrated by the formation of block-copolymers of the bromine-ended homopolymers, utilized as macroinitiators, resulting in an increase in the molecular weight of the corresponding precursor, observed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Block copolymerization was initiated by radicals generated at the chain-ends by a halogen-atom transfer reagent, namely, dimanganese decacarbonyl (Mn2(CO)10). This simple light-induced method is promising for the additive manufacturing field such as vat photopolymerization, stereolithography, digital light processing as it yields chain-end functional materials that can be further processed.
Crotonylation modification and its role in diseases
Authors: Guo Yi , Li Junqin , Zhang Kaiming
Published: October 2024

Protein lysine crotonylation is a novel acylation modification discovered in 2011, which plays a key role in the regulation of various biological processes. Thousands of crotonylation sites have been identified in histone and non-histone proteins over the past decades. Crotonylation is conserved and is regulated by a series of enzymes including “writer”, “eraser”, and “reader”. In recent years, crotonylation has received extensive attention due to its breakthrough progress in reproduction, development and pathogenesis of diseases. Here we brief the crotonylation-related enzyme systems, biological functions, and diseases caused by abnormal crotonylation, which provide new ideas for developing disease intervention and treatment regimens.
Andrographis paniculata improves glucose regulation by enhancing insulin sensitivity and upregulating GLUT 4 expression in Wistar rats
Authors: Saka W. A. , Oyekunle O. S. , Akhigbe T. M. , Oladipo O. O. , Ajayi M. B. , Adekola A. T. , Omole A. I. , Akhigbe R. E.
Published: October 2024

Context

Although the hypoglycaemic effect of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees [Acanthaceae] has been documented, reports on its effect in an apparently healthy state are limited.

Objective

This study investigated whether or not A. paniculata exerts hypoglycaemic effect in a non-diabetic state. It also explored the impact of A. paniculata on glycolytic enzymes and GLUT 4 protein expression, as a possible mode of action.

Methods

Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 10 rats/group). The control rats were vehicle-treated (0.5 ml of distilled water), while the A. paniculata-treated rats had 500 mg/kg of A. paniculata per os once daily for 35 days.

Results

A. paniculata treatment led to improved insulin sensitivity evidenced by increased HOMA-β (88.08 ± 2.13 vs. 120.80 ± 1.52, p < 0.0001), HOMA-S (283.60 ± 8.82 vs. 300.50 ± 9.30, p = 0.0189), and reduced TyG index (4.22 ± 0.04 vs. 3.95 ± 0.07, p < 0.0002) and HOMA-IR (0.32 ± 0.01 vs. 0.25 ± 0.01, p < 0.0001) when compared with the control. It also improved glucose regulation as depicted by reduced fasting blood glucose (3.77 ± 0.10 vs. 3.24 ± 0.11, p < 0.0001) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; 7.69 ± 1.15 vs. 5.95 ± 0.82, p = 0.0245), and atherogenic dyslipidaemia, including AIP (−0.12 ± 0.03 vs. −0.26 ± 0.03, p < 0.0001) and CRI-I (2.70 ± 0.29 vs. 1.84 ± 0.27, p < 0.0001). These findings were accompanied by enhanced hepatic and muscular redox state, increased activities of glycolytic enzymes, upregulated GLUT 4 (0.80 ± 0.27 vs. 6.20 ± 0.84, p < 0.0001), and increased circulating nitric oxide (5.45 ± 0.24 vs. 6.79 ± 0.33, p = 0.0002).

Conclusion

A. paniculata exerts positive effect on glucose metabolism and utilization by improving insulin sensitivity and upregulating the activities of glycolytic enzymes and GLUT 4 protein expression. This implies that A. paniculata may be beneficial in preventing insulin resistance and incident diabetes. Nonetheless, it should be used with caution to prevent hypoglycaemia in a non-diabetic state.
Synergistic effect in the co-extraction of Ginseng and Schisandra protein
Authors: Zhang Han , Wang Haidong , Zhou Hongyan , Shi Jialin , Wan Zhiqiang , Li Guangzhe , Yan Mingming
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Ginseng and Schisandra are traditional Chinese plants that have been used in culinary practices and are renowned for their immune-boosting properties. In Chinese medicine, Ginseng and Schisandra are frequently used together as a clinical pair to mutually enhance their effect, producing a synergistic effect when consumed in combination. However, the underlying mechanism of their synergistic effect remains uncertain. Therefore, this study investigates the synergistic effect of Ginseng-Schisandra in terms of macromolecular proteins.

Methods

We used a dual-protein research methodology combined with co-extraction techniques to obtain the co-extracted protein of ginseng and Schisandra. We then compared the physicochemical and functional properties and antioxidant activities of co-extracted protein (COP), simple mixed protein (SMP), Ginseng protein (PGP), and Schisandra protein (SCP).

Results

Generally, PGP and SCP are considered as functional food with antioxidant activity. COP are composite proteins with a shared internal structure that are combined by Ginseng and Schisandra proteins, while SMP are simple mixtures of PGP and SCP. Free radical scavenging experiments indicated that COP exhibited the highest scavenging ability for hydroxyl radicals (98.89%), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals (85.95%), and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS+) radicals (42.69%). In vitro, COP significantly reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), while increasing intracellular levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in HepG2 cells.

Discussion

The comparative results of the macromolecular proteins reveal that COP contributes to the synergistic effect of Ginseng-Schisandra and indicate the advantages of co-extraction in protein production, suggesting the potential application of COP in the food industry.
A computational assay for identifying millet-derived compounds that antagonize the interaction between bisphenols and estrogen-related receptor gamma
Authors: Pathak Rajesh Kumar , Kim Jun-Mo
Published: October 2024

The use of Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogs in industries, as well as the products made from them, is becoming a significant concern for human health. Scientific studies have revealed that BPA functions as an endocrine disruptor. While some analogs of BPA (bisphenols) have been used for a longer time, it was later discovered that they are toxic, similar to BPA. Their widespread use ensures their presence in the environment, and thus, everyone is exposed to them. Scientific research has shown that BPA interacts with estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ), affecting its normal function. ERRγ is involved in biological processes including energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Therefore, continuous exposure to bisphenols increases the risk of various diseases. In our previous study, we observed that some analogs of BPA had a higher binding affinity to ERRγ compared to BPA itself and analyzed the amino acid residues involved in this interaction. We hypothesized that by antagonizing the interaction between bisphenols and ERRγ, we could neutralize their toxic effects. Taking into account the health benefits of millets and their toxin removal properties, virtual screening of millet-derived compounds was conducted along with prediction of their ADMET profiles. Top five candidates were prioritized for Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and further analyses. Long-term molecular dynamics simulation (1 µs) were utilized to evaluate their binding, stability, and antagonizing abilities. Furthermore, reevaluation of their binding energy was conducted using the MM-PBSA method. This study reports millet-derived compounds, namely, Tricin 7-rutinoside, Tricin 7-glucoside, Glucotricin, Kaempferol, and Setarin. These compounds are predicted to be potent competitive inhibitors that can antagonize the interactions between bisphenols and ERRγ. These compounds could potentially assist in the development of future therapeutics. They may also be considered for use as food supplements, although further investigations, including wet-lab experiments and clinical studies, are needed.
(Pro)renin receptor aggravates myocardial pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy through AMPK-NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Li Shengnan , Zhang Jingjing , Zhao Yuewen , Kang Li , Jie Haipeng , Dong Bo
Published: October 2024

Introduction

As one of the most common complications of diabetes, diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the main cause of heart failure in patients with diabetes. However, the lack of effective treatments for DCM remains a clinical challenge. (Pro) renin receptor (PRR) is a member of renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS). Here, we aim to determine whether PRR is involved in myocardial pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Methods

We established diabetic rats model by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). PRR overexpression adenovirus or PRR knockdown adenovirus was injected into the tail vein. Western blot, histopathology and immunohistochemistry staining, ELISA and Echocardiography were used to detect cardiac function changes and myocardial injury levels of DCM rats. Primary cardiomyocytes were stimulated with high glucose and PRR overexpression or PRR knockdown was achieved by adenovirus transfection, we also used the inhibitor of AMPK to decrease the activity of AMPK. Western blot, Real-time PCR, Immunofluorescence and ELISA were used to detect the level of PRR and pyroptosis in cardiomyocyte.

Results

We found that high glucose increased the expression of PRR in heart. After overexpression of PRR, the expression of the pyroptosis related proteins such as Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and NLRP3 was significantly increased, the phosphorylation level of AMPK was significantly decreased, and the fibrosis level was significantly increased, thus aggravating the cardiac function injury of DCM. On the contrary, PRR knockdown can alleviate the level of myocardial pyroptosis in DCM and improve cardiac function. The related mechanism was that PRR could inhibit AMPK phosphorylation and promote the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Discussion

PRR aggravated pyroptosis of cardiomyocyte, increased the dysfunction of cardiomyocyte, and may be related to the decrease of AMPK phosphorylation and the overactivation of NLRP3. This may provide new ideas and targets for the treatment of DCM.
In-Vivo and In-Vitro Investigation of Germination Rate of Buried Sclerotia, and Variability in Carpogenic Germination Among Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Isolates
Authors: Zamani-Noor Nazanin , Klocke Bettina , Dominic Anto Raja , Brand Sinja , Wüsthoff Niklas , Papenbrock Jutta
Published: October 2024

The sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum serve as a primary inoculum source for initiating infections. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental factors on sclerotial germination under field conditions by establishing sclerotia depots to monitor apothecia appearance over four consecutive years. Additionally, the effects of soil moisture content (25%, 50%, 75%, and 95%), air temperature (10 °C/10 °C, 14 °C/10 °C, and 18 °C/10 °C), and light conditions (white and UV light) on sclerotial germination and apothecial formation were investigated under controlled conditions with a 17 h day/7 h night regime. Furthermore, variability in carpogenic germination among S. sclerotiorum isolates was examined. From 2021 to 2024, significant differences were observed in both the sclerotia germination rate and timing of germination within the season. High soil moisture, particularly prolonged wetness, and soil temperatures between 10 and 14 °C were key factors for apothecial formation under field conditions. Under controlled conditions, higher soil moisture levels (75% and 95%) accelerated sclerotial germination, with sclerotia incubated at 14 °C/10 °C germinating earlier after 38 days than those at 10 °C/10 °C or 18 °C/10 °C. Additionally, the type of light significantly affected apothecial formation, which was observed only in treatments exposed to a combination of white and UV light. Furthermore, significant variations were also found in the duration until sclerotia of different S. sclerotiorum isolates produced the first stipe and the first apothecium, indicating that the genetic characteristics of each isolate affect carpogenic germination.
Effects of Water–Nitrogen Interaction on Sandy Soil, Physiology, and Morphology of Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) Turf
Authors: Guo Wenfei , Zhang Wenchao , Han Liebao
Published: October 2024

The soil water and nitrogen (N) levels are the important factors affecting turfgrass growth. However, the impact of the water–N interaction on tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) in terms of the N metabolism and plant morphology remains uncertain. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of different N and water levels on the physiological and morphological responses of tall fescue. The experiment was designed with N (N0, N2, and N4 representing N application rates of 0, 2, and 4 g m–2, respectively) and irrigation [W1, W2, W3, W4, and W5 representing field water capacities (FWCs) of 90~100%, 75~85%, 60~70%, 45~55%, and 30~40%, respectively] treatments, and the relevant indexes of the soil water content and soil NH4+–N and NO3−–N levels as well as the physiology and morphology of the tall fescue were determined. The results demonstrated significant changes in the contents of soil water (SWC) and N and the physiological and morphological indexes, except for the enzymes related to N metabolism, including nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and glutamate synthetase (GOGAT). The water stress significantly enhanced the water and N use efficiencies (WUE and NUE), except the NUE in the W5 treatment. The N stress significantly influenced the SWC, soil NO3−–N content, and physiological and morphological indexes, excluding malondialdehyde, NiR, GOGAT, and above- (AGB) and below-ground biomass, resulting in the increased WUE and NUE. The application of a low N rate effectively alleviated the detrimental impacts of water stress on the SWC and glutamine synthetase activity. In conclusion, W2 and N2 are deemed more appropriate treatments for the low-maintenance measures of tall fescue turf. Among all the treatments, N2W2 is recommended as the optimal water–N interaction treatment due to its ability to conserve resources while still ensuring high turf quality.
Influence of Trenchless Subsurface Drainage with a Rice Husk Filling System on Soybean Productivity Under a Poorly Drained Paddy Field for Future Applications in Smart Agriculture
Authors: Jung Ki-Yeol , Jeon Seung Ho , Chae Se Eun , Yoon Dong-Kyung
Published: October 2024

In South Korea, paddy fields are increasingly being planted with soybeans to address rice supply and demand issues and increase soybean self-sufficiency. The field crops cannot grow healthily without adequate drainage due to the paddy fields storing water easily. In this study, we identified that Rice Husk Filling Drainage Method (RHDM) technology improved soil permeability and soil aeration. We also found that the soil moisture content was reduced and the water table remained at a lower level in the RHDM plot as compared to the control plot. The soybean moisture stress index showed that in the RHDM plot, the safety standard for stress due to excessive moisture at the 2 m interval was met. The soybean yield was increased by up to 35% in the 2 m RHDM construction interval compared to the control plot. In addition, the high hydraulic conductivity of the rice husk used as the hydrophobic material confirmed sufficient drainage performance and was considered economically advantageous. Therefore, our results show that RHDM is a highly efficient and economical drainage method in poorly drained paddy soils. Drainage management is essential for stable crop production in poorly drained paddy fields. Our research findings suggest that an efficient open field water management method is viable, which we believe will lead to future advances in open field smart agriculture.
Identifying Changes and Their Drivers in Paddy Fields of Northeast China: Past and Future
Authors: Hu Xuhua , Xu Yang , Huang Peng , Yuan Dan , Song Changhong , Wang Yingtao , Cui Yuanlai , Luo Yufeng
Published: October 2024

Northeast China plays a crucial role as a major grain-producing region, and attention to its land use and land cover changes (LUCC), especially farmland changes, are crucial to ensure food security and promote sustainable development. Based on the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data and a decision tree model, land types, especially those of paddy fields in Northeast China from 2000 to 2020, were extracted, and the spatiotemporal changes in paddy fields and their drivers were analyzed. The development trends of paddy fields under different future scenarios were explored alongside the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) data. The findings revealed that the kappa coefficients of land use classification from 2000 to 2020 reached 0.761–0.825, with an overall accuracy of 80.5–87.3%. The proposed land classification method can be used for long-term paddy field monitoring in Northeast China. The LUCC in Northeast China is dominated by the expansion of paddy fields. The centroids of paddy fields gradually shifted toward the northeast by a distance of 292 km, with climate warming being the main reason for the shift. Under various climate scenarios, the temperature in Northeast China and its surrounding regions is projected to rise. Each scenario is anticipated to meet the temperature conditions necessary for the northeastward expansion of paddy fields. This study provides support for ensuring sustainable agricultural development in Northeast China.
SGW-YOLOv8n: An Improved YOLOv8n-Based Model for Apple Detection and Segmentation in Complex Orchard Environments
Authors: Wu Tao , Miao Zhonghua , Huang Wenlei , Han Wenkai , Guo Zhengwei , Li Tao
Published: October 2024

This study addresses the problem of detecting occluded apples in complex unstructured environments in orchards and proposes an apple detection and segmentation model based on improved YOLOv8n-SGW-YOLOv8n. The model improves apple detection and segmentation by combining the SPD-Conv convolution module, the GAM global attention mechanism, and the Wise-IoU loss function, which enhances the accuracy and robustness. The SPD-Conv module preserves fine-grained features in the image by converting spatial information into channel information, which is particularly suitable for small target detection. The GAM global attention mechanism enhances the recognition of occluded targets by strengthening the feature representation of channel and spatial dimensions. The Wise-IoU loss function further optimises the regression accuracy of the target frame. Finally, the pre-prepared dataset is used for model training and validation. The results show that the SGW-YOLOv8n model significantly improves relative to the original YOLOv8n in target detection and instance segmentation tasks, especially in occlusion scenes. The model improves the detection mAP to 75.9% and the segmentation mAP to 75.7% and maintains a processing speed of 44.37 FPS, which can meet the real-time requirements, providing effective technical support for the detection and segmentation of fruits in complex unstructured environments for fruit harvesting robots.
Effect of Dietary Crude Protein Reduction Levels on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Utilization, Blood Parameters, Meat Quality, and Welfare Index of Broilers in Welfare-Friendly Environments
Authors: Son Jiseon , Lee Woo-Do , Kim Chan-Ho , Kim Hyunsoo , Hong Eui-Chul , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: October 2024

We investigated the effects of feeding different levels of crude protein (CP) on broiler performance, blood characteristics, meat quality, nutrient and nitrogen (N) availability, stress levels, and welfare indicators in a welfare environment. A total of 625 eight-day-old male broilers were assigned to five dietary CP levels (control (CON) and 1–4% CP reductions) during the grower (8–21 days) and finisher (22–35 days) periods. The CON diet contained 20% CP in the grower phase and 19% in the finisher phase, while all birds received a 22% CP diet during the starter period (1–7 days). Intriguingly, reducing CP levels in the diet did not significantly affect growth performance. These results may be due to the adequate supplementation of essential amino acids in the diets of all treatments and the compensatory growth observed in the finisher phase. Low-CP diets reduced CP digestibility, N intake, and N excretion, while N retention efficiency improved (p < 0.001). Serum total protein (TP) levels decreased equally with decreasing CP in the diet, and the crude fat content in meat increased linearly (p < 0.01). The litter moisture content and pH decreased with lower CP levels, and the welfare indices (footpad dermatitis (FPD), serum corticosterone, etc.) improved (p < 0.01). In conclusion, an appropriate reduction in CP levels in their diet can enhance broiler welfare by reducing N excretion and improving litter quality without adversely affecting performance.
Tellurium-Doped Bioactive Glass Induces Ferroptosis in Osteosarcoma Cells Regardless of FSP1
Authors: Pańczyszyn Elżbieta , Lallukka Mari , Gagliardi Mara , Saverio Valentina , Monzani Romina , Miola Marta , Verné Enrica , Corazzari Marco
Published: October 2024

Human osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare tumor predominantly affecting long bones and characterized by a poor prognosis. Currently, the first line of intervention consists of the surgical resection of primary tumors combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with a profound impact on the patient’s life. Since the surgical removal of OS frequently results in a large resection of bones, the use of biomaterials to sustain the stability of the remaining tissue and to stimulate bone regeneration is challenging. Moreover, residual neoplastic cells might be responsible for tumor recurrence. Here, we explored the potential of tellurium-ion-doped bioactive glass as a novel therapeutic intervention to both eradicate residual malignant cells and promote bone regeneration. Bioactive glass (BAG) has been extensively studied and employed in the field of regenerative medicine due to its osseointegration properties and ability to improve bone tissue regeneration. We found that the incorporation of tellurium (Te) in BAG selectively kills OS cells through ferroptosis while preserving the viability of hBMSCs and stimulating their osteodifferentiation. However, the mechanism of Te toxicity is still unclear: (i) Te-BAG generates lipid-ROS through LOXs activity but not iron overload; (ii) Te-dependent ferroptosis is mediated by GPX4 down-regulation; and (iii) the anti-ferroptotic activity of FSP1 is abrogated, whose expression confers the resistance of OS to the canonical induction of ferroptosis. Overall, our data show that Te-doped bioglass could represent an interesting biomaterial with both pro-ferroptotic activity towards residual cancer cells and pro-osteoregenerative activity.
Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Alleviates Airway Inflammation and Oxidative Stress on Ovalbumin-Induced Asthmatic BALB/c Mouse Model
Authors: He Wenjing , Rahman Md. Habibur , Bajgai Johny , Abdul-Nasir Sofian , Mo Chaodeng , Ma Hui , Goh Seong Hoon , Bomi Kim , Jung Hyeran , Kim Cheol-Su , Lee Hyungdon , Lee Kyu-Jae
Published: October 2024

Airway inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, are a global public health concern owing to their chronic inflammatory effects on the respiratory mucosa. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has recently been recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we examined the therapeutic potential of H2 in airway inflammation using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced BALB/c mouse model of allergic asthma. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA to induce airway inflammation, and 30 mice were randomly divided into five groups: NT (non-treatment), HTC (3% H2 treatment only), NC (negative control, OVA only), PC (positive control, OVA + intranasal 1 mg/mL salbutamol 50 μL), and HT (H2 treatment, OVA + inhaled 3% H2). Various inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS)-induced markers such as white blood cells (WBCs) and their differential counts, lung histology, cytokine levels such as interleukin (IL)-4, (IL)-5, (IL)-13, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), (IL)-10, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT), and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were investigated. Our results showed that inhaled H2 significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, OS markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression while upregulating antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, H2 also significantly decreased serum IgE levels, a marker of allergic inflammation. Collectively, our findings suggest that H2 inhalation is a promising treatment option for airway inflammation, offering a novel approach with potential clinical applications.
Application of the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to a Robotic Golf Caddy: Health Consciousness as a Moderator
Authors: Joo Kyuhyeon , Kim Heather Markham , Hwang Jinsoo
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic not only accelerated the spread of contactless robot services but also revitalized the golf industry. These changes have expedited the adoption of robot caddies, making it necessary to conduct research on golfers’ acceptance of robot caddies. This study, thus, intended to investigate the importance of the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) in the framework of robotic golf caddies and examined health consciousness as a moderator. An online survey was conducted with South Korean golfers, and a total of 391 responses were analyzed. The data analysis results indicated that all five dimensions of the extended UTAUT have a positive impact on attitude. Also, attitude is a significant predictor of both intentions to use and word-of-mouth intentions. Lastly, this study discovered that the moderating effect of health consciousness on the correlation between performance expectancy and attitude was significant.
Optimizing Security and Cost Efficiency in N-Level Cascaded Chaotic-Based Secure Communication System
Authors: Bonny Talal , Al Nassan Wafaa
Published: October 2024

In recent years, chaos-based secure communication systems have garnered significant attention for their unique attributes, including sensitivity to initial conditions and periodic orbit density. However, existing systems face challenges in balancing encryption strength with practical implementation, especially for multiple levels. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a novel N-level cascaded chaotic-based secure communication system for voice encryption, leveraging the four-dimensional unified hyperchaotic system. Performance evaluation is conducted using various security metrics, including Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Percent Residual Deviation (PRD), and correlation coefficient, as well as Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) resource metrics. A new Value-Based Performance Metrics (VBPM) framework is also introduced, focusing on both security and efficiency. Simulation results reveal that the system achieves optimal performance at N = 4 levels, demonstrating significant improvements in both security and FPGA resource utilization compared to existing approaches. This research offers a scalable and cost-efficient solution for secure communication systems, with broader implications for real-time encryption in practical applications.
Multi-Step Ageing Prediction of NMC Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Temperature Characteristics
Authors: Hammou Abdelilah , Tala-Ighil Boubekeur , Makany Philippe , Gualous Hamid
Published: October 2024

The performance of lithium-ion batteries depends strongly on their ageing state; therefore, the monitoring and the prediction of the battery state of health (SoH) is necessary for an optimized and secured functioning of battery systems. This paper evaluates and compares three artificial neural network architectures for multi-step ageing prediction of lithium-ion cells: Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Long short-term memory (LSTM). These models use the features extracted from the cell’s temperature to predict the cell’s capacity. The features are extracted from experimental measurements of the cell’s surface temperature and selected based on Spearman correlation analysis. The prediction results were evaluated and compared considering three different percentages of the training dataset: 60%, 70%, and 80%. Training and testing data were generated experimentally based on accelerated ageing cycling tests. During these experiments, four Nickel Manganese Cobalt/Graphite (NMC) cells were cycled under a controlled temperature environment based on a dynamic current profile extracted from the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycles.
Stabilizing the Solid Electrolyte Interphase of SiOx Negative Electrodes: The Role of Fluoroethylene Carbonate in Enhancing Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Nogales Paul Maldonado , Lee Sangyup , Yang Seunga , Yang Inchan , Choi Soen Hui , Park Sei-Min , Lee Jae Ho , Kim Chan Jung , An Jung-Chul , Jeong Soon-Ki
Published: October 2024

This study examined the role of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) in stabilizing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and enhancing the electrochemical performance of SiOx-based composite negative electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. Two electrolyte systems were used: 1.0 mol dm−3 (M) LiPF6 in a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) with 0.5 wt.% VC, and 1.0 M LiPF6 in a mixture of EC and EMC with 1.0 wt.% VC and 10 wt.% FEC. These systems enabled the investigation of how FEC contributes to SEI stabilization and cycling stability. FEC promotes the formation of a LiF-rich SEI layer, which mitigates volume expansion and enhances capacity retention. Additionally, the accumulation of Li2CO3 and Li2O in the SEI was found to increase interfacial resistance, as observed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Among the SiOx contents tested (0%, 3%, and 7.8%), the 3% SiOx content exhibited the best balance between SiOx and carbon nanotubes, resulting in improved SEI formation and enhanced electrochemical performance. These results offer insights into the optimization of electrolyte formulations for long-term cycling stability in SiOx-based lithium-ion batteries.
Exploring the Landscape of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI): A Systematic Review of Techniques and Applications
Authors: Hamida Sayda Umma , Chowdhury Mohammad Jabed Morshed , Chakraborty Narayan Ranjan , Biswas Kamanashis , Sami Shahrab Khan
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) encompasses the development of systems that perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as reasoning and learning. Despite its widespread use, AI often raises trust issues due to the opacity of its decision-making processes. This challenge has led to the development of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), which aims to enhance user understanding and trust by providing clear explanations of AI decisions and processes. This paper reviews existing XAI research, focusing on its application in the healthcare sector, particularly in medical and medicinal contexts. Our analysis is organized around key properties of XAI—understandability, comprehensibility, transparency, interpretability, and explainability—providing a comprehensive overview of XAI techniques and their practical implications.
The Effect of Bone Mechanical Stress Caused by Electrical Stimulation-Induced Muscle Contraction on Osteocalcin Secretion
Authors: Chen Yi-Chen , Oga Ryoya , Furumi Takahiro , Nakagawa Koki , Nita Yoshihiro , Tamaki Hiroyuki
Published: October 2024

Electrical stimulation-induced muscle contraction (ESMC) has demonstrated various physiological benefits, but its effects on the secretion of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), a bone-derived cytokine, remain unclear. This study explored the relationship between ESMC, bone strain, and ucOC secretion through two experiments. In the first, young male Fischer 344 rats were divided into three groups: low-frequency ES (LF, 10 Hz), high-frequency ES (HF, 100 Hz), and control (CON). Acute 30-min transcutaneous ES was applied, and both bone strain and ucOC levels were measured. In the second experiment, rats underwent LF or HF long-term ES (two sessions per week for 4 weeks), with ucOC and insulin levels monitored. Results revealed a significant peak in ucOC at 6 h post-acute LF-ESMC. Despite HF-ESMC generating greater bone strain, LF-ESMC, with smaller but repetitive bone strain, proved more effective in stimulating ucOC secretion. In the long-term study, both ESMC groups exhibited early increases in ucOC, with a positive correlation to insulin levels. In conclusion, bone strain induced by ES-mediated muscle contraction promotes ucOC secretion, with both the magnitude and frequency of strain playing critical roles.
Investigating the Activities of CAF20 and ECM32 in the Regulation of PGM2 mRNA Translation
Authors: Al-gafari Mustafa , Jagadeesan Sasi Kumar , Kazmirchuk Thomas David Daniel , Takallou Sarah , Wang Jiashu , Hajikarimlou Maryam , Ramessur Nishka Beersing , Darwish Waleed , Bradbury-Jost Calvin , Moteshareie Houman , Said Kamaledin B. , Samanfar Bahram , Golshani Ashkan
Published: October 2024

Translation is a fundamental process in biology, and understanding its mechanisms is crucial to comprehending cellular functions and diseases. The regulation of this process is closely linked to the structure of mRNA, as these regions prove vital to modulating translation efficiency and control. Thus, identifying and investigating these fundamental factors that influence the processing and unwinding of structured mRNAs would be of interest due to the widespread impact in various fields of biology. To this end, we employed a computational approach and identified genes that may be involved in the translation of structured mRNAs. The approach is based on the enrichment of interactions and co-expression of genes with those that are known to influence translation and helicase activity. The in silico prediction found CAF20 and ECM32 to be highly ranked candidates that may play a role in unwinding mRNA. The activities of neither CAF20 nor ECM32 have previously been linked to the translation of PGM2 mRNA or other structured mRNAs. Our follow-up investigations with these two genes provided evidence of their participation in the translation of PGM2 mRNA and several other synthetic structured mRNAs.
α-Mangostin: A Xanthone Derivative in Mangosteen with Potent Anti-Cancer Properties
Authors: Majdalawieh Amin F. , Terro Tala M. , Ahari Sogand H. , Abu-Yousef Imad A.
Published: October 2024

α-Mangostin, a xanthone derivative extracted from the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana L.), has garnered significant attention for its potential as a natural anti-cancer agent. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on the anti-cancer properties of α-mangostin across various cancer types. Through an extensive analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies, this review elucidates the multifaceted mechanisms underlying α-mangostin’s cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, and modulation of key cellular processes implicated in cancer progression in a diverse array of cancer cells. It causes mitochondrial dysfunction, activates caspases, and regulates autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress, enhancing its anti-cancer efficacy. Moreover, α-mangostin exhibits synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, suggesting its utility in combination therapies. The ability of α-mangostin to inhibit cell proliferation, modulate cell cycle progression, and induce apoptosis is linked to its effects on key signaling pathways, including Akt, NF-κB, and p53. Preclinical studies highlight the therapeutic potential and safety profile of α-mangostin, demonstrating significant tumor growth inhibition without adverse effects on normal cells. In summary, understanding the molecular targets and mechanisms of action of α-mangostin is crucial for its development as a novel chemotherapeutic agent, and future clinical investigations are warranted to explore its clinical utility and efficacy in cancer prevention and therapy.