bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Artificial Immune Systems and Fuzzy Logic for Active Distribution Systems Reconfiguration
Authors: Alonso Guillermo , Alonso Ricardo , De Souza Antonio Carlos Zambroni Zambroni , Freitas Walmir
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, the high penetration of automation on smart grids challenges electricity companies in providing an efficient distribution networks operation. In this sense, distribution system reconfiguration (DSR) plays an important role since it may help solve real-time problems. This paper proposes a methodology to solve the DSR problem using artificial immune systems (AIS) based on a new, efficient, and robust approach. This new methodology, called Enhanced Artificial Immune Systems (EAIS), uses the values of the currents in wires for intelligent mutations. The problem is accomplished by a multi-objective optimization with fuzzy variables, minimizing power losses, voltage deviation, and feeders load balancing. A comparison with other DSR solution methods is presented. The method is compared with two other previously proposed methods with the help of the 33-bus, 84-bus, and 136-bus distribution systems. Different scenarios are analyzed, including the optimal location of the Distributed Generation (DG). The results show the applicability of the proposed algorithm for the simultaneous solution of DSR and location or dispatch of DGs.
Study on Quantitative Evaluation Index of Power System Frequency Response Capability
Authors: Chi Cheng , Zhao Hai , Han Jiahang
Published: December 2022

Frequency stability is an important factor for the safety and stability of the power system operation. In a traditional power system, the operation stability is ensured by the inertia response, primary frequency modulation, and secondary frequency modulation. In recent years, in order to achieve the goal of carbon neutralization and carbon peaking, China has made great efforts in new energy development. With large-scale new energy connected to the power grid, the proportion of traditional conventional synchronous units has gradually declined. At the same time, a large number of power electronic devices have been used in the power grid, which led to the capability decline of the inertia response and primary frequency modulation. For example, the East China Power Grid has experienced a sharp frequency drop in such an environment. In order to solve the above problems, the operation principle and control mode of various new energy resources are analyzed in this paper. Moreover, the process and principle of power grid frequency response are studied and the evaluation index of frequency response capability is proposed. The research results can quantitatively evaluate the system inertia response and primary frequency modulation level and provides a judgment tool for dispatching operators and system planners.
Innovation and Climate Change Mitigation Technology in the Asian and African Mining Sector: Empirical Analysis Using the LMDI Method
Authors: Abraham Mahanga Tsoni Cety Gessica , Massonini Ngoma Railh Gugus Tresor , Meng Xiangrui
Published: December 2022

Technology plays an essential role as climate change becomes a growing concern worldwide. This article aims to examine the influence that innovation exerts on climate change mitigation technology (CCMT) in the African and Asian mining sectors. Data were collected from the World Intellectual Property Organization mining database. We conducted a decomposition analysis of patent families between 2011 and 2020 based on the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method. Findings revealed that African countries do not devote their innovation efforts to adaptive technologies, resulting in a mismatch between mining and access to technologies as the scope of R&D narrows. In Asia, the drive for innovation and technological efficiency is a tool to prevent economic damage and legitimize technological benefits as solutions for climate change mitigation technology. This outcome calls on political, national, and international governments to bridge the innovation gap to trigger a real shift from innovation to these technologies.
Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel Residues Affect the Biomass and Soil Quality of Plantation
Authors: Luo Hang , Chen Jiao , He Jienan , Kang Wenxing
Published: December 2022

Long-term unreasonable management has led to the continuous decline of soil quality in Melaleuca alternifolia planting areas in southern China, and there is no effective way to improve its soil quality at present. In this study, residues of tea tree oil extraction were returned to the forest to explore its influence on soil quality. Therefore, four test groups (RT, residues were tiled; RS, residues were stacked; RDT, residues were decomposed and tiled; RDS, residues were decomposed and stacked) and one control group (CK, nothing was changed) were designed. We used one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis to detect 22 physical, chemical, and biological indicators of soil, and then used minimum data set (MDS) and principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate soil quality. The results show that compared with the CK, BD and pH in the test groups decreases, while CP, TTP, SOM, AN, NN, AP, AK, CEC, MBC, MBN, MBP, catalase, urease, sucrase, and ACP increase or strengthen in different degrees, and the biomass increases by 5.3%~12.8%. The soil quality indexes (SQI) are RDT (0.616) > RT (0.546) > RDS (0.525) > RS (0.452) > CK (0.291). Significant correlation between SQI and biomass indicates that the indicators have high biological significance for the planting areas of Melaleuca alternifolia in the red soil region in southern China. These results show that residues could improve soil quality, and that the soil quality is different among different test groups. This study provides a new path for the management of Melaleuca alternifolia plantation.
n-Heptadecane-Impregnated Wood as a Potential Material for Energy-Saving Buildings
Authors: Can Ahmet , Žigon Jure
Published: December 2022

Phase change materials (PCMs) are ideal for thermal management solutions in buildings. This is because they store and release thermal energy during melting and freezing. Spruce (Picea orientalis (L.) Peterm.) sapwood was impregnated with n-heptadecane (100%) as a PCM. The decay-resistance properties and thermal energy storage (TES) characteristics of the n-heptadecane-impregnated wood were studied. The phase change properties of n-heptadecane (nHD)-impregnated wood were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. As confirmed by DSC analysis, nHD-impregnated wood demonstrated moderate performance in storing and releasing heat during the phase change process. Significant increases were observed in the 2800–3000 cm−1 and 1471 cm−1 peaks in FTIR spectra of wood samples impregnated with nHD, which showed C–H stretching in methyl and methylene groups and asymmetric deformation vibration of the paraffin methyl group (CH3–) and C–O stretch in lignin, respectively. It was observed that there was a change in the crystal structure of spruce wood samples after nHD impregnation. This study revealed that PCMs are resistant to wood-destroying fungi. The performance of nHD-impregnated spruce wood proves that it can be used as a thermal regulating building material to reduce energy consumption. In addition, it has been proven on a laboratory scale that the PCM used is highly resistant to biological attacks. However, large-scale pilot studies are still needed.
Effects of Different Harvesting Methods on Aboveground Nutrient Pools of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) Forest in China
Authors: Zheng Yaxiong , Feng Yun , Fan Shaohui , Zhang Meiman , Zhang Xuan , Zhou Xiao , Guan Fengying
Published: December 2022

Improved knowledge of nutrient removals from harvesting is essential for the sustainable management of Moso bamboo forests. In particular, the growth and development of bamboo forests are considered to meet the increasing demand for biomass energy. In this study, plots with an 8 m width strip cut (SC) after five years of restoration were selected as the research object and the traditional management forest (CK) as the control. The nutrient content and biomass of Moso bamboo at different ages were studied and the nutrient storage was calculated. The results showed that five years after cutting, the soil nutrient content in different soil layers and the aboveground nutrient storage reached the same level as the CK. The nutrient ranking of each organ of Moso bamboo was nitrogen > potassium > phosphorus. The phosphorus content of bamboo culm in CK was significantly higher than that in SC at different ages (p < 0.05). The biomass accumulation of each organ of Moso bamboo was culm > branch > leaf. In addition, the relationship between nutrient storage and DBH and density in SC is a simple power form, and the coefficient of determination of most computational models is above 0.9. Our results demonstrated that strip cutting is more economical than traditional management, but nutrient addition is needed to improve the quality of new bamboo trees at the initial stage of recovery in consideration of long-term productivity maintenance.
Exploring the Core Microbiota of Four Different Traditional Fermented Beverages from the Colombian Andes
Authors: Delgado-Ospina Johannes , Puerta-Polanco Luisa Fernanda , Grande-Tovar Carlos David , Cuervo Raúl Alberto , Navia-Porras Diana Paola , Poveda-Perdomo Luis Gabriel , Fernández-Daza Fabián Felipe , Chaves-López Clemencia
Published: December 2022

Fermentation is an ancient process used to prepare and preserve food. Currently, fermented beverages are part of the culture of people living in the Colombian Andean Region, and they are a vital part of their cosmology and ancestral vision. Chicha, Forcha, Champús, and Masato are some of the most common Colombian Andes region’s traditional fermented beverages. These drinks come from the fermentation of maize (Zea maize), but other cereals such as wheat or rye, could be used. The fermentation is carried out by a set of bacteria and yeasts that provide characteristic organoleptic properties of each beverage. In this work, the information collected from the metagenomics analyses by sequencing ITS 1-4 (Internal Transcriber Spacer) and the 16S ribosomal gene for fungi and the V3-V4 region of the rDNA for bacteria allowed us to identify the diversity present in these autochthonous fermented beverages made with maize. The sequencing analysis showed the presence of 39 bacterial and 20 fungal genera. In addition, we determined that only nine genera of bacteria and two genera of fungi affect the organoleptic properties of smell, colour, and flavour, given the production of compounds such as lactic acid, alcohol, and phenols, highlighting the critical role of these microorganisms. Our findings provide new insights into the core microbiota of these beverages, represented by Lactobacillus fermentum, Acetobacter pasteurianus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Life Cycle Assessment of Bioethanol Production: A Case Study from Poplar Biomass Growth in the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Authors: Morales-Vera Rodrigo , Vásquez-Ibarra Leonardo , Scott Felipe , Puettmann Maureen , Gustafson Richard
Published: December 2022

Biomass appears to be one of the most prominent renewable resources for biofuels such as bioethanol, mainly due to its better environmental performance compared with fossil fuels. This study addresses a comprehensive environmental performance of bioethanol production, employing empirical data from hybrid poplar grown in the U.S. The study considers 1 MJ as a functional unit and employs a cradle-to-grave approach, which entails the feedstock and harvesting production of poplar, transport to a biorefinery, bioconversion of the biomass process, and fuel use. On average, bioconversion is the main contributor to environmental degradation in all the categories evaluated (77%). The second main contributor is either the feedstock and harvesting production of poplar (17%) or fuel use (6%), depending on the environmental category. Thus, focusing on only one category may induce a misinterpretation of the environmental performance of bioethanol production. Finally, environmental credits in the global warming potential (GWP) category were obtained from the carbon sequestered in the biomass during the growing period and from avoided fossil fuel emissions due to electricity production from a renewable source. This means that the net GWP of the life cycle of bioethanol from poplar biomass is slightly negative (−1.05 × 10−3 kg CO2-eq·MJ−1).
Examining Gender Bias of Convolutional Neural Networks via Facial Recognition
Authors: Gwyn Tony , Roy Kaushik
Published: December 2022

Image recognition technology systems have existed in the realm of computer security since nearly the inception of electronics, and have seen vast improvements in recent years. Currently implemented facial detection systems regularly achieve accuracy rates close to 100 percent. This includes even challenging environments, such as with low light or skewed images. Despite this near perfect performance, the problem of gender bias with respect to accuracy is still inherent in many current facial recognition algorithms. This bias needs to be addressed to make facial recognition a more complete and useful system. In particular, current image recognition system tend to have poor accuracy concerning underrepresented groups, including minorities and female individuals. The goal of this research is to increase the awareness of this bias issue, as well as to create a new model for image recognition that is gender independent. To achieve this goal, a variety of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) will be tested for accuracy as it pertains to gender bias. In the future, the most accurate CNNs will then be implemented into a new network with the goal of creating a program which is better able to distinguish individuals with a high accuracy, but without gender bias. At present, our research has identified two specific CNNs, VGG-16 and ResNet50, which we believe will be ideal for the creation of this new CNN algorithm.
Effect of Pork Skin Gelatin on the Physical Properties of Pork Myofibrillar Protein Gel and Restructured Ham with Microbial Transglutaminase
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Chin Koo Bok
Published: December 2022

The goal of this study was to determine the qualities of pork myofibrillar protein (MP) gels added with pork gelatin and transglutaminase (TGase), as well as their application to restructured ham (RH). MP mixtures were prepared with various levels of gelatin (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%. w/w) and TGase. In this study, cooking loss (CL), gel strength, shear stress, and the microstructure of MP with various levels of gelatin were evaluated. After RHs were manufactured with varying levels of gelatin and TGase, the physicochemical and textural properties were measured. The CL of the MP with 1% (w/w) of gelatin was decreased. Regardless of the presence of TGase, increased amounts of gelatin in the MP gels resulted in high shear stress. Shear values were higher in the RH with gelatin treatment than in the other treatments. In addition, the RHs with gelatin alone or combined with TGase had high water-holding capacity. The RH with the combination of gelatin and TGase had higher sensory attributes than the control. Gelatin improved the physical properties of the RHs and is recommended for application in various meat products.
Cognitive Function Trajectories and Factors among Chinese Older Adults with Subjective Memory Decline: CHARLS Longitudinal Study Results (2011–2018)
Authors: Ma Chifen , Li Mengyuan , Wu Chao
Published: December 2022

Older adults with subjective cognitive decline are at increased risk of future pathological cognitive decline and dementia. Subjective memory decline is an early sign of cognitive decline; preventing or slowing cognitive decline in at-risk populations remains an elusive issue. This study aimed to examine the cognitive trajectories and factors in older adults with subjective memory decline. Latent growth curve models (LGCMs) were fitted to examine the cognitive function trajectories and factors among 1465 older adults (aged 60+ years) with subjective memory decline. Data were obtained from four waves from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2011–2018), which is a large nationally representative sample of the Chinese population. The results showed that older adults with better initial cognition had a slower decline rate, which may be accelerated by advanced age, low-level education, a rapid decrease in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) ability, and rapid increase in depression levels. This study was the first to examine the trajectories of cognitive function and its factors in a high-risk population with subjective memory decline. These findings may guide prevention approaches to tackle the issues of cognitive function decline and dementia.
Effects of Load Carriage on Postural Sway and Relative Ground Reaction Forces in Special Police Officers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kasović Mario , Vespalec Tomaš , Štefan Lovro
Published: December 2022

Although excessive load carriage results in biomechanical gait changes, little evidence has been provided regarding its impact on postural sway. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine whether heavier loads have effects on changing foot stability and postural sway in special police officers. Thirty male special police officers (age = 40 ± 6 years, height = 180 ± 5 cm, weight = 89 ± 8 kg) were assessed in four conditions: (1) carrying no load, (2) carrying a 5 kg load, (3) carrying a 25 kg load, and (4) carrying a 45 kg load. Foot characteristics during standing were assessed with Zebris pedobarographic pressure platform. Heavier loads increased the center of pressure (COP) path length and average velocity, length of minor and major axis, and 95% confidence ellipse area, while a decrease in angle between Y and major axis was observed. Relative forces beneath the left forefoot and right backfoot regions decreased and an increase in relative forces beneath the left backfoot and right forefoot was observed. When carrying heavy loads, static foot parameters rapidly changed, especially in COP path length and average velocity.
The Scenario Construction and Evolution Method of Casualties in Liquid Ammonia Leakage Based on Bayesian Network
Authors: Zhao Pengxia , Li Tie , Wang Biao , Li Ming , Wang Yu , Guo Xiahui , Yu Yue
Published: December 2022

In China, food-freezing plants that use liquid ammonia, which were established in the suburbs in the 1970s, are being surrounded by urban built-up areas as urbanization progresses. These plants lead to extremely serious casualties in the event of a liquid ammonia leakage. The purpose of this thesis was to explore the key factors of personnel protection failure through the scenario evolution analysis of liquid ammonia leakage. The chain of emergencies and their secondary events were used to portray the evolutionary process of a full scenario of casualties caused by liquid ammonia leakage from three dimensions: disaster, disaster-bearing bodies, and emergency management. A Bayesian network model of liquid ammonia leakage casualties based on the scenario chain was constructed, and key nodes in the network were derived by examining the sensitivity of risk factors. Then, this model was applied to a food-freezing plant in Beijing. The results showed that inadequate risk identification capability is a key node in accident prevention; the level of emergency preparedness is closely related to the degree of casualties; the emergency disposal by collaborative onsite and offsite is the key to avoiding mass casualties. A basis for emergency response to the integration of personnel protection is provided.
m6A-Mediated PPARA Translational Suppression Contributes to Corticosterone-Induced Visceral Fat Deposition in Chickens
Authors: Zhou Zixuan , Zhang Aijia , Liu Xinyi , Yang Yang , Zhao Ruqian , Jia Yimin
Published: December 2022

Excess fat deposition in broilers leads to great economic losses and is harmful to consumers’ health. Chronic stress in the life cycle of chickens could be an important trigger. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, 30-day-old chickens were subcutaneously injected with 2 mg/kg corticosterone (CORT) twice a day for 14 days to simulate long-term stress. It was shown that chronic CORT exposure significantly increased plasma triglyceride concentrations and enlarged the adipocyte sizes in chickens. Meanwhile, chronic CORT administration significantly enlarged the adipocyte sizes, increased the protein contents of FASN and decreased HSL, ATGL, Beclin1 and PPARA protein levels. Moreover, global m6A methylations were significantly reduced and accompanied by downregulated METTL3 and YTHDF2 protein expression by CORT treatment. Interestingly, the significant differences of site-specific m6A demethylation were observed in exon7 of PPARA mRNA. Additionally, a mutation of the m6A site in the PPARA gene fused GFP and revealed that demethylated RRACH in PPARA CDS impaired protein translation in vitro. In conclusion, these results indicated that m6A-mediated PPARA translational suppression contributes to CORT-induced visceral fat deposition in chickens, which may provide a new target for the treatment of Cushing’s syndrome.
Phytochemicals as Chemo-Preventive Agents and Signaling Molecule Modulators: Current Role in Cancer Therapeutics and Inflammation
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Bilal , Islam Salman Ul , Alghamdi Abdullah A. A. , Kamran Muhammad , Ahsan Haseeb , Lee Young Sup
Published: December 2022

Cancer is one of the deadliest non communicable diseases. Numerous anticancer medications have been developed to target the molecular pathways driving cancer. However, there has been no discernible increase in the overall survival rate in cancer patients. Therefore, innovative chemo-preventive techniques and agents are required to supplement standard cancer treatments and boost their efficacy. Fruits and vegetables should be tapped into as a source of compounds that can serve as cancer therapy. Phytochemicals play an important role as sources of new medication in cancer treatment. Some synthetic and natural chemicals are effective for cancer chemoprevention, i.e., the use of exogenous medicine to inhibit or impede tumor development. They help regulate molecular pathways linked to the development and spread of cancer. They can enhance antioxidant status, inactivating carcinogens, suppressing proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest and death, and regulating the immune system. While focusing on four main categories of plant-based anticancer agents, i.e., epipodophyllotoxin, camptothecin derivatives, taxane diterpenoids, and vinca alkaloids and their mode of action, we review the anticancer effects of phytochemicals, like quercetin, curcumin, piperine, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and gingerol. We examine the different signaling pathways associated with cancer and how inflammation as a key mechanism is linked to cancer growth.
Probing Red Blood Cell Membrane Microviscosity Using Fluorescence Anisotropy Decay Curves of the Lipophilic Dye PKH26
Authors: Semenov Alexey N. , Gvozdev Daniil A. , Moysenovich Anastasia M. , Zlenko Dmitry V. , Parshina Evgenia Yu. , Baizhumanov Adil A. , Budylin Gleb S. , Maksimov Eugene G.
Published: December 2022

Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation and deformation are governed by the molecular processes occurring on the membrane. Since several social important diseases are accompanied by alterations in RBC aggregation and deformability, it is important to develop a diagnostic parameter of RBC membrane structural integrity and stability. In this work, we propose membrane microviscosity assessed by time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy of the lipophilic PKH26 fluorescent probe as a diagnostic parameter. We measured the fluorescence decay curves of the PKH26 probe in the RBC membrane to establish the optimal parameters of the developed fluorescence assay. We observed a complex biphasic profile of the fluorescence anisotropy decay characterized by two correlation times corresponding to the rotational diffusion of free PKH26, and membrane-bounded molecules of the probe. The developed assay allowed us to estimate membrane microviscosity ηm in the range of 100–500 cP depending on the temperature, which paves the way for assessing RBC membrane properties in clinical applications as predictors of blood microrheological abnormalities.
Understanding the Potential Gene Regulatory Network of Starch Biosynthesis in Tartary Buckwheat by RNA-Seq
Authors: Huang Juan , Tang Bin , Ren Rongrong , Wu Min , Liu Fei , Lv Yong , Shi Taoxiong , Deng Jiao , Chen Qingfu
Published: December 2022

Starch is a major component of crop grains, and its content affects food quality and taste. Tartary buckwheat is a traditional pseudo-cereal used in food as well as medicine. Starch content, granule morphology, and physicochemical properties have been extensively studied in Tartary buckwheat. However, the complex regulatory network related to its starch biosynthesis needs to be elucidated. Here, we performed RNA-seq analyses using seven Tartary buckwheat varieties differing in starch content and combined the RNA-seq data with starch content by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). As a result, 10,873 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and were functionally clustered to six hierarchical clusters. Fifteen starch biosynthesis genes had higher expression level in seeds. Four trait-specific modules and 3131 hub genes were identified by WGCNA, with the lightcyan and brown modules positively correlated with starch-related traits. Furthermore, two potential gene regulatory networks were proposed, including the co-expression of FtNAC70, FtPUL, and FtGBSS1-3 in the lightcyan module and FtbHLH5, C3H, FtBE2, FtISA3, FtSS3-5, and FtSS1 in the brown. All the above genes were preferentially expressed in seeds, further suggesting their role in seed starch biosynthesis. These results provide crucial guidance for further research on starch biosynthesis and its regulatory network in Tartary buckwheat.
Key Characteristics and Development of Psychoceuticals: A Review
Authors: Cano Genaro Herrera , Dean Jordan , Abreu Samuel Padilla , Rodríguez Amanda Hernández , Abbasi Cyrena , Hinson Madison , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: December 2022

Psychoceuticals have brought benefits to the pharmacotherapeutic management of central nervous system (CNS) illnesses since the 19th century. However, these drugs have potential side effects or lack high response rates. This review covers twenty drugs’ biochemical mechanisms, benefits, risks, and clinical trial reports. For this study, medications from seven psychoceutical organizations were reviewed and evaluated. Nineteen drugs were chosen from the organizations, and one was selected from the literature. The databases used for the search were Pubmed, Google Scholar, and NIH clinical trials. In addition, information from the organizations’ websites and other sources, such as news reports, were also used. From the list of drugs, the most common targets were serotonergic, opioid, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. These drugs have shown promise in psychiatric illnesses such as substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and neuroinflammation. Some of these drugs, however, are still early in development, so their therapeutic significance cannot be determined. These twenty drugs have promising benefits, but their clinical usage and efficacy must still be explored.
Cell Therapy with Human Reprogrammed CD8+ T-Cells Has Antimetastatic Effects on Lewis Lung Carcinoma in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Skurikhin Evgenii G. , Pershina Olga , Ermakova Natalia , Pakhomova Angelina , Zhukova Mariia , Pan Edgar , Sandrikina Lubov , Widera Darius , Kogai Lena , Kushlinskii Nikolai , Kubatiev Aslan , Morozov Sergey G. , Dygai Alexander
Published: December 2022

Using a model of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) in vitro and in vivo, we previously demonstrated increased antitumor activity in CD8+ T-cells reprogrammed with an MEK inhibitor and PD-1 blocker. In this follow-up study, we carried out the reprogramming of human CD8+ T-cells (hrT-cell) using the MEK inhibitor and PD-1 blocker and targeted LLC cells. The effects of hrT-cell therapy were studied in a mouse model of spontaneous metastasis of a solid LLC tumor. We found antimetastatic activity of hrT-cells, a decrease in the number of cancer cells and cancer stem cells in the lungs, and an increase in the number of T-cells in the blood (including effector T-cells). Thus, reprogramming of human CD8+ T-cells with an MEK inhibitor and PD-1 blocker with targeted training by tumor target cells is a potential platform for developing a new approach to targeted lung cancer therapy.
Cost-Effective Mechanical Aggregation of Cardiac Progenitors and Encapsulation in Matrigel Support Self-Organization in a Dynamic Culture Environment
Authors: Dias Tiago P. , Pinto Sandra N. , Carvalho Sandra , Fernandes Tiago G. , Fernandes Fábio , Diogo Maria Margarida , Peleteiro Maria C. , Prieto Manuel , Cabral Joaquim M. S.
Published: December 2022

Human iPSC-derived self-organized cardiac tissues can be valuable for the development of platforms for disease modeling and drug screening, enhancing test accuracy and reducing pharmaceutical industry financial burden. However, current differentiation systems still rely on static culture conditions and specialized commercial microwells for aggregation, which hinders the full potential of hiPSC-derived cardiac tissues. Herein, we integrate cost-effective and reproducible manual aggregation of hiPSC-derived cardiac progenitors with Matrigel encapsulation and a dynamic culture to support hiPSC cardiac differentiation and self-organization. Manual aggregation at day 7 of cardiac differentiation resulted in 97% of beating aggregates with 78% of cTnT-positive cells. Matrigel encapsulation conjugated with a dynamic culture promoted cell migration and the creation of organized structures, with observed cell polarization and the creation of lumens. In addition, encapsulation increased buoyancy and decreased coalescence of the hiPSC-derived cardiac aggregates. Moreover, VEGF supplementation increased over two-fold the percentage of CD31-positive cells resulting in the emergence of microvessel-like structures. Thus, this study shows that the explored culture parameters support the self-organization of hiPSC-derived cardiac microtissues containing multiple cardiac cell types. Additional stimuli (e.g., BMP) in long-term scalable and fully automatized cultures can further potentiate highly structured and mature hiPSC-derived cardiac models, contributing to the development of reliable platforms for high-throughput drug screening and disease modeling.
Genetic Biomarkers of Antipsychotic-Induced Prolongation of the QT Interval in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Vaiman Elena E. , Shnayder Natalia A. , Zhuravlev Nikita M. , Petrova Marina M. , Asadullin Azat R. , Al-Zamil Mustafa , Garganeeva Natalia P. , Shipulin German A. , Cumming Paul , Nasyrova Regina F.
Published: December 2022

Antipsychotics (AP) induced prolongation of the QT interval in patients with schizophrenia (Sch) is an actual interdisciplinary problem as it increases the risk of sudden death syndrome. Long QT syndrome (LQTS) as a cardiac adverse drug reaction is a multifactorial symptomatic disorder, the development of which is influenced by modifying factors (APs’ dose, duration of APs therapy, APs polytherapy, and monotherapy, etc.) and non-modifying factors (genetic predisposition, gender, age, etc.). The genetic predisposition to AP-induced LQTS may be due to several causes, including causal mutations in the genes responsible for monoheme forms of LQTS, single nucleotide variants (SNVs) of the candidate genes encoding voltage-dependent ion channels expressed both in the brain and in the heart, and SNVs of candidate genes encoding key enzymes of APs metabolism. This narrative review summarizes the results of genetic studies on AP-induced LQTS and proposes a new personalized approach to assessing the risk of its development (low, moderate, high). We recommend implementation in protocols of primary diagnosis of AP-induced LQTS and medication dispensary additional observations of the risk category of patients receiving APs, deoxyribonucleic acid profiling, regular electrocardiogram monitoring, and regular therapeutic drug monitoring of the blood APs levels.
The Mutual Relationship between Glycosylation and Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer and Other Physio-Pathological Conditions
Authors: Duca Martina , Malagolini Nadia , Dall’Olio Fabio
Published: December 2022

Glycosylation, which consists of the enzymatic addition of sugars to proteins and lipids, is one of the most important post-co-synthetic modifications of these molecules, profoundly affecting their activity. Although the presence of carbohydrate chains is crucial for fine-tuning the interactions between cells and molecules, glycosylation is an intrinsically stochastic process regulated by the relative abundance of biosynthetic (glycosyltransferases) and catabolic (glycosidases) enzymes, as well as sugar carriers and other molecules. Non-coding RNAs, which include microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circRNAs, establish a complex network of reciprocally interacting molecules whose final goal is the regulation of mRNA expression. Likewise, these interactions are stochastically regulated by ncRNA abundance. Thus, while protein sequence is deterministically dictated by the DNA/RNA/protein axis, protein abundance and activity are regulated by two stochastic processes acting, respectively, before and after the biosynthesis of the protein axis. Consequently, the worlds of glycosylation and ncRNA are closely interconnected and mutually interacting. In this paper, we will extensively review the many faces of the ncRNA–glycosylation interplay in cancer and other physio-pathological conditions.
Analysis of Chromatin Openness in Testicle Tissue of Yak and Cattle-Yak
Authors: Cao Mengli , Pei Jie , Xiong Lin , Guo Shaoke , Wang Xingdong , Kang Yandong , Guo Xian
Published: December 2022

Cattle-yak, a crossbreed of yak and cattle, which can exhibit obvious heterosis and can adapt to the harsh environmental conditions of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau (QTP). However, F1 cattle-yak were found to be sterile because they were unable to produce sperm, which adversely restricted the fixation of heterosis. Many prior attempts have been made to decipher the mechanism underlying the spermatogenesis stagnation of cattle-yak. However, the open chromatin region (OCR) map of yak and cattle-yak testes has not been generated yet. Here, we have analyzed the OCRs landscape of testicular tissues of cattle-yak and yaks by performing ATAC-seq technology. The OCRs of cattle-yak and yak testes displayed similar genome distribution and showed priority in intergenic regions, introns and promoters. The pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the differential OCRs-related genes were involved in spermatogenesis, involving the cell cycle, as well as Hippo, mTOR, MAPK, Notch, and Wnt signaling pathways. The integration of ATAC-seq and mRNA-seq indicated that the majority of the gene expression levels were positively correlated with chromatin openness. At the same time, we have identified a number of transcription factors (TFs) related to spermatogenesis and the differential expression of these TFs may contribute to the spermatogenesis stagnation of the cattle-yak. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable information for advancing the research related to yak crossbreeding improvement and sperm production stagnation of cattle-yak.
Congenital Cytomegalovirus Screening in Massachusetts Birth Hospitals: A Statewide Survey
Authors: Glovsky Cheryl K. , Carroll Kendall , Clark Naomi , Colleran Peter , Colleran Vanessa , Gaffney Shayne , Kenna Margaret , Kuhns-Rankin Evelyn , Luiselli Tracy Evans , Mango Talia , Morris Barbara , Mullen Charlotte , Stenerson Matthew , Gibson Laura , Cohen Michael S.
Published: December 2022

This study sought to assess the current state of screening for congenital cytomegalovirus infection in newborns among birth hospitals and newborn nurseries in the state of Massachusetts. A survey assessing hospital protocols for cytomegalovirus testing in newborns was distributed to all birth hospitals and newborn nurseries in Massachusetts from November 2020 to February 2021. 73.3% of hospitals responded to at least one survey question. Of these, fewer than half (48.5%) had any established approach for neonatal cytomegalovirus screening. Salivary polymerase chain reaction was the most common testing modality. Most hospitals did not perform confirmatory testing for positive test results. Most respondents (87.9%) did not know or did not answer how results of cCMV screening were reported to families and who was responsible for coordinating care for cCMV-infected infants. We conclude that congenital cytomegalovirus screening protocols are absent or incomplete in most Massachusetts birth hospitals and newborn nurseries. A cohesive strategy involving standardized education and screening guidelines is needed to reduce the incidence and burden of congenital cytomegalovirus disease on children and their families.
Cloud Gamification: Bibliometric Analysis and Research Advances
Authors: González-Limón Myriam , Rodríguez-Ramos Asunción
Published: December 2022

Research on gamification in the cloud has been increasing in recent years. The main objective of this work was to analyse the advances and progress reported in the scientific literature published internationally in cloud gamification from a bibliometric perspective. The scientific production in this field was identified using the Web of Science (WoS) database. The analysis was carried out with the support of the VOSviewer software, version 1.6.18, developed by van Eck and Waltman, for the graphical visualisation of bibliometric networks. The study period covered the time from the first publication on the subject in 2012 to 31 July 2022, with 108 documents detected. The most prolific author was Jacub Swacha from the University of Szczecin, Poland. Forty-seven countries published on Cloud Gamification, with Spain and Italy being the countries with the highest scientific production. The most productive organisations were Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Complutense University of Madrid, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Szczecin. The journal with the highest output was Information. The groups in the producing countries, the authors, the organisations to which they belonged and the thematic areas of the studies were identified, as well as their evolution over time.
Study of the Effect of External Magnetic Fields on the Parameters of the Electrical Communications Probing System for a Microtunneling Shield
Authors: Zhivodernikov Andrew , Pavlenko Alexander , Khoroshev Artem , Puzin Vladimir
Published: December 2022

The issues were reviewed in assessing external electromagnetic fields’ effect on the parameters of an electrical power line probing system based on three-component ferroprobes for detecting active underground power cable lines during microtunnel construction using the thrust boring method (by tunneling shield) in densely populated urban areas. A study was conducted on the change in the topology of the energized cable magnetic field located in the external magnetic field area created by operating electrical equipment under the influence of an external electromagnetic field and a tunneling shield with installed magneto-sensitive detectors. Experimental studies of the probing system were made. Options have been proposed for compensating the inductance component of the external magnetic field during tunnel driving in urban development and industrial area conditions.
Gradient Heatmetry in a Burners Adjustment
Authors: Bobylev Pavel G. , Pavlov Andrey V. , Proskurin Vyacheslav M. , Andreyev Yuriy V. , Mityakov Vladimir Yu. , Sapozhnikov Sergey Z.
Published: December 2022

Measuring the heat flux in the furnace of industrial boilers is an urgent task in the power industry. Installing the measuring instruments directly into the furnace is a laborious and complex process. It requires a complete shutdown of the boiler, which incurs economic costs. It is most efficient to use portable probes with measuring insert. The created cooled probe with a heterogeneous gradient heat flux sensor is a unique and versatile tool that allows for the configuration and control of the operation of power boilers. This article compares experimental values with calculation methods. The obtained heat flux per unit area is in good agreement with the theoretical concepts when the values are averaged. The technique used in this paper makese it possible to determine the maximum heat-stressed zones and areas with stable or unstable combustion. The main combustion zones that are typical for the flaring of any fuel are identified. This approach allows us to consider various approaches to heat transfer enhancement during the combustion of both liquid and gaseous fuels. Comparison of experimental results with the data of other authors is not quite exact due to the complexity of the experiment. The study of burners in this configuration has not previously been considered in the literature.
A New Mechanism of Male Plug for Electrical Protection
Authors: Rodríguez Rocío , Curado Manuel , Sardiña Elena , Toribio Jesús
Published: December 2022

There are many inventions to avoid the risk of electric contact in the plug. However, the objective of the invention resulting from the research is the proposal of a complementary measure to the existing ones, solving the specific problem of electrocutions that occur in the action of connection and disconnection, due to the contact of the user with the active parts of the plug. The research has focused on the proposal of a design solution that solves the problem of electrocution in these particular and common cases. The objective of this article is the disclosure of a male plug protection mechanism, which has been carried out solely with the use of mechanical methods. Its importance lies in the simplicity and feasibility of the registered utility model as well as in the importance that its implementation may entail for the prevention of serious accidents in the electrical field for domestic and industrial use. The work shows the mechanism and operation of the invention of the proposed male plug in terms of protection against electrical hazards.
A Critical Evaluation of Patient Pathways and Missed Opportunities in Treatment for Heart Failure
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Satchithananda Duwarakan , Ahmed Fozia Z. , Chue Colin D. , Barker Diane , Patwala Ashish , Duckett Simon , Mallen Christian D.
Published: December 2022

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a global problem responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Methods: This review describes the patient pathways and missed opportunities related to treatment for patients with HF. Results: The contemporary management strategies in HF, including medical therapies, device therapy, transplant, and palliative care. Despite the strong evidence base for therapies that improve prognosis and symptoms, there remains a large number of patients that are not optimally managed. The treatment of patients with HF is highly influenced by those who are caring for them and varies widely across geographical regions. HF patients can be broadly classified into two key groups: those who have known HF, and those who are incidentally found to have reduced left ventricular systolic dysfunction or other cardiac abnormality when an echocardiogram is performed. While all patients are under the care of a general practitioner or family doctor, in other instances, non-cardiologist physicians, cardiologists, and specialist HF nurses—each will have varying levels of expertise in managing HF—are part of the broader team involved in the specialist management of patients with HF. Conclusions: There are many potential missed opportunities in HF treatment, which include general opportunities, medications, etiology-specific therapy, device therapy, therapies when initial treatments fail, and palliative care.
Glucose-Induced Hemodynamic and Metabolic Response of Skeletal Muscle in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced vs. Preserved Ejection Fraction—A Pilot Study
Authors: Boschmann Michael , Klug Lars , Edelmann Frank , Sandek Anja , von Haehling Stephan , Düngen Hans-Dirk , Springer Jochen , Anker Stefan D. , Doehner Wolfram , Jauert Nadja
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a characteristic pathophysiologic feature in heart failure (HF). We tested the hypothesis that skeletal muscle metabolism is differently impaired in patients with reduced (HFrEF) vs. preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction. (2) Methods: carbohydrate and lipid metabolism was studied in situ by intramuscular microdialysis in patients with HFrEF (59 ± 14y, NYHA I-III) and HFpEF (65 ± 10y, NYHA I-II) vs. healthy subjects of similar age during the oral glucose load (oGL); (3) Results: There were no difference in fasting serum and interstitial parameters between the groups. Blood and dialysate glucose increased significantly in HFpEF vs. HFrEF and controls upon oGT (both p < 0.0001), while insulin increased significantly in HFrEF vs. HFpEF and controls (p < 0.0005). Muscle tissue perfusion tended to be lower in HFrEF vs. HFpEF and controls after the oGL (p = 0.057). There were no differences in postprandial increases in dialysate lactate and pyruvate. Postprandial dialysate glycerol was higher in HFpEF vs. HFrEF and controls upon oGL (p = 0.0016); (4) Conclusion: A pattern of muscle glucose metabolism is distinctly different in patients with HFrEF vs. HFpEF. While postprandial IR was characterized by impaired tissue perfusion and higher compensatory insulin secretion in HFrEF, reduced muscle glucose uptake and a blunted antilipolytic effect of insulin were found in HFpEF.
Efficient Adsorption of Methyl Orange on Nanoporous Carbon from Agricultural Wastes: Characterization, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Regeneration and Adsorption Mechanism
Authors: Raji Yosra , Nadi Ayoub , Rouway Marwane , Jamoudi Sbai Sara , Yassine Wafaa , Elmahbouby Abdelfattah , Cherkaoui Omar , Zyade Souad
Published: December 2022

Nanoporous carbon derived from Moringa oleifera seed waste was synthesized by an original process of flash pyrolysis followed by zinc chloride impregnation. The N2-adsorption–desorption results of the optimized sample revealed a BET surface area of 699.6 m2/g and a pore size of 2 nm. It was evaluated for the adsorption of a mono azo dye, methyl orange (MeO), from aqueous solution. Four isothermal models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevic and Temkin) were applied to fit the experimental data. The results revealed that Langmuir is the most appropriate isothermal adsorption model to describe the adsorption process (X2 = 1.16); with an adsorption capacity 367.83 mg/g at 298 K, the interaction of MeO dye with the nanoporous carbon surface is a localized monolayer adsorption. The adsorption kinetics was consistent with the pseudo-second-order model and found to correlate well with the experimental data (X2 = 9.06). The thermodynamic study revealed a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process, and the substances are adsorbed in a random manner. The desorption of MeO dye from MOC-ZnCl2 by sodium hydroxide solution was achieved to a level of about 84%, and the nanoporous carbon was recycled and reused at the fifth cycle. This work demonstrates that MOC-ZnCl2 could be employed as an alternative to commercially available activated carbon in the removal of dyes from wastewater.