bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nearshore Migration of Munitions and Canonical Objects Under Large-Scale Laboratory Forcing
Authors: Idowu Temitope E. , Chapman Emily , Gangadharan Manoj K. , Stolle Jacob , Puleo Jack A.
Published: November 2024

A quantitative understanding of the migration of munitions and canonical objects in the nearshore is needed for the effective management of contaminated sites. Migrations of munitions with a density range of 2000 kg/m3 to 5720 kg/m3 were quantified in a large-scale wave flume. The forcing consisted of six cases of varying wave heights, periods, still water depths, and durations. The cross-shore profile, typical of natural sandy beaches, was sub-divided into swash, surf, and offshore zones. Overall, 2228 migration measurements were recorded with 16% and 84% of the migration observations classified as “motion” (net distance > 0.5 m) and “no motion” (net distance ≤ 0.5 m), respectively. The probability of munitions migration increased with proximity to the shoreline. There was a nearly equal probability of onshore or offshore migration in the swash zone. Migration in the surf zone tended to be offshore-directed (65%), while migration was onshore-dominant (65%) in the offshore zone. Migration in the offshore zone was preferentially onshore due to skewed waves over flat bathymetry. Less dense munitions in the offshore zone may have migrated offshore likely still related to the skewed nature of the wave profile causing transport in both directions through the majority of the wave phase. The largest migration distances occurred in the surf zone likely due to downslope gravity. Migration in the surf and swash zones is a balance between skewed/asymmetric forcing and downslope gravity, with downslope gravity tending to be pronounced provided the forcing is sufficient to initiate motion. An exception was sometimes observed in the swash zone where onshore forcing was sufficient to transport munitions to the seaward side of the berm where they became trapped in a bathymetric depression between the dune and berm. Relating overall migration (Lagrangian) to fixed hydrodynamic measurements (Eulerian) was ineffective. Parameters such as the Shields number, wave skewness, and wave asymmetry estimated from the closest measurement location were insufficient to predict migration. Large scatter in the migration data resulting from competing hydrodynamic, morphodynamic, and munitions response processes makes robust deterministic predictions with flow statistics and dimensionless numbers difficult.
Performance Analysis of Underwater Radiofrequency Communication in Seawater: An Experimental Study
Authors: Alahmad Raji , Alraie Hussam , Hasaba Ryosuke , Eguchi Kazuhiro , Matsushima Tohlu , Fukumoto Yuki , Ishii Kazuo
Published: November 2024

Communication with the underwater vehicles during their tasks is one of the most important issues. The need for real-time data transfer raises the necessity of developing communication systems. Conventional underwater communication systems, such as acoustic systems, cannot satisfy applications that need a high transmission data rate. In this study, we investigate the radio frequency communication system in seawater, which is crucial for real-time data transfer with underwater vehicles. The experiments were in a water tank full of seawater and a real environment in the ocean. Three types of antennae were used: loop antenna, wire antenna, and helical antenna. An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is used as a transmitter to measure the transmission rate as a function of distance. The helical antenna showed better performance regarding the coverage area. Furthermore, the AUV could move freely within the helical and capture live video streaming successfully. This investigation underscores the potential of radio frequency communication systems for enhancing underwater vehicle operations, offering promising avenues for future research and practical implementation.
Paying Homage to Microvessel Remodeling and Small Vessel Disease in Neurodegeneration: Implications for the Development of Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hayden Melvin R.
Published: November 2024

The microvessel neurovascular unit, with its brain endothelial cells (BEC) and blood–brain barrier remodeling, is important in the development of impaired cognition in sporadic or late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD), which is associated with aging and is highly prevalent in older populations (≥65 years of age). It is also linked with vascular dementia and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia, including cerebral amyloid angiopathy in neurodegeneration. LOAD is considered to be the number one cause of dementia globally; however, when one considers the role of mixed dementia (MD)—the combination of both the amyloid cascade hypothesis and the vascular hypothesis of LOAD—it becomes apparent that MD is the number one cause. Microvessel BECs are the first cells in the brain to be exposed to peripheral neurotoxins from the systemic circulation and are therefore the brain cells at the highest risk for early and chronic injury. Therefore, these cells are the first to undergo injury, followed by excessive and recurrent wound healing and remodeling processes in aging and other age-related diseases such as cerebrocardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and Parkinson’s disease. This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between microvessel remodeling, cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), and neurodegeneration in LOAD. It also discusses the current understanding of how microvessel dysfunction, disruption, and pathology contribute to the pathogenesis of LOAD and highlights potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Harnessing Biomass and Blue Carbon Potential: Estimating Carbon Stocks in the Vital Wetlands of Eastern Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Basyuni Mohammad , Aznawi Andi Aznan , Rafli Muhammad , Tinumbunan Jeli Manogu Tua , Gultom Erika Trinita , Lubis Revani Dwi Arisindy , Sianturi Hegi Alfarado , Sumarga Elham , Mukhtar Erizal , Slamet Bejo , Jumilawaty Erni , Pribadi Rudhi , Sitinjak Rama Riana , Baba Shigeyuki
Published: November 2024

Global warming is a critical factor driving climate change, impacting every aspect of life on Earth. The escalating concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, the primary contributor to global warming, necessitates immediate action through effective climate mitigation strategies. This study aimed to quantify the biomass and blue carbon stocks in the eastern coastal mangrove forests of North Sumatra and Aceh Provinces in Indonesia, focusing on key sites in Langkat, Deli Serdang, Batu Bara, Tanjung Balai, and Aceh Tamiang Regencies. We measured carbon stock in three carbon pools: biomass (above and below ground), necromass, and soil. By analyzing tree stands using parameters such as tree height and diameter at breast height within circular plots (7 m in radius, 125 m apart), we gathered fundamental data on forest structure, species composition, and above- and below-ground biomass. Additionally, we collected soil samples at various points and depths, measuring the amount of wood, stems, or branches (necromass) that fell to or died on the forest floor. Data were collected in plots along a line transect, comprising three transects and six circular plots each. Sixteen diverse mangrove species were found, demonstrating rich mangrove biodiversity. The mangrove forests in the five regencies exhibited significant carbon storage potential, with estimated average above-ground carbon ranging from 96 to 356 MgC/ha and average below-ground carbon from 28 to 153 MgC/ha. The estimated average deadwood carbon varied between 50 and 91 MgC/ha, while soil carbon ranged from 1200 to 2500 MgC/ha. These findings underscore the significant carbon storage potential of these mangrove forests, highlighting their importance to global carbon cycling and climate change mitigation. This research contributes to a broader understanding of mangroves as vital blue carbon ecosystems, emphasizing the necessity of conservation efforts such as forest restoration and rehabilitation to enhance their role in stabilizing coastal areas and improving global climate resilience.
Retention Levels and Years-After-Harvesting Influence over Soil Microbial Activity and Biomass in Southern Patagonian Forests
Authors: Toledo Santiago , Martínez Pastur Guillermo , Rodríguez-Souilla Julián , Peri Pablo L.
Published: November 2024

Variable retention harvesting (VRH) was designed for timber purposes and biodiversity conservation in natural forests. This system was globally tested, but few studies are related to soil microbial components. The objective was to evaluate different retention types (aggregated and dispersed retention) considering different years-after-harvesting (6, 9, 16 YAH) on soil microbial community attributes compared with unmanaged primary forests (PF) in Nothofagus pumilio forests of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). This study also evaluated the influence of climate, soil, and understory vegetation. Results showed that aggregated retention increased microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), and soil basal respiration (SBR) compared to dispersed retention, but with similar values than PF. However, harvested areas decreased MBC/MBN values compared with PF. The results showed an overall decrease in microbial biomass and activity in 9 YAH stands, with a positive recovery at 16 YAH. Soil pH, mean annual temperature, and understory vegetation cover showed a positive relationship with MBC, MBN, and SBR. The recovery after 16 YAH reached to different microbial communities. Therefore, the maintenance of retention components in managed stands for longer periods is needed. The results highlight some advantages of VRH as a tool for conservation of forest-dwelling soil microorganisms, including microbial biomass and activity.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Scenario Insights into Spatial Responses and Promotion Under Ecosystem Services
Authors: Liu Jingya , Qin Keyu , Xiao Yu , Xie Gaodi
Published: November 2024

The Blue Economic Zone of the Shandong Peninsula is located in the transitional zone between land and sea, with a complex ecological environment. The determination of hot and cold spots in various ecosystem services is crucial for the coordinated development of ecosystem services and the optimization of the spatial pattern of the ecological environment. This study, based on natural and socio-economic data, utilizes various ecological models to simulate water yield (provisioning service), carbon sequestration (regulating service), biodiversity (supporting service), and aesthetic and scientific research values (cultural service). Using a multi-criteria decision-making approach, it identifies hot and cold spots of ecosystem services in different development–conservation scenarios. Combining the protection efficiency of different areas, it proposes a spatial pattern promotion scheme. The research indicates significant spatial differences in ecosystem services without clear trade-offs and synergies. Changes in the weights of ecosystem services in 11 scenarios result in significant differences in hot and cold spots. Compared to the neutral scenario (S6), the distribution of hot and cold spots in protection scenarios (S1–S5) is relatively scattered, while in development scenarios (S7–S11), hot spots show an increasing trend of concentration in the southeast, with cold spots scattered in the west and northwest. Four spatial pattern promotion schemes are proposed based on protection efficiency and policy preferences. Promotion areas should focus on ecological restoration and improvement to raise local ecosystem service levels. Protection areas should emphasize maintaining their existing high-level ecosystem services to achieve a synergistic enhancement of various ecosystem services.
Using a Light Gradient-Boosting Machine–Shapley Additive Explanations Model to Evaluate the Correlation Between Urban Blue–Green Space Landscape Spatial Patterns and Carbon Sequestration
Authors: Wu Yuting , Luo Mengya , Ding Shaogang , Han Qiyao
Published: November 2024

Global ecosystems are facing challenges posed by warming and excessive carbon emissions. Urban areas significantly contribute to carbon emissions, highlighting the urgent need to improve their ability to sequester carbon. While prior studies have primarily examined the carbon sequestration benefits of single green or blue spaces, the combined impact of urban blue–green spaces (UBGSs) on carbon sequestration remains underexplored. Meanwhile, the rise of machine learning provides new possibilities for assessing this nonlinear relationship. We conducted a study in the Yangzhou urban area, collecting Landsat remote sensing data and net primary productivity (NPP) data at five-year intervals from 2001 to 2021. We applied the LightGBM-SHAP model to systematically analyze the correlation between UBGSs and NPP, extracting key landscape metrics. The results indicated that landscape metrics had varying impacts on NPP. At the patch and type level, the Percentage of Landscape was significantly positively correlated with NPP in green space, while the contiguity index and fractal dimension index favored carbon sequestration under certain conditions. The contribution of blue space was lower, with some indicators exhibiting negative correlations. At the landscape level, the contagion index and aggregation index of UBGS had positive effects on NPP, while the division index and landscape shape index were negatively correlated with NPP. The results enhance the understanding of the relationship between UBGS and carbon sequestration, and provide a reference for urban planning.
Therapy for Non-Diabetic Foot Infections After Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery: The Duration of Post-Debridement Antibiotic Treatment Does Not Alter Failure Risk
Authors: Scherer Martina , Soldevila-Boixader Laura , Yιldιz İnci , Altorfer Franziska C. S. , Furrer Pascal R. , Beeler Silvan , Wirth Stephan H. , Viehöfer Arnd , Uçkay İlker
Published: November 2024

Despite growing numbers of scientific publications on the optimal antibiotic treatment for diabetic foot infections, the data on the adult population with non-diabetic (postsurgical) foot infections is limited. Therefore, one of the largest single-center databases at the Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, was established between January 2014 and August 2022. Using a case–control study design, we retrospectively investigated failures of combined surgical and antibiotic therapy for surgical site foot infections (SSIs). Overall, 17.4% of the episodes experienced therapeutic failures, particularly in patients with infected ankle prostheses. However, age, biological sex, pathogens, the duration of post-debridement antibiotic treatment, the number of surgical debridements, or the use of negative-pressure wound care altered the failure risk. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, the duration of postsurgical antibiotic use was completely indifferent (as a continuous variable with an odds ratio of 1.0 and a 95% confidence interval ranging from 0.96 to 1.03) when stratified into inter-tertiary groups. Our findings suggest that shorter courses of systemic antibiotics may be appropriate in non-diabetic adults, supporting better antibiotic stewardship. Ongoing randomized controlled trials are under way to investigate which patients might safely receive shorter antibiotic treatments for surgical site infections following elective foot and ankle procedures.
Olfactory Selection Preferences of Pagiophloeus tsushimanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Adults Toward Lauraceae Plants
Authors: Chen Cong , Lin Zhaoyan , Du Jingyi , Huang Jingyi , Ling Chunmei , Chen Jianfeng
Published: November 2024

Cinnamomum camphora is a broad-spectrum insect-repelling tree species because of its high content of terpenoids. However, it is curious that Pagiophloeus tsushimanus, a recently recorded wood-boring pest, has widely infested C. camphora plantations across various administrative districts in Shanghai. The larvae, being concealed within the trunk of C. camphora trees, exhibit characteristics such as hidden activity, strong destructiveness, and being difficult to control. While the primary host plant for P. tsushimanus is C. camphora, preliminary observations have shown that the pest can also complete its life cycle on Cinnamomum chekiangensis and Phoebe chekiangensis. To explore the host selection preference of this beetle, the present study aimed to investigate the olfactory selection behavior of P. tsushimanus adults towards C. camphora, C. chekiangensis, and P. chekiangensis. Results from choice and no-choice tests indicated that both male and female adults exhibited a feeding preference for C. camphora twigs, with females showing a preference for laying eggs on camphor tree twigs as well. Volatile compounds unique in camphor trees were significantly higher in relative content than those on the other two plants that were detected. The Y-shaped olfactometer experiments and electroantennography measurements results showed that male and female adults of P. tsushimanus had a positive chemotaxis towards volatiles released by C. camphora and a negative chemotaxis towards volatiles released by C. chekiangensis or P. chekiangensis. Overall, the findings suggest that both male and female adults have a selective preference for volatiles released by the camphor tree, and this provides a theoretical basis for monitoring and controlling the occurrence of this weevil pest.
Carbonaceous Decomposition Products at High Temperatures and Their Interfacial Role in the Friction Behaviour of Composite Brake Material
Authors: Verma Piyush Chandra , Aswath Pranesh , Straffelini Giovanni , Gialanella Stefano
Published: November 2024

This study aims to investigate the outcomes of carbonaceous products, derived from the decomposition of the components of vehicular brake materials, under high-temperature wear tests. Pin-on-disc (PoD) wear tests were conducted by using cast iron discs against pins made of commercially available low-steel friction material. Tests were carried out at different temperatures: 155 °C, 200 °C, 250 °C, and 300 °C. The characterization of the sliding plateaus on worn pin surfaces was based on X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy. It was noted that at temperatures above 200 °C, the thermal degradation of the inorganic resin, used as a material binder, occurs. An interesting observation was recorded at 300 °C; the brake pin material’s friction curve showed higher stability despite having an excessive wear rate. However, the brake pin’s specific wear coefficient was higher at this temperature than was observed in the other friction tests. A detailed study of the friction plateaus on the worn-out pins at 300 °C revealed that the decomposed carbon resin product, i.e., the distorted graphite, was widespread over the surface of the pin. Lubricant stabilization can be expected, as established by the observed values of the coefficient of friction (CoF), retaining values within the 0.4–0.6 range, even at high temperatures. Other friction material components may have contributed to the formation of this ubiquitous carbonaceous interface film.
High-Performance Real-Time Human Activity Recognition Using Machine Learning
Authors: Thottempudi Pardhu , Acharya Biswaranjan , Moreira Fernando
Published: November 2024

Human Activity Recognition (HAR) is a vital technology in domains such as healthcare, fitness, and smart environments. This paper presents an innovative HAR system that leverages machine-learning algorithms deployed on the B-L475E-IOT01A Discovery Kit, a highly efficient microcontroller platform designed for low-power, real-time applications. The system utilizes wearable sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) integrated with the kit to enable seamless data acquisition and processing. Our model achieves outstanding performance in classifying dynamic activities, including walking, walking upstairs, and walking downstairs, with high precision and recall, demonstrating its reliability and robustness. However, distinguishing between static activities, such as sitting and standing, remains a challenge, with the model showing a lower recall for sitting due to subtle postural differences. To address these limitations, we implement advanced feature extraction, data augmentation, and sensor fusion techniques, which significantly improve classification accuracy. The ease of use of the B-L475E-IOT01A kit allows for real-time activity classification, validated through the Tera Term interface, making the system ideal for practical applications in wearable devices and embedded systems. The novelty of our approach lies in the seamless integration of real-time processing capabilities with advanced machine-learning techniques, providing immediate, actionable insights. With an overall classification accuracy of 90%, this system demonstrates great potential for deployment in health monitoring, fitness tracking, and eldercare applications. Future work will focus on enhancing the system’s performance in distinguishing static activities and broadening its real-world applicability.
Brauer Configuration Algebras Induced by Integer Partitions and Their Applications in the Theory of Branched Coverings
Authors: Cañadas Agustín Moreno , Rodríguez-Nieto José Gregorio , Salazar Díaz Olga Patricia
Published: November 2024

Brauer configuration algebras are path algebras induced by appropriated multiset systems. Since their structures underlie combinatorial data, the general description of some of their algebraic invariants (e.g., their dimensions or the dimensions of their centers) is a hard problem. Integer partitions and compositions of a given integer number are examples of multiset systems which can be used to define Brauer configuration algebras. This paper gives formulas for the dimensions of Brauer configuration algebras (and their centers) induced by some integer partitions. As an application of these results, we give examples of Brauer configurations, which can be realized as branch data of suitable branched coverings over different surfaces.
Mask-Space Optimized Transformer for Semantic Segmentation of Lithium Battery Surface Defect Images
Authors: Sun Daozong , Chen Jiasi , Wu Peiwen , Pan Yucheng , Zhong Hongsheng , Deng Zihao , Xue Xiuyun
Published: November 2024

The segmentation of surface defects in lithium batteries is crucial for enhancing the overall quality of the production process. However, the severe foreground–background imbalance in surface images of lithium batteries, along with the irregular shapes and random distribution of foreground regions, poses significant challenges for defect segmentation. Based on these observations, this paper focuses on the separation of foreground and background in surface defect images of lithium batteries and proposes a novel Mask Space Optimization Transformer (MSOFormer) for semantic segmentation of these images. Specifically, the Mask Boundary Loss (MBL) module in our model provides more efficient supervision during training to enhance the accuracy of the mask computation within the mask attention mechanism, thereby improving the model’s performance in separating foreground and background. Additionally, the Dynamic Spatial Query (DSQ) module allocates spatial information of the image to each query, enhancing the model’s sensitivity to the positions of small foreground targets in various scenes. The Efficient Pixel Decoder (EPD) ensures deformable receptive fields for irregularly shaped foregrounds while further improving the model’s performance and efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in terms of mean Intersection over Union (mIoU). Specifically, our approach achieves an mIoU of 84.18% on the lithium battery surface defect test set and 85.53% and 87.05% mIoUs on two publicly available defect test sets with similar defect characteristics to lithium batteries.
A Review of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Children—Exploring Its Role in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Ko Yanna , Alaedin Sara , Fernando Dewni , Zhou Jerry , Ho Vincent
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: There is an increasing use of fecal matter transplantation (FMT) worldwide as research into the impact of the gut microbiome in various disease states is growing. FMT is the transfer of stool from a healthy human donor to a patient for the purpose of restoring intestinal dysbiosis. This review will assess the efficacy and safety of FMT in the treatment of pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and explore the future directions of the use of FMT in children. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was performed where a literature search of publications published prior to 15 September 2023 was performed. Efficacy outcomes and safety data as well as microbiome analysis were reviewed from the studies where applicable. Results: Nine studies on UC and two studies on CD satisfied eligibility criteria and individually analysed. Most of the studies provided microbiome analyses. Conclusions: FMT is a safe treatment for paediatric IBD, and is shown to be effective in inducing clinical response by some studies. However the lack of randomized controlled trials limited the results of our study.
Differences in Gender and Overall Survival for Temperature-Sensitive TP53 Mutations in Gastroesophageal Cancer
Authors: Shaikh Danial H. , Park Margaret , Chen Jiandong , Huang Jeffrey , Friedman Mark S. , Dam Aamir N. , Luthra Anjuli K. , Cappelle Saraswathi , Pena Luis R. , Permuth Jennifer B. , Mok Shaffer R. S.
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Temperature-sensitive (TS) mutants of TP53 are thermally unstable, unfolded, and inactive at body temperature but can be refolded and reactivated at sub-physiological temperatures. TS TP53 may be amenable for functional rescue by hypothermia or structure-stabilizing drugs, and may retain low-level transcriptional activity at 37 °C. TP53 mutations are observed in 47% of all esophageal cancers (ECs) and 25% to 40% of gastric cancers (GCs). We aimed to investigate the trends and outcomes of EC and GC with TS TP53 mutations using cBioportal. We hypothesize that TS TP53 mutants in EC and GC present a unique prognostic profile distinct from non-TS TP53 mutants, potentially affecting overall survival and cancer progression. Materials and Methods: We identified 1924 patients from cBioportal with GC or EC, harboring any TP53 mutation. Patients were then stratified based on the TP53 temperature sensitivity according to a recently reported functional analysis of its activity. Patients were also stratified based on a history of Barrett’s esophagus (BE), cancer stage, sex, and race. We then compared populations (TS vs. non-TS TP53) to assess differences and evaluated survival outcomes. Results: Males represented 77% of the cohort, and 51.6% of the samples were from patients with stage IV cancer. No association was found between TS vs. non-TS mutational status and BE, cancer stage, or race. Interestingly, a significantly higher proportion of females (22.9%) than males (14.5%) displayed a TS TP53 mutation (p = 0.012). No significant difference was seen in overall survival between the TS and non-TS mutations capable of ≥50% growth suppression at 32 °C (median = 33 vs. 28 months, p = 0.36). This trend was also observed when the patients were filtered based on cancer location. The median survival for EC was 32.5 months compared to 33 months (p = 0.67). In cases of GC, median survival times could not be determined due to the insufficient number of events. Conclusions: Although no statistical significance was observed, a decrease in overall survival for patients with TS TP53 mutations was noted. The result is counterintuitive given that TS mutants have less severe structural destabilization and suggests TS TP53 mutations may have a unique prognostic value that warrants further investigation.
DNMT1 rs2228611, rs2228612 and DNMT3A rs2276598, rs752208 Polymorphisms and Their Association with Breast Cancer Phenotype and Prognosis
Authors: Kaušylaitė Meda Marija , Jurevičė Justina , Korobeinikova Erika , Gudaitienė Jurgita , Juozaitytė Elona , Ugenskienė Rasa
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. This study investigates the impact of genetic polymorphisms in DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and DNMT3A) on breast cancer pathomorphology and patient prognosis. Specifically, we focused on DNMT1 polymorphisms rs2228611 and rs2228612 and DNMT3A polymorphisms rs2276598 and rs752208. Materials and Methods: Conducted at the Institute of Oncology of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, this study included 201 Lithuanian women with early-stage breast cancer. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and genotyping for the specified polymorphisms was performed using the PCR-RFLP assay. Statistical analyses were applied to evaluate associations between polymorphisms and clinicopathological characteristics. Results: The non-carriers of the DNMT1 rs2228611 G allele were less likely to be diagnosed at an older age, while the DNMT3A rs752208 T allele was linked to lower-grade tumors. Survival analysis indicated a potential relationship between DNMT3A rs752208 and overall survival, although no significant findings were observed in progression-free or metastasis-free survival. Conclusions: This study suggests that the DNMT1 and DNMT3A polymorphisms may influence breast cancer pathomorphology and prognosis. The DNMT1 rs2228611 G allele may be associated with earlier onset, and the DNMT3A rs752208 T allele might correlate with less aggressive tumors. These findings underscore the potential of DNMT gene polymorphisms as prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer, warranting further investigation with larger sample sizes.
Identification of Spatial Specific Lipid Metabolic Signatures in Long-Standing Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zhang Yiran , Piao Hai-Long , Chen Di
Published: November 2024

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major complication of diabetes leading to kidney failure. Methods: This study investigates lipid metabolism profiles of long-standing DKD (LDKD, diabetes duration > 10 years) by integrative analysis of available single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial multi-omics data (focusing on spatial continuity samples) from the Kidney Precision Medicine Project. Results: Two injured cell types, an injured thick ascending limb (iTAL) and an injured proximal tubule (iPT), were identified and significantly elevated in LDKD samples. Both iTAL and iPT exhibit increased lipid metabolic and biosynthetic activities and decreased lipid and fatty acid oxidative processes compared to TAL/PT cells. Notably, compared to PT, iPT shows significant upregulation of specific injury and fibrosis-related genes, including FSHR and BMP7. Meanwhile, comparing iTAL to TAL, inflammatory-related genes such as ANXA3 and IGFBP2 are significantly upregulated. Furthermore, spatial metabolomics analysis reveals regionally distributed clusters in the kidney and notably differentially expressed lipid metabolites, such as triglycerides, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids, particularly pronounced in the inner medullary regions. Conclusions: These findings provide an integrative description of the lipid metabolism landscape in LDKD, highlighting injury-associated cellular processes and potential molecular mechanisms.
A Statistical Approach for Characterizing the Behaviour of Roughness Parameters Measured by a Multi-Physics Instrument on Ground Surface Topographies: Four Novel Indicators
Authors: Moreau Clément , Lemesle Julie , Páez Margarit David , Blateyron François , Bigerelle Maxence
Published: November 2024

With a view to improve measurements, this paper presents a statistical approach for characterizing the behaviour of roughness parameters based on measurements performed on ground surface topographies (grit #080/#120). A S neoxTM (Sensofar®, Terrassa, Spain), equipped with three optical instrument modes (Focus Variation (FV), Coherence Scanning Interferometry (CSI), and Confocal Microscopy (CM)), is used according to a specific measurement plan, called Morphomeca Monitoring, including topography representativeness and several time-based measurements. Previously applied to the Sa parameter, the statistical approach based here solely on the Quality Index (QI) has now been extended to a multi-parameter approach. Firstly, the study focuses on detecting and explaining parameter disturbances in raw data by identifying and quantifying outliers of the parameter’s values, as a new first indicator. This allows us to draw parallels between these outliers and the surface topography, providing reflection tracks. Secondly, the statistical approach is applied to highlight disturbed parameters concerning the instrument mode used and the concerned grit level with two other indicators computed from QI, named homogeneity and number of modes. The applied method shows that a cleaning of the data containing the parameters values is necessary to remove outlier values, and a set of roughness parameters could be determined according to the assessment of the indicators. The final aim is to provide a set of parameters which best describe the measurement conditions based on monitoring data, statistical indexes, and surface topographies. It is shown that the parameters Sal, Sz and Sci are the most reliable roughness parameters, unlike Sdq and S5p, which appear as the most unstable parameters. More globally, the volume roughness parameters appear as the most stable, differing from the form parameters. This investigated point of view offers thus a complementary framework for improving measurement processes. In addition, this method aims to provide a global and more generalizable alternative than traditional methods of uncertainty calculation, based on a thorough analysis of multi-parameter and statistical indexes.
Alginate-Degrading Modes, Oligosaccharide-Yielding Properties, and Potential Applications of a Novel Bacterial Multifunctional Enzyme, Aly16-1
Authors: Zeng Lianghuan , Li Junge , Gu Jingyan , Hu Wei , Han Wenjun , Li Yuezhong
Published: November 2024

Relatively little is known about enzymes with broad substrate spectra, leading to limited applications and progress. Herein, we elucidate Aly16-1 of Streptomyces sp. strain CB16 as a novel multifunctional member of the eighth polysaccharide lyase (PL8) family, although it shared few sequence identities with the characterized enzymes. The recombinant enzyme rAly16-1 showed lyase activities against several acidic polysaccharides, including many glycosaminoglycan types, xanthan, and alginate. It was mannuronate (M)-preferred, endolytic, and optimal at 50 °C and pH 6.0. The smallest substrate was an ∆M-terminal (∆: unsaturated monosaccharide) trisaccharide, and the minimal product was ∆. In the final alginate digestions by rAly16-1, the fractions larger than disaccharides were ∆G-terminal (G: guluronate), while the disaccharides were mainly ∆M, showing an oligosaccharide-yielding property under the succession law. However, when degrading various oligosaccharides, rAly16-1 continued producing ∆M from the non-reducing end even when the substrates increased their sizes, quite different from the elucidated alginate lyases with variable alginate-degrading modes. Thus, co-determined by its M-preference, Aly16-1 is novel for its ∆M-yielding property in oligosaccharide preparations. Additionally, rAly16-1 can be applied in sequencing unsaturated trisaccharides, whether ∆M- or ∆G-terminal. This study provides novel insights into the characteristics and applications of a multifunctional enzyme within the PL8 family for resource explorations.
Modeling of the Nanofiltration Process Based on Convective Diffusion Theory
Authors: Lazarev Sergei , Protasov Dmitrii , Konovalov Dmitrii , Khorokhorina Irina , Abonosimov Oleg
Published: November 2024

The article formulates the state of the problem of improving the theoretical calculation of the nanofiltration kinetic characteristics in the time cycle of separation of industrial solutions containing copper(II), iron(III), trisodium phosphate and OP-10 (a wetting agent used in electroplating, a product of treating a mixture of mono- and dialkylphenols with ethylene oxide) using the equations of convective diffusion, hydrodynamics and mass transfer. To calculate the kinetic characteristics of the nanofiltration process, the mathematical model was improved by numerically solving the equations of convective diffusion, the Navier–Stokes equation and the flow continuity equation in a polar coordinate system with initial and boundary conditions. The theoretical results obtained in the process of an analytical solution of the system of equations allow calculating changes in concentrations in the permeate and retentate tracts and the permeate volume during nanofiltration separation. The acceptability of the developed nanofiltration method for separating solutions is assessed by comparing the calculated data according to the mathematical model with the experimental data obtained on the nanofiltration unit during separation of solutions containing copper(II), iron(III), trisodium phosphate and OP-10.
The Relationship Between Spin Crossover (SCO) Behaviors, Cation and Ligand Motions, and Intermolecular Interactions in a Series of Anionic SCO Fe(III) Complexes with Halogen-Substituted Azobisphenolate Ligands
Authors: Hirota Mai , Murata Suguru , Sakurai Takahiro , Ohta Hitoshi , Takahashi Kazuyuki
Published: November 2024

To investigate the halogen substitution effect on the anionic spin crossover (SCO) complexes, azobisphenolate ligands with 5,5′-dihalogen substituents from fluorine to iodine were synthesized, and their anionic FeIII complexes 1F, 1Cl, 1Br, and 1I were isolated. The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility and crystal structure revealed that 1F, 1Cl, and 1Br are all isostructural and exhibit SCO with the rotational motion of the cation and ligands, whereas 1I shows incomplete SCO. Note that 1Cl and 1Br showed irreversible and reversible cooperative SCO transitions, respectively. Short intermolecular contacts between the FeIII complex anions were found despite Coulomb repulsions for all the complexes. The topological analysis of the electron density distributions revealed the existence of X···X halogen bonds, C–H···X, C–H···N, and C–H···O hydrogen bonds, and C–H···π interactions are evident. The dimensionality of intermolecular interactions is suggested to be responsible for the cooperative SCO transitions in 1Cl and 1Br, whereas the disorder due to the freezing of ligand rotations in 1Cl is revealed to inhibit the SCO cooperativity.
An Unexpected Formation of Spiro Isoxazoline-Dihydrofurane Compounds from Substituted Ketofurfuryl Alcohols
Authors: Cuyamendous Claire , Laurent Mathieu Yves , Saluzzo Christine
Published: November 2024

Oximation of substituted ketofurfuryl alcohols in the presence of hydroxylamine hydrochloride and pyridine in ethanol as solvent led to a new class of spiro derivatives presenting a 7-methylene-1,6-dioxa-2-azaspiro [4.4] nona-2,8-diene skeleton along with, in some cases, the predictable oxime. The structures of such spiro compounds were determined by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The suggested formation of this skeleton involves an in situ oximation/dehydration/SN’ cascade reaction.
Effect of Different Extraction Techniques on Phenolic Profile and Phytochemical Potential of Gymnema inodorum Leaf Extract
Authors: Haideri Muhammad Hassnain , Phanjaroen Titi , Khiaolaongam Wiritphon , Boonchalaem Thanarat , Laoung-on Jiraporn , Chaipoot Supakit , Hongsibsong Surat , Boonyapranai Kongsak , Ounjaijean Sakaewan
Published: November 2024

The therapeutic potential of plant extracts has attracted significant interest, especially regarding indigenous species with health-promoting properties. Gymnema inodorum, native to Northern Thailand, is recognized for its rich phytochemical profile; however, the impact of various extraction techniques on its phenolic composition and bioactivity remains underexplored. Optimizing extraction methods is essential to enhance the pharmacological efficacy of this plant’s bioactive compounds. This study investigated the influence of four extraction methods—ethanol maceration, ethanol reflux, aqueous decoction, and microwave-assisted extraction—on the bioactive profile of G. inodorum leaves, with a focus on the phenolic content and biological activities. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, while the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified by colorimetric methods. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) quantified gymnemic acid and key phenolic compounds. Among the methods, ethanol reflux yielded the highest antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS scavenging), with a total phenolic content of 82.54 mg GAE/g and flavonoid content of 31.90 mg QE/g. HPLC analysis identified sinapic acid, myricetin, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid as major phenolics. Furthermore, the ethanol reflux extract displayed potent anti-diabetic activity, with IC50 values of 13.36 mg/mL for α-amylase and 7.39 mg/mL for α-glucosidase, as well as strong anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 of 1.6 mg/mL) and acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC50 of 1.2 mg/mL). These findings suggest that ethanol reflux extraction is a highly effective method for producing bioactive-rich G. inodorum extracts, with substantial pharmacological potential for developing herbal remedies and nutraceuticals, particularly in enhancing therapeutic approaches for diabetes and other health-related conditions.
Slow Subcutaneous Release of Glatiramer Acetate or CD40-Targeting Peptide KGYY6 Is More Advantageous in Treating Ongoing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Vaitaitis Gisela M. , Wagner David H.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: One of the first-line disease-modifying treatments of multiple sclerosis (MS) is Glatiramer Acetate (GA), which requires daily or three-times-weekly subcutaneous injections. Disease progression, while slowed, still occurs with time. Increasing the impact of the treatment while decreasing the frequency of injections would be ideal. The mechanism of action of GA remains undefined. We developed an alternate approach, KGYY6, whose mechanism of action targets the CD40 receptor with promising results in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. Methods: GA and a CD40-targeting peptide, KGYY6, were formulated as slow-release particles used to treat EAE in C57BL/6 mice. Results: Compared to liquid formulations, the particle formulations vastly improved drug efficacy in both cases, which would be advantageous in treating MS. GA is a combination of randomly generated peptides, in the size range of 5000–9000 Da, using the amino acids E, A, Y, and K. This approach introduces batch differences that impacts efficacy, a persistent problem with GA. KGYY6 is generated in a controlled process and has a motif, K-YY, which could be generated when manufacturing GA. When testing two different lots of GA or KGYY6, the latter performed equally well across lots, while GA did not. Conclusions: Slow-release formulations of both GA and KGYY6 vastly improve the efficacy of both, and KGYY6 is more consistent in efficacy across different lots.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions and the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vargas-Uricoechea Hernando , Castellanos-Pinedo Alejandro , Urrego-Noguera Karen , Vargas-Sierra Hernando D. , Pinzón-Fernández María V. , Barceló-Martínez Ernesto , Ramírez-Giraldo Andrés F.
Published: November 2024

Background: Numerous studies have evaluated the effect that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have on multiple health outcomes. For its part, stress is a natural response to environmental disturbances and within the associated metabolic responses, alterations in cortisol levels and their measurement in different tissues are a way to determine the stress state of an individual. Therefore, it has been proposed that MBIs can modify cortisol levels. Methods and results: The objective of this systematic review was to analyze and summarize the different studies that have evaluated the effect of MBIs on cortisol levels. The following databases were consulted: MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL, Web of Science, Science Direct, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Scopus. The search terms “mindfulness”, “mindfulness-based interventions” and “cortisol” were used (and the search was limited to studies from January 1990 to May 2024). In order to reduce selection bias, each article was scrutinized using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist independently by two authors. We included those studies with specified intervention groups with at least one control group and excluded duplicate studies or those in which the intervention or control group was not adequately specified. Significant changes in cortisol following MBIs were found in 25 studies, while 10 found no changes. The small sample size, lack of randomization, blinding, and probable confounding and interaction variables stand out in these studies. Conclusion: MBIs have biological plausibility as a means of explaining a positive effect on cortisol levels; however, the weakness of the studies and the absence of robust designs makes it difficult to establish a causal association between both variables. Registration number: INPLASY2024110017.
Noble Gases in Medicine: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Winkler David A.
Published: November 2024

Noble gases are a valuable but overlooked source of effective and safe therapeutics. Being monoatomic and chemically inert, they nonetheless have a surprisingly wide range of biochemical and medically valuable properties. This mini review briefly summarizes these properties for the most widely used noble gases and focuses and research gaps and missed opportunities for wider use of these intriguing ‘atomic’ drugs. The main research gaps and opportunities lie firstly in the application of advanced computational modelling methods for noble gases and recent developments in accurate predictions of protein structures from sequence (AlphaFold), and secondly in the use of very efficient and selective drug delivery technologies to improve the solubility, efficacy, and delivery of noble gases to key targets, especially for the lighter, poorly soluble gases.
Hayward–Letelier Black Holes in AdS Spacetime
Authors: Kumar Arun , Sood Ashima , Ghosh Sushant Ghoshtokumar , Beesham Aroonkumar
Published: November 2024

We analyze Hayward black holes (BHs) with a negative cosmological constant surrounded by a cloud of strings, which we designate Hayward–Letelier AdS BHs. These solutions can be obtained by coupling the Einstein equations with nonlinear electrodynamics and the energy–momentum tensor of clouds of strings. We show that these solutions are no longer regular and have a curvature singularity at the center. In turn, we analyze the thermodynamics associated with these BHs by establishing the form of the Smarr formula and the first law of thermodynamics. We derive the expressions for the thermodynamic quantities such as pressure, temperature, heat capacity, Gibbs free energy, and isothermal compressibility. We explore the phase structure of these solutions by analyzing the behavior of the heat capacity and Gibbs free energy. These solutions exhibit a first-order phase transition, similar to van der Waals fluids. We also check the behavior of the thermodynamic quantities near the critical points and calculate the values of the critical exponents. This illustrates a robust analogy between our solutions and van der Waals fluids.