bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostics and Health Management Based on Next-Generation Technologies: A Literature Review
Authors: Fang Zhou , Li Wei , Su Liang , Feng Jinkui
Published: July 2024

With the rapid development of science and technology, the integration and complexity of aerospace vehicles, weaponry, and large-scale chemical equipment are becoming higher and higher. PHM plays an important role in realizing reductions in equipment loss due to failures in many fields. In order to systematically sort through the research history of PHM and deeply analyze the development status of AR and DT technologies in the field of PHM, to clarify the current technical challenges and future development directions and to provide valuable references and insights for researchers, engineers, and decision-makers in the related fields, this paper summarizes the development of PHM in the engineering field. This paper summarizes the development of PHM in the field of engineering, from the initial PHM used in aerospace to the current PHM systems supported by various advanced technologies; analyzes the advantages and shortcomings of the digital twin and augmented reality technologies used for PHM; and organizes and summarizes the future directions and future research focuses of PHM research based on the existing technologies (mainly digital twins and augmented reality). After systematic research and study, we found that the integration of augmented reality and digital twin technologies will provide superb simulation capabilities and immersive operation and bring new challenges and opportunities. Therefore, it is also imperative to address the challenges and limitations that hinder the seamless integration of the new technologies.
Investigation of High-Sensitivity pH Sensor Based on Au-Gated AlGaN/GaN Heterostructure
Authors: Ye Minjie , Sun Jianwen , Zhan Teng , Sokolovskij Robert , Zhang Yulong , Wei Jiangtao , Chen Shaomin , Liu Zewen
Published: July 2024

A high-sensitivity pH sensor based on an AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with a 10 nm thick Au-gated sensing membrane was investigated. The Au nanolayer as a sensing membrane was deposited by electron-beam evaporation and patterned onto the GaN cap layer, which provides more surface-active sites and a more robust adsorption capacity for hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH−) and thus the sensitivity of the sensor can be significantly enhanced. A quasi-reference electrode was used to minimize the sensing system for the measurement of the microliter solution. The measurement and analysis results demonstrate that the fabricated sensor exhibits a high potential sensitivity of 58.59 mV/pH, which is very close to the Nernstian limit. The current sensitivity is as high as 372.37 μA/pH in the pH range from 4.0 to 9.18, under a 3.5 V drain-source voltage and a 0 V reference-source voltage. Comparison experiments show that the current sensitivity of the Au-gated sensor can reach 3.9 times that of the SiO2-gated sensor. Dynamic titration experiments reveal the pH sensor’s ability to promptly respond to immediate pH variations. These findings indicate that this pH sensor can meet most application requirements for advanced medical and chemical analysis.
Suitable Model for Rehydration of Dried Red Beets: Effect of Solid-to-Liquid Ratio on Rehydration Characteristics
Authors: Kaleta Agnieszka , Górnicki Krzysztof , Obranović Marko , Kosiorek Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

Rehydration of food products was carried out in various amounts of liquid. The effects of the solid-to-liquid ratio on rehydration characteristics of dried red beets were investigated. Six values of the solid-to-liquid ratio (1:20, 1:15, 1:10, 1:5, 1:3, and 1:1) were taken into consideration. Red beets cubes (10 mm) were dried in a forced convection (2 m/s; 60 °C) and then rehydrated in distilled water at a temperature of 20 °C. The kinetics of mass gain, dry matter loss, water gain, moisture content increase, and volume increase were modeled using the empirical Peleg model which parameters have physical meanings. Equations were formulated to make the Peleg model parameters dependent on the solid-to-liquid ratio. The obtained results indicated that the amount of rehydrating water influenced the values of the model parameters and the course of dried red beets rehydration and helped explain the rehydration kinetics. The Peleg model can be recommended for describing the kinetics of mass gain (R2 = 0.9662–0.9895), dry matter loss (R2 = 0.7042–0.9881), water gain (R2 = 0.9732–0.9913), moisture content increase (R2 = 0.9770–0.9929), and volume increase (R2 = 0.9374–0.9847) during the rehydration of dried red beet cubes at all considered values of the solid-to-liquid ratio.
COVID-19 as a Factor Influencing Maximal Heart Rates among Male University Students
Authors: Podstawski Robert , Borysławski Krzysztof , Wąsik Jacek
Published: July 2024

Background: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between COVID-19 and HRmax during maximal exertion; Methods: The study was conducted on 66 male students aged 17.4 to 24.0 years, 50% of whom suffered from COVID-19. Their body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis; their physical activity (PA)—using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; and their HRmax—using the 12-Minute Cooper Test on a Rowing Ergometer (12-MCTRE); Results: Both the healthy students (G1) and non-hospitalized COVID-19 sufferers (G2) were significantly (p < 0.001) more engaged in PA than the hospitalized COVID-19 sufferers. They had significantly lower body mass, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and visceral fat level, with the G1 ones also having lower scores of body fat mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass (p values: <0.001–0.017). The highest HRmax = 192 bpm was recorded for G1 students, being significantly higher than the values measured for G2 (by 7 bpm), and G3 (by 16 bpm); Conclusions: Men suffering from COVID-19 and hospitalized exhibited significantly lower levels of PA and motor fitness, and had poorer body composition markers (primarily adiposity to the point of severe overweight). This likely explains their diminished HRmax compared with healthy men.
Considerations on the Design, Printability and Usability of Customized 3D-Printed Upper Limb Orthoses
Authors: Popescu Diana , Lăptoiu Dan , Căruțașu Nicoleta Luminița
Published: July 2024

This paper investigated the feasibility of using 3D printing processes, specifically material extrusion (MEX) and vat photopolymerization (DLP—Digital Light Processing), to produce customized wrist–hand orthoses. Design, printability, and usability aspects were addressed. It was found that minimizing printing time for orthoses with intricate shapes, ventilation pockets, and minimal thickness is difficult. The influence of build orientation and process parameters, such as infill density, pattern, layer thickness, and wall thickness, on printing time for ten parameter configurations of orthoses in both ready-to-use and flat thermoformed shapes was examined. The findings revealed that the optimized orientations suggested by Meshmixer and Cura (Auto-orient option) did not reliably yield reduced printing times for each analyzed orthoses. The shortest printing time was achieved with a horizontal orientation (for orthoses manufactured in their ready-to-use form, starting from 3D scanning upper limb data) at the expense of surface quality in contact with the hand. For tall and thin orthoses, 100% infill density is recommended to ensure mechanical stability and layer fill, with caution required when reducing the support volume. Flat and thermoformed orthoses had the shortest printing times and could be produced with lower infill densities without defects. For the same design, the shortest printing time for an orthosis 3D-printed in its ready-to-use form was 8 h and 24 min at 60% infill, while the same orthosis produced as flat took 4 h and 37 min for the MEX process and half of this time for DLP. Usability criteria, including perceived immobilization strength, aesthetics, comfort, and weight, were evaluated for seven orthoses. Two healthy users, with previous experience with traditional plaster splints, tested the orthoses and expressed satisfaction with the 3D-printed designs. While the Voronoi design of DLP orthoses was visually more appealing, it was perceived as less stiff compared to those produced by MEX.
Egyptian Art in Colonized Nubia: Representing Power and Social Structure in the New Kingdom Tombs of Djehutyhotep, Hekanefer and Pennut
Authors: Lemos Rennan
Published: July 2024

Monumental rock-cut tombs decorated with wall paintings or reliefs were rare in New Kingdom colonial Nubia. Exceptions include the 18th Dynasty tombs of Djehutyhotep (Debeira) and Hekanefer (Miam), and the 20th Dynasty tomb of Pennut (Aniba). The three tombs present typical Egyptian artistic representations and inscriptions, which include tomb owners and their families, but also those living under their direct control. This paper compares the artistic and architectural features of these decorated, monumental rock-cut tombs in light of the archaeological record of the regions in which they were located in order to contextualize art within its social setting in colonized Nubia. More than expressing cultural and religious affiliations in the colony, art seems to have been essentially used as a tool to enforce hierarchization and power, and to define the borders of the uppermost elite social spaces in New Kingdom colonial Nubia.
Risk Assessment of Compound Dry–Hot Events for Maize in Liaoning Province
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Cong Longpeng , Wang Yilin , Bai Xiaotian
Published: July 2024

Extreme climates can result in marked damage to crop yields and threaten regional and global food security. Maize is a major grain crop in Liaoning Province which is severely affected by dry and hot weather events. This study was based on the maize yield and daily meteorological data from various meteorological stations in Liaoning Province from 2000 to 2020. We calculated the standardized dry and hot index and constructed a method for estimating the maize yield reduction risk under compound dry–hot events (CDHE) in Liaoning Province by combining the coefficient of variation in maize yield reduction, yield loss risk index, and the frequency of CDHE during yield reduction. The results showed that the high-risk area for the occurrence of CDHE in maize was Chaoyang City, located in the western part of Liaoning Province. Cities in the low-risk area accounted for approximately 64.3% of the total number of cities in Liaoning Province, mainly in the central and northern parts of Liaoning Province. This study emphasizes the impact of CDHE on agricultural production and provides an index for assessing the risk of CDHE on maize production.
Thermodynamic and Economic Analyses of a Novel Cooling, Heating and Power Tri-Generation System with Carbon Capture
Authors: Yan Linbo , Jia Ziyue , Liu Yang , Geng Cong , He Boshu
Published: July 2024

The combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system has attracted increasing attention due to its potential outstanding performance in thermodynamics, economics, and the environment. However, the conventional CCHP systems are carbon-intensive. To solve this issue, a low-carbon-emission CCHP system (LC-CCHP) is firstly proposed in this work by integrating a sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming (SE-SMR) process. In the LC-CCHP system, CO2 is continuously captured by the calcium loop so that low-carbon energy can be generated. Then, the LC-CCHP system thermodynamic model, mainly consisting of a dual fluidized bed reactor which includes the SE-SMR reactor and a CaCO3 calcination reactor, a hydrogen gas turbine, a CO2 reheater, and a lithium bromide absorption chiller, is built. To prove that the LC-CCHP model is reliable, the system major sub-unit model predictions are compared against data from the literature in terms of thermodynamics and economics. Finally, the effects of reforming temperature (Tref), the steam-to-carbon mole ratio (S/C), the calcium-to-carbon mole ratio (RCC), the equivalent ratio for gas turbine (RAE), and the hydrogen separation ratio (Sfg) on total energy efficiency (ηten), total exergy efficiency (ηtex), and carbon capture capability (Rcm) are detected. It is found that the minimum exergy efficiency of 64.5% exists at the calciner unit, while the maximum exergy efficiency of 78.7% appears at the gas turbine unit. The maximum energy efficiency and coefficient of performance of the absorption chiller are 0.52 and 1.33, respectively. When Tref=600 °C, S/C=4.0, RCC=7.62, RAE=1.20, and Sfg=0.27, the ηten, ηtex, and Rcm of the system can be ~61%, ~68%, and ~96%, and the average specific cost of the system is 0.024 USD/kWh, which is advanced compared with the parallel CCHP systems.
A Comprehensive Review of AI Diagnosis Strategies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Authors: Abd El-Khalek Aya A. , Balaha Hossam Magdy , Sewelam Ashraf , Ghazal Mohammed , Khalil Abeer T. , Abo-Elsoud Mohy Eldin A. , El-Baz Ayman
Published: July 2024

The rapid advancement of computational infrastructure has led to unprecedented growth in machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision, fundamentally transforming the analysis of retinal images. By utilizing a wide array of visual cues extracted from retinal fundus images, sophisticated artificial intelligence models have been developed to diagnose various retinal disorders. This paper concentrates on the detection of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a significant retinal condition, by offering an exhaustive examination of recent machine learning and deep learning methodologies. Additionally, it discusses potential obstacles and constraints associated with implementing this technology in the field of ophthalmology. Through a systematic review, this research aims to assess the efficacy of machine learning and deep learning techniques in discerning AMD from different modalities as they have shown promise in the field of AMD and retinal disorders diagnosis. Organized around prevalent datasets and imaging techniques, the paper initially outlines assessment criteria, image preprocessing methodologies, and learning frameworks before conducting a thorough investigation of diverse approaches for AMD detection. Drawing insights from the analysis of more than 30 selected studies, the conclusion underscores current research trajectories, major challenges, and future prospects in AMD diagnosis, providing a valuable resource for both scholars and practitioners in the domain.
Dynamic Analysis of Stool Microbiota of Simmental Calves and Effects of Diarrhea on Their Gut Microbiota
Authors: Wang Qianxun , Na Mula , Jia Shiyu , Sun Miao , Gao Song , Pan Shiwei , Dong Wu , Song Yang , Yang Jingfeng
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study was to explore the dynamic changes in the gut microbiota of Simmental calves before weaning and to compare the microbial composition and functionality between healthy calves and those with diarrhea. Fourteen neonatal Simmental calves were divided into a healthy group (n = 8) and a diarrhea group (n = 6). Rectal stool samples were collected from each calf on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 18, 22, 26, 30, 35, and 40. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V1–V9 region was conducted to examine changes in the gut microbiota over time in both groups and to assess the influence of diarrhea on microbiota structure and function. Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and B. vulgatus were the top three bacterial species in preweaning Simmental calves. Meanwhile, the major functions of the fecal microbiota included “metabolic pathways”, “biosynthesis of secondary metabolites”, “biosynthesis of antibiotics”, “microbial metabolism in diverse environments”, and “biosynthesis of amino acids”. For calves in the healthy group, PCoA revealed that the bacterial profiles on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 differed from those on days 15, 18, 22, 26, 30, 35, and 40. The profiles on day 12 clustered with both groups, indicating that microbial structure changes increased with age. When comparing the relative abundance of bacteria between healthy and diarrheic calves, the beneficial Lactobacillus johnsonii, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Limosilactobacillus were significantly more abundant in the healthy group than those in the diarrhea group (p < 0.05). This study provides fundamental insights into the gut microbiota composition of Simmental calves before weaning, potentially facilitating early interventions for calf diarrhea and probiotic development.
Biocatalytic Method for Producing an Affinity Resin for the Isolation of Immunoglobulins
Authors: Tereshin Mikhail N. , Melikhova Tatiana D. , Eletskaya Barbara Z. , Ivanova Elena A. , Onoprienko Lyudmila V. , Makarov Dmitry A. , Razumikhin Mikhail V. , Myagkikh Igor V. , Fabrichniy Igor P. , Stepanenko Vasiliy N.
Published: July 2024

Affinity chromatography is a widely used technique for antibody isolation. This article presents the successful synthesis of a novel affinity resin with a mutant form of protein A (BsrtA) immobilized on it as a ligand. The key aspect of the described process is the biocatalytic immobilization of the ligand onto the matrix using the sortase A enzyme. Moreover, we used a matrix with primary amino groups without modification, which greatly simplifies the synthesis process. The resulting resin shows a high dynamic binding capacity (up to 50 mg IgG per 1 mL of sorbent). It also demonstrates high tolerance to 0.1 M NaOH treatment and maintains its effectiveness even after 100 binding, elution, and sanitization cycles.
Amantadine for Traumatic Brain Injury—Supporting Evidence and Mode of Action
Authors: Dekundy Andrzej , Pichler Gerald , El Badry Reda , Scheschonka Astrid , Danysz Wojciech
Published: July 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important global clinical issue, requiring not only prevention but also effective treatment. Following TBI, diverse parallel and intertwined pathological mechanisms affecting biochemical, neurochemical, and inflammatory pathways can have a severe impact on the patient’s quality of life. The current review summarizes the evidence for the utility of amantadine in TBI in connection to its mechanism of action. Amantadine, the drug combining multiple mechanisms of action, may offer both neuroprotective and neuroactivating effects in TBI patients. Indeed, the use of amantadine in TBI has been encouraged by several clinical practice guidelines/recommendations. Amantadine is also available as an infusion, which may be of particular benefit in unconscious patients with TBI due to immediate delivery to the central nervous system and the possibility of precise dosing. In other situations, orally administered amantadine may be used. There are several questions that remain to be addressed: can amantadine be effective in disorders of consciousness requiring long-term treatment and in combination with drugs approved for the treatment of TBI? Do the observed beneficial effects of amantadine extend to disorders of consciousness due to factors other than TBI? Well-controlled clinical studies are warranted to ultimately confirm its utility in the TBI and provide answers to these questions.
Embryonic Zebrafish as a Model for Investigating the Interaction between Environmental Pollutants and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Yin Ji-Hang , Horzmann Katharine A.
Published: July 2024

Environmental pollutants have been linked to neurotoxicity and are proposed to contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. The zebrafish model provides a high-throughput platform for large-scale chemical screening and toxicity assessment and is widely accepted as an important animal model for the investigation of neurodegenerative disorders. Although recent studies explore the roles of environmental pollutants in neurodegenerative disorders in zebrafish models, current knowledge of the mechanisms of environmentally induced neurodegenerative disorders is relatively complex and overlapping. This review primarily discusses utilizing embryonic zebrafish as the model to investigate environmental pollutants-related neurodegenerative disease. We also review current applicable approaches and important biomarkers to unravel the underlying mechanism of environmentally related neurodegenerative disorders. We found embryonic zebrafish to be a powerful tool that provides a platform for evaluating neurotoxicity triggered by environmentally relevant concentrations of neurotoxic compounds. Additionally, using variable approaches to assess neurotoxicity in the embryonic zebrafish allows researchers to have insights into the complex interaction between environmental pollutants and neurodegenerative disorders and, ultimately, an understanding of the underlying mechanisms related to environmental toxicants.
Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus in People Living with HIV in Rural and Peri-Urban Communities in Botswana
Authors: Phinius Bonolo B. , Choga Wonderful T. , Anderson Motswedi , Mokomane Margaret , Gobe Irene , Ratsoma Tsholofelo , Phakedi Basetsana , Mpebe Gorata , Bhebhe Lynnette , Gaolathe Tendani , Mosepele Mosepele , Makhema Joseph , Shapiro Roger , Lockman Shahin , Musonda Rosemary , Moyo Sikhulile , Gaseitsiwe Simani
Published: July 2024

(1) Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) sequencing data are important for monitoring HBV evolution. We aimed to molecularly characterize HBV sequences from participants with HBV surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+) serology and occult hepatitis B infection (OBI+). (2) Methods: We utilized archived plasma samples from people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) in Botswana. HBV DNA was sequenced, genotyped and analyzed for mutations. We compared mutations from study sequences to those from previously generated HBV sequences in Botswana. The impact of OBI-associated mutations on protein function was assessed using the Protein Variation Effect Analyzer. (3) Results: Sequencing success was higher in HBsAg+ than in OBI+ samples [86/128 (67.2%) vs. 21/71 (29.2%)]. Overall, 93.5% (100/107) of sequences were genotype A1, 2.8% (3/107) were D3 and 3.7% (4/107) were E. We identified 13 escape mutations in 18/90 (20%) sequences with HBsAg coverage, with K122R having the highest frequency. The mutational profile of current sequences differed from previous Botswana HBV sequences, suggesting possible mutational changes over time. Mutations deemed to have an impact on protein function were tpQ6H, surfaceV194A and preCW28L. (4) Conclusions: We characterized HBV sequences from PLWH in Botswana. Escape mutations were prevalent and were not associated with OBI. Longitudinal HBV studies are needed to investigate HBV natural evolution.
The Characteristics and Two-Year Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Home Oxygen Therapy among Preterm Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Retrospective Study in a Medical Center in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Han-Pi , Lee En-Pei , Chiang Ming-Chou
Published: July 2024

Home oxygen therapy (HOT) is frequently used as a therapeutic strategy for children experiencing chronic oxygen dependency associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Recent studies have highlighted substantial variations in the characteristics and outcomes of infants requiring oxygen, primarily due to the absence of a consensus on the management of HOT in infants with BPD. We conducted this retrospective study and reviewed the medical records of extremely and very preterm infants who were diagnosed with BPD in a tertiary center in northern Taiwan from January 2020 to September 2021. Their neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated at 18 to 24 months of corrected age. A total of 134 patients diagnosed with BPD were divided into a HOT group (n = 39) and a room air group (n = 95). The children in the HOT group had a higher incidence of hemodynamic significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (p = 0.005) and PDA ligation (p = 0.004), high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (p < 0.001), nitrogen oxide inhalation (p < 0.001), pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.01), and longer invasive ventilation (p < 0.001), as well as longer hospitalization (p < 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that prolonged invasive ventilation (OR = 1.032, 95% CI 0.984–1.020, p = 0.001) was correlated with oxygen dependency in children. Infants with BPD born at advanced gestational age (OR = 0.760, 95%CI 0.582–0.992, p = 0.044) had a decreasing risk of requiring HOT. The children in the HOT group had a higher incidence of emergency room visits (p < 0.001) and re-hospitalization (p = 0.007) within one year of corrected age. The neurodevelopmental outcomes revealed the HOT group had an increasing portion of moderate to severe cognitive delay (18.2% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.009) and moderate to severe language delay (24.2% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.006) at 18 to 24 months of corrected age. In conclusion, infants with BPD necessitating HOT required prolonged invasive ventilation during hospitalization and exhibited a greater prevalence of unfavorable neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 to 24 months of corrected age as well.
The Placenta as a Source of Human Material for Neuronal Repair
Authors: Dallatana Alessia , Cremonesi Linda , Pezzini Francesco , Fontana Gianluca , Innamorati Giulio , Giacomello Luca
Published: July 2024

Stem cell therapy has the potential to meet unsolved problems in tissue repair and regeneration, particularly in the neural tissues. However, an optimal source has not yet been found. Growing evidence indicates that positive effects produced in vivo by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be due not only to their plasticity but also to secreted molecules including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Trophic effects produced by MSCs may reveal the key to developing effective tissue-repair strategies, including approaches based on brain implants or other implantable neural electrodes. In this sense, MSCs will become increasingly valuable and needed in the future. The placenta is a temporary organ devoted to protecting and supporting the fetus. At the same time, the placenta represents an abundant and extremely convenient source of MSCs. Nonetheless, placenta-derived MSCs (P-MSCs) remain understudied as compared to MSCs isolated from other sources. This review outlines the limited literature describing the neuroregenerative effects of P-MSC-derived biomaterials and advocates for exploiting the potential of this untapped source for human regenerative therapies.
Cordycepin Augments the Efficacy of Anti-PD1 against Colon Cancer
Authors: Chang Wen-Kuei , Chen Yen-Ting , Lin Chin-Ping , Wang Chia-Jung , Shieh Hui-Ru , Chi Chih-Wen , Tsai Tung-Hu , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: July 2024

Colon cancer has a poor clinical response to anti-PD1 therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cordycepin on the efficacy of anti-PD1 treatment in colon cancer. The viability of CT26 mouse colon carcinoma cells, cell-cycle progression, morphology, and the expression of mRNA and protein were assessed. A syngeneic animal model was established by implanting CT26 cells into BALB/c mice for in vivo experiments. Multi-parameter flow cytometry was used to analyze the splenic cell lineages and tumor microenvironment (TME). The in vitro data revealed that cordycepin, but not adenosine, inhibited CT26 cell viability. The protein, but not mRNA, expression levels of A2AR and A2BR were suppressed by cordycepin but not by adenosine in CT26 cells. The combination of cordycepin, but not adenosine, with anti-PD1 exhibited a greater tumor-inhibitory effect than anti-PD1 alone as well as inhibited the expression of A2AR and A2BR in splenic macrophages. In the TME, the combination of cordycepin and anti-PD1 increased the number of CD3+ T cells and neutrophils and decreased the number of natural killer (NK) cells. Overall, cordycepin augmented the antitumor effects of anti-PD1 against mouse colon carcinoma cells and inhibited the expression of the adenosine receptors A2AR and A2BR in splenic macrophages and intratumoral NK cells.
Boosting Immunogenicity of a Recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis Strain via Zinc-Dependent Ribosomal Proteins
Authors: Singh Shivani , Kanzin David , Chavez Sarah , Saavedra-Avila Noemi Alejandra , Ng Tony W. , Lukose Regy , Mayer Oren , Kim John , Chen Bing , Chen Mei , Porcelli Steven A. , Jacobs William R. , Tiwari Sangeeta
Published: July 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major global health burden and kills over a million people annually. New immunization strategies are required for the development of an efficacious TB vaccine that can potentially induce sterilizing immunity. In this study, we first confirmed that a live vaccine strain of Mycobacterium smegmatis, previously designated as IKEPLUS, conferred a higher survival benefit than the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in a murine model of intravenous Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. We have shown that there was a significant increase in the expression of the Rv0282 gene, which is encoded in the esx-3 locus, which played an important role in iron uptake when IKEPLUS was grown in both low zinc and iron-containing Sauton medium. We then confirmed using in vitro assays of biofilm formation that zinc plays a vital role in the growth and formation of M. smegmatis biofilms. IKEPLUS grown in low zinc media led to the better protection of mice after intravenous challenge with a very high dosage of Mtb. We also showed that various variants of IKEPLUS induced apoptotic cell-death of infected macrophages at a higher rate than wild-type M. smegmatis. We next attempted to determine if zinc containing ribosomal proteins such as rpmb2 could contribute to protective efficacy against Mtb infection. Since BCG has an established role in anti-mycobacterial efficacy, we boosted BCG vaccinated mice with rmpb2, but this did not lead to an increment in the protection mediated by BCG.
A Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Terra de Oliveira Renata , Lino Tayla Borges , Scarmagnan Gabriella Simões , Miziara Barbosa Suzi Rosa , de Souza Pegorare Ana Beatriz Gomes , Christofoletti Gustavo
Published: July 2024

Several therapies have been developed to reduce cognitive decline associated with aging. Aquatic exercises, which are widely used to enhance functional capacity, may play a role in stimulating cognitive functions. This study investigated the effects of a 3-month aquatic exercise program on cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. In this prospective, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 31 participants were allocated to either the experimental (aquatic exercises) or control (no-exercise) group. The intervention program consisted of exercises conducted twice a week in a 1.2 m deep indoor pool. The main outcome measures were cognitive functions, assessed using Raven’s Progressive Matrices test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of the exercise program. The effect sizes (η2p) were reported when a level of significance was achieved (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the participants who underwent aquatic exercises showed positive outcomes in Raven’s Progressive Matrices test (p = 0.046; η2p = 0.131) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.589). Complementary analyses of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test indicated that the benefits of the aquatic exercise were observed in terms of the number of trials (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.478), number of errors (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.458), and number of non-perseverative errors (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.302). The results indicate that a period of three months of aquatic exercise was beneficial for stimulating specific aspects of the cognitive function of community-dwelling older individuals. Aquatic exercise should be prescribed to this population.
Effects of Adapted Physical Activity on White Matter Integrity in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Leroux Elise , Masson Laura , Tréhout Maxime , Dollfus Sonia
Published: July 2024

Schizophrenia is associated with changes in white matter (WM) integrity and with reduced life expectancy, in part because of the cardiometabolic side effects of antipsychotics. Physical activity (PA) has emerged as a candidate lifestyle intervention that is safe and effective. The study aimed to assess how an adapted PA program delivered remotely by web (e-APA) improved WM integrity in patients with schizophrenia (SZPs) and healthy controls (HCs) and to evaluate associations among WM integrity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and symptom severity. This longitudinal study was conducted over 16 weeks with 31 participants (18 SZPs and 13 HCs). Diffusion tensor imaging and tract-based spatial statistics were employed to assess WM integrity. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and assessments for clinical symptoms included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms and the Brief Negative Syndrome Scale (BNSS). Only the SZPs had significantly increased WM integrity after the e-APA program, with increased fractional anisotropy and decreased radial diffusivity in fasciculi involved in motor functions and language process. Furthermore, decreased negative symptoms assessed with BNSS were associated with greater WM integrity following the program. These findings suggest that e-APA may improve WM integrity abnormalities and support e-APA as a promising therapeutic strategy.
Adapting Minds: Exploring Cognition to Threatened Stimuli in the Post-COVID-19 Landscape Comparing Old and New Concerns about Pandemic
Authors: Forte Giuseppe , Favieri Francesca , Corbo Ilaria , Troisi Giovanna , Marselli Giulia , Blasutto Barbara , Ponce Renato , Di Pace Enrico , Langher Viviana , Tambelli Renata , Casagrande Maria
Published: July 2024

The global population has been significantly affected by the pandemic in terms of physical and mental health. According to transactional theory, individuals have undergone an adaptation process influenced by cognitive control abilities. Emotional responses to COVID-19-related stimuli may interfere with top-down attentional processes, thereby hindering adaptation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19-related stimuli on attentional processing and to determine whether psychological factors could modulate these effects. A sample of 96 healthy undergraduate students participated in an emotional Stroop task in which they were presented with a series of stimuli, including both neutral and negative COVID-19-related as well as non-COVID-19 stimuli. COVID-19-related PTSD, as an index of distress (PTSS), and trait anxiety were evaluated. Results showed that participants were more accurate in identifying COVID-19-related stimuli compared to non-COVID-19 stimuli. Being female and having higher retrospective PTSS scores related to COVID-19 were predictive of faster reaction times for both neutral and negative COVID-19-related stimuli. This heightened attentional bias toward COVID-19-related stimuli suggests that individuals may be more sensitive to stimuli associated with the pandemic. The results suggest that the association between COVID-19 stimuli and attentional biases extends beyond emotional valence, being retrospectively influenced by mental health, suggesting potential pathways to future mental health challenges.
The Enduring Challenge of Literacy Issues in Adulthood: Investigating Spelling Deficits among Dyslexic Italian University Students
Authors: Vizzi Francesca , Iaia Marika , Carlino Maria Diletta , Marinelli Chiara Valeria , Turi Marco , Angelelli Paola
Published: July 2024

The issue of literacy challenges among dyslexic adults remains a significant concern. This study investigates spelling deficits among highly educated adults with dyslexia learning a transparent orthography. Thirty-eight Italian dyslexic university students were examined and compared to a group of age- and education-matched typical readers. Firstly, we analyzed spelling performance using a Passage Dictation Test. Additionally, lists of words varying in length and word frequency were dictated under two experimental conditions: a normal condition (NC) and an articulatory suppression condition (ASC). The ASC assessed the participants’ ability to spell with interference to the phonological (sublexical) spelling procedure, i.e., the most likely compensated spelling strategy of Italian dyslexic spellers. The results clearly indicated that, in spelling the meaningful passage, dyslexic participants underperformed compared to the controls, with a prevalence of lexical errors, despite the comparison with the normative reference data showing only mild spelling difficulties. In spelling isolated words in normal conditions, dyslexic participants performed within the reference norms and as accurately as control participants across all stimuli (short words, high- and low-frequency words), except for long words, where their spelling difficulties were evident. Articulatory suppression significantly impaired dyslexics’ performance on short stimuli, reducing the usual sublexical advantage associated with them, and exacerbated misspellings on long words. Additionally, articulatory suppression disproportionately affected dyslexics’ performance on high-frequency words, diminishing the typical lexical advantage associated with these words. Results are discussed in terms of their theoretical, clinical, and educational implications.
Helping Institutionalised Children through a Trusting Relationship—Findings from a One-Year Psychosocial Intervention Programme
Authors: Misevičė Monika , Gervinskaitė-Paulaitienė Lina , Lesinskienė Sigita
Published: July 2024

Children growing up in institutions lack a stable relationship—essential for development. A significant proportion of them have disorganised attachment, which is associated with negative outcomes. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving attachment security are needed. We conducted a case series study (involving five participants aged 8–11 years) in a newly established psychosocial rehabilitation daycare centre to describe the changes in attachment security and mental health of institutionalised children after one year of attendance. The intervention consisted of individualised care focusing on staff building a trusting relationship with participants using the principles of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI). Measures such as the Child Attachment Interview, SDQ, CBCL6/18, TRF6/18, and clinical interviews were used to follow change. The descriptive data of five participants are presented. All five children improved in mental health, and for two participants, organisation of attachment changed. Three children experienced relational ruptures. The findings suggest that psychosocial interventions that focus on building trusting relationships may be beneficial in institutionalised children. For these children, given their life history, it can be damaging to experience repeated breakdowns. Thus, the practical implication is that any new relationship for them with an adult should be established after an assessment of whether the relationship can be sustained.
The Negative Effect of Siblings on Perspective-Taking in Adulthood under Chinese Culture
Authors: Fan Xingyu , Liu Yi
Published: July 2024

Evidence from Western developed countries has consistently found that children with sibling(s) showed better perspective-taking (PT) than only children. However, this was not the case in developing countries like China. Our study investigates whether the potentially hindering effect of having sibling(s) on PT persists into adulthood within the context of contemporary Chinese culture. We employed self-report questionnaires to measure PT, perceived parental care, and sibling relationships among Chinese young adults (21.93 ± 2.35 years old). Our findings indicate that in China, (1) having sibling(s) hinders individuals’ PT in adulthood, (2) a potential mechanism for this effect is that having sibling(s) leads individuals to perceive less parental care during early life, and (3) for those with sibling(s), higher sibling intimacy can enhance PT, particularly among older sister–younger brother pairs. These results suggest that in developing countries such as China, while sibling(s) may diminish PT to some extent, factors like parental care and sibling intimacy can serve as protective factors that mitigate the negative impacts of sibling(s) on PT.
Balancing the Energy Efficiency Benefits of Glazed Surfaces: A Case Study
Authors: Isopescu Dorina-Nicolina , Galatanu Catalin-Daniel , Ungureanu Alexandra , Maxineasa Sebastian-George , Vizitiu-Baciu Ioana-Roxana , Nistorac Andreea , Moga Ligia Mihaela
Published: July 2024

Daylighting design is not only dimensioning glazed surfaces to provide sufficient natural light to an occupied space but also a method of analyzing how this can be achieved without unwanted effects, such as gains and losses of heat, glare, and variations in daylighting intensity at various indoor distances and levels. The case study presented in this paper highlights the energy consumed due to a group of windows with a large glazed area in an existing building located in a temperate continental climate area. The energy consumption results from supplementary artificial lighting required to maintain adequate illumination for indoor activities and to counterbalance heat loss during colder periods are evaluated. The analysis performed by modifying the glazed surface led to the identification of an optimum value of window dimensions for minimum energy consumption. The results of the case study highlight the fact that the evolution of the total energy consumption, evaluated as the sum of the energy consumption due to additional heating/cooling and the artificial lighting required to compensate for the reduction in natural light, is strongly influenced by the dimensions of the glazed surfaces, as well as the minimum level of lighting imposed by the regime of activities carried out in the building. Thus, the outcomes obtained in the research show that at lighting values below 500 lx, the total energy consumption is directly proportional to the glazed surface. From values of 500 lx for the illuminance level, the total energy consumption drops from 2730 kWh/year for a window height of 230 cm to 2399 kWh/year for a height of 110 cm, after which it starts to rise again, reaching a value of 2786 kWh/year for a height of 30 cm. This phenomenon is also found at values higher than 500 lx; accordingly, for an imposed lighting of 1000 lx, the minimum total consumption is identified at a window height of 150 cm. The case study presented in this paper clearly highlights a complex relationship between the height of the glazed surface and the energy consumption required to compensate for heating or cooling and the reduction in natural lighting. Lower window heights reduce heat loss or gain but also correspondingly increase the energy consumption of artificial lighting.
Study on the Influence of High-Altitude Helical Tunnel Curvature on Jet Fan Spatial Layout
Authors: Wang Zijian , Liu Qi , Li Hao , Zhang Bin , Wu Liming , Wang Sichang , Jia Chaolin
Published: July 2024

During the operational ventilation process of high-altitude helical tunnels, the installation method of jet fans is a key factor in determining the ventilation efficiency of the tunnel. In this study, the CFD numerical simulation method is adopted to establish three-dimensional ventilation models of helical tunnels with different curvature radii. Through orthogonal experiments, the effects of tunnel curvature radius on the characteristics of the air jet flow field, under the coupled influences of factors such as lateral spacing of jet fans, vertical height of fans, longitudinal spacing, and lateral offset, are investigated. The results show that when R = 500 m, 600 m, 700 m, and 800 m, the longitudinal spacing has the most significant impact on ventilation efficiency, followed by vertical height, with lateral offset and fan spacing having the least impact. The optimal spacing and vertical height of the fan groups remain consistent under different curvature radii, at 1.25D (fan diameter) and 15 cm, respectively. The optimal longitudinal spacing of the fan groups is 90 m, 90 m, 135 m, and 90 m, respectively. Shifting the fan groups 0.25 to 0.75 m towards the inner side of the tunnel helix (for R < 700 m) can optimize the flow field distribution within the tunnel. Finally, expressions for the relationship between the helical radius and the lateral offset and longitudinal spacing of the fan groups are established for the optimal installation parameters of fan spatial positions under different helical tunnel radii.
Dam Deformation Prediction Considering the Seasonal Fluctuations Using Ensemble Learning Algorithm
Authors: Liu Mingkai , Feng Yanming , Yang Shanshan , Su Huaizhi
Published: July 2024

Dam deformation is the most visual and relevant monitoring quantity that reflects the operational condition of a concrete dam. The seasonal variations in the external environment can induce seasonal fluctuations in the deformation of concrete dams. Hence, preprocessing the deformation monitoring series to identify seasonal fluctuations within the series can effectively enhance the accuracy of the predictive model. Firstly, the dam deformation time series are decomposed into the seasonal and non-seasonal components based on the seasonal decomposition technique. The advanced ensemble learning algorithm (Extreme Gradient Boosting model) is used to forecast the seasonal and non-seasonal components independently, as well as employing the Tree-structured Parzen Estimator (TPE) optimization algorithm to tune the model parameters, ensuring the optimal performance of the prediction model. The results of the case study indicate that the predictive performance of the proposed model is intuitively superior to the benchmark models, demonstrated by a higher fitting accuracy and smaller prediction residuals. In the comparison of the objective evaluation metrics RMSE, MAE, and R2, the proposed model outperforms the benchmark models. Additionally, using feature importance measures, it is found that in predicting the seasonal component, the importance of the temperature component increases, while the importance of the water pressure component decreases compared to the prediction of the non-seasonal component. The proposed model, with its elevated predictive accuracy and interpretability, enhances the practicality of the model, offering an effective approach for predicting concrete dam deformation.