bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Resistances of Enterobacteriaceae with Chromosomal Ampc in Urine Cultures: Review and Experience of a Spanish Hospital
Authors: Rodríguez-Guerrero Enrique , Cabello Horacio Requena , Expósito-Ruiz Manuela , Navarro-Marí José María , Gutiérrez-Fernández José
Published: April 2023

The Enterobacteriaceae Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Morganella morganii, Providencia stuartii, and Serratia marcescens (CESPM group) produce numerous urinary tract infections (UTIs) which are difficult to treat due to their high multiresistance rate. The objectives of this study were to carry out a systematic review of antibiotic resistances by UTIs and to determine changes over time in urine cultures from a reference hospital in southern Spain. The literature was searched for European data on the resistance rates of each microorganism, and a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in samples with suspicion of UTI from patients in Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital (Granada, Spain) between 2016 and the first half of 2021. Among 21,838 positive urine cultures, 1.85% were caused by E. cloacae, 0.77% by M. Morganii, 0.65% by K. aerogenes, 0.46% by C. freundii, 0.29% by P stuartii, and 0.25% by S. marcescens. The lowest resistance rates by microorganism were: E. cloacae to amikacin (3.47%) and imipenem (5.28%); M. morganii to piperacillin–tazobactam (1.79%), cefepime (4.76%), and tobramycin (7.74%); K. aerogenes to tobramycin (3.55%), gentamicin (4.25%), trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (4.96%), imipenem (5.75%), and cefepime (6.43%); C. freundii to imipenem (no resistance), nitrofurantoin (1.96%), fosfomycin (2.80%), and ertapenem (6.12%); P. stuartii to cefepime (3.28%) and ceftazidime (3.28%); and S. marcescens to gentamicin (1.8%), ciprofloxacin (3.64%), cefepime (3.70%), piperacillin–tazobactam (3.70%), and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (5.45%). In our setting, CESMP Enterobacteriaceae showed the lowest resistance to piperacillin–tazobactam, cefepime, imipenem, gentamicin, and colistin, which can therefore be recommended for the empirical treatment of UTIs. The COVID-19 pandemic may have had a clinical impact in relation to the increased resistance of E. cloacae and M. morgani to some antibiotics.
Combination of CNP, MT and FLI during IVM Significantly Improved the Quality and Development Abilities of Bovine Oocytes and IVF-Derived Embryos
Authors: Zhang Peipei , Yang Baigao , Xu Xi , Zhang Hang , Feng Xiaoyi , Hao Haisheng , Du Weihua , Zhu Huabin , Li Shujing , Yu Wenli , Khan Adnan , Umer Saqib , Zhao Xueming
Published: April 2023

Oocyte maturation is a critical step in the completion of female gametogenesis in the ovary; thus, for subsequent fertilization and embryogenesis. Vitrification of embryo also has been shown to be closely associated with oocyte maturation. To improve the quality and developmental potential of bovine oocytes derived from in vitro maturation (IVM), Pre-IVM with C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), melatonin (MT) and in combination, IGF1, FGF2, LIF (FLI) were supplemented in the IVM medium. In this current study, we cultured bovine oocytes in Pre-IVM with CNP for 6 h before transferring them to the IVM medium supplemented with MT and FLI. The developmental potential of bovine oocytes was then investigated by measuring the reactive oxygen species (ROS), the intracellular glutathione (GSH) and ATP levels, the transzonal projections (TZP), the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cacline-AM, and the expression of related genes (cumulus cells (CCs), oocytes, blastocysts). The results revealed that oocytes treated with a combination of CNP, MT, and FLI had dramatically improved the percentage of oocytes developed to blastocyst, ATP content, GSH levels, TZP intensity, the ΔΨm, cacline-AM fluorescence intensity, and considerably reduced ROS levels of oocytes. Furthermore, the survival rate and the hatched rate after vitrification of the CNP+MT+FLI group were significantly higher than those other groups. Thus, we speculated that CNP+MT+FLI increases the IVM of bovine oocytes. In conclusion, our findings deepen our understanding and provide new perspectives on targeting the combination of CNP, MT and FLI to enhance the quality and developmental potential of bovine oocytes.
Urban Expressway Renewal Strategy Based on Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Zhu Min , Zhou Wenbo , Yuan Tengfei
Published: April 2023

As an important element of urban infrastructure renewal, urban expressway renewal is of great significance to improve the commuting efficiency of cities (especially metropolitan cities), strengthen the service capacity of urban road facilities, and enhance the quality of cities. Considering the advantages of a knowledge graph in the integration of multi-source data and assisted decision-making based on knowledge reasoning, this paper provides assisted decision support for urban expressway renewal with the help of a knowledge graph. In this paper, we sorted out the concepts related to road renewal from road maintenance standards, designed an ontology concept matching algorithm to extract relevant concepts in existing ontologies, constructed concept models, and built a knowledge graph of expressway renewal with ontology as the carrier. Then, based on road maintenance standards and road properties, this work proposes a knowledge reasoning rule combined with case similarity for an expressway renewal strategy. The final experimental results verified the feasibility of the expressway renewal strategy based on the knowledge graph.
The Reliability of ClinCheck® Accuracy before and after Invisalign® Treatment—A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Alswajy Wafa , Baeshen Hosam , Al-Turki Ghassan , Alsulaimani Fahad
Published: April 2023

The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of ClinCheck® reliability in the sagittal, vertical, transverse, and arch length dimensions before and after Invisalign® (Align Technology, Santa Clara, CA, USA) treatment. This retrospective study was conducted on 206 patients who underwent dual-arch clear aligner therapy exclusively with Invisalign®. Digital models were obtained from iTero® scanners from three different private practices where the treatment plans were performed and executed by multiple orthodontists with varying degrees of experience. The ClinCheck® models of the initial, achieved, and predicted outcome were obtained from Align Technology® and the values were compared using Pearson correlation (p < 0.05) to determine if predicted values were correlated with achieved values. ANOVA was used to compare the different centers. The highest reliabilities were associated with interincisal angle (96.23%), upper intercanine width (97.97%), lower intercanine width (97.67%), upper intermolar width (97.58%), and lower intermolar width (97.72%) (p < 0.001). The lowest reliabilities were associated with arch length parameters in which the upper was 38.79% and the lower at 30.02% (p = 0.03, p < 0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the centers in terms of the accuracy of treatment provided. The mean predicted accuracy of Invisalign® was 76.85% overall; however, Invisalign® providers may need to exaggerate the digital tooth movements to achieve the desired outcome.
Reducing Oscillations in Suspension of Mine Monorail Track
Authors: Gutarevich Viktor O. , Martyushev Nikita V. , Klyuev Roman V. , Kukartsev Viktor A. , Kukartsev Vladislav V. , Iushkova Liudmila V. , Korpacheva Larisa N.
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The goal of this work is to reduce the effect of dynamic loads on the mine timbering through the use of the elastic devices contained in the monorail suspension and to justify their parameters. Methods and materials: The article considers the developed mathematical model of vertical oscillations of the monorail track, which allows setting the interconnection between the rolling stock parameters and dynamic loads in the suspension. At vertical oscillations of the monorail and under the effect of harmonic disturbing force caused by the movement of the suspension, the system of the monorail suspension can be represented in the form of a dual-mass system. Results: As a result, the equations for oscillation amplitudes of the monorail elements were obtained and damping coefficient of suspension was defined. The obtained results suggest setting reasonable parameters of the monorail fastening, which offers the possibility to decrease dynamic loads occurring during the operation of the mine suspended monorail tracks. The proposed monorail suspension makes it possible to reduce the dynamic loads formed during the movement of the rolling stock by 30–40% and can be used to modernize existing mine suspended monorails. Discussion: Analysis of the obtained results shows that in order to reduce the vibration amplitudes of a suspended monorail mine, it is appropriate to use suspension systems for rolling stock and a monorail track, consisting of elastic elements. The parameters required for this can be determined using the proposed method, and required rigidity of the monorail track is provided by embedding elastic supports into its suspension system. Conclusions: The obtained results allow setting reasonable parameters of the monorail fastening of the mine suspended monorail tracks. The proposed monorail suspension makes it possible to minimize the dynamic loads formed during the movement of rolling stock and can be used to modernize existing mine suspension monorails.
Ensemble Learning Traffic Model for Sofia: A Case Study
Authors: Brezov Danail , Burov Angel
Published: April 2023

Traffic models have gained much popularity in recent years, in the context of smart cities and urban planning, as well as environmental and health research. With the development of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) some limitations imposed by the traditional analytical, numerical and statistical methods have been overcome. The present paper shows a case study of traffic modeling with scarce reliable data. The approach we propose resorts on the advantages of ensemble learning using a large number of related features such as road and street categories, population density, functional analysis, space syntax, previous traffic measurements and models, etc. We use advanced regression models such as Random Forest, XGBoost, CatBoost etc., ranked according to the chosen evaluation metrics and stacked in a weighted ensemble for optimal fitting. After a series of consecutive data imputations we estimate the annual average daily traffic distribution in the street and road network of Sofia city and the metropolitan municipality for 2018 and 2022, and the NO2 levels for 2021 with accuracy resp. 78%, 74% and 92%, using AutoGluon and Scikit-Learn.
Laser-Induced Graphene for Multifunctional and Intelligent Wearable Systems: For Health Care and Human–Computer Interaction
Authors: Cui Tian-Rui , Li Ding , Hirtz Thomas , Shao Wan-Cheng , Zhou Zi-Bo , Ji Shou-Rui , Li Xin , Xu Jian-Dong , Jian Jin-Ming , Chen Zhi-Kang , Tang Ze-Yi , Xu Zi-Gan , Liu Kai-Yin , Liu Hou-Fang , Yang Yi , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: April 2023

With its excellent electrical and mechanical properties and the rapid development of its device fabrication technologies, laser-induced graphene (LIG) has played an important role in the field of wearable technologies since its discovery in 2014. In recent years, with the relentless development of wearable devices, newly developed LIG-based wearable devices also possess multifunction and intelligence characteristics. This review is aimed toward two of the most important fields related to the development of LIG, namely, health care and human–computer interaction (HCI). We introduce multifunctional and intelligent LIG-based wearable systems for health care and HCI developed over the recent years, sorting out their design ideas, preparation process, performance, and application. Furthermore, we discuss the future development direction of LIG-based wearable systems for health care and HCI.
A Visual Analysis Method for Predicting Material Properties Based on Uncertainty
Authors: Chu Qikai , Zhang Lingli , He Zhouqiao , Wu Yadong , Zhang Weihan
Published: April 2023

The traditional way of studying fluorinated materials by adjusting parameters throughout multiple trials can no longer meet the needs of the processing and analysis of multi-source, heterogeneous, and numerous complex data. Due to the high confidentiality of fluorinated materials’ data, it is not convenient for the plant to trust the data to third party professionals for processing and analysis. Therefore, this paper introduces a visual analysis method for material performance prediction supporting model selection, MP2-method, which helps with researchers’ independent selection and comparison of different levels of prediction models for different datasets and uses visual analysis to achieve performance prediction of fluorinated materials by adjusting control parameters. In addition, according to the Latin hypercube Markov chain (LHS-MC) model of uncertainty for visual analysis proposed in this paper, the uncertainty of the control-parameter data is reduced, and their prediction accuracy is improved. Finally, the usefulness and reliability of MP2-method are demonstrated through case studies and interviews with domain experts.
Potent Effect of Phlorotannins Derived from Sargassum linifolium as Antioxidant and Antidiabetic in a Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Model
Authors: Gheda Saly , Hamouda Ragaa A. , Naby Mai Abdel , Mohamed Tarek M. , Al-Shaikh Turki M. , Khamis Abeer
Published: April 2023

Phlorotannins are phenolic compounds existing in large amounts in Phaeophyta, with this amount differing according to the season and collection area. There are many pharmacological properties of phlorotannins, such as being antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-cancer. In this work, phlorotannins from the Phaeophyta Sargassum linifolium were extracted, characterized, and identified, for use as an antioxidant and an anti-diabetic in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat model. Phlorotanins were characterized using ultraviolet (UV) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, dimethoxy benzaldehyde assay (DMBA), and Folin–Ciocalteu assays. Groups of rats were tested as follows: normal control (negative control) (G1), normal rats treated with 60 mg/kg body weight of phlorotannins (G2), positive control diabetic rats injected with one dose of streptozotocin (G3), and a diabetic group treated with phlorotannins at 60 mg kg−1 body weight (G4). The biochemical parameters were determined after 4 weeks of treatment. The results demonstrated that the extracted compound was a phlorotannin, which had antioxidant properties. An in vivo study confirmed that the glucose and insulin levels in G4 were relatively similar to those in the normal control G1. The glucosidase, alpha-amylase, glutathione, and catalase levels were 0.11 ± 0.097, 420.5 ± 13, 11.27 ± 3.3, and 8.01 ± 1.31 µmol/min/g in G1, and 0.04 ± 0.016, 184.75 ± 55.24, 12.78 ± 2.1, and 11.28 ± 1.74 µmol/min/g) in G4, respectively. There were no side effects in the kidney function of both G2 and G4, and the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride were also normal. The results demonstrated that phlorotannins have antioxidant properties in vivo and that the diabetic rats had an activated AMPK expression. According to the histological analysis, phlorotannins improved the islet size and reversed necrotic and fibrotic alterations in the pancreas. The results of the present study suggest the use of phlorotannins derived from Sargassum linifolium as an antioxidant and anti-diabetic for an in vivo study. They could be used in developing medicinal preparations for treating diabetes and its related symptoms.
Algorithms and Models for Automatic Detection and Classification of Diseases and Pests in Agricultural Crops: A Systematic Review
Authors: Francisco Mauro , Ribeiro Fernando , Metrôlho José , Dionísio Rogério
Published: April 2023

Plant diseases and pests significantly influence food production and the productivity and economic profitability of agricultural crops. This has led to great interest in developing technological solutions to enable timely and accurate detection. This systematic review aimed to find studies on the automation of processes to detect, identify and classify diseases and pests in agricultural crops. The goal is to characterize the class of algorithms, models and their characteristics and understand the efficiency of the various approaches and their applicability. The literature search was conducted in two citation databases. The initial search returned 278 studies and, after removing duplicates and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 articles were included in the review. As a result, seven research questions were answered that allowed a characterization of the most studied crops, diseases and pests, the datasets used, the algorithms, their inputs and the levels of accuracy that have been achieved in automatic identification and classification of diseases and pests. Some trends that have been most noticed are also highlighted.
Current Differential Protection for Active Distribution Networks Based on Adaptive Phase Angle Compensation Coefficient
Authors: Yu Chengao , Gao Zhanjun , Liu Zhao , Tao Zhengchen
Published: April 2023

The high penetration rate of distributed generations (DGs) makes the distribution network’s fault characteristics complex and variable, which limits the application of traditional current differential protection (CDP) in active distribution networks. According to the amplitude and phase characteristics analysis of positive-sequence current fault components (PSCFCs) in the active distribution network, a novel CDP method based on the adaptive phase angle compensation coefficient is proposed. The method improves the traditional CDP by introducing an adaptive phase angle compensation coefficient, which adaptively compensates the phase of PSCFCs on the DG side according to the phase difference and amplitude ratio of PSCFCs on both sides of the protected feeder. To effectively cope with the negative impact of unmeasurable load branches on protection reliability, the polarity information of the action impedance is used to construct an auxiliary criterion. The effectiveness of the proposed protection scheme is verified in the PSCAD/EMTDC. Compared with the traditional CDP, this scheme can meet the protection needs of active distribution networks under various fault scenarios with high sensitivity and reliability. The proposed method can withstand high fault resistance and large time synchronization errors, and it can still trip correctly under 150 Ω fault resistance or 4.6 ms time synchronization errors.
Numerical Simulation of the Combustion of a Coal Char Particle Spherically Shrinking in a Drop Tube Furnace
Authors: Brillard Alain , Gilot Patrick , Brilhac Jean-François , Tschamber Valérie
Published: April 2023

Modeling the combustion of a coal char particle in a drop tube furnace is still a challenge, although different models are available in the literature. A simple model is proposed here which considers the combustion of a single coal char particle in a drop tube furnace, assuming that the shrinking particle remains spherical during its combustion, among other hypotheses. This model is much simpler than most available ones, as it is based on two differential equations respectively describing the evolution with respect to the time of the particle temperature and that with respect to the particle radius of the oxygen concentration inside the particle. This model further gives access to local quantities which allow characterizing the combustion process. The simulations performed with this model are validated mainly through comparisons between the experimental and simulated particle temperatures under three constant regulation temperatures of the drop tube furnace.
K-Means++ Clustering Algorithm in Categorization of Glass Cultural Relics
Authors: Meng Jie , Yu Ziyang , Cai Yuxin , Wang Xiuling
Published: April 2023

We used statistical methods to study the classification of high-potassium glass and lead–barium glass and analyzed the correlation between the chemical composition of different types of glass samples. We investigated the categorization methodology of glass cultural relics, conducted a principal component analysis on the chemical composition data of the glass, and developed a case-specific clustering algorithm (K-Means++) to further categorize the glass cultural relics. K-Means++ was developed to reduce the sensitivity of a traditional K-Means clustering algorithm, by choosing the next clustering center with probability inversely proportional to the distance from the current clustering center. Then we verified the validity of the six subcategories we defined by inertia and silhouette score and evaluated the sensitivity of the clustering algorithm. We obtained a robustness ratio that maintained over 0.9 in the random noise test and a silhouette score of 0.525 in the clustering, which illustrated significant divergence among different clusters and showed the result is reasonable. With our proposed algorithm and classification result, a more comprehensive understanding of glass relics can be gained.
{Not}ation: The In/Visible Visual Cultures of Musical Legibility in the English Renaissance
Authors: Chan Eleanor
Published: April 2023

Legibility can seem as similar to the quintessence of musical notation, without which any attempt at musical inscription has fundamentally no purpose. Nevertheless, the visual culture of the English Renaissance is full of surviving examples that feature music books that are, fundamentally, illegible. Such instances are not useless, but rather shed vital light on the concerns of the visual culture of the English Renaissance, as well as what representation meant to the people who originally created and viewed these objects. What does it mean to include sheet music that merely looks similar to, but does not manifest, as legible notation? When does an object lose its semantic value? When do writing, notation, and signification pull lose from their seams and cease to be meaningful? Through the lens of a trio of objects (Four Children Making Music by the Master of the Countess of Warwick, an anonymous furnishing panel from Hardwick Hall, and a wall painting from High Street, Thame) that feature partially, or tantalizingly, legible musical notation, this paper seeks to explore the ramifications of visually depicting things that are and are not readable. Such objects have a graphic eloquence beyond the simple equation of sign and signified. Ultimately, entertaining the concept of illegible music notation within visual art objects as a deliberate stylistic choice, I argue that we can greatly enhance our understanding of what the notes on the page could mean in the English Renaissance.
Short-Term Wind Speed Forecasting Based on the EEMD-GS-GRU Model
Authors: Yao Huaming , Tan Yongjie , Hou Jiachen , Liu Yaru , Zhao Xin , Wang Xianxun
Published: April 2023

To improve the accuracy of short-term wind speed forecasting, we proposed a Gated Recurrent Unit network forecasting method, based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition and a Grid Search Cross Validation parameter optimization algorithm. In this study, first, in the process of decomposing, the set empirical mode of decomposition was introduced to divide the wind time series into high-frequency modal, low-frequency modal, and trend modal, using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Second, during parameter optimization, the grid parameter optimization algorithm was employed in the GRU model to search for the combination of optimal parameters. Third, the improved GRU model was driven with the decomposed components to predict the new components, which were used to obtain the predicted wind speed by modal reorganization. Compared with other models (i.e., the LSTM, GS-LSTM, EEMD-LSTM, and the EEMD-GS-LSTM), the proposed model was applied to the case study on wind speed of a wind farm, located in northwest China. The results showed that the presented forecasting model could reduce the forecasting error (RMSE) from 1.411 m/s to 0.685 m/s and can improve the accuracy of forecasts. This model provides a new approach for short-term wind speed forecasting.
Advances in Strategic Inhibition of Polysulfide Shuttle in Room-Temperature Sodium-Sulfur Batteries via Electrode and Interface Engineering
Authors: Haridas Anupriya K. , Huang Chun
Published: April 2023

Room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries (RT-NaSBs) with high theoretical energy density and low cost are ideal candidates for next-generation stationary and large-scale energy storage. However, the dissolution of sodium polysulfide (NaPS) intermediates and their migration to the anode side give rise to the shuttle phenomenon that impedes the reaction kinetics leading to rapid capacity decay, poor coulombic efficiency, and severe loss of active material. Inhibiting the generation of long-chain NaPS or facilitating their adsorption via physical and chemical polysulfide trapping mechanisms is vital to enhancing the electrochemical performance of RT-NaSBs. This review provides a brief account of the polysulfide inhibition strategies employed in RT-NaSBs via physical and chemical adsorption processes via the electrode and interfacial engineering. Specifically, the sulfur immobilization and polysulfide trapping achieved by electrode engineering strategies and the interfacial engineering of the separator, functional interlayer, and electrolytes are discussed in detail in light of recent advances in RT-NaSBs. Additionally, the benefits of engineering the highly reactive Na anode interface in improving the stability of RT-NaSBs are also elucidated. Lastly, the future perspectives on designing high-performance RT-NaSBs for practical applications are briefly outlined.
Yoga Meets Intelligent Internet of Things: Recent Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Pal Rishi , Adhikari Deepak , Heyat Md Belal Bin , Ullah Inam , You Zili
Published: April 2023

The physical and mental health of people can be enhanced through yoga, an excellent form of exercise. As part of the breathing procedure, yoga involves stretching the body organs. The guidance and monitoring of yoga are crucial to ripe the full benefits of it, as wrong postures possess multiple antagonistic effects, including physical hazards and stroke. The detection and monitoring of the yoga postures are possible with the Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT), which is the integration of intelligent approaches (machine learning) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Considering the increment in yoga practitioners in recent years, the integration of IIoT and yoga has led to the successful implementation of IIoT-based yoga training systems. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on integrating yoga with IIoT. The paper also discusses the multiple types of yoga and the procedure for the detection of yoga using IIoT. Additionally, this paper highlights various applications of yoga, safety measures, various challenges, and future directions. This survey provides the latest developments and findings on yoga and its integration with IIoT.
The Effect of Landscape Environmental Factors on Gene Flow of Red Deer (Cervus canadensis xanthopygus) in the Southern of the Greater Khingan Mountains, China
Authors: Li Zheng , Guo Jinhao , Hong Yang , Zhang Ning , Zhang Minghai
Published: April 2023

Red deer (Cervus canadensis xanthopygus) living in the north of China are restricted and threatened due to human activities and the changes in the natural environment, which influence the dispersal and effective gene flow between different groups of red deer. Effective gene flow plays an important role in maintaining genetic diversity and structure and ensuring population health. In order to evaluate the genetic diversity level and understand the gene flow between different red deer groups, 231 fresh fecal samples were collected from the southern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains, China. A microsatellite marker was used for genetic analysis. The results showed that the genetic diversity of red deer was intermediate in this region. Significant genetic differentiation among different groups was found in the main distribution area (p < 0.01) using F-statistics and the program STRUCTURE. Different degrees of gene flow existed in red deer groups, and the roads (importance = 40.9), elevation (importance = 38.6), and settlements (importance = 14.1) exerted main effects on gene flow between red deer groups. Human-made factors should be noticed and strictly supervised in this region to avoid excessive disturbance to the normal movement of the red deer. Further conservation and management of red deer should reduce the intensity of vehicular traffic in the concentrated distribution areas of red deer, especially during the heat season. This research helps us better understand the genetic level and health status of red deer in the southern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains and provides theoretical references for protecting and restoring the red deer populations in China.
The Effects of Intraguild Predation on Phytoplankton Assemblage Composition and Diversity: A Mesocosm Experiment
Authors: Da Jun , Xi Yilong , Cheng Yunshan , He Hu , Liu Yanru , Li Huabing , Wu Qinglong L.
Published: April 2023

Intraguild predation (IGP) can have a significant impact on phytoplankton biomass, but its effects on their diversity and assemblage composition are not well understood. In this study, we constructed an IGP model based on the common three-trophic food chain of “fish (or shrimp)–large branchiopods (Daphnia)–phytoplankton”, and investigated the effects of IGP on phytoplankton assemblage composition and diversity in outdoor mesocosms using environmental DNA high-throughput sequencing. Our results indicated that the alpha diversities (number of amplicon sequence variants and Faith’s phylogenetic diversity) of phytoplankton and the relative abundance of Chlorophyceae increased with the addition of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, while similar trends were found in alpha diversities but with a decrease in the relative abundance of Chlorophyceae in the Exopalaemon modestus treatment. When both predators were added to the community, the strength of collective cascading effects on phytoplankton alpha diversities and assemblage composition were weaker than the sum of the individual predator effects. Network analysis further showed that this IGP effect also decreased the strength of collective cascading effects in reducing the complexity and stability of the phytoplankton assemblages. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the impacts of IGP on lake biodiversity, and provide further knowledge relevant to lake management and conservation.
Antiretrovirals Promote Metabolic Syndrome through Mitochondrial Stress and Dysfunction: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Mohan Jivanka , Ghazi Terisha , Sibiya Thabani , Chuturgoon Anil A.
Published: April 2023

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome MetS in HIV-infected patients on chronic antiretroviral (ARV) therapy continues to rise rapidly, with an estimated 21% experiencing insulin resistance. The progression of insulin resistance is strongly related to mitochondrial stress and dysfunction. This study aimed to draw links between the singular and combinational use of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), Lamivudine (3TC), and Dolutegravir (DTG) on mitochondrial stress and dysfunction as an underlying mechanism for insulin resistance following a 120 h treatment period using an in vitro system of human liver cells (HepG2). The relative protein expressions of pNrf2, SOD2, CAT, PINK1, p62, SIRT3, and UCP2, were determined using Western blot. Transcript levels of PINK1 and p62 were assessed using quantitative PCR (qPCR). ATP concentrations were quantified using luminometry, and oxidative damage (malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration) was measured using spectrophotometry. The findings suggest that despite the activation of antioxidant responses (pNrf2, SOD2, CAT) and mitochondrial maintenance systems (PINK1 and p62) in selected singular and combinational treatments with ARVs, oxidative damage and reduced ATP production persisted. This was attributed to a significant suppression in mitochondrial stress responses SIRT3 and UCP2 for all treatments. Notable results were observed for combinational treatments with significant increases in pNrf2 (p = 0.0090), SOD2 (p = 0.0005), CAT (p = 0.0002), PINK1 (p = 0.0064), and p62 (p = 0.0228); followed by significant decreases in SIRT3 (p = 0.0003) and UCP2 (p = 0.0119) protein expression. Overall there were elevated levels of MDA (p = 0.0066) and decreased ATP production (p = 0.0017). In conclusion, ARVs induce mitochondrial stress and dysfunction, which may be closely associated with the progression of insulin resistance.
Inter-Professional and Methodological Agreement in Using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS)
Authors: Jones Paul A. , Rai Ali , Dos’Santos Thomas , Herrington Lee C.
Published: April 2023

Background: The cutting movement assessment score (CMAS) provides a qualitative assessment of the side-step cutting (S-SC) technique. Previous research has been undertaken primarily by biomechanists experienced with S-SC evaluations. Little is known about the agreement between various sports science and medicine practitioners to ascertain whether the tool can be used effectively by different practitioners in the field. Currently, the CMAS uses three camera views (CVS) to undertake the evaluation, and it would be worthwhile to know whether the CMAS can be effectively conducted with fewer camera views to improve clinical utility. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the inter-rater agreement between different sports science and medicine practitioners and agreement between using different CVS to evaluate the S-SC technique using the CMAS. Methods: Video data were collected from 12 male rugby union players performing a 45° S-SC manoeuvre toward both the left and right directions. Five different sports science and medicine practitioners evaluated footage from three cameras of one left and one right trial from each player using the CMAS. Twelve different trials were also evaluated by the sports rehabilitator using single and multiple CVS. Agreements (percentage; Kappa coefficients (K)) between different practitioners and configurations of the CVS were explored. Results: Good to excellent inter-rater agreements were found between all practitioners for total score (K = 0.63–0.84), with moderate to excellent inter-rater agreements observed across all items of the CMAS (K = 0.5–1.0). Excellent agreement was found between using three CVS vs. two CVS that included at least a sagittal view (K = 0.96–0.97). Lower agreement (K = 0.83) was found between angle-frontal views with three CVS. Conclusions: The CMAS can be used effectively by various practitioners to evaluate the movement quality of S-SC. The use of two CVS that include at least a sagittal plane view would suffice to evaluate the S-SC technique against the CMAS.
Variant-Related Differences in Laboratory Biomarkers among Patients Affected with Alpha, Delta and Omicron: A Retrospective Whole Viral Genome Sequencing and Hospital-Setting Cohort Study
Authors: Meletis Georgios , Tychala Areti , Ntritsos Georgios , Verrou Eleni , Savvidou Filio , Dermitzakis Iasonas , Chatzidimitriou Anastasia , Gkeka Ioanna , Fyntanidou Barbara , Gkarmiri Sofia , Tzallas Alexandros T. , Protonotariou Efthymia , Makedou Kali , Tsalikakis Dimitrios G. , Skoura Lemonia
Published: April 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) with specific characteristics have emerged and spread worldwide. At the same time, clinicians routinely evaluate the results of certain blood tests upon patient admission as well as during hospitalization to assess disease severity and the overall patient status. In the present study, we searched for significant cell blood count and biomarker differences among patients affected with the Alpha, Delta and Omicron VOCs at admission. Data from 330 patients were retrieved regarding age, gender, VOC, cell blood count results (WBC, Neut%, Lymph%, Ig%, PLT), common biomarkers (D-dimers, urea, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, CRP, IL-6, suPAR), ICU admission and death. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA, the Kruskal–Wallis test, two-way ANOVA, Chi-square, T-test, the Mann–Whitney test and logistic regression was performed where appropriate using SPSS v.28 and STATA 14. Age and VOC were significantly associated with hospitalization, whereas significant differences among VOC groups were found for WBC, PLT, Neut%, IL-6, creatinine, CRP, D-dimers and suPAR. Our analyses showed that throughout the current pandemic, not only the SARS-CoV-2 VOCs but also the laboratory parameters that are used to evaluate the patient’s status at admission are subject to changes.
Design and Analysis of a Bionic Gliding Robotic Dolphin
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wu Zhengxing , Wang Jian , Tan Min
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we focus on the design and analysis of a bionic gliding robotic dolphin. Inspired by natural dolphins, a novel bionic gliding robotic dolphin is developed. Different from the existing ones, the gliding robotic dolphin developed in this work is specially introduced with a yaw joint to connect its three oscillating joints to improve maneuverability in both dolphin-like swimming and gliding motion. Consequently, the gliding robotic dolphin can realize several flexible motion patterns under the coordination of its flippers, yaw joint, oscillating joints, and buoyancy-driven modular. Thereafter, relying on the Newton–Euler method, a hybrid-driven dynamic model is constructed to further analyze the propulsive performance in both dolphin-like swimming and gliding motions. Finally, various simulations and experiments, including forward swimming, gliding, and turning in both dolphin-like swimming and gliding modes, are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the developed gliding robotic dolphin.
Molecular Characterization of Dehydrin in Azraq Saltbush among Related Atriplex Species
Authors: Musallam Anas , Abu-Romman Saeid , Sadder Monther T.
Published: April 2023

Atriplex spp. (saltbush) is known to survive extremely harsh environmental stresses such as salinity and drought. It mitigates such conditions based on specialized physiological and biochemical characteristics. Dehydrin genes (DHNs) are considered major players in this adaptation. In this study, a novel DHN gene from Azrak (Jordan) saltbush was characterized along with other Atriplex species from diverse habitats. Intronless DHN-expressed sequence tags (495–761 bp) were successfully cloned and sequenced. Saltbush dehydrins contain one S-segment followed by three K-segments: an arrangement called SK3-type. Two substantial insertions were detected including three copies of the K2-segemnet in A. canescens. New motif variants other than the six-serine standard were evident in the S-segment. AhaDHN1 (A. halimus) has a cysteine residue (SSCSSS), while AgaDHN1 (A. gardneri var. utahensis) has an isoleucine residue (SISSSS). In contrast to the conserved K1-segment, both the K2- and K3-segment showed several substitutions, particularly in AnuDHN1 (A. nummularia). In addition, a parsimony phylogenetic tree based on homologs from related genera was constructed. The phylogenetic tree resolved DHNs for all of the investigated Atriplex species in a superclade with an 85% bootstrap value. Nonetheless, the DHN isolated from Azraq saltbush was uniquely subclustred with a related genera Halimione portulacoides. The characterized DHNs revealed tremendous diversification among the Atriplex species, which opens a new venue for their functional analysis.
Neural Correlates of Voice Learning with Distinctive and Non-Distinctive Faces
Authors: Zäske Romi , Kaufmann Jürgen M. , Schweinberger Stefan R.
Published: April 2023

Recognizing people from their voices may be facilitated by a voice’s distinctiveness, in a manner similar to that which has been reported for faces. However, little is known about the neural time-course of voice learning and the role of facial information in voice learning. Based on evidence for audiovisual integration in the recognition of familiar people, we studied the behavioral and electrophysiological correlates of voice learning associated with distinctive or non-distinctive faces. We repeated twelve unfamiliar voices uttering short sentences, together with either distinctive or non-distinctive faces (depicted before and during voice presentation) in six learning-test cycles. During learning, distinctive faces increased early visually-evoked (N170, P200, N250) potentials relative to non-distinctive faces, and face distinctiveness modulated voice-elicited slow EEG activity at the occipito–temporal and fronto-central electrodes. At the test, unimodally-presented voices previously learned with distinctive faces were classified more quickly than were voices learned with non-distinctive faces, and also more quickly than novel voices. Moreover, voices previously learned with faces elicited an N250-like component that was similar in topography to that typically observed for facial stimuli. The preliminary source localization of this voice-induced N250 was compatible with a source in the fusiform gyrus. Taken together, our findings provide support for a theory of early interaction between voice and face processing areas during both learning and voice recognition.
Intranasal Delivery of Gene-Edited Microglial Exosomes Improves Neurological Outcomes after Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Regulating Neuroinflammation
Authors: Guo Mengtian , Ge Xintong , Wang Conglin , Yin Zhenyu , Jia Zexi , Hu Tianpeng , Li Meimei , Wang Dong , Han Zhaoli , Wang Lu , Xiong Xiangyang , Chen Fanglian , Lei Ping
Published: April 2023

Neural inflammatory response is a crucial pathological change in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) which accelerates the formation of perihematomal edema and aggravates neural cell death. Although surgical and drug treatments for ICH have advanced rapidly in recent years, therapeutic strategies that target and control neuroinflammation are still limited. Exosomes are important carriers for information transfer among cells. They have also been regarded as a promising therapeutic tool in translational medicine, with low immunogenicity, high penetration through the blood-brain barrier, and ease of modification. In our previous research, we have found that exogenous administration of miRNA-124-overexpressed microglial exosomes (Exo-124) are effective in improving post-injury cognitive impairment. From this, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effects of miRNA-124-enriched microglial exosomes on the ICH mice in the present study. We found that the gene-edited exosomes could attenuate neuro-deficits and brain edema, improve blood–brain barrier integrity, and reduce neural cell death. Moreover, the protective effect of Exo-124 was abolished in mice depleted of Gr-1+ myeloid cells. It suggested that the exosomes exerted their functions by limiting the infiltration of leukocyte into the brain, thus controlling neuroinflammation following the onset of ICH. In conclusion, our findings provided a promising therapeutic strategy for improving neuroinflammation in ICH. It also opens a new avenue for intranasal delivery of exosome therapy using miRNA-edited microglial exosomes.
A Narrative Review of Visual Hallucinations in Migraine and Epilepsy: Similarities and Differences in Children and Adolescents
Authors: D’Agnano Daniela , Lo Cascio Salvatore , Correnti Edvige , Raieli Vincenzo , Sciruicchio Vittorio
Published: April 2023

Since the earliest descriptions of the simple visual hallucinations in migraine patients and in subjects suffering from occipital lobe epilepsy, several important issues have arisen in recognizing epileptic seizures of the occipital lobe, which often present with symptoms mimicking migraine. A detailed quantitative and qualitative clinical scrutiny of timing and characteristics of visual impairment can contribute to avoiding mistakes. Differential diagnosis, in children, might be challenging because of the partial clinical, therapeutic, and pathophysiological overlaps between the two diseases that often coexist. Ictal elementary visual hallucinations are defined by color, shape, size, location, movement, speed of appearance and duration, frequency, and associated symptoms and their progression. The evaluation of the distinctive clinical features of visual aura in migraine and visual hallucinations in occipital epilepsy could contribute to understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms of these two conditions. This paper aims to critically review the available scientific evidence on the main clinical criteria that address diagnosis, as well as similarities and differences in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the visual impairment in epilepsy and migraine.
Transcriptome Meta-Analysis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Emma , Wang Lily , Lehmann Brian D. , Chen X. Steven
Published: April 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease with varying responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The identification of biomarkers to predict NAC response and inform personalized treatment strategies is essential. In this study, we conducted large-scale gene expression meta-analyses to identify genes associated with NAC response and survival outcomes. The results showed that immune, cell cycle/mitotic, and RNA splicing-related pathways were significantly associated with favorable clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we integrated and divided the gene association results from NAC response and survival outcomes into four quadrants, which provided more insights into potential NAC response mechanisms and biomarker discovery.
Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors (g-NETs): A Systematic Review of the Management and Outcomes of Type 3 g-NETs
Authors: Laffi Alice , Lania Andrea Gerardo Antonio , Ragni Alberto , Di Vito Valentina , Liccardi Alessia , Rubino Manila , Sesti Franz , Colao Annamaria , Faggiano Antongiulio ,   on behalf of the NIKE Group
Published: April 2023

Purpose: to collect data from real-life experiences of the management of type 3 g-NETs and identify possible prognostic factors that may impact the decision-making process. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature on type 3 g-NET management using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases. We included cohort studies, case series, and case reports written in the English language. Results: We selected 31 out of 556 articles from between 2001 and 2022. In 2 out of the 31 studies, a 10 mm and 20 mm cut-off size were respectively associated with a higher risk of gastric wall infiltration and/or lymph node and distant metastasis at diagnosis. The selected studies reported a higher risk of lymph node or distant metastasis at diagnosis in the case of muscularis propria infiltration or beyond, irrespective of the dimensions or grading. From these findings, size, grading, and gastric wall infiltration seem to be the most relevant factors in management staff making choices and prognoses of type 3 g-NET patients. We produced a hypothetical flowchart for a standardized approach to these rare diseases. Conclusion: Further prospective analyses are needed to validate the prognostic impact of the use of size, grading, and gastric wall infiltration as prognostic factors in the management of type 3 g-NETs.