bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Object Detection Method Utilizing YOLOv7-Tiny for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Photographic Imagery
Authors: Zhang Linhua , Xiong Ning , Pan Xinghao , Yue Xiaodong , Wu Peng , Guo Caiping
Published: November 2023

In unmanned aerial vehicle photographs, object detection algorithms encounter challenges in enhancing both speed and accuracy for objects of different sizes, primarily due to complex backgrounds and small objects. This study introduces the PDWT-YOLO algorithm, based on the YOLOv7-tiny model, to improve the effectiveness of object detection across all sizes. The proposed method enhances the detection of small objects by incorporating a dedicated small-object detection layer, while reducing the conflict between classification and regression tasks through the replacement of the YOLOv7-tiny model’s detection head (IDetect) with a decoupled head. Moreover, network convergence is accelerated, and regression accuracy is improved by replacing the Complete Intersection over Union (CIoU) loss function with a Wise Intersection over Union (WIoU) focusing mechanism in the loss function. To assess the proposed model’s effectiveness, it was trained and tested on the VisDrone-2019 dataset comprising images captured by various drones across diverse scenarios, weather conditions, and lighting conditions. The experiments show that mAP@0.5:0.95 and mAP@0.5 increased by 5% and 6.7%, respectively, with acceptable running speed compared with the original YOLOv7-tiny model. Furthermore, this method shows improvement over other datasets, confirming that PDWT-YOLO is effective for multiscale object detection.
Research on a Machine–Tractor Unit for Strip-Till Technology
Authors: Nadykto Volodymyr , Domeika Rolandas , Golub Gennadii , Kukharets Savelii , Chorna Tetiana , Čėsna Jonas , Hutsol Taras
Published: November 2023

One of the most modern technologies for growing row crops is strip-till. Currently, it occupies an intermediate position between conventional tillage and no-till technologies. Special complex and expensive machines are used to implement strip-till technology practically. To avoid this, a combined unit is proposed, including a tractor and two simple machines: a front-disc harrow and a chisel plough mounted behind the tractor. As experimental studies have shown, this unit makes implementing the strip-till one-pass technology possible. In this case, the oscillations process in the soil-loosening depth of strips is low-frequency since at least 95% of this statistical parameter variance is concentrated in the frequency range of 0–16.8 s−1 or 0–2.7 Hz, and its maximum falls at a frequency of 0.4 Hz. The soil-loosening depth in the strips can deviate from the mean value by ±2 cm once per 7.1 m of the combined unit’s path. With a mean speed of its movement of 2.1 m·s−1, the release frequency of the mean value of the soil-loosening depth exceeding ±2 cm is only 0.29 s or 0.05 Hz. Not less than 95% of the loosened strips’ non-straightness oscillations variance is in the frequency range of 0–0.25 m−1, and the value of the variance itself is small and amounts to 1.08 cm2. Proceeding from this, the non-straightness of the loosened strips by the combined unit can be considered satisfactory since its indicators meet the requirements for the non-straightness of row crops in terms of variance and frequency oscillations.
Visual Starch Stain Procedure Assists Cycad Propagation Decisions
Authors: Marler Thomas E.
Published: November 2023

Stem cuttings are often exploited for asexual propagation of cycad plants, and impaired health of the source plants may reduce success. A reliable procedure that screens potential source plants for predicted success would benefit conservationists. The cut surfaces of Cycas revoluta stem cuttings obtained from source plants that had endured 0–39 weeks of Aulacaspis yasumatsui herbivory were stained with potassium triiodide to determine if this visual test could predict asexual propagation success. The stem cuttings were sorted into three groups based on stain intensity, then specific gravity and starch concentration of pith and cortex tissue were measured. The cuttings were maintained in a propagation nursery for 27 weeks, then root growth was quantified as dry weight. Specific gravity ranged from 1.01 to 1.11 and scaled linearly with starch concentration, which ranged from 16 to 195 mg·g−1. The group of cuttings with the darkest stain intensity exhibited 100% propagation success with 23 g of roots per cutting, and the group with the least stain intensity exhibited 30% success with 2 g of roots per cutting. The group of stems with intermediate stain intensity exhibited intermediate values of every metric. These results indicated that cycad cuttings may be stained with iodine to estimate starch content in the field to provide an accurate instantaneous visual test for selection of the source plants that reliably generate the greatest level of asexual propagation success.
The Comparative Effects of Supplementing Protease Combined with Carbohydrase Enzymes on the Performance and Egg n-3 Deposition of Laying Hens Fed with Corn-Flaxseed or Wheat-Flaxseed Diets
Authors: Wan Jinyi , Shahid Muhammad Suhaib , Yuan Jianmin
Published: November 2023

Flaxseed contains huge quantities of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), which reduce the performance of livestock. Three different protease and multi-carbohydrase enzymes were included in wheat-flaxseed diets (WFD) and corn-flaxseed diets (CFD) to compare their effects on performance, egg n-3 deposition, and fatty acid transporter genes in laying hens. A total of 540, twenty-week-old, Nongda-3 laying hens (DW brown × Hy-line white) were randomly assigned to six dietary groups, including 10% WFD or 10% CFD plus (i) supplemental enzyme A (alkaline protease 40,000 and neutral protease 10,000 (U/g)), (ii) enzyme B (alkaline protease 40,000, neutral protease 10,000, and cellulase 4000 (U/g)), or iii) enzyme C (neutral protease 10,000, xylanase 35,000, β-mannanase 1500, β-glucanase 2000, cellulose 500, amylase 100, and pectinase 10,000 (U/g)). An interaction (p < 0.05) was found for egg mass, hen day of egg production, and feed conversion ratio on the 9–10th week of the experiment. The WFD with enzyme B was associated with the highest egg weight in the 9–10th week. The deposition of total n-3 was superior with WFD (468.22 mg/egg) compared to CFD (397.90 mg/egg), while addition of enzyme C (464.90 mg/egg) resulted in the deposition of more total n-3 compared to enzymes A and B (411.89 and 422.42 mg/egg). The WFD and enzyme C significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and reduced the n-6:n-3 ratio in egg yolk compared to the CFD. The hepatic mRNA expression of liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) (p = 0.006), fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS-1) (p < 0.001), elongase-2 (ELOV-2) (p < 0.001), fatty acid transport protein-1 (FATP1) (p < 0.001), and the intestinal mRNA expression of FATP and FABP genes were increased with WFD compared to CFD. In conclusion, WFD with enzyme C is favorable for optimal performance, results in the deposition of more n-3 and DHA, and increases the expression of fatty acid transporter genes, which helps in n-3 transport.
Impacts of Hydrophobic Mismatch on Antimicrobial Peptide Efficacy and Bilayer Permeabilization
Authors: Meier Steven , Ridgway Zachary M. , Picciano Angela L. , Caputo Gregory A.
Published: November 2023

Antimicrobial resistance continues to be a major threat to world health, with the continued emergence of resistant bacterial strains. Antimicrobial peptides have emerged as an attractive option for the development of novel antimicrobial compounds in part due to their ubiquity in nature and the general lack of resistance development to this class of molecules. In this work, we analyzed the antimicrobial peptide C18G and several truncated forms for efficacy and the underlying mechanistic effects of the sequence truncation. The peptides were screened for antimicrobial efficacy against several standard laboratory strains, and further analyzed using fluorescence spectroscopy to evaluate binding to model lipid membranes and bilayer disruption. The results show a clear correlation between the length of the peptide and the antimicrobial efficacy. Furthermore, there is a correlation between peptide length and the hydrophobic thickness of the bilayer, indicating that hydrophobic mismatch is likely a contributing factor to the loss of efficacy in shorter peptides.
Molecular Characterization of Escherichia coli Producing Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase and MCR-1 from Sick Pigs in a Greek Slaughterhouse
Authors: Avgere Ermioni , Zafeiridis Christos , Procter Kassandra A. , Beloukas Apostolos , Giakkoupi Panagiota
Published: November 2023

The first prospective surveillance of ESBL and colistin-resistant Escherichia coli recovered from sick pigs from a slaughterhouse in Central Greece aimed to investigate the spread of relevant genetic elements. In February 2021, 25 E. coli isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disk diffusion and broth microdilution techniques. PCR screening was conducted to identify ESBLs and mcr genes. Additional assays, encompassing mating-out procedures, molecular typing utilizing Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing analysis, and plasmid typing, were also conducted. A 40% prevalence of ESBLs and an 80% prevalence of MCR-1 were identified, with a co-occurrence rate of 32%. The predominant ESBL identified was CTX-M-3, followed by SHV-12. Resistance to colistin, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazol, and ciprofloxacin was detected in twenty (80%), fifteen (60%), twelve (48%), and four (16%) isolates, respectively. All blaCTX-M-3 harboring plasmids were conjugative, belonging to the incompatibility group IncI1, and approximately 50 kb in size. Those carrying blaSHV-12 were also conjugative, classified into incompatibility group IncI2, and approximately 70 kb in size. The mcr-1 genes were predominantly located on conjugative plasmids associated with the IncX4 incompatibility group. Molecular typing of the ten concurrent ESBL and MCR-1 producers revealed seven multilocus sequence types. The heterogeneous population of E. coli isolates carrying resistant genes on constant plasmids implies that the dissemination of resistance genes is likely facilitated by horizontal plasmid transfer.
Intelligent Jammer on Mobile Network LTE Technology: A Study Case in Bucharest
Authors: Capotă Cristian , Popescu Mădălin , Bădulă Eduard-Marian , Halunga Simona , Fratu Octavian , Popescu Mircea
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop a laboratory model that enables the monitoring of communications carried out through mobile phones and their blocking in cases where it is prohibited. The main goal was to realise an intelligent jammer that blocks only illicit communications. The jammer was built with a software-defined radio (SDR) that can be found on the market and is accessible from a financial point of view. This study consisted of an analysis of the behaviour of mobile phones and mobile networks using the long-term evolution (LTE) of UMTS technologies so that the jamming technique can disrupt the communication of the cellular mobile system by using the software-defined radio and Python ecosystem. Because the 5G standalone (5G SA) is not yet implemented in Romania, we could not start developing a laboratory model for jamming this technology. When 5G SA is implemented, we will adapt this intelligent jamming solution to the new technology.
Research on an Ultraviolet Spectral Denoising Algorithm Based on the Improved SVD Method
Authors: Qin Zhaoyu , Wang Zhaofan , Wang Ruxing
Published: November 2023

The utilization of ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy for monitoring the concentration of specific decomposition gas components in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) can provide a means to assess its insulation status. Nevertheless, UV optical modules currently deployed in the field are susceptible to external interferences like ambient noise and equipment vibrations. Real-time spectral data acquisition often suffers from significant noise contamination, directly impinging on subsequent feature extraction and detection accuracy. This paper presents an optimized singular value decomposition (SVD) noise reduction method for mitigating noisy spectral signals. First, each singular value within the noisy signal is transformed into a component signal. Next, the highest frequency value in the signal serves as an indicator to characterize the signal. Finally, the primary frequency values are arranged based on the decreasing singular values of the original noisy signal. The singular value corresponding to the first primary frequency value surpassing a preset threshold is selected as the effective order for denoising. Random noise with varying intensities was intentionally introduced to the UV spectral signal of sulfur dioxide (SO2), followed by noise reduction procedures. It is shown that the improved SVD noise reduction algorithm proposed in this paper enhances the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by 18.02% and 16.86%, and reduces the root-mean-square error (RMSE) by 15.13% and 14.92%, respectively, compared with the singular value difference spectrum (SVDS) denoising method and wavelet transform denoising method under the condition of low SNR. Furthermore, there exists a linear relationship between the concentration of SO2 samples and the eigenvalues of the UV spectra, demonstrating a higher linear goodness with a coefficient of 0.99735. The denoising method proposed in this paper does not require the manual setting of various types of parameters, and has a better ability to deal with the noise of UV spectral signals in engineering sites with complex environments.
Tracking Cerebral Microvascular and Metabolic Parameters during Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Khalifehsoltani Nima , Rennie Olivia , Mohindra Rohit , Lin Steve , Toronov Vladislav
Published: November 2023

Hemodynamic models provide a mathematical representation and computational framework that describe the changes in blood flow, blood volume, and oxygenation levels that occur in response to neural activity and systemic changes, while near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measures deoxyhemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, and other chromophores to analyze cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism. In this study, we apply a dynamic hemometabolic model to NIRS data acquired during cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in pigs. Our goals were to test the model’s ability to accurately describe the observed phenomena, to gain an understanding of the intricate behavior of cerebral microvasculature, and to compare the obtained parameters with known values. By employing the inverse of the hemometabolic model, we measured a range of significant physiological parameters, such as the rate of oxygen diffusion from blood to tissue, the arteriole and venule volume fractions, and the Fåhraeus factor. Statistical analysis uncovered significant differences in the baseline and post-cardiac arrest values of some of the parameters.
Portable Protein and Fat Detector in Milk Based on Multi-Spectral Sensor and Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Zhang Kaikai , Shi Shengzhe , Wang Qingqing , Liu Sheng
Published: November 2023

To address the challenges of a long measurement period, high testing cost, and environmental pollution of traditional milk composition detection methods, a portable detection instrument was developed by combining multi-spectral sensors, machine learning algorithms, and an embedded system to rapidly detect the main components of milk. A broadband near-infrared (NIR) LED constant-current driver circuit and multi-spectral sensor module were designed to obtain six NIR features of milk samples. Based on a comparison of several machine learning algorithms, the XGBoost model was selected for training, and the trained model was ported to a Raspberry Pi unit for sample detection. The validation results showed that the coefficients of determination (R2) for the investigated protein and fat models were 0.9816 and 0.9978, respectively, and the corresponding mean absolute errors (MAE) were 0.0086 and 0.0079. Accurate measurement of protein and fat contents of milk can be facilitated in a short time interval by using the proposed low-cost portable instrument.
The Impact of Comprehensive Rehabilitation on the Exercise Capacity of Patients after COVID-19
Authors: Mińko Alicja , Turoń-Skrzypińska Agnieszka , Rył Aleksandra , Rotter Iwona
Published: November 2023

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a complex disease that affects multiple body systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and muscular systems. It is estimated that approximately half of the patients after the treatment for COVID-19 experience persistent symptoms that lead to a decreased physical capacity. Scientific recommendations suggest that cardiovascular and respiratory rehabilitation programs should be implemented in patients who have completed treatment for COVID-19. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of comprehensive rehabilitation on the exercise capacity of patients after COVID-19 treatment. The study included 146 patients after the treatment for COVID-19 who were eligible for therapeutic rehabilitation. The exercise capacity was assessed using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The results showed that patients who underwent rehabilitation had an average increase of 23.83% in their 6MWT score compared to the baseline. A comprehensive rehabilitation program including breathing exercises, aerobic training, and strength and endurance exercises is an effective intervention that can improve the physical capacity of patients after COVID-19 treatment.
Assessment of Batteries’ Contribution for Optimal Self-Sufficiency in Large Building Complexes
Authors: Karapidakis Emmanuel , Nikologiannis Marios , Markaki Marini , Kikaki Ariadni , Yfanti Sofia
Published: November 2023

The EU has set ambitious targets to combat climate change. Incorporating renewable energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is a critical aspect of achieving the European Union’s (EU) 2030 climate goals. Similarly to all member countries of the EU, Greece shares the same climate goals. In order to achieve these goals, ensuring a consistent supply and the effective use of clean energy is pursued, as it has a significant impact on the sustainable development and growth of the country. As the Greek tourism sector is one of the most energy-consuming of the national economy and a major contributor to the country’s GDP, opportunities are presented for innovation and investment in sustainable practices. Such investments must focus on buildings and facilities, where the energy consumption is concentrated. One of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece is the island of Crete. Visitation patterns are seasonal, which means during the summer months, Crete is exceptionally popular and more demanding energy-wise. One of the highest energy-demanding types of tourism-based businesses is the hospitality industry. Energy demands in hotels are driven by factors such as heating, cooling, lighting, and hot water. Thus, such activities require thermal and electrical energy to function. Electrical energy is one of the most essential forms of energy for hotels, as it powers a wide range of critical systems and services throughout the establishment. Therefore, the hotels are highly susceptible to fluctuations in energy prices which can significantly impact the operational costs of hotels. This paper presents an analysis of the annual consumption for the year of 2022 of five hotels located in Crete. An algorithm is also implemented which strives to minimize the capital expenditure (CAPEX), while ensuring a sufficient percentage of self-sufficiency.
Investigation on the Intensification of Supertyphoon Yutu (2018) Based on Symmetric Vortex Dynamics Using the Sawyer–Eliassen Equation
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Chinh , Huang Ching-Yuang
Published: November 2023

This study used the revised Sawyer–Eliassen (SE) equation, taking the relaxed thermal wind balance into account, to chart the development of Supertyphoon Yutu (2018) based on symmetric vortex dynamics. The mean vortex and associated forcing sources for solving the SE equation were taken from three-dimensional numerical simulations using the ocean-coupled HWRF. The SE solutions indicate that the induced transverse circulation is sensitive to the static stability of the mean vortex, which can be significantly underestimated when the static instability is greatly increased. The impacts on the SE solution, caused by the agradient imbalance and nonhydrostatics, were not significantly large in the troposphere. Moreover, the impact of numerical residue in the tangential wind tendency equation mainly occurred in the upper troposphere, below a height of 18 km, and near the lower eyewall. Furthermore, the structural misplaced change in the forcing source may have caused a more disorganized induced transverse circulation, whereas the collocated intensity change only resulted in a proportional enhancement during the same phase. During the rapid intensification of Yutu, the tangential-wind velocity tendency, caused by the revised SE solution, was close to the actual nonlinear tendency; however, the lowest boundary layer exhibited stronger turbulent friction. The mid- to upper-tropospheric vortex intensification inside of the eyewall and outside of the eyewall can mainly be attributed to the mean and asymmetric horizontal advection and vertical advection, respectively; conversely, most of the spindown that occurred in the eyewall was caused by the mean and asymmetric horizontal advection. At lower levels, the vortex intensification near the inner eyewall was mainly induced by the effects of asymmetric vertical advection.
Methodologies for Wind Field Reconstruction in the U-SPACE: A Review
Authors: Bucchignani Edoardo
Published: November 2023

In the present work, the main methodologies used to reconstruct wind fields in the U-SPACE have been analyzed. The SESAR U-SPACE program aims to develop an Unmanned Traffic Management system with a progressive introduction of procedures and services designed to support secure access to the air space for a large number of drones. Some of these techniques were originally developed for reconstruction at high altitudes, but successively adapted to treat different heights. A common approach to all techniques is to approximate the probabilistic distribution of wind speed over time with some parametric models, apply spatial interpolation to the parameters and then read the predicted value. The approaches are based on the fact that modern aircraft are equipped with automatic systems. Moreover, the proposed concepts demonstrated the possibility of using drones as a large network to complement the current network of sensors. The methods can serve the micro-scale weather forecasts and the collection of information necessary for the definition of the flight plan of drones in urban contexts. Existing limitations in the applications of wind field reconstruction, related to the fact that estimations can be produced only if a sufficient number of drones are already flying, could be mitigated using data provided by Numerical Weather Prediction models (NWPs). The coupling of methodologies used to reconstruct wind fields with an NWP will ensure that estimations can be produced in any geographical area.
Modeling the Thermal Inactivation of Ascospores from Heat-Resistant Molds in Pineapple Juice and Evaluating Disinfection Efficiency of Sodium Hypochlorite and Chlorine Dioxide
Authors: Maneeboon Thanapoom , Sangchote Somsiri , Hongprayoon Ratchanee , Chuaysrinule Chananya , Mahakarnchanakul Warapa
Published: November 2023

The contamination and spoilage of heat-treated fruit juices by heat-resistant mold ascospores present significant challenges to the food industry. Understanding effective strategies to mitigate this contamination is vital for ensuring the shelf-life and microbial safety of heat-treated fruit juices. This study investigated the thermal resistance of ascospores from different heat-resistant mold species, including Aspergillus laciniosus, A. chevalieri, A. denticulatus, A. siamensis, Hamigera pallida, and Talaromyces macrosporus, isolated from pineapple and sugarcane field soils. Ascospores inactivation kinetics in pineapple juice under heat treatment (75–97 °C) were analyzed using log-linear and Weibull models. Among these species, A. laciniosus displayed the highest heat resistance (δ-value: 104.59 min at 85 °C), while A. siamensis exhibited the lowest (δ-value: 3.39 min at 80 °C). Furthermore, A. laciniosus, the most heat-resistant species, showed notable tolerance to sanitizers. The most effective inactivation was achieved using 1.0% (w/v) sodium hypochlorite for 15 min. Chlorine dioxide, however, was generally ineffective and even activated dormant ascospores in some cases. The combination of hot water (65 °C for 5 min) with sanitizer increased ascospore reduction in most species but did not achieve the 3-log reduction required by the European Standard N13697. This study revealed a correlation between ascospore resistance to heat and chlorine dioxide, offering significant findings for practical inactivation strategies.
The Role of Anti-DFS70 in the Diagnosis of Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Zotova Liudmila , Kotova Victoria , Kuznetsov Zakhar
Published: November 2023

The diagnosis of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD) or its exclusion is carried out taking into account the results of immunological studies, primarily antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and specific autoantibodies. Often, during ANA analysis via indirect immunofluorescence reaction on cellular and tissue substrates, a dense fine speckled 70 (DFS70) fluorescence pattern is observed. Studies on the diagnostic significance of antibodies to anti-DFS70 allow for optimizing the stepwise diagnosis of SARD. Currently, a two-step strategy for laboratory diagnostic investigation is recommended: in the first step, ANA screening is performed, and in the second step, patients with positive results undergo confirmatory tests to detect specific antibodies against individual nuclear antigens. The detection of anti-DFS70 in ANA-seropositive patients without clinical and/or other specific serological markers characteristic of a particular disease within the SARD group may be considered a negative prognostic marker. Also, in the process of decision making in clinical practice, we should remember that anti-DFS70 can be found in the blood of patients with a different, non-SARD pathology and that most people showing anti-DFS70 are healthy individuals.
Effect of Polystyrene Microplastics on the Antioxidant System and Immune Response in GIFT (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Zheng Yao , Addotey Tracy Naa Adoley , Chen Jiazhang , Xu Gangchun
Published: November 2023

Recent studies have revealed a significant presence of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater ecosystems, raising concerns about their potential negative impacts on the growth and development of freshwater organisms. The present study was conducted to examine the effects of chronic sub-lethal doses of polystyrene microsphere MPs on the oxidative status (ROS, SOD) and the immune response (IL-1ß, TNF-α) of genetically improved farmed tilapia (a kind of tilapia hereafter referred to as GIFT). GIFT juveniles (5.1 ± 0.2 g) were exposed to different concentrations of substances. The experimental groups were as follows: group A (control, no exposure), group B (exposed to a concentration of 75 nm), group C (exposed to a concentration of 7.5 μm), group D (exposed to a concentration of 750 μm), group E (exposed to a combination of 75 nm, 7.5 μm, and 750 μm), and group F (exposed to a combination of 75 nm and Chlorella). The ROS contents in the brain and gills were significantly decreased in group F, while a significant increase was observed in group D following a 14-day exposure. SOD activities in the intestine showed an elevation in group F, as did those in the brain and gills in group D, while the SOD levels in the gills generally decreased over time in groups B and F. Notably, the highest ROS and SOD were observed in the brain of group D, whereas the lowest were in the intestines at the same concentration. The activity of IL-1β in the liver was significantly up-regulated in all of the exposure groups. IL-1β was significantly up-regulated in the brain of group B and in the gills of group D. Similarly, TNF-α was significantly up-regulated in the brain of groups B/D/E, in the liver of groups B/C/D, in the intestine of group B, and in the gills of group D. Notably, the highest levels of IL-1β and TNF-α activities were recorded in the brain, while the lowest were recorded in the intestine of group D. Overall, this study revealed that GIFT’s immune response and antioxidant system can be affected by MPs.
Proteome Profiling of the Dystrophic mdx Mice Diaphragm
Authors: Mucha Olga , Myszka Małgorzata , Podkalicka Paulina , Świderska Bianka , Malinowska Agata , Dulak Józef , Łoboda Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

Mdx mice with a spontaneous mutation in exon 23 of the Dmd gene represent the most common model to investigate the pathophysiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The disease, caused by the lack of functional dystrophin, is characterized by irreversible impairment of muscle functions, with the diaphragm affected earlier and more severely than other skeletal muscles. We applied a label-free (LF) method and the more thorough tandem mass tag (TMT)-based method to analyze differentially expressed proteins in the diaphragm of 6-week-old mdx mice. The comparison of both methods revealed 88 commonly changed proteins. A more in-depth analysis of the TMT-based method showed 953 significantly changed proteins, with 867 increased and 86 decreased in dystrophic animals (q-value < 0.05, fold-change threshold: 1.5). Consequently, several dysregulated processes were demonstrated, including the immune response, fibrosis, translation, and programmed cell death. Interestingly, in the dystrophic diaphragm, we found a significant decrease in the expression of enzymes generating hydrogen sulfide (H2S), suggesting that alterations in the metabolism of this gaseous mediator could modulate DMD progression, which could be a potential target for pharmacological intervention.
Sexually Dimorphic Effects of Histamine Degradation by Enteric Glial Histamine N-Methyltransferase (HNMT) on Visceral Hypersensitivity
Authors: McClain Jonathon L. , Morales-Soto Wilmarie , Gonzales Jacques , Parmar Visha , Demireva Elena Y. , Gulbransen Brian D.
Published: November 2023

Histamine is a neuromodulator that affects gut motility and visceral sensitivity through intrinsic and extrinsic neural pathways, yet the mechanisms regulating histamine availability in these pathways remain poorly understood. Here, we show that enteric glia contribute to histamine clearance in the enteric nervous system (ENS) through their expression of the enzyme histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT). Glial HNMT expression was initially assessed using immunolabeling and gene expression, and functionally tested using CRISPR-Cas9 to create a Cre-dependent conditional Hnmt ablation model targeting glia. Immunolabeling, calcium imaging, and visceromotor reflex recordings were used to assess the effects on ENS structure and visceral hypersensitivity. Immunolabeling and gene expression data show that enteric neurons and glia express HNMT. Deleting Hnmt in Sox10+ enteric glia increased glial histamine levels and altered visceromotor responses to colorectal distension in male mice, with no effect in females. Interestingly, deleting glial Hnmt protected males from histamine-driven visceral hypersensitivity. These data uncover a significant role for glial HNMT in histamine degradation in the gut, which impacts histamine-driven visceral hypersensitivity in a sex-dependent manner. Changes in the capacity of glia to clear histamines could play a role in the susceptibility to developing visceral pain in disorders of the gut–brain interaction.
Levamisole Modulation of Podocytes’ Actin Cytoskeleton in Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Veissi Susan T. , van den Berge Tijmen , van Wijk Joanna A. E. , van der Velden Thea , Classens René , Lunsonga Lynn , Brockotter Rick , Kaffa Charlotte , Bervoets Sander , Smeets Bart , van den Heuvel Lambertus P. W. J. , Schreuder Michiel F.
Published: November 2023

Podocytes play a central role in glomerular diseases such as (idiopathic) nephrotic syndrome (iNS). Glucocorticoids are the gold standard therapy for iNS. Nevertheless, frequent relapses are common. In children with iNS, steroid-sparing agents are used to avoid prolonged steroid use and reduce steroid toxicity. Levamisole is one of these steroid-sparing drugs and although clinical effectiveness has been demonstrated, the molecular mechanisms of how levamisole exerts its beneficial effects remains poorly studied. Apart from immunomodulatory capacities, nonimmunological effects of levamisole on podocytes have also been suggested. We aimed to elaborate on the effects of levamisole on human podocytes in iNS. RNA sequencing data from a human podocyte cell line treated with levamisole showed that levamisole modulates the expression of various genes involved in actin cytoskeleton stabilization and remodeling. Functional experiments showed that podocytes exposed to puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and NS patient plasma resulted in significant actin cytoskeleton derangement, reduced cell motility, and impaired cellular adhesion when compared to controls, effects that could be restored by levamisole. Mechanistic studies revealed that levamisole exerts its beneficial effects on podocytes by signaling through the glucocorticoid receptor and by regulating the activity of Rho GTPases. In summary, our data show that levamisole exerts beneficial effects on podocytes by stabilizing the actin cytoskeleton in a glucocorticoid receptor-dependent manner.
Accuracy of the END-PAC Model in Predicting the Risk of Developing Pancreatic Cancer in Patients with New-Onset Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hajibandeh Shahab , Intrator Christina , Carrington-Windo Eliot , James Rhodri , Hughes Ioan , Hajibandeh Shahin , Satyadas Thomas
Published: November 2023

Objectives: To investigate the performance of the END-PAC model in predicting pancreatic cancer risk in individuals with new-onset diabetes (NOD). Methods: The PRISMA statement standards were followed to conduct a systematic review. All studies investigating the performance of the END-PAC model in predicting pancreatic cancer risk in individuals with NOD were included. Two-by-two tables, coupled forest plots and summary receiver operating characteristic plots were constructed using the number of true positives, false negatives, true negatives and false positives. Diagnostic random effects models were used to estimate summary sensitivity and specificity points. Results: A total of 26,752 individuals from four studies were included. The median follow-up was 3 years and the pooled risk of pancreatic cancer was 0.8% (95% CI 0.6–1.0%). END-PAC score ≥ 3, which classifies the patients as high risk, was associated with better predictive performance (sensitivity: 55.8% (43.9–67%); specificity: 82.0% (76.4–86.5%)) in comparison with END-PAC score 1–2 (sensitivity: 22.2% (16.6–29.2%); specificity: 69.9% (67.3–72.4%)) and END-PAC score < 1 (sensitivity: 18.0% (12.8–24.6%); specificity: 50.9% (48.6–53.2%)) which classify the patients as intermediate and low risk, respectively. The evidence quality was judged to be moderate to high. Conclusions: END-PAC is a promising model for predicting pancreatic cancer risk in individuals with NOD. The score ≥3 should be considered as optimum cut-off value. More studies are needed to assess whether it could improve early pancreatic cancer detection rate, pancreatic cancer re-section rate, and pancreatic cancer treatment outcomes.
On- vs. Off-Pump CABG in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF): A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Rustenbach Christian Jörg , Reichert Stefan , Radwan Medhat , Doll Isabelle , Mustafi Migdat , Nemeth Attila , Marinos Spiros Lukas , Berger Rafal , Baumbach Hardy , Zdanyte Monika , Haeberle Helene , Caldonazo Tulio , Saqer Ibrahim , Saha Shekhar , Schnackenburg Philipp , Djordjevic Ilija , Krasivskyi Ihor , Wendt Stefanie , Kuhn Elmar , Higuita Lina Maria Serna , Doenst Torsten , Hagl Christian , Wahlers Thorsten , Boburg Rodrigo Sandoval , Schlensak Christian
Published: November 2023

Objective: This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes and 30-day mortality in patients with reduced ejection fraction (<40%) who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with (ONCAB) and without (OPCAB) the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: data from four university hospitals in Germany, spanning from January 2017 to December 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 551 patients were included in the study, and various demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were compared. Results: demographic parameters did not exhibit any differences. However, the OPCAB group displayed notably higher rates of preoperative renal insufficiency, urgent surgeries, and elevated EuroScore II and STS score. During surgery, the ONCAB group showed a significantly higher rate of complete revascularization, whereas the OPCAB group required fewer intraoperative transfusions. No disparities were observed in 30-day/in-hospital mortality for the entire cohort and the matched population between the two groups. Subsequent to surgery, the OPCAB group demonstrated significantly shorter mechanical ventilation times, reduced stays in the intensive care unit, and lower occurrences of ECLS therapy, acute kidney injury, delirium, and sepsis. Conclusions: the study’s findings indicate that OPCAB surgery presents a safe and viable alternative, yielding improved postoperative outcomes in this specific patient population compared to ONCAB surgery. Despite comparable 30-day/in-hospital mortality rates, OPCAB patients enjoyed advantages such as decreased mechanical ventilation durations, shorter ICU stays, and reduced incidences of ECLS therapy, acute kidney injury, delirium, and sepsis. These results underscore the potential benefits of employing OPCAB as a treatment approach for patients with coronary heart disease and reduced ejection fraction.
A Prospective Study on the Roles of the Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Gawiński Cieszymierz , Mróz Andrzej , Roszkowska-Purska Katarzyna , Sosnowska Iwona , Derezińska-Wołek Edyta , Michalski Wojciech , Wyrwicz Lucjan
Published: November 2023

Rectal cancer constitutes over one-third of all colorectal cancers (CRCs) and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in developed countries. In order to identify high-risk patients and better adjust therapies, new markers are needed. Systemic inflammatory response (SIR) markers such as LMR, NLR, and PLR have proven to be highly prognostic in many malignancies, including CRC; however, their roles in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) are conflicting and lack proper validation. Sixty well-selected patients with LARC treated at the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Poland, between August 2017 and December 2020 were prospectively enrolled in this study. The reproducibility of the pre-treatment levels of the SIR markers, their correlations with clinicopathological characteristics, and their prognostic value were evaluated. There was a significant positive correlation between LMR and cancer-related inflammatory infiltrate (r = 0.38, p = 0.044) and PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages (combined positive score (CPS)) (r = 0.45, p = 0.016). The PLR level was correlated with nodal involvement (p = 0.033). The SIR markers proved to be only moderately reproducible and had no significant prognostic value. In conclusion, the LMR was associated with local cancer-related inflammation and PD-L1 expression in tumor microenvironments. The validity of SIR indices as biomarkers in LARC requires further investigation.
A Review of Serotonin in the Developing Lung and Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Archambault Jamie L. , Delaney Cassidy A.
Published: November 2023

Serotonin (5-HT) is a bioamine that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The lung serves as an important site of 5-HT synthesis, uptake, and metabolism with signaling primarily regulated by tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), the 5-HT transporter (SERT), and numerous unique 5-HT receptors. The 5-HT hypothesis of PH was first proposed in the 1960s and, since that time, preclinical and clinical studies have worked to elucidate the role of 5-HT in adult PH. Over the past several decades, accumulating evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies has suggested that the 5-HT signaling pathway may play an important role in neonatal cardiopulmonary transition and the development of PH in newborns. The expression of TPH, SERT, and the 5-HT receptors is developmentally regulated, with alterations resulting in pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary vascular remodeling. However, much remains unknown about the role of 5-HT in the developing and newborn lung. The purpose of this review is to discuss the implications of 5-HT on fetal and neonatal pulmonary circulation and summarize the existing preclinical and clinical literature on 5-HT in neonatal PH.
Hepatic Macrophages as Targets for the MSC-Based Cell Therapy in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Kholodenko Irina V. , Yarygin Konstantin N.
Published: November 2023

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a serious public health issue associated with the obesity pandemic. Obesity is the main risk factor for the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which progresses to NASH and then to end-stage liver disease. Currently, there are no specific pharmacotherapies of NAFLD/NASH approved by the FDA or other national regulatory bodies and the treatment includes lifestyle adjustment and medicines for improving lipid metabolism, enhancing sensitivity to insulin, balancing oxidation, and counteracting fibrosis. Accordingly, further basic research and development of new therapeutic approaches are greatly needed. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles prevent induced hepatocyte death in vitro and attenuate NASH symptoms in animal models of the disease. They interact with hepatocytes directly, but also target other liver cells, including Kupffer cells and macrophages recruited from the blood flow. This review provides an update on the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH and the key role of macrophages in the development of the disease. We examine in detail the mechanisms of the cross-talk between the MSCs and the macrophages, which are likely to be among the key targets of MSCs and their derivatives in the course of NAFLD/NASH cell therapy.
Development of Self-Assembled Biomimetic Nanoscale Collagen-like Peptide-Based Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: An In Silico and Laboratory Study
Authors: Goncalves Beatriz G. , Heise Ryan M. , Banerjee Ipsita A.
Published: November 2023

Development of biocomposite scaffolds has gained tremendous attention due to their potential for tissue regeneration. However, most scaffolds often contain animal-derived collagen that may elicit an immunological response, necessitating the development of new biomaterials. Herein, we developed a new collagen-like peptide,(Pro-Ala-His)10 (PAH)10, and explored its ability to be utilized as a functional biomaterial by incorporating it with a newly synthesized peptide-based self-assembled gel. The gel was prepared by conjugating a pectin derivative, galataric acid, with a pro-angiogenic peptide (LHYQDLLQLQY) and further functionalized with a cortistatin-derived peptide, (Phe-Trp-Lys-Thr)4 (FWKT)4, and the bio-ionic liquid choline acetate. The self-assembly of (PAH)10 and its interactions with the galactarate-peptide conjugates were examined using replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations. Results revealed the formation of a multi-layered scaffold, with enhanced stability at higher temperatures. We then synthesized the scaffold and examined its physicochemical properties and its ability to integrate with aortic smooth muscle cells. The scaffold was further utilized as a bioink for bioprinting to form three-dimensional cell-scaffold matrices. Furthermore, the formation of actin filaments and elongated cell morphology was observed. These results indicate that the (PAH)10 hybrid scaffold provides a suitable environment for cell adhesion, proliferation and growth, making it a potentially valuable biomaterial for tissue engineering.
The Effects of Visual Cueing on Students with and without Math Learning Difficulties in Online Problem Solving: Evidence from Eye Movement
Authors: Wei Shuang , Lei Qingli , Chen Yingjie , Xin Yan Ping
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the impact of visual cueing on attention guidance, deep-thinking promotion, and performance optimization in arithmetic word problem solving for students with mathematical learning difficulties (MLD). The participants included eight students with MLD and twenty students without MLD who attempted to solve mathematical word problems with and without visual cueing. Eye movements were recorded during the tasks. A repeated-measure design and nonparametric tests were applied to enhance the statistical power of the study. The data analysis results indicated that visual cueing effectively guided and sustained the attention of students with MLD, reducing their off-task duration. However, it showed limited influence in facilitating deep thinking and performance improvement for these students. There were no significant attention-guidance or performance-improvement effects observed in the problem-solving processes of students without MLD, who initially demonstrated better concentration levels and performance. The potential explanations for these findings are further discussed in this paper.
The Application Research of BIM Technology in the Construction Process of Yancheng Nanyang Airport
Authors: Zhang Wenying , Liu Yuwei , Yu Shaole , Zhang Yujian , Yang Lianping , Qi Ligang
Published: November 2023

The application of BIM technology in building construction provides the possibility to realize design accuracy, to visualize the construction details, to optimize construction schemes, and to enhance cooperation among various professionals. The Yancheng Nanyang Airport terminal 2 project, with its large span of steel roof structure, complex installation in mechanical and electrical pipeline (MEP) engineering, and difficulty in construction organization, is taken as the engineering background. The whole process application of BIM technology in the construction process is introduced. In structural engineering construction, the application of BIM technology can provide guidance for plane layout of the construction site, and can also assist in deepening the designs of irregular steel components. In steel construction, the application of BIM technology gives a commendable visual demonstration of the construction process of the metal roof system and the single-layer reticulated shell. In MEP engineering, the application of BIM technology provides a great approach to establish a synthesis of pipeline drawings to further form pipeline section diagrams and operation drawings. By integrating the dimension of time, precision control, and deviation rectification, a recursive construction drawing can be built. With respect to synergistic management, the quality and safety management in the construction site can be implemented on the basis of BIM terminal equipment as well. This paper will give a great reference on the application of BIM technology in the airport terminal construction.