bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind Power Plants and Selected Technical and Economic Aspects of Their Construction on Mine Heaps
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Krzysztof , Dobrzaniecki Piotr , Woszczyński Mariusz , Bałaga Dominik , Szewerda Kamil , Dymarek Andrzej
Published: September 2023

As a result of energy transformation and decarbonization, the production of hard coal and lignite mining plants is gradually being phased out. Mine heaps, i.e., mine waste heaps, created as a result of the operation of these plants, are not attractive as land for housing, for the construction of production plants, or for agriculture. One of the most advantageous ways of recultivating these areas is using them as a place for the installation of renewable energy sources. In the case of post-mining heaps, it seems natural to use photovoltaics and wind turbines due to the artificial elevation of the terrain. This issue was analysed within the RFCS project SUMAD (Sustainable Use of Mining Waste Heaps). Experts from various countries and scientific disciplines analysed possible scenarios for the mine heaps’ management, with a special attention to geotechnical, environmental and socio-economic challenges. This article discusses one of the variants, namely the possibility of constructing the wind turbines on mining heaps.
Spatial Differentiation of Agricultural Biomass Potential in Polish Voivodeships
Authors: Janiszewska Dorota , Ossowska Luiza
Published: September 2023

The main aim of the article is to assess the potential of agricultural biomass and the possibility of its use for energy purposes in Polish voivodeships. Five sources of agricultural biomass were analyzed: straw, hay, waste wood from orchards, perennial energy crops, and natural fertilizers. For the purposes of the research, the theoretical and technical potential of agricultural biomass was estimated. The potential of agricultural biomass was estimated for Polish voivodeships based on the data of the 2020 Agricultural Census. The conducted research shows that Polish voivodeships have a significant theoretical potential for agricultural biomass. However, due to the fact that biomass is widely used in plant production (as a natural fertilizer) and animal production (as fodder or bedding), only about 40% of the identified theoretical potential can be used for energy purposes. The research also shows that the dominant source of agricultural biomass that can be used in Poland is straw from cereal crops. Moreover, a significant part of the identified potential is located in the western part of Poland (Wielkopolskie, Dolnośląskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Zachodniopomorskie voivodships) and partly in the east (Lubelskie voivodship). Although the possibility of using natural fertilizers for energy purposes has not been identified, the theoretical potential of which is very high, an increase in the importance of renewable energy from agricultural biogas plants should be expected in the near future. This is due to the changes taking place in the storage and management of natural fertilizers.
Detection of Non-Technical Losses in Irrigant Consumers through Artificial Intelligence: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vieira Vanessa Gindri , Bernardon Daniel Pinheiro , Uberti Vinícius André , de Figueiredo Rodrigo Marques , de Chiara Lucas Melo , Silva Juliano Andrade
Published: September 2023

Non-technical losses (NTLs) verified in the power distribution grids cause great financial losses to power utilities. In rural distribution grids, fraudulent consumers contribute to technical problems. The Southern region in Brazil contains more than 70% of the total rice production and power irrigation systems. These systems operate seasonally in distribution grids with high NTL conditions. This work aimed to present an artificial intelligence-based system to help power distribution companies detect potential consumers causing NTLs. This minimizes the challenge of maintaining compliance with current regulations and ensuring the quality of services and products. In the proposed methodology, historical energy consumption information, meteorological data, satellite images, and data from energy suppliers are processed by artificial intelligence, indicating the suspicious consumer units of NTL. This work presents every step developed in the proposed methodology and the tool application in a pilot area. We detected a high number of consumers responsible for NTLs, with an accuracy of 63% and an average reduction of 78% in the search area. These results corroborated the effectiveness of the tool and instigated the research team to expand the application to other rice production areas.
Monetary Valuation of Ecosystem Services Provided by Protective Forest Plantations in the Agroforestry System in the South of the Volga Upland
Authors: Korneeva Evgenia A.
Published: September 2023

The purpose of the study is an economic assessment of the effectiveness of agroforestry based on determining the value of ecosystem services of an afforested model land object and extrapolating the data obtained to the territory of the south of the Volga upland with identical natural and economic conditions to the model. The study presents a methodology for the economic assessment of ecosystem goods and services of forested agricultural landscapes based on the modern classification of ecosystem services: CICES. It is established that the economic value of the regional ecosystem product provided by forested lands in the dry steppe is USD 1323 per 1 ha of agroforest landscape per year (price for 2021 on average for 30 years). Of these, regulatory and maintenance services account for 52% of the total economic value, security services—45%, and cultural services—3%. The projected economic value of ecosystem services that will be provided by afforested lands in the south of the Volga upland, the price for 2025, taking into account inflation, is estimated at almost USD 20 million. This value is a sufficient justification for conducting forest reclamation works in the region and providing recommendations for their necessity for small enterprises and farms.
Grid-Characteristic Method for Calculation of Discontinuous Non-Steady Flows of a Multicomponent Reacting Gas in Channels
Authors: Gidaspov Vladimir , Severina Natalia
Published: September 2023

This paper is devoted to the description of computational algorithms for modeling quasi-one-dimensional non-steady flows of a multicomponent reacting gas. The particularity of the developed modeling technique is that the paths of strong and weak discontinuities are mobile computational nodes, and the parameters for them are calculated using special algorithms. A set of programs has been developed, which can be used to solve the problems of the reacting gas dynamics that are of applied importance, as well as serve as an illustrator for physical gas dynamics training courses. The paper provides the results of the numerical modeling of the supersonic flow in a flat channel simulating the operation of experimental facilities of the Institute for Problems in Mechanics and the Institute of Physics and Technology. A satisfactory correlation between the calculated and experimental data has been obtained.
Alternative Processing Options for Improving the Proteins Functionality by Maillard Conjugation
Authors: Dumitrașcu Loredana , Borda Daniela , Aprodu Iuliana
Published: September 2023

Conjugation of the proteins with carbohydrates, occurring in the early stages of the Maillard reactions, received increased attention because of the high potential to ensure the improvement of the biological activity and functional properties of the proteins of different origins. The Maillard conjugates are conventionally formed through wet or dry heating, but the use of alternative technologies involving ultrasound, microwave, pulsed electric fields, high-pressure, or electrodynamic treatments appears to be efficient in accelerating the reaction steps and limiting the formation of toxic compounds. An overview of the mechanisms of these processing technologies, the main parameters influencing the Maillard conjugate formation, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, is provided in this paper. Different strategies employing these alternative technologies are reported in the literature: as pretreatment of the proteins, either alone or in admixture with the carbohydrates, followed by conventional heating, as a single alternative treatment step, or as a combination of heating and alternative processing. The desired functional properties of the proteins can be achieved by selecting the appropriate processing strategy and optimizing the reaction parameters. Moreover, alternative technologies can be exploited to obtain Maillard conjugates with remarkable biological activity in terms of antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, or bifidogenic properties.
Genomic Signatures of Local Adaptation under High Gene Flow in Lumpfish—Implications for Broodstock Provenance Sourcing and Larval Production
Authors: Maduna Simo Njabulo , Jónsdóttir Ólöf Dóra Bartels , Imsland Albert Kjartan Dagbjartarson , Gíslason Davíð , Reynolds Patrick , Kapari Lauri , Hangstad Thor Arne , Meier Kristian , Hagen Snorre B.
Published: September 2023

Aquaculture of the lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) has become a large, lucrative industry owing to the escalating demand for “cleaner fish” to minimise sea lice infestations in Atlantic salmon mariculture farms. We used over 10K genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate the spatial patterns of genomic variation in the lumpfish along the coast of Norway and across the North Atlantic. Moreover, we applied three genome scans for outliers and two genotype–environment association tests to assess the signatures and patterns of local adaptation under extensive gene flow. With our ‘global’ sampling regime, we found two major genetic groups of lumpfish, i.e., the western and eastern Atlantic. Regionally in Norway, we found marginal evidence of population structure, where the population genomic analysis revealed a small portion of individuals with a different genetic ancestry. Nevertheless, we found strong support for local adaption under high gene flow in the Norwegian lumpfish and identified over 380 high-confidence environment-associated loci linked to gene sets with a key role in biological processes associated with environmental pressures and embryonic development. Our results bridge population genetic/genomics studies with seascape genomics studies and will facilitate genome-enabled monitoring of the genetic impacts of escapees and allow for genetic-informed broodstock selection and management in Norway.
Enhancing Drought Tolerance and Fruit Characteristics in Tomato through Exogenous Melatonin Application
Authors: Huang Qian , Yan Haijing , You Mingyuan , Duan Jinye , Chen Manling , Xing Yingjin , Hu Xiaohui , Li Xiaojing
Published: September 2023

Drought stress not only affects the growth and development of tomato seedlings but also leads to a significant decrease in tomato fruit yield. Previous studies have shown that melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating plant tolerance to drought stress. The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of exogenous melatonin on the growth and development of tomato seedlings under drought stress, as well as its potential in improving fruit yield and quality. Our findings demonstrate that drought stress strongly suppressed growth and biomass accumulation, reduced photosynthetic pigments, and inhibited photosynthesis. Conversely, melatonin treatment led to a notable increase in plant height, stem diameter, aboveground biomass, and relative water content of tomato seedlings by 16.67%, 7.39%, 10.58%, and 13.31%, respectively, compared to the drought treatment. Moreover, the chlorophyll content increased by 40.51%, and the net photosynthetic rate increased by 1.2 times. Furthermore, the application of melatonin under drought stress resulted in a decrease in osmoregulation substances, reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes in tomato seedlings. Exogenous melatonin was also found to inhibit the expression of abscisic-acid-synthesis-related genes, resulting in a reduction in the abscisic acid content in tomato seedlings. Additionally, it significantly increased the root length, root surface area, and root vitality of the plants. When compared to drought treatment, tomato plants treated with melatonin exhibited a 61.92% increase in average yield and a 37.79% increase in fruit weight per plant. Furthermore, the organic acid content decreased by 23.77%, while soluble solids and sugars increased by 15.07% and 35.49%, respectively. These findings suggest that exogenous melatonin effectively alleviates the inhibition of photosynthesis and growth in tomato seedlings under drought stress. It achieves this by regulating the content of osmotic stress substances and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thus enhancing the resistance of tomato seedlings to drought stress. Moreover, melatonin regulates root growth by mediating the biosynthesis of endogenous ABA, thereby improving the absorption and utilization efficiency of water and nutrients in plants. Consequently, it enhances tomato fruit yield and quality under drought stress.
Defining Optimal Location of Constructed Wetlands in Vojvodina, Serbia
Authors: Antić Sanja , Benka Pavel , Blagojević Boško , Santrač Nikola , Salvai Andrea , Stajić Milica , Zemunac Radoš , Bezdan Jovana
Published: September 2023

With the continuous trend of urbanization, increase in industrial capacities, and expansion of agricultural areas, there is also a rise in the amount of wastewater. One of the effective and economical solutions for wastewater treatment has proven to be Constructed Wetlands (CWs). Defining the locations where CWs can be built is not an easy task and there are several criteria that need to be considered. The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis—Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) are combined to select CW locations. AHP is one of the most commonly used methods in many environmental decision making problems, involving various conflicting criteria. In this case, conflicts arise between the evaluation of criteria that influence the selection of CW locations. The evaluation of selected criteria and sub-criteria resulted in a suitability map indicating that the first class represents 44%, the second class 37%, and the third class 16% of the total area. The fourth and fifth classes represent 3% of the total area. The criteria with the highest significance are land use, floodplains and distance of the location from populated places. This study has important implications for sustainable wastewater management in Serbia and provides guidelines for selecting locations for CWs.
Contrary Perceptions of Environmental Health and the Governance of the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area, Colombia
Authors: Rojas Alexander , Molina-Orjuela Douglas , Peña-Rodríguez Laura , Hernández-Quirama Andrea , Rojas-Betancur Mauricio , Amaya-Castellanos Claudia , Rodríguez-Villamizar Laura A. , Idrovo Alvaro J.
Published: September 2023

The participation of civil society is essential for environmental health policies to be accepted. The objective of this study was to know the perceptions of government officials, members of civil society, and academics about environmental health problems and its governance in the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area, Colombia. In the region, there is a strong citizens movement that defends the moorland ecosystem (páramo) as a source of drinking water for large-scale mining projects. A multi-method study was conducted, including the review of newspaper and scientific articles, a citizens survey, and interviews and focus groups with identified key stakeholders. The findings indicate that government officials prioritize their actions on issues related to air and water pollution and environmental education. In contrast, citizens prioritize water availability from the moorland ecosystem. There are some advances in the management of environmental health, mainly related to greater citizen awareness. Contrary perceptions among government officials, academics, and civil society prevent adequate prioritization of environmental health problems. Participation of civil society is absent in activities related to environmental governance. An ongoing citizens science experience engaging high school students and the academy can be the first meeting point with government officials in the pathway to improve the environmental governance in the territory. The participation of civil society in the environmental health governance must be enforced to broaden the issues of interest and prioritize the activities in short- and long-term policy planning.
Oral Intake of Inosine 5′-Monophosphate in Mice Promotes the Absorption of Exogenous Fatty Acids and Their Conversion into Triglycerides though Enhancing the Phosphorylation of Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase in the Liver, Leading to Lipohyperplasia
Authors: Zhang Bin , Xu Yang , Liu Jinyan , Wu Chongming , Zhao Xiaohong , Zhou Lidong , Xie Yong
Published: September 2023

Inosine 5′-monophoaphate (IMP) is a food additive that promotes serious lipohyperplasia in the liver of C57/KsJ-db/db (db/db) mice. Thus, IMP taken orally by healthy mice might also damage their health. To date, how IMP affects health after being taken by healthy animals is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the health of C57BL/6J mice affected by IMP intake. Our data revealed that C57BL/6J mice administered 255 μM IMP daily via oral gavage for 4 months caused hyperlipidemia and an increase in body fat rate. The expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2) in hepatocytes increased though the administration of IMP, promoting the phosphorylation of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The conversion of acetyl-CoA into triglycerides (TGs) was promoted by ACC1. These TGs were transported from the hepatocytes to avoid the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), causing a deficiency of acetyl-CoA in the liver, and then, the increased phosphorylated ACC2 promoted the cytoplasm fatty acids entering the mitochondria and conversion into acetyl-CoA through the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway, causing a deficiency in fatty acids. Therefore, the liver showed enhanced absorption of exogenous fatty acids, which were converted into TGs, causing lipohyperplasia. In conclusion, an excessive IMP intake promotes metabolic dysfunction in adipose tissue.
Genetic Variant HLA-DRB1*0403 and Therapeutic Response to Disease-Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Gomez-Gaitan Esteban Alejandro , Garcia-Ortega Yessica Eleanet , Saldaña-Cruz Ana Miriam , Contreras-Haro Betsabe , Gamez-Nava Jorge Ivan , Perez-Guerrero Emilio Edsaul , Nava-Valdivia Cesar Arturo , Gallardo-Moya Sergio , Martinez-Hernandez Alejandra , Gonzalez Lopez Laura , Rios-Gonzalez Blanca Esthela , Marquez-Pedroza Jazmin , Mendez-del Villar Miriam , Esparza-Guerrero Yussef , Villagomez-Vega Alejandra , Macias Islas Miguel Angel
Published: September 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and demyelinating disease with an autoimmune origin, which leads to neurodegeneration and progressive disability. Approximately 30 to 50% of patients do not respond optimally to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and therapeutic response may be influenced by genetic factors such as genetic variants. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the association of the HLA-DRB1*0403 genetic variant and therapeutic response to DMTs in MS. We included 105 patients with MS diagnosis. No evidence of disease activity based on the absence of clinical relapse, disability progression or radiological activity (NEDA-3) was used to classify the therapeutic response. Patients were classified as follows: (a) controls: patients who achieved NEDA-3; (b) cases: patients who did not achieve NEDA-3. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. HLA-DRB1*0403 genetic variant was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using TaqMan probes. NEDA-3 was achieved in 86.7% of MS patients treated with DMTs. Genotype frequencies were GG 50.5%, GA 34.3%, and AA 15.2%. No differences were observed in the genetic variant AA between patients who achieved NEDA-3 versus patients who did not achieve NEDA-3 (48.7% vs. 43.1%, p = 0.6). We concluded that in Mexican patients with MS, HLA-DRB1*0403 was not associated with the therapeutic response to DMTs.
SINEs as Potential Expression Cassettes: Impact of Deletions and Insertions on Polyadenylation and Lifetime of B2 and Ves SINE Transcripts Generated by RNA Polymerase III
Authors: Borodulina Olga R. , Ustyantsev Ilia G. , Kramerov Dmitri A.
Published: September 2023

Short Interspersed Elements (SINEs) are common in the genomes of most multicellular organisms. They are transcribed by RNA polymerase III from an internal promoter comprising boxes A and B. As transcripts of certain SINEs from mammalian genomes can be polyadenylated, such transcripts should contain the AATAAA sequence as well as those called β- and τ-signals. One of the goals of this work was to evaluate how autonomous and independent other SINE parts are β- and τ-signals. Extended regions outside of β- and τ-signals were deleted from SINEs B2 and Ves and the derived constructs were used to transfect HeLa cells in order to evaluate the relative levels of their transcripts as well as their polyadenylation efficiency. If the deleted regions affected boxes A and B, the 5′-flanking region of the U6 RNA gene with the external promoter was inserted upstream. Such substitution of the internal promoter in B2 completely restored its transcription. Almost all tested deletions/substitutions did not reduce the polyadenylation capacity of the transcripts, indicating a weak dependence of the function of β- and τ-signals on the neighboring sequences. A similar analysis of B2 and Ves constructs containing a 55-bp foreign sequence inserted between β- and τ-signals showed an equal polyadenylation efficiency of their transcripts compared to those of constructs without the insertion. The acquired poly(A)-tails significantly increased the lifetime and thus the cellular level of such transcripts. The data obtained highlight the potential of B2 and Ves SINEs as cassettes for the expression of relatively short sequences for various applications.
Understanding the Relationship between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Thyroid Disease
Authors: Vidal-Cevallos Paulina , Murúa-Beltrán Gall Sofía , Uribe Misael , Chávez-Tapia Norberto C.
Published: September 2023

The prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is high (22.4%). Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate many metabolic activities in the liver by promoting the export and oxidation of lipids, as well as de novo lipogenesis. They also control hepatic insulin sensitivity and suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis. Because of its importance in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, the involvement of thyroid dysfunction in the pathogenesis of NAFLD seems plausible. The mechanisms implicated in this relationship include high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, low TH levels, and chronic inflammation. The activity of the TH receptor (THR)-β in response to THs is essential in the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism-induced NAFLD. Therefore, an orally active selective liver THR-β agonist, Resmetirom (MGL-3196), was developed, and has been shown to reduce liver fat content, and as a secondary end point, to improve nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The treatment of NAFLD with THR-β agonists seems quite promising, and other agonists are currently under development and investigation. This review aims to shine a light on the pathophysiological and epidemiological evidence regarding this relationship and the effect that treatment with THs and selective liver THR-β agonists have on hepatic lipid metabolism.
Determination of the Impact of High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on the Release of Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules
Authors: Kranjc Matej , Polajžer Tamara , Novickij Vitalij , Miklavčič Damijan
Published: September 2023

High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (HI-PEMF) treatment is an emerging noninvasive and contactless alternative to conventional electroporation, since the electric field inside the tissue is induced remotely by an externally applied pulsed magnetic field. Recently, HI-PEMF has been successfully used in the transfer of plasmid DNA and siRNA in vivo, with no or minimal infiltration of immune cells. In addition to gene electrotransfer, treatment with HI-PEMF has also shown potential for electrochemotherapy, where activation of the immune response contributes to the treatment outcome. The immune response can be triggered by immunogenic cell death that is characterized by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from damaged or/and dying cells. In this study, the release of the best-known DAMP molecules, i.e., adenosine triphosphate (ATP), calreticulin and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMBG1), after HI-PEMF treatment was investigated in vitro on three different cell lines of different tissue origin and compared with conventional electroporation treatment parameters. We have shown that HI-PEMF by itself does not cause the release of HMGB1 or calreticulin, whereas the release of ATP was detected immediately after HI-PEMF treatment. Our results indicate that HI-PEMF treatment causes no to minimal release of DAMP molecules, which results in minimal/limited activation of the immune response.
Molecular Mechanism of STIL Coiled-Coil Domain Oligomerization
Authors: Shamir Mai , Martin Freddie J. O. , Woolfson Derek N. , Friedler Assaf
Published: September 2023

Coiled-coil domains (CCDs) play key roles in regulating both healthy cellular processes and the pathogenesis of various diseases by controlling protein self-association and protein–protein interactions. Here, we probe the mechanism of oligomerization of a peptide representing the CCD of the STIL protein, a tetrameric multi-domain protein that is over-expressed in several cancers and associated with metastatic spread. STIL tetramerization is mediated both by an intrinsically disordered domain (STIL400–700) and a structured CCD (STIL CCD718–749). Disrupting STIL oligomerization via the CCD inhibits its activity in vivo. We describe a comprehensive biophysical and structural characterization of the concentration-dependent oligomerization of STIL CCD peptide. We combine analytical ultracentrifugation, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy to probe the STIL CCD peptide assembly in solution and determine dissociation constants of both the dimerization, (KD = 8 ± 2 µM) and tetramerization (KD = 68 ± 2 µM) of the WT STIL CCD peptide. The higher-order oligomers result in increased thermal stability and cooperativity of association. We suggest that this complex oligomerization mechanism regulates the activated levels of STIL in the cell and during centriole duplication. In addition, we present X-ray crystal structures for the CCD containing destabilising (L736E) and stabilising (Q729L) mutations, which reveal dimeric and tetrameric antiparallel coiled-coil structures, respectively. Overall, this study offers a basis for understanding the structural molecular biology of the STIL protein, and how it might be targeted to discover anti-cancer reagents.
The Effects of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress and Semi-Pure Diets on the Brain, Gut and Adrenal Medulla in C57BL6 Mice
Authors: Herselman Mauritz Frederick , Bobrovskaya Larisa
Published: September 2023

Chronic stress is known to perturb serotonergic regulation in the brain, leading to mood, learning and memory impairments and increasing the risk of developing mood disorders. The influence of the gut microbiota on serotonergic regulation in the brain has received increased attention recently, justifying the investigation of the role of diet on the gut and the brain in mood disorders. Here, using a 4-week chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model in mice, we aimed to investigate the effects of a high-fat high-glycaemic index (HFD) and high-fibre fruit & vegetable “superfood” (SUP) modifications of a semi-pure AIN93M diet on behaviour, serotonin synthesis and metabolism pathway regulation in the brain and the gut, as well as the gut microbiota and the peripheral adrenal medullary system. CUMS induced anxiety-like behaviour, dysregulated the tryptophan and serotonin metabolic pathways in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and colon, and altered the composition of the gut microbiota. CUMS reduced the catecholamine synthetic capacity of the adrenal glands. Differential effects were found in these parameters in the HFD and SUP diet. Thus, dietary modifications may profoundly affect the multiple dynamic systems involved in mood disorders.
p-Cresol Sulfate Is a Sensitive Urinary Marker of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Antibiotics Treatments in Human Patients and Mouse Models
Authors: Zhou Yuyin , Bi Zheting , Hamilton Matthew J. , Zhang Li , Su Rui , Sadowsky Michael J. , Roy Sabita , Khoruts Alexander , Chen Chi
Published: September 2023

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a highly effective therapy for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) and also a potential therapy for other diseases associated with dysbiotic gut microbiota. Monitoring metabolic changes in biofluids and excreta is a noninvasive approach to identify the biomarkers of microbial recolonization and to understand the metabolic influences of FMT on the host. In this study, the pre-FMT and post FMT urine samples from 11 rCDI patients were compared through metabolomic analyses for FMT-induced metabolic changes. The results showed that p-cresol sulfate in urine, a microbial metabolite of tyrosine, was rapidly elevated by FMT and much more responsive than other microbial metabolites of aromatic amino acids (AAAs). Because patients were treated with vancomycin prior to FMT, the influence of vancomycin on the microbial metabolism of AAAs was examined in a mouse feeding trial, in which the decreases in p-cresol sulfate, phenylacetylglycine, and indoxyl sulfate in urine were accompanied with significant increases in their AAA precursors in feces. The inhibitory effects of antibiotics and the recovering effects of FMT on the microbial metabolism of AAAs were further validated in a mouse model of FMT. Overall, urinary p-cresol sulfate may function as a sensitive and convenient therapeutic indicator on the effectiveness of antibiotics and FMT for the desired manipulation of gut microbiota in human patients.
Atopic Dermatitis: Molecular Alterations between Lesional and Non-Lesional Skin Determined Noninvasively by In Vivo Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy
Authors: Zolotas Michael , Schleusener Johannes , Lademann Jürgen , Meinke Martina C. , Kokolakis Georgios , Darvin Maxim E.
Published: September 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD)/atopic eczema is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease affecting nearly 14% of the adult population. An important pathogenetic pillar in AD is the disrupted skin barrier function (SBF). The atopic stratum corneum (SC) has been examined using several methods, including Raman microspectroscopy, yet so far, there is no depth-dependent analysis over the entire SC thickness. Therefore, we recruited 21 AD patients (9 female, 12 male) and compared the lesional (LAS) with non-lesional atopic skin (nLAS) in vivo with confocal Raman microspectroscopy. Our results demonstrated decreased total intercellular lipid and carotenoid concentrations, as well as a shift towards decreased orthorhombic lateral lipid organisation in LAS. Further, we observed a lower concentration of natural moisturising factor (NMF) and a trend towards increased strongly bound and decreased weakly bound water in LAS. Finally, LAS showed an altered secondary and tertiary keratin structure, demonstrating a more folded keratin state than nLAS. The obtained results are discussed in comparison with healthy skin and yield detailed insights into the atopic SC structure. LAS clearly shows molecular alterations at certain SC depths compared with nLAS which imply a reduced SBF. A thorough understanding of these alterations provides useful information on the aetiology of AD and for the development/control of targeted topical therapies.
A Benchmark Dataset to Distinguish Human-Written and Machine-Generated Scientific Papers
Authors: Abdalla Mohamed Hesham Ibrahim , Malberg Simon , Dementieva Daryna , Mosca Edoardo , Groh Georg
Published: September 2023

As generative NLP can now produce content nearly indistinguishable from human writing, it is becoming difficult to identify genuine research contributions in academic writing and scientific publications. Moreover, information in machine-generated text can be factually wrong or even entirely fabricated. In this work, we introduce a novel benchmark dataset containing human-written and machine-generated scientific papers from SCIgen, GPT-2, GPT-3, ChatGPT, and Galactica, as well as papers co-created by humans and ChatGPT. We also experiment with several types of classifiers—linguistic-based and transformer-based—for detecting the authorship of scientific text. A strong focus is put on generalization capabilities and explainability to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these detectors. Our work makes an important step towards creating more robust methods for distinguishing between human-written and machine-generated scientific papers, ultimately ensuring the integrity of scientific literature.
Challenges of Automated Identification of Access to Education and Training in Germany
Authors: Dörpinghaus Jens , Samray David , Helmrich Robert
Published: September 2023

The German labor market relies heavily on vocational training, retraining, and continuing education. In order to match training seekers with training offers and to make the available data interoperable, we present a novel approach to automatically detect access to education and training in German training offers and advertisements and identify open research questions and areas for further research. In particular, we focus on (a) general education and school leaving certificates, (b) work experience, (c) previous apprenticeship, and (d) a list of skills provided by the German Federal Employment Agency. This novel approach combines several methods: First, we provide technical terms and classes of the education system that are used synonymously, combining different qualifications and adding obsolete terms. Second, we provide rule-based matching to identify the need for work experience or education. However, not all qualification requirements can be matched due to incompatible data schemas or non-standardized requirements such as initial tests or interviews. Although there are several shortcomings, the presented approach shows promising results for two data sets: training and retraining advertisements.
Potential Prognostic Relevance of Left-Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain and of the Summation of the Mitral and Tricuspid Regurgitation Volume in Patients with Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mėlinytė-Ankudavičė Karolina , Ereminienė Eglė , Mizarienė Vaida , Šakalytė Gintarė , Plisienė Jurgita , Jurkevičius Renaldas
Published: September 2023

Background: The aim of this pilot study was to determine the potential prognostic relevance of novel multidirectional myocardial and volumetric echocardiographic parameters in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). Methods: Multidirectional myocardial parameters (longitudinal, radial, and circumferential left-ventricular (LV) strain using speckle tracking echocardiography) and a new volumetric parameter (the sum of the mitral and tricuspid regurgitation volume (mitral–tricuspid regurgitation volume) were assessed. The cardiovascular (CV) outcome was a composite of cardiac death and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) at 1 year. Results: Approximately 102 patients were included in this pilot study. The mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 28.4 ± 8.9%. During a follow-up of 1 year, the CV outcome occurred in 39 patients (10 HF deaths, and 36 hospitalizations for HF). The LV global longitudinal systolic strain (GLS) and mitral–tricuspid regurgitation volume were the main parameters that were seen to be significantly altered in the comparison of patients with events vs. those without events (GLS (absolute values) 7.4 ± 2.7% vs. 10.3 ± 2.6%; mitral–tricuspid regurgitation volume 61.1 ± 20.4 mL vs. 40.9 ± 22.9 mL, respectively; p-value < 0.01). In line with these findings, in a multivariate continuous logistic regression analysis, the GLS and mitral–tricuspid regurgitation volume were the main parameters associated with worse CV outcomes (GLS: OR 0.77 (95%CI 0.65–0.92); mitral–tricuspid regurgitation volume OR 1.09 (95%CI 1.01–1.25)), whereas the radial and circumferential LV global strain and mitral regurgitation volume and tricuspid regurgitation volume were not linked to the CV outcome. Furthermore, in a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a GLS cutoff of <7.5% and mitral–tricuspid regurgitation volume > 60 mL were the identified values for the parameters associated with worse CV outcomes. Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study suggest that the GLS and a novel volumetric parameter (the sum of the mitral and tricuspid regurgitation volume) are linked to worse CV outcomes in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Hence, these promising results warrant further validation in larger studies.
Energetics of Cardiac Blood Flow in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy through Individualized Computational Modeling
Authors: Baenen Owen , Carreño-Martínez Angie Carolina , Abraham Theodore P. , Rugonyi Sandra
Published: September 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a congenital heart disease characterized by thickening of the heart’s left ventricle (LV) wall that can lead to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Ventricular wall thickening affects the motion of cardiac walls and blood flow within the heart. Because abnormal cardiac blood flow in turn could lead to detrimental remodeling of heart walls, aberrant ventricular flow patterns could exacerbate HCM progression. How blood flow patterns are affected by hypertrophy and inter-patient variability is not known. To address this gap in knowledge, we present here strategies to generate personalized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of the heart LV from patient cardiac magnetic resonance (cMR) images. We performed simulations of CFD LV models from three cases (one normal, two HCM). CFD computations solved for blood flow velocities, from which flow patterns and the energetics of flow within the LV were quantified. We found that, compared to a normal heart, HCM hearts exhibit anomalous flow patterns and a mismatch in the timing of energy transfer from the LV wall to blood flow, as well as changes in kinetic energy flow patterns. While our results are preliminary, our presented methodology holds promise for in-depth analysis of HCM patient hemodynamics in clinical practice.
Advancements in Cataract Detection: The Systematic Development of LeNet-Convolutional Neural Network Models
Authors: Ganokratanaa Thittaporn , Ketcham Mahasak , Pramkeaw Patiyuth
Published: September 2023

Regular screening and timely treatment play a crucial role in addressing the progression and visual impairment caused by cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in Thailand and many other countries. Despite the potential for prevention and successful treatment, patients often delay seeking medical attention due to the gradual and relatively asymptomatic nature of cataracts. To address this challenge, this research focuses on the identification of cataract abnormalities using image processing techniques and machine learning for preliminary assessment. The LeNet-convolutional neural network (LeNet-CNN) model is employed to train a dataset of digital camera images, and its performance is compared to the support vector machine (SVM) model in categorizing cataract abnormalities. The evaluation demonstrates that the LeNet-CNN model achieves impressive results in the testing phase. It attains an accuracy rate of 96%, exhibiting a sensitivity of 95% for detecting positive cases and a specificity of 96% for accurately identifying negative cases. These outcomes surpass the performance of previous studies in this field. This highlights the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed approach, particularly the superior performance of LeNet-CNN. By utilizing image processing technology and convolutional neural networks, this research provides an effective tool for initial cataract screening. Patients can independently assess their eye health by capturing self-images, facilitating early intervention and medical consultations. The proposed method holds promise in enhancing the preliminary assessment of cataracts, enabling early detection and timely access to appropriate care.
In-Situ Pixel-wise Emissivity Measurement Using a Multispectral Infrared Camera
Authors: Poissenot-Arrigoni Corentin , Marcon Bertrand , Rossi Frédéric , Fromentin Guillaume
Published: September 2023

In the thermography process, accurately determining emissivity is crucial to obtain precise temperature measurements as it enables the conversion of radiometric values to absolute temperatures. However, assessing emissivity is not a straightforward task as it depends on various other parameters. Traditional methods for measuring emissivity often involve costly materials and cannot be carried out simultaneously with infrared image acquisition. This article presents a method for obtaining pixel-wise emissivity using data from a multispectral infrared camera. Consequently, this method allows for direct emissivity measurement during infrared camera acquisition without the need for additional materials or experiments.
Strain-Induced Surface Roughening of Thin Sheets and Its Effects on Metal Forming and Component Properties
Authors: Arinbjarnar Úlfar , Christiansen Rune Juul , Knoll Maximilian , Pantleon Karen , Jellesen Morten Stendahl , Nielsen Chris Valentin
Published: September 2023

Straining of sheet metal leads to surface roughness changes. In this study, foils of AISI 201 and AISI 304 stainless steel were strained in uniaxial tension to impose roughening of their surfaces. Thereafter, the corrosion resistance, electrical resistivity, magnetic field density, and lubricated friction of the resulting surfaces were evaluated. The effect of strain-rate on the surface roughening, and thereby on the friction against tools, corrosion resistance, and occurrence of deformation-induced martensite was investigated. The AISI 304 material showed higher roughening than AISI 201 at low strain-rate. Lubricated friction is clearly affected by the changes to the surface of the strained foils that occur. When simulating a micro-forming process, the effect of strain-induced changes should be included where possible to maintain a high fidelity of the simulation. Strain-rate, in the range tested in this work, had only a minor effect on corrosion properties; however, the martensite fraction was reduced for material elongated at higher strain-rates.
The Influence of Light Wavelength on Human HPA Axis Rhythms: A Systematic Review
Authors: Robertson-Dixon Isabella , Murphy Melanie J. , Crewther Sheila G. , Riddell Nina
Published: September 2023

Environmental light entrains many physiological and behavioural processes to the 24 h solar cycle. Such light-driven circadian rhythms are centrally controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which receives information from the short-wavelength-sensitive intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. The SCN synchronizes local clocks throughout the body affecting sleep/wake routines and the secretion of neuroendocrine-linked hormones such as melatonin from the pineal gland and cortisol via the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Although the effects of light parameters on melatonin have been recently reviewed, whether the experimental variation of the spectral power distribution and intensity of light can induce changes in cortisol rhythms remains unclear. Thus, this systematic review evaluated the effects of daytime exposure to lights of different spectral wavelength characteristics and luminance intensity on the cortisol levels in healthy individuals. A search of the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library databases on 19 June 2023 identified 3418 articles, of which 12 studies (profiling 337 participants) met the inclusion and risk of bias criteria. An analysis of the literature indicated that exposure to bright lights of any colour during the late night or early morning can induce significant increases in cortisol secretion relative to time-matched dim light comparison conditions. Furthermore, exposure to bright lights with stronger short-wavelength (blue/green) components in the early morning typically induced greater increases in cortisol relative to lights with stronger long-wavelength (red) components. Thus, the circadian regulation of cortisol is sensitive to the wavelength composition of environmental lighting, in line with the more commonly studied melatonin. As such, wavelength characteristics should be optimized and reported in light intervention studies (particularly for the investigation of cortisol-associated disorders and HPA axis function), and exposure to short-wavelength light during sensitive periods should be carefully considered in constructed environments (e.g., bedroom and classroom lighting and device screens).
Antivirals against Monkeypox (Mpox) in Humans: An Updated Narrative Review
Authors: Bruno Giuseppe , Buccoliero Giovanni Battista
Published: September 2023

As of 29 August 2023, a total of 89,596 confirmed cases of Mpox (monkeypox) have been documented across 114 countries worldwide, with 157 reported fatalities. The Mpox outbreak that transpired in 2022 predominantly affected young men who have sex with men (MSM). While most cases exhibited a mild clinical course, individuals with compromised immune systems, particularly those living with HIV infection and possessing a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3, experienced a more severe clinical trajectory marked by heightened morbidity and mortality. The approach to managing Mpox is primarily symptomatic and supportive. However, in instances characterized by severe or complicated manifestations, the utilization of antiviral medications becomes necessary. Despite tecovirimat’s lack of official approval by the FDA for treating Mpox in humans, a wealth of positive clinical experiences exists, pending the outcomes of ongoing clinical trials. Brincidofovir and cidofovir have also been administered in select cases due to the unavailability of tecovirimat. Within the scope of this narrative review, our objective was to delve into the clinical attributes of Mpox and explore observational studies that shed light on the utilization of these antiviral agents.