bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mentha rotundifolia (L.) Huds. and Salvia officinalis L. hydrosols mitigate aging related comorbidities in rats
Authors: Boualam Khadija , Ibork Hind , Lahboub Zakaria , Sobeh Mansour , Taghzouti Khalid
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Aging is often linked to oxidative stress, where the body experiences increased damage from free radicals. Plants are rich sources of antioxidants, playing a role in slowing down aging and supporting the proper functioning and longevity of cells. Our study focuses on exploring the impact of Mentha rotundifolia (MR) and Salvia officinalis (SO) hydrosols on aging-related comorbidities.

Methods

The chemical composition of MR and SO hydrosols was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. 2,2-Diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,20-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radicals scavenging assays were used to assess their in vitro antioxidant activity, and heat induced albumin denaturation test was used to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Subsequently, we administered 5% of each plant hydrosol in the drinking water of 18-month-old rats for six months. We then conducted behavioral tests, including open field, dark/light box, rotarod, and Y-maze assessments, and measured biochemical parameters in plasma, liver and brain tissues.

Results and discussion

At two years old, animals treated with MR and SO hydrosols displayed fewer physical and behavioral impairments, along with well-preserved redox homeostasis in comparison with animals in the control group. These results highlighted the significance of MR and SO hydrosols in addressing various aspects of age-related comorbidities. The study suggests that these plant-derived hydrosols may have potential applications in promoting healthy aging and mitigating associated health challenges.
Cerebral oxygenation and perfusion kinetics monitoring of military aircrew at high G using novel fNIRS wearable system
Authors: Roumengous Thibault , Boutwell R. Casey , Strohmaier Jason , Allen Jared , Goldbach Brett , Marotta Nicholas , Songkakul Tanner , Critcher Shelby , Morse Bria G. , Beer Jeremy M. A. , Sherman Paul M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Real-time physiological episode (PE) detection and management in aircrew operating high-performance aircraft (HPA) is crucial for the US Military. This paper addresses the unique challenges posed by high acceleration (G-force) in HPA aircrew and explores the potential of a novel wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system, named NIRSense Aerie, to continuously monitor cerebral oxygenation during high G-force exposure.

Methods

The NIRSense Aerie system is a flight-optimized, wearable fNIRS device designed to monitor tissue oxygenation 13–20 mm below the skin's surface. The system includes an optical frontend adhered to the forehead, an electronics module behind the earcup of aircrew helmets, and a custom adhesive for secure attachment. The fNIRS optical layout incorporates near-distance, middle-distance, and far-distance infrared emitters, a photodetector, and an accelerometer for motion measurements. Data processing involves the modified Beer-Lambert law for computing relative chromophore concentration changes. A human evaluation of the NIRSense Aerie was conducted on six subjects exposed to G-forces up to +9 Gz in an Aerospace Environmental Protection Laboratory centrifuge. fNIRS data, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography (HR) were collected to analyze cerebral and superficial tissue oxygenation kinetics during G-loading and recovery.

Results

The NIRSense Aerie successfully captured cerebral deoxygenation responses during high G-force exposure, demonstrating its potential for continuous monitoring in challenging operational environments. Pulse oximetry was compromised during G-loading, emphasizing the system's advantage in uninterrupted cerebrovascular monitoring. Significant changes in oxygenation metrics were observed across G-loading levels, with distinct responses in Deoxy-Hb and Oxy-Hb concentrations. HR increased during G-loading, reflecting physiological stress and the anti-G straining maneuver.

Discussion

The NIRSense Aerie shows promise for real-time monitoring of aircrew physiological responses during high G-force exposure. Despite challenges, the system provides valuable insights into cerebral oxygenation kinetics. Future developments aim for miniaturization and optimization for enhanced aircrew comfort and wearability. This technology has potential for improving anti-G straining maneuver learning and retention through real-time cerebral oxygenation feedback during centrifuge training.
Application of artificial intelligence technologies and big data computing for nuclear power plants control: a review
Authors: Ejigu Derjew Ayele , Tuo Yanjie , Liu Xiaojing
Published: February 2024

Nuclear power plants produce a massive amount of clean energy and necessitate safe operation through intelligence technologies. Recently, the rapid advancements in communication infrastructures including artificial intelligence, big data computing, and Internet of Things devices moving the nuclear industries towards digitalization and intelligence to improve safety. The integration of these technologies into the nuclear sector offers effective tactics in addressing several challenges in the control and safe operation of nuclear power plants. This can be achieved through the insights generated from massive amounts of data. This paper comprehensively reviews the literature on artificial intelligence technologies and big data, seeking to provide a holistic perspective on their relations and how they can be integrated with nuclear power plants. The utilization of computing platforms boosts the deployment of artificial intelligence and big data analytics effectively in nuclear power plants. Further, this review also points out the future opportunities as well as challenges for applying artificial intelligence and big data computing in the nuclear industry.
Immunotherapy and radiotherapy for older patients with locally advanced rectal cancer unfit for surgery or decline surgery: a practical proposal by the International Geriatric Radiotherapy Group
Authors: Nguyen Nam P. , Mohammadianpanah Mohammad , SunMyint Arthur , Page Brandi R. , Vinh-Hung Vincent , Gorobets Olena , Arenas Meritxell , Mazibuko Thandeka , Giap Huan , Vasileiou Maria , Dutheil Fabien , Tuscano Carmelo , Karlsson ULF Lennart , Dahbi Zineb , Natoli Elena , Li Eric , Kim Lyndon , Oboite Joan , Oboite Eromosele , Bose Satya , Vuong Te
Published: February 2024

The standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer is total neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection. Current evidence suggests that selected patients may be able to delay or avoid surgery without affecting survival rates if they achieve a complete clinical response (CCR). However, for older cancer patients who are too frail for surgery or decline the surgical procedure, local recurrence may lead to a deterioration of patient quality of life. Thus, for clinicians, a treatment algorithm which is well tolerated and may improve CCR in older and frail patients with rectal cancer may improve the potential for prolonged remission and potential cure. Recently, immunotherapy with check point inhibitors (CPI) is a promising treatment in selected patients with high expression of program death ligands receptor 1 (PD- L1). Radiotherapy may enhance PD-L1 expression in rectal cancer and may improve response rate to immunotherapy. We propose an algorithm combining immunotherapy and radiotherapy for older patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who are too frail for surgery or who decline surgery.
Survival and morbidity in very preterm infants in Shenzhen: a multi-center study
Authors: Li Tingting , Zhang Guofei , Li Rui , He Shengnan , Zhang Fangshi , Yan Xudong , Yu Zhangbin , Xie Yingmei ,   Shenzhen Neonatal Data Network
Published: February 2024

Objective

To analyze survival and morbidity among very preterm infants (VPIs) in Shenzhen and explore factors associated with survival without major morbidity.

Methods

Between January 2022 and December 2022, 797 infants were admitted to 25 neonatal intensive care units in Shenzhen with gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks, excluded discharged against medical advice, insufficient information, and congenital malformation, 742 VPIs were included. Comparison of maternal and neonate characteristics, morbidities, survival, and survival without major morbidities between groups used Mann Whitney U test and X2 test, multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze of risk factors of survival without major morbidities.

Results

The median GA was 29.86 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 28.0–31.04), and the median birth weight was 1,250 g (IQR, 900–1,500). Of the 797 VPIs, 721 (90.46%) survived, 53.52% (38 of 71) at 25 weeks’ or less GA, 86.78% (105 of 121) at 26 to 27 weeks' GA, 91.34% (211 of 230) at 28 to 29 weeks' GA, 97.86% (367 of 375) at 30 to 31 weeks' GA. The incidences of the major morbidities were moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia,16.52% (113 of 671); severe intraventricular hemorrhage and/or periventricular leukomalacia, 2.49% (17 of 671); severe necrotizing enterocolitis, 2.63% (18 of 671); sepsis, 2.34% (16 of 671); and severe retinopathy of prematurity, 4.55% (27 of 593), 65.79% (450 of 671) survived without major morbidities. After adjustment for GA, birth weight, and 5-min Apgar score, antenatal steroid administration (OR = 2.397), antenatal magnesium sulfate administration (OR =  1.554) were the positivity factors to survival without major morbidity of VPIs, however, surfactant therapy (OR = 0.684,), and delivery room resuscitation (OR = 0.626) that were the negativity factors.

Conclusions

The present results indicate that survival and the incidence of survival without major morbidities increased with GA. Further, antenatal administration of steroids and magnesium sulfate, surfactant therapy, and delivery room resuscitation were pronounced determinants of survival without morbidities.
Cased-based education rounds—the eternal heart of an international training program
Authors: Breatnach Colm R. , Floh Alejandro , Hamilton Melanie , Mema Briseida
Published: February 2024

Case-based teaching or “Morning Rounds” have been used in medical education for more than a century and remain a cornerstone for teaching in many training programs. Our Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) program was established forty years ago and has retained this form of teaching since its inception. Case-based rounds have consistently had the highest evaluation of all curricula in our program. Here we review the history of how these rounds were introduced in medical education, provide data from the learners' evaluation of these case-based rounds, and discuss the strengths and potential drawbacks of this form of teaching from an educational theories perspective with the hope that they can be used by other Pediatric Critical Care training programs.
Association between left ventricular remodeling and lipid profiles in obese children: an observational study
Authors: Tang Ying , Yang Guang-bin , Chen Jun , Chen Ye , Hua Li-chun
Published: February 2024

Objective

Childhood obesity has become a prominent issue in the society, which can lead to left ventricular remodeling and severe cardiovascular complications in adulthood. It is beneficial to identify the causes of left ventricular remodeling so that targeted measures can be taken to prevent the cardiovascular disease. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between left ventricular remodeling and changes in blood lipid indexes in obese children.

Methods

This study was conducted on 40 healthy non-obese children and 140 obese children diagnosed in the pediatric health department of our hospital. Clinical data collected from the two groups were compared. Echocardiography was performed to examine left ventricular configuration and cardiac function. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the independent effects of blood lipid levels on echocardiographic parameters. Blood lipid indicators among different left ventricular structural patterns which were classified according to left ventricular mass indexes and relative wall thickness were compared.

Results

Obese children exhibited significantly increased height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDd), interventricular septum (IVSd), left ventricular posterior wall diastolic thickness (LVPWd), myocardial mass (LVM) and relative wall thickness (RWT), as well as lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared to the non-obese children (P < 0.05). Multiple linear correlation analysis showed LVM had a significantly positive correlation with BMI (r = 3.21, P = 0.002) and SBP (r = 2.61, P = 0.01); LVMI had a significantly negative correlation with HDL-C (r = −2.45, P = 0.015); RWT had a significantly positive correlation with SBP (r = 2.50, P = 0.013) but a significantly negative correlation with HDL-C (r = −2.35, P = 0.02). Furthermore, there were significant differences in HDL-C values among children with different ventricular configurations (P < 0.05), with the lowest HDL-C value recorded in the concentric hypertrophy group.

Conclusion

Obese children will develop left ventricular remodeling. The left ventricular configuration indexes are most significantly associated with serum HDL-C. Lower HDL-C level contributes to severer left ventricular hypertrophy, indicating a concentric hypertrophy pattern.
Clinical characteristics of 4,520 paediatric patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant, in Xi'an, China
Authors: Yue Jingwei , Cao Jin , Liu Lin , Yin Li , Li Mingyue
Published: February 2024

Background and objective

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has broad tissue tropism and high transmission, which are likely to perpetuate the pandemic. The study aim to analyze the clinicopathogenic characteristics in paediatric patients.

Methods

In this single-centre study, we retrospectively included all confirmed cases infected by SARS-CoV-2 infection at Xi’an Children's Hospital, China, from 1 December to 31 December 2022. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of the patients were analysed.

Results

A total of 4,520 paediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant infections were included. Of these, 3,861 (85.36%) were outpatients, 659 (14.64%) were hospitalised patients, and nine patients (0.20%) died. Of the nine patients who died, five were diagnosed with acute necrotising encephalopathy (ANE). The most common symptoms were fever in 4,275 (94.59%) patients, cough in 1,320 (29.20%) patients, convulsions in 610 (13.50%) patients, vomiting in 410 (9.07%) patients, runny nose/coryza in 277 (6.13%) patients, hoarseness of voice in 273 (6.04%) patients. A blood cell analysis showed a slight elevation of monocytes (mean: 11.14 ± 0.07%). The main diagnoses for both outpatients and inpatients were respiratory infection with multisystem manifestations.

Conclusions

A high incidence of convulsions is a typical characteristic of children infected with SARS-CoV-2. Five of the nine COVID-19 fatalities were associated with ANE. This indicates that nervous system damage in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection is more significant.
Integrating artificial intelligence into the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine industry: a review
Authors: Zhou E. , Shen Qin , Hou Yang
Published: February 2024

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the practical experience and summary of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. It shows great potential in treating various chronic diseases, complex diseases and major infectious diseases, and has gradually attracted the attention of people all over the world. However, due to the complexity of prescription and action mechanism of TCM, the development of TCM industry is still in a relatively conservative stage. With the rise of artificial intelligence technology in various fields, many scholars began to apply artificial intelligence technology to traditional Chinese medicine industry and made remarkable progress. This paper comprehensively summarizes the important role of artificial intelligence in the development of traditional Chinese medicine industry from various aspects, including new drug discovery, data mining, quality standardization and industry technology of traditional Chinese medicine. The limitations of artificial intelligence in these applications are also emphasized, including the lack of pharmacological research, database quality problems and the challenges brought by human-computer interaction. Nevertheless, the development of artificial intelligence has brought new opportunities and innovations to the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. Integrating artificial intelligence technology into the comprehensive application of Chinese medicine industry is expected to overcome the major problems faced by traditional Chinese medicine industry and further promote the modernization of the whole traditional Chinese medicine industry.
Lipotoxicity and immunometabolism in ischemic acute kidney injury: current perspectives and future directions
Authors: Otunla Afolarin A. , Shanmugarajah Kumaran , Davies Alun H. , Shalhoub Joseph
Published: February 2024

Dysregulated lipid metabolism is implicated in the pathophysiology of a range of kidney diseases. The specific mechanisms through which lipotoxicity contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI) remain poorly understood. Herein we review the cardinal features of lipotoxic injury in ischemic kidney injury; lipid accumulation and mitochondrial lipotoxicity. We then explore a new mechanism of lipotoxicity, what we define as “immunometabolic” lipotoxicity, and discuss the potential therapeutic implications of targeting this lipotoxicity using lipid lowering medications.
Intravenous Reelin rescues despair-like behavior, Reelin cells in the dentate sub-granular zone, and spleen atrophy in the cyclic corticosterone model of recurring depressive episodes
Authors: Reive B. S. , Johnston J. , Sánchez-Lafuente C. L. , Scheil Kaylene , Kurz K. , Kalynchuk L. E. , Caruncho H. J.
Published: February 2024

Novel antidepressants are predominantly evaluated preclinically in rodent models of chronic stress in which animals experience a single prolonged exposure to chronic stress prior to treatment. Rodent models of a single episode of chronic stress translate poorly to human depressive disorders, which are commonly marked by recurring depressive episodes. Intravenous administration of Reelin has previously been shown to resolve immobility in the forced swim test of rats exposed to a single prolonged exposure to chronic stress. To determine whether Reelin has antidepressant-like properties in a model of recurring depressive episodes, Long–Evans rats (N = 57) were exposed to multiple cycles of chronic stress and stress-free periods before the administration of a single injection of Reelin during the final cycle of chronic stress. The animals then performed in the forced swim test and open field test before the post-mortem evaluation of Reelin cell counts in the sub-granular zone of the dentate gyrus to determine the impact of treatment on hippocampal Reelin levels and spleen white pulp to evaluate the role of Reelin treatment in peripheral inflammation. The results show a single Reelin injection reversed elevated levels of immobility in the forced swim test in both male and female subjects exposed to the cyclic chronic stress model of recurring depressive episodes. Treatment with Reelin also restored Reelin-positive cell counts in the dentate gyrus sub-granular zone and reversed atrophy of spleen white pulp. The results shown here indicate that treatment with Reelin could effectively resolve alterations in forced swim test behavior caused by the cyclic corticosterone model of recurring depressive episodes and that Reelin homeostasis is important for regulating stress-related inflammation. Future preclinical antidepressant research should incorporate models of multiple depressive episodes to improve the translation of preclinical rodent research to human depressive disorders.
Insights into the unique roles of dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) in wound healing
Authors: Li Yu , Long Jie , Zhang Ziang , Yin Wen
Published: February 2024

Dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) is a newly recognized layer of adipocytes within the reticular dermis of the skin. In many mammals, this layer is clearly separated by panniculus carnosus from subcutaneous adipose tissue (sWAT). While, they concentrated around the hair shaft and follicle, sebaceous gland, and arrector pili muscle, and forms a very specific cone geometry in human. Both the anatomy and the histology indicate that dWAT has distinct development and functions. Different from sWAT, the developmental origin of dWAT shares a common precursor with dermal fibroblasts during embryogenesis. Therefore, when skin injury happens and mature adipocytes in dWAT are exposed, they may undergo lipolysis and dedifferentiate into fibroblasts to participate in wound healing as embryogenetic stage. Studies using genetic strategies to selectively ablate dermal adipocytes observed delayed revascularization and re-epithelialization in wound healing. This review specifically summarizes the hypotheses of the functions of dWAT in wound healing. First, lipolysis of dermal adipocytes could contribute to wound healing by regulating inflammatory macrophage infiltration. Second, loss of dermal adipocytes occurs at the wound edge, and adipocyte-derived cells then become ECM-producing wound bed myofibroblasts during the proliferative phase of repair. Third, mature dermal adipocytes are rich resources for adipokines and cytokines and could release them in response to injury. In addition, the dedifferentiated dermal adipocytes are more sensitive to redifferentiation protocol and could undergo expansion in infected wound. We then briefly introduce the roles of dWAT in protecting the skin from environmental challenges: production of an antimicrobial peptide against infection. In the future, we believe there may be great potential for research in these areas: (1) taking advantage of the plasticity of dermal adipocytes and manipulating them in wound healing; (2) investigating the precise mechanism of dWAT expansion in infected wound healing.
The prolificacy of green transformational leadership in shaping employee green behavior during times of crises in small and medium enterprises: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Zaid Wafaa Mohammed Ahmed , Yaqub Muhammad Zafar
Published: February 2024

Besides various other potent efforts to contain and consolidate, post-pandemic crisis management requires an adequate display of green transformational leadership. Green transformational leaders exhibit a formidable commitment to sustainability in making managerial choices and subsequently inspiring and motivating their employees to participate vigorously in the ensuing green initiatives. Such initiatives could profoundly help organizations adjust to shifting market situations, follow requirements, and preserve stakeholder trust. While making appeals to the central tenants of the transformation leadership theory, social exchange theory, and the social cognition theory, the study examines the impact of green transformational leadership on employees’ green behaviors during times of crises using employees’ self-esteem as a mediator and work engagement as the critical moderator. The relevant context of the study has been the small and medium enterprises of Saudi Arabia. Data from 232 SMEs employing less than 250 employees selected through convenience sampling was collected using structured questionnaires. After performing hierarchical regression modeling using SPSS 23, macro V4 model 58, and Amos 24, it has been found that green transformational leadership is positively associated with employees’ green behaviors, with self-esteem and work engagement acting as significant mediating and moderating conditions, respectively. Besides, providing firsthand empirical evidence on the impact of green transformational leadership on employees’ green behaviors, in unique industrial (SMEs), contextual (times of crises), and regional (Middle Eastern) settings, the study offers useful implications to the managers aspiring to enhance the sustainable performance of their firms through maturing green behaviors among their employees.
Factors associated with sleep disorders among university students in Jiangsu Province: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Bin , Wu Qi , Wang Yue , Zhou Haitao , Yin Dehui
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aims to establish the precise prevalence of sleep disorders among university students in Jiangsu Province. Utilizing a representative sample of students, we measured their sleep quality based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Our objective is to quantitatively assess the magnitude of sleep quality and identify key factors. By detailed analysis of these relationships, our study seeks to provide actionable insights for the development of targeted interventions to enhance sleep quality within this population.

Methods

From October to November 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey in Jiangsu Province, China. Using convenient cluster sampling in each college, a total of 8457 participants were selected. The PSQI was applied to assess sleep quality among university students. Data collected included sociodemographic details, scores from the Mobile Phone Dependence Index (MPAI) and psychological resilience measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC).

Results

The overall prevalence of poor sleep quality among the participants was 39.30%. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that higher physical activity (OR = 0.921; 95% CI: 0.779-1.090), earlier roommate bedtimes (OR = 0.799; 95% CI: 0.718-0.888), quieter dormitories (OR = 0.732; 95% CI: 0.647-0.828) and higher psychological resilience (OR = 0.982; 95% CI, 0.979-0.984) were protective factors linked to lower risk of poor sleep quality. Conversely, being a female student (OR = 1.238; 95% CI: 1.109-1.382), being a senior (OR = 1.582; 95% CI: 1.344-1.863), single-child status (OR = 1.195; 95% CI: 1.077-1.326), regular smoking (OR = 1.833; 95% CI: 1.181-2.847), regular alcohol consumption (OR = 1.737; 95% CI: 1.065-2.833), high academic stress (OR = 1.326; 95% CI: 1.012-1.736), high employment stress (OR = 1.352; 95% CI: 1.156-1.582), dissatisfaction with dormitory hygiene (OR = 1.140; 95% CI: 1.028-1.265), poor self-rated physical health (OR = 1.969; 95% CI: 1.533-2.529), poor self-rated mental health (OR = 2.924; 95% CI: 2.309-3.702) and higher mobile phone dependency were risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of poor sleep quality.

Conclusion

The sleep quality among university students should attract immediate attention. The development of public services and mental health education initiatives is crucial in enhancing the sleep health of this population.
Model-based impact evaluation of new tuberculosis vaccines in aging populations under different modeling scenarios: the case of China
Authors: Tovar Mario , Sanz Joaquín , Moreno Yamir
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The slow descent in TB burden, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the rise of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, seriously threaten TB control and the goals of the End TB strategy. To fight back, several vaccine candidates are under development, with some of them undergoing the phases 2B and 3 of the development pipeline. The impact of these vaccines on the general population needs to be addressed using disease-transmission models, and, in a country like China, which last year ranked third in number of cases worldwide, and where the population is aging at a fast pace, the impact of TB vaccination campaigns may depend heavily upon the age of targeted populations, the mechanistic descriptions of the TB vaccines and the coupling between TB dynamics and demographic evolution.

Methods

In this work, we studied the potential impact of a new TB vaccine in China targeting adolescents (15–19 y.o.) or older adults (60–64 y.o.), according to varying vaccine descriptions that represent reasonable mechanisms of action leading to prevention of disease, or prevention of recurrence, each of them targetting specific routes to TB disease. To measure the influence of the description of the coupling between transmission dynamics and aging in TB transmission models, we explored two different approaches to compute the evolution of the contact matrices, which relate to the spreading among different age strata.

Results

Our findings highlight the dependence of model-based impact estimates on vaccine profiles and the chosen modeling approach for describing the evolution of contact matrices. Our results also show, in line with previous modeling works, that older adult vaccination is a suitable option in China to reduce the incidence of TB as long as the vaccine is able to protect already exposed individuals.

Discussion

This study underscores the importance of considering vaccine characteristics and demographic dynamics in shaping TB control strategies. In this sense, older adult vaccination emerges as a promising avenue for mitigating TB transmission in China but also remarks the need for tailored intervention strategies aligned with demographic trends.
Perspective historique. La Constitution de la Ve République, un esprit, des institutions, une pratique?
Authors: Vidal-Naquet Ariane
Published: February 2024

It can be argued that the Constitution of the Fifth Republic is an asset for France, if only because of its longevity. Besides, given the objective set by its founders in 1958, namely to restore the state around the executive, the Fifth Republic is undoubtedly a success. However, this success has led to an imbalance in the functioning of the institutions, which, despite attempts at reform, remain essentially centred on the head of state. The article addresses this issue through the prism of three fundamental issues: ‘the spirit’ of the Constitution, focused on the reconstruction of the State; ‘institutions’, unequal in favour of the President of the Republic; and ‘practice’, sometimes unconstitutional.
Modelling of Cryopumps for Space Electric Propulsion Usage
Authors: Neumann Andreas , Brchnelova Michaela
Published: February 2024

Electric space propulsion is a technology that is used in a continuously increasing number of spacecrafts. The qualification of these propulsion systems has to run in ground-based test facilities which requires long testing times and powerful pumping systems. In these usually large test facilities, high pumping speeds are achieved with cryopumps. Cryopump operation is very expensive with respect to electrical energy and cooling water consumption. Therefore, being able to optimize pump shape, cold plate material, and pump placement in a chamber is beneficial. Pump design and tuned operating strategies can reduce costs and increase intervals between regeneration. Testing different pump configuration setups in a large facility is mostly prohibitive due to high costs and long testing times. Optimization via modelling is a better choice for design and also, later, for operation. Therefore, having a numerical model and proven guidelines at hand for optimization is very helpful. This paper describes a new model developed at DLR for the optimization of cryopump layout and operation. Model results are compared with cryopump operational and warm-up data. This validation is the basis for further optimization actions like multi-layer insulation layouts and pump cold plate upgrades, and helps in understanding and mitigating the detrimental effect of water condensates on the cryopump cold plates.
Implementing and Testing a U-Space System: Lessons Learnt
Authors: Fas-Millán Miguel-Ángel , Pick Andreas , Río Daniel González del , Tineo Alejandro Paniagua , García Rubén García
Published: February 2024

Within the framework of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, one of the main goals of the Labyrinth project was to develop and test the Conflict Management services of a U-space-based Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system. The U-space concept of operations (ConOps) provides a high-level description of the architecture, requirements and functionalities of these systems, but the implementer has a certain degree of freedom in aspects like the techniques used or some policies and procedures. The current document describes some of those implementation decisions. The prototype included part of the services defined by the ConOps, namely e-identification, Tracking, Geo-awareness, Drone Aeronautical Information Management, Geo-fence Provision, Operation Plan Preparation/Optimization, Operation Plan Processing, Strategic Conflict Resolution, Tactical Conflict Resolution, Emergency Management, Monitoring, Traffic Information and Legal Recording. Moreover, a Web app interface was developed for the operator/pilot. The system was tested in simulations and real visual line of sight (VLOS) and beyond VLOS (BVLOS) flights, with both vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and fixed-wing platforms, while assisting final users interested in incorporating drones to support their tasks. The development and testing of the environment provided lessons at different levels: functionalities, compatibility, procedures, information, usability, ground control station (GCS) integration and aircrew roles.
Optimized Design of Robotic Arm for Tomato Branch Pruning in Greenhouses
Authors: Ma Yuhang , Feng Qingchun , Sun Yuhuan , Guo Xin , Zhang Wanhao , Wang Bowen , Chen Liping
Published: February 2024

Aiming at the robotic pruning of tomatoes in greenhouses, a new PRRPR configuration robotic arm consisting of two prismatic (P) joints and three revolute (R) joints was designed to locate the end effector to handle randomly growing branches with an appropriate posture. In view of the various spatial posture of the branches, drawing on the skill of manual pruning operation, we propose a description method of the optimal operation posture of the pruning end effector, proposing a method of solving the inverse kinematics of the pruning arm based on the multi-objective optimization algorithm. According to the spatial distribution characteristics of the tomato branches along the main stem, the robotic arm structure is compact and the reachable space is maximized as the objective function, and a method of optimizing the key geometric parameters of the robotic arm is proposed. The optimal maximum length of the arm’s horizontal slide joint was determined to be 953.149 mm and the extension maximum length of its telescopic joint was 632.320 mm. The verification test of the optimal structural parameter showed that the optimized robotic arm could reach more than 89.94% of the branches in the pruning target area with a posture that meets the pruning requirements. This study is supposed to provide technical support for the development of a tomato pruning robot.
Digital Image Analysis of Low-Temperature Responses in Sweet Corn Hybrid Seedlings
Authors: Park Tae-Chun , Wang Seunghyun , Kang Jongwon , Kang Minjeong , Chung Jong-Wook , So Yoon-Sup
Published: February 2024

Breeding for stress-tolerant hybrids begins with screening germplasm for tolerant genotypes. We employed a non-destructive and objective method to evaluate the low-temperature response of sweet corns at the seedling stage, using a digital image analysis. It was estimated using summed leaf area, a new parameter defined as the sum of the leaf area measured from images taken at different angles. The summed leaf area, SPAD, shoot and root fresh weight, and total root length were significantly different among hybrids. The group mean of sugary endosperm type was significantly higher than that of shrunken type for all traits but SPAD. For the summed leaf area, the top three ranked hybrids were from the sugary type, but the area for the following three hybrids from the shrunken type did not differ from that for the first three hybrids. The summed leaf area was correlated with SPAD (r = 0.49 **), shoot (r = 0.99 **) and root (r = 0.93 **) fresh weight, and total root length (r = 0.76 **). Phytoglycogen in seeds only had a significant correlation (r = 0.46 **) with the area. The summed leaf area of only one hybrid differed between normal- and low-temperature conditions. The low-temperature response based on the summed leaf area was reflected in the field condition, with a few exceptions. The results suggest that the summed leaf area via digital image analysis can be used to evaluate low-temperature response in sweet corns.
The Phenotypic Diversity of 232 Germplasm Accessions Identifies the Adverse Effects of Flowering Redundancy on Peanut Yield
Authors: Liu Na , Liu Dengwang , Tang Kang , Lu Xuankang , Tao Yu , Yan Xin , Zeng Ningbo , Li Lin , Luo Zinan
Published: February 2024

Peanut is a leguminous crop with an indeterminate growth habit that will continuously flower during the entire reproductive development stage. Flowering redundancy adversely affects the yield and quality of peanut. In this study, eight flowering and five yield-related traits were collected and comprehensively evaluated from a diverse germplasm panel consisting of 232 peanut accessions, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving the flowering habit and yield for future peanut breeding efforts. As a result, large phenotypic diversity was observed in 13 traits. Most of the traits suggested high heritability, except high effective flowering duration (HEFD), days to 100% flower cessation (DTC100), and yield per plant (YPP). Days to 90% flower cessation (DTC90), days to DTC100, flowering duration (FD), and low effective flowering duration (LEFD) showed significant negative correlations with 100-seed weight, 100-pod weight, YPP, average weight per pod, and shelling percentage. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that flowering redundancy traits as well as yield-related traits contributed more to the first three PCs when compared to other traits. This study addresses the lack of peanut flowering phenotypic and genetic diversity and lays the foundation for in-depth research on redundancy-related genes in peanut flowering.
Salt Addition Mitigate Mortality Risk and Prolong Survival of Robinia pseudoacacia Subjected to Drought Stress
Authors: Fan Yanli , Wang Jianlong , Yan Meifang , Wang Xia , Du Guangyuan , Li Huijie , Li Min , Si Bingcheng
Published: February 2024

Global climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of drought and salt stress worldwide, with profound impacts on tree growth and survival. However, the response of plant hydraulic transport and carbon balance to combined drought and salt stress remains unclear. This study investigated the leaf physiological traits, stem xylem hydraulic traits, and nonstructural carbohydrate concentration of Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings under normal irrigation treatment (CK, freshwater at 80–100% FC); salt stress treatment (SS, 0.3% soil salinity with freshwater); drought stress treatment (DS, withholding irrigation); and combined drought and salt treatments (SDS, 0.3% soil salinity withholding irrigation). Our results showed that the leaf physiological traits responded differently to different treatments. DS and SDS treatment significantly decreased leaf water potential and stomatal conductance, while SS treatment did not. DS treatment increased stomatal density but decreased stomatal area to adapt to water deficit, while SS and SDS treatment decreased stomatal length or width. In terms of xylem hydraulic traits, SS, DS and SDS significantly decreased xylem specific hydraulic conductivity by 47%, 42% and 49%, while percent loss of conductivity (PLC) significantly increased by 81% and 62% in DS and SDS, but the PLC of SS was not increased significantly. Additionally, net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate significantly decreased in SS, DS and SDS, while leaf water use efficiency significantly increased. The chlorophyll content index and maximum light quantum efficiency of photosystem II were also decreased. For nonstructural carbohydrate, the soluble sugars, starch and total non-structural carbohydrate were significantly decreased in DS in specific tissues, showing reductions of 42%, 68%, and 56% in leaves, 69%, 61%, and 62% in stem, and 30%, 59%, and 57% in root. Our findings provide evidence that salt addition alleviated drought stress by improving hydraulic traits and carbohydrate reserves, which is expected to contribute to predicting future vegetation dynamics under climate change.
Application of Machine Learning to Estimate Ammonia Atmospheric Emissions and Concentrations
Authors: Marongiu Alessandro , Collalto Anna Gilia , Distefano Gabriele Giuseppe , Angelino Elisabetta
Published: February 2024

This paper describes an innovative method that recursively applies the machine learning Random Forest to an assumed homogeneous aerographic domain around measurement sites to predict concentrations and emissions of ammonia, an atmospheric pollutant that causes acidification and eutrophication of soil and water and contributes to secondary PM2.5. The methodology was implemented to understand the effects of weather and emission changes on atmospheric ammonia concentrations. The model was trained and tested by hourly measurements of ammonia concentrations and atmospheric turbulence parameters, starting from a constant emission scenario. The initial values of emissions were calculated based on a bottom-up emission inventory detailed at the municipal level and considering a circular area of about 4 km radius centered on measurement sites. By comparing predicted and measured concentrations for each iteration, the emissions were modified, the model’s training and testing were repeated, and the model converged to a very high performance in predicting ammonia concentrations and establishing hourly time-varying emission profiles. The ammonia concentration predictions were extremely accurate and reliable compared to the measured values. The relationship between NH3 concentrations and the calculated emissions rates is compatible with physical atmospheric turbulence parameters. The site-specific emissions profiles, estimated by the proposed methodology, clearly show a nonlinear relation with measured concentrations and allow the identification of the effect of atmospheric turbulence on pollutant accumulation. The proposed methodology is suitable for validating and confirming emission time series and defining highly accurate emission profiles for the improvement of the performances of chemical and transport models (CTMs) in combination with in situ measurements and/or optical depth from satellite observation.
Genomic and Proteomic Analyses of Extracellular Products Reveal Major Virulence Factors Likely Accounting for Differences in Pathogenicity to Bivalves between Vibrio mediterranei Strains
Authors: Fan Congling , Dai Wenfang , Zhang Haiyan , Liu Sheng , Lin Zhihua , Xue Qinggang
Published: February 2024

Vibrio mediterranei, a bacterial pathogen of bivalves, has exhibited strain-dependent virulence. The mechanisms behind the variations in bivalve pathogenicity between V. mediterranei strains have remained unclear. However, a preliminary analysis of the extracellular product (ECP) proteomes has revealed differences in protein compositions between low- and high-virulence strains; in addition to 1265 shared proteins, 127 proteins have been identified to be specific to one low-virulence strain and 95 proteins to be specific to two high-virulence strains. We further studied the ECP proteins of the three V. mediterranei strains from functional perspectives using integrated genomics and proteomics approaches. The results showed that lipid metabolism, transporter activity and membrane transporter pathways were more enriched in the ECPs of the two high-virulence strains than in those of the low-virulence strain. Additionally, 73 of the 95 high-virulence strain-specific proteins were found to have coding genes in the genome but were not expressed in the low-virulence strain. Moreover, comparisons with known virulence factors in the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB) and the Pathogen–Host Interactions Database (PHI-base) allowed us to predict more than 10 virulence factors in the categories of antimicrobial activity/competitive advantage, the effector delivery system and immune modulation, and the high-virulence strain-specific ECP proteins consisted of a greater percentage of known virulence factors than the low-virulence strain. Particularly, two virulence factors, MtrC and KatG, were identified in the ECPs of the two high-virulence strains but not in those of the low-virulence strain. Most coding genes of the ECP proteins including known virulence factors were identified on chromosome 1 of V. mediterranei. Our findings indicate that variations in virulence factor composition in the bacterial ECPs may partially account for the differences in the bivalve pathogenicity between V. mediterranei strains.
Synthesis and Characterization of New N-acyl Hydrazone Derivatives of Carprofen as Potential Tuberculostatic Agents
Authors: Vlad Ilinca Margareta , Nuță Diana Camelia , Căproiu Miron Theodor , Dumitrașcu Florea , Kapronczai Eleonóra , Mük Georgiana Ramona , Avram Speranta , Niculescu Adelina Gabriela , Zarafu Irina , Ciorobescu Vanesa Alexandra , Brezeanu Ana Maria , Limban Carmen
Published: February 2024

N-acyl hydrazone (NAH) is recognized as a promising framework in drug design due to its versatility, straightforward synthesis, and attractive range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antitumoral, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the global context of increasing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics, NAHs represent potential solutions for developing improved treatment alternatives. Therefore, this research introduces six novel derivatives of (EZ)-N’-benzylidene-2-(6-chloro-9H-carbazol-2-yl)propanehydrazide, synthesized using a microwave-assisted method. In more detail, we joined two pharmacophore fragments in a single molecule, represented by an NSAID-type carprofen structure and a hydrazone-type structure, obtaining a new series of NSAID-N-acyl hydrazone derivatives that were further characterized spectrally using FT-IR, NMR, and HRMS investigations. Additionally, the substances were assessed for their tuberculostatic activity by examining their impact on four strains of M. tuberculosis, including two susceptible to rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH), one susceptible to RIF and resistant to INH, and one resistant to both RIF and INH. The results of our research highlight the potential of the prepared compounds in fighting against antibiotic-resistant M. tuberculosis strains.