bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gluteal Muscle Fatty Atrophy: An Independent Risk Factor for Surgical Treatment in Elderly Patients Diagnosed with Type-III Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis
Authors: Linhart Christoph , Mehrens Dirk , Gellert Luca Maximilian , Ehrnthaller Christian , Gleich Johannes , Lampert Christopher , Lerchenberger Maximilian , Böcker Wolfgang , Neuerburg Carl , Zhang Yunjie
Published: November 2023

Background: Gluteal muscle fatty atrophy (gMFA) might impair pelvic stability and negatively influence remobilization in patients with fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP). This study aimed to investigate the association between gMFA and surgical indication in patients with FFP. Methods and materials: A retrospective analysis of 429 patients (age ≥80) diagnosed with FFP was performed. gMFA of the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus was evaluated using a standard scoring system based on computer tomography images. Results: No significant difference was found in gMFA between genders or among FFP types. The severity of gMFA did not correlate with age. The severity of gMFA in the gluteus medius was significantly greater than in the gluteus maximus, whereas the most profound gMFA was found in the gluteus minimus. gMFA was significantly more severe in patients who underwent an operation than in conservatively treated patients with type-III FFP, and an independent correlation to surgical indication was found using logistic regression. Conclusion: Our findings imply that gMFA is an independent factor for surgical treatment in patients with type-III FFP. Besides focusing on the fracture pattern, the further evaluation of gMFA could be a feasible parameter for decision making toward either conservative or surgical treatment of type-III FFP.
BRAF K601E Mutation in Oncocytic Carcinoma of the Thyroid: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Matrone Antonio , Citro Fabrizia , Gambale Carla , Prete Alessandro , Minaldi Elisa , Ciampi Raffaele , Ramone Teresa , Materazzi Gabriele , Torregrossa Liborio , Elisei Rossella
Published: November 2023

Background: Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is the most common endocrine cancer, with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) being the most common subtype. BRAF and RAS oncogene were characterized as the most frequently altered genes in PTC, with a strong association between genotype and histotype. The most common mutation in BRAF gene is V600E and is prevalent in classic and aggressive variants of PTC, while BRAF K601E mutation is the most common among the other rare BRAF mutations. BRAF K601E mutated thyroid carcinomas are usually characterized by low aggressiveness, except for anecdotal cases of poorly differentiated TC. Case presentation: We described a case of oncocytic carcinoma of the thyroid (OCA) with an aggressive clinical course, including widespread metastasis and resistance to radioiodine treatment. Molecular analysis revealed the exclusive presence of the BRAF K601E mutation in both primary tumor and metastatic lesions. Accordingly, a revision of the literature about aggressive TC cases carrying BRAF K601E mutation was performed. Conclusion: Although rare, this case emphasizes the relevance of considering BRAF K601E mutation in advanced non-PTC thyroid carcinomas, since it can be considered an actionable mutation for target therapies.
Proteome Analysis of Bevacizumab Intervention in Experimental Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Cehofski Lasse Jørgensen , Kruse Anders , Mæng Mads Odgaard , Kjaergaard Benedict , Grauslund Jakob , Honoré Bent , Vorum Henrik
Published: November 2023

Bevacizumab is a frequently used inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the management of macular edema in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Studying retinal protein changes in bevacizumab intervention may provide insights into mechanisms of action. In nine Danish Landrace pigs, experimental CRVO was induced in both eyes with argon laser. The right eyes received an intravitreal injection of 0.05 mL bevacizumab (n = 9), while the left control eyes received 0.05 mL saline water (NaCl). Retinal samples were collected 15 days after induced CRVO. Label-free quantification nano-liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry identified 59 proteins that were regulated following bevacizumab treatment. Following bevacizumab intervention, altered levels of bevacizumab components, including the Ig gamma-1 chain C region and the Ig kappa chain C region, were observed. Changes in other significantly regulated proteins ranged between 0.58–1.73, including for the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain (fold change = 1.73), protein-transport protein Sec24B (fold change = 1.71), glycerol kinase (fold change = 1.61), guanine-nucleotide-binding protein G(T) subunit-gamma-T1 (fold change = 0.67), and prefoldin subunit 6 (fold change = 0.58). A high retinal concentration of bevacizumab was achieved within 15 days. Changes in the additional proteins were limited, suggesting a narrow mechanism of action.
Associations of Adipocytokines with The Development of Cardiovascular Events in Young People
Authors: Khudiakova Alena D. , Polonskaya Yana V. , Shramko Victoria S. , Shcherbakova Lilia V. , Garbuzova Evgeniia V. , Kashtanova Elena V. , Ragino Yulia I.
Published: November 2023

The research was aimed to study the associations of adipocytokines with the risk of cardiovascular events and to determine the threshold values of adipocytes for the prognosis of cardiovascular events in a young population. Materials and methods. The study is an epidemiological cohort study. The analysis included 1240 people aged 25–44 years. The endpoint was combined and included: death from cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, probable myocardial infarction, acute cerebrovascular accident, hospitalization for cardiovascular disease, and revascularization. Adipocytokines were determined with a MILLIPLEX panel. Results. In the examined population, 1.7% of cases of cardiovascular events were detected during cohort observation, of which 28.6% were fatal events. In men, cardiovascular endpoints were recorded 4.3 times more often than in women (17 (81%) vs. 4 (19%), p = 0.003). In individuals with cardiovascular events, arterial hypertension (2.6 times), diabetes mellitus (8.6 times), and overweight/obesity (1.5 times) were more often recorded compared to individuals without cardiovascular events. For tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa), the threshold value was 2.5 pg/mL, with sensitivity assessment (Se) at 85.7% and specificity (Sp) at 83.3%. For amylin, the threshold value was 10.5 pg/mL, with Se at 73.7% and Sp at 67.0%. For pancreatic polypeptide (PP), the threshold value was 43.7 pg/mL, with Se at 85.7% and Sp at 56.7%. Conclusion. A method for assessing the risk of cardiovascular events in young people includes determining the levels of amylin, PP, and TNFa in blood serum. The cut-off points for predicting cardiovascular events were levels of amylin above 10.5 pg/mL, PP above 43.7 pg/mL, or a decrease in TNFa below 3.8 pg/mL.
Treatment of Scleroderma-Related Microstomia Using Hyaluronic Acid: An Interventional Study
Authors: Shir-az Ofir , Berl Ariel , Mann Din , Bilal Biader Samih , Levy Yair , Shalom Avshalom
Published: November 2023

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) or scleroderma is a rare, systemic, autoimmune connective tissue disease. It causes increased collagen synthesis, leading to multi-organ sclerosis, including the skin and joints. Patients’ overall health and quality of life are harmed dramatically. Involvement of the face and, especially, the oral opening can limit patients’ ability to speak and eat, oral hygiene, and cosmetic appearance. Profhilo® (NAHYCO®) is an over-the-counter product consisting of pure hyaluronic acid. It is used to improve skin quality by increasing collagen production and adipocyte vitality. This interventional study evaluated the results of perioral injections of hyaluronic acid in terms of improved skin quality, elasticity, and increased oral opening. Patients diagnosed with SSc received an injection of one syringe of Profhilo® (2 mL of hyaluronic acid) at each of two clinic visits at one-month intervals. The oral opening was measured between the upper and lower central incisors before and after treatment. Quality of life was assessed using the modified Rodnan Skin Score and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index. A total of 14 patients received the first treatment, and 11 received the second treatment. The mean oral opening increased from 31.6 mm (range 17–50 mm) prior to therapy to 35.8 mm (range 21–56) 2 months following the second injection. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant increase in the oral opening as observed one week (36.2 mm, p = 0.011), one month (36.2 mm, p = 0.007), and three months (31.6 mm, p = 0.023) after the second injection, at the 5-month follow-up. Treatment of SSc patients’ perioral area with Profhilo® can result in significant improvements in oral opening and quality of life.
Alkyl Substituent in Heterocyclic Substrate, Carbon Skeleton Length of O-Nucleophilic Agent and Conditions Influence the Product Composition from Competitive Reactions of SNipso Substitution by Aliphatic Oligoethers
Authors: Bosov Konstantin K. , Pivovarova Ekaterina V. , Krupnova Irina A. , Sukhanov Gennady T. , Sukhanova Anna G. , Filippova Yulia V.
Published: November 2023

Using 1H NMR spectroscopy, we studied the relative mobility of the NO2 group in 1-alkyl-5-nitro-1,2,4-triazoles in the reaction of nucleophilic heterocyclic substitution by aliphatic oligoethers. The main pathways of the SNipso substitution process and the composition of resultant products from competitive reactions were examined, and the key factors influencing the relative mobility of the nitro group, such as the nitrotriazole substrate constitution, the carbon skeleton length of the O-nucleophilic agent and the process conditions, were discussed. Several independent competitive reactions directed towards the substitution of the nitro group at position C(5) in the alkyltriazole substrate by different types of nucleophiles such as alkoxide-, hydroxide- and triazolonate anions were observed to take place under conditions used. The major reaction yielded oligoethers containing terminal alkyltriazole heterocycles. Secondary reactions occurred to form the corresponding triazolone and N–C triazolyl triazolone structures in the reaction system. Additionally, in excess of the alkaline agent, alkaline hydrolysis was observed to proceed at the final stages of the process involving the O-nucleophile having a longer oligoether backbone in the series studied, leading to the formation of new O-nucleophilic sites. The obtained findings can provide a foundation for devising a method for the modification of a wide range of commercially available aliphatic oligo- or polyethers to prepare functional macromolecules whose terminals carry bioactive 1,2,4-triazole heterocycles located at a desired distance from each other.
Influence of Long-Term Storage and UV Light Exposure on Characteristics of Polyurethane Foams for Cryogenic Insulation
Authors: Sture Beatrise , Yakushin Vladimir , Vevere Laima , Cabulis Ugis
Published: November 2023

Rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams have been the most effective insulation material used in space launchers since the beginning of cryogenic fuel use, due to their outstanding thermal and mechanical properties. In this study, spray-applied PUR foams using different ratios of amine-based catalysts were produced. Due to climate change, several restrictions have been made regarding the usage of blowing agents used for PUR foam production. Lately, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) have been suggested as an alternative for PUR foam production due to their low global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP), replacing the hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) so far used. This change in blowing agents naturally altered the usage of catalysts. Reactive amine-based catalysts are less hazardous because of their low volatility and ability to react successfully with isocyanate or polyols. Spray-applied PUR foams with a potential application for cryogenic insulation were produced and tested for long-term storage, analyzing parameters such as the pH value of polyol composition, foaming kinetics (trise, tcream), etc. Athermal analysis (TG, DSC) was also applied to developed materials, as well as artificial ageing by exposing samples to UV light. It was discovered that PUR foams obtained using reactive amine-based catalysts, such as Polycat 203 and 218, have a higher integral heat capacity, but polyol mixtures containing these catalysts cannot exceed a storage time of more than 4 months. It was also observed from artificial ageing tests of PUR cryogenic insulation by exposure to UV light that the thickness of the degraded layer reached 0.8 mm (after 1000 h), but no significant destruction of cellular structure deeper in the material was observed.
Artistic Style Recognition: Combining Deep and Shallow Neural Networks for Painting Classification
Authors: Imran Saqib , Naqvi Rizwan Ali , Sajid Muhammad , Malik Tauqeer Safdar , Ullah Saif , Moqurrab Syed Atif , Yon Dong Keon
Published: November 2023

This study’s main goal is to create a useful software application for finding and classifying fine art photos in museums and art galleries. There is an increasing need for tools to swiftly analyze and arrange art collections based on their artistic styles as a result of the digitization of art collections. To increase the accuracy of the style categorization, the suggested technique involves two parts. The input image is split into five sub-patches in the first stage. A DCNN that has been particularly trained for this task is then used to classify each patch individually. A decision-making module using a shallow neural network is part of the second phase. Probability vectors acquired from the first-phase classifier are used to train this network. The results from each of the five patches are combined in this phase to deduce the final style classification for the input image. One key advantage of this approach is employing probability vectors rather than images, and the second phase is trained separately from the first. This helps compensate for any potential errors made during the first phase, improving accuracy in the final classification. To evaluate the proposed method, six various already-trained CNN models, namely AlexNet, VGG-16, VGG-19, GoogLeNet, ResNet-50, and InceptionV3, were employed as the first-phase classifiers. The second-phase classifier was implemented as a shallow neural network. By using four representative art datasets, experimental trials were conducted using the Australian Native Art dataset, the WikiArt dataset, ILSVRC, and Pandora 18k. The findings showed that the recommended strategy greatly surpassed existing methods in terms of style categorization accuracy and precision. Overall, the study assists in creating efficient software systems for analyzing and categorizing fine art images, making them more accessible to the general public through digital platforms. Using pre-trained models, we were able to attain an accuracy of 90.7. Our model performed better with a higher accuracy of 96.5 as a result of fine-tuning and transfer learning.
An Accurate Metaheuristic Mountain Gazelle Optimizer for Parameter Estimation of Single- and Double-Diode Photovoltaic Cell Models
Authors: Abbassi Rabeh , Saidi Salem , Urooj Shabana , Alhasnawi Bilal Naji , Alawad Mohamad A. , Premkumar Manoharan
Published: November 2023

Accurate parameter estimation is crucial and challenging for the design and modeling of PV cells/modules. However, the high degree of non-linearity of the typical I–V characteristic further complicates this task. Consequently, significant research interest has been generated in recent years. Currently, this trend has been marked by a noteworthy acceleration, mainly due to the rise of swarm intelligence and the rapid progress of computer technology. This paper proposes a developed Mountain Gazelle Optimizer (MGO) to generate the best values of the unknown parameters of PV generation units. The MGO mimics the social life and hierarchy of mountain gazelles in the wild. The MGO was compared with well-recognized recent algorithms, which were the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), the Squirrel Search Algorithm (SSA), the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm, the Bat–Artificial Bee Colony Optimizer (BABCO), the Bat Algorithm (BA), Multiswarm Spiral Leader Particle Swarm Optimization (M-SLPSO), the Guaranteed Convergence Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (GCPSO), Triple-Phase Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization (TPTLBO), the Criss-Cross-based Nelder–Mead simplex Gradient-Based Optimizer (CCNMGBO), the quasi-Opposition-Based Learning Whale Optimization Algorithm (OBLWOA), and the Fractional Chaotic Ensemble Particle Swarm Optimizer (FC-EPSO). The experimental findings and statistical studies proved that the MGO outperformed the competing techniques in identifying the parameters of the Single-Diode Model (SDM) and the Double-Diode Model (DDM) PV models of Photowatt-PWP201 (polycrystalline) and STM6-40/36 (monocrystalline). The RMSEs of the MGO on the SDM and the DDM of Photowatt-PWP201 and STM6-40/36 were 2.042717 ×10−3, 1.387641 ×10−3, 1.719946 ×10−3, and 1.686104 ×10−3, respectively. Overall, the identified results highlighted that the MGO-based approach featured a fast processing time and steady convergence while retaining a high level of accuracy in the achieved solution.
Marine versus Non-Marine Bacterial Exopolysaccharides and Their Skincare Applications
Authors: Benhadda Fanny , Zykwinska Agata , Colliec-Jouault Sylvia , Sinquin Corinne , Thollas Bertrand , Courtois Anthony , Fuzzati Nicola , Toribio Alix , Delbarre-Ladrat Christine
Published: November 2023

Bacteria are well-known to synthesize high molecular weight polysaccharides excreted in extracellular domain, which constitute their protective microenvironment. Several bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are commercially available for skincare applications in cosmetic products due to their unique structural features, conferring valuable biological and/or textural properties. This review aims to give an overview of bacterial EPS, an important group of macromolecules used in cosmetics as actives and functional ingredients. For this purpose, the main chemical characteristics of EPS are firstly described, followed by the basics of the development of cosmetic ingredients. Then, a focus on EPS production, including upstream and downstream processes, is provided. The diversity of EPS used in the cosmetic industry, and more specifically of marine-derived EPS is highlighted. Marine bacteria isolated from extreme environments are known to produce EPS. However, their production processes are highly challenging due to high or low temperatures; yield must be improved to reach economically viable ingredients. The biological properties of marine-derived EPS are then reviewed, resulting in the highlight of the challenges in this field.
Hydrogen-Tolerant La0.6Ca0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3–d Oxygen Transport Membranes from Ultrasonic Spray Synthesis for Plasma-Assisted CO2 Conversion
Authors: Rashid Aasir , Lim Hyunjung , Plaz Daniel , Escobar Cano Giamper , Bresser Marc , Wiegers Katharina-Sophia , Confalonieri Giorgia , Baek Sungho , Chen Guoxing , Feldhoff Armin , Schulz Andreas , Weidenkaff Anke , Widenmeyer Marc
Published: November 2023

La0.6Ca0.4Co1–xFexO3–d in its various compositions has proven to be an excellent CO2-resistant oxygen transport membrane that can be used in plasma-assisted CO2 conversion. With the goal of incorporating green hydrogen into the CO2 conversion process, this work takes a step further by investigating the compatibility of La0.6Ca0.4Co1–xFexO3–d membranes with hydrogen fed into the plasma. This will enable plasma-assisted conversion of the carbon monoxide produced in the CO2 reduction process into green fuels, like methanol. This requires the La0.6Ca0.4Co1–xFexO3–d membranes to be tolerant towards reducing conditions of hydrogen. The hydrogen tolerance of La0.6Ca0.4Co1–xFexO3–d (x = 0.8) was studied in detail. A faster and resource-efficient route based on ultrasonic spray synthesis was developed to synthesise the La0.6Ca0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3–d membranes. The La0.6Ca0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3–d membrane developed using ultrasonic spray synthesis showed similar performance in terms of its oxygen permeation when compared with the ones synthesised with conventional techniques, such as co-precipitation, sol–gel, etc., despite using 30% less cobalt.
T6SS: A Key to Pseudomonas’s Success in Biocontrol?
Authors: Navarro-Monserrat Edwin D. , Taylor Christopher G.
Published: November 2023

Bacteria from the genus Pseudomonas have been extensively studied for their capacity to act as biological control agents of disease and pests and for their ability to enhance and promote crop production in agricultural systems. While initial research primarily focused on the human pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, recent studies indicate the significance of type VI secretion (T6SS) in other Pseudomonas strains for biocontrol purposes. This system possibly plays a pivotal role in restricting the biological activity of target microorganisms and may also contribute to the bolstering of the survival capabilities of the bacteria within their applied environment. The type VI secretion system is a phage-like structure used to translocate effectors into both prokaryotic and eukaryotic target cells. T6SSs are involved in a myriad of interactions, some of which have direct implications in the success of Pseudomonas as biocontrol agents. The prevalence of T6SSs in the genomes of Pseudomonas species is notably greater than the estimated 25% occurrence rate found in Gram-negative bacteria. This observation implies that T6SS likely plays a pivotal role in the survival and fitness of Pseudomonas. This review provides a brief overview of T6SS, its role in Pseudomonas with biocontrol applications, and future avenues of research within this subject matter.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Campylobacter Species Contamination in Poultry, Meat, and Processing Environments in South Korea
Authors: Je Hyeon Ji , Singh Saloni , Kim Dong Woo , Hur Hyun Seok , Kim Ah Leum , Seo Eun Jin , Koo Ok Kyung
Published: November 2023

Campylobacter spp. constitute a significant global threat as a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, with poultry meat as a prominent reservoir for these pathogens. South Korea is known for its diverse poultry consumption habits, and continuous outbreaks make it a matter of concern to perform a meta-analysis to identify the primary source of contamination. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the prevalence of Campylobacter in various poultry and meat types while also considering the importance of environmental factors in South Korea. The meta-analysis revealed that duck meat exhibited the highest prevalence of Campylobacter, with a pooled estimate of 70.46% (95% CI: 42.80% to 88.38%), followed by chicken meat at a pooled prevalence of 36.17% (95% CI: 26.44% to 47.91%). Additionally, our analysis highlighted the predominance of C. jejuni and C. coli in South Korea. These findings underscore the importance of implementing rigorous food safety measures and establishing robust surveillance programs in the poultry industry to mitigate the risk of Campylobacter-related foodborne illnesses associated with meat consumption in South Korea.
Sediment Mineralogy and Geochemistry and Their Implications for the Accumulation of Organic Matter in Gashydrate Bearing Zone of Shenhu, South China Sea
Authors: Yang Xin , Sun Xiaoming , Li Dengfeng , Lin Zhiyong , Chen Tingting , Lin Hai
Published: November 2023

The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content plays a crucial role in gas hydrate exploration because a higher TOC content signifies a greater potential for buried gas hydrates. The regulatory mechanisms governing organic matter in sediment are intricate and influenced by various predominant factors unique to different regions. Notably, the Shenhu area in the South China Sea stands as a pioneering region for methane hydrate research. Despite its significance, limited research has focused on the burial patterns of TOC, resulting in an insufficient dataset to draw definitive conclusions. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the burial patterns and controlling factors of TOC within this area remains elusive. This study examines the pore-water characteristics, mineral composition, geochemistry, and sedimentary factors of four distinct sites within the Shenhu region of the South China Sea. The current depths of the Sulfate-Methane Interface (SMI) for sites CL54, CL56, CL57, and CL60 are identified as 28.6, 8.5, 31.9, and 8.1 m below the seafloor (mbsf), respectively. It’s noteworthy that these SMI depths align with locations known to harbor underlying gas hydrates. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses reveal that the primary sediment sources within this region encompass microbial shells (such as foraminifera and diatoms), clay, and terrestrial detritus. In addition, marine productivity exhibits a reverse correlation with TOC content, and both TOC content and Ce/Ce* ratios exhibit synchronous fluctuations with sedimentation rate. Drawing from the sedimentation rate, TOC content, as well as indicators of redox conditions (MoEF, Ce/Ce*, Mo/U) and productivity proxies (Ba/Al, P/Al) within the sampled sites, it becomes apparent that high sedimentation rate coupled with ‘anaerobic’ conditions foster favorable conditions for TOC accumulation. This comprehensive investigation not only provides valuable datasets but also offers insights into the intricate processes governing TOC accumulation.
Dairy Intake Modifies the Level of the Bile Acid Precursor and Its Correlation with Serum Proteins Associated with Cholesterol Clearance in Subjects with Hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Mahdavi Atena , Trottier Jocelyn , Barbier Olivier , Lebel Michel , Rudkowska Iwona
Published: November 2023

Bile acids regulate glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Further, the levels of bile acids can be influenced by the intake of dairy products. Although the serum proteome can provide information on the biological pathways associated with different metabolites, it is unknown whether the intake of dairy modifies such associations between bile acids and the proteome. The objectives of this study were to examine plasma bile acid profiles, find the correlations between bile acids and lipid as well as glycemic markers, and to uncover the correlation between bile acids and proteins after high dairy (HD) and adequate dairy (AD) intake among 25 overweight individuals with hyperinsulinemia. In this randomized crossover-trial study, hyperinsulinemia adults were randomized to both HD (≥4 servings/day) and AD (≤2 servings/day) for 6 weeks. Measurements and analyses were performed on before- as well as after- AD and HD conditions. The results indicated that plasma 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (7AC4) increased after HD in comparison with before HD intake (p = 0.03). After adjusting for BMI, age, and sex, 7AC4 positively correlated with triglyceride levels in the pre-AD (r = 0.44; p = 0.03) and post-HD (r = 0.42; p = 0.04). Further, 7AC4 correlated positively with proteins associated with high-density lipoprotein particle remodeling pathway and reverse cholesterol transport only after HD consumption. Thus, the consumption of higher dairy intake modifies the association between 7AC4—a biomarker for bile acid synthesis—and serum proteins involved in cholesterol clearance. Overall, higher dairy consumption may have a positive effect on cholesterol metabolism in subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes.
The Frequency and Impact of Self-Imposed Elimination Diets on the Nutritional Status and Clinical Course of Disease in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Mocic Pavic Ana , Sila Sara , Misak Zrinjka , Kolaček Sanja , Hojsak Iva
Published: November 2023

Background and aims: From the patients’ perspective, diet has a relevant role in triggering symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is a lack of prospective studies regarding the diet of children with IBD. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and impact of self-imposed elimination diets on the nutritional status and clinical course of disease in the pediatric population. Methods: This was a prospective case-control study that included newly diagnosed patients with IBD and healthy controls (age/sex-matched peers and siblings) over a one-year period. The participants were examined in three categories: (1) anthropometric data and nutritional status; (2) dietary intake, as obtained by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ); and (3) dietary beliefs and elimination diets, as obtained by a structured questionnaire. Results: Overall, one-hundred and thirty-seven participants were included (twenty-eight with Crohn’s disease, sixteen with ulcerative colitis, three with IBD-unclassified, and seventy healthy controls). Only 15% of patients followed the self-imposed elimination diet upon the diagnosis, which increased to 47.6% by the end of the follow-up. The elimination diet did not influence the nutritional status and quality of the diet. Self-imposed elimination diets were not a risk factor for disease relapse. Most of the patients received nutritional counseling during the follow-up. Conclusions: The number of patients following self-imposed elimination diets had increased during the disease course but with no influence on nutritional status or relapse risk.
Novel Role of Molecular Hydrogen: The End of Ophthalmic Diseases?
Authors: Li Si-Yu , Xue Rong-Yue , Wu Hao , Pu Ning , Wei Dong , Zhao Na , Song Zong-Ming , Tao Ye
Published: November 2023

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas which displays non-toxic features at high concentrations. H2 can alleviate oxidative damage, reduce inflammatory reactions and inhibit apoptosis cascades, thereby inducing protective and repairing effects on cells. H2 can be transported into the body in the form of H2 gas, hydrogen-rich water (HRW), hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) or H2 produced by intestinal bacteria. Accumulating evidence suggest that H2 is protective against multiple ophthalmic diseases, including cataracts, dry eye disease, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and other fields. In particular, H2 has been tested in the treatment of dry eye disease and corneal endothelial injury in clinical practice. This medical gas has brought hope to patients suffering from blindness. Although H2 has demonstrated promising therapeutic potentials and broad application prospects, further large-scale studies involving more patients are still needed to determine its optimal application mode and dosage. In this paper, we have reviewed the basic characteristics of H2, and its therapeutic effects in ophthalmic diseases. We also focus on the latest progress in the administration approaches and mechanisms underlying these benefits.
Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Green Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles for Treatment of Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection
Authors: Alanazi Abdullah D. , Alnomasy Sultan F.
Published: November 2023

Background: Nowadays, interest in the use of nanotechnology for medical purposes is increasing. The current experimental investigation is planned for the green synthesis, characterization, and efficacy of copper nanoparticles (CLN) against chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection. Methods: Green synthesis of CNP was performed using the Lupinus arcticus extract via the precipitation method. The effects of CNP on tachyzoites, infectivity rate, parasites inside THP-1 cells, nitric oxide (NO) triggering, iNOS, and IFN-γ expression genes were evaluated. Following toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice via the T. gondii ME49 strain, mice received CNP at 5 and 10 mg/kg/day alone and combined with pyrimethamine (PYM) at 5 mg/kg for two weeks. CNP’s in vivo effects were evaluated by analyzing the load and size of cysts, oxidant/antioxidant enzymes, and bradyzoite surface antigen 1 (BAG1) expression gene levels. Results: CNP displayed a circular shape ranging from 10 to 85 nm. The IC50 value of CNP and PYM against tachyzoites was 37.2 and 25.7 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the CC50 value of CNP and pyrimethamine against THP-1 cells was 491.4 μg/mL and 269.5 μg/mL, respectively. The rate of infectivity and parasite load among THP-1 cells exposed to CNP was obviously reduced (p < 0.05). CNP at the doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg predominantly along with PYM evidently (p < 0.05) reduced the number and size of the T. gondii cysts in the infected mice. The levels of NO, iNOS, and IFN-γ genes were remarkably (p < 0.001) boosted compared with the cells without treatment. CNP at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg drastically (p < 0.05) reduced the oxidative stress markers in the infected mice, whereas CNP significantly elevated the level of antioxidant factors. CNP also revealed no toxicity in the liver and kidney at the tested doses in healthy mice. Conclusions: Our experimental study reported the beneficial effects of CNP principally along with existing chemical drugs against latent toxoplasmosis in mice, whereas the possible action mechanisms of CNP are controlling oxidative stress, refining antioxidant enzymes, and increasing the production of immunomodulatory cytokines with no toxicity to the function of vital organs. But, additional trials are required to confirm these results, as well as to clarify the accurate mechanisms and their toxicity.
Nerve Regeneration with a Scaffold Incorporating an Absorbable Zinc-2% Iron Alloy Filament to Improve Axonal Guidance
Authors: Ron Tomer , Leon Avi , Kafri Alon , Ashraf Ahmed , Na John , Babu Ashvin , Banerjee Runima , Brookbank Hunter , Muddaluri Saimahesh Raju , Little Kevin J. , Aghion Eli , Pixley Sarah
Published: November 2023

Peripheral nerve damage that results in lost segments requires surgery, but currently available hollow scaffolds have limitations that could be overcome by adding internal guidance support. A novel solution is to use filaments of absorbable metals to supply physical support and guidance for nerve regeneration that then safely disappear from the body. Previously, we showed that thin filaments of magnesium metal (Mg) would support nerve regeneration. Here, we tested another absorbable metal, zinc (Zn), using a proprietary zinc alloy with 2% iron (Zn-2%Fe) that was designed to overcome the limitations of both Mg and pure Zn metal. Non-critical-sized gaps in adult rat sciatic nerves were repaired with silicone conduits plus single filaments of Zn-2%Fe, Mg, or no metal, with autografts as controls. After seventeen weeks, all groups showed equal recovery of function and axonal density at the distal end of the conduit. The Zn alloy group showed some improvements in early rat health and recovery of function. The alloy had a greater local accumulation of degradation products and inflammatory cells than Mg; however, both metals had an equally thin capsule (no difference in tissue irritation) and no toxicity or inflammation in neighboring nerve tissues. Therefore, Zn-2%Fe, like Mg, is biocompatible and has great potential for use in nervous tissue regeneration and repair.
Bombesins: A New Frontier in Hybrid Compound Development
Authors: Serafin Pawel , Kleczkowska Patrycja
Published: November 2023

Recently, bombesin (BN) and its analogs have attracted much attention as excellent anticancer agents because they interact with specific receptors widely distributed on the surface of various cancer cells. However, their biological properties proceed far beyond this, given a broad spectrum of activity. Bombesin receptor ligands are effective drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or gastrointestinal diseases. However, most diseases are complex, and the use of polytherapy may lead to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug–drug interactions, resulting in side effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop effective compounds that also contain BN or its analogs, which are combined with other structural entities, thus generating a so-called hybrid drug. Hybrid drugs that contain bombesin pharmacophore(s) may be proposed as a solution to the problem of polytherapy or the lack of an effective cure. Such structures have now demonstrated the desired efficacy, though information on these aforementioned compounds is relatively scarce. Therefore, our paper aims to encourage researchers to focus on bombesins. Herein, we indicate that the hybrid approach should also be firmly applied to bombesins and the BN receptor family. This paper’s structure is divided into two main sections demonstrating bombesins and their properties, as well as recent data on bombesin-based hybrid compounds and their potential usefulness in medicine. Overall, it refers to the discovery and synthesis of modified bombesin-based hybrid compounds.
Non-Invasive Drug Delivery across the Blood–Brain Barrier: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Niazi Sarfaraz K.
Published: November 2023

Non-invasive drug delivery across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) represents a significant advancement in treating neurological diseases. The BBB is a tightly packed layer of endothelial cells that shields the brain from harmful substances in the blood, allowing necessary nutrients to pass through. It is a highly selective barrier, which poses a challenge to delivering therapeutic agents into the brain. Several non-invasive procedures and devices have been developed or are currently being investigated to enhance drug delivery across the BBB. This paper presents a review and a prospective analysis of the art and science that address pharmacology, technology, delivery systems, regulatory approval, ethical concerns, and future possibilities.
Statistical Modeling and Optimization of Electrospinning for Improved Morphology and Enhanced β-Phase in Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanofibers
Authors: Tariq Asra , Behravesh Amir H. , Utkarsh  , Rizvi Ghaus
Published: November 2023

The fabrication of PVDF-based nanofiber mats with enhanced β-phase using electrospinning and post processing was optimized using Taguchi design methodology. The parameters studied include the concentration of PVDF in the DMF (Dimethylformamide) solvent, applied voltage, flow rate, and drum speed. A reliable statistical model was obtained for the fabrication of bead-free PVDF nanofibers with a high fraction of β-phase (F(β)%). The validity of this model was verified through comprehensive regression analysis. The optimized electrospinning parameters were determined to be a 23 wt% PVDF solution, 20 kV voltage, a flow rate of 1 mL/h, and a drum speed of 1200 revolutions per minute.
The Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Epoxy Vitrimers with Enhanced Glass Transition Temperatures
Authors: Dai Chunai , Shi Yang , Li Zhen , Hu Tingting , Wang Xiao , Ding Yi , Yan Luting , Liang Yaohua , Cao Yingze , Wang Pengfei
Published: November 2023

A series of epoxy vitrimers (EVs) with enhanced glass transition temperatures (Tgs) were synthesized by curing epoxy resin E51 with different ratios of phthalic anhydride and sebacic acid as curing agents, and 1,5,7-triazabicyclic [4.4.0] dece-5-ene as a transesterification catalyst, and their curing dynamics, rheological properties, mechanical properties, and thermal stability were comprehensively investigated. By adjusting the molar ratio of the anhydride to the carboxylic acid in the curing agent, the Tgs of the EVs increased from 79 to 143 °C with the increase in the anhydride content. In particular, the material EV-5.5 with a high usable Tg of 98 °C could undergo stress relaxation through the transesterification reaction when exposed to high temperatures (160 to 200 °C), and the correlation between the relaxation time and temperature follows the Arrhenius equation. Moreover, EV-5.5 exhibited elastomeric behavior, where brittle fractures occurred before yielding, which demonstrated a tensile strength of 52 MPa. EV-5.5 also exhibited good thermal stability with a decomposition temperature (Td5) of 322 °C. This study introduces new possibilities for practical applications of thermoset epoxy resins under special environmental conditions.
Research on the Hydraulic Excitation Characteristics of the Top Cover Caused by the Radial Installation Deviation of the Seal of a 1GW Francis Turbine
Authors: Jin Kun , Lu Yonggang , Lin Peng , Zhang Zequan , Li Juan , Zhao Yun , Huang Xingxing , Wang Zhengwei
Published: November 2023

The radial installation deviation of the turbine runner will change the gap flow between the upper crown and the lower ring seal, which will affect the radial force of the runner and the hydraulic excitation characteristics of the top cover. This research focuses on the 1GW Francis turbine on the right bank of the Baihetan hydropower station. The pressure distribution along the circumference of the top cover was analyzed, and the effects of deviations on the specific generation of hydraulic excitation forces were studied. This research shows that the increase in radial deviation will slightly reduce the output and efficiency, and the radial force on the runner increases parabolically. When the radial deviation is 1.5 mm, the radial force is 5.9 times higher compared to the case without any deviation, and the radius of the fitting circle of the radial force behavior trajectory increases with the increase in radial deviation. In addition, the radial deviation has little effect on the internal flow of the runner and the pressure distribution in the upper crown chamber. The dominant frequency components at the upstream monitoring points include fn, 15 fn, 24 fn, and 30 fn. The dominant frequency components at the downstream monitoring points include the blade passing frequencies of 15 fn and 30 fn. However, with the increase in radial deviation, the fluctuation amplitudes exhibit an asymmetric distribution, the uniformity of the pressure distribution in the circumferential direction of the labyrinth seal area becomes significantly worse, and the waveform of the downstream monitoring points changes significantly and presents a non-uniform distribution in one rotation cycle.
Hyperspectral Anomaly Detection with Auto-Encoder and Independent Target
Authors: Chen Shuhan , Li Xiaorun , Yan Yunfeng
Published: November 2023

As an unsupervised data representation neural network, auto-encoder (AE) has shown great potential in denoising, dimensionality reduction, and data reconstruction. Many AE-based background (BKG) modeling methods have been developed for hyperspectral anomaly detection (HAD). However, their performance is subject to their unbiased reconstruction of BKG and target pixels. This article presents a rather different low rank and sparse matrix decomposition (LRaSMD) method based on AE, named auto-encoder and independent target (AE-IT), for hyperspectral anomaly detection. First, the encoder weight matrix, obtained by a designed AE network, is utilized to construct a projector for generating a low-rank component in the encoder subspace. By adaptively and reasonably determining the number of neurons in the latent layer, the designed AE-based method can promote the reconstruction of BKG. Second, to ensure independence and representativeness, the component in the encoder orthogonal subspace is made into a sphere and followed by finding of unsupervised targets to construct an anomaly space. In order to mitigate the influence of noise on anomaly detection, sparse cardinality (SC) constraint is enforced on the component in the anomaly space for obtaining the sparse anomaly component. Finally, anomaly detector is constructed by combining Mahalanobi distance and multi-components, which include encoder component and sparse anomaly component, to detect anomalies. The experimental results demonstrate that AE-IT performs competitively compared to the LRaSMD-based models and AE-based approaches.
Modification of Simple Antenna Pattern Models for Inter-Beam Interference Assessment in Massive Multiple-Input–Multiple-Output Systems
Authors: Wojtuń Jarosław , Ziółkowski Cezary , Kelner Jan M.
Published: November 2023

The occurrence of cross-beam interference in the received signal is one of the main problems that limit the possibilities of massive multiple-input–multiple-output technology (massive-MIMO) in fifth-generation (5G) systems. Thus, the evaluation of the level of this interference is one of the most important procedures in the spatial planning of currently wireless networks. We propose a novel modification of simple antenna pattern models, which is based only on changing the directivity of real antenna system patterns. This approach is independent of the antenna system’s type, structure, and analytical description. Based on the developed modification, the original methodology for assessing the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) from adjacent beams of a common antenna system is presented. The change in the radiation direction and the accompanying change in the complex shape and parameters of the real antenna beam pattern is one of the problems that significantly hinders the evaluation of the analyzed interference. Hence, in the presented methodology, we propose using our modification. In this case, the modification is reduced to a proportional change in the directivity concerning the real antenna system, which results from a change in the beam direction. The simulation studies used a multi-ellipsoidal propagation model and a real massive MIMO antenna pattern description from 3GPP. For the SIR error analysis, the 3GPP pattern is used as a reference. The simulation results show that modifying simple antenna pattern models allows us to obtain an SIR error of no more than 3 dB and 0.1 dB under line-of-sight (LOS) and non-LOS conditions, respectively.
Fast Antenna Array Calibration Using One External Receiver
Authors: Bazuhair Basem , Aldayel Omar
Published: November 2023

In multiple array communication or radar systems, waveform diversity can be utilized for beampattern design. However, one of the critical issues for such systems is the presence of mutual coupling, which degrades the beampattern design’s quality. We address the calibration of the mutual coupling of transmit arrays by developing a new matrix-inversion-free algorithm that requires only a single antenna receiver. It has a very low computational complexity for accelerating the mutual coupling calibration compared to previous methods; therefore, it can be utilized for large array systems such as massive multiple-input–single-output (MISO) systems. The key idea here revolves around utilizing fast Fourier transform (FFT). This approach simplifies matrix calculations and reduces the number of multiplications required to compute the inverse of FFT. Moreover, the algorithm is applicable for high-power active radar calibration, since it incorporates a constant modulus training sequence. The application of the algorithm in MISO systems, including massive MISO, offers the potential for calibrating mutual coupling. It enables the precise measurement and compensation of mutual coupling effects, improving the signal quality and system performance in areas such as radars, mobile communications and more. We evaluated the proposed algorithm under various scenarios, compared it with the ground truth and showed that it achieves excellent performance with few computations.