bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saponin Extracts Utilization as Dietary Additive in Ruminant Nutrition: A Meta-Analysis of In Vivo Studies
Authors: Yanza Yulianri Rizki , Irawan Agung , Jayanegara Anuraga , Ramadhani Fitri , Respati Adib Norma , Fitri Ainissya , Hidayat Cecep , Niderkorn Vincent , Cieslak Adam , Szumacher-Strabel Malgorzata , Hidayat Rahmat , Tanuwiria Ujang Hidayat
Published: April 2024

The present meta-analysis aimed to determine the underlying effects of different saponins extracted from different sources on the production performance, milk yield, digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and nitrogen utilization of ruminants. A total of 26 papers comprising 66 in vivo studies (148 data points of dietary treatments) were evaluated in the present study. The databases were statistically analyzed using the mixed model procedure of SAS, where experiments considered random effects and tannin-related factors were treated as fixed effects. Statistical procedures were then continued in comparing different sources of saponin extract through Mixed Model analysis, where experiments were also random factors and sources of saponin extract were fixed factors. The evidence revealed in the present meta-analysis that saponin supplementation of up to 40 g/kg DM appears to have no detrimental impact on feed intake across ruminant types, suggesting that it does not significantly affect diet palatability. However, the results indicated that there are species-specific responses to saponin supplementation, particularly in relation to palatability and nutrient absorption efficiency, with larger ruminants being better able to tolerate the bitterness induced by saponin extracts. Furthermore, the study found that saponin extracts can influence nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation dynamics, with different effects observed in large and small ruminants. While some saponin extracts can enhance average daily weight gain and milk yield, others can have adverse effects, highlighting the importance of considering both saponin sources and animal physiological condition when developing nutritional strategies. Additionally, optimization of ruminant production by utilizing saponin extracts is necessary to avoid negative health implications, such as increased blood creatinine levels. Different saponin extracts utilization in ruminant nutrition and environmental management, have a distinct understanding associated to their various bioactive properties. However, among the saponin sources, saponin extracted from Quilaja saponaria is more likely to improve large ruminant production performance while maintaining ruminant health and metabolism, but negatively affect small ruminants. Further research is needed to unravel the intricate effects of different saponin sources on ruminant health and productivity, emphasizing the importance of tailored dietary strategies that consider the unique physiological and metabolic characteristics of the target livestock.
Periparturient Mineral Metabolism: Implications to Health and Productivity
Authors: Vieira-Neto Achilles , Lean Ian J. , Santos José Eduardo P.
Published: April 2024

Mineral metabolism, in particular Ca, and to a lesser extent phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg), is altered with the onset of lactation because of extensive irreversible loss to synthesize colostrum and milk. The transient reduction in the concentration of Ca in blood, particularly when it lasts days, increases the risk of mineral-related disorders such as hypocalcemia and, to a lesser extent, hypophosphatemia. Although the incidence of clinical hypocalcemia can be reduced by prepartum dietary interventions, subclinical hypocalcemia remains prevalent, affecting up to 60% of the dairy cows in the first 3 d postpartum. More importantly, strong associations exist between hypocalcemia and increased susceptibility to other peripartum diseases and impaired reproductive performance. Mechanistic experiments have demonstrated the role of Ca on innate immune response in dairy cows, which presumably predisposes them to other diseases. Hypocalcemia is not related to inadequate Ca intake as prepartum diets marginal to deficient in Ca reduce the risk of the disease. Therefore, the understanding of how Ca homeostasis is regulated, in particular how calciotropic hormones such as parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, affect blood Ca concentrations, gastrointestinal Ca absorption, bone remodeling, and renal excretion of Ca become critical to develop novel strategies to prevent mineral imbalances either by nutritional or pharmacological interventions. A common method to reduce the risk of hypocalcemia is the manipulation of the prepartum dietary cation-anion difference. Feeding acidogenic diets not only improves Ca homeostasis and reduces hypocalcemia, but also reduces the risk of uterine diseases and improves productive performance. Feeding diets that induce a negative Ca balance in the last weeks of gestation also reduce the risk of clinical hypocalcemia, and recent work shows that the incorporation of mineral sequestering agents, presumably by reducing the absorption of P and Ca prepartum, increases blood Ca at calving, although benefits to production and health remain to be shown. Alternative strategies to minimize subclinical hypocalcemia with the use of vitamin D metabolites either fed prepartum or as a pharmacological agent administered immediately after calving have shown promising results in reducing hypocalcemia and altering immune cell function, which might prove efficacious to prevent diseases in early lactation. This review summarizes the current understanding of Ca homeostasis around parturition, the limited knowledge of the exact mechanisms for gastrointestinal Ca absorption in bovine, the implications of hypocalcemia on the health of dairy cows, and discusses the methods to minimize the risk of hypocalcemia and their impacts on productive performance and health in dairy cows.
Antimicrobial De-Escalation in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Tanzarella Eloisa Sofia , Cutuli Salvatore Lucio , Lombardi Gianmarco , Cammarota Fabiola , Caroli Alessandro , Franchini Emanuele , Sancho Ferrando Elena , Grieco Domenico Luca , Antonelli Massimo , De Pascale Gennaro
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobial de-escalation (ADE) is defined as the discontinuation of one or more antimicrobials in empirical therapy, or the replacement of a broad-spectrum antimicrobial with a narrower-spectrum antimicrobial. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the available literature on the effectiveness and safety of ADE in critically ill patients, with a focus on special conditions such as anti-fungal therapy and high-risk categories. Although it is widely considered a safe strategy for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), to date, there has been no assessment of the effect of de-escalation on the development of resistance. Conversely, some authors suggest that prolonged antibiotic treatment may be a side effect of de-escalation, especially in high-risk categories such as neutropenic critically ill patients and intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). Moreover, microbiological documentation is crucial for increasing ADE rates in critically ill patients with infections, and efforts should be focused on exploring new diagnostic tools to accelerate pathogen identification. For these reasons, ADE can be safely used in patients with infections, as confirmed by high-quality and reliable microbiological samplings, although further studies are warranted to clarify its applicability in selected populations.
Clove Essential Oil: Chemical Profile, Biological Activities, Encapsulation Strategies, and Food Applications
Authors: Liñán-Atero Rafael , Aghababaei Fatemeh , García Samuel Rodríguez , Hasiri Zahra , Ziogkas Dimitrios , Moreno Andres , Hadidi Milad
Published: April 2024

Plants have proven to be important sources for discovering new compounds that are useful in the treatment of various diseases due to their phytoconstituents. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), an aromatic plant widely cultivated around the world, has been traditionally used for food preservation and medicinal purposes. In particular, clove essential oil (CEO) has attracted attention for containing various bioactive compounds, such as phenolics (eugenol and eugenol acetate), terpenes (β-caryophyllene and α-humulene), and hydrocarbons. These constituents have found applications in cosmetics, food, and medicine industries due to their bioactivity. Pharmacologically, CEO has been tested against a variety of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms, demonstrating antibacterial and antifungal properties. Additionally, many studies have also demonstrated the analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effects of this essential oil. However, CEO could degrade for different reasons, impacting its quality and bioactivity. To address this challenge, encapsulation is viewed as a promising strategy that could prolong the shelf life of CEO, improving its physicochemical stability and application in various areas. This review examines the phytochemical composition and biological activities of CEO and its constituents, as well as extraction methods to obtain it. Moreover, encapsulation strategies for CEO and numerous applications in different food fields are also highlighted.
Fundamentals of Electron Cyclotron Resonance and Cyclotron Autoresonance in Gyro-Devices: A Comprehensive Review of Theory
Authors: Sabchevski Svilen
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to present some selected fundamentals of the theory of a broad class of gyro-devices in a systematic and consistent manner and with sufficient detail necessary for understanding the underlying physical principles of their operation. The focus of this work is on the derivation and analysis of important invariants (constants of motion), as well as on comments concerning their analytical power and the physical insights they provide.
Enhancing the Integration of Protein-Rich Oat Waste Material into Meat Formulations
Authors: Tkaczewska Joanna , Zając Marzena
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study was to modify a protein-rich by-product, generated during β-glucan production, to render it appropriate for incorporation into meat products. Additionally, the study sought to assess the quality of a prototype meat product containing oat additives, depending on its concentration. Through hydrolyzation, its solubility was enhanced, making it suitable for broader applications in food products. With an average protein content of 52% and fat content of 6%, the pure hydrolysate exhibited a notable ferric ion reduction, as well as metal chelating properties. In meat formulations, the hydrolysate was integrated at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3%, relative to the meat mass. Following cooking and subsequent storage for 21 days, assessments were conducted every 7 days to evaluate colour retention, texture, and oxidation status. At concentrations of 2% to 3% (equivalent to 2–3 g/100 g), the hydrolysate significantly enhanced colour stability, while concurrently fostering oxidation. Notably, cohesiveness and resilience were augmented, with no discernible impact on hardness. The application of oat protein hydrolysate, particularly at 2–3 g/100 g, serves as a viable strategy for enhancing colour stability in meat formulations. However, its pro-oxidative effects necessitate supplementation with antioxidants to mitigate potential deterioration in the final product.
Study on the Oil Spill Transport Behavior and Multifactorial Effects of the Lancang River Crossing Pipeline
Authors: Lu Jingyang , Chen Liqiong , Xu Duo
Published: April 2024

As the number of long-distance oil and gas pipelines crossing rivers increases, so does the risk of river oil spills. Previous research on oil spills in water mainly focuses on the oceans, and there are relatively few studies on oil spills in rivers. This study established two-dimensional hydrodynamic and oil spill models for the Lancang River crossing pipeline basin and verified the model’s accuracy. The oil spill transport process under different scenarios was simulated, and the oil spill transport state data set was established. The effects of river flow, wind, and leakage mode on the transport behavior of oil spills were studied. The results show that an increase in flow rate accelerates the migration, diffusion, and longitudinal extension behavior of oil spills; Changes in wind speed have less effect on the transport behavior of oil spills under downwind and headwind conditions. The mode of leakage mainly affects the diffusion and longitudinal extension of the oil spill. The oil spill transport state prediction model was established using machine learning combination algorithms. The three combined machine learning algorithms, PSO-SVR, GA-BPNN, and PSO-BPNN, have the best performance in predicting the oil spill migration distance, oil spill area, and the length of the oil spill contamination zone, respectively, with the coefficient of determination (R2) and the 1-Mean Absolute Percentage of Error (1-MAPE) above 0.971, and the prediction model has excellent accuracy. This study can provide support for the rapid development of emergency response plans for river crossing pipeline oil spill accidents.
Modeling of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Smart Agriculture Systems Using Hybrid Fuzzy PID Controllers
Authors: Amertet Sairoel , Gebresenbet Girma , Alwan Hassan Mohammed
Published: April 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles have a wide range of uses in the military field, non-combat situations, and civil works. Due to their ease of operation, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are highly sought after by farmers and are considered the best agricultural technologies, since different types of controller algorithms are being integrated into drone systems, making drones the most affordable option for smart agriculture sectors. PID controllers are among the controllers frequently incorporated into drone systems. Although PID controllers are frequently used in drones, they have some limitations, such as sensitivity to noise and measurement errors, which can lead to instability or oscillations in the system. On the other hand, PID controllers provide improved accuracy in drone system responses. When using PID controllers to achieve the best performance in a drone system, it is better to share the advantages of PID controllers with other intelligence controllers. One promising option is the fuzzy PID controller. The aim of this study was to control quadcopter states (rolling, altitude, and airspeed) by leveraging quadcopter technology and adding hybrid fuzzy PID controls into the system. The quadcopter system and its controllers were mathematically modeled using the Simulink/MATLAB platform, and the system was controlled by fuzzy PID controllers. For validation purposes, the fuzzy PID controller was compared with a classically tuned PID controller. For roll, height, and airspeed, the fuzzy PID controller provided an improvement of 41.5%, 11%, and 44%, respectively, over the classically tuned PID controller. Therefore, the fuzzy PID controller best suits the needs of farmers and is compatible with smart agriculture systems.
Impact of Selected Yeast Strains on Quality Parameters of Obtained Sauerkraut
Authors: Satora Paweł , Strnad Szymon
Published: April 2024

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of yeast strains (previously isolated from the fermentation process) on selected quality parameters of sauerkraut. For this purpose, shredded and salted (2.5% w/w) cabbage of the Galaxy variety was fermented in the absence of oxygen with the addition of 2 × 106 cells of a selected yeast culture. The control sample was spontaneously fermented sauerkraut without yeast addition. The obtained sauerkraut was analysed in terms of the content of selected organic acids, sugars and polyols (HPLC), selected volatile compounds (HS-SPME-GC-TOFMS), colour (CieLAB) and aroma (QDA). Yeast P. fermentans, Rh. mucilaginosa and W. anomalus reduced crucial sauerkraut components such as lactic acid, glycerol, and certain volatile compounds, leading to decreased aroma intensity and acceptability. Additionally, an increase in glucosinolate decomposition products was observed. Conversely, D. hansenii positively influenced sauerkraut quality by enhancing lactic acid content and exhibiting similar volatile characteristics to those of the control. Two of the three samples fermented with D. hansenii received high sensory analysis scores akin to those of the control. Sauerkraut fermented with Cl. lusitaniae yeast contained elevated levels of volatile compounds—alcohols, esters and lactones—resulting in an intense floral aroma, albeit receiving lower overall ratings due to deviation from the typical profile.
Identifying Correlated Functional Brain Network Patterns Associated with Touch Discrimination in Survivors of Stroke Using Automated Machine Learning
Authors: Walsh Alistair , Goodin Peter , Carey Leeanne M.
Published: April 2024

Stroke recovery is multifaceted and complex. Machine learning approaches have potential to identify patterns of brain activity associated with clinical outcomes, providing new insights into recovery. We aim to use machine learning to characterise the contribution of and potential interaction between resting state functional connectivity networks in predicting touch discrimination outcomes in a well-phenotyped, but small, stroke cohort. We interrogated and compared a suite of automated machine learning approaches to identify patterns of brain activity associated with clinical outcomes. Using feature reduction, the identification of combined ‘golden features’, and five-fold cross-validation, two golden features patterns emerged. These golden features identified patterns of resting state connectivity involving interactive relationships: 1. The difference between right insula and right superior temporal lobe correlation and left cerebellum and vermis correlation; 2. The ratio between right inferior temporal lobe and left cerebellum correlation and left frontal inferior operculum and left supplementary motor area correlation. Our findings demonstrate evidence of the potential for automated machine learning to provide new insights into brain network patterns and their interactions associated with the prediction of quantitative touch discrimination outcomes, through the automated identification of robust associations and golden feature brain patterns, even in a small cohort of stroke survivors.
Offline Identification of a Laboratory Incubator
Authors: Mantar Süleyman , Yılmaz Ersen
Published: April 2024

Laboratory incubators are used to maintain and cultivate microbial and cell cultures. In order to ensure suitable growing conditions and to avoid cell injuries and fast rise and settling times, minimum overshoot and undershoot performance indexes should be considered in the controller design for incubators. Therefore, it is important to build proper models to evaluate the performance of the controllers before implementation. In this study, we propose an approach to build a model for a laboratory incubator. In this approach, the incubator is considered a linear time-invariant single-input, single-output system. Four different model structures, namely auto-regressive exogenous, auto-regressive moving average exogenous, output error and Box–Jenkins, are applied for modeling the system. The parameters of the model structures are estimated by using prediction error methods. The performances of the model structures are evaluated in terms of mean squared error, mean absolute error and goodness of fit. Additionally, residue analysis including auto-correlation and cross-correlation plots is provided. Experiments are carried out in two scenarios. In the first scenario, the identification dataset is collected from the unit-step response, while in the second scenario, it is collected from the pseudorandom binary sequence response. The experimental study shows that the Box–Jenkins model achieves an over 90% fit percentage for the first scenario and an over 95% fit percentage for the second scenario. Based on the experimental results, it is concluded that the Box–Jenkins model can be used as a successful model for laboratory incubators.
Improved Convolutional Neural Network–Time-Delay Neural Network Structure with Repeated Feature Fusions for Speaker Verification
Authors: Gao Miaomiao , Zhang Xiaojuan
Published: April 2024

The development of deep learning greatly promotes the progress of speaker verification (SV). Studies show that both convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and dilated time-delay neural networks (TDNNs) achieve advanced performance in text-independent SV, due to their ability to sufficiently extract the local feature and the temporal contextual information, respectively. Also, the combination of the above two has achieved better results. However, we found a serious gridding effect when we apply the 1D-Res2Net-based dilated TDNN proposed in ECAPA-TDNN for SV, which indicates discontinuity and local information losses of frame-level features. To achieve high-resolution process for speaker embedding, we improve the CNN–TDNN structure with proposed repeated multi-scale feature fusions. Through the proposed structure, we can effectively improve the channel utilization of TDNN and achieve higher performance under the same TDNN channel. And, unlike previous studies that have all converted CNN features to TDNN features directly, we also studied the latent space transformation between CNN and TDNN to achieve efficient conversion. Our best method obtains 0.72 EER and 0.0672 MinDCF on VoxCeleb-O test set, and the proposed method performs better in cross-domain SV without additional parameters and computational complexity.
Diversity of Microbial Communities in Trade Wastes—Implications for Treatments and Operations
Authors: Elliott Jake A. K. , Krohn Christian , Ball Andrew S.
Published: April 2024

Industrial wastewaters display a complex and diverse range of physicochemical properties that are measured, studied, and treated by businesses and water service providers. Less frequently measured are the microbial communities in these wastes, despite possible implications for health, equipment maintenance, and the environment. This study aimed to assess the microbial communities of eighteen raw and discharge-ready wastewaters across eleven industrial sites to compare the microbial compositions of these wastewaters across different industry sectors, on-site treatment levels, and other wastewater components. The potential for variance in the biomethane yield, depending on microbial communities, was also measured. Using targeted sequencing, a unique taxonomy was identified, including genera linked to animals (Acetitomaculum, Lactobacillus, NK4A214, Prevotella, and Shuttleworthia), cooling water (Bosea, Legionella, Methyloversatilis, and Reyranella), and extreme conditions (Alkalibacillus, Geobacillus, Halorubrum, and Pyrobaculum). However, the compositions of the microbial communities were not found to be directly correlated to industry sector or on-site treatment levels, nor were they found to have a direct effect on the biomethane potential. However, the presence of certain individual taxa is linked to the methane yield and treatment status and may be explained in the context of physicochemical properties while serving as potential markers for identifying, improving, or developing on-site processes.
Global El Niño–Southern Oscillation Teleconnections in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Serykh Ilya V. , Sonechkin Dmitry M.
Published: April 2024

The results of a piControl experiment investigating general circulation models participating in the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) were examined. The global interannual variability in the monthly surface temperature (ST) and sea level pressure (SLP) anomalies was considered. The amplitudes of the fluctuations in the anomalies of these meteorological fields between opposite phases of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) were calculated. It was shown that most CMIP6 models reproduced fluctuations in the ST and SLP anomalies between El Niño and La Niña not only in the equatorial Pacific, but also throughout the tropics, as well as in the middle and high latitudes. Some of the CMIP6 models reproduced the global structures of the ST and SLP anomaly oscillations quite accurately between opposite phases of ENSO, as previously determined from observational data and reanalyses. It was found that the models AS-RCEC TaiESM1, CAMS CAMS-CSM1-0, CAS FGOALS-f3-L, CMCC CMCC-ESM2, KIOST KIOST-ESM, NASA GISS-E2-1-G, NCAR CESM2-WACCM-FV2, and NCC NorCPM1 reproduced strong ENSO teleconnections in regions beyond the tropical Pacific.
Cramér Moderate Deviations for a Supercritical Galton–Watson Process with Immigration
Authors: Wang Juan , Peng Chao
Published: April 2024

Consider a supercritical Galton–Watson process with immigration (Xn;n≥0). The Lotka–Nagaev estimator Xn+1Xn is a common estimator for the offspring mean. In this work, we used the Martingale method to establish several types of Cramér moderate deviation results for the Lotka–Nagaev estimator. To satisfy our needs, we employed the well-known Cramér approach for our proofs, which establishes the moderate deviation of the sum of the independent variables. Simultaneously, we provided a concrete example of its applicability in constructing confidence intervals.
Double-Step Shape Invariance of Radial Jacobi-Reference Potential and Breakdown of Conventional Rules of Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Natanson Gregory
Published: April 2024

The paper reveals some remarkable form-invariance features of the ‘Jacobi-reference’ canonical Sturm–Liouville equation (CSLE) in the particular case of the density function with the simple pole at the origin. It is proven that the CSLE under consideration preserves its form under the two second-order Darboux–Crum transformations (DCTs) with the seed functions represented by specially chosen pairs of ‘basic’ quasi-rational solutions (q-RSs), i.e., such that their analytical continuations do not have zeros in the complex plane. It is proven that both transformations generally either increase or decrease by 2 the exponent difference (ExpDiff) for the mentioned pole while keeping two other parameters unchanged. The change is more complicated in the latter case if the ExpDiff for the pole of the original CSLE at the origin is smaller than 2. It was observed that the DCTs in question do not preserve bound energy levels according to the conventional supersymmetry (SUSY) rules. To understand this anomaly, we split the DCT in question into the two sequential Darboux deformations of the Liouville potentials associated with the CSLEs of our interest. We found that the first Darboux transformation turns the initial CSLE into the Heun equation written in the canonical form while the second transformation brings us back to the canonical form of the hypergeometric equation. It is shown that the first of these transformations necessarily places the mentioned ExpDiff into the limit-circle (LC) range and then the second transformation keeps the pole within the LC region, violating the conventional prescriptions of SUSY quantum mechanics.
Integrating Life Cycle Principles in Home Energy Management Systems: Optimal Load PV–Battery–Electric Vehicle Scheduling
Authors: Al Muala Zaid A. , Bany Issa Mohammad A. , Bello Bugallo Pastora M.
Published: April 2024

Energy management in the residential sector contributes to energy system dispatching and security with the optimal use of renewable energy systems (RES) and energy storage systems (ESSs) and by utilizing the main grid based on its state. This work focuses on optimal energy flow, ESS parameters, and energy consumption scheduling based on demand response (DR) programs. The primary goals of the work consist of minimizing electricity costs while simultaneously extending the lifetime of ESSs in conjunction with extracting maximum benefits throughout their operational lifespan and reducing CO2 emissions. Effective ESS and photovoltaic (PV) energy usage prices are modeled and an efficient energy flow management algorithm is presented, which considers the life cycle of the ESSs including batteries, electrical vehicles (EVs) and the efficient use of the PV system while reducing the cost of energy consumption. In addition, an optimization technique is employed to obtain the optimal ESS parameters including the size and depth of discharge (DOD), considering the installation cost, levelized cost of storage (LCOS), winter and summer conditions, energy consumption profile, and energy prices. Finally, an optimization technique is applied to obtain the optimal energy consumption scheduling. The proposed system provides all of the possibilities of exchanging energy between EV, battery, PV system, grid, and home. The optimization problem is solved using the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) in MATLAB with an interval time of one minute. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed system, presenting an actual cost reduction of 28.9% and 17.7% in summer and winter, respectively, compared to a base scenario. Similarly, the energy losses were reduced by 26.7% in winter and 22.3% in summer, and the EV battery lifetime was extended from 9.2 to 19.1 years in the winter scenario and from 10.4 to 17.7 years in the summer scenario. The integrated system provided a financial contribution during the operational lifetime of EUR 11,600 and 7900 in winter and summer scenarios, respectively. The CO2 was reduced by 59.7% and 46.2% in summer and winter scenarios, respectively.
A Novel Feature Engineering-Based SOH Estimation Method for Lithium-Ion Battery with Downgraded Laboratory Data
Authors: Wang Jinyu , Zhang Caiping , Meng Xiangfeng , Zhang Linjing , Li Xu , Zhang Weige
Published: April 2024

Accurate estimation of lithium-ion battery state of health (SOH) can effectively improve the operational safety of electric vehicles and optimize the battery operation strategy. However, previous SOH estimation algorithms developed based on high-precision laboratory data have ignored the discrepancies between field and laboratory data, leading to difficulties in field application. Therefore, aiming to bridge the gap between the lab-developed models and the field operational data, this paper presents a feature engineering-based SOH estimation method with downgraded laboratory battery data, applicable to real vehicles under different operating conditions. Firstly, a data processing pipeline is proposed to downgrade laboratory data to operational fleet-level data. The six key features are extracted on the partial ranges to capture the battery’s aging state. Finally, three machine learning (ML) algorithms for easy online deployment are employed for SOH assessment. The results show that the hybrid feature set performs well and has high accuracy in SOH estimation for downgraded data, with a minimum root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.36%. Only three mechanism features derived from the incremental capacity curve can still provide a proper assessment, with a minimum RMSE of 0.44%. Voltage-based features can assist in evaluating battery state, improving accuracy by up to 20%.
Tensile Yield Strain of Human Cortical Bone from the Femoral Diaphysis Is Constant among Healthy Adults and across the Anatomical Quadrants
Authors: Baleani Massimiliano , Erani Paolo , Acciaioli Alice , Schileo Enrico
Published: April 2024

The literature suggests that the yield strain of cortical bone is invariant to its stiffness (elastic modulus) and strength (yield stress). However, data about intra-individual variations, e.g., the influence of different collagen/mineral organisations observed in bone aspects withstanding different habitual loads, are lacking. The hypothesis that the yield strain of human cortical bone tissue, retrieved from femoral diaphyseal quadrants subjected to different habitual loads, is invariant was tested. Four flat dumbbell-shaped specimens were machined from each quadrant of the proximal femoral diaphysis of five adult donors for a total of 80 specimens. Two extensometers attached to the narrow specimen region were used to measure deformation during monotonic tensile testing. The elastic modulus (linear part of the stress–strain curve) and yield strain/stress at a 0.2% offset were obtained. Elastic modulus and yield stress values were, respectively, in the range of 12.2–20.5 GPa and 75.9–136.6 MPa and exhibited a positive linear correlation. All yield strain values were in the narrow range of 0.77–0.87%, regardless of the stiffness and strength of the tissue and the anatomical quadrant. In summary, the results corroborate the hypothesis that tensile yield strain in cortical bone is invariant, irrespective also of the anatomical quadrant. The mean yield strain value found in this study is similar to what was reported by inter-species and evolution studies but slightly higher than previous reports in humans, possibly because of the younger age of our subjects. Further investigations are needed to elucidate a possible dependence of yield strain on age.
A Systematic Review of Bone Bruise Patterns following Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: Insights into the Mechanism of Injury
Authors: Sohn Sueen , AlShammari Saad Mohammed , Hwang Byung Jun , Kim Man Soo
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of bone bruises in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and the location of the bruises relative to the tibia and femur. Understanding the relative positions of these bone bruises could enhance our comprehension of the knee loading patterns that occur during an ACL injury. (2) Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies that evaluated the presence of bone bruises following ACL injuries. Study selection, data extraction, and a systematic review were performed. (3) Results: Bone bruises were observed in 3207 cases (82.8%) at the lateral tibia plateau (LTP), 1608 cases (41.5%) at the medial tibia plateau (MTP), 2765 cases (71.4%) at the lateral femoral condyle (LFC), and 1257 cases (32.4%) at the medial femoral condyle (MFC). Of the 30 studies, 11 were able to assess the anterior to posterior direction. The posterior LTP and center LFC were the most common areas of bone bruises. Among the 30 studies, 14 documented bone bruises across all four sites (LTP, MTP, LFC, and MFC). The most common pattern was bone bruises appearing at the LTP and LFC. (4) Conclusions: The most frequently observed pattern of bone bruises was restricted to the lateral aspects of both the tibia and femur. In cases where bone bruises were present on both the lateral and medial sides, those on the lateral side exhibited greater severity. The positioning of bone bruises along the front–back axis indicated a forward shift of the tibia in relation to the femur during ACL injuries.
Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of Peri-Implant Bone Defects Exposed to a Peri-Implantitis Microcosm, with and without Bone Substitute, in a Rabbit Model: A Pilot Study
Authors: Panes Camila , Valdivia-Gandur Iván , Veuthey Carlos , Sousa Vanessa , del Sol Mariano , Beltrán Víctor
Published: April 2024

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition characterized by inflammation in the peri-implant connective tissue and a progressive loss of supporting bone; it is commonly associated with the presence of biofilms on the surface of the implant, which is an important factor in the development and progression of the disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate, using micro-CT, the bone regeneration of surgically created peri-implant defects exposed to a microcosm of peri-implantitis. Twenty-three adult New Zealand white rabbits were included in the study. Bone defects of 7 mm diameter were created in both tibiae, and a cap-shaped titanium device was placed in the center, counter-implanted with a peri-implantitis microcosm. The bone defects received a bone substitute and/or a resorbable synthetic PLGA membrane, according to random distribution. Euthanasia was performed 15 and 30 days postoperatively. Micro-CT was performed on all samples to quantify bone regeneration parameters. Bone regeneration of critical defects occurred in all experimental groups, with a significantly greater increase in cases that received bone graft treatment (p < 0.0001), in all measured parameters, at 15 and 30 days. No significant differences were observed in the different bone neoformation parameters between the groups that did not receive bone grafts (p > 0.05). In this experimental model, the presence of peri-implantitis microcosms was not a determining factor in the bone volume parameter, both in the groups that received regenerative treatment and in those that did not.
Precision Identification of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer in Denoised CT Scans Using EfficientNet and Voting System Algorithms
Authors: Lin Chun-Yu , Wu Jacky Chung-Hao , Kuan Yen-Ming , Liu Yi-Chun , Chang Pi-Yi , Chen Jun-Peng , Lu Henry Horng-Shing , Lee Oscar Kuang-Sheng
Published: April 2024

Background and objective: Local advanced rectal cancer (LARC) poses significant treatment challenges due to its location and high recurrence rates. Accurate early detection is vital for treatment planning. With magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being resource-intensive, this study explores using artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret computed tomography (CT) scans as an alternative, providing a quicker, more accessible diagnostic tool for LARC. Methods: In this retrospective study, CT images of 1070 T3–4 rectal cancer patients from 2010 to 2022 were analyzed. AI models, trained on 739 cases, were validated using two test sets of 134 and 197 cases. By utilizing techniques such as nonlocal mean filtering, dynamic histogram equalization, and the EfficientNetB0 algorithm, we identified images featuring characteristics of a positive circumferential resection margin (CRM) for the diagnosis of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Importantly, this study employs an innovative approach by using both hard and soft voting systems in the second stage to ascertain the LARC status of cases, thus emphasizing the novelty of the soft voting system for improved case identification accuracy. The local recurrence rates and overall survival of the cases predicted by our model were assessed to underscore its clinical value. Results: The AI model exhibited high accuracy in identifying CRM-positive images, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89 in the first test set and 0.86 in the second. In a patient-based analysis, the model reached AUCs of 0.84 and 0.79 using a hard voting system. Employing a soft voting system, the model attained AUCs of 0.93 and 0.88, respectively. Notably, AI-identified LARC cases exhibited a significantly higher five-year local recurrence rate and displayed a trend towards increased mortality across various thresholds. Furthermore, the model’s capability to predict adverse clinical outcomes was superior to those of traditional assessments. Conclusion: AI can precisely identify CRM-positive LARC cases from CT images, signaling an increased local recurrence and mortality rate. Our study presents a swifter and more reliable method for detecting LARC compared to traditional CT or MRI techniques.
Assessment of Microvascular Hemodynamic Adaptations in Finger Flexors of Climbers
Authors: Ferrer-Uris Blai , Busquets Albert , Beslija Faruk , Durduran Turgut
Published: April 2024

Climbing performance is greatly dependent on the endurance of the finger flexors which, in turn, depends on the ability to deliver and use oxygen within the muscle. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) have provided new possibilities to explore these phenomena in the microvascular environment. The aim of the present study was to explore climbing-related microvascular adaptations through the comparison of the oxygen concentration and hemodynamics of the forearm between climbers and non-climber active individuals during a vascular occlusion test (VOT). Seventeen climbers and fifteen non-climbers joined the study. Through NIRS and DCS, the oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) and deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) concentrations, tissue saturation index (TSI), and blood flow index (BFI) were obtained from the flexor digitorum profundus during the VOT. During the reactive hyperemia, climbers presented greater blood flow slopes (p = 0.043, d = 0.573), as well as greater O2Hb maximum values (p = 0.001, d = 1.263) and HHb minimum values (p = 0.009, d = 0.998), than non-climbers. The superior hemodynamics presented by climbers could indicate potential training-induced structural and functional adaptations that could enhance oxygen transportation to the muscle, and thus enhance muscle endurance and climbing performance.
Gene Therapy for Hypertension, Atherosclerosis, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia: The Old Concepts and the New Era
Authors: Evangelidis Nikolaos , Evangelidis Paschalis
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular disease remains the main cause of mortality in the 21st century. Hypertension, vessel atherosclerosis, and familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are responsible for increased mortality and morbidity in patients. Therapies for cardiovascular disease are based on drug treatment options, but in the era of precision medicine, personalized treatments are being developed. Studies have shown that these conditions have a strong genetic background, creating an opportunity for the implementation of gene therapy for these diseases. Currently, gene therapy is not widely used in clinical practice. Recent advances in this research field are making gene therapy a very promising preventive and therapeutic tool for cardiovascular disease. Essential hypertension’s (EH) pathophysiology is mostly based on the activation of both the sympathetic nervous system and the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), natriuretic peptide production, and endothelial dysfunction. Plasmid DNA and viral vectors can be used, targeting the main mechanisms in the pathogenesis of EH. Many preclinical studies have been developed across the years, presenting a significant decrease in blood pressure. Nevertheless, no clinical studies have been developed studying the implementation of gene therapy in EH. Atherosclerotic damage is caused by monogenic diseases or is deteriorated by the activation of inflammation in the vessel wall. Gene therapy studies have been developed in the pre- and clinical phases targeting the lipoprotein and cholesterol metabolism and the inflammation of the vessels. FH is a common inherited metabolic disease associated with high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Clinical trials of gene therapy have been developed and presented optimistic results. In this review, the challenges of gene therapy for cardiovascular disease are outlined. Nevertheless, more clinical trials are needed to be performed for the development of convenient and safe drug schemes for our patients.
Impaired Spermatogenesis in Infertile Patients with Orchitis and Experimental Autoimmune Orchitis in Rats
Authors: Amarilla María Sofía , Glienke Leilane , Munduruca Pires Thaisy , Sobarzo Cristian Marcelo , Oxilia Hernán Gustavo , Fulco María Florencia , Rodríguez Peña Marcelo , Maio María Belén , Ferrer Viñals Denisse , Lustig Livia , Jacobo Patricia Verónica , Theas María Susana
Published: April 2024

Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a well-established rodent model of organ-specific autoimmunity associated with infertility in which the testis immunohistopathology has been extensively studied. In contrast, analysis of testis biopsies from infertile patients associated with inflammation has been more limited. In this work, testicular biopsies from patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia diagnosed with hypospermatogenesis (HypoSp) [mild: n = 9, and severe: n = 11], with obstructive azoospermia and complete Sp (spermatogenesis) (control group, C, n = 9), and from Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS, n = 9) were analyzed for the presence of immune cells, spermatogonia and Sertoli cell (SCs) alterations, and reproductive hormones levels. These parameters were compared with those obtained in rats with EAO. The presence of increased CD45+ cells in the seminiferous tubules (STs) wall and lumen in severe HypoSp is associated with increased numbers of apoptotic meiotic germ cells and decreased populations of undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia. The SCs showed an immature profile with the highest expression of AMH in patients with SCOS and severe HypoSp. In SCOS patients, the amount of SCs/ST and Ki67+ SCs/ST increased and correlated with high serum FSH levels and CD45+ cells. In the severe phase of EAO, immune cell infiltration and apoptosis of meiotic germ cells increased and the number of undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia was lowest, as previously reported. Here, we found that orchitis leads to reduced sperm number, viability, and motility. SCs were mature (AMH-) but increased in number, with Ki67+ observed in severely damaged STs and associated with the highest levels of FSH and inflammatory cells. Our findings demonstrate that in a scenario where a chronic inflammatory process is underway, FSH levels, immune cell infiltration, and immature phenotypes of SCs are associated with severe changes in spermatogenesis, leading to azoospermia. Furthermore, AMH and Ki67 expression in SCs is a distinctive marker of severe alterations of STs in human orchitis.
Conformational Modulation of Tissue Transglutaminase via Active Site Thiol Alkylating Agents: Size Does Not Matter
Authors: Navals Pauline , Rangaswamy Alana M. M. , Kasyanchyk Petr , Berezovski Maxim V. , Keillor Jeffrey W.
Published: April 2024

TG2 is a unique member of the transglutaminase family as it undergoes a dramatic conformational change, allowing its mutually exclusive function as either a cross-linking enzyme or a G-protein. The enzyme’s dysregulated activity has been implicated in a variety of pathologies (e.g., celiac disease, fibrosis, cancer), leading to the development of a wide range of inhibitors. Our group has primarily focused on the development of peptidomimetic targeted covalent inhibitors, the nature and size of which were thought to be important features to abolish TG2’s conformational dynamism and ultimately inhibit both its activities. However, we recently demonstrated that the enzyme was unable to bind guanosine triphosphate (GTP) when catalytically inactivated by small molecule inhibitors. In this study, we designed a library of models targeting covalent inhibitors of progressively smaller sizes (15 to 4 atoms in length). We evaluated their ability to inactivate TG2 by measuring their respective kinetic parameters kinact and KI. Their impact on the enzyme’s ability to bind GTP was then evaluated and subsequently correlated to the conformational state of the enzyme, as determined via native PAGE and capillary electrophoresis. All irreversible inhibitors evaluated herein locked TG2 in its open conformation and precluded GTP binding. Therefore, we conclude that steric bulk and structural complexity are not necessary factors to consider when designing TG2 inhibitors to abolish G-protein activity.