bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in Neuroimmunological Disease
Authors: Shimizu Fumitaka , Nakamori Masayuki
Published: August 2024

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as a structural and functional barrier for brain homeostasis. This review highlights the pathological contribution of BBB dysfunction to neuroimmunological diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS). The transmigration of massive lymphocytes across the BBB caused by the activation of cell adhesion molecules is involved in the early phase of MS, and dysfunction of the cortical BBB is associated with the atrophy of gray matter in the late phase of MS. In the onset of NMOSD, increased permeability of the BBB causes the entry of circulating AQP4 autoantibodies into the central nervous system (CNS). Recent reports have shown the importance of glucose-regulated protein (GRP) autoantibodies as BBB-reactive autoantibodies in NMOSD, inducing antibody-mediated BBB dysfunction. BBB breakdown has also been observed in MOGAD, NPSLE, and AE with anti-NMDAR antibodies. Our recent report demonstrated the presence of GRP78 autoantibodies in patients with MOGAD and the molecular mechanism responsible for GRP78 autoantibody-mediated BBB impairment. Disruption of the BBB may explain the symptoms in the brain and cerebellum in the development of PNS, as it induces the entry of pathogenic autoantibodies or lymphocytes into the CNS by autoimmunity against tumors in the periphery. GRP78 autoantibodies were detected in paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and were associated with cerebellar ataxia with anti-P/Q type voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies. This review reports that therapies affecting the BBB that are currently available for disease-modifying therapies for neuroimmunological diseases have the potential to prevent BBB damage.
Morphology of the Veins in Healthy Individuals in the Area of the Sapheno-Femoral Junction during Normal Breathing, Valsalva Maneuver and Ujjayi Breath
Authors: Kovalko Uliana , Kawalec Agata , Bulińska Katarzyna , Latacz Paweł , Simka Marian
Published: August 2024

Objectives: Valsalva maneuver is performed during strength physical exercises, because it stabilizes the torso through increased intra-abdominal pressure. By contrast, yoga practitioners are discouraged from Valsalva. Instead, they use ujjayi breath, which consists of unstopped breathing through the narrowed glottis. Methods: This study was an observational research performed in healthy participants. The aim of this study was to evaluate veins in the groin area during different types of breathing. We examined 10 healthy people in the standing body position during: a) normal breathing b) Valsalva maneuver c) ujjayi breath. We measured the cross-sectional areas of the femoral and the great saphenous veins in the proximity to the sapheno-femoral junction. Results: In comparison with normal breathing, there were only slight dilatations of examined veins during Valsalva and ujjayi. The cross-sectional area of femoral vein increased by 7-9% during Valsalva, and 2-4% during ujjayi; cross-sectional area of the great saphenous vein increased by 17-18% during Valsalva and 15-16% during ujjayi. In all participants the terminal and preterminal valves of the great saphenous vein were competent. However, Valsalva maneuver was associated with complete closure of the terminal valve, while during ujjayi breath this valve was opening and closing, following the breathing. Conclusions: In the standing body position both Valsalva and ujjayi breath have minimal effect on cross-sectional areas of the veins in the groin. On the other hand, ujjayi breath allows for undisturbed flow through the sapheno-femoral junction, while Valsalva interrupts this flow, with blood stagnation distally from the terminal valve.
Unleashing Nature’s Allies: Analysing Vertical Transmission Dynamics of Insect-Specific Flaviviruses in Mosquitoes
Authors: Peterson Alyssa J. , Hall Roy A. , Harrison Jessica J. , Hobson-Peters Jody , Hugo Leon E.
Published: August 2024

Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) include viruses that are restricted to the infection of mosquitoes and are spread mostly through transovarial transmission. Despite using a distinct mode of transmission, ISVs are often closely related to arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) that are responsible for human diseases and able to infect both mosquitoes and vertebrates. ISVs can also induce a phenomenon called “superinfection exclusion”, whereby a primary ISV infection in an insect inhibits subsequent viral infections of the insect. This has sparked interest in the use of ISVs for the control of pathogenic arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes. In particular, insect-specific flaviviruses (ISF) have been shown to inhibit infection of vertebrate-infecting flaviviruses (VIFs) both in vitro and in vivo. This has shown potential as a new and ecologically friendly biological approach to the control of arboviral disease. For this intervention to have lasting impacts for biological control, it is imperative that ISFs are maintained in mosquito populations with high rates of vertical transmission. Therefore, these strategies will need to optimize vertical transmission of ISFs in order to establish persistently infected mosquito lines for sustainable arbovirus control. This review compares recent observations of vertical transmission of arboviral and insect-specific flaviviruses and potential determinants of transovarial transmission rates to understand how the vertical transmission of ISFs may be optimised for effective arboviral control.
Pore Characteristics of Hydrate-Bearing Sediments from Krishna-Godavari Basin, Offshore India
Authors: Guan Wen , Yang Hailin , Lu Xindi , Lu Hailong
Published: August 2024

Interpore hydrates are the main occurrence forms of marine gas hydrates. Pore characteristics are a vital factor affecting the thermodynamic properties of hydrates and their distribution in sediments. Currently, the characterization of the pore system for hydrate-bearing reservoirs are little reported. Therefore this paper focus on the Krishna-Godavari Basin, via varies methods to characterize the hydrate-bearing sediments in the region. The results showed that X-ray Diffraction(XRD) combined with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)and Cast Thin Section (CTS) can better characterize the mineral composition in the reservoir, High Pressure Mercury Injection (HPMI) focused on the contribution of pore size to permeability, Constant Rate Mercury Injection(CRMI) had the advantage of distinguishing between pore space and pore throat, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Cryoporometry (NMRC) technique can not only obtain the pore size distribution of nanopores with a characterization range greater than Nitrogen Gas Adsorption (N2GA), but also quantitatively describe the trend of fluids in the pore system with temperature. As for pore system, Samples 58 and 68 all developed nanopores, the mineral distribution was relatively scattered, and they were rich in paleontological shells such as foraminifera, among which Sample 68 had more pyrite content, and abundant pyrite framboid was observed, which made the intergranular pore develop and provide more nanopores. Sample 58 has a high concentration of pore and throat, high pore connectivity, low pore curvature, and pores with a diameter of 10μm contributing to the main permeability, with an average pore radius of 2.495μm, whereas Sample 68 has poor pore connectivity, high curvature, and pores with a diameter of 1μm contributing to the main permeability, with an average pore diameter of 60 nm, which explains the obvious difference in permeability between the two samples.
Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Lipid Oxidation in Pigs Fed Diets Containing Grape Pomace
Authors: Almeida Barbara Cristina da Silveira , Ludke Maria do Carmo Mohaupt Marques , Bertol Teresinha Marisa , Ludke Jorge Vitor , Bernardi Daniela Miotto , Jr. Anildo Cunha , Coldebella Arlei
Published: August 2024

Grape pomace is a winery byproduct rich in polyphenols with antioxidant capacity, which makes it an attractive product for use in pig diets. The study aimed to investigate the effect of 0, 5, and 10% inclusion of dehydrated grape pomace (DGP) in finishing pig diets. Including 10% of DGP in the diets increased (P<0.05) daily feed intake, backfat thickness at the first rib, P2 backfat thickness, fat area, and fat to meat ratio and decreased (P<0.05) the percentage of lean meat. Grape pomace did not affect TBARS and fresh meat quality characteristics, except for intramuscular fat. When 10% DGP was included in the diet, intramuscular fat, ΣSFA, ΣMUFA, and Σω-3 increased and ω-6:ω-3 ratio was reduced. In conclusion including up to 10% of DGP in the diet of finishing pigs did not affect growth performance, and the oxidative stability of processed meat, but increased the adiposity of the carcasses. Meat quality was improved through an increase in intramuscular fat and ω-3 fatty acids at 10% inclusion. It is feasible to include DGP in pig diets at a level of at least 10%, which would contribute to the rational use and reduction of environmental liability of by-products from the winery industry.
Examining Management and Employees’ Perceptions of Occupational Heat Exposure and the Effectiveness of a Heat Stress Prevention Intervention on Safety and Well-Being among Natural Gas Construction Workers: A Qualitative Field-Based Study
Authors: Idris Muinat Abolore , Markham Christine , Mena Kristina D. , Perkison William B.
Published: August 2024

Background: Numerous risk factors have been recognized as significant contributors to outdoor workers' heat stress and the risk of heat-related conditions, impacting their health, well-being, and productivity. However, the specific effects of these factors on construction workers' safety, health, and well-being remain under-researched. With climate change increasing temperatures, assessing heat stress among construction workers is imperative. Objective: To identify the barriers and facilitators influencing the safety of natural gas construction workers and evaluate an implemented heat stress intervention. Methods: In the summer of 2023, two semi-structured interviews and six focus groups were conducted with twenty-one stakeholders at a Texas natural gas construction site. Results: Key facilitators include employee preparedness, use of employer-provided resources, hydration logs, and real-time communication tools. Contrarily, the barriers include daily work schedules, access to dehydrating beverages, and generational differences with the non-implementation of mandatory rest breaks. The heat stress program was perceived as effective, surpassing recommended guidelines. Conclusion: To advance construction workers’ safety, health, and well-being, both employee involvement and employer management are needed, along with no-cost accessible resources. Additionally, implementing a required routine rest break and comprehensive heat stress education, particularly for older workers, will significantly promote safety and safe work practices in hot environments.
Reactive Oxygen Species Mechanisms That Regulate Protein-Protein Interactions in Cancer
Authors: Iliadis Stavros , Papanikolaou Nikolaos A
Published: August 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during cellular metabolism and in response to environmental stress. While low levels of ROS play essential physiological roles, excess ROS can damage cellular components, leading to cell death or transformation. ROS can also regulate protein interactions in cancer cells, thereby affecting processes such as cell growth, migration, and angiogenesis. Dysregulated interactions occur via various mechanisms, including amino acid modifications, conformational changes, and alterations in complex stability. Understanding ROS-mediated changes in protein interactions is crucial for targeted cancer therapies. In this review, we examine the role that ROS mechanisms in regulating pathways through protein-protein interactions.
Impact of Parity and Delivery Type on Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength
Authors: Sartori Dulcegleika V. B. , Kawano Paulo R. , Yamamoto Hamilto A. , Amaro Joao L.
Published: August 2024

Background: Parity and vaginal delivery may contribute to female urinary incontinence prev-alence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of parity and type of child delivery on pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS).
Material and Methods: 140 healthy women were prospectively evaluated and distributed into 4 groups: G1 (n=34) 30-40 years old; G2 (n=38) 41-50; G3 (n=35) 51-60 and G4 (n=33) over 60. De-mographic data, and body mass index (BMI) were obtained using a clinical questionnaire. Sub-jective PFMS assessments were performed using transvaginal digital palpation (TDP), and ob-jective evaluation was obtained using a portable perineometer.
Results: BMI was significantly higher in G4 compared to G1. There was a positive linear rela-tionship between age and BMI. The number of pregnancies was higher in G4 compared to G2 and vaginal delivery was more frequent in G4 compared to G1 and G3. There was no statistical correlation among different groups in PFMS assessed either by TDP and perineometer. Like-wise, we did not observe any negative linear relationship between PFMS and parity or number of vaginal deliveries.
Conclusion: Our data demonstrates that both the number of pregnancies and of vaginal deliv-eries had no impact on PFMS in continent women.
Screening and Engineering Yeast Transporters to Improve Cellobiose Fermentation by Recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kretzer Leonardo G. , Knychala Marilia M. , da Silva Lucca C. , da Fontoura Isadora C. C. , Leandro Maria José , Fonseca César , Verstrepen Kevin J. , Stambuk Boris U.
Published: August 2024

Developing recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains capable of transporting and fermenting cellobiose directly is a promising strategy for second-generation ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. In this study we cloned and expressed in the CEN.PK2-1C strain an intracellular βglucosidase (SpBGL7) from Spathaspora passalidarum, and co-expressed the cellobiose transporter SiHXT2.4 from Scheffersomyces illinoinensis, and two putative transporters from Candida tropicalis (CtCBT1) and Meyerozyma guilliermondii (MgCBT2). While all three transporters allowed cell growth on cellobiose, only the MgCBT2 permease allowed cellobiose fermentation, although cellobiose consumption was stuck (incomplete). The analysis of the βglucosidase and transport activities revealed that the cells stopped to consume cellobiose due to a drop in the transport activity. Since ubiquitinylation of lysine residues at the N- or C-terminal domains of the permease are involved in the endocytosis and degradation of sugar transporters, we constructed truncated versions of the permease lacking lysine residues at the C-terminal domain (MgCBT2ΔC), and at both the C- and N-terminal domain (MgCBT2ΔNΔC), and co-expressed these permeases with the SpBGL7 βglucosidase in an industrial strain. While the strain harboring the MgCBT2ΔC transporter continued to produce stuck cellobiose fermentations as the wild-type MgCBT2 permease, the strain with the MgCBT2ΔNΔC permease was able to consume and ferment all the cellobiose present in the medium. Thus, our results highlight the importance of expressing cellobiose transporters lacking lysine at the N- and C-terminal domains for efficient cellobiose fermentation by recombinant S. cerevisiae.
Behind the Sadness of Teen Girls: A Retrospective Survey Analysis Amidst the Covid-19 Crisis of 2021
Authors: Baser Onur , Alsaleh Sara , Zeng Yixuan , Baser Isabel
Published: August 2024

(1) Background: Adolescent girls have increasingly faced mental health challenges. We examined prevalence trends and associated risk factors for depression among adolescent girls. (2) Methods: Data for girls aged 12 to 17 years (N=4346) from the 2021 cross-sectional National Survey on Drug Use and Health were analyzed. Factors associated with depression were examined using multiple regression analysis. (3) Results: Rates of severe depression were significantly higher (p<.001) in older girls (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.63, 1.61, those who did not have authoritative parents (AOR: 3.40), and those with negative school experiences (AOR: 4.03). Black and Asian/Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders were less likely to report severe depression than white girls. As previously reported, non-White girls were significantly less likely to receive treatment for depression (p<.05). Parents’ characteristics and school experiences had no effect on the likelihood of receiving mental health treatment. (4) Conclusion: Depression has become increasingly common among American adolescent girls, who are now three times as likely as adolescent boys to have had recent experiences with depression. Our results show that family structure, parenting style, and negative school experiences significantly contribute to the rate of depression and that treatment disparities exist with regard to race and ethnicity. The results of our research could be valuable for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and educators in developing specific preventative initiatives and support networks that effectively address these unique challenges.
Optimization of Non-alloyed Backside Ohmic Contacts to N-face GaN for Fully Vertical GaN-on-Silicon Based Power Devices
Authors: HAMDAOUI Youssef , Vandenbroucke Sofie , Michler Sondre , Ziouche Katir , Minjauw Matthias , Detavernier Christophe , Medjdoub Farid
Published: August 2024

In the framework of fully vertical GaN-on-Silicon device technology development, we report on the optimization of non-alloyed ohmic contacts on the N-polar n+ doped GaN face backside layer. This evaluation is made possible by using patterned TLMs (Transmission Line Model) through direct laser writing lithography after locally removing the substrate and buffer layers in order to access the n+ doped backside layer. As deposited non-alloyed metal stack on top of N-polar orientation GaN layer after buffer layers removal results in poor ohmic contact quality. To significantly reduce the related contact resistances, an HCl treatment is applied prior to metallization under various time and temperature conditions. A 3-minutes HCl treatment at 70°C is found to be the optimum condition to achieve thermally stable high ohmic contact quality. To further understand the impact of the wet treatment, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) analysis were performed. XPS revealed a decrease in Ga-O concentration after applying the treatment, reflecting the higher oxidation susceptibility of the N-polar face compared to the Ga-polar face, which was used as a reference. SEM images of the treated samples show the formation of pyramids on the N-face after HCl treatment, suggesting specific wet etching planes of the GaN crystal from the N-face. The size of the pyramids is time-dependent; thus, increasing the treatment duration results in larger pyramids, explaining the degradation of ohmic contact quality after prolonged high temperature HCl treatment.
THE INDUS SCRIPT AS AN ALPHABET Examining Conformity in the Usage of the Indus Script
Authors: Muhammad Mahaveer H
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a novel approach to decoding the Indus script, which was used by the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) from approximately 3300 to 1900 BCE. The main focus of this research is the structural analysis of the signs within the Indus script. The central objective of the paper is to determine whether the Indus script can be classified as an alphabet, and it aims to provide compelling evidence regarding the number of primary signs. This includes establishing the actual count of Indus signs through the decomposition of compound signs, identifying diacritics and analyzing their consistent usage, as well as exploring the underlying concepts and implications associated with sign extraction. To comprehensively examine the Indus script, the paper analyzes over 400 signs, encompassing the entire script rather than a select subset of signs or texts. The visual decomposition of the signs employs a simple grid methodology. By summarizing the logical findings, the paper successfully identifies the primary signs and develops an understanding of their phonetic representation within the alphabet. The study recognizes the diverse writing styles used to combine the basic signs, The writing style of the Indus script incorporates variations in formation, composition, and combination, resulting in a significant number of signs. The research findings indicate that the Indus Script primarily consists of only 40 core signs.
Recent Progress in Terrestrial Biota Derived Antibacterial Agents for Medical Applications
Authors: Vladkova Todorka G. , Smani Younes , Martinov Boris , Gospodinova Dilyana
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Conventional antibiotic and multidrug treatments become less and less effective and a discovery of new effective and safe antibacterial agents got a global priority. The returning to the natural antibacterial product is relatively new current trend. Terrestrial biota is a rich source of biologically active substances whose antibacterial potential was not fully utilized.
Aim of this review is to present the current state-of-the art of terrestrial biota-derived antibacterial agents and inspired by nature treatments. It is a summary of the most important sources and new identified or modified antibacterial agents and treatments during the last 5 years. It focuses on the significance of plants- animals- and bacteria-derived biologically active agents as powerful alternatives to antibiotics as well as on the advantages of utilizing natural antibacterial molecules alone or in combinations with antibiotics.
The main conclusion is that the terrestrial biota derived antibacterial products and substances open variety of new ways to modern improved therapeutic strategies. New terrestrial sources of known antibacterial agents and new antibacterial agents from terrestrial biota were discovered during the last 5 years, which are under investigation together with some long ago known but now surviving their renaissance for the development of new medical treatments. Use of natural antibacterial peptides as well as combinational therapy by commercial antibiotics and natural products outlines as the most promising for treating of bacterial infections. In vivo testing and clinical trials are necessary to reach clinical application.
Phytoplankton as CO2 Sinks. Redirecting the Carbon Cycle
Authors: Zafrilla Basilio , Esclapez Julia , Matarredona Laura , Bonete María José , Zafrilla Guillermo
Published: August 2024

Since the Industrial Revolution, nearly 700 GtC of carbon have been emitted into the atmosphere as CO2 derived from human activities, of which 292 GtC remain uncontrolled. Furthermore, the emission rate is increasing yearly, with the latest value (2022) of 11 GtC. By the end of this century, the atmospheric CO2 concentration is predicted to surpass 700 ppm. The effects of this sudden carbon release on the worldwide biogeochemical cycles and balances are not yet fully understood, but it is undeniable that global warming and climate change are already a fact, with this gas playing a starring role. Governmental policies and international agreements on emission reduction need to produce results quickly enough, and the deadline to act is running out. Besides the agreements to reduce emissions, alternative strategies to reverse this trend must be sufficiently promoted. Biological CO2 capture is a speedy flow of the carbon cycle capable of capturing over 115 GtC annually through photosynthesis. An increase of 6.5% in this capture and the subsequent stabilization of produced biomass could counteract the current CO2 emission rate. In this overview, the artificial culture of phytoplankton is considered a potential alternative to conducting this large-scale capture. A production system model is suggested and the main technological and political challenges for using large areas as partially-natural photobioreactors are discussed. The global implementation of these large CO2 sinks and the associated infrastructure would stabilize the carbon cycle while it is developed as a new source of richness.
Cross-country Ski Skating Style Sub-techniques Detection and Skiing Characteristic Analysis on Snow Using High Precision GNSS
Authors: Uda Shunya , Miyamoto Naoto , Hirose Kiyoshi , Nakano Hiroshi , Stöggl Thomas , Linnamo Vesa , Lindinger Stefan , Takeda Masaki
Published: August 2024

The comprehensive analysis of cross-country skiing races is a pivotal step in establishing effective training objectives and tactical strategies. This study aimed to establish a method for the classifi-cation of sub-techniques and analyzing skiing characteristics during cross-country skiing skating style timed races on snow using high-precision kinematic GNSS devices. The study involved at-taching GNSS devices to the heads of two athletes during skating style timed races on cross-country ski courses. These devices provided precise positional data and recorded vertical and hor-izontal head movements and ground over velocity (VOG). Sub-techniques were classified by de-fining waveform patterns for G2, G3, G4, and G6 based on these data. The validity of classifica-tion was verified by comparing GNSS data with video analysis, a process that yielded classifica-tion accuracies ranging from 94.0% to 99.3% for G2, G3, G4, and G6. Notably, G4 emerged as the fastest technique, with sub-technique selection varying among skiers and being influenced by skiing velocity and course inclination. The study's findings have practical implications for ath-letes and coaches, as they demonstrate that high-precision kinematic GNSS devices can accurate-ly classify sub-techniques and detect skiing characteristics during skate-style cross-country skiing races, thereby providing valuable insights for training and strategy development.
Aluminum‐Modified Plasma Nitriding with High Efficiency and Enhanced Performances
Authors: He Ze , Wei Wei , Hu Jing , Gu Jingyi
Published: August 2024

In order to enhance the efficiency and combined performances of nitriding layer, aluminum-modified plasma nitriding (Al-PN) was developed in this research by adding some FeAl particles around the samples during plasma nitriding (PN) for 42CrMo steel. The results show that the efficiency is dramatically enhanced almost 6 times comparing with traditional PN, with the effective hardening layer increasing from 224 μm to 1246 μm at 520℃/4h. More importantly, the compound layer increased just a little bit from 11.64 μm to 14.32 μm, which remarkably reduces the ratio of the compound layer thickness to effective hardening layer thickness, thus being quite beneficial to decrease the brittleness level, making the brittleness level decreasing from Level 4 to Level 1. Meanwhile, ultra-high surface hardness and excellent wear behaviors are obtained by aluminum-modified plasma nitriding (Al-PN) due to the formation of dispersed strengthening phased of AlN and FexAl in the nitriding layer, with the surface hardness increasing from 755 HV0.025 to 1251 HV0.025, wear rate decreasing from 8.15 x10-5g N-1 m-1 to 4.07 x10-5g N-1 m-1. In other words, comparing with PN, the wear resistance has been almost doubled by Al-PN. Therefore, the research can provide comprehensive insights into the surface characteristics and combined performances of the aluminum-modified plasma nitriding layer.
Summary of Drugs for Canine Parvovirus
Authors: Fu Jiajun , Shan Zhaoliang , Qu Hui
Published: August 2024

Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a widespread ailment among young dogs globally, characterized by high morbidity, mortality, and significant infectivity. Due to its grim prognosis, it is often likened to canine "cancer" with a medium-term mortality rate of 46.43% and late-stage mortality reaching up to 100%.Current treatment modalities primarily encompass fluid therapy, antiemetics, antimicrobial medications, pain relievers, and enteral nutrition. However, the absence of specific internationally recognized medications necessitates substantial care expenses. This review aims to elucidate recent advancements in pharmacological interventions for mitigating CPV infection symptoms, underscoring the potential of novel pharmaceutical technologies in veterinary medicine to enhance clinical outcomes for afflicted animals and their caregivers，lay a theoretical foundation for the development of specific drugs.
Synergistic Antifungal Effect and In Vivo Toxicity of the Monoterpene Isoespintanol Obtained from Oxandra xylopioides Diels
Authors: Contreras-Martínez Orfa Ines , Angulo-Ortíz Alberto , Santafé Patiño Gilmar , Sierra Martínez Jesus , Berrio Soto Ricardo , Rodolpho Joice Margareth de Almeida , Godoy Krissia Franco de , Anibal Fernanda De Freitas , Fragelli Bruna Dias de Lima
Published: August 2024

Infections due to Candida spp., they are a threat to global health, with high rates of morbidity and mortality due to their drug resistance, especially in immunocompromised people. Thus, the search for new alternatives is urgent today. In recent years, combined therapy with compounds of natural origin has been proposed as an alternative. Considering the biological potential of isoespintanol (ISO) and continuing with its study, the objective of this research was to assess the effect of ISO in combination with the antifungals, fluconazole (FLZ), amphotericin B (AFB) and caspofungin (CASP), against clinical isolates of C. tropicalis and evaluate the cytotoxic effect of this compound in the acute phase (days 0 and 14) and chronic phase (days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84), in female mice (Mus musculus) of the Balb/c lineage. The results show that ISO can potentiate the effect of FLZ, AFB and CASP, showing synergism with these antifungals. Evaluation of the mice by direct vision showed no behavioral changes or variation in weight during treatment; furthermore, the analysis of the cytokines IFN-γ and TNF in plasma, peritoneal cavity lavage (PCL) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) indicated that there was no inflammation process and histopathological studies of lung, liver and kidney showed no signs of toxicity caused by ISO; this was consistent with the analysis of oxaloacetic transaminases (GOT) and pyruvic transaminases (GPT), which remained in the standard range. These findings indicate that ISO does not have a cytotoxic effect at the doses evaluated. Our results place ISO as a monoterpene of interest in the search for compounds with pharmacological potential.
User-Cooperative Dynamic Resource Allocation for Backscatter-Aided Wireless-Powered MEC Network
Authors: He Huaiwen , Zhou Chenghao , Huang Feng , Shen Hong , Yang Yihong , Liang Shangsong
Published: August 2024

Backscatter communication, which transmits information by passively reflecting radio 1 frequency (RF) signals, has become a focal point of interest due to its potential to significantly enhance 2 the energy efficiency of Wireless Power Mobile Edge Computing (WPMEC) networks and extend the 3 operational lifespan of terminal devices. However, there is little research on the integration of user 4 cooperation in WPMEC scenarios within volatile network environments. In this paper, we propose 5 a dynamic task offloading scheme for a Backscatter-assisted WPMEC system, which involves two 6 mobile devices (MDs) and a Hybrid Access Point (HAP) with user cooperation. We formulate the 7 energy efficiency (EE) maximization problem as a stochastic programming problem, considering 8 the randomness of task arrivals and time-varying wireless channels. By leveraging Dinkelbach’s 9 method and stochastic network optimization technique, we transform the problem into a series of 10 deterministic sub-problems for each time slot, and convert the non-convex sub-problem into convex 11 ones. We propose a low-complex EE maximization algorithm to solve the convex problems efficiently. 12 Extensive simulations are conducted to validate the performance of our algorithm under various 13 system parameter settings. Experiment results demonstrate that our algorithm not only outperforms 14 the benchmark algorithms by approximately 23%, but also stabilize all queues within the MEC 15 system.
Limb Temperature Observations in the Stratosphere and Mesosphere Derived From the OMPS Sensor
Authors: Da Costa Louro Pedro , Keckhut Philippe , Hauchecorne Alain , Meftah Mustapha , Jaross Glen , Mangin Antoine
Published: August 2024

Molecular scattering (Rayleigh scattering) has been extensively utilized from the ground with lidars and from space to observe the limb, thereby deriving vertical temperature profiles between 30 and 80 km. In this study, we explore how temperature can be measured using the new Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) sensor, aboard the Suomi NPP and NOAA-21 satellites. OMPS comprises three instruments primarily tasked with studying the composition of the stratosphere. Among them, the Limb Profiler (LP) measures the radiance of the middle atmosphere's limb (stratosphere and mesosphere, 12 to 90 km altitude) across wavelengths from 290 to 1020 nm. This new dataset has been leveraged to derive temperature profiles with a vertical resolution of 1 km.

To validate the method, the OMPS-derived temperature profiles were compared with data from four ground-based lidars, the ERA5 and MSIS models, and MLS at the lidar locations. The results indicate that OMPS and the lidars agree within a margin of approximately 5 K from 30 to 80 km. Comparisons with the models also show similar results, except for ERA5 beyond 50 km. Comparisons with MLS exhibit slightly higher deviations than those with the lidars.

We investigated various bias sources, such as different attenuation sources that can generate errors up to 120 K in the UV range, while instrumental errors are around 0.8 K, and noise issues can cause errors up to 150 K in the visible range for OMPS.

This study also highlighted the interest in developing a new miniaturized instrument that could meet real-time observation of atmospheric vertical temperature profiles using a constellation of CubeSats.
µCT Imaging of Wheat Spikes Reveals Effect of Chronic Ozone on Individual Grains
Authors: Brewster Clare , Corke Fiona , Nibau Candida , Fenner Nathalie , Hayes Felicity
Published: August 2024

Ground level ozone is an abiotic stress estimated to reduce mean global annual wheat yields by nearly 10%. This study in solardomes exposed an elite cultivar, and multiple lines of synthetic wheat (primary and F2) to four levels of ozone (30 ppb, 55 ppb, 80 ppb, 110 ppb) for three months, with two lines (cv Paragon and an F2 line, BC1) selected for X-ray microcomputed tomography. The uCT imaging revealed ozone’s effect on individual grain formation, both spatially within the spike and on grain shape. Reductions in grain number occurred primarily across the middle of the spike. Grain volume reductions were driven more by reduced width and depth than reduced length. Based on yield data, both lines demonstrated relative tolerance to ozone. Links between ozone’s effects on grain morphology and grain quality are also explored. These data provide information that could be utilised in wheat breeding programmes to increase tolerance to ozone of this staple food crop.
Comparison of Clinical Characteristics between Responders and Non-responders to Hamstring Stretching in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Dobija Lech , Pereira Bruno , Dupeyron Arnaud , Coudeyre Emmanuel
Published: August 2024

Hamstring muscle (HM) flexibility is frequently compromised in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP), contributing to disability and leading to a less favorable recovery. In a previous article, we presented the results of a study on the immediate effect of passive HM stretching on flexibility in 90 people with CLBP. There was considerable variability in the changes after stretching. The objective of this supplementary analysis was to compare the clinical characteristics of individuals who experienced a significant improvement in flexibility with those who did not. We fixed a threshold of 7° to indicate an improvement in passive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) angle and differentiate between 'Responders' and 'Non-responders' to passive HM stretching. Only Body Mass Index differed between groups; it was significantly smaller in Responders (p=0.007). The majority of Non-responders experienced workplace accidents, but this was of marginal difference compared to Responders (p=0.056). Further studies should consider a broader clinical analysis with a larger sample size to understand which factors influence the HM stretching response in CLBP patients.
The Impact of Delayed Retirement and Adjustments to Birth Policies on the Macroeconomy
Authors: Zhu Qingsheng , Du Jitao , zuo Yanhong
Published: August 2024

Amidst the backdrop of continually declining total fertility rates and a population structure trending towards super-aging in China, can simple adjustments to birth policies effectively address the challenges of low fertility and aging? This study constructs a three-phase overlapping-generation model that incorporates fertility rates and delayed retirement. It investigates the economic impact of adjustments in birth policies and delayed retirement, and utilizes simulations and analyses based on real-world data from China. The research yields several key findings:1.Although theoretically, the impact of population aging on economic growth rates is uncertain, empirical data simulations indicate that the current level of population aging in China has already exerted a certain adverse impact on economic growth.2.Given the current population structure, delayed retirement can, to some extent, promote economic growth. However, due to potential vulnerabilities of older individuals who choose delayed retirement, such as reduced labor efficiency and learning abilities, the implementation of delayed retirement policies should be flexible and context-specific.3.Increasing fertility rates can mitigate the economic impact of the current demographic challenges. Thus, relaxing birth policies remains a crucial strategy that China must implement. A coordinated adjustment of delayed retirement and fertility rates is more likely to enhance economic growth.
The Intellectual Structure and the Future of Counter‐UAS Research: A Bibliometric and Scoping Review
Authors: Yang Chuyang , Huang Chenyu , Zhao Yanhui
Published: August 2024

With advancements in remote sensing technology and affordable design, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, have become prevalent in both civil and military applications, such as agriculture, public safety, and aerial imaging. However, the rise in unlawful UAS activities, such as non-compliance with legal standards and potential terrorist attacks, has raised significant public concern, necessitating effective detection and mitigation solutions. Despite the growing importance of this issue, comprehensive and detailed examinations of existing counter-UAS solutions are lacking. To address this gap, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis and scoping review of the current literature to identify key topics and emerging trends in counter-UAS approaches. Utilizing co-word and social network analyses, the study identifies strong and weak connections between selected keywords from academic articles. This study summarizes the limitations and potential opportunities within counter-UAS research, suggesting an increasing focus on multisensory fusion and machine-learning approaches for drone detection and mitigation. Additionally, areas such as swarm drone operations, UAS traffic management (UTM), and UAS networks are identified as important but promising fields for further investigation. The findings of this study provide a foundation for enhancing air and ground safety through improved counter-UAS applications.
Bionic Optimization Design and Fatigue Life Prediction of Honeycomb Structure Wheel Hub
Authors: Liu Na , Liu Xujie , Jiang Yueming , Liu Peng , Gao Yuanyuan , Ding Hang , Zhao Yujun
Published: August 2024

According to the honeycomb structure, the preliminary design of bionic wheel hub for finite element analysis, in the working condition of a wheel by the force is through the spokes pointing to the center, the working condition of two wheel by the force is through the two spokes pointing to the center, and the ordinary wheel stress and displacement value results compared, observed the maximum stress value appears in the connection between the center of the wheel and the spokes, and predict the fatigue life of the preliminary design of bionic wheel. Using finite element analysis and response surface optimization analysis method for numerical simulation, through two optimization results show that, in the use of response surface analysis model optimization, the optimized bionic wheel maximum stress is 109.34MPa, compared with the ordinary wheel maximum stress 119.77MPa, the maximum stress reduced by 8.7%. The mass of the ordinary wheel is 34.02Kg, using the response surface optimization method, the optimized wheel mass is 29.89Kg, the mass reduced by 12.13%. The optimized wheel fatigue analysis, in the stress of 109.34MPa, load loading times at least 4.217e+005, in the position at the junction with the half shaft. In line with the national standard GB/T 5334-2021[16] for commercial vehicle wheel fatigue life requirements.
Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, Anti-Helicobacter pylori, and Enzyme Inhibitory Evaluations of Cleistocalyx operculatus Flower Bud and Leaf Fractions
Authors: Thanh Doan Thien , Tan Mai Thanh , Thu Nguyen Thi My , Trinh Pham Nhat Phuong , Thuong Pham Thi Hoai , Tuyet Pham Thi Giang , Ngan Luong Thi My , Hieu Tran Trung
Published: August 2024

Six solvent fractions isolated from flower bud and leaf ethanolic extracts of Cleistocalyx operculatus were analyzed for their phytochemical contents including phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids. Antioxidant activities were measured using the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The results showed that flower bud aqueous fraction (BAF) and leaf aqueous fraction (LAF) rich in phenolic content (768.18 and 490.74 mg GAE/g dry extract, respectively) exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activities than other fractions. Flower bud hexane fraction (BHF) had remarkably high flavonoid and saponin contents (134.77 mg QE/g and 153.33 mg OA/g dry extract, respectively), followed by that of leaf hexane fraction (LHF) (76.54 mg QE/g and 88.25 mg OA/g dry extract, respectively). BHF and LHF were found to have extremely high antibacterial activity against two H. pylori strains ATCC 51932 and 43504 (MICs of 125 µg/ml). Interestingly, DMC (2’,4’-Dihydroxy-6’-methoxy-3’,5’-dimethylchalcone) isolated from BHF displayed greater antibacterial activity against the bacterial strains (MICs of 25–50 µg/ml) than those of the fractions. In addition, DMC presented potent inhibitory effects on H. pylori-urease (IC50 of 3.2 µg/ml) and α-amylase (IC50 of 83.80 µg/ml), but no inhibition against α-glucosidase. It was also demonstrated that DMC showed its pronounced inhibitory effects on urease activity and biofilm formation of H. pylori, and could increase the membrane permeability of the bacterial cells. Scanning electron micrographs depict that BHF and DMC had strong effects on the cell shape and significantly induced distortion and damage of the cell membrane. The fractions and DMC showed no significant toxicity to four tested human cell lines. Efforts to reduce antibiotic use indicate the need for further researches of the flower buds and DMC as potential products to prevent or treat gastric H. pylori infections.
Structure of Spectral Composition and Synchronization in Human Sleep on the Whole Scalp: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pastor Jesus Pastor , Garrido Zabala Paula , Vega-Zelaya Lorena
Published: August 2024

We used numerical methods to define the normative structure of the different stages of sleep and wake (W) in a pilot study of 19 subjects without pathology (18–64 years old) using a double-banana bipolar montage. Artefact-free 120–240 s epoch lengths were visually identified and divided into 1 s windows with a 10% overlap. Differential channels were grouped into frontal, parieto-occipital, and temporal lobes. For every channel, the power spectrum (PS) was calculated via fast Fourier transform and used to compute the areas for the delta (0–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz) bands, which were log-transformed. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and coherence by bands were computed. Differences in logPS and synchronization from the whole scalp were observed between the sexes for specific stages. However, these differences vanished when specific lobes were considered. Considering the location and stages, the logPS and synchronization vary highly and specifically in a complex manner. Furthermore, the average spectra for every channel and stage were very well defined, with phase-specific features (e.g., the sigma band during N2 and N3, or the occipital alpha component during wakefulness), although the slow alpha component (8.0–8.5 Hz) persisted during NREM and REM sleep. The average spectra were symmetric between hemispheres. The properties of K-complexes and the sigma band (mainly due to sleep spindles – SSs) were deeply analysed during the NREM N2 stage. The properties of the sigma band are directly related to the density of SSs. The average frequency of SSs in the frontal lobe was lower than that in the occipital lobe. In approximately 30% of patients, SSs showed bimodal components in anterior regions. qEEG can be easily and reliably used to study sleep in healthy subjects and patients.
Managing bariatric surgery complications at a third level public hospital in Panamá
Authors: Isaacs Beron Reinaldo , Bruno Cao Victor Hugo , Carreira Daniel , Hurtado Mariela
Published: August 2024

Background: Surgical complications are devastating both for patients and treating surgeons. When these complications occur after bariatric procedures, due to specific characteristics of this population, management, although multidisciplinary should always be led by a surgical team. Methods: We present major complications treated at our general surgery service over a seven -year period. Case series: we present 5 cases that were treated at our service after a bariatric procedure was performed. Two patients were operated at another country and one of them at another service. Three of patients showed perforation and leak related complications. One patient died due to refeeding syndrome complications after revisional surgery. Conclusions: Optimal preoperative evaluations and surgical planning are mandatory for any type of surgery including bariatric procedures, attempting to adequate and well-established surgical techniques extensively described in medical literature is associated with better outcomes. Also is our understanding that easy channels of communication between patients and treating surgeons could avoid delay in detecting and treating life-threatening conditions.