bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bacterial DNA Profiling of Chorionic Villi and Amniotic Fluids Reveals Overlaps with Maternal Oral, Vaginal, and Gut Microbiomes
Authors: Campisciano Giuseppina , Zanotta Nunzia , Quadrifoglio Mariachiara , Careri Annalisa , Torresani Alessandra , Cason Carolina , De Seta Francesco , Ricci Giuseppe , Comar Manola , Stampalija Tamara
Published: February 2023

The in utero microbiome hypothesis has been long debated. This hypothesis will change our comprehension of the pioneer human microbiome if proved correct. In 60 uncomplicated pregnancies, we profiled the microbiome of chorionic villi (CV) and amniotic fluids (AF) in relation to maternal saliva, rectum, and vagina and the soluble cytokines cascade in the vagina, CV and AF. In our series, 12/37 (32%) AF and 10/23 (44%) CV tested positive for bacterial DNA. CV and AF harbored bacterial DNA of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus, overlapping that of the matched oral and vaginal niches, which showed a dysbiotic microbiome. In these pregnant women, the immune profiling revealed an immune hyporesponsiveness in the vagina and a high intraamniotic concentration of inflammatory cytokines. To understand the eventual role of bacterial colonization of the CV and AF and the associated immune response in the pregnancy outcome, further appropriate studies are needed. In this context, further studies should highlight if the hematogenous route could justify the spread of bacterial DNA from the oral microbiome to the placenta and if vaginal dysbiosis could favor the likelihood of identifying CV and AF positive for bacterial DNA.
Alzheimer’s Precision Neurology: Epigenetics of Cytochrome P450 Genes in Circulating Cell-Free DNA for Disease Prediction and Mechanism
Authors: Bahado-Singh Ray O. , Vishweswaraiah Sangeetha , Turkoglu Onur , Graham Stewart F. , Radhakrishna Uppala
Published: February 2023

Precision neurology combines high-throughput technologies and statistical modeling to identify novel disease pathways and predictive biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Brain cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes are major regulators of cholesterol, sex hormone, and xenobiotic metabolism, and they could play important roles in neurodegenerative disorders. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic factors contribute to AD development. We evaluated cytosine (‘CpG’)-based DNA methylation changes in AD using circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), to which neuronal cells are known to contribute. We investigated CYP-based mechanisms for AD pathogenesis and epigenetic biomarkers for disease detection. We performed a case–control study using 25 patients with AD and 23 cognitively healthy controls using the cfDNA of CYP genes. We performed a logistic regression analysis using the MetaboAnalyst software computer program and a molecular pathway analysis based on epigenetically altered CYP genes using the Cytoscape program. We identified 130 significantly (false discovery rate correction q-value < 0.05) differentially methylated CpG sites within the CYP genes. The top two differentially methylated genes identified were CYP51A1 and CYP2S1. The significant molecular pathways that were perturbed in AD cfDNA were (i) androgen and estrogen biosynthesis and metabolism, (ii) C21 steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism, and (iii) arachidonic acid metabolism. Existing evidence suggests a potential role of each of these biochemical pathways in AD pathogenesis. Next, we randomly divided the study group into discovery and validation sub-sets, each consisting of patients with AD and control patients. Regression models for AD prediction based on CYP CpG methylation markers were developed in the discovery or training group and tested in the independent validation group. The CYP biomarkers achieved a high predictive accuracy. After a 10-fold cross-validation, the combination of cg17852385/cg23101118 + cg14355428/cg22536554 achieved an AUC (95% CI) of 0.928 (0.787~1.00), with 100% sensitivity and 92.3% specificity for AD detection in the discovery group. The performance remained high in the independent validation or test group, achieving an AUC (95% CI) of 0.942 (0.905~0.979) with a 90% sensitivity and specificity. Our findings suggest that the epigenetic modification of CYP genes may play an important role in AD pathogenesis and that circulating CYP-based cfDNA biomarkers have the potential to accurately and non-invasively detect AD.
Drug–Drug Interactions of Cannabidiol with Standard-of-Care Chemotherapeutics
Authors: Buchtova Tereza , Lukac David , Skrott Zdenek , Chroma Katarina , Bartek Jiri , Mistrik Martin
Published: February 2023

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an easily accessible and affordable Marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) plant derivative with an extensive history of medical use spanning thousands of years. Interest in the therapeutic potential of CBD has increased in recent years, including its anti-tumour properties in various cancer models. In addition to the direct anticancer effects of CBD, preclinical research on numerous cannabinoids, including CBD, has highlighted their potential use in: (i) attenuating chemotherapy-induced adverse effects and (ii) enhancing the efficacy of some anticancer drugs. Therefore, CBD is gaining popularity as a supportive therapy during cancer treatment, often in combination with standard-of-care cancer chemotherapeutics. However, CBD is a biologically active substance that modulates various cellular targets, thereby possibly resulting in unpredictable outcomes, especially in combinations with other medications and therapeutic modalities. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of CBD interactions with selected anticancer chemotherapeutics, discuss the emerging mechanistic basis for the observed biological effects, and highlight both the potential benefits and risks of such combined treatments. Apart from the experimental and preclinical results, we also indicate the planned or ongoing clinical trials aiming to evaluate the impact of CBD combinations in oncology. The results of these and future trials are essential to provide better guidance for oncologists to judge the benefit-versus-risk ratio of these exciting treatment strategies. We hope that our present overview of this rapidly advancing field of biomedicine will inspire more preclinical and clinical studies to further our understanding of the underlying biology and optimize the benefits for cancer patients.
The Endogenous Cannabinoid and the Nitricoxidergic Systems in the Modulation of Stress Responses
Authors: Nocheva Hristina , Krastev Nikolay S. , Krastev Dimo S. , Mileva Milka
Published: February 2023

The effects on stress-induced analgesia (SIA) from endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) and nitric oxide (NO) interaction after 1 h of restraint stress were evaluated in male Wistar rats. The animals were subjected to 1 h of restraint and then injected with different combinations of cannabinoid receptor type 1 agonist anandamide (AEA) or antagonist AM251 along with an NO donor, NO precursor, or inhibitor of NO synthase. Nociception was evaluated using paw pressure (PP) or hot plate (HP) tests. AEA was administered immediately after the end of restraint-SIA (r-SIA). Administration of NO precursor reversed the pronociceptive effect of the CB1 agonist on r-SIA. Both the CB1 antagonist and the NOS inhibitor neutralized the pro-analgesic effect of L-arginine (L-arg). Administration of an NO donor, instead, increased r-SIA. Our experiments confirmed that the endogenous cannabinoid and the NO-ergic systems interact in the modulation of r-SIA. This interaction probably implies NO as a second messenger of the ECS.
Longevity, Centenarians and Modified Cellular Proteodynamics
Authors: Frankowska Natalia , Bryl Ewa , Fulop Tamas , Witkowski Jacek M.
Published: February 2023

We have shown before that at least one intracellular proteolytic system seems to be at least as abundant in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of centenarians as in the same cells of young individuals (with the cells of the elderly population showing a significant dip compared to both young and centenarian cohorts). Despite scarce published data, in this review, we tried to answer the question how do different types of cells of longevous people—nonagenarians to (semi)supercentenarians—maintain the quality and quantity of their structural and functional proteins? Specifically, we asked if more robust proteodynamics participate in longevity. We hypothesized that at least some factors controlling the maintenance of cellular proteomes in centenarians will remain at the “young” level (just performing better than in the average elderly). In our quest, we considered multiple aspects of cellular protein maintenance (proteodynamics), including the quality of transcribed DNA, its epigenetic changes, fidelity and quantitative features of transcription of both mRNA and noncoding RNAs, the process of translation, posttranslational modifications leading to maturation and functionalization of nascent proteins, and, finally, multiple facets of the process of elimination of misfolded, aggregated, and otherwise dysfunctional proteins (autophagy). We also included the status of mitochondria, especially production of ATP necessary for protein synthesis and maintenance. We found that with the exception of the latter and of chaperone function, practically all of the considered aspects did show better performance in centenarians than in the average elderly, and most of them approached the levels/activities seen in the cells of young individuals.
Interactions between Sodium Hyaluronate and β-Cyclodextrin as Seen by Transport Properties
Authors: Musilová Lenka , Mráček Aleš , Azevedo Eduarda F. G. , Valente Artur J. M. , Cabral Ana M. T. D. P. V. , Ribeiro Ana C. F. , Esteso Miguel A.
Published: February 2023

Knowledge of mass transport parameters, diffusion, and viscosity of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the presence of cyclodextrins is of considerable importance for areas such as food packaging and drug delivery, among others. Despite a number of studies investigating the functionalization of HA or the corresponding sodium salt by cyclodextrins, only a few studies have reported the effect of cyclodextrins on the mass transport of HA in the presence of these oligosaccharides. Here, we report the tracer binary and ternary interdiffusion coefficients of sodium hyaluronate (NaHy) in water and aqueous β-cyclodextrin solutions. The diffusion behavior of sodium hyaluronate was dependent on the reduced viscosity of NaHy, which, in turn, presented a concave dependence on concentration, with a minimum at approximately 2.5 g dm−3. The significant decrease in the limiting diffusion coefficient of NaHy (at most 45%) at NaHy concentrations below 1 g dm−3 in the presence of β-cyclodextrin, taking water as the reference, allowed us to conclude that NaHy strongly interacted with the cyclodextrin.
Evolution of Antiretroviral Drug Rilpivirine and Approach to Oncology
Authors: Pereira Mariana , Vale Nuno
Published: February 2023

Rilpivirine is an antiretroviral drug used to treat AIDS worldwide. The drug is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that halts the cDNA elongation process and, thus, the capacity of the HIV-1 virus to replicate. With the new wave of drug repurposing in recent years, rilpivirine has been studied in this regard. This drug is useful in Zika virus treatment, with in vivo results indicating regression in neuronal effects often associated with this infection. Several cancer types have also been researched, from breast to leukemia and pancreatic cancer, and rilpivirine has proved to have inhibitory effects in various cell lines with low concentrations, causing cellular death, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. The pathways are not yet established, but some works have hypothesized and demonstrated that rilpivirine causes inhibition of Aurora A kinase and has effects on the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway and the vascular endothelial growth factors-receptors (VEGFs-VEGFRs) pathway, which are known to be altered in cancer and tumors and can be targeted for cancer treatment. Further testing and clinical trials are needed, but this review demonstrates the potential of rilpivirine’s repurposing for cancer treatment.
Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Cancer: Pathogenetic Mechanisms
Authors: Salvatori Silvia , Marafini Irene , Laudisi Federica , Monteleone Giovanni , Stolfi Carmine
Published: February 2023

Gastric cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the main risk factors for this type of neoplasia. Carcinogenetic mechanisms associated with H. pylori are based, on the one hand, on the onset of chronic inflammation and, on the other hand, on bacterial-specific virulence factors that can damage the DNA of gastric epithelial cells and promote genomic instability. Here, we review and discuss the major pathogenetic mechanisms by which H. pylori infection contributes to the onset and development of gastric cancer.
Anti-Virulence Strategy of Novel Dehydroabietic Acid Derivatives: Design, Synthesis, and Antibacterial Evaluation
Authors: Qi Puying , Wang Na , Zhang Taihong , Feng Yumei , Zhou Xiang , Zeng Dan , Meng Jiao , Liu Liwei , Jin Linhong , Yang Song
Published: February 2023

Anti-virulence strategies are attractive and interesting strategies for controlling bacterial diseases because virulence factors are fundamental to the infection process of numerous serious phytopathogenics. To extend the novel anti-virulence agents, a series of dehydroabietic acid (DAA) derivatives decorated with amino alcohol unit were semi-synthesized based on structural modification of the renewable natural DAA and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac), and Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa). Compound 2b showed the most promising antibacterial activity against Xoo with an EC50 of 2.7 μg mL−1. Furthermore, compound 2b demonstrated remarkable control effectiveness against bacterial leaf blight (BLB) in rice, with values of 48.6% and 61.4% for curative and protective activities. In addition, antibacterial behavior suggested that compound 2b could suppress various virulence factors, including EPS, biofilm, swimming motility, and flagella. Therefore, the current study provided promising lead compounds for novel bactericides discovery by inhibiting bacterial virulence factors.
H2S- and Redox-State-Mediated PTP1B S-Sulfhydration in Insulin Signaling
Authors: Lin Yu-Chin , Zeng Wan-Ting , Lee Der-Yen
Published: February 2023

Because hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is classified as a gaseous signaling molecule, protein S-sulfhydration is known to be one of the mechanisms by which H2S signals are conducted. PTP1B, a negative regulator in insulin signaling, has been found to be S-sulfhydrated at Cys215-SH to form Cys215-SSH in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Therefore, we aimed to understand the change in PTP1B S-sulfhydration and cellular redox homeostasis in response to insulin stimulation. We demonstrated a feasible PEG-switch method to determine the levels of PTP1B S-sulfhydration. According to the results obtained from HEK293T and MDA-MB-231 cells, insulin induced a change in PTP1B S-sulfhydration that was similar to the change in Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) phosphorylation in both cell lines. However, insulin-induced PTP1B S-sulfhydration and IRS1 phosphorylation were only significantly affected by metformin in HEK293T cells. Insulin also induced an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both cell lines. However, the level of H2S, GSH, and GSSG was only significantly affected by insulin and metformin in HEK293T cells. HEK293T cells maintained high levels of H2S and cysteine, but low levels of GSSG and GSH in general compared to MDA-MB-231 cells. From these findings, we suggest that PTP1B activity is modulated by H2S and redox-regulated S-sulfhydration during insulin signaling.
Innovative Modernization of Building Heating Systems: The Economy and Ecology of a Hybrid District-Heating Substation
Authors: Stokowiec Katarzyna , Wciślik Sylwia , Kotrys-Działak Dagmara
Published: February 2023

Hybrid installations with respect to renewable energy sources are becoming more popular due to the stringent requirements for the energy efficiency of buildings. Therefore, the thermomodernization of a district-heating substation was proposed. Several scenarios, including different renewable energies (an air–water heat pump versus a heat pump with photovoltaics), different investment financing (equity or bank credit), and different purposes for heating demand (central heating or central heating with ventilation and domestic hot water), were analyzed. The economic aspects involved the calculations of the payback time and net present value, while the ecological and environmental characteristics were weighed using emission reduction. Each of the analyses resulted in different proposed modernization methods. However, taking both factors together, the computations proved that the most profitable was the scenario with energy demand for heating, domestic hot water, and ventilation purposes financed by means of bank credit with a thermomodernization bonus.
The Relationship between Postexercise Hypotension and Heart Rate Variability before and after Exercise Training
Authors: Cilhoroz Burak T. , Zaleski Amanda , Taylor Beth , Fernandez Antonio B. , Santos Lucas P. , Vonk Thijs , Thompson Paul D. , Pescatello Linda S.
Published: February 2023

Because data are scarce, we examined the relationship between postexercise hypotension (PEH) and heart rate variability (HRV) before and after aerobic exercise training among adults with hypertension. Participants completed a 12 w aerobic training program. Before and after training, they performed a peak graded exercise stress test (GEST) and nonexercise control (CONTROL) and were left attached to an ambulatory BP monitor. Prior to CONTROL, HRV was measured supine for 5 min using a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The participants (n = 18) were middle-aged (52.1 ± 11.7 y) and 50% men with hypertension (131.7 ± 9.8/85.9 ± 8.5 mmHg) and obesity (30.0 ± 3.7 kg·m−2). Before training, ambulatory systolic BP (ASBP) and diastolic ABP (ADBP) decreased by 3.2 ± 2.1 mmHg and 2.5 ± 1.5 mmHg, respectively, from baseline after the GEST versus CONTROL (p < 0.05). After training, ASBP tended to decrease by 3.5 ± 2.2 mmHg (p = 0.055) and ADBP decreased by 1.7 ± 2.5 mmHg (p = 0.001) from baseline after the GEST versus CONTROL. Before training, HRV high frequency (HFms2) (β = −0.441), age (β = 0.568), and resting SBP (β = 0.504) accounted for 66.8% of the ASBP response (p = 0.001), whereas the low frequency (LF)/HF ratio (β = 0.516) and resting DBP (β = 0.277) accounted for 35.7% of the ADBP response (p = 0.037). After training, the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) (β = −0.556), age (β = 0.506), and resting SBP (β = 0.259) accounted for 60.7% of the ASBP response (p = 0.004), whereas SDNN (β = −0.236) and resting DBP (β = 0.785) accounted for 58.5% of the ADBP response (p = 0.001). Our preliminary findings show that adults with hypertension and parasympathetic suppression (i.e., lower SDNN and HFms2 and higher LF/HF) may elicit PEH to the greatest degree independent of training status versus adults with parasympathetic predominance, suggesting that resting HRV may be an important determinant of PEH.
The Role of Anti-Factor Xa Activity in the Management of Ecchymosis in Patients Receiving Rivaroxaban after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Han , Liu Jiacheng , Lai Xiaofei , Li Xinyu , Huang Wei
Published: February 2023

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of anti-factor Xa activity (aFXa) in predicting ecchymosis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One hundred and two unilateral primary TKA patients were recruited consecutively in this prospective observational study. Participants received rivaroxaban (10 mg p.o. qd) from postoperative day 1 (POD1) to POD35 and were divided into a non-ecchymosis group (group A) and an ecchymosis group (group B). AFXa was assessed as the primary outcome on POD1 and POD3. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thromboelastography (TEG) were recorded both preoperatively and postoperatively (on POD1 and POD3). Other outcomes, including venous thromboembolism (VTE), blood loss and wound complications were also collected and compared. As a result, 27.5% of the participants (n = 28) were allocated into group B. Demographic data were comparable between the two groups. The aFXa levels in group B were significantly higher than those in group A on POD1 and POD3, and the aFXa level was assessed as an independent risk factor for ecchymosis. The cut-off value of aFXa was determined to be 121.38 ng/mL at maximal Youden index, associated with area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.67. Group B experienced significantly more blood loss and wound complications than group A. No statistical difference was detected regarding PT, APTT and TEG parameters. AFXa is a promising parameter to predict ecchymosis after TKA. Patients with aFXa > 121.38 ng/mL should be considered as high-risk population for postoperative ecchymosis and may require intense monitoring or dosage modification of anticoagulants.
The Use of Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel (UBS) in Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery (UBESS): Technical Notes and Outcomes
Authors: Tsai Sung Huang Laurent , Chang Chia-Wei , Lin Tung-Yi , Wang Ying-Chih , Wong Chak-Bor , Ghaith Abdul Karim , Alvi Mohammed Ali , Fu Tsai-Sheng , Bydon Mohamad
Published: February 2023

Study Design: Case Series and Technical Note, Objective: UBS has been extensively used in open surgery. However, the use of UBS during UBESS has not been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to describe a new spinal surgical technique using an ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS) during unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBESS) and to report the preliminary results of this technique. Methods: We enrolled patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent single-level UBESS. All patients were followed up for more than 12 months. A unilateral laminotomy was performed after bilateral decompression under endoscopy. We used the UBS system after direct visualization of the target for a bone cut. We evaluated the demographic characteristics, diagnosis, operative time, and estimated blood loss of the patients. Clinical outcomes included the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the modified MacNab criteria, and postoperative complications. Results: A total of twenty patients (five males and fifteen females) were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up period was 13.2 months (range 12–17 months). The VAS score, ODI, and modified MacNab criteria classification improved after the surgery. A minimal mean blood loss of 22.1 mL was noted during the operation. Only one patient experienced neuropraxia, which resolved within 2 weeks. There was no durotomy, iatrogenic pars fracture, or infection. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study represents the first report of the use of UBS during UBESS. Our findings demonstrate that this technique is safe and efficient, with improved clinical outcomes and minimal complications. These preliminary results warrant further investigation through larger clinical studies with longer follow-up periods to confirm the effectiveness of this technique in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.
Ultrasound in Sepsis and Septic Shock—From Diagnosis to Treatment
Authors: Tullo Gianluca , Candelli Marcello , Gasparrini Irene , Micci Sara , Franceschi Francesco
Published: February 2023

Sepsis and septic shock are among the leading causes of in-hospital mortality worldwide, causing a considerable burden for healthcare. The early identification of sepsis as well as the individuation of the septic focus is pivotal, followed by the prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy, appropriate source control as well as adequate hemodynamic resuscitation. For years now, both emergency department (ED) doctors and intensivists have used ultrasound as an adjunctive tool for the correct diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Our aim was to better understand the state-of-the art role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis and septic shock. Methods: We conducted an extensive literature search about the topic and reported on the data from the most significant papers over the last 20 years. Results: We divided each article by topic and exposed the results accordingly, identifying four main aspects: sepsis diagnosis, source control and procedure, fluid resuscitation and hemodynamic optimization, and echocardiography in septic cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: The use of ultrasound throughout the process of the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis and septic shock provides the clinician with an adjunctive tool to better characterize patients and ensure early, aggressive, as well as individualized therapy, when needed. More data are needed to conclude that the use of ultrasound might improve survival in this subset of patients.
Old and New Precipitants in Hepatic Encephalopathy: A New Look at a Field in Continuous Evolution
Authors: Bellafante Daniele , Gioia Stefania , Faccioli Jessica , Riggio Oliviero , Ridola Lorenzo , Nardelli Silvia
Published: February 2023

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication in patients with advanced liver disease. It is a brain dysfunction characterized by neurological and psychiatric symptoms that significantly affects quality of life, morbidity and mortality of patients. HE has various precipitants that can potentially promote its onset, alone or in combination. Among the historically well-known precipitants, such as infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, dehydration, electrolyte disorders and constipation, recent studies have highlighted the role of malnutrition and portosystemic shunts as new precipitating factors of HE. The identification, management and correction of these factors are fundamental for effective HE treatment, in addition to pharmacological therapy with non-absorbable disaccharides and/or antibiotics.
Visual Performance of a Violet-Filtering Intraocular Lens versus a Blue-Filtering Intraocular Lens of New/Old Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Noguchi Santaro , Nakakura Shunsuke , Noguchi Asuka , Tabuchi Hitoshi
Published: February 2023

This article compares the visual performance of a violet light-filtering colored lens (ZCB00V) and blue light-filtering intraocular lens (IOL; SN60WF) before and after modifying the manufacturing process for glistening suppression. In this retrospective study, conducted at Saneikai Tsukazaki Hospital, Himeji, Japan, a consecutive sample of 8943 eyes of 5119 patients were included and implanted with blue-filtering IOLs before and after modifying the manufacturing process (SN60WF-J (1318 eyes) and SN60WF-Q,A (1418 eyes), respectively), noncolored UV-cut IOLs (ZCB00 (1418 eyes)), and ZCB00V (3717 eyes). For each patient, the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at 3 months postoperative (3MCDVA) and the area under log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) were measured. The 3MCDVA was −0.076 ± 0.1, −0.11 ± 0.13, −0.10 ± 0.17, and −0.11 ± 0.13, for SN60WF-J, SN60WF-Q,A, ZCB00, and ZCB00V, respectively. The SN60WF-J group revealed significant differences as compared to the other three groups (all p < 0.05). The mesopic AULCSF was 2.59 ± 0.20, 2.68 ± 0.19, −2.69 ± 0.18, and 2.76 ± 0.19, respectively, whereas the photopic AULSCF was 2.63 ± 0.23, 2.76 ± 0.25, −2.77 ± 0.25, and 2.88 ± 0.25. The SN60WF-J and ZCB00V groups exhibited significant differences as compared to the other three groups, whereas no significant differences were noted between the SN60WF-Q,A and the ZCB00 groups (all p < 0.05). The violet-filtering lens offers higher visual acuity and contrast sensitivity than the clear and blue-filtering lens. It was also found that the above functions were improved by modifying the manufacturing process.
Developments and Applications of Green and Intelligent Inland Vessels in China
Authors: Liu Jialun , Yan Xinping , Liu Chenguang , Fan Ailong , Ma Feng
Published: February 2023

To provide a reference for practical applications of green and intelligent inland vessels, this paper summarizes the development status and five key technologies of green intelligent inland vessels in China. Green and intelligent inland vessels will be used for demonstration and application verification. The application of key technologies in green, intelligent, and formation navigation is expounded. Finally, five tasks for developing the “New Generation of Waterborne Transportation” systems are proposed.
Nonlinear Extended State Observer-Based Distributed Formation Control of Multiple Vessels with Finite-Time Prescribed Performance
Authors: Wang Shasha , Dai Dongchen , Wang Dan , Tuo Yulong
Published: February 2023

In the presence of unmeasurable velocities and system uncertainties, the distributed formation control problem is investigated in this paper for multiple vessels. A robust formation controller is proposed by incorporating an extended state observer (ESO) and finite-time prescribed performance function (FTPPF). Firstly, a nonlinear ESO is designed to estimate the unmeasurable velocities and system uncertainties. Subsequently, a novel FTPPF is designed to improve the dynamic performance of multi-vessel formation systems, where the upper bound of the convergence time and the constraint bounds can be set in advance based on the actual circumstances. Then, the proposed ESO and FTPPF are applied to the distributed formation controller design for multiple vessels. The proposed formation control scheme can maintain the multiple vessels in an expected formation with high tracking accuracy, a faster convergence speed, and smaller fluctuations. Finally, the performance of the proposed control method is verified by theory analysis and simulations.
Research on Black-Box Modeling Prediction of USV Maneuvering Based on SSA-WLS-SVM
Authors: Song Lifei , Hao Le , Tao Hao , Xu Chuanyi , Guo Rong , Li Yi , Yao Jianxi
Published: February 2023

Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are required to perform motion prediction during a task. This is essential for USVs, especially when conducting motion control, and this work has been proven to be complicated. In this paper, an off-line black box modeling method for USV maneuvering, the Sparrow search algorithm-based weighted-least-squares support vector machine (SSA-WLS-SVM) was proposed to recognize the motion model of a USV. Firstly, the construction of the USV test platform and the processing process of the experimental data were introduced, the correctness of the MMG model was verified using a comparison of the test data and the simulation results, and then the MMG model was used to produce sample data later. To improve the stability and robustness of LS-SVM, weighted least squares and SSA were introduced to perform the optimization of the parameters of the algorithm and its kernel function. Then, the random maneuvering dataset was obtained using simulation on the MMG model, which was then preprocessed and used for training the black-box model. To verify the generalization ability of the identified model, the black-box model was used for comparison analysis between motion prediction with the proposed model and maneuvering test on the USV platform in a scenario different from the training data.
Autonomous Machinery Management for Supervisory Risk Control Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Blindheim Simon , Rokseth Børge , Johansen Tor Arne
Published: February 2023

Safe navigation for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) is a challenging task, and generally highly dependent on effective collaboration between multiple sub-systems in environments with various levels of uncertainty. This paper presents a novel methodology combining risk-based optimal control and path following with autonomous machinery management (AMM) for MASS navigation and supervisory risk control. Specifically, a risk-aware particle swarm optimization (PSO) scheme utilizes “time-to-grounding” predictions based on weather data and electronic navigational charts (ENC) to simultaneously control both the ship’s motion as well as the machinery system operation (MSO) mode during transit. The proposed autonomous navigation system (ANS) is comprised of an online receding horizon control that uses a PSO approach from previous works, which produces a dynamic risk-aware path with respect to grounding obstacles from a pre-planned MASS path, subsequently given as the input to a line-of-sight guidance controller for path following. Moreover, the MSO mode of the AMM system is simultaneously selected and assigned to explicit segments along the risk-aware path throughout the receding horizon, which effectively introduces into the optimization scheme an additional safety layer as well as another dimension for risk or resource minimization. The performance of the resulting ANS is demonstrated and verified through simulations of a challenging scenario and human assessment of the generated paths. The results show that the optimized paths are more efficient and in line with how human navigators would maneuver a ship close to nearby grounding obstacles, compared to the optimized paths of selected previous works.
A Lethal Case of Disseminated Cladosporium allicinum Infection in a Captive African Bullfrog
Authors: Grassi Andrea , Gambini Matteo , Pantoli Marianna , Toscano Simona , Albertetti Anna , Del Frassino Deborah Maria , Ugochukwu Iniobong Chukwuebuka Ikenna , Romeo Orazio , Otranto Domenico , Cafarchia Claudia
Published: February 2023

Cladosporium infections have a poor prognosis in animals, most likely due to a lack of knowledge about diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we described a case of a lethal Cladosporium allicinum infection in a captive bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) in Europe. One adult male bullfrog was referred with clinical signs of lethargy and a cutaneous nodule. Fungal infection was suspected on cytology and confirmed by histology and cultural isolation. The mold was identified by molecular methods using partial sequencing of the TEF1α gene and the ITS region of rDNA. Climbazole antifungal treatment was started but the frog died after 30 days, and necropsy was done. Pigmented hyphae and structures consistent with muriform bodies were found on a background of diffuse granulomatous inflammation at cytological and histopathological examinations. Fungal culture revealed the presence of pigmented fungi identified as Cladosporium allicinum only by partial sequencing of the TEF1α gene. A focally extensive granuloma with intralesional hyphae and muriform bodies effacing the architecture of head, liver, kidneys, lungs, and large intestine were retrieved after necropsy. This study is the first Italian report of the occurrence of lethal C. allicinum infection in a frog and highlights the role of this Cladosporium sp. in chromoblastomycosis.
India’s Total Natural Resource Rents (NRR) and GDP: An Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bound Test
Authors: Taneja Sanjay , Bhatnagar Mukul , Kumar Pawan , Rupeika-Apoga Ramona
Published: February 2023

Utilizing natural resources wisely, reducing pollution, and taking other environmental factors into account are now critical to the prospects for long-term economic growth and, by extension, sustainable development. We investigate the impact of total natural resource rents (NRR) on India’s GDP in this study. The data sample consists of NRR and GDP data from the World Bank’s official website collected between 1993 and 2020. In the study, the Granger causality test and an augmented autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound test were used. The NNR have a significant impact on India’s GDP, according to the results of the ARDL model on the framed time series data set. Furthermore, the ARDL bound test reveals that the NRR have a significant short-term and long-term impact on the GDP of the Indian economy. This research contributes to understanding whether an exclusive policy is required for effective management of the complex interactions between various forces in the economic, political, and social environments. This is significant because there is no standard policy in India to improve the efficiency of utility extraction from natural resources.
Spatio-Temporal Variations of Ecosystem Water Use Efficiency and Its Drivers in Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Ji , Yang Shiqi , Yang Shengtian , Fan Li , Zhou Xu
Published: February 2023

Water use efficiency (WUE) has garnered considerable attention at global and regional levels. However, spatio-temporal variations of WUE and related influencing factors in the complex karst landforms of southwest China require further elucidation. Herein, the ratio of gross primary productivity (GPP) to evapotranspiration (ET) obtained through the PML-V2 product was used to characterize ecosystem WUE, the spatio-temporal variations to ecosystem WUE, and responses to temperature, precipitation, and the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) in southwest China. The results showed that: (1) The ecosystem WUE in southwest China decreased with increasing latitude and altitude. Spatially, the ecosystem WUE fluctuates in a “W” pattern with increasing longitude because of the karst landforms’ distribution patterns. (2) The non-significant trend in increased ecosystem WUE during 2003–2017 may be associated with significant increases in the ET offsetting part of the GPP contribution to ecosystem WUE. Spatial distribution of changes in WUE is similar to GPP owing to the dominant role of GPP in changes to ecosystem WUE. (3) The multi-year average ecosystem WUE was lower in karst than in non-karst landforms; however, vegetation restoration projects have contributed in significantly increasing variation rate of ecosystem WUE in karst than that in non-karst landforms. (4) Temperature, precipitation, and EVI were generally positively correlated with ecosystem WUE and were important factors for the increase in ecosystem WUE. EVI characterized vegetation restoration indicators showed that the ecological engineering construction in the study area was effective and was the dominant factor of ecosystem WUE change in 59.59% of the study area. The results of this study are important for further understanding carbon and water cycling processes in karst regions.
A Partitioned and Heterogeneous Land-Use Simulation Model by Integrating CA and Markov Model
Authors: Wang Qihao , Liu Dongya , Gao Feiyao , Zheng Xinqi , Shang Yiqun
Published: February 2023

Conversion rule is a key element for a cellular automata (CA) model, and it is a significant and challenging issue for both domestic and international experts. Traditional research regarding CA models often constructs a single conversion rule for the entire study area, without differentiating it on the basis of the unique growth features of each location. On the basis of this, a partitioned and heterogeneous land-use simulation model (PHLUS) is constructed by integrating a CA and Markov model: (1) A general conversion rule is constructed for the entire study area. By establishing a land development potential evaluation index system, the conversion rule is refined and differentiated; (2) By coupling a CA model with a Markov model, PHLUS can realize land-use simulation both in micro and macro scales. A simulation study is conducted for the Pearl River Delta region. The results show that: (1) By transforming the CA model rules to further distinguish zones, the accuracy is improved. Compared with the traditional CA-Markov model, the simulation accuracies for 2010 and 2020 are improved by 11.55% and 7.14%, respectively. For built-up land simulation, the PHLUS simulation errors for 2010 and 2020 are only 0.7% and 0.57%, respectively; and (2) Under land-use simulation for 2030, cultivated land and forest land will transfer to built-up land. The built-up land area will reach 10,919 km2. Guangzhou and Shenzhen have the greatest potential for land development, and the built-up land area for the two cities will reach 2727 km2.
The Essential Role of IL-17 as the Pathogenetic Link between Psoriasis and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Olveira Antonio , Augustin Salvador , Benlloch Salvador , Ampuero Javier , Suárez-Pérez Jorge Alonso , Armesto Susana , Vilarrasa Eva , Belinchón-Romero Isabel , Herranz Pedro , Crespo Javier , Guimerá Francisco , Gómez-Labrador Lara , Martín Víctor , Carrascosa José Manuel
Published: February 2023

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is an effector cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a condition that is more prevalent and severe in patients with psoriasis. In liver inflammation, IL-17 is mainly produced by CD4+ T (TH17) and CD8+ T cells (Tc17), although numerous other cells (macrophages, natural killer cells, neutrophils and Tγδ cells) also contribute to the production of IL-17. In hepatocytes, IL-17 mediates systemic inflammation and the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the liver, and it is also implicated in the development of fibrosis and insulin resistance. IL-17 levels have been correlated with progression from MAFLD to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical trials have shown that inhibiting IL-17A in patients with psoriasis could potentially contribute to the improvement of metabolic and liver parameters. A better understanding of the key factors involved in the pathogenesis of these chronic inflammatory processes could potentially lead to more efficient treatment for both psoriasis and MAFLD, and help to develop holistic strategies to improve the management of these patients.
Oil Detection Fault Tree Analysis Based on Improved Expert’s Own Weight–Aggregate Fuzzy Number
Authors: Sheng Junjie , Wei Haijun
Published: February 2023

Oil detection technology improves the reliability of machinery or equipment. The physical and chemical indicators of the fluid can reflect the cause of the failure in various aspects, which can prevent major accidents to the greatest extent by setting up a fault tree. Owing to the lack of data, it is difficult to accurately obtain the basic event probabilities, which makes it difficult to diagnose faults. The expert evaluation method and aggregated fuzzy numbers are used to exact the failure probability, where the event probability is evaluated as the subjective will of the expert. To improve the probabilistic accuracy, weights are improved by the combined assignment method as well as the reasonableness analysis. A fault tree diagnostic model is constructed for qualitative and quantitative analysis, taking the ship engine oil viscosity high fault as an example. According to the results, the model can provide a comprehensive analysis of physical and chemical indicators. Experts’ own weights have a large impact on the failure probability, with their weight changes leading to a change in the failure ranking. From the discrimination, following a Bland–Altman analysis of the results, the selected combined empowerment method improved the discrimination of the results by 4.8% compared to the traditional method, with 100% data consistency, which proved that the improvement was reliable and effective. The structure of this fault diagnosis model is clear, which can quickly give the fault cause and probability reference value.
Enhanced Organic Contaminant Retardation by CTMAB-Modified Bentonite Backfill in Cut-Off Walls: Laboratory Test and Numerical Investigation
Authors: He Haijie , Wu Tao , Shu Xiaole , Chai Kuan , Qiu Zhanhong , Wang Shifang , Yao Jun
Published: February 2023

Adding organically modified bentonite into impervious wall materials may improve the adsorption of organic pollutants. In this study, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide organically modified bentonite (CTMAB bentonite) was mixed with sodium bentonite and kaolin to obtain two materials, which were then used as cut-off walls for typical pollutants. Soil column consolidation tests, diffusion tests, and breakdown tests were conducted to study migration of organic pollutants in soil columns. The parameter sensitivity of pollutant transport in the cut-off wall was analysed by numerical simulation. The sodium bentonite mixed with 10% CTMAB bentonite and kaolin-CTMAB bentonite showed the greatest impermeability: with a consolidation pressure of 200 kPa, the permeability coefficients were 1.03 × 10−8 m/s and 3.49 × 10−9 m/s, respectively. The quantity of phenol adsorbed on sodium bentonite-CTMAB bentonite increased with increasing water head height. The kaolin-CTMAB bentonite column showed the best rhodamine B adsorption performance, and the adsorption rate reached 98.9% on day 67. The numerical results showed that the permeability coefficient was positively correlated with the diffusion of pollutants in the soil column. The quantity adsorbed on the soil column was positively correlated with the retardation factor, and the extent of pollutant diffusion was negatively correlated with the retardation factor. This study provides a technical means for the optimal design of organic pollutant cut-off walls.
A Review of Particle Size Analysis with X-ray CT
Authors: Behnsen Julia G. , Black Kate , Houghton James E. , Worden Richard H.
Published: February 2023

Particle size and morphology analysis is a problem common to a wide range of applications, including additive manufacturing, geological and agricultural materials’ characterisation, food manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Here, we review the use of microfocus X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) for particle analysis. We give an overview of different sample preparation methods, image processing protocols, the morphology parameters that can be determined, and types of materials that are suitable for analysis of particle sizes using X-ray CT. The main conclusion is that size and shape parameters can be determined for particles larger than approximately 2 to 3 μm, given adequate resolution of the X-ray CT setup. Particles composed of high atomic number materials (Z > 40) require careful sample preparation to ensure X-ray transmission. Problems occur when particles with a broad range of sizes are closely packed together, or when particles are fused (sintered or cemented). The use of X-ray CT for particle size analysis promises to become increasingly widespread, offering measurements of size, shape, and porosity of large numbers of particles within one X-ray CT scan.
2D Hierarchical NiMoO4 Nanosheets/Activated Carbon Nanocomposites for High Performance Supercapacitors: The Effect of Nickel to Molybdenum Ratios
Authors: Hamdi Esraa , Abdelwahab Abdalla , Farghali Ahmed A. , Rouby Waleed M. A. El , Carrasco-Marín Francisco
Published: February 2023

Supercapacitors have the potential to be used in a variety of fields, including electric vehicles, and a lot of research is focused on unique electrode materials to enhance capacitance and stability. Herein, we prepared nickel molybdate/activated carbon (AC) nanocomposites using a facile impregnation method that preserved the carbon surface area. In order to study how the nickel-to-molybdenum ratio affects the efficiency of the electrode, different ratios between Ni-Mo were prepared and tested as supercapacitor electrodes, namely in the following ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FESEM, HRTEM, and BET devices were extensively used to analyze the structure of the nanocomposites. The structure of the prepared nickel molybdates was discovered to be 2D hierarchical nanosheets, which functionalized the carbon surface. Among all of the electrodes, the best molar ratio between Ni-Mo was found to be 1:3 NiMo3/AC reaching (541 F·g−1) of specific capacitance at a current density of 1 A·g−1, and 67 W·h·Kg−1 of energy density at a power density of 487 W·Kg−1. Furthermore, after 4000 repetitive cycles at a large current density of 4 A·g−1, an amazing capacitance stability of 97.7% was maintained. This remarkable electrochemical activity for NiMo3/AC could be credited towards its 2D hierarchical structure, which has a huge surface area of 1703 m2·g−1, high pore volume of 0.925 cm3·g−1, and large particle size distribution.