bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Pressure Laparoscopy Using the AirSeal System versus Standard Insufflation in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study (ARIEL Study)
Authors: Buda Alessandro , Di Martino Giampaolo , Borghese Martina , Restaino Stefano , Surace Alessandra , Puppo Andrea , Paracchini Sara , Ferrari Debora , Perotto Stefania , Novelli Antonia , De Ponti Elena , Borghi Chiara , Fanfani Francesco , Fruscio Robert
Published: March 2022

The aim of our study was to evaluate the benefits of a low-pressure insufflation system (AirSeal) vs. a standard insufflation system in terms of anesthesiologists’ parameters and postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for early-stage endometrial cancer. This retrospective study involved five tertiary centers and included 152 patients with apparent early-stage disease who underwent laparoscopic surgical staging with either the low-pressure AirSeal system (8–10 mmHg, n = 84) or standard laparoscopic insufflation (10–12 mmHg, n = 68). All the intraoperative anesthesia variables evaluated (systolic blood pressure, end-tidal CO2, peak airway pressure) were significantly lower in the AirSeal group. We recorded a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the median NRS scores for global pain recorded at 4, 8, and 24 h, and for overall shoulder pain after surgery. Significantly more women in the AirSeal group were also discharged on day one compared to the standard group. All such results were confirmed when analyzing the subgroup of women with a BMI >30 kg/m2. In conclusion, according to our preliminary study, low-pressure laparoscopy represents a valid alternative to standard laparoscopy and could facilitate the development of outpatient surgery.
Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Psychiatric Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Malaysian Perspective
Authors: Narendra Kumar Mehul Kumar , Francis Benedict , Hashim Aili Hanim , Zainal Nor Zuraida , Abdul Rashid Rusdi , Ng Chong Guan , Danaee Mahmoud , Hussain Nurulwafa , Sulaiman Ahmad Hatim
Published: March 2022

The psychological distress reported among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) is concerning. Little is known about the mental health of non-frontline, psychiatric HCWs, who play a central role in handling the mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among psychiatric HCWs and evaluate its association with socio-demographic, socio-economic, work-related factors and coping strategies. The authors proposed a cross-sectional study design using the Hospital Anxiety and Depressive Scale (HADS) and Brief-COPE scale. This study found that the prevalence of anxiety and depression were 22.0% and 16.8%, respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed that married psychiatric HCWs had a lower level of anxiety with OR = 0.31 (95% CI: 0.11–0.83). Psychiatric HCWs who were experiencing financial hardships, were unvaccinated and those who had a shorter duration of service in the psychiatric department had a higher level of depressive symptoms with OR = 0.31 (CI: 1.19–11.27), 3.21 (CI: 0.97–10.52), and 1.01 (CI: 1.00–1.02), respectively. For every increase of one unit of avoidant coping score among respondents, the odds of having anxiety and depression increased by 1.25 times (CI: 1.15–1.37) and 1.20 times (CI: 1.09–1.32), respectively, whereas for every increase of one unit of religious coping score among respondents, the odds of having anxiety reduced by 1.42 times (CI: 1.10–1.84). The authors highlight that psychosocial measures addressing the relatively high levels of anxiety and depression among psychiatric HCWs should be a key priority to ensure the sustainment of mental health services in the face of this prolonged pandemic.
Current Practice of High Flow through Nasal Cannula in Exacerbated COPD Patients
Authors: Bruni Andrea , Garofalo Eugenio , Procopio Daniela , Corrado Silvia , Caroleo Antonio , Biamonte Eugenio , Pelaia Corrado , Longhini Federico
Published: March 2022

Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a form of severe Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) requiring Conventional Oxygen Therapy (COT) in the case of absence of acidosis or the application of Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) in case of respiratory acidosis. In the last decade, High Flow through Nasal Cannula (HFNC) has been increasingly used, mainly in patients with hypoxemic ARF. However, some studies were also published in AECOPD patients, and some evidence emerged. In this review, after describing the mechanism underlying potential clinical benefits, we analyzed the possible clinical application of HFNC to AECOPD patients. In the case of respiratory acidosis, the gold-standard treatment remains NIV, supported by strong evidence in favor. However, HFNC may be considered as an alternative to NIV if the latter fails for intolerance. HFNC should also be considered and preferred to COT at NIV breaks and weaning. Finally, HFNC should also be preferred to COT as first-line oxygen treatment in AECOPD patients without respiratory acidosis.
Drivers of Dust-Enhanced Snowpack Melt-Out and Streamflow Timing
Authors: Fassnacht Steven R. , Duncan Caroline R. , Pfohl Anna K. D. , Webb Ryan W. , Derry Jeffrey E. , Sanford William E. , Reimanis Danielle C. , Doskocil Lenka G.
Published: March 2022

The presence of dust on the snowpack accelerates snowmelt. This has been observed through snowpack and hydrometeorological measurements at a small study watershed in southwestern Colorado. For a 13-year period, we quantified the annual dust-enhanced energy absorption (DEAE) and used this information to model the snowpack melt-out under observed (with dust present) and clean conditions (no dust). We determine the difference in snow cover duration between actual (dust present) and simulated ideal (clean) snowpack (ΔSAG) to characterize the shifts in melt timing for each year. We compute the center of mass of runoff (tQ50) as a characteristic of snowmelt. DEAE, ΔSAG and tQ50 vary from year to year, and are dictated by the quantity of snow accumulation, and to a lesser extent the number of dust events, the annual dust loading, and springtime snowfall.
Structural Consequence of Non-Synonymous Single-Nucleotide Variants in the N-Terminal Domain of LIS1
Authors: Choi Ho Jin , Mitra Sarmistha , Munni Yeasmin Akter , Dash Raju , Habiba Sarmin Ummey , Sohel Md , Jahan Sultana Israt , Jang Tae Jung , Moon Il Soo
Published: March 2022

Disruptive neuronal migration during early brain development causes severe brain malformation. Characterized by mislocalization of cortical neurons, this condition is a result of the loss of function of migration regulating genes. One known neuronal migration disorder is lissencephaly (LIS), which is caused by deletions or mutations of the LIS1 (PAFAH1B1) gene that has been implicated in regulating the microtubule motor protein cytoplasmic dynein. Although this class of diseases has recently received considerable attention, the roles of non-synonymous polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in LIS1 on lissencephaly progression remain elusive. Therefore, the present study employed combined bioinformatics and molecular modeling approach to identify potential damaging nsSNPs in the LIS1 gene and provide atomic insight into their roles in LIS1 loss of function. Using this approach, we identified three high-risk nsSNPs, including rs121434486 (F31S), rs587784254 (W55R), and rs757993270 (W55L) in the LIS1 gene, which are located on the N-terminal domain of LIS1. Molecular dynamics simulation highlighted that all variants decreased helical conformation, increased the intermonomeric distance, and thus disrupted intermonomeric contacts in the LIS1 dimer. Furthermore, the presence of variants also caused a loss of positive electrostatic potential and reduced dimer binding potential. Since self-dimerization is an essential aspect of LIS1 to recruit interacting partners, thus these variants are associated with the loss of LIS1 functions. As a corollary, these findings may further provide critical insights on the roles of LIS1 variants in brain malformation.
Ocular Surface Infection Mediated Molecular Stress Responses: A Review
Authors: Das Samayitree , D’Souza Sharon , Gorimanipalli Bhavya , Shetty Rohit , Ghosh Arkasubhra , Deshpande Vrushali
Published: March 2022

Infection mediated ocular surface stress responses are activated as early defense mechanisms in response to host cell damage. Integrated stress responses initiate the host response to different types of infections and modulate the transcription of key genes and translation of proteins. The crosstalk between host and pathogen results in profound alterations in cellular and molecular homeostasis triggering specific stress responses in the infected tissues. The amplitude and variations of such responses are partly responsible for the disease severity and clinical sequelae. Understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of ocular infections is important for early diagnosis and effective treatment. This review considers the molecular status of infection mediated ocular surface stress responses which may shed light on the importance of the host stress-signaling pathways. In this review, we collated literature on the molecular studies of all ocular surface infections and summarize the results from such studies systematically. Identification of important mediators involved in the crosstalk between the stress response and activation of diverse signaling molecules in host ocular surface infection may provide novel molecular targets for maintaining the cellular homeostasis during infection. These targets can be then explored and validated for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Discovery of Novel Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 5 (TAAR5) Antagonists Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Bon Carlotta , Chern Ting-Rong , Cichero Elena , O’Brien Terrence E. , Gustincich Stefano , Gainetdinov Raul R. , Espinoza Stefano
Published: March 2022

Trace amine-associated receptor 5 (TAAR5) is a G protein-coupled receptor that belongs to the TAARs family (TAAR1-TAAR9). TAAR5 is expressed in the olfactory epithelium and is responsible for sensing 3-methylamine (TMA). However, recent studies showed that TAAR5 is also expressed in the limbic brain regions and is involved in the regulation of emotional behaviour and adult neurogenesis, suggesting that TAAR5 antagonism may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for anxiety and depression. We used the AtomNet® model, the first deep learning neural network for structure-based drug discovery, to identify putative TAAR5 ligands and tested them in an in vitro BRET assay. We found two mTAAR5 antagonists with low to submicromolar activity that are able to inhibit the cAMP production induced by TMA. Moreover, these two compounds also inhibited the mTAAR5 downstream signalling, such as the phosphorylation of CREB and ERK. These two hits exhibit drug-like properties and could be used to further develop more potent TAAR5 ligands with putative anxiolytic and antidepressant activity.
Perfusion-Based Bioreactor Culture and Isothermal Microcalorimetry for Preclinical Drug Testing with the Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor SLC-0111 in Patient-Derived Neuroblastoma
Authors: Huo Zihe , Bilang Remo , Supuran Claudiu T. , von der Weid Nicolas , Bruder Elisabeth , Holland-Cunz Stefan , Martin Ivan , Muraro Manuele G. , Gros Stephanie J.
Published: March 2022

Neuroblastoma is a rare disease. Rare are also the possibilities to test new therapeutic options for neuroblastoma in clinical trials. Despite the constant need to improve therapy and outcomes for patients with advanced neuroblastoma, clinical trials currently only allow for testing few substances in even fewer patients. This increases the need to improve and advance preclinical models for neuroblastoma to preselect favorable candidates for novel therapeutics. Here we propose the use of a new patient-derived 3D slice-culture perfusion-based 3D model in combination with rapid treatment evaluation using isothermal microcalorimetry exemplified with treatment with the novel carbonic anhydrase IX and XII (CAIX/CAXII) inhibitor SLC-0111. Patient samples showed a CAIX expression of 18% and a CAXII expression of 30%. Corresponding with their respective CAIX expression patterns, the viability of SH-EP cells was significantly reduced upon treatment with SLC-0111, while LAN1 cells were not affected. The inhibitory effect on SH-SY5Y cells was dependent on the induction of CAIX expression under hypoxia. These findings corresponded to thermogenesis of the cells. Patient-derived organotypic slice cultures were treated with SLC-0111, which was highly effective despite heterogeneity of CAIX/CAXII expression. Thermogenesis, in congruence with the findings of the histological observations, was significantly reduced in SLC-0111-treated samples. In order to extend the evaluation time, we established a perfusion-based approach for neuroblastoma tissue in a 3D perfusion-based bioreactor system. Using this system, excellent tissue quality with intact tumor cells and stromal structure in neuroblastoma tumors can be maintained for 7 days. The system was successfully used for consecutive drug response monitoring with isothermal microcalorimetry. The described approach for drug testing, relying on an advanced 3D culture system combined with a rapid and highly sensitive metabolic assessment, can facilitate development of personalized treatment strategies for neuroblastoma.
Unraveling the Role of Sex Hormones on Keratinocyte Functions in Human Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Authors: Gratton Rossella , Del Vecchio Cecilia , Zupin Luisa , Crovella Sergio
Published: March 2022

The skin exerts several fundamental functions that are the first physical, chemical and immune barriers to the human body. Keratinocytes, the main cell type of the epidermis, provide mechanical defense, support skin integrity and actively endorse cutaneous immune responses. Not surprisingly, considering these crucial activities, alterations in keratinocyte functions are associated with different inflammatory skin diseases. Recent findings indicate that the skin should not only be regarded as a target for hormones but that it should also be considered as an endocrine peripheral organ that is directly involved in the synthesis and metabolism of these chemical messengers. Sex hormones have multiple effects on the skin, attributed to the binding with intracellular receptors expressed by different skin cell populations, including keratinocytes, that activate downstream signaling routes that modulate specific cellular functions and activities. This review is aimed at reorganizing the current knowledge on the role exerted by sex hormones on keratinocyte function in five different inflammatory skin diseases: Hidradenitis suppurativa; Acne vulgaris; Atopic dermatitis; progesterone hypersensitivity; psoriasis. The results of our work aim to provide a deeper insight into common cellular mechanisms and molecular effectors that might constitute putative targets to address for the development of specific therapeutic interventions.
Delivering Positive Newborn Screening Results: Cost Analysis of Existing Practice versus Innovative, Co-Designed Strategies from the ReSPoND Study
Authors: Fusco Francesco , Chudleigh Jane , Holder Pru , Bonham James R. , Southern Kevin W. , Simpson Alan , Moody Louise , Olander Ellinor K. , Chinnery Holly , Morris Stephen
Published: March 2022

Although the communication pathways of Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) are a delicate task, these pathways vary across different conditions and are often not evidence-based. The ReSPoND interventions were co-designed by healthcare professionals alongside parents who had received a positive NBS result for their child. To calculate the cost of these co-designed strategies and the existing communication pathways, we interviewed 71 members of the clinical and laboratory staff of the 13 English NBS laboratories in the English National Health Service. Therefore, a scenario analysis was used to compare the cost of the existing communication pathways to the co-designed strategies delivered by (i) home-visits and (ii) telecommunications. On average, the existing communication pathway cost £447.08 per infant (range: £237.12 to £628.51) or £234,872.75 (£3635.99 to £1,932,986.23) nationally. Implementing the new interventions relying on home-visits exclusively would cost on average £521.62 (£312.84 to £646.39) per infant and £297,816.03 (£4506.37 to £2,550,284.64) nationally, or £447.19 (£235.79 to £552.03) and £231,342.40 (£3923.7 to £1,922,192.22) if implemented via teleconsultations, respectively. The new strategies delivered are not likely to require additional resources compared with current practice. Further research is needed to investigate whether this investment represents good value for money for the NHS budget.
Comparison of 2D Optical Imaging and 3D Microtomography Shape Measurements of a Coastal Bioclastic Calcareous Sand
Authors: Beemer Ryan D. , Li Linzhu , Leonti Antonio , Shaw Jeremy , Fonseca Joana , Valova Iren , Iskander Magued , Pilskaln Cynthia H.
Published: March 2022

This article compares measurements of particle shape parameters from three-dimensional (3D) X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) and two-dimensional (2D) dynamic image analysis (DIA) from the optical microscopy of a coastal bioclastic calcareous sand from Western Australia. This biogenic sand from a high energy environment consists largely of the shells and tests of marine organisms and their clasts. A significant difference was observed between the two imaging techniques for measurements of aspect ratio, convexity, and sphericity. Measured values of aspect ratio, sphericity, and convexity are larger in 2D than in 3D. Correlation analysis indicates that sphericity is correlated with convexity in both 2D and 3D. These results are attributed to inherent limitations of DIA when applied to platy sand grains and to the shape being, in part, dependent on the biology of the grain rather than a purely random clastic process, like typical siliceous sands. The statistical data has also been fitted to Johnson Bounded Distribution for the ease of future use. Overall, this research demonstrates the need for high-quality 3D microscopy when conducting a micromechanical analysis of biogenic calcareous sands.
Differential Gene Expression of Efflux Pumps and Porins in Clinical Isolates of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: AlQumaizi Khalid I. , Kumar Sunil , Anwer Razique , Mustafa Shoeb
Published: March 2022

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen associated with healthcare infections and high mortality rates in intensive care units all over the globe. Porins and efflux pumps over-expression have been reported as contributing factors in escalating drug resistance and rendering treatment ineffective. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of multidrug resistance (MDR) in A. baumannii clinical isolates. Methods: A total of 30 A. baumannii isolates were included in the present study from Nehru Hospital (PGIMER-Chandigarh) located in North India. Kirby Bauer disk diffusion assay and MIC were performed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Screening of beta-lactamases was performed using PCR. Relative gene expression of four RND, one MATE efflux pump, and two outer membrane proteins were determined using RT-PCR. Molecular typing of 22 isolates was carried out using MLST Oxford scheme. Results: CarO porin genes showed over-expression in 63% isolates followed by adeGandabeM efflux pump downregulation/underexpression (<0.5 fold), suggesting the carbapenem-susceptible phenotypic nature of the isolates. High prevalence of VIM-2, NDM-1, and OXA-23 genes was observed in A. baumannii isolates. Interestingly, NDM-1 and OXA-58 were traced in 10 and3 A. baumannii isolates respectively; 13 of 22 (59%) isolates showed novel Sequence Types (STs) in the Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis. ST 1087 was most commonly found ST among all others (16 STs). Conclusions: This study indicated a possible role of carO porin genes and adeG (RND) andabeM (MATE) efflux pumps in carbapenem susceptibility of A. baumannii. New STs were also reported in the majority of the isolates.
Microbiome and Probiotics in Acne Vulgaris—A Narrative Review
Authors: Chilicka Karolina , Dzieńdziora-Urbińska Iwona , Szyguła Renata , Asanova Binnaz , Nowicka Danuta
Published: March 2022

Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease characterised by the appearance of eruptions such as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules, and cysts. Among factors that cause acne vulgaris are the abnormal keratinisation of the sebaceous canal, bacterial colonisation (Cutibacterium acnes), increased sebum production, genotypic factors, and hormonal disorders. Treatment is often long and tedious, and can lead to a reduction in quality of life and social isolation. The intestinal microbiota is greatly important in the formation of acne lesions. It is also responsible for the proper immunity of the organism. Acne is a disease that can be related to the condition of the digestive tract and its microbiome. Research shows that the use of probiotics may reduce skin eruptions. The probiotic supplementation and cosmetics markets are very dynamically developing. The use of internal supplementation and probiotic-containing cosmetics gives hope for the improvement of the skin condition of people with acne.
Interaction of Oxygen with the Stable Ti5Si3 Surface
Authors: Chumakova Lora S. , Bakulin Alexander V. , Hocker Stephen , Schmauder Siegfried , Kulkova Svetlana E.
Published: March 2022

The atomic structure and surface energies of several low-index surfaces (0001), (11¯00) and (112¯0) of Ti5Si3 in dependence on their termination were calculated by the projector augmented-wave method within the density functional theory. It was revealed that the mixed TiSi-terminated (0001) surface is stable within the wide range of change in the Ti chemical potential. However, the Ti-terminated Ti5Si3(0001) surface is slightly lower in energy in the Ti-rich limit. The oxygen adsorption on the stable Ti5Si3(0001) surface with TiSi termination was also studied. It was shown that the three-fold coordinated F1 position in the center of the triangle formed by surface titanium atoms is the most preferred for oxygen adsorption on the surface. The appearance of silicon as neighbors of oxygen in other considered F-positions leads to a decrease in the adsorption energy. The factors responsible for the increase/decrease in the oxygen adsorption energy in the considered positions on the titanium silicide surface are discussed.
Development of the Validated Stability-Indicating Method for the Determination of Vortioxetine in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Formulation by HPLC-DAD, Stress Degradation Kinetics Studies and Detection of Degradation Products by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS
Authors: Wróblewski Karol , Szultka-Młyńska Małgorzata , Janiszewska Daria , Petruczynik Anna , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: March 2022

Vortioxetine (VOR) is a new antidepressant drug used to treat major depressive disorder. In this work, a novel, simple, rapid, accurate, precise, selective, stability-indicating, and fully validated high-performance liquid chromatography method with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was developed to determine VOR in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations. A Polar-RP column was used, with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile (ACN), methanol (MeOH), acetate buffer pH 3.5, and addition of diethylamine (DEA) in the isocratic elution mode. Assessing the stability of the VOR is fundamental to guarantee the efficacy, safety, and quality of drug products. In this study, the VOR active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and tablets were subjected to a detailed study of forced degradation, using several degrading agents (acid, alkaline, water, heat, light, and oxidation agents). The developed HPLC-DAD method allows the collection of all the essential data to determine degradation kinetics. It was found that the decomposition of vortioxetine is fragile towards oxidative conditions and photolysis, yielding the first-order and second-order kinetic reaction in the above stress conditions, respectively. The degradation products (DPs) were identified by the high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS) method. The HPLC-DAD method was successfully applied for the quantification of VOR in tablets. Additionally, in silico toxicity prediction of the DPs was performed.
Low Tissue Creatine: A Therapeutic Target in Clinical Nutrition
Authors: Ostojic Sergej M.
Published: March 2022

Low tissue creatine characterizes many conditions, including neurodegenerative, cardiopulmonary, and metabolic diseases, with a magnitude of creatine shortfall often corresponds well to a disorder’s severity. A non-invasive monitoring of tissue metabolism with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) might be a feasible tool to evaluate suboptimal levels of creatine for both predictive, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes. This mini review paper summarizes disorders with deficient creatine levels and provides arguments for assessing and employing tissue creatine as a relevant target in clinical nutrition.
An Inexpensive Incubator for Mammalian Cell Culture Capable of Regulating O2, CO2, and Temperature
Authors: Samokhin Philip , Gardner Georgina L. , Moffatt Chris , Stuart Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2022

Mammalian cell culture is widely used for discovery and development. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the importance of maintaining physiologically-relevant conditions in cell culture. Although oxygen level is a particularly important consideration, it is rarely regulated by experimentalists. The atmospheric O2 levels commonly used in cell culture are significantly higher than those experienced by most mammalian cells in vivo, leaving cells susceptible to oxidative damage, senescence, transformation, and otherwise aberrant physiology. A barrier to incorporating O2 regulation into most cell culture workflows has been the expense of investing in new equipment, as the vast majority of laboratory CO2 incubators do not regulate O2. Here, we describe an inexpensive (<CAD 1000), portable and user-friendly O2/CO2 incubator that can establish and maintain physiological O2, CO2, and temperature values within their physiological ranges. We used an Arduino-based approach to add O2 and CO2 control to a temperature-regulating egg incubator. Our incubator was tested against a commercial laboratory O2/CO2 incubator. Using Presens OxoDish technology, we demonstrate that at a setpoint value of 5% gas-phase incubator O2, media O2 averaged 5.03 (SD = 0.03) with a range of 4.98–5.09%. MCF7, LNCaP and C2C12 cell lines cultured in the incubator displayed normal morphology, proliferation, and viability. Culture for up to one week produced no contamination. Thus, our incubator provides an inexpensive means of maintaining physioxia in routine mammalian cell culture.
Quantitative Analysis of Industrial Solid Waste Based on Terahertz Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Qingfang , Wang Qichao , Yang Zhangfan , Wu Xu , Peng Yan
Published: March 2022

Industrial solid waste refers to the solid waste that is produced in industrial production activities. Without correct treatment and let-off, industrial solid waste may cause environmental pollution due to a variety of pollutants and toxic substances that are contained in it. Conventional detection methods for identifying harmful substances are high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which are complicated, time-consuming, and highly demanding for the testing environment. Here, we propose a method for the quantitative analysis of harmful components in industrial solid waste by using terahertz (THz) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. Pyrazinamide, benazepril, cefprozil, and bisphenol A are four usual hazardous components in industrial solid waste. By comparing with the Raman method, the THz method shows a much higher accuracy for their concentration analysis (90.3–99.8% vs. 11.7–86.9%). In addition, the quantitative analysis of mixtures was conducted, and the resulting prediction accuracy rate was above 95%. This work has high application value for the rapid, accurate, and low-cost detection of industrial solid waste.
Inhibitory Effect of Lotusine on Solar UV-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Expression
Authors: Ryu Tae-Kyeong , Roh Eunmiri , Shin Han-Seung , Kim Jong-Eun
Published: March 2022

Solar ultraviolet (sUV) radiation remains a major cause of skin aging. Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) is a well-known edible plant widely grown in Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan. The lotus consists of flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds, and all parts reportedly possess nutritional and medical values. Traditionally, lotus flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds have been used as antidiarrheal agents, diuretics, antipyretics, and antimicrobial and antihyperlipidemic agents. In addition, the Nelumbo nucifera lotus embryo has been shown to possess sedative and antipyretic properties and can relieve hemostatic thirst and treat eye diseases. Recently, Nelumbo nucifera lotus flower extract has been widely used in cosmetics due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and its whitening effects. Numerous cosmetics using Nelumbo nucifera lotus embryo extracts are commercially available. However, the active components of Nelumbo nucifera remain elusive. Lotusine is a phytochemical and soluble alkaloid found in lotus embryos. Herein, we examined the anti-wrinkle effect of lotusine using sUV-exposed human keratinocytes. We observed that lotusine reduced sUV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression and modulated transcriptional activities of activator protein (AP)-1 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). sUV-induced AP-1 and NF-κB activity could be activated via multiple signal transduction cascades, including the p38 MAPK, JNK, ERK1/2, and Akt pathways in the skin. Lotusine inhibited the MEK1/2-ERK1/2-p90RSK, MKK3/6-p38, and Akt-p70S6K pathways. Overall, our findings suggest that lotusine has potential benefits related to MMP-1 expression and skin aging following sUV exposure. Hence, the lotus can be developed as a valuable functional food and cosmetic material.
The Comparison of Soil Agrochemical and Biological Properties in the Multi-Cropping Farming Systems
Authors: Rudinskienė Aušra , Marcinkevičienė Aušra , Velička Rimantas , Kosteckas Robertas , Kriaučiūnienė Zita , Vaisvalavičius Rimantas
Published: March 2022

Multi-cropping systems play an important role in improving the quality of soil properties. A field experiment was carried at the Experimental Station of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (Lithuania) in 2017 to 2019. The aim of the study was to compare agrophysical and biological properties of the soil in the multi-cropping systems of sole (spring barley, spring wheat, pea, caraway), binary (spring barley–caraway, spring wheat–caraway, pea–caraway) and trinary (spring barley–caraway–white clover, spring wheat–caraway–white clover, pea–caraway–white clover) crops. In the second and the third years of caraway cultivation, when solely caraway was grown, the total nitrogen content was significantly lower than in binary and trinary crops (8.5% and 17.4%, respectively). The results indicated that the highest organic carbon content was in the third year of caraway cultivation in trinary crop when caraway was grown with peas and white clover. In the third year, the highest saccharase and urease activity was found in trinary crop where caraway was grown with spring barley and white clover. A strong positive correlation was observed between the content of saccharase and urease and the total nitrogen, organic carbon, and potassium available in the soil. The results of the study suggest that multi-cropping is important for soil conservation and the sustainability of agro-ecosystems.
The Establishment and Spread of a Newly Introduced Begomovirus in a Dry Tropical Environment Using Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus as a Case Study
Authors: Gambley Cherie , Nimmo Peter , McDonald Janet , Campbell Paul
Published: March 2022

Early detection of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) in a previously unaffected tomato production district in Australia allowed its spread to be evaluated spatially and temporally. The population dynamics of the TYLCV vector, Bemisia argentifolii (silverleaf whitefly, SLW), were also evaluated. The district is a dry tropical environment with a clear break to commercial production during the summer wet season. The incidence of TYLCV within crops and its prevalence through the district was influenced by weather, location, vector movements, and the use of Ty-1 virus-resistant hybrids. Rainfall had an important influence, with late summer and early autumn rain suppressing the levels of SLW and, by contrast, a dry summer supporting faster population growth. The use of Ty-1 hybrids appears to have reduced the incidence of TYLCV in this district. There was limited use of Ty-1 hybrids during 2013, and by season end, crops had moderate levels of SLW and high virus incidence. The 2015 and early 2016 season had high SLW populations, but TYLCV incidence was lower than in 2013, possibly due to the widespread adoption of the Ty-1 hybrids reducing virus spread. This study provides valuable epidemiology data for future incursions of begomoviruses, and other viruses spread by SLW.
Dynamic High-Type Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Control for Photoelectric Tracking System
Authors: Qin Shuwang , Zhang Chao , Zhao Tao , Tong Wei , Bao Qiliang , Mao Yao
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes a dynamic high-type control (DHTC) method based on an interval type-2 fuzzy logic controller (IT2FLC), which is used in the photoelectric tracking system to improve the steady-state accuracy and response speed. Adding integrators to the traditional multi-loop feedback control loop can increase the system type, thereby speeding up the response speed and improving the steady-state accuracy, but there is a risk of integral saturation. Switching the type dynamically according to the system state can avoid integral saturation while retaining the advantages of the high-type. Fuzzy logic control (FLC) can dynamically change the output value according to the input change and has the advantages of fast response speed and strong ability to handle uncertainties. Therefore, in this paper, the FLC is introduced into the high-type control system, and the output of the FLC is used as the gain of the integrator to control the on-off to achieve the goal of dynamic switching type, which is successfully verified in the experiment. IT2FLC introduces a three-dimensional membership function, which further improves the FLC’s ability to handle uncertainties. From the experimental results, compared with T1FLC, IT2FLC’s ability to handle uncertainties is significantly improved. In addition, in order to speed up the calculation speed of IT2FLC, this paper proposes an improved type-reduction algorithm, which is called weighted-trapezoidal Nie-Tan (WTNT). Compared with the traditional type-reduction algorithm, WTNT has faster calculation speed and better steady-state accuracy, and has been successfully applied to real-time control systems, which has good engineering application value. Finally, in order to reduce the interference of human factors and improve the automation level of the system, a multi-population genetic algorithm (MPGA) is used to iteratively optimize the parameters of the FLC, which improves the output accuracy. On the experimental platform of the flexible fast steering mirror (FFSM), the control effects of the traditional controller, T1FLC and IT2FLC are compared, which proves that the IT2FLC-DHTC system has a faster response performance, higher steady-state accuracy, and stronger ability to handle uncertainties.
A Study on the Correlation of Factors Influencing the Cyclic Variation of Marine Natural Gas Engines
Authors: Lu Changhao , Song Enzhe , Ni Zuo , Yang Xiyu , Dong Quan
Published: March 2022

As the most reliable alternative energy source for traditional fuel engines, natural gas has been widely used in inland river marine engines. The natural gas engine is faced with the problem of increased cyclic variations under the condition of lean combustion. In this paper, a multi-point injection spark ignition natural gas engine is tested under different lean burn degrees to investigate the correlation between different parameters and cyclic variation, including accumulated heat release, combustion phase and burning rate. The purpose is to clarify the optimized technical route for marine natural gas engine. A new method to quantify the correlation between parameters and cyclic variation is proposed. The maximum explosion pressure of combustion and its phase are used as the parameters to characterize the cyclic variation. Different parameters are then nonlinearly fitted to it, and the R-S value of the fitting is used to quantify the correlation between parameters and cyclic variation. The results show that the correlation between accumulated heat release and cyclic variation is less than 10%. The main factors causing the cyclic variation are the fluctuation of ignition delay and initial flame propagation, whose correlation with cyclic variation is over 80% and 70%, respectively.
Batch Process Monitoring Based on Quality-Related Time-Batch 2D Evolution Information
Authors: Zhao Luping , Yang Jiayang
Published: March 2022

This paper proposed a quality-related online monitoring strategy based on time and batch two-dimensional evolution information for batch processes. In the direction of time, considering the difference between each phase and the steady part and the transition part in the same phase, the change trend of the regression coefficient of the PLS model is used to divide each batch into phases, and each phase into parts. The phases, the steady parts, and the transition parts are finally distinguished and dealt with separately in the subsequent modeling process. In the batch direction, considering the slow time-varying characteristics of batch evolution, sliding windows are used to perform mode division by analyzing the evolution trend of the score matrix T in the PLS model on the base of phase division and within-phase part division. Finally, an online monitoring model that comprehensively considers the evolution information of time and batch is obtained. In a typical batch operation process, injection molding is used as an example for experimental analysis. The results show that the proposed algorithm takes advantage of mixing the time-batch two-dimensional evolution information. Compared with the traditional methods, the proposed method can overcome the shortcomings caused by the single dimension analysis and has better monitoring results.
A Comprehensive Review of Metal–Organic Framework: Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of Their Application in Electrochemical Biosensors for Biomedical Analysis
Authors: Dourandish Zahra , Tajik Somayeh , Beitollahi Hadi , Jahani Peyman Mohammadzadeh , Nejad Fariba Garkani , Sheikhshoaie Iran , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: March 2022

Many studies have addressed electrochemical biosensors because of their simple synthesis process, adjustability, simplification, manipulation of materials’ compositions and features, and wide ranges of detection of different kinds of biomedical analytes. Performant electrochemical biosensors can be achieved by selecting materials that enable faster electron transfer, larger surface areas, very good electrocatalytic activities, and numerous sites for bioconjugation. Several studies have been conducted on the metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as electrode modifiers for electrochemical biosensing applications because of their respective acceptable properties and effectiveness. Nonetheless, researchers face challenges in designing and preparing MOFs that exhibit higher stability, sensitivity, and selectivity to detect biomedical analytes. The present review explains the synthesis and description of MOFs, and their relative uses as biosensors in the healthcare sector by dealing with the biosensors for drugs, biomolecules, as well as biomarkers with smaller molecular weight, proteins, and infectious disease.
Analysis of Competition and Training Videos of Speed Climbing Athletes Using Feature and Human Body Keypoint Detection Algorithms
Authors: Pandurevic Dominik , Draga Paweł , Sutor Alexander , Hochradel Klaus
Published: March 2022

Compared to 25 years ago, the climbing sport itself has changed dramatically. From a rock climbing modification to a separation in three independent disciplines, the requirements to athletes and trainers increased rapidly. To ensure continuous improvement of the sport itself, the usage of measurement and sensor technology is unavoidable. Especially in the field of the discipline speed climbing, which will be performed as a single discipline at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, the current state of the art of movement analysis only consists of video analysis and the benefit of the experience of trainers. Therefore, this paper presents a novel method, which supports trainers and athletes and enables analysis of motion sequences and techniques. Prerecorded video footage is combined with existing feature and human body keypoint detection algorithms and standardized boundary conditions. Therefore, several image processing steps are necessary to convert the recorded movement of different speed climbing athletes to significant parameters for detailed analysis. By studying climbing trials of professional athletes and the used techniques in different sections of the speed climbing wall, the aim among others is to get comparable results and detect mistakes. As a conclusion, the presented method enables powerful analysis of speed climbing training and competition and serves with the aid of a user-friendly designed interface as a support for trainers and athletes for the evaluation of motion sequences.
Improving Semantic Segmentation of Urban Scenes for Self-Driving Cars with Synthetic Images
Authors: Ivanovs Maksims , Ozols Kaspars , Dobrajs Artis , Kadikis Roberts
Published: March 2022

Semantic segmentation of an incoming visual stream from cameras is an essential part of the perception system of self-driving cars. State-of-the-art results in semantic segmentation have been achieved with deep neural networks (DNNs), yet training them requires large datasets, which are difficult and costly to acquire and time-consuming to label. A viable alternative to training DNNs solely on real-world datasets is to augment them with synthetic images, which can be easily modified and generated in large numbers. In the present study, we aim at improving the accuracy of semantic segmentation of urban scenes by augmenting the Cityscapes real-world dataset with synthetic images generated with the open-source driving simulator CARLA (Car Learning to Act). Augmentation with synthetic images with a low degree of photorealism from the MICC-SRI (Media Integration and Communication Center–Semantic Road Inpainting) dataset does not result in the improvement of the accuracy of semantic segmentation, yet both MobileNetV2 and Xception DNNs used in the present study demonstrate a better accuracy after training on the custom-made CCM (Cityscapes-CARLA Mixed) dataset, which contains both real-world Cityscapes images and high-resolution synthetic images generated with CARLA, than after training only on the real-world Cityscapes images. However, the accuracy of semantic segmentation does not improve proportionally to the amount of the synthetic data used for augmentation, which indicates that augmentation with a larger amount of synthetic data is not always better.
Deep Reinforcement Learning Microgrid Optimization Strategy Considering Priority Flexible Demand Side
Authors: Sang Jinsong , Sun Hongbin , Kou Lei
Published: March 2022

As an efficient way to integrate multiple distributed energy resources (DERs) and the user side, a microgrid is mainly faced with the problems of small-scale volatility, uncertainty, intermittency and demand-side uncertainty of DERs. The traditional microgrid has a single form and cannot meet the flexible energy dispatch between the complex demand side and the microgrid. In response to this problem, the overall environment of wind power, thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs), energy storage systems (ESSs), price-responsive loads and the main grid is proposed. Secondly, the centralized control of the microgrid operation is convenient for the control of the reactive power and voltage of the distributed power supply and the adjustment of the grid frequency. However, there is a problem in that the flexible loads aggregate and generate peaks during the electricity price valley. The existing research takes into account the power constraints of the microgrid and fails to ensure a sufficient supply of electric energy for a single flexible load. This paper considers the response priority of each unit component of TCLs and ESSs on the basis of the overall environment operation of the microgrid so as to ensure the power supply of the flexible load of the microgrid and save the power input cost to the greatest extent. Finally, the simulation optimization of the environment can be expressed as a Markov decision process (MDP) process. It combines two stages of offline and online operations in the training process. The addition of multiple threads with the lack of historical data learning leads to low learning efficiency. The asynchronous advantage actor–critic (Memory A3C, M-A3C) with the experience replay pool memory library is added to solve the data correlation and nonstatic distribution problems during training. The multithreaded working feature of M-A3C can efficiently learn the resource priority allocation on the demand side of the microgrid and improve the flexible scheduling of the demand side of the microgrid, which greatly reduces the input cost. Comparison of the researched cost optimization results with the results obtained with the proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm reveals that the proposed algorithm has better performance in terms of convergence and optimization economics.
Effects of Environmental Education on Young Children’s Water-Saving Behaviors in Japan
Authors: Iwasaki Shimpei
Published: March 2022

While environmental education in early childhood can raise children’s environmental awareness and shape environmental attitudes, little is known about the effects of environmental education programs on pro-environmental behaviors in children. This paper analyzes the impact of the Eco Experience Education Program for Early Childhood (EEEPEC), an educational program featuring lectures on global warming and water- and energy-saving, as well as visual prompts, on young children’s water-saving behaviors in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Through observations, interviews, and survey data, this study found that the EEEPEC was associated with increased water-saving behaviors. The results suggest that the behavioral changes were driven by the program’s visual prompts (e.g., water coils placed next to water taps) that provide children with immediate feedback and enhance pro-environmental communication among teachers, parents, and children. Early childhood environmental education programs such as the EEEPEC have the potential to foster long-term pro-environmental behaviors in young children.
Prospects for the Detection of the Diffuse Supernova Neutrino Background with the Experiments SK-Gd and JUNO
Authors: Li Yu-Feng , Vagins Mark , Wurm Michael
Published: March 2022

The advent of gadolinium-loaded Super-Kamiokande (SK-Gd) and of the soon-to-start JUNO liquid scintillator detector marks a substantial improvement in global sensitivity for the Diffuse Supernova Neutrino Background (DSNB). The present article reviews the detector properties most relevant for the DSNB searches in both experiments and estimates the expected signal and background levels. Based on these inputs, we evaluate the sensitivity of both experiments individually and combined. Using a simplified statistical approach, we find that both SK-Gd and JUNO have the potential to reach >3σ evidence of the DSNB signal within 10 years of measurement. Combination of their results is likely to enable a 5σ discovery of the DSNB signal within the next decade.