bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the Epidermal-Melanin-Unit: The Human Scalp Anagen Hair Bulb Is Home to Multiple Melanocyte Subpopulations of Variable Melanogenic Capacity
Authors: Casalou Cristina , Mayatra Jay M. , Tobin Desmond J.
Published: August 2023

The visual appearance of humans is derived significantly from our skin and hair color. While melanin from epidermal melanocytes protects our skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, the biological value of pigmentation in the hair follicle, particularly on the scalp, is less clear. In this study, we explore the heterogeneity of pigment cells in the human scalp anagen hair follicle bulb, a site conventionally viewed to be focused solely on pigment production for transfer to the hair shaft. Using c-KIT/CD117 microbeads, we isolated bulbar c-KIT-positive and c-KIT-negative melanocytes. While both subpopulations expressed MITF, only the c-KIT-positive fraction expressed SOX10. We further localized bulbar melanocyte subpopulations (expressing c-KIT, SOX10, MITF, and DCT) that exhibited distinct/variable expression of downstream differentiation-associated melanosome markers (e.g., gp100 and Melan-A). The localization of a second ‘immature’ SOX10 negative melanocyte population, which was c-KIT/MITF double-positive, was identified outside of the melanogenic zone in the most peripheral/proximal matrix. This study describes an approach to purifying human scalp anagen hair bulb melanocytes, allowing us to identify unexpected levels of melanocyte heterogeneity. The function of the more immature melanocytes in this part of the hair follicle remains to be elucidated. Could they be in-transit migratory cells ultimately destined to synthesize melanin, or could they contribute to the hair follicle in non-melanogenic ways?
The Impact of Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Exposure on Magic Tomatoes’ Nutrition–Health Properties
Authors: Boufeldja Linda , Boudard Frederic , Portet Karine , Guzman Caroline , Morel Sylvie , Berger Nathalie , Duchamp Orianne , Dhuique-Mayer Claudie , Dubos Christian , Poucheret Patrick
Published: August 2023

The release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere has accelerated during the last two decades. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (eCO2) is known as an agent that improves plant photosynthesis. However, eCO2 was also correlated with alterations in the macronutrient and micronutrient compositions of various dietary crops. In order to explore the effect of eCO2 on the nutritional and health properties of tomatoes, three parental lines of the Magic population, which includes a large part of the genetic diversity present in large fruit varieties, were used as models. The plants were grown in growth chambers under ambient (400 ppm) or eCO2 (900 ppm) conditions. The macronutrient and micronutrient contents were measured. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities were assessed in vitro on activated macrophages. These analyses highlighted that the carbohydrate content was not affected by the eCO2, whereas the protein, carotenoid, lycopene, and mineral contents decreased. Regarding the anti-oxidant properties, no influence of eCO2 exposure was observed. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory properties were not affected by the eCO2. These data are in contrast with previous studies conducted on different plant species or accessions, indicating that the effect of eCO2 on crops’ nutrition and health properties is based on complex mechanisms in which growth conditions and genetic backgrounds play a central role.
Guanosine and Deoxyinosine Structural Analogs Extracted from Chick Early Amniotic Fluid Promote Cutaneous Wound Healing
Authors: Ahmad Mashaal , Yu Jia , Cheng Sha , Khan Zara Ahmad , Luo Yan , Luo Heng
Published: August 2023

Wound healing is a complex, dynamic process supported by a myriad of cellular events that must be tightly coordinated to efficiently repair damaged tissue. These wounds are a significant socioeconomic burden due to their high prevalence and recurrence, which is why the phenomenon of wounds has also been labeled as a “Silent Epidemic”. Most of these wounds become “chronic”, with around 15% of them remaining unresolved 1-year post incidence, which results in a prolonged yet avoidable burden to patients, families, and the health system. In this experimental study, we tried to purify the potent components in chick early amniotic fluid (ceAF) and applied these components to the wound healing mechanism. We first subjected ceAF to a series of purifications, including an HPLC purification system along with ion-exchange chromatography technology to purify other potential components. Upon narrowing down, we found two structural analogs: guanosine and deoxyinosine. We performed these components’ cell scratch and trans-well migration assays to validate the accurate dosage. We also assessed these components via topical administration on the skin of murine model wounds. For this, we randomly divided C57BL/6 (all black, male, 5 weeks old) mice into groups. The wound model was established through excising the skin of mice and treated the wounds with different fractions of guanosine and deoxyinosine continuously for 8–10 day intervals. Once the healing was complete, the skin was excised to determine the inflammatory response and other biochemical parameters of the healed skin, including epidermal thickness, collagen density, macrophages, and neutrophil infiltration at the wounded site. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblot assays were performed to determine active gene expression and protein expression of proinflammatory molecules, growth factors, and cytokines. All these findings support our data indicating the promising healing properties of guanosine and deoxyinosine isolated from ceAF.
Bridging the Gap between Gut Microbiota and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Metaproteomic Approach for Biomarker Discovery in Transgenic Mice
Authors: Ayan Esra , DeMirci Hasan , Serdar Muhittin Abdulkadir , Palermo Francesca , Baykal Ahmet Tarık
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressively debilitating form of dementia that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Although a vast amount of research has investigated the complex interplay between gut microbiota and neurodegeneration, the metaproteomic effects of microbiota on AD pathogenesis remain largely uncharted territory. This study aims to reveal the role of gut microbiota in AD pathogenesis, particularly regarding changes in the proteome and molecular pathways that are intricately linked to disease progression. We operated state-of-the-art Nano-Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS) to compare the metaproteomic shifts of 3-month-old transgenic (3M-ALZ) and control (3M-ALM, Alzheimer’s Littermate) mice, depicting the early onset of AD with those of 12-month-old ALZ and ALM mice displaying the late stage of AD. Combined with computational analysis, the outcomes of the gut–brain axis-focused inquiry furnish priceless knowledge regarding the intersection of gut microbiota and AD. Accordingly, our data indicate that the microbiota, proteome, and molecular changes in the intestine arise long before the manifestation of disease symptoms. Moreover, disparities exist between the normal-aged flora and the gut microbiota of late-stage AD mice, underscoring that the identified vital phyla, proteins, and pathways hold immense potential as markers for the early and late stages of AD. Our research endeavors to offer a comprehensive inquiry into the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and Alzheimer’s Disease utilizing metaproteomic approaches, which have not been widely adopted in this domain. This highlights the exigency for further scientific exploration to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that govern this complex and multifaceted linkage.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide and Shock Wave Therapy Sequence Efficacy in Regenerating Immobilized Rabbit Calf Muscles
Authors: Lee Yoon-Jin , Moon Yong Suk , Kwon Dong Rak , Cho Sung Cheol , Kim Eun Ho
Published: August 2023

This study primarily aimed to investigate the combined effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) sequences on the regenerative processes in atrophied animal muscles. Thirty male New Zealand rabbits, aged 12 weeks, were divided into five groups: normal saline (Group 1), PDRN (Group 2), ESWT (Group 3), PDRN injection before ESWT (Group 4), and PDRN injection after ESWT (Group 5). After 2 weeks of cast immobilization, the respective treatments were administered to the atrophied calf muscles. Radial ESWT was performed twice weekly. Calf circumference, tibial nerve compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscle thickness after 2 weeks of treatment were evaluated. Histological and immunohistochemical staining, as well as Western blot analysis, were conducted 2 weeks post-treatment. Staining intensity and extent were assessed using semi-quantitative scores. Groups 4 and 5 demonstrated significantly greater calf muscle circumference, GCM muscle thickness, tibial nerve CMAP, and GCM muscle fiber cross-sectional area (type I, type II, and total) than the remaining three groups (p < 0.05), while they did not differ significantly in these parameters. Groups 2 and 3 showed higher values for all the mentioned parameters than Group 1 (p < 0.05). Group 4 had the greatest ratio of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) in the GCM muscle fibers compared to the other four groups (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis revealed significantly higher expression of angiogenesis cytokines in Groups 4 and 5 than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The combination of ESWT and PDRN injection demonstrated superior regenerative efficacy for atrophied calf muscle tissue in rabbit models compared to these techniques alone or saline. In particular, administering ESWT after PDRN injection yielded the most favorable outcomes in specific parameters.
Nanoparticles in Medicine: Current Status in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Pavelić Krešimir , Kraljević Pavelić Sandra Kraljević , Bulog Aleksandar , Agaj Andrea , Rojnić Barbara , Čolić Miroslav , Trivanović Dragan
Published: August 2023

Cancer is still a leading cause of deaths worldwide, especially due to those cases diagnosed at late stages with metastases that are still considered untreatable and are managed in such a way that a lengthy chronic state is achieved. Nanotechnology has been acknowledged as one possible solution to improve existing cancer treatments, but also as an innovative approach to developing new therapeutic solutions that will lower systemic toxicity and increase targeted action on tumors and metastatic tumor cells. In particular, the nanoparticles studied in the context of cancer treatment include organic and inorganic particles whose role may often be expanded into diagnostic applications. Some of the best studied nanoparticles include metallic gold and silver nanoparticles, quantum dots, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and graphene, with diverse mechanisms of action such as, for example, the increased induction of reactive oxygen species, increased cellular uptake and functionalization properties for improved targeted delivery. Recently, novel nanoparticles for improved cancer cell targeting also include nanobubbles, which have already demonstrated increased localization of anticancer molecules in tumor tissues. In this review, we will accordingly present and discuss state-of-the-art nanoparticles and nano-formulations for cancer treatment and limitations for their application in a clinical setting.
Predictive Genetic Biomarkers for the Development of Peritoneal Metastases in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Heuvelings Danique J. I. , Wintjens Anne G. W. E. , Moonen Laura , Engelen Sanne M. E. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Valkenburg-van Iersel Liselot B. , den Dulk Marcel , Beckervordersandforth Jan , Thijssen Sharon G. M. , Leunissen Daphne J. G. , Stassen Laurents P. S. , Keszthelyi Daniel , Mujagic Zlatan , Speel Ernst-Jan M. , Bouvy Nicole D.
Published: August 2023

Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cause of cancer-related mortality, of which peritoneal metastases (PMs) have the worse outcome. Metastasis-specific markers may help predict the spread of tumor cells and select patients for preventive strategies. This exploratory pilot study aimed to gain more insight into genetic alterations in primary CRC tumors, which might be a predictive factor for the development of PM. Forty patients with T3 stage CRC were retrospectively divided in three groups: without metachronous metastases during 5-year follow-up (M0, n = 20), with metachronous liver metastases (LM, n = 10) and with metachronous PM (PM, n = 10). Patients with synchronous metastases were excluded. Primary formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples were analyzed via comprehensive genome sequencing (TSO500 analysis) to identify DNA alterations and RNA fusion transcripts in 523 genes and 55 genes, respectively. Thirty-eight samples were included for final analysis. Four M0 tumors and one PM tumor were microsatellite instable. BRAF mutations were uniquely identified in three microsatellite-stable (MSS) PM tumors (37.5%, p = 0.010). RNA analysis showed an additional FAM198A-RAF1 fusion in one PM sample. BRAF p.V600E mutations were only present in PM patients with MSS tumors. Greater attention should be paid to BRAF-mutated tumors in relation to the development of metachronous PM.
Research and Application Progress of Inverse Opal Photonic Crystals in Photocatalysis
Authors: Xiang Hongming , Yang Shu , Talukder Emon , Huang Chenyan , Chen Kaikai
Published: August 2023

In order to solve the problem of low photocatalytic efficiency in photocatalytic products, researchers proposed a method to use inverse opal photonic crystal structure in photocatalytic materials. This is due to a large specific surface area and a variety of optical properties of the inverse opal photonic crystal, which are great advantages in photocatalytic performance. In this paper, the photocatalytic principle and preparation methods of three-dimensional inverse opal photonic crystals are introduced, including the preparation of basic inverse opal photonic crystals and the photocatalytic modification of inverse opal photonic crystals, and then the application progresses of inverse opal photonic crystal photocatalyst in sewage purification, production of clean energy and waste gas treatment are introduced.
In-Hospital Mortality Outcomes of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Ndaba Lindokuhle , Mutyaba Arthur , Mpanya Dineo , Tsabedze Nqoba
Published: August 2023

In sub-Saharan Africa, the burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is increasing. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and estimate the in-hospital all-cause mortality rate. We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective single-centre study of STEMI patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between January 2015 and December 2019. We compared demographic and clinical parameters between survivors and non-survivors with descriptive statistics. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of all-cause mortality. The study population consisted of 677 patients with a mean age of 55.5 ± 11.3 years. The in-hospital all-cause mortality rate was 6.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.5–8.3%]. Risk factors for ASCVD included smoking (56.1%), hypertension (52.8%), dyslipidemia (40.0%), and a family history of coronary artery disease (32.7%). A pharmaco-invasive management strategy (treatment with thrombolytic therapy and PCI) was implemented in 36.5% of patients and reduced all-cause mortality risk (OR: 0.16; CI: 0.04–0.71, p = 0.015). The in-hospital all-cause mortality rate in STEMI patients was 6.2%, and a pharmaco-invasive management strategy proved to be an effective approach.
Indirect Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on In-Hospital Outcomes among Internal Medicine Departments: A Double-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Di Marco Maurizio , Miano Nicoletta , Marchisello Simona , Coppolino Giuseppe , L’Episcopo Giuseppe , Scilletta Sabrina , Spichetti Concetta , Torre Serena , Scicali Roberto , Zanoli Luca , Gaudio Agostino , Castellino Pietro , Piro Salvatore , Purrello Francesco , Di Pino Antonino
Published: August 2023

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) emergency led to rearrangements of healthcare systems with a significant impact on those internal medicine departments that had not been converted to COVID-19 wards. A reduced number of departments, indeed, had to cope with the same number of patients along with a lack of management of patients’ chronic diseases. We conducted a retrospective study aimed at examiningthe consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on internal medicine departments that were not directly managing COVID-19 patients. Data from 619 patients were collected: 247 subjects hospitalized in 2019 (pre-COVID-19 era), 178 in 2020 (COVID-19 outbreak era) and 194 in 2021 (COVID-19 ongoing era). We found that in 2020 in-hospital mortality was significantly higher than in 2019 (17.4% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.009) as well as length of in-hospital stay (LOS) (12.7 ± 6.8 vs. 11 ± 6.2, p = 0.04). Finally, we performed a logistic regression analysis of the major determinants of mortality in the entire study population, which highlighted an association between mortality, being bedridden (β = 1.4, p = 0.004), respiratory failure (β = 1.5, p = 0.001), glomerular filtration rate (β = −0.16, p = 0.03) and hospitalization in the COVID-19 outbreak era (β = 1.6, p = 0.005). Our study highlights how the COVID-19 epidemic may have caused an increase in mortality and LOS even in patients not directly suffering from this infection.
Synthesis, Microstructure, and Electrical Conductivity of Eutectic Composites in MF2–RF3 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; R = La–Nd) Systems
Authors: Buchinskaya Irina I. , Arkharova Natalia A. , Ivanova Anna G. , Sorokin Nikolay I. , Karimov Denis N.
Published: August 2023

Multiphase fluoride polycrystalline eutectics pRF3 × qMF2 forming in the MF2–RF3 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; R = La–Nd) binary systems were synthesized by the directional crystallization technique from a melt. The phase composition, morphology, and temperature dependences of fluorine ionic conductivity in fabricated composites were studied in detail. The pRF3 × qMF2 (p and q are the mole percentages of components) eutectic composites consist of both extremely saturated fluorite-type structure M1−xRxF2+x solid solutions and the tysonite-type R1−yMyF3−y ones. Microsized growth blocks with a fine lamellar structure are typical for synthesized composites. The thinnest (from 3 μm) and longest lamellae are observed in the 68LaF3 × 32BaF2 composition. The ionic conductivity values of pRF3 × qMF2 composites are determined by the phase composition, practically do not depend on their morphological features, and reach 10−3–10−2 S/cm at 500 K (with an ion transport activation enthalpy of about 0.5–0.6 eV). Crystallized eutectics are superior to any single-phase M1−xRxF2+x solid solutions and ball-milling R1−yMyF3−y nanoceramics in terms of ion-conducting properties. These fluoride materials represent an alternative to widely applied tysonite-type ceramic composites in various electrochemical devices and require further in-depth studies.
Drug Delivery Application of Functional Nanomaterials Synthesized Using Natural Sources
Authors: Veerapandian Mekala , Ramasundaram Subramaniyan , Jerome Peter , Chellasamy Gayathri , Govindaraju Saravanan , Yun Kyusik , Oh Tae Hwan
Published: August 2023

Nanomaterials (NMs) synthesized from natural sources have been attracting greater attention, due to their intrinsic advantages including biocompatibility, stimuli-responsive property, nontoxicity, cost-effectiveness, and non-immunogenic characteristics in the biological environment. Among various biomedical applications, a breakthrough has been achieved in the development of drug delivery systems (DDS). Biocompatibility is necessary for treating a disease safely without any adverse effects. Some components in DDS respond to the physiological environment, such as pH, temperature, and functional group at the target, which facilitates targeted drug release. NM-based DDS is being applied for treating cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and dermal and ophthalmic diseases. Metal nanomaterials and carbon quantum dots are synthesized and stabilized using functional molecules extracted from natural sources. Polymers, mucilage and gums, exosomes, and molecules with biological activities are directly derived from natural sources. In DDS, these functional components have been used as drug carriers, imaging agents, targeting moieties, and super disintegrants. Plant extracts, biowaste, biomass, and microorganisms have been used as the natural source for obtaining these NMs. This review highlights the natural sources, synthesis, and application of metallic materials, polymeric materials, carbon dots, mucilage and gums, and exosomes in DDS. Aside from that, challenges and future perspectives on using natural resources for DDS are also discussed.
Selective Optical Imaging for Detection of Bacterial Biofilms in Tissues
Authors: Okebiorun Michael , Oberbeck Cody , Waite Cameron , Clark Samuel , Miller Dalton , Barney Smith Elisa H. , Cornell Kenneth A. , Browning Jim
Published: August 2023

Significance: The development of an imaging technique to accurately identify biofilm regions on tissues and in wounds is crucial for the implementation of precise surface-based treatments, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced chances of infection. Aim: The goal of this study was to develop an imaging technique that relies on selective trypan blue (TB) staining of dead cells, necrotic tissues, and bacterial biofilms, to identify biofilm regions on tissues and wounds. Approach: The study explored combinations of ambient multi-colored LED lights to obtain maximum differentiation between stained biofilm regions and the underlying chicken tissue or glass substrate during image acquisition. The TB imaging results were then visually and statistically compared to fluorescence images using a shape similarity measure. Results: The comparisons between the proposed TB staining method and the fluorescence standard used to detect biofilms on tissues and glass substrates showed up to 97 percent similarity, suggesting that the TB staining method is a promising technique for identifying biofilm regions. Conclusions: The TB staining method demonstrates significant potential as an effective imaging technique for the identification of fluorescing and non-fluorescing biofilms on tissues and in wounds. This approach could lead to improved precision in surface-based treatments and better patient outcomes.
Use of Synthetic Data in Maritime Applications for the Problem of Steam Turbine Exergy Analysis
Authors: Baressi Šegota Sandi , Mrzljak Vedran , Anđelić Nikola , Poljak Igor , Car Zlatan
Published: August 2023

Machine learning applications have demonstrated the potential to generate precise models in a wide variety of fields, including marine applications. Still, the main issue with ML-based methods is the need for large amounts of data, which may be impractical to come by. To assure the quality of the models and their robustness to different inputs, synthetic data may be generated using other ML-based methods, such as Triplet Encoded Variable Autoencoder (TVAE), copulas, or a Conditional Tabular Generative Adversarial Network (CTGAN). With this approach, a dataset can be trained using ML methods such as Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) or Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) to improve the general performance. The methods are applied to the dataset containing mass flow, temperature, and pressure measurements in seven points of a marine steam turbine as inputs, along with the exergy efficiency (η) and destruction (Ex) of the whole turbine (WT), low-pressure cylinder (LPC) and high-pressure cylinder (HPC) as outputs. The achieved results show that models trained on synthetic data achieve slightly worse results than the models trained on original data in previous research, but allow for the use of as little as two-thirds of the dataset to achieve these results. Using R2 as the main evaluation metric, the best results achieved are 0.99 for ηWT using 100 data points and MLP, 0.93 for ηLPC using 100 data points and an MLP-based model, 0.91 for ηHPC with the same method, and 0.97 for ExWT, 0.96 for ExLPC, and 0.98 for ExHPC using a the XGB trained model with 100 data points.
A Fuzzy Dempster–Shafer Evidence Theory Method with Belief Divergence for Unmanned Surface Vehicle Multi-Sensor Data Fusion
Authors: Qiao Shuanghu , Song Baojian , Fan Yunsheng , Wang Guofeng
Published: August 2023

The safe navigation of unmanned surface vehicles in the marine environment requires multi-sensor collaborative perception, and multi-sensor data fusion technology is a prerequisite for realizing the collaborative perception of different sensors. To address the problem of poor fusion accuracy for existing multi-sensor fusion methods without prior knowledge, a fuzzy evidence theory multi-sensor data fusion method with belief divergence is proposed in this paper. First of all, an adjustable distance for measuring discrepancies between measurements is devised to evaluate the degree of measurement closeness to the true value, which improves the adaptability of the method to different classes of sensor data. Furthermore, an adaptive multi-sensor measurement fusion strategy is designed for the case where the sensor accuracy is known in advance. Secondly, the affiliation function of the fuzzy theory is introduced into the evidence theory approach to assign initial evidence of measurements in terms of defining the degree of fuzzy support between measurements, which improves the fusion accuracy of the method. Finally, the belief Jensen–Shannon divergence and the Rényi divergence are combined for measuring the conflict between the evidence pieces to obtain the credibility degree as the reliability of the evidence, which solves the problem of high conflict between evidence pieces. Three examples of multi-sensor data fusion in different domains are employed to validate the adaptability of the proposed method to different kinds of multi-sensors. The maximum relative error of the proposed method for multiple sensor experiments is greater than or equal to 0.18%, and its error accuracy is much higher than the best result of 0.46% among other comparative methods. The experimental results verify that the proposed data fusion method is more accurate than other existing methods.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Infertility
Authors: Zaha Ioana , Muresan Mariana , Tulcan Camelia , Huniadi Anca , Naghi Petronela , Sandor Mircea , Tripon Roberta , Gaspar Cristina , Klaudia-Melinda Major , Sachelarie Liliana , Stefan Liana
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Oxidative stress markers in the follicular fluid and serum of the patient with IVF results (number of fertilized oocytes, number of embryos, cumulative pregnancy rate) are important in establishing the causes of infertility. (2) Methods: 42 patients were enrolled in the study over the duration of 24 months and were divided into two groups: the study group divided into the female etiology for infertility as a tubal factor, diminished ovarian reserve, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility, and the control group consisting of the male factor, excluding the sperm donors and with no female factor cause. On the day of ovarian puncture in IVF, follicular fluid and serum were collected from the patients. (3) Results: Malondialdehyde from the follicular fluid was higher in the control group. The total antioxidant capacity in the follicular fluid is positively correlated with the pregnancy rate. There is no statistically significant difference in the oxidative stress markers from serum in both groups. (4) Conclusions: The capacity of the follicular fluid environment to contain the reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to a higher pregnancy rate in the control group.
An Assessment of Landscape and Land Use/Cover Change and Its Implications for Sustainable Landscape Management in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
Authors: Chakma Masheli , Hayat Umer , Meng Jinghui , Hassan Mohammed A
Published: August 2023

Human-caused environmental change has profoundly impacted resource management and land use patterns in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts. This study used multi-temporal Landsat images from 1998, 2008, and 2018 to analyze land use and land cover changes, particularly those associated with forest cover changes, in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts. Using object-based image classification, Landsat images from 1998, 2008, and 2018 were separated into four categories based on their dominant land use and land cover features: forest, grassland, water bodies, and bare land. Post-classification comparison was used to assess the degree and frequency of change, and this method was further developed to evaluate the balance, fluctuation, and adaptation of forests. In addition, the spatial structure of land cover and temporal trajectories related to changes in forest cover were studied. The CA–Markov chain model was also used to anticipate the 2048 LULC map. The image classification of the years 1998, 2008, and 2018 showed that the overall accuracy was 89.65%, 84.44%, and 86.26%; producer accuracy was 90.00%, 68.75%, and 72.22%; and the Kappa coefficient was 85.68, 82.84, and 76.36, respectively. The results showed that between 1998 and 2018, forest cover increased by 58.03%, transforming grassland to forest; grassland increased by 29.50%, converting bare land to grassland; and forest conversion to grassland was 13.34%. In addition, the result of the landscape metric revealed that during the whole study period, class level indicated a fragmentation of forest, bare land, grassland, and water in the CHT, and landscape level indicated by Shannon’s Diversity Index and Shannon’s Evenness Index showed a slight decrease in the land. Based on the CA–Markov model, forest area is predicted to expand to 9129 Km2 in 2048; however, other land uses (bare land and grassland) continue to decrease. This substantial increase in forest cover results from effective forest management based on community forestry practices and the successful execution of Bangladesh’s national forest strategy. However, as Bangladesh’s population rises, so does the country’s need for lumber/timber. Bangladesh’s government should revise its forest policy to meet the local community’s needs without endangering the forest, and policymakers must take climate change seriously. Our strategy for evaluating the critical indicators of changes in forest cover and pathways of change will aid in connecting these patterns to the dynamics of change, such as deforestation and reforestation. It would therefore serve as a framework for developing effective conservation and management plans for the Chittagong Hill regions in Bangladesh.
Unlocking Cowpea’s Defense Responses: Conserved Transcriptional Signatures in the Battle against CABMV and CPSMV Viruses
Authors: Borges-Martins Artemisa Nazaré Costa , Ferreira-Neto José Ribamar Costa , Silva Manassés Daniel da , Morais David Anderson de Lima , Pandolfi Valesca , Silva Roberta Lane de Oliveira , Melo Ana Luiza Trajano Mangueira de , da Costa Antônio Félix , Benko-Iseppon Ana Maria
Published: August 2023

Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) and Cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) threaten cowpea commercial production. This study aimed to analyze Conserved Transcriptional Signatures (CTS) in cowpea’s genotypes that are resistant to these viruses. CTS covered up- (UR) or down-regulated (DR) cowpea transcripts in response to CABMV and CPSMV mechanical inoculations. The conservation of cowpea’s UR defense response was primarily observed with the one hpi treatments, with decreased CTS representatives as time elapsed. This suggests that cowpea utilizes generic mechanisms during its early interaction with the studied viruses, and subsequently employs more specialized strategies for each viral agent. The potential action of the CTS-UR emphasizes the importance of redox balance, ethylene and jasmonic acid pathways. Additionally, the CTS-UR provides evidence for the involvement of R genes, PR proteins, and PRRs receptors—extensively investigated in combating bacterial and fungal pathogens—in the defense against viral inoculation. AP2-ERF, WRKY, and MYB transcription factors, as well as PIP aquaporins and MAPK cascades, also emerged as significant molecular players. The presented work represents the first study investigating conserved mechanisms in the cowpea defense response to viral inoculations, highlighting relevant processes for initial defense responses.
Media as Metaphor: Realism in Meiji Print Narratives and Visual Cultures
Authors: Abel Jonathan E.
Published: August 2023

This article begins with the assumption that the specificity of metaphors used to discuss narration and mediation matter for understanding them. For instance, arguing for a paradigm shift in literature concomitant with the visual revolution of Meiji, critic Maeda Ai saw Mori Ōgai’s famed early work of realism “Dancing Girl” (Maihime) as translating the effects of the panorama hall into literature. By the end of his career, Mori Ōgai’s narrator of Wild Geese (Gan) compares his own storytelling to stereoscopy. These two different visual medial affordances suggest two different techniques. However, I argue that it is in a third visual medium (one that draws on the marketing of panorama and the visual techniques of stereography) that we may find a metaphor suggesting a continuity between these two modes of realism, between Ōgai’s early career and his later opus, between Maeda’s medial understanding and Ōgai’s own. This third metaphor for understanding Ōgai’s narration implies his mode of narration is never flat, always polyphonous, and advertising one aesthetic on the surface while providing another within. In the end, this view suggests a modernist realism that understood and expressed its own limitations and was, therefore, all the more realistic.
The Role of Immune Cells in Liver Regeneration
Authors: Wen Yankai
Published: August 2023

The liver is the only organ that can regenerate and regain its original tissue-to-body weight ratio within a short period of time after tissue loss. Insufficient liver regeneration in patients after partial hepatectomy or liver transplantation with partial liver grafts often leads to post-hepatectomy liver failure or small-for-size syndrome, respectively. Enhancing liver regeneration after liver injury might improve outcomes and increase patient survival. Liver regeneration comprises hepatocyte proliferation, and hepatic progenitor cell expansion and differentiation into hepatocytes. The immune system is intensively involved in liver regeneration. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse roles played by immune cells in liver regeneration. Macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, platelets, dendritic cells, type 1 innate lymphoid cells, B cells, and T cells are implicated in promoting liver regeneration, while natural killer cells and overactivated natural killer T cells are supposed to inhibit hepatocyte proliferation. We also highlight the predominant underlying mechanisms mediated by immune cells, which may contribute to the development of novel strategies for promoting liver regeneration in patients with liver diseases.
CO2 Adsorption Behaviors of Biomass-Based Activated Carbons Prepared by a Microwave/Steam Activation Technique for Molecular Sieve
Authors: Lee Jin-Young , Lee Byeong-Hoon , Chung Dong-Chul , Kim Byung-Joo
Published: August 2023

In this study, the activated carbon was prepared with superior CO2 selective adsorption properties using walnut shells, a biomass waste, as a precursor. The activations were conducted at various times using the microwave heating technique in a steam atmosphere. The surface morphology and chemical composition of activated carbon were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The textural properties were investigated using the N2/77K isothermal method, and the structural characteristics were examined using X-ray diffraction analysis. The CO2 and H2 adsorption properties of activated carbon were analyzed using a thermogravimetric analyzer and a high-pressure isothermal adsorption apparatus, respectively, under atmospheric and high-pressure conditions. Depending on the activation time, the specific surface area and total pore volume of the activated carbon were 570–690 m2/g and 0.26–0.34 cm3/g, respectively. The adsorption behaviors of CO2 of the activated carbon were different under atmospheric and high-pressure conditions. At atmospheric pressure, a significant dependence on micropores with diameters less than 0.8 nm was observed, whereas, at high pressure, the micropores and mesopores in the range of 1.6–2.4 nm exhibited a significant dependence. However, H2 adsorption did not occur at relatively low pressures. Consequently, the prepared activated carbon exhibited superior selective adsorption properties for CO2.
Effect of Thermal Shock on Properties of a Strongly Amorphous AlCrTiZrMo High-Entropy Alloy Film
Authors: Chen Shunian , Yan Weiqing , Zhang Yifan , Chen Lin , Ouyang Xiaoping , Ouyang Xiao , Chen Jing , Liao Bin
Published: August 2023

AlCrTiZrMo high-entropy alloy (HEA) films with strong amorphization were obtained by co-filter cathode vacuum arc deposition, and the effect of thermal shock on the films was investigated in order to explore the protection mechanism of HEA films against mechanical components in extreme service environments. The results show that after annealing at 800 °C for 1 h, the formation of a dense ZrTiO4 composite oxide layer on the surface actively prevents the oxidation from continuing, so that the AlCrTiZrMo HEA film exhibits excellent oxidation resistance at 800 °C in air. In the friction-corrosion coupling environment, the AlCrTiZrMo HEA film annealed at 800 °C for 1 h shows the best tribocorrosion resistance due to the stable dense microstructure and excellent mechanical properties, and its ΔOCP, COF and wear rate possess the smallest values of 0.055, 0.04 and 1.34 × 10−6 mm−3·N−1·m−1.
Optimal Design of the Austenitic Stainless-Steel Composition Based on Machine Learning and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Wang Xuandong , Cai Weidong , Yang Jiahui , Su Hang
Published: August 2023

As the fourth paradigm of materials research and development, the materials genome paradigm can significantly improve the efficiency of research and development for austenitic stainless steel. In this study, by collecting experimental data of austenitic stainless steel, the chemical composition of austenitic stainless steel is optimized by machine learning and a genetic algorithm, so that the production cost is reduced, and the research and development of new steel grades is accelerated without reducing the mechanical properties. Specifically, four machine learning prediction models were established for different mechanical properties, with the gradient boosting regression (gbr) algorithm demonstrating superior prediction accuracy compared to other commonly used machine learning algorithms. Bayesian optimization was then employed to optimize the hyperparameters in the gbr algorithm, resulting in the identification of the optimal combination of hyperparameters. The mechanical properties prediction model established at this stage had good prediction accuracy on the test set (yield strength: R2 = 0.88, MAE = 4.89 MPa; ultimate tensile strength: R2 = 0.99, MAE = 2.65 MPa; elongation: R2 = 0.84, MAE = 1.42%; reduction in area: R2 = 0.88, MAE = 1.39%). Moreover, feature importance and Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) values were utilized to analyze the interpretability of the performance prediction models and to assess how the features influence the overall performance. Finally, the NSGA-III algorithm was used to simultaneously maximize the mechanical property prediction models within the search space, thereby obtaining the corresponding non-dominated solution set of chemical composition and achieving the optimization of austenitic stainless-steel compositions.
Fabrication and Oxidation Resistance of a Novel MoSi2-ZrB2-Based Coating on Mo-Based Alloy
Authors: Zhang Yafang , Zhou Xiaojun , Cheng Huichao , Geng Zhanji , Li Wei
Published: August 2023

To enhance the oxidation resistance of Mo-based TZM alloy (Mo-0.5Ti-0.1Zr-0.02C, wt%), a novel MoSi2-ZrB2 composite coating was applied on the TZM substrate by a two-step process comprising the in situ reaction of Mo, Zr, and B4C to form a ZrB2-MoB pre-layer followed by pack siliconizing. The as-packed coating was composed of a multi-layer structure, consisting of a MoB diffusion layer, an MoSi2-ZrB2 inner layer, and an outer layer of mixture of MoSi2 and Al2O3. The composite coating could provide excellent oxidation-resistant protection for the TZM alloy at 1600 °C. The oxidation kinetic curve of the composite coating followed the parabolic rule, and the weight gain of the coated sample after 20 h of oxidation at 1600 °C was only 5.24 mg/cm2. During oxidation, a dense and continuous SiO2-baed oxide scale embedded with ZrO2 and ZrSiO4 particles showing high thermal stability and low oxygen permeability could be formed on the surface of the coating by oxidation of MoSi2 and ZrB2, which could hinder the inward diffusion of oxygen at high temperatures. Concurrently, the MoB inner diffusion layer played an important role in hindering the diffusion of Si inward with regard to the TZM alloy and could retard the degradation of MoSi2, which could also improve the long life of the coating.
Effect of C Addition on the Microstructure and Fracture Properties of In Situ Laminated Nb/Nb5Si3 Composites
Authors: Zeng Delu , Xiao Lairong , Xu Shaofu , Yu Huali , Zhang Yu , Yu Chenxu , Zhao Xiaojun , Cai Zhenyang , Li Wei
Published: August 2023

//Nbss and α-Nb5Si3 phases were detected. Meanwhile, Nb2C was observed, and the crystal forms of Nb5Si3 changed in the C-doped composites. Furthermore, micron-sized and nano-sized Nb2C particles were found in the Nbss layer. The orientation relationship of Nb2C phase and the surrounding Nbss was [001]Nbss//[010]Nb2C, (200) Nbss//(101) Nb2C. Additionally, with the addition of C, the compressive strength of the composites, at 1400 °C, and the fracture toughness increased from 310 MPa and 11.9 MPa·m1/2 to 330 MPa and 14.2 MPa·m1/2, respectively; the addition of C mainly resulted in solid solution strengthening.
Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era and Sustainable Healthcare: Organization and Delivery of Health Economics Research (Principles and Clinical Practice)
Authors: Heydari Mohammad , Lai Kin
Published: August 2023

Health services research aims to improve population health by studying the organization, delivery, and financing of healthcare services. While the field has made progress in defining its boundaries and core research topics, our literature survey revealed a lack of attention given to the management, cost, and policy aspects of healthcare systems (SCs). Moreover, the readiness of the system to handle supply policy and device deficiencies, especially during the pandemic, was rarely mentioned. Unplanned urban growth, characterized by reduced open spaces, deteriorating infrastructure, and changes in biological morphology, has led to an uneven distribution of urban amenities, facilities, and healthcare services. This research proposes two reliable models for site selection in a major hospital in Hong Kong, considering uncertainty levels, infeasibility tolerance, and reliability. We examine two categories of uncertainty—symmetric and bounded—and provide a solution with a nominal objective function value of 121.37. By considering 23 uncertain parameters with specific tolerance levels, we extend the processing time of uncertain tasks to ensure feasibility. However, the objective function value decreases due to violations of intermediate due-dates and decreased overall production. A comparative analysis is presented to evaluate the solution and address scheduling challenges under uncertainty using a specified probability distribution function. The study concludes by introducing justice and health problems, outlining four typical strategies, and emphasizing the importance of the effective management of systems, components, and procedures for the production, distribution, and administration of medications and healthcare supplies. This research contributes to fairness in health systems and population health at local, national, and global levels, addressing health inequity and promoting public dialogues on the subject.
Miura-Type Transformations for Integrable Lattices in 3D
Authors: Habibullin Ismagil T. , Khakimova Aigul R. , Sakieva Alfya U.
Published: August 2023

This article studies a class of integrable semi-discrete equations with one continuous and two discrete independent variables. At present, in the literature there are nine integrable equations of the form un+1,xj=f(un,xj,unj+1,unj,un+1j,un+1j−1) up to point transformations. An efficient method based on some relation that generalizes the notion of the local conservation law is proposed for searching for Miura-type transformations relating to semi-discrete equations in 3D. The efficiency of the method is illustrated with the equations from the list. For one of the equations, which is little studied, the continuum limit is calculated. For this equation, the problem of finite-field reductions in the form of Darboux integrable systems of equations of a hyperbolic type is discussed. For reductions of small orders, N=1 and N=2, complete sets of characteristic integrals are presented. Note that the existence of characteristic integrals makes it possible to construct particular solutions to the original lattice. For the case N=1, an explicit solution was found in this paper. A new semi-discrete equation is found that lies beyond the considered class. For this equation, the Lax pair is presented.
Dynamical Analysis of an Age-Structured SVEIR Model with Imperfect Vaccine
Authors: Wang Yanshu , Zhang Hailiang
Published: August 2023

Based on the spread of COVID-19, in the present paper, an imperfectly vaccinated SVEIR model for latent age is proposed. At first, the equilibrium points and the basic reproduction number of the model are calculated. Then, we discuss the asymptotic smoothness and uniform persistence of the semiflow generated by the solutions of the system and the existence of an attractor. Moreover, LaSalle’s invariance principle and Volterra type Lyapunov functions are used to prove the global asymptotic stability of both the disease-free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium of the model. The conclusion is that if the basic reproduction number Rρ is less than one, the disease will gradually disappear. However, if the number is greater than one, the disease will become endemic and persist. In addition, numerical simulations are also carried out to verify the result. Finally, suggestions are made on the measures to control the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.