bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anandamide Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Migration, Endothelial Adhesion Protein Expression and Monocyte Adhesion of Human Coronary Artery Cells
Authors: Blessing Elane , Teichmann Elisa , Hinz Burkhard
Published: December 2024

Endocannabinoids have been shown to play a complex role in the pathophysiology of a number of cardiovascular disorders. In the present study, the effects of the two major endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were investigated in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC) and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) with regard to potential atheroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. In HCASMC, AEA showed an inhibitory effect on platelet-derived growth factor-induced migration, but not proliferation, independent of major cannabinoid-activatable receptors (CB1, CB2, TRPV1), while 2-AG left both responses unaffected. In HCAEC, AEA at concentrations of 6 and 10 µM significantly inhibited the interleukin (IL)-1β- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and LPS-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), again independently of the abovementioned receptors. Corresponding effects were observed to a lesser extent in the presence of 2-AG, in most cases not significantly. The detection of activated phosphoproteins as well as experiments with inhibitors of corresponding signaling pathways suggest that AEA interferes with IL-1β-induced VCAM-1 expression via inhibition of protein kinase B/Akt and Src kinase activation and attenuates LPS-induced VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression via inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. As expected, AEA also led to a significant inhibition of monocyte adhesion to IL-1β- and LPS-stimulated HCAEC, with siRNA experiments confirming the functional role of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in this assay. 2-AG showed a comparatively weaker but, in the case of LPS stimulation, still significant inhibition of adhesion. In summary, the results emphasize the potential of AEA as a protective regulator of atherosclerotic and inflammation-related changes in HCASMC and HCAEC and encourage further corresponding preclinical studies with this endocannabinoid.
Unraveling the Mechanism of Impaired Osteogenic Differentiation in Osteoporosis: Insights from ADRB2 Gene Polymorphism
Authors: Krasnova Olga , Sopova Julia , Kovaleva Anastasiia , Semenova Polina , Zhuk Anna , Smirnova Daria , Perepletchikova Daria , Bystrova Olga , Martynova Marina , Karelkin Vitaly , Lesnyak Olga , Neganova Irina
Published: December 2024

Osteoporosis is characterized by increased resorption and decreased bone formation; it is predominantly influenced by genetic factors. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a vital role in bone homeostasis, and mutations in these genes are associated with osteoporosis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1042713 in the ADRB2 gene, encoding the beta-2-adrenergic receptor, on osteoblastogenesis. Herein, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western immunoblotting, immunofluorescence assays, and flow cytometry, we examined the expression of ADRB2 and markers of bone matrix synthesis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from osteoporosis patient (OP-MSCs) carrying ADRB2 SNP in comparison with MSCs from healthy donor (HD-MSCs). The results showed significantly reduced ADRB2 expression in OP-MSCs at both the mRNA and protein levels, alongside decreased type 1 collagen expression, a key bone matrix component. Notably, OP-MSCs exhibited increased ERK kinase expression during differentiation, indicating sustained cell cycle progression, unlike that going to HD-MSC. These results provide novel insights into the association of ADRB2 gene polymorphisms with osteogenic differentiation. The preserved proliferative activity of OP-MSCs with rs1042713 in ADRB2 contributes to their inability to undergo effective osteogenic differentiation. This research suggests that targeting genetic factors may offer new therapeutic strategies to mitigate osteoporosis progression.
Local Myoelectric Sensing During Human Colonic Tissue Perfusion
Authors: Ben-David Matan , Makwana Raj , Yered Tal , Sanger Gareth J. , Knowles Charles H. , Wasserberg Nir , Shor Erez
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most devastating complications after colorectal surgery. The verification of the adequate perfusion of the anastomosis is essential to ensuring anastomosis integrity following colonic resections. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of measuring the electrical activity of the colonic muscularis externa at an anastomosis site for perfusion analysis following colorectal surgery. Methods: Strips of human isolated colon were maintained in a horizontal tissue bath to record spontaneous contractions and myoelectric activity and spike potentials (using a bipolar electrode array for the wireless transmission of myoelectric data—the xBar system) from the circular muscle. Intraoperative myoelectric signal assessment was performed by placing the electrode array on the colon prior to and following mesenteric artery ligation, just prior to colonic resection. Results: In human isolated colon, the amplitude, duration, and frequency of contractions were inhibited during hypoxia by >80% for each measurement, compared to control values and time-matched oxygenated muscle. Intraoperative (N = 5; mean age, 64.8 years; range, 54–74 years; 60% females) myoelectric signal assessment revealed a decline in spike rate following arterial ligation, with a mean reduction of 112.64 to 51.13 spikes/min (p < 0.0008). No adverse events were observed during the study, and the device did not substantially alter the surgical procedure. Conclusions: The electrical and contraction force of the human colon was reduced by ischemia, both in vitro and in vivo. These preliminary findings also suggest the potential of the xBar system to measure such changes during intraoperative and possibly postoperative periods to predict the risk of anastomotic viability as a surrogate of evolving dehiscence.
Oscillometry Assesses Small Airway Disease and Reveals Peripheral Lung Pathology in Early Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gogali Athena , Gkrepi Georgia , Kyriakopoulos Christos , Tatsis Konstantinos , Katsoulis Konstantinos , Tselepi Chara , Kostikas Konstantinos
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Small airway disease/dysfunction (SAD) is crucial in obstructive airway diseases but is less investigated in interstitial lung disease (ILD). There are only a few physiological studies investigating SAD in the context of pulmonary fibrosis. Oscillometry is a simple technique that assesses SAD with minimal patient effort. In this study, we investigated the role of oscillometry in patients with mild pulmonary fibrosis without evident obstructive disorder, focusing on small airways. Methods: Oscillometry and pulmonary function test (PFT) data of consecutive patients newly diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis of unknown etiology in a university hospital ILD clinic were collected and analyzed. Results: Data from 34 patients with mild pulmonary fibrosis were collected in 6 months. Disease severity, as evaluated by FVC, presented strong correlations with the oscillometry parameters: resistance (R5: r = −0.588, p < 0.001), reactance (X5: r = 0.671, p < 0.001), resonant frequency (Fres: r = −0.562, p = 0.001), and the area of reactance (AX: r = −0.515, p = 0.002). The oscillometry parameter R5-19-expressing was abnormal in 27% of patients, correlated with FEF25-75% (r = −0.370, p = 0.021) and was a predictor of a FEF25-75% < 60% pred. with AUC 0.738 (95%Cl 0.519–0.956). R5-19 correlated with FVC (r = −0.481, p = 0.004) and was the only SAD parameter that correlated with the composite physiologic index (CPI, r = 0.338, p = 0.04), while FEF 25-75% and RV/TLC% did not. Conclusions: Oscillometry is an easy to perform technique that may reveal early mechanical alterations caused by pulmonary fibrosis. Peripheral resistance, as expressed by R5-19, which identifies small airway dysfunction as a marker of peripheral lung pathology, may be complementary to pulmonary function testing and may also have prognostic implications for ILD patients.
Misalignment Tolerance Improvement of a Wireless Power Supply System for Drones Based on Transmitter Design with Multiple Annular-Sector-Shaped Coils
Authors: Liu Han , Huang Dengjie , Wang Lin , Wang Rong
Published: December 2024

The application of wireless power transfer (WPT) technology in power replenishment for drones can help to solve problems such as the frequent manual plugging and unplugging of cables. A wireless power replenishment system for drones based on the transmitter design with multiple annular-sector-shaped coils is proposed in this paper, which improves the misalignment tolerance of couplers, enlarges the drone landing area, and reduces the control requirements of drone landing accuracy further. The general analysis model of the proposed transmitter and the numerical calculation method for mutual inductance between energy transceivers are established. Then, the effect of multiple parameters of the proposed transmitter on the variation in mutual inductance is studied. The misalignment tolerance improvement strategy based on the optimization of multiple parameters of the transmitter is investigated. Finally, an experimental prototype of a wireless power replenishment system for drones based on LCC-S compensation topology is designed to validate the theoretical research. Under the same maximum outer radius of 0.20 m and the same mutual inductance fluctuation rate of 5%, compared to single circular transmitter mode, the maximum offset distance of all directions (360 degrees) in the x-y plane is increased from 0.08 m to 0.12 m. As the receiving side position changes, the maximum receiving power and efficiency are 141.07 W and 93.79%, respectively. At the maximum offset position of 0.12 m, the received power and efficiency are still 132.13 W and 91.25%, respectively.
Technological Resources and Problem-Solving Methods to Foster a Positive Attitude Toward Formative Research in Engineering Students
Authors: Paucar-Curasma Ronald , Villalba-Condori Klinge Orlando , Gonzales-Agama Sara Hermelinda , Huayta-Meza Freddy Toribio , Rondon David , Sapallanay-Gomez Ninna Nyberg
Published: December 2024

Formative research, within the context of the pedagogical function of research, employs investigative teaching methods and practices commonly used in universities. However, these methods have largely shown limited effectiveness, as only a minority of students choose to pursue research work to earn their university degree. Additionally, there is a restricted use of technological tools in the development of research-related activities. With this problem in mind, the present study aims to propose the use of technological resources and the problem-solving method to foster a positive attitude toward formative research among first-year engineering students at a public university in Peru. The classroom interventions involved developing investigative activities based on the four phases of the problem-solving method: understanding the problem, developing a plan, executing the plan, and reviewing the solution. During these activities, students used an Arduino board along with sensors, actuators, and block-based programming to address real-world problems in their communities, such as in agriculture, livestock, environment, and education. Following the classroom interventions, students’ attitudes toward formative research were statistically evaluated across several dimensions: satisfaction and enjoyment of research, conceptual appropriation, learning behavior, systematic exploration, and perceived skills. The results show that students’ perception of their attitude toward formative research is predominantly high or very high. This indicates that the proposal to use technological resources and the four-phase problem-solving method is effective in fostering a positive attitude toward formative research among engineering students. Thus, the proposed approach would benefit engineering students by applying it across various courses within their professional program.
A Dynamic Graph Reasoning Model with an Auxiliary Task for Knowledge Base Question Answering
Authors: Wu Zhichao , Tian Xuan
Published: December 2024

In the field of question answering (QA), the methods of large language models (LLMs) cannot learn vertical domain knowledge during the pre-training stage, leading to low accuracy in domain QA. Conversely, knowledge base question answering (KBQA) can combine the knowledge base (KB) that contains domain knowledge with small language models to achieve high accuracy with a low cost. In KBQA, the inference subgraph is composed of entity nodes and their relationships pertinent to the question, with the final answers being derived from the subgraph. However, there are still two critical problems in this field: (i) fixed or decreased scopes of the inference subgraphs over the reasoning process may lead to limited knowledge, restricted in KBQA, and (ii) a lack of alignment between the inference subgraph and the question leads to low accuracy. In this work, we propose a dynamic graph reasoning model with an auxiliary task, the DGRMWAT, which addresses the above challenges through two key innovations, as follows: (i) dynamic graph reasoning, whereby we update the scope of the inference subgraph during each reasoning step to obtain more relevant knowledge and reduce irrelevant knowledge, and (ii) an auxiliary task to enhance the correlation between the inference subgraph and the question by computing the similarities between the inference subgraph and the QA context node. The experiments on two QA benchmark datasets, CommonsenseQA and OpenbookQA, indicate that the DGRMWAT allowed improvements compared to the baseline models and LLMs.
A Lightweight Keystream Generator Based on Expanded Chaos with a Counter for Secure IoT
Authors: Lee Tung-Tsun , Wu Shyi-Tsong
Published: December 2024

Stream ciphers are a type of symmetric encryption algorithm, and excel in speed and efficiency compared with block ciphers. They are applied in various applications, particularly in digital communications and real-time transmissions. In this paper, we propose lightweight chaotic keystream generators that utilize original one-dimensional (1D) chaotic maps with a counter to fit the requirement of a stream cipher for secure communications in the Internet of Things (IoT). The proposed chaotic scheme, referred to as expanded chaos, improves the limit of the chaotic range for the original 1D chaos. It can resist brute-force attacks, chosen-ciphertext attacks, guess-and-determine attacks, and other known attacks. We implement the proposed scheme on the IoT platform Raspberry Pi. Under NIST SP800-22 tests, the pass rates for the proposed improved chaotic maps with a counter and the proposed the mutual-coupled chaos are found to be at least about 90% and 92%, respectively.
Incorporating Global Information for Aspect Category Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Wang Heng , Wang Chen , Li Chunsheng , Wu Changxing
Published: December 2024

Aspect category sentiment analysis aims to automatically identify the sentiment polarities of aspect categories mentioned in text, and is widely used in the data analysis of product reviews and social media. Most existing studies typically limit themselves to utilizing sentence-level local information, thereby failing to fully exploit the potential of document-level and corpus-level global information. To address these limitations, we propose a model that integrates global information for aspect category sentiment analysis, aiming to leverage sentence-level, document-level, and corpus-level information simultaneously. Specifically, based on sentences and their corresponding aspect categories, a graph neural network is initially built to capture document-level information, including sentiment consistency within the same category and sentiment similarity between different categories in a review. We subsequently employ a memory network to retain corpus-level information, where the representations of training instances serve as keys and their associated labels as values. Additionally, a k-nearest neighbor retrieval mechanism is used to find training instances relevant to a given input. Experimental results on four commonly used datasets from SemEval 2015 and 2016 demonstrate the effectiveness of our model. The in-depth experimental analysis reveals that incorporating document-level information substantially improves the accuracies of the two primary ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ categories, while the inclusion of corpus-level information is especially advantageous for identifying the less frequently occurring ‘neutral’ category.
Decentralized Control of Complex Systems: Lyapunov Function Approach
Authors: Veselý Vojtech , Körösi Ladislav
Published: December 2024

In this contribution, we generalize existing methods for decentralized control design, providing a unified methodological framework that applies to linear continuous and discrete-time complex systems, as well as certain classes of nonlinear complex systems. Our approach leverages the direct connection between the stability properties of the overall complex system and those of its individual subsystems. By conducting the entire controller design process at the subsystem level, we circumvent the need for explicit interconnection values. Through numerical examples, we demonstrate that the proposed method ensures asymptotic stability of the full complex system within a specified region, and also guarantees stability of the isolated subsystems. In particular, we obtain quantifiable stability margins (e.g., γc bounds) and closed-loop eigenvalue placements that verify the effectiveness of the design. These results highlight not only the method’s theoretical robustness, but also its practical significance in simplifying the design process, reducing computational overheads, and enhancing scalability for large and interconnected engineering systems.
Adaptive Control of VSG Inertia Damping Based on MADDPG
Authors: Zhang Demu , Zhang Jing , He Yu , Shen Tao , Liu Xingyan
Published: December 2024

As renewable energy sources become more integrated into the power grid, traditional virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control strategies have become inadequate for the current low-damping, low-inertia power systems. Therefore, this paper proposes a VSG inertia and damping adaptive control method based on multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG). The paper first introduces the working principles of virtual synchronous generators and establishes a corresponding VSG model. Based on this model, the influence of variations in virtual inertia (J) and damping (D) coefficients on fluctuations in active power output is examined, defining the action space for J and D. The proposed method is mainly divided into two phases: “centralized training and decentralized execution”. In the centralized training phase, each agent’s critic network shares global observation and action information to guide the actor network in policy optimization. In the decentralized execution phase, agents observe frequency deviations and the rate at which angular frequency changes, using reinforcement learning algorithms to adjust the virtual inertia J and damping coefficient D in real time. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed MADDPG control strategy is validated through comparison with adaptive control and DDPG control methods.
Iterative Fast Super-Twisting Flux Sliding Mode Observer for SPMSM with Tangent Quadrature Phase-Locked Loop
Authors: Zhao Fujiong , Xie Yunxia , Mao Jianfeng , Xu Yingjie , Li Gaosheng , Jia Rongsheng , Wang Weigang
Published: December 2024

Traditional low-order flux sliding mode observer (FSMO) and quadrature phase-locked loop (QPLL) structures generally encounter issues such as estimated signal chattering and inadequate dynamic performance. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes an iterative fast super-twisting flux sliding mode observer (IFST-FSMO) and a tangent quadrature phase-locked loop (TQPLL) for sensorless control of surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPMSMs). Building on the traditional super-twisting algorithm (STA), the IFST-FSMO is proposed to accelerate convergence and enhance chattering suppression, which incorporates a linear term and utilizes the hyperbolic tangent function to replace the intrinsic sign function. Notably, the feedback matrix is redesigned to ensure the algorithm’s stability during speed reversal. Furthermore, an iterative calculation strategy is implemented under low-speed and light-load conditions, improving steady-state accuracy of estimated flux while avoiding increased computational burden at medium and high speeds. Regarding position estimation, a novel TQPLL with correction factor is proposed, utilizing the tangent function of the electrical angle error to achieve normalization and bandwidth adaptation. Ultimately, the proposed method is implemented on a motor test platform. Comparative experimental results demonstrate that the IFST-FSMO combined with TQPLL exhibits superior dynamic response and steady-state accuracy, while achieving efficient speed reversal.
Analysis of the Current State and Challenges of Renewable Energy Employment in Poland
Authors: Pilipczuk Olga
Published: December 2024

This research studies the current changes in Polish renewable resources employment and Poland’s position in rankings in comparison to European countries. The research aims to define the actual situation and the future perspectives of renewable energy sources (RES) employment in Poland. Several key research problems were formulated: What are the main directions of employment development in the Polish energy sector? How is employment changing in Poland? What are the forecasts for the Polish RES labor market? What are the main tendencies in competencies changing? The research was made by means of literature study and statistical analysis. Particular attention was paid to comparing RES employment in Poland and Germany. The research reveals the high position of Poland in total EU RES employment and the optimistic perspectives for the labor market development, despite the many challenges defined. It was concluded that the Polish education systems need to adapt rapidly to the demand of the energy market and continue to broaden the sustainable and renewable energy perspective to prepare a workforce capable of supporting a greener future.
A High-Resolution Satellite-Based Solar Resource Assessment Method Enhanced with Site Adaptation in Arid and Cold Climate Conditions
Authors: Bayasgalan Onon , Adiyabat Amarbayar , Otani Kenji , Hashimoto Jun , Akisawa Atsushi
Published: December 2024

Due to the favorable condition of arid and cold climates for ever-increasing photovoltaic installations by supporting them to operate around their maximum power, it would be interesting to evaluate the solar potential of this climate. In this study, we proposed a simple, semi-empirical model to estimate the global horizontal irradiance (GHI) from the high-resolution visible channel satellite data provided by the Japanese meteorological satellite Himawari 8/9. The site adaptation procedure uses approximately 2–3 years of data recorded at four ground stations in Mongolia’s arid and cold regions to optimize the model parameters in a lookup table. Then, the model’s performance is evaluated using the independent test data of 1–2 years. The previous version of the proposed model and shortwave radiation product retrieved from the JAXA’s P-Tree system are also used for benchmarking as baselines. As a result, we found that the performance of the proposed model under a time granularity of 10 min surpassed them with an RMSE of 85 W/m2 in an arid desert to 114 W/m2 in a cold climate. A significant improvement was especially noticed in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where the resulting RMSE was 13 W/m2 and 131 W/m2 lower than the baseline models.
Effects of Ecological Restoration Measures on Growth Renewal and Nutritional Quality of Arundinaria faberi in Degraded Habitat of Giant Panda
Authors: Qin Weirui , Liu Jingyi , Pan Han , Cheng Yong , Song Xinqiang , Fu Mingxia , Zhang Yuanbin , Luan Xiaofeng , Yang Biao
Published: December 2024

Restoring the degraded habitat of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is of paramount importance for the conservation of the species and its forest ecosystem. However, little is known about the impact of ecological restoration interventions on the growth renewal and nutritional quality of Arundinaria faberi in the degraded habitat of the giant panda. Here, we implemented strip thinning and blocky thinning techniques in the Daxiangling mountain range, alongside a control group. A random forest model and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to predict changes in the growth renewal and nutritional quality of bamboo, particularly in the strip-thinned zones. The key findings were as follows: (1) Compared with the control area, strip thinning increased the number of shoots and increased the diameter and height of shoots. (2) The random forest model predicted a decline in bamboo regeneration indices in 2023 compared to 2022 under strip thinning. (3) Through thinning, the palatability and nutritional level of A. faberi were improved. (4) Long-term effects included increased tannin in leaves, decreased tannin and amino acids in shoots and culms, and increased crude fat, with changes in crude protein distribution across bamboo parts. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for habitat restoration efforts targeting giant panda populations in the low-canopy forest ecosystems of the Daxiangling mountain range.
Image Classification of Tree Species in Relatives Based on Dual-Branch Vision Transformer
Authors: Wang Qi , Dong Yanqi , Xu Nuo , Xu Fu , Mou Chao , Chen Feixiang
Published: December 2024

Tree species in relatives refer to species belonging to the same genus with high morphological similarity and small botanical differences, making it difficult to perform classification and usually requiring manual identification by experts. To reduce labor costs and achieve accurate species identification, we conducted research on the image classification of tree species in relatives based on deep learning and proposed a dual-branch feature fusion Vision Transformer model. This model is designed with a dual-branch architecture and two effective blocks, a Residual Cross-Attention Transformer Block and a Multi-level Feature Fusion method, to enhance the influence of shallow network features on the final classification and enable the model to capture both overall image information and detailed features. Finally, we conducted ablation studies and comparative experiments to validate the effectiveness of the model, achieving an accuracy of 90% on the tree relatives dataset.
Pattern Recognition in Older Adults’ Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Augusto Gonçalo , Duarte Rui , Cunha Carlos , Matos Ana
Published: December 2024

Monitoring daily activities and behaviors is essential for improving quality of life in elderly care, where early detection of behavioral anomalies can lead to timely interventions and enhanced well-being. However, monitoring systems often struggle with scalability, high rates of false positives and negatives, and lack of interpretability in understanding anomalies within collected data. Addressing these limitations requires an adaptable, accurate solution to detect patterns and reliably identify outliers in elderly behavior data. This work aims to design a scalable monitoring system that identifies patterns and anomalies in elderly activity data while prioritizing interpretability to make well-informed decisions. The proposed system employs pattern recognition to detect and analyze outliers in behavior analysis, incorporating a service worker generated with Crontab Guru for automated data gathering and organization. Validation is conducted through statistical measures such as accumulated values, percentiles, and probability analyses to minimize false detections and ensure reliable performance. Experimental results indicate the system achieves high accuracy, with an occupancy probability across compartments and fewer outliers detected. The system demonstrates effective scalability and robust anomaly detection. By combining pattern recognition with a focus on interpretability, the proposed system provides actionable insights into elderly activity patterns and behaviors. This approach enhances the well-being of older adults, offering caregivers reliable information to support timely interventions and improve overall quality of life.
Navigating the Water–Energy Nexus: A Mathematical Approach
Authors: Kiteto Moses Kayanda , Mecha Cleophas Achisa
Published: December 2024

The rising demand for both water and energy has intensified the urgency of addressing the water–energy nexus. Energy is required for water treatment and distribution, and energy production processes require water. The increasing demand for energy requires substantial amounts of water, primarily for cooling. The emergence of new persistent contaminants has necessitated the use of advanced, energy-intensive water treatment methods. Coupled with the energy demands of water distribution, this has significantly strained the already limited energy resources. Regrettably, no straightforward, universal model exists for estimating water usage and energy consumption in power and water treatment plants, respectively. Current approaches rely on data from direct surveys of plant operators, which are often unreliable and incomplete. This has significantly undermined the efficiency of the plants as these surveys often miss out on complex interactions, lack robust predictive power and fail to account for dynamic temporal changes. The study thus aims to evaluate the potential of mathematical modeling and simulation in the water–energy nexus. It formulates a mathematical framework and subsequent simulation in Java programming to estimate the water use in hydroelectric power and geothermal energy, the energy consumption of the advanced water treatment processes focusing on advanced oxidation processes and membrane separation processes and energy demands of water distribution. The importance of mathematical modeling and simulation in the water–energy nexus has been extensively discussed. The paper then addresses the challenges and prospects and provides a way forward. The findings of this study strongly demonstrate the effectiveness of mathematical modeling and simulation in navigating the complexities of the water–energy nexus.
Role of the PPARGC1A Gene and Its rs8192678 Polymorphism on Sport Performance, Aerobic Capacity, Muscle Adaptation and Metabolic Diseases: A Narrative Review
Authors: Varillas-Delgado David
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The PPARGC1A gene, encoding the PGC-1α protein, is a critical regulator of energy metabolism, influencing mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and carbohydrate metabolism. This narrative review aims to evaluate the role of the PPARGC1A gene, with a specific focus on the c.1444G<A polymorphism (rs8192678), in sports performance, including its impact on aerobic capacity, muscle adaptation, and its potential implications for metabolic health. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies investigating the rs8192678 polymorphism in athletes, its relationship with physical performance, and its broader metabolic effects were included. Data were synthesized qualitatively, and heterogeneity among findings was assessed. The rs8192678 polymorphism influences sports performance differently. Results: the G allele is associated with enhanced mitochondrial efficiency, higher aerobic capacity, and a greater proportion of fatigue-resistant type I muscle fibers, benefiting endurance sports like cycling and triathlon. Conversely, the A allele correlates with reduced mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative capacity, potentially impairing endurance but showing possible utility in strength-based sports. Furthermore, the A allele is linked to increased risks of metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and obesity. Discrepancies in results highlight the influence of genetic, environmental, and training interactions. Conclusions: the PPARGC1A rs8192678 polymorphism plays a significant role in athletic performance and metabolic regulation. While the G allele confers advantages in endurance sports, the A allele presents mixed implications for strength and metabolic health. These findings support the potential for genetic profiling in personalized training and health interventions but emphasize the need for further research to clarify genotype-environment interactions.
Expanding the Genotypic and Phenotypic Spectrum of OFD1-Related Conditions: Three More Cases
Authors: Kyian Tatiana , Borovikov Artem , Anisimova Inga , Ryzhkova Oksana , Bulakh Maria , Bragina Elizabeth , Avakyan Maria , Demchenko Anna , Zabnenkova Victoria , Kovalev Victor , Bukhonin Artem , Kondratyeva Elena , Kutsev Sergey
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Pathogenic variants in the OFD1 gene are linked to a spectrum of syndromes that exhibit partial clinical overlap. Hemizygous loss-of-function variants are considered lethal in males, while heterozygous loss-of-function variants generally result in oro-facial-digital syndrome type 1. A reported phenotype, Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome type 2, was published once but remains controversial, with many specialists questioning its validity and arguing about its continued listing in the OMIM database. Methods: To investigate the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the patients, we performed clinical exome sequencing, family-based genetic analysis, X-inactivation studies, electron microscopy, and detailed clinical assessments. Results: Three patients from unrelated families carrying loss-of-function variants in the OFD1 gene were identified, emphasizing the diverse phenotypic spectrum of OFD1-associated disorders. The first patient, a female with a heterozygous frameshift variant p.(Gln398LeufsTer2), was diagnosed with oro-facial-digital syndrome type 1. The second patient, a male with a heterozygous nonsense variant p.(Gln892Ter), presented with features resembling Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome type 2, as previously reported under this diagnosis. The third patient, a male with another heterozygous nonsense variant p.(Glu879Ter), exhibited isolated primary ciliary dyskinesia without any syndromic features. Conclusions: This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on the expanding phenotypic spectrum of OFD1-associated disorders. It underscores the need for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying the diverse presentations and the necessity of re-evaluating diagnostic classifications for conditions such as SGBS2 in the context of variants in the OFD1 gene.
Towards a Better Understanding of Subsurface Processes in the Evolution of Sandstone Tablelands—Patterns and Controls of Contemporary Sand Removal from Sandstone Caprock, Stołowe Mountains Tableland, SW Poland
Authors: Duszyński Filip , Kacprzak Andrzej , Jancewicz Kacper , Różycka Milena , Porębna Wioleta , Migoń Piotr
Published: December 2024

This paper reports the results of two-years’ monitoring of sand evacuation from a sandstone tableland through fissure systems and discusses the findings in the context of geomorphic evolution of tablelands, especially addressing the role of subterranean processes. A field experiment using specially designed sand collectors and involving sampling in approximately monthly intervals was carried out at six sites in SW Poland, representing two adjacent but contrasting settings: a mesa and a cuesta front. Data about sand deposition were then analyzed against precipitation data from a station located next to the sites. Sediment volumes deposited during the monitoring period were considerably different between the sites, with those at the mesa much higher than those at the cuesta. This is attributed to strong structural control influencing groundwater circulation pathways and the size of underground drainage systems, which were much smaller next to the cuesta front. Relationships between denudation and precipitation are complex, although the role of very high rainfall events appears clear, especially for the mesa. In general, precipitation in excess of 70 mm during a few consecutive days typically resulted in a considerable outflow of sand. This study highlights the role of mechanical underground erosion in sandstone tablelands, long neglected, and quantifies the denudation process.
A Novel Glycoengineered Humanized Antibody Targeting DLK1 Exhibits Potent Anti-Tumor Activity in DLK1-Expressing Liver Cancer Cell Xenograft Models
Authors: Nakamura Koji , Takahashi Kota , Sakaguchi Izumi , Satoh Takumi , Zhang Lingyi , Yanai Hiroyuki , Tsukumo Yukihito
Published: December 2024

Delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1), a non-canonical Notch ligand, is highly expressed in various malignant tumors, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CBA-1205 is an afucosylated humanized antibody against DLK1 with enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The binding characteristics of CBA-1205 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay. The ADCC activity of CBA-1205 was assessed. The anti-tumor efficacy of CBA-1205 was evaluated in xenograft mouse models, and toxicity and toxicokinetic profiles of CBA-1205 were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys. CBA-1205 selectively bound to DLK1 among the Notch ligands and only to monkey and human DLK1. The binding epitope was between epidermal growth factor-like domains 1 and 2 of DLK1, which are not involved in any known physiological functions. The ADCC activity of CBA-1205 was confirmed using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as effector cells. CBA-1205 as a single agent and in combination with lenvatinib demonstrated long-lasting anti-tumor efficacy, including tumor regression, in two liver cancer xenograft models. The toxicity and toxicokinetic profiles of CBA-1205 in cynomolgus monkeys were favorable. These findings suggest that CBA-1205 has the potential to be a useful therapeutic option for drug treatment in HCC. A phase 1 study is ongoing in patients with advanced cancers (jRCT2080225288, NCT06636435).
Characterization of Site-Specific N- and O-Glycopeptides from Recombinant Spike and ACE2 Glycoproteins Using LC-MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Song Ju Hwan , Jang Sangeun , Choi Jin-Woong , Hwang Seoyoung , Kim Kyoung Heon , Kim Hye-Yeon , Park Sun Cheol , Lee Wonbin , Lee Ju Yeon
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in hundreds of millions of infections and millions of deaths globally. Although vaccination campaigns are mitigating the pandemic, emerging viral variants continue to pose challenges. The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays a critical role in viral entry by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, making both proteins essential targets for therapeutic and vaccine development. The glycosylation of these proteins influences their structure and function. This underscores the need for detailed site-specific glycoproteomic analysis. In this study, we characterized the N- or O-glycosylation profiles of the recombinant receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike protein and ACE2 proteins expressed from Expi293F cells, as well as the S2 subunit of spike protein expressed in plant (N. benthamiana) cells. Using a high-resolution Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid mass spectrometer equipped with the Ultimate 3000 RSLCnano and I-GPA (Integrated GlycoProteome Analyzer) developed in a previous study, 148 N- and 28 O-glycopeptides from RBD, 71 N-glycopeptides from the S2 subunit, and 139 N-glycopeptides from ACE2 were characterized. In addition, we report post-translational modifications (PTMs) of glycan, including mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) and GlcNAc-1-phosphate-6-O-mannose in N-glycan of RBD and ACE2, and O-acetylation in O-glycan of RBD, identified for the first time in these recombinant proteins. The relative abundance distribution according to glycosites and glycan types were analyzed by quantified site-specific N- and O (only from RBD)-glycopeptides from RBD, S2, and ACE2 using I-GPA. Asn331 for RBD, Asn1098 for S2, and Asn103 for ACE2 were majorly N-glycosylated, and dominant glycan-type was complex from RBD and ACE2 and high-mannose from S2. These findings will provide valuable insights into the glycosylation patterns that influence protein function and immunogenicity and offer new perspectives for the development of vaccines and antibody-based therapies against COVID-19.
Alternative Splicing and Alternative Polyadenylation-Regulated Cold Stress Response of Apis cerana
Authors: Fan Yuanchan , Yao Dan , Ma Jinmeng , You Fangdong , Wei Xiaoping , Ji Ting
Published: December 2024

Temperature is a pivotal ecological factor in the regulation of insect survival and reproduction [...]
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors as a Promising Treatment Against Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sanchez-Fernandez Eduardo , Guerra-Ojeda Sol , Suarez Andrea , Serna Eva , Mauricio Maria D.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a critical medical condition that requires immediate attention to minimise heart damage and improve survival rates. Early identification and prompt treatment are essential to save the patient’s life. Currently, the treatment strategy focuses on restoring blood flow to the myocardium as quickly as possible. However, reperfusion activates several cellular cascades that contribute to organ dysfunction, resulting in the ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The search for treatments against AMI and I/R injury is urgent due to the shortage of effective treatments at present. In this regard, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors emerge as a promising treatment against myocardial infarction. The objective of this systematic review is to analyse the effects of HDAC inhibitors on ventricular function, cardiac remodelling and infarct size, among other parameters, focusing on the signalling pathways that may mediate these cardiovascular effects and protect against AMI. Methods: Original experimental studies examining the effects of HDAC inhibitors on AMI were included in the review using the PubMed and Scopus databases. Non-experimental papers were excluded. The SYRCLE RoB tool was used to assess risk of bias and the results were summarised in a table and presented in sections according to the type of HDAC inhibitor used. Results: A total of 18 studies were included, 10 of them using trichostatin A (TSA) as an HDAC inhibitor and concluding that the treatment improved ventricular function, reduced infarct size, and inhibited myocardial hypertrophy and remodelling after AMI. Other HDAC inhibitors, such as suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), valproic acid (VPA), mocetinostat, givinostat, entinostat, apicidin, and RGFP966, were also analysed, showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, an improvement in cardiac function and remodelling, and a decrease in apoptosis, among other effects. Conclusions: HDAC inhibitors constitute a significant promise for the treatment of AMI due to their diverse cardioprotective effects. However, high risk of selection, performance, and detection bias in the in vivo studies means that their application in the clinical setting is still a long way off and more research is needed to better understand their benefits and possible side effects.
Efficacy of the Once-Daily Tacrolimus Formulation LCPT Compared to the Immediate-Release Formulation in Preventing Early Post-Transplant Diabetes in High-Risk Kidney Transplant Patients: A Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label Pilot Study (EUDRACT: 2017-000718-52)
Authors: Torres Armando , Rodríguez-Adanero Concepción , Fernández-Rivera Constantino , Marrero-Miranda Domingo , de Bonis-Redondo Eduardo , Rodríguez-Hernández Aurelio P. , Pérez-Tamajón Lourdes , González-Rinne Ana , Álvarez-Sosa Diego , Álvarez-González Alejandra , Sanchez-Dorta Nuria , Pérez-Carreño Estefanía , Díaz-Martín Laura , Luis-Lima Sergio , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Ana E. , Vera González Antonia María de , Romero-Delgado Cristina , Calvo-Rodríguez María , Seijo-Bestilleiro Rocío , Rodríguez-Jiménez Consuelo , Prieto López Manuel Arturo , Rivero-González Antonio Manuel , Hernández-Marrero Domingo , Porrini Esteban
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) and prediabetes (PreDM) are common after renal transplantation and increase the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Compared to immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-Tac), the LCPT formulation, with delayed absorption, offers higher bioavailability and a smoother time–concentration curve, potentially reducing beta-cell stress. Methods: This randomized pilot trial compared de novo immunosuppression with IR-Tac (twice daily) and LCPT (once daily). At-risk recipients (age ≥ 60 years or 18–59 years with metabolic syndrome) were enrolled and followed for 3 months. The primary and secondary outcomes were the incidence of PTDM and PreDM, respectively. Results: 27 patients were randomized to IR-Tac and 25 to LCPT. The incidence of PTDM was comparable between groups [IR Tac: 18.5% (95% CI: 8.2–36.7%) vs. LCPT: 24% (95% CI: 11.5–43.4%); p = 0.7]. Although not statistically significant, the LCPT group exhibited a trend toward a reduction in PreDM incidence [IR-Tac: 40.7% (95% CI: 25–59%) vs. LCPT: 20% (95% CI: 9–39%); p = 0.1]. A sensitivity analysis showed similar results, with no significant differences in cumulative corticosteroid doses or baseline body mass index (BMI) between groups. The LCPT group showed a trend toward higher tacrolimus exposure at the end of the study [trough levels: IR-Tac group 8.3 (6.9–9.2) vs. LCPT group 9.4 (7.4–11.4) ng/mL; p = 0.05)], as well as fewer acute rejection episodes (none vs. three). Delayed graft function was more common in the IR-Tac group (37% vs. 8%; p = 0.01), and the eGFR was lower. Adverse events were comparable between groups. Conclusions: The potential biological activity of LCPT in preventing glucose metabolic alterations in at-risk patients warrants further investigation.