bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing HCV Disease Prediction in Egypt: The hyOPTGB Framework
Authors: Elshewey Ahmed M. , Shams Mahmoud Y. , Tawfeek Sayed M. , Alharbi Amal H. , Ibrahim Abdelhameed , Abdelhamid Abdelaziz A. , Eid Marwa M. , Khodadadi Nima , Abualigah Laith , Khafaga Doaa Sami , Tarek Zahraa
Published: November 2023

The paper focuses on the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egypt, which has one of the highest rates of HCV in the world. The high prevalence is linked to several factors, including the use of injection drugs, poor sterilization practices in medical facilities, and low public awareness. This paper introduces a hyOPTGB model, which employs an optimized gradient boosting (GB) classifier to predict HCV disease in Egypt. The model’s accuracy is enhanced by optimizing hyperparameters with the OPTUNA framework. Min-Max normalization is used as a preprocessing step for scaling the dataset values and using the forward selection (FS) wrapped method to identify essential features. The dataset used in the study contains 1385 instances and 29 features and is available at the UCI machine learning repository. The authors compare the performance of five machine learning models, including decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), dummy classifier (DC), ridge classifier (RC), and bagging classifier (BC), with the hyOPTGB model. The system’s efficacy is assessed using various metrics, including accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score. The hyOPTGB model outperformed the other machine learning models, achieving a 95.3% accuracy rate. The authors also compared the hyOPTGB model against other models proposed by authors who used the same dataset.
Recurrent Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding among Patients Receiving Dual Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Yoo Ah Young , Joo Moon Kyung , Park Jong-Jae , Lee Beom Jae , Kim Seung Han , Kim Won Shik , Chun Hoon Jai
Published: November 2023

Background: Patients undergoing dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) may experience recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). We investigated the clinical characteristics and risk factors for recurrent non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) in patients who had experienced NVUGIB while receiving DAPT. Methods: We enrolled patients diagnosed with NVUGIB while receiving DAPT between 2006 and 2020. Definite bleeding was confirmed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy in all NVUGIB patients. Results: A total of 124 patients were diagnosed with NVUGIB while receiving DAPT. They were predominantly male (n = 103, 83.1%), bleeding mostly from the stomach (n = 94, 75.8%) and had peptic ulcers (n = 72, 58.1%). After the successful hemostasis of NVUGIB, 36 patients (29.0%) experienced at least one episode of recurrent upper GIB, 19 patients (15.3%) died, and 7 (5.6%) patients had a bleeding-related death. Multivariate analysis showed that age was a significant factor for re-bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 1.050; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001–1.102; p-value: 0.047), all-cause mortality (OR, 1.096; 95% CI: 1.020–1.178, p = 0.013), and re-bleeding-related mortality (OR, 1.187; 95% CI: 1.032–1.364, p-value: 0.016). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, the cumulative probabilities of re-bleeding, death, and bleeding-related death were significantly higher in patients aged 70 and older (p = 0.008, <0.001, and 0.009, respectively). Conclusions: Clinicians should be cautious about re-bleeding and mortality in elderly patients who experience NVUGIB while receiving DAPT.
Ethical Competence in Master’s Degrees: Definition and Shaping Factors
Authors: Tey-Teijón Amèlia , Llanes-Ordóñez Juan , Martínez-Rodríguez Laura
Published: November 2023

The inclusion of ethical competence in the training of master’s degree students remains a challenge. It has important links to the professionalization process, but unevenness has been found in its development and implementation, and this appears to generate shortcomings in training processes. The aim of this study is to understand the meaning of ethical competence and to identify factors that facilitate its inclusion in master’s degree programs. A multicentre phenomenological study was carried out at universities in Spain and Argentina. Students and faculty from ten master’s degree programs in different subjects participated. Three broad overall categories emerged from our analysis: competencies related to the professional profile; factors in the professionalizing process; and training in ethical competence. These categories suggest that ethical competence is a core rather than an added value for any professional, thereby stressing the need to address its pedagogical importance in education.
The Relationship between Interleaving and Variability Effects: A Cognitive Load Theory Perspective
Authors: Chen Ouhao , Retnowati Endah , Castro-Alonso Juan Cristobal , Paas Fred , Sweller John
Published: November 2023

The interleaving effect indicates that students learn better from multiple areas that are interleaved rather than blocked. Two experiments tested the hypothesis that the effect is because interleaving facilitates comparisons between areas and is a variation of the variability effect that increases intrinsic cognitive load. Experiment 1 used an interleaved design with two obviously different topics and found no interleaving effect. Experiment 2 used a similar design but used topics that were more difficult to discriminate between, resulting in a clear advantage for the interleaved group associated with an increase in cognitive load. These results support the hypothesis that the interleaving and variability effects are closely related.
The Impact of Integrated STEAM Education on Arts Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sanz-Camarero Raquel , Ortiz-Revilla Jairo , Greca Ileana M.
Published: November 2023

Integrated Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Mathematics (STEAM) education, an educational approach that is steadily expanding and bringing positive results within various scenarios, is successfully implemented and promoted in various countries. However, it has often been noted in the specialized literature that the incorporation of the arts into STEAM proposals is often at the service of the other disciplines, in that authentic artistic content is scarce or non-existent. It is therefore necessary to ascertain the place of the arts within this approach, so as to move towards their inclusion in an authentic manner. Thus, with the aim of knowing the characteristics of STEAM educational proposals and determining the impact of integrated STEAM education on the development of artistic competencies, this study presents a systematic review of STEAM proposals within Primary and Secondary Education. The results show the very limited impact of this approach on arts education; although the evaluation of artistic competency development has had positive impacts, it has been contemplated in very few studies. Our conclusions reflect on some necessary considerations with which to achieve an authentic and meaningful integration of the arts within STEAM education, opening the door to a conversation on what was previously a gap in the literature.
Three-Stage CMOS LDO with Optimized Power and Dynamic Performance for Portable Devices
Authors: Serrano-Reyes Andrés , Sanz-Pascual María Teresa , Calvo-López Belén
Published: November 2023

Low dropout (LDO) regulators are crucial components in power management systems for portable, i.e., battery-powered, devices. However, the design of LDO regulators presents a challenging trade-off between dynamic performance, power consumption, and area efficiency. This paper proposes a novel LDO regulator design that addresses these challenges by employing the reverse nested Miller compensation (RNMC) with current buffers embedded within the own class AB high gain error amplifier (EA) topology, and a time response enhancement circuit (TREC). High-gain (>120 dB) class AB EA renders good regulation performance with enhanced dynamic performance. The proposed compensation scheme improves the gain bandwidth product (GBW) and stability of the regulator, while the TREC reduces overshoot and undershoot during load transients without additional steady-state power consumption. Post-layout simulations confirm the robustness of the proposed 180 nm CMOS design across a wide range of operating conditions, achieving a regulated output voltage of 1.8 V with 100 mV dropout, good load and line regulating performance, and excellent load transient response with reduced undershoot and overshoot at minimum power (Iq = 13.8 μA) and area (314 μm × 150 μm) consumption. The proposed LDO regulator thus offers a compelling compromise between power consumption, area efficiency, and dynamic performance, making it highly suitable for portable applications.
AC-DC-DC Converter for Small Power Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Piasecki Szymon , Bachman Serafin , Zaleski Jarosław , Jasinski Marek , Turzyński Marek
Published: November 2023

The energy transformation driven by the development of renewable energy sources has become a reality for all power grid users. Prosumer energy, primarily utilizing photovoltaic installations, is one of the fastest-growing market segments. The advancement of technology, a decrease in electrochemical energy storage prices, and changes in the legal framework governing energy billing for grid-fed power have led to a growing interest in expanding prosumer installations with energy storage modules. This article presents the authors’ concept and expected functionalities of a prosumer system equipped with energy storage based on theoretical assumptions, simulation analyses, and experimental research. Additionally, it covers the design and functionality of a hybrid converter; its experimental validation, including an analysis of operational modes; the development of a control algorithm under real conditions; and the efficiency testing of the device.
A Study on the Dissolution Behavior of Typical Minerals in Continental Deposited Reservoirs during CO2 Geological Storage
Authors: Wang Kai , Lv Weifeng , Ji Zemin , Jia Ninghong , Ni Shumin , Jiang Wen , Cao Jinhong , Zhang Moxi
Published: November 2023

CO2 sequestration in saline aquifers is one of the most potential sequestration modes, and saline aquifers are ideal sites for CO2 geological sequestration. After CO2 is injected into a saline aquifer, it will have a long-term complex geochemical reaction with the formation of minerals and water, and the minerals will undergo multiple reactions such as dissolution and reprecipitation. Therefore, an in-depth study of the geochemical reaction mechanisms between CO2 and formation minerals is of great significance to the accurate calculation and prediction of CO2 storage volume and the safety evaluation of long-term CO2 sequestration. In China, continental saline aquifers are widely distributed, whose mineral compositions and texture maturity are markedly different from those of the marine sedimentary basins in North America, and their stratigraphic environments are more complicated. The studies on the CO2–water–rock (mineral) still have many research gaps or insufficiencies, and there is no report on the dissolution mechanisms of individual minerals in the reaction. Taking one certain block of Daqing Oilfield, which is a typical continental deposit in China, as an example, we analyze the dissolution laws and four types of typical continental deposited minerals under the effect of CO2 and the change features of ionic compositions and pH of the formation water in the process of geochemical reaction. The research results indicate that CO2 has different dissolution degrees for the four types of minerals, among which, feldspar, as the main mineral in continental sedimentary formations, has the lowest dissolution rate. Furthermore, in terms of the water type (Na+-enriched NaHCO3) of the saline aquifer in the deep part of the continental deposit, feldspar can precipitate into the secondary minerals represented by dawsonite in the later stage, which can act as the potential minerals of carbon fixation to increase the CO2 mineralization storage volume in continental deposited saline aquifers.
Fault Diagnosis for PV Modules Based on AlexNet and Symmetrized Dot Pattern
Authors: Wang Meng-Hui , Hung Chun-Chun , Lu Shiue-Der , Lin Zong-Han , Kuo Cheng-Chien
Published: November 2023

Faults in solar photovoltaic (PV) modules often result from component damage, leading to voltage fluctuations and decreased stability in the power system. In this study, the original voltage signals of different PV modules show little variation. Therefore, a solution that combines symmetrized dot pattern (SDP) and AlexNet for fault detection in PV modules was proposed. This solution investigates three common faults: poor welding, cracking, and bypass diode failure, which can be applied to fault-free modules. First, a high-frequency signal was input into the PV module, and the raw signal was captured using an NI PXI-5105 high-speed data acquisition card. Next, we used SDP to process the signal and create images with specific snowflake-like features. These images were used as a basis for fault diagnosis. Finally, deep-learning algorithms were used to perform status detection on the PV module. This research also used 3200 training samples and 800 test samples (200 for each type) to evaluate a new method for diagnosing faults in PV modules. The results show that the accuracy of the new method reached 99.8%, surpassing traditional convolutional neural networks (CNN) and extension neural networks (ENN), whose accuracies were 99.5% and 91.75%, respectively. Furthermore, this study compares the proposed method with more traditional numerical fault diagnosis methods. SDP effectively extracts fault signals and presents them as images. With AlexNet used for fault identification, the method excels in accuracy, training time, and testing time, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of future energy systems.
Optimizing Well Completion for Polymer Flooding in Conjunction with Waterflood Flow Control Valves
Authors: Guerrero-Martin Camilo Andrés , López Miguel Ángel Moreno , Vargas Vargas Laura Isabel , Lucas Elizabete F. , Silva Wanessa K. Lima e , Gomes Vando J. Costa , Freitas Pedro Paulo de , Salinas-Silva Raúl , Camacho-Galindo Stefanny , Guerrero-Martin Laura Estefanía , Castro Rubén H.
Published: November 2023

This work presents the proposal design for the completion of a polymer flooding injector well with waterflood flow regulator valves (FRV) in a Colombian field, based on experimental evaluations at the laboratory, intending to reduce the mechanical degradation suffered by the polymer solution at the time of injection, which allows to maintain the design parameters of the improved recovery project and reach the expected recovery factor. An analysis of the parameters and variables that influence the mechanical degradation of the polymer solution during the injection process (polymer solution concentration and the diameters of the FRV) was carried out using one laboratory methodology based on the recommended practices for the evaluation of polymers used in enhanced oil recovery operations API RP63. This work focuses on the following highlights: Evaluation of a waterflood flow regulator valve through experimental tests for polymer flooding and the designing of an initial well completion strategy to minimize mechanical degradation. The proposed valve and diameter resulted in a reduction of only 15 percentage points in the mechanical degradation of the polymeric solution when compared to a commercial water valve.
Optimal Allocation and Energy Management of Units in Distribution Networks with Multiple Renewable Energy Sources and Battery Storage Based on Computational Intelligence
Authors: Barukčić Marinko , Kurtović Goran , Benšić Tin , Jerković Štil Vedrana
Published: November 2023

The paper deals with an optimization problem in an electricity distribution network with different types of distributed generation and a battery storage system in terms of a smart grid concept. The optimization problem considers two objectives, namely, the annual energy losses and the exchange of energy with the higher-level power grid. The decision variables of the problem are the allocation of the different distributed generation units and the battery storage system, the annual power profiles of the controllable distributed generation and the battery storage system, and the power factor profiles of the controllable and noncontrollable distributed generation. All decision variables are solved simultaneously in a single optimization problem. The variable load shapes of the grid consumers and the profiles of the photovoltaic and wind power systems are considered in the study. All data are observed at the annual level with hourly resolution. The problem solving method uses computational intelligence techniques, namely, metaheuristic optimization methods and artificial neural networks. The study proposes a framework for optimizing the decision variables in the planning phase of distributed generation and battery storage, and for controlling the variable power and power factor profiles based on an artificial neural network in the implementation phase. The optimization problem is solved with a power system simulation program and a metaheuristic optimizer in cosimulation synergy. The three cases of distributed generation and battery storage are considered simultaneously. The proposed method is applied to the test grid operator IEEE with 37 buses, and reductions in annual energy losses and energy exchange are obtained in the ranges 34–86% and 41–99%, respectively.
Investigating the Influence of Distributor Type, Particle Size and Rice Husk Percentage on Fluidized Beds through Cold Fluidization Experiments
Authors: Balestieri Fernando M. P. , Luna Carlos M. R. , Ávila Ivonete
Published: November 2023

This work studies a fluidization system through cold experiments by using a mixture of rice husk and sand to investigate three parameters: type of bed distributor (perforated plate and plate with Tuyere-type injectors), sand granulometry (mean diameters of 324 µm and 647 µm) and rice husk mass ratio (from 1% to 10% of rice husk). The results reveal that the perforated distributor plate achieved a lower minimum fluidization velocity. However, the plate with Tuyere injectors generated better mixing, thus reducing possible stagnation points. An increase in the mean diameter of the sand raises the minimum fluidization velocity but also facilitates the formation of preferential channels. As for the rice husk mass ratio, values of over 5% cause stagnation points and preferential channels. It was also found that the relation between minimum fluidization velocity and rice husk ratio follows an exponential behavior, and an equation was developed to better describe their relation.
Soil Bacterial Community Structure and Physicochemical Influencing Factors of Artificial Haloxylon ammodendron Forest in the Sand Blocking and Fixing Belt of Minqin, China
Authors: Wang Anlin , Ma Rui , Ma Yanjun , Niu Danni , Liu Teng , Tian Yongsheng , Dong Zhenghu , Chai Qiaodi
Published: November 2023

Microbial activity plays a crucial role in upholding the functional stability of vegetation–soil ecosystems. Nevertheless, there exists a paucity of studies concerning the impact of sand-fixing vegetation (Haloxylon ammodendron) on the structure and functional attributes of soil microbial communities. We employed Illumina high-throughput sequencing and PICRUSt2 functional prediction technology to investigate the characteristics of soil bacterial community structure, diversity, and metabolic functions in an artificial H. ammodendron forest, and RDA analysis and the Mantel test were used to reveal the main environmental factors affecting the structure and ecological functions of soil bacterial communities. The findings revealed a significant increase in the principal nutrient contents (organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus) in the H. ammodendron forest soil compared to the mobile dune soil, while a reduction of 17.17% in the surface soil water content was observed. The H. ammodendron forest exhibited a significant enhancement in the diversity and richness index of soil bacteria. Specifically, Actinobacteria (24.94% ± 11.85%), Proteobacteria (29.99% ± 11.56%), and Chloroflexi (11.14% ± 4.55%) emerged as the dominant bacterial phyla, with Actinobacteria displaying significantly higher abundance compared to the mobile dune soil. PICRUSt2 analyses revealed that the predominant secondary metabolic functions of soil bacteria were carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and the metabolism of cofactors and vitamins. Additionally, the tertiary metabolic pathways exhibited greater activity in relation to enzyme function, nucleotide metabolism, energy metabolism, and antibiotics. The RDA results demonstrated that SOM, AK, and pH collectively accounted for 82.4% of the cumulative contribution, significantly influencing the bacterial community. Moreover, the Mantel test revealed that the metabolic function of soil bacteria primarily relied on five environmental factors, namely SOM, TN, AK, pH, and EC. This study significantly advances our understanding of the structural and functional changes in soil bacterial communities during the reclamation of sandy land through the establishment of artificial H. ammodendron forests.
Effects of Tremella fuciformis Mushroom Polysaccharides on Structure, Pasting, and Thermal Properties of Chinese Chestnuts (Castanea henryi) Starch Granules under Different Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Zhuang Weijing , Zheng Shuyi , Chen Feng , Gao Shujuan , Zhong Meifang , Zheng Baodong
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides on the physicochemical properties of freeze–thawed cone chestnut starch. Various aspects, including water content, crystallinity, particle size, gelatinization, retrogradation, thermal properties, rheological properties, and texture, were examined. The results revealed that moderate freezing and thawing processes increased the retrogradation of starch; particle size, viscosity, shear type, hinning degree, and hardness decreased. After adding Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, the particle size, relative crystallinity, and gelatinization temperature decreased, which showed solid characteristics. Consequently, the inclusion of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide effectively countered dehydration caused by freezing and thawing, reduced viscosity, and prevented the retrogradation of frozen–thawed chestnut starch. Moreover, Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide played a significant role in enhancing the stability of the frozen–thawed chestnut starch. These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides in starch-based products subjected to freeze–thaw cycles.
Effects of Enriched-in-Oleuropein Olive Leaf Extract Dietary Supplementation on Egg Quality and Antioxidant Parameters in Laying Hens
Authors: Papadopoulos Georgios A. , Lioliopoulou Styliani , Nenadis Nikolaos , Panitsidis Ioannis , Pyrka Ioanna , Kalogeropoulou Aggeliki G. , Symeon George K. , Skaltsounis Alexios-Leandros , Stathopoulos Panagiotis , Stylianaki Ioanna , Galamatis Dimitrios , Petridou Anatoli , Arsenos Georgios , Giannenas Ilias
Published: November 2023

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an olive leaf extract obtained with an up-to-date laboratory method, when supplemented at different levels in laying hens’ diets, on egg quality, egg yolk antioxidant parameters, fatty acid content, and liver pathology characteristics. Thus, 96 laying hens of the ISA-Brown breed were allocated to 48 experimental cages with two hens in each cage, resulting in 12 replicates per treatment. Treatments were: T1 (Control: basal diet); T2 (1% olive leaf extract); T3 (2.5% olive leaf extract); T4 (Positive control: 0.1% encapsulated oregano oil). Eggshell weight and thickness were improved in all treatments compared to the control, with T2 being significantly higher till the end of the experiment (p < 0.001). Egg yolk MDA content was lower for the T2 and T4 groups, while total phenol content and Haugh units were greater in the T2. The most improved fatty acid profile was the one of T3 yolks. The α-tocopherol yolk content was higher in all groups compared to T1. No effect was observed on cholesterol content at any treatment. Based on the findings, it can be inferred that the inclusion of olive leaf extract at a concentration of 1% in the diet leads to enhancements in specific egg quality attributes, accompanied by an augmentation of the antioxidant capacity.
Quality Evaluation of Walnuts from Different Regions in China
Authors: Ma Xuan , Wang Weijun , Zheng Chang , Liu Changsheng , Huang Ying , Zhao Wenge , Du Jian
Published: November 2023

This study analyzed and evaluated the basic crude fat contents, crude protein contents, phenolic compounds, lipid compositions (fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols), and amino acid compositions of 26 walnut samples from 11 walnut-growing provinces in China. The results indicate that the oil contents of the samples varied from 60.08% to 71.06%, and their protein contents ranged from 7.26 g/100 g to 19.50 g/100 g. The composition of fatty acids corresponded to palmitic acid at 4.61–8.27%, stearic acid at 1.90–3.55%, oleic acid at 15.50–32.28%, linoleic acid at 53.44–67.64%, and α-linolenic acid at 2.45–12.77%. The samples provided micronutrients in widely varying amounts, including tocopherol, phytosterol, and total phenolic content, which were found in the walnut oil samples in amounts ranging from 356.49 to 930.43 mg/kg, from 1248.61 to 2155.24 mg/kg, and from 15.85 to 68.51 mg/kg, respectively. A comprehensive evaluation of walnut oil quality in the samples from the 11 provinces using a principal component analysis was conducted. The findings revealed that the samples from Henan, Gansu, and Zhejiang had the highest composite scores among all provinces. Overall, Yunnan-produced walnuts had high levels of crude fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and total tocopherols, making them more suitable for producing high-quality oil, whereas Henan-produced walnuts, although lower in crude fat, had a higher crude protein content and composite score, thus showing the best walnut characteristics.
Rapid Indentification of Auramine O Dyeing Adulteration in Dendrobium officinale, Saffron and Curcuma by SERS Raman Spectroscopy Combined with SSA-BP Neural Networks Model
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Zhang Caihong , Li Wenxuan , Li Liang , Zhang Peng , Zhu Cheng , Ding Yanfei , Sun Hongwei
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: Rapid and accurate determination of the content of the chemical dye Auramine O(AO) in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is critical for controlling the quality of TCMs. (2) Methods: Firstly, various models were developed to detect AO content in Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale). Then, the detection of AO content in Saffron and Curcuma using the D. officinale training set as a calibration model. Finally, Saffron and Curcuma samples were added to the training set of D. officinale to predict the AO content in Saffron and Curcuma using secondary wavelength screening. (3) Results: The results show that the sparrow search algorithm (SSA)-backpropagation (BP) neural network (SSA-BP) model can accurately predict AO content in D. officinale, with Rp2 = 0.962, and RMSEP = 0.080 mg/mL. Some Curcuma samples and Saffron samples were added to the training set and after the secondary feature wavelength screening: The Support Vector Machines (SVM) quantitative model predicted Rp2 fluctuated in the range of 0.780 ± 0.035 for the content of AO in Saffron when 579, 781, 1195, 1363, 1440, 1553 and 1657 cm−1 were selected as characteristic wavelengths; the Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) model predicted Rp2 fluctuated in the range of 0.500 ± 0.035 for the content of AO in Curcuma when 579, 811, 1195, 1353, 1440, 1553 and 1635 cm−1 were selected as the characteristic wavelengths. The robustness and generalization performance of the model were improved. (4) Conclusion: In this study, it has been discovered that the combination of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and machine learning algorithms can effectively and promptly detect the content of AO in various types of TCMs.
C8ORF88: A Novel eIF4E-Binding Protein
Authors: Pugsley Lauren , Naineni Sai Kiran , Amiri Mehdi , Yanagiya Akiko , Cencic Regina , Sonenberg Nahum , Pelletier Jerry
Published: November 2023

Translation initiation in eukaryotes is regulated at several steps, one of which involves the availability of the cap binding protein to participate in cap-dependent protein synthesis. Binding of eIF4E to translational repressors (eIF4E-binding proteins [4E-BPs]) suppresses translation and is used by cells to link extra- and intracellular cues to protein synthetic rates. The best studied of these interactions involves repression of translation by 4E-BP1 upon inhibition of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway. Herein, we characterize a novel 4E-BP, C8ORF88, whose expression is predominantly restricted to early spermatids. C8ORF88:eIF4E interaction is dependent on the canonical eIF4E binding motif (4E-BM) present in other 4E-BPs. Whereas 4E-BP1:eIF4E interaction is dependent on the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1, these sites are not conserved in C8ORF88 indicating a different mode of regulation.
Acupuncture Therapy for Military Veterans Suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Related Symptoms: A Scoping Review of Clinical Studies
Authors: Kwak Hui-Yong , Leem Jungtae , Seung Hye-bin , Kwon Chan-Young , Jeong Hye-Seon , Kim Sang-Ho
Published: November 2023

Military personnel in combat face a high risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, a protocol-based scoping review was conducted to identify the current status of research on the efficacy of acupuncture for treating combat-related PTSD in military personnel. A literature search was conducted across 14 databases in November 2022, and data from the included studies were collected and descriptively analyzed. A total of eight studies were included. Participants were assessed for core PTSD symptoms using the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, as well as related symptoms, such as sleep issues. Although the efficacy of acupuncture has been substantiated in numerous studies, certain metrics did not exhibit improvement. Auricular acupuncture was the most commonly used treatment (50%) followed by manual acupuncture (25%) and a combination of both (25%). Shenmen and Kidney points were frequently targeted at auricular acupoints. The treatment period varied between 5 days and 2 months. While adverse events were reported in two of the fifty-five patients in the intervention group and in four of the sixty-four patients in the control group in the randomized controlled trial studies, no fatal adverse events were reported.
Metabolomics of Cerebrospinal Fluid Amino and Fatty Acids in Early Stages of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Židó Michal , Kačer David , Valeš Karel , Zimová Denisa , Štětkářová Ivana
Published: November 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating and neurodegenerative autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) damaging myelin and axons. Diagnosis is based on the combination of clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Metabolomics is a systematic study that allows us to track amounts of different metabolites in a chosen medium. The aim of this study was to establish metabolomic differences between the cerebrospinal fluid of patients in the early stages of multiple sclerosis and healthy controls, which could potentially serve as markers for predicting disease activity. We collected CSF from 40 patients after the first attack of clinical symptoms who fulfilled revised McDonald criteria of MS, and the CSF of 33 controls. Analyses of CSF samples were performed by using the high-performance liquid chromatography system coupled with a mass spectrometer with a high-resolution detector. Significant changes in concentrations of arginine, histidine, spermidine, glutamate, choline, tyrosine, serine, oleic acid, stearic acid and linoleic acid were observed. More prominently, Expanded Disability Status Scale values significantly correlated with lower concentrations of histidine. We conclude that these metabolites could potentially play a role as a biomarker of disease activity and predict presumable inflammatory changes.
IK Channel-Independent Effects of Clotrimazole and Senicapoc on Cancer Cells Viability and Migration
Authors: Zuccolini Paolo , Barbieri Raffaella , Sbrana Francesca , Picco Cristiana , Gavazzo Paola , Pusch Michael
Published: November 2023

Many studies highlighted the importance of the IK channel for the proliferation and the migration of different types of cancer cells, showing how IK blockers could slow down cancer growth. Based on these data, we wanted to characterize the effects of IK blockers on melanoma metastatic cells and to understand if such effects were exclusively IK-dependent. For this purpose, we employed two different blockers, namely clotrimazole and senicapoc, and two cell lines: metastatic melanoma WM266-4 and pancreatic cancer Panc-1, which is reported to have little or no IK expression. Clotrimazole and senicapoc induced a decrease in viability and the migration of both WM266-4 and Panc-1 cells irrespective of IK expression levels. Patch-clamp experiments on WM266-4 cells revealed Ca2+-dependent, IK-like, clotrimazole- and senicapoc-sensitive currents, which could not be detected in Panc-1 cells. Neither clotrimazole nor senicapoc altered the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. These results suggest that the effects of IK blockers on cancer cells are not strictly dependent on a robust presence of the channel in the plasma membrane, but they might be due to off-target effects on other cellular targets or to the blockade of IK channels localized in intracellular organelles.
Sex-Dependent Differences in Blood–Urine Barrier Are Subtle but Significant in Healthy and Chronically Inflamed Mouse Bladders
Authors: Peskar Dominika , Kerec Kos Mojca , Cerkvenik Uroš , Nemec Svete Alenka , Erman Andreja
Published: November 2023

The urothelium is a vital permeability barrier that prevents the uncontrolled flow of urinary components into and out of the bladder interstitium. Our study addressed the question of possible sex-specific variations in the urothelium of healthy mice and their impact on chronic bladder inflammation. We found that healthy female bladders have a less robust barrier function than male bladders, as indicated by significant differences in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values. These differences could be attributed to detected higher claudin 2 mRNA expression and a less pronounced glycocalyx in females than in males. In addition, TEER measurements showed delayed barrier recovery in chronically inflamed female bladders. We found subtle differences in the expressions of genes involved in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton between the sexes, as well as pronounced urothelial hyperplasia in females compensating for attenuated barrier function. The identified genetic variations in glycosylation pathways may also contribute to this divergence. Our findings add to the growing body of literature on the intricate sex-specific nuances of urothelial permeability function and their implications for chronic bladder inflammation. Understanding these differences could lead to tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the treatment of bladder disorders in the future.
Kaempferol: A Review of Current Evidence of Its Antiviral Potential
Authors: Periferakis Argyrios , Periferakis Aristodemos-Theodoros , Troumpata Lamprini , Periferakis Konstantinos , Scheau Andreea-Elena , Savulescu-Fiedler Ilinca , Caruntu Ana , Badarau Ioana Anca , Caruntu Constantin , Scheau Cristian
Published: November 2023

Kaempferol and its derivatives are flavonoids found in various plants, and a considerable number of these have been used in various medical applications worldwide. Kaempferol and its compounds have well-known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties among other health benefits. However, the antiviral properties of kaempferol are notable, and there is a significant number of experimental studies on this topic. Kaempferol compounds were effective against DNA viruses such as hepatitis B virus, viruses of the alphaherpesvirinae family, African swine fever virus, and pseudorabies virus; they were also effective against RNA viruses, namely feline SARS coronavirus, dengue fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, influenza virus, enterovirus 71, poliovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human immunodeficiency virus, calicivirus, and chikungunya virus. On the other hand, no effectiveness against murine norovirus and hepatitis A virus could be determined. The antiviral action mechanisms of kaempferol compounds are various, such as the inhibition of viral polymerases and of viral attachment and entry into host cells. Future research should be focused on further elucidating the antiviral properties of kaempferol compounds from different plants and assessing their potential use to complement the action of antiviral drugs.
Dietary Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites—Source, Fate, and Chromatographic Determinations
Authors: Sadok Ilona , Jędruchniewicz Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

Tryptophan metabolism plays an essential role in human health. In mammals, about 95% of dietary tryptophan is metabolized through the kynurenine pathway, which is associated with the development of several pathologies, including neurodegeneration. Some of the kynurenine pathway metabolites are agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor involved in metabolic functions, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. Thus, their origins, fates, and roles are of widespread interest. Except for being produced endogenously, these metabolites can originate from exogenous sources (e.g., food) and undergo absorption in the digestive tract. Recently, a special focus on exogenous sources of tryptophan metabolites was observed. This overview summarizes current knowledge about the occurrence of the kynurenine pathway metabolites (kynurenines) in food and the analytical method utilized for their determination in different food matrices. Special attention was paid to sample preparation and chromatographic analysis, which has proven to be a core technique for the detection and quantification of kynurenines. A discussion of the fate and role of dietary kynurenines has also been addressed. This review will, hopefully, guide further studies on the impact of dietary kynurenines on human health.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Asian Cultivated Rice and Its Wild Progenitor (Oryza rufipogon) Has Revealed Evolutionary Innovation of the Pentatricopeptide Repeat Gene Family through Gene Duplication
Authors: Feng Li-Ying , Lin Pei-Fan , Xu Rong-Jing , Kang Hai-Qi , Gao Li-Zhi
Published: November 2023

The pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) gene family is one of the largest gene families in land plants. However, current knowledge about the evolution of the PPR gene family remains largely limited. In this study, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of the PPR gene family in O. sativa and its wild progenitor, O. rufipogon, and outlined a comprehensive landscape of gene duplications. Our findings suggest that the majority of PPR genes originated from dispersed duplications. Although segmental duplications have only expanded approximately 11.30% and 13.57% of the PPR gene families in the O. sativa and O. rufipogon genomes, we interestingly obtained evidence that segmental duplication promotes the structural diversity of PPR genes through incomplete gene duplications. In the O. sativa and O. rufipogon genomes, 10 (~33.33%) and 22 pairs of gene duplications (~45.83%) had non-PPR paralogous genes through incomplete gene duplication. Segmental duplications leading to incomplete gene duplications might result in the acquisition of domains, thus promoting functional innovation and structural diversification of PPR genes. This study offers a unique perspective on the evolution of PPR gene structures and underscores the potential role of segmental duplications in PPR gene structural diversity.
The Role of the Innate Immune Response in Oral Mucositis Pathogenesis
Authors: Bowen Joanne , Cross Courtney
Published: November 2023

Oral mucositis (OM) is a significant complication of cancer therapy with limited management strategies. Whilst inflammation is a central feature of destructive and ultimately ulcerative pathology, to date, attempts to mitigate damage via this mechanism have proven limited. A relatively underexamined aspect of OM development is the contribution of elements of the innate immune system. In particular, the role played by barriers, pattern recognition systems, and microbial composition in early damage signaling requires further investigation. As such, this review highlights the innate immune response as a potential focus for research to better understand OM pathogenesis and development of interventions for patients treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Future areas of evaluation include manipulation of microbial–mucosal interactions to alter cytotoxic sensitivity, use of germ-free models, and translation of innate immune-targeted agents interrogated for mucosal injury in other regions of the alimentary canal into OM-based clinical trials.
Examining the Role of Leisure in Navigating Spousal Death: A Phenomenological Multi-Case Study of Widowhood
Authors: Sweeney Thomas P. , Zorotovich Jennifer
Published: November 2023

The current study will explore the post-pandemic bereavement window of widowed caregivers who experienced higher degrees of social isolation and the ways in which leisure was used to cope. A phenomenological multi-case study technique was used to explore the “multiple realities” among female caregivers whose social convoys suffered pre-pandemic because of spousal caregiving and were further impacted by COVID-19 mitigation strategies during the pandemic. Initial analyses utilized the two-cycle approach, as defined by Saldana. In the initial cycle, the researchers independently immersed themselves in the raw data gathered during participant interviews and engaged in open coding to discern concepts, patterns, themes, and categories associated with the multiple realities among the widows whose leisure participation was affected due to the strain of spousal caregiving and exacerbated by COVID-19 mitigation strategies. After completing the first cycle, the researchers then moved to the second phase, thematic analysis, which sought to develop a more structured framework by which to understand the data by identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (e.g., themes) within it. A qualitative comparison technique was then employed to deepen our understanding of individuals’ lived experiences. Thematic findings revealed three areas of similarities: Social isolation from caregiving, using leisure to self-focus and explore future possibilities, and core groups.
Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Heart Failure Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Sánchez-González Juan Luis , Almenar-Bonet Luis , Moreno-Segura Noemí , Gurdiel-Álvarez Francisco , Atef Hady , Sillero-Sillero Amalia , López-Vilella Raquel , Santolalla-Arnedo Iván , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Tejada-Garrido Clara Isabel , Marques-Sule Elena
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The COVID-19 lockdown has been associated with reduced levels of physical activity, quality of life, and sleep quality, but limited evidence exists for its impact on heart failure patients. This study examined the influence of the COVID-19 lockdown on these aspects in heart failure patients, with specific comparisons by age and sex. Methods: A quasi-experimental cross-sectional study of patients with heart failure was conducted. The assessment involved two time points: during the COVID-19 lockdown (March to June 2020) and post-lockdown (July to October 2020). A total of 107 HF patients participated, with assessments of overall PA (using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), QoL (employing the Cantril Ladder of Life), and sleep quality (utilizing the Minimal Insomnia Symptom Scale) conducted during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Results: HF patients reported lower levels of total PA (p = 0.001) and walking PA (p < 0.0001) during lockdown than after lockdown, whilst no differences were observed in QoL nor sleep quality. In addition, both younger and older patients reported lower walking PA and total PA during lockdown than after lockdown, while older patients reported lower QoL during lockdown than after lockdown. Moreover, both men and women reported lower walking PA and total PA during lockdown than after lockdown, whilst women reported lower QoL. Conclusions: HF patients need improved PA programs during lockdowns, as these programs can elevate PA levels and enhance QoL, especially when faced with the risk of decompensation during health crises.
The First-Line Approach in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA)
Authors: Mussi Nicole , Forestiero Roberta , Zambelli Giulia , Rossi Letizia , Caramia Maria Rosaria , Fainardi Valentina , Esposito Susanna
Published: November 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is the main manifestation of sleep-disordered breathing in children. Untreated OSA can lead to a variety of complications and adverse consequences mainly due to intermittent hypoxemia. The pathogenesis of OSA is multifactorial. In children aged 2 years or older, adenoid and/or tonsil hypertrophy are the most common causes of upper airway lumen reduction; obesity becomes a major risk factor in older children and adolescents since the presence of fat in the pharyngeal soft tissue reduces the caliber of the lumen. Treatment includes surgical and non-surgical options. This narrative review summarizes the evidence available on the first-line approach in children with OSA, including clinical indications for medical therapy, its effectiveness, and possible adverse effects. Literature analysis showed that AT is the first-line treatment in most patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy associated with OSA but medical therapy in children over 2 years old with mild OSA is a valid option. In mild OSA, a 1- to 6-month trial with intranasal steroids (INS) alone or in combination with montelukast with an appropriate follow-up can be considered. Further studies are needed to develop an algorithm that permits the selection of children with OSA who would benefit from alternatives to surgery, to define the optimal bridge therapy before surgery, to evaluate the long-term effects of INS +/− montelukast, and to compare the impact of standardized approaches for weight loss.