bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability Optimization Method for Gas–Electric Integrated Energy Systems Considering Cyber–Physical Interactions
Authors: Zhou Buxiang , Cai Yating , Zang Tianlei , Wu Jiale , Li Xuan , Dong Shen
Published: July 2023

With the development in the field of energy and the growing demand for sustainable energy, gas–electric integrated energy systems are attracting attention as an emerging energy supply method. At the same time, with the deep application of information technology, the cyber–physical interactions of gas–electric integrated energy systems are increasingly enhanced. To this end, first, the reliability assessment indices of a gas–electric integrated energy system, which comprehensively considers the interactions between cyber–physical and different energy sources, are established in this paper to quantitatively assess the reliability level of the system under different fault and failure conditions. Second, to solve the reliability optimization problem, a comprehensive reliability enhancement optimization model is constructed in this paper, which targets the sum of the total penalties of the failure rate and average repair time modification. The impact of the cyber systems on the gas–electric integrated energy systems is transformed into a modification of the failure rate and the average repair time, and the model is solved by an adaptive Gaussian particle swarm optimization algorithm. Finally, the applicability and superiority of the adaptive Gaussian particle swarm optimization algorithm to the reliability optimization of the gas–electricity integrated energy system are verified by conducting simulation tests on the gas–electricity integrated energy system coupled with an 8-node distribution system and the 11-node natural gas system in Belgium. Furthermore, the effects of cyber systems and cyber-attacks on system reliability optimization are also analyzed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and the rationality of the newly defined reliability indices.
Willingness and Influencing Factors of Farmers’ Forestland Management in Ethnic Minority Areas: Evidence from Southwest China
Authors: Li Ya , Chang Haiqing , Dou Yaquan , Zhao Xiaodi
Published: July 2023

This paper uses a questionnaire and interviews from households in ethnic minority areas of the Jianchuan County (Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture) and Pingbian County (Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture) in Yunnan Province to explore the willingness of foresters to manage forests. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Analysis framework, we select three indicators including the variables of individual social economic attributes, the cognition and experience of forest landowners, and policy guidance. We use a binary logistic regression model to analyze the factors affecting the willingness of foresters to participate in forest management. Through the above analysis, we found the following: (1) Forest landowners’ willingness to engage in forest management in ethnic minority regions is relatively high, at 71.98%. (2) Variables of individual social economic attributes have the most significant degree of influence on the willingness to engage in forest management. (3) Standard of living and the woodland area have a significant positive effect on forest land management intentions, while education level, whether they are compensated by public welfare forests, and whether they have participated in the project of returning farmland to forest and grassland have a significant negative effect on management intentions. (4) There are significant differences between forest landowners’ willingness to engage in forest management and the influencing factors between minority regions and non-minority regions.
Can Forest Resource Endowment Drive Green Economic Growth in the Context of the Low-Carbon Economy in China?
Authors: Tan Junlan , Wang Rong
Published: July 2023

Continuous climate change has become one of the challenges faced by the world, drawing much attention from governments. The forest industry is the main focus of strategic initiatives to realize a circular and green economy and achieve low emissions. In order to explore the relationship between forest resource endowment and green economic growth, this study represents the first attempt to verify how forest resource endowment affects green economic growth (GEG), with a theoretical analysis and an explanation of the effects of both. The following results were obtained: (1) The GEG of the lagging period can improve the GEG of the current period in all regions, which verifies the sustainability of GEG in China. (2) The regression coefficient of forest resource endowment is a negative primary term (except for the eastern region) and a positive quadratic term, indicating that there is a U-shaped nonlinear relationship between forest resource endowment and GEG in the national, central, and western regions. (3) Forest resource endowments inhibit green economic growth by crowding out human capital from high-tech industries and through such effects as “Dutch disease”. The elasticity coefficient of the eastern region is positive but insignificant, while the forest resource inhibition effect is larger in the central and western regions, but the elasticity coefficient is significantly lower for the central region than the western region. (4) Human capital significantly contributes to GEG in the east and has a negative effect on GEG in the nation and the central and western regions. A possible reason for this is that there are more highly qualified people in the east than in the central and western regions; environmental regulation inhibits GEG in the nation and the east and has a negative but insignificant effect on GEG in the central and western regions, whereas green finance can promote GEG in all regions, and its promotion effect is highest in the east and lowest in the west, where it does not pass the significance test.
Rates of Stemwood Carbon Accumulation Are Linked to Hydroclimate Variability in Mexican Conifers
Authors: Pompa-García Marín , Vivar-Vivar Eduardo D. , Rubio-Camacho Ernesto A. , Camarero Jesús Julio
Published: July 2023

Evapotranspiration demand has increased rapidly as temperatures have risen, affecting forest productivity. Consequently, carbon (C) uptake by forests is being modified; therefore, a more refined knowledge of the relationships between C capture and hydroclimate variability is required, particularly in drought-prone regions. In this study, we analyzed the relationships between climate and C capture as stemwood through the dendroecological analyses of radial growth in 15 conifer species distributed along a broad bioclimatic gradient in Mexico. The C content was calculated using densitometry data; correlations and mixed models were then used to determine the influence of climatic variables (precipitation, mean maximum and minimum temperatures, SPEI drought index) on tree growth. Each species showed specific responses to the climate with Taxodium mucronatum being the most responsive species. Both precipitation and maximum temperature best explained changes in C capture, with minimum temperature and SPEI playing secondary roles. The winter before the growth period was the most important season for C capture, particularly through positive responses to wet-cool conditions. However, the climatic influences of the current fall and summer were also notable. Seasonal climatic influences have implications for C uptake and forest productivity in the face of the severe droughts that repeatedly affect the study region.
Underground Evacuation and Smoke Flow Simulation in Guangzhou International Financial City during Fire
Authors: Liao Longhui , Li Hong , Li Pengyu , Bao Xiaohua , Hong Chengyu , Wang Daochu , Xie Xiaofeng , Fan Jianhao , Wu Peichen
Published: July 2023

The underground space in the Starting Area in the Guangzhou International Financial City is being developed to save resources and improve land benefits. However, high-density development has increased the likelihood of fires. Therefore, PyroSim and Pathfinder were used in this study to investigate the fire smoke flow and personnel evacuation in the underground space in the Starting Area. Firstly, the 2D temperature cloud map and the temperature and visibility recorded by sensor A over time of Zone I in the Starting Area were analyzed. Then, the 3D smoke diffusion, the 3D temperature diffusion map, and the value of thermocouple and smoke obscuration recorded by sensors of Zone II were analyzed. Next, smoke flow of Zones III to V in the Starting Area under different fire source positions was simulated. Finally, the personnel evacuation model was established to simulate the personnel flow rate and density. The simulation results show that the available safe evacuation time for people is 530 s when all the firefighting facilities fail and fire breaks out in Zone I. For large public spaces, the overall spread speed of fire is fast, which requires the use of the fire control system in time to control the spread of fire. Fortunately, the space of evacuation time is relatively sufficient; it only takes 143 s to evacuate personnel safely in Zone II, which is sufficient compared to the time for the fire to completely spread. Suggestions were made for fire safety management, such as evacuating personnel to the safety exits of other adjacent areas during a fire and installing linkage fire alarm systems in large public space s.
Polish-Lithuanian Border Cuisine as an Idea for the Promotion and Expansion of the Region’s Tourist Attractiveness
Authors: Soroka Andrzej , Mazurek-Kusiak Anna , Chmielewski Szymon , Godlewska Agnieszka
Published: July 2023

Culinary tourism is one of the most rapidly developing forms of tourism in the world. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of and tourists’ familiarity with cuisine in the area along the Polish-Lithuanian border. The survey included adult tourists visiting areas on both sides of the border between Poland (Podlaskie Voivodship) and Lithuania (Olicki District). A total of 789 questionnaires were completed, of which 759 were included in the study: 376 from Olicki District in Lithuania and 383 from Podlaskie Voivodship in Poland. The questions in the authorial questionnaire pertained to six dishes representing the most popular regional specialities in the area on both sides of the Polish-Lithuanian border. For all the responses, a five-point Likert scale was used. The results of the work show that tourists want to explore a given region by tasting local cuisine and that they are in search of unique products while paying much attention to the smell and taste of the dishes they consume. The product’s appearance is of less significance while making purchasing or consumption decisions. Flavour-related experiences associated with and preferences for individual dishes representing Polish-Lithuanian cuisine were very similar for both groups of respondents. It indicates there is a possibility of establishing cooperation to promote the products in the study area and thus enhance its tourist appeal.
3D Printing, Histological, and Radiological Analysis of Nanosilicate-Polysaccharide Composite Hydrogel as a Tissue-Equivalent Material for Complex Biological Bone Phantom
Authors: Valchanov Petar , Dukov Nikolay , Pavlov Stoyan , Kontny Andreas , Dikova Tsanka
Published: July 2023

Nanosilicate-polysaccharide composite hydrogels are a well-studied class of materials in regenerative medicine that combine good 3D printability, staining, and biological properties, making them an excellent candidate material for complex bone scaffolds. The aim of this study was to develop a hydrogel suitable for 3D printing that has biological and radiological properties similar to those of the natural bone and to develop protocols for their histological and radiological analysis. We synthesized a hydrogel based on alginate, methylcellulose, and laponite, then 3D printed it into a series of complex bioscaffolds. The scaffolds were scanned with CT and CBCT scanners and exported as DICOM datasets, then cut into histological slides and stained using standard histological protocols. From the DICOM datasets, the average value of the voxels in Hounsfield Units (HU) was calculated and compared with natural trabecular bone. In the histological sections, we tested the effect of standard histological stains on the hydrogel matrix in the context of future cytological and histological analysis. The results confirmed that an alginate/methylcellulose/laponite-based composite hydrogel can be used for 3D printing of complex high fidelity three-dimensional scaffolds. This opens an avenue for the development of dynamic biological physical phantoms for bone tissue engineering and the development of new CT-based imaging algorithms for the needs of radiology and radiation therapy.
Comparative Analysis of Fall Risk Assessment Features in Community-Elderly and Stroke Survivors: Insights from Sensor-Based Data
Authors: Lee Chia-Hsuan , Mendoza Tomas , Huang Chien-Hua , Sun Tien-Lung
Published: July 2023

Fall-risk assessment studies generally focus on identifying characteristics that affect postural balance in a specific group of subjects. However, falls affect a multitude of individuals. Among the groups with the most recurrent fallers are the community-dwelling elderly and stroke survivors. Thus, this study focuses on identifying a set of features that can explain fall risk for these two groups of subjects. Sixty-five community dwelling elderly (forty-nine female, sixteen male) and thirty-five stroke-survivors (twenty-two male, thirteen male) participated in our study. With the use of an inertial sensor, some features are extracted from the acceleration data of a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test performed by both groups of individuals. A short-form berg balance scale (SFBBS) score and the TUG test score were used for labeling the data. With the use of a 100-fold cross-validation approach, Relief-F and Extra Trees Classifier algorithms were used to extract sets of the top 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 features. Random Forest classifiers were trained for each set of features. The best models were selected, and the repeated features for each group of subjects were analyzed and discussed. The results show that only the stand duration was an important feature for the prediction of fall risk across all clinical tests and both groups of individuals.
A Puzzling Religious Inscription from Medieval Tuscany: Symbology and Interpretation
Authors: Vicari Stefano , Perono Cacciafoco Francesco
Published: July 2023

At the entrance of some churches in Tuscany (Italy), the reproduction of an apparently undecipherable inscription can be found. Beginning in the 18th century, this epigraphic puzzle has originated a debate on its interpretation. This study proposes a hypothesis based on the Latin alphabet used in texts contemporary to the churches where the inscription is reproduced and a possible interpretation of the message consistent with the official religious doctrine. The proposed deciphering is extended to the full text, including some signs that were previously considered geometric forms or a specific elaboration of letters not attested in other contemporary documents.
Changes in Antioxidant and Color Properties of Raisins According to Variety and Drying Method
Authors: Ünal Mehmet Settar , Güler Emrah , Yaman Mehmet
Published: July 2023

Raisins are a significant grape product with an annual trade volume of approximately USD 2 billion. There are various methods employed for drying grapes into raisins. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different drying methods on raisins, specifically, without pretreatment (SD), treatment with potassium carbonate (5%) containing 2% olive oil (POT), and treatment with ashy water with 2.5% olive oil (AOW). The study examined the changes in raisin weight, physicochemical characteristics, total phenolics, antioxidant and anthocyanin contents, color properties, and protein content in three grape varieties: Deyvani, Haseni, and Reşek. The results indicated that POT treatment resulted in the lightest raisins in Deyvani (0.48 g) and Reşek (0.58 g), while Haseni exhibited the heaviest raisins (0.64 g) under the same treatment. The variations in physicochemical characteristics were relatively limited compared to the changes observed in phenolic and antioxidant properties. Nontreated raisins had the lowest anthocyanin content across all varieties. Protein content was significantly affected by the POT treatment, while the effects of the AOW and SD treatments were comparatively minor. SD drying resulted in slightly brighter raisins, but lower phenolic content and significantly lower color properties. The findings of this study highlight the differential effects of drying methods on different grape varieties, emphasizing the importance of considering a variety-specific approach when selecting the drying method.
Perceived Barriers and Benefits of COVID-19 Testing among Pacific Islanders on Guam
Authors: Leon Guerrero Rachael T. , Mummert Angelina G. , Rios Dareon C. , Mian Niza C. , Cruz Teofila P. , Siriwardhana Chathura , Yanagihara Richard
Published: July 2023

Pacific Islanders residing in the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands have had among the highest COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality rates in the U.S. To reduce this disparity, we conducted a study to increase the reach and uptake of COVID-19 testing in Guam. Participants, who completed a pre-survey on demographics, health status, history of COVID-19 testing and vaccination, access to COVID-19 testing, sources of COVID-19 information, and knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 test results and transmission, were invited to attend an online educational session about COVID-19 testing and transmission and to complete a post-survey. There were significant positive changes between pre- and post-survey in knowledge and perceptions about COVID-19 testing and transmission, but changes were not necessarily due to exposure to the educational session. Compared to CHamoru participants (n = 380), Other Micronesians (n = 90) were significantly less knowledgeable about COVID-19 transmission and testing, were significantly more likely to not want to know if they had COVID-19, were more likely to believe if they did have COVID-19 there was not much that could be done for them, and that they would have difficulty in getting the needed healthcare. This study is another example of disparities in health knowledge and perceptions of certain Pacific Islander groups.
Increased Interleukin-36β Expression Promotes Angiogenesis in Japanese Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Komaki Reo , Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Tanaka Miho , Nakajima Kaori , Okano Tatsuro , Takeuchi Sora , Kadono Takafumi
Published: July 2023

While atopic dermatitis (AD) is considered as a T helper 2 (Th2)-centered disease, an increase in other types of inflammatory cytokines is also noted in AD and they may also contribute to the development of the disease. Recently, the efficacy of an anti-IL-36 receptor antibody in AD was demonstrated in a clinical trial. Although there have been several reports on IL-36α and IL-36γ expression and function in AD, IL-36β has been barely studied. In this report, we examined IL-36β expression and function using clinical samples of AD and the epidermal keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT cells. We demonstrated that IL-36β expression in epidermal keratinocytes was increased in AD lesional skin compared to healthy skin. IL-36β promoted vascular endothelial growth factor A production in HaCaT keratinocytes through phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2. In addition, IL-36β up-regulated placental growth factor mRNA expression in HaCaT keratinocytes. IL-36β expression levels in epidermal keratinocytes were correlated with the number of dermal vessels in AD skin. These results suggest that IL-36β may play an important role for angiogenesis in lesional skin of AD and that IL-36β can be a therapeutic target in AD.
Mitochondrial Integrity Is Critical in Right Heart Failure Development
Authors: Müller Marion , Donhauser Elfi , Maske Tibor , Bischof Cornelius , Dumitrescu Daniel , Rudolph Volker , Klinke Anna
Published: July 2023

Molecular processes underlying right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (RVD) and right heart failure (RHF) need to be understood to develop tailored therapies for the abatement of mortality of a growing patient population. Today, the armament to combat RHF is poor, despite the advancing identification of pathomechanistic processes. Mitochondrial dysfunction implying diminished energy yield, the enhanced release of reactive oxygen species, and inefficient substrate metabolism emerges as a potentially significant cardiomyocyte subcellular protagonist in RHF development. Dependent on the course of the disease, mitochondrial biogenesis, substrate utilization, redox balance, and oxidative phosphorylation are affected. The objective of this review is to comprehensively analyze the current knowledge on mitochondrial dysregulation in preclinical and clinical RVD and RHF and to decipher the relationship between mitochondrial processes and the functional aspects of the right ventricle (RV).
3D Cultures for Modelling the Microenvironment: Current Research Trends and Applications
Authors: Gaetani Roberto , Chimenti Isotta
Published: July 2023

The importance of 3D culture systems for drug screening or physio-pathological models has exponentially increased in recent years [...]
Effects of Soybean Phosphate Transporter Gene GmPHT2 on Pi Transport and Plant Growth under Limited Pi Supply Condition
Authors: Wei Xiaoshuang , Xu Xiaotian , Fu Yu , Yang Xue , Wu Lei , Tian Ping , Yang Meiying , Wu Zhihai
Published: July 2023

Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development, but phosphate resources are limited and rapidly depleting due to massive global agricultural demand. This study identified two genes in the phosphate transporter 2 (PHT2) family of soybean by bioinformatics. The expression patterns of two genes by qRT-PCR at leaves and all were induced by low-phosphate stress. After low-phosphate stress, GmPHT2;2 expression was significantly higher than GmPHT2;1, and the same trend was observed throughout the reproductive period. The result of heterologous expression of GmPHT2 in Arabidopsis knockout mutants of atpht2;1 shows that chloroplasts and whole-plant phosphorus content were significantly higher in plants complementation of GmPHT2;2 than in plants complementation of GmPHT2;1. This suggests that GmPHT2;2 may play a more important role in plant phosphorus metabolic homeostasis during low-phosphate stress than GmPHT2;1. In the yeast backfill assay, both genes were able to backfill the ability of the defective yeast to utilize phosphorus. GmPHT2 expression was up-regulated by a low-temperature treatment at 4 °C, implying that GmPHT2;1 may play a role in soybean response to low-temperature stress, in addition to being involved in phosphorus transport processes. GmPHT2;1 and GmPHT2;2 exhibit a cyclic pattern of circadian variation in response to light, with the same pattern of gene expression changes under red, blue, and white light conditions. GmPHT2 protein was found in the chloroplast, according to subcellular localization analysis. We conclude that GmPHT2 is a typical phosphate transporter gene that can improve plant acquisition efficiency.
Short Interrupted Repeat Cassette (SIRC)—Novel Type of Repetitive DNA Element Found in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gorbenko Igor V. , Petrushin Ivan S. , Shcherban Andrey B. , Orlov Yuriy L. , Konstantinov Yuri M.
Published: July 2023

Short interrupted repeat cassette (SIRC)—a novel DNA element found throughout the A. thaliana nuclear genome. SIRCs are represented by short direct repeats interrupted by diverse DNA sequences. The maxima of SIRC’s distribution are located within pericentromeric regions. We suggest that originally SIRC was a special case of the complex internal structure of the miniature inverted repeat transposable element (MITE), and further MITE amplification, transposition, and loss of terminal inverted repeats gave rise to SIRC as an independent DNA element. SIRC sites were significantly enriched with several histone modifications associated with constitutive heterochromatin and mobile genetic elements. The majority of DNA-binding proteins, strongly associated with SIRC, are related to histone modifications for transcription repression. A part of SIRC was found to overlap highly inducible protein-coding genes, suggesting a possible regulatory role for these elements, yet their definitive functions need further investigation.
The Yin and Yang of Breast Cancer: Ion Channels as Determinants of Left–Right Functional Differences
Authors: Masuelli Sofía , Real Sebastián , McMillen Patrick , Oudin Madeleine , Levin Michael , Roqué María
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease that displays diverse molecular subtypes and clinical outcomes. Although it is known that the location of tumors can affect their biological behavior, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In our previous study, we found a differential methylation profile and membrane potential between left (L)- and right (R)-sided breast tumors. In this current study, we aimed to identify the ion channels responsible for this phenomenon and determine any associated phenotypic features. To achieve this, experiments were conducted in mammary tumors in mice, human patient samples, and with data from public datasets. The results revealed that L-sided tumors have a more depolarized state than R-sided. We identified a 6-ion channel-gene signature (CACNA1C, CACNA2D2, CACNB2, KCNJ11, SCN3A, and SCN3B) associated with the side: L-tumors exhibit lower expression levels than R-tumors. Additionally, in silico analyses show that the signature correlates inversely with DNA methylation writers and with key biological processes involved in cancer progression, such as proliferation and stemness. The signature also correlates inversely with patient survival rates. In an in vivo mouse model, we confirmed that KI67 and CD44 markers were increased in L-sided tumors and a similar tendency for KI67 was found in patient L-tumors. Overall, this study provides new insights into the potential impact of anatomical location on breast cancer biology and highlights the need for further investigation into possible differential treatment options.
Multi-Modality Imaging of Atheromatous Plaques in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Integrating Molecular and Imaging Markers
Authors: Wang Xiaomeng , Nai Ying-Hwey , Gan Julian , Lian Cheryl Pei Ling , Ryan Fraser Kirwan , Tan Forest Su Lim , Chan Dexter Yak Seng , Ng Jun Jie , Lo Zhiwen Joseph , Chong Tze Tec , Hausenloy Derek John
Published: July 2023

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common and debilitating condition characterized by the narrowing of the limb arteries, primarily due to atherosclerosis. Non-invasive multi-modality imaging approaches using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear imaging have emerged as valuable tools for assessing PAD atheromatous plaques and vessel walls. This review provides an overview of these different imaging techniques, their advantages, limitations, and recent advancements. In addition, this review highlights the importance of molecular markers, including those related to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, in PAD pathophysiology. The potential of integrating molecular and imaging markers for an improved understanding of PAD is also discussed. Despite the promise of this integrative approach, there remain several challenges, including technical limitations in imaging modalities and the need for novel molecular marker discovery and validation. Addressing these challenges and embracing future directions in the field will be essential for maximizing the potential of molecular and imaging markers for improving PAD patient outcomes.
Bio-Approach for Obtaining Enantiomerically Pure Clopidogrel with the Use of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Chałupka Joanna , Sikora Adam , Ziegler-Borowska Marta , Marszałł Michał Piotr
Published: July 2023

Clopidogrel is a chiral compound widely used as an antiplatelet medication that lowers the risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. The main aim of the study presented herein was to obtain (S)-clopidogrel, which is commercially available in treatments, via the kinetic resolution of racemic clopidogrel carboxylic acid with the use of lipase from Candida rugosa and a two-phase reaction medium containing an ionic liquid. For this purpose, the enantioselective biotransformation of clopidogrel carboxylic acid and chiral chromatographic separation with the use of a UPLC-MS/MS system were optimized. The best kinetic resolution parameters were obtained by using a catalytic system containing lipase from Candida rugosa OF as a biocatalyst, cyclohexane and [EMIM][BF4] as a two-phase reaction medium, and methanol as an acyl acceptor. The enantiomeric excess of the product was eep = 94.21% ± 1.07 and the conversion was c = 49.60% ± 0.57%, whereas the enantioselectivity was E = 113.40 ± 1.29. The performed study proved the possibility of obtaining (S)-clopidogrel with the use of lipase as a biocatalyst and a two-phase reaction medium containing an ionic liquid, which is in parallel with green chemistry methodology and does not require environmentally harmful conditions.
IL-18 in Autoinflammatory Diseases: Focus on Adult Onset Still Disease and Macrophages Activation Syndrome
Authors: Baggio Chiara , Bindoli Sara , Guidea Irina , Doria Andrea , Oliviero Francesca , Sfriso Paolo
Published: July 2023

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in various innate and adaptive immune processes related to infection, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Therefore, it is described as a key mediator of autoinflammatory diseases associated with the development of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), including systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult-onset Still’s disease. This review focuses on the role of IL-18 in inflammatory responses, placing emphasis on autoinflammatory diseases associated with chronic excess of serum IL-18, which correlate with clinical and biological signs of the disease. Therefore, it is useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity. Researchers are currently investigating IL-18’s role as a therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The inhibition of IL-18 signaling through recombinant human IL-18BP (IL-18 binding protein) seems to be an effective therapeutic strategy, though further studies are necessary to clarify its importance as a therapeutic target.
Mass Spectrometry as a Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Tool for the Search for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Biomarkers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Timechko Elena E. , Yakimov Alexey M. , Paramonova Anastasia I. , Usoltseva Anna A. , Utyashev Nikita P. , Ivin Nikita O. , Utyasheva Anna A. , Yakunina Albina V. , Kalinin Vladimir A. , Dmitrenko Diana V.
Published: July 2023

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of epilepsy in adults. Tissue reorganization at the site of the epileptogenic focus is accompanied by changes in the expression patterns of protein molecules. The study of mRNA and its corresponding proteins is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. Protein expression profiles do not always directly correlate with the levels of their transcripts; therefore, it is protein profiling that is no less important for understanding the molecular mechanisms and biological processes of TLE. The study and annotation of proteins that are statistically significantly different in patients with TLE is an approach to search for biomarkers of this disease, various stages of its development, as well as a method for searching for specific targets for the development of a further therapeutic strategy. When writing a systematic review, the following aggregators of scientific journals were used: MDPI, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Web of Science. Scientific articles were searched using the following keywords: “proteomic”, “mass-spectrometry”, “protein expression”, “temporal lobe epilepsy”, and “biomarkers”. Publications from 2003 to the present have been analyzed. Studies of brain tissues, experimental models of epilepsy, as well as biological fluids, were analyzed. For each of the groups, aberrantly expressed proteins found in various studies were isolated. Most of the studies omitted important characteristics of the studied patients, such as: duration of illness, type and response to therapy, gender, etc. Proteins that overlap across different tissue types and different studies have been highlighted: DPYSL, SYT1, STMN1, APOE, NME1, and others. The most common biological processes for them were the positive regulation of neurofibrillary tangle assembly, the regulation of amyloid fibril formation, lipoprotein catabolic process, the positive regulation of vesicle fusion, the positive regulation of oxidative stress-induced intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway, removal of superoxide radicals, axon extension, and the regulation of actin filament depolymerization. MS-based proteomic profiling for a relevant study must accept a number of limitations, the most important of which is the need to compare different types of neurological and, in particular, epileptic disorders. Such a criterion could increase the specificity of the search work and, in the future, lead to the discovery of biomarkers for a particular disease.
Effects of Voluntary Physical Exercise on the Neurovascular Unit in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Andrade-Guerrero Jesús , Orta-Salazar Erika , Salinas-Lara Citlaltepetl , Sánchez-Garibay Carlos , Rodríguez-Hernández Luis Daniel , Vargas-Rodríguez Isaac , Barron-Leon Nayeli , Ledesma-Alonso Carlos , Diaz-Cintra Sofía , Soto-Rojas Luis O.
Published: July 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Histopathologically, AD presents two pathognomonic hallmarks: (1) neurofibrillary tangles, characterized by intracellular deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and (2) extracellular amyloid deposits (amyloid plaques) in the brain vasculature (cerebral amyloid angiopathy; CAA). It has been proposed that vascular amyloid deposits could trigger neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction in AD. The NVU is composed primarily of astrocytic feet, endothelial cells, pericytes, and basement membrane. Although physical exercise is hypothesized to have beneficial effects against AD, it is unknown whether its positive effects extend to ameliorating CAA and improving the physiology of the NVU. We used the triple transgenic animal model for AD (3xTg-AD) at 13 months old and analyzed through behavioral and histological assays, the effect of voluntary physical exercise on cognitive functions, amyloid angiopathy, and the NVU. Our results show that 3xTg-AD mice develop vascular amyloid deposits which correlate with cognitive deficits and NVU alteration. Interestingly, the physical exercise regimen decreases amyloid angiopathy and correlates with an improvement in cognitive function as well as in the underlying integrity of the NVU components. Physical exercise could represent a key therapeutic approach in cerebral amyloid angiopathy and NVU stability in AD patients.
The Impact of SRT2104 on Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Function, Redox Biology, and Loss of Muscle Mass in Hindlimb Unloaded Rats
Authors: Wesolowski Lauren T. , Simons Jessica L. , Semanchik Pier L. , Othman Mariam A. , Kim Joo-Hyun , Lawler John M. , Kamal Khaled Y. , White-Springer Sarah H.
Published: July 2023

Mechanical unloading during microgravity causes skeletal muscle atrophy and impairs mitochondrial energetics. The elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by mitochondria and Nox2, coupled with impairment of stress protection (e.g., SIRT1, antioxidant enzymes), contribute to atrophy. We tested the hypothesis that the SIRT1 activator, SRT2104 would rescue unloading-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial function in rat gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were evaluated under three conditions (10 days): ambulatory control (CON), hindlimb unloaded (HU), and hindlimb-unloaded-treated with SRT2104 (SIRT). Oxidative phosphorylation, electron transfer capacities, H2O2 production, and oxidative and antioxidant enzymes were quantified using high-resolution respirometry and colorimetry. In the gastrocnemius, (1) integrative (per mg tissue) proton LEAK was lesser in SIRT than in HU or CON; (2) intrinsic (relative to citrate synthase) maximal noncoupled electron transfer capacity (ECI+II) was lesser, while complex I-supported oxidative phosphorylation to ECI+II was greater in HU than CON; (3) the contribution of LEAK to ECI+II was greatest, but cytochrome c oxidase activity was lowest in HU. In both muscles, H2O2 production and concentration was greatest in SIRT, as was gastrocnemius superoxide dismutase activity. In the soleus, H2O2 concentration was greater in HU compared to CON. These results indicate that SRT2104 preserves mitochondrial function in unloaded skeletal muscle, suggesting its potential to support healthy muscle cells in microgravity by promoting necessary energy production in mitochondria.
The Importance of Neutrophils in Osteoarthritis: Current Concepts and Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Mehrani Yeganeh , Rahimi Junqani Rasool , Morovati Solmaz , Mehrani Hossein , Karimi Negar , Ghasemi Samaneh
Published: July 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain and disability. Different innate immune components, including macrophages, T cells, and neutrophils, participate in OA pathophysiology. Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating leukocytes with multiple specialized functions contributing to innate and adaptive immune functions. Although neutrophils produce proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix-degrading enzymes, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) that promote joint degradation as the first recruit cells in an inflamed joint, these cells also play an important role in joint repair by regulating the immune response, releasing anti-inflammatory factors, and activating certain protective genes. In this review, various aspects of neutrophil biology, their role in inflammation and its association with OA, and possible therapeutic approaches to target neutrophils for the treatment of OA are described. Since neutrophils play a complex role in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, contributing to joint degradation as well as joint repair, targeting these cells is likely to pave the way for a potential therapeutic approach for the management of OA. Future studies are needed to investigate the use of targeted therapies to modulate neutrophil function and identify their subpopulations that are associated with osteoarthritis progression or response to treatment.
Characterization of Chitin Synthase B Gene (HvChsb) and the Effects on Feeding Behavior in Heortia vitessoides Moore
Authors: Chen Qingling , Sun Mingxu , Wang Hanyang , Liang Xiaohan , Yin Mingliang , Lin Tong
Published: July 2023

The chitin synthase B gene is a key enzyme in the chitin synthesis of insect peritrophic matrix (PM), which affects insects’ feeding behavior. The chitin synthase B gene was cloned from the transcription library of Heortia vitessoides Moore. RT-qPCR showed that HvChsb was highly expressed in the larval stage of H. vitessoides, especially on the first day of the pre-pupal stage, as well as in the midgut of larvae and the abdomen of adults. After starvation treatment, HvChsb was found to be significantly inhibited over time. After 48 h of starvation, the feeding experiment showed that HvChsb increased with the prolongation of the re-feeding time. The experimental data showed that feeding affected the expression of HvChsb. HvChsb was effectively silenced via RNA interference; thus, its function was lost, significantly decreasing the survival rate of H. vitessoides. The survival rate from larval-to-pupal stages was only 43.33%, and this rate was accompanied by abnormal phenotypes. It can be seen that HvChsb plays a key role in the average growth and development of H. vitessoides.
Expansion Work Recovery of Hydrogen for a FC-Truck-Tentative Design of an Expansion Machine
Authors: Rufer Alfred
Published: July 2023

Hydrogen powered vehicles use high-pressure reservoirs from which the gas is transferred to the low-pressure fuel-cell via a classical pressure reduction valve. In these systems no expansion work is recovered and the question is addressed of the potential to increase global efficiency by using an expansion machine between the reservoir and the electrochemical reactor. This paper investigates the feasibility of such an expansion machine, and evaluates the mechanical constraints in terms of forces, torques and produced power by numeric simulation. It further evaluates the energetic contribution to the whole conversion chain from the hydrogen reservoir to the common electrical network on board. A low-energy contribution of the expansion system addresses the question of the real benefit of such an investment.
Efficacy of the Use of Exergames in Promoting the Mental Health of the Elderly: Protocol of a Systematic Review
Authors: Lima Andreia , Moreira Maria Teresa , Ferreira Maria Salomé , Parola Vítor , Sampaio Francisco , Nóbrega Maria do Perpétuo , Fernandes Carla
Published: July 2023

Background: Scientific and technological advancements have significantly impacted our daily lives, and it is not easy to imagine living without their benefits. However, elderly individuals may experience limited access to these resources, impeding their autonomy. To address this, the use of exergames has been proposed to promote the mental health and socialization of older people. This study aims to systematically review the effectiveness of exergames in promoting older people’s mental health and socialization. Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute’s recommended methodology will be used for a systematic review. Databases relevant to the research topic, such as those regarding gerontologic care, aged rehabilitation, geriatric games, video games, play and playthings, mental health, anxiety, depression, stress, and physiological factors, will be searched for experimental and quasi-experimental studies, as well as randomized studies with and without control groups. Results: The systematic literature review will synthesize findings on the effectiveness of exergames in promoting mental health and socialization in the elderly population. Conclusions: Exergames may have the potential to effectively improve the mental health and socialization of the elderly population. Identifying which exergames are most effective for these purposes is important to inform the provision of healthcare to this population.
Influence of Different Bracket Adhesive Systems on Enamel Demineralization—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Hennig Christoph-Ludwig , Löhnert Simon , Nitzsche Ann , Nietzsche Sandor , Steiniger Frank , Marquetand Justus , Tolksdorf Konrad , Guellmar André , Sigusch Bernd , Jacobs Collin
Published: July 2023

Background: enamel demineralization is a common side effect of orthodontic therapy with fixed braces. The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare a conventional adhesive system and a modern adhesive system (APC Flash-Free [FF] technology) with regard to the demineralization of enamel by Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus). Methods: this in vitro study included premolar teeth and compared APC FF adhesive brackets (Group A, n = 15) with conventional adhesive brackets (Group B, n = 15) from the same company. Specimens were incubated with a positive control group (PCG, n = 5) and a negative control group (NCG, n = 5) in an S. sobrinus suspension for three weeks. To evaluate the grade of enamel demineralization, the samples were analyzed using a polarizing microscope. Results: the test specimens of group B with conventionally bonded bracket adhesive showed significantly greater (+10.8 μm) demineralization with regard to the penetration depth of the demineralization than the PCG (p = 0.012). Thus, there was a difference from group A with the new bracket adhesive of the FF brackets (+7.29 μm). Significantly, demineralization was more pronounced cervically than coronally in both groups, and it occurred cervically more frequently than grade 3 demineralization (p = 0.001). Conclusions: it seems plausible that new orthodontic bracket adhesives and the modern FF adhesive system positively contribute to the reduction in enamel demineralization during orthodontic treatment.
Cervical Spinal Epidural Abscess: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes: A Case Series and a Literature Review
Authors: Papadakis Stamatios A. , Ampadiotaki Margarita-Michaela , Pallis Dimitrios , Tsivelekas Konstantinos , Nikolakakos Petros , Agapitou Labrini , Sapkas George
Published: July 2023

Although recent diagnostic and management methods have improved the prognosis of cervical epidural abscesses, morbidity and mortality remain significant. The purpose of our study is to define the clinical presentation of cervical spinal epidural abscess, to determine the early clinical outcome of surgical treatment, and to identify the most effective diagnostic and treatment approaches. Additionally, we analyzed studies regarding cervical epidural abscesses and performed a review of the literature. In this study, four patients with spinal epidural abscess were included. There were three men and one woman with a mean age of 53 years. Three patients presented with motor deficits, and one patient was diagnosed incidentally through spinal imaging. All the patients had fever, and blood cultures were positive. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism cultured from abscesses. All patients underwent a surgical procedure, and three patients recovered their normal neurological functions, but one remained with mild neurological disability that was resolved two years postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 12 months, and no deaths occurred in this series. Furthermore, we identified 85 studies in the literature review and extracted data regarding the diagnosis and management of these patients. The timely detection and effective management of this condition are essential for minimizing its associated morbidity and mortality.