bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive benefit optimization method for photovoltaic inverters participating in distribution network loss reduction by reactive compensation
Authors: Li Yalong , Liu Ronghao , Liang Chen
Published: December 2024

When a large number of distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems are integrated into the distribution network, power flow becomes bidirectionally fluctuating, resulting in variable line losses. In the scenario of reverse flow, the increase in line loss is particularly significant. The bidirectional reactive power regulation of photovoltaic inverters is an effective approach to reduce losses in the distribution network. However, despite the benefits of reducing losses, reactive power regulation by photovoltaic inverters also incurs additional costs. Therefore, there is a need for research into a comprehensive benefit optimization method for inverters participation in reducing reactive power losses in distribution networks. Firstly, the cost quantification models for the investment, transformation, operation, and lifespan loss of the photovoltaic inverters involved in reactive power loss reduction are established. Secondly, the benefit quantification models for loss reduction and power factor improvement are developed. Thirdly, considering various operational scenarios of both photovoltaic systems and loads, a comprehensive benefit optimization method for photovoltaic inverters participating in reactive power loss reduction in distribution networks is proposed. Finally, through example analysis, the cost and benefit are calculated and fitted in different scenarios, and the optimization calculation is carried out. Compared to the scenario where the photovoltaic inverter operates at the maximum reactive power regulation capacity, the optimized comprehensive benefit is increased by 21.20%. The proposed method is validated to effectively enhance the comprehensive benefits of inverters participation in reactive power loss reduction.
Immune checkpoint proteins are associated with persistently high liver stiffness after successful HCV treatment in people with HIV: a retrospective study
Authors: Martín-Escolano Rubén , Virseda-Berdices Ana , Berenguer Juan , González-García Juan , Brochado-Kith Oscar , Fernández-Rodríguez Amanda , Díez Cristina , Hontañon Victor , Resino Salvador , Jiménez-Sousa María Ángeles
Published: December 2024

Various immune checkpoint proteins have been linked to cirrhosis. This study aimed to explore the association between plasma levels of these proteins measured one year after successful HCV treatment and persistently liver stiffness (defined as liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥ 12.5 kPa) five years after HCV treatment in people with HIV (PWH). We conducted a retrospective study involving 39 patients with HIV/HCV-coinfection who had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis and achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). Plasma samples were obtained one year after treatment, and levels of immune checkpoints along with inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated using a Luminex 200TM analyzer. Statistical analyses were performed using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) with a gamma distribution. Spearman correlation tests were used to analyze the correlation between significant immune checkpoints and inflammatory biomarkers. Although LSM values showed a decreasing trend over the years following successful HCV treatment, this trend was not statistically significant due to substantial variability among PWH. Persistently high liver stiffness was observed in 61.5% of patients five years after HCV treatment. Elevated plasma levels of soluble BTLA, PD-1, and TIM-3 one year after HCV treatment were associated with persistently liver stiffness five years later. These significant immune checkpoints were found to correlate with inflammatory biomarkers in PWH with persistently high liver stiffness. In conclusion, increased plasma concentrations of immune checkpoints one year after successful HCV therapy were linked to persistently high liver stiffness five years later, particularly BTLA, PD-1, and TIM-3. This suggests a potential immunopathological mechanism in ongoing liver stiffness post-HCV eradication.
Different dissolved organic matter sources sustain microbial life in a sandy beach subterranean estuary – an incubation study
Authors: Abarike Grace A. , Brick Simone , Engelen Bert , Niggemann Jutta
Published: December 2024

In subterranean estuaries (STE), fresh and saline groundwater introduce dissolved organic matter (DOM) of different origin. This DOM serves as substrate for microorganisms that thrive in the STE. In high-energy beaches with dynamic porewater advection, microbial communities face frequent changes in groundwater composition, even at several meters depth. It is unknown how DOM from deep STE groundwater (> 5 m depth) is transformed by prevailing microbial communities. To address this question, we performed sediment incubations in flow-through reactors (FTRs) with deep (6 m depth) STE groundwater of low (1.6) and high salinity (29.1). FTR setups were sampled daily for quantification of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and at start and end (day 13) of the incubation for analysis of DOM composition, microbial cell numbers and community composition. Solid-phase extracted DOM was molecularly characterized via ultrahigh-resolution Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Both groundwater types contained mainly reworked DOM. Corroborating its presumed origin, the fresh groundwater had a more terrestrial DOM signature with a higher proportion of aromatic compounds compared to the saline groundwater. Over the course of the incubation, DOC concentrations increased primarily due to leaching of sedimentary organic matter, providing an additional source of DOM. In all setups, the DOM composition changed significantly from start to end, and similarly for fresh and saline groundwater. From the ~2700 molecular formulae (MF) detected on day 0, 34-35% were removed during the incubations, demonstrating the potential of deep STE microbial communities to degrade recalcitrant DOM that is supplied with the advective porewater flow. However, a substantial portion of MF (63-64%) was retained in both groundwater types, indicating that a fraction of deep STE-DOM is resistant to removal. Properties of MF that were newly detected on day 13 (26-28%) were indicative of labile DOM. Some of these newly detected MF were also identified in sediment-leachates, suggesting that beach sediments are a source of fresh DOM for the STE microbial communities. It is likely that due to longer groundwater residence time in the STE, continuous leaching and microbial processing shift the molecular composition of released DOM from more labile to more recalcitrant DOM.
Case report: Exploring Lynch Syndrome through genomic analysis in a mestizo Ecuadorian patient and his brother
Authors: Guevara-Ramírez Patricia , Ruiz-Pozo Viviana A. , Cadena-Ullauri Santiago , Paz-Cruz Elius , Tamayo-Trujillo Rafael , Gaviria Aníbal , Cevallos Francisco , Zambrano Ana Karina
Published: December 2024

Lynch Syndrome (LS) is a hereditary disorder characterized by genetic mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, affecting approximately 0.35% of the population. LS primarily increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as various other cancer types like endometrial, breast, and gastric cancers. Microsatellite instability, caused by MMR gene mutations, is a key feature of LS, impacting genes such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. Pathology tests studying microsatellite instability and immunohistochemical staining are used to diagnose LS. Furthermore, next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows for a thorough investigation of cancer susceptibility genes. This approach is crucial for identifying affected individuals and managing their care effectively. This study evaluated two siblings who harbored a mutation in the MLH1 gene associated with LS. The older brother was diagnosed with CRC at 24, while the younger brother remains asymptomatic at 7 years old. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of the MLH1 mutation in both siblings. Ancestry analysis showed a mix of African, European, and Native American heritage, common among Ecuadorians. Both siblings shared a family history of cancer, suggesting hereditary factors. Treatment involved surgery and chemotherapy for the older brother, emphasizing the importance of genetic testing for siblings with a cancer family history. NGS plays a pivotal role in identifying genetic mutations and guiding treatment decisions, demonstrating its significance in managing LS and other hereditary cancers.
Selective deletion of Tsc1 from mouse cerebellar Purkinje neurons drives sex-specific behavioral impairments linked to autism
Authors: Lawson Ryan J. , Lipovsek Nicholas J. , Brown Samuel P. , Jena Achintya K. , Osko Joanna J. , Ransdell Joseph L.
Published: December 2024

There is a striking sex bias in the prevalence and severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with 80% of diagnoses occurring in males. Because the molecular etiology of ASD is likely combinatorial, including interactions across multiple genetic and environmental factors, it is difficult to investigate the physiological mechanisms driving sex-specific differences. Loss of function mutations in TSC1 result in dysregulated mTORC1 signaling and underlie a multi-system disorder known as tuberous sclerosis (TSC). Interestingly, more than 50% of individuals diagnosed with TSC are also diagnosed with ASD, making TSC mutations one of the most prevalent monogenic causes of ASD. Mice harboring targeted deletion of Tsc1 selectively in cerebellar Purkinje neurons, referred to here as Tsc1mut/mut, have multiple ASD-linked behavioral impairments, including deficits in social interactions, motor coordination, and vocalizations. However, these ASD-linked behavioral deficits have only been investigated using male Tsc1mut/mut animals. Here, we used cohorts of male and female Tsc1mut/mut animals to determine if behavioral impairments, previously identified in this model, are similar across sex. Specifically, we measured balance and motor coordination and social interaction behaviors in two age groups across sex. We determined balance and motor coordination deficits are similar in male and female Tsc1mut/mut mice, and that deficits in the firing of Tsc1mut/mut Purkinje neurons located in the cerebellar vermis are also similar across sex. However, impairments in social approach behavior were found to be significantly more severe in Tsc1mut/mut males compared to females. These results indicate the selective deletion of Tsc1 in Purkinje neurons differentially impairs cerebellar circuits based on sex.
Tet2-mediated clonal hematopoiesis modestly improves neurological deficits and is associated with inflammation resolution in the subacute phase of experimental stroke
Authors: Evans Megan A. , Chavkin Nicholas W. , Sano Soichi , Sun Hanna , Sardana Taneesha , Ravi Ramya , Doviak Heather , Wang Ying , Yura Yoshimitsu , Polizio Ariel H. , Horitani Keita , Ogawa Hayato , Hirschi Karen K. , Walsh Kenneth
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Recent work has revealed that clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is associated with a higher risk of numerous age-related diseases, including ischemic stroke, however little is known about whether it influences stroke outcome independent of its widespread effects on cardiovascular disease. Studies suggest that leukocytes carrying CH driver mutations have an enhanced inflammatory profile, which could conceivably exacerbate brain injury after a stroke.

Methods

Using a competitive bone marrow transplant model of Tet2-mediated CH, we tested the hypothesis that CH would lead to a poorer outcome after ischemic stroke by augmenting brain inflammation. Stroke was induced in mice by middle cerebral artery occlusion and neurological outcome was assessed at acute (24 h) and subacute (14 d) timepoints. Brains were collected at both time points for histological, immunofluorescence and gene expression assays.

Results

Unexpectedly, Tet2-mediated CH had no effect on acute stroke outcome but led to a reduction in neurological deficits during the subacute phase. This improved neurological outcome was associated with lower levels of brain inflammation as evidenced by lower transcript levels of various inflammatory molecules alongside reduced astrogliosis.

Discussion

These findings suggest that Tet2-mediated CH may have beneficial effects on outcome after stroke, contrasting with the conventional understanding of CH whereby leukocytes with driver mutations promote disease by exacerbating inflammation.
Integration analysis of microRNAs as potential biomarkers in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma: the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of miR-183-3p
Authors: Huang Guodong , Liu Yuxia , Li Lisha , Li Bing , Jiang Ting , Cao Yufeng , Yang Xiaoping , Liu Xinning , Qu Honglin , Li Shitao , Zheng Xin
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) poses a significant therapeutic challenge, primarily due to delayed diagnosis and the limited efficacy of existing treatments.

Methods

To understand the pathogenesis and identify diagnostic biomarkers for LUAD in the early stage, we investigated differential miRNA expression in 33 stage I LUAD patients between tumor and matched paracancerous tissues by Illumina Sequencing. Target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted using TargetScan and miRDB databases and further analyzed by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The miRNAs expression results were verified using qRT-PCR. Additionally, we evaluated the clinical significance of miRNAs by the TCGA database. miR-183-3p was chosen for subsequent biological functional studies by cell proliferation assays, cell migration and cell invasion assays, cell apoptosis and cell cycle assays in LUAD cells. The clinical relevance target genes of miR-183-3p were predicted by TargetScan databases and bioinformatics assays. Gene-specific experimental validation was performed using qRT-PCR, western blotting and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

We identified 36 differentially expressed miRNAs between LUAD tissues and matched paracancerous tissues. Target genes for these miRNAs revealed associations with processes and pathways such as RNA biosynthesis, intracellular signaling, protein transport, and the Ras, MAPK, and PI3K-AKT pathways. The qRT-PCR results were in alignment with the sequencing data for 19 out of these 21 miRNAs which not yet implicated in LUAD, 13 were up-regulated, 6 were down-regulated. The clinical relevance assays showed that 5 up-regulated miRNAs have diagnostic value for LUAD. miR-183-3p showed significant advantages in the result of sequencing, qRT-PCR, and clinical relevance assay. Biological functional assays showed that miR-183-3p emerged as a key regulator, promoting LUAD cell proliferation, decreasing apoptosis, and augmenting migration and invasion capabilities. The clinical relevance assays and experimental validation showed SESN1 as a clinical significance target of miR-183-3p.

Discussion

Our study lays the foundation for investigating miRNAs with diagnostic significance in early-stage LUAD, pointing out that inhibition of miR-183-3p may serve as a novel therapeutic in LUAD.
Phytochemical characterization and anti-arthritic potential of green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles derived from the Bistorta amplexicaulis root extract
Authors: Babar Mahrukh , Aslam Bilal , Faisal Muhammad Naeem , Malik Abdul , Akhtar Suhail , Fatima Sabiha , Majeed Wafa , Umer Asher , Farooq Muhammad Akmal
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that mainly causes joint damage. The patient experiences loss of appetite, pain, fever, and fatigue. The present study was designed to phytochemically characterize and evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of green-synthesized copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) using the hydroalcoholic extract of Bistorta amplexicaulis roots in an adjuvant-induced arthritic rat model.

Material and Methods

For this purpose, crude powdered plant material was used for proximate analysis, and the plant extract was assessed for qualitative phytochemical analysis, mineral contents, and flavonoid and phenolic contents, as well as quantitative phytochemical analysis through reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The in vitro antioxidant activity of both extracts was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The biosynthesized CuO NPs from the Bistorta amplexicaulis extract showed anti-arthritic activity due to the presence of flavonoids and phenols, which showed a pain reliever effect by blocking the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme and has immune suppressant activity, thus securing the joint from destruction. The nanoparticles were characterized by zeta size, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and FTIR spectroscopy. Forty-eight albino rats were divided randomly into six treatment groups.

Results and Disscussion

The zeta size and zeta potential of the nanoparticles were 186.8 nm and −9.23 mV, respectively. Joint stiffness, spleen weight, thymus weight, and paw thickness showed a significant decrease after treatment with NPs. The hematological parameters such as red blood cells (RBCs) and hemoglobin showed a significant increase, while platelets and white blood cells (WBCs) showed a significant decrease in NP-treated groups. C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), liver and kidney function biomarkers, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels showed a significant decrease at both low and high doses of green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles from the Bistorta amplexicaulis root extract. The final data were analyzed by one way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multi-comparison test.

Conclusion

So, from this study, it was concluded that both the plant root extract and green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles have anti-arthritic potential, but CuO NPs showed remarkable results.
Naoqing formula alleviates acute ischaemic stroke-induced ferroptosis via activating Nrf2/xCT/GPX4 pathway
Authors: Ye Yujun , Xie Xuexin , Bi Yiming , Liu Qing , Weng Xuliang , Qiu Lingling , Zhao He , Hei Shangyan , Yang Ling , Wang Chengyin , Zhu Weifeng , Zeng Ting
Published: December 2024

Backgrounds

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death. The accumulation of iron in the brain is linked to trigger ferroptosis after an ischaemic stroke (IS). Naoqing formula (NQ) is a traditional Chinese medicine metabolites with the clinical function of activating blood circulation, which is applied to treat IS clinically in China.

Methods

Mice and SH-SY5Y cells were utilized to investigate the protective effects and the underlying mechanism of NQ against middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and neuronal cellular ferroptosis caused by ferroptosis inducer Erastin in vitro and in vivo. Utilizing molecular biological techniques, transcriptomics, and proteomics analyses, the role of NQ in Nrf2 regulation and ferroptosis was evaluated through the pharmacologic inhibition of Nrf2.

Results

NQ attenuated AIS-induced neuronal damage and cerebral infarction by increasing cortical blood flow (CBF). Transcriptomics and proteomics analyses revealed that NQ might regulate lipid and iron metabolism through Nrf2 pathway. Additionally, NQ can protect AIS from ferroptosis by reducing oxidative stress and iron overload. Meanwhile, Nrf2, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11; also known as xCT) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were upregulated in NQ-treated AIS mice. Consistent with the results in vivo, NQ led to ferroptosis resistance upon exposure to a ferroptosis-inducing compound through activation of Nrf2/xCT/GPX4 pathway in vitro. Notably, in vivo inhibition of Nrf2 expression by ML385 aggravated the ferroptotic events and weakened the neuroprotective effect of NQ as well as subsequently reduced the expression of xCT and GPX4.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that NQ protected against AIS via suppression of ferroptosis and oxidative stress, which were largely dependent on the upregulation of Nrf2 pathway.
Influence of different UV spectra and intensities on yield and quality of cannabis inflorescences
Authors: Huebner Daniel Stefan , Batarshin Marat , Beck Sebastian , König Leon , Mewis Inga , Ulrichs Christian
Published: December 2024

The raising economic importance of cannabis arouses interest in positively influencing the secondary plant constituents through external stimuli. One potential possibility to enhance the secondary metabolite profile is the use of UV light. In this study, the influence of spectral UV quality at different intensity levels on photomorphogenesis, growth, inflorescence yield, and secondary metabolite composition was investigated. Three UV spectra with five different intensities were considered: L1 (UVA:B = 67:33, 4.2 W/m2), L2 (UVA:B = 94:6, 4.99 W/m2), L3_1 (UVA:B = 99:1, 1.81 W/m2), L3_2 (UVA:B = 99:1, 4.12 W/m2) and L3_3 (UVA:B = 99:1, 8.36 W/m2). None of the investigated UV treatments altered the cannabinoid profile. Regarding the terpenes investigated, light variant L3_1 was able to positively influence the terpene profile. Especially linalool (+29%), limonene (+25%) and myrcene (+22%) showed an increase, compared to the control group without UV treatment. Growth and leaf morphology also showed significant changes compared to the control. While a high UVA share increased the leaf area, a higher UVB share led to a smaller leaf area. Of the UV sources examined, only L3_1 with 1.81 W/m2 and a radiation dose of 117.3 kJ m2 d-1 is suitable for practical use in commercial cannabis cultivation. The terpene concentration for this group was in part significantly increased with constant yield and cannabinoid concentration.
The mediation effect of peer relation and positive emotion between campus sports atmosphere and teenagers’ subjective well-being
Authors: Cheng Weibo , Jiao Long
Published: December 2024

Background

The healthy growth of young people affects the future of every country and nation. Their physical and psychological health problems have long been the focal point of every country. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of campus sports atmosphere on the teenagers’ subjective well-being.

Method

This study was conducted among 10 to 15 year old teenagers in Jinan City, by means of campus sports atmosphere, peer relation, positive emotion and subjective well-being. The original data is exported in Excel format from Wenjuanxing Platform, and SPSS 26.0 is used to perform descriptive statistics, reliability, and correlation analysis.

Results

The correlation coefficient of campus sports atmosphere, peer relations, positive emotion, and teenagers’ subjective well-being is significant; the results showed that the campus sports atmosphere had a positive predictive effect on the peer relationship (β = 0.699, t = 17.729, p < 0.01), and positive emotion (β = 0.38, t = 16.783, p < 0.01). Campus sports atmosphere can predict the teenagers’ subjective well-being positively (β = 0.289, t = 14.723, p < 0.01); The relationship between peer relations and positive emotion can predict the teenagers’ subjective well-being positively (β = 0.292, t = 15.24, p < 0.01; β = 0.355, t = 18.669, p < 0.01); Through Bootstrap Testing, we find that the campus sports atmosphere has a significant positive influence on the teenagers’ subjective well-being, which is 0.4969; The influence of the relationship between the campus sports atmosphere and the teenagers’ subjective well-being was significant, and the total indirect influence was 0.4352.

Conclusion

The campus sports atmosphere not only influences teenagers’ subjective well-being directly, but also improves their well-being by the mediation of peer relations and positive emotion.
The Burden of Peripheral Artery Disease in China From 1990 to 2019 and Forecasts for 2030: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Hu Ye , Gao Jiyue , Zhuo Qiping , Liu Huixin , Wang Meiling , Jiang Nina , Wang Xueqing , Wang Kainan , Zhao Zuowei , Li Man
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The incidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in China is increasing. We aim to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the burden of PAD.

Methods

We collected information from 1990 to 2019 in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD 2019) study. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate the annual percentage change (APC). Trends in incidence, mortality and DALYs were forecasted by Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) analysis.

Results

In 2019, the number of new cases and prevalence of PAD in China accounted for nearly a quarter of the global proportion. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) declined after rising until 2005. The age-standardized death rate (ASDR) maintained an upward trend. The DALYs was 0.16 million. Incidence, prevalence and DALYs are predominantly female, except for mortality, which is predominantly male. Smoking predominantly affected males, while hypertension and diabetes had a greater impact on females. By 2030, ASDR is elevated, predominantly in males. ASIR and age-standardized DALY rate decline, predominantly in females.

Conclusion

It is urgent for China to develop strategies based on the specific distribution characteristics of the PAD burden.
Das Vorfeld: zu einem Grundterminus der deutschen Syntax
Authors: Just Anna , Masiero Federica
Published: December 2024

The article examines the notion of Vorfel ‘prefield’, one of the basic terms of German syntax. The article is diachronic and covers the period from the 17th century to 1937, when Erich Drach first introduced the term Vorfeld in his work Grundgedanken der deutschen Satzlehre. The aim of this article is to show whether and to what extent the prefield (Vorfeld) and the ways it can be filled were addressed by the grammars and scholarly treatieses of the period under discussion, as well as by Drach’s work. Additionally, the authors ponder upon the role played by sentence bracket (Satzklammer) in older grammars while defining the prefield. The article opens with a brief description of the term Vorfeld from a contemporary perspective.
O czym mówimy, kiedy mówimy o trybach? Kilka uwag na temat italianistycznej terminologii językoznawczej
Authors: Gniadek Alicja
Published: December 2024

In this article, I attempt to discuss the notion of grammatical mood (modo), which in the Italian linguistic terminology is ambiguous, since it refers to both morphosynctatic and semantic phenomena. The analysis of entries in selected dictionaries and Italian grammars enables us to observe that mood expresses the attitude of the speaker towards the propositional content, and, within this category, we can distinguish non-fi nite moods (infi nito, gerundio, participio) and fi nite moods (indicativo, imperativo, condizionale, congiuntivo). While the latter is closely related to modality, it remains unclear how the use of non-fi nite verb forms, such as the infinitive, would influence the modality of an utterance. Ultimately it seems that the finite – non-finite opposition is rather of morphosyntactic nature and should be explicitly distinguished from the category of grammatical mood (as modality), which, on the other hand, can be attributed only to finite forms.
Multi-Objective Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control Platooning of Intelligent Connected Commercial Vehicles in Event-Triggered Conditions
Authors: Wen Jiayan , Li Lun , Wu Qiqi , Li Kene , Lu Jingjing
Published: December 2024

With the rapid increase in vehicle ownership and increasingly stringent emission regulations, addressing the energy consumption of and emissions from commercial vehicles have become critical challenges. This study introduces a multi-objective cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) strategy, designed for intelligent connected commercial vehicle platoons, operating in event-triggered conditions. A hierarchical control framework is utilized: the upper layer handles reference speed planning based on vehicle dynamics and constraints, while the lower layer uses distributed model predictive control (DMPC) to manage vehicle following. DMPC is chosen for its ability to manage distributed platoons by enabling vehicles to make local decisions, while maintaining system-wide coordination. Additionally, adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO) is employed during the optimization process to solve the optimal problem efficiently. APSO is employed for its computational efficiency and adaptability, ensuring quick convergence to optimal solutions with reduced overheads. An event-triggering mechanism is integrated to further reduce the computational demands. The simulation results show that the proposed approach reduces fuel consumption by 8.05% and NOx emissions by 10.15%, while ensuring stable platoon operation during dynamic driving conditions. The effectiveness of the control strategy is validated through extensive simulations, highlighting superior performance compared to conventional methods.
How Biochar Addition Affects Denitrification and the Microbial Electron Transport System (ETSA): A Meta-Analysis Based on a Global Scale
Authors: Zhang Xiaolei , Zhou Qiwen , Wang Lili , Wan Bo , Yang Qiannan
Published: December 2024

Biochar has a significant effect on denitrification, especially in agriculture. The effects of biochar and soil properties on denitrification and ETSA have been invested in individual studies but have not yet been summarized on a global scale. We conducted a meta-analysis of the data from 37 studies to examine the effects of biochar properties, soil physicochemical properties, and ecosystem types on denitrification. Biochar can decrease soil NO3− and N2O emissions by 14.16% and 76.69%, respectively, while denitrification function genes nirK, nirS, and nosZ increased by 10.98%, 34.62%, and 13.19%, respectively. Biochar enhanced ETSA by 8.65%. The results indicate that the effects of biochar on nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas emissions vary significantly with specific properties, such as feedstock source and pyrolysis temperature, as well as soil characteristics like pH, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). In summary, soil-specific biochar applications are necessary to realize optimized agricultural and environmental advantages of biochar, but several limitations have been recognized in this study, including variability across different types of biochar and a lack of longer-term experimental data. Future research should focus on long-term studies that can give a comprehensive understanding of how biochar interacts with microbial communities to create an accurate understanding.
Changes in Photosynthetic Efficiency, Biomass, and Sugar Content of Sweet Sorghum Under Different Water and Salt Conditions in Arid Region of Northwest China
Authors: Sun Weihao , He Zhibin , Liu Bing , Ma Dengke , Si Rui , Li Rui , Wang Shuai , Malekian Arash
Published: December 2024

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) has significant cultivation potential in arid and saline–alkaline regions due to its drought and salt tolerance. This study aims to evaluate the mechanisms by which increased soil salinity and reduced irrigation affect the growth, aboveground biomass, and stem sugar content of sweet sorghum. A two-year field experiment was conducted, with four salinity levels (CK: 4.17 dS/m, S1: 5.83 dS/m, S2: 7.50 dS/m, and S3: 9.17 dS/m) and three irrigation levels (W1: 90 mm, W2: 70 mm, and W3: 50 mm). The results showed that increased salinity and reduced irrigation significantly reduced both the emergence rate and aboveground biomass, with the decreases in the emergence rate ranging from 11.0% to 36.2% and the reductions in the aboveground biomass ranging from 15.9% to 43.8%. Additionally, increased soil salinity led to reductions in stem sugar content of 6.3% (S1), 8.8% (S2), and 12.8% (S3), respectively. The results also indicated that photosynthetic efficiency, including the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and chlorophyll content (SPAD), was significantly hindered under increased water and salt stress, with the Pn decreasing by up to 50.4% and the SPAD values decreasing by up to 36.3% under the highest stress conditions. These findings underscore the adverse impacts of increased soil salinity and reduced irrigation on sweet sorghum’s growth, photosynthetic performance, and sugar accumulation, offering critical insights for optimizing its cultivation in arid and saline environments.
Organic Amendments Enhance Peanut Nodulation by Influencing Interactions Between Rhizobia and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Peanut Rhizosphere
Authors: Qin Wenjing , Li Guilong , Chen Xinyi , Liu Jia
Published: December 2024

The primary mechanism through which organic amendments enhance the nodulation ability of leguminous crops involves increasing the content of available phosphorus (AP) in the soil. Despite this, the role of plant rhizosphere microbial communities has not been fully appreciated. This study investigated the impact of different fertilization treatments, including a no-fertilizer control group (CK), a chemical nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium treatment group (NPK), and a group treated with both organic manure and chemical NPK (NPKM), on the structure of microbial communities in the peanut rhizosphere and their nodulation ability using high-throughput sequencing technology, co-occurrence network analysis, and structural equation modeling. The peanut nodule count increased significantly on organic manure plus NPK application, ranging from 2.26 to 2.50 times that of the CK treatment group. Under NPKM treatment, the diversity of bacterial and rhizobial communities in the peanut rhizosphere significantly improved. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that the peanut rhizosphere microbial co-occurrence network under NPKM treatment was more complex. Additionally, the ecological importance of rhizobial groups within the network significantly increased. Further analysis of the interaction patterns between different microbial groups revealed that under NPKM treatment, the positive correlation ratio between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobia (RPAR) was significantly higher than that in the CK and NPK treatment groups. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis demonstrated that the RPAR significantly enhanced peanut nodulation ability, an effect that was positively modulated by AP. In summary, this study highlights the potential key role of the synergistic action between rhizobia and AMF in influencing the nodulation process of leguminous plants and provides a scientific basis for the effective management of plant microbial communities.
Effects of Straw at Different Fermentation Phases on Soil Nutrient Availability and Microbial Activity
Authors: Chen Tian , Mei Yuxia , Liu Xinwei , Zhao Zhuqing , Liang Yunxiang
Published: December 2024

Returning corn straw to the field is beneficial for improving soil fertility, but the fermentation phase significantly affects the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content. However, there is limited research on the effects of straw at different fermentation phases on soil microorganisms and soil nutrients. This study examined the effects of high-temperature fermentation phase straw (HF) and completely fermentation phase straw (CF) on soil nutrient activation and microorganism activity through pot experiments. The pot experiment results indicated a significant increase in soil DOC content following the application of corn straw, among which the high-temperature fermentation phase straw treatment (THF) exhibited the highest DOC content, which was 14% higher than the completely fermentation phase straw treatment (TCF). THF also significantly increased soil alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen and available phosphorus content as well as urease and phosphatase, and promoted the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus from soil by Brassica chinensis. THF significantly enhanced bacterial diversity and reduced the presence of pathogenic fungi. Compared to the TCF, the relative proportion of Fusarium under the THF decreased by 32.24%, effectively mitigating the impact of pathogenic fungi. THF also increased soil DOC content, enriched beneficial microbial community structure, increased soil enzyme activity, activated soil nutrients, thereby promoting the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus by crops. Taken together, the results reveal that the application of high-temperature fermentation phase straw is conducive to soil fertilization and crop growth.
Adltformer Team-Training with Detr: Enhancing Cattle Detection in Non-Ideal Lighting Conditions Through Adaptive Image Enhancement
Authors: Zheng Zhiqiang , Wang Mengbo , Zhao Xiaoyu , Weng Zhi
Published: December 2024

This study proposes an image enhancement detection technique based on Adltformer (Adaptive dynamic learning transformer) team-training with Detr (Detection transformer) to improve model accuracy in suboptimal conditions, addressing the challenge of detecting cattle in real pastures under complex lighting conditions—including backlighting, non-uniform lighting, and low light. This often results in the loss of image details and structural information, color distortion, and noise artifacts, thereby compromising the visual quality of captured images and reducing model accuracy. To train the Adltformer enhancement model, the day-to-night image synthesis (DTN-Synthesis) algorithm generates low-light image pairs that are precisely aligned with normal light images and include controlled noise levels. The Adltformer and Detr team-training (AT-Detr) method is employed to preprocess the low-light cattle dataset for image enhancement, ensuring that the enhanced images are more compatible with the requirements of machine vision systems. The experimental results demonstrate that the AT-Detr algorithm achieves superior detection accuracy, with comparable runtime and model complexity, reaching 97.5% accuracy under challenging illumination conditions, outperforming both Detr alone and sequential image enhancement followed by Detr. This approach provides both theoretical justification and practical applicability for detecting cattle under challenging conditions in real-world farming environments.
Identification of Three POMCa Genotypes in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Their Differential Physiological Responses to Feed Domestication
Authors: Hu Jie , Yang Jie , Zhong Huan , Yu Qifang , Xiao Jun , Zhang Chun
Published: December 2024

Diverse feeding habits in teleosts involve a wide range of appetite-regulating factors. As an appetite-suppressing gene, the polymorphisms of POMCa in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were validated via sequencing and high-resolution melting (HRM). The frequency distribution of different POMCa genotypes were analyzed in two populations, and physiological responses of different POMCa genotypes to feed domestication were investigated. The indel of an 18 bp AU-rich element (ARE) in the 3′ UTR and four interlocked SNP loci in the ORF of 1828 bp of POMCa cDNA sequence were identified in largemouth bass and constituted three genotypes of POMC-A I, II, and III, respectively. POMC-A I and Allele I had increased frequencies in the selection population than in the non-selection population (p < 0.01), 63.55% vs. 43.33% and 0.7850 vs. 0.6778, respectively. POMC-A I possessed the lowest value of POMCa mRNA during fasting (p < 0.05) and exhibited growth and physiological advantages under food deprivation and refeeding according to the levels of body mass and four physiological indicators, i.e., cortisol (Cor), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and glucose (Glu). The identification of three POMCa genotypes, alongside their varying physiological responses during feed domestication, suggests a selective advantage that could be leveraged in molecular marker-assisted breeding of largemouth bass that are adapted to feeding on formula diet.
A Case–Control Study on the Usefulness of Serum Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase Activity as a Predictor of Retained Placenta in Close-Up Dairy Cows
Authors: Satoh Hiroki , Chisato Kyoko , Fukumori Rika , Tharwat Mohamed , Oikawa Shin
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), the enzyme responsible for esterification of cholesterol in plasma, as a predictor of retained placenta (RP) in close-up cows, compared with the non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration. This study was conducted as a case–control study between February 2010 and February 2016, on a single farm with approximately 200 Holstein parous cows in Hokkaido, Japan. Of the 1187 dairy cattle that calved, 835 dairy cattle were enrolled that underwent routine regular health examinations including blood sampling, body condition score (BCS) and the rumen fill score (RFS) at the close-up stage between 2 and 21 days before their expected calving dates. Of these, 27 cows that were multiparous and had RP were designated as the RP group. The controls were 60 clinically healthy cows that did not develop RP and were matched for the sampling period and parity with the RP group. The LCAT activity and NEFA concentration were significantly (p < 0.01) lower and higher, respectively, in the RP group than in controls. There was no significant difference in cholesteryl esters, free cholesterol concentrations and BCS between the two groups. However, RFS was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the RP group than in the controls. Cows with LCAT activity of <450 U were 3.6 times more likely to develop RP than those with higher values, whereas those with NEFA levels above 0.4 mEq/L were 5.4 times more likely to. The area under the curve of receiver operator characteristic curves showed that LCAT activity was as efficient as the NEFA concentration in the diagnostic prediction of RP, suggesting it to be a useful predictor. Logistic regression analysis with LCAT or NEFA and RFS as explanatory variables resulted in a model with higher predictive accuracy than with each alone, indicating RFS to be a possible factor in predicting RP.
Promising Probiotic Candidates for Sustainable Aquaculture: An Updated Review
Authors: Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein , Faheem Mehwish , Liaqat Iram , Van Doan Hien , Ghosh Koushik , Ringø Einar
Published: December 2024

With the intensification of aquaculture to meet the rising demands of fish and shellfish, disease outbreaks during the larval and adult stages are a major challenge faced by aqua culturists. As the prophylactic use of vaccines and antibiotics has several limitations, research is now focused on sustainable alternatives to vaccines and antibiotics, e.g., medicinal plants, probiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, as promising candidates to strengthen the immune response of fish and shellfish and to control disease outbreaks. With respect to probiotics, numerous studies are available revealing their health-promoting and beneficial impacts in aquaculture. However, most studies focus on Bacillus and Lactobacillus species. Keeping in view the positive effects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria in aquaculture, researchers are now looking for other probiotic bacteria that can be used in aquaculture. Recently, many non-lactic acid bacteria (non-LAB), which are mainly host-associated, have been reported to reveal beneficial effects in fish and shellfish aquaculture. The main non-LAB probiotic genera are Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Paenibacillus, Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Enterobacter, Phaeobacter Pseudoalteromonas, Pseudomonas, Pseudomonas, and Vibrio. Despite the promising effects of non-LAB probiotics, comparably, there is limited available information in this context. This review focuses only on probiotic strains that are non-LAB, mostly isolated from the host digestive tract or rearing water, and discusses their beneficial effects in fish and shellfish aquaculture. This review will provide detailed information on the use of various non-LAB bacteria and provide a roadmap to future studies on new probiotics for sustainable aquaculture.
The Combined Use of Triamcinolone and Platelet-Rich Plasma in Equine Metacarpophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis Treatments: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study
Authors: Guidoni Kübra , Chiaradia Elisabetta , Pepe Marco , Di Meo Antonio , Tognoloni Alessia , Seccaroni Matteo , Beccati Francesca
Published: December 2024

Intra-articular corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide (TA), help reduce pain related to osteoarthritis (OA), but they may impair cartilage metabolism. In contrast, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a regenerative therapy, has shown potential to promote healing and regeneration of articular cartilage. This study investigates the effects of combining PRP with TA to treat osteoarthritis in racehorses. The study proposes that PRP injection following TA treatment could reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes. Firstly, in the in vitro study, chondrocytes were exposed to different TA concentrations, with or without PRP. TA dramatically reduced chondrocyte viability. However, this was prevented by the addition of PRP, which also increased cell proliferation. In the in vivo study, 32 racehorses with metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint OA were separated into two groups: one received only TA, while the other received TA followed by PRP. For both groups, there were improved flexion assessments one week following the last treatment, but by two weeks following the last treatment, only TA+PRP had improved flexion assessments. TA+PRP also had improved lameness scores two weeks after the last treatment. In conclusion, combining PRP with TA could enhance chondrocyte viability and provide a better long-term therapeutic option for treating OA in racehorses. Further trials are required to thoroughly assess this technique’s safety and efficacy.
High-Risk Lineages of Hybrid Plasmids Carrying Virulence and Carbapenemase Genes
Authors: Shapovalova Valeria V. , Chulkova Polina S. , Ageevets Vladimir A. , Nurmukanova Varvara , Verentsova Irina V. , Girina Asya A. , Protasova Irina N. , Bezbido Victoria S. , Sergevnin Victor I. , Feldblum Irina V. , Kudryavtseva Larisa G. , Sharafan Sergey N. , Semerikov Vladislav V. , Babushkina Marina L. , Valiullina Inna R. , Chumarev Nikita S. , Isaeva Guzel S. , Belyanina Natalya A. , Shirokova Irina U. , Mrugova Tatiana M. , Belkova Elena I. , Artemuk Svetlana D. , Meltser Aleksandra A. , Smirnova Marina V. , Akkonen Tatyana N. , Golovshchikova Nataliya A. , Goloshchapov Oleg V. , Chukhlovin Alexey B. , Popenko Lubov N. , Zenevich Elena Y. , Vlasov Aleksandr A. , Mitroshina Galina V. , Bordacheva Marina S. , Ageevets Irina V. , Sulian Ofeliia S. , Avdeeva Alisa A. , Gostev Vladimir V. , Tsvetkova Irina A. , Yakunina Maria A. , Vasileva Ekaterina U. , Matsvay Alina D. , Danilov Dmitry I. , Savochkina Yulia A. , Shipulin German A. , Sidorenko Sergey V.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are a global health threat due to their high morbidity and mortality rates and limited treatment options. This study examines the plasmid-mediated transmission of virulence and antibiotic resistance determinants in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from Russian hospitals. Methods: We performed short- and long-read whole-genome sequencing of 53 clinical isolates (48 Kpn and 5 E. coli) attributed to 15 genetic lineages and collected from 21 hospitals across nine Russian cities between 2016 and 2022. Results: The plasmid analysis identified 18 clusters that showed high concordance with replicon typing, with all clusters having a major replicon type. The majority of plasmids in the IncHI1B(pNDM-MAR)/IncFIB(pNDM-Mar)-like cluster (79.16%) carried both antibiotic resistance genes (e.g., blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-48) and virulence factors (VFs) such as siderophore genes. We hypothesized that hybrid plasmids could play a critical role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes and VFs. Comparative analyses with global plasmid databases revealed high-risk lineages of hybrid plasmids that are predominantly spread throughout Russia at present. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of monitoring plasmid backbones for clinical management, surveillance, and infection control activities.