bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A ferritin-based nanoparticle displaying a neutralizing epitope for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) confers partial protection in guinea pigs
Authors: Lu Bingzhou , Ru Yi , Hao Rongzeng , Yang Yang , Liu Huanan , Li Yajun , Zhang Yue , Mao Yuhan , Yang Rui , Pan Yangyang , Yu Sijiu , Zheng Haixue , Cui Yan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a devastating disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, that leads to significant economic losses in affected countries and regions. Currently, there is an evident inclination towards the utilization of nanoparticles as powerful platforms for innovative vaccine development. Therefore, this study developed a ferritin-based nanoparticle (FNP) vaccine that displays a neutralizing epitope of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) VP1 (aa 140–158) on the surface of FNP, and evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of these FNPs in mouse and guinea pig models to provide a strategy for developing potential FMD vaccines.
Results
This study expressed the recombinant proteins Hpf, HPF-NE and HPF-T34E via an E. coli expression system. The results showed that the recombinant proteins Hpf, Hpf-NE and Hpf-T34E could be effectively assembled into nanoparticles. Subsequently, we evaluated the immunogenicity of the Hpf, Hpf-NE and Hpf-T34E proteins in mice, as well as the immunogenicity and protectiveness of the Hpf-T34E protein in guinea pigs. The results of the mouse experiment showed that the immune effects in the Hpf-T34E group were greater than those in the Hpf-NE group. The results from guinea pigs immunized with Hpf-T34E showed that the immune effects were largely consistent with the results of the FMD inactivated vaccine (IV) and could confer partial protection against FMDV challenge in guinea pigs.
Conclusions
The Hpf-T34E nanoparticles stand out as a superior choice for a subunit vaccine candidate against FMD, offering effective protection in FMDV- infected model animals. FNP-based vaccines on s exhibit excellent safety and immunogenicity, thus representing a promising strategy for the continued development of highly efficient and safe FMD vaccines.
First-Trimester Serum Targeted Metabolomics for Eicosanoids Reveals Predictive Potential and Preventive Targets for Severe Preeclampsia: A Nested Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ma Yongqiang , Li Linjie , Fang Yiwen , Cai Wei , Yang Jingbo , Zhang Liuyang , Zuo Lushu , Niu Xiulong , Chen Shaobo , Yang Qing , Yu Ying , Han Cha , Cong Hongliang , Zhang Xu , Zhou Xin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The metabolic profiles of eicosanoids before the clinical onset of preeclampsia remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to use a targeted metabolomic approach to identify eicosanoid metabolites in first-trimester blood samples and assess their potential to predict severe preeclampsia.
Methods: We carried out a nested case-control study focusing on eicosanoid metabolites within a prospective cohort of 5,809 pregnant women. The study analyzed 45 participants who subsequently developed severe preeclampsia and 41 controls with uncomplicated pregnancies. Metabolomic data were examined, and the predictive performance of these metabolites was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results: Among 40 eicosanoids metabolites quantified, the levels of 10 metabolites differed statistically between groups. Further analysis revealed an increased activation of cyclooxygenase (COX) and 12/15-lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways, alongside a compromised cytochrome P450 (CYP450) pathway, as the underlying mechanisms in the altered eicosanoid metabolomics preceding the clinical onset of severe preeclampsia. Notably, ratios of metabolites indicating a shift from heightened (COX and 12/15-LOX) to compromised (CYP450) pathways demonstrated clinically relevant predictive potential: the performance of the Fetal Medicine Foundation first-trimester preeclampsia screening algorithms (area under curve [AUC] = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67 to 0.87) was significantly improved by incorporating these ratios, with the highest increment achieved by the 14-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid/19,20-epoxydocosapentaenoic acid ratio (AUC = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.94; ΔAUC = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.18, P = 0.008).
Conclusions: Our findings revealed novel prediction models for severe preeclampsia based on first-trimester eicosanoid metabolomics, and provide mechanistic evidence supporting early aspirin use for COX pathway inhibition and suggest that rebalancing the 12/15-LOX and CYP450 pathways may be a potential strategy for preventing severe preeclampsia.
Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identiﬁer: ChiCTR-EOC-15007644
Optimal Organic Working Fluid for the Rankine Cycle Operating by Parabolic Trough Solar Collector
Authors: Hassan Ahmed Sayed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates finding the best working fluid to improve the giving of the solar organic Rankine cycle. A parabolic trough solar complex was designed to focus the sun rays on a vicious cylinder to produce sufficient steam to operate the ORC. The steam is collected in an isolated tank filled with molten salt called an evaporator. The heat gained in this evaporator is transferred to feed the power generation turbine. Ten different working fluids of R123, R143a, R433A, R290, R40, R22, R600a, R601, RC318 and R1270 were tested at a boiling temperature from 150°C to 240°C. The results showed that using R601 as a working fluid for ORC gave the highest thermal efficiency compared to other organic liquids tested at temperatures from 150 to 240 °C. R601 gives a gain in cycle thermal efficiency by about 24.6% relative using R600a. While R 290 gave an improvement in the power produced by the turbine estimated at 10% higher than that used at higher temperatures above 240° C.
Advancements in Sustainable Conductors: Exploring the Potential of Polybutadiene-Based Urethane and Eutectic Gallium Indium Composites for Autonomous Self-Healing, Stretchable, and Deformation-Resistant Electrical Applications
Authors: Khanh Tran Duc , Joo Jinho , Kim Jong-Woong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In the burgeoningfield of wearable electronics, flexible and durable conductors that can maintain consistent electrical properties under various conditions are critically needed. This research investigates the potential of a composite material combining eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) with a polybutadiene-based urethane (PBU) to meet these demands. EGaIn is selected for its superior conductivity, which is attributed to its low melting point, allowing for consistent performance. However, the challenge lies in its integration with encapsulating polymers due to poor adhesion qualities and the complexity of treatment methods required for successful amalgamation. Moreover, the high cost of EGaIn poses additional hurdles for its practical application. Addressing these issues, our study introduces a novel EGaIn-PBU composite, which not only ensures robust electrical conductivity but also exhibits remarkable self-healing properties and recyclability, thus promising sustainability. The composite leverages the advantageous properties of both components: EGaIn offers reliable conductivity, and PBU provides flexibility and the ability to self-recover after damage, which are imperative for wearable applications. Additionally, the composite maintains exceptional electrical resistance stability, withstanding mechanical strains up to 135% without compromising performance. The material's self-healing capability is attributed to the autonomous mending properties of EGaIn and the reversible Diels-Alder reactions in the PBU matrix. The result is an efficient restoration of the composite’s original properties upon incurring damage. Furthermore, the composite's adaptability is showcased through its printability, allowing for precise patterning conducive to custom-designed wearable devices. Conclusively, the developed EGaIn-PBU composite represents a transformative advancement in flexible electronics, combining high performance with environmental friendliness.
Multilayer strain and stress echocardiography can represent myocardial viability and MI model types after different ischemic durations in rabbits
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Dong Liping , Li Keting , Jiang Zhonghui , Liu Yujie , Ren Min 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
To investigate myocardial viability and MI model types using multilayer strain and stress echocardiography and evaluate the sensitive STI indicators of myocardial contractile function and viability.
Methods
Fifty-four rabbits were randomly divided into the 60-min, 90-min, and 120-min coronary artery occlusion groups. Blood collections and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) were performed at baseline, after ligation, and after low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (LDDSE). The ratio of infarcted myocardium to viable myocardium was calculated using Evans Blue-TTC.
Results
After ligation, the ventricular global endocardial longitudinal strain (GSLsys-endo), global myocardial longitudinal strain (GSLsys-mid), and global epicardial longitudinal strain (GSLsys-epi) decreased in the three groups (P < 0.05); longitudinal strain of endocardium (SLsys-endo), longitudinal strain of myocardium (SLsys-mid), and longitudinal strain of epicardium (SLsys-epi) decreased in the affected segments (P < 0.05). After LDDSE, the absolute values of the above indicators in the 60-min and 90-min groups and GSLsys-endo, GSLsys-mid, GSLsys-epi in the 120-min group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The absolute values of SLsys-endo, SLsys-mid and SLsys-epi in the ischemic segments increased (P < 0.05) in all groups. In the infarcted segments, the absolute values of SLsys-mid and SLsys-epi in 60-min group, SLsys-epi in 90-min group and none in 120-min group increased (P < 0.05). After coronary artery occlusion, malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were increased, and superoxide dismutase was decreased (P < 0.05). The myocardial infarction area percentage was higher in the 120-min group (40.5%±2.8%), followed by the 90-min (29.3%±3.6%) and 60-min (16.8%±3.2%) groups (P < 0.05). The mortality of the 120-min group was higher than in the two other groups (22.2% vs. 5.6% and 11.1%, P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Multilayer strain and stress echocardiography can evaluate myocardial viability and MI model types in rabbits after different ischemic durations and provide insights into the selection of an appropriate STI indicators and animal model for future reperfusion experiments.
Normative values to assess functional fitness in older adults in a region of Chile.
Authors: Cossio-Bolaños Marco , Vidal-Espinoza Ruben , Olivares Pedro R. , de Campos Luis Felipe Castelli Correia , Sulla-Torres Jose , Guzman Ana , Urra--Albornoz Camilo , Luarte-Rocha Cristian , Urzua-Alul Luis , de Lazari Marcela Silva Ramos , Gomez-Campos Rossana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Aging is a global phenomenon that has generated great concerns and challenges in terms of public health and medical care, associated with a lower quality of life.
Objective
To compare the functional fitness of older adults in a region of Chile with other countries, and to propose normative values according to age range and sex.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in older adults of the central-south region of Chile. The sample selection was non-probabilistic. A total of 787 older adults (180 males and 607 females) with an age range of 60 to 85 years were investigated. Weight and height were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The four physical tests evaluated were: 30-s push-up (reps), 30-s standing chair (rep), 8-ft up-and-go (sec), 2-min step test (rep) and 6-min walk (m). Percentiles were calculated for p10, p25, p50, p75 and p90), through the LMS method (L: Lambda; skewness), M: Mu; median and S: Sigma; coefficient of variation).
Results
Discrepancies in BMI were observed between countries (in males from ~ 4.3 to 7.0 kg/m2 and in females from ~ 6.7-7.5kg/m2). In the 30-s push-up test) there were variations from ~ 3 to 6 repetitions in both sexes. In the 8-ft up-and-go test, discrepancies ranged from ~ 1.1 to 4.4 seconds. In the aerobic 2-min step test, discrepancies ranged in both sexes from ~ 21 to 41 repetitions. In the 6-min walk test, the variations between studies ranged from ~ 150 to 245 meters in both sexes. In the 30-s standing chair test, performance in both sexes was relatively homogeneous, varying from ~ 1 to 2 repetitions. Percentiles by age range and sex were developed for BMI and the five functional fitness tests.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that there were discrepancies in BMI and functional fitness performance of older adults between countries in various geographic regions of the world. In addition, the proposed percentiles are an important tool to track individual changes and can be used to evaluate and plan intervention programs in older adults in Chile.
Monitoring Turkey's Nighttime Light and Environmental Change
Authors: Uyar Nehir 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Night lighting, population growth and climate change are major concerns for Turkey. The intensity of night lights in Turkey has increased significantly in recent years and this increase is closely linked to the rapid growth of the population and the expansion of urban areas. It has been observed that there are more night lights in areas with higher population density. The use of night lighting is directly linked to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This is a major contributor to global climate change. The increase in night lighting in Turkey may aggravate the effects of climate change. In this study, NTL and average DNB for 2013-2021 from NOAA/V21 satellite, average DNB radiance values for 2013-2023 from NOAA/CMCFG satellite, BRDF corrected DNB NTL data for 2013-2023 from NOAA/VNP46A2 satellite were obtained. Night temperature values were extracted from NOAA and MODIS images and their relationship with night light data was analysed. A moderate relationship between NTL and night LST was observed (R:0.32, p-value <0.05). Population and greenhouse gas emission data were obtained from the TurkStat data portal. A high correlation was observed between NTL and greenhouse gases (R>0.8, p-value <0.05). Population density is one of the most important determinants of night light intensity. According to the results, night light intensity in Turkey is significantly correlated with population and greenhouse gas emissions. These results suggest that night light data can be used to develop sustainability and environmental policies. Controlling population growth and energy consumption is an important step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Thermophilic Bacteria (Caldibacillus thermoamylovorans) and Walnut Shells: Promising Antibacterial Agents for Diverse Applications
Authors: Akkaya Sefa Nur , Omeroglu Mehmet Akif , Nadaroglu Hayrunnisa , Adiguzel Ahmet 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The preparation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via an environmentally friendly green synthesis method using both bacterial and plant extracts represents a promising alternative approach from an ecological point of view. Thermophilic bacteria were isolated from the Ilıca hot spring in Erzurum, and the Caldibacillus thermoamylovorans SA1 strain was identified as having the highest lignin peroxidase enzyme activity. Using waste walnut shells in combination with this bacterium, the optimal conditions for lignin peroxidase enzyme production were determined by two different methods (5 g/L shell amount, 96 h incubation time, 140 rpm agitation, 60°C temperature, and pH 8.0). Characterization of the synthesized AgNPs was performed using various analytical techniques, including UV‒Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed the successful production of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the biological efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated by assessing their antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Bacillus cereus. The AgNPs showed significant efficacy against all five pathogenic bacteria, with the antibacterial potency ranking as follows: B. cereus > E. coli = S. aureus > K. pneumoniae > S. pyogenes. In particular, the highest activity was observed against the pathogen B. cereus (15 mm). The broad-spectrum antibacterial properties exhibited by the Ag NPs synthesized in this study offer a promising and sustainable solution for diverse applications in various sectors, including the environmental, agricultural, medical and pharmaceutical fields. In addition, the use of walnut shell, an agricultural waste product, as a substrate for enzyme production not only enhances the value of agricultural byproducts but also ensures the continued use of renewable and sustainable resources.
Vision-Based Tactile Sensors in Precision Agriculture: Deep Learning Approaches, Applications, and Limitations
Authors: Fahmy Israa , Hassan Taimur , Hussain Irfan , Seneviratne Lakmal , Werghi Naoufel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence with sensor technologies has revolutionized precision agriculture, offering unprecedented opportunities for enhancing crop management and productivity. This review focuses on the latest advancements in vision-based tactile sensors, a technology at the forefront of this transformation. By combining tactile data with vision-based techniques, these sensors provide a more comprehensive understanding of the agricultural environment. We investigate thoroughly the role of deep learning approaches in refining the functionality of these sensors, highlighting their potential to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of agricultural operations. The paper also explores the importance of specialized datasets in training deep neural networks for vision-based tactile applications, assessing the current landscape and identifying gaps in the available data. Through a thorough examination of the current state of the art, this review paper aims to shed light on the potential of AI-driven tactile sensing in precision agriculture and outline future research directions to further advance this field.
Genome-wide association study of photosynthetic pigment content in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Huang Zijun , Zhang Lei , Cui Yuwei , Liu Shiyuan , Zeng Ruier , Liu Yiyang , Li Jie , Gao Hengkuan , Tan Jiangtao , Cao Jing , Jiang Zongli , Pan Qingqing , Geng Qinghui , Li Lan , Li Xi , Li Hong , Zhang Qunjie , Wan Shubo , Li Guowei , Chen Tingting 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Improving the photosynthetic capacity could increase crop yields but is particularly challenging in C3 crops. Photosynthetic pigments are important for photosynthesis; however, their genetic basis at the seedling and flowering stages in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) is unclear. In the present study, 241 peanut accessions were genotyped using whole-genome re-sequencing and phenotyped for 4 photosynthetic pigment-related traits across 5 environments. A genome-wide association study of 2,110,659 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed, and 149 and 426 SNPs were associated with photosynthetic pigment-related traits based on the best linear unbiased estimation values, including 93 and 242 quantitative trait loci identified at the seedling and flowering stages, respectively. Furthermore, 19 genes were screened using gene-based association analysis, and two novel candidate genes (Arahy.VMJ95M and Arahy.YWY61J) were identified using RNA sequencing. Arahy.VMJ95M, encoding the photosystem I P700 chlorophyll A-binding protein, was linked to the leading SNP 04-121558770, which was associated with Chl b and Car content. Meanwhile, Arahy.YWY61J encoding the terpene synthase 14, was linked to the leading SNP 20-6416174, which was associated with Chl a and Chl b content. Two haplotypes of the two genes encoded distinct phenotypes considering photosynthetic pigment content in the peanut accessions. These findings will contribute to the understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying variations in photosynthetic pigments and benefits the improvement of photosynthetic efficiency using marker-assisted breeding in peanuts.
Bone metastasis prediction in non-small-cell lung cancer: primary CT-based radiomics signature and clinical feature
Authors: Liu Zheng , Yin Rui , Ma Wenjuan , Li Zhijun , Guo Yijun , Wu Haixiao , Lin Yile , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Peltzer Karl , Li Huiyang , Mao Min , Jian Xiqi , Zhang Chao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Radiomics provided opportunities to quantify the tumor phenotype non-invasively. This study extracted contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) radiomic signatures and evaluated clinical features of bone metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). With the combination of the revealed radiomics and clinical features, the predictive modeling on bone metastasis in NSCLC was established.
Methods: A total of 318 patients with NSCLC at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital was enrolled between January 2009 and December 2019, which included a feature-learning cohort (n=223) and a validation cohort (n=95). We trained a radiomics model in 318 CECT images from feature-learning cohort to extract the radiomics features of bone metastasis in NSCLC. The Kruskal-Wallis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) were used to select bone metastasis-related features and construct the CT radiomics score (Rad-score). Multivariate logistic regression was performed with the combination of the Rad-score and clinical data. A predictive nomogram was subsequently developed.
Results: Radiomics models using CECT scans were significant on bone metastasis prediction in NSCLC. Model performance was enhanced with each information into the model. The radiomics nomogram achieved an AUC of 0.745(95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68,0.80) on predicting bone metastasis in the training set and an AUC of 0.808(95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71,0.88) in the validation set.
Conclusion: The revealed invisible image features were of significance on guiding bone metastasis prediction in NSCLC. Based on the combination of the image features and clinical characteristics, the predictive nomogram was established. Such nomogram can be used for the auxiliary screening of bone metastasis in NSCLC.