bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk of Infection in Patients with Diabetes following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 120,754 Knees
Authors: Ahmad Mohd Aliff , Ab Rahman Shaifuzain , Islam Md Asiful
Published: June 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known risk factor for infection following total joint arthroplasty. This study looked at the prevalence and risk of infection in diabetic and non-diabetic patients who had primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct electronic databases were searched for studies published up to 21 April 2022. To compare the risk of infection between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects, a pooled prevalence, and a risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used. This research has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021244391). There were 119,244 participants from 18 studies, with a total of 120,754 knees (25,798 diabetic and 94,956 non-diabetic). We discovered that the risks of infection in diabetic patients were 1.84 times significantly higher than in non-diabetic patients. Infection was more common in diabetic patients (1.9%) than in non-diabetic patients (1.2%). In a subgroup analysis, the risks of developing deep surgical site infection (SSI) were 1.96 times higher in diabetic patients, but no significant difference when compared in superficial SSI. Prevalence of deep SSI was higher in diabetic (1.5%) than in non-diabetic (0.7%), but the prevalence of superficial SSI was lower in diabetic (1.4%) than in non-diabetic (2.1%). Consistent with previous research, we found diabetes is a risk factor for infection following primary TKA. However, the risk is much lower than previously published data, indicating that other factors play a larger role in infection.
Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Stimulation Targeting Peripheral Nerve Tissue on Pain and Function: A Scoping Review
Authors: García-Collado Agustín , Valera-Calero Juan , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Arias-Buría José
Published: June 2022

This paper assesses the effects of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) on pain- and function-related outcomes by means of a scoping review of studies with single cases, case-series, quasi-experimental, and randomized or non-randomized trial designs. We consulted the PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Data were extracted by two reviewers. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale for experimental studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool for case reports or cases series. Mapping of the results included: (1), description of included studies; (2), summary of results; and, (3), identification of gaps in the existing literature. Eighteen articles (five randomized controlled trials, one trial protocol, nine case series and three case reports) were included. The methodological quality of the papers was moderate to high. The conditions included in the studies were heterogeneous: chronic low back pain, lower limb pain after lumbar surgery, chronic post-amputation pain, rotator cuff repair, foot surgery, knee arthroplasty, knee pain, brachial plexus injury, elbow pain and ankle instability. In addition, one study included a healthy athletic population. Interventions were also highly heterogeneous in terms of sessions, electrical current parameters, or time of treatment. Most studies observed positive effects of PENS targeting nerve tissue against the control group; however, due to the heterogeneity in the populations, interventions, and follow-up periods, pooling analyses were not possible. Based on the available literature, PENS interventions targeting peripheral nerves might be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for improving pain-related and functional outcomes. Nevertheless, further research considering important methodological quality issues (e.g., inclusion of control groups, larger sample sizes and comparatives between electric current parameters) are needed prior to recommending its use in clinical practice.
Effect of the Application of Virtual Reality on Pain Reduction and Cerebral Blood Flow in Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Burn Patients
Authors: Lee Seung Yeol , Cha Jeong Yeon , Yoo Ji Won , Nazareno Matheu , Cho Yoon Soo , Joo So Young , Seo Cheong Hoon
Published: June 2022

Burn injuries and their treatment are extremely painful. This study aimed to determine whether virtual reality (VR) could reduce pain during robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in burn patients by analyzing the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the prefrontal cortex over time using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The patients included in this study complained of a pain score ≥5 on a visual analog scale (VAS) during RAGT, which was performed 10 times for 2 weeks. Each session consisted of 15 min of VR application, with a 2-min break, and 15 min without VR. The average values of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations in the prefrontal cortex on fNIRS were calculated at four stages: temporal delay time with only RAGT, RAGT without VR, temporal delay time with RAGT and VR, and RAGT with VR. The pain scores and CBF were evaluated in sessions 1, 5, and 10 of the RAGT. The mean VAS pain scores were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the experimental condition than in the control condition. Oxyhemoglobin in the prefrontal lobe significantly increased when RAGT was performed with VR. In conclusion, VR may be a strong nonpharmacological pain reduction technique for burn patients during physical therapy.
Work Experience as a Factor in Cyber-Security Risk Awareness: A Survey Study with University Students
Authors: Pósa Tibor , Grossklags Jens
Published: June 2022

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has transformed how individuals work and learn and how they can apply cyber-security requirements in their, mostly remote, environments. This transformation also affected the university student population; some needed to adjust to new remote work settings, and all needed to adjust to the new remote study environment. In this online research study, we surveyed a large number of university students (n = 798) to understand their expectations in terms of support and help for this new remote work and study environment. We also asked students to report on their practices regarding remote location and Wi-Fi security settings, smart home device usage, BYOD (bring your own device) and personal device usage and social engineering threats, which can all lead to compromised security. A key aspect of our work is a comparison between the practices of students having work experience with the practices of students having no such additional experience. We identified that both the expectations and the level of cyber-security awareness differ significantly between the two student populations and that cyber-security awareness is increased by work experience. Work experience students are more aware of the cyber-security risks associated with a remote environment, and a higher portion of them know the dedicated employee whom they can contact in the event of incidents. We present the organizational security practices through the lens of employees with initial work experience, contributing to a topic that has so far received only limited attention from researchers. We provide recommendations for remote study settings and also for remote work environments, especially where the existing research literature survey results differ from the findings of our survey.
Corrosion Properties of Aluminum Alloy Reinforced with Wood Particles
Authors: Omoniyi Peter , Abolusoro Olatunji , Olorunpomi Olalekan , Ajiboye Tajudeen , Adewuyi Oluwasanmi , Aransiola Olawale , Akinlabi Esther
Published: June 2022

The need for improved metallic materials in terms of physicomechanical, microstructure, and corrosion properties has necessitated the need to form metal matrix composites. This article adopted the stir casting procedure and used wood particles (WP) to reinforce aluminum alloy at different volume fractions. The corrosion properties of the aluminum matrix in 3.5% wt NaCl were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the potentiodynamic polarization curve, and open circuit potential. The corrosion results of the reinforced aluminum alloys was compared with the unreinforced alloy. The unreinforced sample showed improved resistance to corrosion compared to the reinforced aluminum alloy. All samples exhibited visible Pits on SEM observation.
Bearing Characteristics of Helical Pile Foundations for Offshore Wind Turbines in Sandy Soil
Authors: Lin Yifeng , Xiao Jiandong , Le Conghuan , Zhang Puyang , Chen Qingshan , Ding Hongyan
Published: June 2022

Helical pile foundations are a new foundation type for offshore wind power applications with high bearing capacity and good recovery that can be quickly and easily constructed. In this study, the finite element method was used to simulate the bearing characteristics of helical pile foundations after installation. For simulations, a blade, deeply buried in a single layer of sand, was selected. Through numerical simulations, the vertical bearing characteristics of a single helical screw pile and an ordinary pile without blades were compared, and the compression and uplift characteristics of the helical pile were revealed. In addition, the effects of pitch, blade diameter, inclination angle, number of blades, and blade spacing on the bearing characteristics of a single helical pile were analyzed. The results show that the single helical pile has the highest bearing capacity and bearing efficiency when the pitch is 0.02 times the blade buried depth, the blade diameter is 2.5 times the pile diameter, the multi-blade spacing is more than two times the blade diameter, and the number of blades is less than or equal to three. However, compared with the straight pile, the vertical bearing capacity of the single inclined helical pile did not improve significantly.
Concentration, Spatial-Temporal Distribution, and Bioavailability of Dissolved Reactive Iron in Northern Coastal China Seawater
Authors: Wang Chenchen , Luan Yongsheng , Pan Dawei , Lu Yuxi , Han Haitao , Zhang Shenghui
Published: June 2022

The concentrations of total dissolved iron (TdFe) and dissolved reactive iron (DrFe) in the Northern coastal China seawater (Yantai Sishili Bay) in 2018 were determined using cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV). It was found that while the concentrations of TdFe ranged from 27.8 to 82.0 nM, DrFe concentrations changed in a much narrower range from 6.8 to 13.3 nM. The annual mean concentrations of DrFe also ranged from 7.1 to 12.6 nM at the 12 sites monitored over the 4 years of the study (2017–2020). Considering the obvious changes in temperature (T), chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations (Chl a contents were higher in May, July and September than in March and November), and nutrients over a year in this zone, the consumption of DrFe was expected; the supplement of DrFe observed may have resulted from the transformation of strong organically complexed iron by photoreduction and cell surface reduction. Additionally, a pre-liminary conclusion was drawn based on the theoretical calculation of Fe* that the concentration of DrFe was sufficient to meet the phytoplankton demand.
The Impact of Export Promotion Programs on Export Competitiveness and Export Performance of Craft Products
Authors: Traiyarach Saksuriya , Banjongprasert Jantima
Published: June 2022

International trade is defined as economic transactions between countries worldwide. Promoting the export of craft products, which are valued products, is critical for international business as the sales growth increases worldwide. Moreover, the export of craft products has increased international trade and maximized economic value in the highly competitive global market. Therefore, businesses need to be promoted to increase their competitiveness. This study explores the impact of export promotion programs on export competitiveness and the performance of craft products. A self-administered questionnaire was used to correct the data. There were 400 respondents completing the questionnaires, who were working in craft product export companies using marine transport. The data analysis is conducted by using Structure Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings show that the export promotion program has a significant positive relationship with export competitiveness. A positive relationship between export competitiveness and export performance is also found. The results indicate that export competitiveness fully mediates the relationship between export promotion programs and export performance. The findings from this study contribute to craft product export businesses and provide a practical exporting approach. Marine transport is one of the critical international entry modes many companies use to expand businesses. It should be noted that shipping cost savings are related to export efficiency.
Maximum Run-Up and Alongshore Mass Transport Due to Edge Waves
Authors: Yoo Ho-Jun , Kim Hyoseob , Jang Changhwan , Kim Ki-Hyun , Kang Tae-Soon
Published: June 2022

The edge wave on a uniform-sloped seabed was described by the velocity-potential function by Mok and Yeh in 1999. Edge waves cannot be extended above a certain level from the still-water level, and the upper limit of the run-up of the edge waves for given conditions is found here. In this study, quantitative mass transport by the edge waves of the beach is introduced. The maximum run-up height is decided from the wave’s amplitude at shoreline, and the maximum run-up distance from the shoreline is proportional to the wavelength of the edge waves. The fluid alongshore-mass-transport profile shows that the strongest mass transport rate corresponds to the position offshoreward multiplied by 0.0362 times the wavelength, and its magnitude is 1.23 times the mass-transport rate at the shoreline. The maximum cross-sectional total mass-transport rate is 0.214 times the mass transport at the shoreline, multiplied by the wavelength for the maximum run-up condition. This study suggests that edge waves cannot be increased infinitely and that there is a maximum run-up on the coast.
Sim-to-Real: Mapless Navigation for USVs Using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Wang Ning , Wang Yabiao , Zhao Yuming , Wang Yong , Li Zhigang
Published: June 2022

In recent years, mapless navigation using deep reinforcement learning algorithms has shown significant advantages in improving robot motion planning capabilities. However, the majority of past works have focused on aerial and ground robotics, with very little attention being paid to unmanned surface vehicle (USV) navigation and ultimate deployment on real platforms. In response, this paper proposes a mapless navigation method based on deep reinforcement learning for USVs. Specifically, we carefully design the observation space, action space, reward function, and neural network for a navigation policy that allows the USV to reach the destination collision-free when equipped with only local sensors. Aiming at the sim-to-real transfer and slow convergence of deep reinforcement learning, this paper proposes a dynamics-free training and consistency strategy and designs domain randomization and adaptive curriculum learning. The method was evaluated using a range of tests applied to simulated and physical environments and was proven to work effectively in a real navigation environment.
Synergism between Streptomyces viridosporus HH1 and Rhizophagus irregularis Effectively Induces Defense Responses to Fusarium Wilt of Pea and Improves Plant Growth and Yield
Authors: El-Sharkawy Hany H. A. , Rashad Younes M. , Elazab Nahla T.
Published: June 2022

Fusarium wilt is a detrimental disease of pea crop, resulting in severe damage and a reduction in its yield. Developing synergistically enhanced bioagents for disease management and growth promotion is pivotal for food safety, security, and sustainability. In this study, biocontrol potential of treating pea plants with Streptomycesviridosporus HH1 and/or their colonization with Rhizophagusirregularis against infection with Fusarium wilt was investigated. Impacts on the expression profiles of defense-related genes, biochemical, and ultrastructural levels, as well as the growth and yield of pea plants in response to these treatments, were also investigated. Data obtained indicated the antifungal activity of S. viridosporus HH1 against F. oxysporum f.sp. pisi in vitro. Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis revealed production of different bioactive compounds by S. viridosporus HH1, including 2,3-butanediol, thioglycolic acid, and phthalic acid. The results from the greenhouse experiment exhibited a synergistic biocontrol activity, resulting in a 77% reduction in disease severity in pea plants treated with S. viridosporus HH1 and colonized with R. irregularis. In this regard, this dual treatment overexpressed the responsive factor JERF3 (5.6-fold) and the defense-related genes β-1,3-glucanase (8.2-fold) and the pathogenesis-related protein 1 (14.5-fold), enhanced the total phenolic content (99.5%), induced the antioxidant activity of peroxidase (64.3%) and polyphenol oxidase (31.6%) enzymes in pea plants, reduced the antioxidant stress, and improved their hypersensitivity at the ultrastructural level in response to the Fusarium wilt pathogen. Moreover, a synergistic growth-promoting effect was also recorded in pea plants in response to this dual treatment. In this regard, due to this dual treatment, elevated levels of photosynthetic pigments and improved growth parameters were observed in pea leaves, leading to an increment in the yield (113%). In addition, application of S. viridosporus enhanced the colonization levels with R. irregularis in pea roots. Based on the obtained data, we can conclude that treating pea plants with S. viridosporus HH1 and colonization with R. irregularis have synergistic biocontrol activity and growth-promoting effects on pea plants against Fusarium wilt. Despite its eco-safety and effectiveness, a field evaluation of this treatment before a use recommendation is quite necessary.
A Particle Swarm Optimization Copula-Based Approach with Application to Cryptocurrency Portfolio Optimisation
Authors: Mba Jules Clément , Mai Magdaline Mbong
Published: June 2022

Blockchain and cryptocurrency are gradually going mainstream with new cryptocurrencies introduced every single day. The speculative nature of these digital assets expose their prices to large fluctuations. Trading these crypto-assets necessitate an adequate understanding of this emerging market as well as adequate tools to model the market risk and efficient allocation of funds. This may assist crypto investors in taking advantage of the highly volatile aspects of these assets. The portfolio consider in this study consists of six cryptocurrencies: four traditional cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, BNB and XRP) and two stablecoins (USDT and USDC). We examine the copula particle swarm optimization (CPSO) portfolio strategy against three other portfolio strategies, namely, the global minimum variance (GMV), the most diversified portfolio (MDP) and the minimum tail dependent (MTD). CPSO appears to be a promising strategy during extreme market conditions while GMV seem favorable during normal market conditions. Most importantly, hedge and safe-havens ability of the two stablecoins is clearly exhibited with CPSO, while their diversification property is inhibited.
How Are Historical Villages Changed? A Systematic Literature Review on European and Chinese Cultural Heritage Preservation Practices in Rural Areas
Authors: Mu Qi , Aimar Fabrizio
Published: June 2022

Background: In the past century, the importance of historical villages has been highly recognized, as they serve aesthetic, functional, and environmental values and can foster local socioeconomic development through the heritagization process. The purpose of this paper is to outline the core features of the preservation and management of historical villages in the European and Chinese contexts. Methods: Using a qualitative systematic literature review, the research was based on international academic papers covering 73 case studies from the two contexts, addressing the fact that little work has been carried out comparing European and Chinese realities. Results: Similarities and differences in rural cultural heritage preservation and management between Europe and China were compared and discussed, paying particular attention to historical villages in both contexts. Using this method, rural heritage preservation in China can be better framed and analyzed for scholars engaged in both the Chinese and international contexts. Conclusions: Inspired by the European case studies, the research suggests that capacity building of different types of stakeholders, contextualized financial mechanism and multiple values the civic society perceived and recognized during the Chinese rural heritage preservation and management process should be further studied and implemented case by case based on a historical-sensitive approach. In addition, the issue of the lack of social capital and policy arrangements in rural areas should be further addressed to stimulate community resilience.
Residues and Extensions of Perfective Auxiliary be: Modal Conditioning
Authors: Ledgeway Adam
Published: June 2022

This article provides both a diachronic and synchronic account of the generalization of perfective auxiliary be in specific irrealis modal contexts across numerous Romance varieties spoken in Italy and more widely within the Romània, which has essentially gone unnoticed in the descriptive and theoretical literature. In some cases (southern Calabrian, Latin American Spanish, Portuguese), the distribution of be is to be interpreted as a residue of an original unaccusative syntax which was exceptionally preserved under higher V-movement in irrealis contexts, whereas in others (person-driven dialects of central and southern Italy, southern peninsular Spanish, Romanian) this original unaccusative signal has been reanalysed as a specialized marker of irrealis (lexicalizing a high Mood head) and extended to all verb classes. In the case of Alguerès, by contrast, the generalization of irrealis be is argued to be the result of language contact with surrounding Sardinian dialects where a specific pattern of dedicated irrealis marking of Mood° has been replicated. Finally, the reverse pattern with generalization of irrealis have, the reanalysis of an aspectual distinction between resultative and experiential perfects found in early Romance varieties (Neapolitan, Sicilian, Spanish, Catalan), is shown to involve a similar pattern of dedicated irrealis marking in Mood°.
Post-Translationally Regulated Protein Arginine-to-Proline Conversion in Alzheimer’s Brains
Authors: Suzuki Yuichiro Justin
Published: June 2022

The current belief is that amino acid sequences in protein structures are defined by DNA sequences. I challenge this concept by hypothesizing that an arginine (Arg) residue in the protein structure can post-translationally be converted to a proline (Pro) residue through a redox mechanism. Reactive oxygen species promote the formation of protein carbonylation, particularly on Arg and Pro residues, which both produce glutamyl semialdehyde. Our previous studies suggested that the Pro-to-glutamyl semialdehyde reaction could be reversible in the biological system, thereby opening up a pathway for the conversion of Arg to glutamyl semialdehyde by oxidation, and subsequently, to Pro by reduction in the protein structure. Our mass spectrometry and immunoblotting experiments provided evidence of the occurrence of the Arg-to-Pro conversion at position 108 (R108P) of the peroxiredoxin 6 (Prx6) protein in biological tissues and cells. In the human brain, Prx6 (R108P) occurs, and some Alzheimer’s brains exhibit increased Prx6 (R108P) levels, while others show decreased levels, indicating the complexity of redox processes in the disease state. I propose that Prx6 (R108P), as well as other post-translationally regulated protein Arg-to-Pro conversions, occur in the human body and play physiological and pathological roles.
Entomopathogenic Fungi Infecting Lepidopteran Larvae: A Case from Central Argentina
Authors: Gielen Robin , Robledo Gerardo , Zapata Adriana Inés , Tammaru Toomas , Põldmaa Kadri
Published: June 2022

Immature stages of insects are vulnerable to various antagonists, including pathogens. While the abiotic factors affecting pathogen prevalence in insect populations are reasonably well documented, much less is known about relevant ecological interactions. We studied the probability of the larvae of three lepidopteran species to die from fungal infection as a function of insect species and food plants in central Argentina. Local free-growing food plants were used to feed the lepidopteran larvae. The prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi remained low (about 5%), which is a value well consistent with observations on similar systems in other regions. Eight fungal species recorded, primarily belonging to Fusarium and Aspergillus, add evidence to the reconsideration of the nutritional modes in these genera in distinguishing the role of some species (complexes) to cause insect infections. Food plant species were found to have a substantial effect on the prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi. This was especially clear for the most abundant fungal species, a representative of the Fusarium fujikuroi complex. Feeding on a particular plant taxon can thus have a specific fitness cost. Compared to the data collected from Northern Europe, the Argentinian assemblages from the families Aspergillaceae and Nectriaceae overlapped at the genus level but did not share species. It remains to be confirmed if this level of divergence in the composition of assemblages of entomopathogenic fungi among distant regions represents a global pattern.
Non-Iterative Optimal Design Method Based on LM Index for Steel Double-Beam Floor Systems Reinforced with Concrete Panels
Authors: Choi Insub , Kim Dongwon , Kim JunHee
Published: June 2022

Steel double-beam floor systems reinforced with concrete panels can improve the structural and environmental performance of buildings by reducing moment demands and embodied CO2 emissions. However, for steel double-beam floor systems, a time-consuming iterative analysis is required to derive an optimal design proposal owing to the rotational constraints in the composite joints between the concrete panel and steel beams. In this study, a non-iterative optimal design method using the LM index is proposed to minimize the embodied CO2 emissions of steel double-beam floor systems. The LM index is a measure that can be used to select the optimal cross-section of the steel beams considering the decreased moment capacity according to the unbraced length. The structural feasibility of the proposed design method was verified by investigating whether safety-related constraints were satisfied by the LM index with respect to the design variables under various gravity loads. The applicability of the proposed optimal design method is verified by comparing the embodied CO2 emissions derived from the proposed and code-based design methods. Applicable design conditions were presented based on the LM index to aid engineers. The proposed design method can provide environmentally-optimized design proposals to ensure structural safety by directly selecting the LM index of steel beams.
Al-Mg-MoS2 Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites: Machinability Characteristics
Authors: Shanmugavel Rajesh , Chinthakndi Narmada , Selvam Mayakannan , Madasamy Naganandhan , Shanmugakani Senthil Kumar , Nair Anish , Prakash Chander , Buddhi Dharam , Dixit Saurav
Published: June 2022

Several components are made from Al-Mg-based composites. MoS2 is used to increase the composite’s machinability. Different weight percent (3, 4, and 5) of MoS2 are added as reinforcement to explore the machinability properties of Al-Mg-reinforced composites. The wire cut electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process is used to study the machinability characteristics of the fabricated Al-Mg-MoS2 composite. The machined surface’s roughness and overcut under different process conditions are discussed. The evaluation-based distance from average solution (EDAS) method is used to identify the optimal setting to get the desired surface roughness and overcut. The following WEDM process parameters are taken to determine the impact of peak current, pulse on time, and gap voltage on surface roughness, and overcut. The WEDM tests were carried out on three different reinforced samples to determine the impact of reinforcement on surface roughness and overcut. The surface roughness and overcut increase as the reinforcement level increases, but the optimal parameters for all three composites are the same. According to EDAS analysis, I3, Ton2, and V1 are the best conditions. Furthermore, peak current and pulse on-time significantly influence surface roughness and overcut.
Momentum Distribution Functions and Pair Correlation Functions of Unpolarized Uniform Electron Gas in Warm Dense Matter Regime
Authors: Larkin Alexander , Filinov Vladimir , Levashov Pavel
Published: June 2022

In this paper we continued our research of the uniform electron gas in a warm dense matter regime, focusing on the momentum distribution functions and pair correlation functions. We use the single–momentum path integral Monte Carlo method, based on the Wigner formulation of quantum statistics to calculate both momentum- and coordinate-depending distributions and average values of quantum operators for many-fermion Coulomb systems. We discovered that the single-particle momentum distribution function deviates from the ideal Fermi distribution and forms the so-called “quantum tails” at high momenta, if non-ideality is strong enough in both degenerate and non-degenerate cases. This effect is always followed by the appearance of the short-range order on pair correlation functions and can be explained by the tunneling through the effective potential wells surrounding the electrons. Furthermore, we calculated the average kinetic and potential energies in the wide range of states, expanding our previous results significantly.
Pro-Apoptotic Activity of the Marine Sponge Dactylospongia elegans Metabolites Pelorol and 5-epi-Ilimaquinone on Human 501Mel Melanoma Cells
Authors: Carpi Sara , Scoditti Egeria , Polini Beatrice , Brogi Simone , Calderone Vincenzo , Proksch Peter , Ebada Sherif S. , Nieri Paola
Published: June 2022

The natural environment represents an important source of drugs that originates from the terrestrial and, in minority, marine organisms. Indeed, the marine environment represents a largely untapped source in the process of drug discovery. Among all marine organisms, sponges with algae represent the richest source of compounds showing anticancer activity. In this study, the two secondary metabolites pelorol (PEL) and 5-epi-ilimaquinone (EPI), purified from Dactylospongia elegans were investigated for their anti-melanoma activity. PEL and EPI induced cell growth repression of 501Mel melanoma cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. A cell cycle block in the G1 phase by PEL and EPI was also observed. Furthermore, PEL and EPI induced significant accumulation of DNA histone fragments in the cytoplasmic fraction, indicating a pro-apoptotic effect of both compounds. At the molecular level, PEL and EPI induced apoptosis through the increase in pro-apoptotic BAX expression, confirmed by the decrease in its silencing miR-214-3p and the decrease in the anti-apoptotic BCL-2, MCL1, and BIRC-5 mRNA expression, attested by the increase in their silencing miRNAs, i.e., miR-193a-3p and miR-16-5p. In conclusion, our data indicate that PEL and EPI exert cytotoxicity activity against 501Mel melanoma cells promoting apoptotic signaling and inducing changes in miRNA expression and their downstream effectors. For these reasons could represent promising lead compounds in the anti-melanoma drug research.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in a Patient with Radiation Retinopathy Complicated by Corticosteroid-Induced Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Chrząszcz Michał , Mackiewicz Natalia , Pociej-Marciak Weronika , Romanowska-Dixon Bożena , Kubicka-Trząska Agnieszka , Gawęcki Maciej , Karska-Basta Izabella
Published: June 2022

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a common chorioretinal disorder. It has been postulated that impaired retinal pigment epithelium and hyperpermeability of the choriocapillaris may be involved in the development of CSC, but the exact pathomechanism has not been established. We report an unusual case of a middle-aged man who developed CSC after triamcinolone acetonide injection for macular edema. Edema developed as a late complication of radiation retinopathy after brachytherapy for childhood retinoblastoma. Steroid treatment is an important risk factor for CSC, but the underlying causative mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. It is important to increase the awareness of this link among clinicians who prescribe exogenous corticosteroids, irrespective of the route of administration.
Estradiol Valerate Affects Hematological and Hemorheological Parameters in Rats
Authors: Barath Barbara , Varga Adam , Matrai Adam Attila , Deak-Pocsai Krisztina , Nemeth Norbert , Deak Adam
Published: June 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinological diseases in women. Although the risk of cardiovascular diseases is high in PCOS, the number of scientific publications describing hemorheological changes is not significant. We aimed to perform a comprehensive hematological and micro-rheological study on experimentally induced PCOS in rats.Wistar rats were divided into control (n = 9) and PCOS groups (n = 9), in which animals received single-dose estradiol valerate. Measurements were carried out before treatment and monthly for four months. Bodyweight, blood glucose concentration, hematological parameters, red blood cell (RBC) deformability, and aggregation were measured. A histological examination of the ovary was performed at the end of the experiment. The blood glucose level and the bodyweight were significantly elevated vs. base in the PCOS group. A significant decrease was seen in RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The maximal elongation index showed a significant increase. PCOS also resulted in a significant increase in RBC aggregation index parameters. The histological and hormone examinations confirmed developed PCOS. The administration of estradiol valerate caused significant changes during the examined period in hematological and hemorheological parameters. Our results draw attention to the possible usefulness of micro-rheological investigations in further studies on PCOS.
Profile of the Gut Microbiome Containing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in ICU Patients
Authors: Sindi Anees A. , Alsayed Sarah M. , Abushoshah Ibrahim , Bokhary Diyaa H. , Tashkandy Nisreen R.
Published: June 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a risk to public health worldwide and causes epidemic outbreaks in hospitals. The identification of alterations in the gut microbial profile can potentially serve as an early diagnostic tool to prevent harmful bacterial colonization. The purpose of this study was to characterize the gut microbiota profile of CRE-positive stool samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and to compare it with that of healthy control groups at King AbdulAziz University Hospital. Our results demonstrate that compared to the control group samples, the CRE-positive and CRE-negative group samples were less diverse and were dominated by a few operational taxonomic clusters of Enterococcus, Sphingomonas, and Staphylococcus. An analysis of samples from CRE-positive patients revealed Pseudomonas as the most abundant taxon. The existence of Pseudomonas in clinical samples undoubtedly indicates the development of resistance to a variety of antimicrobial drugs, with a less diverse microbiota. In our study, we found that the co-occurrence patterns of Klebsiella, Parabacteroides, Proteus and Pseudomonas differed between the CRE-negative and control stool groups.
Impaired Growth Performance of Wami Tilapia Juveniles (Oreochromis urolepis) (Norman, 1922) Due to Microplastic Induced Degeneration of the Small Intestine
Authors: Mbugani John J. , Machiwa John F. , Shilla Daniel A. , Joseph Dativa , Kimaro Wahabu H. , Khan Farhan R.
Published: June 2022

Microplastics-induced histopathological changes in gastrointestinal tracts of fish have been widely reported. However, the translation of adverse effects in the gut to impacts on growth are understudied. This study investigated the effect of MP-induced small intestinal histomorphological changes on growth performance of Oreochromis urolepis juveniles. Sixty larvae were exposed in control (0), 1, 10, and 100 polyethylene microplastic particles (PE MPs)/mL treatment groups. On day 65, juveniles were euthanized, dissected, and biometric data were taken. Small intestine histomorphological lesion index (HLI) was calculated following histological preparation using routine hematoxylin and eosin procedure. Results showed increase in HLI proportional to PE MPs exposure dose. These deteriorations equally reduced growth in final weight, weight gain and total length (One-Way ANOVA, p > 0.05), and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) (Kruskal–Wallis Test, p > 0.05), though there were insignificant differences between treatment groups. Condition factors of fishes in control and 1 PE MPs differed significantly and with other treatment groups (Tukey HSD, p < 0.05). Small intestines HLI correlated significantly with growth pattern (Spearman, r = 1.00, p = 0.01), condition factors (Pearson, r = −0.995, p < 0.05), final weight, weight gain, and total length (Spearman, r = −1.00, p = 0.01) but not with SGR. The allometric growth pattern changed towards isometric corresponding to increasing HLI. These findings suggest that MPs damaged small intestine structure and thus impaired digestion and nutrients absorption functions which disrupted growth. Such effects may impair juveniles’ ability to escape enemies, find food, and eventually reproduce, and therefore require further study.
Sinapic Acid Ameliorates Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats by Suppressing Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis
Authors: Shahid Mudassar , Raish Mohammad , Ahmad Ajaz , Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Ansari Mushtaq Ahmad , Ahad Abdul , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Alaofi Ahmed L. , Al-Jenoobi Fahad I.
Published: June 2022

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term condition which results in inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. The key indications of active disease are abdominal pain and diarrhea mixed with blood. Aims: We explore the underlying colon protective mechanism of sinapic acid (SA) against acetic acid (AA) induced ulcerative colitis in rats. The implications of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis are studied. Methodology: Twenty-four rats were distributed into four categories, normal control (NC), ulcerative colitis (UC), ulcerative Colitis with SA 40 mg/kg (SA 40 mg/kg + AA), and ulcerative colitis with prednisolone (PRDL 10 mg/kg + AA), and were pretreated orally with saline, saline and SA (40 mg/kg/day) or PRDL (10 mg/kg/day) respectively, for 7 days. UC was prompted by trans-rectal administration of 4% AA on the 5th day, colon tissues were surgically removed for gross morphology and histological inspection, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers and immunoblot analysis of Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Results: Macroscopic and histological inspection demonstrated that both SA 40 mg/kg and PRDL (10 mg/kg/day) significantly ameliorates colonic injuries. In addition, both pretreatments significantly ameliorates AA-induced UC, oxidative stress, as indicated by suppressed malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels and restoring antioxidant/oxidant balance as indicated by catalase and glutathione levels, suppressed inflammation via inhibiting cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, inflammatory markers MPO, PGE2, COX-2 and NF-κB and inhibiting the protein expression of Bax and caspase-3 apoptotic protein and increasing the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 thereby inhibiting apoptosis. Conclusion: Sinapic acid significantly ameliorates AA induced UC in rats by suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in colonic tissues which exhibits its potential for the management of UC.
K18- and CAG-hACE2 Transgenic Mouse Models and SARS-CoV-2: Implications for Neurodegeneration Research
Authors: Dedoni Simona , Avdoshina Valeria , Camoglio Chiara , Siddi Carlotta , Fratta Walter , Scherma Maria , Fadda Paola
Published: June 2022

COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global pandemic that might lead to very serious consequences. Notably, mental status change, brain confusion, and smell and taste disorders along with neurological complaints have been reported in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, human brain tissue autopsies from COVID-19 patients show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion, which correlates with the manifestation of meningitis, encephalitis, leukocyte infiltration, and neuronal damage. The olfactory mucosa has been suggested as a way of entry into the brain. SARS-CoV-2 infection is also known to provoke a hyper-inflammatory reaction with an exponential increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines leading to systemic responses, even in the absence of direct infection of brain cells. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2, has been extensively demonstrated to be present in the periphery, neurons, and glial cells in different brain regions. To dissect the details of neurological complications and develop therapies helping COVID-19 survivors regain pre-infection quality of life, the development of robust clinical models is highly warranted. Several human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) transgenic mouse models have been developed and used for antiviral drug screening and vaccine development, as well as for better understanding of the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we summarize recent results from the studies involving two such mouse models, namely K18- and CAG-hACE2 transgenics, to evaluate the direct and indirect impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the central nervous system.
Profiling of Essential Oils from the Leaves of Pistacia lentiscus Collected in the Algerian Region of Tizi-Ouzou: Evidence of Chemical Variations Associated with Climatic Contrasts between Littoral and Mountain Samples
Authors: Sehaki Chabha , Jullian Nathalie , Choque Elodie , Dauwe Rebecca , Fontaine Jean Xavier , Molinie Roland , Ayati Fadila , Fernane Farida , Gontier Eric
Published: June 2022

Leaves of Pistacia lentiscus were collected from two Algerian sites in the mountains and the littoral of the Tizi-Ouzou region. The harvest was conducted in four consecutive seasons on the same selected set of trees. Essential oils (EOs) were extracted by hydrodistillation; then, they were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Forty-seven constituents could be detected and quantified, including α-pinene (2–13%), β-caryophyllene (8–25%), β-myrcene (0.3–19%), bornyl acetate (0.8–7%), δ-cadinene (3–8%), bisabolol (1–9%), β-pinene (0.9–7%), caryophyllene oxide (4–9%), and α-cadinol (3–11%). Antioxidant (AOx) activities of the EOs were assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. Significant differences in EO composition and AOx activities appeared dependent on the season and the site. Variations of AOx activities were significant for the FRAP and ABTS tests but not for DPPH. Characterization of the leaf fatty acyl (FA) profiles was performed by GC-MS. Variability appeared according to season and altitude. Polyunsaturated fatty acids levels were high (27–55%) at the coldest date and place. The levels of linolenic acyl in the leaves were significantly correlated with bisabolol levels in the EOs (Spearman’s correlation coefficient: 0.818). Such results will be useful for the sustainable local valorization of wild P. lentiscus. These data also open new routes for further studies on terpenoid biosynthesis using correlation networks and fluxomic approaches.
Contrasting Volatilomes of Livestock Dung Drive Preference of the Dung Beetle Bubas bison (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Perera Nisansala N. , Weston Paul A. , Barrow Russell A. , Weston Leslie A. , Gurr Geoff M.
Published: June 2022

Volatile cues can play a significant role in the location and discrimination of food resources by insects. Dung beetles have been reported to discriminate among dung types produced by different species, thereby exhibiting behavioral preferences. However, the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in dung localization and preference remains largely unexplored in dung beetles. Here we performed several studies: firstly, cage olfactometer bioassays were performed to evaluate the behavioral responses of Bubas bison (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to VOCs emanating from fresh horse, sheep, and cattle dung; secondly, concurrent volatilome analysis was performed to characterize volatilomes of these dung types. Bubas bison adults exhibited greater attraction to horse dung and less attraction to cattle dung, and they preferred dung from horses fed a pasture-based diet over dung from those fed lucerne hay. Volatilomes of the corresponding dung samples from each livestock species contained a diverse group of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, phenols, and sulfurous compounds, but the composition and abundance of annotated VOCs varied with dung type and livestock diet. The volatilome of horse dung was the most chemically diverse. Results from a third study evaluating electroantennogram response and supplementary olfactometry provided strong evidence that indole, butyric acid, butanone, p-cresol, skatole, and phenol, as well as toluene, are involved in the attraction of B. bison to dung, with a mixture of these components significantly more attractive than individual constituents.
Facile and Selective Determination of Total Phthalic Acid Esters Level in Soft Drinks by Molecular Fluorescence Based on Petroleum Ether Microextraction and Selective Derivation by H2SO4
Authors: Xia Enqin , Yang Ting , Zhu Xuan , Jia Qing , Liu Jun , Huang Wenlong , Ni Jindong , Tang Huanwen
Published: June 2022

Determining the level of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in packaged carbonated beverages is a current need to ensure food safety. High-selectivity and -accuracy identification of individual PAEs can be achieved by chromatographic and mass spectrometric (MS) techniques. However, these methods are slow; involve complicated, expensive instruments in professional laboratories; and consume a large amount of organic solvents. As such, a food analysis method is needed to conveniently and rapidly evaluate multiple contaminants on site. In this study, with the assistance of ultrasound, we quickly determined the total PAEs in soft drinks using 1.5 mL of petroleum ether in one step. Then, we determined the characteristic molecular fluorescence spectrum of all PAEs in samples (excitation (Ex)/emission (Em) at 218/351 nm) using selectively concentrated sulfuric acid derivatization. The relative standard deviations of the fluorescent intensities of mixed solutions with five different PAEs were lower than 7.1% at three concentration levels. The limit of detection of the proposed method is 0.10 μmol L−1, which matches that of some of the chromatographic methods, but the proposed method uses less organic solvent and cheaper instruments. These microextraction devices and the fluorescence spectrometer are portable and provide an instant result, which shows promise for the evaluation of the total level of PAEs in beverages on site. The proposed method successfully detected the total level of PAEs in 38 kinds of soft drink samples from local supermarkets, indicating its potential for applications in the packaged beverage industry.