bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Entrepreneurship and Sustainability: The State of the Art and Research Agenda
Authors: Fernandes Catarina , Pires Rui , Gaspar Alves Maria-Ceu
Published: December 2022

Digital technologies have changed and disrupted the dynamics of the economy and society as a whole, offering new opportunities for entrepreneurs with potential impact on economic, environmental, and social value creation. This paper examines the scientific research on digital entrepreneurship (DE) and sustainability based on data from Scopus database. The main purpose is to identify both the predominant themes and further research opportunities to this topic. This study uses a bibliometric analysis, analyzing and synthesizing research on DE and sustainability, based on a total of 58 publications. Co-word analysis used to identify the conceptual structure reveals three thematic clusters: (1) innovation and entrepreneurship, (2) digital transformation: strategy and business models, and (3) sustainability and sustainable development goals. For each thematic cluster, the most significant contributions are presented. Further, this paper offers a future research agenda and holds significant implications for the theory and practice of the different subtopics of DE and sustainability.
A CMOS Double-Demodulation Lock-In Amplifier for Stimulated Raman Scattering Signal Detection
Authors: Korakkottil Kunhi Mohd Shukri Bin , Lioe De Xing , Yasutomi Keita , Kagawa Keiichiro , Hashimoto Mamoru , Kawahito Shoji
Published: December 2022

In typical stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) signal extraction, the photodetector and lock-in amplifier are often based on separate platforms, rendering the system cumbersome and non-scalable. This paper proposes an SRS double-demodulation lock-in amplifier implemented with a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor technology that integrates two-stage 1/f noise and offset reduction circuits with a high-speed lateral electric field modulation (LEFM) photo-demodulator. A weak SRS signal is buried in a large offset with a ratio of 10−4 to 10−6; boosting such signals in a CMOS device requires an extremely high offset and noise reduction capability. The double-modulation two-stage lock-in amplifier demodulates at 40 MHz with a sampling frequency of 20 MHz, can suppress the laser and circuit’s 1/f noise to achieve higher detection sensitivity. A prototype chip fabricated using 0.11 μm CMOS image sensor technology is evaluated. Both simulation and measurement results are presented to verify the functionality and show that the differential readout structure can successfully reject laser common mode components while emphasizing its differences. The measurement results show that the double-modulation lock-in amplifier effectively suppresses the circuit’s 1/f noise by a factor of nearly two decades.
Decarbonizing the International Shipping and Aviation Sectors
Authors: Fragkos Panagiotis
Published: December 2022

The Paris Agreement requires a drastic reduction of global carbon emissions towards the net zero transition by mid-century, based on the large-scale transformation of the global energy system and major emitting sectors. Aviation and shipping emissions are not on a trajectory consistent with Paris goals, driven by rapid activity growth and the lack of commercial mitigation options, given the challenges for electrification of these sectors. Large-scale models used for mitigation analysis commonly do not capture the specificities and emission reduction options of international shipping and aviation, while bottom-up sectoral models do not represent their interlinkages with the entire system. Here, I use the global energy system model PROMETHEUS, enhanced with a detailed representation of the shipping and aviation sector, to explore transformation pathways for these sectors and their emission, activity, and energy mix impacts. The most promising alternative towards decarbonizing these sectors is the large-scale deployment of low-carbon fuels, including biofuels and synthetic clean fuels, accompanied by energy efficiency improvements. The analysis shows that ambitious climate policy would reduce the trade of fossil fuels and lower the activity and the mitigation effort of international shipping, indicating synergies between national climate action and international transport.
New Energy Power System Static Security and Stability Region Calculation Research Based on IPSO-RLS Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Maihemuti Saniye , Wang Weiqing , Wu Jiahui , Wang Haiyun , Muhedaner Muladi
Published: December 2022

With the rapid expansion of new energy in China, the large-scale grid connection of new energy is increasing, and the operating safety of the new energy power system is being put to the test. The static security and stability region (SSSR) with hyper-plane expression is an effective instrument for situational awareness and the stability-constrained operation of power systems. This paper proposes a hybrid improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) and recursive least square (RLS) approach for rapidly approximating the SSSR boundary. Initially, the operating point data in the high-dimensional nodal injection space is examined using the IPSO algorithm to find the key generators, equivalent search space, and crucial points, which have a relatively large impact on static stability. The RLS method is ultimately utilized to fit the SSSR border that best suits the crucial spots. Consequently, the adopted algorithm technique was used to rapidly approximate the SSSR border in power injection spaces. Finally, the suggested algorithm is confirmed by simulating three kinds of generators of the new energy 118 bus system using the DIgSILENT/Power Factory. As a result, this method accurately characterized the stability border of the new energy power system and created the visualization space of the SSSR. Using the SSSR, a rapid state analysis could be undertaken on a variety of parameters, such as security evaluation with diverse energy supply capacities. This study’s findings confirmed the accuracy and efficacy of the suggested modeling for the considered system and may thus give technical support for the new energy power system’s stability.
Photovoltaic Electrification and Water Pumping Using the Concepts of Water Shortage Probability and Loss of Power Supply Probability: A Case Study
Authors: Irandoostshahrestani Misagh , R. Rousse Daniel
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a techno-economic investigation of a small-scale solar water pumping system combined with power generation is conducted numerically. Irrigation and power production for a typical small-size citrus farm located in southern Iran is simulated. The system consists of monocrystalline photovoltaic panels (CS3K-305MS, 305 W), absorbent glass material batteries (8A31DT-DEKA, 104 Wh), inverters (SMA Sunny Boy 2.0, 2000 W), and a pumping storage system. The key concepts of water shortage probability (WSP) and loss of power supply probability (LPSP) are used in conjunction with users’ tolerances and sizing of the system. A genuine MATLAB code was developed and validated before the simulations. A specific electricity consumption pattern for a rural home and a variable irrigation water profile were considered. The main objective of the study is to size a system that provides both electricity for domestic use of a home as well as the energy required for running the irrigation pumps with respect to investment cost, LCOE, WSP, and LPSP. The main findings of the research are that LPSP and WSP threshold tolerances can have a preponderant effect on the cost and sizing of the system. Interestingly, results reveal that there is a minimum variation of the capital expenditure (CAPEX) versus the number of PV panels. For the optimal configuration, the study indicates that shifting from an LPSP of 0% to 3% (or about ten days of potential yearly shortage) makes the LCOE drop by about 55%, while the WSP decreases by about 36%.
Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure Demand and Deployment: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Singh Praveen Prakash , Wen Fushuan , Palu Ivo , Sachan Sulabh , Deb Sanchari
Published: December 2022

Present trends indicate that electrical vehicles (EVs) are favourable technology for road network transportation. The lack of easily accessible charging stations will be a negative growth driver for EV adoption. Consequently, the charging station placement and scheduling of charging activity have gained momentum among researchers all over the world. Different planning and scheduling models have been proposed in the literature. Each model is unique and has both advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, the performance of the models also varies and is location specific. A model suitable for a developing country may not be appropriate for a developed country and vice versa. This paper provides a classification and overview of charging station placement and charging activity scheduling as well as the global scenario of charging infrastructure planning. Further, this work provides the challenges and solutions to the EV charging infrastructure demand and deployment. The recommendations and future scope of EV charging infrastructure are also highlighted in this paper.
Use of Characterized Microorganisms in Fermentation of Non-Dairy-Based Substrates to Produce Probiotic Food for Gut-Health and Nutrition
Authors: Dahiya Divakar , Nigam Poonam Singh
Published: December 2022

Most fermented foods are dairy-based products; however, foods prepared using non-dairy-based materials such as grains, cereals, vegetables, and fruits can meet the dietary requirements of consumers following different food practices, including vegans and consumers that have dietary issues with dairy-based products. Traditional food fermentations have been conducted by the functioning of bacterial and yeast cultures using the inoculum of uncharacterized microorganisms isolated from naturally fermenting foods. However, pure viable strains of microorganisms characterized as probiotic cultures have the potential for their application in the fermentation process. Such fermented foods can be labeled as probiotic products, displaying the names of strains and their viable number contained in the portion size of that specific product. The significance of the development of probiotic functional food is that they can be used as a source of nutrition; in addition, their consumption helps in the recovery of healthy gut microbiota. In a fermented food, two components—the fermented substrate and the microorganism(s)—are in a synergistic relationship and contribute to healthy gut microbiota. The intake of probiotic foods for sustainability of a healthy gut can manipulate the functioning of gut–brain axis. The aim of this article is to present a review of published research conducted with specific strains characterized as probiotics, which have been studied to perform the fermentation growing on the matrices of non-dairy-based substrates.
The Impact of Aging Drivers and Vehicles on the Injury Severity of Crash Victims
Authors: Santolino Miguel , Céspedes Luis , Ayuso Mercedes
Published: December 2022

Against a general trend of increasing driver longevity, the injuries suffered by vehicle occupants in Spanish road traffic crashes are analyzed by the level of severity of their bodily injuries (BI). Generalized linear mixed models are applied to model the proportion of non-serious, serious, and fatal victims. The dependence between vehicles involved in the same crash is captured by including random effects. The effect of driver age and vehicle age and their interaction on the proportion of injured victims is analyzed. We find a nonlinear relationship between driver age and BI severity, with young and older drivers constituting the riskiest groups. In contrast, the expected severity of the crash increases linearly up to a vehicle age of 18 and remains constant thereafter at the highest level of BI severity. No interaction between the two variables is found. These results are especially relevant for countries such as Spain with increasing driver longevity and an aging car fleet.
Ecological Study of Sick Building Syndrome among Healthcare Workers at Johor Primary Care Facilities
Authors: Salvaraji Loganathan , Shamsudin Shamsul Bahari , Avoi Richard , Saupin Sahipudin , Kim Sai Lee , Asan Surinah Binti , Toha Haidar Rizal Bin , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Persistent exposure to indoor hazards in a healthcare setting poses a risk of SBS. This study determines the prevalence of and risk factors for SBS among healthcare workers in health clinics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across four health clinics from February 2022 to May 2022. As part of the study, self-administered questionnaires were completed to determine symptoms related to SBS. An indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment was conducted four times daily for fifteen minutes at five areas in each clinic (laboratory, lobby, emergency room, pharmacy, and examination room). Result: Most of the areas illustrated poor air movement (<0.15 m/s), except for the laboratory. The total bacterial count (TBC) was above the standard limit in both the lobby and emergency room (>500 CFU/m3). The prevalence of SBS was 24.84% (77) among the healthcare workers at the health clinics. A significant association with SBS was noted for those working in the examination room (COR = 2.86; 95% CI = 1.31; 6.27) and those experiencing high temperature sometimes (COR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.11; 0.55), varying temperature sometimes (COR = 0.31; 95% CI = 0.003), stuffy air sometimes (COR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.005; 0.64), dry air sometimes (COR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.007; 0.64), and dust sometimes (COR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.11; 0.60) and everyday (COR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.14; 0.81). Only healthcare workers in the examination room (AOR = 3.17; 95% CI = 1.35; 7.41) were found to have a significant risk of SBS when controlling for other variables. Conclusion: SBS is prevalent among healthcare workers at health clinics.
Adsorption of Fluoride onto Acid-Modified Low-Cost Pyrolusite Ore: Adsorption Characteristics and Efficiencies
Authors: Induvesa Phacharapol , Rattanakom Radamanee , Sriboonnak Sornsiri , Pumas Chayakorn , Duangjan Kritsana , Rakruam Pharkphum , Nitayavardhana Saoharit , Sittisom Prattakorn , Wongrueng Aunnop
Published: December 2022

Fluoride concentrations in the groundwater continue to be a major cause for concern in Thailand, particularly in the country’s north and west. The process of removing fluoride through adsorption has captured the attention of the abundance of ore in the mining industry. For the purpose of this investigation, the utilization of the adsorbent pyrolusite, which is a manganese mineral largely composed of MnO2, was a major component. Lab-scale experiments were conducted to investigate the efficacy of original pyrolusite ore (PA-1) and acid-modification PA (PA-2) created as low-cost adsorption materials for fluoride removal. The results of the adsorption rate in both PAs showed a fast rate of adsorption within 60 min of reaching equilibrium. According to the results of the adsorption capacity (qe) tests, PA that had been treated with an acid solution (PA-2) had the capacity to contain more fluoride (qe = 0.58 mg/g) than the PA that had been used initially (PA-1) (qe = 0.11 mg/g). According to the findings of an isotherm, primary adsorption behavior is determined by the effect that surface components and chemical composition have on porous materials. This is the first current study that provides a comparison between pyrolusite from Thailand’s mining industry and basic modified pyrolusite regarding their ability to remove a fluoride contaminant in synthetic groundwater by an adsorption process. Such an approach will be able to be used in the future to protect the community from excessive fluoride concentrations in household and drinking water treatment technology.
Effect of Village Informal Institutions and Cadre-Mass Relationship for Farmers’ Participation in Rural Residential Environment Governance in China
Authors: Hao Diandian , Yan Ziyi , Wang Yanan , Wang Bowen
Published: December 2022

Rural residential environment governance (RRE), as the first tough battle of China’s rural revitalization strategy, relies on farmers’ participation since farmers are the main laborers, builders, and administrators in environmental governance. However, lackluster farmers’ enthusiasm and initiative have hindered RRE initiatives, prompting this paper. Based on the survey data of 1804 farmers in China, this paper, from the perspective of mobilization governance, empirically analyzes the impact of informal village institutions, the cadre-mass relationship, and their interaction on farmers’ participation in RRE governance through the entropy method, ols, and quantile regression model. The empirical results indicate that informal institutions promoted farmers’ participation through three mechanisms, with disciplinary supervision impact being the most significant and value-oriented next, but transmission internalization doesn’t work as well as it should. Meanwhile, for farmers with varying degrees of participation, there is a general difference in the governance effect of informal institutions. Furthermore, the close cadre-mass relationship significantly strengthened disciplinary supervision and transmission internalization effects to mobilize farmers’ participation. Therefore, the village committee should implement diverse informal institutions based on the actual situation of their village. Moreover, it is necessary to shape a close cadre-mass relationship to improve the accuracy of institutions’ implementation.
Directional and Weighted Urban Network Analysis in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle from the Perspective of New Media Information Flow
Authors: Xiao Changwei , Liu Chunxia , Li Yuechen
Published: December 2022

The study of the two-way information flow between cities is of great significance to promote regional coordinated development, but the current mainstream non-directional network analysis method cannot analyze it effectively. In this paper, the quantities of relevant media articles in WeChat and Weibo between cities are taken as the traffic indices to construct a directional and weighted urban network of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle in China. Based on this network construction method, which adds direction thinking, we analyze the characteristics of information interconnection between cities. According to the analysis, we find that the provincial boundary hinders information interconnection, and the imbalance of external information interconnection is more serious in Chongqing’s central urban area, Liangping, Ya’an and Mianyang. In addition, we analyze the centrality status of different cities in the outward and inward perspective and further explore the factors that cause these differences in centrality. The results show that the centrality of the information network is not sensitive to the basic strength of the city, and it is the accessibility, including high-speed rail transportation access and telecommunication access, which controls the centrality of the city network.
Fatty Liver Disease-Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic: Similar but Different
Authors: Malnick Stephen D. H. , Alin Pavel , Somin Marina , Neuman Manuela G.
Published: December 2022

In alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD) and in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there are abnormal accumulations of fat in the liver. This phenomenon may be related to excessive alcohol consumption, as well as the combination of alcohol consumption and medications. There is an evolution from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis leading to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic pathology is very similar regarding non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and ALD. Initially, there is lipid accumulation in parenchyma and progression to lobular inflammation. The morphological changes in the liver mitochondria, perivenular and perisinusoidal fibrosis, and hepatocellular ballooning, apoptosis and necrosis and accumulation of fibrosis may lead to the development of cirrhosis and HCC. Medical history of ethanol consumption, laboratory markers of chronic ethanol intake, AST/ALT ratio on the one hand and features of the metabolic syndrome on the other hand, may help in estimating the contribution of alcohol intake and the metabolic syndrome, respectively, to liver steatosis.
Differentially Expressed Genes and Signaling Pathways Potentially Involved in Primary Resistance to Chemo-Immunotherapy in Advanced-Stage Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Pinto Mauricio P. , Muñoz-Medel Matías , Retamal Ignacio N. , Bravo MariaLoreto , Latapiat Verónica , Córdova-Delgado Miguel , Hill Charlotte N. , Fernández M. Fernanda , Sánchez Carolina , Sáez Mauricio A. , Martin Alberto J. M. , Morales-Pison Sebastián , Fernandez-Ramires Ricardo , García-Bloj Benjamín , Owen Gareth I. , Garrido Marcelo
Published: December 2022

Recently, the combination of chemotherapy plus nivolumab (chemo-immunotherapy) has become the standard of care for advanced-stage gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, despite its efficacy, up to 40% of patients do not respond to these treatments. Our study sought to identify variations in gene expression associated with primary resistance to chemo-immunotherapy. Diagnostic endoscopic biopsies were retrospectively obtained from advanced GC patients previously categorized as responders (R) or non-responders (NR). Thirty-four tumor biopsies (R: n = 16, NR: n = 18) were analyzed by 3′ massive analysis of cDNA ends (3′MACE). We found >30 differentially expressed genes between R and NRs. Subsequent pathway enrichment analyses demonstrated that angiogenesis and the Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway were enriched in NRs. Concomitantly, we performed next generation sequencing (NGS) analyses in a subset of four NR patients that confirmed alterations in genes that belonged to the Wnt/β-catenin and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. We speculate that angiogenesis, the Wnt, and the PI3K pathways might offer actionable targets. We also discuss therapeutic alternatives for chemo-immunotherapy-resistant advanced-stage GC patients.
Identification of a DEAD-box RNA Helicase BnRH6 Reveals Its Involvement in Salt Stress Response in Rapeseed (Brassica napus)
Authors: Zhang Xianduo , Song Jianbo , Wang Liping , Yang Zhi Min , Sun Di
Published: December 2022

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is one of the most important vegetable oil crops worldwide. Abiotic stresses such as salinity are great challenges for its growth and productivity. DEAD-box RNA helicase 6 (RH6) is a subfamily member of superfamily 2 (SF2), which plays crucial roles in plant growth and development. However, no report is available on RH6 in regulating plant abiotic stress response. This study investigated the function and regulatory mechanism for BnRH6. BnRH6 was targeted to the nucleus and cytoplasmic processing body (P-body), constitutively expressed throughout the lifespan, and induced by salt stress. Transgenic overexpressing BnRH6 in Brassica and Arabidopsis displayed salt hypersensitivity, manifested by lagging seed germination (decreased to 55–85% of wild-type), growth stunt, leaf chlorosis, oxidative stress, and over-accumulation of Na ions with the K+/Na+ ratio being decreased by 18.3–28.6%. Given the undesirable quality of knockout Brassica plants, we utilized an Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion mutant rh6-1 to investigate downstream genes by transcriptomics. We constructed four libraries with three biological replicates to investigate global downstream genes by RNA sequencing. Genome-wide analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (2-fold, p < 0.05) showed that 41 genes were upregulated and 66 genes were downregulated in rh6-1 relative to wild-type under salt stress. Most of them are well-identified and involved in transcription factors, ABA-responsive genes, and detoxified components or antioxidants. Our research suggests that BnRH6 can regulate a group of salt-tolerance genes to negatively promote Brassica adaptation to salt stress.
Translational Bioinformatics for Human Reproductive Biology Research: Examples, Opportunities and Challenges for a Future Reproductive Medicine
Authors: Liu Kun , Zhang Yingbo , Martin César , Ma Xiaoling , Shen Bairong
Published: December 2022

Since 1978, with the first IVF (in vitro fertilization) baby birth in Manchester (England), more than eight million IVF babies have been born throughout the world, and many new techniques and discoveries have emerged in reproductive medicine. To summarize the modern technology and progress in reproductive medicine, all scientific papers related to reproductive medicine, especially papers related to reproductive translational medicine, were fully searched, manually curated and reviewed. Results indicated whether male reproductive medicine or female reproductive medicine all have made significant progress, and their markers have experienced the progress from karyotype analysis to single-cell omics. However, due to the lack of comprehensive databases, especially databases collecting risk exposures, disease markers and models, prevention drugs and effective treatment methods, the application of the latest precision medicine technologies and methods in reproductive medicine is limited.
Crosstalk between Nutrition, Insulin, Juvenile Hormone, and Ecdysteroid Signaling in the Classical Insect Model, Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Leyria Jimena , Benrabaa Samiha , Nouzova Marcela , Noriega Fernando G. , Tose Lilian Valadares , Fernandez-Lima Francisco , Orchard Ian , Lange Angela B.
Published: December 2022

The rigorous balance of endocrine signals that control insect reproductive physiology is crucial for the success of egg production. Rhodnius prolixus, a blood-feeding insect and main vector of Chagas disease, has been used over the last century as a model to unravel aspects of insect metabolism and physiology. Our recent work has shown that nutrition, insulin signaling, and two main types of insect lipophilic hormones, juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysteroids, are essential for successful reproduction in R. prolixus; however, the interplay behind these endocrine signals has not been established. We used a combination of hormone treatments, gene expression analyses, hormone measurements, and ex vivo experiments using the corpus allatum or the ovary, to investigate how the interaction of these endocrine signals might define the hormone environment for egg production. The results show that after a blood meal, circulating JH levels increase, a process mainly driven through insulin and allatoregulatory neuropeptides. In turn, JH feeds back to provide some control over its own biosynthesis by regulating the expression of critical biosynthetic enzymes in the corpus allatum. Interestingly, insulin also stimulates the synthesis and release of ecdysteroids from the ovary. This study highlights the complex network of endocrine signals that, together, coordinate a successful reproductive cycle.
The Role of Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) Proteins in Controlling the Phagocytic Activity of Microglia In Vitro: Relevance to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Matuszewska Marta , Cieślik Magdalena , Wilkaniec Anna , Strawski Marcin , Czapski Grzegorz A.
Published: December 2022

The correct phagocytic activity of microglia is a prerequisite for maintaining homeostasis in the brain. In the analysis of mechanisms regulating microglial phagocytosis, we focused on the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins: Brd2, Brd3, and Brd4, the acetylation code readers that control gene expression in cooperation with transcription factors. We used pharmacological (JQ1) and genetic (siRNA) inhibition of BET proteins in murine microglial cell line BV2. Inhibition of BET proteins reduced the phagocytic activity of BV2, as determined by using a fluorescent microspheres-based assay and fluorescently labelled amyloid-beta peptides. Gene silencing experiments demonstrated that all brain-existing BET isoforms control phagocytosis in microglia. From a set of 84 phagocytosis-related genes, we have found the attenuation of the expression of 14: Siglec1, Sirpb1a, Cd36, Clec7a, Itgam, Tlr3, Fcgr1, Cd14, Marco, Pld1, Fcgr2b, Anxa1, Tnf, Nod1, upon BET inhibition. Further analysis of the mRNA level of other phagocytosis-related genes which were involved in the pathomechanism of Alzheimer’s disease demonstrated that JQ1 significantly reduced the expression of Cd33, Trem2, and Zyx. Our results indicate the important role of BET proteins in controlling microglial phagocytosis; therefore, targeting BET may be the efficient method of modulating microglial activity.
Functionalization of Polylactide with Multiple Tetraphenyethane Inifer Groups to Form PLA Block Copolymers with Vinyl Monomers
Authors: Grabowski Mateusz , Kost Bartłomiej , Bodzioch Agnieszka , Bednarek Melania
Published: December 2022

In the present contribution, a new strategy for preparing block copolymers of polylactide (PLA), a bio-derived polymer of increasing importance, is described. The method should lead to multiblock copolymers of lactide with vinyl monomers (VM), i.e., monomers that polymerize according to different mechanisms, and is based on the introduction of multiple “inifer” (INItiator/transFER agent) groups into PLA’s structure. As an “inifer” group, tetraphenylethane (TPE, known to easily thermally dissociate to radicals) was incorporated into PLA chains using diisocyanate. PLA that contained TPE groups (PLA-PU) was characterized, and its ability to form initiating radicals was demonstrated by ESR measurements. PLA-PU was used as a “macroinifer” for the polymerization of acrylonitrile and styrene upon moderate heating (85 °C) of the PLA-PU in the presence of monomers. The formation of block copolymers PLA/PVM was confirmed by 1H NMR, DOSY NMR, and FTIR spectroscopies and the SEC method. The prepared copolymers showed only one glass transition in DSC curves with Tg values higher than those of PLA-PU.
Downregulation of the Astroglial Connexin Expression and Neurodegeneration after Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus
Authors: Andrioli Anna , Fabene Paolo Francesco , Mudò Giuseppa , Barresi Vincenza , Di Liberto Valentina , Frinchi Monica , Bentivoglio Marina , Condorelli Daniele Filippo
Published: December 2022

Astrocytic networks and gap junctional communication mediated by connexins (Cxs) have been repeatedly implicated in seizures, epileptogenesis, and epilepsy. However, the effect of seizures on Cx expression is controversial. The present study focused on the response of Cxs to status epilepticus (SE), which is in turn an epileptogenic insult. The expression of neuronal Cx36 and astrocytic Cx30 and Cx43 mRNAs was investigated in the brain of rats in the first day after pilocarpine-induced SE. In situ hybridization revealed a progressive decrease in Cx43 and Cx30 mRNA levels, significantly marked 24 h after SE onset in neocortical areas and the hippocampus, and in most thalamic domains, whereas Cx36 mRNA did not exhibit obvious changes. Regional evaluation with quantitative real-time-RT-PCR confirmed Cx43 and Cx30 mRNA downregulation 24 h after SE, when ongoing neuronal cell death was found in the same brain regions. Immunolabeling showed at the same time point marked a decrease in Cx43, microglia activation, and interleukin-1β induction in some microglial cells. The data showed a transient downregulation of astroglial Cxs in the cortical and thalamic areas in which SE triggers neurodegenerative events in concomitance with microglia activation and cytokine expression. This could potentially represent a protective response of neuroglial networks to SE-induced acute damage.
Predicting the Electronic Absorption Band Shape of Azobenzene Photoswitches
Authors: Gelabert Ricard , Moreno Miquel , Lluch José M.
Published: December 2022

Simulations based on molecular dynamics coupled to excitation energy calculations were used to generate simulated absorption spectra for a family of halide derivatives of azobenzene, a family of photoswitch molecules with a weak absorption band around 400–600 nm and potential uses in living tissue. This is a case where using the conventional approach in theoretical spectroscopy (estimation of absorption maxima based on the vertical transition from the potential energy minimum on the ground electronic state) does not provide valid results that explain how the observed band shape extends towards the low energy region of the spectrum. The method affords a reasonable description of the main features of the low-energy UV-Vis spectra of these compounds. A bathochromic trend was detected linked to the size of the halide atom. Analysis of the excitation reveals a correlation between the energy of the molecular orbital where excitation starts and the energy of the highest occupied atomic orbital of the free halide atom. This was put to the test with a new brominated compound with good results. The energy level of the highest occupied orbital on the free halide was identified as a key factor that strongly affects the energy gap in the photoswitch. This opens the way for the design of bathochromically shifted variants of the photoswitch with possible applications.
Osteoarthritis: Pathogenesis, Animal Models, and New Regenerative Therapies
Authors: Szponder Tomasz , Latalski Michał , Danielewicz Anna , Krać Katarzyna , Kozera Aleksandra , Drzewiecka Beata , Nguyen Ngoc Dominika , Dobko Dominika , Wessely-Szponder Joanna
Published: December 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, multifactorial disease resulting in a progressive loss of articular cartilage structure and function that is most common in middle-aged and older patients. OA is involved in the loss of extracellular matrix and cartilage as well as cell number decreases within the matrix, especially in the further stages of the disease. The immune system plays a pivotal role in the pathomechanism of this condition. Both humoral and cellular mediators contribute to cartilage destruction, abnormal bone remodeling, synovitis, and joint effusion. The increasing prevalence of this disease has led to a growing interest in using animal models as the primary way to broaden the knowledge of the pathogenesis of OA and possible therapies at each stage of disease development. This review aims to describe the signs, pathogenesis, and classification of OA as well as discuss the advantages and disadvantages of some animal models. The currently used treatment methods include mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, gene therapies, and blood-derived products. In addition, exogenous growth factors, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet lysate, and autologous conditioned serum (ACS) are discussed with the application of tissue engineering techniques and biomaterials.
Echocardiographic Evaluation in Paediatric Sickle Cell Disease Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sabatini Letizia , Chinali Marcello , Franceschini Alessio , Di Mauro Margherita , Marchesani Silvio , Fini Francesca , Arcuri Giorgia , Lodi Mariachiara , Palumbo Giuseppe , Ceglie Giulia
Published: December 2022

Cardiovascular involvement has a great impact on morbidity and mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD). Currently, few studies are available regarding the paediatric setting and, moreover, current guidelines for the echocardiogram screening program in the asymptomatic paediatric population are controversial. We performed a retrospective observational monocentric study on 64 SCD patients (37 male and 27 female, median age 10) at the Bambino Gesù Childrens’ Hospital, who had undergone a routine transthoracic echocardiogram. In total, 46 (72%) patients had at least one cardiac abnormality. Left atrial dilatation (LAD) was present in 41 (65%) patients and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was found in 29 (45%) patients. Patients with LAD showed lower median haemoglobin levels (p = 0.009), and a higher absolute reticulocyte count (p = 0.04). LVH was negatively correlated with the median haemoglobin value (p = 0.006) and positively with the reticulocyte count (p = 0.03). Moreover, we found that patients with cardiac anomalies had higher transfusion needs and a lower frequency of pain crises. In our setting, cardiac involvement has a high prevalence in the paediatric cohort and seems to be associated with specific laboratory findings, and with a specific clinical phenotype characterized by complications related to high haemodynamic load.
A Review of the Dinoflagellates and Their Evolution from Fossils to Modern
Authors: Riding James B. , Fensome Robert A. , Soyer-Gobillard Marie-Odile , Medlin Linda K.
Published: December 2022

Molecular clock and biogeochemical evidence indicate that the dinoflagellate lineage diverged at around 650 Ma. Unequivocal dinoflagellate cysts/zygotes appeared during the Triassic. These biotas were badly affected by the end-Triassic extinction and recovery from this was relatively slow. During the early Middle Jurassic, the family Gonyaulacaceae underwent an explosive diversification event and taxonomic richness steadily increased throughout the rest of the Jurassic. The entire Cretaceous also recorded increases in diversity. This trend reversed during the Oligocene, probably caused by global cooling. Marine cyst-forming peridiniaceans declined substantially through the Oligocene and Neogene, but protoperidiniaceans continued to diversify. Modern taxa, as evidenced by the molecular tree, comprise three major clades: the first two are composed largely of parasitic forms, marine alveolates of unknown identity and the Syndiniales; free-living dinoflagellates form the third clade, which diverges rapidly and bears short branch lengths with no real support for branching order. This suggests that morphological divergence preceded molecular divergence because, as the fossil record indicates, major groups appeared at different ages. Unique features of the dinoflagellates helped the group take on a predominant role in the marine phytoplankton. Living in marine or fresh water, dinoflagellates have demonstrated innovative capacities that have enabled them to live among the phytoplankton or benthos as autotrophic, heterotrophic, mixotrophic free-living organisms or symbiotic and/or as parasitic forms.
Type 2C Protein Phosphatases MoPtc5 and MoPtc7 Are Crucial for Multiple Stress Tolerance, Conidiogenesis and Pathogenesis of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Biregeya Jules , Anjago Wilfred M. , Pan Shu , Zhang Ruina , Yang Zifeng , Chen Meilian , Felix Abah , Xu Huxiao , Lin Yaqi , Nkurikiyimfura Oswald , Abubakar Yakubu Saddeeq , Wang Zonghua , Tang Wei
Published: December 2022

Protein kinases and phosphatases catalyze the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of their protein substrates, respectively, and these are important mechanisms in cellular signal transduction. The rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae possesses 6 protein phosphatases of type 2C class, including MoPtc1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8. However, only very little is known about the roles of these phosphatases in filamentous fungi. Here in, we deployed genetics and molecular biology techniques to identify, characterize and establish the roles of MoPtc5 and MoPtc7 in M. oryzae development and pathogenicity. We found that during pathogen-host interaction, MoPTC7 is differentially expressed. Double deletion of MoPTC7 and MoPTC5 suppressed the fungal vegetative growth, altered its cell wall integrity and reduced its virulence. The two genes were found indispensable for stress tolerance in the phytopathogen. We also demonstrated that disruption of any of the two genes highly affected appressorium turgor generation and Mps1 and Osm1 phosphorylation levels. Lastly, we demonstrated that both MoPtc5 and MoPtc7 are localized to mitochondria of different cellular compartments in the blast fungus. Taken together, our study revealed synergistic coordination of M. oryzae development and pathogenesis by the type 2C protein phosphatases.
Independent Evolution Has Led to Distinct Genomic Signatures in Dutch Elm Disease-Causing Fungi and Other Vascular Wilts-Causing Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Fijarczyk Anna , Bernier Louis , Sakalidis Monique L. , Medina-Mora Carmen M. , Porth Ilga
Published: December 2022

Vascular wilts are important diseases caused by plant pathogenic fungi that result in the rapid death of their plant hosts. This is due to a systemic defense mechanism whereby the plant induces the compartmentalization of the infected vascular system in order to reduce the propagation of the fungus. The ascomycete class Sordariomycetes contains several species that cause vascular wilts in diverse plant hosts, and they can be classified into four taxonomic orders. The genetic mechanisms of pathogenesis have already been investigated in Fusarium and Verticillium species, but they have not yet been compared with other well-known wilt-causing species, especially fungi causing oak wilt or Dutch elm disease (DED). Here we analyzed 20 whole genome assemblies of wilt-causing fungi together with 56 other species using phylogenetic approaches to trace expansions and contractions of orthologous gene families and gene classes related to pathogenicity. We found that the wilt-causing pathogens evolved seven times, experiencing the largest fold changes in different classes of genes almost every time. However, some similarities exist across groups of wilt pathogens, particularly in Microascales and Ophiostomatales, and these include the common gains and losses of genes that make up secondary metabolite clusters (SMC). DED pathogens do not experience large-scale gene expansions, with most of the gene classes, except for some SMC families, reducing in number. We also found that gene family expansions in the most recent common ancestors of wilt pathogen groups are enriched for carbohydrate metabolic processes. Our study shows that wilt-causing species evolve primarily through distinct changes in their repertoires of pathogenicity-related genes and that there is the potential importance of carbohydrate metabolism genes for regulating osmosis in those pathogens that penetrate the plant vascular system.
Whole-Lesion CT Texture Analysis as a Quantitative Biomarker for the Identification of Homogeneous Renal Tumors
Authors: Meng Xiaoyan , Li Shichao , Feng Cui , Hu Daoyu , Li Zhen , Niu Yonghua
Published: December 2022

Renal tumors are very common in the urinary system, and the preoperative differential diagnosis of homogeneous renal tumors remains a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the whole-lesion CT texture analysis for the identification of homogeneous renal tumors including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), chromophobe RCC (chRCC), and renal oncocytoma (RO). This retrospective study was approved by our local IRB. Contrast-enhanced CT examination was performed in 128 patients and histopathologically confirmed ccRCC, chRCC, and RO. The one-way ANOVA test with Bonferroni corrections was used to compare the differences, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to determine the diagnostic efficiency. The whole-lesion CT histogram analysis was used to demonstrate significant differences between ccRCC and chRCC in both arterial and venous phases, and the entropy demonstrated excellent performance in discriminating these two types of tumors (AUCs = 0.95, 0.91). The inhomogeneity of ccRCC was significantly higher than that of RO both in arterial and venous phases. The entropy of chRCC was significantly lower than that of RO, and the kurtosis and entropy yielded high sensitivity (91%) and moderate specificity (74%) in the arterial phase. The whole-lesion CT histogram analysis could be useful for the differential diagnosis of homogeneous ccRCC, chRCC, and RO.
Bioactive Glasses as Carriers of Cancer-Targeted Drugs: Challenges and Opportunities in Bone Cancer Treatment
Authors: Borges Roger , Pelosine Agatha Maria , de Souza Ana Carolina Santos , Machado Joel , Justo Giselle Zenker , Gamarra Lionel Fernel , Marchi Juliana
Published: December 2022

The treatment of bone cancer involves tumor resection followed by bone reconstruction of the defect caused by the tumor using biomaterials. Additionally, post-surgery protocols cover chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or drug administration, which are employed as adjuvant treatments to prevent tumor recurrence. In this work, we reviewed new strategies for bone cancer treatment based on bioactive glasses as carriers of cancer-targeted and other drugs that are intended for bone regeneration in conjunction with adjuvant treatments. Drugs used in combination with bioactive glasses can be classified into cancer-target, osteoclast-target, and new therapies (such as gene delivery and bioinorganic). Microparticulated, nanoparticulated, or mesoporous bioactive glasses have been used as drug-delivery systems. Additionally, surface modification through functionalization or the production of composites based on polymers and hydrogels has been employed to improve drug-release kinetics. Overall, although different drugs and drug delivery systems have been developed, there is still room for new studies involving kinase inhibitors or antibody-conjugated drugs, as these drugs have been poorly explored in combination with bioactive glasses.
Laser Welding of Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy in Air and a Water Medium
Authors: Alhajhamoud Mohamad , Ozbey Sayit , Ilgaz Mehmet Alp , Candan Levent , Cinar Ibrahim , Vukotić Mario , Čorović Selma , Miljavec Damijan , Kayahan Ersin
Published: December 2022

Ti6Al4V titanium alloys are widely used in a variety of scientific and industrial fields. Laser beam welding is one of the most effective techniques for the joining of titanium plates. The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the most important laser parameters on welding performance of titanium alloy in two different physical environments such as air and water (i.e., serum) media. Specifically, the laser beam welding of 2 mm thick Ti6Al4V samples was applied using an Nd:YAG laser in open-air welding using argon as a shielding gas, and in wet welding using a serum environment. The deepest penetration was achieved at −3 mm focal position with 11 J of laser energy in both investigated media (i.e., air and serum). The maximum hardness (1130 HV) was achieved for the focal position of −4 mm in serum medium while it was 795 HV for a focal position of −5 mm in air medium. The minimum (1200 μm and 800 μm) and maximum (1960 μm and 1900 μm) weld widths were observed for air and serum medium, respectively. After the welding process, martensite, massif martensite, and transformed martensite were observed in the microstructure of Ti6Al4V. To the best of our knowledge, the underwater wet welding of titanium alloy was carried out and reported for the first time in this study.
Event-Based Impulsive Control for Heterogeneous Neural Networks with Communication Delays
Authors: Li Yilin , Yi Chengbo , Feng Jianwen , Wang Jingyi
Published: December 2022

The quasi-synchronization for a class of general heterogeneous neural networks is explored by event-based impulsive control strategy. Compared with the traditional average impulsive interval (AII) method, instead, an event-triggered mechanism (ETM) is employed to determine the impulsive instants, in which case the subjectivity of selecting the controlling sequence can be eliminated. In addition, considering the fact that communication delay is inevitable between the allocation and execution of instructions in practice, we further nominate an ETM centered on communication delays and aperiodic sampling, which is more accessible and affordable, yet can straightforwardly avoid Zeno behavior. Hence, on the basis of the novel event-triggered impulsive control strategy, quasi-synchronization of heterogeneous neural network model is investigated and some general conditions are also achieved. Finally, two numerical simulations are afforded to validate the efficacy of theoretical results.