bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haplotype Structures and Protein Levels of TGFB1 in HPV Infection and Cervical Lesion: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Trugilo Kleber Paiva , Cebinelli Guilherme Cesar Martelossi , Pereira Érica Romão , Okuyama Nádia Calvo Martins , Cezar-dos-Santos Fernando , Castilha Eliza Pizarro , Flauzino Tamires , Hoch Valéria Bumiller-Bini , Watanabe Maria Angelica Ehara , Guembarovski Roberta Losi , de Oliveira Karen Brajão
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to verify the role of TGFB1 variants (c.–1638G>A, c.–1347C>T, c.29C>T, and c.74G>C) in HPV infection susceptibility and cervical lesions development, and their impact on TGFB1 cervical and plasma levels. TGFB1 genotypes were assessed with PCR-RFLP and haplotypes were inferred for 190 HPV-uninfected and 161 HPV-infected women. TGFB1 levels were determined with immunofluorimetric assay. Case-control analyses were performed with logistic regression adjusted for possible confounders. Women carrying –1347TT or –1347CT+TT as well as those with 29CT, 29CC, or 29CT+CC were more likely to have HPV than –1347CC and 29TT carriers, respectively. Regarding haplotypes, the most frequent were *4 (GCTG) and *3 (GTCG). Women *4/*4 were less likely to have HPV than those with no *4 copy. Comparing the inheritance of *3 and *4, carriers of *3/*4 or *3/*3 were more susceptible to HPV than *4/*4. The TGFB1 plasma and cervical levels were higher in the infected patients. Plasma levels were also higher in infected women with low-grade lesions. HPV-infected patients carrying *3/Other and *3/Other+*3/*3 presented lower TGFB1 plasma levels than those with no copy of *3. TGFB1 variants could contribute to the comprehension of the TGFB1 role in HPV-caused cervical disease.
Withaferin A Enhances Mitochondrial Biogenesis and BNIP3-Mediated Mitophagy to Promote Rapid Adaptation to Extreme Hypoxia
Authors: Zhao Ruzhou , Xu Yixin , Wang Xiaobo , Zhou Xiang , Liu Yanqi , Jiang Shuai , Zhang Lin , Yu Zhibin
Published: December 2022

Rapid adaptation to extreme hypoxia is a challenging problem, and there is no effective scheme to achieve rapid adaptation to extreme hypoxia. In this study, we found that withaferin A (WA) can significantly reduce myocardial damage, maintain cardiac function, and improve survival in rats in extremely hypoxic environments. Mechanistically, WA protects against extreme hypoxia by affecting BCL2-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3)-mediated mitophagy and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α)-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis pathway among mitochondrial quality control mechanisms. On the one hand, enhanced mitophagy eliminates hypoxia-damaged mitochondria and prevents the induction of apoptosis; on the other hand, enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis can supplement functional mitochondria and maintain mitochondrial respiration to ensure mitochondrial ATP production under acute extreme hypoxia. Our study shows that WA can be used as an effective drug to improve tolerance to extreme hypoxia.
Human Placental Endothelial Cell and Trophoblast Heterogeneity and Differentiation Revealed by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Li Han , Peng Hao , Hong Wei , Wei Yingying , Tian Haojun , Huang Xiaojie , Jia Linyan , Zheng Jing , Duan Tao , He Qizhi , Wang Kai
Published: December 2022

Background: The placenta is an important organ for fetal and maternal health during pregnancy and impacts offspring health late in life. Defects in placental vasculature and trophoblast have been identified in several pregnancy complications. Thus, the detailed molecular profile and heterogeneity of endothelial cells and trophoblasts in placentas will aid us in better understanding placental behaviors and improving pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to profile the transcriptomics of human placental villous tissues from eleven patients with normal pregnancies in the first and second trimesters (6–16 weeks of gestation). Results: The transcriptomic landscape of 52,179 single cells was obtained, and the cells were classified as trophoblasts, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, erythroid cells, Hofbauer cells, and macrophages. Our analysis further revealed the three subtypes of placental endothelial cells, with distinct metabolic signatures and transcription factor regulatory networks. We also determined the transcriptomic features of the trophoblast subpopulations and characterized two distinct populations of progenitor cells in cytotrophoblasts, which were capable of differentiating to extravillous trophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts, respectively. Conclusions: Our study provided a high-resolution molecular profile of the human placenta between 6 and 16 weeks of gestation. Our data revealed the placental cell complexity and demonstrated the transcriptional networks and signaling involved in placental endothelial and trophoblast differentiation during early pregnancy, which will be a resource for future studies of the human placental development.
Ferroptosis and Iron Metabolism after Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Sun Yuanyuan , Li Qian , Guo Hongxiu , He Quanwei
Published: December 2022

The method of iron-dependent cell death known as ferroptosis is distinct from apoptosis. The suppression of ferroptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) will effectively treat ICH and improve prognosis. This paper primarily summarizes the mechanism of ferroptosis after ICH, with an emphasis on lipid peroxidation, the antioxidant system, iron metabolism, and other pathways. In addition, regulatory targets and drug molecules were described. Although there has been some progress in the field of study, there are still numerous gaps. The mechanism by which non-heme iron enters neurons through the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the mitochondrial role in ferroptosis, and the specific mechanism by which lipid peroxidation induces ferroptosis remain unclear and require further study. In addition, the inhibitory effect of many drugs on ferroptosis after ICH has only been demonstrated in basic experiments and must be translated into clinical trials. In summary, research on ferroptosis following ICH will play an important role in the treatment of ICH.
Repeated Superovulation Accelerates Primordial Follicle Activation and Atresia
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhao Shu-Xian , He Jian-Ning , Zhao Hua , Gu Bao-Xia , Xie Juan-Ke , Zhao Yi-Jun , Zhang Cui-Lian , Ge Zhao-Jia
Published: December 2022

For humans, ARTs (assisted reproductive technologies) have become the most effective method to treat subfertility/infertility in clinic. To obtain enough oocytes during ART, ovarian stimulation is performed by exogenous hormones, and some patients undergo several ovarian stimulation cycles. Although some adverse effects of ARTs on women and offspring are reported, few studies are focused on the effects of multiple superovulation on ovarian reserve. In the present study, we found that repeated superovulation significantly reduced primordial follicle number and the serum AMH. Compared to the decreased antral follicle number, the expression of genes related to primordial follicle activation, such as Foxo3, Akt, and Rptor, and the atretic follicle number in ovaries were increased by superovulation times. We further found that repeated superovulation reduced the plasma level of FSH, LH, and estradiol, and increased the expression of genes related to apoptosis (Bax, Casp3 (caspase-3), Casp8, and Casp9) in granulosa cells, providing evidence that repeated superovulation disrupted the balance between survival and death in granulosa cells. In summary, our results suggest that repeated superovulation has adverse effects on folliculogenesis.
Pharmacological Evidence of the Important Roles of CCR1 and CCR3 and Their Endogenous Ligands CCL2/7/8 in Hypersensitivity Based on a Murine Model of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Pawlik Katarzyna , Ciapała Katarzyna , Ciechanowska Agata , Kwiatkowski Klaudia , Mika Joanna
Published: December 2022

Neuropathic pain treatment remains a challenging issue because the therapies currently used in the clinic are not sufficiently effective. Moreover, the mechanism of neuropathy is still not entirely understood; however, much evidence indicates that chemokines are important factors in the initial and late phases of neuropathic pain. To date, the roles of CCR1, CCR3 and their endogenous ligands have not been extensively studied; therefore, they have become the subject of our research. In the present comprehensive behavioral and biochemical study, we detected significant time-dependent and long-lasting increases in the mRNA levels of CCR1 and/or CCR3 ligands, such as CCL2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9, in the murine spinal cord after chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve, and these increases were accompanied by changes in the levels of microglial/macrophage, astrocyte and neutrophil cell markers. ELISA results suggested that endogenous ligands of CCR1 and CCR3 are involved in the development (CCL2/3/5/7/8/9) and persistence (CCL2/7/8) of neuropathic pain. Moreover, intrathecal injection of CCL2/3/5/7/8/9 confirmed their possible strong influence on mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity development. Importantly, inhibition of CCL2/7/8 production and CCR1 and CCR3 blockade by selective/dual antagonists effectively reduced neuropathic pain-like behavior. The obtained data suggest that CCL2/7/8/CCR1 and CCL7/8/CCR3 signaling are important in the modulation of neuropathic pain in mice and that these chemokines and their receptors may be interesting targets for future investigations.
Biomarkers Use and Development in Hepatology: Insights on the Latest Applications
Authors: Mangia Alessandra
Published: December 2022

Biomarkers can be defined as measurable characteristics to be evaluated as indicators of normal or pathogenic biological processes, or as predictors of treatment response [...]
Body Mass Trajectory Affects the Long-Term Occurrence of Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Patients with Severe Obesity
Authors: Hazart Juliette , Montel Florence , Gentes Elodie , Lahaye Clément , Pouget Mélanie , Farigon Nicolas , Miolanne Magalie , Mulliez Aurélien , Boirie Yves
Published: December 2022

Independently of absolute BMI values, the amount, onset date, and duration of early body weight gain may influence cardio-metabolic health later in adulthood. Values of cardiac and metabolic variables from a cohort study of morbidly obese patients were retrospectively analyzed to study the association between early weight history and metabolic syndrome (MetS) occurrence in adults. Of 950 patients with severe morbid obesity (age 44.3 ± 13.8 y, BMI 42.5 ± 7.0 kg/m2), 31.4% had started excess weight gain in childhood (CH), 19.9% in adolescence (ADO), and 48.7% in adulthood (AD). Despite different BMI values, MetS prevalence (57.8%) was not significantly different in the three groups (54.4% CH vs. 57.7% ADO vs. 59.8% AD, p = 0.59). The overweight onset period was not significantly associated with the development of MetS in adults (ADO: OR = 1.14 [0.69–1.92], p = 0.60; AD: OR = 0.99 [0.62–1.56], p = 0.95) despite a higher BMI in the early obesity onset group. Weight gain of more than 50% after age 18 years significantly increased the risk of MetS (OR = 1.75 [1.07–2.88], p = 0.026). In addition to crude BMI values, analysis of body mass trajectories is a relevant clinical tool in the assessment of metabolic risk, suggesting that the magnitude of weight gain may be more important for metabolic syndrome progression than the period of obesity onset.
Demographics, Diagnoses, Drugs, and Adjuvants in Patients on Chronic Opioid Therapy vs. Intermittent Use in a Tertiary Pediatric Chronic Pain Clinic
Authors: Tolley James A. , Michel Martha A. , Sarmiento Elisa J.
Published: December 2022

Anywhere from 11.6% to 20% of pediatric and adolescent patients treated for chronic pain are prescribed opioids, but little is known about these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of patients on chronic opioid therapy (COT) and what therapies had been utilized prior to or in conjunction with COT. The study was a retrospective chart review of all chronic pain patients seen during 2020 with those patients on COT separated for analysis. A total of 346 unique patients were seen of which 257 were female (74.3%). The average age was 15.5 years. A total of 48 patients (13.9%) were identified as being on COT with an average age of 18.1 years. Of these, 23 (47.9%) were male which was significantly more than expected. The most common reason for patients to be receiving COT was palliative (13/48), and the second most common was sickle cell anemia (10/48). Patients on COT were significantly more likely to be male, be older, and to be concurrently prescribed benzodiazepines. Concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine therapy is a risk factor for respiratory depression and overdose. Further investigation into the increased proportion of males and benzodiazepine usage in patients on COT is warranted.
Evidence of Chronic Complement Activation in Asymptomatic Pediatric Brain Injury Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Holmes Scott A. , Mar’i Joud , Lemme Jordan , Maallo Anne Margarette , Lebel Alyssa , Simons Laura , O’Brien Michael J. , Zurakowski David , Burnstein Rami , Borsook David
Published: December 2022

Physical insult from a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) leads to changes in blood flow in the brain and measurable changes in white matter, suggesting a physiological basis for chronic symptom presentation. Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is frequently reported by persons after an mTBI that may persist beyond the acute period (>3 months). It remains unclear whether ongoing inflammation may contribute to the clinical trajectory of PTH. We recruited a cohort of pediatric subjects with PTH who had an acute or a persistent clinical trajectory, each around the 3-month post-injury time point, as well as a group of age and sex-matched healthy controls. We collected salivary markers of mRNA expression as well as brain imaging and psychological testing. The persistent PTH group showed the highest levels of psychological burden and pain symptom reporting. Our data suggest that the acute and persistent PTH cohort had elevated levels of complement factors relative to healthy controls. The greatest change in mRNA expression was found in the acute-PTH cohort wherein the complement cascade and markers of vascular health showed a prominent role for C1Q in PTH pathophysiology. These findings (1) underscore a prolonged engagement of what is normally a healthy response and (2) show that a persistent PTH symptom trajectory may parallel a poorly regulated inflammatory response.
Climate Patterns Affecting Cold Season Air Pollution of Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia
Authors: Sumiya Erdenesukh , Dorligjav Sandelger , Purevtseren Myagmartseren , Gombodorj Gantulga , Byamba-Ochir Munkhbat , Dugerjav Oyunchimeg , Sugar Munkhnaran , Batsuuri Bolormaa , Tsegmid Bazarkhand
Published: December 2022

Many studies have been conducted on air pollution in Ulaanbaatar city. However, most have focused on the sources of pollutants and their characteristics and distribution. Although the location of the city subjects it to unavoidable natural conditions where air pollution accumulates during the cold season, nature-based solutions have not yet been considered in the projects implemented to mitigate air pollution levels. Therefore, this study aims to determine the combined influence of geography and atmospheric factors on cold season air pollution. The spatiotemporal variations in the variables were investigated using meteorological observation data from 1991 to 2020 in the different land-use areas. Then, atmospheric stagnation conditions and air pollution potential parameters were estimated from daily radiosonde data. Subsequently, the temporal variations in air pollutants were studied and correlated with estimates of the above parameters. In the Ulaanbaatar depression, the stable cold air lake (colder than −13.5 °C), windless (34–66% of all observations), and poor turbulent mixing conditions were formed under the near-surface temperature inversion layer in the cold season. Moreover, due to the mountain topography, the winds toward the city center from all sides cause polluted air to accumulate in the city center for long periods. Air pollution potential was categorized as very high and high (<4000 m2·s−1), in the city in winter, indicating the worst air quality. Thus, further urban planning policy should consider these nature factors.
Impact of Climate Information Services on Crop Yield in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Onyeneke Chinenye Judith , Umeh Gibson Nwabueze , Onyeneke Robert Ugochukwu
Published: December 2022

This paper assessed crop farmers’ access and utilization of climate information services (CIS) and impact of CIS use on crop yields in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 405 farmers from the State, and data were collected through a survey of the farmers using a questionnaire. We employed descriptive statistics, endogenous treatment effect, and Heckman probit selection model to analyze the data collected. The result indicates that a majority (89%) of the farmers accessed climate information and that the common sources of climate information include agricultural extension officers, fellow farmers, and radio. This study shows that 88% of the farmers used climate information services in making farming decisions. Farmers’ age, household size, marital status, farming experience, income extension contact, ownership of television, ownership of radio, ownership of mobile phone, proximity to the market, workshop/training participation, climate events experienced, and knowledge of appropriate application of fertilizer significantly influenced both access and utilization of CIS. The use of CIS in planning for farming activities significantly increased rice, maize, and cassava yields. The study demonstrates the important contribution of climate information services in crop production. We therefore recommend that access and use of climate information services in agricultural communities should be increased.
Advantages and Limitations in the Evaluation of the Neurological and Functional Deficit in Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Lascu Camelia Florentina , Buhaș Camelia Liana , Mekeres Gabriel Mihai , Bulzan Mădălin , Boț Robert Bogdan , Căiță Georgiana Albina , Voiță Ioan Bogdan , Pogan Mihaela Dana
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Vertebro-medullary trauma (VMT) causes osteo-articular injuries in a varied anatomical lesion associated with multiple clinical manifestations and therapeutic indications. The neurological evaluation of patients who have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) is costly in testing the motor and sensory function. To standardize the assessment, several scales are used that measure the neurological deficit in order to guide subsequent treatment according to complete or incomplete SCI. The aim of this study is to identify and present the relevant tools for assessing SCI. (2) Methods: Relevant SCI studies were used for a fact-finding investigation from a rational and critical perspective of this field of research. The relationship between clinical tools and those with a psychosocial component was assessed based on studies reported in the literature. (3) Results: SCI severity scales have been proposed throughout to be able to estimate the functional prognosis of victims of these traumatic events. These tools can be divided into scales for assessing the neurological deficit due to trauma, and functional scales that assess the ability to perform daily activities, self-care, etc. (4) Conclusions: The closest scale to the need for standardization and the most accurate assessment of neurological deficits secondary to SCI is ASIA/IMSOP.
Evaluating the Electrochemical and In Vitro Degradation of an HA-Titania Nano-Channeled Coating for Effective Corrosion Resistance of Biodegradable Mg Alloy
Authors: Singh Navdeep , Batra Uma , Kumar Kamal , Siddiquee Arshad Noor
Published: December 2022

Extensive research into magnesium (Mg) alloys highlights their possible applications in the field of biodegradable implants. As magnesium alloys are highly electronegative, it is imperative to tailor their degradation rate for clinical safety. Surface coatings have been widely used for the corrosion protection of Mg alloys, but the presence of spatial defects limits their effectiveness. An innovative and near-defect-free hydroxyapatite (HA)-TiO2 nano-channeled (TNC) coating architecture has been developed on ZM21 Mg alloy in the present study by combining anodization and the sol-gel dip coating technique. The HA-TNC coating positively shifted the Ecorr of ZM21 Mg alloy from −1.38 to −0.61 V. Accordingly, the corrosion current density (Icorr, 5.8 × 10−6 A/cm2) was suppressed by 53.4 times compared to uncoated ZM21 Mg alloy. The polarization resistance (Rp) and charge transfer resistance (Rct) values are the highest among all other samples, indicating the superior shielding ability of the coating. During in vitro immersion for up to 28 days in simulated body fluid (SBF), the HA−TNC coating maintained the lowest degradation rate and hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of 1.10 ± 0.22 mg/cm2/day and 1.83 ± 0.41 mL/cm2/day, respectively. A compact and structurally stable 2D plate-like HA (Ca/P:1.55), mineralized on HA-TNC-coated ZM21, provides effective shielding against the penetration of aggressive ions with prolonged SBF immersion. The findings of the present study provide a rational design for the development of bioactive ceramic coatings on Mg-based bioimplants.
Evolution of Elements on Electrode Surfaces in Gas-Insulated Systems under Electrical Heating
Authors: Sun Jixing , Zhang Kun , Hu Kaixuan , Liu Jiyong , Tian Yu , Wang Xin , Yan Shengchun
Published: December 2022

Accidents always occur in gas-insulated switchgears (GIS) and gas-insulated lines (GIL) since filmed joint electrodes are produced when internal gases react with the electrode’s surface when there is a discharge or when internal electricals overheat. To solve the problem, this paper analyzed the evolution of elements on the contact electrode. The reaction of the SF6 and electrode’s surface under breakdown currents and overheating conditions was obtained, and the discharge time and discharge current effects upon the transfer of the element were proposed. It was found that the mobility of the F element on the electrode’s surface typically increases after electrical heating. The number of interruptions and short-circuit currents are important factors affecting the transfer of the F element to the electrode. The flashover current is the essential factor that accelerates the transfer of the F element to insulating materials. Frequent switching is a main factor that accelerates the transfer of the F element to the contact. It was also found that Al has little correlations with the breaking process, and metal fluorides become the main components on the electrode’s surface under discharge heating. The research provides a theoretical basis and data support for GIS/GIL surface optimization treatments and the improvement of fault detection methods.
Tailoring the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures by Zirconium Doping
Authors: Khan Asad ur Rehman , Ramzan Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Zubair Muhammad , Shahab Sana , Ahmed Sara J. , Ferreira Fábio , Iqbal Muhammad Faisal
Published: December 2022

Owing to its low resistivity, high transmittance, and tunable optical band gap, ZnO is of great interest for optoelectronic applications. Herein, the sol–gel technique was used to synthesize un-doped and zirconium-doped zinc oxide (ZZO) nanostructures with different concentrations of Zirconium (Zr). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) measurements were used to investigate the influence of Zr doping on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of developed nanostructures. XRD and SEM confirmed the increase in crystallite size with increasing concentrations of Zr. Raman analysis indicated the presence of oxygen vacancies in synthesized nanostructures. UV-Vis spectroscopy illustrated the blue shift of band gap and red shift of the absorption edge for ZZO nanostructures with increasing concentrations of Zr. For the measurement of electrical properties, the spin-coating technique was used to deposit un-doped and Zr-doped ZnO layers of ~165 nm thickness. The four-probe-point (4PP) method illustrated that the doping of Zr caused a reduction in electrical resistance. Hall Effect measurements showed a high value, 3.78 × 1020 cm−3, of the carrier concentration and a low value, 10.2 cm2/Vs, of the carrier mobility for the Zr-doped layer. The high optical transmittance of ~80%, wide band gap of 3.51 eV, low electrical resistivity of 1.35 × 10−3 Ω·cm, and maximum carrier concentration of 3.78 × 1020 cm−3 make ZZO nanostructures one of the most promising candidates for the application of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) in optoelectronic devices.
Mitigation of Urban Heat Island Effects by Thermochromic Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Lima Orlando , Freitas Elisabete , Cardoso Pedro , Segundo Iran Rocha , Margalho Élida , Moreira Luís , O. Nascimento José Heriberto , Landi Salmon , Carneiro Joaquim
Published: December 2022

Asphalt road pavements are usually dark and, consequently, have a low albedo. Therefore, they absorb energy as heat, increasing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which impacts the environment, energy consumption, and human health. Through the functionalization with thermochromic materials (TM), this work aims to develop a smart asphalt pavement able to change its surface color, increasing the reflectance, and thus mitigate this phenomenon. To achieve this goal, asphalt substrates were functionalized by a surface spray coating of a thermochromic solution (TS) containing aqueous solution of thermochromic microcapsules (thermocapsules), dye, and epoxy resin. To evaluate the functionalization features, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermal Differential test (TDT) with cyclic temperature variation were performed in the functionalized asphalt binder. Moreover, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS), a Quick Ultraviolet Accelerated Weathering Test (QUV) with Colorimetry test, and an adaptation of the Accelerated Polishing Test (APT) were performed on the functionalized asphalt mixture. The results indicate that the functionalization of asphalt substrates with TS exhibits a reversible color-change ability, higher luminosity values when subjected to temperatures above 30 °C, and wear resistance.
Electrostatic Forces in Control of the Foamability of Nonionic Surfactant
Authors: Karakashev Stoyan I. , Grozev Nikolay A. , Hristova Svetlana , Mircheva Kristina , Ozdemir Orhan
Published: December 2022

Can the DLVO theory predict the foamability of flotation frothers as MIBC (methyl isobutyl carbinol)? The flotation froth is a multi-bubble system, in which the bubbles collide, thus either coalescing or rebounding. This scenario is driven by the hydrodynamic push force, pressing the bubbles towards each other, the electrostatic and van der Waals forces between the bubbles, and the occurrence of the precipitation of the dissolved air between the bubbles. We studied the foamability of 20 ppm MIBC at constant ionic strength I = 7.5 × 10−4 mol/L at different pH values in the absence and presence of modified silica particles, which were positively charged, thus covering the negatively charged bubbles. Hence, we observed an increase in the foamability with the increase in the pH value until pH = 8.3, beyond which it decreased. The electrostatic repulsion between the bubbles increased with the increase in the pH value, which caused the electrostatic stabilization of the froth and subsequently an increase in the foamability. The presence of the particles covering the bubbles boosted the foamability also due to the steric repulsion between the bubbles. The decrease in the foamability at pH > 8.3 can be explained by the fact that, under such conditions, the solubility of carbon dioxide vanished, thus making the aqueous solution supersaturated with carbon dioxide. This caused the precipitation of the latter and the emergence of microbubbles, which usually make the bubbles coalesce. Of course, our explanation remains a hypothesis.
Fabrication and Characterization of Ag–Ta Thin Films by Co-Magnetron Sputtering as Alternative Layer for High Reflection of NIR Radiation
Authors: Phae-Ngam Wuttichai , Rattana Tanattha , Kamoldilok Surachart , Kohmun Kanokporn , Nakajima Hideki , Triamnak Narit , Chananonnawathorn Chanunthorn , Hincheeranan Wantanee , Horprathum Mati
Published: December 2022

Silver–tantalum (Ag–Ta) thin films were fabricated by magnetron co-sputtering on silicon (Si) wafer (100) and glass slide substrates at room temperature. The Ag–Ta thin films were prepared at various deposition times of 5, 10, 20 and 30 s and the physical, structural and optical properties of the Ag–Ta thin films were investigated. It was determined that the thicknesses of the films were 7, 9, 17 and 33 nm, respectively. The results revealed that an increase in the film thickness leads to a monotonic increase in FCC and BCC phase of Ag and Ta, respectively. The work function and stoichiometric of the Ag–Ta thin films were investigated by ultraviolet and X-ray photoemission spectroscopies (UPS and XPS), respectively. The potential of Ag–Ta thin films to be used as low-emission coating was investigated using a spectrophotometer. A UV–VIS–NIR spectrophotometer was used to measure the spectral reflectance in the wavelength range from 300 to 2000 nm. The results showed that the Ag–Ta thin film deposited for 30 s exhibited higher reflectance in NIR region than those of 5, 10, 20 and 30 s. It demonstrated an average reflectance of about 80% and slightly decreased to 75% after being kept in the air atmosphere for 28 days. It can be likewise proposed as an alternative thin film with high reflectance of NIR radiation single layer to develop industrial low-emission coating for cost-effective, clean, and easy adaptation to a large area coating.
Influences of Synthetic Parameters on Morphology and Growth of High Entropy Oxide Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Shi Yunzhu , Li Rui , Lei Zhifeng
Published: December 2022

Nanoscale and nanostructured materials have drawn great attention owing to their outstanding and unique properties. Enlightened by the study of “entropy-stabilized oxides”, nanotubes consisting of multi-component mixed metal oxides are developed, which formed on equi-atomic TiZrHfNbTa high-entropy alloy (HEA). However, the growth mechanism and how the oxidation conditions influence the nanotube growth and morphology remains unknown. In the present study, by controlling the anodization parameters (applied voltages and time) and bath compositions (fluoride concentration and water content), scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy are conducted to reveal the morphological evolution. The present work uncovers how the synthetic parameters influence the tube growth and morphology formed on equi-atomic TiZrHfNbTa HEA, therefore gaining insight into the growth mechanism and the feasibility of controlling the morphology of multi-component oxide nanotubes.
Preparation of Nanochitin Films with Oligochitin Graft Chains
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuya , Obama Yu , Kadokawa Jun-ichi
Published: December 2022

Even nowadays, chitin is mostly unutilized as a biomass resource, although it is abundantly present in nature. To develop an efficient method to use chitin as the component in new functional bio-based materials, in this study, we investigated the preparation of a flexible nanochitin (chitin nanofiber, ChNF) film with oligochitin dihexanoate graft chains. The parent ChNF film was prepared by regeneration of a chitin ion gel with an ionic liquid, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (AMIMBr), using methanol and subsequent filtration. However, the obtained film showed a quite brittle nature, probably because of the high crystallinity of the chitin chains. To reduce the crystallinity, oligochitin dihexanoate, which was provided by partial depolymerization of the parent chitin dihexanoate under acidic conditions, was modified on the partially deacetylated ChNF film by reductive amination. The introduction of the oligochitin dihexanoate graft chains was supported by 1H NMR and IR measurements. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile of a film, which was obtained from an aqueous acetic acid suspension of the grafted product, indicated a reduction in chitin crystallinity, which contributes to the disappearance of nanofiber morphology and enhancement of flexibility. The removal of hexanoyl groups from the film was performed by treatment with aqueous NaOH. The IR and XRD measurements of the obtained film suggested the compete dehexanoylation and the reformation of the chitin crystalline structure, respectively. This study provides a method to fabricate new bio-based graft and soft materials entirely comprising chitin moieties.
Experiments with Active-Set LP Algorithms Allowing Basis Deficiency
Authors: Guerrero-García Pablo , Hendrix Eligius M. T.
Published: December 2022

An interesting question for linear programming (LP) algorithms is how to deal with solutions in which the number of nonzero variables is less than the number of rows of the matrix in standard form. An approach is that of basis deficiency-allowing (BDA) simplex variations, which work with a subset of independent columns of the coefficient matrix in standard form, wherein the basis is not necessarily represented by a square matrix. We describe one such algorithm with several variants. The research question deals with studying the computational behaviour by using small, extreme cases. For these instances, we must wonder which parameter setting or variants are more appropriate. We compare the setting of two nonsimplex active-set methods with Holmström’s TomLab LpSimplex v3.0 commercial sparse primal simplex commercial implementation. All of them update a sparse QR factorization in Matlab. The first two implementations require fewer iterations and provide better solution quality and running time.
Magnetic Monopoles, Dyons and Confinement in Quantum Matter
Authors: Trugenberger Carlo A.
Published: December 2022

We show that magnetic monopoles appear naturally in granular quantum matter. Their condensation leads to a new state of matter, superinsulation, in which Cooper pairs are bound into purely electric pions by strings of electric flux. These electric flux tubes, the dual of Abrikosov vortices, prevent the separation of charge–hole pairs, thereby causing an infinite resistance, even at finite temperatures, the dual behaviour of superconductors. We will discuss the electric Meissner effect, asymptotic freedom and their measurements and describe the recent direct detection of a linear, confining potential by dynamic relaxation experiments. Finally, we consider dyons, excitations carrying both a magnetic and an electric charge, and show that a condensate of such dyons leads to a possible solution of the mysteries of the pseudogap state of high-Tc cuprates.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Dynamic Behavior of Materials”
Authors: Wang Chuanting , Zheng Yuanfeng , Zhang Shuhai , Tang Wenhui , He Yong
Published: December 2022

The dynamic behavior of materials is a field at the confluence of several scientific disciplines [...]
Enhancing Photoluminescence and Stability of CsPbI3 Perovskite Quantum Dots via Cysteine Post-Processing
Authors: Chen Sijie , Wei Jianwu , Pang Qi
Published: December 2022

Red-emitting cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) perovskite quantum dots (CQDs) are extremely unstable due to their structural composition and the weak binding force of ligands on the surface of nanocrystals. Herein, we report an effective method to enhance the photoluminescence and stability of CQDs by simple post-processing with cysteine (Cys). Compared to the pristine CQDs with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 38.61%, the Cys-processed one has fewer surface defects, obtaining a PLQY of 70.77%, nearly twice as much as the pristine samples, and, simultaneously, the Cys-processed CQDs retained more than 86% of the initial PL intensity after 20 days of storage in the atmosphere. This research provides a new idea for the preparation of high-performance and red-emitting quantum dots.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Interdiffusion for Cubic and Hexagonal SiC/Al Interfaces
Authors: Tahani Masoud , Postek Eligiusz , Sadowski Tomasz
Published: December 2022

The mechanical properties of the SiC/Al interface are crucial in estimating the overall strength of this ceramic-metal composite. The present work investigates the interdiffusion at the SiC/Al interface using molecular dynamics simulations. One cubic and one hexagonal SiC with a higher probability of orientations in contact with Al are examined as two samples of metal-matrix nanocomposites with whisker and particulate reinforcements. These reinforcements with the Si- and C-terminated surfaces of the SiC/Al interfaces are also studied. The average main and cross-interdiffusion coefficients are evaluated using a single diffusion couple for each system. The effect of temperature and annealing time are analysed on the self- and interdiffusion coefficients. It is found that the diffusion of Al in SiC is similar in cubic and hexagonal SiC and as expected, the interdiffusion coefficient increases as the temperature and annealing time increase. The model after diffusion can be used to evaluate the overall mechanical properties of the interface region in future studies.
Gut Bacterial Communities Vary across Habitats and Their Diversity Increases with Increasing Glucocorticoids in Toad Tadpoles
Authors: Gabor Caitlin R. , Villatoro-Castañeda Melissa , Carlos-Shanley Camila , Ujhegyi Nikolett , Bókony Veronika
Published: December 2022

The gut microbiome is important for host health and can be influenced by environmental and hormonal changes. We studied the interactions between anthropogenic land use, glucocorticoid hormones, and gut bacterial communities in common toads (Bufo bufo). We sampled tadpoles from ponds of three habitat types (natural, agricultural, and urban ponds), examined gut microbiome composition using amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and measured the associated stress physiology using water-borne hormones. Tadpoles from different habitat types significantly differed in bacterial composition. However, bacterial richness, Shannon diversity, and Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio did not vary with habitat type. In contrast with other studies, we found a positive correlation between baseline corticosterone release rate and bacterial diversity. Stress response and negative feedback were not significantly correlated with bacterial diversity. These results suggest that, despite alterations in the composition of intestinal bacterial communities due to land-use change, common toad tadpoles in anthropogenic habitats may maintain their physiological health in terms of the “gut-brain axis”.
“Lepidoptera Flies”, but Not Always…Interactions of Caterpillars and Chrysalis with Soil
Authors: Legal Luc
Published: December 2022

Lepidoptera, an order of insects traditionally linked to the aerial habitat, are much more diverse in their living environment than the clichéd image we may have of them. The imago stage, which is the most visible in these insects, is not the one that has the most interaction with the environment (usually caterpillars) nor the one that lasts the longest (very often chrysalises). These two stages are often directly related to litter and soil, although only the interaction at the pupal stage seems to follow a phylogenetic logic with two independent evolutionary events for the preference with soil: Use of litter and the upper “O” horizon as protection against predation for the evolutionarily oldest Lepidoptera families, pupation at greater depths (up to 60 centimetres in extreme cases) for the most derived Lepidoptera families; this probably to take advantage of the thermal and moisture buffer provided by the soil. An estimate suggests that about 25% of lepidopteran species worldwide have more or less obligatory interactions with soil.
Quantitative EEG as a Biomarker in Evaluating Post-Stroke Depression
Authors: Livinț Popa Livia , Chira Diana , Dăbală Victor , Hapca Elian , Popescu Bogdan Ovidiu , Dina Constantin , Cherecheș Răzvan , Strilciuc Ștefan , Mureșanu Dafin F.
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Post-stroke depression (PSD) has complex pathophysiology determined by various biological and psychological factors. Although it is a long-term complication of stroke, PSD is often underdiagnosed. Given the diagnostic role of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) in depression, it was investigated whether a possible marker of PSD could be identified by observing the evolution of the (Delta + Theta)/(Alpha + Beta) Ratio (DTABR), respectively the Delta/Alpha Ratio (DAR) values in post-stroke depressed patients (evaluated through the HADS-D subscale). Methods: The current paper analyzed the data of 57 patients initially selected from a randomized control trial (RCT) that assessed the role of N-Pep 12 in stroke rehabilitation. EEG recordings from the original trial database were analyzed using signal processing techniques, respecting the conditions (eyes open, eyes closed), and several cognitive tasks. Results: We observed two significant associations between the DTABR values and the HADS-D scores of post-stroke depressed patients for each of the two visits (V1 and V2) of the N-Pep 12 trial. We recorded the relationships in the Global (V1 = 30 to 120 days after stroke) and Frontal Extended (V2 = 90 days after stroke) regions during cognitive tasks that trained attention and working memory. For the second visit, the association between the analyzed variables was negative. Conclusions: As both our relationships were described during the cognitive condition, we can state that the neural networks involved in processing attention and working memory might go through a reorganization process one to four months after the stroke onset. After a period longer than six months, the process could localize itself at the level of frontal regions, highlighting a possible divergence between the local frontal dynamics and the subjective well-being of stroke survivors. QEEG parameters linked to stroke progression evolution (like DAR or DTABR) can facilitate the identification of the most common neuropsychiatric complication in stroke survivors.
Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Applications to Reduce Metal Artifacts in Hip Prostheses: A Phantom Study
Authors: Conti Daniele , Baruffaldi Fabio , Erani Paolo , Festa Anna , Durante Stefano , Santoro Miriam
Published: December 2022

Metal components of hip prostheses cause severe artifacts in CT images, influencing diagnostic accuracy. Metal artifact reduction (MAR) software and virtual monoenergetic reconstructions on dual-energy CT (DECT) systems are possible solutions that should be considered. In this study, we created a customized adjustable phantom to quantify the severity of artifacts on periprosthetic tissues (cortical and spongious bone, soft tissues) for hip prostheses. The severity of artifacts was classified by different thresholds of deviation from the CT numbers for reference objects not affected by artifacts. The in vitro setup was applied on four unilateral and three bilateral configurations of hip prostheses (made of titanium, cobalt, and stainless steel alloys) with a DECT system, changing the energy of virtual monoenergetic reconstructions, with and without MAR. The impact of these tools on the severity of artifacts was scored, looking for the best scan conditions for the different configurations. For titanium prostheses, the reconstruction at 110 keV, without MAR, always minimized the artifacts. For cobalt and stainless-steel prostheses, MAR should always be applied, while monoenergetic reconstruction alone did not show clear advantages. The available tools for reducing metal artifacts must therefore be applied depending on the examined prosthetic configuration.
Advanced MR Imaging for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review on Local and Brain Effects
Authors: Mallio Carlo A. , Bernetti Caterina , Agostini Francesco , Mangone Massimiliano , Paoloni Marco , Santilli Gabriele , Martina Francesca Maria , Quattrocchi Carlo C. , Zobel Bruno Beomonte , Bernetti Andrea
Published: December 2022

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic disability worldwide and is a significant social and economic burden on healthcare systems; hence it has become essential to develop methods to identify patients at risk for developing knee osteoarthritis at an early stage. Standard morphological MRI sequences are focused mostly on alterations seen in advanced stages of osteoarthritis. However, they possess low sensitivity for early, subtle, and potentially reversible changes of the degenerative process. In this review, we have summarized the state of the art with regard to innovative quantitative MRI techniques that exploit objective and quantifiable biomarkers to identify subtle alterations that occur in early stages of osteoarthritis in knee cartilage before any morphological alteration occurs and to capture potential effects on the brain. These novel MRI imaging tools are believed to have great potential for improving the current standard of care, but further research is needed to address limitations before these compositional techniques can be robustly applied in research and clinical settings.
Association of High Immunohistochemical Expression of Minichromosome Maintenance 3 with Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zahir Rabia , Khan Zafar Ali , Aleem Benish , Ahmad Shahzad , Ali Asif , Issrani Rakhi , Alruwaili Mohammed Katib , Iqbal Shazia , Alghumaiz Shmoukh Fahad , Alanazi Sarah Hatab , Umer Muhammad Farooq , Ullah Ihsan , Sumera  , Ganji Kiran Kumar
Published: December 2022

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) may arise from premalignant oral lesions (PMOL) in most cases. Minichromosome maintenance 3 (MCM3) is a proliferative marker that has been investigated as a potential diagnostic biomarker in the diagnosis of oral cancer. Objectives: To evaluate the association of MCM3 expression, its clinicopathologic parameters and to identify snuff (also called naswar) as a potential risk factor for changes in MCM3 expression in PMOL and OSCC. Methodology: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of MCM3 was performed on 32 PMOL, 32 OSCC and 16 normal controls after optimization of IHC methodology. Histoscore (0–300) was used as a scoring system and seven different cut-offs were identified for analyses. Data were analyzed using various statistical tests. Results: Among the seven cutoffs, 40% strong positive cells were found to be a better cut-off as they were associated with many pathological variables (Broder’s grade, Aneroth’s grade, and mitotic activity). The differential MCM3 expression in oral lesions (PMOL and OSCC) was statistically significant (p = 0.03). Moreover, MCM3 expression is raised with increased duration and frequency of snuff use. Conclusion: High MCM3 expression is associated with disease progression and is a potential indicator of malignant transformations from PMOL to OSCC. Moreover, the use of snuff is associated with MCM3 over-expression.