bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Degradation Skilled Network for Infrared and Visible Image Fusion Based on Multi-Resolution SVD Updation
Authors: Suryanarayana Gunnam , Varadarajan Vijayakumar , Pillutla Siva Ramakrishna , Nagajyothi Grande , Kotapati Ghamya
Published: September 2022

Existing infrared (IR)-visible (VIS) image fusion algorithms demand source images with the same resolution levels. However, IR images are always available with poor resolution due to hardware limitations and environmental conditions. In this correspondence, we develop a novel image fusion model that brings resolution consistency between IR-VIS source images and generates an accurate high-resolution fused image. We train a single deep convolutional neural network model by considering true degradations in real time and reconstruct IR images. The trained multiple degradation skilled network (MDSNet) increases the prominence of objects in fused images from the IR source image. In addition, we adopt multi-resolution singular value decomposition (MRSVD) to capture maximum information from source images and update IR image coefficients with that of VIS images at the finest level. This ensures uniform contrast along with clear textural information in our results. Experiments demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method over nine state-of-the-art methods using five image quality assessment metrics.
Fused Tricyclic Guanidine Alkaloids: Insights into Their Structure, Synthesis and Bioactivity
Authors: Abd Rani Nur Zahirah , Lee Yean Kee , Ahmad Sarfraz , Meesala Ramu , Abdullah Iskandar
Published: September 2022

A marine natural product possesses a diverse and unique scaffold that contributes to a vast array of bioactivities. Tricyclic guanidine alkaloids are a type of scaffold found only in marine natural products. These rare skeletons exhibit a wide range of biological applications, but their synthetic approaches are still limited. Various stereochemical assignments of the compounds remain unresolved. Batzelladine and ptilocaulins are an area of high interest in research on tricyclic guanidine alkaloids. In addition, mirabilins and netamines are among the other tricyclic guanidine alkaloids that contain the ptilocaulin skeleton. Due to the different structural configurations of batzelladine and ptilocaulin, these two main skeletons are afforded attention in many reports. These two main skeletons exhibit different kinds of compounds by varying their ester chain and sidechain. The synthetic approaches to tricyclic guanidine alkaloids, especially the batzelladine and ptilocaulin skeletons, are discussed. Moreover, this review compiles the first and latest research on the synthesis of these compounds and their bioactivities, dating from the 1980s to 2022.
New Polyketides from Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Penicillium sp. BJR-P2 and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Chen Chen , Ye Geting , Tang Jing , Li Jialin , Liu Wenbin , Wu Li , Long Yuhua
Published: September 2022

Four new polyketide compounds, including two new unique isocoumarins penicillol A (1) and penicillol B (2) featuring with spiroketal rings, two new citreoviridin derivatives citreoviridin H (3) and citreoviridin I (4), along with four known analogues were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. BJR-P2. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods. The absolute configurations of compounds 1–4 based on electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, DP4+ analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction are presented. All the new compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. An anti-inflammatory assay indicated that compound 2 inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 12 μM, being more potent than the positive control, indomethacin (IC50 = 35.8 ± 5.7 μM). Docking study showed that compound 2 was perfectly docking into the active site of murine inducible nitric oxide oxygenase (iNOS) via forming multiple typical hydrogen bonds.
Cytotoxic Drimane-Type Sesquiterpenes from Co-Culture of the Marine-Derived Fungi Aspergillus carneus KMM 4638 and Beauveria felina (=Isaria felina) KMM 4639
Authors: Zhuravleva Olesya I. , Belousova Elena B. , Oleinikova Galina K. , Antonov Alexandr S. , Khudyakova Yuliya V. , Rasin Anton B. , Popov Roman S. , Menchinskaya Ekaterina S. , Trinh Phan Thi Hoai , Yurchenko Anton N. , Yurchenko Ekaterina A.
Published: September 2022

Chemical investigation of a coculture of the marine-derived fungi Beauveria felina KMM 4639 and Aspergillus carneus KMM 4638 led to the identification of three new drimane-type sesquiterpenes, asperflavinoids B, D and E (2, 4, 5), and nine previously reported related compounds. The structures of these compounds were established using spectroscopic methods and by comparison with known analogues. We also investigated the cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds against several cancer and normal cell lines. Asperflavinoid C (3) and ustusolate E (9) exerted a significant effect on human breast cancer MCF-7 cell viability, with IC50 values of 10 µM, and induced in caspase-dependent apoptosis and arrest of the MCF-7 cell cycle in the G2/M phase in these cells.
Effect of C-Clamp Application on Hemodynamic Instability in Polytrauma Victims with Pelvic Fracture
Authors: Gewiess Jan , Luedi Markus Martin , Schnüriger Beat , Tosounidis Theodoros Hercules , Keel Marius Johann Baptist , Bastian Johannes Dominik
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: C-clamp application may reduce mortality in patients with unstable pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability. Decreasing C-clamp use over the past decades may have resulted from concerns about its effectiveness and safety. The purpose of this study was to document effective hemodynamic stabilization after C-clamp application by means of vital parameters (primary outcome parameter), and the subsequent effect on metabolic indices and volume management (secondary outcome parameters). Materials and Methods: C-clamp application was performed between 2014 and 2021 for n = 13 patients (50 ± 18 years) with unstable pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability. Vital parameters, metabolic indices, volume management, and the correlation of factors and potential changes were analyzed. Results: After C-clamp application, increases were measured in systolic blood pressure (+15 mmHg; p = 0.0284) and mean arterial pressure (+12 mmHg; p = 0.0157), and a reduction of volume requirements (p = 0.0266) and bolus vasoactive medication needs (p = 0.0081) were observed. The earlier C-clamp application was performed, the greater the effect (p < 0.05; r > 0.6). Heart rate, shock index, and end-tidal CO2 were not significantly altered. The extent of base deficit, hemoglobin, and lactate did not correlate with changes in vital parameters. Conclusions: In the majority of hemodynamically unstable trauma patients not responding to initial fluid resuscitation and severe pelvic fracture, early C-clamp application had an additive effect on hemodynamic stabilization and reduction in volume substitution. Based on these findings, there is still a rationale for considering early C-clamp stabilization in this group of severely injured patients.
Comparing Preoperative Anxiety Effects of Brachial Plexus Block and General Anesthesia for Orthopedic Upper-Extremity Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Sertcakacilar Gokhan , Yildiz Gunes Ozlem , Bayram Berhan , Pektas Yaser , Cukurova Zafer , Hergunsel Gulsum Oya
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives: Preoperative anxiety is an enormous feeling of fear that is seen in all patients undergoing surgery. The severity of anxiety may vary depending on the type of surgery and anesthesia to be performed. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of brachial plexus blocks and general anesthesia methods on preoperative anxiety levels in patients who will undergo orthopedic upper-extremity surgery and to determine the factors affecting anxiety. Materials and Methods: After randomization, the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Knowledge Scale (APAIS) questionnaire was applied to the patients to determine the preoperative anxiety level, and then anesthesia was applied according to the anesthesia type determined. Pain scores (1, 8, 16, and 24 h) and total opioid consumption of the patients were recorded postoperatively. Results: The APAIS score of the patients in the general anesthesia (GA) group was significantly higher (p = 0.021). VAS score medians at 1, 4, and 8 h postoperatively were found to be significantly higher in the GA group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.044, respectively). Conclusions: USG-guided BPB may cause less anxiety than GA in patients who will undergo elective upper-extremity surgery. However, these patients have moderate anxiety, although it is more associated with advanced age, female gender, and education level.
Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Critical Appraisal of the Role of Gastric Plication in Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Tsao Lien-Cheng , Lin Joseph , Wang Bing-Yen , Chang Yu-Jun , Huang Cheng-Yen , Yu Shu-Fen , Hung Wan-Yu , Lin Chi-Chien , Chan Chien-Pin
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: This single-center study aimed to assess the role of laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP) in bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: Using data from our institution’s prospectively maintained database, we identified adult patients with obesity who underwent either laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or LGCP between January 2012 and July 2017. In total, 280 patients were enrolled in this study. Results: The body mass index was higher in the LSG group than in the LGCP group (39.3 vs. 33.3, p < 0.001). Both groups achieved significant weight loss during the 3-year follow-up (p < 0.001). The weight-reduction rate was higher in the LSG group than in the LGCP group 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively (p = 0.001, 0.001, and 0.012, respectively). The reoperation rate of the LGCP group was higher than that of the LSG group (p = 0.001). No deaths were recorded in either group. Conclusions: Although both the LGCP and LSG groups achieved significant weight loss over three years, the LGCP group demonstrated a lower weight-reduction rate and a higher reoperation rate than the LSG group. Thus, it is necessary to reassess the role of LGCP in bariatric surgery, particularly when LSG is a feasible alternative.
Comparison of Anatomic and Non-Anatomic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kirimker Elvan Onur , Kirac Alp Togan , Celik Suleyman Utku , Boztug Can Yahya , Kaya Muharrem Berat , Balci Deniz , Karayalcin Mehmet Kaan
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: The survival benefit of anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma has not been elucidated yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of anatomic and non-anatomic liver resection on surgical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing anatomic or non-anatomic resections due to hepatocellular carcinoma between March 2006 and October 2019 was conducted. Demographics, preoperative laboratory assessments, treatment strategies, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: The total cohort consisted of 94 patients, with a mean age of 63.1 ± 8.9 years, and 74.5% were male. A total of 41 patients underwent anatomic liver resection, and 53 patients underwent non-anatomic resection. The overall survival rates were found to be similar (5-year overall survival was 49.3% for anatomic resection and 44.5% for non-anatomic resection). Estimated median overall survival times were 58.5 months and 57.3 months, respectively (p = 0.777). Recurrence-free 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were found to be 73.6%, 39.1%, and 32.8% in the non-anatomic resection group and 48.8%, 22.7%, and 22.7% in the anatomic resection group, respectively. Grade three or higher complication rates were found to be similar among the groups. Conclusions: This study did not find a difference between two surgical methods, in terms of survival. A tailored selection of the resection method should be made, with the aim of complete removal of tumoral lesions and leaving a suitable functional liver reserve, according to the parenchymal quality and volume of the liver remnant.
Involvement of Multidrug Resistance Modulators in the Regulation of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore
Authors: Fedotcheva Tatiana , Shimanovsky Nikolai , Fedotcheva Nadezhda
Published: September 2022

The permeability transition pore in mitochondria (MPTP) and the ATP-binding cassette transporters (АВС transporters) in cell membranes provide the efflux of low-molecular compounds across mitochondrial and cell membranes, respectively. The inhibition of ABC transporters, especially of those related to multi drug resistance (MDR) proteins, is an actively explored approach to enhance intracellular drug accumulation and increase thereby the efficiency of anticancer therapy. Although there is evidence showing the simultaneous effect of some inhibitors on both MDR-related proteins and mitochondrial functions, their influence on MPTP has not been previously studied. We examined the participation of verapamil and quinidine, classified now as the first generation of MDR modulators, and avermectin, which has recently been actively studied as an MDR inhibitor, in the regulation of the MPTP opening. In experiments on rat liver mitochondria, we found that quinidine lowered and verapamil increased the threshold concentrations of calcium ions required for MPTP opening, and that they both decreased the rate of calcium-induced swelling of mitochondria. These effects may be associated with the positive charge of the drugs and their aliphatic properties. Avermectin not only decreased the threshold concentration of calcium ions, but also by itself induced the opening of MPTP and the mitochondrial swelling inhibited by ADP and activated by carboxyatractyloside, the substrate and inhibitor of adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), which suggests the involvement of ANT in the process. Thus, these data indicate an additional opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of MDR modulators in the context of their influence on the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis.
Simulation Study of the Effect of Antimicrobial Peptide Associations on the Mechanism of Action with Bacterial and Eukaryotic Membranes
Authors: Maleš Matko , Zoranić Larisa
Published: September 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be directed to specific membranes based on differences in lipid composition. In this study, we performed atomistic and coarse-grained simulations of different numbers of the designed AMP adepantin-1 with a eukaryotic membrane, cytoplasmic Gram-positive and Gram-negative membranes, and an outer Gram-negative membrane. At the core of adepantin-1’s behavior is its amphipathic α-helical structure, which was implemented in its design. The amphipathic structure promotes rapid self-association of peptide in water or upon binding to bacterial membranes. Aggregates initially make contact with the membrane via positively charged residues, but with insertion, the hydrophobic residues are exposed to the membrane’s hydrophobic core. This adaptation alters the aggregate’s stability, causing the peptides to diffuse in the polar region of the membrane, mostly remaining as a single peptide or pairing up to form an antiparallel dimer. Thus, the aggregate’s proposed role is to aid in positioning the peptide into a favorable conformation for insertion. Simulations revealed the molecular basics of adepantin-1 binding to various membranes, and highlighted peptide aggregation as an important factor. These findings contribute to the development of novel anti-infective agents to combat the rapidly growing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Analysis of Calcium Sulfate Scaling Phenomena on Reverse Osmosis Membranes by Scaling-Based Flux Model
Authors: Yokoyama Fumio , Nakajima Mitsutoshi , Ichikawa Sosaku
Published: September 2022

In this study, the behavior of permeate flux decline due to scale precipitation of calcium sulfate on reverse osmosis membranes was investigated. The proposed scaling-based flux model is able to explain that permeate fluxes attributed to three mechanisms of scale precipitation—cake formation, surface blockage, and mixed crystallization—converge to the same newly defined scaling-based critical flux. In addition, a scaling index is defined, which determines whether scale precipitates on the membrane. The experimental results were analyzed based on this index. The mass-transfer coefficients of flat membrane cells used in the experiments were measured and, although the coefficients differed, they could be summarized in the same form as the Leveque equation. Considering the results of the scale precipitation experiments, where the operating conditions of pressure, solute concentration, temperature, and Reynolds number were varied, the convergent values of the permeate fluxes are explained by the scaling-based critical fluxes and the scale precipitation zones by the scaling indexes.
Gradual Drug Release Membranes and Films Used for the Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Authors: Petrescu Nausica , Crisan Bogdan , Aghiorghiesei Ovidiu , Sarosi Codruta , Mirica Ioana Codruta , Lucaciu Ondine , Iușan Simina Angela Lăcrimioara , Dirzu Noemi , Apostu Dragos
Published: September 2022

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that, if not treated, can cause a lot of harm to the oral cavity, to the patients’ quality of life, and to the entire community. There is no predictable standardized treatment for periodontitis, but there have been many attempts, using antibiotics, tissue regeneration techniques, dental scaling, or root planning. Due to the limits of the above-mentioned treatment, the future seems to be local drug delivery systems, which could gradually release antibiotics and tissue regeneration inducers at the same time. Local gradual release of antibiotics proved to be more efficient than systemic administration. In this review, we have made a literature search to identify the articles related to this topic and to find out which carriers have been tested for drug release as an adjuvant in the treatment of periodontitis. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 articles were chosen to be part of this review. The selected articles indicated that the drug-releasing carriers in periodontitis treatment were membranes and films fabricated from different types of materials and through various methods. Some of the drugs released by the films and membranes in the selected articles include doxycycline, tetracycline, metronidazole, levofloxacin, and minocycline, all used with good outcome regarding their bactericide effect; BMP-2, Zinc–hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with regenerative effect. The conclusion derived from the selected studies was that gradual drug release in the periodontal pockets is a promising strategy as an adjuvant for the treatment of periodontal disease.
Strength-Toughness Balance and Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility of a Precipitation-Strengthened Steel Adopted Tempering Process
Authors: Zhao Ning , He Yanlin , Lin Li , Liu Rendong , Zhao Qiangqiang , Zheng Weisen
Published: September 2022

Two steels with different nickel (Ni) content were investigated to reveal the role of Ni on strength-toughness balance and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility. Although they were similar in microstructure, i.e., nano-particles were precipitated on martensitic laths, different mechanical behaviors were exhibited. After tempering, the yield strength of 3.5 Ni steel reached a peak at 500 °C, while that of 2.5 Ni steel kept a downward trend, indicating that precipitation strengthening was significant in 3.5 Ni steel. Combined with thermodynamic and kinetic analyses, it was shown that when the Ni content increased, the rich-copper (Cu) precipitation transformation driving force would be enhanced and the reverse of austenite transformation accelerated to improve its stability. Moreover, the increase of Ni content also induced the increase in high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs), which could inhibit crack propagation. Under the comprehensive effects of strengthening and ductility mechanism, 3.5 Ni steel exhibited excellent cryogenic toughness. Although it was not possible to obtain the ideal balancing of strength-toughness for the steel with lower Ni content, its hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility is satisfying. The results showed that the increase of grain boundary density caused by the grain refinement of 2.5 Ni steel is the key factor for its lower hydrogen embrittlement sensitivity index. Moreover, with the reduction of Ni content, the decrease of HAGBs and the increase in Σ11 boundary were conducive to reducing hydrogen-assisted cracking, while the residual Fe3C in 3.5 Ni steel would deteriorate the hydrogen embrittlement resistance.
Features of Changes in the Surface Structure and Phase Composition of the of α + β Titanium Alloy after Electromechanical and Thermal Treatment
Authors: Bagmutov Vyacheslav Petrovich , Vodopyanov Valentin Ivanovich , Zakharov Igor Nikolaevich , Ivannikov Alexander Yurievich , Bogdanov Artem Igorevich , Romanenko Mikhail Dmitrievich , Barinov Vladislav Valerievich
Published: September 2022

Changes of structure, phase composition and microhardness in high-strength α + β titanium alloy were investigated after electromechanical treatment (EMT) and subsequent aging. The EMT was performed with alternating current density (j of 300 and 600 A/mm2). The aging was performed upon heating at 600 °C and exposure for 14 h. Methods of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray phase structure, micro X-ray spectral and durometric analyses were used. Modified layers (up to 200–250 µm in depth) on the surface of α + β titanium alloy were formed due to intensive thermo-deformation during the EMT and the following aging. The structure of the surface layer was characterized by high dispersivity (with particle sizes of about 30–500 nm), significant concentration heterogeneity (due to redistribution of the alloying elements and changes in the volume ratio of α- and β-phases), distortions in the crystal structure, increased levels of microstrain and microstress (2–2.5 times as compared to the initial) and increases in microhardness (by 30–40%).
Enhanced Magnetocaloric Properties of Annealed Melt-Extracted Mn1.3Fe0.6P0.5Si0.5 Microwires
Authors: Luo Lin , Law Jia Yan , Shen Hongxian , Moreno-Ramírez Luis M. , Franco Victorino , Guo Shu , Duc Nguyen Thi My , Sun Jianfei , Phan Manh-Huong
Published: September 2022

The highly regarded Fe2P-based magnetocaloric materials are usually fabricated by ball milling, and require an additional extended annealing treatment at high temperatures (at temperatures up to 1423 K for several hours to days). In this work, we show that fabricating Mn1.3Fe0.6P0.5Si0.5 into the form of microwires attained 82.1 wt.% of the desired Fe2P phase in the as-cast state. The microwires show a variable solidification structure along the radial direction; close to the copper wheel contact, Fe2P phase is in fine grains, followed by dendritic Fe2P grains and finally secondary (Mn,Fe)5Si3 phase in addition to the dendritic Fe2P grains. The as-cast microwires undergo a ferro- to para-magnetic transition with a Curie temperature of 138 K, showing a maximum isothermal magnetic entropy change of 4.6 J kg−1 K−1 for a magnetic field change of 5 T. With further annealing, a two-fold increase in the maximum isothermal magnetic entropy change is found in the annealed microwires, which reveal 88.1 wt.% of Fe2P phase.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure, Tensile Properties and High-Temperature Corrosion Resistance of the FeCrMnNi High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Cai Zhen , Wei Na , Han Yaolei , Si Fang , Mi Lei , Zhang Chenhui , Liu Xiaohua , Jiang Fengyang , Wu Tiandong
Published: September 2022

FeCrMnNi high-entropy alloys prepared by vacuum induction melting were tested and characterized using an X-ray diffractometer, a scanning electron microscope, a micro hardness tester and a universal tensile tester to investigate the effects of the heat treatment temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys and the heat-resistant corrosion properties of FeCrMnNi alloy after annealing at 800 °C. It is a high-entropy alloy with a typical dendritic (DR) morphology. With the increase in the heat-treatment temperature, the amount of ultrafine precipitates with the BCC structure in the matrix increased; furthermore, the amount of ultrafine precipitates started to decrease at temperatures above 900 °C, and the DR structure gradually weakened. After heat treatment at temperatures above 800 °C, the alloy showed a tensile strength of 721.1 MPa and an elongation at break of 26.7%, which indicates improved strength of the alloy while maintaining good plasticity, mainly because a large amount of nanoscale particles precipitated between the DR structures and enabled fine grain strengthening. Therefore, an appropriate heat-treatment temperature helps to improve the overall mechanical properties of the high-entropy alloy.
Achieving Tunable Microwave Absorbing Properties by Phase Control of NiCoMnSn Alloy Flakes
Authors: Sun Xiaogang , Xu Jian , Huang Lian , Kuang Daitao , Liu Jinrong , Wang Guanxi , Zhang Qifei , Duan Yonghua
Published: September 2022

Microwave absorption performance of metal alloys are highly dependent on their phase structures. However, the phase control of Ni–Mn-based alloys to achieve effective microwave absorption properties has been rarely reported. In this work, Ni43Co7Mn39Sn11 alloy flakes were fabricated by balling milling method, and the contents of γ phase in the flakes were tuned by the subsequent heat treatment process. The as-fabricated Ni43Co7Mn39Sn11 alloy flakes exhibited excellent tunable microwave absorption by control of their phase structures. The optimal reflection loss was lower, up to −56.4 dB at 8.8 GHz, and was achieved at a single thickness of 2.0 mm. This can be attributed to the optimal structure of Ni43Co7Mn39Sn11 alloy flakes by phase control, and thus achieving improved attenuation property and impedance matching. This study proved Ni43Co7Mn39Sn11 alloy flakes should be a promising microwave absorption material. It is also demonstrated that phase control is an effected strategy for optimal microwave absorption properties of metal alloys and may have some reference value for related studies.
Are the Bacteria and Their Metabolites Contributing for Gut Inflammation on GSD-Ia Patients?
Authors: Colonetti Karina , de Carvalho Evelise Leis , Rangel Darlene Lopes , Pinto Paulo Marcos , Roesch Luiz Fernando Wurdig , Pinheiro Franciele Cabral , Schwartz Ida Vanessa Doederlein
Published: September 2022

Recently, patients with glycogen storage disease (GSD) have been described as having gut dysbiosis, lower fecal pH, and an imbalance in SCFAs due to an increase in acetate and propionate levels. Here, we report the fecal measurement of bacterial-related metabolites formic, acetic, lactic, propionic, and succinic acid, a key metabolite of both host and microbiota, on a previously described cohort of 24 patients (GSD Ia = 15, GSD Ib = 5, 1 GSD III = 1 and GSD IX = 3) and 16 healthy controls, with similar sex and age, using the high-performance liquid chromatography technique. The succinic acid levels were higher in the GSD patients than in the controls (patients = 38.02; controls = 27.53; p = 0.045), without differences between the groups for other metabolites. Fecal pH present inverse correlation with lactic acid (R = −0.54; p = 0.0085), while OTUs were inversely correlated with both lactic (R = −0.46; p = 0.026) and formic (R = −0.54; p = 0.026) acids. Using two distinct metrics of diversity, borderline significance was obtained for propionic acid, affecting the microbial structure on Euclidean basis in 8% (r2 = 0.081; p = 0.079), and for lactic acid, affecting 6% of microbial structure using Bray–Curtis distance (r2 = 0.065; p = 0.060). No correlation was found between SCFAs and total carbohydrate consumption among the participants or uncooked cornstarch consumption among the patients.
Seleno-Metabolites and Their Precursors: A New Dawn for Several Illnesses?
Authors: Morán-Serradilla Cristina , Angulo-Elizari Eduardo , Henriquez-Figuereo Andreina , Sanmartín Carmen , Sharma Arun K. , Plano Daniel
Published: September 2022

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for human health as it is involved in different physiological functions. Moreover, a great number of Se compounds can be considered potential agents in the prevention and treatment of some diseases. It is widely recognized that Se activity is related to multiple factors, such as its chemical form, dose, and its metabolism. The understanding of its complex biochemistry is necessary as it has been demonstrated that the metabolites of the Se molecules used to be the ones that exert the biological activity. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the recent information about its most remarkable metabolites of acknowledged biological effects: hydrogen selenide (HSe−/H2Se) and methylselenol (CH3SeH). In addition, special attention is paid to the main seleno-containing precursors of these derivatives and their role in different pathologies.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk and Lipid Metabolism Related to the Pleiotropic Effects of an ABCB1 Variant: A Chinese Family-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Junhui , Wang Xiaowen , Chen Hongbo , Yang Ruotong , Yu Huan , Wu Yiqun , Hu Yonghua
Published: September 2022

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4148727 in ABCB1 (encoding p-glycoprotein) is associated with lipid levels; however, its association with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and its the genetic correlation with lipid profiles and T2DM are unclear. We included 2300 participants from 593 families. A generalized estimating equations (GEE) model and Cox regression models were used to estimate the SNP’s effects on T2DM and lipid profiles. The participation of the SNP in T2DM pathogenesis through lipid-associated pathways was tested using mediation analysis. The G allele of the SNP was related to a 32% (6–64%, p = 0.015) increase in T2DM risk. It was also associated with a 10% (1–20%, p = 0.029), 17% (3–32%, p = 0.015), and 4% (1–7%, p = 0.015) increment in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and apolipoprotein A (Apo-A) concentrations, respectively. According to the mediation analysis, only TG (6.9%) and Apo-B (4.0%) had slight but significant mediation effects on the total impact of the SNP on T2DM. The pleiotropic effects of the ABCB1 variant on T2DM and lipids likely act via different pathways. The biological mechanisms should be verified in a future study.
The Impact of Maternal Folates on Brain Development and Function after Birth
Authors: Virdi Sapna , Jadavji Nafisa M.
Published: September 2022

Folate is vital for biological processes within the body, including DNA synthesis, DNA repair, and methylation reactions that metabolize homocysteine. The role of folate is particularly important in pregnancy, where there is rapid cellular and tissue growth. Maternal folate deficiencies secondary to inadequate dietary supplementation are known to produce defects in the neural tube and spinal cord, yet the exact mechanism of folate in neurodevelopment is unknown. The consequences of maternal folate deficiency on offspring brain development and function beyond gestation are not well defined. The objective of this review is to investigate the role of folate deficiency in offspring neurodevelopment, and the complications that arise post-gestation. This was accomplished through a comprehensive review of the data presented in both clinical and preclinical studies. Evidence supports that folate deficiency is associated with altered offspring neurodevelopment, including smaller total brain volume, altered cortical thickness and cerebral white matter, altered neurogenesis, and neuronal apoptosis. Some of these changes have been associated with altered brain function in offspring with memory, motor function, language skills, and psychological issues. This review of literature also presents potential mechanisms of folate deficiency in neurodevelopment with altered metabolism, neuroinflammation, epigenetic modification through DNA methylation, and a genetic deficiency in one-carbon metabolism.
Angiopoietin-Like 4 (ANGPTL4) in Patients with Psoriasis, Lichen Planus and Vitiligo—A Pilot Study from the Bialystok+ Polish Longitudinal University Study
Authors: Nowowiejska Julia , Baran Anna , Hermanowicz Justyna Magdalena , Mikłosz Joanna , Kamiński Karol Adam , Kondraciuk Marcin , Dubatówka Marlena , Pawlak Dariusz , Flisiak Iwona
Published: September 2022

Psoriasis, vitiligo and lichen planus (LP) are autoimmune skin diseases associated with metabolic syndrome. Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a member of angiopoietin-like proteins, which play an important role in lipid metabolism, and its serum concentration has been proposed as a biomarker of cardiometabolic complications, especially coronary artery disease (CAD). The study involved 56 patients with abovementioned dermatoses and 29 sex- and age-matched volunteers without dermatoses. ANGPTL4 serum concentration was measured by ELISA. ANGPTL4 concentration was statistically significantly higher in patients with LP compared to the control group (p < 0.01); moreover, it was significantly higher than in patients with psoriasis and vitiligo (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in ANGPTL4 concentration between patients with psoriasis or vitiligo and controls. There was no correlation between ANGPTL4 concentration and age or BMI in all study groups. There was a positive correlation between ANGPTL4 concentration and fasting glucose (R = 0.43) and AST activity (R = 0.39) in psoriatic patients and ALT activity in patients with vitiligo (R = 0.44). ANGPTL4 could be a potential marker of metabolic complications in patients with LP, especially CAD. Perhaps patients with LP are more prone to CAD compared to the other two dermatoses, which requires further research.
In Vitro Induction of Apoptosis in Isolated Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells: The Role of Anastatica hierochuntica Methanolic Extract
Authors: El-Garawani Islam M. , Abd El-Gaber Amira S. , Algamdi Noura A. , Saeed Aamer , Zhao Chao , Khattab Omar M. , AlAjmi Mohamed F. , Guo Zhiming , Khalifa Shaden A. M. , El-Seedi Hesham R.
Published: September 2022

Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Cruciferae) has been known in Egyptian folk medicine as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes and heart diseases. Despite the wide usage, A. hierochuntica research provides insufficient data to support its traditional practice. The cytotoxicity of A. hierochuntica methanolic extract was investigated on acute myeloid leukemia blasts (AML) and normal human peripheral leucocytes (NHPL). The phytochemical identification of bioactive compounds using 1H-NMR and LC-ESI-MS was also performed. A. hierochuntica extract caused non-significant cytotoxicity on NHPL, while the cytotoxicity on AML was significant (IC50: 0.38 ± 0.02 μg/mL). The negative expression of p53, upregulation of Caspase-3 and increase in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio were reported at the protein and mRNA levels. The results suggest that A. hierochuntica extract induced AML cell death via the p53-independent mitochondrial intrinsic pathway and further attention should be paid to this plant as a promising natural anticancer agent.
The Role of Hydrogen Sulfide Targeting Autophagy in the Pathological Processes of the Nervous System
Authors: Zhao Huijie , Yang Yihan , Liu Huiyang , Wang Honggang
Published: September 2022

Autophagy is an important cellular process, involving the transportation of cytoplasmic contents in the double membrane vesicles to lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy disorder contributes to many diseases, such as immune dysfunction, cancers and nervous system diseases. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a volatile and toxic gas with a rotten egg odor. For a long time, it was considered as an environmental pollution gas. In recent years, H2S is regarded as the third most important gas signal molecule after NO and CO. H2S has a variety of biological functions and can play an important role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Increasingly more evidences show that H2S can regulate autophagy to play a protective role in the nervous system, but the mechanism is not fully understood. In this review, we summarize the recent literatures on the role of H2S in the pathological process of the nervous system by regulating autophagy, and analyze the mechanism in detail, hoping to provide the reference for future related research.
A Feasibility Study to Evaluate Changes in Urinary Metabolites after OnabotulinumtoxinA Injection for Refractory Overactive Bladder
Authors: Tellechea Laura M. , Freeman Samantha , Agalliu Ilir , Laudano Melissa A. , Suadicani Sylvia O. , Abraham Nitya
Published: September 2022

Metabolomics analysis of urine before and after overactive bladder (OAB) treatment may demonstrate a unique molecular profile, allowing predictions of responses to treatment. This feasibility study aimed to correlate changes in urinary metabolome with changes in OAB symptoms after intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) injections for refractory OAB. Women 18 years or older with non-neurogenic refractory OAB were recruited to complete OAB-V8 questionnaires and submit urine samples before and after 100 units intravesical BTX-A injection. Samples were submitted to CE-TOFMS metabolomics profiling. Data were expressed as percent of change from pre-treatment and were correlated with OAB-V8 score improvement. Urinary metabolite changes in the OAB-V8 groups were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test, and associations between metabolites and OAB-V8 scores were examined using quantile regression analysis. Of 61 urinary metabolites commonly detected before and after BTX-A, there was a statistically significant decrease in adenosine and an increase in N8-acetylspermidine and guanidinoacetic acid levels associated with OAB score improvement, suggesting that intravesical BTX-A injection modifies the urinary metabolome. These urinary metabolites could provide insight into OAB pathophysiology and help identify patients who would benefit most from chemodenervation.
Tactile Perception Object Recognition Based on an Improved Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zhang Xingxing , Li Shaobo , Yang Jing , Wang Yang , Huang Zichen , Zhang Jinhu
Published: September 2022

Tactile perception is an irreplaceable source of information for humans to explore the surrounding environment and has advantages over sight and hearing in processing the material properties and detailed shapes of objects. However, with the increasing uncertainty and complexity of tactile perception features, it is often difficult to collect highly available pure tactile datasets for research in the field of tactile perception. Here, we have proposed a method for object recognition on a purely tactile dataset and provide the original tactile dataset. First, we improved the differential evolution (DE) algorithm and then used the DE algorithm to optimize the important parameter of the Gaussian kernel function of the support vector machine (SVM) to improve the accuracy of pure tactile target recognition. The experimental comparison results show that our method has a better target recognition effect than the classical machine learning algorithm. We hope to further improve the generalizability of this method and provide an important reference for research in the field of tactile perception and recognition.
Promotion of High-Speed Copper-Filling Performance for Interconnections with Increasing Aspect-Ratio Using Compound Additives
Authors: Wang Qing , Peng Yang , Mou Yun , Chen Mingxiang
Published: September 2022

Interconnections are essential for integrating the packaging substrate, and defect-free copper-filling can further improve the reliability in through holes (THs). The coating properties and filling processes are mainly dominated by the interplays among additives in the direct current electroplating. The acidic copper sulfate electroplating solution contained three typical convection-dependent additives and chloride ions (Cl−). The THs with aspect ratios (ARs) of 6.25, 5, and 4.17 (thickness of 500 μm) were selected as the study subjects. The effects of Cl− and ARs on the interactions among the additives were investigated in detail using electrochemical measurements, which were verified by the THs filling experiments. The additive compounds present a convection enhanced inhibition effect and cathodic polarization, leading to a copper filling capacity increase with ARs and the amelioration of copper compactness and corrosion resistance. The defect-free copper filling of THs and a uniform mirror bright surface circuit can be achieved simultaneously using compound additives at a relatively high speed.
3D Printable Soft Sensory Fiber Networks for Robust and Complex Tactile Sensing
Authors: Hardman David , George Thuruthel Thomas , Georgopoulou Antonia , Clemens Frank , Iida Fumiya
Published: September 2022

The human tactile system is composed of multi-functional mechanoreceptors distributed in an optimized manner. Having the ability to design and optimize multi-modal soft sensory systems can further enhance the capabilities of current soft robotic systems. This work presents a complete framework for the fabrication of soft sensory fiber networks for contact localization, using pellet-based 3D printing of piezoresistive elastomers to manufacture flexible sensory networks with precise and repeatable performances. Given a desirable soft sensor property, our methodology can design and fabricate optimized sensor morphologies without human intervention. Extensive simulation and experimental studies are performed on two printed networks, comparing a baseline network to one optimized via an existing information theory based approach. Machine learning is used for contact localization based on the sensor responses. The sensor responses match simulations with tunable performances and good localization accuracy, even in the presence of damage and nonlinear material properties. The potential of the networks to function as capacitive sensors is also demonstrated.
Ultra-Wideband Power Amplifier Design Strategy for 5G Sub-6-GHz Applications
Authors: Moreno Rubio Jorge Julián , Angarita Malaver Edison Ferney , Mesa Lara Jairo Alonso
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a strategy to design ultrawideband power amplifiers with a fractional bandwidth of approximately 200%. It exploits a simple output matching network, which consists of a series transmission line together with a shunt stub, to compensate the output parasitic network of the device. Following this, a multisection transformer is implemented to obtain the optimal load at the intrinsic drain plane. As design examples, several output matching networks were designed for two different size GaN HEMT devices. One of these examples was implemented and characterized, and a drain efficiency from 52% to 70% and an output power between 40 dBm and 42.5 dBm were obtained, over 67% of the 5G sub-6-GHz band (i.e., 0.1 to 4 GHz). The aforementioned results, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, represent the state of the art in broadband power amplifiers.
Research on Fast and Precise Positioning Strategy of an Ultrasonic Motor Based on the Ultrasonic Friction Reduction Theory
Authors: Zeng Weijun , Pan Song , Chen Lei , Ren Weihao , Huan Yongjie , Liang Yongjin
Published: September 2022

To address the problems of the large positioning error and long positioning time of the traditional positioning strategy, namely, the two-phase simultaneous power-off method (TPSPM), a new positioning strategy, called the first single-phase then two-phase power-off method (FSPTTPPM), based on the ultrasonic friction reduction theory, has been proposed in this work. This method realizes zero sliding displacement between the friction material and the stator during the torsional oscillation of the shaft by controlling the driving circle frequency and the duration of the single-phase power-off period, which reduces the deviation of the displacement reservation value. In order to verify the correctness of the driving mechanism, a test platform has been built, and two positioning strategies have been used for experimental verification. The following experimental results have been obtained: compared to TPSPM, FSPTTPPM has the advantages of higher positioning accuracy and short positioning time. In terms of the positioning accuracy, the relative errors of the displacement reservation values of FSPTTPPM and TPSPM vary with the initial angular velocity (0.24 to 1.18 rad/s) in the range of −0.4 to 0.1 and −0.8 to 0.8, respectively. In addition, the relative error of the displacement reservation value is closer to zero than that of TPSPM at the same initial angular velocity. In terms of the positioning time, when the initial angular velocity is greater than 0.7 rad/s, the positioning time of the FSPTTPPM is approximately 10 ms smaller than that of the TPSPM.
AlScN Piezoelectric MEMS Mirrors with Large Field of View for LiDAR Application
Authors: Liu Yichen , Wang Lihao , Su Yongquan , Zhang Yuyao , Wang Yang , Wu Zhenyu
Published: September 2022

This paper presents AlScN piezoelectric two-axis MEMS mirrors with gimbal-less and gimbaled designs fabricated in a CMOS-compatible manner. Integrated piezoelectric sensors provided feedback signals of the actual mirror positions. The mirror with a diameter of 1.5 mm possessed adjustable optical tilt angles of up to 22.6° @ 30 V, with a high resonance frequency of about 8.2 kHz, while the 3 mm mirror reached 48.5° @ 41 V. The mirror with the gimbaled structure exhibited an excellent field of view and good mechanical decoupling. Additionally, a significant improvement in mirror scanning performance was observed in a vacuum (4 Pa), proving that the optical field of view was magnified by more than a factor of 10.
Assessment of Antimicrobial Efficiency of Pistacia lentiscus and Fortunella margarita Essential Oils against Spoilage and Pathogenic Microbes in Ice Cream and Fruit Juices
Authors: Mitropoulou Gregoria , Bardouki Haido , Vamvakias Manolis , Panas Panayiotis , Paraskevas Panagiotis , Kourkoutas Yiannis
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, the use of antimicrobial natural agents as alternative food preservatives represents an intriguing case. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible antimicrobial activity of Pistacia lentiscus and Fortunella margarita essential oils (EOs) and to evaluate their commercial potential in the food industry. The main constituents identified by GC/MS in Pistacia lentiscus EO were a-pinene (67.7%), myrcene (18.8%), and β-pinene (3.0%), whereas limonene (93.8%) and myrcene (2.7%) were the dominant compounds in Fortunella margarita EO. The antimicrobial properties were initially assayed and the minimum inhibitory, non-inhibitory, and minimum lethal concentration values against the Escherichiacoli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas fragi, Aspergillus niger, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were determined using a previously published model, combining absorbance measurements with the common dilution method and non-linear regression analysis to fit the data. Their efficiency was further validated in ice cream containing 0.2% (w/w) Pistacia lentiscus, 0.006% (w/w) Fortunella margarita EOs and 2% (w/w) aqueous residue of F. margarita EO deliberately inoculated with 4 logcfu/g Escherichiacoli, Listeria monocytogenes or Pseudomonas fragi, separately. Similarly, the activity of the oils was monitored in fruit juice (lemon, apple, and blackcurrant) containing 0.2% (w/w) Pistacia lentiscus, 0.006% (w/w) Fortunella margarita EOs and 2% (w/w) aqueous residue of F. margarita EO deliberately spiked with 100 spores/mL of Aspergillus niger or 4 logcfu/mL of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, separately. The results showed that microbial viable counts in the supplemented products ranged at significantly lower levels compared to the control samples during storage. Overall, the data indicated that both EOs constitute effective antimicrobial sources with many potent applications in the food industry.