bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sandbox of Competence: A Conceptual Model for Assessing Professional Competence
Authors: Luiz Neto Alcides , da Silva Luciano Ferreira , Penha Renato
Published: December 2022

This article aims to propose a conceptual model for evaluating the knowledge stage of a professional activity. Starting from an integrative literature review, a method that allows us to assess, criticize and synthesize empirical or theoretical knowledge, we explore the evolutions of the model by Dreyfus and Dreyfus (1980). The collection and analysis process followed a six-stage process, starting from a guiding question and proceeding to a literature search, so that data collection and critical analysis of information could be carried out in a structured and codified way, enabling the discussion of results and, finally, the presentation of the review. As a result, we suggest a model capable of classifying a professional competence in accordance with the literature, through a model that considers practice, theoretical/technical knowledge, and attitude as axes for the evolution of learning. The suggested model contributes to the construction of a skills assessment instrument.
Evaluation of Storage Quality of Hardy Kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta): Effect of 1-MCP and Maturity Stage
Authors: Krupa Tomasz , Tomala Kazimierz , Zaraś-Januszkiewicz Ewa
Published: December 2022

Hardy kiwifruit fits into consumer expectations, especially in terms of taste and nutritional value. The main reason for the loss of quality is that the fruit softens too quickly, but storage at low temperatures (0–1 °C) is not effective enough in maintaining high fruit quality. Two cultivars were evaluated for storage quality, i.e., ‘Geneva’ and ‘Ananasnaya’. Minikiwi were harvested at two stages of maturity. The fruit were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene at a concentration of 0.65 µL/L and then stored under common cold storage, ULO, and CA conditions. Fruit evaluation was carried out for 12 weeks, and firmness, soluble solids content, and titratable acidity were evaluated. Post-harvest treatments, as well as the conditions under which the fruit is stored, determine its quality after storage. The application of 1-MCP decisively inhibits the softening of mini kiwi even under normal atmospheric conditions.
Vaccination Strategies in a Potential Use of the Vaccine against Bovine Tuberculosis in Infected Herds
Authors: Milián-Suazo Feliciano , González-Ruiz Sara , Contreras-Magallanes Yesenia Guadalupe , Sosa-Gallegos Susana Lucía , Bárcenas-Reyes Isabel , Cantó-Alarcón Germinal Jorgé , Rodríguez-Hernández Elba
Published: December 2022

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease of cattle that represents a risk to public health and causes severe economic losses to the livestock industry. Recently, one of the strategies recommended for reducing the prevalence of the disease in animals is the use of the BCG vaccine, alone or in combination with proteins. It has been shown that the vaccine elicits a strong immune response, downsizes the number of animals with visible lesions, and reduces the rate of infection as well as the bacillary count. This paper, based on scientific evidence, makes suggestions about some practical vaccination alternatives that can be used in infected herds to reduce bTB prevalence, considering BCG strains, vaccine doses, routes of application, and age of the animals. Our conclusion is that vaccination is a promising alternative to be included in current control programs in underdeveloped countries to reduce the disease burden.
Role of Bacteriophages for Optimized Health and Production of Poultry
Authors: Abbas Rao Zahid , Alsayeqh Abdullah F , Aqib Amjad Islam
Published: December 2022

The poultry sector is facing infections from Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria and Staphylococcus spp., and Escherichia coli, that have developed multidrug resistance aptitude. Antibiotics cause disturbances in the balance of normal microbiota leading to dysbiosis, immunosuppression, and the development of secondary infections. Bacteriophages have been reported to lower the colonization of Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry. The specificity of bacteriophages is greater than that of antibiotics and can be used as a cocktail for enhanced antibacterial activity. Specie-specific phages have been prepared, e.g., Staphylophage (used against Staphylococcus bacteria) that specifically eliminate bacterial pathogens. Bacteriophage products, e.g., BacWashTM and Ecolicide PX have been developed as antiseptics and disinfectants for effective biosecurity and biosafety measures. The success of phage therapy is influenced by time to use, the amount used, the delivery mechanism, and combination therapy with other therapeutics. It is a need of time to build a comprehensive understanding of the use of bacteriophages in poultry production. The current review thus focuses on mechanisms of bacteriophages against poultry pathogens, their applications in various therapeutics, impacts on the economy, and current challenges.
Pharmacological Inhibition of Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1A Reduces Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice by a Mechanism Involving Decreased Oxidative Stress and Inflammation; Potential Implications in Human Atherosclerosis
Authors: Manea Simona-Adriana , Vlad Mihaela-Loredana , Lazar Alexandra-Gela , Muresian Horia , Simionescu Maya , Manea Adrian
Published: December 2022

Dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms promote transcriptomic and phenotypic alterations in cardiovascular diseases. The role of histone methylation-related pathways in atherosclerosis is largely unknown. We hypothesize that lysine-specific demethylase 1A (LSD1/KDM1A) regulates key molecular effectors and pathways linked to atherosclerotic plaque formation. Human non-atherosclerotic and atherosclerotic tissue specimens, ApoE-/- mice, and in vitro polarized macrophages (Mac) were examined. Male ApoE-/- mice fed a normal/atherogenic diet were randomized to receive GSK2879552, a highly specific LSD1 inhibitor, or its vehicle, for 4 weeks. The mRNA and protein expression levels of LSD1/KDM1A were significantly elevated in atherosclerotic human carotid arteries, atherosclerotic aortas of ApoE-/- mice, and M1-Mac. Treatment of ApoE-/- mice with GSK2879552 significantly reduced the extent of atherosclerotic lesions and the aortic expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (Nox1/2/4, p22phox) and 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts. Concomitantly, the markers of immune cell infiltration and vascular inflammation were significantly decreased. LSD1 blockade down-regulated the expression of genes associated with Mac pro-inflammatory phenotype. Nox subunit transcript levels were significantly elevated in HEK293 reporter cells overexpressing LSD1. In experimental atherosclerosis, LSD1 mediates the up-regulation of molecular effectors connected to oxidative stress and inflammation. Together, these data indicate that LSD1-pharmacological interventions are novel targets for supportive therapeutic strategies in atherosclerosis.
Cyanidin Alleviated CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Regulating the Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wang Bulei , Cui Shumao , Mao Bingyong , Zhang Qiuxiang , Tian Fengwei , Zhao Jianxin , Tang Xin , Chen Wei
Published: December 2022

Acute liver injury has multiple causes and can result in liver failure. In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective ability of cyanidin (Cy) and investigated its associated mechanisms. Cy administration significantly and dose-dependently ameliorated acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). High-dose Cy showed effects comparable to those achieved by the positive control (silymarin). Severe oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the liver tissue induced by CCl4 were significantly mitigated by Cy supplementation. The total antioxidant capacity and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were increased and the content of malondialdehyde, lipid peroxide, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were decreased. Additionally, the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways, which regulate antioxidative and inflammatory responses, were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay. Cy treatment not only increased Nrf2 transcription and expression but also decreased NF-κB signaling. Moreover, molecular docking simulation indicated that Cy had high affinity for Keap1 and NF-κB/p65, which may promote nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and inhibit that of NF-κB. In summary, Cy treatment exerted antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and ameliorated liver injury by increasing Nrf2 and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, demonstrating the potential of Cy as a therapeutic agent in liver injury.
Modified Periosteal Inhibition (MPI) Technique for Extraction Sockets: A Case Series Report
Authors: Grassi Andrea , Memè Lucia , Strappa Enrico M. , Martini Emanuele , Bambini Fabrizio
Published: December 2022

Several Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) procedures have been proposed over the years. The purpose of this study was to describe the new Modified Periosteal Inhibition (MPI) technique for ARP. Seven patients were enrolled (age range: 28–72 years old; 5 males, 2 females). In total, nine hopeless teeth were treated. Following the elevation of a full-thickness flap, atraumatic tooth extraction was conducted, preserving the buccal bone of the alveolar socket. OsteoBiol® Lamina Soft (Tecnoss®, Giaveno, Italy), 0.5 mm thick, was suitably shaped (8–10 mm in height, extending from the mesial and to the distal corners of the socket). The lamina was gently positioned between the buccal periosteum and the buccal bone plate. Tisseel® (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA) was applied to seal the cortical membrane. The flaps were sutured with PTFE 4-0 (Omnia, Fidenza, Italy). Postoperative instructions were provided. Patients were strictly monitored during the follow-up. No early or late biological complications were experienced. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) exams were performed at baseline and 4 months later. The thickness of the buccal cortical bone at baseline was 1.18 ± 0.57 mm. The pre-operative and post-operative ridge widths were 10.74 ± 1.54 mm and 11.16 ± 1.57 mm, respectively. A horizontal ridge increase of 0.41 ± 0.21 mm was observed during the healing period. At 4 months of healing, the bone volume was adequate for implant placement and no additional bone regeneration procedures were required. MPI technique was effective in preventing the horizontal contraction of the post-extraction socket. Further studies will be needed in the future to confirm our positive results.
SPI-3 Analysis of Medjerda River Basin and Gamma Model Limits in Semi-Arid and Arid Contexts
Authors: Kebaili Bargaoui Zoubeida , Jemai Sabrine
Published: December 2022

The Standardized Precipitation Index SPI-3, associated with three months of rainfall accumulation, is a drought index for detecting immediate drought impacts. The two-parameter gamma distribution, recommended by the World Meteorological Organization as the underlying distribution for estimating SPI, has shown limits in semi-arid and arid conditions with respect to the normality test for the resulting SPI series. Our purpose was to evaluate its relevance for the Medjerda River Basin (Tunisia), a transboundary basin where the climate classes are temperate, dry, and hot summer, as well as arid hot desert and arid hot steppe. When analyzing the time series of 144 stations from 1950 to 2018, we found that the normality Shapiro–Wilk test was rejected in 17% of the cases, which agreed with the literature review results. The transition season (August, September, and October) had the highest rejection percentage. Three factors were identified to explain the deviation from normality. We first identified the rate of occurrence of completely dry (zero rain) three-month periods. The higher the rate of occurrence was, the higher that the probability was of its rejecting the normality test. High sample skewness was the second influencing factor. Finally, a series where the Grubbs’ test of identifying outliers was rejected was more likely to show the SPI-3 series deviating from normality.
Effect of Prenatal Exposure to Household Air Pollution from Multiple Sources on Risk of Preterm Birth
Authors: Liu Xin-Chen , Strodl Esben , Huang Li-Hua , Hu Bing-Jie , Chen Wei-Qing
Published: December 2022

Prenatal exposure to air pollution has been suggested as a major risk factor for preterm birth (PTB). This study aimed to explore the independent and joint effects of prenatal exposure to multiple household air pollution (HAP) sources on PTB. This study involved 63,038 mother–child pairs from the Longhua Child Cohort Study in 2017. A series of logistic regression analyses on associations of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), cooking oil fumes (COFs), burning mosquito coils (BMCs), indoor burning incense (IBI) and household renovation (HR) with PTB were conducted to evaluate their independent and joint effects on PTB. Compared to mothers without exposure, prenatal exposure to each individual HAP source increased the PTB risk. Moreover, the PTB risk increased incrementally with the number of prenatal HAP exposure sources. Finally, we found a synergistic interaction effect from COFs and HR on risk of PTB. Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to five sources of HAP might increase the risk of PTB, with the risk increasing with the number of exposure sources and synergistic interaction effects between some pollution sources.
Confidence Intervals for the Ratio of Variances of Delta-Gamma Distributions with Applications
Authors: Khooriphan Wansiri , Niwitpong Sa-Aat , Niwitpong Suparat
Published: December 2022

Since rainfall data often contain zero observations, the ratio of the variances of delta-gamma distributions can be used to compare the rainfall dispersion between two rainfall datasets. To this end, we constructed the confidence interval for the ratio of the variances of two delta-gamma distributions by using the fiducial quantity method, Bayesian credible intervals based on the Jeffreys, uniform, or normal-gamma-beta priors, and highest posterior density (HPD) intervals based on the Jeffreys, uniform, or normal-gamma-beta priors. The performances of the proposed confidence interval methods were evaluated in terms of their coverage probabilities and average lengths via Monte Carlo simulation. Our findings show that the HPD intervals based on Jeffreys prior and the normal-gamma-beta prior are both suitable for datasets with a small and large probability of containing zeros, respectively. Rainfall data from Phrae province, Thailand, are used to illustrate the practicability of the proposed methods with real data.
A Unified Test for the AR Error Structure of an Autoregressive Model
Authors: Wei Xinyi , Liu Xiaohui , Fan Yawen , Tan Li , Liu Qing
Published: December 2022

A direct application of autoregressive (AR) models with independent and identically distributed (iid) errors is sometimes inadequate to fit the time series data well. A natural alternative is further to assume the model errors following an AR process, whose structure however has essential impacts on the statistical inferences related to the autoregressive models. In this paper, we construct a new unified test for checking the AR error structure based on the empirical likelihood method. The proposed test is desirable because its limit distribution is always chi-squared regardless of whether the autoregressive model is stationary or non-stationary, with or without an intercept term. Some simulations are also provided to illustrate the finite sample performance of this test. Finally, we apply the proposed test to a financial real data set.
Dietary Habits and Tusk Usage of Shovel-Tusked Gomphotheres from Florida: Evidence from Stereoscopic Wear of Molars and Upper and Lower Tusks
Authors: Semprebon Gina M. , Pirlo Jeanette , Dudek Julia
Published: December 2022

The paleodiet of the shovel-tusked gomphotheres from Florida (Amebelodon floridanus, Konobelodon britti, and Serbelodon barbourensis) was assessed via microwear analysis of molar dental enamel and compared to a large database of both extant proboscideans and ungulates. Scratch and pit results show a consistent browsing signal in A. floridanus, K. britti and S. barbourensis. Fossil results are more similar to those of the extant Loxodonta cyclotis than to Loxodonta africana or Elephas maximus, the latter two taxa exhibiting a mixed feeding result. Scratch width scores are high in all three shovel tuskers as well as in the extant proboscideans indicating the ingestion of some coarse vegetation, most likely bark, and twigs. Gouging is relatively low in A. floridanus and S. barbourensis. Only K. britti has levels of gouging approximating that seen in extant elephants. Large pitting is relatively low in both fossil and extant forms although L. cyclotis has higher levels of large pitting including more puncture-like pits seen with fruit and/or seed consumption. A variety of scratch patterns indicating variation in tusk usage behavior was found. Some Serbelodon and Konobelodon mandibular tusks exhibited digging behavior, although Konobelodon digging behavior was much more common and obvious, whereas Amebelodon mandibular tusks did not exhibit digging behavior and were more likely used for stripping and scraping. Unusual distal tusk wear was found in Amebelodon and Serbelodon most likely due to stripping off tree bark. Upper tusk usage varied with all three fossil species exhibiting scraping and/or cutting behavior. Results indicate that shovel-tusked gomphotheres from Florida occupied a narrow dietary niche but employed a variety of strategies to obtain the vegetation that they consumed.
Acyl-Lipid Δ6-Desaturase May Act as a First FAD in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Starikov Alexander Y. , Sidorov Roman A. , Goriainov Sergei V. , Los Dmitry A.
Published: December 2022

Fatty acid desaturases (FADs) play important roles in various metabolic and adaptive pathways in all living organisms. They represent a superfamily of oxygenases that introduce double bonds into the acyl chains of fatty acids (FAs). These enzymes are highly specific to the length of the carbon chain, position of double bonds formation, etc. The modes by which FADs “count” the position of the double bond formation may differ. In cyanobacteria, the first double bond is formed between 9th and 10th carbons (position Δ9), counting from the carboxylic end of an FA. Other FADs that produce polyunsaturated FAs may introduce double bonds counting from the carboxyl (Δ) or methyl (ω) terminus, or from a pre-existing double bond towards carboxyl or methyl terminus of an FA chain. Here, we expressed the desD gene for the Δ6-FAD from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 (which is capable of synthesizing only monoenoic FAs desaturated mainly at position Δ9) and observed the appearance of unusual monoenoic FAs desaturated at position Δ6, as well as Δ6,9 dienoic FAs. Exogenously added cis-10-heptadecenoic acid (17:1Δ10) was converted into cis-6,10-heptadecadienoic (17:2Δ6,10). These data demonstrate the ability of Δ6-FAD to introduce the first double bond into the unsaturated substrates and suggests that it “counts” from the carboxyl end, irrespective of the absence or presence of a previous double bond in an FA chain.
Hydrogel-Encapsulated Heterogenous Mesoporous Resin Catalyst for In Situ Anti-Cancer Agent Production under Biological Conditions
Authors: Nabavinia Mahboubeh , Kanjilal Baishali , Pandey Manoj , Jonnalagadda Subash , Hesketh Robert , Martins-Green Manuela , Noshadi Iman
Published: December 2022

A heterogenous Palladium anchored Resorcinol-formaldehyde-hyperbranched PEI mesoporous catalyst, made by one-pot synthesis, was used successfully for in situ Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling synthesis of anticancer prodrug PP-121 from iodoprazole and boronic ester precursors. The mesoporous catalyst with the non-cytotoxic precursors were tested in 2D in vitro model with excellent cytocompatibility and a strong suppression of PC3 cancer cell proliferation, underscored by 50% reduction in PC3 cells viability and 55% reduction in cell metabolism activity and an enhanced rate of early and late apoptosis in flow cytometry, that was induced only by successful in situ pro drug PP121 synthesis from the precursors. The 3D gelatin methacrylate hydrogel encapsulated in vitro cell models underscored the results with a 52% reduction in cell metabolism and underscored apoptosis of PC3 cells when the Pd anchored catalyst was combined with the precursors. In situ application of Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling of non-cytotoxic precursors to cancer drug, along with their successful encapsulation in an injectable hydrogel could be applied for tumor point drug delivery strategies that can circumvent deleterious side effects and poor bioavailability chemotherapy routes with concomitant enhanced efficacy.
Size-Based Sorting and In Situ Clonal Expansion of Single Cells Using Microfluidics
Authors: Chen Huaying , Meng Haixu , Chen Zhenlin , Wang Tong , Chen Chuanpin , Zhu Yonggang , Jin Jing
Published: December 2022

Separation and clonal culture and growth kinetics analysis of target cells in a mixed population is critical for pathological research, disease diagnosis, and cell therapy. However, long-term culture with time-lapse imaging of the isolated cells for clonal analysis is still challenging. This paper reports a microfluidic device with four-level filtration channels and a pneumatic microvalve for size sorting and in situ clonal culture of single cells. The valve was on top of the filtration channels and used to direct fluid flow by membrane deformation during separation and long-term culture to avoid shear-induced cell deformation. Numerical simulations were performed to evaluate the influence of device parameters affecting the pressure drop across the filtration channels. Then, a droplet model was employed to evaluate the impact of cell viscosity, cell size, and channel width on the pressure drop inducing cell deformation. Experiments showed that filtration channels with a width of 7, 10, 13, or 17 μm successfully sorted K562 cells into four different size ranges at low driving pressure. The maximum efficiency of separating K562 cells from media and whole blood was 98.6% and 89.7%, respectively. Finally, the trapped single cells were cultured in situ for 4–7 days with time-lapse imaging to obtain the lineage trees and growth curves. Then, the time to the first division, variation of cell size before and after division, and cell fusion were investigated. This proved that cells at the G1 and G2 phases were of significantly distinct sizes. The microfluidic device for size sorting and clonal expansion will be of tremendous application potential in single-cell studies.
Availability of Central α4β2* Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Human Obesity
Authors: Schweickert de Palma Eva , Günnewig Tilman , Rullmann Michael , Luthardt Julia , Hankir Mohammed K. , Meyer Philipp M. , Becker Georg-Alexander , Patt Marianne , Martin Sarah , Hilbert Anja , Blüher Matthias , Sabri Osama , Hesse Swen
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Obesity is thought to arise, in part, from deficits in the inhibitory control over appetitive behavior. Such motivational processes are regulated by neuromodulators, specifically acetylcholine (ACh), via α4β2* nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChR). These nAChR are highly enriched in the thalamus and contribute to the thalamic gating of cortico-striatal signaling, but also act on the mesoaccumbal reward system. The changes in α4β2* nAChR availability, however, have not been demonstrated in human obesity thus far. The aim of our study was, thus, to investigate whether there is altered brain α4β2* nAChR availability in individuals with obesity compared to normal-weight healthy controls. Methods: We studied 15 non-smoking individuals with obesity (body mass index, BMI: 37.8 ± 3.1 kg/m2; age: 39 ± 14 years, 9 females) and 16 normal-weight controls (non-smokers, BMI: 21.9 ± 1.7 kg/m2; age: 28 ± 7 years, 13 females) by using PET and the α4β2* nAChR selective (−)-[18F]flubatine, which was applied within a bolus-infusion protocol (294 ± 16 MBq). Volume-of-interest (VOI) analysis was performed in order to calculate the regional total distribution volume (VT). Results: No overall significant difference in VT between the individuals with obesity and the normal-weight volunteers was found, while the VT in the nucleus basalis of Meynert tended to be lower in the individuals with obesity (10.1 ± 2.1 versus 11.9 ± 2.2; p = 0.10), and the VT in the thalamus showed a tendency towards higher values in the individuals with obesity (26.5 ± 2.5 versus 25.9 ± 4.2; p = 0.09). Conclusion: While these first data do not show greater brain α4β2* nAChR availability in human obesity overall, the findings of potentially aberrant α4β2* nAChR availability in the key brain regions that regulate feeding behavior merit further exploration.
Behavioral Strategies between Government and Real Estate Developers on Prefabricated Buildings Based on Triangular Fuzzy Matrix Game
Authors: Han Yanhu , Song Siyuan , Zhuang Weiling
Published: December 2022

The subsidies provided by the local government to real estate developers are an important and common practice to promote the development of prefabricated buildings worldwide. However, there is a lack of current research on how government subsidies affect the decision-making of real estate developers with respect to adopting prefabricated construction methods. This study developed a fuzzy game model integrating classical game theory with the triangular fuzzy number approach between the local government and a real estate developer, with different behavioral strategies regarding whether or not to develop prefabricated buildings. It analyzed the Nash equilibriums under the circumstances of pure and mixed strategies and probed the influencing factors of the game equilibrium results via numerical simulation. The research conclusions are as follows: (1) the government should encourage real estate developers to actively participate in prefabricated building by using financial subsidies, fund rewards, process supervision and economic penalties comprehensively; (2) the pure strategy (no manufacturing process supervision, active development) between the government and real estate developers is feasible when the benefit of “active development” for real estate developers is larger than that of “passive development”; (3) positive incentives, such as offering financial subsidies, reducing the cost of prefabricated building development and improving the popularity of prefabricated construction in the building market, should be taken to motivate real estate developers; and (4) negative incentives, such as increasing economic punishment and enhancing manufacturing process supervision, can also facilitate real estate developers to actively participate in the development of prefabricated buildings. Incentives are more effective when the economic penalties are greater than the incremental costs of developing prefabricated buildings. Some policy implications are given to guide prefabricated building market development. Finally, the main problems that need further study in the future are highlighted.
Tumour Colonisation of Parvimonas micra Is Associated with Decreased Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Löwenmark Thyra , Löfgren-Burström Anna , Zingmark Carl , Ljuslinder Ingrid , Dahlberg Michael , Edin Sofia , Palmqvist Richard
Published: December 2022

Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may impact colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. In this study, the tumour colonisation of two CRC-associated bacteria, Parvimonas micra and Fusobacterium nucleatum, was studied in relation to patient survival in a cohort of 257 CRC patients. Colonisation of P. micra and F. nucleatum was analysed in fresh frozen tumour tissue (n = 112) and in faeces (n = 250) by qPCR. When analysing tumour tissues, both P. micra and F. nucleatum were found to be associated with decreased five-year cancer-specific survival, an association that remained significant in multivariable analysis for P. micra. Furthermore, we found significant associations of high levels of P. micra and F. nucleatum with tumour molecular characteristics, i.e., tumours mutated in BRAFV600E, and tumours of the MSI subtype. The analysis of faecal samples showed weaker associations with prognosis and tumour molecular characteristics. In conclusion, our findings support a novel association of tumour colonisation of P. micra with decreased patient survival. A better understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in CRC might contribute to the advancement of prognostic tools and new targets for therapy.
PET-CT in Clinical Adult Oncology: I. Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Salem Ahmed Ebada , Shah Harsh R. , Covington Matthew F. , Koppula Bhasker R. , Fine Gabriel C. , Wiggins Richard H. , Hoffman John M. , Morton Kathryn A.
Published: December 2022

PET-CT is an advanced imaging modality with many oncologic applications, including staging, assessment of response to therapy, restaging and evaluation of suspected recurrence. The goal of this 6-part series of review articles is to provide practical information to providers and imaging professionals regarding the best use of PET-CT for the more common adult malignancies. In the first article of this series, hematologic malignancies are addressed. The classification of these malignancies will be outlined, with the disclaimer that the classification of lymphomas is constantly evolving. Critical applications, potential pitfalls, and nuances of PET-CT imaging in hematologic malignancies and imaging features of the major categories of these tumors are addressed. Issues of clinical importance that must be reported by the imaging professionals are outlined. The focus of this article is on [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), rather that research tracers or those requiring a local cyclotron. This information will serve as a resource for the appropriate role and limitations of PET-CT in the clinical management of patients with hematological malignancy for health care professionals caring for adult patients with hematologic malignancies. It also serves as a practical guide for imaging providers, including radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians and their trainees.
Development and External Validation of an Improved Version of the Diagnostic Model for Opportunistic Screening of Malignant Esophageal Lesions
Authors: Liu Zhen , Zheng Hongchen , Liu Mengfei , He Yujie , Chen Yun , Ji Ping , Fang Zhengyu , Xiao Ping , Li Fenglei , Guo Chuanhai , Yin Weihua , Pan Yaqi , He Zhonghu , Ke Yang
Published: December 2022

We aimed to develop an improved version of the diagnostic model predicting the risk of malignant esophageal lesions in opportunistic screening and validate it in external populations. The development set involved 10,595 outpatients receiving endoscopy from a hospital in Hua County, a high-risk region for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in northern China. Validation set A enrolled 9453 outpatients receiving endoscopy in a non-high-risk region in southern China. Validation set B involved 17,511 residents in Hua County. The improved diagnostic model consisted of seven predictors including age, gender, family history of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, smoking, body mass index, dysphagia, and retrosternal pain, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.860 (95% confidence interval: 0.835–0.886) in the development set. Ideal discrimination ability was achieved in external validations (AUC validation set A: 0.892, 95% confidence interval: 0.858–0.926; AUC validation set B: 0.799, 95% confidence interval: 0.705–0.894). This improved model also markedly increased the detection rate of malignant esophageal lesions compared with universal screening, demonstrating great potential for use in opportunistic screening of malignant esophageal lesions in heterogeneous populations.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Aliphatic and Aromatic D-Amino Acids Catalyzed by Transaminase from Haliscomenobacter hydrossis
Authors: Bakunova Alina K. , Isaikina Tatiana Y. , Popov Vladimir O. , Bezsudnova Ekaterina Yu.
Published: December 2022

D-amino acids are valuable building blocks for the synthesis of biologically active compounds and pharmaceuticals. The asymmetric synthesis of chiral amino acids from prochiral ketones using stereoselective enzymes is a well-known but far from exhausted approach for large-scale production. Herein, we investigated a pyridoxal-5′-phosphate-dependent D-amino acid transaminase from Haliscomenobacter hydrossis as a potential biocatalyst for the enzymatic asymmetric synthesis of optically pure aliphatic and aromatic D-amino acids. We studied the catalytic efficiency and stereoselectivity of transaminase from H. hydrossis in the amination of aliphatic and aromatic α-keto acids, using D-glutamate as a source of the amino group. We constructed a one-pot three-enzyme system, which included transaminase and two auxiliary enzymes, hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase, and glucose dehydrogenase, to produce D-amino acids with a product yield of 95–99% and an enantiomeric excess of more than 99%. We estimated the stability of the transaminase and the cofactor leakage under reaction conditions. It was found that a high concentration of α-keto acids as well as a low reaction temperature (30 °C) can reduce the cofactor leakage under reaction conditions. The obtained results demonstrated the efficiency of transaminase from H. hydrossis in the asymmetric synthesis of enantiomerically pure D-amino acids.
Drosophila melanogaster Oocytes after Space Flight: The Early Period of Adaptation to the Force of Gravity
Authors: Ogneva Irina V. , Golubkova Maria A. , Biryukov Nikolay S. , Kotov Oleg V.
Published: December 2022

The effect of space flight factors and the subsequent adaptation to the Earth’s gravity on oocytes is still poorly understood. Studies of mammalian oocytes in space present significant technical difficulties; therefore, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a convenient test subject. In this study, we analyzed the structure of the oocytes of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the maturation of which took place under space flight conditions (the “Cytomehanarium” experiment on the Russian Segment of the ISS during the ISS-67 expedition). The collection of the oocytes began immediately after landing and continued for 12 h. The flies were then transferred onto fresh agar plates and oocyte collection continued for the subsequent 12 h. The stiffness of oocytes was determined by atomic force microscopy and the content of the cytoskeletal proteins by Western blotting. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the stiffness of oocytes in the flight group compared to the control (26.5 ± 1.1 pN/nm vs. 31.0 ± 1.8 pN/nm) against the background of a decrease in the content of some cytoskeletal proteins involved in the formation of microtubules and microfilaments. This pattern of oocyte structure leads to the disruption of cytokinesis during the cleavage of early embryos.
Development of a Lung Vacancy Mouse Model through CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Deletion of Thyroid Transcription Factor 1 Exon 2
Authors: Zhao Lihua , Li Meishuang , Yin Zhibao , Lv Limin , Zhou Meng , Wang Yixi , Zhang Manling , Guo Tianxu , Guo Xiyun , Liu Han , Cheng Linxin , Liang Xiubin , Duo Shuguang , Li Rongfeng
Published: December 2022

A developmental niche vacancy in host embryos is necessary for stem cell complementation-based organ regeneration (SCOG). Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) is a tissue-specific transcription factor that regulates the embryonic development and differentiation of the thyroid and, more importantly, lungs; thus, it has been considered as a master gene to knockout in order to develop a lung vacancy host. TTF-1 knockout mice were originally produced by inserting a stop codon in Exon 3 of the gene (E3stop) through embryonic stem cell-based homologous recombination. The main problems of utilizing E3stop host embryos for lung SCOG are that these animals all have a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), which cannot be corrected by donor stem cells, and most of them have monolateral sac-like lungs. To improve the mouse model towards achieving SCOG-based lung generation, in this project, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 tool to remove Exon 2 of the gene by zygote microinjection and successfully produced TTF-1 knockout (E2del) mice. Similar to E3stop, E2del mice are birth-lethal due to retarded lung development with sac-like lungs and only a rudimentary bronchial tree, increased basal cells but without alveolar type II cells and blood vessels, and abnormal thyroid development. Unlike E3stop, 57% of the E2del embryos presented type I tracheal agenesis (TA, a kind of human congenital malformation) with a shortened trachea and clear separations of the trachea and esophagus, while the remaining 43% had TEF. Furthermore, all the E2del mice had bilateral sac-like lungs. Both TA and bilateral sac-like lungs are preferred in SCOG. Our work presents a new strategy for producing SCOG host embryos that may be useful for lung regeneration.
Structural, Optical, Magnetic and Electrical Properties of Sputtered ZnO and ZnO:Fe Thin Films: The Role of Deposition Power
Authors: Faramawy Ahmed , Elsayed Hamada , Scian Carlo , Mattei Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Structural, optical, magnetic, and electrical properties of zinc oxide (henceforth, ZO) and iron doped zinc oxide (henceforth, ZOFe) films deposited by sputtering technique are described by means of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV–Vis spectrometer, vibrating sample magnetometer, and room temperature electrical conductivity, respectively. GIXRD analysis revealed that the films were polycrystalline with a hexagonal phase, and all films had a preferred (002) c-axis orientation. The lattice parameters a and c of the wurtzite structure were calculated for all films. The a parameter remains almost the same (around 3 Å), while c parameter varies slightly with increasing Fe content from 5.18 to 5.31 Å throughout the co-deposition process. The optical gap for undoped and doped ZO was obtained from different numerical methods based on the experimental data and it was increased with the increment of the concentration of Fe dopant from 3.26 eV to 3.35 eV. The highest magnetization (4.26 × 10−4 emu/g) and lowest resistivity (4.6 × 107 Ω·cm) values of the ZO films were found to be at an Fe content of 5% at. %. An explanation for the dependence of the optical, magnetic, and electrical properties of the samples on the Fe concentrations is also given. The enhanced magnetic properties such as saturated magnetization and coercivity with optical properties reveal that Fe doped ZO thin films are suitable for magneto-optoelectronic (optoelectronic and spintronics) device applications.
The Medical Education Planetary Health Journey: Advancing the Agenda in the Health Professions Requires Eco-Ethical Leadership and Inclusive Collaboration
Authors: McLean Michelle , Behrens Georgia , Chase Hannah , El Omrani Omnia , Hackett Finola , Hampshire Karly , Islam Nuzhat , Hsu Sarah , Sood Natasha
Published: December 2022

Climate change and the declining state of the planet’s ecosystems, due mainly to a global resource-driven economy and the consumptive lifestyles of the wealthy, are impacting the health and well-being of all Earth’s inhabitants. Although ‘planetary health’ was coined in 1980, it was only in the early 2000s that a call came for a paradigm shift in medical education to include the impact of ecosystem destabilization and the increasing prevalence of vector-borne diseases. The medical education response was, however, slow, with the sustainable healthcare and climate change educational agenda driven by passionate academics and clinicians. In response, from about 2016, medical students have taken action, developing much-needed learning outcomes, resources, policies, frameworks, and an institutional audit tool. While the initial medical education focus was climate change and sustainable healthcare, more recently, with wider collaboration and engagement (Indigenous voices, students, other health professions, community), there is now planetary health momentum. This chronological account of the evolution of planetary health in medical education draws on the extant literature and our (an academic, students, and recent graduates) personal experiences and interactions. Advancing this urgent educational agenda, however, requires universities to support inclusive transdisciplinary collaboration among academics, students and communities, many of whom are already champions and eco-ethical leaders, to ensure a just and sustainable future for all of Earth’s inhabitants.
Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate: Prenatal Accuracy, Postnatal Course, and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Farladansky-Gershnabel Sivan , Gluska Hadar , Halevi Nufar , Kotser Neta , Sharon-Weiner Maya , Schreiber Hanoch , Sukenik-Halevi Rivka , Ebner Yaniv , Arnon Shmuel , Markovitch Ofer
Published: December 2022

Orofacial clefts include cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP). This retrospective study assessed the efficacy of prenatal sonographic diagnosis of isolated and non-isolated cases of CL/CP and the postnatal outcomes of these children. Data regarding patients diagnosed and treated in the tertiary orofacial clinic from 2000 to 2020 were retrieved from electronic medical records and telephone-based questionnaires. Isolated CL was found in 7 cases (7.2%), isolated CP in 51 (53%), and combined CL/CP in 38 (39.5%), and 22 cases (23%) were associated with other anomalies. Among 96 cases, 39 (40.6%) were diagnosed prenatally. Isolated CL was diagnosed in 5/7 (71.5%), combined clefts in 29/38 (76.3%), and CP in 7/51 (13.8%). Prenatal chromosomal analysis performed in 32/39 (82%) cases was normal for all. The rate of surgical intervention in the first year of life was 36/38 (94.7%) for combined clefts, 5/7 (71.4%) for CL, and 20/51 (39%) for isolated CP. Most children had speech therapy (23/38 (60.5%), 3/7 (42.8%), and 41/51 (80.3%), respectively) and psychotherapy (6/38 (15.7%), 3/7 (42.8%) and, 15/51 (29.4%), respectively). The accuracy rate of sonographic prenatal diagnosis is low. Our results emphasize the suggested work-up of fetuses with CL and/or CP and improvements to parental counseling, as well as their understanding and compliance regarding post-natal therapeutic plans.
Antifungal Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Candida albicans
Authors: Djearamane Sinouvassane , Xiu Lin-Jia , Wong Ling-Shing , Rajamani Ranjithkumar , Bharathi Devaraj , Kayarohanam Saminathan , De Cruz Alice Escalante , Tey Lai-Hock , Janakiraman Ashok Kumar , Aminuzzaman Mohammod , Selvaraj Siddharthan
Published: December 2022

This paper reports the antifungal properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Candida albicans ATCC 1023 through the study of growth inhibitory effects of ZnO NPs on C. albicans and the effect of the nanoparticles on the surface of C. albicans. The growth inhibitory effects of ZnO NPs (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 µg/mL) on C. albicans at 24 h were determined through the reduction in suspension turbidity and colony count. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was carried out to establish the functional groups associated with the interaction of ZnO NPs on the yeast cell wall, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis was utilised to determine the surface accumulation of ZnO NPs on the yeast cells and the consequential morphological alterations on C. albicans. The results exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) growth inhibition for all tested concentrations except for 5 µg/mL of ZnO NPs at 24 h as compared to negative control. FTIR analysis revealed the possible involvement of alcohol, amide A, methyl, alkynes, amide I and II, and phosphate groups from the cell wall of C. albicans in the surface interaction with ZnO NPs. Finally, SEM-EDX revealed a considerable accumulation of ZnO NPs on the yeast cells and consequential morphological alterations on C. albicans, including the damage of hyphae, pitting of the cell wall, invagination, and rupture of the cell membrane. The current study demonstrated that ZnO NPs possess antifungal properties against C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner, and the surface interaction of ZnO NPs on fungal cells caused alterations in cell membrane integrity that might have resulted in cell death.
An Improved Binary Owl Feature Selection in the Context of Android Malware Detection
Authors: Alazzam Hadeel , Al-Adwan Aryaf , Abualghanam Orieb , Alhenawi Esra’a , Alsmady Abdulsalam
Published: December 2022

Recently, the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches has raised security concerns from researchers. Android-based mobile devices are considered a dominant operating system. The open-source nature of this platform makes it a good target for malware attacks that result in both data exfiltration and property loss. To handle the security issues of mobile malware attacks, researchers proposed novel algorithms and detection approaches. However, there is no standard dataset used by researchers to make a fair evaluation. Most of the research datasets were collected from the Play Store or collected randomly from public datasets such as the DREBIN dataset. In this paper, a wrapper-based approach for Android malware detection has been proposed. The proposed wrapper consists of a newly modified binary Owl optimizer and a random forest classifier. The proposed approach was evaluated using standard data splits given by the DREBIN dataset in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, false-positive rate, and F1-score. The proposed approach reaches 98.84% and 86.34% for accuracy and F-score, respectively. Furthermore, it outperforms several related approaches from the literature in terms of accuracy, precision, and recall.
Effect of Pre-Oxidation on a Ti PVD Coated Ferritic Steel Substrate during High-Temperature Aging
Authors: Ardigo-Besnard Maria-Rosa , Besnard Aurélien , Nkou Bouala Galy , Boulet Pascal , Pinot Yoann , Ostorero Quentin
Published: December 2022

A PVD coating is often applied on the surface of metallic alloys to improve their high-temperature resistance. In the present work, a thin titanium layer (1.2 µm) was deposited by PVD on the surface of a stainless steel substrate before high-temperature exposure (800 °C in ambient air). The underlying idea is that metallic Ti converts into Ti oxide (TiO2) during high-temperature aging at 800 °C, thereby slowing down the substrate oxidation. The stability of the coating with and without substrate pre-oxidation was investigated. Morphological, structural, and chemical characterizations were performed and completed by simulation of the film growth and measurement of the mechanical state of the film and the substrate. In the case of the sample that was not pre-oxidized, the oxidation of the steel was slowed down by the TiO2 scale but spallation was observed. On the other hand, when the steel was pre-oxidized, TiO2 provided more significant protection against high-temperature oxidation, and spalling or cracking did not occur. A combination of different kinds of stress could explain the two different behaviors, namely, the mechanical state of the film and the substrate before oxidation, the growing stress, and the thermal stress occurring during cooling down.