bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clostridioides difficile Infection among Cirrhotic Patients with Variceal Bleeding
Authors: Voicu Mirela Nicoleta , Popescu Florica , Florescu Dan Nicolae , Rogoveanu Ion , Turcu-Stiolica Adina , Gheonea Dan Ionut , Iovanescu Vlad Florin , Iordache Sevastita , Cazacu Sergiu Marian , Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu
Published: June 2021

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) stands as the leading cause of nosocomial infection with high morbidity and mortality rates, causing a major burden on the healthcare system. Driven by antibiotics, it usually affects older patients with chronic disease or immunosuppressed or oncologic management. Variceal bleeding secondary to cirrhosis requires antibiotics to prevent bacterial translocation, and thus patients become susceptible to CDI. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for CDI in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding following ceftriaxone and the mortality risk in this patient’s population. We retrospectively screened 367 cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding, from which 25 patients were confirmed with CDI, from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019. We found MELD to be the only multivariate predictor for mortality (odds ratio, OR = 1.281, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.098–1.643, p = 0.042). A model of four predictors (age, days of admission, Charlson index, Child–Pugh score) was generated (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, AUC = 0.840, 95% CI: 0.758–0.921, p < 0.0001) to assess the risk of CDI exposure. Determining the probability of getting CDI for cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding could be a tool for doctors in taking decisions, which could be integrated in sustainable public health programs.
Practices and Challenges of Veterinary Paraprofessionals in Regards to Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Animals in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Frumence Gasto , Mboera Leonard E. G. , Sindato Calvin , Durrance-Bagale Anna , Jung Anne-Sophie , Mshana Stephen E. , Clark Taane G. , Legido-Quigley Helena , Matee Mecky I.
Published: June 2021

We conducted a qualitative study to explore the practices and challenges of veterinary paraprofessionals (paravets) on antimicrobial use and resistance in domestic animals. Methods: This was a qualitative study, which involved semi-structured interviews with paravets from the Ilala, Ubungo, Kigamboni, Kinondoni, and Temeke districts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Results: A total of 40 paravets participated in this study. The majority (72.5%) admitted to having not undergone any formal training on antimicrobial use and/or resistance. Paravets face several challenges, including poor working conditions and having no access to laboratory services to advise on antimicrobial choice and selection. They also face challenges from livestock farmers such as the inability to afford the recommended medicines, the self-prescription of antimicrobials, and poor record keeping. The presence of sub-standard medicine and the lack of guidelines on the appropriate disposal of medicines were also identified as affecting their services. Conclusion: Paravets should be trained in the judicious use of antimicrobials, and the same training should be used to refresh their knowledge on the diagnosis and prevention of infections. The Veterinary Council of Tanzania and other regulatory agencies should assist in addressing the challenges facing paravets that are related to animal health services and the quality of medicines.
The Synergistic Activity and Optimizing Doses of Tigecycline in Combination with Aminoglycosides against Clinical Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates
Authors: Nulsopapon Parnrada , Nasomsong Worapong , Pongchaidecha Manat , Changpradub Dhitiwat , Juntanawiwat Piraporn , Santimaleeworagun Wichai
Published: June 2021

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), especially carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), are among the largest pathogenic threats to humans. The available antibiotic treatment options for combating CRKP are limited. Colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CoRE) have also been reported worldwide, including in Thailand. Therefore, this study aimed (1) to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and synergistic activities of antibiotics of CRKP, and (2) to determine the probability target of attainment (PTA) and cumulative fraction of response (CFR) using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data. Clinical CRKP isolates were obtained from Phramongkutklao Hospital (June to November 2020). Broth microdilution and checkerboard techniques were used to determine the mono- and synergistic activities of antibiotics. Carbapenemase and mcr-1 genes were also identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The optimal antibiotic regimens were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations. Forty-nine CRKP isolates were collected, 40 of which were CoRKP strains. The MIC50 and MIC90 of tigecycline, amikacin, and gentamicin were 1 and 2 µg/mL, 4 and 16 µg/mL, and 0.25 and 4 µg/mL, respectively. None of any isolates expressed the mcr-1 gene, whereas blaOXA-48 (53.1%) and blaOXA-48 plus blaNDM (42.9%) were detected. Synergistic activity was observed in 8.2% of isolates for tigecycline combined with amikacin or gentamicin. Additive activity was observed in 75.5% of isolates for tigecycline-amikacin and 69.4% for tigecycline-gentamicin, and no antagonism was observed. High-dose antibiotic regimens achieved the PTA target. The general recommended dose of combination regimens began with 200 mg tigecycline and 25 mg/kg amikacin, or 7 mg/kg gentamicin, followed by 100 mg tigecycline every 12 h and 15 mg/kg amikacin or 5 mg/kg gentamicin every 24 h. In conclusion, tigecycline plus aminoglycosides might be a potential regimen against CRKP and CoRKP. The appropriate combination regimen based on MIC-based dose adjustment can improve optimal antibiotic dosing. Further research via clinical studies will be necessary to confirm these results.
Gesture Recognition of Sign Language Alphabet Using a Magnetic Positioning System
Authors: Rinalduzzi Matteo , De Angelis Alessio , Santoni Francesco , Buchicchio Emanuele , Moschitta Antonio , Carbone Paolo , Bellitti Paolo , Serpelloni Mauro
Published: June 2021

Hand gesture recognition is a crucial task for the automated translation of sign language, which enables communication for the deaf. This work proposes the usage of a magnetic positioning system for recognizing the static gestures associated with the sign language alphabet. In particular, a magnetic positioning system, which is comprised of several wearable transmitting nodes, measures the 3D position and orientation of the fingers within an operating volume of about 30 × 30 × 30 cm, where receiving nodes are placed at known positions. Measured position data are then processed by a machine learning classification algorithm. The proposed system and classification method are validated by experimental tests. Results show that the proposed approach has good generalization properties and provides a classification accuracy of approximately 97% on 24 alphabet letters. Thus, the feasibility of the proposed gesture recognition system for the task of automated translation of the sign language alphabet for fingerspelling is proven.
Resolution Enhancement of Spherical Wave-Based Holographic Stereogram with Large Depth Range
Authors: Wang Zi , Lv Guoqiang , Xu Miao , Feng Qibin , Wang Anting , Ming Hai
Published: June 2021

The resolution-priority holographic stereogram uses spherical waves focusing on the central depth plane (CDP) to reconstruct 3D images. The image resolution near the CDP can be easily enhanced by modifying three parameters: the capturing depth, the pixel size of elemental image and the focal length of lens array. However, the depth range may decrease as a result. In this paper, the resolution characteristics were analyzed in a geometrical imaging model, and three corresponding methods were proposed: a numerical method was proposed to find the proper capturing depth; a partial aperture filtering technique was proposed after reducing pixel size; the moving array lenslet technique was introduced after increasing focal length and partial aperture filtering. Each method can enhance resolution within the total depth range. Simulation and optical experiments were performed to verify the proposed methods.
Numerical and Theoretical Study of Performance and Mechanical Behavior of PEM-FC Using Innovative Channel Geometrical Configurations
Authors: AL-bonsrulah Hussein A. Z. , Alshukri Mohammed J. , Alsabery Ammar I. , Hashim Ishak
Published: June 2021

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM-FC) aggregation pressure causes extensive strains in cell segments. The compression of each segment takes place through the cell modeling method. In addition, a very heterogeneous compressive load is produced because of the recurrent channel rib design of the dipole plates, so that while high strains are provided below the rib, the domain continues in its initial uncompressed case under the ducts approximate to it. This leads to significant spatial variations in thermal and electrical connections and contact resistances (both in rib–GDL and membrane–GDL interfaces). Variations in heat, charge, and mass transfer rates within the GDL can affect the performance of the fuel cell (FC) and its lifetime. In this paper, two scenarios are considered to verify the performance and lifetime of the PEM-FC using different innovative channel geometries. The first scenario is conducted by adopting a constant channel height (H = 1 mm) for all the differently shaped channels studied. In contrast, the second scenario is conducted by taking a constant channel cross-sectional area (A = 1 mm2) for all the studied channels. Therefore, a computational fluid dynamics model (CFD) for a PEM fuel cell is formed through the assembly of FC to simulate the pressure variations inside it. The simulation results showed that a triangular cross-section channel provided the uniformity of the pressure distribution, with lower deformations and lower mechanical stresses. The analysis helped gain insights into the physical mechanisms that lead to the FC’s durability and identify important parameters under different conditions. The model shows that it can assume the intracellular pressure configuration toward durability and appearance containing limited experimental data. The results also proved that the better cell voltage occurs in the case of the rectangular channel cross-section, and therefore, higher power from the FC, although its durability is much lower compared to the durability of the triangular channel. The results also showed that the rectangular channel cross-section gave higher cell voltages, and therefore, higher power (0.63 W) from the fuel cell, although its durability is much lower compared to the durability of the triangular channel. Therefore, the triangular channel gives better performance compared to other innovative channels.
Study of Different Crystal Habits of Aprepitant: Dissolution and Material Attributes
Authors: Datir Satyajit R. , Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Pradeep , Jain Sanyog , Bansal Arvind Kumar , Nallamothu Bhargavi , Thakore Samarth D. , Bele Mrudula H.
Published: June 2021

In the present study, aprepitant (APT) was selected to find its suitable crystal habit, which can improve its existing poor dissolution and manufacturing processability. Solvents were screened out for solubility analysis of APT and further crystal habit modification. Solid-state characterization studies like powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) distinguished that tabular crystal habit was generated from acetone (APT-AC) and long tabular crystal habit was generated from ethyl acetate (APT-EA). Kawakita analysis and powder flow property studies showed that APT-EA is cohesive, has poor flow property and low bulk density compared to APT-AC (p < 0.05). Heckel plots reflected that APT-EA shows higher fragmentation and particle rearrangement during the initial stages as indicated by the higher intercept values. Higher slopes in APT-EA and APT-AC confirmed better plasticity but lower yield pressure in APT-AC proved good plastic deformation compared to APT-EA (p < 0.05). The dissolution profile of the APT-EA was found to be better than that of APT-AC. Overall, it can be concluded that APT-AC crystal habit has a better flow rate, tensile strength, and plasticity whereas APT-EA has better dissolution.
New Affordable Method for Measuring Angular Variations Caused by High Heels on the Sagittal Plane of Feet Joints during Gait
Authors: Velázquez Jose S. , Iznaga-Benítez Arsenio M. , Robau-Porrúa Amanda , Sáez-Gutiérrez Francisco L. , Cavas Francisco
Published: June 2021

Gait is influenced by many factors, but one of the most prominent ones is shoe heel height. Optical motion tracking technology is widely used to analyze high-heeled gait, but it normally involves several high-quality cameras and licensed software, so clinics and researchers with low budgets cannot afford them. This article presents a simple, effective technique to measure the rotation angles on the sagittal plane of the ankle (tibiotalar) and toe (metatarsophalangeal) joints when no shoes (0 cm heel) and high-heeled shoes (2, 6 and 10 cm heels) are worn. The foot’s position was determined by a set of equations based on its geometry and video analysis techniques with free software (Tracker). An evaluation of the spatio-temporal variables confirmed observations from previous studies: increasing heel heights reduces gait cycle length and speed but does not change cadence. The range of movement at the tibiotalar joint progressively narrowed from 28° when no heel height was worn to 9° when a 10 cm heel was used, and these reductions ranged from 30° to 5° for metatarsophalangeal joints, respectively. This aligns with other authors’ previous studies, and confirms that the proposed method accurately measures kinematic ankle–foot set changes when wearing high heels.
Estimation of Soil Shear Strength Indicators Using Soil Physical Properties of Paddy Soils in the Plastic State
Authors: Jiang Qianjing , Cao Ming , Wang Yongwei , Wang Jun , He Zhuoliang
Published: June 2021

Saturated soil shear strength is a primary factor that reflects the driving resistance of agricultural machinery in paddy soils. The determination of soil shear strength indicators, such as cohesion and internal frictional angle, is crucial to improve the walking efficiency of agricultural machinery in paddy soils. However, the measurement of these indicators is often costly and time-consuming. Soil moisture content, density, and clay content are crucial factors that affect the cohesion and internal friction angle, while very limited studies have been performed to assess the interactive effects of the three factors on soil shear characteristics, especially on paddy soils. In this study, eight soil samples were taken from eight paddy fields in Southeastern China, and the central composition rotatable design was used to classify the soil samples into five levels based on different clay content (X1), moisture content (X2), and density (X3). The direct shear tests were carried out indoors on the remolded paddy soil using a self-made shear characteristic measuring device. Then, both individual and interactive effects of X1, X2, and X3 on soil cohesion and internal friction angles on paddy soils were systematically investigated and analyzed using the regression analysis method in the data processing software Design-Expert. Our results indicated that the effects of the three environmental factors on soil cohesion were in the order of X1 > X2 > X3, while the order was X2 > X3 > X1 for the impact on internal friction angle. The interactive effects were in the order of X1X2 > X1X3 > X2X3 for cohesion and X1X2 > X2X3 > X1X3 for internal friction angle. Two prediction models were successfully established to quantify the soil cohesion and internal friction angle as affected by soil physical properties, and the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.91 and 0.89 for the two equations, respectively. The model validations using new soil samples suggested that the models were capable of predicting the shear characteristic parameters under different physical parameters effectively, with errors between predicted and measured soil shear strength indicators within 15% and relative root mean square error less than 11%.
Research on the Shock Response Characteristics of a Threaded Connection Using the Thin-Layer Element Method
Authors: Yan A’min , Wang Xiaofeng , Yang He , Huang Fenglei , Pi Aiguo
Published: June 2021

Nonlinear factors such as the contact stiffness and friction damping at the threaded interface of a projectile–fuse system significantly affect the dynamic response characteristics. To obtain the dynamic response of the fuse body accurately during penetration, it is necessary to characterize these nonlinear factors reasonably. Because the existing structural dynamics software cannot effectively deal with nonlinear factors, the thin-layer element method was used to represent the nonlinear factors in this study. By combining the thread elastic model with thin-layer element principles, an effective method for determining the material parameters of the thin-layer element was established theoretically, which provided a different method of determining material parameters, not just relying on experiments. The accuracy of the material parameters was verified based on modal experiments with threaded tubes having different specifications. The errors were within 5%, indicating the reliability of the theoretical determination method for the material parameters. In addition, projectile penetration into a semi-infinite concrete target was tested to verify the accuracy of the thin-layer element modeling. Compared with the ‘TIED’ constraint method, the resonant frequency obtained with the thin-layer element method was in better agreement with that of the experimental data. The maximum error decreased from 15.7 to 7.8%, indicating that the thin-layer element method could accurately represent the nonlinear factors. Thus, this study serves as a reference for accurately evaluating the dynamic response of the fuse body of a penetrator.
Comparative In Vitro Evaluation of the Primary Stability in D3 Synthetic Bone of Two Different Shapes and Pitches of the Implant Threads
Authors: Fanali Stefano , Tumedei Margherita , Pignatelli Pamela , Lucchese Alessandra , Inchingolo Francesco , Piattelli Adriano , Iezzi Giovanna
Published: June 2021

Background: Implant primary stability can be affected by several factors related to implant macrogeometry, local anatomy, and surgical techniques. The aim of this research was to study primary stability on polyurethane foam sheets of wide-threaded implant design compared to narrow-threaded implants. Materials and methods: Two different implant designs were positioned on D3 density polyurethane blocks in a standardized environment: the wide-threaded implant and the narrow-threaded implant, for a total of 160 specimens. Moreover, for each group, two different sizes were considered: 3.8 mm × 12 mm and 4.8 mm × 12 mm. The insertion torque (IT) values, the removal strength (RT), and the Periotest analyses were evaluated. Results: A significantly higher IT and RT was reported for wide-threaded implants and two-stage implants (p < 0.01), compared to the narrow-threaded implants. The diameters seemed to provide a significant effect on the primary stability for both implants’ geometry (p < 0.01). A higher mean of the one-stage implant was evident in the Periotest measurements (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Both of the implants showed sufficient stability in polyurethane artificial simulation, while the wide-threaded implant design showed a higher primary stability on alveolar cancellous synthetic bone in vitro. Additionally, the prosthetic joint connection seemed to have a determinant effect on Periotest analysis, and the one-stage implants seemed to provide a high stability of the fixture when positioned in the osteotomy, which could be important for the immediate loading protocol.
Strong Interacting Internal Waves in Rotating Ocean: Novel Fractional Approach
Authors: Veeresha Pundikala , Baskonus Haci Mehmet , Gao Wei
Published: June 2021

The main objective of the present study is to analyze the nature and capture the corresponding consequences of the solution obtained for the Gardner–Ostrovsky equation with the help of the q-homotopy analysis transform technique (q-HATT). In the rotating ocean, the considered equations exemplify strong interacting internal waves. The fractional operator employed in the present study is used in order to illustrate its importance in generalizing the models associated with kernel singular. The fixed-point theorem and the Banach space are considered to present the existence and uniqueness within the frame of the Caputo–Fabrizio (CF) fractional operator. Furthermore, for different fractional orders, the nature has been captured in plots. The realized consequences confirm that the considered procedure is reliable and highly methodical for investigating the consequences related to the nonlinear models of both integer and fractional order.
Optimization and Application of the Wine Neophobia Scale
Authors: Pickering Gary J. , Dale Gillian , Kemp Belinda
Published: June 2021

Wine consumers’ willingness (wine neophilia) or reluctance (wine neophobia) to try new wines represent, respectively, an opportunity or barrier for product innovation and market development in the wine industry. Here, we first sought to validate and optimize the Wine Neophobia Scale (WNS) in a large sample of 1269 Canadian wine consumers. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that a seven-item scale was optimal. This modified WNS (mWNS) was then used to investigate demographic and behavioral correlates of wine neophobia. Using lower and upper quartile values, 316 neophiles and 326 neophobes were identified. Wine neophiles and neophobes did not differ with respect to gender or age; however, neophobes had lower household income, education, and wine involvement, and reported consuming fewer wine styles than neophiles. Interestingly, while neophiles drank wine considerably more frequently than neophobes—a finding that is mediated by wine involvement—total annual wine intake did not differ between the groups. Importantly, the price typically paid per bottle of wine also varied with wine neophobia. We recommend adoption of the modified mWNS as a useful tool for more fully understanding the drivers of wine behavior and providing guidance to wine marketers.
Nitric-Oxide-Mediated Vasodilation of Bioactive Compounds Isolated from Hypericum revolutum in Rat Aorta
Authors: Abdallah Hossam M. , Timraz Noha Z. , Ibrahim Sabrin R. M. , El-Halawany Ali M. , Malebari Azizah M. , Shehata Ibrahim A. , El-Bassossy Hany M.
Published: June 2021

Vasodilators are an important class in the management of hypertension and related cardiovascular disorders. In this regard, the chloroform fraction of Hypericum revolutum (HR) has been reported to produce vasodilating activity in phenylephrine-precontracted aortae. The current work aims to identify the active metabolites in the chloroform fraction of HR and illustrate the possible mechanism of action. The vasodilation activities were investigated using the isolated artery technique. NO vascular release was assessed by utilizing the NO-sensitive fluorescent probe DAF-FM. Free radical scavenging capacity was assessed utilizing DPPH. Chemical investigation of this fraction yielded two new compounds, revolutin (1) and hyperevolutin C (2), along with three known metabolites, β-sitosterol (3), euxanthone (4), and 2,3,4-tirmethoxy xanthone (5). Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 5 showed significant vasodilation activities that were blocked by either endothelial denudation or L-NAME (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), pointing towards a role of endothelial nitric oxide in their activities. In confirmation of this role, compounds 1–3 showed a significant release of NO from isolated vessels, as indicated by DAF-FM. On the other hand, only compound 5 showed free radical scavenging activities, as indicated by DPPH. In conclusion, isolated compounds 1, 2, 3, and 5 produce vasodilation activities that are dependent on endothelial nitric oxide release.
Female Mice Are Protected from Metabolic Decline Associated with Lack of Skeletal Muscle HuR
Authors: Stone Allison C. , Noland Robert C. , Mynatt Randall L. , Velasquez Samuel E. , Bayless David S. , Ravussin Eric , Warfel Jaycob D.
Published: June 2021

Male mice lacking HuR in skeletal muscle (HuRm−/−) have been shown to have decreased gastrocnemius lipid oxidation and increased adiposity and insulin resistance. The same consequences have not been documented in female HuRm−/− mice. Here we examine this sexually dimorphic phenotype. HuRm−/− mice have an increased fat mass to lean mass ratio (FM/LM) relative to controls where food intake is similar. Increased body weight for male mice correlates with increased blood glucose during glucose tolerance tests (GTT), suggesting increased fat mass in male HuRm−/− mice as a driver of decreased glucose clearance. However, HuRm−/− female mice show decreased blood glucose levels during GTT relative to controls. HuRm−/− mice display decreased palmitate oxidation in skeletal muscle relative to controls. This difference is more robust for male HuRm−/− mice and more exaggerated for both sexes at high dietary fat. A high-fat diet stimulates expression of Pgc1α in HuRm−/− male skeletal muscle, but not in females. However, the lipid oxidation Pparα pathway remains decreased in HuRm−/− male mice relative to controls regardless of diet. This pathway is only decreased in female HuRm−/− mice fed high fat diet. A decreased capacity for lipid oxidation in skeletal muscle in the absence of HuR may thus be linked to decreased glucose clearance in male but not female mice.
Effect of Polyploidy Induction on Natural Metabolite Production in Medicinal Plants
Authors: Madani Hadi , Escrich Ainoa , Hosseini Bahman , Sanchez-Muñoz Raul , Khojasteh Abbas , Palazon Javier
Published: June 2021

Polyploidy plays an important role in plant diversification and speciation. The ploidy level of plants is associated with morphological and biochemical characteristics, and its modification has been used as a strategy to alter the quantitative and qualitative patterns of secondary metabolite production in different medicinal plants. Polyploidization can be induced by many anti-mitotic agents, among which colchicine, oryzalin, and trifluralin are the most common. Other variables involved in the induction process include the culture media, explant types, and exposure times. Due to the effects of polyploidization on plant growth and development, chromosome doubling has been applied in plant breeding to increase the levels of target compounds and improve morphological characteristics. Prompted by the importance of herbal medicines and the increasing demand for drugs based on plant secondary metabolites, this review presents an overview of how polyploidy can be used to enhance metabolite production in medicinal plants.
Modular Assembly of Phosphite Dehydrogenase and Phenylacetone Monooxygenase for Tuning Cofactor Regeneration
Authors: Purwani Ni Nyoman , Martin Caterina , Savino Simone , Fraaije Marco W.
Published: June 2021

The use of multienzyme complexes can facilitate biocatalytic cascade reactions by employing fusion enzymes or protein tags. In this study, we explored the use of recently developed peptide tags that promote complex formation of the targeted proteins: the dimerization-docking and anchoring domain (RIDD–RIAD) system. These peptides allow self-assembly based on specific protein–protein interactions between both peptides and allow tuning of the ratio of the targeted enzymes as the RIAD peptide binds to two RIDD peptides. Each of these tags were added to the C-terminus of a NADPH-dependent Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase (phenylacetone monooxygenase, PAMO) and a NADPH-regenerating enzyme (phosphite dehydrogenase, PTDH). Several RIDD/RIAD-tagged PAMO and PTDH variants were successfully overproduced in E. coli and subsequently purified. Complementary tagged enzymes were mixed and analyzed for their oligomeric state, stability, and activity. Complexes were formed in the case of some specific combinations (PAMORIAD–PTDHRIDD and PAMORIAD/RIAD–PTDHRIDD). These enzyme complexes displayed similar catalytic activity when compared with the PTDH–PAMO fusion enzyme. The thermostability of PAMO in these complexes was retained while PTDH displayed somewhat lower thermostability. Evaluation of the biocatalytic performance by conducting conversions revealed that with a self-assembled PAMO–PTDH complex less PTDH was required for the same performance when compared with the PTDH–PAMO fusion enzyme.
Introduction to a New MDPI Open Access Journal: Biomechanics
Authors: Keogh Justin W. L.
Published: June 2021

Biomechanics may be considered a branch of biophysics that involves the application of mechanical principles to better our understanding of the structure, function, and motion of living organisms [...]
Factors Related to Greater Functional Recovery after Suffering a Stroke
Authors: Vázquez-Guimaraens María , Caamaño-Ponte José L. , Seoane-Pillado Teresa , Cudeiro Javier
Published: June 2021

Background: In a stroke, the importance of initial functional status is fundamental for prognosis. The aim of the current study was to investigate functional status, assessed by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale, and possible predictors of functional outcome at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: This is a retrospective study that was carried out at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service in A Coruña (Spain). A total of 365 consecutive patients with primary diagnosis of stroke were enrolled. The functional assessments of all patients were performed through the FIM. A descriptive and a bivariate analysis of the variables included in the study was made and a succession of linear regression models was used to determine which variables were associated with the total FIM at discharge. Results: Prior to having the stroke, 76.7% were totally independent in activities of daily living. The FIM scale score was 52.5 ± 25.5 points at admission and 83.4 ± 26.3 at hospital discharge. The multivariate analysis showed that FIM scores on admission were the most important predictors of FIM outcomes. Conclusions: Our study indicates that the degree of independence prior to admission after suffering a stroke is the factor that will determine the functionality of patients at hospital discharge.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders and Functional Urinary Disorders: A Fortuitous Association?
Authors: Ng Qin Xiang , Lim Yu Liang , Loke Wayren , Yeo Wee Song , Chee Kuan Tsee
Published: June 2021

Although psychological factors are known to affect bladder and bowel control, the occurrence of functional urinary disorders in patients with psychiatric disorders has not been well-studied or described. A higher prevalence of functional lower urinary tract disorders have also been reported amongst patients with obsessive-compulsive (OC) disorders. A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID Medline, PsycINFO, Clinical Trials Register of the Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group (CCDANTR), Clinicaltrials.gov and Google Scholar databases found five observational studies on the topic. Unfortunately, as only one study had a (healthy) control group, a meta-analytic approach was not possible. Overall, patients with OC symptoms appeared to have increased occurrence of functional urinary symptoms, e.g., overactive bladder, increase in urgency, frequency, incontinence and enuresis. This was even more common amongst patients with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) or Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) as opposed to patients with OCD alone. Several biological and behavioural mechanisms and treatment approaches were discussed. However, as the current evidence base was significantly limited and had moderate to serious risk of bias, no strong inferences could be drawn. Further well-designed cohort studies are necessary to better elucidate the observed associations and their management.
Sassi of Matera Building Material: High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy Characterization for Radioprotection
Authors: Artiola Valeria , La Verde Giuseppe , D’Avino Vittoria , Pugliese Mariagabriella
Published: June 2021

The Sassi of Matera (Basilicata region, southern Italy) is a peculiar site, but not unique in Italy, from a landscape point of view. Most of the buildings are excavated in rocks of calcarenite origin and used as homes and accommodation facilities. For this reason, the contribution of gamma radiation to the population due to this building material has been investigated for the first time. Even though the type of rock is not mentioned among the construction materials indicated in Italian Legislative Decree 101/2020 to be subjected to radiological characterization, the methodology indicated in the decree was applied, comparing the values with those present in the literature. The content of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was then investigated with gamma spectroscopy, and the gamma index was calculated. The results obtained showed a low level of activity concentration of natural radionuclides in this type of stone, confirming the radiological safety. This result can also support the recovery and restoration initiatives for these buildings to conserve the architectural and landscape heritage of this village.
Comparison of Downdraught and Up Draft Passive Air Conduction Systems (PACS) in a Winery Building
Authors: Katona Ádám László , Háber István Ervin , Kistelegdi István
Published: June 2021

A huge portion of energy consumption in buildings comes from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Numerous previous works assessed the potential of natural ventilation compared to mechanical ventilation and proved their justification on the field. Nevertheless, it is a major difficulty to collect enough information from the literature to make decisions between different natural ventilation solutions with a given situation and boundary conditions. The current study tests the passive air conduction system (PACS) variations in the design phase of a medium-sized new winery’s cellar and production hall in Villány, Hungary. A computational fluid dynamics simulation based comparative analysis enabled to determine the differences in updraft (UD) and downdraught (DD) PACS, whereby the latter was found to be more efficient. While the DD PACS performed an air change range of 1.02 h−1 to 5.98 h−1, the UD PACS delivered −0.25 h−1 to 12.82 h−1 air change rate. The ventilation performance of the DD version possessed lower amplitudes, but the distribution was more balanced under different wind incident angles, thus this version was chosen for construction. It could be concluded that the DD PACS provides a more general applicability for natural ventilation in moderate climates and in small to medium scale industry hall domains with one in- and one outlet.
MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Moon Hyuk , Ro Simon Weonsang
Published: June 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. Recently, the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in HCC has gained renewed attention from basic and clinical researchers. The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is activated in more than 50% of human HCC cases; however, activating mutations in RAS and RAF genes are rarely found in HCC, which are major genetic events leading to the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in other cancers. This suggests that there is an alternative mechanism behind the activation of the signaling pathway in HCC. Here, we will review recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathway in the context of HCC.
Cell-Free Total Nucleic Acid-Based Genotyping of Aggressive Lymphoma: Comprehensive Analysis of Gene Fusions and Nucleotide Variants by Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Mokánszki Attila , Bicskó Réka , Gergely Lajos , Méhes Gábor
Published: June 2021

Chromosomal translocations and pathogenic nucleotide variants both gained special clinical importance in lymphoma diagnostics. Non-invasive genotyping from peripheral blood (PB) circulating free nucleic acid has been effectively used to demonstrate cancer-related nucleotide variants, while gene fusions were not covered in the past. Our prospective study aimed to isolate and quantify PB cell-free total nucleic acid (cfTNA) from patients diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma and to compare with tumor-derived RNA (tdRNA) from the tissue sample of the same patients for both gene fusion and nucleotide variant testing. Matched samples from 24 patients were analyzed by next-generation sequencing following anchored multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (AMP) for 125 gene regions. Eight different gene fusions, including the classical BCL2, BCL6, and MYC genes, were detected in the corresponding tissue biopsy and cfTNA specimens with generally good agreement. Synchronous BCL2 and MYC translocations in double-hit high-grade B-cell lymphomas were obvious from cfTNA. Besides, mutations of 29 commonly affected genes, such as BCL2, MYD88, NOTCH2, EZH2, and CD79B, could be identified in matched cfTNA, and previously described pathogenic variants were detected in 16/24 cases (66.7%). In 3/24 cases (12.5%), only the PB sample was informative. Our prospective study demonstrates a non-invasive approach to identify frequent gene fusions and variants in aggressive lymphomas. cfTNA was found to be a high-value representative reflecting the complexity of the lymphoma aberration landscape.
Ion Channel Gene Mutations Causing Skeletal Muscle Disorders: Pathomechanisms and Opportunities for Therapy
Authors: Maggi Lorenzo , Bonanno Silvia , Altamura Concetta , Desaphy Jean-François
Published: June 2021

Skeletal muscle ion channelopathies (SMICs) are a large heterogeneous group of rare genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding ion channel subunits in the skeletal muscle mainly characterized by myotonia or periodic paralysis, potentially resulting in long-term disabilities. However, with the development of new molecular technologies, new genes and new phenotypes, including progressive myopathies, have been recently discovered, markedly increasing the complexity in the field. In this regard, new advances in SMICs show a less conventional role of ion channels in muscle cell division, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Hence, SMICs represent an expanding and exciting field. Here, we review current knowledge of SMICs, with a description of their clinical phenotypes, cellular and molecular pathomechanisms, and available treatments.
Distinct Gene Expression Profiles in Colonic Organoids from Normotensive and the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Li Jing , Richards Elaine M. , Handberg Eileen M. , Pepine Carl J. , Raizada Mohan K.
Published: June 2021

Hypertension is associated with gut bacterial dysbiosis and gut pathology in animal models and people. Butyrate-producing gut bacteria are decreased in hypertension. RNA-seq analysis of gut colonic organoids prepared from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats was used to test the hypothesis that impaired interactions between the gut microbiome and gut epithelium are involved and that these would be remediated with butyrate supplementation. Gene expressions in immune responses including antigen presentation and antiviral pathways were decreased in the gut epithelium of the SHR in organoids and confirmed in vivo; these deficits were corrected by butyrate supplementation. Deficits in gene expression driving epithelial proliferation and differentiation were also observed in SHR. These findings highlight the importance of aligned interactions of the gut microbiome and gut immune responses to blood pressure homeostasis.
Transcriptome and Degradome Profiling Reveals a Role of miR530 in the Circadian Regulation of Gene Expression in Kalanchoë marnieriana
Authors: Hu Zhikang , Nie Ziyan , Yan Chao , Huang Hu , Ma Xianjin , Wang Yupeng , Ye Ning , Tuskan Gerald A. , Yang Xiaohan , Yin Hengfu
Published: June 2021

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is an important photosynthetic pathway for plant adaptation to dry environments. CAM plants feature a coordinated interaction between mesophyll and epidermis functions that involves refined regulations of gene expression. Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial post-transcription regulators of gene expression, however, their roles underlying the CAM pathway remain poorly investigated. Here, we present a study characterizing the expression of miRNAs in an obligate CAM species Kalanchoë marnieriana. Through sequencing of transcriptome and degradome in mesophyll and epidermal tissues under the drought treatments, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs that were potentially involved in the regulation of CAM. In total, we obtained 84 miRNA genes, and eight of them were determined to be Kalanchoë-specific miRNAs. It is widely accepted that CAM pathway is regulated by circadian clock. We showed that miR530 was substantially downregulated in epidermal peels under drought conditions; miR530 targeted two tandem zinc knuckle/PLU3 domain encoding genes (TZPs) that were potentially involved in light signaling and circadian clock pathways. Our work suggests that the miR530-TZPs module might play a role of regulating CAM-related gene expression in Kalanchoë.
The B Chromosomes of Prochilodus lineatus (Teleostei, Characiformes) Are Highly Enriched in Satellite DNAs
Authors: Stornioli José Henrique Forte , Goes Caio Augusto Gomes , Calegari Rodrigo Milan , dos Santos Rodrigo Zeni , Giglio Leonardo Moura , Foresti Fausto , Oliveira Claudio , Penitente Manolo , Porto-Foresti Fábio , Utsunomia Ricardo
Published: June 2021

B or supernumerary chromosomes are dispensable elements that are widely present in numerous eukaryotes. Due to their non-recombining nature, there is an evident tendency for repetitive DNA accumulation in these elements. Thus, satellite DNA plays an important role in the evolution and diversification of B chromosomes and can provide clues regarding their origin. The characiform Prochilodus lineatus was one of the first discovered fish species bearing B chromosomes, with all populations analyzed so far showing one to nine micro-B chromosomes and exhibiting at least three morphological variants (Ba, Bsm, and Bm). To date, a single satellite DNA is known to be located on the B chromosomes of this species, but no information regarding the differentiation of the proposed B-types is available. Here, we characterized the satellitome of P. lineatus and mapped 35 satellite DNAs against the chromosomes of P. lineatus, of which six were equally located on all B-types and this indicates a similar genomic content. In addition, we describe, for the first time, an entire population without B chromosomes.
Concordance of Chronotype Categorisations Based on Dim Light Melatonin Onset, the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, and the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire
Authors: Reiter Andrew M. , Sargent Charli , Roach Gregory D.
Published: June 2021

Chronotype reflects circadian timing and can be determined from biological markers (e.g., dim light melatonin onset; DLMO), or questionnaires (e.g., Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire; MEQ, or Munich Chronotype Questionnaire; MCTQ). The study’s aim was to quantify concordance between chronotype categorisations based on these measures. A total of 72 (36f) young, healthy adults completed the MEQ and MCTQ and provided saliva samples hourly in dim light during the evening in a laboratory. The corrected midpoint of sleep on free days (MSFsc) was derived from MCTQ, and tertile splits were used to define early, intermediate and late DLMO-CT, MEQ-CT and MSFsc-CT chronotype categories. DLMO correlated with MEQ score (r = −0.25, p = 0.035) and MSFsc (r = 0.32, p = 0.015). For early, intermediate and late DLMO-CT categories, mean(SD) DLMO were 20:25(0:46), 21:33(0:10) and 23:03(0:53). For early, intermediate and late MEQ-CT categories, mean(SD) MEQ scores were 60.5(5.3), 51.4(2.9) and 40.8 (5.0). For early, intermediate and late MSFsc-CT categories, mean(SD) MSFsc were 03:23(0:34), 04:37(0:12) and 05:55(0:48). Low concordance of categorisations between DLMO-CT and MEQ-CT (37%), and between DLMO-CT and MSFsc-CT (37%), suggests chronotype categorisations depend on the measure used. To enable valid comparisons with previous results and reduce the likelihood of misleading conclusions, researchers should select measures and statistical techniques appropriate to the construct of interest and research question.
High Pressure X-ray Diffraction as a Tool for Designing Doped Ceria Thin Films Electrolytes
Authors: Massardo Sara , Cingolani Alessandro , Artini Cristina
Published: June 2021

Rare earth-doped ceria thin films are currently thoroughly studied to be used in miniaturized solid oxide cells, memristive devices and gas sensors. The employment in such different application fields derives from the most remarkable property of this material, namely ionic conductivity, occurring through the mobility of oxygen ions above a certain threshold temperature. This feature is in turn limited by the association of defects, which hinders the movement of ions through the lattice. In addition to these issues, ionic conductivity in thin films is dominated by the presence of the film/substrate interface, where a strain can arise as a consequence of lattice mismatch. A tensile strain, in particular, when not released through the occurrence of dislocations, enhances ionic conduction through the reduction of activation energy. Within this complex framework, high pressure X-ray diffraction investigations performed on the bulk material are of great help in estimating the bulk modulus of the material, and hence its compressibility, namely its tolerance toward the application of a compressive/tensile stress. In this review, an overview is given about the correlation between structure and transport properties in rare earth-doped ceria films, and the role of high pressure X-ray diffraction studies in the selection of the most proper compositions for the design of thin films.
Thermally Sprayed Nickel-Based Repair Coatings for High-Pressure Turbine Blades: Controlling Void Formation during a Combined Brazing and Aluminizing Process
Authors: Nicolaus Martin , Möhwald Kai , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: June 2021

Turbine blades must withstand severe loading conditions and damage can occur during operation due to heat, pressure, foreign objects and hot gas corrosion, despite the protective coatings applied onto the turbine blades. Instead of replacing the damaged components, maintenance, repair and overhaul are key to extend the total service life. Besides welding, the repair of turbine blades by brazing is an established repair process in the industry and involves many individual steps that often require a high degree of manual work. In the present study, a hybrid joining and coating technology was developed to shorten the state-of-the-art process chain for repairing turbine blades. With this approach, a repair coating, which consists of a filler metal, a hot gas corrosion protective layer and an aluminum top layer, is applied by atmospheric plasma spraying. The coated turbine blade then undergoes a heat-treatment so that a brazing and aluminizing process is carried out simultaneously. Due to diffusion and segregation processes, pores can occur in the heat-treated coating. In the present study, a full factorial design of experiment was performed to reduce the pores in the coating. The microstructure of the repair coating was investigated by optical- and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the impact of the process parameters on the resulting microstructure is discussed.