bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cosmeceutical Potential of Major Tropical and Subtropical Fruit By-Products for a Sustainable Revalorization
Authors: García-Villegas Abigail , Rojas-García Alejandro , Villegas-Aguilar María del Carmen , Fernández-Moreno Patricia , Fernández-Ochoa Álvaro , Cádiz-Gurrea María de la Luz , Arráez-Román David , Segura-Carretero Antonio
Published: January 2022

The increasing production of tropical fruits followed by their processing results in tons of waste, such as skins or seeds. However, these by-products have been reported to be rich in bioactive compounds (BACs) with excellent properties of interest in the cosmeceutical industry: antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and photoprotective properties. This review summarizes the tropical fruits most produced worldwide, their bioactive composition and the most important and studied therapeutic properties that their by-products can contribute to skin health, as well as the different approaches for obtaining these compounds using techniques by conventional (Soxhlet, liquid-liquid extraction or maceration) and non-conventional extractions (supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and two-phase aqueous system), followed by their identification by HPLC-MS or GC-MS analysis. Moreover, this work encompasses several studies that may prove the effects of seeds and skins from tropical fruits against oxidative stress, hyperpigmentation, acne, aging or UV radiation. Therefore, the investigation of functional components present in tropical fruit by-products under a circular bioeconomy model could be of great interest for the cosmeceutical industry and a very promising option for obtaining new cosmeceutical formulations.
Clinical Outcomes of the Double Lateral Sliding Bridge Flap Technique with Simultaneous Connective Tissue Graft in Sextant V Recessions: Three-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Quispe-López Norberto , Castaño-Séiquer Antonio , Pardal-Peláez Beatriz , Garrido-Martínez Pablo , Gómez-Polo Cristina , Mena-Álvarez Jesús , Montero-Martín Javier
Published: January 2022

The presence of isolated or multiple gingival recessions in the mandibular anterior region is a challenge for the clinician, as they may be associated with a shallow vestibule, high frenum insertion and/or little or no attached gingiva. Only limited evidence is available on the use of the double lateral sliding bridge flap technique with connective tissue graft (CTG) technique for treating gingival recessions in the mandibular anterior region. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the clinical and esthetic outcomes of the double lateral sliding bridge flap technique with CTG on isolated and multiple gingival recessions at the level of the mandibular incisors. Nine patients required treatment of gingival recessions in the mandibular incisors at the University of Salamanca (Spain) (seven females, two males; mean age: 27.9 ± 6.9) with a total of 14 isolated (42.9%) and multiple (57.1%) Miller class II and III gingival recessions. After a mean follow-up of 36 months, the mean percentage of root coverage was 80.5% for all treated recessions. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), were observed for reduction in recession depth, increased width of keratinized tissue and increased gingival thickness, this being dependent on the Miller class. The esthetic outcome was acceptable, with a final mean esthetic score of 7.4 out of 10. The double lateral sliding bridge flap surgical technique with CTG is an effective procedure for the coverage of isolated and multiple gingival recessions in the anterior mandibular region, as it offers satisfactory esthetic results.
Assessment of Different Retrofitting Methods on Structural Performance of RC Buildings against Progressive Collapse
Authors: Ali Barham Haidar , Mete Güneyisi Esra , Bigonah Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Progressive collapse refers to the spread of primary local damages within the structure. Following such damages due to removing one or more load-bearing columns, the failure spreads in a chain and causes structural failure. This study represents a report investigating the influence of various retrofitting methods on the progressive collapse resistance of multistorey reinforced concrete (RC) structures. To this end, eight different cases were considered. The first one included a thirteen-story RC moment-resisting frame (bare frame), while the others were frames upgraded with the application of X-brace, diagonal brace, inverted V-brace, the viscous damper in the central bay, viscous damper in two inner bays, viscous damper only in certain stories and carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Moreover, three different column removal scenarios were considered as a column failure at stories one, six, and thirteen of each case study structure. The analysis results indicated that the redistribution of loads after the column’s failure and the RC buildings’ collapse resistance was increased depending mainly on the type of approach used for upgrading the bare frame.
Utilization of Wool Integral Lipids to Determine Milk Fat Content in Suffolk Down Ewes
Authors: Inostroza Karla , Larama Giovanni , Bravo Silvana , Díaz Mario , Sepúlveda Néstor
Published: January 2022

The identification of higher fat content in ewe milk during lactation can help to improve the nutritional value and quality of the derived dairy products. In this study, we characterized fatty acids from the wool of Suffolk ewes at two time points during lactation and assessed whether they were related to milk fat content through discriminant analysis and, thus, could be potentially used to identify ewes with a high fat content. Eighty single-bearing Suffolk ewes of similar body weight, body score, and age were selected for this study. The overall fat contents of milk and wool were determined, as well as the fatty acids in the wool. The wool fat content was 1.14% on average. The proportions of wool fatty acids were 65.82% saturated, 21.70% monounsaturated, and 12.48% polyunsaturated fatty acids. The wool fatty acid concentrations of C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, and C22:2 were higher in ewes whose milk had a high fat content at both time points. Moreover, the levels of these fatty acids were positively correlated with milk fat content. Discriminant analyses using C18:1n9c and C18:2n6c were the best candidates for the prediction of high milk fat content, with an accuracy of 87.50%. The wool fatty acids C18:1n9c and C18:2n6c could potentially be used to determine the milk fat content of ewes.
Orthodontics Surgical Assistance (Piezosurgery®): Experimental Evidence According to Clinical Results
Authors: Bertossi Dario , Donadello Dario , Conti Giamaica , Carletta Luca Calogero , Sbarbati Andrea , Corega Claudia , Magistretti Alessandra Luise Marie , Lucchese Alessandra , Salzano Giovanni , Ricciardi Giulia , Nocini Pier Francesco
Published: January 2022

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is based on intermitted or continuous forces applied to teeth, changing the mechanical loading of the system and arousing a cellular response that leads to bone adaptation. The traditional orthodontic movement causes a remodeling of the alveolar bone and changes in the periodontal structures that lead to tooth movement. The use of a piezoelectric instrument in orthodontic surgery has already shown great advantages. The purpose of this study is to rank the behavior of inflammatory mediators in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement. Ten patients with malocclusion underwent orthodontic surgical treatment, which included a first stage of surgically guided orthodontic movement (monocortical tooth dislocation and ligament distraction, MTDLD) to accelerate orthodontic movements. In all cases, corticotomy was performed by Piezosurgery. Bone and dental biopsy was executed to evaluate changes in the cytokines IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-2 in different time intervals (1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 days). The molecular mediators are IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-2. Immediately after the surgical procedure there was a mild expression of the three molecular markers, while the assertion of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha reached the maximum value after 24 h and 48 h, indicating a strong activation of the treated tissues. The Piezosurgery® surgical technique induces an evident stress in short times, within 24–48 h from the treatment, but it decreases significantly during the follow-up.
Smartphone-Based Photogrammetry Assessment in Comparison with a Compact Camera for Construction Management Applications
Authors: Saif Wahib , Alshibani Adel
Published: January 2022

Close-range photogrammetry (CRP) has proven to be a remarkable and affordable technique for data modeling and measurements extraction in construction management applications. Nevertheless, it is important to aim for making CRP more accessible by using smartphones on-site directly without a pre-calibration procedure. This study evaluated the potential of smartphones as data acquisition tools in comparison with compact cameras based on the quality and accuracy of their photogrammetric results in extracting geometrical measurements (i.e., surface area and volume). Two concrete specimens of regular shapes (i.e., beam and cylinder) along with an irregular-shaped sand pile were used to conduct this study. The datasets of both cameras were analyzed and compared based on lens distortions, image residuals, and projections multiplicity. Furthermore, the photogrammetric models were compared according to various quality criteria, processing time, and memory utilization. Though both cameras were not pre-calibrated, they both provided highly accurate geometrical estimations. The volumetric estimation error ranged from 0.37% to 2.33% for the compact camera and 0.67% to 3.19% for the smartphone. For surface area estimations, the error ranged from 0.44% to 0.91% for the compact camera and 0.50% to 1.89% for the smartphone. Additionally, the smartphone data required less processing time and memory usage with higher applicability compared with the compact camera. The implication of these findings is that they provide professionals in construction management with an assessment of a more direct and cost-effective 3D data acquisition tool with a good understanding of its reliability. Moreover, the assessment methodology and comparison criteria presented in this study can assist future research in conducting similar studies for different capturing devices in construction management applications. The findings of this study are limited to small quantification applications. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct further research that assesses smartphones as a photogrammetric data acquisition tool for larger construction elements or tracking ongoing construction activities that involve measurements estimation.
Rapid Prediction of Seismic Incident Angle’s Influence on the Damage Level of RC Buildings Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Morfidis Konstantinos , Kostinakis Konstantinos
Published: January 2022

The angle of seismic excitation is a significant factor in the seismic response of RC buildings. The procedure required for the calculation of the angle for which the potential seismic damage is maximized (critical angle) contains multiple nonlinear time history analyses, each using different angles of incidence. Moreover, the seismic codes recommend the application of more than one accelerogram for the evaluation of seismic response; thus, the whole procedure becomes time consuming. Herein, a method to reduce the time required for the estimation of the critical angle based on multilayered feedforward perceptron neural networks is proposed. The basic idea is the detection of cases in which the critical angle increases the class of seismic damage compared to the class that arises from the application of the seismic motion along the buildings’ structural axes. To this end, the problem is expressed and solved as a pattern recognition problem. The ratios of seismic parameters’ values along the two horizontal seismic records’ components, as well as appropriately chosen structural parameters, were used as the inputs of the networks. The results of analyses show that the neural networks can reliably detect the cases in which the calculation of the critical angle is essential.
High-Resolution Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging (PLIM) of Bones
Authors: Breunig Hans Georg , König Karsten
Published: January 2022

For the first time, the time-resolved two-photon excited autophosphorescence of non-labeled biological specimens was investigated by phosphoresce lifetime imaging with microscopic spatial resolution. A modified multiphoton tomograph was employed to record both photoluminescence contributions, autofluorescence and autophosphorescence, simultaneously, induced by two-photon excitation using an 80 MHz near infrared femtosecond-pulse-laser scanning beam, an acousto-optic modulator, and a time-correlated single-photon counting module for lifetime measurements from the picosecond to the microsecond range. In particular, the two-photon-excited luminescence of thermally altered bones was imaged. A strong dependence of the phosphorescence intensity on exposure temperature, with a maximum emission for an exposure temperature of approximately 600 °C was observed. Furthermore, the phosphorescence lifetime data indicated a bi-exponential signal decay with both a faster few µs decay time in the range of 3–10 µs and a slower one in the range of 30–60 µs. The recording of fluorescence and phosphorescence allowed deriving the relative signal proportion as an unbiased measure of the temperature dependence. The measurements on thermally altered bones are of particular interest for application to forensic and archeological investigations.
Study on the Correspondence of Vortex Structures and Vortex-Induced Pressures for a Streamlined Box Girder
Authors: Wei Zhaolan , Shen Minghui , Song Xiaodong , Chen Xingyu , Lv Mengting , Jia Shaomin
Published: January 2022

The main goal of this paper is to explore the mechanism of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a streamlined box girder from the perspective of flow field and pressure distribution. In this paper, using the computational fluid dynamic method, the VIV performance of fluid under specific working conditions is simulated and analyzed, especially the distribution and evolution laws of vortex structures in the whole process of VIV are studied in depth. Based on the analysis of the flow field distribution, the corresponding relationship between vortex structures and vortex-induced pressures (VIPs) is discussed. The results demonstrate that the primary cause of VIV for streamlined box girders at large attack angles is the circulation process of the massive vortex structures production and dissipation on the upper surface, rather than the alternate shedding of symmetrical vortex pairs. When vortex structures remain stable, negative VIPs rise in absolute value, negative VIPs occur when vortex structures move backward, and positive VIPs increase when vortex structures fall off.
Evaluation of Local Security Event Management System vs. Standard Antivirus Software
Authors: Pérez-Sánchez Antonio , Palacios Rafael
Published: January 2022

The detection and classification of threats in computer systems has been one of the main problems researched in Cybersecurity. As technology evolves, the tactics employed by adversaries have also become more sophisticated to evade detection systems. In consequence, systems that previously detected and classified those threats are now outdated. This paper proposes a detection system based on the analysis of events and matching the risk level with the MITRE ATT&CK matrix and Cyber Kill Chain. Extensive testing of attacks, using nine malware codes and applying three different obfuscation techniques, was performed. Each malicious code was analyzed using the proposed event management system and also executed in a controlled environment to examine if commercial malware detection systems (antivirus) were successful. The results show that evading techniques such as obfuscation and in-memory extraction of malicious payloads, impose unexpected difficulties to standard antivirus software.
Cascade or Direct Speech Translation? A Case Study
Authors: Etchegoyhen Thierry , Arzelus Haritz , Gete Harritxu , Alvarez Aitor , Torre Iván G. , Martín-Doñas Juan Manuel , González-Docasal Ander , Fernandez Edson Benites
Published: January 2022

Speech translation has been traditionally tackled under a cascade approach, chaining speech recognition and machine translation components to translate from an audio source in a given language into text or speech in a target language. Leveraging on deep learning approaches to natural language processing, recent studies have explored the potential of direct end-to-end neural modelling to perform the speech translation task. Though several benefits may come from end-to-end modelling, such as a reduction in latency and error propagation, the comparative merits of each approach still deserve detailed evaluations and analyses. In this work, we compared state-of-the-art cascade and direct approaches on the under-resourced Basque–Spanish language pair, which features challenging phenomena such as marked differences in morphology and word order. This case study thus complements other studies in the field, which mostly revolve around the English language. We describe and analysed in detail the mintzai-ST corpus, prepared from the sessions of the Basque Parliament, and evaluated the strengths and limitations of cascade and direct speech translation models trained on this corpus, with variants exploiting additional data as well. Our results indicated that, despite significant progress with end-to-end models, which may outperform alternatives in some cases in terms of automated metrics, a cascade approach proved optimal overall in our experiments and manual evaluations.
Impact of Cleft Palate Anastomosis in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients with Coexisting Cleft Lip Anastomosis Scar Based on Cephalometric Measurements
Authors: Kaczorowska Natalia , Mikulewicz Marcin
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: This article focuses on examining components affecting the overbite, overjet, and the effect of palate surgery on craniofacial morphology with a concomitant cleft lip fusion scar, and a comparison of patients who had only a cleft lip fusion scar. Patients with unilateral cleft lip (UCL) and patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) were included in the study. We aimed to find if cephalometric parameters were significantly different in these groups. (2) Material and methods: The study group consisted of a lateral cranial radiograph of patients with UCLP (n = 30) and UCL (n = 30). Cephalometric radiographs were saved electronically, and cephalometric analysis was performed using a computer program. (3) Results: We observed that a statistically significant higher degree of maxillary prognathism occurred in the UCL than in the UCLP. We observed the anterior position of the upper lip in relation to E-line in patients with cleft lip. (4) Conclusions: The results present the effect of cleft palate surgery on further forward growth of the maxilla. There was a decreased ANB angle present in the skeletal class II in patients with UCL and UCLP. The SNB angle was not increased, and the reverse overjet was due to the rectroclination of the upper incisors and protruded lower incisors.
Characterization of Chirality in Diffractive Metasurfaces by Photothermal Deflection Technique
Authors: Li Voti Roberto , Leahu Grigore , Petronijevic Emilija , Belardini Alessandro , Cesca Tiziana , Scian Carlo , Mattei Giovanni , Sibilia Concita
Published: January 2022

Chirality, a lack of mirror symmetry, is present in nature at all scales; at the nanoscale, it governs the biochemical reactions of many molecules, influencing their pharmacology and toxicity. Chiral substances interact with left and right circularly polarized light differently, but this difference is very minor in natural materials. Specially engineered, nanostructured, periodic materials can enhance the chiro-optical effects if the symmetry in their interactions with circular polarization is broken. In the diffraction range of such metasurfaces, the intensity of diffracted orders depends on the chirality of the input beam. In this work, we combine a photothermal deflection experiment with a novel theoretical framework to reconstruct both the thermal and optical behavior of chiro-optical behavior in diffracted beams.
Starch-Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Films Reinforced with Chitosan Nanoparticles: Physical, Mechanical, Structural, Thermal and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Garavand Yahya , Taheri-Garavand Amin , Garavand Farhad , Shahbazi Feizollah , Khodaei Diako , Cacciotti Ilaria
Published: January 2022

The main purpose of the current study was to propose innovative composite films based on a corn starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend (starch:PVA 40:60) and loaded with 3 different levels of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) (1, 3, and 5% w/v) to strengthen its physical, mechanical, structural, thermal and antimicrobial attributes. The synthesized CNPs were spherical with a particle size of ca. 100 nm as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs and dynamic light scattering tests. The results showed that the CNPs incorporation within the starch-PVA 40:60 films promoted a uniform surface without any considerable pores. These films were characterized by a homogeneous CNP distribution within the polymer matrix, causing a significant decrease in water vapor permeability (WVP) (e.g., from 0.41 for the control film to 0.28 g·mm/kPa·h·m2 for the composite film loaded with 5% CNPs). The film solubility, transparency, glass transition and melting temperatures, and elongation at break were also reduced by increasing the CNP content from 1% to 5%, while total color and tensile strength parameters increased. The antibacterial effects of CNPs were more effective against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) than Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium). It can be concluded that the addition of CNPs to the starch-PVA matrix could improve its functional and technological attributes for food packaging applications.
Impact Damage Detection of a Glass Fabric Composite Using Carbon Fiber Sensors with Regard to Mechanical Loading
Authors: Schmidová Nikola , Macken Joshua , Horoschenkoff Alexander , Sedláček Radek , Kostroun Tomáš , Šimota Jan , Růžička Milan
Published: January 2022

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of composite structures leads to greater safety during operation and reduces the cost of regular inspections. Impact damage detection is an important SHM task. Since impact damage can significantly reduce the lifetime of composite structures, sensors for impact damage are of great interest. Carbon Fiber Sensors (CFSs) can be used to detect composite damage. CFSs are lightweight and compact, and they can be integrated during the manufacturing process. In our study, CFSs were manufactured from three types of carbon fiber tows and were integrated into different layers of the lay-up in order to investigate the influence on impact damage detection. The effect of mechanical loading and temperature change on the measured electrical resistance was investigated during cyclic flexural tests. It was revealed that, it is possible to distinguish between changes in measured signals due to impact and due mechanical loading. The change in the measured electrical signal caused by temperature can be eliminated. CFSs can be used for impact damage detection of a glass fabric composite. A combination of thermography and CFSs as an active heating element also provides good results in the field of impact damage detection
A Bronze Reliquary for an Ichneumon Dedicated to the Egyptian Goddess Wadjet
Authors: Bianchi Robert Steven
Published: January 2022

This is a short introduction to the hieroglyphic nature of ancient Egyptian material culture and its polyvalence using a bronze statuette of a lioness-headed goddess in front of an obelisk (formerly in the Omar Pasha Sultan Collection) as a case study. Because the lioness is not identified by an accompanying inscription, the essay demonstrates methods by which the identification and significance of the image can be unpacked.
Two-Center Basis Generator Method Calculations for Li3+, C3+ and O3+ Ion Impact on Ground State Hydrogen
Authors: Leung Anthony C. K. , Kirchner Tom
Published: January 2022

The two-center basis generator method is used to obtain cross sections for excitation, capture, and ionization in Li3+, C3+, and O3+ collisions with ground-state hydrogen at projectile energies from 1 to 100 keV/u. The interaction of the C3+ and O3+ projectiles with the active electron is represented by a model potential. Comparisons of cross sections with previously reported data show an overall good agreement, while discrepancies in capture for C3+ collisions at low energies are noted. The present results show that excitation and ionization are similar across the three collision systems, which indicates that these cross sections are mostly dependent on the net charge of the projectile only. The situation is different for the capture channel.
Analysis of the Radiological Changes of the Sinus Membrane Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Its Relationship with Dental Treatments. A Retrospective Study
Authors: Rey-Martínez María , Ruiz-Sáenz Pedro , Martínez-Rodríguez Natalia , Barona-Dorado Cristina , Meniz-García Cristina , Cortés-Bretón Brinkmann Jorge , Suárez-Quintanilla Juan , Martínez-González José
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to identify the most relevant dental factors and iatrogenic causes in the development of pathological changes to the sinus membrane and to analyse their possible influence on the development of odontogenic sinusitis. A descriptive, observational study was designed, with 276 patients who had been evaluated via cone beam computed tomography, analysing possible sinus thickening factors, such as apical infections, endodontic treatments, periodontitis, radicular cysts and impacted teeth, as well as iatrogenic factors caused by implant treatments or the development of oroantral communications produced during tooth extraction manoeuvres. Among the dental factors, periodontitis (47.1%), apical pathology (23.5%) and endodontic treatments (23.1%) were the predominant causes of sinus membrane thickening that most frequently produced an occupancy between 2 and 10 mm. Regarding the implant treatments, the placement of implants through the floor of the maxillary sinus was the main cause (9.8%), followed by sinus elevation techniques (6.2%). Dental extraction was the first cause of oroantral communication (5.0%), being the procedure that caused the greatest thickening of the sinus membrane. This study highlights the importance of dental treatments and iatrogenic factors in sinus pathology, and the need for diagnostic interrelations between the different specialists who address this pathology.
Search for Effective Approaches to Fight Microorganisms Causing High Losses in Agriculture: Application of P. lilacinum Metabolites and Mycosynthesised Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Khan Masudulla , Khan Azhar U. , Rafatullah Mohd , Alam Mahboob , Bogdanchikova Nina , Garibo Diana
Published: January 2022

The manuscript presents the first report to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using soil-inhabiting Purpureocillium lilacinum fungus cell filtrate as a promising fungicide and nematicide on two microorganisms causing high economic losses in agriculture. Methods: A fungus biomass was used as a reducing and stabilising agent in the process of NPs synthesis and then characterisation done by SEM, TEM, UV-Vis. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the synthesised AgNPs was determined. Results: Synthesised AgNPs with a spherical and quasi-spherical shape with an average diameter of 50 nm were effective to inhibit A. flavus fungi and M. incognita root knot nematode, which are extremely pathogenic for plants. Application of the AgNPs led to 85% reduction of proliferation of A. flavus, to a 4-fold decrease of hatching of M. incognita plant-parasite juveniles from eggs, and to a 9-fold increase of M. incognita nematode mortality. Conclusions: Biosynthesised AgNPs can be used as an effective fungicide and nematicide for food safety and security and improvement of agricultural production, but further agricultural field trials are required to observe their effect on environment and other factors.
Proteomic Analysis of Mouse Kidney Tissue Associates Peroxisomal Dysfunction with Early Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tserga Aggeliki , Pouloudi Despoina , Saulnier-Blache Jean Sébastien , Stroggilos Rafael , Theochari Irene , Gakiopoulou Harikleia , Mischak Harald , Zoidakis Jerome , Schanstra Joost Peter , Vlahou Antonia , Makridakis Manousos
Published: January 2022

Background: The absence of efficient inhibitors for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression reflects the gaps in our understanding of DKD molecular pathogenesis. Methods: A comprehensive proteomic analysis was performed on the glomeruli and kidney cortex of diabetic mice with the subsequent validation of findings in human biopsies and omics datasets, aiming to better understand the underlying molecular biology of early DKD development and progression. Results: LC–MS/MS was employed to analyze the kidney proteome of 2 DKD models: Ins2Akita (early and late DKD) and db/db mice (late DKD). The abundance of detected proteins was defined. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed proteins in the early and late DKD versus the respective controls predicted dysregulation in DKD hallmarks (peroxisomal lipid metabolism and β-oxidation), supporting the functional relevance of the findings. Comparing the observed protein changes in early and late DKD, the consistent upregulation of 21 and downregulation of 18 proteins was detected. Among these were downregulated peroxisomal and upregulated mitochondrial proteins. Tissue sections from 16 DKD patients were analyzed by IHC confirming our results. Conclusion: Our study shows an extensive differential expression of peroxisomal proteins in the early stages of DKD that persists regardless of the disease severity, providing new perspectives and potential markers of diabetic kidney dysfunction.
Inflammation and Barrier Function Deficits in the Bladder Urothelium of Patients with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Wu Shu-Yu , Jiang Yuan-Hong , Jhang Jia-Fong , Hsu Yung-Hsiang , Ho Han-Chen , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: January 2022

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) commonly experience neurogenic voiding dysfunctions and urinary tract complications, including recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI). The bladder mucosa barrier function contributes to UTI prevention. This study investigated changes in bladder urothelium protein expression in patients with SCI and rUTI. From June 2011 to November 2017, 23 patients (19 men and 4 women) with chronic SCI were enrolled (mean age: 43 years. Bladder tissues from 6 healthy adults served as the normal control group. Biopsy samples (9 partial cystectomies and 14 bladder biopsies) were analyzed for functional biomarkers using western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. The barrier function proteins E-cadherin, zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) and uroplakin III (UPK-3) were significantly reduced, whereas tumor protein p63 (TP63) was significantly increased in SCI patients compared with controls. No significant differences in basal cell progenitor proteins were observed between groups. The proliferation marker Ki-67, the proapoptotic marker BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX), and proinflammatory proteins were increased in patients with SCI compared with controls. No significant differences were observed between SCI patients with and without recently rUTI. These results suggest that SCI patients experience chronic bladder inflammation, increased apoptosis, and reduced barrier function, contributing to rUTI.
Choroid Plexus in Alzheimer’s Disease—The Current State of Knowledge
Authors: Gião Tiago , Teixeira Tiago , Almeida Maria Rosário , Cardoso Isabel
Published: January 2022

The choroid plexus (CP), located in each of the four ventricles of the brain, is formed by a monolayer of epithelial cells that surrounds a highly vascularized connective tissue with permeable capillaries. These cells are joined by tight junctions forming the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), which strictly regulates the exchange of substances between the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The primary purpose of the CP is to secrete CSF, but it also plays a role in the immune surveillance of the central nervous system (CNS) and in the removal of neurotoxic compounds from the CSF. According to recent findings, the CP is also involved in the modulation of the circadian cycle and neurogenesis. In diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the function of the CP is impaired, resulting in an altered secretory, barrier, transport, and immune function. This review describes the current state of knowledge concerning the roles of the CP and BCSFB in the pathophysiology of AD and summarizes recently proposed therapies that aim to restore CP and BCSFB functions.
Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers Define Specific Clusters in Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Large-Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Xuejie , Villa Carmen , Dobarganes Yadira , Olveira Casilda , Girón Rosa , García-Clemente Marta , Máiz Luis , Sibila Oriol , Golpe Rafael , Menéndez Rosario , Rodríguez-López Juan , Prados Concepción , Martinez-García Miguel Angel , Rodriguez Juan Luis , de la Rosa David , Duran Xavier , Garcia-Ojalvo Jordi , Barreiro Esther
Published: January 2022

Differential phenotypic characteristics using data mining approaches were defined in a large cohort of patients from the Spanish Online Bronchiectasis Registry (RIBRON). Three differential phenotypic clusters (hierarchical clustering, scikit-learn library for Python, and agglomerative methods) according to systemic biomarkers: neutrophil, eosinophil, and lymphocyte counts, C reactive protein, and hemoglobin were obtained in a patient large-cohort (n = 1092). Clusters #1–3 were named as mild, moderate, and severe on the basis of disease severity scores. Patients in cluster #3 were significantly more severe (FEV1, age, colonization, extension, dyspnea (FACED), exacerbation (EFACED), and bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) scores) than patients in clusters #1 and #2. Exacerbation and hospitalization numbers, Charlson index, and blood inflammatory markers were significantly greater in cluster #3 than in clusters #1 and #2. Chronic colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and COPD prevalence were higher in cluster # 3 than in cluster #1. Airflow limitation and diffusion capacity were reduced in cluster #3 compared to clusters #1 and #2. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis further confirmed these results. Similar results were obtained after excluding COPD patients. Clustering analysis offers a powerful tool to better characterize patients with bronchiectasis. These results have clinical implications in the management of the complexity and heterogeneity of bronchiectasis patients.
Colitis and Colorectal Carcinogenesis: The Focus on Isolated Lymphoid Follicles
Authors: Műzes Györgyi , Bohusné Barta Bettina , Sipos Ferenc
Published: January 2022

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue is one of the most diverse and complex immune compartments in the human body. The subepithelial compartment of the gut consists of immune cells of innate and adaptive immunity, non-hematopoietic mesenchymal cells, and stem cells of different origins, and is organized into secondary (and even tertiary) lymphoid organs, such as Peyer’s patches, cryptopatches, and isolated lymphoid follicles. The function of isolated lymphoid follicles is multifaceted; they play a role in the development and regeneration of the large intestine and the maintenance of (immune) homeostasis. Isolated lymphoid follicles are also extensively associated with the epithelium and its conventional and non-conventional immune cells; hence, they can also function as a starting point or maintainer of pathological processes such as inflammatory bowel diseases or colorectal carcinogenesis. These relationships can significantly affect both physiological and pathological processes of the intestines. We aim to provide an overview of the latest knowledge of isolated lymphoid follicles in colonic inflammation and colorectal carcinogenesis. Further studies of these lymphoid organs will likely lead to an extended understanding of how immune responses are initiated and controlled within the large intestine, along with the possibility of creating novel mucosal vaccinations and ways to treat inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.
Novel Therapeutic Approaches to Psoriasis and Risk of Infectious Disease
Authors: Motolese Alfonso , Ceccarelli Manuela , Macca Laura , Li Pomi Federica , Ingrasciotta Ylenia , Nunnari Giuseppe , Guarneri Claudio
Published: January 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin and joint disease, with a plethora of comorbidities, characterized by a certain genetic predisposition, and a complex pathogenesis based on the IL-23/IL-17 pathway. There is no doubt that the patients affected by psoriasis are more susceptible to infections as well as that the risk of infection is higher in psoriatic subjects than in the general population. The advent of biotechnological agents on the therapeutic arsenal actually available for the treatment of moderate-to-severe patients, given the fact that the severity of the disease is a predictor of the level of infectious risk, has raised the question of whether these ‘new’ drugs could be considered a safer option and how they can be used in selected cases. Old and newer strategies in cases of chronic infectious conditions are reviewed under the light of clinical trials and other studies present in literature.
Controlled Growth of Unusual Nanocarbon Allotropes by Molten Electrolysis of CO2
Authors: Liu Xinye , Licht Gad , Wang Xirui , Licht Stuart
Published: January 2022

This study describes a world of new carbon “fullerene” allotropes that may be synthesized by molten carbonate electrolysis using greenhouse CO2 as the reactant. Beyond the world of conventional diamond, graphite and buckyballs, a vast array of unique nanocarbon structures exist. Until recently, CO2 was thought to be unreactive. Here, we show that CO2 can be transformed into distinct nano-bamboo, nano-pearl, nano-dragon, solid and hollow nano-onion, nano-tree, nano-rod, nano-belt and nano-flower morphologies of carbon. The capability to produce these allotropes at high purity by a straightforward electrolysis, analogous to aluminum production splitting of aluminum oxide, but instead nanocarbon production by splitting CO2, opens an array of inexpensive unique materials with exciting new high strength, electrical and thermal conductivity, flexibility, charge storage, lubricant and robustness properties. Commercial production technology of nanocarbons had been chemical vapor deposition, which is ten-fold more expensive, generally requires metallo-organics reactants and has a highly carbon-positive rather than carbon-negative footprint. Different nanocarbon structures were prepared electrochemically by variation of anode and cathode composition and architecture, electrolyte composition, pre-electrolysis processing and current ramping and current density. Individual allotrope structures and initial growth mechanisms are explored by SEM, TEM, HAADF EDX, XRD and Raman spectroscopy.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Hierarchical Bi2WO6 Microballs by Modification with Noble Metals
Authors: Li Zhenhao , Wang Kunlei , Zhang Jinyue , Chang Ying , Kowalska Ewa , Wei Zhishun
Published: January 2022

Visible-responsive photocatalysts for environmental purification and fuel generation are, currently, highly sought after. Among the possible candidates, Bi2WO6 (BWO) has been considered due to its efficient light harvesting, stability, and promising activities. Here, hierarchical BWO microballs have been prepared using a hydrothermal method, and additionally modified with deposits of noble metals (gold, silver, copper, palladium and platinum) by the photodeposition method. The structure, morphology, photoabsorption properties, and surface composition of bare and metal-modified BWO samples were investigated by XRD, SEM, DRS and XPS analyses. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the oxidative degradation of model dye (methyl orange (MO)) under UV/vis, and hydrogen generation under vis and/or UV irradiation. It was found that hierarchical morphology is detrimental for high photocatalytic activity in both tested systems, resulting in the improved degradation of MO (ca. 65% during 90 min of UV/vis irradiation), and hydrogen evolution (0.1 and 0.4 μmol h−1 under vis and UV/vis irradiation, respectively). Moreover, the type of noble metal and its properties influence the overall photocatalytic performance. It was found that, under UV/vis irradiation, only platinum accelerates hydrogen evolution, whereas under vis irradiation the activity follows the order: BWO < BWO/Cu < BWO/Ag < BWO/Pt < BWO/Pd < BWO/Au. It was concluded that zero-valent metal is recommended for high vis response, probably due to plasmonic photocatalysis, efficient light harvesting ability, and co-catalytic role.
Niclosamide Ethanolamine Salt Alleviates Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Modulating the PI3K-mTORC1 Pathway
Authors: Pei Xiaolin , Zheng Fangxu , Li Yin , Lin Zhoujun , Han Xiao , Feng Ya , Tian Zhenhuan , Ren Dunqiang , Cao Ke , Li Chenggang
Published: January 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial pneumonia characterized by chronic progressive fibrosis, ultimately leading to respiratory failure and early mortality. Although not fully explored, the major causative factors in IPF pathogenesis are dysregulated fibroblast proliferation and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by myofibroblasts differentiated from pulmonary fibroblasts. More signalling pathways, including the PI3K-Akt-mTOR and autophagy pathways, are involved in IPF pathogenesis. Niclosamide ethanolamine salt (NEN) is a highly effective multitarget small-molecule inhibitor reported in antitumor studies. Here, we reported that in an IPF animal model treated with NEN for 14 days, attractive relief of pulmonary function and hydroxyproline content were observed. To further explore, the therapeutic effect of NEN in IPF and pathological changes in bleomycin-challenged mouse lung sections were assessed. Additionally, the effects of NEN on abnormal proliferation and ECM production in IPF cell models established with TGF-β1-stimulated A549 cells or DHLF-IPF cells were studied. In nonclinical studies, NEN ameliorated lung function and histopathological changes in bleomycin-challenged mice, and the lung hydroxyproline content was significantly diminished with NEN treatment. In vitro, NEN inhibited PI3K-mTORC1 signalling and arrested the cell cycle to prevent uncontrolled fibroblast proliferation. Additionally, NEN inhibited TGF-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ECM accumulation via the mTORC1-4EBP1 axis. Furthermore, NEN-activated noncanonical autophagy resensitized fibroblasts to apoptosis. The above findings demonstrated the potential antifibrotic effect of NEN mediated via modulation of the PI3K-mTORC1 and autophagy pathways. These data provide strong evidence for a therapeutic role for NEN in IPF.
The Transcriptome and Methylome of the Developing and Aging Brain and Their Relations to Gliomas and Psychological Disorders
Authors: Loeffler-Wirth Henry , Hopp Lydia , Schmidt Maria , Zakharyan Roksana , Arakelyan Arsen , Binder Hans
Published: January 2022

Mutually linked expression and methylation dynamics in the brain govern genome regulation over the whole lifetime with an impact on cognition, psychological disorders, and cancer. We performed a joint study of gene expression and DNA methylation of brain tissue originating from the human prefrontal cortex of individuals across the lifespan to describe changes in cellular programs and their regulation by epigenetic mechanisms. The analysis considers previous knowledge in terms of functional gene signatures and chromatin states derived from independent studies, aging profiles of a battery of chromatin modifying enzymes, and data of gliomas and neuropsychological disorders for a holistic view on the development and aging of the brain. Expression and methylation changes from babies to elderly adults decompose into different modes associated with the serial activation of (brain) developmental, learning, metabolic and inflammatory functions, where methylation in gene promoters mostly represses transcription. Expression of genes encoding methylome modifying enzymes is very diverse reflecting complex regulations during lifetime which also associates with the marked remodeling of chromatin between permissive and restrictive states. Data of brain cancer and psychotic disorders reveal footprints of pathophysiologies related to brain development and aging. Comparison of aging brains with gliomas supports the view that glioblastoma-like and astrocytoma-like tumors exhibit higher cellular plasticity activated in the developing healthy brain while oligodendrogliomas have a more stable differentiation hierarchy more resembling the aged brain. The balance and specific shifts between volatile and stable and between more irreversible and more plastic epigenomic networks govern the development and aging of healthy and diseased brain.
Different Features of Cholera in Malnourished and Non-Malnourished Children: Analysis of 20 Years of Surveillance Data from a Large Diarrheal Disease Hospital in Urban Bangladesh
Authors: Nuzhat Sharika , Hossain Md Iqbal , Shaly Nusrat Jahan , Islam Rafiqul , Khan Soroar Hossain , Faruque Abu Syed Golam , Bardhan Pradip Kumar , Khan Azharul Islam , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: January 2022

Malnourished children are more prone to infectious diseases including severe diarrhea compared to non-malnourished children. However, data are scarce on differences in the presentation in such children. We aimed to identify clinical differentials among children with cholera with or without malnutrition. Data were extracted from the diarrheal disease surveillance system (DDSS) of Dhaka Hospital of International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) from January 2001 to December 2020. Among children under five in DDSS, cholera positive (culture confirmed) malnourished children (WAZ, WL/HZ or L/HAZ ˂ −2) were considered as cases (n = 920) and children with cholera but non-malnourished (WAZ, WL/HZ or L/HAZ ≥−2.00 to ≤+2.00) were controls (n = 586). After adjusting for potential confounders such as maternal illiteracy, day labor fathers, maternal employment, slum dwelling, non-sanitary latrine use, use of untreated water, and history of cough, it was revealed that malnourished cholera children significantly more often presented in hospital during evening hours (6 p.m. to 12 mid-night) (p < 0.05), had illiterate fathers (p < 0.05), >24 h history of diarrheal duration (p < 0.05), dehydrating diarrhea (p < 0.05), and had longer hospitalization (p < 0.05). The study results underscore the importance of understanding of basic differences in the presentation of severity of cholera in malnourished children for prompt identification and subsequent management of these vulnerable children.