bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrusion of Different Plants into Fibre for Peat Replacement in Growing Media: Adjustment of Parameters to Achieve Satisfactory Physical Fibre-Properties
Authors: Dittrich Christian , Pecenka Ralf , Løes Anne-Kristin , Cáceres Rafaela , Conroy Judith , Rayns Francis , Schmutz Ulrich , Kir Alev , Kruggel-Emden Harald
Published: June 2021

Peat is a highly contentious input in agriculture. Replacing or reducing peat by substitution with lignocellulosic biomass processed into fibre by twin-screw-extrusion could contribute to more sustainable agriculture with regard to horticultural production. Therefore, plant wastes including pruning from Olea europaea L. and Vitis spp. L., residues from perennial herbs like Salvia spp. L., Populus spp. L. and forest biomass were processed to fibre for peat replacement with a biomass extruder. The water-holding-capacity (WHC), particle-size-distribution and other physical fibre characteristics were determined and compared to peat. The specific energy demand during extrusion was measured for aperture settings from 6–40 mm. No fibre reached the 82% WHC of peat. At the setting of 20 mm of all materials investigated, Salvia performed best with a WHC of 53% and moderate specific energy demand (167 kWh tDM−1) followed by Olea europaea with a WHC of 43% and a low energy demand (93 kWh tDM−1). For Populus, opening the aperture from 20–40 mm decreased energy demand by 41% and WHC by 27%. The drying of biomass for storage and remoistening during extrusion increased the specific energy demand. Despite a lower WHC than peat, all investigated materials are suitable to replace peat in growing media regarding their physical properties.
Improving the Management of a Semi-Arid Agricultural Ecosystem through Digital Mapping of Soil Properties: The Case of Salamanca (Spain)
Authors: Criado Marco , Martínez-Graña Antonio , Santos-Francés Fernando , Merchán Leticia
Published: June 2021

Soil protection and the increase and intensification of agricultural production require detailed knowledge of soil properties and their variability. On the other hand, the complexity associated with traditional soil mapping processes can lead to the implementation of inappropriate agricultural practices that degrade this resource. Therefore, it is necessary to use mapping techniques to provide more detailed information to farmers and managers. In this study, the geostatistical technique ordinary kriging was used to map the distribution of the most important edaphic properties (texture, nutrients content -N, P, K-, pH, organic carbon, water retention, COLE, carbonate content, and cation exchange capacity) from known sampled points, which allows inferring the value and distribution of the different edaphic parameters studied along the agricultural fields. The results obtained show after validation that the analysis of semivariograms is suitable for evaluating the distribution of the main soil parameters on a large scale, since it faithfully reflects their distribution and makes the ordinary kriging tool a suitable method for optimizing the resources available in soil mapping processes. In addition, the knowledge of these distributions made it possible to establish different recommendations for improving the management of the agricultural ecosystem, which will guarantee a higher agricultural yield as well as a better protection of the analyzed soils.
Carbon Mineralization Dynamics of Organic Materials and Their Usage in the Restoration of Degraded Tropical Tea-Growing Soil
Authors: Liyanage Liyana Rallage Mahesh Chaminda , Sulaiman Muhammad Firdaus , Ismail Roslan , Gunaratne Gamini Perera , Dharmakeerthi Randombage Saman , Rupasinghe Minninga Geethika Neranjani , Mayakaduwa Amoda Priyangi , Hanafi Mohamed M.
Published: June 2021

Understanding carbon mineralization dynamics of organic amendments is essential to restore degraded lands. This study focused on the restoration potentials of tea-growing soils using organic materials available in tea ecosystems. The Selangor-Briah soil series association (Typic Endoaquepts) consisted of a high- (soil A) and a low-carbon (soil B) soils were incubated with different organic materials and released carbon dioxide (CO2) measured. Two kinetic models were applied to depict the mineralization process. Soil health parameters including microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, dehydrogenase and catalase activities were determined to assess the restoration potentials. The parallel first-order kinetic model fitted well for all amendments. Gliricidia markedly enhanced the net cumulative CO2 flux in both soils. Charged biochar, tea waste and Gliricidia improved the microbial biomass carbon by 79–84% in soil A and 82–93% in soil B, respectively. Microbial quotients and biomass nitrogen were increased over 50 and 70% in amended soils, respectively. Dehydrogenase activity was significantly accelerated over 80% by compost, charged biochar and tea waste. Charged biochar remarkably increased the soil catalase activity by 141%. Microbial biomass, dehydrogenase and catalase activities, and cumulative CO2 flux were positively correlated (r > 0.452) with one another. The studied amendments showed greater potential in improving the soil quality, while charged biochar, raw biochar and compost enrich the soil recalcitrant C pool ensuring the soil health in long term. Even though biochar sequesters carbon, it has to be charged with nutrients to achieve the soil restoration goals.
The Effect of Elicitors and Canopy Management in the Chemical Composition of Vitis vinifera Red Varieties in Warm and Hot Areas in Spain
Authors: Gutiérrez Natalia , López-de-Silanes Leyre , Escott Carlos , Loira Iris , del Fresno Juan Manuel , Suárez-Lepe José Antonio , Morata Antonio
Published: June 2021

Canopy management practices in vineyards, such as sprawling systems and shoot trimming, can change the accumulation of metabolites in grapes. The use of elicitors of biological origin on grapevines of Vitis vinifera red grape varieties may also modulate the chemical composition of the berries. These modifications are often observed in the accumulation of phenolic compounds, including pigments. Both technical approaches are alternatives involved in minimizing the effects of global climate change in warm areas. The increase of temperature related to climate change accelerates the accumulation of sugars, but produces unbalanced grapes. This work establishes the use of button sensors to monitor the climate changes occurring at grape cluster level. Together with climate monitoring, conventional instrumental analytical techniques are used to follow up the chemical composition and the phenolic fraction of grapes in four different production areas in Spain. The effect of either treatment seems variable and to be affected by external factors besides the treatment itself and the climate conditions. While there is a fine effect that correlates with the use of elicitors in varieties like Merlot and Tempranillo, there is minimal improvement observed in Tintilla de Rota. The total phenolic index increases were between 2.3% and 11.8% in the first two parcels. The same happened with the vineyard’s canopy management systems, with increased pigment accumulation and the total phenolic index rising (37.7% to 68.7%) after applying intense shoot trimming, or a variation in sugar concentrations when using sprawl conduction. This study aims to provide viticulturists and oenologists in particular, and farmers in general, with data on the field regarding the use of alternative sustainable practices in the cultivation of grapes. The techniques used involved 100% natural products without adjuvants. The benefits obtained from applying some of these practices would be to produce technically mature grapes despite climate changes, and the elaboration of more balanced wines.
Systemic Antibiotic Prophylaxis to Reduce Early Implant Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Roca-Millan Elisabet , Estrugo-Devesa Albert , Merlos Alexandra , Jané-Salas Enric , Vinuesa Teresa , López-López José
Published: June 2021

Systemic antibiotics are routinely prescribed in implant procedures, but the lack of consensus causes large differences between clinicians regarding antibiotic prophylaxis regimens. The objectives of this systematic review are to assess the need to prescribe antibiotics to prevent early implant failure and find the most appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis regimen. The electronic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scielo and Cochrane Central Trials Database for randomized clinical trials of at least 3 months of follow-up. Eleven studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Antibiotics were found to statistically significantly reduce early implant failures (RR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.19–0.47, p < 0.00001; heterogeneity I2 = 0%, p = 0.54). No differences were seen between preoperative or both pre- and postoperative antibiotic regimens (RR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.21–1.55, p = 0.27; heterogeneity I2 = 0%, p = 0.37). A single preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis dose was found to be enough to significantly reduce early implant failures compared to no antibiotic (RR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.21–0.53, p < 0.00001; heterogeneity I2 = 0%, p = 0.61). In conclusion, in healthy patients a single antibiotic prophylaxis dose is indicated to prevent early implant failure.
Effect of Chronic Stress Present in Fibroblasts Derived from Patients with a Sporadic Form of AD on Mitochondrial Function and Mitochondrial Turnover
Authors: Drabik Karolina , Malińska Dominika , Piecyk Karolina , Dębska-Vielhaber Grażyna , Vielhaber Stefan , Duszyński Jerzy , Szczepanowska Joanna
Published: June 2021

Although the sporadic form of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the prevalent form, the cellular events underlying the disease pathogenesis have not been fully characterized. Accumulating evidence points to mitochondrial dysfunction as one of the events responsible for AD progression. We investigated mitochondrial function in fibroblasts collected from patients diagnosed with the sporadic form of AD (sAD), placing a particular focus on mitochondrial turnover. We measured mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagic clearance, and evaluated the presence of bioenergetic stress in sAD cells. The mitochondrial turnover was clearly lower in the fibroblasts from sAD patients than in the fibroblasts from the control subjects, and the levels of many proteins regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy and mitophagy were decreased in patient cells. Additionally, the sAD fibroblasts had slightly higher mitochondrial superoxide levels and impaired antioxidant defense. Mitochondrial turnover undergoes feedback regulation through mitochondrial retrograde signaling, which is responsible for the maintenance of optimal mitochondrial functioning, and mitochondria-derived ROS participate as signaling molecules in this process. Our results showed that in sAD patients cells, there is a shift in the balance of mitochondrial function, possibly in response to the presence of cellular stress related to disease development.
An Orally Bioavailable (Mice) Prodrug of Glutathione
Authors: Crankshaw Daune L. , Briggs Jacquie E. , Vince Robert , Nagasawa Herbert T.
Published: June 2021

L-Cysteine-glutathione mixed disulfide (CySSG), a prodrug of glutathione (GSH), was found to be orally bioavailable in mice, and protected mice against a toxic dose of acetaminophen. If oral bioavailability can also be demonstrated in humans, a wide range of applicability for CySSG can be envisioned.
Selected Kefir Water from Malaysia Attenuates Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress by Upregulating Endogenous Antioxidant Levels in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Kumar Muganti , Yeap Swee , Lee Han , Mohamad Nurul , Nazirul Mubin Aziz Muhammad , Khalid Melati , Masarudin Mas , Leow Adam , Abdullah Janna , Alitheen Noorjahan
Published: June 2021

Kefir, a fermented probiotic drink was tested for its potential anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective effects to attenuate cellular oxidative stress on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Here, the antioxidant potentials of the six different kefir water samples were analysed by total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assays, whereas the anti-apoptotic activity on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced SH-SY5Y cells was examined using MTT, AO/PI double staining, and PI/Annexin V-FITC assays. The surface and internal morphological features of SH-SY5Y cells were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that Kefir B showed the higher TPC (1.96 ± 0.54 µg GAE/µL), TFC (1.09 ± 0.02 µg CAT eq/µL), FRAP (19.68 ± 0.11 mM FRAP eq/50 µL), and DPPH (0.45 ± 0.06 mg/mL) activities compared to the other kefir samples. The MTT and PI/Annexin V-FITC assays showed that Kefir B pre-treatment at 10 mg/mL for 48 h resulted in greater cytoprotection (97.04%), and a significantly lower percentage of necrotic cells (7.79%), respectively. The Kefir B pre-treatment also resulted in greater protection to cytoplasmic and cytoskeleton inclusion, along with the conservation of the surface morphological features and the overall integrity of SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings indicate that the anti-oxidative, anti-apoptosis, and neuroprotective effects of kefir were mediated via the upregulation of SOD and catalase, as well as the modulation of apoptotic genes (Tp73, Bax, and Bcl-2).
Bisavenathramide Analogues as Nrf2 Inductors and Neuroprotectors in In Vitro Models of Oxidative Stress and Hyperphosphorylation
Authors: Cores Ángel , Abril Sheila , Michalska Patrycja , Duarte Pablo , Olives Ana I. , Martín M. Antonia , Villacampa Mercedes , León Rafael , Menéndez J. Carlos
Published: June 2021

Oxidative stress is crucial to the outbreak and advancement of neurodegenerative diseases and is a common factor to many of them. We describe the synthesis of a library of derivatives of the 4-arylmethylen-2-pyrrolin-5-one framework by sequential application of a three-component reaction of primary amines, β-dicarbonyl compounds, and α-haloketones and a Knoevenagel condensation. These compounds can be viewed as cyclic amides of caffeic and ferulic acids, and are also structurally related to the bisavenanthramide family of natural antioxidants. Most members of the library showed low cytotoxicity and good activity as inductors of Nrf2, a transcription factor that acts as the master regulator of the antioxidant response associated with activation of the antioxidant response element (ARE). Nrf2-dependent protein expression was also proved by the significant increase in the levels of the HMOX1 and NQO1 proteins. Some compounds exerted neuroprotective properties in oxidative stress situations, such as rotenone/oligomycin-induced toxicity, and also against protein hyperphosphorylation induced by the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. Compound 3i, which can be considered a good candidate for further hit-to-lead development against neurodegenerative diseases due to its well-balanced multitarget profile, was further characterized by proving its ability to reduce phosphorylated Tau levels.
Artificial Neural Networks to Optimize Zero Energy Building (ZEB) Projects from the Early Design Stages
Authors: Pittarello Marco , Scarpa Massimiliano , Ruggeri Aurora Greta , Gabrielli Laura , Schibuola Luigi
Published: June 2021

Building energy modeling (BEM) is used to support (nearly) zero-energy building (ZEB) projects, since this kind of software represents the only available option to forecast building energy consumption with high accuracy. BEM may also be used during preliminary analyses or feasibility studies, but simulation results are usually too detailed for this stage of the project. Aside from that, when optimization algorithms are used, the implied high number of energy simulations causes very long calculation times. Therefore, designers could be discouraged from the extensive use of BEM to conduct optimization analyses. Thus, they prefer to study and compare a very limited amount of acknowledged alternative designs. In relation to this problem, the scope of the present study is to obtain an easy-to-use tool to quickly forecast the energy consumption of a building with no direct use of BEM to support fast comparative analyses at the early stages of energy projects. In response, a set of automatic energy assessment tools was developed based on machine learning techniques. The forecasting tools are artificial neural networks (ANNs) that are able to estimate the energy consumption automatically for any building, based on a limited amount of descriptive data of the property. The ANNs are developed for the Po Valley area in Italy as a pilot case study. The ANNs may be very useful to assess the energy demand for even a considerable number of buildings by comparing different design options, and they may help optimization analyses.
Fermented Antler Improves Endurance during Exercise Performance by Increasing Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Muscle Strength in Mice
Authors: Jung Seongeun , Kim Sung-Hwan , Jeung Woonhee , Ra Jehyun , Heo Keon , Shim Jae-Jung , Lee Jung-Lyoul
Published: June 2021

In this study, we investigated whether antler fermented with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) increases mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle strength in vitro and in vivo. LAB from a strain library were grown in antler extract agar at the Yakult Central Research Institute of Korea. Isolated LAB, named Lactobacillus curvatus HY7602, were used to ferment antlers. Analysis of the effects of fermented antler (FA) revealed that it enhanced the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), signaling pathway and mitochondrial metabolic activity in mouse skeletal myotube (C2C12) cells. Next, we evaluated the effect of non-fermented antler (NFA) and FA on exercise performance in C57BL/6J mice. The results showed that HY7602-FA increased treadmill exercise capacity and forced swimming endurance. Furthermore, blood markers associated with muscle fatigue, endurance, and energy supply (e.g., alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, creatine kinase, and lactate) in the FA-intake group were lower than in the NFA-intake group. In addition, the expression index of genes associated with muscle protein synthesis, and with mitochondrial energy production and supply, in muscle tissue was remarkably higher in the FA group than in the control and NFA groups. Taken together, these results suggested that HY7602-FA may be an effective functional food and health supplement.
Gas Sensors Based on Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances: Synthesis of Oxide Films with Embedded Metal Nanoparticles, Theory and Simulation, and Sensitivity Enhancement Strategies
Authors: Rodrigues Marco S. , Borges Joel , Lopes Cláudia , Pereira Rui M. S. , Vasilevskiy Mikhail I. , Vaz Filipe
Published: June 2021

This work presents a comprehensive review on gas sensors based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomenon, including the theory of LSPR, the synthesis of nanoparticle-embedded oxide thin films, and strategies to enhance the sensitivity of these optical sensors, supported by simulations of the electromagnetic properties. The LSPR phenomenon is known to be responsible for the unique colour effects observed in the ancient Roman Lycurgus Cup and at the windows of the medieval cathedrals. In both cases, the optical effects result from the interaction of the visible light (scattering and absorption) with the conduction band electrons of noble metal nanoparticles (gold, silver, and gold–silver alloys). These nanoparticles are dispersed in a dielectric matrix with a relatively high refractive index in order to push the resonance to the visible spectral range. At the same time, they have to be located at the surface to make LSPR sensitive to changes in the local dielectric environment, the property that is very attractive for sensing applications. Hence, an overview of gas sensors is presented, including electronic-nose systems, followed by a description of the surface plasmons that arise in noble metal thin films and nanoparticles. Afterwards, metal oxides are explored as robust and sensitive materials to host nanoparticles, followed by preparation methods of nanocomposite plasmonic thin films with sustainable techniques. Finally, several optical properties simulation methods are described, and the optical LSPR sensitivity of gold nanoparticles with different shapes, sensing volumes, and surroundings is calculated using the discrete dipole approximation method.
Toward a Standard Approach for Echo Chamber Detection: Reddit Case Study
Authors: Morini Virginia , Pollacci Laura , Rossetti Giulio
Published: June 2021

In a digital environment, the term echo chamber refers to an alarming phenomenon in which beliefs are amplified or reinforced by communication repetition inside a closed system and insulated from rebuttal. Up to date, a formal definition, as well as a platform-independent approach for its detection, is still lacking. This paper proposes a general framework to identify echo chambers on online social networks built on top of features they commonly share. Our approach is based on a four-step pipeline that involves (i) the identification of a controversial issue; (ii) the inference of users’ ideology on the controversy; (iii) the construction of users’ debate network; and (iv) the detection of homogeneous meso-scale communities. We further apply our framework in a detailed case study on Reddit, covering the first two and a half years of Donald Trump’s presidency. Our main purpose is to assess the existence of Pro-Trump and Anti-Trump echo chambers among three sociopolitical issues, as well as to analyze their stability and consistency over time. Even if users appear strongly polarized with respect to their ideology, most tend not to insulate themselves in echo chambers. However, the found polarized communities were proven to be definitely stable over time.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Cinnabarin on Xanthomonas campestris Isolated from Bean Crops of Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Romero-Arenas Omar , Jara y Rivera Ana P. , Valencia de Ita Ma. Angeles , Lezama Conrado Parraguirre , Villa-Ruano Nemesio , Rivera Antonio
Published: June 2021

Phaseolus vulgaris is the most legume cultivated in the world; in Mexico, it is considered the second most important crop after corn. The aim of this research was to determine the characteristics of Xanthomonas campestris strain “Xcf1-APJR” isolated from the leaves of bean crops, and determine the antimicrobial activity of cinnabarin on this strain. Bacterial cultures were obtained from leaves with necrotic leaf spot symptoms of bean plant variety “Flor de Mayo M38” in Puebla, Mexico. The antimicrobial activity of cinnabarin was tested at 7, 14 and 21 days on X. campestris pv. campestris. The Xcf1-APJR strain showed 100% identity with X. campestris pv. campestris as a causal agent of necrotic leaf spot. Treatment with a potato dextrose medium with a dehydrated sugar cane (PDA+C) showed a higher orange pigmentation than the other treatments after 7, 14 and 21 days of incubation and a higher concentration of cinnabarin (54.33 InU/g) with in vitro antimicrobial activity against X. campestris pv. campestris.
Modeling of Ductile Fracture for SS275 Structural Steel Sheets
Authors: Cho Yonghyun , Lee Changkye , Yee Jurng-Jae , Kim Dong-Keon
Published: June 2021

A series of earthquake events give impetus to research on the ductile fracture behavior of steel materials. In the last decades, many fracture models have been developed and utilized in the mechanical or aerospace engineering. Nevertheless, very little application to structural members used in the construction industry has been made due to the lack of a suitable model for the fracture behavior of constructional steel. This paper presents the experimental and finite element (FE) technique to predict ductile fracture in mild carbon structural steel (SS275) sheets, which has been widely used in building structures. The post-necking true stress–strain responses were successfully estimated using the weighted-average method. The Bao and Wierzbicki (BW) model, which requires only two model parameters, was selected for the identification of fracture locus. Each model parameter was calibrated from uniaxial tension and in-plane shear specimens with the aid of digital image correlation (DIC) and finite element analysis. Fracture simulation was then performed and validated based on the experimental results of the specimens under combined tension and shear stress state.
Acid Dentin Lysates Increase Amelotin Expression in Oral Epithelial Cells and Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Nasirzade Jila , Kargarpour Zahra , Panahipour Layla , Gruber Reinhard
Published: June 2021

Amelotin (AMTN) is a secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein controlling the adhesion of epithelial cells to the tooth surface, forming a protective seal against the oral cavity. It can be proposed that signals released upon dentinolysis increase AMTN expression in periodontal cells, thereby helping to preserve the protective seal. Support for this assumption comes from our RNA sequencing approach showing that gingival fibroblasts exposed to acid dentin lysates (ADL) greatly increased AMTN expression. In the present study, we confirm that acid dentin lysates significantly increase AMTN in gingival fibroblasts and extend this observation towards the epithelial cell lineage by use of the HSC2 oral squamous and TR146 buccal carcinoma cell lines. AMTN immunostaining revealed an intensive signal in the nucleus of HSC2 cells exposed to acid dentin lysates. Acid dentin lysates mediate their effect via the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β type 1 receptor kinase as the antagonist SB431542 abolished the expression of AMTN in the epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Similar to what is known for fibroblasts, acid dentin lysate increased Smad-3 phosphorylation in HSC2 cells. HSC2 cells also respond to the AMTN-stimulating activity of the dentin lysate when adsorbed to gelatin. When simulating regenerative approaches, enamel matrix derivative, TGF-β1, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 also caused a robust increase in SB431542-dependent AMTN expression in HSC2. Taken together, we show here that acid dentin lysate uses the TGF-β-depended signaling pathway to support the AMTN expression in epithelial cells, possibly helping in maintaining the protective seal against the oral cavity.
Anthropometric Characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Their Associations with Insulin Resistance and Lipid Profile
Authors: Sánchez-Ferrer María L. , Arense-Gonzalo Julián J. , Prieto-Sánchez María T. , Gómez-Carrascosa Inmaculada , Hernández-Peñalver Ana I. , Mendiola Jaime , Torres-Cantero Alberto M.
Published: June 2021

This study evaluates whether women with PCOS have a different body composition than non-PCOS women (controls), estimated by anthropometric methods, and whether body composition and PCOS condition could be predictors of insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profile (LP) in an independent manner. A case-control study was conducted in which women (126) were diagnosed with PCOS by the Rotterdam criteria and controls (159) were women without PCOS attending the gynecological clinic for routine examinations. Women with PCOS had higher body mass index, percentage of fat mass, and testosterone than controls. A higher fat mass predicted higher levels of triglycerides, LDL-c, and lower levels of HDL-c independently of PCOS condition. HOMA-IR was related to fat mass and was more significant in patients with PCOS. A higher bone mass was associated with lower total cholesterol and LDL-c independent of PCOS condition. Lower HOMA-IR remained associated with PCOS regardless of bone mass. Lean mass percentages predicted a better metabolic profile (lower triglycerides and higher HDL-c), and was also modulated by PCOS condition. Our results highlight the importance of body composition as an anthropometrical characteristic of PCOS, and the relationship of fat mass with a worse metabolic profile. In addition, PCOS condition was associated with worse HOMA-IR independent of body composition.
Development of Modular Bio-Inspired Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for Close Subsea Asset Inspection
Authors: Gorma Wael , Post Mark A. , White James , Gardner James , Luo Yang , Kim Jongrae , Mitchell Paul D. , Morozs Nils , Wright Marvin , Xiao Qing
Published: June 2021

To reduce human risk and maintenance costs, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are involved in subsea inspections and measurements for a wide range of marine industries such as offshore wind farms and other underwater infrastructure. Most of these inspections may require levels of manoeuvrability similar to what can be achieved by tethered vehicles, called Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). To extend AUV intervention time and perform closer inspection in constrained spaces, AUVs need to be more efficient and flexible by being able to undulate around physical constraints. A biomimetic fish-like AUV known as RoboFish has been designed to mimic propulsion techniques observed in nature to provide high thrust efficiency and agility to navigate its way autonomously around complex underwater structures. Building upon advances in acoustic communications, computer vision, electronics and autonomy technologies, RoboFish aims to provide a solution to such critical inspections. This paper introduces the first RoboFish prototype that comprises cost-effective 3D printed modules joined together with innovative magnetic coupling joints and a modular software framework. Initial testing shows that the preliminary working prototype is functional in terms of water-tightness, propulsion, body control and communication using acoustics, with visual localisation and mapping capability.
A Compound Fault Labeling and Diagnosis Method Based on Flight Data and BIT Record of UAV
Authors: Zheng Ke , Jia Guozhu , Yang Linchao , Wang Jiaqing
Published: June 2021

In the process of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight testing, plenty of compound faults exist, which could be composed of concurrent single faults or over-limit states alarmed by Built-In-Test (BIT) equipment. At present, there still lacks a suitable automatic labeling approach for UAV flight data, effectively utilizing the information of the BIT record. The performance of the originally employed flight data-driven fault diagnosis models based on machine learning needs to be improved as well. A compound fault labeling and diagnosis method based on actual flight data and the BIT record of the UAV during flight test phase is proposed, through labeling the flight data with compound fault modes corresponding to concurrent single faults recorded by the BIT system, and upgrading the original diagnosis model based on Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) and Fully Convolutional Network (FCNN), to eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) and modified Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The experimental results based on actual test flight data show that the proposed method could effectively label the flight data and obtain a significant improvement in diagnostic performance, appearing to be practical in the UAV test flight process.
The Effect of Differentiating the Thermal Conductivity between Inner and Outer Walls on the Stability of a U-Bend Catalytic Heat-Recirculating Micro-Combustor: A CFD Study
Authors: Di Sarli Valeria
Published: June 2021

The effect of differentiating the thermal conductivity between inner and outer walls on the stability of a U-bend catalytic heat-recirculating micro-combustor was investigated. To this end, a two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed using the commercial code ANSYS Fluent (release 2020 R1) and, for different combinations of values for the inner and outer thermal conductivities, simulations of lean pre-mixed propane/air combustion were performed by varying the inlet gas velocity. Numerical results have shown that extinction is mainly ruled by the inner wall, whereas the outer wall controls blowout. Differentiating the thermal conductivity has been found to be an effective strategy to jointly exploit the better extinction resistance of low-conductive (i.e., insulating) materials, required by the inner wall, and better blowout resistance of highly conductive materials, required by the outer wall, thus enlarging the stable operating window of the catalytic micro-combustor compared to the use of the same material for both walls.
Impact of Temperature on the Moisture Buffering Performance of Palm and Sunflower Concretes
Authors: Igue Fathia Dahir , Tran Le Anh Dung , Bourdot Alexandra , Promis Geoffrey , Nguyen Sy Tuan , Douzane Omar , Lahoche Laurent , Langlet Thierry
Published: June 2021

The use of bio-based materials (BBM) in buildings is an interesting solution as they are eco-friendly materials and have low embodied energy. This article aims to investigate the hygric performance of two bio-based materials: palm and sunflower concretes. The moisture buffering value (MBV) characterizes the ability of a material or multilayer component to moderate the variation in the indoor relative humidity (RH). In the literature, the moisture buffer values of bio-based concretes were measured at a constant temperature of 23 °C. However, in reality, the indoor temperature of the buildings is variable. The originality of this article is found in studying the influence of the temperature on the moisture buffer performance of BBM. A study at wall scale on its impact on the indoor RH at room level will be carried out. First, the physical models are presented. Second, the numerical models are implemented in the Simulation Problem Analysis and Research Kernel (SPARK) suited to complex problems. Then, the numerical model validated with the experimental results found in the literature is used to investigate the moisture buffering capacity of BBM as a function of the temperature and its application in buildings. The results show that the temperature has a significant impact on the moisture buffering capacity of bio-based building materials and its capacity to dampen indoor RH variation. Using the numerical model presented in this paper can predict and optimize the hygric performance of BBM designed for building application.
Short-Term Effect of Green Waste and Sludge Amendment on Soil Microbial Diversity and Volatile Organic Compound Emissions
Authors: Abis Letizia , Sadet-Bourgeteau Sophie , Lebrun Benjamin , Ciuraru Raluca , Lafouge Florence , Nowak Virginie , Tripied Julie , Houot Sabine , Maron Pierre Alain , Loubet Benjamin
Published: June 2021

Soil amendments with organic waste products (OWPs) have been widely supported in Europe to improve soil fertility, causing wide changes in the microbial community structure and diversity, especially in the short-term period. Those changes are known to affect the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by soil. This work aimed to characterize, in terms of quantity and composition, the effect of green waste and sludge (GWS) application on soil VOC emissions and microbial community 49 h after the last GWS application. Two different soil samples were compared to test the effect of the soil history on VOC emissions and microbial communities. For this reason, we chose a soil that received GWS input for 20 years (GWS sample) and one that did not receive any organic input during the same period (CN sample). Furthermore, samples were manipulated to generate three microbial dilution diversity gradients (low, medium, and high). Results showed that Bacteroidetes phyla took advantage of the GWS application in all samples, increasing their relative abundance by 22% after 49 h, while the Proteobacteria phylum was penalized by the GWS amendment, passing from 58% to 49% relative abundance 49 h after the GWS application. Microbial structure differences between microbial diversity dilution levels remained even after the GWS application. GWS amendment induced a change in the emitted VOC profiles, especially in samples used to receiving GWS. GWS amendment doubled the VOC emissions from samples used to receiving GWS after 49 h. Finally, the microbial community was strongly correlated to the VOC emissions. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Crenarchaeota were positively correlated (Pearson coefficient > 0.6), while other phyla, such as Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia, were found to be negatively correlated (Pearson coefficient < −0.6) to the VOC emissions. After the addition of GWS, these correlations shifted from positive to negative and from negative to positive.
Inhibition of Glycine Re-Uptake: A Potential Approach for Treating Pain by Augmenting Glycine-Mediated Spinal Neurotransmission and Blunting Central Nociceptive Signaling
Authors: Cioffi Christopher L.
Published: June 2021

Among the myriad of cellular and molecular processes identified as contributing to pathological pain, disinhibition of spinal cord nociceptive signaling to higher cortical centers plays a critical role. Importantly, evidence suggests that impaired glycinergic neurotransmission develops in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models and is a key maladaptive mechanism causing mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia. Thus, it has been hypothesized that pharmacological agents capable of augmenting glycinergic tone within the dorsal horn may be able to blunt or block aberrant nociceptor signaling to the brain and serve as a novel class of analgesics for various pathological pain states. Indeed, drugs that enhance dysfunctional glycinergic transmission, and in particular inhibitors of the glycine transporters (GlyT1 and GlyT2), are generating widespread interest as a potential class of novel analgesics. The GlyTs are Na+/Cl−-dependent transporters of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family and it has been proposed that the inhibition of them presents a possible mechanism by which to increase spinal extracellular glycine concentrations and enhance GlyR-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission in the dorsal horn. Various inhibitors of both GlyT1 and GlyT2 have demonstrated broad analgesic efficacy in several preclinical models of acute and chronic pain, providing promise for the approach to deliver a first-in-class non-opioid analgesic with a mechanism of action differentiated from current standard of care. This review will highlight the therapeutic potential of GlyT inhibitors as a novel class of analgesics, present recent advances reported for the field, and discuss the key challenges associated with the development of a GlyT inhibitor into a safe and effective agent to treat pain.
Survival of Laryngeal Cancer Patients Depending on Zinc Serum Level and Oxidative Stress Genotypes
Authors: Lubiński Jakub , Jaworowska Ewa , Derkacz Róża , Marciniak Wojciech , Białkowska Katarzyna , Baszuk Piotr , Scott Rodney J. , Lubiński Jan A.
Published: June 2021

Stress contributes to various aspects of malignancy and could influence survival in laryngeal cancer patients. Among antioxidant mechanisms, zinc and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 2, catalase and glutathione peroxidase 1 play a major role. The aim of this study was a prospective evaluation of the survival of patients with laryngeal cancer in relation to serum levels of zinc in combination with functional genotype differences of three key antioxidant enzymes. The study group consisted of 300 patients treated surgically for laryngeal cancer. Serum zinc levels and common polymorphisms in SOD2, CAT and GPX1 were analyzed. The risk of death in patients with the lowest zinc levels was increased in comparison with patients with the highest levels. Polymorphisms of antioxidant genes by themselves were not correlated with survival, however, serum zinc level impact on survival was stronger for SOD2 TC/TT and CAT CC variants. GPX1 polymorphisms did not correlate with zinc levels regarding survival. In conclusion, serum zinc concentration appears to be an important prognostic factor for survival of patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. When higher zinc levels were correlated with polymorphisms in SOD2 and CAT a further increase in survival was observed.
Partial Decellularization for Segmental Tracheal Scaffold Tissue Engineering: A Preliminary Study in Rabbits
Authors: Dang Luong Huu , Tseng Yuan , Tseng How , Hung Shih-Han
Published: June 2021

In this study, we developed a new procedure for the rapid partial decellularization of the harvested trachea. Partial decellularization was performed using a combination of detergent and sonication to completely remove the epithelial layers outside of the cartilage ring. The post-decellularized tracheal segments were assessed with vital staining, which showed that the core cartilage cells remarkably remained intact while the cells outside of the cartilage were no longer viable. The ability of the decellularized tracheal segments to evade immune rejection was evaluated through heterotopic implantation of the segments into the chest muscle of rabbits without any immunosuppressive therapy, which demonstrated no evidence of severe rejection or tissue necrosis under H&E staining, as well as the mechanical stability under stress-pressure testing. Finally, orthotopic transplantation of partially decellularized trachea with no immunosuppression treatment resulted in 2 months of survival in two rabbits and one long-term survival (2 years) in one rabbit. Through evaluations of posttransplantation histology and endoscopy, we confirmed that our partial decellularization method could be a potential method of producing low-immunogenic cartilage scaffolds with viable, functional core cartilage cells that can achieve long-term survival after in vivo transplantation.
Oncolytic Virus Immunotherapy: Showcasing Impressive Progress in Special Issue II
Authors: Guo Zong-Sheng
Published: June 2021

Cancer immunotherapy has recently become the most promising strategy for hard-to-treat, advanced-stage malignancies [...]
The NHance® Mutation-Equipped Anti-MET Antibody ARGX-111 Displays Increased Tissue Penetration and Anti-Tumor Activity in Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: Aftimos Philippe , Rolfo Christian , Rottey Sylvie , Barthélémy Philippe , Borg Christophe , Park Keunchil , Oh Do-Youn , Kim Sang-We , De Jonge Natalie , Hanssens Valérie , Zwanenpoel Karen , Molthoff Carla , Vugts Daniëlle , Dreier Torsten , Verheesen Peter , van Dongen Guus A.M.S. , Jacobs Julie , Van Rompaey Luc , Hultberg Anna , Michieli Paolo , Pauwels Patrick , Fung Samson , Thibault Alain , de Haard Hans , Leupin Nicolas , Awada Ahmad
Published: June 2021

Dysregulation of MET signaling has been implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis. ARGX-111 combines complete blockade of this pathway with enhanced tumor cell killing and was investigated in 24 patients with MET-positive advanced cancers in a phase 1b study at four dose levels (0.3–10 mg/kg). ARGX-111 was well tolerated up to 3 mg/kg (MTD). Anti-tumor activity was observed in nearly half of the patients (46%) with a mean duration of treatment of 12 weeks. NHance® mutations in the Fc of ARGX-111 increased affinity for the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) at acidic pH, stimulating transcytosis across FcRn-expressing cells and radiolabeled ARGX-111 accumulated in lymphoid tissues, bone and liver, organs expressing FcRn at high levels in a biodistribution study using human FcRn transgenic mice. In line with this, we observed, in a patient with MET-amplified (>10 copies) gastric cancer, diminished metabolic activity in multiple metastatic lesions in lymphoid and bone tissues by 18F-FDG-PET/CT after two infusions with 0.3 mg/kg ARGX-111. When escalated to 1 mg/kg, a partial response was reached. Furthermore, decreased numbers of CTC (75%) possibly by the enhanced tumor cell killing witnessed the modes of action of the drug, warranting further clinical investigation of ARGX-111.
Portable Chemiluminescence-Based Lateral Flow Assay Platform for the Detection of Cortisol in Human Serum
Authors: Kim Hyun Tae , Jin Enjian , Lee Min-Ho
Published: June 2021

In this study, we developed the portable chemiluminescence (CL)-based lateral flow assay (LFA) platform for the detection of cortisol in human serum. Cortisol is well-known as a stress hormone due to its high relevancy for human mental and physical health, such as hypertension or depression. To date, a number of optical devices have provided the sensitive determination of levels of analytes. However, this modality type still requires costly optical modules. The developed CL platform is simply composed of two detection modules along with a loading part for the LFA strip. The LFA membrane contains gold nanoparticle probes conjugated with antibodies against cortisol and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which can also efficiently increase the luminescent signal by providing many areas for anti-cortisol antibody and HRP. The measured voltage signals coming from the photodiode in a CL reader were compared with a standard microplate reader for the evaluation of accuracy. The linear range observed for cortisol was measured to be 0.78–12.5 μg/dL (R2 = 0.99) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.342 μg/dL. In addition, the CL-LFA reader showed a high correlation (R2 = 0.96) with the standard cortisol console (COBAS 8000, Roche), suggesting that our developed CL-based LFA platform can be usable in situ.
Computational Design of a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for the Biomonitoring of the Organophosphorous Metabolite Chlorferron
Authors: Qader Bakhtiyar , Hussain Issam , Baron Mark , Jiménez-Pérez Rebeca , Gil-Ramírez Guzmán , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Jose
Published: June 2021

Coumaphos is an organophosphorus compound used as insecticide and frequently used by beekeepers for the management of parasitic mites. The most important metabolite, chlorferron (CFN), has been identified in biological samples and foodstuff. The need to quickly identify the presence of typical metabolites, as an indication of interaction with coumaphos has driven the need to produce a highly sensitive electrochemical method for chlorferron analysis, based on molecularly imprinting polymers (MIP) technology. It showed irreversible behaviour with mixed diffusion/adsorption-controlled reactions at the electrode surface. A monoelectronic mechanism of reaction for oxidation has also been suggested. The linear range observed was from 0.158 to 75 µM. Median precision in terms of %RSD around 3% was also observed. For DPV, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) for the CFN-MIP were 0.158 µM and 0.48 µM, respectively. The obtained median % recovery was around 98%. The results were also validated to reference values obtained using GC-MS. Urine and human synthetic plasma spiked with CFN were used to demonstrate the usability of the method in biological samples, showing the potential for biomonitoring. The developed imprinted sensor showed maximum signal change less than 16.8% when related metabolites or pesticide were added to the mix, suggesting high selectivity of the MIP sensor toward CFN molecules. The results from in vitro metabolism of CMP analysed also demonstrates the potential for detection and quantification of CFN in environmental samples. The newly developed CFN-MIP sensor offers similar LoDs than chromatographic methods with shorter analysis time.