bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Level of Estrogen in Females—The Different Impacts at Different Life Stages
Authors: Yu Zhuo , Jiao Yan , Zhao Yinhuan , Gu Weikuan
Published: December 2022

Historically, a high level of estrogen in women is regarded as the signature for a longer lifespan than men. Estrogen is known to be responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Ovariectomy brings on numerous complications such as early menopause, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Thus, ovariectomy impacts the long-term health and lifespan of women. However, the level of estrogen at different life stages should be managed differently. Life quality can be measured in many ways, but mainly it relates to how an individual is doing in terms of being healthy, comfortable, and able to participate in or enjoy life experiences. First of all, ovariectomy not only reduces the level of estrogen but also destroys the reproductive metabolism and potentially other metabolism functions; it may also reduce the lifespan because of the overall impact, not necessary due to the low level of estrogen. Secondly, according to the principal law of the lifespan (PLOSP), the impacts of ovariectomy at different life stages will be different. The objective of this article is to provide readers with a new view of the research on estrogen. Based on the PLOSP, we recapture the estrogen levels at different life stages and explore potential alternative approaches to the manipulation of the levels of estrogen based on the biological features of the difference life stages. Thus, a low level of estrogen in the early life stage may make a woman live longer than a woman with a normal level of estrogen. However, a low estrogen level does not equal ovariectomy. Here, we explain the different impacts of the estrogen levels during different life stages; the effects on the lifespan of the manipulation of estrogen levels at different life stages; and the differences among the estrogen levels, ovariectomy effects, life stages, and lifespan. The personalized manipulation of estrogen levels and relevant growth factors according to the characterization of the life stages may be able to extend the heathy lifespan of women.
Vascular Calcification in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Phan Olivier , Joki Nobuhiko
Published: December 2022

The pathogenesis of vascular calcification (VC) in diabetes mellitus (DM) has not been completely elucidated. VC often occur in patients with DM and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The incidence of VC in diabetic patients is more frequent than in nondiabetic patients, which is an important cause of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. VC is a progressive transformation of the vascular wall; it results from an active and complex phenomenon affecting particularly the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). It leads to a change in the phenotype of the VSMCs towards an osteoblastic-like phenotype. DM is associated with specific risk factors in addition to hyperglycemia, such as increased oxidative stress, proinflammatory state, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) promoting endothelial dysfunction. This article provides an overview and update of the pathophysiological data on the role of DM in VC progression.
Evaluating Biophysical Conservation Practices with Dynamic Land Use and Land Cover in the Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Addisie Meseret B. , Molla Gashaw , Teshome Menberu , Ayele Gebiaw T.
Published: December 2022

Ethiopia is one of the sub-Saharan countries affected by land degradation, notably by soil erosion. The government of Ethiopia has launched an extensive biophysical soil and water conservation (SWC) effort each year to address the problem. These practices were installed on varying land use and land cover (LULC) systems. Despite the fact that the interventions covered the majority of the landmasses, there were no quantitative data on the scale of biophysical measures with the change in land use and land cover. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate biophysical conservation practices with dynamic land use and land cover in the highlands of Ethiopia. The study focused on districts of the Amhara regional state’s South Gondar zone. A mixed research methodology was employed to gather pertinent data for the study. The dynamics of LULC were analyzed using satellite images acquired between 1990 and 2020. Biophysical conservation measures’ data and qualitative information were collected from the zonal office of agriculture. Twelve years’ worth of biophysical SWC measures data were used for the study. The results indicate that cultivated land makes up the majority of land use and land cover. Bunds built on cultivated land account for 93% of conservation practices. During the study period, there was a significant decline of biophysical conservation practices implementation in each district. Although plantation was used on a wider scale, it was unable to sustain physical SWC practices or expand forest cover in the region. In addition, lack of integrated maintenance for early installed structures decreases the effectiveness of SWC measures. In conclusion, the dynamics of LULC have a significant impact on the magnitude of biophysical conservation measures. Therefore, watershed managers shall consider the spatio-temporal variation of LULC while planning conservation practices.
Functional Characterization of the Ryanodine Receptor Gene in Diaphorina citri
Authors: Liu Tian-Sheng , Sun Xue-Li , Bin Min-Liang , Yi Gan-Jun , Zhang Xin-Xin
Published: December 2022

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is a major citrus pest spread around the world. It is also a vector of the bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, considered the cause of the fatal citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB). Insect ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are the primary target sites of diamide insecticides. In this study, full-length RyR cDNA from D. citri (named DcRyR) was isolated and identified. The 15,393 bp long open reading frame of DcRyR encoded a 5130 amino acid protein with a calculated molecular weight of 580,830 kDa. This protein had a high sequence identity (76–79%) with other insect homologs and a low sequence identity (43–46%) with mammals. An MIR domain, two RIH domains, three SPRY domains, four RyR repeat domains, an RIH-associated domain at the N-terminus, two consensus calcium-binding EF-hands, and six transmembrane domains were among the characteristics that DcRyR shared with insect and vertebrate RyRs. In expression analysis, the DcRyR gene displayed transcript abundance in all tissues and developmental stages as well as gene-differential and stage-specific patterns. In addition, diagnostic PCR experiments revealed that DcRyR had three potential alternative splice variants and that splicing events might have contributed to the various functions of DcRyR. However, diamide resistance-related amino acid residue mutations I4790M/K and G4946E were not found in DcRyR. These results can serve as the basis for further investigation into the target-based diamide pesticide resistance of D. citri.
The Transition from Cancer “omics” to “epi-omics” through Next- and Third-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Athanasopoulou Konstantina , Daneva Glykeria , Boti Michaela , Dimitroulis Georgios , Adamopoulos Panagiotis , Scorilas Andreas
Published: December 2022

Deciphering cancer etiopathogenesis has proven to be an especially challenging task since the mechanisms that drive tumor development and progression are far from simple. An astonishing amount of research has revealed a wide spectrum of defects, including genomic abnormalities, epigenomic alterations, disturbance of gene transcription, as well as post-translational protein modifications, which cooperatively promote carcinogenesis. These findings suggest that the adoption of a multidimensional approach can provide a much more precise and comprehensive picture of the tumor landscape, hence serving as a powerful tool in cancer research and precision oncology. The introduction of next- and third-generation sequencing technologies paved the way for the decoding of genetic information and the elucidation of cancer-related cellular compounds and mechanisms. In the present review, we discuss the current and emerging applications of both generations of sequencing technologies, also referred to as massive parallel sequencing (MPS), in the fields of cancer genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, as well as in the progressing realms of epi-omics. Finally, we provide a brief insight into the expanding scope of sequencing applications in personalized cancer medicine and pharmacogenomics.
Wear of TiAlCN Coating on HCR Gear
Authors: Švec Pavol , Magdolen Ľuboš , Protasov Roman , Bošanský Miroslav , Gondár Ernest
Published: December 2022

Wear of TiAlCN coatings deposited on HCR (High Contact Ratio) gears was studied by the Niemann test during which the tested gears were loaded up to the 12th load stage. The resistance against scuffing was evaluated based on the criteria of allowable roughness (max. Rz 7 µm) and weight loss (max. 10 mg). The extent and character of wear were influenced by coating thickness, contact pressure and meshing frequency. The wear of thicker TiAlCN coatings on the tooth face started with the smoothing of surface protrusions. The next stage of wear was characterized by depletion of TiAlCN coating. After depletion to a thickness of about 2 µm, the layer was pressed into the soft substrate, and it subsequently cracked. At higher load stages, the layer was partially detached, but the critical roughness indicating scuffing was not exceeded. Thinner TiAlCN coating on the tooth flank cracked and fully detached at lower load stages compared to thicker layers and wear of uncoated soft substrate caused the increase in roughness above the critical value representing scuffing.
Dry Wear Behaviour of the New ZK60/AlN/SiC Particle Reinforced Composites
Authors: Sager Abdulmuaen , Esen Ismail , Ahlatçi Hayrettin , Turen Yunus
Published: December 2022

This study deals with the microstructure, mechanical, and wear properties of the extruded ZK60 matrix composites strengthened with 45 µm, 15% silicon carbide particle (SiC) and 760 nm, 0.2–0.5% aluminium nitride (AlN) nanoparticle reinforcements. First, the reinforcement elements of the composites, SiC and AlN mixtures were prepared in master-magnesium powder, and compacts were formed under 450 MPa pressure and then sintered. Second, the compacted reinforcing elements were placed into the ZK60 alloy matrix at the semi-solid melt temperature, and the melt was mixed by mechanical mixing. After the melts were mixed for 30 min and a homogeneous mixture was formed, the mixtures were poured into metal moulds and composite samples were obtained. After being homogenized for 24 h at 400 °C, the alloys were extruded with a 16:1 deformation ratio at 310 °C and a ram speed of 0.3 mm/s to create final composite samples. After microstructure characterization and hardness analysis, the dry friction behavior of all composite samples was investigated. Depending on the percentage ratios of SIC and AlN reinforcement elements in the matrix, it was seen that the compressive strength and hardness of the composites increased, and the friction coefficient decreased. While the wear rate of the unreinforced ZK60 alloy was 3.89 × 10−5 g/m, this value decreased by 26.2 percent to 2.87 × 10−5 g/m in the 0.5% AlN + 15% SiC reinforced ZK 60 alloy.
Synthesis and Structure of 2-Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate-Capped Isophorone Diisocyanate and Poly(Propylene Glycol) Urethane Mixtures and the Properties of their UV-Cured Co-Networks with Isobornyl Methacrylate
Authors: Zhou Junhao , Tang Liming
Published: December 2022

Polyurethane acrylate prepolymers with different contents of HIPIH and HIH were synthesized via reacting excessive isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) with poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) and then end-capping with 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) in isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA). After the addition of the photoinitiator PI 1173, the resulting prepolymer resins were irradiated by UV light to form cured materials. The structures of the prepolymers were confirmed by 1H NMR, FT-IR, and GPC. SEM analyses proved that no obvious phase separation was observed within the cured sample. As the content of HIH increased, the viscosity of the prepolymers increased slightly. In addition, the gel content, solvent resistance, Shore hardness, Young’s modulus, and the tensile strength of the cured films increased, whereas the elongation at break decreased gradually. The volume shrinkage of the cured samples ranged between 4.5% and 4.8%. DMA analyses showed that the Tgs of the cured samples increased as more HIH structures existed. TGA analyses revealed that the cured samples had high thermal stability. This solvent-free fabrication process was simple, convenient, and controllable. By simply regulating the contents of HIPIH and HIH in the prepolymers, the performances of the cured materials could be adjusted to a wide range.
Mechanical Properties and Fracture Behavior of a TC4 Titanium Alloy Sheet
Authors: Zhao Zeling , Ji Hongchao , Zhong Yingzhuo , Han Chun , Tang Xuefeng
Published: December 2022

TC4 titanium alloy has excellent comprehensive properties. Due to its light weight, high specific strength, and good corrosion resistance, it is widely used in aerospace, military defense, and other fields. Given that titanium alloy components are often fractured by impact loads during service, studying the fracture behavior and damage mechanism of TC4 titanium alloy is of great significance. In this study, the Johnson–Cook failure model parameters of TC4 titanium alloy were obtained via tensile tests at room temperature. The mechanical behavior of TC4 titanium alloy during the tensile process was determined by simulating the sheet tensile process with the finite element software ABAQUS. The macroscopic and microscopic morphologies of tensile fracture were analyzed to study the deformation mechanism of the TC4 titanium alloy sheet. The results provide a theoretical basis for predicting the fracture behavior of TC4 titanium alloy under tensile stress.
Effect of the Transverse Functional Gradient of the Thin Interfacial Inclusion Material on the Stress Distribution of the Bimaterial under Longitudinal Shear
Authors: Piskozub Yosyf , Piskozub Liubov , Sulym Heorhiy
Published: December 2022

The effect of a functional gradient in the cross-section material (FGM) of a thin ribbon-like interfacial deformable inclusion on the stress–strain state of a piecewise homogeneous linear–elastic matrix under longitudinal shear conditions is considered. Based on the equations of elasticity theory, a mathematical model of such an FGM inclusion is constructed. An analytic–numerical analysis of the stress fields for some typical cases of the continuous functional gradient dependence of the mechanical properties of the inclusion material is performed. It is proposed to apply the constructed solutions to select the functional gradient properties of the inclusion material to optimize the stress–strain state in its vicinity under the given stresses. The derived equations are suitable with minor modifications for the description of micro-, meso- and nanoscale inclusions. Moreover, the conclusions and calculation results are easily transferable to similar problems of thermal conductivity and thermoelasticity with possible frictional heat dissipation.
Gene Expression Programming Model for Tribological Behavior of Novel SiC–ZrO2–Al Hybrid Composites
Authors: Abbasi Hossein , Zeraati Malihe , Moghaddam Reza Fallah , Chauhan Narendra Pal Singh , Sargazi Ghasem , Di Lorenzo Ritamaria
Published: December 2022

In order to improve product format quality and material flexibility, variety of application, and cost-effectiveness, SiC, ZrO2, and Al hybrid composites were manufactured in the research utilizing the powder metallurgy (PM) technique. A model was created to predict the tribological behavior of SiC–ZrO2–Al hybrid composites using statistical data analysis and gene expression programming (GEP) based on artificial intelligence. For the purpose of examining the impact of zirconia concentration, sliding distance, and applied stress on the wear behavior of hybrid composites, a comprehensive factor design of experiments was used. The developed GEP model was sufficiently robust to achieve extremely high accuracy in the prediction of the determine coefficient (R2), the root mean square error (RMSE), and the root relative square error (RRSE). The maximum state of the RMSE was 0.4357 for the GEP-1 (w1) model and the lowest state was 0.7591 for the GEP-4 (w1) model, while the maximum state of the RRSE was 0.4357 for the GEP-1 (w1) model and the minimum state was 0.3115 for the GEP-3 model (w1).
Interfacial Adhesion of Thick NiTi Coating on Substrate Stainless Steel
Authors: Samal Sneha , Kopeček Jaromír , Šittner Petr
Published: December 2022

Interfacial adhesion of thick NiTi coating on substrate stainless steel is investigated here. NiTi coating was deposited on the substrate by using the thermal plasma spraying method. Deposition of NiTi coating was carried out by using various levels of input power under an Ar atmosphere. Multiple coating layers were deposited on the stainless steel surface for a specific thickness. The cross-section of the plasma-sprayed samples were prepared and characterized by using various techniques. The hardness of the coating layers on the surface and cross-section was examined. The thickness of the coating increased with the increase in power. No cracks were detected in the interface for the NiTi coating deposited at 12 kW power. However minor pores were observed at some regions along the interface at the sample prepared at 9 kW power. A good-quality coating layer was formed at the interface of the substrate. Primary phases of austenite and martensite were confirmed from the EBSD and XRD investigations. There was the presence of intermetallic and oxide phases in the coating layers. A less heat-affected zone of 10 µm of along the interface was confirmed without any diffusion of elements from the substrate to the coating layers. There was homogenous distribution elemental composition of Ni and Ti throughout the coating layers.
Nonlinear Vibration of Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Subjected to Mechanical Impact and Embedded on Winkler–Pasternak Foundation
Authors: Herisanu Nicolae , Marinca Bogdan , Marinca Vasile
Published: December 2022

This study was devoted to an investigation on the dynamics of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) under the influence of Winkler–Pasternak foundation near the primary resonance. Two Euler–Bernoulli beams embedded on nonlinear foundation, interacting through van der Waals forces, subjected to mechanical impact are considered. By means of Hamilton’s principle, Eringen’s nonlocal elastic theory, and taking into account the moving nanoparticles, the Galerkin–Bubnov method is applied and accordingly, governing partial differential equations are reduced to two differential equations with variable coefficients. The nonlinear damped and forced vibration is studied using the optimal auxiliary functions method (OAFM). An explicit and very accurate analytical solution is obtained by means of OAFM without considering simplifying hypotheses. An accurate analysis is for the first time reported considering the cumulated effects of nonlinearities simultaneously induced by the Winkler–Pasternak foundation, the curvature of beams and van der Waals force, and also the effect of discontinuities marked by the presence of the Dirac function. Finally, a stability analysis of the considered model is developed by means of the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) using the condition of existence of the two frequencies. It was shown that an increasing of some constitutive parameters substantially reduces the area of stability, all these being of much help in guiding the design of advanced nanoelectromechanical devices, in which nanotubes act as basic elements.
Hybrid Sine Cosine Algorithm for Solving Engineering Optimization Problems
Authors: Brajević Ivona , Stanimirović Predrag S. , Li Shuai , Cao Xinwei , Khan Ameer Tamoor , Kazakovtsev Lev A.
Published: December 2022

Engineering design optimization problems are difficult to solve because the objective function is often complex, with a mix of continuous and discrete design variables and various design constraints. Our research presents a novel hybrid algorithm that integrates the benefits of the sine cosine algorithm (SCA) and artificial bee colony (ABC) to address engineering design optimization problems. The SCA is a recently developed metaheuristic algorithm with many advantages, such as good search ability and reasonable execution time, but it may suffer from premature convergence. The enhanced SCA search equation is proposed to avoid this drawback and reach a preferable balance between exploitation and exploration abilities. In the proposed hybrid method, named HSCA, the SCA with improved search strategy and the ABC algorithm with two distinct search equations are run alternately during working on the same population. The ABC with multiple search equations can provide proper diversity in the population so that both algorithms complement each other to create beneficial cooperation from their merger. Certain feasibility rules are incorporated in the HSCA to steer the search towards feasible areas of the search space. The HSCA is applied to fifteen demanding engineering design problems to investigate its performance. The presented experimental results indicate that the developed method performs better than the basic SCA and ABC. The HSCA accomplishes pretty competitive results compared to other recent state-of-the-art methods.
Reservoir Permeability Identification under Three-Phase Filtration Using a Priori Information on Wells
Authors: Elesin Andrey V. , Kadyrova Alfiya Sh. , Nikiforov Anatoliy I. , Tsepaev Aleksey V.
Published: December 2022

A method is proposed to solve the identification problem of the permeability field of a three-dimensional reservoir under conditions of three-phase fluid filtration. The peculiarity of the method lies in the fact that the wells retain the proportionality of the values of the permeability coefficients of the layers obtained a priori from the results of geophysical studies. The approximation of the permeability field was carried out in layers using surface splines. The problem of identifying the permeability field belongs to the class of inverse coefficient problems for a system of nonlinear partial differential equations describing the process of fluid flow in a porous medium. The solution of the problem was reduced to minimizing the residual function constructed on the total liquid production rate at the wells. Minimization of the residual function was carried out by the Levenberg–Marquardt method. The black oil model was used to describe the fluid filtration process. The filtration equations were solved numerically by the method of the simultaneous solution, and the control volume method was used to approximate the equations by spatial variables. The proposed approach was used to solve a model problem. The influence of various types of errors on the results of identification was investigated.
Bright Soliton Solution of the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation: Fourier Spectrum and Fundamental Characteristics
Authors: Karjanto Natanael
Published: December 2022

We derive exact analytical expressions for the spatial Fourier spectrum of the fundamental bright soliton solution for the 1+1-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Similar to a Gaussian profile, the Fourier transform for the hyperbolic secant shape is also shape-preserving. Interestingly, this associated hyperbolic secant Fourier spectrum can be represented by a convergent infinite series, which can be achieved using Mittag–Leffler’s expansion theorem. Conversely, given the expression of the series of the spectrum, we recover its closed form by employing Cauchy’s residue theorem for summation. We further confirm that the fundamental soliton indeed satisfies essential characteristics such as Parseval’s relation and the stretch-bandwidth reciprocity relationship. The fundamental bright soliton finds rich applications in nonlinear fiber optics and optical telecommunication systems.
Attributed Graph Embedding Based on Attention with Cluster
Authors: Wang Bin , Chen Yu , Sheng Jinfang , He Zhengkun
Published: December 2022

Graph embedding is of great significance for the research and analysis of graphs. Graph embedding aims to map nodes in the network to low-dimensional vectors while preserving information in the original graph of nodes. In recent years, the appearance of graph neural networks has significantly improved the accuracy of graph embedding. However, the influence of clusters was not considered in existing graph neural network (GNN)-based methods, so this paper proposes a new method to incorporate the influence of clusters into the generation of graph embedding. We use the attention mechanism to pass the message of the cluster pooled result and integrate the whole process into the graph autoencoder as the third layer of the encoder. The experimental results show that our model has made great improvement over the baseline methods in the node clustering and link prediction tasks, demonstrating that the embeddings generated by our model have excellent expressiveness.
Group Medical Visits for Addressing Weight and Blood Pressure in an Underserved Population
Authors: Algotar Amit , Trofymenko Stephanie , Muramoto Myra , Howerter Amy , Kutob Randa
Published: December 2022

The effect of group medical visits (GMV) compared to individual medical visits (IMV), on weight and blood pressure in a large primary care practice serving a predominantly underserved population, was assessed. The records of 304 patients attending a weight-loss program were analyzed using mixed-effects regression models. Patients in GMV lost an average of 11.63 lbs, whereas patients in IMV lost an average of 3.99 lbs (p < 0.001). A total of 55% of patients lost ≥7% in GMV compared to 11% of patients in IMV (p ≤ 0.001). Individuals who lost >5% of their baseline weight had a higher reduction in overall blood pressure. For systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the differences between baseline and three months for GMV and IMV were −7.4 vs. 4.1 mm of Hg (p = 0.002) and −4.6 vs. 4.2 mm of Hg (p = 0.003), respectively. Results from this study demonstrate that GMV may be a potentially useful modality for addressing weight and blood pressure in an underserved population.
Mass Transport of Dye Solutions through Porous Membrane Containing Tannic Acid/Fe3+ Selective Layer
Authors: Kinfu Hluf Hailu , Rahman Md. Mushfequr , Cevallos-Cueva Nicolás , Abetz Volker
Published: December 2022

Tannic acid (TA)–Fe3+ membranes have received recent attention due to their sustainable method of fabrication, high water flux and organic solutes rejection performance. In this paper, we present a description of the transport of aqueous solutions of dyes through these membranes using the transport parameters of the Spiegler–Kedem–Katchalsky (SKK) model. The reflection coefficient (σ) and solute permeability (PS) of the considered TA–Fe3+ membranes were estimated from the non-linear model equations to predict the retention of solutes. The coefficients σ and PS depended on the porous medium and dye molecular size as well as the charge. The simulated rejections were in good agreement with the experimental findings. The model was further validated at low permeate fluxes as well as at various feed concentrations. Discrepancies between the observed and simulated data were observed at low fluxes and diluted feed solutions due to limitations of the SKK model. This work provides insights into the mass transport mechanism of dye solutions and allows the prediction of dye rejection by the TFC membranes containing a TA–Fe3+ selective layer using an SKK model.
Mechanical Properties of LPBF-Built Titanium Lattice Structures—A Comparative Study of As-Built and Hot Isostatic Pressed Structures for Medical Implants
Authors: Adelmann Benedikt , Hellmann Ralf
Published: December 2022

We compare different lattice structures with various elementary cell sizes built by laser powder bed fusion with and without hot isostatic pressing as post treatment. Cylindrical lattice structures are mechanically tested upon static and dynamic load in order to achieve high elasticity, high fracture strength and a high number of cycles to failure with respect to applications as medical implants. Evaluating the Young’s modulus, a high stiffness for the body diagonal structure and a low fracture stress for the G-structure are measured. Hot isostatic pressing results in a higher Young’s modulus and is ambiguous in terms of fractural stress. While samples without hot isostatic pressing reveal a shear fracture, the hot isostatic pressed samples have a high ductile area where the lattice layers are wrapped and pressed into the underlying layers without a fracture. Under dynamic load, the samples without hot isostatic pressing mostly are unable withstand 106 cycles at typical loads of the human body. Hot isostatic pressing has no significant influence on the strength at high loads and low cycle numbers, but at low loads all samples survived 106 cycles. As a consequence, dode-thick and rhombic dodecahedrons with 2 mm and 1.5 mm lattice size after hot isostatic pressing are recommended for medical implants because of the high elasticity, high fracture stress and high resistance against dynamic loads, which fulfill implant requirements.
Mannose Receptor Deficiency Impacts Bone Marrow and Circulating Immune Cells during High Fat Diet Induced Obesity
Authors: Nour Jasmine , Moregola Annalisa , Svecla Monika , Da Dalt Lorenzo , Bellini Rossella , Neyrolles Olivier , Fadini Gian Paolo , Rombouts Yoann , Albiero Mattia , Bonacina Fabrizia , Norata Giuseppe Danilo
Published: December 2022

The mannose receptor C-type 1 (Mrc1) is a C-type lectin receptor expressed on the immune cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells (ECs) of several tissues, including the bone marrow (BM). Parallel to systemic metabolic alterations and hematopoietic cell proliferation, high-fat diet (HFD) feeding increases the expression of Mrc1 in sinusoidal ECs, thus calling for the investigation of its role in bone marrow cell reprogramming and the metabolic profile during obesity. Mrc1−/− mice and wild-type (WT) littermates were fed an HFD (45% Kcal/diet) for 20 weeks. Weight gain was monitored during the diet regimen and glucose and insulin tolerance were assessed. Extensive flow cytometry profiling, histological, and proteomic analyses were performed. After HFD feeding, Mrc1−/− mice presented impaired medullary hematopoiesis with reduced myeloid progenitors and mature cells in parallel with an increase in BM adipocytes compared to controls. Accordingly, circulating levels of neutrophils and pro-inflammatory monocytes decreased in Mrc1−/− mice together with reduced infiltration of macrophages in the visceral adipose tissue and the liver compared to controls. Liver histological profiling coupled with untargeted proteomic analysis revealed that Mrc1−/− mice presented decreased liver steatosis and the downregulation of proteins belonging to pathways involved in liver dysfunction. This profile was reflected by improved glucose and insulin response and reduced weight gain during HFD feeding in Mrc1−/− mice compared to controls. Our data show that during HFD feeding, mannose receptor deficiency impacts BM and circulating immune cell subsets, which is associated with reduced systemic inflammation and resistance to obesity development.
Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser Performance Maturing through Machine Learning for High-Yield Optical Wireless Network
Authors: Armghan Ammar , Aliqab Khaled , Ali Farman , Alenezi Fayadh , Alsharari Meshari
Published: December 2022

The high-yield optical wireless network (OWN) is a promising framework to strengthen 5G and 6G mobility. In addition, high direction and narrow bandwidth-based laser beams are enormously noteworthy for high data transmission over standard optical fibers. Therefore, in this paper, the performance of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is evaluated using the machine learning (ML) technique, aiming to purify the optical beam and enable OWN to support high-speed, multi-user data transmission. The ML technique is applied on a designed VCSEL array to optimize paths for DC injection, AC signal modulation, and multiple-user transmission. The mathematical model of VCSEL narrow beam, OWN, and energy loss through nonlinear interference in an optical wireless network is studied. In addition, the mathematical model is then affirmed with a simulation model following the bit error rate (BER), the laser power, the current, and the fiber-length performance matrices. The results estimations declare that the presented methodology offers a narrow beam of VCSEL, mitigating nonlinear interference in OWN and increasing energy efficiency.
Petal-like NiS-NiO/G-C3N4 Nanocomposite for High-Performance Symmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Trabelsi Amira Ben Gouider , Essam Doaa , H. Alkallas Fatemah , M. Ahmed Ashour , Rabia Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Graphitic carbon nitride (G-C3N4) and NiS-NiO/G-C3N4 nanocomposite have been synthesized via combustion and hydrothermal techniques, respectively. The chemical and morphological properties of these materials were confirmed using different analytical methods. SEM confirms the formation of G-C3N4 sheets containing additional petal-like shapes of NiS-NiO nanoparticles. The electrochemical testing of NiS-NiO/G-C3N4 symmetric supercapacitors is carried out from 0.6 M HCl electrolyte. Such testing includes charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry, impedance, and supercapacitor stability. The charge/discharge time reaches 790 s at 0.3 A/g, while the cyclic voltammetry curve forms under a high surface area. The produced specific capacitance (CS) and energy density values are 766 F/g and 23.55 W.h.kg−1, correspondingly.
Bread Surplus: A Cumulative Waste or a Staple Material for High-Value Products?
Authors: Ben Rejeb Ines , Charfi Ichrak , Baraketi Safa , Hached Hanine , Gargouri Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Food waste has been widely valorized in the past years in order to develop eco-friendly materials. Among others, bread waste is currently of increasing interest, as it is considered a huge global issue with serious environmental impacts and significant economic losses that have become even greater in the post-pandemic years due to an increase in cereal prices, which has led to higher production costs and bread prices. Owing to its richness in polysaccharides, bread waste has been previously studied for its physico-chemical characteristics and its numerous biotechnological applications. The present review highlights the re-use of bread waste and its valorization as a valuable resource by making value-added products through numerous technological processes to increase efficiency at all stages. Many research studies reporting several transformation methods of surplus bread into ethanol, lactic acid, succinic acid, biohydrogen, hydroxymethylfurfural, proteins and pigments, glucose–fructose syrup, aroma compounds, and enzymes are widely discussed. The wide variety of suggested applications for recycling bread waste provides significant insights into the role of technology development in potentially maximizing resource recovery and consequently contributing to environmental performance by reducing the amount of bread waste in landfills.
Design of Conjugates Based on Sesquiterpene Lactones with Polyalkoxybenzenes by “Click” Chemistry to Create Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Neganova Margarita E. , Smirnova Ekaterina V. , Sharova Elena V. , Artyushin Oleg I. , Aleksandrova Yulia R. , Yandulova Ekaterina Yu. , Nikolaeva Natalia S. , Brel Valery K.
Published: December 2022

Using the methodology of “click” chemistry, a singular method has been developed for the synthesis of unique conjugates based on sesquiterpene lactones: dehydrocostuslactone and alantolactone with polyalkoxybenzenes. To expand the structural range of the resulting conjugates, the length of the 1,2,3-triazole spacer was varied. For all synthesized compounds, the cytotoxic profile was determined on the cell lines of tumor origin (SH-SY5Y, HeLa, Hep-2, A549) and normal Hek 293 cells. It was found that the compounds based on alantolactone 7a–d with a long spacer and substances containing dehydrocostuslactone 10a–d with a short spacer have the greatest toxic effect. The decrease in cell survival under the action of these conjugates may be due to their ability to cause dissipation of the transmembrane potential of mitochondria and inhibit the process of glycolysis, leading to cell death. The obtained results confirm the assumption that the development of conjugates based on sesquiterpene lactones and polyalkoxybenzenes can be considered as a promising strategy for the search for potential antitumor agents.
Acetylsalicylic Acid–Primus Inter Pares in Pharmacology
Authors: Fijałkowski Łukasz , Skubiszewska Magdalena , Grześk Grzegorz , Koech Frankline Kiptoo , Nowaczyk Alicja
Published: December 2022

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is one of the first drugs to be obtained by synthesis while being the most used. It has experienced the longest lasting commercial success and is considered the most popular drug of the modern era. ASA, originally used as an anti-inflammatory medication, nowadays is predominantly used as an antiplatelet agent for prophylaxis in cardiac patients. Many studies show that the benefits of using ASA far outweigh the potential risk of side effects. With particular emphasis on the possibility of ASA repositioning for new therapies, extending the indications for use beyond the diseases from the spectrum of atherosclerotic diseases, such as cancer, requires shifting the benefit–risk ratio, although very good, even more towards safety. Interesting activities consisting not only of changing the formulation but also modifying the drug molecule seem to be an important goal of the 21st century. ASA has become a milestone in two important fields: pharmacy and medicine. For a pharmacist, ASA is a long-used drug for which individual indications are practically maintained. For a doctor, acetylsalicylic acid is primarily an antiplatelet drug that saves millions of lives of patients with coronary heart disease or after a stroke. These facts do not exempt us from improving therapeutic methods based on ASA, the main goal of which is to reduce the risk of side effects, as well as to extend effectiveness. Modified acetylsalicylic acid molecules already seem to be a promising therapeutic option.
Development of Azo Dye Immobilized Sulfonated Poly (Glycidyl Methacrylate) Polymer Composite as Novel Adsorbents for Water Treatment Applications: Methylene Blue Immobilization Isotherm, Kinetic, Thermodynamic, and Simulations Studies
Authors: El-Aassar Mohamed R. , Tamer Tamer M. , El-Sayed Mohamed Y. , Omer Ahmed M. , Althobaiti Ibrahim O. , Youssef Mohamed E. , Alolaimi Rawan F. , El-Agammy Emam F. , Alruwaili Manar S. , Rabhy Omar O. , Mohy-Eldin Mohamed S.
Published: December 2022

Methylene blue (MB) immobilized onto a sulfonated poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (SPGMA) polymer composite has been developed as a novel adsorbent for water treatment applications. The MB adsorptions onto sulfonated poly(glycidyl methacrylate) polymer characters have been studied. The adsorption isotherms, namely Langmuir and Freundlich, have been investigated. Other isotherm models. As a compromise between the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models, such as the D–R isotherm and the Temkin isotherm, have been compared. The results indicated that the adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm model, indicating heterogeneous surface site energies and multi-layer levels of sorption. This study selected three linear kinetic models, namely pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and Elovich, to describe the MB sorption process using SPGMA negatively charged nanoparticles (430 nm). The obtained data revealed that the adsorption process obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting that the rate-limiting step in these sorption processes may be chemisorption. Furthermore, the thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated. Moreover, the interaction of the MB molecules with SPGMA nanoparticles has been simulated using the governing equation that describes ion exchange resin derived from Nernst—Plank equations between two ion species. Finally, the developed MB-SPGMA composite adsorbent (27 mg/g) wastested for the first time for the removal of Cr6+ ions and Mn7+ metal ions from dichromate and permanganate-contaminated waters under mild adsorption conditions, opening a new field of multiuse of the same adsorbent in the removal of more than one contaminant.
Glucosinolates of Sisymbrium officinale and S. orientale
Authors: Đulović Azra , Popović Marijana , Burčul Franko , Čikeš Čulić Vedrana , Marijan Sandra , Ruščić Mirko , Anđelković Nikolina , Blažević Ivica
Published: December 2022

Glucosinolates (GSLs) from Sysimbrium officinale and S. orientale were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by their desulfo-counterparts using UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS. Eight GSLs were identified in S. officinale, including Val-derived (glucoputranjivin) and Trp-derived (4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, glucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and neoglucobrassicin) as the major ones followed by Leu-derived (Isobutyl GSL), Ile-derived (glucocochlearin) and Phe/Tyr-derived (glucosinalbin). Different S. orientale plant parts contained six GSLs, with Met-derived (progoitrin, epiprogoitrin, and gluconapin) and homoPhe-derived (gluconasturtiin) as the major ones, followed by glucosinalbin and neoglucobrassicin. GSL breakdown products obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) and microwave-assisted distillation from S. officinale, as well as isopropyl isothiocyanate, as the major volatile in both isolates, were tested for their cytotoxic activity using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Generally, all volatile isolates showed similar activity toward the three cancer cell lines. The best activity was shown by isopropyl isothiocyanate at a concentration of 100 µg/mL after 72 h of incubation, with 53.18% for MDA-MB-231, 56.61% for A549, and 60.02% for the T24 cell line.
Larvicidal Effect of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. Essential Oil Nanoemulsion on Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Peniche Taires , Duarte Jonatas L. , Ferreira Ricardo M. A. , Sidônio Igor A. P. , Sarquis Rosângela S. F. R. , Sarquis Ícaro R. , Oliveira Anna E. M. F. M. , Cruz Rodrigo A. S. , Ferreira Irlon M. , Florentino Alexandro C. , Carvalho José C. T. , Souto Raimundo N. P. , Fernandes Caio P.
Published: December 2022

Mosquitoes can be vectors of pathogens and transmit diseases to both animals and humans. Species of the genus Culex are part of the cycle of neglected diseases, especially Culex quinquefasciatus, which is an anthropophilic vector of lymphatic filariasis. Natural products can be an alternative to synthetic insecticides for vector control; however, the main issue is the poor water availability of some compounds from plant origin. In this context, nanoemulsions are kinetic stable delivery systems of great interest for lipophilic substances. The objective of this study was to investigate the larvicidal activity of the Hyptis suaveolens essential oil nanoemulsion on Cx. quinquefasciatus. The essential oil showed a predominance of monoterpenes with retention time (RT) lower than 15 min. The average size diameter of the emulsions (sorbitan monooleate/polysorbate 20) was ≤ 200 nm. The nanoemulsion showed high larvicidal activity in concentrations of 250 and 125 ppm. CL50 values were 102.41 (77.5253–149.14) ppm and 70.8105 (44.5282–109.811) ppm after 24 and 48 h, respectively. The mortality rate in the surfactant control was lower than 9%. Scanning micrograph images showed changes in the larvae’s integument. This study achieved an active nanoemulsion on Cx. quinquefasciatus through a low-energy-input technique and without using potentially toxic organic solvents. Therefore, it expands the scope of possible applications of H. suaveolens essential oil in the production of high-added-value nanosystems for tropical disease vector control.
The Rainbow Arching over the Fluorescent Thienoviologen Mesophases
Authors: Corrente Giuseppina Anna , Di Maio Giuseppe , La Deda Massimo , Ruiz de Ballesteros Odda , Gabriele Bartolo , Veltri Lucia , Auriemma Finizia , Beneduci Amerigo
Published: December 2022

Thermofluorochromic materials exhibit tunable fluorescence emission on heating or cooling. They are highly desirable for applications ranging from temperature sensing to high-security anti-counterfeiting. Luminescent matrices based on liquid crystals are very promising, particularly those based on liquid crystals with intrinsic fluorescence. However, only a few examples have been reported, suggesting ample margins for development in the field, due to the wide range of fluorophores and supramolecular organizations to be explored. Moreover, thermofluorochromic liquid crystals can be tailored with further functionalities to afford multi-stimuli responsive materials. For the first time, herein we report the thermofluorochromism of thienoviologen liquid crystals, already known to show bulk electrochromism and electrofluorochromism. In particular, we studied their photophysics in the 25 °C–220 °C range and as a function of the length of the N-linear alkyl chains, m (9 ≤ m ≤ 12 C atoms), and the type of anion, X (X = OTs-, OTf-, BF4-, NTf2-). Interestingly, by changing the parameters m, X and T, their fluorescence can be finely tuned in the whole visible spectral range up to the NIR, by switching among different mesophases. Importantly, by fixing the structural parameters m and X, an interesting thermofluorochromism can be achieved for each thienoviologen in a homologous series, leading to a switch of the emitted light from red to green and from white to blue as a consequence of the temperature-induced variation in the supramolecular interactions in the self-assembled phases.
Vitamin A Ameliorated Irinotecan-Induced Diarrhea in a Piglet Model Involving Enteric Glia Modulation and Immune Cells Infiltration
Authors: Li Meng , Huang Yonggang , Jin Huimin , Yuan Daixiu , Huang Ke , Wang Jing , Tan Bie , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2022

Vitamin A (VA) and its metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), play important roles in modulating intestinal mucosal immunity, yet little is known about their regulatory effects on enteric nervous system function. The study aims to explore the protective effects of dietary VA on diarrhea in a piglet model involving enteric glia and immune cell modulation. Twenty-eight weaned piglets were fed either the basal or VA (basal diet supplemented with 18,000 IU/kg VA) diet and with or without irinotecan (CPT-11) injection. CPT-11 induced increased diarrhea incidence, immune infiltration, and reactive enteric gliosis. A diet supplemented with 18,000 IU/kg VA ameliorated the adverse effects of CPT-11 on the gut barrier. VA reduced diarrhea incidence and attenuated enteric glial gliosis, immune cell infiltrations, and inflammatory responses of CPT-induced piglets. An in vitro experiment with 1 nmol/L RA showed direct protective effects on monocultures of enteric glial cells (EGCs) or macrophages in LPS-simulated inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, 1 ng/mL glial-derived neurotropic factors (GDNF) could inhibit M1-macrophage polarization and pro-inflammatory cytokines production. In summary, VA exerted protective effects on the intestinal barrier by modulating enteric glia and immune cells, perhaps enhancing epithelial recovery under CPT-11 challenge. Our study demonstrated that RA signaling might promote the roles of enteric glia in intestinal immunity and tissue repair, which provided a reference for the VA supplementation of patient diets.