bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common Patterns of Hydrolysis Initiation in P-loop Fold Nucleoside Triphosphatases
Authors: Kozlova Maria I. , Shalaeva Daria N. , Dibrova Daria V. , Mulkidjanian Armen Y.
Published: September 2022

The P-loop fold nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) hydrolases (also known as Walker NTPases) function as ATPases, GTPases, and ATP synthases, are often of medical importance, and represent one of the largest and evolutionarily oldest families of enzymes. There is still no consensus on their catalytic mechanism. To clarify this, we performed the first comparative structural analysis of more than 3100 structures of P-loop NTPases that contain bound substrate Mg-NTPs or their analogues. We proceeded on the assumption that structural features common to these P-loop NTPases may be essential for catalysis. Our results are presented in two articles. Here, in the first, we consider the structural elements that stimulate hydrolysis. Upon interaction of P-loop NTPases with their cognate activating partners (RNA/DNA/protein domains), specific stimulatory moieties, usually Arg or Lys residues, are inserted into the catalytic site and initiate the cleavage of gamma phosphate. By analyzing a plethora of structures, we found that the only shared feature was the mechanistic interaction of stimulators with the oxygen atoms of gamma-phosphate group, capable of causing its rotation. One of the oxygen atoms of gamma phosphate coordinates the cofactor Mg ion. The rotation must pull this oxygen atom away from the Mg ion. This rearrangement should affect the properties of the other Mg ligands and may initiate hydrolysis according to the mechanism elaborated in the second article.
Plasma Cytokines Level and Spinal Cord MRI Predict Clinical Outcome in a Rat Glial Scar Cryoinjury Model
Authors: Telegin Georgii B. , Chernov Aleksandr S. , Minakov Alexey N. , Rodionov Maksim V. , Kazakov Vitaly A. , Palikov Viktor A. , Balmasova Irina P. , Asyutin Dmitry S. , Poluektov Yuri M. , Konovalov Nikolay A. , Kudriaeva Anna A. , Spallone Aldo , Gabibov Alexander G. , Belogurov Alexey A.
Published: September 2022

Traumatic injury of the spinal cord is still one of the most challenging problems in the neurosurgical practice. Despite a long history of implementation of translational medicine in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI), it remains one of the most frequent causes of human disability and a critical situation for world healthcare systems. Here, we used our rat model of the of unilateral controlled SCI induced by a cryoinjury, which consistently reproduces glial scarring and posttraumatic cyst formation, and specifically evaluated histological, bioimaging and cytokine data. We propose a 10-grade scoring scale, which can objectively estimate the extent of damage of the experimental SCI according to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. It provides a homogeneous and reliable visual control of the dynamics of the posttraumatic processes, which makes it possible to clearly distinguish the extent of early damage, the formation of glial scars and the development of posttraumatic syringomyelic cysts. The concentration of cytokines and chemokines in the plasma following the experimental SCI increased up to two orders of magnitude in comparison with intact animals, suggesting that a traumatic injury of the spinal cord was accompanied by a remarkable cytokine storm. Our data suggested that the levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, TNFα, GRO/KC, G-CSF, IFNγ and IL-13 may be considered as a reliable prognostic index for SCI. Finally, we demonstrated that MRI together with plasma cytokines level directly correlated and reliably predicted the clinical outcome following SCI. The present study brings novel noninvasive and intravital methods for the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of SCI treatment protocols, which may be easily translated into the clinical practice.
Local Flexibility of a New Single-Ring Chaperonin Encoded by Bacteriophage AR9 Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Sokolova Olga S. , Pichkur Evgeny B. , Maslova Ekaterina S. , Kurochkina Lidia P. , Semenyuk Pavel I. , Konarev Petr V. , Samygina Valeriya R. , Stanishneva-Konovalova Tatiana B.
Published: September 2022

Chaperonins, a family of molecular chaperones, assist protein folding in all domains of life. They are classified into two groups: bacterial variants and those present in endosymbiotic organelles of eukaryotes belong to group I, while group II includes chaperonins from the cytosol of archaea and eukaryotes. Recently, chaperonins of a prospective new group were discovered in giant bacteriophages; however, structures have been determined for only two of them. Here, using cryo-EM, we resolved a structure of a new chaperonin encoded by gene 228 of phage AR9 B. subtilis. This structure has similarities and differences with members of both groups, as well as with other known phage chaperonins, which further proves their diversity.
Exosomes Released by Corneal Stromal Cells Show Molecular Alterations in Keratoconus Patients and Induce Different Cellular Behavior
Authors: Lozano Víctor , Martín Carla , Blanco Noelia , Alcalde Ignacio , Fernandez-Vega Cueto Luis , Merayo-Lloves Jesús , Quirós Luis
Published: September 2022

Exosomes have been related to various disorders, but their study in relation to ocular pathologies has been limited. In this article, we analyze exosomes produced by corneal stromal cells from healthy individuals and from patients with keratoconus. The proteomic study allowed for the identification of 14 new proteins with altered expression, related to molecules previously associated with the pathology. miRNA analysis detected 16 altered species, including miR-184, responsible for familial severe keratoconus. The prediction of its potential biological targets identified 1121 genes, including some related to this pathology. Exosomes produced by keratoconic cells induced a marked increase in the migration of stromal cells and corneal epithelium, while those produced by healthy cells had no effect on stromal cells. Both types of nanovesicles reduced the proliferation of stromal and corneal cells, but those produced by healthy cells had less effect. Exosomes produced by healthy cells had concentration-dependent effects on the transcription of genes encoding proteoglycans by keratoconus cells, with a relative normalization observed at concentrations of 240 µg/mL. These results show the alteration of stromal exosomes in keratoconus and suggest an influence on the development of the pathology, although the use of healthy exosomes could also have therapeutic potential.
Inhibition of Neddylation Suppresses Osteoclast Differentiation and Function In Vitro and Alleviates Osteoporosis In Vivo
Authors: Wu Meng-Huang , Hsu Wei-Bin , Chen Mei-Hsin , Shi Chung-Sheng
Published: September 2022

Neddylation, or the covalent addition of NEDD8 to specific lysine residue of proteins, is a reversible posttranslational modification, which regulates numerous biological functions; however, its involvement and therapeutic significance in osteoporosis remains unknown. Our results revealed that during the soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (sRANKL)-stimulated osteoclast differentiation, the neddylation and expression of UBA3, the NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) catalytic subunit, were dose- and time-dependently upregulated in RAW 264.7 macrophages. UBA3 knockdown for diminishing NAE activity or administering low doses of the NAE inhibitor MLN4924 significantly suppressed sRANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation and bone-resorbing activity in the macrophages by inhibiting sRANKL-stimulated neddylation and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)-activated transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) downstream signaling for diminishing nuclear factor-activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) expression. sRANKL enhanced the interaction of TRAF6 with the neddylated proteins and the polyubiquitination of TRAF6’s lysine 63, which activated TAK1 downstream signaling; however, this process was inhibited by MLN4924. MLN4924 significantly reduced osteoporosis in an ovariectomy- and sRANKL-induced osteoporosis mouse model in vivo. Our novel finding was that NAE-mediated neddylation participates in RANKL-activated TRAF6–TAK1–NFATc1 signaling during osteoclast differentiation and osteoporosis, suggesting that neddylation may be a new target for treating osteoporosis.
The Role of Hypomagnesemia in Cardiac Arrhythmias: A Clinical Perspective
Authors: Negru Alina Gabriela , Pastorcici Anda , Crisan Simina , Cismaru Gabriel , Popescu Florina Georgeta , Luca Constantin Tudor
Published: September 2022

The importance of magnesium (Mg2+), a micronutrient implicated in maintaining and establishing a normal heart rhythm, is still controversial. It is known that magnesium is the cofactor of 600 and the activator of another 200 enzymatic reactions in the human organism. Hypomagnesemia can be linked to many factors, causing disturbances in energy metabolism, ion channel exchanges, action potential alteration and myocardial cell instability, all mostly leading to ventricular arrhythmia. This review article focuses on identifying evidence-based implications of Mg2+ in cardiac arrhythmias. The main identified benefits of magnesemia correction are linked to controlling ventricular response in atrial fibrillation, decreasing the recurrence of ventricular ectopies and stopping episodes of the particular form of ventricular arrhythmia called torsade de pointes. Magnesium has also been described to have beneficial effects on the incidence of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia. The implication of hypomagnesemia in the genesis of atrial fibrillation is well established; however, even if magnesium supplementation for rhythm control, cardioversion facility or cardioversion success/recurrence of AF after cardiac surgery and rate control during AF showed some benefit, it remains controversial. Although small randomised clinical trials showed a reduction in mortality when magnesium was administered to patients with acute myocardial infarction, the large randomised clinical trials failed to show any benefit of the administration of intravenous magnesium over placebo.
The Impact of Environmental and Genetic Factors on Bone Quality in Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins
Authors: Tabor Elżbieta , Bach Małgorzata , Werner Aleksandra , Drozdzowska Bogna , Pluskiewicz Wojciech
Published: September 2022

The purpose of the research was to assess the genetic and environmental influences on bone properties. One hundred thirty-two pairs of twins (99/33 monozygotic/dizygotic) underwent anthropometric measurements and phalangeal quantitative ultrasound (DBM Sonic 1200, Igea, Italy) measuring the amplitude speed of sound (AD-SoS, m/s). The mean age was 16.78 ± 12.35 years for monozygotic twins and 14.30 ± 8 years for dizygotic. Interpair and intrapair correlations between twins were calculated. In the groups of monozygotic and dizygotic twins, Ad-SoS correlated significantly with age (r = 0.56–0.73, p < 0.05), weight (r = 0.73–0.78, p < 0.05), and height (r = 0.80–0.81, p < 0.05). The strongest intrapair correlation (r = 0.99–0.998) was noted in monozygotic females for Ad-SoS, weight, and height. There was a statistically significant correlation between the intrapair difference of Ad-SoS and age but only in the groups of monozygotic and dizygotic females (r = 0.281, r2 = 0.079, and p = 0.028; r = 0.544, r2 = 0.296, and p = 0.01, respectively). After age adjustment, it was estimated that 28.62% of Ad-SoS in women and 13.2% of Ad-SoS in men was explained by genetic influence, leading to the conclusion that Ad-SoS changed with age, weight, and height. The strongest correlation between pairs of twins was observed in monozygotic twins. The differences in bone values between female twins arose with age, which indicated the role of environmental factors.
A Smartphone-Based Biosensor for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Total Hemoglobin Concentration in Humans with High Accuracy
Authors: Fan Zhipeng , Zhou Yong , Zhai Haoyu , Wang Qi , He Honghui
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose a smartphone-based biosensor for detecting human total hemoglobin concentration in vivo with high accuracy. Compared to the existing biosensors used to measure hemoglobin concentration, the smartphone-based sensor utilizes the camera, memory, and computing power of the phone. Thus, the cost is largely reduced. Compared to existing smartphone-based sensors, we developed a highly integrated multi-wavelength LED module and a specially designed phone fixture to reduce spatial errors and motion artifacts, respectively. In addition, we embedded a new algorithm into our smartphone-based sensor to improve the measurement accuracy; an L*a*b* color space transformation and the “a” parameter were used to perform the final quantification. We collected 24 blood samples from normal and anemic populations. The adjusted R2 of the prediction results obtained from the multiple linear regression method reached 0.880, and the RMSE reached 9.04, which met the accuracy requirements of non-invasive detection of hemoglobin concentration.
Fragile X Syndrome: Recent Research Updates toward Capturing Treatments’ Improvement in Clinical Trials
Authors: Budimirovic Dejan B. , Protic Dragana D.
Published: September 2022

This Brain Sciences 2020 Special Issue of nine manuscripts contribute novel data on treatment updates in fragile X syndrome (FXS) [...]
Preventive Effects of a Single Bout of Exercise on Memory and Attention following One Night of Sleep Loss in Sports Students: Results of a Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Fleckenstein Johannes , Gerten Sina , Banzer Winfried
Published: September 2022

Sleep loss is a severe problem in night-shift workers. It causes fatigue and a decrease in awareness that may be counter-acted by exercise. This randomized controlled study of 22 university students investigated the effects of exercise to prevent loss of cognitive and physical performance following sleep deprivation. We compared a single bout of 20 min circuit training to control in an experimental setting of overnight sleep loss. Outcomes included memory, cognitive tasks, and physical parameters. The occurrence of false memories was considered the main outcome. Exercise did not exert significant effects on false memories (p = 0.456). We could detect a trend to significance (p < 0.01) assessing cognitive dimensions, i.e., selective and sustained attention, and visual scanning speed. This revealed strong effects of exercise on attention (p = 0.091; Cohen’s d = 0.76; ∆14%), cognitive performance, performance speed, and perceived sleepiness (p = 0.008; d = 0.60; ∆2.4 cm VAS). This study failed to show the effects of exercise on memory function. Still, the observed effects on attention and consciousness could be considered clinically relevant, as these results encourage further research to determine its practicability and meaningfulness among night-shift workers.
A Simple Strengthening Method for Preventing Collapsed of Vulnerable Masonry Infills
Authors: Maidiawati Maidiawati , Tanjung Jafril , Mohamed Nazri Fadzli , Hayati Yulia , Masrilayanti Masrilayanti
Published: September 2022

A series of structural tests were conducted to examine the seismic performance of masonry infills strengthened with particular materials on infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures. Six 1:4 scaled-down RC frame specimens had been prepared, including one brick-infilled frame without strengthening and five brick infills strengthened with innovative strengthening materials. The materials were steel wire mesh, chicken hexagonal wire mesh, plastic wire mesh, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), and plastic stretch film. The strengthening was diagonally applied on both surfaces of the masonry infill. The steel wire mesh, chicken hexagonal wire mesh, and plastic wire mesh were sewn using steel wire, while the FRP sheet was glued using epoxy resin and the plastic stretch film was glued using synthetic rubber adhesive. The specimens were tested following the FEMA 461 standard testing protocol, which involved applying lateral static cyclic loading to the specimens. The displacement transducer apparatus measured the deformations of the specimens, and crack propagation was observed during experimental works. The experimental results showed that most specimens exhibited an increase in their lateral strength, secant stiffness, deformation capacity, and energy dissipation. Among all prepared specimens, the specimen using plastic stretch film showed the best and most promising results, i.e., long deformation and steady lateral strength after yielding. This result suggests that using plastic stretch for strengthening can increase ductility performance. It is expected to withstand earthquake shaking, has low application costs, and is feasible for application even by unskilled local laborers.
In Situ Removal of Benzene as a Biomass Tar Model Compound Employing Hematite Oxygen Carrier
Authors: Huang Zhen , Wang Yonghao , Dong Nanhang , Song Da , Lin Yan , Deng Lisheng , Huang Hongyu
Published: September 2022

Tar is an unavoidable biomass gasification byproduct. Tar formation reduces gasification efficiency and limits the further application of biomass gasification technology. Hence, efficient tar removal is a major problem to be solved in the formation and application of biomass gasification technology. Chemical looping gasification (CLG), a novel and promising gasification technology has attracted extensive attention owing to its low tar generation. Active oxygen carriers (OCs), the reduced OC in CLG, are considered to be excellent catalysts for tar cracking. In this study, the use of benzene as a typical tar model compound for tar removal using the iron ore OC is investigated. In the blank experiment, where an inert material (SiO2) is used as the carrier, the benzene cracking is relatively low, and the benzene conversion, H2 yield, and carbon conversion are 53.65%, 6.33%, and 1.24%, respectively. The addition of hematite promotes benzene cracking. A large amount of oxygen-containing gases (CO and CO2) are generated. Additionally, the conversion degrees for benzene, H2 and carbon are about 67.75%, 21.55%, and 38.39%, respectively. These results indicate that hematite performs both oxidation and catalysis during benzene cracking. The extension of the residence time facilitates benzene removal, owing to the good interaction between the gas phase and solid phase. The addition of water vapor inhibits the benzene conversion and promotes the conversion of carbon deposition. The lattice oxygen reactivity of hematite OC shows an uptrend as the cycle number is increased during the benzene conversion cycle. The experimental results confirm that CLG has a low-tar advantage and that hematite is an effective OC for benzene removal.
Macrophage-Mediated Inflammation in Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Hassanshahi Alireza , Moradzad Mohammad , Ghalamkari Saman , Fadaei Moosa , Cowin Allison J. , Hassanshahi Mohammadhossein
Published: September 2022

Macrophages are key immune cells that respond to infections, and modulate pathophysiological conditions such as wound healing. By possessing phagocytic activities and through the secretion of cytokines and growth factors, macrophages are pivotal orchestrators of inflammation, fibrosis, and wound repair. Macrophages orchestrate the process of wound healing through the transitioning from predominantly pro-inflammatory (M1-like phenotypes), which present early post-injury, to anti-inflammatory (M2-like phenotypes), which appear later to modulate skin repair and wound closure. In this review, different cellular and molecular aspects of macrophage-mediated skin wound healing are discussed, alongside important aspects such as macrophage subtypes, metabolism, plasticity, and epigenetics. We also highlight previous studies demonstrating interactions between macrophages and these factors for optimal wound healing. Understanding and harnessing the activity and capability of macrophages may help to advance new approaches for improving healing of the skin.
Synthesized and Designed New Modified Poly(vinyl chloride) Structures to Enhance Their Photo-Resistance Characteristics
Authors: Hasan Amer Adnan , Al-Mashhadani Mohammed H. , Al-Dahhan Wedad H. , Hashim Hassan , Yousif Emad
Published: September 2022

We synthesized and designed four new modified poly(vinyl chloride) structures to develop various polymer derivatives to enhance their photo-stability. Commercially available poly(vinyl chloride) was synthetically modified into a polymer containing aromatic Schiff base moieties. First, the PVC polymer was reacted with ethylene diamine from one side by using an equivalent of extra ethylene diamine to increase the probability of preventing cross-linking versus a two-sided reaction. In the second step, the corresponding aldehydes were reacted with an amino group to create the Schiff base new molecules. Different approaches were applied to confirm the structures of synthesized modified polymers such as FTIR, 1H NMR, and EDX. Using these methods, the structures and the percentage of modification for the studied materials were demonstrated. The percentage of modification exhibited between 30–35% using integration in the 1H NMR spectra and EDX analytical composition percentage of elements. In order to lessen the photo-degradation of the PVC polymeric chains, synthetic compounds have been employed as photo-stabilizers of the PVC films. In order to assess the effectiveness of modified PVC as a photo-stabilizer, a variety of techniques were used, including the weight loss method and monitoring the development of different functional groups while being exposed to radiation using FTIR spectra. Utilizing atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and microscope pictures, the surface morphology of produced polymers was also investigated. These experiments demonstrated that novel modified Schiff base polymers perform as excellent photo-stabilizers in comparison to pure PVC. As a result, after being exposed to UV light for 300 h, PVC films exhibit less photo-degradation than blank PVC, so that light in the UV range may be absorbed by the connected units’ high conjugation mechanism.
Extracellular pH Monitoring of Live Single Cells in Microdroplets Using Dual-Labelled Fluorinated Silica Nanoparticles and Time-Domain Dual Lifetime Referencing
Authors: Lin Xuyan , Qiu Wenting , Suarez Gianmarco Domenico , Nagl Stefan
Published: September 2022

Fluorinated silica nanoparticles doped with Ruthenium-tris-1,10-phenanthroline dichloride on the inside and covalently conjugated with perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane and fluorescein isothiocyanate on the outside were developed and served several functions; the fluorination of the particles served to stabilize droplets in a microfluidic system at their interface to the continuous phase for single-cell experiments, and the two dyes provided for intrinsically referenced pH readout according to the time-domain dual lifetime referencing scheme. Apart from eliminating the droplet-to-droplet transport, these nanoparticles at the interface of the droplets generated rigid substrates that were suitable for the proliferation of adherent cells in the droplets without additional matrices. Cancer and non-cancer cell lines with culture media were allowed to proliferate in the droplets and the extracellular pH was monitored. These nanoparticles used in a microdroplet system could measure the pH of the extracellular microenvironment of single cells and provide support for the growth of cells in droplets of around 50 µm diameter. The pHe showed 6.84 ± 0.04 and 6.81 ± 0.04 for cancer cells (MCF-7 and A549, respectively) and 7.36 ± 0.03 for healthy cells (HUVEC), after a 10-h incubation, which can be potentially applied in distinguishing tumor from non-tumor cells. Capable of assisting cell culture and pH sensing in droplet microfluidic systems, the dye-conjugated fluorinated nanoparticles described in this work offer possibilities in a variety of biochemical or environmental analytical applications.
Simultaneous Analysis of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and KRAS in Patients with Gastric and Colon Cancer Using Stochastic Sensors
Authors: Gheorghe Damaris-Cristina , Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , Pogacean Florina , Pruneanu Stela
Published: September 2022

Two stochastic sensors were characterized and validated for the molecular identification and quantification of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and KRAS in biological samples using two types of doped-graphene modified with maltodextrin. When a potential of 125 mV vs. Ag/AgCl was applied, the two stochastic sensors recorded extremely low limits of determination (fg mL−1 magnitude order) and wide linear concentration ranges, which enabled the molecular identification and quantification of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and KRAS in healthy individuals and patients with gastric or colon cancer. The recoveries of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and KRAS in whole blood, saliva, urine and tumoral tissue samples exceeded 98.00% with a relative standard deviation of less than 1.00%.
The Perioperative Anesthetic Management of the Pediatric Patient with Special Needs: An Overview of Literature
Authors: Ciccozzi Alessandra , Pizzi Barbara , Vittori Alessandro , Piroli Alba , Marrocco Gioele , Della Vecchia Federica , Cascella Marco , Petrucci Emiliano , Marinangeli Franco
Published: September 2022

The perioperative management of pediatric patients with psycho-physical disorders with related relational and cognitive problems must be carefully planned, in order to make the entire hospitalization process as comfortable and as less traumatic as possible. This article reports an overview of the anesthetic management of non-cooperative patients between 6 and 14 years old. The pathologies most frequently responsible for psycho-physical disorders can be summarized into three groups: (1) collaboration difficulties (autism spectrum disorders, intellectual impairment, phobia); (2) motor dysfunction (cerebral palsy, epilepsy, other brain pathologies, neuromuscular disorders), and (3) craniofacial anomalies (Down syndrome, other genetic syndromes). Anesthesia can be performed safely and successfully due to careful management of all specific problems of these patients, such as a difficult preoperative evaluation (medical history, physical examination, blood sampling, evaluation of vital parameters and predictive indices of difficult airway) and the inapplicability of a “standard” perioperative path (timing and length of the hospitalization, anesthetic premedication, postoperative management). It is necessary to ensure a dedicated perioperative process that is safe, comfortable, tailored to specific needs, and as less traumatic as possible. At the same time, all necessary precautions must be taken to minimize possible complications.
Does Bullying Occur behind Closed Doors? Agreement of Bullying Reports between Parents and Children and Its Differential Associations with Child Outcomes
Authors: Dantchev Slava , Zemp Martina
Published: September 2022

The present study was aimed at examining the level of agreement between parent and child perceptions of sibling and peer bullying (victimization and perpetration), and investigating whether any differential associations with child emotional and conduct problems could be identified across raters. The actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) was utilized in order to statistically account for the non-independence of the parent-child dyad. The study was based on a sample of 142 parent-child dyads (children: Mage = 12.3 years; parents: Mage = 44.4 years) and employed an online survey design. Bullying experiences and child outcomes were assessed via parent- and self-report. Intraclass correlation analysis revealed a moderate level of agreement between parent- and child-reports of sibling and peer bullying victimization. Low to moderate levels of parent-child agreement emerged for sibling perpetration and low agreement for peer perpetration. Moreover, APIMs found that parent- and child-reports of bullying were differentially associated with child adjustment. The results of this study suggest that child- and parent data each add additional and unique information into the big picture. Thus, our findings argue for the utility of integrating parent and child perspectives simultaneously in research and clinical practice, in order to uncover the complex reality of child functioning in the context of the family system.
Rhabdomyolysis in Pediatric Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Wu Ping-Sheng , Wong Shi-Bing , Cheng Ching-Feng , Yu Chun-Hsien
Published: September 2022

Background: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but severe complication in adult patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can result in acute kidney injury and death; however, it is rarely reported in pediatric patients. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical features and outcomes of rhabdomyolysis in pediatric patients aged 0–18 years with COVID-19 who were hospitalized at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, an epicenter of COVID-19 in northern Taiwan. Results: We treated eight patients with rhabdomyolysis during the omicron variant-Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (omicron variant-SARS-CoV-2) community outbreak and none during the alpha variant endemic. These eight patients shared stereotypical presentations, including the presence of bilateral calf pain after defervescence. The creatinine kinase (CK) levels were between 1346 and 6937 U/L on admission, and clinical course was uneventful after aggressive saline hydration. Conclusion: Rhabdomyolysis is not a rare complication in pediatric patients with the omicron-SARS-CoV-2 infection, and reassurance of a good prognosis is important to alleviate family anxiety.
An Overview of State-of-the-Art D-Band Radar System Components
Authors: Stadler Pascal , Papurcu Hakan , Welling Tobias , Tejero Alfageme Simón , Pohl Nils
Published: September 2022

In this article, a literature study has been conducted including 398 radar circuit elements from 311 recent publications (mostly between 2010 and 2022) that have been reported mainly in the F-, D- and G-Band (80–200 GHz). This study is intended to give a state-of-the-art comparison on the performance of the different technologies—RFCMOS, SiGe/BiCMOS and III–V semiconductor composites—regarding the most crucial circuit parameters of Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCO), Power Amplifiers (PA), Phase Shifters (PS), Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNA) and Mixers. The most common topologies of each circuit element as well as the differences between the technolgies will futher be laid out while reasoning their benefits. Since not all devices were derived solely from single device publications, necessary steps to yield as fairly a comparison as possible were taken. Results include the area and power efficiency in RFCMOS, superior noise and power performance in III–V semiconductors and a continuous compromise between efficiency and performance in SiGe. The most rarely published devices, being Mixers and PSs, in the given frequency range have also been identified to give incentive for further developments.
Analysis of SOD2 rs4880 Genetic Variant in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Siokas Vasileios , Stamati Polyxeni , Pateraki Georgia , Liampas Ioannis , Aloizou Athina-Maria , Tsirelis Daniil , Nousia Anastasia , Sgantzos Markos , Nasios Grigorios , Bogdanos Dimitrios P. , Dardiotis Efthimios
Published: September 2022

A few gene loci that contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) onset have been identified. Few studies have been published about the relationship between SOD2 rs4880 single nucleotide variant and AD, revealing inconsistent results. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to further examine the role of the SOD2 rs4880 in AD. We performed a case-control study with a total of 641 subjects (320 patients with probable AD, and 321 healthy controls). The statistical analysis was performed assuming five genetic models. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05. The results revealed no association between SOD2 rs4880 and AD in any of the assumed genetic models that were examined [log-additive OR = 0.95 (0.76–1.19), over-dominant OR = 1.15 (0.85–1.57), recessive OR = 0.85 (0.59–1.22), dominant OR = 1.03 (0.72–1.47), and co-dominant OR1 = 1.10 (0.75–1.60) and OR2 = 0.90 (0.58–1.40)]. Adjustment for sex and subgroup analyses based on sex did not reveal any statistically significant results either. Based on our findings, SOD2 rs4880 does not appear to play a determining role in the risk of developing AD. Larger studies are warranted to elucidate the connection between rs4880 and AD.
Lithium-Ion Batteries—The Crux of Electric Vehicles with Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: S. Rangarajan Shriram , Sunddararaj Suvetha Poyyamani , Sudhakar AVV , Shiva Chandan Kumar , Subramaniam Umashankar , Collins E. Randolph , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: September 2022

With the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in a wide range of consumer electronics products, the CE industry has undergone a dramatic shift. The Li-ion battery has emerged as the heart of electric cars, and the focus has now shifted to the automotive sector. Liquid crystal displays have evolved over time to meet the demands of automobiles. International research groups and the performance of production electric vehicles are used to discuss and inform vehicle-driven battery targets. There is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of energy, life expectancy, cost, safety, and fast-charging capabilities for LIBs suited for the automotive sector. In this study, a review of lithium-ion battery applications in electric vehicles is presented.
Preparation, Corrosion Resistance, and Electrochemical Properties of MnO2/TiO2 Coating on Porous Titanium
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Pan Jing , Li Qing , Dong Xiaojun , Shi Lei , Chang Sujie
Published: September 2022

In this work, MnO2/TiO2 coating on metallic porous titanium was prepared through a hydrothermal-based chemical method, followed by a chemical precipitation reaction of KMnO4 and MnSO4 aqueous solutions. The surface of the MnO2/TiO2/Ti was uniform and compact, with a high load capacity. The corrosion resistance and electrochemical properties of the MnO2/TiO2/Ti coating were investigated in comparison with those of pure Ti and TiO2 coatings. Cyclic voltammetry and constant current charge–discharge measurements showed that the MnO2/TiO2/Ti electrode presented good electrochemical performance. The MnO2/TiO2/Ti electrode had the highest capacitor performance compared to the other electrodes, and the nano-MnO2 coating significantly decreased the corrosion current densities. The nano-MnO2 coating exhibited excellent anti-corrosion properties at room temperature and better capacitance performance compared with pure Ti and TiO2 coatings. After surface modification, TiO2/Ti-coated MnO2 had better electrochemical behavior and significantly improved corrosion resistance than the TiO2/Ti nanocomposites. Its specific capacitance reached 314 F/g, which was 3.5 times that of the TiO2/Ti electrode material.
Research and Progress of Laser Cladding: Process, Materials and Applications
Authors: Wang Kaiming , Zhang Zhenlin , Xiang Dingding , Ju Jiang
Published: September 2022

Laser cladding (LC) is a process in which materials with certain properties are added to the surface of a substrate [...]
Exploiting Augmented Reality Technology in Special Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kapetanaki Andrianthi , Krouska Akrivi , Troussas Christos , Sgouropoulou Cleo
Published: September 2022

In this systematic review, research works pertaining to the use of augmented reality (AR) in special education are investigated. In recent years, the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education has transformed the teaching and learning process. Augmented reality is an emerging technology, which has been widely used in education during the past few years. However, only few studies focus on the advantages and limitations of AR use in special education. This review investigates research in AR educational systems addressed to students with special needs. In total, 14 studies between 2014 and 2022 were selected and analyzed. Specifically, this systematic review examines types of students that have been included in learning scenarios supported of AR, distribution of educational AR studies by field of education, types of technology developed to support the use of AR in special education, and the advantages and limitations of AR use in special education. The findings mainly show that AR technology, used on students with special educational needs, has multiple potential advantages.
Fear-Responses to Bat-Originating Coronavirus Pandemics with Respect to Quarantines Gauged in Relation to Postmodern Thought—Implications and Recommendations
Authors: Nash Carol
Published: September 2022

Fear-responses to bat-originating coronavirus pandemics with respect to quarantine imposition are gathered and interpreted from large datasets, identified and disseminated by media. Responses are effectively gauged using postmodern thought with a continuum ranging from people’s resilience to define their own perspectives to public views being socially conditioned from media persistence in maintaining fear. Public responses to the 2003 SARS pandemic generally presumed and supported resilience of citizens’ perspectives. In contrast, from late 2019 to mid-2022, public responses to the COVID-19 pandemic were media-determined, promoting fear. In this regard, reactions to the COVID-19 quarantines are contrasted to the hospital isolations of SARS. The primary source of the difference was the major polarizing influence by social media of the WHO policy makers’ pronouncements and of healthcare providers’ statements directing media spotlight in their guidance of public response to COVID-19 throughout the pandemic, unlike during SARS. An investigation of cognitive bias regarding the psychological and societal implications related to this migration from resilience to fear regarding public responses to novel bat-originating coronavirus pandemics elicits recommendations concerning future quarantine dictates. These recommendations are dependent on appropriate encouragement of hopeful resilience through evidence based practice with respect to one extreme of the postmodern thought continuum.
Post Quantum Design in SPDM for Device Authentication and Key Establishment
Authors: Yao Jiewen , Matusiewicz Krystian , Zimmer Vincent
Published: September 2022

The Security Protocol and Data Model (SPDM) defines a set of flows whose purpose includes the authentication of a computing device’s hardware identity. SPDM also allows for the creation of a secure session wherein data communication between two devices has both confidentiality and integrity protection. The present version of SPDM, namely version 1.2, relies upon traditional asymmetric cryptographic algorithms, and these algorithms are known to be vulnerable to quantum attacks. This paper describes the means by which support for post-quantum (PQ) cryptography can be added to the SPDM protocol in order to prepare SPDM for the upcoming world of quantum computing. As part of this paper, we examine the SPDM 1.2 protocol and discuss various aspects of using PQC algorithms, including negotiation of the use of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms, support for device identity reporting, mechanisms for device authentication, and establishing a secure session. We consider so-called “hybrid modes” where both classical and PQC algorithms are used to achieve security properties, especially given the fact that these modes are important during the transition period from the classical to the quantum computing regime. We also share our experience with implementing a software embodiment of PQC in SPDM, namely “PQ-SPDM”, and we provide benchmarks that evaluate a subset of the winning NIST PQC algorithms.
The Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of a Welded Ni-Based Hastelloy X Superalloy
Authors: Liu Yuan , Ding Qingqing , Wei Xiao , Zhang Yuefei , Zhang Ze , Bei Hongbin
Published: September 2022

The Hastelloy X superalloy is a widely used solid-solution Ni-based sheet alloy for gas turbines, aero-engine combustion chambers, and other hot-end components. To investigate the effect of microstructure, especially grain size, on its weldability, Hastelloy X alloy bars are homogenized, cold-rolled to thin sheets, and recrystallized under different conditions to obtain equiaxed grain microstructures with average grain sizes of ~5 μm, ~12 μm, and ~90 μm. The laser welding process is used for joining the alloy sheets, and then the alloy’s weldability is investigated through microstructural and mechanical property characterizations. The microstructures in weld consist of coarse columnar grains with dendrite, and grain sizes of these columnar grains are almost the same when grain size of Hastelloy X base metal increases from ~5 μm to ~90 μm. Moreover, although all welds exhibit lower yield strengths (YS), ultimate tensile strengths (UTS), and elongations to fracture (EF) than the base metal, the degrees of reduction in them become slight when the grain size of base metal increases from ~5 μm to ~90 μm.
Classification of Pediatric Gangliogliomas Based on the Histological Infiltration
Authors: Alturkustani Murad
Published: September 2022

Ganglioglioma is a well-circumscribed low-grade glioneuronal tumor with a broad morphological spectrum. Diffuse glioneuronal tumors are used to describe cases with infiltrative growth. Molecular studies of some of these cases are consistent with ganglioglioma. This work aimed to clarify the growth patterns in ganglioglioma. The available slides and clinical and molecular information for 46 patients (50 samples) with a diagnosis of ganglioglioma under the open pediatric brain tumor atlas from the children’s brain tumor network database were reviewed to confirm the integrated diagnosis and to evaluate the growth patterns in these cases. Ten samples from nine patients were excluded as no slides were available, the integrated diagnoses were changed in seven cases (nine samples), ten cases (ten samples) were diagnosed as low-grade glial/glioneuronal tumors, and the diagnosis of ganglioglioma was confirmed in seventeen samples from sixteen patients (nine females and seven males; age ranges from eight months–19 years with a mean of 9.9 years). Infiltration is defined as the presence of neoplastic cells among the nonneoplastic parenchyma. The growth pattern was predominantly circumscribed in six cases, predominantly infiltrative in five cases, and combined growth patterns in five cases. This work confirmed the presence of an infiltrative/diffuse variant of ganglioglioma as a significant pattern. The differential diagnosis in these cases was mainly infiltrative glioma, usually IDH-wild type in this population, which may introduce a high-grade glioma in the differential. Awareness of infiltrative ganglioglioma variants should be helpful in this scenario.
Therapeutic Management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Presenting with Recurrent Massive Ascites
Authors: Ebinama Ugochi , Wilson Nathaniel R. , Ghosh Anindita , George Binsah S.
Published: September 2022

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a lymphoproliferative malignancy that is categorized by the production and accumulation of CD5+ monoclonal B cell lymphocytes, commonly in the spleen, bone marrow, and peripheral blood; these are morphologically mature lymphocytes with abnormal immune function. Ascites, although common in solid organ malignancies such as ovarian, breast, and gastrointestinal, is a rare clinical manifestation in hematological malignancies. The case presented herein describes an elderly male patient with CLL who presented with transudative ascites 7 years after the completion of chemotherapy. Microscopic analysis and flow cytometry of the patient’s ascitic fluid were consistent with CLL, and he was treated with six cycles of obinutuzumab immunotherapy with the addition of acalabrutinib, resulting in near resolution of malignant ascites. A few cases have reported CLL manifesting as transudative or exudative ascites in elderly patients. A few previous cases have reported the development of ascites between 12 and 21 months after the initial treatment of CLL with chemotherapy. A unique feature of our patient is the presentation with malignant ascites nearly 7 years after the initial CLL treatment with chemotherapy. The intent of this case report is to bring awareness of ascites as a possible initial presenting symptom of CLL in patients with isolated abdominal distention with or without common clinical features of leukemia (i.e., splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and B-symptoms) and the therapeutic management thereafter. Malignant ascites may be associated with relapse or the transformation of leukemia; thus, prompt diagnosis and treatment should not be delayed.
The Molecular Phylogeny of Land Plants: Progress and Future Prospects
Authors: Liu Guo-Qing , Lian Lian , Wang Wei
Published: September 2022

Phylogenetics has become a powerful tool in many areas of biology. Land plants are the most important primary producers of terrestrial ecosystems and have colonized various habitats on Earth. In the past two decades, tremendous progress has been made in our understanding of phylogenetic relationships at all taxonomic levels across all land plant groups by employing DNA sequence data. Here, we review the progress made in large-scale phylogenetic reconstructions of land plants and assess the current situation of phylogenetic studies of land plants. We then emphasize directions for future study. At present, the phylogenetic framework of land plants at the order and familial levels has been well built. Problematic deep-level relationships within land plants have also been well resolved by phylogenomic analyses. We pointed out five major aspects of molecular phylogenetics of land plants, which are nowadays being studied and will continue to be goals moving forward. These five aspects include: (1) constructing the genus- and species-level phylogenies for land plant groups, (2) updating the classification systems by combining morphological and molecular data, (3) integrating fossil taxa into phylogenies derived from living taxa, (4) resolving deep-level and/or rapidly divergent phylogenetic relationships using phylogenomic data, and (5) building big trees using the supermatrix method. We hope that this review paper will promote the development of plant molecular phylogenetics and other related areas.
Molecular Evolution and Conservation of Tropical Biodiversity: A Special Issue
Authors: Santos Fabrício R. , Santos-Júnior José E.
Published: September 2022

Molecular evolutionary studies provide fundamental evidence to be applied in biodiversity conservation and management [...]
Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) and the Conservation Paradox: Importance of Unprotected Areas
Authors: Kaul Rahul , Kalsi Rajiv S. , Singh Randeep , Basnet Hari , Awan Muhammad Naeem
Published: September 2022

Cheer pheasant is a globally vulnerable species mainly found in the mid-montane grassland of the western Himalayas. Such grasslands are spread sporadically, and the distribution of this species too, as a result, has remained patchy. Using Maxent, we investigated the distribution of cheer across its global range (Pakistan, India, and Nepal) to determine a potential distribution range. The model predicted that higher altitude (increasing probability peaking at 2060 m) and land cover categories of needleleaf evergreen forests, grasslands, barren and stony terrain, and croplands were the likely predictors of cheer pheasant occurrence. The model predicted a total potential distribution range of 3137.9 km2, most of which lies in India. Interestingly, most areas within this range fall outside the protected areas network and are thus unprotected. The habitat of cheer is believed to require some form of continual disturbance, either naturally or by human intervention, to remain suitable for the species. Given the fact that most of its habitat lies outside the protected areas and the species tolerates limited amount of disturbance to its habitat, the future of the cheer is likely to be in the outside protected areas, provided that extremes of habitat change are limited and hunting is curtailed.