bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Parallel Computational–Statistical Framework for Simulation of Turbulence: Applications to Data-Driven Fractional Modeling
Authors: Akhavan-Safaei Ali , Zayernouri Mohsen
Published: June 2023

In this work, an open-source computational–statistical platform to obtain synthetic homogeneous isotropic turbulent flow and passive scalar transport is presented. A parallel implementation of the well-known pseudo-spectral method in addition to the comprehensive record of the statistical and small-scale quantities of the turbulent transport are offered for executing on distributed memory CPU-based supercomputers. The user-friendly workflow and easy-to-run design of the developed package are disclosed through an extensive and step-by-step example. The resulting low- and high-order statistical records vividly verify a well-established and fully developed turbulent state as well as the seamless statistical balance of conservation laws. The post-processing tools provided in this platform would allow the user to easily construct multiple important transport quantities from primitive turbulent fields. The programming codes for this tool are accessible through GitHub (see Data Availability Statement).
Complete Chloroplast Genome of Corethrodendron fruticosum (Papilionoideae: Fabaceae): Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Niu Tianxiu , Tian Chunyu , Yang Yanting , Liu Qian , Liu Lemeng , Tao Qibo , Li Zhiyong , Wu Zinian
Published: June 2023

Corethrodendron fruticosum is an endemic forage grasses in China with high ecological value. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of C. fruticosum was sequenced using Illumina paired-end sequencing. The C. fruticosum chloroplast genome was 123,100 bp and comprised 105 genes, including 74 protein-coding genes, 4 rRNA-coding genes, and 27 tRNA-coding genes. The genome had a GC content of 34.53%, with 50 repetitive sequences and 63 simple repeat repetitive sequences that did not contain reverse repeats. The simple repeats included 45 single-nucleotide repeats, which accounted for the highest proportion and primarily comprised A/T repeats. A comparative analysis of C. fruticosum, C. multijugum, and four Hedysarum species revealed that the six genomes were highly conserved, with differentials primarily located in the conserved non-coding regions. Moreover, the accD and clpP genes in the coding regions exhibited high nucleotide variability. Accordingly, these genes may serve as molecular markers for the classification and phylogenetic analysis of Corethrodendron species. Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that C. fruticosum and C. multijugum appeared in different clades than the four Hedysarum species. The newly sequenced chloroplast genome provides further insights into the phylogenetic position of C. fruticosum, which is useful for the classification and identification of Corethrodendron.
7p22.2 Microduplication: A Pathogenic CNV?
Authors: Bauleo Alessia , Montesanto Alberto , Pace Vincenza , Guarasci Francesco , Apa Rosalbina , Brando Rossella , De Stefano Laura , Sestito Simona , Concolino Daniela , Falcone Elena
Published: June 2023

Partial duplication of the short arm of chromosome 7 is a rare chromosome rearrangement. The phenotype spectrum associated with this rearrangement is extremely variable even if in the last decade the use of high-resolution microarray technology for the investigation of patients carrying this rearrangement allowed for the identification of the 7p22.1 sub-band causative of this phenotype and to recognize the corresponding 7p22.1 microduplication syndrome. We report two unrelated patients that carry a microduplication involving the 7.22.2 sub-band. Unlike 7p22.1 microduplication carriers, both patients only show a neurodevelopmental disorder without malformations. We better characterized the clinical pictures of these two patients providing insight into the clinical phenotype associated with the microduplication of the 7p22.2 sub-band and support for a possible role of this sub-band in the 7p22 microduplication syndrome.
The Role of Subjective Perceptions and Objective Measurements of the Urban Environment in Explaining House Prices in Greater London: A Multi-Scale Urban Morphology Analysis
Authors: Yang Sijie , Krenz Kimon , Qiu Waishan , Li Wenjing
Published: June 2023

House prices have long been closely related to the built environment of cities, yet whether the subjective perception (SP) of these environments has a differing effect on prices at multiple urban scales is unclear. This study sheds light on the impact of people’s SP of the urban environment on house prices in a multi-scale urban morphology analysis. We trained a machine learning (ML) model to predict people’s SP of the urban environment around properties across Greater London with survey response data from an online survey evaluating people’s SP of street view image (SVI) and linked this to house price data. This information was used to construct a hedonic price model (HPM) and to evaluate the association between SP and house price data in a series of linear regression models controlling location information and urban morphological characteristics such as street network centralities at multiple urban scales, quantified using space syntax (SS) methods. The findings show that SP influences house prices, but this influence differs depending on the urban scale of analysis. Particularly, a sense of ‘enclosure’ and ‘comfort’ are important factors influencing house price variation. This study contributes by introducing SP of the urban environment as a new dimension into the traditional HPM and by exploring the economic impact of SP on the house price market at multiple urban scales.
The Recent Research Progress of NF-κB Signaling on the Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, Immune Escape and Drug Resistance of Glioblastoma
Authors: Shi Pengfei , Xu Jie , Cui Hongjuan
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and invasive primary central nervous system tumor in humans, accounting for approximately 45–50% of all primary brain tumors. How to conduct early diagnosis, targeted intervention, and prognostic evaluation of GBM, in order to improve the survival rate of glioblastoma patients, has always been an urgent clinical problem to be solved. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of GBM is also needed. Like many other cancers, NF-κB signaling plays a crucial role in tumor growth and therapeutic resistance in GBM. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the high activity of NF-κB in GBM remains to be elucidated. This review aims to identify and summarize the NF-κB signaling involved in the recent pathogenesis of GBM, as well as basic therapy for GBM via NF-κB signaling.
GDSL Esterase/Lipase GELP1 Involved in the Defense of Apple Leaves against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Infection
Authors: Ji Zhirui , Wang Meiyu , Zhang Shuwu , Du Yinan , Cong Jialin , Yan Haifeng , Guo Haimeng , Xu Bingliang , Zhou Zongshan
Published: June 2023

GDSL esterases/lipases are a subclass of lipolytic enzymes that play critical roles in plant growth and development, stress response, and pathogen defense. However, the GDSL esterase/lipase genes involved in the pathogen response of apple remain to be identified and characterized. Thus, in this study, we aimed to analyze the phenotypic difference between the resistant variety, Fuji, and susceptible variety, Gala, during infection with C. gloeosporioides, screen for anti-disease-associated proteins in Fuji leaves, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that GDSL esterase/lipase protein GELP1 contributed to C. gloeosporioides infection defense in apple. During C. gloeosporioides infection, GELP1 expression was significantly upregulated in Fuji. Fuji leaves exhibited a highly resistant phenotype compared with Gala leaves. The formation of infection hyphae of C. gloeosporioides was inhibited in Fuji. Moreover, recombinant His:GELP1 protein suppressed hyphal formation during infection in vitro. Transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that GELP1-eGFP localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and chloroplasts. GELP1 overexpression in GL-3 plants increased resistance to C. gloeosporioides. MdWRKY15 expression was upregulated in the transgenic lines. Notably, GELP1 transcript levels were elevated in GL-3 after salicylic acid treatment. These results suggest that GELP1 increases apple resistance to C. gloeosporioides by indirectly regulating salicylic acid biosynthesis.
Imbalance of Lymphocyte Subsets and CD45RA-Expressing Cells in Intrathoracic Lymph Nodes, Alveolar Compartment and Bloodstream of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Patients
Authors: d’Alessandro Miriana , Bergantini Laura , Gangi Sara , Cameli Paolo , Armati Martina , Fanetti Matteo , Mezzasalma Fabrizio , Baglioni Stefano ,   SARC-SI Study Group, Bargagli Elena
Published: June 2023

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease mainly affecting the lungs and hilomediastinal lymph nodes. It is characterized by non-caseating epithelioid cell granulomas in lymph nodes and lungs. Our study aimed to evaluate and compare T, B and NK cell subsets in the alveolar compartment, lymph nodes and the bloodstream simultaneously in the same patients to elucidate the immune responses associated with the development and progression of sarcoidosis. A secondary aim was to evaluate the distribution of CD45RA-expressing cells in the different anatomical compartments. Patients suspected to have sarcoidosis and who underwent bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), lung-draining lymph node (LLN) biopsy by EBUS-TBNA and peripheral blood (PB) sampling were included in the study. They were monitored at the Regional Referral Centre of Siena University Hospital and the Respiratory Diseases Unit of Perugia Hospital. Multicolour flow cytometry analysis through FASCLyric was performed to assess T, B and NK cell subsets. Thirty-two patients (median age (IQR) 57 (52–58) years) were consecutively and prospectively enrolled. Machine learning analysis created a model which selected CD56dim16bright, CD8, Tfc, Th17, Th12, Tfh17, Tfh2, TcemRA, ThemRA, T naïve, Tc naïve, Breg, CD1d+CD5+, Th-reg, Tfh, Th1 and CD4 cells with an accuracy of 0.9500 (kappa 0.8750). Comparative analysis found 18 cell populations that differed significantly between the three anatomical compartments. The bloodstream was enriched in ThemRA (p = 0.0416), Tfh2 (p = 0.0189), Tfh17 (p = 0.0257), Th2 (p = 0.0212), Th17 (p = 0.0177), Th-naïve (p = 0.0368), CD56dimCD16bright (p < 0.0001), CD8 (p = 0.0319), TcemRA (p < 0.0001) and Tfc cells (p = 0.0004) compared with the alveolar compartment, while Th-reg were lower in PB than BAL (p = 0.0329). The alveolar compartment was enriched in Breg (p = 0.0249) and CD1d+CD5+ (p = 0.0013) with respect to LLN samples and PB. Conversely, Tfh (p = 0.0470), Th1 (p = 0.0322), CD4 (p = 0.0486) and Tc-naïve (p = 0.0009) were more abundant in LLN than in BAL and PB. It has been speculated that changes in the relative contents of PB cells could be related to changes in production and to the selective redistribution of PB cells to granulomatous foci. This study further supports the fact that sarcoidosis is multisystemic in nature. However, the low level of immune cells in peripheral blood of patients with sarcoidosis is concerning. A re-expression of CD45RA on CD4+ and CD8+ cells could result in a reduction in peripheral immune activity. Thus, changes in the spectrum of the bloodstream may reflect both pathogenic and compensatory processes.
Cyclic AMP but Not Calmodulin as a Potential Wasoconstrictor in Simulated Reperfusion
Authors: Ohla Jakub , Wiciński Michał , Słupski Maciej , Zabrzyński Jan , Malinowski Bartosz
Published: June 2023

The phenomena of ischemia and reperfusion are associated with the pathological background of cardiovascular diseases. Ischemia is initiated by ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), which involves disruption of intracellular signaling pathways and causes cell death. The aim of this study was to assess the reactivity of vascular smooth muscle cells in the conditions of induced ischemia and reperfusion, and to determine the mechanisms leading to contractility disorders. This study was conducted using classical pharmacometric methods on an isolated model of the rat caudal artery. The experiment consisted of the analysis of the final and initial perfusate pressure measurements after induction of arterial contraction with phenylephrine in the presence of forskolin and A7 hydrochloride, two ligands modifying the contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The pharmacometric analysis showed that in simulated reperfusion, cyclic nucleotides have a vasoconstrictive effect, and calmodulin has a vasodilating effect. The responsiveness of vascular smooth muscle cells to the vasopressor effects of α1-adrenomimetics during reperfusion may change uncontrollably, and the effects of secondary messengers may be counter physiological. Further studies are needed to evaluate the function of other second messengers on VSMCs in the process of ischemia and reperfusion.
Comparative Analysis of Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from Dendrobium Second Love ‘Tokimeki’ and Dendrobium nobile in Structure, Antioxidant, and Anti-Tumor Activity In Vitro
Authors: Ye Guangying , Zhang Jinhui , Xu Xiaoli , Zeng Canbiao , Ye Qingsheng , Wang Zaihua
Published: June 2023

With potential anti-tumor and antioxidant properties, the polysaccharide content of D. nobile is relatively lower than that of the other medicinal Dendrobium. To find high-content polysaccharide resources, the polysaccharide (DHPP-Ⅰs) was prepared from D. Second Love ‘Tokimeki’ (a D. nobile hybrid) and compared with DNPP-Ⅰs from D. nobile. DHPP-Is (Mn 31.09 kDa) and DNPP-Is (Mn 46.65 kDa) were found to be O-acetylated glucomannans (-Glcp-(1,4) and O-acetylated-D-Manp-(1,4) backbones), analogous to other Dendrobium polysaccharides. DHPP-Ⅰs had higher glucose content (31.1%) and a lower degree (0.16) of acetylation than DNPP-Ⅰs (15.8%, 0.28). Meanwhile, DHPP-Ⅰs and DNPP-Ⅰs had the same ability in the radical scavenging assay, which was milder than the control of Vc. Both DHPP-Is and DNPP-Is inhibited SPC-A-1 cell proliferation in vitro, with obvious differences in dose concentrations (0.5–2.0 mg/mL) and treatment times (24–72 h). Therefore, the antioxidant activity of DHPP-Ⅰs and DNPP-Ⅰs is not associated with distinction in anti-proliferative activity. As a glucomannan derived from non-medicinal Dendrobium, DHPP-Ⅰs has similar bioactivity to other medicinal Dendrobium, and this could serve as a starting point for studying the conformational–bioactivity relationship of Dendrobium polysaccharides.
Seed Priming with MeJa Prevents Salt-Induced Growth Inhibition and Oxidative Damage in Sorghum bicolor by Inducing the Expression of Jasmonic Acid Biosynthesis Genes
Authors: Mulaudzi Takalani , Sias Gershwin , Nkuna Mulisa , Ndou Nzumbululo , Hendricks Kaylin , Ikebudu Vivian , Koo Abraham J. , Ajayi Rachel F. , Iwuoha Emmanuel
Published: June 2023

Salinity is one of the major detrimental abiotic stresses at the forefront of deterring crop productivity globally. Although the exogenous application of phytohormones has formerly proven efficacious to plants, their effect on the moderately stress-tolerant crop “Sorghum bicolor” remains elusive. To investigate this, S. bicolor seeds primed with methyl jasmonate (0; 10 and 15 μM MeJa) were exposed to salt (200 mM NaCl) stress, and their morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular attributes were measured. Salt stress significantly decreased shoot length and fresh weight by 50%, whereas dry weight and chlorophyll content were decreased by more than 40%. Furthermore, salt-stress-induced oxidative damage was evident by the formation of brown formazan spots (indicative of H2O2 production) on sorghum leaves and a more than 30% increase in MDA content. However, priming with MeJa improved growth, increased chlorophyll content, and prevented oxidative damage under salt stress. While 15 µM MeJa maintained proline content to the same level as the salt-stressed samples, total soluble sugars were maintained under 10 µM MeJa, indicating a high degree of osmotic adjustment. Shriveling and thinning of the epidermis and xylem tissues due to salt stress was prevented by MeJa, followed by a more than 70% decrease in the Na+/K+ ratio. MeJa also reversed the FTIR spectral shifts observed for salt-stressed plants. Furthermore, salt stress induced the expression of the jasmonic acid biosynthesis genes; linoleate 92-lipoxygenase 3, allene oxide synthase 1, allene oxide cyclase, and 12-oxophytodienoate reductase 1. In MeJa-primed plants, their expression was reduced, except for the 12-oxophytodienoate reductase 1 transcript, which further increased by 67%. These findings suggest that MeJa conferred salt-stress tolerance to S. bicolor through osmoregulation and synthesis of JA-related metabolites.
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation and Transcriptome Integration Associates DNA Methylation Changes with Bovine Subclinical Mastitis Caused by Staphylococcus chromogenes
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Bissonnette Nathalie , Laterrière Mario , Gagné David , Dudemaine Pier-Luc , Roy Jean-Philippe , Sirard Marc-André , Ibeagha-Awemu Eveline M.
Published: June 2023

Staphylococcus chromogenes (SC) is a common coagulase-negative staphylococcus described as an emerging mastitis pathogen and commonly found in dairy farms. This study investigated the potential involvement of DNA methylation in subclinical mastitis caused by SC. The whole-genome DNA methylation patterns and transcriptome profiles of milk somatic cells from four cows with naturally occurring SC subclinical mastitis (SCM) and four healthy cows were characterized by next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and integration analyses. Comparisons revealed abundant DNA methylation changes related to SCM, including differentially methylated cytosine sites (DMCs, n = 2,163,976), regions (DMRs, n = 58,965), and methylation haplotype blocks (dMHBs, n = 53,098). Integration of methylome and transcriptome data indicated a negative global association between DNA methylation at regulatory regions (promoters, first exons, and first introns) and gene expression. A total of 1486 genes with significant changes in the methylation levels of their regulatory regions and corresponding gene expression showed significant enrichment in biological processes and pathways related to immune functions. Sixteen dMHBs were identified as candidate discriminant signatures, and validation of two signatures in more samples further revealed the association of dMHBs with mammary gland health and production. This study demonstrated abundant DNA methylation changes with possible involvement in regulating host responses and potential as biomarkers for SCM.
Morphology and Morphometry of the Reproductive Tract of the Cotton Boll Weevil after Prolonged Feeding on Alternative Diets
Authors: Carvalho Thiele da Silva , Silva Carlos Alberto Domingues da , Martins Celso Feitosa , Silva Laryssa Lemos da , Zanuncio José Cola , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: June 2023

Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) survives on alternative diets; however, this induces reproductive diapause. The objective was to evaluate the morphology and morphometry of the reproductive tract of this weevil after feeding on alternative diets. The experimental design was completely randomized with 160 replications and treatments arranged in a factorial design 3 × 3, represented by A. grandis adults fed on 3 food types (fragments of banana (T1) or orange (T2) endocarp, or with cotton squares of cultivar BRS 286 (T3, control)) and three evaluation periods (30, 60, and 90 days) and after each of these periods they were fed with cotton squares for 10 days. The reproductive tract of 100% of A. grandis females fed banana endocarp, orange endocarp, and cotton squares for 30 and 60 days and then cotton squares were morphologically adequate for reproduction, and after 90 days, only 50% of those fed cotton squares were in this condition. The length of the ovarioles and the width of the mature oocyte were greater for A. grandis fed on cotton squares and smaller in those with banana and orange endocarps. Histological sections reveal that male testes even with strong degenerative signals are already producing spermatozoa. On the other hand, females displayed ovaries with nurse cells in the tropharium and some maturing oocytes in the vitellarium. The body length was longer and the testis area and diameter smaller in males fed on cotton squares than in those with banana and orange endocarp. Anthonomus grandis females fed for ≥90 days with alternative food sources do not recover the functionality of their reproductive tract, even after consuming, for 10 days, a diet that favors reproduction. On the other hand, the males remain with their reproductive organs functional with this condition.
Multi-Port Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Clinical and Fertility Outcomes
Authors: Tsakos Elias , Xydias Emmanouil M. , Ziogas Apostolos C. , Sorrentino Felice , Nappi Luigi , Vlachos Nikolaos , Daniilidis Angelos
Published: June 2023

Background: Uterine fibroids are the most frequently diagnosed gynaecological tumours, and they often require surgical treatment (conventional laparoscopic myomectomy—CLM). The introduction and evolution of robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM) in the early 2000s has expanded the range of minimally invasive options for the majority of cases. This study aims to compare RALM with CLM and abdominal myomectomy (AM). Methods and materials: Fifty-three eligible studies adhered to the pre-established inclusion criteria and were subsequently evaluated for risk of bias and statistical heterogeneity. Results: The available comparative studies were compared using surgical outcomes, namely blood loss, complication rate, transfusion rate, operation duration, conversion to laparotomy, and length of hospitalisation. RALM was significantly superior to AM in all assessed parameters other than operation duration. RALM and CLM performed similarly in most parameters; however, RALM was associated with reduced intra-operative bleeding in patients with small fibroids and had lower rates of conversion to laparotomy, proving RALM as a safer overall approach. Conclusion: The robotic approach for surgical treatment of uterine fibroids is a safe, effective, and viable approach, which is constantly being improved and may soon acquire widespread adoption and prove to be superior to CLM in certain patient subgroups.
DSA-Based 2D Perfusion Measurements in Delayed Cerebral Ischemia to Estimate the Clinical Outcome in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Technical Feasibility Study
Authors: Reder Sebastian R. , Lückerath Steffen , Neulen Axel , Beiser Katja U. , Grauhan Nils F. , Othman Ahmed E. , Brockmann Marc A. , Brockmann Carolin , Kronfeld Andrea
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: To predict clinical outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) by assessment of the cerebral perfusion using a 2D perfusion angiography (2DPA) time–contrast agent (CA) concentration model. (2) Methods: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) data sets of n = 26 subjects were acquired and post-processed focusing on changes in contrast density using a time–concentration model at three time points: (i) initial presentation with SAH (T0); (ii) vasospasm-associated acute clinical impairment (T1); and (iii) directly after endovascular treatment (T2) of SAH-associated large vessel vasospasm (LVV), which resulted in n = 78 data sets. Maximum slope (MS in SI/ms), time-to-peak (TTP in ms), and maximum amplitude of a CA bolus (dSI) were measured in brain parenchyma using regions of interest (ROIs). First, acquired parameters were standardized to the arterial input function (AIF) and then statistically analyzed as mean values. Additionally, data were clustered into two subsets consisting of patients with regredient or with stable/progredient symptoms (or Doppler signals) after endovascular treatment (n = 10 vs. n = 16). (3) Results: Perfusion parameters (MS, TTP, and dSI) differed significantly between T0 and T1 (p = 0.003 each). Significant changes between T1 and T2 were only detectable for MS (0.041 ± 0.016 vs. 0.059 ± 0.026; p = 0.011) in patients with regredient symptoms at T2 (0.04 ± 0.012 vs. 0.066 ± 0.031; p = 0.004). For dSI, there were significant differences between T0 and T2 (5095.8 ± 2541.9 vs. 3012.3 ± 968.3; p = 0.001), especially for those with stable symptoms at T2 (5685.4 ± 2967.2 vs. 3102.8 ± 1033.2; p = 0.02). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that a) the difference in MS between T1 and T2 and b) patient’s age (R = 0.6; R2 = 0.34; p = 0.009) strongly predict the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. (4) Conclusions: 2DPA allows the direct measurement of treatment effects in SAH associated DCI and may be used to predict outcomes in these critically ill patients.
Perforators Detected in Computed Tomography Angiography for Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap: Am I the Only One Who Feels Inaccurate?
Authors: Kim Hyounmin , Cha In-ho , Kim Hyung Jun , Nam Woong , Yang Hyunwoo , Shin Gibum , Lee Chena , Kim Dongwook
Published: June 2023

Background: The number, location, and pattern of perforators in anterolateral thigh(ALT) flap vary and predicting them preoperatively will aid in reconstructing complex head and neck defects. This article suggests guidelines for utilizing CTA imagery to predict perforators of ALT-free flaps. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 53 Korean patients who underwent reconstruction with ALT flap in our department from March 2021 to July 2022. The location, course, origin, and pedicle lengths predicted in CTA and confirmed in the operation field were recorded and compared. Results: Among the 85 intraoperatively-found perforators, 79 were also identified in CTA. Six perforators unidentified in CTA were newly found intraoperatively. The positive predictive value of CTA for the perforator was 100%, with a sensitivity of 79/85 = 92.9%. Of the 79 perforators depicted by the CTA for the flap, CTA and intraoperative findings for the course were consistent in 52 cases, a 9.6 mm median discrepancy being noted between the actual location and CTA. Conclusions: The overall pattern or location of perforation was not significantly different between the two, although some differences were observed. It is suggested that the addition of Doppler imaging, in conjunction with CTA, can aid in perforator detection and help minimize such discrepancies.
Long-Term Outcome and Athletic Level following Operative Treatment for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients
Authors: Bangert Yannic , Zarembowicz Patrick , Engelleiter Karoly , Gkarilas Evangelos , Schmitt Holger , Renkawitz Tobias , Jaber Ayham
Published: June 2023

Research on the long-term outcomes following surgical therapy for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is scarce. A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate surgically treated patients for knee OCD between 1993 and 2007. A total of 37 patients with an average follow-up duration of 14 years (range 8–18) were in the final cohort. IKDC and Lysholm scores were assessed. The duration and types of sport activity were reported. Long-term results were compared with existing midterm data. Knee scores showed a very good outcome with a mean of 91.3 in the IKDC score and 91.7 in the Lysholm score. Compared to midterm outcomes, both IKDC (p = 0.028) and Lysholm scores (p = 0.01) improved on final follow-up. Patients with open physes showed a significantly better Lysholm score compared to patients with closed physes (p = 0.034). Defect localization and size did not influence the outcome, but a defect depth of <0.8 cm2 achieved significantly better scores than ≥0.8 cm2. Of all surgical interventions, refixation achieved the best outcome. Long-term results significantly improved compared to midterm results with a follow-up of 40 months (p = 0.01). Thirty-six out of 37 patients were physically active, with 56% of sports being knee-straining activities. Long-term results following surgically treated OCD fragments show excellent function and a good athletic level. Patients with open physes potentially have better knee outcomes. Midterm results are sustainable and could improve further in the long term.
Successful Preventive Treatment of Oncogenic Transforming HPV Infections in Low-Grade Cytology (ASC-US/LSIL) Patients with an Adsorptive and Antioxidant Vaginal Gel
Authors: Major Attila Louis , Mayboroda Ivanna , Riger Alexandra
Published: June 2023

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of a vaginal gel on p16/Ki-67-positive abnormal cytological cervical findings (ASC-US, LSIL) and hr-HPV in women. Methods: The study included 134 women with p16/Ki-67-positive ASC-US or LSIL. Participants were selected from a randomized controlled trial that focused on women with histological diagnoses of p16-positive CIN1 lesions or CIN2. In the treatment group (TG), 57 patients applied the vaginal gel daily for three months, while 77 patients in the “watchful wait” control group (CG) received no treatment. The study’s endpoints were cytological development, p16/Ki-67 and hr-HPV clearances. Results: At three months, cytopathological results improved in 74% (42/57) of patients in the TG, compared with 18% (14/77) in the CG. Progression occurred in 7% (4/57) of TG patients compared with 18% (14/77) of CG patients. The p16/Ki-67 status changed statistically significantly in favor of the TG (p < 0.001), with 83% (47/57) becoming negative, compared with 18% (14/77) in the CG. The prevalence of hr-HPV decreased significantly in the TG by 51%, and by 9% in the CG (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Topical application of the gel resulted in statistically significant clearance of hr-HPV and p16/Ki-67 concomitant with amelioration of cytological findings, thus providing effective prevention and protection against oncogenic development. Trial registration: ISRCTN11009040, on 10 December 2019.
Long-Term Results with 187 Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedures
Authors: Arnold Zsuzsanna , Geisler Daniela , Aschacher Thomas , Winkler Bernhard , Lenz Verena , Crailsheim Ingo , Folkmann Sandra , Harrer Marieluise , Moidl Reinhard , Grabenwöger Martin , Weiss Gabriel
Published: June 2023

The frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique is an established therapeutic option in the treatment of complex aortic diseases. We report our long-term clinical outcomes after FET repair. A total of 187 consecutive patients underwent FET repair at our department between 8/2005 and 3/2023. Indications included acute and chronic aortic dissections and thoracic aneurysms. Endpoints included operative morbidity and mortality, long-term survival, and the need for reinterventions. Operative mortality, spinal cord injury and permanent stroke rates were: 9.6%, 2.7% and 10.2%, respectively. At five years, overall survival was 69.9 ± 3.9% and freedom from aortic-related death was 82.5 ± 3.0%, whereas at ten years, overall survival was 53.0 ± 5.5% and freedom from aortic-related death was 75.8 ± 4.8%. Sixty-one reinterventions on the thoracic aorta were necessary. Freedom from secondary interventions at ten years was 44.7 ± 6.4% overall (63.1 ± 10.0% for acute dissections, 40.8 ± 10.3% for chronic dissections and 28.9 ± 13.1% for aneurysms, respectively). The high reintervention rate for chronic dissections and for aneurysms is related to the pre-existing aortic pathology. Late aortic growth of untreated segments with potentially fatal outcome occurs even after ten years, so careful annual follow-up is mandatory in this patient cohort.
Sawdust-Based Concrete Composite-Filled Steel Tube Beams: An Experimental and Analytical Investigation
Authors: Hanoon Ammar N. , Hason Mahir M. , Sharba Amjad Ali K. , Abdulhameed Ali A. , Amran Mugahed , Avudaiappan Siva , Flores Erick Saavedra
Published: June 2023

Incorporating waste byproducts into concrete is an innovative and promising way to minimize the environmental impact of waste material while maintaining and/or improving concrete’s mechanical characteristics and strength. The proper application of sawdust as a pozzolan in the building industry remains a significant challenge. Consequently, this study conducted an experimental evaluation of sawdust as a fill material. In particular, sawdust as a fine aggregate in concrete offers a realistic structural and economical possibility for the construction of lightweight structural systems. Failure under four-point loads was investigated for six concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) specimens. The results indicated that recycled lightweight concrete performed similarly to conventional concrete when used as a filler material in composite steel tube beams. The structural effects of sawdust substitution on ultimate load and initial stiffness were less substantial than the relative changes in the material properties, and the ultimate capacity of the tested samples decreased moderately as the substitution percentage of sawdust increased. Moreover, the maximum load capacity was observed to decrease by 6.43–30.71% for sawdust replacement levels between 5% and 45.1% across all tested samples. Additionally, when using lightweight concrete with 5% sawdust, the moment value of the CFST sample was reduced by 6.4%. Notably, the sawdust CFST samples exhibited a flexural behavior that was relatively comparable to that of the standard CFST samples.
Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of an Environmentally Friendly Biopolymer: Chitosan for Composite Matrix Application
Authors: Derraz Meryiem , Elouahli Abdelaziz , Ennawaoui Chouaib , Ben Achour Mohamed Aymen , Rjafallah Abdelkader , Laadissi El Mehdi , Khallok Hamza , Hatim Zineb , Hajjaji Abdelowahed
Published: June 2023

Chitosan, which is a derivative of chitin, is particularly popular due to its biodegradable and renewable nature. However, the properties of chitosan can be inconsistent due to the extraction process and its natural origin, which poses a challenge to its use in composite materials as a matrix. The properties of chitosan can be tuned by controlling the degree of deacetylation (the extent to which acetyl groups are removed from chitin to form chitosan) and molecular weight. This paper presents a detailed study on the extraction and characterization of chitosan from shrimp shells. The structural thermal and mechanical characterization were studied using several techniques: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The intrinsic viscosity and deacetylation degree were determined using various methods. The results showed an average degree of deacetylation of 77%. The chitosan films exhibited a high tensile strength of 43.9 MPa and an elongation at break of 3.14%. The thermal analysis revealed that the films had a glass transition temperature of 88 °C and a maximum thermal degradation temperature of 320 °C. The findings of this research could contribute to the development of chitosan-based materials with improved properties, leading to its wider adoption in the future for composite matrix application. The simple and efficient method used for the extraction and purification of chitosan from shrimp shells makes it a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers.
The Role of Neutrophils in Biomaterial-Based Tissue Repair—Shifting Paradigms
Authors: Sousa Ana Beatriz , Barbosa Judite N.
Published: June 2023

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are pursuing clinical valid solutions to repair and restore function of damaged tissues or organs. This can be achieved in different ways, either by promoting endogenous tissue repair or by using biomaterials or medical devices to replace damaged tissues. The understanding of the interactions of the immune system with biomaterials and how immune cells participate in the process of wound healing are critical for the development of successful solutions. Until recently, it was thought that neutrophils participate only in the initial steps of an acute inflammatory response with the role of eliminating pathogenic agents. However, the appreciation that upon activation the longevity of neutrophils is highly increased and the fact that neutrophils are highly plastic cells and can polarize into different phenotypes led to the discovery of new and important actions of neutrophils. In this review, we focus on the roles of neutrophils in the resolution of the inflammatory response, in biomaterial–tissue integration and in the subsequent tissue repair/regeneration. We also discuss the potential of neutrophils for biomaterial-based immunomodulation.
Influence of Storing Composite Filling Materials in a Low-pH Artificial Saliva on Their Mechanical Properties—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Alhotan Abdulaziz , Raszewski Zbigniew , Alamoush Rasha A. , Chojnacka Katarzyna , Mikulewicz Marcin , Haider Julfikar
Published: June 2023

Restorative composites are subjected to various influences in the oral cavity environment, such as high or low temperatures, the mechanical force generated during mastication, colonization of various microorganisms, and low pH, which may result from ingested food and the influence of microbial flora. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a recently developed commercial artificial saliva (pH = 4, highly acidic) on 17 commercially available restorative materials. After polymerization, the samples were stored in an artificial solution for 3 and 60 days and subjected to crushing resistance and flexural strength tests. The surface additions of the materials were examined in terms of the shapes and sizes of the fillers and elemental composition. When stored in an acidic environment, the resistance of the composite materials was reduced by 2–12%. Larger compressive and flexural strength resistance values were observed for composites that could be bonded to microfilled materials (invented before 2000). This may result from the filler structure taking an irregular form, which results in a faster hydrolysis of silane bonds. All composite materials meet the standard requirements when stored for a long period in an acidic environment. However, storage of the materials in an acid environment has a destructive impact on the materials’ properties.
Triphenylphosphonium (TPP)-Conjugated Quinolone Analogs Displayed Significantly Enhanced Fungicidal Activity Superior to Its Parent Molecule
Authors: Wang Jiayao , Liu Xuelian , Yin Fahong , Xu Yanjun , Fu Bin , Li Jiaqi , Qin Zhaohai
Published: June 2023

Although 1-hydroxy-4-quinolone derivatives, such as 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HQNO), aurachin C, and floxacrine, have been reported as effective cytochrome bc1 complex inhibitors, the bioactivity of these products is not ideal, presumably due to their low bioavailability in tissues, particularly their poor solubility and low mitochondrial accumulation. In order to overcome the drawbacks of these compounds and develop their use as agricultural fungicides acting by cytochrome bc1 inhibition, in this study, three novel mitochondria-targeting quinolone analogs (mitoQNOs) were designed and synthesized by conjugating triphenylphosphonium (TPP) with quinolone. They exhibited greatly enhanced fungicidal activity compared to the parent molecule, especially mitoQNO11, which showed high antifungal activity against Phytophthora capsici and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum with EC50 values of 7.42 and 4.43 μmol/L, respectively. In addition, mitoQNO11 could inhibit the activity of the cytochrome bc1 complex of P. capsici in a dose-dependent manner and effectively depress its respiration and ATP production. The greatly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and massively generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) strongly suggested that the inhibition of complex III led to the leakage of free electrons, which resulted in the damage of the pathogen cell structure. The results of this study indicated that TPP-conjugated QNOs might be used as agricultural fungicides by conjugating them with TPP.
Impact of REAC Regenerative Endogenous Bioelectrical Cell Reprogramming on MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Fontani Vania , Cruciani Sara , Santaniello Sara , Rinaldi Salvatore , Maioli Margherita
Published: June 2023

Human breast adenocarcinoma is a form of cancer which has the tendency to metastasize to other tissues, including bones, lungs, brain, and liver. Several chemotherapeutic drugs are used to treat breast tumors. Their combination is used to simultaneously target different mechanisms involved in cell replication. Radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology is an innovative technology, used both in vitro and in vivo, to induce cell reprogramming and counteract senescence processes. Within this context, we treated MCF-7 cells with a regenerative (RGN) REAC treatment for a period ranging between 3 and 7 days. We then analyzed cell viability by trypan blue assays and gene and protein expression by real time-qPCR and confocal microscope, respectively. We also detected the levels of the main proteins involved in tumor progression, DKK1 and SFRP1, by ELISA and cell senescence by β-galactosidase tests. Our results showed the ability of REAC RGN to counteract MCF-7 proliferation, probably inducing autophagy via the upregulation of Beclin-1 and LC3-I, and the modulation of specific tumorigenic biomarkers, such as DKK1 and SPFR1. Our results could suggest the application of the REAC RGN in future in vivo experiments, as an aid for the therapeutic strategies usually applied for breast cancer treatment.
Changes in Soil Properties and Crop Yield under Sustainable Conservation Tillage Systems in Spring Wheat Agroecosystems
Authors: Yuan Jianyu , Sadiq Mahran , Rahim Nasir , Tahir Majid Mahmood , Liang Yunliang , Zhuo Macao , Yan Lijuan , Shaheen Aqila , Mahmood Basharat , Li Guang
Published: June 2023

The cultivated soils in several semi-arid areas have very low organic matter due to climatic constraints that limit primary crop yield. Conservation tillage systems, outlined here as no tillage, no tillage with straw return and straw incorporation into the field, have been accepted as capable systems that preserve soil’s resources and sustain soil productivity. However, in semi-arid climates, there is presently no knowledge about the influence of different conservation tillage techniques on soil’s physical, chemical and biological properties at different soil depths in spring wheat fields and only little information about spring wheat yield in these management systems. Therefore, the present study was carried out with the objective of examining the impact of conservation tillage systems on soil properties (physical, chemical and biological) and spring wheat yield. The three conservation tillage treatments consisted of no tillage system (NT), wheat stubble return with no tillage (NTS) and straw incorporation with conventional tillage (CTS), as well as one conventional tillage (CT) control treatment, which were evaluated under randomized complete block design with three replications. The three conservation tillage treatments were compared with the conventional tillage control. Conservation tillage significantly increased the bulk density, gravimetric water content, water storage, hydraulic conductivity and soil aggregates and decreased the pore space and soil temperature compared to CT; however, no significant difference was found in the case of field capacity. Soil chemical properties in the 0–40 cm soil layer increased with conservation tillage compared to CT. Conservation tillage also notably increased the soil microbial counts, urease, alkaline phosphatase, invertase, cellulase and catalase activities relative to CT. Microbial biomasses (carbon and nitrogen) and wheat yield significantly elevated under conservation tillage compared to CT. Therefore, conservation tillage could significantly improve soil properties and maintain wheat yield for the research zone.
Zoning and Optimization Strategies of Land Spatial Ecological Restoration in Liangjiang New Area of Chongqing Based on the Supply–Demand Relationship of Ecosystem Services
Authors: Hu Miaofen , Zhang Hongrui , Tang Jun , Yan Shuiyu
Published: June 2023

Ecological land restoration is necessary to develop a comprehensive land amalgamation strategy. Scientific ecological restoration zoning is crucial for the development of differentiated restoration strategies, as well as for the improvement of quality during construction. This study used a series of methods, such as the InVEST model, spatial autocorrelation, and coupling coordination degree models, using Liangjiang New Area as an example to quantify both regional ecosystem services supply and demand at the county and district levels. The land’s spatial ecological restoration zones were determined, and the optimization strategies based on the supply–demand matching and coordination relationship were presented. The results revealed the following: (1) A considerable difference was identified between the supply and demand of ecosystem services in Liangjiang New Area of Chongqing, with “high in the northeast and low in the southwest” spatial patterns for supply and “high in the southwest and low in the northeast” spatial patterns for demand; (2) The supply–demand matching relationship of ecosystem services in Liangjiang New Area of Chongqing was characterized by spatial mismatches of high supply and low demand and low supply and high demand, with an average coordination degree index of 0.2, indicating uncoordinated supply and demand; (3) Based on the supply–demand relationship of ecosystem services, the regional ecological base, and the functional orientation of upper planning, Liangjiang New Area was divided into four zones: high supply–low demand, low supply–high demand, and high supply–high demand zones, for which the respective optimization strategies were presented. In some ways, this study contributes to the existing research concerning the supply–demand relationship for small-scale ecosystem services in new development zones located in mountainous cities.
A Joint Johnson–Cook-TANH Constitutive Law for Modeling Saw-Tooth Chip Formation of Ti-6AL-4V Based on an Improved Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method
Authors: Niu Weilong , Wang Yuanpeng , Li Xuan , Guo Ran
Published: June 2023

Titanium alloy is a crucial structural material in the modern aerospace field due to its strong corrosion resistance and strength, low density, and reduced sensitivity to vibration load and impact load, as well as its ability to resist expansion in the case of cracks. However, during high-speed cutting of titanium alloy, it is prone to periodic saw-tooth chip formation, which can cause high-frequency fluctuations in the cutting force, aggravate the vibration of the machine tool system, and ultimately reduce the tool’s service life and the workpiece’s surface quality. In this study, we investigated the influence of the material constitutive law in modeling the Ti-6AL-4V saw-tooth chip formation and proposed a joint material constitutive law JC-TANH which was developed based on the Johnson–Cook constitutive law and the TANH constitutive law. It has two advantages of the two models (JC law and TANH law), which means that it can describe the dynamic properties accurately, the same as the JC model, not only under low strain but also under high strain. The most important thing is that it does not need to fit the JC curve at the early stage of strain changes. Additionally, we established a developed cutting model, which integrates the new material constitutive, and the improved SPH method to predict chip morphology, cutting and thrust forces which are collected by the force sensor; we also compared the data with experimental results. Experimental results show that this developed cutting model can better explain the shear localized saw-tooth chip formation and correctly estimate its morphology as well as the cutting forces.