bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital model of the «Carbon test site in Krasnodar region» on the base of SBIO RAS (Gelendzhik)
Authors: Kuklev Sergey B. , Kremenetskiy Vyacheslav V. , Krylenko Vyacheslav V. , Rudnev Valeriy I.
Published: July 2022

An aerophotography of the experimental area on the Tuaphat massif (area of 6 ha, SBIO RAS) and a bathymetric survey of the adjacent water area have been made within the framework of the “Carbon test site in Krasnodar Region” development. Digital relief models (DRM) of the test site onshore and offshore components were developed based on the survey results. The article presents the methods of work and graphical representation of the developed DRM.
Matriarchal Journeys: Identity and Generational Exchange in the Travels of Lady Grisell Baillie and Margaret Calderwood of Polton, c.1730–1757
Authors: Taylor Emily
Published: July 2022

In 1731 Lady Grisell Baillie began a tour through Europe to Naples with her husband, two daughters, son-in-law and eldest granddaughter. Prompted by an order abroad for her son-in-law’s health, the journey to and from Naples took in cultural sites and offered unique opportunities for shopping. In 1756 Margaret Calderwood of Polton similarly set out for Europe with her husband and young sons on a journey to see her exiled brother, which offered invaluable opportunities for social observation and purchasing delftware, or so Margaret hoped. Superficially they were elite women joining their families on an excursion abroad. In a challenge to simplifications of identity, this paper reviews their journeys through contexts of formative experiences, national allegiance and preconceptions around female skillsets. It identifies the everyday impact of politics, and why eighteenth-century women were as critical in developing generational national character as the patriarchal state to which they were subject.
Violent crime. Meanings and social implications. Pro Universitaria Publishing House, Bucharest, 2021. Simona Mihaiu
Authors: Banciu Dan
Published: July 2022

Simona Mihaiu's book makes a unique scientific contribution to the knowledge, explanation and prevention of violent crime, a phenomenon with serious and destructive consequences on the life and physical integrity of individuals and of the society which we are part of. It is the result of the author's constant preoccupations with the topic of violent crime, supported by a long period of documentation and fundamental scientific research, which began 10 years ago, during her doctoral internship at the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work of the University of Bucharest. Simona Mihaiu's approach is an integrative one, with a theoretical and an empirical validation stake, starting from the analysis of violent crime (forms, causes, incidence) and arriving at social and criminal policies designed to help prevent and combat the problem addressed. The book is intended both for specialists and the general reader interested in understanding the particularities and social implications of violent behavior. At the same time, due to its clear and concise presentation style, it is a real support for undergraduate, master and doctoral students at faculties with a socio-humanistic profile. Once read, the book will help the reader understand that it is the right and duty of each of us to protect ourselves and to help counteract actions as harmful as violent and criminal ones.
Natalus primus (Chiroptera: Natalidae), de cueva Las Anemolitas, Gibara, este de Cuba
Authors: Rodríguez Garrido Luis Mariano
Published: July 2022

Se registra como subfósil a la especie de murciélago endémica Natalus primus Anthony, 1919, sobre la base de un cráneo recobrado sobre el piso del Salón de los Megalitos, de la cueva Las Anemolitas, municipio de Gibara, al norte del oriente de Cuba. El ejemplar aquí referido fue comparado con materiales craneales de otros murciélagos cubanos, con análisis de caracteres cualitativos y cuantitativos, así como con medidas, fotos, y dibujos existentes en la bibliografía. Este natálido se encuentra actualmente extirpado en la mayor parte del territorio cubano, con solo una población relicta en una caverna del extremo occidental del archipiélago. El presente hallazgo de N. primus demuestra la diversidad de quirópteros que antaño presentó la región donde se ubica el depósito fosilífero aquí tratado.
Guía ilustrada para identificar los eufausiáceos (Crustacea: Malacostraca) recolectados en Cuba
Authors: Ortiz Manuel
Published: July 2022

Los crustáceos eufausiáceos constituyen un grupo de 86 especies, conocidas como krill, que en general presentan una distribución muy amplia en todos los océanos, desde las aguas superficiales hasta los grandes abismos marinos. De ellos, 34 han sido citados para las aguas que circundan al archipiélago cubano. Sin embargo, son casi desconocidos en Cuba. La presente guía permite determinar las ocho especies que se han recolectado hasta el presente, con la consulta de las claves ilustradas originales que se ofrecen.
Nueva lista de peces que habitan sistemas fluviales en Holguín, Cuba
Authors: Reynaldo de la Cruz Enrique
Published: July 2022

Se hace una contribución al conocimiento taxonómico, composición y distribución de los peces que habitan en los sistemas de agua dulce de la provincia de Holguín. El periodo de muestreo fue del año 2019 al 2021, y se realizó en 189 sitios. Se registraron 43 especies, comprendidas en una clase, 13 órdenes, 20 familias y 36 géneros. Se identificaron 26 especies estrictas de agua dulce y 11 periféricas. Se registraron nueve especies endémicas, 11 introducidas y 23 autóctonas, dentro de estas últimas hay siete especies marinas que incursionan en aguas dulce o salobre en algún periodo de su vida. Los géneros que se registraron en mayor número de sitios fueron: Gambusia (137), Poecilia (111), Nandopsis (109) y Oreochromis (108). Las especies con mayor distribución son Poecilia reticulata, Nandopsis tetracanthus y Gambusia puncticulata presentes en 111, 95 y 88 sitios, respectivamente.
Effect of Rye cover crop on weed control, soybean (Glycine max L.) yield and profitability
Authors: Pinnamaneni Srinivasa Rao , Anapalli Saseendran S. , Molin William , Reddy Krishna N.
Published: July 2022

Considerable variations in farm productivity were reported across soils and climates when winter cover crops (CC) were rotated with summer main cash crops. Hence, a three-year field study (2019-2021) was conducted on Dundee silt loam in a humid climate to assess soybean growth and yield, weed control, and profitability under no-till conditions in response to (i) no CC (NC), (ii) winter rye CC rolled when green, followed by soybean planting and desiccation by paraquat (GR) and iii) winter rye CC desiccated using paraquat and rolled followed by soybean planting (BR). No differences in phenological growth stages of soybean were observed among the treatments. Measured leaf area index was comparable among the treatments across the three seasons. The rate of rye CC biomass decay estimated eight weeks after planting (WAP) was much higher than at four WAP. In 2019, at eight WAP plant residue ranged from 29.3% under NC to 52.9% under GR, indicating the paraquat desiccated natural winter vegetation decays faster than the desiccated rye CC biomass. The weed biomass was 72% higher at eight WAP (0.29 Mg ha-1) than that of four WAP (0.17 Mg ha-1) and NC plots had higher weed biomass at both four WAP and eight WAP over CC plots. Field established soybean stand in the GR plots were consistently higher than the NC plots by 8%, 30%, and 22% in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Soybean yield in NC plot was 13% higher than GR and 15% higher than BR plots in 2019. However, in 2020 and 2021, soybean yield from BR and GR plots was significantly higher than NC plots (10% and 13%, respectively). In the three-year study, net returns from soybean with rye CC (regardless of GR or BR) in the first year was negative. In the second and third year, net returns in GR and BR were positive and comparable to NC. There were no differences in soybean yield and net returns between rye CC rolled green (GR) and rye CC desiccated (BR) prior to planting. These results show that a rye CC–based soybean conservation production system could be an economically a viable choice after the first year with an invaluable potential for carbon sequestration, weed suppression and positive impact on summer soybean productivity.
Adhesive hydrogel wrap loaded with Netrin-1-modified adipose-derived stem cells: An effective approach against periarterial inflammation after endovascular intervention
Authors: Jiang Yihong , Cai Yuting , Hu Jiateng , Zhang Xing , Lei Jiahao , Peng Zhaoxi , Huang Qun , Xu Zhijue , Li Bo , Qin Jinbao , Li Weimin , Sun Dazhi , Ye Kaichuang , Lu Xinwu
Published: July 2022

Endovascular interventions, such as balloon dilation and stent implantation, are currently recommended as the primary treatment for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), greatly improving patient prognosis. However, the consequent lumen restenosis that occurs after endovascular interventions has become an important clinical problem. Inflammation has been proven to be crucial to postoperative restenosis. In previous studies we have identified that Netrin-1-modified adipose-derived stem cells (N-ADSCs) transplantation is an effective anti-inflammatory strategy to repair vascular damage. Nevertheless, it remained to be explored how one could constantly deliver N-ADSCs onto damaged arteries. Therefore, we developed an adhesive double network (DN) hydrogel wrap loaded with N-ADSCs for sustained perivascular delivery. Inspired by the adhesion mechanism of mussels, we developed an adhesive and tough polyacrylamide/calcium-alginate/reduced graphene oxide/polydopamine (PAM/CA/rGO/PDA) hydrogel. Dopamine was attached to graphene sheets and limitedly oxidized to generate free catechol groups. The hydrogel could wrap damaged arteries and induce anti-inflammatory effects through N-ADSCs. In vitro experiments demonstrated that N-ADSCs significantly promoted the M2 polarization of macrophages to anti-inflammatory phenotypes and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors. In vivo experiments in a rat carotid artery guidewire injury model showed that the adhesive hydrogel wrap loaded with N-ADSCs could significantly reduce arterial inflammation, inhibit intimal hyperplasia and improve re-endothelialization. Altogether, this newly developed N-ADSCs-loaded hydrogel wrap provides an effective slow-releasing system, which may be a promising way to prevent and treat restenosis after endovascular interventions.
Mitophagy-mediated molecular subtypes depict the hallmarks of the tumour metabolism and guide precision chemotherapy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Hao , Zhang Jianlin , Sun Xuehu , Wang Yao , Qian Yeben
Published: July 2022

Background: Mitophagy is closely related to cancer initiation and progression. However, heterogeneity with reference to mitophagy remains unexplored in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD).

Materials and methods: We used Reactome database to download the mitophagy-related, glycolysis-related and cholesterol biosynthesis-related signaling pathways. Unsupervised clustering using the “ConsensusClusterPlus” R package was performed to identify molecular subtypes related to mitophagy and metabolism. Prognosis-related mitophagy regulators were identified by univariate Cox regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analyses were used to assess the diagnostic and prognostic role of the hub genes and prognosis risk model. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized for screening the mitophagy subtype-related hub genes. Metascape was utilized to carry out functional enrichment analysis. The “glmnet” R package was utilised for LASSO, and the “e1071” R package was utilised for SVM. Chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity was estimated using the R package “pRRophetic” and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database. The nomogram was established by the “rms” R package.

Results: Three distinct mitophagy subtypes (low, high and intermediate) of PAAD were identified based on the landscape of mitophagy regulators. The high mitophagy subtype had the worst prognosis, highest mRNA expression-based stemness index scores and most hypoxic environment compared to the other subtypes. Additionally, glycolysis and cholesterol biosynthesis were significantly elevated. Three mitophagy subtype-specific gene signatures (CAST, CCDC6, and ERLIN1) were extracted using WGCNA and machine learning. Moreover, PAAD tumours were insensitive to Erlotinib, Sunitinib and Imatinib in the high mitophagy subtype and high CAST, CCDC6, and ERLIN1 expressed subtypes. Furthermore, CAST, CCDC6, and ERLIN1 affected immune cell infiltration (M1 and CD8Tcm), resulting in the altered prognosis of patients with PAAD. A nomogram was constructed to screen patients with the low mitophagy subtype, which showed a higher sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents.

Conclusion: Based on various bioinformatics tools and databases, the PAAD heterogeneity regarding mitophagy was systematically examined. Three different PAAD subtypes having different outcomes, metabolism patterns and chemosensitivity were observed. Moreover, three novel biomarkers that are closely associated with mitophagy and have the potential to guide individualised treatment regimens in PAAD were obtained.
Myofibroblast transdifferentiation of keratocytes results in slower migration and lower sensitivity to mesoscale curvatures
Authors: van der Putten Cas , van den Broek Daniëlle , Kurniawan Nicholas A.
Published: July 2022

Functional tissue repair after injury or disease is governed by the regenerative or fibrotic response by cells within the tissue. In the case of corneal damage, keratocytes are a key cell type that determine the outcome of the remodeling response by either adapting to a fibroblast or myofibroblast phenotype. Although a growing body of literature indicates that geometrical cues in the environment can influence Myo(fibroblast) phenotype, there is a lack of knowledge on whether and how differentiated keratocyte phenotype is affected by the curved tissue geometry in the cornea. To address this gap, in this study we characterized the phenotype of fibroblastic and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-induced myofibroblastic keratocytes and studied their migration behavior on curved culture substrates with varying curvatures. Immunofluorescence staining and quantification of cell morphological parameters showed that, generally, fibroblastic keratocytes were more likely to elongate, whereas myofibroblastic keratocytes expressed more pronounced α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and actin stress fibers as well as more mature focal adhesions. Interestingly, keratocyte adhesion on convex structures was weak and unstable, whereas they adhered normally on flat and concave structures. On concave cylinders, fibroblastic keratocytes migrated faster and with higher persistence along the longitudinal direction compared to myofibroblastic keratocytes. Moreover, this behavior became more pronounced on smaller cylinders (i.e., higher curvatures). Taken together, both keratocyte phenotypes can sense and respond to the sign and magnitude of substrate curvatures, however, myofibroblastic keratocytes exhibit weaker curvature sensing and slower migration on curved substrates compared to fibroblastic keratocytes. These findings provide fundamental insights into keratocyte phenotype after injury, but also exemplify the potential of tuning the physical cell environments in tissue engineering settings to steer towards a favorable regeneration response.
Histone methyltransferase KMT2D contributes to the protection of myocardial ischemic injury
Authors: Liu Shu-Bao , Meng Xiang-Min , Li Yu-Meng , Wang Jun-Meng , Guo Hui-Hui , Wang Chaochen , Zhu Bing-Mei
Published: July 2022

Histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D) plays an important role in cell development in early life. However, the function of KMT2D in adult cells such as cardiomyocytes or neurons has not been reported. In this study, cardiomyocyte-specific KMT2D knockout (KMT2D-cKO) and control (KMT2D-Ctl) mice were exposed to sham or myocardial ischemia (MI) surgery. Depletion of KMT2D aggravated the ischemic area, led to the increased mortality (26.5% in KMT2D-cKO vs 12.5% in KMT2D-Ctl) of the mice, and weakened the left ventricular systolic function. RNA-seq analysis in cardiac tissues identified genes whose expression was changed by MI and KMT2D deletion. Combined with the genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis, cardiac disease-associated genes Rasd1, Thsd7a, Ednra, and Tns1 were identified. The expression of the Rasd1 was significantly decreased by MI or the loss of KMT2D in vivo. Meanwhile, ChIP assays demonstrated that either MI or loss of KMT2D attenuated monomethylated H3K4 (H3K4me1) enrichment on the enhancer of Rasd1. By generating a KMT2D knockout (H9C2-KO) H9C2 monoclone, we verified that the expression of Rasd1 was controlled by KMT2D, and the expression of Rasd1 was decreased by serum starvation but not low-(O2) treatment in H9C2 cells. KMT2D has a protective effect on ischemic myocardium by regulating cardiac disease-associated genes including Rasd1. KMT2D is required for the H3K4me1 deposition on the enhancer of Rasd1. Our data for the first time suggest that KMT2D-mediated Rasd1 expression may play an important protective effect on adult cells during nutritional deficiency caused by ischemic injury.
Studying the Inflammatory Responses to Amyloid Beta Oligomers in Brain-Specific Pericyte and Endothelial Co-Culture From Human Stem Cells
Authors: Marzano Mark , Chen Xingchi , Russell Teal A. , Medina Angelica , Wang Zizheng , Hua Timothy , Zeng Changchun , Wang Xueju , Sang Qing-Xiang , Tang Hengli , Yun Yeoheung , Li Yan
Published: July 2022

Background: Recently, the in vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) models derived from human pluripotent stem cells have been given extensive attention in therapeutics due to the implications they have with the health of the central nervous system. It is essential to create an accurate BBB model in vitro in order to better understand the properties of the BBB, and how it can respond to inflammatory stimulation and be passed by targeted or non-targeted cell therapeutics, more specifically extracellular vesicles.

Methods: Brain-specific pericytes (iPCs) were differentiated from iPSK3 cells using dual SMAD signaling inhibitors and Wnt activation plus fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). The derived cells were characterized by immunostaining, flow cytometry, and RT-PCR. In parallel, blood vessels organoids were derived using Wnt activation, BMP4, FGF2, VEGF, and SB431542. The organoids were replated and treated with retinoic acid to enhance the blood–brain barrier (BBB) features in the differentiated brain endothelial cells (iECs). Co-culture was performed for iPCs and iECs in the transwell system and 3D microfluidics channels.

Results: The derived iPCs expressed common markers PDGFRb and NG2, and brain-specific genes FOXF2, ABCC9, KCNJ8, and ZIC1. The derived iECs expressed common endothelial cell markers CD31, VE-cadherin, and BBB-associated genes BRCP, GLUT-1, PGP, ABCC1, OCLN, and SLC2A1. The co-culture of the two cell types responded to the stimulation of amyloid β42 oligomers by the upregulation of the expression of TNFa, IL6, NFKB, Casp3, SOD2, and TP53. The co-culture also showed the property of trans-endothelial electrical resistance. The proof of concept vascularization strategy was demonstrated in a 3D microfluidics-based device.

Conclusion: The derived iPCs and iECs have brain-specific properties, and the co-culture of iPCs and iECs provides an in vitro BBB model that show inflammatory response. This study has significance in establishing micro-physiological systems for neurological disease modeling and drug screening.
High Performance of Commercial PAC on the Simultaneous Desulfurization and Denitrification of Wastewater From a Coal-Fired Heating Plant
Authors: Liu Jiancong , Wang Ying , Wang Yangyang , Wang Zhigang , Wang Xiaoshu , Kong Fanrong , Yan Zheng , Li Tong , Wang Lei
Published: July 2022

The flue gas desulfurization wastewater is highly saline and has too many refractory pollutants to be recycled during the desulfurization process of the coal-fired heating plant. Given that waste heat is abundant in coal-fired heating plants, a thermal treatment method was developed to simultaneously remove sulfates and nitrates from the wastewater, with the production of chemical-grade natroalunite and recycled water. The results showed that sulfates and nitrates were 50.3 and 10 g/L in the wastewater, respectively, and only 2.8% and 9.1% were removed after direct treatment at 270°C for 7 h; but these rates increased to 99.3% and 99.9%, respectively, with the addition of commercial poly aluminum chloride. Mass balance summarized that the treatment of 1 ton wastewater needed 0.1 ton PAC and produced 0.11 ton natroalunite and 0.92 ton recycle water. The removal of sulfates and nitrates was mainly done by the precipitation reaction of sulfates such as natroalunite and the redox reaction between nitrates and organics, respectively. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that the precipitate reaction occurred at 45°C and accelerated in the temperature range of 45–270°C, but became slow with the decrease of sulfate and Al concentrations in wastewater. Four other reagents were also used for wastewater treatment in comparison with PAC and showed the following order of performance: PAC > citrate calcium > limestone > subacetate aluminum > citrate ferric. This method provided a practical route to treat wastewater from flue gas desulfurization without generating secondary waste.
Molecular interactions from the density functional theory for chemical reactivity: Interaction chemical potential, hardness, and reactivity principles
Authors: Miranda-Quintana Ramón Alain , Heidar-Zadeh Farnaz , Fias Stijn , Chapman Allison E. A. , Liu Shubin , Morell Christophe , Gómez Tatiana , Cárdenas Carlos , Ayers Paul W.
Published: July 2022

In the first paper of this series, the authors derived an expression for the interaction energy between two reagents in terms of the chemical reactivity indicators that can be derived from density functional perturbation theory. While negative interaction energies can explain reactivity, reactivity is often more simply explained using the “|dμ| big is good” rule or the maximum hardness principle. Expressions for the change in chemical potential (μ) and hardness when two reagents interact are derived. A partial justification for the maximum hardness principle is that the terms that appear in the interaction energy expression often reappear in the expression for the interaction hardness, but with opposite sign.
Decoration of PdAg Dual-Metallic Alloy Nanoparticles on Z-Scheme α-Fe2O3/CdS for Manipulable Products via Photocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Yang Shuhui , Ke Xi , Zhang Menglong , Luo Dongxiang
Published: July 2022

Metal nanoparticles have been extensively used as co-catalysts in photocatalytic systems in order to pursue improvements in both reaction kinetics and selectivity. In this work, PdAg dual-metallic nanoparticles synthesized by the co-reduction method were decorated on a well-established α-Fe2O3/CdS Z-scheme photoactive material as a co-catalyst to study their performance for promoting the photoreduction of CO2. Herein, α-Fe2O3 and CdS were in situ synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass by hydrothermal and SILAR (successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction) methods, respectively. The direct Z-scheme charge transfer path between Fe2O3 and CdS and the effective electron migration toward the PdAg mainly contributed to the excellent photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. The controllable work function based on Pd (5.12) and Ag (4.26) constructed an appropriate band alignment with α-Fe2O3/CdS and displayed favorable production for CH4 rather than CO. The optimum ratio of PdAg 1:2 performed a 48% enhancement than pure Pd for photoreduction of CO2. Meanwhile, the enhanced charge separation improved the photoelectrochemical performance and photocurrent generation, and reduced the electrical resistance between components. This work provided insights into the dual-metallic co-catalyst for boosting the activity and selectivity of photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Recent progress on covalent organic framework materials as CO2 reduction electrocatalysts
Authors: Fan Yang , Chen Mengyin , Xu Naizhang , Wang Kaiqiang , Gao Qiang , Liang Jing , Liu Yubing
Published: July 2022

CO2 emission caused by fuel combustion and human activity has caused severe climate change and other subsequent pollutions around the world. Carbon neutralization via various novel technologies to alleviate the CO2 level in the atmosphere has thus become one of the major topics in modern research field. These advanced technologies cover CO2 capture, storage and conversion, etc., and electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) by heterogeneous catalysts is among the most promising methods since it could utilize renewable energy and generate valuable fuels and chemicals. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent crystalline organic polymers with highly rigid, conjugated structures and tunable porosity, which exhibit significant potential as heterogeneous electrocatalysts for CO2RR. This review briefly introduces related pioneering works in COF-based materials for electrocatalytic CO2RR in recent years and provides a basis for future design and synthesis of highly active and selective COF-based electrocatalysts in this direction.
Characterization of Corrosion Behavior of TA2 Titanium Alloy Welded Joints in Seawater Environment
Authors: Zhang Dalei , Liu Yingshuang , Liu Ran , Guan Xiaorui , Xing Shaohua , Dou Xiaohui , He Zonghao , Zhang Xinwei
Published: July 2022

Titanium alloy has been widely used in Marine pipeline system because of its excellent corrosion resistance. However, there are differences in microstructure and electrochemical properties because of the heterogeneous structure of the welded joint, the corrosion behavior is often different. In this paper, the corrosion behavior of TA2 titanium alloy welded joint in seawater at different temperatures was studied by traditional macro electrochemical test analysis combined with microelectrode array test and surface morphology analysis. Conventional macroscopic electrochemical analysis results show that the corrosion resistance of heat-affected zone is always the best, followed by the base metal and the weld. And the higher the temperature, the easier the formation of passivation film. The results of microelectrode array test show that the heat-affected zone is always the cathode region of the whole welded joint, and part of the cathode near the base metal region has the largest current density, which acts as the main cathode to slow down corrosion. At slightly higher temperatures, the polarity deflection will occur in the base metal zone and weld zone due to the different formation speeds of passivation film in early corrosion stage. With the prolongation of corrosion time, the base metal eventually becomes the cathode zone and the weld zone eventually becomes the anode zone.
Organic Electroluminescent Materials Possessing Intra- and Intermolecular Hydrogen Bond Interactions: A Mini-Review
Authors: Liu Xinyong , Li Jingwei , Qiu Xu , Pan Yuyu
Published: July 2022

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have become the predominant technology in display applications because of their superior light weight, flexibility, power conservation, and environmental friendliness, among other reasons. The device’s performance is determined by the intrinsic properties of organic emitters. The aggregation structure of emitters, in particular, is crucial for color purity and efficiency. Intra- and intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds (H-bonds), can reduce structural vibrations and torsions, which affect the stability of emitting layer films and optoelectronic properties of emitting materials. Hence, by regulating the H-bond interaction, the desired properties could be obtained. This mini-review focuses on the influence of intra- and intermolecular H-bond interactions on the optoelectronic properties of high-performance emitters.
Research on the non-point source pollution of microplastics
Authors: He Li , Ou Zhongwen , Fan Jiangyang , Zeng Boping , Guan Wei
Published: July 2022

Microplastics are characterized with universality, persistence and toxicity to aquatic organisms, the pollution of microplastics has attracted worldwide attention. At present, studies on microplastic pollution were mainly focused on the composition, abundance and species of microplastics in water bodies and sediments, and few studies were focused on the source and influence characteristics of microplastics in surface water bodies. Starting from the sources of microplastic pollution in surface water of this paper, the pollution status of agricultural microplastics was analyzed, and the importance and urgency of studying microplastic pollution in agricultural non-point sources were put forward. Therefore, it was intended to provide effective scientific basis and technical support for the control of microplastics non-point source pollution in river basins.
A briefly overview of the research progress for the abscisic acid analogues
Authors: Liu Yaming , Chen Shunhong , Wei Panpan , Guo Shengxin , Wu Jian
Published: July 2022

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important plant endogenous hormone that participates in the regulation of various physiological processes in plants, including the occurrence and development of somatic embryos, seeddevelopment and dormancy. ABA is called “plant stress resistance factor”, while with the limitation of the rapid metabolic inactivation and photoisomerization inactivation of ABA for its large-scale use. Understanding the function and role of ABA in plants is of great significance to promote its application. For decades, scientists have conducted in-depth research on its mechanism of action and signaling pathways, a series of progress were achieved, and hundreds of ABA analogues (similar in structure or function) have been synthesized to develop highly active plant growth regulators and tools to elucidate ABA perception. In this review, we summarize a variety of ABA analogues, especially the ABA receptor analogues, and explore the mechanisms of ABA action and catabolism, which will facilitate the development of novel ABA analogues with high biological activities.
Prevalence and Distribution of Potentially Human Pathogenic Vibrio spp. on German North and Baltic Sea Coasts
Authors: Fleischmann Susanne , Herrig Ilona , Wesp Jessica , Stiedl Joscha , Reifferscheid Georg , Strauch Eckhard , Alter Thomas , Brennholt Nicole
Published: July 2022

Global ocean warming results in an increase of infectious diseases including an elevated emergence of Vibrio spp. in Northern Europe. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported annual periods of high to very high risks of infection with Vibrio spp. during summer months along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts. Based on those facts, the risk of Vibrio infections associated with recreational bathing in European coastal waters increases. To obtain an overview of the seasonal and spatial distribution of potentially human pathogenic Vibrio spp. at German coasts, this study monitored V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus at seven recreational bathing areas from 2017 to 2018, including the heat wave event in summer 2018. The study shows that all three Vibrio species occurred in water and sediment samples at all sampling sites. Temperature was shown to be the main driving factor of Vibrio abundance, whereas Vibrio community composition was mainly modulated by salinity. A species-specific rapid increase was observed at water temperatures above 10°C, reaching the highest detection numbers during the heat wave event with abundances of 4.5 log10 CFU+1/100 ml of seawater and 6.5 log10 CFU+1/100 g of sediment. Due to salinity, the dominant Vibrio species found in North Sea samples was V. parahaemolyticus, whereas V. vulnificus was predominantly detected in Baltic Sea samples. Most detections of V. cholerae were associated with estuarine samples from both seas. Vibrio spp. concentrations in sediments were up to three log higher compared to water samples, indicating that sediments are an important habitat for Vibrio spp. to persist in the environment. Antibiotic resistances were found against beta-lactam antibiotics (ampicillin 31%, cefazolin 36%, and oxacillin and penicillin 100%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (45%). Moreover, isolates harboring pathogenicity-associated genes such as trh for V. parahaemolyticus as well as vcg, cap/wcv, and the 16S rRNA-type B variant for V. vulnificus were detected. All sampled V. cholerae isolates were identified as non-toxigenic non-O1/non-O139 serotypes. To sum up, increasing water temperatures at German North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts provoke elevated Vibrio numbers and encourage human recreational water activities, resulting in increased exposure rates. Owing to a moderate Baltic Sea salinity, the risk of V. vulnificus infections is of particular concern.
In Vitro and In Vivo Bactericidal and Antibiofilm Efficacy of Alpha Mangostin Against Staphylococcus aureus Persister Cells
Authors: Felix LewisOscar , Mishra Biswajit , Khader Rajamohammed , Ganesan Narchonai , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: July 2022

The formation of persister cells is associated with recalcitrance and infections. In this study, we examined the antimicrobial property of alpha mangostin, a natural xanthone molecule, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) persisters and biofilm. The MIC of alpha mangostin against MRSA persisters was 2 µg/ml, and activity was mediated by causing membrane permeabilization within 30 min of exposure. The membrane activity of alpha mangostin was further studied by fast-killing kinetics of MRSA persiste r cells and found that the compound exhibited 99.99% bactericidal activity within 30 min. Furthermore, alpha mangostin disrupted established MRSA biofilms and inhibited bacterial attachment as biofilm formation. Alpha mangostin down-regulated genes associated with the formation of persister cells and biofilms, such as norA, norB, dnaK, groE, and mepR, ranging from 2 to 4-folds. Alpha mangostin at 16 μg/ml was non-toxic (> 95% cell survival) to liver-derived HepG2 and lung-derived A549 cells, similarly. Still, alpha mangostin exhibited 50% cell lysis of human RBC at 16 μg/ml. Interestingly, alpha mangostin was effective in vivo at increasing the survival up to 75% (p<0.0001) of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with MRSA persister for 120 h. In conclusion, we report that alpha mangostin is active against MRSA persisters and biofilms, and these data further our understanding of the antistaphylococcal activity and toxicity of this natural compound.
Gene expression patterns associated with multidrug therapy in multibacillary leprosy
Authors: Ferreira Helen , Leal-Calvo Thyago , Mendes Mayara Abud , Avanzi Charlotte , Busso Philippe , Benjak Andrej , Sales Anna Maria , Ferreira Cássio Porto , de Berrêdo-Pinho Márcia , Cole Stewart Thomas , Sarno Euzenir Nunes , Moraes Milton Ozório , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo
Published: July 2022

Multidrug therapy (MDT) has been successfully used in the treatment of leprosy. However, although patients are cured after the completion of MDT, leprosy reactions, permanent disability, and occasional relapse/reinfection are frequently observed in patients. The immune system of multibacillary patients (MB) is not able to mount an effective cellular immune response against M. leprae. Consequently, clearance of bacilli from the body is a slow process and after 12 doses of MDT not all MB patients reduce bacillary index (BI). In this context, we recruited MB patients at the uptake and after 12-month of MDT. Patients were stratified according to the level of reduction of the BI after 12 doses MDT. A reduction of at least one log in BI was necessary to be considered a responder patient. We evaluated the pattern of host gene expression in skin samples with RNA sequencing before and after MDT and between samples from patients with or without one log reduction in BI. Our results demonstrated that after 12 doses of MDT there was a reduction in genes associated with lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, and cellular immune response among responders (APOBEC3A, LGALS17A, CXCL13, CXCL9, CALHM6, andIFNG). Also, by comparing MB patients with lower BI reduction versus responder patients, we identified high expression ofCDH19, TMPRSS4, PAX3, FA2H, HLA-V, FABP7, andSERPINA11before MDT. From the most differentially expressed genes, we observed that MDT modulates pathways related to immune response and lipid metabolism in skin cells from MB patients after MDT, with higher expression of genes likeCYP11A1, that are associated with cholesterol metabolism in the group with the worst response to treatment. Altogether, the data presented contribute to elucidate gene signatures and identify differentially expressed genes associated with MDT outcomes in MB patients.
Proteomic Profile of Procoagulant Extracellular Vesicles Reflects Complement System Activation and Platelet Hyperreactivity of Patients with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Moraes Emilly Caroline dos Santos , Martins-Gonçalves Remy , Silva Luana Rocha da , Mandacaru Samuel Coelho , Melo Reynaldo Magalhães , Azevedo-Quintanilha Isaclaudia , Perales Jonas , Bozza Fernando A. , Souza Thiago Moreno Lopes , Castro-Faria-Neto Hugo Caire , Hottz Eugenio D. , Bozza Patricia T. , Trugilho Monique R. O.
Published: July 2022

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a valuable source of biomarkers and display the pathophysiological status of various diseases. In COVID-19, EVs have been explored in several studies for their ability to reflect molecular changes caused by SARS-CoV-2. Here we provide insights into the roles of EVs in pathological processes associated with the progression and severity of COVID-19.

Methods

In this study, we used a label-free shotgun proteomic approach to identify and quantify alterations in EV protein abundance in severe COVID-19 patients. We isolated plasma extracellular vesicles from healthy donors and patients with severe COVID-19 by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Then, flow cytometry was performed to assess the origin of EVs and to investigate the presence of circulating procoagulant EVs in COVID-19 patients. A total protein extraction was performed, and samples were analyzed by nLC-MS/MS in a Q-Exactive HF-X. Finally, computational analysis was applied to signify biological processes related to disease pathogenesis.

Results

We report significant changes in the proteome of EVs from patients with severe COVID-19. Flow cytometry experiments indicated an increase in total circulating EVs and with tissue factor (TF) dependent procoagulant activity. Differentially expressed proteins in the disease groups were associated with complement and coagulation cascades, platelet degranulation, and acute inflammatory response.

Conclusions

The proteomic data reinforce the changes in the proteome of extracellular vesicles from patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and suggest a role for EVs in severe COVID-19.
Vaginal microecological characteristics of women in different physiological and pathological period
Authors: Shen Liping , Zhang Wei , Yuan Yi , Zhu Weipei , Shang Anquan
Published: July 2022

The vaginal microbiota, the host endocrine system, the vaginal anatomy, and the local mucosal immunity comprise the vaginal microbiota, which interacts with each other to maintain the balance of the vaginal microbiota, which maintains female reproductive health. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are four phases women go through during their reproductive and post-reproductive years. Vaginal microbiota composition and abundance are heavily influenced by estrogen and progesterone, which start at puberty and continue during the reproductive years in a dynamic balance with some fluctuations. Estrogen promotes proliferation of vaginal epithelial cells and increases glycogen storage, while progesterone lyses vaginal epithelial cells, facilitating the release of glycogen to maintain normal pH. This review summarizes the latest national and international evidence on the composition and distribution of vaginal microecology in women during different physiological and pathological periods and proposes a hormone-driven microbial diversity hypothesis to explain the temporal patterns of vaginal microbial diversity during the female reproductive cycle and menopause. A relatively balanced vaginal microecological system has a positive effect on the maintenance of female health. An imbalance in the ratio of flora can lead to susceptibility to infections or reproductive complications. The study of human microecology and its role in the development and progression of human disease is essential for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of related obstetric and gynecologic conditions.
Exploring the validity and reliability of online assessment for conversational, narrative, and expository discourse measures in school-aged children
Authors: Burchell Diana , Bourassa Bédard Vincent , Boyce Keara , McLaren Juliana , Brandeker Myrto , Squires Bonita , Kay-Raining Bird Elizabeth , MacLeod Andrea , Rezzonico Stefano , Chen Xi , Cleave Pat ,   FrEnDS-CAN
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has created novel challenges in the assessment of children's speech and language. Collecting valid data is crucial for researchers and clinicians, yet the evidence on how data collection procedures can validly be adapted to an online format is sparse. The urgent need for online assessments has highlighted possible the barriers such as testing reliability and validity that clinicians face during implementation. The present study describes the adapted procedures for on-line assessments and compares the outcomes for monolingual and bilingual children of online and in-person testing using conversational, narrative and expository discourse samples and a standardized vocabulary test. A sample of 127 (103 in-person, 24 online) English monolinguals and 78 (53 in-person, 25 online) simultaneous French-English bilinguals aged 7–12 years were studied. Discourse samples were analyzed for productivity, proficiency, and syntactic complexity. MANOVAs were used to compare on-line and in-person testing contexts and age in two monolingual and bilingual school-age children. No differences across testing contexts were found for receptive vocabulary or narrative discourse. However, some modality differences were found for conversational and expository. The results from the study contribute to understanding how clinical assessment can be adapted for online format in school-aged children.
Detection of left atrial appendage thrombus by dual-energy computed tomography-derived imaging biomarkers in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Li Wenhuan , Liu Mingxi , Yu Fangfang , Zhu Weiwei , Yu Xianbo , Guo Xiaojuan , Yang Qi
Published: July 2022

Aims

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performances of dual-energy computed tomography (CT)-derived iodine concentration and effective atomic number (Zeff) in early-phase cardiac CT in detecting left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus and differentiating thrombus from spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in patients with atrial fibrillation using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as the reference standard.

Methods and results

A total of 389 patients with atrial fibrillation were prospectively recruited. All patients underwent a single-phase cardiac dual-energy CT scan using a third-generation dual-source CT. The iodine concentration, Zeff, and conventional Hounsfield units (HU) in the LAA were measured and normalized to the ascending aorta (AA) of the same slice to calculate the LAA/AA ratio. Of the 389 patients, TEE showed thrombus in 15 (3.9%), SEC in 33 (8.5%), and no abnormality in 341 (87.7%) patients. Using TEE findings as the reference standard, the respective sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the LAA/AA HU ratio for detecting LAA thrombus were 100.0, 96.8, 55.6, and 100.0%; those of the LAA/AA iodine concentration ratio were 100.0, 99.2, 83.3, and 100.0%; and those of the LAA/AA Zeff ratio were 100.0, 98.9, 79.0, and 100.0%. The areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of the LAA/AA iodine concentration ratio (0.978; 95% CI 0.945–1.000) and Zeff ratio (0.962; 95% CI 0.913–1.000) were significantly larger than that of the LAA/AA HU ratio (0.828; 95% CI 0.714–0.942) in differentiating the thrombus from the SEC (both P < 0.05). Although the AUC of the LAA/AA iodine concentration ratio was larger than that of the LAA/AA Zeff ratio, no significant difference was found between them (P = 0.259).

Conclusion

The dual-energy CT-derived iodine concentration and the Zeff showed better diagnostic performance than the conventional HU in early-phase cardiac CT in detecting LAA thrombus and differentiating the thrombus from the circulatory stasis. However, these results need to be validated in large-cohort studies with late-phase images.
Atrioventricular conduction in PM recipients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Implications using Wenckebach point measurement
Authors: Pelargonio Gemma , Scacciavillani Roberto , Donisi Luca , Narducci Maria Lucia , Aurigemma Cristina , Pinnacchio Gaetano , Bencardino Gianluigi , Perna Francesco , Spera Francesco Raffaele , Comerci Gianluca , Ruscio Eleonora , Romagnoli Enrico , Crea Filippo , Burzotta Francesco , Trani Carlo
Published: July 2022

Background

Atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) are a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, a significant proportion of patients might recover AV conduction at follow-up.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to evaluate the recovery of AV conduction by determination through Wenckebach point in patients with PPI and therefore identify patients who could benefit from device reprogramming to avoid unnecessary RV pacing.

Methods

We enrolled 43 patients that underwent PM implantation after TAVI at our Department from January 2018 to January 2021. PM interrogation was performed at follow-up and patients with native spontaneous rhythm were further assessed for AV conduction through WP determination.

Results

A total of 43 patients requiring a PM represented the final study population, divided in patients with severely impaired AV conduction (no spontaneous valid rhythm or WP < 100; 26) and patients with valid AV conduction (WP ≥ 100; 17). In the first group patients had a significantly higher number of intraprocedural atrioventricular block (AVB) (20 vs. 1, p < 0.005), showed a significant higher implantation depth in LVOT (7.7 ± 2.2 vs. 4.4 ± 1.1, p < 0.05) and lower ΔMSID (−0.28 ± 3 vs. −3.94 ± 2, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

AV conduction may recover in a significant proportion of patients. In our study, valve implantation depth in the LVOT and intraprocedural AV block are associated with severely impaired AV conduction. Regular PM interrogation and reprogramming are required to avoid unnecessary permanent right ventricular stimulation in patients with AV conduction recovery.