bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Less Known Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Jevtic Djordje , Dumic Igor , Nordin Terri , Singh Amteshwar , Sulovic Nadezda , Radovanovic Milan , Jecmenica Mladen , Milovanovic Tamara
Published: September 2021

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a potentially life threatening severe cutaneous drug reaction. Most patients develop eosinophilia, a rash, a fever, lymphadenopathy and variable visceral organ involvement 2–6 weeks following exposure to the inciting medication. Unlike other severe cutaneous drug reactions, internal organ involvement that leads to high mortality is a unique feature of DRESS syndrome. While the liver is the most common internal organ involved, literally every other visceral organ can be affected in this syndrome. The lesser-known gastrointestinal manifestations of this syndrome include esophagitis, gastritis, enteritis, colitis, pancreatitis and a late autoimmune sequela due to pancreatic injury such as fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. While these entities are less common, they are associated with equally severe complications and adverse patient outcomes. In this review, we synthetize data on these rare manifestations using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The liver, the most common visceral organ involved, has been described as part of DRESS elsewhere and is not included in the scope of this article.
Magnesium Sulfate Enables Patient Immobilization during Moderate Block and Ameliorates the Pain and Analgesic Requirements in Spine Surgery, Which Can Not Be Achieved with Opioid-Only Protocol: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Sohn Hye-Min , Kim Bo-Young , Bae Yu-Kyung , Seo Won-Seok , Jeon Young-Tae
Published: September 2021

Spine surgery is painful despite the balanced techniques including intraoperative and postoperative opioids use. We investigated the effect of intraoperative magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on acute pain intensity, analgesic consumption and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM) during spine surgery. Seventy-two patients were randomly allocated to two groups: the Mg group or the control group. The pain intensity was significantly alleviated in the Mg group at 24 h (3.2 ± 1.7 vs. 4.4 ± 1.8, p = 0.009) and 48 h (3.0 ± 1.2 vs. 3.8 ± 1.6, p = 0.018) after surgery compared to the control group. Total opioid consumption was reduced by 30% in the Mg group during the same period (p = 0.024 and 0.038, respectively). Patients in the Mg group required less additional doses of rocuronium (0 vs. 6 doses, p = 0.025). Adequate IOM recordings were successfully obtained for all patients, and abnormal IOM results denoting warning criteria (amplitude decrement >50%) were similar. Total intravenous anesthesia with MgSO4 combined with opioid-based conventional pain control enables intraoperative patient immobilization without the need for additional neuromuscular blocking drugs and reduces pain intensity and analgesic requirements for 48 h after spine surgery, which is not achieved with only opioid-based protocol.
In Vitro Corrosion of SiC-Coated Anodized Ti Nano-Tubular Surfaces
Authors: Hsu Shu-Min , Fares Chaker , Xia Xinyi , Rasel Md Abu Jafar , Ketter Jacob , Afonso Camargo Samira Esteves , Haque Md Amanul , Ren Fan , Esquivel-Upshaw Josephine F.
Published: September 2021

Peri-implantitis leads to implant failure and decreases long-term survival and success rates of implant-supported prostheses. The pathogenesis of this disease is complex but implant corrosion is believed to be one of the many factors which contributes to progression of this disease. A nanostructured titanium dioxide layer was introduced using anodization to improve the functionality of dental implants. In the present study, we evaluated the corrosion performance of silicon carbide (SiC) on anodized titanium dioxide nanotubes (ATO) using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). This was investigated through a potentiodynamic polarization test and bacterial incubation for 30 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze surface morphologies of non-coated and SiC-coated nanotubes. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) was used to analyze the surface composition. In conclusion, SiC-coated ATO exhibited improved corrosion resistance and holds promise as an implant coating material.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Fungicide Resistance in Citrus Postharvest Green Mold
Authors: Sánchez-Torres Paloma
Published: September 2021

The necrotrophic fungus Penicillium digitatum (Pd) is responsible for the green mold disease that occurs during postharvest of citrus and causes enormous economic losses around the world. Fungicides remain the main method used to control postharvest green mold in citrus fruit storage despite numerous occurrences of resistance to them. Hence, it is necessary to find new and more effective strategies to control this type of disease. This involves delving into the molecular mechanisms underlying the appearance of resistance to fungicides during the plant–pathogen interaction. Although mechanisms involved in resistance to fungicides have been studied for many years, there have now been great advances in the molecular aspects that drive fungicide resistance, which facilitates the design of new means to control green mold. A wide review allows the mechanisms underlying fungicide resistance in Pd to be unveiled, taking into account not only the chemical nature of the compounds and their target of action but also the general mechanism that could contribute to resistance to others compounds to generate what we call multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotypes. In this context, fungal transporters seem to play a relevant role, and their mode of action may be controlled along with other processes of interest, such as oxidative stress and fungal pathogenicity. Thus, the mechanisms for acquisition of resistance to fungicides seem to be part of a complex framework involving aspects of response to stress and processes of fungal virulence.
Fusarium musae from Diseased Bananas and Human Patients: Susceptibility to Fungicides Used in Clinical and Agricultural Settings
Authors: Tava Valeria , Prigitano Anna , Cortesi Paolo , Esposto Maria Carmela , Pasquali Matias
Published: September 2021

Fusarium musae belongs to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex. It causes crown rot disease in banana but also keratitis and skin infections as well as systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. Antifungal treatments in clinical and agricultural settings rely mostly on molecules belonging to the azole class. Given the potential risk of pathogen spread from food to clinical settings, the goal of the work was to define the level of susceptibility to different azoles of a worldwide population of F. musae. Eight fungicides used in agriculture and five antifungals used in clinical settings (4 azoles and amphotericin B) were tested using the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) protocol methodology on 19 F. musae strains collected from both infected patients and bananas. The level of susceptibility to the different active molecules was not dependent on the source of isolation with the exception of fenbuconazole and difenoconazole which had a higher efficiency on banana-isolated strains. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the different molecules ranged from 0.12–0.25 mg/L for prochloraz to more than 16 mg/L for tetraconazole and fenbuconazole. Compared to the F. verticillioides, F. musae MICs were higher suggesting the importance of monitoring the potential future spread of this species also in clinical settings.
Focality-Oriented Selection of Current Dose for Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Authors: Kashyap Rajan , Bhattacharjee Sagarika , Arumugam Ramaswamy , Bharath Rose Dawn , Udupa Kaviraja , Oishi Kenichi , Desmond John E. , Chen S. H. Annabel , Guan Cuntai
Published: September 2021

Background: In transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), the injected current becomes distributed across the brain areas. The objective is to stimulate the target region of interest (ROI) while minimizing the current in non-target ROIs (the ‘focality’ of tDCS). For this purpose, determining the appropriate current dose for an individual is difficult. Aim: To introduce a dose–target determination index (DTDI) to quantify the focality of tDCS and examine the dose–focality relationship in three different populations. Method: Here, we extended our previous toolbox i-SATA to the MNI reference space. After a tDCS montage is simulated for a current dose, the i-SATA(MNI) computes the average (over voxels) current density for every region in the brain. DTDI is the ratio of the average current density at the target ROI to the ROI with a maximum value (the peak region). Ideally, target ROI should be the peak region, so DTDI shall range from 0 to 1. The higher the value, the better the dose. We estimated the variation of DTDI within and across individuals using T1-weighted brain images of 45 males and females distributed equally across three age groups: (a) young adults (20 ≤ x ˂ 40 years), (b) mid adults (40 ≤ x ˂ 60 years), and (c) older adults (60 ≤ x ˂ 80 years). DTDI’s were evaluated for the frontal montage with electrodes at F3 and the right supraorbital for three current doses of 1 mA, 2 mA, and 3 mA, with the target ROI at the left middle frontal gyrus. Result: As the dose is incremented, DTDI may show (a) increase, (b) decrease, and (c) no change across the individuals depending on the relationship (nonlinear or linear) between the injected tDCS current and the distribution of current density in the target ROI. The nonlinearity is predominant in older adults with a decrease in focality. The decline is stronger in males. Higher current dose at older age can enhance the focality of stimulation. Conclusion: DTDI provides information on which tDCS current dose will optimize the focality of stimulation. The recommended DTDI dose should be prioritized based on the age (>40 years) and sex (especially for males) of an individual. The toolbox i-SATA(MNI) is freely available.
Behavioural Responses to Temporary Separation of a Captive Herd of African Elephants (Loxodonta africana)
Authors: Armstrong Sarah R. , Johnson Bridget
Published: September 2021

Elephants are highly intelligent animals with a huge capacity for social cognition, living in large, long-lived, related herds. In captivity, it is extremely difficult to meet all of the species’ ecological needs, as well as those required individual by individual, but improvements are continually being made. After identifying impaired welfare, one collection made the decision to relocate four female African Elephants (Loxodonta africana) to a different facility. As the worlds’ largest land mammal, many safety, welfare, and logistical considerations were undertaken. The elephants travelled in two pairs, a mother–daughter pair and an older unrelated female and a younger unrelated female with a strong social bond. As a result, there was a short gap in between transports, allowing for further habituation to transport crates and the heat of summer. The changes in both social and individual behaviours of the two females remaining when their group was temporarily reduced from four to two were investigated using one-zero sampling. The study determined the daily activities of the elephants comparing ‘before transport’ to ‘after transport’ for the two remaining elephants to establish any changes in their behaviours as a result of this disturbance. Post transport, there was an increase in both human-audible vocalisations and temporal gland secretions, and hugely decreased play behaviour was observed. The dynamic between the remaining pair was also altered with more tactile behaviours from mother to daughter seen but more submission from daughter to mother. This led to the conclusion that the elephants, although mostly unrelated and living in an ‘unnatural’ captive setting, had the same signs of stress and behavioural change as would a highly related group if separated.
A Case of Brachial Artery Thrombosis Caused by Massage of an Occluded Arteriovenous Graft
Authors: Matsue Taisuke , Kuroki Yoshikazu , Naganuma Toshihide , Takemoto Yoshiaki , Uchida Junji
Published: September 2021

Background: Acute upper limb ischemia (AULI) is a potential complication associated with massages of occluded vascular accesses in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Pharmacological thrombolysis, endovascular intervention and surgical intervention are possible treatment options. Deciding the appropriate treatment strategy is still a controversial issue. Case Presentation: The patient was a 43-year-old woman with renal failure who underwent hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. She was found to have an arteriovenous graft (AVG) thrombosis at the start of a hemodialysis session. She underwent massage of the vascular access, and immediately after the massage, she reported pain and cyanosis in her right-hand fingers and was referred to our hospital. Duplex ultrasonography revealed a large number of thrombi in the brachial, radial and ulnar arteries. AULI due to brachial artery thrombosis was diagnosed and surgical intervention was performed on the same day. The vascular wall of the forearm artery was incised vertically against the running vessel and thrombi around the bifurcation of the radial and ulnar arteries were removed. Angiography guided-surgical intervention was performed and improvement in blood flow was achieved. The patient was discharged on the second day after the operation. Conclusion: Surgical intervention has been reported as an effective treatment of AULI due to brachial artery thrombosis after massage of an occluded vascular access.
The Value of Literature Now and in the Future
Authors: Bump Jerome F. A.
Published: September 2021

Literature, the “best writing,” has been both enjoyable and useful for thousands of years [...]
A High-Similarity Modeling Method for Low-Porosity Porous Material and Its Application in Bearing Cage Self-Lubrication Simulation
Authors: Sun Jiannan , Yan Ke , Zhu Yongsheng , Hong Jun
Published: September 2021

The porous oil-containing cage achieves the storage, spillage, and suction of lubricating oil by its micro-pore structure, thus ensuring the self-lubricating performance of the bearing. Carrying out fast and accurate modeling of the cage microscopic pore structure is the key to the analysis of the self-lubricating mechanism of bearings. In response to the issues where current modeling methods of porous materials have a low similarity of pore distribution, morphology, structure, and size characteristics, and the transition of pore surfaces is sharp, this paper proposed a modeling method of a highly similar micro-pore structure based on the idea of median filtering, the quartet structure generation set (QSGS), and the slice method. By extracting and analyzing the pore characteristics of the porous model and comparing them with the experimental results of CT scanning, the advantages of the modeling method in terms of morphology and pore connectivity were verified. Finally, by carrying out simulation analysis of the centrifugal force of oil splashing and capillary oil absorption on the constructed model by combining the parameters of porous structures such as porosity and tortuosity, the advantages of the modeling method in the construction of the porous model and multi-physical field analysis were further verified.
Raman Spectroscopy as a Novel Method for the Characterization of Polydioxanone Medical Stents Biodegradation
Authors: Loskot Jan , Jezbera Daniel , Bezrouk Aleš , Doležal Rafael , Andrýs Rudolf , Francová Vendula , Miškář Dominik , Myslivcová Fučíková Alena
Published: September 2021

Polydioxanone (PPDX), as an FDA approved polymer in tissue engineering, is an important component of some promising medical devices, e.g., biodegradable stents. The hydrolytic degradation of polydioxanone stents plays a key role in the safety and efficacy of treatment. A new fast and convenient method to quantitatively evaluate the hydrolytic degradation of PPDX stent material was developed. PPDX esophageal stents were degraded in phosphate-buffered saline for 24 weeks. For the first time, the changes in Raman spectra during PPDX biodegradation have been investigated here. The level of PPDX hydrolytic degradation was determined from the Raman spectra by calculating the area under the 1732 cm−1 peak shoulder. Raman spectroscopy, unlike Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, is also sensitive enough to monitor the decrease in the dye content in the stents during the degradation. Observation by a scanning electron microscope showed gradually growing cracks, eventually leading to the stent disintegration. The material crystallinity was increasing during the first 16 weeks, suggesting preferential degradation of the amorphous phase. Our results show a new easy and reliable way to evaluate the progression of PPDX hydrolytic degradation. The proposed approach can be useful for further studies on the behavior of PPDX materials, and for clinical practice.
Clinical Results of a Massive Blood Transfusion Protocol for Postpartum Hemorrhage in a University Hospital in Japan: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ochiai Daigo , Abe Yushi , Yamazaki Rie , Uemura Tomoe , Toriumi Ayako , Matsuhashi Hiroko , Tanaka Yuya , Ikenoue Satoru , Kasuga Yoshifumi , Tanosaki Ryuji , Tanaka Mamoru
Published: September 2021

Background and objectives: Massive postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the most common cause of maternal death worldwide. A massive transfusion protocol (MTP) may be used to provide significant benefits in the management of PPH; however, only a limited number of hospitals use MTP protocol to manage massive obstetric hemorrhages, especially in Japan. This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes in patients in whom MTP was activated in our hospital. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the etiology of PPH, transfusion outcomes, and laboratory findings among the patients treated with MTP after delivery in our hospital. Results: MTP was applied in 24 cases (0.7% of deliveries). Among them, MTP was activated within 2 h of delivery in 15 patients (62.5%). The median estimated blood loss was 5017 mL. Additional procedures to control bleeding were performed in 19 cases, including transarterial embolization (18 cases, 75%) and hysterectomy (1 case, 4.2%). The mean number of units of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets were 17.9, 20.2, and 20.4 units, respectively. The correlation coefficients of any two items among red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, blood loss, and obstetrical disseminated intravascular coagulation score ranged from 0.757 to 0.892, indicating high levels of correlation coefficients. Although prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time levels were significantly higher in the <150 mg/dL fibrinogen group than in the ≥150 mg/dL fibrinogen group at the onset of PPH, the amount of blood loss and blood transfusion were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions: Our MTP provides early access to blood products for patients experiencing severe PPH and could contribute to improving maternal outcomes after resuscitation in our hospital. Our study suggests the implementation of a hospital-specific MTP protocol to improve the supply and utilization of blood products to physicians managing major obstetric hemorrhage.
Long-Term Outcomes of Perinatal Hypoxia and Asphyxia at an Early School Age
Authors: Dzikienė Renata , Lukoševičius Saulius , Laurynaitienė Jūratė , Marmienė Vitalija , Nedzelskienė Irena , Tamelienė Rasa , Rimdeikienė Inesa , Kudrevičienė Aušrelė
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives: Late long-term outcomes of perinatal asphyxia (PA) in school-age are often unclear. To assess long-term outcomes at an early school age in children who had experienced perinatal hypoxia or asphyxia, where therapeutic hypothermia was not applied. Materials and Methods: The case group children were 8–9-year-old children (n = 32) who were born at full term and experienced hypoxia or asphyxia at birth, where therapeutic hypothermia (TH) was not applied. The control group consisted of 8–9-year-old children (n = 16) born without hypoxia. A structured neurological examination was performed at an early school age. The neuromotor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Health-related quality-of-life was assessed using the Health Utilities Index (HUI) questionnaire. Intellectual abilities were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). Results: The case group, compared with controls, had significantly (p = 0.002) lower mean [SD] full-scale IQ (87(16.86) vs. 107(12.15)), verbal-scale IQ (89(17.45) vs. 105(11.55)), verbal comprehension index (89(17.36) vs. 105(10.74)), working memory index (89(15.68) vs. 104(11.84)), performance IQ (87(16.51) vs. 108(15.48)) and perceptual organization index (85(15.71) vs. 105(15.93)). We did not find any significant differences in the incidence of disorders of neurological examination, movement abilities and health-related quality of life at an early school age between the case and the control group children. Conclusion: In children who experienced perinatal asphyxia but did not have cerebral paralysis (CP), where therapeutic hypothermia was not applied, cognitive assessment scores at an early school age were significantly lower compared to those in the group of healthy children, and were at a low average level.
Orthopedic Surgeons’ Views of Hyaluronic Acid Formulations in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alnasser Shahd , AlHussain Fatima , Asiri Hassan , Almutairi Abdullah , Alsanawi Hisham , Altamimi Anas AR , Asiri Yousif A. , Almohammed Omar A. , AlRuthia Yazed
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives: Multiple hyaluronic acid (HA) products were approved and marketed to manage osteoarthritis (OA). Although these products are widely prescribed by orthopedic surgeons to manage OA, especially knee OA, the therapeutic value of these products is highly uncertain. Few studies with significant limitations in their designs have indicated positive outcomes among OA patients treated with HA; however, their results were inconclusive. Thus, we aimed to explore the therapeutic value of different HA products in alleviating knee OA pain and improving patients’ physical function from the orthopedic surgeons’ perspective. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in which practicing orthopedic surgeons in two countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia and Jordan) were invited to participate. The 10-item, newly developed questionnaire inquired about the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, country, years of experience), and their opinions regarding the efficacy of HA products in the management of OA (e.g., efficacy in improving mobility and alleviating pain). Results: Out of the 200 orthopedic surgeons who were invited to participate, 122 (61%) filled out the questionnaire. Most of the respondents were from Saudi Arabia (58%), aged 35 to 55 years (68%), had at least 10 years of experience (69%), and male (98%). About 80% of the respondents reported prescribing HA, such as Hyalgan®, Orthovisc®, Hyalubrix®, and Crespine Gel®. About 66% of the respondents believed that HA was moderately to highly effective in managing knee OA, and 34% believed that HA was either ineffective or mildly effective. Pain at the site of injection (44.3%) and rash or local skin reactions (22.1%) were the most commonly reported adverse events. Conclusions: The variations in the formulation of different HA brands (e.g., molecular weight and cross-linking) did not seem to offer any therapeutic advantage. HA might have value in the management of knee OA; however, its value is highly uncertain and necessitates more well-designed studies to further examine its therapeutic value.
Electrospinning of Polyepychlorhydrin and Polyacrylonitrile Anionic Exchange Membranes for Reverse Electrodialysis
Authors: Reyes-Aguilera José A. , Villafaña-López Liliana , Rentería-Martínez Elva C. , Anderson Sean M. , Jaime-Ferrer Jesús S.
Published: September 2021

The saline gradient present in river mouths can be exploited using ion-exchange membranes in reverse electrodialysis (RED) for energy generation. However, significant improvements in the fabrication processes of these IEMs are necessary to increase the overall performance of the RED technology. This work proposes an innovative technique for synthesizing anion exchange membranes (AEMs) via electrospinning. The AEM synthesis was carried out by applying a high voltage while ejecting a mixture of polyepichlorohydrin (PECH), 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (DABCO® 33-LV) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) at room temperature. Different ejection parameters were used, and the effects of various thermal treatments were tested on the resulting membranes. The AEMs presented crosslinking between the polymers and significant fiber homogeneity with diameters between 1400 and 1510 nm, with and without thermal treatment. Good chemical resistance was measured, and all synthesized membranes were of hydrophobic character. The thickness, roughness, swelling degree, specific fixed-charge density and ion-exchange capacity were improved over equivalent membranes produced by casting, and also when compared with commercial membranes. Finally, the results of the study of the electrospinning parameters indicate that a better performance in electrochemical properties was produced from fibers generated at ambient humidity conditions, with low flow velocity and voltage, and high collector rotation velocity.
Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis for Sulfate Recycling in the Metallurgical Industries
Authors: Kuldeep  , Badenhorst Wouter Dirk , Kauranen Pertti , Pajari Heikki , Ruismäki Ronja , Mannela Petri , Murtomäki Lasse
Published: September 2021

Demand for nickel and cobalt sulfate is expected to increase due to the rapidly growing Li-battery industry needed for the electrification of automobiles. This has led to an increase in the production of sodium sulfate as a waste effluent that needs to be processed to meet discharge guidelines. Using bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPED), acids and bases can be effectively produced from corresponding salts found in these waste effluents. However, the efficiency and environmental sustainability of the overall BPED process depends upon several factors, including the properties of the ion exchange membranes employed, effluent type, and temperature which affects the viscosity and conductivity of feed effluent, and the overpotentials. This work focuses on the recycling of Na2SO4 rich waste effluent, through a feed and bleed BPED process. A high ion-exchange capacity and ionic conductivity with excellent stability up to 41 °C is observed during the proposed BPED process, with this temperature increase also leading to improved current efficiency. Five and ten repeating units were tested to determine the effect on BPED stack performance, as well as the effect of temperature and current density on the stack voltage and current efficiency. Furthermore, the concentration and maximum purity (>96.5%) of the products were determined. Using the experimental data, both the capital expense (CAPEX) and operating expense (OPEX) for a theoretical plant capacity of 100 m3 h−1 of Na2SO4 at 110 g L−1 was calculated, yielding CAPEX values of 20 M EUR, and OPEX at 14.2 M EUR/year with a payback time of 11 years, however, the payback time is sensitive to chemical and electricity prices.
Use of Essential Oils for the Control of Anthracnose Disease Caused by Colletotrichum acutatum on Post-Harvest Mangoes of Cat Hoa Loc Variety
Authors: Danh Luu Thai , Giao Bui Thi , Duong Chau Trung , Nga Nguyen Thi Thu , Tien Doan Thi Kieu , Tuan Nguyen Trong , Huong Bui Thi Cam , Nhan Tran Chi , Trang Dai Thi Xuan
Published: September 2021

Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. makes heavy losses for post-harvest mangoes of Cat Hoa Loc variety during storage, packaging, and transportation. The synthetic fungicides are commonly used to control the disease, but they are not safe for consumers’ health and environment. This study was aimed to investigate the use of essential oils (EOs) as the safe alternative control. Pathogen was isolated from the infected Cat Hoa Loc mangoes and identified by morphology and DNA sequencing of the ITS region. Six EOs (cinnamon, basil, lemongrass, peppermint, coriander, and orange) were chemically analyzed by GC–MS. The antifungal activity of EOs was studied in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the isolated pathogen was Colletotrichum acutatum. Cinnamon, basil, and lemongrass EOs effectively inhibited the growth of C. acutatum in descending order of cinnamon, basil, and lemongrass. However, they (except basil oil) severely damaged fruit peels. The antifungal activity was closely related to the main compounds of EOs. Basil EOs effectively controlled anthracnose development on Cat Hoa Loc mangoes artificially infected with C. acutatum, and its effectiveness was comparable to that of fungicide treatment. Consequently, basil EOs can be used as a biocide to control anthracnose on post-harvest Cat Hoa Loc mangoes.
Modified Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Membranes for the Elimination of Antibiotics from Water
Authors: Gaálová Jana , Bourassi Mahdi , Soukup Karel , Trávníčková Tereza , Bouša Daniel , Sundararajan Swati , Losada Olga , Kasher Roni , Friess Karel , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: September 2021

The hydrophilic and hydrophobic single-walled carbon nanotube membranes were prepared and progressively applied in sorption, filtration, and pertraction experiments with the aim of eliminating three antibiotics—tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim—as a single pollutant or as a mixture. The addition of SiO2 to the single-walled carbon nanotubes allowed a transparent study of the influence of porosity on the separation processes. The mild oxidation, increasing hydrophilicity, and reactivity of the single-walled carbon nanotube membranes with the pollutants were suitable for the filtration and sorption process, while non-oxidized materials with a hydrophobic layer were more appropriate for pertraction. The total pore volume increased with an increasing amount of SiO2 (from 743 to 1218 mm3/g) in the hydrophilic membranes. The hydrophobic layer completely covered the carbon nanotubes and SiO2 nanoparticles and provided significantly different membrane surface interactions with the antibiotics. Single-walled carbon nanotubes adsorbed the initial amount of antibiotics in less than 5 h. A time of 2.3 s was sufficient for the filtration of 98.8% of sulfamethoxazole, 95.5% of trimethoprim, and 87.0% of tetracycline. The thicker membranes demonstrate a higher adsorption capacity. However, the pertraction was slower than filtration, leading to total elimination of antibiotics (e.g., 3 days for tetracycline). The diffusion coefficient of the antibiotics varies between 0.7–2.7 × 10−10, depending on the addition of SiO2 in perfect agreement with the findings of the textural analysis and scanning electron microscopy observations. Similar to filtration, tetracycline is retained by the membranes more than sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.
Systematic Development of Eutectic High Entropy Alloys by Thermodynamic Modeling and Experimentation: An Example of the CoCrFeNi-Mo System
Authors: Mukarram Muhammad , Munir M. Awais , Mujahid Mohammad , Yaqoob Khurram
Published: September 2021

Face centered cubic (FCC) high-entropy alloys (HEA) exhibit excellent ductility while body centered cubic (BCC) HEAs are characterized by high strength. Development of fine two-phase eutectic microstructure (consisting of a tough phase such as fcc and a hard phase such as bcc/intermetallic) can help in obtaining an extraordinary combination of strength and ductility in HEAs. Designing eutectic high entropy alloys is an extremely difficult task for which different empirical and non-empirical methods have been previously tried. In the present study, the possibility of developing a eutectic microstructure by the addition of Mo to CoCrFeNi was evaluated by calculation of the pseudo-binary phase diagram. Experimental results validated the presence of eutectic reaction in the calculated phase diagrams; however, small changes in the calculated phase diagrams were proposed. It has been shown that calculated pseudo-binary phase diagrams can provide a very good starting point for the development of eutectic HEAs and help in exponentially reducing the amount of experimental effort that may be required otherwise. Eutectic mixture consisting of FCC (A2) phase and intermetallic phases (σ and μ) was successfully obtained by the addition of Mo to the CoCrFeNi system. The development of the eutectic microstructure showed a profound effect on the mechanical properties. Hardness of the samples increased from 150 HV for CoCrFeNiMo0.1 to 425.5 HV for CoCrFeNiMo1.0, whereas yield strength increased from around 218 MPa for CoCrFeNiMo0.1 to around 1100 MPa for CoCrFeNiMo1.0.
Manipulation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in N-Doped CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yoon Kook Noh , Kim Min Seok , Ahn Heh Sang , Kim Ji Young , Ryu Wook Ha , Park Eun Soo
Published: September 2021

Herein, we carefully investigate the effect of nitrogen doping in the equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties. After homogenization (1100 °C for 20 h), cold-rolling (reduction ratio of 60%) and subsequent annealing (800 °C for 1 h), a unique complex heterogeneous microstructure consisting of fine recrystallized grains, large non-recrystallized grains, and nanoscale Cr2N precipitates, were obtained in nitrogen-doped (0.3 wt.%) CoCrFeMnNi HEA. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength can be significantly improved in nitrogen-doped (0.3 wt.%) CoCrFeMnNi HEA with a complex heterogeneous microstructure, which shows more than two times higher than those compared to CoCrFeMnNi HEA under the identical process condition. It is achieved by the simultaneous operation of various strengthening mechanisms from the complex heterogeneous microstructure. Although it still has not solved the problem of ductility reduction, as the strength increases because the microstructure optimization is not yet complete, it is expected that precise control of the unique complex heterogeneous structure in nitrogen-doped CoCrFeMnNi HEA can open a new era in overcoming the strength–ductility trade-off, one of the oldest dilemmas of structural materials.
Interface Formation and Bonding Mechanisms of Laser Welding of PMMA Plastic and 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Huang Yijie , Gao Xiangdong , Ma Bo , Zhang Yanxi
Published: September 2021

Laser welding experiments involving amorphous thermoplastic polymer (PMMA) and 304 austenitic stainless steel plates were conducted to explore the influence of laser welding process parameters on plastic–metal joints. A high-speed camera was applied to record the dynamics of the molten pool and the formation of bubbles to reveal the bonding mechanisms of the hybrid joints. The influence of process parameters on the joints was analyzed using temperature measurements performed with thermocouples. The microstructure morphology of joints was observed using SEM. The mechanical characterization of the hybrid joints was carried out to understand the effect of the welding conditions on the weld morphology, flaws and shear stress. Different interface temperatures resulted in two types of bubbles and led to different weld morphology characteristics. A stable hybrid joint with the best shear stress was produced with a laser line energy of 20.16 J/mm2, a temperature of 305 °C and small bubbles. The shear stress of the effective joint under the maximum mechanical resistance was 4.17 MPa. The chemical bonds (M-O, M-C) and mechanical anchoring that formed on the steel’s surface contributed to the joint bonding. Range analysis provided guidance for identifying the impact of individual factors in the shear stress for the laser welding of plastic–metal.
Study on Adding Ammonium Hydrogen Fluoride to Improve Manganese Leaching Efficiency of Ammonia Leaching Low-Grade Rhodochrosite
Authors: Yang Peng , Liang Xiaoping , Wu Chengbo , Cui Tengfei , Wang Yu
Published: September 2021

The ammonia leaching method for treating low-grade rhodochrosite has the advantages of a good impurity removal effect and low environmental pollution. In this paper, aiming at the low leaching efficiency of low-grade rhodochrosite treated by the ammonia leaching method, studies on enhancing the leaching efficiency of manganese by using ammonium hydrogen fluoride as an additive are carried out. The effects of different ammonia concentrations, leaching temperatures, leaching times, liquid-solid ratios, stirring rates, and the addition of ammonium hydrogen fluoride on the leaching efficiency of manganese with and without ammonium hydrogen fluoride as an additive were comparatively studied, and the parameters of ammonia concentration, ammonia leaching temperature, and ammonium hydrogen fluoride dosage were optimized in the experimental study. The results indicated that ammonium hydrogen fluoride as an additive in the treatment of low-grade rhodochrosite by the ammonia leaching method could effectively increase the leaching efficiency of manganese, and the optimal process parameters were obtained. Meanwhile, the addition of ammonium hydrogen fluoride didn’t affect the quality of the steamed ammonia product.
Metabolite Ratios as Quality Indicators for Pre-Analytical Variation in Serum and EDTA Plasma
Authors: Heiling Sven , Knutti Nadine , Scherr Franziska , Geiger Jörg , Weikert Juliane , Rose Michael , Jahns Roland , Ceglarek Uta , Scherag André , Kiehntopf Michael
Published: September 2021

In clinical diagnostics and research, blood samples are one of the most frequently used materials. Nevertheless, exploring the chemical composition of human plasma and serum is challenging due to the highly dynamic influence of pre-analytical variation. A prominent example is the variability in pre-centrifugation delay (time-to-centrifugation; TTC). Quality indicators (QI) reflecting sample TTC are of utmost importance in assessing sample history and resulting sample quality, which is essential for accurate diagnostics and conclusive, reproducible research. In the present study, we subjected human blood to varying TTCs at room temperature prior to processing for plasma or serum preparation. Potential sample QIs were identified by Ultra high pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) based metabolite profiling in samples from healthy volunteers (n = 10). Selected QIs were validated by a targeted MS/MS approach in two independent sets of samples from patients (n = 40 and n = 70). In serum, the hypoxanthine/guanosine (HG) and hypoxanthine/inosine (HI) ratios demonstrated high diagnostic performance (Sensitivity/Specificity > 80%) for the discrimination of samples with a TTC > 1 h. We identified several eicosanoids, such as 12-HETE, 15-(S)-HETE, 8-(S)-HETE, 12-oxo-HETE, (±)13-HODE and 12-(S)-HEPE as QIs for a pre-centrifugation delay > 2 h. 12-HETE, 12-oxo-HETE, 8-(S)-HETE, and 12-(S)-HEPE, and the HI- and HG-ratios could be validated in patient samples.
Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Degludec/Insulin Aspart Compared with a Conventional Premixed Insulin or Basal Insulin: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Moon Shinje , Chung Hye-Soo , Kim Yoon-Jung , Yu Jae-Myung , Jeong Woo-Ju , Park Jiwon , Oh Chang-Myung
Published: September 2021

Insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is a novel co-formulation of 70% insulin degludec and 30% insulin aspart. The present meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of IDegAsp compared with a conventional premixed insulin or basal insulin. We extracted data from citation databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, since inception to 2021. We calculated the mean differences for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), self-measured mean glucose, and postprandial glucose (PPG) and odds ratios for confirmed hypoglycemia events. Compared with twice-daily conventional premixed insulin, twice-daily IDegAsp showed a similar effect on changes in HbA1c, but it significantly reduced FPG and self-measured mean glucose levels. Furthermore, compared to once-daily basal insulin, once-daily IDegAsp had a similar effect on changes in HbA1c, but it significantly reduced self-measured mean glucose and PPG levels. The risk of overall confirmed hypoglycemia was similar between treatments; however, the risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia events was significantly lower with IDegAsp than with conventional premixed insulin and basal insulin. Thus, IDegAsp was more effective than conventional premixed insulin and basal insulin at reducing blood glucose with fewer nocturnal hypoglycemia events.
Combined LXR and RXR Agonist Therapy Increases ABCA1 Protein Expression and Enhances ApoAI-Mediated Cholesterol Efflux in Cultured Endothelial Cells
Authors: Huang Kun , Jo Hanjoong , Echesabal-Chen Jing , Stamatikos Alexis
Published: September 2021

Endothelial ABCA1 expression protects against atherosclerosis and this atheroprotective effect is partially attributed to enhancing apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux. ABCA1 is a target gene for LXR and RXR; therefore, treating endothelial cells with LXR and/or RXR agonists may increase ABCA1 expression. We tested whether treating cultured immortalized mouse aortic endothelial cells (iMAEC) with the endogenous LXR agonist 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol, synthetic LXR agonist GW3965, endogenous RXR agonist 9-cis-retinoic acid, or synthetic RXR agonist SR11237 increases ABCA1 protein expression. We observed a significant increase in ABCA1 protein expression in iMAEC treated with either GW3965 or SR11237 alone, but no significant increase in ABCA1 protein was observed in iMAEC treated with either 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol or 9-cis-retionic acid alone. However, we observed significant increases in both ABCA1 protein expression and apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux when iMAEC were treated with a combination of either 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol and 9-cis-retinoic acid or GW3965 and SR11237. Furthermore, treating iMAEC with either 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol and 9-cis-retinoic acid or GW3965 and SR11237 did not trigger an inflammatory response, based on VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CCL2, and IL-6 mRNA expression. Based on our findings, delivering LXR and RXR agonists precisely to endothelial cells may be a promising atheroprotective approach.
Preliminary Observations on Skeletal Muscle Adaptation and Plasticity in Homer 2-/- Mice
Authors: Lorenzon Paola , Furlan Sandra , Ravara Barbara , Bosutti Alessandra , Massaria Gabriele , Bernareggi Annalisa , Sciancalepore Marina , Trautmann Gabor , Block Katharina , Blottner Dieter , Worley Paul F. , Zampieri Sandra , Salanova Michele , Volpe Pompeo
Published: September 2021

Homer represents a diversified family of scaffold and transduction proteins made up of several isoforms. Here, we present preliminary observations on skeletal muscle adaptation and plasticity in a transgenic model of Homer 2-/- mouse using a multifaceted approach entailing morphometry, quantitative RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR), confocal immunofluorescence, and electrophysiology. Morphometry shows that Soleus muscle (SOL), at variance with Extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) and Flexor digitorum brevis muscle (FDB), displays sizable reduction of fibre cross-sectional area compared to the WT counterparts. In SOL of Homer 2-/- mice, quantitative RT-PCR indicated the upregulation of Atrogin-1 and Muscle ring finger protein 1 (MuRF1) genes, and confocal immunofluorescence showed the decrease of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) Homer content. Electrophysiological measurements of isolated FDB fibres from Homer 2-/- mice detected the exclusive presence of the adult ε-nAChR isoform excluding denervation. As for NMJ morphology, data were not conclusive, and further work is needed to ascertain whether the null Homer 2 phenotype induces any endplate remodelling. Within the context of adaptation and plasticity, the present data show that Homer 2 is a co-regulator of the normotrophic status in a muscle specific fashion.
Postmortem Metabolomics: Strategies to Assess Time-Dependent Postmortem Changes of Diazepam, Nordiazepam, Morphine, Codeine, Mirtazapine and Citalopram
Authors: Brockbals Lana , Wartmann Yannick , Mantinieks Dylan , Glowacki Linda L. , Gerostamoulos Dimitri , Kraemer Thomas , Steuer Andrea E.
Published: September 2021

Postmortem redistribution (PMR) can result in artificial drug concentration changes following death and complicate forensic case interpretation. Currently, no accurate methods for PMR prediction exist. Hence, alternative strategies were developed investigating the time-dependent postmortem behavior of diazepam, nordiazepam, morphine, codeine, mirtazapine and citalopram. For 477 authentic postmortem cases, femoral blood samples were collected at two postmortem time-points. All samples were quantified for drugs of abuse (targeted; liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS) and characterized for small endogenous molecules (untargeted; gas chromatography-high resolution MS (GC-HRMS). Trends for significant time-dependent concentration decreases (diazepam (n = 137), nordiazepam (n = 126)), increases (mirtazapine (n = 55), citalopram (n = 50)) or minimal median postmortem changes (morphine (n = 122), codeine (n = 92)) could be observed. Robust mathematical mixed effect models were created for the generalized postmortem behavior of diazepam and nordiazepam, which could be used to back-calculate drug concentrations towards a time-point closer to the estimated time of death (caution: inter-individual variability). Significant correlations between time-dependent concentration changes of morphine, mirtazapine and citalopram with individual endogenous molecules could be determined; no correlation was deemed strong enough for successful a posteriori estimation on the occurrence of PMR for specific cases. The current dataset did successfully lead to a significant knowledge gain in further understanding the time-dependent postmortem behavior of the studied drugs (of abuse).