bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Fluorinated Diamond-like Carbon Coating Promotes Osteogenesis—Comparison with Titanium Alloy
Authors: Sasamoto Takeshi , Kawaguchi Masahito , Yonezawa Katsutaka , Ichiseki Toru , Kaneuji Ayumi , Shintani Kazuhiro , Yoshida Anzu , Kawahara Norio
Published: October 2021

Fluorinated diamond-like carbon (F-DLC) coating is biologically safe, provides superior antibacterial properties, and shows promise in preventing postoperative peri-implant infections. However, potential negative effects of this coating on in vivo bone formation and resorption have not been studied. The authors investigated the effects of F-DLC coatings on bone union in beagle dogs. Seventy-two solid columns of titanium alloy were prepared with equally spaced slits. Half of these columns were coated with F-DLC (Group F), and the others were left uncoated as controls (Group C). Columns were implanted in the femurs of beagle dogs, and in vivo bone formation and resorption were assessed 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation. In comparison to Group C, Group F showed significantly greater bone volume and trabecular thickness at Week 8 (p < 0.05) and Week 12 (p < 0.005) and significantly lower bone resorption activity, measured by the ratio of osteoclasts to bone surface and of eroded surface to bone surface, at Week 12 (p < 0.05). The F-DLC coating encouraged bone formation in vivo more effectively than uncoated titanium alloy, suggesting that F-DLC will prove to be a useful coating material for antibacterial intraosseous implants.
Special Issue on Computational Methods and Engineering Solutions to Voice II
Authors: Döllinger Michael
Published: October 2021

Today, research into voice and speech is not only limited to acoustic, medical, and clinical studies and investigations [...]
Hazard Assessment for a Glacier Lake Outburst Flood in the Mo Chu River Basin, Bhutan
Authors: Hagg Wilfried , Ram Stefan , Klaus Alexander , Aschauer Simon , Babernits Sinan , Brand Dennis , Guggemoos Peter , Pappas Theodor
Published: October 2021

The frequency of glacier lake outbursts floods (GLOFs) is likely to increase with the ongoing glacier retreat, which produces new glacial lakes and enlarges existing ones. Here, we simulate the outburst of a potentially dangerous glacial lake in Bhutan by applying hydrodynamic modelling. Although the lake volume is known, several parameters connected to the dam breach and the routing of the flood are rough estimates or assumptions, which introduce uncertainties in the results. For this reason, we create an ensemble of nine outburst scenarios. The simulation of magnitude and timing of possible inundation depths is an important asset to prepare emergency action plans. For our case study in the Mo Chu River Basin, the results show that, even under the worst case scenario, little damage to residential buildings can be expected. However, such an outburst flood would probably destroy infrastructure and farmland and might even affect the operation of a hydroelectric powerplant more than 120 km downstream the lake. Our simulation efforts revealed that, by using a 30-m elevation model instead of a 5-m raster, flood magnitude and inundation areas are overestimated significantly, which highly suggests the use of high-resolution terrain data. These results may be a valuable input for risk mitigation efforts.
Malus Antioxidant Metabolism Following Bacterial–Fungal Inoculation in Organic Farming: From Root to Fruit
Authors: Łata Barbara , Łaźny Radosław , Przybyłko Sebastian , Wrona Dariusz
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the antioxidant status of roots, leaves, and fruit upon microbial inoculation (AMF+PGPR, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, respectively) of young organically farmed apple trees over two growing seasons. Three cultivars—‘Topaz’, ‘Chopin’, and ‘Odra’—were selected to test the relationship between inoculation and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant components. The antioxidant metabolism was highly dependent on tissue type and growing season. The greatest effect on antioxidant status following application of the inoculum was found in roots, then leaves, but it was almost negligible in fruit. Roots were influenced most by application of the inoculum in the first growing season, while leaves were influenced most in the second season. Considerable differences between the inoculated and control plants were found for root glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) activity, as well as glutathione and ascorbate contents; root phenolics were not influenced by inoculation. In the case of leaves, effect of microbial inoculation on GR activity was revealed in the first growing season, while for global phenolics in the second season, and only the concentration of glutathione was significantly higher in the leaves of inoculated trees in both growing seasons. Leaf ascorbate content and CAT activity were not influenced by the microbial inoculation. The control and inoculated trees expressed a similar total antioxidant capacity, irrespective of the tissue type tested. Furthermore, the response of the cultivars to inoculation varied and also changed in consecutive growing seasons. Based on this study, it is likely that the effect of microbial inoculum as a tool for enhancing health-promoting properties in the fruit of perennial plants is weaker than that described for vegetables where different plant organs are edible.
Plant Diseases Identification through a Discount Momentum Optimizer in Deep Learning
Authors: Sun Yunyun , Liu Yutong , Zhou Haocheng , Hu Huijuan
Published: October 2021

Deep learning proves its promising results in various domains. The automatic identification of plant diseases with deep convolutional neural networks attracts a lot of attention at present. This article extends stochastic gradient descent momentum optimizer and presents a discount momentum (DM) deep learning optimizer for plant diseases identification. To examine the recognition and generalization capability of the DM optimizer, we discuss the hyper-parameter tuning and convolutional neural networks models across the plantvillage dataset. We further conduct comparison experiments on popular non-adaptive learning rate methods. The proposed approach achieves an average validation accuracy of no less than 97% for plant diseases prediction on several state-of-the-art deep learning models and holds a low sensitivity to hyper-parameter settings. Experimental results demonstrate that the DM method can bring a higher identification performance, while still maintaining a competitive performance over other non-adaptive learning rate methods in terms of both training speed and generalization.
Diagnostic Analysis of the Generative Mechanism of Extratropical Cyclones in the Northwest Pacific and Northwest Atlantic
Authors: Gong Qinglong , Diao Yina , Sun Ruipeng , Xiong Xuejun , Sun Jilin
Published: October 2021

We investigated the early-stage development of cyclones occurring in the strong baroclinic regions in the Northwest Pacific and the Northwest Atlantic based on European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis-Interim (ERA-Interim) data. The composite background conditions corresponding to the cyclones on the onset day are characterized by upper troposphere divergence of westerly jet ahead of a trough, low troposphere convergence of westerly jet behind a trough, and strong meridional air temperature gradient (baroclinicity) both in the Northwest Pacific and the Northwest Atlantic, but with stronger baroclinicity in the Northwest Pacific. The composite velocity and temperature fields of the cyclone on the onset day show a clear horizontal front and a westward and northward vertical tilting of cyclonic circulation to the cold zone. The composite Northwest Pacific cyclone filed on the onset day has a warm core, whereas the composite Northwest Atlantic cyclone field has a cold core in the low troposphere. The leading adiabatic processes that contribute to the developing of the cold core cyclone in the Northwest Atlantic on the onset day is the temperature advection, while stronger vertical motion induces stronger adiabatic warming in the Northwest Pacific cyclones, which has a significant contribution to the development of warm core cyclones on the onset day.
Impact of Climate Variability on Climate Beach-Based Tourism Aptitude: A Case Study in the Atlantic Coast of SW Europe
Authors: Rasilla Domingo F.
Published: October 2021

The spatial and temporal variability of the summer (July–August) climate beach-based tourism aptitude along the Atlantic coast of SW Europe from 1973 to 2017 and its links with the atmospheric circulation has been analyzed, combining an empirical index and a circulation pattern approach. Three different coastal sectors were defined from a PCA analysis: Galicia-N of Portugal, the Gulf of Biscay, and the western coast of France and the English Channel. Each region experienced a contrasted evolution due to geographical factors such as latitude, orography and exposure to the prevailing circulation patterns. No significant increase in aptitude was found because the background warming has not been balanced by trends in cloudiness or precipitation. Several possible causes are discussed, from local to large-scale, such as the recent evolution of the summer NAO pattern impacting the northernmost region.
The Modulation of Gut Microbiota Composition in the Pathophysiology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kunasegaran Thubasni , Balasubramaniam Vinod R. M. T. , Arasoo Valliammai Jayanthi T. , Palanisamy Uma Devi , Ramadas Amutha
Published: October 2021

General gut microbial dysbiosis in diabetes mellitus, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), has been reported in a large body of literature. However, evidence investigating the association between specific taxonomic classes and GDM is lacking. Thus, we performed a systematic review of peer-reviewed observational studies and trials conducted among women with GDM within the last ten years using standard methodology. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies. Fourteen studies investigating microbial interactions with GDM were found to be relevant and included in this review. The synthesis of literature findings demonstrates that Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria phyla, such as Desulfovibrio, Ruminococcaceae, P. distasonis, Enterobacteriaceae, Collinsella, and Prevotella, were positively associated with GDM. In contrast, Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium, which produce butyrate, are negatively associated with GDM. These bacteria were associated with inflammation, adiposity, and glucose intolerance in women with GDM. Lack of good diet management demonstrated the alteration of gut microbiota and its impact on GDM glucose homeostasis. The majority of the studies were of good quality. Therefore, there is great potential to incorporate personalized medicine targeting microbiome modulation through dietary intervention in the management of GDM.
Bioactive and Physicochemical Characteristics of Natural Food: Palmyra Palm (Borassus flabellifer Linn.) Syrup
Authors: Thi Le Dung Huynh , Chiu Chien-Shan , Chan Yung-Jia , Wang Chiun-Chuan R. , Liang Zeng-Chin , Hsieh Chang-Wei , Lu Wen-Chien , Mulio Amanda Tresiliana , Wang Yin-Jun , Li Po-Hsien
Published: October 2021

Palmyra palm syrup, produced from Borassus flabellifer flowers’ sap, is rich in nutrients and minerals and has unique flavors. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant activity, physicochemical characteristics, and Maillard reaction products of palmyra palm syrup prepared by thermal and ultrafiltration processes. Palmyra palm syrup prepared by a thermal process had smaller L*, b* values, and larger a* values than that prepared by an ultrafiltration process. Palmyra palm syrup contained 10 vitamins, the most abundant being vitamin E. Overall, 38 volatile compounds were found and classified into six groups in the order of alcohols > acids > ketones > sulfurs > pyrazines > phenols and aldehyde. Volatile compounds depended on concentration, temperature, and ultrafiltration process. Protein content decreased because of participation in the Maillard reaction and increased 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and total phenolic content. The HMF content was very low (0.02–14.95 mg/100 g). The radical scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-1 picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) in palmyra palm syrup with thermal process was higher than with ultrafiltration. This study established that ultrafiltration pretreatment of palmyra palm syrup generated a good appearance and reduced the HMF content, however, it negatively affected the volatile compounds and physicochemical characteristics.
Genomic Features and Molecular Function of a Novel Stress-Tolerant Bacillus halotolerans Strain Isolated from an Extreme Environment
Authors: Wu Xiaohui , Wu Huijun , Wang Ruoyi , Wang Zhengqi , Zhang Yaming , Gu Qin , Farzand Ayaz , Yang Xue , Semenov Mikhail , Borriss Rainer , Xie Yongli , Gao Xuewen
Published: October 2021

Due to its topographical position and climatic conditions, the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau possesses abundant microorganism resources. The extremophilic strain KKD1 isolated from Hoh Xil possesses strong stress tolerance, enabling it to propagate under high salinity (13%) and alkalinity (pH 10.0) conditions. In addition, KKD1 exhibits promising biocontrol activity against plant pathogens. To further explore these traits at the genomic level, we performed whole-genome sequencing and analysis. The taxonomic identification according to the average nucleotide identity based on BLAST revealed that KKD1 belongs to Bacillus halotolerans. Genetic screening of KKD1 revealed that its stress resistance mechanism depends on osmotic equilibrium, membrane transportation, and the regulation of ion balance under salt and alkaline stress. The expression of genes involved in these pathways was analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR. The presence of different gene clusters encoding antimicrobial secondary metabolites indicated the various pathways by which KKD1 suppresses phytopathogenic growth. Moreover, the lipopeptides surfactin and fengycin were identified as being significant antifungal components of KKD1. Through comparative genomics analysis, we noticed that KKD1 harbored specific genes involved in stress resistance and biocontrol, thus providing a new perspective on the genomic features of the extremophilic Bacillus species.
Assessment of the Response Profile to Hyaluronic Acid Plus Sorbitol Injection in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Post-Hoc Analysis of a 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bruyère Olivier , Honvo Germain , Vidovic Eduard , Cortet Bernard
Published: October 2021

In a previous randomized trial, the non-inferiority of two hyaluronic acid injections (Synolis VA versus Synvisc-One) was assessed in patients with knee OA, with a response rate of 79% for Synolis VA. To assess whether a responder profile could be established for this treatment modality, we used the Synolis VA arm of a published 6-month prospective, multicenter, comparative, randomized, double-blinded trial. At baseline and during the study, pain and function were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. Ninety-six subjects from the intention-to-treat trial were included in the analysis. The 6-month change of WOMAC Pain with Synolis VA was not associated with any baseline clinical data. However, the change in WOMAC Function was significantly associated with its baseline level, even after adjustment for potential confounding variables (p = 0.028), i.e., a poorer physical function at baseline was associated with a better response. In conclusion, in addition to the high absolute response rate to Synolis VA, the probability of success is even increased if administered in patients with more limited physical function at baseline. Further research with other potential confounding clinical variables is warranted in order to better applicate the concept of personalized medicine.
Confocal Endomicroscopy of Neuromuscular Junctions Stained with Physiologically Inert Protein Fragments of Tetanus Toxin
Authors: Roesl Cornelia , Evans Elizabeth R. , Dissanayake Kosala N. , Boczonadi Veronika , Jones Ross A. , Jordan Graeme R. , Ledahawsky Leire , Allen Guy C. C. , Scott Molly , Thomson Alanna , Wishart Thomas M. , Hughes David I. , Mead Richard J. , Shone Clifford C. , Slater Clarke R. , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Skehel Paul A. , Ribchester Richard R.
Published: October 2021

Live imaging of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in situ has been constrained by the suitability of ligands for inert vital staining of motor nerve terminals. Here, we constructed several truncated derivatives of the tetanus toxin C-fragment (TetC) fused with Emerald Fluorescent Protein (emGFP). Four constructs, namely full length emGFP-TetC (emGFP-865:TetC) or truncations comprising amino acids 1066–1315 (emGFP-1066:TetC), 1093–1315 (emGFP-1093:TetC) and 1109–1315 (emGFP-1109:TetC), produced selective, high-contrast staining of motor nerve terminals in rodent or human muscle explants. Isometric tension and intracellular recordings of endplate potentials from mouse muscles indicated that neither full-length nor truncated emGFP-TetC constructs significantly impaired NMJ function or transmission. Motor nerve terminals stained with emGFP-TetC constructs were readily visualised in situ or in isolated preparations using fibre-optic confocal endomicroscopy (CEM). emGFP-TetC derivatives and CEM also visualised regenerated NMJs. Dual-waveband CEM imaging of preparations co-stained with fluorescent emGFP-TetC constructs and Alexa647-α-bungarotoxin resolved innervated from denervated NMJs in axotomized WldS mouse muscle and degenerating NMJs in transgenic SOD1G93A mouse muscle. Our findings highlight the region of the TetC fragment required for selective binding and visualisation of motor nerve terminals and show that fluorescent derivatives of TetC are suitable for in situ morphological and physiological characterisation of healthy, injured and diseased NMJs.
Biomarkers for Gastric Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis
Authors: Herrera-Pariente Cristina , Montori Sheyla , Llach Joan , Bofill Alex , Albeniz Eduardo , Moreira Leticia
Published: October 2021

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with a bad prognosis associated with late-stage diagnosis, significantly decreasing the overall survival. This highlights the importance of early detection to improve the clinical course of these patients. Although screening programs, based on endoscopic or radiologic approaches, have been useful in countries with high incidence, they are not cost-effective in low-incidence populations as a massive screening strategy. Additionally, current biomarkers used in daily routine are not specific and sensitive enough, and most of them are obtained invasively. Thus, it is imperative to discover new noninvasive biomarkers able to diagnose early-stage gastric cancer. In this context, liquid biopsy is a promising strategy. In this review, we briefly discuss some of the potential biomarkers for gastric cancer screening and diagnosis identified in blood, saliva, urine, stool, and gastric juice.
CH Activation by a Heavy Metal Cation: Production of H2 from the Reaction of Acetylene with C4H4-Os(+) in Gas phase
Authors: Altun Zikri , Bleda Erdi Ata , Trindle Carl
Published: October 2021

While first-row transition metal cations, notably Fe(+), catalyze the gas-phase conversion of acetylene to benzene, a distinct path is chosen in systems with Os, Ir, and Rh cations. Rather than losing the metal cation M(+) from the benzene–M(+) complex, as is observed for the Fe(+) system, the heavy metal ions activate CH bonds. The landmark system C4H4-Os(+) reacts with acetylene to produce C6H4-Os(+) and dihydrogen. Following our work on isomers of the form C2nH2n-Fe(+), we show by DFT modeling that the CH bonds of the metalla-7-cycle structure, C6H6-Os(+), are activated and define the gas-phase reaction path by which H2 is produced. The landmark structures on the network of reaction paths can be used as a basis for the discussion of reactions in which a single Os atom on an inert surface can assist reactions of hydrocarbons.
Fabrication and Supercapacitor Applications of Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Thin Films
Authors: Jiang Kyle , Gerhardt Rosario A.
Published: October 2021

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are a one-dimensional nanomaterial with several desirable material properties, including high mechanical tensile modulus and strength, high electrical conductivity, and good thermal conductivity. A wide variety of techniques have been optimized to synthesize MWCNTs and to fabricate thin films of MWCNTs. These synthesis and fabrication methods vary based on precursor materials, process parameters, and physical and chemical principals, and have a strong influence on the properties of the nanotubes and films. Thus, the fabrication methods determine the performance of devices that can exploit the advantageous material properties of MWCNTs. Techniques for the fabrication of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube thin films are reviewed, followed by a discussion of the use of MWCNTs as an electrode material for electrochemical double-layer supercapacitors (EDLCs). EDLCs feature high power density, excellent reversibility and lifetime, and improved energy density over electrolytic capacitors. Beyond surveying fabrication techniques previously explored for MWCNT electrodes, an alternative approach based on inkjet printing capable of depositing a small amount of active material is discussed. Such an approach allows for a high degree of control over electrode properties and can potentially reduce cost and active material waste, which are essential components to the gradual conversion to green energy.
TGFβ Signaling in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Principe Daniel R. , Timbers Kaytlin E. , Atia Luke G. , Koch Regina M. , Rana Ajay
Published: October 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with poor clinical outcomes, largely attributed to incomplete responses to standard therapeutic approaches. Recently, selective inhibitors of the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway have shown early promise in the treatment of PDAC, particularly as a means of augmenting responses to chemo- and immunotherapies. However, TGFβ is a potent and pleiotropic cytokine with several seemingly paradoxical roles within the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME). Although TGFβ signaling can have potent tumor-suppressive effects in epithelial cells, TGFβ signaling also accelerates pancreatic tumorigenesis by enhancing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibrosis, and the evasion of the cytotoxic immune surveillance program. Here, we discuss the known roles of TGFβ signaling in pancreatic carcinogenesis, the biologic consequences of the genetic inactivation of select components of the TGFβ pathway, as well as past and present attempts to advance TGFβ inhibitors in the treatment of PDAC patients.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Segmentation of Residual Tumor in Histopathology of Pancreatic Cancer after Neoadjuvant Treatment
Authors: Janssen Boris V. , Theijse Rutger , van Roessel Stijn , de Ruiter Rik , Berkel Antonie , Huiskens Joost , Busch Olivier R. , Wilmink Johanna W. , Kazemier Geert , Valkema Pieter , Farina Arantza , Verheij Joanne , de Boer Onno J. , Besselink Marc G.
Published: October 2021

Background: Histologic examination of resected pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is used to assess the effect of NAT and may guide the choice for adjuvant treatment. However, evaluating residual tumor burden in pancreatic cancer is challenging given tumor response heterogeneity and challenging histomorphology. Artificial intelligence techniques may offer a more reproducible approach. Methods: From 64 patients, one H&E-stained slide of resected pancreatic cancer after NAT was digitized. Three separate classes were manually outlined in each slide (i.e., tumor, normal ducts, and remaining epithelium). Corresponding segmentation masks and patches were generated and distributed over training, validation, and test sets. Modified U-nets with varying encoders were trained, and F1 scores were obtained to express segmentation accuracy. Results: The highest mean segmentation accuracy was obtained using modified U-nets with a DenseNet161 encoder. Tumor tissue was segmented with a high mean F1 score of 0.86, while the overall multiclass average F1 score was 0.82. Conclusions: This study shows that artificial intelligence-based assessment of residual tumor burden is feasible given the promising obtained F1 scores for tumor segmentation. This model could be developed into a tool for the objective evaluation of the response to NAT and may potentially guide the choice for adjuvant treatment.
The Chemokine-Based Peptide, CXCL9(74-103), Inhibits Angiogenesis by Blocking Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan-Mediated Signaling of Multiple Endothelial Growth Factors
Authors: De Zutter Alexandra , Crijns Helena , Berghmans Nele , García-Caballero Melissa , Vanbrabant Lotte , Pörtner Noëmie , Vanheule Vincent , Verscheure Paulien , Siddiquei Mohammad Mairaj , Abu El-Asrar Ahmed M. , Carmeliet Peter , Van Wielendaele Pieter , De Meester Ingrid , Van Damme Jo , Proost Paul , Struyf Sofie
Published: October 2021

Growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are important angiogenesis-mediating factors. They exert their effects not only through their respective receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), but they also require molecular pairing with heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Angiogenic growth factors and their signaling pathways are commonly targeted in current anti-angiogenic cancer therapies but have unfortunately insufficient impact on patient survival. Considering their obvious role in pathological angiogenesis, HS-targeting drugs have become an appealing new strategy. Therefore, we aimed to reduce angiogenesis through interference with growth factor-HS binding and downstream signaling using a CXCL9-derived peptide with a high affinity for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), CXCL9(74-103). We showed that CXCL9(74-103) reduced EGF-, VEGF165- and FGF-2-mediated angiogenic processes in vitro, such as endothelial cell proliferation, chemotaxis, adhesion and sprouting, without exerting cell toxicity. CXCL9(74-103) interfered with growth factor signaling in diverse ways, e.g., by diminishing VEGF165 binding to HS and by direct association with FGF-2. The dependency of CXCL9(74-103) on HS for binding to HMVECs and for exerting its anti-angiogenic activity was also demonstrated. In vivo, CXCL9(74-103) attenuated neovascularization in the Matrigel plug assay, the corneal cauterization assay and in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts. Additionally, CXCL9(74-103) reduced vascular leakage in the retina of diabetic rats. In contrast, CXCL9(86-103), a peptide with low GAG affinity, showed no overall anti-angiogenic activity. Altogether, our results indicate that CXCL9(74-103) reduces angiogenesis by interfering with multiple HS-dependent growth factor signaling pathways.
The Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor as a Biomarker for Survival and Early Treatment Effect in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Blomberg Kristian , Hansen Torben F. , Brasen Claus L. , Madsen Jeppe B. , Jensen Lars H. , Thomsen Caroline B.
Published: October 2021

The soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is prognostic for overall survival (OS) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our study explored the association between baseline suPAR and OS and progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic CRC (mCRC). It is also the first study to explore the association between the initial change in suPAR level and OS, PFS and the first CT response evaluation. The study included 132 patients with mCRC treated with chemotherapy (FOLFIRI) with or without an EGFR-inhibitor. Blood samples were drawn before the first treatment cycle and in between the first and second treatment cycle. suPAR levels were determined using an ELISA assay. Using the Kaplan-Meyer method, we demonstrated a significantly shorter OS for patients with suPAR levels above the median (HR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.10–2.92, p = 0.01). We also showed association between plasma suPAR level, gender and performance status (PS). However, we could not show any association with PFS, and analysis on the change in suPAR level provided no significant results. The results showing association between baseline suPAR and OS are in line with previous findings.
Influence of Pd and Pt Promotion in Gold Based Bimetallic Catalysts on Selectivity Modulation in Furfural Base-Free Oxidation
Authors: Al Rawas Hisham K. , Ferraz Camila P. , Thuriot-Roukos Joëlle , Heyte Svetlana , Paul Sébastien , Wojcieszak Robert
Published: October 2021

Furfural (FF) has a high potential to become a major renewable platform molecule to produce biofuels and bio-based chemicals. The catalytic performances of AuxPty and AuxPdy bimetallic nanoparticulate systems supported on TiO2 were studied in a base-free aerobic oxidation of furfural to furoic acid (FA) and maleic acid (MA) in water. The characterization of the catalysts was performed using standard techniques. The optimum reaction conditions were also investigated, including the reaction time, the reaction temperature, the metal ratio, and the metal loading. The present work shows a synergistic effect existing between Au, Pd, and Pt in the alloy, where the performances of the catalysts were strongly dependent on the metal ratio. The highest selectivity (100%) to FA was obtained using Au3-Pd1 catalysts, with 88% using 0.5% Au3Pt1 with about 30% of FF conversion at 80 °C. Using Au-Pd-based catalysts, the maximum yield of MA (14%) and 5% of 2(5H)-furanone (FAO) were obtained by using a 2%Au1-Pd1/TiO2 catalyst at 110 °C.
Kinetics of Simultaneous Ammonium and Phosphate Recovery by Natural Zeolite
Authors: Pesendorfer Sandro , Ellersdorfer Markus
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus are indispensable for medium and large-scale industrial agriculture. To meet the growing demand of nutrients and reduce the accompanied ecological footprint of primary fertilizer production, processes and technologies for nutrient recovery are necessary and have to be developed. This study represents the basis of an extension of the ion-exchange-loop-stripping process (ILS), which is a combined stripping and ion exchange process using natural zeolite for nitrogen recovery. In batch experiments with a special zeolite filled stirrer, the mechanism and kinetics of simultaneous ammonium and phosphate recovery by natural zeolite were determined. Zeolite loadings of 6.78 mg PO43− g−1 were reached and after regeneration, phosphate recovery rates up to 75% of the initial concentration were achieved. The speed of phosphate precipitation is mostly controlled by the pH value of synthetic wastewater. Phosphate removal in simultaneous experiments does not affect ammonium sorption onto zeolite. These findings and the different removal mechanisms of ammonium and phosphate lead to versatile applications in wastewater treatment and reveal great potential of natural zeolite in simultaneous nutrient recovery processes.
An Evaluation of the Quality of Parent-Child Interactions in Vulnerable Families That Are Followed by Child Protective Services: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Stuart Ananda , Canário Catarina , Cruz Orlanda
Published: October 2021

In the current study, an observational procedure, recorded in video, was used to evaluate the quality of parent-child interactions in a sample of vulnerable Portuguese families (n = 47) with school-aged children followed by Child Protective Services (CPS). The study sought to explore if the families presented different profiles of parent-child interaction quality, and to characterize such profiles in terms of discrete behaviors observed, parenting outcome variables, and families’ sociodemographic and CPS referral characteristics. The parent-child dyads took part in a 15 minutes structured task and parents completed self-report measures (affection, parenting behaviors, and stress). Discrete behaviors of parents and children during interactions were coded with a micro-analytic coding procedure. The global dimensions of the parents’ interactions were coded with a global rating system. A latent profile analysis, estimated with global dimensions, identified two subgroups, one subgroup in which parents displayed higher quality interactions (n = 12), and another subgroup in which parents displayed lower quality interactions (n = 35). Further analyses comparing the subgroups determined that the higher quality subgroup presented more positive behaviors, and the lower quality subgroup presented more negative behaviors during the interactions. No further differences or associations were found regarding the parenting outcome variables, and the families’ sociodemographic and CPS referral characteristics. The findings are in line with prior studies, suggesting that vulnerable families may frequently present depleted parent-child interactions. However, given the small sample size, future studies should replicate the described procedures and analyses in larger sample sizes.
Size Effect in FRP Shear-Strengthened RC Beams: Design Models versus Experimental Data
Authors: Benzeguir Zine El Abidine , Chaallal Omar
Published: October 2021

Numerous studies on the size effect have been devoted to reinforced concrete (RC) beams. They have shown that increasing the beam size leads to a decrease in ultimate shear strength (stress) at failure. This is reflected in the design model of most current international codes and guidelines, where the size effect is taken into consideration by reducing concrete contribution to the shear resistance (force). In contrast, the size effect of RC beams strengthened with externally bonded (EB) fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) is not fully documented, and very few experimental studies have been devoted to the phenomenon. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the current code and guideline models in terms of the size effect on the EB-FRP contribution to shear resistance. To this end, a database of experimental findings on the size effect in EB-FRP-strengthened beams was built based on the reported literature, as well as our own experimental tests. The data were analysed and compared with the predictions of six current codes and design guidelines to assess their accuracy. Experimental results clearly revealed the presence of a size effect related to EB-FRP as well as the existence of interaction between internal stirrups and EB-CFRP. Based on analysis of the collected experimental test results, the study clearly revealed that the predictions of current codes and guidelines overestimate the contribution of EB-FRP systems to shear resistance. The size effect tends to exacerbate this overestimation as the effective depth (d) of the beams increases. Therefore, until the size effect for RC beams strengthened in shear with EB-FRP is captured by the prediction models, current codes and design guidelines are to be used with caution.
Preparation of Degradable Superhydrophobic Mg/P/Z/F/H Composite Materials and Their Anticorrosion
Authors: Xi Zhongxian , Yuan Chengqing , Bai Xiuqin , Wang Chun , Neville Anne
Published: October 2021

In this study, the degradable superhydrophobic Mg/P/Z/F/H (magnesium/poly(-caprolactone)/zinc oxide/1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTES)/heating process) composite materials were prepared through dip-coating method and heating process, for enhancing the corrosion resistance of the AZ91D magnesium alloys. The electrochemical measurements revealed that the Mg/P/Z/F/H materials significantly improved the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloys in 3.5 wt.% NaCl. The Mg/P/Z/F/H composite materials exhibited efficient self-cleaning properties, good adhesion strength, and stability in wet atmosphere.
AFM Slip Length Measurements for Water at Selected Phyllosilicate Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Chen , Wang Xuming , Jin Jiaqi , Li Lixia , Miller Jan D.
Published: October 2021

Most reported slip length measurements have been made at the surfaces of synthetic materials and modified synthetic materials. In contrast, few slip length measurements at the surface of unmodified natural mineral surfaces have been reported. In this regard, flow at the silica face surfaces of the phyllosilicate minerals, talc and mica, was considered. A slip boundary condition was expected at the nonpolar hydrophobic silica surface of talc leading to enhanced flow, and a no-slip boundary condition was expected at the hydrophilic silica surface of mica. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) slip length measurements were made at the talc and mica surfaces. The slip length results for the hydrophobic silica surface of talc were contrasted to the results for the hydrophilic silica surface of mica (no-slip flow). The results are discussed based on molecular dynamics simulations (MDS), as reported in the literature, and AFM images of surface nanobubbles. For nonpolar hydrophobic surfaces (such as talc), it is doubtful that the MDS interfacial water structure and the water exclusion zone (3.2 Å) account for the AFM slip flow with slip lengths as great as 95 nm. Rather, a better explanation for the AFM slip flow condition is based on reduced interfacial viscosity due to the presence of dissolved gas and the accommodation of pancake nanobubbles at the talc surface having a height dimension of magnitude similar to the slip length.
Antiaging and Skin Irritation Potential of Four Main Indonesian Essential Oils
Authors: Rahmi Dwinna , Yunilawati Retno , Jati Bumiarto Nugroho , Setiawati Ira , Riyanto Arief , Batubara Irmanida , Astuti Rika Indri
Published: October 2021

Essential oils possess antiaging properties due to their antioxidant activity. This study aims to determine the antiaging activities of four main Indonesian essential oils and their irritation potential on the skin. The spot yeast and in vivo rat skin with UVB exposure methods were used to analyze the antiaging activity of essential oils on aging triggered by endogenous and exogenous factors, respectively. Meanwhile, patch tests and clinical evaluations were used for the skin irritation potential analysis. The antiaging activity results from the endogenous factor showed that the use of clove, patchouli, nutmeg, and citronella oils increased yeast viability at concentrations of 20, 40, 60, and 100 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, nutmeg, cloves, citronella, and patchouli oils decreased the wrinkle score on rat skin after UVB exposure (exogenous factor). The skin irritation potential results of patchouli, nutmeg, citronella, and clove oils were none (0), slightly (0.02), moderately (0.09), and very irritating (0.39), respectively.
Physicochemical Performance of Collagen Modified by Melissa officinalis Extract
Authors: Adamiak Katarzyna , Kurzawa Marzanna , Sionkowska Alina
Published: October 2021

Collagen-based materials are widely used as adhesives in medicine and cosmetology. However, for several applications, their properties require modification. In this work, the influence of Melissa officinalis on the properties of collagen films was studied. Collagen was extracted from Silver Carp skin. Thin collagen films were prepared by solvent evaporation. The structure of films was researched using infrared spectroscopy. The surface properties of films were investigated using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Mechanical properties were measured as well. Antioxidant activity was determined by spectrophotometric methods using DPPH free radicals, FRAP, and CUPRAC methods. Total phenolic compounds were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteau method. It was found that the addition of Melissa officinalis modified the roughness of collagen films and their mechanical properties. Moreover, the obtained material has antioxidant properties. The parameters mentioned above are very important in potential applications of collagen films containing Melissa officinalis in cosmetics.
New Antioxidant Ingredients from Brewery By-Products for Cosmetic Formulations
Authors: Censi Roberta , Vargas Peregrina Dolores , Gigliobianco Maria Rosa , Lupidi Giulio , Angeloni Cristina , Pruccoli Letizia , Tarozzi Andrea , Di Martino Piera
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the total phenol content and antioxidant activity of different types of handcrafted beers (Ego, Alter, Fiat Lux, Triplo Malto, Ubi, and Maior), as well as the starting materials (malts, hops, and yeast), the intermediate products, and the waste products (spent malts, hops, and yeast), in view of their use in innovative cosmetic formulations. Extractions from starting and spent samples were taken from water or 70° alcohol. The total phenol content (Folin Ciocalteau Essay) of all the brewing products depended on the specific product under investigation. The highest values were found in starting hops (ranging from approximately 93 to 155 mg GAE/g, according to the extraction solvent), intermediate ones in starting malt and starting yeast, and the lowest values in wort. The total phenol content in the final beers originates from the phenols that were extracted from the different ingredients, namely the starting malts, hops and yeast, but non-negligible values were still observed in spent products. The method used for the evaluation of the antioxidant activity, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (DPPH), ferric-ion reducing antioxidant parameter (FRAP), and radical cation scavenging activity and reducing power (ABTS) strongly influenced the results. In general, the results reflected the trend observed for the total phenol content: that beers are progressively enriched by phenols originating from all the starting ingredients, and that spent products still possess non-negligible antioxidant activity. It is interesting to note that waste yeast frequently showed higher values than those of the starting material; it can be inferred that yeast is able to absorb phenols from the beer during brewing. By considering the interest in exploiting waste derived from processing foods, the biological activity of waste Alter brewery products has been evaluated on a cell culture of keratinocytes (spent products of malt, hop, and yeast). Preliminary in vitro assays in keratinocyte HaCaT cells were carried out to assess the potential bioactivity of spent extracts. Among the spent extracts, the spent hop and yeast extracts showed the ability to improve the mitochondrial activity and prevent oxidative stress in HaCaT cells, two features in skin ageing. In conclusion, this study offers evidence that waste from handcrafted beers can be an interesting source of phenols for the preparation of skin anti-aging cosmetics.
AlphaFold Protein Structure Database for Sequence-Independent Molecular Replacement
Authors: Chai Lawrence , Zhu Ping , Chai Jin , Pang Changxu , Andi Babak , McSweeney Sean , Shanklin John , Liu Qun
Published: October 2021

Crystallographic phasing recovers the phase information that is lost during a diffraction experiment. Molecular replacement is a commonly used phasing method for crystal structures in the protein data bank. In one form it uses a protein sequence to search a structure database to find suitable templates for phasing. However, sequence information is not always available, such as when proteins are crystallized with unknown binding partner proteins or when the crystal is of a contaminant. The recent development of AlphaFold published the predicted protein structures for every protein from twenty distinct species. In this work, we tested whether AlphaFold-predicted E. coli protein structures were accurate enough to enable sequence-independent phasing of diffraction data from two crystallization contaminants of unknown sequence. Using each of more than 4000 predicted structures as a search model, robust molecular replacement solutions were obtained, which allowed the identification and structure determination of YncE and YadF. Our results demonstrate the general utility of the AlphaFold-predicted structure database with respect to sequence-independent crystallographic phasing.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Effects of a Compound Based on Plants, Yeast and Trace Elements on the Ruminal Function of Dairy Cows
Authors: Lessire Francoise , Point Sandra , Laza Knoerr Anca-Lucia , Dufrasne Isabelle
Published: October 2021

The high production levels reached by the dairy sector need adjustment in nutritional inputs and efficient feed conversion. In this context, we evaluated a compound (QY—Qualix Yellow) combining optimized inputs in trace elements and 20% MIX 3.0. In a first step, the effects of MIX 3.0 on ruminal function were assessed in vitro by incubating ruminal fluid with the mixture at a ratio of 20:1. The results obtained encouraged us to test QY in vivo, on a herd of dairy cows. The herd was divided into one group of 19 dairy cows receiving the compound and a control group of 20 animals conducted in the same conditions, but which did not received the compound; the production performance and feed efficiency of the two groups were compared. In vitro experiments showed improved digestion of acid and neutral detergent fibres by 10%. The propionate production was enhanced by 14.5% after 6 h incubation with MIX 3.0. The plant mixture decreased the production of methane and ammonia by 37% and 52%, respectively, and reduced the number of protozoa by 50%. An increase in milk yield by 2.4 kg/cow/d (p < 0.1), combined with a decrease in concentrate consumption of 0.27 kg DM/cow/d (p < 0.001), was observed in vivo after consumption of the compound. Sixty-six days after the beginning of the trial, methane emissions per kg of milk were significantly lower in the group receiving QY. In conclusion, MIX 3.0 induced change in ruminal function in vitro and, when it entered into the composition of the QY, it appeared to improve feed efficiency and production performance in vivo.
Presentation of Novel Architecture for Diagnosis and Identifying Breast Cancer Location Based on Ultrasound Images Using Machine Learning
Authors: Pourasad Yaghoub , Zarouri Esmaeil , Salemizadeh Parizi Mohammad , Salih Mohammed Amin
Published: October 2021

Breast cancer is one of the main causes of death among women worldwide. Early detection of this disease helps reduce the number of premature deaths. This research aims to design a method for identifying and diagnosing breast tumors based on ultrasound images. For this purpose, six techniques have been performed to detect and segment ultrasound images. Features of images are extracted using the fractal method. Moreover, k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, decision tree, and Naïve Bayes classification techniques are used to classify images. Then, the convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture is designed to classify breast cancer based on ultrasound images directly. The presented model obtains the accuracy of the training set to 99.8%. Regarding the test results, this diagnosis validation is associated with 88.5% sensitivity. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the proposed high-potential CNN algorithm can be used to diagnose breast cancer from ultrasound images. The second presented CNN model can identify the original location of the tumor. The results show 92% of the images in the high-performance region with an AUC above 0.6. The proposed model can identify the tumor’s location and volume by morphological operations as a post-processing algorithm. These findings can also be used to monitor patients and prevent the growth of the infected area.