bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Fluidized-Bed Process Parameters for Coating Uniformity and Nutrient-Release Characteristics of Controlled-Release Urea Produced by Modified Lignocellulosic Coating Material
Authors: Ali Arshid Mahmood , Azeem Babar , Alghamdi Ahmad M. , Shahzad Khurram , Al-Zahrani Abdulrahim Ahmad , Rashid Muhammad Imtiaz , Mahpudz Aishah Binti , Jamil Asif
Published: March 2023

Controlled-release fertilizers are employed in precision agriculture to optimize technology-enabled farming without environmental deterioration. In this study, almond-shell lignocellulosic waste particles are chemically processed to synthesize a coating suspension for the production of controlled-release urea (CRU) in a Wurster fluidized-bed reactor. The interactive effect of process parameters such as atomizing air pressure (Pair), fluidized-bed temperature (Tfb), spray rate (Rspray), and fluidizing-air flow rate (Qair) on the (i) coating-film uniformity of CRU particles and (ii) longevity of nutrient-release from CRU is reported. CCRD is used with RSM to design the experiments for the optimization of nutrient-release performance and coating-film uniformity in terms of a coefficient-of-variance (CoV) of film thickness. The regression models indicate a good prediction of coating-film uniformity and nutrient-release time, with R2 = 0.971 and R2 = 0.98, respectively. The optimum conditions for coating-film uniformity are determined to be Pair = 3.5 bar, Tfb = 80 °C, Rspray = 0.15 mL/s, and Qair = 72 m3/h, with a predicted CoV film thickness of 11.5%. Similarly, Pair = 3.2 bar, Tfb = 78 °C, Rspray = 0.125 mL/s, and Qair = 75 m3/h are the optimum conditions for nutrient-release performance, with a prediction nutrient-release time = 56 h. The experimental validation yields a CoV of film thickness = 12.6% and a nutrient-release time = 49.5 h, indicating good agreement between predicted and experimental values. In addition, Tfb appears to be the most significant parameter.
Nanoparticles Enhance Plant Resistance to Abiotic Stresses: A Bibliometric Statistic
Authors: Liu Zemao , Faizan Mohammad , Zheng Lihong , Cui Luomin , Han Chao , Chen Hong , Yu Fangyuan
Published: March 2023

Using nanoparticles (NPs) to effectively mitigate the negative effects of abiotic stressors on plant growth and development will help to achieve sustainable agriculture. Although there have been some prior reviews in this area, bibliometrics is still lacking. In this study, the most productive nations or regions, journals, publishers, and scholars in this field were identified using an objective bibliometric examination of the pertinent material published in the Web of Science core database. To dig deeper for information, the keywords co-occurrence, collaboration network of countries/regions and authors, and network map of highly cited papers citation are used to characterize present advances and forecast potential future trends. The results show a growing interest in using nanoparticles to alleviate abiotic stressors. There has been an exponential increase in the number of relevant papers and citations. Moreover, Asian countries are the most active in this subject, even if the USA generates papers with the best overall quality. The most common publishers and journals in this area are Elsevier and Environmental Science-Nano, while Wu HH is currently the most active author. Even though many researchers have formed close partnerships, there is not yet a large collaborative group of researchers in this field. Gaps in the current scientific literature are highlighted, such as the lack of use of omics, especially multi-omics, to provide a more in-depth and comprehensive explanation of the molecular mechanisms by which NPs enhance plant resistance to abiotic stresses. This bibliometric study will provide a valuable reference for studying the evolution of the field and identifying research frontiers.
Effects of Bee Density and Hive Distribution on Pollination Efficiency for Greenhouse Strawberries: A Simulation Study
Authors: Cao Zhihao , He Guangming , Mu Shaomin , Qu Hongchun
Published: March 2023

The cultivated strawberry Fragaria × ananassa Duch. is widely planted in greenhouses around the world. Its production heavily depends on pollination services. Bee pollination can significantly improve fruit quality and save considerable labor requirements. In this paper, we used a simulation model to study the effects of bee density and hive distribution on pollination efficiency for greenhouse strawberries. Simulation experiments allowed us to obtain the pollination efficiency under different conditions and track every bee, flower, pollen and fruit in detail without great planting cost. In particular, we found that fruit quality cannot be significantly improved once bee density is higher than one bee/plant due to a saturation effect. Distributing bee hives and strawberry interplanting spatially can improve fruit quality. In addition, the simulation results suggested that a continuous bee pollination process can significantly reduce the influence of stigma receptivity. This effect and the even distribution of pollen are the top two reasons explaining how bee pollination outperforms artificial pollination.
Influence of Ovarian Status and Steroid Hormone Concentration on Day of Timed Artificial Insemination (TAI) on the Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows Inseminated with Sexed Semen
Authors: Yotov Stanimir , Fasulkov Ivan , Atanasov Anatoli , Kistanova Elena , Sinapov Branimir , Ivanova Boyana , Yarkov Dobri , Zaimova Darina
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the ovarian status and steroid hormone concentration on the day of TAI on the reproductive performance of dairy cows subjected to estrus synchronization treatment and timed artificial insemination with sexed semen. Seventy-eight cyclic Holstein cows pre-treated with PGF2α-GnRH were divided in two groups—I (Preselect-OvSynch, n = 38) and II (OvSynch+PRID-7-day+eCG, n = 40)—and inseminated with sexed semen. The presence of preovulatory follicle (PF) with or without corpus luteum (CL), the PF diameter, the estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations on the day of TAI, the pregnancy rate (PR) and embryo loss were determined. On the day of TAI, 78.4% of all the pregnant cows presented a PF (mean size 1.80 ± 0.12 cm) without CL, low P4 (0.59 ± 0.28 ng/mL) and high E2 (12.35 ± 2.62 pg/mg) concentrations. The positive correlation between the size of the PF and the level of E2 in the pregnant cows from group II was stronger than that of group I (R = 0.82 vs. R = 0.52, p < 0.05). The pregnancy rate on day 30 (57.5% vs. 36.8%) and day 60 (50% vs. 26.3%; p < 0.05) and the embryo losses (13% vs. 28.5%) showed better effects of treatment in group II. In conclusion, the ovarian status and the steroid hormone concentration on the day of TAI influence the pregnancy rates of dairy cows subjected to estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination with sexed semen.
Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Faecal Samples from Wild Ruminants
Authors: Szczerba-Turek Anna , Chierchia Filomena , Socha Piotr , Szweda Wojciech
Published: March 2023

Wildlife can harbour Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). In the present study, STEC in faecal samples from red deer (n = 106) and roe deer (n = 95) were characterised. All isolates were non-O157 strains. In red deer, STEC were detected in 17.9% (n = 19) of the isolates, and the eae/stx2b virulence profile was detected in two isolates (10.5%). One STEC strain harboured stx1a (5.3%) and eighteen STEC strains harboured stx2 (94.7%). The most prevalent stx2 subtypes were stx2b (n = 12; 66.7%), stx2a (n = 3; 16.7%), and stx2g (n = 2; 11.1%). One isolate could not be subtyped (NS) with the applied primers (5.6%). The most widely identified serotypes were O146:H28 (n = 4; 21%), O146:HNM (n = 2; 10.5%), O103:H7 (n = 1; 5.3%), O103:H21 (n = 1; 5.3%), and O45:HNM (n = 1; 5.3%). In roe deer, STEC were detected in 16.8% (n = 16) of the isolates, and the eae/stx2b virulence profile was detected in one isolate (6.3%). Two STEC strains harboured stx1a (12.5%), one strain harboured stx1NS/stx2b (6.3%), and thirteen strains harboured stx2 (81.3%). The most common subtypes were stx2b (n = 8; 61.5%), stx2g (n = 2; 15.4%), non-typeable subtypes (NS) (n = 2; 15.4%), and stx2a (n = 1; 7.7%). Serotype O146:H28 (n = 5; 31.3%) was identified. The study demonstrated that the zoonotic potential of STEC strains isolated from wildlife faeces should be monitored in the context of the ‘One Health’ approach which links human health with animal and environmental health.
Using QTL to Identify Genes and Pathways Underlying the Regulation and Production of Milk Components in Cattle
Authors: Lopdell Thomas John
Published: March 2023

Milk is a complex liquid, and the concentrations of many of its components are under genetic control. Many genes and pathways are known to regulate milk composition, and the purpose of this review is to highlight how the discoveries of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for milk phenotypes can elucidate these pathways. The main body of this review focuses primarily on QTL discovered in cattle (Bos taurus) as a model species for the biology of lactation, and there are occasional references to sheep genetics. The following section describes a range of techniques that can be used to help identify the causative genes underlying QTL when the underlying mechanism involves the regulation of gene expression. As genotype and phenotype databases continue to grow and diversify, new QTL will continue to be discovered, and although proving the causality of underlying genes and variants remains difficult, these new data sets will further enhance our understanding of the biology of lactation.
Current and Emerging Inhaled Antibiotics for Chronic Pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Li Danni , Schneider-Futschik Elena K.
Published: March 2023

Characterized by impaired mucus transport and subsequent enhanced colonization of bacteria, pulmonary infection causes major morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are the two most common types of bacteria detected in CF lungs, which undergo multiple adaptational mechanisms such as biofilm formation resulting in chronic pulmonary infections. With the advantages of greater airway concentration and minimized systemic toxicity, inhaled antibiotics are introduced to treat chronic pulmonary infection in CF. Inhaled tobramycin, aztreonam, levofloxacin, and colistin are the four most common discussed inhaled antibiotics targeting P. aeruginosa. Additionally, inhaled liposomal amikacin and murepavadin are also in development. This review will discuss the virulence factors and adaptational mechanisms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in CF. The mechanism of action, efficacy and safety, current status, and indications of corresponding inhaled antibiotics will be summarized. Combination therapy and the strategies to select an optimal inhaled antibiotic protocol will also be discussed.
Identification of Efflux Pump Mutations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Clinical Samples
Authors: Quddus Sonia , Liaqat Zainab , Azam Sadiq , Haq Mahboob Ul , Ahmad Sajjad , Alharbi Metab , Khan Ibrar
Published: March 2023

Efflux pumps are a specialized tool of antibiotic resistance used by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to expel antibiotics. The current study was therefore conducted to examine the expression of MexAB-OprM and MexCD-OprJ efflux pump genes. In this study, 200 samples were collected from Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) and Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) in Peshawar, Pakistan. All the isolates were biochemically identified by an Analytical Profile Index kit and at the molecular level by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) utilizing specific primers for the OprL gene. A total of 26 antibiotics were tested in the current study using the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) and high-level resistance was shown to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (89%) and low-level to chloramphenicol (1%) by the isolates. The antibiotic-resistant efflux pump genes MexA, MexB, OprM, MexR, MexC, MexD, OprJ, and NfxB were detected in 178 amoxicillin-clavulanic acid-resistant isolates. Mutations were detected in MexA, MexB, and OprM genes but no mutation was found in the MexR gene as analyzed by I-Mutant software. Statistical analysis determined the association of antibiotics susceptibility patterns by ANOVA: Single Factor p = 0.05. The in silico mutation impact on the protein structure stability was determined via the Dynamut server, which revealed the mutations might increase the structural stability of the mutants. The docking analysis reported that MexA wild protein showed a binding energy value of −6.1 kcal/mol with meropenem and the mexA mutant (E178K) value is −6.5 kcal/mol. The mexB wild and mutant binding energy value was −5.7 kcal/mol and −8.0 kcal/mol, respectively. Efflux pumps provide resistance against a wide range of antibiotics. Determining the molecular mechanisms of resistance in P. aeruginosa regularly will contribute to the efforts against the spread of antibiotic resistance globally.
The Use of Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance in Veterinary Medicine, a Complex Phenomenon: A Narrative Review
Authors: Caneschi Alice , Bardhi Anisa , Barbarossa Andrea , Zaghini Anna
Published: March 2023

As warned by Sir Alexander Fleming in his Nobel Prize address: “the use of antimicrobials can, and will, lead to resistance”. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has recently increased due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, and their use in animals (food-producing and companion) has also resulted in the selection and transmission of resistant bacteria. The epidemiology of resistance is complex, and factors other than the overall quantity of antibiotics consumed may influence it. Nowadays, AMR has a serious impact on society, both economically and in terms of healthcare. This narrative review aimed to provide a scenario of the state of the AMR phenomenon in veterinary medicine related to the use of antibiotics in different animal species; the impact that it can have on animals, as well as humans and the environment, was considered. Providing some particular instances, the authors tried to explain the vastness of the phenomenon of AMR in veterinary medicine due to many and diverse aspects that cannot always be controlled. The veterinarian is the main reference point here and has a high responsibility towards the human–animal–environment triad. Sharing such a burden with human medicine and cooperating together for the same purpose (fighting and containing AMR) represents an effective example of the application of the One Health approach.
Redox Signaling in Plant Heat Stress Response
Authors: Fortunato Stefania , Lasorella Cecilia , Dipierro Nunzio , Vita Federico , de Pinto Maria Concetta
Published: March 2023

The increase in environmental temperature due to global warming is a critical threat to plant growth and productivity. Heat stress can cause impairment in several biochemical and physiological processes. Plants sense and respond to this adverse environmental condition by activating a plethora of defense systems. Among them, the heat stress response (HSR) involves an intricate network of heat shock factors (HSFs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs). However, a growing amount of evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS), besides potentially being responsible for cellular oxidative damage, can act as signal molecules in HSR, leading to adaptative responses. The role of ROS as toxic or signal molecules depends on the fine balance between their production and scavenging. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants represent the first line of defense against oxidative damage and their activity is critical to maintaining an optimal redox environment. However, the HS-dependent ROS burst temporarily oxidizes the cellular environment, triggering redox-dependent signaling cascades. This review provides an overview of the redox-activated mechanisms that participate in the HSR.
A Novel Approach to Tele-Ultrasound Imaging: Compressive Beamforming in Fourier Domain for Ultrafast Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Xu Yiwen , Wang Ninghao , Jiao Yang , Cui Yaoyao
Published: March 2023

Tele-ultrasound imaging is useful in various situations. Plane wave imaging provides a method for ultrafast ultrasound with very high frame rates, which sacrifices image quality and leads to the problem of a large amount of data and low signal transmission speed in telemedicine imaging. In this paper, a novel compressive frequency-wavenumber domain beamforming method is introduced, which integrates Stolt’s f-k method and compressed sensing theory on the lateral wavenumber. The data load is reduced by the sparsity of the echo signal parallel to the transducer, which requires a smaller measurement matrix during compressed sensing to reduce memory usage and accelerate the transmission rate. The signal is compressed in the Fourier domain to obtain greater stability and better image quality after reconstruction than if it was compressed in the temporal domain. Simulated data and experimental acquisitions were used to compare compressive Fourier domain beamforming with conventional delay-and-sum (DAS) beamforming. The results showed that compressive beamforming within the wavenumber domain provides the image with higher quality from less data.
Experimental Analyses of Temporal Activity-Sequencing Anomalies in Process Mining
Authors: Kim Kwanghoon Pio
Published: March 2023

In the research field of the automated process discovery and analysis, the purity of event log datasets ought to be a matter of vital importance to the success of discovering sound and exact process models. Moreover, there exist various types of anomalies that result in the discovery of inaccurate process models from the process enactment event log datasets. A peculiar one out of these anomalies, which is the core challenging issue of this paper, is the temporal activity-sequencing anomaly that critically affects the overall quality of the automated process discovery. This paper explores such event-log anomalies and noises produced by the special type of anomalies inevitably formed in the event-log preprocessing phase of the automated process discovery. More precisely, it implements an algorithmic approach that is able to detect and filter out those anomalies and noises in performing the automated process discovery. The author also carries out a series of experimental analyses by applying the implemented approach to the five datasets of process event logs available in the 4TU Center for Research Data.
Chemical-Physical Model of Gaseous Mercury Emissions from the Demolition Waste of an Abandoned Mercury Metallurgical Plant
Authors: Rodríguez Rafael , Fernández Begoña , Malagón Beatriz , Garcia-Ordiales Efrén
Published: March 2023

Soils from decommissioned Hg mine sites usually exhibit high levels of total mercury concentration. This work examines the behavior of mercury in the atmosphere on samples of contaminated debris of a demolished metallurgical plant present in La Soterraña mine, Asturias (Spain). Previously, a strong dependence of the Hg gas concentration Cmax (ng/m3) with the temperature T (K) was determined empirically. Hg gas concentration varied between 6500 ng/m3 at low temperatures, 278 K (5 °C), and up to almost 60,000 ng/m3 when the temperature reaches 303 K (30 °C). Then, two different models were proposed to explain the behavior of the mercury emitted from this source. The first model is based on Arrhenius theory. The gas flux per unit area perpendicular to the flow F (g/sm2) is an exponential function of the apparent activation energy Ea (J/mol): F = cf exp(-Ea/RT). The values of cf = 1.04·107 and Ea = 48.56 kJ/mol allows the model to fit well with the field measurements. The second model is based on Fick’s laws, and the flux F (g/sm2) can be estimated by F = (K′ MHg pv)/RT where K′ = 8.49·10−7, MHg = 200.56 g/mol and the partial vapor pressure of gaseous mercury pv (Pa) can be estimated from the saturation vapor pressure of gaseous mercury pv = 0.00196·ps and the August’s law log(ps) = 10.184–3210.29/T. This method is also validated with results measured in situ. Both methods are accurate enough to explain and predict emission rate G (g/s), gas flux F (g/sm2) and maximum Hg gas concentration over the debris Cmax (ng/m3) as a function the temperature T (K).
Review on Optimization Techniques of PV/Inverter Ratio for Grid-Tie PV Systems
Authors: Hazim Hazim Imad , Baharin Kyairul Azmi , Gan Chin Kim , Sabry Ahmad H. , Humaidi Amjad J.
Published: March 2023

In the literature, there are many different photovoltaic (PV) component sizing methodologies, including the PV/inverter power sizing ratio, recommendations, and third-party field tests. This study presents the state-of-the-art for gathering pertinent global data on the size ratio and provides a novel inverter sizing method. The size ratio has been noted in the literature as playing a significant role in both reducing power clipping and achieving system optimization. The majority of researchers observed that due to varying irradiance distributions and operating temperatures at particular sites, the sizing ratios were dependent on geographic latitude. This study will identify the issue that makes it challenging to acquire dependable and optimum performance for the use of grid-connected PV systems by summarizing the power sizing ratio, related derating factor, and sizing formulae approach. The present study recommends a Deep Learning technique that might, due to the dynamic behavior of the PV technologies, provide fully automatic computation for the DC/AC sizing ratio, and effectively lower the whole return on investment (ROI) over a variety of circumstances and climatic changes.
Role of Aerosols on Atmospheric Circulation in Regional Climate Experiments over Europe
Authors: Garnés-Morales Ginés , Montávez Juan Pedro , Halifa-Marín Amar , Jiménez-Guerrero Pedro
Published: March 2023

Aerosols can strongly influence atmospheric circulation, and categorizing it into circulation types (CTs) helps in understanding the relationship between atmospheric forcing and surface conditions. However, few studies have considered the impact of interactive aerosols on atmospheric dynamics from a climatic perspective. This contribution aims to assess whether simulations with interactive aerosols (online solving of aerosol–radiation interactions, ARI, and aerosol–radiation–cloud interactions, ARCI) significantly impact atmospheric dynamics over Europe during winter compared to conventional regional climate models with prescribed aerosols. For that, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) has been applied to reduce the dimensionality of the problem in order to cluster different weather patterns. Results showed significant differences in the two predominant patterns, characterized by a western zonal flow (CT1) and a low-pressure system centered in Italy (CT2). The ARI experiment revealed a substantial reduction of surface level pressure over central-eastern Europe for CT1, resulting in a southward shift of the flux direction, and an increase in pressure over Scandinavia for CT2. The ARCI experiment exhibited a similar, but weaker effect. Furthermore, the study demonstrated the impact of aerosols on the frequency of different CTs and on the concentration of black and white aerosols. The findings of this study emphasize the significant role of aerosols in the atmospheric system and the need for further research to reduce uncertainty in meteorological and climatic experiments, particularly in the context of mitigating climate change.
Effect of the Interaction between Excreta Type and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Greenhouse Gas and Ammonia Emissions in Pastures
Authors: Ongaratto Fernando , Fernandes Marcia Helena Machado da Rocha , Dallantonia Erick Escobar , Lima Lais de Oliveira , Val Guilherme Alves do , Cardoso Abmael da Silva , Rigobello Izabela Larosa , Gomes Laís Mayumi , Reis Ricardo Andrade , Ruggieri Ana Claudia , Malheiros Euclides Braga
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the emission factor of N2O, CH4, and the volatilization of NH3 for the combination of feces or urine with increasing doses of ammonium nitrate in tropical palisade grass pastures. The emission of greenhouse gases was assessed in eight treatments combining feces and urine with doses (75 and 150 kg of N ha−1) of ammonium nitrate, (32% N). The emission factor of N2O was 0.11, 0.19, and 0.17% for feces, urine, and 75 kg N ha−1 year−1 (as ammonium nitrate) and showed an additive linear effect when feces or urine were combined with increasing doses of N fertilizer. The emission factor of CH4 of feces (0.18 kg CH4 animal−1 year−1) was similar irrespective of combination with ammonium nitrate. The N loss by volatilized NH3 has a decreasing linear effect (p < 0.05) for the combination of feces or urine with ammonium nitrate. We concluded that N2O and CH4 emission factors of feces and urine in tropical climate conditions are lower than those reported by the IPCC. However, their N2O emission factors are sharply enhanced when combined with ammonium nitrate. These results may contribute to improvements in national and regional greenhouse gas inventories of livestock production.
Determination of Electron Beam Energy in Measuring the Electron-Impact Ionization Cross Section of He-like Fe24+
Authors: Yang Yang , Dipti  , Gall Amy , O’Neil Galen , Szypryt Paul , Hosier Adam , Foster Adam , Naing Aung , Tan Joseph N. , Schultz David R. , Smith Randall , Brickhouse Nancy , Ralchenko Yuri , Takacs Endre
Published: March 2023

In an effort to measure electron-impact ionization (EII) cross-sections of He-like Fe24+ at the electron beam ion trap (EBIT) facility of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), we have experimentally determined the corrections to the nominal beam energy determined by the voltages applied to the EBIT. High-resolution X-ray spectra were recorded at nominal electron beam energies between 6660 eV and 6750 eV using X-ray microcalorimetry based upon an array of 192 transition-edge sensors (TES). A large-scale collisional-radiative simulation of the non-Maxwellian EBIT plasma using relevant atomic data calculated with Flexible Atomic Code allowed us to determine the space-charge correction due to the electron beam including the neutralization factor by the ion cloud of the EBIT.
Validation of High-Pressure Homogenization Process to Pasteurize Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa) Beverages: Sensorial and Quality Characteristics during Cold Storage
Authors: Vasquez-Rojas Wilson V. , Parralejo-Sanz Sara , Martin Diana , Fornari Tiziana , Cano M. Pilar
Published: March 2023

The effect of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) on the inactivation of Escherichia coli and the stability of the quality properties of Brazil nut beverages were studied. E. coli was used as target microorganism to validate the HPH process (pressures from 50 to 180 MPa and inlet temperatures (Ti) from 25 to 75 °C). Cold storage (5 °C) for 21 days was conducted to establish the shelf-life of BN beverages, in terms of their microbiological, physical, physicochemical, and sensorial stability. HPH-treated samples were compared to pasteurized BN beverages (63 °C for 20 min). The combination of Ti and the pressure of the HPH process (50 to 150 MPa/75 °C and 180 MPa/25 °C) had a significant effect on E. coli inactivation (8.2 log CFU/mL). During storage at 5 °C, the growth of mesophilic aerobes in processed BN beverages was controlled by the HPH process. Oxidative stability (TBAR assay) and physicochemical properties (pH, acidity, and °Brix) were evaluated during cold storage, showing good stability. Additionally, HPH-treated beverages showed a reduction in their particle size and the formation of more stable protein aggregates, which favored the beverages’ whiteness (color). The HPH process could be an alternative to pasteurization to obtain Brazil nut beverages with an acceptable microbiological shelf life (≥21 days at 5 °C) and high-quality characteristics without the use of any additives.
Investigating the Extracellular-Electron-Transfer Mechanisms and Kinetics of Shewanella decolorationis NTOU1 Reducing Graphene Oxide via Lactate Metabolism
Authors: Liou Yu-Xuan , Li Shiue-Lin , Hsieh Kun-Yi , Li Sin-Jie , Hu Li-Jie
Published: March 2023

Microbial graphene oxide reduction is a developing method that serves to reduce both production costs and environmental impact in the synthesis of graphene. This study demonstrates microbial graphene oxide reduction using Shewanella decolorationis NTOU1 under neutral and mild conditions (pH = 7, 35 °C, and 1 atm). Graphene oxide (GO) prepared via the modified Hummers’ method is used as the sole solid electron acceptor, and the characteristics of reduced GO (rGO) are investigated. According to electron microscopic images, the surface structure of GO was clearly changed from smooth to wrinkled after reduction, and whole cells were observed to be wrapped by GO/rGO films. Distinctive appendages on the cells, similar to nanowires or flagella, were also observed. With regard to chemical-bonding changes, after a 24-h reaction of 1 mg mL−1, GO was reduced to rGO, the C/O increased from 1.4 to 3.0, and the oxygen-containing functional groups of rGO were significantly reduced. During the GO reduction process, the number of S. decolorationis NTOU1 cells decreased from 1.65 × 108 to 1.03 × 106 CFU mL−1, indicating the bactericide effects of GO/rGO. In experiments adding consistent concentrations of initial bacteria and lactate, it was shown that with the increase of GO additions (0.5–5.0 mg mL−1), the first-order reaction rate constants (k) of lactate metabolism and acetate production increased accordingly; in experiments adding consistent concentrations of initial bacteria and GO but different lactate levels (1 to 10 mM), the k values of lactate metabolism did not change significantly. The test results of adding different electron transfer mediators showed that riboflavin and potassium ferricyanide were able to boost GO reduction, whereas 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone and 2,6-dimethyl benzoquinone completely eliminated bacterial activity.
Hemodynamic Effects of Subaortic Stenosis on Blood Flow Characteristics of a Mechanical Heart Valve Based on OpenFOAM Simulation
Authors: Chen Aolin , Azriff Basri Adi , Ismail Norzian Bin , Arifin Ahmad Kamarul
Published: March 2023

Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a common congenital heart disease that can cause significant morbidity and mortality if not treated promptly. Patients with heart valve disease are prone to complications after replacement surgery, and the existence of SAS can accelerates disease progression, so timely diagnosis and treatment are required. However, the effects of subaortic stenosis on mechanical heart valves (MHV) are unknown. This study aimed to investigate flow characteristics in the presence of subaortic stenosis and computationally quantify the effects on the hemodynamics of MHV. Through the numerical simulation method, the flow characteristics and related parameters in the presence of SAS can be more intuitively observed. Based on its structure, there are three types of SAS: Tunnel-type SAS (TSS); Fibromuscular annulus SAS (FSS); Discrete SAS (DSS). The first numerical simulation study on different types of SAS found that there are obvious differences among them. Among them, the tunnel-type SAS formed a separated vortex structure on the tunnel-type narrow surface, which exhibits higher wall shear force at a low obstacle percentage. However, discrete SAS showed obvious differences when there was a high percentage of obstacles, forming high peak flow, high wall shear stress, and a high-intensity complex vortex. The presence of all three types of SAS results in the formation of high-velocity jets and complex vortices in front of the MHV, leading to increased shear stress and stagnation time. These hemodynamic changes significantly increase the risk of MHV dysfunction and the development of complications. Despite differences between the three types of SAS, the resultant effects on MHV hemodynamics are consistent. Therefore, early surgical intervention is warranted in SAS patients with implanted MHV.
Identification of Kinase Targets for Enhancing the Antitumor Activity of Eribulin in Triple-Negative Breast Cell Lines
Authors: Xie Xuemei , Lee Jangsoon , Fuson Jon A. , Liu Huey , Iwase Toshiaki , Yun Kyuson , Margain Cori , Tripathy Debu , Ueno Naoto T.
Published: March 2023

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive molecular subtype of breast cancer, and current treatments are only partially effective in disease control. More effective combination approaches are needed to improve the survival of TNBC patients. Eribulin mesylate, a non-taxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat metastatic breast cancer after at least two previous chemotherapeutic regimens. However, eribulin as a single agent has limited therapeutic efficacy against TNBC. Methods: High-throughput kinome library RNAi screening, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and STRING analysis were performed to identify target kinases for combination with eribulin. The identified combinations were validated using in vivo and ex vivo proliferation assays. Results: We identified 135 potential kinase targets whose inhibition enhanced the antiproliferation effect of eribulin in TNBC cells, with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and the MAPK/JNK pathways emerging as the top candidates. Indeed, copanlisib (pan-class I PI3K inhibitor), everolimus (mTOR inhibitor), trametinib (MEK inhibitor), and JNK-IN-8 (pan-JNK inhibitor) produced strong synergistic antiproliferative effects when combined with eribulin, and the PI3K and mTOR inhibitors had the most potent effects in vitro. Conclusions: Our data suggest a new strategy of combining eribulin with PI3K or mTOR inhibitors to treat TNBC.
Lung microRNAs Expression in Lung Cancer and COPD: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Mirra Davida , Esposito Renata , Spaziano Giuseppe , La Torre Chiara , Vocca Cristina , Tallarico Martina , Cione Erika , Gallelli Luca , D’Agostino Bruno
Published: March 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide and represents an impending burden on the healthcare system. Despite increasing attention, the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis in cancer-related diseases such as COPD remain unclear, making novel biomarkers necessary to improve lung cancer early diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA that interfere with several pathways and can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. This study aimed to compare miRNA lung expression between subjects with NSCLC and COPD and healthy controls to obtain the miRNA expression profile by analyzing shared pathways. Lung specimens were collected from a prospective cohort of 21 sex-matched subjects to determine the tissue miRNA expression of hsa-miR-34a-5p, 33a-5p, 149-3p, 197-3p, 199-5p, and 320a-3p by RT-PCR. In addition, an in silico prediction of miRNA target genes linked to cancer was performed. We found a specific trend for has-miR-149-3p, 197-3p, and 34a-5p in NSCLC, suggesting their possible role as an index of the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we identified novel miRNA targets, such as the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (CDK) family, linked to carcinogenesis by in silico analysis. In conclusion. this study identified lung miRNA signatures related to the tumorigenic microenvironment, suggesting their possible role in improving the evaluation of lung cancer onset.
Exploring the Pipeline of Novel Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease; State of the Art Review
Authors: Zurba Yasmin , Gros Beatriz , Shehab Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Over the last two decades, numerous medications have been developed and repurposed to induce and maintain remission in IBD patients. Despite the approval of multiple drugs, the major recurring issues continue to be primary non-response and secondary loss of response, as well as short- and long-term adverse events. Most clinical trials show percentages of response under 60%, possibly as a consequence of strict inclusion criteria and definitions of response. That is why these percentages appear to be more optimistic in real-life studies. A therapeutic ceiling has been used as a term to define this invisible bar that has not been crossed by any drug yet. This review highlights novel therapeutic target agents in phases II and III of development, such as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators, selective Janus kinase inhibitors, anti-interleukins, and other small molecules that are currently under research until 1 January 2023. Emerging treatments for CD and UC that have just received approval or are undergoing phase III clinical trials are also discussed in this review.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Effects of Hyaluronic Acid and an Aminoacidic Pool on Human Osteoblasts
Authors: Bonifacio Maria Addolorata , Cassano Amalia , Vincenti Alessandra , Vinella Angela , Dell’Olio Fabio , Favia Gianfranco , Mariggiò Maria Addolorata
Published: March 2023

The treatment of bone injuries must be timely and effective to improve the chances of full recovery. In this respect, a mix of hyaluronic acid and an amino acidic pool has been marketed to promote soft tissue healing, fastening recovery times. Several studies have reported the in vitro and in vivo influence of hyaluronic acid and amino acids on fibroblasts and keratinocytes, highlighting the enhancement of cell proliferation, motility and cytokines synthesis. Even though the effectiveness of this combination of molecules on bone repair has been described in vivo, to the best of our knowledge, its in vitro effects on osteoblasts still need to be investigated. Therefore, this work describes for the first time osteoblast metabolism, proliferation and in vitro differentiation in the presence of hyaluronic acid and amino acids, aiming at understanding the mechanisms underlying their effectiveness in injured tissue repair. The reported results demonstrate the enhancement of osteoblasts’ metabolic activity and the fastening of cell cycle progression. Furthermore, gene expression studies show a significant increase in differentiation markers, i.e., osteoprotegerin and osteonectin. Finally, alkaline phosphatase activity is also boosted by the combination of hyaluronic acid and aminoacids, confirming the ability of in vitro cultured cells to properly differentiate through the osteogenic lineage.
Cortico-Subcortical White Matter Bundle Changes in Cervical Dystonia and Blepharospasm
Authors: Giannì Costanza , Piervincenzi Claudia , Belvisi Daniele , Tommasin Silvia , De Bartolo Maria Ilenia , Ferrazzano Gina , Petsas Nikolaos , Leodori Giorgio , Fantoni Nicoletta , Conte Antonella , Berardelli Alfredo , Pantano Patrizia
Published: March 2023

Dystonia is thought to be a network disorder due to abnormalities in the basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuit. We aimed to investigate the white matter (WM) microstructural damage of bundles connecting pre-defined subcortical and cortical regions in cervical dystonia (CD) and blepharospasm (BSP). Thirty-five patients (17 with CD and 18 with BSP) and 17 healthy subjects underwent MRI, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Probabilistic tractography (BedpostX) was performed to reconstruct WM tracts connecting the globus pallidus, putamen and thalamus with the primary motor, primary sensory and supplementary motor cortices. WM tract integrity was evaluated by deriving their DTI metrics. Significant differences in mean, radial and axial diffusivity between CD and HS and between BSP and HS were found in the majority of the reconstructed WM tracts, while no differences were found between the two groups of patients. The observation of abnormalities in DTI metrics of specific WM tracts suggests a diffuse and extensive loss of WM integrity as a common feature of CD and BSP, aligning with the increasing evidence of microstructural damage of several brain regions belonging to specific circuits, such as the basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuit, which likely reflects a common pathophysiological mechanism of focal dystonia.
Could Local Application of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1-α Enhancer Deferoxamine Be Promising for Preventing of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw?
Authors: Yalcin-Ülker Gül Merve , Günbatan Murat , Duygu Gonca , Soluk-Tekkesin Merva , Özcakir-Tomruk Ceyda
Published: March 2023

This experimental study investigates the prophylactic effect of deferoxamine (DFO) on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Thirty-six female Sprague Dawley rats received zoledronic acid (ZA) for eight weeks to create an osteonecrosis model. DFO was locally applied into the extraction sockets with gelatin sponge (GS) carriers to prevent MRONJ. The specimens were histopathologically and histomorphometrically evaluated. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) protein levels in the extraction sockets were quantified. New bone formation rate differed significantly between groups (p = 0.005). Newly formed bone ratios in the extraction sockets did not differ significantly between the control group and the GS (p = 1), GS/DFO (p = 0.749), ZA (p = 0.105), ZA-GS (p = 0.474), and ZA-GS/DFO (p = 1) groups. While newly formed bone rates were higher in the ZA-GS and ZA-GS/DFO groups than in the ZA group, the differences were not significant. HIF-1α levels differed significantly between groups (p < 0.001) and were significantly higher in the DFO and ZA-GS/DFO groups than in the control group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). While HIF-1α levels were higher in the ZA-GS/DFO group than in the ZA group, the difference was not significant. While HIF-1α protein levels and new bone formation rate were elevated in the DFO-treated group, the effect was not significant. Further large-scale studies are needed to understand DFO’s preventative effects on MRONJ and the role of HIF-1α in MRONJ pathogenesis.
Urinary DNA as a Tool for Germline and Somatic Mutation Detection in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Januskevicius Tomas , Sabaliauskaite Rasa , Dabkeviciene Daiva , Vaicekauskaite Ieva , Kulikiene Ilona , Sestokaite Agne , Vidrinskaite Asta , Bakavicius Arnas , Jankevicius Feliksas , Ulys Albertas , Jarmalaite Sonata
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: DNA damage response (DDR) pathway gene mutations are detectable in a significant number of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The study aimed at identification of germline and/or somatic DDR mutations in blood and urine samples from patients with mCRPC for correlation with responses to entire sequence of systemic treatment and survival outcomes. (2) Methods: DDR gene mutations were assessed prospectively in DNA samples from leukocytes and urine sediments from 149 mCRPC patients using five-gene panel targeted sequencing. The impact of DDR status on progression-free survival, as well as treatment-specific and overall survival, was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression. (3) Results: DDR mutations were detected in 16.6% of urine and 15.4% of blood samples. BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, ATM and NBN mutations were associated with significantly shorter PFS in response to conventional androgen deprivation therapy and first-line mCRPC therapy with abiraterone acetate. Additionally, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation-bearing patients had a significantly worse response to radium-223. However, DDR mutation status was predictive for the favourable effect of second-line abiraterone acetate after previous taxane-based chemotherapy. (4) Conclusions: Our data confirm the benefit of non-invasive urine-based genetic testing for timely identification of high-risk prostate cancer cases for treatment personalization.
Ablefit: Development of an Advanced System for Rehabilitation
Authors: Neves Hugo , Cruz Arménio , Bernardes Rafael A. , Cardoso Remy , Pimentel Mónica , Duque Filipa Margarida , Lopes Eliana , Veiga Daniela , Malça Cândida , Durães Rúben , Corrente Gustavo , Parreira Pedro , Apóstolo João , Parola Vitor
Published: March 2023

Bedridden patients risk presenting several problems caused by prolonged immobility, leading to a long recovery process. There is thus a need to develop solutions that ensure the implementation of physical rehabilitation programs in a controlled and interactive way. In this context, the ABLEFIT project aims to develop a medical device to physically rehabilitate bedridden patients with prolonged immobility. A partnership was established between the school of nursing, business enterprises and an engineering institute to develop a prototype. After creating the prototype, a pre-clinical experimental usability study was created using the user-centred multi-method approach (User and Human-Centered Design) to assess the device’s functionality, ergonomics and safety. The pre-clinical stage was initiated with a sample of 12 health professionals (that manipulated the device’s functionalities) and 10 end-users (who used the device). During the pre-clinical stage, the need to incorporate in the final version joint stabilizers was observed. Another important finding was the importance of the continuous monitorization of vital signs on Ablefit, namely, heart rate and SPO2. Therefore, the development of the Ablefit system allows the monitoring of a set of variables and conditions inherent to immobility. At the same time, this device will be a dynamic solution (using gamification and simulation technologies) by generating personalized rehabilitation plans.