bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Profile by GC–MS of Fungal Biomass Produced from the Ascospores of Tirmania nivea as a Natural Renewable Resource
Authors: Khaled Jamal M. , Alharbi Naiyf S. , Mothana Ramzi A. , Kadaikunnan Shine , Alobaidi Ahmed S.
Published: December 2021

The edible fruiting bodies of desert truffles are seasonally collected and consumed in many regions of the world. Although they are very expensive, they are bought and sold as a result of considerable scientific reports confirming their health and nutritional benefits. This study aimed to conduct laboratory production of the fungal biomass of Tirmania nivea as a natural renewable resource of many active biological compounds using an artificial growth medium. The T. nivea collected from Hafar Al-Batin, which is north of Saudi Arabia, and their ascospores were harvested and used to produce fungal biomass in potato dextrose broth. The cultivation was conducted using a shaking incubator at 25 °C for two weeks at 200 rpm. The crud extracts of the fungal biomass and mycelium-free broth were prepared using ethyl acetate, methanol and hexane. Preliminary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and their biological activity as antimicrobial agents were investigated. The results showed that the crude extracts have biological activity against mold, yeast and bacteria. The preliminary GC–MS analysis reported that the fungal biomass and extracellular metabolites in the growth medium are industrial renewable resources of several biological compounds that could be used as antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-trypanosomal and anti-inflammatory agents.
Vacuolar Protein-Sorting Receptor MoVps13 Regulates Conidiation and Pathogenicity in Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhu Xueming , Li Lin , Wang Jiaoyu , Zhao Lili , Shi Huanbin , Bao Jiandong , Su Zhenzhu , Liu Xiaohong , Lin Fucheng
Published: December 2021

Magnaporthe oryzae (synonym Pyricularia oryzae) is a filamentous fungal pathogen that causes major yield losses in cultivated rice worldwide. However, the mechanisms of infection of M. oryzae are not well characterized. The VPS13 proteins play vital roles in various biological processes in many eukaryotic organisms, including in the organization of actin cytoskeleton, vesicle trafficking, mitochondrial fusion, and phagocytosis. Nevertheless, the function of the Vps13 protein in plant pathogenic fungi has not been explored. Here, we analysed the biological functions of the Vps13 protein in the development and pathogenicity of M. oryzae. Deletion mutants of MoVps13 significantly reduced the conidiation and decreased the rate of fungal infection on hosts. Moreover, the loss of MoVps13 resulted in defective cell wall integrity (CWI) and plasma membrane (PM) homeostasis when treated with chemicals for inducing cell wall stress (200 mg/mL Congo Red or 0.005% SDS) and sphingolipid synthesis inhibitors (2 μM myriocin or 2 μM amphotericin B). This indicated that MoVps13 is also involved in cell wall synthesis and sphingolipid synthesis. Through immunoblotting, autophagic flux detection, co-localization, and chemical drug sensitivity assays, we confirmed the involvement of Movps13 in ER-phagy and the response to ER stress. Additionally, we generated the C-terminal structure of MoVps13 with high accuracy using the alphaflod2 database. Our experimental evidence indicates that MoVps13 is an important virulence factor that regulates the pathogenicity of M. oryzae by controlling CWI, lipid metabolism and the ER-phagy pathway. These results have expanded our knowledge about pathogenic fungi and will help exploration for novel therapeutic strategies against the rice blast fungus.
First Report of an Invasive Infection by Cephalotrichum gorgonifer in a Neutropenic Patient with Hematological Malignancy under Chemotherapy
Authors: Álvarez-Uría Ana , Escribano Pilar , Parra-Blanco Verónica , Cano-Lira José Francisco , Stchigel Alberto Miguel , Oarbeascoa Gillen , Muñoz Patricia , Guinea Jesús
Published: December 2021

The etiological agents of infrequent invasive fungal infections (IFI) are difficult to identify on the species level using classic morphological examination. We describe the first case of an IFI caused by Cephalotrichum gorgonifer in a neutropenic patient with a hematological malignancy and put it on the map as a new causative agent of IFI. Case report, microbiological findings and description of the etiological agent. A 60-year-old man was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma. A CT scan confirmed the presence of lung infiltrates located at the right upper lobe. Histological examination of one of the nodules showed a large number of narrow septate hyphae with acute-angle branching and irregular round cell morphology; vessels walls appeared infiltrated, proving an angioinvasive pulmonary IFI. Sample culture resulted positive and molecular identification proved the presence of Cephalotrichum gorgonifer. Voriconazole was used for 12 months and the patient did not report any complications or side effects. Complete remission of lymphoma was achieved later by the time chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and radioimmunotherapy consolidation were completed. We recommend the inclusion of Cephalotrichum gorgonifer in the list of opportunistic pathogens causing mycoses in neutropenic hematological patients with suspected mould-related IFI.
Genome and Metabolome MS-Based Mining of a Marine Strain of Aspergillus affinis
Authors: Gonçalves Micael F. M. , Hilário Sandra , Tacão Marta , Van de Peer Yves , Alves Artur , Esteves Ana C.
Published: December 2021

Aspergillus section Circumdati encompasses several species that express both beneficial (e.g., biochemical transformation of steroids and alkaloids, enzymes and metabolites) and harmful compounds (e.g., production of ochratoxin A (OTA)). Given their relevance, it is important to analyze the genetic and metabolic diversity of the species of this section. We sequenced the genome of Aspergillus affinis CMG 70, isolated from sea water, and compared it with the genomes of species from section Circumdati, including A. affinis’s strain type. The A. affinis genome was characterized considering secondary metabolites biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), and transporters. To uncover the biosynthetic potential of A. affinis CMG 70, an untargeted metabolomics (LC-MS/MS) approach was used. Cultivating the fungus in the presence and absence of sea salt showed that A. affinis CMG 70 metabolite profiles are salt dependent. Analyses of the methanolic crude extract revealed the presence of both unknown and well-known Aspergillus compounds, such as ochratoxin A, anti-viral (e.g., 3,5-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid and epigallocatechin), anti-bacterial (e.g., 3-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol, l-pyroglutamic acid, lecanoric acid), antifungal (e.g., lpyroglutamic acid, 9,12,13-Trihydroxyoctadec-10-enoic acid, hydroxyferulic acid), and chemotherapeutic (e.g., daunomycinone, mitoxantrone) related metabolites. Comparative analysis of 17 genomes from 16 Aspergillus species revealed abundant CAZymes (568 per species), secondary metabolite BGCs (73 per species), and transporters (1359 per species). Some BGCs are highly conserved in this section (e.g., pyranonigrin E and UNII-YC2Q1O94PT (ACR toxin I)), while others are incomplete or completely lost among species (e.g., bikaverin and chaetoglobosins were found exclusively in series Sclerotiorum, while asperlactone seemed completely lost). The results of this study, including genome analysis and metabolome characterization, emphasize the molecular diversity of A. affinis CMG 70, as well as of other species in the section Circumdati.
Dietary Behavior of Drosophila melanogaster Fed with Genetically-Modified Corn or Roundup®
Authors: Elias Raquel , Talyn Becky , Melchiorre Erik
Published: December 2021

With the rise in concern about GMOs and pesticides on human health, we have utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for understanding the effects of Roundup-Ready® GMO diets on health. We recorded dietary behavior during and after exposure to a medium containing GMO or non-GMO corn, Roundup® in organic corn medium, and sucrose with or without one of the two Roundup® formulations. No differences in behavior were observed when Drosophila were exposed to a medium containing Roundup-Ready® GMO or non-GMO corn. Drosophila can detect and refrain from eating sucrose containing one Roundup® formulation, Ready-to-Use, which contains pelargonic acid in addition to glyphosate as an active ingredient. Drosophila exhibited dose-dependent increased consumption of sucrose alone after exposure to a medium containing either Roundup® formulation. This may indicate that flies eating a medium with Roundup® eat less and were thus hungrier when then given sucrose solution; that a medium with Roundup® is more difficult to digest; or that a medium with Roundup® is less nutritious, as would be the case if nutritionally important microbes grew on control medium, but not one containing Roundup®.
Gut Microbiota Composition across Normal Range Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels
Authors: Kim Han-Na , Kim Jae-Heon , Chang Yoosoo , Yang Dongmin , Kim Hyung-Lae , Ryu Seungho
Published: December 2021

Animal studies have shown the interaction between androgens and the gut microbiome directly and indirectly; however, limited evidence from human studies is available. To evaluate the association between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels within the normal range, reflective of androgen receptor activity, and the gut microbiota composition, a cross-sectional analysis was performed in 759 Korean men aged between 25 and 78 years with normal PSA levels of ≤4.0 ng/mL. We evaluated the biodiversity of gut microbiota as well as the taxonomic and functional signatures associated with PSA levels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing data. PSA levels within the normal range were categorized into three groups: lowest quartile (G1), interquartile range (G2, reference), and highest quartile (G3). The G3 group had higher microbial richness than the G2 group, although it was dominated by a few bacteria. An increase in Escherichia/Shigella abundance and a reduction in Megamonas abundance in the G3 group were also detected. A U-shaped relationship was observed between the three groups across most analyses, including biodiversity, taxonomic composition, and inferred pathways in the gut microbiota. This study showed different microbiota patterns across PSA levels within the normal range. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of microbiota in regulating PSA levels.
Equity or Equality? Which Approach Brings More Satisfaction in a Kidney-Exchange Chain?
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Arian , Najafi Mehdi , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Thongprayoon Charat , Fathi Mahdi
Published: December 2021

In United States (U.S.), government-funded organizations, such as NLDAC, reimburse travel and subsistence expenses incurred during living-organ donation process. However, in Iran, there is a non-governmental organization called Iranian Kidney Foundation (IKF) that funds the direct and indirect costs of donors through charitable donations and contributions from participants in the exchange program. In this article, for countries outside the U.S. that currently use an equality approach, we propose a potential new compensation-apportionment approach (equitable approach) for kidney-exchange chains and compare it with the currently available system (equality approach) in terms of the apportionment of compensation in a kidney-exchange chain to cover the expenses incurred by the initiating living donor of the chain in the act of donation. To this end, we propose a mechanism to apportion compensation among all participating pairs based on the equity approach by utilizing a prediction model to calculate the probability of graft survival in each transplant operation. These probabilities are then used to define the utility of any transplantation, considering the quality of each pair’s donated and received kidney in the chain. Afterward, the corresponding cost is apportioned by a mechanism based on the normalized differences between the utility of donated and received kidneys for each incompatible pair of the chain. In summary, we demonstrate that by utilizing the equitable approach, there is more fairness and equity in the allocation of resources in organ-procurement systems, which results in more satisfaction among incompatible pairs. Additional future prospective studies are needed to assess this proposed equitable approach for kidney-exchange chains in countries outside the U.S., such as Iran, that currently use an equality approach.
Prognostic Value of Histone Modifying Enzyme EZH2 in RCHOP-Treated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and High Grade B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Petronilho Sara , Sequeira José Pedro , Paulino Sofia , Lopes Paula , Lisboa Susana , Chacim Sérgio , Lobo João , Teixeira Manuel , Jerónimo Carmen , Henrique Rui
Published: December 2021

Background: DLBCL represent a heterogeneous group of aggressive diseases. High grade B-cell lymphomas (HGBCL) were recently individualized from DLBCL as a discrete diagnostic entity due to their worse prognosis. Currently, although most patients are successfully treated with RCHOP regimens, 1/3 will either not respond or ultimately relapse. Alterations in histone modifying enzymes have emerged as the most common alterations in DLBCL, but their role as prognostic biomarkers is controversial. We aimed to ascertain the prognostic value of EZH2 immunoexpression in RCHOP-treated DLBCL and HGBCL. Results: We performed a retrospective cohort study including 125 patients with RCHOP-treated DLBCL or HGBCL. EZH2 expression levels did not differ between diagnostic groups or between DLBCL-NOS molecular groups. We found no associations between EZH2 expression levels and outcome, including in the subgroup analysis (GC versus non-GC). Nonetheless, EZH2/BCL2 co-expression was significantly associated with worse outcome (event free survival and overall survival). Conclusion: Although EZH2 mutations are almost exclusively found in GC-DLBCL, we found similar EZH2 expression levels in both DLBCL-NOS molecular groups, suggesting non-mutational mechanisms of EZH2 deregulation. These findings suggest that the use of EZH2 antagonists might be extended to non-GC DLBCL patients with clinical benefit. EZH2/BCL2 co-expression was associated with a worse outcome.
Assessment of Sleep among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: Association with Quality of Life
Authors: Plotogea Oana-Mihaela , Gheorghe Gina , Stan-Ilie Madalina , Constantinescu Gabriel , Bacalbasa Nicolae , Bungau Simona , Diaconu Camelia Cristina
Published: December 2021

The present study aims to assess the sleep characteristics and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs), as well as the relationship between them. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study, over a period of eight months, on patients with CLDs. Sleep was assessed by subjective tools (self-reported validated questionnaires), semi-objective methods (actigraphy), and HRQOL by using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ). The results indicated that 48.21% of patients with CLDs had a mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score higher than five, suggestive of poor sleep; 39.29% of patients had a mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score ≥11, indicative of daytime sleepiness. Actigraphy monitoring showed that patients with cirrhosis had significantly more delayed bedtime hours and get-up hours, more awakenings, and more reduced sleep efficacy when compared to pre-cirrhotics. The CLDQ and SF-36 questionnaire scores were significantly lower in cirrhotics compared to pre-cirrhotics within each domain. Moreover, we identified significant correlations between the variables from each questionnaire, referring to HRQOL and sleep parameters. In conclusion, sleep disturbances are commonly encountered among patients with CLDs and are associated with impaired HRQOL. This is the first study in Romania that assesses sleep by actigraphy in a cohort of patients with different stages of CLD.
The Skewness Risk in the Energy Market
Authors: Yoon Jungah , Ruan Xinfeng , Zhang Jin E.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study the skewness risk and its return predictability in the energy market. Skewness risk is often used to measure the possibility of market crash. We study both physical skewness (market skewness and cross-sectional average realized skewness) estimated from underlying stock returns and risk-neutral skewness evaluated from the options market. We find a significant positive relationship between one-month-ahead market return and average realized skewness in the energy market. This unique feature should be noted by investors and carefully considered by energy policymakers.
Comparison of Compaction Alleviation Methods on Soil Health and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Bussell Jennifer , Crotty Felicity , Stoate Chris
Published: December 2021

Soil compaction can occur due to trafficking by heavy equipment and be exacerbated by unfavourable conditions such as wet weather. Compaction can restrict crop growth and increase waterlogging, which can increase the production of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Cultivation can be used to alleviate compaction, but this can have negative impacts on earthworm abundance and increase the production of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. In this study, a field was purposefully compacted using trafficking, then in a replicated plot experiment, ploughing, low disturbance subsoiling and the application of a mycorrhizal inoculant were compared as methods of compaction alleviation, over two years of cropping. These methods were compared in terms of bulk density, penetration resistance, crop yield, greenhouse gas emissions and earthworm abundance. Ploughing alleviated topsoil compaction, as measured by bulk density and penetrometer resistance, and increased the crop biomass in one year of the study, although no yield differences were seen. Earthworm abundance was reduced in both years in the cultivated plots, and carbon dioxide flux increased significantly, although this was not significant in summer months. Outside of the summer months, nitrous oxide production increased in the non-cultivated treatments, which was attributed to increased denitrifying activity under compacted conditions.
Improving Best Management Practice Decisions in Mixed Land Use and/or Municipal Watersheds: Should Approaches Be Standardized?
Authors: Hubbart Jason A.
Published: December 2021

Best management practices (BMP) are defined in the United States Clean Water Act (CWA) as practices or measures that have been demonstrated to be successful in protecting a given water resource from nonpoint source pollution. Unfortunately, the greatest majority of BMPs remain unvalidated in terms of demonstrations of success. Further, there is not a broadly accepted or standardized process of BMP implementation and monitoring methods. Conceivably, if standardized BMP validations were a possibility, practices would be much more transferrable, comparable, and prescriptive. The purpose of this brief communication is to present a generalized yet integrated and customizable BMP decision-making process to encourage decision makers to more deliberately work towards the establishment of standardized approaches to BMP monitoring and validation in mixed-use and/or municipal watersheds. Decision-making processes and challenges to BMP implementation and monitoring are presented that should be considered to advance the practice(s) of BMP implementation. Acceptance of standard approaches may result in more organized and transferrable BMP implementation policies and increased confidence in the responsible use of taxpayer dollars through broad acceptance of methods that yield predictable and replicable results.
Hitting Times of Some Critical Events in RNA Origins of Life
Authors: Bastian Caleb Deen , Rabitz Hershel
Published: December 2021

Can a replicase be found in the vast sequence space by random drift? We partially answer this question through a proof-of-concept study of the times of occurrence (hitting times) of some critical events in the origins of life for low-dimensional RNA sequences using a mathematical model and stochastic simulation studies from Python software. We parameterize fitness and similarity landscapes for polymerases and study a replicating population of sequences (randomly) participating in template-directed polymerization. Under the ansatz of localization where sequence proximity correlates with spatial proximity of sequences, we find that, for a replicating population of sequences, the hitting and establishment of a high-fidelity replicator depends critically on the polymerase fitness and sequence (spatial) similarity landscapes and on sequence dimension. Probability of hitting is dominated by landscape curvature, whereas hitting time is dominated by sequence dimension. Surface chemistries, compartmentalization, and decay increase hitting times. Compartmentalization by vesicles reveals a trade-off between vesicle formation rate and replicative mass, suggesting that compartmentalization is necessary to ensure sufficient concentration of precursors. Metabolism is thought to be necessary to replication by supplying precursors of nucleobase synthesis. We suggest that the dynamics of the search for a high-fidelity replicase evolved mostly during the final period and, upon hitting, would have been followed by genomic adaptation of genes and to compartmentalization and metabolism, effecting degree-of-freedom gains of replication channel control over domain and state to ensure the fidelity and safe operations of the primordial genetic communication system of life.
Decorin Concentrations in Aqueous Humor of Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Low Shermaine W. Y. , Vaidya Tanuja , Gadde Santosh G. K. , Mochi Thirumalesh B. , Kumar Devesh , Kassem Iris S. , Costakos Deborah M. , Ahmad Baseer , Sethu Swaminathan , Ghosh Arkasubhra , Chaurasia Shyam S.
Published: December 2021

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes in the retina. Chronic hyperglycemia damages retinal microvasculature embedded into the extracellular matrix (ECM), causing fluid leakage and ischemic retinal neovascularization. Current treatment strategies include intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or steroidal injections, laser photocoagulation, or vitrectomy in severe cases. However, treatment may require multiple modalities or repeat treatments due to variable response. Though DR management has achieved great success, improved, long-lasting, and predictable treatments are needed, including new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches. Small-leucine rich proteoglycans, such as decorin, constitute an integral component of retinal endothelial ECM. Therefore, any damage to microvasculature can trigger its antifibrotic and antiangiogenic response against retinal vascular pathologies, including DR. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the association between aqueous humor (AH) decorin levels, if any, and severity of DR. A total of 82 subjects (26 control, 56 DR) were recruited. AH was collected and decorin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Decorin was significantly increased in the AH of DR subjects compared to controls (p = 0.0034). AH decorin levels were increased in severe DR groups in ETDRS and Gloucestershire classifications. Decorin concentrations also displayed a significant association with visual acuity (LogMAR) measurements. In conclusion, aqueous humor decorin concentrations were found elevated in DR subjects, possibly due to a compensatory response to the retinal microvascular changes during hyperglycemia.
Posterior Circulation Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Vessels Occlusion in Patients Presenting with NIHSS Score ≤ 10
Authors: Alexandre Andrea M. , Valente Iacopo , Consoli Arturo , Trombatore Pietro , Scarcia Luca , Piano Mariangela , Limbucci Nicola , Gabrieli Joseph Domenico , Russo Riccardo , Caragliano Antonio Armando , Ruggiero Maria , Saletti Andrea , Lazzarotti Guido Andrea , Pileggi Marco , Cosottini Mirco , Pilato Fabio , Slomka Artur , Colò Francesca , Giubbolini Francesca , Frisullo Giovanni , Della Marca Giacomo , Broccolini Aldobrando , Pedicelli Alessandro
Published: December 2021

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is currently the gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, the evidence of clinical usefulness of MT in posterior circulation LVO (pc-LVO) is still doubtful compared to the anterior circulation, especially in patients with mild neurological symptoms. The database of 10 high-volume stroke centers in Europe, including a period of three year and a half, was screened for patients with an acute basilar artery occlusion or a single dominant vertebral artery occlusion (“functional” BAO) presenting with a NIHSS ≤10, and with at least 3 months follow-up. A total of 63 patients were included. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female gender (adjusted OR 0.04; 95% CI 0–0.84; p = 0.04) and combined technique (adj OR 0.001; 95% CI 0–0.81; p = 0.04) were predictors of worse outcome. Higher pc-ASPECTS (adj OR 4.75; 95% CI 1.33–16.94; p = 0.02) and higher Delta NIHSS (adj OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.16–3.65; p = 0.01) were predictors of better outcome. Delta NIHSS was the main predictor of good outcome at 90 days in patients with posterior circulation LVO presenting with NIHSS score ≤ 10.
Differential Regulation of Myocardial E3 Ligases and Deubiquitinases in Ischemic Heart Failure
Authors: Klaeske Kristin , Dix Maria , Adams Volker , Jawad Khalil , Eifert Sandra , Etz Christian , Saeed Diyar , Borger Michael A. , Dieterlen Maja-Theresa
Published: December 2021

The pathological changes of ubiquitination and deubiquitination following myocardial infarction (MI) and chronic heart failure (CHF) have been sparsely examined. We investigated the expression of muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases in MI and CHF. Therefore, mice were assigned to coronary artery ligation for 3 days or 10 weeks as well as for sham operation (each n = 10). Expression of E3 ligases (MAFBX, MURF1, CHIP, ITCH, MDM2) and deubiquitinases (A20, CYLD, UCH-L1, USP14, USP19) was determined. After MI and in CHF, the mRNA expression of MURF1, CHIP and MDM2 (all p < 0.05) was decreased. Protein expression analyses revealed that ITCH expression decreased in CHF (p = 0.01), whereas MDM2 expression increased in MI (p = 0.02) and decreased in CHF (p = 0.02). Except for USP19 mRNA expression that decreased at 3 days and 10 weeks (both p < 0.01), the expression of other deubiquitinases remained unaffected after MI and CHF. The expression of myocardial E3 ligases is differentially regulated following MI, raising the question of whether an upstream regulation exists that is activated by MI for tissue protection or whether the downregulation of E3 ligases enables myocardial hypertrophy following MI.
Atopic Dermatitis Severity, Patient Perception of the Disease, and Personality Characteristics: How Are They Related to Quality of Life?
Authors: Lugović-Mihić Liborija , Meštrović-Štefekov Jelena , Ferček Iva , Pondeljak Nives , Lazić-Mosler Elvira , Gašić Ana
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition that greatly affects patients’ quality of life, psychological condition, and social relationships. Materials And Methods: To analyze different aspects of AD patients’ quality of life, we used the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index (for AD severity), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ), and the Crown–Crisp Experiential Index (CCEI) to analyze personality traits. The study included 84 AD patients, 42 with clinical manifestations and 42 in remission. Results: SCORAD values correlated positively and linearly with DLQI (r = 0.551; p < 0.001) and with disease impact on life, disease control, and disease symptoms (r = 0.350–0.398; p ≤ 0.023). DLQI was also related to certain personality characteristics (free-floating anxiety disorder, obsession, somatization, and depression (p ≤ 0.032)). Symptomatic AD patients had a significantly more impaired DLQI than asymptomatic patients (p < 0.001) and the two groups differed in some IPQ dimensions, but they did not differ significantly concerning the WHOQOL-BREF dimensions and personality traits (CCEI). Conclusion: Since AD patient quality of life was dependent not only on disease severity but was also influenced by patient personality characteristics (anxiety disorder, obsession, somatization, depression), many factors need to be taken into account to create effective, patient-specific therapy regimens.
The Role of the CREB Protein Family Members and the Related Transcription Factors in Radioresistance Mechanisms
Authors: Stati Gianmarco , Passaretta Francesca , Gindraux Florelle , Centurione Lucia , Di Pietro Roberta
Published: December 2021

In the framework of space flight, the risk of radiation carcinogenesis is considered a “red” risk due to the high likelihood of occurrence as well as the high potential impact on the quality of life in terms of disease-free survival after space missions. The cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is overexpressed both in haematological malignancies and solid tumours and its expression and function are modulated following irradiation. The CREB protein is a transcription factor and member of the CREB/activating transcription factor (ATF) family. As such, it has an essential role in a wide range of cell processes, including cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Among the CREB-related nuclear transcription factors, NF-κB and p53 have a relevant role in cell response to ionising radiation. Their expression and function can decide the fate of the cell by choosing between death or survival. The aim of this review was to define the role of the CREB/ATF family members and the related transcription factors in the response to ionising radiation of human haematological malignancies and solid tumours.
The Effect of Heat Treatment on the Corrosion Resistance of Fe-Based Amorphous Alloy Coating Prepared by High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Method
Authors: Lee Chun-Ying , Sheu Hung-Hua , Tsay Leu-Wen , Hsiao Po-Sen , Lin Tzu-Jing , Lee Hung-Bin
Published: December 2021

In this study, Fe40Cr19Mo18C15B8 amorphous coatings were prepared using high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) technology. Different temperatures were used in the heat treatment (600 °C, 650 °C, and 700 °C) and the annealed coatings were analyzed by DSC, SEM, TEM, and XRD. XRD and DSC results showed that the coating started to form a crystalline structure after annealing at 650 °C. From the SEM observation, it can be found that when the annealing temperature of the Fe-based amorphous alloy coating reached 700 °C, the surface morphology of the coating became relatively flat. TEM observation showed that when the annealing temperature of the Fe-based amorphous alloy coating was 700 °C, crystal grains in the coating recrystallized with a grain size of 5–20 nm. SAED analysis showed that the precipitated carbide phase was M23C6 phase with different crystal orientations (M = Fe, Cr, Mo). Finally, the corrosion polarization curve showed that the corrosion current density of the coating after annealing only increased by 9.13 μA/cm2, which indicated that the coating after annealing treatment still had excellent corrosion resistance. It also proved that the Fe-based amorphous alloy coating can be used in high-temperature environments. XPS analysis showed that after annealing FeO and Fe2O3 oxide components increased, and the formation of a large number of crystals in the coating resulted in a decrease in corrosion resistance.
Boost the Crystal Installation and Magnetic Features of Cobalt Ferrite/M-Type Strontium Ferrite Nanocomposites Double Substituted by La3+ and Sm3+ Ions (2CoFe2O4/SrFe12−2xSmxLaxO19)
Authors: Hessien Mahmoud M. , Turky Ali Omar , Alanazi Abdullah K. , Alsawat Mohammed , Mahmoud Mohamed H. H. , El-Bagoury Nader , M. Rashad Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Spinel cobalt ferrite/hexagonal strontium hexaferrite (2CoFe2O4/SrFe12−2xSmxLaxO19; x = 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5) nanocomposites were fabricated using the tartaric acid precursor pathway, and the effects of La3+–Sm3+ double substitution on the formation, structure, and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4/SrFe12−2xSmxLaxO19 nanocomposite at different annealing temperatures were assayed through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. A pure 2CoFe2O4/SrFe12O19 nanocomposite was obtained from the tartrate precursor complex annealed at 1100 °C for 2 h. The substitution of Fe3+ ion by Sm3–+La3+ions promoted the formation of pure 2CoFe2O4/SrFe12O19 nanocomposite at 1100 °C. The positions and intensities of the strongest peaks of hexagonal ferrite changed after Sm3+–La3+ substitution at ≤1100 °C. In addition, samples with an Sm3+–La3+ ratio of ≥1.0 annealed at 1200 °C for 2 h showed diffraction peaks for lanthanum cobalt oxide (La3Co3O8; dominant phase) and samarium ferrite (SmFeO3). The crystallite size range at all constituent phases was in the nanocrystalline range, from 39.4 nm to 122.4 nm. The average crystallite size of SrFe12O19 phase increased with the number of Sm3+–La3+ substitutions, whereas that of CoFe2O4 phase decreased with an x of up to 0.5. La–Sm co-doped ion substitution increased the saturation magnetization (Ms) value and the subrogated ratio to 0.2, and the Ms value decreased with the increasing number of double substitutions. A high saturation magnetization value (Ms = 69.6 emu/g) was obtained using a La3+–Sm3+ co-doped ratio of 0.2 at 1200 for 2 h, and a high coercive force value (Hc = 1192.0 Oe) was acquired using the same ratio at 1000 °C.
Worm Gear Drives with Improved Kinematic Accuracy
Authors: Kacalak Wojciech , Majewski Maciej , Budniak Zbigniew , Ponomarenkow Jacek
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the fundamentals of the design and applications of new worm gear drive solutions, which enable the minimisation of backlash and are characterised by higher kinematic accuracy. Different types of worm surfaces are briefly outlined. Technological problems concerning the principles of achieving a high degree of precision in machining are also described. Special attention is paid to the shaping of conical helical surfaces. Increasing the manufacturing precision of drive components allows one to achieve both lower backlash values and lower levels of its dispersion. However, this does not ensure that backlash can be eliminated, with its value being kept low during longer periods of operation. This is important in positioning systems and during recurrent operations. Various design solutions for drives in which it is possible to reduce backlash are presented. Results of experiments of a worm gear drive with a worm axially adaptive only locally, in its central section, are presented. In this solution, it is possible to reduce backlash by introducing adjustment settings without disassembling the drive. An important scientific problem concerned defining the principles of achieving a compromise between the effectiveness of reducing backlash and the required load capacity of the drive. In this paper it has been shown that in worm gear drives with a locally axially adaptive worm, as well as with a worm wheel with a deformable rim, it is possible to achieve significant reduction of backlash. In high precision drives—for example, those with an average backlash value of <15 micrometers—this can enable more than a two-fold reduction of the average backlash value and more than a three-fold decrease of the standard deviation of local backlash values.
From Blood to Bone—The Osteogenic Activity of L-PRF Membranes on the Ex Vivo Embryonic Chick Femur Development Model
Authors: Francisco Inês , Vale Francisco , Martin Victor , Fernandes Maria Helena , Gomes Pedro Sousa
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: To evaluate the effects of the direct and indirect contact of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on bone development, in an ex vivo embryonic chick femur model. (2) Methods: Both sections of L-PRF membranes (red and yellow portions) were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy and histochemical staining. The in vivo angiogenic activity was evaluated using a chorioallantoic membrane model. The osteogenic activity was assessed with an organotypic culture of embryonic chick femora through direct and indirect contact, and assessment was conducted by microtomographic and histological analysis. Descriptive statistics, One-Way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons tests were performed for datasets that presented a normal distribution, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed for non-parametric datasets. A significance level of 0.05 was considered. (3) Results: The L-PRF induced angiogenesis reflected by a higher number and a larger and more complex gauge in the vessels that invaded the membrane. The physical presence of the membrane over the bone (direct contact) unleashes the full potential of the L-PRF effects on bone growth enhancement. The greatest increase in mineral content was observed in the diaphysis region. (4) Conclusion: The L-PRF direct contact group presented higher values on mineral content for bone volume, bone surface and bone mineral density than the indirect contact and control groups.
Colloidal Processing of Y0.08Zr0.92O2/La0.80Sr0.20MnO3 Semi-Cells Using a Sr-Doped Lanthanum Manganite Synthesized by a Citrate Route
Authors: Recio Paloma , Alcázar Carmen , Moreno Rodrigo
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the interface between yttria stabilized zirconia (Y0.08Zr0.92O2, YSZ) electrolyte and Sr-doped lanthanum manganite (La0.80Sr0.20MnO3, LSM) cathode for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is studied. For such a purpose, the combination of a suitable synthesis route for obtaining fine powders and simple aqueous colloidal shaping routes is proposed. The synthesis of nanosized particles of La0.80Sr0.20MnO3 by a citrate route and their full characterization, including the colloidal stability and the densification and phase development determined by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy at different temperatures, is reported. In a second step, YSZ tapes were obtained by aqueous tape casting and used as substrates for the preparation of LSM coatings by dip-coating using aqueous slurries. YSZ tapes were used either in the green state or after a pre-sintering treatment. Co-sintering at 1350 °C led to a sharp interface with excellent adhesion, also achieved when coating pre-sintered tapes. In both cases, the substrates are dense and the coatings are porous, with thicknesses of 85 and 60 μm for green and pre-sintered tapes, respectively. No diffusion of Zr and Y occurs at the LSM layer, but some diffusion of La and Mn towards the YSZ layer takes place.
Interfacial Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of CuSn15/HT250 Prepared via Additive Manufacturing Combined with an Inconel 718 Interlayer
Authors: Liu Huaqiang , Guo Kai , Sun Jie , Shi Hao
Published: December 2021

Tremendous discrepancies in the positive enthalpy of mixing and the coefficient of thermal expansion emerge between the copper alloy and the gray cast iron, accounting for numerous pores and cracks in the interfacial region during the metallurgical bonding process. To enhance the interfacial bonding properties of these two refractory materials, laser-directed energy deposition was applied to fabricate the CuSn15 alloy on the HT250 substrate; meanwhile, Inconel 718 alloy, acting as the interlayer, was added to their bonding region. Firstly, the effect of the deposition process on deposition layer quality was investigated, and then the effects of Inconel 718 addition on the interfacial morphology, element distribution, phase composition, bonding strength, microhardness were studied. The results showed that a substrate (HT250) without cracks and a deposition layer (CuSn15) free from pores could be obtained via parameter optimization combined with preheating and slow cooling processes. Adding the Inconel 718 interlayer eliminated the interfacial pores and cracks, facilitated interfacial element (Cu, Fe, Ni) diffusion, and enhanced interfacial bonding strength. The interface between HT250 and CuSn15 mainly contained the FeSn2 phase, while the interfaces of the CuSn15-Inconel 718 and the Inconel 718-HT250 were mainly composed of the Ni3Sn4, Cr5Si3, FeSi2, Cr7C3. The microhardness and fracture morphology of the interfacial region in the samples with and without the interlayer were also studied. Finally, CuSn15 was also successfully deposited on the surface of the HT250 impeller with large size and complex structure, which was applied in the root blower.
Damage Evolution Constitutive Behavior of Rock in Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Processes
Authors: Wang Suran , Liao Haohao , Chen Youliang , Fernández-Steeger Tomás Manuel , Du Xi , Xiong Min , Liao Shaoming
Published: December 2021

For thermal and loaded rock in engineering structures for some projects, triple-shear Drucker–Prager yield criteria, compaction coefficient K, damage variable correction factor δ, and thermal damage variable DT are introduced in a new thermomechanical (TM) constitutive model for the entire process. The compaction stage of rock in uniaxial compression test and the strain softening of rock caused by thermal attack are considered in this article. The damage evolution of rocks is described by a damage variable and a constitutive equation, which are in agreement with the actual thermal experimental breakage. The uniaxial compressive strength of granite subjected to a TM coupling effect can be predicted properly by this new unified constitutive model. The new TM unified constitutive model considering the compaction stage and post-failure stage is in good agreement with the test curves throughout the entire process. The coupling effect of heat and load in the total damage of rock has obvious nonlinear properties, but the coupling effect significantly weakens the specimens. By using the new TM unified constitutive model, the whole process of changes in rock damage with strain after high temperature can be calculated. Meanwhile, the model well represents the stress–strain curve at the post-failure stage. It is expected that this model can provide references for studying the mechanical response of the rock damage propagation characteristics in the future.
An Extended k-Surface Framework for Electromagnetic Fields in Artificial Media
Authors: Dănilă Octavian , Bărar Ana , Vlădescu Marian , Mănăilă-Maximean Doina
Published: December 2021

The complete understanding of the electromagnetic field characteristics in artificially created bulk or thin media is essential to the efficient harnessing of the multitude of linear and nonlinear effects resulting from it. Due to the fact that recently developed artificial metastructures exhibit controllable electric and magnetic properties that are completely different from natural ones, the spectrum of behavior resulting from subjecting such media to electromagnetic fields has to be revisited. In this paper, we introduce a k-surface framework that offers complete information on the dispersion properties of media with designer electric and magnetic responses with positive and negative values, as well as for the coupling between the two. The extension from the classic k-surface case resides in the consideration of magnetic and bianisotropic materials with positive and negative permittivity and permeability values, as well as the introduction of the chirality coefficient.To illustrate the applicability of our framework, we have investigated the conditions to obtain collinear second harmonic generation in the case of artificial media with positively and negatively valued electric and magnetic responses. As expected, the phase matching tuning curves, defined as the intersections between the k-surfaces at both frequencies, are significantly modified with respect to the classic ones.
Experimental Investigation of Stress Distributions in 3D Printed Graded Plates with a Circular Hole
Authors: Yang Quanquan , Cao He , Tang Youcheng , Li Yun , Chen Xiaogang
Published: December 2021

An experimental investigation is presented for the stress distributions in functionally graded plates containing a circular hole. On the basis of the authors’ previously constructed theoretical model, two kinds of graded plates made of discrete rings with increasing or decreasing Young’s modulus were designed and fabricated in virtue of multi-material 3D printing. The printed graded plates had accurate size, smooth surface, and good interface. The strains of two graded plates under uniaxial tension were measured experimentally using strain gages. The stresses were calculated within the range of linear elastic from the measured strains and compared with analytical theory. It is found that the experimental results are consistent with the theoretical results, and both of them indicate that the stress concentration around the hole reduces obviously in graded plates with radially increasing Young’s modulus, in comparison with that of perforated homogenous plates. The successful experiment in the paper provides a good basis and support for the establishment of theoretical models and promotes the in-depth development of the research field of stress concentration in functionally graded plates.
Utilisation of Carp Skin Post-Production Waste in Binary Films Based on Furcellaran and Chitosan to Obtain Packaging Materials for Storing Blueberries
Authors: Janik Magdalena , Jamróz Ewelina , Tkaczewska Joanna , Juszczak Lesław , Kulawik Piotr , Szuwarzyński Michał , Khachatryan Karen , Kopel Pavel
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study was to develop and characterise an innovative three-component biopolymer film based on chitosan (CHIT), furcellaran (FUR) and a gelatin hydrolysate from carp skins (Cyprinus carpio) (HGEL). The structure and morphology were characterised using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The FT-IR test showed no changes in the matrix after the addition of HGEL, which indicates that the film components were compatible. Based on the obtained AFM results, it was found that the addition of HGEL caused the formation of grooves and cracks on the surface of the film (reduction by ~21%). The addition of HGEL improved the antioxidant activity of the film (improvement by up to 2.318% and 444% of DPPH and FRAP power, respectively). Due to their properties, the tested films were used as active materials in the preservation of American blueberries. In the active films, the blueberries lost mass quickly compared to the synthetic film and were characterised by higher phenol content. The results obtained in this study create the opportunity to use the designed CHIT–FUR films in developing biodegradable packaging materials for food protection, but it is necessary to test their effectiveness on other food products.