bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association between Gut Microbiota and Uremia of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Kim Hyo-Eun , Park Ji In , Cho Hyunjeong , Kwak Min-Jung , Kim Byung-Yong , Yang Seung Hee , Lee Jung Pyo , Kim Dong Ki , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Kim Bong-Soo , Lee Hajeong
Published: June 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated uremia aggravates—and is aggravated by—gut dysbiosis. However, the correlation between CKD severity and gut microbiota and/or their uremic metabolites is unclear. We enrolled 103 CKD patients with stage 1 to 5 and 46 healthy controls. We analyzed patients’ gut microbiota by MiSeq system and measured the serum concentrations of four uremic metabolites (p-cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl glucuronide, and trimethylamine N-oxide) by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Serum concentrations of the uremic metabolites increased with kidney function deterioration. Gut microbial diversity did not differ among the examined patient and control groups. In moderate or higher stage CKD groups, Oscillibacter showed positive interactions with other microbiota, and the proportions of Oscillibacter were positively correlated with those of the uremic metabolites. The gut microbiota, particularly Oscillibacter, was predicted to contribute to pyruvate metabolism which increased with CKD progression. Relative abundance of Oscillibacter was significantly associated with both serum uremic metabolite levels and kidney function. Predicted functional analysis suggested that kidney-function-associated changes in the contribution of Oscillibacter to pyruvate metabolism in CKD may greatly affect the gut environment according to kidney function, resulting in dysbiosis concomitant with uremic toxin production. The gut microbiota could be associated with uremia progression in CKD. These results may provide basis for further metagenomics analysis of kidney diseases.
Future Climate Significantly Alters Fungal Plant Pathogen Dynamics during the Early Phase of Wheat Litter Decomposition
Authors: Fareed Mohamed Wahdan Sara , Hossen Shakhawat , Tanunchai Benjawan , Schädler Martin , Buscot François , Purahong Witoon
Published: June 2020

Returning wheat residues to the soil is a common practice in modern agricultural systems and is considered to be a sustainable practice. However, the negative contribution of these residues in the form of “residue-borne pathogens” is recognized. Here, we aimed to investigate the structure and ecological functions of fungal communities colonizing wheat residues during the early phase of decomposition in a conventional farming system. The experiment was conducted under both ambient conditions and a future climate scenario expected in 50–70 years from now. Using MiSeq Illumina sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), we found that plant pathogenic fungi dominated (~87% of the total sequences) within the wheat residue mycobiome. Destructive wheat fungal pathogens such as Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium tricinctum, and Zymoseptoria tritci were detected under ambient and future climates. Moreover, future climate enhanced the appearance of new plant pathogenic fungi in the plant residues. Our results based on the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunocapture technique demonstrated that almost all detected pathogens are active at the early stage of decomposition under both climate scenarios. In addition, future climate significantly changed both the richness patterns and the community dynamics of the total, plant pathogenic and saprotrophic fungi in wheat residues as compared with the current ambient climate. We conclude that the return of wheat residues can increase the pathogen load, and therefore have negative consequences for wheat production in the future.
Correction: Sano, M., et al. Microbial Screening Based on the Mizoroki–Heck Reaction Permits Exploration of Hydroxyhexylitaconic-Acid-Producing Fungi in Soils. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 648
Authors: Sano Mei , Yada Ryoki , Nomura Yusuke , Kusukawa Takahiro , Ando Hiroshi , Matsumoto Keiji , Wada Kazuhito , Tanaka Tomonari , Ohara Hitomi , Aso Yuji
Published: June 2020

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
The Effect of Pulsed Laser Heating on the Stability of Ferropericlase at High Pressures
Authors: Aprilis Georgios , Pakhomova Anna , Chariton Stella , Khandarkhaeva Saiana , Melai Caterina , Bykova Elena , Bykov Maxim , Fedotenko Timofey , Koemets Egor , McCammon Catherine , Chumakov Aleksandr I. , Hanfland Michael , Dubrovinskaia Natalia , Dubrovinsky Leonid
Published: June 2020

It is widely accepted that the lower mantle consists of mainly three major minerals—ferropericlase, bridgmanite and calcium silicate perovskite. Ferropericlase ((Mg,Fe)O) is the second most abundant of the three, comprising approximately 16–20 wt% of the lower mantle. The stability of ferropericlase at conditions of the lowermost mantle has been highly investigated, with controversial results. Amongst other reasons, the experimental conditions during laser heating (such as duration and achieved temperature) have been suggested as a possible explanation for the discrepancy. In this study, we investigate the effect of pulsed laser heating on the stability of ferropericlase, with a geochemically relevant composition of Mg0.76Fe0.24O (Fp24) at pressure conditions corresponding to the upper part of the lower mantle and at a wide temperature range. We report on the decomposition of Fp24 with the formation of a high-pressure (Mg,Fe)3O4 phase with CaTi2O4-type structure, as well as the dissociation of Fp24 into Fe-rich and Mg-rich phases induced by pulsed laser heating. Our results provide further arguments that the chemical composition of the lower mantle is more complex than initially thought, and that the compositional inhomogeneity is not only a characteristic of the lowermost part, but includes depths as shallow as below the transition zone.
Plant Extracts Containing Saponins Affects the Stability and Biological Activity of Hempseed Oil Emulsion System
Authors: Jarzębski Maciej , Siejak Przemysław , Smułek Wojciech , Fathordoobady Farahnaz , Guo Yigong , Pawlicz Jarosław , Trzeciak Tomasz , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Kitts David D. , Singh Anika , Pratap Singh Anubhav
Published: June 2020

In this study, two saponins-rich plant extracts, viz. Saponaria officinalis and Quillaja saponaria, were used as surfactants in an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion based on hempseed oil (HSO). This study focused on a low oil phase content of 2% v/v HSO to investigate stable emulsion systems under minimum oil phase conditions. Emulsion stability was characterized by the emulsification index (EI), centrifugation tests, droplet size distribution as well as microscopic imaging. The smallest droplets recorded by dynamic light scattering (droplets size v. number), one day after the preparation of the emulsion, were around 50–120 nm depending the on use of Saponaria and Quillaja as a surfactant and corresponding to critical micelle concentration (CMC) in the range 0–2 g/L. The surface and interfacial tension of the emulsion components were studied as well. The effect of emulsions on environmental bacteria strains was also investigated. It was observed that emulsions with Saponaria officinalis extract exhibited slight toxic activity (the cell metabolic activity reduced to 80%), in contrast to Quillaja emulsion, which induced Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 17400 growth. The highest-stability samples were those with doubled CMC concentration. The presented results demonstrate a possible use of oil emulsions based on plant extract rich in saponins for the food industry, biomedical and cosmetics applications, and nanoemulsion preparations.
Expanding the Role of Sub-Exploited DOE-High Energy Extraction and Metabolomic Profiling towards Agro-Byproduct Valorization: The Case of Carotenoid-Rich Apricot Pulp
Authors: Tsiaka Thalia , Fotakis Charalambos , Lantzouraki Dimitra Z. , Tsiantas Konstantinos , Siapi Eleni , Sinanoglou Vassilia J. , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis
Published: June 2020

Traditional extraction remains the method-of-choice for phytochemical analyses. However, the absence of an integrated analytical platform, focusing on customized, validated extraction steps, generates tendentious and non-reproducible data regarding the phytochemical profile. Such a platform would also support the exploration and exploitation of plant byproducts, which are a valuable source of bioactive metabolites. This study deals with the incorporation of (a) the currently sub-exploited high energy extraction methods (ultrasound (UAE)- and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)), (b) experimental design (DOE), and (c) metabolomics, in an integrated analytical platform for the extensive study of plant metabolomics and phytochemical profiling. The recovery of carotenoids from apricot by-products (pulp) is examined as a case study. MAE, using ethanol as solvent, achieved higher carotenoid yields compared to UAE, where 1:1 chloroform-methanol was employed, and classic extraction. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic profiling classified extracts according to the variations in co-extractives in relation to the extraction conditions. Extracts with a lower carotenoid content contained branched-chain amino acids as co-extractives. Medium carotenoid content extracts contained choline, unsaturated fatty acids, and sugar alcohols, while the highest carotenoid extracts were also rich in sugars. Overall, the proposed pipeline can provide different the phytochemical fractions of bioactive compounds according to the needs of different industrial sectors (cosmetics, nutraceuticals, etc.).
Hormesis and Ginseng: Ginseng Mixtures and Individual Constituents Commonly Display Hormesis Dose Responses, Especially for Neuroprotective Effects
Authors: Calabrese Edward J.
Published: June 2020

This paper demonstrates that ginseng mixtures and individual ginseng chemical constituents commonly induce hormetic dose responses in numerous biological models for endpoints of biomedical and clinical relevance, typically providing a mechanistic framework. The principal focus of ginseng hormesis-related research has been directed toward enhancing neuroprotection against conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases, stroke damage, as well as enhancing spinal cord and peripheral neuronal damage repair and reducing pain. Ginseng was also shown to reduce symptoms of diabetes, prevent cardiovascular system damage, protect the kidney from toxicities due to immune suppressant drugs, and prevent corneal damage, amongst other examples. These findings complement similar hormetic-based chemoprotective reports for other widely used dietary-type supplements such as curcumin, ginkgo biloba, and green tea. These findings, which provide further support for the generality of the hormetic dose response in the biomedical literature, have potentially important public health and clinical implications.
CuFe2O4/Polyaniline (PANI) Nanocomposite for the Hazard Mercuric Ion Removal: Synthesis, Characterization, and Adsorption Properties Study
Authors: Hassan Saad , H. Kamel Ayman , A. Hassan Amr , Amr Abd , Abd El-Naby Heba , Al-Omar Mohamed , Sayed Ahmed
Published: June 2020

Copper ferrite nano-particles (CuFe2O4) were synthesized, characterized, modified with polyaniline to form CuFe2O4/PANI nano-composite. They were used as new adsorbents for the removal of the hazardous mercuric ions from aqueous solutions. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) were used for the characterization of the synthesized CuFe2O4 nano-particles (NPs) in presence and absence of PANI nano-composite. The synthesized CuFe2O4NPs were of spherical shape with an average size of 10.8 nm. XRD analysis displayed crystal peaks for CuFe2O4NPs and amorphous peaks CuFe2O4/PANI nano-composite due to the existence of polyaniline layer. Contact time, adsorbent dose, solution pH, adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm and recyclability were studied. The method at the optimum conditions exhibited high performance with high mercury removal percentage of up to 99% with a maximum adsorption capacity 12.5 and 157.1 mg/g for CuFe2O4 and CuFe2O4/PANI, respectively. The adsorption processes were fitted to Langmuir isotherms. The adsorption behavior of CuFe2O4@PANI composite towards Hg2+ ions is attributed to the soft acid–soft base strong interaction between PANI and Hg(II) ions. High stability and enhanced re-usability are offered using CuFe2O4@PANI composite due to its enhanced removal efficiency. No significant removal decrease was noticed after five adsorption–desorption cycles. In addition, it possesses an easy removal from aqueous solutions by external magnetic field after adsorption experiments. These indicated the enhancement of polyaniline to the surface of CuFe2O4 toward the adsorption of mercury from aqueous solutions.
Effect of Palmitic Acid on Exosome-Mediated Secretion and Invasive Motility in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Maly Ivan V. , Hofmann Wilma A.
Published: June 2020

High fat consumption can enhance metastasis and decrease survival in prostate cancer, but the picture remains incomplete on the epidemiological and cell-biological level, impeding progress toward individualized recommendations in the clinic. Recent work has highlighted the role of exosomes secreted by prostate cancer cells in the progression of the disease, particularly in metastatic invasion, and also the utility of targeting these extracellular vesicles for diagnostics, as carriers of disease progression markers. Here, we investigated the question of a potential impact of the chief nutritional saturated fatty acid on the exosome secretion. Palmitic acid decreased the secretion of exosomes in human prostate cancer cells in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. At the same time, the content of some prospective metastatic markers in the secreted exosomal fraction was also reduced, as was the ability of the cells to invade across extracellular matrix barriers. While by themselves our in vitro results imply that on the cell level, palmitic acid may be beneficial vis-à-vis the course of the disease, they also suggest that, by virtue of the decreased biomarker secretion, palmitic acid has the potential to cause unjustified deprioritization of treatment in obese and lipidemic men.
Optimization of QuEChERS Method for Simultaneous Determination of Neonicotinoid Residues in Pollinator Forage
Authors: Hall Maura J. , Dang Viet , Bradbury Steven P. , Coats Joel R.
Published: June 2020

Consistent with the large-scale use of pesticide seed treatments in U.S. field crop production, there has been an increased use of neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seed over the past decade. Neonicotinoids can move downwind to adjacent off-field pollinator habitats in dust from planting and/or move downslope to habitats in surface water. The extent of potential neonicotinoid exposure to pollinators from neonicotinoid movement into these adjacent pollinator habitats is unclear. Pollen and leaf tissue extractions were completed using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction procedure. Samples were subjected to a clean-up step using dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) techniques prior to analysis. The compounds in the extracts were separated on a reversed-phase column with gradient elution and confirmed with tandem mass spectrometry. The extraction method showed acceptable recoveries of analytes ranging from 78.4 to 93.6% and 89.4 to 101% for leaf tissue and pollen, respectively. The method’s detection limits ranged from 0.04 to 0.3 ng/g in milkweed leaf tissue and 0.04 to 1.0 ng/g in pollen. The method is currently being employed in ongoing studies surveying pollen from a diversity of forbs and milkweed leaves obtained from habitat patches established within fields with a history of using neonicotinoid-treated seeds.
Enhanced Stability of Lipid Structures by Dip-Pen Nanolithography on Block-Type MPC Copolymer
Authors: Liu Hui-Yu , Kumar Ravi , Takai Madoka , Hirtz Michael
Published: June 2020

Biomimetic lipid membranes on solid supports have been used in a plethora of applications, including as biosensors, in research on membrane proteins or as interfaces in cell experiments. For many of these applications, structured lipid membranes, e.g., in the form of arrays with features of different functionality, are highly desired. The stability of these features on a given substrate during storage and in incubation steps is key, while at the same time the substrate ideally should also exhibit antifouling properties. Here, we describe the highly beneficial properties of a 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) copolymer for the stability of supported lipid membrane structures generated by dip-pen nanolithography with phospholipids (L-DPN). The MPC copolymer substrates allow for more stable and higher membrane stack structures in comparison to other hydrophilic substrates, like glass or silicon oxide surfaces. The structures remain highly stable under immersion in liquid and subsequent incubation and washing steps. This allows multiplexed functionalization of lipid arrays with antibodies via microchannel cantilever spotting (µCS), without the need of orthogonal binding tags for each antibody type. The combined properties of the MPC copolymer substrate demonstrate a great potential for lipid-based biomedical sensing and diagnostic platforms.
Bacillus paranthracis Isolate from Blood of Fatal Ebola Virus Disease Case
Authors: Matson M. Jeremiah , Anzick Sarah L. , Feldmann Friederike , Martens Craig A. , Drake Steven K. , Feldmann Heinz , Massaquoi Moses , Chertow Daniel S. , Munster Vincent J.
Published: June 2020

A Bacillus paranthracis isolate was cultured from the blood of a fatal Ebola virus disease (EVD) case in Liberia and was identified by whole genome sequencing. Although B. paranthracis has only recently been described and is poorly characterized, this case may represent the bacterial co-infection of an EVD patient.
Distribution of Parasitic Helminths in the Small Intestine of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Karamon Jacek , Sroka Jacek , Dąbrowska Joanna , Bilska-Zając Ewa , Skrzypek Katarzyna , Różycki Mirosław , Zdybel Jolanta , Cencek Tomasz
Published: June 2020

The aim of the study was to analyze the distribution of the main groups of parasitic helminths within the small intestine of the red fox on the example of animals coming from eastern Poland. Two hundred and sixteen red foxes shot in eastern Poland were used in the investigation. Before examination, each small intestine was divided into three equal parts: anterior (A), middle (M), and posterior (P). Each part was examined separately with the sedimentation and counting technique. Six different types of intestinal parasites were detected: Alaria alata (78.7%), Mesocestoides spp. (78.2%), hookworms (72.7%), Taenia spp. (53.2%), Toxocara/Toxascaris (43.1%), and Echinococcus multilocularis (18.5%). Alaria alata was most often found in A and in the only-A variant. Taenia spp. and Toxocara/Toxascaris occurred often in A and were the second (after A. alata) parasites in terms of frequency occurring in the only-A variant. Mesocestoides spp. was most commonly located in M. Parasites with predilection sites located mainly in M and P were E. multilocularis and hookworms. In all parasite species, the variant covering the entire intestine (A + M + P) was found in samples with a higher intensity compared to variants limited to one or two fragments. Our investigation, as one of the few of its type, conducted a comprehensive analysis of the distribution of intestinal helminths in the small intestine of the red fox. It showed significant differences in the distribution of parasitic helminths in the small intestine of the red fox. Determining typical predilection sites for parasites in the intestine can be helpful in creating effective diagnostic methods.
Verticillium Wilt of Olive and Its Control: What Did We Learn during the Last Decade?
Authors: Montes-Osuna Nuria , Mercado-Blanco Jesús
Published: June 2020

Verticillium (Verticillium dahliae Kleb.) wilt is one of the most devastating diseases affecting olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. europaea) cultivation. Its effective control strongly relies on integrated management strategies. Olive cultivation systems are experiencing important changes (e.g., high-density orchards, etc.) aiming at improving productivity. The impact of these changes on soil biology and the incidence/severity of olive pests and diseases has not yet been sufficiently evaluated. A comprehensive understanding of the biology of the pathogen and its populations, the epidemiological factors contributing to exacerbating the disease, the underlying mechanisms of tolerance/resistance, and the involvement of the olive-associated microbiota in the tree’s health is needed. This knowledge will be instrumental to developing more effective control measures to confront the disease in regions where the pathogen is present, or to exclude it from V. dahliae-free areas. This review compiles the most recent advances achieved to understand the olive–V. dahliae interaction as well as measures to control the disease. Aspects such as the molecular basis of the host–pathogen interaction, the identification of new biocontrol agents, the implementation of “-omics” approaches to unravel the basis of disease tolerance, and the utilization of remote sensing technology for the early detection of pathogen attacks are highlighted.
Comparison of Chloroplast Genomes among Species of Unisexual and Bisexual Clades of the Monocot Family Araceae
Authors: Abdullah  , Henriquez Claudia L. , Mehmood Furrukh , Shahzadi Iram , Ali Zain , Waheed Mohammad Tahir , Croat Thomas B. , Poczai Peter , Ahmed Ibrar
Published: June 2020

The chloroplast genome provides insight into the evolution of plant species. We de novo assembled and annotated chloroplast genomes of four genera representing three subfamilies of Araceae: Lasia spinosa (Lasioideae), Stylochaeton bogneri, Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Zamioculcadoideae), and Orontium aquaticum (Orontioideae), and performed comparative genomics using these chloroplast genomes. The sizes of the chloroplast genomes ranged from 163,770 bp to 169,982 bp. These genomes comprise 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding, 4 rRNA, and 30 tRNA genes. Among these genes, 17–18 genes are duplicated in the inverted repeat (IR) regions, comprising 6–7 protein-coding (including trans-splicing gene rps12), 4 rRNA, and 7 tRNA genes. The total number of genes ranged between 130 and 131. The infA gene was found to be a pseudogene in all four genomes reported here. These genomes exhibited high similarities in codon usage, amino acid frequency, RNA editing sites, and microsatellites. The oligonucleotide repeats and junctions JSB (IRb/SSC) and JSA (SSC/IRa) were highly variable among the genomes. The patterns of IR contraction and expansion were shown to be homoplasious, and therefore unsuitable for phylogenetic analyses. Signatures of positive selection were seen in three genes in S. bogneri, including ycf2, clpP, and rpl36. This study is a valuable addition to the evolutionary history of chloroplast genome structure in Araceae.
A Perspective on Secondary Seed Dormancy in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Buijs Gonda
Published: June 2020

Primary seed dormancy is the phenomenon whereby seeds newly shed by the mother plant are unable to germinate under otherwise favorable conditions for germination. Primary dormancy is released during dry seed storage (after-ripening), and the seeds acquire the capacity to germinate upon imbibition under favorable conditions, i.e., they become non-dormant. Primary dormancy can also be released from the seed by various treatments, for example, by cold imbibition (stratification). Non-dormant seeds can temporarily block their germination if exposed to unfavorable conditions upon seed imbibition until favorable conditions are available. Nevertheless, prolonged unfavorable conditions will re-induce dormancy, i.e., germination will be blocked upon exposure to favorable conditions. This phenomenon is referred to as secondary dormancy. Relative to primary dormancy, the mechanisms underlying secondary dormancy remain understudied in Arabidopsis thaliana and largely unknown. This is partly due to the experimental difficulty in observing secondary dormancy in the laboratory and the absence of established experimental protocols. Here, an overview is provided of the current knowledge on secondary dormancy focusing on A. thaliana, and a working model describing secondary dormancy is proposed, focusing on the interaction of primary and secondary dormancy.
Micromechanics of Stress-Softening and Hysteresis of Filler Reinforced Elastomers with Applications to Thermo-Oxidative Aging
Authors: Plagge Jan , Klüppel Manfred
Published: June 2020

A micromechanical concept of filler-induced stress-softening and hysteresis is established that describes the complex quasi-static deformation behavior of filler reinforced rubbers upon repeated stretching with increasing amplitude. It is based on a non-affine tube model of rubber elasticity and a distinct deformation and fracture mechanics of filler clusters in the stress field of the rubber matrix. For the description of the clusters we refer to a three-dimensional generalization of the Kantor–Webman model of flexible chain aggregates with distinct bending–twisting and tension deformation of bonds. The bending–twisting deformation dominates the elasticity of filler clusters in elastomers while the tension deformation is assumed to be mainly responsible for fracture. The cluster mechanics is described in detail in the theoretical section, whereby two different fracture criteria of filler–filler bonds are considered, denoted “monodisperse” and “hierarchical” bond fracture mechanism. Both concepts are compared in the experimental section, where stress–strain cycles of a series of ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM) composites with various thermo-oxidative aging histories are evaluated. It is found that the “hierarchical” bond fracture mechanism delivers better fits and more stable fitting parameters, though the evolution of fitting parameters with aging time is similar for both models. From the adaptations it is concluded that the crosslinking density remains almost constant, indicating that the sulfur bridges in EPDM networks are mono-sulfidic, and hence, quite stable—even at 130 °C aging temperature. The hardening of the composites with increasing aging time is mainly attributed to the relaxation of filler–filler bonds, which results in an increased stiffness and strength of the bonds. Finally, a frame-independent simplified version of the stress-softening model is proposed that allows for an easy implementation into numerical codes for fast FEM simulations
Polysaccharides—An Interdisciplinary Open Access Journal for a Sustainable and Advanced Community
Authors: Kleinschek Karin Stana
Published: June 2020

The journal “Polysaccharides” is a new open access journal which has attracted an ambitious editorial team, active in different areas of biopolymer—i [...]
Electrochemical Biosensors Based on Membrane-Bound Enzymes in Biomimetic Configurations
Authors: Alvarez-Malmagro Julia , García-Molina Gabriel , López De Lacey Antonio
Published: June 2020

In nature, many enzymes are attached or inserted into the cell membrane, having hydrophobic subunits or lipid chains for this purpose. Their reconstitution on electrodes maintaining their natural structural characteristics allows for optimizing their electrocatalytic properties and stability. Different biomimetic strategies have been developed for modifying electrodes surfaces to accommodate membrane-bound enzymes, including the formation of self-assembled monolayers of hydrophobic compounds, lipid bilayers, or liposomes deposition. An overview of the different strategies used for the formation of biomimetic membranes, the reconstitution of membrane enzymes on electrodes, and their applications as biosensors is presented.
Cyclostationary-Based Vital Signs Detection Using Microwave Radar at 2.5 GHz
Authors: Sekak Fatima , Zerhouni Kawtar , Elbahhar Fouzia , Haddad Madjid , Loyez Christophe , Haddadi Kamel
Published: June 2020

Non-contact detection and estimation of vital signs such as respiratory and cardiac frequencies is a powerful tool for surveillance applications. In particular, the continuous wave bio-radar has been widely investigated to determine the physiological parameters in a non-contact manner. Since the RF-reflected signal from the human body is corrupted by noise and random body movements, traditional Fourier analysis fails to detect the heart and breathing frequencies. In this effort, cyclostationary analysis has been used to improve the radar performance for non-invasive measurement of respiratory rate and heart rate. However, the preliminary works focus only on one frequency and do not include the impact of attenuation and random movement of the body in the analysis. Hence in this paper, we evaluate the impact of distance and noise on the cyclic features of the reflected signal. Furthermore, we explore the assessment of second order cyclostationary signal processing performance by developing the cyclic mean, the conjugate cyclic autocorrelation and the cyclic cumulant. In addition, the analysis is carried out using a reduced number of samples to reduce the response time. Implementation of the cyclostationary technique using a bi-static radar configuration at 2.5 GHz is shown as an example to demonstrate the proposed approach.
Sortation Control Using Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning in N-Grid Sortation System
Authors: Kim Ju-Bong , Choi Ho-Bin , Hwang Gyu-Young , Kim Kwihoon , Hong Yong-Geun , Han Youn-Hee
Published: June 2020

Intralogistics is a technology that optimizes, integrates, automates, and manages the logistics flow of goods within a logistics transportation and sortation center. As the demand for parcel transportation increases, many sortation systems have been developed. In general, the goal of sortation systems is to route (or sort) parcels correctly and quickly. We design an n-grid sortation system that can be flexibly deployed and used at intralogistics warehouse and develop a collaborative multi-agent reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm to control the behavior of emitters or sorters in the system. We present two types of RL agents, emission agents and routing agents, and they are trained to achieve the given sortation goals together. For the verification of the proposed system and algorithm, we implement them in a full-fledged cyber-physical system simulator and describe the RL agents’ learning performance. From the learning results, we present that the well-trained collaborative RL agents can optimize their performance effectively. In particular, the routing agents finally learn to route the parcels through their optimal paths, while the emission agents finally learn to balance the inflow and outflow of parcels.
Performance Degradation Assessment of Concrete Beams Based on Acoustic Emission Burst Features and Mahalanobis—Taguchi System
Authors: Habib Md Arafat , Rai Akhand , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: June 2020

Acoustic emission (AE) has been used extensively for structural health monitoring based on the stress waves generated due to evolution of cracks in concrete structures. A major concern while using AE features is that each of them responds differently to the fractures in concrete structures. To tackle this problem, Mahalanobis—Taguchi system (MTS) is utilized, which fuses the AE feature space to provide comprehensive and reliable degradation indicator with a feature selection method to determine useful features. Further, majority of the existing investigations gave little attention to naturally occurring cracks, which are actually more difficult to detect. In this study, a novel degradation indicator (DI) based on AE features and MTS is proposed to indicate the performance degradation in reinforced concrete beams. The experimental results confirm that the MTS can successfully distinguish between healthy and faulty conditions. To alleviate the noise from the DI obtained through MTS, a noise-removal strategy based on Chebyshev inequality is suggested. The results show that the proposed DI based on AE features and MTS is capable of detecting early stage cracks as well as development of damage in concrete beams.
Is There A Role for Limited Parotid Resections for Primary Malignant Parotid Tumors?
Authors: Quer Miquel , Olsen Kerry D. , Silver Carl E. , Hamoir Marc , Mäkitie Antti A. , Rodrigo Juan P. , Vander Poorten Vincent , Takes Robert P. , Hellquist Henrik , García Lorenzo Jacinto , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , de Bree Remco , Suárez Carlos , Kowalski Luiz P. , Vartanian José G. , Sanabria Alvaro , Shaha Ashok R. , Zbären Peter , Rinaldo Alessandra , Ferlito Alfio
Published: June 2020

(1) Background: Lateral or total parotidectomy are the standard surgical treatments for malignant parotid tumors. However, some authors have proposed a more limited procedure. (2) Methods: We performed a review of the literature on this topic. Studies were included that met the following criteria: malignant parotid tumors, information about the extent of surgical resection, treated with less than a complete lateral lobectomy, and information on local control and/or survival. Nine articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. (3) Results: Eight of the nine series reported favorable results for the more limited approaches. Most used them for small, mobile, low-grade cancers in the lateral parotid lobe. Most authors have used a limited partial lateral lobectomy for a presumed benign lesion. The remaining study analyzed pediatric patients treated with enucleation with poor local control. (4) Conclusions: There is weak evidence for recommending less extensive procedures than a lateral parotid lobectomy. In the unique case of a partial lateral parotidectomy performed for a tumor initially thought to be benign but pathologically proved to be malignant, close follow-up can be recommended for low grade T1 that has been excised with free margins and does not have adverse prognostic factors.
Some Identities on the Poly-Genocchi Polynomials and Numbers
Authors: Dolgy Dmitry V. , Jang Lee-Chae
Published: June 2020

Recently, Kim-Kim (2019) introduced polyexponential and unipoly functions. By using these functions, they defined type 2 poly-Bernoulli and type 2 unipoly-Bernoulli polynomials and obtained some interesting properties of them. Motivated by the latter, in this paper, we construct the poly-Genocchi polynomials and derive various properties of them. Furthermore, we define unipoly Genocchi polynomials attached to an arithmetic function and investigate some identities of them.
Infection by Hepatitis Delta Virus
Authors: Taylor John M.
Published: June 2020

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are blood-borne viruses that infect human hepatocytes and cause significant liver disease. Infections with HBV are more damaging when there is a coinfection with HDV. The genomes and modes of replication of these two viruses are fundamentally different, except for the fact that, in nature, HDV replication is dependent upon the envelope proteins of HBV to achieve assembly and release of infectious virus particles, ones that use the same host cell receptor. This review focuses on what has been found of the various ways, natural and experimental, by which HDV particles can be assembled and released. This knowledge has implications for the prevention and treatment of HDV infections, and maybe for an understanding of the origin of HDV.
Impacts of the Sanmenxia Dam on the Interaction between Surface Water and Groundwater in the Lower Weihe River of Yellow River Watershed
Authors: Zhang Dong , Han Dongmei , Song Xianfang
Published: June 2020

Sanmenxia Dam, one of the most controversial water conservancy projects in China, has seriously impacted the lower Weihe River of the Yellow River Watershed since its operation. At the Huaxian Station, the dam operation controls the surface water level and leads to the variation of the surface water–groundwater interaction relationship. The river channel switched from a losing reach during the early stage (1959) to a gaining reach in 2010 eventually. The comparison of tracer (Cl−, δ18O and δ2H) characteristics of surface water in successive reaches with that of ambient groundwater shows that the general interaction condition is obviously affected by the dam operation and the impact area can be tracked back to Weinan City, around 65 km upstream of the estuary of the Weihe River. The anthropogenic inputs (i.e., agricultural fertilizer application, wastewater discharge, and rural industrial sewage) could be responsible for the deterioration of hydro-environment during the investigation periods of 2015 and 2016, as the population and fertilizer consumption escalated in the last 60 years. The use of contaminated river water for irrigation, along with the dissolved fertilizer inputs, can affect the groundwater quality, in particular resulting in the NO3− concentrations ranging from 139.4 to 374.1 mg/L. The unregulated industrial inputs in some rural areas may increase the Cl− contents in groundwater ranging from 298.4 to 472.9 mg/L. The findings are helpful for the improved comprehensive understanding of impacts of the Sanmenxia Dam on the interaction between surface water and groundwater, and for improving local water resources management.
In-Hospital Substance Use and Possession: A Study of Events From 38 Acute Care Hospitals in Pennsylvania
Authors: Taylor Matthew , Nowalk Alex , Falk Alex
Published: June 2020

Patients’ substance use and possession at acute care hospitals is an understudied topic. To learn more about this topic, we queried the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) for events that occurred during calendar year 2018. We identified 106 reports from 38 acute care hospitals (excluding psychiatric, detox, and behavioral health units and facilities) where a patient possessed and/or misused a
substance (e.g., heroin, oxycodone, liquor). We analyzed these reports to better understand how hospital personnel attempt to prevent in-hospital substance use and manage patients who are at risk for using a substance. We explored a range of variables, including antecedent conditions and hospital personnel’s actions post- detection of a patient’s substance use or possession. We found that a relatively low percentage of patients (26%) were identified as having a prior history of substance use, despite later using or being in possession of a substance in hospital. In our sample, patients frequently acquired the substances from visitors, more than half of the substances were consumed intravenously, and opioids were the most common substance. The most prevalent actions taken by hospital personnel were conducting searches for substances and paraphernalia, use of a patient sitter or video monitor,
moving patients to a different room, and implementing visitor restrictions. Based on our findings and previous research, hospitals should consider increasing their use of
substance use disorder (SUD) screening tools, pharmacotherapy, and referring patients to treatment. Overall, our results can help personnel better understand the nature of
and strategies that may reduce the likelihood of in-hospital substance use.

Keywords: substance use, paraphernalia, substance use disorder, in-hospital, addiction, opioid, risk mitigation, patient safety
Swallowed Dentures: An Analysis of Denture Impaction Events in Pennsylvania
Authors: Kukielka Elizabeth , Jones Rebecca
Published: June 2020

Tooth loss is a prevalent health concern affecting two-thirds of the geriatric population in the United States. Most patients replace missing teeth with dentures, which have the potential to become dislodged, swallowed, and stuck somewhere along the gastrointestinal tract (termed denture impaction). We queried the Pennsylvania Patient
Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) and identified 68 denture impaction events reported from 2004 to 2019. An in-depth analysis revealed that patients were most often male, and the median patient age was 77 years. The most common symptoms reported by patients with denture impaction included difficult and/or painful swallowing, breathing
trouble or respiratory distress, sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, throat obstruction preventing insertion of a tube or scope, choking, excessively thick and/or
bloody oral secretions, and vomiting or regurgitation of food. The pharynx was the most common site of denture impaction, and x-ray imaging was the most common diagnostic
test mentioned. The most common method of removal was surgery, and the most common surgical procedures employed were esophagogastroduodenoscopy and
laryngoscopy. We believe that we have identified a category of denture impaction events that has not previously been characterized. Our study, coupled with the existing
medical literature, suggests that all patients, along with their caregivers and healthcare providers, should be aware of the proactive steps to avoid denture impaction, as well as signs and symptoms of impaction for early identification and treatment.

Keywords: choking, denture, denture impaction, edentulism, intubation, swallowed dentures, delayed diagnosis
Identification of barriers to safe opioid prescribing in primary care: a qualitative analysis of field notes collected through academic detailing
Authors: Saffore Christopher D , Tilton Sarette T , Crawford Stephanie Y , Fischer Michael A , Lee Todd A , Pickard A Simon , Sharp Lisa K
Published: June 2020

Background

Understanding barriers to safe opioid prescribing in primary care is critical amid the epidemic of prescription opioid abuse, misuse, and overdose in the US. Educational outreach strategies, such as academic detailing (AD), provide a forum for identification of barriers to, and strategies to facilitate, safe opioid prescribing in primary care.

Aim

To identify barriers to safe opioid prescribing among primary care providers (PCPs) through AD.

Design and setting

Qualitative analysis of data was collected through an existing AD intervention to improve safe opioid prescribing in primary care. The AD intervention was delivered from June 2018 to August 2018 to licensed PCPs with prescriptive authority within a large independent health system in the metropolitan Chicagoland area.

Method

The AD intervention involved visits by trained detailers to PCPs who contemporaneously documented details from each visit via field notes. Using qualitative analysis, field notes were analysed to identify recurring themes related to opioid prescribing barriers.

Results

Detailer-entered field notes from 186 AD visits with PCPs were analysed. Barriers to safe opioid prescribing were organised into six themes: 1) gaps in knowledge; 2) lack of prescription monitoring programme (PMP) utilisation; 3) patient pressures to prescribe opioids; 4) insurance coverage policies; 5) provider beliefs; and 6) health system pain management practices.

Conclusion

Barriers to safe opioid prescribing in primary care, identified through AD visits among this large group of PCPs, support the need for continued efforts to enhance pain-management education, maximise PMP utilisation, and increase access to, and affordability of, non-opioid treatments.
Interfacial Built-In Electric Field-Driven Direct Current Generator Based on Dynamic Silicon Homojunction
Authors: Lu Yanghua , Gao Qiuyue , Yu Xutao , Zheng Haonan , Shen Runjiang , Hao Zhenzhen , Yan Yanfei , Zhang Panpan , Wen Yu , Yang Guiting , Lin Shisheng
Published: June 2020

Searching for light and miniaturized functional device structures for sustainable energy gathering from the environment is the focus of energy society with the development of the internet of things. The proposal of a dynamic heterojunction-based direct current generator builds up new platforms for developing in situ energy. However, the requirement of different semiconductors in dynamic heterojunction is too complex to wide applications, generating energy loss for crystal structure mismatch. Herein, dynamic homojunction generators are explored, with the same semiconductor and majority carrier type. Systematic experiments reveal that the majority of carrier directional separation originates from the breaking symmetry between carrier distribution, leading to the rebounding effect of carriers by the interfacial electric field. Strikingly, NN Si homojunction with different Fermi levels can also output the electricity with higher current density than PP/PN homojunction, attributing to higher carrier mobility. The current density is as high as 214.0 A/m
2
, and internal impedance is as low as 3.6 k
Ω
, matching well with the impedance of electron components. Furthermore, the N-i-N structure is explored, whose output voltage can be further improved to 1.3 V in the case of the N-Si/Al
2
O
3
/N-Si structure, attributing to the enhanced interfacial barrier. This approach provides a simple and feasible way of converting low-frequency disordered mechanical motion into electricity.
Combating the Coronavirus Pandemic: Early Detection, Medical Treatment, and a Concerted Effort by the Global Community
Authors: Luo Zichao , Ang Melgious Jin Yan , Chan Siew Yin , Yi Zhigao , Goh Yi Yiing , Yan Shuangqian , Tao Jun , Liu Kai , Li Xiaosong , Zhang Hongjie , Huang Wei , Liu Xiaogang
Published: June 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus, known as 2019-nCoV, a pandemic, as the coronavirus has now infected over 2.6 million people globally and caused more than 185,000 fatalities as of April 23, 2020. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes a respiratory illness with symptoms such as dry cough, fever, sudden loss of smell, and, in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. To date, there is no specific vaccine or treatment proven effective against this viral disease. Early and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is thus critical to curbing its spread and improving health outcomes. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is commonly used to detect the presence of COVID-19. Other techniques, such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and microfluidics, have allowed better disease diagnosis. Here, as part of the effort to expand screening capacity, we review advances and challenges in the rapid detection of COVID-19 by targeting nucleic acids, antigens, or antibodies. We also summarize potential treatments and vaccines against COVID-19 and discuss ongoing clinical trials of interventions to reduce viral progression.