bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to Enhance the Use of Endophytes as Bioinoculants in Agriculture
Authors: Adeleke Bartholomew , Fadiji Ayomide , Ayilara Modupe , Igiehon Ozede , Nwachukwu Blessing , Babalola Olubukola
Published: June 2022

The findings on the strategies employed by endophytic microbes have provided salient information to the researchers on the need to maximally explore them as bio-input in agricultural biotechnology. Biotic and abiotic factors are known to influence microbial recruitments from external plant environments into plant tissues. Endophytic microbes exhibit mutualism or antagonism association with host plants. The beneficial types contribute to plant growth and soil health, directly or indirectly. Strategies to enhance the use of endophytic microbes are desirable in modern agriculture, such that these microbes can be applied individually or combined as bioinoculants with bioprospecting in crop breeding systems. Scant information is available on the strategies for shaping the endophytic microbiome; hence, the need to unravel microbial strategies for yield enhancement and pathogen suppressiveness have become imperative. Therefore, this review focuses on the endophytic microbiome, mechanisms, factors influencing endophyte recruitment, and strategies for possible exploration as bioinoculants.
Etiology and Outcomes of Healthcare-Associated Meningitis and Ventriculitis—A Single Center Cohort Study
Authors: Panic Hana , Gjurasin Branimir , Santini Marija , Kutlesa Marko , Papic Neven
Published: June 2022

Healthcare associated meningitis and ventriculitis (HCAMV) are serious complications of neurosurgical procedures. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with HCAMV treated at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases Zagreb during the 2013–2019 period. A total of 144 patients with 151 episodes of HCAMV were included. The most common indications for neurosurgical procedures were brain tumor, hemorrhage and hydrocephalus. Etiology was identified in 90 (59.6%) episodes (either positive CSF culture or positive PCR), and in other 61 (40.39%) the diagnosis of HCAMV was made based on clinical and CSF parameters, without microbiologic confirmation. Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii was the most common pathogen (15.89%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (13.91%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.25%) and Coagulase negative staphylococci (7.95%). Overall, 24 (16.3%) patients died, and the majority had adverse outcomes, persistent vegetative state (8, 5.56%) and severe disability (31, 21.53%). The worst clinical outcomes were observed in A. baumannii infections. High rate of complications, the need for external ventricular drainage (re)placement often complicated with nosocomial infections and prolonged stay in intensive care units were observed. Clinicians should be aware of local microbial epidemiology on guiding proper empirical antimicrobial treatment in patients with HCAMV.
Is Subjective Age Associated with Physical Fitness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults?
Authors: Wang Jin , Yu Jiabin , Zhao Xiaoguang
Published: June 2022

Although subjective age has been associated with a range of health-related outcomes, there has been little systematic study on the relationship between the subjective age and physical fitness in a given population. The purpose of this study was to determine the prospective association between subjective age and physical fitness in community-dwelling older adults. A sample of 276 older people who lived in the community was studied. Subjective age was measured by a face-to-face interview. Grip strength, balancing on one leg with eyes open, the 30 s chair stand test, 4 m habitual walk, and 6 min walk test were measured to reflect physical fitness. Results indicated that the felt younger older adults had a higher level of physical fitness compared to their felt older and felt the same counterparts. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that all the measured physical fitness items were significantly associated with subjective age in older men. All of the measured physical fitness items except for the 4 m habitual walk were remarkably related to subjective age in older women. The findings suggest that subjective age is closely associated with physical fitness in community-dwelling older adults. Much attention should be paid to the promotion of physical fitness to improve the subjective age of older adults.
The Interlink among Age, Functional Fitness, and Perception of Health and Quality of Life: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Ciaccioni Simone , Pesce Caterina , Forte Roberta , Presta Valentina , Di Baldassarre Angela , Capranica Laura , Condello Giancarlo
Published: June 2022

In aging societies, physical activity may benefit functional fitness influencing the health of older people. The aim of this study was to explore the interrelation between age and perception of health and quality of life, and the mediating effects of functional fitness in older individuals. One hundred and sixty-six late middle-aged (55–64 years, young-old (65–74 years), and old (75–84 years) adults, divided into senior athletes (n = 44), physically active (n = 59), and sedentary individuals (n = 63) were evaluated for functional fitness (flexibility, strength, interlimb coordination, endurance) and physical (Physical Component Summary-PCS) and mental (Mental Component Summary-MCS) health and quality of life perception. Multiple mediation analyses were applied to assess the relationship between age and PCS and MCS indices and the role of functional fitness-related mediators. For MCS only, the mediation analysis showed a positive total and direct effect of age and a negative total indirect effect through mediators. No effects emerged for PCS. Despite a decline in their functional fitness, older individuals were able to maintain a mental health perception, also demonstrating how beneficial effects of physically active lifestyle on functional fitness can positively impact the cognitive-emotional dimension of mental health with advancing age.
Peroxymonosulphate Activation by Basolite® F-300 for Escherichia coli Disinfection and Antipyrine Degradation
Authors: Fdez-Sanromán Antía , Pazos Marta , Sanroman Angeles
Published: June 2022

In this study, the removal of persistent emerging and dangerous pollutants (pharmaceuticals and pathogens) in synthetic wastewater was evaluated by the application of heterogeneous Advanced Oxidation Processes. To do that, a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF), Basolite® F-300 was selected as a catalyst and combined with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) as oxidants in order to generate sulphate radicals. Several key parameters such as the PMS and Basolite® F-300 concentration were evaluated and optimized using a Central Composite Experimental Design for response surface methodology for the inactivation of Escherichia coli. The assessment of the degradation of an analgesic and antipyretic pharmaceutical, antipyrine, revealed that is necessary to increase the concentration of PMS and amount of Basolite® F-300, in order to diminish the treatment time. Finally, the PMS-Basolite® F-300 system can be used for at least four cycles without a reduction in its ability to disinfect and degrade persistent emerging and dangerous pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and pathogens.
Research on Village Type Identification and Development Strategy under the Background of Rural Revitalization: A Case of Gaochun District in Nanjing, China
Authors: Dai Lingling , Qiao Weifeng , Feng Ting , Li Yuanfang
Published: June 2022

In the context of rural revitalization, it is of great significance for the implementation of a Rural Revitalization Strategy to carry out the research on scientifically identifying village types and clarifying the differences and pluralistic trends within villages. Taking Gaochun District of Nanjing in China as an example, this paper constructs an index system of development level and reconstruction intensity from a dynamic and static perspective, uses the polygon area method to calculate the comprehensive score of each index, divides village types based on the combination of development level and reconstruction intensity, and then puts forward the differentiated development strategies of various villages. The results show that the identification method of village types based on combined features is multi-dimensional and comprehensive, and the recognition results are more in line with the objective reality. Villages in Gaochun district have a medium overall development level and high overall reconstruction intensity. There are a large number of low-value villages with development level and high-value villages with reconstruction intensity. According to the three-step strategy of village type identification, the list of characteristic villages, the location of villages and the characteristics of index combination, five village types were identified: the characteristic protection type, the urban-suburban integration type, the agglomeration and upgrading type, the improvement and development type, and the relocation and merger type.
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Malay Version of the Protection Motivation Theory Scale Questionnaire for Pap Smear Screening
Authors: Romli Rodziah , Mohamad Emma Mirza Wati , Abd Rahman Rahana , Chew Kah Teik , Mohd Hashim Syahnaz , Mohammed Nawi Azmawati
Published: June 2022

Pap smear screening can detect cervical cancer early, but is underutilized. Motivational factors play a role in ensuring that women undergo Pap smear screening. This study was conducted to validate the adapted instrument, which was based on the protection motivation theory (PMT), into the Malay language to evaluate the motivational factors for Pap smear screening among women. The original 26-item PMT scale was developed based on seven constructs of the PMT framework. The adaptation involved translation by bilingual experts (n = 4), followed by synthesis (n = 6). Subsequently, we performed content validation (content validation index, CVI) among the health experts (n = 5) and face validation (face validation index, FVI) among women (n = 11). Reliability testing for internal consistency was determined via the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of women aged between 21 and 65 years (n = 150). One item was deleted based on the expert consensus, leaving a total of 25 items after the adaptation. The validation yielded a good CVI and FVI. Prior to CFA reliability testing, one item was deleted due to very low factor loading. The CFA indicated a good fit for 24 items. The factor loading (range: 0.45–0.98), average variance extracted (range: 0.44–0.90), and composite reliability (range: 0.69–0.97) indicated that the convergent validity for each construct was acceptable, except for the perceived vulnerability. However, the perceived vulnerability construct was accepted based on expert verification. We confirmed that the translation, cross-cultural, adaptation, and validation of the Malay-version PMT scale were valid and reliable. The scale contains 24 items that represent the seven constructs of the PMT framework.
A Study of the Effects of Different Indoor Lighting Environments on Computer Work Fatigue
Authors: Fang Yuan , Liu Chang , Zhao Chengcheng , Zhang Hongyu , Wang Weizhen , Zou Nianyu
Published: June 2022

The indoor lighting environment is a key factor affecting human health and safety. In particular, people have been forced to study or work more for long periods of time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we investigate the influence of physical indoor environmental factors, correlated color temperature (CCT), and illumination on computer work fatigue. We conducted a within-subject experiment consisting of a 10 min-long task test under two different illumination settings (300 lx and 500 lx) and two CCTs (3000 K and 4000 K). Physiological signals, such as electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiograph (ECG), and eye movement, were monitored during the test to objectively measure fatigue. The subjective fatigue of eight participants was evaluated based on a questionnaire conducted after completing the test. The error rate of the task test was taken as the key factor representing the working performance. Through the analysis of the subjective and objective results, computer work fatigue was found to be significantly impacted by changes in the lighting environment, where human fatigue was negatively correlated with illumination and CCT. Improving the illumination and CCT of the work environment, within the scope of this study, helped to decrease the fatigue degree—that is, the fatigue degree was the lowest under the 4000 K + 500 lx environment, while it was relatively high at 3000 K + 300 lx. Under indoor environment conditions, the CCT factor was found to have the greatest effect on computer work fatigue, followed by illumination. The presented results are expected to be a valuable reference for improving the satisfaction associated with the lighting environment and to serve as guidance for researchers and reviewers conducting similar research.
Systematic Investigations on the Metabolic and Transcriptomic Regulation of Lactate in the Human Colon Epithelial Cells
Authors: Huang Chongyang , Xu Huanzhou , Zhou Xin , Liu Maili , Li Jing , Liu Chaoyang
Published: June 2022

Lactate, primarily produced by the gut microbiota, performs as a necessary “information transmission carrier” between the gut and the microbiota. To investigate the role of lactate in the gut epithelium cell–microbiota interactions as a metabolic signal, we performed a combinatory, global, and unbiased analysis of metabolomic and transcriptional profiling in human colon epithelial cells (Caco-2), using a lactate treatment at the physiological concentration (8 mM). The data demonstrated that most of the genes in oxidative phosphorylation were significantly downregulated in the Caco-2 cells due to lactate treatment. Consistently, the levels of fumarate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and creatine significantly decreased, and these are the metabolic markers of OXPHOS inhibition by mitochondria dysfunction. The one-carbon metabolism was affected and the polyol pathway was activated at the levels of gene expression and metabolic alternation. In addition, lactate significantly upregulated the expressions of genes related to self-protection against apoptosis. In conclusion, lactate participates in gut–gut microbiota communications by remodeling the metabolomic and transcriptional signatures, especially for the regulation of mitochondrial function. This work contributes comprehensive information to disclose the molecular mechanisms of lactate-mediated functions in human colon epithelial cells that can help us understand how the microbiota communicates with the intestines through the signaling molecule, lactate.
Serum and Urine Interferon Gamma-Induced Protein 10 (IP-10) Levels in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Brady Makayla P. , Chava Saiteja , Tandon Shweta , Rane Madhavi J. , Barati Michelle T. , Caster Dawn J. , Powell David W.
Published: June 2022

Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a prevalent and severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Non-invasive diagnostics are limited, and current therapies have inadequate response rates. Expression of the chemokine Interferon-γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10) is regulated by Interferon-γ signaling and NF-κB, and its molecular activity and enhanced urine concentrations are implicated in LN, but its utility as a diagnostic marker and association with demographic, clinical, or pathologic features is not defined. Methods: 38 LN patients and 11 patients with non-LN glomerular diseases (GD) with active disease were included. Eighteen of the LN patients had achieved remission at one follow-up during the study time. Serum and urine were obtained from these samples, and the IP-10 levels were measured. Results: Serum and urine IP-10 levels are significantly enhanced in LN patients with active disease as compared with normal individuals (serum average 179.7 pg/mL vs. 7.2 pg/mL, p < 0.0001; urine average 28.7 pg/mg vs. 1.6 pg/mg, p = 0.0019) and patients with other forms of glomerular disease (serum average 179.7 pg/mL vs. 84.9 pg/mL, p = 0.0176; urine average 28.7 pg/mg vs. 0.18 pg/mg, p = 0.0011). Urine IP-10 levels are significantly higher in patients with proliferative LN (PLN) than those with membranous LN (MLN) (average 32.8 pg/mg vs. 7.6 pg/mg, p = 0.0155). Urine IP-10 levels are also higher in MLN versus primary membranous nephropathy (MN) (average 7.6 pg/mg vs. 0.2 pg/mg, p = 0.0193). Importantly, serum IP-10 levels remain elevated during active LN and LN remission, but urine IP-10 levels are decreased from active LN to remission in 72% of our patients. Lastly, serum, but not urine IP-10 levels are significantly higher in African American than White American LN patients in active LN (average 227.8 pg/mL vs. 103.4 pg/mL, p = 0.0309) and during LN remission (average 254.6 pg/mL vs. 89.2 pg/mL, p = 0.0399). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that serum and urine IP-10 measurements provide promising tests for monitoring LN activity, differentiation between classifications of LN, and differentiation between LN and other forms of glomerular disease. We also conclude that further assessment of elevated IP-10 levels in the serum and urine of high-risk populations (i.e., African American) could be beneficial in determining why many of these patients have worse outcomes and are non-responsive to standard therapeutics.
An IMTA in Greece: Co-Culture of Fish, Bivalves, and Holothurians
Authors: Chatzivasileiou Dimitra , Dimitriou Panagiotis D. , Theodorou John , Kalantzi Ioanna , Magiopoulos Iordanis , Papageorgiou Nafsika , Pitta Paraskevi , Tsapakis Manolis , Karakassis Ioannis
Published: June 2022

Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) is an innovative mariculture methodology that reduces the environmental footprint and increases the profitability of the farm. It combines the cultivation of species belonging to different trophic levels, simulating a natural food web. In this study, five Mediterranean species were co-cultured in three operating fish farms in the Aegean (E. Mediterranean) Sea with different trophic conditions. The co-cultivated species were sea bream (Sparus aurata), European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), rayed pearl oyster (Pinctada imbricata radiata), and sea cucumber (Holothuria polii). Bream, bass, and mussels were cultivated according to the traditional on-growing methods (fish cages and longlines), whereas the pearl oysters and sea cucumbers were cultivated in baskets designed specifically for oyster farms. To estimate the growth of the co-cultivated species, growth indicators were calculated using length and weight measurements. Furthermore, the growth measurements from co-cultivated species were compared to the respective ones from natural populations. All the species showed high survival rates in the integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) conditions. Pearl oysters and Mediterranean mussels had positive growth in fish farms with high concentrations of nutrients. Mussel condition index (CI) was 42% in Aquaculture 1 (Aq1) and 33% in Aquaculture 2 (Aq2), compared to 35% in a typical Mediterranean mussel farm. Pearl oysters CI in Aq1 was 53%, in Aq2 56%, in Aquaculture 3 (Aq3) 19%, and in natural populations ranging from 30% to 45%. In contrast, holothurians did not gain weight under the fish cage regime despite the high survival rate. Their final total weight was 17.3 g in Ag1, 8.3 g in Aq2, and 18.3 g in Aq3, but in the natural population, the mean weight was 80 g.
Distribution Types of Lichens in Hungary That Indicate Changing Environmental Conditions
Authors: Farkas Edit , Varga Nóra , Veres Katalin , Matus Gábor , Sinigla Mónika , Lőkös László
Published: June 2022

Distribution data originating from earlier herbarium collections and recent biodiversity records form the basis of distribution analyses in lichen species with different ecological requirements, where the records allowed comparisons or showed clear trends. As the occurrences of lichens are strongly correlated to background environmental conditions (e.g., air pollution, global warming), confirmed by Wirth’s ecological indicator values, the analysis of distribution types has a great value for bioindication and the establishment of current and future climatic and pollution situations. Five distribution types were introduced—presented by characteristic examples (13)—according to lichen distribution maps prepared in different periods of time (representing changing environmental conditions): (1) species of decreasing occurrences by time (e.g., Lobaria pulmonaria, Menegazzia terebrata, suboceanic, acidic pollution sensitive species), (2) species with no or few former records but with increasing occurrences in recent decades (e.g., Flavoparmelia soredians, Hyperphyscia adglutinata, Solenopsora candicans, sub-Mediterranean species), (3) species with increasing and then (from c. 2000) decreasing occurrences (e.g., Scoliciosporum chlorococcum, Straminella conizaeoides, acidofrequent species), (4) species with widely increasing occurrences in recent decades (e.g., Physcia aipolioides, Piccolia ochrophora, Xanthoria parietina, nitrofrequent species), and (5) species with rapidly increasing occurrences (e.g., Absconditella lignicola, Coenogonium pineti, Evernia divaricata, rapidly spreading species). The proposed distribution types of lichen species may be applied to wider regions (the European or the global level).
Discovery of Three New Mucor Species Associated with Cricket Insects in Korea
Authors: Nguyen Thuong T. T. , Lee Hyang Burm
Published: June 2022

Species in the genus Mucor have a worldwide distribution and are isolated from various substrata and hosts, including soil, dung, freshwater, and fruits. However, their diversity from insects is still much too little explored. The aim of this study was to characterize three new species of Mucor: Mucor grylli sp. nov., M. hyangburmii sp. nov., and M. kunryangriensis sp. nov., discovered in Kunryang-ri, Cheongyang in the Chungnam Province of Korea, during an investigation of Mucorales from cricket insects. The new species are described using morphological characters and molecular data including ITS and LSU rDNA regions. Mucor grylli is characterized by the highly variable shape of its columellae, which are subglobose to oblong, obovoid, strawberry-shaped, and sometimes slightly or strongly constricted in the center. Mucor hyangburmii is characterized by the production of azygospores and growth at 40 °C. Mucor kunryangriensis is characterized by the variable shape of its columellae, which are elongated-conical, obovoid, cylindrical ellipsoid, cylindrical, and production of abundant yeast-like cells on PDA, MEA, and SMA media. Based on the sequence analysis of two genetic markers, our phylogenic assessment strongly supported M. grylli, M. hyangburmii, and M. kunryangriensis as new species. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic trees are provided.
Host–Pathogen Interactions between Metarhizium spp. and Locusts
Authors: Li Jun , Xia Yuxian
Published: June 2022

The progress in research on the interactions between Metarhizium spp. and locusts has improved our understanding of the interactions between fungal infection and host immunity. A general network of immune responses has been constructed, and the pathways regulating fungal pathogenicity have also been explored in depth. However, there have been no systematic surveys of interaction between Metarhizium spp. and locusts. The pathogenesis of Metarhizium comprises conidial attachment, germination, appressorial formation, and colonization in the body cavity of the host locusts. Meanwhile, the locust resists fungal infection through humoral and cellular immunity. Here, we summarize the crucial pathways that regulate the pathogenesis of Metarhizium and host immune defense. Conidial hydrophobicity is mainly affected by the contents of hydrophobins and chitin. Appressorial formation is regulated by the pathways of MAPKs, cAMP/PKA, and Ca2+/calmodulin. Lipid droplets degradation and secreted enzymes contributed to fungal penetration. The humoral response of locust is coordinated by the Toll pathway and the ecdysone. The regulatory mechanism of hemocyte differentiation and migration is elusive. In addition, behavioral fever and density-dependent population immunity have an impact on the resistance of hosts against fungal infection. This review depicts a prospect to help us understand host–pathogen interactions and provides a foundation for the engineering of entomopathogenic fungi and the discovery of insecticidal targets to control insect pests.
Organic and Conventional Bean Pesticides in Development of Autochthonous Trichoderma Strains
Authors: Mayo-Prieto Sara , Squarzoni Alessandra , Carro-Huerga Guzmán , Porteous-Álvarez Alejandra J. , Gutiérrez Santiago , Casquero Pedro Antonio
Published: June 2022

Pesticides of chemical synthesis have mainly been used to control pests, diseases and adventitious plants up until now. However, it has been shown that some pesticides can remain in the soil for long periods of time, thus affecting the development of organisms in the rhizosphere as well as human health, which are two of the most noteworthy side effects. The aim of this research was to analyze the compatibility of autochthonous Trichoderma strains with different synthetic fungicides, acaricides, insecticides (including an entomopathogenic fungus) and herbicides. Sulfur encouraged the growth of all autochthonous strains assayed, and the combination Trichoderma-B. bassiana did not disturb their growth. So, the combination of the autochthonous Trichoderma strains with these organic pesticides will be a positive strategy to apply in the field to control pests and some diseases. Conventional pesticides modified the development of all autochthonous Trichoderma strains, demonstrating that not only do they affect weeds, fungus or pests but also rhizosphere microorganisms. In conclusion, conventional pesticides indiscriminately used to control pests, diseases and weeds could reduce the development of autochthonous Trichoderma strains, especially fungicides and herbicides.
Clinical Outcomes and Cost Analysis of Fibula Free Flaps: A Retrospective Comparison of CAD/CAM versus Conventional Technique
Authors: Rodríguez-Arias Juan Pablo , Tapia Blanca , Pampín Marta María , Morán Maria José , Gonzalez Javier , Barajas Maria , Del Castillo Jose Luis , Navarro Cuéllar Carlos , Cebrian Jose Luis
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: A decrease in operative time can not only improve patient outcomes through a reduction in the risk of developing complications but can also result in cost savings. The aim of this study is to determine whether there an intraoperative time gain can be achieved by using the preoperative virtual planning of mandibular reconstruction using a free fibula flap compared with freehand plate bending and osteotomies. (2) Methods: A retrospective comparative study was carried out in the Oral and Maxillofacial Department of La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. The study compared 18 patients in the CAD/CAM group with 19 patients in the conventional freehand group. A comparison was made between the total surgical time, the comorbidities, and the hospital stay. The resource consumption was estimated using a cost analysis. (3) Results: Although CAD/CAM was a statistically more expensive procedure in the perioperative phase, no significant differences were observed in total health care costs between the two groups. There was a non-significant trend towards an increase in complications with conventional reconstruction plates compared to patient-specific plates (PSI). (4) Conclusions: CAD/CAM technology and a 3D printed cutting guide offer a significantly shorter surgical time, which is associated with a reduction in hospital days, PACU days, and complications. The cost of CAD/CAM technology is comparable to that of the conventional freehand technique.
Exploring the Interactive Coercing Relationship between Urban Rail Transit and the Ecological Environment
Authors: Jiao Liudan , Luo Fenglian , Wu Fengyan , Zhang Yu , Huo Xiaosen , Wu Ya
Published: June 2022

The Chinese environment is experiencing the “U-Type” course from sharp deterioration to significant improvement. In order to achieve the fundamental improvement of the ecological environment, China has implemented several relevant policies and strategies. Among them, the development of urban rail transit, as an essential measure to improve the ecological environment in China, has attracted more and more attention, but the research on the interactive coercion relationship between rail transit and the ecological environment is minimal. Therefore, this study selected ten cities opening urban rail transit before 2005 in mainland China as research objects and established an urban rail transit and ecological environment comprehensive evaluation index system. Then, the interactive coercing model and coupling coordination model were used, and the dynamic relationship between urban rail transit and the ecological environment was explored. The research results in this study showed that (1) there is an apparent interactive coercion relationship between urban rail transit and the ecological environment, and the evolution trajectory conforms to a double exponential curve. (2) From 2006 to 2019, Wuhan’s ecological environment pressure index showed a continuous downward trend. The ecological environment improved the fastest. The rest of the cities showed a trend of first rising and then falling. (3) The type of coupling coordination degree of urban rail transit and ecological environment showed a changing coordination trend from severe incoordination—slight to incoordination—basic to coordination—good. Beijing has the highest degree of overall coordinated development in urban rail transit and the ecological environment. The results of this study can provide a theoretical reference for the realisation of the virtuous circle development of rail transit and the ecological environment.
Impact of Soil Sealing on Soil Carbon Sequestration, Water Storage Potentials and Biomass Productivity in Functional Urban Areas of the European Union and the United Kingdom
Authors: Tóth Gergely , Ivits Eva , Prokop Gundula , Gregor Mirko , Fons-Esteve Jaume , Milego Agràs Roger , Mancosu Emanuele
Published: June 2022

The negative impacts of soil sealing are numerous, from withdrawing fertile soil from biomass production to modifying the microclimate and decreasing biodiversity. Many of the processes are interrelated and propagate further undesirable consequences from local to global levels. Three issues are especially important from the viewpoint of multiscale ecological cycles and consequent environmental impacts. One is soil organic carbon (SOC), the other is soil water management and the third is biomass productivity. In this study, we assessed the lost carbon sequestration potential due to soil sealing in functional Urban Areas (FUAs) of Europe, the potential effect of soil sealing on the topsoil to hold water to its full capacity and the loss of biomass productivity potential. Findings revealed that one-fifth of the area of soil that became sealed between 2012 and 2018 was of high productivity potential, and almost two-thirds was of medium productivity potential. New soil sealing caused a loss of carbon sequestration potential estimated at 4 million tons of carbon of the FUAs and also caused an estimated potential loss of water-holding capacity of 668 million m3.
Fractographic and Microhardness Evaluation of All-Ceramic Hot-Pressed and CAD/CAM Restorations after Hydrothermal Aging
Authors: Vasiliu Roxana Diana , Uțu Ion-Dragoș , Rusu Lucian , Boloș Adrian , Porojan Liliana
Published: June 2022

All-ceramic dental restorations have great advantages, such as highly esthetical properties, a less complex fabrication, and a similar abrasion resistance to enamel. Despite these advantages, ceramic materials are more prone to fracture due to their brittle microstructure. The main aim of this in vitro study was to determine the difference in hot-pressed and milled glass-ceramic mechanical properties such as fracture resistance and microhardness (VHN). Four types of ceramics, two hot-pressed and two milled, feldspathic glass-ceramics and zirconia-reinforced glass-ceramics were selected in this study and tested using the static loading test and Vicker’s testing. Hydrothermal aging, consisting of different baths with temperatures between 5 degrees Celsius and 55 degrees Celsius, was chosen as the in vitro aging method. Statistical analyses are performed using SPSS Statistics software at a significance level of p < 0.05. Micro-hardness values decrease after hydrothermal aging. The static loading test reveals a significant difference between the feldspathic hot-pressed glass-ceramic, which fractures at lower forces, and milled zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic, which fractures at greater forces (N). Fractographic analysis of the fractured fragments resulted in the static loading test revealing different surface features about the crack origins and propagations under a stereomicroscope.
Preparation and Properties of Polyimide Composite Membrane with High Transmittance and Surface Hydrophobicity for Lightweight Optical System
Authors: Yin Jiajia , Hui Haohao , Fan Bin , Bian Jiang , Du Junfeng , Yang Hu
Published: June 2022

Polyimide membranes have excellent physiochemical properties which make them valuable materials for optical area. However, common aromatic polyimide membrane trend to show low transmittance in visible region because of the charge-transfer complex (CTC) in molecular structures. Moreover, it’s trending to show high moisture uptakes because of the hydrophilic imide rings in molecular structure. In this work, a polyimide composite membrane with SiO2 antireflective membrane on both sides was prepared. High transmittance (93% within 500~800 nm) and surface hydrophobicity was realized simultaneously. The polyimide composite membrane showed great optical homogeneity. The SiO2 antireflective membranes on polyimide substrate were prepared through a simple and efficient sol-gel method. The surface roughness of polyimide membrane substrate on each side has been improved to 1.56 nm and 3.14 nm, respectively. Moreover, the excellent thermal stability and mechanical property of polyimide membrane has been preserved, which greatly improves the range of applications for the composite membrane. It is a good candidate for light weight optical system.
A Metabolomics Approach to Sulforaphane Efficacy in Secondhand Smoking-Induced Pulmonary Damage in Mice
Authors: Kim Hongyoon , Yoo Sunju , Lee Jung-Dae , Kim Hyang-Yeon , Kim Suhkmann , Kim Kyu-Bong
Published: June 2022

Sulforaphane is an isocyanate abundantly present in cruciferous vegetables. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of sulforaphane on secondhand smoking (SHS)-induced pulmonary damage in mice. Additionally, a metabolomic study was performed to identify biomarkers associated with pulmonary disease using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) analysis. Male C57BL6J mice were divided into a control group, an SHS exposure group (positive control group, PC), and a sulforaphane treatment group exposed to secondhand smoke (SS) (n = 5 per group). The PC and SS groups were exposed to secondhand smoke in a chamber twice daily for four weeks. Mice in the SS group were orally administered sulforaphane (50 mg/kg) for four weeks during secondhand smoke exposure. Histopathological examination of the lungs revealed pulmonary damage in PC mice, including loss of bronchial epithelial cells, bronchial wall thickening, and infiltration of macrophages. In contrast, mice in the SS group showed little or no epithelial thickening, thereby exhibiting reduced lung damage. Mouse serum and lung tissues were collected and analyzed to determine changes in endogenous metabolites using 1H-NMR. After target profiling, we identified metabolites showing the same tendency in the serum and lung as biomarkers for SHS-induced pulmonary damage, including taurine, glycerol, creatine, arginine, and leucine. As a result of histopathological examination, sulforaphane might inhibit SHS-induced lung damage, and metabolite analysis results suggest potential biomarkers for SHS-induced pulmonary damage in mice.
Special Issue “Selected Papers from the 16th Weurman Flavour Research Symposium”
Authors: Guichard Elisabeth , Le Quéré Jean-Luc
Published: June 2022

Since 1975, the Weurman Flavour Research Symposium has been held every three years in different European countries, and has been finally established as an international event that offers unique opportunities for distinguished scientists from academia and industry, from different disciplines, and from all over the world, to discuss trends and new paradigms in the field of flavour research [...]
Rational Screening of High-Voltage Electrolytes and Additives for Use in LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-Based Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Drozhzhin Oleg A. , Shevchenko Vitalii A. , Bobyleva Zoia V. , Alekseeva Anastasia M. , Antipov Evgeny V.
Published: June 2022

In the present work, we focus onthe experimental screening of selected electrolytes, which have been reported earlier in different works, as a good choice for high-voltage Li-ion batteries. Twenty-four solutions were studied by means of their high-voltage stability in lithium half-cells with idle electrode (C+PVDF) and the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-based composite as a positive electrode. Some of the solutions were based on the standard 1 M LiPF6 in EC:DMC:DEC = 1:1:1 with/without additives, such as fluoroethylene carbonate, lithium bis(oxalate) borate and lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate. More concentrated solutions of LiPF6 in EC:DMC:DEC = 1:1:1 were also studied. In addition, the solutions of LiBF4 and LiPF6 in various solvents, such as sulfolane, adiponitrile and tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphate, atdifferent concentrations were investigated. A complex study, including cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling, impedance spectroscopy and ex situ PXRD and EDX, was applied for the first time to such a wide range of electrolytesto provide an objective assessment of the stability of the systems under study. We observed a better anodic stability, including a slower capacity fading during the cycling and lower charge transfer resistance, for the concentrated electrolytes and sulfolane-based solutions. Among the studied electrolytes, the concentrated LiPF6 in EC:DEC:DMC = 1:1:1 performed the best, since it provided both low SEI resistance and stability of the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material.
Lignin as a Natural Carrier for the Efficient Delivery of Bioactive Compounds: From Waste to Health
Authors: Verdini Federico , Gaudino Emanuela Calcio , Canova Erica , Tabasso Silvia , Behbahani Paria Jafari , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: June 2022

Lignin is a fascinating aromatic biopolymer with high valorization potentiality. Besides its extensive value in the biorefinery context, as a renewable source of aromatics lignin is currently under evaluation for its huge potential in biomedical applications. Besides the specific antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of lignin, that depend on its source and isolation procedure, remarkable progress has been made, over the last five years, in the isolation, functionalization and modification of lignin and lignin-derived compounds to use as carriers for biologically active substances. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of the art in the field of lignin-based carrier systems, highlighting the most important results. Furthermore, the possibilities and constraints related to the physico–chemical properties of the lignin source will be reviewed herein as well as the modifications and processing required to make lignin suitable for the loading and release of active compounds.
Improving the Stability of Lithium Aluminum Germanium Phosphate with Lithium Metal by Interface Engineering
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Hanshuo , Xie Zhong , Qu Wei , Liu Jian
Published: June 2022

Lithium aluminum germanium phosphate (LAGP) solid electrolyte is receiving increasing attention due to its high ionic conductivity and low air sensitivity. However, the poor interface compatibility between lithium (Li) metal and LAGP remains the main challenge in developing all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLB) with a long cycle life. Herein, this work introduces a thin aluminum oxide (Al2O3) film on the surface of the LAGP pellet as a physical barrier to Li/LAGP interface by the atomic layer deposition technique. It is found that this layer induces the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase, which significantly improves the structural and electrochemical stability of LAGP toward metallic Li. As a result, the optimized symmetrical cell exhibits a long lifetime of 360 h with an areal capacity of 0.2 mAh cm−2 and a current density of 0.2 mA cm−2. This strategy provides new insights into the stabilization of the solid electrolyte/Li interface to boost the development of ASSLB.
Cercariae of a Bird Schistosome Follow a Similar Emergence Pattern under Different Subarctic Conditions: First Experimental Study
Authors: Soldánová Miroslava , Born-Torrijos Ana , Kristoffersen Roar , Knudsen Rune , Amundsen Per-Arne , Scholz Tomáš
Published: June 2022

The emergence of cercariae from infected mollusks is considered one of the most important adaptive strategies for maintaining the trematode life cycle. Short transmission opportunities of cercariae are often compensated by periodic daily rhythms in the cercarial release. However, there are virtually no data on the cercarial emergence of bird schistosomes from freshwater ecosystems in northern latitudes. We investigated the daily cercarial emergence rhythms of the bird schistosome Trichobilharzia sp. “peregra” from the snail host Radix balthica in a subarctic lake under both natural and laboratory seasonal conditions. We demonstrated a circadian rhythm with the highest emergence during the morning hours, being seasonally independent of the photo- and thermo-period regimes of subarctic summer and autumn, as well as relatively high production of cercariae at low temperatures typical of northern environments. These patterns were consistent under both field and laboratory conditions. While light intensity triggered and prolonged cercarial emergence, the temperature had little effect on cercarial rhythms but regulated seasonal output rates. This suggests an adaptive strategy of bird schistosomes to compensate for the narrow transmission window. Our results fill a gap in our knowledge of the transmission dynamics and success of bird schistosomes under high latitude conditions that may serve as a basis for elucidating future potential risks and implementing control measures related to the spread of cercarial dermatitis due to global warming.
Nano-Silica Carriers Coated by Chloramphenicol: Synthesis, Characterization, and Grinding Trial as a Way to Improve the Release Profile
Authors: Balwierz Radosław , Bursy Dawid , Biernat Paweł , Hudz Nataliia , Shanaida Mariia , Krzemiński Łukasz , Skóra Paweł , Biernat Monika , Siodłak Wioletta Ochędzan
Published: June 2022

Silica nanoparticles were applied as the carrier of chloramphenicol (2,2-dichloro-N-[(1R,2R)-1,3-dihydroxy-1-(4-nitrophenyl)propan-2-yl]acetamide), and were loaded in a 1% carbopol-based gel (poly(acrylic acid)), which allowed obtainment of an upgraded drug form. The samples of silica materials were obtained by means of modified Stöber synthesis, and their morphological properties were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, elemental analysis (EA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), analysis of the specific surface properties, X-ray diffraction study (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods, which permitted the selection of the drug carrier. The two obtained silica carriers were coated with chloramphenicol and loaded into 1% carbopol gel. The release studies were then performed. The release results were evaluated using mathematical models as well as model-independent analysis. It was found that the modification of the synthesis of the silica by the sol-gel method to form a product coated with chloramphenicol and further grinding of the silica material influenced the release of the active substance, thus allowing the modification of its pharmaceutical availability. The change in the parameters of silica synthesis influenced the structure and morphological properties of the obtained silica carrier. The grinding process determined the way of adsorption of the active substance on its surface. The studies showed that the proper choice of silica carrier has a considerable effect on the release profile of the prepared hydrogel formulations.
MPMABP: A CNN and Bi-LSTM-Based Method for Predicting Multi-Activities of Bioactive Peptides
Authors: Li You , Li Xueyong , Liu Yuewu , Yao Yuhua , Huang Guohua
Published: June 2022

Bioactive peptides are typically small functional peptides with 2–20 amino acid residues and play versatile roles in metabolic and biological processes. Bioactive peptides are multi-functional, so it is vastly challenging to accurately detect all their functions simultaneously. We proposed a convolution neural network (CNN) and bi-directional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM)-based deep learning method (called MPMABP) for recognizing multi-activities of bioactive peptides. The MPMABP stacked five CNNs at different scales, and used the residual network to preserve the information from loss. The empirical results showed that the MPMABP is superior to the state-of-the-art methods. Analysis on the distribution of amino acids indicated that the lysine preferred to appear in the anti-cancer peptide, the leucine in the anti-diabetic peptide, and the proline in the anti-hypertensive peptide. The method and analysis are beneficial to recognize multi-activities of bioactive peptides.
Focusing on Future Applications and Current Challenges of Plant Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Wang Junfeng , Ma Jinqian , Zhou Yun , Lu Rong
Published: June 2022

Plant derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membranous vesicles released by plant cells, which contain lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and specific pharmacologically active substances. They are safe, widely available and expediently extractive. They have gratifyingly biological activity against inflammation, cancer, bacteria and oxidative aging, especially for the prevention or treatment of colitis, cancer, alcoholic liver, and COVID-19. In addition, as natural drug carriers, plant derived EVs have the potential to target the delivery of small molecule drugs and nucleic acid through oral, transdermal, injection. With the above advantages, plant derived EVs are expected to have excellent strong competitiveness in clinical application or preventive health care products in the future. We comprehensively reviewed the latest separation methods and physical characterization techniques of plant derived EVs, summarized the application of them in disease prevention or treatment and as a new drug carrier, and analyzed the clinical application prospect of plant derived EVs as a new drug carrier in the future. Finally, the problems hindering the development of plant derived EVs at present and consideration of the standardized application of them are discussed.