bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of minimally invasive sampling methods for detecting Avipoxvirus: Hummingbirds as a case example
Authors: Galvin Aoife N. , Pandit Pranav S. , English Simon G. , Quock Rachel C. , Bandivadekar Ruta R. , Colwell Rita R. , Robinson Barbara W. , Ernest Holly B. , Brown Mollie H. , Sehgal Ravinder N. M. , Tell Lisa A.
Published: August 2022

Avian pox is a common avian virus that in its cutaneous form can cause characteristic lesions on a bird's dermal surfaces. Detection of avian pox in free-ranging birds historically relied on observations of visual lesions and/or histopathology, both which can underestimate avian pox prevalence. We compared traditional visual observation methods for avian pox with molecular methods that utilize minimally invasive samples (blood, toenail clipping, feathers, and dermal swabs) in an ecologically important group of birds, hummingbirds. Specifically, avian pox prevalence in several species of hummingbirds were examined across multiple locations using three different methods: (1) visual inspection of hummingbirds for pox-like lesions from a long-term banding data set, (2) qPCR assay of samples from hummingbird carcasses from wildlife rehabilitation centers, and (3) qPCR assay of samples from live-caught hummingbirds. A stark difference in prevalences among these three methods was identified, with an avian pox prevalence of 1.5% from banding data, 20.4% from hummingbird carcasses, and 32.5% from live-caught hummingbirds in California. This difference in detection rates underlines the necessity of a molecular method to survey for avian pox, and this study establishes one such method that could be applied to other wild bird species. Across all three methods, Anna's hummingbirds harbored significantly higher avian pox prevalence than other species examined, as did males compared with females and birds caught in Southern California compared with Northern California. After hatch-year hummingbirds also harbored higher avian pox prevalences than hatch-year hummingbirds in the California banding data set and the carcass data set. This is the first study to estimate the prevalence of avian pox in hummingbirds and address the ecology of this hummingbird-specific strain of avian pox virus, providing vital information to inform future studies on this charismatic and ecologically important group of birds.
SoftNet: A Package for the Analysis of Complex Networks
Authors: Fenu Caterina , Reichel Lothar , Rodriguez Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

Identifying the most important nodes according to specific centrality indices is an important issue in network analysis. Node metrics based on the computation of functions of the adjacency matrix of a network were defined by Estrada and his collaborators in various papers. This paper describes a MATLAB toolbox for computing such centrality indices using efficient numerical algorithms based on the connection between the Lanczos method and Gauss-type quadrature rules.
Nomograms Based on Serum N-glycome for Diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma and Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: Zhang Zejian , Cao Zhen , Liu Rui , Li Zepeng , Wu Jianqiang , Liu Xiaoli , Wu Mengwei , Xu Xiequn , Liu Ziwen
Published: August 2022

Non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) are still urgently needed. We aimed to characterize the N-glycome of PTMC, and establish nomograms for the diagnosis of PTMC and the prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM). N-glycome of PTMC (LNM vs. non-LNM, capsular invasion (CI) vs. non-CI (NCI)) and matched healthy controls (HC) were quantitatively analyzed based on mass spectrometry. N-glycan traits associated with PTMC/LNM were used to create binomial logistic regression models and were visualized as nomograms. We found serum N-glycome differed between PTMC and HC in high-mannose, complexity, fucosylation, and bisection, of which, four N-glycan traits (TM, CA1, CA4, and A2Fa) were significantly associated with PTMC. The nomogram based on four traits achieved good performance for the identification of PTMC. Two N-glycan traits (CA4 and A2F0S0G) showed strong associations with LNM. The nomogram based on two traits showed relatively good performance in predicting LNM. We also found differences between CI and NCI in several N-glycan traits, which were not the same as that associated with LNM. This study reported serum N-glycosylation signatures of PTMC for the first time. Nomograms constructed from aberrant glycans could be useful tools for PTMC diagnosis and stratification.
Cost-Effectiveness of Pyrotinib Plus Capecitabine versus Lapatinib Plus Capecitabine for the Treatment of HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer in China: A Scenario Analysis of Health Insurance Coverage
Authors: Bao Yuwen , Zhang Zhuolin , He Xuan , Cai Lele , Wang Xiao , Li Xin
Published: August 2022

Background: The overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) gene is present in 20~25% of breast cancer (BC) patients, contributing to an inferior prognosis. Recent clinical trials showed that pyrotinib has promising antitumor activities and acceptable tolerability for those patients (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03080805 and NCT02422199). Therefore, this study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of pyrotinib plus capecitabine versus lapatinib plus capecitabine for patients with HER2-positive metastatic BC after prior trastuzumab. Methods: A lifetime-partitioned survival model was established to evaluate health and economic outcomes with different treatment strategies. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Data were derived from the published literature, clinical trials, expert opinions, and other local charges. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the findings. Scenario analyses were developed to make further evaluations. Results: The pyrotinib regimen had significant advantages over the lapatinib regimen after enrolling in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), with cost savings of USD 15,599.27 and a gain of 0.53 QALYs. Meanwhile, before enrolling in NRDL, the pyrotinib regimen afforded the same QALYs at a higher incremental cost of USD 45,400.64 versus the lapatinib regimen, producing an ICER of USD 85,944.79 per QALY. Scenario analyses yielded similar results. Sensitivity analyses suggested stability in the cost-effectiveness findings. Conclusions: Compared to lapatinib plus capecitabine, the pyrotinib plus capecitabine enrolled in NRDL is a cost-effective alternative second-line treatment for patients with HER2-positive metastatic BC in China.
WikiArtVectors: Style and Color Representations of Artworks for Cultural Analysis via Information Theoretic Measures
Authors: Srinivasa Desikan Bhargav , Shimao Hajime , Miton Helena
Published: August 2022

With the increase in massive digitized datasets of cultural artefacts, social and cultural scientists have an unprecedented opportunity for the discovery and expansion of cultural theory. The WikiArt dataset is one such example, with over 250,000 high quality images of historically significant artworks by over 3000 artists, ranging from the 15th century to the present day; it is a rich source for the potential mining of patterns and differences among artists, genres, and styles. However, such datasets are often difficult to analyse and use for answering complex questions of cultural evolution and divergence because of their raw formats as image files, which are represented as multi-dimensional tensors/matrices. Recent developments in machine learning, multi-modal data analysis and image processing, however, open the door for us to create representations of images that extract important, domain-specific features from images. Art historians have long emphasised the importance of art style, and the colors used in art, as ways to characterise and retrieve art across genre, style, and artist. In this paper, we release a massive vector-based dataset of paintings (WikiArtVectors), with style representations and color distributions, which provides cultural and social scientists with a framework and database to explore relationships across these two vital dimensions. We use state-of-the-art deep learning and human perceptual color distributions to extract the representations for each painting, and aggregate them across artist, style, and genre. These vector representations and distributions can then be used in tandem with information-theoretic and distance metrics to identify large-scale patterns across art style, genre, and artist. We demonstrate the consistency of these vectors, and provide early explorations, while detailing future work and directions. All of our data and code is publicly available on GitHub.
Effectiveness of Energy Transfer versus Mixing Entropy in Coupled Mechanical–Electrical Oscillators
Authors: Ouro-Koura Habilou , Sotoudeh Zahra , Tichy John , Borca-Tasciuc Diana-Andra
Published: August 2022

Electrostatic energy harvesters convert kinetic energy into electrical energy via variable capacitors. Efforts to improve their power output are hampered by a lack of understanding of the fundamental limit for energy conversion efficiency. In heat engines, the theoretical limit of conversion efficiency is intrinsically related to entropy and the second law of thermodynamics. Laying the foundation for similar concepts for kinetic energy harvesters may be necessary for establishing a conversion efficiency limit. Thus, the mixing entropy concept is borrowed from statistical mechanics and is adapted here, for the first time, to characterize the energy transfer between coupled mechanical–electrical oscillators. The investigated system is composed of a spring-mass coupled to an inductance-capacitor circuit via a variable capacitor. Combining the two subsystems (electrical and mechanical) generates entropy, referred to as mixing entropy. A non-dimensional study of the governing equations of the systems and their energy terms is carried out. Trends in mixing entropy are compared with trends in the total energy of the system, assuming a conservative system, weak coupling between electrical and mechanical domains, and identical natural frequency of the two oscillators. It is found that mixing entropy can predict the peak in effectiveness of the energy transfer between the two domains. For the cases studied, the maximum mixing entropy and effectiveness values occur when the ratio of the mechanical domain energy to the total energy of the system is 67%. The maximum effectiveness is independent of the initial conditions and depends on the squared ratio of the natural frequency of the nominal coupling capacitor to the natural frequency of the mechanical system.
Energy and Demand Forecasting Based on Logistic Growth Method for Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station Planning with PV Solar System
Authors: Castro José F. C. , Marques Davidson C. , Tavares Luciano , Dantas Nicolau K. L. , Fernandes Amanda L. , Tuo Ji , de Medeiros Luiz H. A. , Rosas Pedro
Published: August 2022

Electric vehicle (EV) charging may impose a substantial power demand on existing low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) networks, which are usually not prepared for high power demands in short time intervals. The influx of E-mobility may require an increase in grid reinforcements, but these can be reduced and optimized by a combination of new technologies, tools, and strategies, such as the deployment of solar PV generation integrated with aggregated energy storage systems. One of the challenges in the implementation of charging infrastructures in public stations is coupling the projected sizes of energy demand and power requirements in each location for each charger. This paper describes a method to estimate projected values for energy consumption and power demand in EV fast charging stations (CS). The proposed ideas were applied in a concept facility located in Campinas, Brazil, in a structure equipped with two 50 kW DC Fast Chargers, local 12.5 kW/13.2 kWp PV generation (to reduce energy impacts to the grid), and a 100 kW/200 kWh storage system, using electrochemical batteries (to minimize peak power requirements).
Virtual Inertia Adaptive Control Strategy of ESU in DC Microgrid
Authors: Wang Tao , Li Hongshan , Wang Taiyu , Liu Meng , Zhu Tong , Liu Hongchen
Published: August 2022

With the increasingly obvious DC characteristics at both ends of the source and load sides of the low-voltage distribution network, the application scenarios of low-voltage DC microgrid gradually appear. Compared with the AC system, the DC microgrid has the characteristics of low inertia, weak damping, and poor anti-disturbance capabilities, all of which are important for improving operational stability. A virtual inertia adaptive control approach for fast-tracking energy storage under varied disturbances is presented using energy storage as a virtual inertia unit. Firstly, a stability analysis model including constant power load is constructed for the low-voltage DC microgrid; then, the control logic of the virtual inertia of the energy storage system is designed. Finally, the corresponding model is built in MATLAB/SIMULINK and the experiment platform to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
A Review on Heat Extraction Devices for CPVT Systems with Active Liquid Cooling
Authors: Papis-Frączek Karolina , Sornek Krzysztof
Published: August 2022

Numerous numerical and experimental studies have been conducted regarding the Concentrated Photovoltaic Thermal (CPVT) system because of its significant potential for efficient conversion of solar energy. The overall efficiency of the CPVT system is strongly dependent on the device, which extracts excess heat from photovoltaic cells. The most efficient cooling technology involves active cooling, which means that heat is collected from the PV cell via the forced flow of heat transfer fluid. This research paper provides an extensive discussion on devices dedicated to active-cooling CPVT systems, taking into account the latest solutions. First, a short introduction regarding CPVT systems and their main components is presented. The second part of this study presents state-of-the-art solutions in the field of heat extraction devices for the active cooling of photovoltaic cells. The available solutions are classified into two main groups depending on the scale of internal channels: macro- and micro-. Each geometry of the heat receiver is juxtaposed with the corresponding concentrating element, photovoltaic cell, concentration ratio, heat transfer fluid, and operating parameters of the specified system. In addition, this paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various devices for heat extraction and provides a comparative study of these devices. Finally, a set of recommendations for CPVT cooling devices is provided.
The Experience and Enlightenment of the Community-Based Long-Term Care in Japan
Authors: Zhou Yun-Ru , Zhang Xiao
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: China’s population aging situation is severe, but the construction of the long-term care insurance system is still in its infancy. Through summarizing the long-term care experience in Japan, this paper explores the suggestions for the development of long-term care in China. (2) Methods: Based on literature research and policy review, we sorted out the relevant practices and safeguard measures of the long-term care insurance system in Japan, and summarized the characteristics of Japanese community care. (3) Results: In the development of long-term care services, Japan has gradually established a multi-level, systematic, and precise elderly care service model. Its community care has the characteristics of policy support, intensive intervention, complete elements, and strict evaluation. China’s long-term care services should learn from Japan’s experience, strengthen institutional guarantees, improve relevant supporting policies, encourage multiple subjects to participate in community care based on integrating community resources, and establish community care evaluation mechanism.
PRMT1, a Key Modulator of Unliganded Progesterone Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Authors: Malbeteau Lucie , Jacquemetton Julien , Languilaire Cécile , Corbo Laura , Le Romancer Muriel , Poulard Coralie
Published: August 2022

The progesterone receptor (PR) is a key player in major physiological and pathological responses in women, and the signaling pathways triggered following hormone binding have been extensively studied, particularly with respect to breast cancer development and progression. Interestingly, growing evidence suggests a fundamental role for PR on breast cancer cell homeostasis in hormone-depleted conditions, with hormone-free or unliganded PR (uPR) involved in the silencing of relevant genes prior to hormonal stimulation. We herein identify the protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT1 as a novel actor in uPR signaling. In unstimulated T47D breast cancer cells, PRMT1 interacts and functions alongside uPR and its partners to target endogenous progesterone-responsive promoters. PRMT1 helps to finely tune the silencing of responsive genes, likely by promoting a proper BRCA1-mediated degradation and turnover of unliganded PR. As such, PRMT1 emerges as a key transcriptional coregulator of PR for a subset of relevant progestin-dependent genes before hormonal treatment. Since women experience periods of hormonal fluctuation throughout their lifetime, understanding how steroid receptor pathways in breast cancer cells are regulated when hormones decline may help to determine how to override treatment failure to hormonal therapy and improve patient outcome.
Targeting Melanin in Melanoma with Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Allen Kevin J. H. , Malo Mackenzie E. , Jiao Rubin , Dadachova Ekaterina
Published: August 2022

Nearly 100,000 individuals are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma in the United States in 2022. Treatment options for late-stage metastatic disease up until the 2010s were few and offered only slight improvement to the overall survival. The introduction of B-RAF inhibitors and anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies into standard of care brought measurable increases in the overall survival across all stages of melanoma. Despite the improvement in the survival statistics, patients treated with targeted therapies and immunotherapies are subject to very serious side effects, the development of drug resistance, and the high costs of treatment. This leaves room for the development of novel approaches as well as for the exploration of novel combination therapies for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. One such approach is targeting melanin pigment with radionuclide therapy. Advances in melanin-targeting radionuclide therapy of melanoma can be viewed from two spheres: (1) radioimmunotherapy (RIT) and (2) radiolabeled small molecules. The investigation of mechanisms of the action and efficacy of targeting melanin in melanoma treatment by RIT points to the involvement of the immune system such as complement dependent cytotoxicity. The combination of RIT with immunotherapy presents synergistic killing in mouse melanoma models. The field of radiolabeled small molecules is focused on radioiodinated compounds that have the ability to cross the cellular membranes to access intracellular melanin and can be applied in both therapy and imaging as theranostics. Clinical applications of targeting melanin with radionuclide therapies have produced encouraging results and clinical work is on-going. Continued work on targeting melanin with radionuclide therapy as a monotherapy, or possibly in combination with standard of care agents, has the potential to strengthen the current treatment options for melanoma patients.
Recent Advances in the Control of Clinically Important Biofilms
Authors: Krukiewicz Katarzyna , Kazek-Kęsik Alicja , Brzychczy-Włoch Monika , Łos Marek J. , Ateba Collins Njie , Mehrbod Parvaneh , Ghavami Saeid , Shyntum Divine Yufetar
Published: August 2022

Biofilms are complex structures formed by bacteria, fungi, or even viruses on biotic and abiotic surfaces, and they can be found in almost any part of the human body. The prevalence of biofilm-associated diseases has increased in recent years, mainly because of the frequent use of indwelling medical devices that create opportunities for clinically important bacteria and fungi to form biofilms either on the device or on the neighboring tissues. As a result of their resistance to antibiotics and host immunity factors, biofilms have been associated with the development or persistence of several clinically important diseases. The inability to completely eradicate biofilms drastically increases the burden of disease on both the patient and the healthcare system. Therefore, it is crucial to develop innovative ways to tackle the growth and development of biofilms. This review focuses on dental- and implant-associated biofilm infections, their prevalence in humans, and potential therapeutic intervention strategies, including the recent advances in pharmacology and biomedical engineering. It lists current strategies used to control the formation of clinically important biofilms, including novel antibiotics and their carriers, antiseptics and disinfectants, small molecule anti-biofilm agents, surface treatment strategies, and nanostructure functionalization, as well as multifunctional coatings particularly suitable for providing antibacterial effects to the surface of implants, to treat either dental- or implant-related bacterial infections.
The Critical Role of AMPKα1 in Regulating Autophagy and Mitochondrial Respiration in IL-15-Stimulated mTORC1Weak Signal-Induced T Cell Memory: An Interplay between Yin (AMPKα1) and Yang (mTORC1) Energy Sensors in T Cell Differentiation
Authors: Ara Anjuman , Wu Zhaojia , Xu Aizhang , Ahmed Khawaja Ashfaque , Leary Scot C. , Islam Md. Fahmid , Chibbar Rajni , Wu Yue , Xiang Jim
Published: August 2022

Two common γ-chain family cytokines IL-2 and IL-15 stimulate the same mammalian target of rapamycin complex-1 (mTORC1) signaling yet induce effector T (TE) and memory T (TM) cell differentiation via a poorly understood mechanism(s). Here, we prepared in vitro IL-2-stimulated TE (IL-2/TE) and IL-15-stimulated TM (IL-15/TM) cells for characterization by flow cytometry, Western blotting, confocal microscopy and Seahorse-assay analyses. We demonstrate that IL-2 and IL-15 stimulate strong and weak mTORC1 signals, respectively, which lead to the formation of CD62 ligand (CD62L)− killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member-1 (KLRG)+ IL-2/TE and CD62L+KLRG− IL-15/TM cells with short- and long-term survival following their adoptive transfer into mice. The IL-15/mTORC1Weak signal activates the forkhead box-O-1 (FOXO1), T cell factor-1 (TCF1) and Eomes transcriptional network and the metabolic adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-α-1 (AMPKα1), Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase-1 (ULK1) and autophagy-related gene-7 (ATG7) axis, increasing the expression of mitochondrial regulators aquaporin-9 (AQP9), mitochondrial transcription factor-A (TFAM), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α), carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT1α), microtubule-associated protein light chain-3 II (LC3II), Complex I and ortic atrophy-1 (OPA1), leading to promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty-acid oxidation (FAO). Interestingly, AMPKα1 deficiency abrogates these downstream responses to IL-15/mTORC1Weak signaling, leading to the upregulation of mTORC1 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a metabolic switch from FAO to glycolysis and reduced cell survival. Taken together, our data demonstrate that IL-15/mTORC1Weak signaling controls T-cell memory via activation of the transcriptional FOXO1-TCF1-Eomes and metabolic AMPKα1-ULK1-ATG7 pathways, a finding that may greatly impact the development of efficient vaccines and immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases.
Vitelline Membrane Protein 26 Mutagenesis, Using CRISPR/Cas9, Results in Egg Collapse in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Zhai Yi-Long , Dong Shi-Jie , Zou Ming-Min , Qin Yu-Dong , Liu Li-Li , Cao Min-Hui , Huang Meng-Qi , Vasseur Liette , You Min-Sheng , Peng Lu
Published: August 2022

Vitelline membrane proteins (VMPs) are the main proteins that form the inner shell (vitelline membrane layer) of insect eggs and are an integral part of egg formation and embryo development. Here, we characterized the molecular structure and expression patterns of the VMP26 gene and analyzed its reproductive functions in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), a worldwide migratory pest of cruciferous plants. The PxVMP26 gene was shown to be a single exon gene that contained an open reading frame of 852 base pairs (bp) encoding 283 amino acids. Both qPCR and western blot analyses showed that PxVMP26 was specifically expressed in female adults and was significantly highly expressed in the ovary. Further anatomical analysis indicated that the expression level of PxVMP26 in the ovarian tube with an incomplete yolk was significantly higher than that in the ovarian tube with a complete yolk. CRISPR/Cas9-induced PxVMP26 knockout successfully created two homozygous strains with 8- and 46-bp frameshift mutations. The expression deficiency of the PxVMP26 protein was detected in the mutant strains using immunofluorescence and western blot. No significant difference was found in the number of eggs laid within three days between wild and mutant individuals, but there was a lower egg hatchability. The loss of the PxVMP26 gene changed the mean egg size, damaged the structure of the vitelline membrane, and increased the proportion of abnormal eggs due to water loss, resulting in egg collapse. This first analysis of the roles of the VMP gene in the oocyte formation and embryonic development of P. xylostella, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, provides a basis for screening new genetic control targets of P. xylostella.
Oligonucleotides Isolation and Separation—A Review on Adsorbent Selection
Authors: Studzińska Sylwia , Nuckowski Łukasz , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: August 2022

Oligonucleotides have many important applications, including as primers in polymerase chain reactions and probes for DNA sequencing. They are proposed as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for various diseases and therapeutics in antisense therapy. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop liquid chromatography and solid phase extraction methods to separate oligonucleotides and isolate them from biological samples. Many reviews have been written about the determination of these compounds using the separation technique or sample preparation for their isolation. However, presumably, there are no articles that critically review the adsorbents used in liquid chromatography or solid phase extraction. The present publication reviews the literature from the last twenty years related to supports (silica, polymers, magnetic nanoparticles) and their modifications. The discussed issues concern reversed phase (alkyl, aromatic, cholesterol, mixed ligands), ion-exchange (strong and weak ones), polar (silica, polyhydroxy, amide, zwitterionic), and oligonucleotide-based adsorbents.
Comparative Transcriptomic and Metabolic Analyses Reveal the Coordinated Mechanisms in Pinus koraiensis under Different Light Stress Conditions
Authors: Li Yuxi , Zhang Xinxin , Cai Kewei , Zhang Qinhui , Jiang Luping , Li Hanxi , Lv Yuzhe , Qu Guanzheng , Zhao Xiyang
Published: August 2022

Light is one of the most important environmental cues that affects plant development and regulates its behavior. Light stress directly inhibits physiological responses and plant tissue development and even induces mortality in plants. Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) is an evergreen conifer species widely planted in northeast China that has important economic and ecological value. However, the effects of light stress on the growth and development of Korean pine are still unclear. In this study, the effects of different shading conditions on physiological indices, molecular mechanisms and metabolites of Korean pine were explored. The results showed that auxin, gibberellin and abscisic acid were significantly increased under all shading conditions compared with the control. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid also increased as the shading degree increased. Moreover, a total of 8556, 3751 and 6990 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found between the control and HS (heavy shade), control and LS (light shade), LS vs. HS, respectively. Notably, most DEGs were assigned to pathways of phytohormone signaling, photosynthesis, carotenoid and flavonoid biosynthesis under light stress. The transcription factors MYB-related, AP2-ERF and bHLH specifically increased expression during light stress. A total of 911 metabolites were identified, and 243 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected, among which flavonoid biosynthesis (naringenin chalcone, dihydrokaempferol and kaempferol) metabolites were significantly different under light stress. These results will provide a theoretical basis for the response of P. koraiensis to different light stresses.
Sugarcane ScDREB2B-1 Confers Drought Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana by Regulating the ABA Signal, ROS Level and Stress-Related Gene Expression
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Li Zhu , Sun Tingting , Wang Dongjiao , Wang Zhoutao , Zhang Chang , Que Youxiong , Guo Jinlong , Xu Liping , Su Yachun
Published: August 2022

The dehydration-responsive element-binding protein (DREB) is a subgroup member of the AP2/ERF family and actively participates in the response of plants to abiotic stress. Although DREB genes have been studied in a variety of plant species, there are few reports of DREB genes in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). In this study, a novel full-length cDNA sequence of the ScDREB2B-1 gene was cloned from the Saccharum hybrid ROC22, whose encoding protein contained only one AP2-conserved domain and was clustered into the DREB (A-2) subgroup. The diverse promoter elements in the ScDREB2B-1 gene and the accumulated transcripts of its homologous gene (SsAP2/ERF-107) in S. spontaneum under drought stress suggest that the ScDREB2B-1 gene may play a role in drought response. In addition, reverse transcription quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression level of the ScDREB2B-1 gene was upregulated in the root and leaf of ROC22 under polyethylene glycol, sodium chloride and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments. The yeast two-hybrid experiment demonstrated that ScDREB2B-1 had transcriptional self-activation activity. Compared with wild-type plants, the overexpression of the ScDREB2B-1 gene improved the drought tolerance of the transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana by activating the ABA pathway to enhance the expression of the ABA-responsive gene (NbNCED) and ABA content, regulate the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level (enhance the transcripts of ROS synthase-related gene NbRbohB and the activities of catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and increase the relative water content, proline content and expression level of osmotic stress-related genes (NbERD and NbLEA). Collectively, our data indicate that ScDREB2B-1 is a stress-inducible and ABA-responsive transcription factor gene that responds to drought stress by regulating ABA signaling, ROS levels and stress-related gene expression. This study contributes to a better understanding of the biological function of ScDREB2B-1, which could serve as a foundation for future resistance breeding in sugarcane.
Toxicological Risks of the Cobalt–Chromium Alloys in Dentistry: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grosgogeat Brigitte , Vaicelyte Alina , Gauthier Rémy , Janssen Christine , Le Borgne Marc
Published: August 2022

Background: The toxicological risk of Co-Cr dental alloys is actually a sensitive subject with the European regulatory changes, namely regulation (EU) 2017/745 and annex VI to the CLP regulation (EC) 1972/2008. Objectives: The objective of this review is to conduct a rigorous analysis of the cytocompatibility of cobalt–chromium (Co-Cr) dental alloys. Considering various parameters such as cytotoxicity, type IV hypersensitivity reaction, sensitization, and irritation, we investigated evidence of toxicity of Co-Cr in human dental applications. Data sources: Specific search strategies were performed in three electronic databases, namely Medline, Embase, and Web of Science, using a main restriction in the search regarding the publication date (1995–2022). Study selection: Out of a total of 836 articles, only 21 studies were selected and analyzed according to PRISMA methodology. Results: Among them, 10 in vitro studies using human samples and 11 in vivo studies on human patients were distinguished. Most of the in vitro studies confirmed that Co-Cr alloys have a good cytocompatibility compared to Ni alloys. Regarding the in vivo studies, it appeared that Co-Cr could rarely cause sensitization, irritation, and allergic reactions. Reactions were mainly observed for people allergic to Co or Cr. Nevertheless, titanium-based materials showed better results. Conclusions: This study proposes a new state of the art on Co-Cr dental alloys and will thus be very useful for carrying out additional studies. Relevance: This review will help practitioners in their daily clinical choice.
Simulation and Design of a Prism-Type Ultra-Broadband Microwave Absorber Based on Magnetic Powder/Silica Gel Composites
Authors: Man Qikui , Lei Zhenkuang , Zhuang Xueheng , Tan Guoguo , Zhu Shiqi
Published: August 2022

Materials that absorb electromagnetic waves over an ultra-wide frequency band have great potential for military and civilian applications. In this study, a square-frustum-type metamaterial structure was designed and prepared using CI/silica gel composites and flake-shaped FeNi/silica gel composites as the filling substrate. The structural parameters of the square frustum were simulated and optimized using CST Studio Suite. The results show that the optimal performance was achieved when the base consisted of 50 vol.% CI/silica gel composites and 25 vol.% FeNi/silica gel composites with a cross-pattern distribution, the square frustum consisted of 50 vol.% CI/silica gel composites, and the total thickness, base thickness, base-edge length, and top-edge lengths were 5, 1.8, 2.5, and 1.5 mm, respectively. This arrangement can effectively absorb frequencies between 1.8 and 40 GHz, realizing ultra-broadband absorption. The excellent absorption performance of the absorber is attributed to multiple quarter-wavelength resonances and edge diffraction effects.
Novel SrO-Containing Glass-Ceramic Sealants for Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC): Their Design and Characterization under Relevant Conditions
Authors: Javed Hassan , Zanchi Elisa , D’Isanto Fabiana , Bert Chiara , Ferrero Domenico , Santarelli Massimo , Smeacetto Federico
Published: August 2022

This study presents results on the development of strontium oxide (SrO) containing glass sealants used to join Crofer22APU to yttria-stabilized zirconia (3YSZ), in which the main glass components, that is, silicon oxide (SiO2), strontium oxide (SrO), calcium oxide (CaO) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3), have been varied appropriately. Certain properties, such as the crystallization behavior, the coefficient of thermal expansion, adhesion, and reactivity of the sealants in contact with Crofer22APU, have been reviewed and discussed. The optimized glass composition (with CTE in the 9.8–10.3 × 10−6 K−1 range) results in a good joining behavior by hindering the formation of undesirable strontium chromate (SrCrO4) on contact with the Crofer22APU steel after 1000 h. at 850 °C. High specific resistivity values of about 106 Ohm.cm have been obtained, thus demonstrating good insulating properties at 850 °C under an applied voltage of 1.6 V. A negligible degradation in the electrical resistivity trend was measured during the test up to 1000 h, thus excluding the presence of detrimental reactions of the glass-ceramic sealant in contact with Crofer22APU under a dual atmosphere, as confirmed using SEM-EDS post-mortem analyses.
Characterization on Crack Initiation and Early Propagation Region of Nickel-Based Alloys in Very High Cycle Fatigue
Authors: Chen Zelin , Dong Zihao , Liu Chang , Dai Yajun , He Chao
Published: August 2022

As nickel-based alloys are more and more widely used in engineering fields for bearing cyclic loadings, it is necessary to study their very-high-cycle fatigue (VHCF) properties. In this paper, the fatigue properties of nickel-based alloy 625 were investigated using an ultrasonic fatigue test apparatus. The fracture microscopy shows that around the crack initiation site there are two characteristic zones, a rough area (RA) and a fine granular area (FGA). Inclusions caused the interior fatigue crack initiation, and the coalescence of neighboring micro cracks was strongly influenced by the local microstructure, resulting in the RA morphology. Subsequently, the contact and compressing of the crack surfaces contributed to the formation of the FGA. Finally, the stress intensity factors of the RA and FGA were quantitatively evaluated for further discussion of the crack initiation and propagation processes.
A Novel Physical Mechanism to Model Brownian Yet Non-Gaussian Diffusion: Theory and Application
Authors: Alban-Chacón Francisco E. , Lamilla-Rubio Erick A. , Alvarez-Alvarado Manuel S.
Published: August 2022

In the last years, a few experiments in the fields of biological and soft matter physics in colloidal suspensions have reported “normal diffusion” with a Laplacian probability distribution in the particle’s displacements (i.e., Brownian yet non-Gaussian diffusion). To model this behavior, different stochastic and microscopic models have been proposed, with the former introducing new random elements that incorporate our lack of information about the media and the latter describing a limited number of interesting physical scenarios. This incentivizes the search of a more thorough understanding of how the media interacts with itself and with the particle being diffused in Brownian yet non-Gaussian diffusion. For this reason, a comprehensive mathematical model to explain Brownian yet non-Gaussian diffusion that includes weak molecular interactions is proposed in this paper. Based on the theory of interfaces by De Gennes and Langevin dynamics, it is shown that long-range interactions in a weakly interacting fluid at shorter time scales leads to a Laplacian probability distribution in the radial particle’s displacements. Further, it is shown that a phase separation can explain a high diffusivity and causes this Laplacian distribution to evolve towards a Gaussian via a transition probability in the interval of time as it was observed in experiments. To verify these model predictions, the experimental data of the Brownian motion of colloidal beads on phospholipid bilayer by Wang et al. are used and compared with the results of the theory. This comparison suggests that the proposed model is able to explain qualitatively and quantitatively the Brownian yet non-Gaussian diffusion.
Recent Advances in Ethylene Gas Detection
Authors: Chen Xiaohu , Wreyford Ryan , Nasiri Noushin
Published: August 2022

The real-time detecting and monitoring of ethylene gas molecules could benefit the agricultural, horticultural and healthcare industries. In this regard, we comprehensively review the current state-of-the-art ethylene gas sensors and detecting technologies, covering from preconcentrator-equipped gas chromatographic systems, Fourier transform infrared technology, photonic crystal fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, surface acoustic wave and photoacoustic sensors, printable optically colorimetric sensor arrays to a wide range of nanostructured chemiresistive gas sensors (including the potentiometric and amperometric-type FET-, CNT- and metal oxide-based sensors). The nanofabrication approaches, working conditions and sensing performance of these sensors/technologies are carefully discussed, and a possible roadmap for the development of ethylene detection in the near future is proposed.
The Effect of Nucleating Agents on Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation and Corresponding Microscopic Mechanisms
Authors: Yang Yuanjiang , Li Mingdong , Tao Xueqing , Zhang Shiai , He Jia , Zhu Liping , Wen Kejun
Published: August 2022

Plant urease has the advantages of high activity and small size in enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP). However, there area lack of nucleation sites for calcium carbonate in EICP. Sucrose and sorbitol, which are readily available and inexpensive, have the potential to provide nucleation sites for EICP as nucleating agents. To explore the effects of the two nucleating agents on EICP, the productivity of calcium carbonate, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and microscopic mechanisms were tested. It is found that the productivity of EICP can be increased as much as 5.1% by the addition of sorbitol with an optimal content of 5%, and the productivity of EICP can be increased as much as 12.3% by the addition of sucrose with an optimal of 4%. The UCS of EICP-treated sand increases by 2.2 times after being improved by sorbitol with a content of 5.2%, the CaCO3 content of EICP-treated sand with sorbitol added increased by 1.5% compared to conventional EICP-treated sand. These results show that the two nucleating agents are effective for improving EICP. The SEM images verify that sorbitol/sucrose can compensate for the lack of nucleating sites in EICP and explicate the effect of nucleating agents on EICP.
Unexpected Method of High-Viscosity Shear Thickening Fluids Based on Polypropylene Glycols Development via Thermal Treatment
Authors: Tryznowski Mariusz , Gołofit Tomasz , Gürgen Selim , Kręcisz Patrycja , Chmielewski Marcin
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to analyze the influence of the thermal treatment of shear thickening fluids, STFs, on their viscosity. For this purpose, shear thickening fluids based on polypropylene glycols PPG400 and PPG1000 and Aerosil®200 were developed. The shear thickening behavior of obtained fluids was confirmed by using a parallel-plate rheometer. Next, thermogravimetric (TG) analyses were used to characterized thermal stability and weight loss of the STFs at a constant temperature. Finally, the thermal treatment of the STFs obtained was provided using the apparatus developed for this purpose. The received STFs exhibited a very high maximum viscosity up to 15 kPa. The rheology of the STFs measured after thermal treatment indicated that the proposed method allowed the development of STFs with a very high maximum viscosity. The maximum viscosity of the STFs increased twofold when thermal treatment of the STFs at elevated temperature for 210 min was performed. TG confirmed the convergence of the weight loss in the apparatus. Our results show that controlling the thermal treatment of STFs allows STFs to be obtained with high viscosity and a dilatation jump of the STFs by degradation of the liquid matrix.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of an In Vitro Digested Anthocyanin-Rich Extract on Intestinal Epithelial Cells Exposed to TNF-α
Authors: Speciale Antonio , Bashllari Romina , Muscarà Claudia , Molonia Maria Sofia , Saija Antonella , Saha Shikha , Wilde Peter J. , Cimino Francesco
Published: August 2022

Background: The consumption of foods rich in anthocyanins (ACN) have been associated with beneficial properties in chronic inflammatory disorders such as intestinal bowel diseases (IBD). These effects were attributed not only to a direct antioxidant mechanism but also to the modulation of cell redox-dependent signaling. However, ACN bioavailability is low for their poor stability in the digestive tract, so ACN gastrointestinal digestion should be considered. Methods: To have a more realistic knowledge of the effects of ACN, we performed an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion of an ACN-rich purified and standardized bilberry and blackcurrant extract (BBE), followed by an evaluation of ACN composition modification (HPLC-DAD and pH differential method) and antioxidant activity (FRAP assay). Then, we studied the effects of BBE gastrointestinal extract on Caco-2 exposed to TNF-α. Results: The results confirmed the high instability of ACN in the mild alkaline environment of the small intestine (17% recovery index). However, the digested BBE maintained part of its bioactivity. Additionally, BBE gastrointestinal extract inhibited the TNF-α-induced NF-κB pathway in Caco-2 and activated the Nrf2 pathway. Conclusions: Although ACN stability is affected by gastrointestinal digestion, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of digested extracts were confirmed; thus, the loss of ACN can probably be counterweighed by their metabolites. Then, ACN introduced by diet or food supplements could represent an approach for IBD prevention.
Evaluation of spontaneous reports in the pharmacovigilance system
Authors:   FSBEI HE Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Litvinenko T.S.
Published: August 2022

The purpose of the study: to analyze the characteristics of spontaneous reports (SR) of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), as well as to assess their correlation with patients’ individual characteristics (gender, age) and drugs, on the example of the data from the Rostov Region.
Use of cefepime/sulbactam in the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria
Authors:   FSAEI HE Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Koshmanova A.N. , Maksimov M.L. ,   FSAEI HE Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow
Published: August 2022

Cefepime/sulbactam is a combined antibiotic with a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity, including cefepime, the fourth-generation cephalosporin, and sulbactam, the beta-lactamase inhibitor, in a 1:1 ratio. Cefepime/sulbactam has a bactericidal effect: it causes a disorder in cell wall synthesis due to blockade of transpeptidase and a disorder in the formation of cross-links in peptidoglycan [1]. Today, the problem of antibiotic resistance is growing rapidly. In the WHO list, a critically high level of priority for the development of new antibiotics is occupied by infections caused by ESBL-producing gram-negative bacteria that are resistant to cephalosporins, as well as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [2]. Infections caused by multiresistant bacteria are characterized by a longer course, require prolonged hospitalization, are very difficult to treat with modern antibacterial drugs, and increase the risk of death [3]. In this regard, a deeper study of the action of individual antibacterial drugs and their combination with β-lactamase inhibitors in the treatment of diseases caused by multiresistant microorganisms is crucial.
Adverse drug reaction detected as a result of taking a combined antiseptic medicine
Authors:   Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Narcology and Psychotherapy, KSMA - branch of the FSBEI CPE RMACPE of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Kuchaeva A.V. , Gaifullin R.F. ,   SAHI City Polyclinic No. 21, Kazan, Timerkaeva D.B. ,   SAHI City Polyclinic No. 21, Kazan, Maksimov M.L. ,   Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Narcology and Psychotherapy, KSMA - branch of the FSBEI CPE RMACPE of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Mikhailova E.B. ,   Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Narcology and Psychotherapy, KSMA - branch of the FSBEI CPE RMACPE of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Published: August 2022

Antiseptic drugs (R02AA) are the most commonly used symptomatic drugs for the treatment of patients with symptoms of catarrhal pharyngitis. According to the ATC classification, 311 medicines belong to the group of antiseptic drugs. Such a variety of drugs accounts for the problem of choice and, as a result, a decrease in the effectiveness of the treatment and the manifestation of a large number of side effects. The purpose of the research: to conduct an informational and analytical study of a combined antiseptic that caused an adverse drug reaction in a patient diagnosed with pharyngitis.