bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Response of Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Skin Manifestations to Anifrolumab—A Case-Based Review of Clinical Trial Data Suggesting a Domain-Based Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Plüß Marlene , Piantoni Silvia , Wincup Chris , Korsten Peter
Published: June 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically heterogeneous autoimmune disease, and organ manifestations, such as lupus nephritis (LN) or skin disease, may be refractory to standard treatment. Therefore, new agents are required to allow for a more personalized therapeutic approach. Recently, several new therapies have been approved internationally, including voclosporine for LN and anifrolumab for moderately to severely active SLE. Here, we report a case of SLE with a predominant and refractory cutaneous manifestation despite combination treatment with glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil, and belimumab, which had been present for more than 12 months. Belimumab was switched to anifrolumab, and the patient responded quickly after two infusions (eight weeks) with a reduction in the Cutaneous Lupus Assessment and Severity Index (CLASI) from 17 to 7. In addition, we review the available clinical trial data for anifrolumab with a focus on cutaneous outcomes. Based on phase II and III clinical trials investigating the intravenous administration, a consistent CLASI improvement was observed at 12 weeks. Interestingly, in a phase II trial of subcutaneous anifrolumab application, CLASI response was not different from placebo at 12 weeks but numerically different at 24 and 52 weeks, respectively. Thus, anifrolumab emerges as an attractive new therapeutic option suggesting a possible domain-based approach.
Combination of Sodium Bicarbonate (SBC) with Bacterial Antagonists for the Control of Brown Rot Disease of Fruit
Authors: Lyousfi Nadia , Letrib Chaimaa , Legrifi Ikram , Blenzar Abdelali , El Khetabi Assia , El Hamss Hajar , Belabess Zineb , Barka Essaid Ait , Lahlali Rachid
Published: June 2022

Simultaneous treatment with antagonistic bacteria Bacillus amylolquefaciens (SF14), Alcaligenes faecalis (ACBC1), and the food additive sodium bicarbonate (SBC) to control post-harvest brown rot disease caused by Monilinia fructigena, and their effect on the post-harvest quality of nectarines were evaluated. Four concentrations of SBC (0.5, 2, 3.5, and 5%) were tested. Results showed that bacterial antagonists displayed remarkable compatibility with different concentrations of SBC and that their viability was not affected. The results obtained in vitro and in vivo bioassays showed a strong inhibitory effect of all treatments. The combination of each bacterial antagonist with SBC revealed a significant improvement in their biocontrol efficacies. The inhibition rates of mycelial growth ranged from 60.97 to 100%. These results also indicated that bacterial antagonists (SF14 or ACBC1) used at 1 × 108 CFU/ mL in combination with 2, 3.5, or 5% SBC significantly improved the control of M. fructigina by inhibiting the germination of spores. Interestingly, disease incidence and lesion diameter in fruits treated with SF14, ACBC1 alone, or in combination with SBC were significantly lower than those in the untreated fruits. In vivo results showed a significant reduction in disease severity ranging from 9.27 to 64.83% compared to the untreated control, while maintaining the appearance, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA) of fruits. These results suggested that the improved disease control by the two antagonistic bacteria was more likely due to the additional inhibitory effects of SBC on the mycelial growth and spore germination of the pathogenic fungus. Overall, the combination of both bacteria with SBC provided better control of brown rot disease. Therefore, a mixture of different management strategies can effectively control brown rot decay on fruits.
Sex Difference in the Associations among Obesity-Related Indices with Incident Hypertension in a Large Taiwanese Population Follow-Up Study
Authors: Lee Wen-Chi , Wu Pei-Yu , Huang Jiun-Chi , Tsai Yi-Chun , Chiu Yi-Wen , Chen Szu-Chia , Chang Jer-Ming , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: June 2022

Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases, and obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate sex differences in the correlations among obesity-related indices and incident hypertension in a large Taiwanese cohort. We included 21,466 enrollees in the Taiwan Biobank and followed them for 4 years. Of the 21,466 patients enrolled in this study, 6899 (mean age, 49.6 ± 10.9 years) were male and 14,567 (mean age, 49.7 ± 10.0 years) were female. Data on visceral adiposity index (VAI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lipid accumulation product (LAP), conicity index (CI), body roundness index (BRI), body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), and abdominal volume index (AVI) were collected and analyzed. The results showed that all of the studied obesity-related indices were significantly associated with incident hypertension. Among them, WHtR was the strongest predictor of hypertension in both sexes. In addition, interactions between VAI, LAP, CI, BMI, and AVI with sex on incident hypertension were also statistically significant. CI and AVI were more strongly associated with hypertension in the men than in the women, while VAI, LAP, and BMI were more strongly associated with hypertension in the women. In conclusion, the studied obesity-related indices were found to be predictors of incident hypertension, and there were differences in the associations between the male and female participants. Our findings may imply that reducing body weight may be associated with a lower risk of developing hypertension.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Childhood Vasculitis: A Perspective Comparative Pilot Study
Authors: Fabi Marianna , D’Amico Federica , Turroni Silvia , Andreozzi Laura , Filice Emanuele , Brigidi Patrizia , Lanari Marcello
Published: June 2022

Kawasaki disease (KD) and Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) are the most frequent vasculitis in childhood. For both, a multifactorial mechanism has been hypothesised, with an abnormal immune response in genetically predisposed children. Gut microbiota (GM) alterations might trigger the hyperimmune reaction. Our aim was to explore the GM in KD and compare it with the GM of HSP and febrile children. Children diagnosed with KD, HSP and non-KD febrile illness (F) were enrolled. GM was profiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and compared with the profiles of healthy children from previous studies. We enrolled 13 KD, 10 HSP and 12 F children. Their GM significantly differed from controls, with an overall reduction in the relative abundance of beneficial taxa belonging to the Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae families. Potential KD and HSP signatures were identified, including smaller amounts of Dialister in the former, and Clostridium and Akkermansia in the latter. Notably, the GM structures of KD, HSP and F patients stratified by abdominal involvement, with more severe dysbiosis in those suffering from intestinal symptoms. This is the first study analysing GM in a mostly Caucasian cohort of KD and HSP children. Our data could open up new opportunities for childhood vasculitis treatment.
Pharmacogenomics and Drug-Induced Phenoconversion Informed Medication Safety Review in the Management of Pain Control and Quality of Life: A Case Report
Authors: Muhn Selina , Amin Nishita Shah , Bardolia Chandni , Del Toro-Pagán Nicole , Pizzolato Katie , Thacker David , Turgeon Jacques , Tomaino Crystal , Michaud Veronique
Published: June 2022

Utilizing pharmacogenomics (PGx) and integrating drug-induced phenoconversion to guide opioid therapies could improve the treatment response and decrease the occurrence of adverse drug events. Genetics contribute to the interindividual differences in opioid response. The purpose of this case report highlights the impact of a PGx-informed medication safety review, assisted by a clinical decision support system, in mitigating the drug–gene and drug–drug–gene interactions (DGI and DDGI, respectively) that increase the risk of an inadequate drug response and adverse drug events (ADEs). This case describes a 69-year-old female who was referred for PGx testing for uncontrolled chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis and neuropathy. The clinical pharmacist reviewed the PGx test results and medication regimen and identified several (DGIs and DDGIs, respectively) at Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 and CYP2D6. The recommendations were to: (1) switch tramadol to buprenorphine transdermal patch, an opioid with lower potential for ADEs, to mitigate a CYP2D6 DDGI; (2) gradually discontinue amitriptyline to alleviate the risk of anticholinergic side effects, ADEs, and multiple DDGIs; and (3) optimize the pregabalin. The provider and the patient agreed to implement these recommendations. Upon follow-up one month later, the patient reported an improved quality of life and pain control. Following the amitriptyline taper, the patient experienced tremors in the upper and lower extremities. When the perpetrator drug, omeprazole, was stopped, the metabolic capacity was no longer impeded; the patient experienced possible amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms due to the rapid withdrawal of amitriptyline, which was reinitiated and tapered off more slowly. This case report demonstrates a successful PGx-informed medication safety review that considered drug-induced phenoconversion and mitigated the risks of pharmacotherapy failure, ADEs, and opioid misuse.
Bundling Strategies for Ride-Hailing Platforms Based on Price and Service Level
Authors: Xu Weina , Lin Gui-Hua , Zhu Xide
Published: June 2022

The increasing popularity of ride-hailing applications has given rise to a new channel in which ride-hailing platforms are bundled into aggregation platforms to earn additional orders by charging commissions and slotting fees. Such bundled channels, unlike traditional reseller electronic ones, may flutter prices, service levels, market demands, and then further affect their profits. These divergent attitudes raise an interesting and key question about whether and under what conditions bundled channels should be introduced to ride-hailing platforms. In this paper, we provide an analytical framework for ride-hailing and aggregation platforms in unbundled and bundled scenarios, respectively. We build a Stackelberg game model in which ride-hailing and aggregation platforms as leaders obtain prices by constructing Nash equilibria, while drivers as followers determine service levels given to two platforms. Drivers’ best responses in terms of service levels for two platforms, as well as platforms’ optimal pricing strategies and profits are achieved. To capture access conditions of the ride-hailing platform and the profit contention between two platforms, we further conduct sensitivity analysis on cost coefficients of service levels, price and cross-price substitutions, service level and cross-service level substitutions, revenue-sharing ratio, cost, as well as commission and slotting fee. Based on numerical examples and analysis of the results, some interesting managerial insights about bundling strategies are gained for ride-hailing platforms.
How Much Are Amenities Worth? An Empirical Study on Urban Land and Housing Price Differentials across Chinese Cities
Authors: Song Yan , Zhou Jiang , Zhang Yingjie , Wu Dingxin , Xu Honghai
Published: June 2022

As China is transitioning from a planned economy to a market-based economy, over the past 30 years, China’s economy has experienced the same type of changes that led to amenity-driven housing and land markets in more developed countries. This paper examines the effect of different types of amenities on urban land and housing prices across Chinese cities in 2020. When firms and households value some amenities, the assumption is that the preference for these amenities will be valued and reflected in both land and housing markets. We conduct a cross-sectional analysis of urban land and housing prices in prefecture and higher-level cities in China. We extend the Roback model to explore the extent to which the different land rents and housing prices reflect the compensations for interregional amenity differences across Chinese cities. We include two types of amenities: natural amenities and locally produced amenities. We perform two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimations and compute the implicit prices of various amenities for households and firms. The empirical results show that a range of amenities is valued by both households and firms, resulting in higher housing and industrial prices.
Compounding in Greek as Phrasal Syntax
Authors: Ntelitheos Dimitrios
Published: June 2022

This paper provides a syntactic analysis of two types of compounds in Greek: synthetic and phrasal compounds derived from agentive nominalizations of verbal strings containing an internal argument of the verb. The analysis is couched within a ‘morphology as syntax’ account and uses independently motivated syntactic tools to show that both types of compounds are derived in syntax proper without any need for a separate morphological component. The differences in the syntactic properties of the two types of compounds are explained with reference to the ‘size’ or ‘complexity’ of the projected internal arguments, which can be either ‘roots’, in the case of synthetic compounds, or unquantized nominals projected as NumPs, which require special licensing conditions in the case of phrasal compounds. Differences in prosodic and semantic interpretation are also explained with reference to phase theory and the type/number of phase domains within the structure of the two types of compounds.
α-Synuclein A53T Promotes Mitochondrial Proton Gradient Dissipation and Depletion of the Organelle Respiratory Reserve in a Neuroblastoma Cell Line
Authors: Risiglione Pierpaolo , Cubisino Salvatore Antonio Maria , Lipari Cristiana Lucia Rita , De Pinto Vito , Messina Angela , Magrì Andrea
Published: June 2022

α-synuclein (αSyn) is a small neuronal protein whose accumulation correlates with Parkinson’s disease. αSyn A53T mutant impairs mitochondrial functions by affecting substrate import within the organelle, activity of complex I and the maximal respiratory capacity. However, the precise mechanism initiating the bioenergetic dysfunction is not clearly understood yet. By overexpressing αSyn A53T in SH-SY5Y cells, we investigated the specific changes in the mitochondrial respiratory profile using High-Resolution Respirometry. We found that αSyn A53T increases dissipative fluxes across the intermembrane mitochondrial space: this does not compromise the oxygen flows devoted to ATP production while it reduces the bioenergetic excess capacity of mitochondria, providing a possible explanation of the increased cell susceptibility observed in the presence of further stress stimuli.
Evaluation of Shear and Peel Strength of Al1060 Single-Lap and T-Lap Joints Produced by Rotated Clinching Process with Twin Rotating Punches
Authors: He Yulin , Yang Lianfa , Dang Jing , Gao Aliang , Zhang Wenze
Published: June 2022

The clinching process is widely used in joining lightweight sheet metal. We proposed a novel rotated clinching process (RCP), which is characterized by a flat bottom die structure and twin rotating punches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the strength of RCP joints. Al1060 sheets with thicknesses of 1.5 mm and 2 mm were used as the experimental materials. Overlap and T-lap RCP joints with three die depths and five bottom thicknesses were fabricated, and shear and peel tests were performed on the joints. The joint strengths were evaluated based on the mechanical load, cross-sectional profile dimensions, and failure mode. The results showed that the mechanical load is a direct, reliable, and quantitative evaluation criterion, while the cross-sectional profile and failure mode are indirect and qualitative. These criteria confirmed that the strength of thick sheet joints is higher than that of thin sheet joints, the shear strength is superior to the peel strength, and the strengths of the joints are high with failure mainly occurring due to tearing or shear failure. Finally, the key parameters for determining the strength of a joint include the bottom thickness/sheet thickness ratio (Rt), and the die depth (h).
In Vitro Biodegradation of a-C:H:SiOx Films on Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Grenadyorov Alexander , Solovyev Andrey , Oskomov Konstantin , Porokhova Ekaterina , Brazovskii Konstantin , Gorokhova Anna , Nasibov Temur , Litvinova Larisa , Khlusov Igor
Published: June 2022

This paper focuses mainly on the in vitro study of a five-week biodegradation of a-C:H:SiOx films of different thickness, obtained by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition onto Ti-6Al-4V alloy substrate using its pulsed bipolar biasing. In vitro immersion of a-C:H:SiOx films in a solution of 0.9% NaCl was used. It is shown how the a-C:H:SiOx film thickness (0.5–3 µm) affects the surface morphology, adhesive strength, and Na+ and Cl− precipitation on the film surface from the NaCl solution. With increasing film thickness, the roughness indices are reducing a little. The adhesive strength of the a-C:H:SiOx films to metal substrate corresponds to quality HF1 (0.5 µm in thickness) and HF2-HF3 (1.5–3 µm in thickness) of the Rockwell hardness test (VDI 3198) that defines strong interfacial adhesion and is usually applied in practice. The morphometric analysis of the film surface shows that on a-C:H:SiOx-coated Ti-6Al-4V alloy surface, the area occupied by the grains of sodium chloride is lower than on the uncoated surface. The reduction in the ion precipitation from 0.9% NaCl onto the film surface depended on the elemental composition of the surface layer conditioned by the thickness growth of the a-C:H:SiOx film. Based on the results of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, the multiple regression equations are suggested to explain the effect of the elemental composition of the a-C:H:SiOx film on the decreased Na+ and Cl− precipitation. As a result, the a-C:H:SiOx films successfully combine good adhesion strength and rare ion precipitation and thus are rather promising for medical applications on cardiovascular stents and/or friction parts of heart pumps.
Investigation on the Evolution of Nano-Scale Defects of CL-20 Crystals under Thermal Treatment by Wide/Small-Angle X-ray Scattering
Authors: Zhang Haobin , Wang Hongfan , Xu Jinjiang , Sun Jie , Wang Xiaolin
Published: June 2022

Nano-scale crystal defects extremely affect the security and reliability of the explosive charges of weapons. In order to understand the evolution of nano-scale defects of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaaza-isowurtzitane (CL-20) explosive crystals under thermal treatments, the specific surface, volume fraction and size distribution of the nano-scale defects were studied by using Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) and Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) during the temperature range from 30 °C to 200 °C. The results showed that the number and size of the pores in CL-20 powder did not change significantly during the heating process before phase transformation (30–160 °C). At 170 °C, CL-20 began to convert from ε- to γ- phase, and the specific surface and volume fraction of the nano-scale defects increased significantly. Further investigation of the pore size distribution showed that the number of pores with a small size (radius 9–21 nm) changed particularly significantly, resulting from the cracking of the CL-20 crystal powder during phase transition. At 200 °C, the phase transition was completed and γ-CL-20 was created, and the small-sized pores gradually grew into medium-sized (radius 21–52 nm) pores over time when the temperature was fixed at 200 °C.
A Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Enhanced Integrated Filter Network
Authors: Wu Kang , Tao Jie , Yang Dalian , Xie Hu , Li Zhiying
Published: June 2022

Aiming at the difficulty of rolling bearing fault diagnosis in a strong noise environment, this paper proposes an enhanced integrated filter network. In the method, we firstly design an enhanced integrated filter, which includes the filter enhancement module and the expression enhancement module. The filter enhancement module can not only filter the high-frequency noise to extract useful features of medium and low-frequency signals but also maintain frequency and time resolution to some extent. On this basis, the expression enhancement module analyzes fault features intercepted by the upper network at multiple scales to get deep features. Then we introduce vector neurons to integrate scalar features into vector space, which mine the correlation between features. The feature vectors are transmitted by dynamic routing to establish the relationship between low-level capsules and high-level capsules. In order to verify the diagnostic performance of the model, CWRU and IMS bearing datasets are used for experimental verification. In the strong noise environment of SNR = −4 dB, the fault diagnosis precisions of the method on CWRU and IMS reach 94.85% and 92.45%, respectively. Compared with typical bearing fault diagnosis methods, the method has higher fault diagnosis precision and better generalization ability in a strong noise environment.
Interlayer Coupling and High-Frequency Performance in Magnetic Anisotropic FeCoB/Hf/FeCoB Trilayers with Various Hf Thicknesses
Authors: Liu Duo , Zhang Shouheng , Li Shandong
Published: June 2022

FeCoB (25 nm)/Hf(tHf)/FeCoB (25 nm) sandwich films with different hafnium thicknesses tHf were fabricated using a modified compositional gradient sputtering method to obtain self-biased high-frequency performances. The effects of tHf on the interlayer coupling and FMR frequency were investigated. It is revealed that interlayer coupling enhanced the resonance frequency by 48%, and a ferromagnetic coupling between the FeCoB films occurred for the trilayers with tHf < 3.0 nm, likely due to the interface roughness and pinhole effect. In this case, only acoustic mode resonance was observed with the same high-frequency performance as the corresponding FeCoB single layer. In contrast, a tHf-dependent antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling appeared at tHf > 3.0 nm. The coupling coefficient J1 was antiferromagnetic, and a biquadratic coupling J2 appeared at tHf > 3.5 nm. The coupling mechanism was simulated and verified by Layadi’s rigid model, and the simulation was consistent with the experimental results.
Knowledge, Practice, and Awareness of Oral Cancer and HPV Infection among Dental Students and Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Murariu Alice , Baciu Elena-Raluca , Bobu Livia , Diaconu-Popa Diana , Zetu Irina , Gelețu Gabriela , Vasluianu Roxana-Ionela , Hurjui Loredana
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives: Dentists play a very important part in the early identification of oral cancer lesions. This aspect of dental practice depends on the knowledge acquired during the faculty years. The aim of this study was to assess dental students’ and residents’ levels of awareness in terms of oral cancer. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dental Medicine within the “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, on a sample of 197 students in the fourth and the fifth years and first year residents in general dentistry. To assess their knowledge, a questionnaire was created containing 22 questions about the risk factors for oral cancer, with a focus on HPV infection. Results: Most participants correctly identified smoking, alcohol, and the HPV infection as risk factors and leukoplakia and erythroplasia as potentially malignant lesions. At the opposite site, aspects considered as unsatisfactory focused on the palpation of lymphatic nodules, a procedure largely carried out by 41.6% of the fourth year students, the counseling only of the patients at risk performed by 59.7% of residents, the lack of knowledge about the prevention of oral cancer through anti-HPV immunization found in 39.7% of the fifth year students. Other incorrect answers focused on other types of suspicious lesions, such as actinic cheilitis, as well as certain areas in the oral cavity subject to the frequent onset of oral cancer, such as buccal mucosa. Conclusions: Although the fifth year students and residents have better knowledge than the fourth year students, the gaps in terms of knowledge and practice encountered in all three categories of participants require a reevaluation of the academic curriculum and the focus on the building of the skills necessary for the correct screening of oral cancer.
Valvular Heart Disease Epidemiology
Authors: Aluru John Sukumar , Barsouk Adam , Saginala Kalyan , Rawla Prashanth , Barsouk Alexander
Published: June 2022

Valvular heart disease is a rapidly growing cause of global cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with diverse and evolving geographic distribution. The prevalence of rheumatic heart disease, the most common valvular heart disease (affecting approximately 41 million people), has been rising in developing nations, likely due to the expansion of the young adult population and the decrease in premature mortality that has resulted from improved access to antibiotics, microbiological testing, and echocardiography. Rheumatic heart disease has also been rising among the impoverished and, often, indigenous populations of developed nations, spurring public health initiatives that are aimed at alleviating healthcare disparities. Aortic valve stenotic disease is the most commonly occurring valvular pathology in developed nations (afflicting 9 million people worldwide) and its prevalence has been increasing with population aging and the increased prevalence of atherosclerosis. Aortic regurgitation is associated with diastolic, but not systolic, hypertension and it has likewise seen a rise in the developed world. Mitral regurgitation affects 24 million people worldwide, with great variability between and among nations. Primary mitral regurgitation arises as a consequence of myxomatous degeneration and mitral valve prolapse, which is largely due to genetic predispositions, while secondary mitral regurgitation accounts for 65% of cases and arises secondary to dilation and heart failure. Tricuspid regurgitation has become more prevalent in developed nations due to the increased usage of intracardiac pacemakers. Infective endocarditis prevalence has also grown in developed nations, likely due to population aging and the increased utilization of transcatheter valve replacement and prosthetic valves as interventions against the previously discussed valvular pathologies.
Membranes for Gas Separation and Purification Processes
Authors: Chuah Chong Yang
Published: June 2022

This Special Issue, entitled “Membranes for Gas Separation and Purification Processes”, was introduced to discuss the recent progress in the development of membranes for gas separation and purification [...]
Mitochondrial Membranes and Mitochondrial Genome: Interactions and Clinical Syndromes
Authors: Almannai Mohammed , Salah Azza , El-Hattab Ayman
Published: June 2022

Mitochondria are surrounded by two membranes; the outer mitochondrial membrane and the inner mitochondrial membrane. They are unique organelles since they have their own DNA, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is replicated continuously. Mitochondrial membranes have direct interaction with mtDNA and are therefore involved in organization of the mitochondrial genome. They also play essential roles in mitochondrial dynamics and the supply of nucleotides for mtDNA synthesis. In this review, we will discuss how the mitochondrial membranes interact with mtDNA and how this interaction is essential for mtDNA maintenance. We will review different mtDNA maintenance disorders that result from defects in this crucial interaction. Finally, we will review therapeutic approaches relevant to defects in mitochondrial membranes.
Detecting Broken Strands in Transmission Lines Based on Pulsed Eddy Current
Authors: Liao Chunhui , Yi Yinghu , Chen Tao , Cai Chen , Deng Zhiyang , Song Xiaochun , Lv Cheng
Published: June 2022

High-voltage transmission lines are the main facilities for power transmission, and they are mainly composed of aluminum conductor steel-reinforced (ACSR). Over long-term outdoor use, overhead transmission lines will encounter lightning strikes, chemical pollutant corrosion, deicing, wind vibration, and other external forces. This often results in a series of potential failures, such as breakage, for the strands. In order to ensure the safe operation of the power grid and avoid fatal accidents, such as line breaks, it is necessary to identify and repair line faults. Among them, the main basis for the regular detection and replacement of high-voltage transmission lines is whether a broken strand defect appears. In this paper, a type of pulsed eddy current (PEC) sensor is developed to detect the broken strand defect in transmission lines. The simulation and experimental results showed that the designed PEC sensor could effectively and accurately identify the fault.
Plasma Metabolite Response to Simple, Refined and Unrefined Carbohydrate-Enriched Diets in Older Adults—Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Huang Neil K. , Matthan Nirupa R. , Matuszek Gregory , Lichtenstein Alice H.
Published: June 2022

Food intake data collected using subjective tools are prone to inaccuracies and biases. An objective assessment of food intake, such as metabolomic profiling, may offer a more accurate method if unique metabolites can be identified. To explore this option, we used samples generated from a randomized and controlled cross-over trial during which participants (N = 10; 65 ± 8 year, BMI, 29.8 ± 3.2 kg/m2) consumed each of the three diets enriched in different types of carbohydrate. Plasma metabolite concentrations were measured at the end of each diet phase using gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry and ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Participants were provided, in random order, with diets enriched in three carbohydrate types (simple carbohydrate (SC), refined carbohydrate (RC) and unrefined carbohydrate (URC)) for 4.5 weeks per phase and separated by two-week washout periods. Data were analyzed using partial least square-discrimination analysis, receiver operating characteristics (ROC curve) and hierarchical analysis. Among the known metabolites, 3-methylhistidine, phenylethylamine, cysteine, betaine and pipecolic acid were identified as biomarkers in the URC diet compared to the RC diet, and the later three metabolites were differentiated and compared to SC diet. Hierarchical analysis indicated that the plasma metabolites at the end of each diet phase were more strongly clustered by the participant than the carbohydrate type. Hence, although differences in plasma metabolite concentrations were observed after participants consumed diets differing in carbohydrate type, individual variation was a stronger predictor of plasma metabolite concentrations than dietary carbohydrate type. These findings limited the potential of metabolic profiling to address this variable.
Intrinsic Exercise Capacity Affects Glycine and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Levels in Sedentary and Exercise Trained Rats
Authors: Klöting Nora , Schwarzer Michael , Heyne Estelle , Ceglarek Uta , Hoffmann Anne , Krohn Knut , Doenst Torsten , Blüher Matthias
Published: June 2022

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as the cellular entry receptor for the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). High ACE2 tissue expression and low glycine levels were suggested to increase susceptibility for SARS-CoV-2 infection and increasing circulating ACE2 has been proposed as one possible strategy to combat COVID-19. In humans, aerobic physical exercise induces an increase in plasma ACE2 in some individuals. However, it is not clear whether glycine and ACE2 levels depend on intrinsic exercise capacity or on exercise training. We used rats selectively bred for high intrinsic exercise capacity (HCR) or low exercise capacity (LCR) and tested the influence of this genetic predetermination and/or aerobic exercise on metabolites, ACE2 tissue expression and circulating ACE 2. ACE2 expression was measured in different tissues in the sedentary animals and again after 4 weeks of high-intensity aerobic exercise in both LCRs and HCRs. Sedentary HCRs exhibited significantly higher circulating ACE2 concentrations compared to LCRs, but a lower expression of ACE2 in all investigated tissues except for adipose tissue. Body weight was negatively correlated with serum ACE2 and positively correlated with ACE2 expression in the heart. Aerobic exercise caused a significant decrease in ACE2 expression in the lung, heart, muscle, and kidney both in LCRs and HCRs. Our results suggest that ACE2 expression, circulating ACE2 and glycine serum concentration are related to aerobic intrinsic exercise capacity and can be influenced with exercise. These results may support the hypothesis that physically fit individuals have a lower susceptibility for COVID-19 infection.
Integrated Physical Modeling and Optimal Control Method of Limited-Angle Torque Motor in Fuel Metering Apparatus
Authors: Chen Qian , Sheng Hanlin , Jiang Shengbin
Published: June 2022

Limited-angle torque motor (LATM) is a critical component to precisely drive the valve angle of an engine’s fuel metering apparatus and accurately measure the fuel flow, and research on it is of great significance. Thus, the LATM of a certain kind is regarded as the research object in this paper. Firstly, a Simscape-based LATM integrated physical modeling method is proposed, which can better demonstrate the real operational characteristics of a motor, compared with the current mathematical model. Secondly, a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) parameter self-tuning method based on a constriction factor particle swarm optimization (CPSO) algorithm is broached since it is difficult to tune due to a large number of multi-loop cascade PID control parameters. Simulation and experimental results showed that the control performance increases by 40% in the triple closed-loop PID control system with a stronger disturbance rejection, simpler design, and quickly responds when compared with the previous empirical tuning method. The triple closed-loop PID control system comprises an angle loop + angle velocity loop + current loop and technically supports the engineering application design of motors.
Molecular Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia Species in Ticks Removed from Humans in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Yu-Jung , Seo Ji Ye , Kim Seong Yoon , Lee Hee Il
Published: June 2022

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) and human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) are zoonotic tick-borne diseases transmitted via tick bites. To determine the state of human Anaplasma and Ehrlichia infections caused by tick bites in the Republic of Korea (ROK), we conducted a nationwide investigation of human cases of tick bites in 2020. A total of 180 ticks were obtained, comprising Haemaphysalis longicornis (70.0%), Amblyomma testudinarium (17.8%), Ixodes nipponensis (6.1%), H. flava (4.4%), and I. persulcatus (1.7%). In three cases (1.7%; 95% CI: 0.3–4.9), A. phagocytophilum was detected in Ixodes ticks using primers for Anaplasma-specific genes (16s rRNA, ankA, and msp4). Conversely, Ehrlichia sp. was only detected in H. longicornis, in two cases (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.1–4.0). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of Ehrlichia sp. in ticks parasitizing humans in the ROK. As concerns remain about the possibility of HGA and HME transmission, continuous monitoring and management of the pathogens and vectors are necessary.
Expansion Properties of Cemented Foam Backfill Utilizing Coal Gangue and Fly Ash
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhang Jixiong , Li Meng , Gao Feng , Taheri Abbas , Huo Binbin , Jin Ling
Published: June 2022

The cemented backfill (CB) utilizing coal gangue (CG) and fly ash (FA) is widely applied in coal mines. However, the bleeding and shrinkage of CB leads to insufficient contact with surrounding rock, which is not beneficial for controlling roof subsidence and even stope stability. Herein, a cemented foam backfill (CFB) formulation is demonstrated, employing hydrogen dioxide (H2O2) as a chemical foaming agent. The cement and FA show noticeable inhibiting effects on volume expansion due to the network formed by their hydrates. Moderately lower cement, FA, and solid concentration are beneficial to improve volume increment and prolong expanding duration. A foaming coefficient (k) is proposed in theory to evaluate the foaming efficiency. The kem values, determined by volume evolution experiments of CFB slurries, provide a calculation basis for the needed dosage of H2O2 solution targeting specific volume increment. CFB specimens with expanding ratios of 21%~103% and densities of 994~592 kg/cm3 were prepared, with an actual foaming coefficient of 52.40 cm3/g and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of 0.32~0.55 MPa. The mass of H2O2 solution was 1.9%~11.3% of cement and 0.29%~1.67% of total solid materials by weight. The UCS decline compared to CB was attributed to rich pores observed by CT and carbonation indicated by X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Hybrid Nanobioengineered Nanomaterial-Based Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Soto Dayana , Orozco Jahir
Published: June 2022

Nanoengineering biosensors have become more precise and sophisticated, raising the demand for highly sensitive architectures to monitor target analytes at extremely low concentrations often required, for example, for biomedical applications. We review recent advances in functional nanomaterials, mainly based on novel organic-inorganic hybrids with enhanced electro-physicochemical properties toward fulfilling this need. In this context, this review classifies some recently engineered organic-inorganic metallic-, silicon-, carbonaceous-, and polymeric-nanomaterials and describes their structural properties and features when incorporated into biosensing systems. It further shows the latest advances in ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensors engineered from such innovative nanomaterials highlighting their advantages concerning the concomitant constituents acting alone, fulfilling the gap from other reviews in the literature. Finally, it mentioned the limitations and opportunities of hybrid nanomaterials from the point of view of current nanotechnology and future considerations for advancing their use in enhanced electrochemical platforms.
Homology Modeling and Molecular Docking Approaches for the Proposal of Novel Insecticides against the African Malaria Mosquito (Anopheles gambiae)
Authors: Crisan Luminita , Funar-Timofei Simona , Borota Ana
Published: June 2022

Vector-borne infectious diseases are responsible for the deaths of over 700,000 people annually, than 400,000 of them resulting from malaria. The mosquito Anopheles gambiae is one of the dominant vector species of human malaria transmission. A significant issue of the conventional insecticides which target the arthropod borne infectious diseases is their induced resistance. To overcome this inconvenience, insecticides with new modes of action are required. One of the most promising targets for the development of new potential insecticides as evidenced by current studies is the D1-like dopamine receptor (DAR). To get a deeper understanding of the structural information of this receptor, the 3D homology model was built. The possible sites within the protein were identified and the most probable binding site was highlighted. The homology model along with a series of DAR antagonists with known activity against Anopheles gambiae larvae were used in docking experiments to gain insight into their intermolecular interactions. Furthermore, virtual screening of the natural compounds from the SPECS database led to the prediction of toxicity and environmental hazards for one potential new insecticide against the Anopheles gambiae mosquito.
Indigenous Uses, Phytochemical Analysis, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Australian Tropical Medicinal Plants
Authors: Yeshi Karma , Turpin Gerry , Jamtsho Tenzin , Wangchuk Phurpa
Published: June 2022

Australian tropical plants have been a rich source of food (bush food) and medicine to the first Australians (Aboriginal people), who are believed to have lived for more than 50,000 years. Plants such as spreading sneezeweed (Centipeda minima), goat’s foot (Ipomoea pes-caprae), and hop bush (Dodonaea viscosa and D. polyandra) are a few popular Aboriginal medicinal plants. Thus far, more than 900 medicinal plants have been recorded in the tropical region alone, and many of them are associated with diverse ethnomedicinal uses that belong to the traditional owners of Aboriginal people. In our effort to find anti-inflammatory lead compounds in collaboration with Aboriginal communities from their medicinal plants, we reviewed 78 medicinal plants used against various inflammation and inflammatory-related conditions by Aboriginal people. Out of those 78 species, we have included only 45 species whose crude extracts or isolated pure compounds showed anti-inflammatory properties. Upon investigating compounds isolated from 40 species (for five species, only crude extracts were studied), 83 compounds were associated with various anti-inflammatory properties. Alphitolic acid, Betulinic acid, Malabaric acid, and Hispidulin reduced proinflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and 2) with IC50 values ranging from 11.5 to 46.9 uM. Other promising anti-inflammatory compounds are Brevilin A (from Centipeda minima), Eupalestin, and 5′-methoxy nobiletin (from Ageratum conyzoides), Calophyllolide (from Calophyllum inophyllum), and Brusatol (from Brucea javanica). D. polyandra is one example of an Aboriginal medicinal plant from which a novel anti-inflammatory benzoyl ester clerodane diterpenoid compound was obtained (compound name not disclosed), and it is in the development of topical medicines for inflammatory skin diseases. Medicinal plants in the tropics and those associated with indigenous knowledge of Aboriginal people could be a potential alternative source of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
Flower-like Composite Material Delivery of Co-Packaged Lenvatinib and Bufalin Prevents the Migration and Invasion of Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ning Zhouyu , Zhao Yingke , Yan Xia , Hua Yongqiang , Meng Zhiqiang
Published: June 2022

The co-delivery of multiple drugs using nanocarriers has been recognized as a promising strategy for cancer treatment to enhance therapeutic efficacy. In this study, a monodisperse mesoporous silica nanoparticle (mSiO2) is prepared and functionalized into high-efficiency loaded Lenvatinib and Bufalin for targeted delivery to Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). mSiO2 was synthesized on solid silica nanoparticles by oil–water interface method, and highly monodisperse mSiO2 with uniform morphology was obtained. mSiO2 was then sequentially modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the targeting molecule folic acid (FA). mSiO2-FA was designed as co-delivery system for Lenvatinib (Le) and Bufalin (Bu) to increase drug availability and highly target tumor cells. Compared with unfunctionalized mSiO2, mSiO2-FA can more efficiently enter human CCA cell lines (9810 cells) and enhance intracellular drug delivery. Moreover, drug-loaded mSiO2-FA (Le/Bu@mSiO2-FA) significantly inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of 9810 cells. In vivo, the nanocomplex significantly reduced the tumor load in CCA tumor-bearing mouse models compared to Le or Bu alone. The current work provides a useful strategy for highly targeted and multidrug-resistance reversal therapy for CCA.
Multifunctional Hybrid MoS2-PEGylated/Au Nanostructures with Potential Theranostic Applications in Biomedicine
Authors: Malagrino Thiago R. S. , Godoy Anna P. , Barbosa Juliano M. , Lima Abner G. T. , Sousa Nei C. O. , Pedrotti Jairo J. , Garcia Pamela S. , Paniago Roberto M. , Andrade Lídia M. , Domingues Sergio H. , Silva Wellington M. , Ribeiro Hélio , Taha-Tijerina Jaime
Published: June 2022

In this work, flower-like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) microspheres were produced with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to form MoS2-PEG. Likewise, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were added to form MoS2-PEG/Au to investigate its potential application as a theranostic nanomaterial. These nanomaterials were fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoelectron X-ray spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The produced hierarchical MoS2-PEG/Au microstructures showed an average diameter of 400 nm containing distributed gold nanoparticles, with great cellular viability on tumoral and non-tumoral cells. This aspect makes them with multifunctional characteristics with potential application for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Through the complete morphological and physicochemical characterization, it was possible to observe that both MoS2-PEG and MoS2-PEG/Au showed good chemical stability and demonstrated noninterference in the pattern of the cell nucleus, as well. Thus, our results suggest the possible application of these hybrid nanomaterials can be immensely explored for theranostic proposals in biomedicine.
Tailored Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Systems by Variation of Polyelectrolyte Composition and EDC/NHS Cross-Linking: Physicochemical Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Schirmer Uwe , Ludolph Johanna , Rothe Holger , Hauptmann Nicole , Behrens Christina , Bittrich Eva , Schliephake Henning , Liefeith Klaus
Published: June 2022

The layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique is an effective method to immobilize components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) such as collagen and heparin onto, e.g., implant surfaces/medical devices with the aim of forming polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs). Increasing evidence even suggests that cross-linking influences the physicochemical character of PEM films since mechanical cues inherent to the substrate may be as important as its chemical nature to influence the cellular behavior. In this study, for the first-time different collagen/heparin films have been prepared and cross-linked with EDC/NHS chemistry. Quartz crystal microbalance, zeta potential analyzer, diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and ellipsometry were used to characterize film growth, stiffness, and topography of different film systems. The analysis of all data proves a nearly linear film growth for all PEM systems, the efficacy of cross-linking and the corresponding changes in the film rigidity after cross-linking and an appropriate surface topography. Furthermore, preliminary cell culture experiments illustrated those cellular processes correlate roughly with the quantity of newly created covalent amide bonds. This allows a precise adjustment of the physicochemical properties of the selected film architecture regarding the desired application and target cells. It could be shown that collagen improves the biocompatibility of heparin containing PEMs and due to their ECM-analogue nature both molecules are ideal candidates intended to be used for any biomedical application with a certain preference to improve the performance of bone implants or bone augmentation strategies.