bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure and Marine Cadastre in a Sustainable World
Authors: Racetin Ivana , Kilić Pamuković Jelena , Zrinjski Mladen
Published: October 2022

This paper explains the extent to which the importance of Marine Cadastre (MC) and Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) is recognized in the context of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), Blue Economy (BE) and Blue Growth (BG), in the scientific community. A bibliometric assessment was performed using bibliometrics methodology. The research shows that MC and MSDI are underrepresented in the scientific literature. To the authors’ knowledge, theoretical, educational and capacity-building foundations are not developed enough in this domain. There are many practical issues in the marine and maritime domain that needed to be solved by the technical and engineering professions. They can be solved based on theoretical, scientific research and practical experience in different countries. The analysis of scientific papers was performed, together with different countries’ contributions, in the scientific database ISI Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Another issue analysed is countries’ collaboration. The results show that there is almost no collaboration in the MC domain and some, but insufficient, in the MSDI domain. Based on analysing the recognition of the MC domain, as a basic layer of MSDI, the results are more satisfying than in other parts of the research.
Performance Optimization and Knock Investigation of Marine Two-Stroke Pre-Mixed Dual-Fuel Engine Based on RSM and MOPSO
Authors: Jin Weijie , Gan Huibing , Cong Yujin , Li Guozhong
Published: October 2022

The two-stroke pre-mixed dual-fuel marine engine is prone to knocking at full load in gas mode, which affects the overall dynamic and economic performance of the engine. In this paper, the 7X82DF engine produced by Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd. (WinGD) was selected as the research object, aiming to investigate the effect of different parameters on engine power and knocking. Multi-objective optimizations were carried out. First, we used the one-dimensional simulation software AVL-BOOST to build the gas mode model of 7X82DF. Second, the pilot fuel start of combustion timing (SOC), the gas injection pressure, and the mass of diesel were taken as independent variables. The response surface methodology analysis of the independent variables was completed using the Design-Expert software and corresponding prediction model equations were generated. Finally, we took ringing intensity (RI) as the knock intensity evaluation index, combined with multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) to optimize multiple-parameters to improve the overall performance and reduce combustion roughness of the engine. The optimization results showed that when the SOC was −8.36 °CA ATDC, the gas injection pressure was 20.00 bar, the mass of diesel was 14.96 g, the corresponding power was 22,668 kW, which increased by 0.68%, the brake-specific fuel consumption was 156.256 g/kWh, which was reduced by 3.58%, the RI was 4.4326 MW/m2, and the knock intensity decreased by 6.49%.
A First Individual-Based Model to Simulate Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Migrations at the Scale of the Global Ocean
Authors: Guarini Jean-Marc , Coston-Guarini Jennifer
Published: October 2022

Whale migrations are poorly understood. Two competing hypotheses dominate the literature: 1. moving between feeding and breeding grounds increases population fitness, 2. migration is driven by dynamic environmental gradients, without consideration of fitness. Other hypotheses invoke communication and learned behaviors. In this article, their migration was investigated with a minimal individual-based model at the scale of the Global Ocean. Our aim is to test if global migration patterns can emerge from only the local, individual perception of environmental change. The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) meta-population is used as a case study. This species reproduces in 14 zones spread across tropical latitudes. From these breeding areas, humpback whales are observed to move to higher latitudes seasonally, where they feed, storing energy in their blubber, before returning to lower latitudes. For the model, we developed a simplified ethogram that conditions the individual activity. Then trajectories of 420 whales (30 per DPS) were simulated in two oceanic configurations. The first is a homogeneous ocean basin without landmasses and a constant depth of −1000 m. The second configuration used the actual Earth topography and coastlines. Results show that a global migration pattern can emerge from the movements of a set of individuals which perceive their environment only locally and without a pre-determined destination. This emerging property is the conjunction of individual behaviors and the bathymetric configuration of the Earth’s oceanic basins. Topographic constraints also maintain a limited connectivity between the 14 DPSs. An important consequence of invoking a local perception of environmental change is that the predicted routes are loxodromic and not orthodromic. In an ocean without landmasses, ecophysiological processes tended to over-estimate individual weights. With the actual ocean configuration, the excess weight gain was mitigated and also produced increased heterogeneity among the individuals. Developing a model of individual whale dynamics has also highlighted where the understanding of whales’ individual behaviors and population dynamic processes is incomplete. Our new simulation framework is a step toward being able to anticipate migration events and trajectories to minimize negative interactions and could facilitate improved data collection on these movements.
The Numerical Simulation of a Submarine Based on a Dynamic Mesh Method
Authors: He Guanghua , Zhang Cheng , Xie Hongfei , Liu Shuang
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a new numerical model is proposed by combining the overset mesh technique and dynamic mesh method in order to simulate the straight navigation and steady turning motion of a submarine model. The RNG k-ε turbulence model is applied to close the three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The comparison between the numerical results and experimental data for the straight navigation experiment shows that the values of the total resistance and surface pressure coefficients of the proposed numerical model under different forward speeds are highly consistent with the experimental data of the David Taylor Research Center (DTRC). The proposed model is applied to simulate the forces and pressure coefficient of the SUBOFF submarine model at different velocities and rotation rates. The wake waves of the submarine under the conditions of the same rotation rate but with different velocities at the buoyancy center are presented. The results show that the pressure coefficient between the port side and starboard side differs according to the turning motions. The influences of the velocity and rotation rate on the forces and pressure coefficient are discussed. It will be demonstrated that the new numerical model maintains a high mesh quality by avoiding mesh deformation, and this leads to the higher numerical accuracy of the steady turning motions.
Processing-Scheme Design for Forming Curved Ship Plate and Analysis of Calculation Cases
Authors: Zhao Ziwei , Yuan Hua , Zhao Yao , Zeng Fanglin
Published: October 2022

The forming process of curved ship plate suffers from a low degree of automation, mainly due to the lack of an effective processing-scheme design method. In this paper, based on the proposed concept of the “basic amount of forming plasticity”, which can connect the plastic strain induced by the line heating and the deformation to form the target shape, a database is firstly established to describe the plastic strain provided by the heating coil with specific processing parameters, considering the effect of the plate boundary and adjacent heating lines. Secondly, a finite element method is developed and presented to calculate the plastic strain needed to form the target shape. Finally, a processing-scheme design method for forming the curved ship plate is verified by the case study of three typical types of shape: sail-type plates, saddle-type plates, and curved plates with torsion. The verification result shows the processing-scheme design method can provide helpful guidance for the practical forming process in shipyards.
Evaluation of the Corrosion Depth of Double Bottom Longitudinal Girder on Aging Bulk Carriers
Authors: Ivošević Špiro , Kovač Nataša , Momčilović Nikola , Vukelić Goran
Published: October 2022

The longitudinal girder (LG) between fuel oil tanks (FOT) and water ballast tanks in the double bottoms of ships represent critical structural parts whose watertight nature could be harmed by corrosion, thus, causing the pollution of water ballast tanks and adjacent areas. The new common structural rules (CSR) define the minimum thickness values of structural elements and corrosion margins. The assessment of the deviations from the prescribed values during ship operation could optimize the prescribed criteria. Assuming that corrosive processes begin after four years of operation, the paper analyzes a linear model that describes the percentage of plate wear as a function of the built-in thickness of LG of FOT. The research included 20 ships and provided the database for 1918 corrosion depth values. The gauging records included the average values of the original thickness of steel plates grouped in three intervals (11–13 mm, 13–15 mm, 15–18 mm). Based on the difference between the built-in and subsequently measured values, the paper analyzes the percentage of thickness reduction due to corrosion, concerning the original plate thickness. The findings of the research should facilitate the optimization of corrosion margins and prevent potential structural collapse and pollution.
COLREGs-Compliant Multi-Ship Collision Avoidance Based on Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Technique
Authors: Wei Guan , Kuo Wang
Published: October 2022

The congestion of waterways can easily lead to traffic hazards. Moreover, according to the data, the majority of sea collisions are caused by human error and the failure to comply with the Convention on the International Regulation for the preventing Collision at Sea (COLREGs). To avoid this situation, ship automatic collision avoidance has become one of the most important research issues in the field of marine engineering. In this study, an efficient method is proposed to solve multi-ship collision avoidance problems based on the multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) algorithm. Firstly, the COLREGs and ship maneuverability are considered for achieving multi-ship collision avoidance. Subsequently, the Optimal Reciprocal Collision Avoidance (ORCA) algorithm is utilized to detect and reduce the risk of collision. Ships can operate at the safe velocity computed by the ORCA algorithm to avoid collisions. Finally, the Nomoto three-degrees-of-freedom (3-DOF) model is used to simulate the maneuvers of ships. According to the above information and algorithms, this study designs and improves the state space, action space and reward function. For validating the effectiveness of the method, this study designs various simulation scenarios with thorough performance evaluations. The simulation results indicate that the proposed method is flexible and scalable in solving multi-ship collision avoidance, complying with COLREGs in various scenarios.
Probabilistic Collapse Design and Safety Assessment of Sandwich Pipelines
Authors: Bhardwaj Utkarsh , Teixeira Angelo Palos , Guedes Soares C.
Published: October 2022

This paper presents an approach for probabilistic design and safety assessment of sandwich pipelines under external pressure. The methodology consists of the categorisation of sandwich pipeline collapse strength models based on interlayer adhesion conditions. The models are validated by comparing their predictions against collapse test data of sandwich pipelines. The accuracy of the strength models and their prediction uncertainty are used to select the best model in each category. Regarding interlayer adhesion categories, uncertainty propagation of models’ predictions over a wide range is assessed by the Monte Carlo simulation method. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using a case study of a sandwich pipeline with adequate probabilistic modelling of the basic random variables. Different limit states are defined for three categories of sandwich pipelines, based on which structural reliability indices are estimated. In employing the First Order Reliability Method for sensitivity analysis, the importance of basic variables of the limit states is evaluated. Later, a parametric analysis is conducted, presenting reliability variations for several design and operational scenarios of sandwich pipelines. Finally, to achieve a uniform level of structural reliability of sandwich pipelines, a few suggestions are provided, and practical partial safety factors are calculated. The results of the present analysis can provide guidance on the probabilistic design and operational safety assessment of sandwich pipelines.
Exploring Seafarers’ Workload Recognition Model with EEG, ECG and Task Scenarios’ Complexity: A Bridge Simulation Study
Authors: Ma Yue , Liu Qing , Yang Liu
Published: October 2022

Seafarers are prone to reduce behavioral reliability under high workloads, resulting in human errors and accidents. To explore the changes in seafarers’ workload and physiological activities under complex task conditions, a bridge simulator experiment was conducted to collect the EEG and ECG data of 23 seafarers. The power in different EEG sub-bands was extracted from a one-channel EEG acquisition headset employed by Welch’s method and ratio processing. The features such as root mean square of RR interval difference (RMSSD) were extracted from ECG. Then, an improved seafarer workload recognition method based on EEG combined with ECG and complex task scenarios was proposed, and the performance of the machine learning algorithm was evaluated by cross-validation. Compared with the recognition model that only uses the task scenarios as the workload calibration, the EEG recognition model based on the workload level calibrated by the ECG and the task scenarios is more effective, with an accuracy rate of 92.5%, an increase of 25.9%. The results show that the improved workload recognition model can effectively identify seafarers’ workload, and the model trained with the bagging algorithm has the best performance. Furthermore, time domain features of EEG and ECG fluctuate regularly with the task scenarios’ complexity. The research results can develop online intelligent monitoring, and human–computer interaction active early warning technology and equipment.
Effect of the Dry-Wet Cycle on the Performance of Marine Waste Silt Solidified by Calcium Carbide Residue and Plant Ash
Authors: Yang Hao , Zhu Jianfeng , Tao Yanli , Wang Zhengqing , Zheng Qiqi
Published: October 2022

This research aims to investigate the potential of engineering waste marine silt stabilized by a self-developed stabilizing chemical additive called PZ-1 as a subgrade filler. PZ-1 is composed of calcium carbide residue (CCR) and plant ash (PA) under an optimal composition ratio determined by coupling particle swarm optimization with a support vector machine (PSO-SVM). The effect of curing agent dosage (wg), temperature (wT), number of dry-wet cycles (Ndw), and organic matter content (wo) on the micro-macro behavior of the stabilized silt were investigated via the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) test, and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) test. The experimental results demonstrate a significant positive effect of PZ-1 on the unconfined compressive strength (qu) of marine engineering waste silt with curing agent contents of 0~8%. It was also found that strength improvement of the stabilized silt can be attributed to the formation of gelling substances such as C-S-H and calcite. The water resistance of the stabilized silt can be enhanced by increasing the dosage of the curing agent. Moreover, the organic matter content and ambient temperature have significant effects on the dry-wet cycle tolerance of solidified soil, among which temperature exhibits a more obvious impact.
Research on an Autonomous Underwater Helicopter with Less Thrusters
Authors: Liu Zichen , Zhou Jing , Wang Zhikun , Zhou Haifu , Chen Jie , Hu Xuanshuo , Chen Ying
Published: October 2022

Autonomous underwater helicopter, referred to as AUH, has high maneuverability in the horizontal plane and stable movement in the vertical direction due to its disc shape. Thus, the AUH demonstrates great advantages when working in scenarios that require high accuracy of horizontal movement, fixed height and depth, operation near the seafloor, and so on. In this paper, we propose a new design for an autonomous underwater helicopter with three thrusters in the vertical direction (three-vertical-thrusters), so it is equipped with fewer thrusters while maintaining maneuverability and motion stability. The three-vertical-thruster AUH not only achieves stable attitude control, but also reduces the number of thrusters, enabling the AUH to save space, reduce drag, and decrease power consumption. The three-vertical-thruster structure is designed first and compared with the existing four-vertical-thrusters type to verify its advantages through dynamic analysis and hydrodynamic simulation. The three-vertical-thruster AUH is then modelled, and a compensation method is proposed for its more complex control. The three-vertical-thruster AUH’s controllability and stability are also verified by experiments on the basis of the experimental prototypes.
Influence of the Implantation of the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) System in Spanish Medium-Sized Ports on the Reduction in CO2 Emissions: The Case of the Port of Santander (Spain)
Authors: Herrero Alvaro , Ortega Piris Andrés , Diaz-Ruiz-Navamuel Emma , Gutierrez Miguel A. , Lopez-Diaz Alfonso-Isidro
Published: October 2022

Society and its leaders are increasingly aware of the need to fight climate change and CO2 emissions in the search for sustainability. Maritime transport and ports are important sources of pollution and, while industry and the rest of the large-scale emitters have achieved considerable reductions in this area, “shipping” is still not advancing at the same rate, falling behind in this race. The aim of this article is to underline the importance of an early implementation of On-Shore Power Supply (OPS), Cold Ironing (CI) or Alternative Marine Power (AMP) by making a study of potentially avoidable CO2 emissions from vessels docked (on the basis of the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] and ENTEC [Environmental Engineering Consultancy, an environmental and engineering consultancy in UK] methods) close to urban areas in the Port of Santander (Spain). It is the first time potential reductions have been calculated for the last 11 years (2011–2021), distinguishing yearly emissions per type of vessel and providing real information to port authorities to prioritize the installation of this technological basis for the operation of piers/terminals to optimize investments and outcomes. In this case study, results demonstrate the outcomes of ROROs, ferries, and cruises being the first target of OPS implementation (reaching total of 37.95% of total emitted tons of CO2 during the period of study). As a clear conclusion to this paper, the reader can understand the enormous and growing potential of this technology multiplied by the continuous development, increase and implementation of green energies.
Review of the Status and Developments in Seaweed Farming Infrastructure
Authors: Tullberg Robert Maxwell , Nguyen Huu Phu , Wang Chien Ming
Published: October 2022

This study provides an overview of both traditional nearshore seaweed farming infrastructure and more recent developments intended for large scale farming in more exposed coastal waters where nutrient supply may be a limiting factor. The success of multi-species integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) methods predominantly in East Asia is a clear low cost path to scaling up seaweed cultivation in the broader world that provides for both synergistic sharing of nutrients and reduction in water eutrophication. A number of innovations intended to adapt farming methods to deeper or more exposed coastal waters and semi-automate cultivation steps promise to maintain the viability of farming in higher labour cost countries. Co-location of IMTA/finfish and seaweed farming with grid-connected offshore renewable energy (primarily offshore wind) shows the greatest synergistic benefits for marine space usage, decarbonisation, and nutrient management. Seaweed growth can be accelerated by cycling farm infrastructure between the near surface and nutrient richer depths or upwelling cooler nutrient rich water to sub-surface seaweed crops. Such systems would inevitably require significant increases in infrastructure complexity and costs, jeopardizing their economic viability. Combinations of seaweed and higher value aquaculture products may improve the viability of such novel systems.
Numerical Simulation of Fully Coupled Flow-Field and Operational Limitation Envelopes of Helicopter-Ship Combinations
Authors: Cao Yihua , Qin Yihao , Tan Wenyuan , Li Guozhi
Published: October 2022

Landing a helicopter to the ship flight deck is most demanding even for the most experienced pilots and modeling and simulation of the ship-helicopter dynamic interface is a substantially challenging technical problem. In this paper, a coupling numerical method was developed to simulate the fully coupled ship-helicopter flow-field under complete wind-over-deck conditions. The steady actuator disk model based on the momentum source approach and the resolved blade method based on the moving overset mesh method were employed to model the rotor. Two different ship-helicopter combinations were studied. The helicopter flight mechanics model was established and then the influences of coupled airwake on the helicopter were analyzed. Finally, based on the derived rejection criterion of safe landing and the developed numerical method, the flight envelopes for these two ship-helicopter combinations were predicted. The steady actuator disk model was found to be effective in the study of helicopter operations in the shipboard environment. The calculated flight envelopes indicate that an appropriate wind direction angle is beneficial to increasing the allowable maximum wind speed and the operating boundary is affected by the rotation direction of the main rotor.
A Possibility for Large-Scale Production of 238Pu in Light-Water Reactor VVER-1000
Authors: Shmelev Anatoly N. , Geraskin Nikolay I. , Apse Vladimir A. , Glebov Vasily B. , Kulikov Gennady G. , Kulikov Evgeny G.
Published: October 2022

This paper considers the possibility for large-scale production of plutonium isotope 238Pu in the light-water nuclear power reactor VVER-1000. 238Pu is a unique source of long-term autonomous energy supply in various devices for remote regions of the Earth and in outer space. The design of the irradiation device with 237NpO2 as a starting material is proposed, which is placed in the central zone of the VVER-1000 reactor core and makes it possible to achieve 8% of the specific Pu production (Pu/237Np) by optimizing the pitch of NpO2-rod lattice. The computations showed that the scale of 238Pu production in the irradiation device was remarkably larger (2 ÷ 7 times more) than similar values in research reactors. At the same time, the use of heavy neutron moderators with low neutron absorption (natural lead or lead isotope 208Pb) around the NpO2 fuel assembly (FA) made it possible to obtain high-purity 238Pu with the content of 236Pu below 2 ppm. The paper also shows that if the irradiation device is placed in central zone of the VVER-1000 reactor core, then the displacement damage dose in the reactor vessel remains low enough to conserve its strength properties throughout the entire period of the reactor operation (60 years).
Antibody Delivery into the Brain by Radiosensitizer Nanoparticles for Targeted Glioblastoma Therapy
Authors: Gal Omer , Betzer Oshra , Rousso-Noori Liat , Sadan Tamar , Motiei Menachem , Nikitin Maxim , Friedmann-Morvinski Dinorah , Popovtzer Rachela , Popovtzer Aron
Published: October 2022

Background: Glioblastoma is the most lethal primary brain malignancy in adults. Standard of care treatment, consisting of temozolomide (TMZ) and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), mostly does not prevent local recurrence. The inability of drugs to enter the brain, in particular antibody-based drugs and radiosensitizers, is a crucial limitation to effective glioblastoma therapy. Methods: Here, we developed a combined strategy using radiosensitizer gold nanoparticles coated with insulin to cross the blood–brain barrier and shuttle tumor-targeting antibodies (cetuximab) into the brain. Results: Following intravenous injection to an orthotopic glioblastoma mouse model, the nanoparticles specifically accumulated within the tumor. Combining targeted nanoparticle injection with TMZ and RT standard of care significantly inhibited tumor growth and extended survival, as compared to standard of care alone. Histological analysis of tumors showed that the combined treatment eradicated tumor cells, and decreased tumor vascularization, proliferation, and repair. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate radiosensitizer nanoparticles that effectively deliver antibodies into the brain, target the tumor, and effectively improve standard of care treatment outcome in glioblastoma.
Nanostructured Silicon Enabled HR-MS for the Label-Free Detection of Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer Plasma Small Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Krishnan Sanduru Thamarai , Rudd David , Rahmani Rana , Antunez E. Eduardo , Minhas Rajpreet Singh , Kirana Chandra , Maddern Guy J. , Fenix Kevin , Hauben Ehud , Voelcker Nicolas H.
Published: October 2022

Despite improvements in treatment options for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), survival outcomes are still best for patients with non-metastasised disease. Diagnostic tools to identify blood-based biomarkers and assist in CRC subtype classification could afford a means to track CRC progression and treatment response. Cancer cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (EVs) circulating in blood carry an elevated cargo of lipids and proteins that could be used as a signature of tumour suppressor/promoting events or stages leading up to and including metastasis. Here, we used pre-characterised biobanked plasma samples from surgical units, typically with a low volume (~100 µL), to generate and discover signatures of CRC-derived EVs. We employed nanostructured porous silicon (pSi) surface assisted-laser desorption/ionisation (SALDI) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), to allow sensitive detection of low abundant analytes in plasma EVs. When applied to CRC samples, SALDI-HR-MS enabled the detection of the peptide mass fingerprint of cancer suppressor proteins, including serine/threonine phosphatases and activating-transcription factor 3. SALDI-HR-MS also allowed the detection of a spectrum of glycerophospholipids and sphingolipid signatures in metastatic CRC. We observed that lithium chloride enhanced detection sensitivity to elucidate the structure of low abundant lipids in plasma EVs. pSi SALDI can be used as an effective system for label-free and high throughput analysis of low-volume patient samples, allowing rapid and sensitive analysis for CRC classification.
Talaromyces santanderensis: A New Cadmium-Tolerant Fungus from Cacao Soils in Colombia
Authors: Guerra Sierra Beatriz E. , Arteaga-Figueroa Luis A. , Sierra-Pelaéz Susana , Alvarez Javier C.
Published: October 2022

Inorganic pollutants in Colombian cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) agrosystems cause problems in the production, quality, and exportation of this raw material worldwide. There has been an increased interest in bioprospecting studies of different fungal species focused on the biosorption of heavy metals. Furthermore, fungi constitute a valuable, profitable, ecological, and efficient natural soil resource that could be considered in the integrated management of cadmium mitigation. This study reports a new species of Talaromyces isolated from a cocoa soil sample collected in San Vicente de Chucurí, Colombia. T. santanderensis is featured by Lemon Yellow (R. Pl. IV) mycelium on CYA, mono-to-biverticillade conidiophores, and acerose phialides. T. santanderensis is distinguished from related species by its growth rate on CYAS and powdery textures on MEA, YES and OA, high acid production on CREA and smaller conidia. It is differentiated from T. lentulus by its growth rate on CYA medium at 37 °C without exudate production, its cream (R. PI. XVI) margin on MEA, and dense sporulation on YES and CYA. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using a polyphasic approach, including different phylogenetic analyses of combined and individual ITS, CaM, BenA, and RPB2 gene sequences that indicate that it is new to science and is named Talaromyces santanderensis sp. nov. This new species belongs to the Talaromyces section and is closely related to T. lentulus, T. soli, T. tumuli, and T. pratensis (inside the T. pinophilus species complex) in the inferred phylogeny. Mycelia growth of the fungal strains was subjected to a range of 0–400 mg/kg Cd and incorporated into malt extract agar (MEA) in triplicates. Fungal radial growth was recorded every three days over a 13-day incubation period and In vitro cadmium tolerance tests showed a high tolerance index (0.81) when the mycelium was exposed to 300 mg/kg of Cd. Results suggest that T. santanderensis showed tolerance to Cd concentrations that exceed the permissible limits for contaminated soils, and it is promising for its use in bioremediation strategies to eliminate Cd from highly contaminated agricultural soils.
Secondary Metabolites from Coral-Associated Fungi: Source, Chemistry and Bioactivities
Authors: Chen Ying , Pang Xiaoyan , He Yanchun , Lin Xiuping , Zhou Xuefeng , Liu Yonghong , Yang Bin
Published: October 2022

Our study of the secondary metabolites of coral-associated fungi produced a valuable and extra-large chemical database. Many of them exhibit strong biological activity and can be used for promising drug lead compounds. Serving as an epitome of the most promising compounds, which take the ultra-new skeletons and/or remarkable bioactivities, this review presents an overview of new compounds and bioactive compounds isolated from coral-associated fungi, covering the literature from 2010 to 2021. Its scope included 423 metabolites, focusing on the bioactivity and structure diversity of these compounds. According to structure, these compounds can be roughly classified as terpenes, alkaloids, peptides, aromatics, lactones, steroids, and other compounds. Some of them described in this review possess a wide range of bioactivities, such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antifouling, and other activities. This review aims to provide some significant chemical and/or biological enlightenment for the study of marine natural products and marine drug development in the future.
Alternative Transcription Start Site Usage and Functional Implications in Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Dang Thi Tuong Vi , Colin Jessie , Janbon Guilhem
Published: October 2022

Pathogenic fungi require delicate gene regulation mechanisms to adapt to diverse living environments and escape host immune systems. Recent advances in sequencing technology have exposed the complexity of the fungal genome, thus allowing the gradual disentanglement of multiple layers of gene expression control. Alternative transcription start site (aTSS) usage, previously reported to be prominent in mammals and to play important roles in physiopathology, is also present in fungi to fine-tune gene expression. Depending on the alteration in their sequences, RNA isoforms arising from aTSSs acquire different characteristics that significantly alter their stability and translational capacity as well as the properties and biologic functions of the resulting proteins. Disrupted control of aTSS usage has been reported to severely impair growth, virulence, and the infectious capacity of pathogenic fungi. Here, we discuss principle concepts, mechanisms, and the functional implication of aTSS usage in fungi.
The Human Mycobiome: Colonization, Composition and the Role in Health and Disease
Authors: Belvoncikova Paulina , Splichalova Petra , Videnska Petra , Gardlik Roman
Published: October 2022

The mycobiome is the fungal component of the human microbial ecosystem that represents only a small part of this environment but plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis. Colonization by fungi begins immediately after birth. The initial mycobiome is influenced by the gestational age of a newborn, birth weight, delivery method and feeding method. During a human’s life, the composition of the mycobiome is further influenced by a large number of endogenous and exogenous factors. The most important factors are diet, body weight, age, sex and antibiotic and antifungal therapy. The human mycobiome inhabits the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, urogenital tract and skin. Its composition can influence the gut–brain axis through immune and non-immune mediated crosstalk systems. It also interacts with other commensals of the ecosystem through synergistic and antagonistic relationships. Moreover, colonization of the gut by opportunistic fungal pathogens in immunocompromised individuals can lead to clinically relevant disease states. Thus, the mycobiome represents an essential part of the microbiome associated with a variety of physiological and pathological processes. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the composition of the mycobiome in specific sites of the human body and its role in health and disease.
The Case for Fungal Keratitis to Be Accepted as a Neglected Tropical Disease
Authors: Brown Lottie , Kamwiziku Guyguy , Oladele Rita O. , Burton Matthew J. , Prajna N. Venkatesh , Leitman Thomas M. , Denning David W.
Published: October 2022

Amongst the treatable cause of blindness among young people, fungal keratitis ranks high. There are an estimated 1,051,787 to 1,480,916 eyes affected annually, with 8–11% of patients having to have the eye removed. Diagnosis requires a corneal scraping, direct microscopy and fungal culture with a large number of airborne fungi implicated. Treatment involves the intensive application of antifungal eye drops, preferably natamycin, often combined with surgery. In low-resource settings, inappropriate corticosteroid eye drops, ineffective antibacterial therapy, diagnostic delay or no diagnosis all contribute to poor ocular outcomes with blindness (unilateral or bilateral) common. Modern detailed guidelines on fungal keratitis diagnosis and management are lacking. Here, we argue that fungal keratitis should be included as a neglected tropical disease, which would facilitate greater awareness of the condition, improved diagnostic capability, and access to affordable antifungal eye medicine.
Metarhizium brunneum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Its Derived Volatile Organic Compounds as Biostimulants of Commercially Valuable Angiosperms and Gymnosperms
Authors: Wood Martyn J. , Kortsinoglou Alexandra M. , Khoja Salim , Kouvelis Vassili N. , Myrta Arben , Midthassel Audun , Loveridge E. Joel , Butt Tariq M.
Published: October 2022

Metarhizium brunneum is a highly effective entomopathogenic fungus that also functions as a plant biostimulant. It can act as both an endophyte and rhizosphere colonizer; however, the mechanisms driving biostimulation are multifactorial. In this work, oilseed rape (Brassica napus) seeds were grown in composts treated with different concentrations of M. brunneum strains ARSEF 4556 or V275, or the M. brunneum-derived volatile organic compounds 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanone. Biostimulation efficacy was found to be strongly dose dependent. Concentrations of 1 × 106 conidia g−1 compost were found to be most effective for the M. brunneum, whereas dosages of 1 µL 100 g−1 compost were found to be efficacious for the volatiles. These optimized doses were assessed individually and in combined formulations with a hydrogel against oilseed rape (Brassica napus), sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), maize (Zea mays) and strawberry (Fragaria annanassa). Both volatile compounds were highly effective biostimulants and were found to increase in biostimulatory efficiency when combined with M. brunneum conidia. Hydrogels were not found to interact with the growth process and may offer avenues for novel formulation technologies. This study demonstrates that Metarhizium-derived volatile organic compounds are actively involved in plant growth promotion and have potential for use in novel formulations to increase the growth of a wide range of commercially relevant crops.
Bacillus velezensis TSA32-1 as a Promising Agent for Biocontrol of Plant Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Kim Jung-Ae , Song Jeong-Sup , Kim Pyoung Il , Kim Dae-Hyuk , Kim Yangseon
Published: October 2022

The use of synthetic fungicides has caused major problems such as soil and water pollution and negatively affects non-target species. Microbial biocontrol agents are needed for crop disease management to reduce agrochemical use. Bacillus and related genera produce secondary metabolites with agricultural applications, such as the pathogen-control agent Bacillus velezensis. We isolated B. velezensis TSA32-1 from soil and identified its characteristics by sequencing its 16S rRNA. B. velezensis TSA32-1 showed enzyme activity and antimicrobial effects against phytopathogenic fungi by inhibiting the growth of Fusarium graminearum, F. fujikuroi, Alternatia alternate, and Diaporthe actinidiae. Additionally, B. velezensis TSA32-1 protected diseases in corn and pepper seeds caused by F. graminearum and Pythium ultimum. The complete genome of B. velezensis TSA32-1 was 4.05 Mb with a G+C content of 46.3 mol % and possessed the bacillaene biosynthesis cluster, a polyketide that inhibits protein biosynthesis. We also detected a surfactin synthesis cluster, known as non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, which biosynthesizes the antibacterial substance lipopeptide. Surfactin, and fengycin family compounds, secondary metabolites known as key factors in biological control, also detected B. velezensis TSA32-1 which shows potential as a biocontrol agent for controlling plant pathogens in agriculture.
The Cynomolgus Macaque Intestinal Mycobiome Is Dominated by the Kazachstania Genus and K. pintolopesii Species
Authors: James Steve A. , Parker Aimee , Purse Catherine , Telatin Andrea , Baker David , Holmes Sandy , Durham James , Funnell Simon G. P. , Carding Simon R.
Published: October 2022

The cynomolgus macaque, Macaca fascicularis, is a non-human primate (NHP) widely used in biomedical research as its genetics, immunology and physiology are similar to those of humans. They may also be a useful model of the intestinal microbiome as their prokaryome resembles that of humans. However, beyond the prokaryome relatively little is known about other constituents of the macaque intestinal microbiome including the mycobiome. Here, we conducted a region-by-region taxonomic survey of the cynomolgus intestinal mycobiota, from duodenum to distal colon, of sixteen captive animals of differing age (from young to old). Using a high-throughput ITS1 amplicon sequencing-based approach, the cynomolgus gut mycobiome was dominated by fungi from the Ascomycota phylum. The budding yeast genus Kazachstania was most abundant, with the thermotolerant species K. pintolopesii highly prevalent, and the predominant species in both the small and large intestines. This is in marked contrast to humans, in which the intestinal mycobiota is characterised by other fungal genera including Candida and Saccharomyces, and Candida albicans. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the fungal communities present within the captive cynomolgus gut, and for the first time identifies K. pintolopesii as a candidate primate gut commensal.
Sgh1, an SR-like Protein, Is Involved in Fungal Development, Plant Infection, and Pre-mRNA Processing in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Wang Guanghui , Sun Peng , Sun Zhongjuan , Zhu Jindong , Yu Dan , Tang Zhe , Wang Zonghua , Wang Chenfang , Zheng Huawei
Published: October 2022

Serine/arginine (SR) proteins are essential pre-mRNA splicing factors in eukaryotic organisms. Our previous studies have shownthat the unique SR-specific protein kinase Srk1 is important for RNA splicing and gene transcription in Fusarium graminearum, and interacts with two SR proteins, FgSrp1 and FgSrp2. In this study, we have identified an SR-like protein called Sgh1 in F. graminearum, which is orthologous to budding yeast paralogous Gbp2 and Hrb1. Our data have shownthat the Sgh1 is involved in vegetative growth, conidiation, sexual reproduction, DON synthesis, and plant infection. Moreover, the Sgh1 is mainly localized to the nucleus. RNA-seq analysis has shownthat the expression of over 1100 genes and the splicing efficiency in over 300 introns were affected in the Δsgh1 mutant. Although the RS domain and all three of the RRM domains are important for the Sgh1 functions, only the RS domain is responsible for its nuclear localization. Finally, we verified that the Sgh1 interacts with the unique SR-specific kinase Srk1 in F. graminearum by the yeast-two hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. Taken together, our results have revealed that the Sgh1 regulates the fungal development, plant infection, and the pre-mRNA processing, and the RS domain regulates the function of the Sgh1 by modulating its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling.
Association of the Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity with Cardio-Vascular Disease Outcomes among Men and Women Aged 40–69 Years in the Korean Population: An 18-Year Follow-Up Report on the Ansung–Ansan Cohort in the Korean Genome Environment Study
Authors: Kim Byung Sik , Lee Yonggu , Park Jin-Kyu , Lim Young-Hyo , Shin Jeong-Hun
Published: October 2022

The estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) can predict adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in patients with increased CVD risks. However, data on its predictive capacity for CVD outcomes in the general population are limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between the ePWV and CVD outcomes among Korean adults. Ten thousand thirty patients aged 40–69 years from the Ansung–Ansan cohort in a prospective community-based cohort study were followed up for over 18 years. The ePWV was categorized into quartiles. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of cardiovascular (CV) mortality and CVD outcomes (composites of CV mortality, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease). The incidence of CV mortality and CVD outcomes was 7.0% and 22.1% in the fourth (highest) ePWV quartile and 0.1% and 4.5% in the first (lowest) quartile, respectively. After relevant covariate adjustments, the patients in the fourth quartile showed a significantly higher CV mortality risk (hazard ratio (HR), 7.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.83–31.25). The patients in the third and fourth quartiles had higher CVD outcome risks (third: HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.19–2.16; fourth: HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.05–2.31) than those in the first quartile. This association was more clearly observed among women than among men. An elevated ePWV is associated with CV mortality and CVD outcomes. The ePWV is expected to serve as a potential marker for identifying high-risk groups for CVD events.
Next Generation Sequencing Analysis of MODY-X Patients: A Case Report Series
Authors: Maltoni Giulio , Franceschi Roberto , Di Natale Valeria , Al-Qaisi Randa , Greco Valentina , Bertorelli Roberto , De Sanctis Veronica , Quattrone Alessandro , Mantovani Vilma , Cauvin Vittoria , Zucchini Stefano
Published: October 2022

Background: Classic criteria for a maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) diagnosis are often unable to identify all subjects, and traditional Sanger sequencing, using a candidate gene approach, leads to a high prevalence of missed genetic diagnosis, classified as MODY-X. Next generation sequencing (NGS) panels provide a highly sensitive method even for rare forms. Methods: We investigated 28 pediatric subjects suspected for MODY-X, utilizing a 15-gene NGS panel for monogenic diabetes (MD). Results: NGS detected variants of uncertain significance (VUS), likely pathogenic or pathogenic for rarer subtypes of MODY, in six patients. We found variants in the wolframin gene (WFS1), traditionally not considered in MD genetic screening panels, in three patients; KCNJ11 gene mutation, typically responsible for neonatal diabetes and rarely causing isolated diabetes in adolescents; INS gene mutation; a variant in the HNF1B gene in a young male with diabetes on sulfonylurea treatment. Conclusion: In our cohort, the availability of an NGS panel for MD was determined for the correct identification of MD subtypes in six patients with MODY-X. Our study underlines how a precise diagnosis utilizing NGS may have an impact on the management of different forms of MODY and, thus, lead to a tailored treatment and enable genetic counselling of other family members.
Anaphylaxis in Children and Adolescents: Greek Data Analysis from the European Anaphylaxis Registry (NORA)
Authors: Pyrpyris Nikolaos , Kritikou Maria , Aggelidis Xenofon , Manolaraki Ioanna , Makris Michael , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Xepapadaki Paraskevi
Published: October 2022

The European Anaphylaxis Registry (NORA) was designed in order to create a comprehensive Anaphylaxis Registry regarding anaphylactic reactions characteristics and management in several European countries, including Greece. This study aims to analyze Greek data obtained in the NORA framework and describe anaphylaxis’ characteristics in this pediatric cohort. An online questionnaire was filled out by the Allergy Unit of the 2nd Pediatric Department of NKUA, regarding reported anaphylaxis characteristics. A total of 284 pediatric patients were analyzed. Patients were predominantly male. A previous, mild reaction (59.5%) to the same allergen was documented in 44.4% of patients. The most common system involved was skin and/or mucosa, followed by the respiratory system. Food was the most common eliciting factor (82.4%). First line treatment was most administered solely by a healthcare professional, followed by a lay person (38.7%). Auto injected adrenaline use by lay persons was third in frequency (29.2%). Most patients received post-reaction counseling and appropriate drug prescription. This study provides insight in anaphylactic cases’ characteristics and management in a Greek pediatric cohort. A low rate of adrenaline autoinjector administration was noted in lay people; however, drug prescription and counseling following the reaction could help increase correct acute anaphylaxis management in the future.