bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Compounds from and against Yeasts in the One Health Context: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Tadioto Viviani , Giehl Anderson , Cadamuro Rafael Dorighello , Guterres Iara Zanella , dos Santos Angela Alves , Bressan Stefany Kell , Werlang Larissa , Stambuk Boris U. , Fongaro Gislaine , Silva Izabella Thaís , Alves Sérgio Luiz
Published: April 2023

Yeasts are the most used microorganisms for biotechnological purposes. Although they have been mainly recognized for their application in the beverage and bioethanol industries, these microorganisms can be efficiently employed in pharmaceutical and food production companies. In these industrial sectors, yeasts are highly desirable for their capacity to produce bioactive compounds from simple substrates, including wastes. In this review, we present the state of the art of bioactive compound production in microbial cell factories and analyze the avenues to increase the productivity of these molecules, which benefit human and environmental health. The article addresses their vast biological activities, from preventing to treating human diseases and from pre to postharvest control on agroindustrial streams. Furthermore, different yeast species, genetically engineered or not, are herein presented not only as biofactories of the referred to compounds but also as their targets. This comprehensive analysis of the literature points out the significant roles of biodiversity, bioprospection, and genome editing tools on the microbial production of bioactive compounds and reveals the value of these approaches from the one health perspective.
Waste-Derived Renewable Hydrogen and Methane: Towards a Potential Energy Transition Solution
Authors: Sarkar Omprakash , Modestra Jampala Annie , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul , Matsakas Leonidas
Published: April 2023

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an environmentally friendly process for recovering low-carbon energy from the breakdown of organic substrates. In recent years, AD has undergone a major paradigm shift, and now the technology is not only considered as a “waste treatment” method and is instead viewed as a key enabler of the future “circular economy” with its potential for resource recovery (low-carbon energy, safe water, and nutrients). Currently, waste-derived biogas from AD is the most affordable and scalable source of renewable energy. Biomethane (upgraded biogas) can serve as a significant renewable and dispatchable energy source for combating the problem of global warming. Acidogenesis, an intermediate step of AD, can produce molecular hydrogen (H2) along with green chemicals/platform chemicals. The use of low-carbon hydrogen as a clean energy source is on the rise throughout the world, and is currently considered a potential alternative energy source that can contribute to the transition to a carbon-neutral future. In order to determine the future trade routes for hydrogen, nations are developing hydrogen policies, and various agreements. Hydrogen produced by biological routes has been found to be suitable due to its potential as a green energy source that is carbon neutral for the developing “Hydrogen Economy”. Recently, hydrogen blended with methane to a specific proportion and known as biohythane/hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas (HCNG) has emerged as a promising clean fuel that can substantially contribute to an integrated net-zero energy system. This review provides an overview of the current state of fermentative hydrogen and methane production from biogenic waste/wastewater in a biorefinery approach and its utilization in the context of energy transition. The limitations and economic viability of the process, which are crucial challenges associated with biohydrogen/biomethane production, are discussed, along with its utilization.
Gills of Molly Fish: A Potential Role in Neuro-Immune Interaction
Authors: Mokhtar Doaa , Hussein Marwa , Zaccone Giacomo , Alesci Alessio , Lauriano Eugenia , Sayed Ramy
Published: April 2023

This study identified the cellular compositions of the gills in molly fish and their role in immunity using light-, electron- microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. The molly fish gills consisted of four holobranchs spaced between five branchial slits. Each hemibranch carried many fine primary and secondary gill lamellae. The gill arch was a curved cartilaginous structure, from which radiated the bony supports of the primary lamellae. The gill arch contained the afferent and efferent brachial arteries. The gill arch was covered by epidermal tissue rich with mucous cells. The primary lamella had a central cartilaginous support and efferent and afferent arterioles and was covered with pavement cells (PVC), salt-secreting chloride cells, and pale-staining mucous cells. These chloride cells contained abundant mitochondria and tubulovesicular system and are involved in ionic transport with a potential role in detoxification. The surface of the secondary lamellae (site of gaseous exchange) consisted of overlapping or interdigitating PVC supported and separated by pillar cells. Other cells were found within the gill epithelium and interstitial connective tissues, including lymphocytes, macrophages, monocytes, telocytes, stem cells, astrocytes, and neuroepithelial cells. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that APG-5, iNOS-2, IL-1β, NF-κB, and TGF-B showed positive immunoreactivity in macrophages. The epithelium of the primary gill lamellae contained positive-GFAP astrocytes and S100 protein—chloride cells. The stem cells expressed SOX9, myostatin, and Nrf2. Neuroendocrine cells expressed S100 protein. In conclusion, the current work suggests that the gills of molly fish are multifunctional organs and are involved in immune reactions.
Metabonomic Analysis of Macrobrachium rosenbergii with Iron Prawn Syndrome (IPS)
Authors: Li Xi-Lian , Shen Pei-Jing , Jiang Wen-Ping , Meng Ji-Lun , Cheng Hai-Hua , Gao Qiang
Published: April 2023

We previously reported on the comparison of proteomic data between seven tissue types of a novel “iron prawn” species. However, no transcripts or metabolic information are available for this species. We therefore performed shotgun LC–MS/MS metabonomic and RNA-seq analyses of the total protein from “iron prawns”. KEGG analysis revealed that the largest group consisted of a total of 114 KEGG pathway proteins, comparing the “iron prawns” with the normal prawns. A total of 423 peptides, corresponding to metabolic pathways, ABC transporters, starch and sucrose metabolism, insulin resistance/secretion, fatty digestion and absorption, and lipid metabolism, were identified. The pathways of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism decreased in female iron prawns, while organic acid and its derivatives increased. However, the pathway of organic acid and its derivatives decreased and lipid metabolism increased in the male iron prawns. The pathways of choline metabolism in cancer and glycerophospholipid/histidine/propanoate metabolism have been significantly affected in iron prawns. Our work provides insight into the understanding of the formation mechanism of the “iron prawn”.
Osteogenesis Enhancement with 3D Printed Gene-Activated Sodium Alginate Scaffolds
Authors: Khvorostina Maria , Mironov Anton , Nedorubova Irina , Bukharova Tatiana , Vasilyev Andrey , Goldshtein Dmitry , Komlev Vladimir , Popov Vladimir
Published: April 2023

Natural and synthetic hydrogel scaffolds containing bioactive components are increasingly used in solving various tissue engineering problems. The encapsulation of DNA-encoding osteogenic growth factors with transfecting agents (e.g., polyplexes) into such scaffold structures is one of the promising approaches to delivering the corresponding genes to the area of the bone defect to be replaced, providing the prolonged expression of the required proteins. Herein, a comparative assessment of both in vitro and in vivo osteogenic properties of 3D printed sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel scaffolds impregnated with model EGFP and therapeutic BMP-2 plasmids was demonstrated for the first time. The expression levels of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) osteogenic differentiation markers Runx2, Alpl, and Bglap were evaluated by real-time PCR. Osteogenesis in vivo was studied on a model of a critical-sized cranial defect in Wistar rats using micro-CT and histomorphology. The incorporation of polyplexes comprising pEGFP and pBMP-2 plasmids into the SA solution followed by 3D cryoprinting does not affect their transfecting ability compared to the initial compounds. Histomorphometry and micro-CT analysis 8 weeks after scaffold implantation manifested a significant (up to 46%) increase in new bone volume formation for the SA/pBMP-2 scaffolds compared to the SA/pEGFP ones.
Encapsulation of Paraffin Phase-Change Materials within Monolithic MTMS-Based Silica Aerogels
Authors: Xie Linlin , Wu Xiaoxu , Wang Guichao , Shulga Yury M. , Liu Qiong , Li Ming , Li Zhi
Published: April 2023

To address the leakage issue of paraffin phase-change materials in thermal management, a monolithic MTMS-based silica aerogel (MSA) is employed to encapsulate paraffin through a facile impregnation process. We find that the paraffin and MSA form a physical combination, with little interaction occurring between them. The prepared no-leakage paraffin/MSA composites have a density of 0.70 g/cm3 and exhibit good mechanical properties and nice hydrophobicity, with a contact angle of 122°. Furthermore, the average latent heat of the paraffin/MSA composites is found to reach up to 209.3 J/g, about 85% of the pure paraffin’s latent heat, which is significantly larger than other paraffin/silica aerogel phase-change composite materials. The thermal conductivity of the paraffin/MSA remains almost the same as that of the pure paraffin (~250 mW/m/K), without any heat transfer interference from the MSA skeletons. All these results indicate that MSA can effectively serve as a carrier material for encapsulating paraffin, which is beneficial for expanding the applications of MSAs in thermal management and energy storage.
Cryopreservation of Cell Sheets for Regenerative Therapy: Application of Vitrified Hydrogel Membranes
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshitaka
Published: April 2023

Organ transplantation is the first and most effective treatment for missing or damaged tissues or organs. However, there is a need to establish an alternative treatment method for organ transplantation due to the shortage of donors and viral infections. Rheinwald and Green et al. established epidermal cell culture technology and successfully transplanted human-cultured skin into severely diseased patients. Eventually, artificial cell sheets of cultured skin were created, targeting various tissues and organs, including epithelial sheets, chondrocyte sheets, and myoblast cell sheets. These sheets have been successfully used for clinical applications. Extracellular matrix hydrogels (collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and laminin), thermoresponsive polymers, and vitrified hydrogel membranes have been used as scaffold materials to prepare cell sheets. Collagen is a major structural component of basement membranes and tissue scaffold proteins. Collagen hydrogel membranes (collagen vitrigel), created from collagen hydrogels through a vitrification process, are composed of high-density collagen fibers and are expected to be used as carriers for transplantation. In this review, the essential technologies for cell sheet implantation are described, including cell sheets, vitrified hydrogel membranes, and their cryopreservation applications in regenerative medicine.
Soilless Cultivation of Portulaca oleracea Using Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Residues for Partial Peat Replacement
Authors: Chrysargyris Antonios , Louka Stavros , Petropoulos Spyridon A. , Tzortzakis Nikolaos
Published: April 2023

The industrial manufacturing of essential oils (EOs) generates a sizable volume of bulk solid waste (SW) that needs to be disposed of. The present study evaluated the potential of using Origanum dubium wastes (ODW) and Sideritis cypria waste (SCW) obtained after EO distillation for partial peat substitution (0–5–10–20–40% v/v) in Portulaca oleracea production. Both ODW and SCW increased pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and mineral content, but negatively affected the total porosity and aeration of the growing media. Plant growth was inhibited, especially when high ratios of residues were used, and this was reflected by leaf stomatal conductance and chlorophyll decrease, as well as by the activation of several nonenzymatic (phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity) and enzymatic (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase) mechanisms and the increase in lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide, indicating stress conditions. Despite that both ODW and SCW were rich in minerals, plants could not accumulate them. It can be concluded that both ODW and SCW have the potential to be used in the growing media at low ratios up to 10%, with increased antioxidant content in the final product. Nonetheless, the growing media properties, i.e., total pore space and aeration, still need to be improved to result in sufficient yields.
Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Biology to Therapeutic Perspective 3.0
Authors: Perrotta Ida
Published: April 2023

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial chronic disease triggered and sustained by different risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), smoke, elevated homocysteine, and hormones [...]
Carbon-Based Sb2(S, Se)3 Solar Cells
Authors: Deng Yue , Liu Huicong , Wang Hailiang , Song Yongfa , Li Weiping , Zhu Liqun , Xie Xiangfan , Xiao Shuang , Chen Haining
Published: April 2023

Sb2(S, Se)3 solar cells have shown great promise due to the advantages of low cost, non-toxic and high stability. However, traditional devices commonly use noble metal as the back electrode, which not only increases device cost but also limits device stability. Herein, carbon materials are used to replace the noble metals in Sb2(S, Se)3 solar cells. In addition, to grow high-quality Sb2(S, Se)3 films, a two-step hydrothermal method was developed. The carbon-based Sb2(S, Se)3 solar cells based on the above film achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.76%. After inserting a stable P3HT layer at the Sb2(S, Se)3 film/carbon interface, hole extraction was enhanced and the PCE was promoted to 4.15%. This work brings out a promising route to produce emerging solar cells with cost-effective and stable materials.
Exploring Proton Pair Motion Away from the Global Proton–Tuple Energy Minimum in Yttrium-Doped Barium Zirconate
Authors: Pan Yiqing , Hoang Minh Tam , Mansoor Sanaa , Gomez Maria Alexandra
Published: April 2023

Yttrium-doped barium zirconate is one of the fastest solid-state proton conductors. While previous studies suggest that proton–tuples move as pairs in yttrium-doped barium zirconate, a systematic catalog of possible close proton–tuple moves is missing. Such a catalog is essential to simulating dual proton conduction effects. Density functional theory with the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof functional is utilized to obtain the total electronic energy for each proton–tuple. The conjugate gradient and nudged elastic band methods are used to find the minima and transition states for proton–tuple motion. In the lowest-energy configuration, protons are in close proximity to each other and the dopant, significantly affecting the backbone structure. The map of moves away from the global minimum proton–tuple shows that the most critical move for long-range proton conduction is a rotation with a barrier range of 0.31–0.41 eV when the two protons are in close proximity.
Overcoming Chip Shortages: Low-Cost Open-Source Parametric 3-D Printable Solderless SOIC to DIP Breakout Adapters
Authors: Brooks Cameron K. , Peplinski Jack E. , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of global supply chains of many products. One area that requires improved supply chain resilience and that is of particular importance to electronic designers is the shortage of basic dual in-line package (DIP) electronic components commonly used for prototyping. This anecdotal observation was investigated as a case study of using additive manufacturing to enforce contact between premade, off-the-shelf conductors to allow for electrical continuity between two arbitrary points by examining data relating to the stock quantity of electronic components, extracted from Digi-Key Electronics. This study applies this concept using an open hardware approach for the design, testing, and use of a simple, parametric, 3-D printable invention that allows for small outline integrated circuit (SOIC) components to be used in DIP package circuits (i.e., breadboards, protoboards, etc.). The additive manufacture breakout board (AMBB) design was developed using two different open-source modelers, OpenSCAD and FreeCAD, to provide reliable and consistent electrical contact between the component and the rest of the circuit and was demonstrated with reusable 8-SOIC to DIP breakout adapters. The three-part design was optimized for manufacturing with RepRap-class fused filament 3-D printers, making the AMBB a prime candidate for use in distributed manufacturing models. The AMBB offers increased flexibility during circuit prototyping by allowing arbitrary connections between the component and prototyping interface as well as superior organization through the ability to color-code different component types. The cost of the AMBB is CAD $0.066/unit, which is a 94% saving compared to conventional PCB-based breakout boards. Use of the AMBB device can provide electronics designers with an increased selection of components for through-hole use by more than a factor of seven. Future development of AMBB devices to allow for low-cost conversion between arbitrary package types provides a path towards more accessible and inclusive electronics design as well as faster prototyping and technical innovation.
Investigating Knee Joint Proprioception and Its Impact on Limits of Stability Using Dynamic Posturography in Individuals with Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis—A Cross-Sectional Study of Comparisons and Correlations
Authors: Raizah Abdullah , Reddy Ravi Shankar , Alshahrani Mastour Saeed , Tedla Jaya Shanker , Dixit Snehil , Gular Kumar , Gautam Ajay Prashad , Ahmad Irshad , Kandakurti Praveen Kumar
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Proprioception and limits of stability can significantly impact static and dynamic balance. Knee proprioception and limits of stability may be impaired in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Impaired knee proprioception may impact the limits of stability, and understanding the associations between these factors is important for formulating treatment strategies in this population. The objectives of this study are to (a) compare the knee joint position error (JPE) and limits of stability between KOA and asymptomatic individuals and (b) assess the correlation between knee JPE and the limits of stability in KOA individuals. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 individuals diagnosed with bilateral KOA and 50 asymptomatic individuals. Knee JPE was measured using a dual digital inclinometer at 25° and 45° of knee flexion (in the dominant and nondominant legs). The limits of stability variables, including reaction time (s), maximum excursion (%), and direction control (%), were evaluated using computerized dynamic posturography. (3) Results: The magnitude of the mean knee JPE is significantly larger in KOA individuals (p < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic individuals assessed at 25° and 45° of knee flexion in both the dominant and nondominant legs. The limits of stability test showed that KOA group individuals had a longer reaction time (1.64 ± 0.30 s) and reduced maximum excursion (4.37 ± 0.45) and direction control (78.42 ± 5.47) percentages compared to the asymptomatic group (reaction time = 0.89 ± 0.29, maximum excursion = 5.25 ± 1.34, direction control = 87.50 ± 4.49). Knee JPE showed moderate to strong correlations with the reaction time (r = 0.60 to 0.68, p < 0.001), maximum excursion (r = −0.28 to −0.38, p < 0.001) and direction control (r = −0.59 to −0.65, p < 0.001) parameters in the limits of stability test. (4) Conclusions: Knee proprioception and limits of stability are impaired in KOA individuals compared to asymptomatic individuals, and knee JPE showed significant relationships with the limits of stability variables. These factors and correlations may be considered when evaluating and developing treatment strategies for KOA patients.
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Hangover-Sensitive and Hangover-Resistant Drinkers
Authors: Kim Andy , Merlo Agnese , Mackus Marlou , Bruce Gillian , Johnson Sean , Alford Chris , Sherry Simon , Stewart Sherry , Verster Joris
Published: April 2023

This study investigated potential differences in baseline (i.e., non-hangover-related) levels of depression, anxiety, and stress between individuals who are sensitive to and those resistant to hangovers after consuming alcohol. Participants included 5111 university students from the Netherlands and the U.K., including 3205 hangover-sensitive and 1906 hangover-resistant drinkers. All participants completed surveys on their demographics, alcohol consumption, and hangover susceptibility (whether they experienced a hangover in the past 12 months), as well as their baseline levels of depression, anxiety, and stress on the DASS-21 scale. The results showed that hangover-sensitive drinkers had significantly higher levels of anxiety and stress, but not depression, compared to hangover-resistant drinkers. However, the observed differences between the two groups were small, with a magnitude of less than 1 out of 42 points on the DASS-21 anxiety and stress subscales, and are thus unlikely to be clinically meaningful.
The Efficacy and Safety of EUS-Guided Gallbladder Drainage as a Bridge to Surgery for Patients with Acute Cholecystitis
Authors: Ishii Ken , Fujita Yuji , Suzuki Eisuke , Koyama Yuji , Tsujino Seitaro , Nagao Atsuki , Hosono Kunihiro , Teratani Takuma , Kubota Kensuke , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage as a bridge to surgery in patients with acute cholecystitis unfit for urgent cholecystectomy. Methods: This retrospective study included 46 patients who underwent cholecystectomy following endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) or percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) for acute cholecystitis in NTT Tokyo Medical Center. We surveyed 35 patients as the EUS-GBD group and 11 patients as the PTGBD group, and compared the rate of technical success of the cholecystectomy and periprocedural adverse events. A 7-F, 10-cm double pigtail plastic stent was used for ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage. Results: The rate of technical success of cholecystectomy was 100% in both groups. Regarding postsurgical adverse events, no significant difference was noted between the two groups (EUS-GBD group, 11.4%, vs. PTGBD group, 9.0%; p = 0.472). Conclusions: EUS-GBD as a BTS seems to be an alternative for patients with AC because it can ensure lower adverse events. On the other hand, there are two major limitations in this study––the sample size is small and there is a risk of selection bias.
Cardiovascular Risk in Systemic Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Atzeni Fabiola , Alciati Alessandra
Published: April 2023

In recent years, several papers have been published on cardiovascular (CV) involvement, risk, management, and treatment in systemic inflammatory arthritis (SIA), including rheumatoid arthritis, (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) [...]
Radiographic Features of Mandibular Second Molars with Eruption Disturbances: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kuang Qianyun , Zhou Hong , Hong Huiyi , Lin Donger , You Meng , Lai Wenli , Long Hu
Published: April 2023

We aimed to establish the characteristics and potential etiological risk factors of eruption disturbances in mandibular second molars (MM2). We retrospectively enrolled patients with eruption disturbances in MM2. A total of 143 MM2 with eruption disturbances from 112 patients (mean age 17.45 ± 6.35) were included in this study. Panoramic radiographs were employed to determine the risk factor, angulation type, impaction depth, tooth development stage, and associated pathology. The novel classification method of MM2 was based on impaction depth and angulation. Of 143 MM2, 137 and 6 were diagnosed with impaction and retention, respectively. Insufficient space was the most frequent risk factor for eruption disturbances. There were no significant differences between retention and impaction regarding sex, age, or side. The most frequent impaction type was Type I. The most frequent angulation of impacted MM2 was mesioangular. Impacted MM2 with shallower depth were more frequently associated with the presence of first molar undercut. Impaction types did not differ according to age, side, development stage, or distance from the MM1 distal surface to the anterior border of the ramus. Dentigerous cysts were associated with earlier MM2 development stages and greater MM2 depth. In conclusion, MM2 impaction types differed according to the risk factor, angulation type, MM1 undercut, and presence of cysts. Early MM2 development stage and greater MM2 depth were risk factors for MM2 eruption disturbances with cysts.
Transverse Incision for Pancreatoduodenectomy Reduces Wound Complications: A Single-Center Analysis of 399 Patients
Authors: Junker Stefanie , Jacobsen Anne , Merkel Susanne , Denz Axel , Krautz Christian , Weber Georg F. , Grützmann Robert , Brunner Maximilian
Published: April 2023

Background: Even if the minimally invasive approach is advancing in pancreatic surgery, the open approach is still the standard for a pancreatoduodenectomy. There are two types of incisions used: the midline incision (MI) and transverse incision (TI). The aim of this study was to compare these two incision types, especially regarding wound complications. Methods: A retrospective review of 399 patients who underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy at the University Hospital Erlangen between 2012 and 2021 was performed. A total of 169 patients with MIs were compared with 230 patients with TIs, with a focus on postoperative fascial dehiscence, postoperative superficial surgical site infection (SSSI) and the occurrence of incisional hernias during follow-up. Results: Postoperative fascial dehiscence, postoperative SSSI and incisional hernias occurred in 3%, 8% and 5% of patients, respectively. Postoperative SSSI and incisional hernias were significantly less frequent in the TI group (SSI: 5% vs. 12%, p = 0.024; incisional hernia: 2% vs. 8%, p = 0.041). A multivariate analysis confirmed the TI type as an independent protective factor for the occurrence of SSSI and incisional hernias (HR 0.45 (95% CI = 0.20–0.99), p = 0.046 and HR 0.18 (95% CI = 0.04–0.92), p = 0.039, respectively). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the transverse incision for pancreatoduodenectomy is associated with reduced wound complications. This finding should be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.
Effect of Biobased SiO2 on the Morphological, Thermal, Mechanical, Rheological, and Permeability Properties of PLLA/PEG/SiO2 Biocomposites
Authors: Morales Johanna , Michell Rose Mary , Sommer-Márquez Alicia , Rodrigue Denis
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, companies and researchers are concerned about the negative consequences of using synthetic polymers and direct their efforts to create new alternatives such as biocomposites. This study investigated the effect of biobased SiO2 on the properties of poly(L-lactic acid)/SiO2 (PLLA/SiO2) and poly(L-lactic acid)/SiO2/poly(ethylene glycol) (PLLA/SiO2/PEG) composites. The SiO2 was obtained from rice husk incineration and mixed with PLLA at various concentrations (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) via melt extrusion before compression molding. Furthermore, PLLA/SiO2/PEG composites with various PEG concentrations (0, 3, 5, and 10 wt.%) with 10 wt.% SiO2 were produced. The sample morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the dispersion/adhesion of SiO2 in the polymer matrix and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions to study the thermal properties of the samples, which was complemented by thermal stability study using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Rheological analysis was performed to investigate the viscoelastic behavior of the composites in the melt state. At the same time, tensile mechanical properties were obtained at room temperature to determine their properties in the solid state. DSC and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were combined to determine the crystalline state of the samples. Finally, gas permeation measurements were performed using a variable pressure (constant volume) method to analyze the permeability of different gases (CO2, CH4, O2, and H2). The results showed that SiO2 decreased the PLLA chain mobility, slowing the crystallization process and lowering the gas permeability while increasing Young’s modulus, thermal stability, and viscosity. However, PEG addition increased the crystallization rate compared to the neat PLLA (+40%), and its elongation at break (+26%), leading to more flexible/ductile samples. Due to improved silica dispersion and PLLA chain mobility, the material’s viscosity and gas permeability (+50%) were also improved with PEG addition. This research uses material considered as waste to improve the properties of PLA, obtaining a material with the potential to be used for packaging.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases SvPmk1 and SvMps1 Are Critical for Abiotic Stress Resistance, Development and Pathogenesis of Sclerotiophoma versabilis
Authors: Abah Felix , Kuang Yunbo , Biregeya Jules , Abubakar Yakubu Saddeeq , Ye Zuyun , Wang Zonghua
Published: April 2023

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are evolutionarily conserved in eukaryotes and modulate responses to both internal and external stimuli. Pmk1 and Mps MAPK pathways regulate stress tolerance, vegetative growth and cell wall integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pyricularia oryzae. Here, we deployed genetic and cell biology strategies to investigate the roles of the orthologs of Pmk1 and Mps1 in Sclerotiophoma versabilis (herein referred to as SvPmk1 and SvMps1, respectively). Our results showed that SvPmk1 and SvMps1 are involved in hyphal development, asexual reproduction and pathogenesis in S. versabilis. We found that ∆Svpmk1 and ∆Svmps1 mutants have significantly reduced vegetative growths on PDA supplemented with osmotic stress-inducing agents, compared to the wild type, with ∆Svpmps1 being hypersensitive to hydrogen peroxide. The two mutants failed to produce pycnidia and have reduced pathogenicity on Pseudostellaria heterophylla. Unlike SvPmk1, SvMps1 was found to be indispensable for the fungal cell wall integrity. Confocal microscopic analyses revealed that SvPmk1 and SvMps1 are ubiquitously expressed in the cytosol and nucleus. Taken together, we demonstrate here that SvPmk1 and SvMps1 play critical roles in the stress resistance, development and pathogenesis of S. versabilis.
Disentangling the Taxonomy, Systematics, and Life History of the Spider-Parasitic Fungus Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales)
Authors: Mendes-Pereira Thairine , de Araújo João Paulo Machado , Kloss Thiago Gechel , Costa-Rezende Diogo Henrique , de Carvalho Daniel Santana , Góes-Neto Aristóteles
Published: April 2023

Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) is frequently observed growing on spiders, but little is known about their host range. One of the greatest challenges in describing these interactions is identifying the host, since the fungus often rapidly consumes the parasitised spiders and destroys important diagnostic taxonomic traits. Additionally, the global diversity of Gibellula remains unclear, as does the natural history and phylogenetic relationships of most of the species. Herein, we performed an extensive investigation on the species of Gibellula, reconstructed the most complete molecular phylogeny of the genus in the context of Cordycipitaceae, and performed a systematic review in order to provide the foundations towards a better understanding of the genus. Therefore, we have performed an integrative study to investigate the life history of the genus and to disentangle the questionable number of valid species proposed over time. We provided novel molecular data for published species that had not been sequenced before, such as G. mirabilis and G. mainsii, and evaluated all the original and modern morphological descriptions. In addition, we presented its global known distribution and compiled all available molecular data. We suggested a set of terms and morphological traits that should be considered in future descriptions of the genus and that a total of 31 species should be considered as accepted.
The Usefulness of Questionnaires in Assessing the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients in the Managed Care after Acute Myocardial Infarction Program—The Results of a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Łoboda Danuta , Stepanik Michalina , Szajerska-Kurasiewicz Anna , Turski Maciej , Urbanczyk-Świć Dagmara , Durmała Jacek , Gołba Krzysztof S.
Published: April 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) worsens prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI) but often remains undiagnosed. The study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of questionnaires in assessing the risk of OSA in patients participating in managed care after an acute myocardial infarction program. Study group: 438 patients (349 (79.7%) men) aged 59.92 ± 10.92, hospitalized in the day treatment cardiac rehabilitation department 7–28 days after MI. OSA risk assessment: A 4-variable screening tool (4-V), STOP-BANG questionnaire, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and adjusted neck circumference (ANC). The home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) was performed on 275 participants. Based on four scales, a high risk of OSA was found in 283 (64.6%) responders, including 248 (56.6%) based on STOP-BANG, 163 (37.5%) based on ANC, 115 (26.3%) based on 4-V, and 45 (10.3%) based on ESS. OSA was confirmed in 186 (68.0%) participants: mild in 85 (30.9%), moderate in 53 (19.3%), and severe in 48 (17.5%). The questionnaires’ sensitivity and specificity in predicting moderate-to-severe OSA were: for STOP-BANG—79.21% (95% confidence interval; CI 70.0–86.6) and 35.67% (95% CI 28.2–43.7); ANC—61.39% (95% CI 51.2–70.9) and 61.15% (95% CI 53.1–68.8); 4-V—45.54% (95% CI 35.6–55.8) and 68.79% (95% CI 60.9–75.9); ESS—16.83% (95% CI 10.1–25.6) and 87.90% (95% CI 81.7–92.6). OSA is common in post-MI patients. The ANC most accurately estimates the risk of OSA eligible for positive airway pressure therapy. The sensitivity of the ESS in the post-MI population is insufficient and limits this scale’s usefulness in risk assessment and qualification for treatment.
Surgical Management of Groove Pancreatitis: A Case Report
Authors: Ioannidis Aristeidis , Menni Alexandra , Tzikos Georgios , Ioannidou Eleni , Makri Georgia , Vouchara Angeliki , Goulas Patroklos , Karlafti Eleni , Psoma Elizabeth , Mavropoulou Xanthipi , Paramythiotis Daniel
Published: April 2023

Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a chronic type of pancreatitis involving the groove area between the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, and the common bile duct. Alcohol abuse is one of the main pathogenetic factors, although its etiology is not clearly defined. Differential diagnosis of pancreatic disorders remains difficult. The lack of diagnostic management and the restrictive number of patients are the main barriers. This article presents a case of a 37-year-old male diagnosed with GP after several episodes of epigastric pain and vomiting, with a history of chronic alcohol consumption. The patient’s radiological and laboratory results excluded the possibility of malignancy and suggested the diagnosis of groove pancreatitis with duodenal stenosis. After initial conservative treatment failed, surgical management was decided. A gastroenteroanastomosis was made in order to bypass the duodenum aiming for a total resolution of the symptoms and an uneventful recovery of the patient. Although most studies suggest pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple’s procedure) as the treatment of choice, a less major procedure can be performed in evidence of malignancy absence.
Audiovisual Translation, Multilingual Desire, and the Construction of the Intersectional Gay Male Body
Authors: Villanueva-Jordán Iván
Published: April 2023

This study focuses on the HBO series Looking, whose two seasons and film make up a critical telecinematic artifact that reveals how authorial vision integrates ideologies on class, race, and desire that are identifiable in visual modes and language use—particularly multilingual dialogues. The analysis begins with the assumption that Looking is a relevant case of complex television and centers on the narrative structure of the series and the way that language, translation, and visual semiotic resources interact in the construction of a gay Latino character in the source version of the series and two Spanish dubbed versions—one for Latin America and the other for Spain. The findings reveal that Looking, as a televisual and aesthetic artifact, proposes a post-gay discourse of homoerotic relationships while also constructing racialized objects of desire, particularly the Latinx (male) body. A comparative linguistic analysis shows that both the dubbed versions highlight the boundaries of the so-called globalized gay identity. The data gathered demonstrate that the representation of ethnic, racial, and erotic difference changes according to the language system used. Moreover, new interactions between dubbed dialogues and visual resources result in a greater degree of semiotic layering of ideological discourses throughout the series.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Diabetic Retinopathy—Current Knowledge and Future Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Serban Dragos , Dascalu Ana , Arsene Andreea , Tribus Laura , Vancea Geta , Pantea Stoian Anca , Costea Daniel , Tudosie Mihail , Stana Daniela , Cristea Bogdan , Nicolae Vanessa , Tudor Corneliu , Costea Andreea , Comandasu Meda , Faur Mihai , Tanasescu Ciprian
Published: April 2023

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major causes of blindness today, despite important achievements in diagnosis and therapy. The involvement of a gut–retina axis is thought to be a possible risk factor for several chronic eye disease, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, uveitis, and, recently, diabetic retinopathy. Dysbiosis may cause endothelial disfunction and alter retinal metabolism. This review analyzes the evidence regarding changes in gut microbiota in patients with DR compared with diabetics and healthy controls (HCs). A systematic review was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for the following terms: “gut microbiota” OR “gut microbiome” AND “diabetic retinopathy”. Ultimately, 9 articles published between 2020 and 2022 presenting comparative data on a total of 228 T2DM patients with DR, 220 patients with T2DM, and 118 HCs were analyzed. All of the studies found a distinctive microbial beta diversity in DR vs. T2DM and HC, characterized by an altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a decrease in butyrate producers, and an increase in LPS-expressing and pro-inflammatory species in the Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla. The probiotic species Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were decreased when compared with T2DM. Gut microbiota influence retinal health in multiple ways and may represent a future therapeutic target in DR.
Cold-Stimulus Headache in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Bonemazzi Ilaria , Pelizza Maria Federica , Berti Giulia , Ancona Claudio , Nosadini Margherita , Sartori Stefano , Toldo Irene
Published: April 2023

The literature on cold-stimulus headache (CSH) is relatively sparse compared to other primary headache disorders and the studies on the pediatric population are very limited. This systematic review aims to analyze the evidence on CSH in children and adolescents focusing on epidemiology, clinical features, pathogenic mechanisms, and treatments. Our review included 25 studies, among which 9 papers include pediatric cases (4 pediatric samples, 5 mixed samples of children and adults). The aim of this work is to highlight the features of CSH in children and adolescents. In children, the prevalence of CSH is higher than in adults and it is not gender-specific. There is a relevant family history for CSH and the comorbidity with migraine is significant. The triggers and clinical features of CSH due to ingesting a cold stimulus in children overlap with those in adults. CSH due to external application of a cold stimulus (or to environmentally low temperatures) is not studied in children and adolescents. We describe in detail a new pediatric case of CSH triggered by low ambient temperatures; to the best of our knowledge, this represents the first description in the literature. In conclusion, CSH in children is probably underestimated and has peculiar features compared to adults; further studies are needed to better understand its clinical features and pathophysiology.
Mitochondrial Function and Signaling to Regulate Cellular Life
Authors: Casuso Rafael A.
Published: April 2023

Mitochondria are essential organelles found in nearly all eukaryotic cells, responsible for producing the energy that drives cellular processes [...]
Pressure-Assisted Lubrication of DC01 Steel Sheets to Reduce Friction in Sheet-Metal-Forming Processes
Authors: Trzepieciński Tomasz , Szwajka Krzysztof , Szewczyk Marek
Published: April 2023

Friction in sheet-metal-forming processes not only affects the values of the force parameters of the process but also determines the quality of the surface of the drawpieces. This paper presents an approach to reducing the coefficient of friction by directly applying pressurized oil to the contact zone. For this purpose, a special test stand was built to carry out the strip draw test, commonly used to model the phenomenon of friction in the deep-drawing process. This test consisted of pulling a strip between flat countersamples made of 145Cr6 cold-work tool steel covered with an abrasion-resistant Mtec (AlTiN) coating. During the pilot tests, various contact pressures, lubricants with different viscosities, and different lubricant pressures were used. The influence of friction conditions on the surface roughness of the samples and the relationship between the friction conditions and the value of the coefficient of friction were determined. The supply of the lubricant under pressure into the contact zone has a beneficial effect on reducing friction. The coefficient of friction decreases with increasing lubricant pressure for contact pressures of 2–6 MPa. For a contact pressure of 8 MPa, the lubricant pressure is the least favorable for reducing the coefficient of friction. At higher lubricant pressures (12 and 18 bar), the lubrication efficiency depends on the viscosity of the lubricant and decreases with increasing contact pressure.
A Diabetes Prediction System Based on Incomplete Fused Data Sources
Authors: Yuan Zhaoyi , Ding Hao , Chao Guoqing , Song Mingqiang , Wang Lei , Ding Weiping , Chu Dianhui
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the diabetes population has grown younger. Therefore, it has become a key problem to make a timely and effective prediction of diabetes, especially given a single data source. Meanwhile, there are many data sources of diabetes patients collected around the world, and it is extremely important to integrate these heterogeneous data sources to accurately predict diabetes. For the different data sources used to predict diabetes, the predictors may be different. In other words, some special features exist only in certain data sources, which leads to the problem of missing values. Considering the uncertainty of the missing values within the fused dataset, multiple imputation and a method based on graph representation is used to impute the missing values within the fused dataset. The logistic regression model and stacking strategy are applied for diabetes training and prediction on the fused dataset. It is proved that the idea of combining heterogeneous datasets and imputing the missing values produced in the fusion process can effectively improve the performance of diabetes prediction. In addition, the proposed diabetes prediction method can be further extended to any scenarios where heterogeneous datasets with the same label types and different feature attributes exist.
Formal Group Fairness and Accuracy in Automated Decision Making
Authors: Langenberg Anna , Ma Shih-Chi , Ermakova Tatiana , Fabian Benjamin
Published: April 2023

Most research on fairness in Machine Learning assumes the relationship between fairness and accuracy to be a trade-off, with an increase in fairness leading to an unavoidable loss of accuracy. In this study, several approaches for fair Machine Learning are studied to experimentally analyze the relationship between accuracy and group fairness. The results indicated that group fairness and accuracy may even benefit each other, which emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate measures for performance evaluation. This work provides a foundation for further studies on the adequate objectives of Machine Learning in the context of fair automated decision making.
Extending the Domain with Application of Four-Step Nonlinear Scheme with Average Lipschitz Conditions
Authors: Saxena Akanksha , Jaiswal Jai Prakash , Pardasani Kamal Raj , Argyros Ioannis K.
Published: April 2023

A novel local and semi-local convergence theorem for the four-step nonlinear scheme is presented. Earlier studies on local convergence were conducted without particular assumption on Lipschitz constant. In first part, the main local convergence theorems with a weak ϰ-average (assuming it as a positively integrable function and dropping the essential property of ND) are obtained. In comparison to previous research, in another part, we employ majorizing sequences that are more accurate in their precision along with the certain form of ϰ average Lipschitz criteria. A finer local and semi-local convergence criteria, boosting its utility, by relaxing the assumptions is derived. Applications in engineering to a variety of specific cases, such as object motion governed by a system of differential equations, are illustrated.
Auto-Encoders in Deep Learning—A Review with New Perspectives
Authors: Chen Shuangshuang , Guo Wei
Published: April 2023

Deep learning, which is a subfield of machine learning, has opened a new era for the development of neural networks. The auto-encoder is a key component of deep structure, which can be used to realize transfer learning and plays an important role in both unsupervised learning and non-linear feature extraction. By highlighting the contributions and challenges of recent research papers, this work aims to review state-of-the-art auto-encoder algorithms. Firstly, we introduce the basic auto-encoder as well as its basic concept and structure. Secondly, we present a comprehensive summarization of different variants of the auto-encoder. Thirdly, we analyze and study auto-encoders from three different perspectives. We also discuss the relationships between auto-encoders, shallow models and other deep learning models. The auto-encoder and its variants have successfully been applied in a wide range of fields, such as pattern recognition, computer vision, data generation, recommender systems, etc. Then, we focus on the available toolkits for auto-encoders. Finally, this paper summarizes the future trends and challenges in designing and training auto-encoders. We hope that this survey will provide a good reference when using and designing AE models.