bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a Group Psychoeducation Treatment in Binge Eating Disorder: An Open-Label Study
Authors: Liquori Silvia , Faidutti Giovanni , Garzitto Marco , Saetti Luana , Bendotti Monica , Balestrieri Matteo
Published: April 2022

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary group psychoeducation treatment (GPT) in patients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

Methods

We designed an open-label efficacy study that included a population of 45 patients diagnosed with BED. A measure of eating attitudes and associated psychological constructs was obtained through the use of the self-report instruments Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-3), Binge Eating Scale (BES) and Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). The Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) was also administered to assess general psychopathology. All participants participated in 12 weekly group psychoeducational treatment meetings, 8 of which were conducted by mental health professionals, and a second module of 4 meetings, oriented on health and nutrition education topics, conducted by a dietician.

Results

At the end of treatment, patients showed significant improvements in body mass index (BMI) and binge eating. Paired t-tests showed significant differences at p-value < 0.05 in all eating disorder risk scales and for most of the general psychological scales related to eating disorders. In addition, patients experienced an improvement in their perception of overall body image, a decrease in concerns about physical appearance and less body image avoidance. Finally, results showed that psychoeducation treatment was associated with significant improvements in interpersonal sensitivity.

Conclusions

The results of this study may indicate that significant short-term improvements can be achieved through a psychoeducation group for BED patients. Although limited by the lack of a control condition, this study adds to a growing body of evidence with promising results, setting the stage for further case-control studies of BED treatment.
Inflammatory Markers in Substance Use and Mood Disorders: A Neuroimaging Perspective
Authors: Agarwal Khushbu , Manza Peter , Chapman Marquis , Nawal Nafisa , Biesecker Erin , McPherson Katherine , Dennis Evan , Johnson Allison , Volkow Nora D. , Joseph Paule V.
Published: April 2022

Chronic exposure to addictive drugs in substance use disorders and stressors in mood disorders render the brain more vulnerable to inflammation. Inflammation in the brain, or neuroinflammation, is characterized by gliosis, microglial activation, and sustained release of cytokines, chemokines, and pro-inflammatory factors compromising the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. There is increased curiosity in understanding how substance misuse and/or repeated stress exposure affect inflammation and contribute to abnormal neuronal activity, altered neuroplasticity, and impaired cognitive control, which eventually promote compulsive drug-use behaviors and worsen mood disorders. This review will emphasize human imaging studies to explore the link between brain function and peripheral markers of inflammation in substance use disorders and mood disorders.
A Rare Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report
Authors: Chen Piaopiao , Hu Qiang , Wu Jinfeng , Sun Yuanshui
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Small bowel obstruction is a common surgical emergency abdominal condition in clinical practice. Fecalith is one of the rare causative factors, especially phytobezoars.

Case Report

We report the case of a 66-year-old man admitted with “abdominal pain with vomiting for 1 day.” Enhanced CT of the abdomen suggested incomplete small bowel obstruction. The symptomatic treatment with fasting, fluid replacement, gastrointestinal decompression, and antibiotics was conducted after the patient was admitted to the hospital. After 2 days of treatment, the patient's abdominal pain was not significantly relieved, so a decision was made to perform laparoscopic examination surgery. During surgery, a columnar foreign body was found embedded in the lumen of the small intestine about 10 cm away from the ileocecal region. Combined with the patient's preoperative history of consuming a large number of persimmons, the primary diagnosis of small intestinal fecalith obstruction was considered. We performed an enterotomy to remove the foreign body, and the procedure was uneventful. On postoperative day 7, the patient was successfully discharged.

Conclusion

When we encounter a patient with intestinal obstruction without a history of surgery in our clinical work, we should take a careful history, especially about the consumption of foods that can cause phytoliths. When a patient has consumed a large amount of food that can cause phytobezoars before the abdominal pain, we should diagnostically consider it as phytobezoars intestinal obstruction, which helps to reduce the incidence of misdiagnosis and allows the patient to receive treatment timely and effectively.
Predictors of Complications and Unfavorable Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Surgery Treatment in Elderly Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Spine Pathologies (Case Series)
Authors: Klimov Vladimir , Evsyukov Aleksey , Amelina Evgeniya , Ryabykh Sergey , Simonovich Alexander
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) results in fewer adverse and more improved outcomes. However, the literature data describing the factors increasing the number of complications, reoperation frequency and unscheduled re-hospitalizations in older patients after MIS are contradictory. In this study, a large number of patients was investigated for the complications of minimally invasive surgical treatment of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine in older patients. The objective of the study was to determine the predictors of unfavorable outcomes in such patients.

Materials and Methods

1,013 patients underwent MIS (decompression alone, TLIF, LLIF, ALIF) in 2013-2017. All operations were performed with the participation of the authors (neurosurgeons). The patient's average age was 66. The following data were collected: BMI; CCI; presence of postoperative complications according to the Dindo-Clavien classification; unplanned readmission at 90 days; hospital length of stay (LOS); surgical complexity (low, intermediate, and high); surgical time; and risk factors. The cumulative reoperation rate was determined at 5-years follow-up.

Results

A total of 256 patients suffered a complication (25.2%), 226 classified as mild (grade I, II, IIIA), and 30 - as severe (IIIB, IVA). Such factors as the surgical complexity, BMI > 30, surgical time, number of operated levels were associated with a significant risk of developing a complication. For patients with and without complications, LOS was 9.3 and 6.3 days, respectively (p < 0.0001), the unplanned readmission rate was 1.3%. 104 patients underwent 133 revision operations. The 5-year cumulative reoperation rate was 15.2%, and the reoperation index was 12.1%. The CCI had no statistically significant effect on the complication incidence after MIS. A higher risk of complications was found in patients who underwent intermediate-complexity surgery (MIS TLIF) compared with uncompounded (decompression alone) and more complex (MIS LLIF, MIS ALIF) surgical procedures (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

A register of postoperative complications is an important tool for health quality assessment and choosing the best surgical option that helps to establish measures to reduce such complications. Using MIS for the treatment of elderly patients reduces the number of severe complications.
Exoscope as a Teaching Tool: A Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Calloni Tommaso , Roumy Louis Georges , Cinalli Maria Allegra , Rocca Alessandra , Held Andrea , Trezza Andrea , Carrabba Giorgio Giovanni , Giussani Carlo Giorgio
Published: April 2022

Recently, the emergence of the three-dimensional (3D) exoscope has proven to be a viable alternative to the operative microscope (OM) as a novel workhorse of microneurosurgical procedures. Through its current iteration, the 3D exoscope has been demonstrated to be at least equivalent to the operative microscope in terms of surgical outcomes in many settings. With its superior ergonomics and simplicity of use, the 3D exoscope has been shown in multiple studies to be a powerful visualizing tool during surgical procedures. Moreover, the exoscopic systems, through their current iterations and by means of a high-resolution 3D monitor and 3D glasses, have allowed all participants present in the operative room to attain an unprecedented level of intraoperative visualization of anatomical structures and surgical maneuvers which are traditionally available only to the first operator. Although long-term data are still lacking regarding its future as a replacement of the OM, the 3D exoscope has revealed itself as an intense subject of discussion in neurosurgery regarding its implication for surgical education, especially for residents and junior neurosurgeons. This article is a review of the current state of the literature on the role of the exoscope in surgical education, underlining its strength as a learning tool and its potential future implications in terms of surgical education.
The Equine Temporomandibular Joint: Comparisons Between Standard and Needle Arthroscopic Examination of Cadaver Specimens and Standing Horses
Authors: Carmalt James L. , Pimentel Karen L.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Definitive diagnosis of equine temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) may require advanced diagnostic imaging. Arthroscopy is a modern, minimally invasive, diagnostic, and treatment modality. Standing arthroscopic treatment of joint disease is a relatively recent advance in equine surgery, despite which there are few published comparisons between the available arthroscopic systems.

Objective

To compare and contrast two arthroscopic systems for assessing the equine temporomandibular joint compartments in cadavers and standing horses.

Study design

Experimental study.

Methods

Phase I involved the assessment of the discotemporal joint (DTJ) and discomandibular (DMJ) joint compartments of both temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of 14 cadaveric equine heads using a caudally placed arthroscopy portal. Joints were initially examined using the needle arthroscope and the results compared to the findings of examination using a 2.5 mm 30° arthroscope system (standard). Three healthy horses were subsequently examined to determine the validity of the procedure in live animals in Phase II.

Results

Needle and standard arthroscopy, in combination with mandibular manipulation, allowed evaluation of the caudal aspects of both joint compartments of the TMJ in Phase I. However, the extreme margins of the joint were more commonly visualized using standard arthroscopy. Live horses in phase II were restrained in stocks and both the rostral and caudal aspects of the DTJ and DMJ compartments of both TMJs were examined successfully understanding sedation and local analgesia. The use of a modified Guenther speculum allowed the mandible to be manipulated and offset, which facilitated a complete examination of the joint compartments. Despite adverse behavior encountered during the procedure in one horse, no surgical complications ensued.

Main Limitations

Not blinded—bias; learning curve.

Conclusions

The needle arthroscope system is a relatively inexpensive diagnostic tool, which can be used to evaluate the TMJ in the absence of advanced diagnostic imaging such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. However, if arthroscopic treatment is required after advanced imaging and pre-operative diagnosis, superior image quality and ease of manipulation may favor the use of the standard equipment.
A Simulated Annealing Algorithm with Tabu List for the Multi-Satellite Downlink Schedule Problem Considering Waiting Time
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Shengyu , Hu Haiying
Published: April 2022

In the multi-satellite and multi-ground station downlink task scheduling problem, the waiting time from the proposal of the task to the execution will affect its validity. If the satellite has multiple communicable ground stations when the downlink task is proposed, the selection problem needs to be solved first. After the selection, since the available time conflict between tasks of different satellites for the same ground station, the specific start time should be determined. To reduce the waiting time, a simulated annealing algorithm with a tabu list and start time decision (SATLD) is proposed. This method uses a two-stage scheduling strategy. In the first stage, the improved simulated annealing algorithm based on a tabu list is used to select the downlink ground station. The second stage combines downlink scheduling algorithm based on task arrival time (DSA-AT) method and downlink scheduling algorithm based on task requirement time (DSA-RT) method to determine the specific start time of each task of a single ground station. Simulation analysis prove the method has better selection efficiency of downlink task and shorter total task waiting time, and has practical value.
Numerical Modeling of Heat Exchanger Filled with Octahedral Lattice Frame Porous Material
Authors: Zhao Bi , Zhang Jingzhou , Lian Wenlei
Published: April 2022

A numerical investigation into the fluid flow and heat transfer process in a 3D-printed shell-and-tube heat exchanger was carried out. The shell side of the heat exchanger was inserted with octahedral lattice frame porous material to enhance the heat transfer. In order to avoid establishing a complex grid system, the porous material of the shell side was modeled by a porous media model. The non-equilibrium model was adopted for the modeling of the heat exchange between the solid and fluid in porous media. An experimental investigation was carried out to validate the feasibility of this approach. The result indicates that the simplified approach is capable of providing an appropriate prediction of the pressure drop and heat transfer efficiency with moderate computational resources. The average error of pressure loss and heat transfer effectiveness is within 4% and 6.1%.
Form-Finding Analysis of Mesh Reflector of Large Parabolic Cylindrical Antenna
Authors: Chen Jinbao , Dong Jiayu , Song Zhicheng , Chen Chuanzhi , Li Jiaqi
Published: April 2022

In this study, a hybrid iteration force density method (HIFDM) was proposed to ensure both tension uniformity and accuracy of an antenna mesh reflector. Based on a genetic algorithm (GA), the boundary cable tension of the antenna reflector net was optimized, which further improved the precision of the antenna mesh reflector. The static model of the large deployable structure was established using the finite element method (FEM), and thus, an iterative strategy for form-finding of the antenna reflector net was proposed, which considered the influence of the elastic deformation of the deployable structure. The results showed that the HIFDM was effective for the form-finding of the antenna mesh reflector, and the shape precision was improved by further optimization using the GA. Finally, it was noted that the elastic deformation of the deployable structure will reduce the uniformity of cable tension and affect the precision of antenna reflectors. Due to the large-scale and soft stiffness, the large deployable structure had a high sensitivity to cable pretension, and it is important to design a reasonable cable pretension to ensure the accurate shape of antenna mesh reflectors.
Nonlinear Slewing Control of a Large Flexible Spacecraft Using Reaction Wheels
Authors: Posani Massimo , Pontani Mauro , Gasbarri Paolo
Published: April 2022

Reorientation maneuvers represent a key task for large satellites. This work considers a space vehicle with solar panels and reaction wheels as actuation devices. Solar panels are modeled as flexural beams, using the modal decomposition technique. An inertia-free nonlinear attitude control algorithm, which enjoys quasi-global stability properties, is employed for the numerical simulation of a large reorientation maneuver. Preliminary analysis with ideal actuation allows sizing the control system and identifying the expected elastic displacements. Then, the actuation dynamics is included, and the actual torque transferred to the vehicle no longer coincides with the commanded one, supplied by the nonlinear control algorithm. Moreover, the solar panels are designed to rotate, in order to maximize the power storage during the maneuver. The numerical results prove that the slewing maneuver is successfully completed in reasonable time and without any saturation of the actuation devices, while the elastic displacements remain modest, in spite of the solar panel rotation aimed at pursuing the Sun direction.
Genotype by Environment Interaction Analysis for Grain Yield and Yield Components of Summer Maize Hybrids across the Huanghuaihai Region in China
Authors: Yue Haiwang , Gauch Hugh G. , Wei Jianwei , Xie Junliang , Chen Shuping , Peng Haicheng , Bu Junzhou , Jiang Xuwen
Published: April 2022

Increasing the maize production capacity to ensure food security is still the primary goal of global maize planting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate genotypes with high yield and stability in summer maize hybrids grown in the Huanghuaihai region of China using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) technique. A total of 18 summer maize hybrids with one check hybrid were used for this study using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates at 74 locations during two consecutive years (2018–2019). A three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and an AMMI analysis showed that genotype (G), environment (E), year (Y) and their interactions were highly significant (p < 0.001) except G × E × Y for all evaluated traits viz., grain yield (GY), ear length (EL), hundred seed weight (HSW) and E × Y for hundred seed weight. The first seven interaction principal components (IPCs) were highly significant and explained 81.74% of the genotype by environment interaction (GEI). By comparing different models, the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) was considered the best model for data analysis in this study. The combination of AMMI model and BLUP technology to use the WAASB (weighted average of absolute scores from the singular value decomposition of the matrix of BLUP for GEI effects generated by linear mixed model) index was considered promising for similar research in the future. Genotypes H321 and Y23 had high yield and good stability, and could be used as new potential genetic resources for improving and stabilizing grain yield in maize breeding practices in the Huanghuaihai region of China. Genotypes H9, H168, Q218, Y303 and L5 had narrow adaptability and only apply to specific areas. The check genotype Z958 had good adaptability in most environments due to its good stability, but it also needs the potential to increase grain yield. Significant positive correlations were also found between the tested agronomic traits.
Forever Young? Late Shoot Pruning Affects Phenological Development, Physiology, Yield and Wine Quality of Vitis vinifera cv. Malbec
Authors: Netzer Yishai , Suued Yedidya , Harel Matanya , Ferman-Mintz Danielle , Drori Elyashiv , Munitz Sarel , Stanevsky Maria , Grünzweig José M. , Fait Aaron , Ohana-Levi Noa , Nir Gil , Harari Gil
Published: April 2022

‘Malbec’ grapevines commonly have high yield, thus intermittently negatively affecting wine quality parameters. Here, we describe the use of late shoot pruning (LSP) practice applied for wine quality improvement. We examined the effect of timing of LSP on ‘Malbec’ vines grown in Mediterranean conditions during three consecutive seasons (2016–2018) in Israel. The timing of LSP treatment applications (applied one, two and three weeks after bud break) were compared with cluster-thinned, winter-pruned vines (WP + T) and standard winter pruning (WP). The LSP practice postponed bud break of target buds but did not have a temporal effect on the onset of veraison. Midday stem water potential was less negative and stomatal conductance and net CO2 assimilation rate were higher in the LSP vines. This practice led to a substantial reduction in the number of clusters and crop yield. Finally, wine quality was positively affected by applying LSP treatment. Performing the inexpensive LSP treatment at the precise timing after bud burst was found to save labor, decrease crop yield and improve grape and wine parameters. LSP application should be considered in adequate varieties as a significant tool for the enhanced effectiveness of vine growing in warm regions.
Thermal Decomposition Characteristics and Kinetic Analysis of Chicken Manure in Various Atmospheres
Authors: Pu Xiaodong , Wei Mingdong , Chen Xiaopeng , Wang Linlin , Deng Liangwei
Published: April 2022

Thermal decomposition technology is one of the main ways to treat biomass wastes. By utilizing chicken manure as raw material, thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetry (TG and DTG) are carried out on chicken manure at various heating rates (5, 10, 15, and 20 °C/min) under nitrogen and air atmosphere to explore the thermal decomposition characteristics and kinetics. The obtained results indicate that there are great discrepancies between them in these two atmospheres. Chicken manure is pyrolyzed under nitrogen; however, it is first thermally decomposed and then developed for combustion under air. The temperature range of the main peak of thermal decomposition in the air atmosphere is significantly lower than that in the nitrogen atmosphere by about 30 °C. Furthermore, the fluctuation of the DTG curve pertinent to the air atmosphere is commonly greater than that obtained in the nitrogen atmosphere, and the main combustion section usually presents an obvious W-shape peak. The thermal decomposition kinetics of the chicken manure is also determined as random nucleation model F1 by employing the Malek method, and the mechanism function is derived by f(α)=1−α. Under nitrogen atmosphere, the activation energy is between 24.18~31.55 kJ·mol−1. Under air atmospheric conditions, the minimum activation energy of the second temperature section is 8.85 kJ·mol−1, and the activation energy of the first section is less than that of the third section. In the presence of both nitrogen and air, the best result for the thermal decomposition of the sample is attained under the action of 10 °C/min heating rate. The corresponding activation energies are 31.55 kJ·mol−1 and 95.91 kJ·mol−1, respectively.
Lipopeptides Produced by Bacillus mojavensis P1709 as an Efficient Tool to Maintain Postharvest Cherry Tomato Quality and Quantity
Authors: Galitskaya Polina , Karamova Kamalya , Biktasheva Liliya , Galieva Gulnaz , Gordeev Alexander , Selivanovskaya Svetlana
Published: April 2022

Because of significant yield losses caused by fungal pathogens, new efficient and environmentally safe methods of pest control are needed, and amphiphilic compounds (biosurfactants) produced by many microbes are considered a good alternative. In the present study, biosurfactants produced by the rhizosphere isolate Bacillus mojavensis P1709 were assessed for their ability to protect postharvest cherry tomatoes from decay and mycotoxin contamination caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. It was demonstrated that the genome of B. mojavensis P1709 contained the fenD and srfAA genes, which are responsible for the synthesis of compounds of the fengycin and surfactin families. APF (acid-precipitated fraction) of B. mojavensis P1709 culture medium at a concentration of 20 g L−1 inhibited pathogen radial growth on agar plates by 93%, and T-2 and HT-2 mycotoxin production by 98%, after 5 days of cultivation. APF also suppressed fungal growth in the in vivo test on cherry tomato fruits by 93% and 25% on the 2nd and 7th days of incubation, respectively. The results obtained demonstrate that biosurfactants produced by B. mojavensis P1709 are an efficient tool for protecting postharvest cherry tomatoes from fungal mold decay and mycotoxin contamination.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Predict Provitamin A Carotenoids Content in Maize
Authors: Rosales Aldo , Crossa José , Cuevas Jaime , Cabrera-Soto Luisa , Dhliwayo Thanda , Ndhlela Thokozile , Palacios-Rojas Natalia
Published: April 2022

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a public health issue worldwide. Provitamin A (PVA) biofortified maize serves as an alternative to help combat VAD. Breeding efforts to develop maize varieties with high PVA carotenoid content combine molecular and phenotypic selection strategies. The phenotypic assessment of carotenoids is currently done using liquid chromatography, a precise but time- and resource-consuming methodology. Using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) could increase the breeding efficiency. This study used ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) data from 1857 tropical maize genotypes as a training set and NIRS data to do an independent test of a set of 650 genotypes to predict PVA carotenoids using Bayesian and modified partial least square (MPLS) regression models. Both regression methods produced similar prediction accuracies for the total carotenoids (r2 = 0.75), lutein (r2 = 0.55), zeaxanthin (r2= 0.61), β-carotene (r2 = 0.22) and β-cryptoxanthin (BCX) (r2 = 0.57). These results demonstrate that Bayesian and MPLS regression of BCX on NIRS data can be used to predict BCX content, the current focus on PVA enhancement, and thus offers opportunities for high-throughput phenotyping at a low cost, especially in the early stages of PVA maize breeding pipeline when many genotypes must be screened.
Effects of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Strain Bacillus licheniformis with Biochar Amendment on Potato Growth and Water Use Efficiency under Reduced Irrigation Regime
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Jiarui , Zhu Minye , Wan Heng , Chen Ziyi , Yang Ning , Duan Jiangwang , Wei Zhenhua , Hu Tiantian , Liu Fulai
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), strain Bacillus licheniformis, with softwood biochar amendment on potato growth and water use efficiency (WUE) under a deficit irrigation (DI) regime. A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. The results showed that PGPR improved leaf gas exchange rates, including photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate at early seedling stage, while tended to depress these parameters gradually until final harvest. The effects of biochar on plant leaf physiology, plant growth and WUE were not evident. Plants were more affected by DI than PGPR inoculation and biochar amendment. DI significantly decreased leaf gas exchange rates after exposure to water treatment for around three weeks, and the negative effect was eliminated at final harvest. At final harvest, DI significantly decreased leaf area, specific leaf area, dry mass of leaf and stem, total dry mass, dry mass increment and plant water use. The synergistical effect of PGPR strain Bacillus licheniformis and DI on plant growth and WUE were not observed in our study. WUE was solely improved by DI, indicating that, compared to PGPR inoculation, DI was a more effective measure to enhance plant WUE.
Preventive Potential of Dipeptide Enterocin A/P on Rabbit Health and Its Effect on Growth, Microbiota, and Immune Response
Authors: Pogány Simonová Monika , Chrastinová Ľubica , Ščerbová Jana , Focková Valentína , Plachá Iveta , Formelová Zuzana , Chrenková Mária , Lauková Andrea
Published: April 2022

The present study investigated the effect of the dipeptide enterocin (Ent) A/P on growth, immune response, and intestinal microbiota in rabbits. Eighty-eight rabbits (aged five weeks, M91 meat line, both sexes) were divided into three experimental groups: E (Ent A/P; 50 µL/animal/day for 14 days; between 0–14 days); S (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis SE P3/Tr2a strain; 500 µL/animal/day for 7 days starting at day 14 to day 21); and E + S (Ent A/P between 0–14 days and SE P3/Tr2a strain between 14–21 days) groups, and the control group (C). The additives were administered in drinking water. Administration of Ent A/P lead to an increase in weight gain, reduction of feed conversion; phagocytic activity was stimulated and gut microbiota were optimized due to reduction of coliforms, total bacterial count, and methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Good health and increased weight gain also showed that methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis SE P3/Tr2a strain did not have any pathogenic effect on rabbits’ health status.
Comment on Yeste et al. Polyphenols and IUGR Pregnancies: Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Hydroxytyrosol Affect the Development and Neurotransmitter Profile of the Hippocampus in a Pig Model. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 1505
Authors: Garrabou Glòria , Hernández Ana Sandra , Guitart-Mampel Mariona , Escalada-Casellas Elena , Malats-Revelles Gemma , Castro-Barquero Sara , Ruiz-León Ana María , Vellvé Kilian , Casas Rosa , Cardellach Francesc , Crispi Fàtima , García-García Francesc Josep
Published: April 2022

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects 5–10% of newborns and increases the risks of intrauterine demise, neonatal morbidity, and death. In their recent publication, Yeste et al. found the benefits of hydroxytyrosol supplementation on brain remodeling from an IUGR pig model. Additionally, we found a significant decrease in phenolic alcohol (tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol) intake in IUGR pregnant women. Altogether, these findings support the notion that dietetic interventions, through supplementation but mostly via a balanced diet, can ameliorate IUGR complications. Furthermore, diet intervention combined with early biomarkers may allow clinicians to eventually anticipate IUGR diagnosis and help avoid one of the most frequent causes of newborn mortality and morbidity.
Oxidative Status in Adult Anorexia Nervosa Patients and Healthy Controls—Results from a Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Authors: Wagner-Skacel Jolana , Haidacher Fiona , Wiener Markus , Pahsini Karoline , Marinschek Sabine , Lahousen Theresa , Wonisch Willibald , Bengesser Susanne , Butler Mary I. , Lackner Sonja , Meinitzer Andreas , Enko Dietmar , Mörkl Sabrina
Published: April 2022

Oxidative stress describes an imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidative defence systems. Recently, the consequences of oxidative stress have become a central field of research and have been linked to the genesis of multiple psychiatric diseases. Some oxidative stress parameters have not been investigated before in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients, including the gut microbiota-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and polyphenols (PPm). In this cross-sectional pilot study, we evaluated these markers together with total peroxides (TOC), antioxidative capacity (TAC), endogenous peroxidase activity (EPA) and antibodies against oxidized LDL (oLAb) in serum samples of 20 patients with AN compared to 20 healthy controls. The antioxidative capacity was significantly decreased in AN patients, with a mean TAC of 1.57 mmol/L (SD: ±0.62); t (34) = −2.181, p = 0.036) compared to HC (mean = 1.91 mmol/L (SD: ±0.56), while the other investigated parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. In AN patients, TAC correlated with EPA (rsp = −0.630, p = 0.009). This study suggests that there is an antioxidative deficiency in AN patients. In this respect, there is a demand for interventional studies to determine whether antioxidants can be used as add-on therapy in the treatment of AN.
Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion with β-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) Improves Ischemic Lung Function
Authors: Ehrsam Jonas Peter , Chen Jin , Rodriguez Cetina Biefer Hector , Opitz Isabelle , Arni Stephan , Inci Ilhan
Published: April 2022

Ischemia-reperfusion injury compromises short- and long-term outcomes after lung transplantation. The scarce existing data on NAD+ suggest effects on hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction, on reactive oxygen species and on tampering inflammation. We exposed rat lungs to 14 h of cold ischemic storage and perfused them in a rat ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) system for 4 h. A control group (n = 6) was compared to groups receiving 100 µM (n = 6) or 200 µM NAD+ (n = 6) in the preservation solution and groups receiving 200 µM (n = 4) or 2000 µM (n = 6) NAD+ every 30 min in the perfusate, starting at 1 h of EVLP. Compared to the control, significant effects were only achieved in the 2000 µM NAD+ group. During the 4 h of EVLP, we monitored higher vascular flow, lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure and increased oxygenation capacity. Tissue inflammation estimated with the myeloperoxidase assay was lower in the 2000 µM NAD+ group. We observed higher levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10, higher anti-inflammatory IL-6/IL-10 ratios and lower levels of pro-inflammatory IL-12 and IL-18 as well as a trend of more anti-inflammatory IFNy in the 2000 µM NAD+ perfusate. In the bronchoalveolar lavage, the pro-inflammatory levels of IL-1α and IL-1β were lower in the 2000 µM NAD+ group. NAD+ administered during EVLP is a promising agent with both anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to improve ischemic lung function.
Urinary Oxidative Damage Markers and Their Association with Obesity-Related Metabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Gariballa Salah , Nemmar Abderrahim , Elzaki Ozaz , Zaaba Nur Elena , Yasin Javed
Published: April 2022

Oxidative damage and inflammation are possible mechanisms linking obesity to diabetes and related complications. This study investigates the levels of oxidative damage markers in the urine of community free-living subjects with increased prevalence of obesity. Methods: Participants were assessed regarding clinical, anthropometric, and physical activity data at baseline and at 6 months. Blood and urine samples were taken for the measurements of oxidative markers in urine ((glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), pteridine, 8-isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG)), metabolic and inflammatory markers, and related biochemical variables in the blood. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used to assess the association between oxidative markers and other clinical prognostic indicators. Results: Overall, 168 participants with a complete 6-month follow-up with a mean (±SD) age of 41 ± 12 (119 (71%) females) were included in the study. In multiple regression analysis, log-transformed urinary pteridine levels were significantly correlated with log-transformed urinary GSH, 8-isoprostane, and TBARS after adjusting for urinary creatinine at both baseline and follow-up. Significant correlations were also found between oxidative damage markers and cardiovascular disease risk factors, including systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, plasma glucose, us-C-reactive proteins, total cholesterol, and HDL. Higher TBARS levels were found in males and diabetic subjects, with lower GSH in diabetic hypertensive and obese subjects, but the latter result did not reach statistical significance. We found nonsignificantly higher TBARS, 8-isoprostane, and pteridine levels in smokers compared to those in nonsmokers. All measured urinary oxidative damage markers levels were higher in obese subjects compared with normal-weight subjects, but results did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: we found significant associations between urinary oxidative damage and metabolic risk factors, and higher levels of urinary oxidative damage markers in diabetic, hypertensive, smoker, and male subjects.
NiONP-Induced Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Impairment in an In Vitro Pulmonary Vascular Cell Model Mimicking Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Germande Ophélie , Ducret Thomas , Quignard Jean-Francois , Deweirdt Juliette , Freund-Michel Véronique , Errera Marie-Hélène , Cardouat Guillaume , Vacher Pierre , Muller Bernard , Berger Patrick , Guibert Christelle , Baudrimont Magalie , Baudrimont Isabelle
Published: April 2022

The development and use of nanomaterials, especially of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs), is expected to provide many benefits but also has raised concerns about the potential human health risks. Inhaled NPs are known to exert deleterious cardiovascular side effects, including pulmonary hypertension. Consequently, patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) could be at increased risk for morbidity. The objective of this study was to compare the toxic effects of NiONPs on human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) under physiological and pathological conditions. The study was conducted with an in vitro model mimicking the endothelial dysfunction observed in PH. HPAEC were cultured under physiological (static and normoxic) or pathological (20% cycle stretch and hypoxia) conditions and exposed to NiONPs (0.5–5 μg/cm2) for 4 or 24 h. The following endpoints were studied: (i) ROS production using CM-H2DCF-DA and MitoSOX probes, (ii) nitrite production by the Griess reaction, (iii) IL-6 secretion by ELISA, (iv) calcium signaling with a Fluo-4 AM probe, and (v) mitochondrial dysfunction with TMRM and MitoTracker probes. Our results evidenced that under pathological conditions, ROS and nitrite production, IL-6 secretions, calcium signaling, and mitochondria alterations increased compared to physiological conditions. Human exposure to NiONPs may be associated with adverse effects in vulnerable populations with cardiovascular risks.
Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of Carnosine: Therapeutic Implications in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Solana-Manrique Cristina , Sanz Francisco José , Martínez-Carrión Guillermo , Paricio Nuria
Published: April 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) constitute a global challenge to human health and an important social and economic burden worldwide, mainly due to their growing prevalence in an aging population and to their associated disabilities. Despite their differences at the clinical level, NDs share fundamental pathological mechanisms such as abnormal protein deposition, intracellular Ca2+ overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, redox homeostasis imbalance and neuroinflammation. Although important progress is being made in deciphering the mechanisms underlying NDs, the availability of effective therapies is still scarce. Carnosine is a natural endogenous molecule that has been extensively studied during the last years due to its promising beneficial effects for human health. It presents multimodal mechanisms of action, being able to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aggregate activities, among others. Interestingly, most NDs exhibit oxidative and nitrosative stress, protein aggregation and inflammation as molecular hallmarks. In this review, we discuss the neuroprotective functions of carnosine and its implications as a therapeutic strategy in different NDs. We summarize the existing works that study alterations in carnosine metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, the two most common NDs. In addition, we review the beneficial effect that carnosine supplementation presents in models of such diseases as well as in aging-related neurodegeneration.
Improvement in Violacein Production by Utilizing Formic Acid to Induce Quorum Sensing in Chromobacterium violaceum
Authors: Cheng Kuan-Chen , Hsiao Hsiang-Chun , Hou Yu-Chen , Hsieh Chang-Wei , Hsu Hsien-Yi , Chen Hung-Yueh , Lin Shin-Ping
Published: April 2022

Violacein has attracted increasing attention due to its various biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidative, and antitumor effects. To improve violacein production, formic acid (FA) was added to a culture medium, which resulted in a 20% increase (1.02 g/L) compared to the no-FA-addition group (0.85 g/L). The use of a stirred-tank bioreactor system also improved violacein production (by 0.56 g/L). A quorum-sensing (QS)-related gene (cviI) was induced by FA treatment, which revealed that the mechanism induced by FA utilized regulation of the cviI gene to induce the vio gene cluster for violacein production. To analyze the antioxidative properties of the violacein produced, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging tests were conducted, and results reveal that the values of the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of DPPH and ABTS were 0.286 and 0.182 g/L, respectively. Violacein also showed strong inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis). In summary, this study found that the addition of formic acid can promote QS of Chromobacterium violaceum, thereby promoting the synthesis of violacein. Subsequently, the promoting effect was also evaluated in a bioreactor system. These findings will be helpful in establishing an economically beneficial production model for violacein in future work.
Antiaging Effect of 4-N-Furfurylcytosine in Yeast Model Manifests through Enhancement of Mitochondrial Activity and ROS Reduction
Authors: Pawelczak Paweł , Fedoruk-Wyszomirska Agnieszka , Wyszko Eliza
Published: April 2022

Small compounds are a large group of chemicals characterized by various biological properties. Some of them also have antiaging potential, which is mainly attributed to their antioxidant activity. In this study, we examined the antiaging effect of 4-N-Furfurylcytosine (FC), a cytosine derivative belonging to a group of small compounds, on budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We chose this yeast model as it is known to contain multiple conserved genes and mechanisms identical to that of humans and has been proven to be successful in aging research. The chronological lifespan assay performed in the study revealed that FC improved the viability of yeast cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, enhanced mitochondrial activity, together with reduced intracellular ROS level, was observed in FC-treated yeast cells. The gene expression analysis confirmed that FC treatment resulted in the restriction of the TORC1 signaling pathway. These results indicate that FC has antiaging properties.
Impact of Plasma Combustion Technology on Micro Gas Turbines Using Biodiesel Fuels
Authors: Alrashidi Ahmed M. R. N. , Adam Nor Mariah , Bin Mohd Ariffin Mohd Khairol Anuar , Fnyees Alajmi , Alajmi Amer , Naser Alrashidi , Abdul Aziz Hairuddin
Published: April 2022

The adoption of biorenewable alternative fuel resources from biofuels (ethanol or biodiesel) has produced promising solutions to reduce some toxic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from gas turbine engines (GTEs). Despite the reduced hydrocarbon associated with adopting alternative bio-renewable fuel resources, GTE operations still emit toxic gases due to inefficient engine performance. In this study, we assess the impact of the integration of plasma combustion technology on a micro-GTE using biodiesel fuel from animal fat with the aim of addressing performance, fuel consumption, and GHG emission reduction limitations. Laboratory design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and results evaluation were conducted at Kuwait’s Public Authority for Applied Education and Training. The result indicates the lowest toxic emissions of sulfur, nitrogen oxide (NO), NO2, and CO were from the biodiesel blended fuels. The improved thermal efficiency of GTE biodiesel due to the volume of hydrogen plasma injected improves the engine’s overall combustion efficiency. Hence, this increases the compressor inlet and outlet firing temperature by 13.3 °C and 6.1 °C, respectively. The Plasma technology produced a thrust increment of 0.2 kgf for the highest loading condition, which significantly impacted horsepower and GTE engine efficiency and reduced the cost of fuel consumption.
Real-Time Power Management Including an Optimization Problem for PV-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Authors: Cheikh-Mohamad Saleh , Sechilariu Manuela , Locment Fabrice
Published: April 2022

Electric vehicles (EVs) are expanding quickly and widely, and, therefore, EVs can participate in reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions. The intelligent infrastructure for recharging EVs, which is microgrid-based, includes photovoltaic (PV) sources, stationary storage, and a grid connection as power sources. In this article, the energy cost optimization problem is studied, taking into account the intermittent arrival and departure of EVs. A mixed-integer linear programming is formulated as an optimization problem in a real-time operation to minimize the total energy cost, taking into consideration the physical limitations of the system. The interaction with the human-machine interface provides EV data in real-time operation, and the prediction only communicates the PV prediction profile provided by the national meteorological institute in France. The optimization is executed at each EV arrival, with the actualized data in the DC microgrid. Simulation and real-time experimental results of different meteorological conditions show that the EV user demands are satisfied, proving the feasibility of the proposed optimization problem for real-time power management.
DRAM Retention Behavior with Accelerated Aging in Commercial Chips
Authors: Bepary Md Kawser , Talukder Bashir Mohammad Sabquat Bahar , Rahman Md Tauhidur
Published: April 2022

The cells in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) degrade over time as a result of aging, leading to poor performance and potential security vulnerabilities. With a globalized horizontal supply chain, aged counterfeit DRAMs could end up on the market, posing a significant threat if employed in critical infrastructure. In this work, we look at the retention behavior of commercial DRAM chips from real-time silicon measurements and investigate how the reliability of DRAM cells degrade with accelerated aging. We analyze the retention-based errors at three different aging points to observe the design-induced variations, analyze the pattern dependency, and explore the impacts of accelerated aging for multiple DRAM vendors. We also investigate the DRAM chips’ statistical distribution to attribute the vital wear-out effects present in DRAM. We see a continuous increase in retention error as DRAM chips age and therefore infer that the aged retention signatures can be used to differentiate recycled DRAM chips in the supply chain. We also discuss the roles of device signature in DRAM aging and aging-related security implication on DRAM row-hammer error.
Optical Behavior and Surface Analysis of Dental Resin Matrix Ceramics Related to Thermocycling and Finishing
Authors: Porojan Liliana , Toma Flavia Roxana , Uțu Ion-Dragoș , Vasiliu Roxana Diana
Published: April 2022

Color preservation of esthetic dental restorative materials in the oral environment represents, besides longevity, a concern, and there is still limited knowledge related to the effect of aging on the optical behavior of resin matrix ceramics. The study analyzed the finishing and thermocycling of resin matrix ceramic material surfaces, in order to assess their consequences on optical properties. Five resin matrix CAD/CAM ceramics, namely a polymer-infiltrated ceramic and four types of nanoparticle-filled resins, were selected for the study, and finished by polishing and glazing. Thermocycling was chosen as the in vitro aging method. Surface microroughness, optical and hardness evaluations were achieved before and after artificial aging. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics software at a significance value of p < 0.05. Micro-roughness values increased after thermocycling, but were kept under the clinically accepted values. The optical characteristics of resin matrix ceramics were not significantly modified by thermocycling. Values of the glazed samples became closer to those of the polished ones, after hydrothermal aging, even if the differences were insignificant. Thermocycling significantly decreased the microhardness, mainly for glazed samples. This could be the consequence of glaze removal during thermocycling, which means that glazes provide a surface protection for a limited time.