bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advancements in Nanobiosensors: Current Trends, Challenges, Applications, and Future Scope
Authors: Kulkarni Madhusudan B. , Ayachit Narasimha H. , Aminabhavi Tejraj M.
Published: October 2022

In recent years, there has been immense advancement in the development of nanobiosensors as these are a fundamental need of the hour that act as a potential candidate integrated with point-of-care-testing for several applications, such as healthcare, the environment, energy harvesting, electronics, and the food industry. Nanomaterials have an important part in efficiently sensing bioreceptors such as cells, enzymes, and antibodies to develop biosensors with high selectivity, peculiarity, and sensibility. It is virtually impossible in science and technology to perform any application without nanomaterials. Nanomaterials are distinguished from fine particles used for numerous applications as a result of being unique in properties such as electrical, thermal, chemical, optical, mechanical, and physical. The combination of nanostructured materials and biosensors is generally known as nanobiosensor technology. These miniaturized nanobiosensors are revolutionizing the healthcare domain for sensing, monitoring, and diagnosing pathogens, viruses, and bacteria. However, the conventional approach is time-consuming, expensive, laborious, and requires sophisticated instruments with skilled operators. Further, automating and integrating is quite a challenging process. Thus, there is a considerable demand for the development of nanobiosensors that can be used along with the POCT module for testing real samples. Additionally, with the advent of nano/biotechnology and the impact on designing portable ultrasensitive devices, it can be stated that it is probably one of the most capable ways of overcoming the aforementioned problems concerning the cumulative requirement for the development of a rapid, economical, and highly sensible device for analyzing applications within biomedical diagnostics, energy harvesting, the environment, food and water, agriculture, and the pharmaceutical industry.
A Paper-Based Analytical Device Integrated with Smartphone: Fluorescent and Colorimetric Dual-Mode Detection of β-Glucosidase Activity
Authors: Zhang Wei-Yi , Tian Tao , Peng Li-Jing , Zhou Hang-Yu , Zhang Hao , Chen Hua , Yang Feng-Qing
Published: October 2022

In this work, indoxyl-glucoside was used as the substrate to develop a cost-effective, paper-based analytical device for the fluorescent and colorimetric dual-mode detection of β-glucosidase activity through a smartphone. The β-glucosidase can hydrolyze the colorless substrate indoxyl-glucoside to release indoxyl, which will be self-oxidized to generate green products in the presence of oxygen. Meanwhile, the green products emit bright blue-green fluorescence under ultraviolet–visible light irradiation at 365 nm. Fluorescent or colorimetric images were obtained by a smartphone, and the red-green-blue channels were analyzed by the Adobe Photoshop to quantify the β-glucosidase activity. Under the optimum conditions, the relative fluorescent and colorimetric signals have a good linear relationship with the activity of β-glucosidase, in the range of 0.01–1.00 U/mL and 0.25–5.00 U/mL, and the limits of detection are 0.005 U/mL and 0.0668 U/mL, respectively. The activities of β-glucosidase in a crude almond sample measured by the fluorescent and colorimetric methods were 23.62 ± 0.53 U/mL and 23.86 ± 0.25 U/mL, respectively. In addition, the spiked recoveries of normal human serum and crude almond samples were between 87.5% and 118.0%. In short, the paper-based device, combined with a smartphone, can provide a simple, environmentally friendly, and low-cost method for the fluorescent and colorimetric dual-mode detection of β-glucosidase activity.
Emerging Biosensing Technologies towards Early Sepsis Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Bonini Andrea , Carota Angela Gilda , Poma Noemi , Vivaldi Federico Maria , Biagini Denise , Bottai Daria , Lenzi Alessio , Tavanti Arianna , Di Francesco Fabio , Lomonaco Tommaso
Published: October 2022

Sepsis is defined as a systemic inflammatory dysfunction strictly associated with infectious diseases, which represents an important health issue whose incidence is continuously increasing worldwide. Nowadays, sepsis is considered as one of the main causes of death that mainly affects critically ill patients in clinical settings, with a higher prevalence in low-income countries. Currently, sepsis management still represents an important challenge, since the use of traditional techniques for the diagnosis does not provide a rapid response, which is crucial for an effective infection management. Biosensing systems represent a valid alternative due to their characteristics such as low cost, portability, low response time, ease of use and suitability for point of care/need applications. This review provides an overview of the infectious agents associated with the development of sepsis and the host biomarkers suitable for diagnosis and prognosis. Special focus is given to the new emerging biosensing technologies using electrochemical and optical transduction techniques for sepsis diagnosis and management.
Effect of Blood Transfusion on Cerebral Hemodynamics and Vascular Topology Described by Computational Fluid Dynamics in Sickle Cell Disease Patients
Authors: Sawyer Russell P. , Pun Sirjana , Karkoska Kristine A. , Clendinen Cherita A. , DeBaun Michael R. , Gutmark Ephraim , Barrile Riccardo , Hyacinth Hyacinth I.
Published: October 2022

The main objective of this study was to demonstrate that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling can be used to study the contribution of covert and overt vascular architecture to the risk for cerebrovascular disease in sickle cell disease (SCD) and to determine the mechanisms of response to therapy such as chronic red blood cell (cRBC) transfusions. We analyzed baseline (screening), pre-randomization and study exit magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) images from 10 (5 each from the transfusion and observation arms) pediatric sickle SCD participants in the silent cerebral infarct transfusion (SIT) trial using CFD modeling. We reconstructed the intracranial portion of the internal carotid artery and branches and extracted the geometry using 3D Slicer. We cut specific portions of the large intracranial artery to include segments of the internal carotid, middle, anterior, and posterior cerebral arteries such that the vessel segment analyzed extended from the intracranial beginning of the internal carotid artery up to immediately after (~0.25 inches) the middle cerebral artery branching point. Cut models were imported into Ansys 2021R2/2022R1 and laminar and time-dependent flow simulation was performed. Change in time averaged mean velocity, wall shear stress, and vessel tortuosity were compared between the observation and cRBC arms. We did not observe a correlation between time averaged mean velocity (TAMV) and mean transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocity at study entry. There was also no difference in change in time average mean velocity, wall shear stress (WSS), and vessel tortuosity between the observation and cRBC transfusion arms. WSS and TAMV were abnormal for 2 (developed TIA) out of the 3 participants (one participant had silent cerebral infarctions) that developed neurovascular outcomes. CFD approaches allow for the evaluation of vascular topology and hemodynamics in SCD using MRA images. In this proof of principle study, we show that CFD could be a useful tool and we intend to carry out future studies with a larger sample to enable more robust conclusions.
Prospective Evaluation of 3 T MRI Effect on Residual Hearing Function of Cochlea Implantees
Authors: Eichler Theda , Ibrahim Ahmed , Riemann Conrad , Scholtz Lars Uwe , Gehl Hans Björn , Goon Peter , Sudhoff Holger , Todt Ingo
Published: October 2022

Introduction: The approval process for MRI safety of implants includes physical observations and an experimental evaluation in artificial settings to simulate the in vivo effect. This contains the observation of temperature changes and artificial current generation by the magnetic field. From these findings, the safety of an implant and its effect on the patient can be estimated. MRI safety is based on an in vivo evaluation of adverse events after the approval process, but an actual analysis of the effect on different tissues is not followed. The effect of MRI scanning in cochlea implantees on their residual hearing as the correlate of the hair cell function is so far unknown, therefore the aim of the present study was to observe the effect of 3 T MRI on the residual hearing of cochlea implantees. Material and Methods: In this prospective study, we performed a 3 T MRI T2 2D MS Drive sequence in eight cochlea-implanted ears. Before and after the MRI scan, a bone conduction pure tone audiogram (BC PTA) was performed. All cochlea implantees had a pre-scanning threshold of low frequency residual hearing between 20 dB and 65 dB. Results: Low frequency mean residual hearing was not affected by the 3 T T2 2D MS Drive sequence. We observed a pre-scanning threshold at 250 Hz of 42.9 (SD 3.9) dB and for 500 Hz 57.1 (SD 6.4) dB. Post-scanning BC PTA was for 250 Hz 42.1 (SD 3.9) dB and for 500 Hz 57.1 (SD 5.7) dB. Conclusion: 3 T MRI scanning has no significant functional effect on the hair cells in cochlea implantees in low frequencies with a T2 2D MS Drive sequence.
Adapted Behavioural Activation for Bipolar Depression: A Randomised Multiple Baseline Case Series
Authors: Wright Kim , Mostazir Mohammod , Bailey Ella , Dunn Barnaby D. , O’Mahen Heather , Sibsey Michaela , Thomas Zoe
Published: October 2022

Behavioural Activation (BA) is associated with a substantial evidence base for treatment of acute unipolar depression, and has promise as an easily disseminable psychological intervention for bipolar depression. Using a randomised multiple baseline case series design we examined the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted version of BA in a U.K. outpatient sample of 12 adults with acute bipolar depression. Participants were allocated at random to a 3–8 week wait period before being offered up to 20 sessions of BA. They completed outcome measures at intake, pre- and post-treatment and weekly symptom measures across the study period. Retention in therapy was high (11/12 participants completed the target minimum number of sessions), and all participants returning acceptability measures reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. No therapy-related serious adverse events were reported, nor were there exacerbations in manic symptoms that were judged to be a result of the intervention. The pattern of change on outcome measures is consistent with the potential for clinical benefit; six of the nine participants with a stable baseline showed clinically significant improvement on the primary outcome measure. The findings suggest adapted BA for bipolar depression is a feasible and acceptable approach that merits further investigation.
Towards Sustainable Development through the Perspective of Construction 4.0: Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Wang Kaiyang , Guo Fangyu
Published: October 2022

The construction industry utilizes a substantial number of resources, which has negative impacts on both environmental and socioeconomic aspects. Therefore, it is important to reduce these negative impacts and maintain sustainable development (SD). Recent studies suggest that integrating Industry 4.0 (also called Construction 4.0 (C4.0) in the construction industry) and SD may help address these concerns, which is a new and ever-evolving field. In order to fully understand SD in the C4.0 context, this paper offers a verifiable and reproducible systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of associated topics. Through a review of 229 works, this article presents the publication trend, the most prolific journals, countries, institutions, researchers, and keywords analysis, as well as the content analysis of C4.0 impacts on SD based on triple-bottom-line (TBL) dimensions. The authors also identify and summarize the critical success factors (CSFs) of C4.0 toward SD. Overall, findings reveal the potential benefits of C4.0 on SD and contribute to the evaluation of sustainable C4.0 innovations. The key topics and CSFs identified in this work could potentially serve as the basis for future investigations, encouraging and directing interested researchers, and thus supporting both theoretical and practical progress in this evolving research area.
Simplified Weather-Related Building Energy Disaggregation and Change-Point Regression: Heating and Cooling Energy Use Perspective
Authors: Kim Deuk-Woo , Ahn Ki-Uhn , Shin Hyery , Lee Seung-Eon
Published: October 2022

End-use consumption provides more detailed information than total consumption and reveals the mechanism of energy flow through a given building. Specifically, for weather-sensitive energy end-uses, it enables the prioritization and selection of heating and cooling areas requiring investigation and actions. One of the major barriers to acquiring such heating and cooling information for small- and medium-sized buildings or low-income households is the high cost related to submetering and maintenance. The end-use data, especially for heating and cooling end-uses, of such-sized buildings are a national blind spot. In this study, to alleviate this measurement cost problem, two weather-sensitive energy disaggregation methods were examined: the simplified weather-related energy disaggregation (SED) and change-point regression (CPR) methods. The first is a nonparametric approach based on heuristics, whereas the second is a parametric approach. A comparative analysis (one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and individual comparison) was performed to explore the disaggregation results regarding heating and cooling energy perspectives using a measurement dataset (MEA) from eleven office buildings. The ANOVA results revealed that there was no significant difference between the three groups (SED, CPR, and MEA); rather strong correlation was observed (r > 0.95). Furthermore, an analysis of the building-level comparison showed that the more distinct the seasonal usage in the monthly consumption pattern, the lower the estimation error. Thus, the two approaches appropriately estimated the amount of heating and cooling used compared with the measurement dataset and demonstrated the possibility of mutual complements.
Effects of the Built Environment on Travel-Related CO2 Emissions Considering Travel Purpose: A Case Study of Resettlement Neighborhoods in Nanjing
Authors: Zhang Yiwen , Zhou Wenzhu , Ding Jiayi
Published: October 2022

With rapid urbanization, an increasing number of resettlement housing neighborhoods have been developed in suburbs in China. Such neighborhoods often face problems of spatial mismatch (jobs–housing and daily life), excessive street scale, and inconvenient transportation, which directly and indirectly lead to long travel distances and higher travel carbon emissions for residents. Understanding how to improve the built environment of resettlement housing and thus influence travel CO2 emissions is essential to guide low-carbon travel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Based on an electronic questionnaire and travel carbon emission measurements collected in 12 resettlement housing neighborhoods in Nanjing in 2022, this study used a three-group structure equation model (SEM) to measure the impact of resettlement housing’s built environment on travel CO2 emissions from commutes, housework trips, and recreational trips. It was found that the improvement of destination accessibility can significantly reduce the carbon emissions of residents’ trips. Second, the built environment of resettlement housing can affect travel carbon emissions through mediator variables and direct effects. In addition, these effects show different paths and sizes depending on the purpose of the travel trip. These results are significant for the planning and construction of resettlement houses and offer guidance for low-carbon travel.
Investigation of the Earthquake Performance Adequacy of Low-Rise RC Structures Designed According to the Simplified Design Rules in TBEC-2019
Authors: Yel Nur Seda , Arslan Musa Hakan , Aksoylu Ceyhun , Erkan İbrahim Hakkı , Arslan Hatice Derya , Işık Ercan
Published: October 2022

In this study, earthquake performance of the structures was tested which were modeled according to the minimum criteria of simplified analysis approach proposed in TBEC-2019. For this purpose, 144 reinforced-concrete building models were designed according to parameters such as earthquake design class, building height (number of storey), number of spans, soil type and three different simplified formulas suggested in the code. The level of structural performance of buildings models was determined by the linear (L) and nonlinear performance analysis (NL) methods that given in TBEC-2019. The base shear force, top displacements and over-strength factor (Ω) of each structural model were obtained, and performance analysis was performed by comparatively. As a result of the structural analyses, it was seen that some of the buildings model designed according to minimum column sectional criteria given in simplified methods could not meet the suggested seismic performance level. While the number of structural models that provide the controlled damage (CD) level in the L analysis method is 44 (30.55%), it is 107 (74.3%) in the NL analysis method. The insufficient performance was obtained in both L and NL methods in models which have over-strength values below 3. It has been observed that multi-criteria of building performance are not met with the weakening of local soil conditions. It was also seen that the L method chosen in the performance analysis gave more conservative results with this study.
Comparing BIM-Based XR and Traditional Design Process from Three Perspectives: Aesthetics, Gaze Tracking, and Perceived Usefulness
Authors: Chi Hao-Yun , Juan Yi-Kai , Lu Shiliang
Published: October 2022

With technological development and industrial transformation, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, comprising architecture, engineering, and construction, has shifted from a traditional drawing-based design mode to a digital and computer-based mode. In recent years, the application of extended reality (XR) technology, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technology, emphasizes the immersive and interactive experiences between reality and virtuality, bringing breakthrough developments to architectural projects. This study proposes a new design process mode—the BIM-based XR system—and compares it with the traditional design process mode through an actual stadium design project. Three evaluation perspectives including aesthetics, gaze tracking, and perceived usefulness assessment are used to compare the differences between the two modes. The result showed that the use of the BIM-based XR system could bring users more immersive experience and aesthetic assessment preference, and perceived usefulness in design decision-making, communication, and spatial cognition. The gaze tracking result also revealed that the BIM-based XR system can implement the design process more efficient. It is expected that XR and BIM technologies can be effectively integrated to enhance the integrity of industrial applications and establish a new design collaboration mode for the AEC industry.
Upregulation of Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDHA) Contributes to Enhanced Bioenergetics of Ovarian Cancer Cells and Higher Sensitivity to Anti-Metabolic Agent Shikonin
Authors: Wang Lin , Cybula Magdalena , Rostworowska Maria , Wang Luyao , Mucha Patryk , Bulicz Magdalena , Bieniasz Magdalena
Published: October 2022

We discovered that the overexpression of mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA) is particularly prevalent in ovarian carcinoma and promotes highly metabolically active phenotype. Succinate dehydrogenase deficiency has been previously studied in some rare disorders. However, the role of SDHA upregulation and its impact on ovarian cancer metabolism has never been investigated, emphasizing the need for further research. We investigated the functional consequences of SDHA overexpression in ovarian cancer. Using proteomics approaches and biological assays, we interrogated protein content of metabolic pathways, cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, mitochondrial respiration, glycolytic function, and ATP production rates in those cells. Lastly, we performed a drug screening to identify agents specifically targeting the SDHA overexpressing tumor cells. We showed that SDHA overexpressing cells are characterized by enhanced energy metabolism, relying on both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to meet their energy needs. In addition, SDHA-high phenotype was associated with cell vulnerability to glucose and glutamine deprivation, which led to a substantial reduction of ATP yield. We also identified an anti-metabolic compound shikonin with a potent efficacy against SDHA overexpressing ovarian cancer cells. Our data underline the unappreciated role of SDHA in reprogramming of ovarian cancer metabolism, which represents a new opportunity for therapeutic intervention.
Surgery, Liver Directed Therapy and Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases
Authors: Ngongoni Rejoice , Visser Brendan
Published: October 2022

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are described by the World Health Organization (WHO) classification by grade (1–3) and degree of differentiation. Grade 1 and 2; well differentiated PNETs are often characterized as relatively “indolent” tumors for which locoregional therapies have been shown to be effective for palliation of symptom control and prolongation of survival even in the setting of advanced disease. The treatment of liver metastases includes surgical and non-surgical modalities with varying degrees of invasiveness; efficacy; and risk. Most of these modalities have not been prospectively compared. This paper reviews literature that has been published on treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine liver metastases using surgery; liver directed embolization and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). Surgery is associated with the longest survival in patients with resectable disease burden. Liver-directed (hepatic artery) therapies can sometimes convert patients with borderline disease into candidates for surgery. Among the three embolization modalities; the preponderance of data suggests chemoembolization offers superior radiographic response compared to bland embolization and radioembolization; but all have similar survival. PRRT was initially approved as salvage therapy in patients with advanced disease that was not amenable to resection or embolization; though the role of PRRT is evolving rapidly
Visible Light Active Magnesium Silicate–Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanocomposites for Methylene Blue Degradation and Pb2+ Adsorption
Authors: Alnassar Muhmmed Ali , Alshehri Abdulmohsen , Narasimharao Katabathini
Published: October 2022

Magnesium silicate nanosheets (MgSiNS) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanocomposites were produced by varying different weight percentages of g-C3N4. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized by various techniques such as X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy (DR UV–vis), N2-physisorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activities of the nanocomposites were measured using visible light irradiation to degrade methylene blue (MB) and Pb2+ adsorption in aqueous solution. The ideal physicochemical properties such as porosity, band gap energy, and functional groups in the MgSiNS-GN20 composite (80% MgSiNS and 20 wt % of g-C3N4) offered high Pb2+ adsorption (0.005 mol/g) and excellent MB degradation efficiency (approximately 93%) at pH 7 within 200 min compared to other composites. In addition, the influences of different reaction parameters such as the effect of pH, the load catalyst, and the concentration of MB and Pb+2 ions were examined. The obtained results indicate that inexpensive and eco-friendly MgSiNS and g-C3N4 composites could be recycled several times, hence representing a promising material to purify water from both organic and inorganic contaminants.
The Extracellular Molecular Chaperone Clusterin Inhibits Amyloid Fibril Formation and Suppresses Cytotoxicity Associated with Semen-Derived Enhancer of Virus Infection (SEVI)
Authors: Elias Abigail K. , Wilson Mark R. , Carver John A. , Musgrave Ian F.
Published: October 2022

Clusterin is a glycoprotein present at high concentrations in many extracellular fluids, including semen. Its increased expression accompanies disorders associated with extracellular amyloid fibril accumulation such as Alzheimer’s disease. Clusterin is an extracellular molecular chaperone which prevents the misfolding and amorphous and amyloid fibrillar aggregation of a wide variety of unfolding proteins. In semen, amyloid fibrils formed from a 39-amino acid fragment of prostatic acid phosphatase, termed Semen-derived Enhancer of Virus Infection (SEVI), potentiate HIV infectivity. In this study, clusterin potently inhibited the in vitro formation of SEVI fibrils, along with dissociating them. Furthermore, clusterin reduced the toxicity of SEVI to pheochromocytoma-12 cells. In semen, clusterin may play an important role in preventing SEVI amyloid fibril formation, in dissociating SEVI fibrils and in mitigating their enhancement of HIV infection.
Neutral CB1 Receptor Antagonists as Pharmacotherapies for Substance Use Disorders: Rationale, Evidence, and Challenge
Authors: Soler-Cedeno Omar , Xi Zheng-Xiong
Published: October 2022

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) has been one of the major targets in medication development for treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Early studies indicated that rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist with an inverse agonist profile, was highly promising as a therapeutic for SUDs. However, its adverse side effects, such as depression and suicidality, led to its withdrawal from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Consequently, much research interest shifted to developing neutral CB1R antagonists based on the recognition that rimonabant’s side effects may be related to its inverse agonist profile. In this article, we first review rimonabant’s research background as a potential pharmacotherapy for SUDs. Then, we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying its therapeutic anti-addictive effects versus its adverse effects. Lastly, we discuss the rationale for developing neutral CB1R antagonists as potential treatments for SUDs, the supporting evidence in recent research, and the challenges of this strategy. We conclude that developing neutral CB1R antagonists without inverse agonist profile may represent attractive strategies for the treatment of SUDs.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Kajiwara Kazuhiro , Ozawa Katsusuke , Wada Seiji , Samura Osamu
Published: October 2022

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a unique disease and a serious complication occurring in 10–15% of monochorionic multiple pregnancies with various placental complications, including hypoxia, anemia, increased oxidative stress, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, seals the placental vascular anastomoses between twins and dramatically improves the survival rates in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. However, fetal demise still occurs, suggesting the presence of causes other than placental vascular anastomoses. Placental insufficiency is considered as the main cause of fetal demise in such cases; however, little is known about its underlying molecular mechanisms. Indeed, the further association of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome placenta with several molecules and pathways, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and the renin–angiotensin system, makes it difficult to understand the underlying pathological conditions. Currently, there are no effective strategies focusing on these mechanisms in clinical practice. Certain types of cell death due to oxidative stress might be occurring in the placenta, and elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying this cell death can help manage and prevent it. This review reports on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome for effective management and prevention of fetal demise after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation.
Key Genes Associated with Pyroptosis in Gout and Construction of a miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network
Authors: Bai Bing , Liu Yezhou , Abudukerimu Azierguli , Tian Tingting , Liang Meiting , Li Rui , Sun Yuping
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to analyze key hub genes related to pyroptosis in gout and construct a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network using bioinformatic tools to elucidate the pathogenesis of gout and offer novel ideas to develop targeted therapeutic strategies for gout. Methods: The GSE160170 dataset was downloaded from the GEO database. The expression data extracted from the dataset were used to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which intersected with pyroptosis-related genes. These DEGs were analyzed via Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify pyroptosis-related hub DEGs. The relationship between upstream miRNAs and the hub genes was analyzed, miRNA-mRNA networks belonging to gout disease were constructed and samples from patients with gout were used for experimental verification. The CTDbase tool was used to analyze the identified hub genes and construct a molecular docking model. Results: A total of 943 DEGs (380 upregulated and 563 downregulated) were identified by analyzing the data of patients with early-stage gout and healthy control individuals in the GSE160170 dataset. DEGs and pyroptosis-related genes were intersected to obtain 17 pyroptosis-related DEGs associated with gout; of which, 12 were upregulated, and five were downregulated. The results of GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the DEGs were enriched in inflammatory and immune signaling pathways. Additionally, the DEGs were found to regulate inflammatory responses and were associated with apoptosis. TNF, IL-1β, NLRP3, CXCL8, PTGS2, NFE2L2, CASP8, and CD274 were identified as key hub genes in the PPI network, and a miRNA-mRNA network was constructed, which had 16 edges. Experimental validation revealed that PTGS2 and NFE2L2 were significantly upregulated, and CASP8 and CD274 were significantly downregulated in gout. In addition, miR-128-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-20a-5p (associated with the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network) were significantly downregulated in gout. Five potential therapeutic drugs with stable PTGS2 binding were selected to develop a molecular docking model. Conclusion: A miRNA-mRNA potential regulatory network was constructed based on pyroptosis-related DEGs associated with gout. miR-16-5p, miR-128-3p, miR-20a-5p, and miR-155-5p can potentially influence pyroptosis and the occurrence and development of gout by affecting the expression of the PTGS2, CASP8, NFE2L2, and CD274 genes. Screening of celecoxib and resveratrol and other targeted drugs with stable binding. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of gout and may help to identify Biomarkers and develop targeted therapeutic strategies for gout.
Biomechanical Assessment of Macro-Calcification in Human Carotid Atherosclerosis and Its Impact on Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype
Authors: Seime Till , van Wanrooij Max , Karlöf Eva , Kronqvist Malin , Johansson Staffan , Matic Ljubica , Gasser T. Christian , Hedin Ulf
Published: October 2022

Intimal calcification and vascular stiffening are predominant features of end-stage atherosclerosis. However, their role in atherosclerotic plaque instability and how the extent and spatial distribution of calcification influence plaque biology remain unclear. We recently showed that extensive macro calcification can be a stabilizing feature of late-stage human lesions, associated with a reacquisition of more differentiated properties of plaque smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Here, we hypothesized that biomechanical forces related to macro-calcification within plaques influence SMC phenotype and contribute to plaque stabilization. We generated a finite element modeling (FEM) pipeline to assess plaque tissue stretch based on image analysis of preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) of carotid atherosclerotic plaques to visualize calcification and soft tissues (lipids and extracellular matrix) within the lesions. Biomechanical stretch was significantly reduced in tissues in close proximity to macro calcification, while increased levels were observed within distant soft tissues. Applying this data to an in vitro stretch model on primary vascular SMCs revealed upregulation of typical markers for differentiated SMCs and contractility under low stretch conditions but also impeded SMC alignment. In contrast, high stretch conditions in combination with calcifying conditions induced SMC apoptosis. Our findings suggest that the load bearing capacities of macro calcifications influence SMC differentiation and survival and contribute to atherosclerotic plaque stabilization.
The SOCE Machinery: An Unbalanced Knowledge between Left and Right Ventricular Pathophysiology
Authors: Sabourin Jessica , Beauvais Antoine , Luo Rui , Montani David , Benitah Jean-Pierre , Masson Bastien , Antigny Fabrice
Published: October 2022

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is the most important prognostic factor for morbidity and mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by left heart diseases. However, right ventricle (RV) remodeling is understudied and not targeted by specific therapies. This can be partly explained by the lack of basic knowledge of RV remodeling. Since the physiology and hemodynamic function of the RV differ from those of the left ventricle (LV), the mechanisms of LV dysfunction cannot be generalized to that of the RV, albeit a knowledge of these being helpful to understanding RV remodeling and dysfunction. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) has recently emerged to participate in the LV cardiomyocyte Ca2+ homeostasis and as a critical player in Ca2+ mishandling in a pathological context. In this paper, we highlight the current knowledge on the SOCE contribution to the LV and RV dysfunctions, as SOCE molecules are present in both compartments. he relative lack of studies on RV dysfunction indicates the necessity of further investigations, a significant challenge over the coming years.
Advanced Sensing of Antibiotics with Sr@Se Flower-Like Structure on Phosphorus-Doped g-C3N4 Composite: Application towards Detection of Chloramphenicol in Food Samples
Authors: Prasanna Sanjay Ballur , Kumar Gagan Kumar Sakaleshpur , Shadakshari Sandeep , Shivamurthy Santhosh Arehalli , Shanthakumar Karthik Chimatahalli , Nagaraja Bhari Mallanna , Chung Ren-Jei
Published: October 2022

In this article, we developed specific sensing of chloramphenicol (CAP) using strontium selenium nanoflower-adorned phosphorus-doped graphitic carbon nitride (Sr@Se/PGCN) nanocomposite. The synthesized Sr@Se/PGCN nanocomposite was characterized using spectrophotometric techniques. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), and Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) were used to examine the electrochemical performance of Sr@Se/PGCN nanocomposite. The Sr@Se/PGCN composite shows excellent performance with a linear range of 5–450 µM and an LOD of 2.7 nM. Furthermore, the present electrochemical CAP sensor exhibited high sensitivity, good stability, exceptional reproducibility, and an excellent recovery rate in real food samples.
Nanoantioxidants: The Fourth Generation of Antioxidants—Recent Research Roadmap and Future Perspectives
Authors: Shah Syed Tawab , Chowdhury Zaira Zaman , Simarani Khanom , Basirun Wan Jefrey , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Hussien Mohamed , Alrobei Hussein , Kamangar Sarfaraz
Published: October 2022

Antioxidants work by interacting with free radicals and converting them into harmless chemicals, interfering with the progression of potentially hazardous chain reactions. Antioxidants are useful in treating illnesses induced by free radicals because they help minimize oxidative stress. Antioxidants, whether natural or synthetic, have a limited effect on cellular health and function because of their low absorption, inability to traverse cellular membrane, and disintegration during delivery. The benefits of antioxidants, both natural and synthetic, are comparable. The use of antioxidants that are covalently attached to nanoparticles, or encased in particles with a hollow center, or feature the nanomaterial encapsulation of various origins has been employed to solve these challenges to provide improved stability, slow and slow sustained release, biocompatibility, and targeted administration. This review examines the importance of metal-based antioxidants and methods for enhancing antioxidant activities based on recent studies.
Effect of Different Contents of WC on Microstructure and Properties of NiCrMo Coatings Prepared by PTA
Authors: Yin Hang , Song Wenwen , Liu Qiang , Zhu Guochuan , Zhang Juantao , Yu Yang , Yin Chengxian
Published: October 2022

During the service process of the mechanized fishing boat, its low carbon steel hull and parts are extremely susceptible to Cl− erosion and seawater scouring, which cause a decrease in strength and lead to failure. To increase its service life and reduce maintenance costs, coating protection technology is widely used. In order to solve the problem of poor adhesion between paint coating and substrate and low strength of metal coating, NiCrMo-WC coatings with different WC contents (0 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 15 wt.%, 20 wt.%) were prepared on the surface of Q235 substrate by plasma cladding technology. The coatings were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy spectrum analysis (EDS), etc. Its phase formation rule, microstructure and element distribution were studied. Microhardness test and electrochemical corrosion test were carried out. The study found that the 20 WC coating has the highest average hardness (563.1 HV). It is about 3.25 times of the Q235 substrate. It has the lowest friction, wear rate and lower friction coefficient, showing the best wear resistance. The 15 WC coating has the lowest self-corrosion current density (3.4934 × 10−7 A/cm2) and the lowest corrosion rate (0.0041 mm/a), which is only 3.7% of the corrosion rate of Q235 steel.
Proteolysis of β-Lactoglobulin Assisted by High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment for Development of Polysaccharides-Peptides Based Coatings and Films
Authors: Fei Yang , Yang Zhennai , Niazi Sobia , Chen Gang , Nasir Muhammad Adnan , Khan Imran Mahmood , Rehman Abdur , Aadil Rana Muhammad , Trif Monica , Coşier Viorica
Published: October 2022

Peptides usually have many bioactive functions. The variety of peptide binding and the modularity of the components allow for their application to additional tissues and materials; hence broadening the range of possible coatings and films. β-lactoglobulin (b-LG) forms spherical microgels or can be used in the formation of coated particles, with the core formed by aggregated b-LG and the coat by polysaccharides. The enzymatic proteolysis of b-LG assisted by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment was studied. Pretreatment of HHP enhanced the hydrolysis degree (DH) of b-LG. The highest value of DH without pretreatment was 24.81% at 400 MPa, which increased to 27.53% at 200 MPa with pretreatment, suggesting a difference in the DH of b-LG caused by the processing strategy of HHP. Molecular simulation suggested that the flexible regions of b-LG, e.g., Leu140-Ala142 and Asp33-Arg40, might contribute to enzymatic proteolysis. The b-LG hydrolysate exhibited the highest capacity of scavenging free DPPH and OH radicals at 200 MPa. In addition, the 1–2 kDa and 500–1000 Da peptides fractions significantly increased from 10.53% and 9.78% (under 0.1 MPa) to 12.37% and 14.95% under 200 MPa, respectively. The higher yield of short peptides under HHP contributed to the antioxidant capacity of b-LG hydrolysates. Enzymatic hydrolysis also largely reduced the immunoreactivity of b-LG, which is of high importance in the practical application of b-LG in the field of coatings and films in regard to biocompatibility. Hydrolysis of b-LG assisted by high-pressure treatment showed promising potential in the preparation of bioactive peptides for further development of polysaccharide-peptide-based coatings and films.
Fusion–Extraction Technique of Vanadium(III) Using Ammonium Phosphate Salt as Flux
Authors: Chiweshe Trevor T.
Published: October 2022

This study presents an alternative fusion method for sample dissolution and extraction of vanadium from an inorganic (V2O3) compound and mineral ore sample (AMIS 0501) using phosphate salts as flux. Complete sample dissolution was achieved at 800 °C within ±20 min using both the sodium and ammonium phosphate flux. The precipitation of vanadium was subsequently achieved after the fusion of the sample using ammonium phosphate flux, and no precipitate was obtained using sodium phosphate flux. The differences in cations between the two fluxes (NH4+ and Na+) influenced the precipitation of vanadium. The XRD analysis of the precipitate from V2O3 using ammonium phosphate showed a monoclinic structure of vanadium (III) tris(metaphosphate) (V(PO3)3) compound, which belonged to the Ic space group with lattice parameters a = 10.6071, b = 19.0871 and c = 9.4230. A remarkable vanadium recovery of 98% was obtained from inorganic compounds, V2O3, and up to 70% from the AMIS mineral ore sample using the ammonium phosphate flux method. The vanadium precipitates from AMIS contained Fe (20.97%) and Ti (44.97%), which occurred as impurities in the recovery of vanadium using the ammonium phosphate flux method.
Synthesis and Upconversion Luminescence Properties of BaBiO2Cl:Yb3+,Er3+ Phosphor
Authors: Zhang Zhuanzhuan , Liang Yanjie
Published: October 2022

The interaction of near-infrared (NIR) light with matter that produces high-energy visible light emissions is known as photon upconversion, which has shown promising applications in different fields, including optoelectronics, biomedicine and photovoltaics. In this paper, a novel BaBiO2Cl:Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion phosphor was successfully synthesized through a simple high-temperature solid-state reaction route. The crystal structure, phase purity, microstructure and upconversion luminescence properties of the as-prepared phosphor were characterized comprehensively. The XRD and SEM results clearly demonstrate the successful synthesis of the target phosphors with high purity. When excited by a 980 nm NIR laser, the as-prepared BaBiO2Cl:Yb3+,Er3+ phosphor exhibited intense red upconversion luminescence due to the Er3+ 4F9/2→4I15/2 transition, which enabled this phosphor to have high promise for important applications, such as anti-counterfeiting and advanced photonics.
Robust UV Plasmonic Properties of Co-Doped Ag2Te
Authors: Su Xin , Gao Yuan , Wu Qi , Song Haizeng , Yan Shancheng , Shi Yi
Published: October 2022

Ag2Te is a novel topological insulator system and a new candidate for plasmon resonance due to the existence of a Dirac cone in the low-energy region. Although the optical response spectrum of Ag2Te has been studied by theoretical and experimental methods, the plasmon resonance and stability of Co-doped Ag2Te remain elusive. Here, we theoretically report a new unconventional UV plasmon mode and its stability in Co-doped Ag2Te. Through density functional theory (DFT), we identify a deep UV plasmon mode within 15–40 eV, which results from the enhanced inter-band transition in this range. The deep UV plasmon is important for detection and lithography, but they have previously been difficult to obtain with traditional plasmon materials such as noble metals and graphene, while most of which only support plasmons in the visible and infrared spectra. Furthermore, we should highlight that the high-energy dielectric function is almost invariant under different doping amounts, indicating that the UV plasmon of Ag2Te is robust under Co doping. Our results predict a spectrum window of a robust deep UV plasmon mode for Ag2Te-related material systems.
Flow Field and Inclusions Movement in the Cold Hearth for the Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni Alloy
Authors: Zhu Zhenze , Zhou Rongfeng , Li Xiangming , Xiong Wentao , Li Zulai
Published: October 2022

To investigate the melt flow field and inclusions movement in the cold hearth for the Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni alloy during electron-beam cold-hearth melting, a three-dimensional numerical model was established. By using solidification and discrete phase models, the information on the melt flow field and inclusions movement in the cold hearth were obtained. As the casting velocity increased, the melt flow velocity increased, the solid–liquid interface moved down. Inclusions with a density of 4.5 g/cm3 were the most difficult to remove. When the density of the inclusions was 3.5 g/cm3, the number of inclusions that escaped decreased with an increase in the inclusion diameter; these inclusions easily floated on the pool surface and remained in the cold hearth. Inclusions with a density of 5.5 g/cm3 have a similar escaping trend to the inclusions with a density of 3.5 g/cm3; as the diameter of these inclusions increased, gravity on these inclusions had a larger effect and caused them to sink more easily. Generally, for high and low density inclusions with a large diameter, the effect of density can be eliminated; the most effective method to remove inclusions in the metallurgical industry is to promote the polymerization and growth of the inclusions.
First-Principles Investigation of Structural, Thermoelectric, and Optical Properties of Half-Heusler Compound ScRhTe under Varied Pressure
Authors: Wei Junhong , Guo Yongliang , Wang Guangtao
Published: October 2022

We thoroughly investigated the electronic structure and various properties of the half-Heusler compound ScRhTe using density functional theory calculations. The electronic structure shows that ScRhTe is a narrow-band-gap semiconductor. Owing to its characteristic conduction-band structure, ScRhTe has a higher Seebeck coefficient and a higher power factor for n-type doping than for p-type doping, with the maximum value of −493 µV K−1 appearing at 900 K. The optimal carrier concentration is approximately 5 × 1019 cm−3–1 × 1020 cm−3. In addition, ZTe is estimated as 0.95 at a doping level of approximately 1019 cm−3. Under pressure, the band structure changes from a direct to an indirect band gap, and the band gap increases as the pressure changes from tensile to compressive. The thermoelectric properties of ScRhTe improve under compressive pressure, whereas the optical properties improve greatly under tensile pressure. By varying the pressure, the electronic structure and various properties of ScRhTe can be effectively adjusted, which signifies that ScRhTe has the potential to become an important optoelectronic or thermoelectric material.