bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Procyanidin B2 Attenuates Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury via Regulating Hippo/Rho/PI3K/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kim Go Oun , Park Dong Ho , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: April 2023

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a frequent and challenging aspect of sepsis that currently lacks effective treatments. Procyanidin B2 (PB2) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness and mechanism of action of PB2 in treating sepsis-induced ALI using animal experiments. A sepsis-induced ALI mouse model was used by administering lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then evaluating the levels of inflammatory cytokines and lung injury through measurements of cytokine levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot and real-time PCR, as well as by the examination of relevant signaling pathways. The animal experiments showed that PB2 protected the lungs from injury caused by LPS and reduced the levels of various inflammatory cytokines in both the serum and lung tissue. Western blot analysis showed that PB2 reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB and increased the expression of PI3K/Akt, and also inhibited the Hippo and Rho signaling pathways. The results of the study showed that PB2 helps to treat sepsis-induced ALI by controlling cytokine storms and reducing inflammation by altering the expressions of the TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Hippo and Rho signaling pathways. This research provides a foundation for the further investigation of PB2’s mechanism and its potential use in treating sepsis.
The Prohibitin-Binding Compound Fluorizoline Activates the Integrated Stress Response through the eIF2α Kinase HRI
Authors: Sánchez-Vera Ismael , Núñez-Vázquez Sonia , Saura-Esteller José , Cosialls Ana M. , Heib Judith , Nadal Rodríguez Pau , Ghashghaei Ouldouz , Lavilla Rodolfo , Pons Gabriel , Gil Joan , Iglesias-Serret Daniel
Published: May 2023

Fluorizoline is a synthetic molecule that induces apoptosis, by selectively targeting prohibitins (PHBs), through induction of the BH3-only protein NOXA. This induction is transcriptionally regulated by the integrated stress response (ISR)-related transcription factors ATF3 and ATF4. Here, we evaluate the role of the four eIF2α kinases, to decipher which is responsible for the mechanism of ISR activation triggered by fluorizoline in HeLa and HAP1 cells. First, we demonstrated the involvement of the eIF2α kinases using ISR inhibitor (ISRIB) and by simultaneous downregulation of all four eIF2α kinases, as both approaches were able to increase cell resistance to fluorizoline-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we confirmed that fluorizoline treatment results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as evidenced by PERK activation. Despite PERK activation, this kinase was not directly involved in the ISR activation by fluorizoline. In this regard, we found that the eIF2α kinases are capable of compensating for each other’s loss of function. Importantly, we demonstrated that the mitochondrial-stress-related eIF2α kinase HRI mediates ISR activation after fluorizoline treatment.
Diversity of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides in Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds
Authors: Barashkova Anna S. , Smirnov Alexey N. , Zorina Elena S. , Rogozhin Eugene A.
Published: May 2023

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is known to possess a wide variety of antimicrobial peptides belonging to different structural families. Three novel antimicrobial peptides have been isolated from black cumin seeds. Two of them were attributed as members of the non-specific lipid transfer proteins family, and one as a defensin. We have made an attempt of using the proteomic approach for novel antimicrobial peptides search in N. sativa seeds as well. The use of a well-established approach that includes extraction and fractionation stages remains relevant even in the case of novel peptides search because of the lacking N. sativa genome data. Novel peptides demonstrate a spectrum of antimicrobial activity against plant pathogenic organisms that may cause economically important crop diseases. These results obtained allow considering these molecules as candidates to be applied in “next-generation” biopesticides development for agricultural use.
Exploratory Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals the Role of Gut Microbiota in Vascular Dementia
Authors: Kaur Navdeep , LaForce Geneva , Mallela Deepthi P. , Saha Prasenjit Prasad , Buffa Jennifer , Li Xinmin S. , Sangwan Naseer , Rothenberg Kasia , Zhu Weifei
Published: May 2023

Stroke is the second most common cause of cognitive impairment and dementia. Vascular dementia (VaD), a cognitive impairment following a stroke, is common and significantly impacts the quality of life. We recently demonstrated via gut microbe transplant studies that the gut microbe-dependent trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) pathway impacts stroke severity, both infarct size and long-term cognitive outcomes. However, the molecular mechanisms that underly the role of the microbiome in VaD have not been explored in depth. To address this issue, we performed a comprehensive RNA-sequencing analysis to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes in the ischemic cerebral cortex of mouse brains at pre-stroke and post-stroke day 1 and day 3. A total of 4016, 3752 and 7861 DE genes were identified at pre-stroke and post-stroke day 1 and day 3, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated pathways of neurodegeneration in multiple diseases, chemokine signaling, calcium signaling, and IL-17 signaling as the key enriched pathways. Inflammatory response genes interleukin-1 beta (Il-1β), chemokines (C–X–C motif chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10), chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2)), and immune system genes (S100 calcium binding protein 8 (S100a8), lipocalin-2 (Lcn2)) were among the most significantly upregulated genes. Hypocretin neuropeptide precursor (Hcrt), a neuropeptide, and transcription factors such as neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4), GATA binding protein 3 (Gata3), and paired box 7 (Pax7) were among the most significantly downregulated genes. In conclusion, our results indicate that higher plasma TMAO levels induce differential mRNA expression profiles in the ischemic brain tissue in our pre-clinical stroke model, and the predicted pathways provide the molecular basis for regulating the TMAO-enhanced neuroinflammatory response in the brain.
MSC−sEV Treatment Polarizes Pro−Fibrotic M2 Macrophages without Exacerbating Liver Fibrosis in NASH
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhang Biyan , Lai Ruenn Chai , Sim Wei Kian , Lam Kong Peng , Lim Sai Kiang
Published: May 2023

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell small extracellular vesicles (MSC−sEVs) have shown promise in treating a wide range of animal models of various human diseases, which has led to their consideration for clinical translation. However, the possibility of contraindication for MSC−sEV use is an important consideration. One concern is that MSC−sEVs have been shown to induce M2 macrophage polarization, which is known to be pro−fibrotic, potentially indicating contraindication in fibrotic diseases such as liver fibrosis. Despite this concern, previous studies have shown that MSC−sEVs alleviate high−fat diet (HFD)−induced non−alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). To assess whether the pro−fibrotic M2 macrophage polarization induced by MSC−sEVs could worsen liver fibrosis, we first verified that our MSC−sEV preparations could promote M2 polarization in vitro prior to their administration in a mouse model of NASH. Our results showed that treatment with MSC−sEVs reduced or had comparable NAFLD Activity Scores and liver fibrosis compared to vehicle− and Telmisartan−treated animals, respectively. Although CD163+ M2 macrophages were increased in the liver, and serum IL−6 levels were reduced in MSC−sEV treated animals, our data suggests that MSC−sEV treatment was efficacious in reducing liver fibrosis in a mouse model of NASH despite an increase in pro−fibrotic M2 macrophage polarization.
Development of Galectin-3 Targeting Drugs for Therapeutic Applications in Various Diseases
Authors: Ahmed Rakin , Anam Khairul , Ahmed Hafiz
Published: May 2023

Galectin-3 (Gal3) is one of the most studied members of the galectin family that mediate various biological processes such as growth regulation, immune function, cancer metastasis, and apoptosis. Since Gal3 is pro-inflammatory, it is involved in many diseases that are associated with chronic inflammation such as cancer, organ fibrosis, and type 2 diabetes. As a multifunctional protein involved in multiple pathways of many diseases, Gal3 has generated significant interest in pharmaceutical industries. As a result, several Gal3-targeting therapeutic drugs are being developed to address unmet medical needs. Based on the PubMed search of Gal3 to date (1987–2023), here, we briefly describe its structure, carbohydrate-binding properties, endogenous ligands, and roles in various diseases. We also discuss its potential antagonists that are currently being investigated clinically or pre-clinically by the public and private companies. The updated knowledge on Gal3 function in various diseases could initiate new clinical or pre-clinical investigations to test therapeutic strategies, and some of these strategies could be successful and recognized as novel therapeutics for unmet medical needs.
Music with Different Tones Affects the Development of Brain Nerves in Mice in Early Life through BDNF and Its Downstream Pathways
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Jianxing , Wang Yulai , Chai Yiwen , Li Haochen , Miao Deyang , Liu Honggui , Li Jianhong , Bao Jun
Published: May 2023

As a means of environmental enrichment, music environment has positive and beneficial effects on biological neural development. Kunming white mice (61 days old) were randomly divided into the control group (group C), the group of D-tone (group D), the group of A-tone (group A) and the group of G-tone (group G). They were given different tonal music stimulation (group A) for 14 consecutive days (2 h/day) to study the effects of tonal music on the neural development of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice in early life and its molecular mechanisms. The results showed that the number of neurons in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice increased, with the cell morphology relatively intact. In addition, the number of dendritic spines and the number of dendritic spines per unit length were significantly higher than those in group C, and the expressions of synaptic plasticity proteins (SYP and PSD95) were also significantly elevated over those in group C. Compared with group C, the expression levels of BDNF, TRKB, CREB, PI3K, AKT, GS3Kβ, PLCγ1, PKC, DAG, ERK and MAPK genes and proteins in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice in the music groups were up-regulated, suggesting that different tones of music could regulate neural development through BDNF and its downstream pathways. The enrichment environment of D-tone music is the most suitable tone for promoting the development of brain nerves in early-life mice. Our study provides a basis for screening the optimal tone of neuroplasticity in early-life mice and for the treatment of neurobiology and neurodegenerative diseases.
Role of UCP2 in the Energy Metabolism of the Cancer Cell Line A549
Authors: Segalés Jessica , Sánchez-Martín Carlos , Pujol-Morcillo Aleida , Martín-Ruiz Marta , de los Santos Patricia , Lobato-Alonso Daniel , Oliver Eduardo , Rial Eduardo
Published: May 2023

The uncoupling protein UCP2 is a mitochondrial carrier for which transport activity remains controversial. The physiological contexts in which UCP2 is expressed have led to the assumption that, like UCP1, it uncouples oxidative phosphorylation and thereby reduces the generation of reactive oxygen species. Other reports have involved UCP2 in the Warburg effect, and results showing that UCP2 catalyzes the export of matrix C4 metabolites to facilitate glutamine utilization suggest that the carrier could be involved in the metabolic adaptations required for cell proliferation. We have examined the role of UCP2 in the energy metabolism of the lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 and show that UCP2 silencing decreased the basal rate of respiration, although this inhibition was not compensated by an increase in glycolysis. Silencing did not lead to either changes in proton leakage, as determined by the rate of respiration in the absence of ATP synthesis, or changes in the rate of formation of reactive oxygen species. The decrease in energy metabolism did not alter the cellular energy charge. The decreased cell proliferation observed in UCP2-silenced cells would explain the reduced cellular ATP demand. We conclude that UCP2 does not operate as an uncoupling protein, whereas our results are consistent with its activity as a C4-metabolite carrier involved in the metabolic adaptations of proliferating cells.
The Values and Perspectives of Organoids in the Field of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Tan Chen , Ding Min , Zheng Yun-Wen
Published: May 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become a global health problem, and the prevalence of obesity at all stages of life makes MetS research increasingly important and urgent. However, as a comprehensive and complex disease, MetS has lacked more appropriate research models. The advent of organoids provides an opportunity to address this issue. However, it should be noted that organoids are still in their infancy. The main drawbacks are a lack of maturity, complexity, and the inability to standardize large-scale production. Could organoids therefore be a better choice for studying MetS than other models? How can these limitations be overcome? Here, we summarize the available data to present current progress on pancreatic and hepatobiliary organoids and to answer these open questions. Organoids are of human origin and contain a variety of human cell types necessary to mimic the disease characteristics of MetS in their development. Taken together with the discovery of hepatobiliary progenitors in situ, the dedifferentiation of beta cells in diabetes, and studies on hepatic macrophages, we suggest that promoting endogenous regeneration has the potential to prevent the development of end-stage liver and pancreatic lesions caused by MetS and outline the direction of future research in this field.
Reference Values on Children’s Hair for 28 Elements (Heavy Metals and Essential Elements) Based on a Pilot Study in a Representative Non-Contaminated Local Area
Authors: Ruiz Roberto , Estevan Carmen , Estévez Jorge , Alcaide Carolina , Sogorb Miguel A. , Vilanova Eugenio
Published: May 2023

Studies have been published, and laboratories offer services of measuring elements in hair as biomarkers of environmental exposure and/or control of essential elements (trace or macro). These reported values can have only sense if compared with adopted reference values. In this work, we propose provisional reference values based on a pilot child population. The concentrations of 28 elements were measured in children’s hair samples. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a typical child population in the Mediterranean region void of excessive pollution problems to analyze 419 hair samples of children aged 3–12 years. Children were selected by a simple random method from eight primary education schools in different municipal districts, which included urban, rural and industrial areas. Samples of around 100 mg were washed and acid digested by an optimized procedure. All measures were performed using ICP-MS with Sc, Y and Re as internal standards. The statistical analysis was performed by two approaches: (a) considering all the data and (b) without outliers (second-order atypical data) to compare them with other published studies. The distribution curves in all the elements studied were asymmetric and did not fit the theoretical normality distributions. Therefore, the analysis based on percentiles was more appropriate. In most elements, only slight differences were observed with sex or age, which did not justify proposing separate reference ranges. From the results of this study, provisional reference values are proposed following two criteria: (a) simple application of the table of percentiles built by removing outlier values and (b) values after a detailed analysis case-by-case, considering other data as the distribution profile and other published data of each element. Although the pilot sample was from a limited area, it was carefully selected to be representative of a general non-contaminated population. With this limitation, the proposed reference values might be useful for researchers and physicians until a wider geographical study is available for a large number of elements.
Oviposition Preference and Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table Analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Different Maize Varieties
Authors: Zhang Qiang-Yan , Zhang Yan-Lei , Quandahor Peter , Gou Yu-Ping , Li Chun-Chun , Zhang Ke-Xin , Liu Chang-Zhong
Published: April 2023

Host plants play an important role in the growth, development, and reproduction of insects. However, only a few studies have reported the effects of maize varieties on the growth and reproduction of S. frugiperda. In this study, a free-choice test was used to evaluate the oviposition preferences of female adults on ten common maize varieties and ten special maize varieties. The population fitness of S. frugiperda on six different maize varieties was also examined using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. The results showed that S. frugiperda oviposited and completed its life cycle across all maize cultivars. Moreover, the S. frugiperda females exhibited a significantly higher oviposition preference on the special maize varieties than on the common maize varieties. The highest number of eggs and egg masses occurred on Baitiannuo and the lowest on Zhengdan 958. The egg + larval stage, preadult, pupal stage, adult, APOP, TPOP, and total longevity of S. frugiperda were significantly shorter on the special maize varieties than on the common maize varieties. The fecundity, oviposition days, pupal weight, and hatching rate of S. frugiperda were significantly higher on the special maize varieties than on the common maize varieties. Specifically, S. frugiperda had the highest fecundity, female, and male pupal weight on Baitiannuo. Moreover, the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) of S. frugiperda were the greatest on Baitiannuo, whereas the shortest mean generation time (T) occurred on Zaocuiwang. The lowest R0, r, and λ, and longest T occurred on Zhengdan 958, suggesting that Zhengdan 958 is a non-preferred host plant compared to the other tested maize varieties. The findings of this study can provide a reference for the rational planting of maize and provide basic scientific information for the management of S. frugiperda.
Cacopsylla fuscicella Sp. Nov. (Hemiptera, Psyllidae), a New Loquat Pest in China
Authors: Zhao Yisheng , Luo Xinyu , Liu Yingqi , Shi Anxian , Cai Wanzhi , Song Fan
Published: April 2023

Psylloidea, commonly known as jumping plant-lice, have a phloem-sucking habit and strong specificity to their host plants. Within the Psyllidae family, the genus Cacopsylla Ossiannilsson, 1970 stands out as being the most diverse, with three species feeding on the genus Eriobotrya Lindl. In this study, a new psyllid species, Cacopsylla fuscicella sp. nov., was described from China. It is a pest of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. and has been cultivated as a commercial fruit tree for years. Illustrations of habitus, morphological structures, and its damage to loquat were also provided. The complete mitochondrial genome of C. fuscicella sp. nov. was sequenced and annotated. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the maximum likelihood analyses confirmed C. fuscicella sp. nov. as a member of the genus Cacopsylla. Genetic distances were generated to assess comparative genetic distances within Psyllinae.
Host-Parasitoid Relationship between Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758) and Senotainia tricuspis (Meigen, 1838) (Diptera, Sarcophagidae): Fly Aggression Behavior and Infestation Rates of Senotainiosis
Authors: Bedini Gianluca , Boni Chiara Benedetta , Coppola Francesca , Sagona Simona , Giusti Matteo , Pinzauti Mauro , Felicioli Antonio
Published: April 2023

Senotainia tricuspis (Meigen, 1838) is a Sarcophagid dipteran endoparasitoid of Apis mellifera L., and myiasis, caused by this fly, is reported in several European, North African and Middle Eastern countries. Nevertheless, very little knowledge concerning the aggression and parasitisation behavior of S. tricuspis toward A. mellifera is available in the scientific literature, and the temporal pattern of aggression remains unclear. The aim of this investigation was to describe the aggressive behavior of S. tricuspis and to provide data on pupation and adult emergence in order to identify further tools for the control of senotainiosis in beekeeping. Data were collected in an apiary in Pisa province (Tuscany, Italy), where observations of aggressive behavior were conducted indirectly by using a VHS camera and also directly by an observer. Four behavioral categories of the attack were described. A total of 55 aggressions, 21 beecatchers, 104 chases and 6 parasitization events were recorded with the camera. Slow-motion recording analyses of the parasitization episodes resulted in contact of at least 1/6 s between the parasitoid and the host. Through four days of direct observations, a total of 1633 aggression events were recorded. The daily temporal pattern of the number of aggressions showed two main peaks: one during the morning hours (i.e., from 10:00 to 11:00) and one in the afternoon (i.e., from 15:00 to 17:00). The morphometric data on the first-instars of S. tricuspis allowed us to hypothesize a penetration in the bee through its prothoracic spiracle as a modality of entrance in the host body. Third-instars successfully pupate when sinking in topsoil or clay soil, and adults emerge when left to a 4 °C overwintering period of six months. Furthermore, the high mortality rate of those larvae that did not sink and did not pupate successfully suggests that reaching a certain depth in the soil is a determining factor for larvae survival and that mulch and/or minimum soil tillage could prevent severe senotainiosis in apiaries.
Aqueous Humor Cytokine Profile in Primary Congenital Glaucoma
Authors: Oribio-Quinto Carlos , Burgos-Blasco Barbara , Pérez-García Pilar , Espino-Paisán Laura , Sarriá Beatriz , Fernández-Vigo José Ignacio , García-Feijóo Julian
Published: April 2023

Background: Cytokine profile in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) differs from that in healthy controls. Due to the different pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the genesis of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and POAG, it is possible that the cytokine profile could also differ. The main objective of this study was to compare the concentrations of cytokines in the aqueous humor of patients with PCG with those of POAG patients and a control group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Aqueous humor samples were taken from PCG and POAG patients eligible for glaucoma or cataract surgery and from patients undergoing cataract surgery. Twenty-seven cytokines were analyzed using the Human Cytokine 27-Plex Immunoassay Kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, USA). Results: A total of 107 subjects were included: patients with PCG (n = 19), patients with POAG (n = 54), and a control group (CG) of patients undergoing cataract surgery (n = 34). Most cytokines measured in aqueous humor in PCG presented decreased values compared with POAG and controls. A statistically significant difference was observed in IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-5, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17A, Eotaxin, FGF basic, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, PDGF-bb, MIP-1β, RANTES, TNF-α, and VEGF. Conclusion: PCG patients have a cytokine profile in aqueous humor different from POAG patients and patients without glaucoma, characterized by lower concentrations of multiple cytokines.
Long-Term Fate and Efficacy of a Biomimetic (Sr)-Apatite-Coated Carbon Patch Used for Bone Reconstruction
Authors: Olivier Florian , Drouet Christophe , Marsan Olivier , Sarou-Kanian Vincent , Rekima Samah , Gautier Nadine , Fayon Franck , Bonnamy Sylvie , Rochet Nathalie
Published: April 2023

Critical bone defect repair remains a major medical challenge. Developing biocompatible materials with bone-healing ability is a key field of research, and calcium-deficient apatites (CDA) are appealing bioactive candidates. We previously described a method to cover activated carbon cloths (ACC) with CDA or strontium-doped CDA coatings to generate bone patches. Our previous study in rats revealed that apposition of ACC or ACC/CDA patches on cortical bone defects accelerated bone repair in the short term. This study aimed to analyze in the medium term the reconstruction of cortical bone in the presence of ACC/CDA or ACC/10Sr-CDA patches corresponding to 6 at.% of strontium substitution. It also aimed to examine the behavior of these cloths in the medium and long term, in situ and at distance. Our results at day 26 confirm the particular efficacy of strontium-doped patches on bone reconstruction, leading to new thick bone with high bone quality as quantified by Raman microspectroscopy. At 6 months the biocompatibility and complete osteointegration of these carbon cloths and the absence of micrometric carbon debris, either out of the implantation site or within peripheral organs, was confirmed. These results demonstrate that these composite carbon patches are promising biomaterials to accelerate bone reconstruction.
The Correlation between Metformin Use and Incident Dementia in Patients with New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Huang Kuang-Hua , Tsai Ya-Fang , Lee Chiachi Bonnie , Gau Shuo-Yan , Tsai Tung-Han , Chung Ning-Jen , Lee Chien-Ying
Published: April 2023

The evidence of metformin’s effect on dementia is conflicting. This study investigates the association between metformin use and the risk of dementia among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). This study included patients with new-onset DM between 2002 and 2013. We divided the patients into patients who used metformin and patients who did not. Two models were used to assess metformin use: the cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) of metformin use and the intensity of metformin use. This study with 3-year and 5-year follow-ups investigated the risk of dementia among patients with DM who used metformin. At the 3-year follow-up, patients who received cDDD < 300 had an odds ratio (OR) of developing dementia of 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89–0.96); patients who used metformin at intensities <10 and 10–25 DDD/month had ORs of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.87–0.97) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85–1.00), respectively. Metformin use at cDDD 300–500 (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.56–1.15) or >500 (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 0.48–4.60) or at an intensity >25 DDD/month (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.60–1.18) were not associated with an incident of dementia. There were similar results at the 5-year follow-up. Patients with a low intensity of metformin use had a lower risk of dementia. However, higher doses of metformin with higher intensity exhibited no protective role in dementia. Prospective clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the actual underlying mechanisms between metformin dosage and the risk of dementia.
Is Psychological Distress Associated with Self-Perceived Health, Perceived Social Support and Physical Activity Level in Spanish Adults with Diabetes?
Authors: Denche-Zamorano Angel , Pisà-Canyelles Jofre , Barrios-Fernandez Sabina , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Adsuar José C. , Garcia-Gordillo Miguel Angel , Pereira-Payo Damián , Mendoza-Muñoz María
Published: April 2023

Depressive and anxiety symptoms are common in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Physical activity and social support may prevent or reduce psychological distress in this population. This study aimed to analyse the associations between psychological distress, self-perceived health (SPH), perceived social support (PSS) and physical activity level (PAL) in adults with a diabetes mellitus diagnosis from Spain. A cross-sectional study based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey (ENSE2017) with a final sample of 1006 individuals with diabetes mellitus aged between 15 and 70 years, who completed the Adult Questionnaire. Some of the items from this survey were taken from existing questionnaires: the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for Mental Health status and psychological distress, the Duke-UNC-11 Functional Social Support Questionnaire for PSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for PAL. A descriptive analysis and non-parametric statistical tests were carried out, including correlation analysis, multiple binary logistic regression and linear regression model calculations. It was found that SPH was related to PAL (p < 0.001): positive SPH prevalence was higher in the Active and Very Active groups (p < 0.05). Weak inverse correlations were found between the GHQ-12 and the PAL (rho: −0.230; p < 0.001) and PSS (rho: −0.234; p < 0.001). Physical inactivity and lower PSS were risk factors for negative SPH and worst physiological outcomes. Thus, higher PAL and PSS were positively correlated with SPH and lower psychological stress in Spanish adults with diabetes mellitus.
Diagnosis of Key Ecological Restoration Areas in Territorial Space under the Guidance of Resilience: A Case Study of the Chengdu–Chongqing Region
Authors: Jiang Jun , Zhang Hailin , Huang Qing , Liu Fei , Li Long , Qiu Hongrui , Zhou Shizhe
Published: April 2023

Territorial space ecological restoration is a significant way to map the development of “ecological priority, green, and low-carbon” and realize the goal of reducing carbon emissions. Based on the evaluation of the degree of urban ecological resilience restriction, this study aimed to diagnose the key areas of surface–line–point ecological restoration under the guidance of the resilience target by constructing a patch–corridor–matrix ecological network; then, the corresponding repair strategy was proposed. The results showed that (1) there was an obvious core–periphery structure in the resilience restriction intensity of the Chengdu–Chongqing region, showing a gradual decreasing trend from Chengdu and Chongqing to the surrounding cities; (2) the regional ecological network, including 17 ecological source patches and 33 potential ecological corridors, was identified; and (3) the diagnosed key areas of ecological restoration were composed of surface–line–point multiscale spatial morphology, including 7793.81 km2 of key areas of ecological source restoration, 380.39 km of key areas of ecological corridor restoration, and 29 key areas of ecological pinch point restoration. The construction of ecological restoration strategies with carbon neutralization as the core idea at different scales was realized. The research can provide a reference for scientifically identifying key areas of ecological restoration in territorial space, coordinating and planning major projects of ecological restoration, and optimizing the allocation of natural resources.
Dipteran Prey Vulnerability in Intraguild Predation (IGP) System Involving Heteropteran Predators: Density and Habitat Effects
Authors: Brahma Shreya , Sharma Dipendra , Saha Goutam K. , Aditya Gautam
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: The effects of density and the habitat conditions on the prey vulnerability in the Intraguild Predation (IGP) system were evaluated using the water bug D. rusticus as the top predator. (2) Methods: Using two different density levels (low or high) of the dipteran prey (mosquito and chironomid), the IGP system was set with A. bouvieri as the IG prey. (3) Results: The prey vulnerability was reduced in complex habitat conditions, irrespective of the prey and predator density levels and the prey identity. Correspondingly, the IG prey vulnerability was higher in the low shared prey density and complex habitat. The IG prey consumption by the top predator was higher with the mosquito as shared prey than chironomid as shared prey. Observations on the prey consumption indicated that the consumption of both the chironomid and the mosquito prey dwindled with the time for all combinations of the prey density and the habitat conditions. On a comparative scale, the prey clearance rates were higher for mosquitoes in contrast to the chironomid larvae as shared prey. (4) Conclusions: Apparently, a complex set of interactions involving the habitat conditions, top predator and the prey determines mosquito prey vulnerability against the water bug. Such interactions provide evidence for the coexistence of the mosquito larvae along with multiple predators in the wetland ecosystem.
Effect of Annealing Temperature on Electrochemical Properties of Zr56Cu19Ni11Al9Nb5 in PBS Solution
Authors: Zhang Zhiying , Zhong Xinwei , Teng Xiujin , Huang Yanshu , Han Han , Chen Tao , Zhang Qinyi , Yang Xiao , Gong Yanlong
Published: April 2023

The electrochemical properties of as-cast Zr56Cu19Ni11Al9Nb5 metallic glass and samples annealed at different temperatures were investigated using potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution. It was shown that passivation occurred for the as-cast sample and the samples annealed at 623–823 K, indicating good corrosion resistance. At higher annealing temperature, the corrosion resistance first increased, and then decreased. The sample annealed at 823 K exhibited the best corrosion resistance, with high spontaneous corrosion potential Ecorr at −0.045 VSCE, small corrosion current density icorr at 1.549 × 10−5 A·cm−2, high pitting potential Epit at 0.165 VSCE, the largest arc radius, and the largest sum of Rf and Rct at 5909 Ω·cm2. For the sample annealed at 923 K, passivation did not occur, with low Ecorr at −0.075 VSCE, large icorr at 1.879 × 10−5 A·cm−2, the smallest arc radius, and the smallest sum of Rf and Rct at 2173 Ω·cm2, which suggested the worst corrosion resistance. Proper annealing temperature led to improved corrosion resistance due to structural relaxation and better stability of the passivation film, however, if the annealing temperature was too high, the corrosion resistance deteriorated due to the chemical inhomogeneity between the crystals and the amorphous matrix. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations indicated that localized corrosion occurred. Results of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) illustrated that the main corrosion products were ZrO2, CuO, Cu2O, Ni(OH)2, Al2O3, and Nb2O5.
Optimization of Curvilinear Stiffener Beam Structures Simulated by Beam Finite Elements with Coupled Bending–Torsion Formulation
Authors: Patuelli Cesare , Cestino Enrico , Frulla Giacomo , Valente Federico
Published: April 2023

This research presents the application of a beam finite element, specifically derived for simulating bending–torsion coupling in equivalent box-beam structures with curvilinear stiffeners. The stiffener path was simulated and optimized to obtain an expected coupling effect with respect to four typical static load cases, including geometric constraints related to the additive manufacturing production method. The selected load condition was applied to the centroid of the beam section, and the structure performance was consequently determined. A variation in load position up to one-fourth of the beam width was considered for investigating the stiffener path variation corresponding to a minimum bending–torsion coupling effect. The results demonstrated the capability of such a beam finite element to correctly represent the static behavior of beam structures with curvilinear stiffeners and show the possibility to uncouple its bending–torsion behavior using a specific stiffener orientation. The simulation of a laser powder bed fusion process showed new opportunities for the application of this technology to stiffened panel manufacturing.
Investigation and Optimization of Effects of 3D Printer Process Parameters on Performance Parameters
Authors: Mushtaq Ray Tahir , Iqbal Asif , Wang Yanen , Rehman Mudassar , Petra Mohd Iskandar
Published: April 2023

Professionals in industries are making progress in creating predictive techniques for evaluating critical characteristics and reactions of engineered materials. The objective of this investigation is to determine the optimal settings for a 3D printer made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in terms of its conflicting responses (flexural strength (FS), tensile strength (TS), average surface roughness (Ra), print time (T), and energy consumption (E)). Layer thickness (LT), printing speed (PS), and infill density (ID) are all quantifiable characteristics that were chosen. For the experimental methods of the prediction models, twenty samples were created using a full central composite design (CCD). The models were verified by proving that the experimental results were consistent with the predictions using validation trial tests, and the significance of the performance parameters was confirmed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The most crucial element in obtaining the desired Ra and T was LT, whereas ID was the most crucial in attaining the desired mechanical characteristics. Numerical multi-objective optimization was used to achieve the following parameters: LT = 0.27 mm, ID = 84 percent, and PS = 51.1 mm/s; FS = 58.01 MPa; TS = 35.8 MPa; lowest Ra = 8.01 m; lowest T = 58 min; and E = 0.21 kwh. Manufacturers and practitioners may profit from using the produced numerically optimized model to forecast the necessary surface quality for different aspects before undertaking trials.
Effect of Withdrawal Rate on Solidification Microstructures of DD9 Single Crystal Turbine Blade
Authors: Xue Yanpeng , Wang Xiaoguang , Zhao Jinqian , Shi Zhenxue , Liu Shizhong , Li Jiarong
Published: April 2023

Single crystal superalloys are widely used in the manufacturing of turbine blades for aero-engines due to their superior performance at high temperatures. The directional solidification process is a key technology for producing single crystal turbine blades with excellent properties. In the directional solidification process, withdrawal rate is one of the critical parameters for microstructure formation and will ultimately determine the blade’s properties. In this paper, the as-cast microstructures in the typical sections of a DD9 single crystal (SX) superalloy turbine blade were investigated with 3 mm/min and 5 mm/min withdrawal rates during the directional solidification process. With increased withdrawal rate, the dendrite morphologies tended to become more refined, and the secondary dendritic arms tended to be highly developed. The dendrite in the blade aerofoil section was more refined than that in the tenon section, given the same withdrawal rate. Additionally, with increasing withdrawal rates, the size and dispersity of the γ′ precipitates in the inter-dendritic (ID) regions and dendritic core (DC) tended to decrease; furthermore, the size distributions of the γ′ precipitates followed a normal distribution law. Compared with the ID regions, an almost 62% reduction in the average γ′ sizes was measured in the DC. Meanwhile, given the same withdrawal rate, at the blade’s leading edge closest to the heater, the γ′ sizes in the aerofoil section (AS) were more refined than those in the tenon section (TS). As compared with the decreasing cross-sectional areas, the increased withdrawal rates clearly brought down the γ′ sizes. The sizes of the γ–γ′ eutectics decreased with increasing withdrawal rates, with the γ–γ′ eutectics showing both lamellar and rosette shapes.
Paramagnetism in Microwave-Synthesized Metal-Free Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Inbanathan Flavia P. N. , Cimatu Katherine Leslee A. , Ingram David C. , Erasquin Uriel Joseph , Dasari Kiran , Sultan Muhammad Shehzad , Sajjad Muhammad , Makarov Vladimir , Weiner Brad R. , Morell Gerardo , Sharifi Abdar Payman , Jadwisienczak Wojciech M.
Published: April 2023

Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) have gained significant attention due to their various physical and chemical properties; however, there is a gap in the study of NGQDs’ magnetic properties. This work adds to the efforts of bridging the gap by demonstrating the room temperature paramagnetism in GQDs doped with Nitrogen up to 3.26 at.%. The focus of this experimental work was to confirm the paramagnetic behavior of metal free NGQDs resulting from the pyridinic N configuration in the GQDs host. Metal-free nitrogen-doped NGQDs were synthesized using glucose and liquid ammonia as precursors by microwave-assisted synthesis. This was followed by dialysis filtration. The morphology, optical, and magnetic properties of the synthesized NGQDs were characterized carefully through atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)), UV-VIS spectroscopy, fluorescence, X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The high-resolution TEM analysis of NGQDs showed that the NGQDs have a hexagonal crystalline structure with a lattice fringe of ~0.24 nm of (1120) graphene plane. The N1s peak using XPS was assigned to pyridinic, pyrrolic, graphitic, and oxygenated NGQDs. The magnetic study showed the room-temperature paramagnetic behavior of NGQDs with pyridinic N configuration, which was found to have a magnetization of 20.8 emu/g.
Synergistic Effect of P Doping and Mo-Ni-Based Heterostructure Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Jia Feihong , Zou Xiangyu , Wei Xueling , Bao Weiwei , Ai Taotao , Li Wenhu , Guo Yuchen
Published: April 2023

Heterostructure construction and heteroatom doping are powerful strategies for enhancing the electrolytic efficiency of electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. Herein, we present a P-doped MoS2/Ni3S2 electrocatalyst on nickel foam (NF) prepared using a one-step hydrothermal method. The optimized P[0.9mM]-MoS2/Ni3S2@NF exhibits a cluster nanoflower-like morphology, which promotes the synergistic electrocatalytic effect of the heterostructures with abundant active centers, resulting in high catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolyte. The electrode exhibits low overpotentials and Tafel slopes for the HER and OER. In addition, the catalyst electrode used in a two-electrode system for overall water splitting requires an ultralow voltage of 1.42 V at 10 mA·cm−2 and shows no obvious increase in current within 35 h, indicating excellent stability. Therefore, the combination of P doping and the heterostructure suggests a novel path to formulate high-performance electrocatalysts for overall water splitting.
Influence of In-Situ Stress on Cut Blasting of One-Step Raise Excavation Using Numerical Analysis Based on a Modified Holmquist-Johnson-Cook Model
Authors: Liu Kai , Li Qiyue , Wu Chengqing , Li Xibing , Zhu Wei
Published: April 2023

Due to different tensile and compressive properties of rock material, the corresponding tensile and compressive damage evolution show major differences. To investigate the tensile and compressive damage evolution in deep cut blasting with different in-situ stresses, an improved Holmquist-Johnson-Cook (HJC) material model considers the tensile and compressive damage separately is developed. The improved HJC model is implemented into LS-DYNA via a user-defined subroutine in this study. Then, a numerical model with different in-situ stresses loading schemes is modelled. Numerical simulation results show that in-situ stress can inhibit the development of tensile damage evolution, while promote the development of compressive damage evolution. The overall damage zone presents a decreasing trend with the increase of in-situ stress, because the tensile damage is more sensitive than the compressive damage for rock material. In addition, the maximum principal stress can determine the development of the direction of damage. Further, for a field test of blind cut raise in deep, the actual in-situ stress values are loaded on the numerical model. Then, in order to overcome the difficulties caused by in-situ stress, the cut blasting design is optimized by reducing hole spacing. Subsequently, the optimized cut parameters are applied in the blind cut raise. However, the one-step raise excavation method is adjusted to two steps to ensure success due to a serious borehole deviation between drilling and design drawing. After these steps, the formation of the blind cut raise with 8.7 m depth is met the requirements of design.
Distributed Adaptive Consensus Tracking Control for Second-Order Nonlinear Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Systems with Input Quantization
Authors: Xu Linxing , Li Yang
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the problem of distributed adaptive consensus tracking control for second-order nonlinear heterogeneous multi-agent systems (MASs) with input quantization is considered. A distributed output feedback control scheme based on a K-filter is developed to suppress the influences of unknown disturbances and input quantization. In contrast to existing approaches, an additional design parameter is introduced into the controller design to ensure that the subsystem tracking error converges to an arbitrarily small residual set. Through Lyapunov stability analysis, it can be proved that the proposed control scheme can achieve distributed consensus tracking control of second-order nonlinear heterogeneous MASs. In addition, all signals in the closed-loop system are shown to be globally uniformly bounded. Finally, a practical example demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Loop2 Size Modification Reveals Significant Impacts on the Potency of α-Conotoxin TxID
Authors: Dong Jianying , Zhang Panpan , Xie Junjie , Xie Ting , Zhu Xiaopeng , Zhangsun Dongting , Yu Jinpeng , Luo Sulan
Published: May 2023

α4/6-conotoxin TxID, which was identified from Conus textile, simultaneously blocks rat (r) α3β4 and rα6/α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with IC50 values of 3.6 nM and 33.9 nM, respectively. In order to identify the effects of loop2 size on the potency of TxID, alanine (Ala) insertion and truncation mutants were designed and synthesized in this study. An electrophysiological assay was used to evaluate the activity of TxID and its loop2-modified mutants. The results showed that the inhibition of 4/7-subfamily mutants [+9A]TxID, [+10A]TxID, [+14A]TxID, and all the 4/5-subfamily mutants against rα3β4 and rα6/α3β4 nAChRs decreased. Overall, ala-insertion or truncation of the 9th, 10th, and 11th amino acid results in a loss of inhibition and the truncation of loop2 has more obvious impacts on its functions. Our findings have strengthened the understanding of α-conotoxin, provided guidance for further modifications, and offered a perspective for future studies on the molecular mechanism of the interaction between α-conotoxins and nAChRs.