bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluid Overload and Tissue Sodium Accumulation as Main Drivers of Protein Energy Malnutrition in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Canaud Bernard , Morena-Carrere Marion , Leray-Moragues Helene , Cristol Jean-Paul
Published: October 2022

Protein energy malnutrition is recognized as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Protein–energy-wasting process is observed in about 45% of the dialysis population using common biomarkers worldwide. Although several factors are implicated in protein energy wasting, inflammation and oxidative stress mechanisms play a central role in this pathogenic process. In this in-depth review, we analyzed the implication of sodium and water accumulation, as well as the role of fluid overload and fluid management, as major contributors to protein–energy-wasting process. Fluid overload and fluid depletion mimic a tide up and down phenomenon that contributes to inducing hypercatabolism and stimulates oxidation phosphorylation mechanisms at the cellular level in particular muscles. This endogenous metabolic water production may contribute to hyponatremia. In addition, salt tissue accumulation likely contributes to hypercatabolic state through locally inflammatory and immune-mediated mechanisms but also contributes to the perturbation of hormone receptors (i.e., insulin or growth hormone resistance). It is time to act more precisely on sodium and fluid imbalance to mitigate both nutritional and cardiovascular risks. Personalized management of sodium and fluid, using available tools including sodium management tool, has the potential to more adequately restore sodium and water homeostasis and to improve nutritional status and outcomes of dialysis patients.
Clustering of Health Risk Behaviors in Mexican and Puerto Rican Men: Results from the Latino Men’s Health Initiative
Authors: Alonso Angelica , Rosas Carlos E. , Rademaker Alfred , Sanchez-Johnsen Lisa
Published: October 2022

Engaging in multiple health risk behaviors simultaneously may increase the risk for cardiometabolic diseases. This study examined the prevalence and clustering of three health behaviors (physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and smoking) among Latino men. The participants were 99 Mexican and 104 Puerto Rican men who participated in a study addressing culture- and obesity-related factors. The health behaviors were obtained from self-reported and anthropometric assessments through objective measurements. Among all participants, 5% had no health risk behaviors, 30% had one, 47% had two, and 18% had all three; their most common health risk behavior cluster was low physical activity and low fruit and vegetable consumption (28%). Among Puerto Rican men, 7% had no health risk behaviors, 24% had one, 51% had two, and 18% had all three; their most common health risk behavior cluster was current smoker and low fruit and vegetable consumption (28%). Among Mexican men, 3% had no health risk behaviors, 36% had one, 43% had two and 19% had all three; their most common health risk behavior cluster was low physical activity and low fruit and vegetable consumption (33%). The findings highlight the need for lifestyle interventions that target multiple health risk behaviors related to cardiometabolic diseases in Latinos.
The Association between Spicy Food Consumption and Psychological Health in Chinese College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Chunchao , Ma Wenhao , Chen Zhiqing , He Chaoqun , Zhang Yuan , Tao Qian
Published: October 2022

Background: Capsaicin is the main active ingredient in chili peppers and spicy food. Animal studies provide contradictory results on the role of capsaicin in psychiatric disorders. There are no epidemiological studies to investigate the relationship between spicy food consumption and psychological health. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Psychological health was assessed with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and spicy food consumption was assessed as frequency, strength, and duration of consumption. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the associations between spicy food consumption and psychological symptoms. Results: Our sample comprised 1771 participants (male = 674, mean age = 21.97 years). The odds of having depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms were 34.0%, 46.5%, and 19.1% in Chinese college students, respectively. After adjusting for a series of covariates, compared with non-consumers, the odds ratios (ORs) of depressive symptoms across spicy food consumption were 1.13 (95% CI: 0.87–1.46) for 1–2 days/week and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.02–1.86) for ≥3 days/week. With regard to anxiety symptoms, the ORs were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.78, 1.27) for 1–2 days/week and 1.50 (95% CI: 1.13–1.99) for ≥3 days/week. For stress symptoms, the ORs were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.66–1.23) for 1–2 days/week and 1.27 (95% CI: 0.89–1.80) for ≥3 days/week. The ORs for the depressive symptoms associated with different intensities of spicy food consumption were 1.00 (reference) for the reference group (non-consumers), 1.17 (95% CI: 0.90–1.52) for eating weakly spicy food, and 1.34 (95% CI: 1.01–1.78) for moderately to strongly spicy food. Conclusion: The findings suggested a positive association between frequently spicy food consumption and depressive/anxiety symptoms in adolescents, and no such association was found for stress symptoms.
Aspergillus-SARS-CoV-2 Coinfection: What Is Known?
Authors: Castro-Fuentes Carlos Alberto , Reyes-Montes María del Rocío , Frías-De-León María Guadalupe , Valencia-Ledezma Omar E. , Acosta-Altamirano Gustavo , Duarte-Escalante Esperanza
Published: October 2022

COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has had a high incidence. In addition, it has been associated with prolonged hospital stays, as well as several predisposing risk factors, such as fungal factors (nosocomial organism, the size of the conidia, and the ability of the Aspergillus spp. of colonizing the respiratory tract), environmental factors (remodeling in hospitals, use of air conditioning and negative pressure in intensive care units), comorbidities, and immunosuppressive therapies. In addition to these factors, SARS-CoV-2 per se is associated with significant dysfunction of the patient’s immune system, involving both innate and acquired immunity, with reduced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and cytokine storm. Therefore, this review aims to identify the factors influencing the fungus so that coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 can occur. In addition, we analyze the predisposing factors in the fungus, host, and the immune response alteration due to the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 that causes the development of CAPA.
Activation of Human Platelets by Staphylococcus aureus Secreted Protease Staphopain A
Authors: Waller Amie K. , Birch Katie , Gibbins Jonathan M. , Clarke Simon R.
Published: October 2022

Infection by Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of infective endocarditis (IE). Activation of platelets by this pathogen results in their aggregation and thrombus formation which are considered to be important steps in the development and pathogenesis of IE. Here, we show that a secreted cysteine protease, staphopain A, activates human platelets and induces their aggregation. The culture supernatant of a scpA mutant deficient in staphopain A production was reduced in its ability to trigger platelet aggregation. The platelet agonist activity of purified staphopain A was inhibited by staphostatin A, a specific inhibitor, thus implicating its protease activity in the agonism. In whole blood, using concentrations of staphopain A that were otherwise insufficient to induce platelet aggregation, increased binding to collagen and thrombus formation was observed. Using antagonists specific to protease-activated receptors 1 and 4, we demonstrate their role in mediating staphopain A induced platelet activation.
Systematic Exploration of Privileged Warheads for Covalent Kinase Drug Discovery
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Bourne Philip E.
Published: October 2022

Kinase-targeted drug discovery for cancer therapy has advanced significantly in the last three decades. Currently, diverse kinase inhibitors or degraders have been reported, such as allosteric inhibitors, covalent inhibitors, macrocyclic inhibitors, and PROTAC degraders. Out of these, covalent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) have been attracting attention due to their enhanced selectivity and exceptionally strong affinity. Eight covalent kinase drugs have been FDA-approved thus far. Here, we review current developments in CKIs. We explore the characteristics of the CKIs: the features of nucleophilic amino acids and the preferences of electrophilic warheads. We provide systematic insights into privileged warheads for repurposing to other kinase targets. Finally, we discuss trends in CKI development across the whole proteome.
Pharmacokinetics and Biological Activity of Cucurbitacins
Authors: Delgado-Tiburcio Eugenia Elisa , Cadena-Iñiguez Jorge , Santiago-Osorio Edelmiro , Ruiz-Posadas Lucero del Mar , Castillo-Juárez Israel , Aguiñiga-Sánchez Itzen , Soto-Hernández Marcos
Published: October 2022

Cucurbitacins are a class of secondary metabolites initially isolated from the Cucurbitaceae family. They are important for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer biological actions. This review addresses pharmacokinetic parameters recently reported, including absorption, metabolism, distribution, and elimination phases of cucurbitacins. It includes recent studies of the molecular mechanisms of the biological activity of the most studied cucurbitacins and some derivatives, especially their anticancer capacity, to propose the integration of the pharmacokinetic profiles of cucurbitacins and the possibilities of their use. The main botanical genera and species of American origin that have been studied, and others whose chemo taxonomy makes them essential sources for the extraction of these metabolites, are summarized.
Pharmacological Validation of Long-Term Treatment with Antiretroviral Drugs in a Model of SIV-Infected Non-Human Primates
Authors: Gelé Thibaut , Gouget Hélène , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Furlan Valérie , Le Grand Roger , Lambotte Olivier , Desjardins Delphine , Barrail-Tran Aurélie
Published: October 2022

The development of animal models undergoing long-term antiretroviral treatment (ART) makes it possible to understand a number of immunological, virological, and pharmacological issues, key factors in the management of HIV infection. We aimed to pharmacologically validate a non-human primate (NHP) model treated in the long term with antiretroviral drugs after infection with the pathogenic SIVmac251 strain. A single-dose pharmacokinetic study of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine, and dolutegravir was first conducted on 13 non-infected macaques to compare three different routes of administration. Then, 12 simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected (SIV+) macaques were treated with the same regimen for two years. Drug monitoring, virological efficacy, and safety were evaluated throughout the study. For the single-dose pharmacokinetic study, 24-h post-dose plasma concentrations for all macaques were above or close to 90% inhibitory concentrations and consistent with human data. During the two-year follow-up, the pharmacological data were consistent with those observed in humans, with low inter- and intra-individual variability. Rapid and sustained virological efficacy was observed for all macaques, with a good safety profile. Overall, our SIV+ NHP model treated with the ART combination over a two-year period is suitable for investigating the question of pharmacological sanctuaries in HIV infection and exploring strategies for an HIV cure.
Targeting Emerging Pathogenic Mechanisms by Natural Molecules as Potential Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Dou Yan , Zhao Dongju
Published: October 2022

Natural molecules with favorable safety profile and broad pharmacological activities have shown great promise in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Current studies applying natural molecules against NDDs mainly focus on well-recognized conventional pathogenesis, such as toxic protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. However, accumulating evidence reveals that some underlying pathogenic mechanisms are involved earlier and more deeply in the occurrence and development of NDDs, such as ferroptosis, energy metabolism disorders, autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and gut dysbiosis. Therefore, determining whether natural molecules can play therapeutic roles in these emerging pathogenic mechanisms will help clarify the actual targets of natural molecules and their future clinical translation. Furthermore, how to overcome the inability of most poorly water-soluble natural molecules to cross the blood–brain barrier is also critical for effective NDD treatment. This review summarizes emerging pathogenic mechanisms targeted by natural molecules for NDD treatment, proposes nanocarrier-based drug delivery and intranasal administration to enhance the intracerebral bioavailability of natural molecules, and summarizes the current state of clinical research on natural product-based therapeutics.
Evaluation of Adjuvant Activity and Bio-Distribution of Archaeosomes Prepared Using Microfluidic Technology
Authors: Jia Yimei , Agbayani Gerard , Chandan Vandana , Iqbal Umar , Dudani Renu , Qian Hui , Jakubek Zygmunt , Chan Kenneth , Harrison Blair , Deschatelets Lise , Akache Bassel , McCluskie Michael J.
Published: October 2022

Archaeosomes, composed of sulfated lactosyl archaeol (SLA) glycolipids, have been proven to be an effective vaccine adjuvant in multiple preclinical models of infectious disease or cancer. They have classically been prepared using a thin-film hydration method with an average particle size of 100–200 nm. In this study, we developed methods to generate SLA archaeosomes at different sizes, i.e., 30 nm and 100 nm, via microfluidic mixing technology and evaluated their physicochemical characteristics, as well as adjuvant activity and in vivo biodistribution in mice. Archaeosomes, prepared using thin-film and microfluidic mixing techniques, had similar nanostructures and physicochemical characteristics, with both appearing stable during the course of this study when stored at 4 °C or 37 °C. They also demonstrated similar adjuvant activity when admixed with ovalbumin antigen and used to immunize mice, generating equivalent antigen-specific immune responses. Archaeosomes, labeled with CellVueTM NIR815, had an equivalent biodistribution with both sizes, namely the highest signal at the injection site at 24 h post injection, followed by liver, spleen and inguinal lymph node. The presence of SLA archaeosomes of either size helped to retain OVA antigen (OVA-Cy5.5) longer at the injection site than unadjuvanted OVA. Overall, archaeosomes of two sizes (30 nm and 100 nm) prepared using microfluidic mixing maintained similar physicochemical properties, adjuvant activity and biodistribution of antigen, in comparison to those compared by the conventional thin film hydration method. This suggests that microfluidics based approaches could be applied to generate consistently sized archaeosomes for use as a vaccine adjuvant.
Compression Density as an Alternative to Identify an Optimal Moisture Content for High Shear Wet Granulation as an Initial Step for Spheronisation
Authors: Ramm Selina , Fulek Ruwen , Eberle Veronika Anna , Kiera Christian , Odefey Ulrich , Pein-Hackelbusch Miriam
Published: October 2022

Pellet production is a multi-step manufacturing process comprising granulation, extrusion and spheronisation. The first step represents a critical control point, since the quality of the granule mass highly influences subsequent process steps and, consequently, the quality of final pellets. The most important parameter of wet granulation is the liquid requirement, which can often only be quantitatively evaluated after further process steps. To identify an alternative for optimal liquid requirements, experiments were conducted with a formulation based on lactose and microcrystalline cellulose. Granules were analyzed with a Powder Vertical Shear Rig. We identified the compression density (ρpress) as the said alternative, linking information from the powder material and the moisture content (R2 = 0.995). We used ρpress to successfully predict liquid requirements for unknown formulation compositions. By means of this prediction, pellets with high quality, regarding shape and size distribution, were produced by carrying out a multi-step manufacturing process. Furthermore, the applicability of ρpress as an alternative quality parameter to other placebo formulations and to formulations containing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) was demonstrated.
Multi-Step Biomass Fractionation of Grape Seeds from Pomace, a Zero-Waste Approach
Authors: Salem Yara , Rajha Hiba N. , van den Broek Lambertus A. M. , Safi Carl , Togtema Arnoud , Manconi Maria , Manca Maria Letizia , Debs Espérance , Hobaika Zeina , Maroun Richard G. , Louka Nicolas
Published: October 2022

Grape seeds are the wineries’ main by-products, and their disposal causes ecological and environmental problems. In this study seeds from the pomace waste of autochthonous grape varieties from Lebanon, Obeidi (white variety) and Asswad Karech (red variety) were used for a multi-step biomass fractionation. For the first step, a lipid extraction was performed, and the obtained yield was 12.33% (w/w) for Obeidi and 13.04% (w/w) for Asswad Karech. For the second step, polyphenols’ recovery from the defatted seeds was carried out, resulting in 12.0% (w/w) for Obeidi and 6.6% (w/w) for Asswad Karech, with Obeidi’s extract having the highest total phenolic content (333.1 ± 1.6 mg GAE/g dry matter) and antioxidant activity (662.17 ± 0.01 µg/mL of Trolox equivalent). In the third step, the defatted and dephenolized seeds were subsequently extracted under alkaline conditions and the proteins were isoelectric precipitated. The recovered protein extract was 3.90% (w/w) for Obeidi and 4.11% (w/w) for Asswad Karech seeds, with Asswad Karech’s extract having the highest protein content (64 ± 0.2 mg protein/g dry matter). The remaining exhausted residue can be valorized in cosmetic scrubs formulations as a replacement for plastic microbeads. The designed zero-waste approach multi-step biomass fractionation has the potential to improve the valorization of the side products (grape seeds) of these two Lebanese autochthonous grape varieties.
The Barley Heavy Metal Associated Isoprenylated Plant Protein HvFP1 Is Involved in a Crosstalk between the Leaf Development and Abscisic Acid-Related Drought Stress Responses
Authors: Parasyri Athina , Barth Olaf , Zschiesche Wiebke , Humbeck Klaus
Published: October 2022

The heavy metal associated isoprenylated plant proteins (HIPPs) are characterized by at least one heavy metal associated (HMA) domain and a C-terminal isoprenylation motif. Hordeum vulgare farnesylated protein 1 (HvFP1), a barley HIPP, is upregulated during drought stress, in response to abscisic acid (ABA) and during leaf senescence. To investigate the role of HvFP1, two independent gain-of-function lines were generated. In a physiological level, the overexpression of HvFP1 results in the delay of normal leaf senescence, but not in the delay of rapid, drought-induced leaf senescence. In addition, the overexpression of HvFP1 suppresses the induction of the ABA-related genes during drought and senescence, e.g., HvNCED, HvS40, HvDhn1. Even though HvFP1 is induced during drought, senescence and the ABA treatment, its overexpression suppresses the ABA regulated genes. This indicates that HvFP1 is acting in a negative feedback loop connected to the ABA signaling. The genome-wide transcriptomic analysis via RNA sequencing revealed that the gain-of-function of HvFP1 positively alters the expression of the genes related to leaf development, photomorphogenesis, photosynthesis and chlorophyll biosynthesis. Interestingly, many of those genes encode proteins with zinc binding domains, implying that HvFP1 may act as zinc supplier via its HMA domain. The results show that HvFP1 is involved in a crosstalk between stress responses and growth control pathways.
Improving the Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum Alloy by Creating a Superhydrophobic Surface Structure through a Two-Step Process of Etching Followed by Polymer Modification
Authors: Shi Tian , Liang Jingsong , Li Xuewu , Zhang Chuanwei , Yang Hejie
Published: October 2022

A multifunctional aviation aluminum alloy with good superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance was prepared by a two-step process of etching followed by polymer modification. Meanwhile, micro- and nanostructures formed on the processed sample. Compared with bare sample, the static liquid contact angle on the as-prepared sample was increased by 100.8°. Further polarization tests showed that the corrosion potential of such a sample increased, and the corrosion current density decreased obviously, thus suggesting that the corrosion resistance of the modified sample was significantly improved. The same conclusion was confirmed by subsequent impedance testing. The work is of great economic value and practical significance to enhance the corrosion resistance of aviation actuator materials and also lays a foundation for future hydrophobic application research in aeronautical engineering.
One-Pot Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polyurethane-Triazoles with Controlled Structural, Molecular Weight and Hydrodynamic Characteristics
Authors: Karpov Sergei V. , Iakunkov Artem , Akkuratov Alexander V. , Petrov Artem O. , Perepelitsina Eugenia O. , Malkov Georgiy V. , Badamshina Elmira R.
Published: October 2022

We report a simple and convenient approach to the one-pot synthesis of hyperbranched polyurethane-triazoles with desirable properties. This method is based on in situ generation of an AB2 + A2 + B4 azide-acetylene monomer mixture of known composition, due to quantitative reactions of urethane formation between isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), 1,3-diazidopropanol-2 (DAPOL) (in the first stage) and propargyl alcohol (in the second stage). The obtained monomer mixture can be involved in step-growth polymerization by azide-alkyne cycloaddition without additional purification (in the third stage). The properties of the resulting polymers should depend on the composition of the monomer mixture. Therefore, first the model revealing the correlation between the monomer composition and the ratio and reactivity of the IPDI and DAPOL active groups is developed and proven. In addition, the newly developed structural kinetic model considering the substitution effect at polyaddition of the complex mixture of monomers allows the prediction of the degree of branching of the target polymer. Based on our calculations, the hyperbranched polyurethane-triazoles were synthesized under found conditions. All products were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, SEC, DLS, DSC, TGA and viscometry methods. It was shown that the degree of branching, molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, and hydrodynamic radius of the final hyperbranched polymers can be specified at the first stage of one-pot synthesis. The obtained hyperbranched polyurethane-triazoles showed a degree of branching from 0.21 to 0.44 (calculated DB-0.25 and 0.45, respectively).
The 3D Printability and Mechanical Properties of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as Additives in Urethane Dimethacrylate (UDMA) Blends Polymer for Medical Application
Authors: Abu Bakar Ahmad Adnan , Zainuddin Muhammad Zulhilmi , Abdullah Shahino Mah , Tamchek Nizam , Mohd Noor Ikhwan Syafiq , Alauddin Muhammad Syafiq , Alforidi Ahmad , Mohd Ghazali Mohd Ifwat
Published: October 2022

The integration of additive manufacturing (3D printing) in the biomedical sector required material to portray a holistic characteristic in terms of printability, biocompatibility, degradability, and mechanical properties. This research aims to evaluate the 3D printability and mechanical properties of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as additives in the urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) based resin and its potential for medical applications. The printability of the PHB/UDMA resin blends was limited to 11 wt.% as it reached the maximum viscosity value at 2188 cP. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also conducted to assess the significant effect of the varied PHB (wt.%) incorporation within UDMA resin, and the aging duration of 3D printed PHB/UDMA on mechanical properties in terms of tensile and impact properties. Meanwhile, the increasing crystallinity index (CI) of X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the 3D printed PHB/UDMA as the PHB loading increased, indicating that there is a strong correlation with the lower tensile and impact strength. FESEM images also proved that the agglomerations that occurred within the UDMA matrix had affected the mechanical performance of 3D printed PHB/UDMA. Nonetheless, the thermal stability of the 3D printed PHB/UDMA had only a slight deviation from the 3D printed UDMA since it had better thermal processability.
Mechanisms of the Action of Fire-Retardants on Reducing the Flammability of Certain Classes of Polymers and Glass-Reinforced Plastics Based on the Study of Their Combustion
Authors: Korobeinichev Oleg , Shmakov Andrey , Paletsky Alexander , Trubachev Stanislav , Shaklein Artem , Karpov Alexander , Sosnin Egor , Kostritsa Sergey , Kumar Amit , Shvartsberg Vladimir
Published: October 2022

In the present review, using an integrated approach based on the experimental and theoretical study of the processes of thermal decomposition and combustion of practically important polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene, and glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin, the features of the mechanism for reducing the combustibility of these materials with phosphorus-containing flame-retardants (FR), as well as graphene, are identified. A set of original experimental methods was developed and applied that make it possible to study the kinetics of thermal decomposition and the thermal and chemical structure of the flames of the studied materials, including those with FR additives, as well as to measure the flame propagation velocity, the mass burning rate, and the heat fluxes from the flame on the surface of a material. Numerical models were developed and tested to describe the key parameters of the flames of the studied polymeric materials. An analysis of the experimental and numerical simulation data presented showed that the main effect of phosphorus-containing fire-retardants on reducing the combustibility of these materials is associated with the inhibition of combustion processes in the gas phase, and the effect of adding graphene manifests itself in both gas and condensed phases.
Axial Compression Property Test of GFRP Tube-Confined Coal Gangue Steel Fiber Short Concrete Column
Authors: Xia Shengyong , Liu Haiqing , Fu Guosheng , Zhang Jinyang , Lei Ming , Chen Zimu
Published: October 2022

In order to study the axial compression property of a GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced polymer) tube-confined coal gangue steel fiber short concrete column, a test was carried out. The whole process of deformation and failure of the specimen under axial compression load was observed, and the whole process of the stress–strain curve of the specimen was obtained. The results show that the thickness of the GFRP tube has the most significant effect on the mechanical properties. The thickness of the 7 mm tube is 4.3 times the axial ultimate stress and 21.5 times the ultimate strain of the unconstrained short column. Under a certain volume fraction, the ultimate axial strain of the wave fiber is 10.1% higher than that of the hook fiber short column, and the ductility coefficient is 9.6% higher. The fiber volume fraction significantly increases the strain of the short column, and the 3% fiber content is 50.1% higher than that of the non-fiber short column. Finally, three classical strength models of confined concrete were selected for comparative calculation, and a new stress correction model was proposed.
Appropriate Immediate Dentin Sealing to Improve the Bonding of CAD/CAM Ceramic Crown Restorations
Authors: Nakazawa Miwa , Maeno Masahiko , Komoto Mei , Nara Yoichiro
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to use quantitative and qualitative evaluations based on micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) to clarify the appropriate immediate dentin sealing (IDS) approach for improving the bonding of CAD/CAM ceramic crown restorations. Forty-eight extracted human molars were prepared to obtain standardized abutment specimens and divided into three groups: no IDS (group C: control), IDS performed by a single application of an all-in-one adhesive system (group A), and IDS performed by the combined application of an adhesive system and a flowable resin composite (group F). All specimens were restored with a ceramic crown fabricated by a chair-side CAD/CAM system and were divided into no-stress and stressed groups. After cyclic loading (78.5 N; total, 3 × 105 cycles; 90 cycles/min) on the specimens in the stressed group, all specimens were sectioned. The μTBS values for the occlusal and mesioaxial walls were measured (n = 16) and analyzed statistically. The quantitative bonding performance of groups A and F were superior to that of group C, regardless of the cyclic loading and abutment wall conditions. Group F showed the maximum bond strength and the highest bond durability in the qualitative bonding performance even under the cyclic loading condition simulating clinical mastication.
Carbohydrate Polymer-Based Targeted Pharmaceutical Formulations for Colorectal Cancer: Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Farhaj Samia , Agbotui Theodora L. , Nirwan Jorabar Singh , Mahmood Qaisar , Yousaf Abid Mehmood , Hussain Talib , Shahzad Yasser , Khan Nemat , Conway Barbara R. , Ghori Muhammad Usman
Published: October 2022

Colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide, followed by lung and breast cancer. Conventional treatment methods are associated with numerous side effects and compliance issues. Thus, colon targeted drug delivery has gained much attention due to its evident advantages. Although many technologies have been explored, the use of pH-sensitive polymers, especially biodegradable polymers, holds exceptional promise. This review aims to collate research articles concerning recent advances in this area. A systematic search using multiple databases (Google Scholar, EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE and Scopus) was carried out following the preferred reported items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines with an aim to explore the use of pH-sensitive carbohydrate polymers in developing colon targeted pharmaceutical formulations. Following screening and quality assessment for eligibility, 42 studies were included, exploring either single or a combination of carbohydrate polymers to develop targeted formulations for colon cancer therapy. Pectin (11) is the most widely used of these biopolymers, followed by chitosan (09), alginate (09) and guar gum (08). This systematic review has successfully gathered experimental evidence highlighting the importance of employing carbohydrate polymers in developing targeting formulations to manage colon cancer.
High-Temperature Pyrolysis for Elimination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from Biosolids
Authors: Bamdad Hanieh , Papari Sadegh , Moreside Emma , Berruti Franco
Published: October 2022

Biosolids generated as byproducts of wastewater treatment processes are widely used as fertilizer supplements to improve soil condition and ultimately agricultural products yields and quality. However, biosolids may contain toxic compounds, i.e., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can end up in soils, groundwater, and surface water, causing adverse environmental and health effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of High-Temperature Pyrolysis (HTP) treatment for biosolids management, and its efficacy in eliminating PFAS from the solid fraction. Biosolid samples were pyrolyzed at two different temperatures, 500 and 700 °C, in a continuous bench-scale pyrolysis unit. The major finding is that the treatment process at higher pyrolysis temperatures can remarkably reduce or eliminate the level of PFAS (by ~97–100 wt%) in the resulting biochar samples.
A Development of Welding Tips for the Reflow Soldering Process Based on Multiphysics
Authors: Thongsri Jatuporn , Jansaengsuk Thodsaphon
Published: October 2022

A reflow soldering process (RSP) is generally implemented in advanced manufacturing factories for welding small electronic components together to create a product using heat generated at the welding tip (WT). Improper WT design and operating conditions may lead to defects in some products; therefore, optimizing both is immensely significant in developing the RSP. Accordingly, this article proposes a successful RSP development based on multiphysics in a hard disk drive factory consisting of transient thermal-electric and structural simulations. First, a new shape series WT was designed, and a conventional shape, parallel WT, was considered as a case study. Then, they were assembled and experimented with the RSP actual operating conditions to collect essential data. Next, the heat transfer was determined using a transient thermal-electric simulation (TES). The simulation results showed uneven WT temperatures depending on applied voltages, time, and shapes, which were consistent with the experimental results. The higher the applied voltage, the greater the temperature generated at the WT. Finally, after using TES results as loads, the structural simulation showed WT total deformations, which could be consistent with actually occurring defects. The findings from this research are a new design of series WT and proper multiphysics methodology for developing the RSP.
Investigation of Hydroxyl Radical Yield in an Impact-Jet Hydraulic Cavitator
Authors: Cao Yan , Xie Dongdong , Huang Yongchun , Huang Chengdu , Zhang Kunming , Zhang Xiangyu , Wang Shujun
Published: October 2022

Hydroxyl radical (·OH) is a key component that leads to the cleavage of the glycosidic bond in the process of chitosan (CS) degradation by hydrodynamic cavitation (HC). In this paper, methylene blue (MB) was selected as the trapping agent of ·OH and the yield of ·OH in an impact-jet hydraulic cavitator was investigated. The results showed that the cavitation intensity and the number of passes (N) were the two main factors affecting the yield of ·OH. A smaller cavitation number (Cv) or a larger N indicated that more ·OH can be produced. Based on the dimensionless number correlation method, the yield of ·OH was correlated with Cv, N, Euler number (Eu), Reynolds number (Re), and a dimensionless parameter (γ), and a prediction model of ·OH yield was established. The relative deviations between the experimental and calculated values of the ·OH yield were basically within 10% by the prediction model. On the basis of the prediction model, the yield of ·OH produced in the process of CS degradation by HC was obtained. The results showed that the predicted yield of ·OH was significantly correlated with the intrinsic viscosity reduction rate of CS. It was suggested that the prediction model of ·OH yield based on the MB solution can be used to calculate the ·OH yield during the degradation of low concentration CS by HC.
Optimizations of the Conditions for Ceftobiprole Determination in a Complex Matrix
Authors: Binert-Kusztal Żaneta , Żandarek Joanna , Starek Małgorzata , Dąbrowska Monika
Published: October 2022

A quick and accurate chromatographic–densitometric method for the determination of ceftobiprole in biological material (whole blood and urine) was developed. Preparation of the test sample required extraction of the drug from the matrix and was carried out by testing methanol or acetone as extracting agents, which were successfully used to isolate ceftobiprole from biological material. Under optimization of the procedure, various stationary and mobile phases were tested. Lastly, HPTLC cellulose plates and a mixture containing ethanol, 2-propanol, glacial acetic acid, and water in the ratio 4:4:1:3 (v/v/v/v) were chosen. Densitometric detection was made at a maximum absorbance of 316 nm. The developed method was validated; a linear function of the ceftobiprole concentration was obtained in the range of 2.4–72 µg/mL (r > 0.99) for both methanol and acetone solutions. The average accuracy of the devised method was measured at nearly 100%; nevertheless, the limit of the quantification was at 8.92 for methanol and 9.14 µg/mL for acetone solution. Therefore, the above method can be successfully used to ceftobiprole in biological material.
Comparative Evaluation of Pyrolysis and Hydrothermal Liquefaction for Obtaining Biofuel from a Sustainable Consortium of Microalgae Arthrospira platensis with Heterotrophic Bacteria
Authors: Chernova Nadezhda I. , Grigorenko Anatolii V. , Kiseleva Sophia V. , Larina Olga M. , Kumar Vinod , Vlaskin Mikhail S.
Published: October 2022

This article presents a comparative evaluation of pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) for obtaining biofuel from microalgal biomass (MAB). The research was carried out using biomass of a stable microalgae-bacteria consortium based on Arthrospira platensis. A. platensis was chosen because of its simple cultivation and harvesting. Pyrolysis was carried out at temperatures of 300, 400, 500, and 600 °C with a constant rate of temperature change of 10 °C/min; HTL was carried out at temperatures of 270, 300, and 330 °C. The bio-oil yield obtained by HTL (38.8–45.7%) was significantly higher than that of pyrolysis (up to 21.9%). At the same time, the bio-coal yields using both technologies were almost the same—about 27%. Biochar (bio-coal) can be considered as an alternative strategy for CO2 absorption and subsequent storage since it is 90% geologically stabilized carbon.
Religious Education and Comparative Theology: Creating Common Ground for Intercultural Encounters
Authors: Roebben Bert , von Stosch Klaus
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a conversation is initiated about the relationship between religious education (RE) and comparative theology (CT). It is the first time that these are both addressed explicitly in an international academic discourse. The authors are colleagues in a university setting of RE teacher education and are both involved in local RE research programs. Our approach is theological, and our shared interest is the existential lifeworld of children and young people. Firstly, we wish to bring RE and CT into conversation with each other, based on five common characteristics. Secondly, we describe how this conversation can possibly stimulate discussion on new pathways of intercultural encounters in the RE classroom, and this not only from a German (mainly confessional) perspective but also in light of other forms of non-confessional RE. After a (1) contextualization of RE in Germany, the authors describe (2) five central features of contemporary RE, followed by (3) five CT observations, connecting to these features. In (4), the relationship between the two is discussed as common ground for intercultural encounters and as a promising praxis and research field awaiting further development.
Muslim Women’s Activism in the USA: Politics of Diverse Resistance Strategies
Authors: Sahar Naila
Published: October 2022

This paper will explore ways in which dynamics of visibility/invisibility of American Muslim women activists are transformed in secular places like USA, while these women struggle surviving on the borderlands. Borderland and boundary are perceived as lived spaces that are culturally hybrid and are seen as a theatre for radical action. In this paper I contend that Muslim women activists in the USA operate from geographies of borderland and while inhabiting this hybrid third space they generate discourses of dissent that challenge stereotypes about them. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and countries, with different cultural roots yet same belief system and faith, American Muslim women activists adapt varied resistance strategies to challenge the Muslim patriarchy and the western hegemony that has persisted to portray Muslim women as an oppressed group of people in need of saving. Tracing Muslim women activists’ emotional and experiential geographies I will look at ways in which dynamics of solidarity between them have moved beyond dichotomous divisions of global-local, global North-global South, and empire-colony. With the discussion of lives and activism of Amina Wadud, Linda Sarsour and Asra Nomani, this paper will contextualize these activists within the spaces of resistance which they inhabit, while navigating their challenges in the context of geopolitical tensions and conflicts which are their lived realities in the USA.
Design of UVC Surface Disinfection Robot with Coverage Path Planning Using Map-Based Approach At-The-Edge
Authors: Wang Sen , Li Yongyao , Ding Guanyu , Li Chao , Zhao Qinglei , Sun Bingbing , Song Qi
Published: October 2022

In response to the issue of virus contamination in the cold-chain warehouse or hospital environment under the influence of the COVID-19, we propose the design work of a disinfection robot based on the UVC radiation mechanism using the low-computational path optimization at-the-edge. To build a surface disinfection robot with less computing power to generate a collision-free path with shorter total distance in studies, a 2D map is used as a graph-based approach to automatically generate a closed-loop disinfection path to cover all the accessible surfaces. The discrete disinfection points from the map are extracted with effective disinfection distances and sorted by a nearest-neighbor (NN) search over historical trajectory data and improved A * algorithm to obtain an efficient coverage path to all accessible boundaries of the entire area. The purpose of improved A * algorithm with NN is not to find the optimal path solution but to optimize one with reasonable computing power. The proposed algorithm enhances the path-finding efficiency by a dynamically weighted heuristic function and reduces the path turning angles, which improves the path smoothness significantly requiring less computing power. The Gazebo simulation is conducted, and the prototype disinfection robot has been built and tested in a real lab environment. Compared with the classic A * algorithm, the improved A * algorithm with NN has improved the path-finding efficiency and reduced the path length while covering the same area. Both the simulation and experimental results show that this approach can provide the design to balance the tradeoffs among the path-finding efficiency, smoothness, disinfection coverage, and computation resources.
Identifying Critical Infrastructure in Imagery Data Using Explainable Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Elliott Shiloh N. , Shields Ashley J. B. , Klaehn Elizabeth M. , Tien Iris
Published: October 2022

To date, no method utilizing satellite imagery exists for detailing the locations and functions of critical infrastructure across the United States, making response to natural disasters and other events challenging due to complex infrastructural interdependencies. This paper presents a repeatable, transferable, and explainable method for critical infrastructure analysis and implementation of a robust model for critical infrastructure detection in satellite imagery. This model consists of a DenseNet-161 convolutional neural network, pretrained with the ImageNet database. The model was provided additional training with a custom dataset, containing nine infrastructure classes. The resultant analysis achieved an overall accuracy of 90%, with the highest accuracy for airports (97%), hydroelectric dams (96%), solar farms (94%), substations (91%), potable water tanks (93%), and hospitals (93%). Critical infrastructure types with relatively low accuracy are likely influenced by data commonality between similar infrastructure components for petroleum terminals (86%), water treatment plants (78%), and natural gas generation (78%). Local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) was integrated into the overall modeling pipeline to establish trust for users in critical infrastructure applications. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of a convolutional neural network approach for critical infrastructure identification, with higher than 90% accuracy in identifying six of the critical infrastructure facility types.
Forest Biodiversity Monitoring Based on Remotely Sensed Spectral Diversity—A Review
Authors: Kacic Patrick , Kuenzer Claudia
Published: October 2022

Forests are essential for global environmental well-being because of their rich provision of ecosystem services and regulating factors. Global forests are under increasing pressure from climate change, resource extraction, and anthropologically-driven disturbances. The results are dramatic losses of habitats accompanied with the reduction of species diversity. There is the urgent need for forest biodiversity monitoring comprising analysis on α, β, and γ scale to identify hotspots of biodiversity. Remote sensing enables large-scale monitoring at multiple spatial and temporal resolutions. Concepts of remotely sensed spectral diversity have been identified as promising methodologies for the consistent and multi-temporal analysis of forest biodiversity. This review provides a first time focus on the three spectral diversity concepts “vegetation indices”, “spectral information content”, and “spectral species” for forest biodiversity monitoring based on airborne and spaceborne remote sensing. In addition, the reviewed articles are analyzed regarding the spatiotemporal distribution, remote sensing sensors, temporal scales and thematic foci. We identify multispectral sensors as primary data source which underlines the focus on optical diversity as a proxy for forest biodiversity. Moreover, there is a general conceptual focus on the analysis of spectral information content. In recent years, the spectral species concept has raised attention and has been applied to Sentinel-2 and MODIS data for the analysis from local spectral species to global spectral communities. Novel remote sensing processing capacities and the provision of complementary remote sensing data sets offer great potentials for large-scale biodiversity monitoring in the future.
Evaluating a Novel Gas Sensor for Ambient Monitoring in Automated Life Science Laboratories
Authors: Al-Okby Mohammed Faeik Ruzaij , Roddelkopf Thomas , Fleischer Heidi , Thurow Kerstin
Published: October 2022

Air pollution and leakages of hazardous and toxic gases and chemicals are among the dangers that frequently occur at automated chemical and life science laboratories. This type of accident needs to be processed as soon as possible to avoid the harmful side effects that can happen when a human is exposed. Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds are among the most prominent indoor air pollutants, which greatly affect the lifestyles in these places. In this study, a commercial MOX gas sensor, SGP41, was embedded in an IoT environmental sensor node for hazardous gas detection and alarm. The sensor can detect several parameters, including nitrogen oxide index (NOx-Index) and volatile organic compound index (VOC-Index). Several tests were conducted to detect the leakage of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in different concentrations and volumes, as well as from different leakage distances, to measure the effect of these factors on the response speed and recovery time of the sensors used. These factors were also compared between the different sensors built into the sensor node to give a comprehensive picture of the system used. The system testing results revealed that the SGP41 sensor is capable of implementing the design purposes for the target parameters, can detect a small NO2 gas leakage starting from 0.3% volume, and can detect all the tested VOC solvents ≥ 100 µL