bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of N-Terminal Extensional Long α-Helix in the Arylesterase from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG on Catalysis and Stability
Authors: Li Bin-Chun , Guo Tongtong , Li Xue , Hou Xueting , Ding Guo-Bin
Published: February 2023

In the α/β hydrolases superfamily, the extra module modulated enzymatic activity, substrate specificity, and stability. The functional role of N-terminal extensional long α-helix (Ala2-Glu29, designated as NEL-helix) acting as the extra module in the arylesterase LggEst from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG had been systemically investigated by deletion mutagenesis, biochemical characterization, and biophysical methods. The deletion of the NEL-helix did not change the overall structure of this arylesterase. The deletion of the NEL-helix led to the shifting of optimal pH into the acidity and the loss of thermophilic activity. The deletion of the NEL-helix produced a 10.6-fold drop in catalytic activity towards the best substrate pNPC10. NEL-Helix was crucial for the thermostability, chemical resistance, and organic solvents tolerance. The deletion of the NEL-helix did not change the overall rigidity of enzyme structure and only reduced the local rigidity of the active site. Sodium deoxycholate might partially replenish the loss of activity caused by the deletion of the NEL-helix. Our research further enriched the functional role of the extra module on catalysis and stability in the α/β hydrolase fold superfamily.
Interaction of Jania rubens Polyphenolic Extract as an Antidiabetic Agent with α-Amylase, Lipase, and Trypsin: In Vitro Evaluations and In Silico Studies
Authors: Nabil-Adam Asmaa , Ashour Mohamed L. , Tamer Tamer M. , Shreadah Mohamed A. , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: February 2023

Jania rubens red seaweed has various bioactive compounds that can be used for several medicinal and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, we investigate the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant competency of Jania rubens polyphenolic extract (JRPE) by assessing their interactions with α-amylase, lipase, and trypsin enzymes. HPLC analysis revealed the dominance of twelve polyphenolic compounds. We performed computational analysis using α-amylase, lipase, and trypsin as target proteins for the polyphenols to explore their activities based on their predicted modes of binding sites following molecular modeling analysis. The molecular docking analysis demonstrated a good affinity score with a noticeable affinity to polyphenolic compositions of Jania rubens. The compounds with the highest affinity score for α-amylase (PDB: 4W93) were kaempferol, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid, with −8.4, −8.8 and −8 kcal/mol, respectively. Similarly, lipase (PDB: 1LPB) demonstrated high docking scores of −7.1, −7.4, and −7.2 kcal/mol for kaempferol, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid, respectively. Furthermore, for trypsin (PDB: 4DOQ) results, kaempferol, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid docking scores were −7.2, −7.2, and −7.1 kcal/mol, respectively. The docking findings were verified using in vitro evaluations, manifesting comparable results. Overall, these findings enlighten that the JRPE has antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties using different diabetics’ enzymes that could be further studied using in vivo investigations for diabetes treatment.
A Drop-on-Demand Bioprinting Approach to Spatially Arrange Multiple Cell Types and Monitor Their Cell-Cell Interactions towards Vascularization Based on Endothelial Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Weygant Joshua , Koch Fritz , Adam Katrin , Tröndle Kevin , Zengerle Roland , Finkenzeller Günter , Kartmann Sabrina , Koltay Peter , Zimmermann Stefan
Published: February 2023

Spheroids, organoids, or cell-laden droplets are often used as building blocks for bioprinting, but so far little is known about the spatio-temporal cellular interactions subsequent to printing. We used a drop-on-demand bioprinting approach to study the biological interactions of such building blocks in dimensions of micrometers. Highly-density droplets (approximately 700 cells in 10 nL) of multiple cell types were patterned in a 3D hydrogel matrix with a precision of up to 70 μm. The patterns were used to investigate interactions of endothelial cells (HUVECs) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs), which are related to vascularization. We demonstrated that a gap of 200 μm between HUVEC and ASC aggregates led to decreased sprouting of HUVECs towards ASCs and increased growth from ASCs towards HUVECs. For mixed aggregates containing both cell types, cellular interconnections of ASCs with lengths of up to approximately 800 µm and inhibition of HUVEC sprouting were observed. When ASCs were differentiated into smooth muscle cells (dASCs), separate HUVEC aggregates displayed decreased sprouting towards dASCs, whereas no cellular interconnections nor inhibition of HUVEC sprouting were detected for mixed dASCs/HUVEC aggregates. These findings demonstrate that our approach could be applied to investigate cell–cell interactions of different cell types in 3D co-cultures.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Targeted Therapies: Challenges upon Infectious Diseases
Authors: Kim In Soo , Silwal Prashanta , Jo Eun-Kyeong
Published: February 2023

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α, β, and γ are nuclear receptors that orchestrate the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in a variety of biological responses, such as energy metabolism and homeostasis, regulation of inflammation, cellular development, and differentiation. The many roles played by the PPAR signaling pathways indicate that PPARs may be useful targets for various human diseases, including metabolic and inflammatory conditions and tumors. Accumulating evidence suggests that each PPAR plays prominent but different roles in viral, bacterial, and parasitic infectious disease development. In this review, we discuss recent PPAR research works that are focused on how PPARs control various infections and immune responses. In addition, we describe the current and potential therapeutic uses of PPAR agonists/antagonists in the context of infectious diseases. A more comprehensive understanding of the roles played by PPARs in terms of host-pathogen interactions will yield potential adjunctive personalized therapies employing PPAR-modulating agents.
Role of Deubiquitinases in Parkinson’s Disease—Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Nielsen Pernille Y. Ø. , Okarmus Justyna , Meyer Morten
Published: February 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and defects in mitophagy as well as α-synuclein-positive inclusions, termed Lewy bodies (LBs), which are a common pathological hallmark in PD. Mitophagy is a process that maintains cellular health by eliminating dysfunctional mitochondria, and it is triggered by ubiquitination of mitochondrial-associated proteins—e.g., through the PINK1/Parkin pathway—which results in engulfment by the autophagosome and degradation in lysosomes. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) can regulate this process at several levels by deubiquitinating mitochondrial substrates and other targets in the mitophagic pathway, such as Parkin. Moreover, DUBs can affect α-synuclein aggregation through regulation of degradative pathways, deubiquitination of α-synuclein itself, and/or via co-localization with α-synuclein in inclusions. DUBs with a known association to PD are described in this paper, along with their function. Of interest, DUBs could be useful as novel therapeutic targets against PD through regulation of PD-associated defects.
Vestibular Disorders and Hormonal Dysregulations: State of the Art and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: El Khiati Rhizlane , Tighilet Brahim , Besnard Stéphane , Chabbert Christian
Published: February 2023

The interaction between endocrine and vestibular systems remains poorly documented so far, despite numerous observations in humans and animals revealing direct links between the two systems. For example, dizziness or vestibular instabilities often accompany the menstrual cycle and are highly associated with the pre-menopause period, while sex hormones, together with their specific receptors, are expressed at key places of the vestibular sensory network. Similarly, other hormones may be associated with vestibular disorders either as causal/inductive factors or as correlates of the pathology. This review was carried out according to the PRISMA method, covering the last two decades and using the MEDLINE and COCHRANE databases in order to identify studies associating the terms vestibular system and/or vestibular pathologies and hormones. Our literature search identified 646 articles, 67 of which referred directly to vestibular dysfunction associated with hormonal variations. While we noted specific hormonal profiles depending on the pathology considered, very few clinical studies attempted to establish a direct link between the expression of the vestibular syndrome and the level of circulating hormones. This review also proposes different approaches to shed new light on the link between hormones and vestibular disorders, and to improve both the diagnosis and the therapeutic management of dizzy patients.
The Vitamin D Receptor as a Potential Target for the Treatment of Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases Such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lasoń Władysław , Jantas Danuta , Leśkiewicz Monika , Regulska Magdalena , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka
Published: February 2023

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors. The VDR is expressed in diverse brain regions and has been implicated in the neuroprotective, antiaging, prosurvival, and anti-inflammatory action of vitamin D. Accordingly, a relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases has been suggested. However, due to the multitargeted mechanisms of vitamin D and its often overlapping genomic and nongenomic effects, the role of the VDR in brain pathologies remains obscure. In this narrative review, we present progress in deciphering the molecular mechanism of nuclear VDR-mediated vitamin D effects on prosurvival and anti-inflammatory signaling pathway activity within the central nervous system. In line with the concept of the neurovascular unit in pathomechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, a discussion of the role of the VDR in regulating the immune and vascular brain systems is also included. Next, we discuss the results of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the significance of vitamin D status and the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, emphasizing the possible role of the VDR in these phenomena. Finally, the associations of some VDR polymorphisms with higher risks and severity of these neurodegenerative disorders are briefly summarized.
A Wrong Fate Decision in Adipose Stem Cells upon Obesity
Authors: Cheung Yiu-Ming , Chook Chui-Yiu-Bamboo , Yeung Hoi-Wa , Leung Fung-Ping , Wong Wing-Tak
Published: February 2023

Progress has been made in identifying stem cell aging as a pathological manifestation of a variety of diseases, including obesity. Adipose stem cells (ASCs) play a core role in adipocyte turnover, which maintains tissue homeostasis. Given aberrant lineage determination as a feature of stem cell aging, failure in adipogenesis is a culprit of adipose hypertrophy, resulting in adiposopathy and related complications. In this review, we elucidate how ASC fails in entering adipogenic lineage, with a specific focus on extracellular signaling pathways, epigenetic drift, metabolic reprogramming, and mechanical stretch. Nonetheless, such detrimental alternations can be reversed by guiding ASCs towards adipogenesis. Considering the pathological role of ASC aging in obesity, targeting adipogenesis as an anti-obesity treatment will be a key area of future research, and a strategy to rejuvenate tissue stem cell will be capable of alleviating metabolic syndrome.
Sirtuin 6—A Key Regulator of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Liver Health
Authors: Dong X. Charlie
Published: February 2023

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is an NAD-dependent deacetylase/deacylase/mono-ADP ribosyltransferase, a member of the sirtuin protein family. SIRT6 has been implicated in hepatic lipid homeostasis and liver health. Hepatic lipogenesis is driven by several master regulators including liver X receptor (LXR), carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP), and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1). Interestingly, these three transcription factors can be negatively regulated by SIRT6 through direct deacetylation. Fatty acid oxidation is regulated by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) in the liver. SIRT6 can promote fatty acid oxidation by the activation of PPARα or the suppression of miR-122. SIRT6 can also directly modulate acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 5 (ACSL5) activity for fatty acid oxidation. SIRT6 also plays a critical role in the regulation of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol through the regulation of SREBP2 and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), respectively. Hepatic deficiency of Sirt6 in mice has been shown to cause hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, hallmarks of alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. SIRT6 can dampen hepatic inflammation through the modulation of macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 type. Hepatic stellate cells are a key cell type in hepatic fibrogenesis. SIRT6 plays a strong anti-fibrosis role by the suppression of multiple fibrogenic pathways including the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-SMAD family proteins and Hippo pathways. The role of SIRT6 in liver cancer is quite complicated, as both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting activities have been documented in the literature. Overall, SIRT6 has multiple salutary effects on metabolic homeostasis and liver health, and it may serve as a therapeutic target for hepatic metabolic diseases. To date, numerous activators and inhibitors of SIRT6 have been developed for translational research.
Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Does Not Promote or Aggravate Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats
Authors: Leuillier Matthieu , Platel Valentin , Tu Ly , Feugray Guillaume , Thuillet Raphaël , Groussard Déborah , Messaoudi Hind , Ottaviani Mina , Chelgham Mustapha , Nicol Lionel , Mulder Paul , Humbert Marc , Richard Vincent , Morisseau Christophe , Brunel Valéry , Duflot Thomas , Guignabert Christophe , Bellien Jérémy
Published: February 2023

Inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of various natural epoxides to their corresponding diols, present an opportunity for developing oral drugs for a range of human cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, including, among others, diabetes and neuropathic pain. However, some evidence suggests that their administration may precipitate the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). We thus evaluated the impact of chronic oral administration of the sEH inhibitor TPPU (N-[1-(1-Oxopropyl)-4-piperidinyl]-N′-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-urea) on hemodynamics, pulmonary vascular reactivity, and remodeling, as well as on right ventricular (RV) dimension and function at baseline and in the Sugen (SU5416) + hypoxia (SuHx) rat model of severe PH. Treatment with TPPU started 5 weeks after SU5416 injection for 3 weeks. No differences regarding the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, remodeling, and inflammation, nor the abolishment of phenylephrine-induced pulmonary artery constriction, were noted in SuHx rats. In addition, TPPU did not modify the development of RV dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in SuHx rats. Similarly, none of these parameters were affected by TPPU in normoxic rats. Complementary in vitro data demonstrated that TPPU reduced the proliferation of cultured human pulmonary artery-smooth muscle cells (PA-SMCs). This study demonstrates that inhibition of sEH does not induce nor aggravate the development of PH and RV dysfunction in SuHx rats. In contrast, a potential beneficial effect against pulmonary artery remodeling in humans is suggested.
Diallyl Trisulfide, a Biologically Active Component of Garlic Essential Oil, Decreases Male Fertility in Sitotroga cerealella by Impairing Dimorphic Spermatogenesis, Sperm Motility and Lipid Homeostasis
Authors: Shah Sakhawat , Elgizawy Karam Khamis , Shi Chun-Mei , Yao Hucheng , Yan Wen-Han , Li Yu , Wang Xiao-Ping , Wu Gang , Yang Feng-Lian
Published: February 2023

Diallyl trisulfide (DAT) is a biologically active component of garlic essential oil and exhibits multi-targeted activity against many organisms. The current study tested the capacity of DAT to decrease the male fertility of Sitotroga cerealella. The effects on testis morphology, sperm number, motility, and lipid homeostasis were observed in adult males fumigated with DAT at a dose of 0.01 μL/L in air. The results indicated that the DAT significantly decreased the dimorphic sperm number. Meanwhile, the ultrastructural analysis of the sperm showed that the DAT caused malformed and aberrant structures of mitochondrial derivatives of dimorphic sperm. Additionally, the lipid homeostasis and ATP contents in the male adults were significantly decreased after treatment. Moreover, the total sperm motility was reduced, while the wave-propagation velocity, amplitude, frequency, and wavelength were significantly decreased compared with the controls. Overall, this study reported, for the first time, that DAT impairs energy metabolism, inhibits dimorphic spermatogenesis, and decreases sperm motility, while these abnormalities in sperm lead to adult-male infertility.
In Vitro Drug Repurposing: Focus on Vasodilators
Authors: Ribeiro Eduarda , Costa Bárbara , Vasques-Nóvoa Francisco , Vale Nuno
Published: February 2023

Drug repurposing aims to identify new therapeutic uses for drugs that have already been approved for other conditions. This approach can save time and resources compared to traditional drug development, as the safety and efficacy of the repurposed drug have already been established. In the context of cancer, drug repurposing can lead to the discovery of new treatments that can target specific cancer cell lines and improve patient outcomes. Vasodilators are a class of drugs that have been shown to have the potential to influence various types of cancer. These medications work by relaxing the smooth muscle of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to tumors, and improving the delivery of chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, vasodilators have been found to have antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on cancer cells, making them a promising target for drug repurposing. Research on vasodilators for cancer treatment has already shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. However, additionally research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of vasodilators in cancer and determine the optimal dosing and combination therapy for patients. In this review, we aim to explore the molecular mechanisms of action of vasodilators in cancer cell lines and the current state of research on their repurposing as a treatment option. With the goal of minimizing the effort and resources required for traditional drug development, we hope to shed light on the potential of vasodilators as a viable therapeutic strategy for cancer patients.
Catalytic Reductive Amination of Aromatic Aldehydes on Co-Containing Composites
Authors: Subotin Vladyslav V. , Asaula Vitalii M. , Lishchenko Yulian L. , Ivanytsya Mykyta O. , Pariiska Olena O. , Ryabukhin Sergey V. , Volochnyuk Dmitriy M. , Kolotilov Sergey V.
Published: February 2023

The performance of a series of cobalt-based composites in catalytic amination of aromatic aldehydes by amines in the presence of hydrogen as well as hydrogenation of quinoline was studied. The composites were prepared by pyrolysis of CoII acetate, organic precursor (imidazole, 1,10-phenantroline, 1,2-diaminobenzene or melamine) deposited on aerosil (SiO2). These composites contained nanoparticles of metallic Co together with N-doped carboneous particles. Quantitative yields of the target amine in a reaction of p-methoxybenzaldehyde with n-butylamine were obtained at p(H2) = 150 bar, T = 150 °C for all composites. It was found that amination of p-methoxybenzaldehyde with n-butylamine and benzylamine at p(H2) = 100 bar, T = 100 °C led to the formation of the corresponding amines with the yields of 72–96%. In the case of diisopropylamine, amination did not occur, and p-methoxybenzyl alcohol was the sole or the major reaction product. Reaction of p-chlorobenzaldehyde with n-butylamine on the Co-containing composites at p(H2) = 100 bar, T = 100 °C resulted in the formation of N-butyl-N-p-chlorobenzylamine in 60–89% yields. Among the considered materials, the composite prepared by decomposition of CoII complex with 1,2-diaminobenzene on aerosil showed the highest yields of the target products and the best selectivity in all studied reactions.
Direct Determination of Three PAHs in Drill Cuttings Recycling Products by Solid-Surface 3D Fluorescence Coupled with Chemometrics
Authors: Geng Tao , Liu Zhuozhuang , Guo Xianzhe , Wang Zhansheng , Li Xingchun , Chen Wu
Published: February 2023

In this work, the feasibility of solid-surface three-dimensional fluorescence (SSTF) in combination with chemometrics to rapidly and directly determine three PAHs in drill cuttings recycling products was studied for the first time. Due to the nondestructive characteristics of SSTF and the “mathematical separation” of chemometric three-way calibration, neither time-consuming sample pretreatments nor toxic organic reagents were involved in the determination. By using the smart “mathematical separation” function of the parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) algorithm, clear spectral profiles together with reasonable quantitative results for the three target PAHs were successfully extracted from the total SSTF signals of drill cuttings recycling products without the need for chromatographic separation. The linearity of the calibration models was good (R2 > 0.96) and the average spiked recoveries of three target PAHs were between 88.1–102.7% with a relative standard deviation less than 20%. Nevertheless, given the green, fast, low-cost, and nondestructive advantages of the proposed strategy, it has the potential to be used as a fast screening approach and allow for a quick survey of PAHs in drill cuttings recycling products.
Cystathionine Beta-Synthase Deficiency: Three Consecutive Cases Detected in 40 Days by Newborn Screening in Emilia Romagna (Italy) and a Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Candela Egidio , Zagariello Michele , Di Natale Valeria , Ortolano Rita , Righetti Francesca , Assirelli Valentina , Biasucci Giacomo , Cassio Alessandra , Pession Andrea , Baronio Federico
Published: February 2023

Cysthiatonine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency (CBSD) is an autosomal recessive rare disorder caused by variations on CBS that leads to impaired conversion of homocysteine (Hcy) to cystathionine. Marked hyperhomocysteinemia is the hallmark of the disease. The administration of pyridoxine, the natural cofactor of CBS, may reduce total plasma Hcy. Patient phenotype is classified on pyridoxine responsivity in two groups: pyridoxine-responsive and non-responsive patients. Ectopia lentis, bone deformities, developmental delay, and thromboembolism are the classic signs and symptoms of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment impact patients’ natural history. Therapy aims to lower promptly and maintain Hcy concentrations below 100 μmol/L. Depending on the patient’s phenotype, the treatment goals could be obtained by the administration of pyridoxine and/or betaine associated with a methionine-restricted diet. CBSD could be diagnosed in the early days of life by expanded newborn screening (ENS), however, the risk of false negative results is not negligible. In Emilia-Romagna (Italy), during the first 10 years of screening experience, only three cases of CBSD identified have been diagnosed, all in the last two years (incidence 1:118,000 live births). We present the cases and a comprehensive review of the literature to emphasize the role of ENS for early diagnosis of CBSD and its potential pitfalls, reiterating the need for a more effective method to screen for CBSD.
Safety and Efficacy of Stand-Alone Bioactive Glass Injectable Putty or Granules in Posterior Vertebral Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic and Non-Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Courvoisier Aurélien , Maximin Marie-Christine , Baroncini Alice
Published: February 2023

Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) is the standard procedure for the treatment of severe scoliosis. PSF is a standard procedure that combines posterior instrumentation with bone grafting and/or bone substitutes to enhance fusion. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate and compare the post-operative safety and efficiency of stand-alone bioactive glass putty and granules in posterior spine fusion for scoliosis in a paediatric cohort. A total of 43 children and adolescents were included retrospectively. Each patient’s last follow-up was performed at 24 months and included clinical and radiological evaluations. Pseudarthrosis was defined as a loss of correction measuring >10° of Cobb angle between the pre-operative and last follow-up measurements. There was no significant loss of correction between the immediate post-operative timepoint and the 24-month follow-up. There was no sign of non-union, implant displacement or rod breakage. Bioactive glass in the form of putty or granules is an easily handled biomaterial but still a newcomer on the market. This study shows that the massive use of bioactive glass in posterior fusion, when combined with proper surgical planning, hardware placement and correction, is effective in providing good clinical and radiological outcomes.
Assessment of the Clinical Effectiveness of DRL Orthokeratology Lenses vs. Single-Vision Spectacles in Controlling the Progression of Myopia in Children and Teenagers: 2 Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Queirós António , Beaujeux Pauline , Bloise Louisette , Chaume Aurélia , Colliot Jean Philippe , Proust Dominique Plaisant , Rossi Perrine , Tritsch Bertrand , Crinon Dominique Bastien , Pauné Jaume
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of orthokeratology treatment with DRL lenses on the control of myopia progression compared with single vision glasses users (monofocal glasses). It was also possible to analyze the clinical efficacy of orthokeratology treatment with DRL lenses for myopia correction in children and adolescents in a 2 year retrospective, multicenter study, performed in eight different ophthalmology centers in France. A total of 360 data records of children and adolescents with myopia between −0.50 D and −7.00 D at baseline visit, who completed treatment and had a centered outcome, were selected for the study from a database of 1271. The final sample included subjects undergoing orthokeratology treatment with DRL lenses (n = 211 eyes) and spectacle wearers (n = 149 eyes). After one year of treatment, the data analysis shows that the DRL lens has a refractive myopia progression control rate of 78.5% compared with the spectacle wearers (DRL M change = −0.10 ± 0.25 D, p < 0.001 Wilcoxon test and Glasses M change = −0.44 ± 0.38 D, p < 0.001 Wilcoxon test). Similar results were found after 2 years of treatment (80% with 310 eyes). This study showed the clinical efficacy of orthokeratology DRL lenses compared to monofocal spectacle wearers in controlling myopia progression in children and adolescents in a 2 year retrospective study.
Improvement of Textile Materials Processing Techniques by Applying Aqueous Dispersions of Polymers
Authors: Petrova Luidmila , Grishin Rodion , Zimnurov Anvar , Kozlova Olga , Odintsova Olga , Sangeeva Elena
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the results of studies in the field of polymer materials application for fabric modification. The aim of the study is to identify the most effective technique of deposition of Russian-made formulations of an acryl and urethane nature with pigment compositions in the processes of functional fabric production. The authors analyze the efficiency of three processing solutions: the technology of uniform dyeing with pigments consisting of coating the fabric surface with a pigment–polymer composition, the technology of obtaining “camouflage” fabrics based on a conceptually new approach to creating the IR-remission effect on printed fabrics, and the technology of creating a stable retro-reflective effect on a fabric through the use of polymers produced in Russia. The paper also shows the conceptual differences in the pigment distribution mechanisms in the fiber or in the polymer matrix depending on the technique of fabric coating. The cheapest and safest technique for the environment is the squeegee method of pigment application, which provides fabrics with both oil- and water-repellent properties. An innovative technology has been developed based on the squeegee method for achieving the IR-remission effect on fabrics with “camouflage” patterns. A series of physico–chemical tests (spectrophotometry, electron microscopy), as well as assessment of the consumer properties of the obtained textile materials confirmed the efficiency of using aqueous dispersions of acrylic polymers made in Russia for producing competitive functional fabrics.
Wear Behavior of Monolithic Zirconia after Staining, Glazing, and Polishing Opposing Dental Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Fiorin Lívia , Oliveira Paulo Eduardo Barros Souza , Silva Allan Oliveira da , Faria Adriana Cláudia Lapria , Macedo Ana Paula , Ribeiro Ricardo Faria , Rodrigues Renata Cristina Silveira
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effect of staining, glazing, and polishing on the wear behavior of stabilized zirconia with 5 mol% of yttrium oxide (5Y-TZP) opposing 5Y-TZP, leucite-reinforced ceramic (LC), lithium disilicate (LD), and microhybrid composite resin (MCR). Hemispheres of 5Y-TZP were divided into six groups (n = 10) according to the finishing procedure: C (control), S (staining), G (glazing), P (polishings), SG (staining plus glazing), and SP (staining plus polishing). The two-body wear test (2BW) was performed (20 N load, at 2 Hz, until 300,000 cycles). Vertical height loss of hemispheres (VHL) and wear depth of restorative materials (WD) were analyzed using a profile projector and laser confocal microscope, respectively. Data of VHL and WD were analyzed using a generalized linear model by the Wald test and t post hoc test with the Bonferroni adjustment (α = 0.05). The staining, glazing, polishing, and restorative material had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on VHL and WD. Polishing reduced VHL opposing MCR, LC, and LD. There was an increase in WD to G opposing LD and SG opposing MCR. The 5Y-TZP presented the highest wear resistance, while MCR presented the lowest. Polishing was recommended to promote staining durability and decrease wear rates opposing MCR and LD.
The Role of Water Hydrogen Bonds in the Formation of Associates and Condensates in Dispersions of Serum Albumin with Shungite Carbon and Quartz Nanoparticles
Authors: Rozhkov Sergey , Goryunov Andrey , Kolodey Vladimir , Pron’kina Lyubov , Rozhkova Natalia
Published: February 2023

The role of the network of water hydrogen bonds in the regulation of the intermolecular interaction’s responsible for colloidal stability of dispersions has been studied in order to search for general patterns of interaction between water, nanoparticles, and bio-macromolecules. Raman spectroscopy for mixed dispersions of bovine serum albumin (SA), shungite carbon nanoparticles (ShC NPs), and quartz nanoparticles (quartz NPs) was performed within the wave number range 3200–3600 cm−1. The main spectral lines in this range are caused by the OH stretch vibrations of water molecules. We analyzed the state of the water hydrogen bonding network for dispersions of varied ratios of both fatty acid-containing and fatty acid-free SA macromolecules, ShC NPs, and silica NPs in the range 0.01–10 mg/mL.We used dynamic light scattering to control the sizes of the protein associates and protein associates with ShC NPs and quartz NPs. The strength of the hydrogen bonds in water depends essentially non-linearly, but in a qualitatively similar way, on the concentrations of the dispersion components. The initial strengthening of the bonds is followed by their loosening with a further increase in the concentration of the components. This is accompanied by the association of the dispersion components. We estimate the thickness of the protein corona layer as 20–25 nm for ShC NPs and 28–33 nm for quartz NPs, depending on the SA concentration. Colloidal stability of the aqueous dispersion is determined almost completely by an association of the protein with NPs. In contrast, colloidal stability of a pure protein solution is regulated by the formation of protein clusters of two main types and sizes. The association effects of SA with ShC NPs are evident in microscopic images of condensate films. The structures differ significantly for native and fatty acid-free SA in shape and size.
Study on the Influence Factors of Dynamic Modulus and Phase Angle of Dense Gradation Polyurethane Mixture
Authors: Zhao Haisheng , Zhang Wensheng , Cui Shiping , Ma Shijie , Miao Baoji , Di Enzhou , Wang Xiaoyan , Su Chunhua , Wei Jincheng , Liu Shan
Published: February 2023

Polyurethane (PU) mixture is a new pavement material with excellent pavement performance, and most research was focused on the enhancement of pavement performance, but rarely on the dynamic property. This paper studied the factors including gradation, aggregate type, PU type, and PU content, which may influence the dynamic property of the PU mixture. Test results showed that the PU mixture is a kind of linear viscoelastic material, its dynamic modulus and phase angle changed with test temperature and loading frequency, the dynamic modulus would drop by 40%~50% with the temperature raised from 5 °C to 55 °C. All of the factors could affect the dynamic property of the PU mixture which was proved by the analysis of covariance. The effect of gradation did not change with the increase of the nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS), the dynamic modulus of the PU mixture with limestone was higher than that of the PU mixture with basalt, and the curing speed of PU could affect the ultimate stiffness of the PU mixture, and the increase of the PU content did not help in the increase of the dynamic modulus of the PU mixture. So, more consideration about the selection of gradation, aggregate type, PU type, and PU content should be taken into the design of the PU mixture, which could produce the best pavement structure combination and save more investment.
pH-Induced Orthogonal Photoresponse of trans-Chalcone Isomers and Related Compounds in Equilibria
Authors: Kang Jeonghee , Basilashvili Ketevan , Yoo Barney , Lee Jong I.
Published: February 2023

Photoresponsive molecular devices can be a valuable tool to promote chemical changes in response to multiple signals, such as photons and pH, to deliver drugs or to detect physiological conditions in vivo. For example, trans-chalcones (Ct) from 4′-hydroxyflavylium (F1) and 7-hydroxyflavylium (F2) can undergo cis-trans isomerization by photoreaction into many different structures. The isomerization takes place at a slow rate in response to pH change; however, it can be done in seconds by photoreaction. In the investigation, as confirming the previous reports, 3-(2-hydroxy-phenyl)-1-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propenone, the trans-chalcone (CtF1) from F1, produces flavylium ions in pH = 1–4.5. Then, we further discovered that the flavylium quickly releases protons to yield the corresponding quinoidal base (A) in a solution of pH = 5.2 during irradiation with 350 nm. Meanwhile, the photolysis of 3-(2,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-1-phenyl-propenone, the trans-chalcone (CtF2) from F2 at pH = 5.6, induces photoacid behavior by losing a proton from the trans-chalcone to generate Ct2−. The different outcomes of these nearly colorless chalcones under similar pH conditions and with the same photochemical conditions can be useful when yielding colored AH+, A, or Ct2− in a mildly acidic pH environment with temporal and spatial control using photochemical means.
Channel Intensity and Edge-Based Estimation of Heart Rate via Smartphone Recordings
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Anusha , Bairy G. Muralidhar , Siddeshappa Nandish , Mayrose Hilda , Sampathila Niranjana , Chadaga Krishnaraj
Published: February 2023

Smartphones, today, come equipped with a wide variety of sensors and high-speed processors that can capture, process, store, and communicate different types of data. Coupled with their ubiquity in recent years, these devices show potential as practical and portable healthcare monitors that are both cost-effective and accessible. To this end, this study focuses on examining the feasibility of smartphones in estimating the heart rate (HR), using video recordings of the users’ fingerprints. The proposed methodology involves two-stage processing that combines channel-intensity-based approaches (Channel-Intensity mode/Counter method) and a novel technique that relies on the spatial and temporal position of the recorded fingerprint edges (Edge-Detection mode). The dataset used here included 32 fingerprint video recordings taken from 6 subjects, using the rear camera of 2 smartphone models. Each video clip was first validated to determine whether it was suitable for Channel-Intensity mode or Edge-Detection mode, followed by further processing and heart rate estimation in the selected mode. The relative accuracy for recordings via the Edge-Detection mode was 93.04%, with a standard error of estimates (SEE) of 6.55 and Pearson’s correlation r > 0.91, while the Channel-Intensity mode showed a relative accuracy of 92.75%, with an SEE of 5.95 and a Pearson’s correlation r > 0.95. Further statistical analysis was also carried out using Pearson’s correlation test and the Bland–Altman method to verify the statistical significance of the results. The results thus show that the proposed methodology, through smartphones, is a potential alternative to existing technologies for monitoring a person’s heart rate.
Healthcare-Chain: Blockchain-Enabled Decentralized Trustworthy System in Healthcare Management Industry 4.0 with Cyber Safeguard
Authors: Islam Md. Shohidul , Ameedeen Mohamed Ariff Bin , Rahman Md. Arafatur , Ajra Husnul , Ismail Zahian Binti
Published: February 2023

The pervasiveness of healthcare data to create better healthcare facilities and opportunities is one of the most-imperative parts of human life that offers radical advancements in healthcare services practiced through the blockchain-based management, analysis, storage, and sharing of health-related big data. Researchers can accelerate the challenges of developing a secure, scalable, and accessible dynamic healthcare infrastructure by the extensive data exchange required through individual microservices of blockchain-based privacy-preserving health data management ledgers in Healthcare Industry 4.0. Conducting secure and privacy-preserving platforms through primitive cryptographic algorithms is risky and can be a serious concern as the need to authenticate and store sensitive health data automatically are increasingly high. To achieve interoperability, security, efficiency, scalability, availability, and accountability among healthcare providers in heterogeneous networks, this paper proposes a blockchain-enabled decentralized, trustworthy privacy-preserving platform in the healthcare industry. In the healthcare-chain system, blockchain provides an appreciated secure environment for the privacy-preserving health data management ledger through hash processing, which updates high data security, storage immutability, and authentication functionality with an integrated attribute signature in accessing prescribed health block data. This article describes a new secure data retention design, prescribed evidence collection, and evaluation mechanism with integrity–confidentiality–availability to enforce the data access control policies for transactions of healthcare microservices. This scheme revealed the optimal performance in terms of mining health data size, average response time, transaction latency, and throughput for secured block transactions in blockchain networks.
Behavioral Changes during the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Comparison of Bullying, Cyberbullying, Externalizing Behavior Problems and Prosocial Behavior in Adolescents
Authors: Bäker Neele , Schütz-Wilke Jessica
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in rapid, unprecedented changes in the lives of children and adolescents worldwide. During the first year in the COVID-19 pandemic German schools were partially closed. The restrictions to limit the pandemic can be viewed as incongruent with developmental tasks of children and adolescent, and this can harbor risks such as loss of education, well-being, and daily structure. Additionally, social skills could decrease. The current study analyzed behavioral changes in traditional bullying and cyberbullying, externalizing behavior problems and prosocial behavior from spring 2020 (pandemic outbreak) to spring 2021 (during the pandemic; a time when schools were closed and infection rates peaked). We addressed our research question with an online survey in a German sample. A total of 130 students (65 females and 65 males) with ages ranging from 10 to 17 (MT1 = 13.88; SDT1 = 1.26) participated. Our results revealed significant differences in cyberbullying and prosocial behavior and no significant differences in traditional bullying and externalizing behavior problems across one year. Cyberbullying increased and prosocial behavior decreased during the first year of pandemic.
In Situ Observation of Retained Austenite Transformation in Low-Carbon Micro-Alloyed Q&P Steels
Authors: Ye Xiaoyu , Zheng Haoqing , Zhang Gongting , Chang Zhiyuan , Zheng Zhiwang , Huang Zhenyi , Gao Xiuhua , Su Guanqiao
Published: February 2023

Retained austenite (RA) transformation and its role in the mechanical properties of three low-carbon micro-alloyed quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steels was investigated utilizing in situ tensile tests and electron microscopy. Meanwhile, RA’s strain-induced martensite transformation (SIMT) was analyzed and discussed in terms of the strengthening mechanism. The results show that the ductility of the Q&P steels relies on the size and morphology of RA. In addition, both affect RA’s mechanical or thermostability. Dislocation density and carbon trapping should be considered in estimating the yield strength in the two-step Q&P process. V and Nb-Ti elements promote the formation of blocky RA. Ti accelerates the formation of film-like RA. For experimental Q&P steels with different processes and compositions, the true stress always keeps a linear relationship with the amount of transformed martensite, i.e., 30.38~46.37 MPa per vol. 1% transformed martensite, during the in situ tensile deformation.
Microstructure, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Al/Cu/SiC Laminated Composites, Fabricated by the ARB and CARB Processes
Authors: Luo Jie , Khattinejad Rashid , Assari Amirhossein , Tayyebi Moslem , Hamawandi Bejan
Published: February 2023

The aim of the current work is to investigate the effect of SiC particle weight percent and rolling passes on Al/Cu/SiC laminated composites, fabricated by accumulative roll-bonding (ARB) and cross-accumulative roll-bonding (CARB) processes. The optical microscopy (OM) images of composites revealed that despite the good bonding of the layers, they underwent plastic instabilities as a consequence of strain hardening of the layers. However, these instabilities occurred more in ARBed composites than in composites fabricated by the CARB process. This is because in the latter process, the composites are rolled in two directions, which leads to better strain distribution. Furthermore, with an increase in passes, SiC particles were well distributed in the matrix and interfaces. The mechanical findings showed that, by increasing passes, there was a growth in the values of strengths and elongation. This behavior is believed to be related to increased work-hardening of layers, better distribution of reinforcing particles, and an enhanced bonding of interfaces at higher rolling passes. In addition, the results of thermal conductivities showed a downward trend with an increase in passes; in fact, the increased number of Al/Cu interfaces declined the heat conduction of composites.
Effect of Few-Layer Graphene on the Properties of Mixed Polyolefin Waste Stream
Authors: Sultana S. M. Nourin , Helal Emna , Gutiérrez Giovanna , David Eric , Moghimian Nima , Demarquette Nicole R.
Published: February 2023

This work demonstrates how the addition of few-layer graphene (FLG) influences the processability and mechanical properties of the mixed polyolefin waste stream (R-(PE/PP)). Three different types of compounds were investigated: (1) R-(PE/PP) with FLG; (2) blends of R-(PE/PP) with prime polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or PP copolymer; and (3) R-(PE/PP) with both the prime polymer and FLG. The processability was assessed by measuring the torque during melt extrusion, the melt flow index (MFI), and viscosity of the compounds. Investigations of the processability and mechanical properties of the composites indicate that the presence of FLG can reinforce the composites without hindering the processability, an unusual but desired feature of rigid fillers. A maximum increase in tensile strength by 9%, flexural strength by 23%, but a reduction in impact strength were observed for the compounds containing R-(PE/PP), 4 wt.% FLG, and 9 wt.% prime PP. The addition of FLG concentrations higher than 4 wt.% in R-(PE/PP), however, resulted in higher tensile and flexural properties while preserving the impact strength. Remarkably, the addition of 10 wt.% FLG increased the impact strength of the composite by 9%. This increase in impact strength is attributed to the dominant resistance of the rigid FLG particles to crack propagation.
A Metamaterial-Based Double-Sided Bowtie Antenna for Intelligent Transport System Communications Operating in Public Safety Band
Authors: Alsisi Rayan Hamza , Karimbu Vallappil Arshad , Wajid Hafiz Abdul
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a compact design and new structure of bowtie antenna with dual-band characteristics for the 5G and public safety bands in intelligent transport systems (ITS) is presented. The antenna consists of a double-sided bowtie radiating patch with partial ground plane. A triangular complementary split-ring resonator (TCSRR) metamaterial (MTM) structure was etched on the radiating patch, to develop a dual band and a single notch band between 3.85 and 4.65 GHz. The proposed antenna had an overall size of 36 × 36 mm2 and was fabricated using a FR4 substrate with a thickness and dielectric permittivity (εr) of 1.6 mm and 4.3, respectively. CST microwave studio software was used for the design of antenna. The measured frequency results show impedance bandwidths of 3.45–3.85 GHz and 4.65–5.4 GHz, for a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) less than 2. The proposed antenna operates at 3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz, providing bandwidths of 400 MHz and 750 MHz, respectively, which cover the 5G and public safety bands. A prototype was fabricated and measured based upon optimal parameters, and the experimental results showed consistency with the simulation results. The proposed antenna provided a simulated/measured gain of 5.64 dBi/5 dBi and 4 dBi/3.7 dBi at 3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz, respectively. The enhanced bandwidth and better gain results of the proposed antenna make it an ideal candidate for an ITS operating in the 5G and public safety bands.
Recent Progress in Theoretical Studies and Computer Modeling of Non-Covalent Interactions
Authors: Novikov Alexander S.
Published: February 2023

It is not at all surprising that the topic of non-covalent interactions, a key pillar of supramolecular chemistry, has seen interest grow enormously within the last decade [...]