bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High resolution 16S rRNA gene Next Generation Sequencing study of brain areas associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Emery David C. , Davies Maria , Cerajewska Tanya L. , Taylor Jelena , Hazell Mae , Paterson Alex , Allen-Birt Shelley J. , West Nicola X.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are neurodegenerative conditions characterized by incremental deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) and α-synuclein in AD and PD brain, respectively, in relatively conserved patterns. Both are associated with neuroinflammation, with a proposed microbial component for disease initiation and/or progression. Notably, Aβ and α-synuclein have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties. There is evidence for bacterial presence within the brain, including the oral pathobiont Porphyromonas gingivalis, with cognitive impairment and brain pathology being linked to periodontal (gum) disease and gut dysbiosis.

Methods

Here, we use high resolution 16S rRNA PCR-based Next Generation Sequencing (16SNGS) to characterize bacterial composition in brain areas associated with the early, intermediate and late-stage of the diseases.

Results and discussion

This study reveals the widespread presence of bacteria in areas of the brain associated with AD and PD pathology, with distinctly different bacterial profiles in blood and brain. Brain area profiles were overall somewhat similar, predominantly oral, with some bacteria subgingival and oronasal in origin, and relatively comparable profiles in AD and PD brain. However, brain areas associated with early disease development, such as the locus coeruleus, were substantially different in bacterial DNA content compared to areas affected later in disease etiology.
Anodal tDCS does not enhance the learning of the sequential finger-tapping task by motor imagery practice in healthy older adults
Authors: Metais Angèle , Muller Camille O. , Boublay Nawale , Breuil Caroline , Guillot Aymeric , Daligault Sébastien , Di Rienzo Franck , Collet Christian , Krolak-Salmon Pierre , Saimpont Arnaud
Published: December 2022

Background

Motor imagery practice (MIP) and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) are innovative methods with independent positive influence on motor sequence learning (MSL) in older adults.

Objective

The present study investigated the effect of MIP combined with a-tDCS over the primary motor cortex (M1) on the learning of a finger tapping sequence of the non-dominant hand in healthy older adults.

Methods

Thirty participants participated in this double-blind sham-controlled study. They performed three MIP sessions, one session per day over three consecutive days and a retention test 1 week after the last training session. During training / MIP, participants had to mentally rehearse an 8-element finger tapping sequence with their left hand, concomitantly to either real (a-tDCS group) or sham stimulation (sham-tDCS group). Before and after MIP, as well as during the retention test, participants had to physically perform the same sequence as fast and accurately as possible.

Results

Our main results showed that both groups (i) improved their performance during the first two training sessions, reflecting acquisition/on-line performance gains, (ii) stabilized their performance from one training day to another, reflecting off-line consolidation; as well as after 7 days without practice, reflecting retention, (iii) for all stages of MSL, there was no significant difference between the sham-tDCS and a-tDCS groups.

Conclusion

This study highlights the usefulness of MIP in motor sequence learning for older adults. However, 1.5 mA a-tDCS did not enhance the beneficial effects of MIP, which adds to the inconsistency of results found in tDCS studies. Future work is needed to further explore the best conditions of use of tDCS to improve motor sequence learning with MIP.
Effects and mechanism of myeloperoxidase on microglia in the early stage of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zuo Wei , Wang Yunchang , Sun Jiali , Zhang Yinian
Published: December 2022

Objectives

(1) To clarify the dynamic relationship between the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and microglial activation of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), (2) to explore the effect of inhibition of MPO on microglial activation, and (3) to observe the improvement in the neurobehavior of mice with inhibition of MPO.

Methods

C57 BL/6 mice and CX3CR1 + /GFP mice were used to establish a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group, an ICH group, and a 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide (ABAH) group. Longa score, open field locomotion, hind-limb clasping test, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, blood routine detection, and flow cytometry were used.

Results

The neurobehavior of the mice was significantly impaired following ICH (P < 0.01); the expression of MPO was significantly increased following ICH, and reached a peak value at 6 h post-injury (P < 0.001). Moreover, the microglial activation increased significantly following ICH, and reached a peak level at 24 h post-injury (P < 0.01). Following inhibition of MPO, the activation of microglia in the ICH group decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Moreover, the neurobehavior of the ICH group was significantly improved with MPO inhibition (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

MPO may be an upstream molecule activated by microglia and following inhibition of MPO can improve secondary injury resulting from ICH.
No evidence for a preferential role of sleep in episodic memory abstraction
Authors: Talamini Lucia M. , van Moorselaar Dirk , Bakker Richard , Bulath Máté , Szegedi Steffie , Sinichi Mohammadamin , De Boer Marieke
Published: December 2022

Substantial evidence suggests that sleep has a role in declarative memory consolidation. An influential notion holds that such sleep-related memory consolidation is associated with a process of abstraction. The neural underpinnings of this putative process are thought to involve a hippocampo-neocortical dialogue. Specifically, the idea is that, during sleep, the statistical contingencies across episodes are re-coded to a less hippocampus-dependent format, while at the same time losing configural information. Two previous studies from our lab, however, failed to show a preferential role of sleep in either episodic memory decontextualisation or the formation of abstract knowledge across episodic exemplars. Rather these processes occurred over sleep and wake time alike. Here, we present two experiments that replicate and extend these previous studies and exclude some alternative interpretations. The combined data show that sleep has no preferential function in this respect. Rather, hippocampus-dependent memories are generalised to an equal extent across both wake and sleep time. The one point on which sleep outperforms wake is actually the preservation of episodic detail of memories stored prior to sleep.
Aquaphotomics monitoring of strawberry fruit during cold storage – A comparison of two cooling systems
Authors: Muncan Jelena , Anantawittayanon Sukritta , Furuta Tetsuya , Kaneko Toshiya , Tsenkova Roumiana
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study was to use aquaphotomics and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to follow the changes in strawberries during cold storage in the refrigerator with an electric field generator (supercooling fridge, SCF) and without it (control fridge, CF). The NIR spectra of strawberries stored in these refrigerators were collected over the course of 15 days using a portable mini spectrometer and their weight was measured daily. The spectral data in the region of the first overtone of water (1,300–1,600 nm) were analyzed using aquaphotomics multivariate analysis. The results showed a decrease in weight loss of strawberries, but the loss of weight was significantly lower in SCF, compared to the CF. The reduction of weight loss due to exposure to an electric field was comparable to the use of coatings. The aquaphotomics analysis showed that the NIR spectra adequately captured changes in the fruit over the storage period, and that it is possible to predict how long the fruit spent in storage, regardless of the storage type. During aquaphotomics analysis, 19 water absorbance bands were found to be consistently repeating and to have importance for the description of changes in strawberries during cold storage. These bands defined the water spectral pattern (WASP), multidimensional biomarker that was used for the description of the state and dynamics of water in strawberries during time spent in storage. Comparison of WASPs of strawberries in CF and SCF showed that exposure to an electric field leads to a delay in ripening by around 3 days. This was evidenced by the increased amount of structural, strongly bound water and vapor-like trapped water in the strawberries stored in SCF. This particular state of water in strawberries stored in SCF was related to the hardening of the strawberry skin and prevention of moisture loss, in agreement with the results of significantly decreased weight loss.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-tuberculosis drugs: An evaluation of in vitro, in vivo methodologies and human studies
Authors: Alffenaar Jan-Willem C. , de Steenwinkel Jurriaan E. M. , Diacon Andreas H. , Simonsson Ulrika S. H. , Srivastava Shashikant , Wicha Sebastian G.
Published: December 2022

There has been an increased interest in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PKPD) of anti-tuberculosis drugs. A better understanding of the relationship between drug exposure, antimicrobial kill and acquired drug resistance is essential not only to optimize current treatment regimens but also to design appropriately dosed regimens with new anti-tuberculosis drugs. Although the interest in PKPD has resulted in an increased number of studies, the actual bench-to-bedside translation is somewhat limited. One of the reasons could be differences in methodologies and outcome assessments that makes it difficult to compare the studies. In this paper we summarize most relevant in vitro, in vivo, in silico and human PKPD studies performed to optimize the drug dose and regimens for treatment of tuberculosis. The in vitro assessment focuses on MIC determination, static time-kill kinetics, and dynamic hollow fibre infection models to investigate acquisition of resistance and killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis populations in various metabolic states. The in vivo assessment focuses on the various animal models, routes of infection, PK at the site of infection, PD read-outs, biomarkers and differences in treatment outcome evaluation (relapse and death). For human PKPD we focus on early bactericidal activity studies and inclusion of PK and therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical trials. Modelling and simulation approaches that are used to evaluate and link the different data types will be discussed. We also describe the concept of different studies, study design, importance of uniform reporting including microbiological and clinical outcome assessments, and modelling approaches. We aim to encourage researchers to consider methods of assessing and reporting PKPD of anti-tuberculosis drugs when designing studies. This will improve appropriate comparison between studies and accelerate the progress in the field.
Spectral analysis for pulse rate variability assessment from simulated photoplethysmographic signals
Authors: Mejía-Mejía Elisa , Kyriacou Panicos A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Pulse rate variability (PRV) refers to the changes in pulse rate through time and is extracted from pulsatile signals such as the photoplethysmogram (PPG). Although PRV has been used as a surrogate of heart rate variability (HRV), which is measured from the electrocardiogram (ECG), these variables have been shown to have differences, and it has been hypothesised that these differences may arise from technical aspects that may affect the reliable extraction of PRV from PPG signals. Moreover, there are no guidelines for the extraction of PRV information from pulsatile signals.

Aim: In this study, the extraction of frequency-domain information from PRV was studied, in order to establish the best performing combination of parameters and algorithms to obtain the spectral representation of PRV.

Methods: PPG signals with varying and known PRV content were simulated, and PRV information was extracted from these signals. Several spectral analysis techniques with different parameters were applied, and absolute, relative and centroid-related frequency-domain indices extracted from each combination. Indices from extracted and known PRV were compared using factorial analyses and Kruskal-Wallis tests to determine which spectral analysis technique gave the best performing results.

Results: It was found that using fast Fourier transform and the multiple signal classification (PMUSIC) algorithms gave the best results, combined with cubic spline interpolation and a frequency resolution of 0.0078 Hz for the former; and a linear interpolation with a frequency resolution as low as 1.22 × 10−4, as well as applying a fifth order model, for the latter.

Discussion: Considering the lower complexity of FFT over PMUSIC, FFT should be considered as the appropriate technique to extract frequency-domain information from PRV signals.
Effects of on- and off-year management practices on the soil organic C fractions and microbial community in a Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forest in subtropical China
Authors: Huang Zhiyuan , Li Qiaoling , Gai Xu , Zhang Xiaoping , Zhong Zheke , Bian Fangyuan , Yang Chuanbao
Published: December 2022

On- and off-year management practices are usually adopted in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forests to achieve higher productivity. However, little is known about the effects of these management practices on soil C sequestration and microbial community structure. In the present study, soil nutrient content, organic C fractions, and bacterial and fungal communities were comparatively investigated in on- and off-year bamboo stands. The results showed that soil organic C (SOC), alkali-hydrolyzable N (AN), and available P (AP) in the on-year were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) than those in the off-year. Among the different soil organic C fractions, easily oxidizable organic C (EOC), microbial biomass C (MBC), Ca-bound SOC (Ca-SOC), and Fe/Al-bound SOC (Fe/Al-SOC) also had significantly higher contents in the off-year than in the on-year, with MBC and EOC decreasing by 56.3% and 24.5%, respectively, indicating that both active and passive soil organic C pools increased in the off-year. However, the alpha diversities of both soil bacteria and fungi were significantly lower in the off-year soils than in the on-year soils. The bacterial taxa Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, WPS-2, Acidothermus, Candidatus_Solibacter, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, and Candidatus_Xiphinematobacter were increased in off-year soils relative to on-year soils. Meanwhile, fungal taxa Ascomycota, Mortierella, Hypocrea, Cryptococcus, Clitopilus, and Ceratocystis were significantly increased in on-year soils. Soil pH, SOC, AP, MBC, EOC, and Ca-SOC were significantly correlated with bacterial and fungal communities, with soil pH being the most important driving factor for the shift in bacterial and fungal communities. Our findings showed that the studied bamboo forest possessed an inherent restorative ability in the off-year, which can reverse the soil nutrient and C depletion in the on-years and ensure soil fertility in the long term.
Responses of root system architecture to water stress at multiple levels: A meta-analysis of trials under controlled conditions
Authors: Kou Xinyue , Han Weihua , Kang Jian
Published: December 2022

Plants are exposed to increasingly severe drought events and roots play vital roles in maintaining plant survival, growth, and reproduction. A large body of literature has investigated the adaptive responses of root traits in various plants to water stress and these studies have been reviewed in certain groups of plant species at a certain scale. Nevertheless, these responses have not been synthesized at multiple levels. This paper screened over 2000 literatures for studies of typical root traits including root growth angle, root depth, root length, root diameter, root dry weight, root-to-shoot ratio, root hair length and density and integrates their drought responses at genetic and morphological scales. The genes, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and hormones that are involved in the regulation of drought response of the root traits were summarized. We then statistically analyzed the drought responses of root traits and discussed the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, we highlighted the drought response of 1-D and 2-D root length density (RLD) distribution in the soil profile. This paper will provide a framework for an integrated understanding of root adaptive responses to water deficit at multiple scales and such insights may provide a basis for selection and breeding of drought tolerant crop lines.
Encouraging job crafting in the workplace for newcomers: A two-year multi-wave study
Authors: Jeong Seoyeong , Kim Sunyoung , Seol Jeong Hoon , Lim Myongki , Sohn Young Woo
Published: December 2022

It is important to identify the antecedents of newcomers’ job crafting as it assists with their adjustment in the workplace. This study made use of transformational leadership and newcomers’ calling as organizational and personal resources that predict job crafting. We hypothesized that transformational leadership would have an indirect relationship with newcomers’ job crafting after 2 years through their occupational self-efficacy and that their calling would moderate this mediational path. A multi-wave approach was employed wherein data from 280 new employees were collected three times during the first 2 years of their careers. The survey was completed by 150 participants. The results illustrated that transformational leadership was positively related to newcomers’ job crafting after 2 years of entry through their occupational self-efficacy. Additionally, newcomers’ calling moderated the mediating effect of occupational self-efficacy between transformational leadership and job crafting. The theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.
Teacher burnout and turnover intention in higher education: The mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating role of proactive personality
Authors: Zhang Qun , Li Xianyin , Gamble Jeffrey Hugh
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Teacher burnout and frequent turnover negatively affect stability and productivity in the context of higher education. Despite the fact that the relationship between burnout and turnover intention has been thoroughly studied, the role of other factors in this relationship should be evaluated in order to better clarify underlying mechanisms, particularly in the context of higher education.

Methods

In this study, we first aim to bridge a research gap by utilizing job satisfaction as a mediating variable for the relationship between burnout and turnover intention. Moreover, we uniquely evaluate the role of proactive personality as a moderating variable, first in terms of the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction, and then for the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intention. Based on 296 valid questionnaires collected from university faculty members in China, proposed hypotheses were evaluated empirically.

Results

The results demonstrate that, as expected, burnout has a significant and positive impact on turnover intention, and job satisfaction has significantly negative impact on turnover intention, with job satisfaction partially mediating the relationship between burnout and turnover intention. Moreover, proactive personality moderated the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intention, with this relationship being stronger for individuals with high proactive personality as compared to low proactive personality.

Discussion

These findings provide a better understanding of the relationship between burnout and turnover intention of university instructors. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and recommendations for further research are provided.
Utilizing the Delphi method to develop parent and child surveys to understand exposure to farming hazards and attitudes toward farm safety
Authors: Adams Jessie , Kennedy Alison , Cotton Jacquie , Brumby Susan
Published: December 2022

Children on farms are at increased risk of injury. In Australia, children under 15 years consistently represent ~15% of all farm-related fatalities. This study aimed to develop parent and child surveys to gain a greater understanding of children's (5–14 years) exposure to occupational risk on farms by exploring their exposure to farm hazards, risk-taking behavior, their use and attitudes toward safety measures, and experience of farm-related injury. As farming communities are heterogeneous, a modified Delphi method was undertaken to ensure input from a diverse group. Seventeen experts participated in a three round process—the first two rounds required rating of proposed survey questions in an online questionnaire and the final round was an online discussion. Consensus was defined as 75% agreement or higher. This process resulted in 155 parent questions and 124 child questions reaching consensus to include. The modified Delphi method developed surveys that provide insight into the behaviors and attitudes of children (individuals) and their parents on farms (family) and will assist in informing how community, organizations and policy frameworks can improve child safety on farms. It will assist in identifying and understanding common farming exposures/behaviors of children and their parents to inform the development of targeted and culturally appropriate injury prevention strategies. As farming groups are heterogeneous, these survey scan be used on varying farming cohorts to identify their unique farming hazards and challenges. Child farm-related injuries are a problem globally and must be addressed; children are dependent on adults and communities to create safe environments for them.
Increasing ventilation reduces SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission in schools: A retrospective cohort study in Italy's Marche region
Authors: Buonanno Giorgio , Ricolfi Luca , Morawska Lidia , Stabile Luca
Published: December 2022

Introduction

While increasing the ventilation rate is an important measure to remove inhalable virus-laden respiratory particles and lower the risk of infection, direct validation in schools with population-based studies is far from definitive.

Methods

We investigated the strength of association between ventilation and SARS-CoV-2 transmission reported among the students of Italy's Marche region in more than 10,000 classrooms, of which 316 were equipped with mechanical ventilation. We used ordinary and logistic regression models to explore the relative risk associated with the exposure of students in classrooms.

Results and discussion

For classrooms equipped with mechanical ventilation systems, the relative risk of infection of students decreased at least by 74% compared with a classroom with only natural ventilation, reaching values of at least 80% for ventilation rates >10 L s−1 student−1. From the regression analysis we obtained a relative risk reduction in the range 12%15% for each additional unit of ventilation rate per person. The results also allowed to validate a recently developed predictive theoretical approach able to estimate the SARS-CoV-2 risk of infection of susceptible individuals via the airborne transmission route. We need mechanical ventilation systems to protect students in classrooms from airborne transmission; the protection is greater if ventilation rates higher than the rate needed to ensure indoor air quality (>10 L s−1 student−1) are adopted. The excellent agreement between the results from the retrospective cohort study and the outcome of the predictive theoretical approach makes it possible to assess the risk of airborne transmission for any indoor environment.
Social Return on Investment (SROI) of mental health related interventions—A scoping review
Authors: Kadel Rajendra , Stielke Anna , Ashton Kathryn , Masters Rebecca , Dyakova Mariana
Published: December 2022

Background

There is a growing recognition of the need to effectively assess the social value of public health interventions through a wider, comprehensive approach, capturing their social, economic and environmental benefits, outcomes and impacts. Social Return on Investment (SROI) is a methodological approach which incorporates all three aspects for evaluating interventions. Mental health problems are one of the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide. This study aims to map existing evidence on the social value of mental health interventions that uses the SROI methodology.

Methods

A scoping evidence search was conducted on Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar and relevant gray literature, published in English between January 2000 and March 2021 to identify studies which capture the SROI of mental health interventions in high- and middle-income countries. Studies that reported mental health outcomes and an SROI ratio were included in this review. The quality of included studies was assessed using Krlev's 12-item quality assessment framework.

Results

The search identified a total of 435 records; and 42 of them with varying quality met the study inclusion criteria. Most of the included studies (93%) were non-peer reviewed publicly available reports, predominantly conducted in the United Kingdom (88%); and majority (60%) of those studies were funded by charity/non-for-profit organizations. Out of 42 included studies, 22 were targeted toward individuals experiencing mental health problems and the remainder 20 were targeted to vulnerable groups or the general population to prevent, or reduce the risk of poor mental health. Eighty-one percent of included studies were graded as high quality studies based on Krlev's 12-item quality assessment framework. The reported SROI ratios of the included studies ranged from £0.79 to £28.00 for every pound invested.

Conclusion

This scoping review is a first of its kind to focus on SROI of mental health interventions, finding a good number of SROI studies that show a positive return on investment of the identified interventions. This review illustrates that SROI could be a useful tool and source of evidence to help inform policy and funding decisions for investment in mental health and wellbeing, as it accounts for the wider social, economic and environmental benefits of public health interventions. More SROI research in the area of public health is needed to expand the evidence base and develop further the methodology.
Impact of the change in household dietary patterns on CO2 emissions in Japan
Authors: Eun Sungtae
Published: December 2022

Japan is a country committed to complying with the international agreement on mitigating greenhouse gases (GHGs) causing climate change. However, the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011 led the country had to modify the energy and environmental policy to global warming. The 15 m of tsunami occurred from an underwater earthquake hit the east coast where the nuclear reactors were located. The coolant system failed and the radioactive materials were spread out into the atmosphere, ocean, and soil. The Japanese government investigated the level of contaminated materials (iodine, cesium, etc.) and reassessed the food safety regulations. Simultaneously, consumers' anxiety about the food system was increasing and their preferences for food consumption were affected by the food safety phenomenon that arose in connection with the nuclear accident after the natural disaster. Japanese consumers avoided agricultural and fish products originating from the land and sea, so the consumption per capita of fish decreased by 11.3% while the beef consumption increased by 13.7% between 2011 and 2020. As reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), meat and dairy products are accounted for around 16.5% of global GHGs emissions per year, and there are differences in the emission factors between beef (40.5 kgCO2e/kg) and fish (7.7 kgCO2e/kg). Per capita meat and fish consumption in Japan affected the GHGs emissions and the study employs the Synthetic Control Method (SCM) to estimate the impact of a change in dietary patterns on CO2 emissions from household food consumption. The outcome variable is CO2 emissions from household food consumption and the intervention period is between 1995 and 2019 (pre-intervention: 1995–2010; post-intervention: 2011–2019). Analyzing 32 countries, placebo studies, leave-one-out, and post-/pre-MSPE ratio are performed to make the statistical inferences. The results present that there is a meaningful relationship between the dietary patterns and the increase in CO2 emissions. Unlike the countries in the control group, Japan shows a significant increase in CO2 emissions from household food consumption after the natural disaster. However, the westernization of the diet can be another long-term factor affecting climate change. Therefore, future research can involve analyzing the impact of CO2 emissions from household food consumption in multiple treated countries with multiple interventions.
A Numerical Study on the Water Entry of Cylindrical Trans-Media Vehicles
Authors: Deng Feng , Sun Xiaoyuan , Chi Fenghua , Ji Ruixue
Published: December 2022

In recent years, more attention has been paid to vehicles that can travel between air and water, known as trans-media vehicles. They are often designed as cylindrical bodies in order to reduce the impact load during water entry. In this paper, the water-entry processes of small-sized cylindrical trans-media vehicles, with a characteristic length of 1 m, were investigated numerically by solving the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations using the volume-of-fluid method, the dynamic grid method and the six degrees of freedom solver. The numerical methods were first validated by comparing the numerical results with the existing experimental data. Then, the effects of the body mass, the diameter-to-length ratio, the water-entry angle and the head shape on the water-entry process were investigated. The results show that the peak impact load, measured by the peak force exerted by water on the body, can be significantly reduced by decreasing the body mass, decreasing the diameter, entering the water at an optimum water-entry angle or installing an ellipsoidal head. In particular, the peak impact load was found to be approximately proportional to the square of the body mass or the cube of the cylinder diameter. Furthermore, installing an ellipsoidal head can reduce about 94% of the peak impact load experienced by a cylindrical body.
Clinicopathologic Features of Neuroblastoma-like Schwannoma: A Case Report of Unusual Morphologic Variant
Authors: Mortazavi Samira , Kamyab Hesari Kambiz , Khorsand Atieh , Ardalan Maryam
Published: December 2022

Neuroblastoma-like schwannoma is known as a rare unusual variant of schwannoma with difficulties of differential diagnosis with neuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumor and other cutaneous small round cell tumors. Herein, we describe a neuroblastoma-like schwannoma that was presented as a painless lesion on the dorsal side of the left hand in a 39-year-old woman. Composed collagen fibers in the central core of rosettes and diffuse expression of S100 protein in the tumor cells found in the biopsy specimens confirmed the Schwann cell origin of the tumor.
Protective Effects of Combined Utilization of Quercetin and Florfenicol on Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome Infected Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Zhai Qianqian , Chang Zhiqiang , Li Jitao , Li Jian
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to determine the immunity, survival rate, and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei treated using quercetin and florfenicol alone or in combination, after infection with acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VPAHPND). After infection with VPAHPND, different types of feed were given to the shrimp for 5 days, including a control diet (drug-free), florfenicol only diet (15 mg/kg), quercetin only diet (400 mg/kg), a low-dose florfenicol/quercetin combined diet (200 mg/kg quercetin + 7.0 mg/kg florfenicol), a moderate-dose florfenicol/quercetin combined diet (400 mg/kg quercetin + 15 mg/kg florfenicol), and a high-dose florfenicol/quercetin combined diet (800 mg/kg quercetin + 30 mg/kg florfenicol). The cumulative mortality of shrimp was significantly reduced in the drug combination groups compared with either drug used alone (p < 0.05). The density of Vibrio was significantly lower and the immune parameters were significantly increased in the drug combination groups compared with either drug used alone (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the drug combination groups, the hepatopancreas tubules showed better integrity and structure compared with those when either drug was used alone. Therefore, compared with single drug treatment, the florfenicol and quercetin combination enhanced disease resistance, survival, and immune activity of VPAHPND-infected shrimp. When the combination treatment is used, the dosage of florfenicol can be reduced and a better therapeutic effect is obtained.
Advances in Production of Hydroxycinnamoyl-Quinic Acids: From Natural Sources to Biotechnology
Authors: Valanciene Egle , Malys Naglis
Published: December 2022

Hydroxycinnamoyl-quinic acids (HCQAs) are polyphenol esters formed of hydroxycinnamic acids and (-)-quinic acid. They are naturally synthesized by plants and some micro-organisms. The ester of caffeic acid and quinic acid, the chlorogenic acid, is an intermediate of lignin biosynthesis. HCQAs are biologically active dietary compounds exhibiting several important therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and other activities. They can also be used in the synthesis of nanoparticles or drugs. However, extraction of these compounds from biomass is a complex process and their synthesis requires costly precursors, limiting the industrial production and availability of a wider variety of HCQAs. The recently emerged production through the bioconversion is still in an early stage of development. In this paper, we discuss existing and potential future strategies for production of HCQAs.
Oenanthe javanica Ethanolic Extract Alleviates Inflammation and Modifies Gut Microbiota in Mice with DSS-Induced Colitis
Authors: Bae Ui-Jin , Jang Ha-Na , Lee Sung-Hyen , Kim Ji-Young , Kim Gi-Chang
Published: December 2022

Oenanthe javanica, commonly known as water dropwort, has long been used to treat acute and chronic hepatitis, abdominal pain, alcohol hangovers, and inflammation in various traditional medicine systems in Asia. However, whether O. javanica has beneficial effects on colitis-induced intestinal damage remains elusive. This study tested the hypothesis that O. javanica has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. First, treatment of O. javanica ethanol extract (OJE) inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-affected macrophages. Second, in mice with DSS-induced colitis, OJE administration reduced pathological damage to the colon while alleviating weight gain and decreasing colon length, including inflammation and mucosal necrosis. In addition, OJE significantly (p < 0.01) restricted the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators and increased the expression of Nrf2-phase 2 antioxidant enzymes. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing workflows for taxonomic assignment analysis confirmed that the diversity (richness and evenness) of fecal microbiota was markedly elevated in the OJE group. OJE administration reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria including Escherichia and increased the abundance of the genus Muribaculum. These results suggested that OJE exerts beneficial effects on inflammation and gut microbial composition in a mouse model of colitis.
Probiotic Incorporation into Yogurt and Various Novel Yogurt-Based Products
Authors: Olson Douglas W. , Aryana Kayanush J.
Published: December 2022

Probiotics are commonly added to yogurt to provide many health benefits for the consumer. A description is provided for some commonly used probiotics in yogurt. A GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list of probiotic bacteria that can be added to yogurt or similar types of products is provided. Additionally, prebiotics, synbiotics (combination of prebiotics and probiotics), postbiotics, paraprobiotics, and psychobiotics can be added to yogurt. Probiotic yogurt can come in various forms in addition to spoonable yogurt, and yogurt can be used as an ingredient in other food products. Many useful functional ingredients can be applied to probiotic yogurt. The safety of probiotics must be addressed, especially for critically ill patients and other susceptible populations. Probiotics must survive within yogurt throughout its entire shelf-life and within the gastrointestinal tract after consumption by the consumer to provide health benefits, and many techniques can be used to maintain survival of probiotics in yogurt. Furthermore, probiotics can be added to Greek yogurt acid whey. Many opportunities exist for adding a wide variety of probiotics to a wide variety of yogurt-based products.
Mechanical Characteristics and Bioactivity of Nanocomposite Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Coated Titanium for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Patty Diana Julaidy , Nugraheni Ari Dwi , Dewi Ana Ika , Yusuf Yusril
Published: December 2022

In the present study, we have analyzed the mechanical characteristics and bioactivity of titanium coating with hydroxyapatite/bovine collagen. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) was synthesized from a Pinctada maxima shell and has a stoichiometry (Ca/P) of 1.72 and a crystallinity of 92%, suitable for coating materials according to ISO and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. Titanium (Ti) substrate coatings were fabricated at HAp concentrations of 1% (Ti/HAp-1) and 3% (Ti/HAp-3) and a bovine collagen concentration of 1% (Ti/HAp/Coll) by the electrophoresis deposition (EPD) method. The compressive strength of Ti/HAp-1 and Ti/HAp-3 was 87.28 and 86.19 MPa, respectively, and it increased significantly regarding the control/uncoated Ti (46.71 MPa). Furthermore, the Ti/HAp-coll (69.33 MPa) has lower compressive strength due to collagen substitution (1%). The bioactivity of Ti substrates after the immersion into simulated body fluids (SBF) for 3–10 days showed a high apatite growth (Ca2+ and PO43−), according to XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS results, significantly on the Ti/HAp-coll.
A Subset Screen of the Compounds Australia Scaffold Library Identifies 7-Acylaminodibenzoxazepinones as Potent and Selective Hits for Anti-Giardia Drug Discovery
Authors: Hart Christopher J. S. , Riches Andrew G. , Tiash Snigdha , Clapper Erin , Ramu Soumya , Zuegg Johannes , Ryan John H. , Skinner-Adams Tina S.
Published: December 2022

On an annual basis the flagellate protozoan, Giardia duodenalis, is responsible for an estimated one billion human infections of which approximately two hundred million cause disease. However, the treatment of Giardia infections is reliant on a small group of chemotherapeutic classes that have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and increasing treatment failure rates. To improve this situation, we need new drugs. In this study we screened the Compounds Australia Scaffolds Library for compounds with potent and selective activity against these parasites. Unlike previous drug discovery efforts that have focused on drug repurposing, this library is comprised of commercially available synthetic compounds arranged into lead-like scaffolds to facilitate structure activity relationship assessments and de novo drug discovery. A screen of 2451 compounds in this library identified 40 hits (>50% inhibitory activity at 10 µM, over 48 h). Secondary testing identified three compounds with IC50 values <1 μM and >50-fold selectivity for parasites over mammalian cells and a hit series, CL9406, comprising compounds with potent (lowest IC50 180 nM) and selective activity for Giardia parasites. The most promising compound in this series, SN00797640, displayed selective activity against assemblage A, B, and metronidazole resistant parasites which was parasiticidal (minimum lethal concentration 625 nM) and synergistic with albendazole. SN00797640 was well-tolerated when administered to mice at doses of 50 mg/kg daily for three days paving the way for pre-clinical in vivo activity assessment.
Prospective Analysis of Functional and Structural Changes in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy—A Pilot Study
Authors: Bieniaszewska Aleksandra , Sobieska Magdalena , Gajewska Ewa
Published: December 2022

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare, autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease. Recent years have seen a significant development of therapeutic options for SMA patients. With the development of treatment methods, it has become necessary to adapt a physiotherapeutic approach to the evolving clinical picture of SMA patients. We presented an analysis of 40 SMA patients undergoing pharmacological treatment, examined twice in an average interval of 5 months. Twelve patients (non-sitters) were evaluated using CHOP-INTEND, while 28 (sitters) were tested using the Hammersmith scale. The research protocol consisted of measurements of upper and lower limb ranges of motion, and four tests for early detection of musculoskeletal changes. Both non-sitters and sitters patients showed motor improvement between the first and second examinations. Favorable changes in range of motion parameters were noted in most children, except for hip extension (HE) range, which deteriorated. An association was also observed between scale scores and the presence of contractures in the hip and knee joints depending on the group studied. Our findings showed that the presence of contractures at the hip and knee joint negatively affected functional improvement as measured by the scale scores.
Gabapentin Increases Intra-Epidermal and Peptidergic Nerve Fibers Density and Alleviates Allodynia and Thermal Hyperalgesia in a Mouse Model of Acute Taxol-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Klazas Michal , Naamneh Majdi Saleem , Zheng Wenhua , Lazarovici Philip
Published: December 2022

The clinical pathology of Taxol-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN), characterized by loss of sensory sensitivity and pain, is mirrored in a preclinical pharmacological mice model in which Gabapentin, produced anti-thermal hyperalgesia and anti-allodynia effects. The study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that gabapentin may protect against Taxol-induced neuropathic pain in association with an effect on intra-epidermal nerve fibers density in the TIPN mice model. A TIPN study schedule was induced in mice by daily injection of Taxol during the first week of the experiment. Gabapentin therapy was performed during the 2nd and 3rd weeks. The neuropathic pain was evaluated during the whole experiment by the Von Frey, tail flick, and hot plate tests. Intra-epidermal nerve fibers (IENF) density in skin biopsies was measured at the end of the experiment by immunohistochemistry of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase PGP9.5 pan-neuronal and calcitonin gene-related (CGRP) peptides-I/II- peptidergic markers. Taxol-induced neuropathy was expressed by 80% and 73% reduction in the paw density of IENFs and CGPR, and gabapentin treatment corrected by 83% and 46% this reduction, respectively. Gabapentin-induced increase in the IENF and CGRP nerve fibers density, thus proposing these evaluations as an additional objective end-point tool in TIPN model studies using gabapentin as a reference compound.
Technology Features of Diamond Coating Deposition on a Carbide Tool
Authors: Ashkinazi Evgeny , Fedorov Sergey , Khomich Alexander , Rogalin Vladimir , Bolshakov Andrey , Sovyk Dmitry , Grigoriev Sergey , Konov Vitaly
Published: December 2022

The production of carbide tools with polycrystalline diamond coatings, which are used for processing modern carbon composite materials, includes a number of technological techniques that ensure reliable adhesion of the coating to the substrate. This review examines these features of substrate-surface pretreatment to improve adhesion, which includes chemical etching, mechanical hardening, modification by ion beams, plasma treatment and application of buffer layers between the substrate and the coating. This review also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the most common methods for obtaining polycrystalline diamond coatings using hot filament and deposition of coatings from microwave plasma.
Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to C1 Compounds by Zn-Based Monatomic Alloys: A DFT Calculation
Authors: Wang Yixin , Zheng Ming , Wang Xin , Zhou Xin
Published: December 2022

Electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to produce usable products and fuels such as alkanes, alkenes, and alcohols, is a very promising strategy. Recent experiments have witnessed great advances in precisely controlling the synthesis of single atom alloys (SAAs), which exhibit unique catalytic properties different from alloys and nanoparticles. However, only certain precious metals, such as Pd or Au, can achieve this transformation. Here, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to show that Zn-based SAAs are promising electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to C1 hydrocarbons. We assume that CO2 reduction in Zn-based SAAs follows a two-step continuous reaction: first Zn reduces CO2 to CO, and then newly generated CO is captured by M and further reduced to C1 products such as methane or methanol. This work screens seven stable alloys from 16 SAAs (M = Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, V, Mo, Ti, Cr). Among them, Pd@Zn (101) and Cu@Zn (101) are promising catalysts for CO2 reduction. The reaction mechanisms of these two SAAs are discussed in detail. Both of them convert CO2 into methane via the same pathway. They are reduced by the pathway: *CO2 → *COOH → *CO + H2O; *CO → *CHO → *CH2O → *CH3O → *O + CH4 → *OH + CH4 → H2O + CH4. However, their potential determination steps are different, i.e., *CO2 → *COOH (ΔG = 0.70 eV) for Cu@Zn (101) and *CO → *CHO (ΔG = 0.72 eV) for Pd@Zn, respectively. This suggests that Zn-based SAAs can reduce CO2 to methane with a small overpotential. The solvation effect is simulated by the implicit solvation model, and it is found that H2O is beneficial to CO2 reduction. These computational results show an effective monatomic material to form hydrocarbons, which can stimulate experimental efforts to explore the use of SAAs to catalyze CO2 electrochemical reduction to hydrocarbons.
Reducing the Distortion in Particle Filled Material Extrusion (MEX)-Based Additive Manufacturing (AM) by Means of Modifying the Printing Strategy
Authors: Abel Johannes , Tiwari Siddharth , Kardos Milán , Reichel Maria , Scheithauer Uwe
Published: December 2022

This study addresses a ubiquitous challenge in powder metallurgy: sintering distortion. Sintering distortion can have various causes. On one hand, external factors such as friction with the sintering support during sintering or temperature gradients in the furnace, and, on the other hand, internal factors such as anisotropic shrinkage due to directional layer build-up or residual stresses during production, can cause deformation by relieving mechanical stress. This paper presents an approach to reducing residual stresses in components produced by ceramic Fused Filament Fabrication (CerAM FFF) by changing the printing strategy using thermoplastic porcelain filaments with a solid loading of 57% vol. The starting point of the investigation was the torsion of standard sliced porcelain fragments after solvent debinding, which led to the idea to change the printing direction to prevent the distortion. Therefore, a Python™-based post-processor was developed to control the printing direction. It has been shown that this approach can even prevent warpage both for printed ceramic and also for the metal components for technical applications. This simple observation will help all powder metallurgical manufacturers using Material Extrusion (MEX)-based Additive Manufacturing (AM).