bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disease-Specific Quality Indicators for Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing for Respiratory Infections (ESAC Quality Indicators) Applied to Point Prevalence Audit Surveys in General Practices in 13 European Countries
Authors: Vellinga Akke , Luke-Currier Addiena , Garzón-Orjuela Nathaly , Aabenhus Rune , Anastasaki Marilena , Balan Anca , Böhmer Femke , Lang Valerija Bralić , Chlabicz Slawomir , Coenen Samuel , García-Sangenís Ana , Kowalczyk Anna , Malania Lile , Tomacinschii Angela , van der Linde Sanne R. , Bongard Emily , Butler Christopher C. , Goossens Herman , van der Velden Alike W.
Published: March 2023

Up to 80% of antibiotics are prescribed in the community. An assessment of prescribing by indication will help to identify areas where improvement can be made. A point prevalence audit study (PPAS) of consecutive respiratory tract infection (RTI) consultations in general practices in 13 European countries was conducted in January–February 2020 (PPAS-1) and again in 2022 (PPAS-4). The European Surveillance of Antibiotic Consumption quality indicators (ESAC-QI) were calculated to identify where improvements can be made. A total of 3618 consultations were recorded for PPAS-1 and 2655 in PPAS-4. Bacterial aetiology was suspected in 26% (PPAS-1) and 12% (PPAS-4), and an antibiotic was prescribed in 30% (PPAS-1) and 16% (PPAS-4) of consultations. The percentage of adult patients with bronchitis who receive an antibiotic should, according to the ESAC-QI, not exceed 30%, which was not met by participating practices in any country except Denmark and Spain. For patients (≥1) with acute upper RTI, less than 20% should be prescribed an antibiotic, which was achieved by general practices in most countries, except Ireland (both PPAS), Croatia (PPAS-1), and Greece (PPAS-4) where prescribing for acute or chronic sinusitis (0–20%) was also exceeded. For pneumonia in adults, prescribing is acceptable for 90–100%, and this is lower in most countries. Prescribing for tonsillitis (≥1) exceeded the ESAC-QI (0–20%) in all countries and was 69% (PPAS-1) and 75% (PPAS-4). In conclusion, ESAC-QI applied to PPAS outcomes allows us to evaluate appropriate antibiotic prescribing by indication and benchmark general practices and countries.
The Role of Procalcitonin as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Tool in Patients Hospitalized with Seasonal Influenza
Authors: Christensen Ingrid , Berild Dag , Bjørnholt Jørgen Vildershøj , Jelsness-Jørgensen Lars-Petter , Debes Sara Molvig , Haug Jon Birger
Published: March 2023

Background: Up to 60% of the antibiotics prescribed to patients hospitalized with seasonal influenza are unnecessary. Procalcitonin (PCT) has the potential as an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) tool because it can differentiate between viral and bacterial etiology. We aimed to explore the role of PCT as an ASP tool in hospitalized seasonal influenza patients. Methods: We prospectively included 116 adults with seasonal influenza from two influenza seasons, 2018–2020. All data was obtained from a single clinical setting and analyzed by descriptive statistics and regression models. Results: In regression analyses, we found a positive association of PCT with 30 days mortality and the amount of antibiotics used. Influenza diagnosis was associated with less antibiotic use if the PCT value was low. Patients with a low initial PCT (<0.25 µg/L) had fewer hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) days and fewer positive chest X-rays. PCT had a negative predictive value of 94% for ICU care stay, 98% for 30 days mortality, and 88% for bacterial coinfection. Conclusion: PCT can be a safe rule-out test for bacterial coinfection. Routine PCT use in seasonal influenza patients with an uncertain clinical picture, and rapid influenza PCR testing, may be efficient as ASP tools.
In Silico Methodologies to Improve Antioxidants’ Characterization from Marine Organisms
Authors: Lauritano Chiara , Montuori Eleonora , De Falco Gabriele , Carrella Sabrina
Published: March 2023

Marine organisms have been reported to be valuable sources of bioactive molecules that have found applications in different industrial fields. From organism sampling to the identification and bioactivity characterization of a specific compound, different steps are necessary, which are time- and cost-consuming. Thanks to the advent of the -omic era, numerous genome, metagenome, transcriptome, metatranscriptome, proteome and microbiome data have been reported and deposited in public databases. These advancements have been fundamental for the development of in silico strategies for basic and applied research. In silico studies represent a convenient and efficient approach to the bioactivity prediction of known and newly identified marine molecules, reducing the time and costs of “wet-lab” experiments. This review focuses on in silico approaches applied to bioactive molecule discoveries from marine organisms. When available, validation studies reporting a bioactivity assay to confirm the presence of an antioxidant molecule or enzyme are reported, as well. Overall, this review suggests that in silico approaches can offer a valuable alternative to most expensive approaches and proposes them as a little explored field in which to invest.
Polyunsaturated and Saturated Oxylipin Plasma Levels Allow Monitoring the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Progression to Severe Stages
Authors: Ferrer Miguel D. , Reynés Clara , Monserrat-Mesquida Margalida , Quetglas-Llabrés Magdalena , Bouzas Cristina , García Silvia , Mateos David , Casares Miguel , Gómez Cristina , Ugarriza Lucía , Tur Josep A. , Sureda Antoni , Pons Antoni
Published: March 2023

Hepatic fat accumulation is the hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our aim was to determine the plasma levels of oxylipins, free polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and markers of lipid peroxidation in patients with NAFLD in progressive stages of the pathology. Ninety 40–60-year-old adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were distributed in without, mild, moderate or severe NAFLD stages. The free PUFA and oxylipin plasma levels were determined by the UHPLC–MS/MS system. The plasma levels of oxylipins produced by cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450, such as prostaglandin 2α (PGF2α), lipoxinB4 and maresin-1, were higher in severe NAFLD patients, pointing to the coexistence of both inflammation and resolution processes. The plasma levels of the saturated oxylipins 16-hydroxyl-palmitate and 3-hydroxyl-myristate were also higher in the severe NAFLD patients, suggesting a dysregulation of oxidation of fatty acids. The plasma 12-hydroxyl-estearate (12HEST) levels in severe NAFLD were higher than in the other stages, indicating that the hydroxylation of saturated fatty acid produced by reactive oxygen species is more present in this severe stage of NAFLD. The plasma levels of 12HEST and PGF2α are potential candidate biomarkers for diagnosing NAFLD vs. non-NAFLD. In conclusion, the NAFLD progression can be monitored by measuring the plasma levels of free PUFA and oxylipins characterizing the different NAFLD stages or the absence of this disease in metabolic syndrome patients.
Beneficial Effects of Viable and Heat-Inactivated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Administration on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Diet-Induced NAFLD in Rats
Authors: Arellano-García Laura , Trepiana Jenifer , Martínez J. Alfredo , Portillo María P. , Milton-Laskibar Iñaki
Published: March 2023

Oxidative stress and inflammation are well-known triggers of NAFLD onset and progression. The aim of this study is to compare the potential benefits of a viable probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and its parabiotic (heat-inactivated) on oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage and cell death pathways in the liver of rats featuring diet-induced NAFLD. The consumption of the steatotic diet led to increased final body and liver weights, higher hepatic triacylglycerol content, altered serum transaminase levels and enhanced oxidative and inflammatory status. Administration of the probiotic and the parabiotic partially prevented the body weight increase induced by the steatotic diet, whereas the probiotic caused more effective decreasing hepatic triglyceride content. Sharp but nonstatistically significant decreases in serum transaminase levels were also observed for both treatments. The reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities found in the nontreated animals fed the steatotic diet was partially prevented by both treatments (GPx activity). Similarly, the reductions in nonenzymatic antioxidant protection (GSH content) and total antioxidant capacity (ORAC) found in the nontreated rats were restored by the administration of both treatments. These results show that both viable and heat-inactivated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG administration partially prevent steatotic diet-induced liver oxidative stress and inflammation induced in rats.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Thermal Shock on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Limestone
Authors: Dong Yunsheng , Xi Baoping , He Shuixin , Chen Luhai
Published: March 2023

Thermal shock is the physical process of rapid cooling of a hot object. The physical and mechanical properties of rocks that have undergone thermal shock will change. This variation can be applied to the development of geothermal in limestone reservoirs and serve as an effective means of enhancing heat exchange capacity. The essence of this is rock thermal shock rupture. The reason for the change in rock properties due to thermal shock is distinguished from other factors and is a process of instantaneous impact thermal stress caused by non-constant heat transfer, resulting in rock damage from microscopic damage to macroscopic damage. In order to study the variation of physical and mechanical properties of limestone with heating and cooling temperatures under the effect of thermal shock, a self-developed thermal shock test device was used to test the physical and mechanical properties of limestone heated to 100 °C~600 °C after thermal shock. The results strongly suggest that the heating temperature under the effect of thermal shock is the main factor affecting the evolution of basic physical properties of limestone; with the increase in heating temperature, the color of the specimen changes from off-white to white, the mass decreases and the volume nonlinearly increases, with a maximum reduction of 1.39% in mass and a maximum expansion of 2.79% in volume at 600 °C. Indeed, 500 °C is the temperature of abrupt mass loss. The heating temperature and the cooling medium temperature act together to deteriorate the mechanical properties of limestone. With increasing heating temperature (decreasing cooling temperature), the uniaxial compressive strength of limestone decreased by 39.5% (19.3%), modulus of elasticity by 59.5% (22.9%), tensile strength by 42.9% (7.6%), and cohesion by 43.2% (22.5%). The peak strain increases by 74.2% and the angle of internal friction increases by 27% (25.9%). The above data are average values. The empirical equations of the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength of limestone under the action of thermal shock versus heating temperature were obtained. The differences in the physical and mechanical properties of limestone after two heat treatments (thermal shock and high-temperature heating) were compared and analyzed, and the results showed that the physical and mechanical properties of limestone deteriorated more severely after thermal shock compared to high-temperature heating. The research results can provide technical support for the drilling of geothermal development and wellbore stability assessment in limestone reservoirs, and enrich the theory of high-temperature rock mechanics.
An SEM Model of Learning Engagement and Basic Mathematical Competencies Based on Experiential Learning
Authors: Sun Lu , Xiao Longhai
Published: March 2023

Primary school mathematics is one of the most important subjects in primary school learning, and basic mathematical competencies are an important component of the response to academic achievement. Improving students’ basic competence in mathematics is one of the important goals of teaching mathematics in primary schools. Research has shown that experiential learning has an impact on basic competencies in mathematics, attitudes toward mathematics, and self-efficacy in mathematics. Therefore, this study explores the structural model that fits the relationship between experiential learning and basic competencies in mathematics using a linear model. This study uses a sample of 263 primary school students to explore the influential relationships between learning engagement, mathematical attitudes, mathematical self-efficacy, and basic mathematical competencies after experiential learning. The study revealed that the model had a good fit, with learning engagement, mathematical attitudes, and mathematical self-efficacy all having significant effects on basic mathematical competencies; in addition, behavioral engagement had insignificant effects on mathematical attitudes and mathematical self-efficacy. This study can infer through one year of experiential learning and based on the structural model developed that experiential learning in mathematics can increase students’ learning engagement in mathematics learning and positively influence mathematical attitudes and mathematical self-efficacy, thus positively influencing students’ performance in basic mathematical competencies.
Effect of Audio–Visual Factors in the Evaluation of Crowd Noise
Authors: Yang Xiaoyin , Kang Jian
Published: March 2023

A crowd can be both a sound source and an absorber. The sound of human voices significantly impacts evaluations of acoustic indicators in urban public spaces. This study aimed to investigate whether human sound impacts evaluations of the overall environment from both visual and auditory aspects. Primary sound sources and scenes in Harbin, China urban public space served as the research object. Four sets of sound sources and six sets of images were collected in situ in urban public spaces. A subjective evaluation of both visual and auditory aspects was then performed in the laboratory. The results showed that when different types of sounds in urban public spaces are superimposed with human sound, the volume of human sound (45.6 dBA, 55.6 dBA, and 65.6 dBA) significantly affects the acoustic evaluation of the environment. When the superimposed sounds were birds and music, the evaluation of the environment decreased with the human voice increasing in volume. Crowd density and the surrounding visual environment also influence evaluations of the overall sound environment. In this study, the sound preference and acoustic comfort of birdsong and music decreased as the human sound volume increased. The effect of human sound combined with traffic sounds significantly decreased the scores for sound preference and acoustic comfort at higher volumes. The results of the experiments on audio–visual interactions in which people evaluated visual scenes showed that the influence of the visual density of a crowd on assessments of the sound environment is negatively related to the magnitude of the sound of the crowd. When human voices are at 45.6 dBA and 65.6dBA, there is a significant effect on the evaluation of visual scenes for high-density people. When the sound pressure level of human voices is the same, changes in the visual environment are more likely to affect people’s evaluation of the overall sound environment.
Shared E-Scooters and the Promotion of Equity across Urban Public Spaces—A Case Study in Braga, Portugal
Authors: Dias Gabriel , Ribeiro Paulo , Arsenio Elisabete
Published: March 2023

Shared e-scooters were introduced in urban public spaces as a way to promote a modal shift from cars in short-distance trips, as well as to improve sustainability, resilience, and equity in urban transport. However, the expansion of shared e-scooter services in 2019 proved that this mode of transport, without integrated planning strategies, can bring some problems to cities, which are related to the illegal parking of e-scooters, an increase in head injuries, and the lack of population diversity among users. Regarding the latest, this research work aims at conducting a case study in the city of Braga, Portugal to reveal who the actual and potential users of shared e-scooters are and how their socioeconomic profile (e.g., gender, age, income range, literacy, occupation) and usage patterns related to the ones found in other cities. For this, a revealed preference survey was deployed on the case study site, and the respondents’ profiles were statistically correlated with the socioeconomic characteristics of the city’s general population in order to assess if this mode of transport provides an equitable service. Results show that shared e-scooters are not equally used by people of different genders, ages, and income ranges. Information on e-scooter usage inequalities across the population is useful for the city to proceed with more socially equitable mobility policies.
A Two-Dimensional Non-Destructive Beam Monitoring Detector for Ion Beams
Authors: Braccini Saverio , Carzaniga Tommaso Stefano , Casolaro Pierluigi , Dellepiane Gaia , Franconi Laura , Mateu Isidre , Scampoli Paola , Schmid Matthias
Published: March 2023

A two-dimensional beam monitoring detector named π2 has been developed and tested at the Bern University Hospital, using an 18 MeV proton beam provided by a medical cyclotron. This non-destructive device utilises a scintillating compound (P47 phosphor) coated onto a thin aluminium foil that is angled at 45∘ with respect to the beam axis. The scintillating light produced when the beam passes through the foil is captured by a CMOS camera, resulting in a two-dimensional image of the beam profile. Custom software is then used to analyse the image and extract valuable information about the beam’s position, shape, and intensity. The focus of the experimental work was on characterising the performance of the π2 with the 18 MeV proton beam. The linearity of the detector’s output signal was evaluated for proton fluxes ranging from 2·1010cm−2·s−1 to 5·1011cm−2·s−1. Furthermore, the beam profiles measured with the π2 were found to be consistent with reference measurements obtained using alternative beam monitors. Additionally, the experiments also involved studying the beam scattering caused by the foil and scintillating layer. Finally, in a long-term radiation test, the detector demonstrated a stable response up to an integrated proton flux of 3·1015cm−2. The π2 is currently being used at the Bern cyclotron for monitoring beams in the development of new methods for medical radioisotope production and for radiation hardness studies. The π2 has potential applications in several fields that involve the use of accelerated ions, such as cancer particle therapy, medical radioisotope production and radiation hardness studies.
A Helmholtz Free Energy Equation of State of CO2-CH4-N2 Fluid Mixtures (ZMS EOS) and Its Applications
Authors: Zhang Jia , Mao Shide , Shi Zeming
Published: March 2023

An equation of state (EOS) of CH4-N2 fluid mixtures in terms of Helmholtz free energy has been developed by using four mixing parameters, which can reproduce the pressure-volume-temperature-composition (PVTx) and vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) properties of CH4-N2 fluid mixtures. The average absolute deviation of all the PVTx data available up to 673.15 K and 1380 bar from this EOS is 0.38%. Combining this EOS of CH4-N2 fluid mixtures and the EOS of CH4-CO2 and CO2-N2 fluid mixtures in our previous work, an EOS of CO2-CH4-N2 fluid mixtures has been developed, which is named ZMS EOS. The ZMS EOS can calculate all thermodynamic properties of ternary CO2-CH4-N2 fluid mixtures and the average absolute deviation of the PVTx data from the ZMS EOS is 0.40% for the CO2-CH4-N2 system. The ZMS EOS can be applied to calculate excess enthalpies of CO2-CH4-N2 fluid mixtures, predict the solubility of CO2-CH4-N2 fluid mixtures in brine and water, and quantitatively estimate the impact of the impurities (CH4 and N2) on the CO2 storage capacity in the CO2 capture and storage (CCS) processes. The ZMS EOS can also be applied to calculate the isochores of CO2-CH4-N2 system in the studies of fluid inclusions. All Fortran computer codes and Origin drawing projects in this paper can be obtained freely from the corresponding author.
Effect of a 12-Week Football Programme on Body Composition, Physical Condition, and Analysis of Physical Demands in Young Male Children
Authors: Hernandez-Martin Antonio , Sanchez-Sanchez Javier , Felipe Jose Luis , Manzano-Carrasco Samuel , Gallardo Leonor , Garcia-Unanue Jorge
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the effects of a 12-week football programme on body composition (fat mass, muscle mass, and bone mass) in children compared to a sedentary lifestyle, as well as the physical demands and loads required in training and matches in young football players (U10–U12). Forty children were included, divided into two groups: a football group (FG; n = 20) and a control group (CG; n = 20). Body composition was analysed using DXA and physical demands were analysed using GPS, with a total of 504 observations. Total bone mineral content (BMC) was significantly increased in FG-U12 (p = 0.025) after training. Total bone mineral density (BMD) was increased after the 12 weeks in FG-U10 (p = 0.001) and FG-U12 (p = 0.002). Leg BMC in FG-U10 (p < 0.05; 2.2 to 7.1 g) and FG-U12 (p < 0.05; 2.0 to 17.0 g) was increased after 12 weeks. VO2 max after training was significantly improved in FG-U10 (p < 0.05; ES: 1.7 to 5.2 mL/kg/min) and FG-U12 (p < 0.05; 0.3 to 3.8 mL/kg/min). Among U10s, midfielders covered greater distances and had higher intensity accelerations (p < 0.05; ES: 1.05 to 2.00) than forwards and defenders. Among U12s, midfielders in matches covered greater distances and at higher intensity than in training (p < 0.05; ES: 1.05 to 2.39). Football practice produces benefits in total and lower limb BMC, BMD, and VO2 max. The training and position of midfielders require higher physical demands.
Increasing the Insertion Loss of Sonic Crystal Noise Barriers with Helmholtz Resonators
Authors: Redondo Javier , Ramírez-Solana David , Picó Rubén
Published: March 2023

Helmholtz resonators (HRs) have the advantage of extending and improving their insulating capacity when used as scatterers in noise barriers made of periodic media, such as sonic crystals (SCs). However, the interaction between multiple Bragg scattering and local resonance phenomena can increase or decrease the insulation of the barrier depending on its design. In the present work, we numerically investigate the factors that determine how such interferences occur and the specific conditions to increase the insertion loss of sonic crystal noise barriers (SCNBs) made of cylindrical scatterers with HRs. Two factors are crucial for the variation of the isolation of the barrier in the Bragg-bandgap (Bragg-BG): the orientation of the resonator mouth with respect to the incident wave, and the resonance frequency of the resonator with respect to the central frequency of the Bragg-BG. Based on this phenomenon, we propose a sonic crystal noise barrier consisting of scatterers with two Helmholtz resonators. The insertion loss of the structure is determined numerically and shows an increase of 20 dB at the BG compared to a conventional barrier with cylindrical scatterers.
Compost Fertilization in Organic Agriculture—A Comparison of the Impact on Corn Plants Using Field Spectroscopy
Authors: Strenner Martin , Chmelíková Lucie , Hülsbergen Kurt-Jürgen
Published: March 2023

To protect the environment and reduce the impact of fertilizing on climate change, a tailored fertilization according to the needs of the plants becomes more and more important. In organic farming, the main sources of nitrogen (N) are organic fertilizers, such as compost and farmyard manure. In conventional agricultural systems, various plant sensors have already proven that they can guide efficient fertilization. Since these sensors can record the growth of the biomass growth, they can also be used in organic farming to detect the influence of various organic fertilizers on the growth of corn plants. In a field trial established in 2017, eight different organic fertilizers (biogas fermentation residue, matured farmyard manure, fresh and matured organic waste compost, fresh and matured green compost, and microbial carbonized compost) were used and applied in two different amounts (120 and 240 kg N ha−1) along with an unfertilized control variant. The fertilization was applied according to the current version of the German fertilizer ordinance. In 2021, sensor measurements of the corn plants were taken at six different stages of development (from BBCH 13 to BBCH 35) with a hand-held field spectrometer using the REIP vegetation index. The measurements showed that the unfertilized control variant could be reliably recorded. Furthermore, even at early growth stages the measurements showed the differences between different composts. The results presented in this study show that sensor measurements using vegetation indices reacted sensitively to organic fertilization and can be a tool for farmers to support their decision for an adequate fertilization strategy.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Supercapacitors via Two-Dimensional Indium Sulfide Heterostructure on Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kumar Niraj , Mishra Dhananjay , Kumar Ajit , Dash Bidyashakti , Mishra Rajneesh , Song Junyoung , Jin Sung
Published: March 2023

This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of a novel electrode material for supercapacitor applications based on a clustered heterostructure of indium sulfide (In2S3) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The In2S3-SWCNT (INSC) sample was prepared using the facile successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method and demonstrated a higher specific capacitance (258 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1) compared to the bare indium sulfide (In2S3) electrode. The enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to the synergistic effect between the In2S3 and SWCNTs, which improves electron transportation, catalytic nature, and specific capacitance. Moreover, the cyclic stability of the INSC electrode was significantly improved, retaining 96.8% of the initial capacitance after 3000 cycles. The high voltage holding capacity and high cyclic efficiency of the fabricated INSC-based supercapacitor devices suggest their potential for next-generation energy storage devices. Additionally, the INSC electrode-based supercapacitor devices exhibit excellent flexibility and bendability, retaining similar performance even at a bending angle of 180°, making them suitable for flexible energy storage applications.
Research on Holographic Visualization Verification Platform for Construction Machinery Based on Mixed Reality Technology
Authors: Dai Mingyuan , Li Liangpeng , Lu Yilin , Xiao Liwei , Zong Xuemei , Tu Chenglong , Meng Fanjian , Tang Yong , Guo Dongliang
Published: March 2023

As “Industry 4.0” progresses, construction machinery is evolving toward large-scale, automation, and integration, resulting in the equipment becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the designs more difficult. Labor costs, transportation, and time will be huge challenges for construction machinery, and mixed reality technology is one of several possible ways to solve this challenge. The research presented in this paper develops a holographic visual verification platform for a digital prototype of construction machinery based on virtual terminal equipment, through investigating the synchronous remote collaboration of multiple terminal devices in a mixed reality scenario. These included semi-physical virtual-real fusion assembly, multi-person real-time voice communication, dynamic loading of MR model based on a cloud server, virtual imitation control, interface design, and human-computer interaction. The effectiveness of this paper’s method is demonstrated through remote collaborative design cases. These included a double drum roller, loader, and milling planer welding production line, as well as tractor modeling review and virtual simulation manipulation of an aerial work platform. The experimental results show that this visual verification platform is a feasible, low-cost and scalable solution, which brings a qualitative breakthrough to the design, research and development, production and other stages in the field of construction machinery.
Nitrogenous Bases in Relation to the Colloidal Silver Phase: Adsorption Kinetic, and Morphology Investigation
Authors: Zienkiewicz-Strzalka Malgorzata , Blachnio Magdalena
Published: March 2023

The interaction between inorganic nanoparticles and biological molecules is of great importance in the field of biosystems and nanomaterials. Here, we report the adsorption process of a heterocyclic organic compound (nitrogenous base) on a microporous carbon (C) in the presence of a colloidal silver solution (AgNP solution) as an accompanying substance. Analysis of the potential colloid–biomolecule interaction as well as the subsequent phenomenon of changes in the morphology of the colloidal system in the presence of selected nucleotides was investigated. Adenosine nitrogenous base (Anb) was selected as a model molecule of the building block of DNA and RNA. The adsorption process of nucleotides from one- and two-component systems was monitored by cyclic UV-VIS measurements for obtaining time-dependent profiles and estimating the kinetic characteristics of uptake. We demonstrate the temperature-dependent course of the adsorption process with visible nucleotide-AgNP morphology determinants. The experimental adsorption kinetics were analyzed using selected theoretical models (intraparticle diffusion model, multiexponential equation, and many others). On the other hand, obtained Anb/C and Anb/AgNP/C composites were characterized by various techniques suitable for material surface and morphology characterization: high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM and TEM/EDX), N2 physisorption measurements, and thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments).
Phenolic Compound Production Increased In Vitro Regenerated Cichorium intybus L.
Authors: Abas Yousif Abdullah , Eroğlu Ayten , Dalar Abdullah , Türker Musa , Ozdemir Fethi Ahmet , Sołowski Gaweł
Published: March 2023

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a low-height perennial or biennial herb from the family of Asteraceae. Investigation of different in vitro regeneration strategies of Cichorium intybus and increasing the number of secondary metabolites in vitro regenerated plant samples were the aims of the research. Callus and plant regenerations were achieved in basal plant growth media supplemented with plant growth regulators (PGRs). Whole plant regeneration was carried out by direct organogenesis from leaf explant in Murashige and Skoog (MS) and B5 media supplemented with naphthalene acetic (NAA) acid and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The highest callus quantity was produced in MS medium supplemented with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and benzyl amino purine (BAP). The combination and concentrations of PGRs used in MS and B5 media not only provided root and shoot formation with callus, but also caused a change in the amounts of phenolic components. In addition, some PGRs used caused an increase in the number of phenolic compounds in callus and shoots developed from the leaf explant. When plants that grow in vitro and in vivo are compared with each other, it has been determined that plants grown in vivo contain higher amounts of some phenolic compounds. In vivo and in vitro samples were extracted in ethanol/water (80:20 v/v). The analysis of phenolic compounds (caftaric, chicoric, and chlorogenic acids and esculin) were performed in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inulin was in UV spectrophotometry. The caftaric and chlorogenic acids and inulin concentrations were higher in vivo samples than that in vitro. Contrarily, esculin, and chicoric acid concentrations were higher in the in vitro regenerated samples. The higher concentration of valuable compounds in the in vitro regenerated samples, especially in callus tissue, gives hope for large-scale production of secondary metabolites under laboratory conditions.
Refugees’ Arriving through the Lens of Fiction: Unveiling the Ambivalences of Hegemonic Expectations
Authors: Mijić Ana , Parzer Michael
Published: March 2023

In this article, we use fiction as a lens to study processes of refugees’ arriving in Austria. For that purpose, we draw on findings from our transdisciplinary and participatory project “The Art of Arriving—Reframing ‘Refugee Integration’” in which we have created a real-world laboratory and examined if and how the meaning-making processes involved in creating and interpreting art can foster reframing “refugee integration” concepts and provide alternative views on the arrival of refugees beyond an assimilationist lens. By inviting and accompanying artists from different cultural realms (literature, music, and photography) and with different refugee experiences during the process of jointly creating an artwork as well as by getting access to the recipients’ interpretations of these artworks, we gained insights into the various ways that artistic practices unveil and contest common hegemonic expectations that shape the processes of refugees’ (and other migrants’) arriving. Our analysis of the short story “Außen vor” (“Being [left] out”) written by Hamed Abboud, Anna Baar, and Mascha Dabić—of its creation and reception process—contributes to the ongoing debates on how refugees’ artistic practices can serve as means of cultural and social transformation.
The Influencing Mechanism of Urban Travel Carbon Emissions from the Perspective of Built Environment: The Case of Guangzhou, China
Authors: Lu Jianfeng
Published: March 2023

Urban travel is a major component of urban transport, and the total carbon emissions of urban transport can be effectively reduced if the carbon emissions of residents’ travel can be reasonably controlled. Based on the questionnaire data of many different types of residential areas in Guangzhou, the daily travel behaviour of residents was analysed and their travel carbon emissions were calculated. The differences in travel characteristics and travel carbon emissions of residents in different types of residential areas were compared. The influencing factors of residents’ travel carbon emissions were divided into three categories: individual socio-economic factors, built environment, and residents’ travel behaviour. On this basis, a structural equation model is established to study the impact mechanism of residents’ travel carbon emissions. The path relationship between endogenous variables and endogenous variables, as well as the path relationship between exogenous variables and endogenous variables were investigated. The interactions between various influencing factors of residents’ travel carbon emissions were examined. The results show that: (1) there are significant differences in residents’ travel carbon emissions in different types of municipalities. Residents’ travel carbon emissions in Guangzhou are closer to the 60/20 distribution; (2) compared with individual socio-economic factors, the impact of the built environment on travel carbon emissions is more obvious; (3) travel distance and travel mode are the factors that directly affect residents’ travel carbon emissions. Proposals have been made to reduce the carbon emissions of residents travelling.
Study on Lowering the Group 1 Protease Allergens from House Dust Mites by Exposing to Todomatsu Oil Atmosphere
Authors: Lin Yichun , Xiao Kai , Wang Weiqian , Lu Senlin , Wang Qingyue
Published: March 2023

Group 1 protease allergens that persist in fecal particles from house dust mites (HDM) are the prevalent indoor aeroallergens and the primary triggers of dust mite allergy. Consequently, it is vital to discover a secure, efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly inhibitor to restrain these allergens. Herein, an assessment on the suppression of allergens Der f 1 and Der p 1 (predominant Group 1 allergens) with todomatsu oil derived from the remnants of Abies sachalinensis was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and molecular docking analysis in silico. The results demonstrated that todomatsu oil effectively suppresses allergens Der f 1 and Der p 1 by lowering their allergen contents, and the decline rate rises with increasing todomatsu oil concentration. The formation of alkyl hydrophobic interactions, pi-sigma bonds, and hydrogen bonds have been observed between oil ingredients and allergens Der f 1 and Der p 1. Intriguingly, the majority of oil ingredients prefer to dock on hydrophobic amino acids. Additionally, oil ingredients docked to the cysteine protease site on Der f 1 or IgG epitope on Der p 1 were discovered. Notably, the binding affinity (BA) score and inhibition constant (Ki) revealed that bornyl acetate, the component with the maximum relative proportion in todomatsu oil, is included in the top five ingredients with the best inhibition effectiveness. As a result, todomatsu oil has been identified as an efficient inhibitor against Group 1 HDM allergens and a viable measure to improve indoor air quality.
Influence of Oil Content on Particle Loading Characteristics of a Two-Stage Filtration System
Authors: Tian Xinjiao , Ou Qisheng , Lu Yajing , Liu Jingxian , Liang Yun , Pui David Y. H. , Yi Hang
Published: March 2023

Filter media may encounter aerosols mixed with solid and oil ingredients from various sources, such as industries, transportation, and households, in the air purification process, while the influence such oil content has on the loading performance of single-stage and two-stage filtration systems is under-reported. Thus, this study aims to evaluate oil fraction effects on the loading performance of single-stage and two-stage filtration systems. First, to reveal the oil–solid mixed particle deposition mechanisms, the filter media parameters, i.e., specific cake resistance ε and cake porosity K2, were tested, indicating that a slight amount of oil can increase the dust holding capacity (DHC) of filters by forming a more porous cake, while an excess of oil results in reduced DHC by forming impermeable liquid films on the solid skeleton. Further two-stage experimental results indicate that the effectiveness of a pre-stage filter can be significantly affected by the properties of incoming aerosol and main-stage filters. The utilization of a pre-stage filter unintentionally deteriorated the service lifetime of the main-stage filter when challenged with contaminants with certain oil particles. This counter-intuitive negative phenomenon is due to the special loading behaviors of oil–solid mixed particles. The existing pre-stage filters allow a higher fine oil particle fraction to reach the main-stage downstream, while the induced cake filtration scenario leading to a film clogging scenario adversely reduced the lifetime of the main-stage filter. The findings suggest that the feasibility of a pre-stage in the filtration system requires compressive evaluations according to the specific oil-coated contaminants.
Arboreal Urban Cooling Is Driven by Leaf Area Index, Leaf Boundary Layer Resistance, and Dry Leaf Mass per Leaf Area: Evidence from a System Dynamics Model
Authors: Eyster Harold N. , Beckage Brian
Published: March 2023

Heat waves are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Summer heat waves can be particularly deadly in cities, where temperatures are already inflated by abundant impervious, dark surfaces (i.e., the heat island effect). Urban heat waves might be ameliorated by planting and maintaining urban forests. Previous observational research has suggested that conifers may be particularly effective in cooling cities. However, the observational nature of these studies has prevented the identification of the direct and indirect mechanisms that drive this differential cooling. Here, we develop a systems dynamics representation of urban forests to model the effects of the percentage cover of either conifers or broadleaf trees on temperature. Our model includes physiological and morphological differences between conifers and broadleaf trees, and physical feedback among temperature and energy fluxes. We apply the model to a case study of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Our model suggests that in temperate rainforest cities, conifers may by 1.0 °C cooler than broadleaf trees; this differential increases to 1.2 °C when percentage tree cover increases from 17% to 22% and to 1.7 °C at 30% cover. Our model suggests that these differences are due to three key tree traits: leaf area index, leaf boundary layer resistance, and dry mass per leaf area. Creating urban forests that optimize these three variables may not only sequester CO2 to mitigate global climate change but also be most effective at locally minimizing deadly urban heat waves.
Effect of Explant Source on Phenotypic Changes of In Vitro Grown Cannabis Plantlets over Multiple Subcultures
Authors: Hesami Mohsen , Adamek Kristian , Pepe Marco , Jones Andrew Maxwell Phineas
Published: March 2023

Drug-type cannabis is often multiplied using micropropagation methods to produce genetically uniform and disease/insect-free crops. However, micropropagated plantlets often exhibit phenotypic variation, leading to culture decline over time. In cannabis, the source of these changes remains unknown, though several factors (e.g., explant’s sources and prolonged in vitro culture) can result in such phenotypical variations. The study presented herein evaluates the effects of explant sources (i.e., nodal segments derived from the basal, near-basal, middle, and apical parts of the greenhouse-grown mother plant) over multiple subcultures (4 subcultures during 235 days) on multiplication parameters and leaf morphological traits of in vitro cannabis plantlets. While initial in vitro responses were similar among explants sourced from different regions of the plant, there were significant differences in performance over the course of multiple subcultures. Specifically, explant source and/or the number of subcultures significantly impacted plantlet height, number of nodes, and canopy surface area. The explants derived from the basal and near-basal parts of the plant resulted in the tallest shoots with the greatest number of nodes, while the explants derived from the middle and apical regions led to shorter shoots with fewer nodes. Moreover, the basal-derived explants produced cannabis plantlets with shorter but wider leaves which demonstrated the potential of such explants for in vitro rejuvenation practices with minimal culture decline. This study provides new evidence into the long-term impacts of explant source in cannabis micropropagation.
CiXTH29 and CiLEA4 Role in Water Stress Tolerance in Cichorium intybus Varieties
Authors: De Caroli Monica , Rampino Patrizia , Curci Lorenzo M. , Pecatelli Gabriele , Carrozzo Sara , Piro Gabriella
Published: March 2023

Drought causes massive crop quality and yield losses. Limiting the adverse effects of water deficits on crop yield is an urgent goal for a more sustainable agriculture. With this aim, six chicory varieties were subjected to drought conditions during seed germination and at the six week-old plant growth stage, in order to identify some morphological and/or molecular markers of drought resistance. Selvatica, Zuccherina di Trieste and Galatina varieties, with a high vegetative development, showed a major germination index, greater seedling development (6 days of growth) and a greater dehydration resistance (6 weeks of growth plus 10 days without water) than the other ones (Brindisina, Esportazione and Rossa Italiana). Due to the reported involvement, in the abiotic stress response, of xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) and late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) multigene families, XTH29 and LEA4 expression profiles were investigated under stress conditions for all analyzed chicory varieties. We showed evidence that chicory varieties with high CiXTH29 and CiLEA4 basal expression and vegetative development levels better tolerate drought stress conditions than varieties that show overexpression of the two genes only in response to drought. Other specific morphological traits characterized almost all chicory varieties during dehydration, i.e., the appearance of lysigen cavities and a general increase of the amount of xyloglucans in the cell walls of bundle xylem vessels. Our results highlighted that high CiXTH29 and CiLEA4 basal expression, associated with a high level of vegetative growth, is a potential marker for drought stress tolerance.
Comparison of Biomolecular Condensate Localization and Protein Phase Separation Predictors
Authors: Kuechler Erich R. , Huang Alex , Bui Jennifer M. , Mayor Thibault , Gsponer Jörg
Published: March 2023

Research in the field of biochemistry and cellular biology has entered a new phase due to the discovery of phase separation driving the formation of biomolecular condensates, or membraneless organelles, in cells. The implications of this novel principle of cellular organization are vast and can be applied at multiple scales, spawning exciting research questions in numerous directions. Of fundamental importance are the molecular mechanisms that underly biomolecular condensate formation within cells and whether insights gained into these mechanisms provide a gateway for accurate predictions of protein phase behavior. Within the last six years, a significant number of predictors for protein phase separation and condensate localization have emerged. Herein, we compare a collection of state-of-the-art predictors on different tasks related to protein phase behavior. We show that the tested methods achieve high AUCs in the identification of biomolecular condensate drivers and scaffolds, as well as in the identification of proteins able to phase separate in vitro. However, our benchmark tests reveal that their performance is poorer when used to predict protein segments that are involved in phase separation or to classify amino acid substitutions as phase-separation-promoting or -inhibiting mutations. Our results suggest that the phenomenological approach used by most predictors is insufficient to fully grasp the complexity of the phenomenon within biological contexts and make reliable predictions related to protein phase behavior at the residue level.
Identification of Immunogenic Cell-Death-Related Subtypes and Development of a Prognostic Signature in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Gan Xuejun , Tang Xiaohuan , Li Ziyu
Published: March 2023

Background: Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is considered a promising type of regulated cell death and exerts effects by activating the adaptive immune response, reshaping the tumor environment (TME) and improving therapeutic efficacy. However, the potential roles and prognostic value of ICD-associated genes in gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. Methods: The RNA expression data and clinical information of 1090 GC patients from six cohorts were collected. Consensus clustering was used to identify three distinct molecular subtypes. Then, a robust prognostic ICD_score for predicting prognosis was built via WGCNA and LASSO Cox regression according to the TCGA cohort, and the predictive capability of the ICD_score in GC patients was validated in the other cohorts. ICD-related immune features were analyzed using a CIBERSORT method and verified by immunofluorescence. Results: We found that ICD-related gene variations were correlated with clinical outcomes, tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) characteristics and treatment response. We then constructed an ICD signature that classifies cases as low- and high-ICD_score groups. The high-ICD_score group indicates unfavorable OS, a more advanced TNM stage, and presents an immune-suppressed phenotype, which has more infiltrations of pro-tumor immune cells, such as macrophages, which was verified by immunofluorescence. In addition, a nomogram containing the ICD_score showed a high predictive accuracy with AUCs of 0.715, 0.731 and 0.8 on Years 1, 3, and 5. Conclusion: We performed the first and synthesis ICD analysis in GC and built a clinical application tool based on the ICD signature, which paved a new path for assessing prognosis and guiding individual treatment.