bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Ileoileal and Ileocolic Intussusception Secondary to Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp in an Adult: A Case Report
Authors: Chiu Hao-Tse , Yen Hao , Weng Yu-Shiou , Chen Chao-Yang , Lin Kuan-Hsun , Chen Po-Huang , Jhou Hong-Jie , Pu Ta-Wei
Published: February 2022

Intestinal intussusception is relatively rare in adults and accounts for approximately 5% of intestinal obstruction. Intussusception is classified into subtypes according to the location, including ileoileal, ileocolic, ileo-ileocolic, colo-colic, jejuno-ileal, or jejuno-jejunal; the ileocolic type being the most common. However, intussusception of a combination of different subtypes has rarely been reported in the available literature. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) is the most accurate tool to evaluate intestinal intussusception. The pathological lead point in the intestine typically results in adult intussusception. Surgical intervention is usually adopted in cases of adult intussusception due to a high incidence of underlying bowel malignancy. An inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) is one of the uncommon benign neoplasms of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, which can result in intestinal intussusception. Herein, we present a case of a 50-year-old female with combined ileoileal and ileocolic intussusception, which was initially diagnosed by abdominal CT. Therefore, laparoscopic right hemicolectomy surgery was performed, confirming the final diagnosis as ileoileal and ileocolic intussusception secondary to IFP.
Successful Management of Osimertinib-Induced Heart Failure
Authors: Fukuo Atsuko , Imamura Teruhiko , Onoda Hiroshi , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: February 2022

Cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction is currently of great concern as one of the pivotal therapeutic targets of onco-cardiology. Only a few studies have reported the occurrence of heart failure following the administration of osimertinib, a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor for EGFR mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer. We report on a 74-year-old woman with osimertinib-induced advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, which was treated by the temporal termination of osimertinib and neurohormonal blocker therapy, as well as heart rate modulation therapy using ivabradine. Despite osimertinib-induced heart failure being relatively rare, aggressive neurohormonal blocker therapy using ivabradine if applicable, as well as the temporal termination of osimertinib, might be a promising therapeutic strategy.
The Medial Surface of the Auricle: Historical and Recent Maps. What Are the Possible Expectations of the “Thumb-Index Technique”
Authors: Lovato Antonello , Ceccherelli Francesco , Gagliardi Giuseppe , Postiglione Marco
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The medial surface of the auricle (MSotA), as compared to the lateral, has been less studied and has limited consensus among schools of auricular acupuncture (AA) due to its small size, greater difficulty in carrying out an adequate physical examination on it, and less precise and limited agreement on its anatomical references as compared to the lateral surface. The thumb-index technique TIT is performed using a guiding finger (taking advantage of the anatomical conformation of the lateral surface) to guide the explorer finger (placed on the MSotA) to project the therapeutic areas and land marks on the MSotA. TIT could be considered useful and effective in AA to make the most of diagnostic and therapeutic MSotA potential. Methods: An investigation was carried out on the impact of TIT in AA practice through a survey collected from former AA students. Results: TIT showed a high consensus, and is used and appreciated by AA practitioners. Discussion/ Conclusions: To date, in AA, there is no thoroughly shared nomenclature for MSotA. TIT is simple and quick to project on to MSotA the well-coded lateral surface auricular maps from French or Chinese AA schools.
Numerical Simulation and Defect Identification in the Casting of Co-Cr Alloy
Authors: Silva Raimundo , Madureira Rui , Silva José , Soares Rui , Reis Ana , Neto Rui , Viana Filomena , Emadinia Omid , Silva Rui
Published: February 2022

The development of biomaterials, particularly metallic ones, is one of the focuses of the scientific community, mainly due to an increase of average life expectancy and an improvement of the casted materials combined with better mechanical properties and defect-free products. The use of cobalt alloys in applications, such as knee, hip, and dental prostheses, is the result of their good ability to maintain mechanical properties and biocompatibility over long periods of use. Numerical methods are becoming more important, as they help product improvement in a faster and economic way. This work focuses on the development of a numerical model in ProCAST®, comparing the shrinkage porosity and cooling curves with real castings. When correlating simulation results with available experimental data, it is possible to understand that the formulated model demonstrates an acceptable solution in terms of precision (shrinkage porosity and cooling curve). The alloy’s thermal properties and heat conditions were iteratively changed until the developed numerical model turned out a viable tool for this specific alloy when used in the investment casting process.
Laser Micromachining in Fabrication of Reverse-µEDM Tools for Producing Arrayed Protrusions
Authors: Kishore Hreetabh , Nirala Chandrakant Kumar , Agrawal Anupam
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on the fabrication of high-quality novel products using a µEDM process variant called Reverse-µEDM. The tool plate required for the Reverse-µEDM is fabricated using Nd: YAG-based laser beam micromachining (LBµM) at the optimized process parameters. The Grey relation analysis technique is used for optimizing LBµM parameters for producing tool plates with arrayed micro-holes in elliptical and droplet profiles. Titanium sheets of 0.5 mm thickness were used for such micro-holes, which can be used as a Reverse-µEDM tool. The duty cycle (a combination of pulse width and frequency) and current percentage are considered as significant input process parameters for the LBµM affecting the quality of the micro-holes. A duty cycle of 1.25% and a current of 20% were found to be an optimal setting for the fabrication of burr-free shallow striation micro-holes with a minimal dimensional error. Thereafter, analogous protrusions of high dimensional accuracy and minimum deterioration were produced by Reverse-µEDM using the LBµM fabricated tool plates.
A W-Band Communication and Sensing Convergence System Enabled by Single OFDM Waveform
Authors: Idrees Nazar Muhammad , Lu Zijie , Saqlain Muhammad , Zhang Hongqi , Wang Shiwei , Zhang Lu , Yu Xianbin
Published: February 2022

Convergence of communication and sensing is highly desirable for future wireless systems. This paper presents a converged millimeter-wave system using a single orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform and proposes a novel method, based on the zero-delay shift for the received echoes, to extend the sensing range beyond the cyclic prefix interval (CPI). Both simulation and proof-of-concept experiments evaluate the performance of the proposed system at 97 GHz. The experiment uses a W-band heterodyne structure to transmit/receive an OFDM waveform featuring 3.9 GHz bandwidth with quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM). The proposed approach successfully achieves a range resolution of 0.042 m and a speed resolution of 0.79 m/s with an extended range, which agree well with the simulation. Meanwhile, based on the same OFDM waveform, it also achieves a bit-error-rate (BER) 10−2, below the forward error-correction threshold. Our proposed system is expected to be a significant step forward for future wireless convergence applications.
Molecular Typing of Ukrainian Bacillus anthracis Strains by Combining Whole-Genome Sequencing Techniques
Authors: Brangsch Hanka , Golovko Anatolii , Pinchuk Nataliia , Deriabin Oleg , Kyselova Tetiana , Linde Jörg , Melzer Falk , Elschner Mandy Carolina
Published: February 2022

Anthrax is a recurrent zoonosis in the Ukraine with outbreaks occurring repeatedly in certain areas. For determining whether several Bacillus anthracis genotypes are circulating in this region, four strains from various sources isolated from different regions of the Ukraine were investigated. By combining long- and short-read next-generation sequencing techniques, highly accurate genomes were reconstructed, enabling detailed in silico genotyping. Thus, the strains could be assigned to the Tsiankovskii subgroup of the “TransEurAsia” clade, which is commonly found in this region. Their high genetic similarity suggests that the four strains are members of the endemic population whose progenitor was once introduced in the Ukraine and bordering regions. This study provides information on B. anthracis strains from a region where there is little knowledge of the local population, thereby adding to the picture of global B. anthracis genotype distribution. We also emphasize the importance of surveillance and prevention methods regarding anthrax outbreaks, as other studies predicted a higher number of cases in the future due to global warming.
Secretory Products in Petals of Centaurea cyanus L. Flowers: A Histochemistry, Ultrastructure, and Phytochemical Study of Volatile Compounds
Authors: Sulborska-Różycka Aneta , Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta , Polak Beata , Stefańczyk Beata , Matysik-Woźniak Anna , Rejdak Robert
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: Centaurea cyanus L. is a medicinal plant whose flowers are widely used in herbal medicine. The aim of the study was to localise flower tissues that are responsible for the production of secretory products in petals and to analyse the volatile compounds. The volatile compounds of the flowers of this species have not been investigated to date. (2) Methods: Light, fluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques were used in the study. Lipophilic compounds were localised in the tissues using histochemical assays. Volatile compounds were determined with the use of solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). (3) Results: The study showed production of secretion in the petal parenchyma, whose ultrastructure has features of a secretory tissue. The lipophilic secretion was localised in the cells and intercellular spaces of the parenchyma and in the walls and surface of epidermal cells, where it accumulated after release through cuticle microchannels. Sesquiterpenes were found to constitute the main group of volatile compounds, with the highest content of β-caryophyllene (26.17%) and α-humulene (9.77%). (4) Conclusions: Given the presence of some volatile components that are often found in resins (caryophyllene, delta-cadinene) and the abundant secretion residues on the epidermal surface, we suppose that the C. cyanus secretion released by the flowers is a resinaceous mixture (oleoresin), which is frequently found in plants, as shown by literature data. This secretion may play an important role in the therapeutic effects of C. cyanus flowers.
Association of Sarcopenia and Expression of Interleukin-16 in Gastric Cancer Survival
Authors: Xiong Jianping , Hu Haitao , Kang Wenzhe , Shao Xinxin , Li Yang , Jin Peng , Tian Yantao
Published: February 2022

We designed the present work to explore the connection between sarcopenia and interleukin-16 (IL-16) expression and their integrated relation with gastric cancer (GC) survival. We deemed the sex-specific third lumbar vertebra skeletal muscle index cutoffs for sarcopenia to be ≤40.8 and ≤34.9 cm2/m2 in male and female patients, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to detect IL-16 levels among GC tissues of the patients. We determined overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) by univariate and multivariate analyses. This study included 225 GC cases, with an average age of 62.7 years. There were 41 (18.2%) female patients, and 107 (47.5%) patients had sarcopenia. Sarcopenia and high IL-16 expression were identified as independent factors to predict OS (hazard ratios [HR] = 1.64 and 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25–2.23 and 1.16–2.78, respectively) and RFS (HR = 1.43 and 1.60, 95% CI = 1.15–2.95 and 1.10–2.37, respectively). There were more cases showing high IL-16 expression detected in the sarcopenia group (55.7% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.003). Later, we grouped the patients with sarcopenia and IL-16 expression and discovered that the patients with sarcopenia and IL-16 upregulation displayed the poorest OS (HR = 3.02; 95% CI = 1.64–5.91) and RFS (HR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.47–4.69). In conclusion, more IL-16 upregulation was noted in GC patients with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia accompanied by high IL-16 expression remarkably indicates a dismal prognosis in GC patients. This suggests that these biomarkers may be able to identify patients with GC with poor prognosis and enhance prognostication.
Dietary Pattern Associated with the Risk of Hyperuricemia in Chinese Elderly: Result from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2015–2017
Authors: Yang Yuxiang , Piao Wei , Huang Kun , Fang Hongyun , Ju Lahong , Zhao Liyun , Yu Dongmei , Ma Yanan
Published: February 2022

Our current study aimed to estimate the relationship between dietary patterns and hyperuricemia among the Chinese elderly over 60 years old. All the data were obtained from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance during 2015–2017. A total of 18,691 participants who completed the whole survey were included in our statistical analysis. The definition of hyperuricemia was 420 μmmol/L (7 mg/dL) for male and 360 μmmol/L (6 mg/dL) for female. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to explore posterior dietary patterns in our samples, and five dietary patterns were recognized, namely “Typical Chinese”, “Modern Chinese”, “Western”, “Animal products and alcohol”, and “Tuber and fermented vegetables”. After multiple adjusted logistic regression, participants in the highest quartile of “typical Chinese” (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.28–0.37, p-trend < 0.0001), “modern Chinese” (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71–0.93, p-trend = 0.0021) and “tuber and fermented vegetables” (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69–0.88, p-trend < 0.0001) showed a lower risk of hyperuricemia, while animal products and alcohol was positively associated with hyperuricemia (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.31–1.7, p-trend < 0.0001). We also found that participants who mainly ate a modern Chinese diet tended to meet the RNI/AI of nutrients we discuss in this paper, which may supply some information for hyperuricemia prevention and management by dietary methods.
SARS-CoV-2 Infects Primary Neurons from Human ACE2 Expressing Mice and Upregulates Genes Involved in the Inflammatory and Necroptotic Pathways
Authors: Rothan Hussin , Kumari Pratima , Stone Shannon , Natekar Janhavi , Arora Komal , Auroni Tabassum , Kumar Mukesh
Published: February 2022

Transgenic mice expressing human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 under the cytokeratin 18 promoter (K18-hACE2) have been extensively used to investigate the pathogenesis and tissue tropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Neuroinvasion and the replication of SARS-CoV-2 within the central nervous system (CNS) of K18-hACE2 mice is associated with increased mortality; although, the mechanisms by which this occurs remain unclear. In this study, we generated primary neuronal cultures from K18-hACE2 mice to investigate the effects of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also evaluated the immunological response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in the CNS of K18-hACE2 mice and mouse neuronal cultures. Our data show that neuronal cultures obtained from K18-hACE2 mice are permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection and support productive virus replication. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 infection upregulated the expression of genes involved in innate immunity and inflammation, including IFN-α, ISG-15, CXCL10, CCL2, IL-6 and TNF-α, in the neurons and mouse brains. In addition, we found that SARS-CoV-2 infection of neurons and mouse brains activates the ZBP1/pMLKL-regulated necroptosis pathway. Together, our data provide insights into the neuropathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in K18-hACE2 mice.
Stability Modelling of mRNA Vaccine Quality Based on Temperature Monitoring throughout the Distribution Chain
Authors: Kis Zoltán
Published: February 2022

The vaccine distribution chains in several low- and middle-income countries are not adequate to facilitate the rapid delivery of high volumes of thermosensitive COVID-19 mRNA vaccines at the required low and ultra-low temperatures. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are currently distributed along with temperature monitoring devices to track and identify deviations from predefined conditions throughout the distribution chain. These temperature readings can feed into computational models to quantify mRNA vaccine critical quality attributes (CQAs) and the remaining vaccine shelf life more accurately. Here, a kinetic modelling approach is proposed to quantify the stability-related CQAs and the remaining shelf life of mRNA vaccines. The CQA and shelf-life values can be computed based on the conditions under which the vaccines have been distributed from the manufacturing facilities via the distribution network to the vaccination centres. This approach helps to quantify the degree to which temperature excursions impact vaccine quality and can also reduce vaccine wastage. In addition, vaccine stock management can be improved due to the information obtained on the remaining shelf life of mRNA vaccines. This model-based quantification of mRNA vaccine quality and remaining shelf life can improve the deployment of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines to low- and middle-income countries.
Blind-Watermarking—Proof-of-Concept of a Novel Approach to Ensure Batch Traceability for 3D Printed Tablets
Authors: Windolf Hellen , Chamberlain Rebecca , Delmotte Arnaud , Quodbach Julian
Published: February 2022

Falsified medicines are a major issue and a threat around the world. Various approaches are currently being investigated to mitigate the threat. In this study, a concept is tested that encodes binary digits (bits) on the surface of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printed geometries. All that is needed is a computer, a FDM 3D printer and a paper scanner for detection. For the experiments, eleven different formulations were tested, covering the most used polymers for 3D printing in pharma: Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polylactic acid (PLA), Hypromellose (HPMC), ethyl cellulose (EC), basic butylated-methacrylate-copolymer (EPO), and ammonio-methacrylate-copolymer type A (ERL). In addition, the scanning process and printing process were evaluated. It was possible to print up to 32 bits per side on oblong shaped tablets corresponding to the dimensions of market preparations of oblong tablets and capsules. Not all polymers or polymer blends were suitable for this method. Only PVA, PLA, EC, EC+HPMC, and EPO allowed the detection of bits with the scanner. EVA and ERL had too much surface roughness, too low viscosity, and cooled down too slowly preventing the detection of bits. It was observed that the addition of a colorant or active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) could facilitate the detection process. Thus, the process could be transferred for 3D printed pharmaceuticals, but further improvement is necessary to increase robustness and allow use for more materials.
Skin Barrier Function in Infants: Update and Outlook
Authors: Rahma Annisa , Lane Majella E.
Published: February 2022

A good understanding of infant skin should provide a rationale for optimum management of the health of this integument. In this review, we discuss the skin barrier function of infants, particularly with reference to the use of diapers and baby wipes. The skin barrier of newborns continues to develop with age. Two years after birth, the barrier properties of infant skin closely resemble those of adult skin. However, several risk factors may contribute to impaired skin barrier and altered skin permeability in infants. Problems may arise from the use of diapers and baby wipes. The skin covered by a diaper is effectively an occluded environment, and thus is vulnerable to over-hydration. To date there has been no published information regarding dermal absorption of ingredients contained in baby wipes. Similarly, dermal absorption of topical ingredients in infants with underlying skin conditions has not been widely explored. Clearly, there are serious ethical concerns related to conducting skin permeation studies on infant skin. However, the increasing availability of non-invasive methods for in vivo studies is encouraging and offers new directions for studying this important patient group.
Recent Development of Drug Delivery Systems through Microfluidics: From Synthesis to Evaluation
Authors: Ma Zhiyuan , Li Baicheng , Peng Jie , Gao Dan
Published: February 2022

Conventional drug administration usually faces the problems of degradation and rapid excretion when crossing many biological barriers, leading to only a small amount of drugs arriving at pathological sites. Therapeutic drugs delivered by drug delivery systems to the target sites in a controlled manner greatly enhance drug efficacy, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics with minimal side effects. Due to the distinct advantages of microfluidic techniques, microfluidic setups provide a powerful tool for controlled synthesis of drug delivery systems, precisely controlled drug release, and real-time observation of drug delivery to the desired location at the desired rate. In this review, we present an overview of recent advances in the preparation of nano drug delivery systems and carrier-free drug delivery microfluidic systems, as well as the construction of in vitro models on-a-chip for drug efficiency evaluation of drug delivery systems. We firstly introduce the synthesis of nano drug delivery systems, including liposomes, polymers, and inorganic compounds, followed by detailed descriptions of the carrier-free drug delivery system, including micro-reservoir and microneedle drug delivery systems. Finally, we discuss in vitro models developed on microfluidic devices for the evaluation of drug delivery systems, such as the blood–brain barrier model, vascular model, small intestine model, and so on. The opportunities and challenges of the applications of microfluidic platforms in drug delivery systems, as well as their clinical applications, are also discussed.
Medicinal Components in Edible Mushrooms on Diabetes Mellitus Treatment
Authors: Das Arpita , Chen Chiao-Ming , Mu Shu-Chi , Yang Shu-Hui , Ju Yu-Ming , Li Sing-Chung
Published: February 2022

Mushrooms belong to the family “Fungi” and became famous for their medicinal properties and easy accessibility all over the world. Because of its pharmaceutical properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties, it became a hot topic among scientists. However, depending on species and varieties, most of the medicinal properties became indistinct. With this interest, an attempt has been made to scrutinize the role of edible mushrooms (EM) in diabetes mellitus treatment. A systematic contemporary literature review has been carried out from all records such as Science Direct, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar with an aim to represents the work has performed on mushrooms focuses on diabetes, insulin resistance (IR), and preventive mechanism of IR, using different kinds of mushroom extracts. The final review represents that EM plays an important role in anticipation of insulin resistance with the help of active compounds, i.e., polysaccharide, vitamin D, and signifies α-glucosidase or α-amylase preventive activities. Although most of the mechanism is not clear yet, many varieties of mushrooms’ medicinal properties have not been studied properly. So, in the future, further investigation is needed on edible medicinal mushrooms to overcome the research gap to use its clinical potential to prevent non-communicable diseases.
Design, Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Core–Shell Fused Deposition Modelling 3D-Printed Verapamil Hydrochloride Pulsatile Tablets
Authors: Li Rui , Pan Yue , Chen Di , Xu Xiangyu , Yan Guangrong , Fan Tianyuan
Published: February 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate core–shell pulsatile tablets by combining the advantages of FDM 3D printing and traditional pharmaceutical technology, which are suitable for a patient’s individual medication and chronopathology. The tablets were designed and prepared with the commercial verapamil hydrochloride tablets as core inside and the fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D-printed shell outside. Filaments composed of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and polyethylenglycol (PEG) 400 were prepared by hot melt extrusion (HME) and used for fabrication of the shell. Seven types of printed shells were designed for the tablets by adjusting the filament composition, geometric structure and thickness of the shell. A series of evaluations were then performed on the 3D-printed core–shell tablets, including the morphology, weight, hardness, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), in vitro drug release and CT imaging. The results showed that the tablets prepared by FDM 3D printing appeared intact without any defects. All the excipients of the tablet shells were thermally stable during the extruding and printing process. The weight, hardness and in vitro drug release of the tablets were affected by the filament composition, geometric structure and thickness of the shell. The pulsatile tablets achieved personalized lag time ranging from 4 h to 8 h in the drug release test in phosphate-buffered solution (pH 6.8). Therefore, the 3D-printed core–shell pulsatile tablets in this study presented good potential in personalized administration, thereby improving the therapeutic effects of the drug for circadian rhythm disease.
Physiological Adaptation of Three Wild Halophytic Suaeda Species: Salt Tolerance Strategies and Metal Accumulation Capacity
Authors: Ibraheem Farag , Al-Zahrani Ateeq , Mosa Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Understanding salt tolerance mechanisms in halophytes is critical for improving the world’s agriculture under climate change scenarios. Herein, the physiological and metabolic responses of Suaeda monoica, Suaeda vermiculata, and Suaeda schimperi against abiotic stress in their natural saline environment on the east coast of the Red Sea were investigated. The tested species are exposed to different levels of salinity along with elemental disorders, including deficiency in essential nutrients (N&P in particular) and/or elevated levels of potentially toxic elements. The tested species employed common and species-specific tolerance mechanisms that are driven by the level of salinity and the genetic constitution of Suaeda species. These mechanisms include: (i) utilization of inorganic elements as cheap osmotica (Na+ in particular), (ii) lowering C/N ratio (S. monoica and S. schimperi) that benefits growth priority, (iii) efficient utilization of low soil N (S. vermiculata) that ensures survival priority, (v) biosynthesis of betacyanin (S. schimperi and S. vermiculata) and (vi) downregulation of overall metabolism (S. vermiculata) to avoid oxidative stress. Based on their cellular metal accumulation, S. monoica is an efficient phytoextractor of Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn, whereas S. vermiculata is a hyper-accumulator of Hg and Pb. S. schimperi is an effective phytoextractor of Fe, Hg, and Cr. These results highlight the significance of Suaeda species as a promising model halophyte and as phytoremediators of their hostile environments.
Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of Pimenta dioica L. Essential Oil and Its Major Compound (Eugenol) against Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: ALrashidi Ayshah Aysh , Noumi Emira , Snoussi Mejdi , Feo Vincenzo De
Published: February 2022

The Pimenta dioica essential oil and its main compound (eugenol) were tested for their antibacterial potency against eight Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria implicated in food intoxication. This essential oil and its main component were evaluated for their ability in inhibiting Quorum sensing (QS)-dependent mechanisms such as motility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, production of violacein by Chromobacterium violaceum and biofilm formation on stainless steel and glass surfaces. Our results demonstrated that P. dioica essential oil and eugenol were active against all tested strains with a maximum of inhibition against Listeria monocytogenes CECT 933 (26.66 ± 0.57 mm). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of the tested essential oil and eugenol was about 0.048 mg/mL for all strains. The obtained results demonstrated that 4CMI eugenol inhibited foodborne strains biofilm formation on the glass strips by 73.79% and by 75.90% on polystyrene. Moreover, 0.048 mg/mL (MIC) of P. dioica essential oil inhibited the violacein production by 69.30%. At 100 µg/mL, P. dioica oil and eugenol affected the motility of PAO1 by 42.00% and 29.17%, respectively. Low concentrations of P. dioica essential oil are active against the quorum sensing phenomena and biofilm potency. Thus, this essential oil could be further investigated for new molecules useful for the treatment of toxi-alimentary infections.
Remineralizing Effects of Resin-Based Dental Sealants: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies
Authors: AlGhannam Maha Ibrahim , AlAbbas Mana’a Saleh , AlJishi Jumanah Abdulla , AlRuwaili Muath Abdulrahman , AlHumaid Jehan , Ibrahim Maria Salem
Published: February 2022

The incorporation of remineralizing additives into sealants has been considered as a feasible way to prevent caries by potential remineralization through ions release. Thus, this systematic review aimed to identify the remineralizing additives in resin-based sealants (RBS) and assess their performance. Search strategies were built to search four databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Scopus). The last search was conducted in June 2020. The screening, data extraction and quality assessment were completed by two independent reviewers. From the 8052 screened studies, 275 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. A total of 39 laboratory studies matched the inclusion criteria. The methodologies used to assess the remineralizing effect included microhardness tests, micro-computed tomography, polarized-light microscopy, ions analysis and pH measurements. Calcium phosphate (CaP), fluoride (F), boron nitride nanotubes (BNN), calcium silicate (CS) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) were incorporated into resin-based sealants in order to improve their remineralizing abilities. Out of the 39 studies, 32 studies focused on F as a remineralizing agent. Most of the studies confirmed the effectiveness of F and CaP on enamel remineralization. On the other hand, BNN and CS showed a small or insignificant effect on remineralization. However, most of the included studies focused on the short-term effects of these additives, as the peak of the ions release and concentration of these additives was seen during the first 24 h. Due to the lack of a standardized in vitro study protocol, a meta-analysis was not conducted. In conclusion, studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the incorporation of remineralizing agents into RBSs. However, the careful interpretation of these results is recommended due to the variations in the studies’ settings and assessments.
Face Verification Based on Deep Learning for Person Tracking in Hazardous Goods Factories
Authors: Huang Xixian , Zeng Xiongjun , Wu Qingxiang , Lu Yu , Huang Xi , Zheng Hua
Published: February 2022

Person tracking in hazardous goods factories can provide a significant improvement in security and safety. This article proposes a face verification model which can be used to record travel paths for staff or related persons in the factory. As face images are captured from the dynamic crowd at entrance–exit gates of workshops, face verification is challenged by polymorphic faces, poor illumination and changing of a person’s pose. To adapt to this situation, a new face verification model is proposed, which is composed of two advanced deep learning neural network models. Firstly, MTCNN (Multi-Task Cascaded Convolutional Neural Network) is used to construct a face detector. Based on the SphereFace-20 network model, we have reconstructed a convolutional network architecture with the embedded Batch Normalization elements and the optimized network parameters. The new model, which is called the MDCNN, is used to extract efficient face features. A set of specific processing algorithms is used in the model to process polymorphic face images. The multi-view faces and various types of face images are used to train the models. The experimental results have demonstrated that the proposed model outperforms most existing methods on benchmark datasets such as the Labeled Faces in the Wild (LFW) and YouTube Face (YTF) datasets without multi-view (accuracy is 99.38% and 94.30%, respectively) and the CNBC/FERET datasets with multi-view (accuracy is 94.69%).
Quantifying the Economic Benefits of Using Erosion Protective Coatings in a Low-Pressure Compressor (Aero-Engine): A Case Study Evaluation
Authors: Alqallaf Jasem , Teixeira Joao A.
Published: February 2022

Gas turbine engines (GTEs) frequently operate in desert environments where the main components are exposed to erosive media such as sand and dust. In these circumstances, a crucial problem, particularly with compressor blades, is solid particle erosion (SPE). Positioned in the front of the GTE, the compressors suffer most from SPE in terms of inflicting damage on compressor hardware such as blades, decreasing the GTE’s working life and increasing fuel consumption, energy losses, and efficiency losses. Results obtained from Turbomatch, an in-house performance tool, showed that degraded compressors can experience increased turbine entry temperature (TET) and specific fuel consumption (SFC), which leads to a significant increase in the operating, maintenance and component replacement costs, in addition to fuel costs. Fitting erosion protective coatings (EPCs) is a conventional approach to reduce SPE of the compressor blades of aeroengines. Titanium nitride (TiN), applied via physical vapour deposition (PVD) techniques, is often used to extend the life of compressor blades in erosive conditions. This paper reports the outcomes of a cost benefit analysis (CBA) of whether applying an EPC to the booster blades of an aeroengine is economically beneficial. The case study takes into account the available coatings potential of the market, in addition to all of the available technical data in the public domain regarding the compressor of the research engine. To identify the economic consequences of employing an EPC over the blades of a compressor, a CBA study was carried out by investigating consequent benefits and costs. The results indicate that under certain conditions the application of an EPC can be profitable.
Process Hazard Analysis Based on Modeling and Simulation Tools
Authors: de Azevedo Júlia Pinto Athanázio , de Souza Maurício Bezerra , Pinto José Carlos
Published: February 2022

Chemical and oil processes are intrinsically sources of potential hazards. Although traditional qualitative hazard identification methods are simple, systematic, and flexible, such methodologies present limitations related to the inherent subjectivity, dependence on the team’s level of experience, and widespread time consumption of the members involved. In this context, the present work aims to develop a systematic way to use computational modeling and simulation tools for hazard identification. After extensive literature review, the present work proposes a methodology based on the association of the main points of previous works, with new contributions regarding the preparation for the simulations and the characterization of the minimum set of process variables that can enable appropriate interpretation of the results. The propene polymerization process (LIPP-SHAC process) was used as a case study to illustrate the proposed procedure. The paper explores how the model can be adapted for safety analyses and simulations for different hazard scenarios. The results obtained with different models are discussed and compared to those obtained with a traditional hazard identification approach to discuss how computational process modeling and simulation tools can sum to heuristic analysis. In conclusion, the use of simulations complementing the human-based approach can indeed enhance the understanding of mechanisms of hazardous scenarios, lessen conservative decision-making, and avoid overlooking device failures that can pose a severe hazard to the process.
Analysis of Gene Expression Microarray Data Reveals Androgen-Responsive Genes of Muscles in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Patients
Authors: Cho Seong-Beom
Published: February 2022

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that is characterized by hyperandrogenism. Therefore, information about androgen-induced molecular changes can be obtained using the tissues of patients with PCOS. We analyzed two microarray datasets of normal and PCOS muscle samples (GSE8157 and GSE6798) to identify androgen-responsive genes (ARGs). Differentially expressed genes were determined using the t-test and a meta-analysis of the datasets. The overlap between significant results of the meta-analysis and ARGs predicted from an external database was determined, and differential coexpression analysis was then applied between these genes and the other genes. We found 313 significant genes in the meta-analysis using the Benjamini–Hochberg multiple testing correction. Of these genes, 61 were in the list of predicted ARGs. When the differential coexpression between these 61 genes and 13,545 genes filtered by variance was analyzed, 540 significant gene pairs were obtained using the Benjamini–Hochberg correction. While no significant results were obtained regarding the functional enrichment of the differentially expressed genes, top-level gene ontology terms were significantly enriched in the list of differentially coexpressed genes, which indicates that a broad range of cellular processes is affected by androgen administration. Our findings provide valuable information for the identification of ARGs.
Imaging Method by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS) for Tissue or Tumor: A Mini Review
Authors: Wu Jiawen , Rong Ze , Xiao Peng , Li Yuanzhe
Published: February 2022

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is an advanced technique that uses minimum fragmented ions from complex molecules for mass spectrometry (MS) analysis (tissue profiling by mass spectrometry). It is able to analyze spatially resolved tissue or tumor sections at the molecular level. It has become a valuable tool for tumor and tissue imaging, due to its ease of operation and high mass resolution, but it still has vast room for development in the instrumentation of larger proteins in some tissues. In this review, we focus on the main components of MALDI-MS instrumentation, sample handling and processing, the working principle of MALDI-MS, and its applications in diagnostic and prognostic assessments, tumor removal and drug development. Although it is less effective at detecting larger proteins in some tissues, it still shows huge potential because of its advancements in instrumentation and processing protocols. This article may benefit those who have interests in MALDI-MS for tissue or tumor imaging.
Bio-Based Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Waste Agricultural Biomass and Its Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Wolny-Koładka Katarzyna , Malina Dagmara , Suder Aleksandra , Pluta Klaudia , Wzorek Zbigniew
Published: February 2022

The problem of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces has become extremely important in the context of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic. However, it should be considered that, in everyday life, we come into contact with many other viruses, as well as pathogenic bacteria and fungi, that may cause infections and diseases. Hence, there is a continuous need to search for new and more effective methods of fighting pathogens. Due to their documented antimicrobial activity, silver nanoparticles may be an interesting alternative to the commonly used surface cleaners and disinfectants. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the bactericidal properties of silver nanoparticles obtained with the use of nontoxic plant waste biomass against bacteria isolated from the environment. Silver nanoparticles with the desired physicochemical characteristics were obtained by a simple and rapid chemical reduction method using plant waste such as unused parsley stems and potato peels (the biogenic method). A nanosilver colloid was also prepared by the chemical reduction method, but with reducing and stabilizing chemical substances (the chemical method) used as a control. The bacterial susceptibility to nanosilver synthesized using both methods was evaluated using the disk-diffusion method. The sensitivity of particular Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolates to nanosilver varied considerably, and the strongest antimicrobial effect was found in the case of nanoparticles synthesized by the chemical method using a strong chemical reducing agent and a polymeric stabilizing substance, while nanosilver obtained using the biogenic method, using phytochemicals, also had a strong antimicrobial effect, which was found to be extremely satisfactory. Thus, it can be strongly concluded that the biogenic, pro-ecological method of synthesis with the use of plant waste biomass presented in this work allows the application of biogenic nanosilver as a component of agents for washing and disinfection of public utility surfaces.
Neanderthal Fossils, Mobile Toolkit and a Hyena Den: The Archaeological Assemblage of Lateral Gallery 1 in Cova Del Gegant (NE Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Daura Joan , Sanz Montserrat , Vaquero Manuel , López-García Juan Manuel , Blain Hugues-Alexandre , Marco Antonio Sánchez
Published: February 2022

Lateral Gallery 1 (GL1) in Cova del Gegant is a Middle Palaeolithic assemblage yielding diagnostic Neanderthal remains, together with Mousterian tools and faunal remains. It is a good archive for evaluating the environmental conditions of the coastal areas during MIS 4 and MIS 3 in the NE of the Iberian Peninsula, and also the Neanderthals’ behaviour and mobility. Here we provide a comprehensive assessment of all of the data available from GL1, such as lithics, human remains, fauna and chronostratigraphic details. The biotic ecofacts studied point to the development of a coastal plain in front of the cave and indicate that local conditions likely favoured a large variety of ecosystems characterised by open environments and woodland-edge taxa, and favoured repeated visits by humans during the Middle Palaeolithic. The evidence suggests that the gallery was mainly used by carnivores, such as hyenas, and also by Neanderthals as a brief stopping place, in view of the presence of transported and abandoned ergonomic lithic artifacts and/or the placement of bodies (or parts of bodies). The regional context suggests high human mobility and emphasises the variability of Neanderthal behaviour.
Physicochemical and Biological Contribution of Native Macrophytes in the Constructed Wetlands to Treat Municipal Wastewater: A Pilot-Scale Experiment in a Sub-Tropical Climate Region
Authors: Aalam Tofeeq , Arias Carlos Alberto , Khalil Nadeem
Published: February 2022

In this study, the physicochemical and biological contributions of different macrophytes in horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) to treat low-strength municipal wastewater operated at high hydraulic loads under a sub-tropical climatic region is investigated. Out of the four identical beds, three were planted with locally available macrophytes (P. australis, Sagittaria, and Iris), whereas one bed was kept as a control. The beds were filled with media and operated in parallel continuously for eight months, with increasing the surface loading rate (SLR) from 0.19 to 2.78 m day−1. The results indicate that the planted beds performed significantly (p < 0.01) better to remove TSS (70% to 78%), BOD5 (66% to 77%), COD (59% to 75%), NO3-N (56% to 64%), NH4-N (41% to 69%), TN (36% to 41%), and TP (44% to 61%) as compared to the unplanted bed for the same parameters (48%, 39%, 40%, 33%, 18%, 20%, and 29%, respectively). The presence of macrophytes in HSSF-CWs was found to be highly significant. The average relative growth rate (RGR) was observed in the order of P. australis (0.0086 day−1) > Sagittaria (0.0061 day−1) > Iris (0.0059 day−1). When compared to the performances of the species used, Sagittaria and P. australis produced better results than Iris. The investigations on biomass showed that Sagittaria yielded higher production, followed by P. australis and Iris. The proportions of uptake by the macrophytes were found to be 9.3%, 6.3%, and 3.9% of mass N removal, and 7.6%, 5.1%, and 4.4% of mass p removal in Sagittaria, P. australis, and Iris, respectively. This study contributes to the effective response to the environment, which validates a major role of macrophytes and their disparate response to pollutant removal processes by different species from municipal wastewater through HSSF-CWs.
Detection and Characterization of Cracks in Highway Pavement with the Amplitude Variation of GPR Diffracted Waves: Insights from Forward Modeling and Field Data
Authors: Guo Shili , Xu Zhiwei , Li Xiuzhong , Zhu Peimin
Published: February 2022

It is important to distinguish between two common defects, fatigue cracks and reflective cracks, and determine their locations (the top and bottom) in the highway pavement because they require individually targeted treatment measures. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has the potential to detect cracks in the highway pavement due to the change of the electromagnetic properties of highway-pavement media, arising from the existences of cracks. By using a theoretical analysis and a numerical simulation, we compare the characteristics of corresponding radargrams, including the amplitude variation of diffracted waves with various models of presetting cracks inside the layered homogeneous media. For those fatigue cracks and reflective cracks extending to the road surface, the amplitude curves of direct ground wave can intuitively indicate the locations of the top of the cracks and qualitatively compare the width of these cracks. Furthermore, we find that the shape and pattern of diffraction hyperbolas of both types of cracks with bottoms at different locations are quite similar, but their amplitudes are significantly different. To be specific, for those cracks with the same width, the amplitude of diffracted waves generated by fatigue cracks is slightly higher than that generated by reflective cracks at the interface between the asphalt surface and the semi-rigid base layer. In contrast, the amplitude of the former is significantly lower than the latter at the interface between the semi-rigid base and the roadbed. We applied these findings to the interpretation of the field GPR data of a highway pavement in China, and successfully identified the locations of the cracks and corresponding types. Our model results and field results clearly show the efficiency of our findings in the detection of cracks for highway-pavement rehabilitation.