bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study on Damage Zones Induced by Excavation and Ventilation in a High-Temperature Tunnel at Depth
Authors: Li Jianyu , Li Hong , Zhu Zheming , Tao Ye , Tang Chun’an
Published: August 2021

Geothermal power is being regarded as depending on techniques derived from hydrocarbon production in worldwide current strategy. However, it has artificially been developed far less than its natural potentials due to technical restrictions. This paper introduces the Enhanced Geothermal System based on Excavation (EGS-E), which is an innovative scheme of geothermal energy extraction. Then, based on cohesion-weakening-friction-strengthening model (CWFS) and literature investigation of granite test at high temperature, the initiation, propagation of excavation damaged zones (EDZs) under unloading and the EDZs scale in EGS-E closed to hydrostatic pressure state is studied. Finally, we have a discussion about the further evolution of surrounding rock stress and EDZs during ventilation is studied by thermal-mechanical coupling. The results show that the influence of high temperature damage on the mechanical parameters of granite should be considered; Lateral pressure coefficient affects the fracture morphology and scale of tunnel surrounding rock, and EDZs area is larger when the lateral pressure coefficient is 1.0 or 1.2; Ventilation of high temperature and high in-situ stress tunnel have a significant effect on the EDZs scale; Additional tensile stress is generated in the shallow of tunnel surrounding rock, and the compressive stress concentration transfers to the deep. EDZs experiences three expansion stages of slow, rapid and deceleration with cooling time, and the thermal insulation layer prolongs the slow growth stage.
Challenges in Sustainable Degradability of Bio-Based and Oxo-Degradable Packaging Materials during Anaerobic Thermophilic Treatment
Authors: Zaborowska Magdalena , Bernat Katarzyna , Pszczółkowski Bartosz , Wojnowska-Baryła Irena , Kulikowska Dorota
Published: August 2021

Although the manufacturers labelled commercially available bio-based products as biodegradable, there are discrepancies concerning the time frame for their sustainable biodegradation and methane production. Starch-based, polylactic acid-based and oxo-degradable foils were anaerobically treated in thermophilic condition (55 °C, 100 days). The effect of alkaline pretreatment on foils degradation was also investigated. To examine changes in their mechanical and physical properties, static tensile tests and microscopic analyses, FTIR and surface roughness analyses were conducted. Despite the thermophilic condition, and the longer retention time compared to that needed for biowaste, a small amount of methane was produced with bio-based foils, even after pretreatment (ca. 30 vs. 50 L/kg VS) and foils only lost functional and mechanical properties. The pieces of bio-based materials had only disintegrated, which means that digestate may become contaminated with fragments of these materials. Thus, providing guidelines for bio-based foil treatment remains a challenge in waste management.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles in the Opinion of Automotive Market Users
Authors: Stoma Monika , Dudziak Agnieszka , Caban Jacek , Droździel Paweł
Published: August 2021

Contemporary trends are focused on the development of the so-called smart, connected and multimedia cars as well as actions in the field of driving autonomy, and these trends may lead to changes in the structure of the industry through the emergence and growth of the importance of new entities. The article presents the concept of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the way it is perceived by users of traditional cars. Surveys were carried out in various age groups on the possibilities of developing AVs in Poland. The group of respondents were inhabitants of a rural area, small towns and cities with over 300,000 inhabitants. Based on our own research, it can be concluded that, due to many different factors, including costs, legal regulations and conviction, among others, AVs will not appear so soon in common use on Polish roads. The results of the research showed that the majority of respondents consider hybrid vehicles (HVs) and then electric vehicles (EVs) to be the dominant type of vehicles in the near future in Poland, at the same time pointing at the long process of adopting AV technology.
Perspective Use of Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO) in Maritime Transport: The Case of Brazil
Authors: Cortez Luís , Franco Telma Teixeira , Valença Gustavo , Rosillo-Calle Frank
Published: August 2021

The maritime transportation sector (MTS) is undertaking a major global effort to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), e.g., sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and the concentration of particulates in suspension. Substantial investment is necessary to develop alternative sustainable fuels, engines, and fuel modifications. The alternative fuels considered in this study include liquified natural gas, nuclear energy, hydrogen, electricity, and biofuels. This paper focuses on biofuels, in particular fast pyrolysis bio-oil (FPBO), a serious partial alternative in MTS. There are some drawbacks, e.g., biofuels usually require land necessary to produce the feedstock and the chemical compatibility of the resulting biofuel with current engines in MTS. The demand for sustainable feedstock production for MTS can be overcome by using cellulose-based and agroforestry residues, which do not compete with food production and can be obtained in large quantities and at a reasonably low cost. The compatibility of biofuels with either bunker fuel or diesel cycle engines can also be solved by upgrading biofuels, adjusting the refining process, or modifying the engine itself. The paper examines the possibilities presented by biofuels, focusing on FPBO in Brazil, for MTS. The key issues investigated include FPBO, production, and end use of feedstocks and the most promising alternatives; thermal conversion technologies; potential applications of FPBO in Brazil; sustainability; biofuels properties; fuels under consideration in MTS, challenges, and opportunities in a rapidly changing maritime fuel sector. Although the focus is on Brazil, the findings of this paper can be replicated in many other parts of the world.
Research of Emergency Modes of Wind Power Plants Using Computer Simulation
Authors: Qawaqzeh Mohamed Zaidan , Miroshnyk Oleksandr , Shchur Taras , Kasner Robert , Idzikowski Adam , Kruszelnicka Weronika , Tomporowski Andrzej , Bałdowska-Witos Patrycja , Flizikowski Józef , Zawada Marcin , Doerffer Krzysztof
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate changes in the wind power plant energy production parameters under the conditions of sudden wind changes and voltage drop. To achieve these goals, a simulation of operation of wind power plants was performed. Twelve wind turbines with variable rotational speed equipped with a Fuhrländer FL 2500/104 asynchronous double-fed induction generator (DFIG) were used, each with an installed capacity of 2.5 MW. A general scheme of a wind power plant has been developed using a modular-trunk power distribution scheme. The system consists of wind power modules and a central substation, which allows total power to be supplied to the power system at a voltage of 35 kV. The central substation uses two high voltage switchgears. Four modules were used, each of them consisting of three wind turbines, with a power of 7.5 MW. The simulation of the wind turbines was performed in the MATLAB® Simulink® software environment. The mode of response of the turbines to a change in wind speed, a voltage drop in the 35 kV voltage system, and a one-phase short circuit to the ground in the system of 10.5 kV voltage was explored. The results show that a sudden voltage drop and the appearance of short circuits influence the wind power plant (WPP) operation in a different way independent of regulation mode. The power generation from WPP will be limited when voltage drop occurred for both AC and Voltage regulation mode and during short circuits while WPP is set on AC regulation mode.
Partial Substitution of Meat with Insect (Alphitobius diaperinus) in a Carnivore Diet Changes the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome of Healthy Rats
Authors: Lanng Sofie Kaas , Zhang Yichang , Christensen Kristine Rothaus , Hansen Axel Kornerup , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Kot Witold , Bertram Hanne Christine
Published: August 2021

Insects are suggested as a sustainable protein source of high nutritional quality, but the effects of insect ingestion on processes in the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiota (GM) remain to be established. We examined the effects of partial substitution of meat with insect protein (Alphitobius diaperinus) in a four-week dietary intervention in a healthy rat model (n = 30). GM composition was characterized using’ 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiling while the metabolomes of stomach, small intestine, and colon content, feces and blood were investigated by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Metabolomics analyses revealed a larger escape of protein residues into the colon and a different microbial metabolization pattern of aromatic amino acids when partly substituting pork with insect. Both for rats fed a pork diet and rats fed a diet with partial replacement of pork with insect, the GM was dominated by Lactobacillus, Clostridium cluster XI and Akkermansia. However, Bray-Curtis dissimilarity metrics were different when insects were included in the diet. Introduction of insects in a common Western omnivore diet alters the gut microbiome diversity with consequences for endogenous metabolism. This finding highlights the importance of assessing gastrointestinal tract effects when evaluating new protein sources as meat replacements.
Meat Traceability: Traditional Market Shoppers’ Preferences and Willingness-to-Pay for Additional Information in Taiwan
Authors: Suhandoko Ardiansyah Azhary , Chen Dennis Chia-Bin , Yang Shang-Ho
Published: August 2021

Due to food scandals that shocked the retailer markets, traceability systems were advocated to regain consumers’ confidence and trust. However, while traceability systems can be more easily explored in modern markets, almost no traceability system can be found in traditional markets in Taiwan, especially when buying meat products. This study explored the preference and the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for traceability information of pork products in traditional markets in Taiwan. The random utility theory (RUT) with the contingent valuation method (CVM) was adopted to examine the total of 1420 valid responses in Taiwan. Results show that 80% of traditional market consumers are willing to pay more for traceability information of pork products. Specifically, when consumers (1) know the market price of pork, (2) do not often buy food in the traditional market, (3) live in south or north regions of Taiwan, (4) have a flexible buying schedule, (5) are aware of food safety due to frequently accessing health-related content through media, or (6) think pork grading is very important, they would tend to choose meat products with traceability information. The implication of this study suggests that there is an urgent desire for food safety labeling and traceability information system in traditional markets in Taiwan. Especially, those who usually shop in the higher-price markets are willing to pay the most for this traceability information.
Inequalities in Health Care Experience of Patients with Chronic Conditions: Results from a Population-Based Study
Authors: Nuño-Solínis Roberto , Urtaran-Laresgoiti Maider , Lázaro Esther , Ponce Sara , Orueta Juan F. , Errea Rodríguez María
Published: August 2021

Patients’ experience is an acknowledged key factor for the improvement of healthcare delivery quality. This study aims to explore the differences in healthcare experience among patients with chronic conditions according to individual sociodemographic and health-related variables. A population-based and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 3981 respondents of the Basque Health Survey (out of 8036 total respondents to the individual questionnaire), living in the Basque Country, aged 15 or older, self-reporting at least one chronic condition. Patient experience was assessed with the Instrument for Evaluation of the Experience of Chronic Patients questionnaire, which encompasses three major factors: interactions between patients and professionals oriented to improve outcomes (productive interactions); new ways of patient interaction with the health care system (the new relational model); and the ability of individuals to manage their care and improve their wellbeing based on professional-mediated interventions (self-management). We conducted descriptive and regression analyses. We estimated linear regression models with robust variances that allow testing for differences in experience according to sociodemographic characteristics, the number of comorbidities and the condition (for all chronic or for chronic patients’ subgroups). Although no unique inequality patterns by these characteristics can be inferred, females reported worse global results than males and older age was related to poorer experience with the new relational model in health care. Individuals with lower education levels tend to report lower experiences. There is not a clear pattern observed for the type of occupation. Multimorbidity and several specific chronic conditions were associated (positive or negatively) with patients’ experience. Health care experience was better in patients with greater quality of life. Understanding the relations among the patients’ experience and their sociodemographic and health-related characteristics is an essential issue for health care systems to improve quality of assistance.
Is There an Association between Health Risk Behaviours and Academic Achievement among University Students?
Authors: Ong Catriona Kar Yuen , Hutchesson Melinda J. , Patterson Amanda J. , Whatnall Megan C.
Published: August 2021

University students have high rates of health risk behaviours, and these may be predictive of academic success. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between individual and multiple health risk behaviours and academic achievement in a sample of Australian university students. Data from the University of Newcastle Student Healthy Lifestyle Survey 2019 were used. Health risk behaviours (diet, physical activity, sitting time, sleep, alcohol consumption, smoking) were assessed, and total number of risk factors calculated. Academic achievement was assessed using self-reported grade point average (GPA). The association between health risk behaviours and GPA was explored using linear regression, adjusted for socio-demographic and student characteristics. The sample included 1543 students (mean age 25.0 ± 7.9 years, 70.6% female). Lower GPA was associated with not meeting fruit consumption recommendations (β = −0.203), consuming >1 cup of soft drink/week (β = −0.307), having takeaway foods ≥1 time/week (β = −0.130), not consuming breakfast daily (β = −0.261), not meeting sleep recommendations (β = −0.163), exceeding single occasion alcohol consumption risk (β = −0.277), smoking (β = −0.393), and having a higher number of risk factors (β = −0.105). This study identified modest associations between GPA and health risk behaviours, suggesting that further research is warranted into whether strategies to improve university students’ health could modestly improve their academic achievement.
Interaction of Smoking and Lead Exposure among Carriers of Genetic Variants Associated with a Higher Level of Oxidative Stress Indicators
Authors: Ho Kuo-Jung , Chen Tzu-Hua , Yang Chen-Cheng , Chuang Yao-Chung , Chuang Hung-Yi
Published: August 2021

Smoking and lead (Pb) exposure increased oxidative stress in human body, and people with some gene variants may be susceptible to Pb and smoking via oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to evaluate oxidative stress by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the relationship of lipid peroxidation markers in Pb workers with different gene polymorphisms (rs4673 and rs1050450) in both smokers and nonsmokers. Blood samples were collected from 267 Pb workers who received their annual health examination in the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) rs1050450 and cytochrome B-245 Alpha Chain (CYBA) rs4673 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were analyzed by specific primer-probes using Real-Time PCR methods. The interaction between blood Pb and smoking increased serum levels of TBARS and the ratio of oxidative low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL/LDL). Analysis of workers with rs1050450 SNPs showed higher blood Pb levels in the workers with CC genotype than those with CT genotype. Smokers had significantly higher blood Pb, alanine transaminase (ALT), TBARS, and OxLDL levels than nonsmokers. TBARS increased 0.009 nmol/mL when blood Pb increased one µg/dL in smokers compared to nonsmokers. The ratio of OxLDL/LDL increased 0.223 when blood Pb increased one µg/dL in smokers compared to nonsmokers. TBARS levels and the ratio of OxLDL/LDL were positively correlated and interacted between blood Pb and smoking after the adjustment of confounders, suggesting that smoking cessation is an important issue in the Pb-exposed working environment.
Applying a Multi-Dimensional Digital Food and Nutrition Literacy Model to Inform Research and Policies to Enable Adults in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to Make Healthy Purchases in the Online Food Retail Ecosystem
Authors: Consavage Stanley Katherine , Harrigan Paige B. , Serrano Elena L. , Kraak Vivica I.
Published: August 2021

The United States (U.S.) Department of Agriculture (USDA)-administered Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) made substantial changes in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These changes highlight the need to identify the digital literacy skills and capacities of SNAP adults to purchase healthy groceries online. We conducted a scoping review of four electronic databases, Google and Google Scholar to identify studies that measured food and nutrition literacy outcomes for U.S. adults. We applied a multi-dimensional digital food and nutrition literacy (MDFNL) model to assess six literacy levels and components. Of 18 studies published from 2006–2021, all measured functional and interactive literacy but no study measured communicative, critical, translational, or digital literacy. Six studies examined SNAP or SNAP-Education outcomes. Adults with higher food or nutrition literacy scores had better cognitive, behavioral, food security and health outcomes. We suggest how these findings may inform research, policies, and actions to strengthen the multi-dimensional literacy skills of SNAP participants and SNAP-eligible adults to support healthy purchases in the online food retail ecosystem.
Healthcare Professional Presenteeism during a COVID-19 Outbreak in an Australian Rural Healthcare Environment: A Case Analysis
Authors: Tori Kathleen , Dinh Thi Thuy Ha , Mather Carey
Published: August 2021

The recruitment and retention of health professionals in rural Australia is well documented. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the precariousness of human healthcare resources within small rural communities. The external disaster of the COVID-19 outbreak described in this case analysis exacerbated the frail balance of sustaining adequate staffing levels and skill mix, which exposed behaviours of presenteeism within rural healthcare teams. An analysis of the complex of factors that led to the first nosocomial outbreak of COVID-19 within a healthcare environment in Australia demonstrates how rural healthcare environments are ill-equipped to meet the demands of unexpected external disasters. Using the Haddon Matrix to examine the factors that led to this outbreak provides us with the opportunity to learn from the case analysis. Health professional presenteeism contributed to the North West Tasmania COVID-19 outbreak and affected the hospital and health service provision within the region. Recommendations to mitigate risk for future disaster planning in rural healthcare environments include improved infection control strategies and a whole-community approach.
Job Burnout among Safety Professionals: A Chinese Survey
Authors: Wang Bing , Wang Yuanjie
Published: August 2021

As safety has been attracting the attention of all countries worldwide, the importance of safety professionals in safety management systems has been emphasized, which has consistently increased their workload. However, with the increase in work pressure, the income, social status, and social identity of safety professionals has not considerably improved, because of which the work motivation of safety professionals has reduced. Therefore, we aimed to identify the job burnout level (JBL) and its potential influencing factors among safety professionals in China. A total of 526 safety professionals from various industries participated. A univariate analysis of variance, independent sample t-test, bivariate correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyze the situation of job burnout. An overwhelming majority of the safety professionals (98.3%) who participated in the questionnaire exhibited varying degrees of job burnout. The numbers of respondents with higher than normal emotional exhaustion (EE), lack of personal accomplishment (LPA), and depersonalization (DP) levels were 68, 474, and 381, respectively, accounting for 12.9%, 90.1%, and 72.4% of the total respondents, respectively. When different demographic characteristics were reviewed, the job burnout levels considerably varied. For example, male safety professionals (n = 434) exhibited higher levels of EE than female safety professionals (n = 92) (p = 0.025) because female safety professionals could release the dissatisfaction or stress they had encountered at work easily, but male safety professionals could not. Educational background had little effect on LPA (p > 0.05) and EE (p > 0.05), which indicated that job burnout was a general problem at all educational levels. The higher the age of respondents, the higher the level of LPA (p < 0.001). In addition to individual factors, work-related factors also had an impact on job burnout. For instance, monthly income had an impact on EE (p = 0.023) but had little impact on DP (p > 0.05). Furthermore, social, organizational, professional, and personal factors also had an impact on job burnout among safety professionals. Hence, to begin with, these aspects could be considered to alleviate the work pressure of safety professionals and reduce their job burnout levels.
Map-Aided Indoor Positioning Algorithm with Complex Deployed BLE Beacons
Authors: Liu Wuping , Guo Wei , Zhu Xinyan
Published: August 2021

As communication technology and smartphones develop, many indoor positioning applications based on Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons have emerged. However, in a complex BLE network, it can be challenging to select the optimal reference beacon, and accurate positioning becomes difficult. Fortunately, if the BLE network is displayed on a map, we can intuitively grasp the structure and density of the beacons in each area, which is important information for accurate positioning. Therefore, in this study we developed a map-aided indoor positioning algorithm to model the relationship between beacons in the positioning area in a parking lot. Specifically, the algorithm split all beacons into multiple cell areas to find the optimal reference beacon in that area. Then, the optimal reference beacon is used to find the preferred reference beacons among the real-time beacons. Finally, the positioning results were calculated and evaluated according to the preferred beacons. According to the results, our method can optimize the selection of reference beacons in different areas. The average positioning accuracy was 2.09 m and the results can be scored accurately. The results verify that our algorithm can effectively use map information to guide the selection of reference beacons in complex environments.
Ceftriaxone Treatment Weakens Long-Term Synaptic Potentiation in the Hippocampus of Young Rats
Authors: Postnikova Tatyana Y. , Malkin Sergey L. , Zakharova Maria V. , Smolensky Ilya V. , Zubareva Olga E. , Zaitsev Aleksey V.
Published: August 2021

Disrupted glutamate clearance in the synaptic cleft leads to synaptic dysfunction and neurological diseases. Decreased glutamate removal from the synaptic cleft is known to cause excitotoxicity. Data on the physiological effects of increased glutamate clearance are contradictory. This study investigated the consequences of ceftriaxone (CTX), an enhancer of glutamate transporter 1 expression, treatment on long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus of young rats. In this study, 5-day administration of CTX (200 mg/kg) significantly weakened LTP in CA3-CA1 synapses. As shown by electrophysiological recordings, LTP attenuation was associated with weakening of N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent signaling in synapses. However, PCR analysis did not show downregulation of NMDAR subunits or changes in the expression of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) subunits. We assume that extracellular burst stimulation activates fewer synapses in CTX-treated animals because increased glutamate reuptake results in reduced spillover, and neighboring synapses do not participate in neurotransmission. Attenuation of LTP was not accompanied by noticeable behavioral changes in the CTX group, with no behavioral abnormalities observed in the open field test or Morris water maze test. Thus, our experiments show that increased glutamate clearance can impair long-term synaptic plasticity and that this phenomenon can be considered a potential side effect of CTX treatment.
Exploring the Effect of Structure-Based Scaffold Hopping on the Inhibition of Coxsackievirus A24v Transduction by Pentavalent N-Acetylneuraminic Acid Conjugates
Authors: Johansson Emil , Caraballo Rémi , Hurdiss Daniel L. , Mistry Nitesh , Andersson C. David , Thompson Rebecca F. , Ranson Neil A. , Zocher Georg , Stehle Thilo , Arnberg Niklas , Elofsson Mikael
Published: August 2021

Coxsackievirus A24 variant (CVA24v) is the primary causative agent of the highly contagious eye infection designated acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC). It is solely responsible for two pandemics and several recurring outbreaks of the disease over the last decades, thus affecting millions of individuals throughout the world. To date, no antiviral agents or vaccines are available for combating this disease, and treatment is mainly supportive. CVA24v utilizes Neu5Ac-containing glycans as attachment receptors facilitating entry into host cells. We have previously reported that pentavalent Neu5Ac conjugates based on a glucose-scaffold inhibit CVA24v infection of human corneal epithelial cells. In this study, we report on the design and synthesis of scaffold-replaced pentavalent Neu5Ac conjugates and their effect on CVA24v cell transduction and the use of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to study the binding of these multivalent conjugates to CVA24v. The results presented here provide insights into the development of Neu5Ac-based inhibitors of CVA24v and, most significantly, the first application of cryo-EM to study the binding of a multivalent ligand to a lectin.
Somatostatin and Astroglial Involvement in the Human Limbic System in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gonzalez-Rodriguez Melania , Astillero-Lopez Veronica , Villanueva-Anguita Patricia , Paya-Rodriguez M. Eugenia , Flores-Cuadrado Alicia , Villar-Conde Sandra , Ubeda-Banon Isabel , Martinez-Marcos Alino , Saiz-Sanchez Daniel
Published: August 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the elderly. Progressive accumulation of insoluble isoforms of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and tau protein are the major neuropathologic hallmarks, and the loss of cholinergic pathways underlies cognitive deficits in patients. Recently, glial involvement has gained interest regarding its effect on preservation and impairment of brain integrity. The limbic system, including temporal lobe regions and the olfactory bulb, is particularly affected in the early stages. In the early 1980s, the reduced expression of the somatostatin neuropeptide was described in AD. However, over the last three decades, research on somatostatin in Alzheimer’s disease has been scarce in humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to stereologically quantify the expression of somatostatin in the human hippocampus and olfactory bulb and analyze its spatial distribution with respect to that of Aβ and au neuropathologic proteins and astroglia. The results indicate that somatostatin-expressing cells are reduced by 50% in the hippocampus but are preserved in the olfactory bulb. Interestingly, the coexpression of somatostatin with the Aβ peptide is very common but not with the tau protein. Finally, the coexpression of somatostatin with astrocytes is rare, although their spatial distribution is very similar. Altogether, we can conclude that somatostatin expression is highly reduced in the human hippocampus, but not the olfactory bulb, and may play a role in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis.
The Immunometabolic Roles of Various Fatty Acids in Macrophages and Lymphocytes
Authors: Rosa Neto Jose Cesar , Calder Philip C. , Curi Rui , Newsholme Philip , Sethi Jaswinder K. , Silveira Loreana S.
Published: August 2021

Macrophages and lymphocytes demonstrate metabolic plasticity, which is dependent partly on their state of activation and partly on the availability of various energy yielding and biosynthetic substrates (fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids). These substrates are essential to fuel-based metabolic reprogramming that supports optimal immune function, including the inflammatory response. In this review, we will focus on metabolism in macrophages and lymphocytes and discuss the role of fatty acids in governing the phenotype, activation, and functional status of these important cells. We summarize the current understanding of the pathways of fatty acid metabolism and related mechanisms of action and also explore possible new perspectives in this exciting area of research.
The Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Atrial Fibrillation: Translation to Druggable Target and Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Pool Lisa , Wijdeveld Leonoor F. J. M. , de Groot Natasja M. S. , Brundel Bianca J. J. M.
Published: August 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent and progressive cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with serious complications such as heart failure and ischemic stroke. Current treatment modalities attenuate AF symptoms and are only moderately effective in halting the arrhythmia. Therefore, there is an urgent need to dissect molecular mechanisms that drive AF. As AF is characterized by a rapid atrial activation rate, which requires a high energy metabolism, a role of mitochondrial dysfunction in AF pathophysiology is plausible. It is well known that mitochondria play a central role in cardiomyocyte function, as they produce energy to support the mechanical and electrical function of the heart. Details on the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction are increasingly being uncovered as a contributing factor in the loss of cardiomyocyte function and AF. Considering the high prevalence of AF, investigating the role of mitochondrial impairment in AF may guide the path towards new therapeutic and diagnostic targets. In this review, the latest evidence on the role of mitochondria dysfunction in AF is presented. We highlight the key modulators of mitochondrial dysfunction that drive AF and discuss whether they represent potential targets for therapeutic interventions and diagnostics in clinical AF.
Cytosine-Rich DNA Fragments Covalently Bound to Carbon Nanotube as Factors Triggering Doxorubicin Release at Acidic pH. A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Wolski Pawel , Nieszporek Krzysztof , Panczyk Tomasz
Published: August 2021

This works deals with analysis of properties of a carbon nanotube, the tips of which were functionalized by short cytosine-rich fragments of ssDNA. That object is aimed to work as a platform for storage and controlled release of doxorubicin in response to pH changes. We found that at neutral pH, doxorubicin molecules can be intercalated between the ssDNA fragments, and formation of such knots can effectively block other doxorubicin molecules, encapsulated in the nanotube interior, against release to the bulk. Because at the neutral pH, the ssDNA fragments are in form of random coils, the intercalation of doxorubicin is strong. At acidic pH, the ssDNA fragments undergo folding into i-motifs, and this leads to significant reduction of the interaction strength between doxorubicin and other components of the system. Thus, the drug molecules can be released to the bulk at acidic pH. The above conclusions concerning the storage/release mechanism of doxorubicin were drawn from the observation of molecular dynamics trajectories of the systems as well as from analysis of various components of pair interaction energies.
A Shifted Composition of the Lung Microbiota Conditions the Antifungal Response of Immunodeficient Mice
Authors: Nunzi Emilia , Renga Giorgia , Palmieri Melissa , Pieraccini Giuseppe , Pariano Marilena , Stincardini Claudia , D’Onofrio Fiorella , Santarelli Ilaria , Bellet Marina Maria , Bartoli Andrea , Costantini Claudio , Romani Luigina
Published: August 2021

The microbiome, i.e., the communities of microbes that inhabit the surfaces exposed to the external environment, participates in the regulation of host physiology, including the immune response against pathogens. At the same time, the immune response shapes the microbiome to regulate its composition and function. How the crosstalk between the immune system and the microbiome regulates the response to fungal infection has remained relatively unexplored. We have previously shown that strict anaerobes protect from infection with the opportunistic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus by counteracting the expansion of pathogenic Proteobacteria. By resorting to immunodeficient mouse strains, we found that the lung microbiota could compensate for the lack of B and T lymphocytes in Rag1–/– mice by skewing the composition towards an increased abundance of protective anaerobes such as Clostridia and Bacteroidota. Conversely, NSG mice, with major defects in both the innate and adaptive immune response, showed an increased susceptibility to infection associated with a low abundance of strict anaerobes and the expansion of Proteobacteria. Further exploration in a murine model of chronic granulomatous disease, a primary form of immunodeficiency characterized by defective phagocyte NADPH oxidase, confirms the association of lung unbalance between anaerobes and Proteobacteria and the susceptibility to aspergillosis. Consistent changes in the lung levels of short-chain fatty acids between the different strains support the conclusion that the immune system and the microbiota are functionally intertwined during Aspergillus infection and determine the outcome of the infection.
Kidney Response to Chemotherapy-Induced Heart Failure: mRNA Analysis in Normotensive and Ren-2 Transgenic Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Jíchová Šárka , Gawryś Olga , Kompanowska-Jezierska Elżbieta , Sadowski Janusz , Melenovský Vojtěch , Hošková Lenka , Červenka Luděk , Kala Petr , Veselka Josef , Čertíková Chábová Věra
Published: August 2021

The aim of the present study was to perform kidney messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) analysis in normotensive, Hannover Sprague–Dawley (HanSD) rats and hypertensive, Ren-2 renin transgenic rats (TGR) after doxorubicin-induced heart failure (HF) with specific focus on genes that are implicated in the pathophysiology of HF-associated cardiorenal syndrome. We found that in both strains renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme mRNA expressions were upregulated indicating that the vasoconstrictor axis of the renin–angiotensin system was activated. We found that pre-proendothelin-1, endothelin-converting enzyme type 1 and endothelin type A receptor mRNA expressions were upregulated in HanSD rats, but not in TGR, suggesting the activation of endothelin system in HanSD rats, but not in TGR. We found that mRNA expression of cytochrome P-450 subfamily 2C23 was downregulated in TGR and not in HanSD rats, suggesting the deficiency in the intrarenal cytochrome P450-dependent pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism in TGR. These results should be the basis for future studies evaluating the pathophysiology of cardiorenal syndrome secondary to chemotherapy-induced HF in order to potentially develop new therapeutic approaches.
Endometriosis Susceptibility to Dapsone-Hydroxylamine-Induced Alterations Can Be Prevented by Licorice Intake: In Vivo and In Vitro Study
Authors: Sabbadin Chiara , Andrisani Alessandra , Donà Gabriella , Tibaldi Elena , Brunati Anna Maria , Dall’Acqua Stefano , Ragazzi Eugenio , Ambrosini Guido , Armanini Decio , Bordin Luciana
Published: August 2021

Endometriosis, an estrogen-dependent chronic gynecological disease, is characterized by a systemic inflammation that affects circulating red blood cells (RBC), by reducing anti-oxidant defenses. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential beneficial effects of licorice intake to protect RBCs from dapsone hydroxylamine (DDS-NHOH), a harmful metabolite of dapsone, commonly used in the treatment of many diseases. A control group (CG, n = 12) and a patient group (PG, n = 18) were treated with licorice extract (25 mg/day), for a week. Blood samples before (T0) and after (T1) treatment were analyzed for: i) band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation and high molecular weight aggregates; and ii) glutathionylation and carbonic anhydrase activity, in the presence or absence of adjunctive oxidative stress induced by DDS-NHOH. Results were correlated with plasma glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) concentrations, measured by HPLC–MS. Results showed that licorice intake decreased the level of DDS-NHOH-related oxidative alterations in RBCs, and the reduction was directly correlated with plasma GA concentration. In conclusion, in PG, the inability to counteract oxidative stress is a serious concern in the evaluation of therapeutic approaches. GA, by protecting RBC from oxidative assault, as in dapsone therapy, might be considered as a new potential tool for preventing further switching into severe endometriosis.
Growth and Maintenance of Wolbachia in Insect Cell Lines
Authors: Fallon Ann M.
Published: August 2021

The obligate intracellular microbe, Wolbachia pipientis (Rickettsiales; Anaplasmataceae), is a Gram-negative member of the alpha proteobacteria that infects arthropods and filarial worms. Although closely related to the genera Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, which include pathogens of humans, Wolbachia is uniquely associated with invertebrate hosts in the clade Ecdysozoa. Originally described in Culex pipiens mosquitoes, Wolbachia is currently represented by 17 supergroups and is believed to occur in half of all insect species. In mosquitoes, Wolbachia acts as a gene drive agent, with the potential to modify vector populations; in filarial worms, Wolbachia functions as a symbiont, and is a target for drug therapy. A small number of Wolbachia strains from supergroups A, B, and F have been maintained in insect cell lines, which are thought to provide a more permissive environment than the natural host. When transferred back to an insect host, Wolbachia produced in cultured cells are infectious and retain reproductive phenotypes. Here, I review applications of insect cell lines in Wolbachia research and describe conditions that facilitate Wolbachia infection and replication in naive host cells. Progress in manipulation of Wolbachia in vitro will enable genetic and biochemical advances that will facilitate eventual genetic engineering of this important biological control agent.
Quench Detection and Protection for High-Temperature Superconductor Accelerator Magnets
Authors: Marchevsky Maxim
Published: August 2021

High-temperature superconductors (HTS) are being increasingly used for magnet applications. One of the known challenges of practical conductors made with high-temperature superconductor materials is a slow normal zone propagation velocity resulting from a large superconducting temperature margin in combination with a higher heat capacity compared to conventional low-temperature superconductors (LTS). As a result, traditional voltage-based quench detection schemes may be ineffective for detecting normal zone formation in superconducting accelerator magnet windings. A developing hot spot may reach high temperatures and destroy the conductor before a practically measurable resistive voltage is detected. The present paper discusses various approaches to mitigating this problem, specifically focusing on recently developed non-voltage techniques for quench detection.
Sex Differences in the Incidence and Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized by Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in Spain from 2016 to 2019
Authors: López-Muñiz Ballesteros Belén , López-Herranz Marta , Lopez-de-Andrés Ana , Hernandez-Barrera Valentín , Jiménez-García Rodrigo , Carabantes-Alarcon David , Jiménez-Trujillo Isabel , de Miguel-Diez Javier
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: To assess sex differences in the incidence, characteristics, procedures and outcomes of patients admitted with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); and to analyze variables associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM). (2) Methods: We analyzed data collected by the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database, 2016–2019. (3) Results: We identified 13,278 hospital discharges (66.4% men) of IPF (primary diagnosis 32.33%; secondary diagnosis: 67.67%). Regardless of the diagnosis position, IPF incidence was higher among men than women, increasing with age. Men had 2.74 times higher IPF incidence than women. Comorbidity was higher for men in either primary or secondary diagnosis. After matching, men had higher prevalence of pulmonary embolism and pneumonia, and women of congestive heart failure, dementia, rheumatoid disease and pulmonary hypertension. Invasive ventilation, bronchoscopy and lung transplantation were received more often by men than women. IHM was higher among men with IPF as primary diagnosis than among women and increased with age in both sexes and among those who suffered cancer, pneumonia or required mechanical ventilation. (4) Conclusions: Incidence of IPF was higher among men than women, as well as comorbidity and use of bronchoscopy, ventilation and lung transplantation. IHM was worse among men than women with IPF as primary diagnosis, increasing with age, cancer, pneumonia or mechanical ventilation use.
Functional and Patient-Centered Treatment Outcomes with Mandibular Overdentures Retained by Two Immediate or Conventionally Loaded Implants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Montero Javier , Dib Abraham , Guadilla Yasmina , Flores Javier , Pardal-Peláez Beatriz , Quispe-López Norberto , Gómez-Polo Cristina
Published: August 2021

This study aims to assess the treatment outcomes (functional and subjective) of mandibular overdentures retained on two implants with or without an immediate loading protocol. In this randomized clinical trial, twenty fully edentulous patients were treated with a mandibular two-implant-retained overdenture and a complete new maxillary denture. In half of the sample, the implants were loaded immediately by means of VulkanLoc® abutments after emplacement of the implant, but in the counterparts, these VulkanLoc® abutments were connected to implants two months after the surgery (conventional protocol), and until that time the dentures were retained by healing abutments. Treatment outcomes were assessed at two, six, and twelve months after surgery. Functional outcomes were calculated according to masticatory performance, estimated by the mixed fraction of a two-coloured chewing gum after five, ten, and fifteen chewing strokes, by the occlusal force recorded by pressure-sensitive sheets, and by the bioelectrical muscular activity. The subjective outcomes of the treatment were assessed using both the oral satisfaction scale (visual analogue scale) and the Spanish version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20). The findings of the present study show that new complete dentures resulted in significant improvements in chewing ability, patient satisfaction, and oral health-related quality of life and that subsequent implant-retained overdentures produced further and faster significant improvements. The loading protocol may influence those positive self-reported outcomes rather than the objective functional evaluations.
Female Gender Is Associated with Higher Susceptibility of Weight Induced Arterial Stiffening and Rise in Blood Pressure
Authors: Zuo Junli , Chao Huijuan , Tang Biwen , Avolio Alberto P. , Schlaich Markus P. , Nolde Janis Marc , Adji Audrey , Carnagarin Revathy
Published: August 2021

Arterial stiffness is an important predictor of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. Stiffening of arteries, though an adaptive process to hemodynamic load, results in substantial increase in the pulsatile hemodynamic forces that detrimentally affects the microcirculation perfusing the vital organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys. Studies have proposed that arterial stiffness precedes and may contribute to the development of hypertension in individuals with obesity. Our study sought to determine the gender-based effects on arterial stiffening in obesity which may predispose to the development of hypertension. We found female sex is associated with higher susceptibility of weight-related arterial stiffening and rise in blood pressure in obesity. Women had significantly higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) with higher body mass index (BMI) status (normal: 7.9 ± 2 m/s; overweight: 9.1 ± 2 m/s; obese: 9 ± 2 m/s, p < 0.001), whereas it was similar in males across all BMI categories. The linear association between arterial stiffness and BMI following adjustment for age and brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), remained significant in females (β = 0.06; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.1; p < 0.05) but not in males (β = 0.04; 95% CI −0.01 to 0.1; p > 0.05). The mean CF-PWV values increased by 0.1 m/s for every 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI in the female subjects in the age adjusted linear model, while such effect was not seen in the male subjects. In line with arterial stiffening, the overweight and obese females demonstrated significantly higher systolic brachial BP. (BP difference: ΔBP 9−11 mmHg, p < 0.01) and central systolic pressure (ΔBP 8−10 mmHg, p < 0.05) compared to their lean counterparts, unlike the male subjects. Our results suggest that female gender is associated with higher susceptibility of weight-related arterial stiffening and rise in blood pressure.