bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of a Triadin KnockOut Syndrome Zebrafish Model
Authors: Vecchi Vanilla Martina , Spreafico Marco , Brix Alessia , Santoni Anna , Sala Simone , Pistocchi Anna , Marozzi Anna , Di Resta Chiara
Published: September 2021

Different forms of sudden cardiac death have been described, including a recently identified form of genetic arrhythmogenic disorder, named “Triadin KnockOut Syndrome” (TKOS). TKOS is associated with recessive mutations in the TRDN gene, encoding for TRIADIN, but the pathogenic mechanism underlying the malignant phenotype has yet to be completely defined. Moreover, patients with TKOS are often refractory to conventional treatment, substantiating the need to identify new therapeutic strategies in order to prevent or treat cardiac events. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) heart is highly comparable to the human heart in terms of functions, signal pathways and ion channels, representing a good model to study cardiac disorders. In this work, we generated the first zebrafish model for trdn loss-of-function, by means of trdn morpholino injections, and characterized its phenotype. Although we did not observe any gross cardiac morphological defect between trdn loss-of-function embryos and controls, we found altered cardiac rhythm that was recovered by the administration of arrhythmic drugs. Our model will provide a suitable platform to study the effect of TRDN mutations and to perform drug screening to identify new pharmacological strategies for patients carrying TRDN mutations.
Nuclear Receptors and Clock Components in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Pourcet Benoit , Duez Hélène
Published: September 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are still the first cause of death worldwide. Their main origin is the development of atherosclerotic plaque, which consists in the accumulation of lipids and inflammatory leucocytes within the vascular wall of large vessels. Beyond dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and smoking, the alteration of circadian rhythms, in shift workers for instance, has recently been recognized as an additional risk factor. Accordingly, targeting a pro-atherogenic pathway at the right time window, namely chronotherapy, has proven its efficiency in reducing plaque progression without affecting healthy tissues in mice, thus providing the rationale of such an approach to treat CVD and to reduce drug side effects. Nuclear receptors are transcriptional factors involved in the control of many physiological processes. Among them, Rev-erbs and RORs control metabolic homeostasis, inflammatory processes and the biological clock. In this review, we discuss the opportunity to dampen atherosclerosis progression by targeting such ligand-activated core clock components in a (chrono-)therapeutic approach in order to treat CVD.
Behavioural Functions and Cerebral Blood Flow in a P301S Tauopathy Mouse Model: A Time-Course Study
Authors: Ahmad Faraz , Mein Hannah , Jing Yu , Zhang Hu , Liu Ping
Published: September 2021

Tauopathies refer to a group of neurodegenerative diseases with intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated and aggregated microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) in neurons and glial cells. PS19 mice bearing the MAPT P301S mutation have been used to mimic human frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The present study was designed to systematically investigate how behavioural functions, resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) and tau pathology change in PS19 mice at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 months of age in a single study under one experimental condition, allowing for the cumulative assessment of age- and genotype-dependent changes. PS19 mice displayed hyperactivity and reduced anxiety levels with age, early and persistent spatial working memory deficits and reduced resting neocortical CBF. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry revealed age-related increases in phosphorylated tau in the brain of PS19 mice. In conclusion, the present study, for the first time, cumulatively demonstrated the time-course of changes in behavioural functions, resting CBF and tau pathology in a P301S tauopathy mouse model through their developmental span. This information provides further evidence for the utility of this model to study neurodegenerative events associated with tauopathy and tau dysfunction.
CD146 Delineates an Interfascicular Cell Sub-Population in Tendon That Is Recruited during Injury through Its Ligand Laminin-α4
Authors: Marr Neil , Meeson Richard , Kelly Elizabeth F. , Fang Yongxiang , Peffers Mandy J. , Pitsillides Andrew A. , Dudhia Jayesh , Thorpe Chavaunne T.
Published: September 2021

The interfascicular matrix (IFM) binds tendon fascicles and contains a population of morphologically distinct cells. However, the role of IFM-localised cell populations in tendon repair remains to be determined. The basement membrane protein laminin-α4 also localises to the IFM. Laminin-α4 is a ligand for several cell surface receptors, including CD146, a marker of pericyte and progenitor cells. We used a needle injury model in the rat Achilles tendon to test the hypothesis that the IFM is a niche for CD146+ cells that are mobilised in response to tendon damage. We also aimed to establish how expression patterns of circulating non-coding RNAs alter with tendon injury and identify potential RNA-based markers of tendon disease. The results demonstrate the formation of a focal lesion at the injury site, which increased in size and cellularity for up to 21 days post injury. In healthy tendon, CD146+ cells localised to the IFM, compared with injury, where CD146+ cells migrated towards the lesion at days 4 and 7, and populated the lesion 21 days post injury. This was accompanied by increased laminin-α4, suggesting that laminin-α4 facilitates CD146+ cell recruitment at injury sites. We also identified a panel of circulating microRNAs that are dysregulated with tendon injury. We propose that the IFM cell niche mediates the intrinsic response to injury, whereby an injury stimulus induces CD146+ cell migration. Further work is required to fully characterise CD146+ subpopulations within the IFM and establish their precise roles during tendon healing.
Unveiling the Metabolic Effects of Glycomacropeptide
Authors: Pena Maria João , Costa Raquel , Rodrigues Ilda , Martins Sandra , Guimarães João Tiago , Faria Ana , Calhau Conceição , Rocha Júlio César , Borges Nuno
Published: September 2021

For many years, the main nitrogen source for patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) was phenylalanine-free amino acid supplements. Recently, casein glycomacropeptide (GMP) supplements have been prescribed due to its functional and sensorial properties. Nevertheless, many doubts still persist about the metabolic effects of GMP compared to free amino acids (fAA) and intact proteins such as casein (CAS). We endeavour to compare, in rats, the metabolic effects of different nitrogen sources. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were fed equal energy density diets plus CAS (control, n = 8), fAA (n = 8) or GMP (n = 8) for 8 weeks. Food, liquid intake and body weight were measured weekly. Blood biochemical parameters and markers of glycidic metabolism were assessed. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was analysed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Food intake was higher in rats fed CAS compared to fAA or GMP throughout the treatment period. Fluid intake was similar between rats fed fAA and GMP. Body weight was systematically lower in rats fed fAA and GMP compared to those fed CAS, and still, from week 4 onwards, there were differences between fAA and GMP. None of the treatments appeared to induce consistent changes in glycaemia, while insulin levels were significantly higher in GMP. Likewise, the production of GLP-1 was higher in rats fed GMP when compared to fAA. Decreased urea, total protein and triglycerides were seen both in fAA and GMP related to CAS. GMP also reduced albumin and triglycerides in comparison to CAS and fAA, respectively. The chronic consumption of the diets triggers different metabolic responses which may provide clues to further study potential underlying mechanisms.
Prognostic Impact and Functional Annotations of KIF11 and KIF14 Expression in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Neska-Długosz Izabela , Buchholz Karolina , Durślewicz Justyna , Gagat Maciej , Grzanka Dariusz , Tojek Krzysztof , Klimaszewska-Wiśniewska Anna
Published: September 2021

Genomic instability (GIN) has an important contribution to the pathology of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, we selected mitosis and cytokinesis kinesins, KIF11 and KIF14, as factors of potential clinical and functional value in CRC, as their aberrant expression has been suspected to underlie GIN. We examined the expression and the prognostic and biological significance of KIF11 and KIF14 in CRC via in-house immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays, public mRNA expression datasets, as well as bioinformatics tools. We found that KIF11 and KIF14 expression, at both the protein and mRNA level, was markedly altered in cancer tissues compared to respective controls, which was reflected in the clinical outcome of CRC patients. Specifically, we provide the first evidence that KIF11 protein and mRNA, KIF14 mRNA, as well as both proteins together, can significantly discriminate between CRC patients with better and worse overall survival independently of other relevant clinical risk factors. The negative prognostic factors for OS were high KIF11 protein, high KIF11 protein + low KIF14 protein, low KIF11 mRNA and low KIF14 mRNA. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the gene sets related to the cell cycle, DNA replication, DNA repair and recombination, among others, were positively associated with KIF11 or KIF14 expression in CRC tissues. In TCGA cohort, the positive correlations between several measures related to GIN and the expression of KIFs were also demonstrated. In conclusion, our results suggest that CRC patients can be stratified into distinct risk categories by biological and molecular determinants, such as KIF11 and KIF14 expression and, mechanistically, this is likely attributable to their role in maintaining genome integrity.
Should We Open Fire on Microglia? Depletion Models as Tools to Elucidate Microglial Role in Health and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Romero-Molina Carmen , Navarro Victoria , Jimenez Sebastian , Muñoz-Castro Clara , Sanchez-Mico Maria V. , Gutierrez Antonia , Vitorica Javier , Vizuete Marisa
Published: September 2021

Microglia play a critical role in both homeostasis and disease, displaying a wide variety in terms of density, functional markers and transcriptomic profiles along the different brain regions as well as under injury or pathological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The generation of reliable models to study into a dysfunctional microglia context could provide new knowledge towards the contribution of these cells in AD. In this work, we included an overview of different microglial depletion approaches. We also reported unpublished data from our genetic microglial depletion model, Cx3cr1CreER/Csf1rflx/flx, in which we temporally controlled microglia depletion by either intraperitoneal (acute model) or oral (chronic model) tamoxifen administration. Our results reported a clear microglial repopulation, then pointing out that our model would mimic a context of microglial replacement instead of microglial dysfunction. Next, we evaluated the origin and pattern of microglial repopulation. Additionally, we also reviewed previous works assessing the effects of microglial depletion in the progression of Aβ and Tau pathologies, where controversial data are found, probably due to the heterogeneous and time-varying microglial phenotypes observed in AD. Despite that, microglial depletion represents a promising tool to assess microglial role in AD and design therapeutic strategies.
Catheter Ablation in Persistent AF, the Evolution towards a More Pragmatic Strategy
Authors: O’Neill Louisa , Wielandts Jean-Yves , Gillis Kris , Hilfiker Gabriela , Le Polain De Waroux Jean-Benoit , Tavernier Rene , Duytschaever Mattias , Knecht Sebastien
Published: September 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and represents a heterogeneous disorder with a complex pathological basis. While significant technological advances have taken place over the last decade in the field of catheter ablation of AF, response to ablation varies and long-term success rates in those with persistent AF remain modest. Mechanistic studies have highlighted potentially different sustaining factors for AF in the persistent AF population with substrate-driven focal and re-entrant sources in the body of the atria identified on invasive and non-invasive mapping studies. Translation to clinical practice, however, remains challenging and the application of such mapping techniques to clinical ablation has yet to demonstrate a significant benefit beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone in the persistent AF cohort. Recent advances in catheter and ablation technology have centered on improving the durability of ablation lesions at index procedure and although encouraging results have been demonstrated with early studies, large-scale trials are awaited. Further meaningful improvement in clinical outcomes in the persistent AF population requires ongoing advancement in the understanding of AF mechanisms, coupled with continuing progress in catheter technology capable of delivering durable transmural lesions.
Basic Research in Endocrinology: A Modern Strategy for the Development and Technologies of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Shakhtshneider Elena , Ovsyannikova Alla , Rymar Oksana , Ragino Yuliya , Voevoda Mikhail
Published: September 2021

The first all-Russia conference with international participation, “Basic Research in Endocrinology: A Modern Strategy for the Development and Technologies of Personalized Medicine”, was held in Novosibirsk on 26–27 November 2020. [...]
Pharmacogenetic Testing in an Academic Psychiatric Clinic: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Brown Lisa , Li James , Katel Naryan , Yu Kunbo , Fatourou Evangelia , Himmler Brett , Halaris Angelos
Published: September 2021

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is being increasingly recognized by clinicians as an essential tool to guide medication decisions for treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Extensive implementation of PGx testing, however, varies by setting and location. In this retrospective study, we reviewed charts from 592 patients diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder at the Loyola University Medical Center, for whom PGx testing was performed. Information collected included demographics at the time of testing, psychiatric diagnosis, medical and psychiatric history and medications prior and after PGx testing. Of the 592 charts analyzed, the most common primary diagnoses were depression (52%) and anxiety (12%). Prior to PGx testing, 72% of patients were prescribed three or more medications, whereas, after testing, only 44% were prescribed three or more medications included in the test panel (p < 0.0001). The most common clinical consideration on the PGx reports was recommendation to reduce dosages (33%). After PGx testing, the proportion of patients taking incongruent medications decreased from 26% to 19% and that of patients taking congruent medications increased from 74% to 81% (p = 0.006). The results from this retrospective data analysis demonstrated a reduction in polypharmacy and an increase in recommendation-congruent medication prescribing resulting from implementation of PGx testing.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Online Consumer Purchasing Behavior
Authors: Gu Shengyu , Ślusarczyk Beata , Hajizada Sevda , Kovalyova Irina , Sakhbieva Amina
Published: September 2021

With the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing importance of e-commerce, the study of online consumer behavior is of particular relevance. The purpose of this study was to form a methodological approach to assess the relationships and the level of influence of the factors activating the purchasing behavior of online consumers against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research methodology was based on the transformation of Cattell’s questionnaire and the implementation of correlation analysis. To determine the predisposition of online consumer behavior at the time of making a purchase decision, this study used the questionnaire method. The survey was conducted among online shoppers in the top 10 countries in terms of e-commerce market growth. The scientific contribution is the proposed methodological toolkit to assess the purchasing behavior of online consumers, which identifies the most influential factors in their purchasing behavior and provides an opportunity to assess the dynamics of their activity during the study period, to identify key trends and determine changes in their behavior. The research revealed what changes in online consumer buying behavior are typical in the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of consumer awareness and experience has increased. Online consumers have become more experienced, which has influenced the activity of their buying behavior. This study proved the shifting influence of online consumer purchasing behavior factors during the pandemic. The increasing importance of the speed of decision making by consumers when purchasing goods and services online was determined.
Research Advances in Tourism-Landscape Interrelations: An Editorial
Authors: Terkenli Theano S.
Published: September 2021

The significance of the landscape to a variety of experiences that are sought or unfold at a visited destination is well established and considered paramount to the study of tourism [...]
Changes in Ecosystem Service Value in the 1 km Lakeshore Zone of Poyang Lake from 1980 to 2020
Authors: Gu Xinchen , Long Aihua , Liu Guihua , Yu Jiawen , Wang Hao , Yang Yongmin , Zhang Pei
Published: September 2021

Poyang Lake is a typical lake in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and is the largest freshwater lake in China. The habitat quality of Poyang Lake has been declining in recent years, leading to a series of ecological problems. An ecological risk evaluation, based on land use, is important in order to promote a coordinated development of land use and the ecological environment. In this paper, land use data from the Poyang Lake basin in the corresponding years are interpreted based on the images from the Landsat satellite mission in seven periods from 1980 to 2020. The lake surface and the 1 km lakeshore zone of Poyang Lake are extracted based on the interpreted land use data. Finally, the ecological service value per unit area of the area is measured by combining it with the Chinese terrestrial ecosystem service value equivalent table, and then with the value of each ecological factor and the value of the changes to land use type. The research results show that: (1) from 1980 to 2000, the lake area of Poyang Lake had an overall decreasing trend (the area slightly increased from 1980 to 1990); from 2000 to 2020, the lake area of Poyang Lake gradually increased (the area slightly decreased from 2015 to 2020). (2) The farmland, forest, grassland and desert areas gradually increased and the wetlands gradually decreased over 40 years; the area of the water body gradually increased from 1980 to 2010, and gradually decreased from 2010 to 2020. (3) The ecosystem service value of the lakeshore zone of Poyang Lake fluctuated around 15,000 × 106 Yuan from year to year.
Identification of Chemical Bonds and Microstructure of Hydrated Tricalcium Silicate (C3S) by a Coupled Micro-Raman/BSE-EDS Evaluation
Authors: Zhu Zheyu , Wang Zhongping , Zhou Yue , Chen Yuting , Wu Kai
Published: September 2021

Identifying the phase evolution and revealing the chemical bonds of hydrated cements accurately is crucial to regulate the performance of cementitious materials. In this paper, a coupled Raman/BSE-EDS analysis was proposed to determine the chemical bonds of tricalcium silicate hydrates and the interface transition zone (ITZ) between inner C-S-H and anhydrates. The results show that the Raman/BSE-EDS method can accurately identify the chemical bonds of inner C-S-H and inner ITZ regions, which confirms the mixed structure of inner C-S-H and nano calcium hydroxide (CH). The inner ITZ shows a lattice change region with a thickness of 700–1000 nm, which can be attributed to the pre-disassembly process of C3S crystal. The successful application of coupled Raman/BSE-EDS provides new insight into the hydration process and multi-structure features of traditional cementitious materials.
Copper Film Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode and Copper Film with Carbon Nanotubes Modified Screen-Printed Electrode for the Cd(II) Determination
Authors: Wasąg Joanna , Grabarczyk Malgorzata
Published: September 2021

A copper film modified glassy carbon electrode (CuF/GCE) and a novel copper film with carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed electrode (CuF/CN/SPE) for anodic stripping voltammetric measurement of ultratrace levels of Cd(II) are presented. During the development of the research procedure, several main parameters were investigated and optimized. The optimal electroanalytical performance of the working electrodes was achieved in electrolyte 0.1 M HCl and 2 × 10−4 M Cu(II). The copper film modified glassy carbon electrode exhibited operation in the presence of dissolved oxygen with a calculated limit of detection of 1.7 × 10−10 M and 210 s accumulation time, repeatability with RSD of 4.2% (n = 5). In the case of copper film with carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed electrode limit of detection amounted 1.3 × 10−10 M for accumulation time of 210 s and with RSD of 4.5% (n = 5). The calibration curve has a linear range in the tested concentration of 5 × 10−10–5 × 10−7 M (r = 0.999) for CuF/GCE and 3 × 10−10–3 × 10−7 M (r = 0.999) for CuF/CN/SPE with 210 s accumulation time in both cases. The used electrodes enable trace determination of cadmium in different environmental water samples containing organic matrix. The validation of the proposed procedures was carried out through analysis certified reference materials: TM-25.5, SPS-SW1, and SPS-WW1.
Effect of Cement Layer Thickness on the Immediate and Long-Term Bond Strength and Residual Stress between Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramic and Human Dentin
Authors: Tribst João Paulo Mendes , dos Santos Alison Flavio Campos , da Cruz Santos Giuliane , da Silva Leite Larissa Sandy , Lozada Julio Chávez , Silva-Concílio Laís Regiane , Baroudi Kusai , Amaral Marina
Published: September 2021

This study tested whether three different cement layer thicknesses (60, 120 and 180 μm) would provide the same bonding capacity between adhesively luted lithium disilicate and human dentin. Ceramic blocks were cut to 20 blocks with a low-speed diamond saw under cooling water and were then cemented to human flat dentin with an adhesive protocol. The assembly was sectioned into 1 mm2 cross-section beams composed of ceramic/cement/dentin. Cement layer thickness was measured, and three groups were formed. Half of the samples were immediately tested to evaluate the short-term bond strength and the other half were submitted to an aging simulation. The microtensile test was performed in a universal testing machine, and the bond strength (MPa) was calculated. The fractured specimens were examined under stereomicroscopy. Applying the finite element method, the residual stress of polymerization shrinkage according to cement layer thickness was also calculated using first principal stress as analysis criteria. Kruskal–Wallis tests showed that the ‘‘cement layer thickness’’ factor significantly influenced the bond strength results for the aged samples (p = 0.028); however, no statistically significant difference was found between the immediately tested groups (p = 0.569). The higher the cement layer thickness, the higher the residual stress generated at the adhesive interface due to cement polymerization shrinkage. In conclusion, the cement layer thickness does not affect the immediate bond strength in lithium disilicate restorations; however, thinner cement layers are most stable in the short term, showing constant bond strength and lower residual stress.
Azaacenes Based Electroactive Materials: Preparation, Structure, Electrochemistry, Spectroscopy and Applications—A Critical Review
Authors: Kotwica Kamil , Wielgus Ireneusz , Proń Adam
Published: September 2021

This short critical review is devoted to the synthesis and functionalization of various types of azaacenes, organic semiconducting compounds which can be considered as promising materials for the fabrication of n-channel or ambipolar field effect transistors (FETs), components of active layers in light emitting diodes (LEDs), components of organic memory devices and others. Emphasis is put on the diversity of azaacenes preparation methods and the possibility of tuning their redox and spectroscopic properties by changing the C/N ratio, modifying the nitrogen atoms distribution mode, functionalization with electroaccepting or electrodonating groups and changing their molecular shape. Processability, structural features and degradation pathways of these compounds are also discussed. A unique feature of this review concerns the listed redox potentials of all discussed compounds which were normalized vs. Fc/Fc+. This required, in frequent cases, recalculation of the originally reported data in which these potentials were determined against different types of reference electrodes. The same applied to all reported electron affinities (EAs). EA values calculated using different methods were recalculated by applying the method of Sworakowski and co-workers (Org. Electron. 2016, 33, 300–310) to yield, for the first time, a set of normalized data, which could be directly compared.
Effect of the Construction of Carbon Fiber Plate Insert to Midsole on Running Performance
Authors: Fu Fengqin , Levadnyi Ievgen , Wang Jiayu , Xie Zhihao , Fekete Gusztáv , Cai Yuhui , Gu Yaodong
Published: September 2021

In this paper, to investigate the independent effect of the construction of the forefoot carbon-fiber plate inserted to the midsole on running biomechanics and finite element simulation, fifteen male marathon runners were arranged to run across a runway with embedded force plates at two specific running speeds (fast-speed: 4.81 ± 0.32 m/s, slow-speed: 3.97 ± 0.19 m/s) with two different experimental shoes (a segmented forefoot plate construction (SFC), and a full forefoot plate construction (FFC)), simulating the different pressure distributions, energy return, and stiffness during bending in the forefoot region between the SFC and FFC inserted to midsole. Kinetics and joint mechanics were analyzed. The results showed that the footwear with SFC significantly increased the peak metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) plantarflexion velocity and positive work at the knee joint compared to the footwear with FFC. The results about finite element simulation showed a reduced maximum pressure on the midsole; meanwhile, not significantly affected was the longitudinal bending stiffness and energy return with the SFC compared to the FFC. The results can be used for the design of marathon running shoes, because changing the full carbon fiber plate to segment carbon fiber plate induced some biomechanical transformation but did not significantly affect the running performance, what is more, reducing the peak pressure of the carbon plate to the midsole by cutting the forefoot area of the carbon fiber plate could be beneficial from a long-distance running perspective for manufacturers.
Method of Predicting the Crimp of Jacquard-Woven Fabrics
Authors: Kumpikaitė Eglė , Lapelytė Eglė , Petraitienė Stasė
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of crimp in new jacquard fabric structures (in which one-layer and two-layer weaves are combined) in the fabric width and to create a method of crimp prediction. It was established that crimp was around 18.80% and changed within the limits of errors, i.e., a range of only ~4%, in the fabric width. It can therefore be said that the warp crimp was constant in the fabric width. Because the warp crimp of jacquard fabric changed insignificantly (within the limits of errors), it can be stated that the fabric-setting parameters and structural solutions were chosen and matched correctly, and such fabric can be woven on any jacquard weaving loom.
Progressing towards Sustainable Machining of Steels: A Detailed Review
Authors: Ishfaq Kashif , Anjum Irfan , Pruncu Catalin Iulian , Amjad Muhammad , Kumar M. Saravana , Maqsood Muhammad Asad
Published: September 2021

Machining operations are very common for the production of auto parts, i.e., connecting rods, crankshafts, etc. In machining, the use of cutting oil is very necessary, but it leads to higher machining costs and environmental problems. About 17% of the cost of any product is associated with cutting fluid, and about 80% of skin diseases are due to mist and fumes generated by cutting oils. Environmental legislation and operators’ safety demand the minimal use of cutting fluid and proper disposal of used cutting oil. The disposal cost is huge, about two times higher than the machining cost. To improve occupational health and safety and the reduction of product costs, companies are moving towards sustainable manufacturing. Therefore, this review article emphasizes the sustainable machining aspects of steel by employing techniques that require the minimal use of cutting oils, i.e., minimum quantity lubrication, and other efficient techniques like cryogenic cooling, dry cutting, solid lubricants, air/vapor/gas cooling, and cryogenic treatment. Cryogenic treatment on tools and the use of vegetable oils or biodegradable oils instead of mineral oils are used as primary techniques to enhance the overall part quality, which leads to longer tool life with no negative impacts on the environment. To further help the manufacturing community in progressing towards industry 4.0 and obtaining net-zero emissions, in this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the recent, state of the art sustainable techniques used for machining steel materials/components by which the industry can massively improve their product quality and production.
Impact of Material Stiffness and Anisotropy on Coaptation Characteristics for Aortic Valve Cusps Reconstructed from Pericardium
Authors: Liogky Alexey , Karavaikin Pavel , Salamatova Victoria
Published: September 2021

The numerical assessment of reconstructed aortic valves competence and leaflet design optimization rely on both coaptation characteristics and the diastolic valve configuration. These characteristics can be evaluated by the shell or membrane formulations. The membrane formulation is preferable for surgical aortic valve neocuspidization planning since it is easy to solve. The results on coaptation zone sensitivity to the anisotropy of aortic leaflet material are contradictive, and there are no comparisons of coaptation characteristics based on shell and membrane models for anisotropic materials. In our study, we explore for the first time how the reduced model and anisotropy of the leaflet material affect the coaptation zone and the diastolic configuration of the aortic valve. To this end, we propose the method to mimic the real, sutured neo-leaflet, and apply our numerical shell and membrane formulations to model the aortic valve under the quasi-static diastolic pressure varying material stiffness and anisotropy directions. The shell formulation usually provides a lesser coaptation zone than the membrane formulation, especially in the central zone. The material stiffness does influence the coaptation zone: it is smaller for stiffer material. Anisotropy of the leaflet material does not affect significantly the coaptation characteristics, but can impact the deformed leaflet configuration and produce a smaller displacement.
Common Positive Solution of Two Nonlinear Matrix Equations Using Fixed Point Results
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Pant Rajendra , George Reny
Published: September 2021

We discuss a pair of nonlinear matrix equations (NMEs) of the form X=R1+∑i=1kAi*F(X)Ai, X=R2+∑i=1kBi*G(X)Bi, where R1,R2∈P(n), Ai,Bi∈M(n), i=1,⋯,k, and the operators F,G:P(n)→P(n) are continuous in the trace norm. We go through the necessary criteria for a common positive definite solution of the given NME to exist. We develop the concept of a joint Suzuki-implicit type pair of mappings to meet the requirement and achieve certain existence findings under weaker assumptions. Some concrete instances are provided to show the validity of our findings. An example is provided that contains a randomly generated matrix as well as convergence and error analysis. Furthermore, we offer graphical representations of average CPU time analysis for various initializations.
H∞ and Passive Fuzzy Control for Non-Linear Descriptor Systems with Time-Varying Delay and Sensor Faults
Authors: Jerbi Houssem , Kchaou Mourad , Boudjemline Attia , Regaieg Mohamed , Ben Aoun Sondes , Kouzou Ahmed
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the problem of reliable control design with mixed H∞ /passive performance is discussed for a class of Takagi–Sugeno TS fuzzy descriptor systems with time-varying delay, sensor failure, and randomly occurred non-linearity. Based on the Lyapunov theory, firstly, a less conservative admissible criterion is established by combining the delay decomposition and reciprocally convex approaches. Then, the attention is focused on the design of a reliable static output feedback (SOF) controller with mixed H∞ /passive performance requirements. The key merit of the paper is to propose a simple method to design such a controller since the system output is subject to probabilistic missing data and noise. Using the output vector as a state component, an augmented model is introduced, and sufficient conditions are derived to achieve the desired performance of the closed-loop system. In addition, the cone complementarity linearization (CCL) algorithm is provided to calculate the controller gains. At last, three numerical examples, including computer-simulated truck-trailer and ball and beam systems are given to show the efficacy of our proposed approach, compared with existing ones in the literature.
Degradation Analysis of Thin Mg-xAg Wires Using X-ray Near-Field Holotomography
Authors: Meyer Sebastian , Wolf Andreas , Sanders Daniela , Iskhakova Kamila , Ćwieka Hanna , Bruns Stefan , Flenner Silja , Greving Imke , Hagemann Johannes , Willumeit-Römer Regine , Wiese Björn , Zeller-Plumhoff Berit
Published: September 2021

Magnesium–silver alloys are of high interest for the use as temporary bone implants due to their antibacterial properties in addition to biocompatibility and biodegradability. Thin wires in particular can be used for scaffolding, but the determination of their degradation rate and homogeneity using traditional methods is difficult. Therefore, we have employed 3D imaging using X-ray near-field holotomography with sub-micrometer resolution to study the degradation of thin (250 μm diameter) Mg-2Ag and Mg-6Ag wires. The wires were studied in two states, recrystallized and solution annealed to assess the influence of Ag content and precipitates on the degradation. Imaging was employed after degradation in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium and 10% fetal bovine serum after 1 to 7 days. At 3 days of immersion the degradation rates of both alloys in both states were similar, but at 7 days higher silver content and solution annealing lead to decreased degradation rates. The opposite was observed for the pitting factor. Overall, the standard deviation of the determined parameters was high, owing to the relatively small field of view during imaging and high degradation inhomogeneity of the samples. Nevertheless, Mg-6Ag in the solution annealed state emerges as a potential material for thin wire manufacturing for implants.
Next-Generation Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling through Integration of Regulatory Mechanisms
Authors: Chung Carolina H. , Lin Da-Wei , Eames Alec , Chandrasekaran Sriram
Published: September 2021

Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) are powerful tools for understanding metabolism from a systems-level perspective. However, GEMs in their most basic form fail to account for cellular regulation. A diverse set of mechanisms regulate cellular metabolism, enabling organisms to respond to a wide range of conditions. This limitation of GEMs has prompted the development of new methods to integrate regulatory mechanisms, thereby enhancing the predictive capabilities and broadening the scope of GEMs. Here, we cover integrative models encompassing six types of regulatory mechanisms: transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs), post-translational modifications (PTMs), epigenetics, protein–protein interactions and protein stability (PPIs/PS), allostery, and signaling networks. We discuss 22 integrative GEM modeling methods and how these have been used to simulate metabolic regulation during normal and pathological conditions. While these advances have been remarkable, there remains a need for comprehensive and widespread integration of regulatory constraints into GEMs. We conclude by discussing challenges in constructing GEMs with regulation and highlight areas that need to be addressed for the successful modeling of metabolic regulation. Next-generation integrative GEMs that incorporate multiple regulatory mechanisms and their crosstalk will be invaluable for discovering cell-type and disease-specific metabolic control mechanisms.
Identification of Morphine and Heroin-Treatment in Mice Using Metabonomics
Authors: Lu Wuhuan , Zhang Ran , Sheng Wei , Feng Luohua , Xu Peng , Wang Youmei , Xie Yuan , Xu Hui , Wang Guangji , Aa Jiye
Published: September 2021

Although heroin and morphine are structural analogues and morphine is a metabolite of heroin, it is not known how the effect of each substance on metabolites in vivo differs. Heroin and morphine were administered to C57BL/6J mice in increasing doses from 2 to 25 and 3 to 9 mg kg−1 (twice a day, i.p.), respectively, for 20 days. The animals underwent withdrawal for 5 days and were readministered the drugs after 10 days. Serum and urine analytes were profiled using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and metabolic patterns were evaluated based on metabonomics data. Metabonomics data showed that heroin administration changed metabolic pattern, and heroin withdrawal did not quickly restore it to baseline levels. A relapse of heroin exposure changed metabolic pattern again. In contrast, although the administration of morphine changed metabolic pattern, whether from morphine withdrawal or relapse, metabolic pattern was similar to control levels. The analysis of metabolites showed that both heroin and morphine interfered with lipid metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and amino acid metabolism. In addition, both heroin and morphine increased the levels of 3-hydroxybutyric acid and citric acid but decreased the serum levels of 2-ketoglutaric acid and tryptophan. Moreover, heroin and morphine reduced the levels of aconitic acid, cysteine, glycine, and oxalic acid in urine. The results show 3-Hydroxybutyric acid, tryptophan, citric acid and 2-ketoglutaric acid can be used as potential markers of opiate abuse in serum, while oxalic acid, aconitic acid, cysteine, and glycine can be used as potential markers in urine.
Microbiome Analysis of Carious Lesions in Pre-School Children with Early Childhood Caries and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Schulz-Weidner Nelly , Weigel Markus , Turujlija Filip , Komma Kassandra , Mengel Jan Philipp , Schlenz Maximiliane Amelie , Bulski Julia Camilla , Krämer Norbert , Hain Torsten
Published: September 2021

Oral bacteria have been associated with several systemic diseases. Moreover, the abundance of bacteria associated with caries has been found to be higher in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) than in healthy control groups (HCGs). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the dental microbiota in children with CHD compared to a HCG. The aim was to describe and compare the carious microbiome regarding the composition, diversity, and taxonomic patterns in these two groups. Twenty children with CHD and a HCG aged between two and six years participated. All of them were affected by early childhood caries. Microbiome profiling indicated that Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Capnocytophaga, and Oribacterium were more abundant in the CHD group, whereas Lactobacillus and Rothia were predominant in the HCG. Furthermore, microbiome analysis revealed three distinct clusters for the CHD and HCG samples. In the first cluster, we found mainly the genera Lactobacillus and Coriobacteriaceae. The second cluster showed a higher relative abundance of the genus Actinomyces and a more diverse composition consisting of more genera with a smaller relative lot. The third cluster was characterized by two genera, Streptococcus and Veillonella. These data can help us to understand the oral microbial community structures involved in caries and endodontic infections of pre-school children in relation to the general health of these high-risk patients.
Effect of Basicity on the Sulfur Precipitation and Occurrence State in Kambara Reactor Desulfurization Slag
Authors: Zhu Renlin , Li Jianli , Jiang Jiajun , Yu Yue , Zhu Hangyu
Published: September 2021

Kambara Reactor (KR) desulfurization slag used as slag-making material for converter smelting can promote early slag melting in the initial stage and improve the efficiency of dephosphorization. However, its direct utilization as a slagging material can increase the sulfur content in molten steel since KR desulfurization slag contains 1~2.5% sulfur. Therefore, this research focuses on the effect of basicity on the precipitation behavior and occurrence state of sulfur in KR desulfurization slag in order to provide an academic reference for the subsequent removal of sulfur from slag through an oxidizing atmosphere. The solidification process of slag was simulated by the Factsage8.0. The slag samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the amount of CaS grains was analyzed using Image-ProPlus6.0 software. The thermodynamic calculation showed that the crystallization temperature of CaS in the molten slag gradually decreased with the increase in basicity, and the CaS crystals in the molten slag mainly existed in the matrix phase and at the silicate grain boundaries. A large number of CaS grains were precipitated along the silicate grain boundary in low-basicity (R = 2.5 and 3.0) slags and fewer CaS grains were precipitated along the silicate grain boundary, while the CaS grain density in the matrix phase was higher in the high-basicity (R = 3.5, 4.0, 4.5) slag. With the increase in basicity, the number of CaS grains gradually decreased, and the CaS grain sizes in slag sample increased gradually. The sulfur in the synthetic slag was in the form of CaS crystals and the amorphous phase, and the content of amorphous sulfur gradually increased with increasing basicity.
Food-Based Dietary Guidelines around the World: A Comparative Analysis to Update AESAN Scientific Committee Dietary Recommendations
Authors: Cámara Montaña , Giner Rosa María , González-Fandos Elena , López-García Esther , Mañes Jordi , Portillo María P. , Rafecas Magdalena , Domínguez Laura , Martínez José Alfredo
Published: September 2021

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) include dietary recommendations based on food groups according to the general and accepted nutrition principles and current scientific evidence. Adoption of FBDG contributes to the prevention of malnutrition in all its forms, promotes human health, and reduces environmental impact. The present review aims to perform an international comparative analysis of the FBDG adopted in different countries from three different continents (America, Asia, and Europe), with particular reference to the Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AESAN, Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición) Scientific Committee dietary recommendations. A total of twelve countries with the most updated FBDG and/or closest to the traditional and cultural preferences of Spain were finally selected. All the reviewed FBDG provided recommendations for fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts, milk and dairy products, meat and derivatives, fish, eggs, water, and oil; however, remarkable differences regarding recommended amounts were found among countries.
Is Supplementation with Micronutrients Still Necessary during Pregnancy? A Review
Authors: Santander Ballestín Sonia , Giménez Campos Marta Isabel , Ballestín Ballestín Jara , Luesma Bartolomé María José
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Proper nutrition during pregnancy is important to prevent nutritional imbalances that interfere with pregnancy. Micronutrients play critical roles in embryogenesis, fetal growth, and maternal health, as energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral needs can increase during pregnancy. Increased needs can be met by increasing the intake of dietary micronutrients. Severe micronutrient deficiency or excess during pregnancy can have negative effects on fetal growth (intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, or congenital malformations) and pregnancy development (pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes). We investigate whether it is necessary to continue micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy to improve women’s health in this stage and whether this supplementation could prevent and control pathologies associated with pregnancy. Aim: The present review aims to summarize evidence on the effects of nutritional deficiencies on maternal and newborn morbidity. Methods: This aim is addressed by critically reviewing results from published studies on supplementation with different nutrients during pregnancy. For this, major scientific databases, scientific texts, and official webpages have been consulted. PubMed searches using the terms “pregnancy” OR “maternal-fetal health” AND “vitamins” OR “minerals” OR “supplementation” AND “requirement” OR “deficiency nutrients” were performed. Results: There are accepted interventions during pregnancy, such as folic acid supplementation to prevent congenital neural tube defects, potassium iodide supplementation to correct neurodevelopment, and oral iron supplementation during the second half of pregnancy to reduce the risk of maternal anemia and iron deficiency. A number of micronutrients have also been associated with pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. In general, experimental studies are necessary to demonstrate the benefits of supplementation with different micronutrients and to adjust the recommended daily doses and the recommended periconceptional nutrition for mothers. Conclusions: Presently, there is evidence of the benefits of micronutrient supplementation in perinatal results, but indiscriminate use is discouraged due to the fact that the side effects of excessive doses are not known. Evidence supports the idea that micronutrient deficiencies negatively affect maternal health and the outcome of pregnancy. No single micronutrient is responsible for the adverse effects; thus, supplementing or correcting one deficiency will not be very effective while other deficiencies exist.