bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Heat Shock Proteins in Malignant Brain Tumors: From Basic Research to Clinical Trials
Authors: Babi Aisha , Menlibayeva Karashash , Bex Torekhan , Doskaliev Aidos , Akshulakov Serik , Shevtsov Maxim
Published: November 2022

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are conservative and ubiquitous proteins that are expressed both in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and play an important role in cellular homeostasis, including the regulation of proteostasis, apoptosis, autophagy, maintenance of signal pathways, protection from various stresses (e.g., hypoxia, ionizing radiation, etc.). Therefore, HSPs are highly expressed in tumor cells, including malignant brain tumors, where they also associate with cancer cell invasion, metastasis, and resistance to radiochemotherapy. In the current review, we aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic values of HSPs expression in CNS malignancies as well as the novel treatment approaches to modulate the chaperone levels through the application of inhibitors (as monotherapy or in combination with other treatment modalities). Indeed, for several proteins (i.e., HSP10, HSPB1, DNAJC10, HSPA7, HSP90), a direct correlation between the protein level expression and poor overall survival prognosis for patients was demonstrated that provides a possibility to employ them as prognostic markers in neuro-oncology. Although small molecular inhibitors for HSPs, particularly for HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 families, were studied in various solid and hematological malignancies demonstrating therapeutic potential, still their potential was not yet fully explored in CNS tumors. Some newly synthesized agents (e.g., HSP40/DNAJ inhibitors) have not yet been evaluated in GBM. Nevertheless, reported preclinical studies provide evidence and rationale for the application of HSPs inhibitors for targeting brain tumors.
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: The Role of Gene Polymorphism in the Regulation of Doxorubicin Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Bagdasaryan Alina A. , Chubarev Vladimir N. , Smolyarchuk Elena A. , Drozdov Vladimir N. , Krasnyuk Ivan I. , Liu Junqi , Fan Ruitai , Tse Edmund , Shikh Evgenia V. , Sukocheva Olga A.
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is the prevailing malignancy and major cause of cancer-related death in females. Doxorubicin is a part of BC neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy regimens. The administration of anthracycline derivates, such as doxorubicin, may cause several side effects, including hematological disfunction, gastrointestinal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity is a major adverse reaction to anthracyclines, and it may vary depending on individual differences in doxorubicin pharmacokinetics. Determination of specific polymorphisms of genes that can alter doxorubicin metabolism was shown to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and improve the safety and efficacy of doxorubicin. Genes which encode cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4 and CYP2D6), p-glycoproteins (ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family members such as Multi-Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1) protein), and other detoxifying enzymes were shown to control the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin. The effectiveness of doxorubicin is defined by the polymorphism of cytochrome p450 and p-glycoprotein-encoding genes. This study critically discusses the latest data about the role of gene polymorphisms in the regulation of doxorubicin’s anti-BC effects. The correlation of genetic differences with the efficacy and safety of doxorubicin may provide insights for the development of personalized medical treatment for BC patients.
Psychometric Properties of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale for South America (CD-RISC-25SA) in Peruvian Adolescents
Authors: Dominguez-Cancino Karen A. , Calderon-Maldonado Francisca L. , Choque-Medrano Edith , Bravo-Tare Carola E. , Palmieri Patrick A.
Published: November 2022

Resilience describes the ability of someone to adapt to adverse life experiences by adjusting to demands with behavioral flexibility. When encountering crisis situations, resilient people typically spring back emotionally with increased strength and internal composure. Measuring resilience is important for assessing the ability of adolescents to respond to adverse situations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric performance of the Spanish version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) © for South America (CD-RISC-25SA) in a population of vulnerable Peruvian adolescents. This study used a cross-sectional design to measure sociodemographic variables and resilience. Participants were 451 adolescents living in a shelter in Lima, Perú. Face and content validity were established by expert panel, construct validity was evaluated with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha. The analysis resulted in a four-dimensional model with 22 items explaining almost 27% of the variance with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.90. The dimensions included self-confidence and self-trust from previous experiences, internal resources to cope with difficult situations, personal competence and tenacity, and self-regulation with external resources. Two of the 3 items eliminated from the instrument were related to the original dimension “spirituality influences” which may have been incorrectly translated and adapted without equivalence of meaning for cross-cultural research. The CD-RISC-25SA is not a stable multidimensional instrument for measuring resilience across the cultures and contexts of countries. However, the instrument appears to be stable for measuring resilience as a single dimension. For measuring resilience in the context of Peru, a four-dimensional model with 22 items was validated. Variations in the psychometric properties of translated instruments may result from not establishing the equivalence of meaning for each item before performing cross-cultural research. Researchers need to search for a more precise understanding of resilience as a universal concept transferable across borders and through translations.
Adults’ Perception of Children’s Vowel Production
Authors: Yoon Tae-Jin , Ha Seunghee
Published: November 2022

The study examined the link between Korean-speaking children’s vowel production and its perception by inexperienced adults and also observed whether ongoing vowel changes in mid-back vowels affect adults’ perceptions when the vowels are produced by children. This study analyzed vowels in monosyllabic words produced by 20 children, ranging from 2 to 6 years old, with a focus on gender distinction, and used them as perceptual stimuli for word perception by 20 inexperienced adult listeners. Acoustic analyses indicated that F0 was not a reliable cue for distinguishing gender, but the first two formants served as reliable cues for gender distinction. The results confirmed that the spacing of the two low formants is linguistically and para-linguistically important in identifying vowel types and gender. However, a pair of non-low back vowels caused difficulties in correct vowel identification. Proximal distance between the vowels could be interpreted to result in the highest mismatch between children’s production and adults’ perception of the two non-low back vowels in the Korean language. We attribute the source of the highest mismatch of the two non-low back vowels to the ongoing sound change observed in high and mid-back vowels in adult speech. The ongoing vowel change is also observed in the children’s vowel space, which may well be shaped after the caregivers whose non-low back vowels are close to each other.
Malignant Hyperthermia in PICU—From Diagnosis to Treatment in the Light of Up-to-Date Knowledge
Authors: Klincová Martina , Štěpánková Dagmar , Schröderová Ivana , Klabusayová Eva , Štourač Petr
Published: November 2022

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a rare, hereditary, life-threatening disease triggered by volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine. Rarely, MH can occur after non-pharmacological triggers too. MH was detected more often in children and young adults, which makes this topic very important for every pediatric specialist, both anesthesiologists and intensivists. MH crisis is a life-threatening severe hypermetabolic whole-body reaction. Triggers of MH are used in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) as well, volatile anesthetics in difficult sedation, status asthmaticus or epilepticus, and succinylcholine still sometimes in airway management. Recrudescence or delayed onset of MH crisis hours after anesthesia was previously described. MH can also be a cause of rhabdomyolysis and hyperpyrexia in the PICU. In addition, patients with neuromuscular diseases are often admitted to PICU and they might be at risk for MH. The most typical symptoms of MH are hypercapnia, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity. Thinking of the MH as the possible cause of deterioration of a patient’s clinical condition is the key to early diagnosis and treatment. The sooner the correct treatment is commenced, the better patient´s outcome. This narrative review article aims to summarize current knowledge and guidelines about recognition, treatment, and further management of MH in PICU.
Reading Strategies for Children with Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: De las Heras Gema , Simón Teresa , Domínguez Ana B. , González Virginia
Published: November 2022

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder that compromises language comprehension and/or expression and constitutes a risk factor for learning to read. The aim of the present study was to analyse the reading strategies used by students with DLD to read sentences. There is evidence in the literature that, when linguistic resources are insufficient, the keyword strategy (identifying some of the words in the sentence with their own semantic content, with barely no processing of the function words) is used to read sentences. A total of 31 primary and secondary school students diagnosed with DLD were evaluated using the PEALE battery. The results reveal that students with DLD present heterogeneous profiles that are below the established reading level for their age. In addition, children with DLD and better reading skills use the keyword strategy to read sentences. In conclusion, clinical and educational implications for reading intervention in individuals with DLD are discussed.
Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh Extract Regulates Neuroinflammation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Cho Jun Hwi , Kim Dae Hyun , Lee Jong Suk , Seo Mi-Suk , Kim Mi Eun , Lee Jun Sik
Published: November 2022

Previously, we reported that Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh (S. horneri) is a brown algae species that exerts anti-inflammatory activity toward murine macrophages. However, the anti-neuroinflammatory effects and the mechanism of S. horneri on microglia cells are still unknown. We investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of S. horneri extract on microglia in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we found that S. horneri was not cytotoxic to BV-2 microglia cells and it significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production. Moreover, S. horneri also diminished the protein expression of iNOS, COX-2, and cytokine production, including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, on LPS-stimulated microglia activation. S. horneri elicited anti-neuroinflammatory effects by inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB. In addition, S. horneri inhibited astrocytes and microglia activation in LPS-challenged mice brain. Therefore, these results suggested that S. horneri exerted anti-neuroinflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated microglia cell activation by inhibiting neuroinflammatory factors and NF-κB signaling.
Research on the Thickness and Microstructure of Plate-like TiO2 by the Nanosheet-Seeding Growth Technique
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Liu Hao , Cui Junyan , Bai Xiaosong , Yang Daoyuan , Yuan Huiyu , Wang Baoming
Published: November 2022

The nanosheet-seeding growth (NSG) technique is an interesting synthesis method for preparing two-dimensional (2D) materials by employing ultrathin nanosheets as templates. In this work, the synthesis of 2D TiO2 nanoplates using Ti0.87O2 nanosheets via the NSG process is thoroughly studied to achieve a better understanding of this process. The influence of various synthesis conditions on the morphology and phase composition has been carefully examined. The study of synthesis time reveals that the TiO2 grows in the Stranski–Krastanov mode on the templates and the growth follows second-order kinetics. It is also found that the concentration of precursors and the synthesis time are the effective parameters in controlling the thickness of TiO2 nanoplates. The phase of the sample changes from anatase TiO2 to NH4TiOF3 and the morphology changes from flake to disk with the increase in the precursor concentration. The synthesis temperature has a large influence on the morphology and thickness of the sample but has little effect on the phase composition. However, the synthesis temperature changes the color of the sample, and a high temperature enlarges the light absorption range of the sample.
Effect of Acyl Chain Length on Hydrophobized Cashew Gum Self-Assembling Nanoparticles: Colloidal Properties and Amphotericin B Delivery
Authors: Richter Ana R. , Veras-Neto José G. , Sousa Jeanlex S. , Mendes Josilayne F. S. , Fontenelle Raquel O. S. , Silva Stéphanie A. N. M. , Marinho-Filho José D. B. , Araújo Ana J. , Feitosa Judith P. A. , Paula Haroldo C. B. , Goycoolea Francisco M. , Paula Regina C. M. de
Published: November 2022

Given its many potential applications, cashew gum hydrophobic derivatives have gained increasing attraction in recent years. We report here the effect of acyl chain length on hydrophobized cashew gum derivatives, using acetic, propionic, and butyric anhydrides on self-assembly nanoparticle properties and amphotericin B delivery. Nanoparticles with unimodal particle size distribution, highly negative zeta potential, and low PDI were produced. Butyrate cashew gum nanoparticles presented smaller size (<~100 nm) than acetylated and propionate cashew gum nanoparticles and no cytotoxicity in murine fibroblast cells was observed up to 100 µg/mL for loaded and unloaded nanoparticles. As a proof of concept of the potential use of the developed nanoparticle as a drug carrier formulation, amphotericin B (AmB) was encapsulated and fully characterized in their physicochemical, AmB association and release, stability, and biological aspects. They exhibited average hydrodynamic diameter lower than ~200 nm, high AmB efficiency encapsulations (up to 94.9%), and controlled release. A decrease in AmB release with the increasing of the anhydride chain length was observed, which explains the differences in antifungal activity against Candida albicans strains. An excellent storage colloidal stability was observed for unloaded and loaded AmB without use of surfactant. Considering the AmB delivery, the acyl derivative with low chain length is shown to be the best one, as it has high drug loading and AmB release, as well as low minimum inhibitory concentration against Candida albicans strains.
Turning a Novel Janus Electrospun Mat into an Amphiphilic Membrane with High Aromatic Hydrocarbon Adsorption Capacity
Authors: Torasso Nicolás , González-Seligra Paula , Trupp Federico , Grondona Diana , Goyanes Silvia
Published: November 2022

Aromatic hydrocarbons in water is one of the collateral effects of the petrochemical industry and represents a serious problem both for their toxicity and environmental contamination. In this work, an innovative amphiphilic membrane was developed capable of rapidly removing hydrocarbons (such as BTEX) present in water under the solubility limit. Firstly, a Janus nanostructured membrane was developed from the deposition of superhydrophobic carbonaceous nanoparticles (CNPs) synthesized by radiofrequency plasma polymerization on a hydrophilic electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) mat. Secondly, this membrane was turned amphiphilic by UV exposure, allowing water to pass through. The surface properties of the membranes were studied through SEM, contact angle, and FTIR analysis. Dead-end experiments showed that the toluene and xylene selective sorption capacity reached the outstanding adsorption capacity of 647 mg/g and 666 mg/g, respectively, and that the membrane could be reused three times without efficiency loss. Furthermore, swelling of the PVA fibers prevented the liberation of NPs. The selective sorption capacity of the UV-exposed CNPs was explained by studying the interfacial energy relations between the materials at play. This work provides a simple, low-cost, and scalable technique to develop membranes with great potential for water remediation, including the removal of volatile organic compounds from produced water, as well as separating oil-in-water emulsions.
Enhancement of Skin Permeation and Penetration of β-Arbutin Fabricated in Chitosan Nanoparticles as the Delivery System
Authors: Sahudin Shariza , Sahrum Ayumi Nursyafiqah , Kaharudin Norsavina
Published: November 2022

Background: There has been an increase in demand for cosmetic skin-whitening products with efficacy toward lightening skin tone. β-arbutin is an inhibitor of tyrosinase enzyme activity within the skin’s melanocytes, and so has shown considerable promise as a skin-lightening agent. It is, however, both hydrophilic and hygroscopic, which hinders its penetration of the skin to reach these melanocytes. Chitosan (CS) possesses considerable penetration-enhancing properties when utilized in topical delivery formulations. The strong affinity of positively charged chitosan nanoparticles toward negatively charged biological membranes can be exploited to achieve site-specific targeting. Objective: To investigate the use of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) as carrier units to enhance the topical delivery of β-arbutin. Method: CSNPs containing β-arbutin were prepared using an ionic cross-linking method, and entrapment efficiency and loading capacity were evaluated at numerous β-arbutin concentrations. Further characterization involved using FTIR, XRD, TEM, and TGA, and in vitro permeation studies were conducted using in vitro Franz diffusion cells. Results: β-arbutin chitosan nanoparticles were successfully formulated with a size range of 211–289 d.nm, a polydispersity index between 0.2–0.3, and zeta potential in the range 46.9–64.0 mV. The optimum encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of β-arbutin were 68% and 73%, respectively. TEM revealed the nanoparticles to be spherical in shape. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic chitosan-related peaks appearing at 3438.3 cm−1 (-OH stretching) and 3320 cm−1 (-CH stretching), together with 1598.01 cm−1 (-NH2) specific to β-arbutin nanoparticles. XRD analysis revealed an increase in crystallinity and TGA analyses identified increasing thermal stability with increasing β-arbutin concentration. In vitro studies indicated higher permeation and improved penetration of β-arbutin loaded in CSNPs compared to its free form. Conclusion: CSNPs present considerable promise as effective carriers for improved topical delivery of β-arbutin.
Discrete Fourier Transform with Denoise Model Based Least Square Wiener Channel Estimator for Channel Estimation in MIMO-OFDM
Authors: S Dhanasekaran , Palanisamy SatheeshKumar , Hajjej Fahima , Khalaf Osamah Ibrahim , Abdulsahib Ghaida Muttashar , S Ramalingam
Published: November 2022

Multiple-input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems require orthogonal frequency division multiplexing to operate efficiently in multipath communication (OFDM). Channel estimation (C.E.) is used in channel conditions where time-varying features are required. The existing channel estimation techniques are highly complicated. A channel estimation algorithm is needed to estimate the received signal’s correctness. In order to resolve this complexity in C.E. methodologies, this paper developed an Improved Channel Estimation Algorithm integrated with DFT-LS-WIENER (ICEA-DA). The Least Square (L.S.) and Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) algorithms also use the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT)-based channel estimation method. The DFT-LS-WIENER channel estimation approach is recommended for better BER performance. The input signal is modulated in the transmitter module using the Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) technique, pulse modeling, and least squares concepts. The L.S. Estimation technique needs the channel consistent throughout the estimation period. DFT joined with L.S. gives higher estimation precision and limits M.S.E. and BER. Experimental analysis of the proposed state-of-the-art method shows that DFT-LS-WIENER provides superior performance in terms of symbol error rate (S.E.R.), bit error rate (BER), channel capacity (CC), and peak signal-to-noise (PSNR). At 15 dB SNR, the proposed DFT-LS-WIENER techniques reduce the BER of 48.19%, 38.19%, 14.8%, and 14.03% compared to L.S., LS-DFT, MMSE, and MMSE-DFT. Compared to the conventional algorithm, the proposed DFT-LS-WIENER outperform them.
Review of Energy Consumption by the Fish Farming and Processing Industry in Croatia and the Potential for Zero-Emissions Aquaculture
Authors: Bujas Tena , Koričan Marija , Vukić Manuela , Soldo Vladimir , Vladimir Nikola , Fan Ailong
Published: November 2022

Higher energy efficiency and lower environmental impact have become very important aspects in the evaluation of the design and operation of technical systems. The same goes for the fish farming sector, which continuously aims to reduce its environmental footprint as well as its operating costs. This paper reviews the energy needs of the fish farming sector and their impact on the environment, and discusses the possibilities of improving the environmental friendliness of this sector by employing a higher share of renewable energy sources. The fish farming process is divided into its constitutive phases: fish breeding with associated activities, transportation, and handling of grown fish, together with relevant processes; and final processing and distribution to the customers. For these phases, the energy consumption and associated emissions, depending on the energy source, have been assessed. The parts of the process with the highest potential for the integration of alternative powering options and consequent environmental improvements are identified. The case study deals with the fish farming process in Croatia, for which a set of alternative powering options has been proposed, considering the existing energy supply, i.e., import of fossil fuels and current Croatian electricity mix, as well as renewable energy potential, which is reviewed in the paper.
Modern Methods of Construction Problem Solving in Designing Various Types of Instrument Transformers
Authors: Lesniewska Elzbieta
Published: November 2022

Current and voltage instrument transformers are essential elements of the power system. They work like transformers but do not transmit power. Their task is to accurately transform currents or voltages during system operation, which are then used for measurement and protection. These devices are very precise, and their accuracy is defined by the IEC/CEN standards. Instrument transformers are located at all transformer stations, specialized high-voltage and high-power laboratories, and testing and teaching laboratories. Therefore, the design requirements are very different depending on their type (current, voltage, or combined), function (measuring, protection), and operating voltage (high, medium, and low). The requirements concern not only the operation but also the strength of the insulation system and, sometimes, the mechanical strength.
Investigation on the Melting Performance of a Phase Change Material Based on a Shell-and-Tube Thermal Energy Storage Unit with a Rectangular Fin Configuration
Authors: Yu Meng , Sun Xiaowei , Su Wenjuan , Li Defeng , Shen Jun , Zhang Xuejun , Jiang Long
Published: November 2022

A case study on the melting performance of a shell-and-tube phase change material (PCM) thermal energy storage unit with a novel rectangular fin configuration is conducted in this paper. Paraffin wax and circulated water are employed as the PCM and heat transfer fluid (HTF), respectively. It can be observed that the melting performance could be significantly improved by using rectangular fins. Melting photographs demonstrate that the melting of the PCM is firstly dominated by heat conduction; then, the melting rate is improved further due to natural convection. Moreover, the results illustrate that the influence of the inlet HTF temperature on the melting performance is significantly greater than that of the inlet HTF flow rate. The liquid fraction of paraffin wax in the PCM unit with a higher inlet HTF temperature is always higher than that with a lower inlet HTF temperature at the same time. The total charging time is reduced by 62.38% and the average charging rate is increased by 165.51% when the inlet HTF temperature is increased from 57 °C to 68 °C. As a result, a higher value of the inlet HTF temperature and a lower value of the HTF flow rate are able to improve the energy efficiency of the PCM unit with a rectangular fin configuration.
Operation and Multi-Objective Design Optimization of a Plate Heat Exchanger with Zigzag Flow Channel Geometry
Authors: Chen Wei-Hsin , Li Yi-Wei , Chang Min-Hsing , Chueh Chih-Che , Ashokkumar Veeramuthu , Saw Lip Huat
Published: November 2022

The performance of a plate heat exchanger (PHE) using water as the working fluid with zigzag flow channels was optimized in the present study. The optimal operating conditions of the PHE are explored experimentally by the Taguchi method, with effectiveness as the objective function. The results are further verified by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). In addition, the zigzag flow channel geometry is optimized by the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II), in which the effectiveness and pressure drop of the PHE are considered the two objective functions in the multi-objective optimization process. The experimental results show that the ratio of flow rates is the most important factor affecting the effectiveness of the PHE. The optimal operating conditions are the temperatures of 95 °C and 10 °C at the inlets of hot and cold water flows, respectively, with a cold/hot flow rate ratio of 0.25. The resultant effectiveness is 0.945. Three geometric parameters of the zigzag flow channel are considered, including the entrance length, the bending angle, and the fillet radius. The sensitivity analysis of the parameters reveals that a conflict exists between the two objective functions, and multi-objective optimization is necessary for the zigzag flow channel geometry. The numerical simulations successfully obtain the Pareto optimal front for the two objective functions, which benefits the determination of the geometric design for the zigzag flow channel.
Organizational Energy Conservation Matters in the Anthropocene
Authors: Kotsopoulos Dimosthenis
Published: November 2022

Almost a century after its onset, the present era—when human endeavor significantly affects the environment and the future of the Earth’s ecosystem—is now regularly being referred to as the “Anthropocene”. Electric energy is recognized as one of the main forces of change that have contributed to the rise of the human reign. Moreover, its consumption, especially in organizations, is considered responsible for a large part of the greenhouse gas emissions whose curtailment is necessary for the preservation of our climate. This work focuses on turning the spotlight onto the importance of a far-from-exhausted resource in the fight for environmental protection: organizational energy conservation—as exhibited by both the organization and its members individually. Reviewing existing literature, we find that organizational energy conservation is concurrently a matter of environmental sustainability, ethics, and social justice and a matter entwined with crises. Aiming to further guide future research and practice in this field, we discriminate between and provide guidelines for conducting both “hard” (which include facility retrofitting and automation and pose the highest cost in their execution) and “soft” (which include the utilization of IS and/or behavioral interventions and pose a significantly lower cost in their execution) organizational energy-saving interventions.
Petroleum Systems Analysis of Turbidite Reservoirs in Rift and Passive Margin Atlantic Basins (Brazil and Portugal)
Authors: Barbosa Gustavo Santana , Pena dos Reis Rui , Garcia Antônio Jorge Vasconcellos , Barberes Gabriel de Alemar , Garcia Gustavo Gonçalves
Published: November 2022

Due to the success of oil and gas production, turbidites have become exploratory targets over the past 40 years in the rift and passive margin basins in the North and South Atlantic. The turbiditic reservoirs in rift and passive margin settings of Atlantic sedimentary basins located in Brazil (Campos Basin) and Portugal (Lusitanian Basin) represent potential economic units for the hydrocarbon exploration. However, despite being considered analogous reservoirs, these units present distinct potentials for the accumulation of hydrocarbons. In this context, the work presented discusses the results obtained from the analysis of static (source rock, reservoir rock, seal and trap) and dynamic elements (migration, tectonic, diagenetic and thermal processes) of both studied petroleum systems, using geological, seismic, well, geochemical and petrographic data. The developed methodology of multiscalar characterization of the two petroleum systems was successful, leading to a specific classification of the efficiency of the static and dynamic elements. These served as the basis for a petroleum systems analysis of the potential of turbiditic reservoirs in both analyzed basins. In the Campos Basin, the salt diapirs and the associated faults provided the origin of excellent migration routes for the hydrocarbons generated in lower intervals, allowing them to reach Cretaceous turbidite reservoirs. At Lusitanian Basin, the diagenetic processes reduced significantly the porosities of the potential turbiditic reservoirs, besides the intense influence of the salt tectonics that may have been responsible for the migration of hydrocarbons along faults or by their walls, towards upper formations and to the surface.
Energy Valorization of Fine Screenings from a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Lemonidis Ioannis , Banti Dimitra C. , Tzenos Christos A. , Kalamaras Sotirios D. , Kotsopoulos Thomas A. , Samaras Petros
Published: November 2022

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the characteristics and the energy potential for the methane production of fine screenings collected from the primary stage of a municipal wastewater treatment plant, and assess the impact on the properties and the oxygen demand of the aqueous effluents downstream from the sieves. Commercial filter bags with sieve openings of 3000, 1250, 1000, and 300 μm were used for the collection of screenings following a measurement of their biochemical methane potential. It was revealed that solid fractions from the sieves with a large size presented a high net methane production capacity exceeding 900 mL/g VS, but the gas production rate was rather slow, requiring a long time to reach the final value. However, cumulative solid fractions containing particles with a size larger than 300 μm had a lower net methane production, about 700 mL/g VS, but with a faster rate, resulting in almost 80% of the total volume released in 30 days. Aqueous samples downstream from the sieves presented decreasing organic matter content by sieve size and reduced the requirements for aeration oxygen. The installation of fine sieves in existing municipal wastewater treatment plants, therefore, may be beneficial due to the enhancement of biogas production and a reduction in the oxygen consumption of the activated sludge process.
Centromere Chromatin Dynamics at a Glance
Authors: Shukla Shivangi , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: November 2022

The centromere is a specialized DNA locus that ensures the faithful segregation of chromosomes during cell division. It does so by directing the assembly of an essential proteinaceous structure called the kinetochore. The centromere identity is primarily epigenetically defined by a nucleosome containing an H3 variant called CENP-A as well as by the interplay of several factors such as differential chromatin organization driven by CENP-A and H2A.Z, centromere-associated proteins, and post-translational modifications. At the centromere, CENP-A is not just a driving force for kinetochore assembly but also modifies the structural and dynamic properties of the centromeric chromatin, resulting in a distinctive chromatin organization. An additional level of regulation of the centromeric chromatin conformation is provided by post-translational modifications of the histones in the CENP-A nucleosomes. Further, H2A.Z is present in the regions flanking the centromere for heterochromatinization. In this review, we focus on the above-mentioned factors to describe how they contribute to the organization of the centromeric chromatin: CENP-A at the core centromere, post-translational modifications that decorate CENP-A, and the variant H2A.Z.
Evaluation of the Factors That Impact the Perception of Online Content Trustworthiness by Income, Political Affiliation and Online Usage Time
Authors: Spradling Matthew , Straub Jeremy
Published: November 2022

Intentionally deceptive online content represents a significant issue for society. Multiple techniques have been proposed to identify and combat its spread. To understand how to inform individuals most effectively about the potential biases of and other issues with content, this article studies factors that impact the perception of online content. Specifically, it looks at how these factors have similar or different impact depending on the income level, political affiliation and online usage time of Americans. A national survey was conducted that asked respondents about multiple factors that influence their and others’ perception of online content trustworthiness. It also asked what the ideal impact of these factors should be. This data is presented and analyzed herein, conclusions are drawn and their implications, with regard to preventing the spread of deceptive online content, are discussed.
Users’ Perceptions of Key Blockchain Features in Games
Authors: Paajala Iikka , Nyyssölä Jesse , Mattila Juho , Karppinen Pasi
Published: November 2022

The blockchain is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry among a wide range of different business fields. So far, only a few studies have been conducted about blockchain gaming. This study introduces a mobile game utilizing blockchain asset tokens and smart contracts. It was developed for research purposes and used to demonstrate blockchain-based games using semi-structured interviews. This study follows the exploratory research paradigm, which aims to map research of little-known areas. This study focuses on how participants perceived blockchain attributes such as trust, transparency, and user-generated content and how this affected engagement and their willingness to play the game again. Based on our evaluation, generating blockchain assets positively impacted player retention. According to the results, providing genuine asset ownership through the blockchain contributes to environmental engagement and self-engagement, as well as player retention. Another positive blockchain feature discovered from the interview data is user-generated content implementation into games.
Fire Risk Assessment on Wildland–Urban Interface and Adjoined Urban Areas: Estimation Vegetation Ignitability by Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Mahamed (Polinova) Maria , Wittenberg Lea , Kutiel Haim , Brook Anna
Published: November 2022

Fire risk assessment on the wildland–urban interface (WUI) and adjoined urban areas is crucial to prevent human losses and structural damages. One of many interacting and dynamic factors influencing the structure and function of fire-prone ecosystems is vegetation ignitability, which plays a significant role in spreading fire. This study sought to identify areas with a high-level probability of ignition from time series multispectral images by designing a pattern recognition neural network (PRNN). The temporal behavior of six vegetation indices (VIs) before the considered wildfire event provided the input data for the PRNN. In total, we tested eight combinations of inputs for PRNN: the temporal behavior of each chosen VI, the temporal behavior of all indices together, and the values of VIs at specific dates selected based on factor analysis. The reference output data for training was a map of areas ignited in the wildfire. Among the considered inputs, the MSAVI dataset, which reflects changes in vegetation biomass and canopy cover, showed the best performance. The precision of the presented PRNN (RMSE = 0.85) in identification areas with a high potential of ignitability gives ground for the application of the proposed method in risk assessment and fuel treatment planning on WUI and adjoined urban areas.
Propionate and Butyrate Inhibit Biofilm Formation of Salmonella Typhimurium Grown in Laboratory Media and Food Models
Authors: Liu Jiaxiu , Zhu Wenxiu , Qin Ningbo , Ren Xiaomeng , Xia Xiaodong
Published: November 2022

Salmonella is among the most frequently isolated foodborne pathogens, and biofilm formed by Salmonella poses a potential threat to food safety. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially propionate and butyrate, have been demonstrated to exhibit a beneficial effect on promoting intestinal health and regulating the host immune system, but their anti-biofilm property has not been well studied. This study aims to investigate the effects of propionate or butyrate on the biofilm formation and certain virulence traits of Salmonella. We investigated the effect of propionate or butyrate on the biofilm formation of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) SL1344 grown in LB broth or food models (milk or chicken juice) by crystal violet staining methods. Biofilm formation was significantly reduced in LB broth and food models and the reduction was visualized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Biofilm metabolic activity was attenuated in the presence of propionate or butyrate. Meanwhile, both SCFAs decreased AI-2 quorum sensing based on reporter strain assay. Butyrate, not propionate, could effectively reduce bacterial motility. Bacterial adhesion to and invasion of Caco-2 cells were also significantly inhibited in the presence of both SCFAs. Finally, two SCFAs downregulated virulence genes related to biofilm formation and invasion through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). These findings demonstrate the potential application of SCFAs in the mitigation of Salmonella biofilm in food systems, but future research mimicking food environments encountered during the food chain is necessitated.
Effect of a Multifunctional Biosurfactant Extract Obtained from Corn Steep Liquor on Orange and Apple Juices
Authors: Pérez-Cid Benita , Rodríguez-López Lorena , Moldes Ana Belén , Cruz José Manuel , Vecino Xanel
Published: November 2022

Biosurfactant extracts are multifunctional ingredients composed of natural polymers that can be used in the food industry as stabilizing and antimicrobial agents, although their inclusion in food matrices has been scarcely explored. In this work, a biosurfactant extract, with antimicrobial properties, obtained from a fermented stream of the corn wet-milling industry was introduced into an apple and orange juice matrix to evaluate the changes produced in the sugar consumption, pH, and biomass formation at different temperatures (4–36 °C) and storage time (1–7 days). It was observed that the addition of biosurfactant extract reduced the hydrolysis rate of polymeric sugars, decreasing the concentration of soluble sugars from 85.4 g/L to 49.0 g/L in apple juice after 7 days at 20 °C in the absence and presence of biosurfactant extract, respectively. In general, soluble sugars increased in juices for 5–6 days and after those sugars decreased at different rates depending on the temperature of storage. Differences in sugar solubilization and degradation were more significant in apple juice than in orange juice at 20 °C and 7 days of storage, achieving for orange juice values of 101 and 102 g/L in the absence and presence of biosurfactant extract, respectively. Biomass growth was almost unaffected by the biosurfactant extract concentration and the optimal conditions for biomass production were detected at intermediated temperatures after 6–7 days of storage for both apple and orange juices, obtaining maximum concentrations of 1.68 g/L and 1.54 g/L for apple juice and orange juice, respectively, in the absence of biosurfactant extract. The pH during storage was kept in the range of 3.35–3.48 for apple juice and of 3.40–3.77 for orange juice.
Preparation and Characterization of an Anticancer Peptide from Oriental Tonic Food Enteromorpha prolifera
Authors: Lin Xiaosi , Dong Le , Yan Qingdan , Dong Yibo , Wang Li , Wang Fang
Published: November 2022

Enteromorpha prolifera (E. prolifera), a tonic food in East Asian countries, is frequently studied for their pharmaceutical and healthcare applications. However, limited research has focused on antitumor peptides derived from this edible seaweed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer properties of peptides isolated from the hydrolysate of E. prolifera generated by a plethora of proteases including trypsin, papain, bromelain, and alkaline protease. The results showed that the hydrolysate produced by papain digestion exhibited remarkably stronger anticancer activity and was subjected to further purification by ultrafiltration and sequential chromatography. One heptapeptide, designated HTDT-6-2-3-2, showed significant antiproliferation activity towards several human cancer cell lines. The IC50 values for NCI-H460, HepG2, and A549 were 0.3686 ± 0.0935 mg/mL, 1.2564 ± 0.0548 mg/mL, and 0.9867 ± 0.0857 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, results from flow cytometry confirmed that cell apoptosis was induced by HTDT-6-2-3-2 in a dose-dependent manner. The amino acid sequence for this heptapeptide, GPLGAGP, was characterized by Edman degradation and further verified by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. In silico analysis results suggested that XIAP could be a potential target for HTDT-6-2-3-2. Molecular docking simulation showed that HTDT-6-2-3-2 could occupy a shallow pocket in the BIR3 domain of XIAP, which is involved in the inhibitory effect of caspase-9 activation. In conclusion, this E. prolifera derived peptide exhibited strong anticancer properties, which could be explored for pharmaceutical applications.
Uptake of Soil-Residual Diazinon by Rotational Lettuce under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Yoon Jihyun , Lim Dajung , Lee Seungwon , Kim Jiyu , Kim Inseon
Published: November 2022

Pesticide residue is an increasing concern in rotational crop practices. The pesticide used for the primary crop may re-enter the secondary crop, thus exceeding pesticide levels set by the positive list system (PLS). As such, evaluation of pesticide residue translocated into rotational crops is required for ensuring pesticide safety. In this study, we investigated the residue pattern of diazinon translocated into lettuce as a typical rotational crop in Korea. Diazinon was used to treat greenhouse soil at the maximum annual application rate before crop planting. Diazinon residues in soil and lettuce were investigated using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectroscopy and a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe (QuEChERS) method. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) of diazinon was found as 0.005 mg/kg for the plant and soil samples. The recovery of diazinon at the LOQ and 10× the LOQ ranged from 100.2% to 108.7%. The matrix calibration curve showed linearity, with R2 values > 0.998. Diazinon residue in soil dissipated over time after the initial treatment, generating first-order kinetics (R2 = 0.9534) and having a half-life of about 22 days. The uptake ratio (UTR) of diazinon from the soil to the plant ranged from 0.002 to 0.026 over the harvest period. Considering the UTRs, diazinon residue in the edible leaf could exceed the PLS level (0.01 mg/kg) if lettuce is rotated in soil containing >0.357 mg/kg of diazinon. Based on our findings, to comply with the PLS, a 3-month plant-back interval is required following diazinon treatment and/or setting the maximum residue limit of diazinon for lettuce.
Mind Your Decompositional Assumptions
Authors: Baumjohann Kristina , Benecke Mark
Published: November 2022

Decompositional processes depend on temperature, humidity, and light, as well as on animals that can access the body. In low-level cases, suicides, or cases of self-neglect especially, these factors are not always taken into consideration because a full investigation may not have taken place. Misinterpretations of environmental factors can put crime scene investigators on the wrong track, and natural causes of missing tissue may be wrongly interpreted as violence or wounds. Here, we give some examples for the influence of invertebrate land animals on corpses.
Electrically Conductive Hydrogels for Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Miguel Filipe , Barbosa Frederico , Ferreira Frederico Castelo , Silva João Carlos
Published: November 2022

Articular cartilage is a highly specialized tissue found in diarthrodial joints, which is crucial for healthy articular motion. Despite its importance, articular cartilage has limited regenerative capacities, and the degeneration of this tissue is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with hundreds of millions of people affected. As current treatment options for cartilage degeneration remain ineffective, tissue engineering has emerged as an exciting approach to create cartilage substitutes. In particular, hydrogels seem to be suitable candidates for this purpose due to their biocompatibility and high customizability, being able to be tailored to fit the biophysical properties of native cartilage. Furthermore, these hydrogel matrices can be combined with conductive materials in order to simulate the natural electrochemical properties of articular cartilage. In this review, we highlight the most common conductive materials combined with hydrogels and their diverse applications, and then present the current state of research on the development of electrically conductive hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering. Finally, the main challenges and future perspectives for the application of electrically conductive hydrogels on articular cartilage repair strategies are also discussed.