bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Intense Pulsed-Light Treatment Using a Novel Dual-Band Filter in Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Kim Mincheol , Min Jisang
Published: June 2022

Background: This study evaluates the effect of intense pulsed-light (IPL) treatment in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) using a novel dual-band filter (vascular filter, 530–650 nm and 900–1200 nm) and compares it with the effect and discomfort during treatment using a conventional filter. Methods: The medical records of 89 patients (89 eyes) with MGD who underwent IPL treatment were reviewed. Patients treated with the vascular filter or conventional 590 nm filter were designated as Group A or Group B, respectively. Patients underwent IPL treatment four times every four weeks. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores, dry eye (DE), and MGD parameters were determined before the first IPL treatment and after the fourth IPL treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were obtained at every IPL treatment. OSDI, DE and MGD parameters, and VAS were compared between the groups. Results: OSDI, DE, and MGD parameters improved after the four IPL treatments in both groups. There were no significant differences, between the groups, in OSDI, DE, and MGD parameters, before the first IPL treatment and after the fourth IPL treatment. VAS at each of the IPL treatments was lower in Group B than in Group A. Conclusion: IPL treatment using the novel vascular filter for patients with MGD is effective compared with conventional IPL treatment for MGD patients.
Special Issue “C-Reactive Protein and Cardiovascular Disease: Clinical Aspects”
Authors: Sheriff Ahmed
Published: June 2022

This Special Issue focuses on the clinical relevance of C-reactive protein [...]
Deep Learning-Based Muscle Segmentation and Quantification of Full-Leg Plain Radiograph for Sarcopenia Screening in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Hwang Doohyun , Ahn Sungho , Park Yong-Beom , Kim Seong Hwan , Han Hyuk-Soo , Lee Myung Chul , Ro Du Hyun
Published: June 2022

Sarcopenia, an age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is correlated with adverse outcomes after some surgeries. Here, we present a deep-learning-based model for automatic muscle segmentation and quantification of full-leg plain radiographs. We illustrated the potential of the model to predict sarcopenia in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A U-Net-based deep learning model for automatic muscle segmentation was developed, trained and validated on the plain radiographs of 227 healthy volunteers. The radiographs of 403 patients scheduled for primary TKA were reviewed to test the developed model and explore its potential to predict sarcopenia. The proposed deep learning model achieved mean IoU values of 0.959 (95% CI 0.959–0.960) and 0.926 (95% CI 0.920–0.931) in the training set and test set, respectively. The fivefold AUC value of the sarcopenia classification model was 0.988 (95% CI 0.986–0.989). Of seven key predictors included in the model, the predicted muscle volume (PMV) was the most important of these features in the decision process. In the preoperative clinical setting, wherein laboratory tests and radiographic imaging are available, the proposed deep-learning-based model can be used to screen for sarcopenia in patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA with high sarcopenia screening performance.
Gut Microbiome Modification through Dietary Intervention in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Protocol for a Prospective, Interventional, Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial in Patients with Scheduled Surgical Intervention for CRC
Authors: Martínez-Sánchez María Antonia , Núñez-Sánchez María Ángeles , Balaguer-Román Andrés , Oliva-Bolarín Alba , Pujante-Gilabert Gabriel , Hernández-Agüera Quiteria , Mesa-López María José , Egea-Valenzuela Juan , Queipo-Ortuño María Isabel , Ruiz-Alcaraz Antonio José , Ferrer-Gómez Mercedes , Gil-Martínez José , Ramos-Molina Bruno
Published: June 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second cause of cancer death worldwide. Several factors have been postulated to be involved in CRC pathophysiology, including heritable and environmental factors, which are the latest to be closely associated with nutritional habits, physical activity, obesity, and the gut microbiota. The latter may also play a key role in CRC prognosis and derived complications in patients undergoing surgery. This is a single-center, open, controlled, randomized clinical trial, in patients with scheduled surgical intervention for CRC. The primary objective is to assess whether a pre-surgical nutritional intervention, based on a high-fiber diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), can reduce disturbances of the gut microbiota composition and, consequently, the rate of post-surgical complications in patients with CRC. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio after receiving a diagnosis of CRC. In the control arm, patients will receive standard nutritional recommendations, while patients in the intervention arm will be advised to follow a high-fiber diet rich in PUFAs before surgery. Participants will be followed up for one year to evaluate the overall rate of postsurgical complications, recurrences of CRC, response to adjuvant therapy, and overall/disease-free survival.
Efficacy and Tolerability of 6-Month Treatment with Tamsulosin Plus the Hexanic Extract of Serenoa repens versus Tamsulosin Plus 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors for Moderate-to-Severe LUTS-BPH Patients: Results of a Paired Matched Clinical Study
Authors: Alcaraz Antonio , Castro-Díaz David , Gacci Mauro , Salonia Andrea , Ficarra Vincenzo , Carballido-Rodríguez Joaquín , Rodríguez-Antolín Alfredo , Medina-Polo José , Fernández-Gómez Jesús M. , Cózar-Olmo José M. , Búcar-Terrades Santiago , Pérez-León Noemí , Brenes-Bermúdez Francisco J. , Molero-García José M. , Fernández-Pro-Ledesma Antonio , Herdman Michael , Angulo Javier C. , Manasanch José ,   on behalf of the QUALIPROST Study Group
Published: June 2022

The objective of this subset analysis was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and tolerability of two combination treatments for men with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). Data were from a real-world, open-label, prospective, and multicenter study performed in outpatient urology clinics. Men with moderate-to-severe LUTS/BPH received 6-month treatment with tamsulosin (TAM) in combination with either the hexanic extract of S. repens (HESr) or a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (5ARI). Changes in urinary symptoms and quality of life were measured using the IPSS and BII questionnaires, respectively. Treatment tolerability was assessed by recording adverse effects (AEs). Patients in the two study groups were matched using iterative and propensity score matching approaches. After iterative matching, data were available from 136 patients (n = 68 treated with TAM + 5ARI, n = 68 with TAM + HESr). After 6 months of treatment, mean (SD) IPSS total score improved by 7.7 (6.3) and 6.7 (5.0) points in the TAM + 5ARI and TAM + HESr groups, respectively (p = 0.272); mean BII total scores improved by 3.1 (2.9) and 2.9 (2.4) points (p = 0.751), respectively. AEs were reported by 26.5% and 10.3% of patients in the same groups, mostly affecting sexual function (p < 0.027). When used in a real-world setting to treat patients with moderate-severe LUTS/BPH, 6-month treatment with TAM + HESr was as effective as TAM + 5ARI, but with better tolerability.
Silk Fibroin-Induced Gadolinium-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for MR/CT Dual-Modal Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Yang Chuanxue , Mei Tianxiao , Fu Qingge , Zhang Yifan , Liu Yang , Cui Ran , Li Gang , Wang Yibin , Huang Jianguo , Jia Junqiang , Chen Bo , Hu Yihui
Published: June 2022

The development of multifunction nanoplatforms integrating accurate diagnosis and efficient therapy is of great significance for the precise treatment of tumors. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possessing hallmark features of computed tomography (CT) imaging and photothermal conversion capability hold great potential in tumor theranostics. In this study, taking the advantages of outstanding biocompatibility, interesting anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, and abundant amino acid residues of silk fibroin (SF), a multifunctional Gd-hybridized AuNP nanoplatform was constructed using SF as a stabilizer and reductant via a facile one-pot biomimetic method, denoted as Gd:AuNPs@SF. The obtained Gd:AuNPs@SF possessed fascinating biocompatibility and excellent photothermal conversion efficiency. Functionalized with Gd, Gd:AuNPs@SF exhibited super tumor-contrasted imaging performance in magnetic resonance (MR) and CT imaging modalities. Moreover, Gd:AuNPs@SF, with strong NIR absorbance, demonstrated that it could effectively kill tumor cells in vitro, and was also proved to successfully ablate tumor tissues through MR/CT imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) without systemic toxicity in Pan02 xenograft C57BL/6 mouse models. We successfully synthesized Gd:AuNPs@SF for MR/CT dual-mode imaging-guided PTT via a facile one-pot biomimetic method, and this biomimetic strategy can also be used for the construction of other multifunction nanoplatforms, which is promising for precise tumor theranostics.
Effects of Irradiance and Temperature on the Photosynthesis of the Crustose Coralline Algae Pneophyllum fragile (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) in the Coastal Waters of Korea
Authors: Baek Ju-Wook , Lee Jae Seong , Kim Sung-Han , Lee Taehee , Jung Seung Won , Lee Won-Chan , Kim Kyung-Tae , An Sung-Uk
Published: June 2022

We investigated the photosynthetic characteristics of the crustose coralline alga Pneophyllum fragile (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) according to elevated water temperature and irradiance on the coast of Jeju in 2018. P. fragile was cultured under different temperature (11 °C, 21 °C, 26 °C, and 31 °C) and irradiance (0–1250 μmol photon m−2 s−1) conditions. Oxygen (O2) concentrations at the P. fragile mat–water interface (MWI) were measured using an O2 microsensor. At the MWI, the diffusive boundary layer thicknesses ranged from 200 to 400 μm. The O2 concentrations at the mat surface increased in response to increasing irradiance, and reached 344% air saturation. The maximum photosynthesis capacity (Pmax) and respiration rate in the dark (Rd) at 31 °C were about 3 times higher than those recorded at 11 °C. The compensation irradiance (Ec) and saturation irradiance (Ek) increased with increasing water temperature. The Pmax, Rd, and Ec were statistically correlated with temperature (p < 0.05). The Ek increased up to 833 μmol photon m−2 s−1 at 31 °C and exhibited a strong dependence on irradiance at high temperatures. The adaptability of P. fragile to high temperatures and strong irradiance was distinct from that observed for coralline algae in other temperate waters.
Optimal Matching of Flapping Hydrofoil Propulsion Performance Considering Interaction Effects of Motion Parameters
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Chang Xin , Hou Lixun , Gao Nan , Chen Weiguan , Tian Yuanxin
Published: June 2022

In order to maximize the propulsion efficiency of flapping hydrofoil, a new method is proposed in this paper. The effects of heave amplitude, pitch amplitude, and the phase difference between heave and surge on propulsion performance were analyzed by numerical calculation, and it was found that three motion parameters had interactive effects on flapping hydrofoil propulsion performance. BP neural network was used to fit the three motion parameters and propulsion performance. Using this function model, the optimal motion parameters can be obtained under certain thrust. In this study, the optimization matching under certain thrust was carried out by using this method, and the propulsion efficiency was improved by 7.73%.
Aspergillus Endophthalmitis: Epidemiology, Pathobiology, and Current Treatments
Authors: Khambati Alisha , Wright Robert Emery , Das Susmita , Pasula Shirisha , Sepulveda Alejandro , Hernandez Francis , Kanwar Mamta , Chandrasekar Pranatharthi , Kumar Ashok
Published: June 2022

Fungal endophthalmitis is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. Post-operative and traumatic injuries are major contributing factors resulting in ocular fungal infections in healthy and, more importantly, immunocompromised individuals. Among the fungal pathogens, the Aspergillus species, Aspergillus fumigatus, continues to be more prevalent in fungal endophthalmitis patients. However, due to overlapping clinical symptoms with other endophthalmitis etiology, fungal endophthalmitis pose a challenge in its diagnosis and treatment. Hence, it is critical to understand its pathobiology to develop and deploy proper therapeutic interventions for combating Aspergillus infections. This review highlights the different modes of Aspergillus transmission and the host immune response during endophthalmitis. Additionally, we discuss recent advancements in the diagnosis of fungal endophthalmitis. Finally, we comprehensively summarize various antifungal regimens and surgical options for the treatment of Aspergillus endophthalmitis.
GCM Objective 13: In Search of Synergies with the UN Human Rights Regime to Foster the Rule of Law in the Area of Immigration Detention
Authors: Majcher Izabella
Published: June 2022

Reflecting the focus of this Special Issue on “Rule of Law and Human Mobility in the Age of the Global Compacts,” this article contributes to the discussion on the threats to the rule of law posed by immigration detention through the lens of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). In GCM’s Objective 13, states committed to use immigration detention only as a measure of last resort, work towards alternatives and draw from eight sets of actions to realise this commitment. Given the attention the GCM attracts, its nonbinding character and the voluntary nature of its review can be used by states as justification for their inadequate implementation of binding human rights obligations and insufficient reporting on implementation to the supervising bodies. While acknowledging these challenges to the rule of law, this article explores the ways the GCM can actually foster the rule of law in the area of immigration detention. To strengthen the rule of law principles of legality, legal certainty, prohibition of arbitrariness, access to justice and the right to an effective remedy, Objective 13 needs to support a binding human rights regime by preventing arbitrary detention and its implementation at the domestic level. The article discusses the interplay between Objective 13 on the one hand, and, on the other, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and Convention on the Rights of the Child at three levels—the detention provisions, the support provided to states for the implementation of these provisions and the monitoring of states’ implementation—and it proposes means to strengthen the synergies between the two frameworks.
How Microbiomes Affect Skin Aging: The Updated Evidence and Current Perspectives
Authors: Ratanapokasatit Yanisa , Laisuan Wannada , Rattananukrom Teerapong , Petchlorlian Aisawan , Thaipisuttikul Iyarit , Sompornrattanaphan Mongkhon
Published: June 2022

The skin has a multifactorial aging process, caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A major theory of aging involves cellular senescence or apoptosis resulting from oxidative damage as the skin’s antioxidant system tends to weaken with age. The human microbiota is a complex ecosystem that is made up of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses). Both gut and skin microbiota have essential roles in the protection against invading pathogens, mediating inflammatory conditions, and the modulation of the immune system which is involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses. However, the human microbiome could be changed during the life stage and affected by various perturbations. An alteration of the intestinal bacteria results in “microbial dysbiosis” which is associated with the influence of various diseases, including aging. The skin interactome is a novel integration of the “genome-microbiome-exposome” that plays a significant role in skin aging and skin health. Mitigating the negative impacts of factors influencing the skin interactome should be the future strategy to protect, prevent, and delay skin aging along with preserving healthy skin conditions. This review summarizes the current evidence on how human microbiomes affect skin aging and demonstrates the possible interventions, relating to human microbiomes, to modulate skin health and aging. Probiotics-based products are currently available mainly for the add-on treatment of many dermatologic conditions. However, at this point, there are limited clinical studies on skin anti-aging purposes and more are required as this evolving concept is on the rise and might provide an insight into future therapeutic options.
The Potential Role of a Surface-Modified Additive-Manufactured Healing Abutment on the Expression of Integrins α2, β1, αv, and β6 in the Peri-Implant Mucosa: A Preliminary Human Study
Authors: Roth Leandro Amadeu , Bastos Marta Ferreira , Melo Marcelo A. , Barão Valentim A. R. , Costa Raphael C. , Giro Gabriela , Souza João Gabriel Silva , Grzech-Leśniak Kinga , Shibli Jamil Awad
Published: June 2022

The stability of peri-implant soft tissues is essential for long-term success. Integrins play a vital role in biological processes through developing and maintaining cell interactions; however, few studies have evaluated the effects of modifications to abutment surfaces on cell adhesion across integrin expression. Therefore, this pilot study assessed the influence of different surface topographies of titanium healing abutments prepared by additive manufacturing (AM) on the gene expression levels of the integrin subunits α2, β1, αv, and β6 in the human peri-implant mucosa. Thirteen healthy adults were included. Depending on the number of required implants, the subjects were distributed in different groups as a function of healing abutment topography: group 1 (fully rough surface); group 2 (upper machined + lower rough); group 3 (rough upper surface + lower machined); group 4 (fully machined). A total of 40 samples (n = 10/group) of the peri-implant mucosa around the abutments were collected 30 days after implant placement, and subsequently, the gene expression levels were evaluated using real-time PCR. The levels of gene expression of β1-subunit integrin were upregulated for individuals receiving fully rough surface abutments compared with the other surface topographies (p < 0.05). However, the healing abutment topography did not affect the gene expression levels of the α2, αv, and β6 integrin subunits in the human peri-implant mucosa (p > 0.05). This preliminary study suggested that controlled modifications of the surface topography of titanium healing abutments produced by AM may influence the quality of the peri-implant mucosa in the early stages of the soft tissue healing process.
Predictors of Invasiveness in Adenocarcinoma of Lung with Lepidic Growth Pattern
Authors: Young Timothy J. , Salehi-Rad Ramin , Ronaghi Reza , Yanagawa Jane , Shahrouki Puja , Villegas Bianca E. , Cone Brian , Fishbein Gregory A. , Wallace William D. , Abtin Fereidoun , Barjaktarevic Igor
Published: June 2022

Lung adenocarcinoma with lepidic growth pattern (LPA) is characterized by tumor cell proliferation along intact alveolar walls, and further classified as adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) and invasive lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma (iLPA). Accurate diagnosis of lepidic lesions is critical for appropriate prognostication and management as five-year survival in patients with iLPA is lower than in those with AIS and MIA. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of CT-guided core needle lung biopsy classifying LPA lesions and identify clinical and radiologic predictors of invasive disease in biopsied lesions. Thirty-four cases of adenocarcinoma with non-invasive lepidic growth pattern on core biopsy pathology that subsequently were resected between 2011 and 2018 were identified. Invasive LPA vs. non-invasive LPA (AIS or MIA) was defined based on explant pathology. Histopathology of core biopsy and resected tumor specimens was compared for concordance, and clinical, radiologic and pathologic variables were analyzed to assess for correlation with invasive disease. The majority of explanted tumors (70.6%) revealed invasive disease. Asian race (p = 0.03), history of extrathoracic malignancy (p = 0.02) and absence of smoking history (p = 0.03) were associated with invasive disease. CT-measured tumor size was not associated with invasiveness (p = 0.15). CT appearance of density (p = 0.61), shape (p = 0.78), and margin (p = 0.24) did not demonstrate a significant difference between the two subgroups. Invasiveness of tumors with lepidic growth patterns can be underestimated on transthoracic core needle biopsies. Asian race, absence of smoking, and history of extrathoracic malignancy were associated with invasive disease.
Application of Solution Method to Prepare High Performance Multicomponent Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Pan Yaru , Liang Xihui , Liang Zhihao , Yao Rihui , Ning Honglong , Zhong Jinyao , Chen Nanhong , Qiu Tian , Wei Xiaoqin , Peng Junbiao
Published: June 2022

Capacitors play an increasingly important role in hybrid integrated circuits, while the MIM capacitors with high capacitance density and small thickness can meet the needs of high integration. Generally speaking, the films prepared with a single metal oxide dielectric often achieve a breakthrough in one aspect of performance, but dielectric layers are required to be improved to get better performance in leakage current, capacitance density, and transmittance simultaneously in modern electronic devices. Therefore, we optimized the performance of the dielectric layers by using multiple metal oxides. We combined zirconia, yttria, magnesium oxide, alumina, and hafnium oxide with the solution method to find the best combination of these five metal oxides. The physical properties of the multi-component films were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, and other instruments. The results show that the films prepared by multi-component metal oxides have good transmittance and low roughness. The thicknesses of all films in our experiment are less than 100 nm. Then, metal–insulator–metal (MIM) devices were fabricated. In addition, we characterized the electrical properties of MIM devices. We find that multi-component oxide films can achieve good performances in several aspects. The aluminum-magnesium-yttrium-zirconium-oxide (AMYZOx) group of 0.6 M has the lowest leakage current density, which is 5.03 × 10−8 A/cm2 @ 1.0 MV/cm. The hafnium-magnesium-yttrium-zirconium-oxide (HMYZOx) group of 0.8 M has a maximum capacitance density of 208 nF/cm2. The films with a small thickness and a high capacitance density are very conducive to high integration. Therefore, we believe that multi-component films have potential in the process of dielectric layers and great application prospects in highly integrated electronic devices.
Near-Surface and Bulk Dissolution Behavior of γ′ Precipitates in Nickel-Based VDM® Alloy 780 Studied with In-Situ Lab-Source and Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Kümmel Frank , Fritton Massimo , Solís Cecilia , Kriele Armin , Stark Andreas , Gilles Ralph
Published: June 2022

The dissolution of nano-sized Ni3Al-based γ′ precipitates was investigated in the newly developed polycrystalline nickel-based VDM® Alloy 780 at the surface and in the bulk region with in-situ lab-source and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. These studies are important in obtaining a deeper understanding of the strengthening mechanism responsible for the stability and long service lives of such superalloys. We found that the dissolution behavior of the γ′ phase is very similar at the surface and in the bulk region, but small deviations were detected. The dissolution of γ′ starts at around 800 °C and no γ′ was found at temperatures exceeding 970 °C. As a result, the elements Al and Nb, which were bound in the γ′ phase, dissolved into the γ matrix and strongly increased the γ lattice parameter, as their atomic size is larger than the γ-forming elements Ni, Co, and Cr. However, this effect was suppressed in the surface area. A second matrix γ phase was detected at the same temperature range as that of the dissolution of the γ′ phase in the lab-source XRD measurements. The newly formed γ-2 phase had a smaller lattice parameter than that of the initial γ matrix. We propose that the γ-2 matrix phase is a result of high-temperature surface oxidation, which consumes, among other elements, Al and Nb and, therefore, leads to the smaller γ lattice parameter.
Wear Resistance of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Coatings on Ti-6Al-4V Eli Alloy Processed by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Santos Pedro Bell , de Castro Victor Velho , Baldin Estela Kerstner , Aguzzoli Cesar , Longhitano Guilherme Arthur , Jardini André Luiz , Lopes Éder Sócrates Najar , de Andrade Antonio Marcos Helgueira , de Fraga Malfatti Célia
Published: June 2022

The additive manufacturing (AM) technique can produce Ti-6Al-4V ELI (extra low interstitial) alloy for personalized biomedical devices. However, the Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy presents poor tribological behavior. Regarding this, coatings are a feasible approach to improve the wear resistance of this alloy. In the literature, the tribological behavior of TiO2 coatings incorporated with Ca and P formed by one-step plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) on Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy processed by AM has not been investigated. Thus, in the present work, it was studied the influence of Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy processed by AM on the wear resistance and morphologic of the coating obtained by PEO (plasma electrolytic oxidation). In this way, three different voltages (200, 250, and 300 V) were employed for the PEO process and the voltage effect on the properties of the coatings. The coatings were characterized by contact profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, the sessile drop method, grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction, and wear tests, on a ball-on-plate tribometer. The increase in applied voltage promoted an increase in roughness, pore area, and a decrease in the pore population of the coatings. In addition, the coatings, mainly composed of anatase and rutile, showed good adhesion to the metallic substrate, and the presence of bioactive elements Ca and P were detected. The thickness of the coatings obtained by PEO increases drastically for voltages higher than 250 V (from 4.50 ± 0.33 to 23.83 ± 1.5 µm). However, coatings obtained with lower voltages presented thin and dense layers, which promoted a superior wear resistance (increase in wear rate from 1.99 × 10−6 to 2.60 × 10−5 mm3/s). Finally, compared to the uncoated substrate, the PEO coatings increased the wear resistance of the titanium alloy obtained by AM, also showing a superior wear resistance compared to the commercial Ti-6Al-4V alloy previously evaluated, being such a positive and promising behavior for application in the area of metallic implants.
The Biosynthesis of Non-Endogenous Apocarotenoids in Transgenic Nicotiana glauca
Authors: Huang Xin , Morote Lucía , Zhu Changfu , Ahrazem Oussama , Capell Teresa , Christou Paul , Gómez-Gómez Lourdes
Published: June 2022

Crocins are high-value compounds with industrial and food applications. Saffron is currently the main source of these soluble pigments, but its high market price hinders its use by sectors, such as pharmaceutics. Enzymes involved in the production of these compounds have been identified in saffron, Buddleja, and gardenia. In this study, the enzyme from Buddleja, BdCCD4.1, was constitutively expressed in Nicotiana glauca, a tobacco species with carotenoid-pigmented petals. The transgenic lines produced significant levels of crocins in their leaves and petals. However, the accumulation of crocins was, in general, higher in the leaves than in the petals, reaching almost 302 µg/g DW. The production of crocins was associated with decreased levels of endogenous carotenoids, mainly β-carotene. The stability of crocins in leaf and petal tissues was evaluated after three years of storage, showing an average reduction of 58.06 ± 2.20% in the petals, and 78.37 ± 5.08% in the leaves. This study illustrates the use of BdCCD4.1 as an effective tool for crocin production in N. glauca and how the tissue has an important impact on the stability of produced high-value metabolites during storage.
Heterologous Expression and Characterization of Plant Wax Ester Producing Enzymes
Authors: Cheng Daolin , Li Ling , Rizhsky Ludmila , Bhandary Priyanka , Nikolau Basil J.
Published: June 2022

Wax esters are widely distributed among microbes, plants, and mammals, and they serve protective and energy storage functions. Three classes of enzymes catalyze the reaction between a fatty acyl alcohol and a fatty acyl-CoA, generating wax esters. Multiple isozymes of two of these enzyme classes, the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase class of wax synthase (WS) and the bifunctional wax synthase/diacylglycerol acyl transferase (WSD), co-exist in plants. Although WSD enzymes are known to produce the wax esters of the plant cuticle, the functionality of plant WS enzymes is less well characterized. In this study, we investigated the phylogenetic relationships among the 12 WS and 11 WSD isozymes that occur in Arabidopsis, and established two in vivo heterologous expression systems, in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in Arabidopsis seeds to investigate the catalytic abilities of the WS enzymes. These two refactored wax assembly chassis were used to demonstrate that WS isozymes show distinct differences in the types of esters that can be assembled. We also determined the cellular and subcellular localization of two Arabidopsis WS isozymes. Additionally, using publicly available Arabidopsis transcriptomics data, we identified the co-expression modules of the 12 Arabidopsis WS coding genes. Collectively, these analyses suggest that WS genes may function in cuticle assembly and in supporting novel photosynthetic function(s).
Endosomal v-ATPase as a Sensor Determining Myocardial Substrate Preference
Authors: Wang Shujin , Han Yinying , Nabben Miranda , Neumann Dietbert , Luiken Joost J. F. P. , Glatz Jan F. C.
Published: June 2022

The heart is a metabolically flexible omnivore that can utilize a variety of substrates for energy provision. To fulfill cardiac energy requirements, the healthy adult heart mainly uses long-chain fatty acids and glucose in a balanced manner, but when exposed to physiological or pathological stimuli, it can switch its substrate preference to alternative substrates such as amino acids (AAs) and ketone bodies. Using the failing heart as an example, upon stress, the fatty acid/glucose substrate balance is upset, resulting in an over-reliance on either fatty acids or glucose. A chronic fuel shift towards a single type of substrate is linked with cardiac dysfunction. Re-balancing myocardial substrate preference is suggested as an effective strategy to rescue the failing heart. In the last decade, we revealed that vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (v-ATPase) functions as a key regulator of myocardial substrate preference and, therefore, as a novel potential treatment approach for the failing heart. Fatty acids, glucose, and AAs selectively influence the assembly state of v-ATPase resulting in modulation of its proton-pumping activity. In this review, we summarize these novel insights on v-ATPase as an integrator of nutritional information. We also describe its exploitation as a therapeutic target with focus on supplementation of AA as a nutraceutical approach to fight lipid-induced insulin resistance and contractile dysfunction of the heart.
Comparative Metabolomics Study of the Impact of Articaine and Lidocaine on the Metabolism of SH-SY5Y Neuronal Cells
Authors: da Silva Gustavo H. Rodrigues , Mendes Luís F. , de Carvalho Fabíola V. , de Paula Eneida , Duarte Iola F.
Published: June 2022

Articaine (ATC) and lidocaine (LDC) are the local anesthetics (LAs) currently most employed in dentistry. Cases of paresthesia, reported more frequently for ATC, have raised concerns about their potential neurotoxicity, calling for further investigation of their biological effects in neuronal cells. In this work, the impact of ATC and LDC on the metabolism of SH-SY5Y cells was investigated through 1H NMR metabolomics. For each LA, in vitro cultured cells were exposed to concentrations causing 10 and 50% reductions in cell viability, and their metabolic intracellular and extracellular profiles were characterized. Most effects were common to ATC and LDC, although with varying magnitudes. The metabolic variations elicited by the two LAs suggested (i) downregulation of glycolysis and of glucose-dependent pathways (e.g., one-carbon metabolism and hexosamine biosynthetic pathway), (ii) disturbance of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) catabolism, (iii) downregulation of TCA cycle anaplerotic fueling and activation of alternative energy producing pathways, (iv) interference with choline metabolism and (v) lipid droplet build-up. Interestingly, LDC had a greater impact on membrane phospholipid turnover, as suggested by higher phosphatidylcholine to phosphocholine conversion. Moreover, LDC elicited an increase in triglycerides, whereas cholesteryl esters accumulated in ATC-exposed cells, suggesting a different composition and handling of lipid droplets.
Dietary Melanoidins from Biscuits and Bread Crust Alter the Structure and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production of Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Rajakaruna Sumudu , Pérez-Burillo Sergio , Kramer Denise Lynette , Rufián-Henares José Ángel , Paliy Oleg
Published: June 2022

Melanoidins are the products of the Maillard reaction between carbonyl and amino groups of macromolecules and are readily formed in foods, especially during heat treatment. In this study we utilized the three-stage Human Gut Simulator system to assess the effect of providing melanoidins extracted from either biscuits or bread crust to the human gut microbiota. Addition of melanoidins to the growth medium led to statistically significant alterations in the microbial community composition, and it increased short-chain fatty acid and antioxidant production by the microbiota. The magnitude of these changes was much higher for cultures grown with biscuit melanoidins. Several lines of evidence indicate that such differences between these melanoidin sources might be due to the presence of lipid components in biscuit melanoidin structures. Because melanoidins are largely not degraded by human gastrointestinal enzymes, they provide an additional source of microbiota-accessible nutrients to our gut microbes.
Geochronology and Zircon Hf Isotope of the Paleoproterozoic Gaixian Formation in the Southeastern Liaodong Peninsula: Implication for the Tectonic Evolution of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt
Authors: Yu Hongchao , Liu Jin , He Zhonghua , Liu Zhenghong , Cheng Changquan , Hao Yujie , Zhao Chen , Zhang Hongxiang , Dong Yachao
Published: June 2022

The Jiao-Liao-Ji belt (JLJB), in the Eastern Block of the North China Craton, is a major Paleoproterozoic orogen and underwent a complicated tectonic evolution during 2.2–1.8 Ga. The Liaohe Group, an important stratigraphic unit in the JLJB, is key to understanding the complex evolution of this belt. In this paper, we present new detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data for meta-sedimentary rocks from the Gaixian Formation in different areas of the JLJB, in addition to compiled data for other formations of the Liaohe Group, to establish the depositional age and source of detrital materials of the group. U–Pb age results show that the age ranges of zircons from the different samples are broadly similar. The youngest zircon group is ca. 2.06 Ga, and the youngest single-grain age is ca. 2.0 Ga, constraining the depositional age of the Gaixian Formation to between 2.0 Ga and the metamorphic age of ca. 1.9 Ga. The zircon age data indicate that the provenance was primarily Archaean basement of the Nangrim Block and Paleoproterozoic volcanic rocks of the Li’eryu Formation. On the basis of the new geochronological data and results from previous studies, it is inferred that the JLJB underwent a successive process of rifting–subduction–collision, with the different formations of the Liaohe Group being deposited in different stages from rift to passive continental margin and then to active continental margin. Zircon Hf isotope data from the JLJB and adjoining Longgang and Nangrim blocks indicate that a major crustal growth event occurred at 2.9–2.5 Ga, followed by crustal growth and intense recycling of ancient crust at ca. 2.2 Ga.
Study on a High-Efficiency Mining Technology System for Gas Outburst in Coal Seams—Example of an H Coal Mine
Authors: Pang Chuming , Shi Yongkui , Wang Xin , Li Benzheng , Luan Hengjie
Published: June 2022

Coal will continue to play an important role in China’s economic development and social development in the coming decades. However, due to the complex distribution conditions of coal resources, the mining of coal resources is subject to various restrictions. Coal and gas outburst is an important issue in coal mining, and the threat to the mining of coal resources caused by high gas outburst activity has been receiving more attention. In order to solve the problems related to safe and efficient mining under coal seams with gas outburst, such as mining difficulties, large amounts of work, resource waste, no guaranteed gas treatment time, and low economic efficiency, it is necessary to innovate mining technology and methods for managing gas outburst in coal seams to improve the efficiency of coal mines and to solve the above problems. This study proposes a green mining technical method system known as the “L-H method”, which is applicable to the safe and efficient mining of coal seams with gas outburst based on combined theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The following research results are achieved: (1) The “L-H method” is proposed, and a mining area model of coal seams with gas outburst is established. The specific details of the method and the implementation process are introduced. (2) Examples of H coal mine applications are presented, and the effects of the implementation of the “L-H method” are analyzed and summarized through mine pressure observations from roadways, and it is concluded that the implementation of top-cutting and pressure-relief technology has a good control effect on the roadway-surrounding rock and that gas extraction reaches the national standard of less than 8 m3/t for protrusion prevention; this ensures safety and also achieves efficient mining. This study will provide a good reference for the implementation of green mining methods to similar coal and gas outburst mines.
Characterization Analysis of Airborne Particulates from Australian Underground Coal Mines Using the Mineral Liberation Analyser
Authors: LaBranche Nikky , Teale Kellie , Wightman Elaine , Johnstone Kelly , Cliff David
Published: June 2022

Exposure monitoring and health surveillance of coal mine workers has been improved in Australia since coal workers’ pneumoconiosis was reidentified in 2015 in Queensland. Regional variations in the prevalence of mine dust lung disease have been observed, prompting a more detailed look into the size, shape, and mineralogical classes of the dust that workers are being exposed to. This study collected respirable samples of ambient air from three operating coal mines in Queensland and New South Wales for characterization analysis using the Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA), a type of scanning electron microscope (SEM) that uses a combination of the backscattered electron (BSE) image and characteristic X-rays for mineral identification. This research identified 25 different minerals present in the coal samples with varying particle size distributions for the overall samples and the individual mineralogies. While Mine 8 was very consistent in mineralogy with a high carbon content, Mine 6 and 7 were found to differ more significantly by location within the mine.
Weathered Cortex of Eluvial–Deluvial Jadeite Jade from Myanmar: Its Features, Formation Mechanism, and Implications
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Shi Guanghai , Li Guowu , Li Xin
Published: June 2022

Myanmar is the principal provider country of high-quality jadeite jade in the world, including so-called primary and secondary stones. The secondary stones occur as rounded pebbles, boulders, and blocks in eluvium–alluvium and often hold varying degrees of weathering. Unlike common rocks, such as granite, gabbro, schist, gneiss, and amphibolite, secondary jadeite stones frequently have weathered cortexes that vary in appearance, depth, texture, and mineral components compared with those of inner primary bodies. In this study, representative samples of secondary eluvial–deluvial jadeite stones with varying weathered cortexes were selected, and their appearances, textures, mineral components, and chemical composition features were analyzed. Their weathered cortexes were red, yellow, white, or black, and were 0.01–1.80 cm thick. The cortexes were opaque, often with soil luster and a fansha phenomenon. The body of the jade was usually translucent, and green and white in color. Along the border between the weathered cortex and the body of a certain jade stone, the textures were the same for the successive grain sizes. The only difference was that there were more cracks, cleavage planes, and fissures in the cortex. Jadeite was the main mineral component of both; however, minor late-stage supergene minerals (such as gibbsite, kaolinite, and halloysite) and Fe-bearing colloidal minerals were identified along the grain boundaries in the cortex. Studies of the textures and mineral components of weathered cortexes have gemmological applications including the identification and grading raw jadeite, as well as its design and carving. Moreover, such studies might provide information for improving our understanding of the unique weathering processes of monomineralic aggregates relative to multiple-mineral rocks, as well as gambling jadeite jade pieces through analyzing their cortex.
Applications of Various Types of Nanomaterials for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders
Authors: Waris Abdul , Ali Asmat , Khan Atta Ullah , Asim Muhammad , Zamel Doaa , Fatima Kinza , Raziq Abdur , Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Akbar Nazia , Baset Abdul , Abourehab Mohammed A. S.
Published: June 2022

Neurological disorders (NDs) are recognized as one of the major health concerns globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neurological disorders are one of the main causes of mortality worldwide. Neurological disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson′s disease, Huntington′s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Frontotemporal dementia, Prion disease, Brain tumor, Spinal cord injury, and Stroke. These diseases are considered incurable diseases because no specific therapies are available to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reach the brain in a significant amount for the pharmacological effect in the brain. There is a need for the development of strategies that can improve the efficacy of drugs and circumvent BBB. One of the promising approaches is the use of different types of nano-scale materials. These nano-based drugs have the ability to increase the therapeutic effect, reduce toxicity, exhibit good stability, targeted delivery, and drug loading capacity. Different types and shapes of nanomaterials have been widely used for the treatment of neurological disorders, including quantum dots, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, liposomes, and micelles. These nanoparticles have unique characteristics, including sensitivity, selectivity, and the ability to cross the BBB when used in nano-sized particles, and are widely used for imaging studies and treatment of NDs. In this review, we briefly summarized the recent literature on the use of various nanomaterials and their mechanism of action for the treatment of various types of neurological disorders.
Formamidinium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocomposite Scintillators
Authors: Braddock Isabel H. B. , Al Sid Cheikh Maya , Ghosh Joydip , Mulholland Roma E. , O’Neill Joseph G. , Stolojan Vlad , Crean Carol , Sweeney Stephen J. , Sellin Paul J.
Published: June 2022

While there is great demand for effective, affordable radiation detectors in various applications, many commonly used scintillators have major drawbacks. Conventional inorganic scintillators have a fixed emission wavelength and require expensive, high-temperature synthesis; plastic scintillators, while fast, inexpensive, and robust, have low atomic numbers, limiting their X-ray stopping power. Formamidinium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals show promise as scintillators due to their high X-ray attenuation coefficient and bright luminescence. Here, we used a room-temperature, solution-growth method to produce mixed-halide FAPbX3 (X = Cl, Br) nanocrystals with emission wavelengths that can be varied between 403 and 531 nm via adjustments to the halide ratio. The substitution of bromine for increasing amounts of chlorine resulted in violet emission with faster lifetimes, while larger proportions of bromine resulted in green emission with increased luminescence intensity. By loading FAPbBr3 nanocrystals into a PVT-based plastic scintillator matrix, we produced 1 mm-thick nanocomposite scintillators, which have brighter luminescence than the PVT-based plastic scintillator alone. While nanocomposites such as these are often opaque due to optical scattering from aggregates of the nanoparticles, we used a surface modification technique to improve transmission through the composites. A composite of FAPbBr3 nanocrystals encapsulated in inert PMMA produced even stronger luminescence, with intensity 3.8× greater than a comparative FAPbBr3/plastic scintillator composite. However, the luminescence decay time of the FAPbBr3/PMMA composite was more than 3× slower than that of the FAPbBr3/plastic scintillator composite. We also demonstrate the potential of these lead halide perovskite nanocomposite scintillators for low-cost X-ray imaging applications.
Quantum Dot Reflective Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers: Optical Pumping Compared with Electrical Pumping
Authors: Nahaei Farshad Serat , Rostami Ali , Mirtaheri Peyman
Published: June 2022

A comprehensive study has been conducted on quantum dot reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (QD-RSOAs) with optical pumps (OPs). Moreover, few studies have been completed on OP-based QD-RSOAs. A comparison is made between them and QD-RSOAs with electrical pumps (EPs) in this study. It is shown that the dynamical properties of the device can significantly develop in the optical pumping version. The optical properties are studied for both methods. Moreover, by solving the coupled differential rate and signal propagation equations, the operation of the device in the pulse mode is investigated. Finally, it is proven that OP QD-RSOAs can perform significantly better in applications such as fast all-optical signal processing and wavelength division multiplexing in passive optical networks.