bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Zinc Species on Mn-Ce/CuX Catalyst for Low-Temperature NH3-SCR Reaction: Comparison of ZnCl2, Zn(NO3)2, ZnSO4 and ZnCO3
Authors: Chen Lin , Ren Shan , Chen Tao , Li Xiaodi , Chen Zhichao , Wang Mingming , Liu Qingcai , Yang Jie
Published: August 2023

The effects of four distinct zinc species (ZnCl2, Zn(NO3)2, ZnSO4, and ZnCO3) on a Mn-Ce co-doped CuX (MCCX)catalyst were investigated and contrasted in the low-temperature NH3-SCR process. Aqueous solutions of ZnCl2, Zn(NO3)2, ZnSO4, and ZnCO3 were used to poison the catalysts. The catalytic activity of all catalysts was assessed, and their physicochemical properties were studied. There was a notable drop trend in catalytic activity in the low temperature range (200 °C) after zinc species poisoning on MCCX catalyst. Interestingly, ZnSO4 and ZnCO3 on MCCX catalyst had more serious effect on catalytic activity than Zn(NO3)2 and ZnCl2 from 150 °C to 225 °C, in which NO conversion of the MCCX-Zn-S and MCCX-Zn-C catalysts dropped about 20–30% below 200 °C compared with the fresh MCCX catalyst. The zeolite X structure was impacted by Zn species doping on the MCCX catalyst, and the Zn-poisoned catalysts had less acidic and lower redox ability than fresh Mn-Ce/CuX catalysts. Through the results of in situ DRIFTS spectroscopy experiments, all catalysts were governed by both Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) and Eley–Rideal (E–R) mechanisms, and the possible mechanism for poisoning the Mn-Ce/CuX catalyst using various zinc species was revealed.
Microbial Transformation of Pimavanserin by Cunninghamella blakesleeana AS 3.970
Authors: Song Ming , Yu Qi , Liu Yuqi , Cai Sulan , Jiang Xuliang , Xu Weizhuo , Xu Wei
Published: August 2023

Pimavanserin is an approved selective 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonist for treating Parkinson’s disease psychosis. However, few studies on its metabolism in vitro have been investigated. In this research, eight strains of fungi are used to study the pimavanserin metabolism profiles in vitro and six of them demonstrated positive transformation results. Factors influencing the transformation rate, like substrate concentration, culture time, initial media pH value, culture temperature, and shaking speed, were evaluated and optimized. Cunninghamella blakesleeana AS3.970 provided the best transformation rate of 30.31%, and 10 unreported metabolites were screened by LC-MS/MS. Among these metabolites, M1 is the major one and identified as 1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-3-(4-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)benzyl)-1-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)urea, which is a hydroxylation product of the pimavanserin. A preliminary molecular docking simulation was performed, which indicated that M1 exhibits similar binding properties with pimavanserin and may become a potential candidate for Parkinson’s disease treatment.
Loss of the Novel Myelin Protein CMTM5 in Multiple Sclerosis Lesions and Its Involvement in Oligodendroglial Stress Responses
Authors: Zhan Jiangshan , Gao Yuanxu , Heinig Leo , Beecken Malena , Huo Yangbo , Zhang Wansong , Wang Pingzhang , Wei Tianzi , Tian Ruilin , Han Wenling , Yu Albert Cheung Hoi , Kipp Markus , Kaddatz Hannes
Published: August 2023

This study comprehensively addresses the involvement of the protein CKLF-like Marvel transmembrane domain-containing family member 5 (CMTM5) in the context of demyelination and cytodegenerative autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple Sclerosis (MS). An observed reduction in CMTM5 expression in post-mortem MS lesions prompted further investigations in both in vitro and in vivo animal models. In the cuprizone animal model, we detected a decrease in CMTM5 expression in oligodendrocytes that is absent in other members of the CMTM protein family. Our findings also confirm these results in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model with decreased CMTM5 expression in both cerebellum and spinal cord white matter. We also examined the effects of a Cmtm5 knockdown in vitro in the oligodendroglial Oli-neu mouse cell line using the CRISPR interference technique. Interestingly, we found no effects on cell response to thapsigargin-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as determined by Atf4 activity, an indicator of cellular stress responses. Overall, these results substantiate previous findings suggesting that CMTM5, rather than contributing to myelin biogenesis, is involved in maintaining axonal integrity. Our study further demonstrates that the knockdown of Cmtm5 in vitro does not modulate oligodendroglial responses to ER stress. These results warrant further investigation into the functional role of CMTM5 during axonal degeneration in the context of demyelinating conditions.
Microstructural Properties of Particle-Reinforced Multilayer Systems of 316L and 430L Alloys on Gray Cast Iron
Authors: Masafi Mohammad , Palkowski Heinz , Mozaffari-Jovein Hadi
Published: August 2023

Gray cast iron (GJL) is known for its excellent damping property and high thermal conductivity, thanks to its unique lamellar graphite and pearlite structure. In a recent study, laser metal deposition (LMD) was explored as a potential process to enhance the corrosion resistance and wear mechanism of this tribological system. The focus was on laser cladding of gray cast iron using two different of stainless-steel materials, namely 430L and 316L, combined with TiC and WC particles. To create the samples, a multilayer coating system was employed. A comparative analysis of the microstructures was performed to understand the interaction of the laser beam with the material (composite materials). Surface properties were then characterized using light microscopy and electron microscopy (SEM) before and after subjecting the samples to a shock corrosion test, simulating automotive conditions. Additionally, phase analyses were performed at the interfaces between the coatings and the substrate, with particular attention given to the behavior of the graphite lamellae at these interfaces. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential improvements that can be achieved through laser cladding on gray cast iron, specifically in terms of corrosion resistance and wear mechanisms. By analyzing the microstructures and surface properties, researchers can gain a better understanding of the performance and durability of the coated samples.
Diagnostic Ability and Safety of Repeated Pancreatic Juice Cytology Using an Endoscopic Nasopancreatic Drainage Catheter for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Nakamura Shinya , Ishii Yasutaka , Serikawa Masahiro , Hanada Keiji , Eguchi Noriaki , Sasaki Tamito , Fujimoto Yoshifumi , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Sugiyama Shinichiro , Noma Bunjiro , Kamigaki Michihiro , Minami Tomoyuki , Okazaki Akihito , Yukutake Masanobu , Mouri Teruo , Tatsukawa Yumiko , Ikemoto Juri , Arihiro Koji , Oka Shiro
Published: August 2023

Pathological examination is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Moreover, a reliable pathological diagnosis is extremely important for improving prognosis, especially in early-stage PDAC. This study prospectively evaluated the usefulness of repeated pancreatic juice cytology (PJC) using an endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage (ENPD) catheter for the diagnosis of PDAC. We enrolled 82 patients suspected of having resectable PDAC, based on imaging studies, and judged the necessity for cytology. The diagnostic yield of up to six repeated PJCs and the incidence of complications, such as pancreatitis, was evaluated. A total of 60 patients were diagnosed with PDAC. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 46.7% and 95.5%, respectively. The cumulative positivity rate increased with the number of sampling sessions, reaching 58.3% in the sixth session. The sensitivity was significantly higher in the pancreatic head than in the pancreatic tail (p = 0.043). Additionally, it was 100% in four patients with a tumor size ≤10 mm. Pancreatitis occurred in six patients (7.3%), all of whom were treated conservatively. In the diagnosis of PDAC, repeated PJC using an ENPD catheter revealed a cumulative effect of sensitivity up to six times and an excellent diagnostic yield for small PDAC.
Second Law and Its Amendment: The Axiom of No-Reversible Directions Revisited
Authors: Muschik Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

A toy model is used to describe the following steps to achieve the no-reversible-direction axiom in a tutorial manner: (i) choose a state space results in the balance equations on state space which are linear in the process directions, (ii) avoid a reversible process direction that cannot be generated via a combination of non-reversible ones, (iii) process directions that are in the kernel of the balance equations and do not enter the entropy production. The Coleman–Mizel formulation of the second law and the Liu relations follow immediately.
The Ethnic Proportionality of Teachers and Students and the Link to School-Level Outcomes
Authors: Gorard Stephen
Published: August 2023

In England, there are proportionately more White British teachers than White British pupils, and so there is a mismatch between the proportion of teachers and pupils of each ethnic minority group. This mismatch may reduce the number of appropriate role models for some pupils and has been linked to differences in school processes and the behaviour and treatment of ethnic minority pupils. The evidence is weaker regarding any link between ethnic disproportionality and attainment. This paper uses school-level school workforce and pupil attainment data to assess this link. The results are presented as correlations between teacher/pupil characteristics and attainment scores at ages 11 and 16 and as regression models predicting attainment scores using teacher/pupil characteristics. There is no evidence here that ethnic (dis)proportionality is linked to discernible differences in pupil attainment once relative poverty is taken into account. However, as the data are linked at the school level rather than the individual level, we cannot separate the attainment of pupils of different ethnic origins, and the ethnic classification for teachers is simply binary. We are working to overcome these data limitations and hope to present future analyses based on individual data with more detailed ethnic groupings to provide a more definitive result.
Identification of Urban Functional Zones Based on POI Density and Marginalized Graph Autoencoder
Authors: Xu Runpeng , Chen Zhenjie , Li Feixue , Zhou Chen
Published: August 2023

With rapid urbanization, urban functional zones have become important for rational government and resource allocation. Points of interest (POIs), as informative and open-access data, have been widely used in studies of urban functions. However, most existing studies have failed to address unevenly or sparsely distributed POIs. In addition, the spatial adjacency of analysis units has been ignored. Therefore, we propose a new method for identifying urban functional zones based on POI density and marginalized graph autoencoder (MGAE). First, kernel density analysis was utilized to obtain the POI density and spread the effects of POIs to the surroundings, which enhanced the data from unevenly or sparsely distributed POIs considering the barrier effects of main roads and rivers. Second, MGAE performed feature extraction in view of the spatial adjacency to integrate features from the POIs of the surrounding units. Finally, the k-means algorithm was used to cluster units into zones, and semantic recognition was applied to identify the function category of each zone. A case study of Changzhou indicates that this method achieved an overall accuracy of 90.33% with a kappa coefficient of 0.88, which constitutes considerable improvement over that of conventional methods and can improve the performance of urban function identification.
The Effect of Circle of Willis Morphology on Retinal Blood Flow in Patients with Carotid Stenosis Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Mihály Zsuzsanna , István Lilla , Czakó Cecilia , Benyó Fruzsina , Borzsák Sarolta , Varga Andrea , Magyar-Stang Rita , Banga Péter Vince , Élő Ágnes , Debreczeni Róbert , Kovács Illés , Sótonyi Péter
Published: August 2023

The Circle of Willis (CoW) is the main collateral system, and its morphological variants are more common in patients who have severe carotid artery stenosis. Earlier data suggest that optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) may help to assess the changes in cerebral vascular perfusion by imaging the retinal blood flow. In this single-center prospective clinical study, patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) underwent preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the extra- and intracranial cerebral circulation. OCTA imaging was performed one week before surgery and postoperatively one month later. The patients were divided into two subgroups based on CTA evaluation of CoW: compromised CoW or non-compromised CoW (containing hypoplastic and normal segments). The effect of the patient’s age, OCTA scan quality (SQ), CoW morphology, laterality, and surgery on superficial capillary vessel density (VD) in the macula were assessed in multivariable regression models using linear mixed models. We found that VD significantly decreased with aging (−0.12%; 95%CI: −0.07–−0.15; p < 0.001) and was significantly higher in patients with non-compromised CoW morphology (by 0.87% 95%CI (0.26–1.50); p = 0.005). After CEA, retinal blood flow significantly improved by 0.71% (95%CI: 0.18–1.25; p = 0.01). These results suggest that in the case of carotid artery occlusion, patients with non-compromised CoW have more preserved ocular blood flow than subjects with compromised CoW due to remodeling of the intra-orbital blood flow. Measuring the retinal blood flow might be used as a relevant and sensitive indicator of collateral cerebrovascular circulation.
Teeth Damage during General Anesthesia
Authors: Neto João M. , Teles Ana Rita , Barbosa Joselina , Santos Orquídea
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Dental injuries during anesthesia, especially when advanced airway management is required, represent a legal problem. Factors such as poor dental condition and excessive pressure during intubation contribute to dental damage. The maxillary central incisors are commonly affected. Objective: The objective of this review is to know the incidence of dental injuries in adults undergoing anesthesia that requires airway management. Materials and Methods: The search was performed in MEDLINE (through Pubmed), ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, LILACS (through the Virtual Health Library Regional Portal), and SciELO for all available literature on the subject up to December 2022. Inclusion criteria involved articles that studied patients aged 18 years or older who underwent general anesthesia requiring airway management with tracheal intubation or insertion of a laryngeal mask airway. Results: Of all the articles, nine report dental injury associated with the type of airway management. Only one article does not have dental injury. Discussion: This study addresses dental injuries related to tracheal intubation during general anesthesia. Although techniques are used to prevent them, these injuries still occur. Laryngoscopy, especially with support on the upper central incisors, can cause damage to the teeth. Conclusions: It is important that the anesthesiologist is aware of dental trauma and that orotracheal intubation or the placement of the laryngeal mask airway is performed systematically and rigorously, always considering the patient’s dentition to choose the best approach in each specific situation.
Femoral or Axillary Cannulation for Extracorporeal Circulation during Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery (FAMI): Protocol for a Multi-Center Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Kruse Jacqueline , Silaschi Miriam , Velten Markus , Wittmann Maria , Alaj Eissa , Ahmad Ali El-Sayed , Zimmer Sebastian , Borger Michael A. , Bakhtiary Farhad
Published: August 2023

Background: Minimally invasive heart valve surgery via anterolateral mini-thoracotomy with full endoscopic 3D visualization (MIS) has become the standard treatment of patients with valvular heart disease and low operative risk over the past two decades. It requires extracorporeal circulation and cardioplegic arrest. The most established form of arterial cannulation for MIS is through the femoral artery and is used by most surgeons, but it is suspected to increase the risk of stroke through retrograde blood flow. An alternative route of cannulation is the axillary artery, producing antegrade blood flow during extracorporeal circulation. Methods: Femoral or axillary cannulation for extracorporeal circulation during minimally invasive heart valve surgery (FAMI) is a multicenter randomized controlled trial designed to determine whether axillary cannulation is superior to femoral cannulation for the outcome of a manifest stroke within 7 days postoperatively. The target sample size was 848 participants. Patients ≥ 18 years of age, with valvular regurgitation or stenosis scheduled for minimally invasive surgery via anterolateral mini-thoracotomy, were randomized to axillary cannulation (treatment group) or to femoral cannulation (standard care). Patients were followed up for seven days postoperatively. A CT scan was performed pre-operatively to screen patients for vascular calcifications and to assess the safety of femoral cannulation. The standard of care is femoral artery cannulation, but is performed only in patients without significant vascular calcifications or severe kinking of the iliac arteries and in patients with sufficient vessel diameter. The cannulation is performed via Seldinger’s technique, and the vessel closed percutaneously using a plug-based vascular closure device. Only patients without significant vascular calcifications are considered for femoral cannulation, as an increased risk of stroke is assumed. In patients with vascular calcifications, axillary cannulation is the standard of care to avoid these risks. Retrospective studies have hinted that, even in patients without vascular calcifications, there may be a lower stroke risk with axillary cannulation compared to femoral cannulation. We present a protocol for a multi-center randomized trial to investigate this hypothesis. Discussion: To date, evidence on the best access for peripheral artery cannulation during minimally invasive heart valve surgery has been scarce. Patients may benefit from axillary cannulation for extracorporeal circulation in terms of stroke risk and other neurological and vascular complications, though femoral cannulation is the gold standard. The aim of this study is to determine the risks of peri-operative stroke in a prospective randomized comparison of femoral vs. axillary cannulation.
Delirium and Its Association with Short- and Long-Term Health Outcomes in Medically Admitted Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Al Huraizi Aisha Ramadhan , Al-Maqbali Juhaina Salim , Al Farsi Rajaa Saleh , Al Zeedy Khalfan , Al-Saadi Taif , Al-Hamadani Noof , Al Alawi Abdullah M.
Published: August 2023

Background: Delirium is highly prevalent among elderly hospitalized patients in various healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess the impact of delirium on short- and long-term health outcomes. Methods: A prospective cohort included medically ill patients (≥65 years) admitted to a tertiary healthcare facility. Delirium was screened using the 3-Minute Diagnostic confusion assessment method (3D-CAM). Results: During hospitalization, 53.8% (n = 153/284) had delirium. Patients with delirium had a longer length of hospital stay (LOS) (7 vs. 5 days; p < 0.01) compared to patients without delirium. Delirium caused a higher frequency of high-dependency unit (HDU) or intensive care unit (ICU) admission (p < 0.01) and an increased incidence of hospital-acquired complications, including infections (p = 0.03), pressure injuries (p = 0.01), and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (p < 0.01). Inpatient all-cause mortality was higher in patients with delirium than those without delirium (16.3% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.01). Patients with delirium had higher rates of 90-day all-cause mortality (25.4% vs. 8.4%; p < 0.01) and 1-year all-cause mortality (35.9% vs. 16%; p < 0.01) compared to patients without delirium. Patients with delirium exhibited shorter survival periods at 90 days and 1 year compared to patients without delirium with a hazard ratio (HR) = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.75–6.66, p < 0.01 and HR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.59–4.37, p < 0.01, respectively. Conclusions: Delirium is associated with serious short-term and long-term clinical consequences. Early recognition, prevention, and targeted interventions addressing reversible risk factors are crucial. Further research is warranted to explore effective strategies for delirium management in general medical wards.
Risk of Residual Neoplasia after a Local-Risk Resection of Colorectal Lesions by Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Multinational Study
Authors: Santos-Antunes João , Pioche Mathieu , Ramos-Zabala Felipe , Cecinato Paolo , Gallego Francisco , Barreiro Pedro , Mascarenhas André , Sferrazza Sandro , Berr Frieder , Wagner Andrej , Lemmers Arnaud , Ferreira Mariana Figueiredo , Albéniz Eduardo , Uchima Hugo , Küttner-Magalhães Ricardo , Fernandes Carlos , Morais Rui , Gupta Sunil , Martinho-Dias Daniel , Faria-Ramos Isabel , Marques Margarida , Bourke Michael J. , Macedo Guilherme
Published: August 2023

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in colorectal lesions is demanding, and a significant rate of non-curative procedures is expected. We aimed to assess the rate of residual lesion after a piecemeal ESD resection, or after an en bloc resection but with positive horizontal margins (local-risk resection—LocRR), for colorectal benign neoplasia. A retrospective multicenter analysis of consecutive colorectal ESDs was performed. Patients with LocRR ESDs for the treatment of benign colorectal lesions with at least one follow-up endoscopy were included. A cohort of en bloc resected lesions, with negative margins, was used as the control. A total of 2255 colorectal ESDs were reviewed; 352 of the ESDs were “non-curative”. Among them, 209 were LocRR: 133 high-grade dysplasia and 76 low-grade dysplasia. Ten cases were excluded due to missing data. A total of 146 consecutive curative resections were retrieved for comparison. Compared to the “curative group”, LocRRs were observed in lengthier procedures, with larger lesions, and in non-granular LSTs. Recurrence was higher in the LocRR group (16/199, 8% vs. 1/146, 0.7%; p = 0.002). However, statistical significance was lost when considering only en bloc resections with positive horizontal margins (p = 0.068). In conclusion, a higher rate of residual lesion was found after a piecemeal ESD resection, but not after an en bloc resection with positive horizontal margins.
The Rising Problem of Hip Fractures in Geriatric Patients—Analysis of Surgical Influences on the Outcome
Authors: Krickl Julian , Ittermann Till , Thannheimer Andreas , Schmidt Wolfgang , Willauschus Maximilian , Ruether Johannes , Loose Kim , Gesslein Markus , Millrose Michael
Published: August 2023

Background: Hip fractures in geriatric patients often have a poor outcome in terms of mortality, mobility as well as independence. Different surgical influence factors are known that improve the outcome. Methods: In this observational cohort study, 281 patients of a geriatric trauma unit were analyzed prospectively. Demographic factors, as well as data regarding the trauma mechanism and perioperative treatment, were recorded. The nutritional status was also analyzed. The follow-up was set to 120 days. Results: The key conclusion of this study is that a high ASA classification, the use of anticoagulatory medicine and malnutrition are significantly associated with higher mortality together with worse independence (p < 0.05). There is no significant difference in outcome concerning the time to surgery within the first 24 h. Conclusions: Malnutrition seems to be an important risk factor for an adverse outcome of geriatric patients and therefore warrants a focus in multidisciplinary treatment. The risk factor ASA cannot be improved during the pre-surgery phase, but requires intensified care by a multidisciplinary team specialized in orthogeriatrics.
Clinical Application of Botulinum Toxin for Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Park Chang-Kyu , Lim Seung-Hoon , Park Kwan
Published: August 2023

Hemifacial spasm is typically caused by contact between the facial nerve and blood vessels. Microvascular decompression, a treatment that directly addresses this pathogenesis, is often considered the most effective treatment method. However, surgery is not immediately performed for patients at risk from the surgical treatment, or for those with an unclear diagnosis. In these instances, Botulinum toxin injection can help manage the patient’s symptoms. Numerous studies corroborate the effectiveness and safety of Botulinum toxin treatment, with large-scale studies indicating symptom control lasts, on average, around 15 weeks.
A Surprising Case of Triple Acute Hepatitis Infection
Authors: Ștefan Ion , Cristea Ioana-Mădălina , Ștefan Alexia-Teodora , Ranetti Aurelian-Emil , Sirbu Carmen Adella , Rusu Elena , Moldovan Cosmin Alec , Leru Polliana M. , Nistor Claudiu-Eduard
Published: August 2023

Viral hepatitis continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but the burden has significantly diminished thanks to the large-scale use of vaccines and antivirals. However, there are still challenges regarding viral hepatitis management, especially when more than one pathogenic agent is involved. We present the case of a 45-year-old woman who had a simultaneous infection involving three hepatitis viruses: HAV, HBV, and HEV.
Influence of Organic Acids and Related Organic Compounds on Corrosion Behavior of Stainless Steel—A Critical Review
Authors: Abbas Aqeel , Adesina Akeem Yusuf , Suleiman Rami K.
Published: August 2023

Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used structural materials in industry for the transportation of liquids such as water, acids, and organic compounds. Corrosion is a major concern in industry due to the use of strong mineral acids, feedstock contamination, flow, aqueous environments, and high temperatures. Stainless steel is the most commonly used material in the petrochemical industry because of its characteristics of self-protectiveness, offered by thin passive oxides, and its metallurgical composition. However, chlorides and mineral acids attack the stainless steel continuously, consequently breaking down the passivation film, causing a continuous challenge from corrosion. The corrosion in stainless steel is influenced by many factors including flow rate, temperature, pressure, ethanol concentration, and chloride ion content. This review describes the impact of organic compounds and organic acids on the degradation behavior of stainless steel. The review also summarizes the commonly used organic compounds and their applications. It has been demonstrated that organic acid concentration, temperature, and halide impurities have significant effects on susceptibility to pitting corrosion by damaging the passivation film. The phenomenon of corrosion in stainless steel is quite different in immersion tests and electrochemical potentiodynamic polarization. This review article discusses the importance of organic compounds and their corrosion behavior on steel. The article also puts emphasis on the roles of corrosion inhibitors, monitoring methods, corrosion management, and forms of corrosion.
Bacterial Metabolites and Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Authors: Jiminez Victoria , Yusuf Nabiha
Published: August 2023

The microbiome and gut-skin axis are popular areas of interest in recent years concerning inflammatory skin diseases. While many bacterial species have been associated with commensalism of both the skin and gastrointestinal tract in certain disease states, less is known about specific bacterial metabolites that regulate host pathways and contribute to inflammation. Some of these metabolites include short chain fatty acids, amine, and tryptophan derivatives, and more that when dysregulated, have deleterious effects on cutaneous disease burden. This review aims to summarize the knowledge of wealth surrounding bacterial metabolites of the skin and gut and their role in immune homeostasis in inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Development of a Novel Emulsion Formulation of Trichoderma asperelloides PSU-P1 Conidia against Stem Canker on Dragon Fruit Caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum
Authors: Intana Warin , Wonglom Prisana , Dy Kim Sreang , Sunpapao Anurag
Published: August 2023

Stem canker on dragon fruit caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum causes severe losses in production of this fruit worldwide. Biological control by Trichoderma species is widely used to control several plant diseases. However, environmental conditions affect the use of biocontrol agents in the field. The development of a new formulation may offer an alternative way to address the problem of stem canker on dragon fruit caused by N. dimidiatum. In this study, we sought to develop a Trichoderma asperelloides PSU-P1 formulation that would be effective against N. dimidiatum. Three vegetable oils, two emulsifier-dispersing agents (Tween 20 and Tween 80), and one source of carbon (dextrose) were tested for carrier additives. We assessed the viability and antifungal ability of formulations incubated at ambient temperature and at 10 °C during a storage period of 1–6 months. The formulation composed of coconut oil, DW, and tween 20 in a ratio of 30:60:10 required a mixing time of 1.14 min; this was significantly faster than the mixing times of other formulations. Application of this formulation suppressed canker development; a canker area of 0.53 cm2 was recorded, compared with a control (pathogen only) area of 1.65 cm2. In terms of viability, this formulation stored at ambient temperature showed a surface area percentage of T. asperelloides PSU-P1 ranging from 64.43 to 75.7%; the corresponding range for the formulation stored at cool temperature was 70.59–75.6%. For both formulations, percentage inhibition gradually decreased from 1 to 6 months, with ranges of 59.21–77% and 60.65–76.19% for formulations incubated at ambient and cool temperatures, respectively. Our findings suggest that the formulation developed in this study prolongs the viability of T. asperelloides PSU-P1 conidia by up to 6 months, effectively inhibits N. dimidiatum in vitro, and reduces stem canker in vivo.
Tuning Gaps and Schottky Contacts of Graphene/Phosphorene Heterostructures by Vertical Electric Field and Strain
Authors: Muroni Alessia , Brozzesi Simone , Bechstedt Friedhelm , Gori Paola , Pulci Olivia
Published: August 2023

We present a comprehensive study of the structural and electronic properties of a graphene/phosphorene (G/P) heterostructure in the framework of density functional theory, including van der Waals interaction in the exchange–correlation functional. While the G(4 × 1)/P(3 × 1) superlattice usually used in the literature is subject to a strain as high as about 7%, the in-plane strain could be drastically reduced to under 1% in the G(4 × 13)/P(3 × 12) heterostructure investigated here. Adapting the lattice constants of the rectangular lattices, the equilibrium configuration in the xy plane of phosphorene relative to the graphene layer is optimized. This results in an equilibrium interlayer distance of 3.5 Å and a binding energy per carbon atom of 37 meV, confirming the presence of weak van der Waals interaction between the graphene and the phosphorene layers. The electronic properties of the heterostructure are evaluated under different values of interlayer distance, strain and applied vertical electric field. We demonstrate that G/P heterostructures form an n-type Schottky contact, which can be transformed into p-type under external perturbations. These findings, together with the possibility to control the gaps and barrier heights, suggest that G/P heterostructures are promising for novel applications in electronics and may open a new avenue for the realization of innovative optoelectronic devices.
Using Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy with Ultrasound Devices and Bioactive Glasses as a Combined Approach for Treating Dentin Caries Lesions
Authors: Besegato João Felipe , Melo Priscila Borges Gobbo de , Abreu Bernardi Adilson César , Souza Marina Trevelin , Zanotto Edgar Dutra , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador , de Souza Rastelli Alessandra Nara
Published: August 2023

Novel approaches for caries lesion removal and treatment have been proposed. This study evaluates the combined use of an experimental ultrasound, aPDT (antimicrobial photodynamic therapy) and bioactive glasses on the removal, decontamination and remineralization of dentin caries lesions. A biological model created with a duo species biofilm (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus) was used for the development of a caries-like lesion over the dentin for 7 days. Bovine dentin specimens (4 × 4 × 2 mm) were randomized according to the following caries removal techniques: bur (BUR) or ultrasound (ULT), decontamination (with or without aPDT) and remineralization materials (45S5 or F18 bioactive glasses). The following different groups were investigated: caries lesion (control); sound dentin (control); BUR; BUR + aPDT; ULT; ULT + aPDT; BUR + 45S5, BUR + F18; ULT + 45S5; ULT + F18; BUR + aPDT + 45S5; BUR + aPDT + F18; ULT + aPDT + 45S5; and ULT + aPDT + F18. Transverse microradiography (TMR), cross-sectional microhardness (CSH), FT-Raman spectroscopy and confocal microscopy (CLSM) were performed. A two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test were used (α = 0.05). (3) Results: The TMR revealed a lesion depth of 213.9 ± 49.5 μm and a mineral loss of 4929.3% vol.μm. The CSH increases as a function of depth, regardless of the group (p < 0.05). Removal with BUR (24.40–63.03 KHN) has a greater CSH than ULT (20.01–47.53 KHN; p < 0.05). aPDT did not affect the CSH (p > 0.05). No difference was observed between 45S5 or F18 (p > 0.05), but a change was observed for ULT (p > 0.05). The FT-Raman shows no differences for the phosphate (p > 0.05), but a difference is observed for the carbonate and C-H bonds. The CLSM images show that aPDT effectively inactivates residual bacteria. A combination of ULT, aPDT and bioactive glasses can be a promising minimally invasive treatment.
Biologically Relevant Murine Models of Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Respiratory Infection
Authors: Rodgers Aoife M. , Lindsay Jaime , Monahan Avril , Dubois Alice V. , Faniyi Aduragbemi A. , Plant Barry J. , Mall Marcus A. , Ekkelenkamp Miquel B. , Elborn Stuart , Ingram Rebecca J.
Published: August 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an opportunistic pathogen and the leading cause of infection in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The ability of P. aeruginosa to evade host responses and develop into chronic infection causes significant morbidity and mortality. Several mouse models have been developed to study chronic respiratory infections induced by P. aeruginosa, with the bead agar model being the most widely used. However, this model has several limitations, including the requirement for surgical procedures and high mortality rates. Herein, we describe novel and adapted biologically relevant models of chronic lung infection caused by P. aeruginosa. Three methods are described: a clinical isolate infection model, utilising isolates obtained from patients with CF; an incomplete antibiotic clearance model, leading to bacterial bounce-back; and the establishment of chronic infection; and an adapted water bottle chronic infection model. These models circumvent the requirement for a surgical procedure and, importantly, can be induced with clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and in wild-type mice. We also demonstrate successful induction of chronic infection in the transgenic βENaC murine model of CF. We envisage that the models described will facilitate the investigations of host and microbial factors, and the efficacy of novel antimicrobials, during chronic P. aeruginosa respiratory infections.
Development of a High-Quality/Yield Long-Read Sequencing-Adaptable DNA Extraction Method for Crop Seeds
Authors: Shioya Naohiro , Ogiso-Tanaka Eri , Watanabe Masanori , Anai Toyoaki , Hoshino Tomoki
Published: August 2023

Genome sequencing is important for discovering critical genes in crops and improving crop breeding efficiency. Generally, fresh, young leaves are used for DNA extraction from plants. However, seeds, the storage form, are more efficient because they do not require cultivation and can be ground at room temperature. Yet, only a few DNA extraction kits or methods suitable for seeds have been developed to date. In this study, we introduced an improved (IMP) Boom method that is relatively low-cost, simple to operate, and yields high-quality DNA that can withstand long-read sequencing. The method successfully extracted approximately 8 µg of DNA per gram of seed weight from soybean seeds at an average concentration of 48.3 ng/µL, approximately 40-fold higher than that extracted from seeds using a common extraction method kit. The A260/280 and A260/230 values of the DNA were 1.90 and 2.43, respectively, which exceeded the respective quality thresholds of 1.8 and 2.0. The DNA also had a DNA integrity number value (indicating the degree of DNA degradation) of 8.1, higher than that obtained using the kit and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide methods. Furthermore, the DNA showed a read length N50 of 20.96 kbp and a maximum read length of 127.8 kbp upon long-read sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore sequencer, with both values being higher than those obtained using the other methods. DNA extracted from seeds using the IMP Boom method showed an increase in the percentage of the nuclear genome with a decrease in the relative ratio of chloroplast DNA. These results suggested that the proposed IMP Boom method can extract high-quality and high-concentration DNA that can be used for long-read sequencing, which cannot be achieved from plant seeds using other conventional DNA extraction methods. The IMP Boom method could also be adapted to crop seeds other than soybeans, such as pea, okra, maize, and sunflower. This improved method is expected to improve the efficiency of various crop-breeding operations, including seed variety determination, testing of genetically modified seeds, and marker-assisted selection.
Analyzing the Emotions That News Agencies Express towards Candidates during Electoral Campaigns: 2018 Brazilian Presidential Election as a Case of Study
Authors: Olimpio da Silva Rogerio , Losada Juan Carlos , Borondo Javier
Published: August 2023

Since online social networks play an increasingly important role in the final voting decision of each individual, political parties and candidates are changing the way of doing politics and campaigning, increasing their digital presence. In this paper, we propose a methodology to analyze and measure the emotions that news agencies express on social media towards candidates and apply it to the 2018 Brazilian elections. The presented method is based on a sentiment analysis and emotion mining by means of machine learning and Natural Language Processing approaches such as Naïve Bayes classification and Stemming calculation. We found that if doing basic sentiment detection, nearly all posts are neutral. However, when we analyze emotions, following Ekman’s six basic emotions, we do not find neutrality but clear and identifiable emotions. Next, we present and discuss the associative patterns between news agencies and presidential candidates. Finally, since the candidate that captured the highest and most negative attention emerged victorious in the elections, we discuss the potential importance of having a social media presence, regardless of generating positive or negative emotions.
Simulation Study on Outdoor Wind Environment of Residential Complexes in Hot-Summer and Cold-Winter Climate Zones Based on Entropy-Based TOPSIS Method
Authors: Liu Xiang , Wang Wanjiang , Wang Zixuan , Song Junkang , Li Ke
Published: August 2023

Driven by a large digital simulation environment, CFD calculation software is used to simulate test results so that they can be effectively applied to engineering practice. This paper explores the suitable outdoor wind environment for residential areas in the hot summer and the cold winter. Taking Xishan Huijing in Changsha as an example, the most unfavorable wind field environment is used as the boundary condition, and the optimal design mode for this residential area is explored based on the Butterfly platform. The research in this paper is mainly divided into five steps: (1) using Rhino 7.0 to establish a 3D model; (2) using the Butterfly 0.0.05 platform to simulate the wind field and export the data at the same time, and to realize the preview through the visualization method; (3) processing the exported simulation data and the calculation of related indices; (4) applying the entropy-based TOPSIS method on the MATLAB 2020 platform to rank the preferred scheme and obtain the corresponding index weights; and (5) using a K-means cluster analysis on SPSS 26 software to optimize the scheme. The results show that (1) the wind environment quality will be overestimated in the summer if the influence of neighboring buildings on the site is not considered, while the opposite is true in the winter, with the error of both reaching two times. (2) The weights of the indicators determined by the TOPSIS entropy weighting method indicate that wind protection in the winter should be prioritized over natural ventilation in the summer in this area. The maximum wind speed in the winter has the most significant weight, reaching 0.287, and the uniformity of the wind field in the summer is the most important, reaching 0.1102. (3) In the layout design of the residential district, the staggered layout of the 60 m high slab houses in the northern, northeastern, and northwestern directions of the site creates a better wind field environment, which attains the highest score by the TOPSIS entropy weighting method, reaching 0.1539, with the second highest score, reaching 0.1511, for the layout method. The research results will provide a scientific basis for the design of residential buildings in the hot-summer and cold-winter regions in China, and also help designers to better grasp the outdoor wind environment of residential buildings in the pre-design stage.
Embodied Carbon Accounting for Forest Industry Trade in BRICS Countries: An MRIO Modeling Approach
Authors: Zheng Shanshan , Yang Jianzhou , Chen Cheng , Wu Bingbin
Published: August 2023

A multi-regional input-output (MRIO) model was constructed to measure and compare the trade-induced carbon emissions within the forest industry among the BRICS countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The results indicate the following: (1) The primary source of import/export-related carbon emissions from the forest industry in BRICS countries is the trade of paper products, with the exception of Russia, where wood products significantly contribute to its export-related carbon emissions. (2) The net carbon emissions from forest industry trade in BRICS countries underwent varying degrees of volatility during the period from 2008 to 2013. (3) China and Russia exhibited notably higher levels of trade-induced carbon emissions in their forest industries compared to other BRICS nations, while the scale of embodied carbon emissions from international trade in the forest industry of South Africa, Brazil, and India remained relatively similar. (4) The trade-induced carbon emissions of the forest industry in BRICS countries were predominantly export-oriented between 1995 and 2018. Therefore, it is recommended that BRICS nations prioritize addressing carbon emissions within the forest industry’s trade sector. Collaborative efforts should be intensified to promote cleaner development pathways, foster sustainable economic growth, and take a more proactive stance in global climate change negotiations.
Interannual variability of sea surface temperature at the polar latitudes of the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Nikolskii Nikolai , Artamonov Yuri , Skripaleva Elena
Published: August 2023

The general regularities and regional differences in the interannual variability of the sea surface temperature in the polar latitudes of the Atlantic Ocean are revealed according to the OI SST reanalysis data for period 1982—2017. The reanalysis contains daily average sea surface temperature values at the nodes of a regular grid 0,25°×0,25°. In this work, areas where the ice concentration did not exceed

90 % were analyzed. In both polar basins, the position of areas with a high level of sea surface temperature

interannual variability qualitatively coincides with the position of intense currents. The maximum values of

linear sea surface temperature trends are observed in areas of the maximum level of interannual variability,

while the trends in long-term sea surface temperature variability in the Arctic and Antarctic are noticeably

different. Significant positive sea surface temperature trends prevail in the Atlantic sector of the Arctic.

Significant negative trends have been identified only off the northeastern coast of Greenland and north of the Arctic Current. The sea surface temperature decrease on a long-term scale in this area is associated with an increase of cold water transport by the East Greenland and Arctic currents, which are formed as a result

of the intensive melting of Arctic ice observed in recent decades. In the Atlantic sector of the Antarctic, on the contrary, significant negative sea surface temperature trends prevail. In the Arctic, the maximum values of positive sea surface temperature trends are observed in August—September during the period of maximum warming of surface waters and minimum concentration of drifting ice. In the Antarctic, the maximum negative sea surface temperature trends in absolute value are observed from August to October, during the period of surface water cooling and maximum ice concentration.
Evaluating the UK’s first national prescribing assessment for GPs in training using an online survey
Authors: Knox Richard , Bell Brian G , Salema Ndeshi , Emerson Kim , Bodgener Susan , Rial Jonathan , Gookey Gill , Swanwick Glen , Charly Anna , Avery Anthony J
Published: August 2023

Background

GP trainees may not have experienced a systematic and comprehensive education in safe prescribing. Therefore, a self-assessment prescribing review was developed.

Aim

To determine whether the assessment was feasible, had face validity, and did not disadvantage particular groups of participants.

Design & setting

An online survey that evaluates the opinions of GPs in training of a prescribing assessment in the UK. All full-time UK trainees who started their final year of GP training in August 2019 undertook the prescribing assessment along with their trainers, after which they completed an online anonymous feedback questionnaire.

Method

The questionnaire completed by trainees sought their opinions of the assessment, and collected ethnicity and disability data. The trainer questionnaire was similar but did not include any demographic information.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 1741 trainees and 1576 trainers. There was no evidence that ethnic group and disability were related to aspects of the review. Most of the trainees (76.4%,n= 1330) and trainers (82.0%,n= 1293) agreed or strongly agreed that the prescribing review was helpful for assessing and learning about the trainee’s prescribing. However, most participants (63.2%,n= 1092) took >4 hours to review their prescriptions. A majority of trainees (90.2%,n= 1571) reported that completing the assessment had resulted in a change in their prescribing practice.

Conclusion

The majority of trainers and trainees reported that the prescribing assessment was helpful. The study was not able to assess whether there had been an actual change in practice that resulted in an error reduction.