bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Residential Distance from Home to Hospital and Amputation of a Lower Extremity among Peripheral Artery Disease Patients in Japan
Authors: Hayashi Nobuko , Matsuyama Yusuke , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: October 2022

Lack of access to care can lead to poor outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We investigated the association between residential distance from home to hospital and amputation of the lower extremity among PAD patients in the Chiba peninsula, Japan. A retrospective cohort study with an average follow-up period of 2.96 years was conducted using data from 630 PAD patients who visited two hospitals in the Chiba peninsula, Japan, between 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2020. Information on disease status, residential address, and covariates was obtained from medical records. The association between amputation of a lower extremity, including toe amputation, and residential distance was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards model. Age, gender, Fontaine class, endovascular treatment, dialysis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, current or past smoking, and aspirin use were adjusted. The median residential distance was 18.9 km (interquartile range, IQR: 22.1). Ninety-two patients (14.6%) underwent amputation of the lower extremity during the follow-up period. The longer residential distance was significantly associated with a higher risk of lower extremity amputation (hazard ratio per IQR = 1.35, 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.82) after adjusting for covariates. Poorer access to a hospital, assessed as a longer residential distance from home to a hospital, was associated with amputation of the lower extremity among PAD patients.
Efficacy of Neuro-Feedback Training for PTSD Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hong Jian , Park Jin-Hyuck
Published: October 2022

If the negative emotions experienced in life become trauma, they affect daily life. Neuro-feedback technology has recently been introduced as a treatment, but many different neuro-feedback protocols and methods exits. This study conducted a meta-analysis of neuro-feedback training for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms to evaluate the effects of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG)-based neuro-feedback training. A search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Science Direct, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from January 2011 to December 2021. The studies’ quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and publication bias was assessed by Egger’s regression test. Seven studies that met the inclusion criteria were used for the systematic review and meta-analysis. EEG was more effective than fMRI for PTSD symptoms, and the effect on PTSD symptoms was higher than on anxiety and depression. There was no difference in the effectiveness of the training sessions. Our findings showed that EEG-based neuro-feedback training was more helpful for training PTSD symptoms. Additionally, the methods were also shown to be valid for evaluating clinical PTSD diagnoses. Further research is needed to establish a gold standard protocol for the EEG-based neuro-feedback training (EEG-NFT) method for PTSD symptoms.
LC–MS Based Lipidomics Depict Phosphatidylethanolamine as Biomarkers of TNBC MDA-MB-231 over nTNBC MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Estrada-Pérez Alan Rubén , Bakalara Norbert , García-Vázquez Juan Benjamín , Rosales-Hernández Martha Cecilia , Fernández-Pomares Cynthia , Correa-Basurto José
Published: October 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is the first malignant neoplasm in women, with a high death rate despite early diagnoses and treatment advances. Significant differences exist between the most common BC and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC presents molecular differences such as lacking expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 proteins, making this cancer have a poor clinical prognostic and lack clear strategies for its treatment. However, growing evidence points to metabolic dysregulation as another differential process between stages and types of BC. Therefore, the study of this crucial hallmark could identify new therapeutic targets to treat this aggressive form of BC. These differences induce an in vitro exploration of the metabolic behavior of the MCF7 cells (nTNBC) and MDA-MB-231 (TNBC) cells under lipidomic based LC–MS. The results show more significant differences in lipid regulation (phosphatidylethanolamine) that could be associated with the aggressiveness and difficulties of the treatment of TNBC.
Sleep Modulates Alcohol Toxicity in Drosophila
Authors: De Nobrega Aliza K. , Noakes Eric J. , Storch Natalie A. , Mellers Alana P. , Lyons Lisa C.
Published: October 2022

Alcohol abuse is a significant public health problem. While considerable research has shown that alcohol use affects sleep, little is known about the role of sleep deprivation in alcohol toxicity. We investigated sleep as a factor modulating alcohol toxicity using Drosophila melanogaster, a model for studies of sleep, alcohol, and aging. Following 24 h of sleep deprivation using a paradigm that similarly affects males and females and induces rebound sleep, flies were given binge-like alcohol exposures. Sleep deprivation increased mortality, with no sex-dependent differences. Sleep deprivation also abolished functional tolerance measured at 24 h after the initial alcohol exposure, although there was no effect on alcohol absorbance or clearance. We investigated the effect of chronic sleep deprivation using mutants with decreased sleep, insomniac and insulin-like peptide 2, finding increased alcohol mortality. Furthermore, we investigated whether pharmacologically inducing sleep prior to alcohol exposure using the GABAA-receptor agonist 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo(5,4-c)pyridin-3-ol (THIP) mitigated the effects of alcohol toxicity on middle-aged flies, flies with environmentally disrupted circadian clocks, and flies with short sleep. Pharmacologically increasing sleep prior to alcohol exposure decreased alcohol-induced mortality. Thus, sleep prior to binge-like alcohol exposure affects alcohol-induced mortality, even in vulnerable groups such as aging flies and those with circadian dysfunction.
E2F4DN Transgenic Mice: A Tool for the Evaluation of E2F4 as a Therapeutic Target in Neuropathology and Brain Aging
Authors: Ramón-Landreau Morgan , Sánchez-Puelles Cristina , López-Sánchez Noelia , Lozano-Ureña Anna , Llabrés-Mas Aina M. , Frade José M.
Published: October 2022

E2F4 was initially described as a transcription factor with a key function in the regulation of cell quiescence. Nevertheless, a number of recent studies have established that E2F4 can also play a relevant role in cell and tissue homeostasis, as well as tissue regeneration. For these non-canonical functions, E2F4 can also act in the cytoplasm, where it is able to interact with many homeostatic and synaptic regulators. Since E2F4 is expressed in the nervous system, it may fulfill a crucial role in brain function and homeostasis, being a promising multifactorial target for neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. The regulation of E2F4 is complex, as it can be chemically modified through acetylation, from which we present evidence in the brain, as well as methylation, and phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of E2F4 within a conserved threonine motif induces cell cycle re-entry in neurons, while a dominant negative form of E2F4 (E2F4DN), in which the conserved threonines have been substituted by alanines, has been shown to act as a multifactorial therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We generated transgenic mice neuronally expressing E2F4DN. We have recently shown using this mouse strain that expression of E2F4DN in 5xFAD mice, a known murine model of AD, improved cognitive function, reduced neuronal tetraploidization, and induced a transcriptional program consistent with modulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide proteostasis and brain homeostasis recovery. 5xFAD/E2F4DN mice also showed reduced microgliosis and astrogliosis in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus at 3-6 months of age. Here, we analyzed the immune response in 1 year-old 5xFAD/E2F4DN mice, concluding that reduced microgliosis and astrogliosis is maintained at this late stage. In addition, the expression of E2F4DN also reduced age-associated microgliosis in wild-type mice, thus stressing its role as a brain homeostatic agent. We conclude that E2F4DN transgenic mice represent a promising tool for the evaluation of E2F4 as a therapeutic target in neuropathology and brain aging.
Copper Amine Oxidase (CuAO)-Mediated Polyamine Catabolism Plays Potential Roles in Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Fruit Development and Ripening
Authors: Cao Xuejiao , Wen Zhuang , Shang Chunqiong , Cai Xiaowei , Hou Qiandong , Qiao Guang
Published: October 2022

Copper amine oxidases (CuAOs) play important roles in PA catabolism, plant growth and development, and abiotic stress response. In order to better understand how PA affects cherry fruit, four potential PavCuAO genes (PavCuAO1–PavCuAO4) that are dispersed over two chromosomes were identified in the sweet cherry genome. Based on phylogenetic analysis, they were classified into three subclasses. RNA-seq analysis showed that the PavCuAO genes were tissue-specific and mostly highly expressed in flowers and young leaves. Many cis-elements associated with phytohormones and stress responses were predicted in the 2 kb upstream region of the promoter. The PavCuAOs transcript levels were increased in response to abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin 3 (GA3) treatments, as well as abiotic stresses (NaCl, PEG, and cold). Quantitative fluorescence analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that the Put content fell, and the PavCuAO4 mRNA level rose as the sweet cherry fruit ripened. After genetically transforming Arabidopsis with PavCuAO4, the Put content in transgenic plants decreased significantly, and the expression of the ABA synthesis gene NCED was also significantly increased. At the same time, excessive H2O2 was produced in PavCuAO4 transiently expressed tobacco leaves. The above results strongly proved that PavCuAO4 can decompose Put and may promote fruit ripening by increasing the content of ABA and H2O2 while suppressing total free PA levels in the fruit.
Genome-Wide Classification and Phylogenetic Analyses of the GDSL-Type Esterase/Lipase (GELP) Family in Flowering Plants
Authors: Cenci Alberto , Concepción-Hernández Mairenys , Guignon Valentin , Angenon Geert , Rouard Mathieu
Published: October 2022

GDSL-type esterase/lipase (GELP) enzymes have key functions in plants, such as developmental processes, anther and pollen development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Genes that encode GELP belong to a complex and large gene family, ranging from tens to more than hundreds of members per plant species. To facilitate functional transfer between them, we conducted a genome-wide classification of GELP in 46 plant species. First, we applied an iterative phylogenetic method using a selected set of representative angiosperm genomes (three monocots and five dicots) and identified 10 main clusters, subdivided into 44 orthogroups (OGs). An expert curation for gene structures, orthogroup composition, and functional annotation was made based on a literature review. Then, using the HMM profiles as seeds, we expanded the classification to 46 plant species. Our results revealed the variable evolutionary dynamics between OGs in which some expanded, mostly through tandem duplications, while others were maintained as single copies. Among these, dicot-specific clusters and specific amplifications in monocots and wheat were characterized. This approach, by combining manual curation and automatic identification, was effective in characterizing a large gene family, allowing the establishment of a classification framework for gene function transfer and a better understanding of the evolutionary history of GELP.
Development of a Sensitive Screening Method for Simultaneous Determination of Nine Genotoxic Nitrosamines in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients by GC-MS
Authors: Witkowska Anna B. , Giebułtowicz Joanna , Dąbrowska Magdalena , Stolarczyk Elżbieta U.
Published: October 2022

A worldwide crisis with nitrosamine contamination in medical products began in 2018. Therefore, trace-level analysis of nitrosamines is becoming an emerging topic of interest in the field of quality control. A novel GC-MS method with electron ionization and microextraction was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of nine carcinogenic nitrosamines (NDMA, NMEA, NDEA, NDBA, NMOR, NPYR, NPIP, NDPA, and N-methyl-npz) in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs): cilostazol, sunitinib malate, and olmesartan medoxomil. The method was validated according to the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines, demonstrating good linearity in the range of LOQ up to 21.6 ng/mL (120% of specification limit). The limits of detection for the nine nitrosamines were determined to be in the range 0.15–1.00 ng/mL. The developed trace level GC-MS method turned out to be specific, accurate, and precise. The accuracy of all the tested APIs ranged from 94.09% to 111.22% and the precision evaluated by repeatability, intermediate precision, and system precision was RSD ≤ 7.65%. Nitrosamines were not detected in cilostazol and sunitinib, whereas in olmesartan medoxomil NDEA was detected at the level of LOQ. The novel protocol was successfully applied for nitrosamines determination in selected APIs and can be used for the routine quality control of APIs under Good Manufacturing Practices rules, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products.
Mitochondrial DNA Changes in Genes of Respiratory Complexes III, IV and V Could Be Related to Brain Tumours in Humans
Authors: Kozakiewicz Paulina , Grzybowska-Szatkowska Ludmiła , Ciesielka Marzanna , Całka Paulina , Osuchowski Jacek , Szmygin Paweł , Jarosz Bożena , Ślaska Brygida
Published: October 2022

Mitochondrial DNA changes can contribute to both an increased and decreased likelihood of cancer. This process is complex and not fully understood. Polymorphisms and mutations, especially those of the missense type, can affect mitochondrial functions, particularly if the conservative domain of the protein is concerned. This study aimed to identify the possible relationships between brain gliomas and the occurrence of specific mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms and mutations in respiratory complexes III, IV and V. The investigated material included blood and tumour material collected from 30 Caucasian patients diagnosed with WHO grade II, III or IV glioma. The mitochondrial genetic variants were investigated across the mitochondrial genome using next-generation sequencing (MiSeq/FGx system—Illumina). The study investigated, in silico, the effects of missense mutations on the biochemical properties, structure and functioning of the encoded protein, as well as their potential harmfulness. The A14793G (MTCYB), A15758G, (MT-CYB), A15218G (MT-CYB), G7444A (MT-CO1) polymorphisms, and the T15663C (MT-CYB) and G8959A (ATP6) mutations were assessed in silico as harmful alterations that could be involved in oncogenesis. The G8959A (E145K) ATP6 missense mutation has not been described in the literature so far. In light of these results, further research into the role of mtDNA changes in brain tumours should be conducted.
Iron Deficiency Promotes the Lack of Photosynthetic Cytochrome c550 and Affects the Binding of the Luminal Extrinsic Subunits to Photosystem II in the Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Castell Carmen , Díaz-Santos Encarnación , Heredia-Martínez Luis G. , López-Maury Luis , Ortega José M. , Navarro José A. , Roncel Mercedes , Hervás Manuel
Published: October 2022

In the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, iron limitation promotes a decrease in the content of photosystem II, as determined by measurements of oxygen-evolving activity, thermoluminescence, chlorophyll fluorescence analyses and protein quantification methods. Thermoluminescence experiments also indicate that iron limitation induces subtle changes in the energetics of the recombination reaction between reduced QB and the S2/S3 states of the water-splitting machinery. However, electron transfer from QA to QB, involving non-heme iron, seems not to be significantly inhibited. Moreover, iron deficiency promotes a severe decrease in the content of the extrinsic PsbV/cytochrome c550 subunit of photosystem II, which appears in eukaryotic algae from the red photosynthetic lineage (including diatoms) but is absent in green algae and plants. The decline in the content of cytochrome c550 under iron-limiting conditions is accompanied by a decrease in the binding of this protein to photosystem II, and also of the extrinsic PsbO subunit. We propose that the lack of cytochrome c550, induced by iron deficiency, specifically affects the binding of other extrinsic subunits of photosystem II, as previously described in cyanobacterial PsbV mutants.
The Effects of Social Desirability on Students’ Self-Reports in Two Social Contexts: Lectures vs. Lectures and Lab Classes
Authors: Lavidas Konstantinos , Papadakis Stamatios , Manesis Dionysios , Grigoriadou Anastasia Sofia , Gialamas Vasilis
Published: October 2022

Attempts to detect socially desirable responding bias have mainly focused on studies that explore sensitive topics. However, researchers concur that the sensitive character of the survey could be affected by the social context within which the research is conducted. Little research has been reported worldwide investigating the potential effects of social desirability on students’ self-reports, considering the social context within which the survey is conducted. In this paper, we investigate the potential effects of social desirability on students’ self-reports in two social contexts within which the survey was conducted. More specifically, with a sample of 111 Greek students, we explored the effects of social desirability on students’ attitudes towards statistics in two cases: when the questionnaire was administered to participating students after attending (a) lectures and (b) both lectures and laboratory classes. Only in the second case were the items’ attitudes toward statistics associated with a score of socially desirable responding; moreover, social desirability accounted for the relationship between attitudes toward statistics and perceived competence in mathematics. Implications and limitations are also discussed.
A Spatial Distribution Empirical Model of Surface Soil Water Content and Soil Workability on an Unplanted Sugarcane Farm Area Using Sentinel-1A Data towards Precision Agriculture Applications
Authors: Imantho Harry , Seminar Kudang Boro , Hermawan Wawan , Saptomo Satyanto Krido
Published: October 2022

Obtaining soil water content and soil workability data using remote sensing technology with passive sensors has some limitations due to cloud cover, cloud shadow, haze and smoke. This study proposes a method for computing soil water content and soil workability over large areas, faster and in near real-time based on Sentinel-1A (SAR) data. Sample data collected from sugarcane plantations in the Kediri and Sidoarjo districts in East Java, Indonesia, were used to develop a mathematical model of the proposed method using multi-polynomial regression. The performance indicators of the model (RMSE, MAPE and accuracy) were calculated with the results of RMSE = 0.213 and 0.250, MAPE = 16.39% and 18.79%, and accuracy = 83.6% and 81.2% for the training and testing models, respectively. The distribution of soil water content and soil workability can be computed and visualized using a spatial map. The future contribution of this work is to develop a decision support system for the selection of appropriate machinery for sugarcane field operations based on the principles of precision agriculture.
Biotic Potential Induced by Different Host Plants in the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Altaf Nimra , Idrees Atif , Ullah Muhammad Irfan , Arshad Muhammad , Afzal Ayesha , Afzal Muhammad , Rizwan Muhammad , Li Jun
Published: October 2022

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous insect pest of many important crops. To evaluate the influence of host plants on the biology and survival of the Pakistani population of S. frugiperda, we examined life table parameters of S. frugiperda raised on maize, sorghum, wheat, and rice. The development rate was significantly higher on the maize crop than on the other three host plants. Different larval diets affected development time and fecundity. S. frugiperda attained the fastest larval development (16 days) on maize and the slowest development (32.74 days) on rice. Adult females from maize-fed larvae laid 1088 eggs/female, those from sorghum-fed larvae laid 591.6 eggs/female, those from wheat-fed larvae laid 435.6 eggs/female, and those from rice-fed larvae laid 49.6 eggs/female. Age stage-specific parameters also indicated the higher fecundity, higher life expectancy, and higher survival of S. frugiperda on maize plants than on the other three hosts. Larval diets had a significant varying effect on the finite and intrinsic increase rates, reflecting that maize was the most suitable diet. The findings of the present study are useful for predicting population dynamics especially in areas cultivating Poaceae crops, except maize, to develop sustainable integrated pest management strategies for this pest.
Summation of Precordial R Wave Amplitudes, a Clinical Parameter for Detecting Early TTR Amyloidosis Cardiac Involvement
Authors: Isotani Yoshitaka , Amiya Eisuke , Ishida Junichi , Komuro Issei
Published: October 2022

There have been several reports on the identification of the stage of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM); however, a staging system for ATTR-CM has not yet been established. An 83-year-old woman was referred to our department about ten years ago. Recently, she was diagnosed with ATTR-CM. The electrocardiogram showed characteristic changes that take place over the duration of ATTR-CM progression. Among these, the precordial R amplitudes abruptly decreased before the development of increased ventricular thickness. This case suggested that the decrease in the precordial R wave amplitudes may represent a new diagnostic clue reflecting early myocardial damage due to ATTR-CM.
Volume Analysis to Predict the Long-Term Evolution of Residual Aortic Dissection after Type A Repair
Authors: Gaudry Marine , Guivier-Curien Carine , Blanchard Arnaud , Porto Alizée , Bal Laurence , Omnes Virgile , De Masi Mariangela , Lu Charlotte , Jacquier Alexis , Piquet Philippe , Deplano Valerie
Published: October 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the aortic diameter and volume during the first year after a type A repair to predict the long-term prognosis of a residual aortic dissection (RAD). Methods: All patients treated in our center for an acute type A dissection with a RAD and follow-up > 3 years were included. We defined two groups: group 1 with dissection-related events (defined as an aneurysmal evolution, distal reintervention, or aortic-related death) and group 2 without dissection-related events. The aortic diameters and volume analysis were evaluated on three postoperative CT scans: pre-discharge (T1), 3–6 months (T2) and 1 year (T3). Results: Between 2009 and 2016, 54 patients were included. Following a mean follow-up of 75.4 months (SD 31.5), the rate of dissection-related events was 62.9% (34/54). The total aortic diameters of the descending thoracic aorta were greater in group 1 at T1, T2 and T3, with greater diameters in the FL (p < 0.01). The aortic diameter evolution at 3 months was not predictive of long-term dissection-related events. The total thoracic aortic volume was significantly greater in group 1 at T1 (p < 0.01), T2 (p < 0.01), and T3 (p < 0.01). At 3 months, the increase in the FL volume was significantly greater in group 1 (p < 0.01) and was predictive for long-term dissection-related events. Conclusion: This study shows that an initial CT scan volume analysis coupled with another at 3 months is predictive for the long-term evolution in a RAD. Based on this finding, more aggressive treatment could be given at an earlier stage.
Clinical Research on Type 2 Diabetes: A Promising and Multifaceted Landscape
Authors: Gómez-Peralta Fernando , Abreu Cristina
Published: October 2022

Type 2 diabetes constitutes an imposing epidemiological, economic, and scientific global challenge [...]
Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Cleistocalyx operculatus Leaf Extract and Their Acute Oral Toxicity Study
Authors: Vu Tri Thien , Nguyen Phuong Thi Mai , Pham Ngan Hanh , Le Thanh Huu , Nguyen Tran Hung , Do Dinh Trung , La Duong Duc
Published: October 2022

Green synthesis has recently attracted extensive attention from scientists all over the world for the production of metal nanoparticles. Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) have been demonstrated as a suitable supplement nutrient for the replacement of selenium ions in terms of safety and efficiency. This work presented a friendly and facile approach to synthesize the Se NPs using polyphenols content in the Cleistocalyx operculatus (CO) leaves extract. The synthesizing conditions were optimized to obtain the Se NPs with uniform distribution and shape. The prepared Se NPs were well-characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy diffractive spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The resultant Se NPs were in spherical shape with the particle size in a range from 50–200 nm. The antimicrobial properties of Se NPs were investigated against Echerichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which showed reasonable activity. The acute oral toxicity of Se NPs in mice was also studied. The result indicated that Se NPs exhibited lower toxicity than that of SeO2 with the lethal concentration (50% death of mice) of 7.75 mg kg−1.
Management of Filamentous Fungal Keratitis: A Pragmatic Approach
Authors: Hoffman Jeremy J. , Arunga Simon , Mohamed Ahmed Abeer H. A. , Hu Victor H. , Burton Matthew J.
Published: October 2022

Filamentous fungal infections of the cornea known as filamentous fungal keratitis (FK) are challenging to treat. Topical natamycin 5% is usually first-line treatment following the results of several landmark clinical trials. However, even when treated intensively, infections may progress to corneal perforation. Current topical antifungals are not always effective and are often unavailable. Alternatives topical therapies to natamycin include voriconazole, chlorhexidine, amphotericin B and econazole. Surgical therapy, typically in the form of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, may be required for severe cases or following corneal perforation. Alternative treatment strategies such as intrastromal or intracameral injections of antifungals may be used. However, there is often no clear treatment strategy and the evidence to guide therapy is often lacking. This review describes the different treatment options and their evidence and provides a pragmatic approach to the management of fungal keratitis, particularly for clinicians working in tropical, low-resource settings where fungal keratitis is most prevalent.
Melanization of Candida auris Is Associated with Alteration of Extracellular pH
Authors: Smith Daniel F. Q. , Mudrak Nathan J. , Zamith-Miranda Daniel , Honorato Leandro , Nimrichter Leonardo , Chrissian Christine , Smith Barbara , Gerfen Gary , Stark Ruth E. , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: October 2022

Candida auris is a recently emerged global fungal pathogen, which causes life-threatening infections, often in healthcare settings. C. auris infections are worrisome because the fungus is often resistant to multiple antifungal drug classes. Furthermore, C. auris forms durable and difficult to remove biofilms. Due to the relatively recent, resilient, and resistant nature of C. auris, we investigated whether it produces the common fungal virulence factor melanin. Melanin is a black-brown pigment typically produced following enzymatic oxidation of aromatic precursors, which promotes fungal virulence through oxidative stress resistance, mammalian immune response evasion, and antifungal peptide and pharmaceutical inactivation. We found that certain strains of C. auris oxidized L-DOPA and catecholamines into melanin. Melanization occurred extracellularly in a process mediated by alkalinization of the extracellular environment, resulting in granule-like structures that adhere to the fungus’ external surface. C. auris had relatively high cell surface hydrophobicity, but there was no correlation between hydrophobicity and melanization. Melanin protected the fungus from oxidative damage, but we did not observe a protective role during infection of macrophages or Galleria mellonella larvae. In summary, C. auris alkalinizes the extracellular medium, which promotes the non-enzymatic oxidation of L-DOPA to melanin that attaches to its surface, thus illustrating a novel mechanism for fungal melanization.
Voriconazole Treatment Induces a Conserved Sterol/Pleiotropic Drug Resistance Regulatory Network, including an Alternative Ergosterol Biosynthesis Pathway, in the Clinically Important FSSC Species, Fusarium keratoplasticum
Authors: James Jasper E. , Santhanam Jacinta , Cannon Richard D. , Lamping Erwin
Published: October 2022

Fusarium keratoplasticum is the Fusarium species most commonly associated with human infections (fusariosis). Antifungal treatment of fusariosis is often hampered by limited treatment options due to resistance towards azole antifungals. The mechanisms of antifungal resistance and sterol biosynthesis in fusaria are poorly understood. Therefore, in this study we assessed the transcriptional response of F. keratoplasticum when exposed to voriconazole. Our results revealed a group of dramatically upregulated ergosterol biosynthesis gene duplicates, most notably erg6A (912-fold), cyp51A (52-fold) and ebp1 (20-fold), which are likely part of an alternative ergosterol biosynthesis salvage pathway. The presence of human cholesterol biosynthesis gene homologs in F. keratoplasticum (ebp1, dhcr7 and dhcr24_1, dhcr24_2 and dhcr24_3) suggests that additional sterol biosynthesis pathways may be induced in fusaria under other growth conditions or during host invasion. Voriconazole also induced the expression of a number of ABC efflux pumps. Further investigations suggested that the highly conserved master regulator of ergosterol biosynthesis, FkSR, and the pleiotropic drug resistance network that induces zinc-cluster transcription factor FkAtrR coordinate the response of FSSC species to azole antifungal exposure. In-depth genome mining also helped clarify the ergosterol biosynthesis pathways of moulds and provided a better understanding of antifungal drug resistance mechanisms in fusaria.
Risks of Carotid Artery Stenosis and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Calcium Kidney Stone: Assessment of Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers
Authors: Liu Chan-Jung , Jan Hau-Chern , Huang Ho-Shiang
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: To assess the clinical significance of preoperative inflammatory biomarkers combined with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score to evaluate carotid artery stenosis in patients with calcium kidney stones; (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective observational case-control study, enrolling 74 patients with calcium kidney stones and 66 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We calculated the inflammatory biomarkers including the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI). An ultrasound of the carotid arteries was performed on all participants to identify the severity of the stenosis; (3) Results: All inflammatory biomarkers and the severity of carotid artery stenosis were higher in the calcium kidney stone group than in controls. After stratification of ASCVD, inflammatory biomarkers and carotid artery stenosis severity were still significantly higher in the calcium kidney stone group. Multivariate analyses showed that calcium kidney stones significantly increased the risk of ASCVD and carotid artery stenosis. In multivariate linear logistic regression analyses, calcium kidney stone and ASCVD score had a significant association with carotid artery occlusion, but SIRI did not; (4) Conclusions: Calcium kidney stone is associated with higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers and carotid artery stenosis. Calcium kidney stone is associated with higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers and carotid artery stenosis.
The Impact of Intellectual Capital on Dynamic Innovation Performance: An Overview of Research Methodology
Authors: Ali Mostafa A. , Hussin Nazimah , Haddad Hossam , Al-Ramahi Nidal Mahmoud , Almubaydeen Tareq Hammad , Abed Ibtihal A.
Published: October 2022

Research technique is a critical component of every study, and, therefore, determining the method of research is a crucial step in that process. This paper serves as an introduction to the design of an investigation method for the impacts of intellectual capital on dynamic innovation performance. It discussed the research paradigm from a wide context encompassing various domains mentioned in the literature. Subsequently, the validity, accuracy, and advantages of the chosen research instrument were thoroughly discussed, from the questionnaire’s design and structure through the final stage of analysis for all variables. Three sections of this paper encompassed the explanations of the procedures for sampling design that had been set up to achieve the proposed research objectives. In addition, trustworthiness was acquired through deploying experts and piloting the method throughout an experimental context. The procedures of data collection and data cleaning had been presented. Finally, the last two sections emphasized the data analysis and moderator procedures in the present research methodological context.
Attitudes and Perceptions of Community Gardens: Making a Place for Them in Our Neighborhoods
Authors: Kordon Sinan , Miller Patrick A. , Bohannon Cermetrius L.
Published: October 2022

Although community gardens provide numerous economic, environmental, and social benefits, some have been lost to other land uses due to the lack of organized and effective public support. Knowledge about people’s attitudes and perceptions towards these landscapes is important to achieve greater public support. This study used a scene rating survey to investigate attitudes and perceptions of four different groups (community gardeners, community and home gardeners, home gardeners, and non-gardeners) in Roanoke, Virginia. Content analysis, factor analysis, descriptive statistics, customized Kruskal- Wallis test (ANOVA) and content identifying method (CIM) procedures were used. All statistical analyses were completed at a 95% significance level using SPSS version 21. Results showed that there are seven dimensions important to participants’ preferences in community gardens including “Gathering and Seating”, “Plots with Boundaries”, “Focal Points”, “Plots without Boundaries”, Garden Entrance”, Untidy Space”, and “Composting Structures”. Excluding the “Gathering and Seating” dimension, a significant difference was detected between participant groups. Based on these dimensions, this study provides design recommendations for community garden projects to minimize possible opposition between gardeners and non-gardeners and to develop more successful community garden programs for the long-term survival of these landscapes in cities.
On Path Diagrams and the Neurophenomenal Field in Bilinguals
Authors: Green David William
Published: October 2022

Conversation is a major site for our use of language. Each conversation elicits a distinct subjective experience: a specific and dynamic phenomenal field, and it is this field that controls our communicative actions. We cannot hope to understand the neural bases of conversation without relating these to the phenomenal field. We need a neurophenomenology of the bilingual speaker. I propose and illustrate an approach involving path diagrams together with retrospective experience sampling to capture the richness of the phenomenal field as a speaker talks through an issue of concern, and relate this process to large-scale attentional networks. The proposal offers a general approach to developing a neurophenomenology of the bilingual speaker and listener.
Emergence Simulation of Biological Cell-like Shapes Satisfying the Conditions of Life Using a Lattice-Type Multiset Chemical Model
Authors: Ishida Takeshi
Published: October 2022

Although numerous reports using methods such as molecular dynamics, cellular automata, and artificial chemistry have clarified the process connecting non-life and life on protocell simulations, none of the models could simultaneously explain the emergence of cell shape, continuous self-replication, and replication control solely from molecular reactions and diffusion. Herein, we developed a model to generate all three conditions, except evolution ability, from hypothetical chains of chemical and molecular polymerization reactions. The present model considers a 2D lattice cell space, where virtual molecules are placed in each cell, and molecular reactions in each cell are based on a multiset rewriting rule, indicating stochastic transition of molecular species. The reaction paths of virtual molecules were implemented by replacing the rules of cellular automata that generate Turing patterns with molecular reactions. The emergence of a cell-like form with all three conditions except evolution ability was modeled and demonstrated using only molecular diffusion, reaction, and polymerization for modeling the chemical reactions of 15 types of molecules and 2 types of polymerized molecules. Furthermore, controlling self-replication is possible by changing the initial arrangement of a specific molecule. In summary, the present model is capable of investigating and refining existing hypotheses on the emergence of life.
Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) (Asian Silver Carp) Presence in Danube Delta and Romania—A Review with Data on Natural Reproduction
Authors: Jawdhari Abdulhusein , Mihăilescu Dan , Fendrihan Sergiu , Jujea Valentin , Stoilov-Linu Valeriu , Negrea Bogdan-Mihai
Published: October 2022

The Danube River has a large hydrographical basin, being the second largest river in Europe. The main channel flows through seven European countries with many species of fish inhabiting it. In this review we focused on the invasive species silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), which plays an important ecological and economic role in its original habitat, but since introduced in Europe’s rivers, the species has posed a serious ecological risk under global warming. In this review paper, we gathered data regarding silver carp, such as when and how it entered the Danube Delta and the water temperature suitable for its growth and reproduction, mainly in the context of global warming, as well as the nature of nutrition and the ecological risk the species poses.
Numerical Study on Laser Shock Peening of Pure Al Correlating with Laser Shock Wave
Authors: Wang Mingxiao , Wang Cheng , Tao Xinrong , Zhou Yuhao
Published: October 2022

Laser shock peening (LSP) is an innovative and promising surface strengthening technique of metallic materials. The LSP-induced plastic deformation, the compressive residual stresses and the microstructure evolution are essentially attributed to the laser plasma-induced shock wave. A three-dimensional finite element model in conjunction with the dislocation density-based constitutive model was developed to simulate the LSP of pure Al correlating with the LSP-induced shock wave, and the predicted in-depth residual stresses are in reasonable agreement with the experiment results. The LSP-induced shock wave associated with the laser spot diameter of 8.0 mm propagates in the form of the plane wave, and attenuates exponentially. At the same time, the propagation and attenuation of the LSP-induced shock wave associated with the laser spot diameter of 0.8 mm are in the form of the spherical wave. The reflection of the LSP-induced shock wave at the bottom surface of the target model increases the plastic deformation of the target bottom, resulting in the increase of dislocation density and the decrease of dislocation cell size accordingly. Reducing the target thickness can significantly increase the reflection times of the LSP-induced shock wave at the bottom and top surfaces of the target model, which is considered to be conductive to the generation of the compressive residual stress field and grain refinement.
Bubble Evolution under the Action of Polycarboxylate and Air-Entraining Agent and Its Effects on Concrete Properties—A Review
Authors: Xiang Shuncheng , Tan Yansheng , Gao Yingli , Jiang Zhen , Liu Bin , Zeng Wei
Published: October 2022

In order to improve the performance of concrete, it is of great significance to have a better understanding the mechanism and main influencing factors of concrete bubble evolution under the action of polycarboxylate and air-entraining agents. In the present review, with respect to the generation, growth, stability, and rupture of concrete bubbles under the action of polycarboxylate and air-entraining agents, this paper discusses the influence of bubble characteristics on concrete performance and studies bubble regulation by air-entraining agents and polycarboxylate (PCE) superplasticizer. The results show that the acid-to-ether ratio, sulfonic acid group, ester group, and the type of air entraining agent of the polycarboxylate acid structure have a significant impact on the bubbles. The bubble size, specific area, spacing factor, and bubble content have a significant impact on the rheological properties and related mechanical properties of fresh concrete and also affect the appearance quality of concrete. The problems with the experimental methods and theoretical models of concrete bubble research were analyzed, and future research ideas were put forward.
Improving Corrosion and Photocatalytic Properties of Composite Oxide Layer Fabricated by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation with NaAlO2
Authors: Fatimah Siti , Nashrah Nisa , Tekin Kadir , Ko Young Gun
Published: October 2022

The present work dealt with the development of a protective and functional oxide layer via one-step plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) on pure titanium by employing highly concentrated aluminate solution in a short processing time. A compositional analysis showed that Al2TiO5 active compound was formed successfully by means of Al2O3 incorporation when TiO2 was spontaneously developed with the aid of plasma swarms. The electrochemical performance showed the protective and functional capabilities of the layer, which was attributed to the respective amounts of Al2O3 and Al2TiO5. Such capabilities were achieved in a short processing time, thus reducing the total production cost.
Nanophotosensitizers Composed of Phenyl Boronic Acid Pinacol Ester-Conjugated Chitosan Oligosaccharide via Thioketal Linker for Reactive Oxygen Species-Sensitive Delivery of Chlorin e6 against Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Hong Sung-Ok , Kook Min-Suk , Jeong Young-IL , Park Min-Ju , Yang Seong-Won , Kim Byung-Hoon
Published: October 2022

Chlorin E6 (Ce6)-incorporated nanophotosensitizers were fabricated for application in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of oral cancer cells. For this purpose, chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) was conjugated with hydrophobic and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive moieties, such as phenyl boronic acid pinacol ester (PBAP) via a thioketal linker (COSthPBAP). ThdCOOH was conjugated with PBAP to produce ThdCOOH-PBAP conjugates and then attached to amine groups of COS to produce a COSthPBAP copolymer. Ce6-incorporated nanophotosensitizers using the COSthPBAP copolymer were fabricated through the nanoprecipitation and dialysis methods. The Ce6-incorporated COSthPBAP nanophotosensitizers had a small diameter of less than 200 nm with a mono-modal distribution pattern. However, it became a multimodal and/or irregular distribution pattern when H2O2 was added. In a morphological observation using TEM, the nanophotosensitizers were disintegrated by the addition of H2O2, indicating that the COSthPBAP nanophotosensitizers had ROS sensitivity. In addition, the Ce6 release rate from the COSthPBAP nanophotosensitizers accelerated in the presence of H2O2. The SO generation was also higher in the nanophotosensitizers than in the free Ce6. Furthermore, the COSthPBAP nanophotosensitizers showed a higher intracellular Ce6 uptake ratio and ROS generation in all types of oral cancer cells. They efficiently inhibited the viability of oral cancer cells under light irradiation, but they did not significantly affect the viability of either normal cells or cancer cells in the absence of light irradiation. The COSthPBAP nanophotosensitizers showed a tumor-specific delivery capacity and fluorescence imaging of KB tumors in an in vivo animal tumor imaging study. We suggest that COSthPBAP nanophotosensitizers are promising candidates for the imaging and treatment of oral cancers.
Alloying Elements Effect on the Recrystallization Process in Magnesium-Rich Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Aryshenskii Vladimir , Grechnikov Fedor , Aryshenskii Evgenii , Erisov Yaroslav , Konovalov Sergey , Tepterev Maksim , Kuzin Alexander
Published: October 2022

This paper addresses the study of the complex effect of alloying elements (magnesium, manganese, copper and zirconium) on changes in magnesium-rich aluminum alloy composition, fine and coarse particle size and number, recrystallization characteristics and mechanical properties. The data obtained made it possible to analyze change in the chemical composition, sizes of intermetallic compounds and dispersoids depending on alloying elements content. The effect of the chemical composition on the driving force and the number of recrystallization nuclei was studied. It was established that the addition of alloying elements leads to grain refinement, including through the activation of a particle-stimulated nucleation mechanism. As a result, with Mg increase from 4 to 5%, addition of 0.5% Mn and 0.5% Cu, the grain size decreased from 72 to 15 µm. Grain refinement occurred due to an increase in the number of particle-stimulated nuclei, the number of which at minimal alloying rose from 3.47 × 1011 to 81.2 × 1011 with the maximum concentration of Mg, Mn, Cu additives. The retarding force of recrystallization, which in the original alloy was 1.57 × 10−3 N/m2, increased to 5.49 × 10−3 N/m2 at maximum alloying. The influence of copper was especially noticeable, the introduction of 0.5% increasing the retarding force of recrystallization by 2.39 × 10−3 N/m2. This is due to the fact that copper has the most significant effect on the size and number of intermetallic particles. It was established that strength increase without ductility change occurs when magnesium, manganese and copper content increases.