bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing Mechanisms of Binding and Allostery in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron Variant Complexes with the Host Receptor: Revealing Functional Roles of the Binding Hotspots in Mediating Epistatic Effects and Communication with Allosteric Pockets
Authors: Verkhivker Gennady , Agajanian Steve , Kassab Ryan , Krishnan Keerthi
Published: September 2022

In this study, we performed all-atom MD simulations of RBD–ACE2 complexes for BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, and BA.3 Omicron subvariants, conducted a systematic mutational scanning of the RBD–ACE2 binding interfaces and analysis of electrostatic effects. The binding free energy computations of the Omicron RBD–ACE2 complexes and comprehensive examination of the electrostatic interactions quantify the driving forces of binding and provide new insights into energetic mechanisms underlying evolutionary differences between Omicron variants. A systematic mutational scanning of the RBD residues determines the protein stability centers and binding energy hotpots in the Omicron RBD–ACE2 complexes. By employing the ensemble-based global network analysis, we propose a community-based topological model of the Omicron RBD interactions that characterized functional roles of the Omicron mutational sites in mediating non-additive epistatic effects of mutations. Our findings suggest that non-additive contributions to the binding affinity may be mediated by R493, Y498, and Y501 sites and are greater for the Omicron BA.1.1 and BA.2 complexes that display the strongest ACE2 binding affinity among the Omicron subvariants. A network-centric adaptation model of the reversed allosteric communication is unveiled in this study, which established a robust connection between allosteric network hotspots and potential allosteric binding pockets. Using this approach, we demonstrated that mediating centers of long-range interactions could anchor the experimentally validated allosteric binding pockets. Through an array of complementary approaches and proposed models, this comprehensive and multi-faceted computational study revealed and quantified multiple functional roles of the key Omicron mutational site R493, R498, and Y501 acting as binding energy hotspots, drivers of electrostatic interactions as well as mediators of epistatic effects and long-range communications with the allosteric pockets.
An Adversarial Attack Method against Specified Objects Based on Instance Segmentation
Authors: Lang Dapeng , Chen Deyun , Li Sizhao , He Yongjun
Published: September 2022

The deep model is widely used and has been demonstrated to have more hidden security risks. An adversarial attack can bypass the traditional means of defense. By modifying the input data, the attack on the deep model is realized, and it is imperceptible to humans. The existing adversarial example generation methods mainly attack the whole image. The optimization iterative direction is easy to predict, and the attack flexibility is low. For more complex scenarios, this paper proposes an edge-restricted adversarial example generation algorithm (Re-AEG) based on semantic segmentation. The algorithm can attack one or more specific objects in the image so that the detector cannot detect the objects. First, the algorithm automatically locates the attack objects according to the application requirements. Through the semantic segmentation algorithm, the attacked object is separated and the mask matrix for the object is generated. The algorithm proposed in this paper can attack the object in the region, converge quickly and successfully deceive the deep detection model. The algorithm only hides some sensitive objects in the image, rather than completely invalidating the detection model and causing reported errors, so it has higher concealment than the previous adversarial example generation algorithms. In this paper, a comparative experiment is carried out on ImageNet and coco2017 datasets, and the attack success rate is higher than 92%.
Human Consumption of Insects in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lepidoptera and Potential Species for Breeding
Authors: Numbi Muya Gloria Marceline , Mutiaka Bienvenu Kambashi , Bindelle Jérôme , Francis Frédéric , Caparros Megido Rudy
Published: September 2022

There are 472 edible insect species in sub-Saharan Africa, of which 31% are Lepidoptera. Wild harvesting is still the main source of supply for these prized species to this day, with some harvesting techniques negatively impacting the environment. The successful production of edible caterpillars requires the appropriate and efficient implementation of husbandry techniques and practices. In this review, we present current literature on edible caterpillars. We provide a general overview of their life history, nutritional composition, and availability associated with specific host plants, with emphasis on semi-domestication and rearing practices that should replace wild harvest. Based on the assimilated information, a proposal of potential species for farming is provided, with details on key characteristics of development cycles to promote the establishment and development of sustainable farms of edible caterpillars at small and large scales. Such advances would contribute toward reducing anthropological pressure related to the exploitation of these food resources, as well as the environmental footprint of this widespread practice.
Characterization of Resistance to the Mexican Rice Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) among Sugarcane Cultivars
Authors: Salgado Leonardo D. , Wilson Blake E. , Penn Hannah J. , Richard Randy T. , Way Michael O.
Published: September 2022

Cultivar resistance is an essential management strategy for the Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar), in sugarcane in the USA, but resistance mechanisms are poorly understood. Resistance was evaluated among Louisiana’s (USA) commercial sugarcane cultivars and experimental clones through field screenings, greenhouse trials, and a diet incorporation assay. Cultivars L 01-299 and HoCP 85-845 had the lowest borer injury levels, while HoCP 00-950 and L 12-201 were among the most heavily injured in field and greenhouse trials. The variability of results between the two field trials suggests that a genotype × environment interaction might affect the expression of resistance. Oviposition did not differ among evaluated cultivars in the greenhouse choice study. Results from the no-choice experiment showed that neonatal establishment differed among cultivars by up to 3-fold. In a diet incorporation assay, all cultivars reduced larval weight up to 86.5% and increased days to pupation by 1.8-fold relative to the diet-only control. Collectively, these results suggest that Louisiana’s sugarcane breeding germplasm contains various resistance levels to E. loftini, emphasizing the importance of screening cultivars before they are released to growers. Future studies should try to determine the influence of environmental factors on resistance expression.
Genetic Testing for a Patient with Suspected 3 Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A Case of Unreported Genetic Variants
Authors: Menegatti Elisa , Tessaris Daniele , Barinotti Alice , Matarazzo Patrizia , Einaudi Silvia
Published: September 2022

3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II deficiency (HSD3B2 deficiency), a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), is characterized by varying degrees of salt loss and incomplete masculinization in males and mild virilization or normal external genitalia in females. We report the case of a patient (46XY) showing salt loss and incomplete masculinization, markedly elevated levels of 17OHP (17 hydroxyprogesterone), ACTH (Adreno Cortico Tropic Hormone), testosterone and delta4androstenedione (delta4A), low levels of cortisol and absence of bone skeletal alterations that frequently characterize POR (Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase) deficiency. Mutation analysis by Sanger sequencing of the HSD3B2 gene showed that the patient presented with a compound heterozygote for two novel variants c.370A>G p.Ser124Gly and c.308-6 G>A. The two HSD3B2 gene variants were also present in the patient’s older brother showing only incomplete masculinization. The in silico analysis revealed a probable damaging effect of c.370A>G p.Ser124Gly: residue p.Ser124 is highly conserved among species and seems to be located in the catalytic site of the enzyme, playing a pivotal role in NAD(H) binding to its substrate. Intronic c.308-6G>A variant is predicted to be likely pathogenic; the substitution seems to cause a change in the splice acceptor site located 6bp downstream of the variant. The two siblings seem to be affected by 3β-HSD2 deficiency; nevertheless, the two novel variants are likely to cause variable expressivity of the disease.
Risk Factors for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Leading to Increased In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Undergoing Thoracotomy for Primary Lung Cancer Resection: A Multicentre Retrospective Cohort Study of the German Thorax Registry
Authors: Baar Wolfgang , Semmelmann Axel , Knoerlein Julian , Weber Frederike , Heinrich Sebastian , Loop Torsten
Published: September 2022

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) represent the most frequent complications after lung surgery, and they increase postoperative mortality. This study investigated the incidence of PPCs, in-hospital mortality rate, and risk factors leading to PPCs in patients undergoing open thoracotomy lung resections (OTLRs) for primary lung cancer. The data from 1426 patients in this multicentre retrospective study were extracted from the German Thorax Registry and presented after univariate and multivariate statistical processing. A total of 472 patients showed at least one PPC. The presence of two PPCs was associated with a significantly increased mortality rate of 7% (p < 0.001) compared to that of patients without or with a single PPC. Three or more PPCs increased the mortality rate to 33% (p < 0.001). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed male gender (OR 1.4), age > 60 years (OR 1.8), and current or previous smoking (OR 1.6), while the pre-operative risk factors were still CRP levels > 3 mg/dl (OR 1.7) and FEV1 < 60% (OR 1.4). Procedural independent risk factors for PPCs were: duration of surgery exceeding 195 min (OR 1.6), the amount of intraoperative blood loss (OR 1.6), partial ligation of the pulmonary artery (OR 1.5), continuing invasive ventilation after surgery (OR 2.9), and infusion of intraoperative crystalloids exceeding 6 mL/kg/h (OR 1.9). The incidence of PPCs was significantly lower in patients with continuous epidural or paravertebral analgesia (OR 0.7). Optimising perioperative management by implementing continuous neuroaxial techniques and optimised fluid therapy may reduce the incidence of PPCs and associated mortality.
Effects of DPP4 Inhibitor in Platelet Reactivity and Other Cardiac Risk Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Genestreti Paulo , Furtado Remo , Salsoso Rocio , Dalçóquio Talia , Franci Andre , Menezes Fernando , Caporrino Cesar , Ferrari Aline , Nakashima Carlos , Scanavini Filho Marco , Lima Felipe , Giraldez Roberto , Baracioli Luciano , Nicolau Jose
Published: September 2022

Background: The management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) presents several challenges in patients with diabetes, among them the higher rate of recurrent thrombotic events, hyperglycemia and risk of subsequent heart failure (HF). The objective of our study was to evaluate effects of DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) on platelet reactivity (main objective) and cardiac risk markers. Methods: We performed a single-center double-blind randomized trial. A total of 70 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with AMI Killip ≤2 on dual-antiplatelet therapy (aspirin plus clopidogrel) were randomized to receive sitagliptin 100 mg or saxagliptin 5 mg daily or matching placebo. Platelet reactivity was assessed at baseline, 4 days (primary endpoint) and 30 days (secondary endpoint) after randomization, using VerifyNow Aspirin™ assay, expressed as aspirin reaction units (ARUs); B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in pg/mL was assessed at baseline and 30 days after (secondary endpoint). Results: Mean age was 62.6 ± 8.8 years, 45 (64.3%) male, and 52 (74.3%) of patients presented with ST-segment elevation MI. For primary endpoint, there were no differences in mean platelet reactivity (p = 0.51) between the DPP-4i (8.00 {−65.00; 63.00}) and placebo (−14.00 {−77.00; 52.00}) groups, as well in mean BNP levels (p = 0.14) between DPP-4i (−36.00 {−110.00; 15.00}) and placebo (−13.00 {−50.00; 27.00}). There was no difference between groups in cardiac adverse events. Conclusions: DPP4 inhibitor did not reduce platelet aggregation among patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized with AMI. Moreover, the use of DPP-4i did not show an increase in BNP levels or in the incidence of cardiac adverse events. These findings suggests that DPP-4i could be an option for management of T2DM patients with acute MI.
Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Direct Acting Antivirals
Authors: Ramadan Mohammad Said , Boccia Filomena , Moretto Simona Maria , De Gregorio Fabrizio , Gagliardi Massimo , Iossa Domenico , Durante-Mangoni Emanuele , Zampino Rosa
Published: September 2022

Background: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with hepatic and extrahepatic complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effects of sustained virological response (SVR) and liver fibrosis on CVD risk are not well established. Aims: We aim to assess the dynamics of Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease 2013 (ASCVD) scores up to three years after direct acting antivirals (DAA) treatment and explore the time-dependent association between the two scores. Methods: We included consecutive CHC patients treated with DAA and followed up with them for three years. Outcomes were changes from baseline (before DAA) in ASCVD and FIB-4 scores, measured at the end of treatment, 12-, 24-, and 36-months follow-up. Results: In total, 91 patients with CHC were finally included (median age: 66 years (IQR = 58–72 years); 43% females). Median follow-up was 2 years (1–3 years) and all patients reached SVR. The ASCVD score did not significantly change from baseline (Mean = 17.2%, 95% CI 14.1, 20.3), but the FIB-4 score significantly decreased at any time-point by an average of 0.8 (95% CI 0.78, 0.82, p < 0.001). Elevated FIB-4 scores at one (β = 1.16, p < 0.001) and three years (β = 2.52, p < 0.001) were associated with an increased ASCVD score. Clinically, two participants- with non-decreasing FIB-4 scores after treatment- had acute coronary syndrome at the end of treatment and one year follow-up, respectively. Conclusions: In our study, we found that FIB-4 and ASCVD scores exhibited a positive correlation irrespective of time-point after treatment. Larger studies are essential to further investigate the utility of FIB-4 scores in cardiovascular risk assessment.
The Role of Intraperitoneal Intraoperative Chemotherapy with Paclitaxel in the Surgical Treatment of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Ovarian Cancer—Hyperthermia versus Normothermia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Casado-Adam Angela , Rodriguez-Ortiz Lidia , Rufian-Peña Sebastian , Muñoz-Casares Cristobal , Caro-Cuenca Teresa , Ortega-Salas Rosa , Fernandez-Peralbo Maria Auxiliadora , Luque-de-Castro Maria Dolores , Sanchez-Hidalgo Juan M. , Hervas-Martinez Cesar , Romero-Ruiz Antonio , Briceño Javier , Arjona-Sánchez Álvaro
Published: September 2022

Background: The treatment of ovarian carcinomatosis with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC is still controversial. The effect and pharmacokinetics of the chemotherapeutics used (especially taxanes) are currently under consideration. Methods: A phase II, simple blind and randomized controlled trial (NTC02739698) was performed. The trial included 32 patients with primary or recurrent ovarian carcinomatosis undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy with paclitaxel (PTX): 16 in hyperthermic (42–43 °C) and 16 in normothermic (37 °C) conditions. Tissue, serum and plasma samples were taken in every patient before and after intraperitoneal chemotherapy to measure the concentration of PTX. To analyze the immunohistochemical profile of p53, p27, p21, ki67, PCNA and caspase-3 and the pathological response, a scale of intensity and percentage of expression and a grouped Miller and Payne system were used, respectively. Perioperative characteristics and morbi-mortality were also analyzed. Results: The main characteristics of patients, surgical morbidity, hemotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were similar in both groups. The concentration of paclitaxel in the tissue was higher than that observed in plasma and serum, although no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. No statistically significant association regarding pathological response and apoptosis (caspase-3) between both groups was proved. There were no statistically significant differences between the normothermic and the hyperthermic group for pathological response and apoptosis. Conclusions: The use of intraperitoneal PTX has proven adequate pharmacokinetics with reduction of cell cycle and proliferation markers globally without finding statistically significant differences between its administration under hyperthermia versus normothermia conditions.
Intra Articular Injection of Autologous Microfat and Platelets-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Wrist Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mayoly Alice , Witters Marie , Jouve Elisabeth , Bec Cécilia , Iniesta Aurélie , Kachouh Najib , Veran Julie , Grimaud Fanny , Zavarro Anouck Coulange , Fernandez Rémi , Bendahan David , Giraudo Laurent , Dumoulin Chloé , Chagnaud Christophe , Casanova Dominique , Sabatier Florence , Legré Régis , Jaloux Charlotte , Magalon Jérémy
Published: September 2022

No injection treatment has been proven to be effective in wrist osteoarthritis. When conservative measures fail, its management involves invasive surgery. Emergence of biotherapies based on adipose derived stem cells (ADSC) offers promising treatments for chondral degenerative diseases. Microfat (MF) and platelets-rich plasma (PRP) mixture, rich in growth factors and ADSC could be a minimally invasive injectable option in the treatment of wrist osteoarthritis. The aim of this uncontrolled prospective study was to evaluate the safety of a 4 mL autologous MF-PRP intra-articular injection, performed under local anesthesia. The secondary purpose was to describe the clinical and MRI results at 12 months of follow-up. Patients’ data collected were: occurrence of adverse effects, Visual analog scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores, wrist strength, wrist range of motion and 5-level satisfaction scale. No serious adverse event was recorded. A statistically significant decrease in pain, DASH, PRWE and force was observed at each follow-up. Our preliminary results suggest that intra-articular autologous MF and PRP injection may be a new therapeutic strategy for wrist osteoarthritis resistant to medical symptomatic treatment prior to surgical interventions.
Antibacterial Adhesion Strategy for Dental Titanium Implant Surfaces: From Mechanisms to Application
Authors: Yu Jingwei , Zhou Minghao , Zhang Luxuan , Wei Hongbo
Published: September 2022

Dental implants are widely used to restore missing teeth because of their stability and comfort characteristics. Peri-implant infection may lead to implant failure and other profound consequences. It is believed that peri-implantitis is closely related to the formation of biofilms, which are difficult to remove once formed. Therefore, endowing titanium implants with anti-adhesion properties is an effective method to prevent peri-implant infection. Moreover, anti-adhesion strategies for titanium implant surfaces are critical steps for resisting bacterial adherence. This article reviews the process of bacterial adhesion, the material properties that may affect the process, and the anti-adhesion strategies that have been proven effective and promising in practice. This article intends to be a reference for further improvement of the antibacterial adhesion strategy in clinical application and for related research on titanium implant surfaces.
Contemporary Biomarkers in Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis: Moving beyond D-Dimers
Authors: Gkana Androniki , Papadopoulou Androniki , Mermiri Maria , Beltsios Eleftherios , Chatzis Dimitrios , Malli Foteini , Adamou Antonis , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Mavrovounis Georgios , Pantazopoulos Ioannis
Published: September 2022

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rather common cardiovascular disorder constituting one of the major manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE). It is associated with high mortality and substantial recurrence rates, and its diagnosis may be challenging, especially in patients with respiratory comorbidities. Therefore, providing a prompt and accurate diagnosis for PE through developing highly sensitive and specific diagnostic algorithms would be of paramount importance. There is sound evidence supporting the use of biomarkers to enhance the diagnosis and predict the recurrence risk in patients with PE. Therefore, several novel biomarkers, such as factor VIII, Ischemia Modified Albumin, and fibrinogen, as well as several MicroRNAs and microparticles, have been investigated for the diagnosis of this clinical entity. The present review targets to comprehensively present the literature regarding the novel diagnostic biomarkers for PE, as well as to discuss the evidence for their use in daily routine.
Systemic Resistance Induction of Potato and Tobacco Plants against Potato Virus Y by Klebsiella oxytoca
Authors: Elsharkawy Mohsen Mohamed , Alotibi Fatimah O. , Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , Adnan Muhammad , Kamran Muhammad , Abdelkhalek Ahmed , Behiry Said I. , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Ahmad Abdelmonim Ali , Khedr Amr Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Potato Virus Y (PVY) is a serious potato disease that may significantly decrease potato production. To suppress potato virus infection, several measures have been undertaken. The utilization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria is one of these methods. Biochar soil treatment is believed to provide plants with a number of advantages, including increased plant growth and the development of systemic resistance to a variety of plant diseases. The goal of this research was to see whether adding biochar and Klebsiella oxytoca to the soil might cause PVY resistance and enhance the involved mechanisms in PVY resistance. Potato and tobacco seedlings treated with Klebsiella oxytoca and biochar exhibited the same impact of significant symptom reduction, with complete negative ELISA findings, supporting the antiviral activity of K. oxytoca and biochar. Furthermore, owing to the connection between the ISR implicated substrates, significant amounts of polyphenol oxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were observed in treated plants, with the same behavior as defense genes expression levels. It may be a step forward in the development of biochar and K. oxytoca as potential environmentally friendly disease control strategies against PVY.
Association between Patient- and Partner-Reported Sleepiness Using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Authors: Chaidas Konstantinos , Lamprou Kallirroi , Stradling John R. , Nickol Annabel H.
Published: September 2022

Excessive daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is often measured differently by patients and their partners. This study investigated the association between patient- and partner-completed Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores and a potential correlation with OSA severity. One hundred two participants, 51 patients and 51 partners, completed the ESS before and three months after initiating CPAP treatment. There was no significant difference when comparing patients’ and partners’ ESS scores at baseline (10.75 ± 5.29 vs. 11.47 ± 4.96, respectively) and at follow-up (6.04 ± 4.49 vs. 6.41 ± 4.60, respectively). There was a strong correlation between patients’ and partners’ ESS scores on both (baseline and follow-up) assessments (p < 0.001). There was significant improvement in patients’ and partners’ ESS scores after CPAP therapy (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in patients’ or partners’ ESS scores between patients with mild, moderate or severe OSA. There was no significant correlation between oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and ESS score reported either by patient or by partner. In conclusion, our study revealed a strong correlation between patient- and partner-reported ESS scores. However, neither patient- nor partner-completed ESS scores were associated with OSA severity.
Nanopowders of Different Chemical Composition Added to Industrial Lubricants and Their Impact on Wear Resistance of Steel Friction Pairs
Authors: Kosarchuk Valerii , Chausov Mykola , Pylypenko Andrii , Tverdomed Volodymyr , Maruschak Pavlo , Menou Abdellah
Published: September 2022

The authors have previously proposed and tested a method for increasing the wear resistance of heavy-loaded friction pairs by saturating industrial lubricants with the metallic nanopowder of the friction pair’s component that has a lower hardness. To confirm the effectiveness of this concept, this paper presents the results of experimental investigations into the tribological characteristics of two medium carbon steels (rail steel K74 and structural steel 20) during sliding friction. Friction surfaces lubricated with compositions based on the Bio Rail industrial lubricant were saturated with nanopowder additives of copper, carbon, and magnesium alloy, as well as K74 and 20 steels. The research findings indicate that lubricants saturated with nanomaterials of K74 and 20 steels help achieve the highest wear resistance, as compared to lubricants based on pure grease and lubricating compositions based on copper, magnesium alloy and carbon powders. The test results confirmed that the mean friction coefficient of the rail steel remained at the level of 0.25 for three hours of operation, which is optimal for the “wheel–rail” friction pair. The proposed method of manufacturing lubricating compositions can be used to improve the efficiency of lubrication of railway rails and rolling stock wheels.
Analysis of the Tribological and Dynamic Performance of the Self-Adapting Water-Lubricated Stern Bearing
Authors: He Tao , Xie Zhongliang , Tao Xin , Yang Kang , Jiao Jian , Huang Minli , Ma Wensheng
Published: September 2022

According to the design requirements of load equalization and vibration reduction for the stern bearing, a water-lubricated stern bearing with self-adaptation capacity is proposed. The bearing is mainly composed of three parts: the bearing bush, the elastic element, and the damping alloy. The elastic element is used to realize static and dynamic load sharing of the stern bearing, reduce the edge effect of the stern bearing, and make the contact pressure evenly distributed in the axial direction, thereby improving the service life of the bearing and reducing the frictional excitation of the bearing. Damping alloy is used to attenuate the shaft vibration transmission from the bearing to the foundation to optimize the vibration transmission characteristics. The revised lubrication models for such bearings are put forward. By analyzing the vibration characteristics of the stern bearing, the results show that the vibration transmission characteristics of the thruster excited to the bearing node are optimized, and the vibration response at the first-order fixed frequency is significantly reduced. A moderate increase in the support stiffness of the foundation can significantly reduce the vibration response of the bearing.
Investigation on Microstructures and High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance of Cr Coatings on Zircaloy-4 by Multi-Arc Ion Plating Technology
Authors: Peng Yingbo , Du Peinan , Liu Yuxi , Wang Haijiang , Liu Shuyu , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2022

Introducing the oxidation-resistant coating on Zr alloy is considered to be one of the potential solutions for accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) materials. In this study, pure Cr coatings were prepared on a Zircaloy-4 (Zry-4) alloy surface by multi-arc ion plating under different process parameters. The ability of Cr coating on Zry-4 alloy cladding to improve the oxidation resistance to prevent a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) was studied. The microstructure of Cr coating was analyzed using the EBSD technique, and the high-temperature steam oxidation was tested at 800, 1000 and 1200 °C. Compared with the original Zry-4 alloy, the samples with Cr coatings exhibited much better oxidation resistance under different high-temperature steam oxidation conditions. However, the Cr coating exhibited columnar grain, strong preferred orientation and (001) fiber texture. The columnar grain boundaries provided paths for the diffusion of oxygen atoms to the Zry-4 alloy matrix at high temperatures. The results showed that the oxidation film of Cr coating with relatively random grain orientation was compact and uniform and exhibited the best oxidation resistance at high temperatures.
Experimental Study of a Compact Microwave Applicator for Evaporation of Airflow-Entrained Droplets
Authors: Camacho Hernandez Jesus Nain , Link Guido , Schubert Markus , Hampel Uwe
Published: September 2022

In many energy and process engineering systems where fluids are processed, droplet-laden gas flows may occur. As droplets are often detrimental to the system’s operation, they need to be removed. Compact engineering solutions for the removal of entrained droplets are difficult to achieve with conventional flow control and heat transfer approaches and thus droplet removal devices are hence often costly and bulky. In this study, we analyzed the potential of a compact technology based on droplet capture and in situ evaporation by microwave heating. For that, we designed a microwave applicator containing a porous droplet separator for capturing and evaporating droplets. The application of open-cell ceramic foams as filter medium reduced 99.9% of the volumetric flow of droplets, while additional microwave exposure increases reduction to 99.99%. In addition, microwave-heated foams prevent droplet re-entrainment and structure-borne liquid accumulation within foams, thus avoiding water clogging and flooding.
Evaluation of Magnesium-Phosphate Particle Incorporation into Co-Electrospun Chitosan-Elastin Membranes for Skin Wound Healing
Authors: Bryan Alex , Wales Ethan , Vedante Samarth , Blanquer Andreu , Neupane Dipesh , Mishra Sanjay , Bačáková Lucie , Fujiwara Tomoko , Jennings Jessica Amber , Bumgardner Joel D.
Published: September 2022

Major challenges facing clinicians treating burn wounds are the lack of integration of treatment to wound, inadequate mechanical properties of treatments, and high infection rates which ultimately lead to poor wound resolution. Electrospun chitosan membranes (ESCM) are gaining popularity for use in tissue engineering applications due to their drug loading ability, biocompatibility, biomimetic fibrous structure, and antimicrobial characteristics. This work aims to modify ESCMs for improved performance in burn wound applications by incorporating elastin and magnesium-phosphate particles (MgP) to improve mechanical and bioactive properties. The following ESCMs were made to evaluate the individual components’ effects; (C: chitosan, CE: chitosan-elastin, CMg: chitosan-MgP, and CEMg: chitosan-elastin-MgP). Membrane properties analyzed were fiber size and structure, hydrophilic properties, elastin incorporation, MgP incorporation and in vitro release, mechanical properties, degradation profiles, and in vitro cytocompatibility with NIH3T3 fibroblasts. The addition of both elastin and MgP increased the average fiber diameter of CE (~400 nm), CMg (~360 nm), and CEMg (565 nm) compared to C (255 nm). Water contact angle analysis showed elastin incorporated membranes (CE and CEMg) had increased hydrophilicity (~50°) compared to the other groups (C and CMg, ~110°). The results from the degradation study showed mass retention of ~50% for C and CMg groups, compared to ~ 30% seen in CE and CEMg after 4 weeks in a lysozyme/PBS solution. CMg and CEMg exhibited burst-release behavior of ~6 µg/ml or 0.25 mM magnesium within 72 h. In vitro analysis with NIH3T3 fibroblasts showed CE and CEMg groups had superior cytocompatibility compared to C and CMg. This work has demonstrated the successful incorporation of elastin and MgP into ESCMs and allows for future studies on burn wound applications.
Bacteria Associated with Benthic Invertebrates from Extreme Marine Environments: Promising but Underexplored Sources of Biotechnologically Relevant Molecules
Authors: Lo Giudice Angelina , Rizzo Carmen
Published: September 2022

Microbe–invertebrate associations, commonly occurring in nature, play a fundamental role in the life of symbionts, even in hostile habitats, assuming a key importance for both ecological and evolutionary studies and relevance in biotechnology. Extreme environments have emerged as a new frontier in natural product chemistry in the search for novel chemotypes of microbial origin with significant biological activities. However, to date, the main focus has been microbes from sediment and seawater, whereas those associated with biota have received significantly less attention. This review has been therefore conceived to summarize the main information on invertebrate–bacteria associations that are established in extreme marine environments. After a brief overview of currently known extreme marine environments and their main characteristics, a report on the associations between extremophilic microorganisms and macrobenthic organisms in such hostile habitats is provided. The second part of the review deals with biotechnologically relevant bioactive molecules involved in establishing and maintaining symbiotic associations.
Is the Numbness after Knee Replacement a More Critical Complication Than Thought? A Detailed Analysis of Neuropathic Pain and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Gurler Deniz , Buyukceran Ismail
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Numbness, one of the complications after knee replacement (KR), has been studied far less than other complications, and there are few studies on this topic. Without comprehensive research on numbness, there is a need to design a study that includes all relevant parameters. This study investigated the relationship between numbness and pain and neuropathic pain and its impact on functional and emotional life and the functioning of the knee. Materials and Methods: The 105 knees with KRs were divided anteriorly into six regions. Numbness was determined with a pinprick test. Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) and a painDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) were tested for neuropathic pain. Patients’ physical, emotional, and social status and functional knee abilities were assessed with the Short Form (SF-36) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) test. The relationships between numbness and gender, age, bilaterality, postoperative follow-up time, and incision measures were examined. The binomial logistic regression model was applied to investigate the effects of age, gender, bilaterality, incision length, and postoperative follow-up time on numbness. Results: A total of 88.6% of the patients were female, half had bilateral KRs, and the mean age was 68.3 years. Numbness occurred more frequently in the L3 and L2 areas than in other regions. There was no association with gender, bilaterality, and age, but there was a weak association with postoperative follow-up time. There was a positive correlation between numbness and neuropathic pain. It has been found that there is a significant relationship between numbness and physical function, and it has a negative effect. Emotional health was not significantly associated with numbness. The effect of numbness on social functioning was statistically significant. Knee functioning was measured with the WOMAC, and significant differences were found in the numbness group. Conclusions: According to the results, numbness is considered to be a complication that affects social and physical life and has a negative impact on functional outcomes of the knee. The results show that it should be considered a statistically significant complication. Numbness and its indirect effects should be considered in patients whose follow-up parameters are normal over one year but whose symptoms do not resolve.
Effect of Transformational Leadership on Contextual Performance Mediated by Work Engagement and Moderated by Mindful Awareness
Authors: Zaw Phyu Phyu , Takahashi Yoshi
Published: September 2022

This study aims to investigate the relationship between transformational leadership and transactional leadership, as a job resource and contextual performance as a work outcome, mediated by work engagement and moderated by trait mindful awareness as a personal resource. Some researchers highlight work engagement as a mediating mechanism between job resources and individual outcomes, while others suggest that personal resources may improve employees’ awareness of the job resources around them and, in turn, improve their performance. Notably, empirical evidence shows that the moderation of trait mindful awareness is not synergistic, but compensatory, along with the “substitutes for leadership theory.” Data were collected from employees in the United States via the online Amazon Mechanical Turk platform. A total of 282 respondents were randomly assigned to one of two vignettes—one reflecting transformational and one reflecting transactional leadership. The findings revealed that the positive relationship between transformational leadership and contextual performance is partially mediated by work engagement. Mindful awareness significantly strengthens the relationship between transformational leadership and work engagement. This study contributes to the literature by providing further empirical evidence on the inconclusive contextualization of mindful awareness as a personal resource.
Thermal Effect and Metallurgical Characteristics of Hydrogen Bottom Blowing in Top–Bottom Combined Blowing Converter
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Peng Hongbo , He Yang , Yang Xiaodong , Xu Hao , Hou Yaobin , You Dali
Published: September 2022

A new technology of hydrogen bottom blowing instead of traditional argon blowing in the current converter steelmaking process is proposed herein, in the aim of overcoming problems such as energy shortages caused by increased scrap charging, the low stirring intensity of bottom blowing, high CO2 emissions, and endpoint carbon content control. The thermal effect and metallurgical characteristics of hydrogen bottom blowing were investigated based on the production data of a steelmaking converter in Pangang Group Xichang Steel & Vanadium Co., Ltd. This study shows that hydrogen bottom blowing at an intensity of 0.1–0.5 m3·min−1·t−1—rather than argon blowing at an intensity of 0.1 m3·min−1·t−1—can increase the smelting temperature by 16–73 K, increase the scrap charging ratio by 0.89–5.19%, and reduce CO2 emissions by 19.79–115.96 kg per ton of steel. Intensive hydrogen blowing could significantly reduce the oxygen content of molten steel in the late stage of steelmaking and be beneficial to controlling oxygen at the endpoint. Hydrogen can also reduce the (FeO) content in slag, and the equilibrium partial pressure ratios of H2O/H2 for the reaction H2 + (FeO) = H2O + Fe in the middle and late periods are 0.41 and 0.11, respectively. Hydrogen can also slightly suppress the decarbonization reaction in the late period of steelmaking, and the equilibrium partial pressure ratio of H2O/H2 for the reaction H2 + (CO) = [C] + H2O in the late period is 9.65 × 10−2, which means that hydrogen is beneficial in preventing the rapid decrease in [C] and, in turn, helps control the endpoint carbon content. By comparing the degree of the reaction (P2O5) + 5H2 = P2(g) + 5H2O and the reaction (P2O5) + 5H2 = 2[P] + 5H2O, it can be seen that intensive bottom-blown hydrogen may have a slight positive effect on slag gasification dephosphorization. The FactSage simulation results further verify the conclusions of the above analysis.
Effect of Varying Ce Content on the Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Low-Elastic-Modulus Mg-Zn-Ce Amorphous Alloys
Authors: He Meifeng , Wang Mingming , Zhang Ke , Wang Haitao , Jiang Hong , Lu Zhanjun
Published: September 2022

Magnesium alloys have good biocompatibility because they have mechanical properties similar to those of human bones, are biodegradable, and release non-toxic corrosion products and ions in the human body. In this study, a new type of Mg70−xZn30Cex (x = 2, 4, 6, and 8) amorphous magnesium alloy was prepared by copper roller melt-spinning, and the corresponding mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were studied. The results showed that when x = 4 and 6, the Mg-Zn-Ce amorphous alloys had decent amorphous forming abilities. The addition of Ce could effectively improve the ductility of the magnesium-based amorphous alloys with an elastic modulus of each sample ranging between 30 and 58 GPa, which was similar to that of human bones; thus, these materials could effectively prevent the stress shielding effect caused by excessive elastic modulus after implantation. Additionally, the addition of an adequate amount of Ce significantly improved the corrosion resistance of the alloy. The experimental results showed that the best corrosion resistance of the magnesium-based amorphous alloys was achieved when x = 6.
Phragmanthera austroarabica A.G.Mill. and J.A.Nyberg Triggers Apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 Cells In Vitro and In Vivo Assays: Simultaneous Determination of Selected Constituents
Authors: Goda Marwa S. , Elhady Sameh S. , Nafie Mohamed S. , Bogari Hanin A. , Malatani Raina T. , Hareeri Rawan H. , Badr Jihan M. , Donia Marwa S.
Published: September 2022

Phragmanthera austroarabica (Loranthaceae), a semi-parasitic plant, is well known for its high content of polyphenols that are responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Gallic acid, catechin, and methyl gallate are bioactive metabolites of common occurrence in the family of Loranthaceae. Herein, the concentrations of these bioactive metabolites were assessed using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Methyl gallate, catechin, and gallic acid were scanned at 280 nm. Their concentrations were assessed as 14.5, 6.5 and 43.6 mg/g of plant dry extract, respectively. Phragmanthera austroarabica extract as well as the three pure compounds were evaluated regarding the cytotoxic activity. The plant extract exhibited promising cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231 breast cells with the IC50 value of 19.8 μg/mL while the tested pure compounds displayed IC50 values in the range of 21.26–29.6 μg/mL. For apoptosis investigation, P. austroarabica induced apoptotic cell death by 111-fold change and necrosis by 9.31-fold change. It also activated the proapoptotic genes markers and inhibited the antiapoptotic gene, validating the apoptosis mechanism. Moreover, in vivo studies revealed a significant reduction in the breast tumor volume and weight in solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) mice. The treatment of SEC mice with P. austroarabica extract improved both hematological and biochemical parameters with amelioration in the liver and kidney histopathology to near normal. Taken together, P. austroarabica extract exhibited promising anti-cancer activity through an apoptosis-induction.
A Metabolomic Study of the Analgesic Effect of Lappaconitine Hydrobromide (LAH) on Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Xueqi , Li Zhengdou , Mao Ying , Liu Zhao , Liu Xiaoxiao , Zhu Xinliang , Zhang Ji
Published: September 2022

Lappaconitine (LA) is a C-18 diterpene alkaloid isolated from Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai that has been shown to relieve mild to moderate discomfort. Various researchers have tried to explain the underlying mechanism of LA’s effects on chronic pain. This article uses metabolomics technology to investigate the metabolite alterations in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) when lappaconitine hydrobromide (LAH) was injected in an inflammatory pain model, to explain the molecular mechanism of its analgesia from a metabolomics perspective. The pain model used in this study was a complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain model in rats. There were two treatment groups receiving different dosages of LAH (4 mg/kg LAH and 8 mg/kg LAH). The analgesic mechanism of LAH was investigated with an analgesic behavioral test, tissue sections, and metabolomics. The results of the analgesic behavioral experiment showed that both 4 mg/kg LAH and 8 mg/kg LAH could significantly improve the paw withdrawal latency (PWL) of rats. The tissue section results showed that LAH could reduce the inflammatory response and enlargement of the paw and ankle of rats and that there was no significant difference in the tissue sections of the DRG. The metabolomics results showed that retinol metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism in the CFA-induced inflammatory pain model were significantly affected and may exacerbate the inflammatory reactions and initiate persistent pain; in addition, the linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism were also slightly affected. Among them, the alpha-linolenic acid metabolism was up-regulated after LAH treatment, while the retinol metabolism was down-regulated. These results suggest that LAH could effectively reduce inflammatory pain and might achieve this by regulating the lipid metabolism in the rat DRG.
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Infected Cows Reveal Divergent Immune Response in Bovine Peripheral Blood Derived Lymphocyte Proteome
Authors: Korbonits Lucia , Kleinwort Kristina , Amann Barbara , Didier Andrea , Märtlbauer Erwin , Hauck Stefanie , Deeg Cornelia
Published: September 2022

Bovine paratuberculosis is a serious chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract that causes economic losses and dramatically affects animal health in livestock. The underlying infectious agent, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), cannot reliably be detected by standard diagnostic tests due to the long asymptomatic disease stage. The aim of this study was to detect proteomic changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from cows of the same herd with different MAP infection status after co-incubation with viable MAP in vitro using label-free LC-MS/MS. In our proteomic discovery experiment, we detected 2631 differentially regulated proteins between cows with negative MAP infection status (so-called MAP-resistant cows) and cows with positive MAP infection status (so-called persistently MAP-infected cows). In MAP-resistant cows, we detected enriched immune-related signaling pathways for TLR2 and MHC class II component proteins, among others, indicating a successful defensive immune response of the cows to MAP. In contrast, persistently MAP-infected cows were not directly enriched in immune-related signaling pathways associated with ITGA2B and KCNMA1, among others. The introduction of these distinct immune responses contributes to a better understanding of the bovine immune response and mechanisms of susceptibility to MAP.