bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Butyrate Supplementation Exacerbates Myocardial and Immune Cell Mitochondrial Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Faecal Peritonitis
Authors: Peters Vera B. M. , Arulkumaran Nishkantha , Melis Miranda J. , Gaupp Charlotte , Roger Thierry , Shankar-Hari Manu , Singer Mervyn
Published: December 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction and immune cell dysfunction are commonplace in sepsis and are associated with increased mortality risk. The short chain fatty acid, butyrate, is known to have anti-inflammatory effects and promote mitochondrial biogenesis. We therefore explored the immunometabolic effects of butyrate in an animal model of sepsis. Isolated healthy human volunteer peripheral mononuclear cells were stimulated with LPS in the presence of absence of butyrate, and released cytokines measured. Male Wistar rats housed in metabolic cages received either intravenous butyrate infusion or placebo commencing 6 h following faecal peritonitis induction. At 24 h, splenocytes were isolated for high-resolution respirometry, and measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (mtROS), and intracellular cytokines (TNF alpha, IL-10) using flow cytometry. Isolated splenocytes from septic and septic butyrate treated rats were stimulated with LPS for 18 h and the effects of butyrate on cytokine release assessed. Ex vivo, butyrate (1.8 mM) reduced LPS-induced TNF alpha (p = 0.019) and IL-10 (p = 0.001) release by human PBMCs. In septic animals butyrate infusion reduced the respiratory exchange ratio (p < 0.001), consistent with increased fat metabolism. This was associated with a reduction in cardiac output (p = 0.001), and increased lactate (p = 0.031) compared to placebo-treated septic animals (p < 0.05). Butyrate treatment was associated with a reduction in splenocyte basal respiration (p = 0.077), proton leak (p = 0.022), and non-mitochondrial respiration (p = 0.055), and an increase in MMP (p = 0.007) and mtROS (p = 0.027) compared to untreated septic animals. Splenocyte intracellular cytokines were unaffected by butyrate, although LPS-induced IL-10 release was impaired (p = 0.039). In summary, butyrate supplementation exacerbates myocardial and immune cell mitochondrial dysfunction in a rat model of faecal peritonitis.
Dry Sliding Wear Features of an Al-20Sn-5Zn Alloy Affected by Microstructural Length Scales
Authors: Barros André , Cruz Clarissa , Botelho Tamires , Silva Adrina , Casteletti Luiz , Garcia Amauri , Cheung Noé
Published: December 2022

Al-Sn-Zn alloys are attractive options for use as wear-resistant materials. While Sn promotes self-lubricating characteristics, Zn strengthens the Al-rich matrix. Conventionally, the manufacturing of these alloys involves casting. However, there is still a paucity of studies that associate the solidification microstructure with the wear resistance of these alloys. Inspired by such considerations, this work aims at investigating the wear behavior of an Al-20Sn-5Zn [wt.%] alloy produced by a directional solidification technique. A set of samples with different microstructure length scales was subjected to ball cratering tests using a normal contact load of 0.25 N and six test times. The results show that the dependence of the wear behavior on the microstructure length scale becomes more expressive for longer sliding distances. It was found that coarser microstructures provide an improved wear resistance. In view of that, a possible spectrum of specific wear rates was determined as a function of the sliding distance, considering different microstructure length scales. Finally, experimental equations are proposed to represent a possible range of wear volume and wear coefficient according to the dendrite arm spacings.
Scalant Removal at Acidic pH for Maximum Ammonium Recovery
Authors: Kyllönen Hanna , Heikkinen Juha , Järvelä Eliisa , Grönroos Antti
Published: December 2022

One option for new nitrogen sources is industrial liquid side streams containing ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N). Unfortunately, NH4-N often exists in low concentrations in large water volumes. In order to achieve a highly concentrated NH4-Nsolution, scalant removal is needed. In this study, scalant removal by precipitation was investigated. At alkali pH, sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) was used as a precipitation chemical while at acidic pH, the chemical used was oxalic acid (C2H2O4). At alkali pH, high Na2CO3 dose was needed to achieve low content of calcium, which, with sulphate, formed the main scalant in the studied mine water. NH4-N at alkali pH was in the form of gaseous ammonia but it stayed well in the solution during pre-treatment for nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO). However, it was not rejected sufficiently, even via LG SW seawater RO membrane. At acidic pH with CaC2O4 precipitation, NF90 was able to be used for NH4-N concentration up to the volume reduction factor of 25. Then, NH4-N concentration increased from 0.17 g/L to 3 g/L. NF270 produced the best fluxes for acid pre-treated mine water, but NH4-N rejection was not adequate. NF90 membrane with mine water pre-treated using acid was successfully verified on a larger scale using the NF90-2540 spiral wound element.
Effect of Particle Size of MgO on the Sinter Strength before and after Reduction and Its Mechanism Analysis
Authors: Cong Junqiang , Zhang Chunyin , Chang Shengzhao , Yang Jialong
Published: December 2022

It is a popular countermeasure to add MgO into sinter to cope with the use of high-Al2O3 iron ore. The effects of particle size with MgO-bearing flux on the strength of a sintered sample (Fe2O3-MgO and Fe2O3-MgO-CaO series) are discussed in the present work for the purpose of improving sinter strength before and after reduction. The experimental results show that (1) with the increase in fine light calcined magnesite (LCM) from 0 to 100%, the compressive strength with the Fe2O3-MgO series increased from 5.66 to 7.42 MPa before reduction and from 2.49 to 6.03 MPa after reduction, and the compressive strength with the Fe2O3-MgO-CaO series increased from 4.62 to 7.01 MPa before reduction and from 4.00 to 6.23 MPa after reduction. The result of the sintering pot experiment conformed with the laboratory result. In actual production, LCM with a 50% fine grind should be added into the sinter based on economic concerns and environmental protection. (2) The ball-to-ball model was introduced to explain the reason that the sample compressive strength increased with the increase in fine LCM addition before reduction. (3) To quantitatively analyze the relationship of mineralization rate and particle size with MgO-bearing flux, the mineralization reaction experiment was carried out in the study and the result was as follows: the diffusion layer thickness and diffusion rates with coarse MgO-bearing flux were 250.8 μm and 12.54 μm·min−1, respectively, and those of fine MgO-bearing flux were 397.1 μm and 19.86 μm·min−1, respectively. The experimental results also explained the reason that more fine LCM increased the compressive strength of the sample before reduction. (4) The more compact and uniform microstructures and less transformation of Fe2O3 to Fe3O4 resulted the increase in compressive strength with finer MgO-bearing flux after reduction. Based on above results, adding fine MgO-bearing flux to the sinter is effective in enhancing the sinter quality.
Morphological Characteristics and Printing Mechanisms of Grid Lines by Laser-Induced Forward Transfer
Authors: Zhang Yanmei , Tian Chongxin , Yu Yucui , He Xiuli , Bian Yanhua , Li Shaoxia , Yu Gang
Published: December 2022

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) is an innovative metallization technique used in the processing of grid lines of solar cells for the photovoltaics industry. A study on the morphology and transfer mechanisms of formed lines with high-viscosity silver paste and small gap was performed in this paper. There were three different transfer states under different laser fluences: non-transferred lines or transferred but no continuous lines, continuous transferred lines, and explosive transferred lines. There was a critical transfer threshold for the continuous line transfer under different processing speeds. Higher processing speed required a larger critical transfer threshold. The line width increased as the laser fluence increased. For all continuous formed lines, the cross-sectional morphologies with single and double peaks were shown at critical and above transfer threshold, respectively. Two symmetrical protrusions with steep edges were observed for the formed line with double peaks. By comparing the silver paste remaining on the donor and transferred to the acceptor under different laser fluences, it can be found the transferred silver paste exhibited a retracting characteristic under the critical and above transfer threshold. While a stretching characteristic was obvious when the laser fluence was much higher than the transfer threshold. Morphological characteristics with single or double peaks were determined by the distance between the rupture position of the bridge and the bottom of the bubble, under the action of the axial combined forces. This work can provide insights for improving fine-line metallization and understanding transfer mechanisms in the photovoltaic application and flexible electronics devices.
Novel Approaches for the Solid-Phase Synthesis of Dihydroquinazoline-2(1H)-One Derivatives and Biological Evaluation as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Wang Qiong , Pan Ying , Luo Hongjun , Zhang Yanmei , Gao Fenfei , Wang Jinzhi , Zheng Jinhong
Published: December 2022

In the design of antineoplastic drugs, quinazolinone derivatives are often used as small molecule inhibitors for kinases or receptor kinases, such as the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib, p38MAP kinase inhibitor DQO-501, and BRD4 protein inhibitor PFI-1. A novel and convenient approach for the solid-phase synthesis of dihydroquinazoline-2(1H)-one derivatives was proposed and 19 different compounds were synthesized. Cytotoxicity tests showed that most of the target compounds had anti-proliferative activity against HepG-2, A2780 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Among them, compounds CA1-e and CA1-g had the most potent effect on A2780 cells, with IC50 values of 22.76 and 22.94 μM, respectively. In addition, in an antioxidant assay, the IC50 of CA1-7 was 57.99 μM. According to bioinformatics prediction, ERBB2, SRC, TNF receptor, and AKT1 were predicted to be the key targets and play an essential role in cancer treatment. ADMET prediction suggested 14 of the 19 compounds had good pharmacological properties, i.e., these compounds displayed clinical potential. The correct structure of the final compounds was confirmed based on LC/MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR.
Brown Macroalgae Sargassum cristaefolium Extract Inhibits Melanin Production and Cellular Oxygen Stress in B16F10 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Prasedya Eka Sunarwidhi , Padmi Hasriaton , Ilhami Bq Tri Khairina , Martyasari Ni Wayan Riyani , Sunarwidhi Anggit Listyacahyani , Widyastuti Sri , Khairinisa Miski Aghnia , Cokrowati Nunik , Simangunsong Erika Ernawati , Frediansyah Andri
Published: December 2022

The brown macroalgae Sargassum has been reported for its anti-UV and photoprotective potential for industrial applications. This study evaluated the melanin inhibition activity of Sargassum cristaefolium (SCE) ethanol extract. Melanogenesis inhibition by SCE was assessed in vitro with B16-F10 melanoma cell models and in silico against melanin regulatory proteins Tyrosinase (TYR) and Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R). The regulatory properties evaluated were the melanin content, intracellular tyrosinase activity and cellular antioxidant activities. In addition, the bioactive compounds detected in SCE were subjected to molecular docking against TYR and MC1R. Based on the results, 150 µg/mL SCE effectively inhibited the production of melanin content and intracellular tyrosinase activity. Cellular tyrosinase activity was reduced by SCE-treated cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The results were comparable to the standard tyrosinase inhibitor kojic acid. In addition, SCE effectively decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in B16-F10 cells. The antioxidant properties may also contribute to the inhibition of melanogenesis. In addition, LCMS UHPLC-HR-ESI-MS profiling detected 33 major compounds. The results based on in silico study revealed that the bioactive compound putative kaurenoic acid showed a strong binding affinity against TYR (−6.5 kcal/mol) and MC1R (−8.6 kcal/mol). However, further molecular analyses are needed to confirm the mechanism of SCE on melanin inhibition. Nevertheless, SCE is proposed as an anti-melanogenic and antioxidant agent, which could be further developed into cosmetic skin care products.
Stable Isotope Analysis of Residual Pesticides via High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Elemental Analyzer–Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yun Hee Young , Won Eun-Ji , Choi Jisoo , Cho Yusang , Lim Da-Jung , Kim In-Seon , Shin Kyung-Hoon
Published: December 2022

To broaden the range of measurable pesticides for stable isotope analysis (SIA), we tested whether SIA of the anthranilic diamides cyantraniliprole (CYN) and chlorantraniliprole (CHL) can be achieved under elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry with compound purification in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using this method, carbon isotope compositions were measured in pesticide residues extracted from plants (lettuce) grown indoors in potting soil that were treated with 500 mg/kg CHL and 250 mg/kg CYN and were followed up for 45 days. Our results show that the CYN and CHL standard materials did not have significant isotope differences before and after clean-up processing in HPLC. Further, when applied to the CYN product and CHL product in soil, stable isotope differences between the soil and plant were observed at <1.0‰ throughout the incubation period. There was a slight increase in the variability of pesticide isotope ratio detected with longer-term incubation (CHL, on average 1.5‰). Overall, we measured the carbon isotope ratio of target pesticides from HPLC fraction as the purification and pre-concentration step for environmental and biological samples. Such negligible isotopic differences in pesticide residues in soils and plants 45 days after application confirmed the potential of CSIA to quantify pesticide behavior in environments.
Inhibitory Effects of Varespladib, CP471474, and Their Potential Synergistic Activity on Bothrops asper and Crotalus durissus cumanensis Venoms
Authors: Quiroz Sara , Henao Castañeda Isabel C. , Granados Johan , Patiño Arley Camilo , Preciado Lina María , Pereañez Jaime Andrés
Published: December 2022

Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that causes extensive mortality and morbidity in rural communities. Antivenim sera are the currently approved therapy for snake bites; however, they have some therapeutic limitations that have been extensively documented. Recently, small molecule toxin inhibitors have received significant attention as potential alternatives or co-adjuvant to immunoglobulin-based snakebite therapies. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of the phospholipase A2 inhibitor varespladib and the metalloproteinase inhibitor CP471474 and their synergistic effects on the lethal, edema-forming, hemorrhagic, and myotoxic activities of Bothrops asper and Crotalus durissus cumanensis venoms from Colombia. Except for the preincubation assay of the lethal activity with B. asper venom, the mixture showed the best inhibitory activity. Nevertheless, the mix did not display statistically significant differences to varespladib and CP471474 used separately in all assays. In preincubation assays, varespladib showed the best inhibitory activity against the lethal effect induced by B. asper venom. However, in independent injection assays, the mix of the compounds partially inhibited the lethal activity of both venoms (50%). In addition, in the assays to test the inhibition of edema-forming activity, the mixture exhibited the best inhibitory activity, followed by Varespladib, but without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). The combination also decreased the myotoxic activity of evaluated venoms. In these assays, the mix showed statistical differences regarding CP471474 (p < 0.05). The mixture also abolished the hemorrhagic activity of B. asper venom in preincubation assays, with no statistical differences to CP471474. Finally, the mixture showed inhibition in studies with independent administration in a time-dependent manner. To propose a mode of action of varespladib and CP471474, molecular docking was performed. PLA2s and SVMPs from tested venoms were used as targets. In all cases, our molecular modeling results suggested that inhibitors may occupy the substrate-binding cleft of the enzymes, which was supported by specific interaction with amino acids from the active site, such as His48 for PLA2s and Glu143 for the metalloproteinase. In addition, varespladib and CP471474 also showed interaction with residues from the hydrophobic channel in PLA2s and substrate binding subsites in the SVMP. Our results suggest a synergistic action of the mixed inhibitors and show the potential of varespladib, CP471474, and their mixture to generate new treatments for snakebite envenoming with application in the field or as antivenom co-adjuvants.
Surface Functionalization of Ti6Al4V-ELI Alloy with Antimicrobial Peptide Nisin
Authors: Lallukka Mari , Gamna Francesca , Gobbo Virginia Alessandra , Prato Mirko , Najmi Ziba , Cochis Andrea , Rimondini Lia , Ferraris Sara , Spriano Silvia
Published: December 2022

Implant-associated infections are a severe global concern, especially in the case of orthopedic implants intended for long-term or permanent use. The traditional treatment through systemic antibiotic administration is often inefficient due to biofilm formation, and concerns regarding the development of highly resistant bacteria. Therefore, there is an unfulfilled need for antibiotic-free alternatives that could simultaneously support bone regeneration and prevent bacterial infection. This study aimed to perform, optimize, and characterize the surface functionalization of Ti6Al4V-ELI discs by an FDA-approved antimicrobial peptide, nisin, known to hold a broad antibacterial spectrum. Accordingly, nisin bioactivity was also evaluated by in vitro release tests both in physiological and inflammatory pH conditions. Several methods, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Kelvin Probe atomic force microscopy confirmed the presence of a physisorbed nisin layer on the alloy surface. The functionalization performed at pH 6–7 was found to be especially effective due to the nisin configuration exposing its hydrophobic tail outwards, which is also responsible for its antimicrobial action. In addition, the first evidence of gradual nisin release both in physiological and inflammatory conditions was obtained: the static contact angle becomes half of the starting one after 7 days of soaking on the functionalized sample, while it becomes 0° on the control samples. Finally, the evaluation of the antibacterial performance toward the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus after 24 h of inoculation showed the ability of nisin adsorbed at pH 6 to prevent bacterial microfouling into biofilm-like aggregates in comparison with the uncoated specimens: viable bacterial colonies showed a reduction of about 40% with respect to the un-functionalized surface and the formation of (microcolonies (biofilm-like aggregates) is strongly affected.
The Low-Temperature Sol-Gel Synthesis of Metal-Oxide Films on Polymer Substrates and the Determination of Their Optical and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Borilo Lyudmila , Kozik Vladimir , Vorozhtsov Alexander , Klimenko Viktor , Khalipova Olga , Agafonov Alexander , Kusova Tatiana , Kraev Anton , Dubkova Yana
Published: December 2022

Photoactive, optically transparent heterostructures from silver nanowires and titanium dioxide were obtained by the sol-gel method on the surface of a polyethylene terephthalate film. The characteristics of optical transmission on the wavelength and those of dielectric permittivity, conductivity and dissipation on frequency in the range of 25–1,000,000 Hz were investigated.
Industrial Manufacturing Applications of Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Subhan Md Abdus , Neogi Newton , Choudhury Kristi Priya
Published: December 2022

Nanomaterials (NMs) that are created with zinc oxide are very valuable for a wide variety of applications. There is a present interest in ZnO nanoparticles in a wide range of industries. This interest may be attributed to the fact that ZnO NPs have many important features. It will be necessary for ZnO NPs to possess certain qualities in order for them to rapidly find uses in industry and for these applications to have an effect on the expansion of the economy. A large surface area, a large bandgap, photocatalytic property, biosensing, bioimaging, and other qualities are included in this list. In this article, the extraordinary characteristics of ZnO NPs, as well as their novel applications in industrial settings and the challenges that come along with their utilization, will be discussed.
Pretreatment Nutritional Status in Combination with Inflammation Affects Chemotherapy Interruption in Women with Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Peritoneal Cancer
Authors: Nomoto Naoko , Tate Shinichi , Arai Makoto , Iizaka Shinji , Mori Chisato , Sakurai Kenichi
Published: December 2022

Background: Discontinuing chemotherapy worsens cancer prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status at the start of chemotherapy and chemotherapy discontinuation in patients with ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. One hundred and forty-six patients to whom weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin were administered as postoperative chemotherapy were included. Six courses in 21-day cycles were defined as complete treatment. As nutritional indicators, body mass index, weight change rate, serum albumin, total lymphocyte count, prognostic nutritional index, and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) were compared between complete and incomplete treatment groups. Patients were divided into two groups according to CAR. The number of chemotherapy cycles was compared between these two groups. A Cox proportional hazard model was used for covariate adjustment. Results: Several indicators differed between complete and incomplete treatment groups, and among the indicators, CAR had the highest discriminatory ability. The number of chemotherapy cycles was shorter in the high CAR group than in the low CAR group. A high CAR was associated with chemotherapy interruption even after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: Based on CAR, nutritional status before chemotherapy is suggested to be associated with the risk of chemotherapy discontinuation.
Higher Body Fat but Similar Phase Angle Values in Patients with the Classical Form of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in Comparison to a Control Group
Authors: de Oliveira Núbia Maria , Langer Raquel David , Valente Lemos-Marini Sofia Helena , de Oliveira Daniel Minutti , Geloneze Bruno , Guerra-Júnior Gil , Gonçalves Ezequiel Moreira
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to compare phase angle (PhA) and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) values between adult patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH21OHD) and a control group. A total of 22 patients (15 women, 22.9 ± 3.7 years) were compared with 17 controls (11 women, 27.0 ± 2.5 years). Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bioelectrical impedance was used to calculate PhA, and BIVA was performed using specific software. Student’s t-test and analysis of covariance were used to compare groups. Hedges’ G and partial n2 were calculated for the effect estimates. Hotelling’s t2 test was used to compare the mean impedance vectors between the groups. The Mahalanobis test was used to determine the distance between confidence ellipses. Patients with CAH21OHD had a higher fat mass percentage than that of the control group (both sexes). There was no significant difference in PhA values between groups (CAH21OHD vs. control) in females (6.9° vs. 6.3°, p = 0.092) and males (8.2° vs. 8.1°, p = 0.849), after adjusting for covariates (age and height). BIVA analysis showed a significant difference in the mean impedance vectors between the female groups (T2 = 15.9, D = 1.58, p = 0.003) owing to the higher reactance/height (Δ = 8.5; p < 0.001) of the patients. The PhA did not significantly differ between the groups. Female patients had significantly higher reactance values. However, further studies are needed to determine the usefulness of bioimpedance parameters in evaluating the hydration status and cellular integrity of patients with CAH21OHD.
The Impact of an SGLT2 Inhibitor versus Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Liver Steatosis in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Elhini Sahar H. , Wahsh Engy A. , Elberry Ahmed A. , El Ameen Nadia F. , Abdelfadil Saedii Ahmed , Refaie Shereen Mahmoud , Elsayed Asmaa A. , Rabea Hoda M.
Published: December 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to metabolic syndrome via insulin resistance, where preventing disease progression is crucial in the management process. The study included 240 NAFLD patients with type 2 diabetes who were randomly allocated into empagliflozin 25 mg (EMPA group), ursodeoxycholic acid 250 mg (UDCA group), or the control group (placebo). The study outcomes included: changes in liver fat content (LFC; %) (utilizing the Dixon-based MRI-PDFF approach), liver enzymes, lipid and glycemic profiles, FIB-4 index, and non-alcoholic fatty liver score (NFS). All endpoints were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. EMPA outperformed UDCA and placebo in decreasing LFC (−8.73% vs. −5.71% vs. −1.99%; p < 0.0001). In post-treatment ultrasound images and MRI-PDFF calculations, more patients had normal fatty liver grade (no steatosis or LFC < 6.5%) with EMPA compared to UDCA. EMPA and UDCA showed significant regression in the FIB-4 index (−0.34 vs. −0.55; p = 0.011) and NFS scores (−1.00 vs. −1.11; p = 0.392), respectively. UDCA achieved higher reductions in insulin resistance than EMPA (p = 0.03); however, only EMPA significantly increased beta-cell function (54.20; p = 0.03). When exploring the differences between the two drugs, EMPA was better in decreasing LFC (%), while UDCA achieved higher reductions in liver fibrosis scores. Both showed a similar safety profile in managing liver steatosis.
Effect of Anti-Diabetic Medications on Dental Implants: A Scoping Review of Animal Studies and Their Relevance to Humans
Authors: Tan Sze Jun , Baharin Badiah , Mohd Nurulhuda , Nabil Syed
Published: December 2022

Animal studies have ascertained that hyperglycemia adversely affects bone metabolism and dental implant osseointegration. However, diabetic patients show low occurrence of unfavorable hard or soft peri-implant tissue changes, differences that are possibly due to treatment with anti-diabetic medications. This scoping review aimed to systematically examine the effects of these drugs on implant outcomes and explore the predictive modality of animal studies for clinical practice according to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, EBSCOHost, and Cochrane) were searched according to the PRISMA-ScR standards for studies on diabetic animals that received titanium implants and anti-diabetic treatments. Risk assessment was performed using the SYRCLE Risk-of-Bias (RoB) tool. Twenty-one papers were included, encompassing six types of medications. Fifteen studies were on T1DM animals, and only six involved T2DM models. T1DM animals were treated with non-insulin drugs in four investigations, while insulin was utilized in 11 other studies. In T2DM experiments, five administered non-insulin drugs, and only one applied locally delivered insulin. Only insulin in T1DM studies produced a positive influence on bone-implant contact (BIC), bone mineral content, and removal torque values. Inappropriate drug selection, inadequate glycemic control, and high RoB depict a mismatch between the research focus and the translational rationale to clinical practice. There remains a knowledge gap regarding T2DM investigations due to the lack of studies. More data are needed concerning intraoral implants and the performance of osseointegrated implants in patients with a later onset of diabetes. Future research should reflect the pathophysiology and treatment of each type of diabetes to ensure clinical applicability.
Biochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Various Population of Brassica tournefortii Growing Wild in Tunisia
Authors: Tlili Hajer , Arfa Abdelkarim Ben , Boubakri Abdelbasset , Hanen Najjaa , Neffati Mohamed , Doria Enrico
Published: December 2022

Brassica tournefortii Gouan, commonly known (Aslooz) in Tunisia, is an annual plant, native to the North Africa and Middle East. Brassica species are used as food, their young leaves can be cooked, providing nutrients and health-giving phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds, polyphenols and carotenoids. Phytochemical composition and bioactivity of Brassica tournefortii leaf extracts, collected from four different bioclimatic zones in Tunisia, are investigated in the present study. Results showed that location and climatic variations can alter the phytochemical composition of B. tournefortii. Interestingly, HPLC analysis enabled identifying lutein and beta-carotene at high concentrations, especially in extracts of B. tournefortii collected from Gabes (B2) (344 µg/g of lutein) and B. tournefortii collected from Zarzis (B3) (1364 µg/g of beta-carotene). In particular, the antioxidant activity measured by DPPH assay showed that the extract of the plants collected from the growing region of Zarzis exhibits the highest antioxidant activities (0.99 mg/mL). All the Brassica tournefortii extracts showed a relevant antiproliferative activity, especially toward the Caco-2 cell line. These preliminary data resulted in being useful to correlate growth environmental conditions with different accumulation of metabolites in Brassica species still being poorly studied.
Improved Remora Optimization Algorithm with Mutualistic Strategy for Solving Constrained Engineering Optimization Problems
Authors: Wang Shikai , Rao Honghua , Wen Changsheng , Jia Heming , Wu Di , Liu Qingxin , Abualigah Laith
Published: December 2022

Recently, a new swarm intelligence optimization algorithm called the remora optimization algorithm (ROA) was proposed. ROA simulates the remora’s behavior of the adsorption host and uses some formulas of the sailfish optimization (SFO) algorithm and whale optimization algorithm (WOA) to update the solutions. However, the performance of ROA is still unsatisfactory. When solving complex problems, ROA’s convergence ability requires further improvement. Moreover, it is easy to fall into local optimization. Since the remora depends on the host to obtain food and optimize ROA performance, this paper introduces the mutualistic strategy to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between the remora and the host. Meanwhile, chaotic tent mapping and roulette wheel selection are added to further improve the algorithm’s performance. By incorporating the above improvements, this paper proposes an improved remora optimization algorithm with a mutualistic strategy (IROA) and uses 23 benchmark functions in different dimensions and CEC2020 functions to validate the performance of the proposed IROA. Experimental studies on six classical engineering problems demonstrate that the proposed IROA has excellent advantages in solving practical optimization problems.
Advanced Exergy Analysis of an Absorption Chiller/Kalina Cycle Integrated System for Low-Grade Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Zeng Zhixiang , Deng Chengwei , Xie Nan
Published: December 2022

Exergy analysis and advanced exergy analysis of an absorption chiller/Kalina cycle integrated system are conducted in this research. The exergy destruction of each component and overall exergy efficiency of the cascade process have been obtained. Advanced exergy analysis investigates the interactions among different components and the actual improvement potential. Results show that among all the equipment, the largest exergy destruction is in the generators and absorber. System exergy efficiency is obtained as 35.52%. Advanced analysis results show that the endogenous exergy destruction is dominant in each component. Interconnections among different components are not significant but very complicated. It is suggested that the improvement priority should be given to the turbine. Performance improvement of this low-grade waste heat recovery process is still necessary because around 1/4 of the total exergy destruction can be avoided. Exergy and advanced exergy analysis in this work locates the position of exergy destruction, quantifies the process irreversibility, presents the component interactions and finds out the system improvement potential. This research provides detailed and useful information about this absorption chiller/Kalina cycle integrated system.
Molecular Level Sucrose Quantification: A Critical Review
Authors: Lara-Cruz Gustavo A. , Jaramillo-Botero Andres
Published: December 2022

Sucrose is a primary metabolite in plants, a source of energy, a source of carbon atoms for growth and development, and a regulator of biochemical processes. Most of the traditional analytical chemistry methods for sucrose quantification in plants require sample treatment (with consequent tissue destruction) and complex facilities, that do not allow real-time sucrose quantification at ultra-low concentrations (nM to pM range) under in vivo conditions, limiting our understanding of sucrose roles in plant physiology across different plant tissues and cellular compartments. Some of the above-mentioned problems may be circumvented with the use of bio-compatible ligands for molecular recognition of sucrose. Nevertheless, problems such as the signal-noise ratio, stability, and selectivity are some of the main challenges limiting the use of molecular recognition methods for the in vivo quantification of sucrose. In this review, we provide a critical analysis of the existing analytical chemistry tools, biosensors, and synthetic ligands, for sucrose quantification and discuss the most promising paths to improve upon its limits of detection. Our goal is to highlight the criteria design need for real-time, in vivo, highly sensitive and selective sucrose sensing capabilities to enable further our understanding of living organisms, the development of new plant breeding strategies for increased crop productivity and sustainability, and ultimately to contribute to the overarching need for food security.
Real-Time Military Security Index Calculation Model Using Big Data Analytics: The Case of South Korea
Authors: Jeon Hee-Jae , Lee Moon-Gul
Published: December 2022

The recent advent of the New Cold War and rapid changes in global situation are increasing the need for quick and accurate geopolitical risk measurement through quantitative analysis. This study intends to present a new military-security index, a method of measuring military-geopolitical risk using big data analysis. In this regard, South Korea, one of the countries with the highest level of geopolitical risk in the world, was analyzed and quantified by analyzing direct provocations and threats from neighboring countries. The data used include the results of quantifying provocation cases in neighboring countries according to time, frequency, and intensity, the results of analyzing news keywords related to military-security issues in neighboring countries, and real-time terrorism and cybersecurity-risk measurements. Based on this, a model that enables relatively accurate and timely analysis and prediction by indexing and time-series geopolitical risks is presented.
Study on Freeway Congestion Propagation in Foggy Environment Based on CA-SIR Model
Authors: Yao Jiao , He Jiaping , Bao Yujie , Li Jiayang , Han Yin
Published: December 2022

The visibility in a foggy environment has a significant impact on driver behavior and traffic flow status, especially for whole closed highways with long distances between entrances and exits. Foggy days are very likely to cause congestion and even secondary traffic accidents, which seriously affect the reliability of freeway operation. In order to explore the influence of a fog environment on freeway traffic jams, firstly, this paper was based on the analysis of the impact of visibility on foggy days. Light fog, medium fog and heavy fog were classified as one scenario, while dense foggy weather was set separately as an extreme scenario without considering lane change. Furthermore, it used the SIR model of infectious disease for reference, and combined with the cellular automata (CA) model, the car-following model and lane-changing rules in different scenarios were set based on safe driving distance and speed for two scenarios. Finally, the key parameters of CA-SIR were calibrated, such as congestion propagation, recovery probability, vehicle braking, and lane-changing probability. The simulation analysis showed that with the decrease in visibility and vehicle speed, the phenomenon of congestion propagation was more prominent, but the causes of queuing phenomenon were different. A low speed limit was the main reason for traffic jams in the light fog condition. In the medium fog condition, the frequency of traffic jams was related to the random braking probability of the visibility. In heavy fog conditions, the congestion area gradually moved upstream with the passage of time. Moreover, in the dense fog condition, the congested area gradually moved upstream with the passage of time; however, vehicles were more likely to accompany each other, and the congested area traveled downstream synchronously with the passage of time and did not dissipate easily. Therefore, in a foggy environment, the best speed limit should be better established under different visibilities, the flow of highway traffic should be strictly controlled if necessary, and in worse situations than high-density traffic in low visibility, to avoid the spread of congestion, the intermittent release of different lanes is suggested to be implemented.
The Effect of Tourist-to-Tourist Interaction on Life Satisfaction: A Mediation Role of Social Connectedness
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Xu Wenqing , Wu Monica (Shu-Fen)
Published: December 2022

This study examines the general relationship between tourists’ park visits and life satisfaction. Specifically, the article focuses on relationships between verbal and nonverbal and positive and negative tourist-to-tourist interactions, social connectedness, and life satisfaction. Results show that friendly conversation has significant positive relationships with life satisfaction and social connectedness, whereas unfriendly behavior is negatively related to social connectedness. Social connectedness has a significant positive relationship with life satisfaction and plays a mediating role between tourist-to-tourist interaction and life satisfaction. By exploring several types of tourist-to-tourist interaction, this study offers insights into tourist-to-tourist interaction and life satisfaction under a pandemic context.
From Theory to Practice: Can LEAP/FAO Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines Be a Useful Tool for Knowing the Environmental Status of Livestock Systems?
Authors: de Santiago María Fernanda , Barrios Margenny , D’Anatro Alejandro , García Luis Fernando , Mailhos Ary , Pompozzi Gabriel , Rehermann Sofía , Simó Miguel , Tesitore Giancarlo , Teixeira de Mello Franco , Valtierra Victoria , Blumetto Oscar
Published: December 2022

Biodiversity loss is a global concern, and agriculture is one of the economic sectors responsible for this impact. The assessment of ecosystems under the influence of livestock production is essential for knowing their integrity and ability to provide ecosystem services. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the application of LEAP/FAO guidelines for quantitative assessment of biodiversity in the livestock sector at the local scale (farm level) in a group of six study cases in Uruguay. A set of 20 indicators was used, including seven key thematic issues: habitat protection, habitat change, wildlife conservation, invasive species, pollution, aquatic biodiversity, off-farm feed, and landscape-scale conservation. The results show that the LEAP biodiversity assessment guidelines can be useful to characterize the state of ecosystems under pastoral use and some specific components of their biodiversity, as well as assess the interaction of the production system with the environment and plan management accordingly. This work also provides an analysis of the methodology used and recommendations to facilitate its application by the sector. The results from the application of the indicators show a great deal of wild biodiversity that uses grazing systems based on native grasslands as habitats and the acceptable integrity of these ecosystems. On average, farms have 83% of their native ecosystem, with a value of 3.5 for the Ecosystem Integrity Index. In terms of the richness of different groups, there was an average number of species of 112 herbaceous plants, 48 woody plants, 48 spiders, 150 birds, and 14 fish. The main goal of this work is to help in the wider application of the guidelines by facilitating decisions about methodology, necessary resources, and technical support. Moreover, another goal is to show the importance of native grasslands-based livestock systems for biodiversity conservation.
Analysis of Curing and Mechanical Performance of Pre-Impregnated Carbon Fibers Cured within Concrete
Authors: Scheurer Martin , Kalthoff Matthias , Matschei Thomas , Raupach Michael , Gries Thomas
Published: December 2022

In carbon-reinforced concrete, the commonly used steel reinforcement is replaced with carbon fiber reinforcement textiles, enabling thin-walled elements by using new construction principles. The high drapability of textiles offers design opportunities for new concrete structures. However, commonly utilized textiles are impregnated with comparatively stiff polymeric materials to ensure load transmission into the textile, limiting drapability. In this paper, a new approach is analyzed: the use of pre-impregnated textiles cured within the concrete matrix. This enables the production of filigree, highly curved components with high mechanical performance, as needed for novel additive manufacturing methods. In the presented trials, rovings were successfully impregnated with potential impregnation materials, cured within the concrete, and compared to rovings cured outside of the concrete. The analysis of the curing process using a rolling ball test determines that all materials have to be placed in concrete 4 to 24 h after impregnation. The results of uniaxial tensile tests on reinforced concrete show that maximum load is increased by up to 87% for rovings cured within concrete (compared to non-impregnated rovings). This load increase was higher for rovings cured outside of concrete (up to 185%), indicating that the concrete environment interferes with the curing process, requiring further analysis and adaptation.
Quantum Scalar-Field Propagator in a Stochastic Gravitational-Plane Wave
Authors: Haba Zbigniew
Published: December 2022

A stochastic metric can appear in classical as well as in quantum gravity. We show that if the linearized stochastic Gaussian gravitational-plane wave has the frequency spectrum ω4γ−1 (0≤γ<1), then the equal-time propagator of the scalar field behaves as p−11−γ for large momenta. We discuss models of quantum-field theory where such anomalous behavior can appear.
Association between Sexual Activity and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Initiation and Completion among College Students
Authors: Adjei Boakye Eric , McKinney Stacey L. , Whittington Kelli D. , Boyer Valerie E. , Franca Maria C. , Lee Minjee , McKinnies Richard C. , Collins Sandra K. , Gerend Mary A.
Published: December 2022

HPV vaccination is most effective if received before initiation of sexual activity. Previous studies suggested that young adult women who were not sexually active were not interested in receiving the vaccine because they did not think it was necessary. Whether this misperception is still prevalent today—and also shared by men—is unknown. This study examined whether sexual activity was associated with HPV vaccine uptake (initiation and completion) among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2021 among students (n = 951) at a public Midwestern University. Sexual activity was categorized as “never” or “ever” had oral and/or vaginal sex. Outcome variables were HPV vaccine initiation, defined as receipt of ≥1 dose, and completion, defined as receipt of ≥3 doses. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the association between sexual activity and HPV vaccine uptake, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Approximately 18% of students reported never engaging in sexual activity. Overall, 45.5% initiated the HPV vaccine, and 16.5% completed the vaccine series. After adjusting for covariates, compared to students that reported never engaging in sexual activity, those that had ever engaged in sexual activity were more likely to have initiated the vaccine series (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.34–3.17); however, no difference was observed for completion. HPV vaccination was low; sexually naïve students were less likely to initiate the HPV vaccine. Since sexually naïve students may benefit from receiving the HPV vaccination, targeted interventions should be implemented towards this population to help increase vaccination rates and prevent HPV-associated diseases.
Preclinical Toxicity and Immunogenicity of a COVID-19 Vaccine (ZF2001) in Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Yang Hongzhong , Pan Wei , Chen Guoyu , Huang Enqi , Lu Qijiong , Chen Yunxiang , Chen Ying , Yang Zhengbiao , Wen Lei , Zhang Siming , Xu Cong , Lv Wanqiang , Dai Lianpan , Wu Changwei , Zhang Lijiang
Published: December 2022

Although the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak occurred in late 2019, it is still endemic worldwide, and has become a global public health problem. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be the most effective intervention to prevent the spread of COVID-19. ZF2001 is a recombinant protein vaccine based on SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) subunit which contains aluminum adjuvant. In order to advance our research on ZF2001 into clinical trial, we investigated the general toxicity and immunogenicity of ZF2001 in cynomolgus monkeys and assessed the possible target organs for vaccine-induced toxicity. In the present research, we observed no significant systemic toxicities and abnormal cardiovascular and respiratory events following four times injections of intramuscular ZF2001 in cynomolgus monkeys. Histological examination revealed recoverable inflammatory changes in quadricep muscle and adjacent lymph node at the vaccine injection site. As expected, the vaccine can produce a strongly specific binding antibody and neutralizing antibodies in cynomolgus monkeys after inoculation. Taken together, our regulatory toxicology research proves the safety and immunogenicity of the ZF2001 vaccine, supporting its entry into large scale clinical trials.