bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significant enhancement of tribological performance of carbon fabric/phenolic composites via interfacial modification and use of a lubricant additive
Authors: Chen Beibei , Li Jiaye , Yang Bi , Dong Zhe , Li Hongping
Published: July 2022

Improving the tribological performance of carbon fabric (CF)/polymer composites is vitally significant for developing high‐performance lubricating materials. We propose the combination of interfacial modification and use of a lubricant additive to enhance the antifriction and anti‐wear properties of CF/phenolic (PF) composites. And the tribological properties of CF/PF composites were characterized using ball‐on‐disc friction and wear tester. First, ZnO nanorods were densely and uniformly grown on the carbon fiber surface using POSS as a “bridge molecule” to make fiber with a rough micro‐nano microstructure and active functional groups; this was conducive to enhancing the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and wear resistance of CF/PF. Then, graphite (Gr) was further introduced as a lubrication additive into the modified CF‐POSS‐ZnO/PF to increase the friction‐reducing capacity. The corresponding modified composite with 5 wt% Gr demonstrated outstanding tribological performance. The coefficient of friction and wear rate decreased by 55.37% and 93.36%, respectively, compared to those of CF/PF. Moreover, it still retained outstanding friction and wear properties in the sliding process with high loads and speeds. The synergistic mechanism of interfacial modification and lubricant additive on the tribological performance of CF/PF are discussed systematically on the basis of the analysis of the ILSS, fracture surface microstructures, and worn surfaces of the composites. This work might shed new light on the design and development of high antifriction and anti‐wear CF/polymer composites.
Effect of nanosilica on mechanical, thermal, fatigue, and antimicrobial properties of cardanol oil/sisal fiber reinforced epoxy composite
Authors: Subbiah Ram , A. Arivumangai , Kaliappan S. , V. Balaji , G. Yuvaraj , P. Patil Pravin
Published: July 2022

Sisal fiber reinforced nanosilica and cardanol oil toughened epoxy composites were prepared and characterized in this present work. The main aim of this study was to understand the importance of adding cardanol oil and nanosilica to sisal‐reinforced epoxy composites in enhancing the load bearing, thermal stability, and antimicrobial properties. The composites were fabricated by the hand layup process and specimens were cut using a water jet machine. The composites were tested using the respective ASTM standards. The results found that the blending of cardanol oil makes the epoxy less brittle and the composites are environment friendly. Similarly, nanosilica with sisal fiber in cardanol oil blended epoxy composites showed improved mechanical properties. The highest tensile strength and modulus were found to be 56% and 64% than pure epoxy resin. The maximum impact resistances and hardness values observed for the composites are 6.48 J and 91 shore‐D. Moreover, improved fatigue life counts were observed for composite designation ECN2, which contains 1.0 vol% of nanosilica, but also a decrement in it if the volume percentage was increased to 2.0. The antimicrobial properties improved with the increment of nanosilica and cardanol oil content. These eco‐friendly, mechanically toughened biocomposites could be used in drug and food storage, automotives, drones, structural, and sports goods as well as in household appliances manufacturing.
Mechanical stacked GaAs//CuIn1−yGaySe2three‐junction solar cells with 30% efficiency via an improved bonding interface and area current‐matching technique
Authors: Makita Kikuo , Kamikawa Yukiko , Koida Takashi , Mizuno Hidenori , Oshima Ryuji , Shoji Yasushi , Ishizuka Shogo , Takamoto Tatsuya , Sugaya Takeyoshi
Published: July 2022

Multijunction (MJ) solar cells have attracted considerable attention as next‐generation solar cells. III–V‐based MJ solar cells connected to heterogeneous cells, such as GaAs//Si and GaAs//CIGSe (CuIn1−yGaySe2), are expected to be highly efficient and inexpensive. Consequently, we have developed a mechanical stacking method with Pd nanoparticles and silicone adhesives for the bonding interface, which was modified for our previous “smart stack” technology. Using this “modified smart stack,” we previously demonstrated an InGaP/Al0.06Ga0.94As//CIGSe three‐junction solar cell with an efficiency of 28.06%. In this study, we fabricated an InGaP/GaAs//CIGSe three‐junction solar cell. The total efficiency is 29.3% for the aperture area (31.0% for the active area) under AM1.5G solar spectrum illumination, which is the optimal value reported for two‐terminal GaAs//CIGSe‐based tandem solar cells thus far. This superior performance was realized by using a specialized CIGSe cell with a flattened surface via a wet etching process and a thin In2O3;Ce,H transparent conducting oxide layer. Using an area current‐matching technique, the efficiency increased to 30%. In addition, the bonding resistivity of the fabricated solar cell was estimated to be less than 1 Ωcm2from solar‐concentrated measurements. These results suggest the potential of III–V//CIGSe‐based tandem solar cells with modified smart stack technology as next‐generation photovoltaic cells for applications such as vehicle‐integrated photovoltaics.
Acoustic detection of the wood borer, Semanotus bifasciatus, as an early monitoring technology
Authors: Jiang Qi , Liu Yujie , Ren Lili , Sun Yu , Luo Youqing
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Semanotus bifasciatus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is one of the most destructive wood‐boring pests of Platycladus trees in East Asia, threatening the protection of antique cypresses and urban ecological safety. Early identification of Semanotus bifasciatus attacks can help forest managers mitigate the infestation before it turns into an outbreak. Acoustic detection technology is a non‐destructive and continuous monitoring method with the potential to early identify and accurately evaluate the wood‐boring damage. However, few studies have focused on the detection timing and corresponding acoustic features. In this study, we employed a manipulated insect infestation experiment to identify time windows in which early instar Semanotus bifasciatus larvae are most actively boring and feeding within logs and to identify acoustic features that distinguish larval sounds from typical background noise.

RESULTS

The Semanotus bifasciatus larvae produced sounds most frequently between 13:00 and 20:00 while sounds were detectable from the first to the third instar during the larval growth stage, indicating a suitable time window for early detection. The stepwise regression (SR) model was optimal for detecting the larval instar [coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.71, root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEp) = 0.42, and relative percent deviation (RPD) = 3.38] while the best model for predicting larval population size was the partial least squares regression (PLSR) model (R2 = 0.97, RMSEp = 61.96, and RPD = 28.87).

CONCLUSION

This study developed an acoustic method for identifying the early attack of Semanotus bifasciatus (including detection time window, feature variables and models for larval instar prediction and population size estimation). This technology integrated with internet of things (IoT) framework can be of value in developing an automated monitoring system for forest wood borer, and provide necessary guidance for integrated pest management (IPM). © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Life history traits and a method for continuous mass rearing of the planthopper Pentastiridius leporinus, a vector of the causal agent of syndrome ‘basses richesses’ in sugar beet
Authors: Pfitzer René , Varrelmann Mark , Schrameyer Klaus , Rostás Michael
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

The planthopper Pentastiridius leporinus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) is the main vector of the γ‐3 proteobacterium ‘Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus’ which causes the syndrome ‘basses richesses’ (SBR) in sugar beet. SBR is a new and fast‐spreading disease in Central Europe that leads to high yield losses. To date, the development of management strategies has been hampered by insufficient knowledge about general life history traits of the planthopper and, most importantly, the year‐round availability of insects reared under controlled conditions. Rearing of P. leporinus has been considered challenging and to date no protocol exists.

RESULTS

Here we describe a method for mass rearing P. leporinus on sugar beet from egg to adult that has produced five generations and over 20 000 individuals between June 2020 and March 2022. An alternative host such as wheat is not necessary for completing the life cycle. No‐choice experiments showed that P. leporinus lays 139.1 ± 132.9 eggs on sugar beet, whereas no oviposition was observed on its nymphal host wheat. Head capsule width was identified as a trait that unequivocally distinguished the five nymphal instars. Developmental time from first instar to adult was 193.6 ± 35.8 days for males and 193.5 ± 59.2 days for females. Infection rates of adults were tested with a nested polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that 70%–80% of reared planthoppers across all generations carried the SBR proteobacterium.

CONCLUSION

The mass‐rearing protocol and life history data will help overcome an important bottleneck in SBR research and enhance efforts in developing integrated pest management tools. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Realization of Double‐Gate Junctionless Field Effect Transistor Depletion Region for 6 nm Regime with an Efficient Layer
Authors: Bolokian Mohammad , Orouji Ali A. , Abbasi Abdollah , Madadi Dariush
Published: July 2022

Herein, the authors suggest a junctionless field effect transistor with an embedded p‐type layer (EPL‐JLT) near the drain channel side, employing calibrated structure simulations to obtain a complete depletion region in a 6 nm channel length. The incorporation of a p‐type layer improves leakage current (I
OFF) and subthreshold swing (SS) for a 6 nm regime structure at 5.9 eV work function (WF) while the ON current (I
ON) diminishes a little. This considerable achievement in the leakage current enables obtaining multiple threshold voltages (V
TH) by adjusting the gate WF. The goal aids in creating optimized structures, which is impossible in silicon JLFETs (Si‐JLT) due to their requirement for large WFs to obtain a depletion region even at higher channel lengths. The proposed device has a leakage current of 1 nA μm−1 even at a 5.1 eV WF. The scaling of the EPL‐JLT for different channel lengths is investigated.
Fangchinoline abrogates growth and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma by negative regulation of c‐met/HGF and its associated downstream signaling pathways
Authors: Jung Young Yun , Um Jae‐Young , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang Seok
Published: July 2022

Among all cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a lethal disease with limited treatment options. In this study, we have analyzed the possible inhibitory effects of Fangchinoline (FCN) on c‐Met, a protein known to regulate the rapid phosphorylation of downstream signals, as well as mediate aberrant growth, metastasis, survival, and motility in cancer. FCN inhibited the activation of c‐Met and its downstream signals PI3K, AKT, mTOR, MEK, and ERK under in vitro settings. Moreover, c‐Met gene silencing lead to suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathways, and induced apoptotic cell death upon exposure to FCN. In addition, FCN markedly inhibited the expression of the various oncogenic proteins such as Bcl‐2/xl, survivin, IAP‐1/2, cyclin D1, and COX‐2. In vivo studies in HepG2 cells xenograft mouse model showed that FCN could significantly attenuate the tumor volume and weight, without affecting significant loss in the body weight. Similar to in vitro studies, expression level of c‐Met and PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MEK/ERK signals was also suppressed by FCN in the tissues obtained from mice. Therefore, the novel findings of this study suggest that FCN can potentially function as a potent anticancer agent against HCC.
Prediction of patient outcomes through social determinants of health: The Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry (PHAR) evaluation
Authors: Grinnan Dan , Kang Le , DeWilde Christine , Badesch David , Benza Raymond , Bull Todd , Chakinala Murali , DeMarco Teresa , Feldman Jeremy , Ford Hubert J. , Klinger James , McConnell John , Rosenzweig Erika B. , Sager Jeffrey , Shlobin Oksana , Zamanian Roham ,   the PHAR Investigators
Published: July 2022

Outcomes of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may be associated with social determinants of health (SDOH) and other baseline patient characteristics. At present, there is no prognostic model to predict important patient outcomes in PAH based on SDOH. Utilizing information from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry (PHAR), we derive a model (PHAR Evaluation or PHARE) to predict an important composite patient outcomes based on SDOH and other patient characteristics. Baseline data regarding SDOH from adult patients with PAH enrolled in the PHAR between 2015 and March 23, 2020, were included for analysis. We performed repeated measures logistic regression modeling with dichotomous outcome data (0 for no events, 1 for one or more events) to derive the PHARE. Here, 1275 consecutive adult patients enrolled in the PHAR from 47 participating centers were included. Variables included in our model are race, gender, ethnicity, household income, level of education, age, body mass index, drug use, alcohol use, marital status, and type of health insurance. Interaction effect between variables was analyzed and several interactions were also included in the PHARE. The PHARE shows a c‐statistic of 0.608 (p < 0.0001) with 95% confidence intervals (0.583, 0.632). Using SDOH and baseline characteristics from the PHAR, the PHARE correlates with our composite patient outcome. Further work evaluating the role of SDOH in prognostic modeling of PAH is indicated.
Identification and characterization of the in vitro metabolites of batatasin III by liquid chromatography in combination with Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Kong Fanjian , Wang Ting , You Weili
Published: July 2022

Rationale

Batatasin III is a biologically active ingredient extracted from Dendrobium scabrilingue, which has been demonstrated to have anticancer activity. To fully understand its action, the present study was performed to investigate the in vitro metabolism of batatasin III using rat and human liver microsomes and hepatocytes.

Methods

Batatasin III (20 μM) was incubated in the presence of NADPH‐supplemented rat and human liver microsomes (0.5 mg protein/mL) and hepatocytes (1 million cells/mL) followed by liquid chromatography in combination with hybrid quadrupole Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometric analysis to detect and identify the generated metabolites. The structures of the metabolites were characterized by comparing the accurate masses, elemental compositions as well as indicative fragment ions with those of the parent.

Results

A total of 15 metabolites were detected and identified, including 4 phase I and 11 phase II metabolites. Batatasin III is subjected to bioactivation to form reactive quinoid intermediates, which subsequently react with glutathione (GSH) via Michael addition. Glucuronidation and GSH conjugation appear to be the primary elimination pathways in rat hepatocytes, while in human hepatocytes, GSH conjugates are formed to a lesser extent. Phase I metabolic pathways include hydroxylation and demethylation.

Conclusions

The present study sheds light on the in vitro metabolic fates of batatasin III, which is indispensable for an understanding of its efficacy and safety.
Random cliques in random graphs and sharp thresholds for F$$ F $$‐factors
Authors: Riordan Oliver
Published: July 2022

We show that for each , in a density range extending up to, and slightly beyond, the threshold for a ‐factor, the copies of in the random graph are randomly distributed, in the (one‐sided) sense that the hypergraph that they form contains a copy of a binomial random hypergraph with almost exactly the right density. Thus Jeff Kahn's recent asymptotically sharp bound for the threshold in Shamir's hypergraph matching problem implies a corresponding bound for the threshold for to contain a ‐factor. The case is more difficult, and has been settled by Annika Heckel. We also prove a corresponding result for ‐factors in random ‐uniform hypergraphs, as well as (in some cases weaker) generalizations replacing by certain other (hyper)graphs.
Sustainable development goals and corporate reporting: An empirical investigation of the oil and gas industry
Authors: Arena Marika , Azzone Giovanni , Ratti Sara , Urbano Valeria Maria , Vecchio Giovanni
Published: July 2022

In recent years, many companies have started to include references to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in their corporate reporting as a means for demonstrating their contribution to sustainable development. However, connecting company results to the SDGs is not straightforward, since this framework has not been originally designed for corporate reporting, resulting in high heterogeneity among companies and industries. Moving from this consideration, this paper focuses on a sector that is highly sensitive in relation to the SDGs – the oil and gas (O&G) industry – and aims to analyse whether O&G companies mention the SDGs in their corporate reporting and examine what are the characteristics of companies engaging more with such reporting. By conducting an empirical analysis of corporate reporting practices on a sample of 75 companies, the study confirms the relevance of SDG reporting in the O&G industry and shows the influence of company size, geographical area, the level of internationalisation and the economic performance of firms on the usage of the SDG reporting.
Hydrogen‐Induced Conversion of SnS2 into SnS or Sn: A Route to Create SnS2/SnS Heterostructures
Authors: Felton James , Blundo Elena , Kudrynskyi Zakhar , Ling Sanliang , Bradford Jonathan , Pettinari Giorgio , Cooper Timothy , Wadge Matthew , Kovalyuk Zakhar , Polimeni Antonio , Beton Peter , Grant David , Walker Gavin , Patanè Amalia
Published: July 2022

The family of van der Waals (vdW) materials is large and diverse with applications ranging from electronics and optoelectronics to catalysis and chemical storage. However, despite intensive research, there remains significant knowledge‐gaps pertaining to their properties and interactions. One such gap is the interaction between these materials and hydrogen, a potentially vital future energy vector and ubiquitous processing gas in the semiconductor industry. This work reports on the interaction of hydrogen with the vdW semiconductor SnS2, where molecular hydrogen (H2) and H‐ions induce a controlled chemical conversion into semiconducting‐SnS or to β‐Sn. This hydrogen‐driven reaction is facilitated by the different oxidation states of Sn and is successfully applied to form SnS2/SnS heterostructures with uniform layers, atomically flat interfaces and well‐aligned crystallographic axes. This approach is scalable and offers a route for engineering materials at the nanoscale for semiconductor technologies based on the earth‐abundant elements Sn and S, a promising result for a wide range of potential applications.
MoSBOTs: Magnetically Driven Biotemplated MoS2‐Based Microrobots for Biomedical Applications
Authors: de la Asunción‐Nadal Victor , Franco Carlos , Veciana Andrea , Ning Shen , Terzopoulou Anastasia , Sevim Semih , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Gong De , Cai Jun , Wendel‐Garcia Pedro D. , Jurado‐Sánchez Beatriz , Escarpa Alberto , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep , Pané Salvador
Published: July 2022

2D layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanomaterials are a promising platform for biomedical applications, particularly due to its high biocompatibility characteristics, mechanical and electrical properties, and flexible functionalization. Additionally, the bandgap of MoS2 can be engineered to absorb light over a wide range of wavelengths, which can then be transformed into local heat for applications in photothermal tissue ablation and regeneration. However, limitations such as poor stability of aqueous dispersions and low accumulation in affected tissues impair the full realization of MoS2 for biomedical applications. To overcome such challenges, herein, multifunctional MoS2‐based magnetic helical microrobots (MoSBOTs) using cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis are proposed as biotemplate for therapeutic and biorecognition applications. The cytocompatible microrobots combine remote magnetic navigation with MoS2 photothermal activity under near‐infrared irradiation. The resulting photoabsorbent features of the MoSBOTs are exploited for targeted photothermal ablation of cancer cells and on‐the‐fly biorecognition in minimally invasive oncotherapy applications. The proposed multi‐therapeutic MoSBOTs hold considerable potential for a myriad of cancer treatment and diagnostic‐related applications, circumventing current challenges of ablative procedures.
Controlling grey squirrel numbers in the UK
Authors: Mills Georgina , Loeb Josh
Published: July 2022

Georgina Mills and Josh Loeb report on work to develop contraceptives for this invasive species.
Exotic bloodborne parasites and dogs imported from Africa
Authors: Dobinson Rebecca , Wright Ian
Published: July 2022

The number of dogs legally imported to the UK from Africa is on the rise, and so too, therefore, is the risk of co‐importing currently exotic parasites. Here, Rebecca Dobinson and Ian Wright report the results of a small study carried out in Sierra Leone, in which visibly healthy dogs were screened for the presence of several bloodborne parasites.
Cost distance models to predict contact between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep
Authors: Anderson Kathleen , Cahn Maya L. , Stephenson Thomas R. , Few Alexandra P. , Hatfield Brian E. , German David W. , Weissman Jonathan , Croft Brian
Published: July 2022

Infectious disease transmission from domestic sheep threatens the persistence of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)populations throughout western North America. Quantifying spatial separation between the 2 species is an essential component in assessing the risk of disease transmission. We present a spatial analysis to evaluate infectious disease risks for endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (O. c. sierrae; hereafter Sierra bighorn sheep). Our approach accounted for spatial separation between the species as well as the configuration of resources that influences Sierra bighorn sheep movement. We assessed the potential for contact by predicting where Sierra bighorn sheep were likely to be located and travel. We combined a resource selection probability function with a cost distance analysis to quantify the risk of grazing domestic sheep in proximity to Sierra bighorn sheep core home range from a habitat perspective. We compared our approach to a standard buffer approach and determined that our cost distance model better quantified how risk varied among grazing parcels. Sierra bighorn sheep selected and traveled within habitat that included escape terrain. Our model, which included a log normal transformation, characterized the high relative cost (i.e., reduced likelihood) to traveling beyond selected habitat and predicted that such movement is less likely. As a result, our habitat‐based risk threshold was 48% smaller in area than the standard buffer area that included landscape that bighorn did not use. Our method establishes a risk threshold that can be used by land managers to optimize public and private grazing regimes and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Validation and measurement of physiological stress and reproductive hormones in wolf hair and claws
Authors: Roffler Gretchen H. , Karpovich Shawna , Charapata Patrick , Keogh Mandy J.
Published: July 2022

The use of keratinized tissues (e.g., hair, claws) to investigate physiological effects of environmental and anthropogenic stressors in free‐ranging wildlife populations has increased because these tissues retain steroid hormones during growth and are relatively easy to collect and store in the field. We measured reproductive and stress‐related steroid hormones in wolves (Canis lupus ligoni; n = 31) captured on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, USA, during 1993–1994 and 2012–2014, representing periods of time when both wolf harvest and densities ranged from high to moderate. We validated enzyme immunoassay kits to measure steroid hormone concentrations in wolf guard hair, undercoat hair, and claw tip samples. Progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol were extracted and measured in the 3 keratinous tissues from wolves of different age class, sex, residency status, and collection periods. Within each tissue type, progesterone and testosterone were positively correlated (guard hair, r = 0.59, P = 0.003; undercoat hair, r = 0.55, P = 0.011; claws, r = 0.62, P ≤ 0.001) and cortisol concentrations were not related to either reproductive hormone. We were able to measure hormone concentrations in archived keratinous tissues collected up to 25 years earlier to assess stress and reproductive activity in historical samples. Our study validates a method for measuring steroid hormones in hair, and for the first time, continuously growing claws in wolves. Measurement of hormone concentrations in keratinous tissues may aid in the assessment of reproductive activity and physiological stress responses in wolf populations over long‐term time periods (i.e., decades) to enhance conservation efforts of an important apex predator.
A menu of climate change adaptation actions for terrestrial wildlife management
Authors: Handler Stephen D. , Ledee Olivia E. , Hoving Christopher L. , Zuckerberg Benjamin , Swanston Christopher W.
Published: July 2022

The real‐world application of climate change adaptation practices in terrestrial wildlife conservation has been slowed by a lack of practical guidance for wildlife managers. Although there is a rapidly growing body of literature on the topic of climate change adaptation and wildlife management, the literature is weighted towards a narrow range of adaptation actions and administrative or policy recommendations that are typically beyond the decision space and influence of wildlife professionals. We developed a menu of tiered adaptation actions for terrestrial wildlife management to translate broad concepts into actionable approaches to help managers respond to climate change risks and meet desired management goals. The menu includes actions related to managing wildlife populations as well as managing wildlife habitat. We designed this resource to be used with the Adaptation Workbook, a structured decision‐support tool for climate adaptation. We describe real‐world examples in which managers have used the Wildlife Adaptation Menu to integrate climate adaptation considerations into wildlife management and conservation projects. Our examples illustrate how a comprehensive and structured menu of adaptation approaches can help managers brainstorm specific actions and more easily and clearly communicate the intent of their climate adaptation efforts.
Neuroimaging analyses from a randomized, controlled study to evaluate plasma exchange with albumin replacement in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease: additional results from the AMBAR study
Authors: Cuberas-Borrós Gemma , Roca Isabel , Castell-Conesa Joan , Núñez Laura , Boada Mercè , López Oscar L. , Grifols Carlota , Barceló Miquel , Pareto Deborah , Páez Antonio
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study was designed to detect structural and functional brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (PE) with albumin replacement, as part of the recent AMBAR phase 2b/3 clinical trial.

Methods

Mild-to-moderate AD patients were randomized into four arms: three arms receiving PE with albumin (one with low-dose albumin, and two with low/high doses of albumin alternated with IVIG), and a placebo (sham PE) arm. All arms underwent 6 weeks of weekly conventional PE followed by 12 months of monthly low-volume PE. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric analyses and regional and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET) were performed.

Results

MRI analyses (n = 198 patients) of selected subcortical structures showed fewer volume changes from baseline to final visit in the high albumin + IVIG treatment group (p < 0.05 in 3 structures vs. 4 to 9 in other groups). The high albumin + IVIG group showed no statistically significant reduction of right hippocampus. SPM 18FDG-PET analyses (n = 213 patients) showed a worsening of metabolic activity in the specific areas affected in AD (posterior cingulate, precuneus, and parieto-temporal regions). The high-albumin + IVIG treatment group showed the greatest metabolic stability over the course of the study, i.e., the smallest percent decline in metabolism (MaskAD), and least progression of defect compared to placebo.

Conclusions

PE with albumin replacement was associated with fewer deleterious changes in subcortical structures and less metabolic decline compared to the typical of the progression of AD. This effect was more marked in the group treated with high albumin + IVIG.

Trial registration

(AMBAR trial registration: EudraCT#: 2011–001,598-25; ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01561053).
Mechanical and hydrodynamic effects of stent expansion in tapered coronary vessels
Authors: Liu Xiangkun , Zhang Wen , Ye Ping , Luo Qiyi , Chang Zhaohua
Published: July 2022

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become the primary treatment for patients with coronary heart disease because of its minimally invasive nature and high efficiency. Anatomical studies have shown that most coronary vessels gradually shrink, and the vessels gradually become thinner from the proximal to the distal end. In this paper, the effects of different stent expansion methods on the mechanical and hemodynamic behaviors of coronary vessels and stents were studied. To perform a structural-mechanical analysis of stent implantation, the coronary vessels with branching vessels and the coronary vessels with large bending curvature are selected. The two characteristic structures are implanted in equal diameter expansion mode and conical expansion mode, and the stress and mechanical behaviors of the coronary vessels and stents are analyzed. The results of the structural-mechanical analysis showed that the mechanical behaviors and fatigue performance of the cobalt-chromium alloy stent were good, and the different expansion modes of the stent had little effect on the fatigue performance of the stent. However, the equal diameter expansion mode increased distal coronary artery stress and the risk of vascular injury. The computational fluid dynamics analysis results showed that different stent expansion methods had varied effects on coronary vessel hemodynamics and that the wall shear stress distribution of conical stent expansion is more uniform compared with equal diameter expansion. Additionally, the vortex phenomenon is not apparent, the blood flow velocity is slightly increased, the hydrodynamic environment is more reasonable, and the risk of coronary artery injury is reduced.
Integrated approach for landslide hazard assessment in the High City of Antananarivo, Madagascar (UNESCO tentative site)
Authors: Frodella William , Rosi Ascanio , Spizzichino Daniele , Nocentini Massimiliano , Lombardi Luca , Ciampalini Andrea , Vannocci Pietro , Ramboason Niandry , Margottini Claudio , Tofani Veronica , Casagli Nicola
Published: July 2022

The High City of Antananarivo is one of the most important cultural heritage sites of Madagascar, on the UNESCO Tentative List since 2016. Built on the hilltop of the Analamanga Hill, a granite ridge overlooking the Ikopa River valley, it is renowned for its baroque-style palaces, such as the Rova royal complex, and neo-Gothic cathedrals dating back to the nineteenth century. During the winter of 2015, the twin cyclones Bansi and Chedza hit the urban area of Antananarivo, triggering floods and shallow landslides, as well as causing thousands of evacuees and many casualties. Between 2018 and 2019 several rockfalls occurred from the rock cliffs of the Analamanga hills, destroying housings and killing over 30 people. Both events showed that landslides can pose a high risk to the safety of the inhabitants, the infrastructure, and the cultural heritage of the High City. To assess the landslide hazard in the Analamanga Hill area, an integrated approach was adopted by means of the following actions: (i) creation of a multitemporal detailed scale landslide map; (ii) geotechnical characterization of the involved materials; (iii) analysis of landslide susceptibility in soils/loose deposits; (iv) runout analysis of debris flows channeling within large creek gullies; (v) landslide kinematic analysis of the rockmass; (vi) simulation of rockfall trajectories; (vii) analysis of rainfall data. The results show that the main factors affecting landslides are slope, lithology, creek-gully erosion, and anthropization, while most of the landslide events are clearly triggered by heavy rainfall. The landslide-prone areas (the phenomena include shallow landslides, rock falls, and debris flows) are located primarily along the cliff bounding the western hill slope, the southeastern sector (where abandoned quarries form large slope cuts), and subordinately in the steep creek catchment just east of the Rova. The thematic maps produced represent fundamental land use management tools to be used in Geo Disaster Risk Reduction (GDRR) by scientists, practitioners and the decision-makers involved in the High City protection and conservation. The study conducted represents an important contribution for improving the knowledge on landslide processes in an area with limited data such as Madagascar, and may be reproduced in cultural heritage sites characterized by similar geomorphological and urban scenarios.
Development of minimal physiologically-based pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models for characterizing cellular kinetics of CAR T cells following local deliveries in mice
Authors: Tsai Chia-Hung , Singh Aman P. , Xia Cindy Q. , Wang Haiqing
Published: July 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies have revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies and have potentials for solid tumor treatment. To overcome limited CAR T cell infiltration to solid tumors, local delivery of CAR T cells is a practical strategy that has shown promising therapeutic outcome and safety profile in the clinic. It is of great interest to understand the impact of dosing routes on CAR T cell distribution, subsequent proliferation and tumor killing in a quantitative manner to identify key factors that contribute to CAR T efficacy and safety. In this study, we established mouse minimal physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (mPBPK) models combined with pharmacodynamic (PD) components to delineate CAR T cell distribution, proliferation, tumor growth, and tumor cell killing in the cases of pleural and liver tumors. The pleural tumor model reasonably captured published CAR T cellular kinetic and tumor growth profiles in mice. The mPBPK-PD simulation of a liver tumor mouse model showed a substantial increase in initial tumor infiltration and earlier CAR T cell proliferation with local hepatic artery delivery compared to portal vein and intravenous (i.v.) injections whereas portal vein injection showed little difference from i.v. administration, suggesting the importance of having the injection site close to tumor for maximal effect of non-systemic administration. Blood flow rate in the liver tumor was found to be a sensitive parameter for cellular kinetics and efficacy, indicating a potential role of tumor vascularization in the efficacy of CAR T cell therapies.
Prospective CO2 and CO bioconversion into ectoines using novel microbial platforms
Authors: Cantera Sara , Tamarit Daniel , Strong Peter James , Sánchez-Andrea Irene , Ettema Thijs J. G. , Sousa Diana Z.
Published: July 2022

Microbial conversion of CO2 and CO into chemicals is a promising route that can contribute to the cost-effective reduction of anthropogenic green house and waste gas emissions and create a more circular economy. However, the biotechnological valorization of CO2 and CO into chemicals is still restricted by the limited number of model microorganisms implemented, and the small profit margin of the products synthesized. This perspective paper intends to explore the genetic potential for the microbial conversion of CO2 and CO into ectoines, in a tentative to broaden bioconversion platforms and the portfolio of products from C1 gas fermentations. Ectoine and hydroxyectoine can be produced by microorganisms growing at high salinity. They are high-value commodities for the pharmaceutical and medical sectors (1000–1200 €/kg). Currently microbial ectoine production is based on sugar fermentations, but expansion to other more sustainable and cheaper substrates is desirable. In this work, a literature review to identify halophilic microbes able to use CO2 and CO as a carbon source was performed. Subsequently, genomes of this poll of microbes were mined for genes that encode for ectoine and hydroxyectoine synthesis (ectABCD, ask, asd and ask_ect). As a result, we identified a total of 31 species with the genetic potential to synthesize ectoine and 14 to synthesize hydroxyectoine. These microbes represent the basis for the creation of novel microbial-platforms that can promote the development of cost-effective and sustainable valorization chains of CO2 and CO in different industrial scenarios.
Antitumor Activity of Chitosan-Coated Iron Oxide Nanocomposite Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Animal Models
Authors: Badawy Monda M. M. , Abdel-Hamid Gehan R. , Mohamed Hebatallah E.
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide. Chitosan-coated iron oxide nanocomposite (Fe3O4/Cs) is a promising bio-nanomaterial for many biological applications. The objective of this research was to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of Fe3O4/Cs against HCC in animal models. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared and added to chitosan solution; then, the mixture was exposed to gamma radiation at a dose of 20 kGy. Rats have received diethylnitrosamine (DEN) orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight 5 times per week during a period of 10 weeks to induce HCC and then have received Fe3O4/Cs intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight 3 times per week during a period of 4 weeks. After the last dose of Fe3O4/Cs administration, animals were sacrificed. DEN induced upregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK (ERK, JNK, P38) signaling pathways and inflammatory markers (TLR4, iNOS, and TNF-α). DEN also decreases cleaved caspase-3 and increases liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and GGT) activities. Administration of Fe3O4/Cs significantly ameliorated the above-mentioned parameters.
Food security vulnerability due to trade dependencies on Russia and Ukraine
Authors: Hellegers Petra
Published: July 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is disrupting global agricultural commodity markets, creating pressure on wheat supplies and stocks and consequently on food prices. The wider effects are felt around the world due to the dependencies inherent to global trade. But how to assess the vulnerability of countries food security and how to deal with it? To assess for which countries food security is at risk, dependencies along with a set of coping capacity indicators to absorb shocks need to be identified. Addressing vulnerabilities at this scale requires a global food security approach, because the food security of vulnerable countries depends on measure taken by other countries, together with a holistic approach to water, energy and food security. The Russian invasion brings to the fore the need to reassess the socio-economic value of agriculture and open trade, in terms of food security for stability in vulnerable regions.
Propagation of hydropeaking waves in heterogeneous aquifers: effects on flow topology and uncertainty quantification
Authors: Merchán-Rivera Pablo , Basilio Hazas Mónica , Marcolini Giorgia , Chiogna Gabriele
Published: July 2022

Topological flow properties are proxies for mixing processes in aquifers and allow us to better understand the mechanisms controlling transport of solutes in the subsurface. However, topological descriptors, such as the Okubo–Weiss metric, are affected by the uncertainty in the solution of the flow problem. While the uncertainty related to the heterogeneous properties of the aquifer has been widely investigated in the past, less attention has been given to the one related to highly transient boundary conditions. We study the effect of different transient boundary conditions associated with hydropeaking events (i.e., artificial river stage fluctuations due to hydropower production) on groundwater flow and the Okubo–Weiss metric. We define deterministic and stochastic modeling scenarios applying four typical settings to describe river stage fluctuations during hydropeaking events: a triangular wave, a sine wave, a complex wave that results of the superposition of two sine waves, and a trapezoidal wave. We use polynomial chaos expansions to quantify the spatiotemporal uncertainty that propagates into the hydraulic head in the aquifer and the Okubo–Weiss. The wave-shaped highly transient boundary conditions influence not only the magnitude of the deformation and rotational forces of the flow field but also the temporal dynamics of dominance between local strain and rotation properties. Larger uncertainties are found in the scenario where the trapezoidal wave was imposed due to sharp fluctuation in the stage. The statistical moments that describe the propagation of the uncertainty highly vary depending on the applied boundary condition.

Highlights

Deterministic and stochastic scenarios to describe the groundwater flow field under river stage fluctuations during hydropeaking.

Propagation of uncertainty of highly transient boundary conditions in the Okubo–Weiss metric.

Highly transient boundary conditions can significantly affect mixing potential.
Adsorption and Photo-Fenton Degradation of Methylene Blue Using Nanomagnetite/Potassium Carrageenan Bio-Composite Beads
Authors: Hassan Asaad F. , Mustafa Ahmed A. , Esmail Ghada , Awad Aya M.
Published: July 2022

The present study deals with the preparation of nanomagnetite (NM), potassium carrageenan (KC), and nanomagnetite/potassium carrageenan bio-composite beads (NC). Characterization of the prepared solid materials using different physicochemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-disperse X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer (DRS), swelling ratio (SR%), N2 adsorption, pH of point of zero charges (pHPZC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Comparing between adsorption and photo-Fenton degradation process for methylene blue (MB) on the surface of the prepared solid materials. Nanomagnetite/potassium carrageenan bio-composite (NC) exhibited high specific surface area (406 m2/g), mesoporosity (pore radius, 3.64 nm), point of zero charge around pH6.0, and the occurrence of abundant oxygen-containing functional groups. Comparison between adsorption and photo-Fenton oxidation process for methylene blue (MB) was carried out under different application conditions. NC exhibited the maximum adsorption capacity with 374.50 mg/g at 40 °C after 24 h of shaking time while 96.9% of MB was completely degraded after 20 min of photo-Fenton process. Langmuir's adsorption model for MB onto the investigated solid materials is the best-fitted adsorption model based on the higher correlation coefficient values (0.9771–0.9999). Kinetic and thermodynamic measurements prove that adsorption follows PSO, endothermic, and spontaneous process, while photo-Fenton degradation of MB achieves PFO, nonspontaneous, and endothermic process. Photo-Fenton degradation is a fast and simple technique at a lower concentration of dye (< 40 mg/L) while at higher dye concentration, the adsorption process is preferred in the removal of that dye.
Improving Iodine Status in Lactating Women: What Works?
Authors: Brough Louise
Published: July 2022

Purpose of Review

Iodine deficiency is a global concern, and in recent years, there has been a significant improvement in the number of countries identified as being iodine-sufficient. This review considers the best strategies to ensure iodine sufficiency among breastfeeding women and their infants.

Recent Findings

Fortification strategies to improve iodine intake have been adequate for school-age children (SAC); however, often, iodine deficiency remains for breastfeeding women and their infants. Daily supplementation with iodine is not an ideal strategy to overcome deficiency.

Countries defined as iodine-sufficient, but where pregnant and breastfeeding women have inadequate intake, should consider increasing salt iodine concentration, such that the median urinary iodine concentration of SAC can be up to 299 µg/L. This will ensure adequate intake for mothers and infants, without SAC being at risk thyroid dysfunction. Consensus is required for thresholds for iodine adequacy for breastfeeding women and infants.
New Approaches for Enhancement of the Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Ahmed Lamiaa , Al-Massri Khaled
Published: July 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major health concern worldwide, where mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy gives great promise in their management through their regenerative and paracrine actions. In recent years, many studies have shifted from the use of transplanted stem cells to their secreted exosomes for the management of various CVDs and cardiovascular-related diseases including atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, peripheral arterial diseases, and pulmonary hypertension. In different models, MSC-derived exosomes have shown beneficial outcomes similar to cell therapy concerning regenerative and neovascular actions in addition to their anti-apoptotic, anti-remodeling, and anti-inflammatory actions. Compared with their parent cells, exosomes have also demonstrated several advantages, including lower immunogenicity and no risk of tumor formation. However, the maintenance of stability and efficacy of exosomes afterin vivotransplantation is still a major concern in their clinical application. Recently, new approaches have been developed to enhance their efficacy and stability including their preconditioning before transplantation, use of genetically modified MSC-derived exosomes, or their utilization as a targeted drug delivery system. Herein, we summarized the use of MSC-derived exosomes as therapies in different CVDs in addition to recent advances for the enhancement of their efficacy in these conditions.

Graphical abstract