bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absorption and Metabolism of the Natural Sweeteners Erythritol and Xylitol in Humans: A Dose-Ranging Study
Authors: Bordier Valentine , Teysseire Fabienne , Senner Frank , Schlotterbeck Götz , Drewe Jürgen , Beglinger Christoph , Wölnerhanssen Bettina K. , Meyer-Gerspach Anne Christin
Published: August 2022

The natural sweeteners erythritol and xylitol might be helpful to reduce sugar consumption and therefore prevent obesity and diabetes. The aim of the present study was to determine the absorption and metabolization into erythronate of different concentrations of erythritol and xylitol. Seventeen healthy lean participants received intragastric solutions of 10, 25, or 50 g erythritol or 7, 17, or 35 g xylitol on three study days in a randomized order. The study was double blinded with respect to the doses administered. We assessed plasma concentrations of erythritol, xylitol, and erythronate at fixed time intervals after administration with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We found: (i) a dose-dependent and saturable absorption of erythritol, (ii) a very low absorption of xylitol, (iii) a dose-dependent metabolization of erythritol into erythronate, and (iv) no metabolization of xylitol into erythronate. The implications of the metabolization of erythritol into erythronate for human health remain to be determined and more research in this area is needed.
Efficacy of Combination Therapy with Lenvatinib and Radioactive Iodine in Thyroid Cancer Preclinical Model
Authors: Suzuki Kensuke , Iwai Hiroshi , Utsunomiya Keita , Kono Yumiko , Watabe Tadashi , Kobayashi Yoshiki , Bui Dan Van , Sawada Shunsuke , Yun Yasutaka , Mitani Akitoshi , Fukui Kenta , Sakai Haruka , Chu Hanh Hong , Linh Nguyen Manh , Tanigawa Noboru , Kanda Akira
Published: August 2022

Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) usually have good prognosis, while those with advanced disease have poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the antitumor effects of combination therapy with lenvatinib and 131I (CTLI) using three different types of DTC cell lines with different profiling of sodium iodide symporter (NIS) status. The radioiodine accumulation study revealed a significantly increased radioiodine uptake in K1-NIS cells after lenvatinib treatment, while there was almost no uptake in K1 and FTC-133 cells. However, lenvatinib administration before radioiodine treatment decreased radioiodine uptake of K1-NIS xenograft tumor in the in vivo imaging study. CTLI synergistically inhibited colony formation and DTC cell migration, especially in K1-NIS cells. Finally, 131I treatment followed by lenvatinib administration significantly inhibited tumor growth of the NIS-expressing thyroid cancer xenograft model. These results provide important clinical implications for the combined therapy that lenvatinib should be administered after 131I treatment to maximize the treatment efficacy. Our synergistic treatment effects by CTLI suggested its effectiveness for RAI-avid thyroid cancer, which retains NIS function. This potential combination therapy suggests a powerful and tolerable new therapeutic strategy for advanced thyroid cancer.
In Vitro Prevention of Browning in Persian Walnut (Juglans regia L.) cv. Sulaiman
Authors: Bhat Suhail Nazir , Khalil Aroosa , Nazir Nowsheen , Mir Mohammad Amin , Khan Imran , Mubashir Syed Shoaib , Dar Mohammad Saleem , Wani Shabir Hussain , Hossain Mohammad Anwar
Published: August 2022

The present investigation was undertaken to standardize the media and the anti-browning regime in order to minimize the phenolic browning of an in vitro culture of Persian walnut cv. Sulaiman. The experiments involved two types of explants, forced and unforced shoot tips, two types of media, Driver and Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) medium andMurashige and Skooģs (MS) medium, and three types of anti-browning agents, namely, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, ascorbic acid and activated charcoal at 150, 350 and 550 mg/L each. The investigation was replicated thrice under a completely randomized design. Forced shoot tips of cv. Sulaiman on DKW medium showed the best performance in terms of least browning (13.6 ± 10.5%) and highest survival percentage of explants (74.5 ± 2.4%) when treated with ascorbic acid at 550 mg/L. However, unforced shoot tips in MS medium did not perform well and manifested maximum browning (52.9 ± 5.2%). Based on the results, we conclude that incorporation of ascorbic acid in the DKW medium significantly reduced the media and explant browning, thus, it could set the basis of successful in vitro-propagation of walnuts.
A QGIS-Based Road Network Analysis for Sustainable Road Network Infrastructure: An Application to the Cachar District in Assam, India
Authors: Debnath Pradip
Published: August 2022

Efficient transportation and road network infrastructure plays the most significant role in the development of any region. However, the effectiveness of a road network is often affected by problems like road condition, traffic congestion, road blockage, road accidents etc. Digitization of the road network and its analysis can therefore be an effective tool towards resolving these issues. The free and open-source software Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) is well suited for such an analysis. QGIS can be used for construction of suitable road network maps of certain areas which provide sufficient information for such analysis. Cachar district of Assam, particularly Silchar circle, suffers frequently from traffic problems for being a network hub for other neighbouring revenue circles and some neighbouring north-eastern states. The scientific visualization and analysis of the road network of this district using GIS tools is still not available in literature. The results of the current study and their application could help the administrators and decisionmakers to build a sustainable road network. In this paper, we make an attempt to digitize the existing road network of Cachar district for its proper analysis. We compile the major and minor road density maps for the five revenue circles of the district. We use OpenStreetMap (OSM) to access and download existing road network in the district. Further, using the shortest path tool in QGIS, we find and display the shortest route between two junction points in the road network. Finding optimal route can be of great utility during emergency medical responses or fire or flood situations. Most of the major and minor roads within Cachar district were digitized in QGIS environment to perform the road network analysis.
Effect of the Synthesis Conditions on the Morphology, Luminescence and Scintillation Properties of a New Light Scintillation Material Li2CaSiO4:Eu2+ for Neutron and Charged Particle Detection
Authors: Komendo Ilia , Mechinsky Vitaly , Fedorov Andrei , Dosovitskiy Georgy , Schukin Victor , Kuznetsova Daria , Zykova Marina , Velikodny Yury , Korjik Mikhail
Published: August 2022

In the present article, the influence of the activator concentration and impurity content of raw materials on the luminescence and scintillation properties of Li2CaSiO4 was studied. Polycrystalline powder material was obtained by the sol–gel method. It was shown that europium had limited solubility in the host lattice with a limiting concentration proximate to 0.014 formula units. The maximum intensity of photoluminescence was observed with a divalent europium concentration of 0.002 formula units; the light yield under alpha-particle excitation was measured to be 21,600 photons/MeV for ~200 μm of coating, and under neutron excitation, it was calculated to be 103,800 photons/n, the scintillation kinetics was characterized by an effective decay time of 157 ns. These properties and the transparency in the visible spectrum make it possible to produce scintillation screens with a coating of Li2CaSiO4 for detecting neutrons, alpha particles and low-energy beta radiation. The low Zeff (~15) of this compound makes it less sensitive to gamma rays. The 480 nm blue emission peak makes this material compatible with most commercial PMT photocathodes, CCD cameras and silicon photomultipliers, which have a maximum quantum efficiency in the blue–green spectral region.
The Role of the Bridge in Single-Ion Magnet Behaviour: Reinvestigation of Cobalt(II) Succinate and Fumarate Coordination Polymers with Nicotinamide
Authors: Brezovan Marek , Juráková Jana , Moncol Ján , Dlháň Ľubor , Korabik Maria , Šalitroš Ivan , Pavlik Ján , Segľa Peter
Published: August 2022

Two previously synthesized cobalt(II) coordination polymers; {[Co(μ2-suc)(nia)2(H2O)2]·2H2O}n (suc = succinate(2−), nia = nicotinamide) and [Co(μ2-fum)(nia)2(H2O)2]n (fum = fumarate(2−)) were prepared and thoroughly characterized. Both complexes form 1D coordination chains by bonding of Co(nia)2(H2O)2 units through succinate or fumarate ligands while these chains are further linked through hydrogen bonds to 3D supramolecular networks. The intermolecular interactions of both complexes are quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis and their infrared spectra, electronic spectra and static magnetic properties are confronted with DFT and state-of-the-art ab-initio calculations. Dynamic magnetic measurements show that both complexes exhibit single-ion magnet behaviour induced by a magnetic field. Since they possess very similar chemical structure, differing only in the rigidity of the bridge between the magnetic centres, this chemical feature is put into context with changes in their magnetic relaxation.
Identification and Validation of Reference Genes for Expression Analysis Using qRT-PCR in Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Kong Delong , Shi Daxia , Wang Changlu , Zhai Ruyue , Lyu Lingling , He Yurong , Wang Desen
Published: August 2022

The tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) is an important public-health pest that feeds on the blood of humans and some other animals. To explore the function of the target genes of C. hemipterus, it is essential to select suitable reference genes for the accurate quantification of gene expression. Here, we selected 10 frequently used reference genes in insects and evaluated their stability in C. hemipterus under various biotic (developmental stage, sex, and tissue) and abiotic (gas stimulation and temperature) conditions through RefFinder (which integrates four computational programs: geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ∆Ct). Results indicate that the optimal combination of reference genes for each experimental condition was as follows: RPL8 and EF1α for the developmental stage (eggs, early instar nymphs, late instar nymphs, and adults), RPL8 and RPS16 for adult sex, RPL8 and RPL11 for adult tissue (head, thorax, abdomen, and legs), RPL8 and β-tubulin for gas stimulation (air and carbon dioxide), and RPL8 and NADH for temperature (0, 5, 17, 30, and 37 °C). Finally, the expression pattern of the HSP70 and GR21 genes were analyzed, and the results highlight the importance of appropriate reference-gene selection. Our results provide a comprehensive list of optimal reference genes from C. hemipterus for the first time, which will contribute to accurately analyzing the expression of target genes.
The Evolution of Glycoside Hydrolase Family 1 in Insects Related to Their Adaptation to Plant Utilization
Authors: He Shulin , Jiang Bin , Chakraborty Amrita , Yu Guozhi
Published: August 2022

Insects closely interact with plants with multiple genes involved in their interactions. β-glucosidase, constituted mainly by glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1), is a crucial enzyme in insects to digest plant cell walls and defend against natural enemies with sequestered plant metabolites. To gain more insights into the role of this enzyme in plant–insect interactions, we analyzed the evolutionary history of the GH1 gene family with publicly available insect genomes. We found that GH1 is widely present in insects, while the gene numbers are significantly higher in insect herbivores directly feeding on plant cell walls than in other insects. After reconciling the insect GH1 gene tree with a species tree, we found that the patterns of duplication and loss of GH1 genes differ among insect orders, which may be associated with the evolution of their ecology. Furthermore, the majority of insects’ GH1 genes were tandem-duplicated and subsequently went through neofunctionalization. This study shows the evolutionary history of an important gene family GH1 in insects and facilitates our understanding of the evolution of insect–plant interactions.
Effects of Gamma Irradiation on the Fecundity, Fertility, and Longevity of the Invasive Stink Bug Pest Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Cristofaro Massimo , Sforza René F. H. , Roselli Gerardo , Paolini Alessandra , Cemmi Alessia , Musmeci Sergio , Anfora Gianfranco , Mazzoni Valerio , Grodowitz Michael
Published: August 2022

The bagrada bug, Bagrada hilaris, is an invasive insect pest in the family Brassicaceae that causes economically important damage to crops. It was originally present in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and was reported as invasive in the southwestern part of the US, in Chile, and on a few islands in the Mediterranean Basin. In its native range, B. hilaris is controlled by several egg parasitoid species that are under consideration as potential biological control agents. This research evaluated the impact of gamma irradiation on life history parameters, e.g., the fecundity, fertility, and longevity of B. hilaris, as a critical step towards assessing the feasibility of using the sterile insect technique against this recent invasive pest. Newly emerged adults of a laboratory colony originally collected from the island of Pantelleria (Italy) were gamma-irradiated. Life history parameters were evaluated at nine different doses, ranging from 16 Gy to 140 Gy. The minimal dose to approach full sterility was 100 Gy. Irradiation up to a maximum of 140 Gy apparently did not negatively impact the longevity of the adults. Even if both genders are sensitive to irradiation, the decline in fecundity for irradiated females could be exploited to release irradiated males safely to apply the SIT in combination with classical biological control. The data presented here allow us to consider, for the first time, the irradiation of bagrada adults as a suitable and feasible technique that could contribute to guaranteeing a safe approach to control this important pest species in agro-ecosystems. More research is warranted on the competitive fitness of irradiated males to better understand mating behavior as well as elucidate the possible mechanisms of sperm selection by polyandric B. hilaris females.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Binary and Trinary Power Cycles Fueled with Methane–Hydrogen Blends
Authors: Kindra Vladimir , Rogalev Nikolay , Rogalev Andrey , Zlyvko Olga , Oparin Maksim
Published: August 2022

The development of hydrogen energetics is a possible way to reduce emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere in the production of electricity. Its implementation requires the introduction of energy facilities capable of operating on environmentally safe fuel. At the same time, from a technological point of view, it is easier to implement a gradual shift to the use of hydrogen in power plants by burning methane–hydrogen blends. This paper presents the results of thermodynamic studies of the influence of the chemical composition of the methane–hydrogen blend on the performance of binary and trinary power units. It is shown that an increase in the hydrogen volume fraction in the fuel blend from 0 to 80% leads to a decrease in the Wobbe index by 16% and an increase in the power plant auxiliaries by almost 3.5 times. The use of a trinary CCGT unit with a single-circuit WHB and working fluid water condensation makes it possible to increase the net efficiency by 0.74% compared to a binary CCGT with a double-circuit WHB and a condensate gas heater.
Circulating Spexin Is Associated with Body Mass Index and Fat Mass but Not with Physical Activity and Psychological Parameters in Women across a Broad Body Weight Spectrum
Authors: Suhs Maria , Stengel Andreas , Rudolph Amelie , Schaper Selina , Wölk Ellen , Kobelt Peter , Rose Matthias , Hofmann Tobias
Published: August 2022

Spexin (SPX) is a novel, widely expressed peptide, with anorexigenic effects demonstrated in animal models and negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) in humans. It increases locomotor activity in rodents and is elevated in human plasma following exercise. Studies have also shown an effect of stress and anxiety on SPX’s expression in different brain structures in animals. The relationships between plasma SPX and physical activity, body composition, and patient-reported outcomes such as perceived stress, depressiveness, anxiety, and eating behaviors are unknown and were examined in this study over a wide BMI range. A total of 219 female (n = 68 with anorexia nervosa; n = 79 with obesity; n = 72 with normal weight) inpatients were enrolled. Perceived stress (PSQ 20), anxiety (GAD 7), depressiveness (PHQ 9), and eating disorder pathology (EDI 2), as well as BMI, bioimpedance analysis, and accelerometry, were measured cross-sectionally at the beginning of treatment and correlated with plasma SPX levels (measured by ELISA) obtained at the same time. Plasma SPX levels were negatively associated with BMI (r = −0.149, p = 0.027) and body fat mass (r = −0.149, p = 0.04), but did not correlate with perceived stress, anxiety, depressiveness, eating behavior, energy expenditure, and physical activity (p > 0.05). The results replicate the negative correlation of SPX with BMI and fat mass, but do not support the hypothesis that peripheral SPX plays a role in the regulation of stress, depressiveness, anxiety, eating behavior, or physical activity.
The Role of Nondiabetic Hyperglycemia in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Shih Hung-Sheng , Wang Wei-Sheng , Yang Li-Yu , Chang Shu-Hao , Chen Po-Huang , Jhou Hong-Jie
Published: August 2022

In this study, we aim to elucidate the association between nondiabetic hyperglycemia and the short-term prognosis of critically ill patients with acute ischemic stroke. We extracted data using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV from 2008 to 2019. The primary outcomes were set as intensive care units (ICU) and in-hospital mortality. We developed a Cox proportional hazards model to determine the nonlinear association between serum glucose levels and primary outcomes. Of the 1086 patients included, 236 patients had hyperglycemia. Patients with hyperglycemia were associated with higher ages, female gender, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores, and higher Acute Physiology Score III scores. After propensity score matching, 222 pairs remained. The hyperglycemia group had a significantly higher ICU mortality (17.6% vs. 10.8%; p = 0.041). Meanwhile, no significant differences in ICU length of stay (5.2 vs. 5.2; p = 0.910), in-hospital mortality (26.6% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.054), and hospital length of stay (10.0 vs. 9.1; p = 0.404) were observed between the two groups. The Kaplan–Meier curves for ICU and in-hospital survival before matching suggested significant differences; however, after matching, they failed to prove any disparity. Non-diabetic patients with acute ischemic stroke have poor clinical characteristic while encountering hyperglycemic events; therefore, careful monitoring in the acute phase is still required.
Functional Outcomes Following Hip Replacement in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Owen Alice , Franks Angus , Ackerman Ilana , Fitzgerald Sharyn M. , Liew Susan , Woods Robyn L. , Wluka Anita E. , McNeil John J. , Cicuttini Flavia M.
Published: August 2022

Uncertainty remains regarding the benefit of hip replacement in older adults in the context of age-related decline in physical function. This study aimed to examine the effect of hip replacement on functional outcomes and identify factors associated with clinically important improvement in physical function postoperatively in community-dwelling older adults. This cohort study was performed within the ASPREE trial, with 698 participants receiving hip replacement and 677 age- and sex-matched controls without knee or hip replacement during the trial drawn from 16,703 Australian participants aged ≥70 years. Health status (physical and mental component summary [PCS and MCS]) was assessed annually using the SF-12. Participants receiving hip replacement had significantly lower pre- and post-replacement PCS scores compared with controls (p < 0.0001). There was significant improvement in PCS score following hip replacement (mean change 4.9, 95%CI 4.0–5.7) but no change in controls (0.01, 95%CI −0.7–0.7). Following hip replacement, 46.7% of participants experienced clinically important improvement in PCS score, while 15.5% experienced worsened PCS score. Participants experiencing improved postoperative PCS score had significantly lower PCS and higher MCS scores preoperatively. The degree of preoperative physical function impairment was a significant indicator of older people most likely to benefit from hip replacement surgery.
Variation in Tap Water Mineral Content in the United Kingdom: Is It Relevant for Kidney Stone Disease?
Authors: Michael Kirolos G. F. T. , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The dissolved mineral content of drinking water can modify a number of excreted urinary parameters, with potential implications for kidney stone disease (KSD). The aim of this study is to investigate the variation in the mineral content of tap drinking water in the United Kingdom and discuss its implications for KSD. Methods: The mineral composition of tap water from cities across the United Kingdom was ascertained from publicly available water quality reports issued by local water supply companies using civic centre postcodes during 2021. Water variables, reported as 12-monthly average values, included total water hardness and concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphate. An unpaired t-test was undertaken to assess for regional differences in water composition across the United Kingdom. Results: Water composition data were available for 66 out of 76 cities in the United Kingdom: 45 in England, 8 in Scotland, 7 in Wales and 6 in Northern Ireland. The median water hardness in the United Kingdom was 120.59 mg/L CaCO3 equivalent (range 16.02–331.50), while the median concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphate were 30.46 mg/L (range 5.35–128.0), 3.62 mg/L (range 0.59–31.80), 14.72 mg/L (range 2.98–57.80) and 25.36 mg/L (range 2.86–112.43), respectively. Tap water in England was markedly harder than in Scotland (192.90 mg/L vs. 32.87 mg/L as CaCO3 equivalent; p < 0.001), which overall had the softest tap water with the lowest mineral content in the United Kingdom. Within England, the North West had the softest tap water, while the South East had the hardest water (70.00 mg/L vs. 285.75 mg/L as CaCO3 equivalent). Conclusions: Tap water mineral content varies significantly across the United Kingdom. Depending on where one lives, drinking 2–3 L of tap water can contribute over one-third of recommended daily calcium and magnesium requirements, with possible implications for KSD incidence and recurrence.
Does Hepcidin Tuning Have a Role among Emerging Treatments for Thalassemia?
Authors: Longo Filomena , Piga Antonio
Published: August 2022

The treatments available for thalassemia are rapidly evolving, with major advances made in gene therapy and the modulation of erythropoiesis. The latter includes the therapeutic potential of hepcidin tuning. In thalassemia, hepcidin is significantly depressed, and any rise in hepcidin function has a positive effect on both iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. Synthetic hepcidin and hepcidin mimetics have been developed to the stage of clinical trials. However, they have failed to produce an acceptable efficacy/safety profile. It seems difficult to avoid iron over-restricted erythropoiesis when directly using hepcidin as a drug. Indirect approaches, each one with their advantages and disadvantages, are many and in full development. The ideal approach is to target erythroferrone, the main inhibitor of hepcidin expression, the plasma concentrations of which are greatly increased in iron-loading anemias. Potential means of improving hepcidin function in thalassemia also include acting on TMPRSS6, TfR1, TfR2 or ferroportin, the target of hepcidin. Only having a better understanding of the crosslinks between iron metabolism and erythropoiesis will elucidate the best single option. In the meantime, many potential combinations are currently being explored in preclinical studies. Any long-term clinical study on this approach should include the wide monitoring of functions, as the effects of hepcidin and its modulators are not limited to iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. It is likely that some of the aspects of hepcidin tuning described briefly in this review will play a role in the future treatment of thalassemia.
Antimicrobial Fibrous Bandage-like Scaffolds Using Clove Bud Oil
Authors: von Thadden Carlota , Altun Esra , Aydogdu Mehmet , Edirisinghe Mohan , Ahmed Jubair
Published: August 2022

Wounds are characterised by an anatomical disruption of the skin; this leaves the body exposed to opportunistic pathogens which contribute to infections. Current wound healing bandages do little to protect against this and when they do, they can often utilise harmful additions. Historically, plant-based constituents have been extensively used for wound treatment and are proven beneficial in such environments. In this work, the essential oil of clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) was incorporated in a polycaprolactone (PCL) solution, and 44.4% (v/v) oil-containing fibres were produced through pressurised gyration. The antimicrobial activity of these bandage-like fibres was analysed using in vitro disk diffusion and the physical fibre properties were also assessed. The work showed that advantageous fibre morphologies were achieved with diameters of 10.90 ± 4.99 μm. The clove bud oil fibres demonstrated good antimicrobial properties. They exhibited inhibition zone diameters of 30, 18, 11, and 20 mm against microbial colonies of C. albicans, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. pyogenes, respectively. These microbial species are commonly problematic in environments where the skin barrier is compromised. The outcomes of this study are thus very promising and suggest that clove bud oil is highly suitable to be applied as a natural sustainable alternative to modern medicine.
Agar Gel as a Non-Invasive Coupling Medium for Reflectance Photoacoustic (PA) Imaging: Experimental Results on Wall-Painting Mock-Ups
Authors: Chaban Antonina , Tserevelakis George J. , Klironomou Evgenia , Zacharakis Giannis , Striova Jana
Published: August 2022

The new reflectance set-up configuration extended the applicability of the photoacoustic (PA) imaging technique to art objects of any thickness and form. Until now, ultrasound gel or distilled water have been necessary as coupling mediums between the immersion-type transducer and the object’s surface. These media can compromise the integrity of real artwork; therefore, known applications of reflectance PA imaging have been limited to only experimental mock-ups. In this paper, we evaluate an alternative non-invasive PA coupling medium, agar gel, applied in two layers of different consistency: first, rigid—for the protection of the object’s surface, and second, fluid—for the transducer’s immersion and movement. Agar gel is widely used in various conservation treatments on cultural heritage objects, and it has been proven to be safely applicable on delicate surfaces. Here, we quantify and compare the contrast and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of PA images, obtained in water and in agar gel on the same areas, at equal experimental conditions. The results demonstrate that the technique’s performance in agar is comparable to that in water. The study uncovers the advanced potential of the PA approach for revealing hidden features, and is safely applicable for future real-case studies.
Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of AZ31B to AA6061 Dissimilar Joints Fabricated by Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding
Authors: Sarila Venukumar , Koneru Harisivasri Phanindra , Cheepu Muralimohan , Chigilipalli Bharat Kumar , Kantumuchu Venkata Charan , Shanmugam Muthukumaran
Published: August 2022

Dissimilar friction stir spot welds (FSSW) between the magnesium and aluminum alloys are joined, using a novel approach called refill friction stir spot welding. The present work aims to evaluate the macrostructural and mechanical properties of refill friction stir spot welded AZ31B and AA 6061-T6 alloys in two combinations, i.e., identical Mg-to-Mg and dissimilar Mg-to-Al joints, and the results are compared with the results obtained in conventional friction stir spot welding. The hardness profiles of the similar welds had the appearance of a W-shape, and the Thermo mechanically affected zone and heat-affected zone of both methods had lower hardness values than the rest of the weld. Along with the interface between the aluminum and magnesium sheets, a thin intermetallic compound layer of Al12Mg17 has been identified, which has led to an increase in hardness. The static shear strength of both similar and dissimilar refill spot friction welds was much greater than that of traditional spot friction welds. In both similar and dissimilar spot friction welds, two distinct failure scenarios are discovered.
Prevalence of Onychomycosis in Diabetic Patients: A Case-Control Study Performed at University Hospital Policlinico in Catania
Authors: Trovato Laura , Calvo Maddalena , De Pasquale Rocco , Scalia Guido , Oliveri Salvatore
Published: August 2022

Diabetes is characterized by an increased rate of serum glucose due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both conditions. Glucose excesses can lead to extended cellular damage, with the consequence of several infectious and non-infectious skin disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the toenail onychomycosis incidence in diabetic patients and healthy ones. The non-interventional, retrospective study was performed at the mycology laboratory of the University hospital “Policlinico-San Marco” in Catania, Italy, for over one year. Nail clippings were collected to perform microscopic and cultural exams, which allowed for the identification of fungal aetiological agents. A total of 715 patients (47 diabetic and 668 non-diabetic patients) were enrolled. In diabetic patients, dermatophytes were the most common cultural isolates (50%), followed by yeasts and moulds in 30.8% and 19.2%, respectively. In non-diabetic patients, the distribution of dermatophytes, yeasts and non-dermatophytic moulds was 67.4%, 5.3% and 27.3%, respectively. According to our results, diabetic patients are more predisposed to nail fungal infection. Our data suggest that dermatological follow-ups should always be performed for diabetic patients. All skin and nail disorders should be carefully monitored to perform a diagnostic confirmation and correct management of diabetic patients.
Compliance with the Updated BASHH Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Guidelines Improves Patient Outcomes
Authors: Brown Lottie , Chamula Mathilde , Weinberg Sharon , Jbueen Frakinda , Rautemaa-Richardson Riina
Published: August 2022

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a debilitating, chronic condition that affects over 138 million (6%) women of reproductive age annually. We performed a retrospective audit of RVVC referrals to our tertiary care Candida clinic to evaluate the impact of the significantly updated British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) 2019 vulvovaginal candidiasis guidelines on patient outcomes, the principles of which were implemented at our centre at the onset of the guideline revision process in 2017. A total of 78 women referred with suspected RVVC in 2017–2020 were included. Their mean symptom duration prior to referral was 6.7 years. RVVC was the definitive diagnosis in 73% of cases. In the 27% of patients without RVVC, the most common diagnoses were acute VVC (29%), vulval eczema (14%), dry skin (14%) and vulvodynia (10%). Of those with RVVC, 60% were diagnosed with an additional diagnosis, most commonly vulval eczema or vulvodynia. Only 12% of women had been counselled on appropriate vulval skin care, the mainstay of RVVC management. Long-term antifungal suppression was initiated in 68% of women. Azole-resistant Candida, for which there is no licensed treatment available in the UK, was identified in 23% of women with RVVC. In the follow-up, 82% of patients reported good control of symptoms using antifungal suppression therapy and recommended skin care, 16% had partial symptom control with some “flare-ups” responding to treatment, none reported poor control and for 2% this information was not available. RVVC-related morbidity can be reduced by following the principles outlined in the BASHH guidelines.
Intracranial Aneurysm Classifier Using Phenotypic Factors: An International Pooled Analysis
Authors: Morel Sandrine , Hostettler Isabel C. , Spinner Georg R. , Bourcier Romain , Pera Joanna , Meling Torstein R. , Alg Varinder S. , Houlden Henry , Bakker Mark K. , van’t Hof Femke , Rinkel Gabriel J. E. , Foroud Tatiana , Lai Dongbing , Moomaw Charles J. , Worrall Bradford B. , Caroff Jildaz , Constant-dits-Beaufils Pacôme , Karakachoff Matilde , Rimbert Antoine , Rouchaud Aymeric , Gaal-Paavola Emilia I. , Kaukovalta Hanna , Kivisaari Riku , Laakso Aki , Jahromi Behnam Rezai , Tulamo Riikka , Friedrich Christoph M. , Dauvillier Jerome , Hirsch Sven , Isidor Nathalie , Kulcsàr Zolt , Lövblad Karl O. , Martin Olivier , Machi Paolo , Mendes Pereira Vitor , Rüfenacht Daniel , Schaller Karl , Schilling Sabine , Slowik Agnieszka , Jaaskelainen Juha E. , von und zu Fraunberg Mikael , Jiménez-Conde Jordi , Cuadrado-Godia Elisa , Soriano-Tárraga Carolina , Millwood Iona Y. , Walters Robin G. ,   The @neurIST project,   The ICAN Study Group,   Genetics and Observational Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (GOSH) Study Investigators,   International Stroke Genetics Consortium (ISGC), Kim Helen , Redon Richard , Ko Nerissa U. , Rouleau Guy A. , Lindgren Antti , Niemelä Mika , Desal Hubert , Woo Daniel , Broderick Joseph P. , Werring David J. , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Bijlenga Philippe
Published: August 2022

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are usually asymptomatic with a low risk of rupture, but consequences of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are severe. Identifying IAs at risk of rupture has important clinical and socio-economic consequences. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of patient and IA characteristics on the likelihood of IA being diagnosed incidentally versus ruptured. Patients were recruited at 21 international centers. Seven phenotypic patient characteristics and three IA characteristics were recorded. The analyzed cohort included 7992 patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that: (1) IA location is the strongest factor associated with IA rupture status at diagnosis; (2) Risk factor awareness (hypertension, smoking) increases the likelihood of being diagnosed with unruptured IA; (3) Patients with ruptured IAs in high-risk locations tend to be older, and their IAs are smaller; (4) Smokers with ruptured IAs tend to be younger, and their IAs are larger; (5) Female patients with ruptured IAs tend to be older, and their IAs are smaller; (6) IA size and age at rupture correlate. The assessment of associations regarding patient and IA characteristics with IA rupture allows us to refine IA disease models and provide data to develop risk instruments for clinicians to support personalized decision-making.
Adoption of Robotic Core Technology in Minimally Invasive Lung Segmentectomy: Review
Authors: Eguchi Takashi , Miura Kentaro , Hamanaka Kazutoshi , Shimizu Kimihiro
Published: August 2022

A recent randomized trial demonstrated the survival superiority of lung segmentectomy over lobectomy in patients with early stage, small-sized lung cancer. Hence, there is a pressing need for thoracic surgeons to gain familiarity with lung segmentectomy. However, lung segmentectomy, especially via minimally invasive surgery, is a technically challenging thoracic surgical procedure. The robotic surgery platform helps surgeons to improve their operative performance based on its core technological features: improved dexterity, precision, and visualization. Herein, we have discussed the key issues related to robotic lung segmentectomy, explicitly focusing on the technical features of complex segmentectomy under difficult conditions. We have also introduced our preferred surgical strategy for robotic lung segmentectomy with specific maneuvers.
The Impacts of Urban Form on Carbon Emissions: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sun Changlong , Zhang Yongli , Ma Wenwen , Wu Rong , Wang Shaojian
Published: August 2022

As a result of global climate change and urban development, the interaction between urban form and carbon emissions has become a frontier issue and a key area of carbon emission research. This paper presents a scientometric analysis of 2439 academic publications between 2002 and 2021 on urban form and carbon emissions to explore the current state of global research and future development potential. Citespace and VOSviewer were the primary analysis tools. The results showed the following: (1) The number of articles published on urban form and carbon emission research shows an increasing trend, especially after 2012. (2) Scientific research institutions and authors in developed countries paid attention sooner to the urban ecological environment. With the deepening of economic globalization, developing countries began to pay more attention to the urban environment. (3) Through an analysis of keyword clusters, timelines, and stacked area charts, the development of the urban form and carbon emissions can be divided into the following three stages. The first is the budding stage, which is characterized by preliminary research on the atmospheric environmental impact factors. The second stage is the development stage, with urban areas becoming the leading research object of carbon theory. The third stage is the mature stage, which is characterized by an emphasis on the optimization of carbon emissions. (4) Finally, the influence of urban form on carbon emissions includes four main aspects: land use, built environment, transportation networks, and development patterns.
Effect of Land Marketization Level and Land Prices on Foreign Direct Investment in China
Authors: Jin Wanfu , Zhou Chunshan
Published: August 2022

With the increase in China’s land marketization level, the fundamental role of pricing mechanisms in optimizing the allocation of land resources has received greater attention and has affected foreign direct investment (FDI). This paper analyzes the effects of land marketization level and land prices on FDI using a mediation model based on data on primary land market transactions in 256 cities from 2003 to 2019. The results indicate that the land marketization level, land prices, and FDI are all increasing, with regional heterogeneity. Compared with low-level cities, the land marketization level and land prices in high-level cities have increased the most. Low-level cities have become new hotspots for FDI, whereas high-level cities remain the main destinations for FDI. Both land marketization levels and land prices significantly promote FDI. Land marketization level exerts a weak direct positive effect on FDI in high-level cities but a strong indirect positive effect on FDI in high-level cities through land prices in general. The results of this study enrich the literature on the location decisions of multinational corporations and may serve as a reference for China and other developing countries in developing policies to attract FDI.
The Causes of Police Corruption and Working towards Prevention in Conflict-Stricken States
Authors: Singh Danny
Published: August 2022

The police are the initial faces of law enforcement and commence the criminal justice process and thus hold significant responsibility for functioning law and order. As key representatives of the state, the integrity of the police in all societies is pivotal to retain public trust in the rule of law and the preservation of internal security. When police corruption is exposed or is perceived by the public to be prevalent, confidence in and communal relations with the police force become disjointed. Poor credibility of the police also negatively impacts on the legitimacy of the government. Negative public perceptions of both the police and government are particularly troublesome in violently divided societies or states undergoing armed conflict. The article focuses on the main causes and consequences of police corruption in hostile environments to introduce a range of prevention strategies to combat it and restore public confidence in policing and governance. The article suggests that a holistic anticorruption strategy, rather than a linear one, has the potential to raise awareness, increase pay to deter petty forms of corruption, install independent anticorruption agencies, and periodically rotate police officers to increase police integrity and loyalty for the host country. It is recommended that these multifaceted prevention strategies are needed within a police force that is faced with a violently divided society to reaffirm public support and deter support for armed anti-governmental oppositional groups.
Identification and Current Palaeobiological Understanding of “Keratosa”-Type Nonspicular Demosponge Fossils in Carbonates: With a New Example from the Lowermost Triassic, Armenia
Authors: Luo Cui , Pei Yu , Richoz Sylvain , Li Qijian , Reitner Joachim
Published: August 2022

Structures similar to fossilized nonspicular demosponges have been reported in carbonates throughout the Phanerozoic and recently in rocks dating back to 890 Ma ago. Interpretation of these records is increasingly influential to our understanding of metazoans in multiple aspects, including their early evolution, the ecology in fossil reefs, and recovery after mass extinction events. Here, we propose six identification criteria of “Keratosa”-type nonspicular demosponge fossils based on the well-established taphonomical models and their biological characteristics. Besides, sponge fossils of this kind from the lowermost Triassic of Chanakhchi (Armenia) are described with a 3-D reconstruction to exemplify the application of these criteria in recognition of such organisms. Subsequently, the state-of-the-art understanding of the taxonomy and evolution of these fossil sponges, a previously poorly addressed topic, is summarized. The morphology of the Triassic Chanakhchi fossils indicates an affinity with verongimorphs, a group that may have evolved by Cambrian Age 3. Other than that, further efforts are encouraged to forge quantitative criteria based on the here proposed descriptive version and to explore the taxonomic diversity and evolutionary details of these fossil nonspicular demosponges.
Hcp Proteins of the Type VI Secretion System Promote Avian Pathogenic E. coli DE205B (O2:K1) to Induce Meningitis in Rats
Authors: Wang Xuhang , Sun Yu , Subedi Dinesh , Gong Qianwen , Huang Haosheng , Li Jin , Wang Yuxin , Ren Jianluan
Published: August 2022

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is an important extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), which often causes systemic infection in poultry and causes great economic loss to the breeding industry. In addition, as a major source of human ExPEC infection, the potential zoonotic risk of APEC has been an ongoing concern. Previous studies have pointed out that APEC is a potential zoonotic pathogen, which has high homology with human pathogenic E. coli such as uro-pathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and neonatal meningitis E. coli (NMEC), shares multiple virulence factors and can cause mammalian diseases. Previous studies have reported that O18 and O78 could cause different degrees of meningitis in neonatal rats, and different serotypes had different degrees of zoonotic risk. Here, we compared APEC DE205B (O2:K1) with NMEC RS218 (O18:K1:H7) by phylogenetic analysis and virulence gene identification to analyze the potential risk of DE205B in zoonotic diseases. We found that DE205B possessed a variety of virulence factors associated with meningitis and, through phylogenetic analysis, had high homology with RS218. DE205B could colonize the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of rats, and cause meningitis and nerve damage. Symptoms and pathological changes in the brain were similar to RS218. In addition, we found that DE205B had a complete T6SS, of which Hcp protein was its important structural protein. Hcp1 induced cytoskeleton rearrangement in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), and Hcp2 was mainly involved in the invasion of DE205B in vitro. In the meningitis model of rats, deletion of hcp2 gene reduced survival in the blood and the brain invasiveness of DE205B. Compared with WT group, Δhcp2 group induced lower inflammation and neutrophils infiltration in brain tissue, alleviating the process of meningitis. Together, these results suggested that APEC DE205B had close genetic similarities to NMEC RS218, and a similar mechanism in causing meningitis and being a risk for zoonosis. This APEC serotype provided a basis for zoonotic research.
N′1,N′4-bis(2-(7,8-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[g]pteridin-10(2H)-yl)ethylidene)succinohydrazide
Authors: Kawada Taishu , Kino Katsuhito , Matsuzawa Yoshihiko , Morikawa Masayuki , Okamoto Yasuko , Kobayashi Takanobu , Tanaka Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2022

The title compound, N′1,N′4-bis(2-(7,8-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[g]pteridin-10(2H)-yl)ethylidene)succinohydrazide (1), was obtained by the reaction of formylmethylflavin and succinic acid dihydrazide. The product 1 was characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HRMS and UV.
Functionalization of Poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) Particles for Selective Removal of Bilirubin
Authors: Garrido María del Prado , Borreguero Ana Maria , Redondo Francisco Javier , Padilla David , Carmona Manuel , Ramos María Jesús , Rodriguez Juan Francisco
Published: August 2022

Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the main causes of death in patients with severe hepatic problems, which justifies the research for bilirubin removal solutions. In this study, St-MMA particles with PEGMA and/or GMA brushes were synthesized. First, the recipe for St-MMA was optimized and then adapted for PEGMA and GMA incorporation. Different solvents were then assayed to improve the BSA immobilization capacity of the particles. Ethyl lactate proved to be the best solvent, reaching a BSA immobilization capacity improvement of up to 60% for St-MMA-GMA-PEGMA particles. These particles also presented the best results for BR removal from PBS. No significant differences in the final capacity for BR removal from PBS media were observed when BSA was attached to the particles; however, the kinetics were greatly improved, requiring half the time. Finally, St-MMA-GMA-PEGMA particles that were wetted in EL with BSA reduced the bilirubin concentration in plasma from levels that threaten the survival of critical patients to levels close to those of healthy individuals in less than 30 min. On the contrary, particles without BSA were unable to remove bilirubin from plasma. Thus, the attachment of albumin to the particles plays a key role in selectively reducing bilirubin levels.
A Universal Method for Modeling and Characterizing Non-Circular Packing Systems Based on n-Point Correlation Functions
Authors: Sun Shaobo , Chen Huisu , Lin Jianjun
Published: August 2022

A universal method for modeling and characterizing non-circular particles is developed. The n-point correlation functions (n = 1, 2 and 3) are efficiently computed with a GPU parallel computing procedure. An algorithm for dynamic packing of impenetrable non-circular particles is developed based on the fast estimation of overlap information using a one-point correlation function. The packing algorithm is independent of particle shape and proved to be reliable by examples of polygons and super-ellipses. In addition, penetrable packings are generated in an efficient and precise way. Using a two-point correlation function, these non-circular packs are accurately characterized and compared in terms of features such as penetrable and impenetrable, packing fraction and particle shape. In addition, three-point correlation functions are also illustrated and discussed.