bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of Electroretinographic Oscillatory Potentials in Healthy Young Children
Authors: Zhang Ting , Lu Jinglin , Jiang Zhaoxin , Huang Li , Zeng Jun , Cao Liming , Luo Xiaoling , Yu Bilin , Ding Xiaoyan
Published: October 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to summarize the electroretinographic oscillatory potential (OP) responses in healthy young children recorded by RETeval. Methods: By using the RETeval system, we recorded the implicit times and amplitudes of the OPs (OP1-5), in 132 healthy children aged from 0 to 11 years old. The age, gender, and data of implicit time and amplitude of each child were recorded and analyzed. Correlation analysis was performed between age and implicit time/amplitude. Results: No correlation was shown between the implicit times and amplitudes with gender. The implicit times and amplitudes of OP1-5 matured over 10 years of age, with exponential time constants of 1.9, 2.2, 1.8, 1.7, and 1.6 years and 2.1, 2.9, 2.8, 3.0, and 3.2 years, respectively. The majority of the trend occurred within the first 4.6 years. Conclusions: In order to diagnose and evaluate vision-related disorders, the OP response is commonly used. The percentiles and age dependence of OP responses calculated and shown in this study could be regarded as reference data in age-matched pediatric patients.
Impact of Early Proteinuria Reduction in Glomerular Disease and Decline of Kidney Function: A Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Marques Filipe , Reis Joana , Godinho Iolanda , Pereira Marta , Fernandes Paulo , Jorge Sofia , Lopes José António , Gameiro Joana
Published: October 2022

Background: In glomerular disease, the degree of proteinuria is closely related to the progression of chronic kidney disease, and its reduction is associated with a slower decline in the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and consequent improvement in the renal prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of proteinuria reduction on the decline of the eGFR in patients with glomerular disease, during the first year after the diagnosis. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients with primary glomerular disease, followed at the Nephrology Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, during 2019. We analyzed demographic, clinical and laboratorial characteristics (creatinine, GFR, urine analysis and quantification of proteinuria determined by the proteinuria/creatinuria ratio, in the first morning urine or a 24 h urine sample). The outcome assessed was the decline in renal function, defined as a reduction in the GFR ≥ 25%, during the follow-up period. Results: We analyzed 197 patients with glomerular disease, with a mean age of 41.7 ± 19.7 years and follow-up time of 6.5 ± 5.3 years. At the time of the diagnosis, the eGFR was 81.5 ± 49.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 and proteinuria was 3.5 g/24 h (IQR 5.8). At one-year follow-up, median proteinuria was 0.9 g/24 h (IQR 2.4). At the end of the follow-up, mean eGFR was 72.1 ± 43.3 mL/min/1.73 m2. Proteinuria (p = 0.435) and the eGFR (p = 0.880) at the time of diagnosis did not correlate with long-term decline in the eGFR. Proteinuria < 1 g/24 h (HR 0.45 (95% CI 0.25–0.83) p = 0.011) after the first year was protective against long-term decline in the eGFR. It maintained this association with the long-term eGFR decline, independently of the duration of the follow-up (HR 0.30 (95% CI 0.17–0.52) p < 0.001). Conclusions: Proteinuria reduction to lower than 1 g/24 h, during the first year after diagnosis, was a protective factor for the long-term decline of kidney function, having a more important role than proteinuria or the GFR at the time of the diagnosis.
Is Primary Bone Marrow Edema of the Knee Associated with Thyroid Disorders? A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: De Berardinis Luca , Qordja Fjorela , Farinelli Luca , Faragalli Andrea , Gesuita Rosaria , Gigante Antonio Pompilio
Published: October 2022

Primary bone marrow edema (BME) of the knee is still an elusive condition. This retrospective study was undertaken to gain insight into its characteristic features. The records of 48 patients with primary BME of the knee diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed. Demographic data, medical history, current medications, pain type, smoking and drinking habits, allergies, occupation, sports practiced, environmental factors, and life events predating symptom onset were examined. Data analysis demonstrated that 56.3% of patients had experienced a stressful event before BME pain onset and that 50% suffered from thyroid disorders. Standard conservative treatment resulted in pain resolution irrespective of the use of anti-inflammatories. However, most patients reported new persistent symptoms: dysesthesia/hypoesthesia on palpation in the skin area overlying the previous edema and a reduced ipsilateral patellar reflex. To our knowledge, this is the first study characterizing a substantial cohort of patients with BME. We found that middle-aged, sedentary, and slightly overweight women smokers are the typical patients with primary BME of the knee. The appearance and persistence of cutaneous dysesthesia/hypoesthesia at the site of the earlier lesion and ipsilateral patellar hyporeflexia implicate an autonomous nervous system dysfunction in BME pathogenesis and warrant further investigation.
Expert Clinical Management of Severe Immune-Related Adverse Events: Results from a Multicenter Survey on Hot Topics for Management
Authors: Riveiro-Barciela Mar , Soler Maria Jose , Barreira-Diaz Ana , Bermejo Sheila , Bruera Sebastian , Suarez-Almazor Maria E.
Published: October 2022

There are differences in recommendations for the management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). To assess the real-world management of irAEs, three surveys regarding ICI-induced hepatitis (IIH), renal irAEs, and myositis were developed and sent to experts in each area. Fifty-six surveys were completed (17 IIH, 20 renal irAEs, and 19 myositis). All experts agreed on performing imaging in every suspected case of severe IIH. Sixty-five percent agreed on performing a liver biopsy in patients not responding to corticosteroids. The most common indication for corticosteroid use (59%) was for severe IIH not improving after discontinuation of ICIs. Additionally, 60% of the experts agreed on performing a biopsy for stage 2/3 acute kidney injury (AKI), and 70% recommended imaging for any stage of AKI. Thirty-five percent favored corticosteroids in AKI patients with creatinine levels 2–3-fold above baseline. For myositis, 58% would recommend a muscle biopsy in a patient with weakness and creatine kinase levels of 5000 U/L; 47% would also opt for an endomyocardial biopsy when the troponin levels are increased. Fifty-eight percent recommended oral corticosteroids for myositis, and 37% recommended additional therapy, mainly immunoglobulins. These results show substantial differences in expert practice patterns for the management of severe liver, kidney, and muscular irAEs.
Please Don’t Compliment Me! Fear of Positive Evaluation and Emotion Regulation—Implications for Adolescents’ Social Anxiety
Authors: Tsarpalis-Fragkoulidis Achilleas , van Eickels Rahel Lea , Zemp Martina
Published: October 2022

In recent years, fear of positive evaluation has emerged as one of the key aspects of social anxiety, alongside fear of negative evaluation. Fears of evaluation intensify during adolescence, a time when individuals are expected to navigate new, emotionally challenging situations. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between social anxiety, fear of positive and negative evaluation, and three emotion regulation strategies relevant to social anxiety, i.e., suppression, acceptance, and rumination. To this end, data were collected from 647 adolescents via an online survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling. We found that fear of negative evaluation was significantly related to rumination, whereas fear of positive evaluation was significantly and negatively related to acceptance. We further found an indirect effect of social anxiety on suppression via fear of positive evaluation and acceptance in a serial mediation and an indirect effect of social anxiety on rumination via fear of negative evaluation. Not only do fears of positive and negative evaluation appear to be distinct constructs, but they are also differentially associated with three emotion regulation strategies pertinent to social anxiety. Fear of evaluation and its associations with emotion regulation deficits might hinder the therapeutic process by acting as a deterrent to positive reinforcement or potentially impeding the development of a successful therapeutic alliance.
Dissecting Polygenic Etiology of Ischemic Stroke in the Era of Precision Medicine
Authors: Li Jiang , Abedi Vida , Zand Ramin
Published: October 2022

Ischemic stroke (IS), the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, is caused by many modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. This complex disease is also known for its multiple etiologies with moderate heritability. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs), which have been used to establish a common genetic basis for IS, may contribute to IS risk stratification for disease/outcome prediction and personalized management. Statistical modeling and machine learning algorithms have contributed significantly to this field. For instance, multiple algorithms have been successfully applied to PRS construction and integration of genetic and non-genetic features for outcome prediction to aid in risk stratification for personalized management and prevention measures. PRS derived from variants with effect size estimated based on the summary statistics of a specific subtype shows a stronger association with the matched subtype. The disruption of the extracellular matrix and amyloidosis account for the pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Pathway-specific PRS analyses confirm known and identify novel etiologies related to IS. Some of these specific PRSs (e.g., derived from endothelial cell apoptosis pathway) individually contribute to post-IS mortality and, together with clinical risk factors, better predict post-IS mortality. In this review, we summarize the genetic basis of IS, emphasizing the application of methodologies and algorithms used to construct PRSs and integrate genetics into risk models.
Oral Self-Mutilation in Lesch–Nyhan Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Isola Gaetano , Piccardo Ilaria , De Mari Anna , Alberti Giorgio , Migliorati Marco
Published: October 2022

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is a rare genetic condition resulting from an inherited disorder of purine metabolism. It is characterized by the lack of one enzyme, hypoxanthine-guanine phos-phoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), which is responsible for purine salvage. The main manifestations of this syndrome are hyperuricaemia, reduction in cognitive abilities, self-aggressive behavior, choreoathetosis, spasticity, and retarded development. The aim of the study was to investigate the means of treatment and efficacy of prevention of oral self-injury behavior (SIB) in patients with LNS. Information regarding the type and treatment of oral SIB in 19 LSN Italian patients (mean age 23.3 years) was gathered via a structured telephone interview of their parents. A total of 84% of the patients showed some form of self-injury behavior; the first form to manifest itself was finger biting (37%), followed by lip biting (25%), and then tongue biting (18%). Furthermore, 74% of cases featured oral SIB, and tooth extraction was found to be the most frequent form of treatment practiced (71%). This study has revealed the great difficulty parents and carers face in managing forms of oral SIB; dental extraction was the most common choice, despite its invasive nature and far-reaching consequences in regard to the psychosocial status of the patients.
Hydrodynamic Analysis of a Modular Integrated Floating Structure System Based on Dolphin-Fender Mooring
Authors: Ren Nianxin , Yu Yuekai , Li Xiang , Ou Jinping
Published: October 2022

For both the expansion of important islands/reefs and the development of marine resources in South China Sea, a modular integrated floating structure (MIFS) system with tidal self-adaptation dolphin-fender mooring (DFM) has been proposed. The DFM, coupled with wave energy converters (WEC), can serve as an anti-motion system. Considering both the modules’ hydrodynamic interaction effect and the connectors’ mechanical coupling effect, both dynamic responses of the MIFS system and the WEC’s output power characteristics were investigated under typical sea conditions. Based on the comprehensive consideration of key factors (safety, economy, and comfort), the effects of both the DFM and module connectors were systematically studied for the MIFS system. Preliminarily optimal design parameters of corresponding connectors and WECs were suggested. The security of the MIFS system under extreme sea conditions was checked, and a promising survival strategy has been proposed. In addition, the modular expansion scheme of the MIFS system was further discussed, and the results indicated that the proposed MIFS system shows good expansibility. The WEC can not only improve both dynamic responses and the comfort of inner modules, but also make considerable wave energy contributions.
Retrofitting Vessel with Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Sources as an Example of the Croatia Study-Case
Authors: Peša Tomislav , Krčum Maja , Kero Grgo , Šoda Joško
Published: October 2022

The ship’s power system is one of the most important systems on board. It is designed for uninterrupted power supply to all ship consumers under different conditions of exploitation. When designing a ship, various optimizations are conducted to build the ship as economically and environmentally friendly as possible. The paper aims to analyze the possibility of applying renewable energy sources (RES), particularly solar and wind energy, on an existing vessel by conducting technical and economic analysis. Data for the solar hour’s number and wind distribution are gathered from the six locations in the Adriatic Sea over 32 years period. Firstly, it was investigated if data were position dependent or independent. Performing a Pearson correlation coefficient and an ANOVA analysis with F-test, it was concluded that the RES analysis is position-independent (p > 0.05, p = 0.826). Secondly, the energy system model created in Simulink was used for the analysis of the electrical network fundamental parameters. Finally, the object of the analysis is the total costs of procurement, installation, and maintenance of the system within a period of 25 years. Consequences are savings in the cost of exploitation and reduction of harmful gas emissions. The use of solar energy would result in savings of 111,556 L of diesel fuel, while the savings from wind energy would be 170,274 L of diesel fuel for 25 years.
Dry-Season Soil and Co-Cultivated Host Plants Enhanced Propagation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Spores from Sand Dune Vegetation in Trap Culture
Authors: Tenzin Ugyen Wangmo , Noirungsee Nuttapol , Runsaeng Phanthipha , Noppradit Prakrit , Klinnawee Lompong
Published: October 2022

The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as biofertilizer in agriculture is a sustainable approach to fertilization. The first step in the production of AMF biofertilizer is inoculation of mycotrophic plants with a composite of soil and native plant roots, containing potentially viable AMF spores from natural habitats, to a trap culture. A single host plant or a consortium of host plants can be used to propagate AMF spores. However, the difference in the comparative efficiency of mono- and co-cultivated host plants used for the production of AMF spores and the maintenance of original AMF community composition has not been well elucidated. Here, we prepared trap culture with nutrient-poor soil from coastal sand dune vegetation collected during the dry season when the AMF spore density and relative abundance of Glomeromycota ITS2 sequences were significantly higher (p = <0.05) than in the wet season. The AMF communities in the soil were mainly composed of Glomus spp. Maize (Zea mays L.) and/or Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.). Moench) were grown in trap cultures in the greenhouse. Our results demonstrated that co-cultivation of the host plants increased the production of AMF spores but, compared to mono-cultivation of host plants, did not better sustain the native AMF community compositions in the coastal sand dune soil. We propose that the co-cultivation of host plants in a trap culture broadens AMF-host plant compatibilities and thus sustains the symbiotic association of the natively diverse AMF. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that further research is needed to confirm whether the co-culturing of more than one host plant is as efficient a strategy as using a monoculture of a single host plant.
Polyphasic Identification of Distoseptispora with Six New Species from Fresh Water
Authors: Zhang Huang , Zhu Rong , Qing Yun , Yang Hao , Li Chunxue , Wang Gennuo , Zhang Di , Ning Ping
Published: October 2022

Twelve new specimens of sporidesmium-like taxa were collected from freshwater habitats in China and Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis of nuc 28S rDNA (LSU), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) and second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) sequence data, combined with morphological data, revealed that they are Distoseptispora species. Among them, six new species, including D. aqualignicola, D. aquamyces, D. crassispora, D. curvularia, D. nonrostrata and D. pachyconidia, are introduced. Two new combinations, D. adscendens and D. leonensis, are transferred from Ellisembia. A new habitat and geographical record are reported for D. clematidis, collected from a freshwater habitat in China. New RPB2 sequence data for D. dehongensis are provided.
Serially Checked Spherical Aberration Can Evaluate the Anti-Myopia Effect of Orthokeratology Lens in Children
Authors: Hahn In-Kyun , Lee Donghan , Lee Dong-Ho , Lee Hun , Tchah Hungwon , Kim Jae-Yong
Published: October 2022

We aimed to investigate the changes in higher-order aberrations (HOAs) after wearing orthokeratology (OK) lenses in myopic patients. The study included 15 eyes from ten myopic patients, whose refractive error was myopia less than −4.5 diopters (D) and astigmatism less than 1.5 D. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured, and Zywave® aberrometry was performed at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months following OK lens wear. The mean age was 11.5 years (range: 9–15 years). There was a significant improvement in UCVA (p ≤ 0.001) and a decrease in the spherical equivalent measured with auto-refraction at 6 months (p ≤ 0.001). Total HOAs significantly increased after OK lens wear (p ≤ 0.001), with spherical aberration increasing approximately 3.9-fold (p = 0.05). Spherical aberration demonstrated statistically significant positive correlations with the change in spherical equivalent at 3 and 6 months (p = 0.007 and 0.003, respectively). After wearing properly prescribed OK lens, all subjects had significantly improved UCVA and decreased myopic spherical equivalent, with increased total HOAs and positive spherical aberration at 1 month, and the changes were maintained at 6 months. Serially checked spherical aberration could evaluate the anti-myopia effect of the orthokeratology lens in children.
Splenic Artery Ligation: An Ontable Bail-Out Strategy for Small-for-Size Remnants after Major Hepatectomy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Theodoraki Kassiani , Vezakis Antonios , Massaras Dimitrios , Louta Aspasia , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Smyrniotis Vassilios
Published: October 2022

It has been reported that the prevention of acute portal overpressure in small-for-size liver grafts leads to better postoperative outcomes. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of the technique of splenic artery ligation in a case series of thirteen patients subjected to major liver resections with evidence of small-for-size syndrome and whether the maneuver results in the reduction of portal venous pressure and flow. The technique was successful in ten patients, with splenic artery ligation alleviating portal hypertension significantly. Three patients required the performance of a portocaval shunt for the attenuation of portal hypertension. Portal inflow modulation via splenic artery ligation is a technically simple technique that can prove useful in the context of major hepatectomies as well as in liver transplantations and the early evaluation and modification of portal venous pressure post hepatectomy can be used as a practical tool to guide the effect of the intervention.
Dental Implant and Natural Tooth Micro-Movements during Mastication—In Vivo Study with 3D VIC Method
Authors: Száva Dániel Tamás , Száva Andrea , Száva János , Gálfi Botond , Vlase Sorin
Published: October 2022

In the paper, using the video image correlation method, a study of the micro-movement pattern of the dental implant and of a normal was performed. It is revealed that there are great differences between these two situations. The linear displacement type of the dental implant refers to the linear elastic modulus of bone tissue in the case of normal bite forces. It seems that the major influencing factor regarding the type and value of implant micro-movement is defined by the underlying bone tissue. It is to be considered that masticator force transmission inside a more stiff and dense bone could be attenuated by the antagonist teeth parodontium, dental implant and abutment connection type, and the elastic modulus of material of the dental crown. Because of the elasticity of the periodontal ligament system, during the loading of the dental implant, the natural tooth has been displaced slightly more, leaving the dental implant in an unfavorable position, having to bear the full amount of loading forces. When comparing the relative displacements in the case of the loaded tooth, it is shown that the dental implant has been moving almost symmetrically with the tooth. This could mean that large amounts of forces are transmitted towards the periimplant bone tissue, but in a more optimal, parabolic manner due to the action of the periodontal ligaments surrounding the natural tooth.
Daily Physical Activity in Asthma and the Effect of Mepolizumab Therapy
Authors: Panagiotou Marios , Koulouris Nikolaos , Koutsoukou Antonia , Rovina Nikoletta
Published: October 2022

For the various asthma-specific beneficial effects of physical activity, daily physical activity (DPA) and the potential of asthma therapies on DPA require better characterization. Hence, we aimed to determine (a) the DPA of asthma patients, and (b) the effect of add-on mepolizumab on the DPA of severe asthma patients. Methods: Adult outpatients with mild-to-moderate or severe asthma had accelerometer assessment of DPA. Severe asthma patients who were commenced on mepolizumab had their DPA reassessed after 12 months. Results: For the total cohort (n = 36), daily step count, time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), MVPA volume and Movement Intensity (MI) were 7806 ± 3823 steps, 123 (interquartile range, 63) min, 657 ± 255 MET·min and 1.96 (0.45) m/s2, respectively. All patients met at least one recommendation for DPA but less than half met recommendations for vigorous DPA. Patients on mepolizumab therapy increased daily step count (646 steps; 9%), time in MVPA (20 min; 21%), MVPA volume (87 MET·min; 17%) and MI (0.11 m/s2; 6%) for the same amount of moving time; lung function, asthma control and health-related quality of life also improved. Conclusions: Analysis of the first national data on DPA in asthma and novel comparison against current applicable guidelines and identified beneficial thresholds showed borderline levels of DPA with room for improvement especially for severe asthma patients. In a non-sedentary cohort of severe asthma patients, mepolizumab conferred significant and meaningful improvements in DPA.
Informing Future Land Systems Using Self-Reported Pathways and Barriers to Connections to Nature: A Case Study in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Fehnker Lissy , Pearson Diane , Howland Peter
Published: October 2022

Empirical research exploring what increases an individual’s connection to nature is growing, however research seeking respondents to self-report what they feel acts as a barrier or pathway to their connection to nature is scarce. Previous empirical literature suggests a link between connections to nature and pro-nature actions. Therefore, understanding what acts as a barrier or pathway to people’s connection to nature can provide insight as to what may promote, or hinder, pro-nature actions. From a land systems perspective, the research is crucial, given that human disconnection from nature is argued to be the reason behind large scale ecological crises and species extinction which threaten the land systems in which we live. Consequently, a cross-sectional qualitative study was undertaken in 2019 with 976 respondents from Auckland, New Zealand to explore self-reported perceptions of what acts as a barrier or pathway towards their connections to nature. The findings suggest that respondents perceive modern society modalities such as ‘life takes over’, ‘urban life’, etc., as being barriers to their connections to nature. Being exposed to nature, was perceived as a pathway to prompting, and/or sustaining their connections to nature. These learnings highlight the benefit of exploring the perceived influences on connections to nature and the findings can be applied to improve the human–nature connection and therefore potentially increase pro-nature actions. We also use the findings to provide practical actions for environmental managers in the Auckland region by advising as to how the human–nature connection can be supported through future urban planning and better designed urban land systems.
An Inverse Relationship between Farm Size and Rice Harvest Loss: Evidence from China
Authors: Luo Yi , Huang Dong , Qu Xue , Wu Laping
Published: October 2022

Reducing food losses has become an important means of conserving resources and protecting food security. Based on nationwide survey data from 1526 households in 17 provinces in China, we evaluated Chinese rice harvest losses and used a fractional logit model to analyze the impact of farm size on these losses. The results show that, on average, 3.45% of total rice was lost during the harvest stage, representing a serious waste of resources. In addition, farm size was significantly negatively correlated with rice harvest losses, indicating an inverse relationship between farm size and rice harvest losses. As farms expand in size, farmers are more likely to adopt agricultural machinery services, which have been proven to reduce harvest losses. Our findings show that the government should encourage farm size expansion and promote better agricultural machinery services to reduce harvest losses.
Identification of Two GDSL-Type Esterase/Lipase Genes Related to Tissue-Specific Lipolysis in Dendrobium catenatum by Multi-Omics Analysis
Authors: Zhan Xinqiao , Qian Yichun , Mao Bizeng
Published: October 2022

Dendrobium catenatum is an important herb and widely cultivated in China. GDSL-Type Esterase/Lipase proteins (GELPs) are widely distributed in plants and play crucial roles in stress responses, plant growth, and development. However, no identification or functional analysis of GELPs was reported in D. catenatum. This study identifies 52 GELPs in D. catenatum genome, which is classified into four groups by phylogenetic analysis. Four conservative blocks (Ser-Gly-Asn-His) are found in most GELP domains. Transcriptome analysis reveals the expression profiles of GELPs in different organs and flowering phases. Co-expression analysis of the transcriptome and lipidome identifies a GELP gene, Dca016600, that positively correlates with 23 lipids. The purified Dca016600 protein shows the optimum pH is active from 8.0 to 8.5, and the optimum temperature is active from 30 °C to 40 °C. The kinetic study provides Vmax (233.43 μmol·min−1·mg−1) and Km (1.49 mM) for substrate p-nitrophenyl palmitate (p-NPP). Integrated analysis of the transcriptome and proteome identifies a GELP gene, Dca005399, which is specially induced by freezing. Interestingly, Dca005399 shows high expression in symbiotic germination seeds and sepals. This study provides new insights into the function of D. catenatum GELPs in plant development and stress tolerance.
Does a Single Exposure to General Anesthesia Have a Cumulative Effect on the Developing Brain after Mild Perinatal Asphyxia?
Authors: Isac Sebastian , Pavel Bogdan , Dobre Maria , Milanesi Elena , Matache Irina-Mihaela , Paun Raul-Mihai , Klimko Artsiom , Iesanu Mara Ioana , Droc Gabriela , Zagrean Ana-Maria
Published: October 2022

Background: General anesthesia (GA) in pediatric patients represents a clinical routine. Factors such as increased birth age and maternal chronic conditions cause more infants to experience hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, an additional risk for anesthesia. Aim: This study evaluates the effect of one sevoflurane-induced GA episode on the immature brain previously exposed to perinatal asphyxia (PA). Methods: Postnatal day 6 (PND6) Wistar rats were exposed to a 90-min episode of normoxia/PA and at PND15 to a 120-min episode of normoxia/GA. Four groups were analyzed: Control (C), PA, GA, and PA-GA. Post-exposures, fifteen pups/group were sacrificed and the hippocampi were isolated to assess S-100B and IL-1B protein levels, using ELISA. At maturity, the behavior was assessed by: forced swimming test (FST), and novel object recognition test. Results: Hippocampal S-100B level was increased in PA, GA, and PA-GA groups, while IL-1B was increased in PA, but decreased in PA-GA. The immobility time was increased in PA and PA-GA, in FST. Conclusions: Both PA and GA contribute to glial activation, however with no cumulative effect. Moreover, PA reduces the rats’ mobility, irrespective of GA exposure, while memory evaluated by the novel object recognition test was not influenced.
Can Agricultural Practices in Strawberry Fields Induce Plant–Nematode Interaction towards Meloidogyne-Suppressive Soils?
Authors: Hammam Mostafa M. A. , Abd-El-Khair Hassan , El-Nagdi Wafaa M. A. , Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz M. M.
Published: October 2022

The importance of benign approaches to manage the root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.) in strawberry farms has become more evident with increasing strawberry production and export in Egypt. Therefore, data accumulated on biosolarization and soil amendments to favor beneficial microorganisms and maximize their impact on RKN management are built on a robust historical research foundation and should be exploited. We examined RKN population levels/parameters in three strawberry export governorates, six farms per governorate, to characterize the exact production practices that are responsible for RKN-suppressive soils. All selected farms enjoyed soil biodisinfestation resulting from incorporating organic amendments followed by a plastic cover to suppress soil pathogens. Various safe and inexpensive agricultural practices in the El-Ismailia and El-Beheira governorates were compared to the toxic and expensive fumigants that could eliminate RKNs in the Al-Qalyubia governorate. Two farms at El-Ismailia were of special interest as they ultimately showed almost zero counts of RKNs. The two farms were characterized by incorporating cow manure [containing 0.65% total nitrogen, 21.2 carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio] and poultry manure (0.72% total nitrogen, 20.1 C/N ratio) followed by soil solarization via transparent, 80-µm thick plastic covers for 60–65 summer days as pre-strawberry cultivation practices, and similar covers were used after transplanting. Typically, the longer the pre-plant soil solarization period with thicker transparent plastic covers, the better it could suppress the RKN population densities in the tested farms. Their soils were characterized by relatively high pH and low electrical conductivity. The significant development in biocontrol genera/species abundance and frequency could explain the lower (p < 0.0001) RKN population levels inhabiting the farms of El-Ismailia than the El-Beheira governorate. These factors could provide the first approximation of key practices and factors that could collectively contribute to distinguishing and exploiting soil suppressiveness against RKNs. We discussed edaphic properties and production practices that could modulate populations of natural RKN antagonists for sustainable strawberry cultivation.
Honokiol Antagonizes Cadmium-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Quail by Alleviating Autophagy Dysfunction, Apoptosis and Mitochondrial UPR Inhibition with Its Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Zhang Kanglei , Dong Wenxuan , Li Jiahui , Gong Zhonggui , Liu Wenjing , He Shuangjiang , Zou Hui , Song Ruilong , Liu Gang , Liu Zongping
Published: October 2022

Japanese quail is a highly economically valuable bird due to its commercial production for meat and eggs. Although studies have reported Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous heavy metal that can cause injury to various organs, the molecular mechanisms of Cd on quail kidney injury remain largely unknown. It has been reported that Honokiol (HKL), a highly functional antioxidant, can protect cells against oxidative stress effectively. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Cd on quail kidneys injury and the protective effect of HKL on Cd-induced nephrotoxicity. A total of 40 Japanese quails were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, Cd treatment group, Co-treatment group and HKL treatment group. The results showed that Cd resulted in significant changes in growth performance, kidney histopathology and kidney biochemical status, antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress parameters, and ultrastructure of renal tubular epithelial cells, compared with controls. Cd increased the expression of autophagy-related and apoptosis-related genes, but decreased expression of lysosomal function-related and UPRmt-related genes. The co-treatment group ameliorated Cd-induced nephrotoxicity by alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, repairing autophagy dysfunction and UPRmt disorder. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of HKL showed beneficial effects on Japanese quail kidney injury caused by Cd.
ABA-Dependent Regulation of Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase Gene GmCDPK5 in Cultivated and Wild Soybeans
Authors: Veremeichik Galina N. , Brodovskaya Evgenia V. , Grigorchuk Valeria P. , Butovets Ekaterina S. , Lukyanchuk Ludmila M. , Bulgakov Victor P.
Published: October 2022

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) regulate plant development and stress responses. However, the interaction of these protein kinases with the abscisic acid (ABA) stress hormone signalling system has not been studied in detail. In Arabidopsis, AtCPK1 plays an important role in the acclimation of plants to environmental stresses. Phylogenetic and molecular analyses showed that, among 50 isoforms of Glycine max (L.) Merrill CDPKs, the GmCDPK27/GmCDPK48, GmCDPK5/GmCDPK24, and GmCDPK10/GmCDPK46 paralogous pairs were the isoforms most related to AtCDPK1. We investigated the expression of the corresponding six GmCDPKs genes during treatment with cold, heat, and salt stress. Wild soybean was the most resistant to stresses, and among the three cultivars studied (Sfera, Hodgson, and Hefeng25), Sfera was close to the wild type in terms of resistance. GmCDPK5 and GmCDPK10 were the most responsive to stress treatments, especially in wild soybean, compared with cultivars. Among the studied GmCDPK isoforms, only GmCDPK5 expression increased after treatment with abscisic acid (ABA) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Targeted LC-MS/MS analysis of endogenous ABA levels showed that wild soybean and Sfera had nearly twice the ABA content of Hodgson and Hefeng25. An analysis of the expression of marker genes involved in ABA biosynthesis showed that GmNCED1-gene-encoding 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1 is induced to the greatest extent in wild soybean and Sfera under salt, cold, and heat exposure. Our data established a correlation between the induction of GmCDPK5 and ABA biosynthesis genes. GmCDPK5 is an interesting target for genetic and bioengineering purposes and can be used for genetic editing, overexpression, or as a marker gene in soybean varieties growing under unfavourable conditions.
MEAHNE: miRNA–Disease Association Prediction Based on Semantic Information in a Heterogeneous Network
Authors: Huang Chen , Cen Keliang , Zhang Yang , Liu Bo , Wang Yadong , Li Junyi
Published: October 2022

Correct prediction of potential miRNA–disease pairs can considerably accelerate the experimental process in biomedical research. However, many methods cannot effectively learn the complex information contained in multisource data, limiting the performance of the prediction model. A heterogeneous network prediction model (MEAHNE) is proposed to make full use of the complex information contained in multisource data. To fully mine the potential relationship between miRNA and disease, we collected multisource data and constructed a heterogeneous network. After constructing the network, we mined potential associations in the network through a designed heterogeneous network framework (MEAHNE). MEAHNE first learned the semantic information of the metapath instances, then used the attention mechanism to encode the semantic information as attention weights and aggregated nodes of the same type using the attention weights. The semantic information was also integrated into the node. MEAHNE optimized parameters through end-to-end training. MEAHNE was compared with other state-of-the-art heterogeneous graph neural network methods. The values of the area under the precision–recall curve and the receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated the superiority of MEAHNE. In addition, MEAHNE predicted 20 miRNAs each for breast cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer and verified 18 miRNAs related to breast cancer and 14 miRNAs related to nasopharyngeal cancer by consulting related databases.
Effect of Blowby on the Leakage of the Three-Piece Oil Control Ring and Subsequent Oil Transport in Upper Ring-Pack Regions in Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Li Mo , Tian Tian
Published: October 2022

The lubricating oil consumption (LOC) in internal combustion engines contributes to emission and deteriorates the performance of the aftertreatment. In this work, an optical engine with a 2D Laser-induced fluorescence (2D-LIF) system was used to study operating conditions critical to real driving oil emissions. Additionally, numerical models were used to analyze the ring dynamics, oil flow and gas flow. It was found that the intake pressure that results in zero blowby is the separation line between two drastically different oil flow patterns in the ring pack. With intake pressure lower than the separation line, the oil accumulation of the three-piece oil control ring groove (TPOCR) begins to increase, followed by the drastic increase of the oil accumulation in the third land, second land, and finally visible oil leaking through the top ring gap, given enough time. The time required for the oil to leak through different rings was investigated using both measurements and modeling. The effects of drain holes and rail gaps, as well as their relative rotation on oil accumulation and leakage from the TPOCR groove, were analyzed. These findings contribute to improving ring pack designs and engine calibration in spark ignition (SI), gas, and hydrogen engines equipped with TPOCR to minimize the negative impacts of LOC.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Use of SFRC in Structures and Its Current State of Development in the Construction Industry
Authors: Vijayan Dhanasingh Sivalinga , Sivasuriyan Arvindan , Parthiban Devarajan , Jakimiuk Aleksandra , Bayat Hydayatullah , Podlasek Anna , Vaverková Magdalena Daria , Koda Eugeniusz
Published: October 2022

In recent years, concrete technology has advanced, prompting engineers and researchers to adopt advanced materials to improve strength and durability. Steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) represents the substantial modification of concrete materials to improve their structural properties, particularly their flexural and tensile strength. Whether SFRC is stronger than conventional concrete depends on a variety of variables, including the volume, size, percentage, shape, and distribution of fibers. This article provides a comprehensive discussion of the properties of SFRC, such as durability, fire resistance, and impact resistance or blast loading, as well as the application of SFRC in structural members including beams, columns, slabs, and walls. The application of steel fibers in various types of concrete, including pre-stressed, pre-cast, self-compacting, and geopolymer concrete, was also examined in this comparative analysis review, and recommendations for the future scope of SFRC were identified.
Injection Molding and Sintering of ZrO2 Ceramic Powder Modified by a Zirconate Coupling Agent
Authors: Mao Qiangyi , Qiao Liang , Zheng Jingwu , Ying Yao , Yu Jing , Li Wangchang , Che Shenglei , Cai Wei
Published: October 2022

Ceramic injection molding is a near-net shape-processing technique, producing ceramic components with low tooling costs and complex shapes. In this paper, ZrO2 ceramics with high loading content in the green part were prepared by powder modification using zirconate coupling agent, injection molding and sintering, which benefited decreasing the usage of binders and deformation of ceramics. The rheological characteristics of feedstocks, densities, microstructures and mechanical properties of green and sintered parts with the different coupling media and sintering temperatures were studied. The results showed that the addition of a zirconate coupling agent with ethanol medium obviously increased the flowability of feedstocks and benefited achieving the green parts with high powder loading (86.5 wt.%) and bending strength (12.9 MPa) and the final unbroken ceramics. In addition, the sintering temperatures from 1500–1575 °C had no significant effects on the density, hardness, and surface morphology of the ceramic samples. However, the bending strength increased and some large grains with transgranular fracture occurred on the fractural surface at the sintering temperature of 1575 °C.
Effect of pH on the In Vitro Degradation of Borosilicate Bioactive Glass and Its Modulation by Direct Current Electric Field
Authors: Zhang Xuanyu , Zhang Minhui , Lin Jian
Published: October 2022

Controlled ion release and mineralization of bioactive glasses are essential to their applications in bone regeneration. Tuning the chemical composition and surface structure of glasses are the primary means of achieving this goal. However, most bioactive glasses exhibit a non-linear ion release behavior. Therefore, modifying the immersion environment of glasses through external stimuli becomes an approach. In this study, the ion release and mineralization properties of a borosilicate bioactive glass were investigated in the Tris buffer and K2HPO4 solutions with different pH. The glass had a faster ion release rate at a lower pH, but the overly acidic environment was detrimental to hydroxyapatite production. Using a direct current (DC) electric field as an external stimulus, the pH of the immersion solution could be modulated within a narrow range, thereby modulating ion release from the glass. As a result, significant increases in ion release were observed after three days, and the development of porous mineralization products on the glass surface after six days. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the DC electric field in modulating the ion release of the bioactive glass in vitro and provides a potential way to regulate the degradation of the glass in vivo.
Impact of Corrosion on the Bond Strength between Concrete and Rebar: A Systematic Review
Authors: Syll Amadou Sakhir , Kanakubo Toshiyuki
Published: October 2022

Corrosion of the reinforcement affects more than the cross-sectional area of the rebar. The volume of steel also increases due to expansive corrosion products, leading to the cracking, delamination, and spalling of concrete. As a result, the bond capacity between concrete and rebar is affected. Researchers have extensively examined the impact of corrosion on the bond strength between concrete and rebar to propose empirical, theoretical, or numerical predictive models. Therefore, research programs on this topic have increased rapidly in recent years. This article presents a systematic literature review to explore experimental methods, outcomes, and trends on this topic. The Web of Science search collected 84 relevant research articles through a rigorous selection. Key factors that affect bond strength degradation, including concrete cover, concrete strength, and stirrups, have been documented. However, a general model is still unavailable due to discrepancies caused by differences in testing methods to evaluate the effect of corrosion on bond strength. Furthermore, researchers attempted to clarify the degradation mechanism of bond strength affected by corrosion. As a result, new alternatives have been proposed to build a practical model to assess the bond strength deterioration of corroded structures.
Analysis of Microchannel Heat Sink of Silicon Material with Right Triangular Groove on Sidewall of Passage
Authors: Saha Surojit , Alam Tabish , Siddiqui Md Irfanul Haque , Kumar Mukesh , Ali Masood Ashraf , Gupta Naveen Kumar , Dobrotă Dan
Published: October 2022

Microchannel heat sink (MCHS) is a promising solution for removing the excess heat from an electronic component such as a microprocessor, electronic chip, etc. In order to increase the heat removal rate, the design of MCHS plays a vital role, and can avoid damaging heat-sensitive components. Therefore, the passage of the MCHS has been designed with a periodic right triangular groove in the flow passage. The motivation for this form of groove shape is taken from heat transfer enhancement techniques used in solar air heaters. In this paper, a numerical study of this new design of microchannel passage is presented. The microchannel design has five variable groove angles, ranging from 15° to 75°. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to simulate this unique microchannel. Based on the Navier–Stokes and energy equations, a 3D model of the microchannel heat sink was built, discretized, and laminar numerical solutions for heat transfer, pressure drop, and thermohydraulic performance were derived. It was found that Nusselt number and thermo-hydraulic performance are superior in the microchannel with a 15° groove angle. In addition, thermohydraulic performance parameters (THPP) were evaluated and discussed. THPP values were found to be more than unity for a designed microchannel that had all angles except 75°, which confirm that the proposed design of the microchannel is a viable solution for thermal management.