bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of PKC-MAPK Signalling Pathways in the Development of Hyperglycemia-Induced Cardiovascular Complications
Authors: Jubaidi Fatin Farhana , Zainalabidin Satirah , Taib Izatus Shima , Abdul Hamid Zariyantey , Mohamad Anuar Nur Najmi , Jalil Juriyati , Mohd Nor Nor Anizah , Budin Siti Balkis
Published: August 2022

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death among diabetic patients worldwide. Hence, cardiovascular wellbeing in diabetic patients requires utmost importance in disease management. Recent studies have demonstrated that protein kinase C activation plays a vital role in the development of cardiovascular complications via its activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, also known as PKC-MAPK pathways. In fact, persistent hyperglycaemia in diabetic conditions contribute to preserved PKC activation mediated by excessive production of diacylglycerol (DAG) and oxidative stress. PKC-MAPK pathways are involved in several cellular responses, including enhancing oxidative stress and activating signalling pathways that lead to uncontrolled cardiac and vascular remodelling and their subsequent dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the recent discovery on the role of PKC-MAPK pathways, the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of diabetic cardiovascular complications, and their potential as therapeutic targets for cardiovascular management in diabetic patients.
Reg-1α, a New Substrate of Calpain-2 Depending on Its Glycosylation Status
Authors: Lebart Marie-Christine , Trousse Françoise , Valette Gilles , Torrent Joan , Denus Morgane , Mestre-Frances Nadine , Marcilhac Anne
Published: August 2022

Reg-1α/lithostathine, a protein mainly associated with the digestive system, was previously shown to be overexpressed in the pre-clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease. In vitro, the glycosylated protein was reported to form fibrils at physiological pH following the proteolytic action of trypsin. However, the nature of the protease able to act in the central nervous system is unknown. In the present study, we showed that Reg-1α can be cleaved in vitro by calpain-2, the calcium activated neutral protease, overexpressed in neurodegenerative diseases. Using chemical crosslinking experiments, we found that the two proteins can interact with each other. Identification of the cleavage site using mass spectrometry, between Gln4 and Thr5, was found in agreement with the in silico prediction of the calpain cleavage site, in a position different from the one reported for trypsin, i.e., Arg11-Ile12 peptide bond. We showed that the cleavage was impeded by the presence of the neighboring glycosylation of Thr5. Moreover, in vitro studies using electron microscopy showed that calpain-cleaved protein does not form fibrils as observed after trypsin cleavage. Collectively, our results show that calpain-2 cleaves Reg-1α in vitro, and that this action is not associated with fibril formation.
Fibroblast Growth Factors and Cellular Communication Network Factors: Intimate Interplay by the Founding Members in Cartilage
Authors: Kubota Satoshi , Aoyama Eriko , Takigawa Masaharu , Nishida Takashi
Published: August 2022

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) constitute a large family of signaling molecules that act in an autocrine/paracrine, endocrine, or intracrine manner, whereas the cellular communication network factors (CCN) family is composed of six members that manipulate extracellular signaling networks. FGFs and CCNs are structurally and functionally distinct, except for the common characteristics as matricellular proteins. Both play significant roles in the development of a variety of tissues and organs, including the skeletal system. In vertebrates, most of the skeletal parts are formed and grow through a process designated endochondral ossification, in which chondrocytes play the central role. The growth plate cartilage is the place where endochondral ossification occurs, and articular cartilage is left to support the locomotive function of joints. Several FGFs, including FGF-2, one of the founding members of this family, and all of the CCNs represented by CCN2, which is required for proper skeletal development, can be found therein. Research over a decade has revealed direct binding of CCN2 to FGFs and FGF receptors (FGFRs), which occasionally affect the biological outcome via FGF signaling. Moreover, a recent study uncovered an integrated regulation of FGF and CCN genes by FGF signaling. In this review, after a brief introduction of these two families, molecular and genetic interactions between CCN and FGF family members in cartilage, and their biological effects, are summarized. The molecular interplay represents the mutual involvement of the other in their molecular functions, leading to collaboration between CCN2 and FGFs during skeletal development.
Fluorescent Auxin Analogs Report Two Auxin Binding Sites with Different Subcellular Distribution and Affinities: A Cue for Non-Transcriptional Auxin Signaling
Authors: Huang Xiang , Maisch Jan , Hayashi Ken-Ichiro , Nick Peter
Published: August 2022

The complexity of auxin signaling is partially due to multiple auxin receptors that trigger differential signaling. To obtain insight into the subcellular localization of auxin-binding sites, we used fluorescent auxin analogs that can undergo transport but do not deploy auxin signaling. Using fluorescent probes for different subcellular compartments, we can show that the fluorescent analog of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) associates with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and tonoplast, while the fluorescent analog of indole acetic acid (IAA) binds to the ER. The binding of the fluorescent NAA analog to the ER can be outcompeted by unlabeled NAA, which allows us to estimate the affinity of NAA for this binding site to be around 1 μM. The non-transportable auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) interferes with the binding site for the fluorescent NAA analog at the tonoplast but not with the binding site for the fluorescent IAA analog at the ER. We integrate these data into a working model, where the tonoplast hosts a binding site with a high affinity for 2,4-D, while the ER hosts a binding site with high affinity for NAA. Thus, the differential subcellular localization of binding sites reflects the differential signaling in response to these artificial auxins.
p-Coumaric acid, Kaempferol, Astragalin and Tiliroside Influence the Expression of Glycoforms in AGS Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Radziejewska Iwona , Supruniuk Katarzyna , Tomczyk Michał , Izdebska Wiktoria , Borzym-Kluczyk Małgorzata , Bielawska Anna , Bielawski Krzysztof , Galicka Anna
Published: August 2022

Abnormal glycosylation of cancer cells is considered a key factor of carcinogenesis related to growth, proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells. Many plant-based polyphenolic compounds reveal potential anti-cancer properties effecting cellular signaling systems. Herein, we assessed the effects of phenolic acid, p-coumaric acid and flavonoids such as kaempferol, astragalin or tiliroside on expression of selected cancer-related glycoforms and enzymes involved in their formation in AGS gastric cancer cells. The cells were treated with 80 and 160 µM of the compounds. RT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA tests were performed to determine the influence of polyphenolics on analyzed factors. All the examined compounds inhibited the expression of MUC1, ST6GalNAcT2 and FUT4 mRNAs. C1GalT1, St3Gal-IV and FUT4 proteins as well as MUC1 domain, Tn and sialyl T antigen detected in cell lysates were also lowered. Both concentrations of kaempferol, astragalin and tiliroside also suppressed ppGalNAcT2 and C1GalT1 mRNAs. MUC1 cytoplasmic domain, sialyl Tn, T antigens in cell lysates and sialyl T in culture medium were inhibited only by kaempferol and tiliroside. Nuclear factor NF-κB mRNA expression decreased after treatment with both concentrations of kaempferol, astragalin and tiliroside. NF-κB protein expression was inhibited by kaempferol and tiliroside. The results indicate the rationality of application of examined polyphenolics as potential preventive agents against gastric cancer development.
Diagnostic, Therapy and Complications in Acute Appendicitis of 19,749 Cases Based on Routine Data: A Retrospective Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Schildberg Claus W. , Reissig Kathrin , Hunger Richard , Paasch Christoph , Stillger Rosi , Mantke René
Published: August 2022

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common emergencies in general surgery. The gold standard treatment is surgery. Complications may occur during or after an appendectomy. In addition to age, clinically important factors for the outcome after appendicitis seems to be the comorbidities and the stage of the appendicitis at the time of the operation. Large observational data describing these facts are missing. Methods: In this retrospective multicenter observational study, all inpatients over the age of 17 years with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis in 47 hospitals of the Clinotel Hospital Group between 2010 and 2017 were included. Results: A total of 19,749 patients with acute appendicitis were operated on. The number of patients with more than five secondary diagnoses has increased from 8.4% (2010) to 14.5% (2017). The number of secondary diagnoses correlates with the ages of the patients and leads to a significantly longer hospital stay. Computer tomography (CT) has gained in importance in recent years in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. A total of 19.9% of patients received a CT in 2017. Laparoscopic appendectomy increased from 88% in 2010 to 95% in 2017 (p < 0.001). The conversion rate did not change relevant in the study period (i.e., 2.3% in 2017). Appendicitis with perforation, abscess, or generalized peritonitis was observed in 24.8% of patients. Mortality was 0.6% during the observation period and was associated with age and the number of secondary diagnoses. The analysis is based on administrative data collected primarily for billing purposes, subject to the usual limitations of such data. This includes partially incomplete clinical data. Conclusions: Multimorbidity is increasingly present in patients with acute appendicitis. Mortality is still in an acceptably low range with no increase. A CT scan is necessary for a precise diagnosis in unclear clinical situations to avoid unnecessary operations and was performed more often at the end of the study than at the beginning.
Umbilical Cord PRP vs. Autologous PRP for the Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Mazzotta Alessandro , Pennello Enrico , Stagni Cesare , Del Piccolo Nicolandrea , Boffa Angelo , Cenacchi Annarita , Buzzi Marina , Filardo Giuseppe , Dallari Dante
Published: August 2022

Umbilical cord platelet-rich plasma (C-PRP) has more growth factors and anti-inflammatory molecules compared with autologous PRP (A-PRP) derived from peripheral blood. The aim of this study was to compare intra-articular C-PRP or A-PRP injections in terms of safety and clinical efficacy for the treatment of patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigated the results of 100 patients with hip OA treated with three weekly ultrasound-guided injections of either C-PRP or A-PRP. Clinical evaluations were performed before the treatment and after two, six, and twelve months with the HHS, WOMAC, and VAS scores. No major adverse events were recorded. Overall, the improvement was limited with both treatments. Significant improvements in VAS (p = 0.031) and HHS (p = 0.011) were documented at two months for C-PRP. Patients with a low OA grade (Tonnis 1-2) showed a significantly higher HHS improvement with C-PRP than A-PRP at twelve months (p = 0.049). C-PRP injections are safe but offered only a short-term clinical improvement. The comparative analysis did not demonstrate benefits compared with A-PRP in the overall population, but the results are influenced by OA severity, with C-PRP showing more benefits when advanced OA cases were excluded. Further studies are needed to confirm the most suitable indications and potential of this biological injective approach.
PCOS Physiopathology and Vitamin D Deficiency: Biological Insights and Perspectives for Treatment
Authors: Morgante Giuseppe , Darino Ilenia , Spanò Amelia , Luisi Stefano , Luddi Alice , Piomboni Paola , Governini Laura , De Leo Vincenzo
Published: August 2022

Recent literature has stressed the importance of vitamin D (VD) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS are deficient in VD, particularly those with a higher weight. Hypovitaminosis is a risk factor for glucose intolerance, and reduced levels of VD is associated with insulin resistance and increased diabetes risk. Since women with PCOS and hirsutism seem to have lower levels of VD than women with PCOS without hirsutism, a correlation between VD deficiency and hyperandrogenism may be suggested. Interestingly, VD is crucial for many human physiological functions, including to counteract inflammation and oxidative stress. Some studies evaluated effects of VD supplementation on glucose homeostasis variables, hormonal status, lipid concentrations, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among VD-deficient women. Moreover, VD has been shown to play a role in egg quality and fertility. This review aims to show the relationship between VD and the endocrine and metabolic profile of PCOS patients, as well as its implications for their fertility. The supplement of VD to the common therapy can lead to an improvement of the insulin resistance and lipid metabolism, a reduction of circulating androgens, as well as a better response to the induction of ovulation in PCOS women.
Analysis of Surface Grinding of Thermoplastics Specimens with Inline Measurements
Authors: Spina Roberto , Cavalcante Bruno Melo , Guerra Maria Grazia , Massari Marco
Published: August 2022

This paper analyzes the surface grinding of unfilled and glass-filled polyamides. The process is performed by varying the workpiece velocities to evaluate applied practical applications in the industry while being energy efficient. During the machining, the temperatures, normal forces, tangential forces, and spindle power were collected, and the surface quality was evaluated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), helping to determine material removal mechanisms and study their behavior under grinding. One of the primary outcomes of the present research was that, different from most metallic and ceramic materials, polyamides benefited from the material removal rate increase. We had higher quality material removed efficiently. Also, the specific energy of both materials converged to previously demonstrated values, showing once again that it is highly dependent on the matrix. Moreover, the time-dependent mechanical properties of the material during processing were identified. The fast application of the force at high speed gave less time to respond to the mechanical strain, determining an improvement in the surface quality of the samples. Consequently, the surface quality of the final product improved with a speed increase, leading to low roughness values.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Cylindrocarpon-like Fungi Infecting Ginseng Roots in Northeast China
Authors: Lu Xiaohong , Zhang Ximei , Jiao Xiaolin , Hao Jianjun , Li Shidong , Gao Weiwei
Published: August 2022

Northeast China is well known for cultivating ginseng (Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolius). Ginseng roots are threatened by the infection of the most notorious Cylindrocarpon-like fungi (CLF), which are a complex containing important soilborne pathogens. Although the disease is economically important, little is known about the genetic diversity and population structure of the pathogenic CLF complex. This knowledge will help in developing effective disease management strategies. To conduct this study, diseased ginseng roots were collected from 12 regions representing the main ginseng-growing areas in Northeast China, and CLF were isolated. A total of 169 isolates with CLF anamorph were identified in two Dactylonectria species and six Ilyonectria species using morphological and molecular methods. Cross pathogenicity tests showed that all species were pathogenic to both P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius, and most of them had slightly stronger aggressiveness in P. ginseng. The analysis of partial sequences of the Histone H3 gene generated a high level of genetic diversity and geographic differentiation. A total of 132 variable sites were detected in 169 sequences, which formed 20 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.824. Genetic differentiation was positively correlated with geographic distance. The geographic populations in the range of Changbai Mountain were distinctly discriminated from those in other non-Changbai Mountain populations. No significant genetic differentiation was found between ginseng hosts. Cylindrocarpon-like fungi causing ginseng root diseases are geographically correlated in the genetic distance in Northeast China and should be managed correspondingly.
A Contemporary Approach to Non-Invasive 3D Determination of Individual Masticatory Muscle Forces: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Merema Bram B. J. , Sieswerda Jelbrich J. , Spijkervet Frederik K. L. , Kraeima Joep , Witjes Max J. H.
Published: August 2022

Over the past decade, the demand for three-dimensional (3D) patient-specific (PS) modelling and simulations has increased considerably; they are now widely available and generally accepted as part of patient care. However, the patient specificity of current PS designs is often limited to this patient-matched fit and lacks individual mechanical aspects, or parameters, that conform to the specific patient’s needs in terms of biomechanical acceptance. Most biomechanical models of the mandible, e.g., finite element analyses (FEA), often used to design reconstructive implants or total joint replacement devices for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), make use of a literature-based (mean) simplified muscular model of the masticatory muscles. A muscle’s cross-section seems proportionally related to its maximum contractile force and can be multiplied by an intrinsic strength constant, which previously has been calculated to be a constant of 37 [N/cm2]. Here, we propose a contemporary method to determine the patient-specific intrinsic strength value of the elevator mouth-closing muscles. The hypothesis is that patient-specific individual mandible elevator muscle forces can be approximated in a non-invasive manner. MRI muscle delineation was combined with bite force measurements and 3D-FEA to determine PS intrinsic strength values. The subject-specific intrinsic strength values were 40.6 [N/cm2] and 25.6 [N/cm2] for the 29- and 56-year-old subjects, respectively. Despite using a small cohort in this proof of concept study, we show that there is great variation between our subjects’ individual muscular intrinsic strength. This variation, together with the difference between our individual results and those presented in the literature, emphasises the value of our patient-specific muscle modelling and intrinsic strength determination protocol to ensure accurate biomechanical analyses and simulations. Furthermore, it suggests that average muscular models may only be sufficiently accurate for biomechanical analyses at a macro-scale level. A future larger cohort study will put the patient-specific intrinsic strength values in perspective.
Fiscal Ecological Cost of Land in China: Estimation and Regional Differences
Authors: Wang Yubo , Yang Xizhu
Published: August 2022

This study explains the fiscal ecological costs of land in China by dividing them into three periods: early ecological cost refers to loss of ecosystem service value after the conversion of agricultural land, mid-term ecological cost refers to land development in urban built-up areas, and later ecological cost refers to the investment cost of increasing the fiscal ecological service function of the land. Using data for 31 Chinese provinces from 2003 to 2017, we perform a “link between groups” cluster analysis with SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Squared Euclidean distance is used to analyze land in these provinces. Ecological cost in the early, middle, and late stages is clustered, and the provinces are divided into five areas according to the ecological cost of each stage in absolute terms and as a proportion of land fiscal revenue. The research shows that: (1) the fiscal ecological cost of land in China presents a spatial pattern of “higher in the east than in the west, higher in the south than in the north,” and (2) the cost is highest in the early stage, second highest in the late stage, and lowest in the middle stage. The findings yield differentiated policy recommendations for reducing the fiscal ecological cost of land in different areas.
How to Argue with Questions and Answers: Argumentation Strategies in Parliamentary Deliberation
Authors: Ilie Cornelia
Published: August 2022

While apparently designed to request information, parliamentary questions are the most challenging and face-threatening acts, used argumentatively by opposition members of parliament (MPs) to confront and attack government MPs, and especially the Prime Minister (PM) in the notoriously adversarial Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs). By contextually, discursively and rhetorically articulating varying degrees of relevance and persuasiveness, questioning and answering practices serve as basic debating tools for MPs, whose main parliamentary role and responsibility consist of holding the government and the PM accountable. The aim of this paper is to explore how argumentation/counter-argumentation strategies and persuasive/dissuasive techniques are shaped through the co-performance of MPs’ questioning and the PM’s answering practices in PMQs. To better capture the effects of the shifting dynamics of polemical question-answer exchanges between political adversaries, the present analysis is based on the cross-fertilization of pragma-rhetoric and argumentation theory. The commonalities and complementarities of these approaches have been used to identify and problematize the higher or lower degrees of argumentation at the question-answer interface in terms of valid or fallacious reasoning patterns in three categories of strategic questions: yes/no questions, wh-questions and disjunctive questions.
The Protective Role of Neurogenetic Components in Reducing Stress-Related Effects during Spaceflights: Evidence from the Age-Related Positive Memory Approach
Authors: Mammarella Nicola , Gatti Matteo , Ceccato Irene , Di Crosta Adolfo , Di Domenico Alberto , Palumbo Rocco
Published: August 2022

Fighting stress-related effects during spaceflight is crucial for a successful mission. Emotional, motivational, and cognitive mechanisms have already been shown to be involved in the decrease of negative emotions. However, emerging evidence is pointing to a neurogenetic profile that may render some individuals more prone than others to focusing on positive information in memory and increasing affective health. The relevance for adaptation to the space environment and the interaction with other stressors such as ionizing radiations is discussed. In particular, to clarify this approach better, we will draw from the psychology and aging literature data. Subsequently, we report on studies on candidate genes for sensitivity to positive memories. We review work on the following candidate genes that may be crucial in adaptation mechanisms: ADRA2B, COMT, 5HTTLPR, CB1, and TOMM40. The final aim is to show how the study of genetics and cell biology of positive memory can help us to reveal the underlying bottom-up pathways to also increasing positive effects during a space mission.
5-HT3 Receptors in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons: Ca2+ Entry and Modulation of Neurotransmitter Release
Authors: Martinello Katiuscia , Sucapane Antonietta , Fucile Sergio
Published: August 2022

Rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons express 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HT3Rs). To elucidate their physiological role in the modulation of sensory signaling, we aimed to quantify their functional expression in newborn and adult rat DRG neurons, as well as their ability to modulate the Ca2+-dependent neurotransmitter release, by means of electrophysiological techniques combined with fluorescence-based Ca2+ imaging. The selective 5-HT3R agonist mCPBG (10 μM) elicited whole-cell currents in 92.5% of adult DRG neurons with a significantly higher density current than in responding newborn cells (52.2%), suggesting an increasing serotoninergic modulation on primary afferent cells during development. Briefly, 5-HT3Rs expressed by adult DRG neurons are permeable to Ca2+ ions, with a measured fractional Ca2+ current (i.e., the percentage of total current carried by Ca2+ ions, Pf) of 1.0%, similar to the value measured for the human heteromeric 5-HT3A/B receptor (Pf = 1.1%), but lower than that of the human homomeric 5-HT3A receptor (Pf = 3.5%). mCPBG applied to co-cultures of newborn DRG and spinal neurons significantly increased the miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) frequency in a subset of recorded spinal neurons, even in the presence of Cd2+, a voltage-activated Ca2+ channel blocker. Considered together, our findings indicate that the Ca2+ influx through heteromeric 5-HT3Rs is sufficient to increase the spontaneous neurotransmitter release from DRG to spinal neurons.
Flake Graphene as an Efficient Agent Governing Cellular Fate and Antimicrobial Properties of Fibrous Tissue Engineering Scaffolds—A Review
Authors: Banasiak Aleksandra Izabela , Racki Adrian , Małek Marcin , Chlanda Adrian
Published: August 2022

Although there are several methods for fabricating nanofibrous scaffolds for biomedical applications, electrospinning is probably the most versatile and feasible process. Electrospinning enables the preparation of reproducible, homogeneous fibers from many types of polymers. In addition, implementation of this technique gives the possibility to fabricated polymer-based composite mats embroidered with manifold materials, such as graphene. Flake graphene and its derivatives represent an extremely promising material for imparting new, biomedically relevant properties, functions, and applications. Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), among many extraordinary properties, confer antimicrobial properties of the resulting material. Moreover, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide promote the desired cellular response. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine enable advanced treatments to regenerate damaged tissues and organs. This review provides a reliable summary of the recent scientific literature on the fabrication of nanofibers and their further modification with GO/rGO flakes for biomedical applications.
Scientometric Review for Research Patterns on Additive Manufacturing of Lattice Structures
Authors: Amaechi Chiemela Victor , Adefuye Emmanuel Folarin , Kgosiemang Irish Mpho , Huang Bo , Amaechi Ebube Charles
Published: August 2022

Over the past 15 years, interest in additive manufacturing (AM) on lattice structures has significantly increased in producing 3D/4D objects. The purpose of this study is to gain a thorough grasp of the research pattern and the condition of the field’s research today as well as identify obstacles towards future research. To accomplish the purpose, this work undertakes a scientometric analysis of the international research conducted on additive manufacturing for lattice structure materials published from 2002 to 2022. A total of 1290 journal articles from the Web of Science (WoS) database and 1766 journal articles from the Scopus database were found using a search system. This paper applied scientometric science, which is based on bibliometric analysis. The data were subjected to a scientometric study, which looked at the number of publications, authorship, regions by countries, keyword co-occurrence, literature coupling, and scientometric mapping. VOSviewer was used to establish research patterns, visualize maps, and identify transcendental issues. Thus, the quantitative determination of the primary research framework, papers, and themes of this research field was possible. In order to shed light on current developments in additive manufacturing for lattice structures, an extensive systematic study is provided. The scientometric analysis revealed a strong bias towards researching AM on lattice structures but little concentration on technologies that emerge from it. It also outlined its unmet research needs, which can benefit both the industry and academia. This review makes a prediction for the future, with contributions by educating researchers, manufacturers, and other experts on the current state of AM for lattice structures.
Structure, Properties and Phase Composition of Composite Materials Based on the System NiTi-TiB2
Authors: Promakhov Vladimir , Matveev Alexey , Schulz Nikita , Dronov Philip , Zhukov Alexander , Vorozhtsov Alexander
Published: August 2022

This article considers issues pertinent to the research of the phase composition, structure and mechanical properties of materials obtained from powders of composite (Ni-Ti)-TiB2, which have prospective applications in aerospace and automotive industry and engine construction. The starting powder materials (Ni-Ti)-TiB2 were obtained by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). Research samples were produced using high-temperature vacuum sintering. It was shown that the use of such materials increases the wettability of the particles and allows the production of composites, the density of which is 95% of the theoretical one. Average particle size was 1.54 µm, average microhardness was 8 GPa, which is an order of magnitude higher than the average microhardness of pure nickel-based and titanium-based alloys, and the ultimate strength values were comparable to those of tungsten-based heavy alloys.
Electromagnetic Tracking of Elongated Sensors for Endoscopic Navigation
Authors: Cavaliere Marco , Cantillon-Murphy Pádraig
Published: August 2022

As the prevalence of image-guided interventions increases, electromagnetic tracking (EMT) systems play an important role in modern patient care, as they enable real-time instrument positioning and navigation inside the human body without line-of-sight restrictions. Miniature-size inductive coils are the gold standard in clinical settings, as they provide accurate, passive sensing of the magnetic field. To compensate for their small dimensions, such sensors are designed with an elongated shape, where the coil length is usually 10 to 20 times larger than the diameter. In this article, the benefits of a field model based on the magnetic scalar potential formulation are demonstrated for EMT applications where elongated tracking sensors are used. The novel method resolves the single-point approximation error when the coil length is not negligible, and demonstrates improvements in terms of speed and storage requirements. A detailed analysis is proposed where alternative formulations of the magnetic model used in the tracking algorithm are compared. Although this work does not resolve any substantial limits of EMT used in a clinical environment, which are mainly caused by the presence of magnetic distortions, the proposed method is an improvement over existing EMT systems because it enables more accurate and faster tracking. The method might facilitate the use of longer tracking sensor coils which can achieve high sensitivities without the requirement of a magnetic core. In the envisioned application, such coils may be wound around flexible instruments, such as endoscopes or catheters.
Mispronunciation Detection and Diagnosis with Articulatory-Level Feedback Generation for Non-Native Arabic Speech
Authors: Algabri Mohammed , Mathkour Hassan , Alsulaiman Mansour , Bencherif Mohamed A.
Published: August 2022

A high-performance versatile computer-assisted pronunciation training (CAPT) system that provides the learner immediate feedback as to whether their pronunciation is correct is very helpful in learning correct pronunciation and allows learners to practice this at any time and with unlimited repetitions, without the presence of an instructor. In this paper, we propose deep learning-based techniques to build a high-performance versatile CAPT system for mispronunciation detection and diagnosis (MDD) and articulatory feedback generation for non-native Arabic learners. The proposed system can locate the error in pronunciation, recognize the mispronounced phonemes, and detect the corresponding articulatory features (AFs), not only in words but even in sentences. We formulate the recognition of phonemes and corresponding AFs as a multi-label object recognition problem, where the objects are the phonemes and their AFs in a spectral image. Moreover, we investigate the use of cutting-edge neural text-to-speech (TTS) technology to generate a new corpus of high-quality speech from predefined text that has the most common substitution errors among Arabic learners. The proposed model and its various enhanced versions achieved excellent results. We compared the performance of the different proposed models with the state-of-the-art end-to-end technique of MDD, and our system had a better performance. In addition, we proposed using fusion between the proposed model and the end-to-end model and obtained a better performance. Our best model achieved a 3.83% phoneme error rate (PER) in the phoneme recognition task, a 70.53% F1-score in the MDD task, and a detection error rate (DER) of 2.6% for the AF detection task.
A Priori Determining the Performance of the Customized Naïve Associative Classifier for Business Data Classification Based on Data Complexity Measures
Authors: Tusell-Rey Claudia C. , Camacho-Nieto Oscar , Yáñez-Márquez Cornelio , Villuendas-Rey Yenny , Tejeida-Padilla Ricardo , Benguría Carmen F. Rey
Published: August 2022

In the supervised classification area, the algorithm selection problem (ASP) refers to determining the a priori performance of a given classifier in some specific problem, as well as the finding of which is the most suitable classifier for some tasks. Recently, this topic has attracted the attention of international research groups because a very promising vein of research has emerged: the application of some measures of data complexity in the pattern classification algorithms. This paper aims to analyze the response of the Customized Naïve Associative Classifier (CNAC) in data taken from the business area when some measures of data complexity are introduced. To perform this analysis, we used classification datasets from real-world related to business, 22 in total; then, we computed the value of nine measures of data complexity to compare the performance of the CNAC against other algorithms of the state of the art. A very important aspect of performing this task is the creation of an artificial dataset for meta-learning purposes, in which we considered the performance of CNAC, and then we trained a decision tree as meta learner. As shown, the CNAC classifier obtained the best results for 10 out of 22 datasets of the experimental study.
Marine Arthropods as a Source of Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Saucedo-Vázquez Juan Pablo , Gushque Fernando , Vispo Nelson Santiago , Rodriguez Jenny , Gudiño-Gomezjurado Marco Esteban , Albericio Fernando , Tellkamp Markus P. , Alexis Frank
Published: August 2022

Peptide therapeutics play a key role in the development of new medical treatments. The traditional focus on endogenous peptides has shifted from first discovering other natural sources of these molecules, to later synthesizing those with unique bioactivities. This review provides concise information concerning antimicrobial peptides derived from marine crustaceans for the development of new therapeutics. Marine arthropods do not have an adaptive immune system, and therefore, they depend on the innate immune system to eliminate pathogens. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with unique characteristics are a pivotal part of the defense systems of these organisms. This review covers topics such as the diversity and distribution of peptides in marine arthropods (crustacea and chelicerata), with a focus on penaeid shrimps. The following aspects are covered: the defense system; classes of AMPs; molecular characteristics of AMPs; AMP synthesis; the role of penaeidins, anti-lipopolysaccharide factors, crustins, and stylicins against microorganisms; and the use of AMPs as therapeutic drugs. This review seeks to provide a useful compilation of the most recent information regarding AMPs from marine crustaceans, and describes the future potential applications of these molecules.
Is the Use of Segways or E-Scooters in Urban Areas a Potential Health Risk? A Comparison of Trauma Consequences
Authors: Hoffeld Kai , Mair Olivia , Wurm Markus , Zehnder Philipp , Pförringer Dominik , Biberthaler Peter , Kirchhoff Chlodwig , Zyskowski Michael
Published: August 2022

Background and objectives: Electromobility has become increasingly popular. In 2001, Segway personal transporters (Segway) were established for tourists, and e-scooters have been in use since their approval in 2019. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the types of injuries directly related to the use of Segways and e-scooters, respectively, in a German city and to phrase potential safety advice. Materials and Methods: All patients presenting to our emergency department after Segway incidents were retrospectively analyzed and compared with the prospectively collected cohort of patients following e-scooter incidents. Presented injuries were analyzed by body region and injury severity score (ISS). Epidemiological data were collected. Results: Overall, 171 patients were enrolled. The Segway group included 56 patients (mean age 48 years), and the e-scooter group consisted of 115 patients (mean age 33.9 years). Head injuries (HI) occurred in 34% in the Segway group compared to 52% in the e-scooter group. The ISS was approximately equal for both groups (mean ISS Segway group: 6.9/e-scooter group: 5.6). Conclusions: Since the e-scooter group presented a high number of HI along with a higher likelihood and greater severity of HI, mandatory use of helmets is suggested.
Helicobacterpylori Infection—A Risk Factor for Irritable Bowel Syndrome? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Ziyan , Liu Yuhua , Peng Yinglong , Peng Liang
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection (HPI) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains controversial. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between HPI and IBS through a systematic review and meta-analysis based on the current evidence. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library) by computer to identify all reports published before 8 August 2021. The odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated to evaluate the association between HPI and IBS. Subgroup analyses were conducted for further assessment and exploration of heterogeneity sources. In addition, we assessed publication bias through funnel plots, Egger’s test, and Begg’s test. Finally, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the robustness of the results. Results: Thirteen studies with 13,173 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled OR of the association between HPI and IBS was 1.03 (95% CI [0.80,1.31]; p = 0.84). The adjusted OR of the association between HPI and IBS after excluding the studies with confounding factors defined by our team was 1.29 (95% CI [1.03,1.62]; p = 0.03). We found a positive association between HPI and IBS-D (diarrhea subtype) (OR: 1.54; 95% CI [1.22,1.95]; p = 0.0003). The OR of the relationship between cytotoxin-associated gene A (Cag A) positive HPI and IBS was 4.3 (95% CI [0.51,36.17]; p = 0.18). Conclusions: The likelihood of HPI in IBS patients is relatively higher than that of non-IBS participants but not statistically significant, implying that HPI is not significantly associated with IBS, albeit we may underestimate this association. Moreover, we found a positive association between HPI and IBS-D. We also observed an increased likelihood of Cag-A positive HPI in IBS patients than that of non-IBS participants but not statistically significant.
Correlation between Endometriosis and Selected Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases and Eating Habits
Authors: Nowakowska Aleksandra , Kwas Katarzyna , Fornalczyk Angelika , Wilczyński Jacek , Szubert Maria
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives: Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent chronic inflammatory disease with serious reproductive and general health consequences. It is viewed as a multifactorial problem, consisting of matters related to altered immunity and genetics. In this study, we determined the correlation between endometriosis and allergic and autoimmune diseases in patients at reproductive age. Materials and Methods: Online surveys distributed through websites related to gynecological problems. The questionnaire was composed of 63 single and multiple-choice questions concerning the course of endometriosis, diet, and allergic and autoimmune diseases. The obtained data were assessed using statistical tests. Results: 501 female patients (mean age 31.1 SD = 6.8) were included in the study. The control group (n = 155) consisted of healthy females, whereas the study group (n = 346) consisted of female patients with endometriosis; each group was subdivided according to allergy status. There were statistically significant differences between groups for the following: positive family history of endometriosis (p = 0.0002), onset of allergic symptoms (p = 0.0003), frequency and duration of abdominal pain (p = 0.00625), and defecation disorders (p = 0.0006). Asthma was less common in the study group (p = 0.00611). The group of patients with endometriosis and allergies had a high median of consumption of red meat (p = 0.0143), fish (p = 0.0016), and dairy products (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Endometriosis did not affect autoimmune diseases and their courses. Patients with diagnosed endometriosis presented allergy symptoms much earlier than the healthy patients. The consumption of dietary products such as soya products, red meat, and alcohol had an influence on the occurrence of endometriosis.
An Investigation on Energy Harvesting Behavior of an Array Piezoelectric Coupled Disc Damper
Authors: Xie Xiangdong , Huang Xunnan , Wang Junjie , Wang Zijing , Zhou Bowen , Zhang Jiankun
Published: August 2022

In order to make full use of the vibration energy in the process of attenuating vibration, an array piezoelectric coupled disc damper is developed, which works by converting part vibration energy into electrical energy. The piezoelectric damper is made of a pair of piezoelectric coupled discs built in a case cylinder. Its energy harvesting behavior is studied by a series of forced-vibration experiments and simulations. The influences of some factors, such as the excitation frequency, substrate thickness, the size of the piezoelectric patch, the paste form of the piezoelectric patch and the load resistance, on the energy harvesting behavior of the damper are analyzed and concluded. The experimental results show that the maximum peak-to-peak voltage and average power from one piezoelectric patch with an inner diameter of 35 mm, an outer diameter of 80 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm can reach up to 163 V and 161 mW, respectively. This research provides a practical piezoelectric damper attenuating harmful vibration by converting them into useful electric power, and the corresponding theoretical models are derived to predict its electrical output.
Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Coagulopathy
Authors: Seo Jun-Won , Kim Da-Young , Yun Nara , Kim Dong-Min
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated coagulopathy is an acute illness characterized by thrombosis with or without hemorrhage after COVID-19 infection. Clinical symptoms of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy can occur at any anatomical site. Various forms of venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, are common in acutely ill patients with COVID-19. Laboratory findings, such as D-dimer and platelet counts, can help diagnose COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. Anticoagulation using direct oral anticoagulants and low-molecular-weight heparin is essential for the treatment of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. Prophylactic anticoagulants are important in preventing COVID-19-associated coagulopathy in patients with severe COVID-19. In particular, the early initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with COVID-19 can improve survival rates without the risk of serious bleeding events.
Characterizing Computational Thinking in the Context of Model-Planning Activities
Authors: Lyon Joseph A. , Magana Alejandra J. , Streveler Ruth A.
Published: August 2022

Computational thinking (CT) is a critical skill needed for STEM professionals and educational interventions that emphasize CT are needed. In engineering, one potential pedagogical tool to build CT is modeling, an essential skill for engineering students where they apply their scientific knowledge to real-world problems involving planning, building, evaluating, and reflecting on created systems to simulate the real world. However, in-depth studies of how modeling is done in the class in relation to CT are limited. We used a case study methodology to evaluate a model-planning activity in a final-year undergraduate engineering classroom to elicit CT practices in students as they planned their modeling approach. Thematic analysis was used on student artifacts to triangulate and identify diverse ways that students used CT practices. We find that model-planning activities are useful for students to practice many aspects of CT, such as abstraction, algorithmic thinking, and generalization. We report implications for instructors wanting to implement model-planning activities into their classrooms.
Work Efficiency and Economic Efficiency of Actual Driving Test of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Forklift
Authors: Xiong Zi’ang , Zhou Haikun , Wu Xuewen , Chan Siew Hwa , Xie Zhiyong , Dang Dai
Published: August 2022

A 3.5 tonne forklift containing proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and lithium-ion batteries was manufactured and tested in a real factory. The work efficiency and economic applicability of the PEMFC forklift were compared with that of a lithium-ion battery-powered forklift. The results showed that the back-pressure of air was closely related to the power density of the stack, whose stability could be improved by a reasonable control strategy and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with high consistency. The PEMFC powered forklift displayed 40.6% higher work efficiency than the lithium-ion battery-powered forklift. Its lower use-cost compared to internal engine-powered forklifts, is beneficial to the commercialization of this product.