bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Deep Learning and the Heat Flux Method for In-Situ Thermal-Transmittance Measurement Improvement
Authors: Gumbarević Sanjin , Milovanović Bojan , Dalbelo Bašić Bojana , Gaši Mergim
Published: July 2022

Transmission losses through the building envelope account for a large proportion of building energy balance. One of the most important parameters for determining transmission losses is thermal transmittance. Although thermal transmittance does not take into account dynamic parameters, it is traditionally the most commonly used estimation of transmission losses due to its simplicity and efficiency. It is challenging to estimate the thermal transmittance of an existing building element because thermal properties are commonly unknown or not all the layers that make up the element can be found due to technical-drawing information loss. In such cases, experimental methods are essential, the most common of which is the heat-flux method (HFM). One of the main drawbacks of the HFM is the long measurement duration. This research presents the application of deep learning on HFM results by applying long-short term memory units on temperature difference and measured heat flux. This deep-learning regression problem predicts heat flux after the applied model is properly trained on temperature-difference input, which is backpropagated by measured heat flux. The paper shows the performance of the developed procedure on real-size walls under the simulated environmental conditions, while the possibility of practical application is shown in pilot in-situ measurements.
Mechanism of Casing String Curvature Due to Displacement of Surface Strata
Authors: Dutkiewicz Maciej , Shatskyi Ivan , Martsynkiv Oleh , Kuzmenko Eduard
Published: July 2022

One of the main problems of well operation is the risk of uncontrolled leakage of hydrocarbons into the environment. This problem is especially relevant for the long-term operation of wells. The idea for this study was inspired by a real industrial problem that the authors of the article were involved in solving. At several operating gas wells, an abnormal slope of the production tree occurred, which raised the question of the safety of their further operation. An analysis of known studies and current regulatory documents did not allow us to assess the safety of using a gas well based on the measured kinematic parameters of production tree deviations. A mathematical model for the deformation of a package of casing strings when the surface layer of the rock is displaced is developed in the article. A boundary value problem is formulated for differential equations of pipe bending on an elastic foundation. Based on the results of solving this problem, an unambiguous relationship was established between the maximum bending stress in the surface pipe and the angle of inclination of the production tree. The quantitative characteristics of the connection depend on the geometric and mechanical properties of the pipes and on the thickness and mechanical parameters of the formations. It was established that the existing inclination of the production tree can be achieved due to the beginning of the plastic bending of the surface pipe under the slickenside, which does not exclude the exhaustion of the safety margin of the surface pipe and indicates the possible operation of the casing string in a pre-emergency state. In general, the obtained results develop analytical approaches to assessing the behavior of underground structures of a production well in unstable soil bodies.
Assessment of Hydrogen and Volatile Fatty Acid Production from Fruit and Vegetable Waste: A Case Study of Mediterranean Markets
Authors: Scotto di Perta Ester , Cesaro Alessandra , Pindozzi Stefania , Frunzo Luigi , Esposito Giovanni , Papirio Stefano
Published: July 2022

This study investigates the dark fermentation of fruit and vegetable waste under mesophilic conditions (30–34 °C), as a valorization route for H2 and volatile fatty acids production, simulating the open market waste composition over the year in two Mediterranean countries. Specifically, the study focuses on the effect of the (i) seasonal variability, (ii) initial pH, and (iii) substrate/inoculum ratio on the yields and composition of the main end products. Concerning the seasonal variation, the summer and spring mixtures led to +16.8 and +21.7% higher H2 production than the winter/autumn mixture, respectively. Further investigation on the least productive substrate (winter/autumn) led to 193.0 ± 7.4 NmL of H2 g VS−1 at a pH of 5.5 and a substrate/inoculum of 1. With the same substrate, at a pH of 7.5, the highest acetic acid yield of 7.0 mmol/g VS was observed, with acetic acid corresponding to 78.2% of the total acids. Whereas a substrate/inoculum of 3 resulted in the lowest H2 yield, amounting to 111.2 ± 7.6 NmL of H2 g VS−1, due to a decrease of the pH to 4.8, which likely caused an inhibitory effect by undissociated acids. This study demonstrates that dark fermentation can be a valuable strategy to efficiently manage such leftovers, rather than landfilling or improperly treating them.
Modelling and Calculation of Raw Material Industry
Authors: Czajka Krzysztof , Kawalec Witold , Król Robert , Sówka Izabela
Published: July 2022

Scientific and technical issues related to the extraction and processing of raw materials are inextricably linked with environmental concerns. The extraction, transportation and processing of raw materials and the creation of new products place a heavy burden on the environment. Therefore, the development of new technologies for the extraction and processing of raw materials which meet the demand for specific products while respecting environmental resources and saving energy can be considered one of the key challenges of modern science. The development of methods to optimize the course of certain processes related to the raw materials industry, limiting its impact on the environment, and the use of modern measurement techniques or modeling are key areas of research and development for the economy. The aim of this Special Issue was to identify certain important issues, including those related to the raw materials industry and the optimization of its processes, obtaining energy from alternative fuels and research on environmental aspects of industrial activities. The results of the research and analyses presented in the articles show that meeting the objectives in the context of sustainable raw materials industry requires: the optimization of the use of mine deposits and the recovery of materials, reductions in energy consumption, minimizations in emissions of pollutants, the perfection of quieter and safer processes and the facilitation of the recovery of materials-, water- and energy-related modern techniques and technologies.
Chondroitin Sulfate and Its Derivatives: A Review of Microbial and Other Production Methods
Authors: Awofiranye Adeola E. , Hudson Jon , Tithi Aditi Dey , Linhardt Robert J. , Vongsangnak Wanwipa , Koffas Mattheos A. G.
Published: July 2022

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is widely used across the world as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical. Its high demand and potential limitations in current methods of extraction call for an alternative method of production. This review highlights glycosaminoglycan’s structure, its medical significance, animal extraction source, and the disadvantages of the extraction process. We cover alternative production strategies for CS and its precursor, chondroitin. We highlight chemical synthesis, chemoenzymatic synthesis, and extensively discuss how strains have been successfully metabolically engineered to synthesize chondroitin and chondroitin sulfate. We present microbial engineering as the best option for modern chondroitin and CS production. We also explore the biosynthetic pathway for chondroitin production in multiple microbes such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Corynebacterium glutamicum. Lastly, we outline how the manipulation of pathway genes has led to the biosynthesis of chondroitin derivatives.
Insight into the Structure–Odor Relationship of Molecules: A Computational Study Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Bo Weichen , Yu Yuandong , He Ran , Qin Dongya , Zheng Xin , Wang Yue , Ding Botian , Liang Guizhao
Published: July 2022

Molecules with pleasant odors, unacceptable odors, and even serious toxicity are closely related to human social life. It is impractical to identify the odors of molecules in large quantities (particularly hazardous odors) using experimental methods. Computer-aided methods have currently attracted increasing attention for the prediction of molecular odors. Here, through models based on multilayer perceptron (MLP) and physicochemical descriptors (MLP-Des), MLP and molecular fingerprint, and convolutional neural network (CNN), we conduct the two-class prediction of odor/no odor, fruity/no odor, floral/no odor, and woody/no odor, and the multi-class prediction of fruity/flowery/woody/no odor on our newly refined molecular odor datasets. We show that three kinds of predictors can robustly predict molecular odors. The MLP-Des model not only exhibits the best prediction results (the AUC values are 0.99 and 0.86 for the two- and multi-classification models, respectively) but can also well reflect the characteristics of the structure–odor relationship of molecules. The CNN model takes 2D molecular images as input and can automatically extract the structural features related to molecular odors. The proposed models are of great help for the prediction of molecular odorants, understanding the underlying relationship between chemical structure and odor perception, and the discovery of new odorous and/or hazardous molecules.
Ultrasonic Processing of Food Waste to Generate Value-Added Products
Authors: Wu Yue , Yao Shunyu , Narale Bhakti Anand , Shanmugam Akalya , Mettu Srinivas , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: July 2022

Ultrasonic processing has a great potential to transform waste from the food and agriculture industry into value-added products. In this review article, we discuss the use of ultrasound for the valorisation of food and agricultural waste. Ultrasonic processing is considered a green technology as compared to the conventional chemical extraction/processing methods. The influence of ultrasound pre-treatment on the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), particle size, and cell wall content of food waste is first discussed. The use of ultrasonic processing to produce/extract bioactives such as oil, polyphenolic, polysaccharides, fatty acids, organic acids, protein, lipids, and enzymes is highlighted. Moreover, ultrasonic processing in bioenergy production from food waste such as green methane, hydrogen, biodiesel, and ethanol through anaerobic digestion is also reviewed. The conversion of waste oils into biofuels with the use of ultrasound is presented. The latest developments and future prospective on the use of ultrasound in developing energy-efficient methods to convert food and agricultural waste into value-added products are summarised.
An Overview of the Application of Multivariate Analysis to the Evaluation of Beer Sensory Quality and Shelf-Life Stability
Authors: de Lima Ana Carolina , Aceña Laura , Mestres Montserrat , Boqué Ricard
Published: July 2022

Achieving beer quality and stability remains the main challenge for the brewing industry. Despite all the technologies available, to obtain a high-quality product, it is important to know and control every step of the beer production process. Since the process has an impact on the quality and stability of the final product, it is important to create mechanisms that help manage and monitor the beer production and aging processes. Multivariate statistical techniques (chemometrics) can be a very useful tool for this purpose, as they facilitate the extraction and interpretation of information from brewing datasets by managing the connections between different types of data with multiple variables. In addition, chemometrics could help to better understand the process and the quality of the product during its shelf life. This review discusses the basis of beer quality and stability and focuses on how chemometrics can be used to monitor and manage the beer quality parameters during the beer production and aging processes.
Exponential Stability of Highly Nonlinear Hybrid Differently Structured Neutral Stochastic Differential Equations with Unbounded Delays
Authors: Lu Boliang , Zhu Quanxin , He Ping
Published: July 2022

This paper mainly studies the exponential stability of the highly nonlinear hybrid neutral stochastic differential equations (NSDEs) with multiple unbounded time-dependent delays and different structures. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the exact global solution of the new stochastic system, and then give several criteria of the exponential stability, including the q1th moment and almost surely exponential stability. Additionally, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the main results. Such systems are widely applied in physics and other fields. For example, a specific case is pantograph dynamics, in which the delay term is a proportional function. These are widely used to determine the motion of a pantograph head on an electric locomotive collecting current from an overhead trolley wire. Compared with the existing works, our results extend the single constant delay of coefficients to multiple unbounded time-dependent delays, which is more general and applicable.
Preface of “Particles and Fields in Black Hole Environment”
Authors: Ahmedov Bobomuat , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon , Han Wenbiao
Published: July 2022

This Special Issue is dedicated to the memory of the physicist Professor James Maxwell Bardeen (9 May 1939–20 June 2022), who is well known for his work on general relativity, particularly his role in formulating the laws of black hole mechanics, the pioneering idea on black hole shadow observation and the Bardeen solution to gravitational field equations [...]
Unravelling the Distinct Effects of Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Using Mendelian Randomisation
Authors: Le Nhu Ngoc , Tran Tran Q. B. , Lip Stefanie , McCallum Linsay , McClure John , Dominiczak Anna F. , Gill Dipender , Padmanabhan Sandosh
Published: July 2022

A true discrepancy between the effect of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes remains unclear. This study performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) using genetic instruments that exclusively predict SBP, DBP or both to dissect the independent effect of SBP and DBP on a range of CV outcomes. Genetic predisposition to higher SBP and DBP was associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Genetically proxied SBP exclusively was associated with CAD (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03–1.36, per 10 mmHg), stroke (1.44[1.28–1.62]), ischemic stroke (1.49[1.30–1.69]), HF (1.41[1.20–1.65]), AF (1.28[1.15–1.43]), and T2DM (1.2[1.13–1.46]). Genetically proxied DBP exclusively was associated with stroke (1.21[1.06–1.37], per 5 mmHg), ischemic stroke (1.24[1.09–1.41]), stroke small-vessel (1.35[1.10–1.65]) and CAD (1.19[1.00–1.41]). Multivariable MR using exclusive SBP and DBP instruments showed the predominant effect of SBP on CAD (1.23[1.05–1.44], per 10 mmHg), stroke (1.39[1.20–1.60]), ischemic stroke (1.44[1.25–1.67]), HF (1.42[1.18–1.71]), AF (1.26[1.10–1.43]) and T2DM (1.31[1.14–1.52]). The discrepancy between effects of SBP and DBP on outcomes warrants further studies on underpinning mechanisms which may be amenable to therapeutic targeting.
Migration of Salt Ions in Frozen Hydrate-Saturated Sediments: Temperature and Chemistry Constraints
Authors: Chuvilin Evgeny , Ekimova Valentina , Davletshina Dinara , Bukhanov Boris , Krivokhat Ekaterina , Shilenkov Vladimir
Published: July 2022

Migration of dissolved salts from natural (cryopeg brines, seawater, etc.), or artificial sources can destabilize intrapermafrost gas hydrates. Salt transport patterns vary as a function of gas pressure, temperature, salinity, etc. The sensitivity of the salt migration and hydrate dissociation processes to ambient temperature and to the concentration and chemistry of saline solutions is investigated experimentally on frozen sand samples at a constant negative temperature (−6 °C). The experiments show that the ambient temperature and the solution chemistry control the critical salt concentration required for complete gas hydrate dissociation. Salt ions migrate faster from more saline solutions at higher temperatures, and the pore moisture can reach the critical salinity in a shorter time. The flux density and contents of different salt ions transported to the samples increase in the series Na2SO4–KCl–CaCl2–NaCl–MgCl2. A model is suggested to account for phase transitions of pore moisture in frozen hydrate-saturated sediments exposed to contact with concentrated saline solutions at pressures above and below the thermodynamic equilibrium, in stable and metastable conditions of gas hydrates, respectively.
Mineralogy and Mineral Chemistry of the REE-Rich Black Sands in Beaches of the Kavala District, Northern Greece
Authors: Peristeridou Eftychia , Melfos Vasilios , Papadopoulou Lambrini , Kantiranis Nikolaos , Voudouris Panagiotis
Published: July 2022

The coastal area of the Kavala district, Northern Greece, is characterized by minerals enriched in rare earth elements (REE). The present study focuses on the mineralogy of the black sands from six different locations and the comprehensive mineral chemistry of the REE-bearing minerals, allanite-(Ce), epidote, monazite, thorite, zircon and titanite. Allanite-(Ce) is the most important carrier of light REE (LREE) in the studied black sands, reaching up to 23.24 wt % ΣREE. The crystal chemistry of allanite-(Ce) transitions into ferriallanite-(Ce), due to the significant involvement of Fe3+. High resolution backscattered electron (BSE) images were used to identify zoning that corresponds to variations in REE, Th and U. These modifications follow the exchange scheme: (Ca + (Fe3+, Al))−1(LREE, Y, Th, U + (Fe2+, Mg, Mn))+1. Epidotes may also contain up to 0.5 REE3+ apfu. Monazite and thorite are found as inclusions in allanite-(Ce) and are enriched in Ce, La and Nd, together with Th and U. Some zircons are enriched in Hf, while some titanites host Nb and V.
China’s Vaccine Diplomacy and Its Implications for Global Health Governance
Authors: Liu Liangtao , Huang Yongli , Jin Jiyong
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on global economy and human communities. Promoting the accessibility and affordability of vaccine via diplomacy is the key to mitigating the pandemic crisis. China has been accused of seeking geopolitical objectives by launching vaccine diplomacy. The definition of vaccine diplomacy is neutral by nature. China’s vaccine diplomacy is based on its holistic approach to national security and the importance China attaches to the “Belt and Road” Initiative. With a whole-of-government approach on both the bilateral and multilateral levels and marketization of vaccines, China’s vaccine diplomacy has immense implications for global health governance, in that it helps to narrow the global immunization vaccination gap and to promote human-right-based approach to global health governance. However, the sustainability of China’s vaccine diplomacy is questionable because of the Sino-American geopolitical competition and doubts over the efficacy of China’s vaccines. The escalation of power rivalry between China and the U.S. and the concerns over the efficacy of China’s vaccines forebode the gloomy future of China’s vaccine diplomacy.
Association between Blood Vitamin D Levels and Regular Physical Activity in Korean Adolescents
Authors: Kim Jiyoun , Park Jinho , So Wi-Young
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D levels and physical activity in adolescents using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES). The serum vitamin D concentrations were measured between 2008 and 2014 and analyzed. Adolescents aged 13 to 18 years comprised 4527 of the 61,370 participants surveyed. A final dataset including 2811 adolescents was obtained after those with missing data were excluded. Those who did not participate or only participated in 1–3 days of intense physical activity (p < 0.001), moderate physical activity (p = 0.002), and muscular exercise (weight training) (p < 0.001) showed a higher level of vitamin D deficiency than those who performed the same activities 4–7 days per week. Our results showed that most of the adolescents (76%) were vitamin D-deficient, and the risk was higher among high school than middle school students (odds ratio (OR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40–2.06; p < 0.001) and higher in girls than boys (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.18–1.72; p < 0.001). Reduced participation in physical activity was correlated with vitamin D deficiency. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a lower frequency of participation in all forms of physical activity, and the association increased significantly with an increase in body mass index.
Factors Related to Life Satisfaction of Older Adults at Home: A Focus on Residential Conditions
Authors: Park Jeong-Hye , Kang Se-Won
Published: July 2022

This study examined which residential conditions increase older adults’ life satisfaction at home. We used data from 8903 participants over 65 years old who did not need help in their daily lives from a 2020 survey of older adults conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression with weights. The final model explained 34.2% of life satisfaction in old age. Residential conditions that increased life satisfaction the most in old age were the community environment (β = 0.16, p < 0.001) and satisfaction with the house (β = 0.15, p < 0.001). Other conditions that significantly affected life satisfaction were safety (β = 0.08, p < 0.001), interaction with neighbors (β = 0.08, p < 0.001), distance from children or relatives (β = 0.08, p < 0.001), frequency and route of public transportation (β = 0.05, p < 0.001), and abundance and distance of green spaces (β = 0.02, p = 0.031). Housing welfare policies should consider these results to increase life satisfaction for an increasingly aging population. Moreover, these data can be used to design age-friendly community environments.
CT-Based Radiomic Analysis May Predict Bacteriological Features of Infected Intraperitoneal Fluid Collections after Gastric Cancer Surgery
Authors: Puia Vlad Radu , Lupean Roxana Adelina , Ștefan Paul Andrei , Fetti Alin Cornel , Vălean Dan , Zaharie Florin , Rusu Ioana , Ciobanu Lidia , Al-Hajjar Nadim
Published: July 2022

The ability of texture analysis (TA) features to discriminate between different types of infected fluid collections, as seen on computed tomography (CT) images, has never been investigated. The study comprised forty patients who had pathological post-operative fluid collections following gastric cancer surgery and underwent CT scans. Patients were separated into six groups based on advanced microbiological analysis of the fluid: mono bacterial (n = 16)/multiple-bacterial (n = 24)/fungal (n = 14)/non-fungal (n = 26) infection and drug susceptibility tests into: multiple drug-resistance bacteria (n = 23) and non-resistant bacteria (n = 17). Dedicated software was used to extract the collections’ TA parameters. The parameters obtained were used to compare fungal and non-fungal infections, mono-bacterial and multiple-bacterial infections, and multiresistant and non-resistant infections. Univariate and receiver operating characteristic analyses and the calculation of sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) were used to identify the best-suited parameters for distinguishing between the selected groups. TA parameters were able to differentiate between fungal and non-fungal collections (ATeta3, p = 0.02; 55% Se, 100% Sp), mono and multiple-bacterial (CN2D6AngScMom, p = 0.03); 80% Se, 64.29% Sp) and between multiresistant and non-multiresistant collections (CN2D6Contrast, p = 0.04; 100% Se, 50% Sp). CT-based TA can statistically differentiate between different types of infected fluid collections. However, it is unclear which of the fluids’ micro or macroscopic features are reflected by the texture parameters. In addition, this cohort is used as a training cohort for the imaging algorithm, with further validation cohorts being required to confirm the changes detected by the algorithm.
Knowledge, Perceptions, Attitudes and Practices of Midwives Regarding Maternal Influenza and Pertussis Vaccination: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Arreciado Marañón Antonia , Fernández-Cano María Isabel , Montero-Pons Laura , Feijoo-Cid Maria , Reyes-Lacalle Azahara , Cabedo-Ferreiro Rosa María , Manresa-Domínguez Josep Maria , Falguera-Puig Gemma
Published: July 2022

The coverage of maternal vaccination against pertussis and, particularly, influenza is lower than expected. The lack of recommendation from healthcare providers conditions non-vaccination in pregnant women. The purpose was to determine the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and practices of midwives regarding maternal influenza and pertussis vaccination. A qualitative descriptive study based on semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with seventeen midwives was conducted, including purposive sampling and thematic analyses. Midwives had disparate knowledge and perceptions about the severity of influenza and pertussis in pregnant women, and influenza was not considered very serious. The vaccines were generally considered safe. However, because midwives did not have enough information about the safety of the influenza vaccine, there was a tendency not to recommend it. While most midwives had a positive attitude toward vaccination, their advocation for vaccination against influenza was not as clear as it was for pertussis. Not wanting to influence the decision and assuming an informative–facilitating role also led providers to recommend the influenza vaccine less frequently. Midwives are among the main sources of professional advice for pregnant women. Addressing their understanding and professional practices regarding maternal vaccination is key to change the attitude of pregnant women and thus increase vaccine uptake among them, particularly for influenza.
Relationship between Cervicocephalic Kinesthetic Sensibility Measured during Dynamic Unpredictable Head Movements and Eye Movement Control or Postural Balance in Neck Pain Patients
Authors: Majcen Rosker Ziva , Vodicar Miha , Kristjansson Eythor
Published: July 2022

Cervical afferent input is believed to affect postural balance and oculomotor control in neck pain patients, but its relationship to cervicocephalic kinesthesia, describing movement sense, has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of two aspects of cervicocephalic kinesthesia to postural balance and oculomotor control in neck torsion positions. Forty-three idiopathic neck pain patients referred from orthopedic outpatient clinics and forty-two asymptomatic controls were enrolled in the study. A force plate was used to measure center-of-pressure movements during parallel stances under neutral and neck torsion maneuvers. Video-oculography was used to assess eye movements during smooth pursuit neck torsion test (SPNTT), while kinesthetic awareness was measured using the Butterfly test and head-to-neutral relocation test. Multiple regression was used to describe relationships between tests. Body sway in the anterior–posterior direction was related to Butterfly parameters but less to the head-to-neutral test. A medium relationship between Butterfly parameters and gain during SPNTT, with less SPNT-difference, was observed, but not for the head-to-neutral test. It can be concluded that specific aspect of neck kinesthetic functions (i.e., movement sense) importantly contributes towards oculomotor and balance control, which is more evident under neck torsion positions in neck pain patients, but is less pronounced in asymptomatic individuals.
Football Fandom as a Platform for Digital Health Promotion and Behaviour Change: A Mobile App Case Study
Authors: Fenton Alex , Cooper-Ryan Anna Mary , Hardey Mariann (Maz) , Ahmed Wasim
Published: July 2022

Background: The last decade has seen a dramatic shift toward the study of fitness surveillance, thanks in part to the emergence of mobile health (mHealth) apps that allow users to track their health through a variety of data-driven insights. This study examines the adoption trends and community mediation of the mobile fitness application ‘FanFit’, a platform aimed at promoting physical activity among sports fans by creating a fitness app branded to their favourite team for health promotion. Objective: Our study looked at the impact of a specially designed mobile app (FanFit) as a digital health intervention for initiating and maintaining physical activity as part of football club membership. Our analysis indicates that app users will adopt healthier behaviours as a result of the app’s sense of fan community and behaviour change. Methods: The findings reported here are based on an implementation of the FanFit app and, in particular, on those who participated in a more in-depth study (n = 30). These participants were Rangers FC supporters with a mix of genders (n = 19 males and n = 11 females). Focus groups and interviews were conducted with participants to ascertain users’ perspectives on the most effective methods for nudging users toward adopting and maintaining a pattern of fitness behaviours. Results: The findings show that the user community was interested in fitness and wanted to live a ‘healthy lifestyle,’ which was augmented and fuelled by the app’s competitive architecture design. Furthermore, the data reveal a new fan-health discourse about a person’s developing wants, talents, and identities as embodied beings. Conclusions: We have developed and presented valid links between the use of sports club apps and health programmes. The app could be useful for sports programmes and club providers looking for mHealth applications that provide community support through fan discourse with opportunities for both male and female fans.
Adsorption Characteristics and Mechanisms of Fe-Mn Oxide Modified Biochar for Pb(II) in Wastewater
Authors: Tang Shang-Feng , Zhou Hang , Tan Wen-Tao , Huang Jun-Guo , Zeng Peng , Gu Jiao-Feng , Liao Bo-Han
Published: July 2022

This study prepared iron-manganese oxide-modified biochar (FM-BC) by impregnating rice straw biochar (BC) with a mixed solution of ferric nitrate and potassium permanganate. The effects of pH, FM-BC dosage, interference of coexisting ions, adsorption time, incipient Pb(II) concentration, and temperature on the adsorption of Pb(II) by FM-BC were investigated. Moreover, the Pb(II) adsorption mechanism of FM-BC was analyzed using a series of characterization techniques. The results showed that the Fe-Mn oxide composite modification significantly promoted the physical and chemical functions of the biochar surface and the adsorption capacity of Pb(II). The specific surface area of FM-BC was 18.20 times larger than that of BC, and the maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity reached 165.88 mg/g. Adsorption kinetic tests showed that the adsorption of Pb(II) by FM-BC was based on the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which indicated that the adsorption process was mainly governed by chemical adsorption. The isothermal adsorption of Pb(II) by FM-BC conformed to the Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. Characterization analyses (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) showed that the adsorption mechanism of Pb(II) by FM-BC was mainly via electrostatic adsorption, chemical precipitation, complexation, ion exchange, and the transformation of Mn2O3 into MnO2. Therefore, FM-BC is a promising adsorbent for Pb(II) removal from wastewater.
Addressing Trauma-Informed Principles in Public Health through Training and Practice
Authors: Parker Shan , Johnson-Lawrence Vicki
Published: July 2022

The increasing prevalence of traumatic events requires our public health workforce to be knowledgeable about ways trauma influences population and individual health. There is a gap in student training about the various ways that traumatic events affect their capacity to perform public health work and the communities they serve. While other human services disciplines explicitly use trauma-informed terminology and concepts in student training, references to trauma-informed approaches are more implicit in public health curricula. This study examined trauma-informed principles and related terminology for use in public health coursework in the context of a community-wide water contamination public health crisis in Flint, Michigan, USA. We addressed the principles of trauma-informed approaches across key competency areas common to USA public health accredited programs, including discussion to support student understanding of the principle in action. Using trauma-informed language (1) enhances our capacity to name and respond empathetically in traumatized communities, (2) provides guiding principles for less community-engaged efforts, and (3) fosters stronger relationships for more community-engaged initiatives by providing areas of accountability for unintended consequences throughout the program’s development and implementation processes. Rising public health professionals equipped with knowledge of trauma-informed approaches can more intentionally minimize unintended negative consequences of public health initiatives.
Structural Analysis of Ino2p/Ino4p Mutual Interactions and Their Binding Interface with Promoter DNA
Authors: Khan Muhammad Hidayatullah , Xue Lu , Yue Jian , Schüller Hans-Joachim , Zhu Zhongliang , Niu Liwen
Published: July 2022

Gene expression is mediated by a series of regulatory proteins, i.e., transcription factors. Under different growth conditions, the transcriptional regulation of structural genes is associated with the recognition of specific regulatory elements (REs) in promoter DNA. The manner by which transcription factors recognize distinctive REs is a key question in structural biology. Previous research has demonstrated that Ino2p/Ino4p heterodimer is associated with the transcriptional regulation of phospholipid biosynthetic genes. Mechanistically, Ino2p/Ino4p could specifically recognize the inositol/choline-responsive element (ICRE), followed by the transcription activation of the phospholipid biosynthetic gene. While the promoter DNA sequence for Ino2p has already been characterized, the structural basis for the mutual interaction between Ino2p/Ino4p and their binding interface with promoter DNA remain relatively unexplored. Here, we have determined the crystalline structure of the Ino2pDBD/Ino4pDBD/DNA ternary complex, which highlights some residues (Ino2pHis12/Glu16/Arg20/Arg44 and Ino4pHis12/Glu16/Arg19/Arg20) associated with the sequence-specific recognition of promoter DNA. Our biochemical analysis showed that mutating these residues could completely abolish protein–DNA interaction. Despite the requirement of Ino2p and Ino4p for interprotein–DNA interaction, both proteins can still interact—even in the absence of DNA. Combined with the structural analysis, our in vitro binding analysis demonstrated that residues (Arg35, Asn65, and Gln69 of Ino2pDBD and Leu59 of Ino4pDBD) are critical for interprotein interactions. Together, these results have led to the conclusion that these residues are critical to establishing interprotein–DNA and protein–DNA mutual interactions.
Vasopressin Receptor Type-2 Mediated Signaling in Renal Cell Carcinoma Stimulates Stromal Fibroblast Activation
Authors: Jamadar Abeda , Dwivedi Nidhi , Mathew Sijo , Calvet James P. , Thomas Sufi M. , Rao Reena
Published: July 2022

Vasopressin type-2 receptor (V2R) is ectopically expressed and plays a pathogenic role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumor cells. Here we examined how V2R signaling within human ccRCC tumor cells (Caki1 cells) stimulates stromal cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We found that cell culture conditioned media from Caki1 cells increased activation, migration, and proliferation of fibroblasts in vitro, which was inhibited by V2R gene silencing in Caki1 cells. Analysis of the conditioned media and mRNA of the V2R gene silenced and control Caki1 cells showed that V2R regulates the production of CAF-activating factors. Some of these factors were also found to be regulated by YAP in these Caki1 cells. YAP expression colocalized and correlated with V2R expression in ccRCC tumor tissue. V2R gene silencing or V2R antagonist significantly reduced YAP in Caki1 cells. Moreover, the V2R antagonist reduced YAP expression and myofibroblasts in mouse xenograft tumors. These results suggest that V2R plays an important role in secreting pro-fibrotic factors that stimulate fibroblast activation by a YAP-dependent mechanism in ccRCC tumors. Our results demonstrate a novel role for the V2R-YAP axis in the regulation of myofibroblasts in ccRCC and a potential therapeutic target.
Ubiquitin Ligases in Longevity and Aging Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Hughes David C. , Baehr Leslie M. , Waddell David S. , Sharples Adam P. , Bodine Sue C.
Published: July 2022

The development and prevalence of diseases associated with aging presents a global health burden on society. One hallmark of aging is the loss of proteostasis which is caused in part by alterations to the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and lysosome–autophagy system leading to impaired function and maintenance of mass in tissues such as skeletal muscle. In the instance of skeletal muscle, the impairment of function occurs early in the aging process and is dependent on proteostatic mechanisms. The UPS plays a pivotal role in degradation of misfolded and aggregated proteins. For the purpose of this review, we will discuss the role of the UPS system in the context of age-related loss of muscle mass and function. We highlight the significant role that E3 ubiquitin ligases play in the turnover of key components (e.g., mitochondria and neuromuscular junction) essential to skeletal muscle function and the influence of aging. In addition, we will briefly discuss the contribution of the UPS system to lifespan. By understanding the UPS system as part of the proteostasis network in age-related diseases and disorders such as sarcopenia, new discoveries can be made and new interventions can be developed which will preserve muscle function and maintain quality of life with advancing age.
Survivin Inhibition by Piperine Sensitizes Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells and Leads to Better Drug Response
Authors: Warrier Neerada Meenakshi , Krishnan Ramesh Kumar , Prabhu Vijendra , Hariharapura Raghu Chandrashekhar , Agarwal Prasoon , Kumar Praveen
Published: July 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cancer stem cells (GSCs) are one of the strongest contributing factors to treatment resistance in GBM. Identification of biomarkers capable of directly affecting these cells within the bulk tumor is a major challenge associated with the development of new targeting strategies. In this study, we focus on understanding the potential of the multifunctional extraordinaire survivin as a biomarker for GSCs. We analyzed the expression profiles of this gene using various publicly available datasets to understand its importance in stemness and other cancer processes. The findings from these studies were further validated using human GSCs isolated from a GBM cell line. In these GSCs, survivin was inhibited using the dietary phytochemical piperine (PIP) and the subsequent effects on stemness, cancer processes and Temozolomide were investigated. In silico analysis identified survivin to be one of the most significant differentially regulated gene in GSCs, in comparison to common stemness markers. Further validation studies on the isolated GSCs showed the importance of survivin in stemness, cancer progression and therapy resistance. Taken together, our study identifies survivin as a more consistent GSC marker and also suggests the possibility of using survivin inhibitors along with standard of care drugs for better therapeutic outcomes.
Integrated mRNA and Small RNA Sequencing Reveals a microRNA Regulatory Network Associated with Starch Biosynthesis in Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Rhizomes
Authors: Zhu Yamei , Zhao Shuping , Deng Kangming , Wu Peng , Feng Kai , Li Liangjun
Published: July 2022

Internode starch biosynthesis is one of the most important traits in lotus rhizome because of its relation to crop productivity. Understanding the microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression profiles related to lotus internode starch biosynthesis would help develop molecular improvement strategies, but they are not yet well-investigated. To identify genes and miRNAs involved in internode starch biosynthesis, the cDNA and small RNA libraries of Z6-1, Z6-2, and Z6-3 were sequenced, and their expression were further studied. Through combined analyses of transcriptome data and small RNA sequencing data, a complex co-expression regulatory network was constructed, in which 20 miRNAs could modulate starch biosynthesis in different internodes by tuning the expression of 10 target genes. QRT-PCR analysis, transient co-expression experiment and dual luciferase assay comprehensively confirmed that NnumiR396a down-regulated the expression of NnSS2 and ultimately prevents the synthesis of amylopectin, and NnumiR396b down-regulated the expression of NnPGM2 and ultimately prevents the synthesis of total starch. Our results suggest that miRNAs play a critical role in starch biosynthesis in lotus rhizome, and that miRNA-mediated networks could modulate starch biosynthesis in this tissue. These results have provided important insights into the molecular mechanism of starch biosynthesis in developing lotus rhizome.
Impact of the Exposome on the Epigenome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients and Animal Models
Authors: Vieujean Sophie , Caron Bénédicte , Haghnejad Vincent , Jouzeau Jean-Yves , Netter Patrick , Heba Anne-Charlotte , Ndiaye Ndeye Coumba , Moulin David , Barreto Guillermo , Danese Silvio , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent
Published: July 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that encompass two main phenotypes, namely Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions occur in genetically predisposed individuals in response to environmental factors. Epigenetics, acting by DNA methylation, post-translational histones modifications or by non-coding RNAs, could explain how the exposome (or all environmental influences over the life course, from conception to death) could influence the gene expression to contribute to intestinal inflammation. We performed a scoping search using Medline to identify all the elements of the exposome that may play a role in intestinal inflammation through epigenetic modifications, as well as the underlying mechanisms. The environmental factors epigenetically influencing the occurrence of intestinal inflammation are the maternal lifestyle (mainly diet, the occurrence of infection during pregnancy and smoking); breastfeeding; microbiota; diet (including a low-fiber diet, high-fat diet and deficiency in micronutrients); smoking habits, vitamin D and drugs (e.g., IBD treatments, antibiotics and probiotics). Influenced by both microbiota and diet, short-chain fatty acids are gut microbiota-derived metabolites resulting from the anaerobic fermentation of non-digestible dietary fibers, playing an epigenetically mediated role in the integrity of the epithelial barrier and in the defense against invading microorganisms. Although the impact of some environmental factors has been identified, the exposome-induced epimutations in IBD remain a largely underexplored field. How these environmental exposures induce epigenetic modifications (in terms of duration, frequency and the timing at which they occur) and how other environmental factors associated with IBD modulate epigenetics deserve to be further investigated.
Characterization of Dense Granule Metalloproteinase INS-16 in Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Cui Hao , Xu Rui , Li Yu , Guo Yaqiong , Zhang Ziding , Xiao Lihua , Feng Yaoyu , Li Na
Published: July 2022

The protozoan pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum infects intestinal epithelial cells and causes diarrhea in humans and young animals. Among the more than 20 genes encoding insulinase-like metalloproteinases (INS), two are paralogs with high sequence identity. In this study, one of them, INS-16 encoded by the cgd3_4270 gene, was expressed and characterized in a comparative study of its sibling, INS-15 encoded by the cgd3_4260 gene. A full-length INS-16 protein and its active domain I were expressed in Escherichia coli, and antibodies against the domain I and an INS-16-specific peptide were produced in rabbits. In the analysis of the crude extract of oocysts, a ~60 kDa fragment of INS-16 rather than the full protein was recognized by polyclonal antibodies against the specific peptide, indicating that INS-16 undergoes proteolytic cleavage before maturation. The expression of the ins-16 gene peaked at the invasion phase of in vitro C. parvum culture, with the documented expression of the protein in both sporozoites and merozoites. Localization studies with antibodies showed significant differences in the distribution of the native INS-15 and INS-16 proteins in sporozoites and merozoites. INS-16 was identified as a dense granule protein in sporozoites and macrogamonts but was mostly expressed at the apical end of merozoites. We screened 48 candidate INS-16 inhibitors from the molecular docking of INS-16. Among them, two inhibited the growth of C. parvum in vitro (EC50 = 1.058 µM and 2.089 µM). The results of this study suggest that INS-16 may have important roles in the development of C. parvum and could be a valid target for the development of effective treatments.
UVA-Radiation Exposure of Different Durations Promoted the Growth, Phytochemicals and Glucosinolate Biosynthesis of Chinese Kale
Authors: Gao Meifang , Li Yamin , Jiang Haozhao , He Rui , Shi Rui , Song Shiwei , Liu Houcheng
Published: July 2022

Ultraviolet-A (UVA) (315–400 nm) is an essential environmental signal that regulates plant development and affects phytochemicals biosynthesis, including glucosinolate biosynthesis. The effects of different UVA (380 ± 10 nm, 40 μmol/m2/s) exposure durations, including 0 h/d (UV0), 6 h/d (UV6) and 12 h/d (UV12), on the growth and phytochemicals of Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra) under white 250 μmol/m2/s LEDs were investigated. UVA exposure of different durations influenced the growth and phytochemicals biosynthesis of Chinese kale. Prolonging UVA irradiation throughout the growth cycle positively affected the growth and the development of Chinese kale, with evident increases in the dry weights of shoots and roots, plant height, stem diameter, specific leaf weight and flower budding rate. The application of UVA increased the soluble sugar content, whereas higher flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and lower nitrate content were only observed in Chinese kale exposed to UV6 treatment. Besides, the qPCR assay showed that supplemental UVA-radiation exposure up-regulated the gene expressions of UVR8, transcription factors genes and genes related to the glucosinolate biosynthesis pathway, thereby promoting the accumulation of glucosinolates. Therefore, supplemental UVA-radiation exposure for 12 h/d was more conducive to plant growth, while supplemental UVA-radiation exposure for 6 h/d was better for phytochemical biosynthesis in Chinese kale in an artificial-light plant factory.