bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuel Improvement Measures for Particulate Matter Emission Reduction during Corn Cob Combustion
Authors: Dragutinović Nataša , Höfer Isabel , Kaltschmitt Martin
Published: July 2021

Fuel-related measures and modernization of small-scale combustion units has become the focus of attention in the renewable heat generation sector, as a means to promote local biomass utilization and fuel-flexibility while meeting strict environmental legislative requirements. With the aim to mitigate total particulate matter emissions and ash-associated problems characteristic of crop residue combustion, (1) corn cob pellets (with and without kaolin and binder) as well as (2) fuel blends with wood pellets were combusted in a pellet oven under full load. Results show that additivation or fuel blending (e.g., 50 wt. % wood and 50 wt. % corn cob pellets) reduce total particulate and CO-emissions by 48 to 60 wt. % and 64 to 89 wt. %, respectively, in comparison to baseline emissions from non-additivized corn cob pellets. Kaolin prevented sintering of corn cob ash. However, considerable grate ash entrainment was observed. TPM consists of a “primary network”—polyhedral and spherical particles approximately 1 μm in diameter (mainly KCl), and a “secondary network” built on top of the primary network, consisting of square-prism-shaped particles of approximately 200 nm in diameter. KCl and K2SO4 are main compounds in particles from corn cob and wood pellet combustion, respectively. Effective measures demonstrated within this study should be complemented with low-cost coarse ash removal systems.
Experimental and Reliability-Based Investigation on Sheathing-to-Framing Joints under Monotonic and Cyclic Loads
Authors: Di Jing , Zuo Hongliang
Published: July 2021

The seismic performance of a light wood frame structure is determined by sheathing-to-framing joints. In order to encourage the use of more sustainable materials in structures, the spruce-pine-fir (SPF) panel and the bamboo scrimber (BS) panel were considered as sheathing materials. Monotonic and cyclic tests were conducted on the joints with different parameters to obtain their mechanical properties. Moreover, the design value of the bearing capacity of sheathing-to-framing joints was calculated and compared in accordance with Chinese code (GB50005) and European code (Eurocode 5). Based on the test results and the design codes, the reliability index of the design value of the bearing capacity of joints was calculated using the first-order reliability method (FORM). Results demonstrate that the joints have high bearing capacity and stiffness at initial loading stage when the loading direction is perpendicular to the framing grain. BS panels make better use of the bending strength of fasteners than SPF panels. The screwed joints have lower strength and stiffness degradation than nailed joints, but the nailed joints show better ductile and dissipation than screwed joints. In addition, the reliability indexes of design bearing capacity calculated by the Chinese code of joints under monotonic load are conservative, but those of joints under cyclic load are unconservative. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety and economy of design, a modification factor for the GB50005 design method of joints is proposed to meet the target reliability index.
Bottlenecks in the Development of Bioethanol from Lignocellulosic Resources for the Circular Economy in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Yu-Ru , Tsai Wen-Tien
Published: July 2021

Strategies and actions for mitigating the emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutants in the transportation sector are becoming more important and urgent due to concerns related to public health and climate change. As a result, the Taiwanese government has promulgated a number of regulatory measures and promotion plans (or programs) on bioethanol use, novel fermentation research projects and domestic production since the mid-2000s. The main aim of this paper was to present a trend analysis of the motor gasoline supply/consumption and bioethanol supply, and the regulatory system relevant to bioethanol production and gasohol use since 2007 based on the official database and the statistics. The motor gasoline supply has shown a decreasing trend in the last five years (2016–2020), especially in 2020, corresponding to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Although the government provided a subsidy of NT$ 1.0–2.0 dollars per liter for refueling E3 gasohol based on the price of 95-unleaded gasoline, the bioethanol supply has shown decreasing demand since 2012. In addition, the plans for domestic bioethanol production from lignocellulosic residues or energy crops were ceased in 2011 due to non-profitability. To examine the obstacles to bioethanol promotion in Taiwan, the bottlenecks to bioethanol production and gasohol use were addressed from the perspectives of the producer (domestic enterprise), the seller (gas station) and the consumer (end user).
Gelatinization or Pasting? The Impact of Different Temperature Levels on the Saccharification Efficiency of Barley Malt Starch
Authors: Rittenauer Michael , Gladis Stefan , Gastl Martina , Becker Thomas
Published: July 2021

Efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of cereal starches requires a proper hydrothermal pre-treatment. For malted barley, however, the exact initial temperature is presently unknown. Therefore, samples were micro-mashed according to accurately determined gelatinization and pasting temperatures. The impact on starch morphology, mash viscometry and sugar yields was recorded in the presence and absence of an amylase inhibitor to differentiate between morphological and enzymatic effects. Mashing at gelatinization onset temperatures (54.5–57.1 °C) led to negligible morphological and viscometric changes, whereas mashing at pasting onset temperatures (57.5–59.8 °C) induced significant starch granule swelling and degradation resulting in increased sugar yields (61.7% of upper reference limit). Complete hydrolysis of A-type and partial hydrolysis of B-type granules was achieved within only 10 min of mashing at higher temperatures (61.4–64.5 °C), resulting in a sugar yield of 97.5% as compared to the reference laboratory method mashing procedure (65 °C for 60 min). The results indicate that the beginning of starch pasting was correctly identified and point out the potential of an adapted process temperature control.
Diversity of Modes of Reproduction and Sex Determination Systems in Invertebrates, and the Putative Contribution of Genetic Conflict
Authors: Picard Marion Anne Lise , Vicoso Beatriz , Bertrand Stéphanie , Escriva Hector
Published: July 2021

About eight million animal species are estimated to live on Earth, and all except those belonging to one subphylum are invertebrates. Invertebrates are incredibly diverse in their morphologies, life histories, and in the range of the ecological niches that they occupy. A great variety of modes of reproduction and sex determination systems is also observed among them, and their mosaic-distribution across the phylogeny shows that transitions between them occur frequently and rapidly. Genetic conflict in its various forms is a long-standing theory to explain what drives those evolutionary transitions. Here, we review (1) the different modes of reproduction among invertebrate species, highlighting sexual reproduction as the probable ancestral state; (2) the paradoxical diversity of sex determination systems; (3) the different types of genetic conflicts that could drive the evolution of such different systems.
DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase Catalytic Subunit: The Sensor for DNA Double-Strand Breaks Structurally and Functionally Related to Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshihisa , Asa Anie Day D. C. , Modak Chaity , Shimada Mikio
Published: July 2021

The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is composed of a DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer. DNA-PK is thought to act as the “sensor” for DNA double-stranded breaks (DSB), which are considered the most deleterious type of DNA damage. In particular, DNA-PKcs and Ku are shown to be essential for DSB repair through nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). The phenotypes of animals and human individuals with defective DNA-PKcs or Ku functions indicate their essential roles in these developments, especially in neuronal and immune systems. DNA-PKcs are structurally related to Ataxia–telangiectasia mutated (ATM), which is also implicated in the cellular responses to DSBs. DNA-PKcs and ATM constitute the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-like kinases (PIKKs) family with several other molecules. Here, we review the accumulated knowledge on the functions of DNA-PKcs, mainly based on the phenotypes of DNA-PKcs-deficient cells in animals and human individuals, and also discuss its relationship with ATM in the maintenance of genomic stability.
The Genetics of Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Clinical Relevance
Authors: Chiereghin Chiara , Travaglino Erica , Zampini Matteo , Saba Elena , Saitta Claudia , Riva Elena , Bersanelli Matteo , Della Porta Matteo Giovanni
Published: July 2021

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a clonal disease arising from hematopoietic stem cells, that are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis (leading to peripheral blood cytopenia) and by an increased risk of evolution into acute myeloid leukemia. MDS are driven by a complex combination of genetic mutations that results in heterogeneous clinical phenotype and outcome. Genetic studies have enabled the identification of a set of recurrently mutated genes which are central to the pathogenesis of MDS and can be organized into a limited number of cellular pathways, including RNA splicing (SF3B1, SRSF2, ZRSR2, U2AF1 genes), DNA methylation (TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1/2), transcription regulation (RUNX1), signal transduction (CBL, RAS), DNA repair (TP53), chromatin modification (ASXL1, EZH2), and cohesin complex (STAG2). Few genes are consistently mutated in >10% of patients, whereas a long tail of 40–50 genes are mutated in <5% of cases. At diagnosis, the majority of MDS patients have 2–4 driver mutations and hundreds of background mutations. Reliable genotype/phenotype relationships were described in MDS: SF3B1 mutations are associated with the presence of ring sideroblasts and more recent studies indicate that other splicing mutations (SRSF2, U2AF1) may identify distinct disease categories with specific hematological features. Moreover, gene mutations have been shown to influence the probability of survival and risk of disease progression and mutational status may add significant information to currently available prognostic tools. For instance, SF3B1 mutations are predictors of favourable prognosis, while driver mutations of other genes (such as ASXL1, SRSF2, RUNX1, TP53) are associated with a reduced probability of survival and increased risk of disease progression. In this article, we review the most recent advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of myelodysplastic syndromes and discuss its clinical relevance.
Nitric Oxide Synthase Dependency in Hydroxyurea Inhibition of Erythroid Progenitor Growth
Authors: Subotički Tijana , Ajtić Olivera Mitrović , Đikić Dragoslava , Santibanez Juan F. , Tošić Milica , Čokić Vladan P.
Published: July 2021

Hydroxyurea (HU) causes nitric oxide (NO) bioactivation, acting as both a NO donor and a stimulator of NO synthase (NOS). To examine whether HU effects are NO mediated by chemical degradation or enzymatic induction, we studied human and mouse erythroid cells during proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. The HU and NO donor demonstrated persisted versus temporary inhibition of erythroid cell growth during differentiation, as observed by γ- and β-globin gene expression. HU decreased the percentage of erythroleukemic K562 cells in the G2/M phase that was reversed by N-nitro l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME). Besides activation of endothelial NOS, HU significantly increased apoptosis of K562 cells, again demonstrating NOS dependence. Administration of HU to mice significantly inhibited colony-forming unit-erythroid (CFU-E), mediated by NOS. Moreover, burst-forming-units-erythroid (BFU-E) and CFU-E ex vivo growth was inhibited by the administration of nitrate or nitrite to mice. Chronic in vivo NOS inhibition with L-NAME protected the bone marrow cellularity despite HU treatment of mice. NO metabolites and HU reduced the frequency of NOS-positive cells from CFU-E and BFU-E colonies that was reverted by NOS inhibition. HU regulation of the G2/M phase, apoptosis, differentiation, cellularity, and NOS immunoreactive cells was NOS dependent. Inhalation of NO therapy as well as strategies to increase endogenous NO production could replace or enhance HU activity.
DNA Polymerase θ: A Cancer Drug Target with Reverse Transcriptase Activity
Authors: Chen Xiaojiang S. , Pomerantz Richard T.
Published: July 2021

The emergence of precision medicine from the development of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors that preferentially kill cells defective in homologous recombination has sparked wide interest in identifying and characterizing additional DNA repair enzymes that are synthetic lethal with HR factors. DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) is a validated anti-cancer drug target that is synthetic lethal with HR factors and other DNA repair proteins and confers cellular resistance to various genotoxic cancer therapies. Since its initial characterization as a helicase-polymerase fusion protein in 2003, many exciting and unexpected activities of Polθ in microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) and translesion synthesis (TLS) have been discovered. Here, we provide a short review of Polθ‘s DNA repair activities and its potential as a drug target and highlight a recent report that reveals Polθ as a naturally occurring reverse transcriptase (RT) in mammalian cells.
Determination of Water Retention Properties of Silty Sands by Means of Combined Commercial Techniques
Authors: Ponzoni Elisa , Nocilla Alessandra , Jommi Cristina
Published: July 2021

A recent increase in frequency and severity of exceptional climatic events is of concern for the stability of natural and artificial slopes. These undergo continuous evaporation and infiltration cycles, which change the suction distribution and trigger shrinkage, swelling, cracking, and surficial erosion, overall decreasing the soil strength. To assess the impact of these climatic stresses, the determination of water retention properties is a priority. Although advanced techniques have been proposed in the last few decades to this end, simpler commercially available techniques allow collecting data for a larger number of samples in a shorter time, thus enabling a basic description of the water retention properties for a larger database of soils. Data on two silty sands, coming from very different climatic environments in Europe, were collected with a combination of two simple commercial devices, and the results were modelled with a van Genuchten’s law. The fitted parameters were found to correlate well with the amount of fines, irrespective of the different origin and composition of the two soils. Eventually, the limitation of the approach is discussed based on the results of cyclic drying–wetting tests.
The Study on Public-Interest Short Message Service (SMS) in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mobile User Survey and Content Analysis
Authors: Yu Zhiyuan , Liu Yanghongyun , Yu Yongan , Han Hongju , Li Yalin
Published: July 2021

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has greatly threatened the global health system and triggered the public health emergency. In order to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare and prevention information have been delivered through omni-media channels (e.g., television, radio, social platform, etc.). As a traditional outlet, the short message service (SMS) can timely provide abundant anti-epidemic alerts to mobile users. In this paper, we aim to investigate mobile users’ attitudes toward COVID-19 public-interest SMS sent from government authorities and then explore the insight from messaging texts collected between January and April 2020 in China. In general, respondents show a positive attitude towards content and the necessity of public-interest SMS during the pandemic. However, we find that gender and age differences not only affect content evaluation, but also influence reading and forwarding behaviors. For the necessity of SMS, it shows significant difference between the 18–25-year-old and over 40-year-old group, with the middle and elder group showing serious attitudes and giving higher remarks than the youth due to the habits of media usage. However no significant difference is presented between females and males. In terms of content, the category of topics and releasing institutions are analyzed, respectively. Due to the centralized responses and coordination of prevention and control in China, the messages from COVID-19 disposal organizations (e.g., municipal steering group and provincial CDC) account for more than 70% among four cities.
Ergonomic Consideration of Sight Shifts between the Microscopic and Macroscopic Environments in Microscopic Dentistry for Inexperienced Operators
Authors: Goczewski Maciej
Published: July 2021

Due to the rising popularity of Dental Operating Microscopes, the issue of their ergonomic use has become an important topic. To verify its impact on dental teams’ ergonomics, the aspect of working in two distinct environments was examined. The research was performed on a group of 82 dentists regarding the number and character of shifts from the microscopic environment to the macroscopic one. The results revealed the shifts constitute a significant part of an inexperienced DOM operator’s work. Because such shifts, when performed repeatedly and in short succession, may influence the operator’s vision and comfort, they should be considered ergonomically detrimental. Having indicated the problem, the article puts forth a solution in the form of an instrument transfer methodology. The proposed adjustment has the potential of improving the quality of work for DOM operators quickly and efficiently by significantly reducing the number of shifts between the environments.
Recovery and Fatigue Behavior of Forearm Muscles during a Repetitive Power Grip Gesture in Racing Motorcycle Riders
Authors: Marina Michel , Torrado Priscila , Bescós Raul
Published: July 2021

Despite a reduction in the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVCisom) observed systematically in intermittent fatigue protocols (IFP), decrements of the median frequency, assessed by surface electromyography (sEMG), has not been consistently verified. This study aimed to determine whether recovery periods of 60 s were too long to induce a reduction in the normalized median frequency (MFEMG) of the flexor digitorum superficialis and carpi radialis muscles. Twenty-one road racing motorcycle riders performed an IFP that simulated the posture and braking gesture on a motorcycle. The MVCisom was reduced by 53% (p < 0.001). A positive and significant relationship (p < 0.005) was found between MFEMG and duration of the fatiguing task when 5 s contractions at 30% MVCisom were interspersed by 5 s recovery in both muscles. In contrast, no relationship was found (p > 0.133) when 10 s contractions at 50% MVC were interspersed by 1 min recovery. Comparative analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed a decrement of MFEMG in the IFP at 30% MVCisom including short recovery periods with a duty cycle of 100% (5 s/5 s = 1), whereas no differences were observed in the IFP at 50% MVCisom and longer recovery periods, with a duty cycle of 16%. These findings show that recovery periods during IFP are more relevant than the intensity of MVCisom. Thus, we recommend the use of short recovery periods between 5 and 10 s after submaximal muscle contractions for specific forearm muscle training and testing purposes in motorcycle riders.
Gender-Dependent Specificities in Cutaneous Melanoma Predisposition, Risk Factors, Somatic Mutations, Prognostic and Predictive Factors: A Systematic Review
Authors: D’Ecclesiis Oriana , Caini Saverio , Martinoli Chiara , Raimondi Sara , Gaiaschi Camilla , Tosti Giulio , Queirolo Paola , Veneri Camilla , Saieva Calogero , Gandini Sara , Chiocca Susanna
Published: July 2021

Background and aim: Over the last decades, the incidence of melanoma has been steadily growing, with 4.2% of the population worldwide affected by cutaneous melanoma (CM) in 2020 and with a higher incidence and mortality in men than in women. We investigated both the risk factors for CM development and the prognostic and predictive factors for survival, stratifying for both sex and gender. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies indexed in PUB-MED, EMBASE, and Scopus until 4 February 2021. We included reviews, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses investigating differences between women and men in CM risk factors and in prognostic and predictive factors for CM survival. Data synthesis: Twenty-four studies were included, and relevant data extracted. Of these, 13 studies concerned potential risk factors, six concerned predictive factors, and five addressed prognostic factors of melanoma. Discussion: The systematic review revealed no significant differences in genetic predisposition to CM between males and females, while there appear to be several gender disparities regarding CM risk factors, partly attributable to different lifestyles and behavioral habits between men and women. There is currently no clear evidence of whether the mutational landscapes of CM differ by sex/gender. Prognosis is justified by a complex combination of phenotypes and immune functions, while reported differences between genders in predicting the effectiveness of new treatments are inconsistent. Overall, the results emerging from the literature reveal the importance of considering the sex/gender variable in all studies and pave the way for including it towards precision medicine. Conclusions: Men and women differ genetically, biologically, and by social construct. Our systematic review shows that, although fundamental, the variable sex/gender is not among the ones collected and analyzed.
Osteoblast Dysfunction in Non-Hereditary Sclerosing Bone Diseases
Authors: Giardullo Liberato , Altomare Alberto , Rotondo Cinzia , Corrado Addolorata , Cantatore Francesco Paolo
Published: July 2021

A review of the available literature was performed in order to summarize the existing evidence between osteoblast dysfunction and clinical features in non-hereditary sclerosing bone diseases. It has been known that proliferation and migration of osteoblasts are concerted by soluble factors such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) but also by signal transduction cascades such as Wnt signaling pathway. Protein kinases play also a leading role in triggering the activation of osteoblasts in this group of diseases. Post-zygotic changes in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) have been shown to be associated with sporadic cases of Melorheostosis. Serum levels of FGF and PDGF have been shown to be increased in myelofibrosis, although studies focusing on Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor was shown to be strongly expressed in Paget disease of the bone, which may partially explain the osteoblastic hyperactivity during this condition. Pathophysiological mechanisms of osteoblasts in osteoblastic metastases have been studied much more thoroughly than in rare sclerosing syndromes: striking cellular mechanisms such as osteomimicry or complex intercellular signaling alterations have been described. Further research is needed to describe pathological mechanisms by which rare sclerosing non hereditary diseases lead to osteoblast dysfunction.
Using Budding Yeast to Identify Molecules That Block Cancer Cell ‘Mitotic Slippage’ Only in the Presence of Mitotic Poisons
Authors: Schuyler Scott C. , Chen Hsin-Yu
Published: July 2021

Research on the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has yielded fundamental discoveries on highly conserved biological pathways and yeast remains the best-studied eukaryotic cell in the world. Studies on the mitotic cell cycle and the discovery of cell cycle checkpoints in budding yeast has led to a detailed, although incomplete, understanding of eukaryotic cell cycle progression. In multicellular eukaryotic organisms, uncontrolled aberrant cell division is the defining feature of cancer. Some of the most successful classes of anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents are mitotic poisons. Mitotic poisons are thought to function by inducing a mitotic spindle checkpoint-dependent cell cycle arrest, via the assembly of the highly conserved mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC), leading to apoptosis. Even in the presence of mitotic poisons, some cancer cells continue cell division via ‘mitotic slippage’, which may correlate with a cancer becoming refractory to mitotic poison chemotherapeutic treatments. In this review, knowledge about budding yeast cell cycle control is explored to suggest novel potential drug targets, namely, specific regions in the highly conserved anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) subunits Apc1 and/or Apc5, and in a specific N-terminal region in the APC/C co-factor cell division cycle 20 (Cdc20), which may yield molecules which block ‘mitotic slippage’ only in the presence of mitotic poisons.
Dexamethasone Inhibits the Pro-Angiogenic Potential of Primary Human Myoblasts
Authors: Langendorf Eva K. , Rommens Pol M. , Drees Philipp , Ritz Ulrike
Published: July 2021

Tissue regeneration depends on the complex processes of angiogenesis, inflammation and wound healing. Regarding muscle tissue, glucocorticoids (GCs) inhibit pro-inflammatory signalling and angiogenesis and lead to muscle atrophy. Our hypothesis is that the synthetic GC dexamethasone (dex) impairs angiogenesis leading to muscle atrophy or inhibited muscle regeneration. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the effect of dexamethasone on HUVECs under different conditions in mono- and co-culture with myoblasts to evaluate growth behavior and dex impact with regard to muscle atrophy and muscle regeneration. Viability assays, qPCR, immunofluorescence as well as ELISAs were performed on HUVECs, and human primary myoblasts seeded under different culture conditions. Our results show that dex had a higher impact on the tube formation when HUVECs were maintained with VEGF. Gene expression was not influenced by dex and was independent of cells growing in a 2D or 3D matrix. In co-culture CD31 expression was suppressed after incubation with dex and gene expression analysis revealed that dex enhanced expression of myogenic transcription factors, but repressed angiogenic factors. Moreover, dex inhibited the VEGF mediated pro angiogenic effect of myoblasts and inhibited expression of angiogenic inducers in the co-culture model. This is the first study describing a co-culture of human primary myoblast and HUVECs maintained under different conditions. Our results indicate that dex affects angiogenesis via inhibition of VEGF release at least in myoblasts, which could be responsible not only for the development of muscle atrophy after dex administration, but also for inhibition of muscle regeneration after vascular damage.
Systematic Modification and Evaluation of Enzyme-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: Lino Paulo R. , Leandro João , Figueiredo Lara , Amaro Mariana P. , Gonçalves Lídia M. D. , Leandro Paula , Almeida António J.
Published: July 2021

Polymeric-based nano drug delivery systems have been widely exploited to overcome protein instability during formulation. Presently, a diverse range of polymeric agents can be used, among which polysaccharides, such as chitosan (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA) and cyclodextrins (CDs), are included. Due to its unique biological and physicochemical properties, CS is one of the most used polysaccharides for development of protein delivery systems. However, CS has been described as potentially immunogenic. By envisaging a biosafe cytocompatible and haemocompatible profile, this paper reports the systematic development of a delivery system based on CS and derived with HA and CDs to nanoencapsulate the model human phenylalanine hydroxylase (hPAH) through ionotropic gelation with tripolyphosphate (TPP), while maintaining protein stability and enzyme activity. By merging the combined set of biopolymers, we were able to effectively entrap hPAH within CS nanoparticles with improvements in hPAH stability and the maintenance of functional activity, while simultaneously achieving strict control of the formulation process. Detailed characterization of the developed nanoparticulate systems showed that the lead formulations were internalized by hepatocytes (HepG2 cell line), did not reveal cell toxicity and presented a safe haemocompatible profile.
Eosinophils and Bacteria, the Beginning of a Story
Authors: Ondari Edna , Calvino-Sanles Esther , First Nicholas J. , Gestal Monica C.
Published: July 2021

Eosinophils are granulocytes primarily associated with TH2 responses to parasites or immune hyper-reactive states, such as asthma, allergies, or eosinophilic esophagitis. However, it does not make sense from an evolutionary standpoint to maintain a cell type that is only specific for parasitic infections and that otherwise is somehow harmful to the host. In recent years, there has been a shift in the perception of these cells. Eosinophils have recently been recognized as regulators of immune homeostasis and suppressors of over-reactive pro-inflammatory responses by secreting specific molecules that dampen the immune response. Their role during parasitic infections has been well investigated, and their versatility during immune responses to helminths includes antigen presentation as well as modulation of T cell responses. Although it is known that eosinophils can present antigens during viral infections, there are still many mechanistic aspects of the involvement of eosinophils during viral infections that remain to be elucidated. However, are eosinophils able to respond to bacterial infections? Recent literature indicates that Helicobacter pylori triggers TH2 responses mediated by eosinophils; this promotes anti-inflammatory responses that might be involved in the long-term persistent infection caused by this pathogen. Apparently and on the contrary, in the respiratory tract, eosinophils promote TH17 pro-inflammatory responses during Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, and they are, in fact, critical for early clearance of bacteria from the respiratory tract. However, eosinophils are also intertwined with microbiota, and up to now, it is not clear if microbiota regulates eosinophils or vice versa, or how this connection influences immune responses. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of eosinophils as regulators of pro and anti-inflammatory responses in the context of both infection and naïve conditions. We propose questions and future directions that might open novel research avenues in the future.
Micronutrient Food Supplements in Patients with Gastro-Intestinal and Hepatic Cancers
Authors: Alam Waqas , Ullah Hammad , Santarcangelo Cristina , Di Minno Alessandro , Khan Haroon , Daglia Maria , Arciola Carla Renata
Published: July 2021

Colorectal carcinogenesis is the second most common cause of mortality across all types of malignancies, followed by hepatic and stomach cancers. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are key approaches to treating cancer patients, but these carry major concerns, such as a high risk of side effects, poor accessibility, and the non-selective nature of chemotherapeutics. A number of natural products have been identified as countering various forms of cancer with fewer side effects. The potential impact of vitamins and minerals on long-term health, cognition, healthy development, bone formation, and aging has been supported by experimental and epidemiological studies. Successful treatment may thus be highly influenced by the nutritional status of patients. An insufficient diet could lead to detrimental effects on immune status and tolerance to treatment, affecting the ability of chemotherapy to destroy cancerous cells. In recent decades, most cancer patients have been taking vitamins and minerals to improve standard therapy and/or to decrease the undesirable side effects of the treatment together with the underlying disease. On the other hand, taking dietary supplements during cancer therapy may affect the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Thus, micronutrients in complementary oncology must be selected appropriately and should be taken at the right time. Here, the potential impact of micronutrients on gastro-intestinal and hepatic cancers is explored and their molecular targets are laid down.
The Temporal Mechanisms Guiding Interneuron Differentiation in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Deska-Gauthier Dylan , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2021

Neurogenesis timing is an essential developmental mechanism for neuronal diversity and organization throughout the central nervous system. In the mouse spinal cord, growing evidence is beginning to reveal that neurogenesis timing acts in tandem with spatial molecular controls to diversify molecularly and functionally distinct post-mitotic interneuron subpopulations. Particularly, in some cases, this temporal ordering of interneuron differentiation has been shown to instruct specific sensorimotor circuit wirings. In zebrafish, in vivo preparations have revealed that sequential neurogenesis waves of interneurons and motor neurons form speed-dependent locomotor circuits throughout the spinal cord and brainstem. In the present review, we discuss temporal principals of interneuron diversity taken from both mouse and zebrafish systems highlighting how each can lend illuminating insights to the other. Moving forward, it is important to combine the collective knowledge from different systems to eventually understand how temporally regulated subpopulation function differentially across speed- and/or state-dependent sensorimotor movement tasks.
Organ Specific Differences in Alteration of Aquaporin Expression in Rats Treated with Sennoside A, Senna Anthraquinones and Rhubarb Anthraquinones
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Cheng Ying , Su Wenting , Zhang Hongxia , Li Chu , Routledge Michael N. , Gong Yunyun , Qiao Boling
Published: July 2021

Senna and rhubarb are often used as routine laxatives, but there are differences in mechanism of action and potential side effects. Here, we studied metabolites of senna anthraquinones (SAQ), rhubarb anthraquinones (RAQ) and their chemical marker, sennoside A (SA), in a rat diarrhea model. In in vitro biotransformation experiments, SAQ, RAQ and SA were incubated with rat fecal flora solution and the metabolites produced were analyzed using HPLC. In in vivo studies, the same compounds were investigated for purgation induction, with measurement of histopathology and Aqps gene expression in six organs. The results indicated that SAQ and RAQ had similar principal constituents but could be degraded into different metabolites. A similar profile of Aqps down-regulation for all compounds was seen in the colon, suggesting a similar mechanism of action for purgation. However, in the kidneys and livers of the diarrhea-rats, down-regulation of Aqps was found in the RAQ-rats whereas up-regulation of Aqps was seen in the SAQ-rats. Furthermore, the RAQ-rats showed lower Aqp2 protein expression in the kidneys, whilst the SA-rats and SAQ-rats had higher Aqp2 protein expression in the kidneys. This may have implications for side effects of SAQ or RAQ in patients with chronic kidney or liver diseases.
Recent Advances in the Understanding of Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance in Noctuid Pests
Authors: Le Goff Gaëlle , Nauen Ralf
Published: July 2021

Noctuid moths are among the most devastating crop pests on the planet [...]
Fungal Biofilms 2020
Authors: Rodrigues Célia F. , Romo Jesus A.
Published: July 2021

Fungal infections are an important and increasing global threat, carrying not only high morbidity and mortality rates, but also extraordinary healthcare costs [...]
Regulation of CTLA-4 and PD-L1 Expression in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients after Treatment with Fingolimod, IFNβ-1α, Glatiramer Acetate, and Dimethyl Fumarate Drugs
Authors: Derakhshani Afshin , Asadzadeh Zahra , Safarpour Hossein , Leone Patrizia , Shadbad Mahdi Abdoli , Heydari Ali , Baradaran Behzad , Racanelli Vito
Published: July 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that is characterized by inflammation which typically results in significant impairment in most patients. Immune checkpoints act as co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules and play a fundamental role in keeping the equilibrium of the immune system. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), as inhibitory immune checkpoints, participate in terminating the development of numerous autoimmune diseases, including MS. We assessed the CTLA-4 and PD-L1 gene expression in the different cell types of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of MS patients using single-cell RNA-seq data. Additionally, this study outlines how CTLA-4 and PD-L1 expression was altered in the PBMC samples of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients compared to the healthy group. Finally, it investigates the impact of various MS-related treatments in the CTLA-4 and PD-L1 expression to restrain autoreactive T cells and stop the development of MS autoimmunity.
Develop a Soil Quality Index to Study the Results of Black Locust on Soil Quality below Different Allocation Patterns
Authors: Shi Zeyu , Bai Zhongke , Guo Donggang , Chen Meijing
Published: July 2021

Mining areas are currently a typical ecosystem that is severely destroyed within the world. Over the years, mining activities have caused serious soil damage. Therefore, the soil restoration of abandoned mines has become a vital sustainable development strategy. The ecological environment within the hilly area of the Loess Plateau is extremely fragile, with serious soil erosion; Robinia pseudoacacia is the most popular tree species for land reclamation in mining areas within the Loess Plateau. To review the different various effects of Robinia pseudoacacia on soil quality below different configuration modes, this paper has chosen two sample plots within the southern dump of the Pingshuo mining area for comparison. The first plot is a Robinia pseudoacacia-Ulmus pumila-Ailanthus altissima broadleaf mixed forest, and the second plot is a locust tree broadleaf pure forest. The vegetation indicators and soil physical and chemical properties of the four stages in 1993, 2010, 2015, and 2020 were investigated. Principal component analysis is employed to develop the Soil Quality Index to perceive the changes within the Soil Quality Index over time. It is calculated that the Soil Quality Index of Plot I rose from 0.501 in 1993 to 0.538 in 2020, and Plot II rose from 0.501 to 0.529. The higher the SQI, the higher the reclamation of the mining area. It is found that Robinia pseudoacacia within the Robinia pseudoacacia-Ulmus pumila-Ailanthus altissima broadleaf mixed forest has higher soil quality improvement than the pure genus Robinia pseudoacacia broadleaf forest. This article can demonstrate the changes in the quality of reclaimed soil in the mining area, and can also provide a reference for the selection of reclaimed vegetation in other mining areas.
Features of Heat Treatment the Ti-6Al-4V GTD Blades Manufactured by DLD Additive Technology
Authors: Gushchina Marina , Turichin Gleb , Klimova-Korsmik Olga , Babkin Konstantin , Maggeramova Lyubov
Published: July 2021

Additive manufacturing of titanium alloys is one of the fastest growing areas of 3D metal printing. The use of AM methods for parts production in the aviation industry is especially promising. During the deposition of products with differently sized cross-sections, the thermal history changes, which leads to non-uniformity of the structure and properties. Such heterogeneity can lead to failure of the product during operation. The structure of deposited parts, depending on the thermal cycle, may consist of α’, α + α’ + β’, and α + β in different ratios. This problem can be solved by using heat treatment (HT). This paper presents research aimed towards the determination of optimal heat treatment parameters that allows the reception of the uniform formation of properties in the after-treatment state, regardless of the initial structure and properties, using the example of a deposited Ti-6Al-4V gas turbine blade.
Characterisation of Geogrid and Waste Tyres as Reinforcement Materials in Railway Track Beds
Authors: Li Lihua , Fang Yanan , Cheng Bowen , Chen Na , Tian Mi , Liu Yiming
Published: July 2021

The engineering behaviour of ballast is an important factor to determine the stability and safety of railway tracks. This paper examines the stress–strain, shear strength, peak deflection stress and reinforcement strength ratio of different reinforcement materials and reinforcement locations in ballast track bed layers based on large scale static triaxial shear tests. The results show that geogrid and waste tyre reinforcement have a significant effect on the peak deviator stress of railway track bed layers and the stress–strain relationship is strain-hardened. The peak deviator stress and shear strength of geogrid reinforcement are greater under the same conditions compared with waste tyres. The reinforcement of geogrid and waste tires increases the shear strength of the track bed significantly. The more layers of geogrid reinforcement, the more energy is required for the deformation of the track bed. The energy required for deformation is greater in the centre of the waste tyre than in the other reinforced forms, and the energy required for deformation is minimal in the fully reinforced form. Excessive tyre reinforcement changes the stiffness of the track bed layer, leading to an increase in the settlement rate. The reinforcement strength ratio between geogrid and waste tyre increases significantly with the increasing of the confining pressure and reinforcement layers. Moreover, the reinforcement strength ratio of the geogrid is significantly higher than that of the waste tyre.
Analysis of the Erosivity of High-Pressure Pulsating Water Jets Produced in the Self-Excited Drill Head
Authors: Szada-Borzyszkowska Monika , Kacalak Wojciech , Lipiński Dariusz , Bałasz Błażej
Published: July 2021

The dynamic impact of a water jet with a periodically changing structure can be used in various industries. The paper presents a design solution for a self-excited pulse head. This head can be used in mining for drilling holes and breaking rocks. The design of the head was developed based on computer simulations, which made it possible to learn the mechanism of impulse shaping inside the head. Tests of the water jet produced in the self-excited pulsation head showed the occurrence of periodic changes in its internal structure and pulsation frequency. A significant increase in the dynamic stream pressures was demonstrated for the head working in the water environment compared to the head working in the air environment For example, for nominal medium and highest pressures, this increase is up to 82%, while for the lowest pressures (10 MPa), the pressure force values increase by 46%. It was found that an increase in the nominal water pressure causes a decrease in the frequency of hydrodynamic pulses in the head operating in both the water and air environment.
Influence of Pozzolan, Slag and Recycled Aggregates on the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Low Cement Concrete
Authors: Soldado Eliana , Antunes Ana , Costa Hugo , do Carmo Ricardo , Júlio Eduardo
Published: July 2021

The sustainability of the construction sector demands the reduction of CO2 emissions. The optimization of the amount of cement in concrete can be achieved either by partially replacing it by additions or by reducing the binder content. The present work aims at optimizing the properties of concrete used in the production of reinforced concrete poles for electrical distribution lines, combining the maximization of compactness with the partial replacement of cement by fly ash, natural pozzolans, and electric furnace slags. Natural aggregates were also partially replaced by recycled ones in mixtures with fly ash. Two types of concrete were studied: a fresh molded one with a dry consistency and a formwork molded one with a plastic consistency. The following properties were characterized: mechanical properties (flexural, tensile splitting, and compressive strengths, as well as Young’s modulus) and durability properties (capillary water absorption, water penetration depth under pressure, resistance to carbonation, chloride migration, and concrete surface resistivity). The service life of structures was estimated, taking the deterioration of reinforcement induced by concrete carbonation or chloride attack into account. Results revealed that mixtures with fly ash exhibit higher mechanical performance and mixtures with fly ash or pozzolans reveal much higher durability results than the full Portland cement-based mixtures.
Neuroprotective Effect of Cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Phe) Isolated from the Jellyfish-Derived Fungus Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Li Dan-dan , Wang Ying , Kim Eun La , Hong Jongki , Jung Jee H.
Published: July 2021

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) expression has been implicated in pathological states such as cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. We isolated natural PPAR agonists—eight 2,5-diketopiperazines—from the jellyfish-derived fungus Aspergillus flavus. Cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Phe) was the most potent PPAR-γ activator among the eight 2,5-DKPs identified. Cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Phe) activated PPAR-γ in Ac2F rat liver cells and SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. The neuroprotective effect of this partial PPAR-γ agonist was examined using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, lactate dehydrogenase release, and the Hoechst 33342 staining assay in SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings revealed that cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Phe) reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis as well as the generation of reactive oxygen species. Rhodamine 123 staining and western blotting revealed that cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Phe) prevented the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited the activation of mitochondria-related apoptotic proteins, such as caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Moreover, cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Phe) inhibited the activation and translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B. Thus, the partial PPAR-γ agonist cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Phe) demonstrated potential neuroprotective activity against oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration in SH-SY5Y cells.
A Unique Marine-Derived Collagen: Its Characterization towards Biocompatibility Applications for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Benayahu Dafna , Benayahu Yehuda
Published: July 2021

Biomedical engineering combines engineering and materials methods to restore, maintain, improve, or replace different types of biological tissues. In tissue engineering, following major injury, a scaffold is designed to support the local growth of cells, enabling the development of new viable tissue. To provide the conditions for the mechanical and structural properties needed for the restored tissue and its appropriate functioning, the scaffold requires specific biochemical properties in order to ensure a correct healing process. The scaffold creates a support system and requires a suitable material that will transduce the appropriate signals for the regenerative process to take place. A scaffold composed of material that mimics natural tissue, rather than a synthetic material, will achieve better results. Here, we provide an overview of natural components of marine-derived origin, the collagen fibers characterization schematic is summarized in the graphical abstract. The use of collagen fibers for biomedical applications and their performances in cell support are demonstrated in an in vitro system and in tissue regeneration in vivo.