bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysbiosis and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Role for Chronic Stress?
Authors: Sharma Vivek , Singh Thakur , Garg Nikhil , Dhiman Sonia , Gupta Saurabh , Rahman Md. , Najda Agnieszka , Walasek-Janusz Magdalena , Kamel Mohamed , Albadrani Ghadeer , Akhtar Muhammad , Saleem Ammara , Altyar Ahmed , Abdel-Daim Mohamed
Published: April 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an incurable, neuropsychiatric, pathological condition that deteriorates the worth of geriatric lives. AD is characterized by aggregated senile amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal loss, gliosis, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and bioenergetic deficits. The changes in GIT composition and harmony have been recognized as a decisive and interesting player in neuronal pathologies including AD. Microbiota control and influence the oxidoreductase status, inflammation, immune system, and the endocrine system through which it may have an impact on the cognitive domain. The altered and malfunctioned state of microbiota is associated with minor infections to complicated illnesses that include psychosis and neurodegeneration, and several studies show that microbiota regulates neuronal plasticity and neuronal development. The altered state of microbiota (dysbiosis) may affect behavior, stress response, and cognitive functions. Chronic stress-mediated pathological progression also has a well-defined role that intermingles at various physiological levels and directly impacts the pathological advancement of AD. Chronic stress-modulated alterations affect the well-established pathological markers of AD but also affect the gut–brain axis through the mediation of various downstream signaling mechanisms that modulate the microbial commensals of GIT. The extensive literature reports that chronic stressors affect the composition, metabolic activities, and physiological role of microbiota in various capacities. The present manuscript aims to elucidate mechanistic pathways through which stress induces dysbiosis, which in turn escalates the neuropathological cascade of AD. The stress–dysbiosis axis appears a feasible zone of work in the direction of treatment of AD.
Influence of Cognitive Impairment on the Recovery of Subjects with Subacute Stroke Undergoing Upper Limb Robotic Rehabilitation
Authors: Aprile Irene , Guardati Giulia , Cipollini Valeria , Papadopoulou Dionysia , Monteleone Serena , Redolfi Alessandra , Garattini Romina , Sacella Gianluigi , Noro Fulvia , Galeri Silvia , Carrozza Maria Chiara , Germanotta Marco
Published: April 2021

Cognitive decline is often present in stroke survivors, with a significant impact on motor recovery. However, how specific cognitive domains could impact motor recovery after robotic rehabilitation in patients with stroke is still not well understood. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between cognitive impairment and the outcome of a robot-mediated upper limb rehabilitation intervention in a sample of 51 subacute stroke patients. Participants were enrolled and treated with a set of robotic and sensor-based devices. Before the intervention, patients underwent a cognitive assessment by means of the Oxford Cognitive Screen. To assess the effect of the 30-session rehabilitation intervention, patients were assessed twice with the following outcome measures: the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), to evaluate motor function; the Upper limb Motricity Index (MI), to evaluate upper limb muscle strength; the Modified Barthel Index (mBI), to evaluate activities of daily living and mobility. We found that deficits in spatial attention and executive functions impacted the mBI improvement, while language, number processing, and spatial attention deficits reduced the gains in the FMA-UE. These results suggest the importance to evaluate the cognitive functions using an adequate tool in patients with stroke undergoing a robotic rehabilitation intervention.
Food Neophobia and Food Disgust: The Mediating Role of Perceived Vulnerability to Disease
Authors: Santisi Giuseppe , Magnano Paola , Scuderi Vittorio Edoardo
Published: April 2021

Negative attitudes towards food are influenced by two factors, neophobia and often related disgust. Neophobia is the tendency to avoid new foods, while food disgust is the refusal of food that is considered potentially harmful to health. The study presented here aims to analyze the correlation between these two attitudes and the possible mediation operated by the perception of vulnerability to diseases, in order to understand if and how this contributes to the disgust towards certain unfamiliar foods. The study was developed through the administration of an anonymous questionnaire to a sample of 487 Italian citizens participating on a voluntary basis. Three tools were used: Food Neophobia Scale, Perceived Vulnerability to Disease, and Food Disgust Scale. The results showed a strong positive correlation between food disgust and food neophobia. Furthermore, through the application of structural mediation models, it has been shown that between food neophobia and food disgust, there is a mediation effect determined by perceived infectivity. The research aims to make a significant contribution to the understanding of the relationship between food disgust and some individual and psychological characteristics of people, demonstrating that the fear of disease transmission affects their food choices.
Co-Housing to Ease and Share Household Chores? Spatial Visibility and Collective Deliberation as Levers for Gender Equality
Authors: Ledent Gérald , Salembier Chloé
Published: April 2021

Dwelling is very much related to time. A home shields the dweller from outsiders yet, provides an opportunity to engage with the outside world. However, the time required for household chores tends to hinder this engagement, especially for women. Interestingly, co-housing projects tend to rationalise housing and mutualise time-consuming tasks, freeing up time to and thus emancipating and empowering inhabitants. This argument was put to the test in a field study in Brussels. Through a gendered perspective, the research questions and tries to identify which levers ease domestic drudgery in co-housing projects. Spatial analyses coupled with qualitative observations and interviews were carried out in two co-housing projects. The issue of freeing up time through co-housing seems particularly relevant to various categories of people. First, it addresses gender inequalities regarding an egalitarian sharing of household chores. Second, individual (divorced, elderly, or single) households could also benefit from these time savings. Understanding co-housing within this emancipating perspective could be a lever to influence future policy making and incentives.
Effect of Background Water Matrices on Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Product Removal by UV-LED/TiO2
Authors: Fattahi Azar , Jaciw-Zurakowsky Ivana , Srikanthan Nivetha , Bragg Leslie , Liang Robert , Zhou Norman , Servos Mark , Arlos Maricor
Published: April 2021

In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of UV-LED-irradiated TiO2 in removing 24 commonly detected PPCPs in two water matrices (municipal wastewater effluent and Suwannee River NOM–synthetic water) and compared their performance with that of ultrapure water. Relatively fast removal kinetics were observed for 29% and 12% of the PPCPs in ultrapure water and synthetic surface water, respectively (kapp of 1–2 min−1). However, they all remained recalcitrant to photocatalysis when using wastewater effluent as the background matrix (kapp < 0.1 min−1). We also observed that the pH-corrected octanol/water partition coefficient (log Dow) correlated well with PPCP degradation rate constants in ultrapure water, whereas molecular weight was strongly associated with the rate constants in both synthetic surface water and wastewater. The electrical energy per order (EEO) values calculated at the end of the experiments suggest that UV-LED/P25 can be an energy-efficient method for water treatment applications (2.96, 4.77, and 16.36 kW h m−3 in ultrapure water, synthetic surface water, and wastewater effluents, respectively). Although TiO2 photocatalysis is a promising approach in removing PPCPs, our results indicate that additional challenges need to be overcome for PPCPs in more complex water matrices, including an assessment of photocatalytic removal under different background water matrices.
Electrodeposition of Fe-Complexes on Oxide Surfaces for Efficient OER Catalysis
Authors: Al-Zuraiji Sahir M. , Benkó Tímea , Frey Krisztina , Kerner Zsolt , Pap József S.
Published: April 2021

Progress in non-covalent/self-assembled immobilization methods on (photo)electrode materials for molecular catalysts could broaden the scope of attainable systems. While covalent linkage (though considered more stable) necessitates functional groups introduced by means of often cumbersome synthetic procedures, non-covalent assemblies require sufficient propensity of the molecular unit for surface adsorption, thus set less rigorous pre-requisites. Herein, we report efficient electrodeposition (ED) of two Fe(III) complexes prepared with closely related NN’N pincer ligands yielding stable and active ad-layers for the electrocatalysis of the oxygen-evolving reaction (OER). The ED method is based on the utilization of a chloride precursor complex [FeIIICl2(NN’N)], which is dissolved in an organic electrolyte undergoes chloride/aqua ligand exchange upon addition of water. ED provides patchy distribution of a chloride-depleted catalyst layer on indium tin oxide (ITO) and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) surfaces, which can be applied for long periods as OER electrocatalysts. Compared to drop-casting or layering of [FeIIICl2(NN’N)] with Nafion (a commonly used support for molecular electrocatalysts), the surface modification by ED is a material saving and efficient method to immobilize catalysts.
Heteroatom (N, S) Co-Doped CNTs in the Phenol Oxidation by Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation
Authors: Rocha Raquel P. , Soares Olívia Salomé G. P. , Órfão José J. M. , Pereira Manuel Fernando R. , Figueiredo José L.
Published: April 2021

The N, S-co-doping of commercial carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was performed by a solvent-free mechanothermal approach using thiourea. CNTs were mixed with the N, S-dual precursor in a ball-milling apparatus, and further thermally treated under inert atmosphere between 600 and 1000 °C. The influence of the temperature applied during the thermal procedure was investigated. Textural properties of the materials were not significantly affected either by the mechanical step or by the heating phase. Concerning surface chemistry, the developed methodology allowed the incorporation of N (up to 1.43%) and S (up to 1.3%), distributed by pyridinic (N6), pyrrolic (N5), and quaternary N (NQ) groups, and C–S–, C–S–O, and sulphate functionalities. Catalytic activities of the N, S-doped CNTs were evaluated for the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol in a batch mode. Although the samples revealed a similar catalytic activity for phenol degradation, a higher total organic carbon removal (60%) was observed using the sample thermally treated at 900 °C. The improved catalytic activity of this sample was attributed to the presence of N6, NQ, and thiophenic groups. This sample was further tested in the oxidation of phenol under a continuous mode, at around 30% of conversion being achieved in the steady-state.
One-Pot Bi-Enzymatic Cascade Synthesis of Novel Ganoderma Triterpenoid Saponins
Authors: Chang Te-Sheng , Chiang Chien-Min , Wang Tzi-Yuan , Tsai Yu-Li , Wu Yu-Wei , Ting Huei-Ju , Wu Jiumn-Yih
Published: April 2021

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal fungus whose numerous triterpenoids are its main bioactive constituents. Although hundreds of Ganoderma triterpenoids have been identified, Ganoderma triterpenoid glycosides, also named triterpenoid saponins, have been rarely found. Ganoderic acid A (GAA), a major Ganoderma triterpenoid, was synthetically cascaded to form GAA-15-O-β-glucopyranoside (GAA-15-G) by glycosyltransferase (BtGT_16345) from Bacillus thuringiensis GA A07 and subsequently biotransformed into a series of GAA glucosides by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (Toruzyme® 3.0 L) from Thermoanaerobacter sp. The optimal reaction conditions for the second-step biotransformation of GAA-15-G were found to be 20% of maltose; pH 5; 60 °C. A series of GAA glucosides (GAA-G2, GAA-G3, and GAA-G4) could be purified with preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified by mass and nucleic magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral analysis. The major product, GAA-15-O-[α-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-glucopyranoside] (GAA-G2), showed over 4554-fold higher aqueous solubility than GAA. The present study demonstrated that multiple Ganoderma triterpenoid saponins could be produced by sequential actions of BtGT_16345 and Toruzyme®, and the synthetic strategy that we proposed might be applied to many other Ganoderma triterpenoids to produce numerous novel Ganoderma triterpenoid saponins in the future.
Catalytic Elimination of Carbon Monoxide, Ethyl Acetate, and Toluene over the Ni/OMS-2 Catalysts
Authors: Dong Ning , Chen Mengyue , Ye Qing , Zhang Dan , Dai Hongxing
Published: April 2021

The Ni-loaded cryptomelane-type manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieve (OMS-2) catalysts (xNi/OMS-2: x = 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt%) were prepared by a pre-incorporation method. Physicochemical properties of the as-synthesized materials were characterized by means of various techniques, and their catalytic activities for CO, ethyl acetate, and toluene oxidation were evaluated.The loading of Ni played an important role in improving physicochemical propertiesof OMS-2. Among all of the samples, 5Ni/OMS-2 exhibited the best catalytic activity, with the T90 being 155 °C for CO oxidation at a space velocity (SV) of 60,000 mL/(g·h), 225 °C for ethyl acetate oxidation at an SV of 240,000 mL/(g·h), and 300 °C for toluene oxidation at an SV of 240,000 mL/(g·h), which was due to its high Mn3+ content and Oads concentration, good low-temperature reducibility and lattice oxygen mobility, and strong interaction between the Ni species and the OMS-2 support. In addition, catalytic mechanisms of the oxidation of three pollutants over 5Ni/OMS-2 were also studied. The oxidation of CO, ethyl acetate, and toluene over the catalysts took place first via the activated adsorption, then intermediates formation, and finally complete conversion of the formed intermediates to CO2 and H2O.
Facile Redox Synthesis of Novel Bimetallic Crn+/Pd0 Nanoparticles Supported on SiO2 and TiO2 for Catalytic Selective Hydrogenation with Molecular Hydrogen
Authors: Kirichenko Olga A. , Redina Elena A. , Kapustin Gennady I. , Chernova Marina S. , Shesterkina Anastasiya A. , Kustov Leonid M.
Published: April 2021

The bimetallic Crn+/Pd0 nanoparticles have been synthesized for the first time by a two-step redox method. The method includes the deposition of Pd0 nanoparticles on the surface of SiO2 and TiO2 carriers followed by the deposition of Crn+ on the surface of Pd0 nanoparticles using the redox procedures, which are based on the catalytic reduction of Crn+ with H2 in aqueous suspensions at ambient conditions. Transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourie-transformed infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed CO (FTIR-CO), and CO chemisorption studies were performed to characterize the morphology, nanoparticle size, element, and particle distribution, as well as the electronic state of deposited metals in the obtained catalysts. A decrease in nanoparticle size from 22 nm (Pd/SiO2) to 2–6 nm (Pd/TiO2) makes possible deposition of up to 1.1 wt.% Cr most likely as Cr3+. The deposition of CrOx species on the surface of Pd nanoparticles was confirmed using FTIR of adsorbed CO and the method of temperature-programmed reduction with hydrogen (TPR-H2). The intensive hydrogen consumption in the temperature ranges from −50 °C to 40 °C (Cr/Pd/SiO2) and from −90 °C to −40 °C (Cr/Pd/TiO2) was first observed for the supported Pd catalysts. The decrease in the temperature of β-PdHx decomposition indicates the strong interaction between the deposited Crn+ species and Pd0 nanoparticle after reduction with H2 at 500 °C. The novel Crn+/Pd/TiO2 catalysts demonstrated a considerably higher activity in selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene than the Pd/TiO2 catalyst at ambient conditions.
Greener Catalysis for Environmental Applications
Authors: Wacławek Stanisław
Published: April 2021

Catalytic reactions account for approximately 85% of all chemical reactions, and they are particularly significant in environmental science [...]
SnS2/TiO2 Nanocomposites for Hydrogen Production and Photodegradation under Extended Solar Irradiation
Authors: Shanmugaratnam Sivagowri , Selvaratnam Balaranjan , Baride Aravind , Koodali Ranjit , Ravirajan Punniamoorthy , Velauthapillai Dhayalan , Shivatharsiny Yohi
Published: April 2021

Earth–abundant transition metal chalcogenide materials are of great research interest for energy production and environmental remediation, as they exhibit better photocatalytic activity due to their suitable electronic and optical properties. This study focuses on the photocatalytic activity of flower-like SnS2 nanoparticles (composed of nanosheet subunits) embedded in TiO2 synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The materials were characterized using different techniques, and their photocatalytic activity was assessed for hydrogen evolution reaction and the degradation of methylene blue. Among the catalysts studied, 10 wt. % of SnS2 loaded TiO2 nanocomposite shows an optimum hydrogen evolution rate of 195.55 µmolg−1, whereas 15 wt. % loading of SnS2 on TiO2 exhibits better performance against the degradation of methylene blue (MB) with the rate constant of 4.415 × 10−4 s−1 under solar simulated irradiation. The improved performance of these materials can be attributed to the effective photo-induced charge transfer and reduced recombination, which make these nanocomposite materials promising candidates for the development of high-performance next-generation photocatalyst materials. Further, scavenging experiments were carried out to confirm the reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in the photocatalytic degradation. It can be observed that there was a 78% reduction in the rate of degradation when IPA was used as the scavenger, whereas around 95% reduction was attained while N2 was used as the scavenger. Notably, very low degradation (<5%) was attained when the dye alone was directly under solar irradiation. These results further validate that the •OH radical and the superoxide radicals can be acknowledged for the degradation mechanism of MB, and the enhancement of degradation efficiency may be due to the combined effect of in situ dye sensitization during the catalysis and the impregnation of low bandgap materials on TiO2.
Plant Acyl-CoA-Binding Proteins—Their Lipid and Protein Interactors in Abiotic and Biotic Stresses
Authors: Lai Sze-Han , Chye Mee-Len
Published: April 2021

Plants are constantly exposed to environmental stresses during their growth and development. Owing to their immobility, plants possess stress-sensing abilities and adaptive responses to cope with the abiotic and biotic stresses caused by extreme temperatures, drought, flooding, salinity, heavy metals and pathogens. Acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs), a family of conserved proteins among prokaryotes and eukaryotes, bind to a variety of acyl-CoA esters with different affinities and play a role in the transport and maintenance of subcellular acyl-CoA pools. In plants, studies have revealed ACBP functions in development and stress responses through their interactions with lipids and protein partners. This review summarises the roles of plant ACBPs and their lipid and protein interactors in abiotic and biotic stress responses.
The MAL Protein, an Integral Component of Specialized Membranes, in Normal Cells and Cancer
Authors: Rubio-Ramos Armando , Labat-de-Hoz Leticia , Correas Isabel , Alonso Miguel A.
Published: April 2021

The MAL gene encodes a 17-kDa protein containing four putative transmembrane segments whose expression is restricted to human T cells, polarized epithelial cells and myelin-forming cells. The MAL protein has two unusual biochemical features. First, it has lipid-like properties that qualify it as a member of the group of proteolipid proteins. Second, it partitions selectively into detergent-insoluble membranes, which are known to be enriched in condensed cell membranes, consistent with MAL being distributed in highly ordered membranes in the cell. Since its original description more than thirty years ago, a large body of evidence has accumulated supporting a role of MAL in specialized membranes in all the cell types in which it is expressed. Here, we review the structure, expression and biochemical characteristics of MAL, and discuss the association of MAL with raft membranes and the function of MAL in polarized epithelial cells, T lymphocytes, and myelin-forming cells. The evidence that MAL is a putative receptor of the epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens, the expression of MAL in lymphomas, the hypermethylation of the MAL gene and subsequent loss of MAL expression in carcinomas are also presented. We propose a model of MAL as the organizer of specialized condensed membranes to make them functional, discuss the role of MAL as a tumor suppressor in carcinomas, consider its potential use as a cancer biomarker, and summarize the directions for future research.
Cytokine Levels in Human Vitreous in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Loporchio Dean F. , Tam Emily K. , Cho Jane , Chung Jaeyoon , Jun Gyungah R. , Xia Weiming , Fiorello Marissa G. , Siegel Nicole H. , Ness Steven , Stein Thor D. , Subramanian Manju L.
Published: April 2021

In this study, we compare the vitreous cytokine profile in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) to that of patients without PDR. The identification of novel cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of PDR provides candidate therapeutic targets that may stand alone or work synergistically with current therapies in the management of diabetic retinopathy. Undiluted vitreous humor specimens were collected from 74 patients undergoing vitrectomy for various vitreoretinal disorders. Quantitative immunoassay was performed for a panel of 36 neuroinflammatory cytokines in each specimen and assessed to identify differences between PDR (n = 35) and non-PDR (n = 39) patients. Levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-15, IL-16, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-D, c-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid-A (SAA), and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) were significantly increased in the vitreous of PDR patients compared to non-PDR patients (p < 0.05). We report novel increases in IL-15 and IL-16, in addition to the expected VEGF, in the human vitreous humor of patients with PDR. Additionally, we confirm the elevation of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, SAA, IL-8 and CRP in the vitreous of patients with PDR, which has previously been described.
Endothelial and Vascular Health: A Tale of Honey, H2O2 and Calcium
Authors: Ranzato Elia , Bonsignore Gregorio , Patrone Mauro , Martinotti Simona
Published: April 2021

Intracellular Ca2+ regulation plays a pivotal role in endothelial biology as well as during endothelial restoration processes. Interest in honey utilization in wound approaches is rising in recent years. In order to evaluate the positive effects of buckwheat honey on endothelial responses, we utilized an immortalized endothelial cell line to evaluate cellular responses upon honey exposure, with particular interest in Ca2+ signaling involvement. The results highlight the positive effects of buckwheat honey on endothelial cells’ responses and the central role played by Ca2+ signaling as an encouraging target for more efficacious clinical treatments.
Cartilage Protective and Immunomodulatory Features of Osteoarthritis Synovial Fluid-Treated Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secreted Factors and Extracellular Vesicles-Embedded miRNAs
Authors: Ragni Enrico , Colombini Alessandra , Viganò Marco , Libonati Francesca , Perucca Orfei Carlotta , Zagra Luigi , de Girolamo Laura
Published: April 2021

Intra-articular administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs), either in vitro expanded or within adipose tissue-based products obtained at point-of-care, has gained popularity as innovative regenerative medicine approach for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. ASCs can stimulate tissue repair and immunomodulation through paracrine factors, both soluble and extracellular vesicles (EV) embedded, collectively defining the secretome. Interaction with the degenerative/inflamed environment is a crucial factor in understanding the finely tuned molecular message but, to date, the majority of reports have described ASC-secretome features in resting conditions or under chemical stimuli far from the in vivo environment of degenerated OA joints. In this report, the secretory profile of ASCs treated with native synovial fluid from OA patients was evaluated, sifting 200 soluble factors and 754 EV-embedded miRNAs. Fifty-eight factors and 223 EV-miRNAs were identified, and discussed in the frame of cartilage and immune cell homeostasis. Bioinformatics gave a molecular basis for M2 macrophage polarization, T cell proliferation inhibition and T reg expansion enhancement, as well as cartilage protection, further confirmed in an in vitro model of OA chondrocytes. Moreover, a strong influence on immune cell chemotaxis emerged. In conclusion, obtained molecular data support the regenerative and immunomodulatory properties of ASCs when interacting with osteoarthritic joint environment.
The Type and Source of Reactive Oxygen Species Influences the Outcome of Oxidative Stress in Cultured Cells
Authors: Goffart Steffi , Tikkanen Petra , Michell Craig , Wilson Trevor , Pohjoismäki Jaakko L. O.
Published: April 2021

Oxidative stress can be modeled using various different experimental approaches, such as exposing the cells or organisms to oxidative chemicals. However, the actual effects of these chemicals, outside of the immediate measured effect, have attracted relatively little attention. We show here that three commonly used oxidants, menadione, potassium bromate, and hydrogen peroxide, while known to function differently, also elicit different types of responses in HEK293T cells. Menadione and bromate exposure mainly trigger an integrated stress response, whereas hydrogen peroxide affects cellular processes more diversely. Interestingly, acute oxidative stress does not universally cause notable induction of DNA repair or antioxidant defense mechanisms. We also provide evidence that cells with previous experience of oxidative stress show adaptive changes in their responses when the stress is renewed. Our results urge caution when comparing studies where different sources of oxidative stress have been used or when generalizing the findings of these studies to other oxidant types or tissues.
An Optimized Preparation Method for Long ssDNA Donors to Facilitate Quick Knock-In Mouse Generation
Authors: Inoue Yukiko U. , Morimoto Yuki , Yamada Mayumi , Kaneko Ryosuke , Shimaoka Kazumi , Oki Shinji , Hotta Mayuko , Asami Junko , Koike Eriko , Hori Kei , Hoshino Mikio , Imayoshi Itaru , Inoue Takayoshi
Published: April 2021

Fluorescent reporter mouse lines and Cre/Flp recombinase driver lines play essential roles in investigating various molecular functions in vivo. Now that applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing system to mouse fertilized eggs have drastically accelerated these knock-in mouse generations, the next need is to establish easier, quicker, and cheaper methods for knock-in donor preparation. Here, we reverify and optimize the phospho-PCR method to obtain highly pure long single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs) suitable for knock-in mouse generation via genome editing. The sophisticated sequential use of two exonucleases, in which double-stranded DNAs (dsDNAs) amplified by a pair of 5′-phosphorylated primer and normal primer are digested by Lambda exonuclease to yield ssDNA and the following Exonuclease III treatment degrades the remaining dsDNAs, enables much easier long ssDNA productions without laborious gel extraction steps. By microinjecting these donor DNAs along with CRISPR/Cas9 components into mouse zygotes, we have effectively generated fluorescent reporter lines and recombinase drivers. To further broaden the applicability, we have prepared long ssDNA donors in higher concentrations and electroporated them into mouse eggs to successfully obtain knock-in embryos. This classical yet improved method, which is regaining attention on the progress of CRISPR/Cas9 development, shall be the first choice for long donor DNA preparation, and the resulting knock-in lines could accelerate life science research.
Accuracy of Pulse Oximetry in the Presence of Fetal Hemoglobin—A Systematic Review
Authors: Pritišanac Ena , Urlesberger Berndt , Schwaberger Bernhard , Pichler Gerhard
Published: April 2021

Continuous monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) is the main method to guide respiratory and oxygen support in neonates during postnatal stabilization and after admission to neonatal intensive care unit. The accuracy of these devices is therefore crucial. The presence of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in neonatal blood might affect SpO2 readings. We performed a systematic qualitative review to investigate the impact of HbF on SpO2 accuracy in neonates. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health database (CINAHL) and Cochrane library databases were searched from inception to January 2021 for human studies in the English language, which compared arterial oxygen saturations (SaO2) from neonatal blood with SpO2 readings and included HbF measurements in their reports. Ten observational studies were included. Eight studies reported SpO2-SaO2 bias that ranged from −3.6%, standard deviation (SD) 2.3%, to +4.2% (SD 2.4). However, it remains unclear to what extent this depends on HbF. Five studies showed that an increase in HbF changes the relation of partial oxygen pressure (paO2) to SpO2, which is physiologically explained by the leftward shift in oxygen dissociation curve. It is important to be aware of this shift when treating a neonate, especially for the lower SpO2 limits in preterm neonates to avoid undetected hypoxia.
Multisector Risk Identification to Assess Resilience to Flooding
Authors: Almeida Maria do Céu , Telhado Maria João , Morais Marco , Barreiro João
Published: April 2021

Climate trends suggest an increase in the frequency of intense rainfall events and the aggravation of existing conditions in terms of flooding in urban areas. In coastal areas, conditions are aggravated by coexistence with coastal overtopping. Flood risk control is complex, and the interdependencies among the services and sectors in urban areas imply the need for adoption of approaches that embrace the interplay between service providers to ensure critical urban functions. Flooding incorporates several hazards. Assessment of resilience to multiple hazards in complex environments benefits from integrated and multi-sectoral approaches. A common constraint resides in the limited data and tools available for undertaking these complex assessments. This paper proposes a risk-based methodology to assess urban areas’ resilience to flooding by addressing sectors’ interdependencies in a context of limited data and ready-to-use tools. Multisector flood risk identification is pursued with the support of a geographic information system and is applied to Lisbon with a focus on the cascading effects of drainage system failures on buildings, populations, mobility, waste management, and electricity supply. The results demonstrate the potential for combining data and knowledge from different sources with dual modelling approaches, thus allowing one to obtain trends of exposure and vulnerability to flooding for current and climate change scenarios. This methodology facilitates dialogue among stakeholders and decision levels by contributing to capacity building, and it contributes to sustainable development.
Corrosion Behaviour of Titanium Alloy and Carbon Steel in a High-Temperature, Single and Mixed-Phase, Simulated Geothermal Environment Containing H2S, CO2 and HCl
Authors: Thorhallsson Andri Isak , Karlsdottir Sigrun Nanna
Published: April 2021

The corrosion behaviour of a new titanium-based alloy, with nickel, molybdenum and zirconium as the main alloying elements, was studied in a simulated geothermal environment at various phase conditions of a corrosive fluid. Corrosion testing of carbon steel was also conducted for comparison. Both materials were tested at an elevated temperature between 180 and 350 °C and at a 10 bar gauge pressure in H2O containing HCl, H2S, and CO2 gases with an acidic condensate of pH = 3. The study found that the titanium alloy demonstrated good corrosion resistance in a single- and multiphase geothermal environment. In the testing volume, where the boiling of testing fluid occurred, the carbon steel was prone to localized damage of oxide, sulphide and chloride corrosion products. In the superheated testing volume, a homogeneous oxide corrosion layer was observed on the carbon steel. In the testing volume where condensation of the testing fluid occurred, a sulphide layer with an oxide sublayer was formed on the carbon steel.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Microwave Absorption Properties of Nickel Ferrite/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Composites
Authors: Guo Lei , He Yusong , Chen Dong , Du Bin , Cao Wei , Lv Yadong , Ding Zhijun
Published: April 2021

It is well accepted that the microwave absorption performance of ferrite can be enhanced via the hybridization. However, it is still very challenging to design the hierarchical nanostructure of ferrite hybrids to fabricate wave absorbing composites with both the high efficiency and lightweight. Herein, we successfully realize the in-situ synthesis of nickel ferrite/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (NiFe2O4/MWCNTs) hybrids with a large-scale production by the hydrothermal method. The structural characteristics, morphology, electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and vector network analyzer. The morphological study shows that NiFe2O4 nanoparticles with a small size (tens of nanometers) are coated on the MWCNTs, leading to a three-dimensional hierarchical nanostructure. The NiFe2O4/MWCNTs hybrids show satisfied microwave absorption properties. Typically, the optimized sample shows the minimum reflection loss of −19 dB at 11.3 GHz, and the bandwidth of the reflectivity below −10 dB is 2.5 GHz with a thin thickness of 1.5 mm. This result shall be due to the improved dielectric losses or interface polarization etc. Our results demonstrate a facile approach for the design of ferrite-based microwave absorber to meet the requirements of lightweight, thin-thickness and high efficiency.
An Effective Algorithm of Uneven Road Surface Modeling and Calculating Reaction Forces for a Vehicle Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Tengler Szymon , Warwas Kornel
Published: April 2021

Computer simulations of vehicle dynamics become more complex when a vehicle movement takes place on the uneven road surface. In such a case two problems must be solved. The first one concerns a way of road surface modeling, and the second one a way of precisely determining a place of interaction of reaction forces of the road on the vehicle wheels. In this paper triangular irregular networks (TIN) surface was used for modeling surface unevenness, and the author’s algorithm based on the efficient kd-tree data structure was developed for determining a place of an application road surface reaction forces. For calculating the reaction forces including rolling resistance force the Pacejka Magic Formula tire model was used. The solution presented in the paper is computing efficient and for this reason it can be used in the in real-time simulations not only for a vehicle dynamics but for any objects moving over an uneven surface road.
Country Representatives’ Perceptions of the Biodiversity Science-Policy Interface
Authors: Mader André Derek , Johnson Brian Alan , Ohashi Yuki , Fenstermaker Isabella
Published: April 2021

Biodiversity knowledge is communicated by scientists to policymakers at the biodiversity “science-policy interface” (SPI). Although the biodiversity SPI is the subject of a growing body of literature, gaps in our understanding include the efficacy of mechanisms to bridge the interface, the quality of information exchanged between science and policy, and the inclusivity of stakeholders involved. To improve this understanding, we surveyed an important but under-studied group—biodiversity policymakers and scientific advisors representing their respective countries in negotiations of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). We found that a wide variety of SPI mechanisms were being used. Overall, they were considered to be sufficiently effective, improving over time, and supplied with information of adequate quality. Most respondents, however, agreed that key actors were still missing from the biodiversity SPI.
Time Trends Analysis of Cervical Cancer Incidence in Cluj County, Romania, Using Data from a Population-Based Cancer Registry
Authors: Ignat Radu-Mihai , Coza Daniela , Ignat Patricia , Badea Radu-Ion , Șuteu Ofelia
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: Romania has one of the highest cervical cancer incidence rates in Europe. In Cluj County, the first screening program was initiated in 1998. We aimed to investigate the time trends of cervical cancer incidence in women from Cluj County and to evaluate the data quality at the Cancer Registry. (2) Methods: We calculated time trends of standardized incidence rates in the period 1998–2014 and the Annual Percent Change (APC%). To assess data quality, we used the indicators: mortality/incidence ratio (M/I), percentage of cases declared only at death (DOD%), and percentage of cases with pathological confirmation (PC%). (3) Results: The standardized incidence rate increased steadily, from 23.74 cases/100,000 in 1998, to 32/100,000 in 2014, with an APC% of 2.49% (p < 0.05). The rise in incidence affected both squamous cell carcinoma (APC% 2.49%) (p < 0.05) and cervical adenocarcinoma (APC% 10.54%) (p < 0.05). The M/I ratio was 0.29, DOD% 2.66%, and MC% 94.8%. The last two parameters are within the silver standard concerning data quality. (4) Conclusions. Our study revealed an ascending trend of cervical cancer incidence, more consistent for adenocarcinoma, in the context of a newly introduced screening program and partially due to the improvement of the quality of case reporting at the Cancer Registry from Cluj.
Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis Show an Altered Flexion/Relaxation Phenomenon
Authors: Aranda-Valera I. Concepción , Garrido-Castro Juan Luis , Martínez-Galisteo Alfonso , Peña-Amaro José , González-Navas Cristina , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio , Jiménez-Reina Luis , Collantes-Estévez Eduardo , López-Medina Clementina
Published: April 2021

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic rheumatic disease characterized by the presence of inflammatory back pain. In patients with chronic low back pain, the lumbar flexion relaxation phenomenon measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) differs from that in healthy individuals. However, sEMG activity in axSpA patients has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to analyze the flexion relaxation phenomenon in axSpA patients. A study evaluating 39 axSpA patients and 35 healthy controls was conducted. sEMG activity at the erector spinae muscles was measured during lumbar full flexion movements. sEMG activity was compared between axSpA patients and the controls, as well as between active (BASDAI ≥ 4) and non-active (BASDAI < 4) patients. The reliability (using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC)), criterion validity and discriminant validity using the area Under the curve (AUC) for the inverse flexion/relaxation ratio (1/FRR) were evaluated. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between axSpA patients and the control group in lumbar electric activity, especially during flexion, relaxation, and extension and in FRR and 1/FRR (0.66 ± 0.39 vs. 0.25 ± 0.19, respectively). In addition, significant differences were found between active and non-active but also between non-active and healthy subjects. The sEMG showed good reliability (ICC > 0.8 for 1/FRR) and criterion validity. ROC analysis showed good discriminant validity for axSpA patients (AUC = 0.835) vs. the control group using 1/FRR. An abnormal flexion/relaxation phenomenon exists in axSpA patients compared with controls. sEMG could be an additional objective tool in the evaluation of patient function and disease activity status.
Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Adnexal Lesions: The Role of Texture Analysis
Authors: Ștefan Paul-Andrei , Lupean Roxana-Adelina , Mihu Carmen Mihaela , Lebovici Andrei , Oancea Mihaela Daniela , Hîțu Liviu , Duma Daniel , Csutak Csaba
Published: April 2021

The classic ultrasonographic differentiation between benign and malignant adnexal masses encounters several limitations. Ultrasonography-based texture analysis (USTA) offers a new perspective, but its role has been incompletely evaluated. This study aimed to further investigate USTA’s capacity in differentiating benign from malignant adnexal tumors, as well as comparing the workflow and the results with previously-published research. A total of 123 adnexal lesions (benign, 88; malignant, 35) were retrospectively included. The USTA was performed on dedicated software. By applying three reduction techniques, 23 features with the highest discriminatory potential were selected. The features’ ability to identify ovarian malignancies was evaluated through univariate, multivariate, and receiver operating characteristics analyses, and also by the use of the k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier. Three parameters were independent predictors for ovarian neoplasms (sum variance, and two variations of the sum of squares). Benign and malignant lesions were differentiated with 90.48% sensitivity and 93.1% specificity by the prediction model (which included the three independent predictors), and with 71.43–80% sensitivity and 87.5–89.77% specificity by the KNN classifier. The USTA shows statistically significant differences between the textures of the two groups, but it is unclear whether the parameters can reflect the true histopathological characteristics of adnexal lesions.
The Role of Left-Atrial Mechanics Assessed by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography to Differentiate Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy from Hypertensive Left-Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Popa-Fotea Nicoleta-Monica , Micheu Miruna Mihaela , Oprescu Nicoleta , Alexandrescu Adriana , Greavu Maria , Onciul Sebastian , Onut Roxana , Petre Ioana , Scarlatescu Alina , Stoian Monica , Ticulescu Razvan , Zamfir Diana , Dorobanțu Maria
Published: April 2021

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and arterial hypertension (HTN) are conditions with different pathophysiology, but both can result in left-ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The role of left-atrial (LA) functional changes detected by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) in indicating LVH etiology is unknown. Methods: We aimed to characterize LA mechanics using STE in LVH patients with HCM and HTN. LA 2D volumetric and STE parameters were analyzed in 86 LVH patients (43 HCM and 43 isolated HTN subjects) and 33 age- and sex-matched controls. Results: The volumetric study showed that LA reservoir and conduit function were impaired in the HCM group compared to controls, while, in the HTN group, only LA conduit function was deteriorated. The HCM group had all three STE-derived LA functions impaired compared to controls. The HTN group, consistently with volumetric analysis, had solely LA conduit function reduced compared to controls. Ratios of LA booster-pump strain (S) and strain rate (SR) to interventricular septum (IVS) thickness were the most accurate parameters to discriminate between HCM and HTN. The subgroup harboring sarcomeric pathogenic (P)/likely pathogenic (LP) variants had reduced LA booster-pump S and SR compared with the genotype-negative subgroup. Conclusions: LA reservoir, conduit, and pump functions are decreased in HCM compared to HTN patients with similar LVH. We report the ratios between LA contraction S/SR and IVS thickness as novel parameters with high accuracy in discriminating LVH due to HCM. The presence of P/LP variants in sarcomeric or sarcomeric-associated genes could be associated with more severe LA dysfunction.
Lung Transplantation: CT Assessment of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction (CLAD)
Authors: Brun Anne-Laure , Chabi Marie-Laure , Picard Clément , Mellot François , Grenier Philippe A.
Published: April 2021

Chronic lung allograft rejection remains one of the major causes of morbi-mortality after lung transplantation. The term Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction (CLAD) has been proposed to describe the different processes that lead to a significant and persistent deterioration in lung function without identifiable causes. The two main phenotypes of CLAD are Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS) and Restrictive Allograft Syndrome (RAS), each of them characterized by particular functional and imaging features. These entities can be associated (mixed phenotype) or switched from one to the other. If CLAD remains a clinical diagnosis based on spirometry, computed tomography (CT) scan plays an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of CLAD patients, to exclude identifiable causes of functional decline when CLAD is first suspected, to detect early abnormalities that can precede the diagnosis of CLAD (particularly RAS), to differentiate between the obstructive and restrictive phenotypes, and to detect exacerbations and evolution from one phenotype to the other. Recognition of early signs of rejection is crucial for better understanding of physiopathologic pathways and optimal management of patients.
Quantitative Interpretation of UWB Radar Images for Non-Invasive Tissue Temperature Estimation during Hyperthermia
Authors: Prokhorova Alexandra , Ley Sebastian , Helbig Marko
Published: April 2021

The knowledge of temperature distribution inside the tissue to be treated is essential for patient safety, workflow and clinical outcomes of thermal therapies. Microwave imaging represents a promising approach for non-invasive tissue temperature monitoring during hyperthermia treatment. In the present paper, a methodology for quantitative non-invasive tissue temperature estimation based on ultra-wideband (UWB) radar imaging in the microwave frequency range is described. The capabilities of the proposed method are demonstrated by experiments with liquid phantoms and three-dimensional (3D) Delay-and-Sum beamforming algorithms. The results of our investigation show that the methodology can be applied for detection and estimation of the temperature induced dielectric properties change.