bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of an Acidophilic Cellulolytic Bacterial Strain and Its Cellulase Production Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Shijia , Wang Zhichao , Shen Jiong , Chen Xuantong , Zhang Juan
Published: June 2023

The aim of the study was to isolate and identify a highly efficient cellulolytic bacteria strain that can be used in acidic environments, and then investigate its cellulase production characteristics for the effective utilization of agricultural waste. For this purpose, we set a series of isolation and screening steps, 21 strains were isolated from soil, and an acidophilic strain labeled as B13-2 with high cellulase production was screened using the Gram’ iodine method and cellulase activity assay; it was identified as Raoultella terrigena. Lastly, the culture conditions such as incubation time, incubation temperature, pH, carbon sources, nitrogen sources, and inoculum size were optimized via single-factor experiments, and on this basis, the cellulase production of strain B13-2 was optimized using response surface methodology with cellulase activity as the optimization goal. The results of the response surface optimization showed that the optimum incubation time is 3.1 days, the optimum temperature is 29.9 °C, the optimum pH is 4.1, and the optimum inoculum size is 1.50%, the cellulase activity reached a maximum of 13.503 U/mL, which was about 140% higher than that before optimization. In particular, strain B13-2 had higher cellulase production when rice straws were used as the natural carbon source. Meanwhile, the SEM pictures demonstrated that the surface of the substrate rice straws in an acidic buffer with strain B13-2 was uneven, with larger holes than in the neutral buffer after incubation. It further proved that this strain has a stronger ability to degrade cellulose under acidic conditions. The B13-2 is a kind of acidophilic cellulolytic bacteria. Therefore, it has the potential to be developed into a silage additive agent and provides a high-quality strain resource for the high-value biotransformation of agricultural waste and lays a certain foundation for the sustainable development of agricultural cultivation.
Salicylic Acid Mitigates Arsenic Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa) via Modulation of Nitrogen–Sulfur Assimilation, Ethylene Biosynthesis, and Defense Systems
Authors: Mahajan Moksh , Nazir Faroza , Jahan Badar , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Iqbal Noushina , Khan M. Iqbal R.
Published: June 2023

During climate change, various unparalleled perils to agricultural systems have been observed worldwide. The detrimental impacts of heavy metal toxicity (HMs) lead to a considerable decrease in crop productivity and yield, thereby putting the agricultural system at risk and exerting a significant impact on food production. This has sparked significant worry regarding the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) pertaining to ensuring food and nutritional security for the constantly growing global population. In the current study, we have endeavored to reveal the significance of salicylic acid (SA) under arsenic (As) stress conditions in rice (Oryza sativa) plants. Being a toxic metalloid, As has adverse effects on the efficiency of photosynthesis and the assimilation of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) growth, and also causes alterations in defense systems and ethylene biosynthesis. The study revealed that the positive influence of SA in promoting nutrient metabolism, photosynthesis and growth under As stress was the result of its interplay with ethylene biosynthesis and the enhanced capacity of defense systems to reduce oxidative stress-mediated cellular injuries and cell deaths. In conclusion, SA can be considered a crucial physiological criterion for the development of As-tolerant rice plants.
Design and Experiment of a Targeted Variable Fertilization Control System for Deep Application of Liquid Fertilizer
Authors: Zhou Wenqi , An Tianhao , Wang Jinwu , Fu Qiang , Wen Nuan , Sun Xiaobo , Wang Qi , Liu Ziming
Published: June 2023

Given the problems of targeted variable deep application of liquid fertilizer in the field, such as low precision, inaccurate fertilization amount, and poor fertilization effect, a targeted variable fertilization control system of liquid fertilizer based on a fuzzy PID algorithm was designed in this study to realize the combination of precise variable fertilization technology and targeted deep-fertilization technology. Specifically, the fertilization equipment and adaptive fuzzy PID control strategy of targeted variable fertilization were designed first. Then, the mathematical model of the targeted variable fertilization control system of liquid fertilizer was established following the requirements of intertillage and fertilization of corn crops. Afterward, the response time and overshoot of the control system were simulated through the Simulink tool of MATLAB software, in which the fuzzy PID control and traditional PID control were compared. Then, the control effect of the targeted variable fertilization control system was verified through field experiments. The test results demonstrated that in the process of simulation analysis, the response time of the variable fertilization control system based on fuzzy PID control was shortened by nearly 5 s on average compared to the system based on traditional PID control, and the error was controlled within 10%. In the field test, the target rate of targeted variable fertilization equipment for liquid fertilizer reached more than 80%, and the control accuracy of the liquid fertilizer application amount also remained above 90%. Finally, the tracking experiment to check the fertilization effect proved that the targeted variable deep-fertilization method of liquid fertilizer could further improve the yield of maize crops under the premise of reducing the fertilization cost. The study provides a feasible solution for the method of precise variable fertilization combined with targeted fertilization.
Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Gene Expression in Genetic Resources of Sorghum Collected from Australia, Former Soviet Union, USA, Sudan and Guadeloupe
Authors: Seo Ji Won , Ham Da Ye , Lee Jae Geun , Kim Na Young , Kim Myong Jo , Yu Chang Yeon , Seong Eun Soo
Published: June 2023

Functionality based on the biological activity of sorghum such as antioxidant activity is known worldwide for its excellence. In this study, we investigated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, phenol compounds, and changes in antioxidant gene expression in sorghum seed cells collected from five countries (Australia, former Soviet Union, USA, Sudan, and Guadeloupe). Sorghum seeds were obtained from 12 genetic resources (K159041, K159042, K159078, K159081, K159088, K159089, K159093, K159097, K159100, K159096, K159048, and K159077). ROS scavenging activity was analyzed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,20-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS). K159097 showed high antioxidant activity values of 33.52 ± 0.70 μg/mL (DPPH) and 271.06 ± 13.41 μg/mL (ABTS), respectively. The reducing power of the resources improved in a concentration-dependent manner, and 10 sorghum resources, except K159078 and K159048, showed high reducing power. K159042 had the highest total phenol content (231 ± 2.17 mg·GAE/g), and K159081 had the highest total flavonoid content (67.71 ± 5.38 mg·QE/g). Among the six phenolic compounds (protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, taxifolin, and naringenin) analyzed, the compound with the highest content was taxifolin (203.67 ± 4.99 mg/L in K159093). K159041, K159042, and K159048 had the highest expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase 1 (APX1), and catalase (CAT), which are indicators of antioxidant activity. An evaluation of the diversity of sorghum provided useful information on antioxidant activity, physicochemical content, and antioxidant gene expression in seed cells, suggesting that sorghum can be used as a biomaterial from natural resources.
Impacts of Different Long-Term Fertilizer Management Regimes on Soil Nitrogen Mineralization and Its Enzyme Activities under a Double-Cropping Rice System in Southern China
Authors: Tang Haiming , Cheng Kaikai , Shi Lihong , Wen Li , Li Chao , Li Weiyan , Xiao Xiaoping
Published: June 2023

Soil extracellular enzyme activities play an important role in regulating the soil nitrogen (N) mineralization process in paddy fields. However, there is still a need to further study how N mineralization responds to different fertilizer management techniques and the soil extracellular enzyme activities for N mineralization in paddy fields. Therefore, the influence of different long-term (35 years) fertilizer regimes on soil N mineralization, hydrolysable N fractions—such as hydrolyzed unknown nitrogen (HUN), amino acid nitrogen (AAN), amino sugar nitrogen (ASN), ammonia nitrogen (AN), and total acid-hydrolyzed nitrogen (TAN)—and their extracellular enzyme activities (soil urease, L-glutaminase, β-glucosidase, arylamidase, and β-glucosaminidase) in a double-cropping rice field in southern China were investigated in this study. The field experiment included the following fertilizer regimes: rice straw and inorganic fertilizer (RF), 30% organic manure and 70% inorganic fertilizer (OM), inorganic fertilizer alone (MF), and no application of inorganic fertilizer as a control (CK). The results show that the soil ammonium N, amino sugar N, hydrolysable unidentified N, and amino acid N contents in the paddy field with RF treatment increased by 30.56%, 5.51%, and 62.74% compared with the CK treatment. The results show that the soil aerobic and anaerobic N mineralization rates in the paddy fields with OM and RF treatments increased by 22.92% and 18.27% compared with those with MF treatment. Moreover, soil extracellular enzyme activities under RF and OM treatments significantly increased, which indicated that the main substrate of microbial activity was effective. Correlation analysis indicated that the soil L-glutaminase activity, amino sugar N, amino acid N, and total acid-hydrolysable N contents were positively correlated with soil aerobic and anaerobic N mineralization rates in paddy fields. However, there was a negative correlation between the soil N mineralization rate and soil β-glucosaminidase activity in paddy fields. This finding shows that the yields of early rice and late rice under the RF and OM treatments were significantly higher than those under the MF and CK treatments. Compared with the MF treatment, the yields of double-cropping rice with RF and OM treatments increased by 9.84% and 11.37%, respectively. As a result, the application of straw or organic manure and inorganic fertilizer was effective for improving soil N mineralization, the soil acid-hydrolyzed N content, and extracellular enzyme activities in double-cropping rice fields.
Effects of Conservation Agriculture Practices on Tomato Yield and Economic Performance
Authors: Gagliardi Lorenzo , Sportelli Mino , Fontanelli Marco , Sbrana Massimo , Luglio Sofia Matilde , Raffaelli Michele , Peruzzi Andrea
Published: June 2023

Conservation agriculture practices, such as reduced tillage and the incorporation of cover crops, play a crucial role in improving the sustainability of organic farming systems. The aim of this two-year field trial was to evaluate five different organic technical itineraries (ST, IN1, IN2, M1, and M2) which differed on soil management practices adopted before processing tomato transplantation and regarding weed control strategies performed. Soil management practices in comparison consisted of conventional deep tillage (ST and M1) or reduced tillage together with the use of a cover crop mixture composed of common vetch and barley (IN1, IN2, and M2). Weed control strategies involved the use of biodegradable mulch together with mechanical weeding (ST and M2), or false seedbed technique and mechanical weeding (IN1, IN2, and M1). Weed biomass at harvest, tomato yield, and the operational and economic performance of each of the technical itineraries was evaluated. No significant differences emerged in terms of weed biomass at harvest between itineraries. Best yield results were obtained tendentially by ST and M2 when biodegradable mulch was used, with values equal to 42.14 and 41.47 Mg ha−1 in 2020 and 30.68 and 31.19 Mg ha−1 in 2021, respectively. Even though the itineraries where mulch film was used (ST and M2) resulted in significantly onerous processes, they also obtained the highest gross income compared to the other itineraries, with values of 30,998 and 29,900 € ha−1 in 2020, and of 16,060 and 15,186 € ha−1 in 2021, respectively. These results revealed the importance of using mulching to help cope with critical climatic conditions, such as drought seasons. Further studies are needed to evaluate the yield and economic advantages of both the effect of shallower soil tillage over a longer period in this specific context and the creation of ground cover with cover crops managed as dead mulch.
Efficacy of Protein Baits with Fipronil to Control Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Lepeletier, 1836) in Apiaries
Authors: Barandika Jesús F. , de la Hera Omaira , Fañanás Roberto , Rivas Arrate , Arroyo Eugenia , Alonso Rosa M. , Alonso M. Luz , Galartza Egoitz , Cevidanes Aitor , García-Pérez Ana L.
Published: June 2023

The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), outside its natural range, has become a major threat to domestic bees. Several control methods have been used to fight against V. velutina, but the results achieved are not satisfactory. The use of protein baits with biocides has shown to be an effective method to control invasive wasp populations, but they have not been used to control V. velutina. Thus, the efficacy of protein baits containing fipronil to reduce the presence of hornets in apiaries was evaluated in this study. After laboratory determination of the optimal efficacy of a protein bait at a 0.01% concentration of fipronil, field trials were conducted involving 222 beekeepers. The data reported by the 90 beekeepers who completed the requested questionnaire demonstrated that in the groups of apiaries with the highest pressure of hornets (groups with 10–30 and >30 hornets), there was a significant decrease in the presence of V. velutina, lasting at least two weeks. The reduction in the number of hornets was positively correlated with bait consumption, and bait consumption was positively correlated with the number of hornets present at the time of treatment. Although the method used has shown good efficacy and the concentration of fipronil used was very low; possible negative effects on the environment should also be evaluated.
Dynamic Changes in Proteome during Yak Oocyte Maturation Analyzed Using iTRAQ Technology
Authors: Ma Xin , Wang Meng , Wang Jinglei , Zhang Qian , Pu Sisi , Wang Rui , Yu Sijiu , Wang Libin , Pan Yangyang
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate protein regulation at different time points during the in vitro maturation of yak oocytes. Yak oocytes at GV, MI, and MII stages were collected during in vitro maturation, and differential proteomics sequencing was performed using iTRAQ technology. GO functional classification indicated that the differential proteins were closely associated with biological processes such as “metabolic processes”, and molecular events such as “binding” molecular-function-related categories were active. KOG analysis showed that energy-metabolism-related activities were vigorous during oocyte development from the GV phase to MI phase, and genetic material preparation activities were more active when oocytes developed from the MI stage to MII stage. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the PPAR metabolic pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, and ECM–receptor interaction and metabolic pathway were enriched from the GV to the MI stages. The PI3K-Akt, TGF-β, and phagosome pathways were enriched from the MI stage to the MII stage. These results indicate that transient dynamic changes occurred in the proteome during the maturation of yak oocytes, and the physiological functions mediated by these were also different. The accurate identification of the differential proteins in the three stages of GV, MI, and MII was helpful in further analyzing the molecular regulatory mechanism of yak oocyte maturation.
Effects of Urtica urens in the Feed of Broilers on Performances, Digestibility, Carcass Characteristics and Blood Parameters
Authors: Teixeira José , Nunes Pedro , Outor-Monteiro Divanildo , Mourão José Luís , Alves Anabela , Pinheiro Victor
Published: June 2023

With the aim of improving animal health and productivity, plants or plant extracts that have antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant properties are often used in studies with broilers. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of Urtica urens in broilers. Ninety male Ross chicks were used, randomly placed in 30 pens (three broilers per pen). The broilers were assigned to three treatment groups: group CT (control) received a basal diet; group UU1 received a basal diet with 1% dried Urtica urens; and group UU2 received a basal diet with 2% dried Urtica urens. Each treatment consisted of two feeds, distributed from day 1 to 15 (starter) and from day 15 to 36 (grower). As a result of this study, broilers in the UU1 treatment group had higher weight on day 15 (p = 0.029) and day 36 (p = 0.014) than those in treatments CT and UU2 and a higher daily weight gain between days 1 and 15 (p = 0.028) and days 1 and 36 (p = 0.014). Broilers in the UU1 and UU2 groups had lower serum HDL cholesterol (88.8 and 88.9 mg/dL, respectively) than the CT (96.1 mg/dL). In conclusion, the use of dried Urtica urens at 1% as an additive in broiler diets may affect growth performance and blood HDL cholesterol.
Influence of Different Light Spectra on Melatonin Synthesis by the Pineal Gland and Influence on the Immune System in Chickens
Authors: Horodincu Loredana , Solcan Carmen
Published: June 2023

It is well known that the pineal gland in birds influences behavioural and physiological functions, including those of the immune system. The purpose of this research is to examine the endocrine–immune correlations between melatonin and immune system activity. Through a description of the immune–pineal axis, we formulated the objective to determine and describe: the development of the pineal gland; how light influences secretory activity; and how melatonin influences the activity of primary and secondary lymphoid organs. The pineal gland has the ability to turn light information into an endocrine signal suitable for the immune system via the membrane receptors Mel1a, Mel1b, and Mel1c, as well as the nuclear receptors RORα, RORβ, and RORγ. We can state the following findings: green monochromatic light (560 nm) increased serum melatonin levels and promoted a stronger humoral and cellular immune response by proliferating B and T lymphocytes; the combination of green and blue monochromatic light (560–480 nm) ameliorated the inflammatory response and protected lymphoid organs from oxidative stress; and red monochromatic light (660 nm) maintained the inflammatory response and promoted the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Melatonin can be considered a potent antioxidant and immunomodulator and is a critical element in the coordination between external light stimulation and the body’s internal response.
Survey and Molecular Characterization of Sarcocystidae protozoa in Wild Cricetid Rodents from Central and Southern Chile
Authors: Oyarzún-Ruiz Pablo , Thomas Richard S. , Santodomingo Adriana M. , Uribe Juan E. , Ardila Marlon M. , Echeverry Diana M. , Muñoz-Leal Sebastián , Silva-de la Fuente María C. , Loyola Marco , Palma Cristina J. , Landaeta-Aqueveque Carlos , Henríquez AnaLía
Published: June 2023

In Chile, studies of parasites from the family Sarcocystidae (Apicomplexa) have mostly been related to domestic animals. We aimed to assess the presence of Sarcocystidae taxa in cricetid rodents from Central and Southern Chile. We studied 207 rodents, encompassing six species, from 13 localities. We isolated DNA from tissue samples, amplified the Sarcocystidae 18S rRNA gene with polymerase chain reaction, and performed phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. In addition, we examined blood smears and performed histological studies in organs from Sarcocystidae DNA-positive animals. Three specimens were DNA-positive and three genotypes were retrieved and named: Sarcocystis sp. P61, related to Sarcocystis strixi, was detected in two Abrothrix olivacea. Toxoplasmatinae gen. sp. P99 was retrieved from those same two specimens, and was related to Toxoplasma and other genera, although it branched independently. Besnoitia sp. R34 was detected in one Abrothrix hirta, and was clustered with congeneric species associated with rodents. No protozoa were found during microscopic studies; thus, it was not possible to confirm parasitic interactions rather than accidental encounters. However, the close relatedness of the retrieved genotypes to parasites of rodents supports the hypothesis of host–parasite associations. All three genotypes are suggested as potential new taxa, including a putative new genus.
The Influence of Piper sarmentosum Extract on Growth Performance, Intestinal Barrier Function, and Metabolism of Growing Chickens
Authors: Zhou Luli , Lin Yuhuan , Chang Ye , Abouelezz Khaled Fouad Mohammed , Zhou Hanlin , Wang Jian , Hou Guanyu , Wang Dingfa
Published: June 2023

In the poultry industry, there is an urgent need to evaluate and introduce natural, effective, and safe alternatives for synthetic antibiotics, which have been banned in most countries. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Piper sarmentosum extract (PSE) on the growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and metabolism of growing chickens. A total of 400 seven-day-old female chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments, each of which consisted of five replicates and twenty birds each. The four experimental treatments were fed a basal diet containing 0, 100, 200, and 300 mg PSE/kg (BC, PSE1, PSE2, and PSE3 groups), respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days. The results showed that dietary supplementation with PSE had no significant effects on the final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and the ratio of ADFI to ADG (F/G) (p > 0.05). Compared with the BC group, dietary supplementation with 200–300 mg/kg PSE increased the villus height in the jejunum and ileum of chickens (p < 0.05). The PSE-treated groups significantly increased the mRNA expression of Occludin, ZO-1, and Claudin-1 in the ileal mucosa of chickens (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant decrease in ileal TNF-α and IL-8 mRNA expression (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in IL-22 (p < 0.05) were observed in the PSE2 treatment compared to the BC group. Additionally, three gut metabolites (i.e., citrate, isocitrate, and spermine) showed significant differences among treatments (p < 0.05) and were involved in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the transfer of acetyl groups into mitochondria, and spermidine and spermine biosynthesis, respectively. In conclusion, the findings obtained here indicate that supplemental PSE can enhance the anti-inflammatory capacity and intestinal mucosal barrier function of chickens.
Enhancing the Antibiotic Production by Thermophilic Bacteria Isolated from Hot Spring Waters via Ethyl Methanesulfonate Mutagenesis
Authors: Kortam Yasmin G. , Abd El-Rahim Wafaa M. , Khattab Abd El-Nassar A. , Rebouh Nazih Y. , Gurina Regina R. , Barakat Olfat S. , Zakaria Mohamed , Moawad Hassan
Published: June 2023

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a serious public health threat. For that reason, the development of new and effective antibiotics to control pathogens has become necessary. The current study aims to search for new microorganisms expressing antibiotic production capacity. Fifteen sites covering a wide range of harsh environmental conditions in Egypt were investigated. Two hundred and eighty bacterial isolates were obtained and then tested against pathogenic bacteria using the agar disk diffusion technique. Fifty-two (18.6% of the total) of the isolates exhibited antagonistic properties, which affected one or more of the tested pathogens. The isolate 113 was identified as Bacillus licheniformis and isolate 10 was identified as Brevibacillus borstelensis using the 16S rRNA technique. The B. licheniformis strain was stronger in antibiotic production against S. typhi, M. luteus, and P. ariginosa, whereas the strain Br. borstelensis was more efficient against B. cereus, E. coli, and Klebs. sp. The sensitivity of the strains to commercial antibiotics showed that B. licheniformis was highly sensitive to seven commercial antibiotics, whereas Br. borstelensis was sensitive to nine antibiotics. The two strains were subjected to ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to obtain mutants with a higher antibiotic production. The total bacterial count was measured after treatment with EMS mutagen and showed a significant gradual increase in the antimicrobial activity, which was achieved via shaking in the presence of EMS for 60 min. High antimicrobial activities were noted with 17 and 14 mutants from the B. licheniformis and Br. borstelensis strains, respectively. The mutant B. licheniformis (M15/Amo) was more active than the parent strain against S. aureus (212.5%), while the mutant Br. borstelensis (B7/Neo) was more effective against S. typhi (83.3%). The present study demonstrates the possibility of obtaining potent antibiotic-producing bacteria in hot spring waters and further improving the indigenous bacterial capacity to produce antibiotics by using EMS mutagenesis.
Voriconazole Pharmacokinetics in Critically Ill Patients and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Retrospective Comparative Case-Control Study
Authors: Ronda Mar , Llop-Talaveron Josep Manuel , Fuset MariPaz , Leiva Elisabet , Shaw Evelyn , Gumucio-Sanguino Victor Daniel , Diez Yolanda , Colom Helena , Rigo-Bonnin Raul , Puig-Asensio Mireia , Carratalà Jordi , Padullés Ariadna
Published: June 2023

Voriconazole, an antifungal agent, displays high intra- and inter-individual variability. The predictive pharmacokinetic (PK) index requires a minimum plasma concentration (Cmin) in patient serum of between 1–5.5 mg/L. It is common to encounter fungal infections in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, and data regarding voriconazole PK changes during ECMO are scarce. Our study compared voriconazole PKs in patients with and without ECMO support in a retrospective cohort of critically-ill patients. Fifteen patients with 26 voriconazole Cmin determinations in the non-ECMO group and nine patients with 27 voriconazole Cmin determinations in the ECMO group were recruited. The ECMO group had lower Cmin (0.38 ± 2.98 vs. 3.62 ± 3.88, p < 0.001) and higher infratherapeutic Cmin values (16 vs. 1, p < 0.001) than the non-ECMO group. Multivariate analysis identified ECMO support (−0.668, CI95 −0.978–−0.358) and plasma albumin levels (−0.023, CI95 −0.046–−0.001) as risk factors for low Cmin values. When comparing pre- and post-therapeutic drug optimisation samples from the ECMO group, the dose required to achieve therapeutic Cmin was 6.44 mg/kg twice a day. Therapeutic drug optimisation is essential to improve target attainment.
Νanomaterial-Loaded Polymer Coating Prevents the In Vitro Growth of Candida albicans Biofilms on Silicone Biomaterials
Authors: Tsikopoulos Alexios , Tsikopoulos Konstantinos , Meroni Gabriele , Gravalidis Christoforos , Soukouroglou Prodromos , Chatzimoschou Athanasios , Drago Lorenzo , Triaridis Stefanos , Papaioannidou Paraskevi
Published: June 2023

Early failure of silicone voice prostheses resulting from fungal colonization and biofilm formation poses a major concern in modern ear nose throat surgery. Therefore, developing new infection prevention techniques to prolong those implants’ survivorship is crucial. We designed an in vitro laboratory study to include nanomaterial-enhanced polymer coating with a plasma spraying technique against Candida albicans growth to address this issue. The anti-biofilm effects of high- and low-dose Al2O3 nanowire and TiO2 nanoparticle coatings were studied either alone or in conjunction with each other using checkerboard testing. It was demonstrated that both nanomaterials were capable of preventing fungal biofilm formation regardless of the anti-fungal agent concentration (median absorbance for high-dose Al2O3-enhanced polymer coating was 0.176 [IQR = 0.207] versus control absorbance of 0.805 [IQR = 0.381], p = 0.003 [98% biofilm reduction]; median absorbance for high-dose TiO2-enhanced polymer coating was 0.186 [IQR = 0.024] versus control absorbance of 0.766 [IQR = 0.458], p < 0.001 [93% biofilm reduction]). Furthermore, synergy was revealed when the Bliss model was applied. According to the findings of this work, it seems that simultaneous consideration of Al2O3 and TiO2 could further increase the existing antibiofilm potential of these nanomaterials and decrease the likelihood of localized toxicity.
Rapid Prototyping of 3D-Printed AgNPs- and Nano-TiO2-Embedded Hydrogels as Novel Devices with Multiresponsive Antimicrobial Capability in Wound Healing
Authors: Remaggi Giulia , Bergamonti Laura , Graiff Claudia , Ossiprandi Maria Cristina , Elviri Lisa
Published: June 2023

Two antimicrobial agents such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) have been formulated with natural polysaccharides (chitosan or alginate) to develop innovative inks for the rapid, customizable, and extremely accurate manufacturing of 3D-printed scaffolds useful as dressings in the treatment of infected skin wounds. Suitable chemical–physical properties for the applicability of these innovative devices were demonstrated through the evaluation of water content (88–93%), mechanical strength (Young’s modulus 0.23–0.6 MPa), elasticity, and morphology. The antimicrobial tests performed against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrated the antimicrobial activities against Gram+ and Gram− bacteria of AgNPs and TiO2 agents embedded in the chitosan (CH) or alginate (ALG) macroporous 3D hydrogels (AgNPs MIC starting from 5 µg/mL). The biocompatibility of chitosan was widely demonstrated using cell viability tests and was higher than that observed for alginate. Constructs containing AgNPs at 10 µg/mL concentration level did not significantly alter cell viability as well as the presence of titanium dioxide; cytotoxicity towards human fibroblasts was observed starting with an AgNPs concentration of 100 µg/mL. In conclusions, the 3D-printed dressings developed here are cheap, highly defined, easy to manufacture and further apply in personalized antimicrobial medicine applications.
Novel Acylselenourea Derivatives: Dual Molecules with Anticancer and Radical Scavenging Activity
Authors: Astrain-Redin Nora , Raza Asif , Encío Ignacio , Sharma Arun K. , Plano Daniel , Sanmartín Carmen
Published: June 2023

Oxidative stress surrounding cancer cells provides them with certain growth and survival advantages necessary for disease progression. In this context, Se-containing molecules have gained attention due to their anticancer and antioxidant activity. In our previous work, we synthesized a library of 39 selenoesters containing functional groups commonly present in natural products (NP), which showed potent anticancer activity, but did not demonstrate high radical scavenger activity. Thus, 20 novel Se derivatives resembling NP have been synthesized presenting acylselenourea functionality in their structures. Radical scavenger activity was tested using DPPH assay and in vitro protective effects against ROS-induced cell death caused by H2O2. Additionally, antiproliferative activity was evaluated in prostate, colon, lung, and breast cancer cell lines, along with their ability to induce apoptosis. Compounds 1.I and 5.I showed potent cytotoxicity against the tested cancer cell lines, along with high selectivity indexes and induction of caspase-mediated apoptosis. These compounds exhibited potent and concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity achieving DPPH inhibition similar to ascorbic acid and trolox. To conclude, we have demonstrated that the introduction of Se in the form of acylselenourea into small molecules provides strong radical scavengers in vitro and antiproliferative activity, which may lead to the development of promising dual compounds.
Regulation of Redox Profile and Genomic Instability by Physical Exercise Contributes to Neuroprotection in Mice with Experimental Glioblastoma
Authors: Marqueze Luis F. B. , Costa Amanda K. , Pedroso Giulia S. , Vasconcellos Franciane F. , Pilger Bruna I. , Kindermann Schellen , Andrade Vanessa M. , Alves Ana C. B. , Nery Tatyana , Silva Aderbal A. , Carvalhal Stephanie R. S. , Zazula Matheus F. , Naliwaiko Katya , Fernandes Luiz C. , Radak Zsolt , Pinho Ricardo A.
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive, common brain cancer known to disrupt redox biology, affecting behavior and DNA integrity. Past research remains inconclusive. To further understand this, an investigation was conducted on physical training’s effects on behavior, redox balance, and genomic stability in GBMA models. Forty-seven male C57BL/6J mice, 60 days old, were divided into GBM and sham groups (n = 15, n = 10, respectively), which were further subdivided into trained (Str, Gtr; n = 10, n = 12) and untrained (Sut, Gut; n = 10, n = 15) subsets. The trained mice performed moderate aerobic exercises on a treadmill five to six times a week for a month while untrained mice remained in their enclosures. Behavior was evaluated using open-field and rotarod tests. Post training, the mice were euthanized and brain, liver, bone marrow, and blood samples were analyzed for redox and genomic instability markers. The results indicated increased latency values in the trained GBM (Gtr) group, suggesting a beneficial impact of exercise. Elevated reactive oxygen species in the parietal tissue of untrained GBM mice (Gut) were reduced post training. Moreover, Gtr mice exhibited lower tail intensity, indicating less genomic instability. Thus, exercise could serve as a promising supplemental GBM treatment, modulating redox parameters and reducing genomic instability.
Design and Optimization of Conformal Cooling Channels for Increasing Cooling Efficiency in Injection Molding
Authors: Wang Yuandi , Lee Changmyung
Published: June 2023

Injection molding is widely used in the manufacturing process of plastic products. The injection molding process aims to increase productivity, which is impacted by factors such as cooling time, the temperature distribution of plastic parts, thermal stress, warpage, etc. The cooling stage of the forming process is a critical factor that significantly influences the quality and cost-effectiveness of the final product in injection molding. With the development of additive manufacturing, the fabrication of conformal cooling channels becomes easier and more affordable compared to traditional machining techniques. Well-designed conformal cooling channels can substantially reduce cooling time, resulting in increased productivity and improved efficiency of the injection molding process. While conformal cooling channels offer improved cooling efficiency and part quality, their design process is more intricate than that of conventional channels due to the demand to account for the complex geometry of the part and to accommodate manufacturing constraints. In this paper, the conformal cooling channels are designed, and the variables for the channels are optimized to increase the cooling efficiency, and 3D printing technology is applied to produce the conformal cooling channel. A simplified finite element cooling analysis was used to compare traditional and hybrid solutions for designing cooling channels to reduce injection cycle time for plastic parts, and the design and simulation of the cooling system were based on UG and Moldflow. After comparing the simulation results of the cooling performance, we found that conformal cooling channels can reduce cooling time by 30% compared to conventional cooling channels. Additionally, they result in a more uniform temperature distribution throughout the plastic products.
Possible Health Effects of Road Dust in Winter: Studies in Poland
Authors: Rybak Justyna , Wróbel Magdalena , Pieśniewska Angelika , Rogula-Kozłowska Wioletta , Majewski Grzegorz
Published: June 2023

Urban road dust is an increasingly important source of air pollution and poses a serious threat to human health. In Poland, the urban road dust (URD) problem is enhanced by the use of old generation transport vehicles and transport systems. Seasonal variation in URD-bound elements is not well-known in Poland and controlling their pollution level can be a tough task. Therefore, studies on winter dust pollution will help to understand the sources of URD and take appropriate measures to reduce road dust emissions in the future. We analysed the relative content of heavy metals in two representative regions of Poland, Lower and Upper Silesia, and evaluated the sources of the contamination with the following pollution indices: Enrichment Factor (EF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), pollution index (PI), and Pollution Load Index (PLI). We assessed the health risk for inhabitants due to the exposure to toxic metals through URD. We found that both studied regions are quite heavily polluted in winter. Our studies clearly show that the URD-bound elements level is much higher in Upper Silesia than in Lower Silesia in winter. The results of this study are useful for researchers to bridge the gap on the pollution of elements in URD from Poland, where there is a lack of such data.
Analysis of Kinematic Constraints in the Linkage Model of a Mecanum-Wheeled Robot and a Trailer with Conventional Wheels
Authors: Zeidis Igor , Zimmermann Klaus , Greiser Steffen , Marx Julia
Published: June 2023

Mechanical systems that consist of a four-wheeled or two-wheeled robot with Mecanum wheels and a two-wheeled trailer with conventional wheels are considered. The kinematic characteristics of the mechanical systems under consideration of holonomic and non-holonomic constraints are presented and compared. From this, it is shown that the structure of the kinematic constraint equations for mobile systems with a trailer does not apply to Chaplygin’s dynamic equations. If the mechanical system is not Chaplygin’s system, then the dynamic equations cannot be integrated separately from the equations of kinematic constraints. This is the difference between the kinematic constraint equations for the robot-trailer system and the constraint equations for a single robot with Mecanum wheels. Examples of numerical calculations using the equations of kinematic constraints are given.
The Kinematic Investigation of the Stephenson-III Spherical Mechanism with a Spherical Slider Containing a Spherical Prismatic Pair
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Mingquan , Huang Yizhe
Published: June 2023

Multi-loop spherical mechanisms are extremely beneficial for creating versatile mechanical devices, including robotic joints and surgical tools, since multi-loop spherical mechanisms possess unique capabilities to operate in spatial situations with relatively simple movement. Nevertheless, the research on multi-loop spherical mechanisms with spherical sliders containing spherical prismatic pairs is lacking. Therefore, the main innovation of this paper is to propose the Stephenson-III two-loop spherical mechanism that possesses a spherical slider containing a spherical prismatic pair and to analyze the proposed spherical mechanism’s motion characteristics. An algebraic approach was employed to obtain the branch graphs of the proposed spherical mechanism with a spherical slider. The branch graphs were categorized into two types, according to whether branch points existed. With the algebraic approach, loop equations of the two spherical kinematic chains inside the proposed spherical mechanism were established to identify the input–output curves and singularity curves, with which the branch graphs were obtained. With the branch graphs, the joint rotation spaces (JRSs) of the proposed mechanism were recognized and so were the dead center positions, branches, sub-branches, and branch points. The results from the mathematical analysis were simulated and verified by three-dimensional (3D) models of the proposed spherical mechanism. The analytical results demonstrate that the spherical prismatic pair diversifies the motion of the proposed spherical mechanism by producing rotational sliding movement, which can cover the entire circumference of a specific greater circle on the proposed mechanism’s sphere.
A Detecting Method for “Weak” Friction-Induced Vibration Based on Cross-Correlation Analysis between Vibration and Sound Signals
Authors: Xing Pengfei , Zhu Yanchao , Li Guobin , Liu Ting , Gao Honglin , Song Yuchao , Zhang Hongpeng
Published: June 2023

The “weak” friction-induced vibration can help to monitor the change in friction and wear state of friction pairs and detect the failure of surface damage. However, they are typically submerged in complex interference components during friction. Therefore, detecting accurate “weak” friction-induced vibration is key to using it entirely. A method based on the correlation between friction-induced vibration and sound signals was proposed to achieve this goal. The ball–disk wear experiments were conducted under oil lubrication using a wear tester. Vibration and sound pressure signals generated during the experiments were recorded. By the spectrum analysis of the cross-correlation function calculated from the two types of signals, the “weak” FIV components submerged in the original signals were detected. The experimental results showed that the root mean square change of the “weak” friction-induced vibration detected in the vibration and sound pressure signals was highly consistent with the friction coefficient change. It could effectively characterize the transition of the wear stage from running-in to stable wear of the friction pairs. Therefore, the cross-correlation analysis of vibration and sound signals could be a reliable tool for detecting the “weak” friction-induced vibration.
Comparison of Electrochemically Deposited Bi and Sn Catalysts onto Gas Diffusion Electrodes for the Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction to Formate
Authors: Manolova Mila , Hildebrand Joachim , Hertle Sebastian , Sörgel Şeniz , Kassner Holger , Klemm Elias
Published: June 2023

In this publication, we report about the selectivity and stability of bismuth (Bi)- and tin (Sn)-based electrocatalysts for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) for formate production. Bismuth and tin were successfully electrodeposited using the pulse plating technique on top of and inside of the gas diffusion layers (GDLs). The distribution of the catalyst throughout the thickness of the gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy and computer tomography; it was found that the catalyst morphology determines the performance of the electrode. Inhomogeneous deposits, with their enlarged catalyst surface area, provide more active centres for the eCO2RR, resulting in increased Faraday efficiency (FE) for formate. The initial electrochemical characterisation tests of the bismuth- and tin-loaded GDEs were carried out under laboratory operating conditions at an industrially relevant current density of 200 mA·cm−2; complete Sn dissolution with a subsequent deformation of the GDL was observed. In contrast to these results, no leaching of the electrodeposited Bi catalyst was observed. An FE of 94.2% towards formate was achieved on these electrodes. Electrodes based on an electrodeposited Bi catalyst on an in-house prepared GDL are stable after 23 h time-on-stream at 200 mA·cm−2 and have very good selectivity for formate.
Recent Advances of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kitsios Fotis , Kamariotou Maria , Syngelakis Aristomenis I. , Talias Michael A.
Published: June 2023

The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving significant transformation inside the administrative and clinical workflows of healthcare organizations at an accelerated rate. This modification highlights the significant impact that AI has on a variety of tasks, especially in health procedures relating to early detection and diagnosis. Papers done in the past imply that AI has the potential to increase the overall quality of services provided in the healthcare industry. There have been reports that technology based on AI can improve the quality of human existence by making life simpler, safer, and more productive. A comprehensive analysis of previous scholarly research on the use of AI in the health area is provided in this research in the form of a literature review. In order to propose a classification framework, the review took into consideration 132 academic publications sourced from scholarly sources. The presentation covers both the benefits and the issues that AI capabilities provide for individuals, medical professionals, corporations, and the health industry. In addition, the social and ethical implications of AI are examined in the context of the output of value-added medical services for decision-making processes in healthcare, privacy and security measures for patient data, and health monitoring capabilities.
Optimizing the Powder Metallurgy Parameters to Enhance the Mechanical Properties of Al-4Cu/xAl2O3 Composites Using Machine Learning and Response Surface Approaches
Authors: Elkatatny Sally , Alsharekh Mohammed F. , Alateyah Abdulrahman I. , El-Sanabary Samar , Nassef Ahmed , Kamel Mokhtar , Alawad Majed O. , BaQais Amal , El-Garaihy Waleed H. , Kouta Hanan
Published: June 2023

This study comprehensively investigates the impact of various parameters on aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) fabricated using the powder metallurgy (PM) technique. An Al-Cu matrix composite (2xxx series) was employed in the current study, and Al2O3 was used as a reinforcement. The performance evaluation of the Al-4Cu/Al2O3 composite involved analyzing the influence of the Al2O3 weight percent (wt. %), the height-to-diameter ratio (H/D) of the compacted samples, and the compaction pressure. Different concentrations of the Al2O3 reinforcement, namely 0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10% by weight, were utilized, while the compaction process was conducted for one hour under varying pressures of 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 MPa. The compacted Al-4Cu/Al2O3 composites were in the form of cylindrical discs with a fixed diameter of 20 mm and varying H/D ratios of 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, and 2.0. Moreover, the machine learning (ML), design of experiment (DOE), response surface methodology (RSM), genetic algorithm (GA), and hybrid DOE-GA methodologies were utilized to thoroughly investigate the physical properties, such as the relative density (RD), as well as the mechanical properties, including the hardness distribution, fracture strain, yield strength, and compression strength. Subsequently, different statistical analysis approaches, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), 3D response surface plots, and ML approaches, were employed to predict the output responses and optimize the input variables. The optimal combination of variables that demonstrated significant improvements in the RD, fracture strain, hardness distribution, yield strength, and compression strength of the Al-4Cu/Al2O3 composite was determined using the RSM, GA, and hybrid DOE-GA approaches. Furthermore, the ML and RSM models were validated, and their accuracy was evaluated and compared, revealing close agreement with the experimental results.