bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of tolerance in groundnut plants against drought stress and Cercospora leaf spot disease with exogenous application of Arginine and Sodium nitroprusside under field condition
Authors: Bakhoum Gehan Sh , Sadak Mervat Shamoon , Thabet Marian S
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The two major stress categories experienced by plants are: biotic and abiotic. Drought is a major abiotic stress challenge faced by plants and impact negatively on plant growth and productivity.
Aim and Method: This investigation was carried out to study the changes in growth, some biochemical aspects, yield quantity and quality of groundnut plants as well as induction of resistance to Cercospora leaf spot disease in response to NO donors, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and arginine (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mM) under two water irrigation levels 100% and 75% of water irrigation requirements (WIR), in two field experiments through two successive growing seasons.
Results: Decreasing irrigation water significantly reduced shoot length; branches number/plant, shoot fresh and dry weight, photosynthetic pigments components, endogenous indole acetic acid IAA contents and yield components. Furthermore, increased significantly root fresh and dry weight, phenols, total soluble sugars TSS, proline contents, and the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation of groundnut leaves. Contrarily, arginine and SNP foliar application alleviated the negative influences of drought on growth and productivity of groundnut plants via enhancing photosynthetic pigments, IAA, phenolic compounds, TSS, and proline contents. Additionally, SNP and arginine significantly decreased oxidative damage through decreasing H2O2 and lipid peroxidation by the induction of antioxidant enzymes. Remarkably, the increase of drought level led to a reduction in Cercospora leaf spot disease parameters with the use of high concentrations of both arginine and SNP. Furthermore, in both stressed and unstressed plants, SNP treatment at 7.5 mM was the most effective in reducing the incidence and severity of disease, while arginine at 2.5 mM recorded the lowest reduction compared to other treatments.
Conclusion: In conclusion, foliar treatment of either SNP or arginine had a profound effect on modulating the drought stress and induction of resistance to Cercospora leaf spot disease of groundnut plants throughout their life cycle.
Depopulation and Infrastructure in U.S. Cities: Looking Toward 2100
Authors: Sutradhar Uttara , Spearing Lauryn , Derrible Sybil
Published: June 2023

For cities, having a declining population usually means socio-economic and infrastructure challenges to accommodate the remaining population. Using population projections, we found that by 2100, close to half of the nearly 30,000 cities in the U.S. will face some sort of population decline, representing 12–23% of the population of these 30,000 cities and 27–44% of the populated area. The implications of this massive decline in population will bring unprecedented mobility and infrastructure challenges, possibly leading to disruptions in basic services like transit, clean water, electricity, and internet access. Simultaneously, increasing population trends in resource-intensive suburban and periurban cities will likely take away access to much needed resources in depopulating areas, further exacerbating their challenges. While immigration could play a vital role, resource distribution challenges will persist unless a paradigm shift happens away from growth-based planning alone.
Assessment of immunization data management practices in Cameroon: Unveiling potential barriers to immunization data quality
Authors: Saidu Yauba , Gu Jessica , Ngenge Budzi Michael , Nchinjoh Sangwe Clovis , Adidja Amani , Nnang Nadege Edwige , Muteh Nkwain Jude , Zambou Vouking Marius , Mbanga Clarence Mvalo , Agbor Valirie Ndip , Ousmane Diaby , Njoh Andreas Ateke , Flegere Junie , Diack Demba , Wiwa Owens , Montomoli Emmanuele , Clemens Sue Costa , Clemens Ralf
Published: June 2023

Background
One crucial obstacle to attaining universal immunization coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa is the paucity of timely and high-quality data. This challenge, in part, stems from the fact that many frontline immunization staff in this part of the world are commonly overburdened with multiple data-related responsibilities that often compete with their clinical tasks, which in turn could affect their data collection practices. This study assessed the data management practices of immunization staff and unveiled potential barriers impacting immunization data quality in Cameroon.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving health districts and health facilities in all 10 regions in Cameroon selected by a multi-stage sampling scheme. Structured questionnaires and observation checklists were used to collect data from Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) staff, and data were analyzed using STATA VERSION 13.0 (StataCorp LP. 2015. College Station, TX).
Results
A total of 265 facilities in 68 health districts were assessed. There was limited availability of some data recording tools like vaccination cards (43%), maintenance registers (8%), and stock cards (57%) in most health facilities. Core data collection tools were incompletely filled in a significant proportion of facilities (37% for registers and 81% for tally sheets). Almost every health facility (89%) did not adhere to the recommendation of filling tally sheets during vaccination; the filling was instead done either before (51% of facilities) or after (25% of facilities) vaccinating several children. Moreso, about 8% of facilities did not collect data on vaccine administration. About a third of facilities did not collect data on stock levels (35%), vaccine storage temperatures (21%), and vaccine wastage (39%).
Conclusion
Our finding unveils important gaps in data collection practices at the facility level that could adversely affect Cameroon's immunization data quality. It highlights the urgent need for systematic capacity building of frontline immunization staff on data management capacity, standardizing data management processes, and building systems that ensure constant availability of data recording tools at the facility level.
Do metal implants for total hip arthroplasty affect bioelectrical impedance analysis? A retrospective study
Authors: Ukai Taku , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: June 2023

Background: Evaluation of body composition after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is essential because it can be used to evaluate muscle and functional recovery. Muscle volume and degeneration are evaluated using computed tomography (CT). However, CT evaluation of muscle volume has several limitations, such as radiation exposure and high medical cost. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has gained attention for resolving these limitations of CT. BIA takes advantage of the microelectric current; thus, metal implants may affect the results. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of metal implants on BIA after THA.
Methods: Two types of patients were assessed (group 1: 70 patients who underwent unilateral THA and BIA after THA; group 2: 35 patients who underwent THA and BIA before and after THA. Electric impedance (resistance and reactance) of the operated and non-operated lower limbs was compared in group 1. The pre- andpostoperative impedances of the operated ipsilateral limbs were compared in group 2. To evaluate the effects of sex and age on BIA, the postoperative electrical impedances of men and women were also compared. The correlations between age and electrical impedance were also compared.
Results: Regarding electric impedance in group 1, no significant differences were observed in electrical resistance and reactance between the operated and non-operated lower limbs. Concerning electric impedance in group 2, no significant difference was seen in electric resistance and reactance preoperatively and postoperatively. Electrical resistance was significantly lower in men than in women. A significant negative correlation was observed between age and electrical reactance.
Conclusions:Electrical resistance and reactance did not change significantly after THA. BIA is useful for measuring body composition after THA.
Driving gut microbiota enterotypes through host genetics
Authors: Larzul Catherine , Estellé Jordi , Borey Marion , Blanc Fany , Lemonnier Gaëtan , Billon Yvon , Thiam Mamadou-Gabou , Quinquis Benoit , Galleron Nathalie , Jardet Deborah , Lecardonnel Jérôme , Oñate Florian Plaza , Rogel-Gaillard Claire
Published: June 2023

Background: Population stratification based on interindividual variability in gut microbiota composition has revealed the existence of several ecotypes named enterotypes in humans and various animal species. Enterotypes are often associated with environmental factors including diet, but knowledge on the role of host genetics remains scarce. Moreover, enterotypes harbor functionalities likely associated with varying abilities and susceptibilities of their host. Previously, we showed that undercontrolled conditions, 60-day-old pig populations consistently split into two enterotypes with either Prevotella and Mitsuokella (PM enterotype) or Ruminococcus and Treponema (RT enterotype) as keys tone taxa. Here, our aim was to rely on pig as a model to study the influence of host genetics to assemble enterotypes, and to provide clues on enterotype functional differences and their links with growth traits.
Results: We established two pig lines contrasted for abundances of the genera pairs specifying each enterotype at 60 days of age and assessed them for fecal microbiota composition and growth throughout three consecutive generations. Response to selection across three generations revealed, per line, an increase in the prevalence of the selected enterotype and in the average relative abundances of directly and indirectly selected bacterial genera. The PM enterotype was found less diverse than the RT enterotype but more efficient for piglet growth during the post-weaning period. Shotgun metagenomics revealed differentially abundant bacterial species between the two enterotypes. By using the KEGG Orthology database, we show that functions related to starch degradation and polysaccharide metabolism are enriched in the PM enterotype, whereas functions related to general nucleoside transport and peptide/nickel transport are enriched in the RT enterotype. Our results also suggest that the PM and RT enterotypes might differ for the metabolism of valine, leucin and isoleucine, favoring their biosynthesis and degradation, respectively.
Conclusion: We experimentally demonstrated that enterotypes are functional ecosystems that can be selected as a whole by exerting a pressure on the host genetics. We also highlight that holobionts should be considered as units of selection in breeding programs. These results pave the way for a holistic use of host genetics, microbiota diversity and enterotype functionalities to understand holobiont shaping and adaptation.
Impact of Deep Cryogenic Temperatures on High-k Stacked Dual Gate Junctionless MOSFET Performance: Analog and RF analysis
Authors: Ghosh Rittik , Nelapati Rajeev Pankaj
Published: June 2023

This article presents the reliability analysis of a High-k stacked Dual Gate Junction-less MOSFET at Deep Cryogenic Temperatures (as low as 50 Kelvin) in terms of dc, analog and RF stability performance metrics. Furthermore, the dc and analog figure of merits in the presence polarized interface trap charge densities has been analyzed at sub-ambient temperatures. The steep ON-OFF switching and the sub-threshold slope profile shows heavy reliance on temperature variations and confirm that the transistor electrostatics improve at lower temperatures. The study reveals the compatibility of the device to perform at cryogenic temperatures and can be integrated with CMOS technology for quantum computations.
Impact of Childbirth Modes on Postpartum Pelvic Floor Electromyographic Activity: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Wu Maonian , Zhou Bingjie , Zhu Shaojun , Zheng Bo , Qian Cheng , Li Qiongshan
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To explore the effects of disparate modes of delivery on the pelvic floor electromyographic potential in postpartum women.
Methods: 3955 females from Postpartum 42 days clinic was incorporated into the study, They subjected to electrophysiological examination of pelvic floor musculature ( sEMG ) . Based on their respective modes of childbirth, they were categorized into four distinct groups. cesarean section(GROUP A, n=791), normal delivery accompanied by episiotomy(GROUP B, n=791), normal delivery coupled with perineal laceration(GROUP C, n=791), and standard vaginal delivery(GROUP D, n=1582). Quantitative determinations were performed for fast-twitch stage maximum value, slow-twitch stage mean value, pre-testing resting stage mean value and post-testing resting stage mean value.
Results: The group A exhibited higher electromyographic indicators than those observed in the group D, who in turn demonstrated higher electromyographic indicators than those in the group B and group C. The differences in surface electromyographic indicators between Group B and Group C postpartum women are not significant. Age exerts a statistically significant impact on the pre-resting phase, slow-twitch stage, and post-resting phase (p<0.05), but its influence on the fast-twitch stage is not statistically significant (p>0.05). The number of childbirths has a statistically significant effect on the fast-twitch stage maximum value and slow-twitch stage mean value (p<0.05), but its influence on the other two variables is not statistically significant (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The mode of delivery influences pelvic floor electromyography. Cesarean delivery has a more substantial impact on pelvic floor electromyography compared to episiotomy during vaginal delivery, perineal laceration during vaginal birth, and unassisted vaginal delivery. Both episiotomy and perineal laceration during vaginal delivery, compared to unassisted vaginal delivery, tend to amplify the effects on pelvic floor function. The impacts on pelvic floor function between episiotomy and perineal laceration incurred during vaginal delivery are minimally different.
State Preparation in a Jaynes-Cummings Lattice with Quantum Optimal Control
Authors: Parajuli Prabin , Govindarajan Anuvetha , Tian Lin
Published: June 2023

High-fidelity preparation of quantum states in an interacting many-body system is often hindered by the lack of knowledge of such states and by limited decoherence times. Here we study a quantum optimal control (QOC) approach for fast generation of quantum ground states in a finite-sized Jaynes-Cummings lattice with unit filling. Our result shows that the QOC approach can generate quantum many-body states with high fidelity when the evolution time is above a threshold time, and it can significantly outperform the adiabatic approach. We study the dependence of the threshold time on the parameter constraints and the connection of the threshold time with the quantum speed limit. We also show that the QOC approach can be robust against control errors. Our result can lead to advances in the application of the QOC for many-body state preparation.
Prediction of Avena sativa MicroRNAs and Their Impact on the Growth and Development
Authors: Ray Animesh , Nathani Neelam , Sophiarani Yengkhom , Devi N. Seema , Paul Prosenjit
Published: June 2023

Introduction: MicroRNAs play a crucial role in regulating the expression of protein-coding genes, impacting diverse biological processes. Computational techniques have enabled the identification and characterization of miRNAs with essential functions in development, metabolism, pathogen response, and apoptosis. Methods: To predict miRNAs and their target genes, TamiRPred, a versatile research tool, was utilized. The predicted miRNA sequences were compared to known monocot plant miRNAs using BLASTn to assess their conservation. Gene Ontology (GO) terms were assigned based on molecular functions, biological processes, and cellular components. Pathway analysis was conducted to explore the impact of predicted miRNAs on Avena sativa's growth and development. Results: Our study focused on identifying miRNAs inAvena sativaand their associated target genes. We discovered miRNAs that exist in both sense and antisense strands, leading us to adopt an efficient approach for miRNA identification. Phylogenetic analysis revealed evolutionary connections with cereals likeOryza sativa,Zea mays, andTriticum aestivum. Notably, we identified principal target genes, including Lrr14, wPR4g, and Pm3, which are associated with defense mechanisms. MiRNAs were also found to modulate the expression of disease resistance genes, such as chitinase and ND4L. Molecular function analysis highlighted the influence of miRNAs on growth and development processes, involving ATP binding, metal ion binding, and nutrition reservoir activity. Furthermore, our protein-protein interaction network analysis underscored the importance of specific target genes inAvena sativa. Conclusion: These findings provide valuable insights into the functional roles of predicted miRNAs in plant growth and development, offering a foundation for future research in this field.
Monolignol Potential and Insights into Direct Depolymerization of Fruit and Nutshell Remains for High Value Sustainable Aromatics
Authors: Leu Shao-Yuan , Khan Rabia Jalil , Guan Jianyu , Lau Chun Yin , Zhuang Huichuan , Rehman Shazia
Published: June 2023

The inedible parts of nuts and stone fruits are low-cost and lignin-rich feedstock for more sustainable production of aromatic chemicals in comparison with the agricultural and forestry residues. However, the depolymerization performances on those food-related biomass remains unclear, owing to the broad physicochemical variations from the edible parts of the fruits and plant species. In this study, the monomer production potentials of ten major fruit and nutshell biomass were investigated with comprehensive numerical information derived from instrumental analysis, such as plant cell wall chemical compositions, syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratios, and contents of lignin substructure linkages (β-O-4, β-β, β-5). A standardized one-pot reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) process was applied to benchmark the monomer yields, and the results were statistically analyzed using Mantel’s test and Pearson correlations. Among all the tested biomass, mango endocarp provided the highest monolignol yields of 37.1% per dry substrates, respectively. Positive S-lignin (70-84%) resulted in higher monomer yield mainly due to more cleavable β-O-4 linkages and less condensed C-C linkages. Strong positive relationships were identified between β-O-4 and S-lignin and between β-5 and G-lignin. The analytical, numerical, and experimental results of this study shed lights to process design of lignin-first biorefinery in food-processing industries and waste management works.
Prefrontal Cortex Astroglia Modulate Anhedonia-like Behavior
Authors: Codeluppi Sierra , Xu Mieyu , Bansal Yashika , Lepack Ashley , Duric Vanja , Chow Megan , Muir Jessie , Bagot Rosemary , Licznerski Pawel , Wilber Stacey , Sanacora Gerard , Sibille Etienne , Duman Ronald , Pittenger Christopher , Banasr Mounira
Published: June 2023

Reductions of astroglia expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are consistently found in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of patients with depression and in rodent chronic stress models. Here, we examine the consequences of PFC GFAP+ cell depletion and cell activity enhancement on depressive-like behaviors in rodents. Using viral expression of diphtheria toxin receptor in PFC GFAP+ cells, which allows experimental depletion of these cells following diphtheria toxin administration, we demonstrated that PFC GFAP+ cell depletion induced anhedonia-like behavior within 2 days and lasting up to 8 days, but no anxiety-like deficits. Conversely, activating PFC GFAP+ cell activity for 3 weeks using designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) reversed chronic restraint stress-induced anhedonia-like deficits, but not anxiety-like deficits. Our results highlight a critical role of cortical astroglia in the development of anhedonia and further support the idea of targeting astroglia for the treatment of depression.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor from microglia regulates neuronal development in the medial prefrontal cortex and its associated social behavior
Authors: Makinodan Manabu , Komori Takashi , Okamura Kazuya , Ikehara Minobu , Yamamuro Kazuhiko , Endo Nozomi , Okumura Kazuki , Yamauchi Takahira , Ikawa Daisuke , Ouji-Sageshima Noriko , Toritsuka Michihiro , Takada Ryohei , Kayashima Yoshinori , Ishida Rio , Mori Yuki , Kamikawa Kohei , Noriyama Yuki , Nishi Yuki , Ito T , Saito Yasuhiko , Nishi Mayumi , Kishimoto Toshifumi , Tanaka Kenji , Hiroi Noboru
Published: June 2023

Microglia and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are essential for the neuroplasticity that characterizes critical developmental periods. The experience-dependent development of social behaviors—associated with the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)—has a critical period during the juvenile period in mice. However, whether microglia and BDNF affect social development remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the effects of microglia-derived BDNF on social behaviors and mPFC development. Mice that underwent social isolation during p21–p35 had increased Bdnf in the microglia accompanied by reduced adulthood sociability. Additionally, transgenic mice overexpressing microglia Bdnf—regulated using doxycycline at different time points—underwent behavioral, electrophysiological, and gene expression analyses. In these mice, long-term overexpression of microglia BDNF impaired sociability and excessive mPFC inhibitory neuronal circuit activity. However, administration of doxycycline to normalize BDNF from p21 normalized sociability and electrophysiological functions; this was not observed when BDNF was normalized from a later age (p45–p50). To evaluate the possible role of BDNF in human sociability, we analyzed the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and BDNF expression in human macrophages, a possible substitute for microglia. Results show that adverse childhood experiences positively correlated with BDNF expression in M2 but not M1 macrophages. Thus, microglia BDNF might regulate sociability and mPFC maturation in mice during the juvenile period. Furthermore, childhood experiences in humans may be related to BDNF secretion from macrophages.
Recent Tobacco Smoking, Restaurant and In-Car Secondhand Smoke Exposure are Associated with Depressive Symptom among Young Adults: A Population-based Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Mo Hongfei , Wang Changhong , Li Yan
Published: June 2023

Background
Young people who have just reached adulthood are prone to adverse reactions during various social adaptations, which can lead to depression. Depressive symptom among young adults is a severe public health burden currently deteriorating in progress. Smoking behavior, exposure to secondhand smoke in household and in various indoor settings may significantly affect depressive symptoms in young adults.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether recent tobacco smoking, household secondhand smoke exposure and confined space secondhand smoke exposure are associated with depressive symptom in young adults after adjustments for each other.
Materials and Methods
We extracted data from NHANES 2013–2018, including demographic characteristics, depression level, physical activity, current health status, body measures, recent tobacco smoking, household secondhand smoke exposure and confined space secondhand smoke exposure. A total of 4129 young adults age 18–35 years (mean age 26.11 ± 5.39 years, 2021 males and 2108 females) were included. Depressive symptom was screened by PHQ-9. Recent tobacco smoking and household secondhand smoke exposure were assessed by whether participants had smoked tobacco in the last five days and whether the living with a smoker who smoked inside the house. Confined space secondhand smoke exposure was assessed using the Secondhand Smoke Exposure Questionnaire in this study. We performed binary logistic regression models to analyze the association of recent tobacco smoking, household secondhand smoke exposure, confined space secondhand smoke exposure and depressive symptom, respectively.
Results
Recent tobacco smoking were positively associated with depressive symptom (OR = 2.201, 95% CI: 1.735–2.353, P < 0.001), this association remained significant after adjusted for confounding variables (OR = 1.593, 95% CI: 1.318–1.926, P < 0.001). Household secondhand smoke exposure was significantly associated with depressive symptom before adjustment for confounding variables (OR = 1.715, 95% CI: 1.479–1.989, P = 0.001), and this association was not statistically significant after adjustments (OR = 1.132, 95% CI: 0.942–1.360, P = 0.108). Confined space secondhand smoke exposure was positively associated with depressive symptom (OR = 1.812, 95% CI: 1.565–2.097, P < 0.001), this association remained significant after adjusted for confounding variables (OR = 1.399, 95% CI: 1.185–1.651, P < 0.001). Among the different settings of confined space secondhand smoke exposure, restaurant exposure (OR = 1.732, 95% CI: 1.120–2.678, P = 0.013) and in-car exposure (OR = 1.350, 95% CI: 1.102–1.652, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with depressive symptom after adjusted for confounding variables.
Conclusions
Recent tobacco smoking, restaurant and in-car secondhand smoke exposure are associated with greater risk of depressive symptom among U.S. young adults.
Anti-Bacterial Activity of an Ancient Remedy against Dermatological Infections
Authors: Orfali Raha , Ghaffar Safina , Orfali Razan Saud , AlAjlan Latifa , Alsahli Roozan , Alaqeel Shaden , Ameen Fouad , Perveen Shagufta
Published: June 2023

Skin and soft-tissue infections are among the most common infections and can develop severe local and systemic complications. Usually, dermatological infections develop quickly and can be life-threatening, diagnosis and treatment at their initial stages is essential. Bacterial species: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli usually cause skin infections. Studies of plants and natural materials used in ancient medicine to treat infections may assist us in further antibiotic discoveries. In this study, we tested the bactericidal activity of a 1,000-year-old Arabic Al-Razi remedy against common skin infections with gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. The mixture of all ingredients of this remedy (vinegar, Arabic gum, Boswellia, vitriol, aloe) has shown antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and clinical strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, the presence of single ingredient in water has shown no activity against tested bacterial strains except vitriol. We found, every single ingredient when dissolved in vinegar has showed antibacterial activity which shows that vinegar is the powerful ingredient of Al-Razi remedy but the combination of all ingredients requires to achieve full activity. Our work highlighted the use of not only single agent but also combinations of natural products for treating skin infections.
A Solar-Powered Aquaponics with IoT-Based Monitoring and Data Gathering at the Technological University of the Philippines-Taguig
Authors: Garcia Celver , Tibo Hector
Published: June 2023

The agriculture sector is one of the main driving forces of the economy, yet it is gravely affected by the growing number of industrializations and climate change, resulting in low productivity and food scarcity. This is why innovative farming methods are introduced to farmers to help them slowly adapt and mitigate these problems. Numerous studies regarding aquaponics have been conducted to enhance the quality of food production, but only some of them use renewable energy as source of electricity. This paper discusses how the system, powered by solar energy and has a monitoring website using the Internet of Things (IoT), can help in improving agricultural growth and food security, create entrepreneurial opportunities, and combat the effects of climate change. The growth of the lettuce from the system was compared to the existing aquaponics study from the De La Salle University (DLSU), which resulted in the researchers’ system being ahead by having a 60.89% growth rate in just a week of monitoring. The findings also indicate that insufficient light exposure may result in leggy lettuce and suggest that thorough monitoring of the pH level must be practiced since it plays a vital role in the growth of both lettuce and tilapia.
Joining of Polymer to Metal using Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Alhmoudi Aisha , Sheikh-Ahmad Jamal , Almaskari Fahad , Bojanampati Shrinivas
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the joining of metal to polymer by material extrusion additive manufacturing. Direct joining by layered extrusion was used to fabricate hybrid single lap joints of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Aluminum alloy 5052. The influence of the printing speed, bed temperature and nozzle Z-offset on the lap shear strength was studied experimentally. The interface between the two materials was also observed under scanning electron microscope and the chemical state of the polymer after printing was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed that elevated bed temperature and pressure application through lowering the Z-offset promoted better polymer filling of the metal surface structure and improved the joint strength by mechanical interlocking. Also, long exposure time to the heated build plate corresponding to low printing speeds lowered the mechanical performance of the polymer bulk due to thermal degradation. Mechanical interlocking was the main joining mechanism, but under high bed temperatures where the carbonyl group had formed due to degradation, a (C-O-Al) chemical bond was detected.
Deciphering the bioactive compounds for the expectorant effect of FF based on the gut and lung metabolomics
Authors: Dong Xianlong , Kong Zhe , Cao Linxu , Qin Xuemei , Li Zhenyu
Published: June 2023

Farfarae Flos (FF), derived from the flower buds of Tussilago farfarae L., is used as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of cough, bronchitis and asthmatic disorders. It also has been used as a dietary supplement and health tea in many countries. However, its expectorant mechanism is unknown yet. In this study, the expectorant mechanism of FF was investigated from the perspective of metabolomics. The results showed that the expectorant effect of FF was related with gut microbiota, as demonstrated by antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation. Dihydrocaffeic acid (DCA) and quinic acid (QA), which were metabolized from caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) by the gut microbiota, showed obvious expectorant effect and were proved as the key metabolites for the expectorant effect of FF. In addition, FF as well as DCA and QA could regulate arginine biosynthesis, which was confirmed by arginine supplementation experiment. Moreover, DCA and QA, as well as arginine could regulate the phospholipids in the lung tissue, which could be served as pulmonary surfactant. This study presented a novel approach for investigating the expectorant mechanism of FF from the perspective of gut and lung metabolomics.
Exploring aquaponics for youth employment: An experience from Ghana
Authors: Egyir Irene S. , Oku-Afari Kofi , BOAKYE ALFRED ASUMING
Published: June 2023

Over the past few decades, scientists have discovered Aquaponics as an innovative method for growing food that may hold the key to efficiently and sustainably feeding the world's population and serving as a job avenue for young graduates. Although many studies have shown aquaponic food production to be technically feasible, there are relatively few studies in Ghana concerning its economic feasibility. A pilot experiment was implemented, and observations and surveys were carried out to obtain views from stakeholders from 2017–2023 in the University of Ghana. The aquaponic system was composed of a plastic pond (for growing tilapia/catfish species), connecting pipes, aerators, polytanks and soiless media for growing lettuce. We studied the financial impact of the nexus between tilapia and lettuce aquaponics, and the institutional support system. Aquaponics is profitable, the production rate can be high - three cycles a year for the tilapia, and harvesting lettuce every five weeks. Yet, the initial financial costs is high, the engineering experts to install the system to run efficiently and the extension officers to provide technical information consistently at the local level are lacking. The implications of the findings are that the interest of young people who are the target, may be lost; finding the investment capital to take advantage of an otherwise profitable venture should go hand-in-hand with available experts in installation and technical information provision. There are national level governmental and private institutions that are ready to support enterprises in aquaponics to work; they should be motivated to engage and provide the local support efficiently.
Microstructural Investigation of Tensile Fractography and Wear Properties of Scrap Aluminium Engine Head (SAEH) Reinforced with Fresh and Spent Catalysts from Petrochemical Industries using Stir Casting Method
Authors: Rajan Raj Thilak Krishnan , Boppana Satish Babu , S Ramesh , Krishnan Pradeep Kumar
Published: June 2023

This study examines the microstructural properties, tensile fractography, and wear characteristics of scrap aluminum engine head (SAEH) composites reinforced with different types of alumina catalysts. Four composite variants were created using the stir casting method: SAEH + spent alumina catalysts (SAC), SAEH + fresh alumina catalysts (FAC), LM25 + SAC, and LM25 + FAC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to analyze the microstructural features, while pin-on-disk wear testing was performed to assess wear properties. The results indicate that the SAEH + SAC composite demonstrates superior mechanical and wear properties compared to the other variants. The SAEH + FAC composite exhibits the second-best performance, followed by the LM25 + SAC and LM25 + FAC composites. SEM analysis confirms the presence of cohesive and uniform microstructures in composites containing SAC and FAC. These findings emphasize the potential of utilizing waste materials, specifically SAEH from automotive scrap yards matrices and SAC as reinforcement materials from petrochemical industries. This approach offers enhanced mechanical and wear properties, making it suitable for various applications.
Design and Synthesis of an Efficient Fluorescent Probe based on Oxacalix[4]arene for the Selective Detection of Trinitrophenol (TNP) Explosives in Aqueous System
Authors: Desai Vishv , Modi Krunal , Panjwani Falak , Seth Banabithi Koley , Vora Manoj , Parikh Jaymin , Jain Vinod Kumar
Published: June 2023

We present the synthesis of a new oxacalix[4]arene system, DMANSOC, wherein two 5-(dimethylamino)-1-naphthalene sulfonamide subunits are attached to the lower rims of the basic oxacalix[4]arene platform. Extensive spectrophotometric studies were conducted to investigate the selectivity and sensitivity of DMANSOC towards nitroaromatic explosives. Detailed analysis of spectrophotometric data, utilizing techniques such as Stern-Volmer, Benesi-Hildebrand, Job's plot, and interference study, unequivocally demonstrated the effectiveness of DMANSOC as a highly efficient fluorescent sensor for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol explosive (TNP) detection in an aqueous medium. The sensor exhibited a linear concentration range of 7.5 µM to 50 µM, with a low detection limit of 4.64 µM and a high binding affinity of 2.45 × 104 M towards TNP. Furthermore, the efficiency of the sensor in environmental samples contaminated with TNP was evaluated, yielding excellent recovery rates. Complementary DFT calculations and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to elucidate the mechanism behind the selective fluorescence quenching of DMANSOC in the presence of TNP.
Pericardial Effusions and Cardiac Tamponade in Hospitalized Systemic Sclerosis Patients: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Basyal Bikash , Ullah Waqas , Derk Chris
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Clinically significant pericardial effusions and cardiac tamponade in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients is uncommon and the factors that contribute to progression of pericardial involvement in SSc patients have not been well established.
Methods: A review of the national inpatient sample database was performed looking SSc related hospitalizations between 2002-2019. Data was collected on patients with pericardial effusions and cardiac tamponade and analyzed to identify and describe patient characteristics and comorbidities.
Results: Out of a total of 523,410 SSc hospitalizations, with an overall inpatient mortality rate of 4.7% (24,764 patients), pericardial effusion was identified in 3.1% of all hospitalizations (16,141 patients) out of which 0.2% (838 patients) had a diagnosis of cardiac tamponade. Patients with pericardial effusion were significantly more likely to have pulmonary circulatory disease (p= <0.0001), congestive heart failure (p= <0.0001) end stage renal disease (p= <0.0001), diabetes (p= 0.015), and hypothyroidism (p= 0.025). Patients with cardiac tamponade were significantly more likely to have a history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (p= 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (p= <0.0001) or atrial fibrillation (p= <0.0001). Hospitalized patients with cardiac tamponade had a significantly increased mortality rate of 17.7% compared to 8.8% in patients with pericardial effusions without a tamponade physiology, with an odds ratio of 2.3 (1.97-2.86), p= <0.0001.
Conclusion: Pericardial effusion and tamponade are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in SSc patients. Further studies are required to explore the role of patient comorbidities and characteristics in development into pericardial effusions or tamponade.
Efficient ilamycins production utilizing Enteromorpha prolifera by metabolically engineered Streptomyces atratus
Authors: Jiang Yu-Xi , Zheng Gao-Fan , Xin Xiu-Juan , Wu Hui , Ma Jun-Ying , Ju Jian-Hua , Zhao Ming , Wang Ruida , An Fa-Liang L.
Published: June 2023

Background
With the invasion of green tides and the increase of urban green areas worldwide, multimillion tons of Enteromorpha need to be reutilized. Ilamycins, novel cyclic heptapeptides with significant anti-TB activities, are isolated from Streptomyces atratus SCSIO ZH16, a deep-sea-derived strain. It is crucial to develop an efficient production process that can utilize inexpensive nitrogen sources to achieve massive production of ilamycins.
Results
In this study, Enteromorpha prolifera powder is considered a promising biomass resource for the production of commercial chemical products production. By using E. prolifera powder as a nitrogen source, the production of ilamycins reached 709.97 mg/L through optimization of the nitrogen source using the engineered strain S. atratus SCSIO ZH16 ΔR. After mutant strain constructions and tests, S. atratus SCSIO ZH16 ΔR::bldD was found to be a more suitable strain for utilizing E. prolifera powder. Furthermore, the production titer of ilamycins and ilamycin E reached 1561.77 mg/L and 745.44 mg/L, respectively, in a 5-L bioreactor.
Conclusions
This study suggests that E. prolifera is a promising and eco-friendly nitrogen source for the production of ilamycins. Engineered strain S. atratus SCSIO ZH16 ΔR::bldD was found to be a more suitable strain for utilizing E. prolifera powder.
NeuroD1 administration ameliorated neuroinflammation and boosted neurogenesis in a mouse model of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Chen Ping , Liu Xue-Yan , Lin Mou-Hui , Li Yu-Xi , Kang De-Zhi , Ye Zu-Cheng , Lin Qing-Song
Published: June 2023

Background
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) causes significant long-term neurocognitive dysfunction, which is associated with hippocampal neuroinflammation. Growing evidence have shown that astrocytes played a significant role in mediating neuroinflammation. Recently, in vivo reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons by NeuroD1 or PTBP1 administration have generated a lot of interests and controversies. While the debates centered on the source of neurogenesis, no attention has been paid to the changes of the astrocytes-mediated neuroinflammation and its impact on endogenous neurogenesis after NeuroD1 administration.
Methods
80 adult male C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. SAH was established by pre-chiasmatic injection of 100µl blood. AAV-NeuroD1-GFP virus was injected to the hippocampus 3 days post-SAH. Neurocognitive function, brain water content, in vivo electrophysiology, Golgi staining, western blot and immunofluorescent staining were assessed at day 14 post-virus injection.
Results
NeuroD1 administration dramatically attenuated reactive astrocytes-mediated neuroinflammation by reversing neurotoxic A1 astrocytes transformation, decreasing the secretion of neuroinflammatory cytokines, and reducing the activation of harmful microglia. NeuroD1 treatment significantly reversed the brain-blood barrier impairment and promoted the release of neurotrophic factors PTN, all of which contributed to the improvement of cellular microenvironment and made it more suitable for neurogenesis. Interestingly, besides neurogenesis in the hippocampus from cells transfected with NeuroD1 at the early phase of SAH, NeuroD1 administration significantly boosted the endogenous neurogenesis at the late phase of SAH, which likely benefited from the improvement of the neuroinflammatory microenvironment. Functionally, NeuroD1 treatment significantly alleviated neurocognitive dysfunction impaired by SAH.
Conclusions
NeuroD1 significantly promoted neurofunctional recovery by attenuating reactive astrocytes-mediated neuroinflammation and boosting neurogenesis decimated by SAH. Specifically, NeuroD1 efficiently converted transfected cells, most likely astrocytes, to neurons at the early phase of SAH, suppressed astrocytes-mediated neuroinflammation and boosted endogenous neurogenesis at the late phase of SAH.
Radiation effect mediated by divalent cations in human lung cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Qu Hongdao , Zhang Yadong , He Minyuan , Wang Jinbao
Published: June 2023

Radiotherapy has become a major treatment option for small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and locally advanced non SCLC (NSCLC). Moreover, divalent cations show a potential role in cancer therapy, which have become attractive nowadays. To explore the potential combination role of irradiation with divalent cations treatment in human lung cancer cells in vitro, human NSCLC A549 and SCLC NCI-H446 cells were irradiated with 2 Gy X-rays under 1 mM calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) or zinc (Zn2+) treatments. It was found that the Ca2+ and Mg2+ could inhibit activating ERK pathway, blocking cell proliferation, enhancing DNA damage, suppressing DNA repair capacity, strengthening p53 activation and increasing apoptosis induced by irradiation in lung cancer cells. On opposite, Zn2+ showed a negative regulation in radiation effect. Moreover, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ could inhibit p38 activation and cell invasion induced by irradiation. These results suggest that divalent cations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ could potentiate radiation effect in lung cancer cells, which warrants further investigation for this combination effect of irradiation and divalent cations in potential clinical applications.
Brain Plasticity in Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsies: Quantification and Comparison with Adults Brachial Plexus Injuries
Authors: Socolovsky Mariano , Masi Gilda di , Bonilla Gonzalo , Lovaglio Ana , Battaglia Danilo , Rosler Roberto , Malessy Martijn
Published: June 2023

Purpose
to compare two populations of brachial plexus palsies, one neonatal (NBPP) and the other traumatic (NNBPP) who underwent different nerve transfers, using the Plasticity Grading Scale (PGS) for detecting differences in brain plasticity between both groups.
Methods
To be included, all patients had to have undergone a nerve transfer as the unique procedure to recover one lost function. The primary outcome was the PGS score. We also assessed patient compliance to rehabilitation using the Rehabilitation Quality Scale (RQS). Statistical analysis of all variables was performed. A p ≤ 0.050 set as criterion for statistical significance.
Results
a total of 153 NNBPP patients and 35 NBPP babies (with 38 nerve transfers) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery of the NBPP group was 9 months (SD 5.42, range 4 to 23 months. The mean age of NNBPP patients was 22 years (SD 12 years, range 3 to 69). They were operated around sixth months after the trauma. All transfers performed in NBPP patients had a maximum PGS score of 4. This was not the case for the NNBPP population, that reached a PGS score of 4 in approximately 20% of the cases. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The RQS was not significantly different between groups
Conclusion
We found that babies with NBPP have a significantly greater capacity for plastic rewiring than adults with NNBPP. The brain in the very young patient can process the changes induced by the peripheral nerve transfer better than in adults.
Preparation and Anti-Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Effect of a Nanoparticle for the Codelivery of Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine
Authors: Yang Fan , Fan Zehui , Zhang Lixia , He Yanjuan , Hu Run , Xiang Jinkun , Fu Shiyang , Wang Guowei , Wang Jianlong , Tao Xiaojun , Zhang Pan
Published: June 2023

Amphiphilic polymers (HA-ANI) were prepared by grafting hyaluronic acid (HA) and 6-(2-nitroimidazole)hexylamine (ANI) and then self-assemble in water to form nanoparticles (NPs) that could be loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) and gemcitabine (GEM) by dialysis. Infrared spectroscopy and 1H-NMR indicated the successful synthesis of HA-ANI. Three different ratios of NPs were prepared by adjusting the ratios of hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials, and the particle size decreased as the ratio of hydrophilic materials increased. When HA:ANI=2.0:1, the nanoparticles had the smallest size distribution, good stability and near spherical shape and had high drug loading and encapsulation rates. In vitro release experiments revealed that NADPH could accelerate the drug release from NPs. Cellular uptake rate reached 86.50% at 6 h. The toxic effect of dual drug-loaded nanoparticles (P/G NPs) on MDA-MB-231 cells at 48 h was stronger than that of the free drug. The AO/EB double-staining assay revealed that a large number of late apoptotic cells appeared in the P/G NPs group, and the degree of cell damage was significantly stronger than that of the free drug group. In the cell migration assay, the 24 h-cell migration rate of the P/G NPs group was 5.99%, which was much lower than that of the free group (13.87% and 17.00%). In conclusion, MDA-MB-231 cells could effectively take up P/G NPs, while the introduction of the nano-codelivery system could significantly enhance the toxicity of the drug to MDA-MB-231 cells as well as the migration inhibition effect.