bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic Redox Imbalance in Patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Authors: Heropolitanska-Pliszka Edyta , Berk Klaudia , Maciejczyk Mateusz , Sawicka-Powierza Jolanta , Bernatowska Ewa , Wolska-Kusnierz Beata , Pac Malgorzata , Dabrowska-Leonik Nel , Piatosa Barbara , Lewandowicz-Uszynska Aleksandra , Karpinska Joanna , Zalewska Anna , Mikoluc Bozena
Published: May 2020

The aim of our study was to evaluate redox status, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant barriers, oxidative damage of proteins, lipids and DNA, as well as concentration of coenzyme Q10 and vitamins A and E in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The study was performed on fifteen Caucasian individuals (median age 24 years and seven months) diagnosed with CGD. The mutation in the NCF1 gene was confirmed in ten patients, and in the CYBB gene in five patients. We demonstrated high levels of total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI), lipids (↑8-isoprostanes (8-isoP), ↑4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)), proteins (↑advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP)) and DNA (↑8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) oxidation products in CGD individuals as compared to sex- and age-matched healthy controls. We showed enhanced serum enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD) and significantly decreased coenzyme Q10 concentration. Our study confirmed redox disturbances and increased oxidative damage in CGD patients, and indicated the need to compare redox imbalance depending on the type of mutation and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity. The question regarding effectiveness of antioxidant therapy in patients with CGD is open, and the need to establish guidelines in this area remains to be addressed.
The Role of Physical Activity and Rehabilitation Following Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in the Elderly
Authors: Papalia Rocco , Campi Stefano , Vorini Ferruccio , Zampogna Biagio , Vasta Sebastiano , Papalia Giuseppe , Fossati Chiara , Torre Guglielmo , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: May 2020

Hip and knee replacement is an effective treatment for symptomatic, end-stage hip and knee osteoarthritis, aiming to relieve pain and restore joint function. Several postoperative rehabilitation protocols and physical activities are proposed in routine clinical practice. However, their effect on clinical outcome and implant revision in patients undergoing joint replacement is still unclear. A systematic review of the literature was performed through a comprehensive search on online databases including Pubmed-Medline, Cochrane central, and Google scholar. We included all the available studies on postoperative physical activity and rehabilitation protocols after total knee and total hip arthroplasty in patients older than 65 years. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the effect of physical activity and rehabilitation on clinical outcome; the secondary outcome was to determine the effect on patients’ quality of life (QoL) and implant survival. Although the heterogeneity of the rehabilitation protocols and outcome measures did not allow to draw definitive conclusions, most studies suggested that aquatic therapy, ergometer cycling, and fast-track protocols have a beneficial effect on muscle strength, gait speed, and main clinical scores after total hip arthroplasty. Similarly, enhanced rehabilitation protocols produced an improvement in primary and secondary outcomes after total knee arthroplasty.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Cardiovascular System: A Review
Authors: Matsushita Kensuke , Marchandot Benjamin , Jesel Laurence , Ohlmann Patrick , Morel Olivier
Published: May 2020

The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. COVID-19 may present as acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe cases, and patients with pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities are reported to be the most vulnerable. Notably, acute myocardial injury, determined by elevated high-sensitivity troponin levels, is commonly observed in severe cases, and is strongly associated with mortality. Therefore, understanding the effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system is essential for providing comprehensive medical care for critically ill patients. In this review, we summarize the rapidly evolving data and highlight the cardiovascular considerations related to COVID-19.
Basic Laparoscopic Skills Training Is Equally Effective Using 2D Compared to 3D Visualization: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Montanari Eliana , Schwameis Richard , Veit-Rubin Nikolaus , Kuessel Lorenz , Husslein Heinrich
Published: May 2020

Reduced depth perception due to two-dimensional (2D) visualization of a three-dimensional (3D) space represents a main challenge in acquiring basic laparoscopic skills (BLS); 3D visualization might increase training efficiency. This study aimed to assess whether BLS training on a standard box trainer using 2D is at least equally effective compared to 3D. Medical students were randomized to training of Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) tasks using either 2D or 3D for four weeks. Baseline and post-training tests were performed using the assigned visualization modality. Data of 31 participants were analyzed (n = 16 2D, n = 15 3D). Baseline test scores did not differ significantly between groups; only at the peg transfer task and total scores, the 3D group performed better than the 2D group. All scores improved significantly in both groups, with post training scores not differing significantly between groups. Non-inferiority of 2D compared to 3D was demonstrated for total score improvement and improvement in all individual FLS tasks except for suturing with extracorporeal knot tying. Post training test performance did not change significantly when changing to the unfamiliar modality. In conclusion, BLS training using standard 2D is at least equally effective as with 3D, without significant disadvantages when changing to the other modality.
Macular Ganglion Cell Layer Thickness after Macula-Off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair: Scleral Buckling versus Pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Gharbiya Magda , Albanese Giuseppe Maria , Plateroti Andrea Maria , Marcelli Michela , Marenco Marco , Lambiase Alessandro
Published: May 2020

(1) Background: We evaluated macular ganglion cell layer–inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) thickness in patients with primary macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with scleral buckling (SB) or pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). (2) Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, we reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing SB or PPV surgery for macula-off RRD. SD-OCT was performed at three and 12 months after surgery. The central and parafoveal GCL-IPL thicknesses in treated eyes were compared with those of healthy fellow eyes. OCT measurements between the SB and PPV group were also compared using the analysis of covariance. (3) Results: Seventy-one eyes of 71 patients with a mean age of 61.2 ± 11.7 years were included. The parafoveal GCL-IPL thickness of the PPV group was significantly reduced, with respect to fellow eyes, at three and 12 months (p < 0.01). After adjusting for age, axial length, spherical equivalent, RD extent, preoperative intraretinal cysts, duration of symptoms and postoperative IOP, the parafoveal GCL-IPL thickness in the PPV group was significantly reduced with respect to the SB group, both at three and 12 months (F = 11.45, p = 0.001 and F = 12.37, p = 0.001, respectively). (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, the GCL-IPL is reduced in thickness in eyes with macula-off RRD treated with vitrectomy and is significantly thinner compared to eyes undergoing scleral buckling surgery.
Hypertension, Thrombosis, Kidney Failure, and Diabetes: Is COVID-19 an Endothelial Disease? A Comprehensive Evaluation of Clinical and Basic Evidence
Authors: Sardu Celestino , Gambardella Jessica , Morelli Marco Bruno , Wang Xujun , Marfella Raffaele , Santulli Gaetano
Published: May 2020

The symptoms most commonly reported by patients affected by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. However, other major events usually observed in COVID-19 patients (e.g., high blood pressure, arterial and venous thromboembolism, kidney disease, neurologic disorders, and diabetes mellitus) indicate that the virus is targeting the endothelium, one of the largest organs in the human body. Herein, we report a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of both clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the hypothesis that the endothelium is a key target organ in COVID-19, providing a mechanistic rationale behind its systemic manifestations.
Effects of Circulating HMGB-1 and Histones on Cardiomyocytes–Hemadsorption of These DAMPs as Therapeutic Strategy after Multiple Trauma
Authors: Weber Birte , Lackner Ina , Baur Meike , Fois Giorgio , Gebhard Florian , Marzi Ingo , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Relja Borna , Kalbitz Miriam
Published: May 2020

Background and purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of post-traumatically released High Mobility Group Box-1 protein (HMGB1) and extracellular histones on cardiomyocytes (CM). We also evaluated a therapeutic option to capture circulating histones after trauma, using a hemadsorption filter to treat CM dysfunction. Experimental Approach: We evaluated cell viability, calcium handling and mitochondrial respiration of human cardiomyocytes in the presence of HMGB-1 and extracellular histones. In a translational approach, a hemadsorption filter was applied to either directly eliminate extracellular histones or to remove them from blood samples obtained from multiple injured patients. Key results: Incubation of human CM with HMGB-1 or histones is associated with changes in calcium handling, a reduction of cell viability and a substantial reduction of the mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Filtrating plasma from injured patients with a hemadsorption filter reduces histone concentration ex vivo and in vitro, depending on dosage. Conclusion and implications: Danger associated molecular patterns such as HMGB-1 and extracellular histones impair human CM in vitro. A hemadsorption filter could be a therapeutic option to reduce high concentrations of histones.
An Autonomous Low-Power LoRa-Based Flood-Monitoring System
Authors: Ragnoli Mattia , Barile Gianluca , Leoni Alfiero , Ferri Giuseppe , Stornelli Vincenzo
Published: May 2020

The development of Internet of Things (IoT) systems is a rapidly evolving scenario, thanks also to newly available low-power wide area network (LPWAN) technologies that are utilized for environmental monitoring purposes and to prevent potentially dangerous situations with smaller and less expensive physical structures. This paper presents the design, implementation and test results of a flood-monitoring system based on LoRa technology, tested in a real-world scenario. The entire system is designed in a modular perspective, in order to have the capability to interface different types of sensors without the need for making significant hardware changes to the proposed node architecture. The information is stored through a device equipped with sensors and a microcontroller, connected to a LoRa wireless module for sending data, which are then processed and stored through a web structure where the alarm function is implemented in case of flooding.
Oil Spill Response Policies to Bridge the Perception Gap between the Government and the Public: A Social Big Data Analysis
Authors: Chun Joungyoon , Oh Jeong-Hwan , Kim Choong-Ki
Published: May 2020

Oil spills cause socioeconomic and ecological damage to the marine environment and local communities. Implementing policies to effectively cope with such incidents is a challenging task due to the negative public perceptions about governmental responses. Using social big data, this study analyzed such negative perceptions in South Korea and the factors influencing them. The findings indicate that the public pays relatively little attention to oil spills but expresses serious concerns about the economic and ecological damage and the health and safety of volunteers and local residents. To improve public perception of oil spills, response strategies should aim to (1) analyze it using social big data to reduce the gap between governmental and public spheres, (2) release timely and accurate information to resolve civil distrust and dissatisfaction, (3) minimize direct damage to local communities and ecosystems affected by oil spills, and (4) reduce the impact on volunteers’ and local residents’ health and safety. Furthermore, through a multidisciplinary approach that combines social big data analysis methods with marine scientific research, it can contribute to creating a disaster response policy tailored to policy consumers.
Numerical Investigation of Unsteady Cavitation Dynamics over a NACA66 Hydrofoil near a Free Surface
Authors: Sun Tiezhi , Xie Qingmo , Zou Li , Wang Hao , Xu Chang
Published: May 2020

Cavitation is a typical and unavoidable phenomenon for small waterline ships and high-speed vehicles. It creates a highly complex multiphase flow near the free surface and is primarily represented by the free surface-cavitation interaction. In this paper, the large-eddy method and Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model are combined to address the effects of a free surface on the cavitation dynamics of a NACA66 hydrofoil. The numerical method is validated by comparing the cavitation morphology and pressure with available experimental data. The results show that the presence of a free surface affects the cavitation evolution and hydrodynamic load characteristics. Compared with the non-free surface case for the same cavitation number, the free surface suppresses the cavitation intensity and increases the frequency of cavitation shedding. Furthermore, an improved dynamic mode decomposition method is applied to investigate the unsteady cavitation flow features. The results show a correlation between the characteristic mode and the flow state. Meanwhile, the presence of a free surface is found to reduce the energy content in each order mode and results in smaller scale of the coherent structure in higher-order modes. Moreover, with increasing distance from the hydrofoil to the free surface, the cavitation intensity increases, as well as the average lift and drag coefficients. In particular, significant free-surface unsteady fluctuations are observed in the wake region.
The Investment Home Bias with Peer Effect
Authors: Levy Haim
Published: May 2020

Observed international diversification implies an investment home bias (IHB). Can bivariate preferences with a local domestic peer group rationalize the IHB? For example, it is argued that wishing to have a large correlation with the Standard and Poor’s 500 stock index (S&P 500 stock index) may induce an increase in the domestic investment weight by American investors and, hence, rationalize the IHB. While this argument is valid in the mean-variance framework, employing bivariate first-degree stochastic dominance (BFSD), we prove that this intuition is generally invalid. Counter intuitively, employing “keeping up with the Joneses” (KUJ) preference with actual international data even enhances the IHB phenomenon.
Competitive Binding of Bilirubin and Fatty Acid on Serum Albumin Affects Wear of UHMWPE
Authors: Fullam Spencer , He Jade , Scholl Caroline S. , Schmid Thomas M. , Wimmer Markus A.
Published: May 2020

Total Joint Replacement (TJR) devices undergo standardized wear testing in mechanical simulators while submerged in a proteinaceous testing solution to mimic the environmental conditions of artificial joints in the human body. Typically, bovine calf serum is used to provide the required protein content. However, due to lot-to-lot variability, an undesirable variance in testing outcome is observed. Based on an earlier finding that yellowish-orange serum color saturation is associated with wear rate, we examined potential sources of this variability, by running a comparative wear test with bilirubin; hemin; and a fatty acid, oleic acid, in the lubricant. All these compounds readily bind to albumin, the most abundant protein in bovine serum. Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) pins were articulated against CoCrMo discs in a pin-on-disc tribometer, and the UHMWPE wear rates were compared between lubricants. We found that the addition of bilirubin increased wear by 121%, while hemin had a much weaker, insignificant effect. When added at the same molar ratio as bilirubin, the fatty acid tended to reduce wear. Additionally, there was a significant interaction with respect to bilirubin and hemin in that UHMWPE wear rate decreased with increasing fatty acid concentration. We believe the conformational change in albumin by binding bilirubin makes it more likely to form molecular bridges between UHMWPE and the metal counterface, thus increasing adhesive wear. However, fatty acids compete for binding sites on albumin, and can prevent this conformational change. Hence, the protein is stabilized, and the chance for albumin to form bridges is lowered. Ultimately, UHMWPE wear rate is driven by the competitive binding of bilirubin and fatty acid to albumin.
Modeling and Design of SHPB to Characterize Brittle Materials under Compression for High Strain Rates
Authors: Jankowiak Tomasz , Rusinek Alexis , Voyiadjis George Z.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents an analytical prediction coupled with numerical simulations of a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) that could be used during further experiments to measure the dynamic compression strength of concrete. The current study combines experimental, modeling and numerical results, permitting an inverse method by which to validate measurements. An analytical prediction is conducted to determine the waves propagation present in SHPB using a one-dimensional theory and assuming a strain rate dependence of the material strength. This method can be used by designers of new SPHB experimental setups to predict compressive strength or strain rates reached during tests, or to check the consistencies of predicted results. Numerical simulation results obtained using LS-DYNA finite element software are also presented in this paper, and are used to compare the predictions with the analytical results. This work focuses on an SPHB setup that can accurately identify the strain rate sensitivities of concrete or brittle materials.
Influence of SiC Sludge on the Microstructure of Geopolymers
Authors: Lin Kae-Long , Lo Kang-Wei , Cheng Ta-Wui , Lin Wei-Ting , Lin Ya-Wen
Published: May 2020

There are considerable resource reuse and environmental concerns regarding SiC sludge (SiCS) that results from cutting silicon ingots into wafers. In the current study, the effect of the Na2SiO3 solution/sodium hydroxide solution (NS/SS) mass ratio and SiCS amount on metakaolin geopolymers was found during geopolymerization system performance. The results indicate that while NS/SS ratio was relatively low, increasing the NaOH content resulted in a sufficient amount of OH− in the system to increase the solubility and hinder polycondensation, as indicated by the bulk density and setting-time results; since the polycondensation was inhibited, the mechanical strength was reduced. This study demonstrated that a geopolymer can be formed from a substitution of 10% SiCS and with an NS/SS ratio of 1.6, and that this geopolymer is a feasible material.
Optical Etching to Pattern Microstructures on Plastics by Vacuum Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Doi Tomotaka , Yamamoto Takatoki
Published: May 2020

We proposed and demonstrated an optical dry etching method for transferring a pattern on a photomask to a surface of plastics by decomposing the irradiated area using the high energy of vacuum ultraviolet light (VUV) at room temperature and pressure. Two kinds of wavelengths of 160 nm and 172 nm were used as the vacuum ultraviolet light, and the patterning performances for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) were compared. As a result, it was revealed that proportional relationships were obtained between the etching rate and the irradiation dose for both wavelengths, and the cross-sectional profiles were anisotropic. In addition, both PMMA and PC were etched at a wavelength of 160 nm, whereas PC could not be etched at a wavelength of 172 nm, suggesting that it correlates with the bond dissociation energies of the molecular bonds of the materials and the energies of the photons. Furthermore, by combining this method with the optical bonding method that we had previously developed to bond surfaces irradiated with VUV, we have demonstrated a method for fabricating microfluidic devices by irradiating only with VUV. This paper shows that this technique is a new microfabrication method suitable for simple and mass production of plastic materials.
Mixed Modified Recurring Rogers-Szego Polynomials Neural Network Control with Mended Grey Wolf Optimization Applied in SIM Expelling System
Authors: Chen Der-Fa , Shih Yi-Cheng , Li Shih-Cheng , Chen Chin-Tung , Ting Jung-Chu
Published: May 2020

Due to a good ability of learning for nonlinear uncertainties, a mixed modified recurring Rogers-Szego polynomials neural network (MMRRSPNN) control with mended grey wolf optimization (MGWO) by using two linear adjusted factors is proposed to the six-phase induction motor (SIM) expelling continuously variable transmission (CVT) organized system for acquiring better control performance. The control system can execute MRRSPNN control with a fitted learning rule, and repay control with an evaluated rule. In the light of the Lyapunov stability theorem, the fitted learning rule in the MRRSPNN control can be derived, and the evaluated rule of the repay control can be originated. Besides, the MGWO by using two linear adjusted factors yields two changeable learning rates for two parameters to find two ideal values and to speed-up convergence of weights. Experimental results in comparisons with some control systems are demonstrated to confirm that the proposed control system can achieve better control performance.
Resources Planning for Container Terminal in a Maritime Supply Chain Using Multiple Particle Swarms Optimization (MPSO)
Authors: Hsu Hsien-Pin , Wang Chia-Nan
Published: May 2020

Resources planning is an important task in a supply chain in order to achieve a good result. The better the utilization of resources, especially scarce resources, the better the performance of a supply chain. This research focuses on allocating two scarce resources, i.e., berth and quay cranes (QCs), to ships that call at a container terminal in a maritime supply chain. As global container shipments continue to grow, improving the efficiency of container terminals is important. A two-stage approach is used to find the optimal/near-optimal solution, in which the first stage is devoted to generating alternative ship placement sequences as inputs to the second stage that subsequently employs an event-based heuristic to place ships, resolve overlaps of ships, and assign/adjust QCs so as to develop a feasible solution. For identifying a better approach, various heuristics/metaheuristics, including first-come first-served (FCFS), particle swarm optimization (PSO), improved PSO (PSO2), and multiple PSO (MPSO), have been employed in the first stage, respectively. The experimental results show that combining the MPSO with the event-based heuristic leads to a better result.
Determination of the Factors Affecting King Abdul Aziz University Published Articles in ISI by Multilayer Perceptron Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Bantan Rashad A. R. , Zeineldin Ramadan A. , Jamal Farrukh , Chesneau Christophe
Published: May 2020

Deanship of scientific research established by the King Abdulaziz University provides some research programs for its staff and researchers and encourages them to submit proposals in this regard. Distinct research study (DRS) is one of these programs. It is available all the year and the King Abdulaziz University (KAU) staff can submit more than one proposal at the same time up to three proposals. The rules of the DSR program are simple and easy so it contributes in increasing the international rank of KAU. The authors are offered financial and moral reward after publishing articles from these proposals in Thomson-ISI journals. In this paper, multiplayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network (ANN) is employed to determine the factors that have more effect on the number of ISI published articles. The proposed study used real data of the finished projects from 2011 to April 2019.
On Recent Results Concerning F-Contraction in Generalized Metric Spaces
Authors: Vujaković Jelena , Mitrović Slobodanka , Pavlović Mirjana , Radenović Stojan
Published: May 2020

In this manuscript we discuss, consider, generalize, improve and unify several recent results for so-called F-contraction-type mappings in the framework of complete metric spaces. We also introduce ( φ , F ) -weak contraction and establish the corresponding fixed point result. Using our new approach for the proof that a Picard sequence is a Cauchy in metric space, our obtained results complement and enrich several methods in the existing literature. At the end we give one open question for F-contraction of Ćirić-type mapping.
Transferable Architecture for Segmenting Maxillary Sinuses on Texture-Enhanced Occipitomental View Radiographs
Authors: Chondro Peter , Haq Qazi Mazhar ul , Ruan Shanq-Jang , Li Lieber Po-Hung
Published: May 2020

Maxillary sinuses are the most prevalent locations for paranasal infections on both children and adults. Common diagnostic material for this particular disease is through the screening of occipitomental-view skull radiography (SXR). With the growing cases on paranasal infections, expediting the diagnosis has become an important innovation aspect that could be addressed through the development of a computer-aided diagnosis system. As the preliminary stage of the development, an automatic segmentation over the maxillary sinuses is required to be developed. This study presents a computer-aided detection (CAD) module that segments maxillary sinuses from a plain SXR that has been preprocessed through the novel texture-based morphological analysis (ToMA). Later, the network model from the Transferable Fully Convolutional Network (T-FCN) performs pixel-wise segmentation of the maxillary sinuses. T-FCN is designed to be trained with multiple learning stages, which enables re-utilization of network weights to be adjusted based on newer dataset. According to the experiments, the proposed system achieved segmentation accuracy at 85.70%, with 50% faster learning time.
Inhibitory Effects of Carrageenans on Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation
Authors: Yermak Irina M. , Volod’ko Aleksandra V. , Khasina Eleonora I. , Davydova Viktoriya N. , Chusovitin Evgeniy A. , Goroshko Dmitry L. , Kravchenko Anna O. , Solov’eva Tamara F. , Maleev Victor V.
Published: May 2020

The inhibitory effects of carrageenans (CRGs) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation in a mouse model of endotoxemia and in complex therapy of patients with enteric infections of Salmonella etiology were studied. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) examination of LPS and its mixture with CRGs showed that the LPS morphology is significantly changed under the action of κ- and κ/β-CRGs. CRGs were able to increase the synthesis of anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 (IL-10) in vitro, and, at low concentrations, their activity in the mixture with LPS was higher. The protective effect of CRGs against Escherichia coli LPS was studied in vivo by monitoring the biochemical and pathomorphological parameters. The κ- and κ/β-CRGs and food supplement “Carrageenan-FE” increased the nonspecific resistance of mice to E. coli LPS at the expense of the inhibition of processes of thymus involution, adrenals hypertrophy, thyroid atrophy, hypercorticoidism, glycogenolysis, and lactate acidosis. The estimation of the therapeutic action of food supplement Carrageenan-FE in complex therapy of patients with enteric infections of Salmonella etiology is given. Carrageenan-FE restores the system of hemostasis and corrects some biochemical indicators and parameters in the immune systems of patients. These results allow us to hope for the practical application of CRGs for lowering the endotoxemia level in patients under the development of the infectious process caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
Plant Polyphenols, More than Just Simple Natural Antioxidants: Oxidative Stress, Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Authors: Hano Christophe , Tungmunnithum Duangjai
Published: May 2020

The present editorial serves as an introduction to the Special Issue “Antioxidant and Anti-aging Action of Plant Polyphenols”. It also provides a summary of the polyphenols, their biological properties and possible functions as medicines, the importance of traditional medicines as a source of inspiration, the rationalization of new uses of plant extracts which lead to applications in modern medicine, the status of modern green-chemistry extraction methods, and some reflections on future prospects. Here, the articles from this Special Issue, and the main aspects of the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of plant polyphenols are discussed in the form of seven questions.
Multi-Refinement Effect of Rare Earth Lanthanum on α-Al and Eutectic Si Phase in Hypoeutectic Al-7Si Alloy
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Zhang Huarui , Jiang Haitao , Mi Zhenli , Zhang Hu
Published: May 2020

The effect of La addition on primary α-Al and the eutectic Si phase of Al-7Si alloy is investigated systematically in this work. The results indicate that La addition causes a multi-refining efficiency on the microstructure of Al-7Si alloy, including refinement of α-Al grains and secondary dendrite arm spacing as well as eutectic Si particles. The grain size, secondary dendrite arm spacing and area of eutectic Si particles are decreased by 26.8%, 7.7% and 26.7%, respectively, with the addition of 0.1 wt.% La. It is also found that La-rich phases of Al2Si2La form and distribute in the vicinity of the eutectic Si phase. The crystal structure and lattice parameter of Al2Si2La phase are determined to be hexagonal (a = b = 0.405 nm, c = 6.944 nm) based on the TEM analysis results. The multi-refinement effects are mainly attributed to the increased constitutional undercooling caused by the low solubility of La in Al alloy and the growth-restricting factor caused by the Al2Si2La phase.
A Physics-Based Mean-Field Model for Ferrite Recovery and Recrystallization
Authors: Allain Sébastien Y.P. , Moreno Marc , Lamari Mathias , Zurob Hatem , Teixeira Julien , Bonnet Frédéric
Published: May 2020

An original mean field model for the nucleation and the growth of new recrystallized grains during annealing treatments of deformed, low-carbon ferritic steels is proposed in this paper. The model was calibrated on two steels extensively studied in the literature under both isothermal annealing and continuous heating schedules. It permits one to predict not only recrystallization kinetics but also advanced microstructural features (such as dislocation density, dislocation cell size and grain size) during complex heat treatments. Once calibrated, the model was applied to the case of a third ferrite/pearlite steel and was shown to accurately capture the effect of cold-rolling ratio on the recrystallization kinetics.
Synthesis and Characterization of Thermoelectric Co2XSn (X = Zr, Hf) Heusler Alloys
Authors: Difalco Alessandro , Aversano Francesco , Boldrini Stefano , Ferrario Alberto , Baricco Marcello , Castellero Alberto
Published: May 2020

In this work, we report the results of an experimental investigation on the synthesis, structure, microstructure, mechanical, electrical conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient of Co2XSn (X = Zr, Hf) alloys. In both the alloys, the main constituent is a full Heusler-type compound that coexists with small amounts of secondary phases. Both alloys show a rather high Vickers hardness (around 900 HV) and an indentation fracture toughness typical of ceramics (around 2 MPa·m1/2). The electronic transport properties of the two alloys were measured for the first time. The temperature dependence of both the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical conductivity of the two alloys shows a change in correspondence of the Curie temperature. The Seebeck coefficient reaches a constant plateau, while the electrical conductivities show a transition from metallic to semiconductor behavior. As a consequence, almost constant values of the power factor have been obtained for the power factor above the Curie temperature, which is promising for an efficient exploitation of thermal gradients of several hundreds of degree in waste heat harvesting applications. Finally, on the basis of results from this work and from the literature, the effect of the substitution of the X element on the electronic transport properties in the series Co2XSn (X = Ti, Zr, Hf) is discussed.
Advances in the Development of Innovative Sensor Platforms for Field Analysis
Authors: Rizzato Silvia , Leo Angelo , Monteduro Anna Grazia , Chiriacò Maria Serena , Primiceri Elisabetta , Sirsi Fausto , Milone Angelo , Maruccio Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

Sustainable growth, environmental preservation, and improvement of life quality are strategic fields of worldwide interest and cornerstones of international policies. Humanity health and prosperity are closely related to our present choices on sustainable development. The main sources of pollution concern industry, including mining, chemical companies, and refineries, wastewater treatment; and consumers themselves. In order to guide and evaluate the effects of environmental policies, diffuse monitoring campaigns and detailed (big) data analyses are needed. In this respect, the development and availability of innovative sensor platforms for field analysis and remote sensing are of crucial relevance. In this review, we provide an overview of the area, analyzing the major needs, available technologies, novel approaches, and perspectives. Among environmental pollutants that threaten the biosphere, we focus on inorganic and organic contaminants, which affect air and water quality. We describe the technologies for their assessment in the environment and then draw some conclusions and mention future perspectives opened by the integration of sensing technologies with robotics and the Internet of Things. Without the ambition to be exhaustive in such a rapidly growing field, this review is intended as a support for researchers and stakeholders looking for current, state-of-the-art, and key enabling technologies for environmental monitoring.
Five Fungal Pathogens Are Responsible for Bayberry Twig Blight and Fungicides Were Screened for Disease Control
Authors: Li Wenjun , Hu Ming , Xue Yang , Li Zhijun , Zhang Yanfei , Zheng Daoxu , Lu Guangtao , Wang Junxia , Zhou Jianuan
Published: May 2020

Bayberry (Myrica rubra) is a commercial fruit in China. For the past seven years, twig blight disease has been attacking bayberry plantations in Shantou City, Guangdong Province, China, leading to destructive damage and financial loss. In this study, five fungal species associated with twig dieback and stem blight were identified based on morphological characteristics combined with multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, partial sequences of β-tubulin (tub2), translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α), large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU) and small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU) genes, which are Epicoccum sorghinum, Neofusicoccum parvum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Nigrospora oryzae and a Pestalotiopsis new species P. myricae. P. myricae is the chief pathogen in fields, based on its high isolation rate and fast disease progression after inoculation. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the above five fungi as the pathogens responsible for bayberry twig blight. Indoor screening of fungicides indicates that Prochloraz (copper salt) is the most promising fungicide for field application, followed by Pyraclostrobin, 15% Difenoconazole + 15% Propiconazole, Difenoconazole and Myclobutanil. Additionally, Bacillus velezensis strain 3–10 and zeamines from Dickeya zeae strain EC1 could be used as potential ecofriendly alternatives to control the disease.
Growth and Behavior of North American Microbes on Phragmites australis Leaves
Authors: DeVries Aaron E. , Kowalski Kurt P. , Bickford Wesley A.
Published: May 2020

Phragmites australis subsp. australis is a cosmopolitan wetland grass that is invasive in many regions of the world, including North America, where it co-occurs with the closely related Phragmites australis subsp. americanus. Because the difference in invasive behavior is unlikely to be related to physiological differences, we hypothesize that interactions with unique members of their microbiomes may significantly affect the behavior of each subspecies. Therefore, we systematically inoculated both plant lineages with a diverse array of 162 fungal and bacterial isolates to determine which could (1) differentiate between Phragmites hosts, (2) infect leaves at various stages of development, or (3) obtain plant-based carbon saprophytically. We found that many of the microbes isolated from Phragmites leaves behave as saprophytes. Only 1% (two taxa) were determined to be strong pathogens, 12% (20 taxa) were weakly pathogenic, and the remaining 87% were nonpathogenic. None of the isolates clearly discriminated between host plant lineages, and the Phragmites cuticle was shown to be a strong nonspecific barrier to infection. These results largely agree with the broad body of literature on leaf-associated phyllosphere microbes in Phragmites.
High Synteny and Sequence Identity between Genomes of Nitrosococcus oceani Strains Isolated from Different Oceanic Gyres Reveals Genome Economization and Autochthonous Clonal Evolution
Authors: Wang Lin , Lim Chee Kent , Klotz Martin G.
Published: May 2020

The ammonia-oxidizing obligate aerobic chemolithoautotrophic gammaproteobacterium, Nitrosococcus oceani, is omnipresent in the world’s oceans and as such important to the global nitrogen cycle. We generated and compared high quality draft genome sequences of N. oceani strains isolated from the Northeast (AFC27) and Southeast (AFC132) Pacific Ocean and the coastal waters near Barbados at the interface between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean (C-27) with the recently published Draft Genome Sequence of N. oceani Strain NS58 (West Pacific Ocean) and the complete genome sequence of N. oceani C-107, the type strain (ATCC 19707) isolated from the open North Atlantic, with the goal to identify indicators for the evolutionary origin of the species. The genomes of strains C–107, NS58, C-27, and AFC27 were highly conserved in content and synteny, and these four genomes contained one nearly sequence-identical plasmid. The genome of strain AFC132 revealed the presence of genetic inventory unknown from other marine ammonia-oxidizing bacteria such as genes encoding NiFe-hydrogenase and a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)-like siderophore biosynthesis module. Comparative genome analysis in context with the literature suggests that AFC132 represents a metabolically more diverse ancestral lineage to the other strains with C-107 and NS58 potentially being the youngest. The results suggest that the N. oceani species evolved by genome economization characterized by the loss of genes encoding catabolic diversity while acquiring a higher redundancy in inventory dedicated to nitrogen catabolism, both of which could have been facilitated by their rich complements of CRISPR/Cas and Restriction Modification systems.
Bacillus telluris sp. nov. Isolated from Greenhouse Soil in Beijing, China
Authors: Guo He-Bao , He Shan-Wen , Wang Xing , Thin Kyu-Kyu , Wei Hai-Lei , Zhang Xiao-Xia
Published: May 2020

A novel Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacterium, which we designated as strain 03113T, was isolated from greenhouse soil in Beijing, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed strain 03113T is in the genus Bacillus and had the highest similarity to Bacillus solani CCTCC AB 2014277T (98.14%). The strain grew at 4 °C–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), with 0–10% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 5%), and in the range of pH 3.0–12.0 (optimum pH 8.0). Menaquinone was identified as MK-7, and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. The main major cellular fatty acids detected were anteiso-C15:0 (51.35%) and iso-C15:0 (11.06%), which are the predominant cellular fatty acids found in all recognized members of the genus Bacillus. The 16S rRNA gene sequence and core-genome analysis, the average nucleotide identity (ANI), and in silico DNA—DNA hybridization (DDH) value between strain 03113T and the most closely related species were 70.5% and 22.6%, respectively, which supported our conclusion that 03113T represented a novel species in the genus Bacillus. We demonstrated that type strain 03113T (=ACCC 03113T=JCM 33017T) was a novel species in the genus Bacillus, and the name Bacillus telluris sp. nov. was proposed. Strain 03113T secreted auxin IAA and carried the nitrogenase iron protein (nifH) gene, which indicated that strain 03113T has the potential to fix nitrogen and promote plant growth. Bacillus telluris sp. nov. 03113T is a potential candidate for the biofertilizers of organic agriculture areas.
Effects of Atmospheric Plasma Corona Discharges on Soil Bacteria Viability
Authors: Lazra Yulia , Dubrovin Irina , Multanen Victor , Bormashenko Edward , Bormashenko Yelena , Cahan Rivka
Published: May 2020

Crop contamination by soil-borne pathogenic microorganisms often leads to serious infection outbreaks. Plant protection requires disinfection of agricultural lands. The chemical and the physical disinfection procedures have several disadvantages, including an irreversible change in the soil ecosystem. Plasma, the “fourth state of matter” is defined as an ionized gas containing an equal number of negatively and positively charged particles. Cold-plasma technology with air or oxygen as the working gas generates reactive oxygen species, which are found to efficiently eradicate bacteria. In this study, we examined the effect of atmospheric plasma corona discharges on soil bacteria viability. Soil that was exposed to plasma for 60 s resulted in bacterial reduction by two orders of magnitude, from 1.1 × 105 to 2.3 × 103 cells g−1 soil. Exposure for a longer period of 5 min did not lead to further significant reduction in bacterial concentration (a final reduction of only 2.5 orders of magnitude). The bacterial viability was evaluated using a colorimetric assay based on the bacterial hydrogenases immediately after exposure and at selected times during 24 h. The result showed no recovery in the bacterial viability. Plasma discharged directly on bacteria that were isolated from the soil resulted in a reduction by four orders of magnitude in the bacterial concentration compared to untreated isolated bacteria: 2.6 × 10−3 and 1.7 × 10−7, respectively. The plasma-resistant bacteria were found to be related to the taxonomic phylum Firmicutes (98.5%) and comprised the taxonomic orders Bacillales (95%) and Clostridiales (2%). To our knowledge, this is the first study of soil bacteria eradication using plasma corona discharges.
Elicitation of Cluster A and Co-Receptor Binding Site Antibodies Are Required to Eliminate HIV-1 Infected Cells
Authors: Beaudoin-Bussières Guillaume , Prévost Jérémie , Gendron-Lepage Gabrielle , Melillo Bruno , Chen Junhua , Smith III Amos B. , Pazgier Marzena , Finzi Andrés
Published: May 2020

HIV-1-infected individuals raise a polyclonal antibody response targeting multiple envelope glycoprotein (Env) epitopes. Interestingly, two classes of non-neutralizing CD4-induced (CD4i) antibodies, present in the majority of HIV-1-infected individuals have been described to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in the presence of small CD4 mimetic compounds (CD4mc). These antibodies recognize the coreceptor binding site (CoRBS) and the constant region one and two (C1C2 or inner domain cluster A) of the gp120. In combination with CD4mc they have been shown to stabilize an antibody-vulnerable Env conformation, known as State 2A. Here we evaluated the importance of these two families of Abs in ADCC responses by immunizing guinea pigs with gp120 immunogens that have been modified to elicit or not these types of antibodies. Underlying the importance of anti-CoRBS and anti-cluster A Abs in stabilizing State 2A, ADCC responses were only observed in the presence of these two types of CD4i antibodies. Altogether, our results suggest that these two families of CD4i antibodies must be taken into account when considering future strategies relying on the use of CD4mc to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells in vivo.
Statistical Optimization of the Physico-Chemical Parameters for Pigment Production in Submerged Fermentation of Talaromyces albobiverticillius 30548
Authors: Venkatachalam Mekala , Shum-Chéong-Sing Alain , Dufossé Laurent , Fouillaud Mireille
Published: May 2020

Talaromyces albobiverticillius 30548 is a marine-derived pigment producing filamentous fungus, isolated from the La Réunion island, in the Indian Ocean. The objective of this study was to examine and optimize the submerged fermentation (SmF) process parameters such as initial pH (4–9), temperature (21–27 °C), agitation speed (100–200 rpm), and fermentation time (0–336 h), for maximum production of pigments (orange and red) and biomass, using the Box–Behnken Experimental Design and Response Surface Modeling (BBED and RSM). This methodology allowed consideration of multifactorial interactions between a set of parameters. Experiments were carried out based on the BBED using 250 mL shake flasks, with a 100 mL working volume of potato dextrose broth (PDB). From the experimental data, mathematical models were developed to predict the pigments and biomass yields. The individual and interactive effects of the process variables on the responses were also investigated (RSM). The optimal conditions for maximum production of pigments and biomass were derived by the numerical optimization method, as follows—initial pH of 6.4, temperature of 24 °C, agitation speed of 164 rpm, and fermentation time of 149 h, respectively.
Diversity of Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs) in Cyanobacteria with Reference to Their Structures, Substrate Recognition and Catalytic Functions
Authors: ShylajaNaciyar Mohandass , Karthick Lakshmanan , Prakasam Peter Arul , Deviram Garlapati , Uma Lakshmanan , Prabaharan Dharmar , Saha Sushanta Kumar
Published: May 2020

Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs) comprise a diverse group of protein superfamily involved in cellular detoxification of various harmful xenobiotics and endobiotics. Cyanobacteria, being the primordial photosynthetic prokaryotes, served as an origin for the evolution of GSTs with diversity in their structures, substrate recognition, and catalytic functions. This study analysed the diversity of GSTs in cyanobacteria for the first time. Based on the sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis, 12 GST classes were identified, which are distributed variedly within cyanobacterial orders such as four in Pleurocapsales, eight in Chroococcales, seven in Oscillatoriales, five in Stigonematales, and nine in Nostocales. Detailed evolutionary analysis of cyanobacterial GSTs suggested that the order Pleurocapsales served as the ancestry for GST evolution. The analysis also identified a conserved motif S[GLNTARS][ADE]I[LAI] with signature residues, cysteine, serine, and tyrosine at the N-terminal end that serves as the initiating residue for detoxification. Alternatively, the grouping of cyanobacterial GSTs and their unique signature residues were located, which serve as a possible discriminating factor. The study also described the mode of glutathione binding between the identified cyanobacterial GST groups highlighting the differences among the GST classes. New GST sequence data may improve further our understanding on GST evolution and other possible divergences in cyanobacteria.