bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multipotent Stromal Cells from Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Normal Weight and Obese Subjects: Modulation of Their Adipogenic Differentiation by Adenosine A1 Receptor Ligands
Authors: Zuccarini Mariachiara , Lambertucci Catia , Carluccio Marzia , Giuliani Patricia , Ronci Maurizio , Spinaci Andrea , Volpini Rosaria , Ciccarelli Renata , Di Iorio Patrizia
Published: December 2021

Adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) activation, stimulating lipogenesis and decreasing insulin resistance, could be useful for metabolic syndrome management in obese subjects. Since full A1R agonists induce harmful side-effects, while partial agonists show a better pharmacological profile, we investigated the influence of two derivatives of the full A1R agonist 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA), C1 and C2 behaving as A1R partial agonists in animal models, on the adipogenic differentiation of stromal/stem cells (ASCs) from human subcutaneous adipose tissue, which mainly contribute to increase fat mass in obesity. The ASCs from normal-weight subjects showed increased proliferation and A1R expression but reduced adipogenic differentiation compared to obese individual-derived ASCs. Cell exposure to CCPA, C1, C2 or DPCPX, an A1R antagonist, did not affect ASC proliferation, while mainly C2 and DPCPX significantly decreased adipogenic differentiation of both ASC types, reducing the activity of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and the expression of PPARγ and FABP-4, all adipogenic markers, and phosphorylation of Akt in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway, which plays a key-role in adipogenesis. While requiring confirmation in in vivo models, our results suggest that A1R partial agonists or antagonists, by limiting ASC differentiation into adipocytes and, thereby, fat mass expansion, could favor development/worsening of metabolic syndrome in obese subjects without a dietary control.
Transposable Element Expression and Regulation Profile in Gonads of Interspecific Hybrids of Drosophila arizonae and Drosophila mojavensis wrigleyi
Authors: Banho Cecília Artico , Oliveira Daniel Siqueira , Haudry Annabelle , Fablet Marie , Vieira Cristina , Carareto Claudia Marcia Aparecida
Published: December 2021

Interspecific hybridization may lead to sterility and/or inviability through differential expression of genes and transposable elements (TEs). In Drosophila, studies have reported massive TE mobilization in hybrids from interspecific crosses of species presenting high divergence times. However, few studies have examined the consequences of TE mobilization upon hybridization in recently diverged species, such as Drosophila arizonae and D. mojavensis. We have sequenced transcriptomes of D. arizonae and the subspecies D. m. wrigleyi and their reciprocal hybrids, as well as piRNAs, to analyze the impact of genomic stress on TE regulation. Our results revealed that the differential expression in both gonadal tissues of parental species was similar. Globally, ovaries and testes showed few deregulated TEs compared with both parental lines. Analyses of small RNA data showed that in ovaries, the TE upregulation is likely due to divergence of copies inherited from parental genomes and lack of piRNAs mapping to them. Nevertheless, in testes, the divergent expression of genes associated with chromatin state and piRNA pathway potentially indicates that TE differential expression is related to the divergence of regulatory genes that play a role in modulating transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms.
Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein (PAPP)-A2 in Physiology and Disease
Authors: Barrios Vicente , Chowen Julie A. , Martín-Rivada Álvaro , Guerra-Cantera Santiago , Pozo Jesús , Yakar Shoshana , Rosenfeld Ron G. , Pérez-Jurado Luis A. , Suárez Juan , Argente Jesús
Published: December 2021

The growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis plays fundamental roles during development, maturation, and aging. Members of this axis, composed of various ligands, receptors, and binding proteins, are regulated in a tissue- and time-specific manner that requires precise control that is not completely understood. Some of the most recent advances in understanding the implications of this axis in human growth are derived from the identifications of new mutations in the gene encoding the pregnancy-associated plasma protein PAPP-A2 protease that liberates IGFs from their carrier proteins in a selective manner to allow binding to the IGF receptor 1. The identification of three nonrelated families with mutations in the PAPP-A2 gene has shed light on how this protease affects human physiology. This review summarizes our understanding of the implications of PAPP-A2 in growth physiology, obtained from studies in genetically modified animal models and the PAPP-A2 deficient patients known to date.
Pediatric Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Advances
Authors: Raina Rupesh , Vijayvargiya Nina , Khooblall Amrit , Melachuri Manasa , Deshpande Shweta , Sharma Divya , Mathur Kashin , Arora Manav , Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Sandhu Sonia
Published: December 2021

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare disorder characterized by dysregulation of the alternate pathway. The diagnosis of aHUS is one of exclusion, which complicates its early detection and corresponding intervention to mitigate its high rate of mortality and associated morbidity. Heterozygous mutations in complement regulatory proteins linked to aHUS are not always phenotypically active, and may require a particular trigger for the disease to manifest. This list of triggers continues to expand as more data is aggregated, particularly centered around COVID-19 and pediatric vaccinations. Novel genetic mutations continue to be identified though advancements in technology as well as greater access to cohorts of interest, as in diacylglycerol kinase epsilon (DGKE). DGKE mutations associated with aHUS are the first non-complement regulatory proteins associated with the disease, drastically changing the established framework. Additional markers that are less understood, but continue to be acknowledged, include the unique autoantibodies to complement factor H and complement factor I which are pathogenic drivers in aHUS. Interventional therapeutics have undergone the most advancements, as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties are modified as needed in addition to their as biosimilar counterparts. As data continues to be gathered in this field, future advancements will optimally decrease the mortality and morbidity of this disease in children.
Poincaré Maps and Aperiodic Oscillations in Leukemic Cell Proliferation Reveal Chaotic Dynamics
Authors: Adamopoulos Konstantinos , Koutsouris Dimitis , Zaravinos Apostolos , Lambrou George I.
Published: December 2021

Biological systems are dynamic systems featuring two very common characteristics; Initial conditions and progression over time. Conceptualizing this on tumour models it can lead to important conclusions about disease progression, as well as the disease’s “starting point”. In the present study we tried to answer two questions: (a) which are the evolving properties of proliferating tumour cells that started from different initial conditions and (b) we have attempted to prove that cell proliferation follows chaotic orbits and it can be described by the use of Poincaré maps. As a model we have used the acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line CCRF-CEM. Measurements of cell population were taken at certain time points every 24 h or 48 h. In addition to the population measurements flow cytometry studies have been conducted in order to examine the apoptotic and necrotic rate of the system and also the DNA content of the cells as they progress through. The cells exhibited a proliferation rate of nonlinear nature with aperiodic oscillatory behavior. In addition to that, the (positive) Lyapunov indices and the Poincaré representations in phase-space that we performed confirmed the presence of chaotic orbits. Several studies have dealt with the complex dynamic behaviour of animal populations, but few with cellular systems. This type of approach could prove useful towards the understanding of leukemia dynamics, with particular interest in the understanding of leukemia onset and progression.
Potential Antagonistic Bacteria against Verticillium dahliae Isolated from Artificially Infested Nursery
Authors: Su Xiaofeng , Wu Siyuan , Liu Lu , Lu Guoqing , Liu Haiyang , Jin Xi , Wang Yi , Guo Huiming , Wang Chen , Cheng Hongmei
Published: December 2021

As an ecofriendly biocontrol agent, antagonistic bacteria are a crucial class of highly efficient fungicides in the field against Verticillium dahliae, the most virulent pathogen for cotton and other crops. Toward identifying urgently needed bacterial candidates, we screened bacteria isolated from the cotton rhizosphere soil for antagonisitic activity against V. dahliae in an artificially infested nursery. In preliminary tests of antagonistic candidates to characterize the mechanism of action of on culture medium, 88 strains that mainly belonged to Bacillus strongly inhibited the colony diameter of V. dahliae, with inhibiting efficacy up to 50% in 9 strains. Among the most-effective bacterial strains, Bacillus sp. ABLF-18, and ABLF-50 and Paenibacillus sp. ABLF-90 significantly reduced the disease index and fungal biomass of cotton to 40–70% that of the control. In further tests to elucidate the biocontrol mechanism (s), the strains secreted extracellular enzymes cellulase, glucanase, and protease, which can degrade the mycelium, and antimicrobial lipopeptides such as surfactin and iturin homologues. The expression of PAL, MAPK and PR10, genes related to disease resistance, was also elicited in cotton plants. Our results clearly show that three candidate bacterial strains can enhance cotton defense responses against V. dahliae; the secretion of fungal cell-wall-degrading enzymes, synthesis of nonribosomal antimicrobial peptides and induction of systemic resistance shows that the strains have great potential as biocontrol fungicides.
Taming, Domestication and Exaptation: Trajectories of Transposable Elements in Genomes
Authors: Capy Pierre
Published: December 2021

During evolution, several types of sequences pass through genomes. Along with mutations and internal genetic tinkering, they are a useful source of genetic variability for adaptation and evolution. Most of these sequences are acquired by horizontal transfers (HT), but some of them may come from the genomes themselves. If they are not lost or eliminated quickly, they can be tamed, domesticated, or even exapted. Each of these processes results from a series of events, depending on the interactions between these sequences and the host genomes, but also on environmental constraints, through their impact on individuals or population fitness. After a brief reminder of the characteristics of each of these states (taming, domestication, exaptation), the evolutionary trajectories of these new or acquired sequences will be presented and discussed, emphasizing that they are not totally independent insofar as the first can constitute a step towards the second, and the second is another step towards the third.
p66α Suppresses Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Migration by Acting as Co-Activator of p53
Authors: Zhang Qun , Zhang Yihong , Zhang Jie , Zhang Dan , Li Mengying , Yan Han , Zhang Hui , Song Liwei , Wang Jiamin , Hou Zhaoyuan , Yang Yunhai , Zou Xiuqun
Published: December 2021

p66α is a GATA zinc finger domain-containing transcription factor that has been shown to be essential for gene silencing by participating in the NuRD complex. Several studies have suggested that p66α is a risk gene for a wide spectrum of diseases such as diabetes, schizophrenia, and breast cancer; however, its biological role has not been defined. Here, we report that p66α functions as a tumor suppressor to inhibit breast cancer cell growth and migration, evidenced by the fact that the depletion of p66α results in accelerated tumor growth and migration of breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, immunoprecipitation assays identify p66α as a p53-interacting protein that binds the DNA-binding domain of p53 molecule predominantly via its CR2 domain. Depletion of p66α in multiple breast cells results in decreased expression of p53 target genes, while over-expression of p66α results in increased expression of these target genes. Moreover, p66α promotes the transactivity of p53 by enhancing p53 binding at target promoters. Together, these findings demonstrate that p66α is a tumor suppressor by functioning as a co-activator of p53.
Development of a MIP-Based QCM Sensor for Selective Detection of Penicillins in Aqueous Media
Authors: Haghdoust Shahin , Arshad Usman , Mujahid Adnan , Schranzhofer Leo , Lieberzeit Peter Alexander
Published: December 2021

Pharmaceuticals wastes have been recognized as emerging pollutants to the environment. Among those, antibiotics in the aquatic environment are one of the major sources of concern, as chronic, low-dose exposure can lead to antibiotic resistance. Herein, we report on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) to recognize penicillin V potassium salt (PenV-K), penicillin G potassium salt (PenG-K), and amoxicillin sodium salt (Amo-Na), which belong to the most widespread group of antibiotics worldwide. Characterization and optimization led to two MIPs comprising methacrylic acid as the monomer and roughly 55% ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the crosslinker. The obtained layers led to sensitive, selective, repeatable, and reusable sensor responses on quartz crystal microbalances (QCM). The LoD for PenV-K, PenG-K, and Amo-Na sensors are 0.25 mM, 0.30 mM, and 0.28 mM, respectively; imprinting factors reach at least around three. Furthermore, the sensors displayed relative selectivity factors of up to 50% among the three penicillins, which is appreciable given their structural similarity.
Assessment of Platelet Mitochondrial Respiration in a Pediatric Population: A Pilot Study in Healthy Children and Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Lelcu Theia , Bînă Anca M. , Dănilă Maria D. , Popoiu Călin M. , Aburel Oana M. , Arghirescu Smaranda T. , Borza Claudia , Muntean Danina M.
Published: December 2021

Characterization of mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood cells has recently emerged as a potential biomarker for the assessment of the severity of hematological malignancies (HM) in adults. Whether changes in platelet respiratory function occur in children with or without HM it is unknown. The present pilot study was double-aimed: (i) to investigate whether platelet respiration is age-dependent in non-HM children and (ii) to assess the platelet mitochondrial respiration in children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Blood samples obtained from age-grouped children (10–11, 13–14 and 16–17 years) with non-HM and children with ALL (10–11 years) were used to isolate platelets via differential centrifugation. High-resolution respirometry studies of isolated platelets were performed according to a protocol adapted to evaluate complex I and II-supported respiration. An age-related decrease in respiration was observed in the non-HM pediatric population and had comparable values for the 13–14 and 16–17 years. groups. In children with ALL, a significant increase in C I-supported active respiration and decrease in maximal noncoupled respiration were found at the disease onset. In conclusion, in a pediatric population, platelet mitochondrial respiration is age-dependent. Platelet respiratory dysfunction occurs in children with newly-diagnosed ALL, an observation that warrants further investigation of this change as a disease biomarker.
Effects of Physical Exercise on Prosocial Behavior of Junior High School Students
Authors: Wan Yi , Zhao Yue , Song Honglian
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study aims to investigate whether physical activity can promote students’ prosocial behavior by analyzing the relationship between sports participation and the prosocial behavior of junior high school students. Methods: Based on the 2014–2015 China education panel survey (CEPS), the relationship between regular athletic sports and prosocial behavior was evaluated among eighth-grade students by ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation and propensity score matching (PSM) and the relationship between OLS and PSM was evaluated by Rosenbaum’s bounds test for a robustness test; the observations were analyzed for heterogeneity to identify those who benefit more from sports. Results: The OLS results showed that sporting behavior increased prosocial behavior scores by 4%, and the PSM results showed that regular physical exercise increased students’ prosocial behavior tendencies by over 0.2 standard deviations from the mean prosocial behavior score (standardized). According to the Rosenbaum’s bounds test, the estimates were robust and reliable, and the results of the heterogeneity analysis showed that with males and students whose fathers had more than 9 years of education, the students showed more significant improvements in prosocial behavior. Conclusion: Physical activity has a significant positive effect on students’ prosocial behavior, and gender and the father’s education are significantly related to prosocial behavior.
Pediatric Cardio-Oncology Medicine: A New Approach in Cardiovascular Care
Authors: Martinez Hugo R. , Beasley Gary S. , Goldberg Jason F. , Absi Mohammed , Ryan Kaitlin A. , Guerrier Karine , Joshi Vijaya M. , Johnson Jason N. , Morin Cara E. , Hurley Caitlin , Morrison Ronald Ray , Rai Parul , Hankins Jane S. , Bishop Michael W. , Triplett Brandon M. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Pui Ching-Hon , Inaba Hiroto , Towbin Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2021

Survival for pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer has improved significantly. This achievement has been made possible due to new treatment modalities and the incorporation of a systematic multidisciplinary approach for supportive care. Understanding the distinctive cardiovascular characteristics of children undergoing cancer therapies has set the underpinnings to provide comprehensive care before, during, and after the management of cancer. Nonetheless, we acknowledge the challenge to understand the rapid expansion of oncology disciplines. The limited guidelines in pediatric cardio-oncology have motivated us to develop risk-stratification systems to institute surveillance and therapeutic support for this patient population. Here, we describe a collaborative approach to provide wide-ranging cardiovascular care to children and young adults with oncology diseases. Promoting collaboration in pediatric cardio-oncology medicine will ultimately provide excellent quality of care for future generations of patients.
Association between Sleep Time and Blood Pressure in Korean Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Analysis of KNHANES VII
Authors: Chang Suk-Won , Kang Ju-Wan
Published: December 2021

Background: Hypertension is highly related to sleep, and there have been a number of studies on sleep deprivation and the occurrence of hypertension. However, there is still insufficient research on the relationship between hypertension and various factors related to sleep. Thus, this study attempted to investigate the relationship between hypertension and sleep time-related variables in Korean adolescents. Methods: A total of 1470 adolescents (709 girls and 761 boys) between 12 and 18 years of age were enrolled through the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. Sleep time-related variables such as sleep onset time, wake time, and sleep duration (weekday and weekend, each) were also investigated using a questionnaire. We performed multivariate regression analyses to determine the independent effects of the variables. Results: Systolic blood pressure was negatively correlated with the wake time (r = −0.081; p = 0.002) and sleep onset time (r = −0.088; p = 0.001) on weekends. There was a positive correlation between diastolic blood pressure and weekday sleep onset time (r = 0.158; p = 0.000) and weekend sleep onset time (r = 0.184; p = 0.000). The sleep duration on weekdays and weekends showed a negative correlation (r = −0.136; p = 0.000, r = −0.088; p = 0.001, respectively). In the multivariate linear regression analysis results, the sleep onset time on weekends was significantly correlated with elevated diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions: Delayed sleep onset time on weekends was significantly associated with increased diastolic blood pressure in Korean adolescents. Further investigation is needed to confirm the clinical significance of these findings.
Digital Technologies for Children and Parents Sharing Self-Management in Childhood Chronic or Long-Term Conditions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Edwards Jill , Waite-Jones Jenny , Schwarz Toni , Swallow Veronica
Published: December 2021

Worldwide, the prevalence of chronic (or long-term) conditions in children and young people from birth to 18 years (children) is increasing. Promoting competent and effective self-management skills early in the trajectory is important to improve adherence to treatment and optimise quality of life. Successful self-management, therefore, requires parents and children who are developmentally able to develop a range of complex skills, including the use of digital technologies. This scoping review aimed to identify primary research investigating digital technologies for children and parents sharing self-management in childhood chronic illnesses. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted. Nineteen papers were included, assessed for quality and methodological rigour using the Hawker tool and thematically analysed. Three themes were identified: (i) the feasibility and acceptability of using technology, (ii) the usability of technologies and (iii) the effect of technologies on adherence and self-management skills. The results indicate that technologies such as mobile apps and websites can assist the management of long-term conditions, are an acceptable method of delivering information and can promote the development of effective self-management skills by parents and children. However, future technology design must include children and parents in all stages of development.
Investigations of Microstructures and Erosion–Corrosion Performance of Cast Boron-Bearing Stainless Steel
Authors: Yi Dawei , Li Bin , Tan Xiao , Liu Sifan , Chen Jin , Li Yefei
Published: December 2021

The microstructures and erosion–corrosion properties of boron-bearing stainless steel were researched by an erosion–corrosion tester, energy dispersive X–ray spectrometry, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. The microstructures of as-cast, boron-bearing stainless steel contain M7(B,C)3, M2(B,C) borocarbides and the martensite matrix; the matrix has less chromium and more nickel than those in the M2(B,C) and M7(B,C)3. The microstructures in heat-treated, boron-bearing stainless steel consist of M7(B,C)3, M2(B,C) and M23(B,C)6 borocarbides and ferrite, and the Rockwell hardness of heat-treated, boron-bearing stainless steel is lower than that of as-cast steel. For Cr28 white cast iron and boron-bearing stainless steel, the mixing wheel with higher rotating speed leads to a higher erosion–corrosion weight loss, and as the impingement angle increases, the erosion–corrosion weight loss increases first, and then decreases. For any erosion–corrosion experiment conditions, the erosion–corrosion resistance of boron-bearing stainless steel is better than that of Cr28 white cast iron.
MHD Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Due to Rotating Disk with Heat Absorption and Thermal Slip Effects: An Application of Intelligent Computing
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Sabir Muhammad Touseef , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Jamshed Wasim , Felemban Bassem F. , Yahia I. S.
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study is to explore the flow features and heat transfer properties of an MHD hybrid nanofluid between two parallel plates under the effects of joule heating and heat absorption/generation (MHD-HFRHT) by utilizing the computational strength of Levenberg–Marquardt Supervised Neural Networks (LM-SNNs). Similarity equations are utilized to reduce the governing PDEs into non-linear ODEs. A reference solution in the form of data sets for MHD-HFRHT flow is obtained by creating different scenarios by varying involved governing parameters such as the Hartman number, rotation parameter, Reynolds number, velocity slip parameter, thermal slip parameter and Prandtl number. These reference data sets for all scenarios are placed for training, validation and testing through LM-SNNs and the obtained results are then compared with reference output to validate the accuracy of the proposed solution methodology. AI-based computational strength with the applicability of LM-SNNs provides an accurate and reliable source for the analysis of the presented fluid-flow system, which has been tested and incorporated for the first time. The stability, performance and convergence of the proposed solution methodology are validated through the numerical and graphical results presented, based on mean square error, error histogram, regression plots and an error-correlation measurement. MSE values of up to the accuracy level of 1 × 10−11 established the worth and reliability of the computational technique. Due to an increase in the Hartmann number, a resistance was observed, resulting in a reduction in the velocity profile. This occurs as the Hartmann number measures the relative implication of drag force that derives from magnetic induction of the velocity of the fluid flow system. However, the Reynolds number accelerates in the velocity profile due to the dominating impact of inertial force.
The Effect of Adding Sodium Carbonate on the Electrical Conductivity of Aluminum Paste
Authors: Liu Shunke , Zhu Xiaoyun , Long Jinming
Published: December 2021

Base metal pastes have been widely used in the preparation of ZnO varistor electrodes, and it is important to accurately grasp the relevant mechanisms affecting the conductivity of aluminum electrodes. In this paper, the effect of adding sodium carbonate on the conductive property of aluminum paste was assessed, and the microscopic mechanism during aluminum electrode sintering explored. The results show that adding sodium carbonate can reduce the softening point of glass powder and enhance its fluidity. Sodium carbonate, glass, and aluminum oxide film react together; consequently, the aluminum oxide film is partially dissolved by reaction to produce defects, and there is tight contact at the interface between the aluminum powder particles. The sodium ions will displace the aluminum ions in the alumina, conferring the alumina film with a certain ionic conductivity. At the same time, sodium ions are doped into the aluminum lattice, which causes the aluminum lattice to swell. After sintering, the structure of aluminum electrode is compact and its electrical conductivity is significantly improved. This study is a valuable reference for the theoretical research and the potential applications of aluminum paste.
The Effect of Incorporating Ceramic Particles with Different Morphologies on the Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of Hybrid TaC_ BN/AA2024 Nanocomposites
Authors: Ghandourah Emad Ismat , Moustafa Essam B. , Hussein Hossameldin , Mosleh Ahmed O.
Published: December 2021

Improving the mechanical durability and wear resistance of aluminum alloys is a research challenge that can be solved by their reinforcement with ceramics. This article is concerned with the improvement of the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the AA2024 aluminum alloy surface. Surface composites were prepared by incorporating a hybrid of heavy particles (tantalum carbide (TaC), light nanoparticles, and boron nitride (BN)) into the AA2024 alloy using the friction stir process (FSP) approach. Three pattern holes were milled in the base metal to produce the composites with different volume fractions of the reinforcements. The effects of the FSP and the reinforcements on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance are investigated. In addition to the FSP, the reinforced particles contributed to greater grain refinement. The rolled elongated grains became equiaxed ultrafine grains reaching 6 ± 1 µm. The refinement and acceptable distribution in the reinforcements significantly improved the hardness and wear resistance of the produced composites. Overall, the hardness was increased by 60% and the wear resistance increased by 40 times compared to the base alloy.
Defect Analysis of 316 L Stainless Steel Prepared by LPBF Additive Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Zheng Zhijun , Peng Le , Wang Di
Published: December 2021

The 316 L stainless-steel samples were prepared by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The effects of processing parameters on the density and defects of 316 L stainless steel were studied through an orthogonal experiment. The density of the samples was measured by the Archimedes method, optical microscopy (OM) and X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT). The microstructures and defects under different LPBF parameters were studied by OM and SEM. The results show that the energy density has a significant effect on the defect and density of the structure. When the energy density is lower than 35.19 J/mm3, the density increases significantly with the increase of energy density. However, when the energy density is larger than this value, the density remains relatively stable. The process parameter with the greatest influence on energy density is the hatch distance D, followed by laser power P, scanning speed V and rotation angle θ. In this paper, the optimum parameters consist of P = 260 W, V = 1700 mm, D = 0.05 mm and θ = 67°, in which the density is as high as 98.5%. In addition, the possibility and accuracy of the XCT method in detecting the discontinuity and porosity of 316 L stainless steel were discussed. The results show that XCT can provide the whole size and variation trend of pores in the different producing direction of LPBF.
The Reasonable Effectiveness of Randomness in Scalable and Integrative Gene Regulatory Network Inference and Beyond
Authors: Banf Michael , Hartwig Thomas
Published: December 2021

Gene regulation is orchestrated by a vast number of molecules, including transcription factors and co-factors, chromatin regulators, as well as epigenetic mechanisms, and it has been shown that transcriptional misregulation, e.g., caused by mutations in regulatory sequences, is responsible for a plethora of diseases, including cancer, developmental or neurological disorders. As a consequence, decoding the architecture of gene regulatory networks has become one of the most important tasks in modern (computational) biology. However, to advance our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the transcriptional apparatus, we need scalable approaches that can deal with the increasing number of large-scale, high-resolution, biological datasets. In particular, such approaches need to be capable of efficiently integrating and exploiting the biological and technological heterogeneity of such datasets in order to best infer the underlying, highly dynamic regulatory networks, often in the absence of sufficient ground truth data for model training or testing. With respect to scalability, randomized approaches have proven to be a promising alternative to deterministic methods in computational biology. As an example, one of the top performing algorithms in a community challenge on gene regulatory network inference from transcriptomic data is based on a random forest regression model. In this concise survey, we aim to highlight how randomized methods may serve as a highly valuable tool, in particular, with increasing amounts of large-scale, biological experiments and datasets being collected. Given the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of the gene regulatory network inference problem, we hope our survey maybe helpful to both computational and biological scientists. It is our aim to provide a starting point for a dialogue about the concepts, benefits, and caveats of the toolbox of randomized methods, since unravelling the intricate web of highly dynamic, regulatory events will be one fundamental step in understanding the mechanisms of life and eventually developing efficient therapies to treat and cure diseases.
Sensing Glucose Concentration Using Symmetric Metasurfaces under Oblique Incident Terahertz Waves
Authors: Al-Naib Ibraheem
Published: December 2021

In this article, a planar metamaterial sensor designed at terahertz (THz) frequencies is utilized to sense glucose concentration levels that cover hypoglycemia, normal, and hyperglycemia conditions that vary from 54 to 342 mg/dL. The sensor was developed using a symmetric complementary split rectangular resonator at an oblique incidence angle. The resonance frequency shift was used as a measure of the changes in the glucose level of the samples. The increase in the glucose concentration level exhibited clear and noticeable redshifts in the resonance frequency. For instance, a 67.5 GHz redshift has been observed for a concentration level of 54 mg/dL and increased up to 122 GHz for the 342 mg/dL concentration level. Moreover, a high sensitivity level of 75,700 nm/RIU was observed for this design. In the future, the proposed THz sensors may have potential applications in diagnosing hypocalcemia and hyperglycemia cases.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Molecular Properties of Three Nitro-Substituted Chalcones
Authors: Hidalgo Alam Yair , Velasco Manuel , Sánchez-Lara Eduardo , Gómez-Rivera Abraham , Vilchis-Reyes Miguel A. , Alvarado Cuauhtémoc , Herrera-Ruiz Maribel , López-Rodríguez Ricardo , Romero-Ceronio Nancy , Lobato-García Carlos E.
Published: December 2021

Three functionalized chalcones containing combinations of nitro functional groups have been synthesized via Claisen-Schmidt condensation between 2-nitroacetophenone and nitrobenzaldehyde, and the crystal structures obtained ((E)-1,3-bis(2-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, 1a, (E)-1-(2-nitrophenyl)-3-(3-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, 1b and (E)-1-(2-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, 1c), C15H10N2O5, are reported. Compounds 1a and 1c crystallized in the triclinic centrosymmetric space group P1¯, whereas compound 1b crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Pbca. The X-ray analysis reveals that structures 1a and 1b exhibits s-trans conformation, whereas structure 1c exists in s-cis conformation, concerning the olefinic double bonds. In addition, the results show that the position of the nitro substituent attached to the aromatic B-ring has a direct effect on the molecular coplanarity of these compounds. The Hirshfeld surface analysis suggests that the non-covalent π-π stacking interactions are the most important contributors for the crystal packing of 1a and 1b. In 1c, the crystal packing is mainly stabilized by weak intermolecular C―H···O interactions due to the planar nature of the molecule.
Iron Oxalate Humboldtine Crystallization by Fungus Aspergillus niger
Authors: Zelenskaya Marina S. , Izatulina Alina R. , Frank-Kamenetskaya Olga V. , Vlasov Dmitry Y.
Published: December 2021

Microfungi were able to alternate solid substrate in various environments and play a noticeable role in the formation of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in subaerial biofilms on rock surfaces. The present work describes how iron oxalate dihydrate humboldtine is acquired under the influence of the acid-producing microscopic fungus Aspergillus niger on the surface of two iron- bearing mineral substrates in vitro. Pyrrhotite and siderite rocks, as well as the products of their alteration, were investigated using a complex of analytical methods, including powder X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and EDX spectroscopy. The effect of the underlying rocks with different composition and solubility and different oxidation states of iron on Fe-oxalate crystallization and on the morphology of humboldtine crystals was shown. The mechanisms of humboldtine formation were discussed. The results obtained in vitro seem promising for using fungi in bioleaching iron and other metals from processed ores and for the development of environmentally friendly biotechnologies.
Structural, Optical, Electrical and Antibacterial Properties of Fe-Doped CeO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Shalendra , AlOmar Suliman Yousef , Kumari Kavita , Albalawi Fadwa , Kumar Rajesh , Ahmed Faheem , Ahmad Naushad , Dwivedi Sourabh , Ahmad Alvi Parvez
Published: December 2021

This paper reports the structural, optical and antimicrobial study of Ce1−xFexO2−δ (0≤ x ≤20) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The XRD pattern analysed using Rietveld refinement method clearly infers that all the samples exhibit single phase nature and exclude the possibility of an impurity phase. The lattice parameters and unit cell volume were found to decrease with an increase in Fe-doping content in CeO2 nanoparticles. The crystalline size determined using XRD pattern and TEM micrographs was found to decrease with Fe doping in CeO2. Selective area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern also demonstrated the crystalline nature of the Fe-CeO2 nanoparticles. Optical properties studied using UV–vis spectroscopy indicated that band gap decreased with an increase in Fe doping. The electrical properties have been investigated via dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity. The dielectric constant was found to increase in the Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles, while AC conductivity was found to be reduced, which shows good dielectric behaviour of the Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized NPs was achieved under ambient conditions with different bacteria, and the results showed that the properties were different for both bacteria. The antimicrobial activity reflects the possibility to develop Fe-doped CeO2 NPs as antibacterial agents against extensive microorganisms to control and prevent the spread and persistence of bacterial infections.
Morphogenetic Polyvariance in the Colonial Hydroid Dynamena pumila (L.)
Authors: Marfenin Nikolay N.
Published: December 2021

The formation of aberrant modules (internodes) of the shoot was found sporadically in the colonial hydroid Dynamena pumila from the family Sertulariidae, which is distinguished by the symmetrical two-row position of the hydrotheca on the shoot stem. Despite rare significant deviations from the norm in the structure of some modules, the following modules in the shoots are formed normally. All variants of deviation from the norm (called morphovariations) are classified and, in general, are represented by four groups according to the possible reasons for their occurrence. The morphotypes are the most interesting morphological variations and look like similar modules in other genera of hydroids. Considering the position of the aberrant modules on the shoots of one colony, we can confidently infer that they were formed at different times, which undermines the assumption that deviations from the norm in morphogenesis were caused by environmental factors. All morphovariations are characterized by certain occurrences. Consequently, the described phenomenon is not limited to phenotypic plasticity, polymorphism, or sequential changes of phenotypes in the life cycle and, therefore, is singled out as a special phenomenon called morphogenetic polyvariance.
Different Rates of the SLC26A4-Related Hearing Loss in Two Indigenous Peoples of Southern Siberia (Russia)
Authors: Danilchenko Valeriia Yu. , Zytsar Marina V. , Maslova Ekaterina A. , Bady-Khoo Marita S. , Barashkov Nikolay A. , Morozov Igor V. , Bondar Alexander A. , Posukh Olga L.
Published: December 2021

Hereditary hearing loss (HL) is known to be highly locus/allelic heterogeneous, and the prevalence of different HL forms significantly varies among populations worldwide. Investigation of region-specific landscapes of hereditary HL is important for local healthcare and medical genetic services. Mutations in the SLC26A4 gene leading to nonsyndromic recessive deafness (DFNB4) and Pendred syndrome are common genetic causes of hereditary HL, at least in some Asian populations. We present for the first time the results of a thorough analysis of the SLC26A4 gene by Sanger sequencing in the large cohorts of patients with HL of unknown etiology belonging to two neighboring indigenous Turkic-speaking Siberian peoples (Tuvinians and Altaians). A definite genetic diagnosis based on the presence of biallelic SLC26A4 mutations was established for 28.2% (62/220) of all enrolled Tuvinian patients vs. 4.3% (4/93) of Altaian patients. The rate of the SLC26A4-related HL in Tuvinian patients appeared to be one of the highest among populations worldwide. The SLC26A4 mutational spectrum was characterized by the presence of Asian-specific mutations c.919-2A>G and c.2027T>A (p.Leu676Gln), predominantly found in Tuvinian patients, and c.2168A>G (p.His723Arg), which was only detected in Altaian patients. In addition, a novel pathogenic variant c.1545T>G (p.Phe515Leu) was found with high frequency in Tuvinian patients. Overall, based on the findings of this study and our previous research, we were able to uncover the genetic causes of HL in 50.5% of Tuvinian patients and 34.5% of Altaian patients.
Multi-Focus Image Fusion Based on Convolution Neural Network for Parkinson’s Disease Image Classification
Authors: Dai Yin , Song Yumeng , Liu Weibin , Bai Wenhe , Gao Yifan , Dong Xinyang , Lv Wenbo
Published: December 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that has a significant impact on people’s lives. Early diagnosis is imperative since proper treatment stops the disease’s progression. With the rapid development of CAD techniques, there have been numerous applications of computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) techniques in the diagnosis of PD. In recent years, image fusion has been applied in various fields and is valuable in medical diagnosis. This paper mainly adopts a multi-focus image fusion method primarily based on deep convolutional neural networks to fuse magnetic resonance images (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) neural photographs into multi-modal images. Additionally, the study selected Alexnet, Densenet, ResNeSt, and Efficientnet neural networks to classify the single-modal MRI dataset and the multi-modal dataset. The test accuracy rates of the single-modal MRI dataset are 83.31%, 87.76%, 86.37%, and 86.44% on the Alexnet, Densenet, ResNeSt, and Efficientnet, respectively. Moreover, the test accuracy rates of the multi-modal fusion dataset on the Alexnet, Densenet, ResNeSt, and Efficientnet are 90.52%, 97.19%, 94.15%, and 93.39%. As per all four networks discussed above, it can be concluded that the test results for the multi-modal dataset are better than those for the single-modal MRI dataset. The experimental results showed that the multi-focus image fusion method according to deep learning can enhance the accuracy of PD image classification.
Diplopia Is Frequent and Associated with Motor and Non-Motor Severity in Parkinson’s Disease: Results from the COPPADIS Cohort at 2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Santos García Diego , Naya Ríos Lucía , de Deus Fonticoba Teresa , Cores Bartolomé Carlos , García Roca Lucía , Feal Painceiras Maria , Martínez Miró Cristina , Canfield Hector , Jesús Silvia , Aguilar Miquel , Pastor Pau , Cosgaya Marina , García Caldentey Juan , Caballol Nuria , Legarda Inés , Hernández Vara Jorge , Cabo Iria , López Manzanares Lydia , González Aramburu Isabel , Ávila Rivera María A. , Gómez Mayordomo Víctor , Nogueira Víctor , Puente Víctor , Dotor Julio , Borrué Carmen , Solano Vila Berta , Álvarez Sauco María , Vela Lydia , Escalante Sonia , Cubo Esther , Carrillo Padilla Francisco , Martínez Castrillo Juan C. , Sánchez Alonso Pilar , Alonso Losada Maria G. , López Ariztegui Nuria , Gastón Itziar , Kulisevsky Jaime , Blázquez Estrada Marta , Seijo Manuel , Rúiz Martínez Javier , Valero Caridad , Kurtis Mónica , de Fábregues Oriol , González Ardura Jessica , Alonso Redondo Ruben , Ordás Carlos , López Díaz Luis M. , McAfee Darrian , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Mir Pablo
Published: December 2021

Background and objective: Diplopia is relatively common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) but is still understudied. Our aim was to analyze the frequency of diplopia in PD patients from a multicenter Spanish cohort, to compare the frequency with a control group, and to identify factors associated with it. Patients and Methods: PD patients who were recruited from January 2016 to November 2017 (baseline visit; V0) and evaluated again at a 2-year ± 30 days follow-up (V2) from 35 centers of Spain from the COPPADIS cohort were included in this longitudinal prospective study. The patients and controls were classified as “with diplopia” or “without diplopia” according to item 15 of the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) at V0, V1 (1-year ± 15 days), and V2 for the patients and at V0 and V2 for the controls. Results: The frequency of diplopia in the PD patients was 13.6% (94/691) at V0 (1.9% in controls [4/206]; p < 0.0001), 14.2% (86/604) at V1, and 17.1% (86/502) at V2 (0.8% in controls [1/124]; p < 0.0001), with a period prevalence of 24.9% (120/481). Visual hallucinations at any visit from V0 to V2 (OR = 2.264; 95%CI, 1.269–4.039; p = 0.006), a higher score on the NMSS at V0 (OR = 1.009; 95%CI, 1.012–1.024; p = 0.015), and a greater increase from V0 to V2 on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale–III (OR = 1.039; 95%CI, 1.023–1.083; p < 0.0001) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (OR = 1.028; 95%CI, 1.001–1.057; p = 0.049) scores were independent factors associated with diplopia (R2 = 0.25; Hosmer and Lemeshow test, p = 0.716). Conclusions: Diplopia represents a frequent symptom in PD patients and is associated with motor and non-motor severity.
Lung Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Leading Tool for SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Maggi Luigi , Biava Anna Maria , Fiorelli Silvia , Coluzzi Flaminia , Ricci Alberto , Rocco Monica
Published: December 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide causing a global pandemic. In this context, lung ultrasound (LUS) has played an important role due to its high diagnostic sensitivity, low costs, simplicity of execution and radiation safeness. Despite computed tomography (CT) being the imaging gold standard, lung ultrasound point of care exam is essential in every situation where CT is not readily available nor applicable. The aim of our review is to highlight the considerable versatility of LUS in diagnosis, framing the therapeutic route and follow-up for SARS-CoV-2 interstitial syndrome.
18F-Fluorocholine PET and 4D-CT in Patients with Persistent and Recurrent Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Latge Adrien , Riehm Sophie , Vix Michel , Bani Jacob , Ignat Mihaela , Pretet Valentin , Helali Mehdi , Treglia Giorgio , Imperiale Alessio
Published: December 2021

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) can develop persistent (P-pHPT) or recurrent (R-pHPT) disease after parathyroidectomy. Before recommending reoperation, recurrence must be accurately identified because of the high risk of complications. Our study evaluates 18F-fluorocholine (18F-FCH) PET/CT and 4D-CT integrated in PET/4D-CT in patients with P-pHPT/R-pHPT. Patients with P-pHPT/R-pHPT investigated by 18F-FCH PET/4D-CT between May 2018 and March 2021 were retrospectively included. Forty-two patients were included, 37 of whom underwent 4D-CT. The sensitivity and detection rate (DR%) were 95% and 88% for 18F-FCH PET/CT and 70% and 63% for 4D-CT, respectively. PET/CT and 4D-CT were concordant in 18/24 glands and concordant and positive in 15/24 (63%) glands. Discordant results were obtained for 6/24 glands. The surgical success rate was 65%. PET/CT showed significantly higher sensitivity than 4D-CT. Dynamic CT allowed the identification of no additional glands missed by PET/CT, and the combination of the 2 techniques did not improve the sensitivity or DR%. 18F-FCH PET/CT appears to be a valuable technique to accurately detect hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in patients with P-pHPT/R-pHPT and is better than 4D-CT. Except for cases with doubtful locations of PET targets that may require 4D-CT for surgical guidance, standard nonenhanced 18F-FCH PET/CT can be effectively recommended in patients with P-pHPT/R-pHPT before reoperation.