bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pre-Slaughter Practises and Early Post-Mortem Interventions on Sheep Meat Tenderness and Its Impact on Microbial Status
Authors: Álvarez Carlos , Koolman Leonard , Whelan Michael , Moloney Aidan
Published: January 2022

Tenderness, together with flavour, is the main quality trait that defines consumer acceptance of sheep meat. The factors affecting tenderness can be grouped as those influenced before slaughter, in the early post-mortem intervention and, finally, during the aging period. These factors have been extensively studied with respect to tenderness, but the impact of early post-mortem interventions and subsequent aging on the microbial quality of the final products has not been broadly reviewed to date. In this review, the authors summarize the most recent knowledge on lamb meat tenderness management and how such practices may impact the final meat quality, especially its microbial status. The impacts of pre-slaughter factors (age, sex, diet, genotype and transport) and post-mortem interventions (chilling regime, electrical stimulation, or hanging method), are described and comprehensively discussed.
Nutritional Changes and Early Warning of Moldy Rice under Different Relative Humidity and Storage Temperature
Authors: Du Jing , Lin Yingxue , Gao Yuan , Tian Yanyan , Zhang Jixiang , Fang Guozhen
Published: January 2022

Processed unhusked rice is prone to mildew during storage. In this study, the storage conditions were simulated at temperatures of 20, 30, and 35 °C and a relative humidity of 40%, 60% and 80%, respectively. The water, fatty acid, and total starch content and the peak viscosity, mold colony number, protein secondary structure, and spatial structure of rice were monitored in order to propose the critical point of mildew during storage. In the process of rice from lively to moldy, the water content, fatty acid contents and the peak viscosity were increased. The total starch content decreased and then showed a slow increasing trend, while the microstructure of the powder particles changed from smooth and complete to loosen and hollow. With the increase in storage time, the vibration of the amide Ⅰ band of the rice samples decreased slightly, indicating that the total contents of β-fold, β-turn, α-helix, and random curl of the rice protein also changed. PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analysis showed that rice mildew index was closely related to temperature and humidity during storage. In our investigation, the best and most suitable temperature and relative humidity for rice storge is 20 °C and 40%, respectively. These results suggested that temperature and environmental humidity are vital factors affecting the physicochemical properties and nutrient changes, which provides a theoretical basis for the early warning of rice mildew during storage.
Disrupted Mitochondrial Network Drives Deficits of Learning and Memory in a Mouse Model of FOXP1 Haploinsufficiency
Authors: Wang Jing , Rappold Gudrun A. , Fröhlich Henning
Published: January 2022

Reduced cognitive flexibility, characterized by restricted interests and repetitive behavior, is associated with atypical memory performance in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suggesting hippocampal dysfunction. FOXP1 syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by ASD, language deficits, global developmental delay, and mild to moderate intellectual disability. Strongly reduced Foxp1 expression has been detected in the hippocampus of Foxp1+/− mice, a brain region required for learning and memory. To investigate learning and memory performance in these animals, fear conditioning tests were carried out, which showed impaired associative learning compared with wild type (WT) animals. To shed light on the underlying mechanism, we analyzed various components of the mitochondrial network in the hippocampus. Several proteins regulating mitochondrial biogenesis (e.g., Foxo1, Pgc-1α, Tfam) and dynamics (Mfn1, Opa1, Drp1 and Fis1) were significantly dysregulated, which may explain the increased mitophagy observed in the Foxp1+/− hippocampus. The reduced activity of complex I and decreased expression of Sod2 most likely increase the production of reactive oxygen species and the expression of the pre-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bax in this tissue. In conclusion, we provide evidence that a disrupted mitochondrial network and the resulting oxidative stress in the hippocampus contribute to the altered learning and cognitive impairment in Foxp1+/− mice, suggesting that similar alterations also play a major role in patients with FOXP1 syndrome.
Analysis of Free Sugars, Organic Acids, and Fatty Acids of Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima L.) Fruit Pulp
Authors: Lamani Shrinivas , Anu-Appaiah Konerira Aiyappa , Murthy Hosakatte Niranjana , Dewir Yaser Hassan , Rikisahedew Jesamine J.
Published: January 2022

Wood apple (Limonia acidissima L.) is an underutilized, fruit-yielding tree that is native to India and Sri Lanka. Wood apple trees are also cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Kampuchea, Laos, and Indonesia for delicious fruits and medicinal purposes. The major objective of the present work was the analysis of the nutritional status of wood apple fruit pulp.The fruits are rich in total carbohydrates (24.74 ± 0.19%), total proteins (9.30 ± 0.16%), oil (0.99 ± 0.01%), fiber (3.32 ± 0.02%), and ash (2.73 ± 0.12%). Further analysis and quantification of free sugars, organic acids, and fatty acid methyl esters were carried out by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatographic (GC) methods. In total, five sugars and nine organic acids were detected and quantified. The predominant sugars were fructose (16.40 ± 0.23%) and glucose (14.23 ± 0.10%), whereas the predominant organic acids were D-tartaric (4.01 ± 0.03%), ascorbic (4.51 ± 0.05%), and citric acid (4.27 ± 0.04%). The oil content of fruit pulp was 0.99 ± 0.01% and GC-MS analysis revealed that, it comprise of 16 fatty acid methyl esters. The percentage of saturated fatty acids were 32.17 ± 0.35%, that includes palmitic (18.52 ± 0.12%) and stearic acids (9.02 ± 0.08%), whereas, the unsaturated fatty acids were 51.98 ± 0.94%, including oleic acid (23.89 ± 0.06%), α-linolenic acid (16.55 ± 0.26%), linoleic acid (10.02 ± 0.43%), and vaccenic acid (1.78 ± 0.23%).
Carotid Artery Plaque Progression: Proposal of a New Predictive Score and Role of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Authors: Brunelli Nicoletta , Altamura Claudia , Costa Carmelina Maria , Altavilla Riccardo , Palazzo Paola , Maggio Paola , Marcosano Marilena , Vernieri Fabrizio
Published: January 2022

Background: We aimed to investigate if the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) at baseline and the HAD2S score, composed of the sum of single risk factors (hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking), were predictive of plaque progression. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on real-life prospectively collected data from patients with any detectable carotid plaque at follow up. The plaque score, calculated at baseline (T0) and at a median follow up of 36.6 months (IQR 39.6–34.3) (T3), was defined as 0: no plaque or stenosis < 30%; 1: stenosis in the range 30–49%; 2: in the range 50–69%; 3: in the range 70–99% and 4: occlusion. Carotid IMT was measured at T0 and T3; HAD2S score was calculated at baseline. Results: We included 340 patients with a mean age of 69.9 (9.1) years and 25.3% subjects had plaque progression. Individuals with progression had a median HAD2S score of 3 (1) while those without progression had 2 (1). Patients with progression had a mean baseline IMT of 0.86 (0.17) while those without progression had 0.77 (0.18) (p < 0.0001). A correlation between progression and baseline IMT was found (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Baseline IMT could be considered a predictor of progression. Patients with progression had an HAD2S score higher than those without evolution.
Comparative Study of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) with and without Ultrasound versus Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Detecting Breast Lesion
Authors: Goh Janice Hui Ling , Tan Toh Leong , Aziz Suraya , Rizuana Iqbal Hussain
Published: January 2022

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a fairly recent breast imaging technique invented to overcome the challenges of overlapping breast tissue. Ultrasonography (USG) was used as a complementary tool to DBT for the purpose of this study. Nonetheless, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the most sensitive tool to detect breast lesion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate diagnostic performance of DBT, with and without USG, versus breast MRI in correlation to histopathological examination (HPE). This was a retrospective study in a university hospital over a duration of 24 months. Findings were acquired from a formal report and were correlated with HPE. The sensitivity of DBT with or without USG was lower than MRI. However, the accuracy, specificity and PPV were raised with the aid of USG to equivalent or better than MRI. These three modalities showed statistically significant in correlation with HPE (p < 0.005, chi-squared). Generally, DBT alone has lower sensitivity as compared to MRI. However, it is reassuring that DBT + USG could significantly improve diagnostic performance to that comparable to MRI. In conclusion, results of this study are vital to centers which do not have MRI, as complementary ultrasound can accentuate diagnostic performance of DBT.
Strategies to Improve Work Attitude and Mental Health of Problem Employees: Focusing on Airline Cabin Crew
Authors: Kim Hwayoung , Yu Myoungjin , Hyun Sunghyup Sean
Published: January 2022

This study examines strategies for improving the work attitude and mental health of airlines’ “problem employees”. Based on a review of previous studies, five different handling methods for problem employees were derived: (1) duty assignment according to ability, (2) confidence beliefs, (3) managerial coaching, (4) human understanding, and (5) mentor system. The study hypothesized that these five approaches influence employees’ work attitudes, mental health, and job performance. To verify these hypotheses, empirical data were collected from 200 airline crew members. The analysis found that only three of the “five different handling methods of problem employees” positively influence job attitudes, mental health, and job performance: (1) duty assignment according to ability, (2) confidence beliefs, and (3) mentor system. In contrast, managerial coaching negatively impacted outcome variables. The study also found that the current handling approaches implemented in the industry have positive and negative outcomes on problem employees. Therefore, airline companies need to manage problem staff based on the findings of this study. Particularly, when conducting managerial coaching, supervisors should check employees’ work attitude change status. Research implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
Assessment of Ecosystem Health and Its Key Determinants in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration, China
Authors: Ge Fengjian , Tang Guiling , Zhong Mingxing , Zhang Yi , Xiao Jia , Li Jiangfeng , Ge Fengyuan
Published: January 2022

Urban agglomerations have gradually formed in different Chinese cities, exerting great pressure on the ecological environment. Ecosystem health is an important index for the evaluation of the sustainable development of cities, but it has rarely been used for urban agglomerations. In this study, the ecosystem health in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration was assessed using the ecosystem vigor, organization, resilience, and services framework at the county scale. A GeoDetector was used to determine the effects of seven factors on ecosystem health. The results show that: (1) The spatial distribution of ecosystem health differs significantly. The ecosystem health in the centers of Wuhan Metropolis, Changsha–Zhuzhou–Xiangtan City Group, and Poyang Lake City Group is significantly lower than in surrounding areas. (2) Temporally, well-level research units improve gradually; research units with relatively weak levels remain relatively stable. (3) The land use degree is the main factor affecting ecosystem health, with interactions between the different factors. The effects of these factors on ecosystem health are enhanced or nonlinear; (4) The effect of the proportion of construction land on ecosystem health increases over time. The layout used in urban land use planning significantly affects ecosystem health.
The Effect of an Informative Video upon Anxiety and Stress in Patients Requiring an Oral Biopsy: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Toralla Oscar , Lopez Jornet Pia , Pons-Fuster Eduardo
Published: January 2022

Objective: The use of multimedia tools improves patient understanding of surgical procedures, reduces anxiety and increases satisfaction. The present study evaluates the impact of an audiovisual intervention (video) upon anxiety and stress in patients requiring an oral biopsy. Material and methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial was carried out in patients requiring an oral biopsy. The control group (n = 60) received verbal standard information while the experimental group (n = 60) received information in the form of a video. The following data were recorded: gender, age, educational level and hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen saturation). The following questionnaires were used to assess anxiety and stress before and after the biopsy procedure: Corah’s Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: The final study sample consisted of 120 patients, of which 65.8% were women and 34.2% men, with a mean age of 40.5 ± 15.3 years. At the end of the study, the experimental group presented a significantly lower MDAS score than the control group (p = 0.041). The STAI score also showed a significant decrease with respect to the control group at the end of the study (p = 0.012). There were no statistically significant changes in the hemodynamic parameters in either group. Conclusions: The video constituted a useful and easy tool for reducing anxiety among patients requiring an oral biopsy.
Remediation of Toxic Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil by Combining a Washing Ejector Based on Hydrodynamic Cavitation and Soil Washing Process
Authors: Kim Hyunsoo , Cho Kanghee , Purev Oyunbileg , Choi Nagchoul , Lee Jaewon
Published: January 2022

Based on the features of hydrodynamic cavitation, in this study, we developed a washing ejector that utilizes a high-pressure water jet. The cavitating flow was utilized to remove fine particles from contaminated soil. The volume of the contaminants and total metal concentration could be correlated to the fine-particle distribution in the contaminated soil. These particles can combine with a variety of pollutants. In this study, physical separation and soil washing as a two-step soil remediation strategy were performed to remediate contaminated soils from the smelter. A washing ejector was employed for physical separation, whereas phosphoric acid was used as the washing agent. The particles containing toxic heavy metals were composed of metal phase encapsulated in phyllosilicates, and metal phase weakly bound to phyllosilicate surfaces. The washing ejector involves the removal of fine particles bound to coarse particles and the dispersion of soil aggregates. From these results we determined that physical separation using a washing ejector was effective for the treatment of contaminated soil. Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) was effective in extracting arsenic from contaminated soil in which arsenic was associated with amorphous iron oxides. Thus, the obtained results can provide useful information and technical support for field soil washing for the remediation of soil contaminated by toxic heavy metals through emissions from the mining and ore processing industries.
Determination of Mercury, Methylmercury and Selenium Concentrations in Elasmobranch Meat: Fish Consumption Safety
Authors: Storelli Arianna , Barone Grazia , Garofalo Rita , Busco Antonio , Storelli Maria Maddalena
Published: January 2022

This study measures total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) concentrations in elasmobranch fish from an Italian market with the aim of evaluating the risk-benefit associated with their consumption, using estimated weekly intake (EWI), permissible safety level (MeHgPSL), selenium health benefit value (HBVSe) and monthly consumption rate limit (CRmm) for each species. THg and Se were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry, while MeHg was determined by HrGc/Ms. THg and MeHg concentrations ranged from 0.61 to 1.25 μg g−1 w.w. and from 0.57 to 0.97 μg g−1 w.w., respectively, whereas Se levels were 0.49–0.65 μg g−1 w.w. In most samples European Community limits for THg were surpassed, while for MeHg none of the fish had levels above the limit adopted by FAO/WHO. EWIs for THg and MeHg in many cases were above the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs). MeHgPSL estimate showed that fish should contain approximately 50% of the concentration measured to avoid exceeding the PTWI. Nevertheless, the HBVSe index indicated that solely skates were safe for human consumption (HBVSe = 3.57–6.22). Our results highlight the importance of a constant monitoring of THg and MeHg level in fish, especially in apex predators, to avoid the risk of overexposure for consumers.
Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Knowledge, Perception and Attitude among Italian Pediatric Dentists
Authors: Cantile Tiziana , Leuci Stefania , Blasi Andrea , Coppola Noemi , Sorrentino Roberto , Ferrazzano Gianmaria Fabrizio , Mignogna Michele Davide
Published: January 2022

Background: Pediatric dentists could play a key role in the prevention of human papilloma virus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer (OP-cancer). The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, perception, and attitude on HPV-related OP-cancer, HPV infection, and HPV vaccination among Italian pediatric dentists. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Pediatric dentists received, by email, a link to participate in the questionnaire online. The questionnaire comprised four parts: (i) demographic information, (ii) knowledge on HPV-related OP-cancer, HPV infection, and HPV vaccine, (iii–iiii) perceptions and attitude on HPV-related OP-cancer, HPV infection, and HPV vaccine. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney test and Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: A total of 271 pediatric dentists completed the questionnaire. Results showed a good overall knowledge; a positive perception of their role in HPV disease prevention; a good attitude in discussing sensitive topics; a need for acquiring more information about HPV’s connection to cancer, HPV infection, and HPV vaccine. Conclusions: Improving educational training programs, as well as informing about prevention of HPV-related OP-cancer, will place pediatric dentists in the front line of HPV diseases primary prevention.
Kidney Damage Caused by Obesity and Its Feasible Treatment Drugs
Authors: Wang Meihui , Wang Zixu , Chen Yaoxing , Dong Yulan
Published: January 2022

The rapid growth of obesity worldwide has made it a major health problem, while the dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity has had a significant impact on the magnitude of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in developing countries. A vast amount of researchers have reported a strong relationship between obesity and chronic kidney disease, and obesity can serve as an independent risk factor for kidney disease. The histological changes of kidneys in obesity-induced renal injury include glomerular or tubular hypertrophy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or bulbous sclerosis. Furthermore, inflammation, renal hemodynamic changes, insulin resistance and lipid metabolism disorders are all involved in the development and progression of obesity-induced nephropathy. However, there is no targeted treatment for obesity-related kidney disease. In this review, RAS inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors and melatonin would be presented to treat obesity-induced kidney injury. Furthermore, we concluded that melatonin can protect the kidney damage caused by obesity by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, revealing its therapeutic potential.
Nanocarriers for Delivery of Oligonucleotides to the CNS
Authors: Male David , Gromnicova Radka
Published: January 2022

Nanoparticles with oligonucleotides bound to the outside or incorporated into the matrix can be used for gene editing or to modulate gene expression in the CNS. These nanocarriers are usually optimised for transfection of neurons or glia. They can also facilitate transcytosis across the brain endothelium to circumvent the blood-brain barrier. This review examines the different formulations of nanocarriers and their oligonucleotide cargoes, in relation to their ability to enter the brain and modulate gene expression or disease. The size of the nanocarrier is critical in determining the rate of clearance from the plasma as well as the intracellular routes of endothelial transcytosis. The surface charge is important in determining how it interacts with the endothelium and the target cell. The structure of the oligonucleotide affects its stability and rate of degradation, while the chemical formulation of the nanocarrier primarily controls the location and rate of cargo release. Due to the major anatomical differences between humans and animal models of disease, successful gene therapy with oligonucleotides in humans has required intrathecal injection. In animal models, some progress has been made with intraventricular or intravenous injection of oligonucleotides on nanocarriers. However, getting significant amounts of nanocarriers across the blood-brain barrier in humans will likely require targeting endothelial solute carriers or vesicular transport systems.
Identification of Sperm-Binding Sites in the N-Terminal Domain of Bovine Egg Coat Glycoprotein ZP4
Authors: Dilimulati Kamila , Orita Misaki , Yonahara Yoshiki , Imai Fabiana Lica , Yonezawa Naoto
Published: January 2022

The species-selective interaction between sperm and egg at the beginning of mammalian fertilisation is partly mediated by a transparent envelope called the zona pellucida (ZP). The ZP is composed of three or four glycoproteins (ZP1–ZP4). The functions of the three proteins present in mice (ZP1–ZP3) have been extensively studied. However, the biological role of ZP4, which was found in all other mammals studied so far, has remained largely unknown. Previously, by developing a solid support assay system, we showed that ZP4 exhibits sperm-binding activity in bovines and the N-terminal domain of bovine ZP4 (bZP4 ZP-N1 domain) is a sperm-binding region. Here, we show that bovine sperm bind to the bZP4 ZP-N1 domain in a species-selective manner and that N-glycosylation is not required for sperm-binding activity. Moreover, we identified three sites involved in sperm binding (site I: from Gln-41 to Pro-46, site II: from Leu-65 to Ser-68 and site III: from Thr-108 to Ile-123) in the bZP4 ZP-N1 domain using chimeric bovine/porcine and bovine/human ZP4 recombinant proteins. These results provide in vitro experimental evidence for the role of the bZP4 ZP-N1 domain in mediating sperm binding to the ZP.
Essential Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Blood from Patients with and without Catheter-Proven Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Wang Chaoxuan , Enssle Jörg , Pietzner Anne , Schmöcker Christoph , Weiland Linda , Ritter Oliver , Jaensch Monique , Elbelt Ulf , Pagonas Nikolaos , Weylandt Karsten H.
Published: January 2022

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Statins reduce morbidity and mortality of CAD. Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality in patients with CAD. Previous data indicate that a higher conversion of precursor fatty acids (FAs) to arachidonic acid (AA) is associated with increased CAD prevalence. Our study explored the FA composition in blood to assess n-3 PUFA levels from patients with and without CAD. We analyzed blood samples from 273 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Patients were stratified according to clinically relevant CAD (n = 192) and those without (n = 81). FA analysis in full blood was performed by gas chromatography. Indicating increased formation of AA from precursors, the ratio of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) to AA, the delta-5 desaturase index (D5D index) was higher in CAD patients. CAD patients had significantly lower levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated FAs (n-6 PUFA) and n-3 PUFA, particularly EPA, in the blood. Thus, our study supports a role of increased EPA levels for cardioprotection.
Quality Assessment of Goldenrod, Milkweed and Multifloral Honeys Based on Botanical Origin, Antioxidant Capacity and Mineral Content
Authors: Kocsis Marianna , Bodó Alexandra , Kőszegi Tamás , Csepregi Rita , Filep Rita , Hoffmann Gyula , Farkas Ágnes
Published: January 2022

The goal of the study was to evaluate the pollen spectrum, antioxidant capacity and mineral content of four Hungarian honey types, using multivariate statistical analysis. The light colored honeys were represented by milkweed honey and a multifloral (MF) honey with dominant pollen frequency of linden (MF-Tilia); the darker ones were goldenrod honey and a multifloral honey with Lamiaceae pollen majority (MF-Lamiaceae). The pollen spectrum of the samples was established with melissopalynological analysis. The absorbance of the honeys positively correlated with the antioxidant capacity determined with three of the used methods (TRC, TEAC, DPPH), but not with ORAC. The latter method correlated negatively also with other antioxidant methods and with most of the mineral values. MF-Tilia had high ORAC value, K and Na content. The MF-Lamiaceae had the highest K, Mg, P, S, Cu and Zn content, the last five elements showing strict correlation with the TRC method. The darker goldenrod honey had higher SET values and total mineral content, than the milkweed honey. The above character-sets facilitate identification of each honey type and serve as indicators of variety. The antioxidant levels and mineral content of honeys allowed their clear separation by principal component analysis (PCA).
Genetic and Physiological Characterization of Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate Aldolase and Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in the Crabtree-Negative Yeast Kluyveromyces lactis
Authors: Rodicio Rosaura , Schmitz Hans-Peter , Heinisch Jürgen J.
Published: January 2022

The milk yeast Kluyveromyces lactis degrades glucose through glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway and follows a mainly respiratory metabolism. Here, we investigated the role of two reactions which are required for the final steps of glucose degradation from both pathways, as well as for gluconeogenesis, namely fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). In silico analyses identified one gene encoding the former (KlFBA1), and three genes encoding isoforms of the latter (KlTDH1, KlTDH2, KlGDP1). Phenotypic analyses were performed by deleting the genes from the haploid K. lactis genome. While Klfba1 deletions lacked detectable FBA activity, they still grew poorly on glucose. To investigate the in vivo importance of the GAPDH isoforms, different mutant combinations were analyzed for their growth behavior and enzymatic activity. KlTdh2 represented the major glycolytic GAPDH isoform, as its lack caused a slower growth on glucose. Cells lacking both KlTdh1 and KlTdh2 failed to grow on glucose but were still able to use ethanol as sole carbon sources, indicating that KlGdp1 is sufficient to promote gluconeogenesis. Life-cell fluorescence microscopy revealed that KlTdh2 accumulated in the nucleus upon exposure to oxidative stress, suggesting a moonlighting function of this isoform in the regulation of gene expression. Heterologous complementation of the Klfba1 deletion by the human ALDOA gene renders K. lactis a promising host for heterologous expression of human disease alleles and/or a screening system for specific drugs.
Induction of Isochromanones by Co-Cultivation of the Marine Fungus Cosmospora sp. and the Phytopathogen Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Oppong-Danquah Ernest , Blümel Martina , Scarpato Silvia , Mangoni Alfonso , Tasdemir Deniz
Published: January 2022

Microbial co-cultivation is a promising approach for the activation of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that remain transcriptionally silent under artificial culture conditions. As part of our project aiming at the discovery of marine-derived fungal agrochemicals, we previously used four phytopathogens as model competitors in the co-cultivation of 21 marine fungal strains. Based on comparative untargeted metabolomics analyses and anti-phytopathogenic activities of the co-cultures, we selected the co-culture of marine Cosmospora sp. with the phytopathogen Magnaporthe oryzae for in-depth chemical studies. UPLC-MS/MS-based molecular networking (MN) of the co-culture extract revealed an enhanced diversity of compounds in several molecular families, including isochromanones, specifically induced in the co-culture. Large scale co-cultivation of Cosmospora sp. and M. oryzae resulted in the isolation of five isochromanones from the whole co-culture extract, namely the known soudanones A, E, D (1-3) and their two new derivatives, soudanones H-I (4-5), the known isochromans, pseudoanguillosporins A and B (6, 7), naphtho-γ-pyrones, cephalochromin and ustilaginoidin G (8, 9), and ergosterol (10). Their structures were established by NMR, HR-ESIMS, FT-IR, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy, polarimetry ([α]D), and Mosher’s ester reaction. Bioactivity assays revealed antimicrobial activity of compounds 2 and 3 against the phytopathogens M. oryzae and Phytophthora infestans, while pseudoanguillosporin A (6) showed the broadest and strongest anti-phytopathogenic activity against Pseudomonas syringae, Xanthomonas campestris, M. oryzae and P. infestans. This is the first study assessing the anti-phytopathogenic activities of soudanones.
Thelytokous Reproduction of Onion Thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman 1889, Infesting Welsh Onion and Genetic Variation among Their Subpopulations
Authors: Khan Falguni , Roy Miltan Chandra , Kim Yonggyun
Published: January 2022

Parthenogenesis is not uncommon in thrips. This asexual reproduction produces males (arrhenotokous) or female (thelytokous). Only females are found in the onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman 1889) infesting Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) in several areas of Korea. To determine the reproduction mode of T. tabaci, thrips infesting Welsh onion were collected from different localities in Korea. Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences were then assessed. Results showed that all test local populations had signature motif specific to a thelytokous type. These COI sequences were clustered with other thelytokous populations separated from arrhenotokous T. tabaci populations. In a laboratory test, individual rearing produced female progeny without any males. These results support that Korean onion thrips infesting Welsh onion have the thelytokous type of parthenogenesis. Local thrips populations exhibited significant variations in susceptibility to chemical and biological insecticides. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis indicated genetic variations of local populations. However, the genetic distance estimated from RAPD was independent of the actual distance among different local populations. These results suggest that genetic variations of T. tabaci are arisen from population subdivision due to asexual thelytokous reproductive mode.
Simultaneous Determination of Fluorine and Chlorine in Marine and Stream Sediment by Ion Chromatography Combined with Alkaline Digestion in a Bomb
Authors: Gao Yuhua , Wang Xiaoyuan , Fang Xianwen , Yin Xuebo , Chen Lu , Bi Jianling , Ma Yao , Chen Shuai
Published: January 2022

Fluorine and chlorine are important tracers for geochemical and environmental studies. In this study, a rapid alkaline digestion (NaOH) method for the simultaneous determination of fluorine and chlorine in marine and stream sediment reference samples using ion chromatography is developed. The proposed method suppresses the volatilization loss of fluorine and chlorine and decreases the matrix effects. The results are in good agreement with fluorine ~100%, chlorine ranging from 90 to 95% of the expected concentrations. The detection limits of this method were 0.05 μg/g for fluorine and 0.10 μg/g for chlorine. This method is simple, economical, precise and accurate, which shows great potential for the rapid simultaneous determination of fluorine and chlorine in large batches of geological and environmental samples commonly analyzed for environmental geochemistry studies.
A Review of Modeling Approaches for Understanding and Monitoring the Environmental Effects of Marine Renewable Energy
Authors: Buenau Kate E. , Garavelli Lysel , Hemery Lenaïg G. , García Medina Gabriel
Published: January 2022

Understanding the environmental effects of marine energy (ME) devices is fundamental for their sustainable development and efficient regulation. However, measuring effects is difficult given the limited number of operational devices currently deployed. Numerical modeling is a powerful tool for estimating environmental effects and quantifying risks. It is most effective when informed by empirical data and coordinated with the development and implementation of monitoring protocols. We reviewed modeling techniques and information needs for six environmental stressor–receptor interactions related to ME: changes in oceanographic systems, underwater noise, electromagnetic fields (EMFs), changes in habitat, collision risk, and displacement of marine animals. This review considers the effects of tidal, wave, and ocean current energy converters. We summarized the availability and maturity of models for each stressor–receptor interaction and provide examples involving ME devices when available and analogous examples otherwise. Models for oceanographic systems and underwater noise were widely available and sometimes applied to ME, but need validation in real-world settings. Many methods are available for modeling habitat change and displacement of marine animals, but few examples related to ME exist. Models of collision risk and species response to EMFs are still in stages of theory development and need more observational data, particularly about species behavior near devices, to be effective. We conclude by synthesizing model status, commonalities between models, and overlapping monitoring needs that can be exploited to develop a coordinated and efficient set of protocols for predicting and monitoring the environmental effects of ME.
Review of Top-Down Method to Determine Atmospheric Emissions in Port. Case of Study: Port of Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Fuentes García Gilberto , Sosa Echeverría Rodolfo , Baldasano Recio José María , W. Kahl Jonathan D. , Antonio Durán Rafael Esteban
Published: January 2022

Indicators of environmental policies in force in Mexico, fossil fuels will continue to be used in industrial sectors, especially marine fuels, such as marine diesel oil, in port systems for some time. Considering this, we have evaluated several methods corresponding to a top-down system for determining fuel consumption and sulfur dioxide atmospheric emissions for the port of Veracruz in 2020 by type of ship on a daily resolution, considering a sulfur content of 0.5% mass by mass in marine fuel. After analyzing seven methods for determining sulfur dioxide atmospheric emission levels, Goldsworthy’s method was found to be the best option to characterize this port. The port system has two maritime zones, one of which is in expansion, which represented 55.66% of fuel consumption and 23.05% of atmospheric emissions according to the typology of vessels. We found that higher fuel consumption corresponded to container vessels, and tanker vessels represented higher atmospheric emission levels in the berthing position. The main differences that we found in the analysis of the seven methods of the top-down system corresponded to the load factor parameter, main and auxiliary engine power, and estimation of fuel consumption by type of vessel.
A Multi-Methodological Analysis of Jabuticaba’s Supply Chain in an Agricultural Cooperative Production
Authors: Levino Natallya , Monte Madson , Costa Carlos , Filho Walter Lima
Published: January 2022

Background: In the late 1990s, the idea of fighting drought gave way to the concept of how to live with drought in the Brazilian semi-arid region. From this perspective, the Brazilian Federal Government’s investment in social technology and education encouraged local agricultural production and subsistence agriculture began to have a surplus for commercialization and income generation. However, there are still difficulties in the development of the productive chain, as perceived in Alagoas, Brazil, with the jabuticaba fruit and its derivatives. In this locus, problems related to the creation of value and distributions of the product were identified. Methods: This study proposed a participant observation in a rural producers’ association and a multimethodological approach based on VFT (Value-Focused Thinking) and SWOT analysis aiming to structure the problem, identify communities’ objectives and develop alternatives to solve these problems so that they can get more out of their production. Results: showed that the product has marketing potential due to its differential, but the producers are limited in the process of distributing the goods. Conclusions: So, this study was able to analyze the problems of this productive system in a structured way, generating suggestions for actions to achieve the strategic objectives of the cooperative.
Sound Insulation Performance of Composite Double Sandwich Panels with Periodic Arrays of Shunted Piezoelectric Patches
Authors: Li Shande , Xu Di , Wu Xiaoxun , Jiang Renjie , Shi Geman , Zhang Zhifu
Published: January 2022

The existing sandwich structure of the aircraft cabin demonstrates a good sound insulation effect in medium and high frequency bands, but poor in the low frequency band. Therefore, we propose an infinite new lightweight broadband noise control structure and study its sound transmission loss (STL). The structure is an orthogonally rib-stiffened honeycomb double sandwich structure with periodic arrays of shunted piezoelectric patches, and demonstrates lighter mass and better strength than the existing sandwich structure. The structure is equivalent according to Hoff’s equal stiffness theory and the effective medium (EM) method. Using the virtual work principle for a periodic element, two infinite sets of coupled equations are obtained. They are solved by truncating them in a finite range until the solution converges. The correctness and validity of the model are verified by using simulation results and theoretical predictions. Eventually, a further study is performed on the factors influencing the STL. All the results demonstrate that the STL in low-frequency can be improved by the structure, and the sound insulation bandwidth is significantly broadened by adding shunted piezoelectric patches. The structure can provide a new idea for the design of broadband sound insulation.
Additive Manufacturing of Smart Composite Structures Based on Flexinol Wires
Authors: Dudek Olaf , Klein Wojciech , Gąsiorek Damian , Pawlak Mariusz
Published: January 2022

3D printing of a composite structure with shape memory materials requires a special approach to the subject, at the stage of the design and printing process. This paper presents the design steps during the development of a 3D-printed composite structure with shape memory material. The connection points between the SMA fibers and the printer filament are developed in the MATLAB environment. Finite element method is used to simulate the shortening of the shape memory material under the influence of temperature and its effect on the printed polymer material is presented. In the MATLAB environment, evolutionary algorithms were used to determine the shape of the SMA fiber alignment. This work demonstrates the use of shape memory effect in 3D printed smart composite structures, where the component takes a predetermined shape. The structure obtained as a result of such printing changes with the heat generated by the current voltage, making it the desired fourth dimension.
Effect of Impurity Adsorption on the Electronic and Transport Properties of Graphene Nanogaps
Authors: Álvarez-Rodríguez Pablo , García-Suárez Víctor Manuel
Published: January 2022

Graphene stands out as a versatile material with several uses in fields that range from electronics to biology. In particular, graphene has been proposed as an electrode in molecular electronics devices that are expected to be more stable and reproducible than typical ones based on metallic electrodes. In this work, we study by means of first principles, simulations and a tight-binding model the electronic and transport properties of graphene nanogaps with straight edges and different passivating atoms: Hydrogen or elements of the second row of the periodic table (boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluoride). We use the tight-binding model to reproduce the main ab-initio results and elucidate the physics behind the transport properties. We observe clear patterns that emerge in the conductance and the current as one moves from boron to fluoride. In particular, we find that the conductance decreases and the tunneling decaying factor increases from the former to the latter. We explain these trends in terms of the size of the atom and its onsite energy. We also find a similar pattern for the current, which is ohmic and smooth in general. However, when the size of the simulation cell is the smallest one along the direction perpendicular to the transport direction, we obtain highly non-linear behavior with negative differential resistance. This interesting and surprising behavior can be explained by taking into account the presence of Fano resonances and other interference effects, which emerge due to couplings to side atoms at the edges and other couplings across the gap. Such features enter the bias window as the bias increases and strongly affect the current, giving rise to the non-linear evolution. As a whole, these results can be used as a template to understand the transport properties of straight graphene nanogaps and similar systems and distinguish the presence of different elements in the junction.
Multifunctional Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: A Review
Authors: Tran Hung-Vu , Ngo Nhat M. , Medhi Riddhiman , Srinoi Pannaree , Liu Tingting , Rittikulsittichai Supparesk , Lee T. Randall
Published: January 2022

Due to their good magnetic properties, excellent biocompatibility, and low price, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are the most commonly used magnetic nanomaterials and have been extensively explored in biomedical applications. Although magnetic IONPs can be used for a variety of applications in biomedicine, most practical applications require IONP-based platforms that can perform several tasks in parallel. Thus, appropriate engineering and integration of magnetic IONPs with different classes of organic and inorganic materials can produce multifunctional nanoplatforms that can perform several functions simultaneously, allowing their application in a broad spectrum of biomedical fields. This review article summarizes the fabrication of current composite nanoplatforms based on integration of magnetic IONPs with organic dyes, biomolecules (e.g., lipids, DNAs, aptamers, and antibodies), quantum dots, noble metal NPs, and stimuli-responsive polymers. We also highlight the recent technological advances achieved from such integrated multifunctional platforms and their potential use in biomedical applications, including dual-mode imaging for biomolecule detection, targeted drug delivery, photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and magnetic hyperthermia therapy.
Substantial Improvement of High Temperature Strength of New-Generation Nano-Oxide-Strengthened Alloys by Addition of Metallic Yttrium
Authors: Svoboda Jiří , Bořil Petr , Holzer Jakub , Luptáková Natália , Jarý Milan , Mašek Bohuslav , Dymáček Petr
Published: January 2022

Oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) Fe-Al-Y2O3-based alloys (denoted as FeAlOY) containing 5 vol. % of nano-oxides have a potential to become top oxidation and creep-resistant alloys for applications at temperatures of 1100–1300 °C. Oxide dispersoids cause nearly perfect strengthening of grains; thus, grain boundaries with limited cohesive strength become the weak link in FeAlOY in this temperature range. One of the possibilities for significantly improving the strength of FeAlOY is alloying with appropriate elements and increasing the cohesive strength of grain boundaries. Nearly 20 metallic elements have been tested with the aim to increase cohesive strength in the frame of preliminary tests. A positive influence is revealed for Al, Cr, and Y, whereby the influence of Y is enormous (addition of 1% of metallic Y increases strength by a factor of 2), as it is presented in this paper.
Enhanced Thermal Stability, Mechanical Properties and Structural Integrity of MWCNT Filled Bamboo/Kenaf Hybrid Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Prabhudass J. M. , Palanikumar K. , Natarajan Elango , Markandan Kalaimani
Published: January 2022

Recently, there has been an inclination towards natural fibre reinforced polymer composites owing to their merits such as environmental friendliness, light weight and excellent strength. In the present study, six laminates were fabricated consisting of natural fibres such as Kenaf fibre (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and Bamboo fibre, together with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcing fillers in the epoxy matrix. Mechanical testing revealed that hybridization of natural fibres was capable of yielding composites with enhanced tensile properties. Additionally, impact testing showed a maximum improvement of ≈80.6% with the inclusion of MWCNTs as nanofiller in the composites with very high energy absorption characteristics, which were attributed to the high specific energy absorption of carbon nanotubes. The viscoelastic behaviour of hybridised composites reinforced with MWCNTs also showed promising results with a significant improvement in the glass transition temperature (Tg) and 41% improvement in storage modulus. It is worth noting that treatment of the fibres in NaOH solution prior to composite fabrication was effective in improving the interfacial bonding with the epoxy matrix, which, in turn, resulted in improved mechanical properties.
Failure Criteria and Constitutive Relationship of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete under Triaxial Compression
Authors: Ye Peihuan , Chen Yuliang , Chen Zongping , Xu Jinjun , Wu Huiqin
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the compression behavior and failure criteria of lightweight aggregate concrete (LAC) under triaxial loading. A total of 156 specimens were tested for three parameters: concrete strength, lateral confining pressure and aggregate immersion time, and their effects on the failure mode of LAC and the triaxial stress-strain relationship of LAC is studied. The research indicated that, as the lateral constraint of the specimen increases, the failure patterns change from vertical splitting failure to oblique shearing failure and then to indistinct traces of damage. The stress-strain curve of LAC specimens has an obvious stress plateau, and the curve no longer appears downward when the confining pressure exceeds 12 MPa. According to the experimental phenomenon and test data, the failure criterion was examined on the Mohr–Coulomb theory, octahedral shear stress theory and Rendulic plane stress theory, which well reflects the behavior of LAC under triaxial compression. For the convenience of analysis and application, the stress-strain constitutive models of LAC under triaxial compression are recommended, and these models correlate well with the test results.