bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redo DAIR: The Game Is Seldom Worth the Candle
Authors: Sancho Ignacio , Otermin-Maya Iñaki , Gutiérrez-Dubois Jorge , Aláez Ignacio , Librero Julián , Portillo Maria Eugenia , Hidalgo-Ovejero Ángel
Published: December 2022

Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) remains a commonly utilized technique in the treatment of acute prosthetic joint infections despite its inconsistent outcomes. The performance of a second DAIR after a failed first debridement is controversial as outcomes are uncertain and the final prognosis in the event of failure may be unfavorable. This study analyzes 84 cases of acute prosthetic (hip & knee) joint infection treated with DAIR between 2011 and 2020 at the same institution. In 12 failed cases, a second DAIR was performed, whose success rate was significantly lower than that of the first procedure (8% [95% CI, 0–38] vs. 57% [46–68]). Moreover, the ultimate outcome of the second failed DAIRs was unfavorable with eradication of the infection being achieved in none of the patients. Due to the high likelihood of failure and the potentially grim final prognosis following a second debridement, removal of the components should be considered.
TRPV4 Role in Neuropathic Pain Mechanisms in Rodents
Authors: Rodrigues Patrícia , Ruviaro Náthaly Andrighetto , Trevisan Gabriela
Published: December 2022

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain caused by a disease or damage to the somatosensory nervous system. The knowledge about the complete mechanisms is incomplete, but the role of oxidative compounds has been evaluated. In this context, we highlight the transient potential receptor vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a non-selective cation channel, that can be activated by oxidated compounds. In clinical trials, the TRPV4 antagonist (GSK2798745) has been well-tolerated in healthy volunteers. The TRPV4 activation by oxidative compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO), has been researched in neuropathic pain models. Thus, the modulation of TRPV4 activation by decreasing oxidated compounds could represent a new pharmacological approach for neuropathic pain treatment. Most models evaluated the TRPV4 using knockout mice, antagonist or antisense treatments and detected mechanical allodynia, hyposmotic solution-induced nociception and heat hyperalgesia, but this channel is not involved in cold allodynia. Only H2O2 and NO were evaluated as TRPV4 agonists, so one possible target to reduce neuropathic pain should focus on reducing these compounds. Therefore, this review outlines how the TRPV4 channel represents an innovative target to tackle neuropathic pain signaling in models induced by trauma, surgery, chemotherapy, cancer, diabetes and alcohol intake.
Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Enhances Performance and Speeds Muscle Deoxyhaemoglobin Kinetics during an End-Sprint after Prolonged Moderate-Intensity Exercise
Authors: Rowland Samantha N. , Da Boit Mariasole , Tan Rachel , Robinson George P. , O’Donnell Emma , James Lewis J. , Bailey Stephen J.
Published: December 2022

Short-term dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation has the potential to enhance performance during submaximal endurance, and short-duration, maximal-intensity exercise. However, it has yet to be determined whether NO3− supplementation before and during submaximal endurance exercise can improve performance during a short-duration, maximal-intensity end-sprint. In a randomised, double-blind, crossover study, 9 recreationally active men ingested NO3−-rich (BR: 8 mmol NO3−/day) and NO3−-depleted (PL: 0.75 mmol NO3−/day) beetroot powder for 7 days. On day 7, participants completed 2 h of moderate-intensity cycling, which immediately transitioned into a 60 s maximal-intensity end-sprint, with supplements ingested 2 h before and 1 h into the moderate-intensity exercise bout. Plasma [NO3−] and [NO2−] were higher in BR compared to PL pre- and post-exercise (p < 0.05). Post-exercise plasma [NO3−] was higher than pre-exercise (562 ± 89 µM vs. 300 ± 73 µM; p < 0.05) and plasma [NO2−] was not significantly different pre- (280 ± 58 nM) and post-exercise (228 ± 63 nM) in the BR condition (p > 0.05). Mean power output during the final 30 s of the end-sprint was greater after BR (390 ± 38 W) compared to PL (365 ± 41 W; p < 0.05). There were no differences between BR and PL in any muscle oxygenation variables during moderate-intensity cycling (p > 0.05), but muscle [deoxyhaemoglobin] kinetics was faster during the end-sprint in BR (6.5 ± 1.4 s) compared to PL (7.3 ± 1.4 s; p < 0.05). These findings suggest that NO3− supplementation has the potential to improve end-sprint performance in endurance events when ingested prior to and during exercise.
Occupational Footwear Design Influences Biomechanics and Physiology of Human Postural Control and Fall Risk
Authors: Derby Hunter , Chander Harish , Kodithuwakku Arachchige Sachini N. K. , Turner Alana J. , Knight Adam C. , Burch Reuben , Freeman Charles , Wade Chip , Garner John C.
Published: December 2022

While design modifications present on work boots improve safety, they may not always provide optimal human performance during work tasks. Understanding the impact of these different design features on biomechanical and physiological postural control and locomotion variables can aid in better design modifications that can provide a safe and efficient human performance. This brief review focuses on a series of studies conducted by the current research team, that have tested three different work boots (SB: high-top steel-toed work boots; TB: high-top tactical work boots; SR: low-top slip-resistant work boots). The series of studies included testing of these work boots or combinations of them under acute and chronic simulated occupational workloads, assessing biomechanical variable such as postural stability, gait, slips, and muscle activity, as well as physiological variables such as heart rate, energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and pain perception. The impact of each of the work boots and their design feature on postural control and locomotion are summarized from these studies’ previously published literature. Finally, work boot design suggestions for optimal human performance are provided for better work boot selection, modification, and design.
A Comparative Study on the Effect of Peri-Implant Infection Management Lasers (1064-nm Q-Switch Nd:YAG, 1064-nm Nd:YAG and 980-nm Diode) on Titanium Grade 4 Surface
Authors: Pasquale Claudio , De Angelis Nicola , Dellacasa Elena , Raiteri Roberto , Barberis Fabrizio , Lagazzo Alberto , Benedicenti Stefano , Amaroli Andrea
Published: December 2022

Over the past 10 years, the number of dental implants has grown significantly. This increase has consequently led to an elevation of the statistics related to cases of peri-implantitis. Laser therapy has conquered a place among the therapies of excellence to treat peri-implantitis. However, the laser device used could influence the therapy’s success. The aim of this comparative experimental work was to highlight the differences in the work on grade 4 titanium surfaces of the most commonly used laser lights in this field, taking into consideration any structural damage that lasers could cause to implant surfaces. The lasers examined were a 980 nm diode laser; a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser; and a new generation of 1064 nm Nd:YAG Q-switch nano pulsed laser. We evaluated the titanium temperature increase, the pre- and post-treatment two-dimensional surface appearance observed under the scanning electron microscope; finally, the three-dimensional pre- and post-treatment topographic analysis was assessed using atomic force microscopy. We showed that the 1064-nm Q-switch Nd:YAG nanosecond pulsed laser appears to be more suitable for the preservation of implant morphology because of the absence of the induction of metal damage.
Aerodynamic Drag Reduction on Speed Skating Helmet by Surface Structures
Authors: Wang Yanqing , Weng Ding , Wei Yuju , Ma Yuan , Chen Lei , Wang Jiadao
Published: December 2022

The aerodynamic drag for speed skating helmets with surface structures was investigated in this work by using numerical and experimental methods. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) research was performed to analyze the detail of the flow field around the helmets. The simplified helmet models, with riblet and bump surface structures, were analyzed using the CFD simulations. The pressure distribution and velocity field around the helmets were obtained through the CFD analysis. The CFD results showed that the boundary layer separation position was obviously delayed, and the pressure changed to a higher value at the back area for structured helmets. Therefore, the aerodynamic drag for the structured helmet was lower than that of the original model. According to the CFD results, three types of helmets, with the of riblet and bump surface structure printed on the helmets by using flexible film, were tested in a wind tunnel. A full-scaled skater mannequin of half a body was used in the experiment to simulate the actual skating process. Compared with the original helmet, a drag reduction rate of 7% was achieved for the helmet with the bump at the middle region in the wind tunnel experiment, at the average speed in competitions for skaters.
Use of Vine Shoot Waste for Manufacturing Innovative Reinforced Cement Composites
Authors: Scurtu Daniela Alexandra , Kovacs Eniko , Senila Lacrimioara , Levei Erika Andrea , Simedru Dorina , Filip Xenia , Dan Monica , Roman Cecilia , Cadar Oana , David Leontin
Published: December 2022

Due to the current concern with the environmental impacts produced by the construction industry, many studies have been conducted to capitalize on the advantages of waste to develop sustainable materials. The study reports an innovative, non-conventional cement-based composite material containing 10 wt.% vine shoot waste, representing a step forward toward the use of this lignocellulosic waste. The investigations were carried out using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and solid-state 27Al and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The addition of vine shoot waste to the cement paste increases the amount of hydration products (calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), calcium hydroxide (CH), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and ettringite), leading to a more compact and dense structure. The structural characterization techniques also confirmed the formation of a higher amount of hydration products in the case of vine shoot waste added to the cement paste.
Structural Damage Detection Based on One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Xue Zhigang , Xu Chenxu , Wen Dongdong
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes a structural damage detection method based on one-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN). The method can automatically extract features from data to detect structural damage. First, a three-layer framework model was designed. Second, the displacement data of each node was collected under the environmental excitation. Then, the data was transformed into the interlayer displacement to form a damage dataset. Third, in order to verify the feasibility of the proposed method, the damage datasets were divided into three categories: single damage dataset, multiple damage dataset, and damage degree dataset. The three types of damage dataset can be classified by the convolutional neural network. The results showed that the recognition accuracy is above 0.9274. Thereafter, a visualization tool called “t-SNE” was employed to visualize the raw data and the output data of the convolutional neural network. The results showed that the feature extraction ability of CNN is excellent. However, there are many hidden layers in a CNN. The outputs of these hidden layers are invisible. In the last section, the outputs of hidden layers are visualized to understand how the convolutional neural networks work.
Constraints of Using Conductive Screen-Printing for Chipless RFID Tags with Enhanced RCS Response
Authors: Svanda Milan , Machac Jan , Polivka Milan
Published: December 2022

The analysis and experimental verification of the properties of four types of chipless RFID tags with an increased RCS response level designed and fabricated by conductive screen-printing using silver paste on foil and paper substrates was performed. The analytical formula for the quality factor of microstrip structures with a reduced conductivity of the metal layers was used to predict the changes and detectability of the backscattered RCS response. The analysis provides insight into the limitations and outlines the possibilities of chipless structures screen-printed on foil and paper substrates, which can be of significant benefit to further reducing the cost, and to speed up the production of these tags for identification and sensing purposes.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Different Irrigation Systems on the Removal of Root Canal Smear Layer: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: Tosco Vincenzo , Monterubbianesi Riccardo , Aranguren José , Memè Lucia , Putignano Angelo , Orsini Giovanna
Published: December 2022

Irrigation represents a crucial step in endodontics for bacteria disinfection and smear layer removal. Several irrigation strategies have been proposed, although their effects are controversial. This study aims to assess the comparison of four different irrigation systems on the smear layer removal utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Forty sound monoradicular teeth were collected and casually allocated into four groups (n = 10): Group A, conventional irrigation; Group B, IrriFlex irrigation; Group C, ultrasonic irrigation system; Group D, apical negative pressure irrigation. After chemo-mechanical preparation and longitudinal root separation, the three root thirds were analyzed by SEM. Micrographs were carried out at ×2000 to analyze the smear layer residual in each third of the root canal. Statistically significant differences were found between Group A and Group D (p < 0.05). Groups B and C showed satisfactory results in the coronal and middle thirds, while Group D was the only system that achieved satisfactory results in the apical third. However, the complete smear layer removal in the root canal was never achieved with any of the four systems tested. In conclusion, among the four tested irrigation systems, the greatest efficacy on smear layer removal was reached by Group D.
Determination of Coniferous Wood’s Compressive Strength by SE-DenseNet Model Combined with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Chao , Chen Xun , Zhang Lixin , Wang Saipeng
Published: December 2022

Rapid determination of the mechanical performance of coniferous wood has great importance for wood processing and utilization. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is widely used in various production fields because of its high efficiency and non-destructive characteristics, however, the traditional NIR spectroscopy analysis techniques mainly focus on the spectral pretreatment and dimension reduction methods, which are difficult to maximize use of effective spectral information and are time consuming and laborious. Deep learning methods can automatically extract features; data-driven artificial intelligence technology can discover the internal correlation between data and realize many detection tasks in life and production. In this paper, we propose a SE-DenseNet model, which can realize end-to-end prediction without complex spectral dimension reduction compared with traditional modeling methods. The experimental results show that the proposed SE-DenseNet model achieved classification accuracy and F1 values of 88.89% and 0.8831 on the larch’s test set, respectively. The proposed SE-DenseNet model achieved correlation coefficients (R) and root mean square errors (RMSE) of 0.9144 and 1.2389 MPa on the larch’s test set, respectively. Implementation of this study demonstrates that SE-DenseNet can realize automatic extraction of spectral features and the accurate determination of wood mechanical properties.
The Appliance of A-PRF and CGF in the Treatment of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Extraction Sockets—Narrative Review
Authors: Selahi Daniel , Spiegel Maciej , Hadzik Jakub , Pitułaj Artur , Michalak Filip , Kubasiewicz-Ross Paweł , Dominiak Marzena
Published: December 2022

Tooth extractions, especially of impacted lower third molars, are among the most common procedures performed in dental practices. The continuity of the patient’s oral mucosa, which is interrupted during them, can manifest itself in general discomfort, pain, swelling, and even trismus. In the age of cosmetic dentistry, when lost teeth are restored through implant, prosthetic, and orthodontic treatment, each tooth extraction actually reduces the amount of available alveolar bone. This has prompted researchers to develop extraction sockets treatment procedures that reduce the negative consequences of surgical intervention while also enhancing the rate of alveolar bone and soft tissue regeneration using minimally invasive approaches. This is expected to enable or significantly facilitate further stages of treatment. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the use of autologous blood preparations, which are considered to aid regenerative processes when applied to extraction sockets.
Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Areas: A European Analysis
Authors: Bona Sara , Silva-Afonso Armando , Gomes Ricardo , Matos Raquel , Rodrigues Fernanda
Published: December 2022

Currently, the world is facing resource scarcity as the environmental impacts of human intervention continue to intensify. To facilitate the conservation and recovery of ecosystems and to transform cities into more sustainable, intelligent, regenerative, and resilient environments, the concepts of circularity and nature-based solutions (NbS) are applied. The role of NbS within green infrastructure in urban resilience is recognised, and considerable efforts are being made by the European Commission (EC) to achieve the European sustainability goals. However, it is not fully evidenced, in an integrated way, which are the main NbS implemented in the urban environment and their effects. This article aims to identify the main and most recent NbS applied in urban environments at the European level and to analyse the integration of different measures as an innovative analysis based on real cases. For this purpose, this work presents a literature review of 69 projects implemented in 24 European cities, as well as 8 urban actions and 3 spatial scales of implementation at the district level. Therefore, there is great potential for NbS adoption in buildings and their surroundings, which are still not prioritized, given the lack of effective monitoring of the effects of NbS.
Strange Creatures of Chu: A Regional Approach to Antlered Tomb Sculptures
Authors: Chaffin Cortney E.
Published: December 2022

Lacquered wooden sculptures of fantastic hybrid beasts adorned with real deer antlers are among the most extraordinary examples of sculpture found in Chu tombs dated from the sixth through the third centuries BCE. Conventionally known as zhenmushou 镇墓兽 or “protecting tomb beasts”, the antlered sculptures have grotesque features, including bulging eyes, fangs, and protruding tongues. In the fourth century BCE, production and use of these sculptures increased and peaked in the Hanxi region of Hubei province. Although most of these figures have been found in tombs in Hanxi (west of the Han River), distinctive variations of antlered tomb sculptures are also documented in regional areas of the Chu polity, including the Nanyang Basin, the Upper Huai, Eastern Hubei, and Jiangnan. Through a systematic regional analysis of Chu antlered sculptures, this paper presents a spatial framework for analyzing this unique genre of Chu funerary sculpture. This approach provides fresh insight into the interregional networks of interaction across the Chu state and beyond, via waterways and the Suizao corridor from the sixth through the third centuries BCE.
Optimal Lyapunov-Based Sliding Mode Control for Slotless-Self Bearing Motor System
Authors: Trinh Minh Hiep , Pham Quang Dang , Giap Van Nam
Published: December 2022

A slotless self-bearing motor (SSBM) is a new type of electric motor, with its levitating and rotating capability as a drive system. In the design of motor, the iron core of stator was removed, it could have many advantages such as small size, light, no friction loss, low losses, high speed. Besides, disturbance and uncertainty factors are the unexpected values, which impacting strongly to the output of the control system. In this paper, to reject the effects of these factors, an optimal Lyapunov-based (OLB) sliding mode control (SMC) was proposed to control the movements and rotation of SSBM system. First, the mathematical model with uncertainty and disturbance factors of the SSBM system was rewritten to show the detail configuration of the proposed motor. Second, the OLB-SMC controllers were designed for the control of displacements on x-, y-axes, rotor speed on ω-axes, respectively. Third, the stability analysis of control algorithm was demonstrated via the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the experimental test was implemented to prove the high performance of the OLB-SMC for SSBM system. The practical results show that the effectiveness of OLB-SMC controller for SSBM system. The novelty of the proposed method is that the stability condition was newly proposed based on the transformation from scalar equation to state-space equation, where the gains of controller were found based on the linear matrix inequality.
Impacts of the Indian Summer Monsoon on the Southern Boundary Water Vapor Transport and Precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Chen Jinghua , Yang Kai , Deng Liping , Guo Zhiyi
Published: December 2022

Water vapor transport plays a significant role in maintaining the water cycle over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). This study investigates the characteristics of water vapor transport across the TP southern boundaries and its impacts on TP precipitation during the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) season from 2000 to 2019. The southern boundary is subdivided into four sub-boundaries from the east to the west: boundaries 7 (100°–95° E), 8 (95°–89° E), 9 (89°–80° E), and 10 (80°–70° E) (B7, B8, B9, and B10). ISM can affect the water vapor transports of B7, B8, and B9, while mid-latitude westerlies dominate the water vapor transport of B10. An area with concentrated spatial precipitation in both strong and weak ISM months is regarded as a precipitation concentration region (PCR). The results show that the PCR precipitation is smaller in the weak ISM month than in the normal month for most of the day, while it is larger in the strong ISM month than in the normal month. The PCR precipitation difference from afternoon to evening in strong and weak ISM months between normal months shows a dependency on the water vapor transport of B8 and B10. Water vapor transported across B9 also contributes to the increased PCR precipitation in the afternoon. The PCR precipitation shows a more dependable relationship to the water vapor from the BoB and the Arabian Sea in strong ISM months than in weak ISM months. Conversely, the water vapor transport efficiency is low in strong ISM months due to a cyclonic circulation over northern India, preventing water vapor transport from reaching the TP directly.
Investigation and Analysis of Sea Surface Temperature and Precipitation of the Southern Caspian Sea Using Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Molavi-Arabshahi Mahboubeh , Azizpour Jafar , Nikan Omid , Naderi Beni Abdolmajid , Lopes António M.
Published: December 2022

Most time series from real-world processes are stained with noise. Therefore, much attention should be paid to data noise removal techniques. In this study, we use the family of biorthogonal wavelet, high-pass, and low-pass filters, to investigate the power of the wavelet method in removing noise from time series data. Using the wavelet discrete transformation, the variability of precipitation and sea surface temperature is analyzed for a southern region of the Caspian Sea. At each stage of decomposition, the previous wave is decomposed into two waves. In this research, the SST and precipitation data are decomposed into several levels based on discrete wavelet transformation. In each level of decomposition, the previous wave is decomposed into two waves. This can be done many times and at each stage, reducing the amount of data. This method is reversible, and the original wave can be reconstructed using the decomposed values. In the study of discrete wavelet transforms, it was observed that the analysis based on wavelets leads to more accurate results. The reconstruction error in the proposed method is shown to be very small.
De-Aliasing and Accelerated Sparse Magnetic Resonance Image Reconstruction Using Fully Dense CNN with Attention Gates
Authors: Hossain Md. Biddut , Kwon Ki-Chul , Imtiaz Shariar Md , Nam Oh-Seung , Jeon Seok-Hee , Kim Nam
Published: December 2022

When sparsely sampled data are used to accelerate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), conventional reconstruction approaches produce significant artifacts that obscure the content of the image. To remove aliasing artifacts, we propose an advanced convolutional neural network (CNN) called fully dense attention CNN (FDA-CNN). We updated the Unet model with the fully dense connectivity and attention mechanism for MRI reconstruction. The main benefit of FDA-CNN is that an attention gate in each decoder layer increases the learning process by focusing on the relevant image features and provides a better generalization of the network by reducing irrelevant activations. Moreover, densely interconnected convolutional layers reuse the feature maps and prevent the vanishing gradient problem. Additionally, we also implement a new, proficient under-sampling pattern in the phase direction that takes low and high frequencies from the k-space both randomly and non-randomly. The performance of FDA-CNN was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively with three different sub-sampling masks and datasets. Compared with five current deep learning-based and two compressed sensing MRI reconstruction techniques, the proposed method performed better as it reconstructed smoother and brighter images. Furthermore, FDA-CNN improved the mean PSNR by 2 dB, SSIM by 0.35, and VIFP by 0.37 compared with Unet for the acceleration factor of 5.
Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle Genes Families in Euphorbiaceae: Characterization and Evolutionary Analysis
Authors: Jardim-Messeder Douglas , de Souza-Vieira Ygor , Lavaquial Lucas Corrêa , Cassol Daniela , Galhego Vanessa , Bastos Gabriel Afonso , Felix-Cordeiro Thais , Corrêa Régis Lopes , Zámocký Marcel , Margis-Pinheiro Márcia , Sachetto-Martins Gilberto
Published: December 2022

Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Monodehydroascorbate Reductase (MDAR), Dehydroascorbate Reductase (DHAR) and Glutathione Reductase (GR) enzymes participate in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, which exerts a central role in the antioxidant metabolism in plants. Despite the importance of this antioxidant system in different signal transduction networks related to development and response to environmental stresses, the pathway has not yet been comprehensively characterized in many crop plants. Among different eudicotyledons, the Euphorbiaceae family is particularly diverse with some species highly tolerant to drought. Here the APX, MDAR, DHAR, and GR genes in Ricinus communis, Jatropha curcas, Manihot esculenta, and Hevea brasiliensis were identified and characterized. The comprehensive phylogenetic and genomic analyses allowed the classification of the genes into different classes, equivalent to cytosolic, peroxisomal, chloroplastic, and mitochondrial enzymes, and revealed the duplication events that contribute to the expansion of these families within plant genomes. Due to the high drought stress tolerance of Ricinus communis, the expression patterns of ascorbate-glutathione cycle genes in response to drought were also analyzed in leaves and roots, indicating a differential expression during the stress. Altogether, these data contributed to the characterization of the expression pattern and evolutionary analysis of these genes, filling the gap in the proposed functions of core components of the antioxidant mechanism during stress response in an economically relevant group of plants.
The Variety of Applications of Hermetia illucens in Industrial and Agricultural Areas—Review
Authors: Kaczor Monika , Bulak Piotr , Proc-Pietrycha Kinga , Kirichenko-Babko Marina , Bieganowski Andrzej
Published: December 2022

Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae, Linnaeus, 1978), commonly known as the black soldier fly (BSF), is a saprophytic insect, which in recent years has attracted significant attention from both the scientific community and industry. The unrestrained appetite of the larvae, the ability to forage on various organic waste, and the rapid growth and low environmental impact of its breeding has made it one of the insect species bred on an industrial scale, in the hope of producing fodder or other ingredients for various animals. The variety of research related to this insect has shown that feed production is not the only benefit of its use. H. illucens has many features and properties that could be of interest from the point of view of many other industries. Biomass utilization, chitin and chitosan source, biogas, and biodiesel production, entomoremediation, the antimicrobial properties of its peptides, and the fertilizer potential of its wastes, are just some of its potential uses. This review brings together the work of four years of study into H. illucens. It summarizes the current state of knowledge and introduces the characteristics of this insect that may be helpful in managing its breeding, as well as its use in agro-industrial fields. Knowledge gaps and under-studied areas were also highlighted, which could help identify future research directions.
A Review of Ganoderma Triterpenoids and Their Bioactivities
Authors: Galappaththi Mahesh C. A. , Patabendige Nimesha M. , Premarathne Bhagya M. , Hapuarachchi Kalani K. , Tibpromma Saowaluck , Dai Dong-Qin , Suwannarach Nakarin , Rapior Sylvie , Karunarathna Samantha C.
Published: December 2022

For centuries, Ganoderma has been used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries to prevent and treat various diseases. Numerous publications are stating that Ganoderma species have a variety of beneficial medicinal properties, and investigations on different metabolic regulations of Ganoderma species, extracts or isolated compounds have been performed both in vitro and in vivo. However, it has frequently been questioned whether Ganoderma is simply a dietary supplement for health or just a useful “medication” for restorative purposes. More than 600 chemical compounds including alkaloids, meroterpenoids, nucleobases, nucleosides, polysaccharides, proteins, steroids and triterpenes were extracted and identified from Ganoderma, with triterpenes serving as the primary components. In recent years, Ganoderma triterpenes and other small molecular constituents have aroused the interest of chemists and pharmacologists. Meanwhile, considering the significance of the triterpene constituents in the development of new drugs, this review describes 495 compounds from 25 Ganoderma species published between 1984 and 2022, commenting on their source, biosynthetic pathway, identification, biological activities and biosynthesis, together with applications of advanced analytical techniques to the characterization of Ganoderma triterpenoids.
The Important Role of Zinc in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Li Zhe , Liu Yang , Wei Ruixue , Yong V. Wee , Xue Mengzhou
Published: December 2022

Zinc is one of the most abundant metal ions in the central nervous system (CNS), where it plays a crucial role in both physiological and pathological brain functions. Zinc promotes antioxidant effects, neurogenesis, and immune system responses. From neonatal brain development to the preservation and control of adult brain function, zinc is a vital homeostatic component of the CNS. Molecularly, zinc regulates gene expression with transcription factors and activates dozens of enzymes involved in neuronal metabolism. During development and in adulthood, zinc acts as a regulator of synaptic activity and neuronal plasticity at the cellular level. There are several neurological diseases that may be affected by changes in zinc status, and these include stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injuries, and depression. Accordingly, zinc deficiency may result in declines in cognition and learning and an increase in oxidative stress, while zinc accumulation may lead to neurotoxicity and neuronal cell death. In this review, we explore the mechanisms of brain zinc balance, the role of zinc in neurological diseases, and strategies affecting zinc for the prevention and treatment of these diseases.
Thrombin-Mediated Formation of Globular Adiponectin Promotes an Increase in Adipose Tissue Mass
Authors: Zahradka Peter , Taylor Carla G. , Tworek Leslee , Perrault Raissa , M’Seffar Sofia , Murali Megha , Loader Tara , Wigle Jeffrey T.
Published: December 2022

A decrease in the circulating levels of adiponectin in obesity increases the risk of metabolic complications, but the role of globular adiponectin, a truncated form produced by proteolytic cleavage, has not been defined. The objective of this investigation was to determine how globular adiponectin is generated and to determine whether this process impacts obesity. The cleavage of recombinant full-length adiponectin into globular adiponectin by plasma in vitro was used to identify Gly-93 as the N-terminal residue after proteolytic processing. The amino acid sequence of the cleavage site suggested thrombin was the protease responsible for cleavage, and inhibitors confirmed its likely involvement. The proteolytic site was modified, and this thrombin-resistant mutant protein was infused for 4 weeks into obese adiponectin-knockout mice that had been on a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The mutation of the cleavage site ensured that globular adiponectin was not generated, and thus did not confound the actions of the full-length adiponectin. Mice infused with the mutant adiponectin accumulated less fat and had smaller adipocytes compared to mice treated with globular adiponectin, and concurrently had elevated fasting glucose. The data demonstrate that generation of globular adiponectin through the action of thrombin increases both adipose tissue mass and adipocyte size, but it has no effect on fasting glucose levels in the context of obesity.
Effect of 16% Carbamide Peroxide and Activated-Charcoal-Based Whitening Toothpaste on Enamel Surface Roughness in Bovine Teeth: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Zamudio-Santiago Jorge , Ladera-Castañeda Marysela , Santander-Rengifo Flor , López-Gurreonero Carlos , Cornejo-Pinto Alberto , Echavarría-Gálvez Ali , Cervantes-Ganoza Luis , Cayo-Rojas César
Published: December 2022

Background: Activated charcoal is a nanocrystalline form of carbon with a large specific surface area and high porosity in the nanometer range, having consequently the capacity to absorb pigments, chromophores, and stains responsible for tooth color change, while carbamide peroxide is unstable and breaks down immediately upon contact with tissue and saliva, first dissociating into hydrogen peroxide and urea and subsequently into oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of 16% carbamide peroxide and activated-charcoal-based whitening toothpaste on enamel surface roughness in bovine teeth. Materials and Methods: The present experimental in vitro, longitudinal, and prospective study consisted of 60 teeth randomly distributed in six groups: A: artificial saliva, B: conventional toothpaste (Colgate Maximum Protection), C: whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal (Oral-B 3D White Mineral Clear), D: 16% carbamide peroxide (Whiteness Perfect 16%), E: 16% carbamide peroxide plus conventional toothpaste (Whiteness Perfect 16% plus Colgate Maximum Protection), and F: 16% carbamide peroxide plus whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal (Whiteness Perfect 16% plus Oral-B 3D White Mineral Clear). Surface roughness was assessed with a digital roughness meter before and after each treatment. For the statistical analysis, Student’s t test for related samples was used, in addition to the ANOVA test for one intergroup factor, considering a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The surface roughness variation of bovine tooth enamel, before and after application of bleaching agent, was higher in groups of whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal (0.200 µm, Confidence Interval (CI): 0.105; 0.296 µm) and 16% carbamide peroxide plus whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal (0.201 µm, (CI): 0.092; 0.309 µm). In addition, bovine teeth treated with conventional toothpaste (p = 0.041), whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal (p = 0.001), and 16% carbamide peroxide plus whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal (p = 0.002) significantly increased their surface roughness values. On the other hand, significant differences were observed when comparing the variation in surface roughness between the application of artificial saliva (control) and the whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal (p = 0.031), and the 16% carbamide peroxide plus whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal (p = 0.030). Conclusion: The use of whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal and in combination with 16% carbamide peroxide significantly increased enamel surface roughness in bovine teeth.
Systematic Review of the Treatment of Persistent Hyperparathyroidism Following Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Miedziaszczyk Miłosz , Lacka Katarzyna , Tomczak Oskar , Bajon Aleksander , Primke Marta , Idasiak-Piechocka Ilona
Published: December 2022

Chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder is one of the complications associated with chronic kidney disease. About 10–50% of patients following kidney transplantation have persistent hyperparathyroidism. Hypercalcaemic hyperparathyroidism has a negative impact on the kidney transplant outcome; therefore, it requires treatment. The data regarding the treatment of persistent hyperparathyroidism provided in scientific publications are divergent and contradictory. Therefore, the aim of our systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of persistent hyperparathyroidism treatment in patients following kidney transplantation. The Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus databases were browsed independently by two authors. The search strategy included controlled vocabulary and keywords. The effectiveness of calcitriol, paricalcitol, cinacalcet, and parathyroidectomy was compared and analysed. The mean calcium and parathormone (PTH) concentrations per patient in the group of paricalcitol increased by 1.27% and decreased by 35.14% (n = 248); in the group of cinacalcet decreased by 12.09% and 32.16% (n = 368); and in the group of parathyroidectomy decreased by 19.06% and 86.49% (n = 15) at the end of the study compared to the baseline (n = 244, n = 342 and n = 15), respectively. Paricalcitol, cinacalcet, and parathyroidectomy decreased the intact PTH level. Cinacalcet and parathyroidectomy lowered calcium levels in renal transplant patients with hypercalcaemia. Conversely, paricalcitol increased the serum calcium concentration. Cinacalcet seems to be a good candidate in the treatment of post-transplant hyperparathyroidism.
Correlation between Thyroid Responses and Inflammatory Cytokines in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Figueras Castilla Albert , Ballesteros Vizoso María A. , Iglesias Coma Amanda , Barceló Antonia , Barea-Mendoza Jesús A. , Argente del Castillo Paula , Guardiola Begoña , Pérez-Bárcena Jon , Llompart-Pou Juan A.
Published: December 2022

Mechanisms involved in thyroid dysfunction in critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are not clear. Our objective was to correlate the thyroid response with the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines profile in critically ill COVID-19 patients. This was a prospective single-center study. We studied the relationship between continuous variables by using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors independently associated with mortality. Seventy-eight patients were included in the study at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 72 had a measurement of the thyroid and inflammatory profile at day 5. No significant correlations were found between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) and inflammatory cytokines at ICU admission. At day 5, fT4, was inversely correlated with IL-10 (p = 0.035). IL-10 was associated with maximum lactate (p < 0.001) and SOFA score values (p = 0.012). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between IL-10 (day 5) and in-hospital mortality after adjusting by age and severity of illness. In conclusion, we found that the thyroid hormone profile and inflammatory cytokines had a weak correlation at ICU admission. Associations of interest between fT4 and IL-10 were found at day 5. IL-10 at day 5 was found to be correlated with low fT4 and markers of organ failure and death.
The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for Neuroprotection/Neuroregeneration in Perinatal Hypoxic–Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Duranti Andrea , Beldarrain Gorane , Álvarez Antonia , Sbriscia Matilde , Carloni Silvia , Balduini Walter , Alonso-Alconada Daniel
Published: December 2022

The endocannabinoid (EC) system is a complex cell-signaling system that participates in a vast number of biological processes since the prenatal period, including the development of the nervous system, brain plasticity, and circuit repair. This neuromodulatory system is also involved in the response to endogenous and environmental insults, being of special relevance in the prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders, such as stroke and neuroprotection after neonatal brain injury. Perinatal hypoxia–ischemia leading to neonatal encephalopathy is a devastating condition with no therapeutic approach apart from moderate hypothermia, which is effective only in some cases. This overview, therefore, gives a current description of the main components of the EC system (including cannabinoid receptors, ligands, and related enzymes), to later analyze the EC system as a target for neonatal neuroprotection with a special focus on its neurogenic potential after hypoxic–ischemic brain injury.
Improved Protocol to Study Osteoblast and Adipocyte Differentiation Balance
Authors: Alonso-Pérez Ana , Guillán-Fresco María , Franco-Trepat Eloi , Jorge-Mora Alberto , López-Fagúndez Miriam , Pazos-Pérez Andrés , Crespo-Golmar Antía , Caeiro-Rey José R. , Gómez Rodolfo
Published: December 2022

Adipogenesis-osteoblastogenesis balance-rupture is relevant in multiple diseases. Current human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in vitro differentiation models are expensive, and are hardly reproducible. Their scarcity and variability make an affordable and reliable method to study adipocyte-osteoblast-equilibrium difficult. Moreover, media composition has been inconstant throughout the literature. Our aims were to compare improved differentiation lab-made media with consensus/commercial media, and to identify a cell-line to simultaneously evaluate both MSCs differentiations. Lab-made media were compared with consensus and commercial media in C3H10T1/2 and hMSC, respectively. Lab-made media were tested on aged women primary pre-osteoblast-like cells. To determine the optimum cell line, C3H10T1/2 and hMSC-TERT cells were differentiated to both cell fates. Differentiation processes were evaluated by adipocytic and osteoblastic gene-markers expression and staining. Lab-made media significantly increased consensus medium induction and overcame commercial media in hMSCs differentiation to adipocytes and osteoblasts. Pre-osteoblast-like cells only properly differentiate to adipocyte. Lab-made media promoted adipocyte gene-markers expression in C3H10T1/2 and hMSC-TERT, and osteoblast gene-markers in C3H10T1/2. Oil Red O and Alizarin Red staining supported these findings. Optimized lab-made media were better at differentiating MSCs compared to consensus/commercial media, and evidenced the adipogenic commitment of pre-osteoblast-like cells from aged-women. C3H10T1/2 is an optimum MSC line by which to study adipocyte-osteoblast differentiation balance.
The Role of Sympathetic Nerves in Osteoporosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Zhang Weifei , Liu Yuheng , Xu Jixuan , Fan Chen , Zhang Bin , Feng Pin , Wang Yu , Kong Qingquan
Published: December 2022

Osteoporosis, a systemic bone disease, is characterized by decreased bone density due to various reasons, destructed bone microstructure, and increased bone fragility. The incidence of osteoporosis is very high among the elderly, and patients with osteoporosis are prone to suffer from spine fractures and hip fractures, which cause great harm to patients. Meanwhile, osteoporosis is mainly treated with anti-osteoporosis drugs that have side effects. Therefore, the development of new treatment modalities has a significant clinical impact. Sympathetic nerves play an important role in various physiological activities and the regulation of osteoporosis as well. Therefore, the role of sympathetic nerves in osteoporosis was reviewed, aiming to provide information for future targeting of sympathetic nerves in osteoporosis.
Cerebral Metabolic Rate of Glucose and Cognitive Tests in Long COVID Patients
Authors: Miskowiak Kamilla W. , Bech Johanne L. , Henriksen Alexander Cuculiza , Johnsen Stine , Podlekareva Daria , Marner Lisbeth
Published: December 2022

Background: Common long-term sequelae after COVID-19 include fatigue and cognitive impairment. Although symptoms interfere with daily living, the underlying pathology is largely unknown. Previous studies report relative hypometabolism in frontal, limbic and cerebellar regions suggesting focal brain involvement. We aimed to determine whether absolute hypometabolism was present and correlated to same day standardized neurocognitive testing. Methods: Fourteen patients included from a long COVID clinic had cognitive testing and quantitative dynamic [18F]FDG PET of the brain on the same day to correlate cognitive function to metabolic glucose rate. Results: We found no hypometabolism in frontal, limbic and cerebellar regions in cognitively impaired relative to cognitive intact patients. In contrast, the cognitive impaired patients showed higher cerebellar metabolism (p = 0.03), which correlated with more severe deficits in working memory and executive function (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Hypermetabolism in the cerebellum may reflect inefficient brain processing and play a role in cognitive impairments after COVID-19.