bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Vestibular Impairment in Bilateral Vestibulopathy and Its Relation to Etiology
Authors: van Stiphout Lisa , Pleshkov Maksim , Lucieer Florence , Dobbels Bieke , Mavrodiev Vergil , Guinand Nils , Pérez Fornos Angelica , Widdershoven Josine , Strupp Michael , Van Rompaey Vincent , van de Berg Raymond
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate (1) the patterns of vestibular impairment in bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) and subsequently, the implications regarding patient eligibility for vestibular implantation, and (2) whether this pattern and severity of vestibular impairment is etiology dependent.

Methods

A total of one hundred and seventy-three subjects from three tertiary referral centers in Europe were diagnosed with BVP according to the Bárány Society diagnostic criteria. The subjects underwent vestibular testing such as the caloric test, torsion swing test, video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) in horizontal and vertical planes, and cervical and/or ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (c- and oVEMPs). The etiologies were split into idiopathic, genetic, ototoxicity, infectious, Menière's Disease, (head)trauma, auto-immune, neurodegenerative, congenital, and mixed etiology.

Results

The caloric test and horizontal vHIT more often indicated horizontal semicircular canal impairment than the torsion swing test. The vHIT results showed significantly higher gains for both anterior canals compared with the horizontal and posterior canals (p < 0.001). The rates of bilaterally absent oVEMP responses were higher compared to the bilaterally absent cVEMP responses (p = 0.010). A total of fifty-four percent of the patients diagnosed with BVP without missing data met all three Bárány Society diagnostic test criteria, whereas 76% of the patients were eligible for implantation according to the vestibular implantation criteria. Regarding etiology, only horizontal vHIT results were significantly lower for trauma, neurodegenerative, and genetic disorders, whereas the horizontal vHIT results were significantly higher for Menière's Disease, infectious and idiopathic BVP. The exploration with hierarchical cluster analysis showed no significant association between etiology and patterns of vestibular impairment.

Conclusion

This study showed that caloric testing and vHIT seem to be more sensitive for measuring vestibular impairment, whereas the torsion swing test is more suited for measuring residual vestibular function. In addition, no striking patterns of vestibular impairment in relation to etiology were found. Nevertheless, it was demonstrated that although the implantation criteria are stricter compared with the Bárány Society diagnostic criteria, still, 76% of patients with BVP were eligible for implantation based on the vestibular test criteria. It is advised to carefully examine every patient for their overall pattern of vestibular impairment in order to make well-informed and personalized therapeutic decisions.
Allium Vegetables, Garlic Supplements, and Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Qifan , Zhao Qing , Shen Yan , Zhao Fuping , Zhu Yan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The role of allium vegetables or garlic supplements on reducing cancer risk was inconsistent between laboratory study findings and related epidemiologic studies.

Methods

Studies assessing the effect of allium vegetables and garlic supplement consumption on cancer risk were included in our meta-analysis. We used fixed- or random-effects models to pool effect measures to evaluate the highest and lowest consumption. A dose-response regression analysis was used to assess the association between allium vegetables, garlic supplements, and cancer risk.

Results

In a pooled analysis of 22 studies with 25 reports on allium vegetables, a high consumption of allium vegetables showed no significant association with cancer risk (relative risk [RR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92–1.03) in a fixed-effects model. Similarly, garlic supplements were not found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.84–1.12) in a random-effects model involving a pooled analysis of 10 studies with 11 reports. Consumption of allium vegetables did not significantly correspond with cancer risk (P for nonlinearity = 0.958, P for linearity = 0.907).

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, we found no evidence that higher consumption of allium vegetables or garlic supplements reduced the risk of cancer; however, this finding requires further validation.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, identifier: CRD42021246947.
Taxifolin as a Major Bioactive Compound in the Vasorelaxant Effect of Different Pigmented Rice Bran Extracts
Authors: Seong Eun-Hee , Gong Dal-Seong , Shiwakoti Saugat , Adhikari Deepak , Kim Hyun Jung , Oak Min-Ho
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in recent years. The intake of polyphenol rich diets has been associated with improved cardiovascular function and reduced cardiovascular risks. Oryza sativa L. is one of the most common cereals worldwide. Rice bran, a byproduct of the rice milling process, contains many bioactive ingredients, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, proteins, and micronutrients. It is also consumed as a healthy diet in the form of rice bran oil and powder in many Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, and India for its several health benefits as a natural antioxidant. Thus, this study evaluated the vasorelaxant effect of ethanolic extracts of brown, green, red, and black rice bran and investigated its underlying vasorelaxant mechanism. Among the four rice bran extracts (RBEs) examined, the red rice bran extract (RRBE) had a strong endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effect, which was markedly prevented by N-ω-nitro-L-arginine [endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor], wortmannin [phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor], and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (inhibitor of guanylate cyclase). Likewise, RRBE induced the phosphorylation of eNOS and Src in cultured endothelial cells, thereby stimulating NO formation. Altogether, these findings propose that RRBE induces endothelium-dependent relaxation, involving at least in part, NO-mediated signaling through the PI3K/eNOS pathway. Further, LC-PDA analysis conducted on the four RBEs also revealed that RRBE highly contained taxifolin, which is an active flavanonol that induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, compared to other RBEs. Subsequently, the underlying mechanism of taxifolin was assessed through vascular reactivity studies with pharmacological inhibitors similar to that of RRBE. These findings deciphered a distinct difference in vasorelaxant effects between RRBE and the other RBEs. We also observed that RRBE induced a potent endothelium-dependent NO-mediated relaxation in coronary artery rings, which involved the Src/PI3K pathway that activates eNOS. Additionally, taxifolin exhibited, at least in part, similar vasoprotective effects of RRBE. Therefore, we propose that RRBE may serve as natural sources of functional phytochemicals that improve cardiovascular diseases associated with disturbed NO production and endothelial dysfunction.
Consumption Trends of Antibiotics in Brazil During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Del Fiol Fernando de Sá , Bergamaschi Cristiane de Cássia , De Andrade Isaltino Pereira , Lopes Luciane Cruz , Silva Marcus Tolentino , Barberato-Filho Silvio
Published: March 2022

Background: In 2019, a new type of coronavirus emerged and spread to the rest of the world. Numerous drugs were identified as possible treatments. Among the candidates for possible treatment was azithromycin alone or in combination with other drugs. As a result, many clinicians in Brazil have prescribed azithromycin in an attempt to combat or minimize the effects of COVID19.

Aim: This study analyzed the sales data of the main antibiotics prescribed in Brazil to verify the change in consumption trends of these drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This is an interrupted time series that analyzed antimicrobial sales data between January 2014 and July 2021, publicly accessible information obtained from the Brazilian government’s website. Monthly means of “defined daily doses of DDDs” (DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day) of antibiotics were compared by analysis of variance, followed by the Dunnett Multiple Comparisons Test. Monthly trend changes in antibiotic use were verified using Joinpoint regression.

Results: Amoxicillin (31.97%), azithromycin (18.33%), and cefalexin (16.61%) were the most sold antibiotics in Brazil during the evaluation period. Azithromycin consumption rose from 1.40 DDDs in February 2020 to 3.53 DDDs in July 2020. Azithromycin sales showed a significant increase in the pandemic period [Monthly Percent Change (MPC) 5.83%, 95% 1.80; 10.00], whereas there was a fall in amoxicillin sales (MPC −9.00%, 95% CI −14.70; −2.90) and cefalexin [MPC-2.70%, 95% (CI −6.30; −1.10)] in this same period.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic changed the pattern of antibiotic consumption in Brazil, with a decrease in the use of amoxicillin and cefalexin and an increase in the consumption of azithromycin.
Exploration of Q-Marker of Rhubarb Based on Intelligent Data Processing Techniques and the AUC Pooled Method
Authors: Chen Jiayun , Jiang Xiaojuan , Zhu Chunyan , Yang Lu , Liu Minting , Zhu Mingshe , Wu Caisheng
Published: March 2022

Rhubarb, as a traditional Chinese medicine, has several positive therapeutic effects, such as purging and attacking accumulation, clearing heat and purging fire, cooling blood, and detoxification. Recently, Rhubarb has been used in prescriptions for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, with good efficacy. However, the exploration of effective quantitative approach to ensure the consistency of rhubarb’s therapeutic efficacy remains a challenge. In this case, this study aims to use non-targeted and targeted data mining technologies for its exploration and has comprehensively identified 72 rhubarb-related components in human plasma for the first time. In details, the area under the time-concentration curve (AUC)-pooled method was used to quickly screen the components with high exposure, and the main components were analyzed using Pearson correlation and other statistical analyses. Interestingly, the prototype component (rhein) with high exposure could be selected out as a Q-marker, which could also reflect the metabolic status changes of rhubarb anthraquinone in human. Furthermore, after comparing the metabolism of different species, mice were selected as model animals to verify the pharmacodynamics of rhein. The in vivo experimental results showed that rhein has a positive therapeutic effect on pneumonia, significantly reducing the concentration of pro-inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β] and improving lung disease. In short, based on the perspective of human exposure, this study comprehensively used intelligent data post-processing technologies and the AUC-pooled method to establish that rhein can be chosen as a Q-marker for rhubarb, whose content needs to be monitored individually.
Reprogramming of the Hevea brasiliensis Epigenome and Transcriptome in Response to Cold Stress
Authors: Tang Xiao , Zhang Yonglei , Yuan Hong-Mei , Zhai Jinling , Huang Xi
Published: March 2022

Low temperature is a key factor limiting the rubber plantation extending to high latitude area. Previous work has shown that cold-induced DNA demethylation was coordinated with the expression of cold-responsive (COR) genes in Hevea brasiliensis. In this work, reduced representation bisulphite sequencing analysis of H. brasiliensis showed that cold treatment induced global genomic DNA demethylation and altered the sequence contexts of methylated cytosines, but the levels of mCG methylation in transposable elements were slightly enhanced by cold treatment. Integrated analysis of the DNA methylome and transcriptome revealed 400 genes whose expression correlated with altered DNA methylation. DNA demethylation in the upstream region of gene seems to correlate with higher gene expression, whereas demethylation in the gene body has less association. Our results suggest that cold treatment globally change the genomic DNA methylation status of the rubber tree, which might coordinate reprogramming of the transcriptome.
Plant Growth Promotion and Biocontrol by Endophytic and Rhizospheric Microorganisms From the Tropics: A Review and Perspectives
Authors: Lacava Paulo Teixeira , Bogas Andréa Cristina , Cruz Felipe de Paula Nogueira
Published: March 2022

Currently, the tropics harbor a wide variety of crops to feed the global population. Rapid population expansion and the consequent major demand for food and agriculture-based products generate initiatives for tropical forest deforestation, which contributes to land degradation and the loss of macro and micronative biodiversity of ecosystems. Likewise, the entire dependence on fertilizers and pesticides also contributes to negative impacts on environmental and human health. To guarantee current and future food safety, as well as natural resource preservation, systems for sustainable crops in the tropics have attracted substantial attention worldwide. Therefore, the use of beneficial plant-associated microorganisms is a promising sustainable way to solve issues concerning modern agriculture and the environment. Efficient strains of bacteria and fungi are a rich source of natural products that might improve crop yield in numerous biological ways, such as nitrogen fixation, hormone production, mobilization of insoluble nutrients, and mechanisms related to plant biotic and abiotic stress alleviation. Additionally, these microorganisms also exhibit great potential for the biocontrol of phytopathogens and pest insects. This review addresses research regarding endophytic and rhizospheric microorganisms associated with tropical plants as a sustainable alternative to control diseases and enhance food production to minimize ecological damage in tropical ecosystems.
Barriers and Facilitators in Preparation and Consumption of African Indigenous Vegetables: A Qualitative Exploration From Kenya
Authors: Merchant Emily V. , Odendo Martins , Ndinya Christine , Nyabinda Naman , Maiyo Norah , Downs Shauna , Hoffman Daniel J. , Simon James E.
Published: March 2022

Malnutrition and food security continue to be major concerns in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In Western Kenya, it is estimated that the double burden of malnutrition impacts 19% of adults and 13–17% of households. One potential solution to help address the concern is increased consumption of nutrient-dense African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs). The objectives of this study were to: (i) document current methods used for preparation and consumption of AIVs; (ii) identify barriers and facilitators of AIVs consumption and preparation; and (iii) identify a package of interventions to increase the consumption of AIVs to promote healthy diets. This study used qualitative data collected from 145 individual farmers (78 female and 67 male) in 14 focus group discussions (FGDs) using a semi-structured survey instrument. Most farmers reported that they prepared AIVs using the traditional method of boiling and/or pan-cooking with oil, tomato, and onion. However, there were large discrepancies between reported cooking times, with some as little as 1–5 min and others as long as 2 h. This is of importance as longer cooking times may decrease the overall nutritional quality of the final dish. In addition, there were seasonal differences in the reported barriers and facilitators relative to the preparation and consumption of AIVs implying that the barriers are situational and could be modified through context-specific interventions delivered seasonally to help mitigate such barriers. Key barriers were lack of availability and limited affordability, due to an increase cost, of AIVs during the dry season, poor taste and monotonous diets, and perceived negative health outcomes (e.g., ulcers, skin rashes). Key facilitators included availability and affordability during peak-season and particularly when self-produced, ease of preparation, and beneficial health attributes (e.g., build blood, contains vitamins and minerals). To promote healthy diets within at risk-populations in Western Kenya, the findings suggest several interventions to promote the preparation and consumption of AIVs. These include improved household production to subsequently improve affordability and availability of AIVs, improved cooking methods and recipes that excite the family members to consume these dishes with AIVs, and the promotion of the beneficial heath attributes of AIVs while actively dispelling any perceived negative health consequences of their consumption.
Methods for the Discovery and Identification of Small Molecules Targeting Oxidative Stress-Related Protein–Protein Interactions: An Update
Authors: Wu Xuexuan , Zhang Qiuyue , Guo Yuqi , Zhang Hengheng , Guo Xiaoke , You Qidong , Wang Lei
Published: March 2022

The oxidative stress response pathway is one of the hotspots of current pharmaceutical research. Many proteins involved in these pathways work through protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Hence, targeting PPI to develop drugs for an oxidative stress response is a promising strategy. In recent years, small molecules targeting protein–protein interactions (PPIs), which provide efficient methods for drug discovery, are being investigated by an increasing number of studies. However, unlike the enzyme–ligand binding mode, PPIs usually exhibit large and dynamic binding interfaces, which raise additional challenges for the discovery and optimization of small molecules and for the biochemical techniques used to screen compounds and study structure–activity relationships (SARs). Currently, multiple types of PPIs have been clustered into different classes, which make it difficult to design stationary methods for small molecules. Deficient experimental methods are plaguing medicinal chemists and are becoming a major challenge in the discovery of PPI inhibitors. In this review, we present current methods that are specifically used in the discovery and identification of small molecules that target oxidative stress-related PPIs, including proximity-based, affinity-based, competition-based, structure-guided, and function-based methods. Our aim is to introduce feasible methods and their characteristics that are implemented in the discovery of small molecules for different types of PPIs. For each of these methods, we highlight successful examples of PPI inhibitors associated with oxidative stress to illustrate the strategies and provide insights for further design.
Assessing the Pedological Impact of Local Anesthesia Dental Simulator as Serious Game
Authors: Zafar Sobia , Mladenovic Kristina , AlQahtani Sakher , Puranik Chaitanya , Mladenovic Rasa
Published: March 2022

The aim of our study was to determine the effectiveness of a mobile 3D augmented reality (AR) simulator for local anesthesia training as a serious game. We present a mobile simulator which has three modes for learning: study, 3D simulation, and AR reality. Both pre- and post-training surveys contained open-ended and Likert-scale questions (comprising five response options) on demographics and students’ experiences. The response rate was 90.1%. Of the total participants, 37 subjects were female and 27 were male. The mean age was 20 years. The results of the pre-training survey showed that over 80% of dental students from both universities agreed that they were excited about using the mobile simulator. The results from the post training survey showed that 78.7–88.2% of participants felt comfortable using the mobile application, over 72% agreed that it was user friendly, and over 82.3% of participants agreed that it looked realistic. It was also found that 76.6–88.2% of participants agreed that the 3D anatomical structures improved their understanding of LA administration. A serious game for learning local anesthesia can be a very interesting and valuable learning tool for dental students.
Preparation of Polyvinylidene Fluoride–Gold Nanoparticles Electrospinning Nanofiber Membranes
Authors: Ge Xuemei , Wu Shang , Shen Wen , Chen Lijuan , Zheng Yan , Ao Fen , Ning Yuanlan , Mao Yueyang , Chen Zhong
Published: March 2022

In this work, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and curcumin drug were incorporated in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers by electrospinning as a novel tissue engineering scaffold in nerve regeneration. The influence of AuNPs on the morphology, crystallinity, and drug release behavior of nanofiber membranes was characterized. A successful composite nanofiber membrane sample was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of AuNPs showed the improved as well as prolonged cumulative release of the drug. The results indicated that PVDF–AuNPs nanofiber membrane could potentially be applied for nerve regeneration.
Sex-Dependent Differential Expression of Lipidic Mediators Associated with Inflammation Resolution in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Carranza Claudia , Carreto-Binaghi Laura Elena , Guzmán-Beltrán Silvia , Muñoz-Torrico Marcela , Torres Martha , González Yolanda , Juárez Esmeralda
Published: March 2022

There is a sex bias in tuberculosis’s severity, prevalence, and pathogenesis, and the rates are higher in men. Immunological and physiological factors are fundamental contributors to the development of the disease, and sex-related factors could play an essential role in making women more resistant to severe forms of the disease. In this study, we evaluated sex-dependent differences in inflammatory markers. Serum samples were collected from 34 patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB (19 male and 15 female) and 27 healthy controls (18 male and 9 female). Cytokines IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IFNγ, TNFα, and GM-CSF, and eicosanoids PGE2, LTB4, RvD1, and Mar1 were measured using commercially available immunoassays. The MDA, a product of lipidic peroxidation, was measured by detecting thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Differential inflammation patterns between men and women were observed. Men had higher levels of IL6, IL8, and TNFα than women. PGE2 and LTB4 levels were higher in patients than healthy controls, but there were no differences for RvD1 and Mar1. Women had higher RvD1/PGE2 and RvD1/LTB4 ratios among patients. RvD1 plays a vital role in resolving the inflammatory process of TB in women. Men are the major contributors to the typical pro-inflammatory profile observed in the serum of tuberculosis patients.
Techno Economic Analysis of Electric Vehicle Grid Integration Aimed to Provide Network Flexibility Services in Italian Regulatory Framework
Authors: Menniti Daniele , Pinnarelli Anna , Sorrentino Nicola , Vizza Pasquale , Brusco Giovanni , Barone Giuseppe , Marano Gianluca
Published: March 2022

The recent forecasts regarding the penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) in the transport market and their impact on national electricity distribution grids has presented new challenges in the fields of both of application and research. In this context, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology presents itself as an extremely valid solution in terms of application of the “demand side flexibility” paradigm. In this context, the aim of the paper is to analyze from a technical and economical point of view the use of EVs as new flexibility resources to provide network flexibility services in an Italian framework. Within this scope, a methodology for evaluating the flexibility service that a single EV or an EV fleet can offer, and therefore for estimating the EV storage system charge and discharge profile and determining its economic benefit, is proposed. Some numerical results and observations are reported to highlight possible incentive mechanisms for motivating EV end-users to offer flexibility services.
Research Progress of Applying Infrared Spectroscopy Technology for Detection of Toxic and Harmful Substances in Food
Authors: Qi Wenliang , Tian Yanlong , Lu Daoli , Chen Bin
Published: March 2022

In recent years, food safety incidents have been frequently reported. Food or raw materials themselves contain substances that may endanger human health and are called toxic and harmful substances in food, which can be divided into endogenous, exogenous toxic, and harmful substances and biological toxins. Therefore, realizing the rapid, efficient, and nondestructive testing of toxic and harmful substances in food is of great significance to ensure food safety and improve the ability of food safety supervision. Among the nondestructive detection methods, infrared spectroscopy technology has become a powerful solution for detecting toxic and harmful substances in food with its high efficiency, speed, easy operation, and low costs, while requiring less sample size and is nondestructive, and has been widely used in many fields. In this review, the concept and principle of IR spectroscopy in food are briefly introduced, including NIR and FTIR. Then, the main progress and contribution of IR spectroscopy are summarized, including the model’s establishment, technical application, and spectral optimization in grain, fruits, vegetables, and beverages. Moreover, the limitations and development prospects of detection are discussed. It is anticipated that infrared spectroscopy technology, in combination with other advanced technologies, will be widely used in the whole food safety field.
Emerging Fabrication Strategies of Hydrogels and Its Applications
Authors: Ali Fayaz , Khan Imran , Chen Jianmin , Akhtar Kalsoom , Bakhsh Esraa M. , Khan Sher Bahadar
Published: March 2022

Recently, hydrogels have been investigated for the controlled release of bioactive molecules, such as for living cell encapsulation and matrices. Due to their remote controllability and quick response, hydrogels are widely used for various applications, including drug delivery. The rate and extent to which the drugs reach their targets are highly dependent on the carriers used in drug delivery systems; therefore the demand for biodegradable and intelligent carriers is progressively increasing. The biodegradable nature of hydrogel has created much interest for its use in drug delivery systems. The first part of this review focuses on emerging fabrication strategies of hydrogel, including physical and chemical cross-linking, as well as radiation cross-linking. The second part describes the applications of hydrogels in various fields, including drug delivery systems. In the end, an overview of the application of hydrogels prepared from several natural polymers in drug delivery is presented.
The Effect of CFTR Modulators on Airway Infection in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Harvey Caitlyn , Weldon Sinead , Elborn Stuart , Downey Damian G. , Taggart Clifford
Published: March 2022

The advent of Cystic fibrosis transmembrane receptor (CFTR) modulators in 2012 was a critical event in the history of cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment. Unlike traditional therapies that target downstream effects of CFTR dysfunction, CFTR modulators aim to correct the underlying defect at the protein level. These genotype-specific therapies are now available for an increasing number of CF patients, transforming the way we view the condition from a life-limiting disease to one that can be effectively managed. Several studies have demonstrated the vast improvement CFTR modulators have on normalization of sweat chloride, CFTR function, clinical endpoints, and frequency of pulmonary exacerbation. However, their impact on other aspects of the disease, such as pathogenic burden and airway infection, remain under explored. Frequent airway infections as a result of increased susceptibility and impaired innate immune response are a serious problem within CF, often leading to accelerated decline in lung function and disease progression. Current evidence suggests that CFTR modulators are unable to eradicate pathogenic organisms in those with already established lung disease. However, this may not be the case for those with relatively low levels of disease progression and conserved microbial diversity, such as young patients. Furthermore, it remains unknown whether the restorative effects exerted by CFTR modulators extend to immune cells, such as phagocytes, which have the potential to modulate the response of people with CF (pwCF) to infection. Throughout this review, we look at the potential impact of CFTR modulators on airway infection in CF and their ability to shape impaired pulmonary defences to pathogens.
HDAC Inhibitor Sodium Butyrate Attenuates the DNA Repair in Transformed but Not in Normal Fibroblasts
Authors: Gnedina Olga O. , Morshneva Alisa V. , Skvortsova Elena V. , Igotti Maria V.
Published: March 2022

Many cancer therapy strategies cause DNA damage leading to the death of tumor cells. The DNA damage response (DDR) modulators are considered as promising candidates for use in combination therapy to enhance the efficacy of DNA-damage-mediated cancer treatment. The inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACis) exhibit selective antiproliferative effects against transformed and tumor cells and could enhance tumor cell sensitivity to genotoxic agents, which is partly attributed to their ability to interfere with DDR. Using the comet assay and host-cell reactivation of transcription, as well as γH2AX staining, we have shown that sodium butyrate inhibited DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair of both endo- and exogenous DNA in transformed but not in normal cells. According to our data, the dysregulation of the key repair proteins, especially the phosphorylated Mre11 pool decrease, is the cause of DNA repair impairment in transformed cells. The inability of HDACis to obstruct DSB repair in normal cells shown in this work demonstrates the advantages of HDACis in combination therapy with genotoxic agents to selectively enhance their cytotoxic activity in cancer cells.
Hybrid Manufacturing of Aluminium Parts Combining Additive and Conventional Technologies—Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Silva Eva C. , Candiango Josué A. , Rodrigues Sérgio J. , Sampaio Álvaro M. , Pontes António J.
Published: March 2022

Metal additive-manufacturing technologies enable the production of complex geometries. However, high manufacturing costs hinder these technologies being employed in some industries. In this sense, a hybrid strategy is presented in this paper, to achieve the best of additive and subtractive technologies, offering economic advantages. AlSi10Mg aluminium powder was deposited on AW-6082 pre-machined substrates and mechanical and thermal properties of these specimens were evaluated considering the application of a stress relief heat treatment. The results were especially good in the compressive mechanical properties and in the thermal properties: compressive properties were improved by up to 27%, and the specific heat capacity and coefficient of thermal expansion were reduced by up to 38%, compared to additively manufactured AlSi10Mg. Therefore, hybrid manufacturing can be a profitable solution (i) in thermal management applications, (ii) when compressive loads are presented, or (iii) to repair damaged parts, providing a circular economy, as presented in a case study of this paper.
Effect of Various Mooring Materials on Hydrodynamic Responses of Turret-Moored FPSO with Emphasis on Intact and Damaged Conditions
Authors: Ja'e Idris Ahmed , Ali Montasir Osman Ahmed , Yenduri Anurag , Nizamani Zafarullah , Nakayama Akihiko
Published: March 2022

The behavior of different mooring line materials has a significant influence on the behavior of the mooring system and, consequently, the dynamic responses of the floating platform. Although there have been previous studies on FPSOs and their mooring systems, the influence of mooring line failure scenarios associated with different mooring materials has received less attention, particularly for turret-moored FPSOs with taut moorings. Thus, this paper investigates the behavior of different mooring line materials in intact, single-line, and double-line damaged conditions on the hydrodynamic responses of the FPSO, restoring behavior, mooring, and riser tensions considering wave conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. Mooring lines including Aramid, HMPE, polyester, and steel wire were considered in the middle segment, which was the segment of interest in this study. The restoring forces of the mooring system were found to increase with increasing mooring stiffness, and a higher stiffness resulted in a higher loss of restoring force in the case of single-line failure. In all cases, the submerged weight and material stiffness had a significant influence on dynamic responses, mooring tension, transient responses, riser tension, and especially on the ability of the mooring system to resist the case of single-line failure. Each material was observed to behave differently in each degree of freedom (DOF), showing the necessity to pay close attention to the selection of mooring material for specific objectives.
Non-Toxic Increases in Nitrogen Availability Can Improve the Ability of the Soil Lichen Cladonia rangiferina to Cope with Environmental Changes
Authors: Morillas Lourdes , Roales Javier , Cruz Cristina , Munzi Silvana
Published: March 2022

Climate change and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on drylands are greatly threatening these especially vulnerable areas. Soil biocrust-forming lichens in drylands can provide early indicators of these disturbances and play a pivotal role, as they contribute to key ecosystem services. In this study, we explored the effects of different long-term water availability regimes simulating climate changes and their interaction with N addition on the physiological response of the soil lichen Cladonia rangiferina. Three sets of this lichen were subjected to control, reduced watering, and reduced watering and N addition (40 kg NH4NO3 ha−1 year−1) treatments for 16 months. Finally, all samples were subjected to daily hydration cycles with N-enriched water at two levels (40 and 80 kg NH4NO3 ha−1 year−1) for 23 days. We found that reduced watering significantly decreased the vitality of this lichen, whereas N addition unexpectedly helped lichens subjected to reduced watering to cope with stress produced by high temperatures. We also found that long-term exposure to N addition contributed to the acclimation to higher N availability. Overall, our data suggest that the interactions between reduced watering and increased N supply and temperature have an important potential to reduce the physiological performance of this soil lichen.
Reappraisal of the Role of Alkaline Phosphatase in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Chun-Wei , Wu Tsung-Han , Hsu Heng-Yuan , Pan Kuang-Tse , Lee Chao-Wei , Chong Sio-Wai , Huang Song-Fong , Lin Sey-En , Yu Ming-Chin , Chen Shen-Ming
Published: March 2022

Background: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a marker of liver function and is associated with biliary tract disease. It was reported as a prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The genetic expression in tumor-tissue microarrays and the perioperative serologic changes in ALP have never been studied for their correlation with HCC prognosis. Methods: The genetic expression of ALP isoforms (placental (ALPP), intestinal (ALPI) and bone/kidney/liver (ALPL)) was analyzed in tumor and non-cancerous areas in 38 patients with HCC after partial hepatectomy. The perioperative change in ALP was further analyzed in a cohort containing 525 patients with HCC to correlate it with oncologic outcomes. A total of 43 HCC patients were enrolled for a volumetry study after major and minor hepatectomy. Results: The genetic expression of the bone/kidney/liver isoform was specifically and significantly higher in non-cancerous areas than in tumors. Patients with HCC with a higher ALP (>81 U/dL) had significantly more major hepatectomies, vascular invasion, and recurrence. Cox regression analysis showed that gender, major hepatectomies, the presence of satellite lesions, higher grades (III or IV) and perioperative changes in liver function tests were independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival, and a postoperative increase in the ALP ratio at postoperative day (POD) 7 vs. POD 0 > 1.46 should be emphasized. A liver regeneration rate more than 1.8 and correlation analysis revealed that the ALP level at POD 7 and 30 was significantly higher and correlated with remnant liver growth. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the perioperative ALP change was an independent prognostic factor for HCC after partial hepatectomies, and the elevation of ALP represented a functional biomarker for the liver but not an HCC biomarker. The higher regeneration capacity was possibly associated with the elevation of ALP after operation.
Improving the Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Composites with PVA Fiber and Powder
Authors: Cai Jianchen , Jiang Jinyun , Gao Xiang , Ding Meiya
Published: March 2022

In this work, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber and powder were added to geopolymer composites to toughen fly ash-based geopolymer, and their different toughening mechanisms were revealed. Firstly, different contents of active granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) were added to the geopolymer to improve the reactivity of the GBFS/fly ash-based geopolymer, and the best ratio of GBFS and fly ash was determined through experiments testing the mechanical properties. Different contents of PVA powders and fibers were utilized to toughen the geopolymer composites. The effect of the addition forms and contents of PVA on the mechanical properties, freeze–thaw cycle resistance, and thermal decomposition properties of geopolymer composites were systematically studied. The results showed that the toughening effect of PVA fiber was better than that of PVA powder. The best compressive strength and flexural strength of geopolymer composites toughened by PVA fiber were 41.11 MPa and 8.43 MPa, respectively. In addition, the composition of geopolymer composites was explored through microstructure analysis, and the toughening mechanisms of different forms of PVA were explained. This study provided a new strategy for the toughening of geopolymer composites, which can promote the low-cost and efficient application of geopolymer composites in the field of building materials.
Preliminary Study on Mechanical Aspects of 3D-Printed PLA-TPU Composites
Authors: Żur Alicja , Żur Paweł , Michalski Piotr , Baier Andrzej
Published: March 2022

Additive technologies using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology are currently a promising tool for the production of polymeric multicomposites. This paper presents the results of a static 3-point bending test carried out on 3D printed samples of the PLA-TPU composite. The article also discusses initial vibrodiagnostic research and Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis of the 3D-printed composite bushings. The data obtained from FEM analysis served as input data for motion simulation analysis, where the influence of the stiffness of the suspension on the trajectory has been verified.
Waste Foundry Sand in Concrete Production Instead of Natural River Sand: A Review
Authors: Ahmad Jawad , Zhou Zhiguang , Martínez-García Rebeca , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich , de-Prado-Gil Jesús , El-Shorbagy Mohammed A.
Published: March 2022

The by-product of the foundry industry is waste foundry sand (WFS). The use of WFS in building materials will safeguard the ecosystem and environmental assets while also durable construction. The use of industrial waste in concrete offsets a shortage of environmental sources, solves the waste dumping trouble and provides another method of protecting the environment. Several researchers have investigated the suitability of WFS in concrete production instead of natural river sand in the last few decades to discover a way out of the trouble of WFS in the foundry region and accomplish its recycling in concrete production. However, a lack of knowledge about the progress of WFS in concrete production is observed and compressive review is required. The current paper examines several properties, such as the physical and chemical composition of WFS, fresh properties, mechanical and durability performance of concrete with partially substituting WFS. The findings from various studies show that replacing WFS up to 30% enhanced the durability and mechanical strength of concrete to some extent, but at the same time reduced the workability of fresh concrete as the replacement level of WFS increased. In addition, this review recommended pozzolanic material or fibre reinforcement in combination with WFS for future research.
Springback Reduction of Ultra-High-Strength Martensitic Steel Sheet by Electrically Single-Pulsed Current
Authors: Kim Minki , Bae Gihyun , Park Namsu , Song Jung Han
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the reduction of springback by an electrically single-pulsed current for an ultra-high-strength martensitic steel sheet, MART1470 1.2t. In order to evaluate the springback reduction by the electric current, V-bending tests were performed with various parameter-sets (current density and pulse duration). The amount of springback reduction was then calculated from the measured bent-angle of tested specimens. Experimental results show the springback is reduced with the increase in the current density, the pulse duration, and the electric energy density. In order to clarify thermal and athermal portions in the effect of electric current on the springback reduction, two ratios of force and isothermal flow stress were calculated based on bending theory. From the comparison of the ratios, it is noted that the athermal portion mainly contributes to the force relaxation, so the springback amount decreases. The athermal portion significantly increases as the electric energy density increases. Microstructures and micro-Vickers hardness were observed to confirm the applicability of the single-pulsed current to forming processes in practice. The springback reduction can be achieved up to 37.5% without severe changes in material properties when the electric energy density increases up to 281.3 mJ/mm3. Achievable reduction is 85.4% for the electric energy density of 500 mJ/mm3, but properties remarkably change.
Lanthanide-Doped Upconversion Luminescent Nanoparticles—Evolving Role in Bioimaging, Biosensing, and Drug Delivery
Authors: Jethva Palak , Momin Munira , Khan Tabassum , Omri Abdelwahab
Published: March 2022

Upconverting luminescent nanoparticles (UCNPs) are “new generation fluorophores” with an evolving landscape of applications in diverse industries, especially life sciences and healthcare. The anti-Stokes emission accompanied by long luminescence lifetimes, multiple absorptions, emission bands, and good photostability, enables background-free and multiplexed detection in deep tissues for enhanced imaging contrast. Their properties such as high color purity, high resistance to photobleaching, less photodamage to biological samples, attractive physical and chemical stability, and low toxicity are affected by the chemical composition; nanoparticle crystal structure, size, shape and the route; reagents; and procedure used in their synthesis. A wide range of hosts and lanthanide ion (Ln3+) types have been used to control the luminescent properties of nanosystems. By modification of these properties, the performance of UCNPs can be designed for anticipated end-use applications such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), high-resolution displays, bioimaging, biosensors, and drug delivery. The application landscape of inorganic nanomaterials in biological environments can be expanded by bridging the gap between nanoparticles and biomolecules via surface modifications and appropriate functionalization. This review highlights the synthesis, surface modification, and biomedical applications of UCNPs, such as bioimaging and drug delivery, and presents the scope and future perspective on Ln-doped UCNPs in biomedical applications.
Scandium Recovery Methods from Mining, Metallurgical Extractive Industries, and Industrial Wastes
Authors: Salman Ali Dawood , Juzsakova Tatjána , Mohsen Saja , Abdullah Thamer Adnan , Le Phuoc-Cuong , Sebestyen Viktor , Sluser Brindusa , Cretescu Igor
Published: March 2022

The recovery of scandium (Sc) from wastes and various resources using solvent extraction (SX) was discussed in detail. Moreover, the metallurgical extractive procedures for Sc recovery were presented. Acidic and neutral organophosphorus (OPCs) extractants are the most extensively used in industrial activities, considering that they provide the highest extraction efficiency of any of the valuable components. Due to the chemical and physical similarities of the rare earth metals, the separation and purification processes of Sc are difficult tasks. Sc has also been extracted from acidic solutions using carboxylic acids, amines, and acidic β-diketone, among other solvents and chemicals. For improving the extraction efficiencies, the development of mixed extractants or synergistic systems for the SX of Sc has been carried out in recent years. Different operational parameters play an important role in the extraction process, such as the type of the aqueous phase and its acidity, the aqueous (A) to organic (O) and solid (S) to liquid (L) phase ratios, as well as the type of the diluents. Sc recovery is now implemented in industrial production using a combination of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical techniques, such as ore pre-treatment, leaching, SX, precipitation, and calcination. The hydrometallurgical methods (acid leaching and SX) were effective for Sc recovery. Furthermore, the OPCs bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA/P204) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) showed interesting potential taking into consideration some co-extracted metals such as Fe(III) and Ti(IV).
Real-Time Monitoring the Growth of Epitaxial CoxFe3−xO4 Ultrathin Films on Nb-Doped SrTiO3(001) via Reactive Molecular Beam Epitaxy by Means of Operando HAXPES
Authors: Ruwisch Kevin , Pohlmann Tobias , Bertram Florian , Schlüter Christoph , Gloskovskii Andrei , Küpper Karsten , Wollschläger Joachim
Published: March 2022

In this work, we present a comprehensive study on real-time monitoring the growth of epitaxial CoxFe3−xO4 thin films grown on SrTiO3(001) substrates via reactive molecular beam epitaxy. The growth process was monitored during evaporation by means of time resolved operando hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). We prepared ultrathin ferrite films using different oxygen partial pressures, showing pure metallic, light oxidic, and cobalt ferrite-like growth. Additional X-ray diffraction measurements confirm HAXPES results.
EPR Spectroscopy of Cu(II) Complexes: Prediction of g-Tensors Using Double-Hybrid Density Functional Theory
Authors: Drosou Maria , Mitsopoulou Christiana A. , Orio Maylis , Pantazis Dimitrios A.
Published: March 2022

Computational electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is an important field of applied quantum chemistry that contributes greatly to connecting spectroscopic observations with the fundamental description of electronic structure for open-shell molecules. However, not all EPR parameters can be predicted accurately and reliably for all chemical systems. Among transition metal ions, Cu(II) centers in inorganic chemistry and biology, and their associated EPR properties such as hyperfine coupling and g-tensors, pose exceptional difficulties for all levels of quantum chemistry. In the present work, we approach the problem of Cu(II) g-tensor calculations using double-hybrid density functional theory (DHDFT). Using a reference set of 18 structurally and spectroscopically characterized Cu(II) complexes, we evaluate a wide range of modern double-hybrid density functionals (DHDFs) that have not been applied previously to this problem. Our results suggest that the current generation of DHDFs consistently and systematically outperform other computational approaches. The B2GP-PLYP and PBE0-DH functionals are singled out as the best DHDFs on average for the prediction of Cu(II) g-tensors. The performance of the different functionals is discussed and suggestions are made for practical applications and future methodological developments.