bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Pericarditis after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Case Report
Authors: Rodevič Greta , Budrys Povilas , Davidavičius Giedrius
Published: May 2021

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is known as a very rare possible trigger of pericarditis. Most frequently it develops after a latent period or early in the case of periprocedural complications. In this report, we present an atypical early onset of pericarditis after an uncomplicated PCI. Case Summary: A 58-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for PCI of the chronic total occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. An initial electrocardiogram (ECG) was unremarkable. The PCI attempt was unsuccessful. There were no procedure-related complications observed at the end of the PCI attempt and the patient was symptom free. Six hours after the interventional procedure, the patient complained of severe chest pain. The ECG demonstrated ST-segment elevation in anterior and lateral leads. Troponin I was mildly elevated but a coronary angiogram did not reveal the impairment of collateral blood flow to the LAD territory. Due to pericarditic chest pain, typical ECG findings and pericardial effusion with elevated C-reactive protein, the diagnosis of acute pericarditis was established, and a course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was initiated. Chest pain was relieved and ST-segment elevation almost completely returned to baseline after three days of treatment. The patient was discharged in stable condition without chest pain on the fourth day after symptom onset. Conclusions: Acute pericarditis is a rare complication of PCI. Despite the lack of specific clinical manifestation, post-traumatic pericarditis should be considered in patients with symptoms and signs of pericarditis and a prior history of iatrogenic injury or thoracic trauma.
OH− and H3O+ Diffusion in Model AEMs and PEMs at Low Hydration: Insights from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Zelovich Tamar , Tuckerman Mark E.
Published: May 2021

Fuel cell-based anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) and proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are considered to have great potential as cost-effective, clean energy conversion devices. However, a fundamental atomistic understanding of the hydroxide and hydronium diffusion mechanisms in the AEM and PEM environment is an ongoing challenge. In this work, we aim to identify the fundamental atomistic steps governing hydroxide and hydronium transport phenomena. The motivation of this work lies in the fact that elucidating the key design differences between the hydroxide and hydronium diffusion mechanisms will play an important role in the discovery and determination of key design principles for the synthesis of new membrane materials with high ion conductivity for use in emerging fuel cell technologies. To this end, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are presented to explore hydroxide and hydronium ion solvation complexes and diffusion mechanisms in the model AEM and PEM systems at low hydration in confined environments. We find that hydroxide diffusion in AEMs is mostly vehicular, while hydronium diffusion in model PEMs is structural. Furthermore, we find that the region between each pair of cations in AEMs creates a bottleneck for hydroxide diffusion, leading to a suppression of diffusivity, while the anions in PEMs become active participants in the hydronium diffusion, suggesting that the presence of the anions in model PEMs could potentially promote hydronium diffusion.
Dynamic Softening Mechanisms and Microstructure Evolution of TB18 Titanium Alloy during Uniaxial Hot Deformation
Authors: Fu Qiang , Yuan Wuhua , Xiang Wei
Published: May 2021

In this study, isothermal compression tests of TB18 titanium alloy were conducted using a Gleeble 3800 thermomechanical simulator for temperatures ranging from 650 to 880 °C and strain rates ranging from 0.001 to 10 s−1, with a constant height reduction of 60%, to investigate the dynamic softening mechanisms and hot workability of TB18 alloy. The results showed that the flow stress significantly decreased with an increasing deformation temperature and decreasing strain rate, which was affected by the competition between work hardening and dynamic softening. The hyperbolic sine Arrhenius-type constitutive equation was established, and the deformation activation energy was calculated to be 303.91 kJ·mol−1 in the (α + β) phase zone and 212.813 kJ·mol−1 in the β phase zone. The processing map constructed at a true strain of 0.9 exhibited stability and instability regions under the tested deformation conditions. The microstructure characteristics demonstrated that in the stability region, the dominant restoration and flow-softening mechanisms were the dynamic recovery of β phase and dynamic globularization of α grains below transus temperature, as well as the dynamic recovery and continuous dynamic recrystallization of β grains above transus temperature. In the instability region, the dynamic softening mechanism was flow localization in the form of a shear band and a deformation band caused by adiabatic heating.
Real-Time Monitoring of Laser Cleaning for Hot-Rolled Stainless Steel by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Xing , Guan Yingchun
Published: May 2021

Laser cleaning is a competitive alternative to ablate and remove the hard oxide layer on hot-rolled stainless steel. To meet the practical demand, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied for real-time monitoring of the cleaning process in this study. Furthermore, the as-received and laser cleaned surfaces were characterized by an optical micrograph, an X-ray diffractometer, and a laser scanning confocal microscope. The results showed the relative intensity ratio (RIR) of the FeI emission line at 520.9 nm and the CrI emission line at 589.2 could be a quantitative index to monitor the cleaning process. When the oxide layer was not fully cleaned, the LIBS signals of the substrate were not excited, and the ratio was almost invariant as the power of the laser increased. However, it sharply increased once the oxide layer was effectively cleaned, the cleaned surface was bright, and the surface roughness was smaller in this case. Subsequently, as the surface was over-cleaned with the further increase of laser power, the RIR value remained large. The optimal laser cleaning parameters obtained by the monitoring were determined to avoid re-oxidation and reduce the roughness of the cleaned surface.
High Glucose Shifts the Oxylipin Profiles in the Astrocytes towards Pro-Inflammatory States
Authors: Chistyakov Dmitry V. , Goriainov Sergei V. , Astakhova Alina A. , Sergeeva Marina G.
Published: May 2021

Hyperglycemia is associated with several complications in the brain, which are also characterized by inflammatory conditions. Astrocytes are responsible for glucose metabolism in the brain and are also important participants of inflammatory responses. Oxylipins are lipid mediators, derived from the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and are generally considered to be a link between metabolic and inflammatory processes. High glucose exposure causes astrocyte dysregulation, but its effects on the metabolism of oxylipins are relatively unknown and therefore, constituted the focus of our work. We used normal glucose (NG, 5.5 mM) vs. high glucose (HG, 25 mM) feeding media in primary rat astrocytes-enriched cultures and measured the extracellular release of oxylipins (UPLC-MS/MS) in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The sensitivity of HG and NG growing astrocytes in oxylipin synthesis for various serum concentrations was also tested. Our data reveal shifts towards pro-inflammatory states in HG non-stimulated cells: an increase in the amounts of free PUFAs, including arachidonic (AA), docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids, and cyclooxygenase (COX) mediated metabolites. Astrocytes cultivated in HG showed a tolerance to the LPS, and an imbalance between inflammatory cytokine (IL-6) and oxylipins release. These results suggest a regulation of COX-mediated oxylipin synthesis in astrocytes as a potential new target in treating brain impairment associated with hyperglycemia.
Microbial Hotspots in Lithic Microhabitats Inferred from DNA Fractionation and Metagenomics in the Atacama Desert
Authors: Schulze-Makuch Dirk , Lipus Daniel , Arens Felix L. , Baqué Mickael , Bornemann Till L. V. , de Vera Jean-Pierre , Flury Markus , Frösler Jan , Heinz Jacob , Hwang Yunha , Kounaves Samuel P. , Mangelsdorf Kai , Meckenstock Rainer U. , Pannekens Mark , Probst Alexander J. , Sáenz Johan S. , Schirmack Janosch , Schloter Michael , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Schneider Beate , Uhl Jenny , Vestergaard Gisle , Valenzuela Bernardita , Zamorano Pedro , Wagner Dirk
Published: May 2021

The existence of microbial activity hotspots in temperate regions of Earth is driven by soil heterogeneities, especially the temporal and spatial availability of nutrients. Here we investigate whether microbial activity hotspots also exist in lithic microhabitats in one of the most arid regions of the world, the Atacama Desert in Chile. While previous studies evaluated the total DNA fraction to elucidate the microbial communities, we here for the first time use a DNA separation approach on lithic microhabitats, together with metagenomics and other analysis methods (i.e., ATP, PLFA, and metabolite analysis) to specifically gain insights on the living and potentially active microbial community. Our results show that hypolith colonized rocks are microbial hotspots in the desert environment. In contrast, our data do not support such a conclusion for gypsum crust and salt rock environments, because only limited microbial activity could be observed. The hypolith community is dominated by phototrophs, mostly Cyanobacteria and Chloroflexi, at both study sites. The gypsum crusts are dominated by methylotrophs and heterotrophic phototrophs, mostly Chloroflexi, and the salt rocks (halite nodules) by phototrophic and halotolerant endoliths, mostly Cyanobacteria and Archaea. The major environmental constraints in the organic-poor arid and hyperarid Atacama Desert are water availability and UV irradiation, allowing phototrophs and other extremophiles to play a key role in desert ecology.
Comparative Analysis of Consumer Exposure to Resistant Bacteria through Chicken Meat Consumption in Germany
Authors: Plaza-Rodríguez Carolina , Mesa-Varona Octavio , Alt Katja , Grobbel Mirjam , Tenhagen Bernd-Alois , Kaesbohrer Annemarie
Published: May 2021

Human exposure to bacteria carrying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes through the consumption of food of animal origin is a topic which has gained increasing attention in recent years. Bacterial transmission can be enhanced, particularly in situations in which the consumer pays less attention to hygiene practices, and consumer exposure to foodborne resistant bacteria through ready-to-eat foods could be increased. It has been demonstrated that even methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, which have low prevalence and concentration in raw chicken meat in Germany, may reach the consumer during barbecue events after failures in hygiene practices. This study aimed to quantify the consumer exposure to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL) or ampicillinase class C (AmpC) beta-lactamase-producing E. coli in Germany through the consumption of chicken meat and bread during household barbecues. The study considered cross-contamination and recontamination processes from raw chicken meat by using a previously-developed probabilistic consumer exposure model. In addition, a comparative analysis of consumer exposure was carried out between ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli and MRSA. Our results demonstrated that the probability of ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli reaching the consumer was 1.85 × 10−5 with the number of bacteria in the final serving averaging 332. Given the higher prevalence and concentration of ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli in raw chicken meat at retail compared to MRSA, comparative exposure assessment showed that the likelihood and extent of exposure were significantly higher for ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli than for MRSA. ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli was determined to be 7.6 times likelier (p-value < 0.01) than MRSA to reach the consumer, with five times the concentration of bacteria in the final serving (p-value < 0.01).
Characterization of Salmonella Isolates Recovered from Stages of the Processing Lines at Four Broiler Processing Plants in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Khan Anisa Sarah , Georges Karla , Rahaman Saed , Abebe Woubit , Adesiyun Abiodun Adewale
Published: May 2021

This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors for contamination of chicken with Salmonella at four operating broiler processing plants in Trinidad. Standard methods were used to isolate and characterize the Salmonella isolates. The overall prevalence of Salmonella at the four processing plants was 27.0% (107/396). The whole carcass enrichment (WCE) method yielded a statistically significantly (p = 0.0014) higher frequency of isolation (53.9%; 97/180) than the whole carcass rinse (35.0%; 63/180) and neck skin methods (42.2%; 38/90). S. enterica serotypes Enteritidis, Javiana, and Infantis were the predominant serotypes isolated accounting for 20.8%, 16.7% and 12.5%, respectively, of the serotyped isolates. Risk factors included the use of over 100 contract farmers (OR 4.4), pre-chiller (OR 2.3), addition of chlorine to chiller (OR 3.2), slaughtering sick broilers (OR 4.4), and flocks with >50% mortality. Multi-drug resistance was detected in 12.3% (14/114) of the isolates of Salmonella. Resistance was high to kanamycin (85.7%) and doxycycline (74.6%) but low to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (2.4%) and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (0.8%). The occurrence of resistant Salmonella in chickens processed at commercial broiler processing plants has implications for salmonellosis and therapeutic failure in consumers of improperly cooked contaminated chickens from these plants in the country.
Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Bacterial and Fungal Endophytes of the Halophytic Plant Kalidium schrenkianum
Authors: Zhu Jing , Sun Xiang , Zhang Zhi-Dong , Tang Qi-Yong , Gu Mei-Ying , Zhang Li-Juan , Hou Min , Sharon Amir , Yuan Hong-Li
Published: May 2021

Endophytic bacteria and fungi colonize plants that grow in various types of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Our study investigates the communities of endophytic bacteria and fungi of halophyte Kalidium schrenkianum growing in stressed habitats with ionizing radiation. The geochemical factors and radiation (at low, medium, high level and control) both affected the structure of endophytic communities. The bacterial class Actinobacteria and the fungal class Dothideomycetes predominated the endophytic communities of K. schrenkianum. Aerial tissues of K. schrenkianum had higher fungal diversity, while roots had higher bacterial diversity. Radiation had no significant effect on the abundance of bacterial classes. Soil pH, total nitrogen, and organic matter showed significant effects on the diversity of root endophytes. Radiation affected bacterial and fungal community structure in roots but not in aerial tissues, and had a strong effect on fungal co-occurrence networks. Overall, the genetic diversity of both endophytic bacteria and fungi was higher in radioactive environments, however negative correlations were found between endophytic bacteria and fungi in the plant. The genetic diversity of both endophytic bacteria and fungi was higher in radioactive environments. Our findings suggest that radiation affects root endophytes, and that the endophytes associated with aerial tissues and roots of K. schrenkianum follow different mechanisms for community assembly and different paradigms in stress response.
Applications of Blocker Nucleic Acids and Non-Metazoan PCR Improves the Discovery of the Eukaryotic Microbiome in Ticks
Authors: Taya Yurie , Kinoshita Gohta , Mohamed Wessam Mohamed Ahmed , Moustafa Mohamed Abdallah Mohamed , Ogata Shohei , Chatanga Elisha , Ohari Yuma , Kusakisako Kodai , Matsuno Keita , Nonaka Nariaki , Nakao Ryo
Published: May 2021

Ticks serve as important vectors of a variety of pathogens. Recently, the viral and prokaryotic microbiomes in ticks have been explored using next-generation sequencing to understand the physiology of ticks and their interactions with pathogens. However, analyses of eukaryotic communities in ticks are limited, owing to the lack of suitable methods. In this study, we developed new methods to selectively amplify microeukaryote genes in tick-derived DNA by blocking the amplification of the 18S rRNA gene of ticks using artificial nucleic acids: peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) and locked nucleic acids (LNAs). In addition, another PCR using non-metazoan primers, referred to as UNonMet-PCR, was performed for comparison. We performed each PCR using tick-derived DNA and sequenced the amplicons using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Almost all sequences obtained by conventional PCR were derived from ticks, whereas the proportion of microeukaryotic reads and alpha diversity increased upon using the newly developed method. Additionally, the PNA- or LNA-based methods were suitable for paneukaryotic analyses, whereas the UNonMet-PCR method was particularly sensitive to fungi. The newly described methods enable analyses of the eukaryotic microbiome in ticks. We expect the application of these methods to improve our understanding of the tick microbiome.
Oxidation Behavior and Kinetics Parameters of a Lean Coal at Low Temperature Based on Different Oxygen Concentrations
Authors: Hao Yu , Xie Taiping
Published: May 2021

The method of dividing the “three zones” of spontaneous combustion in goaf by oxygen volume fraction is the most widely used and effective method at present. However, the oxygen volume fraction method does not consider the influence of methane concentration in goaf, which is only applicable to low-gas goaf, not high-gassy goaf. In this work, the oxidation behavior and kinetics parameters of a lean coal at low temperatures under five different oxygen concentrations, including methane and its kinetics during low-temperature oxidation, were studied using temperature programming tests and thermogravimetric tests. The results showed that the decrease of oxygen content improves the adsorption capacity of coal to absorb different atmospheres at the initial stage. In the whole reaction process, there is a negative correlation between the strong-to-weak order of exothermicity and adsorption capacity, with a significant increase in apparent activation energy E. A marked hysteresis of the precipitation time of CO and CO2 and a decrease in their precipitation amount and a rise in the initial temperature for the generation of CO and CO2 were found.
Composition and Pressure Effects on Partitioning of Ferrous Iron in Iron-Rich Lower Mantle Heterogeneities
Authors: Dorfman Susannah M. , Nabiei Farhang , Boukaré Charles-Edouard , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Cantoni Marco , Badro James , Gillet Philippe
Published: May 2021

Both seismic observations of dense low shear velocity regions and models of magma ocean crystallization and mantle dynamics support enrichment of iron in Earth’s lowermost mantle. Physical properties of iron-rich lower mantle heterogeneities in the modern Earth depend on distribution of iron between coexisting lower mantle phases (Mg,Fe)O magnesiowüstite, (Mg,Fe)SiO3 bridgmanite, and (Mg,Fe)SiO3 post-perovskite. The partitioning of iron between these phases was investigated in synthetic ferrous-iron-rich olivine compositions (Mg0.55Fe0.45)2SiO4 and (Mg0.28Fe0.72)2SiO4 at lower mantle conditions ranging from 33–128 GPa and 1900–3000 K in the laser-heated diamond anvil cell. The resulting phase assemblages were characterized by a combination of in situ X-ray diffraction and ex situ transmission electron microscopy. The exchange coefficient between bridgmanite and magnesiowüstite decreases with pressure and bulk Fe# and increases with temperature. Thermodynamic modeling determines that incorporation and partitioning of iron in bridgmanite are explained well by excess volume associated with Mg-Fe exchange. Partitioning results are used to model compositions and densities of mantle phase assemblages as a function of pressure, FeO-content and SiO2-content. Unlike average mantle compositions, iron-rich compositions in the mantle exhibit negative dependence of density on SiO2-content at all mantle depths, an important finding for interpretation of deep lower mantle structures.
Broad Applications of Thiazole Orange in Fluorescent Sensing of Biomolecules and Ions
Authors: Suss Ohad , Motiei Leila , Margulies David
Published: May 2021

Fluorescent sensing of biomolecules has served as a revolutionary tool for studying and better understanding various biological systems. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to identify fluorescent building blocks that can be easily converted into sensing probes, which can detect specific targets with increasing sensitivity and accuracy. Over the past 30 years, thiazole orange (TO) has garnered great attention due to its low fluorescence background signal and remarkable ‘turn-on’ fluorescence response, being controlled only by its intramolecular torsional movement. These features have led to the development of numerous molecular probes that apply TO in order to sense a variety of biomolecules and metal ions. Here, we highlight the tremendous progress made in the field of TO-based sensors and demonstrate the different strategies that have enabled TO to evolve into a versatile dye for monitoring a collection of biomolecules.
α-Terpineol: An Aggregation Pheromone in Optatus palmaris (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Pascoe, 1889) Enhanced by Its Host-Plant Volatiles
Authors: Pineda-Ríos José Manuel , Cibrián-Tovar Juan , Hernández-Fuentes Luis Martín , López-Romero Rosa María , Soto-Rojas Lauro , Romero-Nápoles Jesús , Llanderal-Cázares Celina , Salomé-Abarca Luis F.
Published: May 2021

The Annonaceae fruits weevil (Optatus palmaris) causes high losses to the soursop production in Mexico. Damage occurs when larvae and adults feed on the fruits; however, there is limited research about control strategies against this pest. However, pheromones provide a high potential management scheme for this curculio. Thus, this research characterized the behavior and volatile production of O. palmaris in response to their feeding habits. Olfactometry assays established preference by weevils to volatiles produced by feeding males and soursop. The behavior observed suggests the presence of an aggregation pheromone and a kairomone. Subsequently, insect volatiles sampled by solid-phase microextraction and dynamic headspace detected a unique compound on feeding males increased especially when feeding. Feeding-starvation experiments showed an averaged fifteen-fold increase in the concentration of a monoterpenoid on males feeding on soursop, and a decrease of the release of this compound males stop feeding. GC-MS analysis of volatiles identified this compound as α-terpineol. Further olfactometry assays using α-terpineol and soursop, demonstrated that this combination is double attractive to Annonaceae weevils than only soursop volatiles. The results showed a complementation effect between α-terpineol and soursop volatiles. Thus, α-terpineol is the aggregation pheromone of O. palmaris, and its concentration is enhanced by host-plant volatiles.
Development of Novel Indole-Based Bifunctional Aldose Reductase Inhibitors/Antioxidants as Promising Drugs for the Treatment of Diabetic Complications
Authors: Kovacikova Lucia , Prnova Marta Soltesova , Majekova Magdalena , Bohac Andrej , Karasu Cimen , Stefek Milan
Published: May 2021

Aldose reductase (AR, ALR2), the first enzyme of the polyol pathway, is implicated in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. Aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) thus present a promising therapeutic approach to treat a wide array of diabetic complications. Moreover, a therapeutic potential of ARIs in the treatment of chronic inflammation-related pathologies and several genetic metabolic disorders has been recently indicated. Substituted indoles are an interesting group of compounds with a plethora of biological activities. This article reviews a series of indole-based bifunctional aldose reductase inhibitors/antioxidants (ARIs/AOs) developed during recent years. Experimental results obtained in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of diabetic complications are presented. Structure–activity relationships with respect to carboxymethyl pharmacophore regioisomerization and core scaffold modification are discussed along with the criteria of ‘drug-likeness”. Novel promising structures of putative multifunctional ARIs/AOs are designed.
Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Biosensor Using Folic Acid-Modified Reduced Graphene Oxide for the Detection of Cancer Biomarker
Authors: Geetha Bai Renu , Muthoosamy Kasturi , Tuvikene Rando , Nay Ming Huang , Manickam Sivakumar
Published: May 2021

The detection of cancer biomarkers in the early stages could prevent cancer-related deaths significantly. Nanomaterials combined with biomolecules are extensively used in drug delivery, imaging, and sensing applications by targeting the overexpressed cancer proteins such as folate receptors (FRs) to control the disease by providing earlier treatments. In this investigation, biocompatible reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets combined with folic acid (FA)-a vitamin with high bioaffinity to FRs-is utilized to develop an electrochemical sensor for cancer detection. To mimic the cancer cell environment, FR-β protein is used to evaluate the response of the rGO-FA sensor. The formation of the rGO-FA nanocomposite was confirmed through various characterization techniques. A glassy carbon (GC) electrode was then modified with the obtained rGO-FA and analyzed via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for its specific detection towards FRs. Using the DPV technique, the rGO-FA-modified electrode exhibited a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.69 pM, determined in a linear concentration range from 6 to 100 pM. This excellent electrochemical performance towards FRs detection could provide a significant contribution towards future cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the rGO-FA sensing platform also showed excellent specificity and reliability when tested against similar interfering biomolecules. This rGO-FA sensor offers a great promise to the future medical industry through its highly sensitive detection towards FRs in a fast, reliable, and economical way.
Exciton-Related Raman Scattering, Interband Absorption and Photoluminescence in Colloidal CdSe/CdS Core/Shell Quantum Dots Ensemble
Authors: Mantashian Grigor A. , Mantashyan Paytsar A. , Sarkisyan Hayk A. , Kazaryan Eduard M. , Bester Gabriel , Baskoutas Sotirios , Hayrapetyan David B.
Published: May 2021

By using the numerical discretization method within the effective-mass approximation, we have theoretically investigated the exciton-related Raman scattering, interband absorption and photoluminescence in colloidal CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots ensemble. The interband optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra have been revealed for CdSe/CdS quantum dots, taking into account the size dispersion of the ensemble. Numerical calculation of the differential cross section has been presented for the exciton-related Stokes–Raman scattering in CdSe/CdS quantum dots ensemble with different mean sizes.
Characterization of a Novel Nanocomposite Film Based on Functionalized Chitosan–Pt–Fe3O4 Hybrid Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumari Sangeeta , Singh Raj Pal , Chavan Nayaku N. , Sahi Shivendra V. , Sharma Nilesh
Published: May 2021

The development of organic—inorganic hybrids or nanocomposite films is increasingly becoming attractive in light of their emerging applications. This research focuses on the formation of a unique nanocomposite film with enhanced elasticity suitable for many biomedical applications. The physical property measurement system and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze Pt–Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles. These nanohybrids exhibited magnetic effects. They were further exploited to prepare the nanocomposite films in conjunction with a chitosan-g–glycolic acid organic fraction. The nanocomposite films were then examined using standard techniques: thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Tensile strength testing demonstrated a significantly greater elastic strength of these nanocomposite films than pure chitosan films. The water absorption behavior of the nanocomposites was evaluated by measuring swelling degree. These nanocomposites were observed to have substantially improved physical properties. Such novel nanocomposites can be extended to various biomedical applications, which include drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Altered Amino Acid Metabolism in Patients with Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 2: Is It a Problem for Protein and Exercise Prescriptions?
Authors: Aquilani Roberto , Maestri Roberto , Dossena Maurizia , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Buonocore Daniela , Boschi Federica , Verri Manuela
Published: May 2021

The goal of this retrospective study was to document any alterations in plasma amino acids (AAs) in subjects with cardiorenal syndrome type 2 (CRS 2). We analyzed data from sixteen patients with CRS 2 and eight healthy subjects (control group, C), whose plasma arterial (A) and venous (V) AA concentrations had been measured. Compared to C, the group of CRS 2 patients showed significant reductions by more than 90% in A (p < 0.01) and V (p < 0.01) individual AAs, whereas negative A-V differences that indicated a net muscle AA release (muscle hypercatabolism) were found in 59% of CRS 2 patients (p < 0.03). No significant differences in plasma A and V AA concentrations nor in A-V differences were found between patients with mild kidney damage (N = 5; estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and patients with moderate-severe kidney damage (N = 11; eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Several plasma arterial AAs correlated with hemodynamic variables, but not with GFR. The study showed that patients with CRS 2 had very low concentrations of circulating AAs, independent of the degree of GFR damage.
Selective Extraction of Bioactive Phenylethanoids from Digitalis obscura
Authors: Quílez del Moral José Francisco , Pérez Álvaro , Navarro María José Segura , Galisteo Alberto , Gonzalez-Coloma Azucena , Andrés María Fe , Barrero Alejandro F.
Published: May 2021

Cardenolide-free extracts from Digitalis obscura showed significant antifeedant effects against the aphid Myzus persicae and this activity correlated with their phenylethanoid content. The content in phenylethanoids of Digitalis obscura has been studied. Maceration of the aerial parts of D. obscura was used for the selective extraction of the natural compound rengyolone (1) and the aglycone of cornoside (compound 3). Pure rengyolone (1) can be obtained from D. obscura in approximately 90% purity from fresh plant from the CHCl3 soluble fraction of the ethanolic extract (0.8% yield). The ethanol extraction of freshly collected D. obscura showed the presence of compound 3 as the only phenylethanoid. Compound 3 was proven to easily evolve to rengyolone. Due to this instability, and although its presence in plants has been previously reported, the spectroscopical data of 3 are reported herein for the first time. Selective mono-acetylation of compound of 3 led to the active natural compound hallerone (5). The aphid antifeedant (against Myzus persicae) and nematicidal (against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica) activities of these compounds have been evaluated. Here we report for the first time on the aphid antifeedant effects of 1, 3, and 5. Additionally, the nematicidal activity of hallerone (5) is described here for the first time.
Bioactive Compounds in Different Buckwheat Species
Authors: Podolska Grażyna , Gujska Elżbieta , Klepacka Joanna , Aleksandrowicz Edyta
Published: May 2021

The accumulation of valuable nutrients in cereal grains depends on a number of factors, including species, cultivars, and environment conditions. The aim of this study was to compare protein, some polyphenols and rutin content, as well as mineral composition in Fagopyrum tataricum and Fagopyrum esculentum genotypes growing in Polish conditions. A field experiment was conducted on pseudopodsolic soil in 2017–2018 at the Experimental Station in Osiny (51°35′, 21°55′), following randomized complete block method with three replications. Two cultivars of Fagophyrum esculentum (Kora and Panda), two cultivars of Fagopyrum tataricum (LIT1 and 63181) and two forms of Fagopyrum esculentum (Red Corolla and Green Corolla) were used in this experiment. We found differences in the tested compounds (protein, phenolic acids, rutin, and mineral composition) between cultivars and genotypes. Total phenolic acid and rutin contents were higher in the Fagopyrum tataricum compared to Fagopyrum esculentum. Ferulic and coumaric acids were prominent in the Kora and Panda cultivars, however vanillic and syringic acids accumulated more in Green Corolla and Red Corolla. The common buckwheat seeds contained more Cu, Mn, and Mg and less Ca than tartary buckwheat. Moreover Fagopytum esculentum genotype contains more protein compared to Fagopyrum tataricum.
Dynamics of Auxin and Cytokinin Metabolism during Early Root and Hypocotyl Growth in Theobroma cacao
Authors: Mboene Noah Alexandre , Casanova-Sáez Rubén , Makondy Ango Rolande Eugenie , Antoniadi Ioanna , Karady Michal , Novák Ondřej , Niemenak Nicolas , Ljung Karin
Published: May 2021

The spatial location and timing of plant developmental events are largely regulated by the well balanced effects of auxin and cytokinin phytohormone interplay. Together with transport, localized metabolism regulates the concentration gradients of their bioactive forms, ultimately eliciting growth responses. In order to explore the dynamics of auxin and cytokinin metabolism during early seedling growth in Theobroma cacao (cacao), we have performed auxin and cytokinin metabolite profiling in hypocotyls and root developmental sections at different times by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Our work provides quantitative characterization of auxin and cytokinin metabolites throughout early root and hypocotyl development and identifies common and distinctive features of auxin and cytokinin metabolism during cacao seedling development.
Impact of Environmental Conditions on Growth and the Phenolic Profile of Achillea atrata L.
Authors: Salomon Lysanne , Lorenz Peter , Ehrmann Bernhard , Spring Otmar , Stintzing Florian C. , Kammerer Dietmar R.
Published: May 2021

Achillea atrata L. is a traditionally used medicinal plant. With its pronounced antimicrobial potential, this alpine Achillea species may also be used in modern phytotherapy to treat MRSA infections and prevent dermal infections, such as acne vulgaris. For the present study, A. atrata was cultivated in its natural habitat in Switzerland as well as in Germany to elucidate the potential of standardizing plant material derived from this species for pharmaceutical production. Phytochemical characterization of phenolic constituents by HPLC-DAD-MSn revealed that environmental conditions have only a minor impact on the phenolic profile. Metabolic differences between cultivated and wild plants grown in the same environment suggested the possible existence of genetically derived chemotypes. In total, 28 substances were identified, with marked differences in the occurrence of phenolic compounds observed between flowers and leaves. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, 7 phenolic compounds have been reported for the first time in A. atrata in the present study. The quantitation of individual constituents revealed their contents to depend on environmental factors and to reach their maximum at increasing altitudes. The results here presented may help to select and cultivate A. atrata plant material with defined and constant compound profiles, which is of particular importance for potential pharmaceutical use.
Financial Distress and Information Sharing: Evidences from the Italian Credit Register
Authors: Gibilaro Lucia , Mattarocci Gianluca
Published: May 2021

Credit risk exposure evaluation is driven by the quality of the information available on the debtors and customers with multiple lending exposures, which could be evaluated differently by different lenders. The existence of an information asymmetry among lenders can be mitigated using private information sharing instruments, such as the credit registers. The paper analyses the effect of information disclosure through credit registers and evaluates the impact of revising the amount of credit offered to customers served also by other lenders. The results show that the information available for each lender is different and after the disclosure of past due or a default status declared by a financial intermediary, all the other lenders react to the new information available.
Designing Smart Electromagnetic Environments for Next-Generation Wireless Communications
Authors: Massa Andrea , Benoni Arianna , Da Rù Pietro , Goudos Sotirios K. , Li Baozhu , Oliveri Giacomo , Polo Alessandro , Rocca Paolo , Salucci Marco
Published: May 2021

The design of a smart electromagnetic (EM) environment for next-generation wireless communication systems is addressed in this work. The proposed approach aims at synthesizing a desired EM field distribution over a target region, where the receiving terminals are located, through the opportunistic exploitation of the complex scattering interactions between the EM field generated by a reconfigurable primary source and the objects/scatterers present in the environment, which behave as application-driven passive metastructures. The effectiveness and the potentialities of the proposed design methodology are assessed with a proof-of-concept numerical result obtained by means of advanced and reliable simulation tools.
Left Ventricular Thrombi: Insights from Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Chaosuwannakit Narumol , Makarawate Pattarapong
Published: May 2021

Objective: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement technique (LGE) detects thrombus rather than anatomical presence based on tissue properties and is theoretically highly accurate. The present study’s goal was to compare the diagnostic accuracy obtained with various CMR techniques and transthoracic echocardiography to diagnose left ventricular thrombus and evaluate the prevalence and perspectives of left ventricular (LV) thrombus among patients with impaired systolic left ventricular function. Methods: In a single academic referral center, a retrospective database review of all CMR assessments of the established left ventricular thrombus was carried out in 206 consecutive patients with reduced systolic function for five years. To assess thrombus risk factors, clinical and imaging parameters were analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), echocardiography, and cine-CMR sequence accuracy have been identified. LV structural parameters were quantified to detect markers for thrombus and predictors of the additive usefulness of contrast-enhanced thrombus imaging. Comparisons against LGE-CMR were made, which was used as the standard. Results: A 7.8 percent prevalence of left ventricular thrombus was identified by LGE-CMR. Cine-CMR increased the diagnostic efficiency for echocardiographic thrombus identification in this group, with sensitivity increasing from 50 percent by echocardiography to 75 percent by cine-CMR (p = 0.008). Dark blood CMR (DB-CMR) has better sensitivity and accuracy than echocardiography (p < 0.001), comparable to cine-CMR. The transmural infarct size was an independent marker for thrombus after correction for the LVEF and LV volume while considering only CMR parameters. There were significantly higher embolic events (HR = 71.33; CI 8.31–616.06, p < 0.0001) in LV thrombus patients detected by LGE-CMR. Conclusion: CMR imaging was more sensitive to left ventricular thrombi identification compared with transthoracic echocardiography. An additional parameter available from LGE-CMR and shown as an independent risk factor for left ventricular thrombus is the myocardial scar.
Long-Term Anti-Bacterial Immunity against Systemic Infection by Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Elicited by a GMMA-Based Vaccine
Authors: Fiorino Fabio , Pettini Elena , Koeberling Oliver , Ciabattini Annalisa , Pozzi Gianni , Martin Laura B. , Medaglini Donata
Published: May 2021

Salmonella Typhimurium (STm) represents the most prevalent cause of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) disease, and currently no licensed vaccine is available. In this work we characterized the long-term anti-bacterial immunity elicited by a STm vaccine based on Generalized Modules of Membrane Antigens (GMMA) delivering O:4,5 antigen, using a murine model of systemic infection. Subcutaneous immunization of mice with STmGMMA/Alhydrogel elicited rapid, high, and persistent antigen-specific serum IgG and IgM responses. The serum was bactericidal in vitro. O:4,5-specific IgG were also detected in fecal samples after immunization and positively correlated with IgG observed in intestinal washes. Long-lived plasma cells and O:4,5-specific memory B cells were detected in spleen and bone marrow. After systemic STm challenge, a significant reduction of bacterial load in blood, spleen, and liver, as well as a reduction of circulating neutrophils and G-CSF glycoprotein was observed in STmGMMA/Alhydrogel immunized mice compared to untreated animals. Taken together, these data support the development of a GMMA-based vaccine for prevention of iNTS disease.
International trade as a factor in ensuring food security in the modern world
Authors: Baryshnikova Natalia Anatolevna , Kiriliuk Olga Mikhailovna
Published: May 2021

Today one of the most pressing global problems is the problem of hunger and malnutrition, the solution of which is directly related to ensuring food security. In the context of increasing economic integration, international trade is the most important tool for ensuring food security. Food trade is one of the most steadily developing segments of the global market. Today, the leading exporters are also the largest importers of food, wisely combining the benefits of international economic integration and the principle of developing domestic agricultural production. The role of international trade in ensuring food security was assessed by comparing the global food security index and the value of net food exports, which made it possible to develop a typology of countries. The first two groups include countries that provide their citizens with a high level of food security through domestic efficient agricultural production or through imports. The third and fourth groups include agricultural underdeveloped countries, where the problem of hunger and malnutrition can potentially be solved through international trade and increased efforts of the international community.
Transformation of global economic systems as a conseguence of the pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Novichkov Nikolay Vladimirovich , Savchenko Ekaterina Andreevna , Novichkova Alexandra Vladimirovna
Published: May 2021

The article reveals the features of the transformation of global economic systems caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The nature, namely, transformational changes, the basic characteristic of which is the acquisition of new properties and manifestations, has been substantiated. Separately, attention is focused on the fact that transformational changes will be of a long-term nature, which will be observed even after overcoming the coronavirus pandemic. The relevance of this direction seems to be very high, since changes in the global economic world will be extremely signifi cant. The article also identifi es some areas of transformational changes (regionalism, new content of economic systems, their restructuring, the emergence of online solutions, etc.). Separately, the work analyzes the consequences of transformation in a number of signifi cant global economic systems: global fi nance, tourism, transport, entertainment industry, food markets, migration fl ows, etc. In addition, the need to search for new content in the functioning and development of international economic associations is indicated. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the directions and consequences of the transformation of global economic systems. The research tasks are reduced to substantiating the content of global economic systems; identifying areas of general transformational changes in the world economy; the designation of the directions and consequences of the transformation of certain global industries, markets, economic processes. Research subject: global economic relations. Research object: global economic systems. Research methods: systems approach, statistical method, modeling method. Research results. The main types of global economic systems are formulated; the directions of transformation of global economic systems are revealed; the global economic systems in which the transformational changes have occurred most clearly and signifi cantly; formulated possible contours of the functioning and development of global economic systems after the end of the coronavirus epidemic; directions that require special attention in the development of the global economy are proposed.
Modern pension and health insurance systems in Japan
Authors: Karpov Dmitry Maximovich
Published: May 2021

The article substantiates the relevance of issues related to the functioning of social protection systems for the population of developed countries. The review and analysis of the modern pension system in Japan is made. The mechanism of recognition of Japanese citizens and foreign citizens residing in it as insured persons of a certain category and the mechanism of functioning of individual subsystems of the pension insurance system (in particular, basic pension, employee pension insurance, optional (additional) pension insurance system) are considered. The data on the absolute amounts and rates of insurance premiums, the formulas by which the monthly pension is calculated, and the conditions that must be met by insured persons to acquire the right to a pension (for old age, for disability, for the loss of a breadwinner) are given. The conditions for receiving and the amount of benefits for dependents and child benefits are indicated. The review and analysis of the modern health insurance system in Japan is made. The mechanism of functioning of individual subsystems of the pension insurance system (in particular, insurance at the place of work, insurance at the municipal level, insurance for persons aged 75 and over) is considered. The data on the absolute amounts and rates of insurance premiums, on the specifics of fi nancing the activities of public and private organizations, which, on the basis of the principles of non-commercial activity, provide medical services to the population of Japan are presented. The conditions for receiving and the amount of benefits for the birth of a child, for a funeral, for temporary disability are indicated. Attention is drawn to the distinctive features of the pension and health insurance systems in Japan. It is proposed to use the Japanese experience to reform the national systems of social protection of the population.