bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Organogermanium Compound 3-(Trihydroxygermyl) Propanoic Acid (THGP) Suppresses Inflammasome Activation Via Complexation with ATP
Authors: Azumi Junya , Shimada Yasuhiro , Takeda Tomoya , Aso Hisashi , Nakamura Takashi
Published: November 2022

Inflammasome activity is a key indicator of inflammation. The inflammasome is activated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which activate the p38-NF-κB pathway and promote IL-1β transcription (signaling step 1). Next, extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activates the inflammasome (a protein complex consisting of a signal recognition protein, an adapter protein, and Caspase-1) and secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β (signaling step 2). Inflammasome activation causes excessive inflammation, leading to inflammasome-active diseases such as atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. A hydrolysate of the organogermanium compound Ge-132, 3-(Trihydroxygermyl) propanoic acid (THGP) can form a complex with a cis-diol structure. We investigated the inhibitory effect of THGP on inflammasome activity in human THP-1 monocytes. THGP inhibited IL-1β secretion and caspase-1 activation (signaling step 2) in an ATP-dependent manner. On the other hand, THGP did not suppress IL-1β secretion induced by only lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. In addition, as IL-6 is an ATP-independent inflammatory cytokine, THGP did not decrease its secretion. THGP also suppressed pyroptosis, which is a caspase-1 activity-dependent form of cell death. Therefore, THGP is expected to become a new therapeutic or prophylactic agent for inflammasome-associated diseases.
Association between Serum Biomarkers and Peripheral Neuropathy in Microscopic Polyangiitis
Authors: Masuda Yuichi , Matsuda Shogo , Kotani Takuya , Nishioka Daisuke , Ota Shin , Hosokawa Takafumi , Ishida Shimon , Takeuchi Tohru
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to elucidate the pathomechanism of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and to identify biomarkers useful for diagnosis and severity assessment. Patients with MPA (n = 37) and other non-inflammatory neurological diseases (ONDs; n = 12) were enrolled, and the peripheral nerves of all patients were evaluated using nerve conduction studies. We compared the clinical characteristics and 14 serum biomarker profiles among patients with MPA and PN, MPA without PN, and ONDs. Patients with MPA had a higher prevalence of motor neuropathy than patients with ONDs. Among the patients with MPA, those with motor neuropathy had significantly higher total Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Scores and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and interleukin-6 than patients without motor neuropathy. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, serum CRP level, and diabetes mellitus showed that high serum levels of TIMP-1 were independently related to a diagnosis of motor neuropathy in MPA. Additionally, there were significant negative correlations between the serum levels of TIMP-1 and compound muscle action potential amplitudes. Serum levels of TIMP-1 may be associated with the pathomechanism of motor neuropathy in MPA and could be a useful biomarker for diagnosing and evaluating the severity of motor neuropathy in MPA.
Using MaxEnt to Predict the Potential Distribution of the Little Fire Ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) in China
Authors: Mao Mengfei , Chen Siqi , Ke Zengyuan , Qian Zengqiang , Xu Yijuan
Published: November 2022

Invasive ants are some of the most destructive species in ecosystems and can have serious ecological and socioeconomic impacts. The little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata, is native to Central and South America and was listed as one of the 100 most threatening major invasive organisms in the world by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The presence of W. auropunctata was first reported on the Chinese mainland in January 2022, but its distribution in China is still unclear. In this study, MaxEnt was used to predict the potential distribution of W. auropunctata in China based on known distribution points and climatic variables. The prediction results showed that most of the area south of the Yangtze River is potentially suitable for W. auropunctata, and temperature is the main factor affecting its distribution. The contemporary total suitable living area of W. auropunctata is 1,954,300 km2, accounting for 20.36% of China’s total land area. Further attention should be given to the potential impact of W. auropunctata invasions, and effective measures should be taken to eliminate the introduced population in China.
Nutrition Therapy Promotes Overall Survival in Cachectic Cancer Patients through a New Proposed Chemical-Physical Pathway: The TiCaCONCO Trial (A Randomized Controlled Single-Blinded Trial)
Authors: De Waele Elisabeth , Demol Joy , Huysentruyt Koen , Bjørklund Geir , Buyl Ronald , Laviano Alessandro , Pen Joeri J.
Published: November 2022

Cancer threatens nutritional status, and many patients will become cachectic with a negative impact on prognosis. In the TiCaCo pilot trial, we showed a positive effect of calorie matching Nutrition Therapy on both morbidity and mortality. We attempt to validate these results in the TiCaCONCO trial. In a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial, patients were treated with either intensive, individual biometric parameter-oriented dietary counseling (nutrition therapy or NT) for a maximum period of three months, or regular dietary counseling (control or CT), before and during conventional cancer treatment. Sixty patients were enrolled over a two-year period, with 30 receiving nutrition therapy and 30 being controls. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Overall survival at 12 months in all patients was 47% (14/30 patients) in the CT group with a median OS of 45.5 weeks, and 73% (22/30 patients) in the NT group with a median OS that was undefined (i.e., cannot be calculated, as >50% of patients in the NT group were still alive at the end of the study) (p = 0.0378). The survival difference still exists when only male patients are analyzed, but is not observed in female patients. Biophysical measurements were performed at 0, 3, and 12 months in all patients. In men, the differences between CT vs NT were statistically significant for body hydration (p = 0.0400), fat mass (p = 0.0480), total energy expenditure (p = 0.0320), and median overall survival at 12 months (p = 0.0390). At 3 months (end of the intervention), the differences between CT vs NT for body hydration were 73 ± 3% vs. 75 ± 5%, for fat mass 14 ± 4% vs. 19 ± 5%, and for total energy expenditure 2231 ± 637 Kcal vs. 2408 ± 369 Kcal. In women, the differences between CT vs NT were not statistically significant for body hydration (p = 1.898), fat mass (p = 0.9495), total energy expenditure (p = 0.2875) and median overall survival at 12 months (p = 0.6486). At 3 months (end of the intervention), the differences between CT vs. NT for body hydration were 74 ± 2% vs. 78 ± 5%, for fat mass 25 ± 7% vs. 29 ± 19%, and for TEE 1657 ± 297 Kcal vs. 1917 ± 120 Kcal. Nutrition Therapy, based on patient-specific biophysical parameters, including the measurement of metabolism by indirect calorimetry and body composition measurements by BIA, improves overall survival, at least in men. The mechanism would be increasing extra energy for the body, which is necessary to fight off cancer.
What Is Mathematical Giftedness? Associations with Intelligence, Openness, and Need for Cognition
Authors: Hansen Kaja , Johannsen Mieke , Langemeyer Laura , Krüger Nina
Published: November 2022

It is common practice in the educational system to foster high mathematical abilities in schools as well as in specific promotional programs. Still, little is known about the construct of mathematical giftedness itself. In line with intellectual investment theories, our study investigates the relationship between fluid intelligence (figural and numerical), openness, and the need for cognition with mathematical abilities. The current study is based on a sample (N = 115) of seventh graders participating in the application process for a promotion program. The results of our regression analyses show a positive link between fluid intelligence and mathematical abilities. However, neither the association with openness nor the need for cognition reached significance, emphasizing the importance of cognitive abilities for mathematical giftedness. Limitations and further directions are discussed.
Quantity and Quality in Scientific Productivity: The Tilted Funnel Goes Bayesian
Authors: Forthmann Boris , Dumas Denis
Published: November 2022

The equal odds baseline model of creative scientific productivity proposes that the number of high-quality works depends linearly on the number of total works. In addition, the equal odds baseline implies that the percentage of high-quality works and total number of works are uncorrelated. The tilted funnel hypothesis proposes that the linear regression implied by the equal odds baseline is heteroscedastic with residual variance in the quality of work increasing as a function of quantity. The aim of the current research is to leverage Bayesian statistical modeling of the equal odds baseline. Previous work has examined the tilted funnel by means of frequentist quantile regression, but Bayesian quantile regression based on the asymmetric Laplace model allows for only one conditional quantile at a time. Hence, we propose additional Bayesian methods, including Poisson modeling to study conditional variance as a function of quantity. We use a classical small sample of eminent neurosurgeons, as well as the brms Bayesian R package, to accomplish this work. In addition, we provide open code and data to allow interested researchers to extend our work and utilize the proposed modeling alternatives.
Cardiovascular Complications in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplanted Patients
Authors: Zhao Ying , He Rui , Oerther Sandra , Zhou Weiying , Vosough Massoud , Hassan Moustapha
Published: November 2022

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment for many patients suffering from hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, inborn errors of metabolism or genetic disorders. Despite decades of successful HSCT, clinical outcomes are still far from satisfactory due to treatment-related complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and cardiovascular complications (CVC). CVC may affect patients in the acute period post-HSCT; however, the occurrence is far higher among long-term survivors. Induction treatment using cardiotoxic treatments, e.g., anthracyclines and radiotherapy, conditioning regimens containing cyclophosphamide, and post-HSCT comorbidities, including GvHD, are factors contributing to CVC. Cardiac function evaluation prior to and post-transplantation is an important strategy for choosing the proper conditioning regimen, HSCT protocol and post-HSCT supportive care. Cardiac systolic function evaluation by echocardiography, in addition to serum cardiac biomarkers, such as troponins and brain natriuretic peptides, is recommended as a routine follow-up for HSCT patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-II-receptor blockers, and beta-blockers, which are mostly used for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, might be used as treatments for HSCT-related CVC. In summary, the present review reveals the urgent need for further investigations concerning HSCT-related CVC both at the preclinical and clinical levels due to the lack of knowledge about CVC and its underlying mechanisms.
Residential Heating Using Woody Biomass in Germany—Supply, Demand, and Spatial Implications
Authors: Syrbe Ralf-Uwe , Han Tran Thuc , Grunewald Karsten , Xiao Suili , Wende Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

Low-carbon energy requires more land than the non-renewable resources. This paper balances holistic assessments of the land demands for biomass heating and their ecosystem services. It is predicted that biomass will continue to play an important role in the heating sector in Germany by 2050, as it is one way to increase the use of renewable energy and reduce CO2 emissions. To balance this out, it is important to ensure that the substitution of fossil fuels with fuelwood does not result in losses in biodiversity, natural forest, and agricultural land. Based on the observed types of fuel demand, the need for space in terms of the growing area is characterized as the corresponding land under the consideration of a given land-use type. Formulas have been applied at the federal level in Germany. The area required to supply an average German household is 0.64 ha if all the wood harvested is used for energy purposes, but this is in competition with all other types of timber use. Fuelwood from thinning alone cannot meet the domestic demand. However, a sustainable supply of woody biomass is possible if residues mainly from forestry and the wood processing industry are used, causing a land demand of 2.69 ha per house, possibly in combination with smaller shares of the above-mentioned types of use. Thus, the shares of pellets and wood chips for heating purposes should be expanded, which would also bring ecological advantages. The qualitative consideration of forest ecosystem services shows that changing the forest composition or management may increase the fuelwood supply but does not necessarily decrease forest ecological services.
Park Design Informed by Stated Preference Choice: Integrating User Perspectives into the Development of an Off-Road Vehicle Park in Michigan
Authors: McCole Dan , Iretskaia Tatiana A. , Perry Elizabeth E. , Suh Jungho , Noyes John
Published: November 2022

At a time when many public park and recreational programs are required by local governments to be financially self-sustaining, it is critical for planners to design a new development with the end-user in mind. Feasibility studies often either do not examine user preferences or use Likert-type surveys to investigate features in isolation without evaluating trade-offs from financial and finite space limitations. This study used stated preference choice method (SPCM) to inform the initial design of an off-road vehicle (ORV) park. The park was developed near Detroit, Michigan, a metropolitan area with many registered ORVs, but few places to legally use them. The SPCM examined trade-offs among desired features and helped planners ensure publicly funded investments resulted in a successful park. Researchers mailed a survey with choice sets to 3935 registered ORV users and 2083 completed surveys were retuned (53%). Additional survey items also allowed researchers to create preference models for specific segments of users (i.e., serious ORV enthusiasts/casual users; residents/visitors; or users of different ORV types). The findings informed the design of the park by revealing preferences for segments, allowing planners to design the park for specific markets. The park’s initial success suggests a study in the design stage of development offers utility, though park managers have noticed unanticipated user segments that influence preferences for park features. The findings based on segments also suggest planners should be cautious when designing to an average user. Implications of this study are helpful to planners of any capital-intensive land-use project, especially in the public sector.
Review of Application of Machine Learning as a Screening Tool for Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Aiyer Ishan , Shaik Likhita , Sheta Alaa , Surani Salim
Published: November 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a pervasive disorder with an incidence estimated at 5–14 percent among adults aged 30–70 years. It carries significant morbidity and mortality risk from cardiovascular disease, including ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and cerebrovascular disease, and risks related to excessive daytime sleepiness. The gold standard for diagnosis of OSAS is the polysomnography (PSG) test which requires overnight evaluation in a sleep laboratory and expensive infrastructure, which renders it unsuitable for mass screening and diagnosis. Alternatives such as home sleep testing need patients to wear diagnostic instruments overnight, but accuracy continues to be suboptimal while access continues to be a barrier for many. Hence, there is a continued significant underdiagnosis and under-recognition of sleep apnea in the community, with at least one study suggesting that 80–90% of middle-aged adults with moderate to severe sleep apnea remain undiagnosed. Recently, we have seen a surge in applications of artificial intelligence and neural networks in healthcare diagnostics. Several studies have attempted to examine its application in the diagnosis of OSAS. Signals included in data analytics include Electrocardiogram (ECG), photo-pletysmography (PPG), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and audio signals. A different approach is to study the application of machine learning to use demographic and standard clinical variables and physical findings to try and synthesize predictive models with high accuracy in assisting in the triage of high-risk patients for sleep testing. The current paper will review this latter approach and identify knowledge gaps that may serve as potential avenues for future research.
Effect of Organo-Silanes Structure on the Properties of Silane-Crosslinked Membranes Based on Cardo Polybenzimidazole PBI-O-PhT
Authors: Lysova Anna A. , Ponomarev Igor I. , Skupov Kirill M. , Vtyurina Elizaveta S. , Lysov Kirill A. , Yaroslavtsev Andrey B.
Published: November 2022

Polybenzimidazoles (PBI) doped with phosphoric acid (PA) are promising electrolytes for medium temperature fuel cells. Their significant disadvantage is a partial or complete loss of mechanical properties and an increase in hydrogen permeability at elevated temperatures. Covalent silanol crosslinking is one possible way to stabilize PBI membranes in the presence of PA. Three organo-substituted silanes, namely (3-Bromopropyl)trimethoxysilane (SiBr), trimethoxy [2-(7-oxabicyclo [4.1.0]hept-3-yl)ethyl]silane (Si-biC) and (3-Glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (KH 560), were used as covalent crosslinkers of PBI-O-PhT in order to determine the effect of the silane structure and crosslinking degree on membrane properties. The crosslinking degree was 1–50%. All crosslinked membranes were characterized by impedance and IR-spectroscopy. The mechanical properties, morphology, stability and hydrogen permeability of the membranes were determined. In the case of silanes with linear substituents (SiBr, KH 560), a denser structure is formed, which is characterized by greater oxidative stability and lower hydrogen permeability in comparison to the silane with a bulk group. All the crosslinked membranes have a higher mechanical strength compared with the initial PBI-O-PhT membrane both before and after doping with PA. Despite the hardening of the polymer matrix of the membranes, their proton conductivity changes insignificantly. It was shown that cross-linked membranes can be used in fuel cells.
Crashworthiness Analysis of Square Aluminum Tubes Subjected to Oblique Impact: Experimental and Numerical Study on the Initial Contact Effect
Authors: Karantza Konstantina D. , Manolakos Dimitrios E.
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the crashworthiness behavior of square aluminum thin-walled tubes subjected to both axial and oblique impact loading, emphasizing the effects of crushing angle and initial contact between impactor and tube on the plastic collapse initiation and energy absorption capacity. A parametric study in crushing angle is conducted until 15°, while the two examined types of initial contact between impactor and tube consist of a contact-in-edge case and a contact-in-corner one, aiming to capture the effect of initial contact on both plastic collapse and energy absorption. Both experimental quasi-static tests and numerical simulation via finite element modeling in LS-DYNA software are carried out for the evaluation of the crushing response of the tested tubes. The 5° oblique cornered crushing revealed the greatest energy absorption, reflecting the most efficient loading case as significant tearing failure occurred around the tube corners in axial crushing due to a higher peak crushing force, while the increase in crushing angle caused a drop in energy absorption and peak force regarding the oblique loading. Finally, an initial contact-in-corner case revealed higher energy absorption compared to both axial and edged oblique loading, while peak force showed a slight decrease with crushing angle in that case.
Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) Coating on γ-TiAl Alloy: Investigation of Bioactivity and Corrosion Behavior in Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Salahshouri Fatemeh , Saebnoori Ehsan , Borghei Sina , Mossahebi-Mohammadi Majid , Bakhsheshi-Rad Hamid Reza , Berto Filippo
Published: November 2022

The effect of applied voltage (400, 450, and 500 V) on the microstructure, bioactivity, and corrosion rate of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings on γ-TiAl alloy was investigated. The microstructure and chemical composition of the achieved coatings were studied, along with their corrosion and bioactivity behaviors in simulated body fluid (SBF). The results demonstrated that the higher the coating′s surface pore, the greater the number of suitable sites for the formation of hydroxyapatite with a spherical structure. The coatings applied utilizing 400, 450, and 500 V displayed 59.4, 96.6, and 145 Ω.cm2 as their inner layer electrical resistances, respectively. The findings of the biological examination revealed that Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) displayed more cytocompatibility and had a higher capacity for cell attachment in the PEO-coated sample than in γ-TiAl, as a result of better initial cell attachment made possible by the topography of the 500 V PEO coatings. The latter has significant potential to be employed in orthopedic applications.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Kynurenine Pathway Enzymes and Their Relationship with Glioma Hallmarks
Authors: Vázquez Cervantes Gustavo Ignacio , Navarro Cossio Javier Ángel , Pérez de la Cruz Gonzalo , Salazar Aleli , Pérez de la Cruz Verónica , Pineda Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO), a rate limiting enzyme of the tryptophan catabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP), has been related with a lower survival and a poor patient prognosis on several solid tumors, including gliomas. However, the use of IDO inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment remains controversial in clinical trials and the role of other KP enzymes on tumor progression has remained poorly understood so far. Recently, different studies on different types of cancer have pointed out the importance of KP enzymes downstream IDO. Because of this, we conducted a bioinformatic analysis of the expression of different KP enzymes and their correlation with the gene expression of molecules related to the hallmarks of cancer in transcriptomic datasets from patients with different types of brain tumors including low grade gliomas, glioblastoma multiforme, neuroblastoma, and paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma. We found that KP enzymes that drive to NAD+ synthesis are overexpressed on different brain tumors compared to brain cortex data. Moreover, these enzymes presented positive correlations with the expression of genes related to immune response modulation, angiogenesis, Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) signaling, and Rho GTPase expression. These correlations suggest the relevance of the expression of the KP enzymes in brain tumor pathogenesis.
Research on Mechanisms of Improving Flotation Selectivity of Coal Slime by Adding Sodium Polyphosphate
Authors: Wang Yusai , Zhou Ying , He Qi , Xing Yaowen , Bao Xicheng , Gui Xiahui , Wang Lei
Published: November 2022

A high percentage of high-ash fine slime materials can deteriorate flotation selectivity through surface covering. This covering of the surface is one of the issues that need to be addressed for efficient flotation processing of difficult-to-separate and high-ash coals. In this study, we investigated the depression effect of SPP on high-ash fine mud by flotation kinetic tests. We also revealed the mechanism of SPP depression of fine slime flotation and enhanced flotation selectivity of difficult-to-separate and high-ash coals by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analyses. The results showed that under the best condition of SPP dosage, clean coal with 9.75% ash content and 76.76% yield was obtained. Compared to the blank group, the ash content of the clean coal decreased by 2.39%, while the yield was only reduced by 2.18% in the presence of SPP. The reason for this was that the addition of SPP enhanced the stripping and dispersion of the gangue from the coal particle surface. The result was a reduction in the cover of the coal grain surface and an increase in the hydrophobic sites on the coal surface, thereby depressing the non-selective flotation of the gangue and enhancing the adsorption of the collector on the coal surface. The ash content of the flotation concentrate decreased, but the yield remained almost unchanged, which was the main reason for the better performance of SPP as a depressant compared to conventional depressants.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of N-acyl Anabasine and Cytisine Derivatives with Adamantane, Pyridine and 1,2-Azole Fragments
Authors: Mukusheva Gulim K. , Zhasymbekova Aigerym R. , Zhumagalieva Zharkyn Zh. , Seidakhmetova Roza B. , Nurkenov Oralgazy A. , Akishina Ekaterina A. , Petkevich Sergey K. , Dikusar Evgenij A. , Potkin Vladimir I.
Published: November 2022

A series of N-acyl derivatives of anabasine and cytisine were prepared, to discover novel, natural product-based medicinal agents. All synthesized compounds were tested for antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and analgesic activity. The most pronounced antibacterial activity was shown by the compounds with isoxazole fragments, while the adamantane derivatives showed the greatest antiviral effect. It was found that the majority of anabasine derivatives showed significant analgesic activity, reducing the pain response of animals to the irritating effect of acetic acid. The presence of a high level of antimicrobial and antiviral activity in newly synthesized compounds makes it possible to consider them promising for further study of their pharmacological properties.
Synthesis and Antioxidative Properties of 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydropyridine Derivatives with Different Substituents in 4-Position
Authors: Aiello Daniele , Jonas Hendrik , Carbone Anna , Carbone Daniela , Pecoraro Camilla , Tesoriere Luisa , Köhler Jens , Wünsch Bernhard , Diana Patrizia
Published: November 2022

Natural products are an excellent source of inspiration for the development of new drugs. Among them, betalains have been extensively studied for their antioxidant properties and potential application as natural food dyes. Herein, we describe the seven-step synthesis of new betalamic acid analogs without carboxy groups in the 2- and 6-position with an overall yield of ~70%. The Folin–Ciocalteu assay was used to determine the antioxidant properties of protected intermediate 21. Additionally, the five-step synthesis of betalamic acid analog 35 with three ester moieties was performed. Using NMR techniques, the stability of the obtained compounds towards oxygen was analyzed.
Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Hydrodistillation Wastewaters from Five Lamiaceae Species
Authors: Napoli Edoardo , Ruberto Giuseppe , Carrubba Alessandra , Sarno Mauro , Muscarà Claudia , Speciale Antonio , Cristani Mariateresa , Cimino Francesco , Saija Antonella
Published: November 2022

Distillation is the most widely used method to obtain an essential oil from plant material. The biomass used in the process is returned as a solid residue together with variable amounts of water rich in water-soluble compounds, which currently are not addressed to any further application. The scope of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of wastewaters coming from hydrodistillation (DWWs) of five aromatic plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, and to assess their in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The phenolic profiles of the DWWs were determined by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI/MS. Free radical scavenging ability, oxygen radical antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase mimetic activity of the samples under study were measured. Moreover, to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the DWWs, an in vitro experimental model of intestinal inflammation was used. The DWW samples’ phytochemical analysis allowed the identification of 37 phenolic compounds, all exhibiting good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Our study contributes to the knowledge on the polyphenolic composition of the DWWs of five aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family. The results highlight the presence of compounds with proven biological activity, and therefore of great interest in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields.
Recent Advances on Natural Aryl-C-glycoside Scaffolds: Structure, Bioactivities, and Synthesis—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Liu Chen-Fu
Published: November 2022

Aryl-C-glycosides, of both synthetic and natural origin, are of great significance in medicinal chemistry owing to their unique structures and stability towards enzymatic and chemical hydrolysis as compared to O-glycosides. They are well-known antibiotics and potent enzyme inhibitors and possess a wide range of biological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic effects, and so on. Currently, a number of aryl-C-glycoside drugs are on sale for the treatment of diabetes and related complications. This review summarizes the findings on aryl-C-glycoside scaffolds over the past 20 years, concerning new structures (over 200 molecules), their bioactivities—including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antivirus, glycation inhibitory activities and other pharmacological effects—as well as their synthesis.
Anserine/Carnosine-Rich Extract from Thai Native Chicken Suppresses Melanogenesis via Activation of ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Teeravirote Karuntarat , Sutthanut Khaetthareeya , Thonsri Unchalee , Mahalapbutr Panupong , Seubwai Wunchana , Luang Sukanya , Tippayawat Patcharaporn , Kanthawong Sakawrat , Pipattanaboon Chonlatip , Duangjinda Monchai , Chankitisakul Vibuntita , Silsirivanit Atit
Published: November 2022

Skin hyperpigmentation is an aesthetic problem that leads to psychosocial issues. Thus, skin whitening agents from agro- and poultry-industrial co-products are considered high economic value ingredients of interest for sustainable application. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the cosmeceutical potential of anserine/carnosine-rich chicken extract (ACCE) from the Thai native chicken Pradu Hang Dam Mor Kor 55 (PD) meat. The chemical composition was identified and quantified using the HPLC-UV method. Then, the antioxidation potential of the extract was compared to that of L-anserine and L-carnosine, using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay and shikonin-induced production of reactive oxygen species in CCD-986Sk cell models, and the anti-melanogenesis effect in the MNT-1 melanoma cell line model was investigated. Furthermore, related mechanisms were identified using colorimetric tyrosinase assay and the Western blot technique. The ACCE was composed of L-anserine and L-carnosine as two major constituents. In a dose-dependent manner, ACCE, L-anserine, and L-carnosine manifested significant antioxidation potential and significant reduction of melanin production. Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and inhibition of tyrosinase activity of ACCE were demonstrated as the mechanisms of the anti-melanogenesis effect. In conclusion, ACCE has been revealed as a potential cosmeceutical agent due to its antioxidation and anti-melanogenic activity in association with L-anserine and L-carnosine composition and biomolecular regulating ability. Therefore, further studies and development should be considered to support the utilization of anserine/carnosine-rich chicken extract in the cosmetic industry for economic value creation and sustainability.
Methods for Elemental Analysis of Size-Resolved PM Samples Collected on Aluminium Foils: Results of an Intercomparison Exercise
Authors: Conca Eleonora , Malandrino Mery , Diana Aleandro , Abollino Ornella , Giacomino Agnese , Bartrolí Rafael , Moreno Teresa , Querol Xavier , Amato Fulvio
Published: November 2022

Aluminium is the most common substrate in studies using impactors for the measurement of the number or the weight of size-segregated atmospheric particulate matter (PM), as its characteristics perfectly fit impactor requirements. However, its use is not recommended by manufacturers when one of the purposes of the study is the determination of the metal content in the sample. The aim of this work was to develop an efficient analytical procedure for the removal and acid digestion of PM samples collected on aluminium foils by a cascade impactor to perform the determination of metals. The possibility of performing the trace metal analysis of PM samples collected using aluminium foils is of great importance, as it allows the determination of an accurate size distribution and the elemental composition of the PM collected on each impactor stage. Two procedures were optimised by using different digestion and analysis techniques. Both procedures were then applied to the two halves of several Dekati low-pressure impactor (DLPI) samples, and the results were critically compared. The two procedures proved to be effective in the determination of extremely low concentrations of a large suite of analytes in different size fractions of PM emitted by a brake system.
Scattering of N2 Molecules from Silica Surfaces: Effect of Polymorph and Surface Temperature
Authors: Rutigliano Maria , Pirani Fernando
Published: November 2022

The inelastic scattering of N2 molecules from silica surfaces, taken at 100 K, has been investigated by adopting a semiclassical collision model in conjunction with the appropriate treatment of the long-range interaction forces. Such forces promote the formation of the precursor state that controls all basic elementary processes occurring at the gas–surface interphase. The probabilities for the different elementary surface processes triggered by quartz are determined and compared with those recently obtained for another silica polymorph (cristobalite). In addition, the final roto-vibrational distributions of N2 molecules undergoing inelastic scattering have been characterized. N2 molecules, impinging on both considered surfaces in low-medium vibrational states, preserve the initial vibrational state, while those inelastically scattered are rotationally excited and translationally colder. The surface temperature effect, investigated by raising the temperature itself from 100 K up to 1000 K, emerges more sharply for the cristobalite polymorph, mainly for the molecules impinging in the ground roto-vibrational state and with low collision energies.
Assessment of the Catalytic Performances of Nanocomposites Materials Based on 13X Zeolite, Calcium Oxide and Metal Zinc Particles in the Residual Biomass Pyrolysis Process
Authors: David Elena , Kopac Janez
Published: November 2022

Nanocomposites based on 13X zeolite (13XZ), calcium oxide (CaO) and metal zinc particles (Zn) were prepared. The resulting nanocomposites were characterized by different techniques. Then, a comparative study on catalytic and noncatalytic pyrolysis of biomass waste was performed to establish the influence of nanocomposites used as catalysts on the yields and characteristics of liquid and solid products. Residual rapeseed biomass (RRB) was employed for pyrolysis experiments and a fixed bed reactor was used. By introducing CaO and metal zinc particles into 13X zeolite mass, the surface area (SBET) of nanocomposites was reduced, and this decrease is due to the introduction of nano-calcium carbonate and nano-zinc particles, which occupied an important space into zeolite structure. By adding CaO to 13XZ, the pore structure was changed and there was a decrease in the micropores volume. The analysis of the pore area distribution showed a hierarchical pore structure for nanocomposites. The elements composition showed that the main elements contained in nanocomposites are Si, Al, Ca and Zn, confirming the preservation of the zeolite structure. Using these nanocomposites as catalysts in pyrolysis process, the residual biomass could be valorized, producing bio-oil and biochar for the management and sustainability of this low-value waste.
A Core-Shell Approach for Systematically Coarsening Nanoparticle–Membrane Interactions: Application to Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Singhal Ankush , Sevink G. J. Agur
Published: November 2022

The continuous release of engineered nanomaterial (ENM) into the environment may bring about health concerns following human exposure. One important source of ENMs are silver nanoparticles (NPs) that are extensively used as anti-bacterial additives. The introduction of ENMs into the human body can occur via ingestion, skin uptake or the respiratory system. Therefore, evaluating how NPs translocate over bio-membranes is essential in assessing their primary toxicity. Unfortunately, data regarding membrane–NP interaction is still scarce, as is theoretical and in silico insight into what governs adhesion and translocation for the most relevant NPs and membranes. Coarse-grained (CG) molecular descriptions have the potential to alleviate this situation, but are hampered by the absence of a direct link to NP materials and membrane adhesion mechanisms. Here, we interrogate the relationship between the most common NP representation at the CG level and the adhesion characteristics of a model lung membrane. We find that this representation for silver NPs is non-transferable, meaning that a proper CG representation for one size is not suited for other sizes. We also identify two basic types of primary adhesion—(partial) NPs wrapping by the membrane and NP insertion into the membrane—that closely relate to the overall NP hydrophobicity and significantly differ in terms of lipid coatings. The proven non-transferability of the standard CG representation with size forms an inspiration for introducing a core-shell model even for bare NPs that are uniform in composition. Using existing all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) data as a reference, we show that this extension does allow us to reproduce size-dependent NP adhesion properties and lipid responses to NP binding at the CG level. The subsequent CGMD evaluation for 10 nm Ag NPs provides new insight into membrane binding for relevant NP sizes and into the role of water in trapping NPs into defected mixed monolayer–bilayer states. This development will be instrumental for simulating NP–membrane adhesion towards more experimentally relevant length and time scales for particular NP materials.
Thermochromic Smart Windows Assisted by Photothermal Nanomaterials
Authors: Zhao Yong , Ji Haining , Lu Mingying , Tao Jundong , Ou Yangyong , Wang Yi , Chen Yongxing , Huang Yan , Wang Junlong , Mao Yuliang
Published: November 2022

Thermochromic smart windows are optical devices that can regulate their optical properties actively in response to external temperature changes. Due to their simple structures and as they do not require other additional energy supply devices, they have great potential in building energy-saving. However, conventional thermochromic smart windows generally have problems with high response temperatures and low response rates. Owing to their great effect in photothermal conversion, photothermal materials are often used in smart windows to assist phase transition so that they can quickly achieve the dual regulation of light and heat at room temperature. Based on this, research progress on the phase transition of photothermal material-assisted thermochromic smart windows is summarized. In this paper, the phase transition mechanisms of several thermochromic materials (VO2, liquid crystals, and hydrogels) commonly used in the field of smart windows are introduced. Additionally, the applications of carbon-based nanomaterials, noble metal nanoparticles, and semiconductor (metal oxygen/sulfide) nanomaterials in thermochromic smart windows are summarized. The current challenges and solutions are further indicated and future research directions are also proposed.
Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analyses of Diverse Bartonella Species in Bat Ectoparasites Collected from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Kuang Guopeng , Zhang Jing , Yang Weihong , Pan Hong , Han Xi , Yang Lifen , Wang Juan , Yang Tian , Song Zhizhong , Feng Yun , Liang Guodong
Published: November 2022

Bartonella species has been validated as blood-borne bacteria in mammals and has a substantial opportunity to be harbored by a variety of hematophagous arthropod vectors. Bats, along with their ectoparasites, are recognized worldwide as one of the natural reservoir hosts for these bacteria. However, there have been few investigations of Bartonella bacteria toward a broad range of obligated bat ectoparasites in China. Here, molecular detection of Bartonella species was performed to survey the infection among bat ectoparasites and follow-up phylogenetic analyses to further characterize the evolutionary relationships of the genus. A total of 434 bat ectoparasites involving four types of arthropods, namely, bat mites, bat tick, bat fleas, and bat flies (further divided into traditionally fly-like bat flies and wingless bat flies) were collected in 10 trapping sites in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Bartonella was detected by PCR amplification and sequencing through four gene target fragments (gltA, ftsZ, rpoB, and ITS). Accordingly, diverse Bartonella species were discovered, including both the validated species and the novel genotypes, which were characterized into several geographical regions with high prevalence. Phylogenetic analyses based on gltA and multi-locus concatenated sequences both demonstrated strong phylogeny–trait associations of Bartonella species from bats and their parasitic arthropods, suggesting the occurrence of host switches and emphasizing the potential connecting vector role of these ectoparasites. Nevertheless, the maintenance and transmission of Bartonella in both bat and hemoparasite populations have not been fully understood, as well as the risk of spillage to humans, which warrants in-depth experimental studies focusing on these mammals and their ectoparasites.
Identifying Demographic, Clinical, Muscular and Histological Factors Associated with Ultrasound Cervical Multifidus Measurement Errors in a Chronic Neck Pain Population
Authors: Valera-Calero Juan Antonio , Navarro-Santana Marcos José , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Ortega-Santiago Ricardo
Published: November 2022

Ultrasound imaging (US) is a widely used imaging tool in physiotherapy for assessing muscle morphology and quality, among other purposes, such as ensuring the patients’ safety during invasive procedures or providing visual feedback during motor control exercises. Identifying factors associated with measurement errors is essential to target avoid bias in high-risk of bias populations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether demographic, clinical, muscular and histological factors are associated with ultrasound measurement errors in patients with idiopathic chronic neck pain. B-mode images were acquired and analyzed in 126 patients with chronic neck pain by two experienced examiners. Cross-sectional area, muscle perimeter, mean echo intensity and percentage of fatty infiltration were analyzed. The interexaminer agreement was assessed by calculating the absolute error, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable changes (MDC). A Pearson’s correlation matrix including all variables was calculated to conduct a multivariate linear stepwise regression model for estimating the explained variance for each measurement error. Results demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.965) for assessing the cross-sectional area, and good reliability for assessing the muscle perimeter, mean echo intensity and intramuscular infiltrates estimation (ICC = 0.898, 0.882 and 0.758, respectively). Although clinical variables were not associated with measurement errors (p > 0.05), multiple correlations were found between demographic and cervical multifidus characteristics with measurement errors.
Simulation of Friction Fault of Lightly Loaded Flywheel Bearing Cage and Its Fault Characteristics
Authors: Chen Changrui , Deng Zhongmin , Wang Hong , He Tian
Published: November 2022

Because of the operating environment and load, the main fault form of flywheel bearing is the friction fault between the cage and the rolling elements, which often lead to an increase in the friction torque of the bearing and even to the failure of the flywheel. However, due to the complex mechanism of the friction fault, the characteristic frequencies often used to indicate cage failure are not obvious, which makes it difficult to monitor and quantitatively judge such faults. Therefore, this paper studies the mechanism of the friction fault of the flywheel bearing cage and establishes its fault feature identification method. Firstly, the basic dynamic model of the bearing is established in this paper, and the friction between the cage and the rolling elements is simulated by the variable stiffness. The influence law of the bearing vibration response reveals the relationship between the periodic fluctuation of cage-rolling element friction failure and the bearing load. After analyzing the envelope spectrum of the vibration data, it was found that when a friction fault occurred between the cage and the rolling element, the rotation frequency component of the cage modulated the rotational frequency component of the rolling element, that is, the side frequency components appeared on both sides of the characteristic frequency of the rolling element (with the characteristic frequency of the cage as the interval). In addition, the modulation frequency components of the cage and rolling element changed with the severity of the fault. Then, a modulation sideband ratio method based on envelope spectrum was proposed to qualitatively diagnose the severity of the cage-rolling element friction faults. Finally, the effectiveness of the presented method was verified by experiments.