bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended Interportal Capsulotomy for Hip Arthroscopy, a Single-Center Clinical Experience
Authors: Fırat Ahmet , Veizi Enejd , Koutserimpas Christos , Alkan Hilmi , Şahin Ali , Güven Şahan , Erdoğan Yasin
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives: The number of hip arthroscopy procedures is on the rise worldwide, and awareness regarding proper management of the hip capsule has increased. No capsulotomy shape is agreed upon as a standard approach, with literature supporting both isolated interportal and T-shaped capsulotomies. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to report the clinical results of a standardized extended interportal capsulotomy (EIPC) during hip arthroscopy. Materials and Methods: Patients operated on between 2017 and 2020 with a hip arthroscopy were eligible. The inclusion criteria were ages 18–60 years, failed non-operative treatment, and at least a 2-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria were bilateral femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAS) cases or labral lesions, ipsilateral knee injury, history of ipsilateral hip surgery, and significant spine lesions. Data regarding demographic characteristics such as age, gender, operation date, BMI, but also Beighton score, presence of postoperative pudendal nerve damage, and revision for any reason were gathered from patients’ records. All patients were evaluated preoperatively with a visual analog scale (VAS), the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Results: Of the 97 patients operated on with a hip arthroscopy between the defined dates, only 90 patients were included. The mean age was 37.9 ± 9.8, and 58.9% of patients were male. The most frequent surgical indication was an isolated FAS lesion (73.3%), followed by FAS associated with a labral tear (12.2%), an isolated labrum tear (10.0%), synovitis (3.3%), and a loose body (1.1%). The mean follow-up for the study cohort was 39.3 months. The majority of the patients had uneventful surgeries (76.7%), while there were three cases of sciatic nerve neuropraxia and 12 cases of pudendal nerve neuropraxia. Two patients underwent revision surgery during the study period. Comparison between preoperative and postoperative clinical scores showed a significant improvement with a final mHHS mean value of 67.7 ± 18.2, an HOOS value of 74.1 ± 13.2, and a low VAS score of 1.3 ± 1.2. Conclusions: A hip arthroscopy procedure with a standardized and unrepaired, extended interportal capsulotomy is a safe procedure with satisfactory mid-term results and high overall patient satisfaction. At a minimum of 2 years and a mean of 39.2 months, patients showed improved clinical scores and a low revision rate.
The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Patients with Severe Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Prospective Study from a Single Referral Center
Authors: Rudienė Virginija , Kaplerienė Lina , Laukytė-Slėnienė Monika , Žebrauskienė Dovilė , Averjanovaitė Vaida , Šileikienė Virginija , Zeleckienė Ingrida , Matačiūnas Mindaugas , Gumbienė Lina , Grigonienė Eglė
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives. COVID-19 infection has a significant burden on global morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly people and in patients with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection on patients diagnosed with severe chronic PH. Materials and Methods. A single-center prospective cohort study was performed. Patients were enrolled from 1 November 2020 to 31 December 2022. Follow-up was until 31 December 2023. Data were collected on PH diagnosis, clinical presentation, outcomes, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, pulmonary function test with lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) analysis. Results. During the 26 months of our study, 51 PH patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. The majority, 44 (86.3%) of all COVID-19 infected patients, were treated on an outpatient basis, and 7 (13.7%) required hospitalization. During the follow-up period, 8 (15.7%) patients died: 4 (7.8%) due to complications of COVID-19 infection, and the other 4 (7.8%) died in the later stages of the follow-up period after recovery from acute COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the in-hospital mortality in our study was 43% (n = 3). As mentioned above, the overall mortality was 7.8% (n = 4). Higher BNP levels in the third month after COVID-19 were associated with higher mortality rates (p = 0.028). Lung function, including DLCO, did not significantly worsen with COVID-19. In our study, 24 patients (47.1%) were referred for a follow-up CTPA scan and one of them developed typical fibrotic lung changes after COVID-19. Conclusions. The incidence of COVID-19 infection in patients diagnosed with PH was 34%. In our patients with severe chronic PH, the overall mortality rate due to COVID-19 infection was low. Pulmonary fibrosis was a rare complication in our cohort. COVID-19 infection in severe PH may increase the risk of worsening chronic heart failure.
Survival Analysis of Glass Ionomer Cement and Resin-Based Sealant Retention: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Petrauskienė Sandra , Saldūnaitė-Mikučionienė Kristina , Narbutaitė Julija
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective: Sealant application is a proven method to prevent occlusal caries; however, long-term studies on this topic are scarce. This study aimed to assess the survival rate and clinical effectiveness of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and resin-based sealants (RBSs) on second permanent molars over a long-term follow-up period. Materials and methods: Sixteen patients aged 11–13 years with all four completely erupted permanent second molars were enrolled in the study. All patients attended 1-year and 3-year follow-ups; however, one participant did not respond after 10 years and was excluded from the final analyses. The oral health status evaluation was based on WHO criteria. A total of 32 teeth received an RBS (Clinpro), and a further 32 teeth were sealed with GIC (Fuji IX). The sealant retention was determined according to the Kilpatrick criteria after 1 year, 3 years, and 10 years, respectively. Statistical analysis included a chi-square test, the Kaplan–Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: At baseline, seven boys and eight girls participated in the study, with a mean age of 12.3 ± 0.9 years. The 1-year follow-up results revealed that 90% of the RBSs and 43.3% of the GIC sealants were completely retained, and no caries lesions were recorded (p = 0.01). The 3-year follow-up results showed that 23.3% of the RBSs and 0% of the GIC sealants demonstrated complete retention (p = 0.034). Moreover, 10.0% of the occlusal surfaces in the RBS group and 13.3% of the occlusal surfaces in the GIC group were filled (p > 0.05). A total of 6.7% of the RBSs showed complete retention. One-third of the sealed teeth (30.0% of the teeth sealed with RBSs and 36.7% of teeth applied with GIC) were filled after 10 years. The Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated a higher survival rate in the RBS group when compared with the GIC over the entire follow-up period (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Although the survival rate of RBSs was higher than GIC sealants, their effectiveness in preventing fissure caries in permanent second molars did not differ significantly over a 10-year follow-up.
Time Incongruences and Wait Crafting
Authors: Nöhammer Elisabeth
Published: May 2024

A lot of time and effort is put into reducing waiting times in organizational life. However, jobs can include phases of waiting. The aim of this conceptual paper is to analyze waiting on the job level and provide a theoretical rationale for individual management of waiting times of employees. Wait crafting is introduced based on (job) crafting and its advantages for individuals and organizations outlined. Steps towards integrating the possibility of job crafting and needs for future research are indicated.
Methane Advances: Trends and Summary from Selected Studies
Authors: Akpasi Stephen Okiemute , Akpan Joseph Samuel , Amune Ubani Oluwaseun , Olaseinde Ayodeji Arnold , Kiambi Sammy Lewis
Published: May 2024

The role of methane (CH4) in the 21st century presents a critical dilemma. Its abundance and clean-burning nature make it a promising energy source, while its potent greenhouse effect threatens climate stability. Despite its potent greenhouse gas (GHG) nature, CH4 remains a crucial energy resource. However, advancements in CH4 capture, utilization, and emissions mitigation are rapidly evolving, necessitating a critical assessment of the advances, their potential, and challenges. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the current state of the art in these advancements, particularly focusing on the emissions trends, with corresponding global warming potentials of projected CH4 emissions, and a discussion on the advances that have been made towards reducing the impacts of CH4 emissions. The areas of these advances include measurement, computational, numerical modeling, and simulation studies for CH4, emerging technologies for CH4 production, management and control, the nexus of CH4 –X, and case study applications in countries. This study reports on these advances, which involves a technical review of studies, mainly from the last decade, discussing the technical feasibility, economic viability, and environmental impact of these advancements. Our trend analysis reveals that even though the share of CH4 in the GHG mix has been around 19% compared with carbon dioxide (CO2), still, CH4 reduction would need to be highly subsidized because of the high global warming potential it has, compared with CO2. We conclude that while significant progress has been made, further research and development are essential to optimize the performance, scalability, and affordability of these advancements. Additionally, robust policy frameworks and international collaborations are crucial to ensure widespread adoption and maximize the potential that comes with the advancements in the mitigation of the impact of CH4 emission. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on balancing the potentials of CH4 with its environmental footprint, paving the way for a future where this versatile resource can be utilized sustainably.
DAM SRAM CORE: An Efficient High-Speed and Low-Power CIM SRAM CORE Design for Feature Extraction Convolutional Layers in Binary Neural Networks
Authors: Zhao Ruiyong , Gong Zhenghui , Liu Yulan , Chen Jing
Published: May 2024

This article proposes a novel design for an in-memory computing SRAM, the DAM SRAM CORE, which integrates storage and computational functionality within a unified 11T SRAM cell and enables the performance of large-scale parallel Multiply–Accumulate (MAC) operations within the SRAM array. This design not only improves the area efficiency of the individual cells but also realizes a compact layout. A key highlight of this design is its employment of a dynamic aXNOR-based computation mode, which significantly reduces the consumption of both dynamic and static power during the computational process within the array. Additionally, the design innovatively incorporates a self-stabilizing voltage gradient quantization circuit, which enhances the computational accuracy of the overall system. The 64 × 64 bit DAM SRAM CORE in-memory computing core was fabricated using the 55 nm CMOS logic process and validated via simulations. The experimental results show that this core can deliver 5-bit output results with 1-bit input feature data and 1-bit weight data, while maintaining a static power consumption of 0.48 mW/mm2 and a computational power consumption of 11.367 mW/mm2. This showcases its excellent low-power characteristics. Furthermore, the core achieves a data throughput of 109.75 GOPS and exhibits an impressive energy efficiency of 21.95 TOPS/W, which robustly validate the effectiveness and advanced nature of the proposed in-memory computing core design.
Microbial Community and Metabolome Analysis of the Porcine Intestinal Damage Model Induced by the IPEC-J2 Cell Culture-Adapted Porcine Deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) Infection
Authors: Shi Ying , Li Benqiang , Cheng Jinghua , Tao Jie , Tang Pan , Jiao Jiajie , Liu Huili
Published: May 2024

This study was conducted to elucidate the intestinal damage induced by the IPEC-J2 cell culture-passaged PDCoV. The results showed that PDCoV disrupted the intestinal structure and increased intestinal permeability, causing abnormalities in mucosal pathology. Additionally, PDCoV induced an imbalance in the intestinal flora and disturbed its stability. Microbial community profiling revealed bacterial enrichment (e.g., Proteobacteria) and reduction (e.g., Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) in the PDCoV-inoculated piglet model. In addition, metabolomics analysis indicated that 82 named differential metabolites were successfully quantified, including 37 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated metabolites. Chenodeoxycholic acid, sphingosine, and oleanolic aldehyde levels were reduced in PDCoV-inoculated piglets, while phenylacetylglycine and geranylgeranyl-PP levels were elevated. Correlation analysis indicated a negative correlation between Escherichia-Shigella and choline, succinic acid, creatine, phenyllactate, and hippuric acid. Meanwhile, Escherichia-Shigella was positively correlated with acetylcholine, L-Glutamicacid, and N-Acetylmuramate. Roseburia, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010, Blautia, and Limosilactobacillus were negatively and positively correlated with sphingosine, respectively. These data suggested PDCoV-inoculated piglets exhibited significant taxonomic perturbations in the gut microbiome, which may result in a significantly altered metabolomic profile.
Characterization of Escherichia coli Strains for Novel Production of Plasmodium ovale Lactate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Choi Jae-Won , Ha Sang-Oh , Kim Yeon-Jun , Shin Jun-Seop , Choi Min-Ji , Yu Si-Eun , Han Junghun , Park Eun-Ji , Park Kyoung Sik , Kang Jung Hoon
Published: May 2024

Malaria is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide with high incidence and mortality. Among the five species that can infect humans, Plasmodium ovale morphologically resembles Plasmodium vivax, resulting in misidentification and confusion in diagnosis, and is responsible for malarial disease relapse due to the formation of hypnozoites. P. ovale receives relatively less attention compared to other major parasites, such as P. falciparum and P. vivax, primarily due to its lower pathogenicity, mortality rates, and prevalence rates. To efficiently produce lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a major target for diagnosing malaria, this study used three Escherichia coli strains, BL21(DE3), BL21(DE3)pLysS, and Rosetta(DE3), commonly used for recombinant protein production. These strains were characterized to select the optimal strain for P. ovale LDH (PoLDH) production. Gene cloning for recombinant PoLDH production and transformation of the three strains for protein expression were performed. The optimal PoLDH overexpression and washing buffer conditions in nickel-based affinity chromatography were established to ensure high-purity PoLDH. The yields of PoLDH expressed by the three strains were as follows: BL21(DE3), 7.6 mg/L; BL21(DE3)pLysS, 7.4 mg/L; and Rosetta(DE3), 9.5 mg/L. These findings are expected to be highly useful for PoLDH-specific diagnosis and development of antimalarial therapeutics.
Isolation of Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus from Estuarine Waters, and Genotyping of V. vulnificus Isolates Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Miyoshi Shin-ichi , Kurata Megumi , Hirose Riho , Yoshikawa Masaya , Liang Yong , Yamagishi Yosuke , Mizuno Tamaki
Published: May 2024

Bacteria in the genus Vibrio are ubiquitous in estuarine and coastal waters. Some species (including Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus) are known human pathogens causing ailments like cholera, diarrhea, or septicemia. Notably, V. vulnificus can also cause a severe systemic infection (known as vibriosis) in eels raised in aquaculture facilities. Water samples were periodically collected from the estuary of the Asahi River, located in the southern part of Okayama City, Japan. These samples were directly plated onto CHROMagar Vibrio plates, and colonies displaying turquoise-blue coloration were selected. Thereafter, polymerase chain reaction was used to identify V. cholerae and V. vulnificus. A total of 30 V. cholerae strains and 194 V. vulnificus strains were isolated during the warm season when the water temperature (WT) was higher than 20 °C. Concurrently, an increase in coliforms was observed during this period. Notably, V. vulnificus has two genotypes, designated as genotype 1 and genotype 2. Genotype 1 is pathogenic to humans, while genotype 2 is pathogenic to both humans and eels. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification method was developed to rapidly determine genotypes at a low cost. Of the 194 strains isolated, 80 (41.2%) were identified as genotype 1 strains. Among the 41 strains isolated when the WTs were higher than 28 °C, 25 strains (61.0%) belonged to genotype 1. In contrast, of the 32 strains isolated when the WTs were lower than 24 °C, 27 strains (84.4%) belonged to genotype 2. These results suggest that the distribution of the two genotypes was influenced by WT.
New Species-Specific Real-Time PCR Assays for Colletotrichum Species Causing Bitter Rot of Apple
Authors: McHenry Diana J. , Aćimović Srđan G.
Published: May 2024

Bitter rot of apple is an economically important worldwide disease caused by different Colletotrichum species, depending on many factors such as climate, geography, other hosts, and crop management practices. Culture, morphology, and single-locus sequencing-based methods for identifying the Colletotrichum species are severely limited in effectiveness, while the multilocus sequence typing methods available for delineating species are costly, time-intensive, and require high expertise. We developed species-specific hydrolysis probe real-time PCR assays for the following nine Colletotrichum species causing bitter rot in the Mid-Atlantic U.S.A.: C. fructicola, C. chrysophilum, C. noveboracense, C. gloeosporioides s.s., C. henanense, C. siamense and C. theobromicola from the C. gloeosporioides species complex, and C. fioriniae and C. nymphaeae from the C. acutatum species complex. After searching 14 gene regions, we designed primers and probes in 5 of them for the nine target species. Four primer–probe set pairs were able to be duplexed. Sensitivity tests showed as little as 0.5 pg DNA were detectable. These real-time PCR assays will provide rapid and reliable identification of these key Colletotrichum species and will be critically important for studies aiming to elucidate their biology, epidemiology, and management on apples as the number one produced and consumed tree fruit in the U.S.A.
Wine Barrel Biofilm as a Source of Yeasts with Non-Conventional Properties
Authors: Perpetuini Giorgia , Rossetti Alessio Pio , Rapagnetta Arianna , Arfelli Giuseppe , Prete Roberta , Tofalo Rosanna
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the main microbial groups characterizing the interior surface of oak barrels from different years (1890, 1895, 1920, 1975, 2008) used in the production of vino cotto. The yeasts were characterized for the following properties: γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production, antioxidant activity, air–liquid interfacial biofilm formation, and anthocyanin adsorption capacity. Community-level physiological profile analysis revealed that the microbial communities inside the barrels used the tested carbon sources in different manners. The following yeast species were identified: Millerozyma farinosa, Zygosaccharomyces bisporus, Wickerhamiella versatilis, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Starmerella lactis-condensi, and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii. All the strains were able to produce GABA, and S. lactis-condensi, Z. bisporus and Z. rouxii were the highest producers (more than 600 mg/L). The Z. rouxii and Z. bailii strains showed the highest antioxidant activity. Only seven strains out of ten M. farinosa formed air–liquid interfacial biofilm. None of the M. farinosa strains adsorbed anthocyanins on their cell wall. The other strains adsorbed anthocyanins in a strain-dependent way, and the highest adsorption was observed for the W. versatilis strains. The yeasts isolated in this study could be used to increase the functional properties and the quality of fermented foods and beverages.
What do We Know about Cryptic Aspergillosis?
Authors: Geremia Nicholas , Giovagnorio Federico , Colpani Agnese , De Vito Andrea , Caruana Giorgia , Meloni Maria Chiara , Madeddu Giordano , Panese Sandro , Parisi Saverio Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

Cryptic Aspergillus species are increasingly recognized as pathogens involved in human disease. They are ubiquitarian fungi with high tenacity in their environment and can express various resistance mechanisms, often due to exposure to antifungal agents employed in agriculture and farming. The identification of such species is increasing thanks to molecular techniques, and a better description of this type of pathogen is granted. Nevertheless, the number of species and their importance in the clinical setting still need to be well studied. Furthermore, their cross-sectional involvement in animal disease, plants, and human activities requires a multidisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields. This comprehensive review aims to provide a sharp vision of the cryptic Aspergillus species, from the importance of correct identification to the better management of the infections caused by these pathogens. The review also accentuates the importance of the One Health approach for this kind of microorganism, given the interconnection between environmental exposure and aspergillosis, embracing transversely the multidisciplinary process for managing the cryptic Aspergillus species. The paper advocates the need for improving knowledge in this little-known species, given the burden of economic and health implications related to the diffusion of these bugs.
The Role of Metallurgical Features in the Microbially Influenced Corrosion of Carbon Steel: A Critical Review
Authors: Javed Muhammad Awais , Ivanovich Nicolò , Messinese Elena , Liu Ruiliang , Astorga Solange E. , Yeo Yee Phan , Idapalapati Sridhar , Lauro Federico M. , Wade Scott A.
Published: May 2024

Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) is a potentially critical degradation mechanism for a wide range of materials exposed to environments that contain relevant microorganisms. The likelihood and rate of MIC are affected by microbiological, chemical, and metallurgical factors; hence, the understanding of the mechanisms involved, verification of the presence of MIC, and the development of mitigation methods require a multidisciplinary approach. Much of the recent focus in MIC research has been on the microbiological and chemical aspects, with less attention given to metallurgical attributes. Here, we address this knowledge gap by providing a critical synthesis of the literature on the metallurgical aspects of MIC of carbon steel, a material frequently associated with MIC failures and widely used in construction and infrastructure globally. The article begins by introducing the process of MIC, then progresses to explore the complexities of various metallurgical factors relevant to MIC in carbon steel. These factors include chemical composition, grain size, grain boundaries, microstructural phases, inclusions, and welds, highlighting their potential influence on MIC processes. This review systematically presents key discoveries, trends, and the limitations of prior research, offering some novel insights into the impact of metallurgical factors on MIC, particularly for the benefit of those already familiar with other aspects of MIC. The article concludes with recommendations for documenting metallurgical data in MIC research. An appreciation of relevant metallurgical attributes is essential for a critical assessment of a material’s vulnerability to MIC to advance research practices and to broaden the collective knowledge in this rapidly evolving area of study.
Synthetic Peptides Selected by Immunoinformatics as Potential Tools for the Specific Diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Moreira Gabriel , Maia Rodrigo , Soares Nathália , Ostolin Thais , Coura-Vital Wendel , Aguiar-Soares Rodrigo , Ruiz Jeronimo , Resende Daniela , de Brito Rory , Reis Alexandre , Roatt Bruno
Published: May 2024

Diagnosing canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in Brazil faces challenges due to the limitations regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the current diagnostic protocol. Therefore, it is urgent to map new antigens or enhance the existing ones for future diagnostic techniques. Immunoinformatic tools are promising in the identification of new potential epitopes or antigen candidates. In this study, we evaluated peptides selected by epitope prediction for CVL serodiagnosis in ELISA assays. Ten B-cell epitopes were immunogenic in silico, but two peptides (peptides No. 45 and No. 48) showed the best performance in vitro. The selected peptides, both individually and in combination, were highly diagnostically accurate, with sensitivities ranging from 86.4% to 100% and with a specificity of approximately 90%. We observed that the combination of peptides showed better performance when compared to peptide alone, by detecting all asymptomatic dogs, showing lower cross-reactivity in sera from dogs with other canine infections, and did not detect vaccinated animals. Moreover, our data indicate the potential use of immunoinformatic tools associated with ELISA assays for the selection and evaluation of potential new targets, such as peptides, applied to the diagnosis of CVL.
Metagenomic and Culturomics Analysis of Microbial Communities within Surface Sediments and the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in a Pristine River: The Zaqu River in the Lancang River Source Region, China
Authors: Yan Yi , Xu Jialiang , Huang Wenmin , Fan Yufeng , Li Zhenpeng , Tian Mingkai , Ma Jinsheng , Lu Xin , Liang Jian
Published: May 2024

Microbial communities inhabiting sedimentary environments in river source regions serve as pivotal indicators of pristine river ecosystems. While the correlation between antibiotic resistome and pathogenicity with core gut bacteria in humans is well established, there exists a significant knowledge gap concerning the interaction of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and human pathogenic bacteria (HPB) with specific microbes in river source basins, often referred to as “terrestrial gut”. Understanding the microbial composition, including bacteria and resident genetic elements such as ARGs, HPB, Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs), and Virulence Factors (VFs), within natural habitats against the backdrop of global change, is imperative. To address this gap, an enrichment-based culturomics complementary along with metagenomics was conducted in this study to characterize the microbial biobank and provide preliminary ecological insights into profiling the dissemination of ARGs in the Lancang River Source Basin. Based on our findings, in the main stream of the Lancang River Source Basin, 674 strains of bacteria, comprising 540 strains under anaerobic conditions and 124 under aerobic conditions, were successfully isolated. Among these, 98 species were identified as known species, while 4 were potential novel species. Of these 98 species, 30 were HPB relevant to human health. Additionally, bacA and bacitracin emerged as the most abundant ARGs and antibiotics in this river, respectively. Furthermore, the risk assessment of ARGs predominantly indicated the lowest risk rank (Rank Ⅳ) in terms of endangering human health. In summary, enrichment-based culturomics proved effective in isolating rare and unknown bacteria, particularly under anaerobic conditions. The emergence of ARGs showed limited correlation with MGEs, indicating minimal threats to human health within the main stream of the Lancang River Source Basin.
Antiparasitic Activity of Enterocin M and Durancin-like from Beneficial Enterococci in Mice Experimentally Infected with Trichinella spiralis
Authors: Petrová Miroslava , Hurníková Zuzana , Lauková Andrea , Dvorožňáková Emília
Published: May 2024

Beneficial/probiotic strains protect the host from pathogens by competitive displacement and production of antibacterial substances, i.e., bacteriocins. The antiparasitic potential of bacteriocins/enterocins and their producing strains in experimental murine trichinellosis were tested as a new therapeutic strategy. Enterocin M and Durancin-like and their producers Enterococcus faecium CCM8558 and Enterococcus durans ED26E/7 were administered daily to mice that were challenged with Trichinella spiralis. Our study confirmed the antiparasitic effect of enterocins/enterococci, which reduced the number of adults in the intestine (Enterocin M—43.8%, E. faecium CCM8558—54.5%, Durancin-like—16.4%, E. durans ED26E/7—35.7%), suppressed the Trichinella reproductive capacity ex vivo (Enterocin M—61%, E. faecium CCM8558—74%, Durancin-like—38%, E. durans ED26E/7—66%), and reduced the number of muscle larvae (Enterocin M—39.6%, E. faecium CCM8558—55.7%, Durancin-like—15%, E. durans ED26E/7—36.3%). The direct effect of enterocins on Trichinella fecundity was documented by an in vitro test in which Durancin-like showed a comparable reducing effect to Enterocin M (40–60%) in contrast to the ex vivo test. The reducing activity of T.spiralis infection induced by Enterocin M was comparable to its strain E. faecium CCM8558; Durancin-like showed lower antiparasitic activity than its producer E. durans ED26E/7.
Preparation of Yellowing-Resistant Waterborne Polyurethane Modified with Disulfide Bonds
Authors: Li Guorong , Duan Baorong , Leng Guorui , Liu Junjie , Zhang Tong , Lu Zhenwei , Wang Shanshan , Qu Jiale
Published: May 2024

Waterborne polyurethane, renowned for its lightweight properties, excellent insulation capabilities, and corrosion resistance, has found extensive application in fields such as construction, automotive, leather, and thermal insulation. Nevertheless, during operational usage, waterborne polyurethane materials, akin to other polymeric substances, are susceptible to oxidative aging manifestations like yellowing, cracking, and diminished mechanical performance, significantly curtailing their utility. Consequently, the synthesis of yellowing-resistant polyurethane assumes pivotal significance. This study integrates dynamic reversible reactions into the synthesis process of polyurethane by introducing the dynamic reversible compound 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide as a chain extender, alongside the incorporation of a UV absorber to enhance the polyurethane’s resistance to yellowing. When the disulfide bonds absorb heat, they undergo cleavage, yielding thiols that spontaneously recombine into disulfide bonds at ambient temperatures, allowing for the continuous breaking and reformation of disulfide bonds to absorb heat. Concurrently, in collaboration with the UV absorber, the detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation on the polyurethane material are mitigated, thereby augmenting its resistance to yellowing. This study scrutinizes the positioning of UV absorber addition, the quantity of UV absorber, and the molar ratio of 1,4-butanediol to 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide, characterizing the functional groups of polyurethane through infrared and Raman spectroscopy. It is observed that the successful preparation of yellowing-resistant polyurethane is achieved, and evaluations on the modified polyurethane through color difference, tensile, and centrifugal tests reveal that the optimal yellowing resistance is attained by adding a UV absorber at a mass fraction of 1% to 3% prior to chain extension, resulting in a color change grade of 2, denoting slight discoloration. Simultaneously, the other properties of polyurethane exhibit relative stability. Notably, when the molar ratio of 1,4-butanediol to 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide is 3:2, the overall performance of the polyurethane remains stable, with exceptional yellowing resistance capabilities attaining a color change grade of 2.
Research Progress in Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms of Angelica sinensis against Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Chen Linlin , Fan Bei , Wang Fengzhong , Song Yang , Wang Xizhi , Meng Ying , Chen Yumin , Xia Qing , Sun Jing
Published: May 2024

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (A. sinensis) is a medicinal and edible values substance, which could promote blood circulation and enrich blood. It possesses rich chemical components and nutrients, which have significant therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the elderly, especially in improving ischemic damage to the heart and brain, protecting vascular cells, and regulating inflammatory reactions. This article reviews the main pharmacological effects and clinical research of A. sinensis on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in recent years, explores the effect of its chemical components on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by regulating the expression of functional proteins and inhibiting inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and antioxidant mechanisms. It provides a reference for further research on A. sinensis and the development of related drugs. It provides a new reference direction for the in-depth research and application of A. sinensis in the prevention, improvement, and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Voltammetric Sensing of Chloride Based on a Redox-Active Complex: A Terpyridine-Co(II)-Dipyrromethene Functionalized Anion Receptor Deposited on a Gold Electrode
Authors: Malecka-Baturo Kamila , Daniels Mathias , Dehaen Wim , Radecka Hanna , Radecki Jerzy , Grabowska Iwona
Published: May 2024

A redox-active complex containing Co(II) connected to a terpyridine (TPY) and dipyrromethene functionalized anion receptor (DPM-AR) was created on a gold electrode surface. This host-guest supramolecular system based on a redox-active layer was used for voltammetric detection of chloride anions in aqueous solutions. The sensing mechanism was based on the changes in the redox activity of the complex observed upon binding of the anion to the receptor. The electron transfer coefficient (α) and electron transfer rate constant (k0) for the modified gold electrodes were calculated based on Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) experiments results. On the other hand, the sensing abilities were examined using Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV). More importantly, the anion receptor was selective to chloride, resulting in the highest change in Co(II) current intensity and allowing to distinguish chloride, sulfate and bromide. The proposed system displayed the highest sensitivity to Cl− with a limit of detection of 0.50 fM. The order of selectivity was: Cl− > SO42− > Br−, which was confirmed by the binding constants (K) and reaction coupling efficiencies (RCE).
Defects and Defect Passivation in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Zhanwei , Gao Hongli , Wu Dandan , Meng Junhua , Deng Jinxiang , Cui Min
Published: May 2024

Perovskite solar cells have made significant strides in recent years. However, there are still challenges in terms of photoelectric conversion efficiency and long-term stability associated with perovskite solar cells. The presence of defects in perovskite materials is one of the important influencing factors leading to subpar film quality. Adopting additives to passivate defects within perovskite materials is an effective approach. Therefore, we first discuss the types of defects that occur in perovskite materials and the mechanisms of their effect on performance. Then, several types of additives used in perovskite solar cells are discussed, including ionic compounds, organic molecules, polymers, etc. This review provides guidance for the future development of more sustainable and effective additives to improve the performance of solar cells.
Hydrothermally Synthesized ZnCr- and NiCr-Layered Double Hydroxides as Hydrogen Evolution Photocatalysts
Authors: Kurnosenko Sergei A. , Silyukov Oleg I. , Rodionov Ivan A. , Baeva Anna S. , Burov Andrei A. , Kulagina Alina V. , Novikov Silvestr S. , Zvereva Irina A.
Published: May 2024

The layered double hydroxides (LDHs) of transition metals are of great interest as building blocks for the creation of composite photocatalytic materials for hydrogen production, environmental remediation and other applications. However, the synthesis of most LDHs is reported only by the conventional coprecipitation method, which makes it difficult to control the catalyst’s crystallinity. In the present study, ZnCr- and NiCr-LDHs have been successfully prepared using a facile hydrothermal approach. Varying the hydrothermal synthesis conditions allowed us to obtain target products with a controllable crystallite size in the range of 2–26 nm and a specific surface area of 45–83 m2∙g−1. The LDHs synthesized were investigated as photocatalysts of hydrogen generation from aqueous methanol. It was revealed that the photocatalytic activity of ZnCr-LDH samples grows monotonically with the increase in their average crystallite size, while that of NiCr-LDH ones reaches a maximum with intermediate-sized crystallites and then decreases due to the specific surface area reduction. The concentration dependence of the hydrogen evolution activity is generally consistent with the standard Langmuir–Hinshelwood model for heterogeneous catalysis. At a methanol content of 50 mol. %, the rate of hydrogen generation over ZnCr- and NiCr-LDHs reaches 88 and 41 μmol∙h−1∙g−1, respectively. The hydrothermally synthesized LDHs with enhanced crystallinity may be of interest for further fabrication of their nanosheets being promising components of new composite photocatalysts.
Extraction and In Vitro Skincare Effect Assessment of Polysaccharides Extract from the Roots of Abelmoschus manihot (L.)
Authors: Wang Junjie , Liao Enhui , Ren Zixuan , Wang Qiong , Xu Zenglai , Wu Shufang , Yu Chaoguang , Yin Yunlong
Published: May 2024

Obtaining high-added value compounds from agricultural waste receives increasing attention, as it can both improve resource utilization efficiency and reduce waste generation. In this study, polysaccharides are extracted from the discarded roots of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) by the high-efficiency ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The optimized condition was determined as solid–liquid ratio SL ratio = 1:20, temperature T = 30 °C and time T = 40 min, achieving an extraction yield of 13.41%. Composition analysis revealed that glucose (Glc, 44.65%), rhamnose (Rha, 26.30%), galacturonic acid (GalA, 12.50%) and galactose (Gal, 9.86%) are the major monosaccharides of the extract. The extract showed a low degree of esterification (DE) value of 40.95%, and its Fourier-transform infrared (FT−IR) spectrum exhibited several characteristic peaks of polysaccharides. Inspired by the wide cosmetic applications of polysaccharides, the skincare effect of the extract was evaluated via the moisture retention, total phenolic content (TPC) quantification, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-free radical scavenging activity, anti-hyaluronidase and anti-elastase activity experiments. The extract solutions demonstrated a 48 h moisture retention rate of 10.75%, which is superior to that of commercially available moisturizer hyaluronic acid (HA). Moreover, both the TPC value of 16.16 mg GAE/g (dw) and DPPH-free radical scavenging activity of 89.20% at the concentration of 2 mg/mL indicated the strong anti-oxidant properties of the extract. Furthermore, the anti-hyaluronidase activity and moderate anti-elastase activity were determined as 72.16% and 42.02%, respectively. In general, in vitro skincare effect experiments suggest moisturizing, anti-oxidant, anti-radical and anti-aging activities of the A. manihot root extract, indicating its potential applications in the cosmetic industry.
Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer β-1,3-Glucanoligosaccharide (Ps-GOS) Suppresses RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation and Function in Pre-Osteoclastic RAW 264.7 Cells by Inhibiting the RANK/NFκB/cFOS/NFATc1 Signalling Pathway
Authors: Rattajak Purithat , Aroonkesorn Aratee , Smythe Carl , Wititsuwannakul Rapepun , Pitakpornpreecha Thanawat
Published: May 2024

Edible grey oyster mushroom, Pleurotus sajor-caju, β (1,3), (1,6) glucan possesses a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-microorganism and antioxidant. However, its biological activity is limited by low water solubility resulting from its high molecular weight. Our previous study demonstrated that enzymatic hydrolysis of grey oyster mushroom β-glucan using Hevea β-1,3-glucanase isozymes obtains a lower molecular weight and higher water solubility, Pleurotus sajor-caju glucanoligosaccharide (Ps-GOS). Additionally, Ps-GOS potentially reduces osteoporosis by enhancing osteoblast–bone formation, whereas its effect on osteoclast–bone resorption remains unknown. Therefore, our study investigated the modulatory activities and underlying mechanism of Ps-GOS on Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) -induced osteoclastogenesis in pre-osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells. Cell cytotoxicity of Ps-GOS on RAW 264.7 cells was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and its effect on osteoclast differentiation was determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Additionally, its effect on osteoclast bone-resorptive ability was detected by pit formation assay. The osteoclastogenic-related factors were assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot and immunofluorescence. The results revealed that Ps-GOS was non-toxic and significantly suppressed the formation of mature osteoclast multinucleated cells and their resorption activity by reducing the number of TRAP-positive cells and pit formation areas in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, Ps-GOS attenuated the nuclear factor kappa light chain-enhancer of activated B cells’ P65 (NFκB-P65) expression and their subsequent master osteoclast modulators, including nuclear factor of activated T cell c1 (NFATc1) and Fos proto-oncogene (cFOS) via the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, Ps-GOS markedly inhibited RANK expression, which serves as an initial transmitter of many osteoclastogenesis-related cascades and inhibited proteolytic enzymes, including TRAP, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and cathepsin K (CTK). These findings indicate that Ps-GOS could potentially be beneficial as an effective natural agent for bone metabolic disease.
Chromatographic Methods for the Determination of Glyphosate in Cereals Together with a Discussion of Its Occurrence, Accumulation, Fate, Degradation, and Regulatory Status
Authors: Masci Maurizio , Caproni Roberto , Nevigato Teresina
Published: May 2024

The European Union’s recent decision to renew the authorization for the use of glyphosate until 15 December 2033 has stimulated scientific discussion all around the world regarding its toxicity or otherwise for humans. Glyphosate is a chemical of which millions of tons have been used in the last 50 years worldwide to dry out weeds in cultivated fields and greenhouses and on roadsides. Concern has been raised in many areas about its possible presence in the food chain and its consequent adverse effects on health. Both aspects that argue in favor of toxicity and those that instead may indicate limited toxicity of glyphosate are discussed here. The widespread debate that has been generated requires further investigations and field measurements to understand glyphosate’s fate once dispersed in the environment and its concentration in the food chain. Hence, there is a need for validated analytical methods that are available to analysts in the field. In the present review, methods for the analytical determination of glyphosate and its main metabolite, AMPA, are discussed, with a specific focus on chromatographic techniques applied to cereal products. The experimental procedures are explained in detail, including the cleanup, derivatization, and instrumental conditions, to give the laboratories involved enough information to proceed with the implementation of this line of analysis. The prevalent chromatographic methods used are LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/SIM, and GC-MS/MS, but sufficient indications are also given to those laboratories that wish to use the better performing high-resolution MS or the simpler HPLC-FLD, HPLC-UV, GC-NPD, and GC-FPD techniques for screening purposes. The concentrations of glyphosate from the literature measured in wheat, corn, barley, rye, oats, soybean, and cereal-based foods are reported, together with its regulatory status in various parts of the world and its accumulation mechanism. As for its accumulation in cereals, the available data show that glyphosate tends to accumulate more in wholemeal flours than in refined ones, that its concentration in the product strictly depends on the treatment period (the closer it is to the time of harvesting, the higher the concentration), and that in cold climates, the herbicide tends to persist in the soil for a long time.
Brain Tumor Recognition Using Artificial Intelligence Neural-Networks (BRAIN): A Cost-Effective Clean-Energy Platform
Authors: Ghauri Muhammad S. , Wang Jen-Yeu , Reddy Akshay J. , Shabbir Talha , Tabaie Ethan , Siddiqi Javed
Published: May 2024

Brain tumors necessitate swift detection and classification for optimal patient outcomes. Deep learning has been extensively utilized to recognize complex tumor patterns in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, aiding in tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication. However, model complexity and limited generalizability with unfamiliar data hinder appropriate clinical integration. The objective of this study is to develop a clean-energy cloud-based deep learning platform to classify brain tumors. Three datasets of a total of 2611 axial MRI images were used to train our multi-layer convolutional neural network (CNN). Our platform automatically optimized every transfer learning and data augmentation feature combination to provide the highest predictive accuracy for our classification task. Our proposed system identified and classified brain tumors successfully and efficiently with an overall precision value of 96.8% [95% CI; 93.8–97.6]. Using clean energy supercomputing resources and cloud platforms cut our workflow to 103 min, $0 in total cost, and a negligible carbon footprint (0.0014 kg eq CO2). By leveraging automated optimized learning, we developed a cost-effective deep learning (DL) platform that accurately classified brain tumors from axial MRI images of different levels. Although studies have identified machine learning tools to overcome these obstacles, only some are cost-effective, generalizable, and usable regardless of experience.