bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Antimicrobial Resistance on the Course of Symptoms in Female Patients Treated for Uncomplicated Cystitis Caused by Escherichia coli
Authors: Waldorff Marie Soees , Bjerrum Lars , Holm Anne , Siersma Volkert , Bang Christine , Llor Carl , Cordoba Gloria
Published: February 2022

Background: Resistance to the prescribed antibiotic causes a longer duration of symptoms in patients with urinary tract infection. Yet, a study found that patients infected with trimethoprim-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) had a prolonged duration of symptoms even if treated with an antibiotic to which the strain was susceptible. The purpose of this study was to attempt to reproduce this finding in a different cohort. Methods: We analyzed data from two studies from general practice in the Capital Region of Denmark including patients from 2014 to 2016. The primary outcome was the severity of frequency and dysuria. The secondary outcome was the number of days until symptoms had disappeared. Results: We included 180 women treated for uncomplicated cystitis caused by E. coli. We found that 16.11% (n = 29) of the E. coli strains were resistant to all of the three selected antibiotics (ampicillin, sulfamethizole and trimethoprim). There was no significant difference in severity or time until the symptoms had disappeared between women infected with resistant or susceptible E. coli. Conclusions: Strains of E. coli resistant to ampicillin, sulfamethizole and trimethoprim causing uncomplicated cystitis do not result in more severe symptoms or a longer symptom duration if treated with an antibiotic to which they are susceptible.
Antibiotic Use and Resistance Knowledge Assessment of Personnel on Chicken Farms with High Levels of Antimicrobial Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Ica, Peru
Authors: Dávalos-Almeyda María , Guerrero Agustín , Medina Germán , Dávila-Barclay Alejandra , Salvatierra Guillermo , Calderón Maritza , Gilman Robert H. , Tsukayama Pablo
Published: February 2022

Poultry farming represents Peru’s primary food animal production industry, where antimicrobial growth promoters are still commonly used, exerting selective pressure on intestinal microbial populations. Consumption and direct animal-to-human transmission have been reported, and farmworkers are at high risk of colonization with resistant bacteria. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 54 farmworkers to understand their current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness in Ica, Peru. To gain insight into the potential work-related risk of exposure to bacteria, we also measured the AMR rates in Escherichia coli isolated among 50 broiler chickens. Farmworkers were unaware of antimicrobial resistance (31.5%) or antibiotic resistance (16.7%) terms. Almost two-thirds (61%) consumed antibiotics during the previous month, and only 42.6% received a prescription from a healthcare professional. A total of 107 E. coli chicken isolates were obtained, showing a high frequency of multidrug-resistant (89.7%) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production (71.9%). Among ESBL-producer isolates, 84.4% carried the blaCTX-M gene. Results identified gaps in knowledge that reflect the need for interventions to increase antimicrobial awareness among poultry farmworkers. The high AMR rates among E. coli isolates highlight the need to reduce antimicrobial use in poultry farms. Our findings reveal a critical need for effective policy development and antimicrobial stewardship interventions in poultry production in Ica, Peru.
Antibacterial Activity of the Novel Drug Gepotidacin against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia—An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Sanders Maike Isabell , Ali Eyhab , Buer Jan , Steinmann Joerg , Rath Peter-Michael , Verhasselt Hedda Luise , Kirchhoff Lisa
Published: February 2022

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is increasingly recognized as a nosocomial bacterial pathogen with a multi-drug resistance profile. In this study, the novel drug gepotidacin, the first compound of the novel triazaacenaphthylene topoisomerase inhibitor antibiotics class, was evaluated on its activity against clinical S. maltophilia isolates. Ninety-nine S. maltophilia isolates plus reference strain K279a (N = 100) were tested on their susceptibility towards gepotidacin in a broth microdilution. Additional susceptibility testing was performed towards the commonly applied combination trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SXT), moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin. The time–kill kinetic of gepotidacin was observed in a time–kill assay. The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella was used to determine the activity of gepotidacin against S. maltophilia in vivo. Gepotidacin showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 0.25 and 16 mg/L (MIC50: 2 mg/L; MIC90: 8 mg/L), independently of its susceptibility towards TMP/SXT. The five TMP/SXT resistant strains exhibited gepotidacin MICs from 1 to 4 mg/L. The S. maltophilia strains resistant to the assessed fluoroquinolones showed in parts high MICs of gepotidacin. The time–kill assay revealed a time- and strain-dependent killing effect of gepotidacin. In vivo, injection of gepotidacin increased the survival rate of the larvae from 61 % to 90 % after 2 days. This study showed antimicrobial effects of gepotidacin towards S. maltophilia.
XDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa Outside the ICU: Is There Still Place for Colistin?
Authors: Del Giacomo Paola , Raffaelli Francesca , Losito Angela Raffaella , Fiori Barbara , Tumbarello Mario
Published: February 2022

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents, among the nosocomial pathogens, one of the most serious threats, both for the severity of its clinical manifestations and its ability to develop complex profiles of resistance; Methods: we retrospectively collected the data of 21 patients admitted to a tertiary-care University Hospital of Rome with infections due to XDR-P. aeruginosa isolates during the second half of 2020; Results: in our institution, the percentage of XDR-P. aeruginosa isolates is 3.1%. None of the patients was admitted to the intensive care unit at the moment of the infection’s onset. Susceptibility to colistin was preserved in all the tested isolates. Rates of resistance to ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam in these XDR strains were consistent; Conclusions: XDR-P. aeruginosa can be a threatening problem even outside the ICUs, especially in frail patients in wards with features of long-term acute care hospitals. In such a setting, ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam should be administered with caution taking into account the microbiological susceptibility results. Colistin, even with its known safety and efficacy limits, could represent the only available therapeutic option due to its highly preserved susceptibility against XDR isolates of P. aeruginosa.
Assessment of Antioxidant, Immunomodulatory Activity of Oxidised Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (Green Tea Polyphenol) and Its Action on the Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2—An In Vitro and In Silico Approach
Authors: Ungarala Ramakrishna , Munikumar Manne , Sinha Sukesh Narayan , Kumar Dileshwar , Sunder R. Shyam , Challa Suresh
Published: February 2022

Owing to the instability of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), it may undergo auto-oxidation and form oxidised products or dimers. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects, including antioxidation and immunomodulatory action, of the Oxidised Epigallocatechin Gallate (O-EGCG) as compared to native EGCG and the action of these compounds on main protease (Mpro) docking against SARS-CoV-2. HCT-116 (Human Colon Cancer) cell lines were used to estimate the total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation levels and pro-inflammatory markers (human IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α). Further, molecular docking analysis was performed by AutoDock and visualised in Discovery studio. Improved antioxidant capacity of O-EGCG was observed, and there was a significant decrease in the inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) when O-EGCG was applied as compared to EGCG. The O-EGCG was shown to be strongly associated with the highest docking score and active site residues of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF- α, as well as the Mpro of SARS-CoV-2, according to in silico approach. The in vitro and in silico analyses indicate an improved therapeutic action of the oxidised form of EGCG. The effective inhibitory action of O-EGCG against SARS-CoV-2 suggests further exploration of the compound against COVID-19 and its efficacy. However, in vivo studies and understanding of the mechanism of action of O-EGCG may yield a better opinion on the use of O-EGCG and future human clinical trials.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction and Encapsulation of Antioxidants from Orange Peels in Alginate-Chitosan Microparticles
Authors: Savic Ivan M. , Savic Gajic Ivana M. , Milovanovic Miljana G. , Zerajic Stanko , Gajic Dragoljub G.
Published: February 2022

The recovery of bioactive compounds from waste and modification of their properties by encapsulation are the main challenges today. In this study, the ultrasound-assisted extraction of antioxidants from orange peels was optimized using a central composite design. Ethanol (50%, v/v) was the solvent of choice for their extraction. The obtained total antioxidant contents were fitted using the second-order polynomial equation. The optimal conditions were the extraction time of 30 min, temperature of 60 °C, and the liquid-to-solid ratio of 15 mL/g. After that, the optimal extract was encapsulated in alginate-chitosan beads to modify the release of antioxidants under gastrointestinal tract conditions. The average size of beads was 252 µm, while the encapsulation efficiency was 89.2%. The results of the FTIR analysis indicated that there are no interactions between compounds of the extract and alginate-chitosan. In vitro release studies showed an initial rapid and then slow release of antioxidants. This release followed the simple Fickian diffusion. The encapsulation of orange peel extract provided improvement in the delivery of antioxidants after gastrointestinal digestion. The obtained encapsulated beads can be applied as the natural active ingredient of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
Oxidative Balance Scores (OBSs) Integrating Nutrient, Food and Lifestyle Dimensions: Development of the NutrientL-OBS and FoodL-OBS
Authors: Hernández-Ruiz Ángela , García-Villanova Belén , Guerra-Hernández Eduardo J. , Carrión-García Cayetano Javier , Amiano Pilar , Sánchez María-José , Molina-Montes Esther
Published: February 2022

Oxidative Balance Scores (OBS) are tools that allow us to assess the individual’s antioxidant state by ranking both antioxidant and pro-oxidant components of dietary and lifestyle factors. Our aim was to develop novel OBSs accounting for either the global supply of nutrient antioxidants in the diet, or the intake of antioxidant-rich foods, in combination with lifestyle factors. Pro-oxidant factors were also considered. Within two centers of the Spanish European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, EPIC-Granada and EPIC-Gipuzkoa (N = 14,756 participants), we developed the Nurient, Food and Lifestyle OBS (NutrientL-OBS and FoodL-OBS), and their simplified versions (solely with dietary or lifestyle factors, the Nutrient-OBS, Food-OBS and L-OBS). Their antioxidant potential was evaluated considering their relationship with: (i) 20 scores of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD); and, (ii) 25 biomarkers of antioxidant nutrients (ascorbic acid, β-carotene, etc.), inflammation (CRP, TNF-alpha, etc.) and oxidative stress (uric acid), among 210 participants. Spearman correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were applied to analyze these associations. Some statistically significant relationships were encountered between the NutrientL-OBS and the FoodL-OBS with the MD scores, and with ascorbic acid (per one-unit increase in OBS: β = 0.012 and 0.015; p = 0.022 and 0.008, respectively) and CRP (per one-unit increase in both OBS: β = −0.02; p = 0.02); the latter appeared to be restricted to the OBS´s lifestyle components. In conclusion, the NutrientL- and FoodL-OBSs and their sub-versions are related to antioxidant-rich dietary patterns and to biomarkers of antioxidant nutrient intake and inflammation, supporting that these tools are valid to assess the individual´s oxidative/antioxidant status.
A Review of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Facility Management (FM): Implementation in Public Organisations
Authors: Pinti Lidia , Codinhoto Ricardo , Bonelli Serena
Published: February 2022

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been extensively studied and applied within the AEC sector, particularly in design and construction. In recent years, Facility Management (FM) processes are becoming more digitalised, thus requiring effective BIM-FM integration. BIM adoption in many countries, such as the UK, Italy and Brazil, has been publicly driven. Generally, adoption was targeted at design and construction implementation, with little effort in framing public action for FM implementation. The lack of an integrated approach for BIM-FM implementation resulted in numerous bespoken implementation approaches that mimic the private sector and hinder knowledge exchange. Therefore, there is a need for assessing and amalgamating knowledge about BIM-FM for public organisations. This research aims to leverage knowledge about BIM-FM in the public domain by analysing and classifying articles published between 2010–2021. The research was carried out through a systematic review and comparative thematic analysis investigating the use of BIM for different public buildings (e.g., schools and hospitals) and the implementation for FM purposes. Research results outline prevalent trends and areas of research from three perspectives: people, process and technology. Results show an increasing number of publications about BIM-FM. However, the divide between BIM-FM for public and private organisations is unequal. BIM-FM research for public organisations is still limited and lacks standardisation. This state-of-the-art review makes an incremental contribution to knowledge by identifying progress, gaps and new industry directions on the subject matter.
A Qualitative Examination of the Iron Boomerang and Trends in Spectral Metrics across Iron Ore Deposits in Western Australia
Authors: Rodger Andrew , Ramanaidou Erick , Laukamp Carsten , Lau Ian
Published: February 2022

There are two major types of iron ore deposits in the Pilbara Province of Western Australia—banded iron formation (BIF)-hosted iron ore deposits and bedded iron deposits (BID), respectively, named martite–goethite and martite–microplaty hematite and the channel iron deposits (CID). These deposits consist mainly of iron oxides such as magnetite, hematite and goethite; the latter have been subdivided into vitreous and ochreous goethite. Combining spectral scanning of diamond drill core, drill chips and pulps collected from these deposits provides a rapid and relatively inexpensive means of assessing the potential mineral makeup within a deposit to make informed qualitative decisions. Additionally, the full width half maximum (FWHM) of the 900 nm 6A1à4T1 crystal field absorption feature within the goethite-dominated region is shown to be related to the type of goethite, namely ochreous and vitreous. The assessment capabilities of the combined metrics are presented in a visual format named as the iron boomerang because of its distinctive manifold. This provides the identification of at least two spectral endmembers comprised of hematite and vitreous goethite, the identification of samples that are moving from a pure hematite to mixed hematite/goethite and lastly into a goethite-dominant-driven regime.
Adsorption of CO2 on ZSM-5 Zeolite: Analytical Investigation via a Multilayer Statistical Physics Model
Authors: Aouaini Fatma , Bouaziz Nadia , Alfwzan Wafa , Khemiri Noura , Elqahtani Zainab , Lamine Abdelmottaleb Ben
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a synthesized zeolite (ZSM-5) is used as an adsorbent to analyze the adsorption phenomenon of carbon dioxide. This investigation, based on the statistical physics treatment, applied the multilayer model with saturation to understand the CO2 adsorption on four samples, namely M-ZSM-5 (M = Na+, Mg2+, Zn2+, La3+), at various temperatures T = 0 °C, 30 °C and 60 °C. The modeling results indicated that CO2 adsorption occurred via a non-parallel orientation on the ZSM-5 surface. The CO2 adsorption capacities varied from 26.14 to 28.65 cm3/g for Na-ZSM-5, from 25.82 to 27.97 cm3/g for Mg-ZSM-5, from 54.82 to 68.63 cm3/g for La-ZSM-5 and from 56.53 to 74.72 cm3/g for Zn-ZSM-5. Thus, Zn-ZSM-5 exhibits the highest adsorption amount. The analysis of the adsorption energies shows that the adsorption of CO2 on ZSM-5 zeolite is a physisorption phenomenon that could be controlled thanks to the energy parameters obtained via the numerical findings using the multilayer statistical model. Finally, the distribution of site energy was determined to confirm the physical character of the interactions between adsorbate/adsorbent and the heterogeneity of the zeolite surface.
Impact of Pheidole fallax (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as an Ecosystem Engineer in Rehabilitated Coal Mine Areas
Authors: Domínguez-Haydar Yamileth , Gutierrez-Rapalino Bleydis Paola , Barros-Torres Yair , Jiménez Juan José , Lozano-Baez Sergio Esteban , Castellini Mirko
Published: February 2022

Pheidole fallax is one the most abundant ants in sites where coal mines have undergone rehabilitation and in forests without mine intervention. The impact that this species may have as an ecosystem engineer needs to be assessed. We aimed to test whether P. fallax nests have an effect on soil chemical properties, to characterize the organic debris found in the refuse piles, and to describe nest architecture as proxy of the bioturbation effect. The study was carried out in a coal mine in Colombia, in sites with 16 and 20 years of rehabilitation. Samples were taken from inside the nests, from the external refuse pile, and from a control treatment one meter away from the nest. The three sample types were subjected to chemical analysis and near-infrared spectra (NIRS). The biomass of items from the 20-year site was significantly greater, and P. fallax use food resources of different trophic levels, with arthropods and seeds being the main items in their diet. The NIRS analysis enabled us to distinguish the origin of the sample: refuse pile, interior of nest, or control soil. No statistical differences were found between the soil of the nests and control soil. High contents of organic matter and other parameters contributed to the soil nutrient pool through accumulation of organic debris in the refuse piles. Nest molds presented an asymmetric architecture, with mean volume ranging from 30 to 105.7 cm3 and an average of 11.8 chambers per nest. The construction and maintenance of nests may play an important role in the reestablishment of ecological and hydrological processes, such as bioturbation and water infiltration, respectively.
Accuracy of 3D-Printed Occlusal Devices of Different Volumes Using a Digital Light Processing Printer
Authors: Reich Sven , Berndt Saskia , Kühne Christina , Herstell Hannah
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: This in-vitro study was designed to investigate the accuracy of CAD/CAM fabricated occlusal devices with different heights and volumes. (2) Methods: Based on an intraoral scan, an occlusal device with a vertical bite elevation of 2.5 mm and 4.5 mm was digitally designed and 3D printed 10 times. The fabricated occlusal devices were digitized by an industrial structured light scanner (ILS) and provided in stl-format as test objects. The test objects were superimposed with the design dataset as reference to evaluate the accuracy of complete surfaces ([2.5_TOTAL] and [4.5_TOTAL]) with respect to their internal surfaces ([2.5_INTERNAL] and [4.5_INTERNAL]). The mean trueness and precision were calculated based on absolute mean deviation. Absolute and relative volume differences between reference and test were computed. Statistical significances were analyzed performing the Wilcoxon test (α = 0.05). (3) Results: As absolute mean deviation trueness values were obtained: 59 ± 5 µm for [2.5_INTERNAL], 98 ± 9 µm for [4.5_INTERNAL], 68 ± 1 µm for [2.5_TOTAL] and 90 ± 10 µm for [4.5_TOTAL]. The precision applying absolute mean deviation was 14 ± 8 µm for [2.5_INTERNAL], 22 ± 11 µm for [4.5_INTERNAL], 19 ± 10 µm for [2.5_TOTAL] and 26 ± 13 µm for [4.5_TOTAL]. The mean trueness and precision values differed significantly. Volume differences of 2.11% for [4.5_TOTAL] and of 2.35% for [2.5_TOTAL] in comparison to their reference file were evaluated. (4) Conclusions: Printed occlusal devices with minor height and volume were more accurate. Both types of devices exhibited results that were comparable to the literature.
Beneficial Effects of Young Coconut Juice on Increasing Skin Thickness, Enhancing Skin Whitening, and Reducing Skin Wrinkles in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Radenahmad Nisaudah , Sereemaspun Amornpun , Bueraheng Nurdeen , Hutapea Albert Manggading
Published: February 2022

It has been previously demonstrated in light microscopic and immunohistochemical studies that ovariectomized rats receiving young coconut juice at 100 mL/kg BW showed much better wound healing and improved skin complexion. Nevertheless, it was found that young coconut juice at 100 mL/kg BW/day caused unfavorable side effects, such as glycogen deposition in the liver. Therefore, in the current study, 3 lower doses (10, 20, and 40 mL/kg BW/day) were optimized, and the ultrastructure was further investigated. Compared to normal rats, all the parameters regarding skin changes, including epidermal and dermal thickness, the number of hair follicles, the diameters of collagen fibrils, perimeters, and nuclei of fibroblast and keratinocyte cells, and ultrastructural changes in keratinocyte and fibroblast cells were significantly reduced in ovariectomized rats. Those parameters in the ovariectomized rats were restored to normal by injecting estradiol benzoate or by feeding young coconut juice to the rats, where the effect was found to be dose-related but not in the case of all the parameters. In most cases, a dose of young coconut juiceof 40 mL/kg BW/day was the optimal dose. The results suggest that young coconut juice may be as effective as estradiol benzoate in reducing skin atrophy/aging, probably as a selective estrogen receptor moderator.
Potentials of Neuropeptides as Therapeutic Agents for Neurological Diseases
Authors: Yeo Xin Yi , Cunliffe Grace , Ho Roger C. , Lee Su Seong , Jung Sangyong
Published: February 2022

Despite recent leaps in modern medicine, progress in the treatment of neurological diseases remains slow. The near impermeable blood-brain barrier (BBB) that prevents the entry of therapeutics into the brain, and the complexity of neurological processes, limits the specificity of potential therapeutics. Moreover, a lack of etiological understanding and the irreversible nature of neurological conditions have resulted in low tolerability and high failure rates towards existing small molecule-based treatments. Neuropeptides, which are small proteinaceous molecules produced by the body, either in the nervous system or the peripheral organs, modulate neurological function. Although peptide-based therapeutics originated from the treatment of metabolic diseases in the 1920s, the adoption and development of peptide drugs for neurological conditions are relatively recent. In this review, we examine the natural roles of neuropeptides in the modulation of neurological function and the development of neurological disorders. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of these proteinaceous molecules in filling gaps in current therapeutics.
E-Cadherin Modulation and Inter-Cellular Trafficking in Tubular Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A High-Resolution Microscopy Pilot Study
Authors: Liliac Ilona Mihaela , Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu , Mărgăritescu Claudiu , Sacerdoțianu Victor Mihai , Săftoiu Adrian , Mogoantă Laurențiu , Moraru Emil , Pirici Daniel
Published: February 2022

Despite the numerous advances in tumor molecular biology and chemotherapy options, gastric adenocarcinoma is still the most frequent form of gastric cancer. One of the core proteins that regulates inter-cellular adhesion, E-cadherin plays important roles in tumorigenesis as well as in tumor progression; however, the exact expression changes and modulation that occur in gastric cancer are not yet fully understood. In an attempt to estimate if the synthesis/degradation balance matches the final membrane expression of this adhesion molecule in cancer tissue, we assessed the proportion of E-cadherin that is found in the Golgi vesicles as well as in the lysosomal pathway We utilized archived tissue fragments from 18 patients with well and poorly differentiated intestinal types of gastric cancer and 5 samples of normal gastric mucosa, by using high-magnification multispectral microscopy and high-resolution fluorescence deconvolution microscopy. Our data showed that E-cadherin is not only expressed in the membrane, but also in the cytoplasm of normal and tumor gastric epithelia. E-cadherin colocalization with the Golgian vesicles seemed to be increasing with less differentiated tumors, while co-localization with the lysosomal system decreased in tumor tissue; however, the membrane expression of the adhesion molecule clearly dropped from well to poorly differentiated tumors. Thus E-cadherin seems to be more abundantly synthetized than eliminated via lysosomes/exosomes in less differentiated tumors, suggesting that post-translational modifications, such as cleavage, conformational inactivation, or exocytosis, are responsible for the net drop of E-cadherin at the level of the membrane in more anaplastic tumors. This behavior is in perfect accordance with the concept of partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (P-EMT), when the E-cadherin expression of tumor cells is in fact not downregulated but redistributed away from the membrane in recycling vesicles. Moreover, our high-resolution deconvolution microscopy study showed for the first time, at the tissue level, the presence of Lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 (LAMP1)-positive exosomes/multivesicular bodies being trafficked across the membranes of tumor epithelial cells. Altogether, a myriad of putative modulatory pathways is available as a treatment turning point, even if we are to only consider the metabolism of membrane E-cadherin regulation. Future super-resolution microscopy studies are needed to clarify the extent of lysosome/exosome exchange between tumor cells and with the surrounding stroma, in histopathology samples or even in vivo.
Transplanting Neural Progenitor Cells into a Chronic Dorsal Column Lesion Model
Authors: Hayakawa Kazuo , Jin Ying , Bouyer Julien , Connors Theresa M. , Otsuka Takanobu , Fischer Itzhak
Published: February 2022

Cell transplantation therapy is a promising strategy for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. Despite advancements in the development of therapeutic strategies in acute and subacute SCI, much less is known about effective strategies for chronic SCI. In previous studies we demonstrated that transplants of neural progenitor cells (NPC) created a permissive environment for axon regeneration and formed a neuronal relay across the injury following an acute dorsal column injury. Here we explored the efficacy of such a strategy in a chronic injury. We tested two preparations of NPCs derived from rat spinal cord at embryonic day 13.5: one prepared using stocks of cultured cells and the other of dissociated cells transplanted without culturing. Transplantation was delayed for 4-, 6- and 12-weeks post injury for a chronic injury model. We found that the dissociated NPC transplants survived and proliferated for at least 5 weeks post transplantation, in contrast to the poor survival of transplants prepared from cultured NPC stocks. The dissociated NPC transplants differentiated into neurons expressing excitatory markers, promoted axon regeneration into the injury/transplant site and extended axons from graft-derived neurons into the host. These results support the potential of NPC transplants to form neuronal relays across a chronic SCI, but they also underscore the challenges of achieving efficient cell survival in the environment of a chronic injury.
The Impact of Cerebral Perfusion on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Distribution after Intra-Arterial Transplantation: A Quantitative MR Study
Authors: Gubskiy Ilya L. , Namestnikova Daria D. , Revkova Veronica A. , Cherkashova Elvira A. , Sukhinich Kirill K. , Beregov Mikhail M. , Melnikov Pavel A. , Abakumov Maxim A. , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Gubsky Leonid V. , Yarygin Konstantin N.
Published: February 2022

Intra-arterial (IA) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation providing targeted cell delivery to brain tissue is a promising approach to the treatment of neurological disorders, including stroke. Factors determining cell distribution after IA administration have not been fully elucidated. Their decoding may contribute to the improvement of a transplantation technique and facilitate translation of stroke cell therapy into clinical practice. The goal of this work was to quantitatively assess the impact of brain tissue perfusion on the distribution of IA transplanted MSCs in rat brains. We performed a selective MR-perfusion study with bolus IA injection of gadolinium-based contrast agent and subsequent IA transplantation of MSCs in intact rats and rats with experimental stroke and evaluated the correlation between different perfusion parameters and cell distribution estimated by susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) immediately after cell transplantation. The obtained results revealed a certain correlation between the distribution of IA transplanted MSCs and brain perfusion in both intact rats and rats with experimental stroke with the coefficient of determination up to 30%. It can be concluded that the distribution of MSCs after IA injection can be partially predicted based on cerebral perfusion data, but other factors requiring further investigation also have a significant impact on the fate of transplanted cells.
High-Sensitivity Metal Oxide Sensors Duplex for On-the-Field Detection of Acetic Acid Arising from the Degradation of Cellulose Acetate-Based Cinematographic and Photographic Films
Authors: Zappi Daniele , Varani Gabriele , Iatsunskyi Igor , Wallaszkovits Nadja , Bailer Josef , Giardi Maria Teresa
Published: February 2022

In this work, a system consisting of two resistive sensors working in tandem to detect and quantify the acetic acid released during the degradation of cellulose acetate-based ancient cinematographic and photographic films is presented. Acetic acid must be constantly monitored to prevent reaching concentrations at which autocatalytic degradation processes begin. The sensors are constituted by a thin layer of metal oxide (tungsten oxide and tin oxide) deposited over an interdigitated electrode capable of being heated, chosen to maximize the array response towards acetic acid vapors. The signals obtained from the sensor array are mathematically processed to reduce the background signal due to interferent gases produced during degradation of ancient cinematographic films. The sensor array reported a LOD of 30 ppb for acetic acid, with a linearity range up to 30 ppm. Finally, the sensor array was tested with different cinematographic and photographic film samples made of cellulose acetate, whose degradation state and acetic acid production was validated using the conventional technique (A-D strips). The presented array is suitable for remote monitoring large number of films in collections since, compared to the official technique, it has a lower detection limit (30 ppb vs. 500 ppb) and is much quicker in providing accurate acetic acid concentration in the film boxes (15 min vs. 24 h).
Mimicking Multiorbital Systems with SU(N) Atoms: Hund’s Physics and Beyond
Authors: Richaud Andrea , Ferraretto Matteo , Capone Massimo
Published: February 2022

The physics of many interesting correlated materials can be captured by multiorbital Hubbard models, where conduction electrons feature an additional orbital degree of freedom. The multiorbital characteristic is not a mere complication, but it leads to an immensely richer landscape of physical regimes. One of the key features is the interplay between Hubbard repulsion and Hund’s exchange coupling, which has been shown to lead to orbital-selective correlations and to the existence of correlation-resilient metals (usually called Hund’s metals) defying Mott localization. Here, we show that experimentally available platforms of SU(N)-symmetric ultracold atoms can indeed mimic the rich physics disclosed by multiorbital materials, by exploiting the internal degrees of freedom of multicomponent atoms. We discuss in detail the SU(N) version of interaction-resilient Hund’s metal and some other interesting regimes.
Ecotoxicological Evaluation of Sunscreens on Marine Plankton
Authors: González María Pilar , Vilas Alejandro , Beiras Ricardo
Published: February 2022

In recent years, a large number of sunscreens have emerged to protect our skin. Most of them are made up of simple or compound aromatic structures, which can pose a threat to marine ecosystems. In order to understand their effects on the marine environment, different ecotoxicological bioassays were carried out using planktonic organisms from three phyla and two different trophic levels: larvae of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, the copepod Acartia tonsa, and the microalga Tisochrysis lutea. The aim of these tests was to expose these organisms to leachates from eight sunscreen formulations. All of them showed a great variability in toxicity on the different plankton organisms. The highest toxicity level was found for cream number 4 when tested on sea urchin, exhibiting an EC50 = 122.4 mg/L. The toxicity of the UV filter 2-phenyl-5-benzimidazolesulfonic acid, exclusively present in that cream, was evaluated in sea urchin, where an EC10 = 699.6 mg/L was obtained under light exposure. According to our results, all tested creams become nontoxic to plankton upon 30,000-fold dilution in seawater; thus, only local effects are expected. This study highlights the need to understand the toxic effects generated by solar protection products, as well as their ingredients, on marine organisms.
Are Physics Forceps Less Traumatic than Conventional Forceps for Tooth Extraction? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Khanal Nikita , Acharya Nisha , Rokaya Dinesh , Hasan Md Riasat , Saito Takashi
Published: February 2022

This systematic review and meta-analysis studied the clinical outcomes with physics forceps compared to those with conventional forceps for closed dental extraction. A systematic literature search was performed to identify all the published randomized clinical trials that compared the relevant clinical outcomes with physics forceps to those with conventional forceps for closed dental extraction. A total of 11 studies were included. The adverse events were significantly lower with physics forceps (n = 48) compared to with conventional forceps (n = 120), with an odds ratio of 0.42 [0.25, 0.70], Z = 3.78 (p = 0.0002), and I2 = 21%. There were statistically significant differences in the incidence of GL (p = 0.04), and tooth or root fracture (p = 0.0009). Operating time was significantly lower in physics forceps than that of conventional forceps, mean difference (−20.13 (−30.11, −10.15)), Z = 3.78 (p = 0.0001), I2 = 79%. The available evidence is limited by a high risk of bias and low evidence certainty. Based on the current evidence, physics forceps might be better than the conventional extraction forceps in terms of the extraction duration, pain after extraction, trauma to both hard and soft tissue, and complications. Physics forceps are newer instruments that have not yet been introduced in the teaching of dental graduates. The introduction of physics forceps can be time saving, less invasive and reduce post-extraction complications.
Coupled Transport Effects in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Modeling
Authors: Gedik Aydan , Lubos Nico , Kabelac Stephan
Published: February 2022

With its outstanding performance characteristics, the SOFC represents a promising technology for integration into the current energy supply system. For cell development and optimization, a reliable quantitative description of the transport mechanisms and the resulting losses are relevant. The local transport processes are calculated by a 1D model based on the non-equilibrium thermodynamics (NET). The focus of this study is the mass transport in the gas diffusion layers (GDL), which was described as simplified by Fick’s law in a previously developed model. This is first replaced by the Dusty-Gas model (DGM) and then by the thermal diffusion (Soret effect) approach. The validation of the model was performed by measuring U,j-characteristics resulting in a maximum deviation of experimental to simulated cell voltage to up to 0.93%. It is shown that, under the prevailing temperature, gradients the Soret effect can be neglected, but the extension to the DGM has to be considered. The temperature and heat flow curves illustrate the relevance of the Peltier effects. At T=1123.15 K and j=8000 A/m2, 64.44% of the total losses occur in the electrolyte. The exergetic efficiency for this operating point is 0.42. Since lower entropy production rates can be assumed in the GDL, the primary need is to investigate alternative electrolyte materials.
The Role of General and Study-Related Intraindividual Factors on Academic Learning Outcomes under COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Casali Nicole , Ghisi Marta , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: February 2022

Little is known about the intraindividual dispositional factors related to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional academic learning outcomes under COVID-19. This study investigated (i) the associations of intraindividual factors, some related to studying (motivation to learn, self-regulated learning, and study resilience), others more general (soft skills, intolerance of uncertainty) with three situational academic learning outcomes (general distress, online self-regulated learning, study-related emotions), and (ii) the effect of time, intraindividual factors, online self-regulated learning, and study-related emotions on distress and achievement over the following three exam sessions. A total of 331 university students took part in the study during the first Italian nationwide lockdown (T1; March–May 2020). Of those, 121 also completed at least one follow-up (T2: August 2020; T3: September 2020; T4: February 2021). At T1, study-related dispositions and soft skills were positively associated with online self-regulated learning and study-related emotions, while study-related dispositions were also negatively associated with general distress. Intolerance of uncertainty was associated positively with general distress and negatively with study-related emotions. Longitudinal effects of T2 and T3 for intolerance of uncertainty and study-related emotions were observed for distress, while those for T4 were study-related dispositions for achievement. Nurturing intraindividual factors can help students cope with a prolonged stressful situation such as a pandemic.
An Evaluation of Hardware-Efficient Quantum Neural Networks for Image Data Classification
Authors: Nguyen Tuyen , Paik Incheon , Watanobe Yutaka , Thang Truong Cong
Published: February 2022

Quantum computing is expected to fundamentally change computer systems in the future. Recently, a new research topic of quantum computing is the hybrid quantum–classical approach for machine learning, in which a parameterized quantum circuit, also called quantum neural network (QNN), is optimized by a classical computer. This hybrid approach can have the benefits of both quantum computing and classical machine learning methods. In this early stage, it is of crucial importance to understand the new characteristics of quantum neural networks for different machine learning tasks. In this paper, we will study quantum neural networks for the task of classifying images, which are high-dimensional spatial data. In contrast to previous evaluations of low-dimensional or scalar data, we will investigate the impacts of practical encoding types, circuit depth, bias term, and readout on classification performance on the popular MNIST image dataset. Various interesting findings on learning behaviors of different QNNs are obtained through experimental results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that considers various QNN aspects for image data.
Influence of Temperature on Lightning Performance of Mineral Oil
Authors: Rozga Pawel , Stuchala Filip , Piotrowski Tomasz , Beroual Abderrahmane
Published: February 2022

This article deals with the influence of temperature on the lightning impulse breakdown voltage (LI BDV) of mineral oil in a non-uniform electric field. The experiments were performed in point–plane electrode arrangements under a standard lightning impulse voltage of negative polarity. The LI BDV for the temperatures of 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 110 °C was measured using a step method with registration of the light signals emitted during pre-breakdown and breakdown phases. The average propagation velocity was also determined. The results confirm that the mineral oil tested under LI voltage behaves similarly to AC voltage-based stress. The LI BDV increases with temperature up to 100 °C and then tends to decrease. The results demonstrated that viscosity dependent processes are responsible for increasing the LI BDV with temperature up to the 100 °C; and liquid vapor formation processes are responsible for decreasing the LI BDV at temperatures equal to and higher than 100 °C.
Resource Efficiency and Thermal Comfort of 3D Printable Concrete Building Envelopes Optimized by Performance Enhancing Insulation: A Numerical Study
Authors: Ayegba Blessing Onyeche , Egbe King-James Idala , Matin Nazar Ali , Huang Mingzhi , Hariri-Ardebili Mohammad Amin
Published: February 2022

3D concrete printing has gained tremendous popularity as a promising technique with the potential to remarkably push the boundaries of conventional concrete technology. Enormous research efforts have been directed towards improving the material properties and structural safety of 3D printed concrete (3DPC) over the last decade. In contrast, little attention has been accorded to its sustainability performance in the built environment. This study compares the energy efficiency, operational carbon emission, and thermal comfort of air cavity 3DPC building envelopes against insulated models. Four insulations, namely expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyurethane foam (PUF), and fiberglass (FG), are iteratively paired with three different 3DPC mix designs, and their resulting performances are reported. A numerical optimization analysis is performed to obtain combinations of 3DPC building models and insulation with the least energy expenditure, carbon production, and thermal efficiency. The results indicate that insulation considerably enhances the overall environmental performance of 3DPC structures. The optimization process also demonstrates the potential of using 3D printable fiber reinforced engineered cementitious concrete (3DPFRECC) with polyurethane infill for amplified sustainable performance in modern construction.
Impact of Dynamic Electricity Tariff and Home PV System Incentives on Electric Vehicle Charging Behavior: Study on Potential Grid Implications and Economic Effects for Households
Authors: von Bonin Michael , Dörre Elias , Al-Khzouz Hadi , Braun Martin , Zhou Xian
Published: February 2022

The rapid increase of electric vehicles (EVs) would lead to a rise in load demand on power grids but create different potential benefits as well. Those benefits comprise EVs serving as a mobile energy storage system to participate in adjusting the load on the power grids and helping manage renewable energy resources. This paper evaluates the effect of dynamic electricity prices and home photovoltaic (PV) system incentives on users’ EVs charging behavior and potential impacts on grid load and household economy. This has been done by establishing and assessing three different optimized charging configurations and comparing them to an uncontrolled charging strategy. In this study, the charging incentives are applied to a representative sample of 100 households with EVs and PV systems in a metropolitan area. The results show that an optimized charging strategy based on the dynamic electricity tariff can reduce charging costs by 18.5%, while a PV-based optimized strategy can reduce the costs by 33.7%. Moreover, the PV-integrated optimization strategies significantly increase the utilization of PV energy by almost 46% on average, compared to uncontrolled charging. In addition, the simulations of this research have depicted the capability of using home PV systems’ incentives to smoothen the charging profiles and hence significantly reduce the maximum grid load. However, the electricity price optimization strategy increases the aggregated charging peaks, which can only be slightly reduced by peak shaving. Therefore, an identical price signal for all households might be critical. Further analyses have shown that direct charging occurs simultaneously with household electricity assigned to a specific low-voltage grid while PV and price incentive charging configurations shift the charging peaks away from household load peaks.
Literature Review, Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries from Electric Vehicles, Part I: Recycling Technology
Authors: Pražanová Anna , Knap Vaclav , Stroe Daniel-Ioan
Published: February 2022

During recent years, emissions reduction has been tightened worldwide. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) that can meet emission requirements. The growing number of new EVs increases the consumption of raw materials during production. Simultaneously, the number of used EVs and subsequently retired lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that need to be disposed of is also increasing. According to the current approaches, the recycling process technology appears to be one of the most promising solutions for the End-of-Life (EOL) LIBs—recycling and reusing of waste materials would reduce raw materials production and environmental burden. According to this performed literature review, 263 publications about “Recycling of Lithium-ion Batteries from Electric Vehicles” were classified into five sections: Recycling Processes, Battery Composition, Environmental Impact, Economic Evaluation, and Recycling & Rest. The whole work reviews the current-state of publications dedicated to recycling LIBs from EVs in the techno-environmental-economic summary. This paper covers the first part of the review work; it is devoted to the recycling technology processes and points out the main study fields in recycling that were found during this work.
The Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain in True Cost Accounting for Energy Transition in Europe
Authors: Gusc Joanna , Bosma Peter , Jarka Sławomir , Biernat-Jarka Agnieszka
Published: February 2022

The current energy prices do not include the environmental, social, and economic short and long-term external effects. There is a gap in the literature on the decision-making model for the energy transition. True Cost Accounting (TCA) is an accounting management model supporting the decision-making process. This study investigates the challenges and explores how big data, AI, or blockchain could ease the TCA calculation and indirectly contribute to the transition towards more sustainable energy production. The research question addressed is: How can IT help TCA applications in the energy sector in Europe? The study uses qualitative interpretive methodology and is performed in the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland. The findings indicate the technical feasibilities of a big data infrastructure to cope with TCA challenges. The study contributes to the literature by identifying the challenges in TCA application for energy production, showing the readiness potential for big data, AI, and blockchain to tackle them, revealing the need for cooperation between accounting and technical disciplines to enable the energy transition.