bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D-FEM Approach of AISI-52100 Hard Turning: Modelling of Cutting Forces and Cutting Condition Optimization
Authors: Tzotzis Anastasios , Tapoglou Nikolaos , Verma Rajesh Kumar , Kyratsis Panagiotis
Published: January 2022

In the present study, a 3D finite element (FE) model for machining AISI-52100 steel was proposed, with respect to three levels of cutting speed (100 m/min, 150 m/min and 200 m/min), feed (0.08 mm/rev, 0.11 mm/rev and 0.14 mm/rev), depth of cut (0.20 mm, 0.30 mm and 0.40 mm) and tool nose radius (0.80 mm, 1.20 mm and 1.60 mm). Nine simulation tests were performed according to cutting conditions that were used in experimental studies, in order to verify the accuracy of the model. Next, the FE model was utilized to carry out thirty new simulation runs, with cutting conditions derived from the implementation of the central composite design (CCD). Additionally, a mathematical model was established for prediction purposes, whereas the relationship between the applied cutting parameters and their influence on the resultant cutting force was investigated with the aid of statistical methodologies such as the response surface methodology (RSM) and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The comparison between the numerical and the statistical model revealed an increased level of correlation, superseding 90% in many tests. Specifically, the relative error varied between −7.9% and 11.3%. Lastly, an optimization process was performed to find the optimal cutting conditions for minimizing the resultant machining force, as per the standardized tool nose radius value.
Dynamics in a Chemotaxis Model with Periodic Source
Authors: Negreanu Mihaela , Vargas Antonio M.
Published: January 2022

We consider a system of two differential equations modeling chemotaxis. The system consists of a parabolic equation describing the behavior of a biological species “u” coupled to an ODE patterning the concentration of a chemical substance “v”. The growth of the biological species is limited by a logistic-like term where the carrying capacity presents a time-periodic asymptotic behavior. The production of the chemical species is described in terms of a regular function h, which increases as “u” increases. Under suitable assumptions we prove that the solution is globally bounded in time by using an Alikakos-Moser iteration, and it fulfills a certain periodic asymptotic behavior. Besides, numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the behavior of the solutions of the system showing that the model considered here can provide very interesting and complex dynamics.
Resource Retrial Queue with Two Orbits and Negative Customers
Authors: Lisovskaya Ekaterina , Fedorova Ekaterina , Salimzyanov Radmir , Moiseeva Svetlana
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a multi-server retrial queue with two orbits is considered. There are two arrival processes of positive customers (with two types of customers) and one process of negative customers. Every positive customer requires some amount of resource whose total capacity is limited in the system. The service time does not depend on the customer’s resource requirement and is exponentially distributed with parameters depending on the customer’s type. If there is not enough amount of resource for the arriving customer, the customer goes to one of the two orbits, according to his type. The duration of the customer delay in the orbit is exponentially distributed. A negative customer removes all the customers that are served during his arrival and leaves the system. The objects of the study are the number of customers in each orbit and the number of customers of each type being served in the stationary regime. The method of asymptotic analysis under the long delay of the customers in the orbits is applied for the study. Numerical analysis of the obtained results is performed to show the influence of the system parameters on its performance measures.
Event-Triggered State Estimation for Fractional-Order Neural Networks
Authors: Xu Bingrui , Li Bing
Published: January 2022

This paper is concerned with the problem of event-triggered state estimation for a class of fractional-order neural networks. An event-triggering strategy is proposed to reduce the transmission frequency of the output measurement signals with guaranteed state estimation performance requirements. Based on the Lyapunov method and properties of fractional-order calculus, a sufficient criterion is established for deriving the Mittag–Leffler stability of the estimation error system. By making full use of the properties of Caputo operator and Mittag–Leffler function, the evolution dynamics of measured error is analyzed so as to exclude the unexpected Zeno phenomenon in the event-triggering strategy. Finally, two numerical examples and simulations are provided to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Diagnostic Value of Non-invasive Scoring Systems in the Prediction of Esophageal Varices in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis—Single Center Experience
Authors: Glisic Tijana , Stojkovic Lalosevic Milica , Milovanovic Tamara , Rankovic Ivan , Stojanovic Marija , Toplicanin Aleksandar , Aleksic Marko , Milivojevic Vladimir , Martinov Nestorov Jelena , Lolic Iva , Popovic Dusan D.
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives: Upper endoscopy is considered the gold standard for screening and diagnosis of esophageal varices (EV). Non-invasive methods for predicting EV have become a research hotspot in recent years. The aim of this study was to assess the role of non-invasive scores in predicting the presence of EV in patients with liver cirrhosis, and to determine the value of these scores in predicting the outcome of patients with cirrhosis presenting with acute variceal bleeding. Materials and Methods: A total of 386 patients with liver cirrhosis were included. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AST/ALT), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4-index (FIB-4), fibrosis index (FI), King’s Score, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, and platelet-albumin-bilirubin (PALBI) score were calculated. The discriminatory capacities of the examined scores in predicting the presence of esophageal varices were tested using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: The ROC curve analysis showed (area under the curve) AUC values of ALBI and PALBI of 0.603, and 0.606, respectively, for the prediction of EV. APRI, MELD, PALBI, King’s, FIB-4, and ALBI scores showed statistically significant correlation with EV bleeding (p < 0.05). AUC of APRI and MELD for predicting EV bleeding were 0.662 and 0.637, respectively. The AUC value of MELD in short-term mortality was 0.761. Conclusions: ALBI and PALBI scores had modest diagnostic accuracy of EVs in liver cirrhosis. APRI and MELD can be used as a reference index for the EV bleeding, and MELD score is best associated with short-term outcome in cirrhotic patients.
Mature Adults at the GP: Length of Visit and Patient Satisfaction—Associations with Patient, Doctor, and Facility Characteristics
Authors: Rzadkiewicz Marta , Haugan Gorill , Włodarczyk Dorota
Published: January 2022

Background and objectives: The consultation time for more mature adults is often perceived as longer, increasing with the patient’s age and boosting their satisfaction with the visit. However, factors determining patient satisfaction (PS) or the consultation time (CT) in the population aged 50+ are not clearly identified. A cross-sectional design was used to identify factors specific to the facility (e.g., size, staff turnover), doctor (e.g., seniority, workload), and patient (e.g., self-rated health, impairment of activities) that are related to PS and the CT. Our secondary focus was on the relation of PS to the CT along with the role of the patient’s age and gender for both. Materials and Methods: Doctors (n = 178) and their 1708 patients (aged 50–97) from 77 primary care facilities participated in the study. The Patient Satisfaction with Visit Scale score and the CT were the outcome measures. Results: We identified associations with the CT in terms of the facility-related factors (number of GPs, time scheduling); doctors’ workload and health; and patients’ education, time attending GP, and impairments. PS was additionally governed by doctors’ perceived rate of patients aged 65+, as well as the patients’ hospitalization in the prior year, frequency of visits, and impairments. For adults aged 50+ the CT was unrelated to PS and both remained independent of patients’ age. Conclusions: Specific factors in terms of the facility, GP, and patient were identified as related to PS and the CT for participating adults in primary care. During visits of patients aged 50+ at their GP, there is scope for both time-savings and patient satisfaction improvements, when paying attention, e.g., to the time scheduled per visit, the number of doctors employed, and the patients’ impairments.
Patients with Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices in the Era of COVID-19 and Their Response to Telemedical Solutions
Authors: Paskudzka Diana , Januszkiewicz Łukasz , Załuska Roman , Kołodzińska Agnieszka , Łyżwiński Łukasz , Grabowski Marcin
Published: January 2022

Background and objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the healthcare system, leading to the rapid implementation of telemedical solutions, especially in cardiology. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the patients (pts) with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) perspectives on the telemedicine elements such as teleconsultation, telemonitoring, and e-prescription. Materials and methods: An anonymous questionnaire was created and delivered to CIED pts who came to the ambulatory outpatient clinic. In this survey, we evaluated teleconsultation, home monitoring systems, and e-prescription in the 17 single-choice and multiple-choice questions and a rating on a scale of 0 to 10. Results: During the four-month period, 226 pts (58% male) completed the questionnaire. Regular visits were most frequent in pts living in the urban area where the clinic was located, and least frequent in those living in rural areas (p = 0.0158). Moreover, 89 pts (39%) had teleconsultation before CIED interrogation, and satisfaction was 99%; 24 pts (11%) had home-monitoring control and 135 pts (60%) would have liked to have this opportunity; 88 pts (34.5%) would be able to pay additional costs for home-monitoring, with a mean amount of 65 PLN (±68.24). The e-prescription system was used by 203 pts (90%), and it was evaluated with 8.6 points (±2) on a scale from 0 to 10 points. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the previous functioning of the health system, and telemedicine became an alternative to traditional ambulatory visits and proved to be essential in the continuity of patient care. There is a substantial need for further development of telemedicine solutions in the healthcare system.
Performance Comparison of Alternative Hollow-Fiber Modules for Hemodialysis by Means of a CFD-Based Model
Authors: Cancilla Nunzio , Gurreri Luigi , Marotta Gaspare , Ciofalo Michele , Cipollina Andrea , Tamburini Alessandro , Micale Giorgio
Published: January 2022

Commercial hemodialyzers are hollow-fiber cylindrical modules with dimensions and inlet–outlet configurations dictated mostly by practice. However, alternative configurations are possible, and one may ask how they would behave in terms of performance. In principle, it would be possible to depart from the standard counter-flow design, while still keeping high clearance values, thanks to the increase in the shell-side Sherwood number (Sh) due to the cross-flow. To elucidate these aspects, a previously developed computational model was used in which blood and dialysate are treated as flowing through two interpenetrating porous media. Measured Darcy permeabilities and mass transfer coefficients derived from theoretical arguments and CFD simulations conducted at unit-cell scale were used. Blood and dialysate were alternately simulated via an iterative strategy, while appropriate source terms accounted for water and solute exchanges. Several module configurations sharing the same membrane area, but differing in overall geometry and inlet–outlet arrangement, were simulated, including a commercial unit. Although the shell-side Sherwood number increased in almost all the alternative configurations (from 14 to 25 in the best case), none of them outperformed in terms of clearance the commercial one, approaching the latter (257 vs. 255 mL/min) only in the best case. These findings confirmed the effectiveness of the established commercial module design for the currently available membrane properties.
Multifunctional Membranes Based on β-Glucans and Chitosan Useful in Wound Treatment
Authors: Trombino Sonia , Curcio Federica , Di Gioia Maria Luisa , Armentano Biagio , Poerio Teresa , Cassano Roberta
Published: January 2022

In this work, bio-based membranes prepared using a crosslinked β-glucans–chitosan dispersed in the chitosan matrix useful in promoting wound healing were studied for the first-time. Wound healing is a process that includes sequential steps designed to restore the structure and function of damaged cells and tissue. To minimize damage and the risk of infection during the healing process and to promote restoration of the integrity of damaged tissue, the wound should be dressed. Generally, according to their function in the wound, dressings are classified on the basis of type of material and physical form. The substances used to make a dressing are generally natural polymers such as hydrocolloids, alginates, polyurethane, collagen, chitosan, pectin and hyaluronic acid. The combination of polymeric substances, with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, could be exploited in the biomedical field for the development of biocompatible materials able to act as a barrier between the wound and the external environment, protecting the site from bacterial contamination and promoting healing. To this aim, bio-based membranes were prepared by the phase inversion induced by solvent evaporation, using the crosslinked β-glucans–chitosan obtained by esterification reactions as a functional additive in the chitosan membrane. The reaction intermediates and the final products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) while the morphological properties of membranes were analyzed using electronic scanning microscopy (SEM). The chemical bonding between chitosan and β-glucans allowed for the obtainment of a better dispersion of the combined new material into the membrane’s matrix and as a consequence, an enhanced antibacterial property evaluated through in vitro tests, with respect to the starting materials.
Influence of Anoctamin-4 and -9 on ADAM10 and ADAM17 Sheddase Function
Authors: Leitzke Sinje , Seidel Jana , Ahrens Björn , Schreiber Rainer , Kunzelmann Karl , Sperrhacke Maria , Bhakdi Sucharit , Reiss Karina
Published: January 2022

Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (TMEM16, also known as anoctamins) perform important functions in cell physiology, including modulation of cell proliferation and cancer growth. Many members, including TMEM16F/ANO6, additionally act as Ca2+-activated phospholipid scramblases. We recently presented evidence that ANO6-dependent surface exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) is pivotal for the disintegrin-like metalloproteases ADAM10 and ADAM17 to exert their sheddase function. Here, we compared the influence of seven ANO family members (ANO1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10) on ADAM sheddase activity. Similar to ANO6, overexpression of ANO4 and ANO9 led to increased release of ADAM10 and ADAM17 substrates, such as betacellulin, TGFα, and amphiregulin (AREG), upon ionophore stimulation in HEK cells. Inhibitor experiments indicated that ANO4/ANO9-mediated enhancement of TGFα-cleavage broadened the spectrum of participating metalloproteinases. Annexin V-staining demonstrated increased externalisation of PS in ANO4/ANO9-overexpressing cells. Competition experiments with the soluble PS-headgroup phosphorylserine indicated that the ANO4/ANO9 effects were due to increased PS exposure. Overexpression of ANO4 or ANO9 in human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), enhanced constitutive shedding of the growth factor AREG and increased cell proliferation. We conclude that ANO4 and ANO9, by virtue of their scramblase activity, may play a role as important regulators of ADAM-dependent cellular functions.
Effect of Processing Parameters on Strength and Corrosion Resistance of Friction Stir-Welded AA6082
Authors: Laska Aleksandra , Szkodo Marek , Koszelow Damian , Cavaliere Pasquale
Published: January 2022

The friction stir welding method is increasingly attracting interest in the railway sector due to its environmental friendliness, low cost, and ease of producing high-quality joints. Using aluminum alloys reduces the weight of structures, increasing their payload and reducing fuel consumption and running costs. The following paper presents studies on the microstructure, strength, and corrosion resistance of AA6082 aluminum alloy sheets joined via friction stir welding. The sheets were joined by employing two different traverse speeds (200 and 250 mm/min), two different rotational speeds (1000 and 1250 rpm), and two different tool tilt angles (0° and 2°). It was observed that the use of the inclined tool provides finer microstructure in the nugget zone, higher value of microhardness, and better corrosion resistance, compared to the tilt angle equal to 0°. By increasing the value of revolutionary pitch, finer grains are observed in the nugget zone and the measured hardness is higher. It was also observed that the change in process parameters strongly influences the radius of the nugget zone and the potentiodynamic properties of the friction stir-welded material. The joints produced with the tool tilt angle equal to 2°, the tool traverse speed of 200 mm/min, and its rotational speed of 1250 rpm revealed the highest hardness in the nugget zone (about 92% of the base material). Moreover, the finest grain size in the nugget with the average value of 9.8 ± 1.5 µm was found. The lowest corrosion current density equal to 16.029 µA cm−2 was noted for the sample with the highest strength, which also provides its good corrosion resistance.
Metabolomics Signatures and Subsequent Maternal Health among Mothers with a Congenital Heart Defect-Affected Pregnancy
Authors: Hsu Ping-Ching , Maity Suman , Patel Jenil , Lupo Philip J. , Nembhard Wendy N.
Published: January 2022

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most prevalent and serious of all birth defects in the United States. However, little is known about the impact of CHD-affected pregnancies on subsequent maternal health. Thus, there is a need to characterize the metabolic alterations associated with CHD-affected pregnancies. Fifty-six plasma samples were identified from post-partum women who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study between 1997 and 2011 and had (1) unaffected control offspring (n = 18), (2) offspring with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF, n = 22), or (3) hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS, n = 16) in this pilot study. Absolute concentrations of 408 metabolites using the AbsoluteIDQ® p400 HR Kit (Biocrates) were evaluated among case and control mothers. Twenty-six samples were randomly selected from above as technical repeats. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and logistic regression models were used to identify significant metabolites after controlling for the maternal age at delivery and body mass index. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area-under-the-curve (AUC) are reported to evaluate the performance of significant metabolites. Overall, there were nine significant metabolites (p < 0.05) identified in HLHS case mothers and 30 significant metabolites in ToF case mothers. Statistically significant metabolites were further evaluated using ROC curve analyses with PC (34:1), two sphingolipids SM (31:1), SM (42:2), and PC-O (40:4) elevated in HLHS cases; while LPC (18:2), two triglycerides: TG (44:1), TG (46:2), and LPC (20:3) decreased in ToF; and cholesterol esters CE (22:6) were elevated among ToF case mothers. The metabolites identified in the study may have profound structural and functional implications involved in cellular signaling and suggest the need for postpartum dietary supplementation among women who gave birth to CHD offspring.
Comparative Genomics of Clostridium baratii Reveals Strain-Level Diversity in Toxin Abundance
Authors: Silva-Andrade Claudia , Martin Alberto J. , Garrido Daniel
Published: January 2022

Clostridium baratii strains are rare opportunistic pathogens associated with botulism intoxication. They have been isolated from foods, soil and be carried asymptomatically or cause botulism outbreaks. Is not taxonomically related to Clostridium botulinum, but some strains are equipped with BoNT/F7 cluster. Despite their relationship with diseases, our knowledge regarding the genomic features and phylogenetic characteristics is limited. We analyzed the pangenome of C. baratii to understand the diversity and genomic features of this species. We compared existing genomes in public databases, metagenomes, and one newly sequenced strain isolated from an asymptomatic subject. The pangenome was open, indicating it comprises genetically diverse organisms. The core genome contained 28.49% of the total genes of the pangenome. Profiling virulence factors confirmed the presence of phospholipase C in some strains, a toxin capable of disrupting eukaryotic cell membranes. Furthermore, the genomic analysis indicated significant horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events as defined by the presence of prophage genomes. Seven strains were equipped with BoNT/F7 cluster. The active site was conserved in all strains, identifying a missing 7-aa region upstream of the active site in C. baratii genomes. This analysis could be important to advance our knowledge regarding opportunistic clostridia and better understand their contribution to disease.
In Silico Characterisation of Putative Prophages in Lactobacillaceae Used in Probiotics for Vaginal Health
Authors: Happel Anna-Ursula , Kullin Brian R. , Gamieldien Hoyam , Jaspan Heather B. , Varsani Arvind , Martin Darren , Passmore Jo-Ann S. , Froissart Rémy
Published: January 2022

While live biotherapeutics offer a promising approach to optimizing vaginal microbiota, the presence of functional prophages within introduced Lactobacillaceae strains could impact their safety and efficacy. We evaluated the presence of prophages in 895 publicly available Lactobacillaceae genomes using Phaster, Phigaro, Phispy, Prophet and Virsorter. Prophages were identified according to stringent (detected by ≥4 methods) or lenient criteria (detected by ≥2 methods), both with >80% reciprocal sequence overlap. The stringent approach identified 448 prophages within 359 genomes, with 40.1% genomes harbouring at least one prophage, while the lenient approach identified 1671 prophages within 83.7% of the genomes. To confirm our in silico estimates in vitro, we tested for inducible prophages in 57 vaginally-derived and commercial Lactobacillaceae isolates and found inducible prophages in 61.4% of the isolates. We characterised the in silico predicted prophages based on weighted gene repertoire relatedness and found that most belonged to the Siphoviridae or Myoviridae families. ResFam and eggNOG identified four potential antimicrobial resistance genes within the predicted prophages. Our results suggest that while Lactobacillaceae prophages seldomly carry clinically concerning genes and thus unlikely a pose a direct risk to human vaginal microbiomes, their high prevalence warrants the characterisation of Lactobacillaceae prophages in live biotherapeutics.
Probiotic Lactobacilli Do Not Protect Chickens against Salmonella Enteritidis Infection by Competitive Exclusion in the Intestinal Tract but in Feed, Outside the Chicken Host
Authors: Juricova Helena , Matiasovicova Jitka , Faldynova Marcela , Sebkova Alena , Kubasova Tereza , Prikrylova Hana , Karasova Daniela , Crhanova Magdalena , Havlickova Hana , Rychlik Ivan
Published: January 2022

Lactobacilli are commonly used as probiotics in poultry to improve production parameters and to increase chicken resistance to enteric infections. However, lactobacilli do not efficiently colonise the chicken intestinal tract, and also, their anti-infection effect in vivo is sometimes questionable. In this study, we therefore evaluated the potential of a mixture of four Lactobacillus species (L. salivarius, L. reuteri, L. ingluviei and L. alvi) for the protection of chickens against Salmonella Enteritidis infection. Whenever the chickens were inoculated by lactobacilli and S. Enteritidis separately, there was no protective effect of lactobacilli. This means that when lactobacilli and S. Enteritidis are exposed to each other as late as in the crop of chickens, lactobacilli did not influence chicken resistance to S. Enteritidis at all. The only positive effect was recorded when the mixture of lactobacilli and S. Enteritidis was used for the inoculation of feed and the feed was anaerobically fermented for 1 to 5 days. In this case, chickens fed such a diet remained S. Enteritidis negative. In vitro experiments showed that the protective effect was caused by acidification of feed down to pH 4.6 due to lactobacilli fermentation and was associated with S. Enteritidis inactivation. The probiotic effect of lactobacilli was thus expressed in the feed, outside the chicken host.
Into the Unknown: Microbial Communities in Caves, Their Role, and Potential Use
Authors: Kosznik-Kwaśnicka Katarzyna , Golec Piotr , Jaroszewicz Weronika , Lubomska Daria , Piechowicz Lidia
Published: January 2022

Caves have been an item of amateur and professional exploration for many years. Research on the karst caves has revealed great diversity of bacteria, algae, and fungi living on stone walls and speleothems, in mud puddles or sediments. They have become the source of interest for various research groups including geologists, chemists, ecologists, or microbiologists. The adaptations of cave-dwelling organisms applied to their survival are complex and some of their properties show potential to be used in various areas of human life. Secondary metabolites produced by cave’s bacteria show strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or anticancer properties. Furthermore, bacteria that can induce mineral precipitation could be used in the construction industry and for neutralization of radioisotopes. In this review we focus on bacteria and algae present in cave ecosystems, their role in shaping such specific environment, and their biotechnological and medical potential.
Comparison of Reference-Based Assembly and De Novo Assembly for Bacterial Plasmid Reconstruction and AMR Gene Localization in Salmonella enterica Serovar Schwarzengrund Isolates
Authors: Li I-Chen , Yu Gine-Ye , Huang Jing-Fang , Chen Zeng-Weng , Chou Chung-Hsi
Published: January 2022

It is well established that plasmids carrying multiple antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes can be easily transferred among bacterial isolates by horizontal gene transfer. Previous studies have shown that a combination of short- and long-read approaches is effective in reconstructing accurate plasmids. However, high-quality Illumina short reads mapped onto the long reads in the context of an AMR hybrid monitoring strategy have not yet been explored. Hence, this study aimed to improve the reconstruction of plasmids, including the localization of AMR genes, using the above-described parameters on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) results. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to use S1 nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE) to confirm the number and sizes of plasmids detected by in silico-based predictions in Salmonella strains. Our results showed that de novo assembly did not detect the number of bacterial plasmids more accurately than reference-based assembly did. As this new hybrid mapping strategy surpassed de novo assembly in bacterial reconstruction, it was further used to identify the presence and genomic location of AMR genes among three Salmonella enterica serovar Schwarzengrund isolates. The AMR genes identified in the bacterial chromosome among the three Salmonella enterica serovar Schwarzengrund isolates included: AAC(3)-IV, AAC(6′)-Iy, aadA2, APH(4)-Ia, cmlA1, golS, mdsA, mdsB, mdsC, mdtK, qacH, sdiA, sul2, sul3, and TEM-1 genes. Moreover, the presence of TEM-1, AAC(3)-IV, aadA2, APH(4)-Ia, cmlA1, dfrA12, floR, sul1, sul3, and tet(A) genes found within three IncFIB plasmids and one IncX1 plasmid highlight their possible transmission into the environment, which is a public health risk. In conclusion, the generated data using this new hybrid mapping strategy will contribute to the improvement of AMR monitoring and support the risk assessment of AMR dissemination.
Cellular Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Potential of Recurrent Molds of the Genus Aspergillus Series Versicolores
Authors: Géry Antoine , Lepetit Charlie , Heutte Natacha , Séguin Virginie , Bonhomme Julie , Garon David
Published: January 2022

Molds are ubiquitous biological pollutants in bioaerosols. Among these molds, the genus Aspergillus is found in the majority of indoor air samples, and includes several species with pathogenic and toxigenic properties. Aspergillus species in the series Versicolores remain little known despite recurrence in bioaerosols. In order to investigate their toxicity, we studied 22 isolates of clinical and environmental origin, corresponding to seven different species of the series Versicolores. Spore suspensions and ethyl acetate extracts prepared from fungal isolates were subjected to oxidative potential measurement using the dithiothreitol (DTT) test and cell survival measurement. The DTT tests showed that all species of the series Versicolores had an oxidative potential, either by their spores (especially for Aspergillus jensenii) or by the extracts (especially from Aspergillus amoenus). Measurements of cell survival of A549 and HaCaT cell lines showed that only the spore suspension containing 105 spores/mL of Aspergillus jensenii caused a significant decrease in survival after 72 h of exposure. The same tests performed with mixtures of 105 spores/mL showed a potentiation of the cytotoxic effect, with a significant decrease in cell survival for mixtures containing spores of two species (on A549 cells, p = 0.05 and HaCaT cells, p = 0.001) or three different species (on HaCaT cells, p = 0.05). Cell survival assays after 72 h of exposure to the fungal extracts showed that Aspergillus puulaauensis extract was the most cytotoxic (IC50 < 25 µg/mL), while Aspergillus fructus caused no significant decrease in cell survival.
Nanoplastic Generation from Secondary PE Microplastics: Microorganism-Induced Fragmentation
Authors: Karkanorachaki Katerina , Tsiota Panagiota , Dasenakis Giorgos , Syranidou Evdokia , Kalogerakis Nicolas
Published: January 2022

Concern regarding the pollution of the marine environment with plastics has been rising in recent years. Plastic waste residing in and interacting with the environment fragments into secondary particles in the micro- and nanoscale, whose negative impacts on the environment are even greater than those of the parent items. In this work, secondary high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics were produced by irradiation of virgin films following mechanical fragmentation. The fragments with size ranging from 250 μm to 2 mm were selected for subsequent microcosm experiments. Incubation for 120 days in seawater inoculated with two marine communities, Agios, acclimatized to utilizing plastics as a carbon source, and Souda, as was collected at the Souda bay (Crete, Greece), resulted in biofilm formation by polyethylene (PE) degraders. Monthly FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) examination of the samples revealed changes in the chemical structure of the surface of the polymers. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was employed and nano- and microparticles with sizes in the range between 56 nm and 4.5 μm were detected in the seawater of inoculated microcosms. It was thus demonstrated that weathered plastics particles can biodeteriorate and biofragment as a result of biofilm attachment, resulting in the production of nanoplastics due to microbial activity.
Design and Optimize the Performance of Self-Powered Photodetector Based on PbS/TiS3 Heterostructure by SCAPS-1D
Authors: Yao Huizhen , Liu Lai
Published: January 2022

Titanium trisulphide (TiS3) has been widely used in the field of optoelectronics owing to its superb optical and electronic characteristics. In this work, a self-powered photodetector using bulk PbS/TiS3 p-n heterojunction is numerically investigated and analyzed by a Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator in one-Dimension (SCAPS-1D) software. The energy bands, electron-holes generation or recombination rate, current density-voltage (J-V), and spectral response properties have been investigated by SCAPS-1D. To improve the performance of photodetectors, the influence of thickness, shallow acceptor or donor density, and defect density are investigated. By optimization, the optimal thickness of the TiS3 layer and PbS layer are determined to be 2.5 μm and 700 nm, respectively. The density of the superior shallow acceptor (donor) is 1015 (1022) cm−3. High quality TiS3 film is required with the defect density of about 1014 cm−3. For the PbS layer, the maximum defect density is 1017 cm−3. As a result, the photodetector based on the heterojunction with optimal parameters exhibits a good photoresponse from 300 nm to 1300 nm. Under the air mass 1.5 global tilt (AM 1.5G) illuminations, the optimal short-circuit current reaches 35.57 mA/cm2 and the open circuit voltage is about 870 mV. The responsivity (R) and a detectivity (D*) of the simulated photodetector are 0.36 A W−1 and 3.9 × 1013 Jones, respectively. The simulation result provides a promising research direction to further broaden the TiS3-based optoelectronic device.
Optical Properties of V2O5 Thin Films on Different Substrates and Femtosecond Laser-Induced Phase Transition Studied by Pump–Probe Method
Authors: Lan Yu , Yang Guowen , Li Yangping , Wang Yuheng , Shi Qianqian , Cheng Guanghua
Published: January 2022

Vanadium pentoxide can undergo a reversible phase transition by heating above 260 °C; its non-thermal phase transition, as well as ultrafast dynamical processes, is still not known. Here, femtosecond laser-induced phase transition properties in V2O5 thin films were first explored using femtosecond time-resolved pump–probe spectroscopy. The results show that the phase transient processes occur on a 10−15–10−13 temporal scale. The phase transition and recovery properties are dependent on both the substrates and pump laser energy densities. We propose the oxygen vacancies theory to explain the results, and we provide valuable insights into V2O5 films for potential applications.
Challenges in Physical Layer Security for Visible Light Communication Systems
Authors: Cho Sunghwan , Chen Gaojie , Coon Justin P. , Xiao Pei
Published: January 2022

This article highlights challenges associated with securing visible light communication (VLC) systems by using physical layer security (PLS) techniques. Motivated by the achievements in PLS studies for radio frequency (RF) communication, many PLS techniques for VLC systems were also rigorously investigated by tailoring the RF techniques to the VLC environment. However, careful consideration of the inherent differences between RF and VLC systems is still needed. By disregarding these differences, an eavesdropper could be given an opportunity to wiretap the VLC systems, even when PLS techniques are employed to protect them. Crucially, the fact that it is often not possible to know the number and locations of eavesdroppers in real VLC systems may allow eavesdroppers to devise various cooperative eavesdropping methods. By examining a few examples of the possible eavesdropper threats that can occur in VLC systems, this article offers novel insights into the vulnerabilities of state-of-the-art PLS schemes for VLC systems. Although the focus of the paper is mostly on these weaknesses, some potential solutions are also briefly proposed with a view to stimulating discourse in the community.
Combination of Inorganic Nitrogen and Organic Soil Amendment Improves Nitrogen Use Efficiency While Reducing Nitrogen Runoff
Authors: Phillips Ian , Paungfoo-Lonhienne Chanyarat , Tahmasbian Iman , Hunter Benjamin , Smith Brianna , Mayer David , Redding Matthew
Published: January 2022

Improved nitrogen fertiliser management and increased nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) can be achieved by synchronising nitrogen (N) availability with plant uptake requirements. Organic materials in conjunction with inorganic fertilisers provide a strategy for supplying plant-available N over the growing season and reducing N loss. This study investigated whether a combined application of inorganic N with an organic soil amendment could improve nitrogen use efficiency by reducing N loss in runoff. Nitrogen runoff from a ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cover was investigated using a rainfall simulator. Nitrogen was applied at low, medium and high (50, 75 and 100 kg/ha) rates as either (NH4)2SO4 or in combination with a poultry manure-based organic material. We showed that the NUE in the combination (58–75%) was two-fold greater than in (NH4)2SO4 (24–42%). Furthermore, this combination also resulted in a two-fold lower N runoff compared with the inorganic fertiliser alone. This effect was attributed to the slower rate of N release from the organic amendment relative to the inorganic fertiliser. Here, we demonstrated that the combined use of inorganic and organic N substrates can reduce nutrient losses in surface runoff due to a better synchronisation of N availability with plant uptake requirements.
Vitamin D Concentrations at Birth and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Early Adulthood: A Danish Population-Based Case-Cohort Study
Authors: Cardoso Isabel , Specht Ina Olmer , Thorsteinsdottir Fanney , Thorbek Marta Jadwiga , Keller Amélie , Stougaard Maria , Cohen Arieh S. , Händel Mina Nicole , Kristensen Lars Erik , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal
Published: January 2022

Background: Low vitamin D in pregnancy may impair the development of the fetal immune system and influence the risk of later development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the offspring. The aim was to examine whether lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D) concentrations at birth were associated with the risk of developing RA in early adulthood. Methods: This case-cohort study obtained data from Danish registers and biobanks. Cases included all individuals born during 1981–1996 and recorded in the Danish National Patient Register with a diagnosis of RA with age >18 years at first admission. The random comparison consisted of a subset of Danish children. Vitamin D concentrations were measured in newborn dried blood. In total, 805 RA cases and 2416 individuals from the subcohort were included in the final analysis. Weighted Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR). Results: The median (interquartile rage (IQR)) 25(OH)D concentrations among cases were 24.9 nmol/L (IQR:15.4;36.9) and 23.9 nmol/L (IQR:13.6;36.4) among the subcohort. There was no indication of a lower risk of RA among individuals in the highest vitamin D quintile compared with the lowest (HRadj.:1.21 (0.90;1.63)). Conclusion: The risk of RA in early adulthood was not associated with vitamin D concentrations at birth.
Food Reward after Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Outcomes: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Guyot Erika , Nazare Julie-Anne , Oustric Pauline , Robert Maud , Disse Emmanuel , Dougkas Anestis , Iceta Sylvain
Published: January 2022

Changes in food preferences after bariatric surgery may alter its effectiveness as a treatment for obesity. We aimed to compare food reward for a comprehensive variety of food categories between patients who received a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and to explore whether food reward differs according to weight loss. In this cross-sectional exploratory study, food reward was assessed using the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ) in patients at 6, 12, or 24 months after SG or RYGB. We assessed the liking and wanting of 11 food categories. Comparisons were done regarding the type of surgery and total weight loss (TWL; based on tertile distribution). Fifty-six patients (30 SG and 26 RYGB) were included (women: 70%; age: 44.0 (11.1) y). Regarding the type of surgery, scores were not significantly different between SG and RYGB, except for ‘non-dairy products—without color’ explicit liking (p = 0.04). Regarding TWL outcomes, explicit liking, explicit wanting, and implicit wanting, scores were significantly higher for good responders than low responders for ‘No meat—High fat’ (post-hoc corrected p-value: 0.04, 0.03, and 0.04, respectively). Together, our results failed to identify major differences in liking and wanting between the types of surgery and tended to indicate that higher weight loss might be related to a higher reward for high protein-content food. Rather focus only on palatable foods, future studies should also consider a broader range of food items, including protein reward.
Food Consciousness Intervention Improves Interoceptive Sensitivity and Expression of Exteroception in Women
Authors: Palazzo Carina Carlucci , Leghi Barbara Esteves , Diez-Garcia Rosa Wanda
Published: January 2022

The perception of the body’s internal state (interoception) and the perception and processing of environmental sensory stimuli (exteroception) act together to modulate adaptive behaviour, including eating behaviour, and are related to bodyweight control. This study evaluated the impact of the Food and Nutrition Education Program with Sensory and Cognitive Exercises on interoceptive sensitivity and on the expression of exteroceptive perception in women who experienced difficulty in controlling their body weight. Thirty-seven women were randomized into two groups and evaluated at two moments: before and after the intervention or before and after a 3- to 4-week waiting period. A heartbeat tracking task was used for interoception evaluation. Participants were asked to write a text describing three foods after tasting them for exteroception evaluation. After the intervention, the participants showed an increase in interoceptive sensitivity, and an increase in the expression of exteroceptive stimuli perception through a semantic assessment of their writing related to the tasting experience. In addition, the results point to a possible connection between the mechanisms governing interoception and exteroception. This work brings important contributions to the search for strategies capable of promoting the perception and integration of physiological and environmental stimuli in food consumption.
Hippocampal mTOR Dysregulation and Morphological Changes in Male Rats after Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Schömig Charlotte , Oberholz Laura , Fink Gregor , Voggel Jenny , Wohlfarth Maria , Dötsch Jörg , Nüsken Kai-Dietrich , Nüsken Eva
Published: January 2022

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) has been linked to long-term neurocognitive impairment, especially in males. To determine possible underlying mechanisms, we examined hippocampal cellular composition and mTOR signaling of male rat FGR offspring during main brain growth and development (postnatal days (PND) 1 and 12). FGR was either induced by a low-protein diet throughout pregnancy, experimental placental insufficiency by bilateral uterine vessel ligation or intrauterine stress by “sham” operation. Offspring after unimpaired gestation served as common controls. Low-protein diet led to a reduced cell density in the molecular dentate gyrus subregion, while intrauterine surgical stress was associated with increased cell density in the cellular CA2 subregion. Experimental placental insufficiency caused increased mTOR activation on PND 1, whereas intrauterine stress led to mTOR activation on PND 1 and 12. To determine long-term effects, we additionally examined mTOR signaling and Tau phosphorylation, which is altered in neurodegenerative diseases, on PND 180, but did not find any changes among the experimental groups. Our findings suggest that hippocampal cellular proliferation and mTOR signaling are dysregulated in different ways depending on the cause of FGR. While a low-protein diet induced a decreased cell density, prenatal surgical stress caused hyperproliferation, possibly via increased mTOR signaling.
Short-Term Adaptations in Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Oxidative Capacity and Metabolic Pathways to Breaking up Sedentary Behaviors in Overweight or Obese Adults
Authors: De Jong Nathan P. , Rudolph Michael C. , Jackman Matthew R. , Sharp Rachel R. , Jones Ken , Houck Julie , Pan Zhaoxing , Reusch Jane E. B. , MacLean Paul S. , Bessesen Daniel H. , Bergouignan Audrey
Published: January 2022

Breaking up sedentary behavior with short-frequent bouts of physical activity (PA) differentially influences metabolic health compared with the performance of a single-continuous bout of PA matched for total active time. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We compared skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration (high-resolution respirometry) and molecular adaptations (RNA sequencing) following 4-day exposure to breaks vs. energy-matched single-continuous PA bout in inactive adults with overweight/obesity. Participants (9M/10F, 32.2 ± 6.4 years, 30.3 ± 3.0 kg/m2) completed three 4-day interventions of a randomized cross-over study: SED, sedentary control; MICRO, 5 min brisk walking each hour for 9 h; ONE: 45 min/d continuous brisk walking bout. Fasted muscle biopsies were collected on day 5. Mitochondrial coupling in the presence of lipid-associated substrates was higher after ONE (4.8 ± 2.5) compared to MICRO (3.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.02) and SED (2.3 ± 1.0, p = 0.001). Respiratory rates did not differ across groups with carbohydrate-associated substrates. In pathways associated with muscle contraction transcription signaling, ONE and MICRO similarly enhanced Oxidative Phosphorylation and Sirtuin Signaling expression (p < 0.0001, for both). However, ONE (p < 0.001, for all), but not MICRO, had greater pathway enrichment, including Ca++, mTOR, AMPK, and HIF1α signaling, than SED. Although breaking up sedentary behavior triggered skeletal muscle molecular adaptations favoring oxidative capacity, it did not improve mitochondrial function over the short term.