bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting PTEN Regulation by Post Translational Modifications
Authors: González-García Ana , Garrido Antonio , Carrera Ana C.
Published: November 2022

Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) is a lipidic second messenger present at very low concentrations in resting normal cells. PIP3 levels, though, increase quickly and transiently after growth factor addition, upon activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase). PIP3 is required for the activation of intracellular signaling pathways that induce cell proliferation, cell migration, and survival. Given the critical role of this second messenger for cellular responses, PIP3 levels must be tightly regulated. The lipid phosphatase PTEN (phosphatase and tensin-homolog in chromosome 10) is the phosphatase responsible for PIP3 dephosphorylation to PIP2. PTEN tumor suppressor is frequently inactivated in endometrium and prostate carcinomas, and also in glioblastoma, illustrating the contribution of elevated PIP3 levels for cancer development. PTEN biological activity can be modulated by heterozygous gene loss, gene mutation, and epigenetic or transcriptional alterations. In addition, PTEN can also be regulated by post-translational modifications. Acetylation, oxidation, phosphorylation, sumoylation, and ubiquitination can alter PTEN stability, cellular localization, or activity, highlighting the complexity of PTEN regulation. While current strategies to treat tumors exhibiting a deregulated PI3-kinase/PTEN axis have focused on PI3-kinase inhibition, a better understanding of PTEN post-translational modifications could provide new therapeutic strategies to restore PTEN action in PIP3-dependent tumors.
Thyroid Cancer Persistence in Patients with Unreliable Thyroglobulin Measurement: Circulating microRNA as Candidate Alternative Biomarkers
Authors: Campennì Alfredo , Aguennouz M’hammed , Siracusa Massimiliano , Alibrandi Angela , Polito Francesca , Oteri Rosaria , Baldari Sergio , Ruggeri Rosaria Maddalena , Giovanella Luca
Published: November 2022

Background: We aimed to evaluate the role of circulating miRNAs as a biomarker of the persistence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in patients with an “uninformative” thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 49 consecutive PTC patients with Tg-positive antibodies (TgAb) who had undergone a (near)-total thyroidectomy and 131I therapy (RIT). The serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Tg, and TgAb levels were measured before and at 6 and 12 months after RIT, respectively. The serum miRNA (221, 222, 375, 155, and 146b) levels were measured simultaneously. Results: The response to the initial therapy was assessed according to the 2015 ATA criteria. A decrease in 50% or more of serum miRNA over time was observed in 41/49 PTC patients, who showed an excellent response (ER), but six and two patients were classified to have an indeterminate/incomplete biochemical or incomplete structural response to initial therapy. Conclusion: Serum miRNA kinetics emerge as a promising biomarker for the early detection of a persistent disease in PTC patients with uninformative Tg results.
Morphology and Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Oxide Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Mini Review
Authors: Mochane Mokgaotsa Jonas , Motloung Mary Tholwana , Mokhena Teboho Clement , Mofokeng Tladi Gideon
Published: November 2022

There is an approximately 3% of fresh water available globally for utilization, while the rest of the water is not available for usage, leaving billions of people with less water. Less water availability means that the majority of water consists of pollutants either in ground water or drinking water, which in turn may have a negative impact on the environment and people. Various methods such as plasma technology, flocculation, neutralization, and disinfection have been utilized for wastewater treatment. The wastewater treatment methods have been found to be selective in terms of the removal of other pollutants, as a result, the majority of them are unable to remove pollutants such as antibiotics at a trace level. In order to ensure that there is a complete removal of pollutants from water, there is a need for the development of alternative wastewater treatment methods. The use of solar light by photocatalysis is an alternative method for the degradation of toxic pollutants. Different photocatalysts such as zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silver (Ag) have been used in the process of photocatalysis. However, the above photocatalysts were found to have drawbacks such as agglomeration at higher contents and health problems during transportation. To solve the above problem, the nanoparticles were immobilized in various matrices such as polymers and ceramics, with polymers being preferred because of low cost, chemical inertness, and high durability. The current review discusses various methods for the preparation of ZnO and its synergy with other nanoparticles incorporated in various polymer matrices. Because it is known that the preparation method(s) affects the morphology, the morphology and the photocatalytic activity of various ZnO/polymer composites and hybrid systems of ZnO/other nanoparticles/polymer composites are discussed in depth.
Boosting the Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Performance of TiO2 Nanotubes by Surface Modification Using Silver Phosphate
Authors: Arunachalam Prabhakarn , Amer Mabrook S. , AlOraij Haneen A. , Al-Mayouf Abdullah M. , Hezam Mahmoud , Al-Shalwi Matar
Published: November 2022

Photoelectrocatalytic approaches are fascinating options for long-lasting energy storage through the transformation of solar energy into electrical energy or hydrogen fuel. Herein, we report a facile method of fabricating a composite electrode of well-aligned TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) decorated with photodeposited silver phosphate (Ag3PO4) nanoparticles. Assessment of the optical, physiochemical and photoelectrochemical features demonstrated that the fabricated TNTs/Ag3PO4 films showed a substantially boosted photocurrent response of 0.74 mA/cm2, almost a 3-fold enrichment in comparison with the pure TNTs. Specifically, the applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of the fabricated TNTs/Ag3PO4 composite electrode was 2.4-fold superior to that of the pure TNTs electrode. In these TNTs/Ag3PO4 photoanodes, the introduction of Ag3PO4 over TNTs enhanced light absorption and improved charge transfer and surface conductivity. The developed process can be generally applied to designing and developing efficient contact interfaces between photoanodes and numerous cocatalysts.
Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced Genes and Endogenous Retroviruses in Immortalized B Cells from Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Wieland Lisa , Schwarz Tommy , Engel Kristina , Volkmer Ines , Krüger Anna , Tarabuko Alexander , Junghans Jutta , Kornhuber Malte E. , Hoffmann Frank , Staege Martin S. , Emmer Alexander
Published: November 2022

The immune pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be triggered by environmental factors in individuals with an unfavorable genetic predisposition. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is a major risk factor for subsequent development of MS. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) can be activated by EBV, and might be a missing link between an initial EBV infection and the later onset of MS. In this study, we investigated differential gene expression patterns in EBV-immortalized lymphoblastoid B cell lines (LCL) from MS-affected individuals (MSLCL) and controls by using RNAseq and qRT-PCR. RNAseq data from LCL mapped to the human genome and a virtual virus metagenome were used to identify possible biomarkers for MS or disease-relevant risk factors, e.g., the relapse rate. We observed that lytic EBNA-1 transcripts seemed to be negatively correlated with age leading to an increased expression in LCL from younger PBMC donors. Further, HERV-K (HML-2) GAG was increased upon EBV-triggered immortalization. Besides the well-known transactivation of HERV-K18, our results suggest that another six HERV loci are up-regulated upon stimulation with EBV. We identified differentially expressed genes in MSLCL, e.g., several HERV-K loci, ERVMER61-1 and ERV3-1, as well as genes associated with relapses. In summary, EBV induces genes and HERV in LCL that might be suitable as biomarkers for MS or the relapse risk.
Pediculated Accessory Liver Lobe with Gallbladder in a Preterm with Umbilical Cord Hernia
Authors: Brandtner Martha Georgina , Stundner-Ladenhauf Hannah N. , Lapointe-Rohde Sara , Schimke Christa , Kluth Dietrich , Metzger Roman
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Accessory liver lobes are a rare finding and only a few case reports of accessory liver lobes in abdominal wall defects have been reported so far. In the case of a congenital wall defect including liver parenchyma, there is still an ongoing debate on the definition of the abdominal wall defect and best care practice. Even though congenital abdominal wall defects are frequently diagnosed in prenatal screenings, controversy on the underlying etiology, embryology and underlying anatomy remains. Prenatal distinction between omphalocele and hernia into the cord cannot always be obtained; however, due to its clinical relevance for postnatal management and counseling of parents, accurate diagnosis is essential. (2) Case Presentation: We describe the uncommon postnatal finding of a pediculated accessory liver lobe with gallbladder in a preterm with umbilical cord hernia, which was prenatally diagnosed as omphalocele. Postnatal examination revealed an amniotic sac with a diameter of six and a small abdominal wall defect of three centimeters in diameter. Postnatal management included resection of the accessory liver lobe and gallbladder and closure of the defect. (3) Results and (4) Conclusions: Throughout the literature, the distinction between umbilical cord hernia and omphalocele has been variable. This has led to confusion and difficulties regarding postnatal treatment options. In order to achieve an accurate prenatal and/or postnatal diagnosis, the morphological differences and clinical manifestation of umbilical cord hernia and omphalocele need to be assessed. Further embryological studies are warranted to understand the underlying embryological pathology of omphalocele and umbilical cord hernia and offer appropriate treatment. In consideration of possibly severe complications in the case of the torsion of a pedunculated accessory liver lobe, we strongly recommend primary removal once pre- or intraoperative identification has been made.
Direct Ink Writing of Anisotropic Luminescent Materials
Authors: Sabadin Mattia , Sol Jeroen A. H. P. , Debije Michael G.
Published: November 2022

Luminescent solar concentrators are relatively inexpensive devices proposed to collect, convert, and redirect incident (sun)light for a variety of potential applications. In this work, dichroic dyes are embedded in a liquid crystal elastomer matrix and used as feedstock for direct ink writing. Direct ink writing is a promising and versatile application technique for arbitrarily aligning the dichroic dyes over glass and poly(methyl methacrylate) lightguide surfaces. The resulting prints display anisotropic edge emissions, and suggest usage as striking visual objects, combining localized color and intensity variations when viewed through a polarizer.
A Comparative Follow-Up Study of Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Associated or Not with Graves’ Disease
Authors: Marongiu Andrea , Nuvoli Susanna , De Vito Andrea , Rondini Maria , Spanu Angela , Madeddu Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Whether papillary carcinoma (PC) behavior is more aggressive in Graves’ disease (GD) patients than PC cases without GD is controversial. We retrospectively enrolled 33 thyroidectomized PC/GD patients during long-term follow-up, 23/33 without risk factors at surgery, and 18/33 microcarcinomas; 312 PC euthyroid-matched patients without risk factors served as controls. A total of 14/33 (42.4%) PC/GD patients, 4 with and 10 without risk factors at diagnosis, 6 with microcarcinoma, underwent metastases during follow-up. In controls, metastases in 21/312 (6.7%) were ascertained. Considering 10/23 PC/GD patients and 21/312 controls without risk factors who developed metastases, univariate analysis showed that there was an increased risk of metastasis appearance for PC/GD cases (p < 0.001). Disease-free survival (DFS) was significantly (p < 0.0001, log-rank test) shorter in PC/GD patients than in controls. Significantly more elevated aggressiveness in 6/18 PC/GD patients with microcarcinoma than in controls was also ascertained with shorter DFS. Thus, in the present study, PC/GD had aggressive behavior during follow-up also when carcinoma characteristics were favorable and some cases were microcarcinomas. GD and non-GD patient comparison in the cases without risk factors at diagnosis showed an increased risk to develop metastases in GD during follow-up, suggesting that GD alone might be a tumor aggressiveness predictive factor in these cases.
Multimodality Imaging Evaluation of Coronary IgG4-Related Disease: A “Tumor-Like” Cardiac Lesion
Authors: Lanzafame Ludovica R. M. , Carerj Maria Ludovica , Rizzo Giovanna , Minutoli Fabio , Bucolo Giuseppe M. , Irrera Natasha , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Sironi Sandro , Blandino Alfredo , D’Angelo Tommaso
Published: November 2022

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disorder. Coronary IgG4-RD has been scarcely reported and may present as “tumor-like” lesions. These pseudo-masses may be underdiagnosed mainly due to a vague clinical picture that can vary from complete lack of symptoms to acute coronary syndrome or sudden cardiac death. Early recognition of coronary IgG4-RD is essential to monitor disease activity and prevent life-threatening complications. We report a comprehensive non-invasive imaging evaluation of a patient affected by coronary IgG4-RD, which was diagnosed as an incidental finding during routine pre-laparoscopic cholecystectomy checkup. Non-invasive imaging revealed the presence of a peri-coronary soft-tissue mass that was stable at 12 months follow-up.
A Distributed Task Scheduling Method Based on Conflict Prediction for Ad Hoc UAV Swarms
Authors: Li Jie , Chen Runfeng
Published: November 2022

UAV swarms have attracted great attention, and are expected to be used in scenarios, such as search and rescue, that require many urgent jobs to be completed in a minimum time by multiple vehicles. For complex missions with tight constraints, careful assigning tasks is inseparable from the scheduling of these tasks, and multi-task distributed scheduling (MTDS) is required. The Performance Impact (PI) algorithm is an excellent solution for MTDS, but it suffers from the suboptimal solution caused by the heuristics for local task selection, and the deadlock problem that it may fall into an infinite cycle of exchanging the same task. In this paper, we improve the PI algorithm by integrating a new task-removal strategy and a conflict prediction mechanism into the task-removal phase and the task-inclusion phase, respectively. Specifically, the task-removal strategy results in better exploration of the inclusion of more tasks than the original PI by freeing up more space in the local scheduler, improving the suboptimal solution caused by the heuristics for local task selection, as done in PI. In addition, we design a conflict prediction mechanism that simulates adjacent vehicles performing inclusion operations as the criteria for local task inclusion. Therefore, it can reduce the deadlock ratio and iteration times of the MTDS algorithm. Furthermore, by combining the protocol stack with the physical transmission model, an ad-hoc network simulation platform is constructed, which is closer to the real-world network, and serves as the supporting environment for testing the MTDS algorithms. Based on the constructed ad-hoc network simulation platform, we demonstrate the advantage of the proposed algorithm over the original PI algorithm through Monte Carlo simulation of search and rescue tasks. The results show that the proposed algorithm can reduce the average time cost, increase the total allocation number under most random distributions of vehicles-tasks, and significantly reduce the deadlock ratio and the number of iteration rounds.
Response of Soil Respiration to Simulated Acid Rain with Different Ratios of SO42− to NO3− in Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. and Michelia macclurei Dandy Plantations
Authors: Wang Jiao , Yang Qingpeng , Zhang Weidong , Chen Longchi , Guan Xin , Huang Ke , Li Renshan , Zheng Wenhui , Wang Qingkui , Wang Silong
Published: November 2022

Acid rain is one of the most serious environmental issues in Southern China. The composition of acid rain has gradually changed from sulfuric acid rain (SAR) to nitric acid rain (NAR) due to the rapid development of industry, and controls on SO2 emissions. However, a comprehensive understanding of how changes in the type of acid rain affect soil respiration (Rs) in forest ecosystems is still lacking. In this study, we investigated the influence of simulated acid rain with different SO42−/NO3− ratios, namely, SAR (4:1), MAR (mixed acid rain, 1:1), and NAR (1:4), on Rs in Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. (CL) and Michelia macclurei Dandy (MM) plantations from 2019 to 2020. A trenching method was used to partition Rs into heterotrophic respiration (Rh) and autotrophic respiration (Ra). The results showed that acid rain did not significantly influence Rs in the two plantations, which could be mainly attributed to the unchanged soil pH. Neither SAR, MAR, nor NAR affected Ra in the two plantations, possibly due to the unchanged root biomass. The SAR treatment only significantly increased Rh in the MM plantation, not in the CL plantation. The temperature sensitivity (Q10) of Rs and its components was not significantly different among different acid rain types in either of the plantations. Our results suggest that the impact of acid rain on Rs and its components depends on the forest ecosystem and the type of acid rain. Different biological processes complicate the response of soil CO2 emissions to acid rain pollution.
Leadership at the Extreme: A Longitudinal Study of Transformational Leadership Style and Well-Being in Firefighters
Authors: Marques-Quinteiro Pedro , Chambel Maria , Maio André
Published: November 2022

This study sought to examine how operational demands hinder individual well-being in firefighters, and also the extent to which fire chiefs’ transformational leadership style acts as an operational resource to attenuate this relationship. A total of 115 firefighters participated in the study and completed surveys over seven consecutive days. The results suggest that individuals’ well-being trajectories are not influenced by operational demands while individuals’ well-being is enhanced over time by team leaders’ transformational leadership. The implications of these findings are discussed and future research directions are advanced.
Influence of Some Spaghetti Processing Variables on Technological Attributes and the In Vitro Digestion of Starch
Authors: Sissons Mike , Cutillo Silvia , Egan Narelle , Farahnaky Asgar , Gadaleta Agata
Published: November 2022

Durum semolina spaghetti is known to have a low-moderate glycaemic index but the impact of various processing variables during the manufacture and cooking of pasta does affect pasta structure and potentially could alter starch digestion. In this study, several process variables were investigated to see if they can impact the in vitro starch digestion in spaghetti while also monitoring the pasta’s technological quality. Cooking time had a large impact on pasta starch digestion and reducing cooking from fully cooked to al dente and using pasta of very high protein content (17%), reduced starch digestion extent. The semolina particle size distribution used to prepare pasta impacted pasta quality and starch digestion to a small extent indicating a finer semolina particle size (<180 µm) may promote a more compact structure and help to reduce starch digestion. The addition of a structural enzyme, Transglutaminase in the pasta formulae improved overcooking tolerance in low protein pasta comparable to high protein pasta with no other significant effects and had no effect on starch digestion over a wide protein range (8.6–17%). While cold storage of cooked pasta was expected to increase retrograded starch, the increase in resistant starch was minor (37%) with no consequent improvement in the extent of starch digestion. Varying three extrusion parameters (die temperature, die pressure, extrusion speed) impacted pasta technological quality but not the extent of starch digestion. Results suggest the potential to subtly manipulate the starch digestion of pasta through some processing procedures.
Influences of MgO and PVA Fiber on the Abrasion and Cracking Resistance, Pore Structure and Fractal Features of Hydraulic Concrete
Authors: Wang Lei , Zeng Xiaoman , Li Yang , Yang Huamei , Tang Shengwen
Published: November 2022

Abrasion resistance and cracking resistance are two important properties determining the normal operation and reliability of hydropower projects that are subjected to erosion and abrasive action. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (abbreviated as PVA) fiber and magnesium oxide expansive agents (abbreviated as MgO) were used together to solve the problems of cracking and abrasive damage. The effects of PVA fiber and MgO on the mechanical property, abrasion and cracking resistance, pore structures and fractal features of high-strength hydraulic concrete were investigated. The main results are: (1) The incorporation of 4–8% Type I MgO reduced the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and the abrasion resistance by about 5–12% at 3, 28 and 180 days. Adding 1.2–2.4 kg/m3 PVA fibers raised the splitting tensile strength of concrete by about 8.5–15.7% and slightly enhanced the compressive strength and abrasion resistance of concrete. (2) The incorporation of 4–8% Type I MgO prolongs the initial cracking time of concrete rings under drying by about 6.5–11.4 h, increased the cracking tensile stress by about 6–11% and lowered the cracking temperature by 2.3–4.5 °C during the cooling down stage. Adding 1.2–2.4 kg/m3 PVA fibers was more efficient than adding 4–8% MgO in enhancing the cracking resistance to drying and temperature decline. (3) Although adding 4% MgO and 1.2–2.4 kg/m3 PVA fibers together could not enhance the compressive strength and abrasion resistance, it could clearly prolong the cracking time, noticeably increase the tensile stress and greatly lower the racking temperature; that is, it efficiently improved the cracking resistance to drying and thermal shrinkage compared with the addition of MgO or PVA fiber alone. The utilization of a high dosage of Type I MgO of less than 8% and PVA fiber of no more than 2.4 kg/m3 together is a practical technique to enhance the cracking resistance of hydraulic mass concretes, which are easy to crack. (4) The inclusion of MgO refined the pores, whereas the PVA fiber incorporation marginally coarsened the pores. The compressive strength and the abrasion resistance of hydraulic concretes incorporated with MgO and/or PVA fiber are not correlated with the pore structure parameters and the pore surface fractal dimensions.
Egalitarian-Equivalence and Strategy-Proofness in the Object Allocation Problem with Non-Quasi-Linear Preferences
Authors: Shinozaki Hiroki
Published: November 2022

We consider the problem of allocating heterogeneous objects to agents with money, where the number of agents exceeds that of objects. Each agent can receive at most one object, and some objects may remain unallocated. A bundle is a pair consisting of an object and a payment. An agent’s preference over bundles may not be quasi-linear, which exhibits income effects or reflects borrowing costs. We investigate the class of rules satisfying one of the central properties of fairness in the literature, egalitarian-equivalence, together with the other desirable properties. We propose (i) a novel class of rules that we call the independent second-prices rules with variable constraints and (ii) a novel condition on constraints that we call respecting the valuation coincidence. Then, we establish that the independent second-prices rule with variable constraints that respects the valuation coincidence is the only rule satisfying egalitarian-equivalence, strategy-proofness, individual rationality, and no subsidy for losers. Our characterization result implies that in the case of three or more agents, there are few opportunities for agents to receive objects under a rule satisfying egalitarian-equivalence and the other desirable properties, which highlights the strong tension between egalitarian-equivalence and efficiency. In contrast, in the case of two agents and a single object, egalitarian-equivalence is compatible with efficiency.
Genomic Consequences of Fragmentation in the Endangered Fennoscandian Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
Authors: Cockerill Christopher A. , Hasselgren Malin , Dussex Nicolas , Dalén Love , von Seth Johanna , Angerbjörn Anders , Wallén Johan F. , Landa Arild , Eide Nina E. , Flagstad Øystein , Ehrich Dorothee , Sokolov Aleksandr , Sokolova Natalya , Norén Karin
Published: November 2022

Accelerating climate change is causing severe habitat fragmentation in the Arctic, threatening the persistence of many cold-adapted species. The Scandinavian arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is highly fragmented, with a once continuous, circumpolar distribution, it struggled to recover from a demographic bottleneck in the late 19th century. The future persistence of the entire Scandinavian population is highly dependent on the northernmost Fennoscandian subpopulations (Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula), to provide a link to the viable Siberian population. By analyzing 43 arctic fox genomes, we quantified genomic variation and inbreeding in these populations. Signatures of genome erosion increased from Siberia to northern Sweden indicating a stepping-stone model of connectivity. In northern Fennoscandia, runs of homozygosity (ROH) were on average ~1.47-fold longer than ROH found in Siberia, stretching almost entire scaffolds. Moreover, consistent with recent inbreeding, northern Fennoscandia harbored more homozygous deleterious mutations, whereas Siberia had more in heterozygous state. This study underlines the value of documenting genome erosion following population fragmentation to identify areas requiring conservation priority. With the increasing fragmentation and isolation of Arctic habitats due to global warming, understanding the genomic and demographic consequences is vital for maintaining evolutionary potential and preventing local extinctions.
Sustaining Improvements of Surgical Site Infections by Six Sigma DMAIC Approach
Authors: Shi Zhi-Yuan , Huang Pei-Hsuan , Chen Ying-Chun , Huang Hui-Mei , Chen Yuh-Feng , Chen I-Chen , Sheen Yi-Jing , Shen Ching-Hui , Hon Jau-Shin , Huang Chin-Yin
Published: November 2022

Background: SSIs (surgical site infections) are associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. The traditional quality improvement strategies focusing on individual performance did not achieve sustainable improvement. This study aimed to implement the Six Sigma DMAIC method to reduce SSIs and to sustain improvements in surgical quality. The surgical procedures, clinical data, and surgical site infections were collected among 42,233 hospitalized surgical patients from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. Following strengthening leadership and empowering a multidisciplinary SSI prevention team, DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) was used as the performance improvement model. An evidence-based prevention bundle for reduction of SSI was adopted as performance measures. Environmental monitoring and antimicrobial stewardship programs were strengthened to prevent the transmission of multi-drug resistant microorganisms. Process change was integrated into a clinical pathway information system. Improvement cycles by corrective actions for the risk events of SSIs were implemented to ensure sustaining improvements. We have reached the targets of the prevention bundle elements in the post-intervention period in 2020. The carbapenem resistance rates of Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa were lower than 10%. A significant 22.2% decline in SSI rates has been achieved, from 0.9% for the pre-intervention period in 2019 to 0.7% for the post-intervention period in 2020 (p = 0.004). Application of the Six Sigma DMAIC approach could significantly reduce the SSI rates. It also could help hospital administrators and quality management personnel to create a culture of patient safety.
Research on the Recognition of Various Muscle Fatigue States in Resistance Strength Training
Authors: Wang Yinghao , Lu Chunfu , Zhang Mingyu , Wu Jianfeng , Tang Zhichuan
Published: November 2022

Instantly and accurately identifying the state of dynamic muscle fatigue in resistance training can help fitness trainers to build a more scientific and reasonable training program. By investigating the isokinetic flexion and extension strength training of the knee joint, this paper tried to extract surface electromyogram (sEMG) features and establish recognition models to classify muscle states of the target muscles in the isokinetic strength training of the knee joint. First, an experiment was carried out to collect the sEMG signals of the target muscles. Second, two nonlinear dynamic indexes, wavelet packet entropy (WPE) and power spectrum entropy (PSE), were extracted from the obtained sEMG signals to verify the feasibility of characterizing muscle fatigue. Third, a convolutional neural network (CNN) recognition model was constructed and trained with the obtained sEMG experimental data to enable the extraction and recognition of EMG deep features. Finally, the CNN recognition model was compared with multiple support vector machines (Multi-SVM) and multiple linear discriminant analysis (Multi-LDA). The results showed that the CNN model had a better classification accuracy. The overall recognition accuracy of the CNN model applied to the test data (91.38%) was higher than that of the other two models, which verified that the CNN dynamic fatigue recognition model based on subjective and objective information feedback had better recognition performance. Furthermore, training on a larger dataset could further improve the recognition accuracy of the CNN recognition model.
Tendon-Specific Activation of Tenogenic Transcription Factors Enables Keeping Tenocytes’ Identity In Vitro
Authors: Chen Rui , Skutella Thomas
Published: November 2022

We generated a novel tetracycline-inducible transgenic mouse line with the tendon-specific expression of a series of tendon-critical transcription factors. Primary tenocytes derived from this mouse line consistently expressed green fluorescent protein reporter transcription factors in response to doxycycline. The tenocytes maintained their tendon cell properties for a longer time after the transient induction in the absence of growth factors and mechanical stress. Four key transcription factors for tendon development and the green fluorescent protein reporter were linked with different viral 2A self-cleaving peptides. They were expressed under the control of the tet-responsive element. In combination with the expression of BFP, which reports on the tendon-specific collagen I, and mScarlet, which reports on the tendon-specific transcription factor Scleraxis (Scx), we observed the more extended maintenance of the tendon cell identity of in vitro cultured tendon cells and Achilles tendon explants. This means that the Scleraxis bHLH transcription factor (Scx), mohawk homeobox (Mkx), early growth response 1 (Egr1) and early growth response 2 (Egr2) contributed to the maintenance of tenocytes’ identity in vitro, providing a new model for studying extracellular matrix alterations and identifying alternative biomaterials in vitro.
Mycosynthesis of Metal-Containing Nanoparticles—Fungal Metal Resistance and Mechanisms of Synthesis
Authors: Šebesta Martin , Vojtková Hana , Cyprichová Veronika , Ingle Avinash P. , Urík Martin , Kolenčík Marek
Published: November 2022

In the 21st century, nanomaterials play an increasingly important role in our lives with applications in many sectors, including agriculture, biomedicine, and biosensors. Over the last two decades, extensive research has been conducted to find ways to synthesise nanoparticles (NPs) via mediation with fungi or fungal extracts. Mycosynthesis can potentially be an energy-efficient, highly adjustable, environmentally benign alternative to conventional physico-chemical procedures. This review investigates the role of metal toxicity in fungi on cell growth and biochemical levels, and how their strategies of resistance, i.e., metal chelation, biomineral formation, biosorption, bioaccumulation, compartmentalisation, and efflux of metals from cells, contribute to the synthesis of metal-containing NPs used in different applications, e.g., biomedical, antimicrobial, catalytic, biosensing, and precision agriculture. The role of different synthesis conditions, including that of fungal biomolecules serving as nucleation centres or templates for NP synthesis, reducing agents, or capping agents in the synthesis process, is also discussed. The authors believe that future studies need to focus on the mechanism of NP synthesis, as well as on the influence of such conditions as pH, temperature, biomass, the concentration of the precursors, and volume of the fungal extracts on the efficiency of the mycosynthesis of NPs.
Quinones as an Efficient Molecular Scaffold in the Antibacterial/Antifungal or Antitumoral Arsenal
Authors: Dahlem Junior Marcos Aurelio , Nguema Edzang Ronald W. , Catto André Luis , Raimundo Jean-Manuel
Published: November 2022

Quinone-based compounds constitute several general classes of antibiotics that have long shown unwavering efficiency against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbial infections. These quinone-based antibiotics are increasingly popular due to their natural origins and are used in natural beverages from herbs or plants in African, Chinese and Indian traditional medicines to treat and prevent various diseases. Quinone-based antibiotics display different bioactive profiles depending on their structures and exert specific biocidal and anti-biofilm properties, and based on recent literature, will be discussed herein.
Exploring the Molecular Mechanism of Sepal Formation in the Decorative Flowers of Hydrangea macrophylla ′Endless Summer′ Based on the ABCDE Model
Authors: Wang Qi , Lyu Tong , Lyu Yingmin
Published: November 2022

With its large inflorescences and colorful flowers, Hydrangea macrophylla has been one of the most popular ornamental plants in recent years. However, the formation mechanism of its major ornamental part, the decorative floret sepals, is still not clear. In this study, we compared the transcriptome data of H. macrophylla ‘Endless Summer’ from the nutritional stage (BS1) to the blooming stage (BS5) and annotated them into the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases. The 347 identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with flower development were subjected to a trend analysis and a protein–protein interaction analysis. The combined analysis of the two yielded 60 DEGs, including four MADS-box transcription factors (HmSVP-1, HmSOC1, HmAP1-2, and HmAGL24-3) and genes with strong connectivity (HmLFY and HmUFO). In addition, 17 transcription factors related to the ABCDE model were screened, and key candidate genes related to the development of decorative floret sepals in H. macrophylla were identified by phylogenetic and expression pattern analysis, including HmAP1-1, HmAP1-2, HmAP1-3, HmAP2-3, HmAP2-4, and HmAP2-5. On this basis, a gene regulatory network model of decorative sepal development was also postulated. Our results provide a theoretical basis for the study of the formation mechanism of decorative floret sepals and suggest a new direction for the molecular breeding of H. macrophylla.
The Functional Characteristics of Goat Cheese Microbiota from a One-Health Perspective
Authors: Tilocca Bruno , Soggiu Alessio , Iavarone Federica , Greco Viviana , Putignani Lorenza , Ristori Maria Vittoria , Macari Gabriele , Spina Anna Antonella , Morittu Valeria Maria , Ceniti Carlotta , Piras Cristian , Bonizzi Luigi , Britti Domenico , Urbani Andrea , Figeys Daniel , Roncada Paola
Published: November 2022

Goat cheese is an important element of the Mediterranean diet, appreciated for its health-promoting features and unique taste. A pivotal role in the development of these characteristics is attributed to the microbiota and its continuous remodeling over space and time. Nevertheless, no thorough study of the cheese-associated microbiota using two metaomics approaches has previously been conducted. Here, we employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metaproteomics to explore the microbiota of a typical raw goat milk cheese at various ripening timepoints and depths of the cheese wheel. The 16S rRNA gene-sequencing and metaproteomics results described a stable microbiota ecology across the selected ripening timepoints, providing evidence for the microbiologically driven fermentation of goat milk products. The important features of the microbiota harbored on the surface and in the core of the cheese mass were highlighted in both compositional and functional terms. We observed the rind microbiota struggling to maintain the biosafety of the cheese through competition mechanisms and/or by preventing the colonization of the cheese by pathobionts of animal or environmental origin. The core microbiota was focused on other biochemical processes, supporting its role in the development of both the health benefits and the pleasant gustatory nuances of goat cheese.
Investigating the Friction Behavior of Turn-Milled High Friction Surface Microstructures under Different Tribological Influence Factors
Authors: Schanner Jonathan , Funke Roman , Schubert Andreas , Hasse Alexander
Published: November 2022

The coefficient of friction (COF) is an important parameter for mechanical engineers to consider when designing frictional connections. Previous work has shown that a surface microstructuring of the harder friction partner leads to a significant increase in the COF. However, the impact of the changes in the tribological system on the COF are not known in detail. In this study, the tribological influence factors such as the nominal surface pressure, the material pairing, lubrication, and the surface properties of the counterbody are investigated. Microstructuring is applied by turn-milling of an annular contact surface of cylindrical specimens. A torsional test bench is used to measure the torque depending on the displacement of the two specimens, thus enabling the determination of the COF. All tests with the microstructured specimens result in higher COF than the reference test with unstructured samples. The manufacturing process of the counterbody surface, the nominal surface pressure, and the materials in contact have a significant influence on the COF. While lubrication reduces friction in the case of unstructured specimens, the COF does not change significantly for microstructured samples. This proves that the deformative friction component dominates over the adhesive. Microstructuring the harder friction partner increases the transmittable torque in frictional connections and reduces the sensitivity towards possible contamination with lubricants.
Improved Coil Design for Magnetic Pulse Welding of Metallic Sheets
Authors: Shotri Rishabh , Faes Koen , Racineux Guillaume , De Amitava
Published: November 2022

Magnetic pulse welding of overlapping dissimilar metallic sheets is an emerging technique and usually employs flat electromagnetic coils with rectangular-, H-, I-, and E-shaped cross-sections. The asymmetric cross-section of these coils results in a non-uniform electromagnetic field and in a non-uniform connection in the interface between the overlapping sheets. In this article, the use of a novel O-shaped flat coil is proposed to join an aluminium flyer sheet with a target steel sheet. A finite element-based numerical model is developed to calculate the electromagnetic field, flyer velocity, and its gradual impact onto the target, and the deformations of the sheet assembly. The calculated results with the O-shaped coil show a high-intensity electromagnetic field, the concentration of which decreases radially outwards in a uniform manner. The numerically computed and experimentally measured flyer velocity are found to be in fair agreement. The calculated results show a regularly decreasing impact behaviour between the flyer and target and their resulting deformation. The measured results show the formation of an annular ring-shaped joint profile that is generally found to be stronger compared to that obtained with flat coils with a rectangular cross-section.
Study of Intensive Anthropogenic Impacts of Submerged Wastewater Discharges on Marine Water Areas Using Satellite Imagery
Authors: Bondur Valery , Zamshin Viktor
Published: November 2022

This paper focuses on a detailed analysis of coastal waters under the conditions of the intense anthropogenic impacts of submerged wastewater discharges, using optical and radar satellite images. The features of the intense anthropogenic impacts on the coastal waters of the northern part of the Black Sea were studied, based on the processing and analysis of systematized archival satellite and sea truth data (2015–2021). Techniques based on the formation and analysis of the spatial (2-dimensional) spectra of optical and radar satellite images, normalized radar cross-section (NRCS), and the normalized spectral index are proposed. It is convincingly shown that these techniques make it possible to register and interpret the changes in the spatial structure of wind waves, as well as the changes in the optical spectral characteristics caused by submerged wastewater discharge due to the complex hydrodynamic and hydro-optical impact. A comprehensive analysis of the results of the processing of the heterogeneous satellite and sea truth data was carried out using a geographic information system. It was found that surface disturbances caused by anthropogenic impacts due to submerged wastewater discharges were detected by local “quasi-monochromatic” spectral maxima caused by the generation of short-period internal waves (wavelengths from ~30 m to ~165 m). These maxima can be registered by high-resolution optical and radar imagery. NRCS anomalies (2–4 dB contrasts), due to the surfactant films, floating jets, and turbulence related to wastewater discharge, are registered and described, as are the changes in the spectral radiance distributions in the blue and green bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Factors Influencing the Difficulty and Need for External Help during Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Analysis of 485 Procedures from the Resident-1 Multicentre Trial
Authors: Cioffi Stefano , Spota Andrea , Altomare Michele , Granieri Stefano , Bini Roberto , Virdis Francesco , Renzi Federica , Reitano Elisa , Chiara Osvaldo , Cimbanassi Stefania ,   The Resident-1 Research Group
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To identify preoperative predictive factors for technically challenging laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and the need for external help to laparoscopically complete the procedure. Methods: We analysed data from a two-year data lock on the Resident-1 multicentre registry. The operator classified each procedure following a five-grade Likert scale to define technical difficulty. We performed univariate analysis comparing Grade 1–3 versus 4–5 procedures and then built a logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of Grade 4–5 procedures defined as needing external help to complete a LA. Results: 561 patients were recruited from 2019 to 2021, and 485 patients were included in the final analysis due to missing data. A BMI > 30 kg/m2, preoperative CT scan, and the AIR score were independent preoperative predictors of complex LA with the need for external help to be completed. Patients undergoing such procedures were more affected by CA, had longer operative times, and had the worst postoperative outcomes. Conclusion: The preoperative identification of technically demanding LA could be helpful in optimising the preoperative planning, maximise surgeons’ preparedness, and include expert surgeons in the procedure earlier. Creating a scoring system for the technical difficulty of LA is desirable.
Behavioural Changes in Zoo Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Long-Term, Multi Species Comparison
Authors: Frost Naomi , Carter Anne , Vernon Martin , Armstrong Sarah , Walsh Naomi Davies , Colwill Michael , Turner-Jepson Lorna , Ward Samantha J. , Williams Ellen
Published: November 2022

Visitors are a prominent feature of the zoo environment and lives of zoo animals. The COVID-19 pandemic led to repeated and extended closure periods for zoos worldwide. This unique period in zoological history enabled the opportunity to investigate the consistency of behavioural responses of zoo animals to closures and subsequent reopenings. Bennett’s wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus), meerkats (Suricata suricatta), macaws (red and green: Ara chloropterus; blue and yellow: Ara ararauna; military: Ara militaris) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) held at four zoological collections in the United Kingdom were studied during COVID-19 closures and subsequent reopening periods. Facilities were closed for three time periods during 2020 and 2021: March–June/July 2020; November–December 2020; January–April/May 2021. Behavioural data were captured during closures (maximum n = 3) and reopening periods (maximum n = 3) during five-min scans using instantaneous scan sampling with a one-minute inter-scan interval. General linear models (GLMs) and general linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to investigate the relationship between observed behaviours and open/closed periods. Changes were observed in behaviour between open and closure periods in all species, and in some instances changes were also observed over time, with animals responding differently to different closure and reopening periods. However, no overt positive or negative impacts of the closures or reopening periods were identified for these species. The study species may have different relationships with zoo visitors, but no clear differences were seen across the species studied. The unique opportunity to study animals over a long period of time during repeated closure periods enabled a greater understanding of the impact of zoo visitors on animals. As with other work in this sphere, these data support the adaptability of zoo animals to zoo visitors. This work contributes to the growing field of research undertaken during the COVID-19 periods and enhances our understanding of the impact that these zoological closures had on a wider body of species in a number of facilities.