bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous Perfusion Dynamics of the Lower Abdomen in Healthy Normal Weight, Overweight and Obese Women: Methods Development Using Infrared Thermography with Applications for Future Wound Management after Caesarean Section
Authors: Childs Charmaine , Nwaizu Harriet , Bullivant Elizabeth , Willmott Jon , Davies Matthew , Ousey Karen , Soltani Hora , Jacques Richard
Published: March 2023

Background: Evidence has shown an association between obesity and an increased risk of wound infection after caesarean section. This study was designed to examine if abdominal subcutaneous adiposity impacts upon cutaneous perfusion dynamics. Methods: Mild cool challenge, followed by real-time video thermography, was developed to map the appearance of abdominal ‘hot spots’. Correspondence of marked ‘spots’ with audible Doppler and colour and power Doppler ultrasound was performed. Results: 60 healthy, afebrile, women (20–68 years; BMI 18.5–44 kg/m2) were recruited. Hot spot appearance consistently corresponded with audible Doppler sounds. Colour and power Doppler ultrasound revealed vessels at depths of 3–22 mm. No statistically significant interactions for BMI, abdominal circumference or environmental parameters were observed for hot spot count. The temperature of cold stimulus was significant for effects on spot count, but only for the first minute (p = 0.001). Thereafter, effects on spot numbers were not significant. Conclusions: Cutaneous ‘perforator’ mapping of the abdomen (via hot spot appearance) in healthy women, as a potential and future method for risk of perfusion-dependent wound healing complications, reveals that bedside mapping of skin perfusion is feasible over a short interval. Hot spot number was not influenced by BMI or indicators of central fat distribution (abdominal circumference) indicating variability in an individual’s vascular anatomy. This study provides the underpinning methodology for personalised perfusion assessment after incisional surgery which may be a more reliable indicator of potential healing complications than body habitus as is currently the norm.
The Relationships of Human-Cobot Interaction Fluency with Job Performance and Job Satisfaction among Cobot Operators—The Moderating Role of Workload
Authors: Paliga Mateusz
Published: March 2023

Modern factories are subject to rapid technological changes, including the advancement of robotics. A key manufacturing solution in the fourth industrial revolution is the introduction of collaborative robots (cobots), which cooperate directly with human operators while executing shared tasks. Although collaborative robotics has tangible benefits, cobots pose several challenges to human-robot interaction. Proximity, unpredictable robot behavior, and switching the operator’s role from a co-operant to a supervisor can negatively affect the operator’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses, resulting in their lower well-being and decreased job performance. Therefore, proper actions are necessary to improve the interaction between the robot and its human counterpart. Specifically, exploring the concept of human-robot interaction (HRI) fluency shows promising perspectives. However, research on conditions affecting the relationships between HRI fluency and its outcomes is still in its infancy. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional survey study was twofold. First, the relationships of HRI fluency with job performance (i.e., task performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and creative performance) and job satisfaction were investigated. Second, the moderating role of the quantitative workload in these associations was verified. The analyses carried out on data from 200 male and female cobot operators working on the shop floor showed positive relationships between HRI fluency, job performance, and job satisfaction. Moreover, the study confirmed the moderating role of the quantitative workload in these relations. The results showed that the higher the workload, the lower the relationships between HRI fluency and its outcomes. The study findings are discussed within the theoretical framework of the Job Demands-Control-Support model.
Tracks to Postgraduate Rural Practice: Longitudinal Qualitative Follow-Up of Nursing Students Who Undertook a Rural Placement in Western Australia
Authors: Crossley Caroline , Collett Marjorie , Thompson Sandra C.
Published: March 2023

The nursing workforce is the backbone of healthcare provision in rural and remote Australia. Introducing student nurses to rural clinical placements is one strategy used to address the shortfall of healthcare workers outside of major cities, with the goal of improving the training, recruitment and retention of nurses in rural areas. The aim of this qualitative, longitudinal study was to better understand personal and professional decision-making around rural nursing practice intentions and subsequent rural employment and retention. The study methodology consisted of repeated semi-structured interviews with student nurses who had completed at least one rural placement and following them on their journey to becoming graduate nurses over a 6-year period. Thematic longitudinal analysis was undertaken, with three main themes developing, each with further subthemes: (1) participants’ satisfaction with rural placements; (2) their challenges with gaining employment; and (3) considerations regarding ‘going rural’ for work. The participants engaged in both prospective and retrospective reflection around several professional, personal, and wider systemic barriers and enablers to rural practice, which are discussed in detail in this paper. The insights from this longitudinal study have the potential to assist the development of a sustainable rural nursing workforce through informing rural workforce programs, strategies and policies.
Integrated Impact of Circular Economy, Industry 4.0, and Lean Manufacturing on Sustainability Performance of Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Ghaithan Ahmed M. , Alshammakhi Yasser , Mohammed Awsan , Mazher Khwaja Mateen
Published: March 2023

In today’s business environment, contributions made by the manufacturing sector to the economy and social development is evident. With a focus on long-term development, the manufacturing sector has adopted advanced operating strategies, such as lean manufacturing, industry 4.0, and green practices in an integrated manner. The integrated impact of circular economy, industry 4.0, and lean manufacturing on sustainability performance has not been adequately addressed and investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the integrated impact of circular economy, industry 4.0, and lean manufacturing on the sustainability performance of organizations in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey as a primary data instrument. A total of 486 organizations have responded to the survey within the timeframe. Moreover, the structural equation modeling method is utilized for data analysis through SmartPLS tool for the developed hypotheses of the research. The findings highlight the positive impact of circular economy on the sustainability of the organizations. Furthermore, the results indicate that industry 4.0 and lean manufacturing have positive mediating impacts as enablers for the successful implementation of circular economy toward the sustainable performance of organizations in Saudi Arabia. The study finding confirms that lean manufacturing is a substantial mediating variable that is essential for the successful implementation of industry 4.0 technologies. Moreover, the study indicates the recognition and acknowledgment of companies on circular economy principles, industry 4.0 technologies, and lean manufacturing tools to achieve the desired sustainability.
Changes in the Extracellular Matrix in Endometrial and Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Padežnik Tjaša , Oleksy Anja , Cokan Andrej , Takač Iztok , Sobočan Monika
Published: March 2023

Endometrial and cervical cancers are the two most common gynaecological malignancies and among the leading causes of death worldwide. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the cellular microenvironment and plays an important role in developing and regulating normal tissues and homeostasis. The pathological dynamics of the ECM contribute to several different processes such as endometriosis, infertility, cancer, and metastasis. Identifying changes in components of ECM is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of cancer development and its progression. We performed a systematic analysis of publications on the topic of changes in the extracellular matrix in cervical and endometrial cancer. The findings of this systematic review show that matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play an important role impacting tumour growth in both types of cancer. MMPs degrade various specific substrates (collagen, elastin, fibronectin, aggrecan, fibulin, laminin, tenascin, vitronectin, versican, nidogen) and play a crucial role in the basal membrane degradation and ECM components. Similar types of MMPs were found to be increased in both cancers, namely, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-11. Elevated concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were correlated with the FIGO stage and are associated with poor prognosis in endometrial cancer, whereas in cervical cancer, elevated concentrations of MMP-9 have been associated with a better outcome. Elevated ADAMTS levels were found in cervical cancer tissues. Elevated disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) levels were also found in endometrial cancer, but their role is still unclear. Following these findings, this review reports on tissue inhibitors of ECM enzymes, MMPs, and ADAMTS. The present review demonstrates changes in the extracellular matrix in cervical and endometrial cancers and compared their effect on cancer development, progression, and patient prognosis.
Sustainable Secondary-Raw Materials, Natural Substances and Eco-Friendly Nanomaterial-Based Approaches for Improved Surface Performances: An Overview of What They Are and How They Work
Authors: Sfameni Silvia , Rando Giulia , Plutino Maria Rosaria
Published: March 2023

To meet modern society’s requirements for sustainability and environmental protection, innovative and smart surface coatings are continually being developed to improve or impart surface functional qualities and protective features. These needs regard numerous different sectors, such as cultural heritage, building, naval, automotive, environmental remediation and textiles. In this regard, researchers and nanotechnology are therefore mostly devoted to the development of new and smart nanostructured finishings and coatings featuring different implemented properties, such as anti-vegetative or antibacterial, hydrophobic, anti-stain, fire retardant, controlled release of drugs, detection of molecules and mechanical resistance. A variety of chemical synthesis techniques are usually employed to obtain novel nanostructured materials based on the use of an appropriate polymeric matrix in combination with either functional doping molecules or blended polymers, as well as multicomponent functional precursors and nanofillers. Further efforts are being made, as described in this review, to carry out green and eco-friendly synthetic protocols, such as sol–gel synthesis, starting from bio-based, natural or waste substances, in order to produce more sustainable (multi)functional hybrid or nanocomposite coatings, with a focus on their life cycle in accordance with the circular economy principles.
An Adjuvant Stem Cell Patch with Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Improves Diastolic Recovery in Porcine Hibernating Myocardium
Authors: Aggarwal Rishav , Potel Koray N. , Shao Annie , So Simon W. , Swingen Cory , Reyes Christina P. , Rose Rebecca , Wright Christin , Hocum Stone Laura L. , McFalls Edward O. , Butterick Tammy A. , Kelly Rosemary F.
Published: March 2023

Diastolic dysfunction persists despite coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in patients with hibernating myocardium (HIB). We studied whether the adjunctive use of a mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) patch during CABG improves diastolic function by reducing inflammation and fibrosis. HIB was induced in juvenile swine by placing a constrictor on the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, causing myocardial ischemia without infarction. At 12 weeks, CABG was performed using the left-internal-mammary-artery (LIMA)-to-LAD graft with or without placement of an epicardial vicryl patch embedded with MSCs, followed by four weeks of recovery. The animals underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to sacrifice, and tissue from septal and LAD regions were collected to assess for fibrosis and analyze mitochondrial and nuclear isolates. During low-dose dobutamine infusion, diastolic function was significantly reduced in HIB compared to the control, with significant improvement after CABG + MSC treatment. In HIB, we observed increased inflammation and fibrosis without transmural scarring, along with decreased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC1α), which could be a possible mechanism underlying diastolic dysfunction. Improvement in PGC1α and diastolic function was noted with revascularization and MSCs, along with decreased inflammatory signaling and fibrosis. These findings suggest that adjuvant cell-based therapy during CABG may recover diastolic function by reducing oxidant stress–inflammatory signaling and myofibroblast presence in the myocardial tissue.
Differential Effects of Iron Chelates vs. Iron Salts on Induction of Pro-Oncogenic Amphiregulin and Pro-Inflammatory COX-2 in Human Intestinal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Tarczykowska Agata , Engström Niklas , Dobermann Darja , Powell Jonathan , Scheers Nathalie
Published: March 2023

We previously showed that two iron compounds that are orally ingested by humans, namely ferric EDTA and ferric citrate, can induce an oncogenic growth factor (amphiregulin) in human intestinal epithelial adenocarcinoma cell lines. Here, we further screened these iron compounds, plus four other iron chelates and six iron salts (i.e., 12 oral iron compounds in total), for their effects on biomarkers of cancer and inflammation. Ferric pyrophosphate and ferric EDTA were the main inducers of amphiregulin and its receptor monomer, IGFr1. Moreover, at the maximum iron concentrations investigated (500 µM), the highest levels of amphiregulin were induced by the six iron chelates, while four of these also increased IGfr1. In addition, we observed that ferric pyrophosphate promoted signaling via the JAK/STAT pathway by up-regulating the cytokine receptor subunit IFN-γr1 and IL-6. For pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), ferric pyrophosphate but not ferric EDTA elevated intracellular levels. This, however, did not drive the other biomarkers based on COX-2 inhibition studies and was probably downstream of IL-6. We conclude that of all oral iron compounds, iron chelates may particularly elevate intracellular amphiregulin. Ferric pyrophosphate additionally induced COX-2, probably because of the high IL-6 induction that was observed with this compound.
The Long Term Residual Effects of COVID-Associated Coagulopathy
Authors: Ranucci Marco , Baryshnikova Ekaterina , Anguissola Martina , Pugliese Sara , Falco Mara , Menicanti Lorenzo
Published: March 2023

During the acute phase of COVID-19, many patients experience a complex coagulopathy characterized by a procoagulant pattern. The present study investigates the persistence of hemostatic changes in post-COVID patients at a long-term follow up, and the link with the persistence of physical and neuropsychological symptoms. We completed a prospective cohort study on 102 post-COVID patients. Standard coagulation and viscoelastic tests were performed, along with an assessment of persistent symptoms and recording of acute phase details. A procoagulant state was adjudicated in the presence of fibrinogen > 400 mg/dL, or D-dimer > 500 ng/mL, or platelet count > 450,000 cells/µL, or a maxim clot lysis at viscoelastic test < 2%. A procoagulant state was identified in 75% of the patients at 3 months follow up, 50% at 6 months, and 30% at 12–18 months. Factors associated with the persistence of a procoagulant state were age, severity of the acute phase, and persistence of symptoms. Patients with major physical symptoms carry a procoagulant state relative risk of 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.17–6.7, p = 0.019). The association between persistent symptoms and a procoagulant state raises the hypothesis that an ongoing process of thrombi formation and/or persistent microthrombosis may be responsible for the main physical symptoms in long-COVID patients.
A Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation-Related Index Associate with Biochemical Recurrence and Tumor Immune Environment of Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: You Qi , Chen Jia-Yin , Wu Xiao-Hui , Xue Yu-Ting , Sun Jiang-Bo , Wei Yong , Zheng Qing-Shui , Xue Xue-Yi , Chen Dong-Ning , Xu Ning
Published: March 2023

To identify liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS)-related molecular clusters, and to develop and validate a novel index based on LLPS for predicting the prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. We download the clinical and transcriptome data of PCa from TCGA and GEO database. The LLPS-related genes (LRGs) were extracted from PhaSepDB. Consensus clustering analysis was used to develop LLPS-related molecular subtypes for PCa. The LASSO cox regression analysis was performed to establish a novel LLPS-related index for predicting biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival (BCRFS). Preliminary experimental verification was performed. We initially identified a total of 102 differentially expressed LRGs for PCa. Three LLPS related molecular subtypes were identified. Moreover, we established a novel LLPS related signature for predicting BCRFS of PCa patients. Compared to low-risk patients in the training cohort, testing cohort and validating cohort, high-risk populations meant a higher risk of BCR and significantly poorer BCRFS. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.728, 0.762, and 0.741 at 1 year in the training cohort, testing cohort and validating cohort. Additionally, the subgroup analysis indicated that this index was especially suitable for PCa patients with age ≤ 65, T stage III-IV, N0 stage or in cluster 1. The FUS, which was the potential biomarker related to PCa liquid–liquid phase separation, was preliminarily identified and verified. This study successfully developed three LLPS-related molecular subtypes and identified a novel LLPS related molecular signature, which performed well in predicting BCRFS of PCa.
Archaeal and Extremophilic Bacteria from Different Archaeological Excavation Sites
Authors: Köhler J. Michael , Ehrhardt Linda , Günther P. Mike
Published: March 2023

Beside natural factors, human activities are important for the development of microbiomes. Thus, local soil bacterial communities are affected by recent activities such as agriculture, mining and industry. In addition, ancient human impacts dating back centuries or millennia have changed soils and can emboss the recent bacterial communities up to now, representing a certain long-term “memory of soil”. Soil samples from five different archaeological excavation places were investigated for the presence of Archaea with a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis of the DNA coding for 16S r-RNA sequences. It was found that the abundance of Archaea differs strongly between less than one and more than 40 percent of bacteria. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of all samples shows that the archaeological excavation places can be distinguished from each other by the archaeal component of soil bacterial communities, which presents a typical pattern for each place. Most samples are marked by the dominance of Crenarchaeota, which are presented mainly by ammonia-related types. High contents of Nanoarchaeaota have been observed in one ash deposit of a historical saline and all samples of a historical tannery area. These samples are also marked by a significant presence of Dadabacteria. The specific abundancies of special Archaea—among them ammonia-oxidizing and sulphur-related types—are due obviously to former human activities and support the concept of the “ecological memory of soil”.
Efficacy of Hydroxytyrosol-Rich Food Supplements on Reducing Lipid Oxidation in Humans
Authors: Bender Cecilia , Candi Ilaria , Rogel Eva
Published: March 2023

In the present study we report the efficacy of two food supplements derived from olives in reducing lipid oxidation. To this end, 12 healthy volunteers received a single dose (25 mL) of olive phenolics, mainly hydroxytyrosol (HT), provided as a liquid dietary supplement (30.6 or 61.5 mg HT), followed by an investigation of two reliable markers of oxidative stress. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, and 12 h post-intake. Plasma-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) cholesterol levels were measured with ELISA using a monoclonal antibody, while F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) were quantified in urine with UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS. Despite the great variability observed between individuals, a tendency to reduce lipoxidation reactions was observed in the blood in response to a single intake of the food supplements. In addition, the subgroup of individuals with the highest baseline oxLDL level showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in F2-IsoPs at 0.5 and 12 h post-intervention. These promising results suggest that HT supplementation could be a useful aid in preventing lipoxidation. Additionally, people with a redox imbalance could benefit even more from supplementing with bioavailable HT.
The Mechanisms of GPR55 Receptor Functional Selectivity during Apoptosis and Proliferation Regulation in Cancer Cells
Authors: Akimov Mikhail G. , Gretskaya Natalia M. , Dudina Polina V. , Sherstyanykh Galina D. , Zinchenko Galina N. , Serova Oksana V. , Degtyaryova Ksenia O. , Deyev Igor E. , Bezuglov Vladimir V.
Published: March 2023

GPR55 is a non-canonical cannabinoid receptor, important for cancer proliferation. Depending on the ligand, it induces either cell proliferation or death. The objective of the study was to establish the mechanisms of this multidirectional signaling. Using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, the GPR55, CB1, CB2, and GPR18 receptor knockouts of the MDA-MB-231 line were obtained. After the CB2 receptor knockout, the pro-apoptotic activity of the pro-apoptotic ligand docosahexaenoyl dopamine (DHA-DA) slightly increased, while the pro-proliferative activity of the most active synthetic ligand of the GPR55 receptor (ML-184) completely disappeared. On the original cell line, the stimulatory effect of ML-184 was removed by the CB2 receptor blocker and by GPR55 receptor knockout. Thus, it can be confidently assumed that when proliferation is stimulated with the participation of the GPR55 receptor, a signal is transmitted from the CB2 receptor to the GPR55 receptor due to the formation of a heterodimer. GPR18 was additionally involved in the implementation of the pro-apoptotic effect of DHA-DA, while the CB1 receptor is not involved. In the implementation of the pro-apoptotic action of DHA-DA, the elimination of Gα13 led to a decrease in cytotoxicity. The obtained data provide novel details to the mechanism of the pro-proliferative action of GPR55.
Origin of Elevated S-Glutathionylated GAPDH in Chronic Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Hyslop Paul A. , Boggs Leonard N. , Chaney Michael O.
Published: March 2023

H2O2-oxidized glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) catalytic cysteine residues (Cc(SH) undergo rapid S-glutathionylation. Restoration of the enzyme activity is accomplished by thiol/disulfide SN2 displacement (directly or enzymatically) forming glutathione disulfide (G(SS)G) and active enzyme, a process that should be facile as Cc(SH) reside on the subunit surface. As S-glutathionylated GAPDH accumulates following ischemic and/or oxidative stress, in vitro/silico approaches have been employed to address this paradox. Cc(SH) residues were selectively oxidized and S-glutathionylated. Kinetics of GAPDH dehydrogenase recovery demonstrated that glutathione is an ineffective reactivator of S-glutathionylated GAPDH compared to dithiothreitol. Molecular dynamic simulations (MDS) demonstrated strong binding interactions between local residues and S-glutathione. A second glutathione was accommodated for thiol/disulfide exchange forming a tightly bound glutathione disulfide G(SS)G. The proximal sulfur centers of G(SS)G and Cc(SH) remained within covalent bonding distance for thiol/disulfide exchange resonance. Both these factors predict inhibition of dissociation of G(SS)G, which was verified by biochemical analysis. MDS also revealed that both S-glutathionylation and bound G(SS)G significantly perturbed subunit secondary structure particularly within the S-loop, region which interacts with other cellular proteins and mediates NAD(P)+ binding specificity. Our data provides a molecular rationale for how oxidative stress elevates S-glutathionylated GAPDH in neurodegenerative diseases and implicates novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
Role of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 in Cardiovascular Physiology
Authors: Balatskyi Volodymyr V. , Dobrzyn Pawel
Published: March 2023

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase is a rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids. Monounsaturated fatty acids limit the toxicity of exogenous saturated fats. Studies have shown that stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 is involved in the remodeling of cardiac metabolism. The loss of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 reduces fatty acid oxidation and increases glucose oxidation in the heart. Such a change is protective under conditions of a high-fat diet, which reduces reactive oxygen species-generating β-oxidation. In contrast, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 deficiency predisposes individuals to atherosclerosis under conditions of hyperlipidemia but protects against apnea-induced atherosclerosis. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 deficiency also impairs angiogenesis after myocardial infarction. Clinical data show a positive correlation between blood stearoyl-CoA Δ-9 desaturation rates and cardiovascular disease and mortality. Moreover, stearoyl-CoA desaturase inhibition is considered an attractive intervention in some obesity-associated pathologies, and the importance of stearoyl-CoA desaturase in the cardiovascular system might be a limitation for developing such therapy. This review discusses the role of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 in the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis and the development of heart disease and presents markers of systemic stearoyl-CoA desaturase activity and their predictive potential in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders.
A Histologic, Histomorphometric, and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Anorganic Bovine Bone and Injectable Biphasic Calcium Phosphate in Humans: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Tomas Matej , Karl Matej , Čandrlić Marija , Matijević Marko , Juzbašić Martina , Peloza Olga Cvijanović , Radetić Ana Terezija Jerbić , Kuiš Davor , Vidaković Bruno , Ivanišević Zrinka , Kačarević Željka Perić
Published: March 2023

Following trauma, chronic periapical process, or tooth extraction, a large loss of bone volume is noticed during the healing process. To facilitate the placement of dental implants, various surgical procedures are used for an optimal alveolar ridge profile, while maintaining adequate bone dimensions. The main aim of this study was to determine the healing ability (histologically and immunohistologically) of alveolar bone defects during augmentation with two different biomaterials: injectable biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and anorganic bovine bone (ABB). Thirty-eight subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received the tested bone substitute biomaterial (BSB), i.e., BCP (maxresorb inject®), and the second group received an alternative to the gold standard, i.e., ABB (Bio-Oss®). The histopathological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses gave comparable results for these bone substitute materials in terms of newly formed bone: (BCP: 39.91 ± 8.49%, ABB: 41.73 ± 13.99%), residual biomaterial (BCP: 28.61 ± 11.38%, ABB: 31.72 ± 15.52%), and soft tissue (BCP: 31.49 ± 11.09%, ABB: 26.54 ± 7.25%), with no significant difference found between the groups (p < 0.05, t-test), proving that BCP is equally suitable and successful for alveolar bone regeneration.
CD73: Friend or Foe in Lung Injury
Authors: Hu Xiu-Min , Shi Nan-Rui , Zhang Ji-Zhou , Zuo Yan-Qin , Wang Xin , Zhao Ya-Fei , Wu Jia-Si
Published: March 2023

Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) plays a strategic role in calibrating the magnitude and chemical nature of purinergic signals that are delivered to immune cells. Its primary function is to convert extracellular ATP to adenosine in concert with ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (CD39) in normal tissues to limit an excessive immune response in many pathophysiological events, such as lung injury induced by a variety of contributing factors. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the location of CD73, in proximity to adenosine receptor subtypes, indirectly determines its positive or negative effect in a variety of organs and tissues and that its action is affected by the transfer of nucleoside to subtype-specific adenosine receptors. Nonetheless, the bidirectional nature of CD73 as an emerging immune checkpoint in the pathogenesis of lung injury is still unknown. In this review, we explore the relationship between CD73 and the onset and progression of lung injury, highlighting the potential value of this molecule as a drug target for the treatment of pulmonary disease.
GmGSTU23 Encoding a Tau Class Glutathione S-Transferase Protein Enhances the Salt Tolerance of Soybean (Glycine max L.)
Authors: Li Xingang , Pang Yuanting , Zhong Yiwang , Cai Zhandong , Ma Qibin , Wen Ke , Nian Hai
Published: March 2023

Salt stress has a detrimental impact on crop yield, quality, and profitability. The tau-like glutathione transferases (GSTs) represent a significant group of enzymes that play a crucial role in plant stress responses, including salt stress. In this study, we identified a tau-like glutathione transferase family gene from soybean named GmGSTU23. Expression pattern analysis revealed that GmGSTU23 was predominantly expressed in the roots and flowers and exhibited a concentration–time-specific pattern in response to salt stress. Transgenic lines were generated and subjected to phenotypic characterization under salt stress. The transgenic lines exhibited increased salt tolerance, root length, and fresh weight compared to the wild type. Antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde content were subsequently measured, and the data revealed no significant differences between the transgenic and wild-type plants in the absence of salt stress. However, under salt stress, the wild-type plants exhibited significantly lower activities of SOD, POD, and CAT than the three transgenic lines, whereas the activity of APX and the content of MDA showed the opposite trend. We identified changes in glutathione pools and associated enzyme activity to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of the observed phenotypic differences. Notably, under salt stress, the transgenic Arabidopsis’s GST activity, GR activity, and GSH content were significantly higher than those of the wild type. In summary, our findings suggest that GmGSTU23 mediates the scavenging of reactive oxygen species and glutathione by enhancing the activity of glutathione transferase, thereby conferring enhanced tolerance to salt stress in plants.
Nickel(II) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complex for the Hydrogenation of 2-Acetylpyridine under Mild Conditions
Authors: Sharma Mitu , Perkins Amanda M. , Duckworth Alison K. , Rouse Emily J. , Donnadieu Bruno , Adhikari Bhupendra , Stokes Sean L. , Emerson Joseph P.
Published: March 2023

Catalyst-mediated hydrogenation of ketones via hydride transfer can be directly used in the synthesis of alcohols which can exhibit great potential in the practical synthesis of pharmaceuticals. The application of Ni-NHC complexes in the hydrogenation of ketones is still limited. In a pursuit to study the effect of Ni-NHC-based complexes in the reactivity towards hydrogenation, we have studied the catalytic efficiency of a pendent-type nickel complex [Ni(NHC)2](PF6)2 constructed from a benzimidazole moiety. The hydrogenation of 2-acetylpyridine was studied with respect to catalyst loading, reaction temperature, reaction time, and solvent medium. The complex was broadly characterized by X-ray crystallography, ESI-MS, NMR, UV-Vis, and IR spectral studies.
Mechanical and Electrical Properties and Electromagnetic-Wave-Shielding Effectiveness of Graphene-Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Nanocomposites
Authors: Chandra R. B. Jagadeesh , Shivamurthy B. , Kumar M. Sathish , Prabhu Niranjan N. , Sharma Devansh
Published: March 2023

Polymer nanocomposites have attracted global attention as a metal replacement for electrical and electronic applications. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are widely used as a nanoreinforcement to enhance the functional and structural properties of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers. In the present study, ABS nanocomposites were prepared by reinforcing 3–15 wt.% GNPs in steps of 3 wt.%. The neat ABS and ABS+GNP nanocomposite specimens for the mechanical test were prepared using injection molding, followed by extrusion, as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. It was found that the modulus of ABS improved due to the reinforcement of GNPs. Additionally, we noticed higher thermal stability of nanocomposites due to the faster heat-conducting path developed in the nanocomposites by the presence of GNPs. However, observed agglomeration of GNPs at higher concentrations and poor wetting with ABS led to the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Moreover, 350 µm thick nanocomposite films were manufactured by compression molding, followed by the extrusion method, and we investigated their electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, permittivity, and electromagnetic-wave-shielding effectiveness. The developed nanocomposites showed improved conductivity and effective electromagnetic wave shielding by absorption. The 15 wt.% GNP-reinforced ABS composite film showed a maximum shielding effectiveness of 30 dB in the X-band.
The Influence of Music Preference on Countermovement Jump and Maximal Isometric Performance in Active Females
Authors: Rogers Rebecca R. , Williams Tyler D. , Nester Emma B. , Owens Grace M. , Ballmann Christopher G.
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have shown that listening to preferred music during resistance and endurance exercises improves performance. However, it is unknown if these phenomena translate to short-duration explosive exercises. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of preferred and non-preferred music on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and psychological responses to music during explosive movements. Physically active females (age 18–25) volunteered to take part in the study. In a counterbalanced, crossover design, participants completed three trials: (1) no music (NM), (2) non-preferred (NP), and (3) preferred (PV) music. Participants completed three maximal IMTP tests on a force-plate-equipped IMTP apparatus with an immovable bar. Attempts lasted 5 s and were separated by 3 min of rest. Furthermore, participants completed three single maximal CMJ attempts separated by 3 min of rest on force plates. All attempts were averaged for analysis. At the commencement of IMTP and CMJ testing, participants were asked to rate how motivated and psyched up they felt during the exercise portion using a visual analog scale. For isometric performance, listening to PM resulted in increased peak force (p = 0.039; d = 0.41) and rate of force development at 200 ms (p = 0.023; d = 0.91) compared with NP. For CMJ, there were no differences between conditions for jump height (p = 0.912; η2 = 0.007) or peak power during the propulsive phase (p = 0.460; η2 = 0.003). Levels of motivation were significantly higher with PM compared with NM (p < 0.001; d = 2.3) and NP (p = 0.001; d = 2.0). Feelings of being psyched up were significantly higher with PM compared with NM (p < 0.001; d = 4.2) and NP (p = 0.001; d = 2.8). Findings suggest that preferred music enhances isometric strength and increases motivation and feelings of being psyched up. Thus, PM may be used as an ergogenic aid during short-duration maximal-effort activities.
Joining Strength of Self-Piercing Riveted Vibration-Damping Steel and Dissimilar Materials
Authors: Cho Keong Hwan , Joo Jin Hyeok , Kim Min Gyu , Kam Dong Hyuck , Kim Jedo
Published: March 2023

A vibration-damping steel panel is used for lightweight vehicles to block any noise subjected to the passenger cabin replacing heavy fiber-based insulators. Conventional weld joining methods often encounter problems due to the presence of viscoelastic compounds reducing the joint quality and making the joining process unproductive. In this work, we present experimental results that show the self-piercing riveting (SPR) process can be used to produce high-quality joints between vibration-damping steel and (i) commonly used steel alloy (SPFC590DP), (ii) carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic (CFRP) panels. Various die shapes are used to investigate the resulting interlock width and bottom thickness of the joints and tensile shear load tests were performed to evaluate the joining strength. The results show that high-quality joints between vibration-damping steel and the steel alloy are possible for all the dye types and panel configurations, used in this study, producing up to 6.2 kN of tensile shear load. High-quality joints were also possible with CFRP producing up to 4.0 kN, however, acceptable joints were formed only when the CFRP panels were on top during the riveting process due to severe cracking.
Characterization of Virulence Factors in Candida Species Causing Candidemia in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Saiprom Natnaree , Wongsuk Thanwa , Oonanant Worrapoj , Sukphopetch Passanesh , Chantratita Narisara , Boonsilp Siriphan
Published: March 2023

Candidemia is often associated with high mortality, and Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis are common causes of this disease. The pathogenicity characteristics of specific Candida spp. that cause candidemia in Thailand are poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the virulence factors of Candida spp. Thirty-eight isolates of different Candida species from blood cultures were evaluated for their virulence properties, including exoenzyme and biofilm production, cell surface hydrophobicity, tissue invasion, epithelial cell damage, morphogenesis, and phagocytosis resistance; the identity and frequency of mutations in ERG11 contributing to azole-resistance were also determined. C. albicans had the highest epithelial cell invasion rate and phospholipase activity, with true hyphae formation, whereas C. tropicalis produced the most biofilm, hydrophobicity, protease activity, and host cell damage and true hyphae formation. ERG11 mutations Y132F and S154F were observed in all azole-resistant C. tropicalis. C. glabrata had the most hemolytic activity while cell invasion was low with no morphologic transition. C. glabrata was more easily phagocytosed than other species. C. parapsilosis generated pseudohyphae but not hyphae and did not exhibit any trends in exoenzyme production. This knowledge will be crucial for understanding the pathogenicity of Candida spp. and will help to explore antivirulence-based treatment.
Extracts of Brocchia cinerea (Delile) Vis Exhibit In Vivo Wound Healing, Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities, and Other In Vitro Therapeutic Effects
Authors: Agour Abdelkrim , Mssillou Ibrahim , El Barnossi Azeddin , Chebaibi Mohamed , Bari Amina , Abudawood Manal , Al-Sheikh Yazeed A. , Bourhia Mohammed , Giesy John P. , Aboul-Soud Mourad A. M. , Lyoussi Badiaa , Derwich Elhoussine
Published: March 2023

The plant Brocchia cinerea (Delile) (B. cinerea) has many uses in traditional pharmacology. Aqueous (BCAE) and ethanolic extracts (BCEE) obtained from the aerial parts can be used as an alternative to some synthetic drugs. In vitro, DPPH, FRAP and TAC are three tests used to measure antioxidant efficacy. Antibacterial activities were determined against one Gram positive and two Gram negative strains of bacteria. The analgesic power was evaluated in vivo using the abdominal contortion model in mice, while carrageenan-induced edema in rats was the model chosen for the anti-inflammatory test; wound healing was evaluated in an experimental second degree burn model. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that BCEE had the greatest content of polyphenols (21.06 mg AGE/g extract), flavonoids (10.43 mg QE/g extract) and tannins (24.05 mg TAE/g extract). HPLC-DAD reveals the high content of gallic acid, quercetin and caffeic acid in extracts. BCEE has a strong antiradical potency against DPPH (IC50 = 0.14 mg/mL) and a medium iron reducing activity (EC50 = 0.24 mg/mL), while BCAE inhibited the growth of the antibiotic resistant bacterium, P. aeruginosa (MIC = 10 mg/mL). BCAE also exhibited significant pharmacological effects and analgesic efficacy (55.81% inhibition 55.64% for the standard used) and the re-epithelialization of wounds, with 96.91% against 98.60% for the standard. These results confirm the validity of the traditional applications of this plant and its potential as a model to develop analogous drugs.
Tissue Culture—A Sustainable Approach to Explore Plant Stresses
Authors: Wijerathna-Yapa Akila , Hiti-Bandaralage Jayeni
Published: March 2023

Plants are constantly faced with biotic or abiotic stress, which affects their growth and development. Yield reduction due to biotic and abiotic stresses on economically important crop species causes substantial economic loss at a global level. Breeding for stress tolerance to create elite and superior genotypes has been a common practice for many decades, and plant tissue culture can be an efficient and cost-effective method. Tissue culture is a valuable tool to develop stress tolerance, screen stress tolerance, and elucidate physiological and biochemical changes during stress. In vitro selection carried out under controlled environment conditions in confined spaces is highly effective and cheaper to maintain. This review emphasizes the relevance of plant tissue culture for screening major abiotic stresses, drought, and salinity, and the development of disease resistance. Further emphasis is given to screening metal hyperaccumulators and transgenic technological applications for stress tolerance.
Production Inventory Optimization Considering Direct and Indirect Carbon Emissions under a Cap-and-Trade Regulation
Authors: Daryanto Yosef , Setyanto Djoko
Published: March 2023

Background: The latest global agreement on net-zero emissions encourages new studies on production inventory optimization that promote carbon emissions reduction without harming a company’s profit performance, particularly because certain carbon-pricing regulations bind manufacturing companies. Methods: This study aims to develop a production inventory model that considers direct and indirect emissions in three emission scopes. It incorporates emissions from production, material handling, transportation, and waste disposal for further treatment under a carbon cap-and-trade regulation. With the help of Maple software, a convex total cost function was solved. Results: The results show that the optimum production quantity depends on the values of demand, setup cost, holding cost, fixed cost per delivery, fixed cost for waste disposal, and other parameters related to carbon prices. This study also found that the total cost was highly dependent on the values of the carbon cap, carbon price, and delivery distance. Meanwhile, changes in the delivery distance and fuel emissions standard significantly impacted total emissions. Conclusions: The proposed model can guide manufacturing companies in setting the optimum production quantity per cycle. Moreover, they must carefully manage the delivery and setting of the carbon cap and carbon price from the government.
Synthesis of 2-[2-(Ethoxymethoxy)phenyl]spiro[cyclopropane-1,2′-indene]-1′,3′-dione
Authors: Ivanova Olga A. , Shorokhov Vitaly V. , Andreev Ivan A. , Ratmanova Nina K. , Rybakov Victor B. , Strel’tsova Elena D. , Trushkov Igor V.
Published: March 2023

An 1,3-indanedione-derived donor–acceptor cyclopropane, bearing the ethoxymethyl-protected phenolic group at the ortho-position of the donor aryl substituent, has been synthesized using a reaction sequence involving the Knoevenagel condensation of 1,3-indanedione with the corresponding protected salicylaldehyde followed by the Corey–Chaykovsky cyclopropanation of the obtained adduct with dimethylsulfoxonium methylide. The structure of the synthesized cyclopropane was unambiguously proved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data.
Design of Two-Dimensional Transient Circular Thermal Cloaks with Imperfect Interfaces
Authors: Lin Jun-Hong , Chen Tungyang
Published: March 2023

In this paper, analytic modeling for the design of a transient thermal invisibility cloak with imperfect interfaces is presented together with numerical simulations. In contrast to steady-state conditions, it is shown that an object can only be made partially invisible under a transient-state condition with either ideal or imperfect interfaces. The thermal visibility of an object to the external region can be optimally suppressed under certain conditions referred to as the “weak invisibility conditions” for the transient response, which are different from the “strong invisibility conditions” that can completely conceal an object in a steady state. In the formulation, a homogeneous metamaterial with constant volumetric heat capacity and constant anisotropic conductivity tensor is employed. It can be demonstrated that the interface’s bonding conditions will have a significant effect on the design of metamaterials. Two typical types of imperfect interfaces, referred to as low-conductivity- and high-conductivity-type interfaces, are considered. Conditions, that render an object mostly undetectable, are analytically found and expressed in simple forms under quasi-static approximations. Within the quasi-static limit, the thermal localization in the target region can be tuned with the anisotropy of the conductivity tensor. Thermal shielding or concentrating effects in the target region are exemplified based on finite element simulations to demonstrate the manipulation of heat flux in the target region. The present findings make new advances in theoretical fundamentals and numerical simulations on the effect of the imperfect interface in the transient regime and can serve as guidelines in the design of thermal metamaterials through the entire conduction process.
Wet Blue Enzymatic Treatment and Its Effect on Leather Properties and Post-Tanning Processes
Authors: Biškauskaitė Renata , Valeika Virgilijus
Published: March 2023

Due to their variety, specific activity, and mild reaction conditions, enzymes have a wide application in beam house processes such as soaking, dehairing, bating, and de-greasing. Recently, due to improvements in biotechnology, re-bating after chroming has received increased attention. The aim of this work was to investigate the application of enzyme preparation in the re-bating process and its effect on the semifinished and finished product, as well as its influence on post-tanning operations. The enzymatic treatment of chromed semifinished leather (wet blue) led to a higher shrinkage temperature (1–6 °C), greater water vapour absorption (0.3–5.5%), better chromium compounds exhaustion during re-chroming (4–21%), and better dye penetration. Moreover, collagen was affected during the enzymatic process; the results showed a greater concentration influence in the operation compared to the process time. On the other hand, no effect on the physical and mechanical properties and fat-liquoring process was observed. Overall, these results indicate that some properties and processes are improved; however, before use for re-bating, every enzyme should be carefully investigated.