bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Mixed Convection in a Reactive Third-Grade Fluid Flow with Convective Wall Cooling and Variable Properties
Authors: Adesanya Samuel Olumide , Yusuf Tunde Abdulkadir , Lebelo Ramoshweu Solomon
Published: November 2022

Energy management and heat control whenever a reactive viscous fluid is the working medium has been one of the greatest challenges encountered by many in the field of chemical and industrial engineering. A mathematical approach to thedetermination of critical points beyond which the working environment becomes hazardous is presented in the present investigation together with the entropy generation analysis that guarantees the efficient management of expensive energy resources. In this regard, the nonlinear mixed convective flow behavior of a combustible third-grade fluid through a vertical channel with wall cooling by convection is investigated. The mathematical formulation captures the nonlinearities arising from second-order Boussinesq approximation and exponential dependence of internal heat generation, viscosity, and thermal conductivity on temperature. The resulting nonlinear boundary value problems were solved based on the spectral Chebyshev collocation method (SCCM) and validated with the shooting-Runge–Kutta method (RK4). The nonlinear effects on the flow velocity, temperature distribution, entropy generation, and Bejan heat irreversibility ratio are significant. Further analyses include the thermal stability of the fluid. Findings from the study revealed that flow, temperature, and entropy generation are enhanced byincreasing values of the Grashof number, the quadratic component of buoyancy, and the Frank-Kameneskii parameter, but are reducedbyincreasing the third-grade material parameter. Moreover, it was shown that increasing values of the third-grade parameter encourages the thermal stability of the flow, while increasing values of the linear and nonlinear buoyancy parameter destabilizes the flow. The present result is applicable to thick combustible polymers with increased molecular weight.
Image Reconstruction Algorithm Using Weighted Mean of Ordered-Subsets EM and MART for Computed Tomography
Authors: Abou Al-Ola Omar M. , Kasai Ryosuke , Yamaguchi Yusaku , Kojima Takeshi , Yoshinaga Tetsuya
Published: November 2022

Iterative image reconstruction algorithms have considerable advantages over transform methods for computed tomography, but they each have their own drawbacks. In particular, the maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization (MLEM) algorithm reconstructs high-quality images even with noisy projection data, but it is slow. On the other hand, the simultaneous multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (SMART) converges faster at early iterations but is susceptible to noise. Here, we construct a novel algorithm that has the advantages of these different iterative schemes by combining ordered-subsets EM (OS-EM) and MART (OS-MART) with weighted geometric or hybrid means. It is theoretically shown that the objective function decreases with every iteration and the amount of decrease is greater than the mean between the decreases for OS-EM and OS-MART. We conducted image reconstruction experiments on simulated phantoms and deduced that our algorithm outperforms OS-EM and OS-MART alone. Our algorithm would be effective in practice since it incorporates OS-EM, which is currently the most popular technique of iterative image reconstruction from noisy measured projections.
Computational Study of the Microsphere Concentration in Blood during Radioembolization
Authors: Lertxundi Unai , Aramburu Jorge , Rodríguez-Fraile Macarena , Sangro Bruno , Antón Raúl
Published: November 2022

Computational fluid dynamics techniques are increasingly used to computer simulate radioembolization, a transcatheter intraarterial treatment for patients with inoperable tumors, and analyze the influence of treatment parameters on the microsphere distribution. Ongoing clinical research studies are exploring the influence of the microsphere density in tumors on the treatment outcome. In this preliminary study, we computationally analyzed the influence of the microsphere concentration in the vial on the microsphere concentration in the blood. A patient-specific case was used to simulate the blood flow and the microsphere transport during three radioembolization procedures in which the only parameter varied was the concentration of microspheres in the vial and the span of injection, resulting in three simulations with the same number of microspheres injected. Results showed that a time-varying microsphere concentration in the blood at the outlets of the computational domain can be analyzed using CFD, and also showed that there was a direct relationship between the variation of microsphere concentration in the vial and the variation of microsphere concentration in the blood. Future research will focus on elucidating the relationship between the microsphere concentration in the vial, the microsphere concentration in the blood, and the final microsphere distribution in the tissue.
Potentially Beneficial Effects on Healthy Aging by Supplementation of the EPA-Rich Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum or Its Supernatant—A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial in Elderly Individuals
Authors: Stiefvatter Lena , Frick Konstantin , Lehnert Katja , Vetter Walter , Montoya-Arroyo Alexander , Frank Jan , Schmid-Staiger Ulrike , Bischoff Stephan C.
Published: November 2022

Dietary supplements that promote healthy aging are mostly warranted in an aging society. Because of age-related risks, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agents such as microalgae are potential candidates for intervention. In a randomized controlled trial, we tested Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT), a microalgae rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), carotenoids, vitamins, and β-glucans, cultured in bioreactors. In this pilot trial, 19 healthy elderly received supplements for two weeks based on either the whole PT (A), the β-1,3-glucan-rich PT supernatant (SupB), the combination thereof (A+SupB), or a Comparator product (Comp). The primary outcome variable plasma interleukin-6 was reduced after treatment with A+SupB compared to the Comp group (p = 0.04). The mobility parameters 5 s sit-to-stand test (p = 0.04 in the A group) and by trend gait speed (p = 0.08 in the A+SupB diet) were improved compared to Comp. No treatment effects were observed for fatty acids, compared to Comp but omega-6 to -3 fatty acid ratio (p = 0.006) and arachidonic acid/EPA ratio (p = 0.006) were reduced within group A+SupB. Further, the SupB study product reduced faecal zonulin (p = 0.03) compared to the Comp. The data revealed an anti-inflammatory and potentially anti-oxidative effect of particular PT preparations, suggesting that they might be suitable for effects in healthy elderly.
The Occurrence of Acute Pancreatitis in Adult Patients during a Measles Outbreak from November 2017 to May 2018 in Southeastern Serbia
Authors: Popović Dragonjić Lidija , Jovanović Maja , Vrbić Miodrag , Nastić Aleksandar , Djordjević Miodrag , Veljković Milica
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Although it is believed that measles infections are under control, there is a global reappearance, and their treatment has become more complex as the disease is followed by a relatively high incidence of complications. This study, conducted on patients during a measles outbreak from November 2017 to May 2018, aims to evaluate a rarely reported complication of measles, acute morbilous pancreatitis (AMP), which has been reported in several cases to date. Materials and Methods: A total of 207 patients admitted and treated at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center Nis, for measles infection were included in the analysis. The data collected from the patient’s medical records included the demographic characteristics, disease duration, full blood, serum, and urine biochemical analysis, general measles-associated symptoms, and disease outcome. Results: According to the serum and urine amylase activity, and some clinical symptoms AMP were diagnosed in 14% (29/207) of the studied patients. These patients had significantly higher levels of ALT and vomited more frequently than the patients without AMP. Only slight differences in measles duration, changes in RBC count, and CRP levels were found between the males and females with AMP. Conclusions: Acute morbillous pancreatitis should not be underestimated as a complication, even though according to the results of our survey, it was not associated with a fatal outcome or disease severity as the course of it can be frequently rapid and fatal.
Curious Case of Superfitial Spreading Cervical Squamocellular Carcinoma with Adnexal Involvement
Authors: Dokić Milan , Milenković Svetlana , Jovanović Ljubiša , Milošević Branislav , Andrić Luka , Šaponjski Dušan , Kesić Vesna
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) usually showed an infiltrative growth pattern into endocervical stroma. In rare cases, SCC spreads superficially as an intraepithelial lesion to proximal uterine segments, and more rarely, involves invasive and more aggressive behavior on secondary sites. Materials and Methods: In this study, we present the case of an interesting form of cervical SCC growth and we discuss the possible reasons for that presentation. Results: After clinical examination and repeated histomorphological analysis, we found remarkable cervical epithelial dysplasia (a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion—H-SIL). A histopathology report after conization and hysterectomy showed squamocellular carcinoma with microinvasive focuses. Interestingly, squamocellular carcinoma was found in the proximal uterine and adnexal structure, as well as intraepithelial and microinvasive lesions. Conclusions: Our study described a rare presentation of primary cervical SCC with unusual adnexal involvement. This pattern of tumor growth should be especially considered for patients who are proposed for sparing surgical procedures. A detailed and multidisciplinary approach for every patient is very important because unpredictable cases are present. However, they are rare.
A Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Carbonaceous Nanoparticles on the Physicochemical Properties of Hybrid Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration Membranes
Authors: Jaber Lubna , Almanassra Ismail W. , Backer Sumina Namboorimadathil , Kochkodan Viktor , Shanableh Abdallah , Atieh Muataz Ali
Published: November 2022

Numerous studies have been previously reported on the use of nanoscale carbonaceous fillers, such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO), in polymeric ultrafiltration (UF) membranes; however, no insight has been clearly reported on which material provides the best enhancements in membrane performance. In this study, a comparative analysis was carried out to establish a comprehensible understanding of the physicochemical properties of hybrid polyethersulfone (PES) UF membranes incorporated with MWCNTs and GO nanoparticles at various concentrations. The hybrid membranes were prepared via the non-solvent-induced phase separation process and further characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope (AFM). The AFM images showed homogeneous membrane surfaces with a reduction in the membrane surface roughness from 2.62 nm for bare PES to 2.39 nm for PES/MWCNTs and to 1.68 nm for PES/GO membranes due to improved hydrophilicity of the membranes. Physicochemical properties of the hybrid PES membranes were assessed, and the outcomes showed an enhancement in the porosity, pore size, water contact angle, and water permeability with respect to nanoparticle concentration. GO-incorporated PES membranes exhibited the highest porosity, pore size, and lowest contact angle as compared to PES/MWCNTs, indicating the homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles within the membrane structure. PES/MWCNTs (0.5 wt.%) and PES/GO (1.0 wt.%) hybrid membranes exhibited the highest water flux of 450.0 and 554.8 L m−2 h−1, respectively, at an applied operating pressure of 1 bar. The filtration and antifouling performance of the PES hybrid membranes were evaluated using 50 mg L−1 of humic acid (HA) as a foulant at pH = 7. Compared to the bare PES membrane, the MWCNTs and GO-incorporated PES hybrid membranes exhibited enhanced permeability and HA removal. Moreover, PES/MWCNTs (0.5 wt.%) and PES/GO (1 wt.%) hybrid membranes reported HA rejection of 90.8% and 94.8%, respectively. The abundant oxygen-containing functional groups in GO-incorporated PES membranes resulted in more hydrophilic membranes, leading to enhanced permeability and fouling resistance. The antifouling properties and flux recovery ratio were improved by the addition of both nanoparticles. Given these findings, although both MWCNTs and GO nanoparticles are seen to notably improve the membrane performance, PES membranes with 1 wt.% GO loading provided the highest removal of natural organic matter, such as HA, under the same experimental conditions.
Developing Women’s Authenticity in Leadership
Authors: Nakamura Yoshie Tomozumi , Hinshaw Jessica , Burns Rebecca
Published: November 2022

In this exploratory case study, we examined women’s lived experience as leaders and their participation in an in-person leadership development program. More specifically, we studied how women perceived an in-person leadership development program through a lens of authentic leadership. Our method for gathering information included individual interviews, field observation, and archival data. The interviews focused on particular episodes and stories of the participants’ leadership experiences in their professional life and learning experiences through the leadership development program. The findings from this study indicated the importance of self-awareness of leader identity and increased confidence, building their authentically balanced approach, and creating a social network through collective learning. This paper concludes with future research and practical implications for women leaders, senior human resource development professionals, and senior managers who design and develop women leadership training programs.
Effect of Al Content on the Microstructural and Grain Growth Kinetics of Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Chen Ruinan , Chen Qinghua , Huang Xu , He Qingsong , Su Jian , Tan Bin , Xu Chao , Deng Huahong , Dai Qingwei
Published: November 2022

In order to control the grain size in thermomechanical processing, the grain growth behavior of hot extruded Mg–xAl–1Zn (x = 3, 6, 9) alloys and their relationship with second phase particles and solutes were investigated. The growth rate of AZ61 is greater than that of AZ31 and AZ91 at 300 °C, 350 °C, 400 °C, and 450 °C under isothermal annealing. The average grain growth exponents n of Mg–xAl–1Zn (x = 3, 6, 9) alloys were 2.26, 2.33, and 2.53 at 300–400 °C, respectively. The deviation from the theoretical value of 2 was attributed to the hindrance of grain boundary migration of Al-rich second phase particles and solute Al. Microscopic observations show that the grain size of the annealed samples is closely related to the shape, volume fraction, size, and distribution position of the second phase particles. Significantly, the pinning effect is stronger for lamellar and network-like second phase particles. In addition, the pinning effect of Al-rich second phase particles plays a more important role in grain refinement than the dragging of solute Al. The growth of abnormal grains in the microstructure is attributed to the high energy difference between the preferentially oriented <112¯0> grains and the surrounding grains, which drives the grain boundaries to overcome the same pinning force of the second phase particles.
Welding Properties of Dissimilar Al-Cu Thin Plate by a Single-Mode Fiber Laser
Authors: Lee Soon-Jae , Choi Kwang-Deok , Lee Su-Jin , Shin Dong-Sik , Jung Jae-Pil
Published: November 2022

To improve the reliability and safety of the electrical components used in automobiles, Cu and Al have recently been employed as electrodes, wherein lasers were used for rapid welding. However, in Al-Cu dissimilar metal welding, intermetallic compounds (IMCs) reduce the weld strength. In addition, the laser absorption rates of Al and Cu are low, and the reflectance is high, thereby impeding the welding process. To increase the absorption rate, a laser with a high beam quality must be used. Thus, a high-density, high-quality 5 kW single-mode laser was employed. Thin Al and Cu (0.2 mm thick) plates were processed and welded at welding speed 200–1000 mm/s, changing the laser-irradiated upper metal to Cu or Al. Post analysis, it was found that with a high heat input, pores were generated inside the Al, and when the upper metal was Cu, pores were mainly generated between the Al molten layer and the Cu mixed layer. As a result of tensile shear strength measurement, most of the aluminum area fractured at 118–151 N, and when fractured in copper, the strength was highest at 154 N. At a high welding speed, fracture was mainly observed at the joints along the IMCs or in the Cu mixed layer.
Does the Hyperglycemia Impact on COVID-19 Outcomes Depend upon the Presence of Diabetes?—An Observational Study
Authors: Manique Inês , Abegão Matias Alexandra , Bouça Bruno , Rego Teresa , Cortez Luísa , Sabino Teresa , Panarra António , Rizzo Manfredi , Silva-Nunes José
Published: November 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as a major risk factor for COVID-19 severity and SARS-CoV-2 infection can worsen glycemic control and may precipitate new-onset diabetes. At-admission hyperglycemia (AH) is a known predictor for worse outcomes in many diseases and seems to have a similar effect in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of AH regardless of pre-existing diabetes mellitus and new-onset diabetes diagnosis in the clinical severity of COVID-19 inpatients in the first months of the pandemic. A retrospective monocentric study on 374 COVID-19 inpatients (209 males) was developed to assess associations between AH (blood glucose levels in the Emergency Department or the first 24 h of hospitalization greater than 140 mg/dL) and severity outcomes (disease severity, respiratory support, admission to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and mortality) in patients with and without diabetes. Considering diabetic patients with AH (N = 68;18.1%) there was a correlation with COVID-19 severity (p = 0.03), invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.008), and ICU admission (p = 0.026). No correlation was present with any severity outcomes in diabetic patients without AH (N = 33; 8.8%). All of the New-onset Diabetes patients (N = 15; 4%) had AH, and 12 had severe COVID-19; additionally, five patients were admitted to the ICU and three patients died. However, severity outcomes did not reach statistical correlation significance in this group. In nondiabetic patients with AH (N = 51; 13.6%), there was a statistically significant association with the need for oxygen therapy (p = 0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.01), and ICU admission (p = 0.03). Our results support data regarding the impact of AH on severity outcomes. It also suggests an effect of AH on the prognosis of COVID-19 inpatients, regardless of the presence of pre-existing diabetes or new-onset diabetes. We reinforce the importance to assess at admission glycemia in all patients admitted with COVID-19.
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Metabolic Characterization of Patient-Derived Xenograft Models of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Agudelo Joao Piraquive , Upadhyay Deepti , Zhang Dalin , Zhao Hongjuan , Nolley Rosalie , Sun Jinny , Agarwal Shubhangi , Bok Robert A. , Vigneron Daniel B. , Brooks James D. , Kurhanewicz John , Peehl Donna M. , Sriram Renuka
Published: November 2022

Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) are high-fidelity cancer models typically credentialled by genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. Characterization of metabolic reprogramming, a hallmark of cancer, is less frequent. Dysregulated metabolism is a key feature of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and authentic preclinical models are needed to evaluate novel imaging and therapeutic approaches targeting metabolism. We characterized 5 PDX from high-grade or metastatic ccRCC by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and steady state metabolic profiling and flux analysis. Similar to MRI of clinical ccRCC, T2-weighted images of orthotopic tumors of most PDX were homogeneous. The increased hyperintense (cystic) areas observed in one PDX mimicked the cystic phenotype typical of some RCC. The negligible hypointense (necrotic) areas of PDX grown under the highly vascularized renal capsule are beneficial for preclinical studies. Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were equivalent to those of ccRCC in human patients. Hyperpolarized (HP) [1-13C]pyruvate MRI of PDX showed high glycolytic activity typical of high-grade primary and metastatic ccRCC with considerable intra- and inter-tumoral variability, as has been observed in clinical HP MRI of ccRCC. Comparison of steady state metabolite concentrations and metabolic flux in [U-13C]glucose-labeled tumors highlighted the distinctive phenotypes of two PDX with elevated levels of numerous metabolites and increased fractional enrichment of lactate and/or glutamate, capturing the metabolic heterogeneity of glycolysis and the TCA cycle in clinical ccRCC. Culturing PDX cells and reimplanting to generate xenografts (XEN), or passaging PDX in vivo, altered some imaging and metabolic characteristics while transcription remained like that of the original PDX. These findings show that PDX are realistic models of ccRCC for imaging and metabolic studies but that the plasticity of metabolism must be considered when manipulating PDX for preclinical studies.
Evaluation of Malondialdehyde Level, Total Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and Oxidative Stress Index in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Janion Karolina , Strzelczyk Joanna Katarzyna , Walkiewicz Katarzyna Weronika , Biernacki Krzysztof , Copija Angelika , Szczepańska Elżbieta , Nowakowska-Zajdel Ewa
Published: November 2022

Oxidative stress may play an important role in colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study included 94 adult patients with CRC (52 men and 42 women) and 26 hospitalized patients (12 men and 14 women) in whom CRC was excluded (control group). During hospitalization, blood serum samples were collected from both groups. Apart from that, anthropometric measurements were taken and other clinical data were analyzed. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were assayed. Subsequently, the relationship between the analyzed oxidative stress markers and selected clinical characteristics was investigated in both groups. The evaluation of oxidative stress marker values demonstrated that MDA and TAS levels were significantly higher in the control group than the CRC group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively), while TOS levels were significantly higher in the CRC group than the control group (p = 0.005). Significantly lower OSI levels were found in the control group than in the CRC group (p < 0.001). Similar results can be observed when performing ROC analysis (receiver operating characteristic curve). Preliminary statistical analysis demonstrated that MDA levels in the study group depend on the location of the primary tumour (p = 0.035). Based on the post hoc Tukey test, a relationship was demonstrated between the MDA level and the left and right side of the colon (p = 0.040). The results may be evidence for a higher level of oxidative stress, including a compromised antioxidative defence system, in patients with CRC.
Development of MEMS Airflow Volumetric Flow Sensing System with Single Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (PMUT) Array
Authors: Xiu Xueying , Yang Haolin , Ji Meilin , Lv Haochen , Zhang Songsong
Published: November 2022

Compared to conventional ultrasonic flowmeters using multiple transducers, this paper reports, for the first time, an airflow volumetric flowmeter using a signal PMUT array to measure the flow rate in a rectangular pipe. The PMUT around 200 kHz is selected to fit the system requirements. All PMUT elements on this single array are then electrically grouped into transmitter and receiver. In order to minimize the crosstalk signal between transmitter and receiver, a phase shift signal is applied at the transmitter to reduce the amplitude of the crosstalk signal by 87.8%, hence, the resultant high sensing resolution. Based on the analog signal extracted from the single PMUT array, a complete flow sensing system is built by using the cross-correlation method and cosine interpolation, whereby the change in flow rate is reflected by the time of flight difference (dTof) recorded at the receiver. Meanwhile, the acoustic path self-calibration is realized by using multiple echoes. Compared with the previously reported MEMS flowmeters with dual or multiple PMUT devices, this paper proposes a single PMUT array flow sensing system, which is able to measure the flow rate changes up to 4 m3/h. With the implementation of a single device, the problem of ultrasound device/reflector misalignment during system setup is completely eradicated.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Acute Viral Hepatitis in Bangladesh: An Overview
Authors: Kayesh Mohammad Enamul Hoque , Kohara Michinori , Tsukiyama-Kohara Kyoko
Published: November 2022

Viral infections by hepatotropic viruses can cause both acute and chronic infections in the liver, resulting in morbidity and mortality in humans. Hepatotropic viruses, including hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV), are the major pathogens that cause acute and chronic infections in humans. Although all of these viruses can cause acute hepatitis in humans, HAV and HEV are the predominant causative agents in Bangladesh, where the occurrence is sporadic throughout the year. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of hepatotropic viruses that are responsible for acute hepatitis in Bangladesh. Additionally, we focus on the transmission modes of these viruses and the control and prevention of infections.
Bioremediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Soils with Biosurfactant-Producing Degraders Isolated from the Native Desert Soils
Authors: Li Zheng , Rosenzweig Ravid , Chen Fengxian , Qin Ji , Li Tianyi , Han Jincheng , Istvan Paula , Diaz-Reck Damiana , Gelman Faina , Arye Gilboa , Ronen Zeev
Published: November 2022

A crude oil spill in 2014 resulted in extensive soil contamination of the hyper arid Evrona Nature Reserve in Israel’s Negev Desert. The contaminated soils became highly hydrophobic, threatening the existence of plants in the habitat. We hypothesized that bioaugmenting the soil with indigenous biosurfactant-producing, hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria (HDB) would accelerate the reduction in the soil’s hydrophobicity. We aimed to isolate and characterize biosurfactant-producing HDBs from the desert-contaminated soil and test if they can be used for augmenting the soil. Twelve hydrocarbon-degrading strains were isolated, identified as Pseudomonas, and classified as biosurfactants “producing” and “nonproducing”. Inoculating 109 CFU/g of “producing” strains into the polluted soil resulted in a 99.2% reduction in soil hydrophobicity within seven days. At the same time, nonproducing strains reduced hydrophobicity by only 17%, while no change was observed in the untreated control. The microbial community in the inoculated soil was dominated by the introduced strains over 28 days, pointing to their persistence. Rhamnolipid biosynthesis gene rhlAB remained persistent in soil inoculated with biosurfactants, indicating in situ production. We propose that the success of the treatment is due to the use of inoculum enriched from the polluted soil.
Role of Probiotics and Diet in the Management of Neurological Diseases and Mood States: A Review
Authors: Thangaleela Subramanian , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Kesika Periyanaina , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: November 2022

Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s diseases (PD) are common in older people. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, depression, stress, and cognitive impairment are prevalent among people irrespective of age. The incidence of neurological disorders has been increasing in recent decades. Communication between the gut microbiota and the brain is intrinsically complicated, and it is necessary for the maintenance of the gut, brain, and immune functions of the host. The bidirectional link among the gut, gut microbiota and the brain is designated as the “microbiota–gut–brain axis.” Gut microbiota modulates the host immune system and functions of tissue barriers such as gut mucosa and blood–brain barrier (BBB). Gut microbial dysfunction disturbs the gut–brain interplay and may contribute to various gut disorders, neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders. Probiotics could protect intestinal integrity, enhance gut functions, promote intestinal mucosal and BBB functions, and support the synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which enhance neuronal survival and differentiation. Probiotics could be considered an adjunct therapy to manage metabolic and psychiatric diseases. Predominantly, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains are documented as potent probiotics, which help to maintain the bidirectional interactions between the gut and brain. The consumption of probiotics and probiotics containing fermented foods could improve the gut microbiota. The diet impacts gut microbiota, and a balanced diet could maintain the integrity of gut–brain communication by facilitating the production of neurotrophic factors and other neuropeptides. However, the beneficial effects of probiotics and diet might depend upon several factors, including strain, dosage, duration, age, host physiology, etc. This review summarizes the importance and involvement of probiotics and diet in neuroprotection and managing representative neurological disorders, injuries and mood states.
Simulated Microgravity Created Using a Random Positioning Machine Induces Changes in the Physiology of the Fusarium solani Species Complex
Authors: D’Agostino Maurine , Babin Anne-Lyse , Zaffino Marie , Frippiat Jean-Pol , Machouart Marie , Debourgogne Anne
Published: November 2022

Fusarium is a phytopathogenic fungus involved in human pathology and is present in space stations. It is essential to understand the effects of microgravity on the physiology of this fungus to determine the potential risks to the health of crew members and to propose the necessary countermeasures. This study aimed to determine changes in the physiological parameters of the Fusarium solani species complex under simulated microgravity generated using a random positioning machine (RPM) and phenotypic approaches. We observed increased growth, spore production, and germination while biofilm production was reduced under RPM exposure. These in vitro data show the importance of further studying this fungus as it has been repeatedly demonstrated that microgravity weakens the immune system of astronauts.
Biochemical Atypia in Russian Neisseria gonorrhoeae Clinical Isolates Belonging to the G807 NG-MAST Genogroup/ST1594 MLST
Authors: Nosov Nikita , Kubanov Alexey , Solomka Viktoria , Deryabin Dmitry
Published: November 2022

Many current gonococcal clinical isolates in Russia show atypical taxonomically significant biochemical activity, which leads to species misidentification. Molecular typing of such cultures according Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) protocols assigned them to the G807 NG-MAST GENOGROUP/ST1594 MLST that has been predominant in Russia in recent years. The goal of the study was to analyze the molecular mechanisms of biochemical atypia in N. gonorrhoeae clinical isolates characterized as the members of G807 NG-MAST GENOGROUP/ST1594 MLST. Sixteen isolates of this genogroup were included in the study, eight showed defective amino acid metabolism or loss of D-glucose fermentation. Comparative bioinformatic analysis based on WGS data divided these isolates into two clusters strictly associated with typical or atypical biochemical activity. Cultures with defective amino acid metabolism had a 5-nucleotide insertion in the pip-gene that caused a stop codon and led to synthesis of the non-functional enzyme. Comparison of the sequenced genomes with publicly available N. gonorrhoeae genomes showed the rarity of this insertion. In the global N. gonorrhoeae phylogenetic tree the G807 NG-MAST GENOGROUP/ST1594 MLST forms a distinct branch characterized by 170 SNPs, most of which are non-synonymous. We hypothesized a unique strategy for G807 NG-MAST GENOGROUP/ST1594 MLST clone persistence in the global N. gonorrhoeae population via escape of antimicrobial therapy due to diagnostic misidentification.
Germany’s Burden of Disease of Bloodstream Infections Due to Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium between 2015–2020
Authors: Brinkwirth Simon , Martins Sofie , Ayobami Olaniyi , Feig Marcel , Noll Ines , Zacher Benedikt , Eckmanns Tim , Werner Guido , Willrich Niklas , Haller Sebastian
Published: November 2022

In Germany, there is an increasing amount of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) isolates in bloodstream infections (BSIs); however, estimates on recent incidences and disease burden are missing. We aim to estimate the incidence and calculate the annual disease burden in disease-adjusted life years (DALYs) for BSIs due to VREfm in Germany between 2015 and 2020 to support informed decision-making in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We used the Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance (ARS) system data to obtain incidence estimates. The estimated incidences were used in the Burden of Communicable Disease in Europe (BCoDE) toolkit to calculate the attributable DALYs. A total of 3417 VREfm blood culture-positive isolates were observed within ARS. The estimated incidence of VREfm-BSIs per 100,000 inhabitants increased from 1.4 (95% Uncertainty Interval [UI]: 0.8–1.9) in 2015 to 2.9 (95% UI: 2.4–3.3) in 2020. The estimated burden, expressed in DALYs per 100,000 inhabitants, increased from 8.5 (95% UI: 7.3–9.7; YLD = 0.9, YLL = 7.6) in 2015 to 15.6 (95% UI: 14.6–16.6; YLD = 1.6, YLL = 14) in 2020. The most affected groups within the observed period are the 65–69-year-old males with 262.9 DALYs per 100,000 inhabitants, and in the younger age groups (<30 years), the under-one-year-old with 43.1 DALYs per 100,000 inhabitants and 34.5 DALYs for male and female, respectively. The increasing DALYs of BSIs due to VREfm require targeted prevention and control measures to address their unequal distribution across gender and age, especially for older hospitalized patients, neonates, and infants in Germany.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Geopolymer/TiO2 Nanoparticles Composite for Efficient Removal of Cu(II) and Cd(II) Ions from Aqueous Media
Authors: Khatib Khalid , Lahmyed Loubna , El Azhari Mohamed
Published: November 2022

The use of fly ash wastes as inexpensive sorbents, mostly for heavy metal cations, is one method of recycling the millions of tons of fly ash waste produced each year. In this paper, a fly ash-based geopolymer was used as an adsorbent for Cu2+ and Cd2+ from an aqueous solution. To improve geopolymer sorption efficiency, fly ash was modified by incorporating titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles that were synthesized hydrothermally and annealed at a temperature of 500 °C. The adsorbents were characterized before and after adsorption by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX). Regarding the developed materials, Cu2+ and Cd2+ adsorption equilibria (Langmuir model and Freundlich model) and kinetics (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order model) were investigated. The results show that geopolymer-NanoTiO2 adsorbs heavy metal cations better, which is superior to geopolymer. The maximum experimental adsorption capacity of geopolymer-NanoTiO2 composite for Cu2+ and Cd2+ was 1708.2 mg/g and 706.9 mg/g, respectively. Therefore, geopolymer-NanoTiO2 composite has shown great application prospects in the prevention and control of heavy metal pollution.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of the H-Pit of the Chatree Gold Deposit, Central Thailand: A Case Study for Assessment of Acid Rock Drainage and Heavy Metal Sources
Authors: Kaewpaluk Sirawit , Salam Abhisit , Assawincharoenkij Thitiphan , Manaka Takayuki , Poompuang Sopit , Munsamai Surachat
Published: November 2022

H-pit is one of the significant ore lenses of the Chatree mine in Thailand. Au-Ag mineralization mainly occurs as veins, stockworks, and minor breccias hosted by volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks. Disseminated pyrites are commonly present near mineralized veins in the hanging wall zone. This study aims to assess the acid rock drainage (ARD) potential and heavy metal content from the H-pit area. The results indicate that hanging wall rock is a potential acid-forming (PAF) material related to disseminated pyrite formed by hydrothermal alteration. In contrast, the footwall and ore zone materials are classified as non-acid forming (NAF). Because the ore zone has calcite in the veins, it may help buffer the material’s acidity. The results of heavy metal analysis reveal that the ore zone has significantly higher contents of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn than those in the hanging wall and footwall zones. Moreover, the hanging wall and footwall materials have exceeding values for As, Cd, and Zn compared to those in typical igneous rocks. These heavy metals are interpreted to be sourced from (1) the primary composition in base metal sulfides (e.g., Cu, Pb, and Zn), (2) the substitution of trace elements in sulfides (e.g., As and Cd), and (3) the substitution of trace elements in calcite (e.g., Mn), as evidenced in the EPMA results. In conclusion, the hanging wall rocks in this study containing high sulfur in proximity to the ore zone are a PAF material with heavy metal contaminant sources, whereas the footwall and ore zone materials have a lower potential to be such sources at the Chatree mine.
Biocomposites of Epoxidized Natural Rubber Modified with Natural Substances
Authors: Stefaniak Konrad , Masek Anna , Jastrzębska Aleksandra
Published: November 2022

This research aimed to show the possible impact of natural antioxidants on epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) green composites. Thus, the ENR/PLA blends were prepared with the addition of three selected phytochemicals (catechin hydrate, eugenol and flavone). Obtained materials were submitted for solar aging. The analysis of the samples’ features revealed that catechin hydrate is a natural substance that may delay the degradation of ENR/PLA blends under the abovementioned conditions. The blend loaded with catechin hydrate presented stable color parameters (dE < 3 a.u.), the highest aging coefficient (K = 0.38 a.u.) and the lowest carbonyl index based on FT-IR data (CI = 1.56) from among all specimens. What is more, this specimen prolonged the oxidation induction time in comparison with the reference samples. Gathered data prove the efficiency of catechin hydrate as an anti-aging additive. Additionally, it was found that a specimen loaded with flavone changed its color parameters significantly after solar aging (dE = 14.83 a.u.) so that it would be used as an aging indicator. Eventually, presented eco-friendly ENR-based compositions may be applied in polymer technology where materials presenting specific properties are desirable.
Isolation, Structural Analysis and Biological Activity Assays of Biselisabethoxanes A and B: Two Dissymmetric Bis-Diterpenes from the Southwestern Caribbean Sea Gorgonian Coral Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae
Authors: Rodríguez Ileana I. , Rodríguez Abimael D. , Barnes Charles L.
Published: November 2022

Two novel dissymmetric diterpenoids, biselisabethoxanes A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the hexane extracts of the gorgonian coral Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae. Biselisabethoxane A (1) represents the first example of a marine-derived C40 dimer made of two distinct diterpene fragments, whereas biselisabethoxane B (2) is a fused heterodimer stemming from coupling of two amphilectane-based fragments. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated based on 1D and 2D NMR spectral data analysis. The molecular structure of 1 was subsequently confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. When evaluated for their inhibitory effects in a series of well-established biological activity assays the isolated compounds were shown to moderately inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Stepping Further from Coupling Tools: Development of Functional Polymers via the Biginelli Reaction
Authors: Ma Zeyu , Wang Bo , Tao Lei
Published: November 2022

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have been used to prepare polymers with appealing functions. The Biginelli reaction, one of the oldest and most famous MCRs, has sparked new scientific discoveries in polymer chemistry since 2013. Recent years have seen the Biginelli reaction stepping further from simple coupling tools; for example, the functions of the Biginelli product 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-(thi)ones (DHPM(T)) have been gradually exploited to develop new functional polymers. In this mini-review, we mainly summarize the recent progress of using the Biginelli reaction to identify polymers for biomedical applications. These polymers have been documented as antioxidants, anticancer agents, and bio-imaging probes. Moreover, we also provide a brief introduction to some emerging applications of the Biginelli reaction in materials and polymer science. Finally, we present our perspectives for the further development of the Biginelli reaction in polymer chemistry.
OOPS, the Ontology for Odor Perceptual Space: From Molecular Composition to Sensory Attributes of Odor Objects
Authors: Roche Alice , Mejean Perrot Nathalie , Thomas-Danguin Thierry
Published: November 2022

When creating a flavor to elicit a specific odor object characterized by odor sensory attributes (OSA), expert perfumers or flavorists use mental combinations of odor qualities (OQ) such as Fruity, Green, and Smoky. However, OSA and OQ are not directly related to the molecular composition in terms of odorants that constitute the chemical stimuli supporting odor object perception because of the complex non-linear integration of odor mixtures within the olfactory system. Indeed, single odorants are described with odor descriptors (OD), which can be found in various databases. Although classifications and aroma wheels studied the relationships between OD and OQ, the results were highly dependent on the studied products. Nevertheless, ontologies have proven to be very useful in sharing concepts across applications in a generic way and to allow experts’ knowledge integration, implying non-linear cognitive processes. In this paper, we constructed the Ontology for Odor Perceptual Space (OOPS) to merge OD into a set of OQ best characterizing the odor, further translated into a set of OSA thanks to expert knowledge integration. Results showed that OOPS can help bridge molecular composition to odor perception and description, as demonstrated in the case of wines.
Fast Screening of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitor from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge by Cell Display-Based Ligand Fishing
Authors: Bai Xiaolin , Fan Wenqin , Luo Yingjie , Liu Yipei , Zhang Yongmei , Liao Xun
Published: November 2022

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge is a medicinal plant (Chinese name “Danshen”) widely used for the treatment of hyperglycemia in traditional Chinese medicine. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been recognized as a potential target for insulin sensitizing for the treatment of diabetes. In this work, PTP1B was displayed at the surface of E. coli cells (EC-PTP1B) to be used as a bait for fishing of the enzyme’s inhibitors present in the aqueous extract of S. miltiorrhiza. Salvianolic acid B, a polyphenolic compound, was fished out by EC-PTP1B, which was found to inhibit PTP1B with an IC50 value of 23.35 µM. The inhibitory mechanism of salvianolic acid B was further investigated by enzyme kinetic experiments and molecular docking, indicating salvianolic acid B was a non-competitive inhibitor for PTP1B (with Ki and Kis values of 31.71 µM and 20.08 µM, respectively) and its binding energy was −7.89 kcal/mol. It is interesting that in the comparative work using a traditional ligand fishing bait of PTP1B-immobilized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs-PTP1B), no ligands were extracted at all. This study not only discovered a new PTP1B inhibitor from S. miltiorrhiza which is significant to understand the chemical basis for the hypoglycemic activity of this plant, but also indicated the effectiveness of cell display-based ligand fishing in screening of active compounds from complex herbal extracts.
A Review of In Situ Methods—Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) and Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS) for the Collection and Concentration of Marine Biotoxins and Pharmaceuticals in Environmental Waters
Authors: Kamali Naghmeh , Abbas Feras , Lehane Mary , Griew Michael , Furey Ambrose
Published: November 2022

Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) and Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS) are in situ methods that have been applied to pre-concentrate a range of marine toxins, pesticides and pharmaceutical compounds that occur at low levels in marine and environmental waters. Recent research has identified the widespread distribution of biotoxins and pharmaceuticals in environmental waters (marine, brackish and freshwater) highlighting the need for the development of effective techniques to generate accurate quantitative water system profiles. In this manuscript, we reviewed in situ methods known as Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) and Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS) for the collection and concentration of marine biotoxins, freshwater cyanotoxins and pharmaceuticals in environmental waters since the 1980s to present. Twelve different adsorption substrates in SPATT and 18 different sorbents in POCIS were reviewed for their ability to absorb a range of lipophilic and hydrophilic marine biotoxins, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, antibiotics and microcystins in marine water, freshwater and wastewater. This review suggests the gaps in reported studies, outlines future research possibilities and guides researchers who wish to work on water contaminates using Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) and Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS) technologies.
Methylglyoxal in the Brain: From Glycolytic Metabolite to Signalling Molecule
Authors: Yang Zeyong , Zhang Wangping , Lu Han , Cai Shu
Published: November 2022

Advances in molecular biology technology have piqued tremendous interest in glycometabolism and bioenergetics in homeostasis and neural development linked to ageing and age-related diseases. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a by-product of glycolysis, and it can covalently modify proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, leading to cell growth inhibition and, eventually, cell death. MGO can alter intracellular calcium homeostasis, which is a major cell-permeant precursor to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). As side-products or signalling molecules, MGO is involved in several pathologies, including neurodevelopmental disorders, ageing, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we demonstrate that MGO (the metabolic side-product of glycolysis), the GLO system, and their analogous relationship with behavioural phenotypes, epigenetics, ageing, pain, and CNS degeneration. Furthermore, we summarise several therapeutic approaches that target MGO and the glyoxalase (GLO) system in neurodegenerative diseases.