bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Magnetite Nanoparticles Coated with Aspartic Acid on the Growth, Antioxidant Enzymes Activity and Chlorophyll Content of Maize
Authors: Răcuciu Mihaela , Tecucianu Andreea , Oancea Simona
Published: June 2022

In recent decades, magnetite nanoparticles received greater attention in nanobiotechnology due to wide applications. This study presents the influence of the oxidative stress caused by magnetite nanoparticles coated with aspartic acid (A-MNP) of 9.17 nm mean diameter size, on maize (Zea mays) seedlings, in terms of growth, enzymatic activity and chlorophyll content as evaluated in exposed plant tissues. Diluted suspensions of colloidal magnetite nanoparticles stabilized in water were added to the culture medium of maize seeds, such as to equate nanoparticle concentrations varying from 0.55 mg/L to 11 mg/L. The obtained results showed that the growth of maize was stimulated by increasing the level of A-MNPs. Plant samples treated with different concentrations of A-MNP proved increased activities of catalase and peroxidase, and chlorophyll content, as well. The exposure of plants to magnetite nanoparticles may induce oxidative stress, which activates the plant defense/antioxidant mechanisms.
Extracellular Vesicles and Cancer Therapy: Insights into the Role of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ho Jenni , Chaiswing Luksana , St. Clair Daret K.
Published: June 2022

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in cancer development and cancer therapy, and is a major contributor to normal tissue injury. The unique characteristics of extracellular vesicles (EVs) have made them potentially useful as a diagnostic tool in that their molecular content indicates their cell of origin and their lipid membrane protects the content from enzymatic degradation. In addition to their possible use as a diagnostic tool, their role in how normal and diseased cells communicate is of high research interest. The most exciting area is the association of EVs, oxidative stress, and pathogenesis of numerous diseases. However, the relationship between oxidative stress and oxidative modifications of EVs is still unclear, which limits full understanding of the clinical potential of EVs. Here, we discuss how EVs, oxidative stress, and cancer therapy relate to one another; how oxidative stress can contribute to the generation of EVs; and how EVs’ contents reveal the presence of oxidative stress. We also point out the potential promise and limitations of using oxidatively modified EVs as biomarkers of cancer and tissue injury with a focus on pediatric oncology patients.
Using Data Mining Techniques for Detecting Dependencies in the Outcoming Data of a Web-Based System
Authors: Rak Tomasz , Żyła Rafał
Published: June 2022

The increasing amount of data from web systems data is becoming one of the most valuable resources for information retrieval and knowledge discovery. The huge content of information makes it an important area for data mining research. To analyze the dependencies of the outcoming data, expressed as query scenarios, we present a new approach for evaluating the behavior of interactive web systems by applying different data mining techniques to solve the problem. We propose tools that take outcoming logs as input, analyze them, and provide information about web client actions. Qualitative and quantitative automatic evaluation of the data can explain the connections between the most significant parameters of the system in particular scenarios. In this paper, we propose a new method, which can be used to efficiently verify the type of client behavior of a web system or design of the system. The analysis of results demonstrates the possibility of efficient pattern search.
A Combination of Natural Products, BenPros (Green Tea Extract, Soybean Extract and Camellia Japonica Oil), Ameliorates Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Oh Subin , Do Moon Ho , Shin Jin A , Lee Min Jee , Li Hua , Cho Su Yeon , Jeong Jong-Moon
Published: June 2022

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases in elderly men and causes lower urinary tract symptoms due to excessive proliferation of prostate stromal and epithelial cells. The present study investigated the improving effect of BenPros, an edible natural product mixture (green tea extract, soybean extract and camellia japonica oil), against the development of BPH in vitro and in vivo. BenPros treatment showed inhibitory ability on testosterone-induced androgen receptor, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and 5α-reductase protein expression in LNCap-LN3 cells and anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced increases in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in RAW264.7 cells. In a testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH rat model, BenPros decreased the up-regulated serum 5α-dihydrotestosterone and PSA levels. Moreover, BenPros also significantly reduced PSA protein expression in prostate tissue. Furthermore, TP-induced increased expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were reduced by BenPros, resulting in an increase in the Bcl-2/BCL2-related X ratio. These regulatory abilities of BenPros on BPH inducing markers also reduced prostate size and epithelial thickness based on histological analysis. These results indicate that BenPros has a protective ability against BPH in vitro and in vivo, and it may be a promising candidate as a functional food in regulating BPH.
Prediction of Suspended Sediment Concentration Based on the Turbidity-Concentration Relationship Determined via Underwater Image Analysis
Authors: Kang Woochul , Lee Kyungsu , Kim Jongmin
Published: June 2022

Sediment measurement data are essential for sediment transport analysis and therefore highly important in overall river planning. Extant sediment measurement methods consume considerable manpower and time and are limited by factors including economic reasons and worker risks. This study primarily aimed to predict the changes in SSC (Suspended Sediment Concentration) and turbidity by examining the change in color in underwater images. While maintaining a constant flow in a channel, the turbidity and concentration were measured under different SSC. Multiple regression models were developed using turbidity measurement results, and they exhibited high explanatory powers (adjusted R2 > 0.91). Furthermore, upon verification using the verification dataset of the experimental results, an excellent predictive power (RMSE ≈ 0.4 NTU) was demonstrated. The model with the highest predictive power, which was inclusive of red and green bands and showed no underlying multicollinearity was used to predict turbidity. Finally, the turbidity and suspended sediment concentration relationship determined from the experimental results was used to estimate the sediment concentration from the color changes in the underwater images. The concentrations that were predicted by the model showed satisfactory results, compared to the measurements (RMSE ≈ 21 ppm). This study indicated the feasibility of continuous SSC monitoring using underwater images as a new measurement method.
Methane Production Potential from Apple Pomace, Cabbage Leaves, Pumpkin Residue and Walnut Husks
Authors: Czubaszek Robert , Wysocka-Czubaszek Agnieszka , Tyborowski Rafał
Published: June 2022

Circular economy aims to eliminate organic waste through its transformation, composting and processing into other products or energy. The main aim of the study was to determine the specific methane yield (SMY) of anaerobic digestion (AD) of four different fruit and vegetable residues (FVR). In addition, the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was calculated based on the assumption that maize will be replaced by the FVR as a feedstock for biogas production. The SMY of four residues (apple pomace, cabbage leaves, pumpkin peels and fibrous strands and walnut husks) was measured in the biomethane potential test (BMP) in wet anaerobic digestion technology. The highest SMY (297.81 ± 0.65 NL kgVS−1) was observed for cabbage leaves while the lowest SMY (131.07 ± 1.30 kgVS−1) was found for walnut husks. The concentrations of two inhibitory gasses (NH3 and H2S) in biogas were low and did not affect the AD process. Only biogas produced from cabbage leaves was characterised by higher NH3 and H2S concentrations resulting from the highest protein concentration in this waste. FVR used as feedstock in biogas production may decrease the area of maize cultivation. Therefore, the GHG emissions from maize cultivation will be reduced. In Poland only, the use of four studied FVR as feedstock for biogas production would contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions by 43,682 t CO2 eq.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness on Dentin Hypersensitivity of Sodium Fluoride and a New Desensitizing Agent, Used Alone or in Combination with a Diode Laser: A Clinical Study
Authors: Femiano Felice , Femiano Luigi , Nucci Ludovica , Grassia Vincenzo , Scotti Nicola , Femiano Rossella
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH) is a frequent clinical problem that causes long-term painful discomfort to patients and is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for dentists. The aim of this research was to verify the efficacy of a Sodium Fluoride (NaF) gel and the VivaSens® varnish used alone or in combination with a Creation Soft Diode Laser (DL) to treat DH pain. (2) Methods: The study included 121 Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs) in 48 patients who complained of DH pain of variable intensity, between 4 and 7 points in VAS, after application of a cold stimulus. Four study groups of 12 patients each were created and subjected to four different types of treatment. Group 1 comprised 27 NCCLs with a total VAS score of 142, who received a topical treatment of NaF. Group 2 comprised 34 NCCLs with a total VAS score of 179, who were treated with NaF in association with DL. Group 3 comprised 31 NCCLs with a total VAS score 172, who received the VivaSens varnish. Group 4 comprised 29 NCCLS with a total VAS score of 155, who were treated with VivaSens in association with DL, using a power of 0.2 Watt in continuous emission and a fiber of 400 µm diameter. (3) Results: The results for each NCCL were evaluated by the cold stimulus response and recorded according to the VAS at the end of each treatment (t1) as well as after one week (t2), 1 month (t3), and 6 months (t4). All treatments resulted in pain relief at all study times, but the best results were obtained for Group 4 at t1, with a total VAS score of 26, and for Group 2 at t2, t3, and t4, with total VAS scores of 41, 51, and 65, respectively. (4) Conclusions: The treatment with VivaSens allowed pain relief immediately after its application, but the greatest long-term benefits (t2, t3, and t4) were obtained with the topical application of NaF associated with a DL.
A SkSP-R Plan under the Assumption of Gompertz Distribution
Authors: Tripathi Harsh , Al-Omari Amer Ibrahim , Alomani Ghadah A.
Published: June 2022

In this study, we designed a time-truncated SkSP-R sampling plan when the lifetime of units follows a Gompertz distribution (GmzD). The GmzD is briefly discussed. All of the plan parameters were obtained using a two-point approach, which is based on limiting quality level (LQL) and acceptable quality level (AQL). Moreover, operating characteristic (OC) values were calculated for the determined value of the plan parameters by using the OC function of the SkSP-R. Applications of two real life situations in engineering were presented to illustrate the applicability of the offered sampling inspection plan. It was found that the new SkSP-R sampling inspection plan can be used efficiently in the field.
CFD Analysis and Validation of a Foreign Material Winnowing Machine for Pepper Harvester
Authors: Shin Seo-Yong , Kim Myoung-Ho , Cho Yongjin , Kim Dae-Cheol
Published: June 2022

The winnowing machine of chili pepper harvesters was developed to reduce the potential problem of low pepper stem and fruit separation. The developed winnowing machine was combined with two impellers and a center bearing to prevent a strain on the drive shaft and to ensure durability. The terminal velocity of chili pepper was measured, and an aerodynamic analysis was conducted based on this winnowing machine. A CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics, Ansys Fluent 2020 R1) analysis was conducted for three levels of discharge port guide form (0, 3, and 5 guides) and three levels of rotating speed (1600, 1800, and 2000 RPM) of a winnowing machine designed utilizing aerodynamic analysis results. A validation test was conducted by fabricating a winnower test device. As for aerodynamic analysis conducted using measured values of terminal velocity, chili pepper fruits were collected at an outlet wind speed lower than 17.5 m/s and chili pepper branches were separated at a speed higher than 12.5 m/s. As a result of CFD analysis, the wind speed deviation at outlets of the 0-, 3-, and 5-guide depending on the rotating speed appeared to be 15.8, 1.4, and 1.0 m/s on average, respectively. The result of the CFD analysis showed values higher than wind speeds of the actual winnower test device by a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 2.4 m/s. Through the CFD analysis and the wind speed validation test of the winnower test device, optimal conditions to separate foreign materials were found to be a winnowing machine at a rotating speed of 1800 RPM with a discharge port having three guides or a winnowing machine at a rotating speed of 2000 RPM with a discharge port having five guides.
Compressive Properties of Polyurethane Fiber Mattress Filling Material
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Gu Yanting , Xu Wei , Lu Tao , Li Wenjun , Fan Haibin
Published: June 2022

There is an inevitable trend toward exploring new, environmentally friendly fibers that can be used as raw material for mattresses with moderate hardness and air-permeable characteristics. Ethylene-propylene side by side (ES), high-shrinkage fibers, and thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) chips were introduced into polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET)/polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) chip by melt blending to modify PET/PBT fiber. The modified PET/PBT (hereinafter referred to as PLON) is more suitable for mattress filling material than PET/PBT. To explore the compressive properties of PLON cushion made of PLON fiber and expand the scope of the PLON cushion’s application, a layered hardness test, hardness classification test and variance analysis were used to comprehensively evaluate the surface hardness, core hardness, bottom hardness and hardness classification of the mattress made of PLON cushion. The conclusions are: (1) The materials of the support layer have a significant effect on the hardness grade S. The hardness of the mattress with PLON as the support layer is between the spring and the coir; (2) when PLON is used as the material of the support layer, it possesses higher supporting force than coir and the characteristics of light weight and high resilience, which coir does not have; it is also softer than a spring mattress. As cushion material, it provides higher support for mattresses than foam. Practical applications, densities and structure were clarified through the above research, with implications for broader applications for PLON blocks in mattress products.
Design and Implementation of Adaptable Self-Protection Plans for Public Buildings: A Nursing Home Case in Spain
Authors: Retuerta-Martínez Luis Benigno , Pérez-García Salvador , Gallego-García Sergio , García-García Manuel
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 is reflecting the importance of self-protection plans in nursing homes, especially when it concerns persons of older age. Self-protection plans intend to prevent and control the risks of residential buildings. The goal of this research is to develop a design process for self-protection plans of public buildings, and specifically a nursing home. In this regard, it is key for the viability of the nursing home operations to be capable of adapting to any potential future event. Starting from some initial hypotheses that establish the need for adaptability, a self-protection plan model is developed for public buildings based on a new approach consisting of four elements and three steps. It was applied to an elderly residence which is currently under construction. The methodology followed has consisted of a process by stages, to design and implement a novel self-protection plan for public buildings. Subsequently, it has been applied to the specific case study, using the most common tools and applications available for later analysis of the result obtained with the starting hypotheses. The results show how the research allows an increase in the adaptability of self-protection plans for any publicly owned building, although there is an extensive and precise subsequent work of adaptation to specific cases considering the different legal frameworks which makes the work challenging. Finally, the research on adaptability and its application for elderly residences enabled the derivation of recommendations regarding self-protection plans in general and specifically in homes for the elderly.
Mobile Robot Control Based on 3D Visual Servoing: A New Approach Combining Pose Estimation by Neural Network and Differential Flatness
Authors: Kaaniche Khaled , El-Hamrawy Osama , Rashid Nasr , Albekairi Mohammed , Mekki Hassen
Published: June 2022

This paper deals with 3D visual servoing applied to mobile robots in the presence of measurement disturbances, caused in particular by target occlusion. We propose a new approach based on the flatness concept. In 3D visual servoing, the task is performed out of image coordinate space and targets may leave the camera field of view during navigation (servoing). Forced to navigate blindly during one or more periods of time, the robot will use our new open-loop control algorithm inspired by the flatness concept. The 3D visual servoing method is performed using robot pose estimation. This estimation generally contains some errors. The exact position of the robot is therefore not guaranteed, and robust feedback control is necessary to reject these errors in the input. To solve this problem, we propose a new pose estimation method that uses neural networks. We reduce the complexity of the architecture of the neural networks used (the number of variables to estimate) by proving that the location and the orientation of the robot can be ensured by using a single point in the image coordinate space for mobile robots with two degrees of freedom. To show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, we use the RVCTOOLS MATLAB toolbox.
An Intelligent Penetration Test Simulation Environment Construction Method Incorporating Social Engineering Factors
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Yongjie , Xiong Xinli , Zhang Jingye , Yao Qian
Published: June 2022

The penetration test has many repetitive operations and requires advanced expert knowledge, therefore, the manual penetration test is inefficient. With the development of reinforcement learning, the intelligent penetration test has been a research hotspot. However, the existing intelligent penetration test simulation environments only focus on the exploits of target hosts by the penetration tester agent’s actions while ignoring the important role of social engineering in the penetration test in reality. In addition, the construction of the existing penetration test simulation environment is based on the traditional network graph model without integrating security factors and attributes, and it is difficult to express the interaction between the penetration tester and the target network. This paper constructs an improved network graph model for penetration test (NMPT), which integrates the relevant security attributes of the penetration test. The NMPT model lays the foundation for extending the penetration tester’s social engineering actions. Then, we propose an intelligent penetration test method that incorporates social engineering factors (SE-AIPT) based on the Markov Decision Process. We adopt several mainstream reinforcement learning algorithms to train attack agents. The experiments show that the SE-AIPT method could vividly model the penetration tester agent’s social engineering actions, which effectively improves the reality of the simulation environment. Moreover, the penetration tester agent shows superior effects in the attack path discovery in the intelligent penetration test simulation environment constructed by the SE-AIPT method.
Texture-Less Shiny Objects Grasping in a Single RGB Image Using Synthetic Training Data
Authors: Chen Chen , Jiang Xin , Miao Shu , Zhou Weiguo , Liu Yunhui
Published: June 2022

In the industrial domain, estimating the pose of texture-less shiny parts is challenging but worthwhile. In this study, it is impractical to utilize texture information to obtain the pose because the features are likely to be affected by the surrounding objects. In addition, the colors of the metal parts are similar, making object segmentation challenging. This study proposes dividing the entire process into three steps: object detection, feature extraction, and pose estimation. We use the Mask-RCNN to detect objects and HRNet to extract the corresponding features. For metal parts of different shapes, different keypoints were chosen accordingly. Conventional contour-based methods are inapplicable to parts containing planar surfaces because the objects occlude each other in clustered environments. In this case, we used dense discrete points along the edges as semantic keypoints for metal parts containing planar elements. We chose skeleton points as semantic keypoints for parts containing cylindrical components. Subsequently, we combined the localization of semantic keypoints and the corresponding CAD model information to estimate the 6D pose of an individual object in sight. The implementation of deep learning approaches requires massive training datasets and intensive labeling. Thus, we propose a method to generate training datasets and automatically label them. Experiments show that the algorithm based on synthetic data performs well in a natural environment, despite not utilizing real scenario images for training.
An Approach to Migrate a Monolith Database into Multi-Model Polyglot Persistence Based on Microservice Architecture: A Case Study for Mainframe Database
Authors: Kazanavičius Justas , Mažeika Dalius , Kalibatienė Diana
Published: June 2022

Migration from a monolithic architecture to a microservice architecture is a complex challenge, which consists of issues such as microservices identification, code decomposition, commination between microservices, independent deployment, etc. One of the key issues is data storage adaptation to a microservice architecture. A monolithic architecture interacts with a single database, while in microservice architecture, data storage is decentralized, each microservice works independently and has its own private data storage. A viable option to fulfil different microservice persistence requirements is polyglot persistence, which is data storage technology selected according to the characteristics of each microservice need. This research aims to propose and evaluate the approach of monolith database migration into multi-model polyglot persistence based on microservice architecture. The novelty and relevance of the proposed approach are double, that is, it provides a general approach of how to conduct database migration from monolith architecture into a microservice architecture and allows the data model to be transformed into multi-model polyglot persistence. Migration from a mainframe monolith database to a multi-model polyglot persistence was performed as a proof-of-concept for the proposed migration approach. Quality attributes defined in the ISO/IEC 25012:2008 standard were used to evaluate and compare the data quality of the microservice with the multi-model polyglot persistence and the existing monolith mainframe database. Results of the research showed that the proposed approach can be used to conduct data storage migration from a monolith to microservice architecture and improve the quality of the consistency, understandability, availability, and portability attributes. Moreover, we expect that our results could inspire researchers and practitioners toward further work aimed to improve and automate the proposed approach.
Special Issue on Application of Artificial Neural Networks for Seismic Design and Assessment
Authors: Morfidis Konstantinos , Kostinakis Konstantinos
Published: June 2022

The application of methods and techniques of Machine Learning (ML) in many scientific fields has been increasing rapidly over recent decades [...]
Effects of Chemical Reactions on the Oxidative Potential of Humic Acid, a Model Compound of Atmospheric Humic-like Substances
Authors: Koike Yohei , Kameda Takayuki
Published: June 2022

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) contains various chemicals, some of which generate in vivo reactive oxygen species (ROS). Owing to their high reactivity and oxidation ability, ROS can cause various diseases. To understand how atmospheric PM affects human health, we must clarify the PM components having oxidative potential (OP) leading to ROS production. According to previous studies, OP is exhibited by humic-like substances (HULIS) in atmospheric PM. However, the OP-dependence of the chemical structures of HULIS has not been clarified. Therefore, in this study, humic acid (HA, a model HULIS material) was exposed to ozone and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and its OP and structures were evaluated before and after the reactions using dithiothreitol (DTT) assay and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), respectively. The OP of HA was more significantly increased by UV irradiation than by ozone exposure. FT-IR analysis showed an increased intensity of the C=O peak in the HA structure after UV irradiation, suggesting that the OP of HA was increased by a chemical change to a more quinone-like structure after irradiation.
Inhibitory Effects of the Addition of KNO3 on Volatile Sulfur Compound Emissions during Sewage Sludge Composting
Authors: Zheng Guodi , Liu Yuan , Li Yongjie , Liu Junwan , Yang Junxing
Published: June 2022

Odor released from the sewage sludge composting process often has a negative impact on the sewage sludge treatment facility and becomes a hindrance to promoting compost technology. This study investigated the effect of adding KNO3 on the emissions of volatile sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and carbon disulfide (CS2), during sewage sludge composting and on the physicochemical properties of compost products, such as arylsulfatase activity, available sulfur, total sulfur, moisture content, and germination index. The results showed that the addition of KNO3 could inhibit the emissions of volatile sulfur compounds during composting. KNO3 can also increase the heating rate and peak temperature of the compost pile and reduce the available sulfur loss. The addition of 4% and 8% KNO3 had the best effect on H2S emissions, and it reduced the emissions of H2S during composting by 19.5% and 20.0%, respectively. The addition of 4% KNO3 had the best effect on DMS and CS2 emissions, and it reduced the emissions of DMS and CS2 by 75.8% and 63.0%, respectively. Furthermore, adding 4% KNO3 had the best effect from the perspective of improving the germination index of the compost.
Dimerization of Firing Factors for Replication Origin Activation in Eukaryotes: A Crucial Process for Simultaneous Assembly of Bidirectional Replication Forks?
Authors: Tanaka Seiji , Ogawa Shiho
Published: June 2022

Controlling the activity of the heterohexameric Mcm2–7 replicative helicase is crucial for regulation of replication origin activity in eukaryotes. Because bidirectional replication forks are generated from every replication origin, when origins are licensed for replication in the first step of DNA replication, two inactive Mcm2–7 heterohexiameric complexes are loaded around double stranded DNA as a head-to-head double hexamer. The helicases are subsequently activated via a ‘firing’ reaction, in which the Mcm2–7 double hexamer is converted into two active helicase units, the CMG complex, by firing factors. Dimerization of firing factors may contribute to this process by allowing simultaneous activation of two sets of helicases and thus efficient assembly of bidirectional replication forks. An example of this is dimerization of the firing factor Sld3/Treslin/Ticrr via its binding partner, Sld7/MTBP. In organisms in which no Sld7 ortholog has been identified, such as the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Sld3 itself has a dimerization domain, and it has been suggested that this self-interaction is crucial for the firing reaction in this organism. Dimerization induces a conformational change in Sdl3 that appears to be critical for the firing reaction. Moreover, Mcm10 also seems to be regulated by self-interaction in yeasts. Although it is not yet clear to what extent dimerization of firing factors contributes to the firing reaction in eukaryotes, we discuss the possible roles of firing factor dimerization in simultaneous helicase activation.
Effects of Hypoxia on Proliferation and Differentiation in Belgian Blue and Hanwoo Muscle Satellite Cells for the Development of Cultured Meat
Authors: Park Sanghun , Gagliardi Mick , Swennen Geertje , Dogan Arin , Kim Yuna , Park Yunhwan , Park Gyutae , Oh Sehyuk , Post Mark , Choi Jungseok
Published: June 2022

Among future food problems, the demand for meat is expected to increase rapidly, but the production efficiency of meat, which is a protein source, is very low compared to other foods. To address this problem, research on the development and production of cultured meat as an alternative meat source using muscle stem cells in vitro has recently been undertaken. Many studies have been conducted on myosatellite cells for medical purposes, but studies on alternative meat production are rare. In vitro cell culture mimics the in vivo environment for cell growth. The satellite cell niche is closer to hypoxic (2% O2) than normoxic (20% O2) conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficient oxygen conditions of myosatellite cell cultures for the production of cultured meat. The bovine satellite cell counts and mRNA (Pax7, Myf5 and HIF1α) levels were higher in hypoxia than normoxia (p < 0.05). Through Hoechst-positive nuclei counts, and expression of Pax7, MyoD and myosin protein by immunofluorescence, it was confirmed that muscle cells performed normal proliferation and differentiation. Myoblast fusion was higher under hypoxic conditions (p < 0.05), and the myotube diameters were also thicker (p < 0.05). In the myotube, the number of cells was high in hypoxia, and the expression of the total protein amounts, differentiation marker mRNA (myogenin, myosin and TOM20), and protein markers (myosin and TOM20) was also high. The study results demonstrated that the proliferation and differentiation of bovine myosatellite cells were promoted more highly under hypoxic conditions than under normoxic conditions. Therefore, hypoxic cultures that promote the proliferation and differentiation of bovine myosatellite cells may be an important factor in the development of cultured meat.
Temporal Characterization of Behavioral and Hippocampal Dysfunction in the YAC128 Mouse Model of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: de Paula Nascimento-Castro Cristine , Winkelmann-Duarte Elisa C. , Mancini Gianni , Welter Priscilla Gomes , Plácido Evelini , Farina Marcelo , Gil-Mohapel Joana , Rodrigues Ana Lúcia S. , de Bem Andreza Fabro , Brocardo Patricia S.
Published: June 2022

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests that emotional and cognitive deficits seen in HD may be related to hippocampal dysfunction. We used the YAC128 HD mouse model to perform a temporal characterization of the behavioral and hippocampal dysfunctions. Early and late symptomatic YAC128 mice exhibited depressive-like behavior, as demonstrated by increased immobility times in the Tail Suspension Test. In addition, YAC128 mice exhibited cognitive deficits in the Swimming T-maze Test during the late symptomatic stage. Except for a reduction in basal mitochondrial respiration, no significant deficits in the mitochondrial respiratory rates were observed in the hippocampus of late symptomatic YAC128 mice. In agreement, YAC128 animals did not present robust alterations in mitochondrial ultrastructural morphology. However, light and electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of dark neurons characterized by the intense staining of granule cell bodies and shrunken nuclei and cytoplasm in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of late symptomatic YAC128 mice. Furthermore, structural alterations in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus were detected in the hippocampal DG of YAC128 mice by electron microscopy. These results clearly show a degenerative process in the hippocampal DG in late symptomatic YAC128 animals.
Sulfonamide-Derived Dithiocarbamate Gold(I) Complexes Induce the Apoptosis of Colon Cancer Cells by the Activation of Caspase 3 and Redox Imbalance
Authors: Quero Javier , Royo José Carlos , Fodor Beatrice , Gimeno María Concepción , Osada Jesús , Rodríguez-Yoldi María Jesús , Cerrada Elena
Published: June 2022

Two new families of dithiocarbamate gold(I) complexes derived from benzenesulfonamide with phosphine or carbene as ancillary ligands have been synthesized and characterized. In the screening of their in vitro activity on human colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2), we found that the more lipophilic complexes—those with the phosphine PPh3—exhibited the highest anticancer activity whilst also displaying significant cancer cell selectivity. [Au(S2CNHSO2C6H5)(PPh3)] (1) and [Au(S2CNHSO2-p-Me-C6H4)(IMePropargyl)] (8) produce cell death, probably by intrinsic apoptosis (mitochondrial membrane potential modification) and caspase 3 activation, causing cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase with p53 activation. Besides this, both complexes might act as multi-target anticancer drugs, as they inhibit the activity of the enzymes thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and carbonic anhydrase (CA IX) with the alteration of the redox balance, and show a pro-oxidant effect.
Bio-Inspired Sutures: Using Finite Element Analysis to Parameterize the Mechanical Response of Dovetail Sutures in Simulated Bending of a Curved Structure
Authors: Gibbons Melissa M. , Chen Diana A.
Published: June 2022

Many animals have protective anatomical structures that allow for growth and flexibility; these structures contain thin seams called sutures that help the structure to absorb impacts. In this study, we parameterized the stiffness and toughness of a curved archway structure based on three geometric properties of a suture through finite element, quasi-static, three-point bending simulations. Each archway consisted of two symmetric pieces linked by a dovetail suture tab design. The three parameters included suture tab radii (1–5 mm), tangent lengths (0–20 mm), and contact angles (0–40°). In the simulations, a steel indenter was displaced 6.5 mm to induce progressive tab disengagement. Sutures with large contact angles and large tangent lengths generally led to stiffer and tougher structures. Sutures with a small tab radius exhibited the most sensitivity to the input parameters, and the smallest tab radius led to the stiffest and toughest archways. Results suggested that it was a combination of the largest number of tab repeats with the largest possible contact surface area that improved the mechanical response of the archway. The study revealed several suture geometries that hold significant promise, which can aid in the development of hemispherical 3D structures for dynamic impact applications.
Microwave-Assisted Rapid Synthesis of Luminescent Tryptophan-Stabilized Silver Nanoclusters for Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Fe(III), and Their Application in a Test Strip
Authors: Saleh Sayed M. , El-Sayed Wael A. , El-Manawaty May A. , Gassoumi Malek , Ali Reham
Published: June 2022

A new preparation method for extreme fluorescent green emission tryptophan-stabilized silver nanoclusters (Tryp-AgNCs) is presented in this scientific research. The produced silver nanoclusters are dependent on tryptophan amino acid which contributes to normal growth in infants and the sublimation and recovery of human protein, muscles, and enzymes. Herein, we have introduced a green method by using microwave-assisted rapid synthesis. The subsequent silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) have excitation/emission peaks at 408/498 nm and display a considerable selectivity to Fe(III) ions. The tryptophan amino acid molecule was used in the synthesis process as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The Tryp-AgNCs’ properties were investigated in terms of morphology, dispersity, and modification of the synthesized particles using different advanced instruments. The luminescent nanoclusters traced the Fe(III) ions by the luminescence-quenching mechanism of the Tryp-AgNCs luminescence. Therefore, the extreme selectivity of the prepared nanoclusters was exhibited to the Fe(III) ions, permitting the sensitive tracing of ferric ions in the lab and in the real environmental samples. The limit of detection for Fe(III) ions based on Tryp-AgNCs was calculated to be 16.99 nM. The Tryp-AgNCs can be efficiently applied to a paper test strip method. The synthesized nanoclusters were used efficiently to detect the Fe(III) ions in the environmental samples. Moreover, we examined the reactivity of Tryp-AgNCs on various human tumor cell lines. The results show that the Tryp-AgNCs exhibited their activity versus the cancer cells in a dose-dependent routine for the perceived performance versus the greatest-used cancer cell lines.
Experimental Evaluation of Brick Masonry Walls Strengthened with TRM (Textile Reinforced Mortar) Renders
Authors: Marques Ana Isabel , Ferreira João Gomes , Candeias Paulo , Veiga Maria do Rosário
Published: June 2022

Old masonry buildings, which are frequently part of the cities-built heritage, are vulnerable to seismic actions. Thus, it is important to conduct efficient seismic strengthening interventions that allow maintenance of the existing building to minimize the environmental and economic impact. The use of reinforced renders is a simple and effective solution for seismic strengthening of this type of constructions. In this paper, several compositions of reinforced renders are analyzed, consisting of mortars with air lime, hydraulic lime, or cement binders, reinforced with steel mesh, fiberglass mesh and a natural fiber mesh. Additionally, the results of diagonal compression tests on three small wall specimens are presented, one of which is non-reinforced and the other two are strengthened with reinforced renders. The results of all tested walls are presented and compared, allowing us to evaluate the efficiency of the reinforced render on the wall shear strength.
Axial Load Enhancement of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (LAC) Using Environmentally Sustainable Composites
Authors: Suparp Suniti , Ali Nazam , Al Zand Ahmed W. , Chaiyasarn Krisada , Rashid Muhammad Usman , Yooprasertchai Ekkachai , Hussain Qudeer , Joyklad Panuwat
Published: June 2022

Salient features of lightweight aggregate concrete (LAC) include noticeable fire resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and low magnitude of dead loads. Further, LAC has a low cost, eases construction practices, and possesses an environment-friendly nature. On the downside, LAC has substandard mechanical properties in comparison to normal aggregate concrete. Natural fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) have shown their potential in ameliorating the mechanical properties of natural aggregate concrete. So far, no study has been conducted to assess the efficacy of hemp rope confinement to strengthen lightweight aggregate concrete especially comprising rectilinear sections. This study aimed to overcome the substandard nature of LAC. A low-cost, sustainable, and environmentally green solution in the form of natural hemp rope layers is proposed. Twenty-four square concrete specimens were tested in three groups depending upon the presence and quantity of lightweight aggregates. It was found that concrete constructed with lightweight aggregates demonstrated lower ultimate compressive strength and strain as compared to normal aggregate concrete. Hemp rope-confined LAC showed enhanced ultimate compressive strength and strain. This enhancement was found to increase with the number of hemp rope layers. Several existing ultimate stress models were assessed to predict the ultimate compressive strength of the hemp rope-confined specimens. Only a single model was able to predict the ultimate compressive strength of the hemp rope-confined specimens with reasonable accuracy.
Sulfuration Temperature-Dependent Hydrogen Evolution Performance of CoS2 Nanowires
Authors: Wang Hong-Bo , Qing Zhuo-Jun , Zhu Hao , Zhou Liang , Ma Da-Yan
Published: June 2022

Densely aligned CoS2 nanowires (NWs) on chemically durable stainless steel fibers felt (SSF) substates were synthesized by thermal sulfuring Co3O4 NWs, which were oxidized from hydrothermal synthesized Co(OH)y(CO3)(1−0.5y)·nH2O NWs precursors. The effect of sulfuration temperature on the composition, morphology, and HER performance of the products was studied in detail. The results show that the high purity together with the enlarged density of active sites given by the twisted morphology of the CoS2 NWs sulfured at 500 °C guarantee its superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance compared with other samples sulfured at lower temperatures.
Extraction of Reduced Infrared Biomarker Signatures for the Stratification of Patients Affected by Parkinson’s Disease: An Untargeted Metabolomic Approach
Authors: Tkachenko Kateryna , Espinosa María , Esteban-Díez Isabel , González-Sáiz José M. , Pizarro Consuelo
Published: June 2022

An untargeted Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) metabolomic approach was employed to study metabolic changes and disarrangements, recorded as infrared signatures, in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Herein, the principal aim was to propose an efficient sequential classification strategy based on SELECT-LDA, which enabled optimal stratification of three main categories: PD patients from subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and healthy controls (HC). Moreover, sub-categories, such as PD at the early stage (PDI) from PD in the advanced stage (PDD), and PDD vs. AD, were stratified. Every classification step with selected wavenumbers achieved 90.11% to 100% correct assignment rates in classification and internal validation. Therefore, selected metabolic signatures from new patients could be used as input features for screening and diagnostic purposes.
Optical Chemical Sensor Based on Fast-Protein Liquid Chromatography for Regular Peritoneal Protein Loss Assessment in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Kuznetsov Artur , Frorip Aleksandr , Sünter Alar , Korsakov Vadim , Konoplev Georgii , Stepanova Oksana , Roschina Natalia , Ovsyannikov Nikolay , Lialin Daniil , Gerasimchuk Roman , Dmitriev Alexander , Mukhin Nikolay , Hirsch Soeren
Published: June 2022

Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices are becoming increasingly popular in the medical community as an alternative to conventional laboratory testing, especially for home treatments or other forms of outpatient care. Multiple-use chemical sensors with minimal requirements for disposables are among the most practical and cost-effective POC diagnostic instruments, especially in managing chronic conditions. An affordable, simple, and easy-to-use optical sensor based on fast protein liquid chromatography with direct UV absorption detection was developed for the rapid determination of the total protein concentration in effluent peritoneal dialysate and for the assessment of protein losses in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on constant ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The sensor employs non-disposable PD-10 desalting columns for the separation of molecules with different molecular weights and a deep UV LED (maximum at 285 nm) as a light source for optical detection. The analytic procedure is relatively simple, takes 10–15 min, and potentially can be performed by patients themselves or nursing staff without laboratory training. Preliminary clinical trials on a group of 23 patients on CAPD revealed a good concordance between the protein concentrations in dialysate samples measured with the sensor and an automated biochemical analyzer; the mean relative error was about 10%, which is comparable with routine clinical laboratory methods.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Improvement in Pediatric Intensive Care Units in Spain—What Have We Learned?
Authors: Fresán-Ruiz Elena , Izurieta-Pacheco Ana Carolina , Girona-Alarcón Mònica , de Carlos-Vicente Juan Carlos , Bustinza-Arriortua Amaya , Slocker-Barrio María , Belda-Hofheinz Sylvia , Nieto-Moro Montserrat , Uriona-Tuma Sonia María , Pinós-Tella Laia , Morteruel-Arizcuren Elvira , Schuffelmann Cristina , Peña-López Yolanda , Bobillo-Pérez Sara , Jordan Iolanda ,   on behalf of the Pediatric-ENVIN-HELICS Study Group
Published: June 2022

Antibiotic misuse in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) can lead to increased antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic-triggered side effects, hospital costs, and mortality. We performed a multicenter, prospective study, analyzing critically ill pediatric patients (≥1 month to ≤18 years) admitted to 26 Spanish PICUs over a 3-month period each year (1 April–30 June) from 2014–2019. To make comparisons and evaluate the influence of AMS programs on antibiotic use in PICUs, the analysis was divided into two periods: 2014–2016 and 2017–2019 (once 84% of the units had incorporated an AMS program). A total of 11,260 pediatric patients were included. Total antibiotic prescriptions numbered 15,448 and, overall, 8354 patients (74.2%) received at least one antibiotic. Comparing the two periods, an increase was detected in the number of days without antibiotics in patients who received them divided by the number of days in PICUs, for community-acquired infections (p < 0.001) and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) acquired in PICUs (p < 0.001). Antibiotics were empirical in 7720 infections (85.6%), with an increase in appropriate antibiotic indications during the second period (p < 0.001). The main indication for antibiotic adjustment was de-escalation, increasing in the second period (p = 0.045). Despite the high rate of antibiotic use in PICUs, our results showed a significant increase in appropriate antibiotic use and adjustment following the implementation of AMS programs.
Progression of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Pediatric Patients with Prader–Willi Syndrome
Authors: Wong Shi-Bing , Yang Mei-Chen , Tzeng I-Shiang , Tsai Wen-Hsin , Lan Chou-Chin , Tsai Li-Ping
Published: June 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is one of the most common comorbidities in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) and causes significant consequences. This observational study was conducted to investigate the progression of OSAS in pediatric patients with PWS, who had not undergone upper airway surgery, through a longitudinal follow-up of their annual polysomnography results. Annual body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score, sleep efficiency and stages, central apnea index (CAI), obstructive apnea–hypopnea index (OAHI), and oxygen saturation nadir values were longitudinally analyzed. At enrollment, of 22 patients (10 boys and 12 girls) aged 11.7 ± 3.9 years, 20 had OSAS. During the 4-year follow-up, only two patients had a spontaneous resolution of OSAS. The average BMI and BMI z-score increased gradually, but CAI and OAHI showed no significant differences. After statistical adjustment for sex, age, genotype, growth hormone use, and BMI z-score, OAHI was associated with the BMI z-score and deletion genotype. In conclusion, OSAS is common in patients with PWS, and rarely resolved spontaneously. Watchful waiting may not be the best OSAS management strategy. Weight maintenance and careful selection of surgical candidates are important for OSAS treatment in patients with PWS.