bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Ozone Pollution and the Impacts of Related Meteorological Factors in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Chen Ling , Xiao Hui , Zhu Lingyun , Guo Xue , Wang Wenya , Ma Li , Guo Wei , He Jieying , Wang Yan , Li Mingming , Chen Erping , Lan Jie , Nan Ruixian
Published: October 2022

Based on environmental monitoring data and meteorological observation data of the Chinese major energy province, Shanxi, from 2015 to 2020, using the satellite remote sensing data of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder Instrument (AIRS) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) in 2017, we analyzed the characteristics of surface ozone (O3) pollution and its correlation with meteorological factors, as well as the vertical distribution of O3 in typical pollution cities in Shanxi Province. The results showed that surface O3 became the primary pollutant in Shanxi. Surface O3 has shown a zonal distribution with a high level in the south and a low level in the north region since 2017. Surface O3 pollution was severe in 2019, and the maximum daily 8 h running average of O3 (MDA8 O3) decreased, but annual mean O3 in northern and central regions showed a slow rising trend in 2020. Comprehensive analyses of the influence of meteorological factors on surface O3 indicated that O3 pollution in Linfen, Yuncheng and Taiyuan was mainly caused by local photochemical reactions, while that in Jincheng, Xinzhou, Lvliang and Yangquan resulted from regional transports. O3 volume mixing ratios (VMR) in the middle and lower troposphere generally increased with altitude, peaking at 120 ppbv at approximately 400 hPa. The positive vertical gradient of O3 in the boundary layer was obvious in Taiyuan in summer and significant in the surface layer in Taiyuan and Linfen during winter and spring, which was associated with greater atmospheric dynamic stability and suppressed vertical mixing. Due to the lack of direct detection of O3 in the lower troposphere in this region, O3 vertical distribution retrieved by satellite observation is critical for the study of vertical mixing and transport of local O3, as well as its regional transport characteristics.
cEpiderm, a Canine Skin Analog Suitable for In Vivo Testing Replacement
Authors: Marques Mariana , Nunes João , Ustymenko Bárbara , Fialho Luísa , Martins Luís , Burke Anthony J. , Filho Cesar , Craveiro Alexandre C. , Costa Ana R. , Branco Sandra , Antunes Célia M.
Published: October 2022

Skin is one of the organs most tested for toxicity and safety evaluation during the process of drug research and development and in the past has usually been performed in vivo using animals. Over the last few years, non-animal alternatives have been developed and validated epidermis models for human and rat skin are already available. Our goal was to develop a histotypical canine skin analog, suitable for non-animal biocompatibility and biosafety assessment. Canine keratinocytes were seeded in an air-lift culture using an adapted version of the CELLnTEC protocol. Corrosion and irritation protocols were adapted from human EpiSkinTM. For histological analysis, sample biopsies were fixed in neutral-buffered formalin, and paraffin slices were routinely processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A canine multilayer and stratified epidermal-like tissue (cEpiderm), confirmed by histological analysis, was obtained. The cEpiderm tissue exhibited normal morphological and functional characteristics of epidermis, namely impermeability and an adequate response to stressors. The cEpiderm is a promising canine skin model for non-animal safety testing of veterinary pharmaceuticals and/or cosmetics, significantly contributing to reducing undesirable in vivo approaches. cEpiderm is therefore a valid canine skin model and may be made commercially available either as a service or as a product.
Continuous Supply of Non-Combustible Gas Mixture for Safe Autotrophic Culture to Produce Polyhydroxyalkanoate by Hydrogen-Oxidizing Bacteria
Authors: Miyahara Yuki , Wang Chih-Ting , Ishii-Hyakutake Manami , Tsuge Takeharu
Published: October 2022

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are eco-friendly plastics that are thermoplastic and biodegradable in nature. The hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium Ralstonia eutropha can biosynthesize poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] [P(3HB)], the most common PHA, from carbon dioxide using hydrogen and oxygen as energy sources. In conventional autotrophic cultivation using R. eutropha, a gas mixture containing 75–80 vol% hydrogen is supplied; however, a gas mixture with such a high hydrogen content has a risk of explosion due to gas leakage. In this study, we aimed to develop an efficient cell culture system with a continuous supply of a non-combustible gas mixture (H2: O2: CO2: N2 = 3.8: 7.3: 13.0: 75.9) for safe autotrophic culture to produce P(3HB) by hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria, with a controlled hydrogen concentration under a lower explosive limit concentration. When the gas mixture was continuously supplied to the jar fermentor, the cell growth of R. eutropha H16 significantly improved compared to that in previous studies using flask cultures. Furthermore, an increased gas flow rate and agitation speed enhanced both cell growth and P(3HB) production. Nitrogen source deficiency promoted P(3HB) production, achieving up to 2.94 g/L P(3HB) and 89 wt% P(3HB) content in the cells after 144 h cultivation. R. eutropha NCIMB 11599, recombinant R. eutropha PHB-4, and Azohydromonas lata grew in a low-hydrogen-content gas mixture. R. eutropha H16 and recombinant R. eutropha PHB-4 expressing PHA synthase from Bacillus cereus YB-4 synthesized P(3HB) with a high weight-average molecular weight of 13.5–16.9 × 105. Thus, this autotrophic culture system is highly beneficial for PHA production from carbon dioxide using hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria as the risk of explosion is eliminated.
Peristaltic Phenomenon in an Asymmetric Channel Subject to Inclined Magnetic Force and Porous Space
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ijaz , Lashin Maha M. A. , Khedher Nidhal Ben , Ahmed Bilal , Khan Sami Ullah , Oreijah Mowffaq , Guedri Kamel , Tag-ElDin El Sayed Mohamed , Galal Ahmed M.
Published: October 2022

This research is engaged to explore biological peristaltic transport under the action of an externally applied magnetic field passing through an asymmetric channel which is saturated with porous media. The set of governing partial differential equations for the present peristaltic flow are solved in the absence of a low Reynolds number and long wavelength assumptions. The governing equations are to be solved completely, so that inertial effects can be studied. The numerical simulations and results are obtained by the help of a finite element method based on quadratic six-noded triangular elements equipped with a Galerkin residual procedure. The inertial effects and effects of other pertinent parameters are discussed by plotting graphs based on a finite element (FEM) solution. Trapped bolus is discussed using the graphs of streamlines. The obtained results are also compared with the results given in the literature which are highly convergent. It is concluded that velocity and the number of boluses is enhanced by an increase in Hartmann number and porosity parameter K Increasing inertial forces increase the velocity of flow but increasing values of the porosity parameter lead to a decrease in the pressure gradient. The study elaborates that magnetic field and porosity are useful tools to control the velocity, pressure, and boluses in the peristaltic flow pattern.
Grape Pulp Fiber as Possible Fining Agents for Red Wine
Authors: Osete-Alcaraz Andrea , Osete-Alcaraz Lucía , Ortega-Regules Ana Eugenia , Bautista-Ortín Ana Belen , Gómez-Plaza Encarna
Published: October 2022

One of the biggest problems with the use of traditional fining agents is that some of them present allergenic characteristics or are not suitable for vegan consumers due to their animal origin. An alternative to these traditional proteinaceous agents could be cell walls from grape pulp. This material could be used to modify the final phenolic concentration of a wine due to its affinity for phenolic compounds. In this study, the ability of freeze-dried grape pulp fiber, rich in pulp cell walls, to act as a fining agent was analyzed in wines from three different varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Monastrell. After the use of this material, the wine chromatic characteristics and total tannin concentration were analyzed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques. In addition, the wines were contaminated with ochratoxin A and histamine to check whether this material could also be a tool for removing these wine contaminants. The pulp fiber presented a high capacity to retain phenolic compounds, especially tannins; however, there were differences depending on the studied wine. The largest reduction in tannin concentration after fining was observed when this material was used in Cabernet Sauvignon wines (23%), whereas for Monastrell wines the reduction was lower (18.3%) and even lower for Syrah wines (14.3%). This fining agent also reduced the anthocyanin concentration of the three red wines, although to a lesser extent than the reduction observed for tannins. A really interesting result was that the addition of this fining agent reduced the concentration of ochratoxin A by 50% in all the studied wines.
SMN Is Physiologically Downregulated at Wild-Type Motor Nerve Terminals but Aggregates Together with Neurofilaments in SMA Mouse Models
Authors: Franco-Espin Julio , Gatius Alaó , Armengol José Ángel , Arumugam Saravanan , Moradi Mehri , Sendtner Michael , Calderó Jordi , Tabares Lucia
Published: October 2022

Survival motor neuron (SMN) is an essential and ubiquitously expressed protein that participates in several aspects of RNA metabolism. SMN deficiency causes a devastating motor neuron disease called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMN forms the core of a protein complex localized at the cytoplasm and nuclear gems and that catalyzes spliceosomal snRNP particle synthesis. In cultured motor neurons, SMN is also present in dendrites and axons, and forms part of the ribonucleoprotein transport granules implicated in mRNA trafficking and local translation. Nevertheless, the distribution, regulation, and role of SMN at the axons and presynaptic motor terminals in vivo are still unclear. By using conventional confocal microscopy and STED super-resolution nanoscopy, we found that SMN appears in the form of granules distributed along motor axons at nerve terminals. Our fluorescence in situ hybridization and electron microscopy studies also confirmed the presence of β-actin mRNA, ribosomes, and polysomes in the presynaptic motor terminal, key elements of the protein synthesis machinery involved in local translation in this compartment. SMN granules co-localize with the microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) and neurofilaments, suggesting that the cytoskeleton participates in transporting and positioning the granules. We also found that, while SMN granules are physiologically downregulated at the presynaptic element during the period of postnatal maturation in wild-type (non-transgenic) mice, they accumulate in areas of neurofilament aggregation in SMA mice, suggesting that the high expression of SMN at the NMJ, together with the cytoskeletal defects, contribute to impairing the bi-directional traffic of proteins and organelles between the axon and the presynaptic terminal.
Cyclosporine A Delivery Platform for Veterinary Ophthalmology—A New Concept for Advanced Ophthalmology
Authors: Padjasek Martyna , Qasem Badr , Cisło-Pakuluk Anna , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: October 2022

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a selective and reversible immunosuppressant agent that is widely used as a medication for a wide spectrum of diseases in humans such as graft versus host disease, non-infectious uveitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, the CsA is used to treat keratoconjunctivitis sicca, chronic superficial keratitis, immune-mediated keratitis and equine recurrent uveitis in animals. The selective activity of Cyclosporine A (CsA) was demonstrated to be an immunomodulation characteristic of T-lymphocyte proliferation and inhibits cytokine gene expression. Moreover, the lipophilic characteristics with poor bioavailability and low solubility in water, besides the side effects, force the need to develop new formulations and devices that will provide adequate penetration into the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. This review aims to summarize the effectiveness and safety of cyclosporine A delivery platforms in veterinary ophthalmology.
Familial Hypercholesterolaemia as a Predisposing Factor for Atherosclerosis
Authors: Poznyak Anastasia V. , Litvinova Larisa , Poggio Paolo , Orekhov Alexander N. , Melnichenko Alexandra A.
Published: October 2022

Lipid metabolism alterations are an important component of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, it is now clear that the atherogenesis process involves more than one mechanism, and more than one condition can predispose this condition. Multiple risk factors contribute to the atherosclerosis initiation and define its course. Familial hypercholesterolaemia is a disorder of lipid metabolism that often leads to atherosclerosis development. As is clear from the disease name, the hallmark is the increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in blood. This creates favourable conditions for atherogenesis. In this review, we briefly described the familial hypercholesterolaemia and summarized data on the relationship between familial hypercholesterolaemia and atherosclerosis.
Differences in the Pro/Antioxidative Status and Cellular Stress Response in Elderly Women after 6 Weeks of Exercise Training Supported by 1000 mg of Vitamin C Supplementation
Authors: Żychowska Małgorzata , Sadowska-Krępa Ewa , Damiani Elisabetta , Tiano Luca , Ziemann Ewa , Nowak-Zaleska Alicja , Lipińska Patrycja , Piotrowska Anna , Czerwińska-Ledwig Olga , Pilch Wanda , Antosiewicz Jędrzej
Published: October 2022

Vitamin C supplementation and exercise influence pro/antioxidative status and the cellular stress response. We tested the effects of exercise training for 6 weeks, supported by 1000 mg of vitamin C supplementation in elderly women. Thirty-six women were divided into two groups: a control group (CON) (n = 18, age 69.4 ± 6.4 years, 70.4 ±10.4 kg body mass) and a supplemented group (SUPP) (n = 18, aged 67.7 ± 5.6 years, body mass 71.46 ± 5.39 kg). Blood samples were taken twice (at baseline and 24 h after the whole period of training), in order to determine vitamin C concentration, the total oxidative status/capacity (TOS/TOC), total antioxidant status/capacity (TAS/TAC), and gene expression associated with cellular stress response: encoding heat shock factor (HSF1), heat shock protein 70 (HSPA1A), heat shock protein 27 (HSPB1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). We observed a significant increase in TOS/TOC, TAS/TAC, and prooxidant/antioxidant balance in the SUPP group. There was a significant decrease in HSPA1A in the CON group and a different tendency in the expression of HSF1 and TNF-α between groups. In conclusion, vitamin C supplementation enhanced the pro-oxidation in elderly women with a normal plasma vitamin C concentration and influenced minor changes in training adaptation gene expression.
Bacterial Pulmonary Co-Infections on ICU Admission: Comparison in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Acute Respiratory Failure: A Multicentre Cohort Study
Authors: Delhommeau Grégoire , Buetti Niccolò , Neuville Mathilde , Siami Shidasp , Cohen Yves , Laurent Virginie , Mourvillier Bruno , Reignier Jean , Goldgran-Toledano Dany , Schwebel Carole , Ruckly Stéphane , de Montmollin Etienne , Souweine Bertrand , Timsit Jean-François , Dupuis Claire
Published: October 2022

Background: Few data are available on the impact of bacterial pulmonary co-infection (RespCoBact) during COVID-19 (CovRespCoBact). The aim of this study was to compare the prognosis of patients admitted to an ICU for influenza pneumonia and for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with and without RespCoBact. Methods: This was a multicentre (n = 11) observational study using the Outcomerea© database. Since 2008, all patients admitted with influenza pneumonia or SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and discharged before 30 June 2021 were included. Risk factors for day-60 death and for ventilator-associated-pneumonia (VAP) in patients with influenza pneumonia or SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with or without RespCoBact were determined. Results: Of the 1349 patients included, 157 were admitted for influenza and 1192 for SARS-CoV-2. Compared with the influenza patients, those with SARS-CoV-2 had lower severity scores, were more often under high-flow nasal cannula, were less often under invasive mechanical ventilation, and had less RespCoBact (8.2% for SARS-CoV-2 versus 24.8% for influenza). Day-60 death was significantly higher in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with no increased risk of mortality with RespCoBact. Patients with influenza pneumonia and those with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia had no increased risk of VAP with RespCoBact. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia was associated with an increased risk of mortality compared with Influenza pneumonia. Bacterial pulmonary co-infections on admission were not associated with patient survival rates nor with an increased risk of VAP.
The Transcriptional Regulator Prdm1 Is Essential for the Early Development of the Sensory Whisker Follicle and Is Linked to the Beta-Catenin First Dermal Signal
Authors: Manti Pierluigi G. , Darbellay Fabrice , Leleu Marion , Coughlan Aisling Y. , Moret Bernard , Cuennet Julien , Droux Frederic , Stoudmann Magali , Mancini Gian-Filippo , Hautier Agnès , Sordet-Dessimoz Jessica , Vincent Stephane D. , Testa Giuseppe , Cossu Giulio , Barrandon Yann
Published: October 2022

Prdm1 mutant mice are one of the rare mutant strains that do not develop whisker hair follicles while still displaying a pelage. Here, we show that Prdm1 is expressed at the earliest stage of whisker development in clusters of mesenchymal cells before placode formation. Its conditional knockout in the murine soma leads to the loss of expression of Bmp2, Shh, Bmp4, Krt17, Edar, and Gli1, though leaving the β-catenin-driven first dermal signal intact. Furthermore, we show that Prdm1 expressing cells not only act as a signaling center but also as a multipotent progenitor population contributing to the several lineages of the adult whisker. We confirm by genetic ablation experiments that the absence of macro vibrissae reverberates on the organization of nerve wiring in the mystacial pads and leads to the reorganization of the barrel cortex. We demonstrate that Lef1 acts upstream of Prdm1 and identify a primate-specific deletion of a Lef1 enhancer named Leaf. This loss may have been significant in the evolutionary process, leading to the progressive defunctionalization and disappearance of vibrissae in primates.
Cellular Models of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation: What Have We Learned and Implications for Future Study
Authors: Albert Katrina , Kälvälä Sara , Hakosalo Vili , Syvänen Valtteri , Krupa Patryk , Niskanen Jonna , Peltonen Sanni , Sonninen Tuuli-Maria , Lehtonen Šárka
Published: October 2022

Alpha-synuclein’s role in diseases termed “synucleinopathies”, including Parkinson’s disease, has been well-documented. However, after over 25 years of research, we still do not fully understand the alpha-synuclein protein and its role in disease. In vitro cellular models are some of the most powerful tools that researchers have at their disposal to understand protein function. Advantages include good control over experimental conditions, the possibility for high throughput, and fewer ethical issues when compared to animal models or the attainment of human samples. On the flip side, their major disadvantages are their questionable relevance and lack of a “whole-brain” environment when it comes to modeling human diseases, such as is the case of neurodegenerative disorders. Although now, with the advent of pluripotent stem cells and the ability to create minibrains in a dish, this is changing. With this review, we aim to wade through the recent alpha-synuclein literature to discuss how different cell culture setups (immortalized cell lines, primary neurons, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), blood–brain barrier models, and brain organoids) can help us understand aggregation pathology in Parkinson’s and other synucleinopathies.
Injectable Crosslinked Genipin Hybrid Gelatin–PVA Hydrogels for Future Use as Bioinks in Expediting Cutaneous Healing Capacity: Physicochemical Characterisation and Cytotoxicity Evaluation
Authors: Masri Syafira , Maarof Manira , Mohd Nor Fatimah , Hiraoka Yosuke , Tabata Yasuhiko , Fauzi Mh Busra
Published: October 2022

The irregular shape and depth of wounds could be the major hurdles in wound healing for the common three-dimensional foam, sheet, or film treatment design. The injectable hydrogel is a splendid alternate technique to enhance healing efficiency post-implantation via injectable or 3D-bioprinting technologies. The authentic combination of natural and synthetic polymers could potentially enhance the injectability and biocompatibility properties. Thus, the purpose of this study was to characterise a hybrid gelatin–PVA hydrogel crosslinked with genipin (GNP; natural crosslinker). In brief, gelatin (GE) and PVA were prepared in various concentrations (w/v): GE, GPVA3 (3% PVA), and GPVA5 (5% PVA), followed by a 0.1% (w/v) genipin (GNP) crosslink, to achieve polymerisation in three minutes. The physicochemical and biocompatibility properties were further evaluated. GPVA3_GNP and GPVA5_GNP with GNP demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties compared to GE_GNP and non-crosslinked hydrogels. GPVA5_GNP significantly displayed the optimum swelling ratio (621.1 ± 93.18%) and excellent hydrophilicity (38.51 ± 2.58°). In addition, GPVA5_GNP showed an optimum biodegradation rate (0.02 ± 0.005 mg/h) and the highest mechanical strength with the highest compression modulus (2.14 ± 0.06 MPa). In addition, the surface and cross-sectional view for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed that all of the GPVA hydrogels have optimum average pore sizes (100–199 μm) with interconnected pores. There were no substantial changes in chemical analysis, including FTIR, XRD, and EDX, after PVA and GNP intervention. Furthermore, GPVA hydrogels influenced the cell biocompatibility, which successfully indicated >85% of cell viability. In conclusion, gelatin–PVA hydrogels crosslinked with GNP were proven to have excellent physicochemical, mechanical, and biocompatibility properties, as required for potential bioinks for chronic wound healing.
Decrease in Nitric Oxide Production as a Key Mediator in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia and a Potential Therapeutic Target: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Socha Maciej W. , Stankiewicz Martyna , Żołnieżewicz Krzysztof , Puk Oskar , Wartęga Mateusz
Published: October 2022

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (GH) complicates 6–10% of all pregnancies and, in 2019, was responsible for approximately 28,000 deaths. The most common cause of gestational hypertension is pre-eclampsia (PE), which afflicts 2–8% of all pregnancies and is one of the three leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to clarify how NO metabolism changes during the course of PE. Due to the short half-life of NO, we measured the concentrations of its stable metabolites, nitrite and nitrate (NOx). Out of 100 enrolled patients: 58 pregnant women with a diagnosed early form of PE formed a study group, and 42 healthy pregnant women formed a control group. NOx concentrations were significantly lower in the PE group than in the control group, with mean values of 5.33 and 27.64 μmol/L, respectively (p < 0.0001). The decrease in NO is most likely the result and mediator of systemic endothelial dysfunction. The impairment of NO metabolism in PE appears to play an important role in its pathogenesis. Therefore, it is a potential therapeutic target.
Expression of Amyloid Precursor Protein, Caveolin-1, Alpha-, Beta-, and Gamma-Secretases in Penumbra Cells after Photothrombotic Stroke and Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effect of Secretase and Caveolin-1 Inhibitors
Authors: Sharifulina Svetlana , Khaitin Andrey , Guzenko Valeria , Kalyuzhnaya Yuliya , Dzreyan Valentina , Logvinov Alexandr , Dobaeva Natalia , Li Yan , Chen Lei , He Bin , Demyanenko Svetlana
Published: October 2022

Our studies reveal changes in the expression of the main participants in the processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in neurons and astrocytes after photothrombotic stroke (PTS). Here we show the increase in the level of N- and C-terminal fragments of APP in the cytoplasm of ischemic penumbra cells at 24 h after PTS and their co-immunoprecipitation with caveolin-1. The ADAM10 α-secretase level decreased in the rat brain cortex on the first day after PTS. Levels of γ-secretase complex proteins presenilin-1 and nicastrin were increased in astrocytes, but not in neurons, in the penumbra after PTS. Inhibitory analysis showed that these changes lead to neuronal death and activation of astrocytes in the early recovery period after PTS. The caveolin-1 inhibitor daidzein shifted APP processing towards Aβ synthesis, which caused astroglial activation. γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT down-regulated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in astrocytes, prevented mouse cerebral cortex cells from PTS-induced apoptosis, and reduced the infarction volume. Thus, new generation γ-secretase inhibitors may be considered as potential agents for the treatment of stroke.
Double-Acting Soft Actuator for Soft Robotic Hand: A Bellow Pumping and Contraction Approach
Authors: Liu Hao , Wu Changchun , Lin Senyuan , Li Yunquan , Chen Yonghua
Published: October 2022

When compressing a soft bellow, the bellow will contract and pump out the fluid inside the bellow. Utilizing this property, we propose a novel actuation method called compressing bellow actuation (CBA), which can output fluidic power and tendon-driven force simultaneously. Based on the CBA method, a double-acting soft actuator (DASA) combining fluidic elastomer actuator (FEA) and tendon-driven metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is proposed for robotic finger design. The proposed DASA exhibits both compliance and adaptiveness of FEAs, and controllability and large output force of the tendon-driven methods. The fluid in the bellow can be either air or water or even integration of the two, thus constituting three different actuation modes. Mathematical modeling of the relationship between bellow compression displacement and DASA’s bending angle is developed. Furthermore, experimental characterizations of DASA’s bending angle and blocking force are conducted at different actuation modes. The double-acting method can availably promote the bending angle of an FEA by up to 155%, and the blocking force by up to 132% when the FEA is water-filled. A soft robotic hand with a forearm prototype based on the DASA fingers is fabricated for the demonstration of finger motion and gripping applications.
Adenomyosis-Associated Ischemic Stroke: Pathophysiology, Detection and Management
Authors: Yan Yuying , Zhang Xuening , Zhong Di , Wang Anmo , Wu Simiao , Wu Bo
Published: October 2022

Female-specific risk factors for stroke have gradually received attention. The relationship between ischemic stroke and adenomyosis, a benign uterine disorder commonly present in parous women, is underrecognized. We aimed to provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical characteristics, diagnostic considerations, and potential therapeutic strategies of adenomyosis-associated ischemic stroke. We shared our experience with the diagnosis and management of a patient, and summarized current findings and knowledge gaps of this disease based on previous literature. The relevant studies were searched in English and Chinese databases up to April 2022 using the keywords “ischemic stroke”, “cerebral infarction” and “adenomyosis”. Then, we provided a narrative review of the retrieved articles. Finally, the data of 32 cases were analyzed. We found that increased levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 and D-dimer and decreased level of hemoglobin are biomarkers of adenomyosis-associated ischemic stroke. In addition, hypercoagulability might be a key mechanism leading to thromboembolism in the cerebrovascular system. Additional studies are needed to find optimal prevention strategies for the disease. A better understanding of this “rare” pathogenesis of ischemic stroke may inform a more precise diagnosis and effective prevention strategy in middle-aged women with embolic stroke of undetermined source.
Seismic Risk Mitigation and Management for Critical Infrastructures Using an RMIR Indicator
Authors: Urlainis Alon , Shohet Igal M.
Published: October 2022

Recent earthquake events have highlighted the importance of critical infrastructure (CI) resilience, as a strong correlation was found between economic loss and severity of CI damage. CIs are characterized by a complex structure composed of sub-components that are essential for the continuous performance of the system. CI owners and governments allocate ample resources to retrofitting and upgrading CI systems and components to increase the resilience of CIs and reduce risk in case of seismic events. Governments and decision makers must manage and optimize the retrofitting efforts to meet budget and time constraints. This research presents a probabilistic methodology for CI seismic risk mitigation and management. The risk expectancy is appraised according to an FTA-based stochastic simulation. The simulation includes the development of exclusive fragility curves for the CI and an examination of the expected damage distribution as a function of earthquake intensity and fragility uncertainty of the components. Furthermore, this research proposes a novel RMIR (risk mitigation to investment ratio) indicator for the priority setting of seismic mitigation alternatives. The RMIR is a quantitative indicator that evaluates each alternative’s cost-effectiveness in terms of risk expectancy mitigation. Following the alternative’s RMIR value, it is possible to prioritize the alternatives meeting budget and time constraints. This paper presents the implementation of the proposed methodology through a case study of a generic oil pumping station. The case study includes twelve mitigation alternatives examined and evaluated according to the RMIR indicator.
Nonlinear Modeling of RC Substandard Beam–Column Joints for Building Response Analysis in Support of Seismic Risk Assessment and Loss Estimation
Authors: Ahmad Naveed , Rizwan Muhammad , Ilyas Babar , Hussain Sida , Khan Muhammad , Shakeel Hamna , Ahmad Muhammad
Published: October 2022

The paper discusses how joint damage and deterioration affect the seismic response of existing reinforced concrete frames with sub-standard beam–column joints. The available simplified modeling techniques are critically reviewed to propose a robust, yet computationally efficient, technique for simulating the nonlinear behavior of substandard beam–column joints. Improvements over the existing models include the simulation of the cyclic deterioration of joint stiffness and strength, as well as pinching in the hysteretic response, implemented considering a deteriorating hysteretic rule. A fiber-section forced-based inelastic beam–column element is developed, considering improved material models and fixed-end rotation due to bond failure, rebars-slip, and inelastic extension, to simulate the deteriorating cyclic behavior of existing pre-cracked beam–column members. For the assessment of frames with substandard exterior beam–column joints, a nonlinear model for the exterior joint is developed and validated through a full-scale quasi-static cyclic test performed on a substandard T-joint connection. The proposed model allows considering structural performance in risk assessment while accounting for true inelastic mechanisms at the joints. An assessment of a five-story RC frame revealed that the activation of the joint shear mechanism increases the chord rotation demand on the connecting beam members by up to 85%, with increases of up to 62% (mean drift) and 89% (mean + 1.std.) on the lower floors when determining the inter-story drift demand, and the collapse probability of structures subjected to design base ground motions increased from 4.20% to 29.20%.
The Strategy of the Brain to Maintain the Force Production in Painful Contractions—A Motor Units Pool Reorganization
Authors: Becker Klaus , Goethel Márcio , Fonseca Pedro , Vilas-Boas João Paulo , Ervilha Ulysses
Published: October 2022

A common symptom in neuromuscular diseases is pain, which changes human movement in many ways. Using the decomposed electromyographic signal, we investigate the strategy of the brain in recruiting different pools of motor units (MUs) to produce torque during induced muscle pain in terms of firing rate (FR), recruitment threshold (RT) and action potential amplitude (MUAPAMP). These properties were used to define two groups (G1/G2) based on a K-means clusterization method. A 2.0 mL intramuscular hypertonic (6%) or isotonic (0.9%) saline solution was injected to induce pain or act as a placebo during isometric and isokinetic knee extension contractions. While isometric torque decreases after pain induction with hypertonic solution, this does not occur in isokinetic torque. This occurs because the MUs re-organized after the injection of both solutions. This is supported by an increase in RT, in both G1 and G2 MUs. However, when inducing pain with the hypertonic solution, RT increase is exacerbated. In this condition, FR also decreases, while MUAPAMP increases only for G1 MUs. Therefore, this study proposes that the strategy for maintaining force production during pain is to recruit MUs with higher RT and MUAPAMP.
Ferroptosis: Shedding Light on Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities in Liver Diseases
Authors: You Hongmei , Wang Ling , Bu Fangtian , Meng Hongwu , Huang Cheng , Fang Guoying , Li Jun
Published: October 2022

Cell death is a vital physiological or pathological phenomenon in the development process of the organism. Ferroptosis is a kind of newly-discovered regulated cell death (RCD), which is different from other RCD patterns, such as apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy at the morphological, biochemical and genetic levels. It is a kind of iron-dependent mode of death mediated by lipid peroxides and lipid reactive oxygen species aggregation. Noteworthily, the number of studies focused on ferroptosis has been increasing exponentially since ferroptosis was first found in 2012. The liver is the organ that stores the most iron in the human body. Recently, it was frequently found that there are different degrees of iron metabolism disorder and lipid peroxidation and other ferroptosis characteristics in various liver diseases. Numerous investigators have discovered that the progression of various liver diseases can be affected via the regulation of ferroptosis, which may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for clinical hepatic diseases. This review aims to summarize the mechanism and update research progress of ferroptosis, so as to provide novel promising directions for the treatment of liver diseases.
Prolonged Suppression of Neuropathic Hypersensitivity upon Neurostimulation of the Posterior Insula in Mice
Authors: Li Han , Gan Zheng , Wang Lirong , Oswald Manfred Josef , Kuner Rohini
Published: October 2022

Neurostimulation-based therapeutic approaches are emerging as alternatives to pharmacological drugs, but need further development to optimize efficacy and reduce variability. Despite its key relevance to pain, the insular cortex has not been explored in cortical neurostimulation approaches. Here, we developed an approach to perform repetitive transcranial direct current stimulation of the posterior insula (PI tDCS) and studied its impact on sensory and aversive components of neuropathic pain and pain-related anxiety and the underlying neural circuitry in mice using behavioral methods, pharmacological interventions and the expression of the activity-induced gene product, Fos. We observed that repetitive PI tDCS strongly attenuates the development of neuropathic mechanical allodynia and also reverses chronically established mechanical and cold allodynia for several weeks post-treatment by employing descending opioidergic antinociceptive pathways. Pain-related anxiety, but not pain-related aversion, were inhibited by PI tDCS. These effects were associated with a long-term suppression in the activity of key areas involved in pain modulation, such as the cingulate, prefrontal and motor cortices. These data uncover the significant potential of targeting the insular cortex with the objective of pain relief and open the way for more detailed mechanistic analyses that will contribute to improving cortical neurostimulation therapies for use in the clinical management of pain.
Properties and Durability Performance of Lightweight Fly Ash Based Geopolymer Composites Incorporating Expanded Polystyrene and Expanded Perlite
Authors: Kioupis Dimitrios , Skaropoulou Aggeliki , Tsivilis Sotirios , Kakali Glikeria
Published: October 2022

In this study, the use of expanded polystyrene and expanded perlite as lightweight aggregates for the preparation of lightweight geopolymers is tested. The geopolymers’ performance was evaluated through physical, mechanical and thermal testing. Polypropylene fibers were used as reinforcement agents, while the long-term durability was assessed though repeated wet–dry and freeze–thaw cycles and sorptivity tests. The results showed that the introduction of lightweight aggregates in the geopolymer mixes decreased the compressive and flexural strength of the specimens by 77% and 35%, respectively. However, the density and thermal conductivity were substantially improved because of the addition of low-density aggregates. The fiber reinforcement of lightweight samples led to a drastic increase in flexural strength by 65%, leaving unaffected the compressive strength and density of the specimens. The freeze–thaw and sorptivity tests were also improved after the introduction of both aggregates and fibers. Lightweight geopolymer composites exhibiting density in the range of 1.0–1.6 g/cm3, compressive strength of 10–33 MPa, flexural strength of 1.8–6.3 MPa, thermal conductivity of 0.29–0.42 W/mK, and sorptivity of 0.031–0.056 mm/min0.5 were prepared.
pH-Responsive Color Indicator of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Anthocyanin-Activated Salep Mucilage Edible Film for Real-Time Monitoring of Fish Fillet Freshness
Authors: Ekrami Mohammad , Roshani-Dehlaghi Negar , Ekrami Ali , Shakouri Marzieh , Emam-Djomeh Zahra
Published: October 2022

Researchers have been focusing increasingly on preparing innovative packaging films made from renewable and biodegradable materials in recent years. This research set out to fabricate and analyze pH-sensitive edible films based on salep mucilage combined with anthocyanin from saffron (Crocus sativus L.) (SAAs). A casting technique was developed with varying concentrations of SAAs (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%v/v) pH-sensitive edible films. The surface morphology, physicochemical, barrier, and mechanical properties, as well as the pH sensitivity of films, were investigated. The results showed SAAs increased thickness, water solubility, moisture content, and oxygen permeability (O2P) up to 199.03 µm, 63.71%, 14.13%, and 47.73 (cm3 µm m−2 day−1 kPa−1), respectively, of the pH-sensitive salep mucilage edible indicator films. As expected, the SAAs concentration from 0% to 10%v/v decreased tensile strength, transparency, and contact angle to 11.94 MPa, 14.27%, and 54.02°, respectively. Although achieving the highest elongation at the break (108%) and the lowest water vapor permeability (WVP) (1.39 g s−1 m−1 Pa−1 × 10−11), the pH-sensitive edible indicator film containing 5 %v/v of SAAs showed the best results. An investigation of pH sensitivity revealed that the solution’s pH variation altered the SAAs color. When the pH was raised from 3 to 11, the SAAs’ color shifted from pink to brown. The SAAs-halochromic salep mucilage edible indicator film was employed as a label in an experiment to track the degradation of fish fillets stored at 4 °C, revealing that the halochromic indicator changed color from yellow to brown as the fish was stored. Our findings show that SAAs-loaded salep mucilage indicator films help monitor real-time food deterioration.
Thiol-Based Probe Linker with Antifouling Properties for Aptasensor Development
Authors: Spagnolo Sandro , Davoudian Katharina , Ahmadi Soha , Chan Edmund , Hianik Tibor , Thompson Michael
Published: October 2022

Surfaces with antifouling properties are critical for optimizing biosensors to improve the selectivity and specificity of analyte detection in complex biological samples. This work describes the four-step synthesis of 3-dithiothreitol propanoic acid (DTTCOOH), a new antifouling thiol linker that (a) significantly reduces fouling of raw human serum samples and (b) binds amino receptors via its terminal carboxylic acid group. DTTCOOH was successfully functionalized on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) discs and used to anchor penicillin-binding aptamers. Relative to bare and coated (11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) and 1-undecanethiol (UDT)) QCM crystals, DTTCOOH’s antifouling improved by approximately 75–86%. Following aptamer/ethanolamine extension, the modified DTTCOOH layer reduced serum fouling by approximately 95–97% compared to bare and coated (MUA, UDT) crystals. QCM with dissipation (QCM-D) monitoring, contact goniometry, and cyclic voltammetry techniques were used to compare the DTTCOOH surfaces with quartz crystals functionalized with hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules.
Listening to Music and Playing Activities during Recreation between Lessons Regenerate Children’s Cognitive Performance at Different Times of Day
Authors: Mezghani Nourhen , Ammar Achraf , Alzahrani Turki Mohsen , Hadadi Atyh , Abedelmalek Salma , Trabelsi Omar , Abdallah Sabeh ben , H’mida Cyrine , Boukhris Omar , Masmoudi Liwa , Trabelsi Khaled , Chtourou Hamdi
Published: October 2022

The interruption of learning processes by breaks filled with diverse activities is common in everyday life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the time of day (TOD) of playing with or without music during recess on cognitive performance regeneration among students aged between 11 and 12. Twenty-seven volunteer children (aged 12 ± 0.6 years) completed four trials at 09h45, 10h15, 14h45, and 15h15. Each test session was separated by recreation between classroom lessons with different conditions: music only (MSC), playing only (PAY), music and playing (MSC-PAY), and without music and playing (NON). During each session, oral temperature, reaction time (RT), and constant attention (CA) were measured. For all parameters, the ANOVA revealed a significant effect of the type of activity. However, no significant effect of the TOD and no significant interaction of type of activity × TOD were reported. The Bonferroni post hoc test revealed that Δ-core temperature was significantly higher during PAY and MSC-PAY compared to NON (p < 0.05). Δ-attention was higher during MSC, PAY, and MSC-PAY compared to NON (p < 0.001). Δ-attention was lower during MSC (p < 0.05), PAY (p < 0.05), and MSC-PAY (p < 0.01) compared to NON. Therefore, playing, listening to music, and playing while listening to music at recess improve the child’s ability to regenerate cognitive performance regardless of the TOD.
Accumulation of Postoperative Unexpected Events Assessed by the Comprehensive Complication Index® as Prognostic Outcome Parameters for Kasai Procedure
Authors: Madadi-Sanjani Omid , Brendel Julia , Uecker Marie , Pfister Eva-Doreen , Baumann Ulrich , Ohlendorf Johanna , Kuebler Joachim F.
Published: October 2022

Introduction The Kasai procedure in children with biliary atresia (BA) is associated with several complications in the short-term. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) is a validated metric in adult surgery for the analysis of complications and morbidity in surgical patients. We aimed to analyze the CCI® for the first time in BA infants and to correlate its association with outcomes. Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of infants with type III BA undergoing the Kasai procedure between January 2011 and December 2021 at our institution. All unexpected events were ranked according to the Clavien–Dindo classification, and the CCI® per patient was subsequently calculated. Clavien–Dindo grades, individual events, CCI®, and total event numbers per patient were correlated with one- and two-year outcomes post-surgery. Results A total of 131 events were identified in 101 patients (ranging 0–11 per patient). Forty-four Grade I (33.6%), 67 Grade II (51.1%), 18 Grade III (13.7%), and two sentinel events [>Grade IV] (1.5%) were documented according to Clavien–Dindo, including one death in a cardiac-associated BA patient. None of the complications significantly correlated with a poor outcome. Sixty-three (62.4%) CCI® scores were calculated (range 0–100). The mean CCI® score during the in-patient treatment post-surgery was significantly higher in patients with a poorer outcome than patients with native liver survival at one- and two-year follow-up (22.7 ± 21.7 vs. 13.2 ± 18.1; p = 0.02). Conclusion Not the severity of complications, but the accumulation of numerous events related to Kasai procedure were associated with a poorer outcome. Therefore, the CCI® is an excellent instrument for the postoperative morbidity assessment of BA patients.
Bamboo Shoot and Artemisia capillaris Extract Mixture Ameliorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis
Authors: Kim Hee-Jun , Kim Bohye , Lee Mi-Ra , Ra Moonjin , Lee Yongjun
Published: October 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by recurrent chronic inflammation and mucosal damage of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies have demonstrated that bamboo shoot (BS) and Artemisia capillaris (AC) extracts enhance anti-inflammatory effects in various disease models. However, it is uncertain whether there is a synergistic protective effect of BS and AC in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. In the current study, we tested the combined effects of BS and AC extracts (BA) on colitis using in vivo and in vitro models. Compared with control mice, oral administration of DSS exacerbated colon length and increased the disease activity index (DAI) and histological damage. In DSS-induced colitis, treatment with BA significantly alleviated DSS-induced symptoms such as colon shortening, DAI, histological damage, and colonic pro-inflammatory marker expression compared to single extracts (BS or AC) treatment. Furthermore, we found BA treatment attenuated the ROS generation, F-actin formation, and RhoA activity compared with the single extract (BS or AC) treatment in DSS-treated cell lines. Collectively, these findings suggest that BA treatment has a positive synergistic protective effect on colonic inflammation compared with single extracts, it may be a highly effective complementary natural extract mixture for the prevention or treatment of IBD.