bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Infections: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Diebold Matthias , Zimmermann Tobias , Dickenmann Michael , Schaub Stefan , Bassetti Stefano , Tschudin-Sutter Sarah , Bingisser Roland , Heim Corin , Siegemund Martin , Osswald Stefan , Kuster Gabriela M. , Rentsch Katharina M. , Breidthardt Tobias , Twerenbold Raphael
Published: May 2021

Previous studies have indicated an association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and acute kidney injury (AKI) but lacked a control group. The prospective observational COronaVIrus-surviVAl (COVIVA) study performed at the University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland consecutively enrolled patients with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. We compared patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with patients who tested negative but with an adjudicated diagnosis of a respiratory tract infection, including pneumonia. The primary outcome measure was death at 30 days, and the secondary outcomes were AKI incidence and a composite endpoint of death, intensive care treatment or rehospitalization at 30 days. Five hundred and seven patients were diagnosed with respiratory tract infections, and of those, 183 (36%) had a positive PCR swab test for SARS-CoV-2. The incidence of AKI was higher in patients with COVID-19 (30% versus 12%, p < 0.001), more severe (KDIGO stage 3, 22% versus 13%, p = 0.009) and more often required renal replacement therapy (4.4% versus 0.93%; p = 0.03). The risk of 30-day mortality and a composite endpoint was higher in patients with COVID-19-associated AKI (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) mortality 3.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–14.46, p = 0.036; composite endpoint aHR 1.84, 95% CI 1.02–3.31, p = 0.042). The mortality risk was attenuated when adjusting for disease severity (aHR 3.60, 95% CI 0.93–13.96, p = 0.062). AKI occurs more frequently and with a higher severity in patients with COVID-19 and is associated with worse outcomes.
Oncological Frontiers in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Vita Emanuele , Stefani Alessio , Di Salvatore Mariantonietta , Chiappetta Marco , Lococo Filippo , Margaritora Stefano , Tortora Giampaolo , Bria Emilio
Published: May 2021

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy characterized by very poor prognosis and lack of treatment options. Immunotherapy has rapidly emerged as an effective tool for MPM, particularly for tumors of non-epithelioid histology. At the same time, comprehensive genomic sequencing may open the way to new-generation targeted-drugs able to hit specific MPM molecular vulnerabilities. These innovations will possibly enrich, but also dramatically complicate, the elucidation of treatment algorithms. Multidisciplinary integration is urgently needed.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Metrics Monitor Severity Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy—3-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Marques Inês P. , Kubach Sophie , Santos Torcato , Mendes Luís , Madeira Maria H. , de Sisternes Luis , Tavares Diana , Santos Ana Rita , Lewis Warren , Lobo Conceição , Durbin Mary K. , Cunha-Vaz José
Published: May 2021

To examine retinal vessel closure metrics and neurodegenerative changes occurring in the initial stages of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and severity progression in a three-year period. Methods: Three-year prospective longitudinal observational cohort of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), one eye per person, using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT-Angiography (OCTA). Eyes were examined four times with one-year intervals. OCTA vessel density maps of the retina were used to quantify vessel closure. Thickness of the ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL) was examined to identify retinal neurodegenerative changes. Diabetic retinopathy ETDRS classification was performed using the seven-field ETDRS protocol. Results: A total of 78 eyes/patients, aged 52 to 80 years, with T2D and ETDRS grades from 10 to 47 were followed for 3 years with annual examinations. A progressive increase in retinal vessel closure was observed. Vessel density (VD) showed higher decreases with retinopathy worsening demonstrated by step-changes in ETDRS severity scale (p < 0.001). No clear correlation was observed between neurodegenerative changes and retinopathy progression. Conclusions: Retinal vessel closure in NPDR correlates with DR severity progression. Our findings provide supporting evidence that OCTA metrics of vessel closure may be used as a surrogate for DR severity progression.
Complex Interplay of Genes Underlies Invasiveness in Fibrosarcoma Progression Model
Authors: Kripnerová Michaela , Parmar Hamendra Singh , Šána Jiří , Kopková Alena , Radová Lenka , Sopper Sieghart , Biernacki Krzysztof , Jedlička Jan , Kohoutová Michaela , Kuncová Jitka , Peychl Jan , Rudolf Emil , Červinka Miroslav , Houdek Zbyněk , Dvořák Pavel , Houfková Kateřina , Pešta Martin , Tůma Zdeněk , Dolejšová Martina , Tichánek Filip , Babuška Václav , Leba Martin , Slabý Ondřej , Hatina Jiří
Published: May 2021

Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal tumours, with a great variability in their clinical behaviour. While our knowledge of sarcoma initiation has advanced rapidly in recent years, relatively little is known about mechanisms of sarcoma progression. JUN-murine fibrosarcoma progression series consists of four sarcoma cell lines, JUN-1, JUN-2, JUN-2fos-3, and JUN-3. JUN-1 and -2 were established from a single tumour initiated in a H2K/v-jun transgenic mouse, JUN-3 originates from a different tumour in the same animal, and JUN-2fos-3 results from a targeted in vitro transformation of the JUN-2 cell line. The JUN-1, -2, and -3 cell lines represent a linear progression from the least transformed JUN-2 to the most transformed JUN-3, with regard to all the transformation characteristics studied, while the JUN-2fos-3 cell line exhibits a unique transformation mode, with little deregulation of cell growth and proliferation, but pronounced motility and invasiveness. The invasive sarcoma sublines JUN-2fos-3 and JUN-3 show complex metabolic profiles, with activation of both mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis and a significant increase in spared respiratory capacity. The specific transcriptomic profile of invasive sublines features very complex biological relationships across the identified genes and proteins, with accentuated autocrine control of motility and angiogenesis. Pharmacologic inhibition of one of the autocrine motility factors identified, Ccl8, significantly diminished both motility and invasiveness of the highly transformed fibrosarcoma cell. This progression series could be greatly valuable for deciphering crucial aspects of sarcoma progression and defining new prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets.
Safety, Efficacy, and Outcomes of N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Glue Injection through the Endoscopic or Radiologic Route for Variceal Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chevallier Olivier , Guillen Kévin , Comby Pierre-Olivier , Mouillot Thomas , Falvo Nicolas , Bardou Marc , Midulla Marco , Aho-Glélé Ludwig-Serge , Loffroy Romaric
Published: May 2021

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to assess the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) injection for the treatment of variceal gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). The MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were searched for English-language studies published from January 1980 to December 2019 and including patients who had injection of NBCA for variceal GIB. Two independent reviewers extracted and evaluated the data from eligible studies. Exclusion criteria were sample size < 5, article reporting the use of NBCA with other embolic agents, no extractable data, and duplicate reports. NBCA was injected during endoscopy in 42 studies and through a direct percutaneous approach for stomal varices in 1 study. The study’s endpoints were: Technical success, 30-day rebleeding, and 30-day overall and major complications. The estimated overall rates were computed with 95% confidence intervals, based on each study rate, weighted by the number of patients involved in each study. In total, 43 studies with 3484 patients were included. The technical success rate was 94.1% (95% CI: 91.6–96.1%), the 30-day rebleeding rate was 24.2% (18.9–29.9%), and 30-day overall and major complications occurred in 15.9% (11.2–21.3%) and 5.3% (3.3–7.8%) of patients, respectively. For treating variceal GIB, NBCA injection is a safe and effective method that demonstrates high technical success rate and very low major complication rate.
Infrared Thermal Imaging as a Novel Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Tool to Assess Filarial Lymphoedema
Authors: Kelly-Hope Louise A. , Karim Mohammad Jahirul , Sultan Mahmood ASM , Al Kawsar Abdullah , Khair Abul , Betts Hannah , Douglass Janet , Forrer Armelle , Taylor Mark J.
Published: May 2021

Lymphatic filariasis causes disfiguring and disabling lymphoedema, which is commonly and frequently exacerbated by acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA). Affected people require long-term care and monitoring but health workers lack objective assessment tools. We examine the use of an infrared thermal imaging camera as a novel non-invasive point-of-care tool for filarial lower-limb lymphoedema in 153 affected adults from a highly endemic area of Bangladesh. Temperature differences by lymphoedema stage (mild, moderate, severe) and ADLA history were visualised and quantified using descriptive statistics and regression models. Temperatures were found to increase by severity and captured subclinical differences between no lymphoedema and mild lymphoedema, and differences between moderate and severe stages. Toes and ankle temperatures detected significant differences between all stages other than between mild and moderate stages. Significantly higher temperatures, best captured by heel and calf measures, were found in participants with a history of ADLA, compared to participants who never had ADLA, regardless of the lymphoedema stage. This novel tool has great potential to be used by health workers to detect subclinical cases, predict progression of disease and ADLA status, and monitor pathological tissue changes and stage severity following enhanced care packages or other interventions in people affected by lymphoedema.
Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Comorbid Anxiety and Panic Disorders in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Elefante Camilla , Brancati Giulio , Bacciardi Silvia , Mazzucchi Sonia , Del Prete Eleonora , Palermo Giovanni , Frosini Daniela , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Ceravolo Roberto , Lattanzi Lorenzo , Maremmani Icro , Perugi Giulio
Published: May 2021

Mood and anxiety disorders are the most common neuropsychiatric syndromes associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of lifetime and current anxiety disorders in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), to explore possible distinctive neurological and psychiatric features associated with such comorbidity. One hundred patients were consecutively recruited at the Movement Disorders Section of the Neurological Outpatient Clinic of the University of Pisa. According to the MINI-Plus 5.0.0, 41 subjects were diagnosed with lifetime anxiety disorder (22 with panic disorder) and 26 were diagnosed with current anxiety disorders. Patients with anxiety disorders were more frequently characterized by psychiatric symptoms preceding PD, lifetime major depression and antidepressant treatments. They showed more anxious temperamental traits and scored higher at Parkinson Anxiety Scale (PAS) and persistent anxiety subscale. Current anxiety disorders were associated with more severe psychopathology, depressive symptomatology, and avoidant behavior. Among anxiety subtypes, patients with lifetime panic disorder showed higher rates of psychiatric symptoms before PD, lifetime unipolar depression, current psychiatric treatment, and a more severe psychopathology. Given the overall high impact of anxiety on patients’ quality of life, clinicians should not underestimate the extent of different anxiety dimensions in PD.
Patient- and Prescriber-Related Factors Associated with Potentially Inappropriate Medications and Drug–Drug Interactions in Older Adults
Authors: Jang Suhyun , Jeong Sohyun , Jang Sunmee
Published: May 2021

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and drug–drug interactions (DDIs) in older adults and their associated factors. This cross-sectional study used National Health Insurance data of older adults in South Korea. The 2015 AGS Beers Criteria were used to classify PIM use and DDIs. The associations of PIM use and DDIs with patient- and prescriber-related factors were evaluated using multiple logistic regression. Of the older adults who received at least one outpatient prescription (N = 1,277,289), 73.0% and 13.3% received one or more prescriptions associated with PIM use or DDIs, respectively. Chlorphenamine was most commonly associated with PIM, followed by diazepam. Co-prescriptions of corticosteroids and NSAIDs accounted for 82.8% of DDIs. Polypharmacy and mainly visiting surgeons or neurologists/psychiatrists were associated with a higher likelihood of prescriptions associated with PIM use or DDIs. Older age, high continuity of care (COC), and mainly visiting a hospital were associated with a lower likelihood of PIM use or DDIs. Prescriptions associated with PIM use and DDIS were more frequent for low COC patients or those who mainly visited clinics; therefore, patients with these characteristics are preferred intervention targets for reducing prescriptions associated with PIM use and DDIs.
Falls from Great Heights: Risk to Sustain Severe Thoracic and Pelvic Injuries Increases with Height of the Fall
Authors: Nau Christoph , Leiblein Maximilian , Verboket René D. , Hörauf Jason A. , Sturm Ramona , Marzi Ingo , Störmann Philipp
Published: May 2021

Falls from a height are a common cause of polytrauma care in Level I Trauma Centers worldwide. The expected injury consequences depend on the height of the fall and the associated acceleration, as well as the condition of the ground. In addition, we further hypothesize a correlation between the cause of the fall, the age of the patient, and the patient’s outcome. A total of 178 trauma patients without age restriction who were treated in our hospital after a fall >3 m within a 5-year period were retrospectively analyzed. The primary objective was a clinically and radiologically quantifiable increase in the severity of injuries after falls from different relevant heights (>3 m, >6 m, and >9 m). The cause of the fall, either accidental or suicidal; age and duration of intensive care unit stay, including duration of ventilation; and total hospital stay were analyzed. Additionally, the frequency of urgent operations, such as, external fixation of fractures or hemi-craniectomies, laboratory parameters; and clinical outcomes were also among the secondary objectives. Sustaining a thoracic trauma or pelvis fractures increases significantly with height, and vital parameters are significantly compromised. We also found significant differences in urgent pre- and in-hospital emergency interventions, as well as organ complications and outcome parameters depending on the fall’s height.
Axillary Nodal Metastases from Carcinoma of Unknown Primary (CUPAx): Role of Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) in Detecting Occult Breast Cancer
Authors: Costantini Melania , Montella Rino Aldo , Fadda Maria Paola , Garganese Giorgia , Di Leone Alba , Sanchez Alejandro Martin , Franceschini Gianluca , Rinaldi Pierluigi Maria
Published: May 2021

Axillary lymph node metastases of occult breast cancer (CUPAx) is an unusual condition that represents both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The first steps in the diagnostic work-up of patients with CUPAx are the histological analysis of the lymph node metastasis and the execution of basic breast diagnostic imaging (mammography and ultrasound). In the case of occult breast cancer, breast Magnetic Resonance (MR) must be performed. Breast MR identifies a suspicious lesion in many patients and second-look ultrasound detects a corresponding ultrasound alteration in about half of cases, allowing the performance of a US-guided biopsy. In the case of an MR-only lesion, MR-guided biopsy is mandatory. We present a case of CUPAx in which contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) is used to help the detection of occult breast cancer and to guide stereotactic vacuum breast biopsy (VABB). CESM is a new breast imaging technique that is proving to have good performance in breast cancer detection and that is showing potential in the identification of occult breast cancer in a CUPAx setting. The use of an innovative and personalized breast imaging approach in breast cancer patients improves diagnostic possibilities and promises to become the focus in decision strategies.
Thrombotic Microangiopathy: Multi-Institutional Review of Pediatric Patients Who Underwent HSCT
Authors: Ramgopal Archana , Sridar Shiva , Dalal Jignesh , Kalpatthi Ramasubramanian
Published: May 2021

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare but serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The purpose of our study is to estimate the incidence, prevalence, and analyze the risk factors and outcome of TMA in children receiving HSCT. Patients under the age of 21 who underwent HSCT at one of the 42 Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) hospitals from 2000–2012 were analyzed, including demographics, hospitalizations, TMA, and other HSCT-related complications. From 2000 to 2012, a total of 12,369 unique pediatric patients who received HSCT were identified. Among these, 93 (0.8%) children were identified to have the diagnosis of TMA. TMA was significantly associated with allogeneic HSCT, peripheral blood stem cell trasnplants (PBSCT), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpes virus 6 (HHV6), fungal infection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and veno-occlusive disease (VOD) (p = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of mortality showed only HHV6 was an independent risk factor associated with increased mortality in patients with TMA (hazard ratio: 2.86 [1.01, 8.39], p = 0.05). The prevalence of TMA in our study is 0.8% with a mortality in our pediatric TMA cohort of 30%, which is in contrast to the higher mortality reported in previously published, small-case series. HHV6 emerged as not only a risk factor for TMA but also as associated with increased mortality in these patients.
Conjugation of Natural Triterpenic Acids with Delocalized Lipophilic Cations: Selective Targeting Cancer Cell Mitochondria
Authors: Spivak Anna Yu. , Nedopekina Darya A. , Gubaidullin Rinat R. , Dubinin Mikhail V. , Belosludtsev Konstantin N.
Published: May 2021

Currently, a new line of research on mitochondria-targeted anticancer drugs is actively developing in the field of biomedicine and medicinal chemistry. The distinguishing features of this universal target for anticancer agents include presence of mitochondria in the overwhelming majority, if not all types of transformed cells, crucial importance of these cytoplasmic organelles in energy production, regulation of cell death pathways, as well as generation of reactive oxygen species and maintenance of calcium homeostasis. Hence, mitochondriotropic anticancer mitocan agents, acting through mitochondrial destabilization, have good prospects in cancer therapy. Available natural pentacyclic triterpenoids are considered promising scaffolds for development of new mitochondria-targeted anticancer agents. These secondary metabolites affect the mitochondria of tumor cells and initiate formation of reactive oxygen species. The present paper focuses on the latest research outcomes of synthesis and study of cytotoxic activity of conjugates of pentacyclic triterpenoids with some mitochondria-targeted cationic lipophilic molecules and highlights the advantages of applying them as novel mitocan agents compared to their prototype natural triterpenic acids.
Predictive and Diagnostic Biomarkers of Anastomotic Leakage: A Precision Medicine Approach for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Gray Mark , Marland Jamie R. K. , Murray Alan F. , Argyle David J. , Potter Mark A.
Published: May 2021

Development of an anastomotic leak (AL) following intestinal surgery for the treatment of colorectal cancers is a life-threatening complication. Failure of the anastomosis to heal correctly can lead to contamination of the abdomen with intestinal contents and the development of peritonitis. The additional care that these patients require is associated with longer hospitalisation stays and increased economic costs. Patients also have higher morbidity and mortality rates and poorer oncological prognosis. Unfortunately, current practices for AL diagnosis are non-specific, which may delay diagnosis and have a negative impact on patient outcome. To overcome these issues, research is continuing to identify AL diagnostic or predictive biomarkers. In this review, we highlight promising candidate biomarkers including ischaemic metabolites, inflammatory markers and bacteria. Although research has focused on the use of blood or peritoneal fluid samples, we describe the use of implantable medical devices that have been designed to measure biomarkers in peri-anastomotic tissue. Biomarkers that can be used in conjunction with clinical status, routine haematological and biochemical analysis and imaging have the potential to help to deliver a precision medicine package that could significantly enhance a patient’s post-operative care and improve outcomes. Although no AL biomarker has yet been validated in large-scale clinical trials, there is confidence that personalised medicine, through biomarker analysis, could be realised for colorectal cancer intestinal resection and anastomosis patients in the years to come.
Crash Response of Laser-Welded Energy Absorbers Made of Docol 1000DP and Docol 1200M Steels
Authors: Prochenka Paweł , Janiszewski Jacek , Kucewicz Michał
Published: May 2021

The crushing response of a laser-welded square tube absorber made of two commercial steel grades, Docol 1000DP and Docol 1200M, is presented in the paper. Crush experiments are performed at two different loading conditions, namely, quasi-static loading at 0.5 mm/s deformation speed and impact loading at 25–28 m/s. A new approach has been proposed to study the square tube absorber under impact loading using a direct impact Hopkinson (DIH) method. To characterize the mechanical properties of the tested steels, tensile quasi-static and high strain rate testing are also performed with the use of specimens with a 7 mm gauge length. The applied strain rates are 10−3, 100, and above 103 s−1. The laser-welded joints are also characterized by microhardness test involving the base material, heat-affected zone, and fusion zone. The crashworthiness of model square tube absorbers is estimated based on the following parameters: absorbed energy, mean force, crushing force efficiency factor, and specific energy absorbed. It has been found that the square tube absorbers made of Docol 1200M steel show a higher potential in mechanical energy absorption capacity than Docol 1000DP absorber. Moreover, crushing tests prove that laser-welded joints in 0.6 mm sheets made of Docol 1000DP and Docol 1200M steels reveal high cracking toughness. In turn, strength testing at different strain rates confirms the higher strain rate sensitivity of Docol 1000DP steel than in the case of Docol 1200M steel as well as an increase in the high ductility properties of both steel grades under the high strain rate loading conditions.
Printability and Setting Time of CSA Cement with Na2SiO3 and Gypsum for Binder Jetting 3D Printing
Authors: Na Okpin , Kim Kangmin , Lee Hyunjoo , Lee Hyunseung
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study is to optimize the composition of CSA (calcium sulfoaluminate) cement with sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and gypsum for binder jetting 3D printing. The preliminary test was carried out with an applicator to decide the proper thickness of one layer before using the 3D printer. A liquid binder was then selected to maintain the shape of the particles. Based on the results, the optimal mixture of dry materials and a liquid activator was derived through various parametric studies. For dry materials, the optimum composition of CSA cement, gypsum, and sand was suggested, and the liquid activator made with sodium silicate solution and VMA (viscosity modified agent) were selected. The setting time with gypsum and sodium silicate was controlled within 30 s. In case of the delayed setting time and the rapid setting mixture, the jetting line was printed thicker or thinner and the accuracy of the printout was degraded. In order to adjust the viscosity of the liquid activator, 10% of the VMA was used in 35% of sodium silicate solution and the viscosity of 200–400 cP was suitable to be sprayed from the nozzle. With this optimal mixture, a prototype of atypical decorative wall was printed, and the compressive strength was measured at about 7 MPa.
Tension-Tension Fatigue Behavior of High-Toughness Zr61Ti2Cu25Al12 Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Yang Yu-Hang , Yi Jun , Yang Na , Liang Wen , Huang Hao-Ran , Huang Bo , Jia Yan-Dong , Bian Xi-Lei , Wang Gang
Published: May 2021

Bulk metallic glasses have application potential in engineering structures due to their exceptional strength and fracture toughness. Their fatigue resistance is very important for the application as well. We report the tension-tension fatigue damage behavior of a Zr61Ti2Cu25Al12 bulk metallic glass, which has the highest fracture toughness among BMGs. The Zr61Ti2Cu25Al12 glass exhibits a tension-tension fatigue endurance limit of 195 MPa, which is higher than that of high-toughness steels. The fracture morphology of the specimens depends on the applied stress amplitude. We found flocks of shear bands, which were perpendicular to the loading direction, on the surface of the fatigue test specimens with stress amplitude higher than the fatigue limit of the glass. The fatigue cracking of the glass initiated from a shear band in a shear band flock. Our work demonstrated that the Zr61Ti2Cu25Al12 glass is a competitive structural material and shed light on improving the fatigue resistance of bulk metallic glasses.
Correction: Bueckert et al. Infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Coronaviruses on Dry Surfaces: Potential for Indirect Transmission. Materials 2020, 13, 5211
Authors: Bueckert Max , Gupta Rishi , Gupta Aditi , Garg Mohit , Mazumder Asit
Published: May 2021

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1]:Throughout the paper’s text and in the table, “HCoV-299E” is referred to a few times [...]
One-Step Construction of Multi-Walled CNTs Loaded with Alpha-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles for Efficient Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Xu Jianle , Wen Qiang , Zhang Xiao , Li Yinhui , Cui Zeyue , Li Pengwei , Pan Chunxu
Published: May 2021

The aggregation and the rapid restructuring of the photoinduced electron−hole pairs restructuring in the process of photoelectric response remains a great challenge. In this study, a kind of Multi-walled carbon nanotubes loaded Alpha-Fe2O3 (CNTs/α-Fe2O3) heterostructure composite is successfully prepared via the one-step method. Due to the synergistic effect in the as-prepared CNTs/α-Fe2O3, the defect sites and oxygen-containing functional groups of CNTs can dramatically improve the interface charge separation efficiency and prevent the aggregation of α-Fe2O3. The improved photocurrent and enhanced hole–electron separation rate in the CNTs/α-Fe2O3 is obtained, and the narrower band gap is measured to be 2.8 ev with intensive visible-light absorption performance. Thus, the CNTs/α-Fe2O3 composite serves as an excellent visible light photocatalyst and exhibits an outstanding photocatalytic activity for the cationic dye degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). This research supplies a fresh application area forα-Fe2O3 photocatalyst and initiates a new approach for design of high efficiency photocatalytic materials.
Numerical Solution of the Fredholm and Volterra Integral Equations by Using Modified Bernstein–Kantorovich Operators
Authors: Buranay Suzan Cival , Özarslan Mehmet Ali , Falahhesar Sara Safarzadeh
Published: May 2021

The main aim of this paper is to numerically solve the first kind linear Fredholm and Volterra integral equations by using Modified Bernstein–Kantorovich operators. The unknown function in the first kind integral equation is approximated by using the Modified Bernstein–Kantorovich operators. Hence, by using discretization, the obtained linear equations are transformed into systems of algebraic linear equations. Due to the sensitivity of the solutions on the input data, significant difficulties may be encountered, leading to instabilities in the results during actualization. Consequently, to improve on the stability of the solutions which imply the accuracy of the desired results, regularization features are built into the proposed numerical approach. More stable approximations to the solutions of the Fredholm and Volterra integral equations are obtained especially when high order approximations are used by the Modified Bernstein–Kantorovich operators. Test problems are constructed to show the computational efficiency, applicability and the accuracy of the method. Furthermore, the method is also applied to second kind Volterra integral equations.
Maximizing the Chaotic Behavior of Fractional Order Chen System by Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Nuñez-Perez Jose-Cruz , Adeyemi Vincent-Ademola , Sandoval-Ibarra Yuma , Perez-Pinal Francisco-Javier , Tlelo-Cuautle Esteban
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the application of three optimization algorithms to increase the chaotic behavior of the fractional order chaotic Chen system. This is achieved by optimizing the maximum Lyapunov exponent (MLE). The applied optimization techniques are evolutionary algorithms (EAs), namely: differential evolution (DE), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and invasive weed optimization (IWO). In each algorithm, the optimization process is performed using 100 individuals and generations from 50 to 500, with a step of 50, which makes a total of ten independent runs. The results show that the optimized fractional order chaotic Chen systems have higher maximum Lyapunov exponents than the non-optimized system, with the DE giving the highest MLE. Additionally, the results indicate that the chaotic behavior of the fractional order Chen system is multifaceted with respect to the parameter and fractional order values. The dynamical behavior and complexity of the optimized systems are verified using properties, such as bifurcation, LE spectrum, equilibrium point, eigenvalue, and sample entropy. Moreover, the optimized systems are compared with a hyper-chaotic Chen system on the basis of their prediction times. The results show that the optimized systems have a shorter prediction time than the hyper-chaotic system. The optimized results are suitable for developing a secure communication system and a random number generator. Finally, the Halstead parameters measure the complexity of the three optimization algorithms that were implemented in MATLAB. The results reveal that the invasive weed optimization has the simplest implementation.
A Short Review on Recent Advances of Hydrogel-Based Adsorbents for Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Perumal Suguna , Atchudan Raji , Edison Thomas Nesakumar Jebakumar Immanuel , Babu Rajendran Suresh , Karpagavinayagam Petchimuthu , Vedhi Chinnapiyan
Published: May 2021

The growth of industry fulfills our necessity and promotes economic development. However, pollutants from such industries pollute water bodies which pose a high risk for living organisms. Thus, researchers have been urged to develop an efficient method to remove toxic heavy metal ions from water bodies. The adsorption method shows promising results for the removal of heavy metal ions and is easy to operate on a large scale, thus can be applied to practical applications. Numerous adsorbents were developed and reported, among them hydrogels, which attract great attention because of the reusability, ease of preparation, and handling. Hydrogels are generally prepared by the cross-linking of polymers that result in a three-dimensional structure, showing high porosity and high functionality. They are hydrophilic in nature because of the functional groups, and are non-toxic. Thus, this review provides various methods of hydrogel adsorbents preparation and summarizes recent progress in the use of hydrogel adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions. Further, the mechanism involved in the removal of heavy metal ions is briefly discussed. The most recent studies about the adsorption method for the treatment of heavy metal ions contaminated water are presented.
Yeast Cells in Microencapsulation. General Features and Controlling Factors of the Encapsulation Process
Authors: Coradello Giulia , Tirelli Nicola
Published: May 2021

Besides their best-known uses in the food and fermentation industry, yeasts have also found application as microcapsules. In the encapsulation process, exogenous and most typically hydrophobic compounds diffuse and end up being passively entrapped in the cell body, and can be released upon application of appropriate stimuli. Yeast cells can be employed either living or dead, intact, permeabilized, or even emptied of all their original cytoplasmic contents. The main selling points of this set of encapsulation technologies, which to date has predominantly targeted food and—to a lesser extent—pharmaceutical applications, are the low cost, biodegradability and biocompatibility of the capsules, coupled to their sustainable origin (e.g., spent yeast from brewing). This review aims to provide a broad overview of the different kinds of yeast-based microcapsules and of the main physico-chemical characteristics that control the encapsulation process and its efficiency.
Graph Neural Networks with Multiple Feature Extraction Paths for Chemical Property Estimation
Authors: Ishida Sho , Miyazaki Tomo , Sugaya Yoshihiro , Omachi Shinichiro
Published: May 2021

Feature extraction is essential for chemical property estimation of molecules using machine learning. Recently, graph neural networks have attracted attention for feature extraction from molecules. However, existing methods focus only on specific structural information, such as node relationship. In this paper, we propose a novel graph convolutional neural network that performs feature extraction with simultaneously considering multiple structures. Specifically, we propose feature extraction paths specialized in node, edge, and three-dimensional structures. Moreover, we propose an attention mechanism to aggregate the features extracted by the paths. The attention aggregation enables us to select useful features dynamically. The experimental results showed that the proposed method outperformed previous methods.
Antioxidant Properties of Fruit and Vegetable Whey Beverages and Fruit and Vegetable Mousses
Authors: Purkiewicz Aleksandra , Pietrzak-Fiećko Renata
Published: May 2021

The study assesses the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, total flavonoids content and lipophilic pigments (β-carotene, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b) content in homemade and marketed fruit and vegetable whey beverages and fruit and vegetable mousses. All of the tests were performed using spectrophotometric methods. The highest polyphenol content was found in the homemade green whey beverage W1G (541.95 mg/100 g) and the lowest in the market green whey beverage W2G (46.18 mg/100 g). In the fruit and vegetable mousses under study, the highest content of polyphenolic compounds was determined in the red mousse R3 (76.41 mg/100 g). The highest content of flavonoids was observed in the homemade orange whey beverage W1O (63.06 mg/100 g) and in the green mousse G2 (69.80 mg/100 g). The values of the antioxidant activity of whey beverages and mousses varied depending on the composition. The highest content of β-carotene was identified in homemade orange whey beverage (4.36 mg/100 g) and in orange mousses (in range 1.10–2.24 mg/100 g), while chlorophylls a and b—in homemade green whey beverage W1G (3.00 mg/100 g and 1.31 mg/100 g respectively) and in green mousses (chlorophyll a in range 0.54 to 1.42 mg/100 g and chlorophyll b in range 0.13 to 0.32 mg/100 g).
Novel Tdp1 Inhibitors Based on Adamantane Connected with Monoterpene Moieties via Heterocyclic Fragments
Authors: Munkuev Aldar A. , Mozhaitsev Evgenii S. , Chepanova Arina A. , Suslov Evgeniy V. , Korchagina Dina V. , Zakharova Olga D. , Ilina Ekaterina S. , Dyrkheeva Nadezhda S. , Zakharenko Alexandra L. , Reynisson Jóhannes , Volcho Konstantin P. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F. , Lavrik Olga I.
Published: May 2021

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) is a promising target for anticancer therapy due to its ability to counter the effects topoisomerase 1 (Top1) poison, such as topotecan, thus, decreasing their efficacy. Compounds containing adamantane and monoterpenoid residues connected via 1,2,4-triazole or 1,3,4-thiadiazole linkers were synthesized and tested against Tdp1. All the derivatives exhibited inhibition at low micromolar or nanomolar concentrations with the most potent inhibitors having IC50 values in the 0.35–0.57 µM range. The cytotoxicity was determined in the HeLa, HCT-116 and SW837 cancer cell lines; moderate CC50 (µM) values were seen from the mid-teens to no effect at 100 µM. Furthermore, citral derivative 20c, α-pinene-derived compounds 20f, 20g and 25c, and the citronellic acid derivative 25b were found to have a sensitizing effect in conjunction with topotecan in the HeLa cervical cancer and colon adenocarcinoma HCT-116 cell lines. The ligands are predicted to bind in the catalytic pocket of Tdp1 and have favorable physicochemical properties for further development as a potential adjunct therapy with Top1 poisons.
Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential of Wild Moroccan Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton Leaves
Authors: Asraoui Fadoua , Kounnoun Ayoub , Cacciola Francesco , El Mansouri Fouad , Kabach Imad , Oulad El Majdoub Yassine , Alibrando Filippo , Arena Katia , Trovato Emanuela , Mondello Luigi , Louajri Adnane
Published: May 2021

Medicinal plants offer imperative sources of innovative chemical substances with important potential therapeutic effects. Among them, the members of the genus Inula have been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. The present study investigated the antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays) and the in vitro anti-hyperglycemic potential of aerial parts of Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton (I. viscosa) extracts through the inhibition of digestive enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), responsible of the digestion of poly and oligosaccharides. The polyphenolic profile of the Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton EtOAc extract was also investigated using HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS analysis, whereas the volatile composition was elucidated by GC-MS. The chemical analysis resulted in the detection of twenty-one polyphenolic compounds, whereas the volatile profile highlighted the occurrence of forty-eight different compounds. Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton presented values as high as 87.2 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g and 78.6 ± 0.55mg CE/g, for gallic acid and catechin, respectively. The EtOAc extract exhibited the higher antioxidant activity compared to methanol and chloroform extracts in different tests with (IC50 = 0.6 ± 0.03 µg/mL; IC50 = 8.6 ± 0.08 µg/mL; 634.8 mg ± 1.45 AAE/g extract) in DPPH, ABTS and FRAP tests. Moreover, Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton leaves did show an important inhibitory effect against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. On the basis of the results achieved, such a species represents a promising traditional medicine, thanks to its remarkable content of functional bioactive compounds, thus opening new prospects for research and innovative phytopharmaceuticals developments.
Modern Synthetic Strategies with Organoselenium Reagents: A Focus on Vinyl Selenones
Authors: Palomba Martina , Franco Coelho Dias Italo , Rosati Ornelio , Marini Francesca
Published: May 2021

In recent years, vinyl selenones were rediscovered as useful building blocks for new synthetic transformations. This review will highlight these advances in the field of multiple-bond-forming reactions, one-pot synthesis of carbo- and heterocycles, enantioselective construction of densely functionalized molecules, and total synthesis of natural products.
Emerging Molecular Receptors for the Specific-Target Delivery of Ruthenium and Gold Complexes into Cancer Cells
Authors: Machado João Franco , Correia João D. G. , Morais Tânia S.
Published: May 2021

Cisplatin and derivatives are highly effective in the treatment of a wide range of cancer types; however, these metallodrugs display low selectivity, leading to severe side effects. Additionally, their administration often results in the development of chemoresistance, which ultimately results in therapeutic failure. This scenario triggered the study of other transition metals with innovative pharmacological profiles as alternatives to platinum, ruthenium- (e.g., KP1339 and NAMI-A) and gold-based (e.g., Auranofin) complexes being among the most advanced in terms of clinical evaluation. Concerning the importance of improving the in vivo selectivity of metal complexes and the current relevance of ruthenium and gold metals, this review article aims to survey the main research efforts made in the past few years toward the design and biological evaluation of target-specific ruthenium and gold complexes. Herein, we give an overview of the inorganic and organometallic molecules conjugated to different biomolecules for targeting membrane proteins, namely cell adhesion molecules, G-protein coupled receptors, and growth factor receptors. Complexes that recognize the progesterone receptors or other targets involved in metabolic pathways such as glucose transporters are discussed as well. Finally, we describe some complexes aimed at recognizing cell organelles or compartments, mitochondria being the most explored. The few complexes addressing targeted gene therapy are also presented and discussed.
Identification of Salicylic Acid Mechanism against Leaf Blight Disease in Oryza sativa by SR-FTIR Microspectroscopic and Docking Studies
Authors: Thepbandit Wannaporn , Papathoti Narendra Kumar , Daddam Jayasimha Rayalu , Thumanu Kanjana , Siriwong Supatcharee , Thanh Toan Le , Buensanteai Natthiya
Published: May 2021

The present study was to investigate the application and mechanism of salicylic acid (SA) as SA-Ricemate for the control of leaf blight disease using a Synchrotron Radiation-based Fourier-Transform Infra-Red (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy and docking studies. After treating rice plants cv. KDML 105 with SA-Ricemate, the leaves were inoculated with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the causal agent of leaf blight, and disease severity were assessed. The leaves were also used to detect changes in endogenous SA content. The results indicated that SA-Ricemate, as an activated compound, reduced disease severity by 60% at three weeks post-inoculation and increased endogenous content by 50%. The SR-FTIR analysis of changes in the mesophyll of leaves (treated and untreated) showed that the groups of lipids, pectins, and proteins amide I and amide II occurred at higher values, and polysaccharides were shown at lower values in treated compared to untreated. Besides, docking studies were used to model a three-dimensional structure for Pathogenesis-related (PR1b) protein and further identify its interaction with SA. The results showed that ASP28, ARG31, LEU32, GLN97, and ALA93 are important residues that have strong hydrogen bonds with SA. The docking results showed that SA has a good interaction, confirming its role in expression.
A New Approach to Optimize the Relative Clearance for Cylindrical Joints Manufactured by FDM 3D Printing Using a Hybrid Genetic Algorithm Artificial Neural Network and Rational Function
Authors: Anghel Daniel-Constantin , Iordache Daniela Monica , Rizea Alin Daniel , Stanescu Nicolae-Doru
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, FDM technology permits obtaining functional prototypes or even end parts. The process parameters, such as layer thickness, building orientation, fill density, type of support, etc., have great influence on the quality, functionality and behavior of the obtained parts during their lifetime. In this paper, we present a study concerning the possibilities of obtaining certain values for clearance in revolute joints of non-assembly mechanisms manufactured by FDM 3D Printing. To ensure the functioning of the assembly, one must know the relationship between the imposed and measured clearances by taking into account the significant input data. One way is to use the automat learning method with an artificial neuronal network (ANN). The data necessary for the training, testing, and validation of ANN were experimentally obtained, using a complete L 27 Taguchi experimental plan. A total of 27 samples were printed with different values of the following parameters: the infill density, the imposed clearance between the shaft and the hole, and the layer thickness. ANN architecture corresponds to the Hecht–Kolmogorov theorem. Genetic algorithms (GA) were used for the optimization of the output. The Neural Network Toolbox from MATLAB was used for training the network and a hybrid tool genetic algorithm artificial neural network (GA-ANN) was used to minimize the value of the absolute relative clearance (arc). The minimum value of the absolute relative clearance established by GA-ANN was 0.0385788. This value was validated experimentally, with a relative difference of 4%. We also introduced a rational function to approximate the correlation between the input and output parameters. This function fulfills some frontier conditions resulted from practice. In addition, the function may be used to establish the designed clearance in order to obtain an imposed one.
A Novel Method for Creating a Synthetic L-DOPA Proteome and In Vitro Evidence of Incorporation
Authors: Steele Joel Ricky , Strange Natalie , Rodgers Kenneth J. , Padula Matthew P.
Published: May 2021

Proteinopathies are protein misfolding diseases that have an underlying factor that affects the conformation of proteoforms. A factor hypothesised to play a role in these diseases is the incorporation of non-protein amino acids into proteins, with a key example being the therapeutic drug levodopa. The presence of levodopa as a protein constituent has been explored in several studies, but it has not been examined in a global proteomic manner. This paper provides a proof-of-concept method for enzymatically creating levodopa-containing proteins using the enzyme tyrosinase and provides spectral evidence of in vitro incorporation in addition to the induction of the unfolded protein response due to levodopa.