bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beneficial Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation on Endothelial Dysfunction, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thuy Uyen , Yeom Ji-hyun , Kim Won
Published: November 2021

Inflammation and oxidative stress are closely related to cardiovascular complications and atherosclerosis, and have the potential to lead to an increase in death in patients receiving hemodialysis. Vitamin E has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of vitamin E supplementation on endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers in adult patients receiving hemodialysis. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases and identified randomized controlled trials of adult patients receiving hemodialysis until 30 August 2021. A total of 11 trials with 491 randomized patients were included. The pooled data indicated that vitamin E supplementation significantly decreased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [standardized mean difference (SMD): −1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): −2.57, −0.13; p = 0.03, I2 = 89%], vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (SMD: −1.08; 95% CI: −2.05, −0.11; p = 0.03, I2 = 81%), C-reactive protein (SMD: −0.41; 95% CI: −0.75, −0.07; p = 0.02, I2 = 64%), and malondialdehyde (SMD: −0.76; 95% CI: −1.26, −0.25; p = 0.003, I2 = 77%) levels, but not interleukin-6 levels compared to those in the control group. Our results suggest that vitamin E supplementation may help alleviate oxidative stress and both vascular and systemic inflammation in patients receiving hemodialysis.
Erythrocyte Deformability and Na,K-ATPase Activity in Various Pathophysiological Situations and Their Protection by Selected Nutritional Antioxidants in Humans
Authors: Radosinska Jana , Vrbjar Norbert
Published: November 2021

The physicochemical and functional properties of erythrocytes are worsened in a variety of diseases. Erythrocyte deformability refers to their ability to adjust their shape according to external forces exerted against them in the circulation. It is influenced by the functionality of the Na,K-ATPase enzyme, which is localized in their membranes. The proposed review is focused on knowledge regarding changes in erythrocyte Na,K-ATPase activity, and their impact on erythrocyte deformability in various pathophysiological situations observed exclusively in human studies, as well as on the potential erytroprotective effects of selected natural nutritional antioxidants. A clear link between the erythrocyte properties and the parameters of oxidative stress was observed. The undesirable consequences of oxidative stress on erythrocyte quality and hemorheology could be at least partially prevented by intake of diverse antioxidants occurring naturally in foodstuffs. Despite intensive research concerning the effect of antioxidants, only a small number of investigations on erythrocyte properties in humans is available in databases. It is worth shifting attention from animal and in vitro experiments and focusing more on antioxidant administration in human studies in order to establish what type of antioxidant, in what concentration, and in which individuals it may provide a beneficial effect on the human organism, by protecting erythrocyte properties.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Diabetes Mellitus in Comparison: The Therapeutic Efficacy of the Vanadium Compound
Authors: He Zhijun , You Guanying , Liu Qiong , Li Nan
Published: November 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an intractable neurodegenerative disease that leads to dementia, primarily in elderly people. The neurotoxicity of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein has been demonstrated over the last two decades. In line with these findings, several etiological hypotheses of AD have been proposed, including the amyloid cascade hypothesis, the oxidative stress hypothesis, the inflammatory hypothesis, the cholinergic hypothesis, et al. In the meantime, great efforts had been made in developing effective drugs for AD. However, the clinical efficacy of the drugs that were approved by the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) to date were determined only mild/moderate. We recently adopted a vanadium compound bis(ethylmaltolato)-oxidovanadium (IV) (BEOV), which was originally used for curing diabetes mellitus (DM), to treat AD in a mouse model. It was shown that BEOV effectively reduced the Aβ level, ameliorated the inflammation in brains of the AD mice, and improved the spatial learning and memory activities of the AD mice. These finding encouraged us to further examine the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of BEOV in AD. In this review, we summarized the achievement of vanadium compounds in medical studies and investigated the prospect of BEOV in AD and DM treatment.
Progress of Signaling Pathways, Stress Pathways and Epigenetics in the Pathogenesis of Skeletal Fluorosis
Authors: Qiao Lichun , Liu Xuan , He Yujie , Zhang Jiaheng , Huang Hao , Bian Wenming , Chilufya Mumba Mulutula , Zhao Yan , Han Jing
Published: November 2021

Fluorine is widely dispersed in nature and has multiple physiological functions. Although it is usually regarded as an essential trace element for humans, this view is not held universally. Moreover, chronic fluorosis, mainly characterized by skeletal fluorosis, can be induced by long-term excessive fluoride consumption. High concentrations of fluoride in the environment and drinking water are major causes, and patients with skeletal fluorosis mainly present with symptoms of osteosclerosis, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, and degenerative changes in joint cartilage. Etiologies for skeletal fluorosis have been established, but the specific pathogenesis is inconclusive. Currently, active osteogenesis and accelerated bone turnover are considered critical processes in the progression of skeletal fluorosis. In recent years, researchers have conducted extensive studies in fields of signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Hedgehog, parathyroid hormone, and insulin signaling pathways), stress pathways (oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways), epigenetics (DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs), and their inter-regulation involved in the pathogenesis of skeletal fluorosis. In this review, we summarised and analyzed relevant findings to provide a basis for comprehensive understandings of the pathogenesis of skeletal fluorosis and hopefully propose more effective prevention and therapeutic strategies.
KYNA Derivatives with Modified Skeleton; Hydroxyquinolines with Potential Neuroprotective Effect
Authors: Lőrinczi Bálint , Szatmári István
Published: November 2021

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous neuroprotective agent of increasing importance. Several derivatives have already been synthesized, bearing an abundance of functional groups attached to the main skeleton in different positions. Several of these compounds have already been tested in biological evaluations, with several of them targeting the same receptors and biological effects as KYNA. However, these modified compounds build upon the unmodified KYNA skeleton leaving a possible route for the synthesis of new, potentially neuroprotective derivatives with heteroatom-containing ring systems. The aim of this review is to summarize the syntheses of KYNA derivatives with altered skeletons and to pinpoint an appealing transformation for future medicinal lead molecules.
Biosynthesis and Degradation of Sulfur Modifications in tRNAs
Authors: Shigi Naoki
Published: November 2021

Various sulfur-containing biomolecules include iron–sulfur clusters that act as cofactors for enzymes, sulfur-containing vitamins such as thiamin, and sulfur-modified nucleosides in RNA, in addition to methionine and cysteine in proteins. Sulfur-containing nucleosides are post-transcriptionally introduced into tRNA molecules, where they ensure precise codon recognition or stabilization of tRNA structure, thereby maintaining cellular proteome integrity. Modulating sulfur modification controls the translation efficiency of specific groups of genes, allowing organisms to adapt to specific environments. The biosynthesis of tRNA sulfur nucleosides involves elaborate ‘sulfur trafficking systems’ within cellular sulfur metabolism and ‘modification enzymes’ that incorporate sulfur atoms into tRNA. This review provides an up-to-date overview of advances in our knowledge of the mechanisms involved. It covers the functions, biosynthesis, and biodegradation of sulfur-containing nucleosides as well as the reaction mechanisms of biosynthetic enzymes catalyzed by the iron–sulfur clusters, and identification of enzymes involved in the de-modification of sulfur atoms of RNA. The mechanistic similarity of these opposite reactions is discussed. Mutations in genes related to these pathways can cause human diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, and mitochondrial diseases), emphasizing the importance of these pathways.
Olaparib Is a Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibitor That Kills Temozolomide-Resistant Human Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Zampieri Luca X. , Sboarina Martina , Cacace Andrea , Grasso Debora , Thabault Léopold , Hamelin Loïc , Vazeille Thibaut , Dumon Elodie , Rossignol Rodrigue , Frédérick Raphaël , Sonveaux Etienne , Lefranc Florence , Sonveaux Pierre
Published: November 2021

Glioblastoma represents the highest grade of brain tumors. Despite maximal resection surgery associated with radiotherapy and concomitant followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), patients have a very poor prognosis due to the rapid recurrence and the acquisition of resistance to TMZ. Here, initially considering that TMZ is a prodrug whose activation is pH-dependent, we explored the contribution of glioblastoma cell metabolism to TMZ resistance. Using isogenic TMZ-sensitive and TMZ-resistant human glioblastoma cells, we report that the expression of O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), which is known to repair TMZ-induced DNA methylation, does not primarily account for TMZ resistance. Rather, fitter mitochondria in TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cells are a direct cause of chemoresistance that can be targeted by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and/or autophagy/mitophagy. Unexpectedly, we found that PARP inhibitor olaparib, but not talazoparib, is also a mitochondrial Complex I inhibitor. Hence, we propose that the anticancer activities of olaparib in glioblastoma and other cancer types combine DNA repair inhibition and impairment of cancer cell respiration.
Microcirculatory Function during Endotoxemia—A Functional Citrulline-Arginine-NO Pathway and NOS3 Complex Is Essential to Maintain the Microcirculation
Authors: Wijnands Karolina A. P. , Meesters Dennis M. , Vandendriessche Benjamin , Briedé Jacob J. , van Eijk Hans M. H. , Brouckaert Peter , Cauwels Anje , Lamers Wouter H. , Poeze Martijn
Published: November 2021

Competition for the amino acid arginine by endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (NOS3) and (pro-)inflammatory NO-synthase (NOS2) during endotoxemia appears essential in the derangement of the microcirculatory flow. This study investigated the role of NOS2 and NOS3 combined with/without citrulline supplementation on the NO-production and microcirculation during endotoxemia. Wildtype (C57BL6/N background; control; n = 36), Nos2-deficient, (n = 40), Nos3-deficient (n = 39) and Nos2/Nos3-deficient mice (n = 42) received a continuous intravenous LPS infusion alone (200 μg total, 18 h) or combined with L-citrulline (37.5 mg, last 6 h). The intestinal microcirculatory flow was measured by side-stream dark field (SDF)-imaging. The jejunal intracellular NO production was quantified by in vivo NO-spin trapping combined with electron spin-resonance (ESR) spectrometry. Amino-acid concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). LPS infusion decreased plasma arginine concentration in control and Nos3−/− compared to Nos2−/− mice. Jejunal NO production and the microcirculation were significantly decreased in control and Nos2−/− mice after LPS infusion. No beneficial effects of L-citrulline supplementation on microcirculatory flow were found in Nos3−/− or Nos2−/−/Nos3−/− mice. This study confirms that L-citrulline supplementation enhances de novo arginine synthesis and NO production in mice during endotoxemia with a functional NOS3-enzyme (control and Nos2−/− mice), as this beneficial effect was absent in Nos3−/− or Nos2−/−/Nos3−/− mice.
12th ISNS European Regional Meeting Oral and Poster Abstracts
Authors: Hall Kate
Published: November 2021

Due to the impact worldwide of COVID-19, the 12th European ISNS meeting planned to be live in Luxembourg in November 2020 became Luxembourg Going Virtual in November 2021. The conference theme derived from the geographic location of Luxembourg was retained: Newborn screening—working together in the heart of Europe. Abstracts of the newborn screening experience and knowledge shared in both oral presentations and posters at the symposium are gathered here to assist in selecting presenters to attend virtually and posters to view online. Some abstract highlights include findings from pilot studies of new screening disorders, the value of screening older previously unscreened children, and benefits of second tier testing.
Validation of a Custom Next-Generation Sequencing Assay for Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening
Authors: Sicko Robert J. , Stevens Colleen F. , Hughes Erin E. , Leisner Melissa , Ling Helen , Saavedra-Matiz Carlos A. , Caggana Michele , Kay Denise M.
Published: November 2021

Newborn screening (NBS) for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is associated with improved outcomes. All US states screen for CF; however, CF NBS algorithms have high false positive (FP) rates. In New York State (NYS), the positive predictive value of CF NBS improved from 3.7% to 25.2% following the implementation of a three-tier IRT-DNA-SEQ approach using commercially available tests. Here we describe a modification of the NYS CF NBS algorithm via transition to a new custom next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform for more comprehensive cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene analysis. After full gene sequencing, a tiered strategy is used to first analyze only a specific panel of 338 clinically relevant CFTR variants (second-tier), followed by unblinding of all sequence variants and bioinformatic assessment of deletions/duplications in a subset of samples requiring third-tier analysis. We demonstrate the analytical and clinical validity of the assay and the feasibility of use in the NBS setting. The custom assay has streamlined our molecular workflow, increased throughput, and allows for bioinformatic customization of second-tier variant panel content. NBS aims to identify those infants with the highest disease risk. Technological molecular improvements can be applied to NBS algorithms to reduce the burden of FP referrals without loss of sensitivity.
Efficacy and Phytotoxicity Assessment of Successive Application of Methyl Bromide and Cold Treatment on Export Strawberry Fruits
Authors: Kim Bong-Su , Choi Ji-Eun , Choi Deuk-Soo , Yang Jeong-Oh
Published: November 2021

Recently, spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is globally prevalent and causes agricultural losses to many fruits. To export Korean strawberry, methyl bromide fumigation is required to remove D. suzukii infestations, but Korean strawberry farmers are worried about fruit damage because methyl bromide can cause phytotoxicity on fresh commodities. In this report, we assessed the efficacy and phytotoxicity of single and successive application of methyl bromide and cold treatment on an export variety of strawberry to reduce fruit damage. The currently recommended dosage of methyl bromide, 40 g/m3 for 3 h at 18 °C, was enough to control all stages of D. suzukii without phytotoxicity. A dosage of 20 g/m3 of methyl bromide treatment for 3 h, followed by 1 d of cold (0 °C) treatment, showed 100% mortality in all growth stages of D. suzukii without fruit damage. Successive application of methyl bromide and cold treatment shows potential as a method of decreasing phytotoxicity and reducing the use of methyl bromide for environmental considerations.
A Theoretical Terahertz Metamaterial Absorber Structure with a High Quality Factor Using Two Circular Ring Resonators for Biomedical Sensing
Authors: Banerjee Sagnik , Nath Uddipan , Dutta Purba , Jha Amitkumar Vidyakant , Appasani Bhargav , Bizon Nicu
Published: November 2021

Metamaterial absorbers, on account of their inherent property of electromagnetic radiation absorption, have become a center of attraction for many researchers in recent times. This paper proposes a unique design of a terahertz metamaterial absorber that can be used to sense biomedical samples. The proposed design consists of two identical circular ring resonators (CRRs) made of aluminum on top of a gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate. On account of its high field confinement in the sensing regime, a near-to-perfect absorption rate of 99.50% is achieved at a frequency of 2.64 THz, along with a large quality factor (Q-Factor) of 44. The design is highly sensitive to the refractive index changes in the encompassing medium. Hence, the proposed absorber can be used as a refractive index sensor exhibiting a reasonable sensitivity of 1500 GHz/RIU and a figure of merit (FoM) of 25. The refractive index range has been varied in the range of 1.34 to 1.39. As many biomedical samples, including cancerous cells, reside within this range, the proposed sensor can be used for biomedical sensing applications.
The Impact of Superficial Vessel Density on Glaucoma Progression according to the Stage of Glaucoma
Authors: Lee Jiyun , Park Chan Kee , Park Hae-Young Lopilly
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To investigate the clinical significance of vessel density (VD) on visual field (VF) progression regarding the severity of glaucoma. Methods: A total of 130 eyes were recruited in this retrospective and longitudinal study. Superficial and deep VDs in circumpapillary and macular regions were measured via ImageJ. The rate of VF progression was defined as the mean deviation (MD) slope (dB/year). Linear regression was used to verify factors affecting deterioration of VF. The eyes with lower superficial VD were further analyzed. Results: Fifty patients with early glaucoma (EG) (MD > −6 dB) and 52 patients with moderate-to-advanced glaucoma (MAG) (MD ≤ −6 dB) were included. A faster progression rate was found in MAG (p = 0.049). Superficial VD was noticeably related to the VF progression rate in total eyes and in MAG (Both Ps ≤ 0.007, respectively). With patients in the lower half of the superficial VD, the VD was significantly associated with the rate of progression (B, 0.049, p = 0.021). This association was independent of the baseline MD and OCT parameters. Conclusion: Decreased superficial VD might conversely affect the progression of glaucoma even in MAG, which suggests superficial VD could be used as a potential marker to foresee the disease progression even in progressed eyes.
Older or Wiser? Age and Experience Trends in 20 Years of Olympic and World Swimming Championships Open Water 10-km Races
Authors: Rodríguez-Adalia Luis , Veiga Santiago , Santos del Cerro Jesús Santos , González-Ravé José M.
Published: November 2021

The aims of the present research were to estimate the age of peak performance (APP) and to examine the role of previous experience at the world-level open water race performances. Finishing positions and age of swimmers (639 females and 738 males) in the 10-km events of World Championship (WCH) and Olympic Games (OG) from 2000 to 2019 were obtained from the official results websites. Years of previous experience were computed using the number of previous participations in WCH or OG. APP was estimated using quadratic models of the 10th percentile top race positions and resulted in 28.94 years old for males (R2 = 0.551) and 27.40 years old for females (R2 = 0.613). Regression analysis revealed an improvement of 1.36 or 8.19 finishing positions for each additional year of age or experience, respectively (R2 = 0.157). However, significant differences (p < 0.001) between age and experience showed that the swimmer’s age became less relevant for performance as years of experience increased. These results, in terms of age, are in line with other mass-start disciplines of similar duration (≈2 h) and, in terms of experience, confirm the importance of previous participation in improving tactical decision making during open water races.
Progression of Well-Differentiated Papillary Mesothelial Tumour to Mesothelioma in a Patient with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Prabhakaran Sarita , Hussey Matthew , O’Byrne Kenneth J. , Klebe Sonja
Published: November 2021

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma has been renamed well-differentiated papillary mesothelial tumour (WDPMT) in the current WHO classification because all mesotheliomas are now regarded as malignant. WDPMT is now defined as a non-invasive papillary mesothelial proliferation, with retained labelling for BAP1-desirable. The current WHO classification also includes mesothelioma in situ (MIS), which is defined as pre-invasive flat or papillary proliferation of mesothelial cells with a loss of BAP1 or MTAP. WDPMT has been variably defined in the past but was thought to occur more commonly in women and pursue a more indolent course than mesothelioma, but its progression to invasive disease has occasionally been reported. Here, we report a case of a 68-year-old woman with a history of asbestos exposure and an underlying diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos syndrome who was diagnosed with symptomatic WDPMT of the peritoneum that progressed to mesothelioma within two years. On retrospective analysis, the WDPMT showed a loss of BAP1. We suggest that a loss of BAP1 in WDPMT should be reported, since these lesions may show aggressive behaviour, and that they may best be regarded as similar to mesothelioma in situ.
Investigation on Thrust Characteristics of a Downstream Offshore Floating Wind Turbine under Yawed Inflow Conditions
Authors: Wang Yangwei , Lin Jiahuan , Duan Huawei , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2021

In the natural marine environment, offshore floating wind turbines (OFWTs) inevitably experience yawed inflow conditions, which will make their aerodynamics more complicated than those experiencing uniform inflow conditions and difficult to understand. In the present study, the thrust characteristics of a wake-influenced OFWT under dynamic, static, and coupled yawed inflow conditions are investigated thoroughly. Analytical characterizations of yawed inflow and upstream wake are integrated into the blade element momentum (BEM) method to achieve the investigation. Based on this method, simulations by the FAST code have been conducted, and the results are analyzed. It is shown that the three inflow conditions have considerable influences on the thrust coefficient of the wind rotor or the normal force at the blade section, especially in the wake case where the downstream OFWT is located at a specific offset from the central line of a single upstream wake. In order to validate the analyses of simulation results, experimental tests by a set of dedicated apparatus are conducted. The comparison results are good, proving the reliability of simulation results. This work can provide some theoretical contributions to the aerodynamic design and control of OFWTs.
Effects of Clay Mineral Composition on the Dynamic Properties and Fabric of Artificial Marine Clay
Authors: Shan Yi , Wang Xing , Cui Jie , Mo Haihong , Li Yadong
Published: November 2021

Marine clays are easily affected by different mineral composition in cyclic load-based geological hazards. Therefore, based on analyzing the mineral composition of natural marine clay, it is the key to predict the dynamic properties of natural materials under cyclic loading by using quantitated artificial marine clay. In this study, the marine clay found in the South China Sea deltas was investigated. Based on the results of geological conditions and mineral composition analyses, raw non-clay minerals (such as quartz, albite) and clay minerals (such as Na-montmorillonite and kaolinite) were used to produce artificial marine clay, the dynamic properties of which were studied from the impact of mineral composition. Dynamic triaxial laboratory testing for artificial marine clay comprising various clay minerals was performed under identical test conditions. The artificial marine clay with high montmorillonite content exhibited slower development of strain, more sluggish growth in pore water pressure, more rounded hysteresis curves, greater stiffness, and more prolonged viscous energy growth than the clay with low montmorillonite content. In addition, the flocculated fabric of the artificial marine clay with high montmorillonite content demonstrated sufficient pore space changes, more uniform pore distribution, and larger specific surface area than the dispersed fabric of the clay with low montmorillonite content. The factors arising from the influence of montmorillonite may lead to microstructural and fabric changes, hinder the development of pore water, and increase intergranular contact stiffness as well as delay the cyclic strain amplitude at the breakpoint of viscous energy dissipation. In general, the results presented in this study confirm that clay minerals, especially montmorillonite, have significant influence on the dynamic properties of large strain.
Assessment of Sarcopenia and Obesity in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis Using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chang Che-Cheng , Chen Yen-Kung , Chiu Hou-Chang , Yeh Jiann-Horng
Published: November 2021

Sarcopenia and obesity can negatively impact quality of life and cause chronic fragility, and are associated with neuromuscular diseases, including myasthenia gravis (MG). The long-term consequences of body composition changes in chronic MG remain unknown; we therefore evaluated changes in body composition, including sarcopenia, obesity, lean body mass, and the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in patients. In this cross-sectional study, 35 patients with MG (mean age: 56.1 years) and 175 matched controls were enrolled. Body fat mass and skeletal muscle mass were measured using whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Patients with MG exhibited a higher prevalence of obesity and higher android adiposity and total body fat percentage than those of controls. Although the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity did not increase with age, there was a decrease in arm and android muscle mass in patients with MG compared with controls. Lower muscle mass percentages were correlated with increased age and MG severity, but not with corticosteroid use. Thus, MG is associated with increased risk for obesity and decreased muscle mass with aging, regardless of corticosteroid use. Therefore, accurate diagnosis of body composition changes in MG could facilitate the application of appropriate therapies to promote health, improve quality of life, and prevent fragility.
Role of Sex on the Genetic Susceptibility to Childhood Asthma in Latinos and African Americans
Authors: Espuela-Ortiz Antonio , Herrera-Luis Esther , Lorenzo-Díaz Fabián , Hu Donglei , Eng Celeste , Villar Jesús , Rodriguez-Santana Jose R. , Burchard Esteban G. , Pino-Yanes María
Published: November 2021

Asthma is a respiratory disease whose prevalence changes throughout the lifespan and differs by sex, being more prevalent in males during childhood and in females after puberty. In this study, we assessed the influence of sex on the genetic susceptibility to childhood asthma in admixed populations. Sex-interaction and sex-stratified genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed in 4291 Latinos and 1730 African Americans separately, and results were meta-analyzed. Genome-wide (p ≤ 9.35 × 10−8) and suggestive (p ≤ 1.87 × 10−6) population-specific significance thresholds were calculated based on 1000 Genomes Project data. Additionally, protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) information was gathered for the suggestively associated variants, and enrichment analyses of the proteins identified were carried out. Four independent loci showed interaction with sex at a suggestive level. The stratified GWAS highlighted the 17q12-21 asthma locus as a contributor to asthma susceptibility in both sexes but reached genome-wide significance only in females (p-females < 9.2 × 10−8; p-males < 1.25 × 10−2). Conversely, genetic variants upstream of ligand-dependent nuclear receptor corepressor-like gene (LCORL), previously involved in height determination and spermatogenesis, were associated with asthma only in males (minimum p = 5.31 × 10−8 for rs4593128). Enrichment analyses revealed an overrepresentation of processes related to the immune system and highlighted differences between sexes. In conclusion, we identified sex-specific polymorphisms that could contribute to the differences in the prevalence of childhood asthma between males and females.
6-(Chloromethyl)-N,1-dimethyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine
Authors: Ogurtsov Vladimir A. , Rakitin Oleg A.
Published: November 2021

Functionally 4,6-disubstituted 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines are important compounds with various pharmacological activities. 1-Substituted 4-chloro-6-(chloromethyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines are practically unexplored derivatives in this series. In this paper, it was shown that the nucleophilic substitution of 4-Chloro-6-(chloromethyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine with methylamine produced selectively 4-substituted product, 6-(chloromethyl)-N,1-dimethyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine. The structure of the synthesized compound was established by elemental analysis, high resolution mass-spectrometry, 1H, 13C-NMR, and IR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, and X-ray analysis.
Catalytic Oxidation of Ammonia over Cerium-Modified Copper Aluminium Zinc Mixed Oxides
Authors: Górecka Sylwia , Pacultová Kateřina , Fridrichová Dagmar , Górecki Kamil , Bílková Tereza , Žebrák Radim , Obalová Lucie
Published: November 2021

Copper-containing mixed metal oxides are one of the most promising catalysts of selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia. These materials are characterized by high catalytic efficiency; however, process selectivity to dinitrogen is still an open challenge. The set of Cu-Zn-Al-O and Ce/Cu-Zn-Al-O mixed metal oxides were tested as catalysts of selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia. At the low-temperature range, from 250 °C up to 350 °C, materials show high catalytic activity and relatively high selectivity to dinitrogen. Samples with the highest Cu loading 12 and 15 mol.% of total cation content were found to be the most active materials. Additional sample modification by wet impregnation of cerium (8 wt.%) improves catalytic efficiency, especially N2 selectivity. The comparison of catalytic tests with results of physicochemical characterization allows connecting the catalysts efficiency with the form and distribution of CuO on the samples’ surface. The bulk-like well-developed phases were associated with sample activity, while the dispersed CuO phases with dinitrogen selectivity. Material characterization included phase composition analysis (X-ray powder diffraction, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy), determination of textural properties (low-temperature N2 sorption, scanning electron microscopy) and sample reducibility analysis (H2 temperature-programmed reduction).
Effect of the Graded Silicon Content in SRN/SRO Multilayer Structures on the Si Nanocrystals and Si Nanopyramids Formation and Their Photoluminescence Response
Authors: Avilés Bravo José Juan , Cabañas Tay Santiago Antonio , Palacios Huerta Liliana , González Flores Karla Esther , Flores Méndez Javier , Moreno Moreno Mario , Morales Sánchez Alfredo
Published: November 2021

Two multilayer (ML) structures, composed of five layers of silicon-rich oxide (SRO) with different Si contents and a sixth layer of silicon-rich nitride (SRN), were deposited by low pressure chemical vapor deposition. These SRN/SRO MLs were thermally annealed at 1100 °C for 180 min in ambient N2 to induce the formation of Si nanostructures. For the first ML structure (MLA), the excess Si in each SRO layer was about 10.7 ± 0.6, 9.1 ± 0.4, 8.0 ± 0.2, 9.1 ± 0.3 and 9.7 ± 0.4 at.%, respectively. For the second ML structure (MLB), the excess Si was about 8.3 ± 0.2, 10.8 ± 0.4, 13.6 ± 1.2, 9.8 ± 0.4 and 8.7 ± 0.1 at.%, respectively. Si nanopyramids (Si-NPs) were formed in the SRO/Si substrate interface when the SRO layer with the highest excess silicon (10.7 at.%) was deposited next to the MLA substrate. The height, base and density of the Si-NPs was about 2–8 nm, 8–26 nm and ~6 × 1011 cm−2, respectively. In addition, Si nanocrystals (Si-ncs) with a mean size of between 3.95 ± 0.20 nm and 2.86 ± 0.81 nm were observed for the subsequent SRO layers. Meanwhile, Si-NPs were not observed when the excess Si in the SRO film next to the Si-substrate decreased to 8.3 ± 0.2 at.% (MLB), indicating that there existed a specific amount of excess Si for their formation. Si-ncs with mean size of 2.87 ± 0.73 nm and 3.72 ± 1.03 nm were observed for MLB, depending on the amount of excess Si in the SRO film. An enhanced photoluminescence (PL) emission (eight-fold more) was observed in MLA as compared to MLB due to the presence of the Si-NPs. Therefore, the influence of graded silicon content in SRN/SRO multilayer structures on the formation of Si-NPs and Si-ncs, and their relation to the PL emission, was analyzed.
Chloride Ions’ Penetration of Fly Ash and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slags-Based Alkali-Activated Mortars
Authors: Duży Patrycja , Sitarz Mateusz , Adamczyk Marcin , Choińska Marta , Hager Izabela
Published: November 2021

Due to the need to reduce the CO2 emissions of mineral binders, researchers are considering the use of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) as an alternative to cementitious binders. The properties of AAMs can be more advantageous than those presented by cementitious binders, and thus they can replace Portland cement binders in some applications. Mechanical tests of AAMs are being conducted on an ongoing basis; however, durability issues related to reinforcing steel in conditions in which steel members interact with chloride ions remain unsolved. In this paper, the precursors for AAM preparations are blends of fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) in four slag proportions: 0%, 10%, 30% and 50% expressed as a percent of FA mass. Four alkali-activated mortars were prepared, denominated as AAM 0, AAM 10, AAM 30 and AAM 50, respectively. Their basic physical and mechanical characteristics were investigated, as were their gas transport properties. The nitrogen Cembureau method was applied to determine the permeability of the mortar. The transport properties of the chloride ions were determined using the modified NT BUILD 492 migration test. The comparison of results obtained demonstrated a positive effect of GGBFS addition in terms of an increase in bulk density, permeability, porosity and, at the same time, a reduction in chloride ion penetration. The water absorption tests also provided insight into the open pore structures of mortars. The measurements revealed a strong dependence between fluid transport through the mortars and the water absorption and initial water content of materials.
Evaluation of the Influence of the Combination of pH, Chloride, and Sulfate on the Corrosion Behavior of Pipeline Steel in Soil Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Chung Nguyen Thuy , So Yoon-Sik , Kim Woo-Cheol , Kim Jung-Gu
Published: November 2021

External damage to buried pipelines is mainly caused by corrosive components in soil solution. The reality that numerous agents are present in the corrosive environment simultaneously makes it troublesome to study. To solve that issue, this study aims to determine the influence of the combination of pH, chloride, and sulfate by using a statistical method according to the design of experiment (DOE). Response surface methodology (RSM) using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) was selected and applied to the design matrix for those three factors. The input corrosion current density was evaluated by electrochemical tests under variable conditions given in the design matrix. The output of this method is an equation that calculates the corrosion current density as a function of pH, chloride, and sulfate concentration. The level of influence of each factor on the corrosion current density was investigated and response surface plots, contour plots of each factor were created in this study.
Exfoliation Resistance, Microstructure, and Oxide Formation Mechanisms of the White Oxide Layer on CP Ti and Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr Alloys
Authors: Miura-Fujiwara Eri , Yamada Soichiro , Mizushima Keisuke , Nishijima Masahiko , Watanabe Yoshimi , Kasuga Toshihiro , Niinomi Mitsuo
Published: November 2021

We found that specific biomedical Ti and its alloys, such as CP Ti, Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr, and Ti–36Nb–2Ta–3Zr–0.3O, form a bright white oxide layer after a particular oxidation heat treatment. In this paper, the interfacial microstructure of the oxide layer on Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr and the exfoliation resistance of commercially pure (CP) Ti, Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr, and Ti–36Nb–2Ta–3Zr–0.3O were investigated. The alloys investigated were oxidized at 1273 or 1323 K for 0.3–3.6 ks in an air furnace. The exfoliation stress of the oxide layer was high in Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr and Ti–36Nb–2Ta–3Zr–0.3O, and the maximum exfoliation stress was as high as 70 MPa, which is almost the same as the stress exhibited by epoxy adhesives, whereas the exfoliation stress of the oxide layer on CP Ti was less than 7 MPa, regardless of duration time. The nanoindentation hardness and frictional coefficients of the oxide layer on Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr suggested that the oxide layer was hard and robust enough for artificial tooth coating. The cross-sectional transmission electron microscopic observations of the microstructure of oxidized Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr revealed that a continuous oxide layer formed on the surface of the alloys. The Au marker method revealed that both in- and out-diffusion occur during oxidation in Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr and Ti–36Nb–2Ta–3Zr–0.3O, whereas only out-diffusion governs oxidation in CP Ti. The obtained results indicate that the high exfoliation resistance of the oxide layer on Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr and Ti-36Nb-2Ta-3Zr-0.3O are attributed to their dense microstructures composing of fine particles, and a composition-graded interfacial microstructure. On the basis of the results of our microstructural observations, the oxide formation mechanism of the Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr alloy is discussed.
Crosslinking Efficacy and Cytotoxicity of Genipin and Its Activated Form Prepared by Warming It in a Phosphate Buffer: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kawamura Takeya , Yunoki Shunji , Ohyabu Yoshimi , Uraoka Toshio , Muramatsu Kazuaki
Published: November 2021

The aim of the present study was to compare the acute and cumulative cytotoxicity of intact (n-GE) and warmed genipin (w-GE), while investigating the differences in crosslinking capabilities of these two genipins by rheological and mechanical tests. The n-GE solution was prepared by dissolving genipin powder in a sodium phosphate buffer solution. The w-GE solution was prepared by warming the n-GE solution at 37 °C for 24 h. The mechanical tests for chitosan (CH)/genipin gels showed the crosslinking rate of w-GE was much greater than that of n-GE up until 6 h after preparation, whereas the degree of crosslinking of CH/n-GE gels became higher at 12 h. The ISO 10993-5 standard method, which is established specifically for evaluating cumulative cytotoxicity, determined equivalent IC50 for w-GE (0.173 mM) and n-GE (0.166 mM). On the other hand, custom-made cytotoxicity tests using a WST-8 assay after 1 h of cultivation showed that the acute cytotoxicity of w-GE was significantly higher than that of n-GE at concentrations between 0.1–5 mM. The acute cytotoxicity of w-GE should be taken into consideration in its practical uses, despite the fact that the much faster crosslinking of w-GE is useful as an effective cross linker for in-situ forming gels.
Preparation of Nano/Micro Bimodal Aluminum Powder by Electrical Explosion of Wires
Authors: Pervikov Alexander , Toropkov Nikita , Kazantsev Sergey , Bakina Olga V. , Glazkova Elena , Lerner Marat
Published: November 2021

Electrical explosion of aluminum wires has been shown to be a versatile method for the preparation of bimodal nano/micro powders. The energy input into the wire has been found to determine the relative content of fine and coarse particles in bimodal aluminum powders. The use of aluminum bimodal powders has been shown to be promising for the development of high flowability feedstocks for metal injection molding and material extrusion additive manufacturing.
Functional 2D MXene Inks for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Zazoum Bouchaib , Bachri Abdel , Nayfeh Jamal
Published: November 2021

Inks printing is an innovative and practicable technology capable of fabricating the next generation of flexible functional systems with various designs and desired architectures. As a result, inks printing is extremely attractive in the development of printed wearables, including wearable sensors, micro supercapacitor (MSC) electrodes, electromagnetic shielding, and thin-film batteries. The discovery of Ti3C2Tx in 2011, a 2D material known as a MXene, which is a compound composed of layered nitrides, carbides, or carbonitrides of transition metals, has attracted significant interest within the research community because of its exceptional physical and chemical properties. MXene has high metallic conductivity of transition metal carbides combined with hydrophilic behavior due to its surface terminated functional groups, all of which make it an excellent candidate for promising inks printing applications. This paper reviews recent progress in the development of 2D MXene inks, including synthesis procedures, inks formulation and performance, and printing methods. Further, the review briefly provides an overview of future guidelines for the study of this new generation of 2D materials.
Recycled Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste in the Manufacture of Urban Pavements
Authors: Contreras-Llanes Manuel , Romero Maximina , Gázquez Manuel Jesús , Bolívar Juan Pedro
Published: November 2021

Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) is among the largest waste streams in the world. Therefore, within the Circular Economy concept, there is a growing interest in its reuse. The purpose of this work was to study the use of recycled aggregates (RAs) obtained by a specific separation method from CDW, replacing natural aggregates (NAs) in the manufacture of precast concrete elements, such as kerbstones and paver blocks. The physical and technological properties of precast products formulated with RAs were analysed in accordance with current regulations, comparing them with those of commercial products manufactured with NAs. The results indicated that partial or total substitution of NAs by RAs increased the water absorption and apparent porosity values of the precast elements while reducing the bulk density and compressive strength. However, all units manufactured with RAs showed breaking load values higher than the minimum required by EN 1338 and, in some cases, slightly higher average tensile strength values than the reference material. In addition, some of the compositions including RAs gave rise to pieces that, according to their flexural strength, were classified as class 1 and marked S in accordance with EN 1340. According to abrasion resistance, in most cases, the precast elements are classified as Class 4 and I (≤20 mm). Finally, precast concrete produced from RAs satisfies the tolerance requirements for classification as class 3 (≤1.5 kg m−2). Therefore, it could be suitable for use in high pedestrian or traffic areas.
Epitaxial Grown Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Pyrocarbon Matrix in C/C Composites with Improved Mechanical Properties
Authors: Liu Ningkun , Guo Lingjun , Kou Gang , Li Yunyu , Yin Xuemin
Published: November 2021

In order to achieve the highly efficient preparation of high-performance carbon/carbon (C/C) composites, epitaxial grown carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and a pyrocarbon matrix were simultaneously synthesized to fabricate CNT-reinforced C/C composites (CC/C composites). With precise control of the temperature gradient, CNTs and the pyrocarbon matrix could grow synchronously within a 2D needle-punched carbon fiber preform. Surprisingly, the CNTs remained intact within the pyrocarbon matrix at the nano-level, and the CNT-reinforced nano-pyrocarbon matrix was compact, with virtually no gaps and pores, which were tightly connected with the carbon fibers without cracks. Based on the results of Raman analysis, there is less residual stress in the CNT-reinforced pyrocarbon matrix and carbon fibers, and less of a mismatch between the coefficient and thermal expansion. Additionally, CC/C composites fabricated by this method could achieve a low density, open porosity with a large size, and improved mechanical properties. More importantly, our work provides a rational design strategy for the highly efficient preparation and structural design of high-performance CNT-einforced C/C composites.
New Multicolor Tungstate-Molybdate Microphosphors as an Alternative to LED Components
Authors: Czajka Justyna , Szczeszak Agata , Kaczorowska Nina , Lis Stefan
Published: November 2021

Due to the ongoing need to create phosphors with the appropriate emission color for the production of light emitting diodes, we decided to synthesize a series of multicolour microphosphors with tunable visible emissions, depending on the composition of dopant ions. In this work, we investigated the structure, morphology, and luminescent properties of new molybdate–tungstate phosphors co-doped with Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions. The conventional high temperature solid state method was used to prepare a series of CaMoyW1−yO4:Eu3+x/Tb3+1−x materials. In order to obtain phosphors with the most promising luminescent properties, the experiment was planned by taking into account the different composition of the matrix and the concentration of the particular dopant ions (Eu3+x/Tb3+1−x, x = 0.001, 0.003, 0.005, 0.007, 0.009). As a result, luminescent materials were obtained with a pure tetragonal crystal structure, the space group of I41/a, confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The size and shape of the particles obtained from the materials were analyzed based on scanning electron microscopy images. Luminescence spectroscopy (excitation and emission spectra, decay lifetimes) was utilized to characterize the luminescence properties of the as-prepared phosphors. The color change of the emission from green-yellow to orange-red was confirmed using the 1931 Comission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates and color correlated temperature (CCT).
A Novel Plain-Text Related Image Encryption Algorithm Based on LB Compound Chaotic Map
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Liu Lingfeng , Xiang Hongyue
Published: November 2021

Chaos systems have been widely used in image encryption algorithms. In this article, we introduce an LB (Logistic-Baker) compound chaotic map that can greatly improve the complexity of original Logistic map and Baker map, as well as the generated sequences have pseudo-randomness. Furthermore, based on the LB compound chaotic map, an image encryption algorithm is proposed. To resist the differential attack, and enhance the sensitivity of plain-text, the parameters of this algorithm are plain-text related. In this algorithm, the compound chaotic function is influenced by the plain-text image; thus, the specific form of this chaotic map, and its dynamics will be different when encrypting different images. Numerical experiment results indicate that the effect of this novel plain-text related image encryption scheme is excellent, as well as can be competitive with other corresponding algorithms.