bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Insights into Synergetic Effect of Halides Ions and Diamine-based Corrosion Inhibitor for HCl Acid
Authors: Al-Taq Ali A. , Ali Shaikh A. , Saleem Jaffar A. , Haji Habeeb H.
Published: June 2014

Addition of halides (KCl, KBr and KI) to corrosion inhibitor systems is intended to enhance their inhibition efficiency due to the synergetic effect. Halides ions have been proven to be good corrosion inhibitor intensifiers in acidic or basic media and for both steel and aluminum. The halides ions themselves act as corrosion inhibitors. This paper sheds lights on some limitations of halides ions (Cl− and Br−) in HCl acid solutions for low carbon steel. The inhibition performance of halides ions as a function of temperature, soaking time and acid concentration was investigated using the gravimetric method. A synthesized diamine corrosion inhibitor was used in this study and the synergetic effect with halides ions was investigated. The testing conditions included HCl acid concentrations of 15 and 28 wt%, soaking time of 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours, and temperatures of 60 and 80 and 104°C.

The results revealed that the synergetic effect of Cl− and Br− ions failed at high temperature/acid concentration/soaking time and tended to induce more corrosion. In contrast, iodide ions maintained good intensifying properties with the synthesized diamine corrosion inhibitor at all examined conditions. The value of the synergism parameter was found to be greater than unity for iodide ions at all examined conditions and varied from 1 to less than 1 for Cl− and Br− ions depending on test conditions. The morphology of the corroded surface, examined employing stereomicroscopy, indicated that the corrosion attack occurred over the surfaces of all exposed low carbon steel with varying degree of severity. The most sever attack was observed in coupons exposed to inhibited 28 wt% HCl acid in the presence of Cl− and Br− ions. In contrast, the corrosion attack in the case of coupons exposed to inhibited HCl acid in presence and absence of iodide ions is less severe.
Molecular Detection, Quantification, and Toxigenicity Profiling of Aeromonas spp. in Source- and Drinking-Water
Authors: Robertson Boakai K , Harden Carol , Selvaraju Suresh B , Pradhan Suman , Yadav Jagjit S
Published: June 2014

Aeromonasis ubiquitous in aquatic environments and has been associated with a number of extra-gastrointestinal and gastrointestinal illnesses. This warrants monitoring of raw and processed water sources for pathogenic and toxigenic species of this human pathogen. In this study, a total of 17 different water samples [9 raw and 8 treated samples including 4 basin water (partial sand filtration) and 4 finished water samples] were screened forAeromonasusing selective culturing and a genus-specific real-time quantitative PCR assay. The selective culturing yieldedAeromonascounts ranging 0 – 2 x 103CFU/ml and 15Aeromonasisolates from both raw and treated water samples. The qPCR analysis indicated presence of a considerable nonculturable population (3.4 x 101– 2.4 x 104cells/ml) ofAeromonasin drinking water samples. Virulence potential of theAeromonasisolates was assessed by multiplex/singleplex PCR-based profiling of the hemolysin and enterotoxin genesvizcytotoxic heat-labile enterotoxin (act), heat-labile cytotonic enterotoxin (alt), heat-stable cytotonic enterotoxin (ast), and aerolysin (aerA) genes. The water isolates yielded five distinct toxigenicity profiles, viz.act,alt,act+alt, aerA+alt, andaerA+alt+act. Thealtgene showed the highest frequency of occurrence (40%), followed by theaerA (20%),act(13%), andast(0%) genes. Taken together, the study demonstrated the occurrence of a considerable population of nonculturable Aeromonads in water and prevalence of toxigenicAeromonasspp. potentially pathogenic to humans. This emphasizes the importance of routine monitoring of both source and drinking water for this human pathogen and role of the developed molecular approaches in improving theAeromonasmonitoring scheme for water.
Highly Deviated Asymmetric Division in Very Low Proportion of Mycobacterial Mid-log Phase Cells
Authors: Vijay Srinivasan , Mukkayyan Nagaraja , Ajitkumar Parthasarathi
Published: June 2014

In this study, we show that about 20% of the septatingMycobacterium smegmatisandMycobacterium xenopicells in the exponential phase populationdivideasymmetrically, with an unusually high deviation (17 ± 4%) in the division site from the median, to generate short cells and long cells, thereby generating population heterogeneity. This mode of division is very different from the symmetric division of themajority (about 80%) of the septating cells in theMycobacterium smegmatis,Mycobacterium marinum, andMycobacterium bovisBCG exponential phase population, with 5-10% deviation in the division site from the mid-cell site, as reported by recent studies. The short cells and the long cells further grew and divided to generate a population. We speculate that the generation of the short cells and the long cells through the highly deviated asymmetric divisionin the low proportions of mycobacterial population may have a role in stress tolerance.
THE LATENT CAUSES OF REWORK IN FLOATING PRODUCTION STORAGE AND OFFLOADING PROJECTS
Authors: Love Peter E. D. , Edwards David John , Irani Zahir , Forcada Nuria
Published: June 2014

There is growing demand for cost effective and reliable floating production systems to maximize marginal and new deepwater fields worldwide. Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels are considered to be the most economical and viable options to meet this demand. Yet, FPSO projects are prone to significant cost and schedule growth. On average, FPSOs have been reported to experience a 20% cost growth and are delayed by six months. Overruns and delays represent uncertainties for owners, contractors and financial institutions. In-depth interviews with twenty-three practitioners about their experiences with FPSO projects revealed that rework arising from design and construction errors were major contributors to cost and schedule growth. Key latent conditions contributing to rework are classified according to people, organization and project. Using retrospective sensemaking an examination of the determinant histories in a new build and conversion FPSO that experienced rework was undertaken. The sharing of experience(s) is deemed pivotal for reducing rework in future projects, particularly through the use of communities of practice that are able to stimulate situated learning to take place. A reduction in rework will not only reduce cost and schedule growth, improve operational performance and augment safety.
SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE FOR CONSTITUTIVE ANALYSIS OF SFRC
Authors: Meskenas Adas , Gribniak Viktor , Kaklauskas Gintaris , Arnautov Aleksandr K. , Rimkus Arvydas
Published: June 2014

Steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) has become widespread material in areas such as underground shotcrete structures and industrial floors. However, due to the absence of material models of SFRC reliable for numerical analysis, application fields of this material are still limited. Due to interaction of concrete with fibres, a cracked section is able to carry a significant portion of tensile stresses, called the residual stresses. In present practices, residual stresses used for strength, deflection and crack width analysis are quantified by means of standard tests. However, interpretation of these test results is based on approximation using empirically deduced relationships, adequacy of which might be insufficient for an advanced numerical analysis. Based on general principles of material mechanics, this paper proposes a methodology for determination of residual stress-crack opening relationships using experimental data of three-point bending tests. To verify the constitutive analysis results, a numerical modelling is utilised employing a nonlinear finite element analysis program ATENA. Simulated load-crack width relationships and moment-curvature diagrams were compared with the experimental data by validating adequacy of the derived constitutive models.
SOME HESITANT FUZZY GEOMETRIC OPERATORS AND THEIR APPLICATION TO MULTIPLE ATTRIBUTE GROUP DECISION MAKING
Authors: Wang Weize , Liu Xinwang
Published: June 2014

Hesitant fuzzy set (HFS), a generalization of fuzzy set (FS), permits the membership degree of an element of a set to be represented as several possible values between 0 and 1. In this paper, motivated by the extension principle of HFs, we export Einstein operations on FSs to HFs, and develop some new aggregation operators, such as the hesitant fuzzy Einstein weighted geometric operator, hesitant fuzzy Einstein ordered weighted geometric operator, and hesitant fuzzy Einstein hybrid weighted geometric operator, for aggregating hesitant fuzzy elements. In addition, we discuss the correlations between the proposed aggregation operators and the existing ones respectively. Finally, we apply the hesitant fuzzy Einstein weighted geometric operator to multiple attribute group decision making with hesitant fuzzy information. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate the proposed aggregation operators.
Pain in rheumatic diseases: how relevant is it?
Authors: Sarzi-Puttini P. , Atzeni F. , Salaffi F.
Published: June 2014

Pain, a complex phenomenon influenced by a series of genetic, biological, psychological and social factors, is a major component of many rheumatological conditions and the result of physiological interactions between central and peripheral nervous system signalling. It may be acute or chronic (generally defined as lasting ≥ three months): acute pain is often primarily attributable to inflammation and/or damage to peripheral structures (i.e. nociceptive input), whereas chronic pain is more likely to be due to input from the central nervous system (CNS). The many different aspects of pain mean that rheumatologists and other clinicians need to have enough expertise to diagnose the type of pain correctly and treat it appropriately. However, most rheumatologists receive little formal training concerning contemporary theories of pain processing or management, and this may affect the clinical results of any specific target therapy.
Pain in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Giacomelli C. , Talarico R. , Baldini C. , Bazzichi L.
Published: June 2014

Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the salivary and lacrimal glands, but it can also have extra-glandular manifestations. Although pain has not yet been fully studied and characterized, it is a symptom that can be often found in patients with SjS, who mainly complain of neuropathic pain, followed by nociceptive pain. The latter when combined with widespread dysfunctional symptoms is defined fibromyalgia. The aim of this work is to analyze the scientific literature on the presence of pain in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome.
RETRACTED - Pain in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Stisi S. , Sarzi-Puttini P. , Benucci M. , Biasi G. , Bellissimo S. , Talotta R. , Atzeni F.
Published: June 2014

This paper must be considered as retracted due to a plagiarism misconduct.See the Retraction note at: https://doi.org/10.4081/reumatismo.2018.1171
The sources of pain in osteoarthritis: a pathophysiological review
Authors: Salaffi F. , Ciapetti A. , Carotti M.
Published: June 2014

The pain of osteoarthritis (OA) has multifaceted etiologies within and outside the joint. It is believed to be driven by both nociceptive and neuropathic mechanisms, as well as abnormal excitability in the pain pathways of the peripheral and central nervous system. Inflammation in the joint triggers a cascade of events that leads to peripheral sensitization, increased sensitivity of nociceptive primary afferent neurons, and hyperexcitability of the nociceptive neurons in the central nervous system. Pain receptors have been found in the synovium, ligaments, capsule, subchondral bone and surrounding tissues, with the exception of articular cartilage. The bone-related causes of pain in OA include subchondral microfractures, bone stretching with elevation of the periosteum due to osteophyte growth, bone remodeling and repair, bone marrow lesions, and bone angina caused by decreased blood flow and increased intra-osseous pressure. Central factors alter pain processing by setting the gain in such a way that, when a peripheral input is present, it is processed against a background of central factors that can enhance or diminish the experience of pain. As a complex phenomenon with a strong subjective component, pain can also be influenced by the nature of the underlying disease, personal predisposition (biological and psychological), and environmental and psychosocial factors. This review examines the current literature regarding the sources and mechanisms of pain in OA.
Pain in fibromyalgia and related conditions
Authors: Cassisi G. , Sarzi-Puttini P. , Casale R. , Cazzola M. , Boccassini L. , Atzeni F. , Stisi S.
Published: June 2014

Pain is the hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia (FM) and other related syndromes, but quite different from that of other rheumatic diseases, which depends on the degree of damage or inflammation in peripheral tissues. Sufferers are often defined as patients with chronic pain without an underlying mechanistic cause, and these syndromes and their symptoms are most appropriately described as “central pain”, “neuropathic pain”, “nonnociceptive pain” or “central sensitivity syndromes”. The pain is particular, regional or widespread, and mainly relates to the musculoskeletal system; hyperalgesia or allodynia are typical. Its origin is currently considered to be distorted pain or sensory processing, rather than a local or regional abnormality. FM is probably the most important and extensively described central pain syndrome, but the characteristics and features of FM-related pain are similar in other disorders of particular interest for rheumatologists, such as myofascial pain syndromes and temporo-mandibular joint disorders, and there is also an intriguing overlap between FM and benign joint hypermobility syndrome. This suggests that the distinctive aspects of pain in these idiopathic or functional conditions is caused by central nervous system hypersensitivity and abnormalities. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies have been suggested for the treatment of these conditions, but a multidisciplinary approach is required in order to reduce the abnormal cycle of pain amplification and the related maladaptive and self-limiting behaviours.
Costs of pain in Rheumatology
Authors: Marsico A. , Atzeni F. , Piroddi A. , Cazzola M. , Stisi S. , Sarzi-Puttini P.
Published: June 2014

Chronic pain has been identified as an important issue related to various rheumatic diseases. At the time of a major government spending review, it is appropriate to discuss the pain characterising rheumatic diseases and its related costs. It is clearly essential for healthcare authorities to rationalise their policies on the basis of the increasing expectations of the users of healthcare services while simultaneously balancing their books. There are few published studies concerning the costs of pain of any kind, and the same is true of the costs of the chronic pain associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.
AUTOMATED HEMATOLOGY ANALYZERS IN DIAGNOSIS OF PLASMODIUM VIVAX MALARIA: AN ADJUNCT TO CONVENTIONAL MICROSCOPY.
Authors: Hasaf Kolakkadan Mubeen , Devadoss Wilfred Clement , Aarathi Rau Rangan , Gitanjali Monnappa , Prasanna Shetty , Sunitha VP
Published: June 2014

Malaria is one of the most pervasive parasitic diseases ever known to mankind affecting nearly 300 million people every year. The need for rapid diagnosis of malaria in tropical and subtropical malaria endemic areas is on the rise. In this study we evaluated the usefulness of hematology autoanalyzers, Sysmex XE-2100 & XT-2000i in the presumptive diagnosis of malaria. Our study shows that abnormalities in WBC/BASO scattergram when combined with presence of thrombocytopenia had a high sensitivity and positive predictive value in the presumptive diagnosis of malaria.
Acute Cytomegalovirus infection as a cause of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Lissandrin Raffaella , Mojoli Francesco , Baldanti Fausto , Brunetti Enrico , Pascarella Michela , Giordani Maria Teresa , Rinaldi Francesca
Published: June 2014

Acute Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Infection  is an unusual cause of venous thromboembolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. Thrombus formation can occur at the onset of the disease or later during recovery and may also occur in the absence of acute HCMV hepatitis. It is likely due to both vascular endothelium damage caused by HCMV and impairment of the clotting balance caused by the virus itself. Here we report on two immunocompetent women with splanchnic thrombosis that occurred during the course of acute HCMV infection. Although the prevalence of venous thrombosis in patients with acute HCMV infection is unknown, physicians should be aware of its occurrence, particularly in immune-competent patients presenting with fever and unexplained abdominal pain referred to the splanchnic region.
African Primary Care Research: Performing a programme evaluation
Authors: Dudley Lilian
Published: June 2014

This article is part of a series on Primary Care Research in the African context and focuses on programme evaluation. Different types of programme evaluation are outlined: developmental, process, outcome and impact. Eight steps to follow in designing your programme evaluation are then described in some detail: engage stakeholders; establish what is known; describe the programme; define the evaluation and select a study design; define the indicators; planand manage data collection and analysis; make judgements and recommendations; and disseminate the findings. Other articles in the series cover related topics such as writing your research proposal, performing a literature review, conducting surveys with questionnaires, qualitative interviewing and approaches to quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
They CAN and They SHOULD: Undergraduates Providing Peer Reference and Instruction
Authors: Bodemer Brett B.
Published: June 2014

Peer learning dynamics have proven powerful in collegiate contexts. These dynamics should be leveraged at the undergraduate level in academic libraries for reference provision and basic information literacy instruction. Drawing on the literature of peer learning, documented examples of peer reference and instruction in academic libraries, and preliminary evidence from current practice at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, this article provides support from the pedagogical standpoint that undergraduates not only can provide peer reference and instruction, but should. The relevance to other institutions and additional assessment methods for establishing the efficacy of peer instruction are also discussed.
A Library Credit Course and Student Success Rates: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Cook Jean Marie
Published: June 2014

The University of West Georgia’s Ingram Library has offered a fifteen-week two-hour credit course since 1998. In a longitudinal study covering twelve years, the library analyzed the progression and graduation rates of more than fifteen thousand students. Students who took the class during their undergraduate career were found to graduate at much higher rates than students who never took the class. The library examined students’ high school GPAs and aptitude test scores but were unable to account for the increase through any difference in precollegiate achievement.
“Fiction or death”: Novels of the Children of the Detained-disappeared as Vehicles for Mourning
Authors: Nuckols Anthony
Published: June 2014

Resumen:El presente artículo propone una lectura de las novelas escritas por los hijos de detenidos-desaparecidos argentinos como instrumentos de duelo. A través de la ficción como testimonio, el lector deviene testigo de la vivencia de la catástrofe del narrador, lo que resulta en un acto de rememoración central en el duelo hecho a través de la literatura. Las novelas que analizamos aquí, Los topos de Félix Bruzzone y Diario de una princesa montonera de Mariana Eva Perez, constituyen un cruce de caminos de testimonios: el testimonio heredado de los padres desaparecidos, el testimonio de crecer como hijos de desaparecidos, y el testimonio creado en el lector a través del acto de la lectura.Palabras claves: duelo, ficción, testimonio,rememoración, desaparecidos.Abstract: The present article proposes an understanding of the novels written by children of the Argentinean detained-disappeared as instruments for mourning. Through fiction as testimony, the reader bears witness to the narrator’s living within the catastrophe of the detained-disappeared, resulting in an act of remembrance that is at the very center of the work of mourning through literature. The novels that we analyze here, Los topos by Félix Bruzzone and Diario de una princesa montonera by Mariana Eva Perez, constitute a crossroads of testimony: the inherited testimony of the disappeared parents, the testimony of growing up as children of the disappeared, and the reader’s testimony created in the act of reading.Key Words: mourning, fiction, testimony,remembrance, disappeared.
Configuraciones discursivas de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo: enunciación y mecanismos retóricos en 'Botín de guerra'
Authors: Quintana María Marta
Published: June 2014

Resumen: En el presente artículo se busca analizar de qué manera el primer texto institucional de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, Botín de guerra (1985), configura una trama de sentido, una puesta en orden de los acontecimientos, frente al vacío y a la dislocación ontológica generada por la desaparición de niños/as –y de adultos- durante la última dictadura militar argentina (1976-1983), a la par que constituye, performativamente, una irrupción en la escena pública de la Asociación. A tal efecto, abordando el corpus como un dispositivo genérico, retórico y enunciativo, se profundiza, desde diferentes entradas analíticas, cómo –en la propia situación discursiva- se produce una progresiva rearticulación simbólica en términos de conocimiento y agencia política. Palabras clave: Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo; Botín de guerra;  desaparición;  dislocación; configuraciones discursivas. Abstract: This article analyzes how the first institutional text of Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, Botín de guerra (Spoils of War) (1985), configures a frame of meaning, an ordering of events –of both the kidnappings and the searches– in the face of the vacuum and the ontological dislocation created by the disappearance of children during Argentina’s last military dictatorship (1976-1983). And at the same time, the text constitutes a perfomative emergence of the Association in the public scene. The study approaches the corpus as a generic, rhetorical and enunciative dispositif, and from different analytical standpoints, looks more deeply into the development of a progressive symbolic re-articulation –in the discursive situation itself– in terms of knowledge and political agency. Key Words: Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo; Spoils of War; disappearance; dislocation; discursive configuration.
Literatura y música, vanguardia y revolución. 'Libro de Manuel' de Julio Cortázar
Authors: Rosa Ferrero Sergio
Published: June 2014

Resumen: En este trabajo se pretende estudiar cómo en Libro de Manuel (1973), de Julio Cortázar, lo literario se interrelaciona con lo musical. Para ello, se analizan las metáforas que se construyen en el texto tomando como referente la música de vanguardia, en especial la obra de los músicos Karlheinz Stockhausen y Terry Riley, así como los mecanismos formales que reflejan esta interrelación. Ambos aspectos intentan dar una explicación de cómo un texto de vanguardia puede responder a las problemáticas sobre el arte y la revolución que se daban en Latinoamérica entre la década de los 60 y los 70.Abstract: This paper aims to study how in Libro de Manuel (1973) by Julio Cortázar, literature interacts with music. To do this, we analyze the metaphors constructed in the text, taking as reference contemporary music, especially the work of musicians like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Terry Riley as well as formal mechanisms reflect this interrelationship. Both aspects try to explain how a modernist text can respond to issues about art and revolution that occurred in Latin America in the 60s and 70s.
Presentación del bloque monográfico
Authors: Souto Luz Celestina
Published: June 2014

Representaciones culturales de la apropiación de  menores en el régimen franquista y en la dictadura argentina.
Mycoplasma
Authors: Balish Mitchell F. , Chopra‐Dewasthaly Rohini , Pereyre Sabine , Ramírez Ana S. , Viver Tomeu , Spergser Joachim
Published: July 2024

My.co.plas'ma. Gr. masc. n.
mykês
, mushroom or other fungus; Gr. neut. n.
plasma
, anything formed or molded, image, figure; N.L. neut. n.
Mycoplasma
, fungus form.

Bacillota_I / Bacilli_A / Mycoplasmatales / Mycoplasmataceae / Mycoplasma

Bacteria in the genus
Mycoplasma
are small (300–800 nm in diameter) pleomorphic cells devoid of a cell wall. Culturable species usually form very small (<1 mm) umbonate colonies on agar. Their use of the codon UGA to encode tryptophan is a distinctive characteristic of all species examined to date. As a consequence of their small (usually 0.5–1.5 Mb) genomes they have limited intermediary metabolism and are nutritionally fastidious, requiring exogenous carbohydrates or arginine, fatty acids, cholesterol or other sterols, peptides, cofactors, and free nucleic acids for axenic growth. In nature, all species are obligate commensals or parasites with varying degrees of specificity for a wide range of vertebrate hosts. The type species
Mycoplasma mycoides
subsp.
mycoides
and
Mycoplasma capricolum
subsp.
capripneumoniae
are highly virulent animal pathogens subject to strict international regulations, but the genus is perhaps better known for
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
, the agent of primary atypical “walking” pneumonia in humans. The relative biological simplicity of mycoplasmas confers significant advantages for current proteomics, metabolomics, synthetic genomics, and systems biology research. For example, the recent chemical synthesis and transplantation of intact chromosomes demonstrated that it is possible to enliven a mycoplasma fully capable of autonomous replication with an artificially constructed genome.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 23–40.

Type species
:
Mycoplasma mycoides
Freundt 1955
AL
(basonym:
Asterococcus mycoides
Borrel et al. 1910.
An Untethered Heart Rhythm Monitoring System with Automated AI‐Based Arrhythmia Detection for Closed‐Loop Experimental Application
Authors: Deng Shanliang , den Ouden Bram L , De Coster Tim , Bart Cindy I , Bax Wilhelmina H , Poelma René H , de Vries Antoine AF , Zhang Guo Qi , Portero Vincent , Pijnappels Daniël A
Published: July 2024

The heart produces bioelectrical signals, which can be measured as an electrocardiogram (ECG) for the detection of rhythm disturbances. Rapid and precise detection of these arrhythmias is crucial for their termination by closed‐looped therapeutic interventions to counteract detrimental effects. However, there is a current lack of such systems tailored for experimental cardiovascular applications. This hampers not only in‐depth mechanistic studies but also translational testing of new therapeutic strategies, especially in an untethered manner in awake animal models. To break new ground, recent advances to develop a non‐invasive AI‐supported heart rhythm monitoring system for untethered automated arrhythmia detection in a continuous manner is combined. This system is housed in a lightweight jacket for mobile use and includes an on‐skin ECG sensor, a low‐power microprocessor unit, a massive data storage unit, and a power‐management system. By implementing a novel hybrid algorithm based on so‐called heart rate (R‐R) variability and a case‐specific AI model, 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity is achieved in detecting atrial arrhythmias within 2 s upon initiation in adult rats. Thereby, the novel system sets the stage for advanced mechanistic studies and therapeutic testing, including closed‐loop applications aiming for the termination of a broad range of atrial arrhythmias.
Uncovering the Elusive Structures and Mechanisms of Prevalent Antidepressants
Authors: Lin Jieye , Bu Guanhong , Unge Johan , Gonen Tamir
Published: July 2024

Most treatments to alleviate major depression work by either inhibiting human monoamine transporters, vital for the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters, or by inhibiting monoamine oxidases, which are vital for their degradation. The analysis of the experimental 3D structures of those antidepressants in their drug formulation state is key to precision drug design and development. In this study, microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) is applied to reveal the atomic 3D structures for the first time of five of the most prevalent antidepressants (reboxetine, pipofezine, ansofaxine, phenelzine, and bifemelane) directly from the commercially available powder of the active ingredients. Their modes of binding are investigated by molecular docking, revealing the essential contacts and conformational changes into the biologically active state. This study underscores the combined use of MicroED and molecular docking to uncover elusive drug structures and mechanisms to aid in further drug development pipelines.
Extracellular Matrix Sulfation in the Tumor Microenvironment Stimulates Cancer Stemness and Invasiveness
Authors: Kuşoğlu Alican , Örnek Deniz , Dansık Aslı , Uzun Ceren , Nur Özkan Sena , Sarıca Sevgi , Yangın Kardelen , Özdinç Şevval , Sorhun Duygu Turan , Solcan Nuriye , Doğanalp Efe Can , Arlov Øystein , Cunningham Katherine , Karaoğlu Ismail C. , Kizilel Seda , Solaroğlu Ihsan , Bulutay Pınar , Fırat Pınar , Erus Suat , Tanju Serhan , Dilege Şükrü , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana , Tuncbag Nurcan , Öztürk Ece
Published: July 2024

Tumor extracellular matrices (ECM) exhibit aberrant changes in composition and mechanics compared to normal tissues. Proteoglycans (PG) are vital regulators of cellular signaling in the ECM with the ability to modulate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation via their sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) side chains. However, their role on tumor cell behavior is controversial. Here, it is demonstrated that PGs are heavily expressed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients in correlation with invasive phenotype and poor prognosis. A bioengineered human lung tumor model that recapitulates the increase of sGAGs in tumors in an organotypic matrix with independent control of stiffness, viscoelasticity, ligand density, and porosity, is developed. This model reveals that increased sulfation stimulates extensive proliferation, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness in cancer cells. The focal adhesion kinase (FAK)‐phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) signaling axis is identified as a mediator of sulfation‐induced molecular changes in cells upon activation of a distinct set of RTKs within tumor‐mimetic hydrogels. The study shows that the transcriptomic landscape of tumor cells in response to increased sulfation resembles native PG‐rich patient tumors by employing integrative omics and network modeling approaches.
Programmable Carbon Nanotube Networks: Controlling Optical Properties Through Orientation and Interaction
Authors: Voronin Kirill V. , Ermolaev Georgy A. , Burdanova Maria G. , Slavich Aleksandr S. , Toksumakov Adilet N. , Yakubovsky Dmitry I. , Paukov Maksim I. , Xie Ying , Qian Liu , Kopylova Daria S. , Krasnikov Dmitry V. , Ghazaryan Davit A. , Baranov Denis G. , Chernov Alexander I. , Nasibulin Albert G. , Zhang Jin , Arsenin Aleksey V. , Volkov Valentyn
Published: July 2024

The lattice geometry of natural materials and the structural geometry of artificial materials are crucial factors determining their physical properties. Most materials have predetermined geometries that lead to fixed physical characteristics. Here, the demonstration of a carbon nanotube network serves as an example of a system with controllable orientation achieving on‐demand optical properties. Such a network allows programming their optical response depending on the orientation of the constituent carbon nanotubes and leads to the switching of its dielectric tensor from isotropic to anisotropic. Furthermore, it also allows for the achievement of wavelength‐dispersion for their principal optical axes – a recently discovered phenomenon in van der Waals triclinic crystals. The results originate from two unique carbon nanotubes features: uniaxial anisotropy from the well‐defined cylindrical geometry and the intersection interaction among individual carbon nanotubes. The findings demonstrate that shaping the relative orientations of carbon nanotubes or other quasi‐one‐dimensional materials of cylindrical symmetry within a network paves the way to a universal method for the creation of systems with desired optical properties.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy and deep neural networks for early common root rot detection in wheat from multi‐season trials
Authors: Xiong Yiyi , McCarthy Cheryl , Humpal Jacob , Percy Cassandra
Published: July 2024

In Australia, the soil‐borne disease common root rot (Bipolaris sorokiniana) (CRR) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leads to substantial yield losses, yet has limited visible aboveground symptoms, making detection and identification labor intensive. Near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy offers an early potential identification solution for CRR in wheat and has previously been reported with success for crop disease detection. This study investigated the ability of nondestructive NIR spectroscopy in combination with deep neural networks (DNN), logistic regression (LR), and principal component analysis combined with support vector machines (PCA‐SVM) for early‐stage CRR detection in wheat. NIR spectra of five different wheat varieties with varying resistance to CRR were collected in two seasons of glasshouse and three seasons of field trials using a portable spectrometer. Results demonstrated that DNN outperformed LR and PCA‐SVM, achieving 66%–91% average classification accuracy in glasshouse trials and an average accuracy of 73% with up to 87% in field trials, effectively distinguishing inoculated and non‐inoculated wheat plants from seedling to anthesis stages. Validation with a third season of field data achieved an average of 77% accuracy for the most susceptible variety during the stem elongation stage. NIR reflectance within 1600–1700 nm was identified as most important for estimating CRR presence, with initial detection occurring 35 days after sowing (DAS) in the glasshouse and 46 DAS in the field. In conclusion, a NIR spectrometer with a DNN model successfully performed disease classification, with the potential as a portable early disease detection tool to assist farm management decisions.
Mono‐ and bis(steroids) containing a cyclooctane core: Synthesis, antiproliferative activity, and action on cell cytoskeleton microtubules
Authors: Ryzhikova Olga V. , Churkina Aleksandra S. , Sedenkova Kseniya N. , Savchenkova Daiana V. , Shakhov Anton S. , Lavrushkina Svetlana V. , Grishin Yuri K. , Zefirov Nikolay A. , Zefirova Olga N. , Gracheva Yulia A. , Milaeva Elena R. , Alieva Irina B. , Averina Elena B.
Published: July 2024

Steroid dimers of natural and synthetic origin possess an unusual and complex molecular architecture that may lead to the realization of peculiar effects in biological systems, in particular in different cancer cell lines. In the present work, diastereoselective ring‐opening of mono‐ and polyoxiranes, containing a cyclooctane core, by azide‐anion was performed to yield a series of azidoalcohols with different types of symmetry. The products were involved in copper‐catalyzed azyde‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction with ethinylestradiol and ethinyltestosterone, and the resulting steroids and steroid dimers with triazole linkers were screened for their antiproliferative activity via (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. All the compounds revealed cytotoxicity toward several cancer cell lines. The effect of the most potent compound, containing two estradiol moieties, on the microtubules (MT) dynamics was investigated by immunofluorescent microscopy. The disruption of the majority of interphase cell cytoplasmic MT and mitotic event disturbances in the presence of the studied compound were observed. The latter effect caused the appearance of numerous multinucleated cells.
Functionalization of a [2]Catenane with Donor‐Acceptor Chromophores Using a Metal Template and Click Reactions
Authors: Ghosh Priyanka , Ratha Radhakrishna , Shekhar Purohit Chandra
Published: July 2024

Synthesizing molecules with significant topological features, such as catenanes, tailored with specific groups to confer desired functionality, is essential for investigating various properties arising from the entanglement due to mechanical bonds. This investigation can pave the way for uncovering novel functional materials employing mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs). In this direction, we have synthesized a π‐donor (D) and π‐acceptor (A) functionalized [2]catenane using a non‐labile Co(III) metal ion as a template with pyridine‐diamide templating center and utilizing click reaction for ring‐closing. The donor group is a fluorene derivative, and the acceptor is a benzophenazine derivative, commonly employed in synthesizing conjugated polymers for various optoelectronic devices. Synthetically, the acceptor group was introduced into a macrocycle with a pyridine diamide unit. It was then threaded with a ligand having alkyne terminals to obtain the desired [2]pseudorotaxane utilizing cobalt ion as a template. Ring‐closing was then performed with a di‐azide functionalized molecule with the donor chromophore. The desired D−A functionalized [2]catenane was obtained after demetalation. All the starting materials, macrocycle, and entangled structures have been characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectroscopy. Some of these materials were also characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The photophysical properties are studied by UV‐visible and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Unveiling barriers to the integration of blockchain‐based circular economy and Industry 5.0 in manufacturing industries: A strategic prioritization approach
Authors: Kannan Devika , Amiri Alireza Shamekhi , Shaayesteh Mayssam Tarighi , Nasr Arash Khalili , Mina Hassan
Published: July 2024

Although Industry 4.0 plays the role of a catalyst in the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy (CE), some sustainability goals are neglected by prioritizing machines over humans. Industry 5.0 insists on combining technology with human values to achieve sustainable development goals. Therefore, the integration of CE and Industry 5.0 leads to sustainable synergy in various industries, especially in manufacturing industries. However, their integration is always associated with challenges and barriers. This study identifies a set of these barriers in the electric vehicle battery production industry from the financial, technical, supply chain, cultural, and regulatory and processes perspectives through a deep literature review. The fuzzy weighted influence non‐linear gauge system method is used to analyze the relationship between identified barriers and their prioritization. Finally, we leverage the knowledge of four experts from an electric vehicle battery manufacturing company in Southeast Asia to validate the proposed approach and to rank the barriers. The results demonstrate that immature technology providers are the biggest obstacle in the integration of blockchain‐based CE and Industry 5.0 in the electric vehicle battery manufacturing industry.
Interventional closure of an iatrogenic LAA‐perforation by means of a PFO‐occluder
Authors: Genske Florian , Marquetand Christoph , Schmidt Tobias , Stiermaier Thomas , Eitel Ingo
Published: July 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common rhythm disorder with a high risk for cardioembolic strokes. Interventional occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an alternative to the widely established stroke prevention with oral anticoagulation. Complications through LAA closure (LAAC) are rare and usually occur periinterventional. We present a case of an 87‐year‐old patient who presents for elective LAAC. After placement of the LAA occluder (Amplatzer Amulet device 25 mm) in the LAA and partial resheathing, the patient developed a pericardial effusion (PE), became hemodynamically unstable and went into cardiac arrest with the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). After drainage of the PE, we closed the causative LAA‐perforation using a persistent foramen ovale (PFO)‐occluder device (Amplatzer Talisman, 25 mm). Thereby we were able to successfully seal the perforation and stabilize the patient. The patient was monitored at our intensive care unit for 2 days and left the hospital in good condition a few days after. Procedural complications during interventional LAAC are rare but can be serious. The most common complication, PE, requires percutaneous drainage and often cardiac surgery. We present a case in which a perforation and following PE with hemodynamic relevance and need for CPR was resolved with an interventional strategy through implantation of a PFO‐occluder into the perforation. With this approach we were able to show that in the right setting even serious complications can be treated by interventional measures, thereby not only saving the patient's life, but also avoiding cardiac surgery.
Manual Microcatheter‐tip Modification: A bailout option for difficult “tip‐in” technique during chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Novotný Vojtěch , Ungureanu Claudiu , Král Aleš , Varvařovský Ivo
Published: July 2024

The retrograde approach in chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions often encounters significant challenges, particularly, when aligning the retrograde microcatheter (MC) with the antegrade system is difficult, complicating or even preventing standard externalization. To address these issues, techniques like the “tip‐in” have proven to be effective backup strategies. We introduce the “Manual Microcatheter‐tip Modification” (MMM) technique as an alternative when the “tip‐in” method faces complications. We present a case of a left anterior descending CTO where MMM was successfully employed for the first time, enabling successful revascularization by manually modifying the MC tip to engage the retrograde guidewire. We explore the technical details within the framework of contemporary CTO PCI. This new technique could enhance the management of CTO interventions, offering innovative solutions when traditional externalization methods are problematic.
Investigate the Role of Iron in Mixed Metal‐UiO‐66 and its Non‐Covalent Interaction with rGO for Improved Solar‐to‐Hydrogen Production
Authors: Shanmugam Mariyappan , Agamendran Nithish , Arulraj Roshini , Shenoy Sulakshana , Sadhukhan Tumpa , Neppolian Bernaurdshaw , Sekar Karthikeyan
Published: July 2024

The interesting physiochemical characteristics of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have made them attractive materials for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions. In this study, UiO‐66 was developed through the addition of iron to form nano sphere‐shaped mixed metal Zr, Fe‐UiO‐66 (UZF), and it was further composite with nanosheets of reduced graphene oxide (denoted as UZFG) for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production. The pristine UiO‐66 did not produce hydrogen but the addition of iron improves the charge separation, reduces the band gap. So, it produces the hydrogen at a rate of 41 μmol g−1 h−1. The π‐π interaction between the MOF and rGO enhanced the conductivity and reduced the electron (e−) and hole (h+) recombination. Thus, the enhanced activity obtained for UZFG is 61.6 μmol g−1 h−1. The formation of the mixed metal MOFs was confirmed by their crystallinity, Fe−O bond formation. It was proven by XRD and XAF. The π‐π interaction between the MOF and rGO was confirmed by RAMAN spectra and FT‐IR. This work offers a sustainable method for producing hydrogen fuel through photocatalysis through water splitting.
Silicon Phthalocyanines Functionalized with Axial Substituents Targeting PSMA: Synthesis and Preliminary Assessment of Their Potential for PhotoDynamic Therapy of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Capozza Martina , Digilio Giuseppe , Gagliardi Michela , Tei Lorenzo , Marchesi Stefano , Terreno Enzo , Stefania Rachele
Published: July 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinical modality based on the irradiation of different diseases, mostly tumours, with light following the selective uptake of a photosensitiser by the pathological tissue. In this study, two new silicon(IV)phtalocyanines (SiPcs) functionalized at both axial positions with a PSMA inhibitor are reported as candidate photosensitizers for PDT of prostate cancer, namely compounds SiPc‐PQ(PSMAi)2 and SiPc‐OSi(PSMAi)2. These compounds share the same PSMA‐binding motif, but differ in the linker that connects the inhibitor moiety to the Si(IV) atom: an alkoxy (Si−O−C) bond for SiPc‐PQ(PSMAi)2, and a silyloxy (Si−O−Si) bond for SiPc‐OSi(PSMAi)2. Both compounds were synthesized by a facile synthetic route and fully characterized by 2D NMR, mass spectrometry and absorption/fluorescence spectrophotometry. The PDT agents showed a suitable solubility in water, where they essentially exist in monomeric form. SiPc‐PQ(PSMAi)2 showed a higher singlet oxygen quantum yield ΦΔ, higher fluorescence quantum yields ΦF and better photostability than SiPc‐OSi(PSMAi)2. Both compounds were efficiently taken up by PSMA(+) PC3‐PIP cells, but not by PSMA(−) PC3‐FLU cells. However, SiPc‐PQ(PSMAi)2 showed a more specific photoinduced cytotoxicity in vitro, which is likely attributable to a better stability of its water solutions.
State‐of‐the‐Art Nrf2 Inhibitors: Therapeutic Opportunities in Non‐Cancer Diseases
Authors: Ayala‐Cosme Emil G. , Yang Deborah , Vences Kyara , Davis Lindsey O. , Borgini Matteo
Published: July 2024

Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) is a cytoprotective transcription factor that induces the transcription of genes responsible for the cell's response to oxidative stress. While Nrf2 activation has led to the development of clinically relevant therapeutics, the oncogenic role of Nrf2 in the proliferation of cancer cells has underscored the complex nature of Nrf2 and the necessity for the development of Nrf2 inhibitors. Although the application of Nrf2 inhibitors appears limited as anticancer agents, recent studies have begun to pinpoint the impairment of autophagy in diseases as a cellular marker that shifts Nrf2 from a protective to a deleterious state. Therefore, the cytoplasmic accumulation of Nrf2 can lead to the accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides and, ultimately, to ferroptosis. However, some studies aimed at elucidating the role of Nrf2 in non‐cancer diseases have yielded conflicting results, attributed to differences in approaches used to inhibit or activate Nrf2, as well as variations in in vitro and/or in vivo disease models. Overall, these results highlight the necessity for a deeper evaluation of Nrf2′s role in diseases, especially chronic diseases. In this review, we discuss diseases where Nrf2 inhibition holds potential for beneficial therapeutic effects and summarize recently reported Nrf2 inhibitors exploiting medicinal chemistry approaches suitable for targeting transcription factors like Nrf2.