bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronal and Transverse Malalignment in Pediatric Patellofemoral Instability
Authors: Palmer Robert C. , Podeszwa David A. , Wilson Philip L. , Ellis Henry B.
Published: July 2021

Patellofemoral instability (PFI) encompasses symptomatic patellar instability, patella subluxations, and frank dislocations. Previous studies have estimated the incidence of acute patellar dislocation at 43 per 100,000 children younger than age 16 years. The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) complex is a static soft tissue constraint that stabilizes the patellofemoral joint serving as a checkrein to prevent lateral displacement. The causes of PFI are multifactorial and not attributed solely to anatomic features within the knee joint proper. Specific anatomic features to consider include patella alta, increased tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance, genu valgum, external tibial torsion, femoral anteversion, and ligamentous laxity. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the evaluation of PFI in the pediatric and adolescent patient with a specific focus on the contributions of coronal and transverse plane deformities. Moreover, a framework will be provided for the incorporation of bony procedures to address these issues.
Influence of Lubrication and Cooling on the Quality of Single-Point Incremental Forming Parts of Polycarbonate Sheets
Authors: Beșliu-Băncescu Irina , Slătineanu Laurențiu , Dodun Oana , Nagîț Gheorghe
Published: July 2021

Without ensuring high productivity, single-point incremental forming allows obtaining cavities in sheet-type workpieces by rotating and moving a rotary forming tool along a predetermined path. The process can be used in the case of both metal and plastic sheets. The heat generated in the processing area is expected to cause different elongations and contractions, affecting the final dimensional accuracy of the surfaces obtained. A full factorial experiment with three independent variables at two levels was used to investigate the correlations between the values of some of the process input factors and the results of thermal processes developed at the contact between the rotating tool and the workpiece. Experimental research was performed in dry single-point incremental forming, using lubricants and, respectively, with the generation of a decrease in temperature by the use of coolants. Empirical mathematical models were determined, and they confirmed the influence of the values of considered input factors on the thermal processes developed at the contact between the tool and the workpiece material. Temperatures of up to 147 °C were recorded in the processing area of the plastic workpiece.
Asymmetry and Leverage with News Impact Curve Perspective in Australian Stock Returns’ Volatility during COVID-19
Authors: Iqbal Najam , Manzoor Muhammad Saqib , Bhatti Muhammad Ishaq
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the effect of COVID-19 on the volatility of Australian stock returns and the effect of negative and positive news (shocks) by investigating the asymmetric nature of the shocks and leverage impact on volatility. We employ a generalised autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model and extend the analysis using the exponential GARCH (EGARCH) model to capture asymmetry and allegedly leverage. We proxy the news related to the negative effect of COVID-19 on the Australian health system and its economy as bad news, and on the other hand, measures taken by government economic stimulus packages through their monetary and fiscal policies as good news. The S&P ASX200 (ASX-200) index is used as a proxy to the Australian stock market, and we use value-weighted returns of the stocks listed on ASX-200 for the period 27 January 2020 to 29 December 2020. The empirical results suggest the EGARCH model fits better in capturing asymmetry and leverage than the GARCH model in estimating the volatility of the Australian stock returns. However, another interesting finding is that the EGARCH model with volatility equation without news demonstrates a larger (smaller) leverage effect of the negative (positive) shocks on the conditional volatility compared to its variant with the news.
Publisher’s Note: Kidney and Dialysis—Merging Together What Should Be Merged!
Authors: Roth Peter
Published: July 2021

For many years, even decades, kidney and dialysis conferences brought me around the world, and I was continuously fascinated by the topic itself, the active community, and especially the people involved [...]
Making Rural Micro-Regeneration Strategies Based on Resident Perceptions and Preferences for Traditional Village Conservation and Development: The Case of Huangshan Village, China
Authors: Xi Xuesong , Xu Haiyun , Zhao Qiang , Zhao Guohan
Published: July 2021

Micro-regeneration is a gradual renewal strategy that uses small-scale interventions to improve the quality of the living environment and local community, as well as spur industrial development. It is the small-scale interventions that have continued to make micro-regeneration a viable economic rural renewal approach for traditional village conservation and development. As such, in this work we explore potential micro-regeneration strategies and promotions based on assessments of public perception and preferences in an “unlisted” traditional village in China (i.e., an area with limited investment for conservation compared to “listed”, renowned traditional villages). We aim to identify the most perceptible modes of village transformation and industrial development for rural micro-regeneration strategies in the Huangshan traditional village of China. We also tested how the social character of respondents significantly affected their preferences in this regard. The public participatory mapping results illustrated a spatially clustered pattern made up of small spaces and individual buildings demanding micro-regeneration interventions. The survey based on 150 residents living around these sites disclosed that a unified repair approach subsidized by government and traffic condition improvements are the most recognized modes of village transformation, and the tourism is the most perceived and preferred method for industrial development. Significant differences between public perceptions and preferences of both village transformation and industrial development were identified corresponding to gender and income demographics, while village transformation perceptions change is dependent on age. Therefore, our study demonstrates evidence-based recommendations for active and effective rural micro-regeneration practices.
Fascia Mobility, Proprioception, and Myofascial Pain
Authors: Langevin Helene M.
Published: July 2021

The network of fasciae is an important part of the musculoskeletal system that is often overlooked. Fascia mobility, especially along shear planes separating muscles, is critical for musculoskeletal function and may play an important, but little studied, role in proprioception. Fasciae, especially the deep epimysium and aponeuroses, have recently been recognized as highly innervated with small diameter fibers that can transmit nociceptive signals, especially in the presence of inflammation. Patients with connective tissue hyper- and hypo-mobility disorders suffer in large number from musculoskeletal pain, and many have abnormal proprioception. The relationships among fascia mobility, proprioception, and myofascial pain are largely unstudied, but a better understanding of these areas could result in improved care for many patients with musculoskeletal pain.
Ground Tire Rubber Filled Flexible Polyurethane Foam—Effect of Waste Rubber Treatment on Composite Performance
Authors: Kosmela Paulina , Olszewski Adam , Zedler Łukasz , Burger Paulina , Piasecki Adam , Formela Krzysztof , Hejna Aleksander
Published: July 2021

The application range of flexible polyurethane (PU) foams is comprehensive because of their versatility and flexibility in adjusting structure and performance. In addition to the investigations associated with further broadening of their potential properties, researchers are looking for new raw materials, beneficially originated from renewable resources or recycling. A great example of such a material is ground tire rubber (GTR)—the product of the material recycling of post-consumer car tires. To fully exploit the benefits of this material, it should be modified to enhance the interfacial interactions between PU and GTR. In the presented work, GTR particles were thermo-mechanically modified with the addition of fresh and waste rapeseed oil in the reactive extrusion process. The introduction of modified GTR particles into a flexible PU matrix caused a beneficial 17–28% decrease in average cell diameters. Such an effect caused an even 5% drop in thermal conductivity coefficient values, enhancing thermal insulation performance. The application of waste oil resulted in the superior mechanical performance of composites compared to the fresh one and thermo-mechanical modification without oils. The compressive and tensile performance of composites filled with waste oil-modified GTR was almost the same as for the unfilled foam. Moreover, the introduction of ground tire rubber particles enhanced the thermal stability of neat polyurethane foam.
Qualitative Analysis of Remineralization Capabilities of Bioactive Glass (NovaMin) and Fluoride on Hydroxyapatite (HA) Discs: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Hsu Shu-Min , Alsafadi Muhammad , Vasconez Christina , Fares Chaker , Craciun Valentin , O’Neill Edgar , Ren Fan , Clark Arthur , Esquivel-Upshaw Josephine
Published: July 2021

Tooth decay is a prevalent disease that initiates when the oral pH becomes acidic. Fluoride and/or bioactive glass (NovaMin) were used to regenerate/repair teeth that had been decalcified. In this present study, we investigated the effect of fluoride and/or bioactive glass (NovaMin) on remineralization of hydroxyapatite (HA) discs, which mimic the enamel surface of natural teeth. HA discs were etched with phosphoric acid and treated with one of the following toothpastes: (1) Sensodyne toothpaste with fluoride; (2) Sensodyne toothpaste with fluoride and bioactive glass (NovaMin); (3) Tom’s toothpaste without fluoride or bioactive glass (NovaMin); and (4) Tom’s toothpaste with bioactive glass (NovaMin). The toothpastes were applied on the etched discs for two minutes, once a day for 15 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze surface morphologies and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze surface compositions. Tom’s toothpaste with only NovaMin demonstrated the most remineralization potential compared with the other groups. In conclusion, incorporating bioactive glass (NovaMin) into toothpastes could benefit the repair and remineralization of teeth.
Wear Resistance of the Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite with the Addition of Quartz Filler
Authors: Zurowski Wojciech , Zepchło Jarosław , Krzyzak Aneta , Gevorkyan Edwin , Rucki Mirosław , Siek Elżbieta , Białkowska Anita
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the results of investigations on the glass fiber reinforced composite for the floor panels with quartz powder additions of different percentages in terms of wear resistance, friction coefficient, hardness, and strength. The wear resistance was assessed using the specific wear work parameter determined by the novel tribotester with friction band. It was found that an increase in quartz powder addition to the tested polymer composite does not enhance its mechanical increasingly properties. From the wear tests it can be concluded that only the composite with four layers of glass fibers and 6 wt.% of the quartz powder exhibited improvement of the wear resistance, but its shear strength was lower than that of the two layer specimens with similar powder proportions. On the other hand, the highest friction coefficient’s, which is microhardness HV05, shear strength and impact strength were attained for the composite with two layers of glass fibers and 3 wt.% of the quartz powder. Among four layer samples, very close results were obtained for the samples with 10% of powder and insignificantly lower strength were observed for the samples with no powder added. The results revealed that there is no clear trend for the effect of silica filler percentage on the composite performance, which indicates the need for individual purpose-dependent decision making in the design of the glass fiber reinforced composites with quartz powder filler.
Testing a Recent DEMATEL-Based Proposal to Simplify the Use of ANP
Authors: Schulze-González Erik , Pastor-Ferrando Juan-Pascual , Aragonés-Beltrán Pablo
Published: July 2021

The Analytic Network Process (ANP) is a well-known multi-criteria decision method that allows the relationships between its elements to be incorporated into the model. The large number of questions to be answered is one of the main drawbacks of the method, since it is time consuming for decision makers and experts who participate in the decision process. A recent DEMATEL-based ANP proposal can significantly reduce the number and the complexity of questions. This proposal was simply exposed and lacked an experimental test with real cases. The fundamental objective of this work is to answer the question: Does it work? In this work, this new proposal is applied to 45 ANP cases published in the literature. Variants to the verified proposal have also been identified. The results obtained show that the values of the priorities and the ranks obtained with this new proposal are very similar to the results obtained with the ANP, reducing the number of questions required by 42% on average. Additionally, in this work you can find the compilation of the 45 ANP weighted supermatrices to use in your investigations.
Nanofluid Flow on a Shrinking Cylinder with Al2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Waini Iskandar , Ishak Anuar , Pop Ioan
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the nanofluid flow towards a shrinking cylinder consisting of Al2O3 nanoparticles. Here, the flow is subjected to prescribed surface heat flux. The similarity variables are employed to gain the similarity equations. These equations are solved via the bvp4c solver. From the findings, a unique solution is found for the shrinking strength λ≥−1. Meanwhile, the dual solutions are observed when λc<λ<−1. Furthermore, the friction factor Rex1/2Cf and the heat transfer rate Rex−1/2Nux increase with the rise of Al2O3 nanoparticles φ and the curvature parameter γ. Quantitatively, the rates of heat transfer Rex−1/2Nux increase up to 3.87% when φ increases from 0 to 0.04, and 6.69% when γ increases from 0.05 to 0.2. Besides, the profiles of the temperature θ(η) and the velocity f’(η) on the first solution incline for larger γ, but their second solutions decline. Moreover, it is noticed that the streamlines are separated into two regions. Finally, it is found that the first solution is stable over time.
Forecasting the Volatility of the Cryptocurrency Market by GARCH and Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Kim Jong-Min , Jun Chulhee , Lee Junyoup
Published: July 2021

This study examines the volatility of nine leading cryptocurrencies by market capitalization—Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Stellar, Litecoin, TRON, Cardano, and IOTA-by using a Bayesian Stochastic Volatility (SV) model and several GARCH models. We find that when we deal with extremely volatile financial data, such as cryptocurrencies, the SV model performs better than the GARCH family models. Moreover, the forecasting errors of the SV model, compared with the GARCH models, tend to be more accurate as forecast time horizons are longer. This deepens our insight into volatility forecast models in the complex market of cryptocurrencies.
Multiple Ordinal Correlation Based on Kendall’s Tau Measure: A Proposal
Authors: Muñoz-Pichardo Juan M. , Lozano-Aguilera Emilio D. , Pascual-Acosta Antonio , Muñoz-Reyes Ana M.
Published: July 2021

The joint analysis of various ordinal variables is necessary in many experimental studies within research fields such as sociology and psychology. Therefore, the necessary measures of multiple ordinal dependence must be easy to interpret and facilitate the interpretation of multivariate models that fit ordinal data. The main objective of this article is to propose a multiple ordinal correlation measure based on a bivariate correlation measure: Kendall’s tau. A sample version of the measure is proposed for its estimation. Furthermore, a confidence interval and a multiple ordinal independence test are proposed. The measure is applied to various simulations, covering a wide range of multiple ordinal dependency scenarios, in order to illustrate the adequacy of the measure and the proposed inferential techniques. Finally, the measure is applied to a real-world study based on a social survey of the levels of life satisfaction and the happiness index of a population.
Why Use Ultrashort Pulses in Ophthalmology and Which Factors Affect Cut Quality
Authors: Pajic Bojan , Pajic-Eggspuehler Brigitte , Rathjen Christian , Resan Mirko , Cvejic Zeljka
Published: July 2021

The power density of femtosecond lasers and exposure time to the tissue are crucial for a successful procedure in terms of safety and precision. The reduction of the pulse duration allows reducing the quantity of the energy to be delivered to the tissue for disruption with strongly diminished mechanical and thermal collateral damage. The cutting effect of ultra-short pulses is very precise, minimally traumatic, safe, and predictable. Future developments will lead to further energy reductions to achieve optical breakdowns. However, the pulse length cannot be shortened arbitrarily because below 100 fs nonlinear effects can change the process in an unfavorable way. Compared to manual-conventional cataract surgery, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) shows many advantages in clinical application, especially with regard to precision and tissue protection. The femtosecond laser has become particularly important and has made the overall procedure safer when we deal with complex cataract cases such as subluxated lenses. We provide an overview of the evolution of femtosecond laser technology for use in refractive and cataract surgeries. This article describes the advantages of available laser platforms with ultrashort pulses and mainly focuses on the technical and physical backgrounds of ophthalmic surgery technologies.
Metabolomics-Guided Elucidation of Plant Abiotic Stress Responses in the 4IR Era: An Overview
Authors: Tinte Morena M. , Chele Kekeletso H. , van der Hooft Justin J. J. , Tugizimana Fidele
Published: July 2021

Plants are constantly challenged by changing environmental conditions that include abiotic stresses. These are limiting their development and productivity and are subsequently threatening our food security, especially when considering the pressure of the increasing global population. Thus, there is an urgent need for the next generation of crops with high productivity and resilience to climate change. The dawn of a new era characterized by the emergence of fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies has redefined the ideological boundaries of research and applications in plant sciences. Recent technological advances and machine learning (ML)-based computational tools and omics data analysis approaches are allowing scientists to derive comprehensive metabolic descriptions and models for the target plant species under specific conditions. Such accurate metabolic descriptions are imperatively essential for devising a roadmap for the next generation of crops that are resilient to environmental deterioration. By synthesizing the recent literature and collating data on metabolomics studies on plant responses to abiotic stresses, in the context of the 4IR era, we point out the opportunities and challenges offered by omics science, analytical intelligence, computational tools and big data analytics. Specifically, we highlight technological advancements in (plant) metabolomics workflows and the use of machine learning and computational tools to decipher the dynamics in the chemical space that define plant responses to abiotic stress conditions.
Hypoxia Performance Curve: Assess a Whole-Organism Metabolic Shift from a Maximum Aerobic Capacity towards a Glycolytic Capacity in Fish
Authors: Zhang Yangfan , So Bog E. , Farrell Anthony P.
Published: July 2021

The utility of measuring whole-animal performance to frame the metabolic response to environmental hypoxia is well established. Progressively reducing ambient oxygen (O2) will initially limit maximum metabolic rate as a result of a hypoxemic state and ultimately lead to a time-limited, tolerance state supported by substrate-level phosphorylation when the O2 supply can no longer meet basic needs (standard metabolic rate, SMR). The metabolic consequences of declining ambient O2 were conceptually framed for fishes initially by Fry’s hypoxic performance curve, which characterizes the hypoxemic state and its consequences to absolute aerobic scope (AAS), and Hochachka’s concept of scope for hypoxic survival, which characterizes time-limited life when SMR cannot be supported by O2 supply. Yet, despite these two conceptual frameworks, the toolbox to assess whole-animal metabolic performance remains rather limited. Here, we briefly review the ongoing debate concerning the need to standardize the most commonly used assessments of respiratory performance in hypoxic fishes, namely critical O2 (the ambient O2 level below which maintenance metabolism cannot be sustained) and the incipient lethal O2 (the ambient O2 level at which a fish loses the ability to maintain upright equilibrium), and then we advance the idea that the most useful addition to the toolbox will be the limiting-O2 concentration (LOC) performance curve. Using Fry & Hart’s (1948) hypoxia performance curve concept, an LOC curve was subsequently developed as an eco-physiological framework by Neil et al. and derived for a group of fish during a progressive hypoxia trial by Claireaux and Lagardère (1999). In the present review, we show how only minor modifications to available respirometry tools and techniques are needed to generate an LOC curve for individual fish. This individual approach to the LOC curve determination then increases its statistical robustness and importantly opens up the possibility of examining individual variability. Moreover, if peak aerobic performance at a given ambient O2 level of each individual is expressed as a percentage of its AAS, the water dissolved O2 that supports 50% of the individual’s AAS (DOAAS-50) can be interpolated much like the P50 for an O2 hemoglobin dissociation curve (when hemoglobin is 50% saturated with O2). Thus, critical O2, incipient lethal O2, DOAAS-50 and P50 and can be directly compared within and across species. While an LOC curve for individual fish represents a start to an ongoing need to seamlessly integrate aerobic to anaerobic capacity assessments in a single, multiplexed respirometry trial, we close with a comparative exploration of some of the known whole-organism anaerobic and aerobic capacity traits to examine for correlations among them and guide the next steps.
The Xanthomonas RaxH-RaxR Two-Component Regulatory System Is Orthologous to the Zinc-Responsive Pseudomonas ColS-ColR System
Authors: Stewart Valley , Ronald Pamela
Published: July 2021

Genome sequence comparisons to infer likely gene functions require accurate ortholog assignments. In Pseudomonas spp., the sensor-regulator ColS-ColR two-component regulatory system responds to zinc and other metals to control certain membrane-related functions, including lipid A remodeling. In Xanthomonas spp., three different two-component regulatory systems, RaxH-RaxR, VgrS-VgrR, and DetS-DetR, have been denoted as ColS-ColR in several different genome annotations and publications. To clarify these assignments, we compared the sensor periplasmic domain sequences and found that those from Pseudomonas ColS and Xanthomonas RaxH share a similar size as well as the location of a Glu-X-X-Glu metal ion-binding motif. Furthermore, we determined that three genes adjacent to raxRH are predicted to encode enzymes that remodel the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharide. The modifications catalyzed by lipid A phosphoethanolamine transferase (EptA) and lipid A 1-phosphatase (LpxE) previously were detected in lipid A from multiple Xanthomonas spp. The third gene encodes a predicted lipid A glycosyl transferase (ArnT). Together, these results indicate that the Xanthomonas RaxH-RaxR system is orthologous to the Pseudomonas ColS-ColR system that regulates lipid A remodeling. To avoid future confusion, we recommend that the terms ColS and ColR no longer be applied to Xanthomonas spp., and that the Vgr, Rax, and Det designations be used instead.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Metabolomics with Double Pulsed-Field-Gradient Echo and Automatized Solvent Suppression Spectroscopy for Multivariate Data Matrix Applied in Novel Wine and Juice Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Herbert-Pucheta José Enrique , Lozada-Ramírez José Daniel , Ortega-Regules Ana E. , Hernández Luis Ricardo , Anaya de Parrodi Cecilia
Published: July 2021

The quality of foods has led researchers to use various analytical methods to determine the amounts of principal food constituents; some of them are the NMR techniques with a multivariate statistical analysis (NMR-MSA). The present work introduces a set of NMR-MSA novelties. First, the use of a double pulsed-field-gradient echo (DPFGE) experiment with a refocusing band-selective uniform response pure-phase selective pulse for the selective excitation of a 5–10-ppm range of wine samples reveals novel broad 1H resonances. Second, an NMR-MSA foodomics approach to discriminate between wine samples produced from the same Cabernet Sauvignon variety fermented with different yeast strains proposed for large-scale alcohol reductions. Third a comparative study between a nonsupervised Principal Component Analysis (PCA), supervised standard partial (PLS-DA), and sparse (sPLS-DA) least squares discriminant analysis, as well as orthogonal projections to a latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), for obtaining holistic fingerprints. The MSA discriminated between different Cabernet Sauvignon fermentation schemes and juice varieties (apple, apricot, and orange) or juice authentications (puree, nectar, concentrated, and commercial juice fruit drinks). The new pulse sequence DPFGE demonstrated an enhanced sensitivity in the aromatic zone of wine samples, allowing a better application of different unsupervised and supervised multivariate statistical analysis approaches.
The Regulatory Effects of Licochalcone A on the Intestinal Epithelium and Gut Microbiota in Murine Colitis
Authors: Zhang Juan , Cao Li , Sun Yu , Qing De-Gang , Xu Xiao-Qin , Wang Jun-Chi , Si Jian-Yong , Li Ning
Published: July 2021

The gut epithelium is a mechanical barrier that protects the host from the luminal microenvironment and interacts with the gut microflora, which influences the development and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Licochalcone A (LA) exerts anti-inflammatory effects against UC; however, whether it also regulates both the gut barrier and microbiota during colitis is unknown. The current study was conducted to reveal the regulatory effects of LA on the intestinal epithelium and gut microflora in C57BL/6 mice subjected to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Sulfasalazine (SASP) was used as the positive control. Results of clinical symptoms evaluation, hematoxylin, and eosin (H&E) staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays showed that LA significantly inhibited DSS-induced weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) increase, histological damage, and gut inflammation. Additionally, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis showed that LA maintained the integrity of the intestinal barrier by suppressing cell apoptosis and preserving the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins. Notably, the optimal dose of LA for gut barrier preservation was low, while that for anti-inflammatory effects was high, indicating that LA might preserve gut barrier integrity via direct effects on the epithelial cells (ECs) and TJ proteins. Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis suggested that the regulatory effect of LA on the gut microbiota differed distinctly according to dose. Correlation analysis indicated that a low dose of LA significantly modulated the intestinal barrier-associated bacteria as compared with a moderate or high dose of LA. Western blot (WB) analysis indicated that LA exhibited anti-UC activity partly by blocking the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Our results further elucidate the pharmacological activity of LA against UC and will provide valuable information for future studies regarding on the regulatory effects of LA on enteric diseases.
Functionalization and Evaluation of Inorganic Adsorbents for the Removal of Cadmium in Wastewater
Authors: Campaña Ana Lucía , Guillén Amaimen , Rivas Ricardo , Akle Veronica , Cruz Juan C. , Osma Johann F.
Published: July 2021

This study presents the feasibility of using various functionalized substrates, Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and Al2O3 spheres, for the removal of Cd from aqueous solution. To improve the materials’ affinity to Cd, we explored four different surface modifications, namely (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), L-Cysteine (Cys) and 3-(triethoxysilyl) propylsuccinic anhydride (CAS). Particles were characterized by FTIR, FIB-SEM and DLS and studied for their ability to remove metal ions. Modified NPs with APTES proved to be effective for Cd removal with efficiencies of up to 94%, and retention ratios up to 0.49 mg of Cd per g of NPs. Batch adsorption experiments investigated the influence of pH, contact time, and adsorbent dose on Cd adsorption. Additionally, the recyclability of the adsorbent and its potential phytotoxicity and animal toxicity effects were explored. The Langmuir, Freundlich, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were applied to describe the behavior of the Cd adsorption processes. The adsorption and desorption results showed that Fe3O4 NPs modified with APTES are promising low-cost platforms with low phytotoxicity for highly efficient heavy metal removal in wastewater.
Development of a Hybrid Bioinorganic Nanobiocatalyst: Remarkable Impact of the Immobilization Conditions on Activity and Stability of β-Galactosidase
Authors: Tavernini Luigi , Romero Oscar , Aburto Carla , López-Gallego Fernando , Illanes Andrés , Wilson Lorena
Published: July 2021

Hybrid bioinorganic biocatalysts have received much attention due to their simple synthesis, high efficiency, and structural features that favor enzyme activity and stability. The present work introduces a biomineralization strategy for the formation of hybrid nanocrystals from β-galactosidase. The effects of the immobilization conditions were studied, identifying the important effect of metal ions and pH on the immobilization yield and the recovered activity. For a deeper understanding of the biomineralization process, an in silico study was carried out to identify the ion binding sites at the different conditions. The selected β-galactosidase nanocrystals showed high specific activity (35,000 IU/g biocatalyst) and remarkable thermal stability with a half-life 11 times higher than the soluble enzyme. The nanobiocatalyst was successfully tested for the synthesis of galacto-oligosaccharides, achieving an outstanding performance, showing no signs of diffusional limitations. Thus, a new, simple, biocompatible and inexpensive nanobiocatalyst was produced with high enzyme recovery (82%), exhibiting high specific activity and high stability, with promising industrial applications.
Side-Arm Assisted Anilido-Imine Based Rare-Earth Metal Complexes for Isoprene Stereoselective Polymerization
Authors: Wu Yi , Liu Xinli , Cui Dongmei
Published: July 2021

Anilido-imine ligands o-C6H4(NHAr1)(CH=NAr2), in which Ar1 is 2,6-diisopropylbenzyl group and Ar2 contains fluorine (HL1) or methoxyl (HL2) group on ortho-position of phenyl substituent, were synthesized for constructing rare-earth metals based complexes of 1a–1c (HL1 based Sc, Lu, Y) and 2a–2c (HL2 based Sc, Lu, Y). Based on their NMR spectra and X-ray single-crystal structures, the side-arm group of -F and -OMe is identified to chelate to the corresponding central metal. The twisted angles between two planes formed by chelated heteroatoms (N, N, F for HL1 and N, N, O for HL2) are observed, in which the largest dihedral angle (53.3°) for HL1-Y and the smallest dihedral angle (44.32°) for HL2-Sc are detected. After being activated by AliBu3 and [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4], these catalysts showed great activity for isoprene polymerization. Bearing the same ligand HL1, smaller scandium based complex 1a and middle size of lutetium based 1b provided lower cis-1,4-selectivity (57.3% and 64.2%), larger yttrium complex 1c displayed high cis-1,4-selectivity (84%). Chelating by crowded HL2, small size of scandium complex 2a provided impressive trans-1,4-selectivity (93.0%), middle lutetium based 2b displayed non-selectivity and larger yttrium complex 2c showed clear cis-1,4-selectivity (83.3%). Moreover, 2a/AliBu3 system showed the quasi-living chain transfer capability.
Spin Crossover in Nickel(II) Tetraphenylporphyrinate via Forced Axial Coordination at the Air/Water Interface
Authors: Shokurov Alexander V. , Kutsybala Daria S. , Kroitor Andrey P. , Dmitrienko Alexander A. , Martynov Alexander G. , Enakieva Yulia Yu. , Tsivadze Aslan Yu. , Selektor Sofiya L. , Gorbunova Yulia G.
Published: July 2021

Coordination-induced spin crossover (CISCO) in nickel(II) porphyrinates is an intriguing phenomenon that is interesting from both fundamental and practical standpoints. However, in most cases, realization of this effect requires extensive synthetic protocols or extreme concentrations of extra-ligands. Herein we show that CISCO effect can be prompted for the commonly available nickel(II) tetraphenylporphyrinate, NiTPP, upon deposition of this complex at the air/water interface together with a ruthenium(II) phthalocyaninate, CRPcRu(pyz)2, bearing two axial pyrazine ligands. The latter was used as a molecular guiderail to align Ni···Ru···Ni metal centers for pyrazine coordination upon lateral compression of the system, which helps bring the two macrocycles closer together and forces the formation of Ni–pyz bonds. The fact of Ni(II) porphyrinate switching from low- to high-spin state upon acquiring additional ligands can be conveniently observed in situ via reflection-absorption UV-vis spectroscopy. The reversible nature of this interaction allows for dissociation of Ni–pyz bonds, and thus, change of nickel cation spin state, upon expansion of the monolayer.
Quantification of Flavonoids, Phenols and Antioxidant Potential from Dropped Citrus reticulata Blanco Fruits Influenced by Drying Techniques
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Ladaniya Milind S. , Gurjar Manju , Kumar Sunil , Mendke Sachin
Published: July 2021

Physiologically dropped immature Citrus reticulata Blanco fruits are regarded as waste and discarded in the citrus orchard but are a good source of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, antioxidants and total phenols. A study was undertaken to identify and quantify these bioactive compounds and to investigate the influence of different drying techniques, namely freeze drying and hot air oven drying, on flavonoids namely flavanone glycosides, antioxidant potential and total phenol content in immature dropped fruits of Citrus reticulata Blanco. Flavonoids were quantified in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity were investigated with three assays azino-bis [3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) and total phenol content was determined. Freeze dried samples of 12 and 14 mm size retained maximum hesperidin flavonoid content (27.03% and 27.20%) as compared to the hot air dried samples (17.99%) and retained higher phenolic content ranged from 50.54–54.19 mg GAEL−1. The antioxidant activity in freeze dried fruits was from 12.21–13.55 mM L−1 Trolox and 15.27–16.72 mM L−1 Trolox with ABTS, DPPH assay and FRAP values ranging from 7.31–9.07 mM L−1 Trolox. Significant positive correlation was found between the flavonoid hesperidin with antioxidant assays and total phenolic content (TPC). The results showed that waste citrus fruits can act as potential source of bioflavonoids, especially hesperidin, and antioxidants for pharmaceutical as well as nutraceutical industry.
Functional Role of miR-155 in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications
Authors: Jankauskas Stanislovas S. , Gambardella Jessica , Sardu Celestino , Lombardi Angela , Santulli Gaetano
Published: July 2021

Substantial evidence indicates that microRNA-155 (miR-155) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. A number of clinical studies reported low serum levels of miR-155 in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Preclinical studies revealed that miR-155 partakes in the phenotypic switch of cells within the islets of Langerhans under metabolic stress. Moreover, miR-155 was shown to regulate insulin sensitivity in liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle. Dysregulation of miR-155 expression was also shown to predict the development of nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy in DM. Here, we systematically describe the reports investigating the role of miR-155 in DM and its complications. We also discuss the recent results from in vivo and in vitro models of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D, discussing the differences between clinical and preclinical studies and shedding light on the molecular pathways mediated by miR-155 in different tissues affected by DM.
Multi-Domain Communication Systems and Networks: A Tensor-Based Approach
Authors: Pandey Divyanshu , Venugopal Adithya , Leib Harry
Published: July 2021

Most modern communication systems, such as those intended for deployment in IoT applications or 5G and beyond networks, utilize multiple domains for transmission and reception at the physical layer. Depending on the application, these domains can include space, time, frequency, users, code sequences, and transmission media, to name a few. As such, the design criteria of future communication systems must be cognizant of the opportunities and the challenges that exist in exploiting the multi-domain nature of the signals and systems involved for information transmission. Focussing on the Physical Layer, this paper presents a novel mathematical framework using tensors, to represent, design, and analyze multi-domain systems. Various domains can be integrated into the transceiver design scheme using tensors. Tools from multi-linear algebra can be used to develop simultaneous signal processing techniques across all the domains. In particular, we present tensor partial response signaling (TPRS) which allows the introduction of controlled interference within elements of a domain and also across domains. We develop the TPRS system using the tensor contracted convolution to generate a multi-domain signal with desired spectral and cross-spectral properties across domains. In addition, by studying the information theoretic properties of the multi-domain tensor channel, we present the trade-off between different domains that can be harnessed using this framework. Numerical examples for capacity and mean square error are presented to highlight the domain trade-off revealed by the tensor formulation. Furthermore, an application of the tensor framework to MIMO Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM) is also presented.
α-Lipoic Acid Alleviates Hepatic Lipid Deposition by Inhibiting FASN Expression via miR-3548 in Rats
Authors: Guo Shihui , Yan Kai , Fang Xi , Ni Yingdong , Ma Wenqiang , Zhao Ruqian
Published: July 2021

Excessive liver lipid deposition is a vital risk factor for the development of many diseases. Here, we fed Sprague-Dawley rats with a control or α-lipoic acid-supplemented diet (0.2%) for 5 weeks to elucidate the effects of α-lipoic acid on preventive ability, hepatic lipid metabolism-related gene expression, and the involved regulatory mechanisms. In the current study, α-lipoic acid supplementation lowered plasma triglyceride level and hepatic triglyceride content. Reduced hepatic lipid deposition was closely associated with inhibiting fatty acid-binding protein 1 and fatty acid synthase expression, as well as increasing phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase expression at the protein level in α-lipoic acid-exposed rats. Hepatic miRNA sequencing revealed increased expression of miR-3548 targeting the 3′untranslated region of Fasn mRNA, and the direct regulatory link between miRNA-3548 and FASN was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Taken together, α-lipoic acid lowered hepatic lipid accumulation, which involved changes in miRNA-mediated lipogenic genes.
Calcium-Enriched Pumpkin Affects Serum Leptin Levels and Fat Content in a Rat Model of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Wawrzyniak Natalia , Suliburska Joanna , Kulczyński Bartosz , Kołodziejski Paweł , Kurzawa Paweł , Gramza-Michałowska Anna
Published: July 2021

Because the world’s population is deficient in dietary calcium, it is important to search for new sources of this essential mineral for the bones and the entire body. One of the innovative foods that could act as such a source is pumpkin enriched with calcium lactate by means of osmotic dehydration. Providing the body with easily absorbable calcium may have beneficial effects on the reconstruction of bone tissue. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with body weight and fat mass gain, and the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of consuming enriched pumpkin on the levels of adipokines and cytokines produced by the adipose tissue. This study was conducted on 12-month-old female Wistar rats that received nutritional intervention for 12 weeks. After termination of the rats, the levels of leptin, adiponectin, interleukin 31 and interleukin 33 in serum and adipose tissue were determined, and the femurs were examined histopathologically. It was demonstrated that calcium-enriched pumpkin reduced bone marrow femoral adipocytes and also markedly decreased serum leptin levels in groups of rats after ovariectomy, which was associated with a decrease of fat content. Additionally, it seems that calcium-enriched pumpkin may reduce body weight gain often observed after menopause.
Molecular Tools for Diagnosis and Surveillance of Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Endemic Areas
Authors: Manuel Malathi , Ramanujam Karthik , Ajjampur Sitara S. R.
Published: July 2021

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) including the hookworms Necator americanus and Ancylostoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura affect over 1.5 billion people worldwide and are estimated to have caused 1.9 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). With the concerted effort in expanding and improving targeted mass drug administration (MDA) programs over the past decade, along with decreasing prevalence, infections in several endemic areas tend to be of low intensity. Conventional microscopy-based methods recommended for the detection of STH in parasitological surveys have been shown to be less sensitive in these low-intensity settings. As communities progress towards STH elimination through MDA and improved sanitation, there is a pressing need for highly sensitive techniques that detect the true prevalence of STH to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing programs and interventions. Molecular methods that involve analysis of DNA rather than the morphology of the organism are highly sensitive and specific, allowing for both quantitation and species discrimination. The following review discusses different sample collection strategies, pre-processing steps, DNA extraction platforms, and nucleic acid detection methods available for diagnosis and surveillance of STH. We have contrasted the utility of these molecular tools against conventional microscopy-based methods currently used in most endemic settings. While the detection methods are primarily qPCR based, several newer technologies have also become available along with automation and increased throughput, making these molecular tools increasingly cost-effective and potentially amenable for use in low-resource settings.
Glucuronides Hydrolysis by Intestinal Microbial β-Glucuronidases (GUS) Is Affected by Sampling, Enzyme Preparation, Buffer pH, and Species
Authors: Ebuzoeme Christabel , Etim Imoh , Ikimi Autumn , Song Jamie , Du Ting , Hu Ming , Liang Dong , Gao Song
Published: July 2021

Glucuronides hydrolysis by intestinal microbial β-Glucuronidases (GUS) is an important procedure for many endogenous and exogenous compounds. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of experimental conditions on glucuronide hydrolysis by intestinal microbial GUS. Standard probe 4-Nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG) and a natural glucuronide wogonoside were used as the model compounds. Feces collection time, buffer conditions, interindividual, and species variations were evaluated by incubating the substrates with enzymes. The relative reaction activity of pNPG, reaction rates, and reaction kinetics for wogonoside were calculated. Fresh feces showed the highest hydrolysis activities. Sonication increased total protein yield during enzyme preparation. The pH of the reaction system increased the activity in 0.69–1.32-fold, 2.9–12.9-fold, and 0.28–1.56-fold for mouse, rat, and human at three different concentrations of wogonoside, respectively. The Vmax for wogonoside hydrolysis was 2.37 ± 0.06, 4.48 ± 0.11, and 5.17 ± 0.16 μmol/min/mg and Km was 6.51 ± 0.71, 3.04 ± 0.34, and 0.34 ± 0.047 μM for mouse, rat, and human, respectively. The inter-individual difference was significant (4–6-fold) using inbred rats as the model animal. Fresh feces should be used to avoid activity loss and sonication should be utilized in enzyme preparation to increase hydrolysis activity. The buffer pH should be appropriate according to the species. Inter-individual and species variations were significant.
Influence of Antibiotic-Loaded Acrylic Bone Cement Composition on Drug Release Behavior and Mechanism
Authors: Chen I-Cheng , Su Chen-Ying , Nien Wei-Han , Huang Tzu-Tien , Huang Chang-Hung , Lu Yung-Chang , Chen Yu-Jen , Huang Gwo-Che , Fang Hsu-Wei
Published: July 2021

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication after total joint replacement with considerable morbidity and large economic burdens. Antibiotic-Loaded Bone Cement (ALBC) has been developed as a valuable tool for local administration and is becoming one of the most effective methods for the prevention and treatment of orthopedic infections. Controlling antibiotic release from ALBC is critical to achieve effective infection control, however, the antibiotic elution rates are generally low, and the mechanisms are poorly understood. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the effects of the basic acrylic bone cement components, including liquid/powder (monomer-to-polymer) ratios, radiopacifier, initiator, and doses of antibiotics on the porosity, antibiotic elution rates and mechanical properties of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) based ALBC. The obtained results from the in vitro studies suggested that a reduction in the liquid/powder ratio and an increase in the radiopacifier ratio and gentamicin doses led to increased porosity and release of antibiotic, while the initiator ratio exerted no effect on elution rates. In conclusion, we hope that by varying the composition of ALBC, we could considerably enhance the antibiotic elution rates by increasing porosity, while maintaining an adequate mechanical strength of the bone cements. This finding might provide insights into controlling antibiotic release from ALBC to achieve effective infection control after total joint replacement surgery.