bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working Capital Behavior of Firms during an Economic Downturn: An Analysis of the Financial Crisis Era
Authors: Hofmann Erik , Töyli Juuso , Solakivi Tomi
Published: July 2022

In times of crisis, cash and liquidity play an essential role. This paper analyzes the working capital measures over the course of a business cycle. We examine (1) how companies behave in economic downturns regarding their working capital components and (2) whether firms with higher financial constraints behave differently in economic downturns regarding their working capital components. The analyses were conducted with descriptive statistics and generalized linear mixed-effects modeling. Our dataset consists of 2111 stock-listed firms and 10,555 observations spread over the period of five years during the financial crisis era. The findings indicate that days sales outstanding and shorter days inventory held are related to better financial performance while days payable outstanding had no observable effect. Furthermore, financially constrained firms have shorter days sales outstanding than average firms. In economic downturns, firms seem to reduce both working capital and fixed investments to asset ratios. The financially constrained firms pushed down their fixed investments ratio more aggressively than average firms while, in contrast, the financially strongest firms pushed down the working capital to asset ratio in comparison to average firms. Interestingly, neither the cash conversion cycle, days payable outstanding, nor company performance or fixed investments to asset ratios fully returned to the pre-shock level. The behavior of non-financially constrained firms, which also perform better, indicates a stronger supply chain orientation than that of average firms. This might indicate that the supply chain-oriented view of working capital management could provide a more favorable and resilient alternative to the prevailing self-orientation.
MdMKK9-Mediated the Regulation of Anthocyanin Synthesis in Red-Fleshed Apple in Response to Different Nitrogen Signals
Authors: Sun Xiaohong , Li Xinxin , Wang Yanbo , Xu Jihua , Jiang Shenghui , Zhang Yugang
Published: July 2022

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade is a widely existing signal transduction system in eukaryotes, and plays an important role in the signal transduction processes of plant cells in response to environmental stress. In this study, we screened MdMKK9, a gene in the MAPK family. This gene is directly related to changes in anthocyanin synthesis in the ‘Daihong’ variety of red-fleshed apple (Malus sieversii f neidzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf). MdMKK9 expression was up-regulated in ‘Daihong’ tissue culture seedlings cultured at low levels of nitrogen. This change in gene expression up-regulated the expression of genes related to anthocyanin synthesis and nitrogen transport, thus promoting anthocyanin synthesis and causing the tissue culture seedlings to appear red in color. To elucidate the function of MdMKK9, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to construct a gene editing vector for MdMKK9 and successfully introduced it into the calli of the ‘Orin’ apple. The MdMKK9 deletion mutants (MUT) calli could not respond to the low level of nitrogen signal, the expression level of anthocyanin synthesis-related genes was down-regulated, and the anthocyanin content was lower than that of the wild type (WT). In contrast, the MdMKK9-overexpressed calli up-regulated the expression level of anthocyanin synthesis-related genes and increased anthocyanin content, and appeared red in conditions of low level of nitrogen or nitrogen deficiency. These results show that MdMKK9 plays a role in the adaptation of red-fleshed apple to low levels of nitrogen by regulating the nitrogen status and anthocyanin accumulation.
B-Box Transcription Factor FaBBX22 Promotes Light-Induced Anthocyanin Accumulation in Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
Authors: Liu Yongqiang , Ye Yuntian , Wang Yiping , Jiang Leiyu , Yue Maolan , Tang Li , Jin Mingsongxue , Zhang Yunting , Lin Yuanxiu , Tang Haoru
Published: July 2022

B-box transcription factors (TFs) play a vital role in light-induced anthocyanin accumulation. Here, the FaBBX22 gene encoding 287 amino acids B-box TF was isolated from the cultivated strawberry variety ‘Benihoppe’ and characterized functionally. The expression analysis showed that FaBBX22 was expressed in the roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits, and its transcription level was upregulated under the red- or blue-light irradiation. FaBBX22 was localized in the nucleus and showed trans-acting activity in yeast cells. Ectopic overexpression of FaBBX22 in Arabidopsis enhanced the accumulation of anthocyanin. Additionally, we obtained transgenic strawberry calli that overexpressed the FaBBX22 gene, and strawberry calli coloration assays showed that FaBBX22 increased anthocyanin accumulation by upregulating the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes (FaPAL, FaANS, FaF3′H, FaUFGT1) and transport gene FaRAP in a light-dependent manner. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays indicated that FaBBX22 interacted with FaHY5. Furthermore, mutation of the 70th Asp residue in FaBBX22 protein to an Ala residue disrupted the interaction between FaBBX22 and FaHY5. Further, a transient expression assay demonstrated that the co-expression of FaBBX22 and FaHY5 could strongly promote anthocyanin accumulation in strawberry fruits. Collectively, these results revealed the positive regulatory role of FaBBX22 in light-induced anthocyanin accumulation.
Chloroplasts Protein Quality Control and Turnover: A Multitude of Mechanisms
Authors: Fu Yunting , Li Xifeng , Fan Baofang , Zhu Cheng , Chen Zhixiang
Published: July 2022

As the organelle of photosynthesis and other important metabolic pathways, chloroplasts contain up to 70% of leaf proteins with uniquely complex processes in synthesis, import, assembly, and turnover. Maintaining functional protein homeostasis in chloroplasts is vitally important for the fitness and survival of plants. Research over the past several decades has revealed a multitude of mechanisms that play important roles in chloroplast protein quality control and turnover under normal and stress conditions. These mechanisms include: (i) endosymbiotically-derived proteases and associated proteins that play a vital role in maintaining protein homeostasis inside the chloroplasts, (ii) the ubiquitin-dependent turnover of unimported chloroplast precursor proteins to prevent their accumulation in the cytosol, (iii) chloroplast-associated degradation of the chloroplast outer-membrane translocon proteins for the regulation of chloroplast protein import, (iv) chloroplast unfolded protein response triggered by accumulated unfolded and misfolded proteins inside the chloroplasts, and (v) vesicle-mediated degradation of chloroplast components in the vacuole. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of these diverse mechanisms of chloroplast protein quality control and turnover and discuss important questions that remain to be addressed in order to better understand and improve important chloroplast functions.
Antifungal Effect of Penicillamine Due to the Selective Targeting of L-Homoserine O-Acetyltransferase
Authors: Kuplińska Aleksandra , Rząd Kamila , Wojciechowski Marek , Milewski Sławomir , Gabriel Iwona
Published: July 2022

Due to the apparent similarity of fungal and mammalian metabolic pathways, the number of established antifungal targets is low, and the identification of novel ones is highly desirable. The results of our studies, presented in this work, indicate that the fungal biosynthetic pathway of L-methionine, an amino acid essential for humans, seems to be an attractive perspective. The MET2 gene from Candida albicans encoding L-homoserine O-acetyltransferase (CaMet2p), an enzyme catalyzing the first step in that pathway, was cloned and expressed as the native or the oligo-His-tagged fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzymes were purified and characterized for their basic molecular properties and substrate specificities. The purified MET2 gene product revealed the appropriate activity, catalyzed the conversion of L-homoserine (L-Hom) to O-acetyl-L-homoserine (OALH), and exhibited differential sensitivity to several L-Hom or OALH analogues, including penicillamine. Surprisingly, both penicillamine enantiomers (L- and D-Pen) displayed comparable inhibitory effects. The results of the docking of L- and D-Pen to the model of CaMet2p confirmed that both enantiomeric forms of the inhibitor are able to bind to the catalytic site of the enzyme with similar affinities and a similar binding mode. The sensitivity of some fungal cells to L-Pen, depending on the presence or absence of L-Met in the medium, clearly indicate Met2p targeting. Moreover, C. glabrata clinical strains that are resistant to fluconazole displayed a similar susceptibility to L-Pen as the wild-type strains. Our results prove the potential usefulness of Met2p as a molecular target for antifungal chemotherapy.
In Vitro Strategy for the Enhancement of the Production of Bioactive Polyphenols in Transformed Roots of Salvia bulleyana
Authors: Krzemińska Marta , Owczarek Aleksandra , Olszewska Monika A. , Grzegorczyk-Karolak Izabela
Published: July 2022

The underground parts of Salvia bulleyana, a rare Chinese plant species, have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The Rhizobium rhizogenes-transformed root culture obtained from this plant might be a promising novel source of valuable phenolics, including rosmarinic acid. The present study identifies for the first time, the optimal growth conditions of S. bulleyana hairy roots regarding production efficiency. The comprehensive optimization comprised cultivation in different basal media (B5, SH, MS, and WP) with full- and half-strength macro- and microelements, different vitamin contents (full, half, one-quarter part, and without) and sucrose concentrations (2, 3, 4, 5%), and under different light conditions: in dark, under blue LED (λ = 430 nm), red LED (λ = 670 nm), mixed blue and red LED (30%:70%), and white LED (390–670 nm). Hairy root growth and bioactive compound accumulation were also detailed every five days over the 50-day culture cycle. The optimal conditions were determined using a technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS). The most efficient combination for root growth and polyphenol content was found to be ½SH liquid medium with half vitamin concentration and 3% sucrose when grown in the dark. The biomass yield during the growth cycle was 6.1 g (fresh weight—FW) and 0.92 g (dry weight—DW) on one Erlenmeyer flask: a 14.3-fold increase in FW and 16.1-fold increase in DW in relation to the inoculum. The highest mean total phenolic content was 93.6 mg/g DW including about 70 mg/g DW rosmarinic acid, reached on day 40 of culture; compared to roots of two-year-old plants grown under field conditions, the total phenolic acid content was four times higher and rosmarinic acid eight times higher. The obtained results place the investigated culture among the best hair root cultures for rosmarinic acid production.
Gene Expression Profiling of Mono- and Co-Culture Models of the Respiratory Tract Exposed to Crystalline Quartz under Submerged and Air-Liquid Interface Conditions
Authors: Friesen Alexandra , Fritsch-Decker Susanne , Hufnagel Matthias , Mülhopt Sonja , Stapf Dieter , Weiss Carsten , Hartwig Andrea
Published: July 2022

In vitro lung cell models like air-liquid interface (ALI) and 3D cell cultures have advanced greatly in recent years, being especially valuable for testing advanced materials (e.g., nanomaterials, fibrous substances) when considering inhalative exposure. Within this study, we established submerged and ALI cell culture models utilizing A549 cells as mono-cultures and co-cultures with differentiated THP-1 (dTHP-1), as well as mono-cultures of dTHP-1. After ALI and submerged exposures towards α-quartz particles (Min-U-Sil5), with depositions ranging from 15 to 60 µg/cm2, comparison was made with respect to their transcriptional cellular responses employing high-throughput RT-qPCR. A significant dose- and time-dependent induction of genes coding for inflammatory proteins, e.g., IL-1A, IL-1B, IL-6, IL-8, and CCL22, as well as genes associated with oxidative stress response such as SOD2, was observed, even more pronounced in co-cultures. Changes in the expression of similar genes were more pronounced under submerged conditions when compared to ALI exposure in the case of A549 mono-cultures. Hereby, the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the NLRP3 inflammasome seem to play an important role. Regarding genotoxicity, neither DNA strand breaks in ALI cultivated cells nor a transcriptional response to DNA damage were observed. Altogether, the toxicological responses depended considerably on the cell culture model and exposure scenario, relevant to be considered to improve toxicological risk assessment.
Efficacy of Combined Use of Everolimus and Second-Generation Pan-EGRF Inhibitors in KRAS Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: da Silva-Oliveira Renato José , Gomes Izabela Natalia Faria , da Silva Luciane Sussuchi , Lengert André van Helvoort , Laus Ana Carolina , Melendez Matias Eliseo , Munari Carla Carolina , Cury Fernanda de Paula , Longato Giovanna Barbarini , Reis Rui Manuel
Published: July 2022

Background: EGFR mutations are present in approximately 15–50% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which are predictive of anti-EGFR therapies. At variance, NSCLC patients harboring KRAS mutations are resistant to those anti-EGFR approaches. Afatinib and allitinib are second-generation pan-EGFR drugs, yet no predictive biomarkers are known in the NSCLC context. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of pan-EGFR inhibitors in a panel of 15 lung cancer cell lines associated with the KRAS mutations phenotype. Methods: KRAS wild-type sensitive NCI-H292 cell line was further transfected with KRAS mutations (p.G12D and p.G12S). The pan-EGFR inhibitors’ activity and biologic effect of KRAS mutations were evaluated by cytotoxicity, MAPK phospho-protein array, colony formation, migration, invasion, and adhesion. In addition, in vivo chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay was performed in KRAS mutant cell lines. The gene expression profile was evaluated by NanoString. Lastly, everolimus and pan-EGFR combinations were performed to determine the combination index. Results: The GI50 score classified two cell lines treated with afatinib and seven treated with allitinib as high-sensitive phenotypes. All KRAS mutant cell lines demonstrated a resistant profile for both therapies (GI50 < 30%). The protein array of KRAS edited cells indicated a significant increase in AKT, CREB, HSP27, JNK, and, importantly, mTOR protein levels compared with KRAS wild-type cells. The colony formation, migration, invasion, adhesion, tumor perimeter, and mesenchymal phenotype were increased in the H292 KRAS mutated cells. Gene expression analysis showed 18 dysregulated genes associated with the focal adhesion-PI3K-Akt-mTOR-signaling correlated in KRAS mutant cell lines. Moreover, mTOR overexpression in KRAS mutant H292 cells was inhibited after everolimus exposure, and sensitivity to afatinib and allitinib was restored. Conclusions: Our results indicate that allitinib was more effective than afatinib in NSCLC cell lines. KRAS mutations increased aggressive behavior through upregulation of the focal adhesion-PI3K-Akt-mTOR-signaling in NSCLC cells. Significantly, everolimus restored sensibility and improved cytotoxicity of EGFR inhibitors in the KRAS mutant NSCLC cell lines.
Relative Nuclease Resistance of a DNA Aptamer Covalently Conjugated to a Target Protein
Authors: Tabuchi Yudai , Yang Jay , Taki Masumi
Published: July 2022

A major obstacle to the therapeutic application of an aptamer is its susceptibility to nuclease digestion. Here, we confirmed the acquisition of relative nuclease resistance of a DNA-type thrombin binding aptamer with a warhead (TBA3) by covalent binding to a target protein in the presence of serum/various nucleases. When the thrombin-inhibitory activity of TBA3 on thrombin was reversed by the addition of the complementary strand, the aptamer was instantly degraded by the nucleases, showing that the properly folded/bound aptamer conferred the resistance. Covalently binding aptamers possessing both a prolonged drug effect and relative nuclease resistance would be beneficial for in vivo translational applications.
FOXM1-CD44 Signaling Is Critical for the Acquisition of Regorafenib Resistance in Human Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Wuputra Kenly , Hsiao Pi-Jung , Chang Wen-Tsan , Wu Po-Hsuan , Chen Lin-Ann , Huang Jian-Wei , Su Wen-Lung , Yang Ya-Han , Wu Deng-Chyang , Yokoyama Kazunari K. , Kuo Kung-Kai
Published: July 2022

Regorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor that was approved by the US Food and Drug administration in 2017. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cancer-initiating cells that are thought to contribute to therapeutic resistance. The forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) plays an important role in the regulation of the stemness of CSCs and mediates resistance to chemotherapy. However, the relationship between FOXM1 and regorafenib resistance in liver cancer cells remains unknown. We found that regorafenib-resistant HepG2 clones overexpressed FOXM1 and various markers of CSCs. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma also exhibited an upregulation of FOXM1 and resistance to regorafenib, which were correlated with a poor survival rate. We identified a close relationship between FOXM1 expression and regorafenib resistance, which was correlated with the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, a strategy that antagonizes FOXM1–CD44 signaling would enhance the therapeutic efficacy of regorafenib in these patients.
The Insulin Receptor: An Important Target for the Development of Novel Medicines and Pesticides
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Zhu Xuezhen , Bi Xiaoyang , Huang Jiguang , Zhou Lijuan
Published: July 2022

The insulin receptor (IR) is a transmembrane protein that is activated by ligands in insulin signaling pathways. The IR has been considered as a novel therapeutic target for clinical intervention, considering the overexpression of its protein and A-isoform in multiple cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans. Meanwhile, it may also serve as a potential target in pest management due to its multiple physiological influences in insects. In this review, we provide an overview of the structural and molecular biology of the IR, functions of IRs in humans and insects, physiological and nonpeptide small molecule modulators of the IR, and the regulating mechanisms of the IR. Xenobiotic compounds and the corresponding insecticidal chemicals functioning on the IR are also discussed. This review is expected to provide useful information for a better understanding of human IR-related diseases, as well as to facilitate the development of novel small-molecule activators and inhibitors of the IR for use as medicines or pesticides.
Impact of Metabolic Surgery on Gut Microbiota and Sera Metabolomic Patterns among Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Huang Hsien-Hao , Lin Tzu-Lung , Lee Wei-Jei , Chen Shu-Chun , Lai Wei-Fan , Lu Chia-Chen , Lai Hsin-Chih , Chen Chih-Yen
Published: July 2022

Metabolic surgery is a promising treatment for obese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the mechanism is not completely understood. Current understanding of the underlying ameliorative mechanisms relies on alterations in parameters related to the gastrointestinal hormones, biochemistry, energy absorption, the relative composition of the gut microbiota, and sera metabolites. A total of 13 patients with obesity and T2DM undergoing metabolic surgery treatments were recruited. Systematic changes of critical parameters and the effects and markers after metabolic surgery, in a longitudinal manner (before surgery and three, twelve, and twenty-four months after surgery) were measured. The metabolomics pattern, gut microbiota composition, together with the hormonal and biochemical characterizations, were analyzed. Body weight, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting glucose level, C-peptide, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and des-acyl ghrelin were significantly reduced two years after metabolic surgery. These were closely associated with the changes of sera metabolomics and gut microbiota. Significant negative associations were found between the Eubacterium eligens group and lacosamide glucuronide, UDP-L-arabinose, lanceotoxin A, pipercyclobutanamide B, and hordatine B. Negative associations were identified between Ruminococcaceae UCG-003 and orotidine, and glucose. A positive correlation was found between Enterococcus and glutamic acid, and vindoline. Metabolic surgery showed positive effects on the amelioration of diabetes and metabolic syndromes, which were closely associated with the change of sera metabolomics, the gut microbiota, and other disease-related parameters.
Integrating Human Factors in the Visualisation of Usable Transparency for Dynamic Risk Assessment
Authors: Collen Anastasija , Szanto Ioan-Cosmin , Benyahya Meriem , Genge Bela , Nijdam Niels Alexander
Published: July 2022

Modern technology and the digitisation era accelerated the pace of data generation and collection for various purposes. The orchestration of such data is a daily challenge faced by even experienced professional users in the context of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled environments, especially when it comes to cybersecurity and privacy risks. This article presents the application of a user-centric process for the visualisation of automated decision making security interventions. The user interface (UI) development was guided by iterative feedback collection from user studies on the visualisation of a dynamic risk assessment (DRA)-based security solution for regular lay users. The methodology we applied starts with the definition of the methodological process to map possible technical actions to related usable actions. The definition and refinement of the user interface (UI) was controlled by the survey feedback loop from end user studies on their general technological knowledge, experience with smart homes, cybersecurity awareness and privacy preservation needs. We continuously improved the visualisation interfaces for configuring a cybersecurity solution and adjusting usable transparency of the control and monitoring of the dynamic risk assessment (DRA). For this purpose, we have designed, developed and validated a decision tree workflow and showed the evolution of the interfaces through various stages of the real-life trials executed under European H2020 project GHOST.
Coded Parallel Transmission for Half-Duplex Distributed Computing
Authors: Zai Qixuan , Yuan Kai , Wu Youlong
Published: July 2022

This work studies a general distributed coded computing system based on the MapReduce-type framework, where distributed computing nodes within a half-duplex network wish to compute multiple output functions. We first introduce a definition of communication delay to characterize the time cost during the date shuffle phase, and then propose a novel coding strategy that enables parallel transmission among the computation nodes by delicately designing the data placement, message symbols encoding, data shuffling, and decoding. Compared to the coded distributed computing (CDC) scheme proposed by Li et al., the proposed scheme significantly reduces the communication delay, in particular when the computation load is relatively smaller than the number of computing nodes K. Moreover, the communication delay of CDC is a monotonically increasing function of K, while the communication delay of our scheme decreases as K increases, indicating that the proposed scheme can make better use of the computing resources.
The Application of X-ray Micro-CT in the Study of HTS Tape Coils
Authors: Minasyan Vitaly B. , Ivanov Nikolay S. , Malykh Elizaveta A. , Zanegin Yuri A. , Douine Bruno
Published: July 2022

In the process of manufacturing products from high-temperature superconductors (HTS), quality control must be carried out. Traditionally, for HTS coils, electrical tests are carried out to determine critical current. In the case of an unacceptable result, it is necessary to determine the cause. Therefore, it is necessary to develop nondestructive testing methods. This article proposes a technology for manufacturing quality evaluation. It is based on determining the actual location of the tape and the gaps between the turns and rows of the coil and analyzing these values. For this purpose, samples were scanned using computed tomography (CT) with a Nordson Dage XD7600NT X-ray inspection system with a μCT module. The obtained data were analyzed using VolumeGraphics VGStudio 2.2 software. Furthermore, the proposed technology can be used as part of a predictive analysis of the state of HTS coils in the windings of electrical machines.
Maximal Reduction of STIC Acquisition Time for Volumetric Assessment of the Fetal Heart—Benefits and Limitations of Semiautomatic Fetal Intelligent Navigation Echocardiography (FINE) Static Mode
Authors: Gembicki Michael , Scharf Jann Lennard , Dracopoulos Christoph , Welp Amrei , Weichert Jan
Published: July 2022

(1) Objective: To scrutinize the reliability and the clinical value of routinely used fetal intelligent navigation echocardiography (FINE) static mode (5DHeartStatic™) for accelerated semiautomatic volumetric assessment of the normal fetal heart. (2) Methods: In this study, a total of 296 second and third trimester fetuses were examined by targeted ultrasound. Spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) volumes of the fetal heart were acquired for further volumetric assessment. In addition, all fetal hearts were scanned by a fast acquisition time volume (1 s). The volumes were analyzed using the FINE software. The data were investigated regarding the number of properly reconstructed planes and cardiac axis. (3) Results: A total of 257 volumes were included for final analysis. The mean gestational age (GA) was 23.9 weeks (14.3 to 37.7 weeks). In 96.9 (standard acquisition time, FINE standard mode) and 94.2% (fast acquisition time, FINE static mode) at least seven planes were reconstructed properly (p = 0.0961, not significant). Regarding the overall depiction rate, the standard mode was able to reconstruct 96.9% of the planes properly, whereas the static mode showed 95.2% of the planes (p = 0.0098). Moreover, there was no significant difference between the automatic measurement of the cardiac axis (37.95 + 9.14 vs. 38.00 + 8.92 degrees, p = 0.8827, not significant). (4) Conclusions: Based on our results, the FINE static mode technique is a reliable method. It provides similar information of the cardiac anatomy compared to conventional STIC volumes assessed by the FINE method. The FINE static mode has the potential to minimize the influence of motion artifacts during volume acquisition and might therefore be helpful concerning volumetric cardiac assessment in daily routine.
Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban and Enoxaparin as Thromboprophylaxis Agents for Orthopedic Surgery—Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rinaldi Ikhwan , Amin Ihya Fakhrurizal , Shufiyani Yuli Maulidiya , Dewantara Idham Rafly , Edina Brenda Cristie , Winston Kevin , Nurrobi Yusuf Aji Samudera
Published: July 2022

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication that can occur during and after postoperative treatment, including in treatment after orthopedic surgery. The current guidelines for VTE prophylaxis in postoperative patients recommend the use of LMWHs, one of which is enoxaparin. Another recommendation for use in pharmacological VTE prophylaxis is rivaroxaban, which has better efficacy than enoxaparin but a higher bleeding risk. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an update on the profile of rivaroxaban for VTE prophylaxis after orthopedic surgery. PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and EBSCOhost were searched up until May 2022. The outcome sought was efficacy and safety, described by the incidence of VTE and incidence of bleeding, respectively. Five randomized controlled trials (RCT) were finally included. Rivaroxaban was confirmed to have better efficacy by significantly reducing the risk of VTE and all-cause mortality (RR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.27–0.54) compared to enoxaparin. However, regarding the safety variable, no significant difference was found between the incidence of major bleeding in rivaroxaban and enoxaparin (RR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.56–1.68). The results of the analysis show that rivaroxaban has better efficacy than enoxaparin but the same safety profile, so when used, the bleeding of patients should still be monitored.
Delivery Outcome of Fetuses with Congenital Heart Disease—Is It Influenced by Prenatal Diagnosis?
Authors: Weissmann-Brenner Alina , Domniz Noam , Meyer Raanan , Weissbach Tal , Elkan Tal , Salem Yishai , Bart Yossi , Kassif Eran , Weisz Boaz
Published: July 2022

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the delivery outcomes of neonates with congenital heart defects (CHD), and to explore the effect of prenatal diagnosis on these outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study including singleton deliveries between 2011 and 2020. All singleton neonates delivered at >24 weeks of gestation were included in this study. Fetuses with known prenatal anomalies other than CHD were excluded from this study. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were analyzed. A comparison was made between pregnancies with CHD and controls; and between pregnancies with prenatal diagnosis of CHD and postnatal diagnosis of CHD. Results: A total of 1598 neonates with CHD (688, 43.1% diagnosed prenatally) comprised the study group, compared to 85,576 singleton controls. Pregnancies with CHD had significantly increased BMI before pregnancy, suffered more from diabetes and chronic hypertension, had more inductions of labor, and had more cesarean deliveries (CD) including both elective CD and urgent CD due to non-reassuring fetal monitor (NRFHR) (OR = 1.75; 95%CI 1.45–2.14). Prenatal diagnosis of CHD is associated with a significant increased rate of induction of labor compared to postnatal diagnosis of CHD (OR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.15–2.22), but did not affect the mode of delivery including the rate of CD and CD due to non-reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR). Gestational age at birth and birthweight were significantly lower in pregnancies with CHD compared to controls, with no difference between prenatal to postnatal diagnosis of the anomaly. Neonates with CHD had a higher incidence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and seizures compared to controls without any impact by prenatal diagnosis. Conclusion: Prenatal diagnosis of CHD is associated with an increased rate of induction of labor, with no increased rate of CD and CD due to NRFHR. The 5-min Apgar score is lower in pregnancies with postnatal diagnosis of CHD.
Preoperative Inflammatory Markers and the Risk of Postoperative Delirium in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery
Authors: Yang Jin Seo , Lee Jae Jun , Kwon Young-Suk , Kim Jong-Ho , Sohn Jong-Hee
Published: July 2022

We investigated the possible associations between postoperative delirium (POD) and routinely available preoperative inflammatory markers in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery (LSFS) to explore the role of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress as risk factors for POD. We analyzed 11 years’ worth of data from the Smart Clinical Data Warehouse. We evaluated whether preoperative inflammatory markers, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and the CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR), affected the development of POD in patients undergoing LSFS. Of the 3081 subjects included, 187 (7.4%) developed POD. A significant increase in NLR, MLR, and CAR levels was observed in POD patients (p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis showed that the second, third, and highest quartiles of the NLR were significantly associated with the development of POD (adjusted OR (95% CI): 2.28 (1.25–4.16], 2.48 (1.3–4.73], and 2.88 (1.39–5.96], respectively). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the discriminative ability of the NLR, MLR, and CAR for predicting POD was low, but almost acceptable (AUC (95% CI): 0.60 (0.56–0.64], 0.61 (0.57–0.65], and 0.63 (0.59–0.67], respectively, p < 0.001). Increases in preoperative inflammatory markers, particularly the NLR, were associated with the development of POD, suggesting that a proinflammatory state is a potential pathophysiological mechanism of POD.
Functional and Morphological Changes in the Visual Pathway in Patients with Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: Jagiełło-Korzeniowska Agnieszka , Bałdys-Waligórska Agata , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja , Romanowska-Dixon Bożena
Published: July 2022

Background: The aim of the study was to perform a functional and structural evaluation of the anterior visual pathway in patients with Graves’ Orbitopathy (GO) using electrophysiological tests and OCT, as well as to identify potential parameters that could be useful in detecting early optic nerve damage. Methods: 47 GO patients were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups, depending on their disease severity: Group 1 with mild GO, Group 2 with moderate-to-severe GO, and Group 3 with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). Pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP), flash visual evoked potential (fVEP), pattern electroretinogram (pERG), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings were compared between the groups. Results: In the DON Group (Group 3), N75, P100, and P2 latencies were significantly extended, whereas P100, P50, and N95 amplitudes were significantly reduced as compared to the non-DON group (Groups 1 and 2). Group 3 also had significantly thinner peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC). In Group 2, as compared to Group 1, P100 amplitudes were significantly reduced for all check sizes, while P100 latency was elongated for the check size of 0.9°. Group 2 also had a significantly thinner average GCC and GCC in the superior quadrant. Conclusions: Electrophysiological examinations may be of use in diagnosis of DON. OCT findings and electrophysiological responses vary in patients with different GO severity. Including regular electrophysiological evaluation and OCT in the examination of patients with GO could be of benefit. However, more research is needed to establish the true significance of pVEP, fVEP, pERG, and OCT in monitoring patients with GO.
Feasibility Study of Harnessing Low Wind Speed Turbine as Hybrid Power Source for Offshore Platforms
Authors: Iqbar Izleena Md , Muhammad Masdi , Gilani Syed Ihtsham Ul-Haq , Adam Frank
Published: July 2022

In this study, the viability of harnessing wind energy for offshore oil and gas (O&G) platforms as a micro-grid solution in low wind speed regions to power O&G platforms is explored. However, wind, as a renewable energy, is known to be highly variable and is unable to provide standalone power reliably within a micro-grid solution due to the variation of the wind speed at hub height, which subsequently leads to a variation of the power outcome. Here, a hybrid power generation concept is developed in which one gas turbine generator (GTG) is replaced with a floating horizontal axis wind turbine (WT) system. By setting up this system, the reduction of the maintenance costs of the GTGs and the reduction of fuel gas consumption reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In addition to this, the fuel gas savings in terms of the business side of such a solution provide a positive revenue impact. In this feasibility study, a technical framework is developed, followed by an economic framework. In the technical framework, wind assessments are performed to obtain the annual energy production for the selected field. Furthermore, an economic framework is established for both conventional and hybrid concepts in two scenarios: greenfield and brownfield, where the incremental net present value (NPV) and levelized cost of energy are calculated. The resultant difference in NPV for hybrid power generation compared to conventional power generation was found to be between 22% and 37%. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for WT is USD 165.52/MWh, which is 39% lower than for conventional, gas turbine-only operations. The LCOE for the hybrid approach is lower than for the conventional scenario by 22%. In conclusion, the hybrid micro-grid concept solution can harness wind energy from low wind regions with better economic benefits compared to conventional methods through the proper selection of the WT system, its floating substructure, and efficient micro-grid system for powering oil and gas platforms.
Effects of Sea Level Rise on Tidal Dynamics in Macrotidal Hangzhou Bay
Authors: Liang Huidi , Chen Wei , Liu Wenlong , Cai Tinglu , Wang Xinkai , Xia Xiaoming
Published: July 2022

Sea level rise (SLR) due to climate change is expected to alter tidal processes and energy transport, disproportionately affecting coastal communities. Utilizing a nested hydrodynamics model, we provided an integrated investigation of tidal responses to SLR in the Hangzhou Bay (HZB). The scenarios of SLR in the next hundred years count for both non-uniform trends based on historical altimetry data and uniform trends from the latest IPCC projections. In a comparison of model results under different SLR scenarios, we found that the tidal range is amplified by SLR in HZB with stronger amplification at the shallow southern coast. Tidal range change generally increases with the SLR scale; however, neglecting the heterogeneities in the spatial distribution of SLR tends to overestimate the SLR effects. The harmonic analysis illustrates that SLR exaggerates the dominated semidiurnal tides (M2 and S2) but dampens their overtides and compound tides (M4, M6, and MS4), of which M2 amplitude amplification explains 71.2–90.0% of tidal range change. SLR tends to promote tidal energy entering HZB through the Zhoushan Archipelago (ZA) compared to the prototype, while dampened sea-bed roughness and reduced tidal velocity come with a less dissipative environment in HZB, resulting in 6–18% more tidal energy exported upstream. Numerical experiments indicate ZA has significant effects on tidal responses and energy flux generation, therefore, its quantitative influences and physical mechanism are also discussed in this paper.
Target Strength Measurements of Free-Swimming Sandeel Species, Ammodytes spp., in a Large Indoor Experimental Aquarium
Authors: Zhu Yanhui , Mizutani Kosuke , Minami Kenji , Shirakawa Hokuto , Kawauchi Yohei , Shao Huamei , Tomiyasu Makoto , Iwahara Yuka , Tamura Tsutomu , Ogawa Masahiro , Tatsuyama Kai , Miyashita Kazushi
Published: July 2022

The sandeel species (Ammodytes spp.) occupy a critical ecological position in connecting lower trophic levels to higher ones. However, they are strongly affected by the marine environment and their catch rates are trending downward. In this study, the target strength (TS) of sandeel species was measured in free-swimming specimens using a split-beam quantitative echo sounder with 38 and 120 kHz frequencies in a physically controlled environment. Parameters a and b used in the estimated TSmean–fork length (FL: 13.5–21.5 cm) equation were 53.7 and −124.3 dB at 38 kHz, and 71.3 and −153.2 dB at 120 kHz, respectively. The TS of the sandeel species were not proportional to the square of the FL but increased relatively rapidly with increasing body size. In addition, the mean and standard deviation of the swimming angle for the sandeel species from the acoustic data at 120 kHz were −2.2° and 7.7°, respectively, and most were in the −30° to 30°, range. Furthermore, TS was stronger at 38 kHz than at 120 kHz for all FL classes. The use of such frequency characteristics could facilitate the discrimination of fish species in the field and the sustainable assessment of sandeel species stocks.
Combination Effect of Novel Bimetallic Ag-Ni Nanoparticles with Fluconazole against Candida albicans
Authors: Kamli Majid Rasool , Alzahrani Elham A. , Albukhari Soha M. , Ahmad Aijaz , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Malik Maqsood Ahmad
Published: July 2022

The increasing frequency of antifungal drug resistance among pathogenic yeast “Candida” has posed an immense global threat to the public healthcare sector. The most notable species of Candida causing most fungal infections is Candida albicans. Furthermore, recent research has revealed that transition and noble metal combinations can have synergistic antimicrobial effects. Therefore, a one-pot seedless biogenic synthesis of Ag-Ni bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag-Ni NPs) using Salvia officinalis aqueous leaf extract is described. Various techniques, such as UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TGA, were used to validate the production of Ag-Ni NPs. The antifungal susceptibility of Ag-Ni NPs alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLZ) was tested against FLZ-resistant C. albicans isolate. Furthermore, the impacts of these NPs on membrane integrity, drug efflux pumps, and biofilms formation were evaluated. The MIC (1.56 μg/mL) and MFC (3.12 μg/mL) results indicated potent antifungal activity of Ag-Ni NPs against FLZ-resistant C. albicans. Upon combination, synergistic interaction was observed between Ag-Ni NPs and FLZ against C. albicans 5112 with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) value of 0.31. In-depth studies revealed that Ag-Ni NPs at higher concentrations (3.12 μg/mL) have anti-biofilm properties and disrupt membrane integrity, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy results. In comparison, morphological transition was halted at lower concentrations (0.78 μg/mL). From the results of efflux pump assay using rhodamine 6G (R6G), it was evident that Ag-Ni NPs blocks the efflux pumps in the FLZ-resistant C. albicans 5112. Targeting biofilms and efflux pumps using novel drugs will be an alternate approach for combatting the threat of multi-drug resistant (MDR) stains of C. albicans. Therefore, this study supports the usage of Ag-Ni NPs to avert infections caused by drug resistant strains of C. albicans.
Influence of Anthropogenic Activities and Major Natural Factors on Vegetation Changes in Global Alpine Regions
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Sun Juying , Lu Yafeng , Song Xueqian
Published: July 2022

Understanding vegetation changes and their driving forces in global alpine areas is critical in the context of climate change. We aimed to reveal the changing trend in global alpine vegetation from 1981 to 2015 using the least squares regression method and Mann-Kendall (MK) test. The area-of-influence dominated by anthropogenic activity and natural factors was determined in an area with significant vegetation change by residual analysis; the primary driving force of vegetation change in the area-of-influence dominated by natural factors was identified using the partial correlation method. The results showed that (1) the vegetation in the global alpine area exhibited a browning trend from 1981 to 2015 on the annual scale; however, a greening trend was observed from May to July on the month scale. (2) The influence of natural factors was greater than that of anthropogenic activities, and the positive impact of natural factors was greater than the negative impact. (3) Among the factors that were often considered as the main natural factors, the contribution of albedo to significant changes in vegetation were greater than that of temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, and sunshine duration. This study provides a scientific basis for the protection of vegetation and sustainable development in alpine regions.
Variation at the Syntax–Pragmatics Interface: Discourse Particles in Questions
Authors: Cruschina Silvio , Bianchi Valentina
Published: July 2022

This paper focuses on the microvariation concerning the distribution and functions of certain interrogative discourse particles found in several central and southern Italian dialects. These particles show many similarities in terms of both their morphological shapes (being homophonous to the wh-phrase corresponding to English ‘what’) and their syntactic distribution within the sentence, in that they all occur at the beginning of polar questions. However, a careful analysis of their distribution across a pragmatically defined typology of canonical and non-canonical polar questions shows that these particles are not possible in all question types. In particular, two patterns emerge: in Pattern B, the particle is associated with a conventional implicature that both the speaker and the addressee are competent with respect to the issue addressed by the polar question, while in Pattern A, this implicature is restricted to the addressee competence. This point of microvariation is then analysed by assuming that both the pragmatic assumptions of competence and the discourse participants are encoded in the syntactic representation; the cartographic framework is adopted to characterize the compositional structure.
Analysis of the Deflection, Bristle Splaying, and Abrasion of a Single Tuft of a Polybutylene Terephthalate Toothbrush after Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kaneyasu Yoshino , Shigeishi Hideo , Ohta Kouji , Sugiyama Masaru
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study is to clarify the deflection, splaying, and abrasion of single tufts of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) toothbrushes after use. A single-center randomized controlled trial is performed. The changes in deflection, bristle splaying, and abrasion are investigated for the middle single tuft of the top line (top–middle tuft) and the middle single tuft of the bottom line (bottom–middle tuft) of PBT toothbrushes with medium stiffness after 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months of use by 34 participants. A soft-material bending-resistance tester is used to assess the deflection of the single tufts. The deflection value of the top–middle tuft significantly increased after 1 month of use compared with the baseline. In contrast, the deflection of the bottom–middle tuft significantly increased after 3 months of use compared with the baseline and after 1 month and 2 months of use. Importantly, the change in deflection was distinctly different between the top– and bottom–middle tufts. The bristle splaying of both tufts significantly increased after use, but a significant change in bristle abrasion was not found. The bending stiffness of the top tuft of a PBT toothbrush may decrease more rapidly than that of the bottom tuft with use.
Analysis of the Embodied Energy and CO2 Emissions of Ready-Mixed Concrete: A Case Study in Cuenca, Ecuador
Authors: Vázquez-Calle Karla , Guillén-Mena Vanessa , Quesada-Molina Felipe
Published: July 2022

Concrete is the most commonly construction material used worldwide. In contrast to other countries, Ecuador lacks studies that determine the environmental impact of the production of construction materials. This research presents a quantification of embodied energy and CO2 emissions associated with the concrete production, using as a case study a ready-mixed concrete plant in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. The study was based on the Life Cycle Assessment methodology established by ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, and the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel of Experts on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. The production of ready-mixed concrete was considered for one year, with a “gate to gate” approach including the “transport of raw material” to the concrete plant and the subsequent “transport of final product” to the construction site. The results revealed that to produce 1 m3 of ready-mixed concrete, its production required 568.69 MJ of energy, accompanied by 42.83 kg CO2. Indirect transport generates the greatest environmental impact, especially the “transport of raw materials”, which represents approximately 80% of the embodied energy and 79% of CO2 emission.