bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Maize Growth Following Early Season Foliar P Supply of Various Fertilizer Formulations and in Relation to Nutritional Status
Authors: Görlach Bruno Maximilian , Henningsen Jon Niklas , Mackens Jens Torsten , Mühling Karl Hermann
Published: April 2021

The efficiency of phosphorus (P) use in agriculture needs to be improved, with farmers being increasingly forced by law to reduce P soil fertilization. Thus, P foliar application might become more important in agriculture. The effect of foliar P fertilization has not been widely studied in maize, despite it being a crop with high P demand during juvenile development. Our aim was to investigate the effect of P foliar application during juvenile development on maize crop growth and yield. We conducted outdoor pot experiments to investigate the effect on P uptake, translocation, and dry matter following three applications of foliar fertilizer of various P formulations and with additional P soil fertilization between the 4th and 6th leaf stage during two growing seasons. To determine direct and possible long-term effects, plants were harvested at various developmental stages. P foliar application resulted in a significant increase in P concentration in all plant parts ten days after the last application, regardless of P form, nutritional status, or year. P concentration remained high only in those parts of the plant that were present during foliar application. Biomass effects were sporadically visible until flowering, but not at maturity. We conclude that foliar P fertilization during juvenile development does not increase yield but might nevertheless be a useful remedy for short-term P deficits.
Amaranthus retroflexus L. (Redroot Pigweed): Effects of Elevated CO2 and Soil Moisture on Growth and Biomass and the Effect of Radiant Heat on Seed Germination
Authors: Weller Sandra , Florentine Singarayer , Javaid Muhammad Mansoor , Welgama Amali , Chadha Aakansha , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh , Turville Christopher
Published: April 2021

Amaranthus retroflexus L. (Amaranthaceae), Redroot pigweed, is native to North America, but has become a weed of agriculture worldwide. Previous research into competition with food crops found it significantly reduces yields. Additionally, taxonomy, biomass allocation, physiological responses to light intensity, water stress, elevated CO2, and herbicide resistance have been investigated. To extend other research findings, we investigated growth and biomass yield in response to (i) soil moisture stress, and (ii) drought and elevated CO2. Additionally, we investigated seed germination rates following exposure to three elevated temperatures for two different time periods. Overall, moisture stress reduced plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves. Elevated CO2 (700 ppm) appeared to reduce negative impacts of drought on biomass productivity. Heating seeds at 120 °C and above for either 180 or 300 s significantly reduced germination rate. These results inform an understanding of potential responses of A. retroflexus to future climate change and will be used to predict future occurrence of this weed. The finding that exposing seeds to high temperatures retards germination suggests fire could be used to prevent seed germination from soil seed banks, particularly in no-till situations, and therefore may be used to address infestations or prevent further spread of this weed.
Pathological Study of Facial Eczema (Pithomycotoxicosis) in Sheep
Authors: Fernández Miguel , Pérez Valentín , Fuertes Miguel , Benavides Julio , Espinosa José , Menéndez Juan , García-Pérez Ana L. , Ferreras M. Carmen
Published: April 2021

Facial eczema (FE) is a secondary photosensitization disease of farm ruminants caused by the sporidesmin A, produced in the spores of the saprophytic fungus Pithomyces chartarum. This study communicates an outbreak of ovine FE in Asturias (Spain) and characterizes the serum biochemical pattern and the immune response that may contribute to liver damage, favoring cholestasis and the progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Animals showed clinical signs of photosensitivity, with decrease of daily weight gain and loss of wool and crusting for at least 6 months after the FE outbreak. Serum activity of γ-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased in sheep with skin lesions. In the acute phase, edematous skin lesions in the head, hepatocytic and canalicular cholestasis in centrilobular regions, presence of neutrophils in small clumps surrounding deposits of bile pigment, ductular proliferation, as well as cholemic nephrosis, were observed. Macrophages, stained positively for MAC387, were found in areas of canalicular cholestasis. In the chronic phase, areas of alopecia and crusting were seen in the head, and the liver was atrophic with large regeneration nodules and gallstones. Fibrosis around dilated bile ducts, “typical” and “atypical” ductular reaction and an inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes and pigmented macrophages, with iron deposits and lipofuscin, were found. The surviving parenchyma persisted with a jigsaw pattern characteristic of biliary cirrhosis. Concentric and eccentric myointimal proliferation was found in arteries near damaged bile ducts. In cirrhotic livers, stellated cells, ductular reaction, ectatic bile ducts and presence of M2 macrophages and lymphocytes, were observed in areas of bile ductular reaction.
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Applications for Food Fraud Detection
Authors: Zambonin Carlo
Published: April 2021

Chemical analysis of food products relating to the detection of the most common frauds is a complex task due to the complexity of the matrices and the unknown nature of most processes. Moreover, frauds are becoming more and more sophisticated, making the development of reliable, rapid, cost-effective new analytical methods for food control even more pressing. Over the years, MALDI-TOF MS has demonstrated the potential to meet this need, also due to a series of undeniable intrinsic advantages including ease of use, fast data collection, and capability to obtain valuable information even from complex samples subjected to simple pre-treatment procedures. These features have been conveniently exploited in the field of food frauds in several matrices, including milk and dairy products, oils, fish and seafood, meat, fruit, vegetables, and a few other categories. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing MALDI-based applications for food quality assessment and detection of adulterations.
Solid–Liquid Interface Temperature Measurement of Evaporating Droplet Using Thermoresponsive Polymer Aqueous Solution
Authors: Lee Hyung Ju , Jeong Chan Ho , Kim Dae Yun , Choi Chang Kyoung , Lee Seong Hyuk
Published: April 2021

The present study aims to measure the solid–liquid interface temperature of an evaporating droplet on a heated surface using a thermoresponsive polymer. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) was used owing to its sensitive optical and mechanical properties to the temperature. We also measured the refractive index variation of the pNIPAM solution by using the surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi). In particular, the present study proposed a new method to measure the solid–liquid interface temperature using the correlation among reflectance, refractive index, and temperature. It was found that the reflectance of a pNIPAM solution decreased after the droplet deposition. The solid–liquid interface temperature, estimated from the reflectance, showed a lower value at the center of the droplet, and it gradually increased along the radial direction. The lowest temperature at the contact line region is present because of the maximum evaporative cooling. Moreover, the solid–liquid interface temperature deviation increased with the surface temperature, which means solid–liquid interface temperature should be considered at high temperature to predict the evaporation flux of the droplet accurately.
Direct Conjugation of NEDD8 to the N-Terminus of a Model Protein Can Induce Degradation
Authors: Vijayasimha Kartikeya , Tran Marilyn Vo , Leestemaker-Palmer Amy L. , Dolan Brian P.
Published: April 2021

While the role of ubiquitin in protein degradation is well established, the role of other ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) in protein degradation is less clear. Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8 (NEDD8) is the UBL with the highest level of amino acids identified when compared to ubiquitin. Here we tested if the N-terminal addition of NEDD8 to a protein of interest could lead to degradation. Mutation of critical glycine residues required for normal NEDD8 processing resulted in a non-cleavable fusion protein that was rapidly degraded within the cells by both the proteasome and autophagy. Both degradation pathways were dependent on a functional ubiquitin-conjugation system as treatment with MLN7243 increased levels of non-cleavable NEDD8-GFP. The degradation of non-cleavable, N-terminal NEDD8-GFP was not due to a failure of GFP folding as different NEDD8-GFP constructs with differing abilities to fold and fluoresce were similarly degraded. Though the fusion of NEDD8 to a protein resulted in degradation, treatment of cells with MLN4924, an inhibitor of the E1 activating enzyme for NEDD8, failed to prevent degradation of other destabilized substrates. Taken together these data suggest that under certain conditions, such as the model system described here, the covalent linkage of NEDD8 to a protein substrate may result in the target proteins degradation.
IL-1β Antibody Protects Brain from Neuropathology of Hypoperfusion
Authors: Quintana Dominic , Ren Xuefang , Hu Heng , Corbin Deborah , Engler-Chiurazzi Elizabeth , Alvi Muhammad , Simpkins James
Published: April 2021

Chronic brain hypoperfusion is the primary cause of vascular dementia and has been implicated in the development of white matter disease and lacunar infarcts. Cerebral hypoperfusion leads to a chronic state of brain inflammation with immune cell activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β. In the present study, we induced chronic, progressive brain hypoperfusion in mice using ameroid constrictor, arterial stenosis (ACAS) surgery and tested the efficacy of an IL-1β antibody on the resulting brain damage. We observed that ACAS surgery causes a reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF) of about 30% and grey and white matter damage in and around the hippocampus. The IL-1β antibody treatment did not significantly affect CBF but largely eliminated grey matter damage and reduced white matter damage caused by ACAS surgery. Over the course of hypoperfusion/injury, grip strength, coordination, and memory-related behavior were not significantly affected by ACAS surgery or antibody treatment. We conclude that antibody neutralization of IL-1β is protective from the brain damage caused by chronic, progressive brain hypoperfusion.
Effects of TRPC6 Inactivation on Glomerulosclerosis and Renal Fibrosis in Aging Rats
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Dryer Stuart E.
Published: April 2021

Canonical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) channels have been implicated in familial and acquired forms of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in patients and animal models, as well as in renal fibrosis following ureteral obstruction in mice. Aging also evokes declines in renal function owing to effects on almost every renal compartment in humans and rodents. Here, we have examined the role of TRPC6 in driving inflammation and fibrosis during aging in Sprague-Dawley rats. This was assessed in rats with non-functional TRPC6 channels owing to CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of a portion of the ankyrin repeat domain required for the assembly of functional TRPC6 channels (Trpc6del/del rats). Wild-type littermates (Trpc6wt/wt rats) were used as controls. Animals were evaluated at 2 months and 12 months of age. There was no sign of kidney disease at 2 months of age, regardless of genotype. However, by 12 months of age, all rats examined showed declines in renal function associated with albuminuria, azotemia and increased urine excretion of β2–microglobulin, a marker for proximal tubule pathology. These changes were equally severe in Trpc6wt/wt and Trpc6del/del rats. We also observed age-related increases in renal cortical expression of markers of fibrosis (α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin) and inflammation (NLRP3 and pro-IL−1β), and there was no detectable protective effect of TRPC6 inactivation. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis assessed from histology also appeared equally severe in Trpc6wt/wt and Trpc6del/del rats. By contrast, glomerular pathology, blindly scored from histological sections, suggested a significant protective effect of TRPC6 inactivation, but only within the glomerular compartment.
Hypoxia and Extracellular Acidification as Drivers of Melanoma Progression and Drug Resistance
Authors: Dratkiewicz Ewelina , Simiczyjew Aleksandra , Mazurkiewicz Justyna , Ziętek Marcin , Matkowski Rafał , Nowak Dorota
Published: April 2021

Hypoxia and elevated extracellular acidification are prevalent features of solid tumors and they are often shown to facilitate cancer progression and drug resistance. In this review, we have compiled recent and most relevant research pertaining to the role of hypoxia and acidification in melanoma growth, invasiveness, and response to therapy. Melanoma represents a highly aggressive and heterogeneous type of skin cancer. Currently employed treatments, including BRAF V600E inhibitors and immune therapy, often are not effective due to a rapidly developing drug resistance. A variety of intracellular mechanisms impeding the treatment were discovered. However, the tumor microenvironment encompassing stromal and immune cells, extracellular matrix, and physicochemical conditions such as oxygen level or acidity, may also influence the therapy effectiveness. Hypoxia and acidification are able to reprogram the metabolism of melanoma cells, enhance their survival and invasiveness, as well as promote the immunosuppressive environment. For this reason, these physicochemical features of the melanoma niche and signaling pathways related to them emerge as potential therapeutic targets.
Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia Following Viral Illness
Authors: Sawalha Khalid , Habash Fuad , Vallurupalli Srikanth , Paydak Hakan
Published: April 2021

A 67-year-old female patient with a past medical history of menopause, migraines, and gastro-esophageal disease presented with palpitation, fatigue, and shortness of breath. One month prior to her presentation, she reported having flu-like symptoms. Her EKG showed sinus tachycardia with no other abnormality. Laboratory findings, along with imaging, showed normal results. The event monitor failed to detect any arrythmias. We report a case of inappropriate sinus tachycardia secondary to viral infection as a diagnosis of exclusion.
The Genomic Organisation of the TRA/TRD Locus Validates the Peculiar Characteristics of Dromedary δ-Chain Expression
Authors: Massari Serafina , Linguiti Giovanna , Giannico Francesco , D’Addabbo Pietro , Ciccarese Salvatrice , Antonacci Rachele
Published: April 2021

The role of γδ T cells in vertebrate immunity is still an unsolved puzzle. Species such as humans and mice display a low percentage of these T lymphocytes (i.e., “γδ low species”) with a restricted diversity of γδ T cell receptors (TR). Conversely, artiodactyl species (i.e., “γδ high species”) account for a high proportion of γδ T cells with large γ and δ chain repertoires. The genomic organisation of the TR γ (TRG) and δ (TRD) loci has been determined in sheep and cattle, noting that a wide number of germline genes that encode for γ and δ chains characterise their genomes. Taking advantage of the current improved version of the genome assembly, we have investigated the genomic structure and gene content of the dromedary TRD locus, which, as in the other mammalian species, is nested within the TR α (TRA) genes. The most remarkable finding was the identification of a very limited number of variable germline genes (TRDV) compared to sheep and cattle, which supports our previous expression analyses for which the somatic hypermutation mechanism is able to enlarge and diversify the primary repertoire of dromedary δ chains. Furthermore, the comparison between genomic and expressed sequences reveals that D genes, up to four incorporated in a transcript, greatly contribute to the increased diversity of the dromedary δ chain antigen binding-site.
Genetic Variability and Population Structure of Polish Konik Horse Maternal Lines Based on Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Fornal Agnieszka , Kowalska Katarzyna , Zabek Tomasz , Piestrzynska-Kajtoch Agata , Musiał Adrianna D. , Ropka-Molik Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

The aim of the conservation programme is to maintain the population size of endangered livestock breeds of less economic importance at a level that ensures the survival of the breed, the preservation of genetic diversity, and the preservation of as many pedigree lines as possible. The Polish Konik, a native Polish primitive-type horse breed and is one of the breeds included in such a programme in Poland. Presently, there are only 16 (of the 35 maternal lines known in 1962), some of which are endangered. We examined the genetic variability and structure of the Polish Konik maternal lines (176 individuals) on the basis of the pedigree data and 17 microsatellite markers (STRs) from parentage testing. The overall mean number of alleles was 7.647 (±0.411), the effective number of alleles was 3.935 (±0.271), the mean number of alleles for which the frequency was equal to or lower than 5% was 4.471 (±0.286), and the mean information index was 1.506 (±0.087). The structure of the population and admixture patterns were calculated with the Structure and Structure Harvester software. The structural analysis indicated three likely genetic clusters; as the most optimal K value was estimated as 3, with ∆K of 15.4188. The F-statistics results indicated a low level of inbreeding (average inbreeding coefficient FIT was 0.0188, coefficient of differentiation FST was 0.0304, and mean inbreeding index value FIS was −0.0119). Variability monitoring should be carried out in order to avoid inbreeding depression, while breeding strategies should be designed to prevent the decrease of genetic variability in the Polish horse breed and to sustain the active female lines.
Gendered and Racial Injustices in American Food Systems and Cultures
Authors: Kitch Sally , McGregor Joan , Mejía G. Mauricio , El-Sayed Sara , Spackman Christy , Vitullo Juliann
Published: April 2021

Multiple factors create food injustices in the United States. They occur in different societal sectors and traverse multiple scales, from the constrained choices of the industrialized food system to legal and corporate structures that replicate entrenched racial and gender inequalities, to cultural expectations around food preparation and consumption. Such injustices further harm already disadvantaged groups, especially women and racial minorities, while also exacerbating environmental deterioration. This article consists of five sections that employ complementary approaches in the humanities, design studies, and science and technology studies. The authors explore cases that represent structural injustices in the current American food system, including: the racialized and gendered effects of food systems and cultures on both men and women; the misguided and de-territorialized global branding of the Mediterranean Diet as a universal ideal; the role of food safety regulations around microbes in reinforcing racialized food injustices; and the benefits of considering the American food system and all of its parts as designed artifacts that can be redesigned. The article concludes by discussing how achieving food justice can simultaneously promote sustainable food production and consumption practices—a process that, like the article itself, invites scholars and practitioners to actively design our food system in ways that empower different stakeholders and emphasize the importance of collaboration and interconnection.
Changes in the Bronchial Cuff Pressure of Left-Sided Double-Lumen Endotracheal Tube by Lateral Positioning: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kim Jong-Hae , Kim Eugene , Kim In-Young , Choi Eun-Joo , Byun Sung-Hye
Published: April 2021

Proper bronchial cuff pressure (BCP) is important when using a double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT), especially in thoracic surgery. As positional change during endotracheal tube placement could alter cuff pressure, we aim to evaluate the change in BCP of DLT from the supine to the lateral decubitus position during thoracic surgery. A total of 69 patients aged 18–70 years who underwent elective lung surgery were recruited. BCP was measured at a series of time points in the supine and lateral decubitus positions after confirming the DLT placement. The primary outcome was change in the initial established BCP (BCPi), which is the maximum pressure at which the BCP did not exceed 40 cmH2O without air leak in the supine position, after lateral decubitus positioning. As the primary outcome, the BCPi increased from 25.4 ± 9.0 cmH2O in the supine position to 29.1 ± 12.2 cmH2O in the lateral decubitus position (p < 0.001). Out of the 69 participants, 43 and 26 patients underwent surgery in the left-lateral decubitus position (LLD group) and the right-lateral decubitus position (RLD group) respectively. In the LLD group, the BCPi increased significantly (p < 0.001) after lateral positioning and the beginning of surgery and the difference value, ∆BCPi, from supine to lateral position was significantly higher in the LLD group than in the RLD group (p = 0.034). Positional change from supine to lateral decubitus could increase the BCPi of DLT and the increase was significantly greater in LLD that in RLD.
Sepsis Induces Physical and Mental Impairments in a Mouse Model of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome
Authors: Fujinami Yoshihisa , Inoue Shigeaki , Ono Yuko , Miyazaki Yusuke , Fujioka Kazumichi , Yamashita Kimihiro , Kotani Joji
Published: April 2021

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a physical, cognitive, and mental impairment observed in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Although this is an emerging problem in the ICU, how sepsis induces the characteristic symptoms of PICS remains unclear. To develop a model of PICS, we induced sepsis in male C57/B6 mice via sublethal cecum slurry injection and subsequently treated them using ICU-like interventions. At 1–2 weeks post-sepsis induction, we simultaneously evaluated the abilities of the surviving mice using the following behavioral tests: (1) a grip strength test (GST) and a treadmill test for physical assessment, (2) a novel object recognition test (NORT) for cognitive assessment, and (3) an open field test (OFT) and a marble burying test (MBT) for mental assessment. The surviving mice showed a range of deficits, including muscle weakness with significantly decreased grip strength in the GST; decreased total mileage during the treadmill test; anxiety and decreased activity, with significantly decreased time in the central area, and increased duration of immobility in the OFT; and an increased number of buried marbles in the MBT. Given these physical and mental impairments in the surviving mice, our model has the potential to elucidate mechanistic insights and to discover therapeutic targets and new interventions for PICS.
Clinical Performance of a Novel Two-Piece Abutment Concept: Results from a Prospective Study with a 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Fabbri Giacomo , Staas Tristan , Linkevicius Tomas , Valantiejiene Valda , González-Martin Oscar , Rompen Eric
Published: April 2021

Development of a stable and healthy soft-tissue barrier around dental implants is key to long-term success of implant-supported prostheses. The novel two-piece abutment concept shifts the prosthetic interface to the soft-tissue level to protect bone interface/connective tissue during the healing phase and restorative procedures. This prospective study included 72 patients treated with 106 implants to support a single-tooth or a three-unit bridge restored with two-piece abutments. The evaluation included marginal bone level change (MBLC), implant and prosthetic survival, soft-tissue health including keratinized mucosa height and mucosal margin position, patient quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction, and clinician satisfaction and ease-of-use rating of the concept. Mean MBLC from implant placement to 1 year was −0.36 ± 1.26 mm (n = 89), the 1-year implant and prosthetic survival rates were 97.1 and 96.7%, respectively, while keratinized mucosa height increased from 2.9 ± 1.2 mm at prosthetic delivery to 3.2 ± 1.3 mm, and mucosal margin migrated coronally by 0.49 ± 0.61 mm by 1 year. Patient satisfaction and QoL were high. Clinicians were satisfied with the esthetic and functional results and rated the concept as easy to use. In conclusion, the novel two-piece abutment concept promotes good peri-implant tissue health, while providing an easy-to-use workflow and high treatment satisfaction to both patients and clinicians.
Effect of Land Property Rights on Forest Resources in Southern China
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Hua , Cheng Long , Ning Youliang
Published: April 2021

The land tenure reform is important for forest resource management worldwide. Since China initiated a new round of collective forestland tenure reform (CFTR) in 2003, improving forest output by clarifying property rights plays a crucial role in realizing sustainable forest resource management. Using survey data of 312 bamboo plantation households from Southern China, this paper empirically examines the impact path of land property rights on forest resources. The estimation results show that both the forestland use right and disposal right are able to significantly improve the forest output by encouraging households to invest and optimizing the allocation of forestry labor. Particularly, the results reveal that the use right has a positive impact on forest output through forestland investment. With regard to the disposal right, we find that it has a positive effect on forest output through forestland investment, but it has a negative impact on forest output through the forestry labor allocation. The findings of this study suggest that to promote the growth of forest resources, the government should endow households with a more complete set of rights, and further strengthen their understanding of property rights. In addition, our findings enhance the understanding of the collective forestland tenure reform in China; they also have implications for the decentralized management of forestry elsewhere in the world.
Anticorruption, Cultural Norms, and Implications for the APUNCAC
Authors: Singh Danny
Published: April 2021

Corruption is a phenomenon that has received global attention from academics, policy makers and international donors. Corruption may be defined as the abuse of power for private gain. Activities include bribery, extortion, rent-seeking behaviour, cronyism, patronage, nepotism, embezzlement, graft and engagement with criminal enterprises. However, patronage, nepotism and gift giving are frequently viewed in many Asian and African cultures as acceptable practices that promote efficiency and smooth relationships. This article examines these practices in contexts including Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, Russia, China and South Asia, discusses various rationales for these practices, and seeks to understand how these practices can be reconciled with international efforts to combat corruption. This article focuses on the implications with regard to the Anticorruption Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (APUNCAC) and the proposal to establish a body of United Nations (UN) inspectors to investigate charges of corruption and refer cases to dedicated domestic anticorruption courts. This article suggests that UN inspectors and international norms against corruption are not incompatible with traditional cultural practices. This article draws upon the experiences of Hong Kong and Singapore, where corruption was endemic, to demonstrate that local cultural norms can be rapidly changed when independent inspectors are established and receive support from institutions that are free from manipulation by domestic authorities.
Primary Mucosal Melanoma Presenting with a Unilateral Nasal Obstruction of the Left Inferior Turbinate
Authors: Lombardo Nicola , Della Corte Marcello , Pelaia Corrado , Piazzetta Giovanna , Lobello Nadia , Del Duca Ester , Bennardo Luigi , Nisticò Steven Paul
Published: April 2021

We report the case of a primitive nasal melanoma in an 82-year-old patient, showing how this rare malignancy, with non-specific signs and symptoms, can represent a challenging diagnosis for the physician. A 82-year-old Caucasian patient presented for unilateral nasal obstruction and occasional epistaxis. Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the facial massif revealed turbinate hypertrophy and a polypoid phlogistic tissue isointense in T1 with an intermediate signal in T2 and Short-TI Inversion Recovery (STIR)-T2, occupying the middle meatus and the anterior upper and lower left meatus with partial obliteration of the ostium and the infundibulum of the maxillary sinus. The Positron emission tomography (PET) exam was negative for metastases. Conservatory surgery in the left anterior video rhinoscopy was performed, allowing a radical 4-cm tumor excision. Histology reported epithelioid cell melanoma, PanK−, CD45−, and PanMelanoma+. Adjuvant radiotherapy was suggested, even considering a complete resection as the result of surgery. No local or systemic relapse was noticed at the 2-month follow-up visit. Although mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy characterized by a poor prognosis, early diagnosis allows a more conservative approach, with little surgical difficulty and no aesthetic effect. Our case raises awareness of the importance of early intervention even in those cases where the clinic symptoms and diagnostic images show uncertain severity.
Clitoromegaly, Vulvovaginal Hemangioma Mimicking Pelvic Organ Prolapse, and Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Gynecologic Manifestations of Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome
Authors: Nam Gina , Lee Sa Ra , Choi SeungA
Published: April 2021

Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome (KTS) is a genetic vascular malformation involving the capillary, lymphatic, and venous channels. Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of KTS with an enlarged fetal limb is well-known; however, postnatal gynecologic manifestations are rarely reported. KTS can cause clitoromegaly, vulvovaginal hemangioma, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Somatic mosaicism of the PIK3CA gene is considered as responsible for KTS but reports based on whole-genome sequencing are limited. A 31-year-old woman with KTS presented with bulging of the clitoris and vagina. Analysis of whole-genome sequencing variant data revealed that gene ontology terms related to development and differentiation such as ‘skeletal system morphogenesis’, ‘embryonic morphogenesis’, and ‘sensory organ development’ were nominally significant in non-coding regions. Variants in non-coding genes may be responsible for this phenotype.
Study of Turbulence Promoters in Prolonging Membrane Life
Authors: Jiang Bin , Hu Binxing , Yang Na , Zhang Luhong , Sun Yongli , Xiao Xiaoming
Published: April 2021

Nanofiltration membrane technology is an effective method for secondary treated sewage purification. However, membrane fouling, which is inevitable in the membrane-separation process, can reduce membrane performance and shorten membrane life. Installing a turbulence promoter is a promising means of improving the hydraulic conditions inside the membrane chamber. In this study, the effect of turbulence promoter on prolonging membrane life was studied for the first time. Flat-sheet polyethersulfone nanofiltration membrane was used to filter humic acid solution, used for simulating secondary treated sewage. By comparing photographs and SEM images of the membrane before and after the simulated secondary treated sewage filtration, it was found that humic acid tended to be deposited on the low-velocity region, which was reflected by COMSOL simulation. After incorporating a turbulence promoter, the reduction of the humic acid deposition area and membrane fouling resistance indicated that the turbulence promoter could reduce membrane fouling due to the improved hydraulic conditions. Additionally, the turbulence promoter also increased the flux and reduced the flux decay rate. The turbulence promoter was then place in the crossflow flat-sheet membrane filtration module, and the variation of flux with time was tested in simulated secondary treated sewage with different concentrations. The results showed that the membrane life for the filtration of simulated secondary treated sewage comprising 50, 250, and 500 ppm humic acid increased by 23.1%, 80.4%, and 85.7%, respectively. The results of this article can serve as a reference for the prediction of membrane life and the performance enhancement mechanism of membranes containing a turbulence promoter.
Nanofiltration of Multi-Ion Solutions: Quantitative Control of Concentration Polarization and Interpretation by Solution-Diffusion-Electro-Migration Model
Authors: Fernández de Labastida Marc , Yaroshchuk Andriy
Published: April 2021

For effective use of advanced engineering models of nanofiltration quality of experimental input is crucial, especially in electrolyte mixtures where simultaneous rejections of various ions may be very different. In particular, this concerns the quantitative control of concentration polarization (CP). This work used a rotating disklike membrane test cell with equally accessible membrane surface, so the CP extent was the same over the membrane surface. This condition, which is not satisfied in the conventional membrane test cell, made possible correcting for CP easily even in multi-ion systems. Ion rejections were studied experimentally for several dominant salts (NaCl, MgCl2, Na2SO4 and MgSO4) and trace ions (Na+, NH4+, Cl− and NO3−) using NF270 membrane. The solution–diffusion–electro–migration model was used to obtain ion permeances from the experimental measurements. The model could well fit the experimental data except in the case of NH4+. The correlations between the ion permeances and type of dominant salt are discussed in the context of the established mechanisms of NF such as Donnan and dielectric exclusion. The obtained information contributes to the systematic transport characterization of NF membranes and may be ultimately useful for computational fluid dynamics simulations of the performance of the membranes in various applications.
Numerical 3D Finite Element Assessment of Bending Moment-Resisting Frame Equipped with Semi-Disconnected Steel Plate Shear Wall and Yielding Plate Connection
Authors: Salimi Seyed Morteza , Rahimi Sepideh , Hoseinzadeh Mohamad , Kontoni Denise-Penelope N. , Ebadi-Jamkhaneh Mehdi
Published: April 2021

Steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) have advantages such as high elastic stiffness, stable hysteresis behavior, high energy absorption capacity, and decent ductility. However, one of the main drawbacks of SPSWs is their buckling under lateral loading. To address this issue, a simple and practical solution in the form of using a trapezoidal plate moment connection (PMC) and a narrow gap between the infill plate and columns is presented. The PMC will act as an energy absorber, similar to a yielding steel plate, and keep the other structural members in an elastic state. Extensive three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of the SPSW system were investigated under monotonic and cyclic loading. The results revealed that by separating the infill plate from the vertical boundary elements and using two vertical edge stiffeners at both edges of the wall, the same lateral bearing capacity of the conventional system can be achieved. In addition, by increasing the thickness of the PMC from 6.5 to 26 mm, the load-bearing capacity, energy dissipation, and elastic stiffness increased approximately 2, 2.5, and 3.2 times, respectively. It was also found that the flexural capacity ratio of the connection to the beam had little effect on the overall force–displacement behavior. However, it can affect the system failure mechanism. Finally, the tension field inclination angle for such SPSWs was proposed in the range of 30 to 35°.
Influence of Atmospheric Plasma Spray Parameters (APS) on the Mechanical Properties of Ni-Al Coatings on Aluminum Alloy Substrate
Authors: Lorenzo-Bañuelos Miriam , Díaz Andrés , Rodríguez David , Cuesta Isidoro I. , Fernández Adrian , Alegre Jesus M.
Published: April 2021

Thermal spray is one of the most widely used coating techniques to improve wear, surface fatigue or corrosion properties. In the atmospheric plasma spray (APS) process, a powdered material is melted by hydrogen and argon combustion and is propelled at high speed onto the target substrate. The high impact energy of the particles produces a dense and resistant coating layer. Mechanical and surface properties of the obtained coating depend on various spraying parameters, such as gas flow, traverse speed and spraying distance, among others. In this research, the influence of these manufacturing parameters on the thickness, hardness and resistance of the coating obtained from a Ni-Al alloy sprayed onto an aluminum alloy substrate was studied. In order to analyze the effect of these parameters on the coating properties, an extensive experimental program was carried out. A metallographic analysis, hardness and strength measurements were carried out using the small punch test to locally study the mechanical properties of the coating surface. The design of experiments and the response surface methodology facilitate the assessment of the optimal set of spraying parameters.
Erratum: Romero-Lopez et al. Lung Metabolomics Profiling of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in Fetal Rats. Metabolites 2021, 11, 177
Authors: Romero-Lopez Maria del Mar , Oria Marc , Watanabe-Chailland Miki , Varela Maria Florencia , Romick-Rosendale Lindsey , Peiro Jose L.
Published: April 2021

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Carbon Ligands: From Fundamental Aspects to Applications
Authors: Canac Yves
Published: April 2021

Ligand design is at the forefront of many advances in various areas of chemistry such as organometallic chemistry, functional materials, and homogeneous catalysis [...]
Properties of Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement Mortar Modified by Hydroxyethyl Methyl Celluloses with Different Degrees of Substitution
Authors: Zhang Shaokang , Wang Ru , Xu Linglin , Hecker Andreas , Ludwig Horst-Michael , Wang Peiming
Published: April 2021

This paper studies the influence of hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC) on the properties of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement mortar. In order to explore the applicability of different HEMCs in CSA cement mortars, HEMCs with higher and lower molar substitution (MS)/degree of substitution (DS) and polyacrylamide (PAAm) modification were used. At the same time, two kinds of CSA cements with different contents of ye’elimite were selected. Properties of cement mortar in fresh and hardened states were investigated, including the fluidity, consistency and water-retention rate of fresh mortar and the compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile bond strength and dry shrinkage rate of hardened mortar. The porosity and pore size distribution were also analyzed by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Results show that HEMCs improve the fresh state properties and tensile bond strength of both types of CSA cement mortars. However, the compressive strength of CSA cement mortars is greatly decreased by the addition of HEMCs, and the flexural strength is decreased slightly. The MIP measurement shows that HEMCs increase the amount of micron-level pores and the porosity. The HEMCs with different MS/DS have different effects on the improvement of tensile bond strength in different CSA cement mortars. PAAm modification can improve the tensile bond strength of HEMC-modified CSA cement mortar.
Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes of Sodium Alginate and Montmorillonite Clay
Authors: Sentanin Franciani C. , Caliman Willian R. , Sabadini Rodrigo C. , Cavalheiro Carla C. S. , Pereira Rui F. P. , Silva Maria M. , Pawlicka Agnieszka
Published: April 2021

Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NPEs) were synthesized using sodium alginate (Alg) and either sodium (SCa-3-Na+)- or lithium (SCa-3-Li+)-modified montmorillonite clays. The samples were characterized by structural, optical, and electrical properties. SCa-3-Na+ and SCa-3-Li+ clays’ X-ray structural analyses revealed peaks at 2θ = 7.2° and 6.7° that corresponded to the interlamellar distances of 12.3 and 12.8 Å, respectively. Alg-based NPEs X-ray diffractograms showed exfoliated structures for samples with low clay percentages. The increase of clay content promoted the formation of intercalated structures. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy revealed that Alg-based NPEs with 5 wt% of SCa-3-Na+ clay presented the highest conductivity of 1.96 × 10−2 S/cm2, and Alg with 10 wt% of SCa-3-Li+ showed conductivity of 1.30 × 10−2 S/cm2, both measured at 70 °C. From UV-Vis spectroscopy, it was possible to infer that increasing concentration of clay promoted a decrease of the samples’ transmittance and, consequently, an increase of their reflectance.
Dabrafenib Promotes Schwann Cell Differentiation by Inhibition of the MEK-ERK Pathway
Authors: Park Kyuhee , Shin Yoonkyoung , Lee Gyeongbeen , Park Hwantae , Choi Yongmun
Published: April 2021

Schwann cell differentiation involves a dynamic interaction of signaling cascades. However, much remains to be elucidated regarding the function of signaling molecules that differ depending on the context in which the molecules are engaged. Here, we identified a small molecule, dabrafenib, which promotes Schwann cell differentiation in vitro and exploited this compound as a pharmacological tool to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating Schwann cell differentiation. The results indicated that dabrafenib inhibited ERK phosphorylation and enhanced ErbB2 autophosphorylation and Akt phosphorylation, and the effects of dabrafenib on ErbB2 and Akt phosphorylation were phenocopied by pharmacological inhibition of the MEK-ERK signaling pathway. However, the small molecule inhibitors of MEK and ERK had no effect on the expression of Oct6 and EGR2, which are key transcription factors that drive Schwann cell differentiation. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) almost completely interfered with dabrafenib-induced Schwann cell differentiation. These results suggest that the ErbB2-PI3K-Akt axis is required for the induction of Schwann cell differentiation by dabrafenib in vitro. Although additional molecules targeted by dabrafenib remain to be identified, our data provides insights into the crosstalk that exists between the MEK-ERK signaling pathway and the PI3K-Akt axis in Schwann cell differentiation.
Novel Foods and Sustainability as Means to Counteract Malnutrition in Madagascar
Authors: Conti Maria Vittoria , Kalmpourtzidou Aliki , Lambiase Simonetta , De Giuseppe Rachele , Cena Hellas
Published: April 2021

Although the trends of international reports show an increase in overweight and obesity, even in developing countries, there are still areas of the world, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, strongly affected by undernutrition. Specifically, in Madagascar, the percentage of stunted children under 5 is extremely high. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to increase the risk of all forms of malnutrition, especially in low-income countries, including Madagascar, with serious intergenerational repercussions. This narrative review aims at investigating eating habits and cooking methods of the Malagasy population, addressing sustainable healthy diets through promotion of novel foods. While novel foods are a recent concept, there are data that describe how they may contribute to counteract food insecurity and malnutrition considering context and place. Efforts to promote native, traditional foods as Moringa oleifera, an indigenous plant in Asia and Africa including Madagascar, rich in protein and micronutrients, as well as edible insects, alternative sustainable source of protein, lipids, iron, and zinc, would provide not only nutritional but also cultural and economic benefits. The potential synergies between food traditions and agroecology have the potential to impact health addressing larger issues of sustainability and food security. Regional, national, and international policies are needed to develop and support one health approach actions.
Synthesis, Antiprotozoal Activity, and Cheminformatic Analysis of 2-Phenyl-2H-Indazole Derivatives
Authors: Rodríguez-Villar Karen , Yépez-Mulia Lilián , Cortés-Gines Miguel , Aguilera-Perdomo Jacobo David , Quintana-Salazar Edgar A. , Olascoaga Del Angel Kevin Samael , Cortés-Benítez Francisco , Palacios-Espinosa Juan Francisco , Soria-Arteche Olivia , Pérez-Villanueva Jaime
Published: April 2021

Indazole is an important scaffold in medicinal chemistry. At present, the progress on synthetic methodologies has allowed the preparation of several new indazole derivatives with interesting pharmacological properties. Particularly, the antiprotozoal activity of indazole derivatives have been recently reported. Herein, a series of 22 indazole derivatives was synthesized and studied as antiprotozoals. The 2-phenyl-2H-indazole scaffold was accessed by a one-pot procedure, which includes a combination of ultrasound synthesis under neat conditions as well as Cadogan’s cyclization. Moreover, some compounds were derivatized to have an appropriate set to provide structure-activity relationships (SAR) information. Whereas the antiprotozoal activity of six of these compounds against E. histolytica, G. intestinalis, and T. vaginalis had been previously reported, the activity of the additional 16 compounds was evaluated against these same protozoa. The biological assays revealed structural features that favor the antiprotozoal activity against the three protozoans tested, e.g., electron withdrawing groups at the 2-phenyl ring. It is important to mention that the indazole derivatives possess strong antiprotozoal activity and are also characterized by a continuous SAR.
Effect of the Hydration Shell on the Carbonyl Vibration in the Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu Peptide
Authors: Hassan Irtaza , Ferraro Federica , Imhof Petra
Published: April 2021

The vibrational spectrum of the Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu peptide in solution, computed from first-principles simulations, shows a prominent band in the amide I region that is assigned to stretching of carbonyl groups. Close inspection reveals combined but slightly different contributions by the three carbonyl groups of the peptide. The shift in their exact vibrational signature is in agreement with the different probabilities of these groups to form hydrogen bonds with the solvent. The central carbonyl group has a hydrogen bond probability intermediate to the other two groups due to interchanges between different hydrogen-bonded states. Analysis of the interaction energies of individual water molecules with that group shows that shifts in its frequency are directly related to the interactions with the water molecules in the first hydration shell. The interaction strength is well correlated with the hydrogen bond distance and hydrogen bond angle, though there is no perfect match, allowing geometrical criteria for hydrogen bonds to be used as long as the sampling is sufficient to consider averages. The hydrogen bond state of a carbonyl group can therefore serve as an indicator of the solvent’s effect on the vibrational frequency.