bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Warfarin Use on Postoperative Outcomes after Femoral Neck Surgery
Authors: Dubin Jeremy , Palmanovich Esequiel , Iohanes Eitan , Blecher Ronen , Segal David , Brin Yaron , Drexler Michael , Atzmon Ran
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Anticoagulation use in the elderly is common for patients undergoing femoral neck hip surgery. However, its use presents a challenge to balance it with associated comorbidities and benefits for the patients. As such, we attempted to compare the risk factors, perioperative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes of patients who used warfarin preoperatively and patients who used therapeutic enoxaparin. Methods: From 2003 through 2014, we queried our database to determine the cohorts of patients who used warfarin preoperatively and the patients who used therapeutic enoxaparin. Risk factors included age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI) > 30, Atrial Fibrillation (AF), Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), and Chronic Renal Failure (CRF). Postoperative outcomes were also collected at each of the patients’ follow-up visits, including number of hospitalization days, delays to theatre, and mortality rate. Results: The minimum follow-up was 24 months and the average follow-up was 39 months (range: 24–60 months). In the warfarin cohort, there were 140 patients and 2055 patients in the therapeutic enoxaparin cohort. Number of hospitalization days (8.7 vs. 9.8, p = 0.02), mortality rate (58.7% vs. 71.4%, p = 0.003), and delays to theatre (1.70 vs. 2.86, p < 0.0001) were significantly longer for the anticoagulant cohort than the therapeutic enoxaparin cohort. Warfarin use best predicted number of hospitalization days (p = 0.00) and delays to theatre (p = 0.01), while CHF was the best predictor of mortality rate (p = 0.00). Postoperative complications, such as Pulmonary Embolism (PE) (p = 0.90), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) (p = 0.31), and Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA) (p = 0.72), pain levels (p = 0.95), full weight-bearing status (p = 0.08), and rehabilitation use (p = 0.34) were similar between the cohorts. Conclusion: Warfarin use is associated with increased number of hospitalization days and delays to theatre, but does not affect the postoperative outcome, including DVT, CVA, and pain levels compared to therapeutic enoxaparin use. Warfarin use proved to be the best predictor of hospitalization days and delays to theatre while CHF predicted mortality rate.
Comparison of Retinal Structural and Neurovascular Changes between Patients with and without Amyloid Pathology
Authors: Moon Sangwoo , Jeon Sumin , Seo Sook Kyeong , Kim Da Eun , Jung Na-Yeon , Kim Seung Joo , Lee Myung Jun , Lee Jiwoong , Kim Eun-Joo
Published: February 2023

To evaluate whether an impaired anterior visual pathway (retinal structures with microvasculature) is associated with underlying beta-amyloid (Aβ) pathologies in patients with Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we compared retinal structural and vascular factors in each subgroup with positive or negative amyloid biomarkers. Twenty-seven patients with dementia, thirty-five with MCI, and nine with cognitively unimpaired (CU) controls were consecutively recruited. All participants were divided into positive Aβ (A+) or negative Aβ (A−) pathology based on amyloid positron emission tomography or cerebrospinal fluid Aβ. The retinal circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT), macular ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer thickness (mGC/IPLT), and microcirculation of the macular superficial capillary plexus were measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography. One eye of each participant was included in the analysis. Retinal structural and vascular factors significantly decreased in the following order: dementia < MCI < CU controls. The A+ group had significantly lower microcirculation in the para- and peri-foveal temporal regions than did the A−. However, the structural and vascular parameters did not differ between the A+ and A− with dementia. The cpRNFLT was unexpectedly greater in the A+ than in the A− with MCI. mGC/IPLT was lower in the A+ CU than in the A− CU. Our findings suggest that retinal structural changes may occur in the preclinical and early stages of dementia but are not highly specific to AD pathophysiology. In contrast, decreased temporal macula microcirculation may be used as a biomarker for the underlying Aβ pathology.
Clinical Outcomes after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Cardiogenic Shock Secondary to Total Occlusive Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Lesion-Related Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Beijk Marcel A. M. , Palacios-Rubio Julián , Grundeken Maik J. D. , Kalkman Debbie N. , De Winter Robbert J.
Published: February 2023

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with occlusion of an unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) is a rare condition with a high mortality. The literature on clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for cardiogenic shock secondary to ULMCA-related AMI is scarce. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, all consecutive patients undergoing PCI for cardiogenic shock secondary to total occlusive ULMCA-related AMI were included between January 1998 and January 2017. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. The secondary endpoints were long-term mortality and 30-day and long-term major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The differences in clinical and procedural variables were assessed. A multivariable model was created to search for independent predictors of survival. Results: Forty-nine patients were included, and the mean age was 62 ± 11 years. The majority of patients suffered cardiac arrest prior or during PCI (51%). Thirty-day mortality was 78%, of which 55% died within 24 h. The median follow-up of patients who survived 30 days (n = 11) was 9.9 years (interquartile range 4.7–13.6), and long-term mortality was 84%. Long-term all-cause mortality was independently associated with cardiac arrest prior or during PCI (hazard ratio [HR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.02–4.01, p = 0.043). Patients who survived to the 30-day follow-up with severe left ventricular dysfunction had a significantly higher risk of mortality compared to patients with moderate to mild dysfunction (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Cardiogenic shock secondary to total occlusive ULMCA-related AMI carries a very high 30-day all-cause mortality. Thirty-day survivors with a severe left ventricular dysfunction have a poor long-term prognosis.
Micro-Scale Model of rCF/PA6 Spun Yarn Composite
Authors: Lang Tobias Georg , Hasan Mir Mohammad Badrul , Abdkader Anwar , Cherif Chokri , Gereke Thomas
Published: February 2023

Recycling carbon fibers (rCF) for reuse is one approach to improve the sustainability of CFRP. However, until now, recycled carbon fiber plastics (rCFRP) had limited composite properties due to the microgeometry of the fibers, which made it difficult to use in load-bearing components. The production of hybrid yarns from rCF and PA6 fibers allows the fibers to be aligned. The geometric properties of the yarn and the individual fibers influence the mechanical properties of the composite. An approach for the modeling and simulation of hybrid yarns consisting of recycled carbon fibers and thermoplastic fibers is presented. The yarn unit cell geometry is modeled in the form of a stochastic fiber network. The fiber trajectory is modeled in form of helical curves using the idealized yarn model of Hearle et al. The variability in the fiber geometry (e.g., length) is included in form of statistical distributions. An additional compaction step ensures a realistic composite geometry. The created model is validated geometrically and by comparison with tensile tests of manufactured composites. With the validated model, multiple parameter studies investigating the influence of fiber and yarn geometry are carried out.
The Effect of Surface Treatments on Zirconia Bond Strength and Durability
Authors: Shen Dongni , Wang Huihua , Shi Ying , Su Zhiwei , Hannig Matthias , Fu Baiping
Published: February 2023

To evaluate the effects of airborne particle abrasion (APA) combined with MDP-containing resin cement, a glass-ceramic spray deposition (GCSD) method on the shear bond strengths (SBSs) and durability of 3 mol% yttrium oxide-stabilized zirconia ceramic (3Y-TZP) compared with lithium disilicate glass ceramics (LDGC). 3Y-TZP disks were randomly treated as follows: for Group APA+MDP, 3Y-TZP was abrased using 50 μm Al2O3 particles under 0.1 Mpa and bonded with MDP-containing resin cement; for Group GCSD, 3Y-TZP was treated with the GCSD method, etched by 5% HF for 90 s, silanized and bonded with resin cement without MDP. Group LDGC was bonded as the Group GCSD. X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDX) were used to analyze the surface chemical and micro-morphological changes of the ceramics before bonding. The bonded ceramic specimens were randomly divided into subgroups, and the SBSs were determined before and after 10,000 thermocycling. The SBSs were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA analysis. Failure modes were determined with optical microscopy and SEM. The XRD, ATR-FTIR and XPS results identified the formation of lithium disilicate and zirconium silicate on 3Y-TZP after GCSD. The SEM micrographs revealed that 3Y-TZP surfaces were roughened by APA, while 3Y-TZP with GCSD and LDGC surfaces could be etched by HF to be porous. The APA treatment combined with MDP-containing resin cement produced the high immediate zirconia shear bond strengths (SBSs: 37.41 ± 13.51 Mpa) that was similar to the SBSs of the LDGC (34.87 ± 11.02 Mpa, p > 0.05), but, after thermocycling, the former dramatically decreased (24.00 ± 6.86 Mpa, maximum reduction by 35.85%) and the latter exhibited the highest SBSs (30.72 ± 7.97 Mpa, minimum reduction by 11.9%). The 3Y-TZP with GCSD treatment displayed the lower zirconia SBSs before thermocycling (27.03 ± 9.76 Mpa, p < 0.05), but it was similar to the 3Y-TZP treated with APA and MDP containing resin cement after thermocycling (21.84 ± 7.03 vs. 24.00 ± 6.86 Mpa, p > 0.05). The APA combined with MDP-containing resin cement could achieve the high immediate zirconia SBSs of those of the LDGC, but it decreased significantly after thermocycling. The GCSD technique could yield the immediate zirconia SBSs similar to those of LDGC before thermocycling, and long-term zirconia SBSs were similar to those of 3Y-TZP treated with APA followed by MDP-containing resin cement after thermocycling. Hence, the GCSD technique could enrich zirconia surface treatments and is an alternative to zirconia surface pretreatment for 3Y-TZP bond durability.
Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Food Industry By-Products for Cell Imaging
Authors: Mancini Federica , Menichetti Arianna , Degli Esposti Lorenzo , Montesi Monica , Panseri Silvia , Bassi Giada , Montalti Marco , Lazzarini Laura , Adamiano Alessio , Iafisco Michele
Published: February 2023

Herein, following a circular economy approach, we present the synthesis of luminescent carbon dots via the thermal treatment of chestnut and peanut shells, which are abundant carbon-rich food industry by-products. As-synthesized carbon dots have excellent water dispersibility thanks to their negative surface groups, good luminescence, and photo-stability. The excitation–emission behaviour as well as the surface functionalization of these carbon dots can be tuned by changing the carbon source (chestnuts or peanuts) and the dispersing medium (water or ammonium hydroxide solution). Preliminary in vitro biological data proved that the samples are not cytotoxic to fibroblasts and can act as luminescent probes for cellular imaging. In addition, these carbon dots have a pH-dependent luminescence and may, therefore, serve as cellular pH sensors. This work paves the way towards the development of more sustainable carbon dot production for biomedical applications.
Clinical Applications of Three-Dimensional Printing in Upper Extremity Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hecker Andrzej , Tax Lukas , Giese Barbara , Schellnegger Marlies , Pignet Anna-Lisa , Reinbacher Patrick , Watzinger Nikolaus , Kamolz Lars-Peter , Lumenta David Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Three-dimensional printing for medical applications in surgery of the upper extremity has gained in popularity as reflected by the increasing number of publications. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the clinical use of 3D printing in upper extremity surgery. Methods: We searched the databases PubMed and Web of Science for clinical studies that described clinical application of 3D printing for upper extremity surgery including trauma and malformations. We evaluated study characteristics, clinical entity, type of clinical application, concerned anatomical structures, reported outcomes, and evidence level. Results: We finally included 51 publications with a total of 355 patients, of which 12 were clinical studies (evidence level II/III) and 39 case series (evidence level IV/V). The types of clinical applications were for intraoperative templates (33% of a total of 51 studies), body implants (29%), preoperative planning (27%), prostheses (15%), and orthoses (1%). Over two third of studies were linked to trauma-related injuries (67%). Conclusion: The clinical application of 3D printing in upper extremity surgery offers great potential for personalized approaches to aid in individualized perioperative management, improvement of function, and ultimately help to benefit certain aspects in the quality of life.
Agricultural Economic Transformations and Their Impacting Factors around 4000 BP in the Hexi Corridor, Northwest China
Authors: Li Haiming , James Nathaniel , Chen Junwei , Zhang Shanjia , Du Linyao , Yang Yishi , Chen Guoke , Ma Minmin , Jia Xin
Published: February 2023

By 4000 BP, trans-Eurasian agricultural exchanges increased across the Hexi Corridor. However, the nature and timing of many early prehistoric agricultural exchanges remain unclear. We present systematically collected archaeobotanical data from the ancient Haizang site (3899–3601 cal a BP) within the Hexi Corridor. Adding to previous archaeobotanical studies of the Hexi Corridor, we find that agricultural production transformed from purely millet-based agriculture during the Machang Period (4300–4000) to predominantly millet-based agriculture increasingly supplemented with wheat and barley during the Xichengyi and Qijia periods (4000–3600 BP). These transformations are likely due to adaption to a cooler and drier climate through cultural exchange. A warm and humid climate during 4300–4000 BP likely promoted millet agriculture, Machang cultural expansion westward, and occupation across the Hexi corridor. However, after the “4.2 ka BP cold event” people adopted wheat and barley from the West to make up for declining millet agricultural productivity. This adoption began first with the Xichengyi culture, and soon spread further eastward within the Hexi Corridor to the Qijia culture.
The Role of the Design of Public Squares and Vegetation Composition on Human Thermal Comfort in Different Seasons a Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Stark da Silva Priscila Weruska , Duarte Denise , Pauleit Stephan
Published: February 2023

Increasingly, public open spaces are gaining importance for human well-being in dense, urban areas. In inner city locations, squares can provide easy access to greenery and thus encourage social encounters. Microclimatic conditions influence the squares’ attractiveness. However, knowledge is still limited on the impact of different layouts of squares, particularly the impact of the vegetation composition on the human thermal comfort across the seasons in temperate climates. Therefore, our research aims to discern how human thermal comfort is affected by the different elements existing in different open areas of Munich, Germany. For this purpose, five different squares were analyzed on five typical days to create an overview of how human thermal comfort is affected by the layout and vegetation composition during the year. The study areas were selected in view of their size, pavement type, and the number of trees. Micrometeorological simulations were performed using the ENVI-met V 4.6 model to identify how different aspects affect the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) on typical Munich days. The urban morphology was observed to be the greatest factor affecting PET in all the cases studied. Of microclimate variables, the surface temperature was relevant only on warm days. Long-wave radiation, on the other hand, positively affected the PET on cold days. The results suggested that urban morphology has a high impact on the human thermal comfort in urban squares. The results obtained showed that it is necessary to consider diverse vegetation arrangements combined with urban morphology characteristics to optimize human thermal comfort under a range of climatic conditions.
Response of Runoff-Sediment System to Vegetation Variation in the Yellow River Basin in the Last 20 Years
Authors: Jiang Luguang , Liu Ye
Published: February 2023

The Yellow River basin suffers from the most serious soil erosion of any area in the world. It is also a key area for soil–water conservation and ecological protection in China. It is important to determine the status of the ecological protection of the Yellow River basin in recent years. We examined the vegetation patterns and spatio-temporal changes in runoff sediment in the Yellow River basin in the last 20 years. The results can provide a sound basis for regional ecological management. Vegetation coverage in the Yellow River basin has increased in the last two decades. The natural runoff has more than doubled over this time and the runoff coefficient has increased by more than 30%. However, the growth in the measured runoff has significantly weakened owing to continually high water consumption. The sediment concentration from Toudaoguai to Tongguan has decreased by 74.11% and the sediment modulus has decreased by 34.75%. Ecological protection of the Yellow River has significantly improved the vegetation coverage since 2000. The functions of water and soil conservation have improved, but the latter function needs to be strengthened. In addition, measures for ecological protection are needed to strengthen the overall management of water resources.
Reliability of a Custom Device Used to Measure Isometric Knee Flexor and Extensor Strength in Standing Position
Authors: Minuti Tommaso , Cigni Paolo , Costagli Michele , Cucini Alessandro , Cione Erika , Melotto Samuele , Rapetti Stefano , Ricotti Leonardo , Cannataro Roberto
Published: February 2023

Background: Assessing lower limb strength in the field is problematic, as the “gold standard assessment” with isokinetic strength is cumbersome, and the device is costly and not transportable and keeps the angle of the hip at around 90°. Methods: We evaluated isometric muscle strength in a standing position with the help of an exoskeleton that holds the subject and makes the test easily repeatable. Results: The optimal device angles for hip and knee were, respectively, 20° and 80° for flexor tests and 30° and 40° for extensor tests. Test–retest reliability was very high for the right knee extensor (ICC 0.96–0.98), left knee extensor (ICC 0.96–0.97), right knee flexor (ICC 0.91–0.96), and left knee flexor (ICC 0.96–0.97). Furthermore, the typical error in percent (T.E.%) ranged from 2.50 to 5.50%, and the change in the mean in percent ranged from 0.84 to 7.72%, making it possible to determine even a slight variation in force. Conclusions: this new method could represent a valid alternative for assessing strength, due to the high reliability and the favorable joint position, particularly in football.
Logics for Strategic Reasoning of Socially Interacting Rational Agents: An Overview and Perspectives
Authors: Goranko Valentin
Published: February 2023

This paper is an overview of some recent and ongoing developments of formal logical systems designed for reasoning about systems of rational agents who act in pursuit of their individual and collective goals, explicitly specified in the language as arguments of the strategic operators, in a socially interactive context of collective objectives and attitudes which guide and constrain the agents’ behavior.
Designing Flexible-Bus System with Ad-Hoc Service Using Travel-Demand Clustering
Authors: Cen Xuekai , Ren Kanghui , Cai Yiying , Chen Qun
Published: February 2023

Providing direct and affordable transit services for travelers is the goal of the evolving flexible-bus (FB) system. In this study, we design an FB system with an ad-hoc service, to supplement traditional public transit and provide a better FB service. We first build up a mathematical model to optimize bus-stop sites, routes, and schedules, where the unmet travel demand is served by an ad-hoc service with relatively high cost. Then, we cluster travel demand spatially and temporarily, using the ST-DBSCAN algorithm. We use the simulated-annealing algorithm, which has better convergence and diversity than other heuristic algorithms, to solve the suggested model in large-scale networks. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, we run experiments on a small network and a large real-world network of Shenzhen airport, which shows that the FB system with ad-hoc service can reduce overall cost and improve social welfare, compared to taxies and FB only. In addition, it provides affordable transit services with shorter walking distances and lower waiting times, which can be deployed in airports or high-speed railway stations with massive, irregular travel demands.
A Joint Allocation Method of Multi-Jammer Cooperative Jamming Resources Based on Suppression Effectiveness
Authors: Xing Huaixi , Xing Qinghua , Wang Kun
Published: February 2023

This paper studies the resource allocation problem when multiple jammers follow the aircraft formation to support ground penetration. A joint optimization allocation method of multi-jammer beam-power based on the improved artificial bee colony (IABC) algorithm is proposed. The air-to-ground “many-to-many” assault of the multi-jammer cooperative suppression jamming model is given. The constant false alarm probability detection model of the networked radar is used to evaluate the suppression effect, and a coordinated control model of multi-jammer jamming beams and emitting power is established. The optimal allocation scheme under different combat scenarios is solved by using the IABC algorithm. The search efficiency of the ABC algorithm is improved by cross mutation operation and the replacement of the worst nectar source, and the search performance of the algorithm is enhanced by the random key encoding. Due to the infeasible solution generated by the special random key encoding method, the feasible adjustment strategy is adopted. By changing the jamming parameters, the effect on the detection probability of the radar network is analyzed. Compared to the GWO, SCA, BBO and ABC algorithms, the jamming resource allocation scheme obtained by the proposed IABC algorithm makes the radar detection probability lower. The IABC algorithm has better global search capability and robustness.
Multi-Class, Multi-Server Queueing Inventory System with Batch Service
Authors: ALMaqbali Khamis A. K. , Joshua Varghese C. , Krishnamoorthy Achyutha
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we consider a queueing inventory system with batch arrival and batch service processes. Customers arrive in batches of sizes 1,2,…,k, according to a marked compound Poisson process. We call a batch of customers as belonging to j when there are j individual customers in that batch. The service facility has waiting rooms for each category of customers and also a room to serve them. Except for category 1, all other customers have finite waiting rooms. The service room has only a limited number of seats. These seats are arranged in such a fashion that customers belonging to category j have groups of seats, each with j seats for j=1,2,…,k. Customers are taken for service according to the availability of seats designated to each category. A category j customer can be taken for service only if j items are available in the inventory. The service time of customers of category j is exponentially distributed with parameter depending on j for j=1,2,…,k. The number of seats available in the service room for each category of customers is restricted to a finite number. The replenishment for items follows the (s,S) policy: fill up to S at the time of replenishment. Lead time follows an exponential distribution. We analyze the system in the equilibrium state. Performance characteristics are evaluated and a number of numerical illustrations are provided.
An Efficient Localized RBF-FD Method to Simulate the Heston–Hull–White PDE in Finance
Authors: Liu Tao , Ullah Malik Zaka , Shateyi Stanford , Liu Chao , Yang Yanxiong
Published: February 2023

The Heston–Hull–White three-dimensional time-dependent partial differential equation (PDE) is one of the important models in mathematical finance, at which not only the volatility is modeled based on a stochastic process but also the rate of interest is assumed to follow a stochastic dynamic. Hence, an efficient method is derived in this paper based on the methodology of the localized radial basis function generated finite difference (RBF-FD) scheme. The proposed solver uses the RBF-FD approximations on graded meshes along all three spatial variables and a high order time-stepping scheme. Stability is also studied in detail to show under what conditions the proposed method is stable. Computational simulations are given to support the theoretical discussions.
ACE2-Inhibitory Effects of Bromelain and Ficin in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Pakbin Babak , Dibazar Shaghayegh Pishkhan , Allahyari Samaneh , Shariatifar Hanifeh , Brück Wolfram Manuel , Farasat Alireza
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Bromelain and ficin are aqueous extracts from fruits of Ananas comosus and Ficus carcia plants, used widely for medical applications. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a homolog of ACE, degrading Ang II to angiotensin 1-7 and decreasing the cellular concentration of Ang II. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated the ACE2-inhibitory, antiproliferative, and apoptosis-inducing effects of ficin and bromelain on caco-2 cells. Results: We found that bromelain and ficin significantly reduced the viability of human colon cancer cells with IC50 value concentrations of 8.8 and 4.2 mg/mL for bromelain after 24 and 48 h treatments, and 8.8 and 4.2 mg/mL for ficin after 24 and 48 h treatments, respectively. The apoptosis of the caco-2 cell line treated with bromelain was 81.04% and 56.70%, observed after 24 and 48 h. Total apoptotic proportions in caco-2 cells treated with ficin after 24 and 48 h were 83.7% and 73.0%. An amount of 1.6 mg/mL of bromelain and ficin treatments on caco-2 cells after 24 h revealed a higher decrease than that of other concentrations in the expression of ACE2 protein. Conclusions: In conclusion, bromelain and ficin can dose-dependently decrease the expression of ACE2 protein in caco-2 cells.
Designing Novel Multi-Epitope Vaccine Construct against Prevotella intermedia-Interpain A: An Immunoinformatics Approach
Authors: Yadalam Pradeep Kumar , Anegundi Raghavendra Vamsi , Munawar Safa , Ramadoss Ramya , Rengaraj Santhiya , Ramesh Sindhu , Aljeldah Mohammed , Shammari Basim R. Al , Alshehri Ahmad A. , Alwashmi Ameen S. S. , Turkistani Safaa A. , Alawfi Abdulsalam , Alshengeti Amer , Garout Mohammed , Sabour Amal A. , Alshiekheid Maha A. , Aljebaly Fatimah S. , Rabaan Ali A.
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory infectious disease marked by continuous degradation of teeth and surrounding parts. One of the most important periodontal pathogens is P. intermedia, and with its interpain A proteinase, it leads to an increase in lethal infection. Materials and Methods: The current study was designed to create a multi-epitope vaccine using an immunoinformatics method that targets the interpain A of P. intermedia. For the development of vaccines, P. intermedia peptides InpA were found appropriate. To create a multi-epitope vaccination design, interpain A, B, and T-cell epitopes were found and assessed depending on the essential variables. The vaccine construct was evaluated based on its stability, antigenicity, and allergenicity. Results: The vaccine construct reached a more significant population and was able to bind to both the binding epitopes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I and MHC-II. Through the C3 receptor complex route, P. intermedia InpA promotes an immunological subunit. Utilizing InpA-C3 and vaccination epitopes as the receptor and ligand, the molecular docking and dynamics were performed using the ClusPro 2.0 server. Conclusion: The developed vaccine had shown good antigenicity, solubility, and stability. Molecular docking indicated the vaccine’s 3D structure interacts strongly with the complement C3. The current study describes the design for vaccine, and steady interaction with the C3 immunological receptor to induce a good memory and an adaptive immune response against Interpain A of P. intermedia.
Reduction Kinetics of Pre-Oxidized Ilmenite Pellets by H2-H2O Gas Mixtures
Authors: Canaguier Vincent , Ringdalen Eli
Published: February 2023

The reduction behavior of pelletized and pre-oxidized ilmenite is investigated in H2-H2O atmospheres containing between 0 and 7% H2O and at temperatures between 983 and 1183 K (710 and 910 °C). The reduction mechanism occurs in two stages wherein the rapid reduction of trivalent to divalent iron cations is followed by the slower metallization of iron. Both temperature and gas composition are critical to achieving high reaction rates; within the range of conditions studied, the driving force for metallization has a significant effect on the reduction rate. Based on the experimental data and thermodynamic calculations, a model is established to predict the progress of the reduction as a function of temperature, gas composition and time. The application of this model at variable temperatures permits the determination of the activation energy Ea = 51 kJ/mol for the metallization reaction.
Easily Attach/Detach Reattachable EEG Headset with Candle-like Microneedle Electrodes
Authors: Kawana Takumi , Zemba Yuki , Ichikawa Ryo , Miki Norihisa
Published: February 2023

To expand the applications of the electroencephalogram (EEG), long-term measurement, a short installation time, and little stress on the participants are needed. In this study, we designed, fabricated, and evaluated an EEG headset with three candle-like microneedle electrodes (CMEs). The user is able to detach and reattach the electrodes, enabling long-term measurement with little stress. The design of the CMEs was experimentally determined by considering the skin-to-electrode impedance and user comfort. An EEG was successfully measured from areas with a high hair density without any preparation. The installation time was shorter than 60 s and the electrodes could be detached and reattached. The headset was designed such that the discomfort caused by its ear pads was higher than that caused by the electrodes. In 1 h experiments, the participants did not feel pain and the detachment of the CMEs was found to improve the comfort level of the participants in most cases. A successful demonstration of the long-term measurement of EEGs while watching a whole movie verified that the developed EEG headset with CMEs is applicable for EEG measurement in a variety of applications.
Microplastics in Freshwater River in Rio de Janeiro and Its Role as a Source of Microplastic Pollution in Guanabara Bay, SE Brazil
Authors: Drabinski Thiago L. , de Carvalho Diego G. , Gaylarde Christine C. , Lourenço Marcos F. P. , Machado Wilson T. V. , da Fonseca Estefan M. , da Silva André Luiz Carvalho , Baptista Neto José Antônio
Published: February 2023

In the present research, the occurrence of contamination by microplastics in the water column was investigated in 15 sample sites along the rivers Guapimirim, Macacu and Maracanã—important rivers that flow into Guanabara Bay, a very polluted estuarine environment in Brazil. The correctidentified polymers were manually counted and classified as to their morphology and color using a binocular stereomicroscope and were characterized by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The total mean abundance of particles was 3651.5 items m−3, ranging from 3.6 to 51,166.5 items m−3. Plastic debris was identified in all samples, with a predominance of fibers (67.3%). Polyethylene, polyester fiber and high-density polyethylene (50%) were the major polymers, and the main colors were transparent followed by black and blue in all the water bodies studied. The highest quantities of microplastics were found in the Maracanã River. The figures show that microplastic concentrations are correlated to the level of urbanization.
Differential Susceptibility of Mixed Polymicrobial Biofilms Involving Ocular Coccoid Bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis) and a Filamentous Fungus (Fusarium solani) on Ex Vivo Human Corneas
Authors: Shivaji Sisinthy , Nagapriya Banka , Ranjith Konduri
Published: February 2023

Biofilms confer several advantages to the organisms associated with them, such as increased resistances to antibacterial and antifungal compounds compared to free living cells. Compared to monomicrobial biofilms involving a single microorganism, biofilms composed of microorganisms affiliated to bacterial and fungal kingdoms are predominant in nature. Despite the predominance of polymicrobial biofilms, and more so mixed polymicrobial biofilms, they are rarely studied. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the potential of ocular bacteria and a filamentous fungus to form monomicrobial and mixed polymicrobial biofilms on synthetic and natural substrates and to monitor their response to antibiotics. In this sense, we demonstrated that the ocular pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Fusarium solani form monomicrobial and mixed polymicrobial biofilms both on tissue culture polystyrene plates and on ex vivo human corneas from cadavers using confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the mixed polymicrobial biofilms involving the above ocular bacteria and a filamentous fungus were less susceptible to different antibacterials and antifungals in relation to the corresponding control planktonic cells. Further, the MICs to the screened antibacterials and antifungals in polymicrobial biofilms involving a bacterium or a fungus was either increased, decreased, or unchanged compared to the corresponding individual bacterial or fungal biofilm. The results would be useful to the ophthalmologist to plan effective treatment regimens for the eye since these are common pathogens of the eye causing keratitis, endophthalmitis, conjunctivitis, etc.
Carbon Dots-Based Fluorescence Assay for the Facile and Reliable Detection of Ag+ in Natural Water and Serum Samples
Authors: Luo Yuanping , Cui Chen , Zhang Xingshou , Jiang Yuxiang , Xiang Zhuang , Ji Chunyu , Peng Zhili
Published: February 2023

In this report, red-emissive carbon dots (C-dots) were facilely prepared from o-phenylenediamine via microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment. The C-dots demonstrated excitation wavelength-independent emission with maximums at 621 nm that could be effectively quenched by Ag+ via static quenching. This phenomenon was exploited to establish a sensitive fluorescence assay with a low detection limit (0.37 μM) and wide linear range (0–50 μM). In addition, this assay demonstrated excellent selectivity toward Ag+, free from the interference of 16 commonly seen metal ions. Most importantly, the assay demonstrated high reliability toward samples in deionized water, mineral water, lake water, and serum, which could indicate potential applications for Ag+ monitoring in complicated natural and biological environments.
Emerging Biopharmaceuticals from Pimpinella Genus
Authors: Wu Jiajia , Cao Zhen , Hassan Syed Shams ul , Zhang Haozhen , Ishaq Muhammad , Yu Xu , Yan Shikai , Xiao Xue , Jin Hui-Zi
Published: February 2023

Evolved over eons to encode biological assays, plants-derived natural products are still the first dawn of drugs. Most researchers have focused on natural compounds derived from commonly used Pimpinella species, such as P. anisum, P. thellungiana, P. saxifrage, and P. brachycarpa, to investigate their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ethnopharmacological studies demonstrated that the genus Pimpinella has the homology characteristics of medicine and food and mainly in the therapy of gastrointestinal dysfunction, respiratory diseases, deworming, and diuresis. The natural product investigation of Pimpinella spp. revealed numerous natural products containing phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, sterols, and organic acids. These natural products have the potential to provide future drugs against crucial diseases, such as cancer, hypertension, microbial and insectile infections, and severe inflammations. It is an upcoming field of research to probe a novel and pharmaceutically clinical value on compounds from the genus Pimpinella. In this review, we attempt to summarize the present knowledge on the traditional applications, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of more than twenty-five species of the genus Pimpinella.
Redox Biomarkers Assessment after Oral Administration of Wine Extract and Grape Stem Extract in Rats and Mice
Authors: Tekos Fotios , Skaperda Zoi , Vardakas Periklis , Kyriazi Despina , Maravelis Georgios C. , Poulas Konstantinos , Taitzoglou Ioannis A. , Nepka Charitini , Kouretas Demetrios
Published: February 2023

Wine and by-products of the winemaking process, such as grape stems, are rich in bioactive polyphenolic compounds that might be beneficial for animal and human health. In recent years, the administration of dietary polyphenols with strong antioxidant and cytoprotective properties has constituted an emerging line of research interest toward disease prevention. However, in scientific literature, only a limited number of studies have investigated the safety and the toxicological risks of polyphenolic compounds in vivo. Based on the above, the purpose of the present study was two-fold: first, to examine the effects of oral administration of a grape stem extract, derived from the Greek red wine Mavrodaphne, on mice redox biomarkers; and second, to investigate the biological effects of oral administration of a wine extract, derived from the emblematic Greek red wine Xinomavro, on rats. Toward this purpose, body weight, growth rate, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters, as well as a panel of redox biomarkers, were examined. According to our results, the administration of Mavrodaphne grape stem extract in mice induced alterations in redox homeostasis, preventing mice from the adverse effects of lipid peroxidation. Contrariwise, the administration of Xinomavro wine extract induced both beneficial and harmful outcomes on rat redox status determined by the examined tissue. Collectively, our study reports that the Mavrodaphne grape stem extract, a serious pollutant when disposed in environmental matrices, is an important source of bioactive polyphenolic compounds that could protect from oxidative damage and improve animal and human health. Finally, the Xinomavro wine extract exerts tissue-specific changes in redox balance, which are indicative of the complexity that characterizes the biological systems.
Recent Progress of Energy-Storage-Device-Integrated Sensing Systems
Authors: Yuan Man , Zhang Xinqun , Wang Jiaqi , Zhao Yang
Published: February 2023

With the rapid prosperity of the Internet of things, intelligent human–machine interaction and health monitoring are becoming the focus of attention. Wireless sensing systems, especially self-powered sensing systems that can work continuously and sustainably for a long time without an external power supply have been successfully explored and developed. Yet, the system integrated by energy-harvester needs to be exposed to a specific energy source to drive the work, which provides limited application scenarios, low stability, and poor continuity. Integrating the energy storage unit and sensing unit into a single system may provide efficient ways to solve these above problems, promoting potential applications in portable and wearable electronics. In this review, we focus on recent advances in energy-storage-device-integrated sensing systems for wearable electronics, including tactile sensors, temperature sensors, chemical and biological sensors, and multifunctional sensing systems, because of their universal utilization in the next generation of smart personal electronics. Finally, the future perspectives of energy-storage-device-integrated sensing systems are discussed.
Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on the Health-Related Habits of People at High Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ochoa Esteban Darío , Martin-Ridaura Carmen , Berlinches-Zapero Carmen , Ruiz-Fernández Dolores , Sanz-Martín Vanessa , Gavira-Izquierdo Rosario , Muñoz-Haba Aitana , March Sebastià , Ceinos-Arcones Mercedes
Published: February 2023

The general lockdown decreed in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the ALAS health promotion intervention aimed at the population at high risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes. We conducted a descriptive study in 2020 through a telephone survey and a comparison with baseline data to determine the impact of confinement on the lifestyles of the participants. We collected sociodemographic variables and conducted assessments before/after confinement on general health status and lifestyle (sleep, physical activity and diet). Additionally, weight, BMI and adherence to a Mediterranean diet were assessed. Descriptive statistical analyses, comparisons of pre–post confinement data and logistic regression were carried out. A total of 387 individuals responded. Among them, 31.8% reported a worse perception of health after confinement, and 63,1% reported no change. Regarding exercise, 61.1% reduced their weekly physical activity time. Regarding diet, 34,4% perceived worse quality, and 53.4% reported no change, despite the fact that 89.4% declared changes in their eating practices. Weight and BMI decreased by 3,1%, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet improved from baseline. Confinement had a negative impact on the general health, diet, sleep and physical activity of this population (at risk of diabetes); however, weight and BMI decreased, and adherence to a Mediterranean diet improved.
Magnolol, a Neolignan-like Drug, Inhibits Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Replication in Cultured Cells
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Chen Bingqing , Yu Ruisong , Si Fusheng , Xie Chunfang , Li Zhen , Dong Shijuan , Zhang Daojing
Published: February 2023

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a destructive pathogen that continues to adversely affect the swine industry worldwide due to a current lack of vaccines and drugs capable of effective disease control. In the present study, the neolignan-like drug, magnolol (MAG), was tested for its ability to inhibit a Vero-cell adapted PEDV strain DR13att. Our data revealed that MAG exhibited anti-PEDV activity in vitro, with IC50 and CC50 values of 28.21 μM and 57.28 μM, respectively. MAG was an efficient inhibitor of viral replication, and repression of viral proliferation was strongest when the host cells were exposed to MAG and the virus at the same time. Although our data indicate that MAG has the potential to be a useful PEDV control agent, in vivo testing of the drug, using animal hosts, is required.
Can Domestic Cats Act as Reservoirs of Cytauxzoon felis?
Authors: Díaz-Sánchez Adrian Alberto , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro
Published: February 2023

Cytauxzoonosis is a worldwide tick-borne disease of domestic and wild felids, caused by infection of the haemoparasites belonging to the genus Cytauxzoon (Piroplasmida, Apicomplexa), which are apicomplexan protozoans closely related to those of the genera Babesia and Theileria [...]
Borrelia miyamotoi: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Cleveland Dawn W. , Anderson Cassidy C. , Brissette Catherine A.
Published: February 2023

Borrelia miyamotoi is an emerging tick-borne pathogen in the Northern Hemisphere and is the causative agent of Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD). Borrelia miyamotoi is vectored by the same hard-bodied ticks as Lyme disease Borrelia, yet phylogenetically groups with relapsing fever Borrelia, and thus, has been uniquely labeled a hard tick-borne relapsing fever Borrelia. Burgeoning research has uncovered new aspects of B. miyamotoi in human patients, nature, and the lab. Of particular interest are novel findings on disease pathology, prevalence, diagnostic methods, ecological maintenance, transmission, and genetic characteristics. Herein, we review recent literature on B. miyamotoi, discuss how findings adapt to current Borrelia doctrines, and briefly consider what remains unknown about B. miyamotoi.
Neural Regulation of Innate Immunity in Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Authors: Huang Xiaobao , Li Fengxian , Wang Fang
Published: February 2023

As the largest barrier organ of the body, the skin is highly innervated by peripheral sensory neurons. The major function of these sensory neurons is to transmit sensations of temperature, pain, and itch to elicit protective responses. Inflammatory skin diseases are triggered by the aberrant activation of immune responses. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that the skin peripheral nervous system also acts as a regulator of immune responses, particularly innate immunity, in various skin inflammatory processes. Meanwhile, immune cells in the skin can express receptors that respond to neuropeptides/neurotransmitters, leading to crosstalk between the immune system and nervous system. Herein, we highlight recent advances of such bidirectional neuroimmune interactions in certain inflammatory skin conditions.