bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sample Transportation on the Proteome of Human Circulating Blood Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Uldry Anne-Christine , Maciel-Dominguez Anabel , Jornod Maïwenn , Buchs Natasha , Braga-Lagache Sophie , Brodard Justine , Jankovic Jovana , Bonadies Nicolas , Heller Manfred
Published: April 2022

Circulating extracellular vesicles (cEV) are released by many kinds of cells and play an important role in cellular communication, signaling, inflammation modulation, coagulation, and tumor growth. cEV are of growing interest, not only as biomarkers, but also as potential treatment targets. However, very little is known about the effect of transporting biological samples from the clinical ward to the diagnostic laboratory, notably on the protein composition. Pneumatic tube systems (PTS) and human carriers (C) are both routinely used for transport, subjecting the samples to different ranges of mechanical forces. We therefore investigated qualitatively and quantitatively the effect of transport by C and PTS on the human cEV proteome and particle size distribution. We found that samples transported by PTS were subjected to intense, irregular, and multidirectional shocks, while those that were transported by C mostly underwent oscillations at a ground frequency of approximately 4 Hz. PTS resulted in the broadening of nanoparticle size distribution in platelet-free (PFP) but not in platelet-poor plasma (PPP). Cell-type specific cEV-associated protein abundances remained largely unaffected by the transport type. Since residual material of lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets seemed to dominate cEV proteomes in PPP, it was concluded that PFP should be preferred for any further analyses. Differential expression showed that the impact of the transport method on cEV-associated protein composition was heterogeneous and likely donor-specific. Correlation analysis was nonetheless able to detect that vibration dose, shocks, and imparted energy were associated with different terms depending on the transport, namely in C with cytoskeleton-regulated cell organization activity, and in PTS with a release of extracellular vesicles, mainly from organelle origin, and specifically from mitochondrial structures. Feature selection algorithm identified proteins which, when considered together with the correlated protein-protein interaction network, could be viewed as surrogates of network clusters.
PD-L1 Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Specimens: Association with Clinicopathological Factors and Molecular Alterations
Authors: Mansour Mohammed S. I. , Malmros Karina , Mager Ulrich , Ericson Lindquist Kajsa , Hejny Kim , Holmgren Benjamin , Seidal Tomas , Dejmek Annika , Dobra Katalin , Planck Maria , Brunnström Hans
Published: April 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting programmed cell death-1 or its ligand (PD-L1) have improved outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). High tumor PD-L1 expression, detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) typically on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) histological specimens, is linked to better response. Following our previous investigation on PD-L1 in cytological samples, the aim of this study was to further explore the potential impacts of various clinicopathological and molecular factors on PD-L1 expression. Two retrospective NSCLC cohorts of 1131 and 651 specimens, respectively, were investigated for PD-L1 expression (<1%/1–49%/≥50%), sample type, sample site, histological type, and oncogenic driver status. In both cohorts, PD-L1 was positive (≥1%) in 55% of the cases. Adenocarcinomas exhibited lower PD-L1 expression than squamous cell carcinomas (p < 0.0001), while there was no difference between sample types, tumor locations, or between the two cohorts in multivariate analysis (all p ≥ 0.28). Mutational status correlated significantly with PD-L1 expression (p < 0.0001), with the highest expression for KRAS-mutated cases, the lowest for EGFR-mutated, and the KRAS/EGFR wild-type cases in between. There was no difference in PD-L1 levels between different prevalent KRAS mutations (all p ≥ 0.44), while mucinous KRAS-mutated adenocarcinomas exhibited much lower PD-L1 expression than non-mucinous (p < 0.0001). Our data indicate that cytological and histological specimens are comparable for PD-L1 evaluation. Given the impact of KRAS mutations and the mucinous growth pattern on PD-L1 expression, these factors should be further investigated in studies on ICI response.
Unsaturated Copolyesters from Macrolactone/Norbornene: Toward Reaction Kinetics of Metathesis Copolymerization Using Ruthenium Carbene Catalysts
Authors: Martínez Araceli , Zárate-Saldaña Daniel , Vargas Joel , Santiago Arlette A.
Published: April 2022

Unsaturated copolyesters are of great interest in polymer science due to their broad potential applications and sustainability. Copolyesters were synthesized from the ring-opening metathesis copolymerization of ω-6-hexadecenlactone (HDL) and norbornene (NB) using ruthenium-alkylidene [Ru(Cl2)(=CHPh)(1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-2-imidazolidinylidene)(PCy3)] (Ru1), [Ru(Cl)2(=CHPh)(PCy3)2] (Ru2), and ruthenium-vinylidene [RuCl2(=C=CH(p-C6H4CF3))(PCy3)2] (Ru3) catalysts, respectively, yielding HDL-NB copolymers with different ratios of the monomer HDL in the feed. The activity of N-heterocyclic-carbene (NHC) (Ru1) and phosphine (Ru2 and Ru3) ligands containing ruthenium-carbene catalysts were evaluated in the synthesis of copolymer HDL-NB. The catalysts Ru1 with an NHC ligand showed superior activity and stability over catalysts Ru2 and Ru3 bearing PCy3 ligands. The incorporation of the monomers in the copolymers determined by 1H-NMR spectroscopy was similar to that of the HDL-NB values in the feed. Experiments, at distinct monomer molar ratios, were carried out using the catalysts Ru1–Ru3 to determine the copolymerization reactivity constants by applying the Mayo–Lewis and Fineman–Ross methods. The copolymer distribution under equilibrium conditions was studied by the 13C NMR spectra, indicating that the copolymer HDL-NB is a gradient copolymer. The main factor determining the decrease in melting temperature is the inclusion of norbornene units, indicating that the PNB units permeate trough the HDL chains. The copolymers with different molar ratios [HDL]/[NB] have good thermal stability up to 411 °C in comparison with the homopolymer PHDL (384 °C). Further, the stress–strain measurements in tension for these copolymers depicted the appreciable increment in stress values as the NB content increases.
Multi-Attention Module for Dynamic Facial Emotion Recognition
Authors: Zhi Junnan , Song Tingting , Yu Kang , Yuan Fengen , Wang Huaqiang , Hu Guangyang , Yang Hao
Published: April 2022

Video-based dynamic facial emotion recognition (FER) is a challenging task, as one must capture and distinguish tiny facial movements representing emotional changes while ignoring the facial differences of different objects. Recent state-of-the-art studies have usually adopted more complex methods to solve this task, such as large-scale deep learning models or multimodal analysis with reference to multiple sub-models. According to the characteristics of the FER task and the shortcomings of existing methods, in this paper we propose a lightweight method and design three attention modules that can be flexibly inserted into the backbone network. The key information for the three dimensions of space, channel, and time is extracted by means of convolution layer, pooling layer, multi-layer perception (MLP), and other approaches, and attention weights are generated. By sharing parameters at the same level, the three modules do not add too many network parameters while enhancing the focus on specific areas of the face, effective feature information of static images, and key frames. The experimental results on CK+ and eNTERFACE’05 datasets show that this method can achieve higher accuracy.
Identifying the Directions of Technology-Driven Government Innovation
Authors: Nam Hyundong , Kim Songeun , Nam Taewoo
Published: April 2022

The world is now strengthening its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capabilities to secure economic growth and national competitiveness. The role of ICT is important for problems like COVID-19. ICT based innovation is effective in responding to problems for industry, economy, and society. However, we need to understand, not from the perspective of performance or investment, that the use and performance of ICT technology are promoted when each country’s ICT related environment, policies, governance, and regulations are effective. We need to share sustainable ICT experiences, successes, and challenges to solve complex problems and reorganize policies. This study proposes a Text Mining methodology from a future-oriented perspective to extract semantic system patterns from International Telecommunication Union (ITU) professional reports. In the text extracted from the report, we found a new relationship pattern and a potential topic. The research results provide insights into a diverse perspective for policymakers to search for successful ICT strategies.
Bacterial Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in COVID-19 Patients: Data from the Second and Third Waves of the Pandemic
Authors: Russo Alessandro , Olivadese Vincenzo , Trecarichi Enrico , Torti Carlo
Published: April 2022

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were admitted to intensive care units (ICU) for COVID-19-related severe respiratory failure. As a matter of fact, ICU admission and invasive ventilation increased the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is associated with high mortality rate and a considerable burden on length of ICU stay and healthcare costs. The objective of this review was to evaluate data about VAP in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU that developed VAP, including their etiology (limiting to bacteria), clinical characteristics, and outcomes. The analysis was limited to the most recent waves of the epidemic. The main conclusions of this review are the following: (i) P. aeruginosa, Enterobacterales, and S. aureus are more frequently involved as etiology of VAP; (ii) obesity is an important risk factor for the development of VAP; and (iii) data are still scarce and increasing efforts should be put in place to optimize the clinical management and preventative strategies for this complex and life-threatening disease.
Use of a 360-Degree Underwater Camera to Characterize Artificial Reef and Fish Aggregating Effects around Marine Energy Devices
Authors: Hemery Lenaïg G. , Mackereth Kailan F. , Gunn Cailene M. , Pablo Edward B.
Published: April 2022

Marine energy devices must be attached to the seafloor by their foundations, pilings, or anchors, and will have other parts in the water column like the devices themselves, mooring lines, and power export cables running along the seafloor. The installation and presence of these artificial structures will create physical changes that can disrupt or create new habitats, and potentially alter the behavior of mobile organisms such as fish around a device by attracting them to these new artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices. In this study, we tested a new approach for monitoring fish activity around a marine energy device anchor: a 360-degree underwater camera to keep the target (a wave energy converter’s anchor) in the field of view of the camera. The camera was deployed in three configurations (hand-held, tripod, video lander) at sites with different hydrodynamics and underwater visibilities. The video lander was the best configuration: very stable, versatile, and easy to handle. The 360-degree field of view enabled observing and counting fishes, which were more abundant at dusk than dawn or noon, around the anchor. Despite remaining challenges, 360-degree cameras are useful tools for monitoring animal interactions with marine energy devices.
Fungal Pathogens Associated with Crown and Root Rot of Wheat in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Kazakhstan
Authors: Bozoğlu Tuğba , Derviş Sibel , Imren Mustafa , Amer Mohammed , Özdemir Fatih , Paulitz Timothy C. , Morgounov Alexey , Dababat Abdelfattah A. , Özer Göksel
Published: April 2022

Kazakhstan is the fourteenth largest wheat producer in the world. Despite this fact, there has not been a comprehensive survey of wheat root and crown rot. A quantitative survey was conducted for the purpose of establishing the distribution of fungi associated with root and crown rot on wheat (Triticum spp.). During the 2019 growing season, samples were taken from the affected plants’ roots and stem bases. A total of 1221 fungal isolates were acquired from 65 sites across the central (Karagandy region), eastern (East Kazakhstan region), and southeastern (Almaty region) parts of the country and identified using morphological and molecular tools. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) sequences were successfully used to identify the species of fungal isolates. It was found that Bipolaris sorokiniana (44.80%) and Fusarium acuminatum (20.39%) were the most predominant fungal species isolated, which were present in 86.15 and 66.15% of the fields surveyed, respectively, followed by F. equiseti (10.16%), Curvularia spicifera (7.62%), F. culmorum (4.75%), F. oxysporum (4.10%), F. redolens (2.38%), Rhizoctonia solani AG2-1 (1.06%), Nigrospora oryzae (0.98%), C. inaequalis (0.90%), F. pseudograminearum (0.74%), F. flocciferum (0.74%), Macrophomina phaseolina (0.66%), F. cf. incarnatum (0.33%), Fusarium sp. (0.25%), and F. torulosum (0.16%). A total of 74 isolates representing 16 species were tested via inoculation tests on the susceptible Triticum aestivum cv. Seri 82 and the results revealed that F. culmorum and F. pseudograminearum, B. sorokiniana, Fusarium sp., R. solani, F. redolens, C. spicifera, C. inaequalis, and N. oryzae were virulent, whereas others were non-pathogenic. The findings of this investigation demonstrate the presence of a diverse spectrum of pathogenic fungal species relevant to wheat crown and root rot in Kazakhstan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of F. pseudograminearum, Fusarium sp., C. spicifera, and C. inaequalis as pathogens on wheat in Kazakhstan.
Transcriptomics Integrated with Metabolomics Reveals 2-Methoxy-1, 4-Naphthoquinone-Based Carbon Dots Induced Molecular Shifts in Penicillium italicum
Authors: Chen Xiaodan , Li Wei , Chen Jianying , Zhang Xiaoyong , Zhang Wei , Duan Xuewu , Lei Bingfu , Huang Riming
Published: April 2022

Penicillium italicum (P. italicum), a citrus blue mold, is a pathogenic fungus that greatly affects the postharvest quality of citrus fruits with significant economic loss. Our previous research showed that 2-methoxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone (MNQ) inhibited the growth of Penicillium italicum. However, the water dispersibility of MNQ will limit its further application. Herein, we synthesized MNQ-based carbon dots (2−CDs) with better water dispersibility, which showed a potential inhibitory effect on P. italicum (MIC = 2.8 μg/mL) better than that of MNQ (MIC = 5.0 μg/mL). Transcriptomics integrated with metabolomics reveals a total of 601 differentially enriched genes and 270 differentially accumulated metabolites that are co-mapped as disruptive activity on the cell cytoskeleton, glycolysis, and histone methylation. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy analysis showed normal appearances and intracellular septum of P. italicum after treatment. These findings contribute tofurther understanding of the possible molecular action of 2−CDs.
Effectiveness of Statins for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Low- and Medium-Risk Males: A Causal Inference Approach with Observational Data
Authors: Chaure-Pardos Armando , Aguilar-Palacio Isabel , Rabanaque Mª José , Lallana Mª Jesús , Maldonado Lina , Castel-Feced Sara , Librero Julián , Casasnovas José Antonio , Malo Sara
Published: April 2022

In this study, we analyzed the effectiveness of statin therapy for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in low- and medium-risk patients. Using observational data, we estimated effectiveness by emulating a hypothetical randomized clinical trial comparing statin initiators with statin non-initiators. Two approaches were used to adjust for potential confounding factors: matching and inverse probability weighting in marginal structural models. The estimates of effectiveness were obtained by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. The intention-to-treat analysis revealed an absolute risk reduction of 7.2 (95% confidence interval (CI95%), −6.6–21.0) events per 1000 subjects treated for 5 years in the matched design, and 2.2 (CI95%, −3.9–8.2) in the marginal structural model. The per-protocol analysis revealed an absolute risk reduction of 16.7 (CI95%, −3.0–36) events per 1000 subjects treated for 5 years in the matched design and 5.8 (CI95%, 0.3–11.4) in the marginal structural model. The indication for statin treatment for primary prevention in individuals with low and medium cardiovascular risk appears to be inefficient, but improves with better adherence and in subjectvs with higher risk.
An Application of Portfolio Mean-Variance and Semi-Variance Optimization Techniques: A Case of Fiji
Authors: Kumar Ronald Ravinesh , Stauvermann Peter Josef , Samitas Aristeidis
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we apply the Markowitz portfolio optimization technique based on mean-variance and semi-variance as measures of risk on stocks listed on the South Pacific Stock Exchange, Fiji. We document key market characteristics and consider monthly returns data from SEP-2019 to FEB-2022 (T = 30) of 17/19 listed companies on the stock exchange to construct various portfolios like 1/N (naïve), maximum return, and market and minimum-variance with and without short-selling constraints. Additionally, we compute each stock’s beta using the market capitalization-weighted stock price index data. We note that well-diversified portfolios (market portfolio and minimum-variance portfolio) with short-selling constraints have relatively higher expected returns with lower risk. Moreover, well-diversified portfolios perform better than the naïve and maximum portfolios in terms of risk. Moreover, we find that both the mean-variance and the semi-variance measures of risk yields a unique market portfolio in terms of expected returns, although the latter has a lower standard deviation and a higher Sharpe ratio. However, for the minimum-variance portfolios and market portfolios without short selling, we find relatively higher returns and risks using the mean-variance than the semi-variance approach. The low beta of individual stock indicates the low sensitivity of its price to the movement of the market index. The study is an initial attempt to provide potential investors with some practical strategies and tools in developing a diversified portfolio. Since not all the portfolios based on mean-variance and the semi-variance analyses are unique, additional methods of investment analysis and portfolio construction are recommended. Subsequently, for investment decisions, our analysis can be complemented with additional measures of risk and an in-depth financial statement/company performance analysis.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Land Use Land Cover in the Response to Local Climate Change Using Multispectral Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Lu Linlin , Mubeen Muhammad , Nasim Wajid , Karuppannan Shankar , Fahad Shah , Tariq Aqil , Mousa B. G. , Mumtaz Faisal , Aslam Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Climate change is likely to have serious social, economic, and environmental impacts on farmers whose subsistence depends on nature. Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes were examined as a significant tool for assessing changes at diverse temporal and spatial scales. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) has the potential ability to signify the vegetation structures of various eco-regions and provide valuable information as a remote sensing tool in studying vegetation phenology cycles. In this study, we used remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques with Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) to identify the LULC changes for 40 years in the Sahiwal District. Later, we conducted 120 questionnaires administered to local farmers which were used to correlate climate changes with NDVI. The LULC maps were prepared using MLC and training sites for the years 1981, 2001, and 2021. Regression analysis (R2) was performed to identify the relationship between temperature and vegetation cover (NDVI) in the study area. Results indicate that the build-up area was increased from 7203.76 ha (2.25%) to 31,081.3 ha (9.70%), while the vegetation area decreased by 14,427.1 ha (4.5%) from 1981 to 2021 in Sahiwal District. The mean NDVI values showed that overall NDVI values decreased from 0.24 to 0.20 from 1981 to 2021. Almost 78% of farmers stated that the climate has been changing during the last few years, 72% of farmers stated that climate change had affected agriculture, and 53% of farmers thought that rainfall intensity had also decreased. The R2 tendency showed that temperature and NDVI were negatively connected to each other. This study will integrate and apply the best and most suitable methods, tools, and approaches for equitable local adaptation and governance of agricultural systems in changing climate conditions. Therefore, this research outcome will also meaningfully help policymakers and urban planners for sustainable LULC management and strategies at the local level.
Rejuvenating SEZs through Internationalization: A Case Study of Chinese Domestic and International SEZs
Authors: Sun Man , Song Tao , Liu Weidong , Cheng Zhe
Published: April 2022

China’s special economic zones have been hailed as a flagship of her policy on ‘opening up’ to the outside world, as well as the China-led global Belt and Road Initiative. In this paper, we conceptualize the internationalization of Chinese SEZs, and frame the genealogy and underpinning dynamics of China’s international SEZs, both domestically and overseas. The paper critically probes the underlying logics of three parallel international developments of Chinese SEZs: (1) capital-oriented land expansion in the form of international SEZs combining both ‘bring in’ and ‘going out’, especially since BRI; (2) different industrial landscapes at various timelines and sites; (3) variegated transnational SEZs governance, bilateral central governments governance, marketized state or entrepreneurship state, or private ventures. We contribute to the SEZ land literature by delivering a novel framework which encompasses variegated internationalization trends among China’s vast domestic and overseas SEZs. These internationalization trajectories in turn contour and entrench global variegated capitalism.
The L3 Polish Lateral in Unbalanced Bilinguals: The Roles of L3 Proficiency and Background Languages
Authors: Sypiańska Jolanta
Published: April 2022

Previous research points to a major role of L3 proficiency in L3 acquisition whereas language dominance and cognate status in bilinguals remain under-researched. The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of L3 proficiency, language dominance and cognate status on the production of the L3 Polish lateral. The dominance of Ukrainian over Russian was assessed with the use of an adapted version of the Bilingual Language Profile. Proficiency in Polish was gauged by means of a standardized placement test. The stimuli included tokens requiring a clear realization with the Polish lateral divided into four conditions depending on its production in cognates from Ukrainian/Russian. The results revealed that higher L3 proficiency was associated with an increase in target-like lateral productions in L3 Polish. Language dominance accounted for the less typical lateral pronunciations with a tendency to produce more labiovelar approximants by more Ukrainian-dominant speakers and fewer palatalized laterals by more balanced Ukrainian–Russian speakers. A similar lateral pronunciation in the cognates of both background languages influenced lateral production in the L3. Different lateral pronunciations in the cognates of the background languages had an effect on the more Ukrainian-dominant speakers who had a greater tendency to rely on the L1 Ukrainian pronunciation while producing L3 Polish.
Incidence of Asymptomatic Shigella Infection and Association with the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure among Children Aged 1–24 Months in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Nasrin Sabiha , Haque Md. Ahshanul , Palit Parag , Das Rina , Mahfuz Mustafa , Faruque Abu S. G. , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: April 2022

Asymptomatic or subclinical infection by diarrheal enteropathogens during childhood has been linked to poor health and nutritional outcomes. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of asymptomatic Shigella infection on different forms of childhood malnutrition including the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF). We used data from 1715 children enrolled in the multi-country birth cohort study, MAL-ED, from November 2009 to February 2012. Monthly non-diarrheal stools were collected and assessed using TaqMan Array Cards (TAC). Poisson regression was used to calculate incidence rates of asymptomatic Shigella infection. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess the association between asymptomatic Shigella infection and nutritional indicators after adjusting for relevant covariates. Incidence rates per 100 child-months were higher in Tanzania, Bangladesh and Peru. Overall, after adjusting for relevant covariates, asymptomatic Shigella infection was significantly associated with stunting (aOR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.50, 1.70), wasting (aOR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.46), underweight (aOR 1.45; 95% CI: 1.35, 1.56), and CIAF (aOR 1.55; 95% CI: 1.46, 1.65) in all the study sites except for Brazil. The high incidence rates of asymptomatic Shigella infection underscore the immediate need for Shigella vaccines to avert the long-term sequelae involving childhood growth.
Splicing Modulation as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Lysosomal Storage Disorders: The Mucopolysaccharidoses Example
Authors: Santos Juliana Inês , Gonçalves Mariana , Matos Liliana , Moreira Luciana , Carvalho Sofia , Prata Maria João , Coutinho Maria Francisca , Alves Sandra
Published: April 2022

Over recent decades, the many functions of RNA have become more evident. This molecule has been recognized not only as a carrier of genetic information, but also as a specific and essential regulator of gene expression. Different RNA species have been identified and novel and exciting roles have been unveiled. Quite remarkably, this explosion of novel RNA classes has increased the possibility for new therapeutic strategies that tap into RNA biology. Most of these drugs use nucleic acid analogues and take advantage of complementary base pairing to either mimic or antagonize the function of RNAs. Among the most successful RNA-based drugs are those that act at the pre-mRNA level to modulate or correct aberrant splicing patterns, which are caused by specific pathogenic variants. This approach is particularly tempting for monogenic disorders with associated splicing defects, especially when they are highly frequent among affected patients worldwide or within a specific population. With more than 600 mutations that cause disease affecting the pre-mRNA splicing process, we consider lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) to be perfect candidates for this type of approach. Here, we introduce the overall rationale and general mechanisms of splicing modulation approaches and highlight the currently marketed formulations, which have been developed for non-lysosomal genetic disorders. We also extensively reviewed the existing preclinical studies on the potential of this sort of therapeutic strategy to recover aberrant splicing and increase enzyme activity in our diseases of interest: the LSDs. Special attention was paid to a particular subgroup of LSDs: the mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs). By doing this, we hoped to unveil the unique therapeutic potential of the use of this sort of approach for LSDs as a whole.
Epigenetic Effect of Maternal Methyl-Group Donor Intake on Offspring’s Health and Disease
Authors: Bokor Szilvia , Vass Réka A. , Funke Simone , Ertl Tibor , Molnár Dénes
Published: April 2022

Maternal exposure to some dietary and environmental factors during embryonic development can affect offspring’s phenotype and, furthermore, the risk of developing diseases later in life. One potential mechanism responsible for this early programming may be the modification of the epigenome, such as DNA methylation. Methyl-group donors are essential for DNA methylation and are shown to have an important role in fetal development and later health. The main goal of the present review is to summarize the available literature data on the epigenetic effect (DNA methylation) of maternal methyl-group donor availability on reproductivity, perinatal outcome, and later health of the offspring. In our literature search, we found evidence for the association between alterations in DNA methylation patterns caused by different maternal methyl-group donor (folate, choline, methionine, betaine) intake and reproductivity, birth weight, neural tube defect, congenital heart defect, cleft lip and palate, brain development, and the development of obesity and associated non-communicable diseases in later life. We can conclude that maternal methyl-group donor availability could affect offspring’s health via alterations in DNA methylation and may be a major link between early environmental exposure and the development of diseases in the offspring. However, still, further studies are necessary to confirm the associations and causal relationships.
Exposure to Random Positioning Machine Alters the Mineralization Process and PTX3 Expression in the SAOS-2 Cell Line
Authors: Cariati Ida , Bonanni Roberto , Scimeca Manuel , Rinaldi Anna Maria , Marini Mario , Tarantino Umberto , Tancredi Virginia
Published: April 2022

Bone loss is among the most frequent changes seen in astronauts during space missions. Although weightlessness is known to cause high bone resorption and a rapid decrease in bone minerals and calcium, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In our work, we investigated the influence of random positioning machine (RPM) exposure on the mineralization process in the SAOS-2 cell line, in osteogenic and non-osteogenic conditions, by examining changes in their mineralizing capacity and in the expression of PTX3, a positive regulator of bone mineralization. We analyzed cell viability by MTS assay and the mineralization process after staining with Toluidine Blue and Alizarin Red, while PTX3 expression was investigated by immunocytochemistry and western blotting analysis. Our results showed that RPM exposure increased cells’ viability and improved their mineralizing competence when not treated with osteogenic cocktail. In contrast, in osteogenic conditions, cells exposed to RPM showed a reduction in the presence of calcification-like structures, mineral deposits and PTX3 expression, suggesting that the effects of RPM exposure on mineralizing matrix deposition depend on the presence of osteogenic factors in the culture medium. Further studies will be needed to clarify the role of potential mineralization markers in the cellular response to the simulated biological effects of microgravity, paving the way for a new approach to treating osteoporosis in astronauts exposed to spaceflight.
Determination of the Preload of Bolts for Structural Health Monitoring of a Multi-Bolted Joint: FEM Approach
Authors: Grzejda Rafał , Warzecha Mariusz , Urbanowicz Kamil
Published: April 2022

The reliability and safety of bolted joints is one of the crucial engineering problems during design of mechanical structures. In this paper, finite element method was used to investigate an asymmetrical, seven-bolted joint. The modelling takes into account the phenomenon of friction and the mechanics of contact between the joined elements. The bolts were preloaded using two different approaches: single and multi-pass. The damage of a bolt was simulated by its removal from the model. The conducted research showed influence of the number of preloading passes and its order on the forces acting in bolts both before and after damage. The obtained results were validated by experimental tests and presented as force diagrams for all investigated cases.
Joining Properties of SPFC440/AA5052 Multi-Material Self-Piercing Riveting Joints
Authors: Zhou Ze-Jie , Huang Zhi-Chao , Jiang Yu-Qiang , Tang Nan-Lin
Published: April 2022

With the development of new energy vehicles, the joining of lightweight alloys has received more attention. Self-piercing riveting experiments of aluminum alloy and high-strength steel sheets were performed to analyze the effects of rivet height and laying order of metal sheets on the joining quality in the work. The forming surface, cross-sectional morphology, static tensile property, fatigue property, failure mode, and mechanism were analyzed. The results show that AA5052 alloy and SPFC440 steel can be joined effectively by self-piercing riveting, and there is good contact between rivet head and sheet surfaces. When the rivet is 2.5–3.5 mm higher than the total thickness of two layers sheets, the rivet leg flares symmetrically without cracks or buckling, and the lower sheet completely encapsulates the joint button. The joints have better static tensile properties when the rivet is about 3 mm higher than the thickness of two sheets. The higher static strength is obtained when the aluminum alloy is placed at the lower position. The rivet legs fall off from the lower sheets for all the samples in the tensile tests, which is independent of the rivet height and laying order of metal sheets. The fatigue strength of the sample with the rivet height of 7 mm is the greatest, and the fatigue cracks always occur on the aluminum sheet under all experimental conditions. The findings in this work can help the practical application of self-piercing riveting for aluminum/steel sheets.
Experimental Evaluation of Industrial Mushroom Waste Substrate Using Hybrid Mechanism of Vermicomposting and Effective Microorganisms
Authors: Ansari Khalid , Khandeshwar Shantanu , Waghmare Charuta , Mehboob Hassan , Gupta Tripti , Shrikhande Avinash N. , Abbas Mohamed
Published: April 2022

Mushroom waste substrates are highly resistant lignocellulosic wastes that are commercially produced by industries after harvesting. These wastes produce large environmental challenges regarding disposal and, thus, require treatment facilities. In the present article, the effect of Eisenia-fetida-based vermicomposting and an effective microorganism solution on the mushroom waste substrate were investigated using four different composting mixtures: mushroom waste [MW] substrate composting with effective microorganisms [MW+EM], raw mushroom waste [RWM] substrate composting with effective microorganisms [RMW+EM], mushroom waste substrate composting with vermicomposting and effective microorganisms [MW+V+EM], and raw mushroom waste substrate composting with vermicomposting and effective microorganisms [RWM+V+EM]. This article discusses the structural and physiochemical changes at four samples for 45 days (almost six weeks) of composting. The physical and chemical parameters were monitored during composting and provided information on the duration of the process. The results indicated pH (7.2~8), NPK value (0.9~1.8), and C:N ratio <14, and heavy metals exhibited a decreasing trend in later stages for all sets of compost materials and showed the maturity level. FTIR spectra revealed that all four samples included peaks for the -OH (hydroxy group) ranging from 3780 to 3500 cm−1 and a ridge indicating the C=C (alkenyl bond) ranging from 1650 to 1620 cm−1 in compost. The X-ray diffraction spectrum clearly shows how earthworms and microbes break down molecules into cellulose compounds, and the average crystallinity size using Scherrer’s equation was found to be between 69.82 and 93.13 nm. Based on the experimental analysis, [RWM+V+EM] accelerated the breakdown of organic matter and showed improvement compared with other composts in compostable materials, thus, emphasizing the critical nature of long-term mushroom waste management and treatment.
Radiographic Analysis of Graft Dimensional Changes in Transcrestal Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Comuzzi Luca , Tumedei Margherita , Piattelli Adriano , Tartaglia Gianluca , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: April 2022

Background. The maxillary sinus lift is a popular and predictable technique associated with implant-supported rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxilla. The aim of the present retrospective study was to investigate the effectiveness of transcrestal maxillary sinus augmentation and the graft resorption pattern using different heterologous bone substitutes. Methods. A total of 75 sinus-grafting procedures were performed and 89 implants were placed in 66 patients, 24 males and 42 females, with mean age 67.9 ± 10.64 years (range 43–84 years). Nineteen subjects were smokers. The mean follow-up period was 93.33 ± 54.71 months (range 14–240 months). Clinical and radiographical evaluations were performed. Graft height and width were measured at baseline and at the latest follow-up. Results. Mesiodistal and vertical resorption averaged 9.3 ± 20.7% (standard deviation), and 5.04 ± 9.9% of the postoperative size, respectively, considering the graft as the unit. Linear regression analysis showed that graft resorption in both the vertical and the mesiodistal dimension is independent of the follow-up time. Conversely, there was a trend for greater resorption when increasing the postoperative graft size, in both vertical (p = 0.001) and horizontal (p = 0.007) dimensions. When grouping the dimensional changes by graft particle size (only small (<300 μm) particles, combination of small and medium (>500 μm)/large (>1000 μm) particles, and only medium/large particles), there was a trend for greater resorption associated with smaller particles, but it was not significant; neither in the mesiodistal nor in the vertical dimension (p = 0.17 and p = 0.25, respectively). No implant was lost during the observation period. In conclusion, the transcrestal technique for maxillary sinus augmentation documented a high level of predictability. The low clinical morbidity and the contextual dental implant positioning is clinically useful in relation to a significant reduction of the time required for implant restoration, a consistent decrease of the number of surgical phases, and a cost-effectiveness approach for the rehabilitation. The graft resorption pattern in all cases was compatible with persistent implant protection and support.
A Green High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography Method for the Determination of Caffeine in Commercial Energy Drinks and Formulations
Authors: Foudah Ahmed I. , Shakeel Faiyaz , Salkini Mohammad A. , Alshehri Sultan , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Alam Prawez
Published: April 2022

The literature on green analytical approaches for caffeine estimation is limited. As a consequence, this study aimed to establish a reverse-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique for caffeine estimation in a variety of commercial energy drinks (ED) and pharmaceutical formulations that is rapid, sensitive, and green. The combination of ethanol-water (55:45 v v−1) was used as a mobile phase. The detection of caffeine was carried out at 275 nm. The green reverse-phase HPTLC method was linear in the concentration range of 50–800 ng band−1. Furthermore, the developed method for caffeine estimation was simple, quick, economical, accurate, precise, robust, sensitive, and green. The amount of caffeine in different marketed ED (ED1–ED10) was recorded in the range of 21.02–37.52 mg 100 mL−1 using the developed HPTLC method. However, the amount of caffeine in different commercial formulations (F1–F3) was estimated as 10.63–20.30 mg 100 mL−1 using the same method. The “analytical GREEnness (AGREE)” scale for the developed analytical method was predicted to be 0.80, utilizing 12 distinct components of green analytical chemistry, indicating the HPTLC approach’s excellent greener profile. Overall, the developed method for estimating caffeine in marketed ED and dosage forms was found to be reliable.
Determination of Buckling Behavior of Web-Stiffened Cold-Formed Steel Built-Up Column under Axial Compression
Authors: Mohan Muthuraman , Ramachandran Anuradha , Amran Mugahed , Borovkov Aleksey
Published: April 2022

The practice of utilizing cold-drawn steel for structural and non-structural elements has expanded nowadays due to it being lighter in weight, economic section, desirable in fabrication, and its preferred post-buckling behavior over hot rolled sections. The cold-drawn steel section back to the back-lipped channel section has a wide application as a structural member. The fasteners are provided at regular intervals for the long-span structure to prevent individual failures. This study is concerned with the inadequacy of research addressing the behavior of built-up columns. The relevant built-up column section is chosen based on the AISI-S100:2007 specification. Thirty-six specimens were designed and tested by varying web, flange, lip dimensions, spacing between the chords, and battened width experimentally subjected to an axial compression. Comparing 36 experimentally buckled specimens with the model generated by Finite Element Method accompanied with ASI-recommended two direct strength methods (DSMs). The DSM comprises the step-by-step procedure incorporated with the elastic, critical, and global distortional interaction. Based on the performed reliability analysis, such as the experimental, analytical, and theoretical studies, the failure load, buckling mode, the economic section, and design rules were proposed. Four suitable sections were selected from the proposal, and the validation study was carried out. From the validation study, experimental values were found to be 1.072 times the FEM values, and DSM values were found to be 0.97 times the FEM values. Based on the significant findings of this study, the proposed design recommendation and the corrected value for DSM are suitable for designing back-to-back stiffened columns.
Influence of Femtosecond Laser Modification on Biomechanical and Biofunctional Behavior of Porous Titanium Substrates
Authors: Beltrán Ana M. , Giner Mercè , Rodríguez Ángel , Trueba Paloma , Rodríguez-Albelo Luisa M. , Vázquez-Gámez Maria Angeles , Godinho Vanda , Alcudia Ana , Amado José M. , López-Santos Carmen , Torres Yadir
Published: April 2022

Bone resorption and inadequate osseointegration are considered the main problems of titanium implants. In this investigation, the texture and surface roughness of porous titanium samples obtained by the space holder technique were modified with a femtosecond Yb-doped fiber laser. Different percentages of porosity (30, 40, 50, and 60 vol.%) and particle range size (100–200 and 355–500 μm) were compared with fully-dense samples obtained by conventional powder metallurgy. After femtosecond laser treatment the formation of a rough surface with micro-columns and micro-holes occurred for all the studied substrates. The surface was covered by ripples over the micro-metric structures. This work evaluates both the influence of the macro-pores inherent to the spacer particles, as well as the micro-columns and the texture generated with the laser, on the wettability of the surface, the cell behavior (adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts), micro-hardness (instrumented micro-indentation test, P–h curves) and scratch resistance. The titanium sample with 30 vol.% and a pore range size of 100–200 μm was the best candidate for the replacement of small damaged cortical bone tissues, based on its better biomechanical (stiffness and yield strength) and biofunctional balance (bone in-growth and in vitro osseointegration).
Development of Low Shrinkage Curing Techniques for Unsaturated Polyester and Vinyl Ester Reinforced Composites
Authors: Moujdin Iqbal Ahmed , Totah Husam Saber , Abulkhair Hani Abdulelah , Alsaiari Abdulmohsen Omar , Shaiban Amer Ahmed , Organji Hussam Adnan
Published: April 2022

This work investigated low shrinkage curing techniques and characterization of unsaturated polyester (UPE-8340) and vinyl ester (VE-922) reinforced composite. The reinforced polymeric composite was composed using various amounts (0.1 vol.% to 0.5 vol.%) of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and the proportion of UPE and VE (5 vol.%) was kept fixed throughout the study. The epoxy matrix was formed using a 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) dumbbell shape mold and the specimen was cured in the presence of air and an inner gas (carbon dioxide) using a customized ambient closed chamber system. The influence of MEKP on UPE and VE reinforce composites was studied by investigating curing kinetics, shrinkage, tensile properties, contact angle, and thermal stability. The CO2-cured results show a significant lower shrinkage rate and higher tensile strength and flexural modulus of UPE and VE reinforced composite articles compared with air-cured reinforced composite. These macro-scale results correlate with the air-cured structure, an un-banded smooth surface was observed, and it was found that the lowest amount of MEKP revealed significant improvement in the contact angle of UPET and VE reinforced composites.
Influence of Mineralogical Structure of Mold Flux Film on Heat Transfer in Mold during Continuous Casting of Peritectic Steel
Authors: Liu Lei , Han Xiuli , Li Mingduo , Zhang Di
Published: April 2022

The mineralogical structure of flux films is a critical factor in controlling heat transfer in the mold and avoiding the longitudinal cracking of slabs during the continuous casting of peritectic steel. In this study, the layered structure, crystallization ratio, mineralogical species, and morphology features of flux films were characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron-probe microanalysis. Microstructural observation revealed that the normal flux films for peritectic steels present a multilayered structure and high crystallization ratio (60~90 vol%), mainly composed of well-developed crystalline akermanite and cuspidine. In contrast, the films with outstanding flux characteristics with abundant longitudinal cracks on the slab surface have a low crystallization ratio (<50 vol%) or vast crystallite content (>80 vol%). Furthermore, heat transfer analysis showed that the low crystallization ratio and the vast crystallite content of flux films worsen the heat transfer rate or uniformity in the mold, whereas the appropriate thickness and cuspidine content of flux films can improve the heat transfer performance. From the above results, it is concluded that using strong crystalline flux to obtain the ideal mineral phase structure of flux film is one of the important measures for reducing longitudinal cracks during continuous casting of peritectic steel slabs.
Recent Progress in Single and Combined Porosity-Evaluation Techniques for Porous Materials
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Zhou Bo
Published: April 2022

The accurate determination of the porosity and specific surface area of porous materials such as shale and cement plays a key role in gas-energy-storage estimation and exploitation, building-heat and humidity-transfer investigation, and permeability-characteristics evaluation. Therefore, it is crucial to select appropriate measurement methods to accurately study the porosity, as well as other properties, of porous materials. In this review, various porosity-measurement methods are discussed. The most recent research findings and progress in combined methodologies are introduced and summarized. The measurement medium and chemical composition of the sample affect the porosity-measurement results. Therefore, depending on the measurement properties of different methods and the characteristics of the sample, an appropriate method can be selected. Furthermore, various methods can be combined to obtain more accurate measurement results than individual methods.