bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moisture-Dependent Physical-Mechanical Properties of Maize, Rice, and Soybeans as Related to Handling and Processing
Authors: Kruszelnicka Weronika , Chen Zhengpu , Ambrose Kingsly
Published: December 2022

Knowledge of physical and mechanical properties of cereal grains is important for designing handling and processing equipment. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on the influence of moisture content on the physical-mechanical properties as related to machine design. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the changes in select physical-mechanical properties of maize, rice, and soybeans at various moisture content (10%, 14%, 18%, 22%, 26%; wet basis) and their compression behavior at two loading rates of 1.25 mm/min and 125 mm/min. The measured physical and mechanical properties include size, shape, and breakage force of single kernels. It was found that an increase in moisture content increased the kernel size, altered the kernel shape, and decreased the bulk density. The effects of moisture content and loading rate on breakage force, stress, and energy varied depending on the grain type. Our results indicated that an increase in moisture content changed the mechanical behavior of grain kernels from brittle to viscoelastic. To prevent kernel damage during processing and handling, the measured force and stress during compression can be used as the limit value for designing equipment.
NDT of Residual Stress in Thick Aluminum Alloy Plates under Different Aging Conditions Using Multiple Techniques
Authors: Li Zhengyi , Xue Bing , Cui Yan , Zhou Gang , Zhang Shaohua , Lu Ning , Wen Lei , Zhang Duzhou
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a portable residual stress tester and synchrotron radiation diffraction technique were used to measure the residual stress distribution of thick 2A14 aluminum alloy plates under different aging conditions after solution treatment. The stress changes after solution and aging were analyzed using metallographic structure observation, electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and other characterization methods. The results show that after solution treatment at 500 °C and aging at 170 °C, the second phase precipitates, lattice distortion is released, and the stress level gradually decreases with aging time. The residual stress of the plate comprises compressive stress; there is stress concentration in the central area. The stress distribution obtained by the two residual stress calculation methods, cosα and sin2ψ, under different process conditions was consistent.
A New Manufacturing Methodology under Limited Machining Capabilities and Application to High-Performance Hemispherical Resonator
Authors: Meng Lei , Zhou Ping , Yan Ying , Guo Dongming
Published: December 2022

High-performance component production requires nearly homogeneous materials, ultra-precise machining and a high surface integrity. However, conventional design and manufacturing methodologies, which continuously increase the geometric tolerance to meet the performance requirements, lead to cost increases that even exceed the existing machining capabilities. This paper presents a general manufacturing methodology for high-performance components under realistic conditions, such as the current capability for material forming and machining. In order to achieve an excellent component performance, this methodology includes parameter extraction, sensitivity analysis, and trimming processes that consider the effect of material removal resolution and processing uncertainties. Simulations performed on the hemispherical resonator demonstrate how the proposed methodology is applied to fabricate extremely high-performance resonators. An efficient modal tuning strategy is proposed based on a sensitivity analysis of the tuning process parameters subject to material removal resolution and uncertainties. The tuning results prove the feasibility of this new methodology for high-performance components manufacturing. The elimination of the frequency split can finally be achieved with surface tuning iteratively. The proposed methodology provides an effective solution to achieve high-performance components under limited machining capabilities.
Configuration Design and Optimal Energy Management for Coupled-Split Powertrain Tractor
Authors: Dou Haishi , Wei Hongqian , Zhang Youtong , Ai Qiang
Published: December 2022

High-power tractors are regarded as effective operation tools in agriculture, and plugin hybrid tractors have shown potential as agricultural machinery, due to their wide application in energy conservation. However, the allocation of the output power of the motors and engine is a challenging task, given that the energy management strategy (EMS) is nonlinearly constrained. On the other hand, the structure of the continuous variable transmission (CVT) system is complicated, and affects the price of tractors. In this paper, a variable configuration of a tractor that could have the same performance as a complex CVT system is proposed. To address the EMS issues that have shown poor performance in real time, where the programming runs online, firstly a demand power prediction algorithm is proposed in a rotary tillage operation mode. Secondly, an equivalent fuel consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) is used to optimize the power distribution between the engine and the motors. In addition, the equivalent factor is optimized with an offline genetic algorithm. Thirdly, the equivalent factor is converted into a lookup table, and is used for an online power distribution with different driving mileages and state-of-charge (SOC). The simulation results indicate that the equivalent fuel consumption is reduced by 8.4% and extends the operating mileage of pure electric power. Furthermore, the error between the actual and forecasted demand power is less than 1%. The online EMS could improve the mileage of the tractor working cycle with a more feasible fuel economy based on demand power predictions.
Structural Parameters of the Interaction between Ciprofloxacin and Human Topoisomerase-II β Enzyme: Toward New 19F NMR Chemical Shift Probes
Authors: Sales Thais Aparecida , Gonçalves Mateus Aquino , Ramalho Teodorico Castro
Published: December 2022

New tools for cancer diagnosis are being studied since early diagnosis can be crucial for a successful treatment. In this context, the use of NMR probes constitutes an efficient method of diagnosis. In this study, we investigated the use of ciprofloxacin to indirectly label the overexpression of topoisomerase-II enzymes by changes in 19F NMR chemical shifts of ciprofloxacin. Increased topoisomerase-II expression has been associated with cancer occurrence, mainly with aggressive forms of breast cancer, thus constituting a promising molecular target for new tumor cell identifiers. Using DFT calculations, we performed a spectroscopy analysis of ciprofloxacin in different chemical environments and evaluated the solvent and enzymatic effects. Our results show that ciprofloxacin forms a stable complex with the enzyme, and the main intermolecular interactions between ciprofloxacin and human topoisomerase-IIβ are hydrogen bonds, followed by π-π stacking and electrostatic interactions. Additionally, a shift of 6.04 ppm occurs in the 19F NMR signal when ciprofloxacin interacts with the human topoisomerase-IIβ enzyme, and this parameter may be an indirect marker indicating the overexpression of these enzymes in the body.
Statistical Descriptions of Inhomogeneous Anisotropic Turbulence
Authors: Brouwers J. J. H.
Published: December 2022

Descriptions are given of the Langevin and diffusion equation of passively marked fluid particles in turbulent flow with spatially varying and anisotropic statistical properties. The descriptions consist of the first two terms of an expansion in powers of C0−1, where C0 is an autonomous Lagrangian-based Kolmogorov constant: C0≈7. Solutions involve the application of methods of stochastic analysis while complying with the basic laws of physics. The Lagrangian-based descriptions are converted into Eulerian-based fixed-point expressions through asymptotic matching. This leads to novel descriptions for the mean values of the fluctuating convective terms of the conservation laws of continua. They can be directly implemented in CFD codes for calculating fluid flows in engineering and environmental analysis. The solutions are verified in detail through comparison with direct numerical simulations of turbulent channel flows at large Reynolds numbers.
Optimal Per-Loss Reinsurance for a Risk Model with a Thinning-Dependence Structure
Authors: Wang Fudong , Liang Zhibin
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we consider the optimal reinsurance problem for a risk model with a thinning-dependence structure, where the stochastic sources related to claim occurrence are classified into different groups, and each group may cause a claim in each insurance class with some probability. We assume that the insurer can manage the risk by purchasing per-loss reinsurance, and their aim is to maximize the expected utility of the terminal wealth. By using the technique of stochastic control, we obtain the corresponding Hamilton–Jaccobi–Bellman equation. From the perspective of game theory, we derive the closed-form expression of the optimal strategy for each class of business, which is actually the best response to other given strategies. We also investigate the necessary conditions for optimal strategies and transfer the original optimization problem into a system of equations. Furthermore, we prove that the solution of the system of equations always exists, but may not be unique, and we also study some features of the optimal strategies in special cases and derive several interesting results. Finally, some numerical examples are given to show the impacts of some important parameters on the optimal strategies.
Performance of a Vector-Controlled PMSM Drive without Using Current Sensors
Authors: Badini Sai Shiva , Verma Vimlesh , Tariq Mohd , Urooj Shabana , Mihet-Popa Lucian
Published: December 2022

The current sensorless vector-controlled permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive using a single sensor (i.e., speed sensor) is presented in this work. The current sensors are removed, and the estimated currents are used to close the current loop to minimize the drive cost and make it fault-tolerant against current sensor failure. A classical vector-control PMSM drive requires at least three sensors, i.e., two current sensors and one speed/position sensor. This paper presents a new current estimation technique that is free from inverter switching states, an integrator, and differentiator terms. The drive is suitable for retrofit applications, as it does not require any additional hardware. The reference voltages (vds and vqs) are used to estimate the rotor reference frame currents (i.e., iqs and ids). The presented algorithm depends on the stator resistance (Ɍs). The online Ɍs estimation algorithm is used for compensation to overcome the effect of the Ɍs on the estimated currents. The sensitivity analysis for the currents against the speed is verified and presented. The speed loop is closed with actual speed information, which will try to maintain the reference speed under any circumstances. The proposed current sensorless PMSM drive was validated using MATLAB/Simulink and also verified on a hardware prototype. The presented technique was verified for various operation conditions, and some of the extensive results are presented.
Machine Learning-Based Prediction Models of Acute Respiratory Failure in Patients with Acute Pesticide Poisoning
Authors: Kim Yeongmin , Chae Minsu , Cho Namjun , Gil Hyowook , Lee Hwamin
Published: December 2022

The prognosis of patients with acute pesticide poisoning depends on their acute respiratory condition. Here, we propose machine learning models to predict acute respiratory failure in patients with acute pesticide poisoning using a decision tree, logistic regression, and random forests, support vector machine, adaptive boosting, gradient boosting, multi-layer boosting, recurrent neural network, long short-term memory, and gated recurrent gate. We collected medical records of patients with acute pesticide poisoning at the Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020. We applied the k-Nearest Neighbor Imputer algorithm, MissForest Impuer and average imputation method to handle the problems of missing values and outliers in electronic medical records. In addition, we used the min–max scaling method for feature scaling. Using the most recent medical research, p-values, tree-based feature selection, and recursive feature reduction, we selected 17 out of 81 features. We applied a sliding window of 3 h to every patient’s medical record within 24 h. As the prevalence of acute respiratory failure in our dataset was 8%, we employed oversampling. We assessed the performance of our models in predicting acute respiratory failure. The proposed long short-term memory demonstrated a positive predictive value of 98.42%, a sensitivity of 97.91%, and an F1 score of 0.9816.
Evolution and Formation of Non-Metallic Inclusions during Electroslag Remelting of Ce-Bearing 15Cr-22Ni-1Nb Austenitic Heat-Resistant Steel
Authors: Wang Zhongwei , Shi Chengbin , Wang Shijun , Li Jing , Zhu Xin
Published: December 2022

The evolution of inclusions in austenitic heat-resistant steel with different Ce content during protective argon gas atmosphere electroslag remelting (ESR) was studied. All oxide inclusions in the Ce-free consumable electrode are MgO·Al2O3. A part of these MgO·Al2O3 inclusions was removed before metal droplets entered the liquid metal pool during the ESR. The soluble oxygen (arising from the reoxidation) reacted with soluble aluminum, calcium, and magnesium in liquid steel to form MgO·Al2O3 and CaO–Al2O3 inclusions in liquid steel. All oxide inclusions in the electrode with 0.016 mass% Ce are Ce2O2S. A portion of these Ce2O2S inclusions was dissociated into soluble oxygen, cerium, and sulfur in liquid steel during the ESR process, whereas the others were removed by absorbing them into molten slag. The oxide inclusions in the liquid metal pool and remelted ingot were Ce2O3, CeAlO3, and Ce2O2S. The CeAlO3 and Ce2O3 inclusions were reoxidation products formed by the chemical reaction between the soluble oxygen, soluble aluminum, and cerium. The oxide inclusions in the electrode with 0.300 mass% Ce are CeS and Ce2O2S. These CeS inclusions were removed by molten slag adsorption during the ESR. A part of these Ce2O2S inclusions was removed by slag adsorption, and the remaining entered into the liquid metal pool. The oxide inclusions in the liquid metal pool and the ingot were Ce2O3 and Ce2O2S. The Ce2O3 inclusions were formed through the chemical reaction between the soluble oxygen and cerium in the liquid metal pool. The Ce2O2S inclusions in the liquid pool originate from reoxidation products during the ESR process and the relics from the electrode.
Progress on Electrodeposition of Metals and Alloys Using Ionic Liquids as Electrolytes
Authors: Costa Javan Grisente dos Reis da , Costa Josiel Martins , Almeida Neto Ambrósio Florêncio de
Published: December 2022

The electrodeposition process of metals and their alloys is widely used in the automotive, space, electronics, computing, jewelry, and other consumer items industries. Over the years, the search for new coatings with more suitable characteristics for their application led to the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolytic solutions. In addition to having good conductive properties, the growing interest in these solvents has environmental appeal due to their low toxicity. Furthermore, the ability of these electrolytes to dissolve compounds containing less soluble metals makes them potential substitutes for environmentally harmful solvents. In this sense, this review describes the current state and the innovations concerning the electrodeposition of metals and alloys using ILs as electrolytes in the last five years. Metals were classified into five groups (common, light, noble, rare earth, and others), highlighting not only the ability to form a smooth, homogeneous, and anti-corrosive deposit, but also the reactive capacity of metals in hydrogen evolution and catalytic processes.
The Effect of Friction Stir Welding Parameters on the Weldability of Aluminum Alloys with Similar and Dissimilar Metals: Review
Authors: Khalafe Wazir Hassan , Sheng Ewe Lay , Bin Isa Mohd Rashdan , Omran Abdoulhadi Borhana , Shamsudin Shazarel Bin
Published: December 2022

The solid-state welding method known as friction stir welding (FSW) bonds two metallic work parts, whether the same or different, by plastically deforming the base metal. The frictional resistance between both metallic workpieces causes them to produce heat, which produces plastic deformation and welds them. However, the weldability and strength of FSW joints mainly depend on the FSW parameters. This review work highlights the previous research work on the FSW parameters and their effects on the weldability and quality of the aluminum alloys joined with similar and dissimilar metals through the FSW method. About 150 research studies were systematically reviewed, and the articles included data from peer-reviewed journals. It has been concluded that the key parameters, including welding speed, “rotational speed”, “plunge depth”, “spindle torque”, “shoulder design”, “base material”, “pin profile” and “tool type”, significantly affect the weldability of the aluminum joint through the FSW method. Also, the selection of these parameters is important and fundamental as they directly affect the joint. It is recommended that future work focuses on FSW for aluminum. Among these, the most essential is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to select the optimum FSW parameters for aluminum welding.
Critical Assessment of Short-Read Assemblers for the Metagenomic Identification of Foodborne and Waterborne Pathogens Using Simulated Bacterial Communities
Authors: Chen Zhao , Meng Jianghong
Published: December 2022

Metagenomics offers the highest level of strain discrimination of bacterial pathogens from complex food and water microbiota. With the rapid evolvement of assembly algorithms, defining an optimal assembler based on the performance in the metagenomic identification of foodborne and waterborne pathogens is warranted. We aimed to benchmark short-read assemblers for the metagenomic identification of foodborne and waterborne pathogens using simulated bacterial communities. Bacterial communities on fresh spinach and in surface water were simulated by generating paired-end short reads of Illumina HiSeq, MiSeq, and NovaSeq at different sequencing depths. Multidrug-resistant Salmonella Indiana SI43 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were included in the simulated communities on fresh spinach and in surface water, respectively. ABySS, IDBA-UD, MaSuRCA, MEGAHIT, metaSPAdes, and Ray Meta were benchmarked in terms of assembly quality, identifications of plasmids, virulence genes, Salmonella pathogenicity island, antimicrobial resistance genes, chromosomal point mutations, serotyping, multilocus sequence typing, and whole-genome phylogeny. Overall, MEGHIT, metaSPAdes, and Ray Meta were more effective for metagenomic identification. We did not obtain an optimal assembler when using the extracted reads classified as Salmonella or P. aeruginosa for downstream genomic analyses, but the extracted reads showed consistent phylogenetic topology with the reference genome when they were aligned with Salmonella or P. aeruginosa strains. In most cases, HiSeq, MiSeq, and NovaSeq were comparable at the same sequencing depth, while higher sequencing depths generally led to more accurate results. As assembly algorithms advance and mature, the evaluation of assemblers should be a continuous process.
Environmental Neurotoxin β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) as a Widely Occurring Putative Pathogenic Factor in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Lopicic Srdjan , Svirčev Zorica , Palanački Malešević Tamara , Kopitović Aleksandar , Ivanovska Aleksandra , Meriluoto Jussi
Published: December 2022

In the present review we have discussed the occurrence of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its natural isomers, and the organisms and sample types in which the toxin(s) have been detected. Further, the review discusses general pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, and how modes of action of BMAA fit in those mechanisms. The biogeography of BMAA occurrence presented here contributes to the planning of epidemiological research based on the geographical distribution of BMAA and human exposure. Analysis of BMAA mechanisms in relation to pathogenic processes of neurodegeneration is used to critically assess the potential significance of the amino acid as well as to identify gaps in our understanding. Taken together, these two approaches provide the basis for the discussion on the potential role of BMAA as a secondary factor in neurodegenerative diseases, the rationale for further research and possible directions the research can take, which are outlined in the conclusions.
Cryptococcal Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome: From Clinical Studies to Animal Experiments
Authors: Shi Zoe W. , Chen Yanli , Ogoke Krystal M. , Strickland Ashley B. , Shi Meiqing
Published: December 2022

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated pathogenic fungus that initially infects the lung but can migrate to the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in meningoencephalitis. The organism causes the CNS infection primarily in immunocompromised individuals including HIV/AIDS patients, but also, rarely, in immunocompetent individuals. In HIV/AIDS patients, limited inflammation in the CNS, due to impaired cellular immunity, cannot efficiently clear a C. neoformans infection. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can rapidly restore cellular immunity in HIV/AIDS patients. Paradoxically, ART induces an exaggerated inflammatory response, termed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), in some HIV/AIDS patients co-infected with C. neoformans. A similar excessive inflammation, referred to as post-infectious inflammatory response syndrome (PIIRS), is also frequently seen in previously healthy individuals suffering from cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Cryptococcal IRIS and PIIRS are life-threatening complications that kill up to one-third of affected people. In this review, we summarize the inflammatory responses in the CNS during HIV-associated cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. We overview the current understanding of cryptococcal IRIS developed in HIV/AIDS patients and cryptococcal PIIRS occurring in HIV-uninfected individuals. We also describe currently available animal models that closely mimic aspects of cryptococcal IRIS observed in HIV/AIDS patients.
The Colombian Zika Virus Isolate (COL345Si) Replicates in Prostate Adenocarcinoma Cells and Modulates the Antiviral Response
Authors: Miranda Brand Yaneth , Bedoya Astrid M. , Betancur-Galvis Liliana , Gallego-Gómez Juan Carlos
Published: December 2022

Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus that is mainly transmitted by A. aegypti and A. albopictus and sexual transmission, has been documented and described. The ZIKV RNA detection in the semen of vasectomized men indicates that accessory glands such as the prostate could be a site of virus replication. In this study, we characterized the ZIKV infection, evaluated the antiviral profile, and demonstrated the AXL and TIM-1 expression on the PC3 prostate cell line. It was also determined that PC3 cells are susceptible and permissive to ZIKV infection without altering the cell viability or causing a cytopathic effect. The antiviral profile suggests that the PC3 cells modulate the antiviral response through the suppressor molecule expression, SOCS-1, during a ZIKV infection.
Protozoa-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Intercellular Communication with Special Emphasis on Giardia lamblia
Authors: Ferreira Bárbara , Lourenço Ágata , Sousa Maria do Céu
Published: December 2022

Parasitic diseases are an important worldwide problem threatening human health and affect millions of people. Acute diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, malabsorption of nutrients and nutritional deficiency are some of the issues related to intestinal parasitic infections. Parasites are experts in subvert the host immune system through different kinds of mechanisms. There are evidences that extracellular vesicles (EVs) have an important role in dissemination of the disease and in modulating the host immune system. Released by almost all types of cells, these nanovesicles are a natural secretory product containing multiple components of interest. The EVs are classified as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, exosomes, ectosomes, and microparticles, according to their physical characteristics, biochemical composition and cell of origin. Interestingly, EVs play an important role in intercellular communication between parasites as well as with the host cells. Concerning Giardia lamblia, it is known that this parasite release EVs during it life cycle that modulate the parasite growth and adherence as well the immune system of the host. Here we review the recently updates on protozoa EVs, with particular emphasis on the role of EVs released by the flagellate protozoa G. lamblia in cellular communication and its potential for future applications as vaccine, therapeutic agent, drug delivery system and as diagnostic or prognostic biomarker.
Organophilic Synthetic Stevensite-Zn: Synthesis and Characterization, an Alternative Simple Method
Authors: Carvalho Thamyres , Neves Roberto , Hildebrando Edemarino , de Paiva Lucilene Betega , Valenzuela-Diaz Francisco R.
Published: December 2022

Organophilic clays are used as components in petroleum fluids, lubricants, paints, adhesives, cosmetics, and others. This requires products that are increasingly pure with homogeneous properties, which are hardly found in natural clays. Synthetic clays can thus be a solution. For this, it is necessary to explore techniques for their production. The main focus of this study was to synthesize a smectite clay in a simple, fast, and economic way at a low temperature and pressure. To regulate the pH of the reaction and bring it closer to the ideal synthesis conditions, two different acids were used: nitric acid (the most widely used in the literature) and hydrochloric acid (more accessible and cheaper). Organostevensite was obtained by the direct incorporation of quarternary salt in synthetic stevensite using a semi-dry, fast, economic, and ecological method compared to that used in industry. The results showed characteristics of a uniform crystalline material with a porous structure similar to that of the smectite group. Small particle sizes of approximately 100 nm were observed by SEM. Stevensite clay was obtained by both synthesis methods using two different acids; the method using hydrochloric acid stood out. The greater practicality of its development provides a more viable option for large-scale industrial production.
Evolution Characteristics through Thermo-Rheological Lithosphere of the Liaonan Metamorphic Core Complex, Eastern North China Craton
Authors: Gan Haonan , Liu Junlai , Wang Guiling , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2022

Metamorphic core complexes are developed in crustal activity belts at the continental margins or within continents, and their main tectonic feature is that the ductile middle crust is exhumed at the surface. The deformation properties are closely related to the geodynamic process affecting the continental crust. However, the evolution of the metamorphic core complexes after their formation is still unclear. The Cretaceous Liaonan metamorphic core complex developed in the eastern North China craton provides an ideal environment to study its evolution. In this study, we estimate the paleo-temperature and paleo-stress at the time of formation of the metamorphic core complex dynamical recrystallization of quartz and calculate the thermo-rheological structure of the present Liaonan metamorphic core complex by one-dimensional steady-state heat conduction equation and power-creep law. The results show that compared with the Cretaceous period, the geothermal heat flow value of the present Liaonan metamorphic core complex decreases from 70–80 mW/m2 to 49.4 mW/m2, the thermal lithosphere thickness increases from 59–75 km to 173 km, and the brittle transition depth increases from 10–13 km to about 70 km, showing coupling of the crust–mantle rheological structure. We speculate that the evolution of the thermo-rheological structure of the Liaonan metamorphic core complex is possibly caused by rapid heat loss or lithospheric mantle flow in the Bohai Bay Basin.
Graphene for Electronics
Authors: Kogan Eugene
Published: December 2022

Graphene is an allotrope of carbon consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb lattice [...]
Is Evolutionary Conservation a Useful Predictor for Cancer Long Noncoding RNAs? Insights from the Cancer LncRNA Census 3
Authors: Vancura Adrienne , Gutierrez Alejandro H. , Hennig Thorben , Pulido-Quetglas Carlos , Slack Frank J. , Johnson Rory , Haefliger Simon
Published: December 2022

Evolutionary conservation is a measure of gene functionality that is widely used to prioritise long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) in cancer research. Intriguingly, while updating our Cancer LncRNA Census (CLC), we observed an inverse relationship between year of discovery and evolutionary conservation. This observation is specific to cancer over other diseases, implying a sampling bias in the selection of lncRNA candidates and casting doubt on the value of evolutionary metrics for the prioritisation of cancer-related lncRNAs.
Social Capital Promotes a Healthier Diet among Young Adults by Reducing Psychological Distress
Authors: Mieziene Brigita , Emeljanovas Arunas , Novak Dario , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: December 2022

Studies have revealed the links between social capital and diet. However, the mediating role of psychological distress in this relationship has been understudied. This study aims to identify direct and indirect relationships between social capital and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among Lithuanian young adults and identify the mediating role of psychological distress in this relationship. Data were collected from 1336 young adults, aged 18–36 years; 40.5% were males. MEDAS was used to measure adherence to a healthy diet. Social capital was measured by eight separate items in terms of family support, social support, social cohesion, social trust, communication, collaboration, participation, and distant communication. Kessler’s six-item scale was used to assess psychological distress. Higher family support (β = 0.105), higher social participation (β = 0.294), and lower psychological distress (β = 0.073) directly predicted higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Social capital was indirectly related to adherence to the Mediterranean diet, with standardized effect sizes of 0.02–0.04, indicating small effect sizes. Thus, psychological distress mediates the relationship between social capital and a healthy diet. Given that social capital is related to psychological health and both directly and indirectly predicts healthy behavior in young adults, further longitudinal and experimental research is required to measure the effects of the intervention on incorporating, facilitating, encouraging, and implementing measures to strengthen the social connection between people and groups of people within the community, neighborhood, and organizations.
The Evidence That 25(OH)D3 and VK2 MK-7 Vitamins Influence the Proliferative Potential and Gene Expression Profiles of Multiple Myeloma Cells and the Development of Resistance to Bortezomib
Authors: Łuczkowska Karolina , Kulig Piotr , Baumert Bartłomiej , Machaliński Bogusław
Published: December 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable hematological malignancy. Bortezomib (BTZ) is a proteasome inhibitor widely used in MM therapy whose potent activity is often hampered by the development of resistance. The immune system is vital in the pathophysiology of BTZ resistance. Vitamins D (VD) and K (VK) modulate the immune system; therefore, they are potentially beneficial in MM. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of BTZ therapy and VD and VK supplementation on the proliferation potential and gene expression profiles of MM cells in terms of the development of BTZ resistance. The U266 MM cell line was incubated three times with BTZ, VD and VK at different timepoints. Then, proliferation assays, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed. We showed BTZ resistance to be mediated by processes related to ATP metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. The upregulation of genes from the SNORDs family suggests the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms. Supplementation with VD and VK reduced the proliferation of MM cells in both the non-BTZ-resistant and BTZ-resistant phenotypes. VD and VK, by restoring proper metabolism, may have overcome resistance to BTZ in vitro. This observation forms the basis for further clinical trials evaluating VD and VK as potential adjuvant therapies for MM patients.
Prevalence of Malnutrition in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kacprzyk Karolina Wioletta , Milewska Magdalena , Zarnowska Alicja , Panczyk Mariusz , Rokicka Gabriela , Szostak-Wegierek Dorota
Published: December 2022

Objectives: This systematic review analyzed the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Study design: a systematic review. Method: Four databases—Cochrane, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science—were searched from October 2021 to June 2022 by two independent researchers. The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients above 18 years old with confirmed Parkinson’s Disease, performed screening nutritional assessment, cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies. Patients without Parkinson’s Disease and with other parkinsonian syndromes were excluded. Results: 49 studies were included in this systematic review. Patients ranged in age from 20 to 96 years. There were 5613 subjects included. According to Mini Nutritional Assessment, 23.9% (n = 634) participants were at risk of malnutrition and 11.1% (n = 294) were malnourished. According to BMI score, most patients were either obese or overweight. Conclusions: the prevalence of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in the study group was significant. Therefore, more specific and detailed studies on the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with Parkinson’s Disease are needed.
Impact of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Gut Bacterial Bile Acid Metabolism in Humans
Authors: Bustamante Jessica-Miranda , Dawson Tyson , Loeffler Caitlin , Marfori Zara , Marchesi Julian R. , Mullish Benjamin H. , Thompson Christopher C. , Crandall Keith A. , Rahnavard Ali , Allegretti Jessica R. , Cummings Bethany P.
Published: December 2022

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising therapeutic modality for the treatment and prevention of metabolic disease. We previously conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial of FMT in obese metabolically healthy patients in which we found that FMT enhanced gut bacterial bile acid metabolism and delayed the development of impaired glucose tolerance relative to the placebo control group. Therefore, we conducted a secondary analysis of fecal samples collected from these patients to assess the potential gut microbial species contributing to the effect of FMT to improve metabolic health and increase gut bacterial bile acid metabolism. Fecal samples collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of FMT or placebo treatment underwent shotgun metagenomic analysis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to profile fecal bile acids. FMT-enriched bacteria that have been implicated in gut bile acid metabolism included Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis and Clostridium hylemonae. To identify candidate bacteria involved in gut microbial bile acid metabolism, we assessed correlations between bacterial species abundance and bile acid profile, with a focus on bile acid products of gut bacterial metabolism. Bacteroides ovatus and Phocaeicola dorei were positively correlated with unconjugated bile acids. Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Collinsella aerofaciens, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were positively correlated with secondary bile acids. Together, these data identify several candidate bacteria that may contribute to the metabolic benefits of FMT and gut bacterial bile acid metabolism that requires further functional validation.
Cryopreservation of Plasmodium Sporozoites
Authors: Bowers Carson , Hancox Lisa , Peissig Kristen , Shiau Justine C. , Vantaux Amélie , Witkowski Benoit , Phal Sivchheng , Maher Steven P. , Harty John T. , Kyle Dennis E. , Kurup Samarchith P.
Published: December 2022

Malaria is a deadly disease caused by the parasite, Plasmodium, and impacts the lives of millions of people around the world. Following inoculation into mammalian hosts by infected mosquitoes, the sporozoite stage of Plasmodium undergoes obligate development in the liver before infecting erythrocytes and causing clinical malaria. The most promising vaccine candidates for malaria rely on the use of attenuated live sporozoites to induce protective immune responses. The scope of widespread testing or clinical use of such vaccines is limited by the absence of efficient, reliable, or transparent strategies for the long-term preservation of live sporozoites. Here we outline a method to cryopreserve the sporozoites of various human and murine Plasmodium species. We found that the structural integrity, viability, and in vivo or in vitro infectiousness were conserved in the recovered cryopreserved sporozoites. Cryopreservation using our approach also retained the transgenic properties of sporozoites and immunization with cryopreserved radiation attenuated sporozoites (RAS) elicited strong immune responses. Our work offers a reliable protocol for the long-term storage and recovery of human and murine Plasmodium sporozoites and lays the groundwork for the widespread use of live sporozoites for research and clinical applications.
Evaluation of Pediatric Patients with a Diagnosis of Ureterocele
Authors: Özdemir Şimşek Özgür , Tiryaki Sibel , Erfidan Gökçen , Başaran Cemaliye , Arslansoyu Çamlar Seçil , Mutlubaş Fatma , Kasap Demir Belde , Alaygut Demet
Published: December 2022

Aim: The presence and clinical importance of vesicoureteric reflux in patients with a double collecting system are being questioned. Therefore, the role of voiding cystourethrography in the management of patients with ureterocele is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate patients with a ureterocele in terms of urinary tract infection (UTI) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Material Methods: The cases who were admitted to the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic of Health Sciences University Tepecik Training and Research Hospital between 2012 and 2022 and were diagnosed with ureterocele were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from file records. Results: All patients diagnosed with ureterocele and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) were evaluated. A total of 24 (female 13 (54.2%)) children were included. The reasons for admission were antenatal hydronephrosis in 13 (54.2%) patients, UTI in 9 (37.5%) patients, and incidentally diagnosed ureterocele in 2 (8.3%) patients. Urinary tract infection was observed in 20 patients at admission, recurrent UTI in 21 patients at follow-up, preoperative pyelonephritis in 12 patients. VUR was found in 11 patients, and severe VUR (≥stage 3) was found in 9 patients. Ten patients had ipsilateral hydronephrosis, and 14 patients had a double collecting system. The presence of VUR was found to be associated with female gender, UTI at admission, and recurrent UTI at follow-up (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference between groups with or without VUR in terms of ipsilateral hydronephrosis, scar formation, and the need for surgery (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We could not demonstrate any criteria to select patients to receive VCUG; on the other hand, VUR did not cause more kidney damage. Our study supports the need for more scientific data to determine management in patients with ureterocele.
Ganoaustralins A and B, Unusual Aromatic Triterpenes from the Mushroom Ganoderma australe
Authors: Zhou Lin , Chen He-Ping , Li Xinyang , Liu Ji-Kai
Published: December 2022

Two triterpenes, ganoaustralins A (1) and B (2), featuring unprecedented 6/6/6/5/6 scaffolds were isolated from the fruiting bodies of the mushroom Ganoderma australe. The structures were determined by extensive NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of the C-25 in ganoaustralin A was assigned by the phenylglycine methyl ester (PGME) method. The relative and absolute configurations of the polycyclic backbones were determined by NMR and ECD calculations, respectively. The plausible biosynthetic pathways of ganoaustralins A and B were proposed. Ganoaustralin B showed weak inhibition against β-secretase 1.
Chitosan-Based Membranes for Skin Wound Repair in a Dorsal Fold Chamber Rat Model
Authors: Casimiro Maria Helena , Ferreira Luís M. , Santos Pedro M. P. , Leal João P. , Rodrigues Gabriela , Iria Inês , Alves Sara , Pais Diogo , Casal Diogo
Published: December 2022

Frequently, deep partial and full-thickness skin wounds do not spontaneously regenerate. To restore the normal function of skin, epidermal and dermal components have to be supplied to the wound bed by grafting various substrates. Available options are limited and frequently costly. Herein, authors present a possible approach using 3D skin scaffolds capable of mimicking structure and biological functions of the extracellular matrix, providing, in parallel, a good environment for cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation. Low-molecular weight chitosan-based membranes were prepared by freeze-drying and ionizing radiation techniques to be used as skin scaffolds. Poly (vinyl alcohol), PVA, vinyl pyrrolidone, VP, and gelatin from cold water fish were incorporated. Information regarding membranes’ physical-chemical properties from SEM analysis, swelling and weight loss, together with biological response through in vitro assays (using Human Caucasian Fetal Foreskin Fibroblast) allowed the selection of an optimized batch of membranes that was used as skin scaffold in a dorsal rat model wound. The in vivo implantation assays (in Wistar rats) resulted in very promising results: (i) healing process faster than control; (ii) good vascularization; (iii) viable new tissues morphologically functional.
Association of HLA-G 3′UTR Polymorphisms with Response to First-Line FOLFIRI Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Scarabel Lucia , Polesel Jerry , De Mattia Elena , Buonadonna Angela , D'Andrea Mario Rosario , Cecchin Erika , Toffoli Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

Microenvironmental factors such as non-classical human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) have been associated with cancer invasiveness and metastatic progression. HLA-G expression has been associated with specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in HLA-G 3′untranslated region (UTR) in several diseases. The primary aim was to investigate the predictive role of HLA-G polymorphisms on treatment efficacy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients homogeneously treated with first-line FOLFIRI (irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin) and their association with soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) plasma concentration. HLA-G 3′UTR was sequenced in 248 patients. A set of eight polymorphisms and related haplotypes were analyzed for their association with best tumor response, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). sHLA-G was measured by immunoassay in 35 available plasma samples and correlated with HLA-G 3′UTR polymorphisms/haplotypes. Our results showed that carriers of rs371194629 (+2960)-Ins allele were at risk for lack of complete response (hazard ratio (HR):0.29, pBH = 0.0336), while carriers of rs1710 (+3010)-G allele (rs1063320 (+3142)-C allele in linkage-disequilibrium), and rs9380142 (+3187)-G allele had a higher chance of complete response according to additive models (HR:4.58, pBH = 0.0245; HR:3.18, pBH = 0.0336, respectively). The combination of rs371194629-Del, rs1710-G, and rs9380142-G alleles forms the UTR1 haplotype. Patients who were carriers of UTR1/UTR-1 diplotype had a greater chance of complete response to therapy (HR:10.59, pBH = 0.0294). The same three beneficial alleles showed a trend toward higher pre-treatment sHLA-G plasma levels, supporting a functional role for polymorphisms in protein secretion. In conclusion, genetic variants of HLA-G are associated with treatment efficacy in mCRC patients treated with first-line FOLFIRI. This finding shed light on the combined effect of this immune system factor and chemotherapy in cancer patients.
Security of Bennett–Brassard 1984 Quantum-Key Distribution under a Collective-Rotation Noise Channel
Authors: Mafu Mhlambululi , Sekga Comfort , Senekane Makhamisa
Published: December 2022

The security analysis of the Ekert 1991 (E91), Bennett 1992 (B92), six-state protocol, Scarani–Acín–Ribordy–Gisin 2004 (SARG04) quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols, and their variants have been studied in the presence of collective-rotation noise channels. However, besides the Bennett–Brassard 1984 (BB84) being the first proposed, extensively studied, and essential protocol, its security proof under collective-rotation noise is still missing. Thus, we aim to close this gap in the literature. Consequently, we investigate how collective-rotation noise channels affect the security of the BB84 protocol. Mainly, we study scenarios where the eavesdropper, Eve, conducts an intercept-resend attack on the transmitted photons sent via a quantum communication channel shared by Alice and Bob. Notably, we distinguish the impact of collective-rotation noise and that of the eavesdropper. To achieve this, we provide rigorous, yet straightforward numerical calculations. First, we derive a model for the collective-rotation noise for the BB84 protocol and parametrize the mutual information shared between Alice and Eve. This is followed by deriving the quantum bit error rate (QBER) for two intercept-resend attack scenarios. In particular, we demonstrate that, for small rotation angles, one can extract a secure secret key under a collective-rotation noise channel when there is no eavesdropping. We observe that noise induced by rotation of 0.35 radians of the prepared quantum state results in a QBER of 11%, which corresponds to the lower bound on the tolerable error rate for the BB84 QKD protocol against general attacks. Moreover, a rotational angle of 0.53 radians yields a 25% QBER, which corresponds to the error rate bound due to the intercept-resend attack. Finally, we conclude that the BB84 protocol is robust against intercept-resend attacks on collective-rotation noise channels when the rotation angle is varied arbitrarily within particular bounds.
Controlling the Abrupt Autofocusing of Circular Airy Vortex Beam via Uniaxial Crystal
Authors: Liu Houquan , Zhang Jiawen , Pu Huilin , Xu Jiankang , Xu Ronghui , Yuan Libo
Published: December 2022

The propagation of many kinds of structured light beams in uniaxial crystal has been investigated. However, the investigation of the evolution of these structured light beams after the uniaxial crystal is lacking. In this paper, an evolution formula of a light beam after passing through a uniaxial crystal is derived. Based on the formula, controlling the autofocusing of a circular Airy vortex beam (CAVB) via a uniaxial crystal is studied. It is found that a uniaxial crystal can prolong the focal length of the autofocusing. By changing the crystal length, the relative weight of the left- and right-hand circular polarization components and the relative value between the orbital and spin angular momentum densities of the beam’s focal plane can be adjusted flexibly. In addition, other optical elements can be inserted between the crystal and the focus to further adjust the focal plane field distribution. The influences of inserting x- and y-polarization polarizers on the intensity distribution are calculated as examples.