bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the prefrontal cortex in social interactions of animal models and the implications for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Mohapatra Alok Nath , Wagner Shlomo
Published: June 2023

Social interaction is a complex behavior which requires the individual to integrate various internal processes, such as social motivation, social recognition, salience, reward, and emotional state, as well as external cues informing the individual of others’ behavior, emotional state and social rank. This complex phenotype is susceptible to disruption in humans affected by neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Multiple pieces of convergent evidence collected from studies of humans and rodents suggest that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a pivotal role in social interactions, serving as a hub for motivation, affiliation, empathy, and social hierarchy. Indeed, disruption of the PFC circuitry results in social behavior deficits symptomatic of ASD. Here, we review this evidence and describe various ethologically relevant social behavior tasks which could be employed with rodent models to study the role of the PFC in social interactions. We also discuss the evidence linking the PFC to pathologies associated with ASD. Finally, we address specific questions regarding mechanisms employed by the PFC circuitry that may result in atypical social interactions in rodent models, which future studies should address.
Impact of traveling on transmission trends of human monkeypox disease: worldwide data based observational analysis
Authors: Meo Sultan Ayoub , Al-Khlaiwi Thamir , Al Jassir Fawzi Fahad , Meo Anusha Sultan
Published: June 2023

Background

Human monkeypox is an emerging viral zoonotic disease caused by a monkeypox virus (MPXV). This year since early May 2022, the virus swiftly spread involved 94 countries, and 41,358 people, and has developed a highly challenging and threatening situation worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the impact of traveling on the transmission of human monkeypox disease and comprehend the link between monkeypox exported cases in the context of the global outbreak.

Methods

In this study, we identified data from two leading health organizations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC), as well as 40 documents that were identified through the search engines Web of Science, Pub-Med, Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar using the keywords “monkeypox,” “human monkeypox,” “imported”’, “exportation” “travelers,” and “prevalence.” Finally, two international organizations WHO, and CDC, and out of 40 documents, 10 (25.0%) were included in the analysis, and the remaining 30 (75.0%) documents were excluded. The studies originated from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Singapore, Israel, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and India. The data on transmission trends and human monkeypox was recorded and analyzed.

Results

The epidemiological data for exported monkeypox cases were analyzed jointly for understanding the transmission trends of exportations and the geographic context of the monkeypox outbreak. Ten people had a travel history, six had a travel history from Nigeria to the United Kingdom (2), Nigeria to the United States of America (2), Nigeria to Singapore (1) and Nigeria to Israel (1). Moreover, from Germany to Taiwan (1), Germany to the Republic of Korea (1) and the United Arab Emirates to India (2). Among these 10 people, all travelers were male (100%), with age ranges of 20–38 years, seven people (70%) developed clinical symptoms before the start of travel, three people (30%) developed symptoms 2–6 days after the travel, and one person (10%) developed clinical symptoms in the flight during the journey.

Conclusion

The study findings conclude that traveling can cause the spread of human monkeypox disease in various countries. The findings support the hypothesis that virus sources can travel and spread the disease from person to person and from region to region. The international health authorities must implement global preventive policies to control the burden of the disease both at regional and international levels.
COVID-19 related psychosocial problems among university students in Mexico – a longitudinal qualitative examination
Authors: Martinez-Torteya Cecilia , Figge Caleb J. , Ramírez Hernández Laura I. , Treviño-de la Garza Beatriz
Published: June 2023

Research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among college students around the world has primarily focused on their mental health symptoms and COVID-specific worry. However, contextually specific understanding of outbreak impacts is key to inform directed public health messaging and programming to improve wellbeing and coping. The current study aimed to identify the main psychosocial problems college students experienced during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Monterrey, Mexico. Participants were 606 college students (71% female) enrolled in a private university. Participants described COVID-related problems in an open-ended prompt as part of a longitudinal online survey: initially in May 2020, and then every 2 weeks for 3 months. Thematic analyses were conducted within a longitudinal inductive qualitative approach to rank responses by frequency across themes. Five major categories emerged. At baseline, over 75% of participants noted the outbreak negatively impacted their daily activities and responsibilities, 73% their mental health, 50% their physical health, 35% their interpersonal relationships, and 22% their economic situation. Concerns remained relatively stable throughout the follow-up period, with interpersonal and economic concerns becoming more prevalent as the pandemic progressed. Problems identified in this study can inform preventative measures for future health crises, including tailoring public health messaging and expanding access to contextually sensitive mental and behavioral health programming.
Poor written pragmatic skills are associated with internalising symptoms in childhood: evidence from a UK birth cohort study
Authors: Ahmed Kalim , Flouri Eirini , Vigliocco Gabriella
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This study examined the relation between pragmatic language and internalising (depressive and anxiety) symptoms in 11-year-olds, using data from the 1958 British birth cohort study.

Methods

The cohort children were asked at age 11 to write an essay on their life as they imagined it would be at age 25. We analysed 200 of these essays for relevance, organisation and context-dependent references.

Results

We found associations between these aspects of pragmatic language and children's internalising symptom scores across parent and teacher ratings, even after adjustment for cognitive ability, socioeconomic position and structural language. Most notably, children writing more coherent essays had fewer teacher-rated internalising symptoms, after adjustment for confounders. Additionally, children who provided more relevant and varied information about their imagined future home-lives had fewer parent-rated internalising symptoms, after adjustment for confounders.

Discussion

The unique associations between pragmatic language skills and internalising symptoms observed are notable but preliminary, highlighting both the need for further research and potential applications for risk-assessment tools.
Inattention, academic underachievement, and depressive symptoms: uncovering environmental and genetic pathways from middle to late childhood
Authors: Plamondon André , Tarabulsy George M. , Dionne Ginette , Ouellet-Morin Isabelle , Vitaro Frank , Brendgen Mara , Boivin Michel
Published: June 2023

Introduction

School underachievement has been shown to mediate the association between inattention and depressive symptoms in middle childhood. However, is it not clear whether these sequential associations are underpinned by genetic and environmental pathways, and the extent to which associated disruptive behaviors, such as hyperactivity/impulsivity, and peer relation difficulties partly account for these associations.

Methods

The present study used a longitudinal study of twins assessed from Kindergarten to Grade 6 to address these questions using multivariate biometric modeling.

Results

The hypothesized genetically informed (twin) model revealed that over and above disruptive behaviors and relational difficulties, there was evidence for (1) shared genetic factors partly accounting for these associations, and for (2) putative phenotype-to-phenotype associations sequentially linking inattention, school achievement, and depressive symptoms.

Discussion

Confirmation of the expected sequence of phenotype-to-phenotype associations (i.e., in addition to shared genetic factors) suggests an environmental pathway linking these phenotypes. The discussion focuses on the relevance and significance of these pathways for understanding the development of school and mental health problems, as well as for the identification of children at risk and early preventive interventions.
Global burden and unmet needs in the treatment of transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia
Authors: Forni Gian Luca , Grazzini Giuliano , Boudreaux Jeanne , Agostini Vanessa , Omert Laurel
Published: June 2023

Beta thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is part of a group of inherited hemoglobinopathies caused by a mutation in the beta globin gene, leading to minimal functional hemoglobin and resulting in damaged red blood cells and anemia. β-Thalassemia is most common in the Mediterranean region, South-East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. Many of these regions include low- and middle-income countries where there are significant unmet needs in the adequate care and management of thalassemia. Patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, the most severe form of the disease, require regular blood transfusions. Chronic transfusions are often accompanied by iron chelation therapy to manage ferritin levels. Complications caused by transfusions and iron overload are only partially addressed by current treatment strategies, which negatively affect the quality of life of patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Until curative modalities become available for all patients worldwide, methods of optimizing supportive treatments are needed to reduce the symptoms of ineffective erythropoiesis; minimize transfusion-related reactions and side effects; reduce rates of alloimmunization and transfusion-transmitted infections; and to reduce the psychosocial burden on both patients and their caregivers. This review aims to provide an overview and comparison of the ways transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia is identified and treated in different geographic regions, to assess unmet needs specific to these regions, and to discuss how therapies currently in development may improve care.
Extraction of natural bioactive compounds using clean label technologies and their application as muscle food preservatives
Authors: Rathod Nikheel Bhojraj , Nirmal Nilesh Prakash , Abdullah Sajeeb , Surasani Vijay Kumar Reddy , Ranveer Rahul Chudaman , Kumar Siddhnath , Chunhavacharatorn Phatchada , Benjakul Soottawat , Al-Asmari Fahad
Published: June 2023

Muscle foods are the main source of high protein and mineral content. However, these foods are highly perishable due to their high moisture content as well as nutritional composition. Generally, microbial changes and oxidative damage occurs during animal slaughter and storage. To avoid this quality deterioration, various chemical additives are widely practiced by the industry. Nevertheless, consumer awareness and government strict regulation on synthetic additives demand clean label foods. The potential of natural bioactive compounds exhibiting strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties for food preservation is a promising area of research. Recently, the interest in the non-thermal extraction process of bioactive compounds is growing due to their various advantages in extraction yield, stability, and bioactivity of the compound. Besides this, a natural bioactive compound can be applied in combination with other hurdle technologies to enhance the shelf-life of muscle foods. Therefore, this review article emphasizes the current knowledge on the novel non-thermal extraction of bioactive compounds from natural sources and their application as a muscle food preservative. Application of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from natural sources alone and in combination with other hurdle technologies has been successfully used for preservation of muscle foods. Additionally, different application methods and their impact on muscle food preservation are suggested.
Peptic ulcer disease complicated with choledocho-duodenal fistula and gastro-intestinal bleeding: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Uhe Isabelle , Litchinko Alexis , Liot Emilie
Published: June 2023

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a very common condition, with an annual incidence ranging from 0.1% to 0.3% and a lifetime prevalence ranging from 5% to 10%. If not treated, it can lead to severe complications such as gastro-intestinal bleeding, perforation, or entero-biliary fistula. Entero-biliary fistulas and especially choledocho-duodenal fistula (CDF) are a rare, but relevant and important diagnosis, which can lead to several complications such as gastric outlet obstruction, bleeding, perforation, or recurrent cholangitis. In this article, we present the case of an 85-year-old woman with PUD complicated with gastro-intestinal bleeding and a CDF. We also performed a review of the literature to search for pre-existing cases with this atypical clinical presentation. The aim was to raise awareness among surgeons and clinicians by offering a summary of different types of entero-biliary and especially CDF, existing diagnostic investigations, and management.
Research on Fault-Tolerant Control of Distributed-Drive Electric Vehicles Based on Fuzzy Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Zhu Shaopeng , Li Haojun , Wang Guodong , Kuang Chenyang , Chen Huipeng , Gao Jian , Xie Wei
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses the fault problem in distributed-four-wheel-drive electric vehicle drive systems. First, a fault-factor-based active fault diagnosis strategy is proposed. Second, a fault-tolerant controller is designed to reconstruct motor drive torque based on vehicle stability. This controller ensures that the vehicle maintains stability by providing fault-free motor output torque based on fault diagnosis results. To validate the effectiveness of the fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control, SIL simulation is conducted using MATLAB/Simulink and CarSim. A hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation platform with the highest confidence level is established based on NI PXI and CarSim RT. Through the HIL simulation experiments, it is shown that the proposed control strategy can accurately diagnose the operating state of the motor, rebuild the motor torque based on stability, and demonstrate robust stability when the drive system fails. Under various fault conditions, the maximum error in the vehicle lateral angular velocity is less than 0.017 rad/s and the maximum deviation in the lateral direction is less than 0.7 m. These findings substantiate the highly robust stability of the proposed method.
Estimation of Soil Cations Based on Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Machine Learning
Authors: Peng Yiping , Wang Ting , Xie Shujuan , Liu Zhenhua , Lin Chenjie , Hu Yueming , Wang Jianfang , Mao Xiaoyun
Published: June 2023

Soil exchange cations are a basic indicator of soil quality and environmental clean-up potential. The accurate and efficient acquisition of information on soil cation content is of great importance for the monitoring of soil quality and pollution prevention. At present, few scholars focus on soil exchangeable cations using remote sensing technology. This study proposes a new method for estimating soil cation content using hyperspectral data. In particular, we introduce Boruta and successive projection (SPA) algorithms to screen feature variables, and we use Guangdong Province, China, as the study area. The backpropagation neural network (BPNN), genetic algorithm–based back propagation neural network (GABP) and random forest (RF) algorithms with 10-fold cross-validation are implemented to determine the most accurate model for soil cation (Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, and Na+) content estimations. The model and hyperspectral images are combined to perform the spatial mapping of soil Mg2+ and to obtain the spatial distribution information of images. The results show that Boruta was the optimal algorithm for determining the characteristic bands of soil Ca2+ and Na+, and SPA was the optimal algorithm for determining the characteristic bands of soil K+ and Mg2+. The most accurate estimation models for soil Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, and Na+ contents were Boruta-RF, SPA-GABP, SPA-RF and Boruta-RF, respectively. The estimation effect of soil Mg2+ (R2 = 0.90, ratio of performance to interquartile range (RPIQ) = 3.84) was significantly better than the other three elements (Ca2+: R2 = 0.83, RPIQ = 2.47; K+: R2 = 0.83, RPIQ = 2.58; Na+: R2 = 0.85, RPIQ = 2.63). Moreover, the SPA-RF method combined with HJ-1A HSI images was selected for the spatial mapping of soil Mg2+ content with an R2 of 0.71 and RPIQ of 2.05. This indicates the ability of the SPA-RF method to retrieve soil Mg2+ content at the regional scale.
Hydroponic Optimization and Screening of Aluminum Tolerance on Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) Accessions and Cultivars
Authors: Brhane Haftom , Haileselassie Teklehaimanot , Tesfaye Kassahun , Hammenhag Cecilia , Ortiz Rodomiro , Geleta Mulatu
Published: June 2023

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is an annual allotetraploid that belongs to the grass family Poaceae subfamily Chloridoideae. Using less productive cultivars, biotic and abiotic stresses affect the yield and productivity of finger millet in Ethiopia. This research was aimed at investigating the acidity/Al tolerance of 328 finger millet accessions and 15 cultivars from Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. Prior to screening the accessions, optimization was performed on 15 cultivars and 15 accessions under three Al concentrations (0, 75, and 100 µM), and, afterward, 100 µM of Al concentration was selected as the threshold level. Root length (RL) and shoot length (SL) were recorded after 10 days of treatment. Accessions 215836, 215845, and 229722 and cultivars Urji, Bareda, and Axum were found Al-tolerant, while cultivars Tadesse, Padet, and Kumsa and accessions 212462, 215804, and 238323 were found Al-susceptible. ANOVA on RL indicated that the variance due to environment (42.3) was higher than genotypic variance (0.37). Whereas, the ANOVA on SL indicated the variance due to environment was not significant, and genotypic variance (0.18) was higher than environmental (0.02). RL was highly affected due to Al stress, while no distinct and visible symptoms were observed on SL. Furthermore, the screening of 328 accessions under 100 µM and the control resulted in Al-tolerant (n = 20), intermediate (225), and Al-susceptible (83). The results of the present study reveal that the presence of acid-tolerant accessions can be used as inputs for breeders to improve the productivity of finger millet in acidic areas.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Physiological Response of Quinoa Genotypes to Low Nitrogen
Authors: Deng Yan , Sun Xiaojing , Zhang Qi , Anwar Sumera , Lu Jingying , Guo Hongxia , Qin Lixia , Zhang Liguang , Wang Chuangyun
Published: June 2023

The utilization of low-N tolerant and N-efficifent varieties offers significant benefits in terms of reducing the need for excessive N fertilizer input. Quinoa, a resilient crop for agroecological transition, possesses a wide genetic diversity, making it suitable for selecting genotypes that require less N fertilizer. In this study, the growth and physiological characteristics of nine quinoa genotypes were assessed to determine their low-N tolerance using the fuzzy membership function. Based on comprehensive evaluation indices, three genotypes were identified: low-N tolerant (BL22), intermediately tolerant (A29), and sensitive (G68). These genotypes were exposed to varying N concentrations, including normal (4 mM), low (0.8 mM), and deficient N (no N) conditions. The results indicate that low-N conditions altered root phenotype, with reduced biomass, total protein, and chlorophyll content; increased soluble sugar levels; and inhibited N-metabolizing enzymes (nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase) and N uptake. Under low-N conditions, the tolerant genotype exhibited higher maximal efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), root vitality, and N content compared to the sensitive genotype. Interestingly, the sensitive genotype displayed elongated and thinner shoots and roots in response to low-N, suggesting that plant height and root length are unreliable indicators of low-N tolerance in quinoa. In contrast, shoot and root dry biomass, Fv/Fm, chlorophyll content, N-metabolizing enzymes, and N content proved to be reliable indicators of low-N tolerance during the early growth stage of quinoa. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of utilizing specific growth and physiological parameters as indicators for screening low-N tolerant quinoa genotypes, thereby reducing dependence on N fertilizers.
Salivary Cortisol in Guide Dogs
Authors: De la Fuente-Moreno Enrique , Paredes-Ramos Pedro , Carrasco-García Apolo , Hernandez-Cruz Bertha , Alvarado Mayvi , Edwards Claudia
Published: June 2023

Guide dogs work for extended periods and are exposed to multiple environmental stimuli that could lead to higher stress compared with companion dogs. Cortisol is the main hormone associated with stress in most mammals. This study included seven guide dogs and seven same-breed dogs that were trained as guide dogs but became companion dogs to compare their salivary cortisol levels before, during, and after a period of social isolation and exposure to a 110-decibel gunshot sound. Each dog was left alone in an empty room for 60 min. After 15 min, the dogs were exposed to the sound. We collected four saliva samples from each dog. The first one was taken 5 min before starting the social isolation period, and the following ones at 15, 30, and 45 min after the test started. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare the group effect and the time effect during isolation and noise exposure. The results showed higher levels of cortisol in the guide dogs compared with the companion dogs throughout the test. No differences were found in time or in the interaction between time and group. This suggests that being a guide dog increases levels of basal cortisol when compared with dogs that live as companion animals and family members.
Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infections in German Horses
Authors: Gehlen Heidrun , Inerle Katharina , Bartel Alexander , Stöckle Sabita Diana , Ulrich Sebastian , Briese Beatrice , Straubinger Reinhard K.
Published: June 2023

There are limited data on Lyme borreliosis (LB), a tick-borne disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, in horses. Seropositivity is not necessarily associated with clinical disease. Data on seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in German horses are sparse. Therefore, serum samples from horses (n = 123) suspected of having Lyme borreliosis and clinically healthy horses (n = 113) from the same stables were tested for specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The samples were screened for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi (ELISA and an IgG line immunoblot assay). Furthermore, the samples were examined for antibodies against B. burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum with a validated rapid in-house test (SNAP® 4Dx Plus® ELISA). The clinical signs of suspect horses included lameness (n = 36), poor performance (n = 19), and apathy (n = 12). Twenty-three percent (n = 26) of suspect horses and 17% (n = 18) of clinically healthy horses were seropositive for having a Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection (p = 0.371), showing that the detection of specific antibodies against B. burgdorferi alone is not sufficient for a diagnosis of equine LB. Anaplasma phagocytophilum seropositivity and seropositivity against both pathogens was 20%/6% in suspect horses and 16%/2% in the clinically healthy population, showing only minor differences (p = 0.108). Unspecific testing for antibodies against B. burgdorferi without clinical suspicion of Lyme borreliosis is not recommended since the clinical relevance of seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato remains to be elucidated.
Cold Physical Plasma-Mediated Fenretinide Prodrug Activation Confers Additive Cytotoxicity in Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ahmadi Mohsen , Singer Debora , Potlitz Felix , Nasri Zahra , von Woedtke Thomas , Link Andreas , Bekeschus Sander , Wende Kristian
Published: June 2023

Cold physical plasma is a partially ionized gas operated at body temperature and utilized for heat-sensitive technical and medical purposes. Physical plasma is a multi-component system consisting of, e.g., reactive species, ions and electrons, electric fields, and UV light. Therefore, cold plasma technology is an interesting tool for introducing biomolecule oxidative modifications. This concept can be extended to anticancer drugs, including prodrugs, which could be activated in situ to enhance local anticancer effects. To this end, we performed a proof-of-concept study on the oxidative prodrug activation of a tailor-made boronic pinacol ester fenretinide treated with the atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet kINPen operated with either argon, argon–hydrogen, or argon–oxygen feed gas. Fenretinide release from the prodrug was triggered via Baeyer–Villiger-type oxidation of the boron–carbon bond based on hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite, which were generated by plasma processes and chemical addition using mass spectrometry. Fenretinide activation led to additive cytotoxic effects in three epithelial cell lines in vitro compared to the effects of cold plasma treatment alone regarding metabolic activity reduction and an increase in terminal cell death, suggesting that cold physical plasma-mediated prodrug activation is a new direction for combination cancer treatment studies.
Utilizing Trusted Lightweight Ciphers to Support Electronic-Commerce Transaction Cryptography
Authors: Shyaa Ghanima Sabr , Al-Zubaidie Mishall
Published: June 2023

Electronic-commerce (e-commerce) has become a provider of distinctive services to individuals and companies due to the speed and flexibility of transferring orders and completing commercial deals across far and different places. However, due to the increasing attacks on penetrating transaction information or tampering with e-commerce requests, the interest in protecting this information and hiding it from tamperers has become extremely important. In addition, hacking these deals can cause a huge waste of money and resources. Moreover, large numbers of connected and disconnected networks can cause significant disruption to the built-in security measures. In this paper, we propose to design a protocol to protect transaction information based on ElGamal, advanced encryption standard (AES) and Chinese remainder theorem (CRT) techniques. In addition, our protocol ensures providing scalability with high-performance security measures. We combine these algorithms with a robust methodology that supports the balance of performance and security of the proposed protocol. An analysis of our results proves that our protocol is superior to existing security protocols.
Safe Reuse of Wastewater: Organic Contaminants Degradation and Sanitization by Ozone in a Modulable Continuous-Flow System
Authors: Esposito Biagio , Capobianco Massimo , Navacchia Maria Luisa , Sabia Gianpaolo , Guzzinati Roberta , Riminucci Francesco , Bolelli Luca , Ponti Federico , Longino Giorgio , Ferri Elida N.
Published: June 2023

Effective treatments improving both the chemical and microbiological quality of reclaimed wastewater are urgently needed. Ozone is a clean, economic, and environmentally friendly method to sanitize solutions and surfaces and to degrade organic pollutants. A simple, continuous-flow water-ozoniser system was tested to evaluate its effectiveness in batch treating various kinds of wastewater, including the effluent from small municipal plants. The degradation effects on a mixture of urban and industrial standard pollutants were investigated by HPLC-UV-MS analysis and biotoxicological assays. The results revealed that the concentration of most organic pollutants was reduced to 20–0% of the initial one within one hour. One resultant compound was recalcitrant (40% reduction only). The bioassays indicated the definitive reduction in toxic effects after treatment. Similar results were obtained when secondary, post sedimentation, wastewater treatment plant effluents were treated. Heterotrophic plate counts confirmed the strong biocidal activity of ozone. The developed prototype can successfully treat locally produced wastewater, secondary effluents from small–medium plants, and non-potable water resources.
Earthquake Damage Index and Fragility Analysis of Steel Damper for Seismic Isolation Bridge
Authors: Liu Meng , Gao Hao , Wang Junjie , Dong Zhengfang , Yan Haiquan
Published: June 2023

As an important component in seismic isolation bridges, steel dampers should have excellent low-cycle fatigue performance. This paper performs destructive tests of two types of steel dampers to accurately evaluate the fatigue damage of steel dampers under earthquake action. The damage index of steel dampers under the combined effect of cumulative energy dissipation and maximum deformation is established based on the damage states’ development during the testing process, which can characterize the degree and state of damage of steel dampers under earthquake action. The seismic performance of a seismic isolation continuous girder bridge is evaluated using the frequency statistical method of incremental dynamic analysis beyond the designated functional state, and the fragility analysis of steel dampers was carried out. The results show that the faster the loading rate, the more susceptible steel dampers are to fatigue failure. Under the design earthquake, the basic state of most dampers enters the energy dissipation state, realizing the seismic design goal of protecting bridge piers. The results indicate that the dampers’ overall performance state is slightly damaged, and the fatigue failure of steel dampers is not prominent in most earthquake cases.
Influence of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction on Resorption of a Large-Volume Free-Fat Transplant Evaluated Using T3D Optical Scanning
Authors: Koren Matic , Brezar Simona Kranjc , Dovšak Tadej , Sersa Gregor , Kansky Andrej , Ihan Hren Nataša
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: The main drawback of lipofilling is fat transplant volume loss, which makes long-term results unreliable. This study’s aim was to assess the influence of an adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on volume retention in large-volume fat grafts. Materials and Methods: A murine model was used for the in vivo evaluation of fat-graft volume changes over 6 months. We used 28 immunocompromised nude NU(NCr)-Foxn1nu mice and human fat tissue as a liposuction by-product. Part of the fat tissue was used for SVF preparation. We created a fat transplant without SVF (SVF-) and with SVF (SVF+) groups. Large-volume grafts were injected above the sacrum and scapula in the same animal. Volume loss was evaluated using three-dimensional optical scanning at 14 days (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) after transplantation. Scans were processed with Artec Studio software to obtain stereolithography files. The volumes were calculated in RapidForm software 2006. Results: The highest volume loss was observed above the scapula at T3 (SVF- 85%; SVF+ 75%). There was a significant difference in volume between SVF-/SVF+ for grafts above the sacrum at T2, with lower loss in SVF+, and the significance became stronger at T3. The difference in volume loss was also significant above the scapula between SVF-/SVF+ at T3. Conclusions: Although we found a beneficial effect of SVF on the long-term survival of large-volume fat tissue transplants, volume loss due to other contributing factors was high.
Physico-Chemical Characteristics, Sensory Attributes and Oxidative Stability of Soy Milk Mayonnaise Enriched in Carotenoids from Tomato By-Products
Authors: Blejan Ana Maria , Nour Violeta
Published: June 2023

In the present study, sunflower oil was used as the extracting solvent for carotenoids and other lipophylic compounds from tomato by-products at 2.5% and 5.0% (w/v) and the carotenoid-enriched oils were further used in the manufacturing of soy milk mayonnaise. An addition of basil essential oil at 0.05% (v/v) in the carotenoid-enriched mayonnaise was also investigated. Color parameters, pH, acid, and peroxide values, as well as lipid oxidation as measured by TBARS values were monitored in control and in supplemented mayonnaise samples during refrigerated storage for up to 8 weeks. The effect of enrichment on the sensory attributes of mayonnaises was also studied. The extraction of dry tomato by-products resulted in a significant increase in the total carotenoid content and antioxidant activity of the oils while their color changed significantly by increasing the redness and decreasing the lightness and yellowness. The use of carotenoid-enriched oils in the mayonnaise manufacture increased the oxidative stability of soy milk mayonnaise during storage and improved the flavor and the chromatic characteristics of mayonnaise compared to the control sample without significantly affecting its consistency and overall acceptability. The addition of basil essential oil (0.05% v/v) enhanced the oxidative stability and improved the sensory profile of the mayonnaise.
The Decay of Energy and Scalar Variance in Axisymmetric Turbulence
Authors: Davidson Peter A.
Published: June 2023

We review the recent progress in our understanding of the large scales in homogeneous (but anisotropic) turbulence. We focus on turbulence which emerges from Saffman-like initial conditions, in which the vortices possess a finite linear impulse. Such turbulence supports long-range velocity correlations of the form uiu′j=O(r−3), where u and u′ are separated by a distance r, and these long-range interactions dominate the dynamics of large eddies. We show that, for axisymmetric turbulence, the energy and integral scales evolve as u⊥2~u//2~t−6/5 and l⊥~l//~t2/5, where ⊥ and // indicate directions that are perpendicular and parallel to the symmetry axis, respectively. These predictions are consistent with the evidence of direct numerical simulations. Similar results are obtained for the passive scalar variance, where we find that θ2~t−6/5. The primary point of novelty in our discussion of passive scalar decay is that it is based in real (rather than spectral) space, making use of an integral invariant which is a generalization of the isotropic Corrsin integral.
Targeted c-Myc Inhibition and Systemic Temozolomide Therapy Extend Survival in Glioblastoma Xenografts
Authors: Dhungel Laxmi , Harris Cayla , Romine Lauren , Sarkaria Jan , Raucher Drazen
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive disease with poor patient outcomes despite current treatment options, which consist of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, these strategies present challenges such as resistance development, damage to healthy tissue, and complications due to the blood–brain barrier. There is therefore a critical need for new treatment modalities that can selectively target tumor cells, minimize resistance development, and improve patient survival. Temozolomide is the current standard chemotherapeutic agent for glioblastoma, yet its use is hindered by drug resistance and severe side effects. Combination therapy using multiple drugs acting synergistically to kill cancer cells and with multiple targets can provide increased efficacy at lower drug concentrations and reduce side effects. In our previous work, we designed a therapeutic peptide (Bac-ELP1-H1) targeting the c-myc oncogene and demonstrated its ability to reduce tumor size, delay neurological deficits, and improve survival in a rat glioblastoma model. In this study, we expanded our research to the U87 glioblastoma cell line and investigated the efficacy of Bac-ELP1-H1/hyperthermia treatment, as well as the combination treatment of temozolomide and Bac-ELP1-H1, in suppressing tumor growth and extending survival in athymic mice. Our experiments revealed that the combination treatment of Bac-ELP1-H1 and temozolomide acted synergistically to enhance survival in mice and was more effective in reducing tumor progression than the single components. Additionally, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of hyperthermia in facilitating the accumulation of the Bac-ELP1-H1 protein at the tumor site. Our findings suggest that the combination of targeted c-myc inhibitory biopolymer with systemic temozolomide therapy may represent a promising alternative treatment option for glioblastoma patients.
The Association of the Levels of High-Density Lipoprotein and Apolipoprotein A1 with SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Severity: An Analysis of the N3C Database
Authors: Li Meng-Hao , Kulkarni Rajendra , Koizumi Naoru , Andalibi Ali ,   on behalf of the N3C Consortium
Published: June 2023

This study analyzed data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) database to investigate whether high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and its major protein component, apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), are associated with severe COVID-19 sequelae, specifically acute kidney injury (AKI) and severe COVID-19 disease as defined by the infection resulting in hospitalization, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), invasive ventilation, or death. Our study included a total of 1,415,302 subjects with HDL values and 3589 subjects with apoA1 values. Higher levels of both HDL and apoA1 were associated with a lower incidence of infection as well as a lower incidence of severe disease. Higher HDL levels were also associated with a lower incidence of developing AKI. Most comorbidities were negatively correlated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, presumably due to the behavioral changes that occurred as a result of the precautions taken by individuals with underlying comorbidities. The presence of comorbidities, however, was associated with developing severe COVID-19 disease and AKI. African American and Hispanic populations experienced worse outcomes, including a higher incidence of infection and the development of severe disease, as well as AKI. Smoking and being male were associated with a lower incidence of infection, while they were risk factors for the development of severe disease and AKI. The results on cholesterol and diabetes drugs warrant further research, given that the database included multiple drugs in each category impeding for analysis of specific medications. Despite the current limitations in the N3C data, this study is the first to investigate the roles of HDL and apoA1 on the outcomes of COVID-19 using the US population data.
MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Gynecological Cancers
Authors: Miśkiewicz Joanna , Mielczarek-Palacz Aleksandra , Gola Joanna Magdalena
Published: June 2023

MicroRNAs are non-coding transcripts that, thanks to the ability to regulate the mRNA of target genes, can affect the expression of genes encoding tumor suppressors and oncogenes. They can control many important cellular processes, including apoptosis, differentiation, growth, division, and metabolism. Therefore, miRNAs play an important role in the development of many cancers, including gynecological cancers. Ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, and vulvar cancer are the most common cancers in women and are a frequent cause of death. The heterogeneity of the pathogenesis of these gynecological diseases makes the diagnostic process a significant obstacle for modern medicine. To date, many studies have been carried out, in which particular attention has been paid to the molecular pathomechanism of these diseases, with particular emphasis on miRNAs. To date, the changed profile of many miRNAs, which influenced the promotion of proliferation, migration, invasion processes and the simultaneous inhibition of programmed cell death, has been proven many times. Detailed understanding of the molecular effects of miRNAs in the above-mentioned gynecological cancers will enable the development of potential predictive and prognostic biomarkers, as well as the optimization of the diagnostic process.
The Effect of Just-World Beliefs on Cyberaggression: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Sang Qingsong , Kang Qi , Zhang Kun , Shu Shouli , Quan Lijuan
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: To examine the relationship among just-world beliefs, self-control, and cyberaggression among college students. (2) Methods: A total of 1133 college students were surveyed using the just-world belief scale, self-control scale, and cyberaggression scale. (3) Results: The results showed that college students with low levels of belief in justice frequently showed cyberaggression; belief in a just world directly and negatively predicted cyberaggression, and indirectly predicted student cyberaggression through self-control; gender moderated the indirect effect of self-control on cyberaggression and the direct effect of belief in a just world on cyberaggression. (4) Conclusions: Belief in a just world significantly and negatively predicts cyberaggression; self-control has an indirect significant effect on cyberaggression; the direct effect of belief in a just world on cyberaggression and the mediating effect of self-control on this association are moderated by gender.
Nano-Magnetic CaO/Fe2O3/Feldspar Catalysts for the Production of Biodiesel from Waste Oils
Authors: Hanif Maryam , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Hanif Muhammad Asif , Rashid Umer , Moser Bryan R. , Hanif Asma , Alharthi Fahad A.
Published: June 2023

Production of biodiesel from edible vegetable oils using homogenous catalysts negatively impacts food availability and cost while generating significant amounts of caustic wastewater during purification. Thus, there is an urgent need to utilize low-cost, non-food feedstocks for the production of biodiesel using sustainable heterogeneous catalysis. The objective of this study was to synthesize a novel supported nano-magnetic catalyst (CaO/Fe2O3/feldspar) for the production of biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) from waste and low-cost plant seed oils, including Sinapis arvensis (wild mustard), Carthamus oxyacantha (wild safflower) and Pongamia pinnata (karanja). The structure, morphology, surface area, porosity, crystallinity, and magnetization of the nano-magnetic catalyst was confirmed using XRD, FESEM/EDX, BET, and VSM. The maximum biodiesel yield (93.6–99.9%) was achieved at 1.0 or 1.5 wt.% catalyst with methanol-to-oil molar ratios of 5:1 or 10:1 at 40 °C for 2 h. The CaO/Fe2O3/feldspar catalyst retained high activity for four consecutive cycles for conversion of karanja, wild mustard, and wild safflower oils. The effective separation of the catalyst from biodiesel was achieved using an external magnet. Various different physico-chemical parameters, such as pour point, density, cloud point, iodine value, acid value, and cetane number, were also determined for the optimized fuels and found to be within the ranges specified in ASTM D6751 and EN 14214, where applicable.
Metabolic Inflammation and Cellular Immunity
Authors: Sindhu Sardar , Ahmad Rasheed
Published: June 2023

Metabolic and immune cell responses are intimately linked and cross-regulated [...]
Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Possible Evolutionary Origin: Hypothesis
Authors: Whitfield James F. , Rennie Kerry , Chakravarthy Balu
Published: June 2023

The enormous, 2–3-million-year evolutionary expansion of hominin neocortices to the current enormity enabled humans to take over the planet. However, there appears to have been a glitch, and it occurred without a compensatory expansion of the entorhinal cortical (EC) gateway to the hippocampal memory-encoding system needed to manage the processing of the increasing volume of neocortical data converging on it. The resulting age-dependent connectopathic glitch was unnoticed by the early short-lived populations. It has now surfaced as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in today’s long-lived populations. With advancing age, processing of the converging neocortical data by the neurons of the relatively small lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) inflicts persistent strain and high energy costs on these cells. This may result in their hyper-release of harmless Aβ1–42 monomers into the interstitial fluid, where they seed the formation of toxic amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) that initiate AD. At the core of connectopathic AD are the postsynaptic cellular prion protein (PrPC). Electrostatic binding of the negatively charged AβOs to the positively charged N-terminus of PrPC induces hyperphosphorylation of tau that destroys synapses. The spread of these accumulating AβOs from ground zero is supported by Aβ’s own production mediated by target cells’ Ca2+-sensing receptors (CaSRs). These data suggest that an early administration of a strongly positively charged, AβOs-interacting peptide or protein, plus an inhibitor of CaSR, might be an effective AD-arresting therapeutic combination.
Investigating the Role of TGF-β Signaling Pathways in Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Primary Culture
Authors: Aouimeur Inès , Sagnial Tomy , Coulomb Louise , Maurin Corantin , Thomas Justin , Forestier Pierre , Ninotta Sandrine , Perrache Chantal , Forest Fabien , Gain Philippe , Thuret Gilles , He Zhiguo
Published: June 2023

Corneal endothelial diseases are the leading cause of corneal transplantation. The global shortage of donor corneas has resulted in the investigation of alternative methods, such as cell therapy and tissue-engineered endothelial keratoplasty (TEEK), using primary cultures of human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs). The main challenge is optimizing the hCEC culture process to increase the endothelial cell density (ECD) and overall yield while preventing endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is necessary for hCEC expansion but contains TGF-βs, which have been shown to be detrimental to hCECs. Therefore, we investigated various TGF-β signaling pathways using inhibitors to improve hCEC culture. Initially, we confirmed that TGF-β1, 2, and 3 induced EndMT on confluent hCECs without FBS. Using this TGF-β-induced EndMT model, we validated NCAM as a reliable biomarker to assess EndMT. We then demonstrated that, in a culture medium containing 8% FBS for hCEC expansion, TGF-β1 and 3, but not 2, significantly reduced the ECD and caused EndMT. TGF-β receptor inhibition had an anti-EndMT effect. Inhibition of the ROCK pathway, notably that of the P38 MAPK pathway, increased the ECD, while inhibition of the ERK pathway decreased the ECD. In conclusion, the presence of TGF-β1 and 3 in 8% FBS leads to a reduction in ECD and induces EndMT. The use of SB431542 or LY2109761 may prevent EndMT, while Y27632 or Ripasudil, and SB203580 or SB202190, can increase the ECD.