bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Diagnosis of Fungal Pneumonias vs. Tuberculosis in AIDS Patients by Using Two New Molecular Methods
Authors: Bernal-Martínez Leticia , Herrera Laura , Valero Clara , de la Cruz Paula , Ghimpu Larisa , Mesa-Arango Ana C. , Santoni Gabriela , Goterris Lidia , Millán Rosario , Buitrago María José
Published: April 2021

Opportunistic fungal pneumonias (OFP) are the main cause of death in AIDS patients worldwide. Diagnosis of these infections is often late as tuberculosis (TB) is frequently the first suspicion. In addition, diagnostic tools have limitations and are unavailable in disadvantaged regions. To perform the differential diagnosis of the main fungi causing OFP in AIDS patients (Histoplasma capsulatum, Cryptococcus neoformans/C. gattii and Pneumocystis jirovecii) vs. the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), two new assays were developed: (i) a multiplex real-time PCR (MRT-PCR) and (ii) a simple and cost-effective method based on real-time PCR and the analysis of melting curves after amplification (MC-PCR). Both of the techniques were optimized and standardized “in vitro”, showing a suitable reproducibility (CV ranged between 1.84 and 3.81% and 1.41 and 4.83%, respectively), a 100% specificity and detection limits between 20 and 2 fg of genomic DNA per 20 µL of reaction. A validation study was performed by retrospectively using 42 clinical samples from 37 patients with proven fungal infection or TB, and 33 controls. The overall sensitivity for the MRT-PCR assay and the MC-PCR assay was 88% and 90.4%, respectively. Both techniques were fast, sensitive and reproducible, allowing for the detection of these pathogens and the performance of a differential diagnosis.
Values-Led Planning Approach in Spatial Development: A Methodology
Authors: Auzins Armands , Chigbu Uchendu Eugene
Published: April 2021

The scope of land management, which includes spatial planning as an activity in the public domain, demands that a planning process that is based on publicly or societally acceptable values is a matter of necessity. This study proposes a methodology for introducing a values-led planning (VLP) approach in spatial development. The motivation of the study is to promote the embrace of assessed values in planning. The study draws from issues evoked in various topical studies on European comparative perspectives. By way of argumentation, the study makes three relevant contributions to the literature and spatial planning and development practice. First, it presents and discusses the essential elements required in the design of methodology. In this way, it figuratively depicts VLP as a consequence of interactions between four key elements of spatial planning. Second, it proposes an actual methodology for action. Third, it discusses the applicability of the methodology. The proposed methodology would be useful for planners, including public authorities, land managers, and community leaders, who make socio-spatial decisions in land management and related activities.
Mechanical Properties and Uniaxial Compression Stress—Strain Relation of Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete after Carbonation
Authors: Chen Tian-Wen , Wu Jin , Dong Guo-Qing
Published: April 2021

The application of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) made from waste concrete to replace natural coarse aggregate (NCA) in concrete structures can essentially reduce the excessive consumption of natural resources and environmental pollution. Similar to normal concrete structures, recycled concrete structures would also suffer from the damage of carbonation, which leads to the deterioration of durability and the reduction of service life. This paper presents the experimental results of the cubic compressive strength, the static elastic modulus and the stress–strain relation of recycled coarse aggregate concrete (RAC) after carbonation. The results show that the cubic compressive strength and the static elastic modulus of carbonated RAC gradually increased with the carbonation depth. The uncarbonated and fully carbonated RAC show smaller static elastic modulus than natural aggregate concrete (NAC). As the carbonation depth increased, the peak stress increased, while the peak strain decreased and the descending part of the curves gradually became steeper. As the content of RCA became larger, the peak stress decreased, while the peak strain increased and the descending part of the curves gradually became steeper. An equation for stress–strain curves of RAC after carbonation was proposed, and it was in good agreement with the test results.
Special Issue “Novel Research about Biomechanics and Biomaterials Used in Hip, Knee and Related Joints”
Authors: Kretzer Jan Philippe , Van Der Straeten Catherine
Published: April 2021

Joint replacement is a very successful medical treatment [...]
Adsorption of Hexavalent Chromium by Sodium Alginate Fiber Biochar Loaded with Lanthanum
Authors: Sun Xinzhe , Guo Peng , Sun Yuanyuan , Cui Yuqian
Published: April 2021

Lanthanun oxide (La2O3) is a lanthanum chemical compound incorporates a sensible anionic complexing ability; however, it lacks stability at a low pH scale. Biochar fibers will give the benefit of their massive space and plethoric uses on the surface to support a metal chemical compound. Herein, wet spinning technology was used to load La3+ onto sodium alginate fiber, and to convert La3+ into La2O3 through carbonization. The La2O3-modified biochar (La-BC) fiber was characterized by SEM, XRD and XPS, etc. An adsorption experiment proved that La-BC showed an excellent adsorption capacity for chromates, and its saturation adsorption capacity was about 104.9 mg/g. The information suggested that the adsorption was in step with both the Langmuir and Freundlich models, following pseudo-second-order surface assimilation mechanics, which showed that the Cr (VI) adsorption was characterized by single-phase and polyphase adsorption, mainly chemical adsorption. The thermodynamic parameters proved that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The mechanistic investigation revealed that the mechanism of the adsorption of Cr (VI) by La-BC may include electrostatic interaction, ligand exchange, or complexation. Moreover, the co-existing anions and regeneration experiments proved that the La-BC is recyclable and has good prospects in the field of chrome-containing wastewater removal.
Characterization of the Structure, Mechanical Properties and Erosive Resistance of the Laser Cladded Inconel 625-Based Coatings Reinforced by TiC Particles
Authors: Kotarska Aleksandra , Poloczek Tomasz , Janicki Damian
Published: April 2021

The article presents research in the field of laser cladding of metal-matrix composite (MMC) coatings. Nickel-based superalloys show attractive properties including high tensile strength, fatigue resistance, high-temperature corrosion resistance and toughness, which makes them widely used in the industry. Due to the insufficient wear resistance of nickel-based superalloys, many scientists are investigating the possibility of producing nickel-based superalloys matrix composites. For this study, the powder mixtures of Inconel 625 superalloy with 10, 20 and 40 vol.% of TiC particles were used to produce MMC coatings by laser cladding. The titanium carbides were chosen as reinforcing material due to high thermal stability and hardness. The multi-run coatings were tested using penetrant testing, macroscopic and microscopic observations, microhardness measurements and solid particle erosive test according to ASTM G76-04 standard. The TiC particles partially dissolved in the structure during the laser cladding process, which resulted in titanium and carbon enrichment of the matrix and the occurrence of precipitates formation in the structure. The process parameters and coatings chemical composition variation had an influence on coatings average hardness and erosion rates.
Innovative Method for Coating of Natural Corrosion Inhibitor Based on Artemisia vulgaris
Authors: Pineda Hernández Daniel Alejandro , Restrepo Parra Elisabeth , Arango Arango Pedro José , Segura Giraldo Belarmino , Acosta Medina Carlos Daniel
Published: April 2021

In this work, the production of a novel methodology for the application of natural corrosion inhibitors on steel, using an autoclave is presented. Tests were carried out using Artemisia vulgaris. The inhibitor was produced with a simple soxhlet extraction process using 15 g of Artemisia vulgaris and 260 mL of Ether. Once the inhibitor was produced, the steel was immersed in it, to form a coating that protects the material against corrosion. Thermogravimetry analyzes (TGA) were performed on the inhibitor, to determine the degradation temperature; it was observed that, at 321 °C, the loss of organic mass begins. After applying the inhibitor to the steel, the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique was used to determine the vibrational bands and the difference between the spectra for the steels before and after the coating was applied. For the evaluation of the method efficiency, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization resistance tests were performed, where Nyquist diagrams and Tafel curves were obtained, for steels with and without treatment. In this case, an increase of 93% in the corrosion resistance, and an 88% decrease in the corrosion rate were observed, proving that this methodology can be used to protect steel against corrosion and extend the steel’s useful life.
Research on the Economic Development Threshold Effect of the Employment Density of the Shanghai Consumer Goods Industry in the Context of New Manufacturing, Based on the Experience Comparison with International Metropolis
Authors: Shen Lei , Zhang Xi , Liu Hongda , Yao Pinbo
Published: April 2021

With the rise of a new generation of technology and industrial changes, the service-oriented manufacturing industry has become the direction of future development. With the background of new manufacturing, this paper constructs an economic development threshold model of employment density of consumer goods industry based on data from Shanghai and Tokyo from 2007 to 2016, and empirically analyzes the impact of the employment density of the consumer goods industry on urban economic development under different population densities. At the same time, by comparing the experience of Tokyo, the development status and prospects of Shanghai’s consumer goods industry are explored. The study found that the threshold of Tokyo’s consumer goods industry is 0.608. When population density is lower than this threshold, the consumer goods industry continues to promote the economic development of Tokyo; however, when the population density is higher than this threshold, the consumer goods industry begins to inhibit the economic development of Tokyo. The Shanghai consumer goods industry threshold is 0.329. Under the threshold, most of the consumer goods industry contributions to the economy are negative, but above the threshold, they begin to show a positive trend. The inflection point of the effect curve of Tokyo’s consumer goods industry on economic development has appeared, but the inflection point of Shanghai’s consumer goods industry has not yet appeared. Compared with Tokyo, the economic vitality of Shanghai’s consumer goods industry has not yet been fully released. With the continued increase of population density in Shanghai, the growth potential of the consumer goods industry is huge, and it is expected to reshape the flourishing age of Shanghai’s light industry brand.
Effect of Quality Lean Manufacturing Tools on Commercial Benefits Gained by Mexican Maquiladoras
Authors: García Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Martínez Hernández Flor Adriana , Olguín Tiznado Jesús Everardo , Realyvásquez Vargas Arturo , Jiménez Macías Emilio , Javierre Lardies Carlos
Published: April 2021

Companies implement lean manufacturing (LM) tools in their production processes to reduce waste; however, it is difficult to quantify the effect on benefits gained after their implementation. This article proposes a structural equations model (SEM) that relates three LM tools associated with quality as total quality management (TQM), waste, and right first time (RFT) as independent variables associated with commercial benefits gained as a dependent variable. Those four variables were related by six hypotheses that were validated with information from 169 responses to a survey applied to the Mexican maquiladora industry. Partial least squared was used to validate the hypotheses as direct effects. The sum of indirect and total effects was also estimated, and a sensitivity analysis was developed for relationships between variables. Findings indicate that TQM directly affects waste reduction, drives doing RFT, and directly and indirectly affects the commercial benefits gained.
Core Predictors of Debt Specialization: A New Insight to Optimal Capital Structure
Authors: Khan Kanwal Iqbal , Qadeer Faisal , Mata Mário Nuno , Chavaglia Neto José , Sabir Qurat ul An , Martins Jéssica Nunes , Filipe José António
Published: April 2021

Debt structure composition is an essential topic of discussion for the management of capital structure decisions. Researchers made extensive efforts to understand the criteria for selecting debts, specifically, to know about the reasons for debt specialization, concealed in identifying its predictors. This question is essential not only for establishing the field of debt structure but also for the financial managers to design corporate financial strategy in a way that leads to attaining an optimal debt structure. Sophisticated financial modeling is applied to identify the core predictors of debt specialization, influencing the strategic choices of optimal debt structure to address this issue. Data were collected from 419 non-financial companies listed at the Karachi Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2015. This study has validated debt specialization by showing that short-term debts maintain their position over the years and remain the most popular type of loan among Pakistani firms. Further, it provides a comprehensive view of the cross-sectional differences among the firms involved in debt specialization by applying a holistic approach. Results show that small, growing, dividend-paying companies, having high expense and risk ratios, followed the debt specialization strategy. This strategy enables firms to reduce their agency conflicts, transaction costs, information asymmetry, risk management and building up their good market reputation. Conclusively, we have identified the gross profit margin, long-term debt to asset ratio, firm size, age, asset tangibility, and long-term industry debt to asset ratio as reliable and core predictors of debt specialization for sustainable business growth.
Micronutrients in Sepsis and COVID-19: A Narrative Review on What We Have Learned and What We Want to Know in Future Trials
Authors: Rossetti Matteo , Martucci Gennaro , Starchl Christina , Amrein Karin
Published: April 2021

Sepsis remains the leading cause of mortality in hospitalized patients, contributing to 1 in every 2–3 deaths. From a pathophysiological view, in the recent definition, sepsis has been defined as the result of a complex interaction between host response and the infecting organism, resulting in life-threatening organ dysfunction, depending on microcirculatory derangement, cellular hypoxia/dysoxia driven by hypotension and, potentially, death. The high energy expenditure driven by a high metabolic state induced by the host response may rapidly lead to micronutrient depletion. This deficiency can result in alterations in normal energy homeostasis, free radical damage, and immune system derangement. In critically ill patients, micronutrients are still relegated to an ancillary role in the whole treatment, and always put in a second-line place or, frequently, neglected. Only some micronutrients have attracted the attention of a wider audience, and some trials, even large ones, have tested their use, with controversial results. The present review will address this topic, including the recent advancement in the study of vitamin D and protocols based on vitamin C and other micronutrients, to explore an update in the setting of sepsis, gain some new insights applicable to COVID-19 patients, and to contribute to a pathophysiological definition of the potential role of micronutrients that will be helpful in future dedicated trials.
Risk Factors Associated with Retinopathy of Prematurity in Very and Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Borțea Claudia Ioana , Stoica Florina , Boia Marioara , Iacob Emil Radu , Dinu Mihai , Iacob Roxana , Iacob Daniela
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the leading cause of blindness in preterm infants. We studied the relationship between different perinatal characteristics, i.e., sex; gestational age (GA); birth weight (BW); C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations; ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and surfactant administration; and the incidence of Stage 1–3 ROP. Materials and Methods: This study included 247 preterm infants with gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks that were successfully screened for ROP. Univariate and multivariate binary analyses were performed to find the most significant risk factors for ROP (Stage 1–3), while multivariate multinomial analysis was used to find the most significant risk factors for specific ROP stages, i.e., Stage 1, 2, and 3. Results: The incidence of ROP (Stage 1–3) was 66.40% (164 infants), while that of Stage 1, 2, and 3 ROP was 15.38% (38 infants), 27.53% (68 infants), and 23.48% (58 infants), respectively. Following univariate analysis, multiple perinatal characteristics, i.e., GA; BW; and ventilation, CPAP, and surfactant administration, were found to be statistically significant risk factors for ROP (p < 0.001). However, in a multivariate model using the same characteristics, only BW and ventilation were significant ROP predictors (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Multivariate multinomial analysis revealed that BW was only significantly correlated with Stage 2 and 3 ROP (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively), while ventilation was only significantly correlated with Stage 2 ROP (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results indicate that GA; BW; and the use of ventilation, CPAP, and surfactant were all significant risk factors for ROP (Stage 1–3), but only BW and ventilation were significantly correlated with ROP and specific stages of the disease, namely Stage 2 and 3 ROP and Stage 2 ROP, respectively, in multivariate models.
Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Detection Methods for Bacteria in Animal-Based Foods: A Brief Review of Highlights and Advantages
Authors: Galhano Beatriz S. P. , Ferrari Rafaela G. , Panzenhagen Pedro , de Jesus Ana Carolina S. , Conte-Junior Carlos A.
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health problem and is mainly due to the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine. The consumption of animal-based foods can contribute to the transfer of these genes between animal and human bacteria. Resistant and multi-resistant bacteria such as Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. have been detected both in animal-based foods and in production environments such as farms, industries and slaughterhouses. This review aims to compile the techniques for detecting antimicrobial resistance using traditional and molecular methods, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages as well as the effectiveness and confidence of their results.
The Population Structure of Borrelia lusitaniae Is Reflected by a Population Division of Its Ixodes Vector
Authors: Norte Ana Cláudia , Boyer Pierre H. , Castillo-Ramirez Santiago , Chvostáč Michal , Brahami Mohand O. , Rollins Robert E. , Woudenberg Tom , Didyk Yuliya M. , Derdakova Marketa , Núncio Maria Sofia , Carvalho Isabel Lopes de , Margos Gabriele , Fingerle Volker
Published: April 2021

Populations of vector-borne pathogens are shaped by the distribution and movement of vector and reservoir hosts. To study what impact host and vector association have on tick-borne pathogens, we investigated the population structure of Borrelia lusitaniae using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Novel sequences were acquired from questing ticks collected in multiple North African and European locations and were supplemented by publicly available sequences at the Borrelia Pubmlst database (accessed on 11 February 2020). Population structure of B. lusitaniae was inferred using clustering and network analyses. Maximum likelihood phylogenies for two molecular tick markers (the mitochondrial 16S rRNA locus and a nuclear locus, Tick-receptor of outer surface protein A, trospA) were used to confirm the morphological species identification of collected ticks. Our results confirmed that B. lusitaniae does indeed form two distinguishable populations: one containing mostly European samples and the other mostly Portuguese and North African samples. Of interest, Portuguese samples clustered largely based on being from north (European) or south (North African) of the river Targus. As two different Ixodes species (i.e., I. ricinus and I. inopinatus) may vector Borrelia in these regions, reference samples were included for I. inopinatus but did not form monophyletic clades in either tree, suggesting some misidentification. Even so, the trospA phylogeny showed a monophyletic clade containing tick samples from Northern Africa and Portugal south of the river Tagus suggesting a population division in Ixodes on this locus. The pattern mirrored the clustering of B. lusitaniae samples, suggesting a potential co-evolution between tick and Borrelia populations that deserve further investigation.
MukB Is a Gene Necessary for Rapid Proliferation of Vibrio vulnificus in the Systemic Circulation but Not at the Local Infection Site in the Mouse Wound Infection Model
Authors: Kashimoto Takashige , Yamazaki Kohei , Kado Takehiro , Matsuda Kaho , Ueno Shunji
Published: April 2021

Vibrio vulnificus causes rapid septicemia in susceptible individuals who have ingested contaminated foods or have open wounds exposed to seawater contaminated with the bacteria. Despite antibiotic therapy and aggressive debridement, mortality from septicemia is high. In this study, we showed that MukB mutation (mukB::Tn) affected the proliferation of V. vulnificus in the systemic circulation but not at the inoculation site in the wound infection model. A comparison of mukB::Tn with WT and a mukB complement strain (mukB::Tn/pmukB) on the bacterial burden in the muscle at the infection site showed that spreading and proliferation of the mukB::Tn strain was similar to those of the other strains. However, the bacterial burden of mukB::Tn in the spleen was reduced compared to that of the WT strain in the wound infection model. In a competition experiment, we found a lower bacterial burden of mukB::Tn in the spleen than that of the WT strain infecting the systemic circulation. Here, we report on a gene required for the rapid proliferation of V. vulnificus only in the systemic circulation and potentially required for its survival. Our finding may provide a novel therapeutic target for V. vulnificus septicemia.
Electrochemical Model-Based Investigation of Thick LiFePO4 Electrode Design Parameters
Authors: Franke-Lang Robert , Kowal Julia
Published: April 2021

The electrification of the powertrain requires enhanced performance of lithium-ion batteries, mainly in terms of energy and power density. They can be improved by optimising the positive electrode, i.e., by changing their size, composition or morphology. Thick electrodes increase the gravimetric energy density but generally have an inefficient performance. This work presents a 2D modelling approach for better understanding the design parameters of a thick LiFePO4 electrode based on the P2D model and discusses it with common literature values. With a superior macrostructure providing a vertical transport channel for lithium ions, a simple approach could be developed to find the best electrode structure in terms of macro- and microstructure for currents up to 4C. The thicker the electrode, the more important are the direct and valid transport paths within the entire porous electrode structure. On a smaller scale, particle size, binder content, porosity and tortuosity were identified as very impactful parameters, and they can all be attributed to the microstructure. Both in modelling and electrode optimisation of lithium-ion batteries, knowledge of the real microstructure is essential as the cross-validation of a cellular and lamellar freeze-casted electrode has shown. A procedure was presented that uses the parametric study when few model parameters are known.
Fabrication and Analysis of Sepiolite/Glass Microcapsules/Liquid Crystal Polymer Composites
Authors: Nam Ji-Yun , Kim Hyeon-Kyeong , Song Young-Seok
Published: April 2021

Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) composites filled with sepiolite and glass microcapsules were prepared by melt compounding. The composites were extruded using a twin-screw extruder and injection-molded. The objective of this study is to check a possibility of producing a polymeric composite with a low dielectric constant. Physical characteristics of the composites, such as morphological, rheological, mechanical, and electrical properties were analyzed. In particular, the glass microcapsule-reinforced LCP composites showed a significant improvement in lowering the dielectric constant due to its high air content. Additionally, sepiolite could act as an effective filler to improve the mechanical properties of the composites.
Direct and Indirect Bactericidal Effects of Cold Atmospheric-Pressure Microplasma and Plasma Jet
Authors: Yahaya Ahmad Guji , Okuyama Tomohiro , Kristof Jaroslav , Blajan Marius Gabriel , Shimizu Kazuo
Published: April 2021

The direct and indirect bactericidal effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cold atmospheric-pressure microplasma in an air and plasma jet generated in an argon-oxygen gas mixture was investigated on Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes. An AC power supply was used to generate plasma at relatively low discharge voltages (0.9–2.4 kV) and frequency (27–30 kHz). Cultured bacteria were cultivated at a serial dilution of 10−5, then exposed to direct microplasma treatment and indirect treatment through plasma-activated water (PAW). The obtained results revealed that these methods of bacterial inactivation showed a 2 and 1 log reduction in the number of survived CFU/mL with direct treatment being the most effective means of treatment at just 3 min using air. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed that an increase in treatment time at 1.2% O2, 98.8% Ar caused a decrease in O2 concentration in the water as well as a decrease in absorbance of the peaks at 210 nm, which are attributed NO2− and NO3− concentration in the water, termed denitratification and denitritification in the treated water, respectively.
An Analytical Toolbox for Fast and Straightforward Structural Characterisation of Commercially Available Tannins
Authors: Zhen Lili , Lange Heiko , Crestini Claudia
Published: April 2021

Both condensed and hydrolysable tannins represent versatile natural polyphenolic structures exhibiting a broad range of activities that could be exploited in various fields including nutraceutics, cosmesis, consumer care, household and pharmaceutical applications. Various tannins are commercially available nowadays for use in such application fields. We have analysed a representative selection of commercially available condensed and hydrolysable tannins for structural features and purity. Using a combination of quantitative 31P NMR spectroscopy, HSQC measurements, MALDI-ToF analyses, gel permeation chromatography and wet chemical analysis, detailed structural characterisations and descriptions were possible, allowing for verification and falsification of claimed structural features.
Constituents of Aquilaria sinensis Leaves Upregulate the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteases 2 and 9
Authors: Hsiao Sui-Wen , Wu Yu-Chin , Mei Hui-Ching , Chen Yu-Hsin , Hsiao George , Lee Ching-Kuo
Published: April 2021

In this novel study, we isolated 28 compounds from the leaves of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg based on a bioassay-guided procedure and also discovered the possible matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) modulatory effect of pheophorbide A (PA). To evaluate the regulatory activity on MMP-2 and MMP-9, the HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells were treated with various concentrations of extracted materials and isolated compounds. PA was extracted by methanol from the leaves of A. sinensis and separated from the fraction of the partitioned ethyl acetate layer. PA is believed to be an active component for MMP expression since it exhibited significant stimulation on MMP-2 and proMMP-9 activity. When treating with 50 μM of PA, the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased 1.9-fold and 2.3-fold, respectively. PA also exhibited no cytotoxicity against HT-1080 cells when the cell viability was monitored. Furthermore, no significant MMP activity was observed when five PA analogues were evaluated. This study is the first to demonstrate that C-17 of PA is the deciding factor in determining the bioactivity of the compound. The MMP-2 and proMMP-9 modulatory activity of PA indicate its potential applications for reducing scar formation and comparative medical purposes.
Effects of Modifications on the Immunosuppressive Properties of Cyclolinopeptide A and Its Analogs in Animal Experimental Models
Authors: Zimecki Michał , Kaczmarek Krzysztof
Published: April 2021

The consequences of manipulations in structure and amino acid composition of native cyclolinopeptide A (CLA) from linen seeds, and its linear precursor on their biological activities and mechanisms of action, are reviewed. The modifications included truncation of the peptide chain, replacement of amino acid residues with proteinogenic or non-proteinogenic ones, modifications of peptide bond, and others. The studies revealed changes in the immunosuppressive potency of these analogs investigated in a number of in vitro and in vivo experimental models, predominantly in rodents, as well as differences in their postulated mechanism of action. The modified peptides were compared with cyclosporine A and parent CLA. Some of the synthesized and investigated peptides show potential therapeutic usefulness.
Development of a High-Throughput Method to Study the Inhibitory Effect of Phytochemicals on Trimethylamine Formation
Authors: Iglesias-Carres Lisard , Essenmacher Lauren A. , Racine Kathryn C. , Neilson Andrew P.
Published: April 2021

Choline is metabolized by the gut microbiota into trimethylamine (TMA), the precursor of pro-atherosclerotic molecule trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). A reduction in TMA formation has shown cardioprotective effects, and some phytochemicals may reduce TMA formation. This study aimed to develop an optimized, high-throughput anaerobic fermentation methodology to study the inhibition of choline microbial metabolism into TMA by phenolic compounds with healthy human fecal starter. Optimal fermentation conditions were: 20% fecal slurry (1:10 in PBS), 100 µM choline, and 12 h fermentation. Additionally, 10 mM of 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB) was defined as a positive TMA production inhibitor, achieving a ~50% reduction in TMA production. Gallic acid and chlorogenic acid reported higher TMA inhibitory potential (maximum of 80–90% TMA production inhibition), with IC50 around 5 mM. Neither DMB nor gallic acid or chlorogenic acid reduced TMA production through cytotoxic effects, indicating mechanisms such as altered TMA-lyase activity or expression.
Vitamin D Status in Adolescents during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Meoli Martina , Muggli Franco , Lava Sebastiano A.G. , Bianchetti Mario G. , Agostoni Carlo , Kocher Claudine , Bührer Thomas W. , Ciliberti Letizia , Simonetti Giacomo D. , Milani Gregorio P.
Published: April 2021

Vitamin D has been claimed to be effective in the response to infections, including the respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is supposed that lockdown measures and fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection might reduce vitamin D levels through the modification of lifestyle. However, very few data exist on the association between lockdown measures and vitamin D status in humans. For this cross-sectional comparative study, adolescents (n = 298) aged 18 to 19 years were enrolled during the compulsory military fitness-for-duty evaluation between July and December 2020 in Southern Switzerland. Beyond anthropometric measurements, participants filled in a structured questionnaire about their lifestyle and a blood specimen was sampled for the determination of total 25-hydroxy-vitamin D. The obtained data were compared with those of 437 adolescents enrolled at the military fitness-for-duty evaluation during the same period of the year in the context of the CENERI study (2014–2016). The anthropometric measures were similar between the two study groups. The levels of vitamin D were also comparable (77 (64–91) vs. 74 (60–92) nmol/L, p = 0.50; median and interquartile range). A total of 38 (13%) and 43 (9.8%) subjects presented insufficient (<50 nmol/L) levels of vitamin D (p = 0.42) during the current pandemic and in the CENERI study, respectively. These data do not support the hypothesis that during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, late adolescents are at higher risk of vitamin insufficiency.
Effects of Saffron Extract on Sleep Quality: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Pachikian Barbara D. , Copine Sylvie , Suchareau Marlène , Deldicque Louise
Published: April 2021

A saffron extract has been found to be effective in the context of depression and anxiety, but its effect on sleep quality has not been investigating yet using objective approaches. For this purpose, a randomized double-blind controlled study was conducted in subjects presenting mild to moderate sleep disorder associated with anxiety. Sixty-six subjects were randomized and supplemented with a placebo (maltodextrin) or a saffron extract (15.5 mg per day) for 6 weeks. Actigraphy was used to collect objective data related to sleep quality at baseline, at the middle and at the end of the intervention. Sleep quality was also assessed by completion of the LSEQ and PSQI questionnaires and quality of life by completion of the SF-36 questionnaire. Six weeks of saffron supplementation led to an increased time in bed assessed by actigraphy, to an improved ease of getting to sleep evaluated by the LSEQ questionnaire and to an improved sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, and global scores evaluated by the PSQI questionnaire, whereas those parameters were not modified by the placebo. In conclusion, those results suggest that a saffron extract could be a natural and safe nutritional strategy to improve sleep duration and quality.
The Interactive Role of Hydrocarbon Seeps, Hydrothermal Vents and Intermediate Antarctic/Mediterranean Water Masses on the Distribution of Some Vulnerable Deep-Sea Habitats in Mid Latitude NE Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Somoza Luis , Rueda José L. , Sánchez-Guillamón Olga , Medialdea Teresa , Rincón-Tomás Blanca , González Francisco J. , Palomino Desirée , Madureira Pedro , López-Pamo Enrique , Fernández-Salas Luis M. , Santofimia Esther , León Ricardo , Marino Egidio , Fernández-Puga María del Carmen , Vázquez Juan T.
Published: April 2021

In this work, we integrate five case studies harboring vulnerable deep-sea benthic habitats in different geological settings from mid latitude NE Atlantic Ocean (24–42° N). Data and images of specific deep-sea habitats were acquired with Remoted Operated Vehicle (ROV) sensors (temperature, salinity, potential density, O2, CO2, and CH4). Besides documenting some key vulnerable deep-sea habitats, this study shows that the distribution of some deep-sea coral aggregations (including scleractinians, gorgonians, and antipatharians), deep-sea sponge aggregations and other deep-sea habitats are influenced by water masses’ properties. Our data support that the distribution of scleractinian reefs and aggregations of other deep-sea corals, from subtropical to north Atlantic could be dependent of the latitudinal extents of the Antarctic Intermediate Waters (AAIW) and the Mediterranean Outflow Waters (MOW). Otherwise, the distribution of some vulnerable deep-sea habitats is influenced, at the local scale, by active hydrocarbon seeps (Gulf of Cádiz) and hydrothermal vents (El Hierro, Canary Island). The co-occurrence of deep-sea corals and chemosynthesis-based communities has been identified in methane seeps of the Gulf of Cádiz. Extensive beds of living deep-sea mussels (Bathymodiolus mauritanicus) and other chemosymbiotic bivalves occur closely to deep-sea coral aggregations (e.g., gorgonians, black corals) that colonize methane-derived authigenic carbonates.
Role of Citicoline in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Secades Julio J.
Published: April 2021

Head injury is among the most devastating types of injury, specifically called Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). There is a need to diminish the morbidity related with TBI and to improve the outcome of patients suffering TBI. Among the improvements in the treatment of TBI, neuroprotection is one of the upcoming improvements. Citicoline has been used in the management of brain ischemia related disorders, such as TBI. Citicoline has biochemical, pharmacological, and pharmacokinetic characteristics that make it a potentially useful neuroprotective drug for the management of TBI. A short review of these characteristics is included in this paper. Moreover, a narrative review of almost all the published or communicated studies performed with this drug in the management of patients with head injury is included. Based on the results obtained in these clinical studies, it is possible to conclude that citicoline is able to accelerate the recovery of consciousness and to improve the outcome of this kind of patient, with an excellent safety profile. Thus, citicoline could have a potential role in the management of TBI.
Australian Community Pharmacy Harm-Minimisation Services: Scope for Service Expansion to Improve Healthcare Access
Authors: McMillan Sara S. , Chan Hidy , Hattingh Laetitia H.
Published: April 2021

Community pharmacies are well positioned to participate in harm-minimisation services to reduce harms caused by both licit and illicit substances. Considering developments in pharmacist practices and the introduction of new professional pharmacy services, we identified a need to explore the contemporary role of community pharmacy in harm minimisation. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to explore the opinions of stakeholders, pharmacy staff, and clients about the role of community pharmacy in harm minimisation, including provision of current services, experiences, and expectations. Participants (n = 28) included 5 stakeholders, 9 consumers, and 14 staff members from seven community pharmacies. Three over-arching themes were identified across the three participants groups: (i) scope and provision, (ii) complexity, and (iii) importance of person-centred advice and support in relation to community pharmacy harm minimisation services. Community pharmacies are valuable healthcare destinations for delivery of harm minimisation services, with scope for service expansion. Further education, support, and remuneration are needed, as well as linkage to other sector providers, in order to ensure that pharmacists and pharmacy staff are well equipped to provide a range of harm minimisation services.
Initial Studies of Electron Beams as a Means of Modifying Collagen
Authors: Apsimon Robert , Setiniyaz Sadiq , Seviour Rebecca , Wise William , Junginger Tobias , Hernandez Maribel , Ortiz Edgar
Published: April 2021

We present the initial design studies and specifications for an accelerator and conveyor system to irradiate collagen samples, modifying properties such as the putrescibility and mechanical behaviours in a paradigm shift from existing, widely used technology. We show the integrated design requirements for a magnetic rastering scheme to move the beam position in order to ensure a uniform dose distribution over the full surface of the hide and discuss its dependence on factors such as the size of the hide, the beam current and conveyor speed. We also present initial energy deposition studies using beam particle interaction simulation program G4beamline, in order to determine the numerical beam parameters and angle of incidence needed to ensure a uniform depth-dose distribution throughout the hide thickness.
Analytical and Semi-Analytical Formulas for the Self and Mutual Inductances of Concentric Coplanar Ordinary and Bitter Disk Coils
Authors: Babic Slobodan
Published: April 2021

In this paper, analytical and semi-analytical formulas are presented for the self- and mutual inductance of thin ordinary disk coils and thin Bitter disk coils. The coils lie concentrically in a plane. The ordinary coils are coils with constant current density. The current density of a current carrying Bitter disc is not uniform across its cross-sectional area, but it is a function of the ratio of the inner diameter of the disk to an arbitrary radius within the disk. In this paper, we show the possibility to calculate the mutual and self-inductance of thin disk coils from the real coils of the cross-sections using some valuable conditions. The formulas for the mutual inductance and the self-inductance were obtained in the semi-analytic form as the combination of the elliptic integral of the second kind and a simple integral for the ordinary disk coils. The mutual inductance and self-inductance were obtained in the analytical form as the elliptic integral of the second kind for the Bitter disk coils. The formula for the self-inductance of the ordinary full disk was obtained in the close form. All formulas are given in remarkably simple form and give perfectly accurate results with a significantly small computational time. All cases of either regular or singular (disks in contact or overlapping) are covered. Many presented examples show the excellent numerical agreement with previously published methods.
One-Time Foliar Application and Continuous Resupply via Roots Equally Improved the Growth and Physiological Response of B-Deficient Oilseed Rape
Authors: Dinh Anh Quang , Naeem Asif , Sagervanshi Amit , Mühling Karl H.
Published: April 2021

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is a high-boron (B)-demanding crop, and initially, normal growing plants might show B deficiency at advanced growth stages on soils with marginal B availability. Hence, we compared the effects of B resupply via roots and leaves on growth and physiological response, and relative expression of B transporters in B-deficient oilseed rape plants. Four-week-old plants initially grown with inadequate B (1 µM B for the first two weeks and 0.25 µM B for the next two weeks) were later grown either as such with 0.25 µM B, with 25 µM B in nutrient solution or foliar sprayed with 7 mL of 30, 60 and 150 mM B solution plant−1 as boric acid. Plants grown with 25 µM B in the nutrient solution from the beginning were included as adequate B treatment. Results showed that B resupply to B-deficient plants via roots and leaves (60 mM B) equally improved root and shoot dry matter, but not to the level of plants grown with adequate B supply. Foliar-applied 150 mM B proved toxic, causing leaf burn but not affecting dry matter. Resupply of B via roots increased B concentration in roots and leaves, while leaf-applied B did so only in leaves. Net carbon assimilation had a positive relationship with dry matter accumulation. Except for the highest foliar B level, B resupply via roots and leaves increased the accumulation of glucose, fructose and sucrose in leaves. Boron-deficient plants showed significant upregulation of BnaNIP5;1 in leaves and roots and of BnaBOR1;2 in roots. Boron resupply via roots reversed the B-deficiency-induced upregulation of BnaNIP5;1 in roots, whereas the expression of BnaBOR1;2 was reversed by both root and foliar B resupply. In leaves, B resupply by both methods reversed the expression of BnaNIP5;1 to the level of B-adequate plants. It is concluded that B resupply to B-deficient plants via roots and leaves equally but partially corrected B deficiency in B. napus grown in hydroponics.
Role of Tuber Developmental Processes in Response of Potato to High Temperature and Elevated CO2
Authors: Chen Chien-Teh , Setter Tim L.
Published: April 2021

Potato is adapted to cool environments, and there is concern that its performance may be diminished considerably due to global warming and more frequent episodes of heat stress. Our objectives were to determine the response of potato plants to elevated CO2 (700 μmol/mol) and high temperature (35/25 °C) at tuber initiation and tuber bulking, and to elucidate effects on sink developmental processes. Potato plants were grown in controlled environments with treatments at: Tuber initiation (TI), during the first two weeks after initiating short-day photoperiods, and Tuber bulking (TB). At TI, and 25 °C, elevated CO2 increased tuber growth rate, while leaves and stems were not affected. Whole-plant dry matter accumulation rate, was inhibited by high temperature about twice as much at TI than at TB. Elevated CO2 partially ameliorated high temperature inhibition of sink organs. At TI, with 25 °C, elevated CO2 primarily affected tuber cell proliferation. In contrast, tuber cell volume and endoreduplication were unaffected. These findings indicate that the TI stage and cell division is particularly responsive to elevated CO2 and high temperature stress, supporting the view that attention should be paid to the timing of high-temperature stress episodes with respect to this stage.
Effect of Gas Volume Fraction on the Gas-Phase Distribution in the Passage and Blade Surface of the Axial Flow Screw-Type Oil-Gas Multiphase Pump
Authors: Shi Guangtai , Tao Sijia , Liu Xiaobing , Wen Haigang , Shu Zekui
Published: April 2021

The axial flow screw-type oil-gas multiphase pump is mainly applied to oil and gas transport in the deep sea. In the process of transporting the multiphase medium, the gas volume fraction (GVF) on the gas phase changes from time-to-time, resulting in the performance of the oil-gas multiphase pump being greatly influenced by the gas phase. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the gas-phase distribution law and the vortex distribution in the flow passages within the oil-gas multiphase pump by means of numerical calculations, supplemented by experimental verification. The results show that the gas phase is mainly concentrated in the diffuser at different GVFs, and the gas phase gathering in the diffuser becomes more significant with the increase in the GVF. The gas-phase volume fraction increases gradually from rim to hub, that is, the gas-phase gathering degree increases. The maximum gas-phase volume distribution area is mainly concentrated in the area near the hub of the diffuser inlet and the middle blade height area at the outlet of the diffuser. The flow in the impeller is relatively stable under the different GVFs, while there is a large vortex near the inlet of the diffuser near the hub, and there is a backflow phenomenon between the outlet of the diffuser and the tip clearance of the impeller. The volume fraction of the gas phase near the rim fluctuates more than that near the hub because the gas phase is squeezed by the liquid phase more violently. The research results can provide theoretical guidance for the optimal design of oil-gas multiphase pump blades.