bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Characterization of Human Salivary Extracellular Vesicles as a Valuable Source of Biomarkers
Authors: Mangolini Valentina , Gualerzi Alice , Picciolini Silvia , Rodà Francesca , Del Prete Angela , Forleo Luana , Rossetto Rudy Alexander , Bedoni Marzia
Published: February 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural nanoparticles secreted under physiological and pathological conditions. Thanks to their diagnostic potential, EVs are increasingly being studied as biomarkers of a variety of diseases, including neurological disorders. To date, most studies on EV biomarkers use blood as the source, despite different disadvantages that may cause an impure isolation of the EVs. In the present article, we propose the use of saliva as a valuable source of EVs that could be studied as biomarkers in an easily accessible biofluid. Using a comparable protocol for the isolation of EVs from both liquid biopsies, salivary EVs showed greater purity in terms of co-isolates (evaluated by nanoparticle tracking analysis and Conan test). In addition, Raman spectroscopy was used for the identification of the overall biochemical composition of EVs coming from the two different biofluids. Even considering the limited amount of EVs that can be isolated from saliva, the use of Raman spectroscopy was not hampered, and it was able to provide a comprehensive characterization of EVs in a high throughput and repeatable manner. Raman spectroscopy can thus represent a turning point in the application of salivary EVs in clinics, taking advantage of the simple method of collection of the liquid biopsy and of the quick, sensitive and label-free biophotonics-based approach.
Cognitive Functions in Scuba, Technical and Saturation Diving
Authors: Sharma Rita I. , Marcinkowska Anna B. , Mankowska Natalia D. , Waśkow Monika , Kot Jacek , Winklewski Pawel J.
Published: February 2023

Scuba diving as a recreational activity is becoming increasingly popular. However, the safety of this activity, especially in the out-of-comfort zone, has been discussed worldwide. The latest publications bring conclusions regarding negative effects on cognitive functions. We compare the acute and chronic effects of diving on cognitive functioning depending on the type of dive performed, including recreational, technical and saturation diving. However, the results of research show that acute and chronic effects on cognitive functions can be negative. While acute effects are reversible after the ascent, chronic effects include white matter lesions in magnetic resonance imaging scans. We believe that more investigations should be performed to determine the chronic effects that could be observed after a few months of observations in a group of regular, intense divers. In addition, publications referring to technical divers are very limited, which is disquieting, as this particular group of divers seems to be neglected in research concerning the effects of diving on cognitive functions.
Anticancer Drugs Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide Alter the Biophysical Characteristics of Red Blood Cells, In Vitro
Authors: Skverchinskaya Elisaveta , Levdarovich Nadezhda , Ivanov Alexander , Mindukshev Igor , Bukatin Anton
Published: February 2023

Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most numerous cells in the body and perform gas exchange between all tissues. During the infusion of cancer chemotherapeutic (CT) agents, blood cells are the first ones to encounter aggressive cytostatics. Erythrocyte dysfunction caused by direct cytotoxic damage might be a part of the problem of chemotherapy-induced anemia—one of the most frequent side effects. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the functional status of RBCs exposed to mono and combinations of widely used commercial pharmaceutical CT drugs with different action mechanisms: paclitaxel, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin, in vitro. Using laser diffraction, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy, we show that paclitaxel, having a directed effect on cytoskeleton proteins, by itself and in combination with carboplatin, caused the most marked abnormalities—loss of control of volume regulation, resistance to osmotic load, and stomatocytosis. Direct simulations of RBCs’ microcirculation in microfluidic channels showed both the appearance of a subpopulation of cells with impaired velocity (slow damaged cells) and an increased number of cases of occlusions. In contrast to paclitaxel, such drugs as carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin, whose main target in cancer cells is DNA, showed significantly less cytotoxicity to erythrocytes in short-term exposure. However, the combination of drugs had an additive effect. While the obtained results should be confirmed in in vivo models, one can envisioned that such data could be used for minimizing anemia side effects during cancer chemotherapy.
Metalloproteases in Pain Generation and Persistence: A Possible Target?
Authors: Marcianò Gianmarco , Vocca Cristina , Rania Vincenzo , Citraro Rita , De Sarro Giovambattista , Gallelli Luca
Published: February 2023

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes associated with extracellular matrix protein turnover and tissue degradation. They participate to many different physiological reactions but are also hyperactivated in several diseases. Various literature studies have documented that MMPs play a role in the modulation of neuropathic and nociceptive pain. The heterogeneity of clinical and pre-clinical data is an important issue in this experimental context. Despite the presence of a good number of studies on MMP inhibitors, these drugs showed scarce efficacy and relevant side effects. In the present manuscript, we reviewed studies in the literature that define a possible role of MMPs in pain and the effects of their modulation.
Proteome-Wide Detection and Annotation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs): RTK-PRED and the TyReK Database
Authors: Filis Georgios , Baltoumas Fotis A. , Spanogiannis Georgios , Litou Zoi I. , Iconomidou Vassiliki A.
Published: February 2023

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) form a highly important group of protein receptors of the eukaryotic cell membrane. They control many vital cellular functions and are involved in the regulation of complex signaling networks. Mutations in RTKs have been associated with different types of cancers and other diseases. Although they are very important for proper cell function, they have been experimentally studied in a limited range of eukaryotic species. Currently, there is no available database for RTKs providing information about their function, expression, and interactions. Therefore, the identification of RTKs in multiple organisms, the documentation of their characteristics, and the collection of related information would be very useful. In this paper, we present a novel RTK detection pipeline (RTK-PRED) and the Receptor Tyrosine Kinases Database (TyReK-DB). RTK-PRED combines profile HMMs with transmembrane topology prediction to identify and classify potential RTKs. Proteins of all eukaryotic reference proteomes of the UniProt database were used as input in RTK-PRED leading to a filtered dataset of 20,478 RTKs. Based on the information collected for these RTKs from multiple databases, the relational TyReK database was created.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis Underlying Inherited Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Manley Andrew , Meshkat Bahar I. , Jablonski Monica M. , Hollingsworth T.J.
Published: February 2023

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are congenital retinal degenerative diseases that have various inheritance patterns, including dominant, recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial. These diseases are most often the result of defects in rod and/or cone photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium function, development, or both. The genes associated with these diseases, when mutated, produce altered protein products that have downstream effects in pathways critical to vision, including phototransduction, the visual cycle, photoreceptor development, cellular respiration, and retinal homeostasis. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of the underlying molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of IRDs by delving into many of the genes associated with IRD development, their protein products, and the pathways interrupted by genetic mutation.
Transcription of Autophagy Associated Gene Expression as Possible Predictors of a Colorectal Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Bednarczyk Martyna , Muc-Wierzgoń Małgorzata , Dzięgielewska-Gęsiak Sylwia , Fatyga Edyta , Waniczek Dariusz
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Autophagy plays a dual role in oncogenesis—it contributes to the growth of the tumor and can inhibit its development. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the transcriptional activity of LAMP-2, BECN1, PINK1, and FOXO1 genes involved in the autophagy process in histopathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma sections of colorectal cancer: (2) Methods: A gene expression profile analysis was performed using HG-U133A and the RT-qPCR reaction. The transcriptional activity of genes was compared in sections of colorectal cancer in the four clinical stages (CSI-CSIV) concerning the control group; (3) Results: In CSI, the transcriptional activity of the PINK1 gene is highest; in CS II, the LAMP-2 gene is highest, while FOXO1 increases gradually from CSI reaching a maximum in CSIII. There is no BECN1 gene expression in colorectal cancer cells; (4) Conclusions: The observed differences in the mRNA concentration profile of autophagy-related genes in colon cancer specimens may indicate the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of this cancer. Genes involved in autophagy may be diagnostic tools for colorectal cancer screening and personalized therapy in the future.
Advanced Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Biosensors for Catecholamines Detection: Challenges and Trends
Authors: Fredj Zina , Sawan Mohamad
Published: February 2023

Catecholamines, including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, are considered one of the most crucial subgroups of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS), in which they act at the brain’s highest levels of mental function and play key roles in neurological disorders. Accordingly, the analysis of such catecholamines in biological samples has shown a great interest in clinical and pharmaceutical importance toward the early diagnosis of neurological diseases such as Epilepsy, Parkinson, and Alzheimer diseases. As promising routes for the real-time monitoring of catecholamine neurotransmitters, optical and electrochemical biosensors have been widely adopted and perceived as a dramatically accelerating development in the last decade. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the recent advances and main challenges in catecholamines biosensors. Particular emphasis is given to electrochemical biosensors, reviewing their sensing mechanism and the unique characteristics brought by the emergence of nanotechnology. Based on specific biosensors’ performance metrics, multiple perspectives on the therapeutic use of nanomaterial for catecholamines analysis and future development trends are also summarized.
A SERS-Based Dual-Parameter Monitoring Nanoprobe of ROS and PI3K/Akt during Ginsenoside Rg3-Induced Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Wan Jianhui , Cheng Wendai , Xing Xinyue , He Yuting , Tang Ping , Feng Yaping , Liu Shengde , Lu Xiaoxu , Zhong Liyun
Published: February 2023

Both the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase (PI3K) protein content are two crucial parameters for characterizing states of cell apoptosis. Current methods measure these parameters with two different techniques, respectively, which usually lead to evaluation contingency. Ginsenoside Rg3 exhibits an excellent anticancer effect, which is enacted by the Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway involving ROS; however, the precise mechanism that induces cell apoptosis remains unknown. This is due to the lack of information on quantitative intracellular ROS and PI3K. Here, we used a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based boric acid nanoprobe to monitor the intracellular ROS level and phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3) content, which reflects the regulatory effect of the PI3K/Akt pathway. After treatment with ginsenoside Rg3, the PI3K/Akt content first increased and then decreased as the ROS level increased. Moreover, when the ROS level significantly increased, the mitochondrial membrane potential reduced, thus indicating the dynamic regulation effect of intracellular ROS level on the PI3K/Akt pathway. Importantly, in addition to avoiding evaluation contingency, which is caused by measuring the aforementioned parameters with two different techniques, this SERS-based dual-parameter monitoring nanoprobe provides an effective solution for simultaneous ROS level and PI3K content measurements during cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the intracellular ROS level was also able to have a dynamic regulatory effect on the PI3K/Akt pathway, which is essential for studying ROS/PI3K/Akt-pathway-related cell apoptosis and its activation mechanism.
Photoluminescence Sensing of Soluble Lead in Children’s Crayons Using Perovskite Nanocrystal In Situ Growth on an Aluminum Hydroxide Layer
Authors: Zhang Chen , Wang Shuya , Jin Jingwen , Luo Hezhou , Wang Yiru , Chen Xi
Published: February 2023

In this study, a fluorescence sensing approach for lead ion (Pb2+) was developed using in situ growth of methylamine lead bromine (MAPbBr3) perovskite on an aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) thin layer. The Al(OH)3 thin layer could be obtained on a glass slide by liquid phase deposition and is of a large specific surface area and insoluble in water. After sulfhydryl functionalization, the Al(OH)3 thin layer reveals effective adsorption and excellent enrichment ability to Pb2+ and is additionally used as the substrate for the in situ growth of lead halogen perovskite. The fluorescence sensing of Pb2+ could be realized by the fluorescence intensity of lead halogen perovskite on the Al(OH)3 layer. The linear relationship between the fluorescence intensity and the concentration of Pb2+ was found in the range from 80 to 1500 mg/kg. The detection limit of Pb2+ is found to be 40 mg/kg, which is lower than the maximum permission of lead residue in student products (90 mg/kg) stipulated by the National Standard of the People’s Republic of China (GB21027-2020). After being grinded and pre-treated, soluble lead in watercolor paint and crayon samples can be extracted by the sulfhydryl functionalization Al(OH)3 layer, then lead halogen perovskite can be generated in situ on the layer to achieve the fluorescence sensing for the determination of soluble lead in the samples.
Case Report: An Intracranial Aspergillus Infection with Cyst Formation
Authors: Pei Yu-Chun , Huang Guo-Hao , Liu Guo-Long , Xiang Yan , Yang Lin , Lv Sheng-Qing , Liu Jun
Published: February 2023

Intracranial fungal infection is a rare condition that often requires surgical intervention. In this study, we present a case of intracranial fungal infection with a space-occupying effect and a long medical history of five years. We comprehensively evaluated the medical history, symptoms, imaging manifestations, and pathological examinations of the patient to confirm this rare case of fungal infection with cyst formation. Moreover, we reviewed the literature on intracranial fungal infection, hoping to draw awareness and attention to this rare disease.
New Insights into Potential Biomarkers in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment Occurring in the Prodromal Stage of Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Hansen Niels , Bouter Caroline , Müller Sebastian Johannes , van Riesen Christoph , Khadhraoui Eya , Ernst Marielle , Riedel Christian Heiner , Wiltfang Jens , Lange Claudia
Published: February 2023

Background: Prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) can emerge with the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Standard biomarkers can help identify such patients to improve therapy and treatment strategies. Our review aims to describe the latest evidence on promising biomarkers in prodromal DLB with MCI onset (MCI-LB). Methods: We selected articles on different biomarkers in MCI-LB from PubMed and conducted a narrative review. Results: We identified potentially promising clinical biomarkers, e.g., (1) assessing autonomic symptoms specifically, (2) describing the cognitive profile in several subdomains including executive and visual functions, and (3) measuring the speed of speech. In addition, we describe the measurement of seeding amplification assays of alpha-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid as a relevant biomarker for MCI-LB. Electroencephalographic markers, as in calculating the theta/beta ratio or intermittent delta activity, or analyzing peak frequency in electroencephalography—methods also potentially useful once they have been validated in large patient cohorts. The 18F fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) technique is also discussed to investigate metabolic signatures, as well as a specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique such as for the volumetric region of interest analysis. Conclusions: These biomarker results suggest that MCI-LB is a promising field for the use of biomarkers other than established ones to diagnose early prodromal DLB. Further large-scale studies are needed to better evaluate and subsequently use these promising biomarkers in prodromal DLB.
Potential Regulation of miRNA-29 and miRNA-9 by Estrogens in Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Insightful Perspective
Authors: Ebada Mahmoud A. , Mostafa Abdalrhman , Gadallah Al-Hussein A. , Alkanj Souad , Alghamdi Badrah S. , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Abuzenadah Adel M. , Alserihi Raed F. , Wadaa-Allah Ahmed , Salama Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Finding a link between a hormone and microRNAs (miRNAs) is of great importance since it enables the adjustment of genetic composition or cellular functions without needing gene-level interventions. The dicer-mediated cleavage of precursor miRNAs is an interface link between miRNA and its regulators; any disruption in this process can affect neurogenesis. Besides, the hormonal regulation of miRNAs can occur at the molecular and cellular levels, both directly, through binding to the promoter elements of miRNAs, and indirectly, via regulation of the signaling effects of the post-transcriptional processing proteins. Estrogenic hormones have many roles in regulating miRNAs in the brain. This review discusses miRNAs, their detailed biogenesis, activities, and both the general and estrogen-dependent regulations. Additionally, we highlight the relationship between miR-29, miR-9, and estrogens in the nervous system. Such a relationship could be a possible etiological route for developing various neurodegenerative disorders.
What Is the Benefit of Ramped Pulse Shapes for Activating Auditory Cortex Neurons? An Electrophysiological Study in an Animal Model of Cochlear Implant
Authors: Partouche Elie , Adenis Victor , Stahl Pierre , Huetz Chloé , Edeline Jean-Marc
Published: February 2023

In all commercial cochlear implant (CI) devices, the activation of auditory nerve fibers is performed with rectangular pulses that have two phases of opposite polarity. Recently, several papers proposed that ramped pulse shapes could be an alternative shape for efficiently activating auditory nerve fibers. Here, we investigate whether ramped pulse shapes can activate auditory cortex (ACx) neurons in a more efficient way than the classical rectangular pulses. Guinea pigs were implanted with CI devices and responses of ACx neurons were tested with rectangular pulses and with four ramped pulse shapes, with a first-phase being either cathodic or anodic. The thresholds, i.e., the charge level necessary for obtaining significant cortical responses, were almost systematically lower with ramped pulses than with rectangular pulses. The maximal firing rate (FR) elicited by the ramped pulses was higher than with rectangular pulses. As the maximal FR occurred with lower charge levels, the dynamic range (between threshold and the maximal FR) was not modified. These effects were obtained with cathodic and anodic ramped pulses. By reducing the charge levels required to activate ACx neurons, the ramped pulse shapes should reduce charge consumption and should contribute to more battery-efficient CI devices in the future.
Family Functioning and Suicide Attempts in Mexican Adolescents
Authors: Ortiz-Sánchez Francisco Alejandro , Brambila-Tapia Aniel Jessica Leticia , Cárdenas-Fujita Luis Shigeo , Toledo-Lozano Christian Gabriel , Samudio-Cruz María Alejandra , Gómez-Díaz Benjamín , García Silvia , Rodríguez-Arellano Martha Eunice , Zamora-González Edgar Oswaldo , López-Hernández Luz Berenice
Published: February 2023

Suicide is considered a public health problem that affects families worldwide. Family functioning is the capability of the family system to fulfill needs during the stages of its development. In this study, we focused on evaluating family cohesion and adaptability in a group of adolescents who had attempted suicide and were hospitalized at a hospital for mental health disorders, compared to a control group. Methods: based on Olson’s circumplex model, we used the FACES III scale to gain insights into the family functioning of both suicidal and control groups. Results: The case group presented lower scores in cohesion and adaptability compared to the control group, with moderate effect-size for cohesion (Cohen’s d/r test = 1.217/0.52) and low effect-size for adaptability (Cohen’s d/r test = 0.746/0.35) (p < 0.001 for both variables), and also presented predominantly disengaged families (72.5% in the case group vs. 27.5% in the control group) and structured families (45% in the case group vs. 23.8% in the control group). The type of family described by the adolescents with a history of suicide attempts may explain the presence of low self-esteem and little emotional support usually present in this type of patient.
Which Dark Personality Traits Could Predict Insomnia? The Mediated Effects of Perceived Stress and Ethical Judgments
Authors: Zamani Sani Seyed Hojjat , Greco Gianpiero , Fathirezaie Zahra , Badicu Georgian , Aghdasi Mohammad Taghi , Abbaspour Kosar , Fischetti Francesco
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dark personality traits and insomnia by considering the mediated effects of perceived stress and ethical judgments. This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 464 university athlete students from individual and team sports. Dark Triad Scale (DTS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Moral Content Judgment in Sport Questionnaire (MCJSQ) were used. Significant correlation coefficients were observed between the dark personality traits and other variables. Regression analysis showed that psychopathy (about 19%) and ethical judgments (about 16%) could predict insomnia. It was shown that among dark personality traits, psychopathy along with ethical judgments could predict insomnia.
On Interpolative Meshless Analysis of Orthotropic Elasticity
Authors: Zou You-Yun , Tian Yu-Cheng , Li D. M. , Luo Xu-Bao , Liu Bin
Published: February 2023

As one possible alternative to the finite element method, the interpolation characteristic is a key property that meshless shape functions aspire to. Meanwhile, the interpolation meshless method can directly impose essential boundary conditions, which is undoubtedly an advantage over other meshless methods. In this paper, the establishment, implementation, and horizontal comparison of interpolative meshless analyses of orthotropic elasticity were studied. In addition, the radial point interpolation method, the improved interpolative element-free Galerkin method and the interpolative element-free Galerkin method based on the non-singular weight function were applied to solve orthotropic beams and ring problems. Meanwhile, the direct method is used to apply the displacement boundary conditions for orthotropic elastic problems. Finally, a detailed convergence study of the numerical parameters and horizontal comparison of numerical accuracy and efficiency were carried out. The results indicate that the three kinds of interpolative meshless methods showed good numerical accuracy in modelling orthotropic elastic problems, and the accuracy of the radial point interpolation method is the highest.
Influence of Underground Excavation Expansion on Surrounding Rock Characteristics at Intersection of Ventilation Shaft and Tunnel: A Case Study
Authors: Dong Jiachao , Wang Xin , Bai Qian , Zhao Wen
Published: February 2023

Existing railways can no longer meet transportation requirements, and it is an urgent need to expand old tunnels. However, the existence of ventilations shaft makes expansions face greater risks. This study analyzed the tangential stress change trend during the expansion process through field monitoring, and numerical simulation was used to analyze the changes in stress and displacement under different shaft depths and width–span ratios. The results show that as one approaches the tunnel face, the tangential stress in the arch foot and side wall of the J-2 and J-3 sections gradually increased, and the tangential stress in the arch foot and side wall of the J-1 section gradually decreased. The distance of the tunnel expansion’s influence on tangential stress is about 0.91 to 1.45 times the tunnel span. The largest value of vertical displacement had a linear relationship with shaft depth, and the largest value of horizontal displacement had a quadratic relationship with shaft depth. Changes in the width–span ratio only had a greater impact on the ventilation shaft section. These results can provide a reference for similar in situ expansion projects.
Overheating Risk Analysis in Long-Term Care Homes—Development of Overheating Limit Criteria
Authors: Laouadi Abdelaziz , Ji Lili , Shu Chang , Wang Liangzhu , Lacasse Michael
Published: February 2023

Climate heat waves occurring in urban centers are a serious threat to public health and wellbeing. Historically, most heat-related mortalities have arisen from excessive overheating of building interiors housing older occupants. This paper developed an approach that combines the results from building simulation and bioheat models to generate health-based limit criteria for overheating in long-term care homes (LTCHs) by which the body dehydration and core temperature of older residents are capped during overheating events. The models of the LTCHs were created for buildings representative of old and current construction practices for selected Canadian locations. The models were calibrated using measurements of indoor temperature and humidity acquired from monitoring the building interiors and the use of published building energy use intensity data. A general procedure to identify overheating events and quantify their attributes in terms of duration, intensity, and severity was developed and applied to LTCHs to generate the limit criteria. Comparing the limit criteria from the proposed and comfort-based methods showed evident differences. The proposed method predicted the overheating risk consistent with the overall thermal comfort during overheating events in contrast to the comfort-based methods. The new limit criteria are intended to be used in any study to evaluate overheating risk in similar buildings.
The Effect of the Microstructure of Diabases from Greece and Cyprus on Their Engineering Characteristics and the Mechanical Behaviour of Concrete
Authors: Petrounias Petros , Giannakopoulou Panagiota P. , Rogkala Aikaterini , Papalla Arsinoe , Giamas Vasileios , Lampropoulou Paraskevi , Koutsovitis Petros , Koukouzas Nikolaos , Hatzipanagiotou Konstantin
Published: February 2023

This article presents, for the first time, the study of diabases from various ophiolite complexes from Greece and Cyprus to identify their performance as concrete aggregates. Within this scope, in the first step, diabase samples from four selected ophiolite complexes of Greece (Veria-Naousa, Edessa and Guevgueli) and Cyprus (Troodos) were collected in order to estimate their suitability as concrete aggregates by means of their petrographic and physicochemical characteristics. In the next step, concrete specimens were prepared and their mechanical strength was measured in order to investigate their mechanical performance. Additionally, their petrographic characteristics in relation to the mechanical strength of the created concretes were investigated for the first time. Concrete specimens prepared by employing diabases from the Veria-Naousa and Guevgueli complexes as aggregates were reckoned as the most durable ones in contrast to those derived from the Edesssa complex and even more so than those from Cyprus, with the latter containing the most altered diabases (rodingitised). The overall conclusion of this research is that the engineering properties of the aggregates were dependent on their petrographic characteristics and hence they influenced the final mechanical behaviour of each produced concrete.
A New Drive-by Method for Bridge Damage Inspection Based on Characteristic Wavelet Coefficient
Authors: Zhang Tingpeng , Zhu Jin , Xiong Ziluo , Zheng Kaifeng , Wu Mengxue
Published: February 2023

The drive-by method has become a popular indirect approach for bridge damage inspection (BDI) because of its simplicity in deployment by evaluating the bridge health status solely via the vehicle dynamic response. Derived from the vehicle dynamic response, the recent proposed contact-point response involves no vibration signal with the vehicle frequency, bearing great potential for drive-by BDI. However, an appropriate methodology for the application of contact-point response in drive-by BDI remains lacking. The present study proposes a novel drive-by method, in which a new damage factor index, i.e., the characteristic wavelet coefficient (CWC), is established for bridge damage identification in an efficient and accurate manner. The CWC is obtained by analyzing the contact-point response via the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) techniques. CEEMDAN is introduced to overcome the issue of modal aliasing and pseudo-frequency. First, the general framework of the proposed drive-by BDI method is introduced. Then, a demonstration case study is carried out to examine the effectiveness of the proposed method. Subsequently, a parametric study is carried out to explore the effects of several parameters on the performance of BDI including the scale factor, vehicle speed, environmental noise, and boundary effect. The results indicate that the proposed drive-by BDI method can better eliminate the mode mixing and pseudo-frequency problems during the extraction of the CWC, compared with the traditional ensemble empirical mode decomposition method. The extracted CWC curve is smooth, convenient for damage inspection, and has strong anti-noise performance. After adding white noise with a signal-to-noise ratio of 20, a bridge girder with a damage severity of 20% can be identified successfully. In addition, the selection of the scale factor is critical for bridge damage inspection based on the extracted CWC. The effective scale factor of the CWC extracted using the proposed method has a wide range, which improves the inspection efficiency. Finally, a low vehicle speed is beneficial to alleviate the adverse effect of the boundary effect on the damage inspection of bridge girder ends.
Subzero Material Properties of Advanced High-Strength Cold-Formed Steel Alloys
Authors: Xia Yu , Blum Hannah B.
Published: February 2023

The overall temperature in high latitude regions has been rapidly increasing in recent years, creating a demand for infrastructure to support increasing human activities. Recent advances in material science have resulted in the development of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS), which are new grades of cold-formed steel (CFS) with unprecedented strength. To design safe infrastructure, the material properties of AHSS under subzero temperatures must be quantified. An experimental investigation following the steady-state test protocol was carried out to quantify the subzero temperature effects on the material properties of AHSS and conventional CFS sheets with yield strengths ranging from 395 MPa to 1200 MPa. Two types of AHSS (dual phase and martensitic) and two types of conventional CFS (mild and high-strength low-alloy) were investigated at temperatures down to −60 ∘C. The stress–strain relationship, elastic modulus, and key stresses and strains were reported from the experiments. The results show that AHSS’s material properties do not degrade but are mildly strengthened at subzero temperatures than at ambient, which indicates that AHSS is a suitable construction material for structural members in high-latitude regions. Furthermore, modeling on stress–strain relationships of AHSS and conventional CFS at subzero temperatures was developed, demonstrating excellent fits with the experiment data.
Energy-Based Prediction of the Peak and Cumulative Response of a Reinforced Concrete Building with Steel Damper Columns
Authors: Fujii Kenji , Shioda Momoka
Published: February 2023

A steel damper column is an energy-dissipating member that is suitable for reinforced concrete (RC) buildings and multistory housing. To assess the seismic performance of buildings with steel damper columns, the peak displacement of the whole building and the energy dissipation demand of the dampers must be evaluated. This article proposes an energy-based prediction procedure for the peak and cumulative response of an RC frame building with steel damper columns. The proposed procedure considers two energy-related seismic intensity parameters, namely the maximum momentary input energy and the total input energy. The peak displacement is predicted considering the energy balance during a half cycle of the structural response, using the maximum momentary input energy. The energy dissipation demand of the dampers is then predicted considering the energy balance during a whole response cycle using the total input energy. The local responses (e.g., peak drift, maximum plastic rotation of beams, maximum shear strain, and energy dissipation demand of dampers) are predicted using pushover analysis. Numerical analysis results for 8- and 16-story RC buildings show that the proposed prediction method achieves satisfactory accuracy.
Current Trends in Stone Consolidation Research: An Overview and Discussion
Authors: Sena da Fonseca B.
Published: February 2023

This work aims to reveal the recent research trends in the consolidation of stone-built heritage and discuss the advantages and drawbacks of the options and strategies followed by researchers over the last 10 years. Peer-reviewed articles were used to build a database and analyze the details of the stone samples (chemical nature, type of voids, and condition), treatment protocols (application methods and consolidation products), and testing methods to assess the strengthening results of the treatments. In addition, the reported increments in the mechanical properties were also examined to reveal the strengthening capabilities of recent consolidation treatments. The statistical treatment of the results allowed pinpointing the stone varieties that need more frequent consolidation actions (limestone, biocalcarenite, and sandstone) and the aspects that make them more difficult and riskier. Other tendencies were discussed, for example, the predominant use of sound samples over decayed samples (61% vs. 39%) or the predominant use of alkoxysilanes (~46%) over other families of consolidants (e.g., nanolime, ~21%). The current consolidation treatments were found to improve stone strength; however, the most problematic issue in state-of-the-art is the difficulty of identifying high-risk situations of over-consolidation or poor distribution in depth because of either the lack of testing or limitations of the various assessment techniques.
Correction: Hayat et al. A Superficial Intramolecular Alignment of Carbon Nitride through Conjugated Monomer for Optimized Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction. Catalysts 2021, 11, 935
Authors: Hayat Asif , Sohail Muhammad , Taha T.A. , Alenad Asma M. , Uddin Ikram , Hayat Ashiq , Ali Tariq , Shah Rahim , Irfan Ahmad , Khan Wasim Ullah , Palamanit Arkom , Al-Hadeethi Yas , Syed Jawad Ali Shah , Amin Mohammed A. , Khan Javid , Baburao Mane Sunil Kumar
Published: February 2023

In Figure 2a [...]
Photocatalytic Oxidation/Ozonation Processes
Authors: García-Araya Juan F. , Beltrán Fernando J.
Published: February 2023

Diffuse pollution and the presence in waters of so-called emerging pollutants, among others, represent a major global environmental problem [...]
Synthesis of 2-Methylpyrazine Using Crude Glycerol over Zn-Cr-O Catalyst: A Value Addition Process for the Utilization of Biodiesel By-Product
Authors: Sarkari Reema , Mandari Kotesh Kumar , Medak Sudhakar , Ramineni Kishore , Aytam Hari Padmasri , Akula Venugopal
Published: February 2023

Mixed oxides of ZnO and Cr2O3 with varied mole ratios were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for the dehydrocyclization of crude glycerol for the production of 2-methylpyrazine (2-MP). The Zn-Cr-O composition was optimized using the bulk and surface properties of the catalysts rationalized by BET-SA, XRD, XPS, H2-TPR, O2 pulse chemisorption, and Raman spectroscopic techniques to achieve a high rate of 2-MP.
Modeling and Optimization of Geraniol ((2E)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-Octadiene-l-ol) Transformation Process Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Fajdek-Bieda Anna , Perec Andrzej , Radomska-Zalas Aleksandra
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the modeling of the geraniol transformation process using response surface methodology (RSM). It uses a combination of both statistical and mathematical modeling methods to study the relationships occurring between several explanatory variables and one or more response variables. Interactions occurring between process variables are studied using statistical techniques. In this paper, the influence of the most important process parameters, such as temperature 20–110 °C, catalyst concentration (mironecuton) 1.0–5.0 (wt.%), and reaction time 0.25–2 (h), is presented. The response functions were the conversion of geraniol (GA), the selectivity of conversion to thumbergol (TH), and the selectivity of conversion to 6,11-dimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatriene-1-ol (DMC). In addition, the effects of all control parameters on each of the response parameters were presented in the form of second-order polynomials. Attempts were made to identify process conditions that would allow high values of the process function.
State of Art and Perspectives in Catalytic Ozonation for Removal of Organic Pollutants in Water: Influence of Process and Operational Parameters
Authors: Fallah Naghmeh , Bloise Ermelinda , Santoro Domenico , Mele Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

The number of organic pollutants detected in water and wastewater is continuously increasing thus causing additional concerns about their impact on public and environmental health. Therefore, catalytic processes have gained interest as they can produce radicals able to degrade recalcitrant micropollutants. Specifically, catalytic ozonation has received considerable attention due to its ability to achieve advanced treatment performances at reduced ozone doses. This study surveys and summarizes the application of catalytic ozonation in water and wastewater treatment, paying attention to both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. This review integrates bibliometric analysis using VOS viewer with systematic paper reviews, to obtain detailed summary tables where process and operational parameters relevant to catalytic ozonation are reported. New insights emerging from heterogeneous and homogenous catalytic ozonation applied to water and wastewater treatment for the removal of organic pollutants in water have emerged and are discussed in this paper. Finally, the activities of a variety of heterogeneous catalysts have been assessed using their chemical–physical parameters such as point of zero charge (PZC), pKa, and pH, which can determine the effect of the catalysts (positive or negative) on catalytic ozonation processes.
Thermocatalytic Performance of LaCo1−xNixO3−δ Perovskites in the Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Christensen Benjamin H. , Deganello Francesca , La Parola Valeria , Jørgensen Mads K. , Boffa Vittorio , Østergaard Martin B.
Published: February 2023

Perovskite-type LaCo1−xNixO3−δ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) powders were synthesized by solution combustion synthesis. The crystal structure, morphology, texture, and surface were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction combined with Rietveld refinement, scanning electron microscopy, N2-adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and zeta-potential analysis. The thermocatalytic properties of the perovskites were investigated by UV–Vis spectroscopy through degradation of rhodamine B in the temperature range 25–60 °C. For the first time, this perovskite system was proven to catalyze the degradation of a water pollutant, as the degradation of rhodamine B occurred within 60 min at 25 °C. It was found that undoped LaCoO3−δ is the fastest to degrade rhodamine B, despite exhibiting the largest energy band gap (1.90 eV) and very small surface area (3.31 m2 g−1). Among the Ni-doped samples, the catalytic performance is balanced between two main contrasting factors, the positive effect of the increase in the surface area (maximum of 12.87 m2 g−1 for 80 mol% Ni) and the negative effect of the Co(III) stabilization in the structure (78% in LaCoO3 and 89–90% in the Ni-containing ones). Thus, the Co(II)/Co(III) redox couple is the key parameter in the dark ambient degradation of rhodamine B using cobaltite perovskites.
Astrocytosis, Inflammation, Axonal Damage and Myelin Impairment in the Internal Capsule following Striatal Ischemic Injury
Authors: Freire Marco Aurelio M. , Lima Rafael Rodrigues , Bittencourt Leonardo Oliveira , Guimaraes Joanilson S. , Falcao Daniel , Gomes-Leal Walace
Published: February 2023

Secondary degeneration is defined as a set of destructive events that damage cells and structures that were initially spared or only peripherally affected by the primary insult, constituting a key factor for functional impairment after traumatic brain injury or stroke. In the present study, we evaluated the patterns of astrocytosis, inflammatory response, axonal damage and oligodendrocytes/myelin impairment in the internal capsule following a focal injection of endothelin-1 (ET-1) into the dorsal striatum. Animals were perfused at 1, 3 and 7 post-lesion days (PLD), and tissue was processed to immunohistochemistry for neutrophils (MBS1), macrophages/microglia (ED1), astrocytes (GFAP), axonal lesion (βAPP), oligodendrocytes (Tau) and myelin (MBP). A significant number of neutrophils was observed at 1PLD, followed by intense recruitment/activation of macrophages/microglia at 3PLD and astrocytic reaction with a peak at 7PLD. Oligodendrocyte damage was pronounced at 3PLD, remaining at 7PLD. Progressive myelin impairment was observed, with reduction of immunoreactivity at 7PLD. Axonal lesion was also identified, mainly at 7PLD. Our results indicate that acute inflammatory response elicited by the ischemic insult in the striatum can be associated with the axonal impairment and damage of both oligodendrocytes and myelin sheath identified in the internal capsule, which may be related to loss of tissue functionality observed in secondary degeneration.
The Controversial Role of Intestinal Mast Cells in Colon Cancer
Authors: Molfetta Rosa , Paolini Rossella
Published: February 2023

Mast cells are tissue-resident sentinels involved in large number of physiological and pathological processes, such as infection and allergic response, thanks to the expression of a wide array of receptors. Mast cells are also frequently observed in a tumor microenvironment, suggesting their contribution in the transition from chronic inflammation to cancer. In particular, the link between inflammation and colorectal cancer development is becoming increasingly clear. It has long been recognized that patients with inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Evidence from experimental animals also implicates the innate immune system in the development of sporadically occurring intestinal adenomas, the precursors to colorectal cancer. However, the exact role of mast cells in tumor initiation and growth remains controversial: mast cell-derived mediators can either exert pro-tumorigenic functions, causing the progression and spread of the tumor, or anti-tumorigenic functions, limiting the tumor’s growth. Here, we review the multifaceted and often contrasting findings regarding the role of the intestinal mast cells in colon cancer progression focusing on the molecular pathways mainly involved in the regulation of mast cell plasticity/functions during tumor progression.
Voltage-Gated T-Type Calcium Channel Modulation by Kinases and Phosphatases: The Old Ones, the New Ones, and the Missing Ones
Authors: Sharma Ankush , Rahman Ghazala , Gorelik Julia , Bhargava Anamika
Published: February 2023

Calcium (Ca2+) can regulate a wide variety of cellular fates, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy. More importantly, changes in the intracellular Ca2+ level can modulate signaling pathways that control a broad range of physiological as well as pathological cellular events, including those important to cellular excitability, cell cycle, gene-transcription, contraction, cancer progression, etc. Not only intracellular Ca2+ level but the distribution of Ca2+ in the intracellular compartments is also a highly regulated process. For this Ca2+ homeostasis, numerous Ca2+ chelating, storage, and transport mechanisms are required. There are also specialized proteins that are responsible for buffering and transport of Ca2+. T-type Ca2+ channels (TTCCs) are one of those specialized proteins which play a key role in the signal transduction of many excitable and non-excitable cell types. TTCCs are low-voltage activated channels that belong to the family of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Over decades, multiple kinases and phosphatases have been shown to modulate the activity of TTCCs, thus playing an indirect role in maintaining cellular physiology. In this review, we provide information on the kinase and phosphatase modulation of TTCC isoforms Cav3.1, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3, which are mostly described for roles unrelated to cellular excitability. We also describe possible potential modulations that are yet to be explored. For example, both mitogen-activated protein kinase and citron kinase show affinity for different TTCC isoforms; however, the effect of such interaction on TTCC current/kinetics has not been studied yet.