bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Salvage Surgery on Health-Related Quality of Life in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Multi-Center Study
Authors: Zittel Sven , Moratin Julius , Awounvo Sinclair , Rückschloß Thomas , Freier Kolja , Ristow Oliver , Engel Michael , Hoffmann Jürgen , Freudlsperger Christian , Horn Dominik
Published: October 2023

Background: Patients with recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have limited treatment options. Salvage surgery offers potential curative therapy. The need for extensive ablative surgery together with microvascular reconstruction implies invasive and painful treatment with questionable functional outcome. To address the impact of salvage surgery on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients suffering from recurrent OSCC, a multi-center prospective analysis was initiated. Material and Methods: Patients with recurrent OSCC from 2015 to 2022 at two German cancer centers were included. Interdisciplinary tumor board decisions determined surgery as the only curative treatment modality. HRQoL, was assessed via a EORTC questionnaire (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer—EORTC: QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35) in dependence of the recurrent tumor stage. Patients completed the questionnaires once before surgery (baseline) and then every 3 months during follow-up or up to the end of treatment. Results: In total, 55 patients were included. The mean follow-up period was 26.7 ± 19.3 months. Global health status showed superior mean scores after 12 months (60.83 ± 22.58) compared to baseline (53.33 ± 26.41) in stage 1 and 2 recurrent tumors. In advanced recurrent tumors’ mean scores for global health showed only minor positive differences after 12 months (55.13 ± 22.7) compared to baseline (53.2 ± 25.58). In terms of the mouth pain, mean scores were lower after salvage surgery in small recurrent tumors after 12 months (20.37 ± 17.73) compared to baseline (41.67 ± 33.07; Wilcoxon two-sample signed-rank test p = 0.028). In advanced recurrent tumors, a significant reduction in mean scores was detected 3 months after salvage surgery (29.7 ± 22.94) compared to baseline (47.76 ± 25.77; Wilcoxon two-sample signed-rank test p = 0.003). Up to 12 months, swallowing function was evaluated inferior compared to baseline independent of tumor stage (Mean score recurrent stage I/II: 12-months 48.15 ± 27.57, baseline 28.7 ± 22.87; stage III/IV: 12-months 49.36.42 ± 27.53; baseline 30.13 ± 26.25). Conclusion: Improved HRQoL could be obtained in advanced recurrent OSCC after salvage surgery despite reduced swallowing function. In small recurrent tumors, overall, HRQoL was superior to baseline. Salvage surgery positively affected pain burden. For advanced recurrent tumors, important pain relieve could be observed as soon as 3 months after surgery.
Optimization of Tailor-Made Natural- and Synthetic-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy-Based Composites for Lightweight Structural Applications
Authors: Tadesse Meseret , Sinha Devendra Kumar , Gutu Jiru Moera , Jameel Mohammed , Hossain Nazia , Jha Pushkar , Gupta Gaurav , Zainuddin Shaik , Ahmed Gulam Mohammed Sayeed
Published: October 2023

Natural and synthetic fibers offer a multitude of advantages within the automotive sector, primarily due to their lightweight properties, including appealing characteristics such as adequate mechanical strength, low density, improved acoustic–thermal insulation, cost-effectiveness, and ready availability. In this study, we aimed to strengthen epoxy-based composites with natural and synthetic fibers using bamboo and glass, respectively. Additionally, the reinforcement processing of this hybrid composite material was optimized using a Taguchi L9 (nine experimental runs) orthogonal array design with linear modeling through the Design of Experiment (DoE) principles. The fibers were alkali-treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and the composites were manufactured through the hand lay-up process at ambient temperature and characterized comprehensively using ASTM standard methods. The experimental results of the bamboo–glass fiber composite materials presented a significantly high tensile strength of 232.1 MPa and an optimum flexural strength of 536.33 MPa. Based on the overall Taguchi and linear modeling analysis, the NaOH treatment, fiber content, and epoxy resin concentration were optimized. These findings reveal that the ideal combination consists of 20% fiber content, 8% NaOH treatment, and 65% epoxy resin concentration. The statistical method Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to confirm the significance of these factors. The integration of the amount (%) of bamboo fiber used played a pivotal role in influencing the mechanical properties of this hybrid composite. Overall, this study demonstrates that the reinforcement of natural fiber with polymeric material composites on epoxy enhanced the composite characteristics and quality. Therefore, this bamboo–glass–epoxy-based composite can be recommended for lightweight structural applications, especially in the automotive sector, in the future.
Assessment of Inflation Schemes on Parameter Estimation and Their Application in ENSO Prediction in an OSSE Framework
Authors: Gao Yanqiu
Published: October 2023

The ensemble Kalman filter is often used in parameter estimation, which plays an essential role in reducing model errors. However, filter divergence is often encountered in an estimation process, resulting in the convergence of parameters to the improper value and finally in parameter estimation failure. To alleviate this degeneration, various covariance inflation schemes have been proposed. In this study, I examined six currently used inflation schemes: fixed inflation, conditional covariance inflation, modified estimated parameter ensemble spread, relaxation-to-prior perturbations, relaxation-to-prior spread, and new conditional covariance inflation. The six schemes were thoroughly explored using the Zebiak–Cane model and the local ensemble transform Kalman filter in the observing system simulation experiment framework. Emphasis was placed on the comparison of these schemes when it came to estimating single and multiple parameters in terms of oceanic analyses and resultant El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) predictions. The results showed that the new conditional covariance inflation scheme had the best results in terms of the estimated parameters, resultant state analyses, and ENSO predictions. In addition, the results suggested that better parameter estimation yields better state simulations, resulting in improved predictions. Overall, this study provides viable information for selecting inflation schemes for parameter estimation, offering theoretical guidance for constructing operational assimilation systems.
Suspended Sediment Concentration and Fluxes in the High-Turbidity Zone in the Macro-Tidal Hangzhou Bay
Authors: Chen Xin , Shen Hui , Yuan Jinxiong , Li Li
Published: October 2023

The turbidity maximum zone (TMZ) plays an important role in the morphology and ecosystems of estuaries. The distributions of TMZ in Hangzhou Bay (HZB) and mechanisms of sediment fluxes in TMZ have been studied by applying a fully calibrated three-dimensional baroclinic model that considers salinity, high turbidity, sediment flocculation, and density coupling between water and sediment. Based on the method of SSC thresholds, the TMZ is mainly distributed from YG (Yanguan, toponymy in HZB) to ZP (Zhapu, toponymy in HZB). S1 and S2 are the cross-sections within the TMZ. Along the estuary, there is an ascending-to-descending trend observed in the monthly averaged bed current shear stress, while the monthly averaged density displays a descending-to-ascending pattern. The orientation of the monthly averaged surface fluxes of suspended sediment within the TMZ shows a clockwise circular pattern. Moreover, the net flux of suspended sediment along the estuary at section S1 is seaward, while at the section S2, it is landward. The high bottom stress and the sediment fluxes facilitate the retention, deposition, and enrichment of sediment within the TMZ. The suspended sediment fluxes at the two cross-sections was primarily influenced by Eulerian transport, Stokes transport, and tidal pumping transport. At cross-section S1, the sediment transport is dominated by tidal pumping. At cross-section S2, advective transport controls the sediment transportation near the deep northern bank; while near the southern bank of cross-section S2, tidal pumping is still the dominant factor. The outcome of this study provides a foundation for TMZ research in similar macro-tidal turbid estuaries around the world.
The Pathogenic Yeast Metschnikowia bicuspidata var. bicuspidata in the Aquacultured Ecosystem and Its Biocontrol
Authors: Hansali Khalef , Zhang Zhao-Rui , Liu Guang-Lei , Chi Zhe , Chi Zhen-Ming
Published: October 2023

M. bicuspidata var. bicuspidata is a pathogenic yeast which can affect aquacultured and marine-cultured animals such as brine shrimp, ridgetail white prawn, chinook salmon, giant freshwater prawn, the Chinese mitten crab, marine crab, the mud crab, the mangrove land crab, the Chinese grass shrimp, sea urchins, sea urchins, Daphnia dentifera and even snails, causing a milky disease, and it has caused big economic losses in aquacultural and marine-cultural industries in the past. However, the detailed mechanisms and the reasons for the milky disease in the diseased aquatic animals are still completely unknown. So far, only some antimycotics, killer toxins and Massoia lactone haven been found to be able to actively control and kill its growth. The ecofriendly, green and renewable killer toxins and Massoia lactone have high potential for application in controlling the milky disease.
Sox2 and βIII-Tubulin as Biomarkers of Drug Resistance in Poorly Differentiated Sinonasal Carcinomas
Authors: López Luis , Fernández-Vañes Laura , Cabal Virginia N. , García-Marín Rocío , Suárez-Fernández Laura , Codina-Martínez Helena , Lorenzo-Guerra Sara L. , Vivanco Blanca , Blanco-Lorenzo Verónica , Llorente José L. , López Fernando , Hermsen Mario A.
Published: October 2023

Poorly differentiated sinonasal carcinomas (PDCs) are tumors that have a poor prognosis despite advances in classical treatment. Predictive and prognostic markers and new personalized treatments could improve the oncological outcomes of patients. In this study, we analyzed SOX2 and βIII-tubulin as biomarkers that could have prognostic and therapeutic impacts on these tumors. The cohort included 57 cases of PDCs: 36 sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) cases, 13 olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) cases, and 8 sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) cases. Clinical follow-up data were available for 26 of these cases. Sox2 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry in 6 (75%) SNEC cases, 19 (53%) SNUC cases, and 6 (46%) ONB cases. The absence of Sox2 staining correlated with a higher rate of recurrence (p = 0.015), especially distant recurrence. The majority of cases showed βIII-tubulin expression, with strong positivity in 85%, 75%, and 64% of SNEC, ONB, and SNUC cases, respectively. Tumors with stronger βIII-tubulin expression demonstrated longer disease-free survival than those with no expression or low expression (p = 0.049). Sox2 and βIII-tubulin expression is common in poorly differentiated sinonasal tumors and has prognostic and therapeutic utility.
Comprehensive Land Consolidation Zoning Based on Minimum Cumulative Resistance Model—A Case Study of Chongqing, Southwest China
Authors: Luo Linzhong , Yang Chaoxian , Chen Rongrong , Liu Weiping
Published: October 2023

Comprehensive land consolidation (CLC) has become an effective tool for promoting the coordinated development of production, living, and ecological spaces (PLES) in rural China. Given the remarkable territorial differentiation, planning strategies that are geared towards local conditions are indispensable for implementing CLC projects. This study employs the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model to simulate the horizontal competition among PLES in Chongqing. The suitability evaluation index system for PLES was developed using natural ecological data, socio-economic data, and land use data from Chongqing Municipality. The results show that: (1) Based on the principles of productivity, livability, and sustainability, the suitability of PLES in Chongqing is classified into highly suitable, moderately suitable, generally suitable, unsuitable, and extremely unsuitable areas. The spatial distribution of suitability across different levels in Chongqing exhibits certain degrees of overlap, intersection, and clustering. (2) Based on the different resistance relationships, 1031 townships in Chongqing were divided into seven types of CLC areas. The northeastern and southeastern regions of Chongqing Municipality exhibit distinct ecological and functional advantages, whereas the northern and western parts of the city are characterized by greater multifunctionality. (3) Tailored CLC measures are suggested for various suitability scenarios, aligning with local conditions and planned developments. The MCR model and PLES theory integrated zoning methods for CLC are practicable and effective, providing a scientific foundation for the construction of land consolidation plans in Chongqing and important references for regional sustainable development.
Empowering Chinese Language Learners from Low-Income Families to Improve Their Chinese Writing with ChatGPT’s Assistance Afterschool
Authors: Li Xiaying , Li Belle , Cho Su-Je
Published: October 2023

ChatGPT is a state-of-the-art generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot released by OpenAI in 2022. It simulates human conversation and has the capability to generate different texts at various levels of sophistication in near real time depending upon the user’s skill in creating prompts. While concerns have been raised about academic dishonesty and cheating among students, ChatGPT has significant academic potential for education, particularly in the field of language learning. This research explores the potential of ChatGPT in supporting and empowering Chinese language learners (CLLs) whose first language is English to enhance their writing skills, mainly focusing on the research question: Is there a functional relation between Chinese language learners from low‐income families using ChatGPT after school twice a week and improvements in their Chinese writing? Four participants with varying language proficiency levels were recruited, and their data were analyzed using an ABA design. Over three weeks, they utilized ChatGPT twice a week for approximately 20 min each after school. The students’ writing scores, writing samples, and learning reflections were used to triangulate the data and enhance the data’s trustworthiness. The findings indicate that (1) each participant made a noticeable improvement in their Chinese writing scores during the intervention and reversal phases; (2) ChatGPT played a crucial role in correcting errors and facilitating the development of complete sentence structures; and (3) the students expressed a sense of empowerment through their interactions with ChatGPT. These findings highlight that ChatGPT shows promise as a supportive tool for CLLs from low-income families, reducing educational inequality and promoting equitable access to language learning opportunities.
Statistical Approaches to Identify Pairwise and High-Order Brain Functional Connectivity Signatures on a Single-Subject Basis
Authors: Sparacino Laura , Faes Luca , Mijatović Gorana , Parla Giuseppe , Lo Re Vincenzina , Miraglia Roberto , de Ville de Goyet Jean , Sparacia Gianvincenzo
Published: October 2023

Keeping up with the shift towards personalized neuroscience essentially requires the derivation of meaningful insights from individual brain signal recordings by analyzing the descriptive indexes of physio-pathological states through statistical methods that prioritize subject-specific differences under varying experimental conditions. Within this framework, the current study presents a methodology for assessing the value of the single-subject fingerprints of brain functional connectivity, assessed both by standard pairwise and novel high-order measures. Functional connectivity networks, which investigate the inter-relationships between pairs of brain regions, have long been a valuable tool for modeling the brain as a complex system. However, their usefulness is limited by their inability to detect high-order dependencies beyond pairwise correlations. In this study, by leveraging multivariate information theory, we confirm recent evidence suggesting that the brain contains a plethora of high-order, synergistic subsystems that would go unnoticed using a pairwise graph structure. The significance and variations across different conditions of functional pairwise and high-order interactions (HOIs) between groups of brain signals are statistically verified on an individual level through the utilization of surrogate and bootstrap data analyses. The approach is illustrated on the single-subject recordings of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rest-fMRI) signals acquired using a pediatric patient with hepatic encephalopathy associated with a portosystemic shunt and undergoing liver vascular shunt correction. Our results show that (i) the proposed single-subject analysis may have remarkable clinical relevance for subject-specific investigations and treatment planning, and (ii) the possibility of investigating brain connectivity and its post-treatment functional developments at a high-order level may be essential to fully capture the complexity and modalities of the recovery.
A General Approximate Solution for the Slightly Non-Axisymmetric Normal Contact Problem of Layered and Graded Elastic Materials
Authors: Forsbach Fabian , Willert Emanuel
Published: October 2023

We present a general approximate analytical solution for the normal contact of layered and functionally graded elastic materials for almost axisymmetric contact profiles. The solution only requires knowledge of the corresponding contact solution for indentation using a rigid cylindrical flat punch. It is based on the generalizations of Barber’s maximum normal force principle and Fabrikant’s approximation for the pressure distribution under an arbitrary flat punch in an inhomogeneous case. Executing an asymptotic procedure suggested recently for almost axisymmetric contacts of homogeneous elastic media results in a simple approximate solution to the inhomogeneous problem. The contact of elliptical paraboloids and indentation using a rigid pyramid with a square planform are considered in detail. For these problems, we compare our results to rigorous numerical solutions for a general (bonded or unbonded) single elastic layer based on the boundary element method. All comparisons show the quality and applicability of the suggested approximate solution. Based on our results, any compact axisymmetric or almost axisymmetric contact problem of layered or functionally graded elastic materials can be reduced asymptotically to the problem of indenting the material using a rigid cylindrical flat punch. The procedure can be used for different problems in tribology, e.g., within the framework of indentation testing or as a tool for the analysis of local features on a rough surface.
Structure and Properties of High-Entropy Boride Ceramics Synthesized by Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Razumov Nikolay , Makhmutov Tagir , Kim Artem , Popovich Anatoliy
Published: October 2023

This manuscript shows the study of the structure, mechanical, and chemical properties of high-entropy borides MeB2 (Me = Ti, Ta, Nb, Hf, Zr). High-entropy borides were synthesized by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. A chemically homogeneous powder with a low iron content (0.12%) was obtained in a planetary mill by rotating the planetary disk/pots at 200–400 rpm and a processing time of 7.5 h. The structure, mechanical, and chemical properties of the resulting high-entropy borides have been studied. A single-phase hexagonal structure is formed during spark plasma sintering of mechanically alloyed powders at 2000 °C. The microhardness of the samples ranged from 1763 to 1959 HV. Gas-dynamic tests of the synthesized materials showed that an increase in the content of Zr and Hf in the composition increases the thermal-oxidative resistance of the material.
Benchmarking Standard and Micromechanical Models for Creep and Shrinkage of Concrete Relevant for Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Šmilauer Vít , Dohnalová Lenka , Jirásek Milan , Sanahuja Julien , Seetharam Suresh , Babaei Saeid
Published: October 2023

The creep and shrinkage of concrete play important roles for many nuclear power plant (NPP) and engineering structures. This paper benchmarks the standard and micromechanical models using a revamped and appended Northwestern University database of laboratory creep and shrinkage data with 4663 data sets. The benchmarking takes into account relevant concretes and conditions for NPPs using 781 plausible data sets and 1417 problematic data sets, which cover together 47% of the experimental data sets in the database. The B3, B4, and EC2 models were compared using the coefficient of variation of error (CoV) adjusted for the same significance for short-term and long-term measurements. The B4 model shows the lowest variations for autogenous shrinkage and basic and total creep, while the EC2 model performs slightly better for drying and total shrinkage. In addition, confidence levels at 5, 10, 90, and 95% are quantified in every decade. Two micromechanical models, Vi(CA)2T and SCK CEN, use continuum micromechanics for the mean field homogenization and thermodynamics of the water–pore structure interaction. Validations are carried out for the 28-day Young’s modulus of concrete, basic creep compliance, and drying shrinkage of paste and concrete. The Vi(CA)2T model is the second best model for the 28-day Young’s modulus and the basic creep problematic data sets. The SCK CEN micromechanical model provides good prediction for drying shrinkage.
Preparation of MXene/BN Composites with Adjustable Microwave Absorption Performance
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Wen Haoliang , Gou Yaping , Zhao Yun , Zhang Zhiqiang , Qiao Yali
Published: October 2023

The challenge of developing a high-efficiency microwave absorbent remains, because of the compatibility between microwave absorption and high-temperature-resistant performance in practical application. Herein, a facile method is used to obtain serial MXene/BN-zxy composites, where zx:y indicates the weight ratio of MXene and boron nitride (BN) in the composites, with adjustable microwave absorption performance (MAP) which can be regulated by the ratio of MXene and the BN nanosheet. In particular, the as-prepared absorbents with supercapacitance-like structure significantly enhanced the MAP and could be served more than 900 °C. The results of MAP reveal that the minimum reflection loss (RL) can reach −20.94 dB with a MXene/BN-101 composite coating thickness of 4.0 mm; the effective attenuation bandwidth (RL< −10 dB, i.e., 90% microwave energy is attenuated) is up to 9.71 GHz (7.94–17.65 GHz). From a detailed analysis, it is observed that attenuation is the critical limiting factor for MAPs rather than impedance mismatch, which can be assigned to the poor MAP of BN nanosheets. In any case, as-prepared absorbents have potential applications in the field of heating components.
Influence of Rotation Speed and Gas Content on the Transient Gas–Liquid Two-Phase Flow of an Electric Submersible Pump
Authors: Sun Deqing , Xiao Zhongmin , Feng Ziming , Yuan Heng , Cui Wei
Published: October 2023

In order to study the internal flow characteristics of the electric submersible pump (ESP) when the gas–liquid two-phase flow is conveyed by the variable frequency variable speed operation and the change of the imported gas content, the impeller of the Q10# ESP is taken as the research object, based on the Eulerian-Eulerian non-homogeneous phase. The flow model, the unsteady Reynolds time-averaged N-S equation, and the standard k-ε turbulence model are used for transient simulation calculations of the gas–liquid two-phase flow in the impeller of the ESP. Calculations show that with the rotation of the impeller, the gas phase is unevenly distributed in the flow channel. The gas phase is mainly concentrated on the inlet side of the flow channel near the front cover, and the gas phase exhibits periodic aggregation and diffusion in the flow channel. When the impeller speed increases, the period of periodic accumulation and diffusion of gas in the flow channel is shortened and the gas concentration in the impeller decreases, the overall flow velocity in the flow channel increases, and the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet increases. The pressure difference between the two sides of the blade is proportional to the speed of the impeller, and the fluctuation frequency of the blade surface also increases. As the gas content increases, the maximum concentration of gas phase in the flow channel increases. The area occupied by the high concentration of gas phase in the flow channel expands toward the blade’s working surface, and periodically accumulates, diffuses, and grows. The gas-liquid splitting area shrinks toward the front cover side and the pump. The internal pressure increases slightly, the main flow velocity increases, and the vortex action range increases.
Identification of the Biosynthetic Gene Cluster of New Piperazic Acid-Containing Lipopeptides with Cytotoxic Activity in the Genome of Marine Streptomyces PHM034
Authors: Ceniceros Ana , Cañedo Librada , Méndez Carmen , Olano Carlos , Schleissner Carmen , Cuevas Carmen , Calle Fernando de la , Salas José A.
Published: October 2023

Three novel lipopeptides, PM130391 (1), PM130392 (2), and PM140293 (3) were obtained from cultures of Streptomyces tuirus PHM034 isolated from a marine sediment. Structural elucidation of the three compounds showed they belong to the nonribosomal peptides family, and they all contain an acylated alanine, three piperazic acids, a methylated glycine, and an N-hydroxylated alanine. The difference between the three compounds resides in the acyl chain bound to the alanine residue. All three compounds showed cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines. Genome sequence and bioinformatics analysis allowed the identification of the gene cluster responsible for the biosynthesis. Inactivation of a nonribosomal peptide synthase of this cluster abolished the biosynthesis of the three compounds, thus demonstrating the involvement of this cluster in the biosynthesis of these lipopeptides.
Model-Based Feedback Control for an Automated Micro Liquid Dispensing System Based on Contacting Droplet Generation through Image Sensing
Authors: Qian Qing , Xu Wenchang , Tian Haoran , Cheng Wenbo , Zhou Lianqun , Wang Jishuai
Published: October 2023

Over the past few decades, micro liquid dispensing technology has been widely used in biology, chemistry, material and environmental sciences due to its efficacy in processing multiple samples. For practical applications, precise and effective droplet generation is very important. Despite numerous droplet generation methods, the implementation of droplet-on-demand still faces challenges concerning system complexity, precision, cost, and robustness. In this work, a novel on-demand contacting droplet generation method incorporated with model-based feedback control with an image processing unit as a sensor was proposed. By studying droplet identification using image processing techniques, the model of droplet formation was simplified. Then model-based feedback control was implemented using volumes of dispensed samples as sensing signals by tuning related parameters adaptively to resist disturbances. The proposed method was integrated and applied to a homebuilt automated micro liquid dispensing system with droplets ranging from 20 nanoliter to 200 nanoliter. The experimental results demonstrated a high degree of accuracy and precision. Additionally, the proposed system’s practical utility was evaluated by analyzing mutations in genes associated with sensorineural hearing loss, verifying its effectiveness.
The Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bl-04 on Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Authors: Zabel Bryan , Mäkelä Sanna M. , Nedveck Derek , Hibberd Ashley A. , Yeung Nicolas , Latvala Sinikka , Lehtoranta Liisa , Junnila Jouni , Walters Kevin B. , Morovic Wesley , Lehtinen Markus J.
Published: October 2023

Influenza A virus infection is a major global disease requiring annual vaccination. Clinical studies indicate that certain probiotics may support immune function against influenza and other respiratory viruses, but direct molecular evidence is scarce. Here, mice were treated with a placebo or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bl-04 (Bl-04) orally via food (cereal) and also by gavage and exposed to Influenza A virus H1N1 (H1N1). The symptoms of the infection were observed, and tissues and digesta were collected for viral load RT-qPCR, transcriptomics, and microbiomics. The treatment decreased the viral load by 48% at day 3 post-infection in lungs and symptoms of infection at day 4 compared to placebo. Tissue transcriptomics showed differences between the Bl-04 and placebo groups in the genes in the Influenza A pathway in the intestine, blood, and lungs prior to and post-infection, but the results were inconclusive. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene profiling and qPCR showed the presence of Bl-04 in the intestine, but without major shifts in the microbiome. In conclusion, Bl-04 treatment may influence the host response against H1N1 in a murine challenge model; however, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of action.
China Medicinal Plants of the Ampelopsis grossedentata—A Review of Their Botanical Characteristics, Use, Phytochemistry, Active Pharmacological Components, and Toxicology
Authors: Wu Rong-Rong , Li Xiang , Cao Yu-Hang , Peng Xiong , Liu Gao-Feng , Liu Zi-Kui , Yang Zi , Liu Zhao-Ying , Wu Yong
Published: October 2023

Ampelopsis grossedentata (AG) is mainly distributed in Chinese provinces and areas south of the Yangtze River Basin. It is mostly concentrated or scattered in mountainous bushes or woods with high humidity. Approximately 57 chemical components of AG have been identified, including flavonoids, phenols, steroids and terpenoids, volatile components, and other chemical components. In vitro studies have shown that the flavone of AG has therapeutic properties such as anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, enhancing immunity, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, being hepatoprotective, and being anti-tumor with no toxicity. Through searching and combing the related literature, this paper comprehensively and systematically summarizes the research progress of AG, including morphology, traditional and modern uses, chemical composition and structure, and pharmacological and toxicological effects, with a view to providing references for AG-related research.
Mechanistic Study on Steric Activity Interplay of Olefin/Polar Monomers for Industrially Selective Late Transition Metal Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Mehmood Andleeb , Mahmood Ayyaz , AlMasoud Najla , Hassan Arzoo , Alomar Taghrid S. , El-Bahy Zeinhom M. , Raza Nadeem , Tian Xiaoqing , Ullah Naeem
Published: October 2023

A significant issue in developing metal-catalyzed plastic polymer materials is obtaining distinctive catalytic characteristics to compete with current plastics in industrial commodities. We performed first-principle DFT calculations on the key insertion steps for industrially important monomers, vinyl fluoride (VF) and 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (TFP), to explain how the ligand substitution patterns affect the complex’s polymerization behaviors. Our results indicate that the favorable 2,1-insertion of TFP is caused by less deformation in the catalyst moiety of the complexes in contrast to the 1,2-insertion mode. In contrast to the VF monomer, the additional interaction between the fluorine atoms of 3,3,3-trifluoropropene and the carbons of the catalyst ligands also contributed to favor the 2,1-insertion. It was found that the regioselectivity of the monomer was predominated by the progressive alteration of the catalytic geometry caused by small dihedral angles that were developed after the ligand–monomer interaction. Based on the distribution of the 1,2- and 2,1-insertion products, the activity and selectivity were influenced by the steric environment surrounding the palladium center; thus, an increased steric bulk visibly improved the selectivity of the bulkier polar monomer (TFP) during the copolymerization mechanism. In contrast, better activity was maintained through a sterically less hindered Pd metal center; the calculated moderate energy barriers showed that a catalyst with less steric hindrance might provide an opportunity for a wide range of prospective industrial applications.
In Vitro and In Silico Activities of E. radiata and E. cinerea as an Enhancer of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Elkolli Hayet , Elkolli Meriem , Ataya Farid S. , Salem-Bekhit Mounir M. , Zahrani Sami Al , Abdelmageed Mostafa W. M. , Ernst Barbara , Benguerba Yacine
Published: October 2023

Eucalyptus, a therapeutic plant mentioned in the ancient Algerian pharmacopeia, specifically two species belonging to the Myrtaceae family, E. radiata and E. cinerea, were investigated in this study for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The study used aqueous extracts (AE) obtained from these plants, and the extraction yields were found to be different. The in vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated using a disc diffusion assay against three typical bacterial strains. The results showed that the two extracts were effective against all three strains. Both extracts displayed significant antioxidant activity compared to BHT. The anti-inflammatory impact was evaluated using a protein (BSA) inhibition denaturation test. The E. radiata extract was found to inhibit inflammation by 85% at a concentration of 250 µg/mL, significantly higher than the Aspirin. All phytoconstituents present good pharmacokinetic characteristics without toxicity except very slight toxicity of terpineol and cineol and a maximum binding energy of −7.53 kcal/mol for its anti-TyrRS activity in silico. The study suggests that the extracts and their primary phytochemicals could enhance the efficacy of antibiotics, antioxidants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As pharmaceutical engineering experts, we believe this research contributes to developing natural-based drugs with potential therapeutic benefits.
Effects of the Complex of Panicum miliaceum Extract and Triticum aestivum Extract on Hair Condition
Authors: Choi Nahyun , Kim Ki Cheon , Jeong Pan-Young , Kim Bumsik
Published: October 2023

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) have been used as major crops in multiple regions since ancient times, and they contain various nutrients that can affect human hair health. This study investigated the various biological effects of a complex of millet extract and wheat extract (MWC) on hair health. Human immortalized dermal papilla cells (iDPCs) for an in vitro study and an anagen-synchronized mouse model for an in vivo study were employed. These findings revealed that the application of the MWC in vitro led to an increase in the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and SOD1), growth factors (IGF-1, VEGF, and FGF7), and factors related to hair growth (wnt10b, β-catenin) while decreasing inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels (IL-6 and TNFα). The mRNA levels of hair follicles (HFs) in the dorsal skin of the mouse model in the early and late telogen phases were also measured. The mRNA levels in the in vivo study showed a similar alteration tendency as in the in vitro study in the early and late telogen phases. In this model, MWC treatment elongated the anagen phase of the hair cycle. These findings indicate that the MWC can suppress oxidative stress and inflammation and may elongate the anagen phase by enhancing the growth factors involved in the wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study suggests that the MWC might have significant potential as a functional food for maintaining hair health.
Diet Traps during Eating Disorders among Dentate Patients at an Oral Health Glance
Authors: Paszynska Elzbieta , Hernik Amadeusz , Rangé Hélène , Amaechi Bennett T. , Gross Georgiana S. , Pawinska Malgorzata
Published: October 2023

Persons suffering from eating disorders (ED) may often experience a recurrence/persistence symptoms despite the completion of psychiatric therapy. In most cases, their general health status is linked to current nutritional behaviors. Medical professionals, general practitioners (GPs), dieticians, and dentists may see those patients in their practices. At the same time, due to low sense of illness, some patients may delay or never seek professional medical care. The aim of this article is to analyze the main ED types according to dietary behaviors causing oral health problems and discuss oral health complications in affected dentate patients. The second objective is to update oral preventive measures and technological innovations together with active agents for oral hygiene care that might effectively support oral health maintenance during the presence of long-term symptoms. The research method involved a review of clinical reports as a synthesis of the electronic research in the Pubmed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Based on the research, ED patients were found to present related incidences of oral complications. Studies have reported that the possible course of an ED and comorbidities may be an imbalance in the oral environment. The results showed an association between biological (malnutrition, etc.), behavioral (binge eating episodes, vomiting, acidic diet, poor oral hygiene), and pharmacotherapeutic (addiction, hyposalivation) factors that may threaten oral health. Early diagnosis of the past and present symptoms is essential to eliminate and take control of destructive behaviors. Oral changes need to be tackled with medical insight, and additionally, the perception of dietary interactions is recommended.
Perinatal Plasma Carotenoids and Vitamin E Concentrations with Glycemia and Insulin Resistance in Women during and after Pregnancy
Authors: Lai Jun S. , Godfrey Keith M. , Ong Choon Nam , Tan Kok Hian , Yap Fabian , Chong Yap Seng , Chan Jerry K. Y. , Chan Shiao-Yng , Chong Mary F.-F.
Published: October 2023

We examined the associations of perinatal plasma carotenoids and E vitamers concentrations with glycemia, insulin resistance, and gestational and type 2 diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and post-pregnancy in GUSTO women. Plasma carotenoid and E vitamer concentrations were measured at delivery, and principal component analysis was used to derive the patterns of their concentrations. Fasting and 2 h glucose levels and fasting insulin were measured at 26–28 weeks gestation and 4–6 years post-pregnancy, with the derivation of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In 678 women, two carotenoid patterns (CP1: α- and β-carotene and lutein; CP2: zeaxanthin, lycopene, and β-cryptoxanthin) and one E vitamer pattern (VE: γ-, δ-, and α-tocopherols) were derived. A higher CP1 score (1-SD) was associated with lower gestational fasting glucose (β (95%CI): −0.06 (−0.10, −0.02) mmol/L) and lower gestational (−0.17 (−0.82, 0.01) mmol/L, p = 0.06) and post-pregnancy HOMA-IR (−0.11 (−0.15, −0.08) mmol/L). A higher VE score (1 SD) was associated with higher gestational and post-pregnancy fasting and 2 h glucose (gestational: 0.05 (0.01, 0.08) and 0.08 (0.01, 0.16); post-pregnancy: 0.19 (0.07, 0.31) and 0.24 (0.06, 0.42) mmol/L). Higher α- and β-carotene and lutein may be beneficial for gestational fasting glycemia, but higher vitamin E may increase gestational and post-pregnancy glycemia, although these findings require confirmation in cohorts with prospective longitudinal measurements of these vitamins.
Smoothies Marketed in Spain: Are They Complying with Labeling Legislation?
Authors: Da Silva-Mojón Lorena , Pérez-Lamela Concepción , Falqué-López Elena
Published: October 2023

There is no legal definition of a smoothie, so the European legislation applicable to its labeling is that of fruit juice. The smoothie market has grown in recent years, as it can include a wide variety of ingredients: fruits, fruit purees, honey, milk and vegetable milks, vegetables, herbs, cereals, cereal flours, seaweed, and crushed ice. In this study, 57 smoothies were reviewed. All of them were purchased in supermarkets and classified into eight types according to the main ingredients. Fifteen legal statements/items were reviewed on the pack labels: eleven mandatory and three optional. Moreover, nutrition labels, nutritional claims, images, marks, and other symbols were also reviewed. Only 22.8% of the samples complied with EU and Spanish labeling legislation. More incorrectness was related to the name of the food and the fruits included as main ingredients; other errors related to the allergy/intolerance statements, and some nutritional claims concerning vitamin C were also detected to a lesser extent. General advice is provided for consumers to interpret smoothie labels correctly. Lawmakers should amend legislation to accept the term “smoothie” as a legal name.
Immunity Induced by Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Breadth, Durability, Potency, and Specificity in a Healthcare Worker Cohort
Authors: Chen Ying , Hu Caiqin , Wang Zheng , Su Junwei , Wang Shuo , Li Bin , Liu Xiang , Yuan Zhenzhen , Li Dan , Wang Hong , Zhu Biao , Shao Yiming
Published: October 2023

Vaccination has proven to be highly effective against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but the long-term immunogenicity and the functional preserved immune responses of vaccines are needed to inform evolving evidence-based guidelines for boosting schedules. We enrolled 205 healthcare workers into a cohort study; all had received three doses of BBIBP-CorV (China Sinopharm Bio-Beijing Company, Beijing, China) inactivated vaccine. We assessed SARS-CoV-2 specific binding antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, and peripheral T and B cell responses. We demonstrated that more robust antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 were elicited by booster immunization compared with primary vaccination. Neutralizing antibody titers to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 were also efficiently elevated post-homologous vaccine booster despite being in a lower titer compared with the prototype stain. In addition to S-specific humoral and cellular immunity, BBIBP-CorV also induced N-specific antibody and effector T cell responses. The third-dose vaccination led to further expansion of critical polyfunctional T cell responses, likely an essential element for vaccine protection. In particular, a functional role for Tfh cell subsets in immunity was suggested by the correlation between both CD4+ Tfh and CD8+ Tfh with total antibody, IgG, B cell responses, and neutralizing antibodies. Our study details the humoral and cellular responses generated by the BBIBP-CorV booster vaccination in a seven-month follow-up study. There is a clear immunologic boosting value of homologous inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine boosters, a consideration for future vaccine strategies.
Acquired blaVIM and blaGES Carbapenemase-Encoding Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Seven-Year Survey Highlighting an Increasing Epidemiological Threat
Authors: Martínez-Zavaleta María Guadalupe , Fernández-Rodríguez Diana , Hernández-Durán Melissa , Colín-Castro Claudia A. , de Lourdes García-Hernández María , Becerra-Lobato Noé , Franco-Cendejas Rafael , López-Jácome Luis Esaú
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium with several intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. The spread of carbapenemase-encoding genes, an acquired mechanism, enables carbapenem resistance in clinical settings. Detection of the carbapenemase-producer strains is urgent. Therefore, we aimed to characterize carbapenemase production in the clinical strains of P. aeruginosa at a tertiary-care center. (2) Methods: We included clinical strains of P. aeruginosa (from August 2011 to December 2018) with resistance towards at least one carbapenem. Strains were isolated in a tertiary-care center in Mexico City. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined by broth microdilution. Screening for carbapenemase-encoding genes was performed in all strains. Phenotypic assays (CarbaNP and mCIM) were conducted. Additional modifications to mCIM were also tested. (3) Results: One-hundred seventy-one P. aeruginosa strains out of 192 included in this study were resistant towards at least one of the carbapenems tested. Forty-seven of these strains harbored a carbapenemase-encoding gene. VIM (59.6%) and GES (23.4%) were the most frequently found carbapenemases in our study, followed by IMP (14.9%). (4) Among the most frequent carbapenemase genes identified, metallo-ß-lactamases were the most prevalent, which impair new treatment options. Searching for carbapenemase genes should be performed in resistant isolates to stop transmission and guide antimicrobial treatment.
Liposomes as Carriers of GHK-Cu Tripeptide for Cosmetic Application
Authors: Dymek Michał , Olechowska Karolina , Hąc-Wydro Katarzyna , Sikora Elżbieta
Published: October 2023

Liposomes are self-assembled spherical systems composed of amphiphilic phospholipids. They can be used as carriers of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances, such as the anti-aging and wound-healing copper-binding peptide, GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine). Anionic (AL) and cationic (CL) hydrogenated lecithin-based liposomes were obtained as GHK-Cu skin delivery systems using the thin-film hydration method combined with freeze–thaw cycles and the extrusion process. The influence of total lipid content, lipid composition and GHK-Cu concentration on the physicochemical properties of liposomes was studied. The lipid bilayer fluidity and the peptide encapsulation efficiency (EE) were also determined. Moreover, in vitro assays of tyrosinase and elastase inhibition were performed. Stable GHK-Cu-loaded liposome systems of small sizes (approx. 100 nm) were obtained. The bilayer fluidity was higher in the case of cationic liposomes. As the best carriers, 25 mg/cm3 CL and AL hydrated with 0.5 mg/cm3 GHK-Cu were selected with EE of 31.7 ± 0.9% and 20.0 ± 2.8%, respectively. The obtained results confirmed that the liposomes can be used as carriers for biomimetic peptides such as copper-binding peptide and that the GHK-Cu did not significantly affect the tyrosinase activity but led to 48.90 ± 2.50% elastase inhibition, thus reducing the rate of elastin degeneration and supporting the structural integrity of the skin.
Self-Transcendence and the Pursuit of Happiness
Authors: Hurst Andrea
Published: October 2023

This philosophical investigation is motivated by the common association between happiness and self-transcendence, and a question posed by Freud: “Why is it so hard for men to be happy?” I consider the answers given in three key texts from the psychoanalytic tradition, Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow, Sigmund Freud’s Civilization and its Discontents, and Abraham Maslow’s The Farther Reaches of Human Nature. Based on a distinction between opposing forms of self-transcendence, ego-actualisation and ego-dissolution, the authors articulate the relation between self-transcendence and happiness in different, but equally unsatisfactory, ways. In all three texts, a dominant ideological framing is discernible, which prioritises the present/positive and ignores the work of the absent/negative, ironically leaving us with a sense of futility concerning the pursuit of happiness. I propose that an approach influenced by Lacanian ideas, which acknowledges the role played by unhappiness in producing happiness, plausibly challenges the traditional conception of happiness that places it out of human reach as the effect of a perfectly self-transcendent state. Instead, understood as the effect of resistance to the notion of self-transcendence as self-perfection, happiness, while still difficult to achieve because it requires another kind of self-transcendence, becomes attainable here and now by ordinary individuals.