bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fetal Hippocampal Connectivity Shows Dissociable Associations with Maternal Cortisol and Self-Reported Distress during Pregnancy
Authors: Hendrix Cassandra L. , Srinivasan Harini , Feliciano Integra , Carré Justin M. , Thomason Moriah E.
Published: June 2022

Maternal stress can shape long-term child neurodevelopment beginning in utero. One mechanism by which stress is transmitted from mothers to their offspring is via alterations in maternal cortisol, which can cross the placenta and bind to glucocorticoid receptor-rich regions in the fetal brain, such as the hippocampus. Although prior studies have demonstrated associations between maternal prenatal stress and cortisol levels with child brain development, we lack information about the extent to which these associations originate prior to birth and prior to confounding postnatal influences. Pregnant mothers (n = 77) completed questionnaires about current perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms, provided three to four salivary cortisol samples, and completed a fetal resting-state functional MRI scan during their second or third trimester of pregnancy (mean gestational age = 32.8 weeks). Voxelwise seed-based connectivity analyses revealed that higher prenatal self-reported distress and higher maternal cortisol levels corresponded to dissociable differences in fetal hippocampal functional connectivity. Specifically, self-reported distress was correlated with increased positive functional coupling between the hippocampus and right posterior parietal association cortex, while higher maternal cortisol was associated with stronger positive hippocampal coupling with the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and left medial prefrontal cortex. Moreover, the association between maternal distress, but not maternal cortisol, on fetal hippocampal connectivity was moderated by fetal sex. These results suggest that prenatal stress and peripheral cortisol levels may shape fetal hippocampal development through unique mechanisms.
Synthetic Genetic Elements, Devices, and Systems
Authors: Kato Yusuke , Lou Chunbo
Published: June 2022

Since the beginning of life on Earth, over the course of 3 to 4 billion years, nature has created vast quantities of genetic elements [...]
A Reproducible Deep-Learning-Based Computer-Aided Diagnosis Tool for Frontotemporal Dementia Using MONAI and Clinica Frameworks
Authors: Termine Andrea , Fabrizio Carlo , Caltagirone Carlo , Petrosini Laura ,   on behalf of the Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2022

Despite Artificial Intelligence (AI) being a leading technology in biomedical research, real-life implementation of AI-based Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) tools into the clinical setting is still remote due to unstandardized practices during development. However, few or no attempts have been made to propose a reproducible CAD development workflow for 3D MRI data. In this paper, we present the development of an easily reproducible and reliable CAD tool using the Clinica and MONAI frameworks that were developed to introduce standardized practices in medical imaging. A Deep Learning (DL) algorithm was trained to detect frontotemporal dementia (FTD) on data from the NIFD database to ensure reproducibility. The DL model yielded 0.80 accuracy (95% confidence intervals: 0.64, 0.91), 1 sensitivity, 0.6 specificity, 0.83 F1-score, and 0.86 AUC, achieving a comparable performance with other FTD classification approaches. Explainable AI methods were applied to understand AI behavior and to identify regions of the images where the DL model misbehaves. Attention maps highlighted that its decision was driven by hallmarking brain areas for FTD and helped us to understand how to improve FTD detection. The proposed standardized methodology could be useful for benchmark comparison in FTD classification. AI-based CAD tools should be developed with the goal of standardizing pipelines, as varying pre-processing and training methods, along with the absence of model behavior explanations, negatively impact regulators’ attitudes towards CAD. The adoption of common best practices for neuroimaging data analysis is a step toward fast evaluation of efficacy and safety of CAD and may accelerate the adoption of AI products in the healthcare system.
From Traditional Product Lifecycle Management Systems to Blockchain-Based Platforms
Authors: Hayat Mubashir , Winkler Herwig
Published: June 2022

Background: Several product lifecycle management systems (PLMs) have been implemented in the industrial sector for managing the data of the product from the design up to the disposal or recycling stage. However, these PLMs face certain challenges in managing the complex and decentralized product lifecycles. Methods: To this aim, this work investigates the currently implemented PLMs used in industries through the exploration of various software reviews and selection websites. Accordingly, these existing PLMs are quantitatively compared and analyzed. Results: The analysis shows that most of the existing PLMs do not contain all the required features; therefore, industries integrate different software to create a full-fledged PLM system. However, this practice results in reducing the overall system efficiency. In this context, this paper assesses and recommends a blockchain-based innovative solution that overcomes the challenges of existing PLMs, hence increasing the overall system efficiency. Furthermore, this work argues, in a logical way, that the recommended blockchain-based platform provides a secure and connected infrastructure for data handling, processing, and storage at different stages of the product lifecycle. Conclusions: This work can be considered among the first to compare the currently implemented PLMs with a novel blockchain-based method. Thus, the stakeholders can utilize the outputs of this research in their analysis and decision-making processes for implementing the blockchain in their organizations.
One-Pot Synthesis of Push–Pull Butadienes from 1,3-Diethyl-2-thiobarbituric Acid and Propargylic Alcohols
Authors: Francos Javier , Cadierno Victorio
Published: June 2022

A new synthetic procedure for obtaining two previously reported donor-acceptor butadiene dyes, namely 5-(3,3-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)allylidene)-1,3-diethyl-2-thioxodihydropyrimidine-4,6(1H,5H)-dione and 5-(3,3-bis(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)allylidene)-1,3-diethyl-2-thioxodihydropyrimidine-4,6(1H,5H)-dione, based on the InCl3-catalyzed coupling 1,3-diethyl-2-thiobarbituric acid with 1,1-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-yn-1-ol and 1,1-bis(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)prop-2-yn-1-ol, respectively, is presented. The reactions, which cleanly proceed in water under MW irradiation, involve the initial generation of the corresponding enals by Meyer-Schuster rearrangement of the alkynols and their subsequent Knoevenagel condensation with the 2-thiobarbituric acid derivative. By following the same approach, the novel butadiene 5-(3,3-bi([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)allylidene)-1,3-diethyl-2-thioxodihydropyrimidine-4,6(1H,5H)-dione, which was characterized by 1H and 13C{1H} NMR, IR, UV-Vis, elemental analysis and HRMS, was synthesized in 79% yield.
Low-Density Particleboards Modified with Expanded and Unexpanded Fillers—Characteristics and Properties
Authors: Boruszewski Piotr , Borysiuk Piotr , Jankowska Agnieszka , Pazik Jolanta
Published: June 2022

Reducing the density of wood-based materials is a desirable research direction in the development of the wood-based materials sector. Even though lightweight wooden particleboards have been commercially available for many years, they still have a number of disadvantages, especially their low strength parameters. The aim of this paper was to determine the possibility of producing particleboards of reduced density for use in the furniture industry, as a result of using expanded polystyrene and two types of microspheres (expanded and unexpanded) to modify the core layer of three-layer particleboards. Analysis of the results of testing the particleboards’ properties when using various types of modifiers (expanded and unexpanded fillers), urea formaldehyde (UF) glue content (high: 10%/12% and low: 8%/10%), various glue-dosing methods, and different particle sizes, allows us to conclude that the most satisfactory effect was found when using EPS. One partly positive effect was observed when using the Expancel-type 031 DU 40 as a filler; therefore, it is recommended that research be continued in this area. Using microspheres that have not been used before as a filler in the production of wood-based panels is the novelty of the presented research. The proposed technology has potential for application in the industry.
Self-Healing Performance Assessment of Bacterial-Based Concrete Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Huang Xu , Sresakoolchai Jessada , Qin Xia , Ho Yiu Fan , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: June 2022

Bacterial-based self-healing concrete (BSHC) is a well-known healing technology which has been investigated for a few decades for its excellent crack healing capacity. Nevertheless, considered as costly and time-consuming, the healing performance (HP) of concrete with various types of bacteria can be designed and evaluated only in laboratory environments. Employing machine learning (ML) models for predicting the HP of BSHC is inspired by practical applications using concrete mechanical properties. The HP of BSHC can be predicted to save the time and cost of laboratory tests, bacteria selection and healing mechanisms adoption. In this paper, three types of BSHC, including ureolytic bacterial healing concrete (UBHC), aerobic bacterial healing concrete (ABHC) and nitrifying bacterial healing concrete (NBHC), and ML models with five kinds of algorithms consisting of the support vector regression (SVR), decision tree regression (DTR), deep neural network (DNN), gradient boosting regression (GBR) and random forest (RF) are established. Most importantly, 22 influencing factors are first employed as variables in the ML models to predict the HP of BSHC. A total of 797 sets of BSHC tests available in the open literature between 2000 and 2021 are collected to verify the ML models. The grid search algorithm (GSA) is also utilised for tuning parameters of the algorithms. Moreover, the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) are applied to evaluate the prediction ability, including the prediction performance and accuracy of the ML models. The results exhibit that the GBR model has better prediction ability (R2GBR = 0.956, RMSEGBR = 6.756%) than other ML models. Finally, the influence of the variables on the HP is investigated by employing the sensitivity analysis in the GBR model.
Sustainable Manufacturing of Asymmetric Miniature-Sized Ratchet Wheels by Wire Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Chaubey Sujeet Kumar , Gupta Kapil
Published: June 2022

In this paper, the outcomes of an investigation conducted on the sustainable manufacturing of asymmetric rotary miniature-sized ratchet wheels of stainless steel (SS) 304 by a vertically traveling wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process are reported. The consumptions of energy and wire material are the process sustainability indicators considered in this work. Box-Behnken-based seventeen experiments were conducted by varying spark-on-time ‘Ton’, spark-off-time ‘Toff’, and wire rigidity ‘WT’. Desirability function analysis (DFA) based on multi-response optimization was performed to obtain an optimum setting of WEDM parameters to manufacture miniature-sized ratchet wheels with minimum energy and wire consumption. Sustainable manufacturing of ratchet wheels is performed at the optimum parameter combination of Ton-1.5 µs; Toff-40.5 µs; WT-1260 g, for the least values of energy consumption of 0.64 kWh and wire consumption of 20.11 g with no wire breakage and a significant reduction in total idle time. This ratchet wheel, manufactured at optimum parameters of WEDM, was also found to have a good finish (average surface roughness ‘Ra’-1.08 µm and maximum surface roughness ‘Rt’-6.81 µm) and defect-free tooth flank surfaces. Overall, it is concluded that WEDM has the potential to achieve sustainability in the manufacturing of miniature-sized ratchet wheels and other gears. The outcomes of this work will extensively facilitate engineers and researchers in selecting a suitable range of machining parameters for sustainable manufacturing of miniature-sized wheels and gears.
Robotics Navigation System for Mapping Underground Hydraulic Networks
Authors: Hernández-Santos Carlos , Rincon Ernesto , Davizón Yasser A. , Vargas-Martínez Adriana , Said Alejandro R.
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the model, design, and simulation for a navigation system developed for a group of mobile robots dedicated to the production of maps for underground hydraulic infrastructure. The system can operate internally in unknown pipeline networks without GPS support, integrating Tarry’s principles of deep search, Pledge modify discrimination, and topographic orientation transfer, in the temporary construction of a reference network independent of peripheral inertial navigation. The acquisition of topographic objectives for mapping is done by laser collimation and radio frequency synchronization with an angular and longitudinal precision of sigma II range. The maps produced contain the polygonal axes of the network pipelines.
An Improved Intelligent Auction Mechanism for Emergency Material Delivery
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhu Yifan , Wang Tao , Wang Weiping , Wang Rui , Li Xiaobo
Published: June 2022

Emergency material delivery is vital to disaster emergency rescue. Herein, the framework of the emergency material delivery system (EMDS) with the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as the vehicle is proposed, and the problem is modeled into a multi-trip time-dependent dynamic vehicle routing problem with split-delivery (MTTDDVRP-SD) in combination with the rescue reality, which provides decision support for planning disaster relief material. Due to the universality of dynamic interference in the process of material delivery, an optimization algorithm based on the traditional intelligent auction mechanism is proposed to avoid system performance degradation or even collapse. The algorithm adds pre-authorization and sequential auction mechanisms to the traditional auction mechanism, where the pre-authorization mechanism improves the capability performance of the system when there is no interference during the rescue process and the sequential auction mechanism improves the resilience performance of the system when it faces interferences. Finally, considering three types of interference comprehensively, which includes new task generations, task unexpected changes and UAV’s number decreases, the proposed algorithm is compared with DTAP (DTA based on sequential single item auctions) and CBBA-PR (consensus-based bundle algorithms-partial replanning) algorithms under different dynamic interference intensity scenarios for simulation experimental from two perspectives of the capability performance and resilience performance. The results of Friedman’s test with 99% confidence interval indicate that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the capability performance and resilience performance of EMDS.
Analysis of Machine Learning Approaches’ Performance in Prediction Problems with Human Activity Patterns
Authors: Torres-López Ricardo , Casillas-Pérez David , Pérez-Aracil Jorge , Cornejo-Bueno Laura , Alexandre Enrique , Salcedo-Sanz Sancho
Published: June 2022

Prediction problems in timed datasets related to human activities are especially difficult to solve, because of the specific characteristics and the scarce number of predictive (input) variables available to tackle these problems. In this paper, we try to find out whether Machine Learning (ML) approaches can be successfully applied to these problems. We deal with timed datasets with human activity patterns, in which the input variables are exclusively related to the day or type of day when the prediction is carried out and, usually, to the meteorology of those days. These problems with a marked human activity pattern frequently appear in mobility and traffic-related problems, delivery prediction (packets, food), and many other activities, usually in cities. We evaluate the performance in these problems of different ML methods such as artificial neural networks (multi-layer perceptrons, extreme learning machines) and support vector regression algorithms, together with an Analogue-type (KNN) approach, which serves as a baseline algorithm and provides information about when it is expected that ML approaches will fail, by looking for similar situations in the past. The considered ML algorithms are evaluated in four real prediction problems with human activity patterns, such as school absences, bike-sharing demand, parking occupation, and packets delivered in a post office. The results obtained show the good performance of the ML algorithms, revealing that they can deal with scarce information in all the problems considered. The results obtained have also revealed the importance of including meteorology as the input variables, showing that meteorology is frequently behind demand peaks or valleys in this kind of problem. Finally, we show that having a number of similar situations in the past (training set) prevents ML algorithms from making important mistakes in the prediction obtained.
Global Stability and Thermal Optimal Control Strategies for Hyperthermia Treatment of Malignant Tumors
Authors: Ibrahim Abdulkareem Afolabi , Maan Normah , Jemon Khairunadwa , Abidemi Afeez
Published: June 2022

Malignant tumor (cancer) is the leading cause of death globally and the annual cost of managing cancer is trillions of dollars. Although, there are established therapies including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and phototherapy for malignant tumors, the hypoxic environment of tumors and poor perfusion act as barriers to these therapies. Hyperthermia takes advantage of oxygen deficiency and irregular perfusion in the tumor environment to destroy malignant cells. Despite successes recorded with hyperthermia, there are concerns with the post-treatment condition of patients as well as the required thermal dose to prevent harm. The investigation of the dynamics of tumor-induced immune suppression with hyperthermia treatment using mathematical analysis and optimal control theory is potentially valuable in the development of hyperthermia treatment. The role of novel tumor-derived cytokines in counterattacking immune cells is considered in this study as a mechanism accounting for the aggressiveness of malignant tumors. Since biological processes are not instantaneous, a discrete time delay is used to model biological processes involved in tumor inhibitory mechanisms by secretion, the elaboration of suppressive cells, and effector cell differentiation to produce suppressive cells. Analytical results obtained using Lyapunov’s function indicate the conditions required for global stability of the tumor-present steady-state. A thermal optimal control strategy is pursued based on optimal control theory, and the best strategy to avoid adverse outcomes is obtained. We validate the analytical results numerically and demonstrate the impact of both inadequate and excessive heat on the dynamics of interactive cell functioning.
Tumour-Natural Killer and CD8+ T Cells Interaction Model with Delay
Authors: Awang Nor Aziran , Maan Normah , Sulain Mohd Dasuki
Published: June 2022

The literature suggests that effective defence against tumour cells requires contributions from both Natural Killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. NK cells are spontaneously active against infected target cells, whereas CD8+ T cells take some times to activate cell called as cell-specific targeting, to kill the virus. The interaction between NK cells and tumour cells has produced the other CD8+ T cell, called tumour-specific CD8+ T cells. We illustrate the tumour–immune interaction through mathematical modelling by considering the cell cycle. The interaction of the cells is described by a system of delay differential equations, and the delay, τ represent time taken for tumour cell reside interphase. The stability analysis and the bifurcation behaviour of the system are analysed. We established the stability of the model by analysing the characteristic equation to produce a stability region. The stability region is split into two regions, tumour decay and tumour growth. By applying the Routh–Hurwitz Criteria, the analysis of the trivial and interior equilibrium point of the model provides conditions for stability and is illustrated in the stability map. Numerical simulation is carried out to show oscillations through Hopf Bifurcation, and stability switching is found for the delay system. The result also showed that the interaction of NK cells with tumour cells could suppress tumour cells since it can increase the population of CD8+ T cells. This concluded that the inclusion of delay and immune responses (NK-CD8+ T cells) into consideration gives us a deep insight into the tumour growth and helps us understand how their interactions contribute to kill tumour cells.
Anti-Obesity and Gut Microbiota Regulation Effects of Phospholipids from the Eggs of Crab, Portunus Trituberculatus, in High Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Su Laijin , Zhu Hongli , Chen Sichun , Du Mengyu , Wan Xiaofeng , Liu Yishu , Hu Shiwei , Xu Yangli
Published: June 2022

There are resourceful phospholipids in the eggs of the crab, Portunus trituberculatus (Pt-PL). However, their components and bioactivities regarding obesity were unclear. Here, we investigated the composition of Pt-PL and their fatty acids. Moreover, its effects on obesity and gut microbiota were also evaluated in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The results showed that Pt-PL contained 12 kinds of phospholipids, mainly including phosphatidylcholine (PC, 32.28%), phosphatidylserine (PS, 26.51%), phosphatidic acid (PA, 19.61%), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 8.81%), and phosphatidylinositol (PI, 7.96%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) predominated in the fatty acids components of Pt-PL, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Animal experiments demonstrated that Pt-PL significantly alleviated body weight gain, adipose gain, hepatic gain, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid levels in serum and the liver, and systematic inflammation in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, Pt-PL regulated gut microbiota, especially in a dramatic reduction in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes at phylum level, as well as significant amelioration in their subordinate categories. Pt-PL reduced fecal lipopolysaccharide and total bile acids, and elevated fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, particularly acetate and butyrate. These findings suggest that Pt-PL possesses anti-obesity effects and can alter gut microbiota owing to the abundance of PUFAs. Therefore, Pt-PL may be developed as an effective food supplement for anti-obesity and regulation of human gut health.
Thoracoscopic Repair of Adult-Onset Congenital Tracheoesophageal Fistula Using a Polyglycolic Acid Sheet-Buttressed Stapler
Authors: Chou Ping-Ruey , Kao Chieh-Ni , Liu Yu-Wei
Published: June 2022

Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) without esophageal atresia is usually diagnosed and treated in the neonatal period. It is uncommon to occur in adulthood. Conventional treatment of adult-onset TEF involves repair by either cervicotomy or thoracotomy. We reported the case of a 31-year-old male patient with clinical and radiographic evidence of congenital H-type TEF. Although this fistula was located at the level of the second thoracic vertebra, the repair of the anomaly was performed successfully using a thoracoscopic approach with the novel use of a polyglycolic acid sheet reinforcement.
On the Influence of the Initial Shear Damage to the Cyclic Deformation and Damage Mechanism
Authors: Suhartono Hermawan Agus , Kirman Kirman , Prawoto Yunan
Published: June 2022

The accuracy and precision of lifetime predictions for cyclically loaded technical components are still lacking. One of the main reasons for the discrepancy between the calculated life time and experimental results is that it is not yet possible to create a model capable of describing the microstructural damage process that occurs in the tested material and to subsequently incorporate this model into the calculation. All of the presently available research results recognize that the growth of microcracks is significantly influenced by the microstructure of the material. In order to take into account the influence of the microstructure on the damage process, research on the very early fatigue damage is carried out. The results are obtained from tension and torsion fatigue testing. For this purpose, the surfaces of the tested specimens are carefully observed to discover and analyze microcracks, which are classified according to their orientation. Moreover, the mechanisms of crack initiation and propagation are major points of interest. Through a mix of mechanical and metallurgical points of view, calculations and multi-level FEA modeling are carried out to gain a better understanding of the properties of the phases. The simulation is based on continuum mechanics, which considers the positions and mechanical metallurgy, which account for each constituent character’s failure laws. It is concluded that both the experimental and computational approaches conform, showing that such an approach is indeed a necessity and should become a trend in the near future. Statistically, microcracks under tension modes are highest at 45° (approximately 30%), while under torsion they are highest at 0° (approximately 20%) with respect to the sample orientation. The influence of the microstructure is explained via the finite element analysis.
Analyzing and Resolving Infeasibility in Flux Balance Analysis of Metabolic Networks
Authors: Klamt Steffen , von Kamp Axel
Published: June 2022

Flux balance analysis (FBA) is a key method for the constraint-based analysis of metabolic networks. A technical problem may occur in FBA when known (e.g., measured) fluxes of certain reactions are integrated into an FBA scenario rendering the underlying linear program (LP) infeasible, for example, due to inconsistencies between some of the measured fluxes causing a violation of the steady-state or other constraints. Here, we present and compare two methods, one based on an LP and one on a quadratic program (QP), to find minimal corrections for the given flux values so that the FBA problem becomes feasible. We provide a general guide on how to treat infeasible FBA systems in practice and discuss relevant examples of potentially infeasible scenarios in core and genome-scale metabolic models. Finally, we also highlight and clarify the relationships to classical metabolic flux analysis, where solely algebraic approaches are used to compute unknown metabolic rates from measured fluxes and to balance infeasible flux scenarios.
Effects of Selen on the Antidepressant-like Activity of Agents Affecting the Adenosinergic Neurotransmission
Authors: Szopa Aleksandra , Herbet Mariola , Poleszak Ewa , Bogatko Karolina , Ostrowska-Leśko Marta , Świąder Katarzyna , Szponar Jarosław , Serefko Anna
Published: June 2022

The main goal of this study was to determine the antidepressant-like potential of the co-administration of sodium selenite (Se) and the selective adenosine A1 and A2A antagonists DPCPX and istradefylline (IST), respectively, in mice despair tests. Biochemical studies were performed to elucidate the action mechanisms of the investigated treatment strategies. The results confirmed that, when administered by itself, Se exerts an antidepressant-like effect in the FST and TST and that this activity is dose-dependent. Further experiments demonstrated that Se (0.25 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the activity of mice in both tests when co-administered with DPCPX (1 mg/kg) and IST (0.5 mg/kg) at doses which would be ineffective if administered individually. Our research revealed that neither DPCPX, IST, nor Se or combinations of the tested substances induced significant changes in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in mice serum vs. the NaCl-treated group. However, we observed a decrease in the mRNA level of antioxidant defense enzymes. Molecular studies also showed changes in the expression of the Slc6a15, Comt, and Adora1 genes, particularly after exposure to the combination of Se and DPCPX, which indicates a beneficial effect and may help to explain the key mechanism of the antidepressant effect. The combination of Se with substances attenuating adenosine neurotransmission may become a new therapeutic strategy for patients with depression.
Human Breast Milk: A Source of Potential Probiotic Candidates
Authors: D’Alessandro Margherita , Parolin Carola , Patrignani Silvia , Sottile Gilda , Antonazzo Patrizio , Vitali Beatrice , Lanciotti Rosalba , Patrignani Francesca
Published: June 2022

This study focuses on the isolation of lactobacilli/bifidobacteria from human breast milk and their first characterization, in the perspective to find new probiotic candidates to be included in food products. More specifically, breast-milk-isolated strains demonstrated a very good aptitude to adhere to intestinal cells, in comparison with L. rhamnosus GG strain, taken as reference. The same behavior has been found for hydrophobicity/auto-aggregation properties. A remarkable antagonistic activity was detected for these isolates not only against spoilage and pathogenic species of food interest, but also against the principal etiological agents of intestinal infections. Indeed, isolated strains impaired spoilage and pathogenic species growth, as well as biofilm formation by gut pathogens. In addition, breast milk strains were characterized for their antibiotic susceptibility, displaying species-specific and strain-specific susceptibility patterns. Finally, to assess their technological potential, the fermentation kinetics and viability of breast milk strains in pasteurized milk were investigated, also including the study of the volatile molecule profiles. In this regard, all the strains pointed out the release of aroma compounds frequently associated with the sensory quality of several dairy products such as acetic acid, diacetyl, acetoin, acetaldehyde. Data here reported point up the high potential of breast-milk-isolated strains as probiotics.
Arcobacter butzleri Biofilms: Insights into the Genes Beneath Their Formation
Authors: Salazar-Sánchez Adrián , Baztarrika Itsaso , Alonso Rodrigo , Fernández-Astorga Aurora , Martínez-Ballesteros Ilargi , Martinez-Malaxetxebarria Irati
Published: June 2022

Arcobacter butzleri, the most prevalent species of the genus, has the demonstrated ability to adhere to various surfaces through biofilm production. The biofilm formation capability has been related to the expression of certain genes, which have not been characterized in A. butzleri. In order to increase the knowledge of this foodborne pathogen, the aim of this study was to assess the role of six biofilm-associated genes in campylobacteria (flaA, flaB, fliS, luxS, pta and spoT) in the biofilm formation ability of A. butzleri. Knockout mutants were constructed from different foodborne isolates, and static biofilm assays were conducted on polystyrene (PS), reinforced glass and stainless steel. Additionally, motility and Congo red binding assays were performed. In general, mutants in flaAB, fliS and luxS showed a decrease in the biofilm production irrespective of the surface; mutants in spoT showed an increase on stainless steel, and mutants in pta and spoT showed a decrease on reinforced glass but an increase on PS. Our work sheds light on the biofilm-related pathogenesis of A. butzleri, although future studies are necessary to achieve a satisfactory objective.
Hepatoprotective Activity of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Seedpod Extract Attenuated Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Lin Hui-Hsuan , Hsu Jen-Ying , Tseng Chiao-Yun , Huang Xiao-Yin , Tseng Hsien-Chun , Chen Jing-Hsien
Published: June 2022

The aim is to investigate the effect of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) seedpod extract (LSE) on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. LSE is rich in polyphenols and has potent antioxidant capacity. APAP is a commonly used analgesic, while APAP overdose is the main reason for drug toxicity in the liver. Until now, there has been no in vitro test of LSE in drug-induced hepatotoxicity responses. LSEs were used to evaluate the effect on APAP-induced cytotoxicity, ROS level, apoptotic rate, and molecule mechanisms. The co-treatment of APAP and LSEs elevated the survival rate and decreased intracellular ROS levels on HepG2 cells. LSEs treatment could significantly reduce APAP-induced HepG2 apoptosis assessed by DAPI and Annexin V/PI. The further molecule mechanisms indicated that LSEs decreased Fas/FasL binding and reduced Bax and tBid to restore mitochondrial structure and subsequently suppress downstream apoptosis cascade activation. These declines in COX-2, NF-κB, and iNOS levels were observed in co-treatment APAP and LSEs, which indicated that LSEs could ameliorate APAP-induced inflammation. LSE protected APAP-induced apoptosis by preventing extrinsic, intrinsic, and JNK-mediated pathways. In addition, the restoration of mitochondria and inflammatory suppression in LSEs treatments indicated that LSEs could decrease oxidative stress induced by toxic APAP. Therefore, LSE could be a novel therapeutic option for an antidote against overdose of APAP.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Iron Chelator, DIBI, in Experimental Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Lehmann Christian , Alizadeh-Tabrizi Nazli , Hall Stefan , Faridi Sufyan , Euodia Irene , Holbein Bruce , Zhou Juan , Chappe Valerie
Published: June 2022

Iron plays a critical role in the immune response to inflammation and infection due to its role in the catalysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the Haber-Weiss and Fenton reactions. However, ROS overproduction can be harmful and damage healthy cells. Therefore, iron chelation represents an innovative pharmacological approach to limit excess ROS formation and the related pro-inflammatory mediator cascades. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of the iron chelator, DIBI, in an experimental model of LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI). DIBI was administered intraperitoneally in the early and later stages of lung inflammation as determined by histopathological evaluation. We found that lung tissues showed significant injury, as well as increased NF-κB p65 activation and significantly elevated levels of various inflammatory mediators (LIX, CXCL2, CCL5, CXCL10, IL-1𝛽, IL-6) 4 h post ALI induction by LPS. Mice treated with DIBI (80 mg/kg) in the early stages (0 to 2 h) after LPS administration demonstrated a significant reduction of the histopathological damage score, reduced levels of NF-κB p65 activation, and reduced levels of inflammatory mediators. Intravital microscopy of the pulmonary microcirculation also showed a reduced number of adhering leukocytes and improved capillary perfusion with DIBI administration. Our findings support the conclusion that the iron chelator, DIBI, has beneficial anti-inflammatory effects in experimental ALI.
Separation of Benzene and Cyclohexane Using Eutectic Solvents with Aromatic Structure
Authors: Hadj-Kali Mohamed K. , Salleh M. Zulhaziman M. , Wazeer Irfan , Alhadid Ahmad , Mulyono Sarwono
Published: June 2022

The separation of benzene and cyclohexane is a challenging process in the petrochemical industry, mainly because of their close boiling points. Extractive separation of the benzene-cyclohexane mixture has been shown to be feasible, but it is important to find solvents with good extractive performance. In this work, 23 eutectic solvents (ESs) containing aromatic components were screened using the predictive COSMO-RS and their respective performance was compared with other solvents. The screening results were validated with experimental work in which the liquid–liquid equilibria of the three preselected ESs were studied with benzene and cyclohexane at 298.5 K and 101.325 kPa, with benzene concentrations in the feed ranging from 10 to 60 wt%. The performance of the ESs studied was compared with organic solvents, ionic liquids, and other ESs reported in the literature. This work demonstrates the potential for improved extractive separation of the benzene-cyclohexane mixture by using ESs with aromatic moieties.
GO-SWCNT Buckypapers as an Enhanced Technology for Water Decontamination from Lead
Authors: Baratta Mariafrancesca , Tursi Antonio , Curcio Manuela , Cirillo Giuseppe , Nicoletta Fiore Pasquale , De Filpo Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Water decontamination is an important challenge resulting from the incorrect disposal of heavy metal waste into the environment. Among the different available techniques (e.g., filtration, coagulation, precipitation, and ion-exchange), adsorption is considered the cheapest and most effective procedure for the removal of water pollutants. In the last years, several materials have been tested for the removal of heavy metals from water, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and graphene oxide (GO). Nevertheless, their powder consistency, which makes the recovery and reuse after adsorption difficult, is the main drawback for these materials. More recently, SWCNT buckypapers (SWCNT BPs) have been proposed as self-standing porous membranes for filtration and adsorption processes. In this paper, the adsorption capacity and selectivity of Pb2+ (both from neat solutions and in the presence of other interferents) by SWCNT BPs were evaluated as a function of the increasing amount of GO used in their preparation (GO-SWCNT buckypapers). The highest adsorption capacity, 479 ± 25 mg g−1, achieved for GO-SWCNT buckypapers with 75 wt.% of graphene oxide confirmed the effective application of such materials for cheap and fast water decontamination from lead.
Highly Efficient Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters Based on Multi-Donor Modified Oxygen-Bridged Boron Acceptor
Authors: Meng Xin-Yue , Feng Zi-Qi , Yu You-Jun , Liao Liang-Sheng , Jiang Zuo-Quan
Published: June 2022

The employment of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters is one of the most promising ways to realize the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of over 25% for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In addition, the TADF emitter based on oxygen-bridged boron (BO) fragment can maintain blue emission with high color purity. Herein, we constructed two blue TADF emitters, 3TBO and 5TBO, for OLEDs application. Both emitters consist of three donors linked at the oxygen-bridged boron acceptor. OLED devices based on 3TBO and 5TBO exhibited both high excellent device efficiency and high color purity with a maximum EQE; full-width at half-maximum (FWHM); and CIE coordinates of 17.3%, 47 nm, (0.120, 0.294), and 26.2%, 57 nm, (0.125, 0.275), respectively.
Gangliosidome of a Human Hippocampus in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Resolved by High-Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ica Raluca , Mlinac-Jerkovic Kristina , Ilic Katarina , Sajko Tomislav , Munteanu Cristian V. A. , Zamfir Alina D. , Kalanj-Bognar Svjetlana
Published: June 2022

In this study, we developed a high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR MS) approach to assess presumed changes in gangliosidome of a human hippocampus affected by temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in comparison with a normal hippocampus. Gangliosides, membrane glycolipids, are particularly diverse and abundant in the human brain, and participate in ion transport and modulation of neuronal excitability. Changes in structural ganglioside pattern potentially linked to TLE molecular pathogenesis have not been explored in detail. Aiming to characterize TLE-specific gangliosidome, we analyzed the native gangliosides purified from a human hippocampal tissue sample affected by TLE and a control hippocampus using HR MS. Marked differences of ganglioside expression were shown in TLE vs. control, particularly with respect to the sialylation degree of components, discovered as a characteristic feature of TLE. Another major finding is the occurrence of tetrasialofucogangliosides in TLE and species modified by either O-acetylation or CH3COO−. Structural analysis by higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) MS/MS gave rise to fragmentation patterns implying that the GQ1b (d18:1/18:0) isomer is specifically associated with TLE. Further investigation in a larger sample is needed in order to confirm the discovery of ganglioside structures specifically expressed in human TLE and to provide information on the probable role of gangliosides in the molecular events underlying seizures.
Evaluation of Mechanical and Tribological Aspect of Self-Lubricating Cu-6Gr Composites Reinforced with SiC–WC Hybrid Particles
Authors: Usca Üsame Ali , Şap Serhat , Uzun Mahir , Giasin Khaled , Pimenov Danil Yurievich
Published: June 2022

Because of their high thermal conductivity, good corrosion resistance, and great mechanical qualities, copper matrix composites are appealing materials utilized in a variety of industries. This study investigates the mechanical properties of copper–graphite (Cu–Gr) matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) and tungsten carbide (WC) particles by hot pressing using powder metallurgy method. The goal is to investigate the influence of the reinforcement ratio on the mechanical characteristics of copper composite materials generated (density, hardness, flexural strength, and wear resistance). SEM, EDS, and X-RD analysis were used to perform metallographic examinations. The highest relative density with a value of 98.558% was determined in the C3 sample. The findings revealed that when the reinforcement ratio was raised, the hardness rose. The highest hardness value was observed in the C6 sample with an increase of 12.52%. Sample C4 (with the lowest SiC and WC particles ratio) had the highest bending stress (233.18 MPa). Bending stress increased by 35.56% compared to the C1 sample. The lowest specific wear rates were found in the C4 sample, with a decrease of 82.57% compared to the C1 sample. The lowest wear rate (6.853 × 10−7 mm3/Nm) also occurred in the C4 sample. The microstructural analysis showed that the hybrid reinforcement particles exhibited a homogeneous distribution in the copper matrix. X-RD analysis showed that there was no intermediate reaction between the parent matrix and the hybrid reinforcements. A good interfacial bond was observed between the matrix structure and the hybrid reinforcements. The motivation of this research was to utilise the advantages of the unique features of SiC–WC hybrid particles to improve the performance of newly developed Cu-6Gr composites for wear-resistance applications.
Enhanced Mechanic Strength and Thermal Conductivities of Mica Composites with Mimicking Shell Nacre Structure
Authors: Tian Fuqiang , Cao Jinmei , Li Yiming
Published: June 2022

As the main insulation of high-voltage motors, the poor mechanical and thermal conductivities of mica paper restrict the motor’s technological advances. This paper prepared multilayer toughening mica composites with a highly ordered “brick-mud” stacking structure by mimicking the natural conch nacre structure. We investigated the mechanical, thermal, and breakdown properties by combined study of tensile strength, stiffness, thermal conductivity, and breakdown strength at varying mica and nanocellulose contents. The results show that thermal conductivity of the mica/chitosan composites were gradually enhanced with the increase in mica content and the composite shows the optimal synthetic performance at 50 wt% mica content. Further addition of the nanocellulose can extremely enhance the thermal conductivities of mica/chitosan composites. The composite with 5 wt% nanocellulose obtained the maximal thermal conductivity of 0.71 W/(m·K), which was about 1.7 times that of the mica/chitosan composite (0.42 W/(m·K)) and much higher than normal mica tape (0.20 W/(m·K)). Meanwhile, the breakdown strength and tensile strength of mica/chitosan/nanocellulose composite also demonstrated substantial improvement. The application of the mica/chitosan/nanocellulose composite is expected to essentially enhance the stator power density and heat dissipation ability of large-capacity generators and HV electric motors.
Parental Traits Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Children and Adolescents in Croatia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Franić Ivana , Boljat Petra , Radić Hozo Endica , Burger Ante , Matana Antonela
Published: June 2022

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is known to be one of the healthiest dietary patterns. Despite the significance of a healthful diet during the early stage of life, data for young individuals indicate that nutrition problems are common. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine parental factors associated with MD adherence in children and adolescents living in the Mediterranean region in Croatia. In total, 2623 children aged 2 to 18 years and their parents participated in this study. Data were collected during the period from September 2021 to February 2022 by using an anonymous questionnaire. We used KIDMED and MEDAS questionnaires for assessing MD adherence in young individuals and their parents, respectively. To assess the association of children’s MD adherence categories with the parental predictors, we performed multivariate multinomial logistic regression. Results showed that the children of parents with a low MD adherence are much more likely to have poor MD adherence than good (OR = 47.54 (95% C.I 18.24, 123.87), p < 0.001) or average (OR = 5.64 (95% C.I 3.70, 8.6), p < 0.001) MD adherence. Further, children of fathers with higher BMI (OR = 1.035 (95% C.I 1.0, 1.071)) and those who do not live with both parents (OR = 1.703 (95% C.I 0.994, 2.916), p = 0.053) are more likely to have poor MD adherence than good MD adherence. These results indicate that interventions focusing on enhancing the quality of both parents’ diets could effectively improve their children’s eating habits.
An Undergraduate Interprofessional Experience with Self-Learning Methodology in Simulation Environment (MAES©): A Qualitative Study
Authors: Fenzi Giulio , Díaz-Agea José Luis , Pethick David , Bertolín-Delgado Rocío , Hernández-Donoso Noelia , Lorente-Corral Luis
Published: June 2022

This article describes the impact that a Self-learning Methodology in Simulated Environments can have on Interprofessional Education within a Crisis Resource Management simulated scenario. We used a qualitative approach. It is divided into three phases: study and design, plan of action, and analysis and evaluation. During the first phase of the study, there emerged a poor use of Interprofessional Education in the nursing and medical degrees, and it became apparent that there was a need for an implementation. Due to the possibility for better training for both technical and non-technical skills within Crisis Resource Management, a simulation scenario within this setting has been established as a learning baseline objective. The technique used to develop the scenario in the second phase of the study was the Self-learning Methodology in Simulated Environments. Its structure, comprising six items, was previously demonstrated in the literature as appropriate for healthcare degree students. The main result of the third phase shows an overall acceptance of an Interprofessional Education within Self-learning Methodology in Simulated Environments during the practice of a Crisis Resource Management scenario. The integrated application of a Self-learning Methodology in Simulated Environments, Interprofessional Education, and Crisis Resource Management result in a synergistic combination that allows students to share knowledge, technical, and non-technical skills using an innovative learning method.