bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluoride Varnishes for Preventing Occlusal Dental Caries: A Review
Authors: Baik Alaa , Alamoudi Najlaa , El-Housseiny Azza , Altuwirqi Amani
Published: June 2021

Dental caries are most likely to occur on occlusal surfaces from the early eruptive stages of the tooth. In children, about 80% to 90% of dental caries are occlusal caries. Different preventive modalities are used to prevent occlusal caries. One of the methods used for occlusal caries prevention is fluoride varnish. A vast number of clinical trials have evaluated several types of sealant material and fluoride varnish to assess their ability to prevent occlusal caries in both primary and permanent dentition. The purpose of the current study was to provide an updated overview of the development, composition, mechanism of action, application, and safety of fluoride varnish, as well as its effect on occlusal caries prevention. This review of recently published studies on fluoride varnish and its effect on occlusal caries prevention shows that in children at moderate to high risk of caries, fluoride varnishes prevent occlusal caries. Both resin-based fissure sealants and fluoride varnish are effective for occlusal caries prevention for first-permanent molars. However, it was not possible to identify which one has the best effect. It is recommend that fluoride varnish is applied for children at high risk of caries two to four times per year.
Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Using Ceramic Alloplastic Granules or Paste: An Experimental Study in Rabbits
Authors: Costa Michael Medeiros , Botticelli Daniele , Moses Ofer , Omori Yuki , Fujiwara Shigeo , Silva Erick Ricardo , Xavier Samuel Porfirio
Published: June 2021

Background: Due to the lack of data comparing the biological behavior of two formulations, granules and paste, of alloplastic graft from microtomographic and histomorphometric points of view, the aim of the present experiment was to compare the histomorphometric and microtomographic healing of two formulations, i.e., granules (MR sites) or paste (MR-inject sites) of an alloplastic graft composed of a combination of beta-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite used for maxillary sinus lifting. Methods: A sinus lifting procedure was carried out bilaterally in 20 rabbits, and the elevated space was filled with either paste or granules of an alloplastic material. A collagen membrane was placed on the antrostomy and the animals were euthanized after 2 or 10 weeks, 10 animals each group. Microtomographic and histological analyses were performed. Results: Higher proportions of new bone formation were found at the MR, compared to the MR-inject sites both after 2 weeks (2.65 ± 2.89% vs. 0.08 ± 0.12%; p < 0.01) and 10 weeks of healing (34.20 ± 13.86 vs. 23.28 ± 10.35%; p = 0.022). Conclusions: It was concluded that new bone formation was faster in the MR sites, compared to the MR-inject. However, a longer time of healing should be allowed to make final conclusions about the efficiency in bone formation of the paste formulation of the biomaterial used in the present study.
Impacts of Uniform Magnetic Field and Internal Heated Vertical Plate on Ferrofluid Free Convection and Entropy Generation in a Square Chamber
Authors: Sivaraj Chinnasamy , Gubin Vladimir E. , Matveev Aleksander S. , Sheremet Mikhail A.
Published: June 2021

The heat transfer enhancement and fluid flow control in engineering systems can be achieved by addition of ferric oxide nanoparticles of small concentration under magnetic impact. To increase the technical system life cycle, the entropy generation minimization technique can be employed. The present research deals with numerical simulation of magnetohydrodynamic thermal convection and entropy production in a ferrofluid chamber under the impact of an internal vertical hot sheet. The formulated governing equations have been worked out by the in-house program based on the finite volume technique. Influence of the Hartmann number, Lorentz force tilted angle, nanoadditives concentration, dimensionless temperature difference, and non-uniform heating parameter on circulation structures, temperature patterns, and entropy production has been scrutinized. It has been revealed that a transition from the isothermal plate to the non-uniformly warmed sheet illustrates a rise of the average entropy generation rate, while the average Nusselt number can be decreased weakly. A diminution of the mean entropy production strength can be achieved by an optimal selection of the Lorentz force tilted angle.
Some New Quantum BCH Codes over Finite Fields
Authors: Xing Lijuan , Li Zhuo
Published: June 2021

Quantum error correcting codes (QECCs) play an important role in preventing quantum information decoherence. Good quantum stabilizer codes were constructed by classical error correcting codes. In this paper, Bose–Chaudhuri–Hocquenghem (BCH) codes over finite fields are used to construct quantum codes. First, we try to find such classical BCH codes, which contain their dual codes, by studying the suitable cyclotomic cosets. Then, we construct nonbinary quantum BCH codes with given parameter sets. Finally, a new family of quantum BCH codes can be realized by Steane’s enlargement of nonbinary Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS) construction and Hermitian construction. We have proven that the cyclotomic cosets are good tools to study quantum BCH codes. The defining sets contain the highest numbers of consecutive integers. Compared with the results in the references, the new quantum BCH codes have better code parameters without restrictions and better lower bounds on minimum distances. What is more, the new quantum codes can be constructed over any finite fields, which enlarges the range of quantum BCH codes.
Characterization and Electrocatalytic Performance of Molasses Derived Co-Doped (P, N) and Tri-Doped (Si, P, N) Carbon for the ORR
Authors: Macchi Samantha , Watanabe Fumiya , Viswanathan Tito , Siraj Noureen
Published: June 2021

There is a growing need to develop sustainable electrocatalysts to facilitate the reduction of molecular oxygen that occurs at the cathode in fuel cells, due to the excessive cost and limited availability of precious metal-based catalysts. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of phosphorus and nitrogen co-doped carbon (PNDC) and silicon, phosphorus, and nitrogen tri-doped carbon (SiPNDC) electrocatalysts derived from molasses. This robust microwave-assisted synthesis approach is used to develop a low cost and environmentally friendly carbon with high surface area for application in fuel cells. Co-doped PNDC as well as tri-doped SiPNDC showed Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) surface areas of 437 and 426 m2 g−1, respectively, with well-developed porosity. However, examination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data revealed significant alteration in the doping elemental composition among both samples. The results obtained using rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements show that tri-doped SiPNDC achieves much closer to a 4-electron process than co-doped PNDC. Detailed analysis of experimental results acquired from rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) studies indicates that there is a negligible amount of peroxide formation during ORR, further confirming the direct-electron transfer pathway results obtained from RDE. Furthermore, SiPNDC shows stable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance over 2500 cycles, making this material a promising electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications.
Portable Photovoltaic-Self-Powered Flexible Electrochromic Windows for Adaptive Envelopes
Authors: Cánovas-Saura Antonio , Ruiz Ramón , López-Vicente Rodolfo , Abad José , Urbina Antonio , Padilla Javier
Published: June 2021

Variable transmission applications for light control or energy saving based on electrochromic materials have been successfully applied in the past in the building, sports, or automotive fields, although lower costs and ease of fabrication, installation, and maintenance are still needed for deeper market integration. In this study, all-printed large area (900 cm2 active area) flexible electrochromic devices were fabricated, and an autoregulating self-power supply was implemented through the use of organic solar cells. A new perspective was applied for automotive light transmission function, where portability and mechanical flexibility added new features for successful market implementation. Special emphasis was placed in applying solution-based scalable deposition techniques and commercially available materials (PEDOT-PSS as an electrochromic material; vanadium oxide, V2O5, as a transparent ion-storage counter electrode; and organic solar modules as the power supply). A straightforward electronic control method was designed and successfully implemented allowing for easy user control. We describe a step-by-step route following the design, materials optimization, electronic control simulation, in-solution fabrication, and scaling-up of fully functional self-powered portable electrochromic devices.
The Evaluation of an Asymptotic Solution to the Sommerfeld Radiation Problem Using an Efficient Method for the Calculation of Sommerfeld Integrals in the Spectral Domain
Authors: Bourgiotis Sotiris , Frangos Panayiotis , Sautbekov Seil , Pshikov Mustakhim
Published: June 2021

A recently developed high-frequency asymptotic solution for the famous “Sommerfeld radiation problem” is revisited. The solution is based on an analysis performed in the spectral domain, through which a compact asymptotic formula describes the behavior of the EM field, which emanates from a vertical Hertzian radiating dipole, located above flat, lossy ground. The paper is divided into two parts. We first demonstrate an efficient technique for the accurate numerical calculation of the well-known Sommerfeld integrals. The results are compared against alternative calculation approaches and validated with the corresponding Norton figures for the surface wave. In the second part, we introduce the asymptotic solution and investigate its performance; we compare the solution with the accurate numerical evaluation for the received EM field and with a more basic asymptotic solution to the given problem, obtained via the application of the Stationary Phase Method. Simulations for various frequencies, distances, altitudes, and ground characteristics are illustrated and inferences for the applicability of the solution are made. Finally, special cases leading to analytical field expressions close as well as far from the interface are examined.
Thermal Analyses of Reactor under High-Power and High-Frequency Square Wave Voltage Based on Improved Thermal Network Model
Authors: Shen Li , Xie Fan , Xiao Wenxun , Ji Huayu , Zhang Bo
Published: June 2021

In order to quickly calculate the stable temperature of a reactor driven by high-frequency and high-power pulse voltage, an improved thermal network model suitable for a reactor under this condition is established in this paper. In power electronic equipment, the maximum temperature of the reactor is usually concentrated in its internal core. Moreover, with the increasing demand of high-power density in power electronic devices, the structure design of the reactor is more compact, and the internal magnetic field will affect the accuracy of the temperature-measuring device. Therefore, it is difficult to measure the internal temperature rise of the reactor directly. However, its stable operating temperature could be analyzed by the thermal network modeling methods and heat transfer analysis tool. Therefore, a convenient and accurate thermal network model of the reactor under high-frequency and high-power square wave voltage is established by considering the equivalent thermal resistance of the winding, the three-dimensional geometrical effect of the core and the effect of the high-frequency repeated pulse stress on the thermal penetration depth. Additionally, the internal temperature of the reactor can be obtained through the external temperature in terms of the presented model. To verify the feasibility of the thermal network model, the corresponding multiphysical field finite element simulation and the reactor temperature measurement platform is built. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed thermal network model has a high precision and fast calculation speed, and it is an effective tool for thermal analysis of the reactor.
CioSy: A Collaborative Blockchain-Based Insurance System
Authors: Loukil Faiza , Boukadi Khouloud , Hussain Rasheed , Abed Mourad
Published: June 2021

The insurance industry is heavily dependent on several processes executed among multiple entities, such as insurer, insured, and third-party services. The increasingly competitive environment is pushing insurance companies to use advanced technologies to address multiple challenges, namely lack of trust, lack of transparency, and economic instability. To this end, blockchain is used as an emerging technology that enables transparent and secure data storage and transmission. In this paper, we propose CioSy, a collaborative blockchain-based insurance system for monitoring and processing the insurance transactions. To the best of our knowledge, the existing approaches do not consider collaborative insurance to achieve an automated, transparent, and tamper-proof solution. CioSy aims at automating the insurance policy processing, claim handling, and payment using smart contracts. For validation purposes, an experimental prototype is developed on Ethereum blockchain. Our experimental results show that the proposed approach is both feasible and economical in terms of time and cost.
Seasonal and Multi-Seasonal Energy Storage by Power-to-Methane Technology
Authors: Kummer Kristóf , Imre Attila R.
Published: June 2021

The time-range of applicability of various energy-storage technologies are limited by self-discharge and other inevitable losses. While batteries and hydrogen are useful for storage in a time-span ranging from hours to several days or even weeks, for seasonal or multi-seasonal storage, only some traditional and quite costly methods can be used (like pumped-storage plants, Compressed Air Energy Storage or energy tower). In this paper, we aim to show that while the efficiency of energy recovery of Power-to-Methane technology is lower than for several other methods, due to the low self-discharge and negligible standby losses, it can be a suitable and cost-effective solution for seasonal and multi-seasonal energy storage.
Magneto-Thermo-Structural Analysis of Power Transformers under Inrush and Short Circuit Conditions
Authors: Sousa Antonio Roniel Marques de , Nunes Marcus Vinicius Alves , Fonseca Wellington da Silva , Araujo Ramon Cristian Fernandes , Lima Diorge de Souza
Published: June 2021

The main equipment responsible for connection and transmission of electric power from generating centers to consumers are power transformers. This type of equipment is subject to various types of faults that can affect its components, in some cases also compromising its operation and, consequently, the electric power supply. Thus, in this paper, electromagnetic, thermal, and structural analysis of power transformers was carried out with the objective of providing the operator with information on the ideal moment for performing predictive maintenance, avoiding unplanned shutdowns. For this, computational simulations were performed using the finite element method (FEM) and, from that, the different transformer operation ways, nominal currents, inrush current, and short-circuit current were analyzed. In this perspective, analyses of the effects that thermal expansion, axial forces, and radial forces exerted were carried out, contributing to possible defects in this type of equipment. As a study object, simulations were carried out on a 50 MVA single-phase transformer. It is important to emphasize that the simulations were validated with real data of measurements and with results presented in the current literature.
Energy–Water–CO2 Synergetic Optimization Based on a Mixed-Integer Linear Resource Planning Model Concerning the Demand Side Management in Beijing’s Power Structure Transformation
Authors: Liu Yuan , Tan Qinliang , Han Jian , Guo Mingxin
Published: June 2021

Studies on the energy–water–CO2 synergetic relationship is an effective way to help achieve the peak CO2 emission target and carbon neutral goal in global countries. One of the most valid way is to adjust through the electric power structure transformation. In this study, a mixed-integer linear resource planning model is proposed to investigate the energy–water–CO2 synergetic optimization relationship, concerning the uncertainties in the fuel price and power demand prediction process. Coupled with multiple CO2 emissions and water policy scenarios, Beijing, the capital city of China, is chosen as a case study. Results indicate that the demand-side management (DSM) level and the stricter environmental constraints can effectively push Beijing’s power supply system in a much cleaner direction. The energy–water–CO2 relationship will reach a better balance under stricter environmental constraints and higher DSM level. However, the achievement of the energy–water–CO2 synergetic optimization will be at an expense of high system cost. Decision makers should adjust their strategies flexibly based on the practical planning situations.
Relationships between Final Purchasers and Offerors in the Context of Their Perception by Final Purchasers
Authors: Baruk Agnieszka Izabela
Published: June 2021

The aim of this article was to identify the role of good mutual relationships with offerors for final purchasers, as well as define the meaning of the perception of offerors in the scope of listening to purchasers’ opinions and profiting from purchasers’ readiness to cooperate for the specificities of the prosumeric activity. A deep analysis of the world literature was used to prepare the theoretical part of this paper. The results of this analysis confirm the existing cognitive gap and research gap regarding mentioned aspects, including energy market. Empirical studies were conducted to reduce identified gaps. The survey method was used to collect primary data. The collected data were subjected to quantitative analysis, during which statistical analysis methods and tests were applied (Pearson chi-square independence test, V-Cramer factor analysis, Kruskal–Wallis test (KW), and exploratory factor analysis). The results of the statistical analysis and testing allowed the three research hypotheses formulated to be checked. Between the significance of good relationships with offerors and their perception, a statistically significant dependence was identified for all groups of offerors. The perception of offerors was a feature differentiating respondents’ opinions about the significance of good relationships with offerors for the two following groups: producers and traders. Additionally, the perception of offerors was a feature differentiating forms of prosumeric activity of respondents only for three interpurchase behaviors. The results obtained have a visible cognitive and applicability value. They contribute to the theory of marketing, as well as possibly facilitating the formation of good mutual relationships between offerors (including offerors of energy) and final purchasers as key partners cooperating with offerors in the marketing process. The approach presented in this paper has not been studied and analyzed so far, either in theoretical or in practical terms. This fact confirms its originality and value.
Biological Stoichiometric Analysis during Substrate Utilization and Secondary Metabolite Production by Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts Using Grape Pomace Extract as Fermentation Medium
Authors: Mewa-Ngongang Maxwell , du Plessis Heinrich W. , Ntwampe Seteno K. O. , Akinpelu Enoch A. , Hutchinson Ucrecia F. , Chidi Boredi S. , Okudoh Vincent I. , Jolly Neil P.
Published: June 2021

The emerging interest in the search for alternatives to synthetic preservatives has led to various successful research studies exploring the use of yeasts as potential biological control agents and producers of biopreservatives. The findings that yeasts could be used as producers of biopreservatives lacked some engineering considerations regarding cost-effective process design for scale-up, although partial process optimization using renewable agro-waste has been achieved. This study investigated the biological stoichiometry and bioenergetic parameters during yeast growth and secondary metabolites production i.e., biopreservatives from non-Saccharomyces yeasts using grape pomace extract (GPE), a type of agro-waste, as a fermentation medium. This was achieved by reconfirming the optimum production conditions previously found for Candida pyralidae Y1117, Pichia kluyveri Y1125, and Pichia kluyveri Y1164 in GPE broth as a fermentation medium, conditions under which a high amount of yeast cells were obtained. High-density cell cultures were produced, from which the yeast cell pellets were harvested, dried, and combusted for the determination of elemental analysis, heat of combustion, biological stoichiometry, and bioenergetic parameters. This work generated biological stoichiometric models and bioenergetics information that could assist in the design of yeast biochemical conversion system when GPE is used as fermentation medium, thereby, addressing the biochemical engineering aspects that were lacking in a previous biopreservative production study using Candida pyralidae Y1117, Pichia kluyveri Y1125, and Pichia kluyveri Y1164.
Combining Culture-Dependent and Culture-Independent Methods: New Methodology Insight on the Vibrio Community of Ruditapes philippinarum
Authors: Zampieri Angela , Babbucci Massimiliano , Carraro Lisa , Milan Massimo , Fasolato Luca , Cardazzo Barbara
Published: June 2021

Vibrios represent a natural contaminant of seafood products. V. alginolyticus, V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus are the most hazardous species to human health. Given the worldwide consumption of mollusc products, reliable detection of Vibrio species is recommended to prevent human vibriosis. In this study, culture-dependent and -independent methods were compared and integrated to implement knowledge of the Manila clam Vibrio community composition. Here, 16S and recA-pyrH metabarcoding were applied to compare the microbial communities of homogenate clam samples (culture-independent method) and their culture-derived samples plated on three different media (culture-dependent method). In addition, a subset of plated clam samples was investigated using shotgun metagenomics. Homogenate metabarcoding characterized the most abundant taxa (16S) and Vibrio species (recA-pyrH). Culture-dependent metabarcoding detected the cultivable taxa, including rare species. Moreover, marine agar medium was found to be a useful substrate for the recovery of several Vibrio species, including the main human pathogenic ones. The culture-dependent shotgun metagenomics detected all the main human pathogenic Vibrio species and a higher number of vibrios with respect to the recA-pyrH metabarcoding. The study revealed that integration of culture-dependent and culture-independent methods might be a valid approach for the characterization of Vibrio biodiversity.
Combination of Stable Isotopes and Fatty Acid Composition for Geographical Origin Discrimination of One Argan Oil Vintage
Authors: Elgadi Sara , Ouhammou Ahmed , Taous Fouad , Zine Hamza , Papazoglou Eleni G. , Elghali Tibari , Amenzou Noureddine , El Allali Hassan , Aitlhaj Abderrahmane , El Antari Abderraouf
Published: June 2021

Quality control and traceability of Argan oil requires precise chemical characterization considering different provenances. The fatty acid profile is an essential parameter that certifies the quality and purity of Argan oil. In addition, stable isotopes were recently shown to be accurate as an indicator for geographical origin. In this study, fatty acid composition by gas chromatography (GC) and stable isotope ratio by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) were investigated for classifying Argan oil according to its geographical origin. Forty-one Argan oil samples, belonging to six geographical origins of Moroccan natural Argan population (Safi, Essaouira, Agadir Ida Outanane, Taroudant, Tiznit and Sidi Ifni) were collected and extracted under the same conditions. The results show that the isotope δ13C, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:2) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) were strongly influenced by ecological parameters. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed to discriminate the six studied provenances. Discriminant models predicted the origin of Argan oil with 92.70% success. Samples from Safi, Essaouira and Agadir Ida Outanane presented the highest classification rate (100%). In contrast, the lowest rate was reported for samples from Tiznit (85.70%). The findings obtained for fatty acids and isotope combination might be considered as an accurate tool for determining the geographical origins of Argan oil. Moreover, they can potentially be used as specific markers for oils labeled with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
Mycotoxins Affecting Animals, Foods, Humans, and Plants: Types, Occurrence, Toxicities, Action Mechanisms, Prevention, and Detoxification Strategies—A Revisit
Authors: Awuchi Chinaza Godswill , Ondari Erick Nyakundi , Ogbonna Chukwuka U. , Upadhyay Anjani K. , Baran Katarzyna , Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R. , Korzeniowska Małgorzata , Guiné Raquel P. F.
Published: June 2021

Mycotoxins are produced by fungi and are known to be toxic to humans and animals. Common mycotoxins include aflatoxins, ochratoxins, zearalenone, patulin, sterigmatocystin, citrinin, ergot alkaloids, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, trichothecenes, Alternaria toxins, tremorgenic mycotoxins, fusarins, 3-nitropropionic acid, cyclochlorotine, sporidesmin, etc. These mycotoxins can pose several health risks to both animals and humans, including death. As several mycotoxins simultaneously occur in nature, especially in foods and feeds, the detoxification and/or total removal of mycotoxins remains challenging. Moreover, given that the volume of scientific literature regarding mycotoxins is steadily on the rise, there is need for continuous synthesis of the body of knowledge. To supplement existing information, knowledge of mycotoxins affecting animals, foods, humans, and plants, with more focus on types, toxicity, and prevention measures, including strategies employed in detoxification and removal, were revisited in this work. Our synthesis revealed that mycotoxin decontamination, control, and detoxification strategies cut across pre-and post-harvest preventive measures. In particular, pre-harvest measures can include good agricultural practices, fertilization/irrigation, crop rotation, using resistant varieties of crops, avoiding insect damage, early harvesting, maintaining adequate humidity, and removing debris from the preceding harvests. On the other hand, post-harvest measures can include processing, chemical, biological, and physical measures. Additionally, chemical-based methods and other emerging strategies for mycotoxin detoxification can involve the usage of chitosan, ozone, nanoparticles, and plant extracts.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment and Strengthening Interventions of Structural Units of a Typical Clustered Masonry Building in the Campania Region of Italy
Authors: Formisano Antonio , Chieffo Nicola , Vaiano Generoso
Published: June 2021

The present paper aims at inspecting the structural behaviour of a typical masonry aggregate located in the historical centre of Cercola, a municipality in the province of Naples. The clustered building under study consists of four structural units mutually connected to each other made of tuff stone and deformable floors. Two distinct structural units, namely in heading and intermediate places, in both isolated and aggregate conditions, are examined to estimate the influence of structural positions on the global seismic response of the examined case study buildings. For this purpose, non-linear static analyses are performed using the 3MURI software. Pushover analyses are conducted to both evaluate the seismic behaviour of examined structural units and improve their earthquake performances while considering proper retrofit interventions on vertical and horizontal structures. The analysis results are plotted in terms of risk factor, stiffness, and ductility. Finally, a set of fragility functions are derived to point out the structural response of the case study buildings before and after retrofit interventions. From the achieved results, it is highlighted that retrofit interventions improve the structural performances of the buildings, especially those of structural units in aggregate conditions.
Prevalence, New Incidence, Course, and Risk Factors of PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and Panic Disorder during the Covid-19 Pandemic in 11 Countries
Authors: Georgieva Irina , Lepping Peter , Bozev Vasil , Lickiewicz Jakub , Pekara Jaroslav , Wikman Sofia , Loseviča Marina , Raveesh Bevinahalli Nanjegowda , Mihai Adriana , Lantta Tella
Published: June 2021

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and panic disorder (PD) among citizens in 11 countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. We explored risks and protective factors most associated with the development of these mental health disorders and their course at 68 days follow up. We acquired 9543 unique responses via an online survey that was disseminated in UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, India, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Sweden. The prevalence and new incidence during the pandemic for at least one disorder was 48.6% and 17.6%, with the new incidence of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorder being 11.4%, 8.4%, 9.3%, and 3%, respectively. Higher resilience was associated with lower mental health burden for all disorders. Ten to thirteen associated factors explained 79% of the variance in PTSD, 80% in anxiety, 78% in depression, and 89% in PD. To reduce the mental health burden, governments should refrain from implementing many highly restrictive and lasting containment measures. Public health campaigns should focus their effort on alleviating stress and fear, promoting resilience, building public trust in government and medical care, and persuading the population of the measures’ effectiveness. Psychosocial services and resources should be allocated to facilitate individual and community-level recovery from the pandemic.
A Comparative Study between 18F-FDG PET/CT and Conventional Imaging in the Evaluation of Progressive Disease and Recurrence in Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Rusu George , Achimaș-Cadariu Patriciu , Piciu Andra , Căinap Simona Sorana , Căinap Călin , Piciu Doina
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of conventional imaging and 18F-FDG PET-CT in detecting progressive disease and recurrences over a period of one year (2018), in the case of ovarian cancer, and also to assess the importance of 18F-FDG PET/CT in changing the course of the treatment for these patients. This study included 29 patients diagnosed in various stages with ovarian carcinoma, most of them of epithelial origin. All patients were evaluated throughout their treatment using 18F-FDG PET/CT and various conventional techniques (computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), abdominal and intravaginal ultrasound, chest X-ray). PET/CT was more useful and effective in our group of patients in detecting progressive disease compared with conventional imaging (37.93% vs. 17.24%) and also in establishing the recurrences (24.14% vs. 6.90%). Moreover, F18-FDG PET-CT led to a therapeutic change in 55.17% of the patients of our group, compared with only 17.24% after conventional imaging. This underlines the crucial aspect of the metabolic changes of tumors that should be assessed alongside the morphological ones, with PET-CT imaging remaining the only viable tool for achieving that at present. PET/CT with 18F-FDG represents one of the most important imaging techniques used in the diagnosis and management of ovarian carcinoma. Our results seem to fall in line with what other authors reported, indicating that 18F-FDG PET-CT is potentially gaining more ground in the management of ovarian carcinoma, by influencing therapeutic strategies and by being able to detect relapse and progression accurately.
Role of Glutathione-Ascorbate Cycle and Photosynthetic Electronic Transfer in Alternative Oxidase-Manipulated Waterlogging Tolerance in Watermelon Seedlings
Authors: Zheng Jiawen , Fang Chunying , Ru Lei , Sun Nan , Liu Yuanyuan , Huang Yunping , Wang Yuhong , Zhu Zhujun , He Yong
Published: June 2021

Alternative oxidase (AOX) has been documented to mitigate the oxidative stress caused by abiotic stresses. However, it remains unknown how AOX regulates the antioxidant system and photosynthesis under waterlogging. To address this issue, we used two watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) cultivars (waterlogging tolerant cultivar ‘YL’ and sensitive cultivar ‘Zaojia8424’) as materials and the AOX inhibitor salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) to investigate the effects of AOX on photosynthesis and reactive oxygen species metabolism under waterlogging. We found that waterlogging decreased leaf photosynthesis and quantum yield of photosynthesis in watermelon, and the waterlogging tolerant cultivar ‘YL’ showed higher expression level of ClaAOX than the sensitive cultivar ‘Zaojia8424’. Net photosynthesis rate was higher in ‘YL’ than ‘Zaojia8424’. Moreover, waterlogging induced photoinhibition in ‘Zaojia8424’ but not in ‘YL’. Meanwhile, waterlogging promoted the accumulation of superoxide and peroxide hydrogen, and triggered oxidative damage. ‘YL’ suffered from less severe oxidative damage due to increased contents of ascorbate, a higher ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG), a higher activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT), and enhanced levels of CAT and APX expression, relative to ‘Zaojia8424’. However, the alleviation of photosynthesis and oxidative damage, increased content of ascorbate and higher GSH/GSSG ratio were abolished by SHAM. Our results suggested that photosynthetic electronic transfer and glutathione-ascorbate cycle are involved in waterlogging tolerance mediated by the AOX pathway in watermelon.
Is There Daily Growth Hysteresis versus Vapor Pressure Deficit in Cherry Fruit?
Authors: Zucchini Matteo , Khosravi Arash , Giorgi Veronica , Mancini Adriano , Neri Davide
Published: June 2021

The growth of cherry fruit is generally described using a double sigmoid model, divided into four growth stages. Abiotic factors are considered to be significant components in modifying fruit growth, and among these, the vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is deemed the most effective. In this study, we investigated sweet cherry fruit growth through the continuous, hourly monitoring of fruit transversal diameter over two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), from the beginning of the third stage to maturation (forth stage). Extensometers were used in the field and VPD was calculated from weather data. The fruit growth pattern up to the end of the third stage demonstrated three critical steps during non-rainy days: shrinkage, stabilization and expansion. In the third stage of fruit growth, a partial clockwise hysteresis curve of circadian growth, as a response to VPD, appeared on random days. The pattern of fruit growth during rainy days was not distinctive, but the amount and duration of rain caused a consequent decrease in the VPD and indirectly boosted fruit growth. At the beginning of the fourth stage, the circadian growth changed and the daily transversal diameter vs VPD formed fully clockwise hysteresis curves for most of this stage. Our findings indicate that hysteresis can be employed to evaluate the initial phenological phase of fruit maturation, as a fully clockwise hysteresis curve was observable only in the fourth stage of fruit growth. There are additional opportunities for its use in the management of fruit production, such as in precision fruit farming.
Spectroscopic and In Silico Studies on the Interaction of Substituted Pyrazolo[1,2-a]benzo[1,2,3,4]tetrazine-3-one Derivatives with c-Myc G4-DNA
Authors: Mulliri Simone , Laaksonen Aatto , Spanu Pietro , Farris Riccardo , Farci Matteo , Mingoia Francesco , Roviello Giovanni N. , Mocci Francesca
Published: June 2021

Herein we describe a combined experimental and in silico study of the interaction of a series of pyrazolo[1,2-a]benzo[1,2,3,4]tetrazin-3-one derivatives (PBTs) with parallel G-quadruplex (GQ) DNA aimed at correlating their previously reported anticancer activities and the stabilizing effects observed by us on c-myc oncogene promoter GQ structure. Circular dichroism (CD) melting experiments were performed to characterize the effect of the studied PBTs on the GQ thermal stability. CD measurements indicate that two out of the eight compounds under investigation induced a slight stabilizing effect (2–4 °C) on GQ depending on the nature and position of the substituents. Molecular docking results allowed us to verify the modes of interaction of the ligands with the GQ and estimate the binding affinities. The highest binding affinity was observed for ligands with the experimental melting temperatures (Tms). However, both stabilizing and destabilizing ligands showed similar scores, whilst Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, performed across a wide range of temperatures on the GQ in water solution, either unliganded or complexed with two model PBT ligands with the opposite effect on the Tms, consistently confirmed their stabilizing or destabilizing ability ascertained by CD. Clues about a relation between the reported anticancer activity of some PBTs and their ability to stabilize the GQ structure of c-myc emerged from our study. Furthermore, Molecular Dynamics simulations at high temperatures are herein proposed for the first time as a means to verify the stabilizing or destabilizing effect of ligands on the GQ, also disclosing predictive potential in GQ-targeting drug discovery.
Impact of the Spectral Composition of Kilovoltage X-rays on High-Z Nanoparticle-Assisted Dose Enhancement
Authors: Kolyvanova Maria A. , Belousov Alexandr V. , Krusanov Grigorii A. , Isagulieva Alexandra K. , Morozov Kirill V. , Kartseva Maria E. , Salpagarov Magomet H. , Krivoshapkin Pavel V. , Dement’eva Olga V. , Rudoy Victor M. , Morozov Vladimir N.
Published: June 2021

Nanoparticles (NPs) with a high atomic number (Z) are promising radiosensitizers for cancer therapy. However, the dependence of their efficacy on irradiation conditions is still unclear. In the present work, 11 different metal and metal oxide NPs (from Cu (ZCu = 29) to Bi2O3 (ZBi = 83)) were studied in terms of their ability to enhance the absorbed dose in combination with 237 X-ray spectra generated at a 30–300 kVp voltage using various filtration systems and anode materials. Among the studied high-Z NP materials, gold was the absolute leader by a dose enhancement factor (DEF; up to 2.51), while HfO2 and Ta2O5 were the most versatile because of the largest high-DEF region in coordinates U (voltage) and Eeff (effective energy). Several impacts of the X-ray spectral composition have been noted, as follows: (1) there are radiation sources that correspond to extremely low DEFs for all of the studied NPs, (2) NPs with a lower Z in some cases can equal or overcome by the DEF value the high-Z NPs, and (3) the change in the X-ray spectrum caused by a beam passing through the matter can significantly affect the DEF. All of these findings indicate the important role of carefully planning radiation exposure in the presence of high-Z NPs.
MAPKs Are Highly Abundant but Do Not Contribute to α1-Adrenergic Contraction of Rat Saphenous Arteries in the Early Postnatal Period
Authors: Gaynullina Dina K. , Kudryashova Tatiana V. , Vorotnikov Alexander V. , Schubert Rudolf , Tarasova Olga S.
Published: June 2021

Previously, the abundance of p42/44 and p38 MAPK proteins had been shown to be higher in arteries of 1- to 2-week-old compared to 2- to 3-month-old rats. However, the role of MAPKs in vascular tone regulation in early ontogenesis remains largely unexplored. We tested the hypothesis that the contribution of p42/44 and p38 MAPKs to the contraction of peripheral arteries is higher in the early postnatal period compared to adulthood. Saphenous arteries of 1- to 2-week-old and 2- to 3-month-old rats were studied using wire myography and western blotting. The α1-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine did not increase the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK in either 1- to 2-week-old or 2- to 3-month-old rats. Accordingly, inhibition of p38 MAPK did not affect arterial contraction to methoxamine in either age group. Methoxamine increased the phosphorylation level of p42/44 MAPKs in arteries of 2- to 3-month-old and of p44 MAPK in 1- to 2-week-old rats. Inhibition of p42/44 MAPKs reduced methoxamine-induced contractions in arteries of 2- to 3-month-old, but not 1- to 2-week-old rats. Thus, despite a high abundance in arterial tissue, p38 and p42/44 MAPKs do not regulate contraction of the saphenous artery in the early postnatal period. However, p42/44 MAPK activity contributes to arterial contractions in adult rats.
Improvement of the Similarity Spectral Unmixing Approach for Multiplexed Two-Photon Imaging by Linear Dimension Reduction of the Mixing Matrix
Authors: Rakhymzhan Asylkhan , Acs Andreas , Hauser Anja E. , Winkler Thomas H. , Niesner Raluca A.
Published: June 2021

Two-photon microscopy enables monitoring cellular dynamics and communication in complex systems, within a genuine environment, such as living tissues and, even, living organisms. Particularly, its application to understand cellular interactions in the immune system has brought unique insights into pathophysiologic processes in vivo. Simultaneous multiplexed imaging is required to understand the dynamic orchestration of the multiple cellular and non-cellular tissue compartments defining immune responses. Here, we present an improvement of our previously developed method, which allowed us to achieve multiplexed dynamic intravital two-photon imaging, by using a synergistic strategy. This strategy combines a spectrally broad range of fluorophore emissions, a wave-mixing concept for simultaneous excitation of all targeted fluorophores, and an unmixing algorithm based on the calculation of spectral similarities with previously measured fluorophore fingerprints. The improvement of the similarity spectral unmixing algorithm here described is based on dimensionality reduction of the mixing matrix. We demonstrate its superior performance in the correct pixel-based assignment of probes to tissue compartments labeled by single fluorophores with similar spectral fingerprints, as compared to the full-dimensional similarity spectral unmixing approach.
Tris-{Hydridotris(1-pyrazolyl)borato}lanthanide Complexes: Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Crystal Structure and Bonding Properties
Authors: Apostolidis Christos , Kovács Attila , Morgenstern Alfred , Rebizant Jean , Walter Olaf
Published: June 2021

Complexes of trivalent lanthanides (Ln) with the hydridotris(1-pyrazolyl)borato (Tp) ligand Ln[η3-HB(N2C3H3)3]3 (LnTp3) were subjected to a joint experimental–theoretical analysis. X-ray diffraction experiments have been performed on CeTp3, NdTp3, SmTp3, GdTp3, and TbTp3 in the nine-fold coordination and on DyTp3, HoTp3, ErTp3, TmTp3, YbTp3, and LuTp3 in the eight-fold coordination form. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out for all 15 LnTp3 complexes. They extended the X-ray diffraction data available on the LnTp3 compounds and facilitated a straightforward interpretation of trends in the structural parameters. As a result of the joint analysis, significant steric strain in the equatorial coordination sites of the nine-coordinate structures was recognized. Trends in the bonding properties were elucidated by energy decomposition and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis of the electron density distribution. These results revealed the major electrostatic character of the Ln…Tp bonding and fine variation of charge transfer effects across the Ln row.
Special Issue “2020 Feature Papers by JDB’ Editorial Board Members”
Authors: Conway Simon J.
Published: June 2021

For this Special Issue “2020 Feature Papers by JDB’ Editorial Board Members,” we present a collection of studies, including original research papers, and review articles by our distinguished editorial board members that focus on advances in understanding multicellular organisms’ growth, differentiation, and remodeling [...]
3D Physical Modeling of an Artificial Beach Nourishment: Laboratory Procedures and Nourishment Performance
Authors: Guimarães André , Coelho Carlos , Veloso-Gomes Fernando , Silva Paulo A.
Published: June 2021

Beach nourishment represents a type of coastal defense intervention, keeping the beach as a natural coastal defense system. Altering the cross-shore profile geometry, due to the introduction of new sediments, induces a non-equilibrium situation regarding the local wave dynamics. This work aims to increase our knowledge concerning 3D movable bed physical modeling and beach nourishment impacts on the hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and morphodynamics. A set of experiments with an artificial beach nourishment movable bed model was prepared. Hydrodynamic, sediment transport, and morphological variations and impacts due to the presence of the nourishment were monitored with specific equipment. Special attention was given to the number and positioning of the monitoring equipment and the inherent constraints of 3D movable beds laboratory tests. The nourishment induced changes in the beach dynamics, leading to an increase in the flow velocities range and suspended sediment concentration, and effectively increasing the emerged beach width. Predicting and anticipating the morphological evolution of the modeled beach has a major impact on data accuracy, since it might influence the monitoring equipment’s correct position. Laboratory results and constraints were characterized to help better define future laboratory procedures and strategies for increasing movable bed models’ accuracy and performance.