bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyphenylglyoxamide-Based Amphiphilic Small Molecular Peptidomimetics as Antibacterial Agents with Anti-Biofilm Activity
Authors: Yu Tsz Tin , Kuppusamy Rajesh , Yasir Muhammad , Hassan Md. Musfizur , Sara Manjulatha , Ho Junming , Willcox Mark D. P. , Black David StC. , Kumar Naresh
Published: July 2021

The rapid emergence of drug-resistant bacteria is a major global health concern. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and peptidomimetics have arisen as a new class of antibacterial agents in recent years in an attempt to overcome antibiotic resistance. A library of phenylglyoxamide-based small molecular peptidomimetics was synthesised by incorporating an N-alkylsulfonyl hydrophobic group with varying alkyl chain lengths and a hydrophilic cationic group into a glyoxamide core appended to phenyl ring systems. The quaternary ammonium iodide salts 16d and 17c showed excellent minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 and 8 μM (2.9 and 5.6 μg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, while the guanidinium hydrochloride salt 34a showed an MIC of 16 μM (8.5 μg/mL) against Escherichia coli. Additionally, the quaternary ammonium iodide salt 17c inhibited 70% S. aureus biofilm formation at 16 μM. It also disrupted 44% of pre-established S. aureus biofilms at 32 μM and 28% of pre-established E. coli biofilms 64 μM, respectively. A cytoplasmic membrane permeability study indicated that the synthesised peptidomimetics acted via disruption and depolarisation of membranes. Moreover, the quaternary ammonium iodide salts 16d and 17c were non-toxic against human cells at their therapeutic dosages against S. aureus.
Role of miR-24 in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1: A Potential Target for Molecular Therapy
Authors: Marini Francesca , Brandi Maria Luisa
Published: July 2021

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited multiple cancer syndrome of neuroendocrine tissues. Tumors are caused by an inherited germinal heterozygote inactivating mutation of the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene, followed by a somatic loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the MEN1 gene in target neuroendocrine cells, mainly at parathyroids, pancreas islets, and anterior pituitary. Over 1500 different germline and somatic mutations of the MEN1 gene have been identified, but the syndrome is completely missing a direct genotype-phenotype correlation, thus supporting the hypothesis that exogenous and endogenous factors, other than MEN1 specific mutation, are involved in MEN1 tumorigenesis and definition of individual clinical phenotype. Epigenetic factors, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), are strongly suspected to have a role in MEN1 tumor initiation and development. Recently, a direct autoregulatory network between miR-24, MEN1 mRNA, and menin was demonstrated in parathyroids and endocrine pancreas, showing a miR-24-induced silencing of menin expression that could have a key role in initiation of tumors in MEN1-target neuroendocrine cells. Here, we review the current knowledge on the post-transcriptional regulation of MEN1 and menin expression by miR-24, and its possible direct role in MEN1 syndrome, describing the possibility and the potential approaches to target and silence this miRNA, to permit the correct expression of the wild type menin, and thereby prevent the development of cancers in the target tissues.
The Role of microRNA Let-7d in Female Malignancies and Diseases of the Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: De Santis Chiara , Götte Martin
Published: July 2021

microRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Let-7d is a microRNA of the conserved let-7 family that is dysregulated in female malignancies including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer. Moreover, a dysregulation is observed in endometriosis and pregnancy-associated diseases such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Let-7d expression is regulated by cytokines and steroids, involving transcriptional regulation by OCT4, MYC and p53, as well as posttranscriptional regulation via LIN28 and ADAR. By downregulating a wide range of relevant mRNA targets, let-7d affects cellular processes that drive disease progression such as cell proliferation, apoptosis (resistance), angiogenesis and immune cell function. In an oncological context, let-7d has a tumor-suppressive function, although some of its functions are context-dependent. Notably, its expression is associated with improved therapeutic responses to chemotherapy in breast and ovarian cancer. Studies in mouse models have furthermore revealed important roles in uterine development and function, with implications for obstetric diseases. Apart from a possible utility as a diagnostic blood-based biomarker, pharmacological modulation of let-7d emerges as a promising therapeutic concept in a variety of female disease conditions.
Activity of Selected Group of Monoterpenes in Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms in Experimental Model Studies—A Non-Systematic Review
Authors: Wojtunik-Kulesza Karolina , Rudkowska Monika , Kasprzak-Drozd Kamila , Oniszczuk Anna , Borowicz-Reutt Kinga
Published: July 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and cognitive function impairment. The multi-faced character of AD requires new drug solutions based on substances that incorporate a wide range of activities. Antioxidants, AChE/BChE inhibitors, BACE1, or anti-amyloid platelet aggregation substances are most desirable because they improve cognition with minimal side effects. Plant secondary metabolites, used in traditional medicine and pharmacy, are promising. Among these are the monoterpenes—low-molecular compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, analgesic, sedative, as well as other biological properties. The presented review focuses on the pathophysiology of AD and a selected group of anti-neurodegenerative monoterpenes and monoterpenoids for which possible mechanisms of action have been explained. The main body of the article focuses on monoterpenes that have shown improved memory and learning, anxiolytic and sleep-regulating effects as determined by in vitro and in silico tests—followed by validation in in vivo models.
Hydrogen Production by Fluidized Bed Reactors: A Quantitative Perspective Using the Supervised Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Lian Zheng , Wang Yixiao , Zhang Xiyue , Yusuf Abubakar , Famiyeh Lord , Murindababisha David , Jin Huan , Liu Yiyang , He Jun , Wang Yunshan , Yang Gang , Sun Yong
Published: July 2021

The current hydrogen generation technologies, especially biomass gasification using fluidized bed reactors (FBRs), were rigorously reviewed. There are involute operational parameters in a fluidized bed gasifier that determine the anticipated outcomes for hydrogen production purposes. However, limited reviews are present that link these parametric conditions with the corresponding performances based on experimental data collection. Using the constructed artificial neural networks (ANNs) as the supervised machine learning algorithm for data training, the operational parameters from 52 literature reports were utilized to perform both the qualitative and quantitative assessments of the performance, such as the hydrogen yield (HY), hydrogen content (HC) and carbon conversion efficiency (CCE). Seven types of operational parameters, including the steam-to-biomass ratio (SBR), equivalent ratio (ER), temperature, particle size of the feedstock, residence time, lower heating value (LHV) and carbon content (CC), were closely investigated. Six binary parameters have been identified to be statistically significant to the performance parameters (hydrogen yield (HY)), hydrogen content (HC) and carbon conversion efficiency (CCE) by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal operational conditions derived from the machine leaning were recommended according to the needs of the outcomes. This review may provide helpful insights for researchers to comprehensively consider the operational conditions in order to achieve high hydrogen production using fluidized bed reactors during biomass gasification.
Visual Performance and Quality of Life after Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery with Trifocal IOLs Implantation
Authors: Gallenga Carla Enrica , D’Aloisio Rossella , D’Ugo Erminia , Vecchiarino Luca , Agnifili Luca , Simonelli Maria Beatrice , Di Nicola Marta , Toto Lisa , Perri Paolo
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To assess visual performance and quality of life after implantation of diffractive trifocal IOLs with enhanced depth of focus (Acriva Reviol Tri-ED) compared to monofocal IOLs. Setting: Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Italy. Design: Prospective clinical study. Methods: This study comprised 36 eyes of 18 patients with senile cataract candidates for phacoemulsification and implantation of the Acriva Reviol Tri-ED (Group 1–18 eyes) and the AcrySof IQ Monofocal IOL SN60WF (Group 2–18 eyes). The main outcome measures, over a 6-month follow-up period, were uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at different distances (40, 60 cm and 4 m), defocus curve, contrast sensitivity and wavefront error. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by means of the NEI-RQL-42 questionnaire. Results: At 180 days postoperatively, the difference of the UCDVA and CDVA between the groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.888 and p = 0.843, respectively). The difference between the groups was statistically significant for UCIVA (p = 0.019) and UCNVA (p = 0.036). The mean values of contrast sensitivity under photopic and mesopic conditions were not significantly different between the groups. The RMS of spherical aberration was significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2. The NEI-RQL-42 questionnaire showed statistically significant differences between the groups for the dependence on correction (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The diffractive trifocal IOL with enhanced depth of focus Acriva Reviol Tri-ED was effective in improving functional capacity for intermediate and near vision compared to monofocal IOLs and provided a good quality of vision due to a significant reduction in spherical aberration.
Genetic Susceptibility to Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Ortega-Loubon Christian , Martínez-Paz Pedro , García-Morán Emilio , Tamayo-Velasco Álvaro , López-Hernández Francisco J. , Jorge-Monjas Pablo , Tamayo Eduardo
Published: July 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a widely held concern related to a substantial burden of morbidity, mortality and expenditure in the healthcare system. AKI is not a simple illness but a complex conglomeration of syndromes that often occurs as part of other syndromes in its wide clinical spectrum of the disease. Genetic factors have been suggested as potentially responsible for its susceptibility and severity. As there is no current cure nor an effective treatment other than generally accepted supportive measures and renal replacement therapy, updated knowledge of the genetic implications may serve as a strategic tactic to counteract its dire consequences. Further understanding of the genetics that predispose AKI may shed light on novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of this condition. This review attempts to address the role of key genes in the appearance and development of AKI, providing not only a comprehensive update of the intertwined process involved but also identifying specific markers that could serve as precise targets for further AKI therapies.
Comparison of Respiratory Effects between Dexmedetomidine and Propofol Sedation for Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatic Neoplasm: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jeong Heejoon , Kim Doyeon , Kim Duk Kyung , Chung In Sun , Bang Yu Jeong , Kim Keoungah , Kim Myungsuk , Choi Ji Won
Published: July 2021

Patient’s cooperation and respiration is necessary in percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We compared the respiratory patterns of dexmedetomidine and propofol sedation during this procedure. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the continuous infusions of dexmedetomidine-remifentanil (DR group) or the propofol-remifentanil (PR group). We measured the tidal volume for each patient’s respiration during one-minute intervals at five points and compared the standard deviation of the tidal volumes (SDvt) between the groups. Sixty-two patients completed the study. SDvt at 10 min was not different between the groups (DR group, 108.58 vs. PR group, 149.06, p = 0.451). However, SDvt and end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) level of PR group were significantly increased over time compared to DR group (p = 0.004, p = 0.021; ß = 0.14, ß = −0.91, respectively). Heart rate was significantly decreased during sedation in DR group (p < 0.001, ß = −2.32). Radiologist satisfaction was significantly higher, and the incidence of apnea was lower in DR group (p = 0.010, p = 0.009, respectively). Compared with propofol-remifentanil, sedation using dexmedetomidine-remifentanil provided a lower increase of the standard deviation of tidal volume and EtCO2, and also showed less apnea during RFA of HCC.
Efficacy and Safety of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Treatments: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lin Shih-Yin , Hung Min-Chih , Chang Shih-Fu , Tsuang Fon-Yih , Chang Jenny Zwei-Chieng , Sun Jui-Sheng
Published: July 2021

Although a range of pharmacological interventions is available, it remains uncertain which treatment for osteoporosis is more effective. This network meta-analysis study aimed to compare different drug efficacy and safety in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Clinicaltrial.gov, Cochrane library, Google scholar were searched up to 31 October 2020. Randomized placebo-controlled trials that reported measures of bone mineral density (BMD) percentage change and/or numbers of adverse events of postmenopausal osteoporosis patients were included. Network meta-analysis was conducted using frequentist approach. Ninety-four RCTs comprising 15,776 postmenopausal osteoporosis females were included in the network meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, most interventions showed increase in BMD change. According to surfaces under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRAs), strontium ranelate, fluoride, and hormone replacement therapy were most effective in increasing total hip, lumbar spine, and distal radius BMD, respectively. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) was most effective in preventing new hip fracture. When taking into account all anatomic sites, bisphosphonate (BP), monoclonal antibody (mAb), and fluoride have a balanced efficacy in increasing BMD at all sites. Considering both the effectiveness of increasing BMD and preventing hip fracture, mAb, BP, and PTH are more favorable among all interventions. The treatment effects of different medications on BMD percentage change are anatomic site-dependent. After weighing anti-osteoporosis treatment efficacy against risk of complications, BP and mAb are the more favorable interventions to increase BMD at all sites and reduce the risks of hip fracture and death.
A Novel Mutation in Cse1l Disrupts Brain and Eye Development with Specific Effects on Pax6 Expression
Authors: Blizzard Lauren E. , Menke Chelsea , Patel Shaili D. , Waclaw Ronald R. , Lachke Salil A. , Stottmann Rolf W.
Published: July 2021

Forward genetics in the mouse continues to be a useful and unbiased approach to identifying new genes and alleles with previously unappreciated roles in mammalian development and disease. Here, we report a new mouse allele of Cse1l that was recovered from an ENU mutagenesis screen. Embryos homozygous for the anteater allele of Cse1l display a number of variable phenotypes, with craniofacial and ocular malformations being the most obvious. We provide evidence that Cse1l is the causal gene through complementation with a novel null allele of Cse1l generated by CRISPR-Cas9 editing. While the variability in the anteater phenotype was high enough to preclude a detailed molecular analysis, we demonstrate a very penetrant reduction in Pax6 levels in the developing eye along with significant ocular developmental phenotypes. The eye gene discovery tool iSyTE shows Cse1l to be significantly expressed in the lens from early eye development stages in embryos through adulthood. Cse1l has not previously been shown to be required for organogenesis as homozygosity for a null allele results in very early lethality. Future detailed studies of Cse1l function in craniofacial and neural development will be best served with a conditional allele to circumvent the variable phenotypes we report here. We suggest that human next-generation (whole genome or exome) sequencing studies yielding variants of unknown significance in CSE1L could consider these findings as part of variant analysis.
Challenges to Building a Gene Variant Commons to Assess Hereditary Cancer Risk: Results of a Modified Policy Delphi Panel Deliberation
Authors: Majumder Mary A. , Blank Matthew L. , Geary Janis , Bollinger Juli M. , Guerrini Christi J. , Robinson Jill Oliver , Canfield Isabel , Cook-Deegan Robert , McGuire Amy L.
Published: July 2021

Understanding the clinical significance of variants associated with hereditary cancer risk requires access to a pooled data resource or network of resources—a “cancer gene variant commons”—incorporating representative, well-characterized genetic data, metadata, and, for some purposes, pathways to case-level data. Several initiatives have invested significant resources into collecting and sharing cancer gene variant data, but further progress hinges on identifying and addressing unresolved policy issues. This commentary provides insights from a modified policy Delphi process involving experts from a range of stakeholder groups involved in the data-sharing ecosystem. In particular, we describe policy issues and options generated by Delphi participants in five domains critical to the development of an effective cancer gene variant commons: incentives, financial sustainability, privacy and security, equity, and data quality. Our intention is to stimulate wider discussion and lay a foundation for further work evaluating policy options more in-depth and mapping them to those who have the power to bring about change. Addressing issues in these five domains will contribute to a cancer gene variant commons that supports better care for at-risk and affected patients, empowers patient communities, and advances research on hereditary cancers.
Catch the Heterogeneity: The New Bank-Tailored Integrated Rating
Authors: Arzu Daniela , Lucchetta Marcella , Mantovani Guido Max
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this article is to develop a bank-oriented rating approach, tailored by incorporating the various heterogeneity dimensions characterizing financial institutions, named “Bank-Tailored Integrated Rating” (BTIR). BTIR is able to catch the financial cycle, including the pandemic crisis, and the ongoing change in banking normative from a microeconomic perspective, and it is inherently coherent with the challenging frontier of forecasting tail risk in financial markets in similar ways as in De Nicolò and Lucchetta (2017), although their approach is macroeconomic) since it considers the downside risk in the theoretical framework. The method employed was an innovative integrated rating (IR) statistical and econometrical panel pre-selection analysis that takes into account the characteristics of risk and the greater heterogeneity of the banks. The result is a challenge rating procedure delivering forward-looking preselection requested by the new International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS-9). The future direction is extremely promising given the increase in idiosyncratic and systemic risks in financial markets.
An Exterior Neumann Boundary-Value Problem for the Div-Curl System and Applications
Authors: Delgado Briceyda B. , Macías-Díaz Jorge Eduardo
Published: July 2021

We investigate a generalization of the equation curlw→=g→ to an arbitrary number n of dimensions, which is based on the well-known Moisil–Teodorescu differential operator. Explicit solutions are derived for a particular problem in bounded domains of Rn using classical operators from Clifford analysis. In the physically significant case n=3, two explicit solutions to the div-curl system in exterior domains of R3 are obtained following different constructions of hyper-conjugate harmonic pairs. One of the constructions hinges on the use of a radial integral operator introduced recently in the literature. An exterior Neumann boundary-value problem is considered for the div-curl system. That system is conveniently reduced to a Neumann boundary-value problem for the Laplace equation in exterior domains. Some results on its uniqueness and regularity are derived. Finally, some applications to the construction of solutions of the inhomogeneous Lamé–Navier equation in bounded and unbounded domains are discussed.
Preoperative Fibrinogen and Hematological Indexes in the Differential Diagnosis of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis and Breast Cancer
Authors: Velidedeoglu Mehmet , Kundaktepe Berrin Papila , Aksan Hulya , Uzun Hafize
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim: Studies on hematological parameters in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) and breast cancer (BC) are limited. This study investigated whether preoperative fibrinogen and hematological indexes can be used in the differential diagnosis of patients with IGM and early-onset BC. Methods: Fifty patients with BC, 55 patients with IGM, and 50 healthy volunteer women were included in the study. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the IGM and the BC with respect to fibrinogen, fibrinogen/albumin (Fib/Alb) ratio, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte values. When fibrinogen (p < 0.001), the Fib/Alb ratio (p < 0.001), CRP (p < 0.001), WBC (p < 0.001), neutrophil (p < 0.001), NLR (p < 0.001), monocyte (p = 0.008), and 2-hour sedimentation rate (p < 0.001) were compared between the groups, the highest levels were found in the IGM group. There was a negative relationship between CRP and albumin, and a positive relationship was observed between CRP and WBC, NLR, PLR, and 2-h sedimentation rate. CRP had the highest sensitivity (95%), whereas the Fib/Alb ratio (86%) had the highest specificity. Patients with recurrent IGM had increased fibrinogen, Fib/Alb, CRP, neutrophils, NLR, and 2-h erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and decreased lymphocyte levels compared to non-recurrent patients. Conclusions: Preoperative CRP, albumin, fibrinogen, Fib/Alb, WBC, neutrophil, NLR, monocyte, and 2-h ESR have considerable potential to be early and sensitive biomarkers of IGM caused by inflammation compared to BC. These parameters also have a significant effect on the recurrence of the disease, suggesting their potential as a practical guide for the differential diagnosis of BC from IGM.
Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Morphology Changes in Patient with Different Degrees of Lumbar Disc Herniation: An Ultrasonographic Study
Authors: Naghdi Neda , Mohseni-Bandpei Mohammad Ali , Taghipour Morteza , Rahmani Nahid
Published: July 2021

Background and Objective: Previous studies demonstrated that the prevalence of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is relatively high. This investigation aimed to evaluate the size of lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle in patients with different degrees of LDH compared to healthy group, during rest and contraction, using ultrasonography. Materials and Methods: In this non-experimental, analytic, and case control study, ultrasound imaging was used to assess cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness of the LM muscle in 15 healthy subjects and 60 patients with different stages of LDH (bulging group = 15, protrusion group = 15, extrusion group = 15, sequestration group = 15). Measurements were taken bilaterally at the L4–L5 level, during rest and contraction and results were compared between groups. Results: There was a significant difference between healthy subjects and the extrusion and sequestration groups during rest and contraction for LM muscle CSA and thickness (p = 0.001), as LM muscle CSA and thickness were significantly smaller in extrusion and sequestration patient groups compared to healthy subjects. LM atrophy was greater in patients with extrusion and sequestration groups than in patients with bulging and protrusion, both at rest and during contraction. Significant correlations were also observed between functional disability and intensity of pain with LM CSA and thickness measurements. Conclusions: Patients with extrusion and sequestration LDH had smaller LM muscle at rest and during contraction compared to healthy subjects. Larger LDH lesions were associated with decreased LM muscle size. Patient with more pain, disability, and extrusion and sequestration LDH had greater LM size changes. LM muscle size was not correlated with symptom duration. Further investigation with greater sample size is warranted.
Recognized and Potentially New Biomarkers—Their Role in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Bargieł Weronika , Cierpiszewska Katarzyna , Maruszczak Klara , Pakuła Anna , Szwankowska Dominika , Wrzesińska Aleksandra , Gutowski Łukasz , Formanowicz Dorota
Published: July 2021

Atherosclerosis and its consequences are the leading cause of mortality in the world. For this reason, we have reviewed atherosclerosis biomarkers and selected the most promising ones for review. We focused mainly on biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress, such as the highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). The microRNA (miRNA) and the usefulness of the bone mineralization, glucose, and lipid metabolism marker osteocalcin (OC) were also reviewed. The last biomarker we considered was angiogenin (ANG). Our review shows that due to the multifactorial nature of atherosclerosis, no single marker is known so far, the determination of which would unambiguously assess the severity of atherosclerosis and help without any doubt in the prognosis of cardiovascular risk.
Evaluation of Electrospun Self-Supporting Paper-Like Fibrous Membranes as Oil Sorbents
Authors: Folino Adele , Triolo Claudia , Petrovičová Beatrix , Pantò Fabiolo , Zema Demetrio A. , Santangelo Saveria
Published: July 2021

Presently, adsorption/absorption is one of the most efficient and cost-effective methods to clean oil spill up. In this work, self-supporting paper-like fibrous membranes were prepared via electrospinning and carbonisation at different temperatures (500, 650 or 800 °C) by using polyacrylonitrile/polymethylmethacrylate blends with a different mass ratio of the two polymers (1:0, 6:1 or 2:1). After morphological and microstructural characterisation, the as-produced membranes were evaluated as sorbents by immersion in vegetable (sunflower seed or olive) and mineral (motor) oil or in 1:4 (v:v) oil/water mixture. Nitrogen-rich membrane carbonised at the lowest temperature behaves differently from the others, whose sorption capacity by immersion in oil, despite the great number of sorbent and oil properties involved, is mainly controlled by the fraction of micropores. The encapsulation of water nanodroplets by the oil occurring during the immersion in oil/water mixture causes the oil-from-water separation ability to show an opposite behaviour compared to the sorption capacity. Overall, among the investigated membranes, the support produced with 2:1 mass ratio of the polymers and carbonisation at 650 °C exhibits the best performance both in terms of sorption capacity (73.5, 54.8 and 12.5 g g−1 for olive, sunflower seed and motor oil, respectively) and oil-from-water separation ability (74, 69 and 16 for olive, sunflower seed and motor oil, respectively).
Advanced Design of Block Shear Failure
Authors: Kuříková Marta , Sekal David , Wald František , Maier Nadine
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the behaviour and design procedure of bolted connections which tend to be sensitive to block shear failure. The finite element method is employed to examine the block shear failure. The research-oriented finite element method (RFEM) model is validated with the results of experimental tests. The validated model is used to verify the component-based FEM (CBFEM) model, which combines the analysis of internal forces by the finite element method and design of plates, bolts and welds by the component method (CM). The CBFEM model is verified by an analytical solution based on existing formulas. The method is developed for the design of generally loaded complicated joints, where the distribution of internal forces is complex. The resistance of the steel plates is controlled by limiting the plastic strain of plates and the strength of connectors, e.g., welds, bolts and anchor bolts. The design of plates at a post-critical stage is available to allow local buckling of slender plates. The prediction of the initial stiffness and the deformation capacity is included natively. Finally, a sensitivity study is prepared. The studied parameters include gusset plate thickness and pitch distance.
Improving the W Coating Uniformity by a COMSOL Model-Based CVD Parameter Study for Denser Wf/W Composites
Authors: Raumann Leonard , Coenen Jan Willem , Riesch Johann , Mao Yiran , Schwalenberg Daniel , Gietl Hanns , Linsmeier Christian , Guillon Olivier
Published: July 2021

Tungsten (W) has the unique combination of excellent thermal properties, low sputter yield, low hydrogen retention, and acceptable activation. Therefore, W is presently the main candidate for the first wall and armor material for future fusion devices. However, its intrinsic brittleness and its embrittlement during operation bears the risk of a sudden and catastrophic component failure. As a countermeasure, tungsten fiber-reinforced tungsten (Wf/W) composites exhibiting extrinsic toughening are being developed. A possible Wf/W production route is chemical vapor deposition (CVD) by reducing WF6 with H2 on heated W fabrics. The challenge here is that the growing CVD-W can seal gaseous domains leading to strength reducing pores. In previous work, CVD models for Wf/W synthesis were developed with COMSOL Multiphysics and validated experimentally. In the present article, these models were applied to conduct a parameter study to optimize the coating uniformity, the relative density, the WF6 demand, and the process time. A low temperature and a low total pressure increase the process time, but in return lead to very uniform W layers at the micro and macro scales and thus to an optimized relative density of the Wf/W composite. High H2 and low WF6 gas flow rates lead to a slightly shorter process time and an improved coating uniformity as long as WF6 is not depleted, which can be avoided by applying the presented reactor model.
Evolution of Pig Fecal Microbiota Composition and Diversity in Response to Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Infection and Colistin Treatment in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Rhouma Mohamed , Braley Charlotte , Thériault William , Thibodeau Alexandre , Quessy Sylvain , Fravalo Philippe
Published: July 2021

The intestinal microbiota plays several important roles in pig health and growth. The aim of the current study was to characterize the changes in the fecal microbiota diversity and composition of weaned piglets following an oral challenge with an ETEC: F4 strain and/or a treatment with colistin sulfate (CS). Twenty-eight piglets were used in this experiment and were divided into four groups: challenged untreated, challenged treated, unchallenged treated, and unchallenged untreated. Rectal swab samples were collected at five sampling times throughout the study. Total genomic DNA was used to assess the fecal microbiota diversity and composition using the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The relative abundance, the composition, and the community structure of piglet fecal microbiota was highly affected by the ETEC: F4 challenge throughout the experiment, while the oral treatment with CS, a narrow spectrum antibiotic, resulted in a significant decrease of E. coli/Shigella populations during the treatment period only. This study was the first to identify some gut microbiota subgroups (e.g., Streptococcus, Lachnospiraceae) that are associated with healthy piglets as compared to ETEC: F4 challenged animals. These key findings might contribute to the development of alternative strategies to reduce the use of antimicrobials in the control of post-weaning diarrhea in pigs.
Core-Shell Dual-Gate Nanowire Charge-Trap Memory for Synaptic Operations for Neuromorphic Applications
Authors: Ansari Md. Hasan Raza , Kannan Udaya Mohanan , Cho Seongjae
Published: July 2021

This work showcases the physical insights of a core-shell dual-gate (CSDG) nanowire transistor as an artificial synaptic device with short/long-term potentiation and long-term depression (LTD) operation. Short-term potentiation (STP) is a temporary potentiation of a neural network, and it can be transformed into long-term potentiation (LTP) through repetitive stimulus. In this work, floating body effects and charge trapping are utilized to show the transition from STP to LTP while de-trapping the holes from the nitride layer shows the LTD operation. Furthermore, linearity and symmetry in conductance are achieved through optimal device design and biases. In a system-level simulation, with CSDG nanowire transistor a recognition accuracy of up to 92.28% is obtained in the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) pattern recognition task. Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility and high recognition accuracy makes the CSDG nanowire transistor a promising candidate for the implementation of neuromorphic hardware.
Analysis of Arterial Blood Gas Values Based on Storage Time Since Sampling: An Observational Study
Authors: Montero-Salinas Alejandro , Pérez-Ramos Marta , Toba-Alonso Fernando , Quintana-DelRío Leticia , Suanzes-Hernández Jorge , Sobrido-Prieto María , Martínez-Isasi Santiago
Published: July 2021

Aim. To evaluate the influence of time on arterial blood gas values after artery puncture is performed. Method. Prospective longitudinal observational study carried out with gasometric samples from 86 patients, taken at different time intervals (0 (T0), 15 (T15), 30 (T30) and 60 (T60) min), from 21 October 2019 to 21 October 2020. The study variables were: partial pressure of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, hematocrit, hemoglobin, potassium, lactic acid, pH, partial pressure of oxygen, saturation of oxygen, sodium and glucose. Results. The initial sample consisted of a total of 90 patients. Out of all the participants, four were discarded as they did not understand the purpose of the study; therefore, the total number of participants was 86, 51% of whom were men aged 72.59 on average (SD: 16.23). In the intra-group analysis, differences in PCO2, HCO3, hematocrit, Hb, K+ and and lactic acid were observed between the initial time of the test and the 15, 30 and 60 min intervals. In addition, changes in pH, pO2, SO2, Na and glucose were noted 30 min after the initial sample had been taken. Conclusions. The variation in the values, despite being significant, has no clinical relevance. Consequently, the recommendation continues to be the analysis of the GSA at the earliest point to ensure the highest reliability of the data and to provide the patient with the most appropriate treatment based on those results.
Sphingolipid Inhibitors as an Alternative to Treat Candidiasis Caused by Fluconazole-Resistant Strains
Authors: Rollin-Pinheiro Rodrigo , Bayona-Pacheco Brayan , Domingos Levy Tenorio Sousa , da Rocha Curvelo Jose Alexandre , de Castro Gabriellen Menezes Migliani , Barreto-Bergter Eliana , Ferreira-Pereira Antonio
Published: July 2021

Candida species are fungal pathogens known to cause a wide spectrum of diseases, and Candida albicans and Candida glabrata are the most common associated with invasive infections. A concerning aspect of invasive candidiasis is the emergence of resistant isolates, especially those highly resistant to fluconazole, the first choice of treatment for these infections. Fungal sphingolipids have been considered a potential target for new therapeutic approaches and some inhibitors have already been tested against pathogenic fungi. The present study therefore aimed to evaluate the action of two sphingolipid synthesis inhibitors, aureobasidin A and myriocin, against different C. albicans and C. glabrata strains, including clinical isolates resistant to fluconazole. Susceptibility tests of aureobasidin A and myriocin were performed using CLSI protocols, and their interaction with fluconazole was evaluated by a checkerboard protocol. All Candida strains tested were sensitive to both inhibitors. Regarding the evaluation of drug interaction, both aureobasidin A and myriocin were synergic with fluconazole, demonstrating that sphingolipid synthesis inhibition could enhance the effect of fluconazole. Thus, these results suggest that sphingolipid inhibitors in conjunction with fluconazole could be useful for treating candidiasis cases, especially those caused by fluconazole resistant isolates.
Rapid Generation of Coronaviral Immunity Using Recombinant Peptide Modified Nanodiamonds
Authors: Bilyy Rostyslav , Pagneux Quentin , François Nathan , Bila Galyna , Grytsko Roman , Lebedin Yuri , Barras Alexandre , Dubuisson Jean , Belouzard Sandrine , Séron Karin , Boukherroub Rabah , Szunerits Sabine
Published: July 2021

Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to prevent infectious diseases. To ensure that the best possible antigenic components are chosen to stimulate a cognitive immune response, boosting antigen presentation using adjuvants is common practice. Nanodiamond-based adjuvants are proposed here as a rapid and versatile platform for antigen conjugation, utilizing peptides common to different pathogenic strains and making this strategy a good candidate for a “ready-to-use” vaccine. Initiation of an inflammatory reaction with a resulting immune response is based on the ability of living organisms to entrap nanostructures such as nanodiamonds with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. In this work, coronavirus peptide homological for MERS-CoV, fusion inhibitor, was conjugated to nanodiamonds and used to induce neutrophilic-driven self-limiting inflammation. The resulting adjuvant was safe and did not induce any tissue damage at the site of injection. Mice immunization resulted in IgG titers of ¼,000 within 28 days. Immunization of rabbits resulted in the formation of a high level of antibodies persistently present for up to 120 days after the first immunization (animal lifespan ~3 years). The peptide used for immunization proved to be reactive with sera of convalescent COVID patients, demonstrating the possibility of developing pancoronaviral vaccine candidates.
A Local and Time Resolution of the COVID-19 Propagation—A Two-Dimensional Approach for Germany Including Diffusion Phenomena to Describe the Spatial Spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bärwolff Günter
Published: July 2021

The understanding of factors that affect the dissemination of a viral infection is fundamental to help combat it. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic that changed the lives of people all over the world, one observes regions with different incidences of cases. One can speculate that population density might be one of the variables that affect the incidence of cases. In populous areas, such as big cities or congested urban areas, higher COVID-19 incidences could be observed than in rural regions. It is natural to think that if population density is such an important factor, then a gradient or difference in population density might lead to a diffusion process that will proceed until equilibrium is reached. The aim of this paper consists of the inclusion of a diffusion concept into the COVID-19 modeling. With this concept, one covers a gradient-driven transfer of the infection next to epidemic growth models (SIR-type models). This is discussed for a certain period of the German situation based on the quite different incidence data for the different federal states of Germany. With this ansatz, some phenomena of the actual development of the pandemic are found to be confirmed. The model provides a possibility to investigate certain scenarios, such as border-crossings or local spreading events, and their influence on the COVID-19 propagation. The resulting information can be a basis for the decisions of politicians and medical persons in charge of managing a pandemic.
Essential Oils of Four Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) Varieties Grown in North Alabama
Authors: Setzer William N. , Duong Lam , Pham Trang , Poudel Ambika , Nguyen Cuong , Mentreddy Srinivasa Rao
Published: July 2021

Virginia mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) is a peppermint-flavored aromatic herb of the Lamiaceae and is mainly used for culinary, medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental purposes. North Alabama’s climate is conducive to growing mint for essential oils used in culinary, confectionery, and medicinal purposes. There is, however, a need for varieties of P. virginianum that can be adapted and easily grown for production in North Alabama. Towards this end, four field-grown varieties with three harvesting times (M1H1, M1H2, M1H3; M2H1, M2H2, M2H3; M3H1, M3H2, M3H3, M4H1, M4H2, M4H3) were evaluated for relative differences in essential oil yield and composition. Thirty-day-old greenhouse-grown plants of the four varieties were transplanted on raised beds in the field at the Alabama A & M University Research Station in North Alabama. The plots were arranged in a randomized complete block with three replications. The study’s objective was to compare the four varieties for essential oil yield and their composition at three harvest times, 135, 155, and 170 days after planting (DAP). Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation with continuous extraction with dichloromethane using a Likens–Nickerson apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatographic techniques. At the first harvest, the essential oil yield of the four varieties showed that M1H1 had a yield of 1.15%, higher than M2H1, M3H1, and M4H1 with 0.91, 0.76, and 1.03%, respectively. The isomenthone concentrations increased dramatically through the season in M1 (M1H1, M1H2, M1H3) by 19.93, 54.7, and 69.31%, and M3 (M3H1, M3H2, M3H3) by 1.81, 48.02, and 65.83%, respectively. However, it increased only slightly in M2 and M4. The thymol concentration decreased slightly but not significantly in all four varieties; the thymol in M2 and M4 was very high compared with M1 and M3. The study showed that mountain mint offers potential for production in North Alabama. Two varieties, M1 and M3, merit further studies to determine yield stability, essential oil yield, composition, and cultivation development practices.
Physcomitrium patens Mutants in Auxin Conjugating GH3 Proteins Show Salt Stress Tolerance but Auxin Homeostasis Is Not Involved in Regulation of Oxidative Stress Factors
Authors: Koochak Haniyeh , Ludwig-Müller Jutta
Published: July 2021

Salt stress is among the most challenging abiotic stress situations that a plant can experience. High salt levels do not only occur in areas with obvious salty water, but also during drought periods where salt accumulates in the soil. The moss Physcomitrium patens became a model for studying abiotic stress in non-vascular plants. Here, we show that high salt concentrations can be tolerated in vitro, and that auxin homeostasis is connected to the performance of P. patens under these stress conditions. The auxin levels can be regulated by conjugating IAA to amino acids by two members of the family of GH3 protein auxin amino acid-synthetases that are present in P. patens. Double GH3 gene knock-out mutants were more tolerant to high salt concentrations. Furthermore, free IAA levels were differentially altered during the time points investigated. Since, among the mutant lines, an increase in IAA on at least one NaCl concentration tested was observed, we treated wild type (WT) plants concomitantly with NaCl and IAA. This experiment showed that the salt tolerance to 100 mM NaCl together with 1 and 10 µM IAA was enhanced during the earlier time points. This is an additional indication that the high IAA levels in the double GH3-KO lines could be responsible for survival in high salt conditions. While the high salt concentrations induced several selected stress metabolites including phenols, flavonoids, and enzymes such as peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, the GH3-KO genotype did not generally participate in this upregulation. While we showed that the GH3 double KO mutants were more tolerant of high (250 mM) NaCl concentrations, the altered auxin homeostasis was not directly involved in the upregulation of stress metabolites.
Coherent Fiber-Optic Sensor for Ultra-Acoustic Crack Emissions
Authors: Di Luch Ilaria , Ferrario Maddalena , Fumagalli Davide , Carboni Michele , Martinelli Mario
Published: July 2021

A coherent optical fiber sensor with adequate sensitivity for detecting the acoustic emission (AE) during the propagation of a crack in a ferrous material is presented. The proposed fiber optic sensor is successfully compared in terms of the SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) and detectable AE energy levels to commercially available AE piezo-transducers sensors and is proven to be an effective and advantageous alternative for sensing and monitoring fatigue damage in structural applications.
Assessment of an Ultrasonic Water Stage Monitoring Sensor Operating in an Urban Stream
Authors: Panagopoulos Yiannis , Papadopoulos Anastasios , Poulis Georgios , Nikiforakis Emmanouil , Dimitriou Elias
Published: July 2021

The monitoring of the water stage in streams and rivers is essential for the sustainable management of water resources, particularly for the estimation of river discharges, the protection against floods and the design of hydraulic works. The Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) has developed and operates automatic stations in rivers of Greece, which, apart from their monitoring role, offer opportunities for testing new monitoring equipment. This paper compares the performance of a new ultrasonic sensor, a non-contact water stage monitoring instrument, against a pressure transducer, both installed at the same location in an urban stream of the metropolitan area of Athens. The statistical and graph analysis of the almost one-year concurrent measurements from the two sensors revealed that stage differences never exceeded 7%, while the ultrasonic measurements were most of the time higher than the respective pressure transducer ones during the low flow conditions of the dry period and lower during the wet period of the year, when high flow events occurred. It is also remarkable that diurnal air temperature variations under stable hydrologic conditions had an impact on the measured stage from the ultrasonic sensor, which varied its stage measurements within a small but non-negligible range, while the pressure transducer did not practically fluctuate. Despite a slightly increased sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor to meteorological conditions, the paper concludes that non-contact sensors for the monitoring of the water stage in rivers can be useful, especially where danger for possible damage of submersible instruments is increased.