bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and Classification of Knee Injuries from MR Images Using the MRNet Dataset with Progressively Operating Deep Learning Methods
Authors: Kara Ali Can , Hardalaç Fırat
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to build progressively operating deep learning models that could detect meniscus injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and knee abnormalities in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Stanford Machine Learning Group MRNet dataset was employed in the study, which included MRI image indexes in the coronal, sagittal, and axial axes, each having 1130 trains and 120 validation items. The study is divided into three sections. In the first section, suitable images are selected to determine the disease in the image index based on the disturbance under examination. It is also used to identify images that have been misclassified or are noisy and/or damaged to the degree that they cannot be utilised for diagnosis in the first section. The study employed the 50-layer residual networks (ResNet50) model in this section. The second part of the study involves locating the region to be focused on based on the disturbance that is targeted to be diagnosed in the image under examination. A novel model was built by integrating the convolutional neural networks (CNN) and the denoising autoencoder models in the second section. The third section is dedicated to making a diagnosis of the disease. In this section, a novel ResNet50 model is trained to identify disease diagnoses or abnormalities, independent of the ResNet50 model used in the first section. The images that each model selects as output after training are referred to as progressively operating deep learning methods since they are supplied as an input to the following model.
Automated Event Detection and Classification in Soccer: The Potential of Using Multiple Modalities
Authors: Nergård Rongved Olav Andre , Stige Markus , Hicks Steven Alexander , Thambawita Vajira Lasantha , Midoglu Cise , Zouganeli Evi , Johansen Dag , Riegler Michael Alexander , Halvorsen Pål
Published: December 2021

Detecting events in videos is a complex task, and many different approaches, aimed at a large variety of use-cases, have been proposed in the literature. Most approaches, however, are unimodal and only consider the visual information in the videos. This paper presents and evaluates different approaches based on neural networks where we combine visual features with audio features to detect (spot) and classify events in soccer videos. We employ model fusion to combine different modalities such as video and audio, and test these combinations against different state-of-the-art models on the SoccerNet dataset. The results show that a multimodal approach is beneficial. We also analyze how the tolerance for delays in classification and spotting time, and the tolerance for prediction accuracy, influence the results. Our experiments show that using multiple modalities improves event detection performance for certain types of events.
One Sided Lipschitz Evolution Inclusions in Banach Spaces
Authors: Koam Ali N. A. , Donchev Tzanko , Lazu Alina I. , Rafaqat Muhammad , Ahmad Ali
Published: December 2021

Using the notion of limit solution, we study multivalued perturbations of m-dissipative differential inclusions with nonlocal initial conditions. These solutions enable us to work in general Banach spaces, in particular L1. The commonly used Lipschitz condition on the right-hand side is weakened to a one-sided Lipschitz one. No compactness assumptions are required. We consider the cases of an arbitrary one-sided Lipschitz condition and the case of a negative one-sided Lipschitz constant. Illustrative examples, which can be modifications of real models, are provided.
A Preliminary Retrospective Study to Assess the Short-Term Safety of Traditional Smooth or Microtextured Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants in Korea
Authors: Han Sanghyuk , Kim Robert , Kim Tae Seob , Park Jung Heum , Kim Seung Soo , Jeong Cheol , Lee Ji Heui
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives: We conducted this preliminary retrospective study to assess the short-term safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants (SGBIs) that are commercially available in Korean women. Materials and methods :The current retrospective, observational study was conducted in a total of 2612 patients (n = 2612) who underwent augmentation mammaplasty using breast implants at our hospitals between 1 January 2017 and 31 August 2021. Results: Overall, there were a total of 248 cases (9.49%) of postoperative complications; these include 112 cases of early seroma, 52 cases of shape deformation, 32 cases of CC, 12 cases of early hematoma, 12 cases of rupture, 12 cases of infection, 12 cases of stretch deformities with skin excess and 4 cases of rippling. Overall complication-free survival of the breast implant was estimated at 1564.32 ± 75.52 days (95% CI 1416.39–1712.32). Then, the Motiva Ergonomix™ SilkSurface showed the longest survival (1528.00 ± 157.92 days [95% CI 1218.48–1837.56]), followed by the BellaGel® SmoothFine (1458.4 ± 65.76 days [95% CI 1329.56–1587.28]), the Sebbin® Sublimity (1322.00 ± 51.20 days [95% CI 1221.64–1422.32]), the BellaGel® Smooth (1138.72 ± 161.28 days [95% CI 822.6–1454.84), the Mentor® MemoryGel™ Xtra (698.4 ± 52.64 days [95% CI 595.28–801.52]) and the Natrelle® INSPIRA™ (380.00 ± 170.88 days [95% CI 45.04–714.96]) in the decreasing order. On subgroup analysis, both the Motiva ErgonomixTM and Mentor® MemoryGel™ Xtra showed no postoperative complications. However, the BellaGel® SmoothFine, Sebbin® Sublimity and BellaGel® Smooth showed incidences of 8.87%, 4.84% and 1.61%, respectively. A subgroup analysis also showed differences in incidences of postoperative complications between microtextured and smooth breast implants (15.18% vs. 16.67%). Conclusions: In conclusion, our results indicate that diverse types of an SGBI are commercially available and their safety profile varies according to the manufacturer. Plastic surgeons should consider the safety profile of each device in selecting the optimal types of the device for Korean women who are in need of an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty. However, this warrants a single-surgeon, single-center study with long periods of follow-up.
Thermal Stability and Mechanical Properties of Al-Zn and Al-Bi-Zn Alloys Deformed by ECAP
Authors: Jia Hailong , Piao Yinan , Zhu Kaining , Yin Chaoran , Zhou Wenqiang , Li Feng , Zha Min
Published: December 2021

It is well known that ultrafine grained and nanocrystalline materials show enhanced strength, while they are susceptible to thermally induced grain coarsening. The present work aims to enhance the thermal stability of ultrafine Al grains produced by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) via dynamically precipitation. Detailed characterization by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been carried out to reveal the microstructural evolution during both ECAP and post-ECAP annealing. After five passes of ECAP, both Al-8Zn and Al-6Bi-8Zn alloys show an ultrafine grain structure together with dynamic precipitated nanoscale Zn particles along grain boundaries. Upon annealing at 200 °C, ultrafine grains in the Al-8Zn and Al-6Bi-8Zn alloys show a remarkable thermal stability compared to the Al-8Bi alloy, which is mainly due to the presence of nanoscale Zn precipitates along grain boundaries. The present work reveals that nanoscale Zn particles have a positive effect on preserving the ultrafine grains during annealing, which is useful for the design of UFG Al alloys with improved thermal stability.
Serum Metabolic Profiles Based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy among Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis and Healthy Controls
Authors: Escobar Melissa Quintero , Tasic Ljubica , Costa Tassia Brena Barroso Carneiro da , Stanisic Danijela , Montalvão Silmara , Huber Stephany , Annichino-Bizzacchi Joyce Maria
Published: December 2021

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Studies on changes in the level of metabolites could have the potential to reveal biomarkers that can assist in the early detection, diagnosis, monitoring of DVT progression, response to treatment, or recurrence of DVT. In this scenario, the metabolomic analysis can provide a better understanding of the biochemical dysregulations of thrombosis. Using an untargeted metabolomic approach through magnetic resonance spectroscopy and multi- and univariate statistical analysis, we compared 40 patients with previous venous thrombosis and 40 healthy individuals, and we showed important serum differences between patients and controls, especially in the spectral regions that correspond to glucose, lipids, unsaturated lipids, and glycoprotein A. Considering the groups depending on risk factors and the local of the previous episode (lower limbs or cerebral system), we also noticed differences in metabolites linked to lipids and lactate. Comparative analyses pointed to altered ratios of glucose/lactate and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)/alanine, which might be associated with the fingerprints of thrombosis. Although samples for metabolomic analysis were collected months after the acute episode, these results highlighted that, alterations can still remain and may contribute to a better understanding of the complications of the disease.
Activity of Semi-Synthetic Mulinanes against MDR, Pre-XDR, and XDR Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Martínez-González María Alejandrina , Peña-Rodríguez Luis Manuel , Uc-Cachón Andrés Humberto , Bórquez Jorge , Simirgiotis Mario J. , Barrios-García Hugo Brígido , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , Loyola Luis Alberto , Areche Carlos , Dzul-Beh Angel de Jesús , Barrios-Payán Jorge Alberto , Mata-Espinosa Dulce , Escalante-Erosa Fabiola , García-Sosa Karlina , Molina-Salinas Gloria María
Published: December 2021

Tuberculosis causes more than 1.2 million deaths each year. Worldwide, it is the first cause of death by a single infectious agent. The emergence of drug-resistant strains has limited pharmacological treatment of the disease and today, new drugs are urgently needed. Semi-synthetic mulinanes have previously shown important activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this investigation, a new set of semi-synthetic mulinanes were synthetized, characterized, and evaluated for their in vitro activity against three drug-resistant clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis: MDR, pre-extensively Drug-Resistant (pre-XDR), and extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR), and against the drug-susceptible laboratory reference strain H37Rv. Derivative 1a showed the best anti-TB activity (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 5.4 µM) against the susceptible strain and was twice as potent (MIC = 2.7 µM) on the MDR, pre-XDR, and XDR strains and also possessed a bactericidal effect. Derivative 1a was also tested for its anti-TB activity in mice infected with the MDR strain. In this case, 1a produced a significant reduction of pulmonary bacilli loads, six times lower than the control, when tested at 0.2536 mg/Kg. In addition, 1a demonstrated an adjuvant effect by shortening second-line chemotherapy. Finally, the selectivity index of >15.64 shown by 1a when tested on Vero cells makes this derivative an important candidate for future studies in the development of novel antitubercular agents.
The Effects of Fermentation of Low or High Tannin Fava Bean-Based Diets on Glucose Response, Cardiovascular Function, and Fecal Bile Acid Excretion during a 28-Day Feeding Period in Dogs: Comparison with Commercial Diets with Normal vs. High Protein
Authors: Reis Luciana G. , Morris Tressa , Quilliam Chloe , Rodrigues Lucas A. , Loewen Matthew E. , Weber Lynn P.
Published: December 2021

We have shown that feeding dogs fava bean (FB)-based diets for 7 days is safe and FB flour fermentation with Candida utilis has the potential to decrease FB anti-nutritional factors. In the present study, the effects of 28-day feeding of 4 different FB-based test dog foods containing moderate protein (~27% dry matter (DM)) were compared with two commercial diets with normal protein (NP, grain-containing, ~31% DM protein) or high protein (HP, grain-free, ~41% DM protein). Health parameters were investigated in beagles fed the NP or HP diets or using a randomized, crossover, 2 × 2 Latin square design of the FB diets: unfermented high-tannin (UF-HT), fermented high-tannin (FM-HT), unfermented low-tannin (UF-LT), and fermented low-tannin (FM-LT). The results showed that fermentation increased glucose tolerance, increased red blood cell numbers and increased systolic blood pressure, but decreased flow-mediated vasodilation. Taken together, the overall effect of fermentation appears to be beneficial and improved FB nutritional value. Most interesting, even though the HP diet was grain-free, the diet did contain added taurine, and no adverse effects on cardiac function were observed, while glucose tolerance was impaired compared to NP-fed dogs. In summary, this study did not find evidence of adverse cardiac effects of pulses in ‘grain-free’ diets, at least not in the relatively resistant beagle breed over a 28-day period. More importantly, fermentation with C. utilis shows promise to enhance health benefits of pulses such as FB in dog food.
Advances in the Field of Micro- and Nanotechnologies Applied to Extracellular Vesicle Research: Take-Home Message from ISEV2021
Authors: Picciolini Silvia , Rodà Francesca , Bedoni Marzia , Gualerzi Alice
Published: December 2021

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are naturally secreted nanoparticles with a plethora of functions in the human body and remarkable potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Starting from their discovery, EV nanoscale dimensions have hampered and slowed new discoveries in the field, sometimes generating confusion and controversies among experts. Microtechnological and especially nanotechnological advances have sped up biomedical research dealing with EVs, but efforts are needed to further clarify doubts and knowledge gaps. In the present review, we summarize some of the most interesting data presented in the Annual Meeting of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV), ISEV2021, to stimulate discussion and to share knowledge with experts from all fields of research. Indeed, EV research requires a multidisciplinary knowledge exchange and effort. EVs have demonstrated their importance and significant biological role; still, further technological achievements are crucial to avoid artifacts and misleading conclusions in order to enable outstanding discoveries.
Nutritional Modulation of the Immune Response Mediated by Nucleotides in Canine Leishmaniosis
Authors: Segarra Sergi
Published: December 2021

Leishmaniasis is an emerging, uncontrolled, and neglected zoonotic disease. Climate change is contributing to its ongoing global expansion. The dog is the main reservoir; hence the importance of implementing effective treatment, prevention, and control measures in this animal species to protect public health. However, although the standard treatment for canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is effective, it does not provide full parasitological clearance, and side effects and drug resistance have been described. The host’s immune system plays a key role in the establishment and evolution of leishmaniasis. Dietary nucleotides modulate the immune response and, given their reported efficacy and safety in sick and clinically healthy Leishmania-infected dogs and because they represent a sustainable option with no associated side effects or resistance, they could be included within the prevention, treatment, and control strategies for leishmaniasis. This article briefly summarizes the scientific literature on CanL management, including unresolved issues, and reviews the scientific evidence on immunomodulatory effects of dietary nucleotides in different animal species. It also proposes a CanL management algorithm, including nucleotides. It is concluded that nutritional modulation of the immune response with nucleotides can contribute to better management of leishmaniasis following a One Health approach, especially in the COVID-19 era.
Evaluation of Three Culture Media for Isolation of Burkholderia cepacia Complex from Respiratory Samples of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Marrs Emma C. L. , Perry Audrey , Perry John D.
Published: December 2021

Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a significant pathogen causing respiratory disease in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). Diagnosis is typically achieved by isolation of BCC on selective culture media following culture of sputum or other respiratory samples. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of three commercially available selective media for the isolation of BCC. The three media comprised Burkholderia cepacia selective agar (BCSA; bioMérieux), BD Cepacia medium (BD: Becton–Dickinson) and MAST Cepacia medium (MAST laboratories). Each medium was challenged with 270 respiratory samples from individuals with CF as well as an international collection of BCC (n = 26) and 14 other isolates of Burkholderia species at a range of inocula. The international collection was also used to artificially “spike” 26 respiratory samples. From a total of 34 respiratory samples containing BCC, 97% were recovered on BD and 94% were detected on MAST and BCSA. All three media were effective for isolation of BCC. BCSA was much more selective than the other two media (p < 0.0001) meaning that fewer isolates required processing to exclude the presence of BCC.
Microbial Diversity and P Content Changes after the Application of Sewage Sludge and Glyphosate to Soil
Authors: Wydro Urszula , Wołejko Elżbieta , Łozowicka Bożena , Jabłońska-Trypuć Agata
Published: December 2021

Pesticides, despite their side effects, are still being used in almost every agriculture, horticulture, maintaining municipal greenery in urban areas and even in home gardens. They influence human life and health and the functioning of entire ecosystems, including inanimate elements such as water and soil. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the suitability of sewage sludge in improving the quality of soil treated with a non-selective herbicide-glyphosate, applied as Roundup 360 SL. A pot experiment was conducted with the use of two arable soils (MS and OS), which were amended with sewage sludge (SS), glyphosate (GL) and sewage sludge with glyphosate (SS+GL). Soil samples were taken after 24 h, 144 h and 240 h and total phosphorus (TP) content (TP), total number of bacteria/fungi, activity of dehydrogenases (Dha), acidic phosphatase (Acp), alkaline phosphatase (Alp), genetic biodiversity of bacteria/fungi using the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism method were determined. The application of SS and GL to OS caused an increase in Acp (approximately 35%) and a decrease in Alp activity (approximately 20%). Additionally, GL may influence on an increase in the number of fungi and the decrease in the number of bacteria. In soil with SS+GL increase in the fungal diversity in MS and OS was also observed. Moreover, a positive between TP and the number of bacteria and the activity of phosphatases correlation was reported. The obtained results indicate that analyzed sewage sludge could be potentially applied into soil in in situ scale and could constitute a valuable reclamation material.
Three-Dimensional Audio-Magnetotelluric Imaging including Surface Topography of the Cimabanshuo Porphyry Copper Deposit, Tibet
Authors: Qi Ping , Yin Yaotian , Jin Sheng , Wei Wenbo , Xu Liuyang , Dong Hao , Huang Jinhui
Published: December 2021

Cimabanshuo deposit is a newly discovered porphyry copper (Cu) deposit with giant metallogenic potential, found in the western segment of the Gangdese metallogenic belt, Tibet. The average elevation of the deposit is greater than 5500 m and the terrain on which it is found is steep and complex. Therefore, it is untraversed, and the existing exploration works on it are weak. We used 59 AMT sites belonging to an array covering the main, proven mineralization zone and ore bodies of this deposit for an analysis of its underground electrical structure. Dimensionality and strike analysis revealed the apparent three-dimensional (3D) features near the Cu ore bodies. 3D inversion with topography was conducted for the AMT array data. A large range of high-resistivity anomaly (~500–2000 Ωm) appears beneath the proven Cu mineralization zone and ore bodies, which is interpreted as intrusive rocks with potassic alteration. Although containing chalcopyrite, it is characterized by middle–high resistivity due to a low sulfide content and poor connectivity. Moreover, a series of scattered conductors (~10–300 Ωm) around the Cu ore bodies are distributed in the shallow layer from near the surface to ~200 m, possibly indicating phyllic alteration containing pyritization and connected metal sulfides. The proven ore bodies of Cimabanshuo are mainly located at the junction regions between high-resistivity intrusive rocks and high-conductivity sericitization alteration zones. According to this research, the 3D inversion with topography of AMT data can visually display the 3D distribution of intrusive rocks and alteration zones beneath porphyry Cu deposits in high-elevation regions, and provides a reference for further exploration works.
Titanium: An Overview of Resources and Production Methods
Authors: El Khalloufi Mohammed , Drevelle Olivier , Soucy Gervais
Published: December 2021

For several decades, the metallurgical industry and the research community worldwide have been challenged to develop energy-efficient and low-cost titanium production processes. The expensive and energy-consuming Kroll process produces titanium metal commercially, which is highly matured and optimized. Titanium’s strong affinity for oxygen implies that conventional Ti metal production processes are energy-intensive. Over the past several decades, research and development have been focusing on new processes to replace the Kroll process. Two fundamental groups are categorized for these methods: thermochemical and electrochemical. This literature review gives an insight into the titanium industry, including the titanium resources and processes of production. It focuses on ilmenite as a major source of titanium and some effective methods for producing titanium through extractive metallurgy processes and presents a critical view of the opportunities and challenges.
Logit Truncated-Exponential Skew-Logistic Distribution with Properties and Applications
Authors: Pang Liyuan , Tian Weizhong , Tong Tingting , Chen Xiangfei
Published: December 2021

In recent years, bounded distributions have attracted extensive attention. At the same time, various areas involve bounded interval data, such as proportion and ratio. In this paper, we propose a new bounded model, named logistic Truncated exponential skew logistic distribution. Some basic statistical properties of the proposed distribution are studied, including moments, mean residual life function, Renyi entropy, mean deviation, order statistics, exponential family, and quantile function. The maximum likelihood method is used to estimate the unknown parameters of the proposed distribution. More importantly, the applications to three real data sets mainly from the field of engineering science prove that the logistic Truncated exponential skew logistic distribution fits better than other bounded distributions.
A Model-Based Design Method for the Correlation between Customer Feedback and Technical Design Parameters in the Context of Systems Engineering
Authors: Aksoy Günseli , Raulf Christian , Vietor Thomas
Published: December 2021

Nowadays considering trends such as digitalization, automated driving as well as electric mobility in products in automotive development processes is a major challenge, which has led to an enormous increase in the number of product functions of technical systems. However, the recognized processes in automotive development are strongly component-oriented and such processes partially support the development of product functions. In order to meet future trends and ensure long term customer satisfaction, a transfer from component-oriented to function-oriented development is necessary. Accordingly, a holistic concept can be useful that enables the integration of customer feedback into the early phase of product development in the context of function-orientation. However, the customer feedback evaluation and their mapping with technical subsystems have been considered mainly in the context of component-oriented development. In this contribution, a method is proposed, which is generated in the context of a product model of product generation engineering. Product Generation Engineering enables the structuring of the development process of a product generation and supports function-oriented development. The Product Model provides customer- oriented development of mechatronic products. The proposed method is achieved in the sense of model-based systems engineering and validated by the exemplarily application of a case study of a specific vehicle. Both the past and current product generations of the specific vehicle are taken into account in the development of the subsequent product generation.
Hybrid Bis-Histidine Phenanthroline-Based Ligands to Lessen Aβ-Bound Cu ROS Production: An Illustration of Cu(I) Significance
Authors: Drommi Marielle , Rulmont Clément , Esmieu Charlène , Hureau Christelle
Published: December 2021

We here report the synthesis of three new hybrid ligands built around the phenanthroline scaffold and encompassing two histidine-like moieties: phenHH, phenHGH and H’phenH’, where H correspond to histidine and H’ to histamine. These ligands were designed to capture Cu(I/II) from the amyloid-β peptide and to prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species produced by amyloid-β bound copper in presence of physiological reductant (e.g., ascorbate) and dioxygen. The amyloid-β peptide is a well-known key player in Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating and devasting neurological disorder the mankind has to fight against. The Cu-Aβ complex does participate in the oxidative stress observed in the disease, due to the redox ability of the Cu(I/II) ions. The complete characterization of the copper complexes made with phenHH, phenHGH and H’phenH’ is reported, along with the ability of ligands to remove Cu from Aβ, and to prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species catalyzed by Cu and Cu-Aβ, including in presence of zinc, the second metal ions important in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease. The importance of the reduced state of copper, Cu(I), in the prevention and arrest of ROS is mechanistically described with the help of cyclic voltammetry experiments.
Lamiaceae in Mexican Species, a Great but Scarcely Explored Source of Secondary Metabolites with Potential Pharmacological Effects in Pain Relief
Authors: Hernandez-Leon Alberto , Moreno-Pérez Gabriel Fernando , Martínez-Gordillo Martha , Aguirre-Hernández Eva , Valle-Dorado María Guadalupe , Díaz-Reval María Irene , González-Trujano María Eva , Pellicer Francisco
Published: December 2021

The search for molecules that contribute to the relief of pain is a field of research in constant development. Lamiaceae is one of the most recognized families world-wide for its use in traditional medicine to treat diseases that include pain and inflammation. Mexico can be considered one of the most important centers of diversification, and due to the high endemism of this family, it is crucial for the in situ conservation of this family. Information about the most common genera and species found in this country and their uses in folk medicine are scarcely reported in the literature. After an extensive inspection in bibliographic databases, mainly Sciencedirect, Pubmed and Springer, almost 1200 articles describing aspects of Lamiaceae were found; however, 217 articles were selected because they recognize the Mexican genera and species with antinociceptive and/or anti-inflammatory potential to relieve pain, such as Salvia and Agastache. The bioactive constituents of these genera were mainly terpenes (volatile and non-volatile) and phenolic compounds such as flavonoids (glycosides and aglycone). The aim of this review is to analyze important aspects of Mexican genera of Lamiaceae, scarcely explored as a potential source of secondary metabolites responsible for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of these species. In addition, we point out the possible mechanisms of action involved and the modulatory pathways investigated in different experimental models. As a result of this review, it is important to mention that scarce information has been reported regarding species of this family from Mexican genera. In fact, despite Calosphace being one of the largest subgenera of Salvia in the world, found mainly in Mexico, it has been barely investigated regarding its potential biological activities and recognized bioactive constituents. The scientific evidence regarding the different bioactive constituents found in species of Lamiaceae demonstrates that several species require further investigation in preclinical studies, and of course also in controlled clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of these natural products to support their therapeutic potential in pain relief and/or inflammation, among other health conditions. Since Mexico is one of the most important centers of diversification, and due to the high endemism of species of this family, it is crucial their rescue, in situ conservation, and investigation of their health benefits.
Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity of Malus domestica Borkh Peel Extracts
Authors: Vasile Melnic , Bunea Andrea , Ioan Chira Romeo , Ioan Bunea Claudiu , Socaci Sonia , Viorel Mitre
Published: December 2021

Apple is an important dietary source of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, and its regular consumption is associated with several health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of fresh peels of four red-skinned (“Champion”, “Generos”, “Idared”, “Florina”) and two yellow-skinned (“Golden Delicious”, “Reinette Simirenko”) apple varieties. Antioxidant activity of apple peel extracts was determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ABTS radical scavenging capacity assays. Total carotenoid and polyphenolic contents were determined spectrophotometrically, while the profile of individual carotenoids and anthocyanins (in red-skinned varieties) was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). Carotenoid composition was specific for each variety, and total carotenoid content was slightly higher in yellow-skinned apple peels compared to red-skinned varieties. In contrast, total phenolic content was higher in the peels of red-skinned cultivars. Anthocyanin profile was predominated by cyanidin-3-O-galactoside. Antioxidant potential followed the trend of the total polyphenolic content, being highest in “Florina”, as measured by both FRAP and ABTS assays. Our results demonstrated apple peels have high phytochemical content with diverse compositions, and their regular consumption can be an excellent source of antioxidants.
Recent Investigations on Thiocyanate-Free Ruthenium(II) 2,2′-Bipyridyl Complexes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Mauri Luca , Colombo Alessia , Dragonetti Claudia , Roberto Dominique , Fagnani Francesco
Published: December 2021

Three decades ago, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) emerged as a method for harnessing the energy of the sun and for converting it into electricity. Since then, a lot of work has been devoted to create better global photovoltaic efficiencies and long term stability. Among photosensitizers for DSSCs, thiocyanate-free ruthenium(II) complexes have gained increasing interest due to their better stability compared to conventional thiocyanate-based complexes, such as benchmark dyes N719 and Z907. In this mini-review, two classes of thiocyanate-free Ru(II) complexes are presented: (a) bis-bipyridyl compounds bearing an ancillary cyclometalating bidentate ligand; (b) bipyridyl compounds bearing non-cyclometalating ancillary ligands. The coverage, mainly from 2014 up to now, is not exhaustive, but illustrates the most recent design strategies and photovoltaic properties of these two families of ruthenium(II) dyes.
Occurrence of Disinfection By-Products in Swimming Pools in the Area of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Assessment of Multi-Pathway Exposure and Risk
Authors: Sdougkou Akrivi , Kapsalaki Kyriaki , Kozari Argyri , Pantelaki Ioanna , Voutsa Dimitra
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the occurrence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) (trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), halonitriles (HANs), halonitromethane (TCNM) and haloketones (HKs)) in different type of swimming pools in the area of Thessaloniki, northern Greece by employing the EPA methods 551.1 and 552.3. Moreover, general water quality parameters (pH, residual chlorine, dissolved organic carbon, UV254 absorption, total nitrogen, alkalinity and conductivity) were also measured. The concentrations of DBPs showed great variability among swimming pools as well as within the same pool between sampling campaigns. HAAs exhibited the highest concentrations followed by THMs, HANs, TCNM and HKs. Exposure doses for four age groups (3–<6 y, 6–<11 y, 11–<16 y and adults) were calculated. Route-specific exposures varied among DBPs groups. Inhalation was the dominant exposure route to THMs and TCNM (up to 92–95%). Ingestion and dermal absorption were the main exposure routes to HAAs (40–82% and 18–59%, respectively), depending on the age of swimmers. HANs contributed up to 75% to the calculated cytotoxicity of pool water. Hazard indices for different exposure routes were <1, suggesting non-carcinogenic risk. Inhalation posed the higher carcinogenic risk for THMs, whereas risk via oral and dermal routes was low. Ingestion and dermal contact posed the higher risk for HAAs. Risk management strategies that minimise DBPs exposure without compromising disinfection efficiency in swimming pools are necessary.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of S-, O- and Se-Containing Dispirooxindoles
Authors: Kukushkin Maksim , Novotortsev Vladimir , Filatov Vadim , Ivanenkov Yan , Skvortsov Dmitry , Veselov Mark , Shafikov Radik , Moiseeva Anna , Zyk Nikolay , Majouga Alexander , Beloglazkina Elena
Published: December 2021

A series of novel S-, O- and Se-containing dispirooxindole derivatives has been synthesized using 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of azomethine ylide generated from isatines and sarcosine at the double C=C bond of 5-indolidene-2-chalcogen-imidazolones (chalcogen was oxygen, sulfur or selenium). The cytotoxicity of these dispiro derivatives was evaluated in vitro using different tumor cell lines. Several molecules have demonstrated a considerable cytotoxicity against the panel and showed good selectivity towards colorectal carcinoma HCT116 p53+/+ over HCT116 p53−/− cells. In particular, good results have been obtained for LNCaP prostate cell line. The performed in silico study has revealed MDM2/p53 interaction as one of the possible targets for the synthesized molecules. However, in contrast to selectivity revealed during the cell-based evaluation and the results obtained in computational study, no significant p53 activation using a reporter construction in p53wt A549 cell line was observed in a relevant concentration range.
Improving the Quality of Patient Care and Healthcare Staff Well-Being through an Empathy Immersion Educational Programme in New Zealand: Protocol of a Feasibility and Pilot Study
Authors: Hales Caz , Deak Chris K. , Popoola Tosin , Harris Deborah L. , Rook Helen
Published: December 2021

Empathy is positively related to healthcare workers and patients’ wellbeing. There is, however, limited research on the effects of empathy education delivered in acute clinical settings and its impact on healthcare consumers. This research tests the feasibility and the potential efficacy outcomes of an immersive education programme developed by the research team in collaboration with clinical partners and a multidisciplinary advisory group. Healthcare worker participants in the intervention ward will receive an 8-week immersive empathy education. The primary outcome (feasibility) will be assessed by evaluating the acceptability of the intervention and the estimated resources. The secondary outcome (efficacy) will be assessed using a quasi-experimental study design. Non-parametric tests will be used to test healthcare worker participants’ empathy, burnout, and organisational satisfaction (within-group and across groups), and healthcare consumer participants’ satisfaction (between-group) over time. Despite growing interest in the importance of empathy in professional relationships, to our knowledge, the present pilot study is the first to explore the feasibility and efficacy of an immersive empathy education in New Zealand. Our findings will provide critical evidence to support the development of a randomised cluster trial and potentially provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of this type of empathy education.
Release of Nanoparticles in the Environment and Catalytic Converters Ageing
Authors: Navarro-Espinoza Sofía , Meza-Figueroa Diana , Guzmán Roberto , Duarte-Moller Alberto , Esparza-Ponce Hilda , Paz-Moreno Francisco , González-Grijalva Belem , Álvarez-Bajo Osiris , Schiavo Benedetto , Soto-Puebla Diego , Pedroza-Montero Martín
Published: December 2021

A Three-Way Catalyst (TWC) contains a cordierite ceramic monolith coated with a layer of Al2O3, CexZr1−xO2 and platinoids mixture. Under standard operation, the platinoid concentration decreases, exposing the remaining washcoat structure. After that particle release stage, the sintering process follows where the crystalline CexZr1−xO2 solution is broken and begins to separate into ZrO2 and CeO2 phases. ZrO2 is released to the environment as micro and nanoparticles, while a small amount of CeO2 generates a new AlxCe1−xO2 composite. The main effect of Ce capture is the growth in the size of the polycrystal structure from 86.13 ± 16.58 nm to 225.35 ± 69.51 nm. Moreover, a transformation of cordierite to mullite was identified by XRD analysis. Raman spectra showed that the oxygen vacancies (Vö) concentration decreased as CexZr1−xO2 phases separation occurred. The SEM-EDS revealed the incorporation of new spurious elements and microfractures favouring the detachment of the TWC support structure. The release of ultrafine particles is a consequence of catalytic devices overusing. The emission of refractory micro to nanocrystals to the atmosphere may represent an emerging public health issue underlining the importance of implementing strict worldwide regulations on regular TWCs replacement.
MXenes—A New Class of Two-Dimensional Materials: Structure, Properties and Potential Applications
Authors: Pogorielov Maksym , Smyrnova Kateryna , Kyrylenko Sergiy , Gogotsi Oleksiy , Zahorodna Veronika , Pogrebnjak Alexander
Published: December 2021

A new class of two-dimensional nanomaterials, MXenes, which are carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides of transition and refractory metals, has been critically analyzed. Since the synthesis of the first family member in 2011 by Yury Gogotsi and colleagues, MXenes have quickly become attractive for a variety of research fields due to their exceptional properties. Despite the fact that this new family of 2D materials was discovered only about ten years ago, the number of scientific publications related to MXene almost doubles every year. Thus, in 2021 alone, more than 2000 papers are expected to be published, which indicates the relevance and prospects of MXenes. The current paper critically analyzes the structural features, properties, and methods of synthesis of MXenes based on recent available research data. We demonstrate the recent trends of MXene applications in various fields, such as environmental pollution removal and water desalination, energy storage and harvesting, quantum dots, sensors, electrodes, and optical devices. We focus on the most important medical applications: photo-thermal cancer therapy, diagnostics, and antibacterial treatment. The first results on obtaining and studying the structure of high-entropy MXenes are also presented.
Pt3Ni@C Composite Material Designed and Prepared Based on Volcanic Catalytic Curve and Its High-Performance Static Lithium Polysulfide Semiliquid Battery
Authors: Wang Ying , Yao Yao , Chen Yu , Hou Jiyue , Ni Zhicong , Wang Yanjie , Hu Xiuqiong , Sun Yanzhong , Ai Rui , Xian Yulin , Zhang Yiyong , Li Xue , Zhang Yingjie , Zhao Jinbao
Published: December 2021

There are many challenges for the Static lithium polysulfide semiliquid battery in its commercial application, such as poor stability of the cathode material and further amplification of the lithium polysulfide shuttle effect. Therefore, this manuscript introduced a new type of Pt3Ni@C composite material as cathode working electrode based on the principle of volcanic catalytic curve. Through symmetric battery test, CV, polarization curves and impedance test, it was found that Pt3Ni@C composite material had good catalytic activity of lithium polysulfide to improve electrochemical kinetics. When the catholyte was Li2S8 and the charge-discharge voltage range was 1.8~2.6 V, the capacity maintained at approximately 550 mAh g−1, and the coulombic efficiency maintained at approximately 95% after 100 cycles at a current rate of 0.5 mA cm−2. The Pt3Ni@C composite material is a potential cathode material with the specific capacity and long cycling stability of the static lithium polysulfide semiliquid battery.
A Cost-Effective and Non-Invasive pfeRNA-Based Test Differentiates Benign and Suspicious Pulmonary Nodules from Malignant Ones
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Yuyan , Huang Hongchan , Fackche Nadege , Rodgers Kristen , Lee Beverly , Nizam Wasay , Khan Hamza , Lu Zhihao , Kong Xiangqian , Li Yanfei , Liang Naixin , Zhao Xin , Jin Xin , Liu Haibo , Talbot Charles Conover , Huang Peng , Eshleman James R. , Lai Qi , Zhang Yi , Brock Malcolm V. , Mei Yuping
Published: December 2021

The ability to differentiate between benign, suspicious, and malignant pulmonary nodules is imperative for definitive intervention in patients with early stage lung cancers. Here, we report that plasma protein functional effector sncRNAs (pfeRNAs) serve as non-invasive biomarkers for determining both the existence and the nature of pulmonary nodules in a three-stage study that included the healthy group, patients with benign pulmonary nodules, patients with suspicious nodules, and patients with malignant nodules. Following the standards required for a clinical laboratory improvement amendments (CLIA)-compliant laboratory-developed test (LDT), we identified a pfeRNA classifier containing 8 pfeRNAs in 108 biospecimens from 60 patients by sncRNA deep sequencing, deduced prediction rules using a separate training cohort of 198 plasma specimens, and then applied the prediction rules to another 230 plasma specimens in an independent validation cohort. The pfeRNA classifier could (1) differentiate patients with or without pulmonary nodules with an average sensitivity and specificity of 96.2% and 97.35% and (2) differentiate malignant versus benign pulmonary nodules with an average sensitivity and specificity of 77.1% and 74.25%. Our biomarkers are cost-effective, non-invasive, sensitive, and specific, and the qPCR-based method provides the possibility for automatic testing of robotic applications.
Changes in BNR Microbial Community in Response to Different Selection Pressure
Authors: Pishgar Roya , Dominic John Albino , Tay Joo Hwa , Chu Angus
Published: December 2021

This study investigated structural changes in microbial community of biological nutrient removal (BNR) in response to changes in substrate composition (ammonium and phosphate), redox condition, and morphological characteristics (flocs to granules), with a focus on nitrification and phosphate removal. Analyzing treatment performance and 16S rRNA phylogenetic gene sequencing data suggested that heterotrophic nitrification (HN) and autotrophic nitrification (AN) potentially happened in aerobic organic-rich (HN_AS) and aerobic organic-deficient (AN_AS) activated sludge batch reactors, respectively. However, phosphate release and uptake were not observed under alternating anaerobic/aerobic regime. Phosphate release could not be induced even when anaerobic phase was extended, although Accumulibacter existed in the inoculum (5.1% of total bacteria). Some potential HN (e.g., Thauera, Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium), AN (e.g., Nitrosomonas (3.2%) and Nitrospira), and unconventional phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) were identified. Putative HN bacteria (i.e., Thauera (29–36%) and Flavobacterium (18–25%)) were enriched in aerobic granular sludge (AGS) regardless of the granular reactor operation mode. Enrichment of HN organisms in the AGS was suspected to be mainly due to granulation, possibly due to the floc-forming ability of HN species. Thus, HN is likely to play a role in nitrogen removal in AGS reactors. This study is supposed to serve as a starting point for the investigation of the microbial communities of AS- and AGS-based BNR processes. It is recommended that the identified roles for the isolated bacteria are further investigated in future works.
Associations of Serum Magnesium with Brain Morphology and Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities-Neurocognitive Study
Authors: Alam Aniqa B. , Thomas DaNashia S. , Lutsey Pamela L. , Shrestha Srishti , Alonso Alvaro
Published: December 2021

Circulating magnesium has been associated with a lower risk of dementia, but the physiologic effects by which magnesium may prevent neurological insults remain unclear. We studied 1466 individuals (mean age 76.2 ± 5.3, 28.8% black, 60.1% female) free of prevalent stroke, with measured serum magnesium and with available MRI scans obtained in 2011–2013, participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS). Cross-sectional differences in frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobe volume, along with deep grey matter, total brain, and white matter hyperintensity volume across serum magnesium (categorized into quintiles and per standard deviation increases) were assessed using multiple linear regression. We also examined associations of magnesium with the prevalence of cortical, subcortical, and lacunar infarcts using multiple logistic regression. After adjusting for demographics, biomarkers, medications, and cardiometabolic risk factors, higher circulating magnesium was associated with greater total brain volume and frontal, temporal, and parietal lobe volumes (volumes 0.14 to 0.19 standard deviations higher comparing Q5 to Q1). Elevated magnesium was also associated with lower odds of subcortical infarcts (OR (95%CI): 0.44 (0.25, 0.77) comparing Q5 to Q1) and lacunar infarcts (OR (95%CI): 0.40 (0.22, 0.71) comparing Q5 to Q1). Elevated serum magnesium was cross-sectionally associated with greater brain volumes and lower odds of subclinical cerebrovascular disease, suggesting beneficial effects on pathways related to neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular damage. Further exploration through prospective analyses is needed to assess increasing circulating magnesium as a potential neuroprotective intervention.