bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure-Activity Relationship of Hydroxycinnamic Acid Derivatives for Cooperating with Carnosic Acid and Calcitriol in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Trachtenberg Aviram , Sidoryk Katarzyna , Alreate Somaya , Muduli Suchismita , Leś Andrzej , Cybulski Marcin , Danilenko Michael
Published: October 2021

Plant phenolic compounds have shown the ability to cooperate with one another at low doses in producing enhanced anticancer effects. This may overcome the limitations (e.g., poor bioavailability and high-dose toxicity) in developing these agents as cancer medicines. We have previously reported that the hydroxycinnamic acid derivative (HCAD) methyl-4-hydroxycinnamate and the phenolic diterpene carnosic acid (CA) can synergistically induce massive calcium-dependent apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at non-cytotoxic concentrations of each agent. Here, we explored the chemical nature of the synergy between HCADs and either CA, in inducing cytotoxicity, or the active metabolite of vitamin D (calcitriol), in enhancing the differentiation of AML cells. This was done by determining the structure–activity relationship of a series of hydroxycinnamic acids and their derivatives (methyl hydroxycinnamates and hydroxybenzylideneacetones) in combination with CA or calcitriol. The HCAD/CA synergy required the following critical structural elements of an HCAD molecule: (a) the para-hydroxyl on the phenolic ring, (b) the carbon C7–C8 double bond, and (c) the methyl-esterified carboxyl. Thus, the only HCADs capable of synergizing with CA were found to be methyl-4-hydroxycinnamate and methyl ferulate, which also most potently enhanced calcitriol-induced cell differentiation. Notably, the C7–C8 double bond was the major requirement for this HCAD/calcitriol cooperation. Our findings may contribute to the rational design of novel synergistically acting AML drugs based on prototype combinations of HCADs with other agents studied here.
Regenerative Medicine of Liver: Promises, Advances and Challenges
Authors: Ali Saiful , Haque Nasira , Azhar Zohya , Saeinasab Morvarid , Sefat Farshid
Published: October 2021

Liver tissue engineering is a rapidly developing field which combines the novel use of liver cells, appropriate biochemical factors, and engineering principles, in order to replace or regenerate damaged liver tissue or the organ. The aim of this review paper is to critically investigate different possible methods to tackle issues related with liver diseases/disorders mainly using regenerative medicine. In this work the various regenerative treatment options are discussed, for improving the prognosis of chronic liver disorders. By reviewing existing literature, it is apparent that the current popular treatment option is liver transplantation, although the breakthroughs of stem cell-based therapy and bioartificial liver technology make them a promising alternative.
Effects of Ionic Liquids on Laccase from Trametes versicolor
Authors: Patel Aashka Y. , Clark Austin K. , Paradis Nicholas J. , Amin Meeraj , Vaden Timothy D. , Wu Chun , Caputo Gregory A.
Published: October 2021

Interactions between ionic liquids and biomolecules are of great interest due to the intrinsic properties of ionic liquids and the flexibility allowed by mixing and matching cations and anions to create unique ionic liquids. A number of ionic liquid–biomolecule studies have focused on interactions with proteins, including industrially relevant enzymes. One of these, laccase from Trametes versicolor, is a naturally derived enzyme used in the breakdown of phenolic compounds in a wide variety of industries, especially useful in breakdown of lignocellulosic materials. Here, a combination of experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was used to investigate the interactions of ionic liquids with laccase. Enzyme kinetics assays indicated that ionic liquids composed of tetramethylguanidine (TMG) and either serine or threonine caused significant reduction in enzymatic activity, while kinetics was not impacted by TMG-Asp or TMG-Glu ionic liquids. Similarly, intrinsic fluorescence of laccase in the presence of TMG-Ser and TMG-Thr exhibited a shift in spectral properties consistent with structural destabilization, but again TMG-Asp and TMG-Glu had no impact. MD simulations of laccase and ABTS with/without TMG-Ser ionic liquid provided insight into the deactivation mechanism of laccase. The simulations indicated that TMG-Ser disrupts laccase’s electron transfer mechanism.
Frugivory in Raptors: New Observations from Australia and a Global Review
Authors: Fitzsimons James A. , Leighton Jack
Published: October 2021

The diets of raptors are some of the best studied and well-known of all bird groups. Raptors are typically carnivores, hunting and feeding on vertebrates and, for some species, invertebrates. Here, we described instances of the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) consuming non-native avocado (Persea americana) fruit in commercial orchards in northern Australia, over multiple years. This appears to be the first instance of frugivory by raptors in Australia. We review instances of frugivory for other raptor species globally. This review finds that 29 species of raptor from the families Falconidae, Accipitridae and Cathartidae have been recorded consuming fruit, significantly more than previous reviews.
TLR-Mediated Signal Transduction and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Adhikarla Shashank Vishwanath , Jha Niraj Kumar , Goswami Vineet Kumar , Sharma Ankur , Bhardwaj Anuradha , Dey Abhijit , Villa Chiara , Kumar Yatender , Jha Saurabh Kumar
Published: October 2021

A special class of proteins called Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are an essential part of the innate immune system, connecting it to the adaptive immune system. There are 10 different Toll-Like Receptors that have been identified in human beings. TLRs are part of the central nervous system (CNS), showing that the CNS is capable of the immune response, breaking the long-held belief of the brain’s “immune privilege” owing to the blood–brain barrier (BBB). These Toll-Like Receptors are present not just on the resident macrophages of the central nervous system but are also expressed by the neurons to allow them for the production of proinflammatory agents such as interferons, cytokines, and chemokines; the activation and recruitment of glial cells; and their participation in neuronal cell death by apoptosis. This study is focused on the potential roles of various TLRs in various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), namely TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 in AD and PD in human beings and a mouse model.
Dreams and Nightmares during the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Infection: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Scarpelli Serena , Alfonsi Valentina , Gorgoni Maurizio , Musetti Alessandro , Filosa Maria , Quattropani Maria C. , Lenzo Vittorio , Vegni Elena , Borghi Lidia , Margherita Giorgia , Freda Maria Francesca , Saita Emanuela , Cattivelli Roberto , Castelnuovo Gianluca , Manari Tommaso , Plazzi Giuseppe , De Gennaro Luigi , Franceschini Christian
Published: October 2021

Recent literature shows that the Coronovirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has provoked significant changes in dreaming. The current study intends to provide an update about dream variable changes during the second wave of COVID-19. A total of 611 participants completed a web survey from December 2020 to January 2021. Statistical comparisons showed that subjects had lower dream-recall frequency, nightmare frequency, lucid-dream frequency, emotional intensity, and nightmare distress during the second than the first wave of the pandemic. Dreams had a higher negative tone during the second than first wave. We revealed significant differences concerning post-traumatic growth, sleep-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and sleep measures between groups obtained as a function of the changes in the oneiric frequency between the first and second waves. We also found significant correlations between qualitative/emotional dream features and COVID-19-related factors (job change, forced quarantine, having COVID-19 infected relatives/friends, or asking for mental health help). Overall, we found that the second wave affected fewer quantitative features of dream activity and there was less emotional intensity. Moreover, we confirmed the relationship between nightmares and the high risk of PTSD when subjects were grouped as a function of the increasing/decreasing frequency. Finally, our findings are partly coherent with the continuity hypothesis between oneiric and waking experiences.
The Effects of Auditory Feedback Gait Training Using Smart Insole on Stroke Patients
Authors: Kim Junghyun , Jung Sangwoo , Song Changho
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to assess the effect of the auditory feedback gait training (AFGT) using smart insole on the gait variables, dynamic balance, and activities of daily living (ADL) of stroke patients. In this case, 45 chronic stroke patients who were diagnosed with a stroke before 6 months and could walk more than 10 m were included in this study. Participants were randomly allocated to the smart insole training group (n = 23), in which the AFGT system was used, or to the general gait training group (GGTG) (n = 22). Both groups completed conventional rehabilitation, including conventional physiotherapy and gait training, lasting 60 min per session, five times per week for 4 weeks. Instead of gait training, the smart insole training group received smart insole training twice per week for 4 weeks. Participants were assessed using the GAITRite for gait variables and Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for dynamic balance, and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) for ADL. The spatiotemporal gait parameters, symmetry of gait, TUG, BBS, and MBI in the smart insole training group were significantly improved compared to those in the GGTG (p < 0.05). The AFGT system approach is a helpful method for improving gait variables, dynamic balance, and ADL in chronic stroke patients.
Is Instructional Scaffolding a Better Strategy for Teaching Writing to EFL Learners? A Functional MRI Study in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Tai Hung-Cheng , Chen Chun-Ming , Tsai Yuan-Hsiung , Lee Bih-O , Setiya Dewi Yulis
Published: October 2021

To test the scaffolding theory when applied to the teaching and learning of writing English as a foreign language, this cross-sectional study was conducted to collect physiological data. A total of 53 participants were randomly assigned into two groups, and brain activity was investigated during a guided-writing task using storytelling pictures. The writing task was further divided into four parts using graded levels of difficulty. The experimental group performed tasks in sequence from easy to difficult, whereas the comparison group performed the tasks at random. Outcomes included handwriting assessments and fMRI measurements. Writing outcome assessments were analyzed using SPSS, and scanned images were analyzed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) software. The results revealed a positive learning effect associated with scaffolding instruction. The experimental group performed better during the writing tasks, and the fMRI images showed less intense and weaker reactions in the language processing region than were observed in the comparison group. The fMRI results also presented the experimental group with reduced motor and cognitive functions when writing in English. This study provides insight regarding brain activity during writing tasks in humans and may have implications for English-language instruction.
Memory Support System in Spanish: A Pilot Study
Authors: Santos Octavio A. , Rios-Rosales Anapaula , Pedraza Otto , Bergeron Caroline D. , Chandler Melanie
Published: October 2021

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is prevalent in the general population, particularly among Hispanic adults. SCD increases the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. While non-pharmacologic interventions are recommended to mitigate cognitive decline and preserve daily function in SCD and MCI, such interventions are not readily available for Spanish-speaking Hispanic adults with SCD. This pilot study, preregistered at clinicialtrials.gov, aimed to develop a linguistically and culturally appropriate adaptation of an existing memory compensation intervention, the Memory Support System (MSS), from English to Spanish, and to gather data to assess its impact in this population. Twenty Spanish-speaking Hispanic adults with SCD and 16 support partners were recruited. Measures of treatment adherence, daily function, self-efficacy for memory, quality of life, mood, anxiety, and caregiver burden were assessed at baseline, treatment end, and 8-week follow-up. By treatment end, participants with SCD improved their general functional status, daily activities requiring organizational skills, and depression and anxiety symptoms. Partners reported improvement in anxiety by treatment end and in caregiver burden at follow-up. The MSS was successfully translated into Spanish and readily learned by participants with SCD and their partners. The MSS in Spanish may help with daily functioning and aspects of patient and family well-being.
Crossing Contexts: Applying a System for Collaborative Investigation of School Space to Inform Design Decisions in Contrasting Settings
Authors: Woolner Pamela , Cardellino Paula
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a system for participatory appraisal and idea generation by a school’s users to enable interdisciplinary collaboration between educators and architects, producing school designs appropriate to the needs of the school at the time and into the future. Our uses of this system in two contrasting educational settings in England and in Uruguay are described. We show how the visual-spatial activities supported the educators to consider education in spatial terms, build a shared understanding and produce representations that could be used to convey ideas to architects and designers. Given that participation and cross-disciplinary collaboration in school design is known to be challenging, but vital, we consider the features of our approach that enabled its success and make it viable on each and every occasion of school design or redesign. Further, addressing the critiques of attempted international transfer of architectural designs, educational policies, practices and buildings, we argue that our system avoids these problems through seeking to transfer not a project but the means to enable participation in a project.
One-Step Preparation of Nitrogen-Doped Platinum-Based Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ethanol
Authors: Guo Ruihua , An Na , An Shengli , Zhang Jieyu , Chou Kuochih , Guan Lili , Tian Xiao
Published: October 2021

Pt/nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-GO) catalysts were prepared by one-step microwave-assisted ethylene glycol reduction using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as the nitrogen source. Nitrogen doping in GO and the deposition of highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles were completed at the same time. The effect of adding NMP on the microstructure and the electrocatalytic performance of Pt/N-GO catalysts were studied. The results show that Pt/N-GO catalysts have better particle size distribution and electrocatalytic performance than undoped catalysts. When the ratio of GO to NMP reaches 1:200, the peak current density of the catalyst is about 3 times that of the non-nitrogen-doped Pt/GO and Pt/C(JM) catalysts, indicating that the electrocatalytic performance of this catalyst is the best. Therefore, the development of a one-step synthesis of Pt/N-GO catalysts has a broad application prospects in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs).
Constructing 1D Boron Chains in the Structure of Transition Metal Monoborides for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Chen Yanli , Ye Yanping , Tao Qiang , Yang Lihua , Cheng Jiaen , Liu Xiaoyan , Cao Jian , Fan Hougang , Wei Maobin , Zhu Pinwen , Yang Lili , Yang Jinghai
Published: October 2021

The forms of boron atoms are many and varied in the structure of transition metal borides (TMBs). The form of boron atoms determines the structure, morphology, and properties of borides. Herein, transition metal monoborides (CrB and WB) with different arrangement of one-dimensional (1D) boron chains were synthesized under high pressures and high temperatures. The 1D boron chains between the interlayers of CrB are parallel to one another, while the 1D boron chains between the interlayers of WB are perpendicular to one another. The morphologies of CrB and WB also show large differences due to the difference in 1D boron chain arrangement. As electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs), CrB and WB show good catalysis activity and durability. WB has the smallest overpotential (210 mV) and Tafel slope (90.09 mV dec−1), which is mainly attributed to the intercrossing boron chains improving the electrical properties of WB, as well as the 5d electrons of W being more chemically active. The TOF value of WB is 1.35 s−1, proving that WB has a higher intrinsic catalytic activity during HERs. This work provides a data reference for the development of high-efficiency electrocatalysts.
Channeling the Force: Piezo1 Mechanotransduction in Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Dombroski Jenna A. , Hope Jacob M. , Sarna Nicole S. , King Michael R.
Published: October 2021

Cancer metastasis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, motivating research into identifying new methods of preventing cancer metastasis. Recently there has been increasing interest in understanding how cancer cells transduce mechanical forces into biochemical signals, as metastasis is a process that consists of a wide range of physical forces. For instance, the circulatory system through which disseminating cancer cells must transit is an environment characterized by variable fluid shear stress due to blood flow. Cancer cells and other cells can transduce physical stimuli into biochemical responses using the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1, which is activated by membrane deformations that occur when cells are exposed to physical forces. When active, Piezo1 opens, allowing for calcium flux into the cell. Calcium, as a ubiquitous second-messenger cation, is associated with many signaling pathways involved in cancer metastasis, such as angiogenesis, cell migration, intravasation, and proliferation. In this review, we discuss the roles of Piezo1 in each stage of cancer metastasis in addition to its roles in immune cell activation and cancer cell death.
Cardiotoxicity of Antineoplastic Therapies and Applications of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Huang Mo-Fan , Pang Lon Kai , Chen Yi-Hung , Zhao Ruiying , Lee Dung-Fang
Published: October 2021

The therapeutic landscape for the treatment of cancer has evolved significantly in recent decades, aided by the development of effective oncology drugs. However, many cancer drugs are often poorly tolerated by the body and in particular the cardiovascular system, causing adverse and sometimes fatal side effects that negate the chemotherapeutic benefits. The prevalence and severity of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity warrants a deeper investigation of the mechanisms and implicating factors in this phenomenon, and a consolidation of scientific efforts to develop mitigating strategies. Aiding these efforts is the emergence of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in recent years, which has allowed for the generation of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs): a human-based, patient-derived, and genetically variable platform that can be applied to the study of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and beyond. After surveying chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and the associated chemotherapeutic agents, we discuss the use of iPSC-CMs in cardiotoxicity modeling, drug screening, and other potential applications. Improvements to the iPSC-CM platform, such as the development of more adult-like cardiomyocytes and ongoing advances in biotechnology, will only enhance the utility of iPSC-CMs in both basic science and clinical applications.
The Neurobehavioral Phenotype of School-Aged, Very Prematurely Born Children with No Serious Neurological Sequelae: A Quality of Life Predictor
Authors: Tosello Barthélémy , Méziane Sahra , Resseguier Noémie , Marret Stéphane , Cambonie Gilles , Zahed Meriem , Brévaut-Malaty Véronique , Beltran Anzola Any , Gire Catherine ,   for the GPQoL-Study Group
Published: October 2021

School-aged extremely preterm (EPT) children have multiple specific neurocognitive/behavioral disorders that are often associated with other disorders; this manifests a true neurobehavioral “phenotype” of prematurity. To determine a profile of cognitive/behavioral impairments in a population of school-aged EPT children (7–10 years-old) without major disabilities, a cross-sectional study was conducted in five medical centers. An algorithm distributed the study population according to four WISC-IV subtests, five NEPSY-2 subtests, and two variables of figure of Rey. The behavior (SDQ), anxiety (Spielberg STAI-C), and generic QoL (Kidscreen 10 and VSP-A) were also evaluated. The study included 231 school-aged EPT children. Three neurobehavioral “phenotypes” were defined according to their severity: 1 = moderately, 2 = minor, and 3 = unimpaired. In all the profiles, the working memory, perceptual reasoning, as well as mental flexibility, were close to or below average, and their emotional behavior was always troubled. Self-esteem and school-work were the most impacted QoL areas. The unimpaired neurobehavior exhibited emotional behavioral impairment and executive dysfunction. The profile analysis defined distinct outcome groups and provided an informative means of identifying factors related to developmental outcomes. The QoL deterioration is determined by the severity of the three neurobehavioral “phenotypes”, which is defined as well as by dysexecutive and/or behavioral disorders.
A Fast Image Alignment Approach for 2D Classification of Cryo-EM Images Using Spectral Clustering
Authors: Wang Xiangwen , Lu Yonggang , Liu Jiaxuan
Published: October 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a significant technique for recovering the 3D structure of proteins or other biological macromolecules from their two-dimensional (2D) noisy projection images taken from unknown random directions. Class averaging in single-particle cryo-EM is an important procedure for producing high-quality initial 3D structures, where image alignment is a fundamental step. In this paper, an efficient image alignment algorithm using 2D interpolation in the frequency domain of images is proposed to improve the estimation accuracy of alignment parameters of rotation angles and translational shifts between the two projection images, which can obtain subpixel and subangle accuracy. The proposed algorithm firstly uses the Fourier transform of two projection images to calculate a discrete cross-correlation matrix and then performs the 2D interpolation around the maximum value in the cross-correlation matrix. The alignment parameters are directly determined according to the position of the maximum value in the cross-correlation matrix after interpolation. Furthermore, the proposed image alignment algorithm and a spectral clustering algorithm are used to compute class averages for single-particle 3D reconstruction. The proposed image alignment algorithm is firstly tested on a Lena image and two cryo-EM datasets. Results show that the proposed image alignment algorithm can estimate the alignment parameters accurately and efficiently. The proposed method is also used to reconstruct preliminary 3D structures from a simulated cryo-EM dataset and a real cryo-EM dataset and to compare them with RELION. Experimental results show that the proposed method can obtain more high-quality class averages than RELION and can obtain higher reconstruction resolution than RELION even without iteration.
Effects of Radix Polygalae on Cognitive Decline and Depression in Estradiol Depletion Mouse Model of Menopause
Authors: Han Gaeul , Choi Junhyuk , Cha Seung-Yun , Kim Byung Il , Kho Hee Kyung , Jang Maeng-Jin , Kim Mi Ae , Maeng Sungho , Hong Heeok
Published: October 2021

Postmenopausal syndrome refers to symptoms caused by the gradual decrease in female hormones after mid-40 years. As a target organ of estrogen, decrease in estrogen causes various changes in brain function such as a decrease in choline acetyltransferase and brain-derived neurotrophic factor; thus, postmenopausal women experience cognitive decline and more depressive symptoms than age-matched men. Radix Polygalae has been used for memory boosting and as a mood stabilizer and its components have shown neuroprotective, antidepressant, and stress relief properties. In a mouse model of estrogen depletion induced by 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide, Radix Polygalae was orally administered for 3 weeks. In these animals, cognitive and depression-related behaviors and molecular changes related to these behaviors were measured in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Radix Polygalae improved working memory and contextual memory and despair-related behaviors in 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide-treated mice without increasing serum estradiol levels in this model. In relation to these behaviors, choline acetyltransferase and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and bcl-2-associated athanogene expression increased in the hippocampus. These results implicate the possible benefit of Radix Polygalae in use as a supplement of estrogen to prevent conditions such as postmenopausal depression and cognitive decline.
Model Development for Carbon Capture Cost Estimation
Authors: Pieri Tryfonas , Angelis-Dimakis Athanasios
Published: October 2021

Carbon capture is the most critical stage for the implementation of a technically viable and economically feasible carbon capture and storage or utilization scheme. For that reason, carbon capture has been widely studied, with many published results on the technical performance, modelling and, on a smaller scale, the costing of carbon capture technologies. Our objective is to review a large set of published studies, which quantified and reported the CO2 capture costs. The findings are grouped, homogenised and standardised, and statistical models are developed for each one of the categories. These models allow the estimation of the capture costs, based on the amount of CO2 captured and the type of source/separation principle of the capture technology used.
Analysis of the Delta Variant B.1.617.2 COVID-19
Authors: Shiehzadegan Shayan , Alaghemand Nazanin , Fox Michael , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: October 2021

With the delta variant of COVID-19, known as B.1.617.2, quickly ramping up infections around the world, we need to understand what makes this variant more contagious. One study has reported that the delta variant is 60% more transmissible than the alpha variant. As of August 2021, the delta variant has quickly become the dominant strain. Despite countries like the US, where most of the population is vaccinated, COVID-19 has made a resurgence in infections. Collectively, as a country, we ask: is it more deadly? What makes it more “contagious” or “transmissible”? This review article delves into the information we already know about the delta variant and how it compares with the other SARS-CoV-2 variants. The current vaccine companies like AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, and Moderna have reported that their vaccines can provide protection against this variant but with a slightly reduced efficacy. In this article, we do a comprehensive review and summary of the delta B.1.617.2 variant and what makes it more contagious.
Fire Performance of Intumescent Waterborne Coatings with Encapsulated APP for Wood Constructions
Authors: Hussain Atif , Landry Véronic , Blanchet Pierre , Hoang Doan-Trang , Dagenais Christian
Published: October 2021

In this work, intumescent coatings were prepared for protection of wood from fire. The fire-retardant chemical ammonium polyphosphate (APP) is known to have poor resistance to water and high humidity as it is hygroscopic in nature. To improve the water resistance, durability and fire resistance of the intumescent coating, APP was modified using a hybrid organic-inorganic polysiloxane encapsulation shell prepared by the sol–gel method. The physical and chemical properties of the intumescent mix containing microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (EAPP) particles were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water absorption, dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The EAPP mix showed 50% reduction in water absorption, 75% reduction in water vapor sorption and increased thermal stability when compared to the APP mix. The intumescent coatings were applied on wood samples, and their fire performance was evaluated using a cone calorimeter test. The intumescent coatings containing EAPP mix showed better fire retarding properties with longer time to ignition, lower heat release rate and shorter heat release peak when compared to the coating without EAPP mix. The prepared intumescent coating shows higher resistance to water and moisture, and it has great potential to be used in bio-based construction industry for enhancing the fire resistance of wood.
Corrosion Behavior of AA2055 Aluminum-Lithium Alloys Anodized in the Presence of Sulfuric Acid Solution
Authors: Samaniego-Gámez Pedro , Almeraya-Calderon Facundo , Maldonado-Bandala Erick , Cabral-Miramontes Jose , Nieves-Mendoza Demetrio , Olguin-Coca Javier , Lopez-Leon Luis , Silva Vidaurri Luis , Zambrano-Robledo Patricia , Gaona-Tiburcio Citlalli
Published: October 2021

The aim of this work was to evaluate the corrosion behavior of the AA2055 Aluminum-lithium alloy anodized in a sulfuric acid (H2SO4) bath, varying the current density of 0.19 and 1 A·cm−2 and why the sealing solution was water (H2O) and sodium dichromate (Na2Cr2O7). Anodized samples were exposed to a 10 vol.% H2SO4 solution and the electrochemical technique used was electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to characterization of the anodizing layer, determinate morphology and thickness of coatings. The Na2Cr2O7 sealing solution tends to increase the charge transfer resistance and produces a more homogeneous and compact passive oxide layer, and imparts a corrosion inhibition protection to the AA2055. SEM observations indicated that the morphology and thickness of the anodic films formed on AA2055 aluminum-lithium alloy anodized have the best results for both current densities.
Structural Characteristics and Sliding Friction Properties of 40CrNiMo Steel after Broadband Laser Hardening
Authors: Li Jia , Yan Hongzhi , Li Songbai , Zhang Yin , Zhu Pengfei
Published: October 2021

The surface of 40CrNiMo steel, which is commonly used for the sprag clutch wedge, is prone to wear. In this study, hardening of the matrix material was conducted by broadband-laser scanning at various scanning speeds. The hardness distribution and structure evolution were analyzed along the vertical direction. Characteristics of the hardened layer were explored using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. The friction coefficient, wear amount, and wear morphology of sliding friction against GCr15 steel were investigated under various conditions. The results show that the depth of the hardened zone decreases with increasing scanning speed. Under the experimental power and defocus, a laser scanning speed between 700–1020 mm/min can meet the general surface requirements of the sprag clutch wedge. After laser hardening, the main components of the hardened layer included lath-shaped and needle-shaped martensite and retained austenite. In terms of friction and wear, when the relative movement speed was within 300–500 mm/min, the relative movement speed decreased and the normal force increased, which led to an increase in the friction coefficient and its fluctuation, as well as an increase in wear volume of the hardened layer. The wear mechanism of the hardened layer included abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and oxidative wear. Excessive normal force resulted in obvious delamination of the sample. Within the scope of the experiment, the best laser hardening results were obtained with a scanning speed of 800 mm/min.
Silvicultural Management System Applied to Logged Forests in the Brazilian Amazon: A Case Study of Adaptation of Techniques to Increase the Yield and Diversity of Species Forestry
Authors: Sales Agust , Siviero Marco Antonio , Vieira Sabrina Benmuyal , Yared Jorge Alberto Gazel , Ruschel Ademir Roberto , da Silva Márcio Lopes
Published: October 2021

The existence of degraded forests is common in the Eastern Amazon. The maintenance of these forests standing and the recovery of their productivity play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity, storage and carbon sequestration. However, the management techniques currently employed are designed for natural forests in the first harvest cycle or lightly explored and do not apply adequately to forests that have gone through several harvest cycles. Therefore, adaptations and the establishment of new management criteria that take into account other characteristics of these types of forests are necessary to ensure their sustainability. The objective of this study was to propose a silvicultural management system that has the potential to recover and perpetuate the productivity of an intensively logged tropical forest. A forest census was carried out on 535.6 ha for trees with dbh ≥ 25 cm. With these data, the following two treatments were designed: (1) criteria: the BDq method was applied from B = 9.8 m2 ha−1, D = 100 cm and q = 2. The criteria for standing wood commercialization were, in this order, first, Health; second, Tree Stem; third, Tree Density and fourth, dbh ≥ 105 cm. (2) Control: the planning was in accordance with Brazilian regulations. For the cost–benefit and sensitivity analysis, the Net Present Value (NPV) was used and a projection of ±20% was made in the commercial price of standing wood. In the criteria treatment, a higher number of trees and species destined for the commercialization of standing wood was verified in relation to the control treatment, showing a greater diversity of species. In the criteria treatment, NPV was positive and superior to the control treatment in all scenarios. The proposed silvicultural management system with an object of an explored and enriched forest, with criteria for harvesting trees with a minimum cut diameter of 25 cm, proved to be viable to generate economic returns and with conservationist potential for the continuous supply of forest products and maintaining biodiversity.
Zoometric Characterization of Creole Cows from the Southern Amazon Region of Peru
Authors: Encina Ruiz Ricardo , Saucedo-Uriarte José Américo , Portocarrero-Villegas Segundo Melecio , Quispe-Ccasa Hurley Abel , Cayo-Colca Ilse Silvia
Published: October 2021

Bovine breeding began in Peru more than five centuries ago; since then, adaptation has started. Nowadays, Creole cattle are part of economic activities of Peruvian farmers, as they supply food and profits, among other things, for families in Andean region. Creole cattle have many strengths such as resistance to diseases, low nutrient requirements and easy adaptation to different levels of altitude and environmental conditions. However, even with all these attributes, they are not valued within production systems. Moreover, these valuable genetic resources are disappearing gradually in Perú. For this reason, this study aims to characterize the zoometry of Creole cows from the Southern Amazonas region of Peru. Biotype classification was performed by hierarchical cluster and multivariate factors analysis. Qualitative traits were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Duncan’s test (α = 0.05) was used to compare means among groups. Associations between qualitative traits were determined with Chi-square. We distinguished three biotypes of Creole cows with characteristics for meat and milk production. This information is helpful for future conservation programs for Creole cattle.
A Cross-Sectional Examination of Diabetes Screening in US Adults by Sugar Sweetened Beverage Consumption Levels
Authors: Tran Phoebe , Tran Lam , Tran Liem
Published: October 2021

Background: To examine diabetes screening by sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption levels among US adults who fall under the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) recommended screening guidelines. Methods: Using 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data, we determined screening estimates by SSB consumption levels for US adults who belong to the ADA’s two recommended screening groups: (1) <45 years with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and (2) ≥45 years. Unadjusted and adjusted screening estimates by SSB consumption levels for each recommended screening group were obtained from logistic regressions. Results: Differences in screening by SSB consumption were primarily observed in the younger screening group (0 drinks/day: 64.5%, between 0 and 1 drink/day: 57.1%, ≥1 drink/day: 57.8%). Unadjusted (between 0 and 1 drink/day OR: 0.73 (95% CI: 0.56–0.96), ≥1 drink/day OR: 0.75 (95% CI: 0.56–1.01)) and adjusted (between 0 and 1 drink/day OR: 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–1.00), ≥1 drink/day OR: 0.87 (95% CI: 0.64–1.18)) estimates show an association between SSB consumption and lower screening in younger individuals. Conclusions: SSB consumption was associated with lower diabetes screening receipt in the younger screening group. Additional research examining factors contributing to low screening among SSB drinkers in the younger screening group are needed to develop screening interventions for these individuals.
High Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) Expression Is Correlated with Poor Prognosis in Invasive Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Theocharis Stamatios , Giaginis Constantinos , Gourzi Stefania , Alexandrou Paraskevi , Tsourouflis Gerasimos , Sarantis Panagiotis , Danas Eugene , Michail Artemis , Tsoukalas Nikolaos , Pergaris Alexandros , Politis Panagiotis , Nakopoulou Lydia
Published: October 2021

Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) is involved in human cancer, either by directly affecting carcinogenesis or by inducing drug-drug interactions and chemotherapy resistance. The clinical significance of PXR expression in invasive breast carcinoma was evaluated in the present study. PXR protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically on formalin fixed paraffin-embedded breast invasive carcinoma tissue sections, obtained from 148 patients, and was correlated with clinicopathological parameters, molecular phenotypes, tumor cells’ proliferative capacity, and overall disease-free patients’ survival. Additionally, the expression of PXR was examined on human breast carcinoma cell lines of different histological grade, hormonal status, and metastatic potential. PXR positivity was noted in 79 (53.4%) and high PXR expression in 48 (32.4%), out of 148 breast carcinoma cases. High PXR expression was positively associated with nuclear grade (p = 0.0112) and histological grade of differentiation (p = 0.0305), as well as with tumor cells’ proliferative capacity (p = 0.0051), and negatively with luminal A subtype (p = 0.0295). Associations between high PXR expression, estrogen, and progesterone receptor negative status were also recorded (p = 0.0314 and p = 0.0208, respectively). High PXR expression was associated with shorter overall patients’ survival times (log-rank test, p = 0.0009). In multivariate analysis, high PXR expression was identified as an independent prognostic factor of overall patients’ survival (Cox-regression analysis, p = 0.0082). PXR expression alterations were also noted in breast cancer cell lines of different hormonal status. The present data supported evidence that PXR was related to a more aggressive invasive breast carcinoma phenotype, being a strong and independent poor prognosticator.
Development of a Multiplex Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Diagnosis of Plasmodium spp., Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax
Authors: Jang Woong Sik , Lim Da Hye , Choe YoungLan , Jee Hyunseul , Moon Kyung Chul , Kim Chaewon , Choi Minkyeong , Park In Su , Lim Chae Seung
Published: October 2021

Malaria, caused by the parasite Plasmodium and transmitted by mosquitoes, is an epidemic that mainly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions. As treatments differ across species of malarial parasites, there is a need to develop rapid diagnostic methods to differentiate malarial species. Herein, we developed a multiplex malaria Pan/Pf/Pv/actin beta loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to diagnose Plasmodium spp., P. falciparum, and P. vivax, as well as the internal control (IC), within 40 min. The detection limits of the multiplex malaria Pan/Pf/Pv/IC LAMP were 1 × 102, 1 × 102, 1 × 102, and 1 × 103 copies/µL for four vectors, including the 18S rRNA gene (Plasmodium spp.), lactate dehydrogenase gene (P. falciparum), 16S rRNA gene (P. vivax), and human actin beta gene (IC), respectively. The performance of the LAMP assay was compared and evaluated by evaluating 208 clinical samples (118 positive and 90 negative samples) with the commercial RealStar® Malaria S&T PCR Kit 1.0. The developed multiplex malaria Pan/Pf/Pv/IC LAMP assay showed comparable sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) with the commercial RealStar® Malaria S&T PCR Kit 1.0 (100%). These results suggest that the multiplex malaria Pan/Pf/Pv/IC LAMP could be used as a point-of-care molecular diagnostic test for malaria.
Risk Factors of Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Ulcerative Colitis Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qin Yafei , Wang Grace , Kong Dejun , Li Guangming , Wang Hongda , Qin Hong , Wang Hao
Published: October 2021

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with exacerbation of disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the risk factors for CMV reactivation in this population remain debatable. This meta-analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for CMV reactivation in UC patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched from the inception of these databases to 31 August 2021, with the aim of identifying studies that investigated the risk factors of CMV reactivation in UC patients. A quality assessment of the included studies was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The publication bias was assessed respectively via a funnel plot and Egger’s regression asymmetry test. The robustness and reliability of each outcome were evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Twenty studies were included in the final meta-analysis, comprising a total of 2099 patients with UC. A significantly higher risk of CMV reactivation was observed in patients with severe UC (OR = 1.465, 95% CI: 1.107 to 1.939, p = 0.008), pancolitis (OR = 2.108, 95% CI: 1.586 to 2.800, p = 0.0001), older age of UC onset (MD = 6.212, 95% CI: 2.552 to 9.971, p = 0.001), as well as use of glucocorticoids (OR = 4.175, 95% CI: 3.076 to 5.666, p = 0.001), immunosuppressants (OR = 1.795, 95% CI: 1.289 to 2.501, p = 0.001), and azathioprine (OR = 1.444, 95% CI: 1.012 to 2.061, p = 0.043). However, infliximab treatment was observed not to increase the occurrence of CMV reactivation in patients who suffered from UC. In contrast, 5-aminosalicylic acid (OR = 0.674, 95% CI: 0.492 to 0.924, p = 0.014) was associated with a lower risk of CMV reactivation. Patients with UC should be closely monitored for risk factors of CMV reactivation in order to provide timely diagnosis and antiviral treatment.
A Qualitative Study on Prehabilitation before Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties: Integration of Patients’ and Clinicians’ Perspectives
Authors: Mohammadi Somayyeh , Reid Holly , Watson Wendy , Crocker Morag , Robillard Julie M. , Westby Marie , Miller William C.
Published: October 2021

To explore and integrate the perspectives of patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), their caregivers, and clinicians who are working with these patients about current preoperative rehabilitation (“prehab”) content and delivery. Participants were individuals with hip (n = 46) or knee OA (n = 14), their family caregivers (n = 16), and clinicians working with patients with hip/knee OA (n = 15). In semi-structured interviews and focus groups, participants answered questions regarding barriers to accessing prehab, gaps in prehab content, learning preferences, and delivery formats. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Qualitative Description method. Four main themes were identified: (1) “I didn’t get any of that” discusses barriers in accessing prehab; (2) “I never got a definitive answer” highlights necessary information in prehab; (3) “better idea of what’s going to happen” emphasizes the positive and negative aspects of prehab; (4) “a lot of people are shifting to online” describes participants’ perspectives on online education. Our findings confirm the need for prehab education and the potential of online prehab education. The results inform the development of prehab educational modules based on users’ input.
Introduction and Tribute to Charlie Calisher
Authors: Monath Thomas P. , Murphy Frederick A.
Published: October 2021

It is a great pleasure to contribute a few words of introduction to this Special Issue of MDPI’s Diseases entitled “Recent Studies of Arthropod-, Bat-, and Rodent-Borne Viruses: A Theme Issue in Honor of Professor Charles H [...]
Economic Impact of Tariff Rate Quotas and Underfilling: The Case of Canned Fruit Exports from South Africa to the EU
Authors: Muchopa Chiedza L.
Published: October 2021

Export trade provided for under tariff rate quotas (TRQs) is an important contributor to improving South Africa’s export access to European markets. The performance of exporter-administered TRQs has not received much research attention in the context of the below par market access utilisation of a given opportunity. The present study analysed how the country performed in terms of utilising its TRQ for canned pears, apricots, and peaches provided by the European Union (EU) for the period 2010 to 2019. The permit allocation system for TRQs in South Africa is described for further understanding of aspects of the TRQ system likely to affect quota fill. Performance was assessed in terms of yearly quota utilisation rates as well as welfare measured in equivalent variation calculated in a computable general equilibrium (CGE) trade model. The analysis found that the canned fruit TRQ exhibited a fill rate average of 61% for the past 10 years (2010–2019) and 49% for the period 2015–2019, thus falling far short of the goal of achieving full market access availed by the EU within the protocols of liberalised trade. The welfare effects of trade liberalisation confirmed the underutilisation of the TRQ indicated by a welfare loss, considering the difference in gains of an underutilised quota (USD 2497) and a fully utilised quota (USD 2530). The study highlights the importance of full utilisation of preferences.