bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fuzzy Inference System for Management Control Tools
Authors: Nicolas Carolina , Müller Javiera , Arroyo-Cañada Francisco-Javier
Published: September 2021

Despite the importance of the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing and growing economies, little is known regarding the use of management control tools in them. In management control in SMEs, a holistic system needs to be modeled to enable a careful study of how each lever (belief systems, boundary systems, interactive control systems, and diagnostic control systems) affects the organizational performance of SMEs. In this article, a fuzzy logic approach is proposed for the decision-making system in management control in small and medium enterprises. C. Mamdani fuzzy inference system (MFIS) was applied as a decision-making technique to explore the influence of the use of management control tools on the organizational performance of SMEs. Perceptions data analysis is obtained through empirical research.
Body Mass Index and In-Hospital Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Patlolla Sri Harsha , Gurumurthy Gayathri , Sundaragiri Pranathi R. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives: Contemporary data on the prevalence, management and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in relation to body mass index (BMI) are limited. Materials and Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2008 through 2017, we identified adult AMI hospitalizations and categorized them into underweight (BMI < 19.9 kg/m2), normal BMI and overweight/obese (BMI > 24.9 kg/m2) groups. We evaluated in-hospital mortality, utilization of cardiac procedures and resource utilization among these groups. Results: Among 6,089,979 admissions for AMI, 38,070 (0.6%) were underweight, 5,094,721 (83.7%) had normal BMI, and 957,188 (15.7%) were overweight or obese. Over the study period, an increase in the prevalence of AMI was observed in underweight and overweight/obese admissions. Underweight AMI admissions were, on average, older, with higher comorbidity, whereas overweight/obese admissions were younger and had lower comorbidity. In comparison to the normal BMI and overweight/obese categories, significantly lower use of coronary angiography (62.3% vs. 74.6% vs. 37.9%) and PCI (40.8% vs. 47.7% vs. 19.6%) was observed in underweight admissions (all p < 0.001). The underweight category was associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality (10.0% vs. 5.5%; OR 1.23 (95% CI 1.18–1.27), p < 0.001), whereas being overweight/obese was associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality compared to normal BMI admissions (3.1% vs. 5.5%; OR 0.73 (95% CI 0.72–0.74), p < 0.001). Underweight AMI admissions had longer lengths of in-hospital stay with frequent discharges to skilled nursing facilities, while overweight/obese admissions had higher hospitalization costs. Conclusions: In-hospital management and outcomes of AMI vary by BMI. Underweight status was associated with worse outcomes, whereas the obesity paradox was apparent, with better outcomes for overweight/obese admissions.
Simultaneous Seroprevalence to Toxoplasma gondii, Cytomegalovirus and Rubella Virus in Childbearing Women from Western Romania
Authors: Mocanu Adelina Geanina , Gorun Florin , Ciohat Ioana , Navolan Dan , Malita Daniel , Vilibic-Cavlek Tatjana , Dahma George , Neamtu Radu , Popescu Daniela , Cioca Andreea , Craina Marius
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives: Toxoplasma gondii, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and rubella virus, besides other agents, belong to a group named the TORCH complex. Research on the epidemiology of these agents in women is of particular interest, as primary infection during pregnancy could cause severe damage to the fetus. Women who had contracted infection before pregnancy develop IgG antibodies, so the fetus is protected in case of contact with the same agent. Our scope was to identify the childbearing women simultaneously protected or susceptible to a primary infection to two or three agents mentioned above. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 6961 fertile Caucasian women from Western Romania, to analyze the simultaneous seroprevalence to two or three of the pathogens from the TORCH complex: Toxoplasma gondii, CMV, and rubella virus. Sampling was conducted at two time points: 2008–2010 (group 1; 1461 participants) and 2015–2018 (group 2; 5500 participants). Results: The percentage of women simultaneously seropositive to IgG-anti-Toxoplasma gondii/IgG-anti-CMV, IgG-anti-Toxoplasma gondii/IgG-anti-rubella, IgG-anti-CMV/IgG-anti-rubella or IgG-anti-Toxoplasma gondii and IgG-anti-CMV/IgG-anti-rubella antibodies decreased between the two groups (2008–2010 vs. 2015–2018): 41.4% vs. 36.1%, OR = 0.79, p = 0.0002; 41.8% vs. 35.7%, OR = 0.77, p < 0.0001; 88.9% vs. 83.6%, OR = 0.63, p < 0.0001; 39.6% vs. 33.2%, OR = 0.75, p < 0.0001. When comparing women from urban and rural areas, the simultaneous seroprevalence was higher in rural areas. In women tested 2008–2010 (group 1) the simultaneous seroprevalence (urban vs. rural) was: 38.4% vs. 49.1%, OR = 1.54, p = 0.0002; 38.4% vs. 50.6%, OR = 1.64, p < 0.0001; 88.8% vs. 89.2%, OR = 1.04, NS; 36.4% vs. 47.7%, OR = 1.58, p = 0.0001. A similar trend was found in women tested in group 2. Conclusions: The rate of simultaneous seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii, CMV and rubella virus among Romanian women of reproductive age decreased significantly between 2008–2010 and 2015–2018 and the susceptibility to infections increased. It is necessary to apply increased prevention measures among susceptible pregnant women.
Obtaining Precise Molecular Information via DNA Nanotechnology
Authors: Tang Qian , Han Da
Published: September 2021

Precise characterization of biomolecular information such as molecular structures or intermolecular interactions provides essential mechanistic insights into the understanding of biochemical processes. As the resolution of imaging-based measurement techniques improves, so does the quantity of molecular information obtained using these methodologies. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule have been used to build a variety of structures and dynamic devices on the nanoscale over the past 20 years, which has provided an accessible platform to manipulate molecules and resolve molecular information with unprecedented precision. In this review, we summarize recent progress related to obtaining precise molecular information using DNA nanotechnology. After a brief introduction to the development and features of structural and dynamic DNA nanotechnology, we outline some of the promising applications of DNA nanotechnology in structural biochemistry and in molecular biophysics. In particular, we highlight the use of DNA nanotechnology in determination of protein structures, protein–protein interactions, and molecular force.
Fatigue Crack Growth in Welded S355 Samples Subjected to Bending Loading
Authors: Lewandowski Janusz , Rozumek Dariusz
Published: September 2021

The paper presents a result of experimental tests of welded S355 samples subjected to bending loading. In order to analyze how the fillet joints’ shape and the load ratio affect the crack growth, we selected two kinds of the fillet shape: concave and convex, and load ratios, namely R = −1. Samples with stress concentrators in form of the two-sided fillet welded joint were tested. The test results were compared to experiments conducted on welds samples with and without heat treatment.
Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression and Pro-Inflammatory Response Activated by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Cultured Murine Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Del Re Alessandro , Corpetti Chiara , Pesce Marcella , Seguella Luisa , Steardo Luca , Palenca Irene , Rurgo Sara , De Conno Barbara , Sarnelli Giovanni , Esposito Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Despite its possible therapeutic potential against COVID-19, the exact mechanism(s) by which palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) exerts its beneficial activity is still unclear. PEA has demonstrated analgesic, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Most of the anti-inflammatory properties of PEA arise from its ability to antagonize nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway via the selective activation of the PPARα receptors. Acting at this site, PEA can downstream several genes involved in the inflammatory response, including cytokines (TNF-α, Il-1β) and other signal mediators, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX2. To shed light on this, we tested the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of ultramicronized(um)-PEA, both alone and in the presence of specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) antagonist MK886, in primary cultures of murine alveolar macrophages exposed to SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (SP). SP challenge caused a significant concentration-dependent increase in proinflammatory markers (TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, NF-κB) paralleled to a marked upregulation of inflammasome-dependent inflammatory pathways (NLRP3, Caspase-1) with IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α over-release, compared to vehicle group. We also observed a significant concentration-dependent increase in angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) following SP challenge. um-PEA concentration-dependently reduced all the analyzed proinflammatory markers fostering a parallel downregulation of ACE-2. Our data show for the first time that um-PEA, via PPAR-α, markedly inhibits the SP induced NLRP3 signalling pathway outlining a novel mechanism of action of this lipid against COVID-19.
CVD-Grown 2D Nonlayered NiSe as a Broadband Photodetector
Authors: Liang Fang , Zhan Liangliang , Guo Tianyu , Wu Xing , Chu Junhao
Published: September 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have expansive application prospects in electronics and optoelectronics devices due to their unique physical and chemical properties. 2D layered materials are easy to prepare due to the layered crystal structure and the interlayer van der Waals combination. However, the 2D nonlayered materials are difficult to prepare due to the nonlayered crystal structure and the combination of interlayer isotropic chemical bonds, resulting in limited research on 2D nonlayered materials with broad characteristics. Here, a 2D nonlayered NiSe material has been synthesized by a chemical vapor deposition method. The atomic force microscopy study shows that the grown NiSe with a thin thickness. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy results demonstrate the uniformity and high quality of NiSe flakes. The NiSe based photodetector realizes the laser response to 830 nm and 10.6 μm and the maximum responsivity is ~6.96 A/W at room temperature. This work lays the foundation for the preparation of 2D nonlayered materials and expands the application of 2D nonlayered materials in optoelectronics fields.
Design, Simulation, and Fabrication of a Copper–Chrome-Based Glass Heater Integrated into a PMMA Microfluidic System
Authors: Tovar Santiago , Hernández Cesar A. , Osma Johann F.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the development of a copper–chrome-based glass microheater and its integration into a Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microfluidic system are presented. The process highlights the importance of an appropriate characterization, taking advantage of computer-simulated physical methods in the heat transfer process. The presented system architecture allows the integration for the development of a thermal flow sensor, in which the fluid flows through a 1 mm width × 1 mm length microchannel across a 5 mm width × 13 mm length heating surface. Using an electrothermal analysis, based on a simulation and design process, the surface heating behavior curve was analyzed to choose a heating reference point, primarily used to control the temperature point within the fluidic microsystem. The heater was characterized using the theory of electrical instrumentation, with a 7.22% error for the heating characterization and a 5.42% error for the power consumption, measured at 0.69 W at a temperature of 70 °C. Further tests, at a temperature of 115 °C, were used to observe the effects of the heat transfer through convection on the fluid and the heater surface for different flow rates, which can be used for the development of thermal flowmeters using the configuration presented in this work.
Sensitivity Analysis of a Portable Wireless PCB-MEMS Permittivity Sensor Node for Non-Invasive Liquid Recognition
Authors: Meléndez-Campos Javier , Vázquez-Piñón Matias , Camacho-Leon Sergio
Published: September 2021

Dielectric characteristics are useful to determine crucial properties of liquids and to differentiate between liquid samples with similar physical characteristics. Liquid recognition has found applications in a broad variety of fields, including healthcare, food science, and quality inspection, among others. This work demonstrates the fabrication, instrumentation, and functionality of a portable wireless sensor node for the permittivity measurement of liquids that require characterization and differentiation. The node incorporates an interdigitated microelectrode array as a transducer and a microcontroller unit with radio communication electronics for data processing and transmission, which enable a wide variety of stand-alone applications. A laser-ablation-based microfabrication technique is applied to fabricate the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer on a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate. The surface of the transducer is covered with a thin layer of SU-8 polymer by spin coating, which prevents it from direct contact with the Cu electrodes and the liquid sample. This helps to enhance durability, avoid electrode corrosion and contamination of the liquid sample, and to prevent undesirable electrochemical reactions to arise. The transducer’s impedance was modeled as a Randles cell, having resistive and reactive components determined analytically using a square wave as stimuli, and a resistor as a current-to-voltage converter. To characterize the node sensitivity under different conditions, three different transducer designs were fabricated and tested for four different fluids, i.e., air, isopropanol, glycerin, and distilled water—achieving a sensitivity of 1.6965 +/− 0.2028 εr/pF. The use of laser ablation allowed the reduction of the transducer footprint while maintaining its sensitivity within an adequate value for the targeted applications.
Assessment of a Multiplex LAMP Assay (Eazyplex® CSF Direct M) for Rapid Molecular Diagnosis of Bacterial Meningitis: Accuracy and Pitfalls
Authors: Leroy Anne-Gaëlle , Persyn Elise , Gibaud Sophie-Anne , Crémet Lise , Le Turnier Paul , Benhamida Myriam , Launay Elise , Guillouzouic Aurélie , Bémer Pascale , Corvec Stéphane ,   on behalf of the Western French Study Group on Early Bacterial Meningitis
Published: September 2021

Background: Automated molecular panels are attractive tools for improving early meningitis diagnosis. This study assessed the Eazyplex® CSF direct M panel (EP), a multiplex real-time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification assay. Methods: From December 2016 to December 2019, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were routinely tested with the EP V1.0. CSF parameters and microbiological and clinical data were retrospectively collected. Results: Out of 230 CSF samples, the EP yielded positive, negative, and invalid results for 32 (13.9%) (16 N. meningitidis, nine S. pneumoniae, two S. agalactiae, two E. coli, two H. influenzae, one L. monocytogenes), 182 (79.1%), and 16 (7%) samples, respectively. Among the positive samples, 14 (44%) remained negative in culture (antibiotic therapy before lumbar puncture (n = 11), meningococcal meningitis (n = 3)). High CSF protein concentrations and cellularity were associated with LAMP inhibition, counteracted by centrifugation. The automated software yielded 13 false positive and five false negative results. Amplification curve analysis was necessary and enabled the attainment of positive (PPA) and negative percentage agreement and positive and negative predictive values of 91.4%, 100%, 100%, and 98.3%. Three false negative results remained (two E. coli and one N. meningitidis). E. coli presented the poorest PPA (50%). Conclusion: This work confirms the strong performance of the EP, of particular interest in cases of antibiotic therapy before lumbar puncture.
Can Bacterial Endophytes Be Used as a Promising Bio-Inoculant for the Mitigation of Salinity Stress in Crop Plants?—A Global Meta-Analysis of the Last Decade (2011–2020)
Authors: Tufail Muhammad Aammar , Bejarano Ana , Shakoor Awais , Naeem Asif , Arif Muhammad Saleem , Dar Afzal Ahmed , Farooq Taimoor Hassan , Pertot Ilaria , Puopolo Gerardo
Published: September 2021

Soil salinity is a major problem affecting crop production worldwide. Lately, there have been great research efforts in increasing the salt tolerance of plants through the inoculation of plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria. However, their ability to promote plant growth under no-stress and salinity-stress conditions remains largely uncertain. Here, we carried out a global meta-analysis to quantify the plant growth-promoting effects (improvement of morphological attributes, photosynthetic capacity, antioxidative ability, and ion homeostasis) of endophytic bacteria in plants under no-stress and salinity-stress conditions. In addition, we elucidated the underlying mechanisms of growth promotion in salt-sensitive (SS) and salt-tolerant (ST) plants derived from the interaction with endophytic bacteria under no-stress and salinity-stress conditions. Specifically, this work encompassed 42 peer-reviewed articles, a total of 77 experiments, and 24 different bacterial genera. On average, endophytic bacterial inoculation increased morphological parameters. Moreover, the effect of endophytic bacteria on the total dry biomass, number of leaves, root length, shoot length, and germination rate was generally greater under salinity-stress conditions than no-stress conditions. On a physiological level, the relative better performance of the bacterial inoculants under the salinity-stress condition was associated with the increase in total chlorophyll and chlorophyll-b, as well as with the decrease of 1-aminocylopropane-1-carboxylate concentration. Moreover, under the salinity-stress condition, bacterial inoculation conferred a significantly higher increase in root K+ concentration and decrease in leaf Na+ concentration than under the no-stress condition. In SS plants, bacterial inoculation induced a higher increase in chlorophyll-b and superoxide dismutase activity, as well as a higher decrease in abscisic acid content, than in ST plants. Under salinity-stress, endophytic bacterial inoculation increased root K+ concentration in both SS and ST plants but decreased root Na+ concentration only in ST plants. Overall, this meta-analysis suggests that endophytic bacterial inoculation is beneficial under both no salinity-stress and salinity-stress conditions, but the magnitude of benefit is definitely higher under salinity-stress conditions and varies with the salt tolerance level of plants.
Cyclosporiasis—Updates on Clinical Presentation, Pathology, Clinical Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Mathison Blaine A. , Pritt Bobbi S.
Published: September 2021

Cyclospora cayetanensis is an intestinal coccidian parasite transmitted to humans through the consumption of oocysts in fecally contaminated food and water. Infection is found worldwide and is highly endemic in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation. Disease in developed countries is usually observed in travelers and in seasonal outbreaks associated with imported produce from endemic areas. Recently, summertime outbreaks in the United States have also been linked to locally grown produce. Cyclosporiasis causes a diarrheal illness which may be severe in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The increased adoption of highly sensitive molecular diagnostic tests, including commercially available multiplex panels for gastrointestinal pathogens, has facilitated the detection of infection and likely contributed to the increased reports of cases in developed countries. This manuscript reviews important aspects of the biology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations of C. cayetanensis and provides an in-depth discussion of current laboratory diagnostic methods.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Clary Sage and Coriander Essential Oils Produced on Polluted and Amended Soils-Phytomanagement Approach
Authors: Raveau Robin , Fontaine Joël , Verdin Anthony , Mistrulli Loris , Laruelle Frédéric , Fourmentin Sophie , Lounès-Hadj Sahraoui Anissa
Published: September 2021

The potential of essential oils (EO), distilled from two aromatic plants—clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)—in view of applications as natural therapeutic agents was evaluated in vitro. These two were cultivated on a trace element (TE)-polluted soil, as part of a phytomanagement approach, with the addition of a mycorrhizal inoculant, evaluated for its contribution regarding plant establishment, growth, and biomass production. The evaluation of EO as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, with considerations regarding the potential influence of the TE-pollution and of the mycorrhizal inoculation on the EO chemical compositions, were the key focuses. Besides, to overcome EO bioavailability and target accession issues, the encapsulation of EO in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was also assessed. Firstly, clary sage EO was characterized by high proportions of linalyl acetate (51–63%) and linalool (10–17%), coriander seeds EO by a high proportion of linalool (75–83%) and lesser relative amounts of γ-terpinene (6–9%) and α-pinene (3–5%) and coriander aerial parts EO by 2-decenal (38–51%) and linalool (22–39%). EO chemical compositions were unaffected by both soil pollution and mycorrhizal inoculation. Of the three tested EO, the one from aerial parts of coriander displayed the most significant biological effects, especially regarding anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, all tested EO exerted promising antioxidant effects (IC50 values ranging from 9 to 38 g L−1). However, EO encapsulation in β-CD did not show a significant improvement of EO biological properties in these experimental conditions. These findings suggest that marginal lands polluted by TE could be used for the production of EO displaying faithful chemical compositions and valuable biological activities, with a non-food perspective.
Influence of Vincristine, Clinically Used in Cancer Therapy and Immune Thrombocytopenia, on the Function of Human Platelets
Authors: Lien Li-Ming , Lu Wan-Jung , Lin Kuan-Hung , Kang Ling-Hsuan , Chen Ting-Yu , Lin Bo-Jung , Lu Yung-Chang , Huang Chun-Yao , Shih Chun-Ming , Chen Hsuan , Tsai Yao-Chou , Chen Ray-Jade , Sheu Joen-Rong
Published: September 2021

Vincristine is a clinically used antimicrotubule drug for treating patients with lymphoma. Due to its property of increasing platelet counts, vincristine is also used to treat patients with immune thrombocytopenia. Moreover, antiplatelet agents were reported to be beneficial in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Therefore, we investigated the detailed mechanisms underlying the antiplatelet effect of vincristine. Our results revealed that vincristine inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, but not by thrombin, arachidonic acid, and the thromboxane A2 analog U46619, suggesting that vincristine exerts higher inhibitory effects on collagen-mediated platelet aggregation. Vincristine also reduced collagen-mediated platelet granule release and calcium mobilization. In addition, vincristine inhibited glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signaling, including Syk, phospholipase Cγ2, protein kinase C, Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. In addition, the in vitro PFA-100 assay revealed that vincristine did not prolong the closure time, and the in vivo study tail bleeding assay showed that vincristine did not prolong the tail bleeding time; both findings suggested that vincristine may not affect normal hemostasis. In conclusion, we demonstrated that vincristine exerts antiplatelet effects at least in part through the suppression of GPVI signaling. Moreover, this property of antiplatelet activity of vincristine may provide additional benefits in the treatment of TTP.
An Evaluation of Understudied Phytocannabinoids and Their Effects in Two Neuronal Models
Authors: Straiker Alex , Wilson Sierra , Corey Wesley , Dvorakova Michaela , Bosquez Taryn , Tracey Joye , Wilkowski Caroline , Ho Kathleen , Wager-Miller Jim , Mackie Ken
Published: September 2021

Cannabis contains more than 100 phytocannabinoids. Most of these remain poorly characterized, particularly in neurons. We tested a panel of five phytocannabinoids—cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) in two neuronal models, autaptic hippocampal neurons and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Autaptic neurons expressed a form of CB1-dependent retrograde plasticity while DRGs expressed a variety of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. CBC, CBDA, and CBDVA had little or no effect on neuronal cannabinoid signaling. CBDV and THCV differentially inhibited cannabinoid signaling. THCV inhibited CB1 receptors presynaptically while CBDV acted post-synaptically, perhaps by inhibiting 2-AG production. None of the compounds elicited a consistent DRG response. In summary, we find that two of five ‘minor’ phytocannabinoids tested antagonized CB1-based signaling in a neuronal model, but with very different mechanisms. Our findings highlight the diversity of potential actions of phytocannabinoids and the importance of fully evaluating these compounds in neuronal models.
Remarkable Ionic Conductivity in a LZO-SDC Composite for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Tu Zhengwen , Tian Yuanyuan , Liu Mingyang , Jin Bin , Akbar Muhammad , Mushtaq Naveed , Wang Xunying , Dong Wenjing , Wang Baoyuan , Xia Chen
Published: September 2021

Recently, appreciable ionic conduction has been frequently observed in multifunctional semiconductors, pointing out an unconventional way to develop electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Among them, ZnO and Li-doped ZnO (LZO) have shown great potential. In this study, to further improve the electrolyte capability of LZO, a typical ionic conductor Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) is introduced to form semiconductor-ionic composites with LZO. The designed LZO-SDC composites with various mass ratios are successfully demonstrated in SOFCs at low operating temperatures, exhibiting a peak power density of 713 mW cm−2 and high open circuit voltages (OCVs) of 1.04 V at 550 °C by the best-performing sample 5LZO-5SDC, which is superior to that of simplex LZO electrolyte SOFC. Our electrochemical and electrical analysis reveals that the composite samples have attained enhanced ionic conduction as compared to pure LZO and SDC, reaching a remarkable ionic conductivity of 0.16 S cm−1 at 550 °C, and shows hybrid H+/O2− conducting capability with predominant H+ conduction. Further investigation in terms of interface inspection manifests that oxygen vacancies are enriched at the hetero-interface between LZO and SDC, which gives rise to the high ionic conductivity of 5LZO-5SDC. Our study thus suggests the tremendous potentials of semiconductor ionic materials and indicates an effective way to develop fast ionic transport in electrolytes for low-temperature SOFCs.
Comparison of Duplex and Quadruplex Folding Structure Adenosine Aptamers for Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor Aptasensors
Authors: Nguyen Hong Phan T. , Murugathas Thanihaichelvan , Plank Natalie O. V.
Published: September 2021

Carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNT FET) aptasensors have been investigated for the detection of adenosine using two different aptamer sequences, a 35-mer and a 27-mer. We found limits of detection for adenosine of 100 pM and 320 nM for the 35-mer and 27-mer aptamers, with dissociation constants of 1.2 nM and 160 nM, respectively. Upon analyte recognition the 35-mer adenosine aptamer adopts a compact G-quadruplex structure while the 27-mer adenosine aptamer changes to a folded duplex. Using the CNT FET aptasensor platform adenosine could be detected with high sensitivity over the range of 100 pM to 10 µM, highlighting the suitability of the CNT FET aptasensor platform for high performance adenosine detection. The aptamer restructuring format is critical for high sensitivity with the G-quadraplex aptasensor having a 130-fold smaller dissociation constant than the duplex forming aptasensor.
Evaluating a Human Ear-Inspired Sound Pressure Amplification Structure with Fabry–Perot Acoustic Sensor Using Graphene Diaphragm
Authors: Li Cheng , Xiao Xi , Liu Yang , Song Xuefeng
Published: September 2021

In order to enhance the sensitivity of a Fabry–Perot (F-P) acoustic sensor without the need of fabricating complicated structures of the acoustic-sensitive diaphragm, a mini-type external sound pressure amplification structure (SPAS) with double 10 μm thickness E-shaped diaphragms of different sizes interconnected with a 5 mm length tapered circular rod was developed based on the acoustic sensitive mechanism of the ossicular chain in the human middle ear. The influence of thickness and Young’s modulus of the two diaphragms with the diameters of 15 mm and 3 mm, respectively, on the amplification ratio and frequency response were investigated via COMSOL acoustic field simulation, thereby confirming the dominated effect. Then, three kinds of dual-diaphragm schemes relating to steel and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) materials were introduced to fabricate the corresponding SPASs. The acoustic test showed that the first scheme achieved a high resonant response frequency with lower acoustic amplification due to strong equivalent stiffness; in contrast, the second scheme offered a high acoustic amplification but reduced frequency range. As a result of sensitivity enhancement, adapted with the steel/TPU diaphragm structure, an optical fiber Fabry–Perot sensor using a multilayer graphene diaphragm with a diameter of 125 μm demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity of 565.3 mV/Pa @1.2 kHz due to the amplification ratio of up to ~29.9 in the range of 0.2–2.3 kHz, which can be further improved by miniaturizing structure dimension, along with the use of microstructure packaging technology.
Thickness Effect on Some Physical Properties of RF Sputtered ZnTe Thin Films for Potential Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Manica Dumitru , Antohe Vlad-Andrei , Moldovan Antoniu , Pascu Rovena , Iftimie Sorina , Ion Lucian , Suchea Mirela Petruta , Antohe Ştefan
Published: September 2021

Zinc telluride thin films with different thicknesses were grown onto glass substrates by the rf magnetron sputtering technique, using time as a variable growth parameter. All other deposition process parameters were kept constant. The deposited thin films with thickness from 75 to 460 nm were characterized using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, to evaluate their structures, surface morphology, topology, and optical properties. It was found out that the deposition time increase leads to a larger growth rate. This determines significant changes on the ZnTe thin film structures and their surface morphology. Characteristic surface metrology parameter values varied, and the surface texture evolved with the thickness increase. Optical bandgap energy values slightly decreased as the thickness increased, while the mean grains radius remained almost constant at ~9 nm, and the surface to volume ratio of the films decreased by two orders of magnitude. This study is the first (to our knowledge) that thoroughly considered the correlation of film thickness with ZnTe structuring and surface morphology characteristic parameters. It adds value to the existing knowledge regarding ZnTe thin film fabrication, for various applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices, including photovoltaics.
Caffeine as a Factor Influencing the Functioning of the Human Body—Friend or Foe?
Authors: Rodak Kamil , Kokot Izabela , Kratz Ewa Maria
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, caffeine is one of the most commonly consumed substances, which presents in many plants and products. It has both positive and negative effects on the human body, and its activity concerns a variety of systems including the central nervous system, immune system, digestive system, respiratory system, urinary tract, etc. These effects are dependent on quantity, the type of product in which caffeine is contained, and also on the individual differences among people (sex, age, diet etc.). The main aim of this review was to collect, present, and analyze the available information including the latest discoveries on the impact of caffeine on human health and the functioning of human body systems, taking into account the role of caffeine in individual disease entities. We present both the positive and negative sides of caffeine consumption and the healing properties of this purine alkaloid in diseases such as asthma, Parkinson’s disease, and others, not forgetting about the negative effects of excess caffeine (e.g., in people with hypertension, children, adolescents, and the elderly). In summary, we can conclude, however, that caffeine has a multi-directional influence on various organs of the human body, and because of its anti-oxidative properties, it was, and still is, an interesting topic for research studies including those aimed at developing new therapeutic strategies.
The Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on Biological Aging and Antioxidant Capacity in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Chung Tae-Ha , Kim Ji-Hye , Seol So-Young , Kim Yon-Ji , Lee Yong-Jae
Published: September 2021

Postmenopausal women are vulnerable to aging and oxidative stress due to reduced estrogen. Previous studies have shown that Korean red ginseng (KRG) has beneficial effects on aging and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of KRG on biological aging and antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women. This study conducted a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The participants were randomly administered KRG or a placebo, and the following metrics were measured: mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) copy number as an indicator of biological aging and, total antioxidant status (TAS) as a marker of antioxidant capacity. Clinical symptoms of fatigue, as measured by the fatigue severity scale, were assessed before and after KRG administration. There were 63 participants, of whom 33 received KRG and 30 received a placebo. The mtDNA copy number (KRG group: 1.58 ± 2.05, placebo group: 0.28 ± 2.36, p = 0.023) and TAS (KRG group: 0.11 ± 0.25 mmol/L, placebo group: −0.04 ± 0.16 mmol/L, p = 0.011) increased and the fatigue severity scale (KRG group: −7 ± 12, placebo group: −1 ± 11, p = 0.033) decreased significantly more in the KRG group than the placebo group. KRG significantly increased the mtDNA copy number, total antioxidant status, and improved symptoms of fatigue in postmenopausal women.
Source Identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae Causing Six Episodes of Recurrent Sepsis in an Adolescent That Underwent Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Jo Suejung , Kang Hyun Mi , Kim Seong Koo , Lee Jae Wook , Chung Nack-Gyun , Cho Bin , Jeong Dae Chul , Park Yeon-Joon
Published: September 2021

Septicemia or bacteremia is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Long-term tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) are usually placed in children undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for underlying hemato–oncologic malignancies. However, catheter-related complications have been reported frequently, and there is high morbidity and mortality related to catheter-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). We report a rare case of six episodes of recurrent K. pneumoniae sepsis within a 6-month period in a 12-year-old male adolescent that underwent HSCT for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, despite treatment with susceptible antibiotics. The patient received extensive diagnostic evaluations to find the hidden source; however, failure to discover the primary source led to multiple recurrences. Through enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR, we were able to identify the relationship between the six episodes and recognize the source of bacteremia.
Genomics of Trypanosomatidae: Where We Stand and What Needs to Be Done?
Authors: Yurchenko Vyacheslav , Butenko Anzhelika , Kostygov Alexei Y.
Published: September 2021

Trypanosomatids are easy to cultivate and they are (in many cases) amenable to genetic manipulation. Genome sequencing has become a standard tool routinely used in the study of these flagellates. In this review, we summarize the current state of the field and our vision of what needs to be done in order to achieve a more comprehensive picture of trypanosomatid evolution. This will also help to illuminate the lineage-specific proteins and pathways, which can be used as potential targets in treating diseases caused by these parasites.
Current Evidence on the Antimicrobial Treatment and Chemoprophylaxis of Human Leptospirosis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guzmán Pérez Marta , Blanch Sancho José Javier , Segura Luque Juan Carlos , Mateos Rodriguez Fernando , Martínez Alfaro Elisa , Solís García del Pozo Julián
Published: September 2021

Background: Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic infection, and its management needs to be refined. This study aims to discern which antibiotic would be the best option to treat leptospirosis disease and analyze the efficacy of chemoprophylaxis regimens to prevent this illness. Methods: systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of antibiotic treatment and chemoprophylaxis of leptospirosis in humans. Results: Ten clinical trials compared an antibiotic treatment with placebo or other antibiotic treatments in leptospirosis (the most recent one was published in 2007). The meta-analysis shows no effect of penicillin treatment on mortality compared to placebo (OR 1.65; 95% CI 0.76–3.57; p = 0.21). There are no differences between penicillin and cephalosporins or doxycycline. Penicillin does not reduce the time of defervescence (MD-0.16; 95% CI (−1.4) –1.08; p = 0.80) nor hospital stay (MD 0.15; 95% CI (−0.75)–1.06; p = 0.74). Besides, the data did not demonstrate any effectiveness of the use of penicillin in terms of the incidence of oliguria/anuria, the need for dialysis treatment, time to creatinine normalization, incidence of jaundice, or the liver function normalization time. Eight trials have assessed prophylactic treatment against leptospirosis with different strategies. A weekly dose of 200 mg of doxycycline does not show benefit versus placebo regarding the number of new cases of symptomatic leptospirosis (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.02–1.87; p = 0.16). A single dose of doxycycline at exposure to flood water could have a beneficial effect (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.07–0.77; p = 0.02). None of the other chemoprophylaxis regimens tested have shown a statistically significant effect on the number of new symptomatic cases. Conclusion: There is no evidence that antibiotics are a better treatment than placebo regarding mortality, shortening of fever, liver and kidney function, or reduction in the hospital stay. On the other hand, neither doxycycline nor penicillin, nor azithromycin have shown statistically significant differences in preventing symptomatic infection. Well-designed clinical trials, including other antibiotics such as quinolones or aminoglycosides, are urgently needed to improve our understanding of the treatment for this infection, which continues to be a neglected disease.
Canine Leishmaniosis in Greece: An Updated Countrywide Serological Study and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Symeonidou Isaia , Angelou Athanasios , Theodoridis Alexandros , Sioutas Georgios , Papadopoulos Elias
Published: September 2021

Canine leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum) is a zoonotic disease that affects dogs worldwide. Greece is enzootic for this disease, and updated data for its current distribution are of major importance. The aim of this cross-sectional serological study was primarily to update the current knowledge of Leishmania infantum seropositivity status within the asymptomatic Greek canine population and, furthermore, to assess the possible climatological and other risk factors. In total, sera of 1265 asymptomatic dogs were collected from all prefectures of the country. A questionnaire that included all individual dog information was completed for all animals. The Speed Leish K® canine Leishmania antibody test kit (BVT Groupe Virbac, France) was employed. Potential risk factors were evaluated utilizing logistic regression models. Overall, 13.8% (n = 175) of the sampled dogs were seropositive to Leishmania infantum originating from all geographical departments of the country, whereas most prefectures had at least one seropositive animal. Outdoor living, high mean humidity, low mean wind speed and high total annual rainfall were found to increase the seropositivity status against the parasite. Conclusively, Leishmania infantum remains a common parasite challenge in the asymptomatic canine population of Greece, and therefore, its early diagnosis and effective prevention are significant in the country.
Manufacturing Bacteriophages (Part 2 of 2): Formulation, Analytics and Quality Control Considerations
Authors: Moraes de Souza Carolina , Tanir Tayfun , Orellana Marvin , Escalante Aster , Koeris Michael Sandor
Published: September 2021

Within this second piece of the two-part series of phage manufacturing considerations, we are examining the creation of a drug product from a drug substance in the form of formulation, through to fill-finish. Formulation of a drug product, in the case of bacteriophage products, is often considered only after many choices have been made in the development and manufacture of a drug substance, increasing the final product development timeline and difficulty of achieving necessary performance parameters. As with the preceding review in this sequence, we aim to provide the reader with a framework to be able to consider pharmaceutical development choices for the formulation of a bacteriophage-based drug product. The intent is to sensitize and highlight the tradeoffs that are necessary in the development of a finished drug product, and to be able to take the entire spectrum of tradeoffs into account, starting with early-stage R&D efforts. Furthermore, we are arming the reader with an overview of historical and current analytical methods with a special emphasis on most relevant and most widely available methods. Bacteriophages pose some challenges that are related to but also separate from eukaryotic viruses. Last, but not least, we close this two-part series by briefly discussing quality control (QC) aspects of a bacteriophage-based product, taking into consideration the opportunities and challenges that engineered bacteriophages uniquely present and offer.
Bulbous Plants Drimia: “A Thin Line between Poisonous and Healing Compounds” with Biological Activities
Authors: Manganyi Madira Coutlyne , Tlatsana Gothusaone Simon , Mokoroane Given Thato , Senna Keamogetswe Prudence , Mohaswa John Frederick , Ntsayagae Kabo , Fri Justine , Ateba Collins Njie
Published: September 2021

Drimia (synonym Urginea) plants are bulbous plants belonging to the family Asparagaceae (formerly the family Hyacinthaceae) and are distinctive, powerful medicinal plants. Just some species are indigenous to South Africa and have been traditionally utilized for centuries to cure various diseases and/or ailments. They have been recognized among the most famous and used medicinal plants in South Africa. Traditionally, the plants are used for various illnesses such as dropsy, respiratory disease, bone and joint complications, skin disorders, epilepsy and cancer. A number of studies have reported biological properties such as antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities. Their bulbs are a popular treatment for colds, measles, pneumonia, coughs, fever and headaches. However, some plant species are regarded as one of the six most common poisonous plants in Southern Africa that are toxic to livestock and humans. Due to the therapeutic effects of the Drimia plant bulb, research has focused on the phytochemicals of Drimia species. The principal constituents isolated from this genus are cardiac glycosides. In addition, phenolic compounds, phytosterols and other phytochemical constituents were identified. This study constitutes a critical review of Drimia species’ bioactive compounds, toxicology, biological properties and phytochemistry, advocating it as an important source for effective therapeutic medicine. For this purpose, various scientific electronic databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science were researched and reviewed to conduct this study. Despite well-studied biological investigations, there is limited research on the toxic properties and the toxic compounds of certain Drimia species. Searching from 2017 to 2021, Google Scholar search tools retrieved 462 publications; however, only 3 investigated the toxicity and safety aspects of Drimia. The aim was to identify the current scientific research gap on Drimia species, hence highlighting a thin line between poisonous and healing compounds, dotted across numerous publications, in this review paper.
Delivery of Various Cargos into Cancer Cells and Tissues via Cell-Penetrating Peptides: A Review of the Last Decade
Authors: Shoari Alireza , Tooyserkani Raheleh , Tahmasebi Mehdi , Löwik Dennis W. P. M.
Published: September 2021

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), also known as protein transduction domains, are a class of diverse amino acid sequences with the ability to cross cellular membranes. CPPs can deliver several bioactive cargos, including proteins, peptides, nucleic acids and chemotherapeutics, into cells. Ever since their discovery, synthetic and natural CPPs have been utilized in therapeutics delivery, gene editing and cell imaging in fundamental research and clinical experiments. Over the years, CPPs have gained significant attention due to their low cytotoxicity and high transduction efficacy. In the last decade, multiple investigations demonstrated the potential of CPPs as carriers for the delivery of therapeutics to treat various types of cancer. Besides their remarkable efficacy owing to fast and efficient delivery, a crucial benefit of CPP-based cancer treatments is delivering anticancer agents selectively, rather than mediating toxicities toward normal tissues. To obtain a higher therapeutic index and to improve cell and tissue selectivity, CPP-cargo constructions can also be complexed with other agents such as nanocarriers and liposomes to obtain encouraging outcomes. This review summarizes various types of CPPs conjugated to anticancer cargos. Furthermore, we present a brief history of CPP utilization as delivery systems for anticancer agents in the last decade and evaluate several reports on the applications of CPPs in basic research and preclinical studies.