bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Stability of Gel Foams Stabilized by Xanthan Gum, Silica Nanoparticles and Surfactants
Authors: Sheng Youjie , Yan Canbin , Li Yang , Peng Yunchuan , Ma Li , Wang Qiuhong
Published: October 2021

The foams stabilized by nanoparticles (NPs), water-soluble polymers, and surfactants have potential application prospects in the development of new, environmentally friendly firefighting foams. In the present study, a gel foam containing a water-soluble polymer (xanthan gum, XG), hydrophilic silica NPs, hydrocarbon surfactant (SDS), and fluorocarbon surfactant (FS-50) were prepared. The surface activity, conductivity, viscosity, and foaming ability of foam dispersions were characterized. The gel foam stability under a radiation heat source and temperature distribution in the vertical foam layer were evaluated systematically. The results show that the addition of NPs and XG has a significant effect on the foaming ability, viscosity and foam thermal stability, but has a very subtle effect on the conductivity and surface activity. The foaming ability of the FS-50/SDS solution was enhanced by the addition of NPs, but decreased with increasing the XG concentration. The thermal stability of the foams stabilized by SDS/FS-50/NPs/XG increased with the addition of NPs and increasing XG concentration. Foam drainage and coarsening were significantly decelerated by the addition of NPs and XG. The slower foam drainage and coarsening are the main reason for the intensified foam thermal stability. The results obtained from this study can provide guidance for developing new firefighting foams.
Precarious Transnationality in Family Relations on the Finnish-Russian Border during the Soviet and Post-Soviet Periods
Authors: Davydova-Minguet Olga , Pöllänen Pirjo
Published: October 2021

The article develops the view of transnational familyhood as an affect of precarity. Transnationality itself is viewed as being defined by state actors and border regimes which make transnational connections fragile and vulnerable. The precarity is compared here with “the lease that is not in your pocket”. The text assembles the authors’ ethnographic work in Finnish-Russian border areas from two decades. Using the methodology of narrative ethnography, the study creates a picture of the atmosphere and affects in which transnational familyhood has been kept alive from the early 1920s until today. The historical context of transnational familyhood is divided into four periods: the period of confrontation and wars, 1920s–1940s; the period of friendly cooperation and a selectively open border, 1950s–1980s; the post-Soviet period of a conditionally open border and migration, 1990s–2010s; and the post-Crimean period of rebordering and the securitization of the transnational everyday since 2014. The everyday reality of transnational familyhood is portrayed through the constructed figures of “Aili” and “Vera”, who represent women belonging to transnational families from different generations.
Pig Genomics and Genetics
Authors: Piórkowska Katarzyna , Ropka-Molik Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

The pig (Sus scrofa) is the most popular large farm animal in the world [...]
Ultrasonic Shaking of Glauconite Pellets with Diverse Reagents for a Comparison of Their K–Ar with Already Published Rb–Sr Results
Authors: Clauer Norbert , Keppens Edward , Uysal I. Tonguç , Aubert Amélie
Published: October 2021

A combined ultrasonic treatment, with de-ionized H2O, dilute HAc or dilute HCl, of three Mid-Miocene glauconite samples was applied to K–Ar date the different separates in order to compare the results with those obtained by the Rb–Sr method using the same three samples and that were analyzed strictly in the same way. Two aliquots yield opposite elemental and K–Ar trends, which suggests different initial mineral compositions for the various pellets. The K–Ar data of two untreated and leached L7 and L8 aliquots are almost within analytical uncertainty from 17.3 ± 0.6 Ma to 19.6 ± 0.7 Ma (2σ), while those of the third L10 sample are slightly higher at 22.1 ± 1.2 Ma (2σ). Comparatively, the earlier published Rb–Sr ages of the three untreated samples and of the leached aliquots gave similar data for the L7 aliquots by an isochron at 18.1 ± 3.1 (2σ) Ma and for the sample L8 by an isochron with an age of 19.6 ± 1.8 (2σ) Ma, while the untreated L10 aliquot yields a very high Rb–Sr date of 42.1 ± 1.6 (2σ) Ma. This untreated L10 glauconite fraction contains blödite, a Sr-rich carbonate that impacted the two isotopic systems differently. Generally, dilute HCl or HAc acids dissolve carbonates, sulfates, sulfites and oxides, while they do not affect the clay-type crystals such as glauconites. These soluble minerals can be identified indirectly, as here, by X-ray diffraction and the amounts of leached Na2O, CaO and Fe2O3 contents. Together with the leaching of some metallic trace elements, those of NaO confirm the leaching of metals and of blödite that are both hosted by the glauconite pellets. The occurrence of this Sr-enriched mineral explains the age differences of the non-treated aliquots and suggests a systematic leaching of any glauconite separate before isotope determination and, possibly, a comparison of the Rb–Sr and K–Ar results. Ultrasonic shaking appears appropriate for physical disaggregation of any contaminating grains that may remain hosted within the pellets, even after a preliminary H2O wash, which may dissolve and remove the soluble minerals but not the H2O-insoluble silicates. The K–Ar study completed here as a complement to a previous Rb–Sr study highlights, again, the importance of the preparation step in isotopic studies of glauconite-type and, by extension, of any clay material, as all occurring minerals can interfere in the final age determinations and, therefore, differently in the mineral assemblages. All those not in isotopic equilibrium need to be removed before analysis, including the soluble Sr or alkali-enriched ones.
The Association of Pain Levels and Low Physical Activity among Older Women
Authors: Mielenz Thelma J. , Tian Jing , Silverman Kevin D. , Whalen Adam M. , Kannoth Sneha , Durbin Laura L. , Perlmutter Alexander S. , Xue Qian-Li
Published: October 2021

There is an integral research gap regarding whether there is a relationship between pain levels and low physical activity among older women. This is a secondary analysis of a longitudinal cohort study, the Women’s Health and Aging Study (WHAS) II. Our analyses included 436 community-dwelling women between the ages of 70 and 79, who were followed for 10.5 years. We employed marginal structural modeling, which controls for time-dependent confounding, with the aim of assessing the potential direct association between pain levels and low physical activity and assess a graded relationship. Compared to women with no pain, those with widespread pain were nearly half as likely to be moderately active versus low active (aOR: 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22, 0.96). A graded association was observed across the four pain levels (no pain or mild pain, other pain, moderate or severe lower extremity pain, and widespread pain) on low physical activity. Our findings indicate that reducing chronic widespread pain in older women may increase moderate physical activity, and therefore reduce the downstream health risks of low physical activity, including morbidity and mortality risk.
Unexplained Syncope: The Importance of the Electrophysiology Study
Authors: Doundoulakis Ioannis , Soulaidopoulos Stergios , Arsenos Petros , Dilaveris Polychronis , Tsiachris Dimitris , Antoniou Christos-Konstantinos , Sideris Skevos , Kordalis Athanasios , Laina Ageliki , Kallinikidis Sotirios , Xydis Panagiotis , Archontakis Stefanos , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Gatzoulis Konstantinos A.
Published: October 2021

Syncope of cardiac origin may be associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death if not treated in a timely and appropriate manner. The diagnostic approach of syncope imposes a significant economic burden on society. The investigation and elucidation of the pathogenetic mechanism of syncope are of great clinical importance, as both prognosis and appropriate therapeutic approaches depend on these factors. The responsible mechanism of presyncope or syncope can only be revealed through the patient history, baseline clinical examination and electrocardiogram. The percentage of patients who are diagnosed with these tests alone exceeds 50%. In patients with a history of organic or acquired heart disease or/and the presence of abnormal findings on the electrocardiogram, a further diagnostic electrophysiology inclusive approach should be followed to exclude life threatening arrhythmiological mechanism. However, if the patient does not suffer from underlying heart disease and does not show abnormal electrocardiographic findings in the electrocardiogram, then the probability in the electrophysiology study to find a responsible cause is small but not absent. The role of a two-step electrophysiology study inclusive risk stratification approach for the effective management of the former is thoroughly discussed in this review.
On Borders and Expansion: Egyptian Imperialism in the Levant during the Ramesside Period
Authors: Xekalaki Georgia
Published: October 2021

This paper aims to define the way Egyptians perceived the boundaries of their land and reassesses the impact of Egyptian colonialism during the Ramesside period (c. 1292–1069 BCE). During this era, expansive wars, diplomatic action and land administration/governance reforms led Egypt to control a large part of modern Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. To refer to this period, historians often use the terms Egyptian “empire” and Egyptian “imperialism”, extending terminology coined in the 19th century to describe modern cases of political dominance to Late Bronze Age Egypt. Furthermore, traditional scholarship also presents Egypt’s borders in such a way that Egypt appears as a solid territory with fixed borders, despite evidence pointing to a different model of geographical division. Seeking to explore whether the use of modern terms on ancient Egypt may be an anachronism, this paper reviews the scholarship on (a) Egyptian records documenting conquests and (b) contextual archaeological evidence from the southern Near East itself. This review highlights differences between modern and ancient conceptions of land domination. Finally, Egyptian border-related terms are used in a strictly local symbolic cultural context but not in the one of international diplomacy. As for Egypt’s boundary, it was mostly formed as a buffer zone rather than a borderline.
Simulation for Fitting the Bending Shape of Fruit Branches of Lycium barbarum Based on the Finite Element Method
Authors: Chen Yun , Zhao Jian , Chen Qingyu , Chen Jun
Published: October 2021

The accurate modeling of wolfberry plant morphology is the basis for theoretical and simulation analyses of the wolfberry picking process. The curved shape of the fruit branches makes it challenging to model Lyciumbarbarum (wolfberry) plants. This paper establishes a three-dimensional model of the branches under no gravity through field measurements, and then assesses the morphology of the branches under gravity load, fruit load, and branch load using finite element simulation. An orthogonal rotation combination experiment determined the relationship between branch morphology, length, growth angle, and growth mode parameters. The p-values of the prediction model were 0.0001, 0.0067, and 0.0203, respectively. Finally, the bending shape of the actual branches was verified against the branches generated by the prediction model. The experimental results show that the prediction model accurately models the fruit-bearing branches of Lycium barbarum. This paper introduces a method to quickly predict the bending shape of fruit-bearing branches of Lycium barbarum, providing a theoretical basis for rapid modeling of the L. barbarum plant and a simulation analysis for its harvesting.
The Moderating Role of Sociodemographic Factors in the Relationship between Physical Activity and Subjective Well-Being in Chilean Children and Adolescents
Authors: Fuentealba-Urra Sergio , Rubio-Rivera Andrés , González-Carrasco Mònica , Oyanedel Juan Carlos , Céspedes-Carreno Cristian
Published: October 2021

Background: The relationship between physical activity habits and well-being is widely recognized; however, the interaction that these variables have with sociodemographic factors throughout life is only partially addressed in the literature, particularly in children and adolescents. The aim of this article is to analyze the moderating effect of sociodemographic factors and the possible interaction of these moderations in the relationship between physical activity and subjective well-being in children and adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study considered a sample of 9572 children and adolescents from 10 to 19 years of age, students of primary and secondary schools in all regions of Chile. Subjective well-being and physical activity habits were measured using self-report questionnaires. Socioeconomic level was established from the school vulnerability index (SVI) of each student’s school. Results: Simple moderation analyses revealed that the higher the age and the lower the SVI, the stronger the relationship between physical activity habits and subjective well-being. From a double moderation analysis, it could be observed that the age of the subjects is the most relevant moderator in the relationship between physical activity habits and perceived well-being in young people. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of considering these factors and their interaction when generating programs or public policies to improve physical activity habits and well-being in children and adolescents.
Pseudoscientific Health Beliefs and the Perceived Frequency of Causal Relationships
Authors: Chow Julie Y. L. , Colagiuri Ben , Rottman Benjamin M. , Goldwater Micah , Livesey Evan J.
Published: October 2021

Beliefs about cause and effect, including health beliefs, are thought to be related to the frequency of the target outcome (e.g., health recovery) occurring when the putative cause is present and when it is absent (treatment administered vs. no treatment); this is known as contingency learning. However, it is unclear whether unvalidated health beliefs, where there is no evidence of cause–effect contingency, are also influenced by the subjective perception of a meaningful contingency between events. In a survey, respondents were asked to judge a range of health beliefs and estimate the probability of the target outcome occurring with and without the putative cause present. Overall, we found evidence that causal beliefs are related to perceived cause–effect contingency. Interestingly, beliefs that were not predicted by perceived contingency were meaningfully related to scores on the paranormal belief scale. These findings suggest heterogeneity in pseudoscientific health beliefs and the need to tailor intervention strategies according to underlying causes.
Association of Nighttime Sleep Duration with Depressive Symptoms and Its Interaction with Regular Physical Activity among Chinese Adolescent Girls
Authors: Wang Xueyin , Di Jiangli , Zhao Gengli , Wang Linhong , Zhang Xiaosong
Published: October 2021

Depression has become a major mental health concern among adolescents globally, and the relationship between depressive symptoms and nighttime sleep duration among adolescent girls remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between nighttime sleep duration and depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescent girls. This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2018, included 4952 girls aged 10–19 years from the eastern, central, and western regions of China. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and categorized into depressive symptoms and non-depressive symptoms. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of depressive symptoms. After adjustment for covariates, adolescent girls with a nighttime sleep duration of <7 h/night (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.76–2.95) and 7 h/night (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.48–2.24) were associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms, compared to those with a sleep duration of 8 h/night. An interaction between nighttime sleep duration and regular physical activity on the risk of depressive symptoms was observed (p for interaction = 0.036). Among both girls with and without regular physical activity, a sleep duration of <7 h/night was associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms, and the magnitude of the ORs among girls with regular physical activity was lower than those without regular physical activity. This study found a significant association of short nighttime sleep duration with increased risk of depressive symptoms, and demonstrates the importance of maintaining adequate nighttime sleep duration and ensuring regular physical activity in improving depressive symptoms among adolescent girls.
Epidemiological Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Dynamics in the State of Odisha, India: A Yearlong Exploratory Data Analysis
Authors: Nasker Sourya Subhra , Nanda Ananya , Ramadass Balamurugan , Nayak Sasmita
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 remains a matter of global public health concern. Previous research suggested the association between local environmental factors and viral transmission. We present a multivariate observational analysis of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the state of Odisha, India, hinting at a seasonal activity. We aim to investigate the demographic characteristics of COVID-19 in the Indian state of Odisha for two specific timelines in 2020 and 2021. For a comparative outlook, we chose similar datasets from the state of New York, USA. Further, we present a critical analysis pertaining to the effects of environmental factors and the emergence of variants on SARS-CoV-2 transmission and persistence. We assessed the datasets for confirmed cases, death, age, and gender for 29 February 2020 to 31 May 2020, and 1 March 2021 to 31 May 2021. We determined the case fatalities, crude death rates, sex ratio, and incidence rates for both states along with monthly average temperature analysis. A yearlong epi-curve analysis was conducted to depict the coronavirus infection spread pattern in the respective states. The Indian state of Odisha reported a massive 436,455 confirmed cases and 875 deaths during the 2021 timeline as compared to a mere 2223 cases and 7 deaths during the 2020 timeline. We further discuss the demographic and temperature association of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during early 2020 and additionally comment on the variant-associated massive rise in cases during 2021. Along with the rapid rise of variants, the high population density and population behavior seem to be leading causes for the 2021 pandemic, whereas factors such as age group, gender, and average local temperature were prominent during the 2020 spread. A seasonal occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is also observed from the yearlong epidemiological plot. The recent second wave of COVID-19 is a lesson that emphasizes the significance of continuous epidemiological surveillance to predict the relative risk of viral transmission for a specific region.
Identification of Factors for the Development of Medical Tourism in the World
Authors: Vovk Viktoriia , Beztelesna Lyudmila , Pliashko Olha
Published: October 2021

The overall objective of the given paper was to study the relationship of inbound medical tourism destinations with international tourism, economic development of recipient countries, the development of national healthcare systems and the institutional features of their environment, in terms of protection of the rights and freedoms of both business and citizens. In order to achieve this objective, the authors used methods of grouping, as well as correlation and regression analysis. The conducted study revealed that the formation of medical tourism destinations in countries with high social and economic development occurs in a balanced and unidirectional manner; simultaneously, one can see that the countries with “new economic development” form a sufficiently powerful and competitive market for medical tourism. All these countries have one thing in common: namely, there is a link between medical tourism and healthcare funding, international tourism and development of political and civil freedoms. Nevertheless, the noted aspects are not dominant enough, and this indicates that there are other internal factors and their configurations which shape a positive image of countries for medical tourism development. This finding leads to the necessity of further analysis in this field with a breakdown into separate countries or destinations.
Variants of Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose and Their Distinct Effects on Neuronal Tissue
Authors: Kleine Joshua , Leisz Sandra , Ghadban Chalid , Hohmann Tim , Prell Julian , Scheller Christian , Strauss Christian , Simmermacher Sebastian , Dehghani Faramarz
Published: October 2021

Based on oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), several hemostyptic materials, such as Tabotamp®, Equicel® and Equitamp®, have been developed to approach challenging hemostasis in neurosurgery. The present study compares ORC that differ in terms of compositions and properties, regarding their structure, solubility, pH values and effects on neuronal tissue. Cytotoxicity was detected via DNA-binding fluorescence dye in Schwann cells, astrocytes, and neuronal cells. Additionally, organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSC) were analyzed, using propidium iodide, hematoxylin-eosin, and isolectin B4 staining to investigate the cellular damage, cytoarchitecture, and microglia activation. Whereas Equicel® led to a neutral pH, Tabotamp® (pH 2.8) and Equitamp® (pH 4.8) caused a significant reduction of pH (p < 0.001). Equicel® and Tabotamp® increased cytotoxicity significantly in several cell lines (p < 0.01). On OHSC, Tabotamp® and Equicel® led to a stronger and deeper damage to the neuronal tissue than Equitamp® or gauze (p < 0.01). Equicel® increased strongly the number of microglia cells after 24 h (p < 0.001). Microglia cells were not detectable after Tabotamp® treatment, presumably due to an artifact caused by strong pH reduction. In summary, our data imply the use of Equicel®, Tabotamp® or Equitamp® for specific applications in distinct clinical settings depending on their localization or tissue properties.
Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition: A Challenging Playground for Translational Research. Current Models and Focus on TWIST1 Relevance and Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Greco Luana , Rubbino Federica , Morelli Alessandra , Gaiani Federica , Grizzi Fabio , de’Angelis Gian Luigi , Malesci Alberto , Laghi Luigi
Published: October 2021

Resembling the development of cancer by multistep carcinogenesis, the evolution towards metastasis involves several passages, from local invasion and intravasation, encompassing surviving anoikis into the circulation, landing at distant sites and therein establishing colonization, possibly followed by the outgrowth of macroscopic lesions. Within this cascade, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) works as a pleiotropic program enabling cancer cells to overcome local, systemic, and distant barriers against diffusion by replacing traits and functions of the epithelial signature with mesenchymal-like ones. Along the transition, a full-blown mesenchymal phenotype may not be accomplished. Rather, the plasticity of the program and its dependency on heterotopic signals implies a pendulum with oscillations towards its reversal, that is mesenchymal to epithelial transition. Cells in intermixed E⇔M states can also display stemness, enabling their replication together with the epithelial reversion next to successful distant colonization. If we aim to include the EMT among the hallmarks of cancer that could modify clinical practice, the gap between the results pursued in basic research by animal models and those achieved in translational research by surrogate biomarkers needs to be filled. We review the knowledge on EMT, derived from models and mechanistic studies as well as from translational studies, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal cancers (GI).
Promising Immunotherapeutic Modalities for B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Mihályová Jana , Hradská Katarína , Jelínek Tomáš , Motais Benjamin , Celichowski Piotr , Hájek Roman
Published: October 2021

Over the last few years, treatment principles have been changed towards more targeted therapy for many B-cell lymphoma subtypes and in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Immunotherapeutic modalities, namely monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, commonly use B-cell-associated antigens (CD19, CD20, CD22, and CD79b) as one of their targets. T-cell engagers (TCEs), a subclass of bsAbs, work on a similar mechanism as CAR-T cell therapy without the need of previous T-cell manipulation. Currently, several anti-CD20xCD3 TCEs have demonstrated promising efficacy across different lymphoma subtypes with slightly better outcomes in the indolent subset. Anti-CD19xCD3 TCEs are being developed as well but only blinatumomab has been evaluated in clinical trials yet. The results are not so impressive as those with anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy. Antibody-drug conjugates targeting different B-cell antigens (CD30, CD79b, CD19) seem to be effective in combination with mAbs, standard chemoimmunotherapy, or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Further investigation will show whether immunotherapy alone or in combinatory regimens has potential to replace chemotherapeutic agents from the first line treatment.
Effect of Vitamin C/Hydrocortisone Immobilization within Curdlan-Based Wound Dressings on In Vitro Cellular Response in Context of the Management of Chronic and Burn Wounds
Authors: Wojcik Michal , Kazimierczak Paulina , Vivcharenko Vladyslav , Koziol Malgorzata , Przekora Agata
Published: October 2021

Bioactive dressings are usually produced using natural or synthetic polymers. Recently, special attention has been paid to β-glucans that act as immunomodulators and have pro-healing properties. The aim of this research was to use β-1,3-glucan (curdlan) as a base for the production of bioactive dressing materials (curdlan/agarose and curdlan/chitosan) that were additionally enriched with vitamin C and/or hydrocortisone to improve healing of chronic and burn wounds. The secondary goal of the study was to compressively evaluate biological properties of the biomaterials. In this work, it was shown that vitamin C/hydrocortisone-enriched biomaterials exhibited faster vitamin C release profile than hydrocortisone. Consecutive release of the drugs is a desired phenomenon since it protects wounds against accumulation of high and toxic concentrations of the bioactive molecules. Moreover, biomaterials showed gradual release of low doses of the hydrocortisone, which is beneficial during management of burn wounds with hypergranulation tissue. Among all tested variants of biomaterials, dressing materials enriched with hydrocortisone and a mixture of vitamin C/hydrocortisone showed the best therapeutic potential since they had the ability to significantly reduce MMP-2 synthesis by macrophages and increase TGF-β1 release by skin cells. Moreover, materials containing hydrocortisone and its blend with vitamin C stimulated type I collagen deposition by fibroblasts and positively affected their migration and proliferation. Results of the experiments clearly showed that the developed biomaterials enriched with bioactive agents may be promising dressings for the management of non-healing chronic and burn wounds.
Metabolic Reprogramming in COVID-19
Authors: Shen Tao , Wang Tingting
Published: October 2021

Plenty of research has revealed virus induced alternations in metabolic pathways, which is known as metabolic reprogramming. Studies focusing on COVID-19 have uncovered significant changes in metabolism, resulting in the perspective that COVID-19 is a metabolic disease. Reprogramming of amino acid, glucose, cholesterol and fatty acid is distinctive characteristic of COVID-19 infection. These metabolic changes in COVID-19 have a critical role not only in producing energy and virus constituent elements, but also in regulating immune response, offering new insights into COVID-19 pathophysiology. Remarkably, metabolic reprogramming provides great opportunities for developing novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents for COVID-19 infection. Such novel agents are expected to be effective adjuvant therapies. In this review, we integrate present studies about major metabolic reprogramming in COVID-19, as well as the possibility of targeting reprogrammed metabolism to combat virus infection.
Enhanced Bone Regeneration in Variable-Type Biphasic Ceramic Phosphate Scaffolds Using rhBMP-2
Authors: Lim Ho-Kyung , Kwon Ik-Jae , On Sung-Woon , Hong Seok-Jin , Yang Byoung-Eun , Kim Soung-Min , Lee Jong-Ho , Byun Soo-Hwan
Published: October 2021

Our aim was to investigate the bone regeneration capacity of powder-type biphasic ceramic scaffold (BCP powder), block-type BCP (BCP block), and collagen-added block-type BCP (BCP collagen) with different concentrations of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) in an animal model. Four rabbits were assigned to each of the following groups: no graft + rhBMP-2 (0.1/0.2 mg/mL), BCP powder + rhBMP-2 (0.1/0.2 mg/mL), BCP block + rhBMP-2 (0.1/0.2 mg/mL), and BCP collagen + rhBMP-2 (0.1/0.2 mg/mL), i.e., a total of 32 rabbits. Polycarbonate tubes (Φ 7 mm × 5 mm) for supporting scaffolds were fixed into a 7 mm round border. Subsequently, 0.1 mL of rhBMP-2 solutions with different concentrations was injected into the tubes. Both radiological and histomorphometric analyses showed that osteogenesis was not enhanced by increasing the concentration of rhBMP-2 in all groups at both 3 and 6 weeks. Radiological analysis showed that bone formation was higher in the BCP collagen group than in the BCP powder and BCP block groups at both rhBMP-2 concentrations at 3 weeks. rhBMP-2 enhanced bone formation; however, as the concentration increased, bone formation could not be enhanced infinitely. Collagen-added alloplastic graft material may be useful for mediating rapid bone formation in initial stages.
The Initial Human Atherosclerotic Lesion and Lipoprotein Modification—A Deep Connection
Authors: Torzewski Michael
Published: October 2021

Atherosclerosis research typically focuses on the evolution of intermediate or advanced atherosclerotic lesions rather than on prelesional stages of atherogenesis. Yet these early events may provide decisive leads on the triggers of the pathologic process, before lesions become clinically overt. Thereby, it is mandatory to consider extracellular lipoprotein deposition at this stage as the prerequisite of foam cell formation leading to a remarkable accumulation of LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins). As progression of atherosclerosis displays the characteristic features of a chronic inflammatory process on the one hand and native LDL lacks inflammatory properties on the other hand, the lipoprotein must undergo biochemical modification to become atherogenic. During the last 25 years, evidence was accumulated in support of a different concept on atherogenesis proposing that modification of native LDL occurs through the action of ubiquitous hydrolytic enzymes (enzymatically modified LDL or eLDL) rather than oxidation and contending that the physiological events leading to macrophage uptake and reverse transport of eLDL first occur without inflammation (initiation with reversion). Preventing or reversing initial atherosclerotic lesions would avoid the later stages and therefore prevent clinical manifestations. This concept is in accordance with the response to retention hypothesis directly supporting the strategy of lowering plasma levels of atherogenic lipoproteins as the most successful therapy for atherosclerosis and its sequelae. Apart from but unquestionable closely related to this concept, there are several other hypotheses on atherosclerotic lesion initiation favoring an initiating role of the immune system (‘vascular-associated lymphoid tissue’ (VALT)), defining foam cell formation as a variant of lysosomal storage disease, relating to the concept of the inflammasome with crystalline cholesterol and/or mitochondrial DAMPs (damage-associated molecular patterns) being mandatory in driving arterial inflammation and, last but not least, pointing to miRNAs (micro RNAs) as pivotal players. However, direct anti-inflammatory therapies may prove successful as adjuvant components but will likely never be used in the absence of strategies to lower plasma levels of atherogenic lipoproteins, the key point of the perception that atherosclerosis is not simply an inevitable result of senescence. In particular, given the importance of chemical modifications for lipoprotein atherogenicity, regulation of the enzymes involved might be a tempting target for pharmacological research.
Tenofovir Modulates Semaphorin 4D Signaling and Regulates Bone Homeostasis, Which Can Be Counteracted by Dipyridamole and Adenosine A2A Receptor
Authors: Llamas-Granda Patricia , Martin-Rodríguez Laura , Largo Raquel , Herrero-Beaumont Gabriel , Mediero Aránzazu
Published: October 2021

Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) is a neurotrophin that is secreted by osteoclasts and binds to its receptor PlexinB1 on osteoblasts to inhibit their differentiation and function. Adenosine A2A activation inhibits osteoclast Sema4D-mediated secretion, diminishes inflammatory osteolysis and prevents bone loss following tenofovir (one of the most used antivirals in HIV). Therefore, tenofovir might activate Sema4D signaling to alter bone turnover. Female C57Bl/6/A2AKO mice were ovariectomized and treated with saline (control), tenofovir 75 mg/Kg/day, dipyridamole 25 mg/Kg/day or a combination for 5 weeks and long bones were prepared for histology. Primary murine-induced osteoclast/osteoblast were challenged with tenofovir/dipyridamole 1 μM each, and the expression of Sema4D/PlexinB1, RhoA/ROCK/IGF1R was studied by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunostaining. In vivo tenofovir showed an increased expression of Sema4D when compared to control mice, and dipyridamole reverted the expression in an A2A-dependent manner. In vitro, tenofovir increases Sema4D expression and secretion in osteoclast precursors, and pre-treatment with dipyridamole reverted this effect. pRhoA and ROCK1 activation were increased and IRS1/IGF1R expression was diminished by tenofovir in the Vav3/ARHGAP18 mechanism in osteoblast precursors and reverted by dipyridamole in an A2A-dependent manner. This suggests that tenofovir increases bone loss by activation of Sema4D/PlexinB1 signaling, which inhibits osteoblast differentiation. Agents that increase local adenosine concentrations, such as dipyridamole, might prevent bone loss following the inhibition of this pathway.
Correction: Furnier et al. Translating Molecular Technologies into Routine Newborn Screening Practice. Int. J. Neonatal Screen. 2020, 6, 80
Authors: Furnier Sarah M. , Durkin Maureen S. , Baker Mei W.
Published: October 2021

In the original article [...]
Hygienic Behavior of Apis mellifera and Its Relationship with Varroa destructor Infestation and Honey Production in the Central Highlands of Ecuador
Authors: Masaquiza Diego , Vargas Junior , Ortíz Nelsón , Salazar Rodrigo , Curbelo Lino , Pérez Anisley , Arenal Amilcar
Published: October 2021

The aim of this research was to analyze the relationship among hygienic behavior (HB), Varroa destructor infestation, and honey production in the central highlands of Ecuador. Overall, 75 honey bee colonies were evaluated before, during, and after production at three altitude levels (2600–2800, 2801–3000, and >3000 m.a.s.l.). The hygienic behavior percentage of the colonies was determined by the pin-killing method, and the colonies were classified into three groups: high HB (>85%), mid HB (60.1–85%), and low HB (≤60%). Varroa infestation was diagnosed as well, and honey production was evaluated only during production. HB was high and heterogeneous, averaging 80% ± 9.7%. Its highest expression was observed at lower altitudes. The infestation degree was low (3.47% ± 1.56%), although the mite was detected in all colonies upon sampling. A negative correlation was observed between HB and Varroa infestation in the first sampling (−0.49 **), suggesting that the high- and mid-altitude HB colonies underwent the lowest infestation rates, regardless of sampling. The correlations between HB and production were significant (0.26 *), indicating a positive effect of HB on production, meaning that colonies with high HB obtained the highest honey production (25.08 ± 4.82 kg/hive). The HB of bees showed an inverse relationship with altitude and it tended to reduce the effect of Varroa infestation, favoring honey production and, thus, suggesting the feasibility of selecting colonies with high HB.
Effects of 12 Months of Vitamin D Supplementation on Physical Fitness Levels in Postmenopausal Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bentes Claudio Melibeu , Costa Pablo B. , Resende Monique , Netto Claudia , Dias Ingrid , da Silveira Anderson Luiz Bezerra , Di Masi Fabrizio , Miranda Humberto , de Carvalho Lucas Monteiro , Marinheiro Lizanka
Published: October 2021

Introduction: It is common for postmenopausal women to receive a vitamin D supplementation prescription to assist in preventing future falls and to maintain bone health. However, the association between vitamin D supplementation and physical fitness components has not been studied in older women with diabetes. Objective: We examined the influence of 12 months of vitamin D supplementation on the components of physical fitness in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Thirty-five postmenopausal women (62.48 ± 7.67 years; 154.6 ± 5.11 cm; 73.93 ± 15.43 kg; 31.13 ± 5.82 BMI) with a diagnosis of T2DM participated in this longitudinal study where participants were supplemented with 1000 IU/day of vitamin D over 12 months. Subjects performed fasting blood samples, anthropometric assessments, body composition, clinical exams, and physical tests at 6-month intervals (P0, P6, and P12). Results and Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation alone was effective in postmenopausal women in increasing serum vitamin D levels, altering muscle strength levels, promoting improvements in muscle function, as well as preventing and controlling fragility caused by T2DM and aging.
Sterol Composition Modulates the Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Iron Deficiency
Authors: Jordá Tania , Rozès Nicolas , Puig Sergi
Published: October 2021

Iron is a vital micronutrient that functions as an essential cofactor in multiple biological processes, including oxygen transport, cellular respiration, and metabolic pathways, such as sterol biosynthesis. However, its low bioavailability at physiological pH frequently leads to nutritional iron deficiency. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is extensively used to study iron and lipid metabolisms, as well as in multiple biotechnological applications. Despite iron being indispensable for yeast ergosterol biosynthesis and growth, little is known about their interconnections. Here, we used lipid composition analyses to determine that changes in the pattern of sterols impair the response to iron deprivation of yeast cells. Yeast mutants defective in ergosterol biosynthesis display defects in the transcriptional activation of the iron-acquisition machinery and growth defects in iron-depleted conditions. The transcriptional activation function of the iron-sensing Aft1 factor is interrupted due to its mislocalization to the vacuole. These data uncover novel links between iron and sterol metabolisms that need to be considered when producing yeast-derived foods or when treating fungal infections with drugs that target the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway.
High Mountains Becoming Wetter While Deserts Getting Drier in Xinjiang, China since the 1980s
Authors: Zhang Yong , An Chengbang , Liu Luyu , Zhang Yanzhen , Lu Chao , Zhang Wensheng
Published: October 2021

Climate change has been thought to drive the accelerated expansion of global drylands. However, many studies reveal that Arid Central Asia (ACA) has been warming and wetting in recent decades, representing an anomalous response to global climate change. Given that ACA is composed of complex ecosystems and landforms, it is not clear whether or not this trend is uniform in this topographically heterogenous region. Here, we integrate the Google Earth Engine and ERA5-Land reanalysis data to study the trend of changes, since the 1980s, in temperature and precipitation in the Tianshan Mountains and the surrounding deserts, collectively referred to as the Tianshan and Desert Ecozone, which is in Northwest China. Our results show that only 20.4% of this area is becoming both warmer and wetter, which occurs mainly in the altitudes above 2800 m (Tianshan Ecozone). All three alpine ecosystems (coniferous forests, alpine meadow, and nival zone) in the Tianshan Ecozone exhibit similar warming and wetting trends, including of elevation-dependent wetting on the specific altitude range. In contrast, the low-lying oasis where human activities are mostly concentrated is undergoing warming and drying, which will face a greater threat of drought projected under three emissions scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5). These results highlight the importance of considering the differences of climate change in different altitude gradients and different ecosystems when studying climate change in drylands.
How Useful Is a Distributed Ledger for Tracking and Tracing in Supply Chains? A Systems Thinking Approach
Authors: Straubert Christian , Sucky Eric
Published: October 2021

Background: The use of blockchain technology for tracking and tracing (T&T) in supply chains is the subject of lively debate in scientific literature. However, distributed ledger technology (DLT) does not have to have the characteristic blockchain structure and often performs better without such a structure. Generalized DLT for T&T in supply chains has rarely been discussed in the existing literature. Methods: This article presents an exploratory case study research of eight companies to identify the main goals, and problems that the companies have when they engage in T&T. This practical perspective is complemented by a theoretical systems thinking perspective. Based on these two foundations, we discuss the usefulness of blockchain technology and, more generally, DLT for T&T in supply chains. Results: Based on our analysis, DLT is only necessary in special cases, e.g., when the owners of the data have an interest in deleting the data, but the data stakeholders do not. In the other cases examined, DLT competes with other technologies, such as conventional, centralized databases in combination with digital signatures. Furthermore, it became evident that DLT can only be useful for supply chain tracing. The technological features of DLT do not provide any benefit for supply chain tracking, i.e., the timely communication of the status of a physical good. Conclusions: Distributed ledgers often have a disadvantage in that they are very complex and, therefore, expensive. DLT should preferably only be used when it is technologically necessary or the simplest/cheapest choice, which is probably not all that often. Finally, the usefulness of distributed ledger technology and its integrated smart contract technology is highly dependent on how easy it is to link the real physical world to a digital record/contract in an error-free and tamper-proof way. Currently, such a definite link exists only in very few cases and is often impossible.
Characterization of Sn–Sb–Ti Solder Alloy and the Study of Its Use for the Ultrasonic Soldering Process of SiC Ceramics with a Cu–SiC Metal–Ceramic Composite
Authors: Kolenak Roman , Kostolny Igor , Drapala Jaromir , Babincova Paulina , Pasak Matej
Published: October 2021

The aim of this research was to characterize soldering alloys of the type Sn–Sb–Ti and to study the ultrasonic soldering of SiC ceramics with a metal–ceramic composite of the type Cu–SiC. The Sn5Sb3Ti solder exerts a thermal transformation of a peritectic character with an approximate melting point of 234 °C and a narrow melting interval. The solder microstructure consists of a tin matrix, where the acicular constituents of the Ti6(Sb,Sn)5 phase and the sharp-edged constituents of the TiSbSn phase are precipitated. The tensile strength of the soldering alloy depends on the Ti content and reaches values from 34 to 51 MPa. The average strength of the solder increases with increasing Ti content. The bond with SiC ceramics is formed owing to the interaction of titanium, activated by ultrasound, with SiC ceramics, forming the (Ti,Si)6(Sb,Sn)5 reaction product. The bond with the metal–ceramic composite Cu–SiC is formed owing to the solubility of Cu in a tin solder forming two phases: the wettable η-Cu6Sn5 phase, formed in contact with the solder, and the non-wettable ε-Cu3Sn phase, formed in contact with the copper composite. The average shear strength of the combined joint of SiC/Cu–SiC fabricated using the Sn5Sb3Ti solder was 42.5 MPa. The Sn–Sb–Ti solder is a direct competitor of the S-Bond active solder. The production of solders is cheaper, and the presence of antimony increases their strength. In addition, the application temperature range is wider.
Revealing the Dynamic Characteristics of Composite Material-Based Miura-Origami Tube
Authors: Zhu Houyao , Li Zhixin , Wang Ruikun , Chen Shouyan , Zhang Chunliang , Li Fangyi
Published: October 2021

Although Miura origami has excellent planar expansion characteristics and good mechanical properties, its congenital flaws, e.g., open sections leading to weak out-of-plane stiffness and constituting the homogenization of the material, and resulting in limited design freedom, should also be taken seriously. Herein, two identical Miura sheets, made of carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite, were bonded to form a tubular structure with closed sections, i.e., an origami tube. Subsequently, the dynamic performances, including the nature frequency and the dynamic displacement response, of the designed origami tubes were extensively investigated through numerical simulations. The outcomes revealed that the natural frequency and corresponding dynamic displacement response of the structure can be adjusted in a larger range by varying the geometric and material parameters, which is realized by combining origami techniques and the composite structures’ characteristics. This work can provide new ideas for the design of light-weight and high-mechanical-performance structures.
Green Sorbitol- and Isosorbide-Based Flame Retardants for Cotton Fabrics
Authors: De Smet David , Wéry Madeleine , Bader Miriam , Stachel Ines , Meyer Michael , Vanneste Myriam
Published: October 2021

Flame retardancy is often required in various textile applications. Halogenated flame retardants (FR) are commonly used since they have good FR performance. Several of these components are listed under REACH. Halogen-free FR compounds have been developed as alternatives. So far, not many biobased FR have made it to the market and are being applied in the textile sector, leaving great opportunities since biobased products are experiencing a renaissance. In this study, renewable FR based on sorbitol and isosorbide were synthesised. The reaction was performed in the melt. The resulting biobased FR were characterised via FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Cotton fabrics functionalized with the developed biobased FR passed ISO 15025 FR test. After washing, the FR properties of the fabrics decreased (longer afterflame and afterglow time) but still complied with ISO 15025, indicating the biobased FR were semi-permanent. The amount of residue of modified sorbitol and isosorbide measured at 600 °C in air was 31% and 27%, respectively. Cotton treated with biobased modified FR showed no ignition during cone calorimetry experiments, indicating a flame retardancy. Furthermore, a charring of the FR containing samples was observed by means of cone calorimetry and TGA measurements.