bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Serum Viral Load and Prognostic Markers Proposal for COVID-19 Pneumonia in Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Treated Patients
Authors: Piqué Berta , Peña Karla , Riu Francesc , Acosta Johana C. , Torres-Royo Laura , Malave Barbara , Araguas Pablo , Benavides Rocío , de Febrer Gabriel , Camps Jordi , Joven Jorge , Arenas Meritxell , Parada David
Published: January 2023

Several studies have shown that the plasma RNA of SARS-CoV-2 seems to be associated with a worse prognosis of COVID-19. In the present study, we investigated plasma RNA in COVID-19 patients treated with low-dose radiotherapy to determine its prognostic value. Data were collected from the IPACOVID prospective clinical trial (NCT04380818). The study included 46 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated with a whole-lung dose of 0.5 Gy. Clinical follow-up, as well as laboratory variables, and SARS-CoV-2 serum viral load, were analyzed before LDRT, at 24 h, and one week after treatment. The mean age of the patients was 85 years, and none received any of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses. The mortality ratio during the course of treatment was 33%. RT-qPCR showed amplification in 23 patients. Higher mortality rate was associated with detectable viremia. Additionally, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase were significant risk factors associated with COVID-19 mortality. Our present findings show that detectable SARS-CoV-2 plasma viremia 24 h before LDRT is significantly associated with increased mortality rates post-treatment, thus downsizing the treatment success.
Wnt7b: Is It an Important Factor in the Bone Formation Process after Calvarial Damage?
Authors: Feng Bo , Pei Jun , Gu Shensheng
Published: January 2023

Objective: Previous studies found that Wnt7b played a unique and indispensable role in the process of osteoblast differentiation and could accelerate the repair of bone loss. However, what is the role of Wnt7B in osteogenesis? Is it possible to increase the expression of Wnt7b to promote the repair of skull defects? This study intends to provide the basic data for the application of Wnt7b in the treatment of craniomaxillofacial bone repair. Methods: A calvarial defect mouse model that could induce Wnt7b overexpression was established. Three days after the operation, the mice in each group were intraperitoneally injected with tamoxifen (TAM) or oil eight times every other day. There were three groups. The TAMc group (R26Wnt7b/Wnt7b) was injected with tamoxifen. The Oil group (3.2 kb Col1-Cre-ERT2; R26Wnt7b/Wnt7b) was injected with oil. The TAM group (3.2 kb Col1-Cre-ERT2; R26Wnt7b/Wnt7b) was injected with tamoxifen. Four weeks after the surgery, micro-CT scanning was utilized to observe new bone formation and compare the ability to form new bone around the defect area. Results: Four weeks after the operation, bone healing conditions were measured by using micro-CT scanning. The defect area of the TAM group was smaller than that of the other groups. Similarly, the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) significantly increased (p < 0.05), the trabecular number (Tb.N) increased, and the trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) decreased. Conclusions: Wnt7b participates in the bone formation process after calvarial damage, indicating the important role of Wnt7b in osteogenesis.
Left-Side Pressure Index for All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults with HFpEF: Diagnostic Potential for HFpEF and Possible View for HFrEF
Authors: Hoshida Shiro
Published: January 2023

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is thought to be driven by increased cardiac afterload, which consequentially leads to left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. The ratio of LV diastolic elastance (Ed) to arterial elastance (Ea) significantly increases in older hypertensive women without HF and is coincident with cardiac structural alterations. Ed/Ea is reported to be a prognostic factor for all-cause mortality in patients admitted with HFpEF. In this short article, I provide a possible view of this novel index as having diagnostic potential for HFpEF in clinics and playing a prognostic role in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Influence of the Tibial Tunnel Angle and Posterior Tibial Slope on “Killer Turn” during Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Yang Fan , Yokoe Takuji , Ouchi Koki , Tajima Takuya , Chosa Etsuo
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of various posterior tibial slopes (PTSs) and tibial tunnel angles (TTAs) on “killer turn” in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction by using three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). The study models were created using computed tomography images of a healthy young Asian male. Using SolidWorks, PCL grafts and tibial bone tunnels at different tibial drilling angles (30°, 45°, 60°) were developed. Anterior opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (aOW-HTO) was performed to evaluate the influence of the PTS (+8°, +4°, native, −4°, −8°). An FEA was performed utilizing the ANSYS software program. In the same PTS model, the peak of the equivalent Von Mises stress in PCL grafts decreased as the angle of the TTA increased. In the same TTA model, the peak of the Von Mises in PCL grafts decreased as the PTS angle increased. The “high-contact stress area” (contact stress greater than 10 MPa) was diminished when the TTA and PTS were increased. aOW-HTO was used to steepen the PTS, and a larger TTA may reduce the stress at the “killer turn” during PCL reconstruction. In conclusion, the study findings suggest that using aOW-HTO to steepen the PTS and a larger TTA may reduce the stress at the “killer turn” during PCL reconstruction. The usefulness and safety of this surgical procedure need to be evaluated in future clinical studies.
Two Distinct Groups Are Shown to Be at Risk of Diabetes by Means of a Cluster Analysis of Four Variables
Authors: Ito Ryoma , Mizushiri Satoru , Nishiya Yuki , Ono Shoma , Tamura Ayumi , Hamaura Kiho , Terada Akihide , Tanabe Jutaro , Yanagimachi Miyuki , Wai Kyi Mar , Kudo Yutaro , Ihara Kazushige , Takahashi Yoshiko , Daimon Makoto
Published: January 2023

Recent attempts to classify adult-onset diabetes using only six diabetes-related variables (GAD antibody, age at diagnosis, BMI, HbA1c, and homeostatic model assessment 2 estimates of b-cell function and insulin resistance (HOMA2-B and HOMA2-IR)) showed that diabetes can be classified into five clusters, of which four correspond to type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Here, we classified nondiabetic individuals to identify risk clusters for incident T2DM to facilitate the refinement of prevention strategies. Of the 1167 participants in the population-based Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2014 (baseline), 868 nondiabetic individuals who attended at least once during 2015–2019 were included in a prospective study. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using four variables (BMI, HbA1c, and HOMA2 indices). Of the four clusters identified, cluster 1 (n = 103), labeled as “obese insulin resistant with sufficient compensatory insulin secretion”, and cluster 2 (n = 136), labeled as “low insulin secretion”, were found to be at risk of diabetes during the 5-year follow-up period: the multiple factor-adjusted HRs for clusters 1 and 2 were 14.7 and 53.1, respectively. Further, individuals in clusters 1and 2 could be accurately identified: the area under the ROC curves for clusters 1and 2 were 0.997 and 0.983, respectively. The risk of diabetes could be better assessed on the basis of the cluster that an individual belongs to.
Assessing the Learning Curve for DMEK Using Post-Procedural Clinical Outcomes—Comparison of Four Different Surgeons during Two Different Periods
Authors: Stuhlmacher Emilia Sophie , Suffo Shady , Munteanu Cristian , Seitz Berthold , Daas Loay
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Evaluating the learning curve of individual surgeons for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and Triple-DMEK and assessing outcome with experience. Methods: The first 41 and the last 41 surgeries of each of the four surgeons were retrospectively included. Surgery duration and graft preparation time were recorded. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA, logMAR) and central corneal thickness (CCT, µm) were collected preoperatively after 6 and 12 months, as well as postoperative complications, e.g., re-bubbling or repeat penetrating keratoplasty. Results: Surgical duration for Triple-DMEK and DMEK decreased significantly by 21 min and 14 min between the two periods (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Graft preparation time decreased significantly from 13.3 ± 5.2 min (95%CI 12.8–14.3) in period 1 to 10.7 ± 4.8 min (95%CI 10.2–11.4) in period 2 (p = 0.002). The postoperative changes in CDVA and CCT over both periods were not significant (p = 0.900; p = 0.263). The re-bubbling rate decreased significantly from 51.2% in period 1 to 26.2% in period 2 (p < 0.001). The repeat penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was 7.3% in period 1 and 3.7% in period 2 (p = 0.146). Re-DMEK was necessary in 6.1% in period 1 and 4.9% in period 2 (p = 0.535). Several parameters showed significant differences between the surgeons in both periods (surgical duration: period 1: p < 0.001, period 2 p < 0.001; graft preparation: period 1: p < 0.001, period 2 p < 0.001). Conclusion: Significant decrease in surgery duration, graft preparation time, and the re-bubbling rate can be attributed to gained individual experience.
Amelogenin-Derived Peptide (ADP-5) Hydrogel for Periodontal Regeneration: An In Vitro Study on Periodontal Cells Cytocompatibility, Remineralization and Inflammatory Profile
Authors: Attik Nina , Garric Xavier , Bethry Audrey , Subra Gilles , Chevalier Charlène , Bouzouma Brahim , Verdié Pascal , Grosgogeat Brigitte , Gritsch Kerstin
Published: January 2023

A relevant alternative to enamel matrix derivatives from animal origin could be the use of synthetic amelogenin-derived peptides. This study aimed to assess the effect of a synthetic amelogenin-derived peptide (ADP-5), alone or included in an experimental gellan–xanthan hydrogel, on periodontal cell behavior (gingival fibroblasts, periodontal ligament cells, osteoblasts and cementoblasts). The effect of ADP-5 (50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) on cell metabolic activity was examined using Alamar blue assay, and cell morphology was assessed by confocal imaging. An experimental gellan–xanthan hydrogel was then designed as carrier for ADP-5 and compared to the commercial gel Emdogain®. Alizarin Red was used to determine the periodontal ligament and cementoblasts cell mineralization. The inflammatory profile of these two cells was also quantified using ELISA (vascular endothelial growth factor A, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 11) mediators. ADP-5 enhanced cell proliferation and remineralization; the 100 µg/mL concentration was more efficient than 50 and 200 µg/mL. The ADP-5 experimental hydrogel exhibited equivalent good biological behavior compared to Emdogain® in terms of cell colonization, mineralization, and inflammatory profile. These findings revealed relevant insights regarding the ADP-5 biological behavior. From a clinical perspective, these outcomes could instigate the development of novel functionalized scaffold for periodontal regeneration.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Journal of Functional Biomaterials in 2022
Authors:   Journal of Functional Biomaterials Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels and Their Application as Drug Delivery Systems in Cancer Treatment: A Review
Authors: Dattilo Marco , Patitucci Francesco , Prete Sabrina , Parisi Ortensia Ilaria , Puoci Francesco
Published: January 2023

Hydrogels are three-dimensional crosslinked structures with physicochemical properties similar to the extracellular matrix (ECM). By changing the hydrogel’s material type, crosslinking, molecular weight, chemical surface, and functionalization, it is possible to mimic the mechanical properties of native tissues. Hydrogels are currently used in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields for drug delivery systems, wound dressings, tissue engineering, and contact lenses. Lately, research has been focused on hydrogels from natural sources. Polysaccharides have drawn attention in recent years as a promising material for biological applications, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and excellent mechanical properties. Polysaccharide-based hydrogels can be used as drug delivery systems for the efficient release of various types of cancer therapeutics, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and minimizing potential side effects. This review summarizes hydrogels’ classification, properties, and synthesis methods. Furthermore, it also covers several important natural polysaccharides (chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, cellulose, and carrageenan) widely used as hydrogels for drug delivery and, in particular, their application in cancer treatment.
Reliability of the Coimbra Reactive Agility Soccer Test (CRAST)
Authors: Nóbrega António , Sarmento Hugo , Vaz Vasco , Gouveia Vítor , Barrera Joel , Martins Andreia , Santos Tomás , Duarte João Pedro
Published: January 2023

Agility is a fitness-skill-related component that should be a part of the standard physiological testing for soccer players and one of the key performance indicators in soccer. The present study aimed to assess the reliability of the CRAST as a research tool in the study of soccer skills. Twenty-one university soccer players (chronological age: 19.3 ± 1.4 years; body mass: 69.6 ± 8.2 kg; stature: 173.5 ± 6.5 cm; federated training experience: 9.7 ± 3.6 years) volunteered for the testing protocol. The CRAST requires players to complete random courses six times as quickly as possible. In addition, the CRAST requires players to control and dribble the markers (four different colors: green, yellow, blue, and red). The soccer players completed three trials, each separated by one week. The first trial accounted for familiarization; the second and third were considered for analysis. The correlation for overall performance was very strong. The reliability of the CRAST was slightly better for total time than that for the penalty score (0.95 vs. 0.93). The TEM and the associated CV range of 7.04%–7.54% were for the penalty score and the total time, respectively. For both measurements, the ICC values also represent excellent reliability, as both values were over 0.900. The CRAST is a reliable protocol for assessing agility in soccer players.
A Power-Efficient Neuromorphic Digital Implementation of Neural–Glial Interactions
Authors: Bicaku Angeliki , Sapounaki Maria , Kakarountas Athanasios , Tasoulis Sotiris K.
Published: January 2023

Throughout the last decades, neuromorphic circuits have incited the interest of scientists, as they are potentially a powerful tool for the treatment of neurological diseases. To this end, it is essential to consider the biological principles of the CNS and develop the appropriate area- and power-efficient circuits. Motivated by studies that outline the indispensable role of astrocytes in the dynamic regulation of synaptic transmission and their active contribution to neural information processing in the CNS, in this work we propose a digital implementation of neuron–astrocyte bidirectional interactions. In order to describe the neuronal dynamics and the astrocytes’ calcium dynamics, a modified version of the original Izhikevich neuron model was combined with a linear approximation of the Postnov functional neural–glial interaction model. For the implementation of the neural–glial computation core, only three pipeline stages and a 10.10 fixed point representation were utilized. Regarding the results obtained from the FPGA implementation and the comparisons to other works, the proposed neural–glial circuit reported significant savings in area requirements (from 22.53% up to 164.20%) along with considerable savings in total power consumption of 28.07% without sacrificing output computation accuracy. Finally, an RMSE analysis was conducted, confirming that this particular implementation produces more accurate results compared to previous studies.
Strain-Based Fatigue Experimental Study on Ti–6Al–4V Alloy Manufactured by Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Pertuz-Comas Alberto David , González-Estrada Octavio Andrés , Martínez-Díaz Elkin , Villegas-Bermúdez Diego Fernando , Díaz-Rodríguez Jorge Guillermo
Published: January 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) by electron beam melting (EBM) is a technique used to manufacture parts by melting powder metal layer-by-layer with an electron beam in a high vacuum, thereby generating a 3D topology. This paper studies the low-cycle fatigue of Ti–6Al–4V specimens obtained by EBM. Static tests were carried out according to ASTM E8 for a yield stress of 1023 MPa, a fracture stress of 1102 MPa, and a maximum tensile strength of 1130 MPa with a maximum true normal strain at fracture εmax = 9.0% and an elastic modulus of 120 GPa. Then, fatigue tests were conducted at a load inversion rate of R = −1. It was observed that the material exhibited plastic strain softening, which was attributed to the Bauschinger effect. These results were plotted on a strain vs. life (ε−N) curve using the Ong version of the Coffin–Manson rule and the Baumel–Seager and Meggiolaro–Castro rules. The results were compared to forged Ti–6Al–4V alloys. The cyclic stress–strain behavior was described with the Ramberg–Osgood model. Finally, the fracture surface was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the formation of primary cracks. The fracture morphology showed a mixed surface, also known as a “quasi-cleavage”, which is characterized by dimples, cleavage facets, extensive primary cracks with broken slipping planes, and a large number of inclusions. This phenomenon caused a possible brittle behavior in the material.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of JMMP in 2022
Authors:   JMMP Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Hydrodynamic Design of Fixed Hydrofoils for Planing Craft
Authors: D’Amato Egidio , Notaro Immacolata , Piscopo Vincenzo , Scamardella Antonio
Published: January 2023

The employment of fixed hydrofoils on existing planing craft is becoming a widely investigated topic, thanks to the opportunity of reducing the total drag forces and the consumptions of main engines, with a positive impact also in terms of air pollutant emissions in the atmosphere. The design of fixed hydrofoils for planing craft is investigated after developing the wing hydrodynamic model, capable of capturing the main forces acting on the craft longitudinal plane. An iterative procedure is developed to solve the nonlinear equilibrium equations and detect the minimum thrust configuration of the fixed hydrofoils at the cruise speed. The new iterative procedure allows investigating the entire design space of fixed hydrofoils and detecting the best configuration for both new and existing craft, with a positive impact in terms of time effort amount and design efficiency. A simplified seakeeping model is also developed to evaluate the impact of fixed hydrofoils on the craft hydrodynamics in a seaway. The USV01 planing craft is assumed as reference for the case study. The wing optimization procedure is employed and the seakeeping analysis in the foil-borne mode is subsequently performed by a set of dedicated codes developed in Matlab. The obtained results are discussed and some suggestions for the reliable design of fixed hydrofoils are provided.
Intelligent Model for Dynamic Shear Modulus and Damping Ratio of Undisturbed Marine Clay Based on Back-Propagation Neural Network
Authors: Wu Qi , Wang Zifan , Qin You , Yang Wenbao
Published: January 2023

In this study, a series of resonant-column experiments were conducted on marine clays from Bohai Bay and Hangzhou Bay, China. The characteristics of the dynamic shear modulus (G) and damping ratio (D) of these marine clays were examined. It was found that G and D not only vary with shear strain (γ), but they also have a strong connection with soil depth (H) (reflected by the mean effective confining pressure (σm) in the laboratory test conditions). With increasing H (σm) and fixed γ, the value of G gradually increases; conversely, the value of D gradually decreases, and this is accompanied by the weakening of the decay or growth rate. An intelligent model based on a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) was developed for the calculation of these parameters. Compared with existing function models, the proposed intelligent model avoids the forward propagation of data errors and the need for human intervention regarding the fitting parameters. The model can accurately predict the G and D characteristics of marine clays at different H (σm) and the corresponding γ. The prediction accuracy is universal and does not strictly depend on the number of neurons in the hidden layer of the neural network.
Litter Content of Colombian Beaches and Mangrove Forests: Results from the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts
Authors: Bolívar-Anillo Hernando José , Asensio-Montesinos Francisco , Reyes Almeida Giovanna , Solano Llanos Nataly , Sánchez Moreno Hernando , Orozco-Sánchez Christian J. , Villate Daza Diego Andrés , Iglesias-Navas María Auxiliadora , Anfuso Giorgio
Published: January 2023

Litter abundance and typology were investigated at different beaches and mangrove forests at nine sites on the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Average litter abundance on the Caribbean Sea beaches (1.42 items/m2–12.21 g/m2) and in mangrove forests (1.29 items/m2–28.72 g/m2) were greater than that of the Pacific Ocean beaches (0 items/m2–0 g/m2) and mangrove forests (1.13 items/m2–79.41 g/m2). The most abundant litter material was plastic, which represented 93.61% of the total litter content. According to the Clean Coast Index, the sites analyzed in the Caribbean Sea were “Moderate” to “Extremely Dirty”, while those in the Pacific Ocean were “Clean” to “Moderate Dirty”. The Magdalena River is considered the main source of litter on the Caribbean Sea coast, while on the Pacific Ocean coast, litter is essentially associated with the mismanagement of solid wastes. This study constitutes a baseline on the litter content of beaches and mangrove forests, and is useful for establishing sound strategies for their protection, restoration and conservation.
Development of the W7-X Alkali Metal Beam Diagnostic Observation System for OP2
Authors: Nagy Domonkos , Zoletnik Sándor , Otte Matthias , Vécsei Miklós , Krychowiak Maciej , König Ralf , Dunai Dániel , Anda Gábor , Hegedűs Sándor , Csillag Barnabás , Katona Imre ,   W7-X Team
Published: January 2023

On a Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X), an alkali metal beam (AMB) diagnostic system was installed in order to measure the plasma edge electron density profiles and turbulence transport. A sodium beam was injected in the plasma, and the light emission was observed by an optical system. During the last operation phase, OP1.2b campaign trial spectral measurements were performed with a dedicated optical branch. The results showed the emergence of potential CX lines in the light spectra during sodium injection. The lines were identified as Carbon III, which were the dominant lines observed by other diagnostics at the edge plasma. Based on these results, an additional dedicated optical system was developed and installed in 2021 for the upcoming operational phase, OP2. The optics were designed for multiple purposes: spectral measurements for the AMB system and for a He/Ne gas jet. The system was designed to allow implementation of further diagnostics on this port later (e.g., coherence imaging system). The details of the implementation of the design requirements and the main challenges of the manufacturing process and installation are discussed in this paper.
Development of Advanced Nanomaterials for Multifunctional Devices: Insights into a Novel Concept of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Martinelli Chiara , Jacchetti Emanuela
Published: January 2023

The application of biocompatible nanomaterials to simultaneously detect and provide treatment of a disease is referred to as nanotheranostics [...]
Deciphering the Role of PIG1 and DHN-Melanin in Scedosporium apiospermum Conidia
Authors: Guegan Hélène , Poirier Wilfried , Ravenel Kevin , Dion Sarah , Delabarre Aymeric , Desvillechabrol Dimitri , Pinson Xavier , Sergent Odile , Gallais Isabelle , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Giraud Sandrine , Gastebois Amandine
Published: January 2023

Scedosporium apiospermum is a saprophytic filamentous fungus involved in human infections, of which the virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis are still poorly characterized. In particular, little is known about the specific role of dihydroxynaphtalene (DHN)-melanin, located on the external layer of the conidia cell wall. We previously identified a transcription factor, PIG1, which may be involved in DHN-melanin biosynthesis. To elucidate the role of PIG1 and DHN-melanin in S. apiospermum, a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated PIG1 deletion was carried out from two parental strains to evaluate its impact on melanin biosynthesis, conidia cell-wall assembly, and resistance to stress, including the ability to survive macrophage engulfment. ΔPIG1 mutants did not produce melanin and showed a disorganized and thinner cell wall, resulting in a lower survival rate when exposed to oxidizing conditions, or high temperature. The absence of melanin increased the exposure of antigenic patterns on the conidia surface. PIG1 regulates the melanization of S. apiospermum conidia, and is involved in the survival to environmental injuries and to the host immune response, that might participate in virulence. Moreover, a transcriptomic analysis was performed to explain the observed aberrant septate conidia morphology and found differentially expressed genes, underlining the pleiotropic function of PIG1.
Chemical Investigation of Endophytic Diaporthe unshiuensis YSP3 Reveals New Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Agents
Authors: Khan Babar , Li Yu , Wei Wei , Liu Guiyou , Xiao Cheng , He Bo , Zhang Chen , Rajput Nasir Ahmed , Ye Yonghao , Yan Wei
Published: January 2023

Chemical investigation of the plant-derived endophytic fungus Diaporthe unshiuensis YSP3 led to the isolation of four new compounds (1–4), including two new xanthones (phomopthane A and B, 1 and 2), one new alternariol methyl ether derivative (3) and one α-pyrone derivative (phomopyrone B, 4), together with eight known compounds (5–12). The structures of new compounds were interpreted on the basis of spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All new compounds were assessed for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential. Compound 1 showed cytotoxic activity against HeLa and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 5.92 µM and 7.50 µM, respectively, while compound 3 has an antibacterial effect on Bacillus subtilis (MIC value 16 μg/mL).
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Journal of Fungi in 2022
Authors:   Journal of Fungi Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Colonoscopy Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme in Southern Iraq: Challenges, Knowledge Gaps and Future Potential
Authors: Alrubaiy Laith , Al-Rubaye Ali , Alrudainy Wisam , Al-Hawaz Mazen H. , Mahmoud Raja A. , Saunders Brian P.
Published: January 2023

Data on current colorectal cancer screening practices in Iraq are limited. This study aimed to better understand the current colorectal cancer screening practice and perceived barriers. The project also aimed to use UK expertise to introduce Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) in Basra, Iraq. The study consisted of two parts: A pre-visit online survey of clinicians to test the project’s feasibility. A public survey was conducted to understand and gauge the general knowledge and perceived barriers to having colorectal cancer screening. The second phase included a short visit to Basra and the delivery of a multidisciplinary meeting for bowel screening colonoscopists. Fifty healthcare providers completed the survey. Basra has no established bowel cancer screening programme, let alone the country. Opportunistic colonoscopy surveillance is done on an ad hoc base. A total of 350 individuals completed the public survey. The survey showed that more than 50% of participants were not familiar with the concept of a BCSP and less than 25% were aware of “red flag” symptoms of bowel cancer. The short visit to Basra included a roundtable discussion and delivered a training workshop for screening colonoscopists using UK training materials in conjunction with the Iraqi Medical Association. Feedback from the course was extremely positive. Several potential barriers were identified to participate in BCSP. The study highlighted potential barriers, including a lack of public awareness and insufficient training resources to be addressed in future screening programmes. The study has identified several potential areas for future collaboration to support the development of a BCSP centre in Basra.
Housing Price and Interest Rate Hike: A Tale of Five Cities in Australia
Authors: Chong Fennee
Published: January 2023

Australian housing prices are reported to be overvalued and unaffordable for the past two decades. Many researchers and practitioners have attributed the persistent growth in housing prices to the prolonged period of low borrowing costs. However, due to inflationary pressure, the Central Bank has raised its cash rate consecutively in recent months. This paper aims to examine whether interest rate rises affect housing price in different parts of Australia. Evidence generated from the analysis reported bipolar results between the large and smaller cities, whereby housing prices in Sydney and Melbourne show a significant negative relationship with interest rate changes while Brisbane and the Gold Coast and Perth and Adelaide, respectively, are showing negative but insignificant results during the study period. Short-run trend projections on housing prices indicate that Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast are on a downward trend while Adelaide and Perth will maintain its current momentum before plateauing out later next year. Likewise, control variables, such as oil prices, inflation rate and stock market performance, are found to be related to housing prices in larger cities only. These findings have implications on housing policy, house purchase decisions and investment portfolio management strategy.
Vascular and Neural Response to Focal Vibration, Sensory Feedback, and Piezo Ion Channel Signaling
Authors: Penasso Harald , Petersen Frederike , Peternell Gerfried
Published: January 2023

Focal vibration therapy seeks to restore the physiological function of tissues and the nervous system. Recommendations for vibration settings, e.g., that could improve residual limb health and prosthesis acceptance in people with amputation, are pending. To establish a physiological connection between focal vibration settings, clinical outcomes, and molecular and neuronal mechanisms, we combined the literature on focal vibration therapy, vibrotactile feedback, mechanosensitive Piezo ion channels, touch, proprioception, neuromodulation, and the recovery of blood vessels and nerves. In summary, intermittent focal vibration increases endothelial shear stress when applied superficially to blood vessels and tissues and triggers Piezo1 signaling, supporting the repair and formation of blood vessels and nerves. Conversely, stimulating Piezo1 in peripheral axon growth cones could reduce the growth of painful neuromas. Vibrotactile feedback also creates sensory inputs to the motor cortex, predominantly through Piezo2-related channels, and modulates sensory signals in the dorsal horn and ascending arousal system. Thus, sensory feedback supports physiological recovery from maladaptations and can alleviate phantom pain and promote body awareness and physical activity. We recommend focal vibration of phantom limb maps with frequencies from ~60–120 Hz and amplitudes up to 1 mm to positively affect motor control, locomotion, pain, nerves, and blood vessels while avoiding adverse effects.
Refining the Rent Dissipation Model in Land Use: Application to Agricultural Insurance in China
Authors: Hu Chao , Adams Damian C. , Feng Huachao , Cheng Jing
Published: January 2023

Despite apparent efficiency concerns, the use of agricultural insurance as a policy tool has surged in rural China. Its use offers a natural experiment to assess both economic theory of property rights and agricultural policy effectiveness, and to revisit the rent dissipation model that was originally developed to explain the role of property rights in unsustainable fisheries harvest decisions. We focus on evidence of resource overpricing behavior in the context of subsidized agricultural insurance, including evidence of a theoretically-expected increasing rent pattern. Our results reinforce the importance of transactions costs as a driver of economic inefficiency and highlight the role of social costs as an important factor to explicitly consider when designing agricultural policy. In particular, when employing the formal policy mechanism of rural agricultural insurance, we suggest that informal risk-bearing arrangements can be leveraged to reduce social costs behind apparent overpricing behavior and increase land users’ welfare consistent with intended policy goals.
Policy Impacts of High-Standard Farmland Construction on Agricultural Sustainability: Total Factor Productivity-Based Analysis
Authors: Ye Feng , Wang Lang , Razzaq Amar , Tong Ting , Zhang Qing , Abbas Azhar
Published: January 2023

High-standard farmland construction is an important initiative in China that promotes sustainable agricultural development and ensures food security through land consolidation. This study measures the growth of agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP) in China, which is used to characterize the sustainable development of agriculture. Using provincial panel data from China and a continuous difference-in-difference (DID) model, the study examines the impact of high-standard farmland construction policy on ATFP growth. Results show that ATFP in China has an increasing trend with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The average enhancement effect of high-standard farmland construction policy on ATFP is 1.0%, which remains significant after various robustness tests. The positive effect of the policy on ATFP becomes apparent in the third year of implementation and shows a gradually increasing trend. The study also finds that the impact of high-standard farmland construction on ATFP is more pronounced in the central regions of China, the main grain-producing regions, and the regions with higher ATFP. High-standard farmland construction policy enhances ATFP by promoting agricultural technology change and technical efficiency. To promote the growth of ATFP and achieve sustainable agricultural development, China should continue to promote the construction of high-standard farmland and explore suitable construction models for different regions.
Ecosystem Mapping and Accounting in Italy Based on Copernicus and National Data through Integration of EAGLE and SEEA-EA Frameworks
Authors: De Fioravante Paolo , Strollo Andrea , Cavalli Alice , Cimini Angela , Smiraglia Daniela , Assennato Francesca , Munafò Michele
Published: January 2023

Developing appropriate tools to understand and protect ecosystems and the services they provide is of unprecedented importance. This work describes the activity performed by ISPRA for the mapping of the types of ecosystems and the evaluation of their related ecosystem services, to meet the needs of the “ecosystem extent account” and “ecosystem services physical account” activities envisaged by the SEEA-EA framework. A map of the types of ecosystems is proposed, obtained by integrating the main Copernicus data with the ISPRA National Land Consumption Map, according to the MAES (Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services) classification system. The crop production and carbon stock values for 2018 were then calculated and aggregated with respect to each ecosystem. The ecosystem accounting was based on the land cover map produced by ISPRA integrating, according to an EAGLE compliant classification system, the same Copernicus and National input data used for mapping the types of ecosystems. The analysis shows the importance of an integrated reading of the main monitoring tools and the advantages in terms of compatibility and comparability, with a view to enhancing the potential of Copernicus land monitoring instruments also in the context of ecosystem accounting activities.
Analysis of the Evolution of Land-Use Types in the Qilian Mountains from 1980 to 2020
Authors: Wang Miao , Yang Meixue
Published: January 2023

The Qilian Mountains (QMs), located in the northeast part of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau in China, have a fragile ecological environment, complex and sensitive climate, and diverse land-cover types. It plays an important role in the “Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Ecological Barrier” and “Northern Sand Control Belt” in China’s “two screens and three belts” ecological security strategy. Based on land use data of 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, we utilized GIS technology, land use dynamic degree, and land use transition matrixes to analyze the spatial and temporal evolution of land use in the QMs from 1980 to 2020. The results showed the following: (1) From 1980 to 2020, grassland, forest land, and unused land were the main land-use types in the QMs, and the proportion of construction land accounted for only 0.31% of all land-use types. (2) The single land use dynamic degree showed that the dynamic degree of construction land was the highest and the fastest change rate from 2010 to 2015. The comprehensive land use dynamic degree showed that the intensity of land-use change was relatively drastic in the three time periods of 1990–1995, 1995–2000, and 2015–2020. (3) The land-use types in the study area switched infrequently during 2000–2005, 2005–2010, and 2010–2015. (4) The main transition directions of land-use types were grassland and unused land to other land-use types. These changes altered the spatial distributions of different land-use types. The study is critical for understanding the spatial and temporal change patterns of land-use change in the QMs and providing guidance for the optimization of land use in the study area and the improvement of regional eco-environmental protection.
Study on Planning and Design of Blue-Green-Gray Transformation of Lakeside Cities to Deal with the Complex Urban Waterlogging Caused by Extreme Rainstorm
Authors: Jinjin Gu , Xiaoqian Lyu , Buyun Fang , Qiang Hui , Yuan Cao
Published: January 2023

Some lakeside cities may suffer from urban waterlogging owing to the backwater effect caused by the rise of lake water levels under a extreme rainfall scenario in the basin, but it is not suitable for large-scale gray drainage infrastructure upgrading in high-density lakeside urban built-up areas. This study, as per this, constructs the blue-green-gray infrastructure reconstruction planning and design mode to alleviate the waterlogging in the extreme rainstorm scenario of the lakeside city. Extending the Shiwuli River Basin in Hefei City, Anhui Province, China as an example, this study uses SWMM software to simulate the waterlogging situation in the study area under an extreme rainstorm under the urban planning scenario. According to the waterlogging situation, different hydrological scenarios (scenarios where the pipe network can and cannot discharge normally) are used to plan and design the blue-green-gray infrastructure reconstruction of the study area with both constructed land and non-constructed land. The research results show that just the planning and design of blue and green space can effectively reduce the degree of urban waterlogging, and with the cooperation of artificial pre-drainage, its own hydrological characteristics and geographical conditions can be used to prevent urban waterlogging caused by the backwater effects of a lake. In this study, the blue-green-gray transformation planning and design model of lakeside cities can deal with the complex urban waterlogging caused by extreme rainstorms, and the model could be extended to other cities along rivers or lakes with similar conditions.
Dietary Supplements with Proline—A Comprehensive Assessment of Their Quality
Authors: Stępień Krzysztof Adam , Krawczyk Weronika , Giebułtowicz Joanna
Published: January 2023

Dietary supplements are food products commonly used worldwide to obtain nutritional and physiological effects. They can contain a wide variety of active substances and can be administered for health and disease. Their use can be beneficial if justified, and their quality is adequate. Unfortunately, data on the quality of supplements is scarce. As part of this work, we assess the quality of seven dietary supplements containing proline. The preparations were produced in the EU and the USA. The quality assessment consisted of the detection of potential impurities, the determination of the content of the main ingredient, and the release of proline. The technique used to analyse impurities and proline (Pro) content was liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. We detected five contaminants. The main ingredient content was in the range of 73–121% in capsules and 103–156% in tablets. Five of the seven analysed dietary supplements released below 80% Pro (for each tablet/capsule at pH 1.2). One of the supplements may be inactive because a very low release of Pro was reported. The results, we hope, will increase consumer awareness of the quality of these preparations and result in a change in the regulations governing the marketing of these preparations, at least by making release testing mandatory.
“Sea Water” Supplemented with Calcium Phosphate and Magnesium Sulfate in a Long-Term Miller-Type Experiment Yields Sugars, Nucleic Acids Bases, Nucleosides, Lipids, Amino Acids, and Oligopeptides
Authors: Root-Bernstein Robert , Baker Andrew G. , Rhinesmith Tyler , Turke Miah , Huber Jack , Brown Adam W.
Published: January 2023

The standard approach to exploring prebiotic chemistry is to use a small number of highly purified reactants and to attempt to optimize the conditions required to produce a particular end product. However, purified reactants do not exist in nature. We have previously proposed that what drives prebiotic evolution are complex chemical ecologies. Therefore, we have begun to explore what happens if one substitutes “sea water”, with its complex mix of minerals and salts, for distilled water in the classic Miller experiment. We have also adapted the apparatus to permit it to be regassed at regular intervals so as to maintain a relatively constant supply of methane, hydrogen, and ammonia. The “sea water” used in the experiments was created from Mediterranean Sea salt with the addition of calcium phosphate and magnesium sulfate. Tests included several types of mass spectrometry, an ATP-monitoring device capable of measuring femtomoles of ATP, and a high-sensitivity cAMP enzyme-linked immunoadsorption assay. As expected, amino acids appeared within a few days of the start of the experiment and accumulated thereafter. Sugars, including glucose and ribose, followed as did long-chain fatty acids (up to C20). At three-to-five weeks after starting the experiment, ATP was repeatedly detected. Thus, we have shown that it is possible to produce a “one-pot synthesis” of most of the key chemical prerequisites for living systems within weeks by mimicking more closely the complexity of real-world chemical ecologies.
Gender Specificities of Cardiac Troponin Serum Levels: From Formation Mechanisms to the Diagnostic Role in Case of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Chaulin Aleksey Michailovich
Published: January 2023

Cardiac troponins T and I are the main (most sensitive and specific) laboratory indicators of myocardial cell damage. A combination of laboratory signs of myocardial cell damage (elevated levels of cardiac troponins T and I) with clinical (severe chest pain spreading to the left side of the human body) and functional (rise or depression of the ST segment, negative T wave or emergence of the Q wave according to electrocardiography and/or decrease in the contractility of myocardial areas exposed to ischemia according to echocardiography) signs of myocardial ischemia is indicative of the ischemic damage to cardiomyocytes, which is characteristic of the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Today, with early diagnostic algorithms for ACS, doctors rely on the threshold levels of cardiac troponins (99th percentile) and on the dynamic changes in the serum levels over several hours (one, two, or three) from the moment of admission to the emergency department. That said, some recently approved highly sensitive methods for determining troponins T and I show variations in 99th percentile reference levels, depending on gender. To date, there are conflicting data on the role of gender specificities in the serum levels of cardiac troponins T and I in the diagnostics of ACS, and the specific mechanisms for the formation of gender differences in the serum levels of cardiac troponins T and I are unknown. The purpose of this article is to analyze the role of gender specificities in cardiac troponins T and I in the diagnostics of ACS, and to suggest the most likely mechanisms for the formation of differences in the serum levels of cardiac troponins in men and women.
Conjugates of Chitosan with β-Cyclodextrins as Promising Carriers for the Delivery of Levofloxacin: Spectral and Microbiological Studies
Authors: Le-Deygen Irina M. , Skuredina Anna A. , Mamaeva Polina V. , Kolmogorov Ilya M. , Kudryashova Elena V.
Published: January 2023

In this work, we synthesized chitosan 5 kDa conjugates with β-cyclodextrins with various substituents as promising mucoadhesive carriers for the delivery of fluoroquinolones using the example of levofloxacin. The obtained conjugates were comprehensively characterized by spectral methods (UV-Vis, ATR-FTIR, 1H NMR, SEM). The physico-chemical properties of the complex formations were studied by IR, UV, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The dissociation constants of complexes with levofloxacin were determined. Complexation with conjugates provided four times slower drug release in comparison with plain CD and more than 20 times in comparison with the free drug. The antibacterial activity of the complexes was tested on model microorganisms Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633. The complex with the conjugate demonstrated the same initial levofloxacin antibacterial activity but provided significant benefits, e.g., prolonged release.