bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Non-Coding RNA ANRIL as a Potential Biomarker of Chemosensitivity and Clinical Outcomes in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Lee Adam M. , Ferdjallah Asmaa , Moore Elise , Kim Daniel C. , Nath Aritro , Greengard Emily , Huang R. Stephanie
Published: October 2021

Osteosarcoma has a poor prognosis due to chemo-resistance and/or metastases. Increasing evidence shows that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play an important role in drug sensitivity and cancer metastasis. Using osteosarcoma cell lines, we identified a positive correlation between the expression of a lncRNA and ANRIL, and resistance to two of the three standard-of-care agents for treating osteosarcoma—cisplatin and doxorubicin. To confirm the potential role of ANRIL in chemosensitivity, we independently inhibited and over-expressed ANRIL in osteosarcoma cell lines followed by treatment with either cisplatin or doxorubicin. Knocking-down ANRIL in SAOS2 resulted in a significant increase in cellular sensitivity to both cisplatin and doxorubicin, while the over-expression of ANRIL in both HOS and U2OS cells led to an increased resistance to both agents. To investigate the clinical significance of ANRIL in osteosarcoma, we assessed ANRIL expression in relation to clinical phenotypes using the osteosarcoma data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) dataset. Higher ANRIL expression was significantly associated with increased rates of metastases at diagnosis and death and was a significant predictor of reduced overall survival rate. Collectively, our results suggest that the lncRNA ANRIL can be a chemosensitivity and prognosis biomarker in osteosarcoma. Furthermore, reducing ANRIL expression may be a therapeutic strategy to overcome current standard-of-care treatment resistance.
Extracellular Environment-Controlled Angiogenesis, and Potential Application for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Saio Shingo , Konishi Kanna , Hohjoh Hirofumi , Tamura Yuki , Masutani Teruaki , Iddamalgoda Arunasiri , Ichihashi Masamitsu , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Mizutani Ken-ichi
Published: October 2021

Endothelial cells acquire different phenotypes to establish functional vascular networks. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling induces endothelial proliferation, migration, and survival to regulate vascular development, which leads to the construction of a vascular plexuses with a regular morphology. The spatiotemporal localization of angiogenic factors and the extracellular matrix play fundamental roles in ensuring the proper regulation of angiogenesis. This review article highlights how and what kinds of extracellular environmental molecules regulate angiogenesis. Close interactions between the vascular and neural systems involve shared molecular mechanisms to coordinate developmental and regenerative processes. This review article focuses on current knowledge about the roles of angiogenesis in peripheral nerve regeneration and the latest therapeutic strategies for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.
Experimental Evaluation of Food-Grade Semi-Refined Carrageenan Toxicity
Authors: Pogozhykh Denys , Posokhov Yevgen , Myasoedov Valeriy , Gubina-Vakulyck Galina , Chumachenko Tetyana , Knigavko Oleksandr , Polikarpova Hanna , Kalashnyk-Vakulenko Yuliia , Sharashydze Ketino , Nakonechna Oksana , Prokopyuk Volodymyr , Onishchenko Anatolii , Tkachenko Anton
Published: October 2021

The safety of food additives E407 and E407a has raised concerns in the scientific community. Thus, this study aims to assess the local and systemic toxic effects of the common food additive E407a in rats orally exposed to it for two weeks. Complex evaluations of the effects of semi-refined carrageenan (E407a) on rats upon oral exposure were performed. Local effects of E407a on the intestine were analyzed using routine histological stains and CD68 immunostaining. Furthermore, circulating levels of inflammatory markers were assessed. A fluorescent probe O1O (2- (2′-OH-phenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3-oxazole) was used for evaluating the state of leukocyte cell membranes. Cell death modes of leukocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V and 7-aminoactinomycin D staining. Oral administration of the common food additive E407a was found to be associated with altered small and large intestinal morphology, infiltration of the lamina propria in the small intestine with macrophages (CD68+ cells), high systemic levels of inflammation markers, and changes in the lipid order of the phospholipid bilayer in the cell membranes of leukocytes, alongside the activation of their apoptosis. Our findings suggest that oral exposure to E407a through rats results in the development of intestinal inflammation.
ATP Synthase and Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Patro Somya , Ratna Sujay , Yamamoto Hianny A. , Ebenezer Andrew T. , Ferguson Dillon S. , Kaur Amanpreet , McIntyre Brendan C. , Snow Ryan , Solesio Maria E.
Published: October 2021

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in our society, as the population ages, its incidence is expected to increase in the coming decades. The etiopathology of this disease still remains largely unclear, probably because of the highly complex and multifactorial nature of AD. However, the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction has been broadly described in AD neurons and other cellular populations within the brain, in a wide variety of models and organisms, including post-mortem humans. Mitochondria are complex organelles that play a crucial role in a wide range of cellular processes, including bioenergetics. In fact, in mammals, including humans, the main source of cellular ATP is the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), a process that occurs in the mitochondrial electron transfer chain (ETC). The last enzyme of the ETC, and therefore the ulterior generator of ATP, is the ATP synthase. Interestingly, in mammalian cells, the ATP synthase can also degrade ATP under certain conditions (ATPase), which further illustrates the crucial role of this enzyme in the regulation of cellular bioenergetics and metabolism. In this collaborative review, we aim to summarize the knowledge of the presence of dysregulated ATP synthase, and of other components of mammalian mitochondrial bioenergetics, as an early event in AD. This dysregulation can act as a trigger of the dysfunction of the organelle, which is a clear component in the etiopathology of AD. Consequently, the pharmacological modulation of the ATP synthase could be a potential strategy to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction in AD.
Transcriptomic and Coexpression Network Analyses Revealed Pine Chalcone Synthase Genes Associated with Pine Wood Nematode Infection
Authors: Chen Qiaoli , Zhang Ruizhi , Li Danlei , Wang Feng
Published: October 2021

Pine wood nematode (PWN) causes serious diseases in conifers, especially pine species. To investigate the transcriptomic profiles of genes involved in pine-PWN interactions, two different pine species, namely, Pinus thunbergii and P. massoniana, were selected for this study. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to determine the relationship between changes in gene expression and the PWN population after PWN infection. PWN infection negatively affects the expression of most genes in pine trees, including plant defense-related genes such as genes related to plant hormone signal transduction, plant-pathogen interactions, and the MAPK signaling pathway in plants. However, the expression of chalcone synthase genes and their related genes were proportional to the changes in nematode populations, and chalcone synthase genes were dominant within the coexpression module enriched by genes highly correlated with the nematode population. Many genes that were closely related to chalcone synthase genes in the module were related to flavonoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Pine trees could actively adjust their defense strategies in response to changes in the number of invasive PWNs, but the sustained expression of chalcone synthase genes should play an important role in the inhibition of PWN infection.
Age-Specific Normative Values of Lumbar Spine Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) in Taiwanese Men and Women
Authors: Chuang Tzyy-Ling , Chuang Mei-Hua , Wang Yuh-Feng , Koo Malcolm
Published: October 2021

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a novel method for assessing trabecular microarchitecture. Normative values of TBS are available for various populations of the world but are not yet available for Taiwanese adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate age-specific, normative TBS curves for Taiwanese men and women. Medical records of general health examinations from a regional hospital in Southern Taiwan were reviewed. Individuals aged 30–90 years with data on lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) were included. TBS was retrospectively calculated from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans using TBS iNsight software. Of the 12,028 patients included, 4533 (37.7%) were male and the mean age was 55.8 years. The mean TBS was 1.392 (standard deviation (SD) 0.089) for men and 1.344 (SD 0.107) for women. In women, TBS declined at a rate of 0.0004/year among those aged 30.0–45.9 years, 0.0106/year among those 46.0–60.7 years, and 0.0028/year among those 60.8–90.0 years. In men, TBS declined at a constant rate of 0.0023/year over the entire age range. In conclusion, age-adjusted, normative curves of TBS for Taiwanese men and women are presented, which could be used to facilitate the use of TBS in assessing bone status in clinical practice.
The Predominant Role of Arrestin3 in General GPCR Desensitization in Platelets
Authors: Chaudhary Preeti Kumari , Kim Sanggu , Kim Soochong
Published: October 2021

Arrestins in concert with GPCR kinases (GRKs) function in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) desensitization in various cells. Therefore, we characterized the functional differences of arrestin3 versus arrestin2 in the regulation of GPCR signaling and its desensitization in platelets using mice lacking arrestin3 and arrestin2. In contrast to arrestin2, platelet aggregation and dense granule secretion induced by 2-MeSADP, U46619, thrombin, and AYPGKF were significantly potentiated in arrestin3-deficient platelets compared to wild-type (WT) platelets, while non-GPCR agonist CRP-induced platelet aggregation and secretion were not affected. Surprisingly, in contrast to GRK6, platelet aggregation induced by the co-stimulation of serotonin and epinephrine was significantly potentiated in arrestin3-deficient platelets, suggesting the central role of arrestin3 in general GPCR desensitization in platelets. In addition, the second challenge of ADP and AYPGKF restored platelet aggregation in arrestin3-deficient platelets but failed to do so in WT and arrestin2-deficient platelets, confirming that arrestin3 contributes to GPCR desensitization. Furthermore, ADP- and AYPGKF-induced Akt and ERK phosphorylation were significantly increased in arrestin3-deficient platelets. Finally, we found that arrestin3 is critical for thrombus formation in vivo. In conclusion, arrestin3, not arrestin2, plays a central role in the regulation of platelet functional responses and thrombus formation through general GPCR desensitization in platelets.
Is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer with Cytology-Proven Axillary Metastasis Safe? A Prospective Single-Arm Study
Authors: Choi Hee Jun , Ryu Jai Min , Chae Byung Joo , Nam Seok Jin , Yu Jonghan , Lee Se Kyung , Lee Jeong Eon , Kim Seok Won
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pathologic lymph node metastasis in breast cancer with cytology-proven axillary metastasis. This study was designed prospectively. We performed axillary lymph node dissections (ALND) after lymphatic mapping by near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with Indocyanine Green (ICG). We evaluated 72 breast cancer patients with cytology-proven axillary metastasis by curative surgery at the Samsung Medical Center between May of 2016 and December of 2017. Among the 72 patients with cytology-proven axillary metastasis, 14 of 39 patients (35.9%) with one or two sentinel lymph nodes containing metastases were metastasized to post-sentinel lymph node. Thirteen of fourteen patients had additional non-sentinel lymph node metastases, seven of thirteen patients also had additional level II lymph node metastases, and one patient had only one additional level II lymph node metastasis. Of T1 or T2 stage patients, 10 of 33 patients (30.3%) with one or two sentinel lymph nodes containing metastases were metastasized to post-sentinel lymph node. Even in patients without SLN metastasis, 50% of the patients had at least three LN metastases, and 40% in the T1 or T2 stage patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy without ALND might be not safe for patients with cytology-proven axillary metastasis.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Managed by Interventional Radiology
Authors: Ierardi Anna Maria , Coppola Andrea , Tortora Silvia , Valconi Elena , Piacentino Filippo , Fontana Federico , Stellato Elvira , Cogliati Chiara Beatrice , Torzillo Daniela , Giampalma Emanuela , Renzulli Matteo , Bargellini Irene , Cioni Roberto , Scandiffio Rossella , Spinazzola Angelo , Foà Riccardo Alessandro , Del Giudice Costantino , Venturini Massimo , Carrafiello Gianpaolo
Published: October 2021

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the technical and clinical success of trans-arterial embolization (TAE) as a treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and to describe its safety; moreover, we describe the characteristics of these patients. Methods: Thirty-four COVID-19 hospitalized patients presented with GIB. Risk factors, drugs administered for COVID-19 infection, and clinical and biological parameters were evaluated. Furthermore, intraprocedural data and outcomes of embolization were analyzed. Results: GIB was more frequent in male. Overweight, hypertension, diabetes, previous cardiac disease, and anticoagulation preadmission (48.5%) were frequently found in our population. Previous or actual COVID Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and a high level of D-dimer were encountered in most cases. Upper GIB was more frequent than lower GIB. Technical and clinical success rates of embolization were 88.2% and 94.1%, respectively. The complication rate was 5.9%. Conclusions: Our study highlights the most frequent characteristics of COVID-19 patients with GIB. Embolization is feasible, effective, and safe.
Association between Metabolic Syndrome and the Number of Remaining Teeth in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Jeong-In , Choi Choong-Ho , Chung Ki-Ho
Published: October 2021

There are very few studies on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and oral health in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the association between MetS and its components and the number of remaining teeth in postmenopausal women in Korea. The study selected 3320 menopausal women (40–79 years old) from those who participated in the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (2016–2018). Multiple regression and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between MetS and its components and the number of remaining teeth. According to the multiple regression analysis, the regression coefficient (B) values were −1.62 (p < 0.05), −1.31 (p < 0.05), −1.60 (p < 0.05), and −2.28 (p < 0.05) in the hypertension group, hyperglycemia group, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol group, and MetS prevalence group, respectively. This indicates that the number of remaining teeth was lower in the MetS prevalence group as compared to the non-prevalence groups. As observed in the multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio of the number of remaining teeth (less than 20) was higher in the MetS prevalence group (1.82 (p < 0.05)) as compared to the non-prevalence groups (1.25 (p < 0.05) in the abdominal obesity group, 1.50 (p < 0.05) in the hypertension group, 1.36 (p <0.05) in the hyperglycemia group, and 1.72 (p < 0.05) in the low HDL cholesterol group). Therefore, our results indicate that abdominal obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and prevalence of MetS are associated with tooth loss in postmenopausal women.
Quality of Life of Physically Active and Inactive Women Who Are Older after Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence Using a Transobturator Tape (TOT)
Authors: Kołodyńska Gabriela , Zalewski Maciej , Fink-Lwow Felicja , Mucha Anna , Andrzejewski Waldemar
Published: October 2021

Urinary incontinence is a major health problem. According to various authors, it concerns 30–40% of the population and grows with age, affecting approximately 50% of women aged over 70. According to the recommendations of the International Continence Society, the treatment of urinary incontinence should commence with conservative treatment and, above all, with physiotherapy. If the conservative treatment fails or the level of urinary incontinence is too high, surgery is recommended. With regard to female patients examined at work, the TOT method was applied. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between regular physical activity and the quality of life of women aged 65–87 who underwent surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) using the TOT method. The study group involved 60 postmenopausal women, patients of the Department of Gynaecology of the Hospital of Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Wroclaw, with SUI diagnosed during ultrasonography. The female patients were surveyed before and 12 months after the surgery using standardised IPAQ and WHOQOL-BREF.FL questionnaires. Significant positive relationships between quality of life and physical activity before and 12 months after the surgery were demonstrated in the somatic and social domains. Physically active postmenopausal women presented higher values in all domains and total quality of life according to the WHOQOL-BREF compared with physically inactive women, both before and 12 months after the procedure using the TOT method.
Cancer Patients at Risk for Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. A Case and Control Study Analyzing Predictors of MRONJ Onset
Authors: Marcianò Antonia , Ingrasciotta Ylenia , Isgrò Valentina , L’Abbate Luca , Foti Saveria Serena , Picone Antonio , Peditto Matteo , Guzzo Gian Marco , Alibrandi Angela , Oteri Giacomo
Published: October 2021

The goal of this investigation was to identify potential risk factors to predict the onset of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Through the identification of the multiple variables positively associated to MRONJ, we aim to write a paradigm for integrated MRONJ risk assessment built on the combined analysis of systemic and local risk factors. The characteristics of a cohort of cancer patients treated with zoledronic acid and/or denosumab were investigated; beyond the set of proven risk factors a new potential one, the intake of new molecules for cancer therapy, was addressed. Registered data were included in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis in order to individuate significant independent predictors of MRONJ; a propensity score-matching method was performed adjusting by age and sex. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant effect of the parameters number of doses of zoledronic acid and/or denosumab (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01–1.05; p = 0.008) and chemotherapy (OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.17–0.71; p = 0.008). The multiple logistic regression model showed that breast, multiple myeloma, and prostate cancer involved a significantly higher risk compared to lung cancer; a significant effect of the combined variables number of doses of zoledronic acid and/or denosumab (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01–1.06); p-value = 0.03) and exposure to novel molecule treatment (OR = 34.74; 95% CI = 1.39–868.11; p-value = 0.03) was observed. The results suggest that a risk assessment paradigm is needed for personalized prevention strategies in the light of patient-centered care.
Identification of Shipyard Priorities in a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Environment through a Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework: A Real Case Study for a Turkish Shipyard
Authors: Vakili Seyed Vahid , Ölçer Aykut I. , Schönborn Alessandro
Published: October 2021

Ship building, as an energy-intensive sector, produces significant amounts of air emissions, including greenhouse gases. Most research in greenhouse gas reductions from shipping concentrates on the reduction in emissions during the operational phase. However, as emissions during ship operation are reduced, the construction and dismantling phases of ships are becoming increasingly important in the assessment of the life-cycle impact of ships. In this study, priorities for a Turkish shipyard to become energy efficient were identified by means of a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview. This was undertaken using Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methods, including the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution, which are part of a proposed systematic and transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework and System. By applying Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methods, this framework supports the shipyard’s decision makers to make rational and optimized decisions regarding energy sectors within their activities. Applying the framework has significant potential to help achieve good product quality while reducing costs and environmental impacts, and can thereby enhance the sustainability of shipping. Moreover, the framework can boost both business and socio-economic perspectives for the shipyard, and improve its reputation and competitiveness, in alignment with achieving the Nationally Determined Contributions of States under the Paris Agreement.
The COVID-19 Shock: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Younes Oussama Abi , Altug Sumru
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus crisis that started in December 2019 was declared a pandemic by March 2020 and had devastating global consequences. The spread of the virus led to the implementation of different preventive measures prior to the availability of effective vaccines. While many governments implemented lockdowns to counter the pandemic, others did not let the virus halt economic activity. In this paper, we use a Bayesian Vector Autoregressive framework to study the effects of the pandemic on prices, unemployment rates, and interest rates in nine countries that took distinctive approaches in tackling the pandemic, where we introduce lockdowns as shocks to unemployment. Based on impulse response functions, we find that in most countries the unemployment rate rose, interest rates fell or turned negative, and prices fell initially following the implementation of the lockdown measures. However, the massive fiscal and monetary stimulus packages to counteract the effects of the pandemic reversed some of the effects on the variables, suggesting that models with explicit recognition of such effects should be developed.
Recognition Changes of the Concept of Urban Resilience: Moderating Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Han Soyoung , Sim Jisoo , Kwon Yoonku
Published: October 2021

Urban resilience, which has emerged as an important concept in cities since sustainability became a 21st-century urban paradigm, reflects the needs of the times to change and bring about a shift in existing national landscape architecture and social policies. To explore the characteristics of recognition of college students majoring in landscape architecture towards the concept of urban resilience before and after the beginning of COVID-19, this study aims to answer three research questions: to analyzes recognitions of landscape architecture majoring students on urban resilience (research question 1); to compare the differences that emerge from before and after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (research question 2); and to explore latent classes according to the education pattern (research question 3). The results of this study are as follows: First, before the beginning of COVID-19, four latent classes were drawn up in relation to awareness of the concept of urban resilience, while three latent classes were examined after the start of the pandemic. Before the beginning of COVID-19, students of landscape architecture accepted the concept of urban resilience as a physical and environmental approach to overcome risk factors by creating landscape architecture and infrastructure or applying the concept of resilience in urban development and redevelopment. However, after the beginning of COVID-19, they mostly have been recognized urban resilience as a concept related to technological ability. Thirdly, the grades and educational experiences of the students were found to have a significant effect on the probability of their belonging to a specific latent class.
Efficient Isolation of Bacterial RNAs Using Silica-Based Materials Modified with Ionic Liquids
Authors: Pereira Patrícia , Pedro Augusto Q. , Neves Márcia C. , Martins João C. , Rodrigues Inês , Freire Mara G. , Sousa Fani
Published: October 2021

High quality nucleic acids (with high integrity, purity, and biological activity) have become indispensable products of modern society, both in molecular diagnosis and to be used as biopharmaceuticals. As the current methods available for the extraction and purification of nucleic acids are laborious, time-consuming, and usually rely on the use of hazardous chemicals, there is an unmet need towards the development of more sustainable and cost-effective technologies for nucleic acids purification. Accordingly, this study addresses the preparation and evaluation of silica-based materials chemically modified with chloride-based ionic liquids (supported ionic liquids, SILs) as potential materials to effectively isolate RNAs. The investigated chloride-based SILs comprise the following cations: 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium, triethylpropylammonium, dimethylbutylpropylammonium, and trioctylpropylammonium. All SILs were synthesized by us and characterized by solid-state 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis, and zeta potential measurements, confirming the successful covalent attachment of each IL cation with no relevant changes in the morphology of materials. Their innovative application as chromatographic supports for the isolation of recombinant RNA was then evaluated. Adsorption kinetics of transfer RNA (tRNA) on the modified silica-based materials were investigated at 25 °C. Irrespective to the immobilized IL, the adsorption experimental data are better described by a pseudo first-order model, and maximum tRNA binding capacities of circa 16 µmol of tRNA/g of material were achieved with silica modified with 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium chloride and dimethylbutylpropylammonium chloride. Furthermore, the multimodal character displayed by SILs was explored towards the purification of tRNA from Escherichia coli lysates, which in addition to tRNA contain ribosomal RNA and genomic DNA. The best performance on the tRNA isolation was achieved with SILs comprising 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium chloride and dimethylbutylpropylammonium chloride. Overall, the IL modified silica-based materials represent a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective technology for the purification of bacterial RNAs, paving the way for their use in the purification of distinct biomolecules or nucleic acids from other sources.
Cryptic Diversity of Isaria-like Species in Guizhou, China
Authors: Chen Wanhao , Liang Jiandong , Ren Xiuxiu , Zhao Jiehong , Han Yanfeng , Liang Zongqi
Published: October 2021

Many Isaria-like species have recently been moved into more appropriate genera. However, more robust molecular phylogenetic analyses are still required for Isaria-like fungi to ensure accurate taxonomic identification. We analyzed these Isaria-like strains using multi-gene phylogenetics. Cryptic diversity was discovered in several Isaria farinosa strains, and two new species, Samsoniella pseudogunnii and S. pupicola, are proposed. Our results reveal that more attention needs to be paid to cryptic intraspecific diversity across different isolates and genotypes of the Isaria-like species, some of which will need to be transferred to Samsoniella. Interestingly, S. hepiali, with a very broad host distribution, has been widely used as a medicinal and edible cordycipitoid fungus.
Effect of Thermal Properties of Aggregates on the Mechanical Properties of High Strength Concrete under Loading and High Temperature Conditions
Authors: Lee Taegyu , Jeong Keesin , Choi Hyeonggil
Published: October 2021

The effect of the thermal properties of aggregates on the mechanical properties of high-strength concrete was evaluated under loading and high-temperature conditions. For the concrete, granite was selected as a natural aggregate, and ash-clay and clay as lightweight aggregates. The mechanical properties of the concrete (stress–strain, compressive strength, elastic modulus, thermal strain, and transient creep) were evaluated experimentally under uniform heating from 20 to 700 °C while maintaining the load at 0, 20, and 40% of the compressive strength at room temperature. Experimental results showed that the concrete containing lightweight aggregates had better mechanical properties, such as compressive strength and elastic modulus, than that of the concrete with a granite aggregate at high temperature. In particular, the concrete containing lightweight aggregates exhibited high compressive strength (60–80% of that at room temperature) even at 700 °C. Moreover, the concrete containing granite exhibited a higher thermal strain than that containing lightweight aggregates. The influence of the binding force under loaded conditions, however, was found to be larger for the latter type. The transient creep caused by the loading was constant regardless of the aggregate type below 500 °C but increased more rapidly when the coefficient of the thermal expansion of the aggregate was above 500 °C.
A Review of Carbon Footprint Reduction in Construction Industry, from Design to Operation
Authors: Sizirici Banu , Fseha Yohanna , Cho Chung-Suk , Yildiz Ibrahim , Byon Young-Ji
Published: October 2021

Construction is among the leading industries/activities contributing the largest carbon footprint. This review paper aims to promote awareness of the sources of carbon footprint in the construction industry, from design to operation and management during manufacturing, transportation, construction, operations, maintenance and management, and end-of-life deconstruction phases. In addition, it summarizes the latest studies on carbon footprint reduction strategies in different phases of construction by the use of alternative additives in building materials, improvements in design, recycling construction waste, promoting the utility of alternative water resources, and increasing efficiencies of water technologies and other building systems. It was reported that the application of alternative additives/materials or techniques/systems can reduce up to 90% of CO2 emissions at different stages in the construction and building operations. Therefore, this review can be beneficial at the stage of conceptualization, design, and construction to assist clients and stakeholders in selecting materials and systems; consequently, it promotes consciousness of the environmental impacts of fabrication, transportation, and operation.
Refining of Precious Metal Bearing Materials from Secondary Sources-Methanesulfonic Acid Leaching of Raw Silver Granules as a Promising Approach towards a Green Way of Silver Refining
Authors: Hopf Johannes , Weigelt Aaron , Bombach Hartmut , Stelter Michael , Charitos Alexandros
Published: October 2021

The state-of-the-art technology of raw silver refining in a silver nitrate-based electrorefining process (Moebius-electrolysis) is accompanied by several disadvantages, both from a technological and from an ecological point of view. In addition, increasing concentrations of critical impurities from secondary sources, like palladium, in raw silver are a further challenge for the future of silver refining. Thus, there is strong motivation for the development of an adequate, alternative process of raw silver refining to substitute the existing Moebius-electrolysis. Due to its less environmentally toxic character and the high aqueous solubility of its silver salt, methanesulfonic acid (MSA) is a possible base chemical for the design of an efficient refining method based on leaching of raw silver followed by electrowinning, with less ecological and technological complications. In this paper the results of some fundamental investigations on the leaching of raw silver granules, containing approx. 94% silver, with methanesulfonic acid and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidation agent are presented. Agitation leaching experiments were conducted on a laboratory scale and the effects of the solid concentration, the hydrogen peroxide dosage and the temperature as leaching parameters were studied. The obtained results indicate that silver leaching yields of more than 90% are achievable with leaching at elevated temperatures of 65 °C or 80 °C, solid concentrations of 500 g/L and at a stoichiometric H2O2:Ag-ratio of 3:1. Increased solid concentrations greater than 500 g/L and elevated temperatures of 65 °C or 80 °C additionally improved the selectivity of the process regarding the leaching of Pd.
The Precipitation of Niobium Carbide and Its Influence on the Structure of HT250 for Automobile Wheel Hubs
Authors: Zhou Zhu-Hua , Song Sheng-Qiang , Cromarty Robert , Chen Yi-Liang , Xue Zheng-Liang
Published: October 2021

Improving the strength of grey cast iron wheel hubs will improve the safety of automobiles and have a great significance for energy saving and environmental protection. This paper systematically compares the calculation results of Python-based precipitation calculation and JmatPro software simulation with experiments. The results show that with a low mass fraction of niobium (0.098%) cuboid Niobium Carbide (NbC) precipitates do not form in the liquid phase; however, an elongated NbC niobium-rich phase may form during the solidification process and in the solid phase. However, cuboid NbC precipitates can be precipitated from the liquid phase when the niobium mass fraction is higher (0.27%, 0.46%). These results indicate that with the increasing niobium content the amount, particle size, and initial precipitation temperature of niobium carbide precipitated in the matrix structure will increase. According to the observation and statistical analysis of the microstructure, it is found that tensile strength will be improved with an increase in niobium content due to the refinement of the graphite and pearlite interlamellar spacing. In this paper, adding less than 0.32% of Nb to grey cast iron is recommended, considering the comprehensive cost and the effect of niobium in the material structure.
Synthetic Material for Bone, Periodontal, and Dental Tissue Regeneration: Where Are We Now, and Where Are We Heading Next?
Authors: Cheah Chia Wei , Al-Namnam Nisreen Mohammed , Lau May Nak , Lim Ghee Seong , Raman Renukanth , Fairbairn Peter , Ngeow Wei Cheong
Published: October 2021

Alloplasts are synthetic, inorganic, biocompatible bone substitutes that function as defect fillers to repair skeletal defects. The acceptance of these substitutes by host tissues is determined by the pore diameter and the porosity and inter-connectivity. This narrative review appraises recent developments, characterization, and biological performance of different synthetic materials for bone, periodontal, and dental tissue regeneration. They include calcium phosphate cements and their variants β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ceramics and biphasic calcium phosphates (hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-TCP ceramics), calcium sulfate, bioactive glasses and polymer-based bone substitutes which include variants of polycaprolactone. In summary, the search for synthetic bone substitutes remains elusive with calcium compounds providing the best synthetic substitute. The combination of calcium sulphate and β-TCP provides improved handling of the materials, dispensing with the need for a traditional membrane in guided bone regeneration. Evidence is supportive of improved angiogenesis at the recipient sites. One such product, (EthOss® Regeneration, Silesden, UK) has won numerous awards internationally as a commercial success. Bioglasses and polymers, which have been used as medical devices, are still in the experimental stage for dental application. Polycaprolactone-TCP, one of the products in this category is currently undergoing further randomized clinical trials as a 3D socket preservation filler. These aforementioned products may have vast potential for substituting human/animal-based bone grafts.
Ground State Properties of the Wide Band Gap Semiconductor Beryllium Sulfide (BeS)
Authors: Ayirizia Blaise A. , Brumfield Janee’ S. , Malozovsky Yuriy , Bagayoko Diola
Published: October 2021

We report the results from self-consistent calculations of electronic, transport, and bulk properties of beryllium sulfide (BeS) in the zinc-blende phase, and employed an ab-initio local density approximation (LDA) potential and the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO). We obtained the ground state properties of zb-BeS with the Bagayoko, Zhao, and Williams (BZW) computational method, as enhanced by Ekuma and Franklin (BZW-EF). Our findings include the electronic energy bands, the total (DOS) and partial (pDOS) densities of states, electron and hole effective masses, the equilibrium lattice constant, and the bulk modulus. The calculated band structure clearly shows that zb-BeS has an indirect energy band gap of 5.436 eV, from Γ to a point between Γ and X, for an experimental lattice constant of 4.863 Å. This is in excellent agreement with the experiment, unlike the findings of more than 15 previous density functional theory (DFT) calculations that did not perform the generalized minimization of the energy functional, required by the second DFT theorem, which is inherent to the implementation of our BZW-EF method.
Advances in Sintering Techniques for Calcium Phosphates Ceramics
Authors: Indurkar Abhishek , Choudhary Rajan , Rubenis Kristaps , Locs Janis
Published: October 2021

Calcium phosphate (CaP) biomaterials are extensively used to reconstruct bone defects. They resemble a chemical similarity to the inorganic mineral present in bones. Thus, they are termed as the key players in bone regeneration. Sintering is a heat treatment process applied to CaP powder compact or fabricated porous material to impart strength and integrity. Conventional sintering is the simplest sintering technique, but the processing of CaPs at a high temperature for a long time usually leads to the formation of secondary phases due to their thermal instability. Furthermore, it results in excessive grain growth that obstructs the densification process, limiting the application of CaP’s ceramics in bone regeneration. This review focuses on advanced sintering techniques used for the densification of CaPs. These techniques utilize the synergy of temperature with one or more parameters such as external pressure, electromagnetic radiation, electric current, or the incorporation of transient liquid that boosts the mass transfer while lowering the sintering temperature and time.
Development of Water Retentive and Thermal Resistant Cement Concrete and Cooling Effects Evaluation
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Hu Xinyu , Ji Xiaoping , Chen Bo , Chen Hongqing
Published: October 2021

The high pavement temperature plays an important role in the development of urban heat island (UHI) in summer. The objective of this study was to develop water retentive and thermal resistant cement concrete (WTCC) to enhance the pavement cooling effects. The WTCC was prepared by combining a water retentive material and a high aluminum refractory aggregate (RA) with porous cement concrete (PCC). Water retention capacity test, fluidity test, and compressive strength test were used to determine the composition ratio of the water retentive material. Mechanical performance and cooling effects of WTCC were evaluated by compressive and flexural strength tests and temperature monitoring test. The mass ratios of fly ash, silica fume, cement, and water in the water retentive material were determined as 65:35:15:63.9. The compressive strength and the flexural strength of WTCC after 28 days curing were 30.4 MPa and 4.6 MPa, respectively. Compared with stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixture, PCC, and water retentive cement concrete (WCC), surface temperature of WTCC decreased by 11.4 °C, 5.5 °C, and 4.1 °C, respectively, and the internal temperatures of WTCC decreased by 10.3 °C, 6.1 °C, and 4.6 °C, respectively. The water retentive material has benefits of strength improvements and temperature reduction for WTCC. Based on the results, WTCC proved to have superior cooling effects and the potential to efficiently mitigate the UHI effects and be used in medium traffic roads.
Production, Characterization and Application of Oxide Nanotubes on Ti–6Al–7Nb Alloy as a Potential Drug Carrier
Authors: Łosiewicz Bożena , Stróż Agnieszka , Osak Patrycja , Maszybrocka Joanna , Gerle Anna , Dudek Karolina , Balin Katarzyna , Łukowiec Dariusz , Gawlikowski Maciej , Bogunia Sylwia
Published: October 2021

This work concerns the development of a method of functionalization of the surface of the biomedical Ti–6Al–7Nb alloy by producing oxide nanotubes (ONTs) with drug-eluting properties. Shaping of the morphology, microstructure, and thickness of the oxide layer was carried out by anodization in an aqueous solution of 1 M ethylene glycol with the addition of 0.2 M NH4F in the voltage range 5–100 V for 15–60 min at room temperature. The characterization of the physicochemical properties of the obtained ONTs was performed using SEM, XPS, and EDAX methods. ONTs have been shown to be composed mainly of TiO2, Al2O3, and Nb2O5. Single-walled ONTs with the largest specific surface area of 600 cm2 cm−2 can be obtained by anodization at 50 V for 60 min. The mechanism of ONT formation on the Ti–6Al–7Nb alloy was studied in detail. Gentamicin sulfate loaded into ONTs was studied using FTIR, TG, DTA, and DTG methods. Drug release kinetics was determined by UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The obtained ONTs can be proposed for use in modern implantology as carriers for drugs delivered locally in inflammatory conditions.
High-Fluidization, Early Strength Cement Grouting Material Enhanced by Nano-SiO2: Formula and Mechanisms
Authors: Ren Jiaolong , Zhao Zedong , Xu Yinshan , Wang Siyuan , Chen Haiwei , Huang Jiandong , Xue Boxin , Wang Jian , Chen Jingchun , Yang Chengxu
Published: October 2021

Cement grouting material is one of the most important materials in civil construction at present, for seepage prevention, rapid repair, and reinforcement. To achieve the ever-increasing functional requirements of civil infrastructures, cement grouting materials must have the specific performance of high fluidization, early strength, and low shrinkage. In recent years, nanomaterials have been widely used to improve the engineering performance of cement grouting materials. However, the mechanisms of nanomaterials in grouting materials are not clear. Hence, a high-fluidization, early strength cement grouting material, enhanced by nano-SiO2, is developed via the orthogonal experimental method in this study. The mechanisms of nano-SiO2 on the microstructure and hydration products of the HCGA, in the case of different curing ages and nano-SiO2 contents, are analyzed through scanning electron microscopy tests, X-ray diffraction tests, differential scanning calorimetry tests, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tests.
Structural Integrity Assessment of Composites Plates with Embedded PZT Transducers for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Feng Tianyi , Aliabadi M.H. Ferri
Published: October 2021

Active sensing using ultrasonic guided waves (UGW) is widely investigated for monitoring possible damages in composite structures. Recently, a novel diagnosed film based on a circuit-printed technique with piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducers has been developed. The diagnostic film is a replacement for the traditional cable connection to PZT sensors and has been shown to significantly reduce the weight of the host structure. In this work, the diagnosed films were embedded into composite structures during manufacturing using a novel edge cut-out method during lay-up, which allowed for edge trimming after curing. In this paper, the effect of fatigue loading on the integrity of PZT transducers is initially investigated. The electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) properties at different fatigue loading cycles were used as the diagnostic measure for the performance of the sensors. At the same time, the behaviours of UGW were investigated at different fatigue loading cycles. It was found that the EMI properties and active sensing behaviours remained stable up to 1 million cycles for the force ranges of 0.5~5 kN and 1~10 kN. Next, the effect of embedding the diagnosed film on the mechanical properties of the host composite structure was investigated. Tensile and compressive tests were conducted and the elastic modulus of composite coupons with and without embedded PZT diagnosed films were compared. The elastic modulus of composite coupons with PZT diagnosed films embedded across the entire coupon reduced by as much as 20% for tensile tests and just over 10% for compressive tests compared to the coupons without embedded sensors. These reductions are considered the worst-case scenario, as in real structures the film would only be embedded in a relatively small area of the structure.
Antimicrobial and Anticorrosion Activity of a Novel Composite Biocide against Mixed Bacterial Strains in Taiwanese Marine Environments
Authors: Chang Soul-Yi , Huang Shih-Yen , Chu Yu-Ren , Jian Shun-Yi , Lo Kai-Yin , Lee Yueh-Lien
Published: October 2021

Taiwan is an island with a humid subtropical climate. The relatively warm seawater results in biofouling of the surfaces of marine facilities. Biocide application is a common practice for combating and eliminating adhesive fouling. However, a single type of biocide may have limited antimicrobial effects due to the relatively high microbial diversity in marine environments. Therefore, applying a mixture of various biocides may be necessary. In this study, the antimicrobial and anticorrosion properties of a newly designed composite biocide, namely a combination of thymol and benzyldimethyldodecylammonium chloride, were investigated by applying the biocide to 304 stainless steel substrates immersed in inocula containing bacterial strains from Tamsui and Zuoying harbors. The ability of 3TB and 5TB treatments to prevent sessile cells and biofilm formation on the 304 stainless steel coupon surface was determined through scanning electron microscopy investigation. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that the 5TB treatment achieved a greater bactericidal effect in both the Tamsui and Zuoying inocula. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the diameter of the Nyquist semicircle was almost completely unaffected by Tamsui or Zuoying under the 5TB treatment. Through these assessments of antimicrobial activity and corrosion resistance, 5TB treatment was demonstrated to have superior bactericidal activity against mixed strains in both southern and northern Taiwanese marine environments.