bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced self-renewal of human pluripotent stem cells by simulated microgravity
Authors: Timilsina S. , Kirsch-Mangu T. , Werth S. , Shepard B. , Ma T. , Villa-Diaz L. G.
Published: July 2022

A systematic study on the biological effects of simulated microgravity (sµg) on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) is still lacking. Here, we used a fast-rotating 2-D clinostat to investigate the sµg effect on proliferation, self-renewal, and cell cycle regulation of hPSCs. We observed significant upregulation of protein translation of pluripotent transcription factors in hPSC cultured in sµg compared to cells cultured in 1g conditions. In addition to a significant increase in expression of telomere elongation genes. Differentiation experiments showed that hPSC cultured in sµg condition were less susceptible to differentiation compared to cells in 1g conditions. These results suggest that sµg enhances hPSC self-renewal. Our study revealed that sµg enhanced the cell proliferation of hPSCs by regulating the expression of cell cycle-associated kinases. RNA-seq analysis indicated that in sµg condition the expression of differentiation and development pathways are downregulated, while multiple components of the ubiquitin proteasome system are upregulated, contributing to an enhanced self-renewal of hPSCs. These effects of sµg were not replicated in human fibroblasts. Taken together, our results highlight pathways and mechanisms in hPSCs vulnerable to microgravity that imposes significant impacts on human health and performance, physiology, and cellular and molecular processes.
Adaptive coding for DNA storage with high storage density and low coverage
Authors: Cao Ben , Zhang Xiaokang , Cui Shuang , Zhang Qiang
Published: July 2022

The rapid development of information technology has generated substantial data, which urgently requires new storage media and storage methods. DNA, as a storage medium with high density, high durability, and ultra-long storage time characteristics, is promising as a potential solution. However, DNA storage is still in its infancy and suffers from low space utilization of DNA strands, high read coverage, and poor coding coupling. Therefore, in this work, an adaptive coding DNA storage system is proposed to use different coding schemes for different coding region locations, and the method of adaptively generating coding constraint thresholds is used to optimize at the system level to ensure the efficient operation of each link. Images, videos, and PDF files of size 698 KB were stored in DNA using adaptive coding algorithms. The data were sequenced and losslessly decoded into raw data. Compared with previous work, the DNA storage system implemented by adaptive coding proposed in this paper has high storage density and low read coverage, which promotes the development of carbon-based storage systems.
Drinking water consumption and association between actual and perceived risks of endocrine disrupting compounds
Authors: Wee Sze Yee , Aris Ahmad Zaharin , Yusoff Fatimah Md. , Praveena Sarva Mangala , Harun Rosta
Published: July 2022

Drinking water contains emerging contaminants, i.e., endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). However, the extent to which it is publicly viewed as a potential risk that requires attention (public awareness, political obligation, and regulatory efforts) is substantially underrated. Thus, this study investigated drinking water consumption patterns among consumers of different life stages, evaluated household practices using tap water as daily drinking water, and examined the actual risk as well as consumers’ perception of tap water quality for drinking with the potential EDCs contamination. Collectively, the present study is of great concern for regional database profiling and supporting human health risk assessment in regulating contamination and exposure of EDCs. It also provides an empirical and theoretical contribution to current public risk perception of EDCs in tap water, and promoted the formulation of risk communication and governance strategies for the development of risk behaviors in adopting public participation in the drinking water supply system monitoring and management framework.
Z-DNA is remodelled by ZBTB43 in prospermatogonia to safeguard the germline genome and epigenome
Authors: Meng Yingying , Wang Guliang , He Hongjuan , Lau Kin H. , Hurt Allison , Bixler Brianna J. , Parham Andrea , Jin Seung-Gi , Xu Xingzhi , Vasquez Karen M. , Pfeifer Gerd P. , Szabó Piroska E.
Published: July 2022

Mutagenic purine–pyrimidine repeats can adopt the left-handed Z-DNA conformation. DNA breaks at potential Z-DNA sites can lead to somatic mutations in cancer or to germline mutations that are transmitted to the next generation. It is not known whether any mechanism exists in the germ line to control Z-DNA structure and DNA breaks at purine–pyrimidine repeats. Here we provide genetic, epigenomic and biochemical evidence for the existence of a biological process that erases Z-DNA specifically in germ cells of the mouse male foetus. We show that a previously uncharacterized zinc finger protein, ZBTB43, binds to and removes Z-DNA, preventing the formation of DNA double-strand breaks. By removing Z-DNA, ZBTB43 also promotes de novo DNA methylation at CG-containing purine–pyrimidine repeats in prospermatogonia. Therefore, the genomic and epigenomic integrity of the species is safeguarded by remodelling DNA structure in the mammalian germ line during a critical window of germline epigenome reprogramming.
Widespread shift from ecosystem energy to water limitation with climate change
Authors: Denissen Jasper M. C. , Teuling Adriaan J. , Pitman Andy J. , Koirala Sujan , Migliavacca Mirco , Li Wantong , Reichstein Markus , Winkler Alexander J. , Zhan Chunhui , Orth Rene
Published: July 2022

Terrestrial ecosystems are essential for food and water security and CO2 uptake. Ecosystem function is dependent on the availability of soil moisture, yet it is unclear how climate change will alter soil moisture limitation on vegetation. Here we use an ecosystem index that distinguishes energy and water limitations in Earth system model simulations to show a widespread regime shift from energy to water limitation between 1980 and 2100. This shift is found in both space and time. While this is mainly related to a reduction in energy-limited regions associated with increasing incoming shortwave radiation, the largest shift towards water limitation is found in regions where incoming shortwave radiation increases are accompanied by soil moisture decreases. We therefore demonstrate a widespread regime shift in ecosystem function that is stronger than implied by individual trends in incoming shortwave radiation, soil moisture and terrestrial evaporation, with important implications for future ecosystem services.
Comprehensive analysis of autophagy related long non-coding RNAs in prognosis, immunity, and treatment of muscular invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Tan Wei , Yuan Ye , Huang Hao , Ma Junhao , Li Yadong , Gou Yuanqing , Wu Hao , Hu Zili
Published: July 2022

To predict disease outcome in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), we constructed a prognostic autophagy-related (PAR) lncRNA signature. Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were performed using data from TCGA and GTEx databases. Univariate Cox, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were also performed, based on differentially expressed genes, to identify PAR-related lncRNAs to establish the signature. Furthermore, the Kaplan–Meier OS curve and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed and a nomogram was constructed, all of which together confirmed the strong predictive ability of the constructed signature. Patients with MIBC were then divided into high- and low-risk groups. Gene enrichment and immune infiltration analyses revealed the potential mechanisms in MIBC. We also further evaluated the signature of molecules related to immune checkpoints and the sensitivity toward chemotherapeutic agents and antitumor-targeted drugs to find better treatment prescriptions. We identified a number of PAR-related lncRNA signatures, including HCP5, AC024060.1, NEAT1, AC105942.1, XIST, MAFG-DT, and NR2F1-AS1, which could be valuable prognostic tools to develop more efficient, individualized drug therapies for MIBC patients.
Simiate and the focal adhesion kinase FAK1 cooperate in the regulation of dendritogenesis
Authors: Rama Ramya , Derlig Kristin , Vießmann Nina , Gossmann Roman , Oriold Fabian , Gießl Andreas , Brandstätter Johann Helmut , Enz Ralf , Dahlhaus Regina
Published: July 2022

Despite the crucial importance of dendritogenesis for the correct functioning of neurons, the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal arborisation are still not well understood. Current models suggest that distinct parts and phases of dendritic development are regulated by the expression of distinct transcription factors, that are able to target the cytoskeleton. Two proteins recently implicated in dendritogenesis are the Focal Adhesion Kinase FAK1 and the Actin-binding protein Simiate. Using heterologous expression systems as well as mouse brain extracts in combination with coprecipitation assays, we show that Simiate is able to associate with FAK1. Differential centrifugation experiments further revealed the interaction to be present in cytosolic as well as nuclear fractions. Inside the nucleus though, Simiate preferentially binds to a FAK1 isoform of 80 kDa, which has previously been shown to regulate transcription factor activity. Investigating the function of both proteins in primary hippocampal cultures, we further found that FAK1 and Simiate have distinct roles in dendritogenesis: While FAK1 increases dendrite length and number, Simiate preferentially enhances growth and branching. However, if being confined to the nucleus, Simiate selectively triggers primary dendrite formation, enhancing transcription activity at the same time. Since the effect on primary dendrites is specifically re-normalized by a co-expression of FAK1 and Simiate in the nucleus, the data implies that the two proteins interact to counterbalance each other in order to control dendrite formation. Looking at the role of the cytosolic interaction of FAK1 and Simiate, we found that neurotrophin induced dendritogenesis causes a striking colocalisation of FAK1 and Simiate in dendritic growth cones, which is not present otherwise, thus suggesting that the cytosolic interaction stimulates growth cone mediated dendritogenesis in response to certain external signals. Taken together, the data show that FAK1 and Simiate exert several and distinct actions during the different phases of dendritogenesis and that these actions are related to their subcellular localisation and their interaction.
Fast and simple super-resolution with single images
Authors: Eilers Paul H. C. , Ruckebusch Cyril
Published: July 2022

We present a fast and simple algorithm for super-resolution with single images. It is based on penalized least squares regression and exploits the tensor structure of two-dimensional convolution. A ridge penalty and a difference penalty are combined; the former removes singularities, while the latter eliminates ringing. We exploit the conjugate gradient algorithm to avoid explicit matrix inversion. Large images are handled with ease: zooming a 100 by 100 pixel image to 800 by 800 pixels takes less than a second on an average PC. Several examples, from applications in wide-field fluorescence microscopy, illustrate performance.
Quantitative measure of concrete fragment using ANN to consider uncertainties under impact loading
Authors: Kim Kyeongjin , Kim WooSeok , Seo Junwon , Jeong Yoseok , Lee Jaeha
Published: July 2022

In this study, numerical analysis was performed to predict amount of fragments and travel distance after collision of a concrete median barrier with a truck under impact loading using Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH). The obtained results of the SPH analysis showed that amount of fragments and the travel distance can be changed depending on different velocity-to-mass ratios under same local impact energy. Using the results of the SPH analysis, artificial neural network (ANN) was constructed to consider the uncertainties for the prediction of amount of fragments and travel distance of concrete after collision. In addition, the results of the ANN were compared with the results of multiple linear regression analysis (MRA). The ANN results showed better coefficient of determination (R2) than the MRA results. Therefore, the ANN showed improvement than the MRA results in terms of the uncertainties of the prediction of amount of fragments and travel distance. Using the constructed ANN, data augmentation was conducted from a limited number of analysis data using a statistical distribution method. Finally, the fragility curves of the concrete median barrier were suggested to estimate the probability of exceed specific amount of fragments and travel distance under same impact energy.
Radiographic predictors for MRONJ in oncologic patients undergoing tooth extraction
Authors: Moreno-Rabié Catalina , Lapauw Laurence , Gaêta-Araujo Hugo , Ferreira-Leite André , Coucke Wim , van den Wyngaert Tim , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: July 2022

Tooth extraction is a risk factor for the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw following treatment with antiresorptive drugs (ARDs), but not all extraction sites develop this pathology. Therefore, we aimed to identify local radiographic predictors of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) in panoramic images of oncologic patients undergoing tooth extraction. Based on a retrospective longitudinal cohort study design, patients were included if undergoing one or more tooth extraction, with at least one administration of ARDs, and presence of pre- and post-operative panoramic radiographs. After data collection, blinded and independent observations were performed. Eleven distinct imaging-related parameters were assessed preoperatively and five postoperatively, at each extraction site. A case–control and subgroup analysis assessing MRONJ development was performed. Significance level is set to 0.05 (5%). A total of 77 oncologic patients were selected, undergoing 218 tooth extractions, from which 63 teeth (29%) in 39 patients (51%) developed MRONJ. Results showed that patients developed significantly more MRONJ with longer ARD treatment (p = 0.057), teeth with absent and incomplete endodontic fillings with caries, widened periodontal ligament space and/or periapical lesions (p = 0.005), and sclerotic and heterogenous bone patterns (p = 0.005). In conclusion, tooth extraction sites presenting with infections and bone sclerosis are at higher risk to develop MRONJ.
Structural analysis of traditional Chinese complex puzzle locks
Authors: Shi Kan , Wang Ming Jie , Zhang Yang , Hsiao Kuo Hung , Yao Yan An
Published: July 2022

The development of barbed-spring locks in ancient China has a history of more than 2000 years. With the development of the design and manufacturing techniques in ancient China, the safety of locks has gotten better and better. Since the seventeenth century, the puzzle lock, with a complicated structure and a high difficulty in opening, was gradually developed and used. The puzzle lock needs specific steps to be opened. Based on the difficulty of the opening process, traditional Chinese puzzle locks can be partition into two sorts, namely, general puzzle locks and complex puzzle locks. As the structure of the puzzle lock will change during the opening process, the puzzle lock belongs to the reconfigurable mechanism. In this paper, a method of topology matrix is provided to analyze the structure of the complex puzzle lock during systematical operation. Firstly, the characteristics and types of general puzzle locks are explained, and then the topology matrix representation is introduced. Finally, four complex puzzle locks are taken as examples, to illustrate the opening process. There are various types of complex puzzle locks, and the mechanism designs are quite ingenious and interesting, which shows the extraordinary technique and ingenuity of the ancient craftsmen.
Establishment of a social conditioned place preference paradigm for the study of social reward in female mice
Authors: Harda Zofia , Chrószcz Magdalena , Misiołek Klaudia , Klimczak Marta , Szumiec Łukasz , Kaczmarczyk-Jarosz Maria , Rodriguez Parkitna Jan
Published: July 2022

Social interactions can be and often are rewarding. The effect of social contact strongly depends on circumstances, and the reward may be driven by varied motivational processes, ranging from parental or affiliative behaviors to investigation or aggression. Reward associated with nonreproductive interactions in rodents is measured using the social conditioned place preference (sCPP) paradigm, where a change in preference for an initially neutral context confirms reinforcing effects of social contact. Here, we revised the sCPP method and reexamined social reward in adult female mice. Contrary to earlier studies, we found that robust rewarding effects of social contact could be detected in adult (14-week-old) female C57BL/6 mice when the sCPP task was refined to remove confounding factors. Strikingly, the rewarding effects of social interaction were only observed among female siblings who remained together from birth. Contact with same-age nonsiblings was not rewarding even after 8 weeks of cohousing. Other factors critical for the social reward effect in the sCPP paradigm included the number of conditioning sessions and the inherent preference for contextual cues. Thus, we show that social interaction is rewarding in adult female mice, but this effect strictly depends on the familiarity of the interaction partners. Furthermore, by identifying confounding factors, we provide a behavioral model to study the mechanisms underlying the rewarding effects of nonreproductive social interaction in adult mice.
Benzylamines as highly potent inhibitors of the sterol biosynthesis pathway in Leishmania amazonensis leading to oxidative stress and ultrastructural alterations
Authors: de Macedo-Silva Sara Teixeira , Visbal Gonzalo , Souza Gabrielle Frizzo , dos Santos Mayara Roncaglia , Cämmerer Simon B. , de Souza Wanderley , Rodrigues Juliany Cola Fernandes
Published: July 2022

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. Benzylamines are a class of compounds selectively designed to inhibit the squalene synthase (SQS) that catalyzes the first committed reaction on the sterol biosynthesis pathway. Herein, we studied seven new benzylamines (SBC 37–43) against Leishmania amazonensis. After the first screening of cell viability, two inhibitors (SBC 39 and SBC 40) were selected. Against intracellular amastigotes, SBC 39 and SBC 40 presented selectivity indexes of 117.7 and 180, respectively, indicating high selectivity. Analysis of the sterol composition revealed a depletion of endogenous 24-alkylated sterols such as episterol and 5-dehydroepisterol, with a concomitant accumulation of fecosterol, implying a disturbance in cellular lipid content. This result suggests a blockade of de novo sterol synthesis at the level of SQS and C-5 desaturase. Furthermore, physiological analysis and electron microscopy revealed three main alterations: (1) in the mitochondrion; (2) the presence of lipid bodies and autophagosomes; and (3) the appearance of projections in the plasma membrane. In conclusion, our results support the notion that benzylamines have a potent effect against Leishmania amazonensis and should be an exciting novel pharmaceutical lead for developing new chemotherapeutic alternatives to treat leishmaniasis.
A novel PID controller for BLDCM speed control using dual fuzzy logic systems with HSA optimization
Authors: Wang Tingting , Wang Hongzhi , Wang Chuhang , Hu Huangshui
Published: July 2022

In order to enhance the speed control performance of the brushless DC motor (BLDCM), a novel proportion integration differentiation (PID) is proposed in this paper by using dual fuzzy logic systems (FLSs) with harmony search algorithm (HSA) optimization, which is called DFPID-HSA. Firstly, the FLS1 in DFPID-HSA locks the three coefficients of the PID controller in an extensive range on the basis of the system error and error change rate. Then, the FLS2 is optimized by HSA (HSA-F2) to obtain the precise correction of the three coefficients. To get the optimal global harmony better, the improved dynamic adjustment mode is used for the pitch adjustment rate (PAR) and distance bandwidth (BW) in HSA, and the triple selection method is adopted in the composition harmony section to realize the global search. Finally, DFPID-HSA provides the optimal supply control signal to BLDCM so that it can control the speed effectively. Moreover, the stability of the system is analyzed by the pole, Lyapunov, and Nyquist determination methods. And the sensitivity analysis of DFPID-HSA is carried out under the condition of different motor’s mechanical parameters to check its robustness. In addition, the superiority of DFPID-HSA is verified by MATLAB simulation and experiment platform.
Pollution severity-regulated effects of roof strategies on China’s winter PM2.5
Authors: Wang Fan , Carmichael Gregory R. , Zhang Xiaorui , Xiao Xiang , Gao Meng
Published: July 2022

Urbanization took place rapidly over recent decades and is expected to continue in the future, producing a series of environmental issues, including heat stress. Cool roof and green roof strategies have been adopted in a number of megacities to mitigate urban heat and carbon emissions, yet China is lagging behind developed countries in the implementation. One reason is the lack of careful and thoughtful assessment of potential effects of roof strategies, including their influences on winter PM2.5. With numerical simulations in this study, we assess how cool and green roof strategies affect winter PM2.5pollution in North China, and we find that adoptions of cool roofs tend to aggravate PM2.5pollution in lightly polluted regions. When PM2.5pollution worsens, the negative effects of cool roofs are likely to be diminished. Green roofs cause less enhancements of PM2.5pollution as a result of inhibited evapotranspiration in winter. We demonstrate that the effects of roof strategies are regulated by pollution severity and conclude that green roofs with suppressed evapotranspiration and thus weaker penalty on winter PM2.5pollution seem to be better choices given the current pollution severity level in China, especially for regions suitable for growth of broadleaf plants.
Cross-Platform Omics Prediction procedure: a statistical machine learning framework for wider implementation of precision medicine
Authors: Wang Kevin Y. X. , Pupo Gulietta M. , Tembe Varsha , Patrick Ellis , Strbenac Dario , Schramm Sarah-Jane , Thompson John F. , Scolyer Richard A. , Muller Samuel , Tarr Garth , Mann Graham J. , Yang Jean Y. H.
Published: July 2022

In this modern era of precision medicine, molecular signatures identified from advanced omics technologies hold great promise to better guide clinical decisions. However, current approaches are often location-specific due to the inherent differences between platforms and across multiple centres, thus limiting the transferability of molecular signatures. We present Cross-Platform Omics Prediction (CPOP), a penalised regression model that can use omics data to predict patient outcomes in a platform-independent manner and across time and experiments. CPOP improves on the traditional prediction framework of using gene-based features by selecting ratio-based features with similar estimated effect sizes. These components gave CPOP the ability to have a stable performance across datasets of similar biology, minimising the effect of technical noise often generated by omics platforms. We present a comprehensive evaluation using melanoma transcriptomics data to demonstrate its potential to be used as a critical part of a clinical screening framework for precision medicine. Additional assessment of generalisation was demonstrated with ovarian cancer and inflammatory bowel disease studies.
Fabrication of nanocomposite MoC–Mo2C@C/Cd0.5Zn0.5S: promoted electron migration and improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wei Tingting , Zhang Tingting , Jin Zhanbin , Li Fengyan , Xu Lin
Published: July 2022

When the mass of MMC nanosheets was 1% of ZCS nanorods (1-MMC/ZCS), the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of ZCS nanorods was up to 68.8 mmol h−1 g−1. Under 420 nm monochromatic light, the apparent quantum efficiency of 1-MMC/ZCS is 32.9%.
Solid-state and solution-phase characterization of SmII-aza[2.2.2]cryptate and its methylated analogue
Authors: Bokouende Sergely Steephen , Jenks Tyler C. , Ward Cassandra L. , Allen Matthew J.
Published: July 2022

Structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical investigations of two new complexes of divalent Sm are presented.
Crown ether enabled enhancement of ionic–electronic properties of PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Stephen Meera , Wu Xihu , Li Ting , Salim Teddy , Hou Kunqi , Chen Shuai , Leong Wei Lin
Published: July 2022

Modification of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) by 15-crown-5 gives rise to enhanced transconductance, fast switching and stable operation of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs).
Engineering thermoelectric and mechanical properties by nanoporosity in calcium cobaltate films from reactions of Ca(OH)2/Co3O4 multilayers
Authors: Xin Binbin , Ekström Erik , Shih Yueh-Ting , Huang Liping , Lu Jun , Elsukova Anna , Zhang Yun , Zhu Wenkai , Borca-Tasciuc Theodorian , Ramanath Ganpati , Le Febvrier Arnaud , Paul Biplab , Eklund Per
Published: July 2022

The higher porosity film with bending flexibility exhibits not only a 50% higher electrical conductivity of ∼90 S cm−1 and a high Seebeck coefficient of ∼135 μV K−1, but also a thermal conductivity as low as ∼1 W m−1 K−1.
Mechanistic insights into Ag+induced size-growth from [Au6(DPPP)4]2+to [Au7(DPPP)4]2+clusters
Authors: Lv Ying , Wu Xiaohang , He Shuping , Yu Haizhu
Published: July 2022

The cone-[Au]+was activated by the continuous Ag+-doping, and then, it was exchanged to participate in the size growth of Au6P8to Au7P8.
Fabrication of TiN/CNTs on carbon cloth substrates via a CVD–ALD method as free-standing electrodes for zinc ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Wang Hai , Huang Jinxia , Wang Xiaobo , Guo Zhiguang , Liu Weimin
Published: July 2022

A novel fabrication of TiN/CNTs@CC was presented and can be used as electrodes with good flexibility and conductivity in ZIHCs.
Mesoporous-rich calcium and potassium-activated carbons prepared from degreased spent coffee grounds for efficient removal of MnO42− in aqueous media
Authors: Bose Suranjana , Kirk Rebecca D. , Maslen Harry , Pardo Islas Martha A. , Smith Benedict , Dugmore Thomas I. J. , Matharu Avtar S.
Published: July 2022

Spent coffee grounds are an interesting high volume renewable resource for valorisation. Activation with CaCl2 produces mesoporous carbons with high capacity for removal of MnO42−.
A microfluidic electrochemical cell for studying the corrosion of uranium dioxide (UO2)
Authors: Yao Jennifer , Lahiri Nabajit , Tripathi Shalini , Riechers Shawn L. , Ilton Eugene S. , Chatterjee Sayandev , Buck Edgar C.
Published: July 2022

Highlight of the multimodal characterization of corrosion behaviour of microgram quantities of UO2, enabled by a novel particle-attached microfluidic electrochemical cell.
Effect of acid distribution and pore structure of ZSM-5 on catalytic performance
Authors: Jin Runze , Ma Ke , Xu Shutao , Wei Yingxu , Song Lijuan , Li Zhijun , Zhang Penghui , Wang Yufeng , Wang Jiaofei , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Ma Xiaoxun , Hu Haobin , Dai Chengyi , Guo Xinwen
Published: July 2022

Zeolite with crystal intracrystalline pore structure with less acid on the outer surface.
Synthesis of acrylic acid and acrylic esters via oxidation and oxidative alkoxylation of acrolein under mild conditions with selenium-modified microgel catalysts
Authors: Kharandiuk Tetiana , Tan Kok H. , Kubitska Iryna , Al Enezy-Ulbrich Miriam Aischa , Ivasiv Volodymyr , Nebesnyi Roman , Potemkin Igor I. , Pich Andrij
Published: July 2022

Systematic studies of the performance of Se-modified microgel catalysts in acrolein oxidation and oxidative alkoxylation under green reaction conditions were conducted to afford high yields and selectivity of the process.
Assessment of acidity and the zeolite porous structure on hydrocracking of HDPE
Authors: Costa Cátia S. , Dao Thi Hang , Van Geem Kevin M. , Rosário Ribeiro M. , Silva João M.
Published: July 2022

Rationale for catalytic activity and product distribution in HDPE hydrocracking promoted by zeolite catalysts. Assessment of catalyst stability.
Anti-freezing, conductive and shape memory ionic glycerol-hydrogels with synchronous sensing and actuating properties for soft robotics
Authors: Guo Meiling , Yang Xi , Yan Jiao , An Zhaojun , Wang Li , Wu Yuanpeng , Zhao Chunxia , Xiang Dong , Li Hui , Li Zhenyu , Zhou Hongwei
Published: July 2022

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/carboxymethyl cellulose/polyacrylamide/functionalized boron nitride nanosheets ionic glycerol-hydrogels exhibit integrated anti-freezing properties, conductivity and shape memory ability as flexible sensors and actuators.
Design of anode functional layers for protonic solid oxide electrolysis cells
Authors: Tang Chunmei , Wang Ning , Zhu Ruijie , Kitano Sho , Habazaki Hiroki , Aoki Yoshitaka
Published: July 2022

The modification of the anode/electrolyte interface with a Ba0.95La0.05Fe0.8Zn0.2O3−δ thin film is a promising strategy to improve the performance of P-SOECs by boosting the anode reaction and decreasing hole concentration in the electrolyte.
Oriented design of triple atom catalysts for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction with the genetic-algorithm-based global optimization method driven by first principles calculations
Authors: Li Wen Jing , Lou Zhen Xin , Yuan Hai Yang , Yang Hua Gui , Wang Hai Feng
Published: July 2022

Triple-atom structure (TAS) shows structural superiority compared to single- and double-atom structures for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction. 736 TAS catalysts were explored using genetic-algorithm-based global optimization method and 146 candidates identified.
Plasma medicine: The great prospects when physics meets medicine
Authors: Sadowska J.M. , Skoro N. , Laurita R. , Bekeschus S. , Przekora-Kuśmierz A. , Lin A. , Laurencin S. , Sério S. , Cousty S. , Canal C.
Published: July 2022

The research has demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of plasma urging the incorporation of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) decontamination in current clinical therapies with the aim to improve the benefits on the patients and on society.
Realtime, continuous assessment of complex-mixture protease and protease inhibitor activity
Authors: Leonard Sarah-Ellen , Kenis Paul J.A. , Perkins Ray C.
Published: July 2022

Recently the treatment PAXLOVID™ (nirmatrelvir co-packaged with ritonavir) was authorized for use as a treatment for COVID-19. The presumed mechanism of action of the treatment, an inhibitor of a Sars-Cov-2 “3CL” protease, continues decades-long interest in viral protease inhibition in the fight against pathogenic viruses (e.g., HIV protease inhibitors). Proteolysis assay methods vary widely, roughly bounded by interrogation of basic biochemistry and high-throughput, early-stage drug screening. Reported here are methods that provide unique and biologically relevant characterization of proteolysis and protease inhibition. A companion report provides evidence that these methods show promise for drug and basic biological discovery, especially for early detection of potential side effects. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy and spin labeling (ESRSL) of whole proteins are leveraged to monitor reactants and products of whole-protein digestion through differentiation of angular mobility of those products and reactants. These proof-of-concept data demonstrate consistency with prior art for all possible combinations of four proteases, two whole-protein substrates and three inhibitors. Thus, ESRSL is shown to uniquely and widely interrogate proteolysis of natural, whole-protein, substrates insuring the biological relevance of results.
Beim Winterbaden führen repetitive Kaltreize zur Bildung von Antioxidantien und zur Immunstärkung
Authors: Siems Werner , Brenke Rainer
Published: July 2022

Baden und Wasseranwendungen haben für den Menschen seit langer Zeit kulturelle und gesundheitliche Bedeutung. Dabei spielen Kältereize wie bei der Kneipp-Therapie oder das Winterbaden eine besondere Rolle für die Durchblutung, die Immunabwehr, aber auch speziell zur Bildung von Antioxidantien.
Kosten-Effektivitäts-Analyse des Optifast 52 Programms bei
Patienten mit Adipositas Grad III und Diabetes mellitus Typ 2
Authors: Thiem Helena , Rychlik Reinhard P.T. , Weimann Arved
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund Adipositas stellt für eine Vielzahl weiterer
Erkrankungen einen wesentlichen Risikofaktor dar, darunter insbesondere Diabetes
mellitus Typ 2 (DMT2). DMT2 als Adipositas-assoziierte Folgeerkrankung bedeutet
sowohl aus medizinischer als auch ökonomischer Sicht eine hohe Belastung
für das deutsche Gesundheitssystem. Ziel therapeutischer
Maßnahmen zur Gewichtsreduktion bei Patienten mit DMT2 ist somit immer
auch die Verbesserung der diabetischen Stoffwechsellage. Bei Patienten mit
Adipositas Grad III (BMI≥40 kg/m2) kann
alternativ zu einer metabolischen bariatrischen Operation auch ein
strukturiertes, multimodales Therapieprogramm (Optifast 52 Programm) angeboten
werden.

Methodik In einer Kosten-Effektivitäts-Analyse sollen die
gesundheitsökonomischen Auswirkungen des Optifast 52 Programms im
Vergleich zur metabolischen Operation bei adipösen Patienten (BMI
40-50 kg/m2) mit DMT2 als Adipositas-assoziierter
Begleiterkrankung ermittelt werden. Ziel beider Therapieoptionen ist die
Remission des DMT2 aufgrund von Gewichtsreduktion. Mithilfe eines
Entscheidungsbaum-Modells wird die Therapie des DMT2 für einen Zeitraum
von drei Jahren modelliert. Berücksichtigt werden die direkten
medizinischen Kosten aus Perspektive der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung in
Deutschland.

Ergebnisse Die kumulierten Behandlungskosten des DMT2 liegen unter
Anwendung des Optifast 52 Programms bei durchschnittlich 9.425,01 Euro
für den Gesamtzeitraum von drei Jahren im Vergleich zu 13.727,94 Euro
für Patienten mit metabolischer Operation. Unter
Berücksichtigung der Effektivität der beiden Therapieoptionen
zeigt sich, dass das Optifast 52 Programm mit 11.536,33 Euro im Vergleich zu
14.908,56 Euro für eine metabolische Operation kosteneffektiv ist.

Schlussfolgerung Die Reduktion des Körpergewichts ist bei
Patienten mit Adipositas wesentlich für eine erfolgreiche Therapie des
DMT2. Die metabolische Operation kann dabei zu deutlichen Gewichtsverlusten
führen, ist jedoch aufgrund der vergleichsweise höheren
Komplikationsraten und der hohen finanziellen Belastung für das deutsche
Gesundheitssystem kritisch zu sehen. Aus gesundheitsökonomischer Sicht
stellt das Optifast 52 Programm deswegen eine kosteneffektive Alternative zur
metabolischen Operation dar.
In Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Anticancer Activity of Herbal Extract V2S2 (Coded Drug) on Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Charak Sandeep , Sharma Monika , Porte Sharad M.
Published: July 2022

Background Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It encompasses a large family of diseases exhibiting abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other part of the body. Natural extracts have been used as an efficient anticancer agent that show promising results. In this, study the cytotoxicity and anticancer effect of Ayurvedic herbal extract code name V2S2 was studied and compared with control drug Adriamycin that is an established chemotherapeutic drug.

Materials and Methods Ayurvedic coded drug V2S2 is a hydroalcoholic extract of herbs. The in vitro anticancer study was performed with sulforhodamine B assay in TATA Memorial, ACTREC Mumbai as per National Cancer Institute guidelines.

Result GI50 of V2S2 study drug and Adriamycin on COLO-205, HOP-62, K-562, ISHIKAWA, HeLa, MCF-7, SCC-40, Hep-G2 and MIA-PA-CA-2 is less than 10 that means both drugs have equal anticancer activity.

Conclusion The study group has more and less equal potential of anticancer activity in compared with a transient's standard anticancer drug. Moreover, in vitro monkey kidney normal cell line study drug V2S2 shows same cytotoxicity as shown by control drug Adriamycin.
Photon-Counting Detectors in Computed Tomography: A Review
Authors: Gomes Muriel Jeremia , Jaseemudheen Manakkal M.
Published: July 2022

Photon-counting computed tomography (CT) is a new technique that has the potential to revolutionize clinical CT and is predicted to be the next significant advancement. In recent years, tremendous research has been conducted to demonstrate the developments in hardware assembly and its working principles. The articles in this review were obtained by conducting a search of the MEDLINE database. Photon-counting detectors (PCDs) provide excellent quality diagnostic images with high spatial resolution, reduced noise, artifacts, increased contrast-to-noise ratio, and multienergy data acquisition as compared with conventionally used energy-integrating detector (EID). The search covered articles published between 2011 and 2021. The title and abstract of each article were reviewed as determined by the search strategy. From these, eligible studies and articles that provided the working and clinical application of PCDs were selected. This article aims to provide a systematic review of the basic working principles of PCDs, emphasize the uses and clinical applications of PCDs, and compare it to EIDs. It provides a nonmathematical explanation and understanding of photon-counting CT systems for radiologists as well as clinicians.
ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Right Atrial Myxoma
Authors: Vondran Maximilian , Ghazy Tamer , Andrási Terézia Bogdana , Rastan Ardawan Julian
Published: July 2022

Background Cardiac myxoma is the most common primary cardiac tumor. Although benign, it can cause life-threatening complications due to embolization.

Case Presentation We describe an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) involving a giant right atrial myxoma and persisting foramen ovale (PFO) in a 64-year-old male patient and report on emergency percutaneous interventional therapy and subsequent cardiac surgery to remove the right atrial myxoma.

Conclusion A right atrial myxoma, combined with a PFO, can cause a STEMI. Therefore, every acute coronary syndrome patient should undergo ultrafast exploratory emergency echocardiography to protect the physician from unpleasant surprises.
Vertical Skeletal Changes after Extraction and Nonextraction Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Shafique Hafiza Z. , Zaheer Rumeesha , Jan Abdullah , Mughal Alaina T. , Shahid Rooma , Ghaffar Fareena , Zahoor Tooba , Mehmood Sundas , Nawaz Ramsha , Umar Safia , Hassan Mehak , Mudasser Muhammad A.
Published: July 2022

Objectives Due to the constant battle regarding the controversial topic of orthodontic extraction, this study aims to assess the changes in vertical dimensions of patients treated with premolar extractions compared with nonextraction orthodontic patients.

Materials and Methods A sample of 60 borderline patients were recruited and divided into extraction and nonextraction groups. Eleven pretreatment cephalometric measurements were recorded using WebCeph and patients were followed-up until the completion of treatment.

Statistical Analysis Intragroup and intergroup comparisons were made using paired t-test and two-sample independent t-test, respectively. The joint significance of differences was measured using F-tests.

Results The intragroup comparison revealed that in the extraction group, the vertical dimension was significantly increased posttreatment for four cephalometric measurements, that is, mandibular plane angle (p < 0.05), palatal plane angle (p < 0.05), Frankfort mandibular plane angle (p < 0.05), and y-axis (p < 0.05). In the comparison of the posttreatment values of both groups, the mean differences of the posttreatment values for sella nasion (SN)-gonion (Go)-gnathion (Gn) angle (p = 0.008), the total anterior (p = 0.050), and lower anterior facial heights (AFH; p = 0.011) were significantly higher. At the same time, the Jarabak ratio was significantly (p = 0.006) lower in the extraction group than in the nonextraction group.

Conclusion The increase in vertical dimension is significantly higher in the extraction group than in the nonextraction group which indicates a significant impact of orthodontic extraction on the vertical dimensions.
Effect of Oxygen and Water on the Stability of Imipenem and Cilastatin Sodium for Injection
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liu Chun-Feng , Chen Xiao-Yan , Yang Li-Na , Zhu Chun-Mei , Teng Jian-Hao , Wu Hao-Xiang , Zhang Fu-Li
Published: July 2022

The study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the stability of imipenem and cilastatin sodium for injection (IMI/CIL) to improve the quality and stability in IMI/CIL preparation. In this study, the effects of headspace oxygen (HO), water content, particle shape, and particle size on the stability of IMI/CIL were investigated. IMI/CIL was purged with air, premixed oxygen/nitrogen gas (5%/95%), or high-purity nitrogen (99.999%) at 20, 5, or 2% oxygen levels to prepare IMI/CIL with different HO levels. IMI/CIL was stored at 30, 45, and 75% relative humidity for 30 days to prepare IMI/CIL with different water contents. High-performance liquid chromatography method was used for analysis. The results showed that oxygen, water, particle shape, and particle size had significant effects on the stability of IMI/CIL, and free water content is a better predictor of the safety and stability of imipenem and cilastatin sodium than the total water content. The optimization scheme of the above parameters is proposed, which significantly improves the stability of IMI/CIL. This study led to a better understanding of the degradation mechanism of imipenem and cilastatin sodium, and could provide a reference for the selection and control of IMI/CIL process conditions. This study would contribute to the development of IMI/CIL with improved stability.
Acute Liver Injury due to Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection without Cirrhosis
Authors: Jain Ayushi , Mumtaz Khalid
Published: July 2022

We reported a rare case of acute liver injury in a patient with chronic hepatitis C virus infection without cirrhosis 4 weeks after initiation of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. After prompt cessation of antiviral therapy, liver enzymes rapidly improved toward baseline. This case reflects the need to remain vigilant for the development of acute liver injury after initiation of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir even without a diagnosis of cirrhosis.
The Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and Ethanolic Propolis Compound toward Nucleic Acid Deposition in the Extracellular Polymeric Substance of Root Canal Bacteria
Authors: Adiningrat Arya , Kusnadi Rifkhi A. , Allam Asyam S. , Sofiani Erma , Maulana Ikhsan , Yumoto Hiromichi
Published: July 2022

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Apis trigona ethanolic propolis and probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus on the nucleic acid concentration in the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) derived from biofilm of root canal bacteria.

Materials and Methods Clinical bacteria of the root canal were cultured with ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP; 10 or 0.1%) and L. acidophilus. After the formation of biofilm was observed in the monolayer bacterial culture under several conditions, the enzymatic treatment and nucleic acid quantification were sequentially performed.

Statistical Analysis Independent t-test and Mann–Whitney were performed following data normality to analyze the significant differences of the treatment effect on the nucleic acid concentration in EPS from the isolated biofilm.

Results The results showed that the nucleic acid concentration in EPS biofilm were not increased by coculture with L. acidophilus as probiotics. However, the treatment with 10% EEP could significantly increase nucleic acid concentration.

Conclusion This study suggested that the biosurfactants from probiotic bacteria L. acidophilus might be a promising candidate for endodontic treatment, arguably better than EEP in inhibiting biofilm maturation and complexity.
Electrolytic Cleaning and Regenerative Therapy of Peri-implantitis in the Esthetic Area: A Case Report
Authors: Gianfreda Francesco , Punzo Andrea , Pistilli Valeria , Bollero Patrizio , Cervino Gabriele , D'Amico Cesare , Cairo Francesco , Cicciù Marco
Published: July 2022

Implantology represents the gold standard in oral rehabilitation. Unfortunately, a new pathology begins to show itself to clinicians that no longer affects only and solely the supporting tissues of the tooth but also dental implants and peri-implantitis. In this study, we present a case report regarding a tissue regeneration maneuver involving dental implants. The clinical and radiographic results are encouraging, regarding the use of these techniques on implant surfaces. Surely, the advent of new biomaterials and surgical techniques will make this practice safe and predictable.
Meat production traits of Angora goats. 2. Meat quality characteristics and fatty acid composition of meat from intact and castrated kids
Authors: Erol Halil , Ünal Necmettin
Published: July 2022

Context In Turkey, meat production contributes much more income than mohair production in Angora goat farming. Castration is expected to alter the meat quality depending on the slaughter weight. Aims This study was designed to determine the quality characteristics and fatty acid composition of meat from intact and castrated male Angora goat kids slaughtered at different liveweights. Methods Forty-eight single male Angora goat kids (24 intact, 24 castrated) were slaughtered at three slaughter weights (20, 25 and 30 kg) after being fattened intensively. Response variables were meat physical quality characteristics, chemical composition, total cholesterol and fatty acid profile. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model procedure. Key results Colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, C* and H*), pH, water-holding capacity and cooking loss were significantly (P < 0.001) influenced by time post-slaughter. Castration did not affect (P > 0.05) these properties. L* values decreased (P < 0.001) as slaughter weight increased. With increasing slaughter weight, meat expressed less water and cooking losses were higher (P < 0.001). Warner–Bratzler shear force increased (P < 0.05) with slaughter weight. Castration affected meat chemical composition: moisture percentage decreased (P < 0.001), and protein and fat increased (P < 0.01). Similarly, protein and fat contents of the meat increased and moisture decreased with increasing slaughter weight (P < 0.001). With increasing slaughter weight, intramuscular fat of the longissimus thoracis muscle showed increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.01) and ratios of polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids (P < 0.001) and n-6/n-3 (P < 0.05), and decreased thrombogenic and atherogenic indexes (P < 0.001). Total unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio was higher and atherogenic index lower following castration (P < 0.05). Conclusions Castration of Angora male kids did not affect meat quality, but increased protein and intramuscular fat content of the longissimus thoracis muscle. Increasing slaughter weight positively influenced fatty acid composition pertinent to human health, but some measures indicated poorer meat quality. Implications Castration and slaughter weight did not greatly affect meat quality except for improvements in fatty acid percentages.