bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Organic Carbon and pH Dominate the Effects of Nitrogen Addition on Soil Microarthropods in a Poplar Plantation in Coastal Eastern China
Authors: Ge Zhiwei , Xiao Hanran , Pang Yanbing , Peng Sili , Mao Lingfeng , Ruan Honghua
Published: April 2023

Soil biodiversity and fuction have been altered by the increasing levels of nitrogen as a result of fertilization and atmospheric deposition. Although soil microarthropods are a crucial component of soil biodiversity and play a key role in a diverse range of soil functions, our understanding of the mechanisms by which N addition affects them remains limited. Using a long-term nitrogen addition experiment (2012–2016) in poplar plantations (Populus deltoides L. CL‘35′) located along the coast of Yellow Sea Forest Park in northern Jiangsu, eastern China (32°52′ N and 120°49′ E), where the soil was entisols, we examined the response of soil microarthropods across three soil depths (0–15 cm, 15–25 cm, 25–40 cm) to five N input levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 30 g N m−2 year−1) over four seasons. We found that the number of microarthropods per unit area initially grew and then dropped as more nitrogen was added to soils. Soil organic carbon (positive correlation, R2 = 0.53) and pH (negative correlation, R2 = 0.19) were the two dominant factors driving the effects of nitrogen addition on soil microarthropod densities at all soil depths. These results suggest that nitrogen input enhances the density of soil microarthropods via the increase in fresh organic matter input. However, the increase in organic matter may be offset by an indirect increase in acidity under high levels of N addition, providing one possible explanation for the reduced density of microarthropods in heavily fertilized soils.71
Characterization and Comparison of Some Kraft Lignins Isolated from Different Sources
Authors: Olgun Çağrı , Ateş Saim
Published: April 2023

Lignin characteristics are significantly affected by kraft processing and isolation conditions. In the studies carried out in this context, commercial lignins or isolated lignins from industrial black solutions are generally preferred. In this study, in order to conduct more comprehensive research, three lignin samples were isolated from kraft black liquor obtained from laboratory cooking trials of pine, poplar, and wheat straw chips, representing softwoods, hardwoods, and annual plants, respectively, according to efficient pulping studies. In addition, another lignin-containing industrial waste was provided from a pulp mill (OBL). The acidification method was applied for isolating lignin from black liquor samples. After isolating the lignin samples from different sources, they were characterized and compared with the commercially available kraft lignin sample (Indulin AT). Total phenolic groups, carboxyl groups, purity, functional groups, nitrobenzene oxidation products, molecular weight, thermal stability, and element contents were analyzed. The isolated lignin samples (except wheat straw) were as pure as commercial lignin. Since the wheat straw was agricultural waste and an annual plant, inorganic elements such as P, K, and Si were more abundant than in the other samples. However, the polydispersity and molecular weight of all of the isolated lignin samples were higher than those of commercial lignin. Because the ash contents of the lignin samples for pine, poplar, OBL, and indulin AT were between 1 and 3%, they can be used for high-value applications. In particular, despite some disadvantages, wheat straw lignin has greater potential for use in extruders than softwood lignins due to their syringyl content.
Comparative Study of the Phenology of Seven Native Deciduous Tree Species in Two Different Mesoclimatic Areas in the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Verbényiné Neumann Krisztina , Baltazár Tivadar , Saláta Dénes , Szirmai Orsolya , Czóbel Szilárd
Published: April 2023

The impact of global warming on plant phenology is the subject of a growing number of studies. However, most of these do not focus on woody species, and few examine the entire annual phenological cycle of woody species. In this paper, we explore the phenological pattern of seven woody species native to Europe under ex situ conditions for 3 years, in two urban areas with different mesoclimates. The average temperature differs by 1.81 °C between the two sites. The investigated plants were clonally identical for each species, and the exact same care protocol was kept at both sites. Despite the large variation in the phenological pattern between years, during the study, spring phenophases occurred earlier, while the examined autumn phenophases were delayed at the site observing a higher average temperature. The phenological sensitivity of flowering was significantly higher than that of leaf bud burst. The growing season was 14.8 days longer at the site with a higher average temperature. In most cases, a significant correlation was obtained between the examined phenophases and climatic factors at both sites. Among the autumn phenophases, the strongest correlation was found between the maximum temperature between July and October and the beginning of leaf coloring.
Influence of Natural and Man-Made Forests on Community Assembly and Species, Functional, and Soil Microbial Diversity
Authors: Wu Xiaoni , Ma Xudong , Hu Lianyu , Shen Chunjie , Fu Denggao
Published: April 2023

Although an increasing amount of attention is being paid to how human activities alter plant communities, little is known about the consequences of these changes on species’ assemblages and biodiversity patterns. Using three forest types (a Pinus yunnanensis man-made forest; Eucalyptus smithii man-made forest; and natural secondary forest) in mid-Yunnan, China, we investigated the distribution patterns of species and traits and analyzed diversity patterns and relationships, including those between species diversity, functional diversity, and soil microbial diversity. We found that species co-occurrence patterns in the Pinus yunnanensis man-made forest and natural secondary forest were non-random. The specific leaf area in the Eucalyptus smithii man-made forest and leaf nitrogen concentration in the Pinus yunnanensis man-made forest were both over-dispersed according to the mean Euclidean neighbor distance in the trait space. The natural secondary forest had higher values of species diversity, functional diversity, community-weighted means, and soil microbial diversity than the man-made forest types did. An overall low covariation between species diversity and community-weighted means suggested that the coexistence of many species does not necessarily support functional differentiation among these species. Variance partitioning revealed that soil microbial diversity was mainly regulated by community-weighted means. In conclusion, our results suggest that the naturally recovering forest was better than man-made plantations based on biodiversity patterns.
TMT-Based Comparative Proteomic Analysis of the Spermatozoa of Buck (Capra hircus) and Ram (Ovis aries)
Authors: Ren Chunhuan , Chen Yale , Tang Jun , Wang Penghui , Zhang Yan , Li Chunyan , Zhang Zijun , Cheng Xiao
Published: April 2023

Spermatozoa are unique cells that carry a library of proteins that regulate the functions of molecules to achieve functional capabilities. Currently, large amounts of protein have been identified in spermatozoa from different species using proteomic approaches. However, the proteome characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of spermatozoa in bucks versus rams have not been fully unraveled. In this study, we performed a tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomic analysis to investigate the protein profiles in the spermatozoa of buck (Capra hircus) and ram (Ovis aries), two important economic livestock species with different fertility potentials. Overall, 2644 proteins were identified and quantified via this approach. Thus, 279 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were filtered with a p-value < 0.05, and a quantitative ratio of >2.0 or <0.5 (fold change, FC) in bucks versus rams, wherein 153 were upregulated and 126 were downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these DAPs were mainly localized in the mitochondria, extracellular and in the nucleus, and were involved in sperm motility, membrane components, oxidoreductase activity, endopeptidase complex and proteasome-mediated ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolism. Specifically, partial DAPs, such as heat shock protein 90 α family class a member 1 (HSP90AA1), adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase (ACLY), proteasome 26S subunit and non-ATPase 4 (PSMD4), act as “cross-talk” nodes in protein–protein networks as key intermediates or enzymes, which are mainly involved in responses to stimuli, catalytic activity and molecular function regulator pathways that are strictly related to spermatozoa function. The results of our study offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of ram spermatozoa function, and also promote an efficient spermatozoa utilization link to fertility or specific biotechnologies for bucks and rams.
Molecular and Epigenetic Aspects of Opioid Receptors in Drug Addiction and Pain Management in Sport
Authors: Mazzeo Filomena , Meccariello Rosaria , Guatteo Ezia
Published: April 2023

Opioids are substances derived from opium (natural opioids). In its raw state, opium is a gummy latex extracted from Papaver somniferum. The use of opioids and their negative health consequences among people who use drugs have been studied. Today, opioids are still the most commonly used and effective analgesic treatments for severe pain, but their use and abuse causes detrimental side effects for health, including addiction, thus impacting the user’s quality of life and causing overdose. The mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic circuitry represents the brain circuit mediating both natural rewards and the rewarding aspects of nearly all drugs of abuse, including opioids. Hence, understanding how opioids affect the function of dopaminergic circuitry may be useful for better knowledge of the process and to develop effective therapeutic strategies in addiction. The aim of this review was to summarize the main features of opioids and opioid receptors and focus on the molecular and upcoming epigenetic mechanisms leading to opioid addiction. Since synthetic opioids can be effective for pain management, their ability to induce addiction in athletes, with the risk of incurring doping, is also discussed.
Myd88 Signaling Is Involved in the Inflammatory Response in LPS-Induced Mouse Epididymitis and Bone-Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Liu Jin-Chuan , Wang Peng , Zeng Qun-Xiong , Yang Chen , Lyu Minmin , Li Yanfeng , Yeung William Shu-Biu , Chiu Philip Chi-Ngong , Haidl Gerhard , Allam Jean-Pierre , Duan Yong-Gang
Published: April 2023

Epididymitis is an epididymal inflammation that may lead to male infertility. Dendritic cells (DCs) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88) were associated with epididymitis in rodents. However, the functions of Myd88 on epididymal DCs remain unclear. This study investigated the role of Myd88 in DCs for epididymitis. The Myd88 signaling pathway, phenotypes of DC subsets, and cytokines were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced epididymitis in mice. CRISPR-Cas9 was used to knockout Myd88 in bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and immortalized mouse epididymal (DC2) cell line. In the vivo experiments, levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, and GM-CSF, mRNA for MyD88 related genes, and the percentages of monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs) were significantly elevated in mice with epididymitis. In the vitro experiments, LPS significantly promoted the apoptosis of BMDCs. In addition, the concentration of inflammatory cytokines in BMDCs and DC2s were increased in the LPS group, while decreasing after the knockout of Myd88. These findings indicate that Myd88 on DCs is involved in the inflammation of epididymitis in mice, which may be a potential target for better strategies regarding the treatment of immunological male infertility.
New pecJ-n (n = 1, 2) Basis Sets for Selenium Atom Purposed for the Calculations of NMR Spin–Spin Coupling Constants Involving Selenium
Authors: Rusakov Yuriy Yu. , Rusakova Irina L.
Published: April 2023

We present new compact pecJ-n (n = 1, 2) basis sets for the selenium atom developed for the quantum–chemical calculations of NMR spin–spin coupling constants (SSCCs) involving selenium nuclei. These basis sets were obtained at the second order polarization propagator approximation with coupled cluster singles and doubles amplitudes (SOPPA(CCSD)) level with the property-energy consistent (PEC) method, which was introduced in our previous papers. The existing SSCC-oriented selenium basis sets are rather large in size, while the PEC method gives more compact basis sets that are capable of providing accuracy comparable to that reached using the property-oriented basis sets of larger sizes generated with a standard even-tempered technique. This is due to the fact that the PEC method is very different in its essence from the even-tempered approaches. It generates new exponents through the total optimization of angular spaces of trial basis sets with respect to the property under consideration and the total molecular energy. New basis sets were tested on the coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) calculations of SSCCs involving selenium in the representative series of molecules, taking into account relativistic, solvent, and vibrational corrections. The comparison with the experiment showed that the accuracy of the results obtained with the pecJ-2 basis set is almost the same as that provided by a significantly larger basis set, aug-cc-pVTZ-J, while that achieved with a very compact pecJ-1 basis set is only slightly inferior to the accuracy provided by the former.
Anti-Cancer Effects of Artesunate in Human 3D Tumor Models of Different Complexity
Authors: Niederreiter Marlene , Klein Julia , Arndt Kerstin , Werner Jens , Mayer Barbara
Published: April 2023

The anti-malaria drug Artesunate (ART) shows strong anti-cancer effects in vitro; however, it shows only marginal treatment results in clinical cancer studies. In this study, ART was tested in preclinical 3D cancer models of increasing complexity using clinically relevant peak plasma concentrations to obtain further information for translation into clinical use. ART reduced cell viability in HCT-116 and HT-29 derived cancer spheroids (p < 0.001). HCT-116 spheroids responded dose-dependently, while HT-29 spheroids were affected more strongly by ART than by cytostatics (p < 0.001). HCT-116 spheroids were chemo-sensitized by ART (p < 0.001). In patient-derived cancer spheroids (PDCS), ART led to inhibition of cell viability in 84.62% of the 39 samples tested, with a mean inhibitory effect of 13.87%. Viability reduction of ART was 2-fold weaker than cytostatic monotherapies (p = 0.028). Meanwhile, tumor-stimulation of up to 16.30% was observed in six (15.38%) PDCS-models. In 15 PDCS samples, ART modulated chemotherapies in combined testing, eight of which showed chemo-stimulation (maximum of 36.90%) and seven chemo-inhibition (up to 16.95%). These results demonstrate that ART’s anti-cancer efficacy depends on the complexity of the tumor model used. This emphasizes that cancer treatment with ART should be evaluated before treatment of the individual patient to ensure its benefits and prevent unwanted effects.
Revealing the Second and the Third Causes of AgNPs Property to Restore the Bacterial Susceptibility to Antibiotics
Authors: Bogdanchikova Nina , Maklakova Maria , Villarreal-Gómez Luis Jesús , Nefedova Ekaterina , Shkil Nikolay N. , Plotnikov Evgenii , Pestryakov Alexey
Published: April 2023

The increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a global problem for public health. In our previous works, it was shown that the application of AgNPs in cow mastitis treatment increased S. aureus and S. dysgalactiae susceptibility to 31 antibiotics due to a decrease in the bacterial efflux effect. The aim of the present work was to shed light on whether the change in adhesive and anti-lysozyme activities caused by AgNPs also contribute to the restoration of bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics. In vivo sampling was performed before and after cow mastitis treatments with antibiotics or AgNPs. The isolates were identified, and the adhesive and anti-lysozyme activities were assessed. These data were compared with the results obtained for in vitro pre-treatment of reference bacteria with AgNPs or antibiotics. The present study revealed that bacterial treatments in vitro and in vivo with AgNPs: (1) decrease the bacterial ability to adhere to cells to start an infection and (2) decrease bacterial anti-lysozyme activity, thereby enhancing the activity of lysozyme, a natural “antibiotic” present in living organisms. The obtained data contribute to the perspective of the future application of AgNPs for recovering the activity of antibiotics rapidly disappearing from the market.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Prognostic Value of Circulating MMP-7 Levels in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Combined Cohort Analysis, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kubik András , das Virgens Isabel Pinto Amorim , Szabó Anett , Váradi Melinda , Csizmarik Anita , Keszthelyi Attila , Majoros Attila , Fehérvári Péter , Hegyi Péter , Ács Nándor , Nyirády Péter , Szarvas Tibor
Published: April 2023

Lymph node (LN) status is the most significant prognostic factor for invasive urothelial bladder cancer (UBC); however, the optimal extent of LN dissection (LND) is debated. We assessed circulating matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) as a prognostic factor and decision-making marker for the extent of LND. Preoperative serum MMP-7 levels were determined in two independent UBC cohorts (n = 188; n = 68) and in one control cohort (n = 97) by using the ELISA method. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prognostic role of circulating pretreatment MMP-7 levels were performed. Serum MMP-7 levels were higher in patients compared to controls (p < 0.001) with the highest levels in LN-positive cases. Half of LN-positive UBC patients had low MMP-7 levels, whereas the survival of LN-negative patients with high serum MMP-7 findings was poor. MMP-7 levels were independently associated with poor survival in both cohorts (p = 0.006, p < 0.001). Accordingly, our systematic review of six eligible publications revealed a 2.5-fold higher mortality risk in patients with high MMP-7 levels. In conclusion, preoperative MMP-7 level is a validated and independent prognostic factor in urothelial cancer. It cannot be used to decide between regional or extended LND but may be useful in identifying LN-negative high-risk patients with potentially undetected metastases.
The Encapsulation of Natural Organic Dyes on TiO2 for Photochromism Control
Authors: Lee Hye Ju , Shim Jong Won , Lee Jung Jin , Lee Won Jun
Published: April 2023

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) plays a pivotal role in photocatalytic reactions and holds great promise for the cosmetic and paint industries due to its white color and high refractive index. However, the original color of TiO2 changes gradually to blue or yellow with UV irradiation, which affects its color realization. We encapsulated TiO2 with several natural organic dye compounds, including purpurin, curcumin, and safflower, to control its photochromism and realize a range of different colors. The chemical reaction between TiO2 and dyes based on their functional group was investigated, and the light absorption was tested via FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The changes in morphology and size distribution additionally supported their successful encapsulation. The discoloration after UV irradiation was evaluated by measuring the color difference (ΔE) of control TiO2 and dye encapsulated TiO2. The unique structure utilized natural dyes to preserve photochromism based on the physical barrier and automatically controlled the electronic transition of core TiO2. In particular, the color difference values of purpurin and curcumin were 4.05 and 3.76, which is lower than the 5.36 of the control TiO2. Dye encapsulated TiO2 was manipulated into lipstick to verify its color realization and retention.
The GlycoPaSER Prototype as a Real-Time N-Glycopeptide Identification Tool Based on the PaSER Parallel Computing Platform
Authors: Armony Gad , Brehmer Sven , Srikumar Tharan , Pfennig Lennard , Zijlstra Fokje , Trede Dennis , Kruppa Gary , Lefeber Dirk J. , van Gool Alain J. , Wessels Hans J. C. T.
Published: April 2023

Real-time database searching allows for simpler and automated proteomics workflows as it eliminates technical bottlenecks in high-throughput experiments. Most importantly, it enables results-dependent acquisition (RDA), where search results can be used to guide data acquisition during acquisition. This is especially beneficial for glycoproteomics since the wide range of physicochemical properties of glycopeptides lead to a wide range of optimal acquisition parameters. We established here the GlycoPaSER prototype by extending the Parallel Search Engine in Real-time (PaSER) functionality for real-time glycopeptide identification from fragmentation spectra. Glycopeptide fragmentation spectra were decomposed into peptide and glycan moiety spectra using common N-glycan fragments. Each moiety was subsequently identified by a specialized algorithm running in real-time. GlycoPaSER can keep up with the rate of data acquisition for real-time analysis with similar performance to other glycoproteomics software and produces results that are in line with the literature reference data. The GlycoPaSER prototype presented here provides the first proof-of-concept for real-time glycopeptide identification that unlocks the future development of RDA technology to transcend data acquisition.
Impact of Post-Operative Infection after CABG on Long-Term Survival
Authors: Zukowska Agnieszka , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Listewnik Mariusz , Zukowski Maciej
Published: April 2023

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is one of the most common cardiac surgical procedures. It is commonly known that post-operative infection has a negative impact on the patient’s short-term treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of perioperative infection on 5-year and 10-year survival in patients undergoing elective on-pump CABG surgery. The present prospective observational study was carried out between 1 July 2010 and 31 August 2012 among patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our centre. Infections were identified according to the ECDC definitions. We initially assessed the incidence of infection and its relationship with the parameters analysed. We then analysed the effect of particular parameters, including infection, on 5-year and 10-year survival after surgery. We also analysed the impact of particular types of infection on the risk of death within the period analysed. The significant risk factors for reduced survival were age (HR 1.05, CI 1.02–1.07), peripheral artery disease (HR 1.99, CI 1.28–3.10), reduced LVEF after surgery (HR 0.96, CI 0.94–0.99), post-operative myocardial infarction (HR 1.45, CI 1.05–2.02) and infection (HR 3.10, CI 2.20–4.28). We found a strong relationship between post-operative infections and 5-year and 10-year mortality in patients undergoing CABG. Pneumonia and BSI were the only types of infection that were found to have a significant impact on increased long-term mortality after CABG surgery.
Interleukins (Cytokines) as Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: Progression, Detection, and Monitoring
Authors: Maryam Sajida , Krukiewicz Katarzyna , Haq Ihtisham Ul , Khan Awal Ayaz , Yahya Galal , Cavalu Simona
Published: April 2023

Cancer is the primary cause of death in economically developed countries and the second leading cause in developing countries. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Risk factors for CRC include obesity, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, and smoking. CRC has a poor prognosis, and there is a critical need for new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to reduce related deaths. Recently, studies have focused more on molecular testing to guide targeted treatments for CRC patients. The most crucial feature of activated immune cells is the production and release of growth factors and cytokines that modulate the inflammatory conditions in tumor tissues. The cytokine network is valuable for the prognosis and pathogenesis of colorectal cancer as they can aid in the cost-effective and non-invasive detection of cancer. A large number of interleukins (IL) released by the immune system at various stages of CRC can act as “biomarkers”. They play diverse functions in colorectal cancer, and include IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-33, TNF, TGF-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are pro-tumorigenic genes. However, there are an inadequate number of studies in this area considering its correlation with cytokine profiles that are clinically useful in diagnosing cancer. A better understanding of cytokine levels to establish diagnostic pathways entails an understanding of cytokine interactions and the regulation of their various biochemical signaling pathways in healthy individuals. This review provides a comprehensive summary of some interleukins as immunological biomarkers of CRC.
Prevalences and Indications of Psychotropic Drug Prescriptions in Nursing Home Residents with Korsakoff Syndrome
Authors: Gerridzen Ineke J. , Doejaaren Els , Veenhuizen Ruth B. , Hertogh Cees M. P. M. , Joling Karlijn J.
Published: April 2023

Psychotropic drugs (PD) are often prescribed to nursing home residents with Korsakoff syndrome (KS). It is unknown whether these drugs are prescribed correctly or whether they are prescribed off-label, for example, to treat behavioral symptoms. To get more insight into PD prescriptions, a descriptive study was performed. The type, category and indications of PD prescriptions of 285 participants were analyzed using medication charts and questionnaires. Behavioral symptoms were investigated with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire. The results showed that atypical antipsychotics (57.1%) were prescribed more frequently than typical antipsychotics (49.3%). Of the antidepressants, selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (63.1%) were most frequently prescribed, followed by tricyclic antidepressants (23.4%). Of the benzodiazepines, anxiolytics (85.7%) were more prescribed than hypnotics (24.5%). Besides psychiatric disorders, PD were also prescribed to treat behavioral symptoms varying from 29.9% (antipsycho-tics) to 26.3% (benzodiazepines) and 9.3% (antidepressants). Furthermore, prescriptions were high if behavioral symptoms were present. To conclude, PD are often prescribed to residents with KS for an unapproved indication, namely behavioral symptoms. Additional research is needed to obtain further insight into the current prescribing culture and the effectiveness of PD. The insights thus obtained may, ultimately, contribute to the appropriate prescription of PD for people with KS.
Rapid Prototyping of 3D Printed, High Aspect Ratio, Low Noise Amplifier for Active Handheld Sensor Devices
Authors: Clough-Paez Aaron , Yi Chenglin , Park Donghun , Elsaesser David , Ketchum Douglas , Hines Daniel R.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we report the use of additive manufacturing methods to fabricate a high aspect ratio, low noise amplifier (LNA) for a handheld active sensor device operating at up to 1 GHz. The new form factor LNA incorporates a modification of a square-shaped commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) LNA into a 5:1 aspect ratio device without a loss in RF performance. For rapid prototyping, we employ both subtractive and additive manufacturing technologies, such as milling, extrusion-based syringe printing, and aerosol jet printing techniques to fabricate both small form factor and high aspect ratio devices. The 5:1 aspect ratio LNA demonstrated a 20% smaller form factor, a gain of 25 dB, and an NF less than 3 dB over an operating frequency range up to 1 GHz, comparable to the COTS LNA. Design, simulation, and experimental results are given to highlight the advantages of 3D printed hybrid electronic technology over the conventional PCB fabrication method for rapid prototyping of RF electronic devices.
Diagnostic Approach to Coccidioidomycosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Zangeneh Tirdad T. , Al-Obaidi Mohanad M.
Published: April 2023

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. While coccidioidomycosis is associated with mostly mild infections in the general population, it can lead to devastating infections in immunocompromised patients, including solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Early and accurate diagnosis is important in achieving better clinical outcomes in immunocompromised patients. However, the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis in SOT recipients can be challenging due to the limitations of diagnostic methods including cultures, serology, and other tests in providing a timely and accurate diagnosis. In this review, we will discuss the available diagnostic modalities and approaches when evaluating SOT recipients with coccidioidomycosis, from the use of conventional culture methods to serologic and molecular testing. Additionally, we will discuss the role of early diagnosis in assisting with the administration of effective antifungal therapy to reduce infectious complications. Finally, we will discuss ways to improve the performance of coccidioidomycosis diagnostic methods in SOT recipients with an option for a combined testing approach.
Endometrial Cancer Staging: Is There Value in ADC?
Authors: Moreira Ana , Ribeiro Vera , Aringhieri Giacomo , Fanni Salvatore , Tumminello Lorenzo , Faggioni Lorenzo , Cioni Dania , Neri Emanuele
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To assess the ability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements in predicting the histological grade of endometrial cancer. A secondary goal was to assess the agreement between MRI and surgical staging as an accurate measurement. Methods: Patients with endometrial cancers diagnosed between 2018–2020 and having received both MRI and surgical staging were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were characterized according to histology, tumor size, FIGO stage (MRI and surgical stage), and functional MRI parameters (DCE and DWI/ADC). Statistical analysis was performed to determine if an association could be identified between ADC variables and histology grade. Secondarily, we assessed the degree of agreement between the MRI and surgical stages according to the FIGO classification. Results: The cohort included 45 women with endometrial cancer. Quantitative analysis of ADC variables did not find a statistically significant association with histological tumor grades. DCE showed higher sensitivity than DWI/ADC in the assessment of myometrial invasion (85.00% versus 65.00%) with the same specificity (80.00%). A good agreement between MRI and histopathology for the FIGO stage was found (kappa of 0.72, p < 0.01). Differences in staging between MRI and surgery were detected in eight cases, which could not be justified by the interval between MRI and surgery. Conclusions. ADC values were not useful for predicting endometrial cancer grade, despite the good agreement between MRI interpretation and histopathology of endometrial cancer staging at our center.
Spatial-Temporal Variation Characteristics and Obstacle Factors of Resilience in Border Cities of Northeast China
Authors: Jiang Kaiping , Li Kaichao , Cong Nan , Wu Siyu , Peng Fei
Published: April 2023

The study of border resilience is an effective means to analyze the development status of border cities. This study constructs a border city resilience assessment framework, measures the urban resilience level of 13 prefecture-level administrative regions in China’s northeastern border region from 2010 to 2019, reveals their temporal and spatial differentiation characteristics, analyzes the main obstacles, and proposes development strategies. This study reveals the following: (1) The overall resilience of the northeast border cities is at a medium level, and differences between regions and cities are large. (2) The resilience of the northeast border cities increased rapidly between 2010 and 2015, especially in the western area; the improvement effect was poor between 2015 and 2019, and except for the increased resilience of individual cities in the eastern area, the development of other cities was slow and some even declined. (3) At the city scale, the development potential, economic structure, residents’ security, and environmental governance capabilities are the main factors restricting improvement in the basic resilience of the northeast border cities. Insufficient national policy support and the poor development of neighboring countries have become obstacles to cities’ exclusive resilience.
Influence of Urban Green Spaces on Quality of Life and Health with Smart City Design
Authors: Addas Abdullah
Published: April 2023

Publicly available green spaces are great places for people to relax. Currently, the deficiency of such spaces is decreasing daily, especially in urban regions. Urban green spaces (UGSs) have become a topic of great importance in enhancing life expectancy and health. To overcome these issues, the current research highlights the importance of UGSs for the residents’ living quality and urban health. UGSs are relevant for analyzing and investigating better urban lifestyles and development. To perform the experimental work, a green laboratory (GL) in a smart city (SC) area was involved in the investigation. The GL was made of wood, and different types of green infrastructure were analyzed. The research investigation resulted in upgrading the locality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to enhance the quality of the research. Interviews with residents, occupants of offices, and government experts were conducted. Special survey questions, i.e., quantitative and qualitative, were developed while considering the current demands of the residents. A total of 500 responses were recorded, and by using the MAXQDA software, an analysis was carried out. The results showed that there was a dire requirement for UGSs in terms of size and quantity because of security and opportunities. The proposed research results will provide an opportunity for open spaces to be created in this local district. To fully improve residents’ living style and health, the necessity of deploying UGSs became more apparent. Finally, it became clear that green spaces are necessary to improve the country’s economy.
Multi-Scenario Land Use Change Simulation and Spatial Response of Ecosystem Service Value in Black Soil Region of Northeast China
Authors: Jiang Yun , Du Guoming , Teng Hao , Wang Jun , Li Haolin
Published: April 2023

Simulating the spatial response of ecosystem service value (ESV) caused by land use change in Heilongjiang Province under different scenarios in the future is of great significance for ensuring ecological security and sustainable development in the region. Heilongjiang Province, an important grain-producing region in China, is taken as the research area in this study. Five land use maps (2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020) were used to evaluate the change of ecosystem service value in Heilongjiang Province in the past 20 years. In addition, the area of each land use type under different future scenarios was predicted by Markov model and MOP model, the future land use pattern was simulated based on PLUS model, the ESV under different scenarios was calculated, and the spatial distribution and the degree of ESV clustering were further explored. The results show that: (1) During 2000–2020, the built-up land in Heilongjiang Province continued to grow, with a total increase of 5076 km2 during the 20-year period, the area of water continued to grow, the area of unused land gradually decreased, and the area of farmland and forest land changed less. (2) During the study period, the ESV in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 were 1320.8 billion yuan, 1334.5 billion yuan, 1342.1 billion yuan, 1327.6 billion yuan, and 1328.4 billion yuan, respectively. Generally, it shows a fluctuating trend. (3) The ESV of natural development scenario (NDS), economic priority scenario (ERS) and ecological protection scenario (EPS) are 1334.3 billion yuan, 1254.8 billion yuan and 1455.6 billion yuan, respectively. The ESV of different scenarios is quite different. (4) The spatial distribution of ESV was higher in the northwest, central, and southeast, and lower in the east and west. The hot and cold spots of ESV are widely distributed and the degree of polymerization is high. The methods and conclusions of this study can provide scientific reference for the optimization of national spatial pattern and the formulation of sustainable development policy.
“Hola, Señorita. Do You Like Gazpacho?” Challenges and Trends in the Audiovisual Translation of Linguacultural Otherness in American Multilingual Animated Films and Their Italian Dubbed Version
Authors: Monti Silvia
Published: April 2023

In the last decades, ethnolinguistic Otherness has assumed an increasingly prominent position in many audiovisual products focusing on non-mainstream cultures otherwise quite voiceless in audiovisual media and giving voice to multilingual discourse practices where code-switching stands out as a key conversational strategy in expressing linguacultural diverse identities. This ties issues of on-screen multilingualism to the field of audiovisual translation and raises new challenges as far as the screen representation/translation of linguacultural specificities is concerned. All this is interestingly to be observed in animated films; indeed, since the early 1990s, such important animation production companies as Walt Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks began to produce ethnically diverse films offering deep sociolinguistic insights into non-dominant countries and populations whose richness is conveyed on the screen by dialogues interspersed with their native languages, acting as vital symbols of their ethnocultural identity. Starting from these observations, this paper aims at looking contrastively and diachronically at how L3s, i.e., languages different from both the language of the original film and the language of the film’s dubbed version, used in instances of turn-specific, intersentential and intra-sentential code-switching, have been dealt with in the original version and in the Italian dubbed version of thirty American multilingual animated films, released between 1991 and 2022. The main objectives of this study are: to verify to what extent the original ethnolinguistic Otherness is either retained for the Italian audience or manipulated in dubbing; to observe whether and how the screen translation studies’ approach in conveying linguistic diversity in animation has possibly changed over the last thirty years; and to point out what can be achieved by audiovisual translation in terms of intercultural/interlingual transmission when autochthonous linguacultures are represented in animated films.
Peritoneal Immunity in Liver Disease
Authors: Delo Joseph , Forton Daniel , Triantafyllou Evangelos , Singanayagam Arjuna
Published: April 2023

The peritoneum represents a confined microenvironment that has an emerging role as a distinct immunological compartment. In health, this niche is mainly populated by a heterogenous group of macrophages and T lymphocytes but also Natural Killer cells and B lymphocytes. Together they are crucial for immunological surveillance, clearance of infection and resolution of inflammation. Development of ascites is a defining feature of decompensated liver cirrhosis, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is the most frequent bacterial infection occurring in this patient group. Recent studies of ascitic fluid have revealed quantitative, phenotypic and functional differences in both innate and adaptive immune cells compared to the healthy state. This review summarises current knowledge of these alterations and explores how the peritoneum in chronic liver disease is simultaneously an immunologically compromised site and yet capable of provoking an intense inflammatory response. A better understanding of this might enable identification of new therapeutic targets aimed to rebalance the peritoneal immunity and reduce the reliance on antimicrobials in an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance.
N-[1-(2-Chlorophenyl)-2-{1-methyl-5-nitro-4-[(phenylsulfonyl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl}ethyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide
Authors: Paoli-Lombardo Romain , Primas Nicolas , Castera-Ducros Caroline , Jacquet Inès , Rathelot Pascal , Vanelle Patrice
Published: April 2023

In continuation of our research program to develop original synthetic methods using TDAE methodology on nitroheterocyclic substrates, we were able to generate for the first time a stable carbanion in position 2 of the 5-nitroimidazole scaffold. Starting from a 2-chloromethyl-4-phenylsulfonylmethyl-5-nitroimidazole intermediate, prepared by the vicarious nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen (VNS) reaction, we selectively introduced a N-tosylbenzylimine moiety at position 2 without reducing the sulfone at position 4, leading to the formation of N-[1-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-{1-methyl-5-nitro-4-[(phenylsulfonyl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl}ethyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide in 47% yield. This new synthetic method using TDAE should allow access to new 2-substituted 5-nitroimidazole derivatives with various electrophiles such as carbonyls and other N-tosylbenzylimines.
Diethyl 2-Cyano-3-oxosuccinate
Authors: Markov Oleg N. , Moiseev Alexander E. , Tarasevich Boris N. , Tafeenko Victor A. , Beloglazkina Elena K. , Shtil Alexander A. , Finko Alexander V.
Published: April 2023

The titular compound was characterized for the first time using a full range of spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectra. In solution, all methods showed a keto–enol equilibrium strongly shifted to the enol form. The X-ray structures determined for all simple 2-oxosuccinates showed only the enol form packed as hydrogen-bonded dimer stacks.
Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Detection of Lead(II) Based on Waste-Biomass-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots@Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8
Authors: Liu Qing , Gao Xiang , Liu Zhibao , Gai Ligang , Yue Yan , Ma Hongfang
Published: April 2023

An electrochemical sensor based on carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) composite was fabricated to detect lead(II). The CQDs (2.47 ± 0.52 nm) were synthesized from platanus acerifoli leaves by carbonization and the hydrothermal method. Under the optimal conditions, the fabricated electrochemical sensor had excellent performance in detecting Pb2+. The linear range for Pb2+ was 1 nM–1 μM, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.04 nM and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.14 nM. Moreover, when the solution contained Pb2+ and Cd2+, the linear range for Pb2+ was 50 nM to 1 μM and the LOD was 0.02 nM. When the solution contained Pb2+ and Cu2+, the linear range for Pb2+ was 50 nM–750 nM and LOD was 0.07 nM. Furthermore, even if the solution contained Pb2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+, the linear range for Pb2+ was 50 nM–1 μM and the LOD was 0.04 nM. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) results indicated that the composite electrode materials had abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, a large specific surface area and pore structure, which are conducive to the adsorption of heavy metal ions and improve the detection performance.
Orthotopic Liver Transplantation of a SARS-CoV-2 Negative Recipient from a Positive Donor: The Border between Uncertainty and Necessity in a Pandemic Era- Case Report and Overview of the Literature
Authors: Droc Gabriela , Martac Cristina , Buzatu Cristina , Jipa Miruna , Punga Maria , Isac Sebastian
Published: April 2023

(1) Introduction: Liver transplantation represents the gold-standard therapy in eligible patients with acute liver failure or end-stage liver disease. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected the transplantation landscape by reducing patients’ addressability to specialized healthcare facilities. Since evidence-based acceptance guidelines for non-lung solid organ transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors are lacking, and the risk of bloodstream-related transmission of the disease is debatable, liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors could be lifesaving, even if long-term interactions are unpredictable. The aim of this case report is to highlight the relevance of performing liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors to negative recipients by emphasizing the perioperative care and short-term outcome. (2) Case presentation: A 20-year-old female patient underwent orthotropic liver transplantation for Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis secondary to overlap syndrome, from a SARS-CoV-2 positive brain death donor. The patient was not infected nor vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and the titer of neutralizing antibodies against the spike protein was negative. The liver transplantation was performed with no significant complications. As immunosuppression therapy, the patient received 20 mg basiliximab (Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., Barcelona, Spain) and 500 mg methylprednisolone (Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium N.V, Puurs, Belgium) intraoperatively. Considering the risk of non-aerogene-related SARS-CoV-2 reactivation syndrome, the patient received remdesivir 200 mg (Gilead Sciences Ireland UC, Carrigtohill County Cork, Ireland) in the neo-hepatic stage, which was continued with 100 mg/day for 5 days. The postoperative immunosuppression therapy consisted of tacrolimus (Astellas Ireland Co., Ltd., Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland) and mycophenolate mofetil (Roche România S.R.L, Bucharest, Romania) according to the local protocol. Despite the persistent negative PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 in the upper airway tract, the blood titer of neutralizing antibodies turned out positive on postoperative day 7. The patient had a favorable outcome, and she was discharged from the ICU facility seven days later. (3) Conclusions: We illustrated a case of liver transplantation of a SARS-CoV-2 negative recipient, whose donor was SARS-CoV-2 positive, performed in a tertiary, university-affiliated national center of liver surgery, with a good outcome, in order to raise the medical community awareness on the acceptance limits in the case of COVID-19 incompatibility for non-lung solid organs transplantation procedures.