bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Xylooligosaccharides Exert Antitumor Activity via Modulation of Cellular Antioxidant State and TLR4
Authors: Batsalova Tsvetelina , Georgiev Yordan , Moten Dzhemal , Teneva Ivanka , Dzhambazov Balik
Published: September 2022

It has been recently proven that xylooligosaccharides (XOS) with prebiotic properties have diverse beneficial biological effects including immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. The present article focused on the chemical and biological evaluation of corn-derived commercially available XOS and aimed to elucidate their cytotoxicity and inhibitory potential against tumor cells. Spectrophotometric chemical analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses were performed. Antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the oxygen radical absorbance capacity and hydroxyl radical averting capacity. In vitro cytotoxicity assays with human cell lines derived from normal and tumor tissues, assessments of ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential specific staining, cytokine assays, and molecular docking were used to evaluate the biological activity of XOS. The sample showed significant antioxidant activity, and it was determined that most xylose oligomers in it are composed of six units. XOS exhibited antitumor activity with pronounced inhibitory effect on lysosomes, but mitochondrial functionality was also affected. The production of proinflammatory cytokines by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated U-937 cells was reduced by XOS treatment, which suggested the involvement of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated signaling in the mechanism of XOS action. Molecular docking analyses confirmed the potential inhibitory interaction between the sample and TLR4. In addition, XOS treatment had significant tumor-cell-specific influence on the glutathione antioxidant system, affecting its balance and thus contributing to the inhibition of cellular viability. The present study elucidated the tumor-inhibitory potential of commercially available XOS that could be utilized in pharmaceutical and food industry providing disease-preventive and therapeutic benefits.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the RNase T2 Family and Identification of Interacting Proteins of Four ClS-RNase Genes in ‘XiangShui’ Lemon
Authors: Li Yu-Ze , Zhu Jia-Wei , Lin Wei , Lan Mo-Ying , Luo Cong , Xia Li-Ming , Zhang Yi-Li , Liang Rong-Zhen , Hu Wang-Li , Huang Gui-Xiang , He Xin-Hua
Published: September 2022

S-RNase plays vital roles in the process of self-incompatibility (SI) in Rutaceae plants. Data have shown that the rejection phenomenon during self-pollination is due to the degradation of pollen tube RNA by S-RNase. The cytoskeleton microfilaments of pollen tubes are destroyed, and other components cannot extend downwards from the stigma and, ultimately, cannot reach the ovary to complete fertilisation. In this study, four S-RNase gene sequences were identified from the ‘XiangShui’ lemon genome and ubiquitome. Sequence analysis revealed that the conserved RNase T2 domains within S-RNases in ‘XiangShui’ lemon are the same as those within other species. Expression pattern analysis revealed that S3-RNase and S4-RNase are specifically expressed in the pistils, and spatiotemporal expression analysis showed that the S3-RNase expression levels in the stigmas, styles and ovaries were significantly higher after self-pollination than after cross-pollination. Subcellular localisation analysis showed that the S1-RNase, S2-RNase, S3-RNase and S4-RNase were found to be expressed in the nucleus according to laser confocal microscopy. In addition, yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays showed that S3-RNase interacted with F-box, Bifunctional fucokinase/fucose pyrophosphorylase (FKGP), aspartic proteinase A1, RRP46, pectinesterase/pectinesterase inhibitor 51 (PME51), phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (PDAT1), gibberellin receptor GID1B, GDT1-like protein 4, putative invertase inhibitor, tRNA ligase, PAP15, PAE8, TIM14-2, PGIP1 and p24beta2. Moreover, S3-RNase interacted with TOPP4. Therefore, S3-RNase may play an important role in the SI of ‘XiangShui’ lemon.
Mapping the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Nanocluster Topography at the Cell Membrane with STED and STORM Nanoscopies
Authors: Saavedra Lucas A. , Buena-Maizón Héctor , Barrantes Francisco J.
Published: September 2022

The cell-surface topography and density of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play a key functional role in the synapse. Here we employ in parallel two labeling and two super-resolution microscopy strategies to characterize the distribution of this receptor at the plasma membrane of the mammalian clonal cell line CHO-K1/A5. Cells were interrogated with two targeted techniques (confocal microscopy and stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy) and single-molecule nanoscopy (stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, STORM) using the same fluorophore, Alexa Fluor 647, tagged onto either α-bungarotoxin (BTX) or the monoclonal antibody mAb35. Analysis of the topography of nanometer-sized aggregates (“nanoclusters”) was carried out using STORMGraph, a quantitative clustering analysis for single-molecule localization microscopy based on graph theory and community detection, and ASTRICS, an inter-cluster similarity algorithm based on computational geometry. Antibody-induced crosslinking of receptors resulted in nanoclusters with a larger number of receptor molecules and higher densities than those observed in BTX-labeled samples. STORM and STED provided complementary information, STED rendering a direct map of the mesoscale nAChR distribution at distances ~10-times larger than the nanocluster centroid distances measured in STORM samples. By applying photon threshold filtering analysis, we show that it is also possible to detect the mesoscale organization in STORM images.
Roles of Species-Specific Legumains in Pathogenicity of the Pinewood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Zhang Xi , Lin Runmao , Ling Jian , Wang Yunsheng , Qin Feifei , Lu Junru , Sun Xin , Zou Manling , Qi Jing , Xie Bingyan , Cheng Xinyue
Published: September 2022

Peptidases are very important to parasites, which have central roles in parasite biology and pathogenesis. In this study, by comparative genome analysis, genome-wide peptidase diversities among plant-parasitic nematodes are estimated. We find that genes encoding cysteine peptidases in family C13 (legumain) are significantly abundant in pine wood nematodes Bursaphelenchus genomes, compared to those in other plant-parasitic nematodes. By phylogenetic analysis, a clade of B. xylophilus-specific legumain is identified. RT-qPCR detection shows that these genes are highly expressed at early stage during the nematode infection process. Utilizing transgene technology, cDNAs of three species-specific legumain were introduced into the Arabidopsis γvpe mutant. Functional complementation assay shows that these B. xylophilus legumains can fully complement the activity of Arabidopsis γVPE to mediate plant cell death triggered by the fungal toxin FB1. Secretory activities of these legumains are experimentally validated. By comparative transcriptome analysis, genes involved in plant cell death mediated by legumains are identified, which enrich in GO terms related to ubiquitin protein transferase activity in category molecular function, and response to stimuli in category biological process. Our results suggest that B. xylophilu-specific legumains have potential as effectors to be involved in nematode-plant interaction and can be related to host cell death.
AQP4, Astrogenesis, and Hydrocephalus: A New Neurological Perspective
Authors: Castañeyra-Ruiz Leandro , González-Marrero Ibrahim , Hernández-Abad Luis G. , Lee Seunghyun , Castañeyra-Perdomo Agustín , Muhonen Michael
Published: September 2022

Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is a cerebral glial marker that labels ependymal cells and astrocytes’ endfeet and is the main water channel responsible for the parenchymal fluid balance. However, in brain development, AQP4 is a marker of glial stem cells and plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of pediatric hydrocephalus. Gliogenesis characterization has been hampered by a lack of biomarkers for precursor and intermediate stages and a deeper understanding of hydrocephalus etiology is needed. This manuscript is a focused review of the current research landscape on AQP4 as a possible biomarker for gliogenesis and its influence in pediatric hydrocephalus, emphasizing reactive astrogliosis. The goal is to understand brain development under hydrocephalic and normal physiologic conditions.
Association between High Blood Pressure in the Emergency Department and Cryptogenic Hemoptysis
Authors: Park Ji Eun , Seo Jin A , Cha Jung Guen , Lim Jae Kwang , Park Jongmin , Lee Yong Hoon , Choi Sun Ha , Seo Hyewon , Yoo Seung Soo , Lee Shin Yup , Cha Seung Ick , Park Jae Yong , Kim Chang Ho , Lee Jaehee
Published: September 2022

Hemoptysis is a common cause of emergency department (ED) visits. There is little data about the role of systemic hypertension as a cause of hemoptysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between systemic blood pressure and the unknown etiology of hemoptysis. This retrospective study included consecutive patients who visited the ED owing to hemoptysis and underwent a chest computed tomography between January 2011 and June 2021. Details of the initial blood pressure at the ED visit were compared between two groups with identified and unidentified causes of hemoptysis. In total, 1105 adult patients were included. The etiology of hemoptysis was identified in 1042 patients (94.3%) and remained unidentified in 63 patients (5.7%). The percentage of patients with severe hypertension was significantly higher in patients with unidentified causes of hemoptysis than in those with identified causes (35% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age, ever-smoker, and initial systolic blood pressure were significantly associated with hemoptysis of unidentified causes. Although further studies are needed, our findings suggest a possible association between high blood pressure and cryptogenic hemoptysis.
Risk Factors for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases and Osteoporotic Fractures in a Middle and Elderly-Aged Population
Authors: Mazurenko Elena , Rymar Oksana , Rerikh Victor , Khrapova Yuliya , Direev Artem , Shcherbakova Liliya , Malyutina Sofia
Published: September 2022

Aim. To study the associations of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) and osteoporotic fractures (OFs) in a population sampling over 50 years. Materials and Methods. The data of a cross-sectional population-based study obtained in the Russian part of the international project HAPIEE (Novosibirsk) are analyzed. The present analysis comprised 7363 men and women aged 50–69 years old. We have assessed the frequency of OFs for the last 12 months and risk factors of CNCDs. Cross-sectional associations between OF history and potential determinants were analyzed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. Results. The frequency of OFs in the last 12 months was 3.6% (3.2% in men and 4.0% in women, p = 0.074). In men, the probability of OFs increased with an elevation of blood pressure (BP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ethanol consumption, and reduced with increased body mass index (BMI). In women, the probability of a fracture increased with current smoking and an increased duration of post-menopause and reduced with an increase in triglycerides (TG) levels, independently of other factors. Conclusions. A syndemia of risk factors, both generally recognized for OFs (BMI, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, postmenopausal duration) and new factors associated with CNCDs (BP, HDL, TG), have been defined.
Cystatin C-Based eGFR Predicts Post-Treatment Kidney Prognosis in Patients with Severe Obstructive Nephropathy
Authors: Nakai Kunihiro , Segawa Hiroyoshi , Yashiro Masatomo , Yoshii Kengo , Kusaba Tetsuro , Matoba Satoaki , Tamagaki Keiichi , Hatta Tsuguru , Kado Hiroshi
Published: September 2022

A discrepancy between serum concentrations of cystatin C (CysC) and creatinine (sCr) has been reported in patients with acute obstructive nephropathy. However, the usefulness of CysC for predicting the recovery of kidney function in patients with severe obstructive nephropathy remains unclear. We examined the predictability of the estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated with CysC or sCr (eGFRcys or eGFRcreat) for the post-treatment recovery of kidney function. We retrospectively collected patients with severe obstructive nephropathy (eGFRcreat < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) whose baseline sCr and CysC were measured between 48 h before and 24 h after the release of urinary tract obstruction (UTO). The primary outcome was recovery from severe eGFRcreat depression (i.e., eGFRcreat ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) 7 days after the release of UTO. We calculated the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the relationship between eGFRcys or eGFRcreat and recovery. Thirty-four patients (20 males) with a median age of 76 years were eligible. We identified 20 recovery cases. The AUCs of the ROC curves (95% confidence interval) for eGFRcys and eGFRcreat were 0.81 (0.66–0.96) and 0.53 (0.32–0.73), respectively. These results imply cystatin C-based eGFR may help predict kidney prognosis in patients with severe obstructive nephropathy.
An Evaluation Model of Riparian Landscape: A Case in Rural Qingxi Area, Shanghai
Authors: Wang Ling , Ge Mengting , Chen Naiguang , Ding Jiahui , Shen Xiwei
Published: September 2022

The suburbs around Shanghai have a complex river network and a unique Chinese water-town culture. The riparian landscape in the rural Qingxi area has important regional, ecological, and social significance; it serves as an important part of the local bioclimate, but the existing studies on river vegetation did not pay enough attention to the riparian landscape in the countryside around the metropolis. The goal of this study was to examine a comprehensive evaluation model for the river plant landscape in the countryside surrounding a high-density metropolis such as Shanghai in the face of the national policy of rural revitalization and the low-carbon development problem, and to propose optimization strategies accordingly. Therefore, in this study, we selected 91 rivers in the Qingxi area and investigated their plant communities. According to the characteristics of the riparian landscape and its relationship with the river environment and local bioclimate, we classified the 91 riparian landscapes into four types of quadrats: natural landscape, residential recreation, roadside linear landscape, and agricultural landscape. In addition, based on the 13 indicator layers under the categories of ecological carrying capacity, landscape beauty, and social service, we calculated the comprehensive evaluation value (CEV) and comprehensive evaluation index (CEI) of 91 river quadrants using specific formulas to scientifically evaluate the riparian landscape in the rural Qingxi area of Shanghai. Finally, based on the existing problems summarized through data analysis, the researchers proposed five optimization directions: (1) increasing vegetation diversity, (2) choosing native and culturally representative species, (3) improving waterfront planting design, (4) achieving ecological riverbank construction, and (5) building greenway systems and recreational spaces. This study proposed an innovative evaluation model for the riparian vegetation landscape and tested its feasibility by site survey, which provided new visions for future rural landscape research.
A Study on the Ultrasonic Regulation of the Welding Performance and Residual Stress of 316L Stainless Steel Pipes
Authors: Jiang Xiaowei , Xu Chunguang , Li Jingdong , Lu Jiangquan , Wang Lin
Published: September 2022

Due to its extreme service conditions, low-temperature pressure piping often needs post-welding stress measurement and control. Aiming at the phenomenon of local stress concentration in welded 316L pipes, this study used ultrasound to regulate the stress in the welded area at different times during and after the multi-layer welding of the pipeline butt joint for different time lengths. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and hardness were tested for each comparison group, and the microcrystalline phases of the weld and its surrounding microstructure were analyzed. The transverse and longitudinal surface residual stresses of each comparison group were measured. The influence of high-energy ultrasound on the surface temperature field during and after welding was analyzed. The experimental results show that ultrasonic wave regulation can speed up heat exchange and radiation in the weld zone (WZ), refine the grains in the WZ, heat-affected zone (HAZ) and fusion zone (FZ) to some extent and reduce and homogenize residual stress to a certain degree. In the 120 mm area of the weld center, the residual stress measured after the mid-welding regulation was smaller than that of any other comparison group. This regulation result was the best, followed by that of hot regulation and finally that of offline regulation. The tensile strengths obtained by the mid-welding regulation and post-welding hot regulation of this group were the best, increasing by 17.2% and 24.3%, respectively, compared with the untreated groups.
Experimental Research on the Matching Characteristics of the Compound VGT-STC System with a V-Type Diesel Engine
Authors: Shi Mingwei , Wang Hechun , Yang Chuanlei , Wang Yinyan , Niu Xiaoxiao
Published: September 2022

In order to improve the performance of a V-type diesel engine at low and medium speeds, the compound VGT-STC turbocharger system was proposed. First, the compound VGT-STC turbocharger system bench was established, which allowed to switch between the VGT and STC boosting systems. Then, the load characteristic tests with a variable VGT vane opening were conducted at different speeds in the 1TC and the 2TC, respectively. The results showed that the VGT-1TC could provide much more air into the cylinder than the VGT-2TC at 1000 r/min, and the maximum torque was increased by 4000 Nm (80%), and the BSFC decreased by 20.1 g/kWh on average. The matching characteristics are analyzed for three boosting control strategy systems, including the VGT, STC, and the compound VGT-STC. The results show that the VGT system has a steady increase of the maximum torque in both low and medium speeds, while the STC system has a large increase in torque at 1000 r/min and begins to decline when speed is greater than 1200 r/min, and the compound VGT-STC system combines the advantages of the VGT and STC, which can maintain 9000 Nm (83% rated torque at 1800 rpm) and a lower BSFC at both low and medium speeds. As a result, with the compound VGT-STC boosting control strategy system, the operating range has expanded by 10%, and its smoke opacity, BSFC, and exhaust temperature are reduced by 0.057, 8.2 g/kWh, and 64 °C, respectively.
Analysis of a Delayed Reaction-Diffusion Predator–Prey System with Fear Effect and Anti-Predator Behaviour
Authors: Chen Zhenglong , Li Shunjie , Zhang Xuebing
Published: September 2022

This paper is devoted to studying the dynamics of a delayed reaction-diffusion predator–prey system incorporating the effects of fear and anti-predator behaviour. First, based on its mathematical model, the global attractor is analyzed and the local stability of its positive equilibria is derived. Moreover, the Hopf bifurcation induced by the time delay variable is also investigated. Furthermore, the existence and non-existence of non-constant positive solutions are analyzed. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to validate the theoretical analysis.
An Observational Study on Oral Health and Quality of Life for RPD Wearers in the N-E Region of Romania
Authors: Bida Florinel Cosmin , Agop-Forna Doriana , Bulancea Bogdan Petru , Balcoș Carina , Forna Norina Consuela
Published: September 2022

There is a lack of information regarding the oral health of the elderly population in Romania; only a few articles have been published about their edentulism, and there are no official data regarding the oral health, OHRQoL, and prosthodontic status of this population. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the essential functional qualities of removable partial dentures (RPD) and participants’ oral-health-related wellbeing among an edentulous population from the N-E region in Romania using the OHIP-5-questionnaire. In total, 546 patients from Gr. T. Popa Iasi University were enrolled after following a set of sorting procedures. We used the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Mann–Whitney test to determine whether there were significant differences between the various groups of patients. For questions 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the OHIP, the null hypothesis was rejected, as there were statistically significant differences between the three groups. This study was limited to a specific group. However, it can provide an insight into RPD patients’ happiness when treated in an academic environment.
Grain Boundary Migration as a Self-Healing Mechanism of Tungsten at High Temperature
Authors: Zheng Ruxin , Yang Liuqing , Zhang Liang
Published: September 2022

The tungsten components in nuclear fusion reactors need to withstand the radiation cascade damage caused by the neutron bombardment of high temperature and high throughput fusion reaction during service. These damages are mainly present as a high concentration of point defects and clusters, which lead to a series of problems such as irradiation-hardening and decreased thermal conductivity of materials. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to study the dynamic interaction between grain boundaries and the void in tungsten at high temperatures (T > 2500 K). Different interatomic potentials of W were tested, and the most appropriate one was selected by the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of W. Simulation results show that the dynamic migration of grain boundary can absorb the void, but the absorption efficiency of grain boundaries is sensitive to their structural characteristics, where the high-angle GBs are more absorptive to the void than the low-angle GBs. It is found that the void absorption cannot be completely attributed to the thermal diffusion mechanism during the GB-void interaction; the dynamic migration of high-angle GBs can significantly accelerate the void absorption. This study reveals a GB migration-induced self-healing mechanism of W at high temperatures.
Bismuth Complex Controlled Morphology Evolution and CuSCN-Induced Transport Improvement Enable Efficient BiI3 Solar Cells
Authors: He Zhangwei , Yu Runnan , Song Wanrong , Gong Yongshuai , Li Hui , Tan Zhan’ao
Published: September 2022

Bismuth triiodide (BiI3) is a particularly promising absorber material for inorganic thin-film solar cells due to its merits of nontoxicity and low cost. However, one key factor that limits the efficiency of BiI3 solar cells is the film morphology, which is strongly correlated with the trap states of the BiI3 film. Herein, we report a coordination engineering strategy by using Lewis base dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to induce the formation of a stable BiI3(DMSO)2 complex for controlling the morphology of BiI3 films. Density functional theory calculations further provide a theoretical framework for understanding the interaction of the BiI3(DMSO)2 complex with BiI3. The obtained BiI3(DMSO)2 complex could assist the fabrication of highly uniform and pinhole-free films with preferred crystallographic orientation. This high-quality film enables reduced trap densities, a suppressed charge recombination, and improved carrier mobility. In addition, the use of copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) as a hole transport layer improves the charge transport, enabling the realization of solar cells with a record power conversion efficiency of 1.80% and a champion fill factor of 51.5%. Our work deepens the insights into controlling the morphology of BiI3 thin films through the coordination engineering strategy and paves the way toward further improving the photovoltaic performances of BiI3 solar cells.
Foreword to the Special Issue on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Imaging in Dentistry
Authors: Almășan Oana
Published: September 2022

It is a great honor and privilege to present this Special Issue on “Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging in Dentistry” [...]
Total Syntheses of Chloropupukeananin and Its Related Natural Products
Authors: Suzuki Takahiro
Published: September 2022

Chloropupukeananin is a natural product that inhibits HIV-1 replication and has antitumor activity. Its structure consists of a chlorinated tricyclo[4.3.1.03,7]decane core skeleton with an array of highly oxidized multifunctional groups. In the biosynthesis of chloropupukeananin, (+)-iso-A82775C and (−)-maldoxin are employed as biosynthetic precursors for the intermolecular Diels–Alder and carbonyl–ene reactions, followed by the migration of the p-orcellinate group. Chloropupukeanolides and chloropestolides are intermediates and isomers in biosynthesis; their unique chemical structures and biosynthetic pathways have attracted significant attention from synthetic chemists. In this review, I present the synthetic studies on chloropupukeananin and its related compounds that have been conducted thus far.
Secreted Glycosyltransferase RsIA_GT of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA Inhibits Defense Responses in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Zhang Danhua , Wang Zhaoyilin , Yamamoto Naoki , Wang Mingyue , Yi Xiaoqun , Li Ping , Lin Runmao , Nasimi Zohreh , Okada Kazunori , Mochida Keiichi , Noutoshi Yoshiteru , Zheng Aiping
Published: September 2022

Anastomosis group AG-1 IA of Rhizoctonia solani Khün has a wide host range and threatens crop production. Various glycosyltransferases secreted by phytopathogenic fungi play an essential role in pathogenicity. Previously, we identified a glycosyltransferase RsIA_GT (AG11A_09161) as a secreted protein-encoding gene of R. solani AG-1 IA, whose expression levels increased during infection in rice. In this study, we further characterized the virulence function of RsIA_GT. It is conserved not only in Basidiomycota, including multiple anastomosis groups of R. solani, but also in other primary fungal taxonomic categories. RsIA_GT possesses a signal peptide (SP) for protein secretion, and its functionality was proven using yeast and Nicotiana benthamiana. The SP-truncated form of RsIA_GT (RsIA_GT(ΔS)) expressed in Escherichia coli-induced lesion-like phenotype in rice leaves when applied to punched leaves. However, Agrobacterium-mediated transient expressions of both the full-length RsIA_GT and RsIA_GT(ΔS) did not induce cell death in N. benthamiana leaves. Instead, only RsIA_GT(ΔS) suppressed the cell death induced by two reference cell death factors BAX and INF1 in N.benthamiana. RsIA_GT(ΔS)R154A D168A D170A, a mutant RsIA_GT(ΔS) for the glycosyltransferase catalytic domain, still suppressed the BAX- or INF1-induced cell death, suggesting that the cell death suppression activity of RsIA_GT(ΔS) would be independent from its enzymatic activity. RsIA_GT(ΔS) also suppressed the H2O2 production and callose deposition and showed an effect on the induction of defense genes associated with the expression of BAX and INF1. The transient expression of RsIA_GT(ΔS) in N. benthamiana enhanced the lesion area caused by R. solani AG-1 IA. The secreted glycosyltransferase, RsIA_GT, of R. solani AG-1 IA is likely to have a dual role in virulence inside and outside of host cells.
Nano-Formulation Based Intravesical Drug Delivery Systems: An Overview of Versatile Approaches to Improve Urinary Bladder Diseases
Authors: Sarfraz Muhammad , Qamar Shaista , Rehman Masood Ur , Tahir Muhammad Azam , Ijaz Muhammad , Ahsan Anam , Asim Mulazim Hussain , Nazir Imran
Published: September 2022

Intravesical drug delivery is a direct drug delivery approach for the treatment of various bladder diseases. The human urinary bladder has distinctive anatomy, making it an effective barrier against any toxic agent seeking entry into the bloodstream. This screening function of the bladder derives from the structure of the urothelium, which acts as a semi-permeable barrier. However, various diseases related to the urinary bladder, such as hyperactive bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis, cancer, urinary obstructions, or urinary tract infections, can alter the bladder’s natural function. Consequently, the intravesical route of drug delivery can effectively treat such diseases as it offers site-specific drug action with minimum side effects. Intravesical drug delivery is the direct instillation of medicinal drugs into the urinary bladder via a urethral catheter. However, there are some limitations to this method of drug delivery, including the risk of washout of the therapeutic agents with frequent urination. Moreover, due to the limited permeability of the urinary bladder walls, the therapeutic agents are diluted before the process of permeation, and consequently, their efficiency is compromised. Therefore, various types of nanomaterial-based delivery systems are being employed in intravesical drug delivery to enhance the drug penetration and retention at the targeted site. This review article covers the various nanomaterials used for intravesical drug delivery and future aspects of these nanomaterials for intravesical drug delivery.
Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Characteristics of Cement-Based Mortar Containing Nano-Silica, Micro-Silica, and PVA Fiber
Authors: Nematian Jelodar Hossein , Hojatkashani Ata , Madandoust Rahmat , Akbarpour Abbas , Hosseini Seyed Azim
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates bending and compressive strengths as mechanical characteristics of cement-based repair mortar containing nano-silica (NS) and micro-silica (SF) as cement replacements particles and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. The mentioned materials were added to the mortar in three different conditions, including single (just one material), binary (mixture of two admixtures), and ternary (mixture of all three admixtures) modes. The use of PVA fibers, nano-silica and micro-silica in the triple combination of a cement-based mortar is the primary objective of the current research. In total, 28 mix designs with various percentages of particles and fiber were employed in the current study, and 112 different specimens were prepared to conduct the experimental research. The compressive and flexural strength results have been selected as the criteria for obtaining the optimum mix design for each condition. In order to specify the mechanical characteristics of specimens, a compressive test was carried out according to ACI 318, and the three-point bending test was utilized according to BS EN 1015-11. The results obtained from this study show that the mixture containing 10% silica fume (SF10) can be considered the optimum mix design for the single-mode condition. For such a mix design, a flexural strength increase of 27% and a compressive strength improvement of 48% were determined in comparison to the reference mixture design. The mixture containing nano-silica at 2% and silica fume at 8% (NS2SF8) was the optimum mix design in the binary mode condition. With the current mix design, a flexural strength improvement of 24% and a compressive strength increase of 49% in a 28-day specimen were recorded. Finally, under the ternary mode condition, a flexural strength enhancement of 3.5% and a compressive strength improvement of 4.6% were obtained. Additionally, the mixture design containing a PVA content of 0.75% and an SF content of 10% (PVA0.75SF10) was considered optimum.
Orbit Predictions for Space Object Tracked by Ground-Based Optical and SLR Stations
Authors: Abdelaziz A. M. , Ibrahim Makram , Liang Zhipeng , Dong Xue , Tealib S. K.
Published: September 2022

In many cases, we have few optical observations over a short time span, and most of the information generated is too limited to compute a full orbit according to the angles-only method. This study aims to develop a mathematical model to determine the precise orbit from the optical observation data by the least squares method. We have used a set of the Global Navigational Satellite Systems, which are tracked by the Optical Satellite Tracking Station (OSTS) at the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), Egypt, to access high-quality predictions for the orbits. We analyzed the orbit predictions from the observations of these satellites that are tracked from seven world stations using the laser ranging method, and the obtained results are compared with orbital elements produced using the Two-Line Element (TLE). The results showed that the orbital prediction accuracy differs for optical observations from laser observations because of the inaccuracy of the NORAD catalog information used; this is due to the difference between the time of observation and the epoch time of TLE.
Effects of Mutual Coupling on Gain and Beam Width of a Linear Array of a Dielectric Resonator Antenna for Main Beam Scanning Applications
Authors: Nasir Jamal , Khan Aftab Ahmad , Khaliq Shoaib , Qureshi Muhammad Bilal , Ullah Irfan , Liu Leo , Nawaz Raheel
Published: September 2022

The effects of mutual coupling on the scanning characteristics of a four-element linear rectangular dielectric resonator antenna array (RDRA) are investigated for different inter-element spacing in this work. In particular, the gain and half-power beam width (HPBW) of an RDRA are studied for various scan angles in the E- and H-plane configurations. It is shown that for both the E and H planes, mutual coupling has an adverse effect on the performance of both phased array configurations. The H-plane array, however, is more stable than the E-plane array in terms of a gain and beam width performance comparison. The HPBW increases and gain decreases more in the E plane than the H plane when the scan angle is increased.
Loosening Identification of Multi-Bolt Connections Based on Wavelet Transform and ResNet-50 Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Li Xiao-Xue , Li Dan , Ren Wei-Xin , Zhang Jun-Shu
Published: September 2022

A high-strength bolt connection is the key component of large-scale steel structures. Bolt loosening and preload loss during operation can reduce the load-carrying capacity, safety, and durability of the structures. In order to detect loosening damage in multi-bolt connections of large-scale civil engineering structures, we proposed a multi-bolt loosening identification method based on time-frequency diagrams and a convolutional neural network (CNN) using vi-bro-acoustic modulation (VAM) signals. Continuous wavelet transform was employed to obtain the time-frequency diagrams of VAM signals as the features. Afterward, the CNN model was trained to identify the multi-bolt loosening conditions from the raw time-frequency diagrams intelligently. It helps to get rid of the dependence on traditional manual selection of simplex and ineffective damage index and to eliminate the influence of operational noise of structures on the identification accuracy. A laboratory test was carried out on bolted connection specimens with four high-strength bolts of different degrees of loosening. The effects of different excitations, CNN models, and dataset sizes were investigated. We found that the ResNet-50 CNN model taking time-frequency diagrams of the hammer excited VAM signals, as the input had better performance in identifying the loosened bolts with various degrees of loosening at different positions. The results indicate that the proposed multi-bolt loosening identification method based on VAM and ResNet-50 CNN can identify bolt loosening with a reasonable accuracy, computational efficiency, and robustness.
Users’ and Providers’ Perceptions about Integrated Health Care in Southern Denmark
Authors: Noor Fadumo , Gulis Gabriel , Eklund Karlsson Leena
Published: September 2022

Health care systems are increasingly complex, and evidence shows poor coordination of care within and between providers, as well as at the interface between different levels of care. The purpose of this study is to explore users’ and providers’ (stakeholders’) perspectives of integrated care in Denmark. We conducted qualitative interviews with 19 providers and 18 users that were analysed through inductive content analysis. Providers’ and stakeholders’ perceived deficits in system-level factors, lack of organizational culture, weaknesses in communication, a need for a shift towards considering equity in access to health services and focus on person-centeredness. Fundamental changes suggested by participants were better sharing of information and knowledge, focus on stronger trust building, efforts in making communication more effective, and changes in incentive structure. Users perceived poor navigation in the health care system, frustration when they experienced that the services were not based on their needs and lack of support for improving their health literacy. The study showed health care weaknesses in improving user involvement in decision-making, enhancing the user–provider relationship, coordination, and access to services. Public health within integrated care requires policies and management practices that promote system awareness, relationship-building and information-sharing and provides incentive structures that support integration.
Electrochemistry of Sulfides: Process and Environmental Aspects
Authors: Chanturiya Valentine A. , Krasavtseva Eugenia A. , Makarov Dmitriy V.
Published: September 2022

One of the main sources of non-ferrous and precious metals is sulfide ores. This paper presents a review of the existing literature on the electrochemical properties of some of the most common industrial sulfides, such as pentlandite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, pyrrhotite, pyrite, etc. The study results of the surface redox transformations of minerals, galvanic effect, cathodic oxygen reduction reaction on the surface of sulfides are presented. The electrochemical properties of sulfide minerals are manifested both in the industrial processes of flotation and hydrometallurgy and in the natural geological setting or during the storage of sulfide-containing mining, mineral processing, and metallurgical industry waste.
Understanding Chinese EFL Learners’ Acceptance of Gamified Vocabulary Learning Apps: An Integration of Self-Determination Theory and Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhao Shuang
Published: September 2022

Implementing the idea of gamification in mobile-assisted language learning has recently been gaining increasing attention from academia and industry. However, few studies have investigated students’ motivation to use and their acceptance of popular gamified English vocabulary learning apps. This study proposes a theoretical framework combining the self-determination theory and the technology acceptance model, and examines it with survey data collected from 272 Chinese college students. The findings of the descriptive statistical and structural equation modeling analysis include: (1) students generally choose these apps out of autonomous motivations instead of controlled motivations; (2) autonomous motivation positively affects both perceived usefulness and ease of use, whereas controlled motivation only shows positive effects on the former; (3) controlled motivation does not affect the autonomous motivation to adopt these apps; and (4) consistent with the TAM frameworks, perceived usefulness and ease of use positively affect behavioral intention and actual behavior in terms of the frequency and duration of use in the gamified English vocabulary learning context. This study is expected to not only provide a solid theoretical explanation about the impact of motivation on the degree of acceptance of learning technologies in the language education context among specific student groups, but also offers practical insights on how to maximize the potential benefits of gamification and mobile learning in foreign language education
Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems and Biocultural Heritage: Addressing Indigenous Priorities Using Decolonial and Interdisciplinary Research Approaches
Authors: Swiderska Krystyna , Argumedo Alejandro , Wekesa Chemuku , Ndalilo Leila , Song Yiching , Rastogi Ajay , Ryan Philippa
Published: September 2022

The food systems and territories of Indigenous Peoples sustain much of the world’s biodiversity, cultivated and wild, through agroecological practices rooted in Indigenous cosmovision and cultural and spiritual values. These food systems have a critical role to play in sustainability transformations but are widely threatened and have received limited research attention. This paper presents the results of four virtual workshops with Indigenous Peoples: a global workshop and local workshops with communities in coastal Kenya, northeast India and southwest China. Indigenous participants highlighted the role of their food systems in resilience to climate change, nutrition, sustainability and resilience to pandemics, and threats from agriculture, development and conservation policies. They called for research on the rapid loss of Indigenous knowledge; Indigenous Peoples’ land rights and food sovereignty; and the impacts of industrial agriculture on Indigenous food systems, stressing the need for decolonial approaches to revitalise Indigenous knowledge. The paper presents a decolonial and interdisciplinary framework for action-research on Indigenous food systems past and present, from farm to plate, drawing on the virtual workshops, Andean decolonising methods and historical approaches. It concludes that decolonising action-research, led by Indigenous Peoples, is urgently needed to reverse the rapid loss of food-related biocultural heritage.
Uncertain Stochastic Optimal Control with Jump and Its Application in a Portfolio Game
Authors: Wu Chengyu , Yang Lu , Zhang Chengke
Published: September 2022

This article describes a class of jump-uncertain stochastic control systems, and derives an Itô–Liu formula with jump. We characterize an optimal control law, that satisfies the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation with jump. Then, this paper deduces the optimal portfolio game under uncertain stochastic financial markets with jump. The information of players is symmetrical. The financial market is constituted of a risk-free asset and a risky asset whose price process is subjected to the jump-uncertain stochastic Black–Scholes model. The game is formulated by two utility maximization problems, each investor tries to maximize his relative utility, which is the weighted average of terminal wealth difference between his terminal wealth and that of his competitor. Finally, the explicit expressions of equilibrium investment strategies and value functions for the constant absolute risk-averse and constant relative risk-averse utility function are derived by using the dynamic programming principle.
Protective Effect of SeMet on Liver Injury Induced by Ochratoxin A in Rabbits
Authors: Zhang Ziqiang , Xu Jingyi , Zhang Xin , Wang Jiajia , Xie Hui , Sun Yingying , Zhang Qianwen , Chang Zhaoyang , Liu Yumei
Published: September 2022

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is second only to aflatoxin in toxicity among mycotoxins. Recent studies have shown that selenomethionine (SeMet) has a protective effect on mycotoxin-induced toxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of SeMet on OTA-induced liver injury in rabbits. Sixty 35-day-old rabbits with similar body weight were randomly divided into five groups: control group, OTA group (0.2 mg/kg OTA), OTA + 0.2 mg/kg SeMet group, OTA + 0.4 mg/kg SeMet group and OTA + 0.6 mg/kg SeMet group. Rabbits were fed different doses of the SeMet diet for 21 d, and OTA was administered for one week from day 15 (the control group was provided the same dose of NaHCO3 solution). The results showed that 0.4 mg/kg SeMet could significantly improve the liver injury induced by OTA poisoning. SeMet supplementation can improve the changes in physiological blood indexes caused by OTA poisoning in rabbits and alleviate pathological damage to the rabbit liver. SeMet also increased the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC and significantly decreased the contents of ROS, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, effectively alleviating the oxidative stress and inflammatory response caused by OTA poisoning. In addition, OTA poisoning inhibits Nrf2 and HO-1 levels, ultimately leading to peroxide reaction, while SeMet activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway and enhances the expression of the HO-1 downstream Nrf2 gene. These results suggest that Se protects the liver from OTA-induced hepatotoxicity by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 expression.
West Nile Disease Symptoms and Comorbidities: A Systematic Review and Analysis of Cases
Authors: Bampali Maria , Konstantinidis Konstantinos , Kellis Emmanouil E. , Pouni Theodoti , Mitroulis Ioannis , Kottaridi Christine , Mathioudakis Alexander G. , Beloukas Apostolos , Karakasiliotis Ioannis
Published: September 2022

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has emerged as a major cause of viral encephalitis and meningitis, rarely leading to death. Several risk factors have been discussed in the past concerning the severity of the disease, while few reports have focused on precipitating conditions that determine of WNV-related death. Studies on cohorts of patients suffering of West Nile disease (WND) usually encompass low numbers of deceased patients as a result of the rarity of the event. In this systematic review and critical analysis of 428 published case studies and case series, we sought to evaluate and highlight critical parameters of WND-related death. We summarized the symptoms, comorbidities, and treatment strategies related to WND in all published cases of patients that included clinical features. Symptoms such as altered mental status and renal problems presented increased incidence among deceased patients, while these patients presented increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose. Our analysis also highlights underestimated comorbidities such as pulmonary disease to act as precipitating conditions in WND, as they were significantly increased amongst deceased patients. CSF glucose and the role of pulmonary diseases need to be revaluated either retrospectively or prospectively in WND patient cohorts, as they may be linked to increased mortality risk.
Phase Space Analysis of Barrow Agegraphic Dark Energy
Authors: Huang Hai , Huang Qihong , Zhang Ruanjing
Published: September 2022

Using the Barrow entropy and considering the timescale as IR cutoff, a new holographic dark energy model named Barrow agegraphic dark energy (BADE) was proposed. We use phase space analysis method to discuss the evolution of the universe in three different mode of BADE (Q=0; Q=3αH(ρm+ρD); Q=H(αρm+βρD)). We find the attractor which represents the dark energy-dominated era exists in all cases. In the case Q=0 and Q=H(αρm+βρD) with β=0, the attractor can behave as the cosmological constant, and these models can used to mimic the cosmological constant.
Generalized Logotropic Models and Their Cosmological Constraints
Authors: Benaoum Hachemi , Chavanis Pierre-Henri , Quevedo Hernando
Published: September 2022

We propose a new class of cosmological unified dark sector models called “Generalized Logotropic Models”. They depend on a free parameter n. The original logotropic model is a special case of our generalized model corresponding to n=1. The ΛCDM model is recovered for n=0. In our scenario, the Universe is filled with a single fluid, a generalized logotropic dark fluid (GLDF), whose pressure P includes higher order logarithmic terms of the rest-mass density ρm. The total energy density ϵ is the sum of the rest-mass energy density ρmc2 and the internal energy density u which play the roles of dark matter energy density ϵm and dark energy density ϵde, respectively. We investigate the cosmological behavior of the generalized logotropic models by focusing on the evolution of the energy density, scale factor, equation of state parameter, deceleration parameter and squared speed of sound. Low values of n≤3 are favored. We also study the asymptotic behavior of the generalized logotropic models. In particular, we show that the model presents a phantom behavior and has three distinct ways of evolution depending on the value of n. For 02 to a big rip. We predict the value of the big rip time as a function of n without any free (undetermined) parameter.