bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Calcium Signaling in Melanoma
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Chen Zhe , Zhang Aijun , Gupte Anisha A. , Hamilton Dale J.
Published: January 2022

Calcium signaling plays important roles in physiological and pathological conditions, including cutaneous melanoma, the most lethal type of skin cancer. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), cell membrane calcium channels, calcium related proteins (S100 family, E-cadherin, and calpain), and Wnt/Ca2+ pathways are related to melanogenesis and melanoma tumorigenesis and progression. Calcium signaling influences the melanoma microenvironment, including immune cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), the vascular network, and chemical and physical surroundings. Other ionic channels, such as sodium and potassium channels, are engaged in calcium-mediated pathways in melanoma. Calcium signaling serves as a promising pharmacological target in melanoma treatment, and its dysregulation might serve as a marker for melanoma prediction. We documented calcium-dependent endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondria dysfunction, by targeting calcium channels and influencing [Ca2+]i and calcium homeostasis, and attenuated drug resistance in melanoma management.
Brassinosteroids (BRs) Role in Plant Development and Coping with Different Stresses
Authors: Manghwar Hakim , Hussain Amjad , Ali Qurban , Liu Fen
Published: January 2022

Plants are vulnerable to a number of abiotic and biotic stresses that cause a substantial decrease in the production of plants. Plants respond to different environmental stresses by experiencing a series of molecular and physiological changes coordinated by various phytohormones. The use of phytohormones to alleviate stresses has recently achieved increasing interest. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a group of polyhydroxylated steroidal phytohormones that are required for the development, growth, and productivity of plants. These hormones are involved in regulating the division, elongation, and differentiation of numerous cell types throughout the entire plant life cycle. BR studies have drawn the interest of plant scientists over the last few decades due to their flexible ability to mitigate different environmental stresses. BRs have been shown in numerous studies to have a positive impact on plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses. BR receptors detect the BR at the cell surface, triggering a series of phosphorylation events that activate the central transcription factor (TF) Brassinazole-resistant 1 (BZR1), which regulates the transcription of BR-responsive genes in the nucleus. This review discusses the discovery, occurrence, and chemical structure of BRs in plants. Furthermore, their role in the growth and development of plants, and against various stresses, is discussed. Finally, BR signaling in plants is discussed.
Decreased Expression of Estrogen Receptors Is Associated with Tumorigenesis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Chou Chen-Kai , Chi Shun-Yu , Hung Yi-Yung , Yang Yi-Chien , Fu Hung-Chun , Wang Jia-He , Chen Chueh-Chen , Kang Hong-Yo
Published: January 2022

Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC), which is derived from thyroid follicular cells, is the most commonly differentiated thyroid cancer with sex disparity. However, the role of estrogen receptors (ERs) in the pathogenesis of PTC remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the association of ER mRNA expression levels with clinicopathologic features in PTC. To that aim, the mRNA levels of ESR1 (ERα66), ESR1 (ERα36), ESR2, and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) in snap-frozen tissue samples from PTCs and adjacent normal thyroid tissues were determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the correlation between ER mRNA expression levels and clinicopathologic features was analyzed. The expression of ERα66, ERα36, ERβ, and GPER1 was lower in PTC specimens than in adjacent normal thyroid tissues. Moreover, low GPER1 expression was associated with extrathyroidal extension. There was no obvious difference in expression of ERs between PTC specimens from male and female patients. In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of ERs in PTC tumorigenesis.
Culture Condition of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Affects Quantity and Quality of the Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Scheiber Amanda L. , Clark Cierra A. , Kaito Takashi , Iwamoto Masahiro , Horwitz Edwin M. , Kawasawa Yuka Imamura , Otsuru Satoru
Published: January 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) have been shown to act as a transporter of bioactive molecules such as RNAs and proteins in the therapeutic actions of BMSCs in various diseases. Although EV therapy holds great promise to be a safer cell-free therapy overcoming issues related to cell therapy, manufacturing processes that offer scalable and reproducible EV production have not been established. Robust and scalable BMSC manufacturing methods have been shown to enhance EV production; however, the effects on EV quality remain less studied. Here, using human BMSCs isolated from nine healthy donors, we examined the effects of high-performance culture media that can rapidly expand BMSCs on EV production and quality in comparison with the conventional culture medium. We found significantly increased EV production from BMSCs cultured in the high-performance media without altering their multipotency and immunophenotypes. RNA sequencing revealed that RNA contents in EVs from high-performance media were significantly reduced with altered profiles of microRNA enriched in those related to cellular growth and proliferation in the pathway analysis. Given that pre-clinical studies at the laboratory scale often use the conventional medium, these findings could account for the discrepancy in outcomes between pre-clinical and clinical studies. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of selecting proper culture conditions for scalable and reproducible EV manufacturing.
Chemotherapeutics Combined with Luminal Irritants: Effects on Small-Intestinal Mannitol Permeability and Villus Length in Rats
Authors: Cano-Cebrián Maria-José , Dahlgren David , Kullenberg Fredrik , Peters Karsten , Olander Tobias , Sjöblom Markus , Lennernäs Hans
Published: January 2022

Chemotherapy causes intestinal mucositis, which includes villous atrophy and altered mucosal barrier function. However, there is an uncertainty regarding how the reduced small-intestinal surface area affects the mucosal permeability of the small marker probe mannitol (MW 188), and how the mucosa responds to luminal irritants after chemotherapy. The aims in this study were to determine (i) the relationship between chemotherapy-induced villus atrophy and the intestinal permeability of mannitol and (ii) how the mucosa regulate this permeability in response to luminal ethanol and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). This was investigated by treating rats with a single intraperitoneal dose of doxorubicin, irinotecan, or 5-fluorouracil. After 72 h, jejunum was single-pass perfused and mannitol permeability determined at baseline and after 15 min luminal exposure to 15% ethanol or 5 mg/mL SDS. Tissue samples for morphological analyses were sampled from the perfused segment. All three chemotherapeutics caused a similar 30% reduction in villus length. Mannitol permeability increased with irinotecan (1.3-fold) and 5-fluorouracil (2.5-fold) and was reduced with doxorubicin (0.5-fold), suggesting that it is not epithelial surface area alone that regulates intestinal permeability to mannitol. There was no additional increase in mannitol permeability induced by luminal ethanol or SDS in the chemotherapy-treated rats compared to controls, which may be related to the relatively high basal permeability of mannitol compared to other common low-permeability probes. We therefore suggest that future studies should focus on elucidating the complex interplay between chemotherapy in combination with luminal irritants on the intestinal permeability of other probes.
The Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Plant Roots during Development and in Response to Abiotic Stress
Authors: Li Hua , Chen Hongyu , Chen Lulu , Wang Chenyang
Published: January 2022

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is regarded as a “New Warrior” for managing plant stress. It also plays an important role in plant growth and development. The regulation of root system architecture (RSA) by H2S has been widely recognized. Plants are dependent on the RSA to meet their water and nutritional requirements. They are also partially dependent on the RSA for adapting to environment change. Therefore, a good understanding of how H2S affects the RSA could lead to improvements in both crop function and resistance to environmental change. In this review, we summarized the regulating effects of H2S on the RSA in terms of primary root growth, lateral and adventitious root formation, root hair development, and the formation of nodules. We also discussed the genes involved in the regulation of the RSA by H2S, and the relationships with other signal pathways. In addition, we discussed how H2S regulates root growth in response to abiotic stress. This review could provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of H2S in roots during development and under abiotic stress.
Photodynamic Activity of Protoporphyrin IX-Immobilized Cellulose Monolith for Nerve Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Lee Ji Hye , Kim Ki Hong , Kwon Oh Hyeong , Kwon Oh Kyoung , Uyama Hiroshi , Kim Young-Jin
Published: January 2022

The development of nerve conduits with a three-dimensional porous structure has attracted great attention as they closely mimic the major features of the natural extracellular matrix of the nerve tissue. As low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) function as signaling molecules to promote cell proliferation and growth, this study aimed to fabricate protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)-immobilized cellulose (CEPP) monoliths as a means to both guide and stimulate nerve regeneration. CEPP monoliths can be fabricated via a simple thermally induced phase separation method and surface modification. The improved nerve tissue regeneration of CEPP monoliths was achieved by the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). The resulting CEPP monoliths exhibited interconnected microporous structures and uniform morphology. The results of in vitro bioactivity assays demonstrated that the CEPP monoliths with under 0.54 ± 0.07 μmol/g PpIX exhibited enhanced photodynamic activity on Schwann cells via the generation of low levels of ROS. This photodynamic activation of the CEPP monoliths is a cell-safe process to stimulate cell proliferation without cytotoxic side effects. In addition, the protein expression of phospho-ERK increased considerably after the laser irradiation on the CEPP monoliths with low content of PpIX. Therefore, the CEPP monoliths have a potential application in nerve tissue regeneration as new nerve conduits.
Traumatic Hip Dislocations in Major Trauma Patients: Epidemiology, Injury Mechanisms, and Concomitant Injuries
Authors: Weber Christian D. , Lefering Rolf , Sellei Richard M. , Horst Klemens , Migliorini Filippo , Hildebrand Frank ,   TraumaRegister DGU
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Traumatic hip dislocations (THDs) are severe injuries associated with considerable morbidity. Delayed recognition of fracture dislocations and neurovascular deficits have been proposed to cause deleterious long-term clinical outcomes. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify characteristics of epidemiology, injury mechanisms, and associated injuries to identify patients at risk. Methods: For this study based on the TraumaRegister DGU® (January 2002–December 2017), the inclusion criterion was an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥9 points. Exclusion criteria were an isolated head injury and early transfer to another hospital. The THD group was compared to a control group without hip dislocation. The ISS and New ISS were used for injury severity and the Abbreviated Injury Scale for associated injuries classification. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: The final study cohort comprised n = 170,934 major trauma patients. We identified 1359 individuals (0.8%) with THD; 12 patients had sustained bilateral hip dislocations. Patients with THD were predominantly male (79.5%, mean age 43 years, mean ISS 22.4 points). Aortic injuries (2.1% vs. 0.9%, p ≤ 0.001) were observed more frequently in the THD group. Among the predictors for THDs were specific injury mechanisms, including motor vehicle accidents (odds ratio (OR) 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.57–3.45, p ≤ 0.001), motorcycle accidents (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.66–2.39, p ≤ 0.001), and suicide attempts (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.06–1.75, p = 0.016). Despite a lower rate of head injuries and a comparable level of care measured by trauma center admission, both intensive care unit and total hospital stay were prolonged in patients with THD. Conclusions: Since early diagnosis, as well as timely and sufficient treatment, of THDs are of high relevance for long-term outcomes of severely injured individuals, knowledge of patients at risk for this injury pattern is of utmost importance. THDs are frequently related to high-energy mechanisms and associated with severe concomitant injuries in major trauma patients.
Unraveling the Signaling Secretome of Platelet-Rich Plasma: Towards a Better Understanding of Its Therapeutic Potential in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Del Amo Cristina , Perez-Valle Arantza , Atilano Leire , Andia Isabel
Published: January 2022

Platelets and their secretory products play an important role in determining the balance between tissue repair and tissue damage. To obtain novel insights into the molecular composition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and contextualize them in knee osteoarthritis (OA), two different plasma formulations, namely PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP), were prepared from six healthy donors following a biobank-automated protocol. Inter-donor differences were analyzed, and pools were created before performing multiplexing protein arrays. In addition, PRP and PPP were prepared from six patients following our in-house protocols. Supernatants from PRP and PPP were harvested one hour after calcium chloride activation. Multiplexing protein arrays were performed in parallel for all plasma formulations. Results were normalized to fold change in relation to PPP and examined using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis Software. Bioinformatic predictions showed that PRPs constitute a signaling system with interrelated networks of inflammatory and angiogenic proteins, including but not limited to interleukin-6 and -8 (IL-6, IL-8), insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), transforming growth factor beta, (TGF-b), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, underlying biological actions. Predictions of canonical systems activated with PRP molecules include various inflammatory pathways, including high-mobility group box protein (HMGB1) and interleukin 17 (IL-17) signaling, neuroinflammation, and nuclear factor-kappa b (NF-κB) pathways. Eventually, according to these predictions and OA evolving knowledge, selected PRP formulations should be tailored to modulate different inflammatory phenotypes, i.e., meta-inflammation, inflame-aging or posttraumatic inflammatory osteoarthritis. However, further research to discriminate the peculiarities of autologous versus allogeneic formulations and their effects on the various OA inflammatory phenotypes is needed to foster PRPs.
Predictive Radiographic Values for Foot Ulceration in Persons with Charcot Foot Divided by Lateral or Medial Midfoot Deformity
Authors: López-Moral Mateo , Molines-Barroso Raúl J. , Sanz-Corbalán Irene , Tardáguila-García Aroa , García-Madrid Marta , Lázaro-Martínez José Luis
Published: January 2022

Background: To identify differences in radiographic outcomes in weight-bearing lateral X-ray to predict the probability of ulceration in patients with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) differentiated by lateral and medial column deformities. Methods: Thirty-five patients who suffered from CN midfoot deformity participated in this 1 year prospective study in a specialized diabetic foot unit. Lateral talar-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, and cuboid height were performed by digital radiographs in the weight-bearing lateral view. Patients were followed up for 1 year or until an ulcer ulceration event occurred in the midfoot region. Results: ROC analyses showed that all patients with medial pattern deformity that developed a midfoot ulcer had a lateral talar-first metatarsal angle greater (negative) than −27.5 degrees (°). All patients with lateral pattern deformity that developed a midfoot ulcer had a calcaneal pitch greater (more negative) than −5° and a cuboid height greater (more negative) than −1.5°. Conclusions: Lateral talar-first metatarsal angle was the greatest predictor of midfoot ulceration, with greater than −27.5° measurement correlating with ulceration occurrence in patients with medial deformity. Calcaneal pitch and cuboid height were the greatest predictors of midfoot ulceration with greater than −5 and −1.5°, respectively in patients with CN lateral deformity.
CT Enterography for Preoperative Evaluation of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Delgado-Barriga Katty , Medina Carmen , Gomez-Quiles Luis , Marco-Domenech Santiago F. , Escrig Javier , Llueca Antoni
Published: January 2022

To compare the diagnostic performance of routine CT (rCT), CT enterography (CTE) and intraoperative quantification of PCI to surgical and pathological reference standards in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, a retrospective study of 122 patients who underwent cytoreduction surgery for ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis was conducted. Radiological, surgical, and pathological PCIs were obtained from the corresponding reports, and the latter two were considered reference standards. The radiological techniques used were rCT: 64 MDCT (32 × 1 mm) (100 mL iopromide 370 i.v., 800 mL water p.o.), and CTE: 64 MDCT (64 × 0.5 mm) (130 mL iopromide 370 i.v., 1800 mL mannitol solution p.o., 20 mg buscopan i.v.). Data were grouped by imaging technique and analyzed using total PCI and stratified by tumor burden (low-PCI < 10, high-PCI > 20). Agreement, diagnostic performance and degree of cytoreduction were evaluated. Disappointing results for rCT and CTE were obtained when using a surgical referent, but better diagnostic performance and concordance (0.86 vs. 0.78 vs. 0.62, p < 0.05) was observed when using a pathological referent—surgical PCI overestimates and overstaged patients. PCI is underestimated by rCT rather than CTE. For high-PCI, the ROC curve was mediocre for CTE and useless for rCT, as it failed to identify any cases. For low-PCI, the ROC was excellent (86% CTE vs. 75% rCT). In four cases with low-PCI as determined by rCT, cytoreduction was suboptimal. CTE has a better diagnostic performance than rCT in quantifying PCI in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, suggesting that CTE should be used as the initial technique. Surgical-PCI could be considered as an imperfect standard reference.
Changing Paradigms in the Diagnosis of Ischemic Heart Disease by Multimodality Imaging
Authors: Baggiano Andrea , Italiano Gianpiero , Guglielmo Marco , Fusini Laura , Guaricci Andrea Igoren , Maragna Riccardo , Giacari Carlo Maria , Mushtaq Saima , Conte Edoardo , Annoni Andrea Daniele , Formenti Alberto , Mancini Maria Elisabetta , Andreini Daniele , Rabbat Mark , Pepi Mauro , Pontone Gianluca
Published: January 2022

Coronary artery disease (CAD) represents the most common cardiovascular disease, with high morbidity and mortality. Historically patients with chest pain of suspected coronary origin have been assessed with functional tests, capable to detect haemodynamic consequences of coronary obstructions through depiction of electrocardiographic changes, myocardial perfusion defects or regional wall motion abnormalities under stress condition. Stress echocardiography (SE), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) represent the functional techniques currently available, and technical developments contributed to increased diagnostic performance of these techniques. More recently, cardiac computed tomography angiography (cCTA) has been developed as a non-invasive anatomical test for a direct visualisation of coronary vessels and detailed description of atherosclerotic burden. Cardiovascular imaging techniques have dramatically enhanced our knowledge regarding physiological aspects and myocardial implications of CAD. Recently, after the publication of important trials, international guidelines recognised these changes, updating indications and level of recommendations. This review aims to summarise current standards with main novelties and specific limitations, and a diagnostic algorithm for up-to-date clinical management is also proposed.
Treatment-Resistant Depression in Poland—Epidemiology and Treatment
Authors: Gałecki Piotr , Samochowiec Jerzy , Mikułowska Magdalena , Szulc Agata
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders worldwide. Although several antidepressant drugs have been developed, up to 30% of patients fail to achieve remission, and acute remission rates decrease with the number of treatment steps required. The aim of the current project was to estimate and describe the population of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients in outpatient clinics in Poland. (2) Methods: The project involved a representative sample of psychiatrists working in outpatient clinics, chosen through a process of quota random sampling. The doctors completed two questionnaires on a consecutive series of patients with MDD, which captured the patients’ demographics, comorbidities, and medical histories. TRD was defined as no improvement seen after a minimum of two different antidepressant drug therapies applied in sufficient doses for a minimum of 4 weeks each. The data were weighted and extrapolated to the population of TRD outpatients in Poland. (3) Results: A total of 76 psychiatrists described 1781 MDD patients, out of which 396 fulfilled the criteria of TRD. The TRD patients constituted 25.2% of all MDD patients, which led to the number of TRD outpatients in Poland being estimated at 34,800. The demographics, comorbidities, medical histories, and histories of treatment of Polish TRD patients were described. In our sample of the TRD population (mean age: 45.6 ± 13.1 years; female: 64%), the patients had experienced 2.1 ± 1.6 depressive episodes (including the current one), and the mean duration of the current episode was 4.8 ± 4.4 months. In terms of treatment strategies, most patients (around 70%) received monotherapy during the first three therapies, while combination antidepressant drugs (ADs) were applied more often from the fourth line of treatment. The use of additional medications and augmentation was reported in only up to one third of the TRD patients. During all of the treatment steps, patients most often received a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). (4) Conclusions: TRD is a serious problem, affecting approximately one fourth of all depressive patients and nearly 35,000 Poles.
Differentiation of Cells Isolated from Human Femoral Heads into Functional Osteoclasts
Authors: Halloran Daniel R. , Heubel Brian , MacMurray Connor , Root Denise , Eskander Mark , McTague Sean P. , Pelkey Heather , Nohe Anja
Published: January 2022

Proper formation of the skeleton during development is crucial for the mobility of humans and the maintenance of essential organs. The production of bone is regulated by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. An imbalance of these cells can lead to a decrease in bone mineral density, which leads to fractures. While many studies are emerging to understand the role of osteoblasts, less studies are present about the role of osteoclasts. This present study utilized bone marrow cells isolated directly from the bone marrow of femoral heads obtained from osteoarthritic (OA) patients after undergoing hip replacement surgery. Here, we used tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, Cathepsin K, and nuclei to identity osteoclasts and their functionality after stimulation with macrophage-colony stimulation factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL). Our data demonstrated that isolated cells can be differentiated into functional osteoclasts, as indicated by the 92% and 83% of cells that stained positive for TRAP and Cathepsin K, respectively. Furthermore, isolated cells remain viable and terminally differentiate into osteoclasts when stimulated with RANKL. These data demonstrate that cells isolated from human femoral heads can be differentiated into osteoclasts to study bone disorders during development and adulthood.
Study of Tailored Hot Stamping Process on Advanced High-Strength Steels
Authors: Palmieri Maria Emanuela , Galetta Francesco Rocco , Tricarico Luigi
Published: January 2022

Ultra-high-strength steels (UHSS) combined with tailor-stamping technologies are increasingly being adopted in automotive body production due to crashworthiness improvements and part weight reduction, which meet safety and energy saving demands. Recently, USIBOR®2000 (37MnB5) steel has been added to the family of UHSS. This new material allows higher performance with respect to its predecessor USIBOR®1500 (22MnB5). In this work, the two steels are compared for the manufacturing of an automotive B-Pillar by press-hardening with a tailored tool tempering approach. A Finite Element (FE) model has been developed for the numerical simulation of thermomechanical cycles of the press-hardening process. The FE-simulations have been performed with the aim of obtaining soft zones in the part, by varying the quenching time and the temperature of heated tools. The effects of these parameters on the mechanical properties of the part have been experimentally evaluated thanks to hardness and tensile tests performed on specimens subjected to the numerical thermo-mechanical cycles using the Geeble-3180 physical simulator. The results show that for both UHSS, an increase in quenching time leads to a decrease in hardness up to a threshold value, which is lower for the USIBOR®1500. Moreover, higher mechanical resistance and lower elongation at break values are derived for the USIBOR®2000 steel than for USIBOR®1500 steel.
Wind Tunnel Experiments on an Aircraft Model Fabricated Using a 3D Printing Technique
Authors: Szwedziak Katarzyna , Łusiak Tomasz , Bąbel Robert , Winiarski Przemysław , Podsędek Sebastian , Doležal Petr , Niedbała Gniewko
Published: January 2022

Experimental tests regarding the M-346 aircraft model made via 3D printing were carried out in order to obtain numerical data and characteristics in the form of graphs of basic aerodynamic forces and coefficients. The tests were carried out for the left side of the airframe model in a clean configuration, without additional suspension equipment; the flight control surfaces and the aerodynamic brake were in neutral positions. Based on the scan of the base model in 1:48 scale using a Nikon Model Maker MMDx laser scanning head, followed by the generation and optimization of some of the airframe elements in SolidWorks software, a test model ready for printing was prepared. Using the MakerBot Print program, the printing parameters were set, and the process itself was completed using a MakerBot Replicator Z18 3D printer. The next step was manual treatment in order to remove the material excess from the melted thermoplastic material, join the elements and appropriately polish the surface of the tested model in order to obtain the desired quality. The test was carried out using a Gunt HM 170 wind tunnel for fixed airflow velocities at variable angles of attack. On this basis, the numerical values of lift force, Pz, and drag force, Px, were obtained; then, the lift force indices, Cz, and drag force indices, Cx, were computed for the steady states, which were for angle α from −12 to 16°. The use of 3D printing contributed to the generation of geometry, which, for research purposes, was scaled down in order to fully use the available measurement space of the wind tunnel. The final stage of the work was to compare the obtained curves of particular characteristics with the literature data.
Analysis of Fungal and Bacterial Co-Infections in Mortality Cases among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in Taipei, Taiwan
Authors: Lu De-En , Hung Shih-Han , Su Ying-Shih , Lee Wen-Sen
Published: January 2022

Fungal or bacterial co-infections in patients with H1N1 influenza have already been reported in many studies. However, information on the risk factors, complications, and prognosis of mortality cases with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are limited. We aimed to assess 36 mortality cases of 178 hospitalized patients among 339 patients confirmed to have had SARS-CoV-2 infections in a medical center in the Wenshan District of Taipei, Taiwan, between January 2020 and September 2021. Of these 36 mortality cases, 20 (60%) were men, 28 (77.7%) were aged >65 years, and the median age was 76 (54–99) years. Comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease were more likely to be found in the group with length of stay (LOS) > 7 d. In addition, the laboratory data indicating elevated creatinine-phosphate-kinase (CPK) (p < 0.001) and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) (p = 0.05), and low albumin (p < 0.01) levels were significantly related to poor prognosis and mortality. The respiratory pathogens of early co-infections (LOS < 7 d) in the rapid progression to death group (n = 7 patients) were two bacteria (22.2%) and seven Candida species (77.8.7%). In contrast, pathogens of late co-infections (LOS > 7 d) (n = 27 patients) were 20 bacterial (54.1%), 16 Candida (43.2%), and only 1 Aspergillus (2.7%) species. In conclusion, the risk factors related to COVID-19 mortality in the Wenshan District of Taipei, Taiwan, were old age, comorbidities, and abnormal biomarkers such as low albumin level and elevated CPK and LDH levels. Bacterial co-infections are more common with Gram-negative pathogens. However, fungal co-infections are relatively more common with Candida spp. than Aspergillus in mortality cases of COVID-19.
The Time Has Come to Understand the Mechanisms by Which Comorbidities Contribute to COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Mégarbane Bruno
Published: January 2022

A new coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been responsible for a worldwide pandemic for two years, resulting in almost 280 million infections and 5 [...]
Betel Nut Chewing Is Associated with the Risk of Kidney Stone Disease
Authors: Chang Chun-Kai , Lee Jia-In , Chang Chu-Fen , Lee Yung-Chin , Jhan Jhen-Hao , Wang Hsun-Shuan , Shen Jung-Tsung , Tsao Yao-Hsuan , Huang Shu-Pin , Geng Jiun-Hung
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Betel nut chewing injures bodily health. Although, the relationship between betel nut chewing and kidney stone disease (KSD) is unknown. (2) Methods: We analyzed 43,636 men from Taiwan Biobank. We divided them into two groups on the status of betel nut chewing, the never-chewer and ever-chewer groups. Self-reported diagnosed KSD was defined as the subject’s medical history of KSD in the questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association of betel nut chewing and the risk of KSD. (3) Results: The mean age of subjects in the present study was 50 years, and 16% were ever-chewers. KSD was observed in 3759 (10.3%) and 894 (12.6%) participants in the group of never-chewer and ever-chewer groups, respectively. Higher risk of KSD was found in participants with betel nut chewing compared with to without betel nut chewing (odds ratio (OR), 1.094; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.001 to 1.196). Furthermore, the daily amounts of betel nut chewing >30 quids was associated with a more than 1.5-fold increase (OR, 1.571; 95% CI, 1.186 to 2.079) in the odds of KSD; (4) Conclusions: Our study suggests that betel nut chewing is associated with the risk of KSD and warrants further attention to this problem.
Multi-Omic Approaches in Colorectal Cancer beyond Genomic Data
Authors: Sardo Emilia , Napolitano Stefania , Della Corte Carminia Maria , Ciardiello Davide , Raucci Antonio , Arrichiello Gianluca , Troiani Teresa , Ciardiello Fortunato , Martinelli Erika , Martini Giulia
Published: January 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent tumours and one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Its incidence has increased in recent years and could be linked to unhealthy dietary habits combined with environmental and hereditary factors, which can lead to genetic and epigenetic changes and induce tumour development. The model of CRC progression has always been based on a genomic, parametric, static and complex approach involving oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Recent advances in omics sciences have sought a paradigm shift to a multiparametric, immunological-stromal, and dynamic approach for a better understanding of carcinogenesis and tumour heterogeneity. In the present paper, we review the most important preclinical and clinical data and present recent discoveries in the field of transcriptomics, proteomics, metagenomics and radiomics in CRC disease.
The Urban Future: Relating Garden City Ideas to the Climate Emergency
Authors: Nikologianni Anastasia , Larkham Peter J.
Published: January 2022

Climate emergency, landscape connectivity and rapid urbanization are among the major challenges of the 21st century. This paper discusses ways in which cities can respond to the changing climate and put in place a sustainable vision. It uses the garden city concept as a vehicle to investigate the future of our cities in relation to the climate emergency and the elements that urban centres need to provide. Cities and their wider regions are recognised as key actors in supporting systemic change and climate change governance, and therefore the scope of this paper is to explore contemporary models of garden cities and the ways in which these might be able to address climate emergency as well as the concepts of zero carbon and sustainability. The study uses the 2014 Wolfson Economics Prize, which was based on a garden city question. Taking an environmental perspective on the delivery of future cities, and using the competition essays and masterplans, this study produces analytical drawings aiming to unpack the concepts of sustainability and low carbon. This research concludes that the garden city concept can support the future needs of our settlements, but a 21st century approach needs to be developed. The social and economic ideas originally introduced at the end of the 19th century need to be updated as a holistic vision, including nature and biodiversity, climatic conditions, climate emergency adaptation and mitigation processes as well as community health and wellbeing, to be able to fully respond to the needs of the future.
Taurine Stabilizing Effect on Lysozyme
Authors: Mastrella Leonardo , Moretti Paolo , Pieraccini Silvia , Magi Simona , Piccirillo Silvia , Ortore Maria Grazia
Published: January 2022

Taurine is an important organic osmolyte in mammalian cells, and it weakens inflammation and oxidative stress mediated injuries in some diseases. Recently, taurine has been demonstrated to play a therapeutic role against neurodegenerative disorders, although its parallel involvement in several biochemical mechanisms makes not clear taurine specific role in these diseases. Furthermore, the stabilizing effect of this molecule in terms of protein stability is known, but not deeply investigated. In this work we explore by Circular Dichroism the stabilizing impact of taurine in lysozyme thermal denaturation and its influence in lysozyme aggregation into amyloid fibrils. Taurine even at low concentration modifies protein-protein interactions in lysozyme native state, as revealed by Small Angle X-ray Scattering experiments, and alters the amyloid aggregation pattern without completely inhibiting it, as confirmed by UV/Vis spectroscopy with Congo Red and by Atomic Force Microscopy. Evaluation of the cytotoxicities of the amyloid fibrils grown in presence or in absence of taurine is investigated on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.
Inhibition of Pathological Increased Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Activity for Improvement of Bone Regeneration in Diabetes
Authors: Wagner Johannes Maximilian , Reinkemeier Felix , Wallner Christoph , Dadras Mehran , Dittfeld Stephanie , Drysch Marius , Sogorski Alexander , von Glinski Maxi , Lehnhardt Marcus , Behr Björn , Becerikli Mustafa
Published: January 2022

Patients with diabetes suffer from poor fracture healing. Molecular reasons are not fully understood and our previous gene expression microarray analyses of regenerating bones from mice with type 2 diabetes (db−/db−) revealed accelerated activation of pathways concerning matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Thus, we picked out the pathological MMP acceleration as a target for profound gene expression analyses and additional therapeutic intervention in the present study. In the first part, gene expression of ECM degrading proteinases and inhibitors was investigated three and seven days postoperatively. Mmp3, Mmp9, Mmp13 and gene expression of MMP inhibitor Timp2 was significantly higher in regenerating bone fractures of db−/db− compared to wild type animals. Timp1 and metalloproteinase AdamTS4 showed no differences. In the second part, we locally applied a single dose (1 µL of 5 µM solution) of the broad-spectrum molecular MMP inhibitor Marimastat on tibial defects in db−/db−. We performed immunohistochemical and histological stainings seven days post operation. Impaired bone healing, collagen content, angiogenesis, and osteoclast invasion in db−/db− were restored significantly by application of Marimastat compared to PBS controls (n = 7/group). Hence, local intervention of bone defects by the molecular MMP inhibitor Marimastat might be an alternative therapeutic intervention for bone healing in diabetes.
Modelling and Performance Analysis of MgB2 and Hybrid Magnetic Shields
Authors: Fracasso Michela , Gömöry Fedor , Solovyov Mykola , Gerbaldo Roberto , Ghigo Gianluca , Laviano Francesco , Napolitano Andrea , Torsello Daniele , Gozzelino Laura
Published: January 2022

Superconductors are strategic materials for the fabrication of magnetic shields, and within this class, MgB2 has been proven to be a very promising option. However, a successful approach to produce devices with high shielding ability also requires the availability of suitable simulation tools guiding the optimization process. In this paper, we report on a 3D numerical model based on a vector potential (A)-formulation, exploited to investigate the properties of superconducting (SC) shielding structures with cylindrical symmetry and an aspect ratio of height to diameter approaching one. To this aim, we first explored the viability of this model by solving a benchmark problem and comparing the computation outputs with those obtained with the most used approach based on the H-formulation. This comparison evidenced the full agreement of the computation outcomes as well as the much better performance of the model based on the A-formulation in terms of computation time. Relying on this result, the latter model was exploited to predict the shielding properties of open and single capped MgB2 tubes with and without the superimposition of a ferromagnetic (FM) shield. This investigation highlighted that the addition of the FM shell is very efficient in increasing the shielding factors of the SC screen when the applied magnetic field is tilted with respect to the shield axis. This effect is already significant at low tilt angles and allows compensating the strong decrease in the shielding ability that affects the short tubular SC screens when the external field is applied out of their axis.
Effects of Low-Temperature Construction Additives (LCAs) on the Performance of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Feng Jianlin , Chen Anqi , Wu Fan , Wu Shaopeng , Liu Quantao , Gong Ruifang
Published: January 2022

Green production of asphalt materials is very important to promote energy savings and emission reduction during the construction and maintenance of asphalt pavement. A low-temperature construction additive (LCA) made from the waste plastic and waste rubber is proposed, which belongs to a class of environmentally friendly additives for asphalt mixtures. Marshall stability was tested to evaluate the mechanical performance of LCA-modified asphalt mixtures (LCA-AMs). In order to determine the best preparation parameters of LCA-AMs, the influence of the content and LCA addition method on the strength of LCA-AMs was studied. In addition, the impact of epoxy resin (ER) on the mixtures’ performances was evaluated. The results show that the LCA can significantly reduce the formation temperature of asphalt mixtures, and the resulting asphalt mixtures have good workability in a lower temperature range (90–110 °C). The ER should be added to the LCA-AMs after 4 h of curing. All the volumetric properties satisfy the technical requirements. The low-temperature crack resistance and fatigue resistance of LCA-AMs were obviously improved with appropriate dosages of ER, which can effectively improve the mechanical performance of the asphalt mixtures. The ER can significantly increase the rutting resistance and water sensitivity of LCA-AMs, therefore making it feasible to improve the mixture performance by the enhancement provided by a low dosage of ER.
Rapid Fabrication of Smooth Micro-Optical Components on Glass by Etching-Assisted Femtosecond Laser Modification
Authors: Wang Bao-Xu , Qi Jin-Yong , Lu Yi-Ming , Zheng Jia-Xin , Xu Ying , Liu Xue-Qing
Published: January 2022

Femtosecond laser (fs-laser) is unfavorable in applications for the fabrication of micro-optical devices on hard materials owing to the problems of low fabrication efficiency and high surface roughness. Herein, a hybrid method combining fs-laser scanning, subsequent etching, and annealing was proposed to realize micro-optical devices with low roughness on glass. Compared to traditional laser ablation, the fabrication efficiency in this work was improved by one order of magnitude, and the surface roughness was decreased to 15 nm. Using this method, aspherical convex microlenses and spherical concave microlenses that possess excellent focusing and imaging properties are realized on photosensitive glass. The diameter and height of the microlenses were controlled by adjusting the fabrication parameters. These results indicate that the fs-laser-based hybrid method will open new opportunities for fabricating micro-optical components on hard materials.
Rheological and Chemical Evolution of HMA and WMA Binders Based on Ageing Kinetics
Authors: Huang Ao , Liu Gang , Mouillet Virginie , Somé Saannibe Ciryle , Cao Tingwei , Huang Haoliang
Published: January 2022

It is fundamental to predict or estimate the rheological behavioural evolutions of binders and mixture to ensure a durability service life of the whole infrastructure. This study compared the long-term ageing kinetics of hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA) produced with the same base bitumen. The difference in the component was that the WMA contained 1% of Cecabase warm agent and 5.5% of water by the weight of bitumen, to obtain a large expansion ratio (47 times). Rolling thin-film oven test (RTFOT) and pressure ageing vessel (PAV) laboratory ageing were carried out on the binder with or without the warm agent. The oven ageing procedure was conducted on the loose HMA and WMA mixtures for 0, 3, 6, and 9 days. Research results indicated that the dual effect of the studied warm agent and the foaming water sharply decreased the viscosity of the binder at a high temperature. Compared with the HMA, the warm agent improved the ageing resistance of the asphalt binder. However, higher content, such as 5.5 wt.%, of foaming water deteriorated viscosity due to a thinner bitumen film, which was more susceptible to oxidation. Therefore, less than 2 wt.% of warm agent and foaming water was recommended in the foamed WMA preparation.
Classification of Hot-Rolled Plates Using the Mahalanobis Distance of NMIs in Ti-Stabilized Austenitic Stainless-Steel Produced by Secondary Metallurgy
Authors: Vode Franci , Tehovnik Franc , Kosec Gorazd , Steiner Petrovič Darja
Published: January 2022

Three charges of scrap-based, Ti-stabilized, Cr-Ni-Mo austenitic stainless steel in the form of hot-rolled steel plates were characterized. Based on automated metallographic analyses of representative microstructures, a quality characterization in terms of cleanliness of the hot-rolled steel plates was performed. Elevated contents of impurities, especially Pb, Bi, and oxygen, which affect the hot workability of stainless steels, were detected. The recycled FeTi-cored wire was the main source of the elevated levels of impurities detected in the hot-rolled, Ti-stabilized, stainless-steel plates. Related to this, elevated levels of nonmetallic inclusions (NMIs) and segregations were formed. The three charges were classified based on calculations of the Mahalanobis distance (MD) between the inclusions. The charge with the smallest number of nonmetallic inclusions was set as the reference class. The selection of outlier inclusions based on their MDs and their back-representation into ternary diagrams gave relevant metallurgical information about the abnormalities. The advantage of this technique is that the calculations of the MD and the threshold can be fully automated.
Magnetic Induction Assisted Heating Technique in Hydrothermal Zeolite Synthesis
Authors: Tontisirin Supak , Phalakornkule Chantaraporn , Sa-ngawong Worawat , Sirisawat Supachai
Published: January 2022

The magnetic induction assisted technique is an alternative heating method for hydrothermal zeolite synthesis with a higher heat-transfer rate than that of the conventional convection oil bath technique. The research demonstrates, for the first time, the application of the magnetic induction heating technique with direct surface contact for zeolite synthesis. The magnetic induction enables direct contact between the heat source and the reactor, thereby bypassing the resistance of the heating medium layer. A comparative heat-transfer analysis between the two methods shows the higher heat-transfer rate by the magnetic induction heating technique is due to (1) eight-time higher overall heat-transfer coefficient, attributed to the absence of the resistance of the heating medium layer and (2) the higher temperature difference between the heating source and the zeolite gel. Thereby, this heating technique shows promise for application in the large-scale synthesis of zeolites due to its associated efficient heat transfer. Thus, it can provide more flexibility to the synthesis method under the non-stirred condition, which can create possibilities for the successful large-scale synthesis of a broad range of zeolites.