bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selenium and Selenoproteins in Health
Authors: Zhang Fan , Li Xuelian , Wei Yumiao
Published: May 2023

Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for health. After being obtained from food and taken up by the liver, selenium performs various physiological functions in the body in the form of selenoproteins, which are best known for their redox activity and anti-inflammatory properties. Selenium stimulates the activation of immune cells and is important for the activation of the immune system. Selenium is also essential for the maintenance of brain function. Selenium supplements can regulate lipid metabolism, cell apoptosis, and autophagy, and have displayed significant alleviating effects in most cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of increased selenium intake on the risk of cancer remains unclear. Elevated serum selenium levels are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and this relationship is complex and nonlinear. Selenium supplementation seems beneficial to some extent; however, existing studies have not fully explained the influence of selenium on various diseases. Further, more intervention trials are needed to verify the beneficial or harmful effects of selenium supplementation in various diseases.
Augmenting the Angiogenic Profile and Functionality of Cord Blood Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells by Indirect Priming with Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Bansal Ashutosh , Singh Archna , Nag Tapas Chandra , Sharma Devyani , Garg Bhavuk , Bhatla Neerja , Choudhury Saumitra Dey , Ramakrishnan Lakshmy
Published: May 2023

Cellular therapy has shown promise as a strategy for the functional restoration of ischemic tissues through promoting vasculogenesis. Therapy with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has shown encouraging results in preclinical studies, but the limited engraftment, inefficient migration, and poor survival of patrolling endothelial progenitor cells at the injured site hinder its clinical utilization. These limitations can, to some extent, be overcome by co-culturing EPCs with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Studies on the improvement in functional capacity of late EPCs, also referred to as endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), when cultured with MSCs have mostly focused on the angiogenic potential, although migration, adhesion, and proliferation potential also determine effective physiological vasculogenesis. Alteration in angiogenic proteins with co-culturing has also not been studied. We co-cultured ECFCs with MSCs via both direct and indirect means, and studied the impact of the resultant contact-mediated and paracrine-mediated impact of MSCs over ECFCs, respectively, on the functional aspects and the angiogenic protein signature of ECFCs. Both directly and indirectly primed ECFCs significantly restored the adhesion and vasculogenic potential of impaired ECFCs, whereas indirectly primed ECFCs showed better proliferation and migratory potential than directly primed ECFCs. Additionally, indirectly primed ECFCs, in their angiogenesis proteomic signature, showed alleviated inflammation, along with the balanced expression of various growth factors and regulators of angiogenesis.
The Cortical Silent Period in the Cricothyroid Muscle as a Neurophysiologic Feature for Dystonia Observation: E-Field-Navigated Transcranial Magnetic (TMS) Study
Authors: Konstantinović Ivan , Bošković Braco , Šoda Joško , Dolić Krešimir , Đogaš Zoran , Lapčić Mirko , Ledenko Vlatko , Vrgoč Toni , Rogić Vidaković Maja
Published: May 2023

The cortical silent period (cSP) is a period of electrical silence following a motor-evoked potential (MEP) in the electromyographic signal recorded from a muscle. The MEP can be elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the primary motor cortex site corresponding with the muscle. The cSP reflects the intracortical inhibitory process mediated by GABAA and GABAB receptors. The study aimed to investigate the cSP in the cricothyroid (CT) muscle after applying e-field-navigated TMS over the laryngeal motor cortex (LMC) in healthy subjects. Then, a cSP as a neurophysiologic feature for laryngeal dystonia was observed. We applied a single-pulse e-field-navigated TMS to the LMC over both hemispheres with hook-wire electrodes positioned in the CT muscle in nineteen healthy participants, which triggered the elicitation of contralateral and ipsilateral corticobulbar MEPs. The subjects were engaged in a vocalization task, and then we assessed the following metrics: LMC intensity, peak-to-peak MEP amplitude in the CT muscle, and cSP duration. The results showed that the cSP duration from the contralateral CT muscle was distributed from 40 ms to 60.83 ms, and from the ipsilateral CT muscle, from 40 ms to 65.58 ms. Also, no significant difference was found between the contralateral and ipsilateral cSP duration (t(30) = 0.85, p = 0.40), MEP amplitude in the CT muscle (t(30) = 0.91, p = 0.36), and LMC intensity (t(30) = 1.20, p = 0.23). To conclude, the applied research protocol showed the feasibility of recording LMC corticobulbar MEPs and observing the cSP during vocalization in healthy participants. Furthermore, an understanding of neurophysiologic cSP features can be used to study the pathophysiology of neurological disorders that affect laryngeal muscles, such as laryngeal dystonia.
STING-Triggered CNS Inflammation in Human Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Ferecskó Alex S. , Smallwood Miranda J. , Moore Adrian , Liddle Corin , Newcombe Jia , Holley Janet , Whatmore Jacqueline , Gutowski Nicholas J. , Eggleton Paul
Published: May 2023

Background: Some neurodegenerative diseases have an element of neuroinflammation that is triggered by viral nucleic acids, resulting in the generation of type I interferons. In the cGAS-STING pathway, microbial and host-derived DNA bind and activate the DNA sensor cGAS, and the resulting cyclic dinucleotide, 2′3-cGAMP, binds to a critical adaptor protein, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which leads to activation of downstream pathway components. However, there is limited work demonstrating the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway in human neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: Post-mortem CNS tissue from donors with multiple sclerosis (n = 4), Alzheimer’s disease (n = 6), Parkinson’s disease (n = 3), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 3) and non-neurodegenerative controls (n = 11) were screened by immunohistochemistry for STING and relevant protein aggregates (e.g., amyloid-β, α-synuclein, TDP-43). Human brain endothelial cells were cultured and stimulated with the STING agonist palmitic acid (1–400 μM) and assessed for mitochondrial stress (release of mitochondrial DNA into cytosol, increased oxygen consumption), downstream regulator factors, TBK-1/pIRF3 and inflammatory biomarker interferon-β release and changes in ICAM-1 integrin expression. Results: In neurodegenerative brain diseases, elevated STING protein was observed mainly in brain endothelial cells and neurons, compared to non-neurodegenerative control tissues where STING protein staining was weaker. Interestingly, a higher STING presence was associated with toxic protein aggregates (e.g., in neurons). Similarly high STING protein levels were observed within acute demyelinating lesions in multiple sclerosis subjects. To understand non-microbial/metabolic stress activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, brain endothelial cells were treated with palmitic acid. This evoked mitochondrial respiratory stress up to a ~2.5-fold increase in cellular oxygen consumption. Palmitic acid induced a statistically significant increase in cytosolic DNA leakage from endothelial cell mitochondria (Mander’s coefficient; p < 0.05) and a significant increase in TBK-1, phosphorylated transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 3, cGAS and cell surface ICAM. In addition, a dose response in the secretion of interferon-β was observed, but it failed to reach statistical significance. Conclusions: The histological evidence shows that the common cGAS-STING pathway appears to be activated in endothelial and neural cells in all four neurodegenerative diseases examined. Together with the in vitro data, this suggests that the STING pathway might be activated via perturbation of mitochondrial stress and DNA leakage, resulting in downstream neuroinflammation; hence, this pathway may be a target for future STING therapeutics.
Anionic Phospholipids Shift the Conformational Equilibrium of the Selectivity Filter in the KcsA Channel to the Conductive Conformation: Predicted Consequences on Inactivation
Authors: Renart María Lourdes , Giudici Ana Marcela , Coll-Díez Carlos , González-Ros José M. , Poveda José A.
Published: May 2023

Here, we report an allosteric effect of an anionic phospholipid on a model K+ channel, KcsA. The anionic lipid in mixed detergent–lipid micelles specifically induces a change in the conformational equilibrium of the channel selectivity filter (SF) only when the channel inner gate is in the open state. Such change consists of increasing the affinity of the channel for K+, stabilizing a conductive-like form by maintaining a high ion occupancy in the SF. The process is highly specific in several aspects: First, lipid modifies the binding of K+, but not that of Na+, which remains unperturbed, ruling out a merely electrostatic phenomenon of cation attraction. Second, no lipid effects are observed when a zwitterionic lipid, instead of an anionic one, is present in the micelles. Lastly, the effects of the anionic lipid are only observed at pH 4.0, when the inner gate of KcsA is open. Moreover, the effect of the anionic lipid on K+ binding to the open channel closely emulates the K+ binding behaviour of the non-inactivating E71A and R64A mutant proteins. This suggests that the observed increase in K+ affinity caused by the bound anionic lipid should result in protecting the channel against inactivation.
Advanced ImageJ Analysis in Degenerative Acquired Vitelliform Lesions Using Techniques Based on Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Damian Ioana , Muntean George-Adrian , Galea-Holhoș Larisa-Bianca , Nicoară Simona-Delia
Published: May 2023

Acquired vitelliform lesions (AVLs) are associated with a large spectrum of retinal diseases, among which is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of this study was to characterize AVLs’ evolution in AMD patients using optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology and ImageJ software. We measured AVLs’ size and density and followed their impacts over surrounding retinal layers. Average retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) thickness in the central 1 mm quadrant (45.89 ± 27.84 µm vs. 15.57 ± 1.40 µm) was significantly increased, as opposed to the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, which was decreased (77.94 ± 18.30 µm vs. 88.64 ± 7.65 µm) in the vitelliform group compared to the control group. We found a continuous external limiting membrane (ELM) in 55.5% of the eyes compared to a continuous ellipsoid zone (EZ) in 22.2% of the eyes in the vitelliform group. The difference between the mean AVLs’ volume at baseline compared to the last visit for the nine eyes with ophthalmologic follow-up was not statistically significant (p = 0.725). The median follow-up duration was 11 months (range 5–56 months). Seven eyes (43.75%) were treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelium growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent injections, in which we noted a 6.43 ± 9 letter decrease in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The increased RPE thickness could suggest hyperplasia contrary to the decreased ONL, which could mirror the impact of the vitelliform lesion on photoreceptors (PR). Eyes that received anti-VEGF injections did not show signs of improvement regarding BCVA.
The Influence of Gut Microbiota on Oxidative Stress and the Immune System
Authors: Kunst Claudia , Schmid Stephan , Michalski Marlen , Tümen Deniz , Buttenschön Jonas , Müller Martina , Gülow Karsten
Published: May 2023

The human gastrointestinal tract is home to a complex microbial community that plays an important role in the general well-being of the entire organism. The gut microbiota generates a variety of metabolites and thereby regulates many biological processes, such as the regulation of the immune system. In the gut, bacteria are in direct contact with the host. The major challenge here is to prevent unwanted inflammatory reactions on one hand and on the other hand to ensure that the immune system can be activated when pathogens invade. Here the REDOX equilibrium is of utmost importance. This REDOX equilibrium is controlled by the microbiota either directly or indirectly via bacterial-derived metabolites. A balanced microbiome sorts for a stable REDOX balance, whereas dysbiosis destabilizes this equilibrium. An imbalanced REDOX status directly affects the immune system by disrupting intracellular signaling and promoting inflammatory responses. Here we (i) focus on the most common reactive oxygen species (ROS) and (ii) define the transition from a balanced REDOX state to oxidative stress. Further, we (iii) describe the role of ROS in regulating the immune system and inflammatory responses. Thereafter, we (iv) examine the influence of microbiota on REDOX homeostasis and how shifts in pro- and anti-oxidative cellular conditions can suppress or promote immune responses or inflammation.
Epidural Injection Method for Long-Term Pain Management in Rats with Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Hong Jin Young , Kim Hyunseong , Lee Junseon , Jeon Wan-Jin , Yeo Changhwan , Kim Hyun , Lee Yoon Jae , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: May 2023

Epidural injection is one of the most common nonsurgical treatment options for long-term pain relief in lumbar spinal stenosis. Recently, various nerve block injections have been used for pain management. Among them, nerve block through epidural injection is a safe and effective method for the clinical treatment of low back or lower extremity pain. Although the epidural injection method has a long history, the effectiveness of long-term epidural injections in disc diseases has not been scientifically proven. In particular, to verify the safety and efficacy of drugs in preclinical studies, the route and method of drug administration in terms of the clinical application method and duration of use must be established. However, there is no standardized method for long-term epidural injections in a rat model of stenosis to identify the precise efficacy and safety of epidural injections. Therefore, standardizing the epidural injection method is very important for evaluating the efficacy and safety of drugs used for back or lower extremity pain. We describe the first standardized long-term epidural injection method for evaluating the efficacy and safety of drugs according to their route of administration in rats with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Bioconjugation of Carbohydrates to Gelatin Sponges Promoting 3D Cell Cultures
Authors: Pepe Antonietta , Laezza Antonio , Ostuni Angela , Scelsi Alessandra , Laurita Alessandro , Bochicchio Brigida
Published: May 2023

Gelatin sponges are widely employed as hemostatic agents, and are gaining increasing interest as 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering. To broaden their possible application in the field of tissue engineering, a straightforward synthetic protocol able to anchor the disaccharides, maltose and lactose, for specific cell interactions was developed. A high conjugation yield was confirmed by 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, and the morphology of the resulting decorated sponges was characterized by SEM. After the crosslinking reaction, the sponges preserve their porous structure as ascertained by SEM. Finally, HepG2 cells cultured on the decorated gelatin sponges show high viability and significant differences in the cellular morphology as a function of the conjugated disaccharide. More spherical morphologies are observed when cultured on maltose-conjugated gelatin sponges, while a more flattened aspect is discerned when cultured onto lactose-conjugated gelatin sponges. Considering the increasing interest in small-sized carbohydrates as signaling cues on biomaterial surfaces, systematic studies on how small carbohydrates might influence cell adhesion and differentiation processes could take advantage of the described protocol.
Fiber Optic Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor Based on Carboxymethylated Dextran Modified Gold Nanoparticles Surface for High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) Analysis
Authors: Chiang Chang-Yue , Chen Chien-Hsing , Wu Chin-Wei
Published: May 2023

Rapid, sensitive, and reliable detection of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is essential for medical and diagnostic applications due to its important role as a biomarker of chronic inflammation. Here, we report a facile method for the detection of HMGB1 using carboxymethyl dextran (CM-dextran) as a bridge molecule modified on the surface of gold nanoparticles combined with a fiber optic localized surface plasmon resonance (FOLSPR) biosensor. Under optimal conditions, the results showed that the FOLSPR sensor detected HMGB1 with a wide linear range (10−10 to 10−6 g/mL), fast response (less than 10 min), and a low detection limit of 43.4 pg/mL (1.7 pM) and high correlation coefficient values (>0.9928). Furthermore, the accurate quantification and reliable validation of kinetic binding events measured by the currently working biosensors are comparable to surface plasmon resonance sensing systems, providing new insights into direct biomarker detection for clinical applications.
Enhanced Lateral Flow Immunoassay with Double Competition and Two Kinds of Nanoparticles Conjugates for Control of Insecticide Imidacloprid in Honey
Authors: Sotnikov Dmitriy V. , Barshevskaya Lyubov V. , Zherdev Anatoly V. , Dzantiev Boris B.
Published: May 2023

Finding optimal conditions for competitive lateral flow immunoassay is a controversial task. The content of specific antibodies labeled by nanoparticles should be simultaneously high to reach intense signals and low to register an influence on the signals for minimal concentrations of the target analyte. We propose to use two kinds of complexes of gold nanoparticles in the assay, with antigen–protein conjugates and with specific antibodies. The first complex interacts both with immobilized antibodies in the test zone and with antibodies on the surface of the second complex. In this assay, the coloration is enhanced by the binding of two-colored preparations in the test zone, whereas the antigen in the sample inhibits both the binding of the first conjugate with the immobilized antibodies and with the second conjugate. This approach is realized for the detection of insecticide imidacloprid (IMD), an important toxic contaminant connected with the recent global death of bees. The proposed technique expands the working range of the assay, that is, in accordance with its theoretical analysis. The reliable change of coloration intensity is achieved for a 2.3-times-lower concentration of the analyte. The limit of IMD detection is 0.13 ng/mL for tested solutions and 1.2 µg/kg for initial honey samples. The combination of two conjugates doubles the coloration in the absence of the analyte. The developed lateral flow immunoassay is applicable for five-fold-diluted honey samples without extraction, does not require additional stages (all reagents are pre-applied to the test strip), and is implemented in 10 min.
The Big Five as Predictors of Cognitive Function in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Fleischmann Eva , Dalkner Nina , Fellendorf Frederike T. , Bengesser Susanne A. , Lenger Melanie , Birner Armin , Queissner Robert , Platzer Martina , Tmava-Berisha Adelina , Maget Alexander , Wagner-Skacel Jolana , Stross Tatjana , Schmiedhofer Franziska , Smolle Stefan , Painold Annamaria , Reininghaus Eva Z.
Published: May 2023

The connection between cognitive function and the “Big Five” personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) in the general population is well known; however, studies researching bipolar disorder (BD) are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the Big Five as predictors of executive function, verbal memory, attention, and processing speed in euthymic individuals with BD (cross-sectional: n = 129, including time point t1; longitudinal: n = 35, including t1 and t2). Participants completed the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, the Color and Word Interference Test, the Trail Making Test, the d2 Test of Attention Revised, and the California Verbal Learning Test. The results showed a significant negative correlation between executive function and neuroticism at t1. Changes in cognitive function between t1 and t2 did not correlate with and could not be predicted by the Big Five at t1. Additionally, worse executive function at t2 was predicted by higher neuroticism and lower conscientiousness at t1, and high neuroticism was a predictor of worse verbal memory at t2. The Big Five might not strongly impact cognitive function over short periods; however, they are significant predictors of cognitive function. Future studies should include a higher number of participants and more time in between points of measurement.
Preoperative Biopsychosocial Assessment and Length of Stay in Orthopaedic Surgery Admissions of Youth with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Lennon Nancy , Sewell-Roberts Carrie , Banjo Tolulope , Kraft Denver B. , Salazar-Torres Jose J. , Church Chris , Shrader M. Wade
Published: May 2023

Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience stress surrounding orthopaedic surgery related to their child’s pain and recovery needs. Social determinants of health can affect the severity of this stress and hinder health care delivery. A preoperative biopsychosocial assessment (BPSA) can identify risk factors and assist in alleviating psychosocial risk. This study examined the relationship between the completion of a BPSA, hospital length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission rates for children with CP who underwent hip reconstruction (HR) or posterior spinal fusion (PSF). Outcomes were compared with a matched group who did not have a preoperative BPSA. The BPSA involved meeting with a social worker to discuss support systems, financial needs, transportation, equipment, housing, and other services. A total of 92 children (28 HR pairs, 18 PSF pairs) were identified. Wilcoxon analysis was statistically significant (p = 0.000228) for shorter LOS in children who underwent PSF with preoperative BPSA (median = 7.0 days) vs. without (median = 12.5 days). Multivariate analysis showed that a BPSA, a lower Gross Motor Function Classification System level, and fewer comorbidities were associated with a shorter LOS after both PSF and HR (p < 0.05). Identifying and addressing the psychosocial needs of patients and caregivers prior to surgery can lead to more timely discharge postoperatively.
Finite Element Analysis of the Bearing Capacity of Beamless Floor Slabs under Punching, Taking into Account the Design Parameters of the Contacting Elements
Authors: Matseevich Tatiana
Published: May 2023

Static calculations of experimental models in an elastic formulation were carried out, and the regularities connecting the dependences of forces in the calculated cross-section of punching out from the main structural parameters of contacting elements (reinforced concrete slabs and pylons) and from the used concrete class were revealed. This article concerns the safety issues of reinforced concrete slabs under punching with different ratios and combinations of pylon and slab thickness parameters, as well as concrete strength. The objectives of the research are consideration of the fracture pattern of reinforced concrete monolithic slabs due to punching shear; comparative analysis of modern normative calculation methods and flat reinforced concrete slabs due to static punching shear; finite element modelling and analysis of the punching shear calculation results for reinforced concrete floor slabs; and the force distribution over the area of the contacting elements-saw and floor slab. The practical significance of the results lies in the use of the obtained forces in the contacting elements for the calculation and design of reliable structures of beamless floor slabs.
Monitoring of a Living Wall System in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as a Strategy to Reduce the Urban Heat Island
Authors: Ruiz-Valero Letzai , Arranz Beatriz , Faxas-Guzmán Juan , Flores-Sasso Virginia , Medina-Lagrange Orisell , Ferreira Julio
Published: May 2023

Given the current need to reduce the Urban Heat Island (UHI) worldwide, one of the strategies that can contribute to this mitigation is green façades. In this context, the aim of this research is to evaluate a Living Wall System (LWS) as a strategy to reduce the urban heat island in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, using outdoor test cells. This research was focused on the monitoring of two different façades, an LWS and a reference façade, during the warmer months. For the comparison, the parameters measured were air temperature, relative humidity, surface temperature and environmental variables. In addition, thermal images were taken. Results reveal that during the days selected, the average outdoor air temperature difference between the LWS compared to the reference façade was 5.3 °C, whereas during the day, the average was 3.3 °C. Concerning surface temperature, in the case of the LWS, the temperature was higher and had greater fluctuations than the reference façade. This behavior was confirmed by the results obtained with thermal images. In conclusion, using an LWS in a tropical climate helps the urban microclimate, which contributes to urban heat island effect mitigation during the warmer months.
Transformational Community Engagement in Urban Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships: A Governmentality Approach to Create Social Value
Authors: Afieroho Ulohomuno Eze , Li Yongkui , Han Yilong , Soomro Mohsin Ali , Radujkovic Mladen
Published: May 2023

Based on the Foucauldian concept of governmentality, this paper overcomes the atomistic view of external stakeholder engagement research to examine the specific conditions under which community engagement in urban infrastructure public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be transformational and create social value with and for communities. In particular, it shows that a transformational approach to community engagement is, in practice, closer to a form of governance that emphasizes involved stakeholders’ responsibility. It traces this line of argument through the literature and practice of social enterprises and other hybrid collaborations in the private sector. Conceptually, it contributes to a political and transformational understanding of community engagement within the context of public-private partnerships. First, by proposing a “governmentality analytical framework” for understanding and uncovering the often purposefully concealed dynamic power relations in the engagement process between the state, communities, and private investors. Second, by proposing a set of guiding principles on how to: empower communities to be organized; reconfigure the institutional environment to offer incentives and reliability; and design public-private partnerships as hybrid organizations capable of including other actors, such as non-governmental organizations.
Classification of Low-Strain Foundation Pile Testing Signal Using Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Wang Haiyuan , Zhang Shen , Li Jianmin , Yuan Yang , Zhang Feng
Published: May 2023

The testing of the foundation pile is an important means to ensure the quality of the foundation pile in the construction process, and the low-strain pile test is one of the most commonly used testing technologies. However, in order to ensure that the testing signal is effective and reliable, it is necessary to provide the preliminary judgment results when acquiring the testing signal in the field. In this paper, we propose a data classification method for low-strain pile testing data using a recurrent neural network as the core. In this method, after identification, tailoring, and normalization, the input feature vector with a sequential structure is sent into this model. The model ensures the efficient use of data values while considering the sequential relationship among the data. At last, we designed and produced one complete model pile and six asymmetric model piles, which can form thirteen kinds of testing signals. The optimal application model was selected by the 10-fold cross verification method, and the influence of increasing the input feature dimension on the accuracy was discussed. Finally, compared with the other two methods, this model has the highest accuracy, at 98.46%, but it requires more training parameters and a longer training time.
Study of Bonding between Façade Stones and Substrates with and without Anchorage Using Shear-Splitting Test—Case Study: Travertine, Granite, and Marble
Authors: Ghodousian Oveys , Ghodousian Amin , Shafaie Vahid , Hajiloo Sina , Movahedi Rad Majid
Published: May 2023

This paper presents an investigation into the bond strength of three common façade stones, namely, travertine, granite, and marble, to a concrete substrate using a shear-splitting test. The effects of anchorage, the number of curing days, and the presence of an anti-freezing agent in cement–sand mortar on bond strength were studied. The results show that the number of curing days had a significant impact on the bond strength between the stones and the substrates. The presence of an anti-freezing agent and accelerator increased bonding during the initial days, but this effect gradually decreased. The use of anchorage had a positive effect on the bond strength, particularly with fewer curing days. Granite had the lowest bond strength when no anchorage was used due to its low permeability. Based on the findings, a novel fuzzy logic approach was proposed to predict the bond strength. This study provides valuable insights into improving the bonding of façade stones to substrates and can aid in the safe and efficient use of these materials in construction.
Implementation of the Weak Link Problem for Trusses
Authors: Stupishin Leonid , Mondrus Vladimir
Published: May 2023

This article examines the application of the theory of critical strain energy levels to the determination of the limiting states of rod systems. A redundant truss is chosen to illustrate the peculiarities of changes in the self-stressing states of the structure at critical strain energy levels. The removal of ties when they reach their stress or strain limits leads to a change in the state of self-stress in the structure, which is illustrated by the removal of the rods in the trusses. The matrix notation of the governing equations for the structure allows us to visualize both the formulation of the problem and the course of its solution. We present the formulation and algorithm for solving the problem of a weak link in the structure by the example of a five-core redundant truss. The basic equations of matrix structural mechanics are given, allowing us to implement the algorithm and to determine the unknown parameters of the problem in the form of the method of displacements and the method of forces. The mathematical model of the problem is presented in the form of an eigenvalues problem, which allows us to investigate the extreme properties of the structure’s strain energy in the whole area of admissible parameter values, including the boundaries. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors make it possible to determine the extreme values of the nodal reactive forces of the structure or displacements, depending on the chosen formulation of the problem. The internal forces and deformations in the rods depend on the nodal vectors of external influences. The applied design load is balanced by the internal forces of the system and remains unchanged. This follows from the equality of the work of external forces to a part of the potential energy of the structure. The remaining part of the strain energy allows us to find the limit values of the reactive response of the structure to external actions. Additional actions on the structure can lead to the bearing capacity lost if they exceed the limits of the structure’s response. Examples show an algorithm for finding the weak link in a structure and identifying the rods that will be the first to fail under external loads. The matrices of stiffness and flexibility are formed, and the eigenvalues and vectors are found, which allow for the construction of the limit surface of allowable influences on the structure.
Multi-Criteria Evaluation of a Library’s Indoor Environmental Quality in the Tropics
Authors: Aflaki Ardalan , Esfandiari Masoud , Jarrahi Atiye
Published: May 2023

The indoor environmental quality of a library greatly affects the comfort and productivity of its users while preserving the materials. Despite the high energy consumption of HVACs in libraries, achieving acceptable thermal conditions, acceptable acoustics, and sufficient daylight levels for users remains a challenge. There are limited studies on the IEQ of educational buildings, especially regarding the current situation of libraries. It is important to conduct further studies to define design guidelines promoting indoor environmental conditions. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the IEQ of a campus library to recommend retrofitting strategies. The IEQ parameters in the rare collection room, which houses special collections, and in the library hall were assessed using a full-scale measurement, with eight HOBO data loggers and sensors deployed in various locations to monitor IEQ. A comparison of the results with the standards revealed that rare collection room was unsuitable for maintaining rare collections, as the average indoor air temperature exceeded 21.2 °C, which is beyond the threshold limit. Additionally, the relative humidity ranged from 51.3% to 55.8%, which is marginally high. To provide acceptable indoor conditions, this study recommends retrofitting strategies for the exterior walls, such as using cement plaster with a low thermal conductivity. In the library hall, the reading zone was found to be thermally uncomfortable. The air velocity was below the range of 0.15 ms−1 to 0.50 ms−1 recommended by MS 1525. The average CO2 level was 479.5 ppm, with some points registering an increase of up to 588 ppm. The noise level in the library hall ranged between 43 dB(A) and 61 dB(A), while the light intensity was below 300 lux in the reading area, which is not within the acceptable range. This study suggests improvement solutions, such as implementing an air temperature between 24.5 and 26.5 °C for higher thermal comfort and increasing the window-to-wall ratio to utilize natural daylight. These findings provide insights into the design of new libraries and the renovation of existing ones, ensuring that libraries continue to serve as vibrant centers of knowledge and learning for generations to come.
Application of BIM to Rebar Modeling of a Variable Section Column
Authors: Li Shushan , Shi Yongxin , Hu Jinxin , Li Siyuan , Li Hongmei , Chen Aijiu , Xie Wei
Published: May 2023

A planar construction drawing is usually used to guide the construction of reinforced concrete structures in the construction industry. Due to a lack of effective technical methods, the accuracy of rebar engineering lofting is insufficient. The rejection rate of rebar is high, which results in high processing costs. Under the background of intelligent construction and BIM technology, the prefabricated factory adopts an automatic production mode to concentrate on steel bar processing, which improves production quality and processing efficiency and reduces production costs. Based on Revit secondary development, using the C# programming language, combined with the Revit API development interface, an automatic 3D modeling plugin for a reinforced concrete variable cross-section column is developed. The BIM model of steel bars is quickly generated, and the engineering quantity of steel bars is automatically calculated, which saves time for the designer to build the BIM model. It is conducive to the automatic assembly and intelligent construction of reinforced concrete engineering, which promotes the information and intelligent development of reinforced concrete structure construction.
The Role of HER2 Status in the Biliary Tract Cancers
Authors: Ayasun Ruveyda , Ozer Muhammet , Sahin Ilyas
Published: May 2023

Despite recent advances, biliary tract cancer (BTC) is traditionally known as being hard to treat with a poor prognosis. Recent state-of-the-art genomic technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) revolutionized cancer management and shed light on the genomic landscape of BTCs. There are ongoing clinical trials to assess the efficacy of HER2-blocking antibodies or drug conjugates in BTCs with HER2 amplifications. However, HER2 amplifications may not be the sole eligibility factor for these clinical trials. In this review, we aimed to comprehensively examine the role of somatic HER2 alterations and amplifications in patient stratification and provide an overview of the current state of ongoing clinical trials.
Head-To-Head Comparison of PET and Perfusion Weighted MRI Techniques to Distinguish Treatment Related Abnormalities from Tumor Progression in Glioma
Authors: Henssen Dylan , Leijten Lars , Meijer Frederick J. A. , van der Kolk Anja , Arens Anne I. J. , ter Laan Mark , Smeenk Robert J. , Gijtenbeek Anja , van de Giessen Elsmarieke M. , Tolboom Nelleke , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Smits Marion , Nagarajah James
Published: May 2023

The post-treatment imaging surveillance of gliomas is challenged by distinguishing tumor progression (TP) from treatment-related abnormalities (TRA). Sophisticated imaging techniques, such as perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI PWI) and positron-emission tomography (PET) with a variety of radiotracers, have been suggested as being more reliable than standard imaging for distinguishing TP from TRA. However, it remains unclear if any technique holds diagnostic superiority. This meta-analysis provides a head-to-head comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of the aforementioned imaging techniques. Systematic literature searches on the use of PWI and PET imaging techniques were carried out in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and the reference lists of relevant papers. After the extraction of data on imaging technique specifications and diagnostic accuracy, a meta-analysis was carried out. The quality of the included papers was assessed using the QUADAS-2 checklist. Nineteen articles, totaling 697 treated patients with glioma (431 males; mean age ± standard deviation 50.5 ± 5.1 years) were included. The investigated PWI techniques included dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC), dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) and arterial spin labeling (ASL). The PET-tracers studied concerned [S-methyl-11C]methionine, 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG), O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ([18F]FET) and 6-[18F]-fluoro-3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine ([18F]FDOPA). The meta-analysis of all data showed no diagnostic superior imaging technique. The included literature showed a low risk of bias. As no technique was found to be diagnostically superior, the local level of expertise is hypothesized to be the most important factor for diagnostically accurate results in post-treatment glioma patients regarding the distinction of TRA from TP.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Summary of Included Cases
Authors: Trontzas Ioannis P. , Vathiotis Ioannis A. , Kyriakoulis Konstantinos G. , Sofianidi Amalia , Spyropoulou Zoi , Charpidou Andriani , Kotteas Elias A. , Syrigos Konstantinos N. ,   ImmunoTTS Collaborative Group
Published: May 2023

Background: There are emerging reports of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs); however, the association of the two remains uncertain. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed in the PubMed database and web sources (Google Scholar) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Case reports/series or studies including cancer patients treated with ICIs and presenting with TTS were considered. Results: Seventeen cases were included in the systematic review. Most patients were males (59%) with median age of 70 years (30–83). Most common tumor types were lung cancer (35%) and melanoma (29%). Most patients were on first-line immunotherapy (35%) and after the first cycle (54%) of treatment. The median time on immunotherapy at the time of TTS presentation was 77 days (1–450). The most used agents were pembrolizumab and the combination of nivolumab–ipilimumab (35%, respectively). Potential stressors were recognized in 12 cases (80%). Six patients (35%) presented with concurrent cardiac complications. Corticosteroids were used in the management of eight patients (50%). Fifteen patients (88%) recovered from TTS, two patients (12%) relapsed, and one patient died. Immunotherapy was reintroduced in five cases (50%). Conclusion: TTS may be associated with immunotherapy for cancer. Physicians should be alert for TTS diagnosis in any patient with myocardial infarction-like presentation under treatment with ICIs.
Osteocytes: New Kids on the Block for Cancer in Bone Therapy
Authors: Anloague Aric , Delgado-Calle Jesus
Published: May 2023

The tumor microenvironment plays a central role in the onset and progression of cancer in the bone. Cancer cells, either from tumors originating in the bone or from metastatic cancer cells from other body systems, are located in specialized niches where they interact with different cells of the bone marrow. These interactions transform the bone into an ideal niche for cancer cell migration, proliferation, and survival and cause an imbalance in bone homeostasis that severely affects the integrity of the skeleton. During the last decade, preclinical studies have identified new cellular mechanisms responsible for the dependency between cancer cells and bone cells. In this review, we focus on osteocytes, long-lived cells residing in the mineral matrix that have recently been identified as key players in the spread of cancer in bone. We highlight the most recent discoveries on how osteocytes support tumor growth and promote bone disease. Additionally, we discuss how the reciprocal crosstalk between osteocytes and cancer cells provides the opportunity to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat cancer in the bone.
Performance of Ultra-Rapid Idylla™ EGFR Mutation Test in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Its Potential at Clinical Molecular Screening
Authors: Suda Kenichi , Sakai Kazuko , Ohira Tatsuo , Chikugo Takaaki , Satou Takao , Matsubayashi Jun , Nagao Toshitaka , Ikeda Norihiko , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Nishio Kazuto
Published: May 2023

Background: The Idylla™ EGFR Mutation Test is an ultra-rapid single-gene test that detects epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. Here, we compared the performance of the Idylla EGFR Mutation Test with the Cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2. Methods: Surgically resected NSCLC specimens obtained at two Japanese institutions (N = 170) were examined. The Idylla EGFR Mutation Test and the Cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2 were performed independently and the results were compared. For discordant cases, the Ion AmpliSeq Colon and Lung Cancer Research Panel V2 was performed. Results: After the exclusion of five inadequate/invalid samples, 165 cases were evaluated. EGFR mutation analysis revealed 52 were positive and 107 were negative for EGFR mutation in both assays (overall concordance rate: 96.4%). Analyses of the six discordant cases revealed that the Idylla EGFR Mutation Test was correct in four and the Cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2 was correct in two. In a trial calculation, the combination of the Idylla EGFR Mutation Test followed by a multi-gene panel test will reduce molecular screening expenses if applied to a cohort with EGFR mutation frequency >17.9%. Conclusions: We demonstrated the accuracy and potential clinical utility of the Idylla EGFR Mutation Test as a molecular screening platform in terms of turnaround time and molecular testing cost if applied to a cohort with a high EGFR mutation incidence (>17.9%).
Genetic Polymorphisms of the Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Gene in Relation to Prostate Tumorigenesis, Aggressiveness and Mortality: A Cross-Ancestry Analysis
Authors: Zhan Yongle , Ruan Xiaohao , Liu Jiacheng , Huang Da , Huang Jingyi , Huang Jinlun , Chun Tsun Tsun Stacia , Ng Ada Tsui-Lin , Wu Yishuo , Wei Gonghong , Jiang Haowen , Xu Danfeng , Na Rong
Published: May 2023

Background: Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) has been consistently associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk. However, few studies have explored the association between TERT variants and PCa aggressiveness. Methods: Individual and genetic data were obtained from UK Biobank and a Chinese PCa cohort (Chinese Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics). Results: A total of 209,694 Europeans (14,550 PCa cases/195,144 controls) and 8873 Chinese (4438 cases/4435 controls) were involved. Nineteen susceptibility loci with five novel ones (rs144704378, rs35311994, rs34194491, rs144020096, and rs7710703) were detected in Europeans, whereas seven loci with two novel ones (rs7710703 and rs11291391) were discovered in the Chinese cohort. The index SNP for the two ancestries was rs2242652 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.12–1.20, p = 4.12 × 10−16) and rs11291391 (OR = 1.73, 95%CI:1.34–2.25, p = 3.04 × 10−5), respectively. SNPs rs2736100 (OR = 1.49, 95%CI:1.31–1.71, p = 2.91 × 10−9) and rs2853677 (OR = 1.74, 95%CI:1.52–1.98, p = 3.52 × 10−16) were found significantly associated with aggressive PCa, while rs35812074 was marginally related to PCa death (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.61, 95%CI:1.04–2.49, p = 0.034). Gene-based analysis showed a significant association of TERT with PCa (European: p = 3.66 × 10−15, Chinese: p = 0.043) and PCa severity (p = 0.006) but not with PCa death (p = 0.171). Conclusion: TERT polymorphisms were associated with prostate tumorigenesis and severity, and the genetic architectures of PCa susceptibility loci were heterogeneous among distinct ancestries.
Role of PET/CT in Oropharyngeal Cancers
Authors: Avery Emily W. , Joshi Kavita , Mehra Saral , Mahajan Amit
Published: May 2023

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) comprises cancers of the tonsils, tongue base, soft palate, and uvula. The staging of oropharyngeal cancers varies depending upon the presence or absence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-directed pathogenesis. The incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV + OPSCC) is expected to continue to rise over the coming decades. PET/CT is a useful modality for the diagnosis, staging, and follow up of patients with oropharyngeal cancers undergoing treatment and surveillance.
Prostate Cancer in Sexual Minorities: Epidemiology, Screening and Diagnosis, Treatment, and Quality of Life
Authors: Yazdanpanah Omid , Benjamin David J. , Rezazadeh Kalebasty Arash
Published: May 2023

Prostate cancer has the highest incidence among all cancers in men. Sexual minorities, including gay and bisexual men, as well as transgender, were previously a “hidden population” that experienced prostate cancer. Although there continues to remain a paucity of data in this population, analyses from studies do not reveal whether this population is more likely to endure prostate cancer. Nonetheless, several qualitative and quantitative studies have established worse quality-of-life outcomes for sexual minorities following prostate cancer treatment. Increased awareness of this previously “hidden population” among healthcare workers, as well as more research, is warranted to gain further understanding on potential disparities faced by this growing population.