bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic Percutaneous Electrochemotherapy as a New Minimal Invasive Treatment Modality for Primary and Secondary Liver Malignancies
Authors: Luerken Lukas , Goetz Andrea , Mayr Vinzenz , Zhang Liang , Schlitt Alexandra , Haimerl Michael , Stroszczynski Christian , Schlitt Hans-Jürgen , Grube Matthias , Kandulski Arne , Einspieler Ingo
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: To report on the first results of safety, efficacy, and outcome of CT-navigated stereotactic percutaneous electrochemotherapy (SpECT) in patients with primary and secondary liver malignancies. Methods: This retrospective study included 23 consecutive lesions in 22 patients who underwent SpECT for primary and secondary malignant liver lesions with locally curative intention. The endpoints were primary technique efficacy (PTE), local tumor progression (LTP), time to progression (TTP), and occurrence of adverse events. Results: The mean maximum diameter of the treated lesions was 42 mm (range: 16 mm–72 mm). Eight lesions were hepatocellular carcinoma (34.8%), five lesions were colorectal liver metastases (21.7%), three lesions were cholangiocellular carcinoma (13.0%), and the other seven lesions were liver metastases from different primary cancers (30.4%). PTE was achieved for 22 lesions (95.7%). The mean follow-up time was 15 months (0–39 months). No LTP was observed. In six patients (27.3%), hepatic tumor progression was observed during follow-up with a mean TTP of 3.8 months (2–8 months). In 10 procedures (43.5%), minor complications (1 CIRSE Grade 2) and side effects occurred, but no major complications were observed. Conclusions: SpECT seems to be a safe and effective new local treatment modality for primary and secondary liver malignancies.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Methodologies for Early Diagnostic Precision and Personalized Therapeutic Strategies in Neuro-Ophthalmic and Neurodegenerative Pathologies
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Waisberg Ethan , Ong Joshua , Paladugu Phani , Amiri Dylan , Saintyl Jeremy , Yelamanchi Jahnavi , Nahouraii Robert , Jagadeesan Ram , Tavakkoli Alireza
Published: December 2024

Advancements in neuroimaging, particularly diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET), have significantly enhanced the early detection of biomarkers in neurodegenerative and neuro-ophthalmic disorders. These include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease. This review highlights the transformative role of advanced diffusion MRI techniques—Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging and Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging—in identifying subtle microstructural changes in the brain and visual pathways that precede clinical symptoms. When integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, these techniques achieve unprecedented diagnostic precision, facilitating early detection of neurodegeneration and inflammation. Additionally, next-generation PET tracers targeting misfolded proteins, such as tau and alpha-synuclein, along with inflammatory markers, enhance the visualization and quantification of pathological processes in vivo. Deep learning models, including convolutional neural networks and multimodal transformers, further improve diagnostic accuracy by integrating multimodal imaging data and predicting disease progression. Despite challenges such as technical variability, data privacy concerns, and regulatory barriers, the potential of AI-enhanced neuroimaging to revolutionize early diagnosis and personalized treatment in neurodegenerative and neuro-ophthalmic disorders is immense. This review underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to validate, standardize, and implement these technologies to maximize their clinical impact.
Exploring the Influence of Video Games on Self-Reported Spatial Abilities Among University Students
Authors: AlWhaibi Reem M. , Aldhowayan Afnan M. , Alshahrani Shahad M. , Almadi Bayan S. , Alamer Reham A. , Albaqami Fai M. , Mortada Eman M.
Published: December 2024

Background: Video games are no longer just entertainment; they are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance cognitive abilities, including spatial cognition. This skill is vital in academic disciplines, where strong spatial reasoning is essential for problem-solving and success. Aims: This study investigates how video game engagement impacts self-reported spatial abilities in university students, focusing on the frequency, types, and duration of gaming. It also explores the contributions of specific video game genres and features to perceived cognitive improvements. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 566 Saudi university students who completed an online questionnaire on their gaming habits and self-reported spatial abilities. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests to assess the associations between video game behaviors and self-reported spatial cognition. Results: Frequent gamers (65% of participants) demonstrated significantly higher self-reported spatial abilities than infrequent gamers, particularly in adapting to spatial challenges (p < 0.001). Players engaged with action and open-world games reported the greatest perceived improvements in spatial cognition. No significant gender differences were observed, indicating that both males and females benefit equally from gaming. The use of perspective in games was notably linked to spatial skill enhancement (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Regular video game play, especially with spatially demanding genres, is associated with significant self-reported improvements in spatial abilities. These findings highlight the potential of video games as tools for enhancing self-reported spatial cognition in education and professional training, particularly in STEM fields.
Applying an Indigenous Connectedness Framework to Examine Environmental Risk and Protective Factors for Urban American Indian Children’s Executive Function Development
Authors: Merculief Alexis , Tsethlikai Monica , Muniz Felix
Published: December 2024

Indigenous frameworks suggest environmental risk and protective factors for American Indian (AI) children’s development can be understood in terms of connecting and disconnecting forces in five domains: spirituality, family, intergenerational ties, community, and environment/land. This study examined the prevalence of these forces among 156 urban AI parents and their children (mean age = 10.69, SD = 1.92) and investigated associations with child executive function (EF). Parents reported on three disconnecting forces (parent stressful life events, discrimination, and neighborhood risks) and two connecting forces (knowledge of tribal history and engagement with cultural beliefs and traditional practices). Parents rated children’s EF using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), and a subsample of children (n = 81) provided self-report EF data. Controlling for income and child age, connecting forces (parent engagement with cultural beliefs and traditional practices and knowledge of tribal history) were associated with higher parent-reported and child self-reported EF, while disconnecting forces (discrimination and neighborhood risk) were related to lower child EF. Findings highlight the protective role of cultural connectedness for urban AI children’s cognitive development, and the importance of centering Indigenous theory in risk and resilience research with AI families.
Parent-Implemented Interventions for Children with Special Needs in Türkiye: An Analysis of Single-Subject Research Studies
Authors: Sönmez Nesrin , Alptekin Serpil
Published: December 2024

This article summarizes single-subject research studies that investigated the impact of interventions implemented by parents or family members of children with special needs living in Türkiye. In this study, 22 research studies conducted between 2013 and 2023 were analyzed in terms of their participants, methodological characteristics, characteristics of the training program implemented, and outcomes. Most of the child participants were boys, and most of the children were of school age. Mothers dominated parental involvement, but siblings also played an important role. The most frequently used design in the research methods was a multiple probe across participants design. While intervention fidelity data are reported in many research studies, implementation fidelity data are often omitted. The outcomes of the reviewed research show that parents successfully implemented the intervention and taught target skills to their children after the intervention they performed. However, generalization and maintenance findings were limited. The lack of clear reporting of parent training procedures makes it difficult to draw inferences about the effectiveness of the training. In general, although there is methodological diversity in the research reviewed, there is a need to be more rigorous about the clarity of the processes.
Research on Intelligent Diagnosis of Corrosion in the Operation and Maintenance Stage of Steel Structure Engineering Based on U-Net Attention
Authors: Duan Zhen , Huang Xinghong , Hou Jia , Chen Wei , Cai Lixiong
Published: December 2024

Intelligent corrosion diagnosis plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of operation and maintenance for steel structures. Presently, corrosion detection primarily depends on manual visual inspections and non-destructive testing methods, which are inefficient, costly, and subject to human bias. While machine vision has demonstrated significant potential in controlled laboratory settings, most studies have focused on environments with limited background interference, restricting their practical applicability. To tackle the challenges posed by complex backgrounds and multiple interference factors in field-collected images of steel components, this study introduces an intelligent corrosion grading method designed specifically for images containing background elements. By integrating an attention mechanism into the traditional U-Net network, we achieve precise segmentation of component pixels from background pixels in engineering images, attaining an accuracy of up to 94.1%. The proposed framework is validated using images collected from actual engineering sites. A sliding window sampling technique divides on-site images into several rectangular windows, which are filtered based on U-Net Attention segmentation results. Leveraging a dataset of steel plate corrosion images with known grades, we train an Inception v3 corrosion classification model. Transfer learning techniques are then applied to determine the corrosion grade of each filtered window, culminating in a weighted average to estimate the overall corrosion grade of the target component. This study provides a quantitative index for assessing large-scale steel structure corrosion, significantly impacting the improvement of construction and maintenance quality while laying a solid foundation for further research and development in related fields.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete Ultra-Thin Precast Slab for Bridge I-Beam Joints
Authors: Lan Jinling , Dai Jinxin , Jia Buyu , Yan Quansheng , Yang Zheng
Published: December 2024

In the domain of bridge I-beam joint construction, conventional approaches such as cast-in-place concrete with suspended formwork and ordinary reinforced concrete precast slabs entail numerous limitations. The former features complex procedures, elevated costs, and significant safety risks, while the latter is hindered by the heavy weight of precast slabs, which causes difficulties in transportation and hoisting, inconvenient installation, and high costs. Reactive powder concrete ultra-thin precast slab (RPCUPS) is regarded as a potential solution due to its superior properties. Nevertheless, at present, there is an acute paucity of experience and research regarding the application of RPCUPS in bridge I-beam joints, particularly on a large scale. In a certain actual engineering project, a scheme was proposed to employ RPCUPS with a mere thickness of 20 mm in the bridge I-beam joints. In this scheme, the quantity of slabs is substantial, amounting to over 600,000. This constitutes the research gap and impetus of this study, with the aim of filling the existing knowledge void and providing technical support for engineering endeavors. This research carried out an extensive experimental test to systematically investigate the mechanical properties and safety of RPCUPS. Firstly, the material performance experiments were conducted to determine the manufacturing process of RPCUPS that meets the performance requirements. Subsequently, loading experiments on specimens under multiple working conditions were performed to disclose the cracking load and ultimate load of the two main types of RPCUPS and to analyze the influences of fiber type, mixing type, steel mesh, and slab thickness on the mechanical properties of RPCUPS (keeps the same volume rate of steel in a slab). Key findings encompass the outstanding mechanical properties and high safety factors of RPCUPS under diverse working conditions. Finally, in light of the actual construction environment, safety verification of temporary loading during actual construction was executed to furnish solid technical support for the practical engineering application of RPCUPS. The experimental results indicate that RPCUPS has been successfully applied on a large scale in actual engineering projects, not only without augmenting the cost but also significantly reducing the construction period by approximately five months, conspicuously enhancing the construction efficiency. These discoveries not only validate the feasibility of RPCUPS in bridge I-beam joint construction but also offer valuable references and guidance for similar future projects.
Soil Sharing and Equipment Operations Through Digitalization of Large-Scale Earthworks
Authors: Kim Dongwook
Published: December 2024

The modern construction industry is undergoing considerable changes driven by increased specialization, technological advancements, and growing complexity. The integration of smart construction technology is rapidly advancing as a solution to address the aging workforce in the sector. However, the uncertainty and risks associated with soil construction on job sites remain, leading to increased costs during project execution. Recently, construction sites have sought to enhance productivity by leveraging building information modeling (BIM) and smart construction devices. The adoption of smart equipment, such as machine control and machine guidance, is on the rise in both structural and earthwork projects, with ongoing efforts to mitigate uncertainties. This study proposes a practical approach to reduce the uncertainty in earthworks by optimizing soil sharing strategies and equipment allocation from the initial design phase. A BIM model was developed as a solid structure and then segmented using Dynamo. This model was utilized to create a construction plan using Primavera P6, while AnyLogic (8.9.2) was employed to assess the suitability of equipment combinations, ultimately demonstrating the cost-saving benefits of the proposed approach. Through repeated simulations, work efficiency was enhanced by approximately 6.2% compared to the original 2D planning approach.
Field Test and Numerical Simulation Study on Pipe Sticking of Pipe Jacking in Composite Stratum
Authors: Zhang Shilei , Xu Xiaodong , Luo Feilun , Shi Tao , Xu Tianshuo , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2024

In this study, the jacking force of a stuck pipe was explored under various contact conditions in long-distance composite strata. The Jiaoliu River jacking project in Yichao, Inner Mongolia, was selected for study, and the precise location of the pipe sticking was determined by laying strain gauges on the surface of the pipe and via integration with the measured data. Corresponding technical measures for releasing the pipe sticking were also put forward. Finally, ABAQUS 2022 software was used to establish a finite element analysis model of jacking force considering full contact conditions, and the maximum friction coefficient of the pipe that can be jacked forward in the pipe sticking state was calculated, providing a reference for related engineering cases. The results show that the position of the pipe sticking can be accurately identified through strain gauges on the surface of the pipe. The axial jacking force is transmitted more effectively in the upper section of the pipe than in the lower section, and as the jacking force increases, the length of the pipe becomes longer according to this rule. Measures were taken to adequately lubricate the pipe affected by sticking to ameliorate this condition.
Mechanical Behavior and Innovative Applications of Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite and Fiber-Reinforced Polymer in Infrastructures
Authors: Shi Jianzhe , Wang Haitao , Cao Xuyang
Published: December 2024

Fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FRCC) and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) have been widely applied in infrastructures. Their mechanical behavior and innovative applications are examined in this article. Firstly, the mechanical behaviors of FRCC and the corresponding improving methods are elaborated. The bond behavior of the FRP–concrete interface, which has a significant effect on the strengthening effect of FRP, is reviewed. A proposed method to enhance the bond behavior is also introduced. In addition, the effectiveness of FRP is demonstrated in terms of improving the load-bearing capacity, stiffness, crack resistance, fatigue resistance, and other behaviors of existing structures. Furthermore, the feasibility of fibers or FRPs in new constructions is also validated. Finally, the future prospects of the research and applications of FRCC and FRP are discussed.
A Comparative Study of Sustainable Cooling Approaches: Evaluating the Performance of Natural Ventilation Strategies in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions
Authors: Ayoobi Ahmad Walid , Ekimci Betül Gelengül , Inceoğlu Mehmet
Published: December 2024

The rising demand for building cooling has led to increased energy consumption and environmental concerns. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of natural ventilation strategies as sustainable approaches in arid and semi-arid climates, focusing on Kabul City. Employing integrated simulation techniques, including annual energy simulation and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, various ventilation approaches were evaluated, such as single-side ventilation, cross-ventilation, and windcatchers. Results indicate that cross-ventilation with opposing windows significantly outperformed other strategies in terms of natural ventilation rates, achieving a 62.5% improvement over single-sided ventilation and a 36% improvement over cross-ventilation with adjacent windows. However, the complex interplay between solar gain and natural ventilation in these climates can lead to increased cooling demand. To address this challenge, integrating south-(S)-facing orientations into both single-sided and cross-ventilated configurations was found to be a balanced and effective approach. These scenarios demonstrated significant total energy savings. Among single-sided ventilation, the S-facing scenario achieved an average of 58.3% energy savings. For opposing cross-ventilation, the north-south (NS) scenario yielded 65.6% energy savings. Finally, adjacent cross-ventilation in the east-south (ES) and south-west (SW) scenarios resulted in an average of 51% energy savings. Furthermore, windcatchers, when combined with single-sided ventilation, further enhanced natural ventilation and reduced cooling demand while maintaining nearly consistent heating demand. Optimized rooftop windcatchers improved natural ventilation rates by up to 26.9% and attached windcatchers achieved up to 56.8% improvement. Compared to a baseline, rooftop windcatchers reduced cooling demand by 6.2%, and attached windcatchers by up to 18.7%. The findings of this study highlight the potential of window-based and windcatcher natural ventilation strategies as energy-efficient and balanced approaches for reducing building energy consumption, particularly cooling loads, in arid and semi-arid climates. These insights provide valuable guidance for architects and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.
Computer Vision System for Multi-Robot Construction Waste Management: Integrating Cloud and Edge Computing
Authors: Wang Zeli , Yang Xincong , Zheng Xianghan , Huang Daoyin , Jiang Binfei
Published: December 2024

Sorting is an important construction waste management tool to increase recycling rates and reduce pollution. Previous studies have used robots to improve the efficiency of construction waste recycling. However, in large construction sites, it is difficult for a single robot to accomplish the task quickly, and multiple robots working together are a better option. Most construction waste recycling robotic systems are developed based on a client-server framework, which means that all robots need to be continuously connected to their respective cloud servers. Such systems are low in robustness in complex environments and waste a lot of computational resources. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a pixel-level automatic construction waste recognition platform with high robustness and low computational resource requirements by combining multiple computer vision technologies with edge computing and cloud computing platforms. Experiments show that the computing platform proposed in this study can achieve a recognition speed of 23.3 fps and a recognition accuracy of 90.81% at the edge computing platform without the help of network and cloud servers. This is 23 times faster than the algorithm used in previous research. Meanwhile, the computing platform proposed in this study achieves 93.2% instance segmentation accuracy on the cloud server side. Notably, this system allows multiple robots to operate simultaneously at the same construction site using only a single server without compromising efficiency, which significantly reduces costs and promotes the adoption of automated construction waste recycling robots.
The Development of the Two-Dimensional Model of Emotion Based on Both Architectural Emotion Words and Design Elements in China
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Li Xuejiao , Fang Lei , Zhang Jing , Whang Mincheol
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this paper is to construct and validate a model centered on architectural emotion, to explore the role of emotion in architectural design, and to provide theoretical support for emotion-oriented design. This study collected 614 terms related to architectural emotion, screened 30 core terms, constructed a two-dimensional architectural emotion model, and verified the scientific and practicality of the model through three measurement methods. First, the one-dimensional scale analysis identified two dimensions of pleasure and charm, which portrayed the range of word variation; second, the Principal Component Analysis confirmed the periodic ordering pattern of words, which revealed its systematic relationship; and, lastly, the Multidimensional Scaling Analysis demonstrated the distribution of emotion words based on cognitive similarity in the multidimensional space. Based on this model, this paper proposes a three-layer circular model of “architectural emotion-architectural cognition-architectural elements”, which constructs the correspondence between architectural emotion and design elements, as well as how architectural cognition and architectural elements can synergize to create a spatial experience that triggers specific emotions. The model provides theoretical support for emotion-oriented architectural design and evaluation, and helps designers to better understand the relationship between emotion and space so as to create more valuable architectural works.
Axial Compression Performance Test and Bearing Capacity Calculation Method of Square Steel Tube–Timber–Concrete Composite L-Shaped Columns
Authors: Weng Weisu , Lv Haonan , Liu Bo , Zhang Minli , Jing Ziteng , Hu Jianghao , Hu Shuqian
Published: December 2024

The square steel tube–timber–concrete composite L-shaped columns are lighter in weight due to the inclusion of wood and exhibit superior seismic performance. This combination not only reduces transportation and labor costs but also enhances earthquake resistance. The wood contributes lightness and flexibility, the steel provides strength, and the concrete offers excellent compressive performance, thereby achieving an optimized design for performance. To investigate the axial compression performance of square steel tube–timber–concrete composite L-shaped short columns, axial compression tests were conducted on eight groups of L-shaped columns. The study examined ultimate load, failure modes, load–displacement relationships, initial stiffness, ductility, and bearing capacity improvement factors under different slenderness ratios, steel tube wall thicknesses, and wood content rates. The results show that the mechanical performance of the composite columns is excellent. Local buckling of the steel tube is the primary failure mode, with ‘bulging bands’ forming at the middle and ends. When the wood content reaches 25%, the synergy between the steel tube, concrete, and wood is optimal, significantly enhancing ductility and bearing capacity. The ductility of the specimen increased by 31.1%, and the bearing capacity increased by 4.14%. The bearing capacity increases with the steel tube wall thickness but decreases with increasing slenderness ratio. Additionally, based on the Mander principle and considering the partitioned constraint effects of concrete, a simplified calculation method for the axial compressive bearing capacity was proposed using the superposition principle. This method was validated to match well with the test results and can provide a reference for the design and application of these composite L-shaped columns.
Inbreeding and Gallbladder Cancer Risk: Homozygosity Associations Adjusted for Indigenous American Ancestry, BMI, and Genetic Risk of Gallstone Disease
Authors: Ceballos Francisco , Boekstegers Felix , Scherer Dominique , Barahona Ponce Carol , Marcelain Katherine , Gárate-Calderón Valentina , Waldenberger Melanie , Morales Erik , Rojas Armando , Munoz César , Retamales Javier , de Toro Gonzalo , Vera Kortmann Allan , Barajas Olga , Rivera María Teresa , Cortés Analía , Loader Denisse , Saavedra Javiera , Gutiérrez Lorena , Ortega Alejandro , Bertrán Maria Enriqueta , Bartolotti Leonardo , Gabler Fernando , Campos Mónica , Alvarado Juan , Moisán Fabricio , Spencer Loreto , Nervi Bruno , Carvajal-Hausdorf Daniel , Losada Héctor , Almau Mauricio , Fernández Plinio , Olloquequi Jordi , Salinas Pamela , Lorenzo Bermejo Justo
Published: December 2024

Latin Americans have a rich genetic make-up that translates into heterogeneous fractions of the autosomal genome in runs of homozygosity (FROH) and heterogeneous types and proportions of indigenous American ancestry. While autozygosity has been linked to several human diseases, very little is known about the relationship between inbreeding, genetic ancestry, and cancer risk in Latin Americans. Chile has one of the highest incidences of gallbladder cancer (GBC) in the world, and we investigated the association between inbreeding, GBC, gallstone disease (GSD), and body mass index (BMI) in 4029 genetically admixed Chileans. We calculated individual FROH above 1.5 Mb and weighted polygenic risk scores for GSD, and applied multiple logistic regression to assess the association between homozygosity and GBC risk. We found that homozygosity was due to a heterogeneous mixture of genetic drift and consanguinity in the study population. Although we found no association between homozygosity and overall GBC risk, we detected interactions of FROH with sex, age, and genetic risk of GSD that affected GBC risk. Specifically, the increase in GBC risk per 1% FROH was 19% in men (p-value = 0.002), 30% in those under 60 years of age (p-value = 0.001), and 12% in those with a genetic risk of GSD above the median (p-value = 0.01). The present study highlighted the complex interplay between inbreeding, genetic ancestry, and genetic risk of GSD in the development of GBC. The applied methodology and our findings underscored the importance of considering the population-specific genetic architecture, along with sex- and age-specific effects, when investigating the genetic basis of complex traits in Latin Americans.
Identification of Transcriptional Regulators of Immune Evasion Across Cancers: An Alternative Immunotherapeutic Strategy for Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Venkatraman Simran , Balasubramanian Brinda , Kongpracha Pornparn , Yangngam Supaporn , Chuangchot Nisa , Khanaruksombat Suparada , Thongchot Suyanee , Suntiparpluacha Monthira , Myint Kyaw Zwar , Soodvilai Sunhapas , Janvilisri Tavan , Jirawatnotai Siwanon , Thuwajit Peti , Thuwajit Chanitra , Meller Jarek , Chutipongtanate Somchai , Tohtong Rutaiwan
Published: December 2024

Background: Cancer immune evasion is a multifaceted process that synchronizes pro-tumoral immune infiltration, immunosuppressive inflammation, and inhibitory immune checkpoint expression (IC). Current immunotherapies combat this issue by reinstating immunosurveillance of tumors; however, it benefits a limited patient population. Thus, a more effective immunotherapeutic strategy is warranted to cater to specific patient populations. This investigation introduces a novel immunotherapeutic strategy via inhibition of master regulators of immune evasion (MR-IE). Methods: Samples of the TCGA Pan-Cancer Atlas transcriptomic data were subset and stratified based on IC and estimated immune cell infiltration. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to unravel pathways associated with the immune evasion process. Transcription factor enrichment and survival analyses were conducted to identify and rank candidate MR-IEs per cancer type. Results: Inhibition of the top-ranking MR-IE candidate of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), MYC, modulated the gene and protein expression of PD-L1. Moreover, pro-tumoral inflammatory markers, IFNA21 and CX3CL1, were downregulated, and anti-tumoral cytokines, IL-18 and IL-16, were upregulated. Lastly, MYC inhibition potentiated fourth-generation anti-folate receptor alpha (FRα) CAR-T cell therapy against CCA cells. Conclusions: Cumulatively, this study highlights the promise of MR-IE inhibition as a novel potent immunotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of CCA and offers a candidate list of MR-IEs per cancer type for further validation.
The Potential of Microwave Technology for Glycerol Transformation: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Timofeeva Maria N. , Makova Anna S. , Bolotov Vasily A. , Panchenko Valentina N. , Kustov Leonid M. , Parmon Valentin N.
Published: December 2024

Glycerol is a major by-product in biodiesel manufacturing, which accounts for around 10% of the biodiesel volume. A surplus of glycerol has led to the development of technologies for production of value-added products using glycerol as a raw material, following the “waste as a resource” strategy. Various techniques are available to carry out glycerol transformation, viz. carrying out processes under thermal heating, application of ultrasonic or hydrodynamic cavitation, microchannel technologies, etc. Microwave-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) is a simple and innovative technology, which can be considered as a means of intensifying these processes. This review describes microwave irradiation as a valuable energy-efficient alternative to conventional heating for the production of value-added chemicals from glycerol via dehydration, hydrogenolysis, esterification, transesterification, etherification, and oxidation. In general, innovative and potential catalysts, approaches, and technologies are discussed and critically evaluated in terms of the possibilities and potential for further industrial implementation
Synthesis and Characterization of MgO-Fe₂O₃/γ-Al₂O₃ Nanocomposites: Enhanced Photocatalytic Efficiency and Selective Anticancer Properties
Authors: Alaizeri ZabnAllah M. , Alhadlaq Hisham A. , Aldawood Saad , Ahamed Maqusood
Published: December 2024

In the present work, we achieved the fabrication of MgO-Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 NCs using a deposition–coprecipitation process. XRD, TEM, and SEM with EDX, XPS, FTIR, and PL spectroscopy were applied to examine the physicochemical properties of the samples. XRD analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of γ-Al2O3, MgO, and Fe2O3 phases. TEM and SEM images indicate that the nanocomposites exhibited an agglomerated morphology with spherical shapes and particle sizes in the range of 6–12 nm. EDX and XPS spectra revealed a composition of MgO-Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 NCs. FTIR spectra identified characteristic vibrational bands corresponding to the chemical bonds present in the samples, confirming their successful synthesis. PL analysis showed the reduced recombination rate of electron–hole pairs and enhanced charge separation efficiency, which are important factors for improved photocatalytic activity. Photocatalysis results show that the MgO-Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 NCs exhibited significantly higher photocatalysis efficiencies of 87.5% for Rh B and 90.4% for MB after 140 min, compared to γ-Al2O3 NPs and Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 NPs. In addition, prepared MgO-Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 NCs demonstrated superior stability after six runs. Biochemical data showed that the MgO-Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 NCs exhibited significant toxicity toward A549 cancer cells while displaying low toxicity toward IMR90 normal cells. The IC50 values (µg/mL ± SD) for γ-Al2O3 NPs, Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 NPs, and MgO-Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 NCs were 16.54 ± 0.8 µg/mL, 14.75 ± 0.4 µg/mL, and 11.40 ± 0.6 µg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that the addition of Fe2O3 and MgO to γ-Al2O3 not only enhances photocatalytic activity but also improves biocompatibility and anticancer properties. This study highlights that the MgO-Fe2O3/γ-Al2O3 NCs warrant further exploration of their potential applications in environmental remediation and biomedicine.
Catalytic Conversion of Ethyl Levulinate to γ-Valerolactone Under Mild Conditions over Zr-Beta Acidic Zeolite Prepared by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Yue Yu , Zhu Guozhi , Liu Min , Zhu Yue , Ji Weilong , Si Xiaoqin , Lu Tianliang
Published: December 2024

As an important biomass resource, γ-valerolactone (GVL) shows considerable potential for applications in biofuel production, organic synthesis, polymer, and food industries. Herein, an effective method was presented for synthesizing GVL through the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of ethyl levulinate (EL) under mild conditions. Using isopropanol as a hydrogen donor, a 100% conversion of ethyl levulinate and an 88.7% yield of GVL were achieved over 2%Zr-Beta-7d catalyst at 110 °C for 8 h. The acidic sites of synthesized Zr-Beta via hydrothermal methods easily adjusted and offered high catalytic activity and selectivity. The Lewis (L) acid sites on the zeolite serve as the active centers for the conversion of EL. Characterization results indicate that the amounts of L acid sites on Zr-Beta increased with the Zr content and crystallization time rose, thus enhancing the selectivity for GVL. Additionally, the influences of catalyst dosage, reaction temperature, and time on catalytic performance are studied, as well as calculations of kinetic parameters such as reaction rate constants and activation energies. The 2%Zr-Beta-7d catalyst retains its high performance after five cycles. The current research may present an efficient approach for the conversion of EL to GVL under mild conditions.
Increasing SBA-15 Amphoteric Properties by Direct Zr Addition During Synthesis
Authors: Hernández Romeo , Escobar José , Pacheco José G. , Torres José G. , García David S. , Guerra Zenaida , del Ángel Paz , Barrera María C. , de la Cruz Durvel
Published: December 2024

Strategies followed to improve SBA-15 surface (essentially inert) included modifications by adding acidic or basic (or both) species during or after silica synthesis. Amphoteric properties are especially important, as some reactions (alcohol dehydration, for instance) require both types of sites to efficiently take place. In this work, single Zr (nominal 3, 5, and 10 wt%, as ZrOCl2•8H2O) direct addition during SBA-15 synthesis was used to impart amphoteric characteristics (as determined by NH3 and CO2 TPD) to mesostructured SiO2 matrices. Additional materials characterization included textural (N2 physisorption) and structural (XRD, FTIR, and UV–Vis spectroscopies, and HRTEM as well) studies. Actual solids composition was also determined (EDS). The degree of Zr incorporation into mesoporous silica was enhanced with nominal content in binary formulations, although not necessarily integrated into SBA-15 walls forming Zr-O-Si linkages. It seemed that single ZrO2 domains (framework and extra-framework) could provide suitable amphoteric properties by significantly increasing the number and strength of both acid and basic sites (especially formulations containing nominal 5 wt% Zr), as to those over mesostructured silica matrices. Also, potentially deleterious strong acid sites were avoided. The binary oxides present great potential to be applied in reactions requiring vicinal acid–base pairs (alcohol dehydration, for instance).
Cu/MOF-808 Catalyst for Transfer Hydrogenation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2, 5-Furandimethanol with Formic Acid Mediation
Authors: Tan Jingxin , Li Mengqi , Liu Lingtao , Wang Lijian , Wang Haocun , Bian Junjie , Li Chunhu
Published: December 2024

Biomass platform compound 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), with its low price and abundant source, can be used as a renewable resource to replace traditional petrochemicals. MOF-808(Zr) has tunable active sites and excellent stability under high temperatures and acidic as well as basic environments, and the unsaturated coordination of metal ions within its framework structure can exhibit Lewis acidity, facilitating catalytic transfer hydrogenation from HMF to 2, 5-Furandimethanol (BHMF). The hydrothermal–impregnation–reduction method was used to prepare Cu/MOF-808 catalysts with high catalytic performance. Formic acid was chosen as the hydrogen donor solvent. The selectivity and yield of BHMF were 75.65% and 71%, respectively, at 150 °C for 4 h. A reaction pathway for the catalytic hydrogen transfer of HMF to BHMF was proposed. The high activity and stability of the Cu/MOF-808 catalyst with dual active sites provide a viable method for feasible hydrogenation of HMF to high value-added compounds.
Recent Advances in Aromatic Hydroxylation to Phenol and Hydroquinone Using H2O2
Authors: Naranov Evgeny , Ramazanov Dzhamalutdin , Agliullin Marat , Sinyashin Oleg , Maximov Anton
Published: December 2024

Direct hydroxylation of aromatics and phenol processes using green oxidants plays an important role in the petrochemical industry. High selectivity towards hydroquinone is usually hard to achieve due to catechol formation and catalyst deactivation. Herein, we showed the recent studies devoted to selective phenol hydroxylation via oxidation using H2O2. This review summarizes progress that has been achieved in this area. Briefly, aromatic hydroxylation on heterogeneous catalysts, phenol hydroxylation on Ti-containing and supported catalysts, photocatalytic hydroxylation, and new approaches toward phenol hydroxylation have been reviewed.
HLA and Non-HLA Factors for Donor Selection in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide GvHD Prophylaxis
Authors: Shike Hiroko , Zhang Aiwen
Published: December 2024

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches in stem cell transplantation can be well-tolerated with the use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) for graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Haploidentical (Haplo) and HLA-mismatched unrelated donors become acceptable donors. This review focuses on Haplo and unrelated donor selection in the context of PTCy-transplant for hematological malignancy, in comparison with conventional GvHD prophylaxis. Evaluating patient’s donor-specific antibody (DSA) is critical in donor selection regardless of donor type or the use of PTCy. High DSA levels and positive C1q increase the risk of engraftment failure and unsuccessful desensitization. On the other hand, the degree of donor HLA matching is less critical under PTCy compared to conventional GvHD prophylaxis. Donor age was found to be important, as younger donors improve survival outcomes. HLA-B leader match appears to be preferable. The impacts of donor gender, donor cytomegalovirus serostatus, and ABO mismatch are unclear or non-significant. Additionally, available studies suggest that, in PTCy-transplant, preferred Haplo-donors are HLA class II mismatched (DRB1 mismatch and DPB1 non-permissive), siblings or offspring over parents, and if parent, father over mother, while preferred unrelated donors are HLA class I matched. Further study is warranted.
Molecular Mechanisms of Rett Syndrome: Emphasizing the Roles of Monoamine, Immunity, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Gonçalez Julia Lopes , Shen Jenny , Li Wei
Published: December 2024

Rett syndrome (RTT), which predominantly affects females, arises in most cases from mutations in the Methyl-CpG-binding Protein-2 (MECP2) gene. When MeCP2 is impaired, it disrupts the regulation of numerous genes, causing the production of dysfunctional proteins associated with various multi-systemic issues in RTT. In this review, we explore the current insights into molecular signaling related to monoamines, immune response, and mitochondrial function, and their implications for the pathophysiology of RTT. Research has shown that monoamines—such as dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, and histamine—exhibit alterations in RTT, contributing to a range of neurological symptoms. Furthermore, the immune system in RTT individuals demonstrates dysfunction through the abnormal activity of microglia, macrophages, lymphocytes, and non-immune cells, leading to the atypical release of inflammatory mediators and disruptions in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, mitochondria, essential for energy production and calcium storage, also show dysfunction in this condition. The delicate balance of producing and scavenging reactive oxygen species—termed redox balance—is disrupted in RTT. Targeting these molecular pathways presents a promising avenue for developing effective therapies.
Controlled Dynamic Microfluidic Culture of Murine, Bovine, and Human Embryos Improves Development: Proof-of-Concept Studies
Authors: Alegretti Jose Roberto , Rocha Andre M. Da , Nogueira-de-Souza Naiara C. , Kato Nobuhiro , Barros Bruna C. , Motta Eduardo L. A. , Serafini Paulo C. , Takayama Shuichi , Smith Gary D.
Published: December 2024

Classical preimplantation embryo culture is performed in static fluid environments. Whether a dynamic fluid environment, like the fallopian tube, is beneficial for embryo development remains to be determined across mammalian species. Objectives of these proof-of-concept studies were to determine if controllable dynamic microfluidic culture would enhance preimplantation murine, bovine, and human embryo development compared to static culture. This prospective randomized controlled trial tested static versus controlled dynamic culture of preimplantation mouse (n = 397), bovine (n = 242), and human (n = 512) zygotes to blastocyst stages with outcome measures of embryo cleavage, cellular fragmentation, apoptosis, and blastocyst conversion rates. Dynamic culture of mouse and bovine zygotes with microfluidics significantly improved embryo development. Mouse placental imprinted gene expression was significantly different between embryos derived in vivo, by static culture, and by dynamic culture. Using human sibling zygotes, this dynamic microfluidic culture system increased the number of blastomeres per cleavage-stage embryo, reduced cellular fragmentation or apoptosis, improved blastocyst conversion rates, and enhanced blastocyst developmental stages. In conclusion, species-specific longitudinal studies demonstrated that dynamic microfluidic culture significantly improved embryo development, independent of culture media composition, temperature, and gaseous environment. These cellular indicators represent improved embryo development that can translate into higher pregnancy rates in transgenics, domestic livestock and endangered species and treating human infertility.
Modeling Viral Capsid Assembly: A Review of Computational Strategies and Applications
Authors: Guo Wenhan , Alarcon Esther , Sanchez Jason E. , Xiao Chuan , Li Lin
Published: December 2024

Viral capsid assembly is a complex and critical process, essential for understanding viral behavior, evolution, and the development of antiviral treatments, vaccines, and nanotechnology. Significant progress in studying viral capsid assembly has been achieved through various computational approaches, including molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, stochastic dynamics simulations, coarse-grained (CG) models, electrostatic analyses, lattice models, hybrid techniques, machine learning methods, and kinetic models. Each of these techniques offers unique advantages, and by integrating these diverse computational strategies, researchers can more accurately model the dynamic behaviors and structural features of viral capsids, deepening our understanding of the assembly process. This review provides a comprehensive overview of studies on viral capsid assembly, emphasizing their critical role in advancing our knowledge. It examines the contributions, strengths, and limitations of different computational methods, presents key computational works in the field, and analyzes milestone studies that have shaped current research.
Risk Factors for Low Back Pain in Youth Inline Hockey Players During the Season—A Prospective Cohort Research
Authors: Cejudo Antonio , Moreno-Alcaraz Víctor Jesús , Sainz de Baranda Pilar
Published: December 2024

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in team sports. A screening test can help understand why injuries occur and predict who is at risk for non-contact low back pain. The objectives of the research were (1) to create models using logistic regression analysis of limited lower-extremity ranges of motion to prospectively identify potential factors for in-season non-contact non-contact low back pain and (2) to determine a training threshold (cut-off) for the identified factors in inline hockey players. Methods: A prospective cohort research was performed with 49 male inline hockey players aged 8 to 15 years. Data were collected regarding age, body composition, sports antecedents, competition level, and lower-limb ranges of motion (ROM-SPORT battery, n = 11 tests). A prospective measurement of non-contact low back pain was performed after 1 year (outcome) by asking the players supervised by the medical staff team (questionnaire). Results: Sixteen players (32.7%) experienced non-contact low back pain during the 1-year surveillance period. The model showed a significant relationship (χ2(39) = 43.939; p < 0.001) between the low back pain and the predictor variable hip flexion with the knee extended range of motion (OR = 3.850 [large]; 95% CI = 1.293 to 11.463; p = 0.015). The Bayesian Information Criteria and the Akaike Information Criteria for model fit were 56.885 and 37.967, respectively. The training threshold for hip flexion with the knee extended of ≤67° was set, which has an acceptable (area under the curve ≥ 94.1%) discriminatory ability for the development of non-contact low back pain for the screening test. Conclusions: Hamstring extensibility at 67° or less, as determined by hip flexion with knee extension, is a predictor of non-contact low back pain in youth inline hockey players.