bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Therapeutic Targets on the Horizon: An Analysis of Clinical Trials on Therapies for Bone Metastasis in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhou Wenhao , Zhang Wei , Yan Shi , Zhang Kaixuan , Wu Han , Chen Hongyu , Shi Minfeng , Zhou Tie
Published: February 2024

In the absence of early detection and initial treatment, prostate cancer often progresses to an advanced stage, frequently spreading to the bones and significantly impacting patients’ well-being and healthcare resources. Therefore, managing patients with prostate cancer that has spread to the bones often involves using bone-targeted medications like bisphosphonates and denosumab to enhance bone structure and minimize skeletal complications. Additionally, researchers are studying the tumor microenvironment and biomarkers to understand the mechanisms and potential treatment targets for bone metastases in prostate cancer. A literature search was conducted to identify clinical studies from 2013 to 2023 that focused on pain, performance status, or quality of life as primary outcomes. The analysis included details such as patient recruitment, prior palliative therapies, baseline characteristics, follow-up, and outcome reporting. The goal was to highlight the advancements and trends in bone metastasis research in prostate cancer over the past decade, with the aim of developing strategies to prevent and treat bone metastases and improve the quality of life and survival rates for prostate cancer patients.
Survival of Women with Advanced Stage Cervical Cancer: Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Radiotherapy and Hyperthermia versus Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Servayge Jonathan , Olthof Ester P. , Mom Constantijne H. , van der Aa Maaike A. , Wenzel Hans H. B. , van der Velden Jacobus , Nout Remi A. , Boere Ingrid A. , van Doorn Helena C. , van Beekhuizen Heleen J.
Published: February 2024

Aim: To investigate and compare overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and toxicity of women who underwent either chemoradiotherapy with or without prior lymph node debulking or upfront chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and hyperthermia (triple therapy) for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) to identify a potential role for triple therapy. Methods: Women with histologically proven LACC and with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 stage IB2 and IIA2 to IVA were included. Cox regression analyses were used for calculating hazard ratios and to adjust for confounding variables. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the influence of covariates on toxicity. Results: A total of 370 patients were included of whom 58% (n = 213) received chemoradiotherapy (CRT), 18% (n = 66) received node-debulking followed by chemoradiotherapy (LND-CRT) and 25% (n = 91) received triple therapy (TT). Five-year OS was comparable between the three treatment groups, with 53% (95% confidence interval 46–59%) in the CRT group, 45% (33–56%) in the LND-CRT group and 53% (40–64%) in the TT group (p = 0.472). In the adjusted analysis, 5-year OS and DFS were comparable between the three treatment groups. No chemotherapy-related differences in toxicity were observed. Conclusion: This study suggests that the toxicity and survival of TT is similar to CRT or LND-CRT.
Generation of a Realistic Synthetic Laryngeal Cancer Cohort for AI Applications
Authors: Katalinic Mika , Schenk Martin , Franke Stefan , Katalinic Alexander , Neumuth Thomas , Dietz Andreas , Stoehr Matthaeus , Gaebel Jan
Published: February 2024

Background: Obtaining large amounts of real patient data involves great efforts and expenses, and processing this data is fraught with data protection concerns. Consequently, data sharing might not always be possible, particularly when large, open science datasets are needed, as for AI development. For such purposes, the generation of realistic synthetic data may be the solution. Our project aimed to generate realistic cancer data with the use case of laryngeal cancer. Methods: We used the open-source software Synthea and programmed an additional module for development, treatment and follow-up for laryngeal cancer by using external, real-world (RW) evidence from guidelines and cancer registries from Germany. To generate an incidence-based cohort view, we randomly drew laryngeal cancer cases from the simulated population and deceased persons, stratified by the real-world age and sex distributions at diagnosis. Results: A module with age- and stage-specific treatment and prognosis for laryngeal cancer was successfully implemented. The synthesized population reflects RW prevalence well, extracting a cohort of 50,000 laryngeal cancer patients. Descriptive data on stage-specific and 5-year overall survival were in accordance with published data. Conclusions: We developed a large cohort of realistic synthetic laryngeal cancer cases with Synthea. Such data can be shared and published open source without data protection issues.
Deep-Learning-Based Analysis Reveals a Social Behavior Deficit in Mice Exposed Prenatally to Nicotine
Authors: Zhou Mengyun , Qiu Wen , Ohashi Nobuhiko , Sun Lihao , Wronski Marie-Louis , Kouyama-Suzuki Emi , Shirai Yoshinori , Yanagawa Toru , Mori Takuma , Tabuchi Katsuhiko
Published: February 2024

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is known to be associated with the incidence of attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Recent developments in deep learning algorithms enable us to assess the behavioral phenotypes of animal models without cognitive bias during manual analysis. In this study, we established prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) mice and evaluated their behavioral phenotypes using DeepLabCut and SimBA. We optimized the training parameters of DeepLabCut for pose estimation and succeeded in labeling a single-mouse or two-mouse model with high fidelity during free-moving behavior. We applied the trained network to analyze the behavior of the mice and found that PNE mice exhibited impulsivity and a lessened working memory, which are characteristics of ADHD. PNE mice also showed elevated anxiety and deficits in social interaction, reminiscent of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We further examined PNE mice by evaluating adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which is a pathological hallmark of ASD, and demonstrated that newborn neurons were decreased, specifically in the ventral part of the hippocampus, which is reported to be related to emotional and social behaviors. These results support the hypothesis that PNE is a risk factor for comorbidity with ADHD and ASD in mice.
Effectiveness of a Spectacle Lens with a Specific Asymmetric Myopic Peripheral Defocus: 12-Month Results in a Spanish Population
Authors: Sánchez-Tena Miguel , Cleva Jose , Villa-Collar Cesar , Álvarez Marta , Ruiz-Pomeda Alicia , Martinez-Perez Clara , Andreu-Vazquez Cristina , Chamorro Eva , Alvarez-Peregrina Cristina
Published: February 2024

Background: Different designs of ophthalmic lenses have been studied to control the progression of myopia in children. This study aims to evaluate the short-term efficacy of a new design of ophthalmic lens with asymmetric myopic peripheral defocus (MPDL) on myopia progression in children compared to a control group wearing a single-vision lens (SVL). Methods: Children aged 5 to 12 with myopia up to −0.50 D, astigmatism and anisometropia under 1.50 D, and corrected visual acuity over 20/20 were randomized to either the study group (MPDL) or control group (SVL). The myopia progression was evaluated by measuring axial length (AL) growth (IOL Master; Zeiss) over a period of one year. Results: Ninety-two subjects were recruited. Forty-six children were randomly assigned to the control group, and 46 to the study group. In total, 83 children completed the clinical trial, with a mean age of 10.81 [9.53–11.92] years, among which 59.04% were female. After one year of treatment, there was less AL elongation in the study group compared to the control group (0.14 ± 0.14 mm vs. 0.23 ± 0.15 mm, p = 0.014). Conclusions: The MPDL significantly reduced the absolute growth of AL by 39% (p = 0.014) and relative growth of AL by 37.3% (p = 0.012) after 12 months in comparison to the control group in a Spanish population.
Exploring Perforated Jejunal GIST: A Rare Case Report and Review of Molecular and Clinical Literature
Authors: Mirovic Milos , Stojanovic Milica Dimitrijevic , Jovanovic Marina , Stankovic Vesna , Milosev Danijela , Zdravkovic Natasa , Milosevic Bojan , Cvetkovic Aleksandar , Spasic Marko , Vekic Berislav , Jovanovic Ivan , Stojanovic Bojana S. , Petrovic Marko , Bogut Ana , Peulic Miodrag , Stojanovic Bojan
Published: February 2024

This case report details a rare instance of a perforated jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in a 76-year-old female patient. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain and distension without any changes in bowel habits or episodes of nausea and vomiting. Initial diagnostics, including abdominal plain radiography and ultrasonography, were inconclusive; however, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed pneumoperitoneum and an irregular fluid collection suggestive of small intestine perforations. Surgical intervention uncovered a 35 mm jejunal GIST with a 10 mm perforation. Histopathological examination confirmed a mixed cell type GIST with high malignancy potential, further substantiated by immunohistochemistry markers CD117, DOG1, and vimentin. Molecular analysis illuminated the role of key oncogenes, primarily KIT and PDGFRA mutations, emphasizing the importance of molecular diagnostics in GIST management. Despite the severity of the presentation, the patient’s postoperative recovery was favorable, highlighting the effectiveness of prompt surgical and multidisciplinary approaches in managing complex GIST cases.
Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Early and Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ha Gi Won , Hwang Hong Pil , Cho Yong Gon , Park Joonhong
Published: February 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) persists as the fourth most prevalent cause of global cancer-related mortality, presenting a challenge due to the scarcity of available therapeutic strategies. Precision medicine is crucial not only in the treatment but also in the management of GC. We performed gene panel sequencing with Oncomine focus assay comprising 52 cancer-associated genes and MSI analysis in 100 case-matched gastric cancer cases. A comprehensive analysis of clinical and genetic characteristics was conducted on these genetic results and clinicopathological findings. Upon comparison of clinicopathological characteristics, significant differences between early gastric cancer (EGC) and advanced gastric cancer (AGC) were observed in tumor location (p = 0.003), Lauren classification (p = 0.015), T stage (p = 0.000), and N stage (p = 0.015). The six most frequently mutated genes were PIK3CA (29%, 10/35), ERBB2 (17%, 6/35), KRAS (14%, 5/35), ALK (6%, 2/35), ESR1 (6%, 2/35), and FGFR3 (6%, 2/35). Regarding genetic variation, there was a tendency for the N stage to be higher in GC patients with mutated genes (p = 0.014). The frequency of mutations in GC patients was statistically significantly higher in AGC (n = 24) compared to EGC (n = 11) (odds ratio, 2.792; 95% confidence interval, 1.113 to 7.007; p = 0.026). Six of the ten GC patients carrying mutated genes and exhibiting MSI were classified into intestinal-type and undifferentiated GC, with the location of the tumor being in the lower-third. Among these patients, five harbored mutated PIK3CA, while the remaining patient had a mutation in ALK. Conclusions: AGC patients more frequently exhibited alterations of PIK3CA, KRAS, and ERBB2 as somatic oncogenic drivers, and displayed a higher prevalence of cumulative genetic events, including increased rates of PIK3CA mutations, enhanced detection of immunotherapy biomarkers, and mutations of the ESR1 gene.
Synthesis of Ag/ZnO/BiOCl Composite Material and Its Photodegradation Performance on Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Zuo Danye , Yin Yuhong , Jiang Liming , Xia Zhi , Tan Chong , Li Junsheng , Zuo Jinlong , Wang Yuyang
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on synthesizing a composite material of Ag/ZnO/BiOCl using Ag, ZnO, and BiOCl as raw materials. The material was prepared by loading Ag and BiOCl onto ZnO nanofilms, aiming to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). Optimization of the photocatalytic degradation process through single-factor experiments revealed that under conditions of an initial CIP pH of 9, an Ag/ZnO/BiOCl dosage of 1 g/L, and an initial CIP concentration of 5 mg/L the conversion efficiency of CIP reached 98.79% after 150 min of exposure to a 250 W xenon lamp simulating sunlight. Furthermore, the composite material maintained a conversion efficiency of 86.17% for CIP even after five cycles of reuse, demonstrating its excellent stability. The optical properties, elemental composition, valence state, crystallinity, and morphology of the samples were analyzed using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the introduction of Ag expanded the light response range of ZnO, while the addition of BiOCl improved the separation efficiency of electron–hole pairs in the composite nanomaterial. The photocatalytic mechanism was further elucidated through radical scavenging experiments, confirming that ·OH and h+ are the main active species in the degradation process.
The Adsorption Behavior of Hydrogen on the PuO2(111) Surface: A DFT+U Study
Authors: Huang Huang , Zhu Min , Li Yan
Published: February 2024

Based on density functional theory, a first-principles study of the adsorption behavior of hydrogen atoms on the PuO2(111) surface is carried out in this work. Models for three different surface morphologies of PuO2(111) are established. It is found that the surface with the outermost oxygen atom (sub outer Pu atom) morphology has the best stability. Based on this model, the adsorption energy, bader charge, and electronic density of the states of a hydrogen atom at different adsorption sites are calculated. Finally, we analyzed the process of hydrogen dissociation into hydrogen atoms on the surface using the cNEB method. The results indicate that the top position of the outermost oxygen atom and the bridge position of the second outermost plutonium atom are relatively stable adsorption configurations, where hydrogen atoms lose electrons and release heat, forming O-H bonds with oxygen atoms. The density of states of O-p orbital electrons will undergo significant changes, reflecting the hybridization of O-p and H-s orbital electrons, forming a stable bonding effect. The dissociation of hydrogen molecules into two hydrogen atoms adsorbed on the top of oxygen atoms requires crossing an energy barrier of 1.06 eV. The decrease in total energy indicates that hydrogen tends to exist on the PuO2(111) surface in a hydrogen atom state. The research results lay the foundation for theoretically exploring the hydrogenation corrosion mechanism of the PuO2(111) surface, providing theoretical support for exploring the corrosion aging of plutonium oxide, predicting the material properties of plutonium oxide under extreme and special environments.
Pervasive User Data Collection from Cyberspace: Privacy Concerns and Countermeasures
Authors: Jiang Yinhao , Rezazadeh Baee Mir Ali , Simpson Leonie Ruth , Gauravaram Praveen , Pieprzyk Josef , Zia Tanveer , Zhao Zhen , Le Zung
Published: February 2024

The increasing use of technologies, particularly computing and communication paradigms, has significantly influenced our daily lives. Interconnecting devices and networks provides convenient platforms for information exchange and facilitates pervasive user data collection. This new environment presents serious privacy challenges. User activities can be continuously monitored in both digital and physical realms. Gathered data can be aggregated and analysed, revealing aspects of user behaviour that may not be apparent from a single data point. The very items that facilitate connectivity simultaneously increase the risk of privacy breaches. The data gathered to provide services can also be used for monitoring and surveillance. This paper discerns three novel categories of privacy concerns relating to pervasive user data collection: privacy and user activity in cyberspace, privacy in personal cyber–physical systems, and privacy in proactive user-driven data collection. We emphasise the primary challenges, ranging from identity tracking in browsing histories to intricate issues in opportunistic networks, situating each within practical, real-world scenarios. Furthermore, we assess the effectiveness of current countermeasures, investigating their strengths and limitations. This paper explores the challenges in preserving privacy in user interactions with dynamic interconnected systems and suggests countermeasures to mitigate identified privacy risks.
Disruptions in Cancer Care Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Women with Breast Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Mc Brearty Claudia , Bisaillon Laurie , Dorval Michel , Nabi Hermann , Desbiens Christine , Lemieux Julie , Théberge Valérie , Baghdadli Amel , Lauzier Sophie , Savard Josée
Published: February 2024

Objective. This study investigated if fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) levels and the proportion of women having a clinical level of FCR differed by whether women had or had not experienced disruptions in their cancer tests and treatments due to the pandemic. Methods. We conducted a mixed-methods study between November 2020 and March 2021 among women diagnosed with breast cancer in the previous five years at the time of their entry in the study. Women completed a questionnaire online assessing disruptions in breast cancer tests and treatments due to the pandemic and the severity subscale of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with a subsample of 24 participants and were thematically analyzed. Results. The proportion of patients with a clinical level of FCR was significantly higher among those who experienced the postponement or cancellation of diagnostic and disease progression tests (e.g., blood tests, X-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging; adjusted PR = 1.27 95% CI = 1.13–1.43). Qualitative findings suggest that FCR was exacerbated by the pandemic context. In particular, perceived or actual barriers to care access due to the pandemic were identified as significant FCR-enhancing factors. Conclusions. These results highlight the need to keep diagnostic and progression tests as timely as possible to prevent increases in FCR levels and offer counselling about FCR when postponing or cancellation are inevitable.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in the Detection of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Diagnostic Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tufano Antonio , Rosati Davide , Moriconi Martina , Santarelli Valerio , Canale Vittorio , Salciccia Stefano , Sciarra Alessandro , Franco Giorgio , Cantisani Vito , Di Pierro Giovanni Battista
Published: February 2024

Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a diagnostic tool that is gaining popularity for its ability to improve overall diagnostic accuracy in bladder cancer (BC) staging. Our aim is to determine the cumulative diagnostic performance of CEUS in predicting preoperative muscle invasiveness using a comprehensive systematic review and pooled meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review until October 2023 was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Patients with BC suspicion were offered CEUS before the transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT). The diagnostic performance of CEUS was evaluated based on non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) vs. muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) confirmed at the final histopathological examination after TURBT. The outcomes were determined through pooled sensitivity, specificity, pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR+), negative likelihood ratio (PLR−), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Overall, five studies were included. In these studies, a total of 362 patients underwent CEUS prior to TURBT. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.81–0.93) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82–0.92), respectively. SROC curve depicted a diagnostic accuracy of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.81–0.98). The pooled PLR+ and PLR− were 7.3 (95% CI: 4.8–11.2) and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.08–0.23), respectively. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicates that CEUS is highly accurate in the diagnosis and staging for BC. Beyond its accuracy, CEUS offers the advantage of being a cost-effective, safe, and versatile imaging tool.
Marine Crabs of Guinea-Bissau, with Emphasis on the Deep Fauna, Supported by an Integrative Taxonomy
Authors: Muñoz Isabel , García-Raso José Enrique , Abelló Pere , Cuesta Jose A.
Published: February 2024

The updated checklist of the marine crabs of Guinea-Bissau presented in this work is the result of consolidating decades of research, ongoing systematic revisions of the regional carcinofauna, and the inclusion of new records. DNA markers and morphological analyses for accurate identifications are integrated. Sixty-one species are mentioned in this list after reviewing specimens from scientific collections and literature. Of these 61 species listed, the presence of 51 species in Guinea-Bissau is confirmed, and 21 are reported for the first time in the area. A total of 98 sequences were obtained from 41 species (51 of 16S for 38 species and 47 of COI for 35 species), and 48 sequences (24 of 16S and 24 of COI) were the first ones obtained for 29 species. The maximum or minimum bathymetric range is expanded by 16 species, and for other six species, a color description is provided for the first time. Merocryptus obsoletus is synonymized as Merocryptus boletifer. The present study will be a useful baseline for gathering further ecological information about globally important marine taxa, not only in Guinea-Bissau but about African brachyurans in general.
Adaptive AUV Mission Control System Tested in the Waters of Baffin Bay
Authors: Hwang Jimin , Bose Neil , Millar Gina , Bulger Craig , Nazareth Ginelle , Chen Xi
Published: February 2024

The primary objectives of this paper are to test an adaptive sampling method for an autonomous underwater vehicle, specifically tailored to track a hydrocarbon plume in the water column. An overview of the simulation of the developed applications within the autonomous system is presented together with the subsequent validation achieved through field trials in an area of natural oil seeps near to Scott Inlet in Baffin Bay. This builds upon our prior published work in methodological development. The method employed involves an integrated backseat drive of the AUV, which processes in situ sensor data in real time, assesses mission status, and determines the next task. The core of the developed system comprises three modular components—Search, Survey, and Sample—each designed for independent and sequential execution. Results from tests in Baffin Bay demonstrate that the backseat drive operating system successfully accomplished mission goals, recovering water samples at depths of 20 m, 50 m, and 200 m before mission completion and vehicle retrieval. The principal conclusion drawn from these trials underscores the system’s resilience in enhanced decision autonomy and validates its applicability to marine pollutant assessment and mitigation.
A Future Direction of Machine Learning for Building Energy Management: Interpretable Models
Authors: Gugliermetti Luca , Cumo Fabrizio , Agostinelli Sofia
Published: February 2024

Machine learning (ML) algorithms are now part of everyday life, as many technological devices use these algorithms. The spectrum of uses is wide, but it is evident that ML represents a revolution that may change almost every human activity. However, as for all innovations, it comes with challenges. One of the most critical of these challenges is providing users with an understanding of how models’ output is related to input data. This is called “interpretability”, and it is focused on explaining what feature influences a model’s output. Some algorithms have a simple and easy-to-understand relationship between input and output, while other models are “black boxes” that return an output without giving the user information as to what influenced it. The lack of this knowledge creates a truthfulness issue when the output is inspected by a human, especially when the operator is not a data scientist. The Building and Construction sector is starting to face this innovation, and its scientific community is working to define best practices and models. This work is intended for developing a deep analysis to determine how interpretable ML models could be among the most promising future technologies for the energy management in built environments.
Fast Design and Numerical Simulation of a Metal Hydride Reactor Embedded in a Conventional Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Ran Ruizhe , Wang Jing , Yang Fusheng , Imin Rahmatjan
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this work is to present a convenient design approach for metal hydride reactors that meet the specific requirements for hydrogen storage. Three methods from the literature, the time scale, the acceptable envelope, and the reaction front, are used to estimate the maximum thickness of the bed allowing for sufficient heat transfer. Further heat transfer calculations are performed within the framework of standardized heat exchanger via the homemade design software, to generate the complete geometry and dimensions of the reactor. LaNi5 material packed in tubular units based on conventional shell-and-tube heat exchanger is selected for analysis for an expected charging time of 500 s, 1000 s, and 1500 s. Apparently, the smaller the expected charging time, the smaller the bed thickness and hence the diameter of the tubular units. After comparison, the method of reaction front was adopted to output standard tube diameters and calculate the weight of the reactor. Significant weight differences were found to result from the varying wall thickness and number of tubes. In general, the shorter the expected charging time, the more tubular units with a small diameter will be built and the heavier the reactor. Fluent 2022 R2 was used to solve the reactor model with a tube diameter of 50 mm supposed to fulfill a charging time of 1500 s. The simulation results revealed that the reaction fraction reaches its maximum and the hydrogen storage process is completed at 500 s. However, because the calculation is conducted on meeting the heat exchange requirements, the average temperature of the bed layer is close to the initial temperature of 290 K and stops changing at 1500 s. The applicability of the method to the design of metal hydride reactors is thus confirmed by the temperature and reaction fraction judgment criteria.
Functional Analysis of the HbREF1 Promoter from Hevea brasiliensis and Its Response to Phytohormones
Authors: Chen Lin-Tao , Guo Dong , Zhu Jia-Hong , Wang Ying , Li Hui-Liang , An Feng , Tang Yan-Qiong , Peng Shi-Qing
Published: February 2024

The rubber elongation factor (REF) is the most abundant protein in the latex of Hevea brasiliensis, which is closely related to natural rubber biosynthesis. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the transcriptional regulation mechanism of HbREF1, a 1758 bp genomic DNA fragment of the HbREF1 promoter was isolated. Promoter sequence analysis revealed several transcription factor binding sites in the HbREF1 promoter, such as bZIP, bHLH, EIL, AP2/ERF, MYB, and Trihelix. To assess the promoter activity, a series of HbREF1 promoter deletion derivatives were created and fused with firefly luciferase (LUC). The LUC image demonstrated that all of the HbREF1 promoters exhibited transcriptional activity. Furthermore, the assay revealed the presence of multiple regulatory elements within the promoter region that negatively regulate the transcriptional activity. Subsequent analysis of the transcriptional activity following treatment with phytohormones identified an ABA-responsive element located between −583 bp and −200 bp, an ET-responsive element between −718 bp and −583 bp, a JA-responsive element between −1758 bp and −1300 bp, and a SA-responsive element between −1300 bp and −718 bp. These results were largely consistent with the predictions of cis-acting elements. This study has established significant groundwork for future investigations into the regulatory mechanism of HbREF1.
Exploring the Willingness of Chinese Urban Dwellers to Support Community Gardening: A Case Study of Wuhan, China
Authors: Xie Qijiao , Ke Meng , Chen Guan’ao
Published: February 2024

As a new project associated with urban agriculture and community forestry in China, developing community gardens has been a concern of urban planners and managers. However, the response of urban residents to this project is still unknown, creating an awareness gap between communities and policy makers. This gap limits the successful implementation of the project. A combined method of on-site and online questionnaire was performed in eight sample residential areas in Wuhan. Results showed that the majority of the 496 respondents had favorable views, although the specific willingness varied. Lack of awareness about community gardens was considered the biggest obstacle restricting residents’ willingness, accounting for 69.15%. Other factors included confused relationships with neighbors (66.13%), imperfect policies (55.44%), and high planting costs (41.94%). The local government was highly expected to plan more land for agriculture use by 76.61% of the respondents. In addition, the respondents desired the government to conduct training on cultivating technologies (58.67%), address possible conflicts (57.46%), supply seeds and fertilizer (54.23%), and provide guidance in processing food products (34.48%). These findings will help local governments and managers draft scientific proposals closely related to the public’s perspectives in implementing community gardens in urban areas and provide informative references for other cities.
Effect of Hydrothermal Treatment on the Mechanical and Microscopic Properties of Moso Bamboo
Authors: Gu Weijie , Zhang Weigang , Tao Hui , Bao Minzhen , Li Yanjun , Lin Feng , Zheng Yixuan , Zhao Shichao
Published: February 2024

In this study, moso bamboo was used as a raw material. To increase the plasticity of bamboo to achieve a greater softening effect, the softening method of hydrothermal treatment was used. Hardness and the flexural elastic modulus were used as the evaluation indices, and the crystallinity and main functional groups of the softened bamboo were analysed using X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Combined with the examination of timber colour, micromorphology, bending strength, and nanomechanical tests, our analysis showed the effects of the hydrothermal treatment on bamboo. The results showed that the hardness and flexural moduli of bamboo decreased with the increase in hydrothermal treatment temperature. However, cracking occurred after 3.5 and 4 h of treatment at 180 °C and 190 °C. This indicated that the softening effect was most pronounced when the treatment temperature and time were 180 ℃ and 3 h, respectively. The cellulose crystallinity of bamboo increased and then decreased with the increase in treatment temperature. Cracks were produced in the cell structure, starch locally disappeared, and the hardness and the elasticity modulus of the thin-walled bamboo cells first increased and then decreased with the increase in treatment temperature.
Rheological Characterization of a Thixotropic Semisolid Slurry by Means of Numerical Simulations of Squeeze-Flow Experiments
Authors: Florides Georgios C. , Georgiou Georgios C. , Modigell Michael , Zoqui Eugenio José
Published: February 2024

We propose a methodology for the rheological characterization of a semisolid metal slurry using experimental squeeze-flow data. The slurry is modeled as a structural thixotropic viscoplastic material, obeying the regularized Herschel–Bulkley constitutive equation. All rheological parameters are assumed to vary with the structure parameter that is governed by first-order kinetics accounting for the material structure breakdown and build-up. The squeeze flow is simulated using finite elements in a Lagrangian framework. The evolution of the sample height has been studied for wide ranges of the Bingham and Reynolds numbers, the power-law exponent as well as the kinetics parameters of the structure parameter. Systematic comparisons have been carried out with available experimental data on a semisolid aluminum alloy (A356), where the sample is compressed from its top side under a specified strain of 80% at a temperature of 582 °C, while the bottom side remains fixed. Excellent agreement with the experimental data could be achieved provided that at the initial instances (up to 0.01 s) of the experiment, the applied load is much higher than the nominal experimental load and that the yield stress and the power-law exponent vary linearly with the structure parameter. The first assumption implies that a different model, such as an elastoviscoplastic one, needs to be employed during the initial stages of the experiment. As for the second one, the evolution of the sample height can be reproduced allowing the yield stress to vary from 0 (no structure) to a maximum nominal value (full structure) and the power-law exponent from 0.2 to 1.4, i.e., from the shear-thinning to the shear-thickening regime. These variations are consistent with the internal microstructure variation pattern known to be exhibited by semisolid slurries.
Differences in Portion Sizes in Brazil, France, and the USA
Authors: Ruby Matthew B. , Alvarenga Marle S. , Rozin Paul
Published: February 2024

Portion size is recognized as a major determinant of food intake, at least over the short term, and could be related to overconsumption and obesity. In this study, we developed and evaluated a new visual measure of portion size (PS), examined whether the PS of chicken, ice cream, and soda varied among people in Brazil, France, and the USA, and tested whether PS was related to gender, body mass index, body weight, and socioeconomic status. We conducted a cross-sectional study using online convenience samples of university students (total N = 1391). Across all three foods, French personal and country PSs were significantly smaller than the other three countries. Estimated country PS was reliably larger than personal PS. Women’s personal PSs were smaller than men’s, but women’s and men’s estimates for country PS were similar. French personal and country PSs were the lowest. Some PSs had a weak but significant correlation with SES but were not significantly related to either weight or BMI. The study confirms French-American differences in personal PS and demonstrates that perceived norms correspond to individual PS.
Impact of Micronized Salt in Reducing the Sodium Content in Fresh Sausages
Authors: de Araújo Chimenes D. L. , Krauskopf Monique M. , Manzi João A. S. , Barbosa José A. L. , Cavalcante Cecylyana L. , Feltre Gabriela , Rios-Mera Juan D. , Saldaña Erick , Contreras Castillo Carmen J.
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the incorporation of micronized salt (MS) to reduce sodium content in fresh sausages while preserving technological, chemical, textural, and sensory characteristics. Four treatments were prepared: control (C) with 2.0% regular salt; M2.0% with 2.0% micronized salt; M1.5% with 1.5% micronized salt; and M1.0% with 1.0% micronized salt, containing 1004, 1133, 860, and 525 mg of sodium/100 g of product, respectively. To characterize the samples, analyses of sodium content, cooking loss, relative myoglobin content, and instrumental color were carried out. The sensory analysis was performed using the Temporal-Check-All-That-Apply (TCATA) method. Half of the micronized salt treatment was mixed with the fat during the processing of the fresh sausages. It was possible to achieve a 50% reduction in sodium (M1.0%) in the fresh sausages without negative effects on most technological, chemical, and textural parameters, which did not differ from the control treatment (C). Conversely, “chewiness” decreased in M2.0% compared to the control (C) due to mixing micronized salt with the fat. The sodium reduction did not impact the temporal sensory profile and overall liking. Therefore, using micronized salt in fresh sausages reduces sodium content without affecting sensory traits and product stability.
Study on the Effect of Microwaved Brewer’s Spent Grains on the Quality and Flavor Characteristics of Bread
Authors: Cheng Jieyi , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinling , Yu Meihong , Cao Rui , Wang Dan , Li Jian , Zhou Linyi
Published: February 2024

To enable a wider utilization of co–products from beer processing and minimize the negative effect of added grain on bread quality, flavor, and other attributes, brewer’s spent grains (BSG) are processed through microwave pretreatment, and then the microwave–treated BSG (MW–BSG) is added to bread. So far, there has been no investigation on the effect of microwave–pretreated BSG on bread quality and flavor. In this study, we examined the effects of diverse microwave treatment variables on the physicochemical structure of BSG and explored the consequences of MW–BSG on the quality and flavor of bread. The results showed that soluble dietary fiber and water–soluble protein levels in MW–BSG increased significantly (144.88% and 23.35%) at a 540 W microwave power, 3 min processing time, and 1:5 material–liquid ratio of BSG to water. The proper addition of MW–BSG positively affected the bread texture properties and color, but excessive amounts led to an irregular size and distribution of the bread crumbs. The result of electronic nose and HS–SPME–GC–MS analyses showed that the addition of MW–BSG modified the odor profile of the bread. A sensory evaluation showed mean scores ranging from 6.81 to 4.41 for bread containing 0–10% MW–BSG. Consumers found a maximum level of 6% MW–BSG acceptable. This study endeavors to decrease environmental contamination caused by brewing waste by broadening the methods by which beer co–products can be utilized through an innovative approach.
Preparation of Low-Molecular-Weight Polyacrylamide as the Delayed Crosslinking Plugging Agent for Drilling Fluid
Authors: Wang Quanyang , Zhou Chenghua , Zhang Honghu , Zhang Xue , Wen Xinxin , Bai Jiexin , Mao Hui
Published: February 2024

Deep wells and ultra-deep wells often encounter cracks, karst caves, and other developed strata, which can lead to leakage during drilling. Conventional bridge slurry plugging technology is prone to leaking due to the poor plugging effect of the plugging agent. The gel plugging agent possesses characteristics of flexible plugging and adaptive matching of formation leakage channels. It can fill cracks or caves and enhance the pressure-bearing capacity of the formation. A controllable crosslinking plugging agent based on low-molecular-weight polyacrylamide was studied. Polyacrylamide with different molecular weights is synthesized from acrylamide and an initiator. A crosslinking time-controllable polymer is synthesized from low-molecular-weight polyacrylamide by adding crosslinking agent and retarder. The low-molecular-weight polyacrylamide plugging agent has low viscosity before gelation and good fluidity in the wellbore. After being configured on the ground, it is transported by pipeline and sent underground to reach the thickening condition. The gel solution rapidly solidifies, and its strength improves after high-temperature crosslinking. The synthesis conditions of the polymer were as follows: a monomer concentration of 9%, initiator 3.5%, synthesis temperature of 65 °C, and hydrogen peroxide initiator. The optimal formula of the gel plugging agent is as follows: a polymer concentration of 6%, a crosslinking agent concentration of 1%, and a retarder concentration of 8%. The generated polymer molecular structure contains amide groups. This crosslinking time-controllable plugging agent based on low-molecular-weight polyacrylamide has stable rheology, and its temperature resistance can reach 150 °C. At 150 °C, the gelation time can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of retarder, and the longest can reach 4 h. The plugging efficiency of the gel plugging agent is more than 95%. With the increase in seam width, the pressure of the gel plugging agent gradually decreases.
Dual-Responsive Hydrogels for Mercury Ion Detection and Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Diacon Aurel , Albota Florin , Mocanu Alexandra , Brincoveanu Oana , Podaru Alice Ionela , Rotariu Traian , Ahmad Ahmad A. , Rusen Edina , Toader Gabriela
Published: February 2024

This study describes the development of a fast and cost-effective method for the detection and removal of Hg2+ ions from aqueous media, consisting of hydrogels incorporating chelating agents and a rhodamine derivative (to afford a qualitative evaluation of the heavy metal entrapment inside the 3D polymeric matrix). These hydrogels, designed for the simultaneous detection and entrapment of mercury, were obtained through the photopolymerization of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPSA) and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP), utilizing N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinker, in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a rhodamine B derivative, and one of the following chelating agents: phytic acid, 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane-tetraacetic acid, triethylenetetramine-hexaacetic acid, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt. The rhodamine derivative had a dual purpose in this study: firstly, it was incorporated into the hydrogel to allow the qualitative evaluation of mercury entrapment through its fluorogenic switch-off abilities when sensing Hg2+ ions; secondly, it was used to quantitatively evaluate the level of residual mercury from the decontaminated aqueous solutions, via the UV-Vis technique. The ICP-MS analysis of the hydrogels also confirmed the successful entrapment of mercury inside the hydrogels and a good correlation with the UV-Vis method.
Advances in Hydrogels for Meniscus Tissue Engineering: A Focus on Biomaterials, Crosslinking, Therapeutic Additives
Authors: Zhou Zhuxing , Wang Jiajie , Jiang Chaoqian , Xu Kaiwang , Xu Tengjing , Yu Xinning , Fang Jinghua , Yang Yanyu , Dai Xuesong
Published: February 2024

Meniscus tissue engineering (MTE) has emerged as a promising strategy for meniscus repair and regeneration. As versatile platforms, hydrogels have gained significant attention in this field, as they possess tunable properties that allow them to mimic native extracellular matrices and provide a suitable microenvironment. Additionally, hydrogels can be minimally invasively injected and can be adjusted to match the shape of the implant site. They can conveniently and effectively deliver bioactive additives and demonstrate good compatibility with other functional materials. These inherent qualities have made hydrogel a promising candidate for therapeutic approaches in meniscus repair and regeneration. This article provides a comprehensive review of the advancements made in the research on hydrogel application for meniscus tissue engineering. Firstly, the biomaterials and crosslinking strategies used in the formation of hydrogels are summarized and analyzed. Subsequently, the role of therapeutic additives, including cells, growth factors, and other active products, in facilitating meniscus repair and regeneration is thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, we summarize the key issues for designing hydrogels used in MTE. Finally, we conclude with the current challenges encountered by hydrogel applications and suggest potential solutions for addressing these challenges in the field of MTE. We hope this review provides a resource for researchers and practitioners interested in this field, thereby facilitating the exploration of new design possibilities.
Enhancing Water Resistance in Foam Cement through MTES-Based Aerogel Impregnation
Authors: Li Zhi , Yao Shengjie , Wang Guichao , Deng Xi , Zhou Fang , Wu Xiaoxu , Liu Qiong
Published: February 2024

The propensity of foamed concrete to absorb water results in a consequential degradation of its performance attributes. Addressing this issue, the integration of aerogels presents a viable solution; however, their direct incorporation has been observed to compromise mechanical properties, attributable to the effects of the interface transition zone. This study explores the incorporation of MTES-based aerogels into foamed cement via an impregnation technique, examining variations in water–cement ratios. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, evaluating the influences of MTES-based aerogels on the thermal conductivity, compressive strength, density, chemical composition, and microstructure of the resultant composites across different water–cement ratios. Our findings elucidate that an increment in the water–cement ratio engenders a gradual regularization of the pore structure in foamed concrete, culminating in augmented porosity and diminished density. Notably, aerogel-enhanced foamed concrete (AEFC) exhibited a significant reduction in water absorption, quantified at 86% lower than its conventional foamed concrete (FC) counterpart. Furthermore, the softening coefficient of AEFC was observed to surpass 0.75, with peak values reaching approximately 0.9. These results substantiate that the impregnation of MTES-based aerogels into cementitious materials not only circumvents the decline in strength but also bolsters their hydrophobicity and water resistance, indirectly enhancing the serviceability and longevity of foamed concrete. In light of these findings, the impregnation method manifests promising potential for broadening the applications of aerogels in cement-based materials.
The Impact of 3D Nichoids and Matrix Stiffness on Primary Malignant Mesothelioma Cells
Authors: Oliveto Stefania , Ritter Paolo , Deroma Giorgia , Miluzio Annarita , Cordiglieri Chiara , Benvenuti Mauro Roberto , Mutti Luciano , Raimondi Manuela Teresa , Biffo Stefano
Published: February 2024

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium. It is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer that is often caused by exposure to asbestos. At the molecular level, it is characterized by a low number of genetic mutations and high heterogeneity among patients. In this work, we analyzed the plasticity of gene expression of primary mesothelial cancer cells by comparing their properties on 2D versus 3D surfaces. First, we derived from primary human samples four independent primary cancer cells. Then, we used Nichoids, which are micro-engineered 3D substrates, as three-dimensional structures. Nichoids limit the dimension of adhering cells during expansion by counteracting cell migration between adjacent units of a substrate with their microarchitecture. Tumor cells grow effectively on Nichoids, where they show enhanced proliferation. We performed RNAseq analyses on all the samples and compared the gene expression pattern of Nichoid-grown tumor cells to that of cells grown in a 2D culture. The PCA analysis showed that 3D samples were more transcriptionally similar compared to the 2D ones. The 3D Nichoids induced a transcriptional remodeling that affected mainly genes involved in extracellular matrix assembly. Among these genes responsible for collagen formation, COL1A1 and COL5A1 exhibited elevated expression, suggesting changes in matrix stiffness. Overall, our data show that primary mesothelioma cells can be effectively expanded in Nichoids and that 3D growth affects the cells’ tensegrity or the mechanical stability of their structure.