bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Emission Reduction Effect of International Technology Import in China’s Key Industries
Authors: Li Wenchao , Wei Zhihao , Xu Lingyu , Jiang Shumin
Published: July 2023

In the context of carbon neutralization and carbon peak, carbon reduction in key industries has become a central topic in our country. As an important part of technological progress, it is necessary to study the effect of technology import on carbon emission reduction in key industries. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces. from 2011 to 2020, this paper used the fixed-effect model to analyze the emission reduction effect in key industries on the development status of technology import. The spatial econometric model was used to analyze the spatial characteristics of carbon emissions of technology import and key industries. Then, the mediating effect model was used to bring industrial technological innovations into the research category to analyze the mediating role of technology imports on the carbon emissions of key industries. Finally, a robustness test proved the reliability of the model. The findings were as follows: (1) Technology import significantly promoted carbon emission reduction in key industries; (2) In terms of the spatial relationship, technology import and carbon dioxide emissions had significant spillover effects, and there were trends of high and high aggregation and low and low aggregation, with the impact of technology import on carbon dioxide emissions having a siphon effect; (3) Industrial technological innovation played an intermediary role in this path, but it was a negative role, which was not, in general, conducive to the reduction of carbon emissions of key industries. On this basis, the paper puts forward several policy suggestions.
An Evidence Accumulation Account of Masked Translation Priming in Two Bilingual Populations
Authors: Scrimshire Camille , Amador Sara Alicia , Aldariz Andrea González-García , Meza Galilea , Gomez Pablo
Published: July 2023

This manuscript addresses the phenomenon of masked priming and the cognitive process of switching from Spanish to English while reading in sequential bilingual texts compared to heritage speakers. A lexical decision task was employed in the present study with masked translation priming, which serves as a valuable tool for elucidating the orthographic and lexical processes involved in the initial stages of reading. This study builds upon previous research conducted on monolingual masked priming, which consistently demonstrates shifts in the response time (RT) distributions when comparing related and unrelated primes. Within the framework of a diffusion model, we implemented two theoretical positions. First, we posited that translation priming operates at the orthographic level, resulting in enhanced efficiency during the encoding process. Second, we explored the possibility that translation priming operates at the semantic level, influencing the accumulation of evidence during the lexical decision task. The findings of the present study indicate that translation priming elicits outcomes similar to those observed in monolingual priming paradigms. Specifically, we observed that translation priming facilitation is manifested as shifts in the RT distributions. These findings are interpreted to suggest that the benefits derived from the encoding process are not specific to the accessed lexicon following a brief stimulus presentation.
Model and Simulation of Benefit Distribution of Collaborative Cooperation in the Supply Chain of General Contracting Projects
Authors: Wang Dan , Gao Wenwen
Published: July 2023

In the supply chain of general contracting projects, there are many participating entities, which can easily lead to conflicts of interest and resources. In order to fully mobilize the enthusiasm of general contractors and subcontractors, achieve stability, maximize the benefits of the supply chain system, and improve the operational efficiency of the supply chain, it is necessary to design a scientifically reasonable mechanism for benefit distribution to coordinate the relationships between all members. This paper takes the general contractor and subcontractor in the supply chain of the general contracting project as the research objects and uses the Cobb–Douglas function to establish the benefit distribution model of the cooperation between the two in the supply chain system and analyzes the benefit distribution problem of the one-time cooperation and multiple cooperation between the two parties in the two decision-making modes of egoism and collectivism. The results show that in the case of one-time cooperation between general contractors and subcontractors, regardless of the decision mode, the degree of effort of both parties is positively related to their contributions and negatively related to each other’s contributions; the overall benefit of the supply chain system is positively proportional to the degree of contribution of the general contractor and inversely proportional to the share of benefit distribution of the subcontractor. In multiple cooperation, the equilibrium result of both parties achieving Pareto optimality at each stage is that both parties choose to cooperate.
Expression of TILs and Patterns of Gene Expression from Paired Samples of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) Patients
Authors: Cedres Susana , Serna Garazi , Gonzalez-Medina Alberto , Valdivia Augusto , Assaf-Pastrana Juan David , Iranzo Patricia , Callejo Ana , Pardo Nuria , Navarro Alejandro , Martinez-Marti Alex , Priano Ilaria , Fasani Roberta , Guardia Xavier , Gonzalo Javier , Carbonell Caterina , Frigola Joan , Amat Ramon , Navarro Victor , Dienstmann Rodrigo , Vivancos Ana , Nuciforo Paolo , Felip Enriqueta
Published: July 2023

MPM is an aggressive disease with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and interest in exploring immunotherapy in this disease has been increasing. In the first line of treatment, the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab demonstrated an improvement in survival over chemotherapy. The presence of TILs has been recognized as a marker of antitumor immune response to chemotherapy in solid tumors. The aim of our study is to identify the effect of treatment on immune cells and the immune gene profile in MPM. We investigated the changes in expression of TILs in 10 human MPM paired tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis from paired untreated and treated samples. In this small series, we demonstrated that during the evolution of disease without any treatment there was an increase in the inflammatory component in tumor samples. After systemic treatment there was a decrease in the number of TILs. We observed that after systemic treatment or disease progression immune gene signatures were suppressed. Our integrated analysis of paired samples with immune profile and genomic changes on MPM suggested that during the evolution of the disease the immune system tends to switch, turning off with treatment.
Correction: Bienfait et al. Evaluation of 8% Capsaicin Patches in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Retrospective Study in a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Cancers 2023, 15, 349
Authors: Bienfait Florent , Julienne Arthur , Jubier-Hamon Sabrina , Seegers Valerie , Delorme Thierry , Jaoul Virginie , Pluchon Yves-Marie , Lebrec Nathalie , Dupoiron Denis
Published: July 2023

In the original publication [...]
Quantifying the Growth of Glioblastoma Tumors Using Multimodal MRI Brain Images
Authors: Das Anisha , Ding Shengxian , Liu Rongjie , Huang Chao
Published: July 2023

Predicting the eventual volume of tumor cells, that might proliferate from a given tumor, can help in cancer early detection and medical procedure planning to prevent their migration to other organs. In this work, a new statistical framework is proposed using Bayesian techniques for detecting the eventual volume of cells expected to proliferate from a glioblastoma (GBM) tumor. Specifically, the tumor region was first extracted using a parallel image segmentation algorithm. Once the tumor region was determined, we were interested in the number of cells that could proliferate from this tumor until its survival time. For this, we constructed the posterior distribution of the tumor cell numbers based on the proposed likelihood function and a certain prior volume. Furthermore, we extended the detection model and conducted a Bayesian regression analysis by incorporating radiomic features to discover those non-tumor cells that remained undetected. The main focus of the study was to develop a time-independent prediction model that could reliably predict the ultimate volume a malignant tumor of the fourth-grade severity could attain and which could also determine if the incorporation of the radiomic properties of the tumor enhanced the chances of no malignant cells remaining undetected.
Correction: Kogionou et al. Radiotherapy-Related Gene Signature in Prostate Cancer. Cancers 2022, 14, 5032
Authors: Kogionou Paraskevi , Fortis Sotirios P. , Goulielmaki Maria , Aubert Nicolas , Batsaki Panagiota , Ouzounis Sotirios , Cavouras Dionisis , Marodon Gilles , Stokidis Savvas , Gritzapis Angelos D. , Baxevanis Constantin N.
Published: July 2023

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Planning for Your Advance Care Needs (PLAN): A Communication Intervention to Improve Advance Care Planning among Latino Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Shen Megan J. , Cho Susie , De Los Santos Claudia , Yarborough Sarah , Maciejewski Paul K. , Prigerson Holly G.
Published: July 2023

Background: The goal of this study was to develop and optimize an intervention designed to address barriers to engagement in advance care planning (ACP) among Latino patients with advanced cancer. The resulting intervention, titled Planning Your Advance Care Needs (PLAN), is grounded in theoretical models of communication competence and sociocultural theory. Materials and Methods: An initial version of the PLAN manual was developed based on a prior intervention, Ca-HELP, that was designed to improve communication around pain among cancer patients. PLAN uses this framework to coach patients on how to plan for and communicate their end-of-life care needs through ACP. In the present study, feedback was obtained from key stakeholders (n = 11 patients, n = 11 caregivers, n = 10 experts) on this preliminary version of the PLAN manual. Participants provided ratings of acceptability and feedback around the intervention content, format, design, modality, and delivery through quantitative survey questions and semi-structured qualitative interviews. Results: Results indicated that the PLAN manual was perceived to be helpful and easy to understand. All stakeholder groups liked the inclusion of explicit communication scripts and guidance for having conversations about ACP with loved ones and doctors. Specific feedback was given to modify PLAN to ensure it was optimized and tailored for Latino patients. Some patients noted reviewing the manual motivated engagement in ACP. Conclusions: Feedback from stakeholders resulted in an optimized, user-centered version of PLAN tailored to Latino patients. Future research will examine the acceptability, feasibility, and potential efficacy of this intervention to improve engagement in ACP.
Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes for Air Filtration: A Critical Review
Authors: De Riccardis Maria Federica
Published: July 2023

Air filtration is an urgent global need because, in many countries and regions, the high concentration of inhalable suspended particles in the air is causing irreversible damage to human health. The use of nanofibrous membranes can help to reduce airborne particulate matter because of their large surface area, extremely porous structure, and adjustable pore size. However, despite their unique properties, the main drawbacks of nanofibre membranes are their poor mechanical properties. This review focuses on nanofibrous membranes prepared by electrospinning, a versatile technique in which the process parameters allow control of the morphology and dimensional characteristics of the nanofibres. Recent literature on air filtration is reviewed, focusing on the performance of materials such as pure or mixed polymers, organic–inorganic composites, and ‘green’ materials in the form of nanofibrous membranes. Finally, the recently proposed layered structures for nanofibre-based air filters are reviewed, offering the latest and most innovative solutions.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Impact of Ecological Restoration on Carbon Sequestration in Ecosystems
Authors: Liu Juncong , Gao Weichang , Liu Taoze , Dai Liangyu , Wu Linjing , Miao Haiying , Yang Cheng
Published: July 2023

Ecological restoration, as a vital means of effectively enhancing the carbon sink function of ecosystems, is currently the subject of active research by scientists. Researchers are actively exploring how to scientifically assess the response mechanisms of ecosystem carbon reservoirs during the process of ecological restoration. In this study, CiteSpace 6.1.(R3 and R6) literature visualization software was employed to conduct data mining on 1566 research articles published from 1996 to 2022, focusing on the impact of ecological restoration on ecosystem carbon reservoirs, as recorded in the Web of Science core database. The analysis involved visualizing various aspects, including the countries involved, research institutions, publication output, research hotspots, and cutting-edge research areas. The research indicates that China holds significant influence in the study of the impact of ecological restoration on ecosystem carbon reservoirs. The literature covers a wide range of research directions and encompasses rich content on the subject matter. The current research focuses on ecological restoration, and its impact on the carbon sink function of ecosystems mainly revolves around four key themes: “the carbon sequestration potential of ecological restoration”, “technological approaches to enhancing the carbon sink function of ecological restoration”, “the importance of assessing carbon sink in terrestrial ecosystems”, and “characteristics of carbon sources/sinks in terrestrial ecosystems”. Currently, the development of research findings on the impact of ecological restoration on the carbon reservoirs of ecosystems is progressing rapidly. Novel research theories, methodologies, and scientific techniques are emerging, necessitating the continuous monitoring and investigation of scholarship in this field. It is crucial to integrate ongoing global environmental-change factors, ensuring the continuity of research and observations and, thus, furnishing robust data support for the assessment and computation of ecosystem carbon sinks.
The Future of European Beech in Northern Germany—Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Potential
Authors: Leuschner Christoph , Weithmann Greta , Bat-Enerel Banzragch , Weigel Robert
Published: July 2023

Earth’s forests are increasingly exposed to climate risks through climate change-related drought and heat waves. Here, we review the climate vulnerability of European beech (Fagus sylvatica), the most abundant tree species of Central Europe’s temperate forests, and its adaptation potential to a hotter and drier climate in northern Germany, close to the center of the species’ distribution range. About two-thirds of the studied beech forests show persistent negative growth trends of their dominant trees since the onset of rapid warming in the early 1980s, driven primarily by long-term deterioration of the climatic water balance (CWB) in summer and, locally, long-term decrease in June precipitation. Lower water storage capacity of the soil increases the climate sensitivity of growth. Even though beech populations of drier sub-regions reveal some acclimation to drought (reduced stomatal conductance, turgor loss point reduction, higher C allocation to roots), they are more climate-vulnerable than populations at moister sites, visible in larger growth decreases and greater CWB sensitivity of growth. Even though beech mortality is still lower in the study region than in other parts of Central Europe, our results identify beech forest regions with <350 mm growing-season precipitation as vulnerable to recent climate conditions, which refers to half of the study region. With further climate warming and aridification, most of northern Germany likely will become unfavorable for beech growth within the next tree generation, which suggests choosing in many production forests alternative, more drought- and heat-resistant timber species.
Aboveground Biomass Productivity and Nutrient Use Dynamics of Clumping Tropical Bamboos in Northern Thailand
Authors: Chantarat Pramena , Poolsiri Roongreang , Wannalangka Ittipong , Kaitpraneet San , Puangchit Ladawan , Jenke Michael
Published: July 2023

Bamboo has great potential in restoring degraded lands while providing multiple environmental benefits and harvestable products at regular intervals due to its unique characteristics of rapid growth. However, a comprehensive and species-specific knowledge of biomass productivity, nutrient dynamics, and potential harvest-induced nutrient losses is lacking. This study compared the biomass and nutrient dynamics of four bamboo species Bambusa oldhamii Munro, Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro, Bambusa tulda Roxburgh, and Dendrocalamus brandisii (Munro) Kurz in Northern Thailand. Field measurements, laboratory analyses, and statistical modeling were used to estimate their aboveground biomass (AGB), nutrient use efficiency (NUE), and nutrient stocks. Culm diameter at breast height (DBH) and age were identified as the most reliable predictors of AGB. The study revealed that D. brandisii had superior productivity and NUE compared to the other species, particularly the introduced non-native bamboo species. These findings emphasize the need for species-specific strategies that consider both biomass productivity and nutrient dynamics. Furthermore, D. brandisii can be suggested as a native candidate for bamboo plantations in Northern Thailand and similar environments, given its high productivity and efficient nutrient use, underpinning its potential contribution to environmental rehabilitation and rural livelihoods. However, more research is required to minimize nutrient losses and maintain a productive age structure.
Effects of Growth Ring Width, Height from Tree Base, and Loading Direction on Transverse Compression of Plantation Japanese Larch Wood
Authors: Zhang Fenghao , Wang Sidong , Jiang Jinghui , Chen Dongsheng , Zhou Haibin
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of growth ring width, height from the tree base, and loading direction on the transverse compressive strength of Japanese larch wood, which is commonly used in wood structures in China. Plantation wood is often used to replace natural forest woods for reconstruction purposes, despite significant differences in properties (e.g., growth rings, density, strength) between them. The ends of transversely compressed wood members in such structures are prone to damage by breaking or crushing. A transverse compressive test was conducted following Chinese national standards, which revealed the following key findings. (1) There was a significant difference in the transverse compressive strength of wood with different growth ring widths (p < 0.05). The radial and slant compressive strength of wood increases with growth ring width, while the tangential compressive strength decreases as growth ring width increases. (2) The transverse compressive strength of wood decreases as the height from the tree base increases. The radial, tangential, and slant compressive strength at a lower height were 18.39%, 22.58%, and 18% higher than those at a greater height in the stem, respectively, with significant differences at the 0.05 level. (3) The load–displacement curve of Japanese larch wood under radial and slant compression follows a “three-segment” form. In contrast, the load–displacement curve of tangential compression is a continuous curve that drops sharply upon reaching its highest point. (4) There is a significant difference in the transverse compressive strength of Japanese larch wood in different loading directions when growth ring width and height from the tree base are constant (p < 0.05), which fall into order as tangential > radial > slant.
Beyond the Semantic Web: Towards an Implicit Pragmatic Web and a Web of Social Representations
Authors: Haralambous Yannis , Lenca Philippe
Published: July 2023

Motivated by the distinction between semantics and pragmatics as sub-disciplines of linguistics, shortly after Tim Berners-Lee introduced the Semantic Web in 2001, there have been works on its extension to the “pragmatic level”. Twenty years later, the Semantic Web is more popular than ever, while little has been achieved in extending it into a Pragmatic Web. Social representations introduced by Serge Moscovici in the 1960s seem totally ignored by the information technology community even though they are strongly related to research on opinion mining and representation in social media. We, thus, recall the major results of academic research on the Pragmatic Web, followed by our proposal for an Implicit Pragmatic Web inspired by various sub-domains of the discipline of pragmatics. We further recall the basics of the social representations theory and discuss their potential implementations in a Web of Social Representations and thus their potential contribution towards at least a part of the future internet.
Analysis of ICS and SCADA Systems Attacks Using Honeypots
Authors: Mesbah Mohamed , Elsayed Mahmoud Said , Jurcut Anca Delia , Azer Marianne
Published: July 2023

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) attacks have increased due to the digital transformation of many industrial control systems (ICS). Operational technology (OT) operators should use the defense-in-depth concept to secure their operations from cyber attacks and reduce the surface that can be attacked. Layers of security, such as firewalls, endpoint solutions, honeypots, etc., should be used to secure traditional IT systems. The three main goals of IT cybersecurity are confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA), but these three goals have different levels of importance in the operational technology (OT) industry. Availability comes before confidentiality and integrity because of the criticality of business in OT. One of the layers of security in both IT and OT is honeypots. SCADA honeypots are used as a layer of security to mitigate attacks, known attackers’ techniques, and network and system weaknesses that attackers may use, and to mitigate these vulnerabilities. In this paper, we use SCADA honeypots for early detection of potential malicious tampering within a SCADA device network, and to determine threats against ICS/SCADA networks. An analysis of SCADA honeypots gives us the ability to know which protocols are most commonly attacked, and attackers’ behaviors, locations, and goals. We use an ICS/SCADA honeypot called Conpot, which simulates real ICS/SCADA systems with some ICS protocols and ICS/SCADA PLCs.
Computed Tomography Imaging Evaluation of Pancreatic Density and Muscular Mass as Predictive Risk Factors for Pancreatic Fistula Formation after Duodenocephalopancreasectomy
Authors: Calabrò Naomi , Borraccino Chiara , Garlisi Christian , Bongiovanni Teresa , Basile Paola , Abu-Omar Ahmed , Scaglione Mariano , Romito Raffaele , Carriero Alessandro
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive role of preoperative pancreatic density and muscular mass, assessed via CT imaging, in patients undergoing duodenocephalopancreasectomy, specifically in relation to the occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 57 consecutive patients who had been diagnosed with cephalo-pancreatic disease and had undergone duodenocephalopancreasectomy in the last five years. The most prevalent pathologies observed were ductal adenocarcinoma (29.2%), biliary adenocarcinoma (12.9%), and duodenal and papillary adenocarcinoma (13.9%). We collected information about age, sex, histopathological findings, type of surgery, presence or absence of pancreatic fistula, pancreatic density on preoperative CT images, and muscular area, calculated at the level of the L3 vertebra using “3D Slicer” software. Our data show that 28% of patients developed a pancreatic fistula, with an average attenuation of pancreatic density of 27 HU, which was lower than that observed in the non-fistula group (33.31 HU). However, statistical analysis did not reveal a significant association between low pancreatic density and fistula development. Therefore, our findings do not establish a significant association between pancreatic fistula and pancreatic density, aligning with the existing literature on the subject.
Replicative Study in Performance-Related Genes of Brazilian Elite Soccer Players Highlights Genetic Differences from African Ancestry and Similarities between Professional and U20 Youth Athletes
Authors: Kanope Tane , Santos Caleb G. M. , Marinho Feliciana , Monnerat Gustavo , Campos-Junior Mario , da Fonseca Ana Carolina P. , Zembrzuski Verônica M. , de Assis Miller , Pfaffl Michael W. , Pimenta Eduardo
Published: July 2023

Classically, genetic association studies have attempted to assess genetic polymorphisms related to human physiology and physical performance. However, the heterogeneity of some findings drives the research to replicate, validate, and confirmation as essential aspects for ensuring their applicability in sports sciences. Genetic distance matrix and molecular variance analyses may offer an alternative approach to comparing athletes’ genomes with those from public databases. Thus, we performed a complete sequencing of 44 genomes from male Brazilian first-division soccer players under 20 years of age (U20_BFDSC). The performance-related SNP genotypes were obtained from players and from the “1000 Genomes” database (European, African, American, East Asian, and South Asian). Surprisingly, U20_BFDSC performance-related genotypes had significantly larger FST levels (p < 0.00001) than African populations, although studies using ancestry markers have shown an important similarity between Brazilian and African populations (12–24%). U20_BFDSC were genetically similar to professional athletes, showing the intense genetic selection pressure likely to occur before this maturation stage. Our study highlighted that performance-related genes might undergo selective pressure due to physical performance and environmental, cognitive, and sociocultural factors. This replicative study suggests that molecular variance and Wright’s statistics can yield novel conclusions in exercise science.
A Multisample Approach in Forensic Phenotyping of Chronological Old Skeletal Remains Using Massive Parallel Sequencing (MPS) Technology
Authors: Inkret Jezerka , Zupanc Tomaž , Zupanič Pajnič Irena
Published: July 2023

It is very important to generate phenotypic results that are reliable when processing chronological old skeletal remains for cases involving the identification of missing persons. To improve the success of pigmentation prediction in Second World War victims, three bones from each of the eight skeletons analyzed were included in the study, which makes it possible to generate a consensus profile. The PowerQuant System was used for quantification, the ESI 17 Fast System was used for STR typing, and a customized version of the HIrisPlex panel was used for PCR-MPS. The HID Ion Chef Instrument was used for library preparation and templating. Sequencing was performed with the Ion GeneStudio S5 System. Identical full profiles and identical hair and eye color predictions were achieved from three bones analyzed per skeleton. Blue eye color was predicted in five skeletons and brown in three skeletons. Blond hair color was predicted in one skeleton, blond to dark blond in three skeletons, brown to dark brown in two skeletons, and dark brown to black in two skeletons. The reproducibility and reliability of the results proved the multisample analysis method to be beneficial for phenotyping chronological old skeletons because differences in DNA yields in different bone types provide a greater possibility of obtaining a better-quality consensus profile.
Contact with Nature in Social Deprivation during COVID-19: The Positive Impact on Anxiety
Authors: Fornara Ferdinando , Rinallo Elena , Scopelliti Massimiliano
Published: July 2023

The 2019 outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had a devastating impact on millions of people worldwide. Following the constantly changing course of the pandemic, the Italian government massively restricted public and private life to prevent the further spread of the virus. Unfortunately, lockdown policies negatively impacted many people’s mental and physical health. Numerous studies recognized an essential role of urban green areas in promoting human well-being. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of personal dispositions towards nature, measured using the connectedness to nature scale (CNS) and actual contact with green spaces (CwN) on human well-being (i.e., anxiety) and medicine intake during COVID-19 lockdowns. A total of 637 Italian residents answered a survey aimed at gathering information about the above variables. A series of path analyses were performed. The results showed that the CNS was positively associated with the CwN, and the latter, in turn, was negatively associated with anxiety. Finally, anxiety was positively related to medicine intake. In sum, these results identify the positive role of person–nature relationships for individual well-being during COVID-19 restrictions.
Managing Health Concerns Related to Post-Industrial Sites Redevelopment: A Warsaw, Poland Case Study
Authors: Zwirowicz-Rutkowska Agnieszka , Nowak Da Costa Joanna , Muczyński Andrzej
Published: July 2023

An important issue in the redevelopment of post-industrial sites, e.g., into housing, is the resolution of contaminated land issues, including health risks and environmental protection. The purpose of this article is to examine awareness of this aspect from the perspective of city or such site residents, using Warsaw as an example. Using a survey-style form data collection technique, a total of 55 fully completed survey questionnaires were collected and analysed using cross-tabulation. Furthermore, a desk research methodology was used to study the availability of sources on industrial areas and their transformation from the perspective of different stakeholder groups involved in the development of such areas in Poland. Similarly, information management was assessed from the viewpoint of information communities participating or being affected by redevelopment processes. The survey results evidenced that respondents are aware that post-industrial sites may be contaminated, but do not associate the possibility of potential health risks when residing on or near such sites. The analysis of the management of information on the reurbanisation of post-industrial sites in urban areas in Poland, including the availability of data on location and contamination, revealed a problematic data flow between central and local level authorities and mootable consistency of legal acts. Public awareness of negative phenomena, such as contamination and the consequent health risks associated with dwelling in such sites, can positively influence, as an input to monitoring and enforcement, the actions taken by other stakeholders in the clean-up processes of contaminated sites and force improvements in the management of such information. The flow of information, the activities forming the information function, and the decision-making process can be improved by technologies, such as spatial information systems and their infrastructures, by facilitating the integration of data from multiple sources and consequently enabling the analysis to be extended to include further relevant data.
Endurance Exercise-Induced Fgf21 Promotes Skeletal Muscle Fiber Conversion through TGF-β1 and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Luo Xiaomao , Zhang Huiling , Cao Xiaorui , Yang Ding , Yan Yi , Lu Jiayin , Wang Xiaonan , Wang Haidong
Published: July 2023

Fgf21 has been identified as playing a regulatory role in muscle growth and function. Although the mechanisms through which endurance training regulates skeletal muscle have been widely studied, the contribution of Fgf21 remains poorly understood. Here, muscle size and function were measured, and markers of fiber type were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, immunoblots, or qPCR in endurance-exercise-trained wild-type and Fgf21 KO mice. We also investigated Fgf21-induced fiber conversion in C2C12 cells, which were incubated with lentivirus and/or pathway inhibitors. We found that endurance exercise training enhanced the Fgf21 levels of liver and GAS muscle and exercise capacity and decreased the distribution of skeletal muscle fiber size, and fast-twitch fibers were observed converting to slow-twitch fibers in the GAS muscle of mice. Fgf21 promoted the markers of fiber-type transition and eMyHC-positive myotubes by inhibiting the TGF-β1 signaling axis and activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway without apparent crosstalk. Our findings suggest that the transformation and function of skeletal muscle fiber types in response to endurance training could be mediated by Fgf21 and its downstream signaling pathways. Our results illuminate the mechanisms of Fgf21 in endurance-exercise-induced fiber-type conversion and suggest a potential use of Fgf21 in improving muscle health and combating fatigue.
Thrombin-Induced Microglia Activation Modulated through Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors
Authors: Sheu Meei-Ling , Pan Liang-Yi , Yang Cheng-Ning , Sheehan Jason , Pan Liang-Yu , You Weir-Chiang , Wang Chien-Chia , Pan Hung-Chuan
Published: July 2023

Thrombin is a multifunctional serine protein which is closely related to neurodegenerative disorders. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is well expressed in microglia cells involving inflammatory disorders of the brain. However, it remains unclear as to how modulation of AhR expression by thrombin is related to the development of neurodegeneration disorders. In this study, we investigated the role of AhR in the development of thrombin-induced neurodegenerative processes, especially those concerning microglia. The primary culture of either wild type or AhR deleted microglia, as well as BV-2 cell lines, was used for an in vitro study. Hippocampal slice culture and animals with either wild type or with AhR deleted were used for the ex vivo and in vivo studies. Simulations of ligand protein docking showed a strong integration between the thrombin and AhR. In thrombin-triggered microglia cells, deleting AhR escalated both the NO release and iNOS expression. Such effects were abolished by the administration of the AhR agonist. In thrombin-activated microglia cells, downregulating AhR increased the following: vascular permeability, pro-inflammatory genetic expression, MMP-9 activity, and the ratio of M1/M2 phenotype. In the in vivo study, thrombin induced the activation of microglia and their volume, thereby contributing to the deterioration of neurobehavior. Deleting AhR furthermore aggravated the response in terms of impaired neurobehavior, increasing brain edema, aggregating microglia, and increasing neuronal death. In conclusion, thrombin caused the activation of microglia through increased vessel permeability, expression of inflammatory response, and phenotype of M1 microglia, as well the MMP activity. Deleting AhR augmented the above detrimental effects. These findings indicate that the modulation of AhR is essential for the regulation of thrombin-induced brain damages and that the AhR agonist may harbor the potentially therapeutic effect in thrombin-induced neurodegenerative disorder.
Real-World Use of Highly Sensitive Liquid Biopsy Monitoring in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Endocrine Agents after Exposure to Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Fuentes-Antrás Jesús , Martínez-Rodríguez Ana , Guevara-Hoyer Kissy , López-Cade Igor , Lorca Víctor , Pascual Alejandro , de Luna Alicia , Ramírez-Ruda Carmen , Swindell Jennifer , Flores Paloma , Lluch Ana , Cescon David W. , Pérez-Segura Pedro , Ocaña Alberto , Jones Frederick , Moreno Fernando , García-Barberán Vanesa , García-Sáenz José Ángel
Published: July 2023

Endocrine-resistant, hormone receptor-positive, and HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) is largely governed by acquired mutations in the estrogen receptor, which promote ligand-independent activation, and by truncal alterations in the PI3K signaling pathway, with a broader range of gene alterations occurring with less prevalence. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based technologies are progressively permeating the clinical setting. However, their utility for serial monitoring has been hindered by their significant costs, inter-technique variability, and real-world patient heterogeneity. We interrogated a longitudinal collection of 180 plasma samples from 75 HR+/HER2- mBC patients who progressed or relapsed after exposure to aromatase inhibitors and were subsequently treated with endocrine therapy (ET) by means of highly sensitive and affordable digital PCR and SafeSEQ sequencing. Baseline PIK3CA and TP53 mutations were prognostic of a shorter progression-free survival in our population. Mutant PIK3CA was prognostic in the subset of patients receiving fulvestrant monotherapy after progression to a CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i)-containing regimen, and its suppression was predictive in a case of long-term benefit with alpelisib. Mutant ESR1 was prognostic in patients who did not receive concurrent CDK4/6i, an impact influenced by the variant allele frequency, and its early suppression was strongly predictive of efficacy and associated with long-term benefit in the whole cohort. Mutations in ESR1, TP53, and KRAS emerged as putative drivers of acquired resistance. These findings collectively contribute to the characterization of longitudinal ctDNA in real-world cases of HR+/HER2- mBC previously exposed to aromatase inhibitors and support ongoing studies either targeting actionable alterations or leveraging the ultra-sensitive tracking of ctDNA.
Whole Exome Sequencing of 20 Spanish Families: Candidate Genes for Non-Syndromic Pediatric Cataracts
Authors: Rodríguez-Solana Patricia , Arruti Natalia , Nieves-Moreno María , Mena Rocío , Rodríguez-Jiménez Carmen , Guerrero-Carretero Marta , Acal Juan Carlos , Blasco Joana , Peralta Jesús M. , Del Pozo Ángela , Montaño Victoria E. F. , Dios-Blázquez Lucía De , Fernández-Alcalde Celia , González-Atienza Carmen , Sánchez-Cazorla Eloísa , Gómez-Cano María de Los Ángeles , Delgado-Mora Luna , Noval Susana , Vallespín Elena
Published: July 2023

Non-syndromic pediatric cataracts are defined as opacification of the crystalline lens that occurs during the first years of life without affecting other organs. Given that this disease is one of the most frequent causes of reversible blindness in childhood, the main objective of this study was to propose new responsible gene candidates that would allow a more targeted genetic approach and expand our genetic knowledge about the disease. We present a whole exome sequencing (WES) study of 20 Spanish families with non-syndromic pediatric cataracts and a previous negative result on an ophthalmology next-generation sequencing panel. After ophthalmological evaluation and collection of peripheral blood samples from these families, WES was performed. We were able to reach a genetic diagnosis in 10% of the families analyzed and found genes that could cause pediatric cataracts in 35% of the cohort. Of the variants found, 18.2% were classified as pathogenic, 9% as likely pathogenic, and 72.8% as variants of uncertain significance. However, we did not find conclusive results in 55% of the families studied, which suggests further studies are needed. The results of this WES study allow us to propose LONP1, ACACA, TRPM1, CLIC5, HSPE1, ODF1, PIKFYVE, and CHMP4A as potential candidates to further investigate for their role in pediatric cataracts, and AQP5 and locus 2q37 as causal genes.
Phosphoproteomics Reveal New Candidates in Abnormal Spermatogenesis of Pseudomales in Cynoglossus semilaevis
Authors: Li Xihong , Li Lu , Cui Zhongkai , Li Ming , Xu Wenteng
Published: July 2023

Phosphorylation is a post-translational modification that contributes to versatile protein functions in spermatogenesis, and the variations they generate usually results in abnormal spermatogenesis or sperm dysfunction. The sex-reversal phenomenon exists in Chinese tongue sole under certain conditions such that individuals with a ZW genotype can acquire a male phenotype and are thus called pseudomales. Pseudomale tongue sole can reach sexual maturity but produce only Z-type sperm, and the Z sperm carries paternal epigenetic information. Whether phosphorylation plays a role in the sperm abnormality of pseudomales is unknown. In this study, a phosphoproteomic analysis was performed to compare protein phosphorylation profiles between pseudomale and male testes. Altogether, we identified 14,253 phosphopeptides matching with 4843 proteins, with 1329 differentially phosphorylated peptides corresponding to 1045 differentially phosphorylated proteins (DPPs). Phosphorylation at 781 sites was upregulated and at 548 sites was downregulated. Four motifs were identified among differentially phosphorylated peptides, which were “SP”, “SD”, “RxxS”, and “TP”. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses suggested that the cell cycle and DNA/RNA processing were significantly enriched with the genes encoding DPPs. To analyze DPP function in depth, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed, and Ran-binding protein 2 was found to play a central role in spermatogenesis by regulating several processes such as the cell cycle, eukaryotic translation, ubiquitination, and minichromosome maintenance. In kinase-associated network analyses, two “mitogen-activated protein kinase (Mapk)-centered” clusters were identified that may account for abnormal spermatogenesis in pseudomales. One cluster was centered on Mapk6, which predominantly regulated the cell cycle by interacting with several cyclin-dependent kinases, and the other was centered on the “testis-expressed kinase 1-like (Tesk1l)/Pim1l-Mapk4l- testis-expressed 14 (Tex14)” kinase cascade, which might contribute to spermatogenesis by regulating β-catenin. Taken together, these data suggested the new candidates involved in pseudomale sperm abnormalities and provided clues to discover the phosphorylated regulatory mechanism underlying tongue sole spermatogenesis.
Friend or Foe? Locoregional Therapies and Immunotherapies in the Current Hepatocellular Treatment Landscape
Authors: Young Shamar , Hannallah Jack , Goldberg Dan , Sanghvi Tina , Arshad Junaid , Scott Aaron , Woodhead Gregory
Published: July 2023

Over the last several decades, a number of new treatment options for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been developed. While treatment decisions for some patients remain clear cut, a large numbers of patients have multiple treatment options, and it can be hard for multidisciplinary teams to come to unanimous decisions on which treatment strategy or sequence of treatments is best. This article reviews the available data with regard to two treatment strategies, immunotherapies and locoregional therapies, with a focus on the potential of locoregional therapies to be combined with checkpoint inhibitors to improve outcomes in patients with locally advanced HCC. In this review, the available data on the immunomodulatory effects of locoregional therapies is discussed along with available clinical data on outcomes when the two strategies are combined.
Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of Rice Grain Length QTL qGL9.1
Authors: Yang Luomiao , Li Peng , Wang Jingguo , Liu Hualong , Zheng Hongliang , Xin Wei , Zou Detang
Published: July 2023

Grain length (GL) is one of the crucial determinants of rice yield and quality. However, there is still a shortage of knowledge on the major genes controlling the inheritance of GL in japonica rice, which severely limits the improvement of japonica rice yields. Here, we systemically measured the GL of 667 F2 and 1570 BC3F3 individuals derived from two cultivated rice cultivars, Pin20 and Songjing15, in order to identify the major genomic regions associated with GL. A novel major QTL, qGL9.1, was mapped on chromosome 9, which is associated with the GL, using whole-genome re-sequencing with bulked segregant analysis. Local QTL linkage analysis with F2 and fine mapping with the recombinant plant revealed a 93-kb core region on qGL9.1 encoding 15 protein-coding genes. Only the expression level of LOC_Os09g26970 was significantly different between the two parents at different stages of grain development. Moreover, haplotype analysis revealed that the alleles of Pin20 contribute to the optimal GL (9.36 mm) and GL/W (3.31), suggesting that Pin20 is a cultivated species carrying the optimal GL variation of LOC_Os09g26970. Furthermore, a functional-type mutation (16398989-bp, G>A) located on an exon of LOC_Os09g26970 could be used as a molecular marker to distinguish between long and short grains. Our experiments identified LOC_Os09g26970 as a novel gene associated with GL in japonica rice. This result is expected to further the exploration of the genetic mechanism of rice GL and improve GL in rice japonica varieties by marker-assisted selection.
mTOR Inhibitors Modulate the Physical Properties of 3D Spheroids Derived from H9c2 Cells
Authors: Watanabe Megumi , Yano Toshiyuki , Sato Tatsuya , Umetsu Araya , Higashide Megumi , Furuhashi Masato , Ohguro Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

To establish an appropriate in vitro model for the local environment of cardiomyocytes, three-dimensional (3D) spheroids derived from H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were prepared, and their morphological, biophysical phase contrast and biochemical characteristics were evaluated. The 3D H9c2 spheroids were successfully obtained, the sizes of the spheroids decreased, and they became stiffer during 3–4 days. In contrast to the cell multiplication that occurs in conventional 2D planar cell cultures, the 3D H9c2 spheroids developed into a more mature form without any cell multiplication being detected. qPCR analyses of the 3D H9c2 spheroids indicated that the production of collagen4 (COL4) and fibronectin (FN), connexin43 (CX43), β-catenin, N-cadherin, STAT3, and HIF1 molecules had increased and that the production of COL6 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) molecules had decreased as compared to 2D cultured cells. In addition, treatment with rapamycin (Rapa), an mTOR complex (mTORC) 1 inhibitor, and Torin 1, an mTORC1/2 inhibitor, resulted in significantly decreased cell densities of the 2D cultured H9c2 cells, but the size and stiffness of the H9c2 cells within the 3D spheroids were reduced with the gene expressions of several of the above several factors being reduced. The metabolic responses to mTOR modulators were also different between the 2D and 3D cultures. These results suggest that as unique aspects of the local environments of the 3D spheroids, the spontaneous expression of GJ-related molecules and hypoxia within the core may be associated with their maturation, suggesting that this may become a useful in vitro model that replicates the local environment of cardiomyocytes.