bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Text Pre-Processing in Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Palomino Marco A. , Aider Farida
Published: September 2022

Practical demands and academic challenges have both contributed to making sentiment analysis a thriving area of research. Given that a great deal of sentiment analysis work is performed on social media communications, where text frequently ignores the rules of grammar and spelling, pre-processing techniques are required to clean the data. Pre-processing is also required to normalise the text before undertaking the analysis, as social media is inundated with abbreviations, emoticons, emojis, truncated sentences, and slang. While pre-processing has been widely discussed in the literature, and it is considered indispensable, recommendations for best practice have not been conclusive. Thus, we have reviewed the available research on the subject and evaluated various combinations of pre-processing components quantitatively. We have focused on the case of Twitter sentiment analysis, as Twitter has proved to be an important source of publicly accessible data. We have also assessed the effectiveness of different combinations of pre-processing components for the overall accuracy of a couple of off-the-shelf tools and one algorithm implemented by us. Our results confirm that the order of the pre-processing components matters and significantly improves the performance of naïve Bayes classifiers. We also confirm that lemmatisation is useful for enhancing the performance of an index, but it does not notably improve the quality of sentiment analysis.
High-Efficiency Characterization of Optical Vortices with Arbitrary State of Polarization Using Straight-Line and Parabolic-Line Polarization Gratings
Authors: Sakamoto Moritsugu , Yayama Tomoki , Noda Kohei , Sasaki Tomoyuki , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro , Ono Hiroshi
Published: September 2022

An optical system consisting of a straight-line polarization grating (SPG) and two parabolic-line polarization gratings (PPGs) is presented for the characterization of optical vortices (OVs) with arbitrary states of polarization (SoPs). The PPG is capable of converting an OV with a specific SoP into a bright bar-like spot with 100% efficiency. The number of dark lines and their orientation respectively correspond to the magnitude and sign of topological charge (TC) of the incident OV, thereby enabling characterization of OVs with high efficiency. Furthermore, on combining an SPG with PPGs, the present system can characterize the TC of incident OVs regardless of their SoP. The feasibility of the system was demonstrated in experiments using gratings fabricated by applying the photoalignment method and employing films of a photo-crosslinkable polymer liquid crystal. The experimentally obtained efficiency is 70.2%. We furthermore demonstrate the system’s capability to characterize polarization vortices.
Machine Learning and Sustainable Mobility: The Case of the University of Foggia (Italy)
Authors: Cappelletti Giulio Mario , Grilli Luca , Russo Carlo , Santoro Domenico
Published: September 2022

Thanks to the development of increasingly sophisticated machine-learning techniques, it is possible to improve predictions of a particular phenomenon. In this paper, after analyzing data relating to the mobility habits of University of Foggia (UniFG) community members, we apply logistic regression and cross validation to determine the information that is missing in the dataset (so-called imputation process). Our goal is to make it possible to obtain the missing information that can be useful for calculating sustainability indicators and that allow the UniFG Rectorate to improve its sustainable mobility policies by encouraging methods that are as appropriate as possible to the users’ needs.
Atmospheric CO2 and CH4 Fluctuations over the Continent-Sea Interface in the Yenisei River Sector of the Kara Sea
Authors: Panov Alexey , Prokushkin Anatoly , Semiletov Igor , Kübler Karl , Korets Mikhail , Putilin Ilya , Urban Anastasiya , Bondar Mikhail , Heimann Martin
Published: September 2022

Observations of the atmospheric sources and sinks of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) in the pan-Arctic domain are extremely scarce, limiting our knowledge of carbon turnover in this climatically sensitive environment and the fate of the enormous carbon reservoirs conserved in the permafrost. Especially critical are the gaps in the high latitudes of Siberia, covered by the vast permafrost underlain tundra, where only several atmospheric monitoring sites are operational. This paper presents the first two years (September 2018–January 2021) of accurate continuous observations of atmospheric CO2 and CH4 dry mole fractions at the recently deployed tower-based measurement station “DIAMIS” (73.5068° N, 80.5198° E) located on the southwestern coast of the Taimyr Peninsula, Siberia, at the Gulf of the Yenisei River that opens to the Kara Sea (Arctic Ocean). In this paper, we summarized the scientific rationale of the site, examined the seasonal footprint of the station with an analysis of terrestrial vegetation and maritime sector contributing to the captured atmospheric signal, and illustrated temporal patterns of CO2 and CH4 for the daytime mixed atmospheric layer over the continent–sea interface. Along with the temporal variations reflecting a signal caused pan-Arctic and not very much influenced by the local processes, we analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution of the synoptic anomalies representing the atmospheric signatures of regional sources and sinks of CO2 and CH4 for the studied high-arctic Siberian domain of ~625 thousand km2, with nearly equal capturing the land surface (54%) and the ocean (46%) throughout the year. Both for CO2 and CH4, we have observed a sea–continent declining trend, presuming a larger depletion of trace gases in the maritime air masses compared to the continental domain. So far, over the Kara Sea, we have not detected any prominent signals of CH4 that might have indicated processes of subsea permafrost degradation and occurrence of cold seeps–still mainly observed in the eastern Arctic Seas—The Laptev Sea and the East-Siberian Sea.
Crop Residue Burning and Its Relationship between Health, Agriculture Value Addition, and Regional Finance
Authors: Singh Devesh , Dhiman Sunil Kumar , Kumar Vijay , Babu Ram , Shree Karuna , Priyadarshani Anjali , Singh Archana , Shakya Leena , Nautiyal Aparna , Saluja Shukla
Published: September 2022

Crop residue burning (CRB) poses a serious threat to the climate, soil fertility, human health and wellbeing, and air quality, which increases mortality rates and slumps agricultural productivity. This study conducts a pan-India analysis of CRB burning based on the spatial characteristic of crop residue management practices and analyzes the linkage among health, agriculture value addition, and regional finance using the simultaneous equation to find the causality and panel quantile regression for direct effect and intergroup difference. We discuss some of the alternative crop residue management practices and policy interventions. Along with in situ management, this paper discusses ex situ crop residue management (CRM) solutions. The ex situ effort to manage crop residue failed due to the scarcity of the supply chain ecosystem. Force of habit and time constrain coupled with risk aversion have made farmers reluctant to adopt these solutions. Our results show that financial viability and crop residue have bidirectional causality; therefore, both the central and state governments must provide a financial solution to lure farmers into adopting residue management practices. Our analysis shows that framers are likely to adopt the management solution (farmers have some economic benefits) and are reluctant to adopt the scientific solution because the scientific solution, such as “pusa decomposer”, is constrained by the weather, temperature, and humidity, and these parameters vary throughout India.
A Fractional COVID-19 Model with Efficacy of Vaccination
Authors: Nandhini M. , Lavanya R. , Nieto Juan J.
Published: September 2022

This paper develops a fractional-order model of COVID-19 with vaccination. The model is well designed by including both the efficacy and inefficacy of vaccinations in humans. Besides calculating the reproduction number, equilibrium points and the feasibility region are also determined. Stability analysis for the proposed model around equilibrium points is discussed. Fixed-point theory is employed to identify the singularity of the solution. Adomian decomposition and Laplace integral transformation are combined to obtain the solution. We present the solutions graphically to analyze the contributions of the disease dynamics based on different values of the fractional order. This study seeks an in-depth understanding of COVID-19 transmission to improve health outcomes.
Evaluating Lean Facility Layout Designs Using a BWM-Based Fuzzy ELECTRE I Method
Authors: Nghiem Thi Bich Ha , Chu Ta-Chung
Published: September 2022

Selecting a suitable design for a lean facility layout has become a critical issue for a manufacturing company aiming to remove waste or non-value-added activities and implement the optimal facility arrangement. Many quantitative and qualitative criteria with different weights need to be considered in evaluating lean facility layout designs. To address the issue, a Best-Worst method (BWM) based on fuzzy ELECTRE I is introduced to determine the optimal lean facility layout design, in which the BWM is utilized for generating the criteria weights, and an extension of fuzzy ELECTRE I is introduced to identify the most suitable alternative. The signed distance method is employed to defuzzify the fuzzy numbers and obtain discordance matrix values. Based on the subtraction of discordance values from concordance values, a modified fuzzy ELECTRE I is introduced to evaluate alternative lean facility layout designs that can avoid missing information. A numerical example of the evaluation of lean facility layout designs for a manufacturing company is provided to show the potential of the suggested models. Comparative studies are investigated to illustrate the superiority of the suggested method.
Why Are We Still Talking about Ivermectin? Editorial Note on Stone et al. Changes in SpO2 on Room Air for 34 Severe COVID-19 Patients after Ivermectin-Based Combination Treatment
Authors: Pincus Seth H.
Published: September 2022

In this issue of Biologics, we publish an article describing a surprising clinical effect of the anti-helminthic drug ivermectin on patients with COVID-19 [...]
Modulating Gene Expression within a Microbiome Based on Computational Models
Authors: Chitayat Levi Liyam , Rippin Ido , Ben Tulila Moran , Galron Rotem , Tuller Tamir
Published: September 2022

Recent research in the field of bioinformatics and molecular biology has revealed the immense complexity and uniqueness of microbiomes, while also showcasing the impact of the symbiosis between a microbiome and its host or environment. A core property influencing this process is horizontal gene transfer between members of the bacterial community used to maintain genetic variation. The essential effect of this mechanism is the exposure of genetic information to a wide array of members of the community, creating an additional “layer” of information in the microbiome named the “plasmidome”. From an engineering perspective, introduction of genetic information to an environment must be facilitated into chosen species which will be able to carry out the desired effect instead of competing and inhibiting it. Moreover, this process of information transfer imposes concerns for the biosafety of genetic engineering of microbiomes as exposure of genetic information into unwanted hosts can have unprecedented ecological impacts. Current technologies are usually experimentally developed for a specific host/environment, and only deal with the transformation process itself at best, ignoring the impact of horizontal gene transfer and gene-microbiome interactions that occur over larger periods of time in uncontrolled environments. The goal of this research was to design new microbiome-specific versions of engineered genetic information, providing an additional layer of compatibility to existing engineering techniques. The engineering framework is entirely computational and is agnostic to the selected microbiome or gene by reducing the problem into the following set up: microbiome species can be defined as wanted or unwanted hosts of the modification. Then, every element related to gene expression (e.g., promoters, coding regions, etc.) and regulation is individually examined and engineered by novel algorithms to provide the defined expression preferences. Additionally, the synergistic effect of the combination of engineered gene blocks facilitates robustness to random mutations that might occur over time. This method has been validated using both computational and experimental tools, stemming from the research done in the iGEM 2021 competition, by the TAU group.
2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin Treatment Does Not Induce Atherosclerotic Lesion Regression in Western-Type Diet-Fed Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice
Authors: Snip Olga S.C. , Hoekstra Menno , Zhang Yiheng , Geerling Janine J. , Van Eck Miranda
Published: September 2022

2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (2HPβCD) is able to bind and solubilize unesterified cholesterol and may therefore be able to reverse the deposition of cholesterol in macrophages within the aortic vessel wall, a hallmark of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, conflicting results regarding the potential of 2HPβCD to induce regression of established atherosclerotic lesions have been described. In the current study, we therefore also investigated the ability of 2HPβCD to stimulate cholesterol removal from macrophage foam cells in vitro and induce the regression of established atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E knockout (APOE KO) mice. In vitro studies using murine thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages verified that 2HPβCD is able to induce cholesterol efflux from macrophages in an ATP-binding cassette transporter-independent manner. Switching Western-type-diet-fed APOE KO mice with established atherosclerotic lesions back to a chow diet was associated with a reduction in the hypercholesterolemia extent and an increase in the absolute lesion size and plaque collagen-to-macrophage ratio. Importantly, parallel subcutaneous administration of 2HPβCD was not able to prevent the diet-switch-associated lesion growth or induce atherosclerosis regression. Although in our hands, 2HPβCD does effectively stimulate cellular cholesterol efflux from macrophages, we do not consider it worthwhile to further pursue 2HPβCD as therapeutic moiety in the atherosclerosis regression context.
Role of Arginase-II in Podocyte Injury under Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Ren Zhilong , Potenza Duilio Michele , Ma Yiqiong , Ajalbert Guillaume , Hoogewijs David , Ming Xiu-Fen , Yang Zhihong
Published: September 2022

Hypoxia plays a crucial role in acute and chronic renal injury, which is attributable to renal tubular and glomerular cell damage. Some studies provide evidence that hypoxia-dependent upregulation of the mitochondrial enzyme arginase type-II (Arg-II) in tubular cells promotes renal tubular injury. It is, however, not known whether Arg-II is also expressed in glomerular cells, particularly podocytes under hypoxic conditions, contributing to hypoxia-induced podocyte injury. The effects of hypoxia on human podocyte cells (AB8/13) in cultures and on isolated kidneys from wild-type (wt) and arg-ii gene-deficient (arg-ii−/−) mice ex vivo, as well as on mice of the two genotypes in vivo, were investigated, respectively. We found that the Arg-II levels were enhanced in cultured podocytes in a time-dependent manner over 48 h, which was dependent on the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α). Moreover, a hypoxia-induced derangement of cellular actin cytoskeletal fibers, a decrease in podocin, and an increase in mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) generation—as measured by MitoSOX—were inhibited by adenoviral-mediated arg-ii gene silencing. These effects of hypoxia on podocyte injury were mimicked by the HIFα stabilizing drug DMOG, which inhibits prolyl hydroxylases (PHD), the enzymes involved in HIFα degradation. The silencing of arg-ii prevented the detrimental effects of DMOG on podocytes. Furthermore, the inhibition of mtROS generation by rotenone—the inhibitor of respiration chain complex-I—recapitulated the protective effects of arg-ii silencing on podocytes under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, the ex vivo experiments with isolated kidney tissues and the in vivo experiments with mice exposed to hypoxic conditions showed increased Arg-II levels in podocytes and decreased podocyte markers regarding synaptopodin in wt mice but not in arg-ii−/− mice. While age-associated albuminuria was reduced in the arg-ii−/− mice, the hypoxia-induced increase in albuminuria was, however, not significantly affected in the arg-ii−/−. Our study demonstrates that Arg-II in podocytes promotes cell injury. Arg-ii ablation seems insufficient to protect mice in vivo against a hypoxia-induced increase in albuminuria, but it does reduce albuminuria in aging.
Changes in NMDA Receptor Function in Rapid Ischemic Tolerance: A Potential Role for Tri-Heteromeric NMDA Receptors
Authors: Xie Mian , Leng Tiandong , Maysami Samaneh , Pearson Andrea , Simon Roger , Xiong Zhi-Gang , Meller Robert
Published: September 2022

In this study, we characterize biophysical changes in NMDA receptor function in response to brief non-injurious ischemic stress (ischemic preconditioning). Electrophysiological studies show NMDA receptor function is reduced following preconditioning in cultured rat cortical neurons. This functional change is not due to changes in the reversal potential of the receptor, but an increase in desensitization. We performed concentration–response analysis of NMDA-evoked currents, and demonstrate that preconditioned neurons show a reduced potency of NMDA to evoke currents, an increase in Mg2+ sensitivity, but no change in glycine sensitivity. Antagonists studies show a reduced inhibition of GluN2B antagonists that have an allosteric mode of action (ifenprodil and R-25-6981), but competitive antagonists at the GluR2A and 2B receptor (NVP-AMM077 and conantokin-G) appear to have similar potency to block currents. Biochemical studies show a reduction in membrane surface GluN2B subunits, and an increased co-immunoprecipitation of GluN2A with GluN2B subunits, suggestive of tri-heteromeric receptor formation. Finally, we show that blocking actin remodeling with jasplakinolide, a mechanism of rapid ischemic tolerance, prevents NMDA receptor functional changes and co-immunoprecipitation of GluN2A and 2B subunits. Together, this study shows that alterations in NMDA receptor function following preconditioning ischemia are associated with neuroprotection in rapid ischemic tolerance.
Inflammatory Blood Parameters as Biomarkers for Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Metastatic Melanoma Patients
Authors: Kudura Ken , Nussbaumer Lukas , Foerster Robert , Basler Lucas
Published: September 2022

Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether inflammatory parameters in peripheral blood at baseline and during the first six months of treatment could predict the short- and long-term outcomes of metastatic melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods: This single-center retrospective study considered patients with metastatic melanoma treated with either single or dual checkpoint inhibition. Blood sample tests were scheduled together with 18F-2-fluor-2-desoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scans at baseline and at three and six months after initiation of ICI treatment. The short-term response to ICIs was assessed using FDG-PET/CT scans. The long-term response to ICIs was assessed using the overall survival OS and progression-free survival PFS as endpoints. Results: A total of 100 patients with metastatic melanoma were included (female, n = 31; male, n = 69). The median age was 68 years (interquartile range (IQR): 53–74 years). A total of 82% of the cohort displayed a disease control (DC), while 18% presented a progressive disease (PD) after six months of ICIs. Patients with DC after six months of ICIs showed a lower median of the neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) toward patients with PD, with no significant prediction power of NLR neither in the short nor in the long term. The count of neutrophils at the baseline time point (TP 0) (p = 0.037) and erythrocytes three months after treatment start (TP 1) (p = 0.010) were strong predictive parameters of a DC six months after treatment start. Erythrocytes (p < 0.001) and lymphocytes (p = 0.021) were strong biomarkers predictive of a favorable OS. Erythrocytes (p = 0.013) and lymphocytes (p = 0.017) also showed a significant prediction power for a favorable PFS. Conclusions: Inflammatory blood parameters predicted the short- and long-term response to ICIs with a strong predictive power. Our results suggested the validation of inflammatory blood parameters as biomarkers that predict immunotherapies’ efficacity in metastatic melanoma patients. However, confounding factors that interfere with myelopoiesis should also be taken into consideration.
Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Diseases Managements
Authors: Gbian Douweh Leyla , Omri Abdelwahab
Published: September 2022

Liposomes are tiny lipid-based vesicles composed of one or more lipid bilayers, which facilitate the encapsulation of hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic biological active agents. The description of the physicochemical properties, formulation methods, characteristics, mechanisms of action, and large-scale manufacturing of liposomes as delivery systems are deeply discussed. The benefits, toxicity, and limitations of the use of liposomes in pharmacotherapeutics including in diagnostics, brain targeting, eye and cancer diseases, and in infections are provided. The experimental approaches that may reduce, or even bypass, the use of liposomal drug drawbacks is described. The application of liposomes in the treatment of numerous diseases is discussed.
Recombinant Viral Vectors for Therapeutic Programming of Tumour Microenvironment: Advantages and Limitations
Authors: Spunde Karina , Korotkaja Ksenija , Zajakina Anna
Published: September 2022

Viral vectors have been widely investigated as tools for cancer immunotherapy. Although many preclinical studies demonstrate significant virus-mediated tumour inhibition in synergy with immune checkpoint molecules and other drugs, the clinical success of viral vector applications in cancer therapy currently is limited. A number of challenges have to be solved to translate promising vectors to clinics. One of the key elements of successful virus-based cancer immunotherapy is the understanding of the tumour immune state and the development of vectors to modify the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-associated immune cells, as the main component of TME, support tumour progression through multiple pathways inducing resistance to treatment and promoting cancer cell escape mechanisms. In this review, we consider DNA and RNA virus vectors delivering immunomodulatory genes (cytokines, chemokines, co-stimulatory molecules, antibodies, etc.) and discuss how these viruses break an immunosuppressive cell development and switch TME to an immune-responsive “hot” state. We highlight the advantages and limitations of virus vectors for targeted therapeutic programming of tumour immune cell populations and tumour stroma, and propose future steps to establish viral vectors as a standard, efficient, safe, and non-toxic cancer immunotherapy approach that can complement other promising treatment strategies, e.g., checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T, and advanced chemotherapeutics.
Association between Sleep Disorders and Sleep Quality in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sánchez Romero Eleuterio A. , Martínez-Pozas Oliver , García-González María , de-Pedro Miguel , González-Álvarez María Elena , Esteban-González Pablo , Cid-Verdejo Rosana , Villafañe Jorge Hugo
Published: September 2022

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability, the most common form of chronic disease in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the most severe disease type of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The etiology of TMD is multifactorial, considering parafunctional habits, sleep bruxism, or sleep disturbance as common factors. Insomnia and apnea are the two most frequent forms of sleep disorders in TMD patients. Due to this, the objective of this systematic review was to highlight whether there is currently scientific evidence in the literature describing that patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) are associated with increased sleep disorders or impaired sleep quality. Methods: This systematic review was completed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement and was registered with PROSPERO prior to completion of the main search. Original observational studies that analyze the association of sleep disorders and sleep quality in patients with TMJ-OA were included in the present review. Results: 770 studies were screened by abstract and title according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and finally, 7 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and a total of 772 patients diagnosed with TMJ-OA. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to indicate that patients with TMJ OA are associated with increased sleep disorders or poorer sleep quality.
Neurovascular Unit-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: From Their Physiopathological Roles to Their Clinical Applications in Acute Brain Injuries
Authors: Reymond Sandrine , Vujić Tatjana , Sanchez Jean-Charles
Published: September 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) form a heterogeneous group of membrane-enclosed structures secreted by all cell types. EVs export encapsulated materials composed of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, making them a key mediator in cell–cell communication. In the context of the neurovascular unit (NVU), a tightly interacting multicellular brain complex, EVs play a role in intercellular communication and in maintaining NVU functionality. In addition, NVU-derived EVs can also impact peripheral tissues by crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to reach the blood stream. As such, EVs have been shown to be involved in the physiopathology of numerous neurological diseases. The presence of NVU-released EVs in the systemic circulation offers an opportunity to discover new diagnostic and prognostic markers for those diseases. This review outlines the most recent studies reporting the role of NVU-derived EVs in physiological and pathological mechanisms of the NVU, focusing on neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Then, the clinical application of EVs-containing molecules as biomarkers in acute brain injuries, such as stroke and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), is discussed.
Gluconobacter Oxydans-Based MFC with PEDOT:PSS/Graphene/Nafion Bioanode for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Tarasov Sergei , Plekhanova Yulia , Kashin Vadim , Gotovtsev Pavel , Signore Maria , Francioso Luca , Kolesov Vladimir , Reshetilov Anatoly
Published: September 2022

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a variety of bioelectrocatalytic devices that utilize the metabolism of microorganisms to generate electric energy from organic matter. This study investigates the possibility of using a novel PEDOT:PSS/graphene/Nafion composite in combination with acetic acid bacteria Gluconobacter oxydans to create a pure culture MFC capable of effective municipal wastewater treatment. The developed MFC was shown to maintain its activity for at least three weeks. The level of COD in municipal wastewater treatment was reduced by 32%; the generated power was up to 81 mW/m2 with a Coulomb efficiency of 40%. Combining the MFC with a DC/DC boost converter increased the voltage generated by two series-connected MFCs from 0.55 mV to 3.2 V. A maximum efficiency was achieved on day 8 of MFC operation and was maintained for a week; capacitors of 6800 µF capacity were fully charged in ~7 min. Thus, G. oxydans cells can become an important part of microbial consortia in MFCs used for treatment of wastewaters with reduced pH.
Multichannel Acoustic Spectroscopy of the Human Body for Inviolable Biometric Authentication
Authors: Noh Hyung Wook , Ahn Chang-Geun , Chae Seung-Hoon , Ku Yunseo , Sim Joo Yong
Published: September 2022

Specific features of the human body, such as fingerprint, iris, and face, are extensively used in biometric authentication. Conversely, the internal structure and material features of the body have not been explored extensively in biometrics. Bioacoustics technology is suitable for extracting information about the internal structure and biological and material characteristics of the human body. Herein, we report a biometric authentication method that enables multichannel bioacoustic signal acquisition with a systematic approach to study the effects of selectively distilled frequency features, increasing the number of sensing channels with respect to multiple fingers. The accuracy of identity recognition according to the number of sensing channels and the number of selectively chosen frequency features was evaluated using exhaustive combination searches and forward-feature selection. The technique was applied to test the accuracy of machine learning classification using 5,232 datasets from 54 subjects. By optimizing the scanning frequency and sensing channels, our method achieved an accuracy of 99.62%, which is comparable to existing biometric methods. Overall, the proposed biometric method not only provides an unbreakable, inviolable biometric but also can be applied anywhere in the body and can substantially broaden the use of biometrics by enabling continuous identity recognition on various body parts for biometric identity authentication.
Characteristics of Microstructural Changes Associated with Glioma Related Epilepsy: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Study
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhou Chunyao , Zhu Qiang , Li Tianshi , Wang Yinyan , Wang Lei
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Glioma is the most common primary tumor in the central nervous system, and glioma-related epilepsy (GRE) is one of its common symptoms. The abnormalities of white matter fiber tracts are involved in attributing changes in patients with epilepsy (Rudà, R, 2012).This study aimed to assess frontal lobe gliomas’ effects on the cerebral white matter fiber tracts. (2) Methods: Thirty patients with frontal lobe glioma were enrolled and divided into two groups (Ep and nEep). Among them, five patients were excluded due to apparent insular or temporal involvement. A set of 14 age and gender-matched healthy controls were also included. All the enrolled subjects underwent preoperative conventional magnetic resonance images (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Furthermore, we used tract-based spatial statistics to analyze the characteristics of the white matter fiber tracts. (3) Results: The two patient groups showed similar patterns of mean diffusivity (MD) elevations in most regions; however, in the ipsilateral inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and superior corona radiata, the significant voxels of the EP group were more apparent than in the nEP group. No significant fractional anisotropy (FA) elevations or MD degenerations were found in the current study. (4) Conclusions: Gliomas grow and invade along white matter fiber tracts. This study assessed the effects of GRE on the white matter fiber bundle skeleton by TBSS, and we found that the changes in the white matter skeleton of the frontal lobe tumor-related epilepsy were mainly concentrated in the IFOF, SLF, and superior corona radiata. This reveals that GRE significantly affects the white matter fiber microstructure of the tumor.
ERPs in Children and Adolescents with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Before and after an Intervention Program
Authors: Zygouris Nikolaos C. , Vlachos Filippos , Stamoulis Georgios I.
Published: September 2022

According to DSM 5, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various topics that occupies the majority of the subject’s time for a period of at least six months. The aforementioned state causes distress and/or functional impairments. This paper presents the outcomes of a pilot study that evaluated the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and CBT with an SSRIs intervention program. The participants comprised 16 children and adolescents with GAD (8 males and 8 females) matched with 16 typically developing peers (8 males and 8 females) aged from 10 to 16 years old (M = 12.56 SD = 2.18). Baseline assessment consisted of event related potentials (ERPs), which indicated that participants with GAD presented cognitive deficits in attention and memory, as they exhibited longer P300 latencies. Following treatment with the CBT program and/or medication, children and adolescents with GAD did not present statistically significantly longer P300 latencies and reaction times in comparison to the control group. Lastly, children and adolescents who followed the CBT program or the CBT program with psychopharmacological assistance did not reveal statistically significant differences in 13 out of 15 topographic brain areas and in reaction time.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Blockchain in the Construction Industry: A Hybrid Approach Using PLS-SEM and fsQCA
Authors: Li Chunhao , Zhang Yuqian , Xu Yongshun
Published: September 2022

Blockchain is considered a breakthrough technology in the construction industry, with the potential to improve the trust environment and workflow of construction stakeholders. Although recent research offers hints regarding possible contributing elements to blockchain adoption in the construction industry, no specific study has addressed this topic. This knowledge gap hinders the adoption and promotion of blockchain in construction organizations. This study aimed to identify the determinants of blockchain adoption in the construction industry and verify the influence of the combination of various factors on adoption intention. Based on the technology–organization–environment framework, a conceptual model of blockchain adoption in the construction industry was constructed. Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires, and 244 professionals in the construction field participated in this study. To evaluate the model hypotheses, we used a two-stage partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) combination. The PLS-SEM revealed that factors such as compatibility, top management support, relative advantage, regulatory support, cost, competitive pressure, organizational readiness, and firm size significantly influence blockchain adoption. The fsQCA indicated that six causal conditions achieve high adoption intention. This is one of the first empirical studies on blockchain adoption in the construction industry, which can aid organizations, policymakers, and project participants in making informed decisions regarding the adoption of blockchain.
Safety and Efficacy of Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy for Thyroid Tumor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kang Yun Jin , Cho Jin-Hee , Stybayeva Gulnaz , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: September 2022

Background: To assess the safety and effectiveness of transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) in thyroid tumor. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar up to June 2022. Studies comparing outcomes and complications between TORT and control groups (robotic bilateral axillo-breast, trans-axillary, postauricular approach, conventional open thyroidectomy (OT), and transoral endoscopic approach) were analyzed. Results: Ten studies of 1420 individuals. The operative time (SMD 1.15, 95%CI [0.48; 1.89]) was significantly longer and the number of retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) (SMD −0.27, 95%CI [−0.39; −0.16]) was fewer in TORT than in the control group. The postoperative cosmetic satisfaction score (SMD 0.60, 95%CI [0.28; 0.92]) was statistically higher in TORT than in the control group. In subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference between robotic surgeries. However, TORT had significantly longer operative times (SMD 2.08, 95%CI [0.95; 3.20]) and fewer retrieved LNs (SMD −0.32, 95%CI [−0.46; −0.17]) than OT. TORT satisfied significantly more patients in cosmetic view. However, it increased hospitalization days and postoperative pain on the operation day and first day compared to OT. Conclusions: TORT is not inferior to other robotic-assisted approaches. Its operation time and hospitalization days are longer and postoperative pain is greater than OT, although its cosmetic satisfaction is high.
Diagnostic Accuracy of CT for Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression
Authors: Hallinan James Thomas Patrick Decourcy , Ge Shuliang , Zhu Lei , Zhang Wenqiao , Lim Yi Ting , Thian Yee Liang , Jagmohan Pooja , Kuah Tricia , Lim Desmond Shi Wei , Low Xi Zhen , Teo Ee Chin , Barr Kumarakulasinghe Nesaretnam , Yap Qai Ven , Chan Yiong Huak , Tan Jiong Hao , Kumar Naresh , Vellayappan Balamurugan A. , Ooi Beng Chin , Quek Swee Tian , Makmur Andrew
Published: September 2022

Background: Early diagnosis of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is vital to expedite therapy and prevent paralysis. Staging CT is performed routinely in cancer patients and presents an opportunity for earlier diagnosis. Methods: This retrospective study included 123 CT scans from 101 patients who underwent spine MRI within 30 days, excluding 549 CT scans from 216 patients due to CT performed post-MRI, non-contrast CT, or a gap greater than 30 days between modalities. Reference standard MESCC gradings on CT were provided in consensus via two spine radiologists (11 and 7 years of experience) analyzing the MRI scans. CT scans were labeled using the original reports and by three radiologists (3, 13, and 14 years of experience) using dedicated CT windowing. Results: For normal/none versus low/high-grade MESCC per CT scan, all radiologists demonstrated almost perfect agreement with kappa values ranging from 0.866 (95% CI 0.787–0.945) to 0.947 (95% CI 0.899–0.995), compared to slight agreement for the reports (kappa = 0.095, 95%CI −0.098–0.287). Radiologists also showed high sensitivities ranging from 91.51 (95% CI 84.49–96.04) to 98.11 (95% CI 93.35–99.77), compared to 44.34 (95% CI 34.69–54.31) for the reports. Conclusion: Dedicated radiologist review for MESCC on CT showed high interobserver agreement and sensitivity compared to the current standard of care.
Novel Insights into miR-944 in Cancer
Authors: Shen Jinze , Wang Qurui , Liang Chenhao , Su Xinming , Ke Yufei , Mao Yunan , Fang Jie , Duan Shiwei
Published: September 2022

miRNA is a class of endogenous short-chain non-coding RNAs consisting of about 22 nucleotides. miR-944 is located in the fourth intron of the TP63 gene in the 3q28 region. miR-944 is abnormally expressed in cancers in multiple systems including neural, endocrine, respiratory, reproductive, and digestive systems. miR-944 can target at least 27 protein-coding genes. miR-944 can regulate a series of cell behaviors, such as cell cycle, proliferation, invasion and migration, EMT, apoptosis, etc. miR-944 participates in the networks of 11 ceRNAs, including six circRNAs and five lncRNAs. miR-944 is involved in three signaling pathways. The abnormal expression of miR-944 is closely related to the clinicopathological conditions of various cancer patients. Deregulated expression of miR-944 is significantly associated with clinicopathology and prognosis in cancer patients. In addition, miR-944 is also associated with the development of DDP, RAPA, DOX, and PTX resistance in cancer cells. miR-944 is involved in the anticancer molecular mechanisms of matrine and Rhenium-liposome drugs. In conclusion, this work systematically summarizes the related findings of miR-944, which will provide potential hints for follow-up research on miR-944.
Preoperative Multiparametric Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlates with Prognosis and Recurrence Patterns in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qu Chao , Zeng Piaoe , Wang Hangyan , Guo Limei , Zhang Lingfu , Yuan Chunhui , Yuan Huishu , Xiu Dianrong
Published: September 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be associated with prognosis in some tumors; however, the correlation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains inconclusive. In this retrospective study, we ultimately included 136 patients and analyzed quantitative MRI parameters that are associated with prognosis and recurrence patterns in PDAC using survival analysis and competing risks models; all the patients have been operated on with histopathology and immunohistochemical staining for further evaluation. In intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), we found that pure-diffusion coefficient D value was an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.696, 95% CI: 1.003–2.869, p = 0.049) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR: 2.066, 95% CI: 1.252–3.409, p = 0.005). A low D value (≤1.08 × 10−3 mm2/s) was significantly associated with a higher risk of local recurrence (SHR: 5.905, 95% CI: 2.107–16.458, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with high D and f values had significantly better outcomes with adjuvant chemotherapy. Distant recurrence patients in the high-D value group who received chemotherapy may significantly improve their OS and RFS. It was found that preoperative multiparametric quantitative MRI correlates with prognosis and recurrence patterns in PDAC. Diffusion coefficient D value can be used as a noninvasive biomarker for predicting prognosis and recurrence patterns in PDAC.
T-Cell Density at the Invasive Margin and Immune Phenotypes Predict Outcome in Vulvar Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Burandt Eike , Blessin Niclas C. , Rolschewski Ann-Christin , Lutz Florian , Mandelkow Tim , Yang Cheng , Bady Elena , Reiswich Viktor , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Mahner Sven , Gregorio Nikolaus de , Klapdor Rüdiger , Kalder Matthias , Braicu Elena I. , Fürst Sophie , Klar Maximilian , Strauß Hans-Georg , Prieske Katharina , Wölber Linn
Published: September 2022

Background: Although quantification of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has become of increasing interest in immuno-oncology, only little is known about TILs infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and its predictive value in vulvar cancer. Methods: Immunohistochemistry and automated digital image analysis was applied to measure the densities of CD3+ (DAKO, #IR503) and CD8+ (DAKO, #IR623) TILs at the invasive margin and in the center of 530 vulvar squamous cell cancers. Results: An elevated density of CD3+ T-cell at the invasive margin was significantly associated with low tumor stage (p = 0.0012) and prolonged survival (overall survival [OS] p = 0.0027, progression free survival [PFS] p = 0.024) and was independent from tumor stage, nodal stage, grade, and HPV-status in multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). The prognostic impact of CD3+ cells in the center of the tumor was weaker compared to the invasive margin (OS p = 0.046, PFS p = 0.031) and lacking for CD8+ T-cell densities at any location (p ≥ 0.14 each). Unsupervised clustering of CD3+ and CD8+ T-cell densities identified three major subgroups corresponding to the immune desert (137 patients), immune excluded (220 patients) and immune inflamed phenotypes (133 patients). Survival analysis revealed a particular poor prognosis for the immune desert phenotype for OS (p = 0.0071) and PFS (p = 0.0027). Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a high prognostic value of CD3+ T-cells at the invasive margin and immune phenotypes in vulvar squamous cell cancer.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Multimodality and Sequential Therapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Riva Giuseppe , Pecorari Giancarlo
Published: September 2022

Multimodal and sequential treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) included induction chemotherapy, chemoradiation organ preservation protocols, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy [...]
Aberrant Sialylation in Cancer: Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Munkley Jennifer
Published: September 2022

The surface of every eukaryotic cell is coated in a thick layer of glycans that acts as a key interface with the extracellular environment. Cancer cells have a different ‘glycan coat’ to healthy cells and aberrant glycosylation is a universal feature of cancer cells linked to all of the cancer hallmarks. This means glycans hold huge potential for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. One key change in tumour glycosylation is increased sialylation, both on N-glycans and O-glycans, which leads to a dense forest of sialylated structures covering the cell surface. This hypersialylation has far-reaching consequences for cancer cells, and sialylated glycans are fundamental in tumour growth, metastasis, immune evasion and drug resistance. The development of strategies to inhibit aberrant sialylation in cancer represents an important opportunity to develop new therapeutics. Here, I summarise recent advances to target aberrant sialylation in cancer, including the development of sialyltransferase inhibitors and strategies to inhibit Siglecs and Selectins, and discuss opportunities for the future.
CC Chemokine Ligand-2: A Promising Target for Overcoming Anticancer Drug Resistance
Authors: Shi Zhenbo , Tu Jian , Ying Ying , Diao Yunlian , Zhang Ping , Liao Shu , Xiong Zhijuan , Huang Shibo
Published: September 2022

CC chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2), a proinflammatory chemokine that mediates chemotaxis of multiple immune cells, plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and promotes tumorigenesis and development. Recently, accumulating evidence has indicated that CCL2 contributes to the development of drug resistance to a broad spectrum of anticancer agents, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. It has been reported that CCL2 can reduce tumor sensitivity to drugs by inhibiting drug-induced apoptosis, antiangiogenesis, and antitumor immunity. In this review, we mainly focus on elucidating the relationship between CCL2 and resistance as well as the underlying mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of the role and mechanism of CCL2 in anticancer drug resistance may provide new therapeutic targets for reversing cancer resistance.
The Identification and Clinical Applications of Mutated Antigens in the Era of Immunotherapy
Authors: Kye Yae , Nagineni Lokesh , Gadad Shrikanth , Ramirez Fabiola , Riva Hannah , Fernandez Lorena , Samaniego Michelle , Holland Nathan , Yeh Rose , Takigawa Kei , Dhandayuthapani Subramanian , Chacon Jessica
Published: September 2022

The era of personalized cancer therapy is here. Advances in the field of immunotherapy have paved the way for the development of individualized neoantigen-based therapies that can translate into favorable treatment outcomes and fewer side effects for patients. Addressing challenges related to the identification, access, and clinical application of neoantigens is critical to accelerating the development of individualized immunotherapy for cancer patients.