bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rabies virus uniquely reprograms the transcriptome of human monocyte-derived macrophages
Authors: Embregts Carmen W.E. , Wentzel Annelieke S. , Dekker Alexander T. den , van IJcken Wilfred F.J. , Stadhouders Ralph , GeurtsvanKessel Corine H.
Published: January 2023

Macrophages are amongst the first immune cells that encounter rabies virus (RABV) at virus entry sites. Activation of macrophages is essential for the onset of a potent immune response, but insights into the effects of RABV on macrophage activation are scarce. In this study we performed high-throughput sequencing on RNA extracted from macrophages that were exposed to RABV for 48 hours, and compared their transcriptional profiles to that of non-polarized macrophages (M0), and macrophages polarized towards the canonical M1, M2a and M2c phenotypes. Our analysis revealed that RABV-stimulated macrophages show high expression of several M1, M2a and M2c signature genes. Apart from their partial resemblance to these phenotypes, unbiased clustering analysis revealed that RABV induces a unique and distinct polarization program. Closer examination revealed that RABV induced multiple pathways related to the interferon- and antiviral response, which were not induced under other classical polarization strategies. Surprisingly, our data show that RABV induces an activated rather than a fully suppressed macrophage phenotype, triggering virus-induced activation and polarization. This includes multiple genes with known antiviral (e.g. APOBEC3A, IFIT/OAS/TRIM genes), which may play a role in anti-RABV immunity.
High resolution upper crustal velocity and seismogenic structure of the Huoshan “seismic window” in the Dabie orogenic belt
Authors: Li Lingli , Yao Huajian , Zhang Bing , Li Junhui , Shu Peng , Yang Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaoli , Zhou Dongrui , Zhao Peng , Luo Jiaji
Published: February 2023

Huoshan “seismic window” is located in the northern margin of the Dabie Orogen belt, the contact zone between North China and the Yangtze plate, where the seismic activity is mainly concentrated in this area. Small earthquake swarms in this region often appear before significant moderate-strong earthquakes in East China. To reveal the fine structures of several faults and discuss their correlation with the seismic activity, a seismic array composed of 136 sets of short period seismometers was deployed in the Huoshan region and its surrounding areas. Ambient noise data were recorded for 1 month, and a 3-D velocity structure model of the upper crust was constructed. The results show that with the Meishan-Longhekou and Qingshan-Xiaotian faults as the boundary, the Dabie Mountain, Hefei Basin, North Dabie and North Huaiyang show exhibit obvious high and low velocity variation characteristics. The shallow crust along the NW-trending, normal Qingshan-Xiaotian fault, presents a high velocity zonal distribution, which is related to the large number of magmatic and metamorphic rocks exposed under the strong metamorphic power in this region. The NE-trending Tudiling-Luoerling fault comprised three groups of parallel and nearly vertical en echelon secondary faults in the upper crust, which control most of the seismic activities. A relatively low velocity anomaly is observed in the seismic concentrated occurrence layer near the intersection of the fault. It suggests that this area inherits the property of the low velocity detachment zone of the middle crust in the wing of the Dabie Mountain dome structure, and a relatively broken weak structural zone form near the intersection of the fault, which leads to the release of small strain accumulation, thus enriching small earthquake activities. The focal depth of earthquakes above ML3 mainly distribute along the Tudiling-Luoerling fault plane, which is indicated this fault is the main seismogenic fault of greater seismicity in Huoshan “seismic window”. This study provides an important model basis for reliable earthquake location, focal mechanism and the determination of possible earthquake risk sites, and provides a reference for the further study of small earthquake activity mechanism of other “seismic windows” in China.
Double systemic cytokine release syndrome following sequential infusion of anti-CD22 and anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for a central diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patient: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zheng Jing , Xiao Yao , Wu Xue Q. , Xiao Qiong Z. , Feng Chun , Gao Kai B.
Published: January 2023

Background

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell(CAR T-cell) therapy has been a great success in relapsed/refractory acute B lymphoblastic leukemia and B-cell lymphoma. At the same time, there are also related adverse reactions, especially cytokine release syndrome(CRS) and immune effector cell associated neurotoxicity syndrome(ICANS). However, Double CRS caused by CRA T cells are very rare.

Case report

Here, we report a 33-year-male with secondary central diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(CNSL) who develpoed double CRS following sequential infusion of Anti-CD22 and Anti-CD19 CAR T cells after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(ASCT). On d+5, the patient developed high fever, along with chilly sensation, shivering, headache, blood oxygen desaturation, shock, weakness, severe thirst, and heart rate decline. IL-6 and ferritin increased significantly. The patient was diagnosed with the first CRS (grade 3). On d+36, the patient again had a persistent fever(T>39C) and limbs rash. IL-6 and ferritin again increased significantly on d+38. After exclusion of infection, a diagnosis of double CRS was made. The patient’s symptoms were completely relieved after receiving tocilizumab, glucocorticoids, and other supportive treatments on d+45.On d+90, contrast-enhanced MR angiogram shows that the lesion basically disappeared, indicating the patient had achieved CR. At the end of the follow-up at d+150, the patient was functioning normally without any sequelae.

Conclusion

This is the first reported case worldwide where the patient with secondary CNSL suffered double CRS after CAR T-cell infusion. Our findings showed that it is important to increase awareness of early detection and diagnosis of double CRS and adopt appropriate treatment strategies.
Decreased granzyme-B expression in CD11c+CD8+ T cells associated with disease progression in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gao Lin , Hong Zhixian , Lei Guanglin , Guo An-Liang , Wang Fu-Sheng , Jiao Yan-Mei , Fu Junliang
Published: January 2023

Introduction

CD11c+CD8+ T cells are an unconventional CD8+ T cell subset that exerts antiviral activity in infectious diseases. However, its characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been elucidated.

Methods

Twenty-six patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC and 25 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. The frequency and phenotype of CD11c+CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood and tumors in situ were detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Both the HCC group and HC group had similar frequency and phenotype characteristics of CD11c+CD8+ T cells in the periphery. CD11c+CD8+ T cells were mainly composed of effector T cells, most of which were CD45RA+CCR7-. Compared with CD11c-CD8+ T cells, CD11c+CD8+ T cells had a higher proportion of CD38 and HLA-DR double positive, and expressed high levels of granzyme-B (GB) and degranulation marker CD107a, and produced high levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). However, the ability of degranulation and TNF-α production of CD11c+CD8+ T cells in patients with HCC were significantly lower than that in healthy controls. The GB expression level of peripheral CD11c+CD8+ T cells in patients with advanced stage of HCC was significantly lower than that in patients with early stage of HCC, and the GB expression level of liver-infiltrating CD11c+CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues was lower than that in non-tumor tissues. More importantly, the GB expression level of peripheral CD11c+CD8+ T cells was negatively correlated with tumor volume.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that CD11c+CD8+ T cells may have potential anti-tumor activity and that GB+CD11c+CD8+ T cells are associated with disease progression in patients with HBV-related HCC.
Gut microbiota: A novel and potential target for radioimmunotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yuan Hanghang , Gui Ruirui , Wang Zhicheng , Fang Fang , Zhao Hongguang
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers, with a high mortality rate, and is a major burden on human health worldwide. Gut microbiota regulate human immunity and metabolism through producing numerous metabolites, which act as signaling molecules and substrates for metabolic reactions in various biological processes. The importance of host-gut microbiota interactions in immunometabolic mechanisms in CRC is increasingly recognized, and interest in modulating the microbiota to improve patient’s response to therapy has been raising. However, the specific mechanisms by which gut microbiota interact with immunotherapy and radiotherapy remain incongruent. Here we review recent advances and discuss the feasibility of gut microbiota as a regulatory target to enhance the immunogenicity of CRC, improve the radiosensitivity of colorectal tumor cells and ameliorate complications such as radiotoxicity. Currently, great breakthroughs in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and others have been achieved by radioimmunotherapy, but radioimmunotherapy alone has not been effective in CRC patients. By summarizing the recent preclinical and clinical evidence and considering regulatory roles played by microflora in the gut, such as anti-tumor immunity, we discuss the potential of targeting gut microbiota to enhance the efficacy of radioimmunotherapy in CRC and expect this review can provide references and fresh ideas for the clinical application of this novel strategy.
Predictors and long-term outcome of intracranial hemorrhage after thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke—A prospective single-center study
Authors: Fekete Klára Edit , Héja Máté , Márton Sándor , Tóth Judit , Harman Aletta , Horváth László , Fekete István
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a potentially devastating disease with high disability and mortality. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is an effective treatment with a 2–8% possible risk for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Our aim was to investigate the risk factors and long-term clinical outcomes of ICH in patients after rt-PA treatment.

Methods

Consecutive patients with AIS, thrombolysed at the Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, between 1 January 2004 and 31 August 2016 were enrolled prospectively. Risk factors, stroke severity based on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), functional outcome using the modified Rankin scale, and mortality at 1 year were compared in patients with and without ICH following rt-PA treatment. We evaluated clinical characteristics and prognosis by hemorrhage type based on the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, the Mann–Whitney U-test, ANOVA, the Kruskal–Wallis test, a survival analysis, and logistic regression were performed as appropriate.

Results

Out of 1,252 patients with thrombolysis, ICH developed in 138 patients, with 37 (2.95%) being symptomatic. Mean ages in the ICH and non-ICH groups differed significantly (p = 0.041). On admission, the 24-h NIHSS after thrombolysis was higher in patients with ICH (p < 0.0001). Large vessel occlusion was more prevalent in patients with ICH (p = 0.0095). The ICH risk was lower after intravenous thrombolysis than intra-arterial or combined thrombolysis (p < 0.0001). Both at 3 months and 1 year, the outcome was worse in patients with ICH compared to patients without ICH group (p < 0.0001). Mortality and poor outcome were more prevalent in all hemorrhage types with a tendency for massive bleeding associated with unfavorable prognosis. At 3 months with the logistic regression model, the worse outcome was detected in patients with ICH after thrombolysis, at 1 year in patients with ICH after thrombolysis and smoking.

Discussion

Older age, higher NIHSS, large vessel occlusion, and intra-arterial thrombolysis may correlate with ICH. The unfavorable outcome is more common in patients with ICH. Precise scoring of post-thrombolysis bleeding might be a useful tool in the evaluation of the patient's prognosis. Our findings may help to identify predictors and estimate the prognosis of ICH in patients with AIS treated with rt-PA.
Survival effect of pre-RT PET-CT on cervical cancer: Image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy era
Authors: Su Chih-Hsiung , Chen Wan-Ming , Chen Mingchih , Shia Ben-Chang , Wu Szu-Yuan
Published: January 2023

Condensed abstract

No large-scale, well-designed randomized study with a long-term follow-up has evaluated the survival effect of pretreatment 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (18FDG-PET–CT) on patients with stage IB–IVA cervical cancer receiving image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT). This is the first head-to-head propensity score–matched, nationwide population-based cohort study evaluating this survival effect. The results revealed that pretreatment 18FDG-PET–CT might be associated with longer survival in patients with stage IB–IVA cervical cancer receiving radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy, especially in the IG-IMRT era.

Purpose

No large-scale, well-designed randomized study with a long-term follow-up has evaluated the survival effect of pretreatment 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (18FDG-PET–CT) on patients with stage IB–IVA cervical cancer receiving image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT). Therefore, in this propensity score–matched, population-based cohort study, we investigated these survival effects.

Patients and methods

We included 4167 patients with stage IB–IVA cervical cancer receiving radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) through the IG-IMRT technique. The patients were categorized into two 1:2 propensity score–matched groups depending on whether they underwent pretreatment 18FDG-PET–CT, and their outcomes were compared.

Results

We included 2778 and 1389 patients with cervical cancer in the nonpretreatment and pretreatment PET–CT groups, respectively. Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed an association between pretreatment PET–CT and improved survival in the patients (in the adjusted model, the adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] was 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80–0.97: P = 0.010). Regardless of the cancer stage (early or advanced), pretreatment PET–CT was significantly superior to nonpretreatment PET–CT in terms of all-cause death (aHR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.60–0.92; P = 0.013 and aHR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81–0.99; P = 0.039 for the early [IB–IIA] and advanced stages [IIB–IVA], respectively).

Conclusions

Pretreatment 18FDG-PET–CT might be associated with longer survival in patients with stage IB–IVA cervical cancer receiving RT or CCRT, especially in the era of IG-IMRT.
mTOR pathway as a potential therapeutic target for cancer stem cells in canine mammary carcinoma
Authors: Michishita Masaki , Ochiai Kazuhiko , Nakahira Rei , Azakami Daigo , Machida Yukino , Nagashima Tomokazu , Nakagawa Takayuki , Ishiwata Toshiyuki
Published: February 2023

Mammary adenocarcinoma, the most common cancer in female dogs, often exhibits the lymph node and lung metastases and has a higher mortality rate. However, mammary adenocarcinoma has no established treatment, except early surgical excision. Canine mammary carcinoma has many common features with human mammary carcinoma, including clinical characteristics, heterogeneity, and genetic aberrations, making it an excellent spontaneous tumor model for human breast cancer. Diverse cancers comprised heterogeneous cell populations originating from cancer stem cells (CSCs) with self-renewal ability. Therefore, in addition to conventional therapy, therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs are essential for cancer eradication. The present study aimed to extract inhibitors of canine mammary CSCs that suppress their self-renewal ability. Sphere-formation assay, which evaluates self-renewal ability, was performed for the canine mammary cancer cell lines CTBp and CNMp. The spheres formed in this assay were used in inhibitor library screening, which identified various signaling pathways such as proteosome, stress inducer, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The present study focused on the mTOR signaling pathway. Western blotting showed higher levels of phosphorylated mTOR in sphere-forming CTBp and CNMp cells than in adherent cells. Drug sensitivity examination using the mTOR inhibitors everolimus and temsirolimus revealed dose-dependent reductions in viability among both sphere-forming cells and adherent cells. Expression of phosphorylated mTOR in adherent and sphere-forming cells decreased by everolimus and temsirolimus treatment. In mice transplanted with CTBp-derived spheres, everolimus treatment significantly decreased tumor volume compared to control. These results reveal that the mTOR signaling pathway may be a potential to be a therapeutic target in both cancer cells and CSCs. Novel therapeutic strategies for canine mammary carcinoma are expected to benefit to human breast carcinoma as well.
Construction of a high-resolution genetic map and identification of single nucleotide polymorphism markers relevant to flower stalk height in onion
Authors: Li Yanwei , Huo Yumeng , Yang Yanyan , Wang Zhenbao , Sun Yaling , Liu Bingjiang , Wu Xiong
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Onion (Allium cepa L., 2n=16) is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop worldwide. Construction of a high-resolution genetic map and map-based gene mining in onion have lagged behind other vegetable crops such as tomato and pepper.

Methods

In this study, we constructed a high-resolution genetic map of onion using 321 F2 individuals from a cross between two double haploid lines DH-1×DH-17 and employing specific length amplified fragment (SLAF)-seq technology. The genetic map containing 10,584 polymorphic SLAFs with 21,250 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and 8 linkage groups was developed for onion, which spanned 928.32 cM, with an average distance of 0.09 cM between adjacent markers.

Results

Using this map, we carried out QTL mapping of Ms locus related to the male-fertile trait and reproduced previous mapping results, which proved that this map was of good quality. Then, four QTLs (located on LG2, LG5, and LG8) were detected for flower stalk height, explaining 26.60% of the phenotypic variance. Among them, we proposed that 20 SLAF markers (in three QTLs) of flower stalk height trait were effective favorable allelic variant markers associated with heterosis.

Discussion

Overall, the genetic map was structured using SLAF-seq based on DH lines, and it is the highest-quality and highest-resolution linkage map of onion to date. It lays a foundation for the fine mapping and candidate gene identification of flower stalk height, and provides new insights into the developmental genetic mechanisms in onion breeding.
Secondary and primary metabolites reveal putative resistance-associated biomarkers against Erysiphe necator in resistant grapevine genotypes
Authors: Ciubotaru Ramona Mihaela , Franceschi Pietro , Vezzulli Silvia , Zulini Luca , Stefanini Marco , Oberhuber Michael , Robatscher Peter , Chitarrini Giulia , Vrhovsek Urska
Published: January 2023

Numerous fungicide applications are required to control Erysiphe necator, the causative agent of powdery mildew. This increased demand for cultivars with strong and long-lasting field resistance to diseases and pests. In comparison to the susceptible cultivar ‘Teroldego’, the current study provides information on some promising disease-resistant varieties (mono-locus) carrying one E. necator-resistant locus: BC4 and ‘Kishmish vatkana’, as well as resistant genotypes carrying several E. necator resistant loci (pyramided): ‘Bianca’, F26P92, F13P71, and NY42. A clear picture of the metabolites’ alterations in response to the pathogen is shown by profiling the main and secondary metabolism: primary compounds and lipids; volatile organic compounds and phenolic compounds at 0, 12, and 48 hours after pathogen inoculation. We identified several compounds whose metabolic modulation indicated that resistant plants initiate defense upon pathogen inoculation, which, while similar to the susceptible genotype in some cases, did not imply that the plants were not resistant, but rather that their resistance was modulated at different percentages of metabolite accumulation and with different effect sizes. As a result, we discovered ten up-accumulated metabolites that distinguished resistant from susceptible varieties in response to powdery mildew inoculation, three of which have already been proposed as resistance biomarkers due to their role in activating the plant defense response.
Poor sleep quality and erectile dysfunction in students from a Peruvian University: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gutierrez-Velarde Pierina , Valladares-Garrido Mario J. , Peralta C. Ichiro , Vera-Ponce Victor J. , Grandez-Urbina J. Antonio
Published: February 2023

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the association between sleep quality and erectile dysfunction in young university students.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in men aged 18–30 years from Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru. The survey comprised the International Index of Erectile Function, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin questionnaire, and questions related to sociodemographic data. Prevalence ratios were estimated with generalized linear models.

Results

Of 381 participants, the median age was 23 years. Half of the students (50.9%) had poor sleep quality, of which 72.7% had mild erectile dysfunction and 20.6% mild to moderate dysfunction. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction was significantly higher in students with poor sleep quality than in students with good sleep quality (aPR = 6.48; 95% CI: 4.58–9.17) after adjusting for age, academic year, nutritional status, and sleep apnea. In a subsequent exploratory analysis, sleep apnea was associated with a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction (aPR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.01–1.39), while overweight (aPR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76–0.95) and obesity (aPR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.52–0.82) were associated with a lower prevalence of this condition.

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality was independently associated with erectile dysfunction in young university students. This finding suggests that male students are at risk for sexual problems due to possible academic demands and relationship issues.
Defying Gravity? On the Magic Tricks of Superfluids
Authors: Kosterlitz Michael
Published: January 2023

Physics is one of the best tools that we have for solving puzzles in our world. These puzzles can range from questions about common phenomena that you see around you—like the wind blowing through a tree’s branches, to questions about very rare and mysterious phenomena that happen only under specific conditions. My journey with physics led me to one very special phenomenon, in which a normal fluid is cooled down and suddenly changes its fundamental properties to become what is called a superfluid. In this article, I will walk you through the fascinating world of superfluids, present some of the interesting things they do, and explain how these materials tie in with the discovery that led me to winning a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2016.
Thermal Phenomena in Erythrocytes of the Black Sea Thornback Ray (Raja clavata L.) and Black Scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus L.) In Vitro
Authors: Silkin Yuriy A. , Silkin Mikhail Yu. , Silkina Elizaveta N. , Silkina Alla
Published: January 2023

An evolutionary development of the rheological characteristics of blood in the capillary blood flow is one of indicator of fishes’ adaptation for the changing temperature conditions. Our earlier studies showed that large, nucleated erythrocytes of the Black Sea thornback ray (Raja clavata L.) and scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus L.) had high ecto-ATPase activity. This activity varied from 3.0 to 3.9 and 6.0 to 10.0 nmol Fn/min/µL RBC in rays and scorpionfish, respectively. The use of thermal energy of ATP in the hydrolysis process made by ecto-ATPases in fish erythrocytes provided a heating of the plasma cells’ membrane and the near-wall plasma layer with an aim to improve the rheological characteristics of blood in the capillary blood flow. To confirm the proposed assumption, we studied thermal phenomena in erythrocytes suspensions of fishes by continuous recording of temperature changes in the experimental cell with fishes’ erythrocytes suspension with the addition of ATP (1 mg/mL) in vitro. A higher “thermal” activity of scorpionfish erythrocytes was established in comparison with erythrocytes of the thornback ray, which had the multiplicity of activity of ecto-ATPase in the plasma membranes of erythrocytes of the studied fishes. The presence of heat-producing activity of suspensions of erythrocytes of thornback ray and scorpionfish is evidence of the possible use of thermal energy of ATP hydrolysis by fish erythrocytes, both to maintain the functional state of the plasma membrane of red blood cells and to improve the rheological characteristics of blood in the capillary section of blood flow.
Embankments Damaged in the Magnitude Mw 6.4 Petrinja Earthquake and Remediation
Authors: Mihaljević Ivan , Zlatović Sonja
Published: February 2023

The main shock of the Petrinja earthquake occurred on 29 December 2020 with a magnitude Mw = 6.4. The earthquake and the aftershocks caused most of their damage in the alluvial plains of the rivers Kupa and Sava, where liquefaction occurred in the loose layers of sands and silty sands. Maybe most important was the damage to some of the embankments built in the mid-20th century to protect the area from floods. Longitudinal cracks along the embankments, in some places transverse cracks, followed by settlement, with some sandy ejecta near the embankments, were obvious consequences of liquefaction in the lower layers, and lateral spreading. The presence of the sandy layers at a depth of 6 to 8 m was known from previous investigations performed in order to improve the flood protection system. Representatives of the Croatian Waters Authorities (Hrvatske vode) who own, manage, and maintain the embankments, inspected all the embankments and, in the first days after the earthquake, carried out the necessary emergency repairs or built temporary secondary embankments. Soon after, the necessary investigation and design of the remediation began. In 2022, construction got underway. This paper gives an overview of the damage, an interpretation of the failure mechanisms, the rationale for the reconstruction methods and the solutions, together with a short overview of the liquefaction analysis performed.
Talimogene Laherparepvec (T-VEC): A Review of the Recent Advances in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Jou Tony Hong-Ting , Hsin Jerline , Wang Zhe , Huang Kelly , Ye Jian , Yin Holly , Xing Yan
Published: January 2023

The landscape of melanoma treatment has undergone a dramatic revolution in the past decade. The use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) represents a novel therapeutic approach that can selectively infect and lyse tumor cells and induce local and systemic antitumor immune responses. As the first OV approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for melanoma treatment, talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), a genetically modified herpes simplex virus (HSV), has shown promising therapeutic effects in the treatment of advanced melanoma, both as a monotherapy or in combination with other immunotherapies, such as the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). With proven efficacy, T-VEC has been evaluated against a variety of other cancer types in a clinical trial setting. In this article, we will provide a review on OVs and the application of T-VEC in melanoma monotherapy and combination therapy. In addition, we will review the recent progress of T-VEC application in other cutaneous cancer types. Moreover, we will briefly describe our experience of T-VEC therapy at City of Hope, aiming to provide more insight for expanding its future application.
The Concept of WC-CrC-Ni Plasma-Sprayed Coating with the Addition of YSZ Nanopowder for Cylinder Liner Applications
Authors: Goral Marek , Kubaszek Tadeusz , Grabon Wieslaw A. , Grochalski Karol , Drajewicz Marcin
Published: January 2023

In the article, the new concept of plasma-sprayed coatings for the cylinder liner was presented. The new type of powder containing WC-CrC-Ni with a 5 and 10 wt. % addition of nano-YSZ powder was plasma-sprayed on aluminum 2017 alloy samples. The selection of optimal plasma-spraying parameters was made taking into account the thickness, porosity, and hardness of the coatings. For the coatings obtained according to the developed parameters, the analysis of their microstructure, chemical, and phase composition was performed. At the next stage, the friction coefficient of the developed coatings was tested and compared with the properties of a classic cast-iron cylinder liner. The obtained results suggest that the developed type of coating might be used for cylinder liner applications after a deeper friction analysis.
Diabetes Mellitus and Hearing Loss: A Complex Relationship
Authors: Gioacchini Federico Maria , Pisani Davide , Viola Pasquale , Astorina Alessia , Scarpa Alfonso , Libonati Fernanda Asprella , Tulli Michele , Re Massimo , Chiarella Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Discussion is open about the relationship between diabetes (DM) and hearing loss (HL). There is a lot of evidence in the literature suggesting a causal link between these conditions, beyond being considered simple comorbidities. The difficulty in identifying populations free from confounding factors makes it difficult to reach definitive conclusions on the pathophysiological mechanisms at play. Nonetheless, there is numerous evidence that demonstrates how the population affected by DM is more affected by sensorineural HL (SNHL) and exhibit a higher prevalence of idiopathic sudden sensorineural HL (ISSNHL). Materials and Methods: Articles reporting potentially relevant information were reviewed, and the most significant results are discussed in this article. Starting from the possible mechanisms relating to auditory impairment in the diabetic condition, this article summarizes the studies on auditory evaluation in subjects with DM1 and DM2 and addresses the relationship between DM and ISSNHL. Results: DM is considered a risk factor for SNHL, although some studies have reported no relationship when the associations were adjusted for age, gender, and hypertension. Macro and microvascular insults that cause decreased blood flow, oxygen exchange, and ion transport are major complications of hypertension and DM and can have a direct effect on the sensory and support cells of the cochlea. Conclusions: Given the difficulty of carrying out studies on populations without confounding factors, new laboratory studies are strongly required to clarify which specific physiopathological mechanisms underlie the diabetic damage caused to the hearing organs and how pharmacological management may contribute to counteracting the pathophysiological effects of the diabetic condition on the auditory system.
Tilt Correction of Panoramic Images for a Holistic Visual Homing Method with Planar-Motion Assumption
Authors: Berganski Christoph , Hoffmann Annika , Möller Ralf
Published: February 2023

Holistic local visual homing based on warping of panoramic images relies on some simplifying assumptions about the images and the environment to make the problem more tractable. One of these assumptions is that images are captured on flat ground without tilt. While this might be true in some environments, it poses a problem for a wider real-world application of warping. An extension of the warping framework is proposed where tilt-corrected images are used as inputs. The method combines the tilt correction of panoramic images with a systematic search through hypothetical tilt parameters, using an image distance measure produced by warping as the optimization criterion. This method not only improves the homing performance of warping on tilted images, but also allows for a good estimation of the tilt without requiring additional sensors or external image alignment. Experiments on two newly collected tilted panoramic image databases confirm the improved homing performance and the viability of the proposed tilt-estimation scheme. Approximations of the tilt-correction image transformations and multiple direct search strategies for the tilt estimation are evaluated with respect to their runtime vs. estimation quality trade-offs to find a variant of the proposed methods which best fulfills the requirements of practical applications.
Application of Machine Learning Algorithms to the Discretization Problem in Wearable Electrical Tomography Imaging for Bladder Tracking
Authors: Baran Bartłomiej , Kozłowski Edward , Majerek Dariusz , Rymarczyk Tomasz , Soleimani Manuchehr , Wójcik Dariusz
Published: February 2023

The article presents the implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms for the problem of discretization in Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) adapted for urinary tract monitoring. The primary objective of discretization is to create a finite element mesh (FEM) classifier that will separate the inclusion elements from the background. In general, the classifier is designed to detect the area of elements belonging to an inclusion revealing the shape of that object. We show the adaptation of supervised learning methods such as logistic regression, decision trees, linear and quadratic discriminant analysis to the problem of tracking the urinary bladder using EIT. Our study focuses on developing and comparing various algorithms for discretization, which perfectly supplement methods for an inverse problem. The innovation of the presented solutions lies in the originally adapted algorithms for EIT allowing for the tracking of the bladder. We claim that a robust measurement solution with sensors and statistical methods can track the placement and shape change of the bladder, leading to effective information about the studied object. This article also shows the developed device, its functions and working principle. The development of such a device and accompanying information technology came about in response to particularly strong market demand for modern technical solutions for urinary tract rehabilitation.
Central Arterial Dynamic Evaluation from Peripheral Blood Pressure Waveforms Using CycleGAN: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Aguirre Nicolas , Cymberknop Leandro J. , Grall-Maës Edith , Ipar Eugenia , Armentano Ricardo L.
Published: February 2023

Arterial stiffness is a major condition related to many cardiovascular diseases. Traditional approaches in the assessment of arterial stiffness supported by machine learning techniques are limited to the pulse wave velocity (PWV) estimation based on pressure signals from the peripheral arteries. Nevertheless, arterial stiffness can be assessed based on the pressure–strain relationship by analyzing its hysteresis loop. In this work, the capacity of deep learning models based on generative adversarial networks (GANs) to transfer pressure signals from the peripheral arterial region to pressure and area signals located in the central arterial region is explored. The studied signals are from a public and validated virtual database. Compared to other works in which the assessment of arterial stiffness was performed via PWV, in the present work the pressure–strain hysteresis loop is reconstructed and evaluated in terms of classical machine learning metrics and clinical parameters. Least-square GAN (LSGAN) and Wasserstein GAN with gradient penalty (WGAN-GP) adversarial losses are compared, yielding better results with LSGAN. LSGAN mean ± standard deviation of error for pressure and area pulse waveforms are 0.8 ± 0.4 mmHg and 0.1 ± 0.1 cm2, respectively. Regarding the pressure–strain elastic modulus, it is achieved a mean absolute percentage error of 6.5 ± 5.1%. GAN-based deep learning models can recover the pressure–strain loop of central arteries while observing pressure signals from peripheral arteries.
Research and Application of Energy-Efficient Management Approach for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Jinmeng , Lv Jianxun , Zhao Penghui , Sun Yucheng , Yuan Haiwen , Xu Hai
Published: February 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are widely used in industrial applications. However, many of them have limited lifetimes, which has been a considerable constraint on their widespread use. As a typical application of WSNs, distributed measurement of the electric field under high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission lines also suffers from this issue. This paper first introduces the composition of the electric-field measurement system (EFMS) and its working principle. Considering the actual power supply of the system, this paper mainly introduces the composition of the wireless sensor node (WSND) and analyzes the power consumption and potential working state transformation of the WSND, together with a comprehensive study on parameters affecting the power consumption of the wireless communication unit. Moreover, an energy-efficient scheduling approach is proposed after specially designing a working sequence and the study on system parameters. The proposed approach is verified by experiments on not only the experimental line of the national HVDC test base, but also a commercial operation HVDC transmission line with the challenge of long endurance, which is considered in this paper with a new strategy. The results show that the proposed method can greatly extend the lifetime of the WSND.
Reliability and Discriminative Validity of Wearable Sensors for the Quantification of Upper Limb Movement Disorders in Individuals with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Vanmechelen Inti , Bekteshi Saranda , Haberfehlner Helga , Feys Hilde , Desloovere Kaat , Aerts Jean-Marie , Monbaliu Elegast
Published: February 2023

Background—Movement patterns in dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP) are characterized by abnormal postures and involuntary movements. Current evaluation tools in DCP are subjective and time-consuming. Sensors could yield objective information on pathological patterns in DCP, but their reliability has not yet been evaluated. The objectives of this study were to evaluate (i) reliability and (ii) discriminative ability of sensor parameters. Methods—Inertial measurement units were placed on the arm, forearm, and hand of individuals with and without DCP while performing reach-forward, reach-and-grasp-vertical, and reach-sideways tasks. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for reliability, and Mann–Whitney U-tests for between-group differences. Results—Twenty-two extremities of individuals with DCP (mean age 16.7 y) and twenty individuals without DCP (mean age 17.2 y) were evaluated. ICC values for all sensor parameters except jerk and sample entropy ranged from 0.50 to 0.98 during reach forwards/sideways and from 0.40 to 0.95 during reach-and-grasp vertical. Jerk and maximal acceleration/angular velocity were significantly higher for the DCP group in comparison with peers. Conclusions—This study was the first to assess the reliability of sensor parameters in individuals with DCP, reporting high between- and within-session reliability for the majority of the sensor parameters. These findings suggest that pathological movements of individuals with DCP can be reliably captured using a selection of sensor parameters.
Vertical Nystagmus Recognition Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Li Haibo , Yang Zhifan
Published: February 2023

Vertical nystagmus is a common neuro-ophthalmic sign in vestibular medicine. Vertical nystagmus not only reflects the functional state of vertical semicircular canal but also reflects the effect of otoliths. Medical experts can take nystagmus symptoms as the key factor to determine the cause of dizziness. Traditional observation (visual observation conducted by medical experts) may be biased subjectively. Visual examination also requires medical experts to have enough experience to make an accurate diagnosis. With the development of science and technology, the detection system for nystagmus can be realized by using artificial intelligence technology. In this paper, a vertical nystagmus recognition method is proposed based on deep learning. This method is mainly composed of a dilated convolution layer module, a depthwise separable convolution module, a convolution attention module, a Bilstm−GRU module, etc. The average recognition accuracy of the proposed method is 91%. Using the same training dataset and test set, the recognition accuracy of this method for vertical nystagmus was 2% higher than other methods.
Separation of Ilmenite from Vanadium Titanomagnetite by Combining Magnetic Separation and Flotation Processes
Authors: Zhu Fuxing , Ma Zhanshan , Qiu Kehui , Peng Weixing
Published: January 2023

Vanadium titanomagnetite (VTM) is an important mineral for developing titanium resources, but the comprehensive recovery of ilmenite separation is extremely poor, resulting in the low-efficiency utilization of titanium resources. Here, the separation of ilmenite from VTM ore is studied by combining magnetic separation and flotation technologies. In particular, the floatability of mixed MOH/PG-1 collectors is thoroughly investigated. The results show that a concentrate with a TiO2 grade of 9.90% can be separated via weak magnetic separation and coarse particle tailing dumping. The concentrate grade is then increased to 14.32% via strong magnetic separation and floating separation of sulfur minerals. Finally, a TiO2 grade of 46.34% is obtained through closed-circuit flotation using mixed MOH/PG-1 collectors. The mixed collectors are very efficient and can enhance the chemical adsorption of the Ti4+, Fe3+, and Fe2+ ions in the ilmenite concentrate compared with the MOH collector, thereby increasing the TiO2 grade and recovery by 3.31% and 1.20%, respectively. This is beneficial for improving the comprehensive utilization of titanium resources in VTM ores.
Optimising personal continuity: a survey of GPs’ and older patients’ views
Authors: Groot Lex , te Winkel Marije , Schers Henk , Burgers Jako , Smalbrugge Martin , Uijen Annemarie , van der Horst Henriëtte , Maarsingh Otto
Published: January 2023

Background

Personal continuity — having a GP who knows their patients and keeps track of them — is an important dimension of continuity of care and is associated with lower mortality rates, higher quality of life, and reduced healthcare costs. In recent decades it has become more challenging for GPs to provide personal continuity owing to changes in society and health care.

Aim

To investigate GPs’ and older patients’ views on personal continuity and how personal continuity can be improved.

Design & setting

Cross sectional survey study in The Netherlands.

Method

A digital and postal survey was sent to 499 GPs and 1599 patients aged 65 years or older. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for open questions.

Results

In total, 249 GPs and 582 patients completed the surveys. A large majority of GPs (92–99%) and patients (91–98%) felt it was important for patients to see their own GP for life events or psychosocial issues. GPs and patients provided suggestions on how personal continuity can be improved. The thematic analysis of these suggestions identified nine themes: 1) personal connection, 2) GP accessibility and availability, 3) communication about (dis)continuity, 4) GP responsibility, 5) triage, 6) time for the patient, 7) actions by third parties, 8) team continuity, and 9) GP vocational training.

Conclusion

Both GPs and older patients still place high value on personal continuity in the context of a changing society. GPs and patients provided a wide range of suggestions for improving personal continuity. The authors will use these suggestions to develop interventions for optimising personal continuity in general practice.
News on old sites: the Middle Palaeolithic occupation at Cheia – La Izvor (Southeastern Romania)
Authors: Doboş Adrian , Dumitraşcu Valentin
Published: January 2023

Articolul de față prezintă noi date despre situl paleolitic de la Cheia – La Izvor. Au fost obținute noi date radiocarbon care confirmă vârsta sitului în jur de 36 ka BP (cca 40 ka cal BP). Analiza faunistică arată că peștera pare să fi funcționat ca un adăpost pentru carnivore, ursul de peșteră fiind predominant. La acumularea oaselor au contribuit cel mai probabil și alte carnivore, precum hienele de peșteră, lupii și vulpile care au introdus elemente de la animale de talie mare, medie și mică. Pe oase nu au fost identificate urme antropice. Industria litică, restrânsă numeric dar conținând aproape exclusiv unelte, indică una sau mai multe ocupări de scurtă durată.
FORMATION OF TRANSNATIONAL LABOR FLOWS IN CONDITIONS OF THE LABOR MARKET GLOBALIZATION: CONCEPTUAL DISCOURSE
Authors: Kalinin V.
Published: January 2023

The article considers the formation of international labor flows at the stage of the labor market globalization. The formation of the global labor space as the basis for the world economy development is certified. The role of transnational corporations in the development of the world labor market is highlighted. It is established that the globalization of labor supply of the economy is a manifestation of the labor market transnationalization: transnational structures form a separate segment of the world labor market with its own patterns of labor movement, causing the phenomenon of labor flows transnationalization. It’s stated that segmentation of the world labor market indicates the peculiarities of demand for labor resources, their skills and the international labor division - the labor force in the world labor market is diverse and differs from the one which appears only in national markets, it is characterized by high mobility and adaptability employers. The concentration of human resources of the required quality, knowledge and experience within TNCs, as well as the global organization of management allow such companies to optimally locate structural units on a global scale. Taking advantage of the transnational structure, they can benefit from international differences in the business cycle, productivity, characteristics of demand, taxation, etc. It is emphasized that a special segment of the transnational labor space is highly qualified workers. It is substantiated that in the long run transnational corporations will play a crucial role in generating requirements for quality labor force indicators worldwide. The formation of the phenomenon of labor flows transnationalization is characterized, the emergence of the self-organization effect of these labor flows is stated. It is concluded that the activities of transnational corporations lead to the phenomenon of labor world economic division, in which human capital is positioned as a source of companies’ competitiveness