bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving Financial Feasibility and Carbon Emission Reduction: Retrofit of a Bangkok Shopping Mall Using Calibrated Simulation
Authors: Charoenvisal Kongkun , Sreshthaputra Atch , Pinich Sarin
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the building energy retrofit potential of a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand, using a combined building energy modeling and economic analysis approach to achieve a balance between carbon emission reduction and financial feasibility. The study adopted ASHRAE Guideline 14, a standard for energy modeling accuracy, using whole-building calibrated simulation to evaluate the energy, energy cost, and operational carbon emission reduction achievable through the proposed energy conservation measures. The calibrated model demonstrated high accuracy, achieving an NMBE of 1.10% and CVRMSE of 3.77% for energy consumption, and NMBE of 0.15% and CVRMSE of 5.44% for peak energy demand compared to the monthly data. The economic analysis employed indicators such as NS, AIRR, and DPB, along with MACC analysis, to assess the financial viability of the ECMs and examine the impact of carbon credit cost savings on the analysis results. This case study highlights the critical role of energy modeling and economic analysis in evaluating building retrofits. The findings demonstrate the potential for carbon emission reduction and financial benefits with the case study building achieving up to 12.5% energy cost savings and carbon emission reduction based on a prospective building lifespan of 40 years without compromising financial sustainability.
Model Design and Application for Excavation Face Stability in Upward Shield Tunneling
Authors: Wang Xiao , Li Yijie , Wei Gang , Wei Xinjiang , Yan Zihai , Yan Jiajia , Li Baojian
Published: August 2024

The emerging upward shield method (USM) for constructing vertical shafts has been used in various projects, including the Midosuji utility tunnel in Japan. A scaled-down model testing system, featuring a geometric similarity ratio of 1:30, was developed specifically for studying the USM. This system incorporates sand inflow control, propulsion control, data acquisition, and water level control. It facilitates detailed observation and recording of parameters such as vertical displacement of surface soil layers, support force at the excavation face, and earth pressure within the model box. Consequently, it enables investigation into the excavation face instability process, modes, and the formation and evolution of the soil arch zone above the excavation face during upward shield tunneling. Additionally, through the application of particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology and GeoPIV-RG software v1.1, quantitative analysis of soil displacement fields during excavation face instability is conducted, capturing microscopic displacements and deformations of soil planes. This approach more accurately elucidates the accuracy of understanding the dynamic response of soil. Pre-test research using the model testing system explores the variation patterns of excavation face load displacement, vertical earth pressure within the failure zone, surface displacement, and internal soil displacement during the instability process. Analysis reveals that excavation face load variation typically progresses through three stages: rapid growth, slow growth, and descent. Moreover, vertical earth pressure shifts upward in tandem with excavation face displacement, while overall surface displacement initially shows slight settlement followed by accelerated uplift.
Synergizing BIM and Value Engineering in the Construction of Residential Projects: A Novel Integration Framework
Authors: Gouda Mohamed Ahmed , Alqahtani Fahad K. , Ismail Elhassan Reda , Nabawy Mohamed
Published: August 2024

This study explores integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Value Engineering (VE) to enhance cost management and project value optimization in residential construction. The primary aim is to develop a comprehensive framework that synergizes 5th Dimension Building Information Modeling (5D BIM) with VE processes to identify and evaluate the most cost-effective construction alternatives. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research includes an extensive review of existing practices, an integrated BIM-VE framework proposal, and the application of 5D BIM principles to improve visualization, cost estimation, and scheduling. The findings reveal that integrating BIM and VE significantly enhances project efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Specifically, the case study of a twin villa project demonstrates a 42% reduction in floor material costs and a 30% reduction in door material costs, resulting in an overall project cost savings of 35%. Additionally, the integrated approach contributes to a 15% reduction in project duration and a notable improvement in design quality and stakeholder collaboration. This research contributes significantly by providing a robust framework for BIM and VE integration, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize cost management practices in the construction industry. The novelty of this study lies in its detailed and practical approach to merging BIM with VE, offering a viable solution for resource optimization and sustainable building practices. This study highlights the transformative potential of BIM-VE integration, advocating for its broader adoption to achieve superior project outcomes.
Experimental Investigation and Analysis of Bond–Slip Behavior between Geopolymer Concrete and Steel Tube with Varying Structural Measures
Authors: Li Dandan , Wu Cuilian , Song Hang , Li Linchang , Lv Guanru , Yang Fei
Published: August 2024

In this study, push-out tests were conducted on 20 specimens to explore the bond–slip performance of geopolymer concrete-filled steel tubes. The investigation focused on the effects of various design parameters such as length–diameter ratio, diameter–thickness ratio, concrete strength, and internal structural measures of the steel tube on the bond–slip performance. Analysis of the test phenomena, load–slip curves, and strain distribution curves of each specimen revealed insights into the shear strength calculation methods for welded stud structure and ring rib structure specimens. The results indicated a slight buckling deformation at the loading end of the steel tube in the structural specimen, while no significant deformation was observed in the non-structural specimen. The strain distribution along the height direction of the steel tube exhibited a triangular pattern, with the strain increasing gradually. Improvements in the interfacial bonding performance were noted with reductions in length–diameter ratio and diameter–thickness ratio of the steel tube, as well as increases in concrete strength. When the steel tube wall thickness t increases from 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm, the peak load of GC30-1 increases from 382.13 kN to 419.59 kN, an increase of 9.81%. After improving the concrete strength of GC30-1 and GC30-3 specimens, the peak load increases from 382.13 kN and 274.54 kN to 436.46 kN and 306.12 kN, respectively, an increase of 14.2% and 11.5%. Furthermore, the welding structure of the steel tube significantly enhanced the shear bearing capacity of the interface. The ratio of load calculation value to test value fell within the range of 0.917 to 1.098, indicating good agreement between the calculated and experimental values. These research results can provide reference for engineering applications of geopolymer concrete.
Urban Canyon Design with Aspect Ratio and Street Tree Placement for Enhanced Thermal Comfort: A Comprehensive Thermal Comfort Assessment Accounting for Gender and Age in Seoul, Republic of Korea
Authors: Park Kihong , Jun Changhyun , Baik Jongjin , Kim Hyeon-Joon
Published: August 2024

Rapid urbanization and increased human activity have negatively impacted the microclimate of cities, leading to unfavorable conditions for human thermal comfort, particularly in outdoor spaces. Thermal comfort can be improved through various means, such as adjusting the height of urban buildings, the aspect ratio of road widths, and the placement of street trees. This study employed the ENVI-met software V5.5.1 to simulate the microclimate based on aspect ratio (H/W = 1.5) and street tree spacing (6 m) similar to actual conditions with different aspect ratios (H/W = 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0) and street tree spacing (2 m) in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Thermal comfort was assessed through a comprehensive predicted mean vote (PMV) evaluation, considering the gender (male and female) and age (8, 35, and 80 years) of residents in the target area, to determine the optimal urban canyon scenario. The results of the study indicated that the height of the building and the percentage of trees had a significant impact on the temperature and PMV results. When comparing PMV results, women have higher thermal vulnerability than men, and based on age, older adults have higher thermal vulnerability. The aspect ratio of 1.5 and tree spacing of 2 m resulted in the lowest temperature of 35.91 °C at 12:00 p.m. at 0° wind direction and 36.09 °C at 90° wind direction, lower than the actual input value of 36.9 °C. The PMV values were also under the same conditions, with an average PMV by gender of 3.87 at 0° and 4.21 at 90° and an average PMV by age of 3.86 at 0° and 4.19 at 90°. This finding is significant because it can inform the development of planned cities that prioritize urban thermal comfort during summer. This can be achieved through the strategic design of urban canyons and incorporation of street trees in both new and existing cities.
Leader and Employee Behavioral Decision-Making in Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Projects under Psychological Contract Theory
Authors: Gao Peiao , Liu Sijing , Zeng Lianghui , Peng Jie , Wang Yuhan , Zhang Hao , Li Xingwei
Published: August 2024

Although the beneficial role of enterprises in the management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) should not be overlooked, existing relevant studies have neglected to address the specific effects of the behavioral decisions of leaders and employees within enterprises in CDW recycling projects. This study creatively introduces psychological contract theory into the field of CDW management and aims to reveal the mechanism of recycling participation behaviors between leaders and employees in CDW recycling projects. Using the Stackelberg game method, a model consisting of leaders and employees in the construction enterprise was constructed to analyze the optimal decision-making of the enterprise under two cases of whether or not the employees contributed additional effort. The conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) The profits of construction enterprise leaders are always positively correlated with the degree of employee additional effort. Unlike the case of leaders, the effect of additional effort on employee profits hinges on the coefficient of employee additional effort. When the coefficient of employee additional effort is below the threshold, excessive additional effort can negatively impact their own profits. When the additional effort coefficient exceeds the threshold, the employee profits are positively related to the degree of additional effort. (2) Similar to the change in employee profits, the change in the total profit of the construction enterprise with the degree of additional effort is influenced by the additional effort coefficient. However, as the additional effort coefficient increases, the total profit of the enterprise shows a significant increase before employee profits. This study enriches the theoretical study of psychological contracts and provides guidance for decision-making between leaders and employees in the management of CDW recycling projects.
Crack Identification Method for Prefabricated Concrete Pavement Based on Distributed Strain Monitoring
Authors: Tang Yongsheng , Zheng Bohan , Yu Tao
Published: August 2024

It is meaningful to monitor and identify concrete cracks as they will seriously reduce the fatigue life of pavement. In this paper, a new method based on distributed long-gauge optic fiber sensing is proposed to implement crack identification. Firstly, the damage indicator, namely strain curve envelope area ratio (SCEAR), is proposed and calculated with the measured strain in time series when the plane goes across the pavement where the sensors are installed. Then, the indicators with different sensors are normalized by the value of the indicator from one referenced sensor where damage normally will not happen. If the crack happens within the sensing gauge of the sensor, the value of the damage indicator SCEAR from the sensor will increase. Therefore, the crack will be identified with the change of the damage indicator. The effect of the proposed method is first verified by some simulations of prefabricated pavement as the cracks can be accurately identified by the proposed method. Moreover, the influence of the aircraft, such as taxiing position, aircraft load, and aircraft type, is not obvious enough to mislead the identification results. Lastly, the static loading tests were implemented with one small-scale model of prefabricated concrete pavement in the lab. From the experimental results, the prefabricated cracks inside the pavement slab can be identified accurately with the proposed method as the parameter SCEAR is increased by about 100% at the crack position, while it is only changed by about 3% at the undamaged position.
Deformation Effects of Deep Foundation Pit Excavation on Retaining Structures and Adjacent Subway Stations
Authors: Jiang Zhijian , Zhu Shu , Que Xiangcheng , Ge Xinliang
Published: August 2024

In complex underground conditions, the excavation of deep foundation pits has a significant impact on the deformation of retaining structures and nearby subway stations. To investigate the influence of deep excavation on the deformation of adjacent structures, a three-dimensional numerical model of the foundation pit, existing subway station, and tunnel structure was established using FLAC 3D software, based on the Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters C Tower foundation pit project. The study analyzed the deformation characteristics of retaining structures, adjacent subway stations, and tunnels during different stages of deep excavation, and the accuracy of the numerical simulation results was validated through field monitoring data. The results indicate that during the excavation process of the foundation pit, the lateral horizontal displacement of the retaining structure is generally small, with a typical “concave inward” lateral deformation curve; the horizontal displacement value of the contiguous wall section is less than that of the interlocking pile section. The bending moments of the retaining structure show a distribution pattern with larger values in the middle and smaller values at the top and bottom of the pit, with a relatively uniform distribution of internal support forces. The maximum displacement of the nearby subway station is 8.75 mm, and the maximum displacement of the subway tunnel is 2.29 mm. The research findings can provide references for evaluating the impact of newly built foundation pits near subway stations and contribute to the rational design and safe construction of new projects.
Study on Mechanical Response and Constitutive Model of Rubber Concrete under Impact Load and Water Content Coupling
Authors: Ling Ru , Zhou Chenhao , Wu Rui , Xie Ying , Wu Chao
Published: August 2024

Impact tests were implemented on concrete with five different types of rubber content utilizing a separated Hopkinson bar with a 50 mm diameter for investigating the mechanical performance of and damage variations in rubber concrete under the coupling effect of water content and impact load. The findings indicate that regular concrete is commonly stronger than rubber concrete, but rubber concrete has better plasticity. At the same time, with an increase in water content, the peak stress of rubber concrete increases gradually, among which RC-6-3 exhibits better mechanical behavior. Water content and rubber content have a significant influence on the fractal dimension of rubber concrete, showing that the fractal dimension is proportional to the amount of glue and inversely proportional to the water content, and RC-12-2 can be used to judge the damage degree of a specimen. As the content of water and rubber grows, so does the rate of energy use. The ratio of transmitted to incident energy decreases gradually as the rubber content increases and is enhanced as the water content is elevated. Among the specimens, tests on RC-9 resulted in the opposite conclusion. In the same water content state, there is a negative association between the content of rubber and the ratio of reflected energy to incident energy. In the natural state, RC-6 rubberized concrete exhibits a significant downward inflection point in the ratio of reflected energy to incident energy. Finally, based on the unified strength theory, a new damage constitutive model of rubber concrete is established and verified.
Identification of Contractual and Financial Dispute Causes in the Off-Site Construction Projects
Authors: Yıldıran Merve Pelinsu , Demirdöğen Gökhan
Published: August 2024

Off-site construction (OFC) is a hot topic to remedy the chronic issues of the construction industry, such as low levels of productivity, waste, safety risks, environmental pollution, poor quality, and time and cost issues. However, the lack of standards and knowledge about OFC projects hamper the adaptation process. Disputes are one of the most important hampering factors. Therefore, this study aims to identify contractual and financial disputes and to detect the importance level of disputes in OFC projects. In the study, the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) technique, Pythagorean fuzzy AHP, and fuzzy TOPSIS were employed. As a result of FGD, 42 dispute causes for off-site construction projects were found. The Pythagorean fuzzy AHP method was used to calculate the weights of the criteria (occurrences, severity, and detection) that were used in the evaluation of dispute causes. The Pythagorean fuzzy AHP analysis results indicated that “detection” is more important than other criteria in the evaluation of off-site construction dispute causes. After that, the fuzzy TOPSIS method was used to determine the importance level of off-site construction dispute causes. The analysis results showed that “Increase in contract value due to revision in scope of work” in the contractual factor group and “Extra money for the additional works” in the financial factor group are the most important dispute causes, respectively. The study findings can be used for the evaluation and analysis of OFC project contracts.
A Highly Efficient Tribocatalysis of La/ZnO Powders for Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Ivanova Dobrina K. , Stefanov Bozhidar I. , Kaneva Nina V.
Published: August 2024

Tribocatalysis is a promising environmental remediation technique that utilizes the triboelectric effect, produced when dissimilar materials interact through friction, to generate charges promoting catalytic reactions. In this work, the tribocatalytic degradation of an organic dye—Rhodamine B (RhB)—has been experimentally realized using pure and 2 mol.% La-modified/ZnO powders, synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method. The effects of annealing on the tribocatalytic activity of the La/ZnO catalysts are also studied at 100 and 500 °C. The La/ZnO-modified catalysts showed an enhanced RhB degradation efficiency with 92% removal within 24 h, compared to only 58% for the pure ZnO. The effects of annealing were found to be detrimental, with RhB removal efficiencies dropping from 92 to 69% in the 100–500 °C range. The catalysts’ cycling stability was found to be excellent within three cycles. Ultimately, it is demonstrated that by utilizing La/ZnO powders, contaminated wastewater can be efficiently treated through employing tribocatalysis.
Production of Green Fuel Using a New Synthetic Magnetite Mesoporous Nano-Silica Composite Catalyst for Oxidative Desulfurization: Experiments and Process Modeling
Authors: Jarullah Aysar T. , Hussein Ahmed K. , Al-Tabbakh Ban A. , Hameed Shymaa A. , Mujtaba Iqbal M. , Saeed Liqaa I. , Humadi Jasim I.
Published: August 2024

Producing an eco-friendly fuel with the least amount of sulfur compounds has been an ongoing issue for petroleum refineries. In this study, bentonite (which is a cheap material and is locally available in abundance) is employed to prepare a nano-silica catalyst with a high surface area to be used for the oxidative desulfurization of kerosene. Two composite catalysts of Fe/silica were supported on CAT-1 (0% HY-zeolite and 100% nano-silica) and CAT-2 (20% HY-zeolite and 80% nano-silica). The activity of the catalysts was evaluated in a batch ODS (oxidative desulfurization) process at temperatures of 30, 60, 90, and 120 °C, a pressure of 1 atm, and a reaction time of 30, 60, 90, and 120 min using 120 L/h of air as the oxidant. The results revealed that the highest total sulfur removal efficiency was 50% and 87.88% for 100% nano-silica (CAT-1) and 80% nano-silica (CAT-2), respectively. The experimental data were then used to construct and validate an accurate mathematical model of the process. The operational parameters for eliminating more than 99% of sulfur and producing eco-friendly fuel were then achieved by using the model. The testing methods for these characterizing materials included X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric examination (TGA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and surface area (BET). The outcomes indicated that the addition of HY-zeolite increased the activity of the catalyst (CAT-2 > CAT-1).
Dual-Function Photocatalysis in the Visible Spectrum: Ag-G-TiO2 for Simultaneous Dye Wastewater Degradation and Hydrogen Production
Authors: Ahasan Tarek , Xu Pei , Wang Huiyao
Published: August 2024

Photocatalytic processes offer promising solutions for environmental remediation and clean energy production, yet their efficiency under the visible light spectrum remains a significant challenge. Here, we report a novel silver–graphene (Ag-G) modified TiO2 (Ag-G-TiO2) nanocomposite photocatalyst that demonstrates remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity for both dye wastewater degradation and hydrogen production under visible and UV light irradiation. Through comprehensive characterization and performance analysis, we reveal that the Ag-G modification narrows the TiO2 bandgap from 3.12 eV to 1.79 eV, enabling efficient visible light absorption. The nanocomposite achieves a peak hydrogen production rate of 191 μmolesg−1h−1 in deionized (DI) water dye solution under visible light, significantly outperforming unmodified TiO2. Intriguingly, we observe an inverse relationship between dye degradation efficiency and hydrogen production rates in dye solutions with tap water versus DI water, highlighting the critical role of water composition in photocatalytic processes. This work not only advances the understanding of fundamental photocatalytic mechanisms but also presents a promising photocatalyst for solar-driven environmental remediation and clean energy production. The Ag-G-TiO2 nanocomposite’s enhanced performance across both visible and UV spectra, coupled with its dual functionality in dye degradation and hydrogen evolution, represents a significant step towards addressing critical challenges in water treatment and sustainable energy generation. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between light absorption and reaction conditions, offering new insights for optimizing photocatalytic systems. This research paves the way for developing more efficient and versatile photocatalysts, potentially contributing to the global transition towards sustainable technologies and circular economy in waste management and energy production.
Selective Oligomerization of Isobutylene in Mixed C4 with Co/BETA-Loaded Molecular Sieve Catalysts
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Yu Panhu , Tian Hui , Xiang Shuguang
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the use of loaded Co/BETA molecular sieve catalysts for the selective oligomerization of isobutylene. The physicochemical properties of Co/BETA molecular sieves were characterized using XRD, BET, NH3-TPD, FT-IR, XPS, and Py-FTIR. The effects of different active component loadings, reaction temperatures, and reaction air velocities on the selective oligomerization of isobutylene were investigated in a fixed-bed reactor. The results showed that the catalytic effect was optimal when the Co loading was 6%, the reaction temperature was 60 °C, the reaction pressure was 1 MPa, and the reaction air speed was 1 h−1. The isobutylene conversion was greater than 74%, the C8= selectivity was approximately 70%, and the C8= yield reached 51.69% with minimal loss of n-butene, providing good catalytic capacity and efficiency.
The Loss of PPARγ Expression and Signaling Is a Key Feature of Cutaneous Actinic Disease and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Association with Tumor Stromal Inflammation
Authors: Konger Raymond L. , Xuei Xiaoling , Derr-Yellin Ethel , Fang Fang , Gao Hongyu , Liu Yunlong
Published: August 2024

Given the importance of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma in epidermal inflammation and carcinogenesis, we analyzed the transcriptomic changes observed in epidermal PPARγ-deficient mice (Pparg-/-epi). A gene set enrichment analysis revealed a close association with epithelial malignancy, inflammatory cell chemotaxis, and cell survival. Single-cell sequencing of Pparg-/-epi mice verified changes to the stromal compartment, including increased inflammatory cell infiltrates, particularly neutrophils, and an increase in fibroblasts expressing myofibroblast marker genes. A comparison of transcriptomic data from Pparg-/-epi and publicly available human and/or mouse actinic keratoses (AKs) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) revealed a strong correlation between the datasets. Importantly, PPAR signaling was the top common inhibited canonical pathway in AKs and SCCs. Both AKs and SCCs also had significantly reduced PPARG expression and PPARγ activity z-scores. Smaller reductions in PPARA expression and PPARα activity and increased PPARD expression but reduced PPARδ activation were also observed. Reduced PPAR activity was also associated with reduced PPARα/RXRα activity, while LPS/IL1-mediated inhibition of RXR activity was significantly activated in the tumor datasets. Notably, these changes were not observed in normal sun-exposed skin relative to non-exposed skin. Finally, Ppara and Pparg were heavily expressed in sebocytes, while Ppard was highly expressed in myofibroblasts, suggesting that PPARδ has a role in myofibroblast differentiation. In conclusion, these data provide strong evidence that PPARγ and possibly PPARα represent key tumor suppressors by acting as master inhibitors of the inflammatory changes found in AKs and SCCs.
The Formation and Renewal of Photoreceptor Outer Segments
Authors: Xu Jingjin , Zhao Chengtian , Kang Yunsi
Published: August 2024

The visual system is essential for humans to perceive the environment. In the retina, rod and cone photoreceptor neurons are the initial sites where vision forms. The apical region of both cone and rod photoreceptors contains a light-sensing organelle known as the outer segment (OS), which houses tens of thousands of light-sensitive opsins. The OSs of photoreceptors are not static; they require rhythmic renewal to maintain normal physiological functions. Disruptions in OS renewal can lead to various genetic disorders, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Understanding the patterns and molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor OS renewal remains one of the most intriguing topics in visual biology. This review aims to elucidate the structure of photoreceptor OSs, the molecular mechanisms underlying photoreceptor OS renewal, and the retinal diseases resulting from defects in this renewal process. Additionally, we will explore retinal diseases related to photoreceptor OS renewal and potential therapeutic strategies, concluding with a discussion on future research directions for OS renewal.
Modulation of Phytochemical Pathways and Antioxidant Activity in Peppermint by Salicylic Acid and GR24: A Molecular Approach
Authors: Jariani Parisa , Sabokdast Manijeh , Moghadam Taraneh Karami , Nabati Farzaneh , Dedicova Beata
Published: August 2024

This study uncovers the potential of salicylic acid (SA) and synthetic Strigolactone (GR24) in enhancing menthol biosynthesis and antioxidant defense mechanisms in Mentha piperita L. Our comprehensive analysis, which included a series of controlled experiments and data analysis of the effects of these phytohormones on enzymatic antioxidants catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and non-enzymatic antioxidants, including carotenoids and proline, revealed promising results. The study also examined their impact on lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide levels, and the expression of genes critical to menthol and menthofuran synthesis. The results indicated that SA and GR24 significantly increased menthol production and reduced the levels of menthofuran and pulegone, suggesting upregulation in the plant’s innate defense systems. Furthermore, the activities of CAT and APX were elevated, reflecting a strengthened antioxidant response. Interestingly, the menthofuran synthase (MFS) was higher in the control group. At the same time, pulegone reductase (PR) genes and menthol dehydrogenase (MDH) gene expression were upregulated, highlighting the protective effects of SA and GR24. These findings underscore the potential of SA and GR24 to serve as effective bio-stimulants, improving the quality and resilience of peppermint plants and thereby contributing to eco-friendly agricultural practices in pollution-stressed environments.
Innovative Tools for DNA Topology Probing in Human Cells Reveal a Build-Up of Positive Supercoils Following Replication Stress at Telomeres and at the FRA3B Fragile Site
Authors: Ghilain Claire , Vidal-Cruchez Olivia , Joly Aurélia , Debatisse Michelle , Gilson Eric , Giraud-Panis Marie-Josèphe
Published: August 2024

Linear unconstrained DNA cannot harbor supercoils since these supercoils can diffuse and be eliminated by free rotation of the DNA strands at the end of the molecule. Mammalian telomeres, despite constituting the ends of linear chromosomes, can hold supercoils and be subjected to topological stress. While negative supercoiling was previously observed, thus proving the existence of telomeric topological constraints, positive supercoils were never probed due to the lack of an appropriate tool. Indeed, the few tools available currently could only investigate unwound (Trioxsalen) or overwound (GapR) DNA topology (variations in twist) but not the variations in writhe (supercoils and plectonemes). To address this question, we have designed innovative tools aimed at analyzing both positive and negative DNA writhe in cells. Using them, we could observe the build-up of positive supercoils following replication stress and inhibition of Topoisomerase 2 on telomeres. TRF2 depletion caused both telomere relaxation and an increase in positive supercoils while the inhibition of Histone Deacetylase I and II by TSA only caused telomere relaxation. Moving outside telomeres, we also observed a build-up of positive supercoils on the FRA3B fragile site following replication stress, suggesting a topological model of DNA fragility for this site.
Evidence of Immunoproteasome Expression Onset in the Formative State of Pluripotency in Mouse Cells
Authors: Kriger Daria , Podenkova Uliana I. , Bakhmet Evgeny I. , Potapenko Evgenii , Ivanova Elena , Tomilin Alexey N. , Tsimokha Anna S.
Published: August 2024

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are remarkable for the high activity level of ubiquitin–proteasome system—the molecular machinery of protein degradation in the cell. Various forms of the proteasome complexes comprising different subunits and interacting regulators are responsible for the substrate selectivity and degradation. Immunoproteasomes are amongst these forms which play an important role in antigen presentation; however, a body of recent evidence suggests their functions in pluripotent stem cells. Previous studies have established three consecutive phases of pluripotency, featured by epiblast cells and their cultured counterparts: naïve, formative, and primed phase. In this work, we report that immunoproteasomes and their chaperone co-regulators are suppressed in the naïve state but are readily upregulated in the formative phase of the pluripotency continuum, featured by epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs). Our data lay ground for the further investigation of the biological functions of immunoproteasome in the regulation of proteostasis during early mammalian development.
A Population-Based Study on Women Who Used Alcohol during Pregnancy and Their Neonates in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Popova Svetlana , Dozet Danijela , Temple Valerie , Riddell Catherine , Yang Cathy
Published: August 2024

Background: Data from birth registries can be studied to assess the prevalence of prenatal alcohol use and associated maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: Linked maternal and neonatal data (2015–2018) for alcohol-exposed pregnancies were obtained from the Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Ontario. Descriptive statistics were generated for maternal demographics, prenatal substance use, mental health/substance use history, and neonatal outcomes. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the odds of prenatal heavy (binge or weekly) alcohol and other substance use based on mental health/substance use history and other maternal demographics, and the impacts of heavy alcohol use and other prenatal substance exposures on neonatal outcomes. Results: A total of 10,172 (2.4%) women reported alcohol use during pregnancy. One-third had pre-existing or current mental health and/or substance use problems, which was associated with significantly higher odds of heavy alcohol use during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to heavy alcohol use was associated with increased odds of neonatal abstinence syndrome (2.5 times); respiratory distress syndrome (2.3 times); neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (58%); and hyperbilirubinemia (57%). Prenatal exposure to one or more substances in addition to alcohol was associated with significantly higher odds of fetal/maternal/placental pregnancy complications; preterm birth; NICU admission; low APGAR scores; one or more confirmed congenital anomalies at birth; respiratory distress syndrome; and intrauterine growth restriction. Conclusions: It is crucial to routinely screen childbearing-age and pregnant women for alcohol and other substance use as well as mental health problems in order to prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Unveiling the Respiratory Muscle Strength in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The Impact of Nutrition and Thoracic Deformities, Beyond Spirometry
Authors: Yuksel Kalyoncu Mine , Gokdemir Yasemin , Yilmaz Yegit Cansu , Yanaz Muruvvet , Gulieva Aynur , Selcuk Merve , Karabulut Şeyda , Metin Çakar Neval , Ergenekon Pinar , Erdem Eralp Ela , Öztürk Gülten , Unver Olcay , Turkdogan Dilsad , Sahbat Yavuz , Akgülle Ahmet Hamdi , Karakoç Fazilet , Karadag Bulent
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most prevalent progressive muscular dystrophy, and the guidelines recommend the regular assessment of respiratory muscle function. This study aimed to assess the relationship between maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) measurements and upright-supine spirometry parameters in children with DMD, the predictability of upright–supine spirometry in terms of diaphragm involvement, and the impact of nutrition on muscle strength. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study examined patients with DMD by comparing upright and supine FVC, MIP, MEP, and SNIP measurements. The effects of the ambulatory status, kyphoscoliosis, chest deformity, and low BMI on respiratory parameters were investigated. Results: Forty-four patients were included in the study. The mean patient age was 10.8 ± 2.9 years. Twenty-five patients were ambulatory. A significant decrease in FVC, FEV1, and FEF25–75 values was detected in the supine position in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients (p < 0.05). All patients had low MIP, MEP, and SNIP measurements (less than 60 cm H2O). MIP, MEP, and SNIP values were significantly lower in patients with a low BMI than in those without (p < 0.05). Conclusions: To accurately assess respiratory muscle strength, supine FVC should be combined with upright FVC, MIP, MEP, and SNIP measurements. It is crucial to regularly screen patients for nutrition, as this can significantly affect respiratory muscle function during pulmonology follow-up.
The Role of Patient Organisations—Patients’ and Parents’ Views and Experience of Hirschsprung’s Disease
Authors: Alexander Sabine , Lemli Annette
Published: August 2024

In many countries, patient organisations offer advice and the exchange of experiences to Hirschsprung’s disease patients and their families. Professional treatment by experienced health care providers and the availability of life-long multidisciplinary follow-up care are essential. However, outside the clinic, patients and their families have to manage life on a day-to-day basis at home, which often brings up uncertainties and questions: Parents go through different stages during the diagnosis and treatment of their child, the affected children themselves go through many different stages of development, and even through the course of adulthood, new questions regarding the chronic disease may arise. Patient organisations can support the patients and their families at all stages of life by listening, offering information in an understandable way, connecting people, and sharing others’ experiences. This enables families and patients to develop a better understanding of the rare disease and promotes their management strategies and confidence. The holistic approach of patient organisations aims to complement the medical treatment. Therefore, the referral of all patients and their families to patient organisations should be part of the medical advice in the treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease.
Influence of Aggregate Properties on Skid Resistance of Pavement Surface Treatments
Authors: Roshan Alireza , Abdelrahman Magdy
Published: August 2024

Skid resistance is a critical aspect for traffic safety since it significantly influences vehicle control and minimizes the distance required for emergency braking. The surface characteristics of pavements play a pivotal role in determining skid resistance. To achieve the optimal skid resistance performance, the pavement must sustain a specific level of friction. Thus, it is advantageous to apply surface treatments in areas that require enhanced friction. This study investigate the impact of factors such as the aggregate source, size, morphological properties, and abrasion levels on the skid resistance and frictional characteristics of a high-friction surface treatment (HFST). A complete investigation was conducted on HFST samples by analyzing the aggregate morphology using the Aggregate Image Measurement System and performing Micro-Deval abrasion testing. The skid resistance was evaluated with the British Pendulum Tester (BPT). The findings revealed that different aggregates and sizes exhibited varying behaviors post-polishing. Notably, fine-sized aggregates demonstrated higher British pendulum number (BPN) values, which indicate superior frictional performance. Models that predicted skid numbers based on the average texture and angularity indices initially demonstrated the balanced influences of both morphological properties before polishing. However, after polishing, the surface texture emerged as the primary determinant of the skid resistance, which overshadowed the angularity’s impact.
Postoperative Complications Result in Poor Oncological Outcomes: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Wajekar Anjana , Solanki Sohan Lal , Cata Juan , Gottumukkala Vijaya
Published: August 2024

The majority of patients with solid tumors undergo a curative resection of their tumor burden. However, the reported rate of postoperative complications varies widely, ranging from 10% to 70%. This narrative review aims to determine the impact of postoperative complications on recurrence and overall survival rates following elective cancer surgeries, thereby providing valuable insights into perioperative cancer care. A systematic electronic search of published studies and meta-analyses from January 2000 to August 2023 was conducted to examine the effect of postoperative complications on long-term survival after cancer surgeries. This comprehensive search identified fifty-one eligible studies and nine meta-analyses for review. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were extracted from the selected studies. Additionally, other oncological outcomes, such as recurrence and cancer-specific survival rates, were noted when RFS and OS were not reported as primary outcomes. Pooled hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were recorded from the meta-analyses, ensuring the robustness of the data. The analysis revealed that long-term cancer outcomes progressively worsen, from patients with no postoperative complications to those with minor postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo grade ≤ II) and further to those with major postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo grade III–IV), irrespective of cancer type. This study underscores the detrimental effect of postoperative complications on long-term oncological outcomes, particularly after thoracoabdominal surgeries. Importantly, we found a significant gap in the data regarding postoperative complications in surface and soft tissue surgical procedures, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
Developing Organizational Requirements to Standardize Delivery and Improve Quality of Acute Leukemia Care in Ontario
Authors: Verville Leslie , McKay Cassandra , Kouroukis Tom , Apostolovski Suzanna , Sabloff Mitchell , Buckstein Rena , Kennedy Kardi , Yee Karen , Eakins Amanda , Bredeson Christopher
Published: August 2024

Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow that requires a high degree of complex, specialized, resource-intensive clinical and supportive care. The aging Canadian population has introduced an unprecedented demand on the health care system for a variety of illnesses, including acute leukemia. The purpose of this work was to develop organizational requirements for service providers delivering care for patients aged 18 years and older with acute leukemia within a single-payer health care system in Ontario. This initiative was intended to support streamlining high-quality health care across Ontario. We worked collaboratively with an expert panel to conduct a review of the literature to synthesize the organizational requirements for delivering acute leukemia care. A total of 229 requirements were developed. The requirements were categorized into themes including (1) facility requirements, including infrastructure, data management, safety, policies and procedures; (2) availability of clinical services and service complexity; (3) personnel, including roles, responsibilities, and ongoing education; (4) patient care; (5) quality management; (6) clinical research; and (7) laboratory services. These requirements will act as a framework for the provision of service, complexity of care, safety, accessibility, and quality care across all levels from the patient, organization, and system perspectives. This framework will help support person-centred care, emphasizing providing care close to home, while optimizing the use of specialized resources. Moving forward, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) will continue to work with acute leukemia service providers in the province to determine compliance and focus improvement efforts in priority areas.
Enhancing Melanoma Diagnosis with Advanced Deep Learning Models Focusing on Vision Transformer, Swin Transformer, and ConvNeXt
Authors: Aksoy Serra , Demircioglu Pinar , Bogrekci Ismail
Published: August 2024

Skin tumors, especially melanoma, which is highly aggressive and progresses quickly to other sites, are an issue in various parts of the world. Nevertheless, the one and only way to save lives is to detect it at its initial stages. This study explores the application of advanced deep learning models for classifying benign and malignant melanoma using dermoscopic images. The aim of the study is to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of melanoma diagnosis with the ConvNeXt, Vision Transformer (ViT) Base-16, and Swin Transformer V2 Small (Swin V2 S) deep learning models. The ConvNeXt model, which integrates principles of both convolutional neural networks and transformers, demonstrated superior performance, with balanced precision and recall metrics. The dataset, sourced from Kaggle, comprises 13,900 uniformly sized images, preprocessed to standardize the inputs for the models. Experimental results revealed that ConvNeXt achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy among the tested models. Experimental results revealed that ConvNeXt achieved an accuracy of 91.5%, with balanced precision and recall rates of 90.45% and 92.8% for benign cases, and 92.61% and 90.2% for malignant cases, respectively. The F1-scores for ConvNeXt were 91.61% for benign cases and 91.39% for malignant cases. This research points out the potential of hybrid deep learning architectures in medical image analysis, particularly for early melanoma detection.
Impact of the FreeStyle Libre 2® System on Glycaemic Outcomes in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes—Preliminary Study
Authors: Rutkowska Katarzyna , Łoś-Stegienta Agnieszka , Bagiński Michał , Zięba Ewa , Baran Adrianna , Żurawska-Kliś Monika , Kosiński Marcin , Cypryk Katarzyna
Published: August 2024

We aimed to evaluate glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes during the first three months of use of the flash glucose monitoring (FGM) system. Methods: We conducted a study of a cohort of 81 people with type 1 diabetes mellitus who used the FreeStyle Libre 2 (FSL2) sensor continuously for 3 months. Patients had not used a CGM before. The effectiveness of using the FSL2 system was assessed using AGP reports at two time points (3–4 weeks and 11–12 weeks of system use). Results: Eight weeks after using FSL2, compared with results from 3–4 weeks of use, there were no differences in the glucose management indicator, time spent in range, above range and below range, or glucose variability. In the first month of FGM use, patients scanned the sensor significantly more often than in the following two months (p = 0.021). No significant differences were found in the change of the evaluated parameters when comparing patients by duration of diabetes and treatment method. Conclusions: Short-term use of FSL2 promotes a significant reduction in GMI in patients with more time spent in hyperglycaemia (especially > 250 mg/dL). In this short period of use, no other changes in glycaemic control parameters are observed.