bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life After Partial or Whole-Breast Irradiation in Breast-Conserving Therapy for Low-Risk Breast Cancer: 1-Year Results of a Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Song Yu-Chun , Sun Guang-Yi , Fang Hui , Tang Yu , Song Yong-Wen , Hu Chen , Qi Shu-Nan , Chen Bo , Jing Hao , Tang Yuan , Jin Jing , Liu Yue-Ping , Lu Ning-ning , Li Ye-Xiong , Wang Shu-Lian
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To report patients’ quality of life (QoL) at 1 year in a phase 2 randomized trial comparing partial breast irradiation (PBI) with whole-breast irradiation (WBI) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for breast cancer.

Methods

Women aged ≥ 45 years with low-risk breast cancer after BCS were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive PBI (40 Gy in 10 fractions over 2 weeks) or WBI (43.5 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks). The primary endpoint—the incidence of toxicities of grade 2 or higher—will be reported when participants complete 5 years of follow-up. QoL was assessed at baseline (T0), at the end of radiotherapy (RT) (T1), 6 months (T2) and 1 year (T3) after RT by using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. We calculated the scores for all QOL subscales and differences in mean scores were compared. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03583619).

Results

Between June 2017 and January 2019, 140 women were randomly assigned to receive PBI or WBI (n = 70 per group). Fifty-nine and 56 patients treated with PBI and WBI, respectively, were eligible for the QoL analysis. There were no significant differences in any subscale scores at T0, T1, T2, or T3 between the PBI and WBI arms. The scores for most QoL subscales that were influenced by RT recovered to a similar or better level relative to T0 scores within 1 year after RT, except for the scores of the dyspnea subscale. Longitudinal analysis showed that time since RT had a significant impact on physical functioning, role functioning, social functioning, fatigue, pain, dyspnea, financial difficulties, body image, and breast and arm symptoms.

Conclusion

PBI using the intensity-modulated RT affords QoL comparable to that provided by WBI. Most QoL subscale scores that were influenced by RT recovered to a similar or better level relative to baseline scores within 1 year after RT.
Impact of Variable Speed on Collective Movement of Animal Groups
Authors: Klamser Pascal P. , Gómez-Nava Luis , Landgraf Tim , Jolles Jolle W. , Bierbach David , Romanczuk Pawel
Published: September 2021

The collective dynamics and structure of animal groups has attracted the attention of scientists across a broad range of fields. A variety of agent-based models have been developed to help understand the emergence of coordinated collective behavior from simple interaction rules. A common, simplifying assumption of such collective movement models, is that individual agents move with a constant speed. In this work we critically re-asses this assumption. First, we discuss experimental data showcasing the omnipresent speed variability observed in different species of live fish and artificial agents (RoboFish). Based on theoretical considerations accounting for inertia and rotational friction, we derive a functional dependence of the turning response of individuals on their instantaneous speed, which is confirmed by experimental data. We then investigate the interplay of variable speed and speed-dependent turning on self-organized collective behavior by implementing an agent-based model which accounts for both these effects. We show that, besides the average speed of individuals, the variability in individual speed can have a dramatic impact on the emergent collective dynamics: a group which differs to another only in a lower speed variability of its individuals (groups being identical in all other behavioral parameters), can be in the polarized state while the other group is disordered. We find that the local coupling between group polarization and individual speed is strongest at the order-disorder transition, and that, in contrast to fixed speed models, the group’s spatial extent does not have a maximum at the transition. Furthermore, we demonstrate a decrease in polarization with group size for groups of individuals with variable speed, and a sudden decrease in mean individual speed at a critical group size (N= 4 for Voronoi interactions) linked to a topological transition from an all-to-all to a distributed spatial interaction network. Overall, our work highlights the importance to account for fundamental kinematic constraints in general, and variable speed in particular, when modeling self-organized collective dynamics.
A Multi-Period Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch Approach Considering Multiple Operative Goals
Authors: Morán-Burgos Jairo A. , Sierra-Aguilar Juan E. , Villa-Acevedo Walter M. , López-Lezama Jesús M.
Published: September 2021

The optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem plays a key role in daily power system operations. This paper presents a novel multi-period approach for the ORPD that takes into account three operative goals. These consist of minimizing total voltage deviations from set point values of pilot nodes and maneuvers on transformers taps and reactive power compensators. The ORPD is formulated in GAMS (General Algebraic Modeling System) software as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem, comprising both continuous and discrete control variables, and is solved using the BONMIN solver. The most outstanding benefit of the proposed ORPD model is the fact that it allows optimal reactive power control throughout a multi-period horizon, guaranteeing compliance with the programmed active power dispatch. Additionally, the minimization of maneuvers on reactors and capacitor banks contributes to preserving the useful life of these devices. Furthermore, the selection of pilot nodes for voltage control reduces the computational burden and allows the algorithm to provide fast solutions. The results of the IEEE 118 bus test system show the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Expression of Concern: Hamza et al. A Potential Role of Apelin-13 against Hepatic Injury and Metabolic Disorders in Preeclampsia Induced by L-NAME. Coatings 2021, 11, 391
Authors:   Coatings Editorial Office
Published: September 2021

Following acceptance of the Special Issue article by the Guest Editor, El-Sayed Abd El-Aziz, concerns were raised regarding the integrity of the peer review process [...]
Management of Pyrexia Associated with the Combination of Dabrafenib and Trametinib: Canadian Consensus Statements
Authors: Thawer Alia , Miller Wilson H. , Gregorio Nancy , Claveau Joël , Rajagopal Sudha , Savage Kerry J. , Song Xinni , Petrella Teresa M. ,   on behalf of the Canadian Working Group
Published: September 2021

The combination of dabrafenib and trametinib is a well-established treatment for BRAF-mutated melanoma. However, the effectiveness of this approach may be hindered by the development of treatment-related pyrexia syndrome, which occurs in at least 50% of treated patients. Without appropriate intervention, pyrexia syndrome has the potential to worsen and can result in hypotension secondary to dehydration and associated organ-related complications. Furthermore, premature treatment discontinuation may result in a reduction in progression-free and overall survival. Despite existing guidance, there is still a wide variety of therapeutic approaches suggested in the literature for both the definition and management of dabrafenib and trametinib-related pyrexia. This is reflected in the practice variation of its prevention and treatment within and between Canadian cancer centres. A Canadian working group was formed and consensus statements were constructed based on evidence and finalised through a two-round modified Delphi approach. The statements led to the development of a pyrexia treatment algorithm that can easily be applied in routine practice. The Canadian working group consensus statements serve to provide practical guidance for the management of dabrafenib and trametinib-related pyrexia, hopefully leading to reduced discontinuation rates, and ultimately improve patients’ quality of life and cancer-related outcomes.
Causality in Discrete Time Physics Derived from Maupertuis Reduced Action Principle
Authors: Riek Roland , Chatterjee Atanu
Published: September 2021

Causality describes the process and consequences from an action: a cause has an effect. Causality is preserved in classical physics as well as in special and general theories of relativity. Surprisingly, causality as a relationship between the cause and its effect is in neither of these theories considered a law or a principle. Its existence in physics has even been challenged by prominent opponents in part due to the time symmetric nature of the physical laws. With the use of the reduced action and the least action principle of Maupertuis along with a discrete dynamical time physics yielding an arrow of time, causality is defined as the partial spatial derivative of the reduced action and as such is position- and momentum-dependent and requests the presence of space. With this definition the system evolves from one step to the next without the need of time, while (discrete) time can be reconstructed.
An Efficient Partition-Based Approach to Identify and Scatter Multiple Relevant Spreaders in Complex Networks
Authors: Yanez-Sierra Jedidiah , Diaz-Perez Arturo , Sosa-Sosa Victor
Published: September 2021

One of the main problems in graph analysis is the correct identification of relevant nodes for spreading processes. Spreaders are crucial for accelerating/hindering information diffusion, increasing product exposure, controlling diseases, rumors, and more. Correct identification of spreaders in graph analysis is a relevant task to optimally use the network structure and ensure a more efficient flow of information. Additionally, network topology has proven to play a relevant role in the spreading processes. In this sense, more of the existing methods based on local, global, or hybrid centrality measures only select relevant nodes based on their ranking values, but they do not intentionally focus on their distribution on the graph. In this paper, we propose a simple yet effective method that takes advantage of the underlying graph topology to guarantee that the selected nodes are not only relevant but also well-scattered. Our proposal also suggests how to define the number of spreaders to select. The approach is composed of two phases: first, graph partitioning; and second, identification and distribution of relevant nodes. We have tested our approach by applying the SIR spreading model over nine real complex networks. The experimental results showed more influential and scattered values for the set of relevant nodes identified by our approach than several reference algorithms, including degree, closeness, Betweenness, VoteRank, HybridRank, and IKS. The results further showed an improvement in the propagation influence value when combining our distribution strategy with classical metrics, such as degree, outperforming computationally more complex strategies. Moreover, our proposal shows a good computational complexity and can be applied to large-scale networks.
Spraying and Mixing Characteristics of Urea in a Static Mixer Applied Marine SCR System
Authors: Jang Jaehwan , Na Sangkyung , Roh Heehwan , Ahn Seongyool , Choi Gyungmin
Published: September 2021

The most effective de-NOx technology in marine diesel applications is the urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. The urea-SCR system works by injecting a urea solution into exhaust gas and converting this to NH3 and CO2. The injection, mixing, and NH3 conversion reaction behavior of the urea-water solution all have a decisive effect on the performance of the system. To improve de-NOx efficiency, it is important to provide enough time and distance for NH3 conversion and uniform distribution prior to the solution entering the catalyst. In this study, therefore, the characteristics of gas flow, NH3 conversion, and its distribution are investigated with a static mixer by means of numerical methods, providing a special advantage to ship manufacturing companies through the optimization of the urea-SCR system. The results show that the inclusion of the mixer induces strong turbulence and promotes the NH3 conversion reaction across a wider region compared to the case without the mixer. The mean temperature is 10 °C lower due to the activated endothermic urea-NH3 conversion reaction and the NH3 concentration is 80 PPM higher at 1D than those without the mixer. Moreover, the uniformity of NH3 distribution improved by 25% with the mixer, meaning that the de-NOx reaction can take place across all aspects of the catalyst thus maximizing performance. In other words, ship manufacturing companies have degrees of freedom in designing post-processing solutions for emissions by minimizing the use of the reduction agent or the size of the SCR system.
“Where Have I Heard It?” Assessing the Recall of Traffic Safety Campaigns in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Alonso Francisco , Faus Mireia , Fernández Cesáreo , Useche Sergio A.
Published: September 2021

Although traffic crashes are the eighth leading cause of death in the world, and are linked to vehicle and infrastructure-related factors, crash-related fatality rates are much higher in low-income countries. Particularly, the Dominican Republic is the country with the highest accident rate in the whole American continent. Therefore, in the past few years, public agencies have been developing different measures aimed at reducing traffic fatalities, including road safety campaigns. The aim of the present study was to assess the recalling of such campaigns among the Dominican population, which may serve as an additional indicator to evaluate their effectiveness in this and other countries of the region presenting similar traffic safety issues. For this cross-sectional study, a nationwide sample composed of 1260 people (50% males and 50% females) with a mean age of 39.3 years was used. The data were collected through personal interviews. Overall, the recall of traffic safety campaigns was found to be very low (9%); male drivers who were employed, possessed a driver’s license and habitually drove were the ones who could commonly remember these campaigns. The results of this study suggest that further evaluation and follow-up could help to maximize the impact of future traffic campaigns and advertisements in the Dominican Republic, as well as in other emerging countries of the region with similar characteristics. Further, key segments of the population such as the female, young, less formally educated and non-driving populations should be also targeted for further actions in this regard.
Dynamic Influence of Wheel Flat on Fatigue Life of the Traction Motor Bearing in Vibration Environment of a Locomotive
Authors: Guo Bingbin , Luo Zhixiang , Zhang Bo , Liu Yuqing , Chen Zaigang
Published: September 2021

Wheel flat can cause a large impact between the wheel and rail and excites a forced vibration in the locomotive and track structure systems. The working conditions and fatigue life of the motor bearings are significantly affected by the intensified wheel–rail interaction via the transmission path of the gear mesh. In this study, a fatigue life prediction method of the traction motor bearings in a locomotive is proposed. Based on the L−P theory or ISO 281 combined with the Miner linear damage theory and vehicle–track coupled dynamics, the irregular loads induced by the track random irregularity and gear mesh are considered in this proposed method. It can greatly increase the accuracy of predictions compared with the traditional prediction models of a rolling bearing life whose bearing loads are assumed to be constant. The results indicate that the periodic impact forces and larger mesh forces caused by the wheel flat will reduce the fatigue life of the motor bearings, especially when the flat length is larger than 30 mm. Using this method, the effects of the flat length and relatively constant velocity of the locomotive are analyzed. The proposed method can provide a theoretical basis to guarantee safe and reliable working for motor bearings.
Plasma Technology for Phosphogypsum Treatment
Authors: Ghiloufi Imed , Albishi Miqad S. , Alharbi Ahmed A. , AlShunaifi Ibrahim A.
Published: September 2021

The phosphate industry generates a large amount of waste called phosphogypsum (PG). Generally, this waste is discharged without any treatment, and it causes considerable environmental problems. Hence, the objective of this study is the treatment of phosphate waste using thermal plasma technology. First, the waste is characterized using different techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Such characterization shows that the waste contains different toxic elements, such as heavy metals, fluorine, chlorine, sulfur, and phosphorus. For this reason, a plasma reactor is used to separate toxic elements from metals, such as silicon, aluminum, and magnesium, with a pyrolysis/combustion plasma system. In this work, the influence of different parameters, such as time of treatment and plasma current, on the volatility of toxic elements is studied. The obtained results show that after 40 min of treatment and at a plasma current of 160 A, the phosphogypsum completely melts, and the most toxic elements, namely Pb, Cd, V, Cr, and As, are completely vaporized.
Multiscale Assessment of Caprock Integrity for Geologic Carbon Storage in the Pennsylvanian Farnsworth Unit, Texas, USA
Authors: Trujillo Natasha , Rose-Coss Dylan , Heath Jason E. , Dewers Thomas A. , Ampomah William , Mozley Peter S. , Cather Martha
Published: September 2021

Leakage pathways through caprock lithologies for underground storage of CO2 and/or enhanced oil recovery (EOR) include intrusion into nano-pore mudstones, flow within fractures and faults, and larger-scale sedimentary heterogeneity (e.g., stacked channel deposits). To assess multiscale sealing integrity of the caprock system that overlies the Morrow B sandstone reservoir, Farnsworth Unit (FWU), Texas, USA, we combine pore-to-core observations, laboratory testing, well logging results, and noble gas analysis. A cluster analysis combining gamma ray, compressional slowness, and other logs was combined with caliper responses and triaxial rock mechanics testing to define eleven lithologic classes across the upper Morrow shale and Thirteen Finger limestone caprock units, with estimations of dynamic elastic moduli and fracture breakdown pressures (minimum horizontal stress gradients) for each class. Mercury porosimetry determinations of CO2 column heights in sealing formations yield values exceeding reservoir height. Noble gas profiles provide a “geologic time-integrated” assessment of fluid flow across the reservoir-caprock system, with Morrow B reservoir measurements consistent with decades-long EOR water-flooding, and upper Morrow shale and lower Thirteen Finger limestone values being consistent with long-term geohydrologic isolation. Together, these data suggest an excellent sealing capacity for the FWU and provide limits for injection pressure increases accompanying carbon storage activities.
Evaluation Method for Winding Performance of Distribution Transformer
Authors: Suo Chunguang , Ren Yanan , Zhang Wenbin , Li Yincheng , Wang Yanyun , Ke Yi
Published: September 2021

In order to ensure the safe and stable operation of a power system, the performance evaluation of transformer windings after a short-circuit test can predict whether the windings are deformed in order to provide a useful reference for the operation and maintenance of the power sector. This paper proposes a method for evaluating the performance of transformer windings in order to improve the overall effectiveness of a winding evaluation. The index data obtained based on a short-circuit impedance method, frequency response method, and oscillation wave method are used in the algorithm proposed in this paper. First, the transformer winding performance evaluation index system is constructed. Second, the weight of each index is determined by analytic hierarchy process, and then the fuzzy comprehensive assessment method is introduced, and the fuzzy evaluation matrix is established, the evaluation results are calculated using the evaluation formula. Finally, the maximum membership principle is used to determine the performance level of the transformer winding on the evaluation results, and the evaluation results of the transformer winding state are obtained. The example shows that the evaluation level of the measured transformer winding performance can be obtained by this method as “good”. Compared with the traditional method, this method can simplify the evaluation while maintaining higher accuracy.
A Method to Increase the Leaching Progress of Salt Caverns with the Use of the Hydro-Jet Technique
Authors: Chromik Mariusz , Korzeniowski Waldemar
Published: September 2021

For the storage of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, or other products, underground caverns left over from the exploitation of salt deposits, or made specifically for this purpose, are successfully used. This article analyses the effectiveness of currently used well-leaching technologies in terms of the possibility of increasing the speed of obtaining industrial brine, better control of the shape of the created cavern, and, as a result, a shorter production time. An innovative solution was proposed, which consisted of creating appropriate niches in the walls of the leach well using the high-pressure hydrojet technique, just before the start of the sump leaching. A series of numerical simulations of the technologies were performed for various combinations of niche locations along the well, determining the successive phases of the formation of the cavern space at individual stages and the brine concentration increments for the two assumed technology scenarios. As a result of the modified technology, the possibility of creating a sump with a volume greater than 17%, compared to the classical method carried out at the same time, was indicated. The resulting sump also had a better shape to partially eliminate the reduction in leaching efficiency due to the accumulation of insoluble matter at the bottom. In addition, the brine obtained according to the modified technology had a 15% higher concentration than in the classical method.
Easily Prepared Transparent Electrodes for Low-Cost Semitransparent Inverted Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Jiaxin , Bu Ziming , Han Shuo , Deng Yanyu , Liu Chunyu , Guo Wenbin
Published: September 2021

The continuous thin film of silver (Ag) film is important for semitransparent electrodes in polymer solar cells, while the Ag atoms form as non-continuous below a critical thickness. Here, semitransparent inverted polymer solar cells were fabricated using thermally evaporated Ag/germanium (Ge)/Ag as highly transparent electrodes. An ultra-thin Ge film was introduced to modify the growth mode of Ag. The dependence of the device performance and the thickness of the outer Ag film was investigated. Ag/Ge/Ag electrodes exhibited excellent optical and electrical properties, which were proved by the transmittance and reflectance spectra. A champion efficiency of 5.1% was achieved with an open-circuit voltage level of 0.703 V, a short current density of 11.63 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 63%. The average visible transmittance (300–800 nm) of devices with Ag/Ge/Ag was calculated as 25%.
The Nexus of World Electricity and Global Sustainable Development
Authors: Wittmann Veronika , Arici Elif , Meissner Dieter
Published: September 2021

The main part of mankind’s ecological footprint is the carbon footprint, a measure of the environmental impact of humanity’s energy release from fossil fuels. The use of fossil fuels will have to change in the forthcoming decades to a largely climate-neutral use of solar energy enabled by dramatic cost reductions for PV and wind energy systems. The impact of this trend on world society has been discussed in a previous paper. In connection with these important technical developments, the role of electricity, its transport and storage will alter in the coming decades, allowing the design and use of larger and larger electricity grids and a parallel use of hydrogen for both storage and energy transport. This will further change the energy landscape of the world. All these developments and their relationship to global sustainable development are elaborated in this cross-disciplinary paper by specifically analyzing whether the Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations are an effective road map for humanity to handle global climate change risks.
Energy System Monitoring Based on Fuzzy Cognitive Modeling and Dynamic Clustering
Authors: Borisov Vadim , Dli Maksim , Vasiliev Artem , Fedulov Yaroslav , Kirillova Elena , Kulyasov Nikolay
Published: September 2021

A feature of energy systems (ESs) is the diversity of objects, as well as the variety and manifold of the interconnections between them. A method for monitoring ESs clusters is proposed based on the combined use of a fuzzy cognitive approach and dynamic clustering. A fuzzy cognitive approach allows one to represent the interdependencies between ESs objects in the form of fuzzy impact relations, the analysis results of which are used to substantiate indicators for fuzzy clustering of ESs objects and to analyze the stability of clusters and ESs. Dynamic clustering methods are used to monitor the cluster structure of ESs, namely, to assess the drift of cluster centers, to determine the disappearance or emergence of new clusters, and to unite or separate clusters of ESs.
A Human Pan-Cancer System Analysis of Procollagen-Lysine, 2-Oxoglutarate 5-Dioxygenase 3 (PLOD3)
Authors: Gong Siming , Duan Yingjuan , Wu Changwu , Osterhoff Georg , Schopow Nikolas , Kallendrusch Sonja
Published: September 2021

The overexpression of the enzymes involved in the degradation of procollagen lysine is correlated with various tumor entities. Procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 3 (PLOD3) expression was found to be correlated to the progression and migration of cancer cells in gastric, lung and prostate cancer. Here, we analyzed the gene expression, protein expression, and the clinical parameters of survival across 33 cancers based on the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), function annotation of the mammalian genome 5 (FANTOM5), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Human Protein Atlas (HPA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Genetic alteration, immune infiltration and relevant cellular pathways were analyzed in detail. PLOD3 expression negatively correlated with survival periods and the infiltration level of CD8+ T cells, but positively correlated to the infiltration of cancer associated fibroblasts in diverse cancers. Immunohistochemistry in colon carcinomas, glioblastomas, and soft tissue sarcomas further confirm PLOD 3 expression in human cancer tissue. Moreover, amplification and mutation accounted for the largest proportion in esophageal adenocarcinoma and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma, respectively; the copy number alteration of PLOD3 appeared in all cancers from TCGA; and molecular mechanisms further proved the effect of PLOD3 on tumorigenesis. In particular, PLOD3 expression appears to have a tumor immunological effect, and is related to multiple immune cells. Furthermore, it is also associated with tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability in various tumors. PLOD3 acts as an inducer of various cancers, and it could be a potential biomarker for prognosis and targeted treatment.
Cognitive Deficit in Schizophrenia: From Etiology to Novel Treatments
Authors: Martínez Antón L. , Brea José , Rico Sara , de los Frailes María Teresa , Loza María Isabel
Published: September 2021

Schizophrenia is a major mental illness characterized by positive and negative symptoms, and by cognitive deficit. Although cognitive impairment is disabling for patients, it has been largely neglected in the treatment of schizophrenia. There are several reasons for this lack of treatments for cognitive deficit, but the complexity of its etiology—in which neuroanatomic, biochemical and genetic factors concur—has contributed to the lack of effective treatments. In the last few years, there have been several attempts to develop novel drugs for the treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Despite these efforts, little progress has been made. The latest findings point to the importance of developing personalized treatments for schizophrenia which enhance neuroplasticity, and of combining pharmacological treatments with non-pharmacological measures.
Functional Properties of Two-Component Hydrogel Systems Based on Gelatin and Polyvinyl Alcohol—Experimental Studies Supported by Computational Analysis
Authors: Labus Karolina , Radosinski Lukasz , Kotowski Piotr
Published: September 2021

The presented research is focused on an investigation of the effect of the addition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to a gelatin-based hydrogel on the functional properties of the resulting material. The main purpose was to experimentally determine and compare the properties of hydrogels differing from the content of PVA in the blend. Subsequently, the utility of these matrices for the production of an immobilized invertase preparation with improved operational stability was examined. We also propose a useful computational tool to predict the properties of the final material depending on the proportions of both components in order to design the feature range of the hydrogel blend desired for a strictly specified immobilization system (of enzyme/carrier type). Based on experimental research, it was found that an increase in the PVA content in gelatin hydrogels contributes to obtaining materials with a visibly higher packaging density, degree of swelling, and water absorption capacity. In the case of hydrolytic degradation and compressive strength, the opposite tendency was observed. The functionality studies of gelatin and gelatin/PVA hydrogels for enzyme immobilization indicate the very promising potential of invertase entrapped in a gelatin/PVA hydrogel matrix as a stable biocatalyst for industrial use. The molecular modeling analysis performed in this work provides qualitative information about the tendencies of the macroscopic parameters observed with the increase in the PVA and insight into the chemical nature of these dependencies.
Virulence Factors of Enteric Pathogenic Escherichia coli: A Review
Authors: Pakbin Babak , Brück Wolfram M. , Rossen John W. A.
Published: September 2021

Escherichia coli are remarkably versatile microorganisms and important members of the normal intestinal microbiota of humans and animals. This harmless commensal organism can acquire a mixture of comprehensive mobile genetic elements that contain genes encoding virulence factors, becoming an emerging human pathogen capable of causing a broad spectrum of intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Nine definite enteric E. coli pathotypes have been well characterized, causing diseases ranging from various gastrointestinal disorders to urinary tract infections. These pathotypes employ many virulence factors and effectors subverting the functions of host cells to mediate their virulence and pathogenesis. This review summarizes new developments in our understanding of diverse virulence factors associated with encoding genes used by different pathotypes of enteric pathogenic E. coli to cause intestinal and extraintestinal diseases in humans.
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Exacerbate Allergic Airway Inflammation via TXNIP Upregulation in a Mouse Model of Asthma
Authors: Lim Je-Oh , Lee Se-Jin , Kim Woong-Il , Pak So-Won , Moon Changjong , Shin In-Sik , Heo Jeong-Doo , Ko Je-Won , Kim Jong-Choon
Published: September 2021

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are widely used in industrial and medicinal fields and in various consumer products, and their increasing use has led to an increase in the number of toxicity studies; however, studies investigating the underlying toxicity mechanism have been rare. In this study, we evaluated potential toxic effects of TiO2NPs exposure on lungs as well as the development of asthma through the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of asthma. Furthermore, we also investigated the associated toxic mechanism. TiO2NPs caused pulmonary toxicity by exacerbating the inflammatory response, indicated by an increase in the number and level of inflammatory cells and mediators, respectively. OVA-induced asthma exposed mice to TiO2NPs led to significant increases in inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and airway hyperresponsiveness compared with those in non-exposed asthmatic mice. This was also accompanied by increased inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production in the lung tissues. Additionally, TiO2NPs decreased the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and the expressions of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), phospho-apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, Bcl2-associated X, and cleaved-caspase 3 were escalated in the lungs of asthmatic mice compared with those in non-exposed asthmatic mice. These responses were consistent with in vitro results obtained using human airway epithelial cells. TiO2NPs treated cells exhibited an increase in the mRNA and protein expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α with an elevation of TXNIP signaling compared to non-treated cells. Moreover, pathophysiological changes induced by TiO2NP treatment were significantly decreased by TXNIP knockdown in airway epithelial cells. Overall, TiO2NP exposure induced toxicological changes in the respiratory tract and exacerbated the development of asthma via activation of the TXNIP-apoptosis pathway. These results provide insights into the underlying mechanism of TiO2NP-mediated respiratory toxicity.
Comparative Evaluation of Sucrosomial Iron and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Oral Supplements in Iron Deficiency Anemia in Piglets
Authors: Mazgaj Rafał , Lipiński Paweł , Szudzik Mateusz , Jończy Aneta , Kopeć Zuzanna , Stankiewicz Adrian M. , Kamyczek Marian , Swinkels Dorine , Żelazowska Beata , Starzyński Rafał R.
Published: September 2021

Iron deficiency is the most common mammalian nutritional disorder. However, among mammalian species iron deficiency anemia (IDA), occurs regularly only in pigs. To cure IDA, piglets are routinely injected with high amounts of iron dextran (FeDex), which can lead to perturbations in iron homeostasis. Here, we evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of non-invasive supplementation with Sucrosomial iron (SI), a highly bioavailable iron supplement preventing IDA in humans and mice and various iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Analysis of red blood cell indices and plasma iron parameters shows that not all iron preparations used in the study efficiently counteracted IDA comparable to FeDex-based supplementation. We found no signs of iron toxicity of any tested iron compounds, as evaluated based on the measurement of several toxicological markers that could indicate the occurrence of oxidative stress or inflammation. Neither SI nor IONPs increased hepcidin expression with alterations in ferroportin (FPN) protein level. Finally, the analysis of the piglet gut microbiota indicates the individual pattern of bacterial diversity across taxonomic levels, independent of the type of supplementation. In light of our results, SI but not IONPs used in the experiment emerges as a promising nutritional iron supplement, with a high potential to correct IDA in piglets.
Establishment of an Adult Medaka Fatty Liver Model by Administration of a Gubra-Amylin-Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Diet Containing High Levels of Palmitic Acid and Fructose
Authors: Fujisawa Koichi , Takami Taro , Okubo Shoki , Nishimura Yuto , Yamada Yusaku , Kondo Keisuke , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Yamamoto Naoki , Sakaida Isao
Published: September 2021

Among lifestyle-related diseases, fatty liver is the most common liver disease. To date, mammalian models have been used to develop methods for inhibiting fatty liver progression; however, new, more efficient models are expected. This study investigated the creation of a new model to produce fatty liver more efficiently than the high-fat diet medaka model that has been used to date. We compared the GAN (Gubra-Amylin nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) diet, which has been used in recent years to induce fatty liver in mice, and the high-fat diet (HFD). Following administration of the diets for three months, enlarged livers and pronounced fat accumulation was noted. The GAN group had large fat vacuoles and lesions, including ballooning, compared to the HFD group. The GAN group had a higher incidence of lesions. When fenofibrate was administered to the fatty liver model created via GAN administration and liver steatosis was assessed, a reduction in liver fat deposition was observed, and this model was shown to be useful in drug evaluations involving fatty liver. The medaka fatty liver model administered with GAN will be useful in future fatty liver research.
Cellular Integrin α5β1 and Exosomal ADAM17 Mediate the Binding and Uptake of Exosomes Produced by Colorectal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Cardeñes Beatriz , Clares Irene , Toribio Víctor , Pascual Lucía , López-Martín Soraya , Torres-Gomez Alvaro , Sainz de la Cuesta Ricardo , Lafuente Esther M. , López-Cabrera Manuel , Yáñez-Mó María , Cabañas Carlos
Published: September 2021

Approximately 25% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients develop peritoneal metastasis, a condition associated with a bleak prognosis. The CRC peritoneal dissemination cascade involves the shedding of cancer cells from the primary tumor, their transport through the peritoneal cavity, their adhesion to the peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) that line all peritoneal organs, and invasion of cancer cells through this mesothelial cell barrier and underlying stroma to establish new metastatic foci. Exosomes produced by cancer cells have been shown to influence many processes related to cancer progression and metastasis. In epithelial ovarian cancer these extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to favor different steps of the peritoneal dissemination cascade by changing the functional phenotype of cancer cells and PMCs. Little is currently known, however, about the roles played by exosomes in the pathogenesis and peritoneal metastasis cascade of CRC and especially about the molecules that mediate their interaction and uptake by target PMCs and tumor cells. We isolated exosomes by size−exclusion chromatography from CRC cells and performed cell-adhesion assays to immobilized exosomes in the presence of blocking antibodies against surface proteins and measured the uptake of fluorescently-labelled exosomes. We report here that the interaction between integrin α5β1 on CRC cells (and PMCs) and its ligand ADAM17 on exosomes mediated the binding and uptake of CRC-derived exosomes. Furthermore, this process was negatively regulated by the expression of tetraspanin CD9 on exosomes.
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) Triggers Inflammatory Responses in Macrophages
Authors: Su Robin C. , Breidenbach Joshua D. , Alganem Khaled , Khalaf Fatimah K. , French Benjamin W. , Dube Prabhatchandra , Malhotra Deepak , McCullumsmith Robert , Presloid John B. , Wooten R. Mark , Kennedy David J. , Haller Steven T.
Published: September 2021

We were the first to previously report that microcystin-LR (MC-LR) has limited effects within the colons of healthy mice but has toxic effects within colons of mice with pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease. In the current investigation, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which MC-LR exacerbates colitis and to identify effective therapeutic targets. Through our current investigation, we report that there is a significantly greater recruitment of macrophages into colonic tissue with pre-existing colitis in the presence of MC-LR than in the absence of MC-LR. This is seen quantitatively through IHC staining and the enumeration of F4/80-positive macrophages and through gene expression analysis for Cd68, Cd11b, and Cd163. Exposure of isolated macrophages to MC-LR was found to directly upregulate macrophage activation markers Tnf and Il1b. Through a high-throughput, unbiased kinase activity profiling strategy, MC-LR-induced phosphorylation events were compared with potential inhibitors, and doramapimod was found to effectively prevent MC-LR-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages.
1,5-Anhydro-D-fructose Protects against Rotenone-Induced Neuronal Damage In Vitro through Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Authors: Kasamo Yuki , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Yamakuchi Munekazu , Otsuka Shotaro , Takada Seiya , Kambe Yuki , Ito Takashi , Kawahara Ko-ichi , Arita Kazunori , Yoshimoto Koji , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: September 2021

Mitochondrial functional abnormalities or quantitative decreases are considered to be one of the most plausible pathogenic mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Thus, mitochondrial complex inhibitors are often used for the development of experimental PD. In this study, we used rotenone to create in vitro cell models of PD, then used these models to investigate the effects of 1,5-anhydro-D-fructose (1,5-AF), a monosaccharide with protective effects against a range of cytotoxic substances. Subsequently, we investigated the possible mechanisms of these protective effects in PC12 cells. The protection of 1,5-AF against rotenone-induced cytotoxicity was confirmed by increased cell viability and longer dendritic lengths in PC12 and primary neuronal cells. Furthermore, in rotenone-treated PC12 cells, 1,5-AF upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) expression and enhanced its deacetylation, while increasing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. 1,5-AF treatment also increased mitochondrial activity in these cells. Moreover, PGC-1α silencing inhibited the cytoprotective and mitochondrial biogenic effects of 1,5-AF in PC12 cells. Therefore, 1,5-AF may activate PGC-1α through AMPK activation, thus leading to mitochondrial biogenic and cytoprotective effects. Together, our results suggest that 1,5-AF has therapeutic potential for development as a treatment for PD.
Molecular Landscapes of Gastric Pre-Neoplastic and Pre-Invasive Lesions
Authors: Businello Gianluca , Angerilli Valentina , Parente Paola , Realdon Stefano , Savarino Edoardo , Farinati Fabio , Grillo Federica , Vanoli Alessandro , Galuppini Francesca , Paccagnella Silvia , Pennelli Gianmaria , Mastracci Luca , Saragoni Luca , Fassan Matteo
Published: September 2021

Gastric carcinoma (GC) represents one of the most common and most lethal malignancies worldwide. The histopathological characterization of GC precursor lesions has provided great knowledge about gastric carcinogenesis, with the consequent introduction of effective strategies of primary and secondary prevention. In recent years, a large amount of data about the molecular events in GC development is emerging, flanking the histomorphological descriptions. In this review, we describe the landscape of molecular alterations in gastric pre-invasive lesions with a glance at their potential use in the diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making process.
Disease-Dependent Antiapoptotic Effects of Cannabidiol for Keratinocytes Observed upon UV Irradiation
Authors: Wójcik Piotr , Gęgotek Agnieszka , Žarković Neven , Skrzydlewska Elżbieta
Published: September 2021

Although apoptosis of keratinocytes has been relatively well studied, there is a lack of information comparing potentially proapoptotic treatments for healthy and diseased skin cells. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune-mediated skin disease manifested by patches of hyperproliferative keratinocytes that do not undergo apoptosis. UVB phototherapy is commonly used to treat psoriasis, although this has undesirable side effects, and is often combined with anti-inflammatory compounds. The aim of this study was to analyze if cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may modify the proapoptotic effects of UVB irradiation in vitro by influencing apoptotic signaling pathways in donor psoriatic and healthy human keratinocytes obtained from the skin of five volunteers in each group. While CBD alone did not have any major effects on keratinocytes, the UVB treatment activated the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, with enhanced caspase 8 expression in both healthy and psoriatic keratinocytes. However, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, characterized by increased expression of caspase 2, was observed in psoriatic cells after UVB irradiation. Furthermore, decreased p-AKT expression combined with increased 15-d-PGJ2 level and p-p38 expression was observed in psoriatic keratinocytes, which may promote both apoptosis and necrosis. Application of CBD partially attenuated these effects of UVB irradiation both in healthy and psoriatic keratinocytes, reducing the levels of 15-d-PGJ2, p-p38 and caspase 8 while increasing Bcl2 expression. However, CBD increased p-AKT only in UVB-treated healthy cells. Therefore, the reduction of apoptotic signaling pathways by CBD, observed mainly in healthy keratinocytes, suggests the need for further research into the possible beneficial effects of CBD.
Free Radical-Mediated Protein Radical Formation in Differentiating Monocytes
Authors: Prasad Ankush , Manoharan Renuka Ramalingam , Sedlářová Michaela , Pospíšil Pavel
Published: September 2021

Free radical-mediated activation of inflammatory macrophages remains ambiguous with its limitation to study within biological systems. U-937 and HL-60 cell lines serve as a well-defined model system known to differentiate into either macrophages or dendritic cells in response to various chemical stimuli linked with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Our present work utilizes phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) as a stimulant, and factors such as concentration and incubation time were considered to achieve optimized differentiation conditions. ROS formation likely hydroxyl radical (HO●) was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In particular, U-937 cells were utilized further to identify proteins undergoing oxidation by ROS using anti-DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide) antibodies. Additionally, the expression pattern of NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4) in relation to induction with PMA was monitored to correlate the pattern of ROS generated. Utilizing macrophages as a model system, findings from the present study provide a valuable source for expanding the knowledge of differentiation and protein expression dynamics.
A Tweet Sentiment Classification Approach Using a Hybrid Stacked Ensemble Technique
Authors: Gaye Babacar , Zhang Dezheng , Wulamu Aziguli
Published: September 2021

With the extensive availability of social media platforms, Twitter has become a significant tool for the acquisition of peoples’ views, opinions, attitudes, and emotions towards certain entities. Within this frame of reference, sentiment analysis of tweets has become one of the most fascinating research areas in the field of natural language processing. A variety of techniques have been devised for sentiment analysis, but there is still room for improvement where the accuracy and efficacy of the system are concerned. This study proposes a novel approach that exploits the advantages of the lexical dictionary, machine learning, and deep learning classifiers. We classified the tweets based on the sentiments extracted by TextBlob using a stacked ensemble of three long short-term memory (LSTM) as base classifiers and logistic regression (LR) as a meta classifier. The proposed model proved to be effective and time-saving since it does not require feature extraction, as LSTM extracts features without any human intervention. We also compared our proposed approach with conventional machine learning models such as logistic regression, AdaBoost, and random forest. We also included state-of-the-art deep learning models in comparison with the proposed model. Experiments were conducted on the sentiment140 dataset and were evaluated in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 Score. Empirical results showed that our proposed approach manifested state-of-the-art results by achieving an accuracy score of 99%.