bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Braking Response Performance of Fault-Tolerant Dual Winding Motor for Integrated Brake System Using Winding Switching
Authors: Hwang Kyu-Yun , Yoon Keun-Young
Published: March 2023

Unlike the winding structure of existing three-phase single winding motors, the winding structure of the dual winding motor (DWM) contains a master part and two slave parts. Thus, when the master part fails, it can be driven using the remaining slave part. It is applicable to various electric parts driving the integrated electric brake (IEB) system; thereby securing the high reliability of vehicle parts. However, in the existing DWM, there is an overheating problem owing to the increase in current because it operates with half the motor during the faulty mode. Therefore, a compensation method for the increase in current in a faulty mode was employed by increasing the stacking length of the DWM. However, although it solves the overheating problem of the DWM in the faulty mode, the motor output performance and braking performance of the IEB system are degraded in the normal mode because of the change in the motor control parameters. Thus, in this paper, we propose a DWM with winding switching (WS) to simultaneously solve the DWM overheating problem in the faulty mode and the DWM’s performance degradation problem in the normal mode. The output performance of the DWM with an increased stack length and the previously developed base model are compared to verify the performance of the proposed DWM with WS. As a result of the comparison, unlike the DWM with an increased stack length, in which the maximum speed is reduced by 20.5% compared to the existing base model during quick braking in the normal mode, the proposed DWM with WS has no performance degradation. In other words, it is confirmed that the proposed DWM with WS effectively solves the overheating problem during faulty mode, while simultaneously solving the performance degradation problem of the IEB system during the normal mode.
Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials
Authors: Blanco Ignazio
Published: March 2023

Polymer composites represent the platform materials of the 21st century, and they make up an important slice of the market for the production of modern materials [...]
A CBCT Evaluation of the Proximity of Mandibular Molar Roots and Lingual Cortical Bone in Various Vertical Facial Patterns and Factors Related to Root-Cortical Bone Contact
Authors: Choi Sung-Kwon , Park Jae Hyun , Chae Jong-Moon , Chang Na-Young , Kang Kyung-Hwa
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the proximity of the mandibular molar roots and the lingual cortical bone in patients with various vertical facial patterns and determine factors related to root-cortical bone contact. A total of 145 patients (84 males, 61 females, mean age: 22.0 ± 1.76 years) were assigned to hypodivergent (36 patients), normovergent (80 patients) and hyperdivergent (29 patients) groups based on their facial height ratio. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were used to measure the distance between the mandibular molar roots and the lingual cortical bone, and any instances of root-cortical bone contact were identified. The study investigated the correlation between the contact of the mandibular molar roots with the lingual cortical bone and several variables, including sex and cephalometric measurements. The distance between the mandibular molar roots and the lingual cortical bone was significantly shorter in the hyperdivergent group than in the hypodivergent group (p < 0.05). Of the total root-cortical bone contact, 87.6% was observed in the mandibular second molars, and the distal roots of the mandibular second molars had the highest contact rate at 43.1% in the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.05). Among the evaluated variables, only the distance between the distal root apex of the mandibular second molar and the mandibular plane was found to be associated with contact of the mandibular molar roots with the lingual cortical bone. An increase of 1 mm in this distance was associated with a 22% decrease in the likelihood of contact between the mandibular second molar roots and lingual cortical bone (p < 0.001). Given the proximity and high contact ratio between the mandibular molar roots and lingual cortical bone, it is recommended that these structures be evaluated using CBCT before planning molar distalization or intrusion in hyperdivergent patients.
Radial and Oblique Impact Testing of Alpine Helmets onto Snow Surfaces
Authors: Patton Declan A. , Mohammadi Reza , Halldin Peter , Kleiven Svein , McIntosh Andrew S.
Published: March 2023

Recent studies have found that alpine helmets reduce the risk of focal injuries associated with radial impacts, which is likely due to current alpine helmet standards requiring helmets to be drop-tested on flat anvils with only linear acceleration pass criteria. There is a need to evaluate the performance of alpine helmets in more realistic impacts. The current study developed a method to assess the performance of alpine helmets for radial and oblique impacts on snow surfaces in a laboratory setting. Snow samples were collected from a groomed area of a ski slope. Radial impacts were performed as drop tests onto a stationary snow sample. Oblique impacts were performed as drop tests onto a snow sample moving horizontally. For radial impacts, snow sample collection time was found to significantly (p = 0.005) influence mean peak linear headform acceleration with an increase in ambient temperature softening the snow samples. For oblique tests, the recreational alpine sports helmet with a rotation-damping system (RDS) significantly (p = 0.002) reduced mean peak angular acceleration compared to the same helmets with no RDS by approximately 44%. The ski racing helmet also significantly (p = 0.006) reduced mean peak angular acceleration compared to the recreational alpine sports helmet with no RDS by approximately 33%, which was attributed to the smooth outer shell of the ski racing helmet. The current study helps to bridge the knowledge gap between real helmet impacts on alpine snow slopes and laboratory helmet impacts on rigid surfaces.
Vehicle Distance Measurement Method of Two-Way Two-Lane Roads Based on Monocular Vision
Authors: Yang Rong , Yu Shuyuan , Yao Qihong , Huang Junming , Ya Fuming
Published: March 2023

The longitudinal distance between the vehicle and the forward vehicle, as well as the longitudinal distance between the vehicle and the opposite vehicle, is the main risk factor of overtaking behavior on two-way two-lane roads. Accurate measurement of these distances is the basis and key to automatic driving technology of two-way two-lane roads. In order to measure these longitudinal distances and improve the ranging accuracy, a vehicle distance measurement method of two-way two-lane roads based on monocular vision was proposed. Firstly, the vehicle detection model suitable for two-way two-lane roads was trained using YOLOv5s neural network. Secondly, aiming at the problem that the camera roll angle is not considered in the traditional geometric ranging method, the influence of the roll angle of the camera on ranging results using the traditional geometric ranging method was analyzed. In addition, the improved geometric ranging method considering the roll angle of the camera was proposed. Then, tests were conducted on a two-way two-lane road, and the results showed that the proposed method was effective. Compared with other methods, the improved geometric ranging method has higher ranging accuracy in this scene and can provide a reference for vision-based vehicle distance measurement in multi-lane scenes.
Triple-Threshold Path-Based Static Power-Optimization Methodology (TPSPOM) for Designing SOC Applications Using 28 nm MTCMOS Technology
Authors: Li Peng , Zhu Shite , Xi Wei , Xu Changbao , Zheng Dandan , Huang Kai
Published: March 2023

The threshold voltage distribution technique is an effective way to reduce the static power consumption of integrated circuits. Several gate-level-based distribution algorithms have been proposed, but the optimization effect and run time still need further optimization when applied to very large-scale integration (VLSI) designs. This paper presents a triple-threshold path-based static power optimization methodology (TPSPOM) for low-power system-on-chip. This method obtains the path weights and cell weights from paths’ timing constraints and cells’ delay-to-power ratios, then uses them as indexes to distribute each cell to low-threshold voltage (LVT), standard-threshold voltage (SVT), or high-threshold voltage (HVT). The experimental results based on a 28 nm circuit containing 385,781 cells show that the TPSPOM method reduces static power consumption by 15.16% more than the critical-path aware power consumption optimization methodology (CAPCOM). At the same time, run time is reduced by 96.85%.
Off-Axis Tension Behaviour of Unidirectional PEEK/AS4 Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Ma Yifan , Li Yazhi , Liu Lu
Published: March 2023

An experimental method for non-standard off-axis tension tests of unidirectional composites is developed. A new oblique end-tab is designed to eliminate stress concentration and in-plane bending moment induced by off-axis tension loading. Finite element analysis and experiments on Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)/AS4 unidirectional thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed testing method. Simulation and test results demonstrate that the use of oblique end-tabs eradicates stress concentration and bending movements. The digital image correlation (DIC) method was used to help investigate the full-field tension/shear coupling deformation response of the off-axis specimen. Test results show significant nonlinear behaviour and inhomogeneous strain distribution under tension/shear combined stresses. A fractographic study was carried out to study the damage mechanisms under a tension/shear combined stress state. Specimens with 30°, 45° and 60° off-axis angles, fail in tension/shear mixed failure mode. Fracture surface morphology indicates that matrix plastic deformation and ductile drawing under tension/shear coupled stress state induced the nonlinear stress-strain response.
Influence of Meteor Count on Wind Field Retrieved by All-Sky Meteor Radar
Authors: Hao Xiaojing , Ma Yu , Ding Zonghua , Wang Libin , Li Na , Chen Jinsong
Published: March 2023

The all-sky meteor radar is an important means to detect 70–110 km wind fields. Previous studies have shown that the wind field retrieved by all-sky meteor radars is closely related to the meteor count detected by the radar. However, the precision of the wind field is still unclear. In this paper, the influence of the meteor counts detected by two all-sky meteor radars operating simultaneously at Kunming station on wind fields is analyzed based on the observations of the two radars from 1 November 2013 to 31 December 2014. First, the meteor counts detected by the two meteor radars are approximately 100–3000 per hour, and the meteor count detected by the 37.5 MHz meteor radar is more than that according to the 53.1 MHz meteor radar. The meteor counts detected by the two radars vary with the local time and altitude. The meteor counts detected from 20 UTC to 02 UTC are the largest in the altitude range of 84–92 km, while the meteor counts detected from 09 UTC to 15 UTC are the lowest at other altitudes. Second, the more meteors detected by the two radars, the smaller the wind field differences retrieved by the two radars, and the closer the wind fields are to the real average wind field. Third, because the performance of the two radars is basically identical, except that the meteor counts detected by the two radars are different due to their different operating frequencies, the meteor count is the main system error of the wind fields retrieved, and the errors can be determined by the correlation coefficients of the wind fields retrieved by the two radars. Finally, in the altitude range of 76–100 km, the mean wind field differences of the two radars are less than 5 m/s.
Breakage of Tapered Junctions of Modular Stems in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty—High Incidence in a Consecutive Series of a Single Institution
Authors: Bischel Oliver E. , Suda Arnold J. , Böhm Paul M. , Bormann Therese , Jäger Sebastian , Seeger Jörn B.
Published: March 2023

Background: Modularity in revision THA (RTHA) has become accepted during the last three decades. Nevertheless, specific risks of modularity of current revision devices such as breakage of taper junctions occur during follow-up. Data reporting failure rates are predominantly given by the manufacturers but independent data acquisition is missing so far. Questions/Purposes: 1. What time-related risk of breakage of taper junction between neck and body of an established modular revision device can be expected in a consecutive single institutional series and a mid-term follow-up? 2. Are there specific factors influencing breakage in this cohort? Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of a consecutive series of 89 cases after femoral revision using a tapered modular revision stem. Mean follow-up period was 7.1 (range: 3.0–13.7) years. Breakage of stem as failure criteria of the implant was investigated with a Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: Breakage of taper junctions occurred in four patients during follow-up showing a time-depending implant survival of 94.2 (95% CI: 88.6–100%) after 13.7 years. Implant survival of stems with lateralized necks of 87.4 (95% CI: 75.6–100%) after 13.7 years was significantly lower compared to the standard offset variant with 100% after 13.5 years (log rank test p = 0.0283). Chi square test also revealed a significantly higher risk of breakage of lateralized necks compared to standard offset pieces (p = 0.0141). Three of four patients were obese with a mean BMI of 37.9 kg/m2. Grade of obesity (grade 1 or higher) had significant influence on risk of breakage. Survival of the implant was significantly lower in obese patients with at least grade 1 obesity compared to patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m2 (82.9 (95% CI: 64.9–100%) after 11.6 years vs. 98.4 (95% CI: 95.3–100%) after 13.7 years; log-rank p = 0.0327). Conclusions: Cumulative risk for failure of taper junctions was high in this consecutive single institutional cohort and may further increase during follow-up. As independent data acquisition in registries is missing, failure rate may be higher than reported data of the manufacturers. The use of lateralized offset necks in obese patients of at least grade 1 obesity showed a significantly higher risk of breakage. The use of monobloc revision devices may be an option, but randomized control trials are currently missing to establish standardized treatment protocols considering individual risks for both monobloc and/or modular implants.
Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises on Isokinetic Strength and Muscle Tension in Sedentary Men
Authors: Yeom Seunghyeok , Jeong Hyeongdo , Lee Hyungwoo , Jeon Kyoungkyu
Published: March 2023

Lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) lead to high levels of erector spinae muscle (ESM) activation, which has a positive effect on improving physical function. The purpose of this study is to identify factors explaining changes in muscle strength after 7 weeks of LSE and to evaluate changes in stiffness and contraction of the ESM. All participants (male: n = 42, age = 28.26 ± 10.97) were assessed for 60°/s isokinetic extensor muscle strength and tension using a tensiomyography (TMG) and isokinetic device before and after LSE. Maximum displacement (Dm) and average velocity up to 90% Dm (Vc 90) were significantly different before and after LSE. Additionally, participants’ 60°/s isokinetic extensor strength was significantly higher after exercise. A regression analysis was conducted to test the explanatory power of the variables, and positive results were obtained in the increase in extensor strength before and after Vc 90 and LSE. Furthermore, statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. After LSE, the increase in 60°/s isokinetic extensor strength and ESM’s Dm and Vc 90 can be interpreted as positive changes post-exercise in endurance muscles with a higher percentage of type I fibers. Our results can contribute to predicting the long-term exercise effect in sedentary workers and developing an individualized strategic exercise program.
A New, Extremely Sensitive, Turn-Off Optical Sensor Utilizing Schiff Base for Fast Detection of Cu(II)
Authors: Aroua Lotfi M. , Ali Reham , Albadri Abuzar E. A. E. , Messaoudi Sabri , Alminderej Fahad M. , Saleh Sayed M.
Published: March 2023

Throughout this research, a unique optical sensor for detecting one of the most dangerous heavy metal ions, Cu(II), was designed and developed. The (4-mercaptophenyl) iminomethylphenyl naphthalenyl carbamate (MNC) sensor probe was effectively prepared. The Schiff base of the sensor shows a “turn-off” state with excellent sensitivity to Cu(II) ions. This innovative fluorescent chemosensor possesses distinctive optical features with a substantial Stocks shift (about 114 nm). In addition, MNC has remarkable selectivity for Cu(II) relative to other cations. Density functional theory (DFT) and the time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) theoretical calculations were performed to examine Cu(II) chelation structures and associated electronic properties in solution, and the results indicate that the luminescence quenching in this complex is due to ICT. Chelation-quenched fluorescence is responsible for the internal charge transfer (ICT)-based selectivity of the MNC sensing molecule for Cu(II) ions. In a 1:9 (v/v) DMSO-HEPES buffer (20 mM, pH = 7.4) solution, Fluorescence and UV-Vis absorption of the MNC probe and Cu(II) ions were investigated. By utilizing a solution containing several metal ions, the interference of other metal ions was studied. This MNC molecule has outstanding selectivity and sensitivity, as well as a low LOD (1.45 nM). Consequently, these distinctive properties enable it to find the copper metal ions across an actual narrow dynamic range (0–1.2 M Cu(II)). The reversibility of the sensor was obtained by employing an EDTA as a powerful chelating agent.
The Impact of Altruistic Teaching on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Learners’ Emotion Regulation: An Intervention Study
Authors: Derakhshan Ali , Zare Javad
Published: March 2023

The second language acquisition (SLA) field has recently seen heightened interest in the study and application of positive psychology (PP). Emotion regulation is one of the concepts that has been stressed in PP. Several studies in PP have delved into how controlling one’s emotions improves second language learning/teaching. One of the concepts that has slipped the minds of researchers in the field is altruistic teaching. Unlike egocentric acts, altruistic teaching acts are performed to improve others’ well-being. Despite their importance in causing positive emotional effects, no study has investigated the impact of altruistic teaching acts on learners’ emotion regulation. To bridge this gap, the present study sought to investigate the effect of learners’ altruistic teaching on their emotion regulation. The study followed a sequential explanatory comparison group pre-test–post-test design. One hundred forty-one English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners were recruited for this intervention study and were divided into experimental and control groups. Learners in the experimental group performed altruistic teaching by teaching their peers how to write essays in English, whereas learners in the control group did group work tasks on English essay writing. The results of independent-sample t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA showed that altruistic teaching significantly impacts EFL learners’ emotion regulation. The results of qualitative data pointed to five themes, including enjoyment, self-esteem, bonding, devotion, and progress. Overall, the results suggested that altruistic teaching impacts learners’ emotion regulation by enhancing their enjoyment, self-esteem, bonding, devotion, and progress. The paper has theoretical and pedagogical implications for SLA research and practice.
Attachment, Mentalizing and Trauma: Then (1992) and Now (2022)
Authors: Fonagy Peter , Campbell Chloe , Luyten Patrick
Published: March 2023

This article reviews the current status of research on the relationship between attachment and trauma in developmental psychopathology. Beginning with a review of the major issues and the state-of-the-art in relation to current thinking in the field of attachment about the impact of trauma and the inter-generational transmission of trauma, the review then considers recent neurobiological work on mentalizing and trauma and suggests areas of new development and implications for clinical practice.
Retinal Alterations as Potential Biomarkers of Structural Brain Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease Spectrum Patients
Authors: Hu Zheqi , Wang Lianlian , Zhu Dandan , Qin Ruomeng , Sheng Xiaoning , Ke Zhihong , Shao Pengfei , Zhao Hui , Xu Yun , Bai Feng
Published: March 2023

Retinal imaging being a potential biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease is gradually attracting the attention of researchers. However, the association between retinal parameters and AD neuroimaging biomarkers, particularly structural changes, is still unclear. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 25 cognitively impaired (CI) and 21 cognitively normal (CN) individuals. All subjects underwent retinal layer thickness and microvascular measurements with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Gray matter and white matter (WM) data such as T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging, respectively, were also collected. In addition, hippocampal subfield volumes and WM tract microstructural alterations were investigated as classical AD neuroimaging biomarkers. The microvascular and retinal features and their correlation with brain structural imaging markers were further analyzed. We observed a reduction in vessel density (VD) at the inferior outer (IO) sector (p = 0.049), atrophy in hippocampal subfield volumes, such as the subiculum (p = 0.012), presubiculum (p = 0.015), molecular_layer_HP (p = 0.033), GC-ML-DG (p = 0.043) and whole hippocampus (p = 0.033) in CI patients. Altered microstructural integrity of WM tracts in CI patients was also discovered in the cingulum hippocampal part (CgH). Importantly, we detected significant associations between retinal VD and gray matter volumes of the hippocampal subfield in CI patients. These findings suggested that the retinal microvascular measures acquired by OCTA may be markers for the early prediction of AD-related structural brain changes.
Exploring a Possible Interplay between Schizophrenia, Oxytocin, and Estrogens: A Narrative Review
Authors: Papadea Danae , Dalla Christina , Tata Despina A.
Published: March 2023

Schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms of psychosis and sociocognitive deficits. Considering oxytocin’s antipsychotic and prosocial properties, numerous clinical, and preclinical studies have explored the neuropeptide’s therapeutic efficacy. Sex differences in the clinical course of schizophrenia, as well as in oxytocin-mediated behaviors, indicate the involvement of gonadal steroid hormones. The current narrative review aimed to explore empirical evidence on the interplay between schizophrenia psychopathology and oxytocin’s therapeutic potential in consideration of female gonadal steroid interactions, with a focus on estrogens. The review was conducted using the PubMed and PsychINFO databases and conforms to the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines. The results suggest a potential synergistic effect of the combined antipsychotic effect of oxytocin and neuroprotective effect of estrogen on schizophrenia. Consideration of typical menstrual cycle-related hormonal changes is warranted and further research is needed to confirm this assumption.
A Case Study of Thin Concrete Wall Elements Subjected to Ground Loads
Authors: Elmo Davide , Mitelman Amichai
Published: March 2023

Smuggling and warfare tunnels are unique structures that have rarely been studied from an engineering perspective. A notable example is the vast networks of tunnels that were secretly constructed underneath the Gaza Strip. Particularly because these tunnels were not designed and constructed via traditional engineering practice, they constitute an interesting case study. The tunnels are supported by thin precast concrete elements, with the wall elements being the critical structural element. While some instances of structural failure and collapse have been reported in the media, a great number of the tunnels have remained stable. In this paper, we attempt to conduct a forward analysis to estimate the load and response of the wall elements. We estimate the range of problem input parameters based on multiple sources, including media accounts, geological research papers, and geotechnical reports obtained from the vicinity of the Gaza tunnels. The problem is then analyzed using two approaches: (1) a simplified structural analysis based on lateral earth-pressure theory and (2) numerical modeling. Both analysis methods show that the wall elements should fail due to compression even under the most favorable estimates of input parameters, in contrast to actual reality. We discuss possible explanations for this disparity. While it is not possible to pinpoint the exact explanation, we argue that current geotechnical practice is generally biased toward conservatism, even prior to the application of safety factors.
Parametric Numerical Study of Welded Aluminium Beam-to-Column Joints
Authors: Skejić Davor , Žuvelek Vlaho , Valčić Anđelo
Published: March 2023

Beam-to-column joints are one of the most common types of joints in metal structures. In the design of load-bearing aluminium structures, welding, as a joining method, is often avoided because of localised degradation of mechanical properties in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). However, recent experimental studies on the extent and strength of the HAZ show a significant difference compared to very conservative design rules when modern welding techniques are used. Therefore, the numerical study conducted in this paper addresses the influence of HAZ on the mechanical behaviour of the welded aluminium beam-to-column joint. Parametric numerical analyses were performed varying the aluminium alloys, the reduced mechanical properties of the HAZ, and different definitions of the HAZ extent. The obtained results show that the highest stress concentration occurs at the connection between the top beam flange and the column flange, resulting in plastic softening in this region. Different joint capacities were observed by varying the mechanical properties of the HAZ. A detailed overview of numerical models as well as the obtained moment–rotation curves show that the behaviour of some models is not as conservative as assumed in the design standards considered.
The Right Activities at Right Spaces: Relationships between Elderly Adults’ Physical Activities and Thermal Responses
Authors: Yuan Tingting , Hong Bo , Li Yichen , Wang Yanbo , Wang Yayun
Published: March 2023

In this study, the physiological and thermal responses of 54 healthy elderly adults during horticultural activities with various intensities (low, moderate, and high) in three typical open spaces were investigated through meteorological measurements, questionnaires, and physiological monitoring. Physiological equivalent temperature (PET), blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and ear canal temperature were used as physiological evaluation indices. The results showed that: (1) the proportional changes before and after thermal sensation vote (TSV) and thermal comfort vote (TCV) activities were positively correlated with the spatial characteristics and metabolic levels of outdoor activities in summer; (2) physiological indices were almost constant during low-intensity horticultural activities and significantly different before and after moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity horticultural activities; (3) when the intensity of horticultural activities changed from low to moderate, the neutral PET (NPET) decreased to 25.29 and 26.82 °C, respectively, whereas the NPET increased to 23.97 °C during vigorous intensity; (4) heart rate (HR) and diastolic blood pressure (SBP) were positively correlated with metabolic rate for the elderly; (5) a moderate sky view factor space was more suitable for the elderly to participate in during outdoor horticultural activities in summer.
Increased IL-17A Serum Levels and Gastric Th17 Cells in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Patients with Gastric Premalignant Lesions
Authors: Della Bella Chiara , D’Elios Sofia , Coletta Sara , Benagiano Marisa , Azzurri Annalisa , Cianchi Fabio , de Bernard Marina , D’Elios Mario Milco
Published: March 2023

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate that might be an important antecedent of gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether interleukin (IL)-17 inflammation is elicited by gastric T cells in Helicobacter pylori patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia (IM/DYS). We also investigated the serum IL-17A levels in Helicobacter pylori patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia, and patients with Helicobacter pylori non-atrophic gastritis (NAG). Methods: the IL-17 cytokine profile of gastric T cells was investigated in six patients with IM/DYS and Helicobacter pylori infection. Serum IL-17A levels were measured in 45 Helicobacter pylori-infected IM/DYS patients, 45 Helicobacter pylori-infected patients without IM/DYS and in 45 healthy controls (HC). Results: gastric T cells from all IM/DYS patients with Helicobacter pylori were able to proliferate in response to Helicobacter pylori and to produce IL-17A. The Luminex analysis revealed that IL-17A levels were significantly increased in Helicobacter pylori IM/DYS patients compared to healthy controls and to Helicobacter pylori gastritis patients without IM/DYS (452.34 ± 369.13 pg/mL, 246.82 ± 156.06 pg/mL, 169.26 ± 73.82 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Conclusions: the results obtained indicate that Helicobacter pylori is able to drive gastric IL-17 inflammation in IM/DYS Helicobacter pylori-infected patients, and that IL-17A serum levels are significantly increased in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with IM/DYS.
Clinical Implications of mTOR Expression in Papillary Thyroid Cancer—A Systematic Review
Authors: Derwich Aleksandra , Sykutera Monika , Bromińska Barbara , Andrusiewicz Mirosław , Ruchała Marek , Sawicka-Gutaj Nadia
Published: March 2023

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) comprises approximately 80% of all thyroid malignancies. Although several etiological factors, such as age, gender, and irradiation, are already known to be involved in the development of PTC, the genetics of cancerogenesis remain undetermined. The mTOR pathway regulates several cellular processes that are critical for tumorigenesis. Activated mTOR is involved in the development and progression of PTC. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of papers studying the expression of the mTOR gene and protein and its relationship with PTC risk and clinical outcome. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases (the search date was 2012–2022). Studies investigating the expression of mTOR in the peripheral blood or tissue of patients with PTC were deemed eligible for inclusion. Seven of the 286 screened studies met the inclusion criteria for mTOR gene expression and four for mTOR protein expression. We also analyzed the data on mTOR protein expression in PTC. We analyzed the association of mTOR expression with papillary thyroid cancer clinicopathological features, such as the TNM stage, BRAF V600E mutation, sex distribution, lymph node and distant metastases, and survival prognosis. Understanding specific factors involved in PTC tumorigenesis provides opportunities for targeted therapies. We also reviewed the possible new targeted therapies and the use of mTOR inhibitors in PTC. This topic requires further research with novel techniques to translate the achieved results to clinical application.
Exercise Training in Elderly Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Giallauria Francesco , Testa Crescenzo , Cuomo Gianluigi , Di Lorenzo Anna , Venturini Elio , Lauretani Fulvio , Maggio Marcello Giuseppe , Iannuzzo Gabriella , Vigorito Carlo
Published: March 2023

Due to the aging of the population, in 70% of cases, a new cancer diagnosis equals a cancer diagnosis in a geriatric patient. In this population, beyond the concept of mortality and morbidity, functional capacity, disability, and quality of life remain crucial. In fact, when the functional status is preserved, the pathogenetic curve towards disability will stop or even regress. The present systematic review investigated the effectiveness of physical exercise, as part of a holistic assessment of the patient, for preventing disability and improving the patient’s quality of life, and partially reducing all-cause mortality. This evidence must point towards decentralization of care by implementing the development of rehabilitation programs for elderly cancer patients either before or after anti-cancer therapy.
High Intra-Tumor Transforming Growth Factor Beta 2 Level as a Predictor of Poor Treatment Outcomes in Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
Authors: Uckun Fatih M. , Qazi Sanjive , Trieu Vuong
Published: March 2023

Here, we report that tumor samples from newly diagnosed pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) patients express significantly higher levels of transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFB2) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) than control pons samples, which correlated with augmented expression of transcription factors that upregulate TGFB2 gene expression. Our study also demonstrated that RNA sequencing (RNAseq)-based high TGFB2 mRNA level is an indicator of poor prognosis for DIPG patients, but not for pediatric glioblastoma (GBM) patients or pediatric diffuse midline glioma (DMG) patients with tumor locations outside of the pons/brainstem. Notably, DIPG patients with high levels of TGFB2 mRNA expression in their tumor samples had significantly worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). By comparison, high levels of transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFB3) mRNA expression in tumor samples was associated with significantly better survival outcomes of DIPG patients, whereas high levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) expression was not prognostic. Our study fills a significant gap in our understanding of the clinical significance of high TGFB2 expression in pediatric high-grade gliomas.
Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: Genomics and Biomarkers with Focus on Local Therapies
Authors: Kitsel Yuliya , Cooke Timothy , Sotirchos Vlasios , Sofocleous Constantinos T.
Published: March 2023

Molecular cancer biomarkers help personalize treatment, predict oncologic outcomes, and identify patients who can benefit from specific targeted therapies. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third-most common cancer, with the liver being the most frequent visceral metastatic site. KRAS, NRAS, BRAF V600E Mutations, DNA Mismatch Repair Deficiency/Microsatellite Instability Status, HER2 Amplification, and NTRK Fusions are NCCN approved and actionable molecular biomarkers for colorectal cancer. Additional biomarkers are also described and can be helpful in different image-guided hepatic directed therapies specifically for CRLM. For example, tumors maintaining the Ki-67 proliferation marker after thermal ablation have been particularly resilient to ablation. Ablation margin was also shown to be an important factor in predicting local recurrence, with a ≥10 mm minimal ablation margin being required to attain local tumor control, especially for patients with mutant KRAS CRLM.
Ag2CO3-Based Photocatalyst with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Degradation: A Review
Authors: Rafaie Hartini Ahmad , Ramli Nurul Infaza Talalah , Khusaimi Zuraida , Mohd Sarjidan Mohd Arif , Dulyaseree Paweena , Hir Zul Adlan Mohd
Published: March 2023

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the aquatic environment have garnered a lot of attention during the past few years. Due to their toxic behavior, which interferes with endocrine functions in both humans and aquatic species, these types of compounds have been recognized as major polluting agents in wastewater effluents. Therefore, the development of efficient and sustainable removal methods for these emerging contaminants is essential. Photocatalytic removal of emerging contaminants using silver carbonate (Ag2CO3)-based photocatalyst is a promising process due to the unique characteristics of this catalyst, such as absorption of a larger fraction of the solar spectrum, wide band gap, non-toxicity, and low cost. The photocatalytic performance of Ag2CO3 has recently been improved through the doping of elements and optimization variation of operational parameters resulting in decreasing the rate of electron–hole pair recombination and an increase in the semiconductor’s excitation state efficiency, which enables the degradation of contaminants under UV or visible light exposure. This review summarized some of the relevant investigations related to Ag2CO3-based photocatalytic materials for EDC removal from water. The inclusion of Ag2CO3-based photocatalytic materials in the water recovery procedure suggests that the creation of a cutting-edge protocol is essential for successfully eliminating EDCs from the ecosystem.
Biodiesel Production through the Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil over Typical Heterogeneous Base or Acid Catalysts
Authors: Miyuranga K. A. Viraj , Arachchige Udara S. P. R. , Marso T. M. M. , Samarakoon Gamunu
Published: March 2023

For the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil with an acid value of 1.86 mg KOH/g, five heterogeneous catalysts—Ba(OH)2, CaO, MgO, ZnO, and AlCl3—were employed. To optimize the reaction parameters of each catalyst, the influence of crucial process variables, such as catalyst loading, methanol-to-oil ratio, and reaction duration, was investigated. In addition, the effect of acetone as a cosolvent toward the progress of biodiesel production and the reusability of the heterogeneous catalysts were also examined, and the data were statistically evaluated with a 95% confidence level. Ba(OH)2 performed exceptionally well, with a 92 wt.% biodiesel yield, followed by CaO with an 84 wt.% yield. However, none of the results for MgO, ZnO, or AlCl3 were adequate. In addition, regardless of the type of catalyst utilized, adding 20 vol.% acetone to the biodiesel manufacturing process led to an increase in output. Furthermore, every heterogeneous catalyst was reusable, but only Ba(OH)2 and CaO produced a significant yield until the third cycle. The other catalysts did not produce yields of any significance.
Composite Fibrin and Carbon Microfibre Implant to Modulate Postraumatic Inflammation after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Escarrat Vincent , Perez-Sanchez Jimena , El-Waly Bilal , Collazos-Castro Jorge E. , Debarbieux Franck
Published: March 2023

Poor functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) drives the development of novel strategies to manage this devastating condition. We recently showed promising immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative actions of bio-functionalized carbon microfibres (MFs) implanted in a rodent model of SCI. In order to maximize tissue repair while easing MF implantation, we produced a composite implant based on the embedding of several MFs within a fibrin hydrogel. We used intravital imaging of fluorescent reporter mice at the early stages and spinal sections of the same animals 3 months later to characterize the neuroinflammatory response to the implant and its impact on axonal regeneration. Whereas fibrin alone was inert in the first week, its enzymatic degradation drove the chronic activation of microglial cells and axonal degeneration within 3 months. However, the presence of MFs inside the fibrin hydrogel slowed down fibrin degradation and boosted the early recruitment of immune cells. Noteworthy, there was an enhanced contribution of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs), preceding a faster transition toward an anti-inflammatory environment with increased axonal regeneration over 3 months. The inclusion of MF here ensured the long-term biocompatibility of fibrin hydrogels, which would otherwise preclude successful spinal cord regeneration.
Trends in Dominican Republic Coral Reef Biodiversity 2015–2022
Authors: Steneck Robert S. , Torres Rubén
Published: March 2023

In 2015, we initiated a country-wide coral reef ecosystem-monitoring program in the Dominican Republic (DR) to establish biodiversity baselines against which trends in the most important components of coral reef ecosystem’s structure and function could be tracked. Replicate transects were set at a 10 m depth at each of the 12 coral reef sites within 6 DR regions in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. We quantified the species-level abundances of adult and juvenile corals, reef fishes, sea urchins, lionfishes, and algal functional groups. Country-wide, coral cover and reef fishes have declined. The steepest declines occurred for reefs that had been among the best in the Caribbean in 2015. However, by 2022, adult and juvenile coral, parrotfish, and other herbivores had declined, and macroalgae had increased. The declines in north-shore coral abundance corresponded with the observed disturbances from coral bleaching, hurricanes, and disease. The capacity of reefs to recover from such disturbances has been compromised by abundant and increasing macroalgae that have likely contributed to north-shore declines in juvenile corals. Country-wide, the abundance of all reef fish species has declined below those of other regions of the Caribbean. Improved management of fishing pressure on coral reefs would likely yield positive results.
Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction for the Last 3500 Years in the Southern Pyrenees from a Peat Bog Core in Clots de Rialba
Authors: Rodríguez-González Josep-Manel , Sánchez-Morales Marc , Nadal-Tersa Jordi , Pèlachs Albert , Pérez-Obiol Ramon
Published: March 2023

Vegetation landscape dynamics are derived from the relationships established between anthropic activities and climate conditions over time. Paleoenvironmental research in the Pyrenees range (north-eastern Iberian Peninsula) has revealed what these dynamics were like in some regions during the Holocene. However, some fields of biogeography still present questions that need to be addressed, such as the patterns of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba and the importance of the fire regime during the Meghalayan (late Holocene). We present a multiproxy study performed in a sedimentary record from the Clots de Rialba peat bog, located at 2093 m a. s. l. (Lleida, southern slope of the Pyrenees mountain range), that covers the last c. 3500 years. Analyses were performed on the organic matter content, pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, and sedimentary charcoals larger than 150 μm. The palynological spectra revealed a maximum extension of Abies alba at about 3500 cal yr BP in the Bronze Age, while Fagus sylvatica showed its maximum extent between 3300 and 2800 cal yr BP. A dominance of Pinus was detected throughout the studied period. Other taxa such as cereals, herbaceous plants, aquatic plants, and coprophilous fungi have also been discussed to identify anthropic pressure and climate pulses. In addition, the study of sedimentary charcoals reveals the main forest fire episodes and their recurrences, some of them linked to anthropogenic activities and/or climate variations. These anthropogenic activities would include the use of opening and maintaining forest fires in deforestation in order to obtain pastures and spaces dedicated to cereal agriculture and the appearance of some taxa linked to or introduced by human communities.
PD-L1 Tumor Expression as a Predictive Biomarker of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors’ Response and Survival in Advanced Melanoma Patients in Brazil
Authors: Sorroche Bruna Pereira , Teixeira Renan de Jesus , Pereira Caio Augusto Dantas , Santana Iara Viana Vidigal , Vujanovic Lazar , Vazquez Vinicius de Lima , Arantes Lidia Maria Rebolho Batista
Published: March 2023

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) agents are prominent immunotherapies for the treatment of advanced melanoma. However, they fail to promote any durable clinical benefit in a large cohort of patients. This study assessed clinical and molecular predictors of ICB response and survival in advanced melanoma. A retrospective analysis was performed on 210 patients treated with PD-1 or CTLA-4 inhibitors at Barretos Cancer Hospital, Brazil. PD-L1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissues collected prior to ICB therapy. Patients were divided into responders (complete and partial response and stable disease for more than 6 months) and non-responders (stable disease for less than 6 months and progressive disease). Among them, about 82% underwent anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, and 60.5% progressed after the ICB treatment. Patients that received ICB as first-line therapy showed higher response rates than previously treated patients. Higher response rates were further associated with superficial spreading melanomas and positive PD-L1 expression (>1%). Likewise, PD-L1 positive expression and BRAF V600 mutations were associated with a higher overall survival after ICB therapy. Since ICBs are expensive therapies, evaluation of PD-L1 tumor expression in melanoma patients should be routinely assessed to select patients that are most likely to respond.
Some Non-Obvious Consequences of Non-Extensiveness of Entropy
Authors: Wilk Grzegorz , Włodarczyk Zbigniew
Published: March 2023

Non-additive (or non-extensive) entropies have long been intensively studied and used in various fields of scientific research. This was due to the desire to describe the commonly observed quasi-power rather than the exponential nature of various distributions of the variables of interest when considered in the full available space of their variability. In this work we will concentrate on the example of high energy multiparticle production processes and will limit ourselves to only one form of non-extensive entropy, namely the Tsallis entropy. We will discuss some points not yet fully clarified and present some non-obvious consequences of non-extensiveness of entropy when applied to production processes.