bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can a Priori Unknown Values of Biomechanical Parameters Be Determined with Sufficient Accuracy in MBS Using Sensitivity Analysis? Analyzing the Characteristics of the Interaction between Cervical Vertebra and Pedicle Screw
Authors: Kramer Ivanna , Bauer Sabine
Published: March 2022

Finite element (FE) modeling is a commonly used method to investigate the influence of medical devices, such as implants and screws, on the biomechanical behavior of the spine. Another simulation method is multibody simulation (MBS), where the model is composed of several non-deformable bodies. MBS solvers generally require a very short computing time for dynamic tasks, compared with an FE analysis. Considering this computational advantage, in this study, we examine whether parameters for which values are not known a priori can be determined with sufficient accuracy using an MBS model. Therefore, we propose a many-at-a-time sensitivity analysis method that allows us to approximate these a priori unknown parameters without requiring long simulation times. This method enables a high degree of MBS model optimization to be achieved in an iterative process. The sensitivity analysis method was applied to a simplified screw–vertebra model, consisting of an anterior anchor implant screw and vertebral body of C4. An experiment described in the literature was used as the basis for developing and assessing the potential of the method for sensitivity analyses and for validating the model’s action. The optimal model parameters for the MBS model were determined to be c = 823,224 N/m for stiffness and d = 488 Ns/m for damping. The presented method of parameter identification can be used in studies including more complex MBS spine models or to set initial parameter values that are not available as initial values for FE models.
Functional Integration and Segregation in a Multilayer Network Model of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Wei Jing , Wang Xiaoyue , Cui Xiaohong , Wang Bin , Xue Jiayue , Niu Yan , Wang Qianshan , Osmani Arezo , Xiang Jie
Published: March 2022

Research has shown that abnormal brain networks in patients with schizophrenia appear at different frequencies, but the relationship between these different frequencies is unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to use a multilayer network model to evaluate the integration of information from different frequency bands. To explore the mechanism of integration and separation in the multilayer network of schizophrenia, we constructed multilayer frequency brain network models in 50 patients with schizophrenia and 69 healthy subjects, and the entropy of the multiplex degree (EMD) and multilayer clustering coefficient (MCC) were calculated. The results showed that the ability to integrate and separate information in the multilayer network of patients was significantly higher than that of normal people. This difference was mainly reflected in the default mode network, sensorimotor network, subcortical network, and visual network. Among them, the subcortical network was different in both MCC and EMD outcomes. Furthermore, differences were found in the posterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, amygdala, putamen, pallidum, and thalamus. The thalamus and posterior cingulate gyrus were associated with the patient’s symptom scores. Our results showed that the cross-frequency interaction ability of patients with schizophrenia was significantly enhanced, among which the subcortical network was the most active. This interaction may serve as a compensation mechanism for intralayer dysfunction.
Randomized Trial on the Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention on Temperament, Anxiety, and Depression: A Multi-Arm Psychometric Study
Authors: Poli Andrea , Maremmani Angelo Giovanni Icro , Gemignani Angelo , Miccoli Mario
Published: March 2022

Mindfulness is a mental state that can be achieved through meditation. So far, studies have shown that practicing mindfulness on a consistent and regular basis can improve attentional functions and emotional well-being. Mindfulness has recently begun to be used in the field of child development. The goal of this study is to assess if a mindfulness program may help primary school students in reducing anxiety and depression while also improving their temperamental characteristics. This multi-arm pre-post study included 41 subjects recruited in the fifth year of two primary school classes. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group, but not the control group, underwent an eight-week mindfulness training. Every week, the program included 60-min group sessions. QUIT (Italian Questionnaires of Temperament) and TAD (Test for Anxiety and Depression in Childhood and Adolescence) were used to assess temperament, and anxiety and depression, respectively. Both groups were administered both instruments before and after mindfulness intervention. The mindfulness program lowered anxiety levels and was effective in changing temperament dimensions: there was an increase in social orientation (SO), positive emotionality (PE), and attention (AT), as well as a decrease in inhibition to novelty (IN) and negative emotionality. Path analysis revealed that AT may promote the improvement of both SO and IN. Similarly, PE may be promoted by the decrease of IN. Clinical implications are discussed.
The Place of Gender Stereotypes in the Network of Cognitive Abilities, Self-Perceived Ability and Intrinsic Value of School in School Children Depending on Sex and Preferences in STEM
Authors: Ismatullina Victoria , Adamovich Timofey , Zakharov Ilya , Vasin Georgy , Voronin Ivan
Published: March 2022

Adolescents face many barriers on the path towards a STEM profession, especially girls. We examine the gender stereotypes, cognitive abilities, self-perceived ability and intrinsic values of 546 Russian school children from 12 to 17 years old by sex and STEM preferences. In our sample, STEM students compared to no-STEM have higher cognitive abilities, intrinsic motivation towards math and science, are more confident in their math abilities and perceive math as being easier. Boys scored higher in science, math and overall academic self-efficacy, intrinsic learning motivation and math’s importance for future careers. Meanwhile, girls displayed higher levels of gender stereotypes related to STEM and lower self-efficacy in math. A network analysis was conducted to identify the structure of psychological traits and the position of the stem-related stereotypes among them. The analysis arrived at substantially different results when adolescents were grouped by sex or preference towards STEM. It also demonstrated that gender stereotypes are connected with cognitive abilities, with a stronger link in the no-STEM group. Such stereotypes play a more important role for girls than boys and, jointly with the general self-efficacy of cognitive and academic abilities, are associated with the factors that distinguish groups of adolescents in their future careers.
Behavior of One-Way Reinforced Concrete Slabs with Polystyrene Embedded Arched Blocks
Authors: Al-Ahmed Ali , Ibrahim Falah , Allawi Abbas , El-Zohairy Ayman
Published: March 2022

This study presents experimental and numerical investigations on seven one-way, reinforced concrete (RC) slabs with a new technique of slab weight reduction using polystyrene-embedded arched blocks (PEABs). All slabs had the same dimensions, steel reinforcement, and concrete compressive strength. One of these slabs was a solid slab, which was taken as a control slab, while the other six slabs were cast with PEABs. The main variables were the ratio of the length of the PEABs to the length of the slab (lp/L) and the ratio of the height of the PEABs to the total slab depth (hP/H). The minimum decrease in the ultimate load capacity was about 6% with a minimum reduction in the slab weight of 15%. In contrast, the maximum decrease in the ultimate load capacity was about 24% with a maximum reduction in the slab weight of 40%. Moreover, the mode of failure changed from flexure to shear failure, especially for those slabs with an lP/L ratio equal to one. The geometric and material non-linearity was adopted in the proposed finite element (FE) model to simulate the slabs with PEABs using Abaqus software. Good agreement was obtained between the developed FE and experimental results.
Dynamic Reliability Analysis of Large-Span Structures under Crowd Bouncing Excitation
Authors: Zeng Dongjun , Wang Haoqi , Chen Jun
Published: March 2022

Bouncing is one of the most common human crowd activities on civil infrastructures such as sports stadiums and concert halls, where the audience tends to make their bodies jump up and down to celebrate or participate in sport and musical events. Dynamic loads are thus generated and exerted on the structures, giving unpleasant structural vibration, which may affect the functionality of the structure or even lead to a panic of the crowd. Although researchers have studied human-induced vibration from many perspectives including load models, calculation methods, criteria for serviceability evaluation, etc., there has been minimal work regarding crowd-induced reliability analysis, mainly because the stochastic feature of the crowd load as well as the mechanism describing the crowd–structure interaction is still not clear. In this paper, a framework to calculate crowd-induced structural vibration that considers the crowd–structure interaction effect is proposed and is validated through an experimental test. The dynamic parameters of the bouncing person in the crowd are adopted from a previous statistical study. The feasibility of a probability density evolution method (PDEM) is proved to be effective to calculate structural stochastic vibration under the bouncing crowd. The dynamic reliability of the structure is thus analyzed based on the stochastic responses. Results show that the consideration of the crowd–structure interaction effect significantly affects the dynamic reliability, which is also dependent on various factors including bouncing frequency, failure criteria, limit threshold, human model parameter distribution, etc. This paper provides a foundation for the performance-based vibration serviceability design of large-span structures.
Domains of Psychosocial Risk Factors Affecting Young Construction Workers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Frimpong Samuel , Sunindijo Riza Yosia , Wang Cynthia Changxin , Boadu Elijah Frimpong
Published: March 2022

Despite being a key provider of employment, construction work significantly contributes to poor mental health among young construction workers worldwide. Although there are studies on the psychosocial risk factors (PRFs) that make young construction workers susceptible to poor mental health, the literature is fragmented. This has obscured a deeper understanding of PRFs and the direction for future research, thus making it challenging to develop appropriate interventions. To address this challenge, we systematically reviewed the literature on young construction workers’ PRFs using meta-aggregation, guided by the PICo, PEO, and PRISMA frameworks. We sought to synthesize the domains of PRFs that affect young construction workers’ mental health, and to determine the relationships between the PRF domains, psychological distress, and poor mental health. A total of 235 studies were retrieved and 31 studies published between 1993 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. We identified 30 PRFs and categorized them into ten domains, which were further classified into personal, socio-economic, and organizational/industrial factors. The findings of this review contribute to achieving an in-depth understanding of young construction workers’ PRF domains and their patterns of interaction. The findings are also useful to researchers and policymakers for identifying PRFs that are in critical need of attention.
Liquid Biopsy for Monitoring EC Patients: Towards Personalized Treatment
Authors: Piñeiro-Pérez Raquel , Abal Miguel , Muinelo-Romay Laura
Published: March 2022

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most frequent gynecological cancer in developed countries and its incidence shows an increasing trend. Fortunately, the prognosis of the disease is good when the tumour is diagnosed in an early phase, but some patients recur after surgery and develop distant metastasis. The therapy options for EC for advanced disease are more limited than for other tumours. Therefore, the application of non-invasive strategies to anticipate the recurrence of localized tumours and guide the treatment in advanced stages represents a clear requirement to improve the survival and quality of life of patients with EC. To achieve this desired precision oncology, it is necessary to invest in the identification and validation of circulating markers that allow a more effective stratification and monitoring of patients. We here review the main advances made for the evaluation of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumour cells (CTCs), circulating extracellular vesicles (cEVs), and other non-invasive biomarkers as a monitoring tool in the context of localized and advanced endometrial tumours, with the aim of providing a global perspective of the achievements and the key areas in which the use of these markers can be developed into a real clinical tool.
Exploratory Study of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Dose Optimization in Breast Cancer Sentinel Lymph Node Identification Using a Handheld Magnetic Probe and Iron Quantitation
Authors: Taruno Kanae , Kuwahata Akihiko , Sekino Masaki , Nakagawa Takayuki , Kurita Tomoko , Enokido Katsutoshi , Nakamura Seigo , Takei Hiroyuki , Kusakabe Moriaki
Published: March 2022

This exploratory study compared doses of ferucarbotran, a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle, in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and quantified the SLN iron load by dose and localization. Eighteen females aged ≥20 years scheduled for an SLN biopsy with node-negative breast cancer were divided into two equal groups and administered either 1 mL or 0.5 mL ferucarbotran. Iron content was evaluated with a handheld magnetometer and quantification device. The average iron content was 42.8 µg (range, 1.3–95.0; 0.15% of the injected dose) and 21.9 µg (1.1–71.0; 0.16%) in the 1-mL and 0.5-mL groups, respectively (p = 0.131). The iron content of the closest SLN compared to the second SLN was 53.0 vs. 10.0 µg (19% of the injected dose) and 34.8 vs. 4.1 µg (11.1%) for the 1-mL and 0.5-mL groups, respectively (p = 0.001 for both). The magnetic field was high in both groups (average 7.30 µT and 6.00 µT in the 1-mL and 0.5-mL groups, respectively) but was not statistically significant (p = 0.918). The magnetic field and iron content were correlated (overall SLNs, p = 0.02; 1-mL, p = 0.014; 0.5-mL, p = 0.010). A 0.5-mL dose was sufficient for SLN identification. Primary and secondary SLNs could be differentiated based on iron content. Handheld magnetometers could be used to assess the SLN iron content.
Effects of Metformin as Add-On Therapy against Glioblastoma: An Old Medicine for Novel Oncology Therapeutics
Authors: Guarnaccia Laura , Navone Stefania E. , Masseroli Matteo M. , Balsamo Melissa , Caroli Manuela , Valtorta Silvia , Moresco Rosa M. , Campanella Rolando , Schisano Luigi , Fiore Giorgio , Galiano Valentina , Garzia Emanuele , Appiani Giuseppe C. , Locatelli Marco , Riboni Laura , Marfia Giovanni
Published: March 2022

Background: Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain malignancy in adults, with a poor prognosis of about 14 months. Recent evidence ascribed to metformin (MET), an antihyperglycemic drug, the potential to reduce cancer incidence and progression, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects need to be better investigated. Methods: Here, we tested the efficacy of MET on n = 10 primary glioblastoma endothelial cells (GECs), by viability and proliferation tests, as MTT and Live/Dead assays, apoptosis tests, as annexin V assay and caspase 3/7 activity, functional tests as tube-like structure formation and migration assay and by mRNA and protein expression performed by quantitative real-time PCR analysis (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot, respectively. Results: Data resulting revealed a time- and μ-dependent ability of MET to decrease cell viability and proliferation, increasing pro-apoptotic mechanisms mediated by caspases 3/7. Also, MET impacted GEC functionality with a significant decrease of angiogenesis and invasiveness potential. Mechanistically, MET was able to interfere with sphingolipid metabolism, weakening the oncopromoter signaling promoted by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and shifting the balance toward the production of the pro-apoptotic ceramide. Conclusions: These observations ascribed to MET the potential to serve as add-on therapy against glioblastoma, suggesting a repurposing of an old, totally safe and tolerable drug for novel oncology therapeutics.
Inflammation of the Pleural Cavity: A Review on Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Implications in Tumor Pathophysiology
Authors: Karpathiou Georgia , Péoc’h Michel , Sundaralingam Anand , Rahman Najib , Froudarakis Marios E.
Published: March 2022

Pleural effusions are a common respiratory condition with many etiologies. Nonmalignant etiologies explain most pleural effusions and despite being nonmalignant, they can be associated with poor survival; thus, it is important to understand their pathophysiology. Furthermore, diagnosing a benign pleural pathology always harbors the uncertainty of a false-negative diagnosis for physicians and pathologists, especially for the group of non-specific pleuritis. This review aims to present the role of the inflammation in the development of benign pleural effusions, with a special interest in their pathophysiology and their association with malignancy.
Choroidal Abnormalities in Pediatric NF1: A Cohort Natural History Study
Authors: Cosmo Eleonora , Frizziero Luisa , Miglionico Giacomo , De Biasi Chiara Sofia , Bruno Marisa , Trevisson Eva , Gabbiato Ilaria , Midena Giulia , Parrozzani Raffaele
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term natural history of choroidal abnormalities (CAs) in a large pediatric neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) population, quantifying their progression in number and dimensions. Pediatric patients (<16 years old) affected by NF1 with a minimum follow-up of 3 years with at least one CA in one eye were consecutively recruited. Near-infrared (NIR) imaging was performed to identify CAs, which were quantified in number and size. The CAs area and perimeter were normalized for the optic disc dimensions to avoid possible bias related to the growing process of the eye. Ninety-nine eyes of 53 patients were evaluated. The CAs number, area and perimeter significantly increased during follow-up (p < 0.0001 for each parameter). The patient age at baseline was inversely correlated with the CAs number over time (coefficient = −0.1313, p = 0.0068), while no correlation was found between the patient age and CAs progression in size. In conclusion, we provide evidence that, in NF1 pediatric patients, CAs change over time, increasing both in number and dimensions, independently from the physiological growth of the eye. While the increase of the CAs number occurs particularly at an earlier age, the increase in the CAs dimensions is a slow process that remains constant during childhood.
Tumor Budding in Gynecologic Cancer as a Marker for Poor Survival: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Perspectives of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Ailia Muhammad Joan , Thakur Nishant , Chong Yosep , Yim Kwangil
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance, assessment methods, and molecular features of tumor budding (TB). A literature search of Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and eleven cohort studies (seven cervical and four endometrial cancers) was conducted. Three assessment methods for TB involving 2009 patients were collected and constituted in the analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that TB was a marker of poor survival, regardless of the cancer origin site or assessment method (overall survival: hazard ratio [HR], 2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.82–3.17; disease-free survival: HR, 3.32; 95% CI, 2.46–4.48). In endometrial cancers, TB is associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, microvessel density, and decreased hormone receptor expression. Thus, we suggest TB as a poor prognostic marker for all gynecologic cancers.
Real-World Data on Detection of Germline and Somatic Pathogenic/Likely Pathogenic Variants in BRCA1/2 and Other Susceptibility Genes in Ovarian Cancer Patients Using Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Stegel Vida , Blatnik Ana , Škof Erik , Dragoš Vita Šetrajčič , Krajc Mateja , Gregorič Brigita , Škerl Petra , Strojnik Ksenija , Klančar Gašper , Banjac Marta , Žgajnar Janez , Ravnik Maja , Novaković Srdjan
Published: March 2022

Detection of germline and somatic pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PV/LPV) in BRCA genes is at the moment a prerequisite for use of PARP inhibitors in different treatment settings of different tumors. The aim of our study was to determine the most appropriate testing workflow in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients using germline and tumor genotyping of BRCA and other hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC) susceptibility genes. Consecutive patients with advanced non-mucinous EOC, who responded to platinum-based chemotherapy, were included in the study. DNA extracted from blood and FFPE tumor tissue were genotyped using NGS panels TruSightCancer/Hereditary and TruSight Tumor 170. Among 170 EOC patients, 21.8% had BRCA germline or somatic PV/LPV, and additionally 6.4% had PV/LPV in other HBOC genes. Sensitivity of tumor genotyping for detection of germline PV/LPV was 96.2% for BRCA genes and 93.3% for HBOC genes. With germline genotyping-only strategy, 58.8% of HBOC PV/LPV and 68.4% of BRCA PV/LPV were detected. By tumor genotyping-only strategy, 96.1% of HBOC PV/LPV and 97.4% of BRCA PV/LPV were detected. Genotyping of tumor first, followed by germline genotyping seems to be a reasonable approach for detection of PV/LPV in breast and/or ovarian cancer susceptibility genes in non-mucinous EOC patients.
Prediction of Short and Long Survival after Surgery for Breast Cancer Brain Metastases
Authors: Michel Anna , Darkwah Oppong Marvin , Rauschenbach Laurèl , Dinger Thiemo Florin , Barthel Lennart , Pierscianek Daniela , Wrede Karsten H. , Hense Jörg , Pöttgen Christoph , Junker Andreas , Schmidt Teresa , Iannaccone Antonella , Kimmig Rainer , Sure Ulrich , Jabbarli Ramazan
Published: March 2022

Background: Brain metastases requiring surgical treatment determine the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. We aimed to develop the scores for the prediction of short (<6 months) and long (≥3 years) survival after BCBM surgery. Methods: Female patients with BCBM surgery between 2008 and 2019 were included. The new scores were constructed upon independent predictors for short and long postoperative survival. Results: In the final cohort (n = 95), 18 (18.9%) and 22 (23.2%) patients experienced short and long postoperative survival, respectively. Breast-preserving surgery, presence of multiple brain metastases and age ≥ 65 years at breast cancer diagnosis were identified as independent predictors of short postoperative survival. In turn, positive HER2 receptor status in brain metastases, time interval ≥ 3 years between breast cancer and brain metastases diagnosis and KPS ≥ 90% independently predicted long survival. The appropriate short and long survival scores showed higher diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of short (AUC = 0.773) and long (AUC = 0.775) survival than the breast Graded Prognostic Assessment score (AUC = 0.498/0.615). A cumulative survival score (total score) showed significant association with overall survival (p = 0.001). Conclusion: We identified predictors independently impacting the prognosis after BCBM surgery. After external validation, the presented scores might become useful tools for the selection of proper candidates for BCBM surgery.
Decomposition of Gaseous Styrene Using Photocatalyst and Ozone Treatment
Authors: Hamada Kengo , Ochiai Tsuyoshi , Aoki Daisuke , Akutsu Yasuhisa , Hirabayashi Yasuo
Published: March 2022

Because photocatalysis has strong oxidation abilities in redox systems, it has been applied to indoor air purification. However, intermediate products are produced during the photocatalytic oxidative decomposition of aromatic compounds with benzene rings. Therefore, it is essential to improve decomposition performance and evaluate the intermediate products produced for practical applications. Herein, we describe the decomposition performance of ozone, photocatalyst, and their combination, under the target gas of styrene. Using a one-pass mini reactor, decomposition performance was evaluated by analyzing the output gas in the reactor and observing the styrene removal, the amount of carbon dioxide produced, and the composition of a small amount of intermediate products. The combination of ozone and photocatalyst showed the most significant performance, completely decomposing in the photocatalyst and removing odor components in ozone. Moreover, we demonstrated that decomposition performance could be evaluated by observing slight amounts of intermediate products in the exhaust gas. We believe that this research provides insights into the practical application of photocatalysis and ozone oxidation technologies in air purifiers and their performance management, with particular emphasis on the decomposition of odor compounds.
Biological Hallmarks and Emerging Strategies to Target STAT3 Signaling in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Zhou Jianbiao , Chng Wee-Joo
Published: March 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy, characterized by an abnormal accumulation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a cytoplasmic transcription factor that modulates the transcription of multiple genes to regulate various principal biological functions, for example, cell proliferation and survival, stemness, inflammation and immune responses. Aberrant STAT3 activation has been identified as a key driver of tumorigenesis in many types of cancers, including MM. Herein, we summarize the current evidence for the role of STAT3 in affecting cancer hallmark traits by: (1) sustaining MM cell survival and proliferation, (2) regulating tumor microenvironment, (3) inducing immunosuppression. We also provide an update of different strategies for targeting STAT3 in MM with special emphasis on JAK inhibitors that are currently undergoing clinical trials. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future direction of understanding STAT3 signaling in MM biology and the clinical development of STAT3 inhibitors.
Bryostatin-1 Attenuates Ischemia-Elicited Neutrophil Transmigration and Ameliorates Graft Injury after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Becker Felix , Kebschull Linus , Rieger Constantin , Mohr Annika , Heitplatz Barbara , Van Marck Veerle , Hansen Uwe , Ansari Junaid , Reuter Stefan , Strücker Benjamin , Pascher Andreas , Brockmann Jens G. , Castor Trevor , Alexander J. Steve , Gavins Felicity N. E.
Published: March 2022

Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a form of sterile inflammation whose severity determines short- and long-term graft fates in kidney transplantation. Neutrophils are now recognized as a key cell type mediating early graft injury, which activates further innate immune responses and intensifies acquired immunity and alloimmunity. Since the macrolide Bryostatin-1 has been shown to block neutrophil transmigration, we aimed to determine whether these findings could be translated to the field of kidney transplantation. To study the effects of Bryostatin-1 on ischemia-elicited neutrophil transmigration, an in vitro model of hypoxia and normoxia was equipped with human endothelial cells and neutrophils. To translate these findings, a porcine renal autotransplantation model with eight hours of reperfusion was used to study neutrophil infiltration in vivo. Graft-specific treatment using Bryostatin-1 (100 nM) was applied during static cold storage. Bryostatin-1 dose-dependently blocked neutrophil activation and transmigration over ischemically challenged endothelial cell monolayers. When applied to porcine renal autografts, Bryostatin-1 reduced neutrophil graft infiltration, attenuated histological and ultrastructural damage, and improved renal function. Our novel findings demonstrate that Bryostatin-1 is a promising pharmacological candidate for graft-specific treatment in kidney transplantation, as it provides protection by blocking neutrophil infiltration and attenuating functional graft injury.
New Aspects of Corpus Luteum Regulation in Physiological and Pathological Conditions: Involvement of Adipokines and Neuropeptides
Authors: Mlyczyńska Ewa , Kieżun Marta , Kurowska Patrycja , Dawid Monika , Pich Karolina , Respekta Natalia , Daudon Mathilde , Rytelewska Edyta , Dobrzyń Kamil , Kamińska Barbara , Kamiński Tadeusz , Smolińska Nina , Dupont Joelle , Rak Agnieszka
Published: March 2022

The corpus luteum is a small gland of great importance because its proper functioning determines not only the appropriate course of the estrous/menstrual cycle and embryo implantation, but also the subsequent maintenance of pregnancy. Among the well-known regulators of luteal tissue functions, increasing attention is focused on the role of neuropeptides and adipose tissue hormones—adipokines. Growing evidence points to the expression of these factors in the corpus luteum of women and different animal species, and their involvement in corpus luteum formation, endocrine function, angiogenesis, cells proliferation, apoptosis, and finally, regression. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge about the expression and role of adipokines, such as adiponectin, leptin, apelin, vaspin, visfatin, chemerin, and neuropeptides like ghrelin, orexins, kisspeptin, and phoenixin in the physiological regulation of the corpus luteum function, as well as their potential involvement in pathologies affecting the luteal cells that disrupt the estrous cycle.
Simulation Analysis on the Jet Flow Field of a Single Nozzle Spraying for a Large Ship Outer Panel Coating Robot
Authors: Yi Zhengyao , Mi Siyao , Tong Tianqi , Li Kai , Feng Bingxing , Li Bing , Lin Yan
Published: March 2022

A mathematical model of the cavity flow of the fan nozzle, a mathematical model of jet atomisation, and a simplified physical model of the equivalent entity are established. A simulation of the spraying flow at different spraying pressures is carried out using a 0.48 calibre nozzle as a case study, and compared with experimental data; error results between 4.3% and 7.5% indicate the simulation means used are reliable and the simulation model is valid. The simulation means include using the effective simulation model to further explore the evaluation index of atomisation characteristics; in the critical Weber number on the impact of atomised particles, analysis of the impact of the critical Weber number on the diameter of atomised particles and the speed of movement, and determining the critical Weber number; atomisation spraying effect, for atomisation pressure on atomised particle diameter, speed of movement, impact kinetic energy, deposition rate, and liquid film growth, etc. The results show that, in the existing high-pressure airless spraying equipment within the range of permissible pressure 6~16 MPa, with the increase in atomisation pressure, the better the atomisation effect of the paint, the better the atomised particle spraying adhesion deposition rate of the paint, and the better the overall spraying effect.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Olivine-Type Mg2SiO4 and MgCoSiO4
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Q. H. , McKenzie Warren , Zhang Dongzhou , Xu Jingui , Rapp Robert , Bradley John P. , Dera Przemyslaw
Published: March 2022

Nanocrystalline olivine-structured Mg2SiO4 and MgCoSiO4, with an average particle size of 27 nm and 31 nm, respectively, were successfully synthesized from oxide precursors via mechanochemical methods. The two nanocrystalline products were obtained after milling for 360 min and displayed high concentrations of Mg2SiO4 (>94%) and MgCoSiO4 (>95%), together with minor amounts of WC (~3%) contaminant originating as debris abraded off milling balls and chambers. The macroscopic temperature monitoring of the grinding jars during milling trials recorded a peak temperature of 75 °C. A combination of analytical techniques that included XRD, TEM, SAED, and EDS were employed for the characterization of the synthesized products.
Sol-Gel Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Selective Poly(N-methyl pyrrole) Stannous(II)Tungstate Nano Composite for Mercury (Hg(II)) Detection
Authors: Khan Anish , Khan Aftab Aslam Parwaz , Khan Imran , Asiri Abdullah M. , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: March 2022

The sol-gel process was used to create a new type of polypyrrole-Stannous(II)tungstate nanocomposite by poly(N-methyl pyrrole (PNMPy) sol in Stannous(II)tungstate gel, produced separately using sodium silicotungstic acid and Tn(II)chloride. Tin(II)tungstate (SnWO3) was made by changing the mixing volume ratios of SnWO3 and with a constant amount of an organic polymer. The composite was characterized by TGA, XRD, FTIR, and SEM measurements. A commercially available glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with PNMPy/nano-Stannous(II)WO3 nanocomposites to create a chemical sensor for selective detection of Hg2+ ions using an effective electrochemical methodology. In the I-V technique, selectively toxic Hg2+ ion was targeted selectively, which shows a rapid reaction toward PNMPy/nano-Stannous(II)WO3/Nafion/GCE sensor. It also demonstrates long-term stability, an ultra-low detection limit, exceptional sensitivity, and excellent reproducibility and repeatability. For 0.1 mM to 1.0 nM aqueous Hg2+ ion solution, a linear calibration plot (r2: 0.9993) was achieved, with a suitable sensitivity value of 2.8241 AM−1 cm−2 and an extraordinarily low detection limit (LOD) of 3.40.1 pM (S/N = 3). As a result, the cationic sensor modified by PNMPy/nano-Stannous(II)WO3/GCE could be a promising electrode.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling to Predict the Effect of Milling Time and TiC Content on the Crystallite Size and Lattice Strain of Al7075-TiC Composites Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Alam Mohammad Azad , Ya Hamdan H. , Azeem Mohammad , Yusuf Mohammad , Soomro Imtiaz Ali , Masood Faisal , Shozib Imtiaz Ahmed , Sapuan Salit M. , Akhter Javed
Published: March 2022

In the study, Al7075-TiC composites were synthesized by using a novel dual step blending process followed by cold pressing and sintering. The effect of ball milling time on the microstructure of the synthesized composite powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Subsequently, the integrated effects of the two-stage mechanical alloying process were investigated on the crystallite size and lattice strain. The crystallite size and lattice strain of blended samples were calculated using the Scherrer method. The prediction of the crystallite size and lattice strain of synthesized composite powders was conducted by an artificial neural network technique. The results of the mixed powder revealed that the particle size and crystallite size improved with increasing milling time. The particle size of the 3 h-milled composites was 463 nm, and it reduces to 225 nm after 7 h of milling time. The microhardness of the produced composites was significantly improved with milling time. Furthermore, an artificial neuron network (ANN) model was developed to predict the crystallite size and lattice strain of the synthesized composites. The ANN model provides an accurate model for the prediction of lattice parameters of the composites.
Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Department Use for Patients Undergoing Cancer-Directed Surgeries
Authors: Eskander Antoine , Li Qing , Yu Jiayue , Hallet Julie , Coburn Natalie , Dare Anna , Chan Kelvin K. W. , Singh Simron , Parmar Ambica , Earle Craig C. , Lapointe-Shaw Lauren , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Hanna Timothy P. , Finelli Antonio , Louie Alexander V. , Look-Hong Nicole , Irish Jonathan C. , Witterick Ian , Mahar Alyson , Urbach David R. , Enepekides Danny , Sutradhar Rinku ,   on behalf of the Pandemic—Ontario Collaborative in Cancer Research (POCCR)
Published: March 2022

Emergency department (ED) use is a concern for surgery patients, physicians and health administrators particularly during a pandemic. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic on ED use following cancer-directed surgeries. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing cancer-directed surgeries comparing ED use from 7 January 2018 to 14 March 2020 (pre-pandemic) and 15 March 2020 to 27 June 2020 (pandemic) in Ontario, Canada. Logistic regression models were used to (1) determine the association between pandemic vs. pre-pandemic periods and the odds of an ED visit within 30 days after discharge from hospital for surgery and (2) to assess the odds of an ED visit being of high acuity (level 1 and 2 as per the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale). Of our cohort of 499,008 cancer-directed surgeries, 468,879 occurred during the pre-pandemic period and 30,129 occurred during the pandemic period. Even though there was a substantial decrease in the general population ED rates, after covariate adjustment, there was no significant decrease in ED use among surgical patients (OR 1.002, 95% CI 0.957–1.048). However, the adjusted odds of an ED visit being of high acuity was 23% higher among surgeries occurring during the pandemic (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.14–1.33). Although ED visits in the general population decreased substantially during the pandemic, the rate of ED visits did not decrease among those receiving cancer-directed surgery. Moreover, those presenting in the ED post-operatively during the pandemic had significantly higher levels of acuity.
Management of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer for a Young Patient with Visceral Crisis—The Adjuvant Role of Lifestyle Changes
Authors: Badau Larisa Maria , Ciocoiu Andrei Dorin , Oprean Cristina Marinela , Segarceanu Nusa Alina , Gheju Adelina , Vlaicu Brigitha
Published: March 2022

The safety profile and effectiveness of existing anti-HER2-targeted therapies have not been evaluated in patients with breast cancer and visceral crisis. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman who was diagnosed with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer and initially treated with curative intent therapy in a neoadjuvant setting, using Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab in combination with Docetaxel; her cancer recurred two years later, with liver metastases and pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis, causing visceral crisis. Furthermore, the patient’s clinical status worsened when she developed respiratory failure, hepatomegaly and a severe hepatocytolysis. Since the patient was free of disease more than six months, we started with Paclitaxel half dose because of the hepatic dysfunction, and we gradually reintroduced Trastuzumab and then Pertuzumab. In the meantime, the patient changed her lifestyle by increasing her consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and fiber and reducing her intake of processed meat, dairy and sugar. As a result, the patient showed a significant improvement in her respiratory symptoms and liver tests in less than two months. Imaging reevaluation showed partial remission of liver metastases and pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis. She underwent seven months of dual anti-HER2 blockade before relapsing cerebrally. Our results suggest that the sequential combination therapy with Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab and Paclitaxel presented in this study, associated with a healthy lifestyle, may be a good management for recurrent HER2-positive breast cancer with pulmonary visceral crisis and severe liver dysfunction.
Detection of the Endangered Stone Crayfish Austropotamobius torrentium (Schrank, 1803) and Its Congeneric A. pallipes in Its Last Italian Biotope by eDNA Analysis
Authors: Manfrin Chiara , Zanetti Massimo , Stanković David , Fattori Umberto , Bertucci-Maresca Victoria , Giulianini Piero G. , Pallavicini Alberto
Published: March 2022

The stone crayfish, Austropotamobius torrentium, is a European freshwater crayfish. Although this species is relatively widespread throughout the continent, it is undergoing significant declines throughout its range. However, as the decline rates have not been quantified in detail, this species is classified as data deficient by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The present study describes the development and validation of two species-specific assays based on hydrolysis probe chemistry for the detection of A. torrentium and A. pallipes environmental DNA (eDNA) in water samples collected in the Julian Alps of Italy (Friuli Venezia Giulia). The eDNA-based method was applied to 14 sites within the Danubian Slizza basin, known to be inhabited by A. torrentium, but with insufficient information on their distribution. In addition, one station in the Tagliamento River basin was sampled to test the performance of the A. pallipes probe. The presence of A. torrentium is confirmed at 6 out of 15 sites. At four of these sites, A. torrentium is detected for the first time. In contrast, the presence of A. torrentium was not detected at two sites already known to harbour the species. Finally, the presence of A. pallipes was confirmed in the station belonging to the Tagliamento basin. The methodology described, which allows the distinction between the two species, paves the way for the parallel detection of the stone crayfish and the white-clawed crayfish (A. pallipes) through eDNA analysis.
Prospective Study of Low-Radiation and Low-Iodine Dose Aortic CT Angiography in Obese and Non-Obese Patients: Image Quality and Impact of Patient Characteristics
Authors: Fink Matthias A. , Stoll Sibylle , Melzig Claudius , Steuwe Andrea , Partovi Sasan , Böckler Dittmar , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Rengier Fabian
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyse image quality and radiation dose of body mass index (BMI)-adapted low-radiation and low-iodine dose CTA of the thoracoabdominal aorta in obese and non-obese patients. This prospective, single-centre study included patients scheduled for aortic CTA between November 2017 and August 2020 without symptoms of high-grade heart failure. A BMI-adapted protocol was used: Group A/Group B, BMI < 30/≥ 30 kg/m2, tube potential 80/100 kVp, total iodine dose 14.5/17.4 g. Intraindividual comparison with the institutional clinical routine aortic CTA protocol was performed. The final study cohort comprised 161 patients (mean 71.1 ± 9.4 years, 32 women), thereof 126 patients in Group A (mean BMI 25.4 ± 2.8 kg/m2) and 35 patients in Group B (34.0 ± 3.4 kg/m2). Mean attenuation over five aortoiliac measurement positions for Group A/B was 354.9 ± 78.2/262.1 ± 73.0 HU. Mean effective dose for Group A/B was 3.05 ± 0.46/6.02 ± 1.14 mSv. Intraindividual comparison in 50 patients demonstrated effective dose savings for Group A/B of 34.4 ± 14.5/25.4 ± 14.1% (both p < 0.001), and iodine dose savings for Group A/B of 54/44.8%. Regression analysis showed that female sex and increasing age were independently associated with higher vascular attenuation. In conclusion, BMI-adapted, low-radiation and low-iodine dose CTA of the thoracoabdominal aorta delivers diagnostic image quality in non-obese and obese patients without symptoms of high-grade heart failure, with superior image quality in females and the elderly.
Systemic Mastocytosis Treatment with Midostaurin: [18F]FDG PET/CT as a Potential Monitoring Tool for Therapy Outcome
Authors: Burgard Caroline , Rosar Florian , Khreish Fadi , Ezziddin Samer
Published: March 2022

We report the case of a 68-year-old patient with diagnosed systemic mastocytosis and histopathologically confirmed manifestations in the stomach and intestinal tract who underwent 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) pre- and post-6-month therapy with midostaurin, an established tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Post-therapeutic [18F]FDG PET/CT showed decreased multifocal tracer uptake in the known lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, which was consistent with relief of the patient’s symptoms and decrease in serum tryptase level. [18F]FDG PET/CT may thus be considered a potential method for monitoring the outcome of midostaurin therapy in systemic mastocytosis.
Cooperative SWIPT THz-NOMA/6G Performance Analysis
Authors: Oleiwi Haider W. , Al-Raweshidy Hamed
Published: March 2022

In this paper, cooperative simultaneous wireless information and power transfer terahertz (THz)-nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is considered to overcome the challenging shortages that THz communications have due to THz characteristics. The proposed system presents a noticeable improvement in energy efficiency (EE) and spectral efficiency (SE), in addition to other important metrics. By utilizing NOMA technology and THz frequencies, it aims to improve connectivity, resource management, SE, reliability, scalability, user fairness, and to enhance the overall performance of wireless communications. Accordingly, the outcome shows how the introduced energy harvesting technique manages to improve EE and SE compared with the conventional cooperative networks of the recent related work (e.g., cooperative MIMO-NOMA with THz) by 70%. The author also minimizes the transmission power and maximizes the EE by using a decode-and-forward relay rather than an intelligent reflecting surface, which aims to reduce the dissipation in the transceiver hardware, computational complexity, and improves reliability and transmission rate.
Effects of Communication Signal Delay on the Power Grid: A Review
Authors: Muyizere Darius , Letting Lawrence K. , Munyazikwiye Bernard B.
Published: March 2022

Communication plays a huge role in the operation of modern power systems. It permits a real-time monitoring coordination and control of the transmission, generation and distribution of electrical energy. As the modern grid grows towards an increased reliance on communication systems for the protection, metering and monitoring for as well as data acquisition for planning; there is a need to understand the challenge in the powers’ system communication and their impact on the uninterrupted supply of electrical energy. Communication delays are one of the challenges that might affect the performance of the power system and lead to power losses and equipment damage, it is important to investigate the causes and the mitigation options available. Thus, this paper the state of arts on the cause, the effect and mitigation of communication delays in the power system. Furthermore, in this paper an analysis of different causes of the delays for different network configurations and communication systems used; a comparative analysis of different latency mitigation methods and system performance simulations of a given compensation algorithm is tested against the existing methods. The pros and cons of these control strategies are illustrated in this paper. The summary and assessment of those methods of control in this review offer scholars and utilities valuable direction-finding to design superior communication energy control systems in the future.