bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Remote Vital Sign Monitoring and Alarms in a Real-World Healthcare at Home Dataset
Authors: Zahradka Nicole , Geoghan Sophie , Watson Hope , Goldberg Eli , Wolfberg Adam , Wilkes Matt
Published: December 2022

The importance of vital sign monitoring to detect deterioration increases during healthcare at home. Continuous monitoring with wearables increases assessment frequency but may create information overload for clinicians. The goal of this work was to demonstrate the impact of vital sign observation frequency and alarm settings on alarms in a real-world dataset. Vital signs were collected from 76 patients admitted to healthcare at home programs using the Current Health (CH) platform; its wearable continuously measured respiratory rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Total alarms, alarm rate, patient rate, and detection time were calculated for three alarm rulesets to detect changes in SpO2, PR, and RR under four vital sign observation frequencies and four window sizes for the alarm algorithms’ median filter. Total alarms ranged from 65 to 3113. The alarm rate and early detection increased with the observation frequency for all alarm rulesets. Median filter windows reduced alarms triggered by normal fluctuations in vital signs without compromising the granularity of time between assessments. Frequent assessments enabled with continuous monitoring support early intervention but need to pair with settings that balance sensitivity, specificity, clinical risk, and provider capacity to respond when a patient is home to minimize clinician burden.
Self-Assembly, Self-Folding, and Origami: Comparative Design Principles
Authors: Jungck John R. , Brittain Stephen , Plante Donald , Flynn James
Published: December 2022

Self-assembly is usually considered a parallel process while self-folding and origami are usually considered to be serial processes. We believe that these distinctions do not hold in actual experiments. Based upon our experience with 4D printing, we have developed three additional hybrid classes: (1) templated-assisted (tethered) self-assembly: e.g., when RNA is bound to viral capsomeres, the subunits are constricted in their interactions to have aspects of self-folding as well; (2) self-folding can depend upon interactions with the environment; for example, a protein synthesized on a ribosome will fold as soon as peptides enter the intracellular environment in a serial process whereas if denatured complete proteins are put into solution, parallel folding can occur simultaneously; and, (3) in turbulent environments, chaotic conditions continuously alternate processes. We have examined the 43,380 Dürer nets of dodecahedra and 43,380 Dürer nets of icosahedra and their corresponding duals: Schlegel diagrams. In order to better understand models of self-assembly of viral capsids, we have used both geometric (radius of gyration, convex hulls, angles) and topological (vertex connections, leaves, spanning trees, cutting trees, and degree distributions) perspectives to develop design principles for 4D printing experiments. Which configurations fold most rapidly? Which configurations lead to complete polyhedra most of the time? By using Hamiltonian circuits of the vertices of Dürer nets and Eulerian paths of cutting trees of polyhedra unto Schlegel diagrams, we have been able to develop a systematic sampling procedure to explore the 86,760 configurations, models of a T1 viral capsid with 60 subunits and to test alternatives with 4D printing experiments, use of MagformsTM, and origami models to demonstrate via movies the five processes described above.
Molecular and Physiological Variability in Bread Wheat and Its Wild Relative (Aegilops tauschii Coss.) Species under Water-Deficit Stress Conditions
Authors: Khodadadi Zahra , Omidi Mansoor , Etminan Alireza , Ebrahimi Asa , Pour-Aboughadareh Alireza
Published: December 2022

Aegilops and Triticum spp. are two ideal gene pools for the breeding purposes of wheat. In this study, a set of Iranian accessions of Aegilops tauschii Coss. and Triticum aestivum L. species were evaluated in terms of some physiological and biochemical features under control and water-deficit stress conditions. Moreover, several simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were employed to identify marker loci associated with the measured traits. The results indicated that water-deficit stress significantly affected all measured traits and the highest reductions due to water-deficit were recorded for shoot fresh and dry biomasses (SFB and SDB), stomatal conductance (Gs), leaf relative water content (RWC), and chlorophyll b content (Chl b). In molecular analysis, 25 SSR markers generated 50 fragments, out of which 49 fragments (98%) were polymorphic. Furthermore, the genetic variation observed within species is more than between species. The results of cluster and Bayesian model analysis classified all evaluated accessions into three main clusters. Under control and water-deficit stress conditions, 28 and 27 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified, respectively. Furthermore, 10 MTAs showed sufficiently stable expression across both growth conditions. Of these, the markers Xgwm-111, Xgwm-44, Xgwm-455, Xgwm-272, and Xgwm-292 were associated with multiple traits. Hence, these markers could serve as useful molecular tools for population characterization, gene tagging, and other molecular breeding studies.
Predicting Long-Term Recovery of Consciousness in Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness Based on Coma Recovery Scale-Revised Subscores: Validation of a Machine Learning-Based Prognostic Index
Authors: Magliacano Alfonso , Liuzzi Piergiuseppe , Formisano Rita , Grippo Antonello , Angelakis Efthymios , Thibaut Aurore , Gosseries Olivia , Lamberti Gianfranco , Noé Enrique , Bagnato Sergio , Edlow Brian L. , Lejeune Nicolas , Veeramuthu Vigneswaran , Trojano Luigi , Zasler Nathan , Schnakers Caroline , Bartolo Michelangelo , Mannini Andrea , Estraneo Anna
Published: December 2022

Prognosis of prolonged Disorders of Consciousness (pDoC) is influenced by patients’ clinical diagnosis and Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) total score. We compared the prognostic accuracy of a novel Consciousness Domain Index (CDI) with that of clinical diagnosis and CRS-R total score, for recovery of full consciousness at 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-injury. The CDI was obtained by a combination of the six CRS-R subscales via an unsupervised machine learning technique. We retrospectively analyzed data on 143 patients with pDoC (75 in Minimally Conscious State; 102 males; median age = 53 years; IQR = 35; time post-injury = 1–3 months) due to different etiologies enrolled in an International Brain Injury Association Disorders of Consciousness Special Interest Group (IBIA DoC-SIG) multicenter longitudinal study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to assess the association between outcomes and the CDI, compared to clinical diagnosis and CRS-R. The CDI, the clinical diagnosis, and the CRS-R total score were significantly associated with a good outcome at 6, 12 and 24 months. The CDI showed the highest univariate prediction accuracy and sensitivity, and regression models including the CDI provided the highest values of explained variance. A combined scoring system of the CRS-R subscales by unsupervised machine learning may improve clinical ability to predict recovery of consciousness in patients with pDoC.
Back on the Road: Comparing Cognitive Assessments to Driving Simulators in Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
Authors: Ouellette Debra S. , Kaplan Stephanie , Rosario Emily R.
Published: December 2022

Objective: To compare established clinical outcome assessments for predicting behind the wheel driving readiness and driving simulator results across age groups and in traumatic brain injury. Methods: Participants included adults who had a traumatic brain injury ranging in age from 31 to 57 years and a non-impaired adult population ranging in age from 18 to 80 years. Physical and cognitive outcomes measures were collected included range of motion and coordination, a “Rules of the Road Test” a “Sign Identification Test,” Trails A and B, and the clock drawing test. Visual measures included the Dynavision D2 system and motor-free visual perceptual test-3 (MVPT-3). Finally, the driving simulators (STIÒ version M300) metro drive assessment was used, which consisted of negotiating several obstacles in a metropolitan area including vehicles abruptly changing lanes, pedestrians crossing streets, and negotiating construction zones. Results: Our findings suggest that the standard paper-pencil cognitive assessments and sign identification test significantly differentiate TBI from a non-impaired population (Trails A, B and Clock drawing test p < 0.001). While the driving simulator did not show as many robust differences with age, the TBI population did have a significantly greater number of road collisions (F3, 78 = 3.5, p = 0.02). We also observed a significant correlation between the cognitive assessments and the simulator variables. Conclusions: Paper-pencil cognitive assessments and the sign identification test highlight greater differences than the STI Driving Simulator between non-impaired and TBI populations. However, the driving simulator may be useful in assessing cognitive ability and training for on the road driving.
Chloride Intracellular Channel Protein 2 Promotes Microglial Invasion: A Link to Microgliosis in the Parkinson’s Disease Brain
Authors: Choudhury Mohammed E. , Ozaki Saya , Miyaue Noriyuki , Matsuura Taisei , Mikami Kanta , Islam Afsana , Kubo Madoka , Ando Rina , Yano Hajime , Kunieda Takeharu , Nagai Masahiro , Tanaka Junya
Published: December 2022

Activated microglia potentially cause neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD, but the modulator of microglial release of MMP-9 remains obscure. Given the modulatory effect of chloride intracellular channel protein 2 (CLIC2) on MMPs, we aimed to determine the role of CLIC2 in regulating microglial MMP expression and activation. We found that CLIC2 is expressed in microglia and neurons in rat brain tissue and focused on the function of CLIC2 in primary cultured microglia. Exposure to recombinant CLIC2 protein enhanced microglial invasion activity, and its knockdown abolished this activity. Moreover, increased activation of MMP-9 was confirmed by the addition of the CLIC2 protein, and CLIC2 knockdown eliminated this activation. Additionally, increased expression of CLIC2 was observed in PD-modeled tissue. In conclusion, CLIC2 increases MMP-9 activity in the microglia, which are involved in PD pathogenesis.
The Relationship between Effort-Reward Imbalance for Learning and Academic Burnout in Junior High School: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Wang Yuanru , Gao Yidan , Zhang Xiaoyin , Shen Jingyi , Wang Qiangqiang , Wang Yingjie
Published: December 2022

Although effort-reward imbalance has been proven to affect academic burnout, how effort-reward imbalance affects academic burnout remains unclear. This study, from the perspective of learning satisfaction and resilience, investigates how effort-reward imbalance affects academic burnout and reveals the influence of effort-reward imbalance on academic burnout. A sample of 755 junior high school students was assessed using the Revised Effort-Reward Imbalance for Learning Scale, Revised Learning Satisfaction Scale, Academic Burnout Scale, and Resilience Scale. Junior high school students’ effort-reward imbalance rates for learning, learning satisfaction, and academic burnout were all significantly correlated with each other; learning satisfaction mediated the relationship between them. Learning satisfaction mediated the relationship between junior high school students’ effort-reward imbalance rate for learning and academic burnout, and resilience negatively moderated the path from junior high school students’ effort-reward imbalance rate from learning to learning satisfaction. The results suggest that improving students’ resilience can effectively decrease the negative effects of effort-reward imbalance.
Viscoelastic Solutions and Investigation for Creep Behavior of Composite Pipes under Sustained Compression
Authors: Yu Yinxia , Deng Wenqin , Yue Kong , Wu Peng
Published: December 2022

Composite pipes, which are widely used for transporting fluids, have a high strength, good impermeability and strong resistance to external pressure. Because the pipe bears a sustained load, and its constituent materials usually possess time-dependent properties, the creep phenomenon unavoidably occurs in the composite pipes in the long run. The aim of this study is to propose analytical viscoelastic solutions, which are then applied to a composite pipe structure to explore the creep behavior of composite pipes under sustained compression. The pipe layers and the bonding interlayer both exhibit viscoelastic properties, which are the novelty of this study. The governing equations for the viscoelastic composite pipe are built on the basis of exact elasticity theory combined with the viscoelastic theory. General solutions are derived by means of a Fourier series expansion in which the coefficients are further determined by a Laplace transform. The research results indicate that the present solution has a higher computational efficiency than the finite element solution, because of the latter involving the time discretization method. In addition, for the viscoelastic pipe, if the modulus degradation of the neighboring laminar layers is proportional, the stresses can keep constant with time, as in a purely elastic material.
Cyclic Evaluation of Exterior Beam-to-Column Connections for Intelligent Accelerated Construction of Industrial Facilities
Authors: Ji Mingming , Chen Wei , Zeng Shi , Zhao Xinyu
Published: December 2022

The rapid development towards automated construction has been witnessed in recent years mainly due to the growing shortage of skilled labor. Against that backdrop, an accelerated method, with the aid of robotic cranes, is emerging in China to speed up the construction of industrial facilities such as warehouse structures. This method requires that the steel bars in the precast beams do not extend beyond the beam ends to facilitate the temporary fixation of the robotic crane at the top of cast-in-place columns. This, nonetheless, brings a series of new problems, one of which is how to choose a suitable anchoring type for the beam bottom bars. To address this issue, three large-scale exterior beam-to-column connections were fabricated and tested under lateral load reversals. Two anchorage forms, namely, mechanical splices and grouted sleeves, were adopted and compared with the monolithically cast specimen. The test results showed that the specimen using the grouted sleeves had similar seismic performance to that of the cast-in-place specimen, whereas the specimen using the mechanical splices presented significant post-peak deterioration under positive beam bending moments. This happened because the congestion of steel bars within the joint core made it difficult to fully tighten the beam bottom bars into the threaded couplers; consequently, a “slop” was formed which could substantially impair the cyclic behavior of the specimen. As such, it is suggested that grouted sleeves should be more applicable and reliable for the new construction method. This counter-intuitive finding also indicates that, for intelligent construction, no detail should be taken for granted, but rather needs due consideration.
Centrosome Amplification Is a Potential Molecular Target in Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Guo Meiyun , Rever Jenna , Nguyen Phuong N. U. , Akella Neha M. , Reid Gregor S. D. , Maxwell Christopher A.
Published: December 2022

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of cancer in children, with most cases arising from fetal B cell precursor, termed B-ALL. Here, we use immunofluorescence analysis of B-ALL cells to identify centrosome amplification events that require the centrosome clustering pathway to successfully complete mitosis. Our data reveals that primary human B-ALL cells and immortal B-ALL cell lines from both human and mouse sources show defective bipolar spindle formation, abnormal mitotic progression, and cell death following treatment with centrosome clustering inhibitors (CCI). We demonstrate that CCI-refractory B-ALL cells exhibit markers for increased genomic instability, including DNA damage and micronuclei, as well as activation of the cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signalling pathway. Our analysis of cGAS knock-down B-ALL clones implicates cGAS in the sensitivity of B-ALL cells to CCI treatment. Due to its integral function and specificity to cancer cells, the centrosome clustering pathway presents a powerful molecular target for cancer treatment while mitigating the risk to healthy cells.
Tumor Burden and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Melanoma In-Transit Metastases
Authors: Wesslau Hanna , Carlander Anders , Ny Lars , Wärnberg Fredrik , Olofsson Bagge Roger , Lindqvist Bagge Ann-Sophie
Published: December 2022

Background: Few studies have investigated the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with melanoma in-transit metastases (ITM). The aim was to investigate the association between tumor burden and HRQOL, including disparities pertaining to sex and age, in treatment-naïve patients with ITM. Methods: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Melanoma (FACT-M) questionnaire was used to assess HRQOL Pairwise comparisons using t-tests between clinical cutoffs are presented and multiple linear regression analysis showing the unique associations of gender, age, number of tumors, tumor size, presence of lymph node metastases, and tumor localization. Results: A total of 95 patients, 47% females and 53% males (median age 72 years) were included between 2012 and 2021. Women scored significantly lower on emotional well-being (p = 0.038) and lower on FACT-M (p = 0.058). Patients who had ≥10 tumors scored significantly lower on FACT-M (p = 0.015), emotional- and functional well-being (p = 0.04, p = 0.004, respectively), melanoma scale (p = 0.005), and FACT-G (p = 0.027). There was no significant difference in HRQOL depending on age, size of tumors, localization, or presence of lymph node metastases. Conclusion: For patients with melanoma ITMs, the female sex and higher tumor burden (i.e., number of tumors) were significantly correlated with lower HRQOL. However, these findings do not fully explain HRQOL for this patient population, and future research should consider the possibility that there are specific questions for patients with ITM where current instruments might fail to measure their discomfort to the full extent.
Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials-Based Recent Approaches in Upgraded Targeting and Management of Cancer: A Review
Authors: Ojha Anupama , Jaiswal Sonali , Bharti Priyanka , Mishra Sarad Kumar
Published: December 2022

Along with the extensive improvement in tumor biology research and different therapeutic developments, cancer remains a dominant and deadly disease. Tumor heterogeneity, systemic toxicities, and drug resistance are major hurdles in cancer therapy. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy, and surgical therapy are some prominent areas of cancer treatment. During chemotherapy for cancer, chemotherapeutic agents are distributed all over the body and also damage normal cells. With advancements in nanotechnology, nanoparticles utilized in all major areas of cancer therapy offer the probability to advance drug solubility, and stability, extend drug half-lives in plasma, reduce off-target effects, and quintessence drugs at a target site. The present review compiles the use of different types of nanoparticles in frequently and recently applied therapeutics of cancer therapy. A recent area of cancer treatment includes cancer stem cell therapy, DNA/RNA-based immunomodulation therapy, alteration of the microenvironment, and cell membrane-mediated biomimetic approach. Biocompatibility and bioaccumulation of nanoparticles is the major impediment in nano-based therapy. More research is required to develop the next generation of nanotherapeutics with the incorporation of new molecular entities, such as kinase inhibitors, siRNA, mRNA, and gene editing. We assume that nanotherapeutics will dramatically improve patient survival, move the model of cancer treatment, and develop certainty in the foreseeable future.
A Novel Concept of Transperineal Focused Ultrasound Transducer for Prostate Cancer Local Deep Hyperthermia Treatments
Authors: Guillemin Pauline Coralie , Sinden David , M’Rad Yacine , Schwenke Michael , Le Guevelou Jennifer , Uiterwijk Johannes W. E. , Lorton Orane , Scheffler Max , Poletti Pierre-Alexandre , Jenne Juergen , Zilli Thomas , Salomir Rares
Published: December 2022

Design, embodiment, and experimental study of a novel concept of extracorporeal phased array ultrasound transducer for prostate cancer regional deep hyperthermia treatments using a transperineal acoustic window is presented. An optimized design of hyperthermia applicator was derived from a modelling software where acoustic and thermal fields were computed based on anatomical data. Performance tests have been experimentally conducted on gel phantoms and tissues, under 3T MRI guidance using PRFS thermometry. Feedback controlled hyperthermia (ΔT = 5 °C during 20min) was performed on two ex vivo lamb carcasses with prostate mimicking pelvic tissue, to demonstrate capability of spatio-temporal temperature control and to assess potential risks and side effects. Our optimization approach yielded a therapeutic ultrasound transducer consisting of 192 elements of variable shape and surface, pseudo randomly distributed on 6 columns, using a frequency of 700 kHz. Radius of curvature was 140 mm and active water circulation was included for cooling. The measured focusing capabilities covered a volume of 24 × 50 × 60 mm3. Acoustic coupling of excellent quality was achieved. No interference was detected between sonication and MR acquisitions. On ex vivo experiments the target temperature elevation of 5 °C was reached after 5 min and maintained during another 15 min with the predictive temperature controller showing 0.2 °C accuracy. No significant temperature rise was observed on skin and bonny structures. Reported results represent a promising step toward the implementation of transperineal ultrasound hyperthermia in a pilot study of reirradiation in prostate cancer patients.
Turning Adversity into Strength and Transferring It to the Uninitiated: The Tricks Cancer Cells Play to Survive Hypoxic Stress and Fight Chemotherapy
Authors: Anand Shashi , Khan Mohammad Aslam , Singh Ajay Pratap
Published: December 2022

Despite significant progress during the past few decades, cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the US after heart disease [...]
Gastric-Type Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix Associated with Poor Response to Definitive Radiotherapy
Authors: Kuruma Airi , Kodama Michiko , Hori Yumiko , Sato Kazuaki , Fujii Makoto , Isohashi Fumiaki , Miyoshi Ai , Mabuchi Seiji , Setoguchi Akira , Shimura Hiroko , Goto Takeshi , Toda Aska , Nakagawa Satoshi , Kinose Yasuto , Takiuchi Tsuyoshi , Kobayashi Eiji , Hashimoto Kae , Ueda Yutaka , Sawada Kenjiro , Morii Eiichi , Kimura Tadashi
Published: December 2022

We aimed to evaluate the response to definitive radiotherapy (RT) for cervical cancer based on histological subtypes and investigate prognostic factors in adenocarcinoma (AC). Of the 396 patients treated with definitive RT between January, 2010 and July, 2020, 327 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 275 with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 52 with AC restaged based on the 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system. Patient characteristics, response to RT, and prognoses of SCC and AC were evaluated. The complete response (CR) rates were 92.4% and 53.8% for SCC and AC, respectively (p < 0.05). Three-year overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) rates of SCC were significantly higher than those of AC (88.6% vs. 74.1%, p < 0.05 and 76.3% vs. 59.3%, p < 0.05, respectively). Among the AC population, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine prognostic factors associated with non-complete response (CR). In the multivariate analysis, gastric-type adenocarcinoma (GAS) was associated with non-CR in AC (adjusted odds ratio, 12.2; 95% confidence interval 1.0–145.6; p < 0.05). The 3-year PFS rate in patients with GAS was significantly lower than that in patients with other histological types of AC (44.4% vs. 66.7%, p < 0.05). Definitive RT for cervical cancer was significantly less effective for AC than for SCC. GAS was the only independent prognostic factor associated with non-CR in AC.
Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiles of Lung Pre-Metastatic Niche Reveal Neutrophil and Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Roles in Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Yung-Chi , Chang Chao-Yuan , Wu Yu-Yuan , Wu Kuan-Li , Tsai Ying-Ming , Lee Hsiao-Chen , Tsai Eing-Mei , Hsu Ya-Ling
Published: December 2022

The establishment of a pre-metastatic niche (PMN) is critical for cancer metastasis. However, it remains unclear as to which phenotypes induce changes in the PMN. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of all cells of the lung in cancer-bearing MMTV-PyVT mice revealed an increased infiltration of N2-type neutrophils and classical monocytes associated with chronic inflammation; notably, lung neutrophils isolated from mice with primary cancer exhibited similar N2-type phenotypes and expressed high levels of inflammatory and angiogenic factors. We also discovered a new cluster of Ki67-upregulated lymphatic endothelial cells (ECs) that activated several cell division-related pathways. Receptor–ligand interactions within the lung potentially mediated PMN formation; these were exemplified by the cross talk of lymphatic EC–N2-type neutrophil via S100A6. In vitro study revealed S100A6 impaired EC tight junction and increased the transendothelial migration of neutrophils. Our results highlight the molecular mechanisms that shape lung PMN and inspire preventive strategies for lung metastasis in breast cancer.
A Multidisciplinary Approach Establishes a Link between Transglutaminase 2 and the Kv10.1 Voltage-Dependent K+ Channel in Breast Cancer
Authors: Canella Rita , Brugnoli Federica , Gallo Mariana , Keillor Jeffrey W. , Terrazzan Anna , Ferrari Elena , Grassilli Silvia , Gates Eric W. J. , Volinia Stefano , Bertagnolo Valeria , Bianchi Nicoletta , Bergamini Carlo M.
Published: December 2022

Since the multifunctionality of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) includes extra- and intracellular functions, we investigated the effects of intracellular administration of TG2 inhibitors in three breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436 and MDA-MB-468, which are representative of different triple-negative phenotypes, using a patch-clamp technique. The first cell line has a highly voltage-dependent a membrane current, which is low in the second and almost absent in the third one. While applying a voltage protocol to responsive single cells, injection of TG2 inhibitors triggered a significant decrease of the current in MDA-MB-231 that we attributed to voltage-dependent K+ channels using the specific inhibitors 4-aminopyridine and astemizole. Since the Kv10.1 channel plays a dominant role as a marker of cell migration and survival in breast cancer, we investigated its relationship with TG2 by immunoprecipitation. Our data reveal their physical interaction affects membrane currents in MDA-MB-231 but not in the less sensitive MDA-MB-436 cells. We further correlated the efficacy of TG2 inhibition with metabolic changes in the supernatants of treated cells, resulting in increased concentration of methyl- and dimethylamines, representing possible response markers. In conclusion, our findings highlight the interference of TG2 inhibitors with the Kv10.1 channel as a potential therapeutic tool depending on the specific features of cancer cells.
Atypical Response in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors: Radiographic Patterns and Clinical Value of Local Therapy
Authors: Jiang Shanshan , Zhang Jinmeng , Chu Li , Chu Xiao , Yang Xi , Li Yida , Guo Tiantian , Zhou Yue , Xu Dayu , Mao Jiuang , Zheng Zhiqin , An Yulin , Sun Hua , Dong Huiling , Yu Silai , Ye Ruiting , Hu Jie , Chu Qian , Ni Jianjiao , Zhu Zhengfei
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To explore the clinical characteristics, management, and survival outcomes of advanced NSCLC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors who presented with an atypical response (AR). Methods: A total of 926 PD-1/PD-L1-inhibitor-treated patients with metastatic NSCLC from three academic centers were retrospectively reviewed. All measurable lesions were evaluated by RECIST version 1.1. Results: Fifty-six (6.1%) patients developed AR. The median time to the occurrence of AR was 2.0 months. Patients with no fewer than 3 metastatic organs at baseline were more prone to develop AR in advanced NSCLC (p = 0.038). The common sites of progressive lesions were lymph nodes (33.8%) and lungs (29.7%). The majority (78.2%) of patients with AR had only 1–2 progressive tumor lesions, and most (89.1%) of the progressive lesions developed from originally existing tumor sites. There was no significance in terms of survival between patients with AR and those with typical response (TR). Local therapy was an independent predictor for PFS of patients with AR (p = 0.025). Conclusions: AR was not an uncommon event in patients with metastatic NSCLC treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and it had a comparable prognosis to those with TR. Proper local therapy targeting progressive lesions without discontinuing original PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may improve patient survival.
Histopathological Growth Pattern in Colorectal Liver Metastasis and The Tumor Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Zaharia Claudia , Veen Torhild , Lea Dordi , Kanani Arezo , Alexeeva Marina , Søreide Kjetil
Published: December 2022

Almost half of all patients with colorectal cancer present with or eventually develop metastasis, most frequently in the liver. Understanding the histopathological growth patterns and tumor immune microenvironment of colorectal liver metastases may help determine treatment strategies and assess prognosis. A literature search was conducted to gather information on cancer biology, histopathological growth patterns, and the tumor immune microenvironment in colorectal liver metastases, including their mechanisms and their impact on clinical outcomes. A first consensus on histopathological growth patterns emerged in 2017, identifying five growth patterns. Later studies found benefits from a two-tier system, desmoplastic and non-desmoplastic, incorporated into the updated 2022 consensus. Furthermore, the tumor immune microenvironment shows additional characteristic features with relevance to cancer biology. This includes density of T-cells (CD8+), expression of claudin-2, presence of vessel co-option versus angiogenesis, as well as several other factors. The relation between histopathological growth patterns and the tumor immune microenvironment delineates distinct subtypes of cancer biology. The distinct subtypes are found to correlate with risk of metastasis or relapse, and hence to clinical outcome and long-term survival in each patient. In order to optimize personalized and precision therapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases, further investigation into the mechanisms of cancer biology and their translational aspects to novel treatment targets is warranted.
Effect of Iron-Doping on the Structure and Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Afonso Cátia , Lima Orlando , Segundo Iran Rocha , Landi Salmon , Margalho Élida , Homem Natália , Pereira Mário , Costa Manuel F. M. , Freitas Elisabete , Carneiro Joaquim
Published: December 2022

This research reports a simple, innovative, and low-cost doping method of TiO2 nanoparticles presenting the effects of calcination and the weight ratio of TiO2:FeCl3 (1:0.33–1:4.5). The photocatalytic activity of the nanomaterials was investigated by decolorizing Rhodamine B (RhB) dye in an aqueous solution. The main results showed that there is anatase-to-rutile transformation after the calcination process. The Fe-doped process modified the TiO2 spectrum and showed a connection in the Ti–O–Fe vibration. The particle size is within the nanometer range, between 20–51 nm, except for calcined TiO2. The inclusion of Fe in TiO2 decreased the band gap energy from 3.16 (reference) up to 2.06 eV (1:3). Additionally, after the calcination, there was a decrease in this value from 3.03 eV (reference) up to 1.95 eV (1:1.6). The TiO2, with a ratio of (1:1.6), showed the highest activity in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB with an efficiency of 93.8% after 3 h of irradiation.
Evolution of Epigenetic Mechanisms and Signatures
Authors: Kalmykova Alla , Buzdin Anton
Published: December 2022

DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications, higher-order chromatin organization and regulation by noncoding RNAs are considered as the basic mechanisms underlying the epigenetic memory [...]
Cardiac Neural Crest and Cardiac Regeneration
Authors: Erhardt Shannon , Wang Jun
Published: December 2022

Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a vertebrate-specific, multipotent stem cell population that have the ability to migrate and differentiate into various cell populations throughout the embryo during embryogenesis. The heart is a muscular and complex organ whose primary function is to pump blood and nutrients throughout the body. Mammalian hearts, such as those of humans, lose their regenerative ability shortly after birth. However, a few vertebrate species, such as zebrafish, have the ability to self-repair/regenerate after cardiac damage. Recent research has discovered the potential functional ability and contribution of cardiac NCCs to cardiac regeneration through the use of various vertebrate species and pluripotent stem cell-derived NCCs. Here, we review the neural crest’s regenerative capacity in various tissues and organs, and in particular, we summarize the characteristics of cardiac NCCs between species and their roles in cardiac regeneration. We further discuss emerging and future work to determine the potential contributions of NCCs for disease treatment.
A Review of Dust Deposition Mechanism and Self-Cleaning Methods for Solar Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Quan Zijia , Lu Hao , Zhao Wenjun , Zheng Chuanxiao , Zhu Zhu , Qin Jing , Yue Miao
Published: December 2022

Large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants tend to be set in desert areas, which enjoy high irradiation and large spaces. However, due to frequent sandstorms, large amounts of contaminants and dirt are suspended in the air and deposited on photovoltaic modules, which greatly decreases the power efficiency and service life. To clean PV to improve efficiency, many methods were proposed. It was found that the application of the self-cleaning coating on PV modules can effectively reduce dust deposition and improve the efficiency of PV. This paper reviews the dust deposition mechanism on photovoltaic modules, classifies the very recent dust removal methods with a critical review, especially focusing on the mechanisms of super-hydrophobic and super-hydrophilic coatings, to serve as a reference for researchers and PV designers, and presents the current state of knowledge of the aspects mentioned above to promote sustainable improvement in PV efficiency. It was found that the behaviors of dust on photovoltaic modules are mainly deposition, rebound, and resuspension. Particles with a diameter of 1–100 μm are most easily deposited on photovoltaic modules. The use of self-cleaning coatings, especially super-hydrophobic coatings, is beneficial to the rebound and resuspension of particles. The research gaps and development prospects of self-cleaning coatings are also discussed in this paper.
C3A Cells-Inoculated Affinity Membrane for Bilirubin Removal
Authors: Shen Yuqing , Liu Huijuan , Luo Huiling , Liu Xinxin , Sun Yanan , Ge Dongtao , Shi Wei
Published: December 2022

Affinity membranes have the potential to enhance the specific adsorption of toxins, however, they suffer from insufficient hemocompatibility and low therapeutic efficiency during blood detoxification therapy. Herein, we combine an affinity membrane with a bioreactor to develop a blood purification membrane with affinity adsorption detoxification and cell detoxification functions. To fabricate the membrane, a polyethersulfone (iPES) membrane with a macroporous support layer was prepared by a phase inversion technique and modified with polydopamine (PDA). The iPES/PDA composite membrane exhibited excellent biocompatibility and blood compatibility, as well as controllable permeability. Lysine (Lys) and hepatocytes (C3A cells), which were selected as the affinity ligand for bilirubin adsorption and detoxification cells, respectively, were immobilized on the iPES/PDA composite membrane via the active group and adhesiveness of PDA coating on the membrane. The fabricated C3A cells-inoculated iPES/PDA/Lys membrane not only achieved high cell activity and function of the inoculated cells but also significantly improved the toxin clearance efficiency.
Destructive Interference of the Superconducting Subband Condensates in the Quasi-1D Multigap Material Nanostructures
Authors: Pasek Wojciech Julian , Degani Marcos Henrique , Maialle Marcelo Zoéga
Published: December 2022

This modelling work concerns the effects of the interference between two partial subband condensates in a quasi-one-dimensional superconducting superlattice. The iterative under-relaxation with phase control method is used to solve Bogoliubov–de Gennes equations in the envelope ansatz. This method—easily generalisable to a wide class of multiband superconducting systems—allows us to obtain both the constructive and the destructive interference solution. The discussion is centred on the latter case, with one of the condensates collapsing with increased inter-subband coupling strength, due to the other—the dominating one—imposing its symmetry on the overall order parameter. The in-depth qualitative analysis is made of underlying intra-subband and inter-subband dynamics, such as the possible factors determining the dominant subband condensate or the ones determining the region where the destructive solution coexists with the constructive one. A comprehensive discussion with the recent works concerning inter-band coupling effects follows, pointing that the destructive solution is nearly universally omitted.
Anion Influence on Supramolecular Interactions in Exo-Coordinated Silver(I) Complexes with N2O2 Schiff Base Macrocycle
Authors: Perdih Franc , Korica Milenko , Šebalj Lorena , Balić Tomislav
Published: December 2022

Silver(I) complexes with aza-oxa macrocyclic Schiff bases L (L = 1,5-diaza-2,4:7,8:16,17-tribenzo-9,15-dioxa-cyclooctadeca-1,5-dien) were prepared by the reaction of the corresponding macrocycle with four different silver salts (AgX; X = ClO4, PF6, SbF6 and BF4). In all four compounds, silver ions are exo-coordinated by two neighboring ligand molecules in linear and T-shaped geometries. Such a coordination mode results in the formation of infinite 1D polymeric chains. Compounds AgLClO4 and AgLBF4 are isostructural, and polymeric chains display 1D zigzag topology. In AgLPF6 there are three symmetrically unique Ag ions in the asymmetric unit of the compound. Two silver ions are linearly coordinated with two neighboring ligand molecules and are part of a discrete polymer chain. The third silver ion is coordinated with two ligand molecules and a methanol molecule in a T-shaped geometry. Such coordination geometry results in the formation of two discrete infinite polymer chains in the crystal structure. In the AgLSbF6 compound, the chain topology is a linear zigzag chain, but in this compound, there is a difference in the orientation of the Ag-N bond. The Ag-N-Ag bonds are in the trans position relative to the plane calculated through the ligand molecule, while the Ag-N bonds are in the cis position in all other compounds. Due to the presence of a bulky SbF6 anion, the ligand molecule is planar compared to other compounds. Considering intermolecular interactions, there is a huge variety of different interactions, mostly depending on the type of anion. A general supramolecular motif in all compounds is best described as 2D sheets of ligand–metal polymers with anions and solvent molecules sandwiched between them. In addition, the obtained compounds were characterized by IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The TG analysis indicates a rather surprising and considerable thermal stability of the prepared compounds, with some compounds thermally stable over 300 °C.
High-Pressure X-ray Diffraction and DFT Studies on Spinel FeV2O4
Authors: Sánchez-Martín Josu , Turnbull Robin , Liang Akun , Díaz-Anichtchenko Daniel , Rahman Saqib , Saqib Hajra , Ikram Mujtaba , Popescu Catalin , Rodríguez-Hernández Plácida , Muñoz Alfonso , Pellicer-Porres Julio , Errandonea Daniel
Published: December 2022

We have studied the behaviour of the cubic spinel structure of FeV2O4 under high-pressure by means of powder X-ray diffraction measurements and density-functional theory calculations. The sample was characterized at ambient conditions by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction experiments. One of the main findings of this work is that spinel FeV2O4 exhibits pressure-induced chemical decomposition into V2O3 and FeO around 12 GPa. Upon pressure release, the pressure-induced chemical decomposition appears to be partially reversible. Additionally, in combination with density-functional theory calculations, we have calculated the pressure dependence of the unit-cell volumes of both the spinel and orthorhombic FeV2O4 crystal structures, whose bulk moduli are B0 = 123(9) and 154(2) GPa, respectively, finding the spinel FeV2O4 to exhibit the lowest bulk modulus amongst the spinel oxides. From experimental results, the same information is herein obtained for the cubic structure only. The Raman modes and elastic constants of spinel FeV2O4 have also obtained the ambient conditions.
Local Probing ErCrO3
Authors: Oliveira Gonçalo N. P. , Rodrigues Pedro R. , Correia João G. , Araújo João P. E. , Lopes Armandina M. L.
Published: December 2022

Local distortions in perovskite-like orthochromites are of extreme importance for the properties they exhibit. Here, we present the results of structural and DC magnetisation measurements combined with local probe studies in polycrystalline ErCrO3. The electric field gradient (EFG) parameters’ evolution with temperature shows two clear signals of local environment changes, one at the ferroelectric phase transition (TFE) and the other below 250 K. At the claimed TFE, the EFG changed from a slightly distorted axial symmetric to an EFG with axial symmetry (evidence that the local point-symmetry of the crystal might have changed). At a temperature around 250 K, we observed the development of a magnetic hyperfine field (MHF) and a change in the EFG to an axial slightly distorted one. These observations are rather in line with our magnetisation measurements, as a relatively strong coercive field was observed well above the Cr sub-lattice ordering temperature.
Charge Transport in Organic Semiconducting Crystals Exhibiting TADF: Insight from Quantum Chemical Calculations
Authors: Sosorev Andrey , Dominskiy Dmitry , Dubinets Nikita
Published: December 2022

Luminophores featuring thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) are the workhorses of the third- and fourth-generation OLEDs. While these compounds have usually been used as dopants embedded in the host, non-doped TADF OLEDs have recently shown significant progress as well and have attained performances comparable to those of the host-dopant systems. For efficient operation of non-doped OLEDs, the charge transport in neat films and single crystals of TADF luminophores is important; however, this issue was nearly unexplored theoretically. In the current study, we calculated the charge-carrier mobilities in four single crystals of TADF luminophores that have different molecular packing motifs. Specifically, in one of them both the donor and acceptor moieties form uniform π-stacks, while in the others the donors (acceptors) show alternating lateral shifts along the stacks; the difference in the molecular packing resulted in the difference in the transfer integrals between the molecules. The reorganization energies differed as well by up to four times for the studied crystals. As a result, the charge mobilities varied from 0.001 to ~0.3 cm2/(V∙s), with the largest being predicted for the crystal of the luminophore that consisted of a rigid donor and acceptor. We anticipate that the results obtained will be useful in the design of TADF luminophores for non-doped OLEDs, OLETs, and other organic light-emitting devices.
Lanthanide(III) Complexes with Thiodiacetato Ligand: Chemical Speciation, Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Solid-State Luminescence
Authors: Torres Julia , González-Platas Javier , Kremer Carlos
Published: December 2022

The synthesis, crystal structures, and luminescence of two lanthanide polynuclear complexes with the general formula [Ln2(tda)3(H2O)5]·3H2O (Ln = Sm, Eu; tda = thiodiacetato anion) are reported. The compounds were obtained by direct reaction of H2tda and lanthanide(III) chloride in an aqueous solution. The choice of the conditions of synthesis was based on speciation studies. The structure of the polymeric complexes contains Ln(III) ions in a tricapped trigonal prism geometry. The versatility of this ligand provides different coordination modes and provokes the formation of thick 2D sheets. Direct excitation of the Ln(III) ions gives place to the characteristic intra-configuration sharp luminescence emission of both complexes in the solid state.
Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide, Seek and Sport: A Systematic Scoping Review of Sun Protection in Sport in Australasia
Authors: Morton Sarah K. , Harrison Simone L.
Published: December 2022

Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence of skin cancer. Sport is a fundamental part of Australasian culture, beginning in childhood, often with life-long participation. Participating in outdoor sports can contribute significantly to the lifetime ultraviolet radiation (UVR) dose individuals receive and their risk of developing skin cancer. This systematic scoping review explores the use of sun-protection by outdoor sporting participants in Australasia and considers how sun-protection practices may be improved and better evaluated in the community. A search of electronic databases using the search strategy “sun protection” AND “sport” AND “Australia” yielded 17 studies published in English from January 1992 to August 2021. Study methods included using UV-dosimeters to measure individual UVR-exposure; remote estimates of clothing-adjusted UVR-exposure; direct observation of sun-protection practices; and self-reported sun-exposure and sun-protection. Despite 40 years of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ campaigns in Australia, the use of sun-protection in most outdoor sports is inadequate. The paucity of comparable data limited our analyses, demonstrating a need for standardized, objective evaluation tools. Such tools, if used across a range of sports, should inform the development of workable recommendations that sporting clubs could implement and adopt into policy, thus empowering them to better protect the health of their participants.