bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoemulsions of Clove Oil Stabilized with Chitosan Oleate—Antioxidant and Wound-Healing Activity
Authors: Perteghella Sara , Garzoni Alice , Invernizzi Alessandro , Sorrenti Milena , Boselli Cinzia , Icaro Cornaglia Antonia , Dondi Daniele , Lazzaroni Simone , Marrubini Giorgio , Caramella Carla , Catenacci Laura , Bonferoni Maria Cristina
Published: January 2023

Clove oil (CO) is a powerful antioxidant essential oil (EO) with anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and anti-infective properties. It can be therefore considered a good candidate for wound-healing applications, especially for chronic or diabetic wounds or burns, where the balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and detoxification is altered. However, EOs require suitable formulations to be efficiently administered in moist wound environments. Chitosan hydrophobically modified by an ionic interaction with oleic acid (chitosan oleate, CSO) was used in the present work to stabilize CO nanoemulsions (NEs). The dimensions of the NE were maintained at around 300 nm as the volume distribution for up to six months, and the CO content did not decrease to under 80% over 4 months, confirming the good stabilizing properties of CSO. The antioxidant properties of the CO NE were evaluated in vitro by a 2,2-diphenil-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assay, and in fibroblast cell lines by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) using α-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) as a spin trap; a protective effect was obtained comparable to that obtained with α-tocopherol treatment. In a murine burn model, the ability of CO formulations to favor macroscopic wound closure was evidenced, and a histological analysis revealed a positive effect of the CO NE on the reparation of the lesion after 18 days. Samples of wounds at 7 days were subjected to a histological analysis and parallel dosage of lipid peroxidation by means of a thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay, confirming the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the CO NE.
RNA G-Quadruplex within the 5′-UTR of FEN1 Regulates mRNA Stability under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ma Ying , Yang Yang , Xin Jingyu , He Lingfeng , Hu Zhigang , Gao Tao , Pan Feiyan , Guo Zhigang
Published: January 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of highly oxidative molecules that induce DNA damage, affecting DNA damage response (DDR) and gene expression. It is now recognized that DNA base excision repair (BER) is one of the important pathways responsible for sensing oxidative stress to eliminate DNA damage, in which FEN1 plays an important role in this process. However, the regulation of FEN1 under oxidative stress is still unclear. Here, we identified a novel RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) sequence in the 5′untranslated region (5′UTR) of FEN1 mRNA. Under oxidative stress, the G bases in the G4-forming sequence can be oxidized by ROS, resulting in structural disruption of the G-quadruplex. ROS or TMPyP4, a G4-structural ligand, disrupted the formation of G4 structure and affected the expression of FEN1. Furthermore, pull-down experiments identified a novel FEN1 rG4-binding protein, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1), and cellular studies have shown that hnRNPA1 plays an important role in regulating FEN1 expression. This work demonstrates that rG4 acts as a ROS sensor in the 5′UTR of FEN1 mRNA. Taken together, these results suggest a novel role for rG4 in translational control under oxidative stress.
Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants and Hypertension
Authors: Amponsah-Offeh Michael , Diaba-Nuhoho Patrick , Speier Stephan , Morawietz Henning
Published: January 2023

As a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, hypertension remains a serious threat to global public health. Despite the availability of many antihypertensive medications, several hypertensive individuals are resistant to standard treatments, and are unable to control their blood pressure. Regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) controlling blood pressure, activation of the immune system triggering inflammation and production of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and redox-sensitive signaling, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Thus, besides standard antihypertensive medications, which lower arterial pressure, antioxidant medications were tested to improve antihypertensive treatment. We review and discuss the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of hypertension and the potential use of antioxidants in the management of hypertension and its associated organ damage.
Earthquake Magnitude and Frequency Forecasting in Northeastern Algeria using Time Series Analysis
Authors: Merdasse Mouna , Hamdache Mohamed , Peláez José A. , Henares Jesús , Medkour Tarek
Published: January 2023

This study uses two different time series forecasting approaches (parametric and non-parametric) to assess a frequency and magnitude forecasting of earthquakes above Mw 4.0 in Northeastern Algeria. The Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model encompasses the parametric approach, while the non-parametric method employs the Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) approach. The ARIMA and SSA models were then used to train and forecast the annual number of earthquakes and annual maximum magnitude events occurring in Northeastern Algeria between 1910 and 2019, including 287 main events larger than Mw 4.0. The SSA method is used as a forecasting algorithm in this case, and the results are compared to those obtained by the ARIMA model. Based on the root mean square error (RMSE) criterion, the SSA forecasting model appears to be more appropriate than the ARIMA model. The consistency between the observation and the forecast is analyzed using a statistical test in terms of the total number of events, denoted as N-test. As a result, the findings indicate that the annual maximum magnitude in Northeastern Algeria between 2020 and 2030 will range from Mw 4.8 to Mw 5.1, while between four and six events with a magnitude of at least Mw 4.0 will occur annually.
Paleoenvironmental Study of the Late Cretaceous–Eocene Tethyan Sea Associated with Phosphorite Deposits in Jordan
Authors: Alqudah Mohammad , Abu-Jaber Nizar , Al-Rawabdeh Abdulla , Al-Tamimi Mahmoud
Published: January 2023

Petrological, geochemical, and biostratigraphical investigations have been conducted on seventy-nine samples from four selected sections in Jordan to understand the factors that influenced the enrichment and deposition of massive phosphorite deposits. The calcareous nannofossil marker species Broisonia parca constrica and Reticulofenestra bisecta, from the assigned sections 1 and 2 (Hawar and Al Dhahikiyya), were indicative of the Campanian and Eocene periods, respectively. The enrichment of some ecological marker species such as Kamptnerius magnificus indicates that there were cold periods during phosphate precipitation. All thin sections of the phosphate samples are of grainstone and packstone textures and are composed of skeletal fragments and peloids. Skeletal fragments appeared to be the main component of Hawar phosphates with the existence of peloids, while peloids were the component in sections 2 and 3 (section 3: Al Hisa). At least three intervals of high phosphorous values appeared in the Hawar section, showing variations in the Ca and Nd isotopes and in the terrigenous inputs. Four periods of phosphate enrichment are observed in Sections 2 and 3. These are deep water circulation periods of the early and late Campanian period, interrupted by two periods of submarine and continental weathering. Deep water circulation was initiated during cooling in the Campanian period and indicated by high phosphorous and Ca isotope components and a decline in terrigenous indicators (Al, Si, Ti, and Fe). Submarine weathering during warmer deep-sea periods is indicated by a rising Nd isotope ratio when many of the igneous provinces were subjected to weathering. Continental weathering took place in the warmer periods, with the hydrologic cycle and enhancement of terrigenous indicators (Al, Si, Ti, and Fe) being observed. The effect of the hydrologic cycle was at its highest in the south during the Campanian period and in the Eocene, as both represented shallower settings.
LWMD: A Comprehensive Compression Platform for End-to-End Automatic Speech Recognition Models
Authors: Liu Yukun , Li Ta , Zhang Pengyuan , Yan Yonghong
Published: January 2023

Recently end-to-end (E2E) automatic speech recognition (ASR) models have achieved promising performance. However, existing models tend to adopt increasing model sizes and suffer from expensive resource consumption for real-world applications. To compress E2E ASR models and obtain smaller model sizes, we propose a comprehensive compression platform named LWMD (light-weight model designing), which consists of two essential parts: a light-weight architecture search (LWAS) framework and a differentiable structured pruning (DSP) algorithm. On the one hand, the LWAS framework adopts the neural architecture search (NAS) technique to automatically search light-weight architectures for E2E ASR models. By integrating different architecture topologies of existing models together, LWAS designs a topology-fused search space. Furthermore, combined with the E2E ASR training criterion, LWAS develops a resource-aware search algorithm to select light-weight architectures from the search space. On the other hand, given the searched architectures, the DSP algorithm performs structured pruning to reduce parameter numbers further. With a Gumbel re-parameter trick, DSP builds a stronger correlation between the pruning criterion and the model performance than conventional pruning methods. And an attention-similarity loss function is further developed for better performance. On two mandarin datasets, Aishell-1 and HKUST, the compression results are well evaluated and analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the LWMD platform.
Crowd Control, Planning, and Prediction Using Sentiment Analysis: An Alert System for City Authorities
Authors: Malik Tariq , Hanif Najma , Tahir Ahsen , Abbas Safeer , Hanif Muhammad Shoaib , Tariq Faiza , Ansari Shuja , Abbasi Qammer Hussain , Imran Muhammad Ali
Published: January 2023

Modern means of communication, economic crises, and political decisions play imperative roles in reshaping political and administrative systems throughout the world. Twitter, a micro-blogging website, has gained paramount importance in terms of public opinion-sharing. Manual intelligence of law enforcement agencies (i.e., in changing situations) cannot cope in real time. Thus, to address this problem, we built an alert system for government authorities in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. The alert system gathers real-time data from Twitter in English and Roman Urdu about forthcoming gatherings (protests, demonstrations, assemblies, rallies, sit-ins, marches, etc.). To determine public sentiment regarding upcoming anti-government gatherings (protests, demonstrations, assemblies, rallies, sit-ins, marches, etc.), the alert system determines the polarity of tweets. Using keywords, the system provides information for future gatherings by extracting the entities like date, time, and location from Twitter data obtained in real time. Our system was trained and tested with different machine learning (ML) algorithms, such as random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), multinomial naïve Bayes (MNB), and Gaussian naïve Bayes (GNB), along with two vectorization techniques, i.e., term frequency–inverse document frequency (TFIDF) and count vectorization. Moreover, this paper compares the accuracy results of sentiment analysis (SA) of Twitter data by applying supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms. In our research experiment, we used two data sets, i.e., a small data set of 1000 tweets and a large data set of 4000 tweets. Results showed that RF along with count vectorization performed best for the small data set with an accuracy of 82%; with the large data set, MNB along with count vectorization outperformed all other classifiers with an accuracy of 75%. Additionally, language models, e.g., bigram and trigram, were used to generate the word clouds of positive and negative words to visualize the most frequently used words.
Didactic–Mathematical–Computational Knowledge of Future Teachers When Solving and Designing Robotics Problems
Authors: Sala-Sebastià Gemma , Breda Adriana , Seckel María José , Farsani Danyal , Alsina Àngel
Published: January 2023

The social, scientific and technological development of recent years has encouraged the incorporation of computational thinking in the school curriculum of various countries progressively, starting from early childhood education. This research aims to characterize future kindergarten teachers’ traits of didactic-mathematical and computational knowledge presented when solving and posing robotics problems. Firstly, aspects of the mathematical and computational knowledge of the participants (97 students of the subject of Didactics of Mathematics of the Degree in Early Childhood Education at a Spanish university) were identified when they solved problems as users of the Blue-Bot didactic robot. Secondly, we analyzed their justifications for reflecting on the design of robotics problems. The results indicate that future teachers present characteristics of didactic-mathematical knowledge when solving and designing robotics problems, although errors and ambiguities are evident, especially in the procedures and representations of the programming. These shortcomings significantly influence the didactic suitability of the robotics problems they design. From a future perspective, in the training of future teachers, it is considered relevant to incorporate didactic-mathematical and computational knowledge that allows them to develop logical, spatial and computational thinking.
Weakly and Nearly Countably Compactness in Generalized Topology
Authors: Altawallbeh Zuhier , Badarneh Ahmad , Jawarneh Ibrahim , Az-Zo’bi Emad
Published: January 2023

We define the notions of weakly μ-countably compactness and nearly μ-countably compactness denoted by Wμ-CC and Nμ-CC as generalizations of μ-compact spaces in the sense of Csaśzaŕ generalized topological spaces. To obtain a more general setting, we define Wμ-CC and Nμ-CC via hereditary classes. Using μθ-open sets, μ-regular open sets, and μ-regular spaces, many results and characterizations have been presented. Moreover, we use the properties of functions to investigate the effects of some types of continuities on Wμ-CC and Nμ-CC. Finally, we define soft Wμ-CC and Nμ-CC as generalizations of soft μ-compactness in soft generalized topological spaces.
Lifting Theorems for Continuous Order-Preserving Functions and Continuous Multi-Utility
Authors: Bosi Gianni , Zuanon Magalì
Published: January 2023

We present some lifting theorems for continuous order-preserving functions on locally and σ-compact Hausdorff preordered topological spaces. In particular, we show that a preorder on a locally and σ-compact Hausdorff topological space has a continuous multi-utility representation if, and only if, for every compact subspace, every continuous order-preserving function can be lifted to the entire space. Such a characterization is also presented by introducing a lifting property of ≾-C-compatible continuous order-preserving functions on closed subspaces. The assumption of paracompactness is also used in connection to lifting conditions.
AAV Engineering for Improving Tropism to the Central Nervous System
Authors: Ghauri Muhammad S. , Ou Li
Published: January 2023

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a non-pathogenic virus that mainly infects primates with the help of adenoviruses. AAV is being widely used as a delivery vector for in vivo gene therapy, as evidenced by five currently approved drugs and more than 255 clinical trials across the world. Due to its relatively low immunogenicity and toxicity, sustained efficacy, and broad tropism, AAV holds great promise for treating many indications, including central nervous system (CNS), ocular, muscular, and liver diseases. However, low delivery efficiency, especially for the CNS due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), remains a significant challenge for more clinical application of AAV gene therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need for utilizing AAV engineering to discover next-generation capsids with improved properties, e.g., enhanced BBB penetrance, lower immunogenicity, and higher packaging efficiency. AAV engineering methods, including directed evolution, rational design, and in silico design, have been developed, resulting in the discovery of novel capsids (e.g., PhP.B, B10, PAL1A/B/C). In this review, we discuss key studies that identified engineered CNS capsids and/or established methodological improvements. Further, we also discussed important issues that need to be addressed, including cross-species translatability, cell specificity, and modular engineering to improve multiple properties simultaneously.
HN1 Is Enriched in the S-Phase, Phosphorylated in Mitosis, and Contributes to Cyclin B1 Degradation in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Javed Aadil , Özduman Gülseren , Varışlı Lokman , Öztürk Bilge Esin , Korkmaz Kemal Sami
Published: January 2023

HN1 has previously been shown as overexpressed in various cancers. In Prostate cancer, it regulates AR signaling and centrosome-related functions. Previously, in two different studies, HN1 expression has been observed as inversely correlated with Cyclin B1. However, HN1 interacting partners and the role of HN1 interactions in cell cycle pathways have not been completely elucidated. Therefore, we used Prostate cancer cell lines again and utilized both transient and stable inducible overexpression systems to delineate the role of HN1 in the cell cycle. HN1 characterization was performed using treatments of kinase inhibitors, western blotting, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, cellular fractionation, and immunoprecipitation approaches. Our findings suggest that HN1 overexpression before mitosis (post-G2), using both transient and stable expression systems, leads to S-phase accumulation and causes early mitotic exit after post-G2 overexpression. Mechanistically, HN1 interacted with Cyclin B1 and increased its degradation via ubiquitination through stabilized Cdh1, which is a co-factor of the APC/C complex. Stably HN1-expressing cells exhibited a reduced Cdt1 loading onto chromatin, demonstrating an exit from a G1 to S phenotype. We found HN1 and Cdh1 interaction as a new regulator of the Cyclin B1/CDK1 axis in mitotic regulation which can be explored further to dissect the roles of HN1 in the cell cycle.
The Impact of Long-Term Clinoptilolite Administration on the Concentration Profile of Metals in Rodent Organisms
Authors: Dolanc Ivan , Ferhatović Hamzić Lejla , Orct Tatjana , Micek Vedran , Šunić Iva , Jonjić Antonija , Jurasović Jasna , Missoni Saša , Čoklo Miran , Pavelić Sandra Kraljević
Published: January 2023

Heavy metals are dangerous systemic toxicants that can induce multiple organ damage, primarily by inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Clinoptilolite is a highly porous natural mineral with a magnificent capacity to eliminate metals from living organisms, mainly by ion-exchange and adsorption, thus providing detoxifying, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory medicinal effects. The in vivo efficiency and safety of the oral administration of clinoptilolite in its activated forms, tribomechanically activated zeolite (TMAZ) and Panaceo-Micro-Activated (PMA) zeolite, as well as the impact on the metallic biodistribution, was examined in healthy female rats. Concentration profiles of Al, As, Cd, Co, Pb, Ni and Sr were measured in rat blood, serum, femur, liver, kidney, small and large intestine, and brain using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after a 12-week administration period. Our results point to a beneficial effect of clinoptilolite materials on the concentration profile of metals in female rats supplemented with the corresponding natural clinoptilolite materials, TMAZ and PMA zeolite. The observed decrease of measured toxicants in the kidney, femur, and small and large intestine after three months of oral intake occurred concomitantly with their most likely transient release into the bloodstream (serum) indicative of a detoxification process.
Complementary Role of Fishers’ Experiential Knowledge to Conventional Science in Terms of Species-Specific Biological Traits and Population Changes in Azorean Waters
Authors: Santos Régis , Peixoto Ualerson Iran , Casal-Ribeiro Morgan , Medeiros-Leal Wendell
Published: January 2023

Combining scientific information with fishers’ perceptions may be a robust approach for directing decision-makers working with marine ecosystems. This is particularly the case when baseline data on a vulnerable stock are poor, as the integration of fishers’ experiential knowledge can help fill data gaps, as well as inform legitimate management actions, and empower fishing communities in resource management. This study aimed to analyze fishers’ knowledge regarding the biology (reproduction, growth, and maximum size) and temporal changes in the abundance and size of six commercially important marine species (red porgy Pagrus pagrus, veined squid Loligo forbesii, blue jack mackerel Trachurus picturatus, blackspot seabream Pagellus bogaraveo, blackbelly rosefish Helicolenus dactylopterus, and European conger Conger conger) in the Azores small-scale communities. Additionally, a comparison between fishers’ knowledge and available scientific information was performed to determine the former’s value and its possible complementarity with the latter. A total of 105 fishers were surveyed in the nine islands of the archipelago. The results demonstrated a reasonable level of agreement between the information from fishers and scientific literature on the species-specific spawning seasons and growth rates. The median values of size at maturity and maximum length were not statistically different between data sources. Most participants indicated size and abundance trends that were consistent with the literature. This study highlights the usefulness of fishers’ perceptions in improving knowledge about species characteristics and temporal changes in commercially exploited stocks, especially when scientific research is limited, but further research should be encouraged to improve the reliability and consistency of these results.
Renal Assessment in Acute Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Łagosz Piotr , Biegus Jan , Urban Szymon , Zymliński Robert
Published: January 2023

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a complex, heterogeneous spectrum of symptoms that has kept cardiologists awake for decades. The heart failure (HF) population being burdened with multimorbidity poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges even for experienced clinicians. Adding deteriorated renal function to the equation, which is one of the strongest predictors of adverse outcome, we measure ourselves against possibly the biggest problem in modern cardiology. With the rapid development of new renal assessment methods, we can treat CRS more effectively than ever. The presented review focuses on explaining the pathophysiology, recent advances and current practices of monitoring renal function in patients with acute CRS. Understanding the dynamic interaction between the heart and the kidney may improve patient care and support the selection of an effective and nephroprotective treatment strategy.
Tocilizumab in Combination with Corticosteroids in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Single-Centre Retrospective Controlled Study
Authors: Kardos Zsófia , Szabó Miklós , Baráth Zsuzsanna , Miksi Ágnes , Oláh Csaba , Kozma Ádám , Gergely József A. , Csánky Eszter , Szekanecz Zoltán
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Interleukin 6 receptor inhibition by tocilizumab (TCZ) has been effectively used worldwide for the treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) associated with COVID-19. In this single centre study, we compared the outcome of COVID-19 pneumonia in TCZ-treated vs. untreated (control) patients. We wished to compare TCZ administration in the general ward vs. in the intensive care unit (ICU). We also studied the role of a consulting rheumatologist in the management of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients and methods: In our patients, COVID-19 pneumonia was confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 PCR, chest X-ray, and CT. We compared patients selected for TCZ treatment with TCZ-untreated age- and sex-matched controls. All patients received corticosteroids. In the TCZ-treated group, patients received one or two doses of TCZ 8 mg/kg IV in combination with corticosteroids. We recorded age, sex, symptom duration, oxygen saturation (SaO2), partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), total white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil, absolute lymphocyte and platelet counts, CRP, ferritin, IL-6, LDH, procalcitonin (PCT), and D-dimer. The primary outcome parameters were the need for ICU, ventilation, death, and time of hospitalisation. Results: Altogether, 104 patients, 52 TCZ-treated and 52 TCZ-untreated, were included in this study. At baseline, the TCZ-treated patient group indeed had more pronounced COVID-19-related MIS compared to controls. Consultation with a rheumatologist was performed in 60% vs. 40% of cases. Nineteen patients (37%) received one, while 33 (63%) received two TCZ doses. TCZ was administered to 28 patients (54%) in the general ward and to 24 (46%) in the ICU. TCZ treatment was found to be safe in our COVID-19 pneumonia patients. TCZ treatment favourably influenced MIS biomarkers, and was associated with better clinical outcomes compared to controls. Patients receiving TCZ treatment in combination with corticosteroids already in the general ward exerted much better outcomes than those treated in the ICU. Consultation with a rheumatologist also improved outcome. Conclusions: We successfully used TCZ in combination with corticosteroids in Hungarian COVID-19 pneumonia patients. We pointed out the importance of early treatment already in the general ward, and the involvement of a rheumatologist in making treatment decisions.
Confirmation of CD19+ B-Lymphocyte Depletion Prior to Intake of the Second Dose of Ocrelizumab in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Radmilo Marija , Pavelin Sanda , Vujović Igor , Šoda Joško , Rogić Vidaković Maja
Published: January 2023

The aim of the retrospective study was to compare the immunophenotyping of T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and natural killer cells before the administration of the first and the second dose of ocrelizumab in 22 patients with multiple sclerosis in a three-year period (2019–2021) at the Department of Neurology of the University Hospital of Split. The values of cell immunophenotyping and protein electrophoresis, as well as laboratory parameters, were investigated. There was no significant decrease in serum albumin and globulins before the second dose of ocrelizumab (p > 0,05). A decrease in the number of T-lymphocytes before administration of the second dose of ocrelizumab was observed, but without statistical significance (p = 0.274). Significant depletion occurred in median CD19+ B-lymphocytes (p < 0.001) before the intake of the second dose of ocrelizumab confirming the primary action of ocrelizumab on the B cell lineage.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Primary Adult Brain Tumors: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Martucci Matia , Russo Rosellina , Schimperna Francesco , D’Apolito Gabriella , Panfili Marco , Grimaldi Alessandro , Perna Alessandro , Ferranti Andrea Maurizio , Varcasia Giuseppe , Giordano Carolina , Gaudino Simona
Published: January 2023

MRI is undoubtedly the cornerstone of brain tumor imaging, playing a key role in all phases of patient management, starting from diagnosis, through therapy planning, to treatment response and/or recurrence assessment. Currently, neuroimaging can describe morphologic and non-morphologic (functional, hemodynamic, metabolic, cellular, microstructural, and sometimes even genetic) characteristics of brain tumors, greatly contributing to diagnosis and follow-up. Knowing the technical aspects, strength and limits of each MR technique is crucial to correctly interpret MR brain studies and to address clinicians to the best treatment strategy. This article aimed to provide an overview of neuroimaging in the assessment of adult primary brain tumors. We started from the basilar role of conventional/morphological MR sequences, then analyzed, one by one, the non-morphological techniques, and finally highlighted future perspectives, such as radiomics and artificial intelligence.
Study of Consumers’ Purchase Intentions on Community E-commerce Platform with the SOR Model: A Case Study of China’s “Xiaohongshu” App
Authors: Lin Baodeng , Shen Binqiang
Published: January 2023

As e-commerce flourishes, a new model known as community e-commerce has sprung up, which gathers users of the same interests and values and provides precise content marketing for specific groups, to satisfy the various demands of customers. Studying the influencing factors of community e-commerce platforms on the purchasing willingness of customers can offer valuable references for a healthily developed community e-commerce. On the basis of the SOR model, this work establishes a structural model of the consumers’ purchase intentions on community e-commerce platforms. Citing the Xiaohongshu application, an analysis is conducted, using structural-equation modeling and questionnaire. The results show that the perceived value is positively influenced by the product features, content marketing, and community factors which prod customers to be ready to purchase. Based on the research conclusions, management suggestions are proposed, including building products with utmost cost–performance, emphasizing precise content-marketing, creating an active atmosphere in the community, and establishing the social responsibility of platforms, etc.
Adriseismic Methodology for Expeditious Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
Authors: Predari Giorgia , Stefanini Lorenzo , Marinković Marko , Stepinac Mislav , Brzev Svetlana
Published: January 2023

The paper describes a novel Adriseismic method for expeditious assessment of seismic risk associated with unreinforced masonry buildings. The methodology was developed for the Adriseismic project of the Interreg ADRION programme, with the aim to develop and share tools for increasing cooperation and reducing seismic risk for six participating countries within the region surrounding the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas. The method is applicable to unreinforced masonry buildings characterised by three main seismic failure mechanisms, namely masonry disintegration, out-of-plane failure, and in-plane damage/failure. Depending on the input parameters for a specific structure, the assessment yields a qualitative output that consists of the masonry quality index, the index of structural response, the level of seismic risk, and the most probable collapse mechanism. Both input and output of the method are applied in the spreadsheet form. The method has so far been applied in urban areas of participating countries in the project, including Mirandola, Italy; Kaštela, Croatia; Belgrade, Serbia. In parallel, the methodology has been validated by performing a detailed seismic assessment of more than 25 buildings, and the results have been compared with the results of the proposed expeditious method. The results show a good correlation between the two methods, for example, the structural response index obtained from the expeditious method and the capacity/demand ratio obtained from the conventional assessment method.
Editorial for Special Issue: The Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Model—Traditional and State-of-the Art Applications: The 1st International CAM Conference
Authors: Schneider-Stock Regine , Flügen Georg
Published: January 2023

In 1959, Russell and Burch published the “Principles of Humane Experimental Technique” [...]
Performance Metrics of the Scoring System for the Diagnosis of the Beckwith–Wiedemann Spectrum (BWSp) and Its Correlation with Cancer Development
Authors: Luca Maria , Carli Diana , Cardaropoli Simona , Milani Donatella , Cocchi Guido , Leoni Chiara , Macchiaiolo Marina , Bartuli Andrea , Tarani Luigi , Melis Daniela , Bontempo Piera , D’Elia Gemma , Prada Elisabetta , Vitale Raffaele , Grammegna Angelina , Tannorella Pierpaola , Sparago Angela , Pignata Laura , Riccio Andrea , Russo Silvia , Ferrero Giovanni Battista , Mussa Alessandro
Published: January 2023

Different scoring systems for the clinical diagnosis of the Beckwith–Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp) have been developed over time, the most recent being the international consensus score. Here we try to validate and provide data on the performance metrics of these scoring systems of the 2018 international consensus and the previous ones, relating them to BWSp features, molecular tests, and the probability of cancer development in a cohort of 831 patients. The consensus scoring system had the best performance (sensitivity 0.85 and specificity 0.43). In our cohort, the diagnostic yield of tests on blood-extracted DNA was low in patients with a low consensus score (~20% with a score = 2), and the score did not correlate with cancer development. We observed hepatoblastoma (HB) in 4.3% of patients with UPD(11)pat and Wilms tumor in 1.9% of patients with isolated lateralized overgrowth (ILO). We validated the efficacy of the currently used consensus score for BWSp clinical diagnosis. Based on our observation, a first-tier analysis of tissue-extracted DNA in patients with <4 points may be considered. We discourage the use of the consensus score value as an indicator of the probability of cancer development. Moreover, we suggest considering cancer screening for negative patients with ILO (risk ~2%) and HB screening for patients with UPD(11)pat (risk ~4%).
Surgical Strategies for Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC)
Authors: Bahra Marcus , Yahyazadeh Ali
Published: January 2023

Combined hepatocellular–cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) is a tumor entity presenting features of hepatocellular and cholangiocellular epithelial differentiation. Due to the likeness between cHCC-CC, HCC and CC, accurate pretherapeutical diagnosis is challenging and advanced stages are prevalent. Radical oncological surgery is the only curative therapeutical option in patients with cHCC-CC. To reach this goal a profound understanding of this rare liver tumor is crucial. Factors such as clinicopathological characteristics, growth patterns and biological behavior are of central importance. To explore onco-surgical strategies and aspects for complete resection of cHCC-CC and to answer important key questions, an extensive review of the literature was conducted to answer the following questions: What are the best surgical options? Is there a significance for nonanatomical resections? Is there a prognostic value of concomitant lymphadenectomy? What about multimodal concepts in local advanced cHCC-CC? The role of minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) including the role of robotic liver surgery for cHCC-CC will be discussed. While liver transplantation (LT) is standard for patients with unresectable HCC, the role of LT in cHCC-CC patients is still controversial. How can patients with high risk for early tumor recurrence be identified to avoid aggressive surgical treatment without clinical benefit? The comprehensive understanding of this challenging liver tumor will help to improve future treatment options for these patients.
Exploring the Effects of Tasks with Different Decision-Making Levels on Ball Control, Passing Performance, and External Load in Youth Football
Authors: Coutinho Diogo , Kelly Adam Leigh , Santos Sara , Figueiredo Pedro , Pizarro David , Travassos Bruno
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to understand how the design of decision-making tasks affects youth football players’ ball control, passing performance, and external load. A total of 16 male youth football players (age: 12.94 ± 0.25 years) competed in various tasks based on the following levels of decision-making: (i) low decision-making (Low DM), which consisted of a predefined ball control and passing sequence; (ii) moderate decision-making (Mod DM), which consisted of maintaining possession in a square with four players and two balls while maintaining the same position; and (iii) high decision-making (High DM), which consisted of a 3 vs. 3 + 2 neutral players ball possession game. The study design consisted of a pre–post design (a 6 min pre-test game, a 6 min intervention, and a 6 min post-test game). The players’ ball control and passing performance were measured using the game performance evaluation tool and notational analysis, while GPS data were used to determine their physical performance. The pre–post test analysis revealed decrements in players’ ability to identify more offensive players after the Mod DM task (W = 9.50, p = 0.016), while there was an increase in their ability to receive the ball towards the space following the High DM task (t = −2.40, p = 0.016). Analysis between groups showed lower values in most ball control variables for the Low DM task compared to the Mod DM task (ball control execution, p = 0.030; appropriateness, p = 0.031; motor space, p = 0.025), while there were also lower values in the distance covered while sprinting (p = 0.042). Overall, prescriptive tasks (Low DM) that are repetitive in nature may affect players’ perceptual attunement, whereas static tasks (e.g., Mod DM) may limit their ability to locate players in more offensive positions. Moreover, game-based situations (High DM) seem to acutely enhance players’ performance, possibly due to contextual dependency. Overall, coaches should carefully consider the type of practice structure when designing tasks that aim to improve players’ technical skills in youth football.
Parent-Reported Changes in Ontario Children’s Physical Activity Levels during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Szpunar Monika , Bourke Matthew , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Bruijns Brianne A. , Truelove Stephanie , Burke Shauna M. , Gilliland Jason , Irwin Jennifer D. , Tucker Patricia
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in closures of physical-activity-supporting environments, including playgrounds, outdoor recreation facilities (e.g., basketball courts), and community centers, which impacted children’s movement opportunities. This study evaluated changes in Ontario children’s physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic and explored the impact of family sociodemographic markers on children’s activity. Parents (n = 243; Mage = 38.8 years) of children aged 12 and under (n = 408; Mage = 6.7 years) living in Ontario, Canada, completed two online surveys between August and December 2020 (survey 1) and August and December 2021 (survey 2). Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate changes in the proportion of children who accumulated 60 min of physical activity per day pre-lockdown, during lockdown, and post-lockdown in Ontario. Results revealed a significant non-linear trajectory whereby the proportion of children achieving 60 min of physical activity per day pre-lockdown (63%) declined during lockdown (21%) and then increased post-lockdown (54%). Changes in the proportion of children engaging in 60 min of daily physical activity were moderated by several demographic variables. Efforts are needed to provide parents of young children with a wider variety of resources to ensure children are obtaining sufficient levels of physical activity regardless of the presence of community lockdowns.
A New Green Coating for the Protection of Frescoes: From the Synthesis to the Performances Evaluation
Authors: Lamuraglia Raffaella , Campostrini Andrea , Ghedini Elena , De Lorenzi Pezzolo Alessandra , Di Michele Alessandro , Franceschin Giulia , Menegazzo Federica , Signoretto Michela , Traviglia Arianna
Published: January 2023

This work presents the formulation and characterization of a new product for the protection of outdoor frescoes from aggressive environmental agents. The formulation is designed as an innovative green coating, prepared through a zero-waste one-pot-synthetic method to form silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) directly in a chitosan-based medium. The AgNPs are seeded and grown in a mixed hydrogel of chitosan, azelaic, and lactic acid, by the reduction of silver nitrate, and using calcium hydroxide as precipitating agent. The rheological properties of this coating base are optimized by the addition of a solvent mixture of glycerol and ethanol with a 1:1 volume ratio. The new formulation and two commercial products (Paraloid® B72 and Proconsol®) are then applied by brush to ad hoc mock-ups to be evaluated for chemical stability, color and gloss variations, morphological variation, hydrophobicity, and water vapor permeability via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) in attenuated total reflection (ATR) mode, spectrophotometer analysis, stereomicroscope observations, UNI EN 15802, and UNI EN 15803, respectively. The results show that the application of the hybrid chitosan-AgNPs coating is promising for the protection of outdoor frescoes and that it can underpin the development of new products that address the lack of conservation strategies specifically designed for wall painting.
Study of Argon and Oxygen Mixtures in Low Temperature Plasma for Improving PLA Film Wettability
Authors: Izdebska-Podsiadły Joanna
Published: January 2023

Oxygen (O2) and argon (Ar) plasma give a significant improvement in the wettability of PLA films. This study investigates the effectiveness of plasma activation with a mixture of these two gases. The study includes contact angle measurements with water and diiodomethane and calculation of surface free energy (SFE) together with its polar and dispersion components. In addition, a chemical analysis of the surface, surface roughness, weight loss and the change in tensile strength were examined. As a result of the study, it was found that the use of a mixture of oxygen and argon during the plasma activation of the polylactide film gives better improvement in wettability than the use of pure gases. Moreover, the use of a mixture of these gases in equal proportions turned out to be the most effective, providing the highest value of the SFE and its polar component, as well as the lowest value of the water contact angle. Furthermore, plasma activation with this gas mixture results in reduced surface etching compared to other gas compositions, which manifests itself in lower weight reduction and an insignificant change in tensile strength.
Single-Layer MoS2: A Two-Dimensional Material with Negative Poisson’s Ratio
Authors: Zhu Yucheng , Cao Xiaofei , Tan Yuan , Wang Yao , Hu Jun , Li Baotong , Chen Zhong
Published: January 2023

Negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) materials have broad applications such as heat dissipation, vibration damping, and energy absorption because of their designability, lightweight quality, and high strength ratio. Here, we use first-principles calculations to find a two-dimensional (2D) auxetic material (space group R3¯m), which exhibits a maximum in-plane NPR of −0.0846 and a relatively low Young’s modulus in the planar directions. Calculations show that the NPR is mainly related to its unique zigzag structure and the strong interaction between the 4d orbital of Mo and the 3p orbital of S. In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show that the structure of this material is thermodynamically stable. Our study reveals that this layered MoS2 can be a promising 2D NPR material for nanodevice applications.
COVID-19-Associated Erythema Nodosum Detected on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Lipositsne Nora Eberfalvi , Bouchelouche Kirsten
Published: January 2023

We report the case of a 69-year-old woman who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT due to prolonged fever. One month before, the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. The 18F-FDG PET/CT showed several subcutaneous nodules with 18F-FDG uptake on the thorax and upper extremities and bilateral lung infiltrates due to organizing pneumonitis. Clinical examination revealed multiple tender nodules on thorax, arms, and legs, consistent with erythema nodosum (EN) induced by COVID-19 infection. The woman was treated with prednisone with a good effect on EN. To our knowledge, this is the first report on EN secondary to COVID-19 infection diagnosed on 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Bull’s Eye Maculopathy in Near-Infrared Reflectance as An Early Sign of Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity
Authors: Santos Miguel , Leal Inês , Morais Sarmento Tiago , Mano Sofia Sousa , José Patrícia , Vaz-Pereira Sara
Published: January 2023

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) ocular toxicity is rare but severe, and progression can occur even after termination of therapy. Case reports have suggested that a bull’s eye maculopathy detected by near-infrared reflectance (NIR) may indicate early HCQ toxicity. This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated patients treated with HCQ who underwent routine screening with optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and 10-2 perimetry. NIR images captured alongside OCT were subsequently graded independently by 2 masked graders for the presence of bull’s eye maculopathy, and the result was compared to the outcome of the screening. A total of 123 participants (246 eyes) were included, and 101 (90%) were female. The patients’ mean age was 55.2 ± 13.8 years. The mean time of HCQ usage was 84.0 ± 72.3 months, and the mean weekly dose was 2327 ± 650 mg. Two eyes showed toxicity in all 3 routine screening exams, with one patient suspending HCQ. The prevalence of bull´s eye lesions in NIR was 13% (33 eyes) with substantial intergrader agreement, a 71.3% specificity and 88.0% negative predictive value for HCQ toxicity. We suggest that NIR changes may be a sign of early HCQ toxicity. The detection of NIR bull´s eye lesions may warrant an increased screening frequency.
Combined Merkel Cell Carcinoma with Nodal Presentation: Report of a Case Diagnosed with Excisional but Not Incisional Biopsy and Literature Review
Authors: Liu Chih-Yi , Kang Nai-Wen , Takeuchi Kengo , Chuang Shih-Sung
Published: January 2023

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the skin. As compared to pure MCCs, combined MCCs are aggressive and exhibit a higher probability of metastasis. A correct diagnosis might be missed, especially when the biopsy sample is too small or too superficial. We report a 79-year-old Taiwanese male who presented with lymphadenopathy suspicious for lymphoma. A nodal biopsy showed metastatic NEC. A skin tumor in the lower back was identified, and an incisional biopsy showed only squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A subsequent excisional biopsy was performed based on the advice of the senior pathologist because of the presence of metastatic nodal NEC. Finally, a diagnosis of combined MCC and SCC was confirmed. Our literature review identified 13 cases of combined MCC with nodal metastasis as initial presentations, all with an aggressive clinical course. Both the MCC and non-MCC components could be present in the metastatic nodes. Metastases of pure MCC cells were observed in three combined MCCs in sun-protected areas, probably pointing to a distinct pathogenesis. Excision or punch biopsy to include the deep dermal NEC component is recommended as timely diagnosis is mandatory for appropriate management of patients with this rare skin cancer.