bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine-Structural Morphology of the Mouthparts of the Polyphagous Invasive Planthopper, Ricania speculum (Walker) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae)
Authors: Gao Tiantian , Brożek Jolanta , Dai Wu
Published: September 2022

Mouthparts are the crucial sensory and feeding organs associated with food detection and feeding in insects. The Asian ricaniid planthopper Ricania speculum (Walker), recently introduced into Europe, can cause severe economic damage by sucking the phloem sap of tea, camphor, citrus, black locust and other plants using piercing-sucking mouthparts. To facilitate comprehensive understanding of feeding mechanisms in the Ricaniidae, the fine structure of the mouthparts of Ricania speculum was observed by scanning electron microscopy for the first time. The mouthparts are tubular, consist of a cone-shaped labrum, with a wrinkled epidermis and without sensilla; the tubular labium is divided into three segments: a slender stylet fascicle consisting of two mandibular stylets with four ridged processes and a row of longitudinal striations on the distal part of the outer surface; and two maxillary stylets with a smooth and sharp distal part, interlocked to form a larger food canal and a smaller salivary canal. On the labium, 15 kinds of sensilla of different functions were recognized. Two rows of short sensilla basiconica (SB I) are symmetrically distributed along the labial groove on the first segment. Two pairs of long sensilla basiconica (SB II) (proprioceptors) are on both sides of the labial groove at the junction of the second and third segments. A placoid, flattened sensillum (SPF) is symmetrically located laterally on the proximal end of the last segment and several flattened sensilla campaniformia (SFC) were visible on the ventral side on the second and third segments. The distribution of four types (I–IV) of sensilla cheatica of different lengths on the dorsal surface of the labium is significantly denser than on the lateral and ventral surfaces. The labial apex is divided into dorsal and ventral sensory fields, mainly including uniporous long peg sensilla (I), as well as smaller peg sensilla (II) and nonporous peg sensilla (PGSN) on each dorsal field. These nonporous sensilla basiconica (BSN I and III) occur on the ventral sensory fields and are constant in number and distribution. The nonporous sensilla basiconica (BSN II) are symmetrically arranged near the opening of the stylet fascicle similarly to two oval multiporous plate sensilla (OPSM). The sensilla arrangement is slightly different from that observed in previously studied Fulgoromorpha using scanning electron micrographs, which may reflect differences in feeding preference or behavior.
Epidemiology of the Microsporidium Nosema ceranae in Four Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Jabal-Uriel Clara , Barrios Laura , Bonjour-Dalmon Anne , Caspi-Yona Shiran , Chejanovsly Nor , Erez Tal , Henriques Dora , Higes Mariano , Le Conte Yves , Lopes Ana R. , Meana Aránzazu , Pinto Maria Alice , Reyes-Carreño Maritza , Soroker Victoria , Martín-Hernández Raquel
Published: September 2022

Nosema ceranae is a highly prevalent intracellular parasite of honey bees’ midgut worldwide. This Microsporidium was monitored during a long-term study to evaluate the infection at apiary and intra-colony levels in six apiaries in four Mediterranean countries (France, Israel, Portugal, and Spain). Parameters on colony strength, honey production, beekeeping management, and climate were also recorded. Except for São Miguel (Azores, Portugal), all apiaries were positive for N. ceranae, with the lowest prevalence in mainland France and the highest intra-colony infection in Israel. A negative correlation between intra-colony infection and colony strength was observed in Spain and mainland Portugal. In these two apiaries, the queen replacement also influenced the infection levels. The highest colony losses occurred in mainland France and Spain, although they did not correlate with the Nosema infection levels, as parasitism was low in France and high in Spain. These results suggest that both the effects and the level of N. ceranae infection depends on location and beekeeping conditions. Further studies on host-parasite coevolution, and perhaps the interactions with other pathogens and the role of honey bee genetics, could assist in understanding the difference between nosemosis disease and infection, to develop appropriate strategies for its control.
Assessment of Compaction, Temperature, and Duration Factors for Packaging and Transporting of Sterile Male Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Ernawan Beni , Anggraeni Tjandra , Yusmalinar Sri , Sasmita Hadian Iman , Fitrianto Nur , Ahmad Intan
Published: September 2022

Optimized conditions for the packaging and transportation of sterile males are crucial factors in successful SIT programs against mosquito vector-borne diseases. The factors influencing the quality of sterile males in packages during transportation need to be assessed to develop standard protocols. This study was aimed to investigate the impact of compaction, temperature, and duration factors during packaging and transportation on the quality of gamma-sterilized male Ae. aegypti. Aedes aegypti males were sterilized at a dose of 70 Gy, compacted into Falcon tubes with densities of 40, 80, and 120 males/2 mL; and then exposed to temperatures of 7, 14, 21, and 28 °C. Each temperature setup was held for a duration of 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h at a 60 rpm constant vibration to simulate transportation. The parameters of mortality, flight ability, induced sterility, and longevity were investigated. Results showed that increases in density, temperature, and duration significantly increased mortality and reduced flight ability and longevity, but none of the factors significantly affected induced sterility. With a mortality rate of less than 20%, an escaping rate of more than 70%, considerable longevity, and the most negligible effect on induced sterility (approximately 98%), a temperature of 7 °C and a compaction density of 80 males/2 mL were shown to be optimized conditions for short-term transportation (no more than 24 h) with the minimum adverse effects compared with other condition setups.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiology in AL Amyloidosis Patients with Cardiac Involvement and Its Association with Cardiac Imaging Parameters
Authors: Briasoulis Alexandros , Theodorakakou Foteini , Rempakos Athanasios , Petropoulos Ioannis , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Androulakis Emmanuel , Stamatelopoulos Kimon , Kallianos Anastasios , Trakada Georgia , Dimopoulos Meletios Athanasios , Kastritis Efstathios
Published: September 2022

Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has been widely used for the functional evaluation of patients with heart failure. Patients with amyloidosis and cardiac involvement typically present with heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction. We sought to evaluate the use of CPET parameters in patients with AL amyloidosis for the assessment of disease severity and prognosis and their association with cardiac imaging findings. Methods: A single-center prospective analysis was conducted, which included 23 consecutive ambulatory patients with AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement, not requiring hospitalization or intravenous diuretics. Patient evaluation included CPET, laboratory testing, echocardiography and cardiac MRI. The cohort was divided according to the presence of high-risk CPET characteristics (below median peak VO2 and above median VE/VCO2). Results: Patients with AL amyloidosis and cardiac involvement (median age was 60 years (56.5% males) had median peak relative VO2 (VO2/kg) of 17.8 mL/kg/min, VE/VCO2 slope of 39.4 and circulatory power of 2362.5 mmHg⋅mL/kg/min. Peak relative VO2 gradually declined across Mayo stages (p = 0.046) and exhibited a significant inverse correlation with NT-proBNP levels (r = −0.52, p = 0.01). Among imaging parameters, peak VO2 positively correlated with global work efficiency (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), and global work index (r = 0.45, p = 0.04). The group of patients with high-risk CPET findings showed evidence of more advanced disease, such as higher NT-proBNP levels (p = 0.007), increased septal and posterior left ventricular wall thickness (p = 0.043 and p = 0.033 respectively) and decreased global work efficiency (p = 0.027) without substantial differences in cardiac MRI parameters. In this group of patients, peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 were not associated significantly with overall survival and cardiac response at one year. Conclusion: In patients with AL amyloidosis, evaluation of exercise capacity with CPET identified a group of patients with more advanced cardiac involvement. The potential of CPET as a risk stratification tool in AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement warrants further research.
Development and Multicenter Validation of a Novel Immune-Inflammation-Based Nomogram to Predict Survival in Western Resectable Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma (GEA): The NOMOGAST
Authors: Salati Massimiliano , De Ruvo Nicola , Giglio Mariano Cesare , Sorrentino Lorena , Esposito Giuseppe , Fenocchi Sara , Cucciarrè Giovanni , Serra Francesco , Rossi Elena Giulia , Vittimberga Giovanni , Radi Giorgia , Solaini Leonardo , Morgagni Paolo , Grizzi Giulia , Ratti Margherita , Gelsomino Fabio , Spallanzani Andrea , Ghidini Michele , Ercolani Giorgio , Dominici Massimo , Gelmini Roberta
Published: September 2022

Background. More than 50% of operable GEA relapse after curative-intent resection. We aimed at externally validating a nomogram to enable a more accurate estimate of individualized risk in resected GEA. Methods. Medical records of a training cohort (TC) and a validation cohort (VC) of patients undergoing radical surgery for c/uT2-T4 and/or node-positive GEA were retrieved, and potentially interesting variables were collected. Cox proportional hazards in univariate and multivariate regressions were used to assess the effects of the prognostic factors on OS. A graphical nomogram was constructed using R software’s package Regression Modeling Strategies (ver. 5.0-1). The performance of the prognostic model was evaluated and validated. Results. The TC and VC consisted of 185 and 151 patients. ECOG:PS > 0 (p < 0.001), angioinvasion (p < 0.001), log (Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio) (p < 0.001), and nodal status (p = 0.016) were independent prognostic values in the TC. They were used for the construction of a nomogram estimating 3- and 5-year OS. The discriminatory ability of the model was evaluated with the c-Harrell index. A 3-tier scoring system was developed through a linear predictor grouped by 25 and 75 percentiles, strengthening the model’s good discrimination (p < 0.001). A calibration plot demonstrated a concordance between the predicted and actual survival in the TC and VC. A decision curve analysis was plotted that depicted the nomogram’s clinical utility. Conclusions. We externally validated a prognostic nomogram to predict OS in a joint independent cohort of resectable GEA; the NOMOGAST could represent a valuable tool in assisting decision-making. This tool incorporates readily available and inexpensive patient and disease characteristics as well as immune-inflammatory determinants. It is accurate, generalizable, and clinically effectivex.
Functional Investigation of the Tumoural Heterogeneity of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by In Vivo PET-CT Navigation: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Viganò Luca , Lopci Egesta , Di Tommaso Luca , Destro Annarita , Aghemo Alessio , Rimassa Lorenza , Solbiati Luigi , Chiti Arturo , Torzilli Guido , Fiz Francesco
Published: September 2022

Intra-tumoural heterogeneity (IH) is a major determinant of resistance to therapy and outcomes but remains poorly translated into clinical practice. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) often presents as large heterogeneous masses at imaging. The present study proposed an innovative in vivo technique to functionally assess the IH of ICC. Preoperative 18F-FDG PET-CT and intraoperative ultrasonography were merged to perform the intraoperative navigation of functional tumour heterogeneity. The tumour areas with the highest and the lowest metabolism (SUV) at PET-CT were selected, identified during surgery, and sampled. Three consecutive patients underwent the procedure. The areas with the highest uptake at PET-CT had higher proliferation index (KI67) values and higher immune infiltration compared to areas with the lowest uptake. One of the patients showed a heterogeneous presence of FGFR2 translocation within the samples. Tumour heterogeneity at PET-CT may drive biopsy to sample the most informative ICC areas. Even more relevant, these preliminary data show the possibility of achieving a non-invasive evaluation of IH in ICC, paving the way for an imaging-based precision-medicine approach.
Knee Kinematic Patterns and Early Cartilage Lesion Characteristics in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Zeng Xiaolong , Zeng Jiajun , Lin Jinpeng , Kong Lingchuang , Chen Haobin , Zhong Guoqing , Ma Limin , Zhang Yu , Huang Wenhan
Published: September 2022

Specific knee kinematic alterations have been theorized to correlate with the progression of cartilage degeneration, and therefore, post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, how specific knee kinematic alterations contribute to knee joint cartilage degenerations remains to be unclear. To solve this problem, we hypothesized that there are specific cartilage-degenerating kinematic gait patterns that could be supported by the specific areas of cartilage lesions in ACLR knees. Thirty patients with unilateral ACLR knees and 30 healthy controls were recruited for the study. The kinematic differences between the ACLR knees and the healthy control knees during the stance phase were calculated to identify the kinematic patterns. Cartilage lesion distribution characteristics were acquired for patients with ACLR knees to validate the kinematic patterns using magnetic resonance images. Two kinematic patterns were modeled, i.e., sagittal (increased flexion angle and posterior tibial translation) and coronal (increased lateral tibial translation and abduction angle) kinematic patterns. For the sagittal pattern, the cartilage lesion distributions showed that there were more cartilage lesions (CLs) in the superoposterior regions than the posterior regions in the femoral condyles (p = 0.001), and more CLs in the posterior regions than the middle regions in the tibial plateau (p < 0.001). For the coronal pattern, the cartilage lesion distributions showed that there were more CLs in the lateral compartments near the tibial spine than the medial compartments near the tibial spine (tibial sides, p = 0.005 and femoral sides, p = 0.290). To conclude, the cartilage degeneration distribution evidence largely supports that the two kinematic patterns may contribute to cartilage degeneration in ACLR knees. These findings may provide a potential strategy of delaying early cartilage degeneration in ACLR knees by using motion (kinematic) pattern modification or training. However, investigations should be conducted on the actual effects of this potential strategy.
Impact of Elevated LDH on Cystatin C-Based Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimates in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Aydilek Enver , Wallbach Manuel , Koziolek Michael , Wulf Gerald Georg , Brökers Nils
Published: September 2022

Background: The determination of renal function is crucial for the clinical management of patients with cancer. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) serves as a key parameter, estimated by creatinine clearance determination in 24-h collected urine (CrCl) as well as equation-based approaches (eGFR) relying on serum creatinine (eGFR CKD EPIcrea) or serum cystatin C (eGFR cystatin C). Serum creatinine and serum cystatin C levels differentially depend on muscle and tumor mass, respectively. Although muscle and tumor mass may thus represent confounding factors, comparative studies for eGFR estimate approaches in cancer patients are lacking. Methods: The present study retrospectively analyzed GFR estimates based on equations of creatinine (eGFRcr), cystatin C (eGFRcys) and combined creatinine-cystatin C levels (eGFRcr-cys) in a subset of patients. The associations of LDH with cystatin C or LDH with eGFRcr, eGFRcys and GFRcr-cys were explored. Results: The laboratory values of 123 consecutive patients were included. The median age was 59 (24–87) and 47.2% were female. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean of CKD EPIcrea (85.17 ± 21.63 mL/min/1.73 m2), CKD EPIcys (61.16 ± 26.03 mL/min/1.73 m2) and CKD EPIcrea-cys (70.42 ± 23.89 mL/min/1.73 m2) (p < 0.0001). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation of elevated plasma LDH >1.5 UNV and cystatin C values (r = 0.270, p < 0.01, n = 123). LDH values >1.5 UNV were associated with significantly lower CKD EPIcys (r = 0.184, p < 0.01) or CKD EPIcrea-cys (r = 0.226, p < 0.05) estimates compared to CKD EPIcrea. Conclusions: The inclusion of cystatin C as a biomarker led to a lower eGFR estimates compared to creatinine alone or in a combination of both cystatin C and creatinine. The level of cystatin C correlated with the level of LDH, suggesting that the use of cystatin C-based calculations of GFR in cancer patients with elevated LDH should be used with caution.
Datterino Trial: A Double Blind, Randomized, Controlled, Crossover, Clinical Trial on the Use of Hydroponic Cultivated Tomato Sauce in Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome
Authors: Rizzi Angela , Chini Raffaella , Porcari Serena , Settanni Carlo , Persichetti Eleonora , Mora Vincenzina , Fanali Caterina , Leonetti Alessia , Parrinello Giuseppe , Lohmeyer Franziska , Inchingolo Riccardo , Mele Maria , Gasbarrini Antonio , Nucera Eleonora
Published: September 2022

A low-nickel (Ni) diet, a key treatment for Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS), is difficult in the long term and strongly impacts quality of life (QoL). Hydroponic agriculture could be an alternative to allow the reintroduction of tomato, an essential food in the global diet. In a first interventional, randomized, double-blind, single-center crossover study, we compared the possible effects of eating tomato puree deriving from hydroponic agriculture versus tomato puree from conventional cultivation, collecting data on subjective control of SNAS symptoms, adherence to treatment, and impact on QoL. Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups: (1) a 12-week low-Ni diet plus 100% Italian Datterino tomato puree deriving from hydroponic technology; (2) a 12-week low-Ni diet plus 100% Italian Datterino tomato puree deriving from conventional cultivation. Then, after a 2-week washout period on the low-Ni diet, each patient crossed over to the other treatment. Patients reported lower symptom scores after eating Datterino tomato puree deriving from hydroponic technology; specifically, bloating (p = 0.0111, p = 0.0060), flatulence (p = 0.0090), abdominal cramps (p = 0.0207), constipation (p = 0.0395), and diarrhea (p = 0.0105). Overall, the adherence rate was high for both treatment arms. At baseline, QoL was poor, but significant improvement was observed after two treatments. In our study, precision medicine and precision agriculture merge in a holistic approach to the challenges of food allergies.
Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Casado-Díaz Antonio
Published: September 2022

Stem cells constitute a set of undifferentiated cells with the capacity to differentiate into other cell types and to self-renew [...]
The Urgent Need for Precision Medicine in Cancer and Its Microenvironment: The Paradigmatic Case of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Solimando Antonio Giovanni , Krebs Markus , Bittrich Max , Einsele Hermann
Published: September 2022

Precision medicine is particularly relevant for cancer and microenvironment deconvolution for therapeutic purposes in hematological and non-hematological malignancies [...]
Muscular Strength and Carotid Intima–Media Thickness in Physically Fit Young Adults: The CHIEF Atherosclerosis Study
Authors: Lin Gen-Min , Tsai Kun-Zhe , Chang Yun-Chen , Huang Wei-Chun , Sui Xuemei , Lavie Carl J.
Published: September 2022

Background: Greater muscular strength (MusS) has been found to have an inverse association with subclinical atherosclerosis in children, as well as with mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in middle-aged and elderly individuals. However, the association of the degree of MusS with atherosclerosis may differ by sex and has not been clarified in young adults. Methods and Results: A total of 1021 Taiwanese military personnel, aged 18–40 years, participated in annual health examinations in 2018–2020. MusS was separately assessed by 2-min push-up and 2-min sit-up numbers. Subclinical atherosclerosis was measured by the left carotid bulb intima–media thickness (cIMT) using high-resolution ultrasonography. Multiple linear regression with adjustments for age, sex, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and lipid profiles was utilized to determine the correlation between MusS and cIMT. Both 2-min push-up and 2-min sit-up numbers were inversely correlated with cIMT (standardized β: −0.089 and −0.072, respectively; both p-values < 0.05). In men, both 2-min push-up and 2-min sit-up numbers were inversely correlated with cIMT (standardized β: −0.076 and −0.086, respectively; both p-values < 0.05), while in women, 2-min push-up numbers but not 2-min sit-up numbers were inversely correlated with cIMT (standardized β: −0.204 and −0.01; p = 0.03 and 0.99, respectively). Conclusions: Among young adults, there was an inverse association between MusS and cIMT, emphasizing the beneficial impact of MusS on the regression of atherosclerosis. The study also revealed a sex difference and suggested that training of the upper arm muscles may be an effective preventive measure for young women to reduce the risk of early cardiovascular diseases.
Transesophageal Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine Needle Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Mediastinal Masses: A Retrospective Real-World Analysis
Authors: Assisi Daniela , Gallina Filippo Tommaso , Forcella Daniele , Tajè Riccardo , Melis Enrico , Visca Paolo , Pierconti Federico , Venti Emanuela , Facciolo Francesco
Published: September 2022

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plays an important role in the diagnosis and staging of thoracic disease. Our report studies the diagnostic performance and clinical impact of EUS fine needle aspiration (FNA) in a homogenous cohort of patients according to the distribution of the enlarged MLNs or pulmonary masses. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the diagnostic performance of 211 EUS-FNA in 200 consecutive patients with enlarged or PET-positive MLNs and para-mediastinal masses who were referred to our oncological center between January 2019 and May 2020. Results: The overall sensitivity of EUS-FNA was 85% with a corresponding negative predictive value (NPV) of 56% and an accuracy of 87.5%. The sensitivity and accuracy in patients with abnormal MLNs were 81.1% and 84.4%, respectively. In those with para-mediastinal masses, sensitivity and accuracy were 96.4% and 96.8%. The accuracy for both masses and lymph nodes was 100%, and in the LAG (left adrenal gland), it was 66.6%. Conclusions: Our results show that, in patients with suspected mediastinal masses, EUS-FNA is an accurate technique to evaluate all reachable mediastinal nodal stations, including station 5.
Inner Ear Diagnostics and Drug Delivery via Microneedles
Authors: Leong Stephen , Aksit Aykut , Feng Sharon J. , Kysar Jeffrey W. , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: September 2022

Objectives: Precision medicine for inner ear disorders has seen significant advances in recent years. However, unreliable access to the inner ear has impeded diagnostics and therapeutic delivery. The purpose of this review is to describe the development, production, and utility of novel microneedles for intracochlear access. Methods: We summarize the current work on microneedles developed using two-photon polymerization (2PP) lithography for perforation of the round window membrane (RWM). We contextualize our findings with the existing literature in intracochlear diagnostics and delivery. Results: Two-photon polymerization lithography produces microneedles capable of perforating human and guinea pig RWMs without structural or functional damage. Solid microneedles may be used to perforate guinea pig RWMs in vivo with full reconstitution of the membrane in 48–72 h, and hollow microneedles may be used to aspirate perilymph or inject therapeutics into the inner ear. Microneedles produced with two-photon templated electrodeposition (2PTE) have greater strength and biocompatibility and may be used to perforate human RWMs. Conclusions: Microneedles produced with 2PP lithography and 2PTE can safely and reliably perforate the RWM for intracochlear access. This technology is groundbreaking and enabling in the field of inner ear precision medicine.
Tibial Lengthening along Submuscular Plate with Simultaneous Acute Tibial Deformity Correction by High-Energy Osteotomy: A Comparative Study
Authors: Liu Kuei-Yu , Wu Kuan-Wen , Lee Chia-Che , Lin Sheng-Chieh , Kuo Ken N. , Wang Ting-Ming
Published: September 2022

Submuscular plating and osteotomy using power saw have shown the benefits in certain situations of limb lengthening. However, no previous studies combining both procedures have been conducted for acute tibial deformity correction and limb lengthening. Nineteen cases were enrolled in this study. Ten patients received tibial lengthening with acute knee angular deformity correction using high-energy osteotomy (Group 1), and nine patients received tibial lengthening only with osteotomy using multiple drills and osteotome (Group 2). Radiographic parameters retrieved before and after the operation included leg-length discrepancy, tibial length, length gained, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and mechanical axis deviation (MAD). There were significant differences between groups in terms of external fixator index (EFI) (p = 0.013) and healing index (HI) (p = 0.014), but no significance in the length gained (p = 0.356). The latest postoperative mLDFA (p = 0.315), MPTA (p = 0.497), and MAD (p = 0.211) of Group 1 were not distinguishable from Group 2. The functional outcomes were excellent, and there were no permanent complications. Despite showing a longer healing time, this alternative lengthening procedure which combines fixator-assisted plate lengthening in the tibia with simultaneous surgical intervention of acute tibial deformity correction using an oscillating saw is appropriate for patients with leg-length discrepancy and angular deformity of the tibia.
Composition of the Gut Microbiota Associated with the Response to Immunotherapy in Advanced Cancer Patients: A Chinese Real-World Pilot Study
Authors: Cheng Xi , Wang Jiawei , Gong Liu , Dong Yong , Shou Jiawei , Pan Hongming , Yu Zhaonan , Fang Yong
Published: September 2022

Background: The composition of the gut microbiota is associated with the response to immunotherapy for different cancers. However, the majority of previous studies have focused on a single cancer and a single immune checkpoint inhibitor. Here, we investigated the relationship between the gut microbiota and the clinical response to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy in patients with advanced cancers. Method: In this comprehensive study, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on the gut microbiota of pre-immunotherapy and post-immunotherapy, of 72 advanced cancer patients in China. Results: At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the main components of the microbiota in the 72 advanced cancer patients. At the genus level, Bacteroides and Prevotella were the dominant microbiota among these 72 patients. The PD_whole_tree, Chao1, Observed_species and Shannon indices of R.0 and R.T were higher than those of NR.0 and NR.T. The results of LEfSe showed that Archaea, Lentisphaerae, Victivallaceae, Victivallales, Lentisphaeria, Methanobacteriaceae, Methanobacteria, Euryarchaeota, Methanobrevibacter, and Methanobacteriales were significantly enriched in the response group before immunotherapy (R.0), and the Clostridiaceae was significantly enriched in the non-response group before immunotherapy (NR.0) (p < 0.05). Lachnospiraceae and Thermus were significantly enriched in the response group after immunotherapy (R.T), and Leuconostoc was significantly enriched in R.0 (p < 0.05). ROC analysis showed that the microbiota of R.T (AUC = 0.70) had obvious diagnostic value in differentiating Chinese cancer patients based on their response to immunotherapy. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the gut microbiota was associated with the clinical response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in cancer patients. Taxonomic signatures enriched in responders were effective biomarkers to predict the clinical response. Our findings provide a new strategy to improve the efficiency of responses to immunotherapy among cancer patients.
Exploratory Study on Kali NetHunter Lite: A Digital Forensics Approach
Authors: Stanković Miloš , Karabiyik Umit
Published: September 2022

Mobile devices, specifically smartphones, have become a necessity in everyday life, as we perform many essential day-to-day tasks using these devices. With the projected increase in mobile devices to 18.22 billion by 2025, the reliance on smartphones will only grow. This demand for smartphones has allowed various companies to start developing their own devices and custom operating systems, each of which puts its own touch on them. In addition, current smartphones have increased processing power, providing users with a computer experience in their pockets. Software developers have taken this opportunity to bridge the gap between personal computers and smartphones by creating the same software for personal computers and mobile devices. Kali Linux is one of the most popular penetration testing tools for desktop use and has been adapted to operate on mobile devices under the name Kali NetHunter. Kali NetHunter has three different versions on mobile platforms that provide various levels of capabilities. Kali NetHunter is just one example in which an application or an operating system applies to a specific niche of users. Highly customized operating systems or applications do not receive the same attention as field research, leaving them unfamiliar to mobile forensic investigators when used maliciously. In this paper, we conducted an exploratory study on the Kali NetHunter Lite application after it was installed and its embedded tools were utilized. Our results show a detailed analysis of the file system and reveal the data from the tests carried out during various phases. Furthermore, the locations of the folders involved in the process were described.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Characterization and Modelling of Composites, Volume II
Authors: Georgantzinos Stelios K.
Published: September 2022

The increasing demands for more durable, lighter, and smarter structures have led to the development of new and advanced composites. Increased strength and simultaneous weight reduction have resulted in energy savings and applications in several manufacturing industries, such as the automotive and aerospace industries as well as in the production of everyday products. Their optimal design and utilization are a process, which requires their characterization and efficient modeling. The papers published in this Special Issue of the Journal of Composites Science will give composite engineers and scientists insight into what the existing challenges are in the characterization and modeling for the composites field, and how these challenges are being addressed by the research community. The papers present a balance between academic and industrial research, and clearly reflect the collaborative work that exists between the two communities, in a joint effort to solve the existing problems.
Clinical Applications of Poly-Methyl-Methacrylate in Neurosurgery: The In Vivo Cranial Bone Reconstruction
Authors: Velnar Tomaz , Bosnjak Roman , Gradisnik Lidija
Published: September 2022

Background: Biomaterials and biotechnology are becoming increasingly important fields in modern medicine. For cranial bone defects of various aetiologies, artificial materials, such as poly-methyl-methacrylate, are often used. We report our clinical experience with poly-methyl-methacrylate for a novel in vivo bone defect closure and artificial bone flap development in various neurosurgical operations. Methods: The experimental study included 12 patients at a single centre in 2018. They presented with cranial bone defects after various neurosurgical procedures, including tumour, traumatic brain injury and vascular pathologies. The patients underwent an in vivo bone reconstruction from poly-methyl-methacrylate, which was performed immediately after the tumour removal in the tumour group, whereas the trauma and vascular patients required a second surgery for cranial bone reconstruction due to the bone decompression. The artificial bone flap was modelled in vivo just before the skin closure. Clinical and surgical data were reviewed. Results: All patients had significant bony destruction or unusable bone flap. The tumour group included five patients with meningiomas destruction and the trauma group comprised four patients, all with severe traumatic brain injury. In the vascular group, there were three patients. The average modelling time for the artificial flap modelling was approximately 10 min. The convenient location of the bone defect enabled a relatively straightforward and fast reconstruction procedure. No deformations of flaps or other complications were encountered, except in one patient, who suffered a postoperative infection. Conclusions: Poly-methyl-methacrylate can be used as a suitable material to deliver good cranioplasty cosmesis. It offers an optimal dural covering and brain protection and allows fast intraoperative reconstruction with excellent cosmetic effect during the one-stage procedure. The observations of our study support the use of poly-methyl-methacrylate for the ad hoc reconstruction of cranial bone defects.
Extending the Operating Life of Thermoplastic Components via On-Demand Patching and Repair Using Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Chadha Charul , James Kai , Jasiuk Iwona M. , Patterson Albert E.
Published: September 2022

Polymer-based engineering materials (plastics, polymer matrix composites, and similar) are becoming more widely used for the design and construction of consumer products and systems. While providing a host of design benefits, these materials also can have a large detrimental effect on the environment when not handled properly. One of the best ways to increase the sustainability of systems created using these materials is to extend their operating life as much as possible. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies offer a powerful tool for this, as they allow easy repair of damaged or worn components in an automated or semi-automated way. This article explores the use of the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process as a tool for repairing high-value (i.e., difficult or expensive to replace) thermoplastic parts. The major design opportunities and restrictions are presented, as well as an evaluation of the types of repair jobs for which this process could be suitable and effective. Advice and ideas for future implementations and improvements are provided as well. A detailed case study is presented, where cracked ABS bars were repaired using FFF-deposited patches while varying the print parameters using a factorial designed experiment. The repaired bars were tested against the baseline and in most cases were found to be as good as or better than the original bars under a bending load. This case study demonstrates the concepts and explores how this repair approach could be realistically employed in practice.
A Comparative Study of Mechanical and Microstructural Behavior for Metal Active Gas and Friction Stir Welded Micro-Alloyed Structural Steel
Authors: Campanella Davide , Rana Harikrishna , Lupo Toni , Di Lorenzo Rosa
Published: September 2022

Manufacturing tiny components into gigantic structures seems unimaginable without welding connections, whether it is for materials, parts, structures, or equipment. In the recent competitive market scenario, manufacturing industries are desperately looking for a viable alternative to fusion-based conventional material joining technologies, to improve upon cost-effectiveness along with performance. The present investigation is to evaluate the performance of structural steel thick plate joints prepared by advanced solid-state friction stir welding (FSW) over conventional metal active gas welding (MAG). The FSW experiments were carried out with different tool designs and configurations. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of microstructural integrity and mechanical joint resistance. Impressive results were obtained with FSW joints, characterized by an almost defect-free microstructure with a leaner heat-affected zone and higher joint resistance as compared to conventional MAG-welded joints.
A Comprehensive Review of Canadian Marine Oil Spill Response System through the Lens of Decanting Regulations and Practices
Authors: Daisy Naznin Sultana , Hafezi Mohammad Hesam , Liu Lei , Lee Kenneth
Published: September 2022

Marine oil spill response operations could generate a large volume of liquid oily wastes (e.g., emulsified oil, non-emulsified oil, and wastewater) that can be up to 30 to 40 times greater than the original volume of spilled oil. Oil decanting technologies are used globally for recovering spilled oil and handling liquid wastes. Canada follows the standards set out in the MARPOL 73/78 Annex 1 International regulations in most areas, with more strict discharge requirements in certain locations. For instance, inland waters discharge should not exceed 5 ppm, and in special areas, such as the Great Lakes, the discharge standard is under 0 ppm. In the event of an oil spill, decanted seawater should be barged to shore for disposal, which significantly constrains the response capacity and efficiency of oil recovery by skimmers due to limited temporary storage space in barges and the long time and high cost of transportation. This has become one of the greatest challenges the Canadian governments and oil spill response industries are facing in Canada. Moreover, when the spill response team decides that decanting is an appropriate way to handle the spilled oil, the approval process may take a long time, which negatively impacts the spill that has already occurred. Moreover, Canada uses a 10,000-tonne planning standard for oil spill preparedness, whereas the United States uses a worst-case scenario, and Europe uses a 60,000 m3 planning standard. The existing planning threshold in Canada can cause the country to be not fully prepared when it comes to responding to a very large oil spill if one should occur. This study conducted a comprehensive review of the current Canadian oil spill response system and framework, regulations, roles and responsibilities of federal and provincial governments, existing decanting capabilities, and capacities of Canadian oil spill responders. More importantly, this study identified the gaps in the current oil spill response system and regulatory and technological barriers to oil decanting. Marine oil decanting regulations and practices in the US and selected European countries have also been reviewed to support addressing the challenges and improving the Canadian experience. It is expected that this study would help the stakeholders and professionals to better understand the oil spill response system and oil decanting status quo in Canada and facilitate Canadian governments and industries to better address the challenges in oil spill regulations and practices.
A Review on Genus Halichondria (Demospongiae, Porifera)
Authors: Goldstein Josephine , Funch Peter
Published: September 2022

Demosponges of the genus Halichondria Fleming (1828) are common in coastal marine ecosystems worldwide and have been well-studied over the last decades. As ecologically important filter feeders, Halichondria species represent potentially suitable model organisms to link and fill in existing knowledge gaps in sponge biology, providing important novel insights into the physiology and evolution of the sponge holobiont. Here we review studies on the morphology, taxonomy, geographic distribution, associated fauna, life history, hydrodynamic characteristics, and coordinated behavior of Halichondria species.
Review of Hollow Fiber (HF) Membrane Filtration Technology for the Treatment of Oily Wastewater: Applications and Challenges
Authors: Keyvan Hosseini Mahsa , Liu Lei , Keyvan Hosseini Parisa , Bhattacharyya Anisha , Lee Kenneth , Miao Jiahe , Chen Bing
Published: September 2022

Oily wastewater has been recognized as a threat to the environment due to its hazardous nature and it can negatively affect the ecosystem, and threaten wildlife and human health. Physical, chemical, and biological technologies demonstrated a mixed performance in oily wastewater treatment, and, therefore, a proper treatment technology for oily wastewater needs to be addressed. Membrane filtration using a hollow fiber (HF) membrane is a promising alternative to remove emulsified oil from oily wastewater. This review discusses different sources of oily wastewater, various treatment methods, and membrane technology. The assessment has been focused on the parameters affecting HF membrane performance and applications of HF membrane-based technology to treat oily wastewater. This review paper reveals that HF membrane filtration systems have been previously used for the treatment of oily wastewater in bench-scale studies and few pilot-scale applications, which proved to be favorable in the treatment of recalcitrant wastewater containing oil and high salinity. Limitations associated with membrane fouling and the reduction of membrane permeability and membrane lifespan can be tackled and alleviated through modifying membrane chemistry and adjusting operational parameters. The compilation of studies showed that a low food/microorganism (F/M) ratio, long solid retention time (SRT) with high sludge age, long hydraulic retention time (HRT), and moderate aeration were the preferred operational parameters when treating oily wastewater. Based on this review, future studies should focus on optimizing the hydrodynamic conditions of the HF system, the commercialization of modified HF membranes, and the utilization of green technology in HF membrane construction to broaden HF membrane technology applications.
An Investigation of the Effect of Utilizing Solidified Soil as Scour Protection for Offshore Wind Turbine Foundations via a Simplified Scour Resistance Test
Authors: Wang Jing , Xie Jinbo , Wu Yingjie , Wang Chen , Liang Fayun
Published: September 2022

Offshore wind power is rapidly developing as a source of clean energy. However, as local scour of the foundation of an offshore wind turbine can create serious safety risks to the normal operation of the turbine, it is necessary to protect the foundation from scour. In this paper, a new scour protection countermeasure using solidified soil has been investigated via an updated apparatus for a simplified scour resistance test (SSRT). Two types of tests were carried out: an unconfined compressive test to determine geotechnical parameters and an SSRT test to reflect the scour resistance of the soil samples. The results show that unconfined strength is approximately related to the critical flow velocity of the scour resistance as a power function. Soil samples having an unconfined compressive strength of 300 kPa can resist erosion under flow conditions above 3.14 m/s after solidification. In addition, the solidification state of the solidified soil has a great impact on the scour resistance of the soil sample, and the critical scour velocity of the final solidified soil is increased by 80–150% as compared to an initial solidified soil having the same final unconfined strength. These results suggest that attention should be paid to the state of the solidified soil during the construction process. The engineers should control the ratio of cement, water, and soil of the solidified soil according to the hydraulic parameters at the time of construction so that no great loss of solidified soil will occur during the construction process.
Impact of Design Parameters on the Dynamic Response and Fatigue of Offshore Jacket Foundations
Authors: Marjan Ali , Hart Phil
Published: September 2022

The lifetime of offshore foundations is governed by a combination of harsh environmental conditions and complex service loads. The fatigue limit state (FLS) analysis needs to be performed in the time domain to capture the complex phenomenon. This study aims to investigate different parameters and design modifications that can impact the design life of an offshore jacket foundation. An OC4 jacket foundation is designed in industrial software from DNV and reduced to a super-element model. The super-element model is connected to an NREL 5-MW wind turbine designed in Bladed. The time-series loads are used to compute the fatigue damages faced by the foundation during the service life. The impact of soil non-linearity, marine growth, scour size, the mass of the transition piece, and the grouted connection’s design on the dynamic response and fatigue damages are compared. A 30% increase in life was observed by replacing the concrete transition piece with a lightweight steel configuration. The fatigue damages were considerably greater for the inclined pile in the leg grouted connection than for the leg in the pile concept. The study provides a different perspective by analysing the effect of design parameters and design changes in the complex and computationally expensive time-series domain.
An Integrated Monitoring System for Coastal and Riparian Areas Based on Remote Sensing and Machine Learning
Authors: Tzepkenlis Anastasios , Grammalidis Nikos , Kontopoulos Christos , Charalampopoulou Vasiliki , Kitsiou Dimitra , Pataki Zoi , Patera Anastasia , Nitis Theodoros
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, coastal areas are exposed to multiple hazards of increasing severity, such as coastal floods, erosion, subsidence due to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, including climate change and urbanisation. In order to cope with these challenges, new remote sensing monitoring solutions are required that are based on knowledge extraction and state of the art machine learning solutions that provide insights into the related physical mechanisms and allow the creation of innovative Decision Support Tools for managing authorities. In this paper, a novel user-friendly monitoring system is presented, based on state-of-the-art remote sensing and machine learning approaches. It uses processes for collecting and analysing data from various heterogeneous sources (satellite, in-situ, and other auxiliary data) for monitoring land cover and land use changes, coastline changes soil erosion, land deformations, and sea/ground water level. A rule-based Decision Support System (DSS) will be developed to evaluate changes over time and create alerts when needed. Finally, a WebGIS interface allows end-users to access and visualize information from the system. Experimental results deriving from various datasets are provided to assess the performance of the proposed system, which is implemented within the EPIPELAGIC bilateral Greece-China project. The system is currently being installed in the Greek case study area, namely Thermaikos Gulf in Thessaloniki, Greece.