bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Assessment of the Structural Features of Originator Recombinant Human Follitropin Alfa Versus Recombinant Human Follitropin Alfa Biosimilar Preparations Approved in Non-European Regions
Authors: Manzi Lucio , Sepe Nunzio , Migliaccio Walter , Lanzoni Ludovica , Iozzino Luisa , D’Angelo Fabrizia , Colarusso Lucia , Montenegro Susana , Palmese Angelo , D’Hooghe Thomas , Ulloa-Aguirre Alfredo , Koloda Yulia , Lispi Monica
Published: June 2022

Although the full primary structures of the alfa and beta subunits of reference r-hFSH-alfa and its biosimilars are identical, cell context-dependent differences in the expressing cell lines and manufacturing process can lead to variations in glycosylation profiles. In the present study, we compared the structural features of reference r-hFSH-alfa with those of five biosimilar preparations approved in different global regions outside Europe (Primapur®, Jin Sai Heng®, Follitrope®, Folisurge®, and Corneumon®) with respect to glycosylation, macro- and microheterogeneity, and other post-translational modifications and higher order structure. The mean proportion of N-glycosylation-site occupancy was highest in reference r-hFSH-alfa, decreasing sequentially in Primapur, Jin Sai Heng, Corneumon, Follisurge and Follitrope, respectively. The level of antennarity showed slightly higher complexity in Corneumon, Primapur and Follitrope versus reference r-hFSH-alfa, whereas Jin Sai Heng and Folisurge were aligned with reference r-hFSH-alfa across all N-glycosylation sites. Sialylation level was higher in Corneumon and Follitrope, but small differences were detected in other biosimilar preparations compared with reference r-hFSH-alfa. Jin Sai Heng showed higher levels of N-glyconeuramic acid than the other preparations. Minor differences in oxidation levels were seen among the different products. Therefore, in summary, we identified var ious differences in N-glycosylation occupancy, antennarity, sialylation and oxidation between reference r-hFSH-alfa and the biosimilar preparations analyzed.
Ligation of TLR Homologue CD180 of B Cells Activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway in Systemic Sclerosis and Induces a Pathological Shift in the Expression of BAFF Receptors
Authors: Erdő-Bonyár Szabina , Rapp Judit , Szinger Dávid , Minier Tünde , Kumánovics Gábor , Czirják László , Berki Timea , Simon Diána
Published: June 2022

The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways are known to play a key role in B-cell activation and fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Receptors of B-cell activator factor (BAFF) utilize these pathways, which can be influenced by Toll-like receptors (TLRs), as TLRs can alter the expression of BAFF-binding receptors. Our results show that B-cell stimulation via TLR homologue CD180 phosphorylates Akt in diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) to a lower extent than in healthy controls (HCs). We found basal downregulated BAFF receptor (BAFF-R) and enhanced transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) expression in dcSSc B cells, which might enhance the formation of autoantibody-secreting plasma cells. Moreover, this pathological shift was observed in naive B cells, emphasizing the importance of their increase in SSc. Additionally, we measured higher serum levels of autoantibodies to BAFF in dcSSc patients, suggesting that an imbalance in the complex system of BAFF/anti-BAFF autoantibodies/BAFF-binding receptors may contribute to the development of SSc. Anti-CD180 antibody treatment had opposite effects on the expression of BAFF-R and TACI in HC B cells, resulting in similar levels as observed in SSc B cells without stimulation, which argues against the usefulness of such therapy in SSc.
Interactions between S100A9 and Alpha-Synuclein: Insight from NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Toleikis Zigmantas , Bobrovs Raitis , Janoniene Agne , Lends Alons , Ziaunys Mantas , Baronaite Ieva , Petrauskas Vytautas , Kitoka Kristine , Smirnovas Vytautas , Jaudzems Kristaps
Published: June 2022

S100A9 is a pro-inflammatory protein that co-aggregates with other proteins in amyloid fibril plaques. S100A9 can influence the aggregation kinetics and amyloid fibril structure of alpha-synuclein (α-syn), which is involved in Parkinson’s disease. Currently, there are limited data regarding their cross-interaction and how it influences the aggregation process. In this work, we analyzed this interaction using solution 19F and 2D 15N–1H HSQC NMR spectroscopy and studied the aggregation properties of these two proteins. Here, we show that α-syn interacts with S100A9 at specific regions, which are also essential in the first step of aggregation. We also demonstrate that the 4-fluorophenylalanine label in alpha-synuclein is a sensitive probe to study interaction and aggregation using 19F NMR spectroscopy.
Synthesis and Characterization of Corn Stover-Based Cellulose Triacetate Catalyzed by Ionic Liquid Phosphotungstate
Authors: Jia Xiwen , Guo Dongyi , Yan Qingjiang , Yu Haitao , Lyu Qian , Han Lujia , Zhou Chengfeng , Xiao Weihua
Published: June 2022

Cellulose triacetate (CTA) was successfully synthesized from corn stover cellulose (CSC) in the presence of [PyPS]3PW12O40 (IL-POM). The effects of IL-POM contents, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the yield and degree of substitution of CTA were investigated. The synthesized CTA was characterized by SEM, FTIR, and TGA, and the degree of polymerization and solubility in various organic solvents were evaluated. Results showed that the optimum reaction conditions were as follows: 0.04 g of IL-POM, reaction temperature of 140 °C, and reaction time of 45 min, for 0.4 g of CSC and 9 mL of glacial acetic acid. The yield of CTA under optimum reaction conditions was as high as 79.27%, and the degree of substitution was 2.95. SEM and FTIR results showed that the cellulose acetylation occurred, and CTA was synthesized. The TGA results revealed that the decomposition temperature of CTA increased by about 30 °C when compared with that of CSC. A simple, environment-friendly, and efficient process for the preparation of CTA from CSC was constructed, which provides a new pathway for the high-value utilization of corn stover.
Antennal Transcriptome Analysis and Identification of Olfactory Genes in Glenea cantor Fabricius (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)
Authors: Wu Guanxin , Su Ranran , Ouyang Huili , Zheng Xialin , Lu Wen , Wang Xiaoyun
Published: June 2022

Glenea cantor Fabricius (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) is a pest that devastates urban landscapes and causes ecological loss in southern China and Southeast Asian countries where its main host kapok trees are planted. The olfactory system plays a vital role in mating, foraging, and spawning in G. cantor as an ideal target for pest control. However, the olfactory mechanism of G. cantor is poorly understood at the molecular level. In this study, we first established the antennal transcriptome of G. cantor and identified 76 olfactory-related genes, including 29 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 14 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 13 odorant receptors (ORs), 18 ionotropic receptors (IRs) and 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). Furthermore, the phylogenetic trees of olfactory genes were constructed to study the homology with other species of insects. We also verified the reliability of transcriptome differential genes by qRT-PCR, which indicated the reliability of the transcriptome. Based on the relative expression of 30 d adults, GcanOBP22 and GcanOBP25 were highly expressed not only in the antennae, but also in the wings and legs. In addition, GcanCSP4 was the highest expression on the female antennae at 12 d. These findings laid the foundation for further research on the mechanism of G. cantor olfactory mechanism at the molecular level.
Physician-Modified TEVAR versus Hybrid Repair of the Proximal Descending Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Yordanov Miroslav Dimitrov , Oberhuber Alexander , Ibrahim Abdulhakim
Published: June 2022

There are different surgical options for the treatment of proximal lesions of the descending thoracic aorta. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of physician-modified TEVAR (pmTEVAR) vs. hybrid repair of the thoracic aorta in terms of TEVAR with carotid-subclavian bypass (hdTEVAR). This was a single-centre, retrospective comparative study of all patients who underwent pmTEVAR and hybrid repair of the proximal descending aorta from January 2018 to June 2021. Primary outcomes were technical success, 30-day mortality, perioperative stroke, 30-day reinterventions and supraaortic access related complications. Secondary outcomes were patient survival, late complications, late reinterventions, and bypass/bridging stent patency. A total of 181 patients underwent TEVAR within the period of 42 months. In our study, only patients with proximal landing in zone 2 (n = 39) were included. A total of 5 of 15 pmTEVAR and 8 of 24 hybrid repair operations (33% vs. 33%, respectively) were performed due to aneurysms. Among the rest of the patients, 10 of 15 pmTEVAR and 16 of 24 hybrid operations (67% vs. 67%) were performed due to aortic dissection. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the patients. No significant difference in terms of postoperative complications could be detected in the early and midterm follow up period. The 30-day mortality was 12.5% in the hybrid repair group (n = 3) vs. 6.66% (n = 1) in the pmTEVAR group (p = 0.498). These patients underwent the operation in an emergency setting. No patient died after an elective operation. The causes of early mortality were major stroke (n = 2), haemorrhagic shock (n = 1) in the hybrid group and progredient spinal cord ischemia with tetraplegia and acute respiratory insufficiency (n = 1) in the pmTEVAR group. In conclusion, both therapies are robust techniques, with comparable patency rate and perioperative complications. pmTEVAR appears to be advantageous in terms of operation time and tendency to lower mortality rates.
New Advances in Cardiorenal Syndrome—Ready for Prime Time?
Authors: Pliquett Rainer U.
Published: June 2022

Cardiorenal Syndrome has become one pressing issue as far as hospitalizations are concerned [...]
Hepatitis B Virus and Tuberculosis Are Associated with Increased Noncommunicable Disease Risk among Treatment-Naïve People with HIV: Opportunities for Prevention, Early Detection and Management of Comorbidities in Sierra Leone
Authors: Yendewa George A. , Lakoh Sulaiman , Jiba Darlinda F. , Yendewa Sahr A. , Barrie Umu , Deen Gibrilla F. , Samai Mohamed , Jacobson Jeffrey M. , Sahr Foday , Salata Robert A.
Published: June 2022

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing public health concern in low- and middle-income countries and disproportionately affect people living with HIV (PWH). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfection are presumed risk factors in endemic settings; however, supporting evidence is conflicting. We analyzed baseline data of newly diagnosed PWH prospectively enrolled in the Sierra Leone HIV Cohort Study in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from March to September 2021. Logistic regression was used to identify associations between NCDs, HBV and TB. A total of 275 PWH aged ≥18 years were studied (55% female, median age 33 years, median CD4 307 cells/mm3, 15.3% HIV/HBV, 8.7% HIV/TB). NCDs were bimodally distributed, with 1 in 4 PWH clustered around liver disease (fibrosis/cirrhosis), diabetes/prediabetes and obesity/preobesity, while 1 in 8 had renal impairment or hypertension (HTN). Overall, 41.5% had ≥1 NCD, while 17.5% were multimorbid (≥2 NCDs). After adjusting for age, sex, sociodemographic factors and CD4 count, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis was strongly associated with HBV (aOR 8.80, 95% CI [2.46–31.45]; p < 0.001) and diabetes/prediabetes (aOR 9.89, 95% CI [1.14–85.67]; p < 0.037). TB independently predicted diabetes/prediabetes (aOR 7.34, 95% CI [1.87–28.74]; p < 0.004), while renal impairment was associated with proteinuria (aOR 9.34, 95% CI [2.01–43.78]; p < 0.004) and HTN (aOR 6.00, 95% CI [1.10–35.39]; p < 0.049). Our findings warrant the implementation of NCD-aware HIV programs for the prevention, early detection and management of comorbidities.
Bridge Nodes between Personality Traits and Alcohol-Use Disorder Criteria: The Relevance of Externalizing Traits of Risk Taking, Callousness, and Irresponsibility
Authors: De la Rosa-Cáceres Ana , Narvaez-Camargo Marta , Blanc-Molina Andrea , Romero-Pérez Nehemías , Dacosta-Sánchez Daniel , González-Ponce Bella María , Parrado-González Alberto , Torres-Rosado Lidia , Mancheño-Velasco Cinta , Lozano-Rojas Óscar Martín
Published: June 2022

Background: Personality disorders show strong comorbidities with alcohol-use disorder (AUD), and several personality traits have been found to be more frequent in people with AUD. This study analyzes which personality facets of those proposed in the Alternative Model of Personality Disorder (AMPD) of DSM-5 are associated with the diagnostic criteria of AUD. Methods: The sample was composed of 742 participants randomly selected from the Spanish population, and 243 patients attending mental health services. All participants were of legal age and signed an informed consent form. The instruments were administered to the community sample in an online format, and a psychologist conducted individual face-to-face interviews with the patients. AMPD facets were assessed through the Personality Inventory of DSM-5 Short-Form, and the AUD criteria through the Substance Dependence Severity Scale. A network analysis was applied to identify the personality facets mostly associated with the AUD criteria. Results: The network analysis showed the existence of three communities, grouping the AUD criteria, externalizing spectrum facets, and internalizing spectrum facets, respectively. Risk taking, callousness, and irresponsibility facets showed the strongest association with the AUD criteria, bridging externalizing personality traits with AUD criteria. Conclusions: The facets of risk taking, callousness, and irresponsibility should be accurately assessed in patients with AUD to differentiate between a possible primary personality disorder and a syndrome induced by alcohol addiction.
miRNA Regulatory Networks Associated with Peripheral Vascular Diseases
Authors: Zalewski Daniel , Ruszel Karol , Stępniewski Andrzej , Gałkowski Dariusz , Feldo Marcin , Kocki Janusz , Bogucka-Kocka Anna
Published: June 2022

A growing body of evidence indicates a crucial role of miRNA regulatory function in a variety of mechanisms that contribute to the development of diseases. In our previous work, alterations in miRNA expression levels and targeted genes were shown in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and chronic venous disease (CVD) in comparison with healthy controls. In this paper, previously obtained miRNA expression profiles were compared between the LEAD, AAA, and CVD groups to find either similarities or differences within the studied diseases. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified using the DESeq2 method implemented in the R programming software. Pairwise comparisons (LEAD vs. AAA, LEAD vs. CVD, and AAA vs. CVD) were performed and revealed 10, 8, and 17 differentially expressed miRNA transcripts, respectively. The functional analysis of the obtained miRNAs was conducted using the miRNet 2.0 online tool and disclosed associations with inflammation and cellular differentiation, motility, and death. The miRNet 2.0 tool was also used to identify regulatory interactions between dysregulated miRNAs and target genes in patients with LEAD, AAA, and CVD. The presented research provides new information about similarities and differences in the miRNA-dependent regulatory mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of LEAD, AAA, and CVD.
Could 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT Evaluation Reduce the Number of Scheduled Prostate Biopsies in Men Enrolled in Active Surveillance Protocols?
Authors: Pepe Pietro , Roscigno Marco , Pepe Ludovica , Panella Paolo , Tamburo Marinella , Marletta Giulia , Savoca Francesco , Candiano Giuseppe , Cosentino Sebastiano , Ippolito Massimo , Tsirgiotis Andreas , Pennisi Michele
Published: June 2022

Background: To evaluate the accuracy of 68Ga-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) (Grade Group > 2) in men enrolled in Active Surveillance (AS) protocol. Methods: From May 2013 to May 2021, 173 men with very low-risk PCa were enrolled in an AS protocol study. During the follow-up, 38/173 (22%) men were upgraded and 8/173 (4.6%) decided to leave the AS protocol. After four years from confirmatory biopsy (range: 48–52 months), 30/127 (23.6%) consecutive patients were submitted to mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan before scheduled repeated biopsy. All the mpMRI (PI-RADS > 3) and 68Ga-PET/TC standardised uptake value (SUVmax) > 5 g/mL index lesions underwent targeted cores (mpMRI-TPBx and PSMA-TPBx) combined with transperineal saturation prostate biopsy (SPBx: median 20 cores). Results: mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT showed 14/30 (46.6%) and 6/30 (20%) lesions suspicious for PCa. In 2/30 (6.6%) men, a csPCa was found; 68Ga-PSMA-TPBx vs. mpMRI-TPBx vs. SPBx diagnosed 1/2 (50%) vs. 1/2 (50%) vs. 2/2 (100%) csPCa, respectively. In detail, mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/TC demonstrated 13/30 (43.3%) vs. 5/30 (16.7%) false positive and 1 (50%) vs. 1 (50%) false negative results. Conclusion: 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT did not improve the detection for csPCa of SPBx but would have spared 24/30 (80%) scheduled biopsies showing a lower false positive rate in comparison with mpMRI (20% vs. 43.3%) and a negative predictive value of 85.7% vs. 57.1%, respectively.
Chronic Pain: Clinical Updates and Perspectives
Authors: Galvez-Sánchez Carmen M. , Montoro Casandra I.
Published: June 2022

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has defined pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage, which also comprises a subjective component [...]
Management of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Dessein Patrick H. , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A.
Published: June 2022

Cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease and stroke, reportedly comprise the top two causes of global mortality [...]
Direct Ink Write Printing of Chitin-Based Gel Fibers with Customizable Fibril Alignment, Porosity, and Mechanical Properties for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Montroni Devis , Kobayashi Takeru , Hao Taige , Lublin Derek , Yoshino Tomoko , Kisailus David
Published: June 2022

A fine control over different dimensional scales is a challenging target for material science since it could grant control over many properties of the final material. In this study, we developed a multivariable additive manufacturing process, direct ink write printing, to control different architectural features from the nano- to the millimeter scale during extrusion. Chitin-based gel fibers with a water content of around 1500% were obtained extruding a polymeric solution of chitin into a counter solvent, water, inducing instant solidification of the material. A certain degree of fibrillar alignment was achieved basing on the shear stress induced by the nozzle. In this study we took into account a single variable, the nozzle’s internal diameter (NID). In fact, a positive correlation between NID, fibril alignment, and mechanical resistance was observed. A negative correlation with NID was observed with porosity, exposed surface, and lightly with water content. No correlation was observed with maximum elongation (~50%), and the scaffold’s excellent biocompatibility, which appeared unaltered. Overall, a single variable allowed a customization of different material features, which could be further tuned, adding control over other aspects of the synthetic process. Moreover, this manufacturing could be potentially applied to any polymer.
HFM: A Hybrid Feature Model Based on Conditional Auto Encoders for Zero-Shot Learning
Authors: Al Machot Fadi , Ullah Mohib , Ullah Habib
Published: June 2022

Zero-Shot Learning (ZSL) is related to training machine learning models capable of classifying or predicting classes (labels) that are not involved in the training set (unseen classes). A well-known problem in Deep Learning (DL) is the requirement for large amount of training data. Zero-Shot learning is a straightforward approach that can be applied to overcome this problem. We propose a Hybrid Feature Model (HFM) based on conditional autoencoders for training a classical machine learning model on pseudo training data generated by two conditional autoencoders (given the semantic space as a condition): (a) the first autoencoder is trained with the visual space concatenated with the semantic space and (b) the second autoencoder is trained with the visual space as an input. Then, the decoders of both autoencoders are fed by the test data of the unseen classes to generate pseudo training data. To classify the unseen classes, the pseudo training data are combined to train a support vector machine. Tests on four different benchmark datasets show that the proposed method shows promising results compared to the current state-of-the-art when it comes to settings for both standard Zero-Shot Learning (ZSL) and Generalized Zero-Shot Learning (GZSL).
Bridging the Gap between Design and Simulation of Low-Voltage CMOS Circuits
Authors: Adornes Cristina Missel , Alves Neto Deni Germano , Schneider Márcio Cherem , Galup-Montoro Carlos
Published: June 2022

This work proposes a truly compact MOSFET model that contains only four parameters to assist an integrated circuits (IC) designer in a design by hand. The four-parameter model (4PM) is based on the advanced compact MOSFET (ACM) model and was implemented in Verilog-A to simulate different circuits designed with the ACM model in Verilog-compatible simulators. Being able to simulate MOS circuits through the same model used in a hand design benefits designers in understanding how the main MOSFET parameters affect the design. Herein, the classic CMOS inverter, a ring oscillator, a self-biased current source and a common source amplifier were designed and simulated using either the 4PM or the BSIM model. The four-parameter model was simulated in many sorts of circuits with very satisfactory results in the low-voltage cases. As the ultra-low-voltage (ULV) domain is expanding due to applications, such as the internet of things and wearable circuits, so is the use of a simplified ULV MOSFET model.
Assessing the Biological Performance of Living Docks—A Citizen Science Initiative to Improve Coastal Water Quality through Benthic Recruitment within the Indian River Lagoon, Florida
Authors: Gilligan Morgan , Hunsucker Kelli , Rech Sandra , Sharma Alyssa , Beltran Rebecca , White Ryan T. , Weaver Robert
Published: June 2022

Like many estuaries worldwide, the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), has seen a decline in resources and overall water quality due to human activities. One method to help restore water quality and benthic habitats is to construct and deploy oyster restoration mats on dock pilings, known as the Living Docks program. This community-driven program was founded to promote the growth of filter-feeding benthic organisms and improve local water quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the growth and performance at four of the Living Dock locations and to provide feedback to the citizens who were involved in the initial process and deployments. Four docks were biologically assessed for temporal changes during three-time points throughout the year, as denoted by changes in temperature in October, February, and June. The back of each mat was also analyzed for organism cementation to the piling. The presence of filter-feeding organisms was found to vary both spatially and temporally, especially for the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), encrusting bryozoan (Schizobrachiella verrilli), sponges (Demospongiae), and barnacles (Amphibalanus amphitrite, Amphibalanus eburneus). A greater diversity in the sessile benthic flora and fauna was seen during the June sampling period. Cementation on the pilings was due to a combination of barnacles and sponge growth. Cementation was observed to increase from October and decrease for all but one dock for the June sampling period. The results demonstrate this restoration project to be successful in promoting the growth of benthic organisms, while also providing understanding into seasonal trends amongst species. Hopefully, the positive output will encourage more community members and citizen scientists to participate in the ongoing effort to help restore water quality in the IRL.
Evaluation of a Proportional–Integral–Derivative Controller for Hemorrhage Resuscitation Using a Hardware-in-Loop Test Platform
Authors: Snider Eric J. , Berard David , Vega Saul J. , Avital Guy , Boice Emily N.
Published: June 2022

Hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death in trauma, which can often be avoided with proper fluid resuscitation. Fluid administration can be cognitive-demanding for medical personnel as the rates and volumes must be personalized to the trauma due to variations in injury severity and overall fluid responsiveness. Thus, automated fluid administration systems are ideal to simplify hemorrhagic shock resuscitation if properly designed for a wide range of hemorrhage scenarios. Here, we highlight the development of a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller using a hardware-in-loop test platform. The controller relies only on an input data stream of arterial pressure and a target pressure; the PID controller then outputs infusion rates to stabilize the subject. To evaluate PID controller performance with more than 10 controller metrics, the hardware-in-loop platform allowed for 11 different trauma-relevant hemorrhage scenarios for the controller to resuscitate against. Overall, the two controller configurations performed uniquely for the scenarios, with one reaching the target quicker but often overshooting, while the other rarely overshot the target but failed to reach the target during severe hemorrhage. In conclusion, PID controllers have the potential to simplify hemorrhage resuscitation if properly designed and evaluated, which can be accomplished with the test platform shown here.
More than Meets the Eye: Using Textural Analysis and Artificial Intelligence as Decision Support Tools in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis—A Systematic Review
Authors: Telecan Teodora , Andras Iulia , Crisan Nicolae , Giurgiu Lorin , Căta Emanuel Darius , Caraiani Cosmin , Lebovici Andrei , Boca Bianca , Balint Zoltan , Diosan Laura , Lupsor-Platon Monica
Published: June 2022

(1) Introduction: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is the main imagistic tool employed to assess patients suspected of harboring prostate cancer (PCa), setting the indication for targeted prostate biopsy. However, both mpMRI and targeted prostate biopsy are operator dependent. The past decade has been marked by the emerging domain of radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI), with extended application in medical diagnosis and treatment processes. (2) Aim: To present the current state of the art regarding decision support tools based on texture analysis and AI for the prediction of aggressiveness and biopsy assistance. (3) Materials and Methods: We performed literature research using PubMed MeSH, Scopus and WoS (Web of Science) databases and screened the retrieved papers using PRISMA principles. Articles that addressed PCa diagnosis and staging assisted by texture analysis and AI algorithms were included. (4) Results: 359 papers were retrieved using the keywords “prostate cancer”, “MRI”, “radiomics”, “textural analysis”, “artificial intelligence”, “computer assisted diagnosis”, out of which 35 were included in the final review. In total, 24 articles were presenting PCa diagnosis and prediction of aggressiveness, 7 addressed extracapsular extension assessment and 4 tackled computer-assisted targeted prostate biopsies. (5) Conclusions: The fusion of radiomics and AI has the potential of becoming an everyday tool in the process of diagnosis and staging of the prostate malignancies.
Blood Cell Count Inflammatory Markers as Prognostic Indicators of Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Almășan Oana , Leucuța Daniel-Corneliu , Hedeșiu Mihaela
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Our study aimed to assess the association between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to leukocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), red cell distribution width (RDW), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and periodontitis. (2) Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS databases, identifying observational studies. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The principal summary outcome measure in our random effects meta-analysis was the mean difference (MD). (3) Results: After screening 682 search results, a total of 10 studies including 3164 subjects were selected for quantitative assessment. We found a higher mean NLR, PLR, and LMR in the periodontitis group compared to the control group (0.41 (95% CI 0.12–0.7), p = 0.006; 7.43 (95% CI 0.31–14.54), p = 0.04; 2.05 (95% CI 0.27–3.83), p = 0.024). No differences were observed for RDW. (4) Conclusions: We found an association between NLR, LMR, and PLR and periodontitis, which might be thought of as emerging blood cell count inflammatory biomarkers that could shed light on the link between periodontitis and systemic disbalances, as well as for periodontitis prognosis and grading.
Assessment of Urban Ecological Resilience and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration of China
Authors: Shi Chenchen , Zhu Xiaoping , Wu Haowei , Li Zhihui
Published: June 2022

Climate change and rapid urbanization bring natural and anthropogenetic disturbance to the urban ecosystem, damaging the sustainability and resilience of cities. Evaluation of urban ecological resilience and an investigation of its impact mechanisms are of great importance to sustainable urban management. Therefore, taking the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration (BTHUA) region in China as a study area, this study builds an evaluation index to assess urban ecological resilience and its spatial patterns with the resilience surrogate of net primary production during 2000–2020. The evaluation index is constructed from two dimensions, including the sensitivity and adaptability of urban ecosystems, to capture the two key mechanisms of resilience, namely resistance and recovery. Resilience-influencing factors including biophysical and socio-economic variables are analyzed with the multiple linear regression model. The results show that during 2000–2020, the spatial pattern of urban ecological resilience in the BTHUA is characterized by high resilience in the northwest and relatively low resilience in the southeast. High resilience areas account for 40% of the whole region, mainly contributed by Zhangjiakou and Chengde city in Hebei Province, which is consistent with the function orientation of the BTH region in its coordinated development. Along with urbanization in this region, ecological resilience decreases with increased population and increases with GDP growth; this indicates that, although population expansion uses resources, causes pollution and reduces vegetation coverage, with economic growth and technological progress, the negative ecological impact could be mitigated, and the coordinated development of social economy and ecological environment could eventually be reached. Our findings are consistent with mainstream theories examining the ecological impact of socio-economic development such as the Environmental Kuznets Curve, Porter Hypothesis, and Ecological Modernization theories, and provide significant references for future urbanization, carbon neutrality, resilience building, and urban ecological management in China.
City-Level Determinants of Household CO2 Emissions per Person: An Empirical Study Based on a Large Survey in China
Authors: Qu Jiansheng , Liu Lina , Zeng Jingjing , Maraseni Tek Narayan , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: June 2022

Studies have shown that household consumption accounts for more than 60% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reducing household CO2 emissions (HCEs) can help combat climate change globally and can provide a wide range of environmental, financial and public health benefits. Here, we present data from a large survey on 14,928 households in eighty-eight Chinese cities to investigate the spatial patterns in HCEs per person (PHCEs) and the drivers behind these patterns based on a multi-scale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model. We found that higher PHCEs were mainly in northern cities with a severe and cold climate. Our findings suggest that PHCEs could be modeled as a function of household size, education level, income level, consumption tendency and HCEs intensity. HCEs intensity was identified as the most important determinant, and its effect increased from eastern cities to central and western cities in China. The quantification of city-level PHCEs and their drivers help policy makers to make fair and equitable GHG mitigation polices, and they help achieve many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.
Frontiers in Social–Ecological Urbanism
Authors: Colding Johan , Samuelsson Karl , Marcus Lars , Gren Åsa , Legeby Ann , Berghauser Pont Meta , Barthel Stephan
Published: June 2022

This paper describes a new approach in urban ecological design, referred to as social–ecological urbanism (SEU). It draws from research in resilience thinking and space syntax in the analysis of relationships between urban processes and urban form at the microlevel of cities, where social and ecological services are directly experienced by urban dwellers. The paper elaborates on three types of media for urban designers to intervene in urban systems, including urban form, institutions, and discourse, that together function as a significant enabler of urban change. The paper ends by presenting four future research frontiers with a potential to advance the field of social–ecological urbanism: (1) urban density and critical biodiversity thresholds, (2) human and non-human movement in urban space, (3) the retrofitting of urban design, and (4) reversing the trend of urban ecological illiteracy through affordance designs that connect people with nature and with each other.
What Drives Smallholders to Utilize Socialized Agricultural Services for Farmland Scale Management? Insights from the Perspective of Collective Action
Authors: Zang Liangzhen , Wang Yahua , Ke Jinkai , Su Yiqing
Published: June 2022

The diseconomies of scale found in smallholders’ agricultural production is a common problem faced by global agricultural development. Notable examples of regions in which this occurs include Central and Eastern Europe, India, Brazil, and China. Smallholders usually differ in their demands for socialized agricultural services due to scattered farmland, various soil conditions, different selections of crop varieties, and diverse farming arrangements. Such differences make it difficult for smallholders to cooperate on farmland scale management, resulting in a collective action dilemma. Based on the Institutional Analysis and Development framework, this paper provides insights into the influencing factors and effects of smallholders’ utilization of socialized agricultural services and constructs a cooperative mechanism for the purpose of solving the collective action dilemma in rural areas of China. We found that household characteristics, biophysical conditions, attributes of community, and rules-in-use jointly generate the action situation in the process of smallholders’ cooperative utilization of agricultural socialized services. Among them, the rules-in-use not only have a direct impact on the action situation but also regulate the role of the other three sets of factors. Various factors and mechanisms affecting the cooperative utilization of socialized agricultural services by smallholders interact in the action arena and finally form relevant outcomes that can deal with the diseconomies of farmland fragmentation. These outcomes will be fed back to each external variable again along the feedback path, so as to promote the system and create a virtuous circle. This study provides a theoretical contribution to understanding smallholders’ cooperation in the process of agricultural large-scale operation, especially in regions and countries with a large number of smallholders.
A New Framework of Green Transition of Cultivated Land-Use for the Coordination among the Water-Land-Food-Carbon Nexus in China
Authors: Niu Shandong , Lyu Xiao , Gu Guozheng
Published: June 2022

As a fundamental solution to the ecological problems of resources and environment, the Green Transition of Cultivated Land-use (GTCL) has become an inherent requirement for promoting ecological progress and implementing the food security strategy in the new era. This paper proposed a theoretical framework of GTCL and constructed a GTCL development index system based on four aspects: water, land, food and carbon; then, by applying a comprehensive evaluation model, a coupling coordination model and exploratory spatial data analysis, the development level of GTCL in China’s 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 was evaluated and the spatial and temporal rates of change of “water, land, food and carbon” (WLFC) and their coupling coordination were finally analyzed to reveal the “water, land, food and carbon” effect of GTCL. Results showed that the systemic changes of WLFC and its coupling coordination degree of GTCL presented a spatial and temporal coincidence with a high degree of consistency; from 2000 to 2020, the overall GTCL rate in all Chinese provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions showed a “W”-shaped fluctuation uptrend. In the past five years, the development level of GTCL was higher in Northeast China, followed by Central China and North China, while South China was at a low level. In addition, WLFC showed a more obvious “W”-shaped fluctuation, with higher coupling coordination in Northeast China in good coordination and lower coordination in East China and Southwest China. Therefore, according to the results of the study, areas were divided into: benefit leading area, quality improvement area, connotation tapping potential area, ductile development area and ecological reserve area for the regulation of GTCL in all Chinese provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions.
Quantifying Dynamic Coupling Coordination Degree of Human–Environmental Interactions during Urban–Rural Land Transitions of China
Authors: Cai Bowen , Shao Zhenfeng , Fang Shenghui , Huang Xiao
Published: June 2022

Urban–rural land transition and the coordination of coupled human–environmental systems are two important issues in the process of global urban–rural development. Although existing studies have explored the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of human–environmental interactions under the context of urbanization, few studies have taken land transitions into consideration. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of CCD in China from 2001 to 2018 using multisource remote sensing data and quantified the CCD changes in land transitions among urban construction land (UCL), rural residential land (RRL), and non-construction land (NCL). The CCD alterations mainly occurred in the decline in NCL stock, the increase in UCL stock, and especially the losses during RRL to NCL transfers. We urge academics and government decision-makers to pay more attention to the CCD transfers and losses during urban–rural transitions. This study provides scientific guidance for the development of urban–rural integration and is expected to assist the coordinated evaluation of human–environmental interactions in the process of sustainable development.
Bone Tissue Engineering through 3D Bioprinting of Bioceramic Scaffolds: A Review and Update
Authors: Khalaf Ahmad Taha , Wei Yuanyuan , Wan Jun , Zhu Jiang , Peng Yu , Abdul Kadir Samiah Yasmin , Zainol Jamaludin , Oglah Zahraa , Cheng Lijia , Shi Zheng
Published: June 2022

Trauma and bone loss from infections, tumors, and congenital diseases make bone repair and regeneration the greatest challenges in orthopedic, craniofacial, and plastic surgeries. The shortage of donors, intrinsic limitations, and complications in transplantation have led to more focus and interest in regenerative medicine. Structures that closely mimic bone tissue can be produced by this unique technology. The steady development of three-dimensional (3D)-printed bone tissue engineering scaffold therapy has played an important role in achieving the desired goal. Bioceramic scaffolds are widely studied and appear to be the most promising solution. In addition, 3D printing technology can simulate mechanical and biological surface properties and print with high precision complex internal and external structures to match their functional properties. Inkjet, extrusion, and light-based 3D printing are among the rapidly advancing bone bioprinting technologies. Furthermore, stem cell therapy has recently shown an important role in this field, although large tissue defects are difficult to fill by injection alone. The combination of 3D-printed bone tissue engineering scaffolds with stem cells has shown very promising results. Therefore, biocompatible artificial tissue engineering with living cells is the key element required for clinical applications where there is a high demand for bone defect repair. Furthermore, the emergence of various advanced manufacturing technologies has made the form of biomaterials and their functions, composition, and structure more diversified, and manifold. The importance of this article lies in that it aims to briefly review the main principles and characteristics of the currently available methods in orthopedic bioprinting technology to prepare bioceramic scaffolds, and finally discuss the challenges and prospects for applications in this promising and vital field.
Alpha-Synuclein and Parkinson’s Disease Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms: What Is New?
Authors: Grigoletto Jessica , Colla Emanuela
Published: June 2022

Although it was discovered about 25 years ago, alpha-synuclein (αS) misfolding and accumulation in neuronal tissues is still recognized as one of the most crucial aspects in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology [...]
Heavy-Ion-Induced Lung Tumors: Dose- & LET-Dependence
Authors: Chang Polly Y. , Bakke James , Rosen Chris J. , Bjornstad Kathleen A. , Mao Jian-Hua , Blakely Eleanor A.
Published: June 2022

There is a limited published literature reporting dose-dependent data for in vivo tumorigenesis prevalence in different organs of various rodent models after exposure to low, single doses of charged particle beams. The goal of this study is to reduce uncertainties in estimating particle-radiation-induced risk of lung tumorigenesis for manned travel into deep space by improving our understanding of the high-LET-dependent dose-response from exposure to individual ion beams after low particle doses (0.03–0.80 Gy). Female CB6F1 mice were irradiated with low single doses of either oxygen, silicon, titanium, or iron ions at various energies to cover a range of dose-averaged LET values from 0.2–193 keV/µm, using 137Cs γ-rays as the reference radiation. Sham-treated controls were included in each individual experiment totally 398 animals across the 5 studies reported. Based on power calculations, between 40–156 mice were included in each of the treatment groups. Tumor prevalence at 16 months after radiation exposure was determined and compared to the age-matched, sham-treated animals. Results indicate that lung tumor prevalence is non-linear as a function of dose with suggestions of threshold doses depending on the LET of the beams. Histopathological evaluations of the tumors showed that the majority of tumors were benign bronchioloalveolar adenomas with occasional carcinomas or lymphosarcomas which may have resulted from metastases from other sites.
Crosstalk of Astrocytes and Other Cells during Ischemic Stroke
Authors: He Tingting , Yang Guo-Yuan , Zhang Zhijun
Published: June 2022

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Astrocytes structurally compose tripartite synapses, blood–brain barrier, and the neurovascular unit and perform multiple functions through cell-to-cell signaling of neurons, glial cells, and vasculature. The crosstalk of astrocytes and other cells is complicated and incompletely understood. Here we review the role of astrocytes in response to ischemic stroke, both beneficial and detrimental, from a cell–cell interaction perspective. Reactive astrocytes provide neuroprotection through antioxidation and antiexcitatory effects and metabolic support; they also contribute to neurorestoration involving neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, angiogenesis, and oligodendrogenesis by crosstalk with stem cells and cell lineage. In the meantime, reactive astrocytes also play a vital role in neuroinflammation and brain edema. Glial scar formation in the chronic phase hinders functional recovery. We further discuss astrocyte enriched microRNAs and exosomes in the regulation of ischemic stroke. In addition, the latest notion of reactive astrocyte subsets and astrocytic activity revealed by optogenetics is mentioned. This review discusses the current understanding of the intimate molecular conversation between astrocytes and other cells and outlines its potential implications after ischemic stroke. “Neurocentric” strategies may not be sufficient for neurological protection and recovery; future therapeutic strategies could target reactive astrocytes.
Arthrospira platensis Mutagenesis for Protein and C-Phycocyanin Improvement and Proteomics Approaches
Authors: Pan-utai Wanida , Iamtham Siriluck , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Settachaimongkon Sarn , Wattanasiritham Ladda Sangduean , Boonbumrung Sumitra , Mookdasanit Juta , Sithtisarn Sayamon
Published: June 2022

Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis is known for its use as a food supplement, with reported therapeutic properties including antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Arthrospira is also an excellent source of proteins and C-phycocyanin. The latter is a light-harvesting pigment-protein complex in cyanobacteria, located on the outer surface of the thylakoid membrane and comprising 40 to 60% of the total soluble protein in cells. Random mutagenesis is a useful tool as a non-genetically modified mutation method that has been widely used to generate mutants of different microorganisms. Exposure of microalgae or cyanobacteria to chemical stimuli affects their growth and many biological processes. Chemicals influence several proteins, including those involved in carbohydrate and energy metabolisms, photosynthesis and stress-related proteins (oxidative stress-reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes). Signal transduction pathways and ion transportation mechanisms are also impacted by chemical treatment, with changes causing the production of numerous biomolecules and stimulation of defence responses. This study compared the protein contents of A. platensis control and after mutagenesis using diethyl sulphate (DES) under various treatment concentrations for effective mutation of A. platensis. Results identified 1152 peptides using proteomics approaches. The proteins were classified into 23 functional categories. Random mutagenesis of A. platensis by DES was found to be highly effective for C-phycocyanin and protein production.