bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pluripotent Stem Cells in Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
Authors: Bérenger-Currias Noémie , Martinat Cécile , Baghdoyan Sandrine
Published: February 2023

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a progressive multisystemic disease caused by the expansion of a CTG repeat tract within the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase gene (DMPK). Although DM1 is considered to be the most frequent myopathy of genetic origin in adults, DM1 patients exhibit a vast diversity of symptoms, affecting many different organs. Up until now, different in vitro models from patients’ derived cells have largely contributed to the current understanding of DM1. Most of those studies have focused on muscle physiopathology. However, regarding the multisystemic aspect of DM1, there is still a crucial need for relevant cellular models to cover the whole complexity of the disease and open up options for new therapeutic approaches. This review discusses how human pluripotent stem cell–based models significantly contributed to DM1 mechanism decoding, and how they provided new therapeutic strategies that led to actual phase III clinical trials.
RpS3 Is Required for Spermatogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Fang Yang , Zhang Fengchao , Zhan Yunhui , Lu Meina , Xu Di , Wang Jiajia , Li Qiujun , Zhao Long , Su Ying
Published: February 2023

Ribosomal proteins (RPs) constitute the ribosome, thus participating in the protein biosynthesis process. Emerging studies have suggested that many RPs exhibit different expression levels across various tissues and function in a context-dependent manner for animal development. Drosophila melanogaster RpS3 encodes the ribosomal protein S3, one component of the 40S subunit of ribosomes. We found that RpS3 is highly expressed in the reproductive organs of adult flies and its depletion in male germline cells led to severe defects in sperm production and male fertility. Immunofluorescence staining showed that RpS3 knockdown had little effect on early germ cell differentiation, but strongly disrupted the spermatid elongation and individualization processes. Furthermore, we observed abnormal morphology and activity of mitochondrial derivatives in the elongating spermatids of RpS3-knockdown testes, which could cause the failure of axoneme elongation. We also found that RpS3 RNAi inhibited the formation of the individualization complex that takes charge of disassociating the spermatid bundle. In addition, excessive apoptotic cells were detected in the RpS3-knockdown testes, possibly to clean the defective spermatids. Together, our data demonstrated that RpS3 plays an important role in regulating spermatid elongation and individualization processes and, therefore, is required for normal Drosophila spermatogenesis.
Thermodynamics and Kinetics of the Reaction of Catalytic Dismutation of Chlorosilanes in the Vapor Phase in the Temperature Range of 353–393 K
Authors: Mochalov Georgy , Stolmakov Yegor , Zhuchok Olesya
Published: February 2023

Currently, the most common method of silane synthesis for electronics and photovoltaics is trichlorosilane (TS) dismutation. TS dismutation proceeds in the form of a reactions cascade, therefore its study is of both practical and scientific interest. The results of calculating the equilibrium composition of the reaction mixture in the vapor phase based on literature data from various sources were not reliable. Therefore, the dependence of the composition of the reaction mixture on the time of contact of the TS vapor with the catalyst under static conditions was experimentally investigated. The stationary composition of the mixture, close to equilibrium, was determined. A good agreement of the obtained results with the literature data in one of the sources was shown. The kinetics of the dismutation reaction of TS and dichlorosilane (DCS) was carried out by the flow method. As a result of regression analysis of experimental data, the rate constants of the direct and reverse dismutation reactions of TS, DCS, and monochlorosilane (MSC) were obtained. The rate constants were used to calculate the equilibrium composition of the reaction mixture. A good agreement between the calculated and experimental data was shown.
Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Controlling Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Timing of Outcome Measurement
Authors: Chang Min Cheol , Choo You Jin , Kwak Sang Gyu , Nam Kiyeun , Kim Sae Yoon , Lee Hee Jin , Kwak Soyoung
Published: February 2023

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been suggested as an alternative treatment for reducing spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the duration of its effect was rarely known. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effectiveness of ESWT at controlling spasticity in patients with CP according to the follow-up period. We included studies in which ESWT was used to manage spasticity in patients with CP, and the effect was compared with that in a control group. Finally, three studies were included. In the meta-analysis, spasticity, measured using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), was significantly reduced after ESWT compared with that in the control group; however, it was sustained for only 1 month. After ESWT, significant increases in passive ankle range of motion (ROM) and plantar surface area in the standing position were observed compared with those in the control group and sustained for up to 3 months. Although spasticity measured using MAS was significantly reduced for only 1 month, improvement in spasticity-associated symptoms, such as ankle ROM and plantar surface area contacting the ground, persisted for over 3 months. ESWT appears to be a useful and effective therapeutic option for managing spasticity in patients with CP.
Oxytocin Levels Increase and Anxiety Decreases in Mothers Who Sing and Talk to Their Premature Infants during a Painful Procedure
Authors: Filippa Manuela , Monaci Maria Grazia , Spagnuolo Carmen , Di Benedetto Massimiliano , Serravalle Paolo , Grandjean Didier
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Preterm infants spend their first weeks of life in the hospital partially separated from their parents and subjected to frequent potentially painful clinical procedures. Previous research has found that early vocal contact reduces infant pain perception while simultaneously increasing oxytocin (OXT) levels. The current study aims to assess the effect of maternal singing and speaking on mothers. (2) Methods: During a painful procedure over two days, twenty preterm infants were randomly exposed to their mother’s live voice (speaking or singing). Maternal OXT levels were measured twice: before and after singing, as well as before and after speaking. The anxiety and resilience responses of mothers were studied before and after the two-day interventions, regardless of the speaking/singing condition. OXT levels in mothers increased in response to both singing and speech. Concurrently, anxiety levels decreased, but no significant effects on maternal resilience were found. (3) Conclusions: OXT could be identified as a key mechanism for anxiety regulation in parents, even in sensitive care situations, such as when their infant is in pain. Active involvement of parents in the care of their preterm infants can have a positive effect on their anxiety as well as potential benefits to their sensitivity and care abilities through OXT.
Analysis of an Association between Preterm Birth and Parental Educational Level in Japan Using National Data
Authors: Okui Tasuku
Published: February 2023

Preterm birth rate depending on parental educational level in recent years has not been surveyed in Japan. In this study, we showed the trend in preterm birth rate depending on parental educational level from 2000 to 2020 by linking data from the Census regarding individuals’ educational level and parents in birth data of the vital statistics. Four types of parental educational level, namely junior high school, high school, technical school or junior college, and university or graduate school, were compared. Slope and relative indexes of inequality for preterm birth by educational level were computed by binomial models. Data on 3,148,711 births and 381,129,294 people were used in the analysis, and data on 777,086 singleton births were used after data linkage. The preterm birth rate (%) for junior high school graduate mothers and fathers was 5.07 and 5.21 in 2020, respectively. Contrarily, the preterm birth rate (%) for parents who graduated from a university or graduate school was 4.24 for mothers and 4.39 for fathers, and the rate tended to increase as educational level decreased, irrespective of parental gender. Results of inequality indexes showed that a statistically significant inequality by parental educational level persisted from 2000 to 2020.
Ultrasonography Causes Agitation and Pain Leading to Hemodynamic Disturbance in Neonates: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Dincer Emre , Özer Hamza , Topçuoğlu Sevilay , Karatekin Güner
Published: February 2023

Background: Ultrasonography is widely used in neonatological practice and studies investigating the hemodynamic effects of various treatment protocols or clinical situations. On the other hand, pain causes changes in the cardiovascular system; so, in the case of ultrasonography leading to pain in neonates, it may cause hemodynamic alterations. In this prospective study, we evaluate whether ultrasonographic application causes pain and changes in the hemodynamic system. Methods: Newborns undergoing ultrasonographic examination were enrolled in the study. Vital signs, cerebral and mesenteric tissue oxygenation (StO2) levels, and middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler measurements were recorded, and NPASS scores were calculated before and after ultrasonography. Results: We enrolled 39 patients in the study. After ultrasonography, Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale (NPASS) scores were significantly higher (p < 0.01), and all vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2, diastolic and systolic blood pressure; p = 0.03; p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.03, respectively) were altered. Cerebral (p = 0.008) and mesenteric (p = 0.039) StO2 levels were significantly lower in the whole study group, MCA end-diastolic velocity decreased (p = 0.02), and the resistive index (p = 0.03) increased in patients whose NPASS score was >7 after ultrasonography. Conclusions: This study is the first to show that ultrasonography may cause pain in newborn patients, and alters vital signs and hemodynamic parameters. Therefore, precautions should be taken to protect newborn babies from pain during ultrasound applications, as they are already exposed to many noxious stimuli. Furthermore, pain scores should be considered in studies using ultrasonography and evaluating hemodynamic parameters to increase the reliability of the studies.
Masked Randomized Trial of Epinephrine versus Vasopressin in an Ovine Model of Perinatal Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Rawat Munmun , Gugino Sylvia , Koenigsknecht Carmon , Helman Justin , Nielsen Lori , Sankaran Deepika , Nair Jayasree , Chandrasekharan Praveen , Lakshminrusimha Satyan
Published: February 2023

Background: Current neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend the use of epinephrine for bradycardia/arrest not responding to ventilation and chest compressions. Vasopressin is a systemic vasoconstrictor and is more effective than epinephrine in postnatal piglets with cardiac arrest. There are no studies comparing vasopressin with epinephrine in newly born animal models with cardiac arrest induced by umbilical cord occlusion. Objective: To compare the effect of epinephrine and vasopressin on the incidence and time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), hemodynamics, plasma drug levels, and vasoreactivity in perinatal cardiac arrest. Design/Methods: Twenty-seven term fetal lambs in cardiac arrest induced by cord occlusion were instrumented and resuscitated following randomization to epinephrine or vasopressin through a low umbilical venous catheter. Results: Eight lambs achieved ROSC prior to medication. Epinephrine achieved ROSC in 7/10 lambs by 8 ± 2 min. Vasopressin achieved ROSC in 3/9 lambs by 13 ± 6 min. Plasma vasopressin levels in nonresponders were much lower than responders after the first dose. Vasopressin caused in vivo increased pulmonary blood flow and in vitro coronary vasoconstriction. Conclusions: Vasopressin resulted in lower incidence and longer time to ROSC compared to epinephrine in a perinatal model of cardiac arrest supporting the current recommendations for exclusive use of epinephrine in neonatal resuscitation.
Use of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma for Treatment of Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection at a Children’s Hospital: A Contribution to a Still Inadequate Body of Evidence
Authors: Arrieta Antonio , Galvis Alvaro E. , Osborne Stephanie , Morphew Tricia , Imfeld Karen , Enriquez Claudia , Hoang Janet , Swearingen Marcia , Nieves Delma J. , Ashouri Negar , Singh Jasjit , Nugent Diane
Published: February 2023

Data on COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) safety and efficacy in children and young adults are limited. This single-center prospective, open-label trial evaluates CCP safety, neutralizing antibody kinetics, and outcomes in children and young adults with moderate/severe COVID-19 (April 2020–March 2021). A total of 46 subjects received CCP; 43 were included in the safety analysis (SAS); 7.0% < 2 years old, 2.3% 2–<6, 27.9% 6–<12, 39.5% 12–<19, and 23.3% > 19 years old; 28 were included in the antibody kinetic analysis (AbKS); 10.7% < 2 years old, 10.7% 6–<12, 53.8% 12–<19, and 25.0% > 19 years old. No adverse events occurred. The median COVID-19 severity score improved (5.0 pre-CCP to 1.0 by day 7; p < 0.001). A rapid increase in the median percentage of inhibition was observed in AbKS (22.5% (13.0%, 41.5%) pre-infusion to 52% (23.7%, 72%) 24 h post-infusion); a similar increase was observed in nine immune-competent subjects (28% (23%, 35%) to 63% (53%, 72%)). The inhibition percentage increased until day 7 and persisted at 21 and 90 days. CCP is well tolerated in children and young adults, providing rapid and robust increased antibodies. CCP should remain a therapeutic option for this population for whom vaccines are not fully available and given that the safety and efficacy of existing monoclonal antibodies and antiviral agents have not been established.
Feasibility and Reliability of Health-Related Physical Fitness Tests in Children and Adolescents with Hearing Impairment
Authors: Huang Jiafu , Yang Jianmei , Haegele Justin A. , Wang Lijuan , Chen Sitong , Li Chunxiao
Published: February 2023

Although research supports the feasibility and reliability of health-related physical fitness (HRPF) tests in typically developing children and adolescents, little is known regarding the feasibility and reliability of these tests for those with hearing impairments (HI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of a HRPF test battery for children and adolescents with HI. A test–retest design with a one-week interval was conducted with 26 participants with HI (mean age: 12.7 ± 2.8 years; 9 male). The feasibility and reliability of seven field-based HRPF tests (i.e., body mass index, grip strength, standing long jump, vital capacity, long distance run, sit-and-reach, one leg stand) were evaluated. All the tests showed high feasibility (completion rate > 90%). Six tests indicated good to excellent test–retest reliability (all intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.75) while the one leg stand test showed poor reliability (ICC = 0.36). Relatively large percentages of standard error of measurement (SEM%) and minimal detectable change (MDC%) were observed in the sit-and-reach test (SEM% = 52.4%, MDC% = 145.2%) and one leg stand test (SEM% = 107.9%, MDC% = 299.2%), whereas the rest of the tests demonstrated reasonable SEM% and MDC% values. Collectively, most of the tests can be feasibly and reliably used to assess HRPF for children and adolescents with HI.
Proof-of-Concept Analysis of B Cell Receptor Repertoire in COVID-19 Patients Undergoing ECMO by Single-Cell V(D)J and Gene Expression Sequencing
Authors: Gallo Alessia , Cuscino Nicola , Carcione Claudia , Busà Rosalia , Conaldi Pier Giulio , Bulati Matteo
Published: February 2023

SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has altered human activities all over the world and has become a global hazard to public health. Despite considerable advancements in pandemic containment techniques, in which vaccination played a key role, COVID-19 remains a global threat, particularly for frail patients and unvaccinated individuals, who may be more susceptible to developing ARDS. Several studies reported that patients with COVID-19-related ARDS who were treated with ECMO had a similar survival rate to those with COVID-19-unrelated ARDS. In order to shed light on the potential mechanisms underlying the COVID-19 infection, we conducted this proof-of-concept study using single-cell V(D)J and gene expression sequencing of B cells to examine the dynamic changes in the transcriptomic BCR repertoire present in patients with COVID-19 at various stages. We compared a recovered and a deceased COVID-19 patient supported by ECMO with one COVID-19-recovered patient who did not receive ECMO treatment and one healthy subject who had never been infected previously. Our analysis revealed a downregulation of FXYD, HLA-DRB1, and RPS20 in memory B cells; MTATP8 and HLA-DQA1 in naïve cells; RPS4Y1 in activated B cells; and IGHV3-73 in plasma cells in COVID-19 patients. We further described an increased ratio of IgA + IgG to IgD + IgM, suggestive of an intensive memory antibody response, in the COVID ECMO D patient. Finally, we assessed a V(D)J rearrangement of heavy chain IgHV3, IGHJ4, and IGHD3/IGHD2 families in COVID-19 patients regardless of the severity of the disease.
Changes in the Expression Profile of Pyroptosis-Related Genes in Senescent Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells after Lutein Treatment
Authors: Strzalka-Mrozik Barbara , Madej Marcel , Kurowska Natalia , Kruszniewska-Rajs Celina , Kimsa-Dudek Magdalena , Adamska Jolanta , Gola Joanna Magdalena
Published: February 2023

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a specialized structure essential for proper vision, which is constantly exposed to oxidative damage. With aging, this damage accumulates within the RPE cells, causing various diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Numerous antioxidant substances are used to prevent this process in humans, including lutein. This study aims to determine the differences in the expression patterns of pyroptosis genes in senescent human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 exposed to lutein. Changes in the expression of pyroptosis-related genes were assessed by oligonucleotide microarrays, and the results were validated by real-time RT-qPCR. The microarray analysis showed seven transcripts were differentially expressed both in the H2O2-treated cells versus the controls and in the lutein/H2O2-treated cells compared to the H2O2-treated cells (FC > 2.0). Depending on the used lutein, H2O2, or co-treatment of ARPE-19 cells, statistically significant differences in the expression of TXNIP, CXCL8, BAX, and CASP1 genes were confirmed by the RT-qPCR (p < 0.05). A STRING database analysis showed that the proteins encoded by the analyzed genes form a strong interaction network (p < 0.001). These data indicate that lutein modulates the expression level of pyroptosis-related genes, which may be useful for the development of new methods preventing pyroptosis pathway activation in the future.
Editorial for Special Issue: “Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms”
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshitaka
Published: February 2023

This Special Issue provides an overview of the “Effects of Nanoparticles on Living Organisms” [...]
Climate-Related Co-Benefits and the Case of Swedish Policy
Authors: Karlsson Mikael , Westling Nils , Lindgren Oskar
Published: February 2023

There is strong scientific evidence for the existence of the significant economic value of several climate-related co-benefits. However, these are seldom recognised in policy-making, and knowledge is still scarce on some co-benefit types and categories. To identify research needs and highlight policy-making opportunities, we propose a new framework and three-type-taxonomy of climate-related co-benefits. We define climate policy co-benefits, such as improved air quality, as ‘Type 1’; co-benefits for climate objectives from policy-making in other fields, such as taxation, as ‘Type 2’; and co-benefits from policies designed to achieve multiple objectives as ‘Type 3’. In order to apply the framework and to analyse how co-benefits have been regarded in policy-making in a climate pioneering country, we also explore the case of Sweden. It is shown that several co-benefits exist, but that these are overlooked almost entirely in policy-making, constituting a bias against climate mitigation. In order to counteract this problem, the article presents a number of recommendations, including a call to researchers to identify and quantify additional co-benefits and to policy-makers on governance reforms, including the need to organise policy-making processes and set decision criteria that promote the consideration of co-benefits.
Amplification of Extreme Hot Temperatures over Recent Decades
Authors: Krakauer Nir Y.
Published: February 2023

While global warming is mostly conceptualized in terms of increases in mean temperature, changes in the most extreme conditions encountered often have disproportionate impacts. Here, a measure of warming amplification is defined as the change in the highest yearly temperature (denoted TXx), representing extreme heat, minus that in the 80th percentile daily high temperature (Tmax80), which represents typical summer conditions. Based on the ERA5 reanalysis, over 1959–2021, warming of TXx averaged 1.56 K over land areas, whereas warming of Tmax80 averaged 1.60 K. However, the population-weighted mean warming of TXx significantly exceeded warming of Tmax80 (implying positive amplification) over Africa, South America, and Oceania. Where available, station temperature observations generally showed similar trends to ERA5. These findings provide a new target for climate model calibration and insight for evaluating the changing risk of temperature extremes.
Tribo-Catalytic Conversions of H2O and CO2 by NiO Particles in Reactors with Plastic and Metallic Coatings
Authors: Lei Hua , Jia Xuchao , Wang Hongbo , Cui Xiaodong , Jia Yanmin , Fei Linfeng , Chen Wanping
Published: February 2023

NiO has been found to be highly outstanding in producing H2 and O2 from H2O through magnetic stirring, while its capability for the reduction of CO2 through mechanical stimulation has not been investigated. Presently, NiO particles have been employed to promote the conversion of H2O and CO2 enclosed in reactors into flammable gases through magnetic stirring. For a 150 mL glass reactor filled with 50 mL water, 1.00 g of NiO particles, and 1 atm of CO2, 24 h of magnetic stirring using a home-made Teflon magnetic rotary disk resulted in the formation of 33.80 ppm CO, 10.10 ppm CH4, and 12,868.80 ppm H2. More importantly, the reduction of CO2 was found to be substantially enhanced through coating some polymers and metals on the reactor bottoms, including 25.64 ppm CO and 70.97 ppm CH4 obtained for a PVC-coated reactor and 30.68 ppm CO, 52.78 ppm CH4, 3.82 ppm C2H6, and 2.18 ppm C2H4 obtained for a stainless steel-coated reactor. Hydroxyl radicals were detected using fluorescence spectroscopy for NiO particles under magnetic stirring in water. A tribo-catalytic mechanism has been proposed for the conversion of H2O and CO2 into flammable gases by NiO particles under magnetic stirring that is based on the excitation of electron-hole pairs in NiO by mechanical energy absorbed through friction. These findings not only reveal a great potential for mechanical energy to be utilized for CO2 conversion but are also valuable for fundamental studies.
Reusing Fine Silty Sand Excavated from Slurry Shield Tunnels as a Sustainable Raw Material for Synchronous Grouting
Authors: Wang Rui , Xu Haoqing , Liu Yi , Jiang Pengming , Zhou Aizhao
Published: February 2023

Using the Nanjing Dinghuaimen Yangtze River Tunnel project as a case study, we proposed a method to reuse the excavated silty-fine sand by adjusting the proportion of the waste sand to replace the commercial sand. This would address the issue of recycling the significant amount of waste sand generated when the slurry shield passes through the silty-fine sand stratum. Moreover, we have evaluated grout indicators such as density, fluidity, consistency, bleeding rate, volumetric shrinkage, setting time, and unconfined compressive strength and examined how the particle size and distribution of the sand affected the grout’s performance. The findings show that as the replacement ratio increases, the grout’s density, fluidity, consistency, and bleeding rate gradually increase; meanwhile, the volumetric shrinkage increases initially before decreasing; the setting time decreases gradually; the unconfined compressive strength initially decreases before increasing. The key factor altering the grout’s performance when the replacement ratio is less than 50% is the weakening of the adsorption effect of fine sand particles on water due to the increase in the sand’s fineness modulus. When it is greater than 50%, the particle size of the sand tends to be distributed nonuniformly and fine particles fill the voids between larger particles, thus contributing to the changes in grout properties.
Microstructure and Properties of an FeCoCrAlCu HEA Coating Synthesized via the Induction Remelting Method
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Ma Kai , Ding Yutian , Feng Li , Li Wensheng , Li Lingyu
Published: February 2023

An FeCoCrAlCu HEA coating was prepared on the surface of 45# steel by cold-spray-assisted induction remelting. The results showed that the FeCoCrAlCu HEA coating was composed of BCC and FCC phases. The BCC phase possessed an amplitude-modulated structure consisting of a B1-disordered phase (FeCr) and a B2-ordered phase (AlCo), as well as a nanoscale BCC phase precipitated near grain boundaries. The FCC phase was composed of a solid solution of the Al–Cu matrix and manifested characteristics of a typical twin structure. In addition, the hardness of the FeCoCrAlCu HEA coating was 528.2 HV. The friction coefficient of the FeCoCrAlCu HEA-/Al2O3 pair was 0.379, and the wear rate was 3.96 × 10−5 mm3/(N × m). In 3.5 wt.%NaCl and 5.0 wt.%H2SO4 corrosive media, the FeCoCrAlCu HEA coating had a more positive self-corrosion potential (Ecorr) and a lower corrosion current density (Icorr) than the substrate.
CMAS Corrosion Resistance Behavior and Mechanism of Hf6Ta2O17 Ceramic as Potential Material for Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Liu Sai , Liu Qing , Hu Xiaopeng , Guo Jinwei , Zhu Wang , Zhang Fan , Xia Jie
Published: February 2023

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have been seriously threatened by calcium-magnesium-alumina-silicate (CMAS) corrosion. The search for novel ceramic coatings for TBCs with excellent resistance to CMAS corrosion is ongoing. Herein, CMAS corrosion resistance behavior and the mechanism of a promising Hf6Ta2O17 ceramic coating for TBCs are investigated. The results show that temperature is the most important factor affecting the CMAS behavior and mechanism. At 1250 °C, the corrosion products are composed of dense reaction products (HfSiO4, CaXHf6−xTa2O17−x) and CMAS self-crystallization products. At 1300 and 1400 °C, the corrosion products are mainly dense CaTa2O6 and HfO2, which prevent further CMAS infiltration.
Linear Cryptanalysis of Reduced-Round Simeck Using Super Rounds
Authors: Almukhlifi Reham , Vora Poorvi L.
Published: February 2023

The Simeck family of lightweight block ciphers was proposed by Yang et al. in 2015, which combines the design features of the NSA-designed block ciphers Simon and Speck. Previously, we proposed the use of linear cryptanalysis using super-rounds to increase the efficiency of implementing Matsui’s second algorithm and achieved good results on all variants of Simon. The improved linear attacks result from the observation that, after four rounds of encryption, one bit of the left half of the state of the cipher depends on only 17 key bits (19 key bits for the larger variants of the cipher). We were able to follow a similar approach, in all variants of Simeck, with an improvement in Simeck 32 and Simeck 48 by relaxing the previous constraint of a single active bit, using multiple active bits instead. In this paper we present improved linear attacks against all variants of Simeck: attacks on 19-rounds of Simeck 32/64, 28-rounds of Simeck 48/96, and 34-rounds of Simeck 64/128, often with the direct recovery of the full master key without repeating the attack over multiple rounds. We also verified the results of linear cryptanalysis on 8, 10, and 12 rounds for Simeck 32/64.
A Brief Review of Sodium Bismuth Titanate-Based Lead-Free Materials for Energy Storage: Solid Solution Modification, Metal/metallic Oxide Doping, Defect Engineering and Process Optimizing
Authors: Li Zhuo , Yang Qiangbin , Wang Chenbo , Zhang Jiayong , Wang Zixuan , Gao Boyang , Li Zhe , Wang Zhuo , Yan Xin , Ai Tao , Wang Dawei , Niu Yanhui
Published: February 2023

With the ever-increasing demand for energy, research on energy storage materials is imperative. Thereinto, dielectric materials are regarded as one of the potential candidates for application in advanced pulsed capacitors by reason of their ultrahigh energy-storage density, low energy loss, and good thermal stability. Among the numerous dielectric materials for energy storage, sodium bismuth titanate (Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3, BNT) with high saturation polarization, as one of the successful alternatives to lead-based materials, has been extensively studied. However, degraded dielectric and ferroelectric properties as a consequence of chemical alterations usually produced by inhomogeneity in microstructure and composition due to the ion volatilization during preparing, thus affecting performance of devices. Hence, this review served to encompass the current state and progress on the optimization of energy storage performance in lead-free BNT-based materials over the past few years, including ceramics, multilayer ceramics, thin films, and thick films, involved in solid solution modification, metal/metallic oxide doping, process optimization and other related aspects to optimize energy storage performance. Furthermore, some prospective approach in the improvement of energy storage performance for BNT-based materials were also provided in this work according to the existing theoretical and experimental results, to impel their practical application.
Recent Updates on Local Ablative Therapy Combined with Chemotherapy for Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Photodynamic Therapy and Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Inoue Tadahisa , Yoneda Masashi
Published: February 2023

Although chemotherapy constitutes of the first-line standard therapy for unresectable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, the treatment outcomes are unsatisfactory. In recent years, local ablative therapy, which is delivered to the cholangiocarcinoma lesion via the percutaneous or endoscopic approach, has garnered attention for the treatment of unresectable, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Local ablative therapy, such as photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation, can achieve local tumor control. A synergistic effect may also be expected when local ablative therapy is combined with chemotherapy. However, it is a long way from being entrenched as an established therapeutic technique, and several unresolved problems persist, including the paucity of evidence comparing photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation. Clinical application of photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation requires sound comprehension and assimilation of the available evidence to truly benefit each individual patient. In this study, we reviewed the current status, issues, and future prospects of photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, with a special focus on their combination with chemotherapy.
CT Texture Analysis of Adrenal Pheochromocytomas: A Pilot Study
Authors: Crimì Filippo , Agostini Elena , Toniolo Alessandro , Torresan Francesca , Iacobone Maurizio , Tizianel Irene , Scaroni Carla , Quaia Emilio , Campi Cristina , Ceccato Filippo
Published: February 2023

Radiomics is a promising research field that combines big data analysis (from tissue texture analysis) with clinical questions. We studied the application of CT texture analysis in adrenal pheochromocytomas (PCCs) to define the correlation between the extracted features and the secretory pattern, the histopathological data, and the natural history of the disease. A total of 17 patients affected by surgically removed PCCs were retrospectively enrolled. Before surgery, all patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT and complete endocrine evaluation (catecholamine secretion and genetic evaluation). The pheochromocytoma adrenal gland scaled score (PASS) was determined upon histopathological examination. After a resampling of all CT images, the PCCs were delineated using LifeX software in all three phases (unenhanced, arterial, and venous), and 58 texture parameters were extracted for each volume of interest. Using the Mann–Whitney test, the correlations between the hormonal hypersecretion, the malignancy score of the lesion (PASS > 4), and texture parameters were studied. The parameters DISCRETIZED_HUpeak and GLZLM_GLNU in the unenhanced phase and GLZLM_SZE, CONVENTIONAL_HUmean, CONVENTIONAL_HUQ3, DISCRETIZED_HUmean, DISCRETIZED_AUC_CSH, GLRLM_HGRE, and GLZLM_SZHGE in the venous phase were able to differentiate secreting PCCs (p < 0.01), and the parameters GLZLM_GLNU in the unenhanced phase and GLRLM_GLNU and GLRLM_RLNU in the venous differentiated tumors with low and high PASS. CT texture analysis of adrenal PCCs can be a useful tool for the early identification of secreting or malignant tumors.
A Case of Life-Threatening Bleeding Due to a Locally Advanced Breast Carcinoma Successfully Treated with Transcatheter Arterial Embolization
Authors: Atzori Giulia , Diaz Raquel , Gipponi Marco , Cornacchia Chiara , Murelli Federica , Depaoli Francesca , Sparavigna Marco , Barbero Valentina , Petrocelli Francesco , Pitto Francesca , Franchelli Simonetta , Friedman Daniele , Fregatti Piero
Published: February 2023

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) may rarely present with acute severe bleeding. A case report dealing with transcatheter arterial embolization to control acute bleeding in a patient with a voluminous ulcerated breast mass is described. Our findings confirm that the endovascular approach is effective in such patients in order to stabilize the patient whenever conventional treatments have failed or bleeding may be life-threatening.
An Updated Systematic and Comprehensive Review of Cytoreductive Prostatectomy for Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yanagisawa Takafumi , Rajwa Pawel , Kawada Tatsushi , Bekku Kensuke , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Deimling Markus von , Majdoub Muhammad , Chlosta Marcin , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Heidenreich Axel , Kimura Takahiro , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Local therapy is highly promising in a multimodal approach strategy for patients with low-volume metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). We aimed to systematically assess and summarize the safety, oncologic, and functional outcomes of cytoreductive prostatectomy (cRP) in mPCa. (2) Methods: Three databases were queried in September 2022 for publications that analyzed mPCa patients treated with cytoreductive prostatectomy without restrictions. The outcomes of interest were progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), perioperative complication rates, and functional outcomes following cRP. (3) Results: Overall, 26 studies were included in this systematic review. Among eight population-based studies, cRP was associated with a reduced risk of CSS and OS compared with no local therapy (NLT) after adjusting for the effects of possible confounders. Furthermore, one population-based study showed that cRP reduced the risk of CSS even when compared with radiotherapy (RT) of the prostate after adjusting for the effects of possible confounders. In addition, one randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated that local therapy (comprising 85% of cRP) significantly improved the prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-PFS and OS. Overall, cRP had acceptable perioperative complication rates and functional outcomes. (4) Conclusions: Mounting evidence suggests that cRP offers promising oncological and functional outcomes and technical feasibility and that it is associated with limited complications. Well-designed RCTs that limit selection bias in patients treated with cRP are warranted.
Determining Extinction for Small Cryptic Species: The Morro Bay Kangaroo Rat
Authors: Hopkins Jaran , Bean Tim , Villablanca Francis
Published: February 2023

One third of missing mammal species thought to be extinct have been rediscovered. Determining extinction correctly, without misinterpreting negative evidence, is difficult and takes significant effort, especially for small, cryptic species. The Morro Bay kangaroo rat (MBKR), Dipodomys heermanni morroensis, is a small nocturnal rodent suspected of being extinct. This is because it has not been seen since 1986 despite three range-wide surveys conducted between 1995 and 2012, a recent scent-detecting dog survey, and over a dozen localized surveys. Causes of decline have been reported and the primary causes are thought to be development-driven habitat loss and ecological succession. Given this, we suspect that if the MBKR is extant, then it occurs in the periphery of its historical range. We summarize a survey of the Morro Bay sandspit, an area not previously considered part of MBKR’s range but that has the potential to be occupied. Inferences from the subspecies’ closest relative, Dipodomys heermanni arenae, were used to inform surveys and detection probability estimates for MBKR. Visual surveys of the sandspit in areas with the greatest probability of displaying signs yielded few occurrences of possible signs. Camera traps were deployed in winter and summer at locations with possible signs, but, despite occupancy model detection probabilities of 0.88 in winter and 0.97 in summer, there were no detections of MBKR. Given detection probability estimates inferred from Dipodomys heermanni arenae, the conditional occupancy estimate that MBKR are present on the sandspit but were missed by all cameras on all nights of surveying is extremely low (5 × 10−6). We conclude that the MBKR is not present on the Morro Bay sandspit, at least not in the habitat where its presence was most likely to be detected. Future surveys for this small, cryptic species will need to adapt to a combination of low expected occupancy and high expected detection probability.
Evaluation of the Presence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae and Cadmium Content in the Plants and Soils of Cocoa Plantations in San Martin, Peru
Authors: Luis-Alaya Bernabé , Toro Marcia , Calsina Rocío , Ogata-Gutiérrez Katty , Gil-Polo Alejandra , Ormeño-Orrillo Ernesto , Zúñiga-Dávila Doris
Published: February 2023

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is an important crop in Peru. International regulations require products derived from cocoa to be free of heavy metals (HMs), such as cadmium. Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) contribute to reduced HM content in the plant, preventing its accumulation in the fruit and facilitating the rhizodeposition of HMs through glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP). We studied the presence of mycorrhizal symbiosis in cocoa plants and cadmium in three plantations in San Martín, Peru. The maximum Cd content detected in soils was 1.09 (mg/kg), an amount below the tolerable limit for agricultural soil (≥1.4 mg/kg). Cocoa roots showed 68–86% active mycorrhizal colonization; agronomic management did not cause differences between plantations. Levels of GRSP were between 7.67 (GRSP-EE) and 13.75 (GRSP-T) mg protein g soil−1. Morphological and molecular analysis of Glomeromycota fungi showed the presence of families Claroideoglomeraceae, Paraglomeraceae, Gigasporaceae, Glomeraceae, Acaulosporaceae, Archaeosporaceae, and Diversisporaceae. Our results show the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in cocoa plantations and suggest that T. cacao may phytostabilize HM in its rhizosphere through the production of GRSP. The presence of mycorrhizal symbiosis indicates the potential for the preparation of biofertilizers for cocoa since the production of GRSP is promissory for the biostabilization of soil HMs.
Effects of Floods on Zooplankton Community Structure in the Huayanghe Lake
Authors: Zhou Mengmeng , Zhou Zhongze , Chen Wenwen
Published: February 2023

Floods can change the physicochemical factors of the water body and the zooplankton community. In the summer of 2020, Huayanghe Lake experienced floods. Here, eight cruises were conducted in Huayanghe Lake from 2020 to 2022 to study the response of environmental factors and the zooplankton community to the floods. The results demonstrated that floods increased the concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and chlorophyll a. In addition, during the floods, the number of rotifer species increased, while the number of cladoceran and copepod species decreased. Floods also reduced the average density and biomass of zooplankton. The results of Pearson correlation analysis and redundancy analysis showed that environmental factors, such as water depth, water temperature, transparency, nitrogen and phosphorus concentration, conductivity, coverage of aquatic vegetation and chlorophyll a, were closely related to the seasonal dynamics of zooplankton in Huayanghe Lake. Our research emphasizes that zooplankton can quickly respond to floods, providing data support for the ecological relationship between flooding and the zooplankton community, which is crucial for the preservation and restoration of the lake water ecosystem.
Microbial Communities of Peaty Permafrost Tundra Soils along the Gradient of Environmental Conditions and Anthropogenic Disturbance in Pechora River Delta in the Eastern European Arctic
Authors: Kravchenko Irina , Grouzdev Denis , Sukhacheva Marina , Minayeva Tatyana , Sirin Andrey
Published: February 2023

Microbial communities play crucial roles in the global carbon cycle, particularly in peatland and tundra ecosystems experiencing climate change. The latest IPCC assessments highlight the anthropogenic changes in the Arctic peatlands and their consequences due to global climate change. These disturbances could trigger permafrost degradation and intensification of the biogeochemical processes resulting in greenhouse gas formation. In this study, we describe the variation in diversity and composition of soil microbial communities from shallow peat tundra sites with different anthropogenic loads and applied restoration interventions in the landscape of remnant fragments of terraces in the Pechora River delta, the Russian Arctic, Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The molecular approaches, including quantitative real-time PCR and high-throughput Illumina sequencing of 16S RNA and ITS, were applied to examine the bacterial and fungal communities in the soil samples. Anthropogenic disturbance leads to a significant decrease in the representation of Acidobacteria and Verrucomicrobia, while the proportion and diversity of Proteobacteria increase. Fungal communities in undisturbed sites may be characterized as monodominant, and anthropogenic impact increases the fungal diversity. Only the verrucomicrobial methanotrophs Methyloacifiphilaceae were found in the undisturbed sites, but proteobacterial methanotrophs Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum, as well as different methylotrophs affiliated with Methylophilaceae, and Beijerinckiaceae (Methylorosula), were detected in disturbed sites.
Promoting Students’ Mental Health through Design and Implementation of Multi-Activity Pods in Educational Institutions Using the WELL Building Standard
Authors: Mohamed Riham Mohsen , Ali May A. Malek
Published: February 2023

The findings of several research studies conducted with university students that aimed to investigate the quantitative relationship between psychological distress, sleep difficulties, and homesickness have shown a significant interrelation among those factors. All the previous studies demonstrated benefits of napping, meditation, relaxation, and sharing feelings and experiences on students’ mental well-being, which could enrich the brain’s educational capacity, a matter that is relevant to a student’s learning level. This study aimed to encourage on-campus students to alleviate their feelings and relax. This process will help students to recharge their energy, in addition to increasing their alertness and focusing abilities, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified global stresses. In this study, the authors used a systematic review and literature analysis to understand the relationship between mental stresses and student performance. We then used an evidence-based research opinion poll and presented our work at different academic exhibitions for feedback as an approach for developing an experimental conceptual multi-activity unit that can be used across university campuses. The “Reviving Pod” was specifically designed for different activities: napping, meditation, and virtual communication. The designed approach utilizes state-of-the-art technologies (embedded sensors, smart ergonomic seats, contactless technologies, self-cleaning materials, IoT, virtual meetings platforms, mobile applications, etc.). A Reviving Pod can be located variably within a university campus. According to the poll results, we proposed a recreational zone design to accommodate the pods, as well as a diversity of activities that can encourage students to relieve their stresses and reinforce their health, consequently increasing their academic performance and supporting their well-being using the WELL Building Standard to promote better mental health, which is vital for students’ success.
Performance Evaluation of RapiSure (EDGC) COVID-19 S1 RBD IgG/Neutralizing Ab Test for the Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies
Authors: Kim Ha Nui , Yoon Jung , Jang Woong Sik , Lim Chae Seung
Published: February 2023

The accurate detection of anti-neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can aid in the understanding of the development of protective immunity against COVID-19. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the RapiSure (EDGC) COVID-19 S1 RBD IgG/Neutralizing Ab Test. Using the 90% plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) as a reference, 200 serum samples collected from 78 COVID-19-positive and 122 COVID-19-negative patients were divided into 76 PRNT90-positive and 124 PRNT90-negative groups. The ability of the RapiSure test to detect antibodies was compared to that of the STANDARD Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Plus test and that of PRNT90. The positive, negative, and overall percent agreement between the RapiSure and STANDARD Q test was 95.7%, 89.3%, and 91.5%, respectively, with a Cohen’s kappa of 0.82. The RapiSure neutralizing antibody test results revealed a sensitivity of 93.4% and a specificity of 100% compared to the PRNT results, with an overall percent agreement of 97.5% and Cohen’s kappa of 0.95. The diagnostic performance of the RapiSure test was in good agreement with the STANDARD Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Plus test and comparable to that of the PRNT. The RapiSure S1 RBD IgG/Neutralizing Ab Test was found to be convenient and reliable and, thus, can provide valuable information for rapid clinical decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.