bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifecycle-based feasibility indicators for floating solar photovoltaic plants along with implementable energy enhancement strategies and framework-driven assessment approaches leading to advancements in the simulation tool
Authors: Kumar Nallapaneni Manoj , Islam Sayemul , Podder Amit Kumer , Selim Ali , Bajaj Mohit , Kamel Salah
Published: February 2023

Floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) systems that allow solar panel installations on water bodies are gaining popularity worldwide as they mainly avoid land-use conflicts created by, and for their superior performance over, ground-mounted photovoltaic installations. Though many studies in the FSPV literature showed how superior FSPVs perform, we still believe there are few potential opportunities for further enhancement in performance. On the other side, the industry’s delivery of FSPV installation service to clients is often questioned, highlighting that FSPV modeling is compromised, leading to false promises on energy performance and feasibility. This might be true given the lack of modeling tools specific to FSPV. With this hypothesis, this review investigates existing modeling approaches by FSPV researchers/industry people practicing and potentially implementable energy performance enhancement strategies leading to the advancement of modeling tools. The review outcome suggested that every FSPV researcher/service provider must carefully design and optimize the FSPV system considering suitable performance enhancement strategies, for instance, replacing conventional solar panels with bifacial ones and integrating various cooling and cleaning methods. Also, while assessing the feasibility, they must follow the lifecycle-based performance indicators that broadly fall under the techno-economic-environmental and social aspects with an appropriate framework-driven assessment approach. Lastly, we have shown a conceptual FSPV project simulation tool consolidating the performance indicators and explored performance enhancement strategies that we believe would help the FSPV community.
Stainless steel wool as novel bioanode for microbial electrolysis cells: A systematic study of materials
Authors: Vázquez Isaac , Kerzenmacher Sven , Santiago Óscar
Published: February 2023

In the last years, microbial electrochemical technologies have received increasing attention due to their promising environmental potential. However, the identification of the most suitable materials for further development of these technologies tends to be challenging, especially for operation under realistic wastewater conditions. The objective of the present work is to carry out a systematic comparison of six anode materials (stainless-steel wool, carbon paper, graphite felt, graphite plate, graphite foil, and stainless-steel mesh) for microbial electrolysis cells operated for the treatment of brewery wastewater and determine the best material of these in sight of its electrochemical performance. For this purpose, the medium was semisynthetic brewery wastewater of low buffer capacity and low conductivity. The results suggest, that the degree of fermentation and characteristics of the studied media have only a minor impact on the limiting current density of the bioanodes. Here, the limiting current density of microbial anodes with stainless-steel wool (0.45 ± 0.07 mA·cm−2), a not so extensively studied promising material, outperformed commonly used materials such as graphite felt, without evidence of corrosion.
Regimentation of geochemical indicator elements employing convolutional deep learning algorithm
Authors: Sabbaghi Hamid , Tabatabaei Seyed Hassan
Published: February 2023

Recently, deep learning algorithms have been popularly developed for identifying multi-element geochemical patterns related to various mineralization occurrences. Effective recognition of multi-element geochemical anomalies is essential for mineral exploration, and effective recognition is extremely dependent on integral clustering. Deep learning algorithms can achieve impressive results in comparison to the prior methods of clustering indicator elements correlated to mineralization for a region of interest due to their superb capability of extracting features from complex data. Although numerous supervised and unsupervised deep learning algorithms have been executed for the recognition of geochemical anomalies, employing them for clustering geochemical indicator elements is rarely observed. In this research, a convolutional deep learning (CDL) algorithm was architected to recognize and regiment geochemical indicator elements in Takht-e Soleyman District, Iran. Various opinions and experiments were considered to reach optimum parameters of this architecture. Fortunately, the achieved root mean square error (RMSE) values were in the appropriate range (<20%) which display the predicted values of the dependent variables (Pb as a pioneer of the first group and Ag as a pioneer of the second group) through their independent variables that are so close to their actual values. Also, the great R2adj calculated (more than 90%) for the last stage of regimentation confirms impressive accuracy and performance of the convolutional deep learning algorithm for clustering geochemical indicator elements of the study area.
Bilateral impact of digital economy on air pollution: Emissions increase and reduction effects
Authors: Wang Ruomei , Ding Chenhui
Published: February 2023

China’s rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to ecological and environmental problems, particularly air pollution. Digitalization has become a key component in high-quality development to overcome the previous high-energy and high-pollution development model. However, a certain degree of “green blindness” exists in the digital development process, and the impact on air pollution is not always positive. Therefore, the impact of the digital economy on air pollution is worth exploring. In this study, the authors examines the emissions increase and reduction effect mechanisms of the digital economy on air pollution using panel data in 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020. The two-tier stochastic frontier model showed that the interaction between the emissions increase effect and emissions reduction effect of the digital economy reduced the actual air pollution emissions level below the frontier level by 0.15%, on average. Overall air pollution level is characterized prominently by emission reduction, owing to the asymmetric bilateral effect of the digital economy. Second, the time trend characteristics of the net effect of the digital economy on air pollution emissions showed a wave-like change; the average values of the net effect in the three major regions (i.e., the east, central, and west) were all negative. Third, along with the development of digital economy, human capital levels, and general economic levels, the emissions reduction effect of the digital economy on air pollution has strengthened, such that the net effect became positive to negative. However, significant heterogeneous characteristics were noted in the effects of the digital economy on air pollution under different levels of digital economy development, human capital, and economic development. This study provides practical paths for air pollution management, strengthening inter-regional environmental synergy management and high-quality economic development.
Overlooked sex and gender aspects of emerging infectious disease outbreaks: Lessons learned from COVID-19 to move towards health equity in pandemic response
Authors: Lawry Lynn Lieberman , Lugo-Robles Roberta , McIver Vicki
Published: February 2023

Sex and gender issues are especially important in emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) but are routinely overlooked despite data and practice. Each of these have an effect either directly, via the effects on vulnerability to infectious diseases, exposures to infectious pathogens, and responses to illness, and indirectly through effects on disease prevention and control programs. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the viral agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has underscored the importance of understanding the sex and gender impacts on pandemics. This review takes a broader looks at how sex and gender impact vulnerability, exposure risk, and treatment and response that affect incidence, duration, severity, morbidity, mortality, and disability of EIDs. And although EID epidemic and pandemic plans need to be “pro-women”, they need to be broader and include all sex and gender factors. Incorporation of these factors are a priority at the local, national, and global policy levels to fulfil the gaps in scientific research, public health intervention programs and pharmaceutical service strengthening to reduce emerging disease inequities in the population during pandemics and epidemics. A failure to do so creates acceptance of the inequities and infringes on fairness and human rights norms.
Evaluation of multiple immune cells and patient outcomes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Hui , Su Chanjuan , Li Ziteng , Ma Changchun , Hong Liangli , Li Zhe , Ma Xiaonan , Xu Yien , Wei Xiaolong , Geng Yiqun , Zhang Weifeng , Li Penghao , Gu Jiang
Published: February 2023

Recent reports indicate that immune cells in solid cancers have significant predictive and therapeutic value. IgG4 is a subclass of IgG and we recently found that it exerted an inhibitory effect in tumor immunity. We aimed to assess the significance of IgG4 and T cell subtypes in tumor prognosis. We investigated the density, distribution and relationship of five immune markers CD4, CD8, Foxp3, IL-10 and IgG4 with multiple immunostaining method in 118 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) together with clinical data. The relationship among different immune cell types and with clinical data were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model to identify independent risk factors among immune and clinicopathological parameters. Five-year survival rate of these patients treated with surgery reached 61%. Higher number of CD4+ plus CD8+ T cells predicted better prognosis (p=0.01) in tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) and could add to the value of TNM staging. Density of the newly identified immune inhibitor IgG4+ B lymphocytes was found positively correlated to that of CD4+ cells (p=0.02) and IL-10+ cells (p=0.0005), but number of infiltrating IgG4+ cells by itself was not an independent factor for prognosis. However, increased serum concentration of IgG4 indicated a poor prognosis of ESCC (p=0.03). 5-year survival rate of esophageal cancer after surgery has been significantly improved. Increased T cells in TLS predicted better survival, suggesting that T cells in TLS may actively participate in anti-tumor immunity. Serum IgG4 could be a useful predictor of prognosis.
T-cell exhaustion and stemness in antitumor immunity: Characteristics, mechanisms, and implications
Authors: Chi Xiaoxia , Luo Shahang , Ye Peng , Hwang Wei-Lun , Cha Jong-Ho , Yan Xiuwen , Yang Wen-Hao
Published: February 2023

T cells play a crucial role in the regulation of immune response and are integral to the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Because immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for cancer, increasing attention has been focused on the differentiation and function of T cells in immune response. In this review, we describe the research progress on T-cell exhaustion and stemness in the field of cancer immunotherapy and summarize advances in potential strategies to intervene and treat chronic infection and cancer by reversing T-cell exhaustion and maintaining and increasing T-cell stemness. Moreover, we discuss therapeutic strategies to overcome T-cell immunodeficiency in the tumor microenvironment and promote continuous breakthroughs in the anticancer activity of T cells.
Effects of Helicobacter pylori adhesin HopQ binding to CEACAM receptors in the human stomach
Authors: Nguyen Quynh Anh , Schmitt Leonard , Mejías-Luque Raquel , Gerhard Markus
Published: February 2023

Helicobacter pylori has developed several strategies using its diverse virulence factors to trigger and, at the same time, limit the host’s inflammatory responses in order to establish a chronic infection in the human stomach. One of the virulence factors that has recently received more attention is a member of the Helicobacter outer membrane protein family, the adhesin HopQ, which binds to the human Carcinoembryonic Antigen-related Cell Adhesion Molecules (CEACAMs) on the host cell surface. The HopQ-CEACAM interaction facilitates the translocation of the cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA), an important effector protein of H. pylori, into host cells via the Type IV secretion system (T4SS). Both the T4SS itself and CagA are important virulence factors that are linked to many aberrant host signaling cascades. In the last few years, many studies have emphasized the prerequisite role of the HopQ-CEACAM interaction not only for the adhesion of this pathogen to host cells but also for the regulation of cellular processes. This review summarizes recent findings about the structural characteristics of the HopQ-CEACAM complex and the consequences of this interaction in gastric epithelial cells as well as immune cells. Given that the upregulation of CEACAMs is associated with many H. pylori-induced gastric diseases including gastritis and gastric cancer, these data may enable us to better understand the mechanisms of H. pylori’s pathogenicity.
MicroRNA-183/96/182 cluster in immunity and autoimmunity
Authors: Wang Zhuang , Dai Rujuan , Ahmed Sattar Ansar
Published: February 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in ubiquitous biological processes, including immune-related pathways. This review focuses on the miR-183/96/182 cluster (miR-183C), which contains three miRNAs, miR-183, -96, and -182, having almost identical seed sequences with minor differences. The similarity among seed sequences allows these three miRNAs to act cooperatively. In addition, their minor differences permit them to target distinct genes and regulate unique pathways. The expression of miR-183C was initially identified in sensory organs. Subsequently, abnormal expression of miR-183C miRNAs in various cancers and autoimmune diseases has been reported, implying their potential role in human diseases. The regulatory effects of miR-183C miRNAs on the differentiation and function of both innate and adaptive immune cells have now been documented. In this review, we have discussed the complex role of miR-183C in the immune cells in both normal and autoimmune backgrounds. We highlighted the dysregulation of miR-183C miRNAs in several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), and ocular autoimmune disorders, and discussed the potential for utilizing miR-183C as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of specific autoimmune diseases.
Effects of systemic inflammation and frailty on survival in elderly cancer patients: Results from the INSCOC study
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wang Ziwen , Song Mengmeng , Liu Tong , Ding Jiashan , Deng Li , Zhang Xi , Qian Liang , Ge Yizhong , Xie Hailun , Ruan Guotian , Song Chunhua , Yao Qinghua , Xu Hongxia , Ju Haixing , Shi Hanping
Published: February 2023

Background

Frailty and systemic inflammation are parameters, which are easy to evaluate, can be used to predict disease outcomes, and are potentially modifiable. The combination of frailty and inflammation-based data may help identify elderly cancer patients predisposed to adverse clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the association of systemic inflammation and frailty at admission, and to determine whether these risk factors interact and may predict the survival of elderly cancer patients.

Methods

A prospective Investigation on Nutrition Status and Clinical Outcome of Common Cancers (INSCOC) with 5,106 elderly cancer patients admitted from 2013 through 2020 was included in this study. The primary marker of inflammation was the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), with the reference group having NLR<3, which indicated no inflammation. Frailty was assessed using the FRAIL scale, and patients with≥3 positives out of a total of five components were assumed to be frail. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. We classified participants according to the presence (or absence) of frailty and high inflammation and assessed their association with overall survival using the Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic, tumor, and treatment factors.

Results

Among the 5,106 patients enrolled in the study, 3396 individuals (66.51%) were male and the mean( ± SD) age at diagnosis was 70.92( ± 5.34). Over a median of 33.5 months follow-up, we observed 2,315 deaths. Increasing NLR was associated with frailty (compared with NLR<3, odds ratio=1.23, 95%CI=1.08-1.41 for NLR≥3). An NLR≥3 and frailty independently predicted the overall survival [hazard ratio(HR)=1.35, 95%CI=1.24-1.47 and HR=1.38, 95%CI=1.25-1.52, respectively). Patients with both frailty and NLR≥3 had the lowest overall survival(HR=1.83, 95%CI=1.59-2.04) than patients with no risk factors. The mortality rate increased with the presence of the frailty components.

Conclusions

Systemic inflammation was positively associated with frailty. Frail elderly cancer patients with elevated systemic inflammation had low survival rate.
Proactive classical biological control of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in California (U.S.): Host range testing of Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae)
Authors: Gómez Marco Francesc , Yanega Douglas , Ruiz Marta , Hoddle Mark S.
Published: February 2023

Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), the spotted lanternfly, native to China, invaded and established in the northeast U.S. in 2014. Since this time, populations have grown and spread rapidly, and invasion bridgeheads have been detected in mid-western states (i.e., Indiana in 2021). This invasive pest presents a significant threat to Californian agriculture. Therefore, a proactive classical biological control program using Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), a L. delicatula egg parasitoid native to China, was initiated in anticipation of eventual establishment of L. delicatula in California. In support of this proactive approach, the potential host range of A. orientalis was investigated. Eggs of 34 insect species either native or non-native to the southwestern U.S. were assessed for suitability for parasitism and development of A. orientalis. Of the native species tested, 10, 13, and one were Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, and Mantodea, respectively. Of the non-native species, eight Hemiptera and two Lepidoptera were evaluated. Host range tests conducted in a quarantine facility, exposed individually mated A. orientalis females (Haplotype C) to non-target and target (i.e., L. delicatula) eggs in sequential no-choice and static choice experiments to determine suitability for parasitization and development. Additionally, the sex ratio, fertility, and size of offspring obtained from non-target and target eggs were evaluated. Results of host range testing indicated that A. orientalis is likely polyphagous and can successfully parasitize and develop in host species belonging to at least two different orders (i.e., Hemiptera, Lepidoptera) and seven families (Coreidae, Erebidae, Fulgoridae, Lasiocampidae, Pentatomidae, Saturniidae and Sphingidae). Prospects for use of A. orientalis as a classical biological control agent of L. delicatula in the southwestern U.S. are discussed.
‘Hanging gardens’—comparing fauna communities in kelp farms and wild kelp forests
Authors: Bekkby Trine , Torstensen Ragnhild Ryther Grimm , Grünfeld Lars Andreas Holm , Gundersen Hege , Fredriksen Stein , Rinde Eli , Christie Hartvig , Walday Mats , Andersen Guri Sogn , Brkljacic Marijana S. , Neves Luiza , Hancke Kasper
Published: February 2023

A growing need for food is causing increased interest for seaweed farming globally. This requires the knowledge of the industry’s effects on the marine environment. We therefore aimed to explore the communities hosted by a kelp farm compared to that of wild kelp forests. The study was performed in mid-western Norway. Kelp associated fauna were collected from farmed kelp (Saccharina latissimaandAlaria esculenta), in wild kelp forests (S. latissima,A. esculenta, andLaminaria hyperborea), and from fauna traps in the water column. The study showed that the kelp farm had lower taxa abundance and richness and a lower biodiversity than the wild kelp forests. Nonetheless, the farmed kelp hosted many associated species, with communities different from what was found on ropes without kelp (i.e., in the water column). The fauna communities among the farmed kelp were more similar to what was found in the wildL. hyperboreakelp forest than to its wild counterparts. The difference between the fauna communities of ‘old’ and ‘young’ farmed kelp (grown for 3 and 7 months, respectively) was not significant, but the fauna was dominated by the isopod speciesIdotea pelagicain the young forest and by amphipods, mainly belonging to the genusCaprella, in the older. The study contributes to our knowledge of kelp farms’ ecological role in the marine environment, which is of importance for today’s management as well as for ensuring a sustainable future development of the kelp farming industry.
Anomalous DOC signatures reveal iron control on export dynamics in the Pacific Southern Ocean
Authors: Lopez Chelsea N. , Hansell Dennis A.
Published: February 2023

Here we shed light on two mechanisms that stimulate deep particle export via upper-ocean iron fertilization in the Southern Ocean: deep frontal mixing and melting of sea ice. We present data collected a decade apart in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean when, serendipitously, seasonal Antarctic ice melt was anomalously low (2008) and anomalously high (2017). In 2008, the low ice melt year, we concluded that vertical mixing of iron into the euphotic zone via deep-mixing fronts was the primary stimulant of export that reached depths of ~1500 meters. This process was evidenced by localized enhancements of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations up to 4 µmol C kg-1 beneath seven branches of fronts embedded within the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). We used these enhanced DOC concentrations in the bathypelagic as primary indications of the depths and locations of recent export, as it is a logical residue of such. In 2017, the year in which sea ice melt was anomalously high, we concluded that the main driver of a widespread export event to the seafloor was the lateral influx of iron within the melt. Indications of this event included substantial enhancements of DOC concentrations (2 - 6 µmol C kg-1), elevated beam attenuation, and enhanced surface iron concentrations associated with a layer of low salinity water at a nearby station. Further, significant deficits of upper ocean silicic acid during the 2017 occupation indicated that deep export was likely stimulated by an iron-fueled diatom bloom. This analysis highlights the impact of iron supplied from frontal vertical mixing and sea ice melt on export and ultimately for long-term carbon sequestration in the Southern Ocean, as well as the utility of deep DOC enrichments as signatures of particle export. Understanding the impact that ice melt events have on carbon export is crucial given that anomalous events are occurring more often as our climate changes.
Increasing coastal reclamation by Invasive alien plants and coastal armoring threatens the ecological sustainability of coastal wetlands
Authors: Li Jian , Leng Zhanrui , Yuguda Taitiya Kenneth , Wei Lili , Xia Jiaojiao , Zhuo Chongyu , Nie Ziying , Du Daolin
Published: February 2023

Coastal reclamation is becoming a common land restoration trend all over the world as a result of the rising demand for land. Though restoring coastal wetlands has significant economic advantages, a slew of adverse ecological effects threatens the carbon functions of coastal wetlands. For the objective of making appropriate land use policymaking, the ecological-economic trade-offs of reclamation initiatives must be carefully considered. In this study, we utilized appropriate models to estimate the ecosystem service values and economic benefits of invasive alien plants and embankment seawall coastal reclamation in China. We centered on three main ecology-related ecosystem services: greenhouse gas regulation, storm-flood-erosion control, and waste treatment/habitat preservation. Coastal reclamation intensity index and financial analysis were utilized to assess the trade-offs between ecological degradation and economic benefit resulting from land reclamation. Findings reveal that a total of 26,322 ha and 10,731 km of coastal wetlands were reclaimed by Spartina alterniflora and seawalls respectively from 2000 to 2020 in China. S. alterniflora reclamation resulted in a significant decline of ESV loss of 5,702,454 Yuan ha−1, while seawalls reclamation yielded some Ecosystem service value (ESV) gain of 4,800, 111 Yuan km-1 from 2000-2020. The combined effects of coastal armoring and invasive S. alterniflora reclamation led to a loss of about 32.2 billion Yuan in ESV for the study duration. Economic gains failed to make up for the ecosystem service value ESV loss, since the cumulative ESV loss significantly exceeded the economic gains across the period studied. This correlation of trade-offs emerged from reclamation development that favored quick economic gains over long-lasting ecological value, posing a potential long-term threat to the ecological integrity and carbon sinks in coastal wetlands. To establish an equilibrium between seawall reclamation and Invasive alien plant species spread in coastal wetlands, stakeholders could use this scientific knowledge as leverage to avert future irreparable losses.
New evidence for coiling direction of benthic foraminifera as a temperature proxy
Authors: Dong Shuaishuai , Lei Yanli , Wu Tianzhen , Li Meng
Published: February 2023

Foraminifera are sensitive to climate change and their species composition, shell chemical element composition and morphological characteristics are useful paleoenvironmental proxies. Coiling direction is a distinctive and easily identifiable morphological feature in trochospiral foraminifera and has been used for paleoceanographic reconstruction. Here, we conducted a field survey in a low intertidal zone in Yellow Sea for 13 months and performed a culture experiment under three temperatures and four salinities for the benthic foraminifera to seek the relationship between coiling direction and environmental factors. Our results showed that the dominant benthic foraminifera Ammonia aomoriensis (Asano, 1951) preferred sinistral direction under high temperature and had no preference with salinity. Statistical analysis showed that the ratio of sinistral/dextral in A. aomoriensis was significantly positively correlated with temperature (r = 0.5017, p = 0.0011 for field survey and r = 0.5117, p = 0.0014 for culture experiment), but had no evident relationship with salinity (p > 0.05). The ratio of sinistral/dextral was significantly negatively related with the abundance of A. aomoriensis (p < 0.05) and the ratio of sinistral/dextral was significantly positively related with the size (p < 0.05). This was the first study on the coiling direction of benthic foraminifera combining the field survey and culture experiment. Our findings suggested that the ratio of sinistral/dextral in A. aomoriensis could be used to indicate the change of temperature. This study offered new evidence for the reliability of the coiling direction as a temperature proxy and made us rethink the significance of the morphological change in biological adaptation and evolution.
Gas-assisted electrospinning of high-performance ceramic fibers: Optimal design modelling and experimental results of the gas channel of the nozzle
Authors: Xu Guojie , Chen Mingyi , Gao Yufei , Chen Ying , Luo Zhifeng , Wang Han , Fan Jie , Luo Jie , Ou Weicheng , Zeng Jun , Zhu Ziming , Chen Rouxi
Published: February 2023

Electrospinning (ES) of ceramic fibers has mostly remained in the research level, which can be because of the hard process and parameters controlling the low rate of production. The yield of fiber production by solution blow spinning (SBS) is exciting but the production process is unstable due to the reverse flow phenomenon. In this paper, we prepared high-performance ceramic fibers by gas-assisted electrospinning (GES), which combined the advantages of ES and SBS. Also, comprehensive numerical and experimental analysis for nanofibers produced using GES are provided. The gas flow characteristics through different parameters' nozzle were investigated numerically using computational fluid dynamics and experimentally in a custom-built gas-assisted electrospinning setup to produce SiO2 nanofibers.
Combining the good tribological properties with the high adhesion strength of the amorphous carbon films in situ grown on PI
Authors: Wu Yutao , Wang Yongxin , Li Yue
Published: February 2023

Polyimide (PI) is widely utilized in the modern industry because of its excellent heat resistance, dielectric properties, radiation resistance and chemical stability. However, PI will appear wear failure due to different working environments in the application of various friction components. In order to ensure the normal function of Pi-based parts and reduce the wear of PI materials, it is necessary to deposit amorphous carbon film with high adhesion strength and wear resistance on PI substrate. In this experiment, we treated polyimide surfaces with carbon plasma to prepare the amorphous carbon films with in situ transition layers. The microstructure, mechanical properties and tribological properties of the amorphous carbon films were studied. The results showed that the hardness and wear resistance of the PI surface were greatly improved by the amorphous carbon film with in situ transition layer. More importantly, the in situ transition endowed the film high adhesion strength on the PI substrate. The roles of the carbon plasma in the deposition process of the amorphous carbon, namely, the deposition effect, and the induction effect, referring to the effect on the top layer of PI substrate, were systematically analyzed. This work realizes the purpose of protecting the PI surface with the amorphous carbon film with high adhesion strength, and also provides a new idea for improving the adhesion between hard coating and flexible substrate.
Serum transthyretin and aminotransferases are associated with lean mass in people with coronary heart disease: Further insights from the CARE-CR study
Authors: James Emily , Goodall Stuart , Nichols Simon , Walker Karen , Carroll Sean , O’Doherty Alasdair F. , Ingle Lee
Published: February 2023

Background

Low muscle mass disproportionately affects people with coronary heart disease compared to healthy controls but is under-researched and insufficiently treated. Inflammation, poor nutrition, and neural decline might contribute to low muscle mass. This study aimed to assess circulatory biomarkers related to these mechanisms [albumin, transthyretin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and C-terminal agrin fragment] and their relationship with muscle mass in people with coronary heart disease. Our findings could be beneficial to indicate mechanisms of sarcopenia, detect sarcopenia, and evaluate treatment.

Methods

Serum blood samples from people with coronary heart disease were analysed for biomarker concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Skeletal muscle mass was estimated using dual X-ray absorptiometry derived appendicular lean mass and reported as skeletal muscle index (SMI; kg m−2), and as a proportion of total body mass [appendicular skeletal mass (ASM%)]. Low muscle mass was defined as a SMI <7.0 and <6.0 kg m−2, or ASM% <25.72 and <19.43% for men and women, respectively. Associations between biomarkers and lean mass were adjusted for age and inflammation.

Results

Sixty-four people were assessed; 14 (21.9%) had low muscle mass. People with low muscle mass had lower transthyretin (effect size 0.34, p = 0.007), ALT (effect size 0.34, p = 0.008), and AST (effect size 0.26, p = 0.037) concentrations, compared to those with normal muscle mass. SMI was associated with inflammation-corrected ALT (r = 0.261, p = 0.039) and with inflammation- and age-adjusted AST/ALT ratio (r = −0.257, p = 0.044). Albumin and C-terminal agrin fragment were not associated with muscle mass indices.

Conclusion

Circulatory transthyretin, ALT and AST were associated with low muscle mass in people with coronary heart disease. Low concentrations of these biomarkers might indicate that low muscle mass is partially explained by poor nutrition and high inflammation in this cohort. Targeted treatments to address these factors could be considered for people with coronary heart disease.
A global analysis of the value of precision medicine in oncology – The case of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hofmarcher Thomas , Malmberg Chiara , Lindgren Peter
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Biomarker testing is indispensable for the implementation of precision medicine (PM) in oncology. The aim of this study was to assess the value of biomarker testing from a holistic perspective based on the example of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC).

Materials and methods

A partitioned survival model was populated with data from pivotal clinical trials of first-line treatments in aNSCLC. Three testing scenarios were considered; “no biomarker testing” encompassing chemotherapy treatment, “sequential testing” for EGFR and ALK encompassing treatment with targeted- or chemotherapy, and “multigene testing” covering EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, NTRK, MET, RET and encompassing treatment with targeted- or immuno(chemo)therapy. Analyses of health outcomes and costs were run for nine countries (Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Japan, Poland, South Africa, Turkey, United States). A 1-year and 5-year time horizon was applied. Information on test accuracy was combined with country-specific information on epidemiology and unit costs.

Results

Compared to the no-testing scenario, survival improved and treatment-related adverse events decreased with increased testing. Five-year survival increased from 2% to 5–7% and to 13–19% with sequential testing and multigene testing, respectively. The highest survival gains were observed in East Asia due to a higher local prevalence of targetable mutations. Overall costs increased with increased testing in all countries. Although costs for testing and medicines increased, costs for treatment of adverse events and end-of-life care decreased throughout all years. Non-health care costs (sick leave and disability pension payments) decreased during the first year but increased over a 5-year horizon.

Conclusion

The broad use of biomarker testing and PM in aNSCLC leads to more efficient treatment assignment and improves health outcomes for patients globally, in particular prolonged progression-free disease phase and overall survival. These health gains require investment in biomarker testing and medicines. While costs for testing and medicines would initially increase, cost decreases for other medical services and non-health care costs may partly offset the cost increases.
Evaluation of changes in antimicrobial susceptibility in bacteria infecting children and their mothers in pediatric, neonatal-intensive care unit, and gynecology/obstetrics wards of a quaternary referral hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pinheiro Felipe Ramos , Rozza-de-Menezes Rafaela Elvira , Blum Marina Camille , Pereira Renata Freire Alves , Rocha Jaqueline Abel , Guedes Pinto Maria Cristina F. , Penna Bruno A. , Riley Lee W. , Aguiar-Alves Fabio
Published: February 2023

The World Health Organization released a statement warning of increased risk for the incidence of multidrug resistant microorganisms and the absence of new drugs to control such infections soon. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prescription of antimicrobial agents has increased and may have accelerated the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate maternal and pediatric infections within a hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. An observational retrospective cohort study was performed at a quaternary referral hospital in a metropolitan area of Niteroi city, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A total of 196 patients’ medical records were analyzed. The data from 90 (45.9%) patients were collected before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, 29 (14.8%) from the 2020 pandemic period, and 77 (39.3%) from the 2021 pandemic period. A total of 256 microorganisms were identified during this period. Out of those, 101 (39.5%) were isolated in 2019, 51 (19.9%) in 2020, and 104 (40.6%) in 2021. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed on 196 (76.6%) clinical isolates. The exact binomial test showed that the distribution of Gram-negative bacteria was predominant. The most common microorganism was Escherichia coli (23%; n = 45), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (17.9%, n = 35), Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.8%, n = 25), Enterococcus faecalis (7.7%, n = 15), Staphylococcus epidermidis (6.6%, n = 13) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.6%, n = 11). Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant species among resistant bacteria. Among the antimicrobial agents tested, the following were resistant, presented on a descending scale: penicillin (72.7%, p = 0.001, Binomial test), oxacillin (68.3%, p = 0.006, Binomial test), ampicillin (64.3%, p = 0.003, Binomial test), and ampicillin/sulbactam (54.9%, p = 0.57, Binomial test). Infections with S. aureus were 3.1 times greater in pediatrics and maternal units than in other hospital wards. Despite the global reduction in the incidence of MRSA, we observed an increase in MDR S. aureus in this study. No changes were observed in the frequency of resistance profiles of the clinical isolates after the establishment of the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. More comprehensive studies are needed to understand the impact of the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the resistance levels of bacteria associated with neonate and pediatric patients.
Bioenhanced degradation of toluene by layer-by-layer self-assembled silica-based bio-microcapsules
Authors: Lin Hongyang , Yang Yang , Li Yongxia , Feng Xuedong , Li Qiuhong , Niu Xiaoyin , Ma Yanfei , Liu Aijv
Published: February 2023

In this study, micron-sized monodisperse SiO2 microspheres were used as sacrificial templates, and chitosan/polylactic acid (CTS/PLA) bio-microcapsules were produced using the layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly method. Microcapsules isolate bacteria from their surroundings, forming a separate microenvironment and greatly improving microorganisms’ ability to adapt to adverse environmental conditions. Morphology observation indicated that the pie-shaped bio-microcapsules with a certain thickness could be successfully prepared through LBL assembly method. Surface analysis showed that the LBL bio-microcapsules (LBMs) had large fractions of mesoporous. The biodegradation experiments of toluene and the determination of toluene degrading enzyme activity were also carried out under external adverse environmental conditions (i.e., unsuitable initial concentrations of toluene, pH, temperature, and salinity). The results showed that the removal rate of toluene by LBMs can basically reach more than 90% in 2 days under adverse environmental conditions, which is significantly higher than that of free bacteria. In particular, the removal rate of toluene by LBMs can reach four times that of free bacteria at pH 3, which indicates that LBMs maintain a high level of operational stability for toluene degradation. Flow cytometry analysis showed that LBL microcapsules could effectively reduce the death rate of the bacteria. The results of the enzyme activity assay showed that the enzyme activity was significantly stronger in the LBMs system than in the free bacteria system under the same unfavorable external environmental conditions. In conclusion, the LBMs were more adaptable to the uncertain external environment, which provided a feasible bioremediation strategy for the treatment of organic contaminants in actual groundwater.
Biochemical and genetic examination of two aminotransferases from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Su Yu , Michimori Yuta , Atomi Haruyuki
Published: February 2023

The hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis utilizes amino acids as a carbon and energy source. Multiple aminotransferases, along with glutamate dehydrogenase, are presumed to be involved in the catabolic conversion of amino acids. T. kodakarensis harbors seven Class I aminotransferase homologs on its genome. Here we examined the biochemical properties and physiological roles of two Class I aminotransferases. The TK0548 protein was produced in Escherichia coli and the TK2268 protein in T. kodakarensis. Purified TK0548 protein preferred Phe, Trp, Tyr, and His, and to a lower extent, Leu, Met and Glu. The TK2268 protein preferred Glu and Asp, with lower activities toward Cys, Leu, Ala, Met and Tyr. Both proteins recognized 2-oxoglutarate as the amino acceptor. The TK0548 protein exhibited the highest kcat/Km value toward Phe, followed by Trp, Tyr, and His. The TK2268 protein exhibited highest kcat/Km values for Glu and Asp. The TK0548 and TK2268 genes were individually disrupted, and both disruption strains displayed a retardation in growth on a minimal amino acid medium, suggesting their involvement in amino acid metabolism. Activities in the cell-free extracts of the disruption strains and the host strain were examined. The results suggested that the TK0548 protein contributes to the conversion of Trp, Tyr and His, and the TK2268 protein to that of Asp and His. Although other aminotransferases seem to contribute to the transamination of Phe, Trp, Tyr, Asp, and Glu, our results suggest that the TK0548 protein is responsible for the majority of aminotransferase activity toward His in T. kodakarensis. The genetic examination carried out in this study provides insight into the contributions of the two aminotransferases toward specific amino acids in vivo, an aspect which had not been thoroughly considered thus far.
Biomarker discovery for tuberculosis using metabolomics
Authors: Yu Yi , Jiang Xin-Xin , Li Ji-Cheng
Published: February 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death among infectious diseases, and the ratio of cases in which its pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is drug resistant has been increasing worldwide, whereas latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) may develop into active TB. Thus it is important to understand the mechanism of drug resistance, find new drugs, and find biomarkers for TB diagnosis. The rapid progress of metabolomics has enabled quantitative metabolite profiling of both the host and the pathogen. In this context, we provide recent progress in the application of metabolomics toward biomarker discovery for tuberculosis. In particular, we first focus on biomarkers based on blood or other body fluids for diagnosing active TB, identifying LTBI and predicting the risk of developing active TB, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of anti-TB drugs. Then we discuss the pathogen-based biomarker research for identifying drug resistant TB. While there have been many reports of potential candidate biomarkers, validations and clinical testing as well as improved bioinformatics analysis are needed to further substantiate and select key biomarkers before they can be made clinically applicable.
Musicogenic seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy: Case reports based on ictal source localization analysis
Authors: Bratu Ionut-Flavius , Nica Adriana Elena , Oane Irina , Daneasa Andrei , Stoica Sergiu , Barborica Andrei , Mindruta Ioana
Published: February 2023

Musicogenic epilepsy is a rare form of reflex epilepsy in which seizures are provoked by music. Different musicogenic stimuli have been identified: pleasant/unpleasant music or specific musical patterns. Several etiologies have been uncovered, such as focal cortical dysplasia, autoimmune encephalitis, tumors, or unspecific gliosis. In this article, we report two patients with musicogenic seizures. The first patient was diagnosed with structural temporal lobe epilepsy. Her seizures were elicited by music that she liked. Interictal and ictal video-electroencephalography (video-EEG) and signal analysis using independent component analysis revealed the right temporal lobe seizure onset extending over the neocortical regions. The patient underwent right temporal lobectomy (including the amygdala, the head, and the body of the hippocampus) and faced an Engel IA outcome 3 years post-surgery. The second patient was diagnosed with autoimmune temporal lobe epilepsy (GAD-65 antibodies). Her seizures were triggered by contemporary hit radio songs without any personal emotional significance. Interictal and ictal video-electroencephalography (video-EEG) and independent component analysis highlighted the left temporal lobe seizure onset extending over the neocortical regions. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was initiated, and the patient became seizure-free at 1 year. In conclusion, musicogenic seizures may be elicited by various auditory stimuli, the presence or absence of an emotional component offering an additional clue for the underlying network pathophysiology. Furthermore, in such cases, the use of independent component analysis of the scalp EEG signals proves useful in revealing the location of the seizure generator, and our findings point toward the temporal lobe, both mesial and neocortical regions.
Three-photon excited fluorescence imaging in neuroscience: From principles to applications
Authors: Xiao Yujie , Deng Peng , Zhao Yaoguang , Yang Shasha , Li Bo
Published: February 2023

The development of three-photon microscopy (3PM) has greatly expanded the capability of imaging deep within biological tissues, enabling neuroscientists to visualize the structure and activity of neuronal populations with greater depth than two-photon imaging. In this review, we outline the history and physical principles of 3PM technology. We cover the current techniques for improving the performance of 3PM. Furthermore, we summarize the imaging applications of 3PM for various brain regions and species. Finally, we discuss the future of 3PM applications for neuroscience.