bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D-Dimer: A Possible Biomolecule Modulator in Cytotoxic and Phagocytosis Processes?
Authors: Herwig Ralf , Erlbacher Katharina , Ibrahimagic Amela , Kacar Mehtap , Brajshori Naime , Beqiri Petrit , Greilberger Joachim
Published: July 2022

Background: Vitamin D3 complexed to deglycosylated vitamin D binding protein (VitD-dgVDBP) is a water-soluble vitamin D dimeric compound (VitD-dgVDBP). It is not clear how VitD-dgVDBP affects circulating monocytes, macrophages, other immune cell systems, including phagocytosis and apoptosis, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to dgVDBP. Methods: Flow cytometry was used to measure superoxide anion radical (O2*−) levels and macrophage activity in the presence of VitD-dgVDBP or dgVDBP. VitD-dgVDBP was incubated with normal human lymphocytes (nPBMCs), and several clusters of determination (CDs) were estimated. dgVDBP and VitD-dgVDBP apoptosis was estimated on malignant prostatic cells. Results: The macrophage activity was 2.8-fold higher using VitD-dgVDBP (19.8·106 counts) compared to dgVDBP (7.0·106 counts), but O2*− production was 1.8-fold lower in favor of VitD-dgVDBP (355·103 counts) compared to dgVDBP (630·106 counts). The calculated ratio of the radical/macrophage activity was 5-fold lower compared to that of dgVDBP. Only VitD-dgVDBP activated caspase-3 (8%), caspase-9 (13%), and cytochrome-C (11%) on prostatic cancer cells. PE-Cy7-labeled VitD-dgVDBP was found to bind to cytotoxic suppressor cells, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic and natural killer cells (CD8+), and helper cells (CD4+). After 12 h of co-incubation of nPBMCs with VitD-dgVDBP, significant activation and expression were measured for CD16++/CD16 (0.6 ± 0.1% vs. 0.4 ± 0.1%, p < 0.05), CD45k+ (96.0 ± 6.0% vs. 84.7 ± 9.5%, p < 0.05), CD85k+ (24.3 ± 13.2% vs. 3.8 ± 3.2%, p < 0.05), and CD85k+/CD123+ (46.8 ± 8.1% vs. 3.5 ± 3.7%, p < 0.001) compared to the control experiment. No significant difference was found using CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4/CD8, CD4/CD8, CD16+, CD16++, CD14+, or CD123+. A significant decline in CD14+/CD16+ was obtained in the presence of VitD-dgVDBP (0.7 ± 0.2% vs. 3.1 ± 1.7%; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The newly developed water-soluble VitD3 form VitD-dgVDBP affected cytotoxic suppressor cells by activating the low radical-dependent CD16 pathway and seemed to induce apoptosis in malignant prostatic cells.
Long-Term Persistence of Mitochondrial DNA Instability in HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children during and after Exposure to Antiretroviral Drugs and HIV
Authors: Desquiret-Dumas Valérie , D’Ottavi Morgana , Monnin Audrey , Goudenège David , Méda Nicolas , Vizeneux Amélie , Kankasa Chipepo , Tylleskar Thorkild , Bris Céline , Procaccio Vincent , Nagot Nicolas , Van de Perre Philippe , Reynier Pascal , Molès Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2022

HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children show impaired health outcomes during childhood. A high rate of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) instability was reported in the blood of HEU at birth. We aimed to explore the relationship between these health outcomes and mtDNA deletions over time in a case series of 24 HEU children. MtDNA instability was assessed by deep sequencing and analyzed by eKLIPse-v2 algorithm at three time points, namely birth, 1 year, and 6 years of age. Association between mtDNA deletion and health outcomes, including growth, clinical, and neurodevelopmental parameters, were explored using univariate statistical analyses and after stratification with relevant variables. HEU children were selected with an equal male:female ratio. An elevated number of mtDNA deletions and duplications events was observed at 7 days’ post-partum. Median heteroplasmy increased at one year of life and then returned to baseline by six years of age. The mtDNA instability was acquired and was not transmitted by the mother. No risk factors were significantly associated with mtDNA instability. In this small case series, we did not detect any association between any health outcome at 6 years and mtDNA instability measures. A significant effect modification of the association between the duration of maternal prophylaxis and child growth was observed after stratification with heteroplasmy rate. Genomic instability persists over time among HEU children but, despite its extension, stays subclinical at six years.
The Inhibitory Potential of Ferulic Acid Derivatives against the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and ADMET Evaluation
Authors: Antonopoulou Io , Sapountzaki Eleftheria , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul
Published: July 2022

The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an appealing target for the development of antiviral compounds, due to its critical role in the viral life cycle and its high conservation among different coronaviruses and the continuously emerging mutants of SARS-CoV-2. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phytochemical with several health benefits that is abundant in plant biomass and has been used as a basis for the enzymatic or chemical synthesis of derivatives with improved properties, including antiviral activity against a range of viruses. This study tested 54 reported FA derivatives for their inhibitory potential against Mpro by in silico simulations. Molecular docking was performed using Autodock Vina, resulting in comparable or better binding affinities for 14 compounds compared to the known inhibitors N3 and GC376. ADMET analysis showed limited bioavailability but significantly improved the solubility for the enzymatically synthesized hits while better bioavailability and druglikeness properties but higher toxicity were observed for the chemically synthesized ones. MD simulations confirmed the stability of the complexes of the most promising compounds with Mpro, highlighting FA rutinoside and compound e27 as the best candidates from each derivative category.
Succinate Dehydrogenase, Succinate, and Superoxides: A Genetic, Epigenetic, Metabolic, Environmental Explosive Crossroad
Authors: Bénit Paule , Goncalves Judith , El Khoury Riyad , Rak Malgorzata , Favier Judith , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Rustin Pierre
Published: July 2022

Research focused on succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and its substrate, succinate, culminated in the 1950s accompanying the rapid development of research dedicated to bioenergetics and intermediary metabolism. This allowed researchers to uncover the implication of SDH in both the mitochondrial respiratory chain and the Krebs cycle. Nowadays, this theme is experiencing a real revival following the discovery of the role of SDH and succinate in a subset of tumors and cancers in humans. The aim of this review is to enlighten the many questions yet unanswered, ranging from fundamental to clinically oriented aspects, up to the danger of the current use of SDH as a target for a subclass of pesticides.
Enhancing Endocannabinoid Signaling via β-Catenin in the Nucleus Accumbens Attenuates PTSD- and Depression-like Behavior of Male Rats
Authors: Mizrachi Zer-Aviv Tomer , Islami Larglinda , Hamilton Peter J. , Parise Eric M. , Nestler Eric J. , Sbarski Brenda , Akirav Irit
Published: July 2022

Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which increases anandamide levels, has been suggested as a potential treatment for stress-related conditions. We examined whether the stress-preventing effects of the FAAH inhibitor URB597 on behavior are mediated via β-catenin in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Male rats were exposed to the shock and reminders model of PTSD and then treated with URB597 (0.4 mg/kg; i.p.). They were tested for anxiety- (freezing, startle response), depression-like behaviors (despair, social preference, anhedonia), and memory function (T-maze, social recognition). We also tested the involvement of the CB1 receptor (CB1r), β-catenin, and metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) proteins. URB597 prevented the shock- and reminders-induced increase in anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, as well as the impaired memory via the CB1r-dependent mechanism. In the NAc, viral-mediated β-catenin overexpression restored the behavior of rats exposed to stress and normalized the alterations in protein levels in the NAc and the prefrontal cortex. Importantly, when NAc β-catenin levels were downregulated by viral-mediated gene transfer, the therapeutic-like effects of URB597 were blocked. We suggest a potentially novel mechanism for the therapeutic-like effects of FAAH inhibition that is dependent on β-catenin activation in the NAc in a PTSD rat model.
Structural Response of a Prefabricated Utility Tunnel Subject to a Reverse Fault
Authors: Wu Xiangguo , Nie Chenhang , Li Dan , Qiu Faqiang , Tang Yunchao
Published: July 2022

Prefabricated utility tunnels have drawn much attention in relation to rapid urban development. On this, how to maintain the integrity of an underground lifeline, which is subjected to unexpected fault displacement action, is a concern either from the design or the construction aspect. By applying the commercial software program ABAQUS, this paper presents a systematic numerical simulation of a prefabricated utility tunnel affected by a reverse fault. The critical parameters investigated in this study include fault displacement, burial depth, utility tunnel-soil friction coefficient, and the angle of the utility tunnel crossing the fault plane. Results of the numerical modeling revealed that: (1) both the overall structural deformation and the spliced joints deformation of the prefabricated utility tunnel increase with increasing fault displacement, which greatly reduces the waterproofing ability of the utility tunnel joints; (2) the opening displacement of the joints on the roof of the utility tunnel near the fault plane is positively correlated with burial depth, but the variation is slight; (3) the variations in utility tunnel-soil friction coefficient have little effect on the overall structural deformation and the spliced joints deformation; (4) the opening displacement of the spliced joints of the utility tunnel basically gradually increases with an increase in the crossing angle near the fault plane, which is different than when it is away from the fault plane. The main outcomes obtained from this study can provide reference for the construction of prefabricated utility tunnel in fault active area.
Performance Optimization and Toxicity Effects of the Electrochemical Oxidation of Octogen
Authors: Qian Yishi , Chen Kai , Chai Guodong , Xi Peng , Yang Heyun , Xie Lin , Qin Lu , Lin Yishan , Li Xiaoliang , Yan Wei , Wang Dongqi
Published: July 2022

Octogen (HMX) is widely used as a high explosive and constituent in plastic explosives, nuclear devices, and rocket fuel. The direct discharge of wastewater generated during HMX production threatens the environment. In this study, we used the electrochemical oxidation (EO) method with a PbO2-based anode to treat HMX wastewater and investigated its degradation performance, mechanism, and toxicity evolution under different conditions. The results showed that HMX treated by EO could achieve a removal efficiency of 81.2% within 180 min at a current density of 70 mA/cm2, Na2SO4 concentration of 0.25 mol/L, interelectrode distance of 1.0 cm, and pH of 5.0. The degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics (R2 > 0.93). The degradation pathways of HMX in the EO system have been proposed, including cathode reduction and indirect oxidation by •OH radicals. The molecular toxicity level (expressed as the transcriptional effect level index) of HMX wastewater first increased to 1.81 and then decreased to a non-toxic level during the degradation process. Protein and oxidative stress were the dominant stress categories, possibly because of the intermediates that evolved during HMX degradation. This study provides new insights into the electrochemical degradation mechanisms and molecular-level toxicity evolution during HMX degradation. It also serves as initial evidence for the potential of the EO-enabled method as an alternative for explosive wastewater treatment with high removal performance, low cost, and low environmental impact.
Reversible Thiol Oxidation Increases Mitochondrial Electron Transport Complex Enzyme Activity but Not Respiration in Cardiomyocytes from Patients with End-Stage Heart Failure
Authors: Kumar Ravi A. , Thome Trace , Sharaf Omar M. , Ryan Terence E. , Arnaoutakis George J. , Jeng Eric I. , Ferreira Leonardo F.
Published: July 2022

Cardiomyocyte dysfunction in patients with end-stage heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) stems from mitochondrial dysfunction, which contributes to an energetic crisis. Mitochondrial dysfunction reportedly relates to increased markers of oxidative stress, but the impact of reversible thiol oxidation on myocardial mitochondrial function in patients with HFrEF has not been investigated. In the present study, we assessed mitochondrial function in ventricular biopsies from patients with end-stage HFrEF in the presence and absence of the thiol-reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). Isolated mitochondria exposed to DTT had increased enzyme activity of complexes I (p = 0.009) and III (p = 0.018) of the electron transport system, while complexes II (p = 0.630) and IV (p = 0.926) showed no changes. However, increased enzyme activity did not carry over to measurements of mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized bundles. Oxidative phosphorylation conductance (p = 0.439), maximal respiration (p = 0.312), and ADP sensitivity (p = 0.514) were unchanged by 5 mM DTT treatment. These results indicate that mitochondrial function can be modulated through reversible thiol oxidation, but other components of mitochondrial energy transfer are rate limiting in end-stage HFrEF. Optimal therapies to normalize cardiac mitochondrial respiration in patients with end-stage HFrEF may benefit from interventions to reverse thiol oxidation, which limits complex I and III activities.
Development of an International Database for a Rare Genetic Disorder: The MECP2 Duplication Database (MDBase)
Authors: Ta Daniel , Downs Jenny , Baynam Gareth , Wilson Andrew , Richmond Peter , Schmidt Aron , Decker Amelia , Leonard Helen
Published: July 2022

The natural history of MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder with an estimated birth prevalence of 1/150,000 live births, is poorly understood due to a lack of clinical data collected for research. Such information is critical to the understanding of disease progression, therapeutic endpoints and outcome measures for clinical trials, as well as the development of therapies and orphan products. This clinical information can be systematically collected from caregivers through data collation efforts—yet, no such database has existed for MDS before now. Here, in this methodological study, we document the development, launch and management of the international MECP2 Duplication Database (MDBase). The MDBase consists of an extensive family questionnaire that collects information on general medical history, system-specific health problems, medication and hospitalisation records, developmental milestones and function, and quality of life (for individuals with MDS, and their caregivers). Launched in 2020, in its first two years of operation the MDBase has collected clinical data from 154 individuals from 26 countries—the largest sample size to date. The success of this methodology for the establishment and operation of the MDBase may provide insight and aid in the development of databases for other rare neurodevelopmental disorders.
Implementation Outcomes and Challenges of Partnerships between Resource Parents and Parents with Sick Infants in Intensive Neonatal Care Units: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dahan Sonia , Bourque Claude-Julie , Gire Catherine , Reynaud Audrey , Tosello Barthélémy
Published: July 2022

Parents with a sick child in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) usually experience stress, anxiety, and vulnerability. These precarious feelings can affect early parent–child interactions and have consequences for the child’s neurodevelopment. Parents who have had a sick child in an NICU (veteran parents) can offer helpful interventions for these vulnerable families. This article is a scoping review of parental interventions used with the families of NICU infants, and an overview of French perspectives. Two independent reviewers studied the scientific literature published in English between 2001 to 2021 using Covidence software. The databases used were MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, the Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar. Themes were identified from the articles’ results using an open coding approach. The data are presented in a narrative format. Ten articles were included, and four major themes addressed: (1) description of activities, (2) recommendations, (3) impact, and (4) barriers (resulting from recruitment, training, remuneration, and organization). Activities were very diverse, and a step-by-step implementation was recommended by all authors. Peer-support interventions might be a potential resource for those anxious parents and improve their NICU experiences. These challenges are described by SOS Préma in France. This article brings together recent studies on partnership in the NICU. It is an innovative topic in neonatology with vast issues to explore.
The Fabrication of a High-Precision Rotational Symmetric Hyperboloid Mirror by Magnetron Sputtering with Film Thickness Correction
Authors: Huang Handan , Feng Yufei , Yu Jun , Qi Runze , Wang Zhanshan
Published: July 2022

With the rapid development of optical systems, aspheric reflective optics have become more and more widely used because of their advantages in obtaining better imaging quality. Meanwhile, the optical systems have higher requirements in terms of the surface precision of their optical elements. In this study, we proposed an improved profile-coating method to realize a two-dimensional surface correction method on a rotational symmetric hyperboloid mirror. This method used an irregular mask based on a planetary motion magnetron sputtering system to control film thickness distribution. Moreover, film thickness calibration with a step test was carried out to reduce the processing error of the mask. An optical profiler was used in the step test to quantitatively characterize film thickness distribution and a tilt correction was introduced to correct the test error. As a result, an improvement in figure error in the radial direction of 17.7 nm Root Mean Square (RMS) was achieved. According to these optimization methods, the mask was trimmed for film deposition on the spherical surface. Measurement results from the interferometer show that the figure error of film was 16.23 nm RMS, demonstrating the effectiveness of the optimized method for fabricating a rotational symmetric hyperboloid mirror.
Solving the Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch Problem through a Python-DIgSILENT Interface
Authors: Sánchez-Mora Martin M. , Bernal-Romero David Lionel , Montoya Oscar Danilo , Villa-Acevedo Walter M. , López-Lezama Jesús M.
Published: July 2022

The Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch (ORPD) problem consists of finding the optimal settings of reactive power resources within a network, usually with the aim of minimizing active power losses. The ORPD is a nonlinear and nonconvex optimization problem that involves both discrete and continuous variables; the former include transformer tap positions and settings of reactor banks, while the latter include voltage magnitude settings in generation buses. In this paper, the ORPD problem is modeled as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem and solved through two different metaheuristic techniques, namely the Mean Variance Mapping Optimization and the genetic algorithm. As a novelty, the solution of the ORPD problem is implemented through a Python-DIgSILENT interface that combines the strengths of both software. Several tests were performed on the IEEE 6-, 14-, and 39-bus test systems evidencing the applicability of the proposed approach. The results were contrasted with those previously reported in the specialized literature, matching, and in some cases improving, the reported solutions with lower computational times.
A Review of Moisturizing Additives for Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Vanessa Vincentsia Vienna , Wan Ahmad Kammal Wan Syazween Lyana , Lai Zee Wei , How Kang Nien
Published: July 2022

Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition that occurs with dry skin, persistent itching, and scaly lesions. This debilitating condition significantly compromises the patient’s quality of life due to the intractable itching and other associated factors such as disfigurement, sleeping disturbances, and social stigmatization from the visible lesions. The treatment mainstay of atopic dermatitis involves applying topical glucocorticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, combined with regular use of moisturizers. However, conventional treatments possess a certain degree of adverse effects, which raised concerns among the patients resulting in non-adherence to treatment. Hence, the modern use of moisturizers to improve barrier repair and function is of great value. One of the approaches includes incorporating bioactive ingredients with clinically proven therapeutic benefits into dermocosmetics emollient. The current evidence suggests that these dermocosmetics emollients aid in the improvement of the skin barrier and alleviate inflammation, pruritus and xerosis. We carried out a critical and comprehensive narrative review of the literature. Studies and trials focusing on moisturizers that include phytochemicals, natural moisturizing factors, essential fatty acids, endocannabinoids, and antioxidants were identified by searching electronic databases (PubMed and MEDLINE). We introduce the current knowledge on the roles of moisturizers in alleviating symptoms of atopic dermatitis. We then further summarize the science and rationale of the active ingredients in dermocosmetics and medical device emollients for treating atopic dermatitis. Finally, we highlight the limitations of the current evidence and future perspectives of cosmeceutical research on atopic dermatitis.
Green Synthesis Optimization of Glucose Palm Oleate and Its Potential Use as Natural Surfactant in Cosmetic Emulsion
Authors: Chaiwut Phanuphong , Jirarat Areeya , Tiensri Ninnapat , Sangthong Sarita , Pintathong Punyawatt
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to optimize the green synthesis of glucose palm oleate catalyzed by Carica papaya Lipase (CPL) through transesterification in a solvent-free system. Palm olein was used as a fatty acid donor for transesterification reactant and was also employed as a reaction medium. Reaction optimization was performed by using response surface methodology (RSM). Seventeen synthesis conditions were generated by a Box–Behnken design and the products were further determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Fatty acid compositions of palm olein identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) found that oleic acid (51.77 ± 0.67%) and palmitic acid (37.22 ± 0.48%) were major components. The synthesis variable factors of 50 °C, 45 h reaction time, and 1400 U of CPL were predicted by the RSM to be optimum conditions and thus provided the highest glucose palm oleate of 0.3542 mmol/g. Conjugation between palm olein fatty acids and glucose via transesterification resulted in glucose palm oleate being obviously verified by UPLC, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analyses. The synthesized sugar fatty acid ester revealed an HLB value of 6.20 represented by the lowest % creaming index (%CI) of 35.40 ± 3.21%. It also exhibited a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 3.16 × 10−5 M. This study is the first report to reveal the transesterification of glucose and palm olein catalyzed by CPL in a system without using any solvent. Glucose palm oleate has been shown to be derived from an environmentally friendly synthesis process and would be promising as a potential alternative natural surfactant for cosmetic application.
Polyphenol Mechanisms against Gastric Cancer and Their Interactions with Gut Microbiota: A Review
Authors: Li Matu , Zheng Ya , Zhao Jinyu , Liu Meimei , Shu Xiaochuang , Li Qiang , Wang Yuping , Zhou Yongning
Published: July 2022

The lack of new drugs and resistance to existing drugs are serious problems in gastric cancer(GC) treatment. The research found polyphenols possess anti-Helicobacter pylori(Hp) and antitumor activities and may be used in the research and development of drugs for cancer prevention and treatment. However, polyphenols are affected by their chemical structures and physical properties, which leads to relatively low bioavailability and bioactivity in vivo. The intestinal flora can improve the absorption, utilization, and biological activity of polyphenols, whereas polyphenol compounds can increase the richness of the intestinal flora, reduce the activity of carcinogenic bacteria, stabilize the proportion of core flora, and maintain homeostasis of the intestinal microenvironment. Our review summarizes the gastrointestinal flora-mediated mechanisms of polyphenol against GC.
The Assistant Personal Robot Project: From the APR-01 to the APR-02 Mobile Robot Prototypes
Authors: Palacín Jordi , Rubies Elena , Clotet Eduard
Published: July 2022

This paper describes the evolution of the Assistant Personal Robot (APR) project developed at the Robotics Laboratory of the University of Lleida, Spain. This paper describes the first APR-01 prototype developed, the basic hardware improvement, the specific anthropomorphic improvements, and the preference surveys conducted with engineering students from the same university in order to maximize the perceived affinity with the final APR-02 mobile robot prototype. The anthropomorphic improvements have covered the design of the arms, the implementation of the arm and symbolic hand, the selection of a face for the mobile robot, the selection of a neutral facial expression, the selection of an animation for the mouth, the application of proximity feedback, the application of gaze feedback, the use of arm gestures, the selection of the motion planning strategy, and the selection of the nominal translational velocity. The final conclusion is that the development of preference surveys during the implementation of the APR-02 prototype has greatly influenced its evolution and has contributed to increase the perceived affinity and social acceptability of the prototype, which is now ready to develop assistance applications in dynamic workspaces.
Ampullary Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma, a Diagnostic Challenge of a Rare Aggressive Neoplasm: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Karlafti Eleni , Charalampidou Maria , Fotiadou Georgia , Abba Deka Ioanna , Raptou Georgia , Kyriakidis Filippos , Panidis Stavros , Ioannidis Aristeidis , Protopapas Adonis A. , Netta Smaro , Paramythiotis Daniel
Published: July 2022

Ampullary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) are extremely rare, and available data are limited on case reports. They present with jaundice, non-specific abdominal pain, or weight loss, imitating adenocarcinoma. Their incidence increases due to the improved diagnostic techniques. However, preoperative diagnosis remains challenging. We report the case of a 70-year-old man with a history of metabolic syndrome, cholecystectomy, and right hemicolectomy, presenting with jaundice. Laboratory results showed increased liver biochemistry indicators and elevated CA 19-9. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an ulcerative tumor on the ampulla of Vater, and the biopsy revealed neuroendocrine carcinoma. Although computed tomography (CT) detected enlarged regional lymph nodes, the positron emission tomography (PET) showed a hyperactive lesion only in this area. Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with R0 resection was performed. Pathologic evaluation of the 3.1 × 1.9 cm tumor revealed an LCNEC with immunohistochemical positivity at Synaptophysin, EMA, CD56, and cytokeratin CK8/18. The Ki-67 index was 45%. Two out of the nine dissected lymph nodes were occupied by the neoplasm. The patient was discharged home free of symptoms, and adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin + etoposide was initiated. A comprehensive review of the reported cases showed that the preoperative biopsy result was different from the final diagnosis in few cases, regarding the subtypes. Conventional radiology cannot identify small masses, and other methods, such as endoscopy, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and FDG-PET scan, might aid the diagnosis. Diagnosis is based on histology and immunohistochemical markers of the surgical specimens. The treatment of choice is pancreatoduodenectomy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. However, recurrence is frequent, and the prognosis remains poor.
Molecular Epidemiology of Genital Infections in Campania Region: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Scaglione Elena , Mantova Giuseppe , Caturano Valeria , Fanasca Luca , Carraturo Francesca , Farina Fabrizio , Pagliarulo Caterina , Vitiello Mariateresa , Pagliuca Chiara , Salvatore Paola , Colicchio Roberta
Published: July 2022

This study provides updated information on the prevalence and co-infections caused by genital microorganisms and pathogens: Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Gardnerella vaginalis, by retrospectively analyzing a cohort of patients living in the Naples metropolitan area, Campania region, Southern Italy. To investigate the genital infections prevalence in clinical specimens (vaginal/endocervical swabs and urines) collected from infertile asymptomatic women and men from November 2018 to December 2020, we used a multiplex real-time PCR assay. Of the 717 specimens collected, 302 (42.1%) resulted positive for at least one of the targets named above. Statistically significant differences in genital prevalence of selected microorganisms were detected in both women (62.91%) and men (37.08%). G. vaginalis and U. parvum represented the most common findings with an 80.2% and 16.9% prevalence in vaginal/endocervical swabs and first-voided urines, respectively. Prevalence of multiple infections was 18.18% and 8.19% in women and men, respectively. The most frequent association detected was the co-infection of G. vaginalis and U. parvum with 60% prevalence. Our epidemiological analysis suggests different infection patterns between genders, highlighting the need to implement a preventative screening strategy of genital infections to reduce the complications on reproductive organs.
LAP-BFT: Lightweight Asynchronous Provable Byzantine Fault-Tolerant Consensus Mechanism for UAV Network
Authors: Kong Lingjun , Chen Bing , Hu Feng
Published: July 2022

Mission-oriented UAV networks operate in nonsecure, complex environments with time-varying network partitioning and node trustworthiness. UAV networks are thus essentially asynchronous distributed systems with the Byzantine General problem, whose availability depends on the tolerance of progressively more erroneous nodes in the course of a mission. To address the resource-limited nature of UAV networks, this paper proposes a lightweight asynchronous provable Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus method. The consensus method reduces the communication overhead by splitting the set of local trusted state transactions and then dispersing the reliable broadcast control transmission (DRBC), introduces vector commitments to achieve multivalue Byzantine consensus (PMVBA) for identity and data in a provable manner and reduces the computational complexity, and the data stored on the chain is only the consensus result (global trustworthiness information of the drone nodes), avoiding the blockchain’s “storage inflation” problem. This makes the consensus process lighter in terms of bandwidth, computation and storage, ensuring the longevity and overall performance of the UAV network during the mission. Through QualNet simulation platform, existing practical asynchronous consensus algorithms are compared, and the proposed method performs better in terms of throughput, consensus latency and energy consumption rate.
Security Analysis of the Image Encryption Algorithm Based on a Two-Dimensional Infinite Collapse Map
Authors: Shi Guanwen , Yu Simin , Wang Qianxue
Published: July 2022

This paper analyzes the security of the image encryption algorithm based on a two-dimensional (2D) infinite collapse map. The encryption algorithm adopts a permutation–diffusion structure and can perform two or more rounds to achieve a higher level of security. By cryptanalysis, it is found that the original diffusion process can be split into a permutation–diffusion structure, which comes after the original permutation, so these two permutations can be merged into one. Then, some theorems about round-down operation are summarized, and the encryption and decryption equations in the diffusion process are deduced and simplified accordingly. Since the chaotic sequences used in encryption algorithm are independent of the plaintext and ciphertext, there are equivalent keys. The original encryption algorithm with single-round, two-round, and multi-round of permutation–diffusion processes is cracked, and the data complexity of the cryptanalysis attacks is analyzed. Numerical simulation is carried out by MATLAB, and the experimental results and theoretical analysis show the effectiveness of the cryptanalysis attacks. Finally, some suggestions for improvement are given to overcome the shortcomings of the original encryption algorithm.
E-Management as a Game Changer in Local Public Administration
Authors: Vilkaite-Vaitone Neringa , Povilaitiene Karolina
Published: July 2022

The rapid development of digital technologies provides an efficient way to overcome the drawbacks of traditional management. E-management, a new form of management, is attracting much attention worldwide. The current research is aimed at examining the development of e-management in public sector organizations and anticipating possible alternatives for solving e-management problems. We use a qualitative strategy to explain the concept, specifics, benefits, drivers, situation, and progress of e-management in the public sector. Based on interviews with managers at local public administration institutions in Lithuania, we conclude that e-management in municipalities until the COVID-19 pandemic was applied only in exceptional cases due to legislation and workplace stationarity. However, at the moment, e-management in municipality administrations is treated not as an alternative but as the only possible choice.
Cybersecurity and Data Science
Authors: Szczypiorski Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

Towards the end of the Cold War in 1985, in reference to the theory of leadership for the first time, in the book ‘Leaders: The Strategies For Taking Charge’ by Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus [...]
A Fully Integrated Passive Self-Jamming Cancellation Architecture with Fast Settling Time for UHF RFID Reader
Authors: Chen Qinan , Li Zheng , Jiang Dahai , Shan Qiang , Wei Zihui , Xiao Jinjin , Huang Shuilong , Liu Yu
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a fully integrated passive self-jamming cancellation (SJC) circuit in 0.18 µm Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology for ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) applications. Based on the active amplitude and phase control, a novel passive variable capacitor array and signal combiner are adopted instead of a traditional variable amplifier/attenuator and a phase shifter to reduce the circuit complexity and thus achieve higher linearity and low noise. We use an improved cancellation algorithm based on the local search method to quickly and accurately find the cancellation point that minimizes the self-jamming signal power. The simulation and measurement results are constant, and a suppression of 38 dB can be achieved in the working frequency of 860–960 MHz. The cancellation algorithm can be finished within 0.5 ms. These results indicate that the designed SJC circuit can be a promising candidate for UHF RFID applications.
Study on Morphological Identification of Tight Oil Reservoir Residual Oil after Water Flooding in Secondary Oil Layers Based on Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Zhao Ling , Sun Xianda , Liu Fang , Wang Pengzhen , Chang Lijuan
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a microscopic oil displacement visualization experiment based on the glass etching model to simulate the tight oil reservoir of underground rocks is carried out. At present, water flooding technology is widely used in the development of oil and gas fields, and the remaining oil content is still very high after water flooding. It is the key to improving oil recovery to identify and study the remaining oil form distribution after water flooding. The experiment result shows there are five types of residual oil after water flooding: columnar residual oil, membranous residual oil, oil droplet residual oil, blind terminal residual oil and cluster residual oil. A convolution neural network is suitable for complex image characteristics with good robustness. In recent years, it has made a breakthrough in a set of small and efficient neural networks with SqueezeNet, Google Inception and the flattened network method put forward. In order to solve the problems of low automation, low efficiency and high error rate in the traditional remaining oil form recognition algorithm after water flooding in tight oil reservoirs, an image recognition algorithm based on the MobileNets convolutional neural network model was proposed in this paper to achieve accurate recognition of the remaining oil form. Based on traditional image processing methods which, respectively, extracted the whole picture of the different types of remaining oil in the image block, it uses the MobileNets network structure to classify different types of image block and realizes the layered depth convolution neural network system. The experiment result shows that the model can accurately identify the remaining oil forms, and the overall recognition accuracy is up to 83.8% after the convergence of the network model, which infinitely identifies the remaining oil forms in the morphological library, proving the strong generalization and robustness of the model.
Energy Literacy and Its Determinants among Students within the Context of Public Intervention in Poland
Authors: Białynicki-Birula Paweł , Makieła Kamil , Mamica Łukasz
Published: July 2022

This paper presents the results of a survey concerning energy literacy conducted among a group of 913 students at the Cracow University of Economics in Poland—a country whose power system is still primarily based on burning coal and where the prospects of the closure of the mining sector present particularly difficult challenges. The aim of the study was to investigate specific aspects of energy literacy such as knowledge, behaviour, attitudes, and self-efficacy, and to determine what affects them using multivariate linear regression analysis. According to the findings, the primary factors determining energy literacy are gender, going away from home to study, and the experience of energy poverty. Self-efficacy, attitude, and the pro-ecological elements of both attitude and knowledge are the factors that have the most impact on students’ behaviour. The absence of a statistically significant impact of general knowledge on behaviour is a critical presumption for developing the premises of an effective pro-environment energy strategy. Based on the data, we present a number of policy proposals, including informational activity as well as ways of influencing the emotional and behavioural domains.
Experiment and Numerical Simulation on Hydraulic Loss and Flow Pattern of Low Hump Outlet Conduit with Different Inlet Water Rotation Speeds
Authors: Xu Lei , Jiang Tao , Wang Chuan , Ji Dongtao , Shi Wei , Xu Bo , Lu Weigang
Published: July 2022

The rotation speed of water at the inlet of the low hump outlet conduit has a great effect on its hydraulic performance. Therefore, the influence of different inlet water rotation speeds on hydraulic loss and flow pattern of low hump outlet conduit is studied in this paper. By solving RANS equations and the RNG k-ε turbulence model, the hydraulic loss and 3D flow field of the low hump outlet conduit were calculated under different inlet water rotation speeds. To verify the numerical results, the model tests of low hump outlet conduit with different guide vanes were conducted. The results show that along with the growth of inlet water rotation speed, the hydraulic loss of outlet conduit will firstly decrease by degrees and then increase dramatically, the vortex location moves from the whole bottom of the descent segment to the right bottom of descent segment and the vortex area becomes smaller, the flow pattern of the whole conduit is improved obviously. The hydraulic loss and flow field of numerical simulation are consistent with those of the model test. Because of its great influence on hydraulic performance, inlet water rotation speed must be taken into consideration in the hydraulic optimization design of guide vane and low hump outlet conduit.
Research on Method for Detecting Pipeline Blockages Based on Fluid Oscillation Theory
Authors: Wu Kai , Feng Yujie , Xu Ying
Published: July 2022

To address the problem of pipeline blockage detection, a mathematical model of pipeline blockage detection is established based on fluid oscillation theory. This paper proposes a governing equation of the water hammer of fluid motion in a pipeline with a blockage point, and The Dirac function is introduced for dimensionlessness and linearization. The amplitude of the harmonic of each component in different periods is expressed by a Fourier series. The blocking position can be determined by the ratio of the two-component harmonics, and the blocking magnitude can be determined by the blocking attenuation parameters of each component’s harmonics. The numerical simulation and experimental results show that the application of fluid oscillation theory to detect the location and magnitude of pipeline blockages is effective, and the accuracy of the detection method is verified, which lays a theoretical foundation for the application of the proposed method in engineering practice.
Review on Integrated On-Board Charger-Traction Systems: V2G Topologies, Control Approaches, Standards and Power Density State-of-the-Art for Electric Vehicle
Authors: Jaman Shahid , Chakraborty Sajib , Tran Dai-Duong , Geury Thomas , El Baghdadi Mohamed , Hegazy Omar
Published: July 2022

This article reviews the different topologies compatible with V2G feature and control approaches of integrated onboard charger (iOBC) systems for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The integrated topologies are presented, analyzed, and compared in terms of component count, switching frequency, total harmonic distortion (THD), charging and traction efficiencies, controllability, reliability and multifunctionality. This paper also analyzes different control approaches for charging and traction modes. Moreover, the performance indices such as setting time, rise time, overshoot, etc., are summarized for charging and traction operations. Additionally, the feasibility of a Level 3 charging (AC fast charging with 400 Vac) of up to 44 kW iOBC is discussed in terms of converter efficiencies with different switching frequencies and switch technologies such as SiC and GaN. Finally, this paper explores the power density trends of different commercial integrated charging systems. The power density trend analysis could certainly help researchers and solution engineers in the automotive industry to select the suitable converter topology to achieve the projected power density.
Individual Phenolic Acids in Distillery Stillage Inhibit Its Biomethanization
Authors: Mikucka Wioleta , Zielinska Magdalena
Published: July 2022

Polyphenols that are abundant in various organic wastes can inhibit anaerobic degradation of these wastes. This study investigated the effect of the concentration of individual phenolic acids (p-OH benzoic, vanillic, ferulic, sinapic, syringic, and p-coumaric acids) and their mixture on the methane potential of distillery stillage. An increase in phenolic acid concentration adversely affected biogas production and composition, as well as the methane-production rate. The inhibition constants for methane production were 0.5–1.0 g/L of individual phenolic acids and 1.5 g/L of the mixture of these acids. At lower concentrations, the phenolic acids were utilized as a carbon source, but the process was impeded when their concentrations exceeded the threshold value, due to their negative effect on microbial growth. When distillery stillage was spiked with vanillic acid, two-phase methane production was observed. Spiking distillery stillage with vanillic, p-coumaric, syringic, or ferulic acids affected anaerobic digestion the most; 2 g/L of these acids completely inhibited methane production. With 4.0 g/L of all individual phenolic acids, no methane production was observed. As the concentration of these phenolic acids increased from 0.5 to 4.0 g/L, the abundance of methanogenic Archaea, in which acetoclastic methanogens predominated, decreased by about 30 times.
Effective Control of Road Luminaires—A Case Study on an Example of a Selected City in Poland
Authors: Kurkowski Marek , Popławski Tomasz , Zajkowski Maciej , Kurkowski Bartosz , Szota Michał
Published: July 2022

According to various estimates, street lighting in Poland consumes between 1.500 and 2.500 GWh per year and is responsible for some greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation. Also on the basis of estimates, it is estimated that approximately 3.3 million road and street luminaires are used in Poland. The increase in electricity costs, on the one hand, and the technical possibilities in the field of lighting, on the other, force the search for new solutions aimed at saving during the operation of electrical devices and installations, including road lighting installations. One of the methods of saving electricity is to replace the luminaires with energy-saving ones with LED sources, but also with new sodium and metal halide sources. The latter solution is cheaper and allows us to keep existing poles, electrical installation and luminaire heads if their technical parameters have not been degraded. The new and already used luminaires with discharge sources can be used in road lighting, provided that they meet the requirements of Polish law and the EU regulations. Like luminaires with LED sources, they can have an adjustable value of the emitted luminous flux, which allows us to save electricity. One of the methods of saving electricity in road installations is their effective lighting control. Such control can take place at very different levels, from the manual setting of the required light intensity using dimmers to full automation taking into account other factors influencing the operation of the road lighting system, e.g., time of day, intensity of external light, presence of road users, weather conditions and others. The article describes both of the above-mentioned methods, describing their advantages and disadvantages on the basis of actual measurements of working road installations, and analyzes the annual operation of a modernized road lighting installation with automatic lighting control in one of the selected cities in Poland.