bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Chronic Exposure to Ambient Air Pollutants, Demography, Vaccination Level, and the Spread of COVID-19 during 2021 Delta Variant Morbidity Wave
Authors: Barnett-Itzhaki Zohar , Levi Adi
Published: November 2022

Studies conducted in the early COVID-19 pandemic stages showed positive associations between chronic exposure to ambient air pollution and COVID-19 morbidity. Here, we examined the associations between populations’ chronic exposure to air pollutants (NO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5, and SO2), demographics, and vaccination rates, to COVID-19 morbidity rates in 280 Israeli municipalities during the Delta-variant-dominated morbidity wave of summer 2021. We found that COVID-19 morbidity was positively associated with chronic exposure to air pollutants, the municipality’s population density, total population size, and the rate of elderly people. Multivariate linear regression models showed similar trends: positive associations between COVID-19 rates and density, ratio of elderly people, and most air pollutants, and a non-significant link to COVID-19 vaccine second dose ratio. Our results emphasized the effects of chronic air pollution exposure on the spread of the pandemic and strengthen the urgent need for uncompromising policy for a dramatic reduction in air pollution. They also highlighted the vulnerable populations (elderly, densely populated municipalities) during the Delta morbidity wave. These findings could assist policy makers to better inform the public and manage health policies in future COVID-19 waves, hopefully leading to a reduced impact on health.
Thermal Propagation Modelling of Abnormal Heat Generation in Various Battery Cell Locations
Authors: Li Ao , Yuen Anthony Chun Yin , Wang Wei , Weng Jingwen , Lai Chun Sing , Kook Sanghoon , Yeoh Guan Heng
Published: November 2022

With the increasing demand for energy capacity and power density in battery systems, the thermal safety of lithium-ion batteries has become a major challenge for the upcoming decade. The heat transfer during the battery thermal runaway provides insight into thermal propagation. A better understanding of the heat exchange process improves a safer design and enhances battery thermal management performance. This work proposes a three-dimensional thermal model for the battery pack simulation by applying an in-house model to study the internal battery thermal propagation effect under the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation framework. The simulation results were validated with the experimental data. The detailed temperature distribution and heat transfer behaviour were simulated and analyzed. The thermal behaviour and cooling performance were compared by changing the abnormal heat generation locations inside the battery pack. The results indicated that various abnormal heat locations disperse heat to the surrounding coolant and other cells. According to the current battery pack setups, the maximum temperature of Row 2 cases can be increased by 2.93%, and the temperature difference was also increased. Overall, a new analytical approach has been demonstrated to investigate several stipulating battery thermal propagation scenarios for enhancing battery thermal performances.
Characteristic Prediction and Temperature-Control Strategy under Constant Power Conditions for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Junfu , Xu Shaochun , Dai Changsong , Zhao Ming , Wang Zhenbo
Published: November 2022

Accurate characteristic prediction under constant power conditions can accurately evaluate the capacity of lithium-ion battery output. It can also ensure safe use for new-energy vehicles and electrochemical energy storage. As the battery voltage continues to drop under constant power conditions, the battery current output will accordingly increase, which brings a risk of thermal runaway in instances of weak heat dissipation. Therefore, knowing how to control the battery temperature is very critical for safe use. At present, the model-based method for characteristic prediction and temperature control has been used by most scholars, and that is also the key to this method. This work firstly extends a cell model to a pack-based electrochemical two-dimensional thermal coupling model, considering the heterogeneity of different cells inside the pack, and obtains the model parameters for a prismatic lithium-ion battery with a rated capacity of 42 Ah. Characteristic prediction under constant power conditions is then conducted based on an iterative solution method. Validations of characteristic prediction indicate the convenience of the developed models, with average absolute errors of voltage and temperature less than 36 mV and 0.4 K, respectively, and power error less than 0.005%. Finally, two model-based temperature feed-forward control strategies with lower cooling costs and shorter prediction times were developed based on the battery characteristic predictions, which leaves room for further controller development.
Revealing Lithiation Kinetics and Battery Degradation Pathway in LiMn2O4-Based Commercial Cathodes via Electrochemical Strain Microscopy
Authors: Alikin Denis , Slautin Boris , Kholkin Andrei
Published: November 2022

The capacity fade during the cycling of lithium batteries is a key factor limiting further progress in the improvement of electric vehicles, wearable electronic devices, alternative energy sources, etc. One of the main reasons for capacity loss is battery cathode degradation, which significantly influences the battery lifetime. Despite in-depth knowledge of battery degradation at the chemical level, the kinetics of the degradation at the resolution of the individual elements of the cathode are not fully understood. Here, we studied lithiation kinetics in commercial cathodes based on lithium manganese spinel using the electrochemical strain microscopy local method. Supported by the experimental finding, the “viscous fingers” model of lithium ions intercalation–deintercalation in individual particles of the cathode was proposed. The non-linear dynamics of the lithiation front were suggested to be stimulated by the non-uniform stress field and gradient of the chemical potential. Irregularity of the lithiation front causes the formation of the residual lithiated pocket in the delithiated particles, which effectively reduces the volume available for chemical reaction. The obtained results shed further light on the degradation of the lithium battery cathodes and can be applicable for other cathode materials.
Placenta-Targeted Nanoparticles Loaded with PFKFB3 Overexpression Plasmids Enhance Angiogenesis and Placental Function
Authors: Li Qi , Liu Xiaoxia , Liu Weifang , Zhang Yang , Liu Wen , Wu Mengying , Chen Zhirui , Zhao Yin , Zou Li
Published: November 2022

Placental angiogenesis disorder and placental dysplasia are important causes of many pregnancy complications. Due to safety and economic benefits, effective treatment strategies are currently limited. PFKFB3 is a key regulator of glycolysis that controls angiogenesis through a metabolic pathway independent of genetic signals. In this study, we constructed the nanodrug T-NPPFKFB3 and explored its feasibility to promote angiogenesis and enhance placental function. First, liposomes containing PFKFB3 overexpression plasmids modified by the placental homing peptide CGKRK were synthesized by the thin film method. In vivo experiments revealed that T-NPPFKFB3 injected intravenously specifically accumulated in the mouse placenta and therein upregulated the expression of PFKFB3 without affecting its expression in other important organs. In addition, T-NPPFKFB3 promoted placental angiogenesis and increased the fetal and placental weights of the mice. Finally, we evaluated the safety of T-NPPFKFB3. The expression levels of ALS/AST/BUN in the sera of pregnant mice were not significantly different from those in the sera of control group mice. However, T-NPPFKFB3 did not cause obvious fetal abnormalities or alter the average litter size. In conclusion, T-NPPFKFB3 can specifically target the placenta, promote angiogenesis, and enhance placental function without obvious side effects. Therefore, it has potential as a new strategy for the treatment of pregnancy complications.
A Novel 3D Printing Particulate Manufacturing Technology for Encapsulation of Protein Therapeutics: Sprayed Multi Adsorbed-Droplet Reposing Technology (SMART)
Authors: Heshmati Aghda Niloofar , Zhang Yu , Wang Jiawei , Lu Anqi , Pillai Amit Raviraj , Maniruzzaman Mohammed
Published: November 2022

Recently, various innovative technologies have been developed for the enhanced delivery of biologics as attractive formulation targets including polymeric micro and nanoparticles. Combined with personalized medicine, this area can offer a great opportunity for the improvement of therapeutics efficiency and the treatment outcome. Herein, a novel manufacturing method has been introduced to produce protein-loaded chitosan particles with controlled size. This method is based on an additive manufacturing technology that allows for the designing and production of personalized particulate based therapeutic formulations with a precise control over the shape, size, and potentially the geometry. Sprayed multi adsorbed-droplet reposing technology (SMART) consists of the high-pressure extrusion of an ink with a well determined composition using a pneumatic 3D bioprinting approach and flash freezing the extrudate at the printing bed, optionally followed by freeze drying. In the present study, we attempted to manufacture trypsin-loaded chitosan particles using SMART. The ink and products were thoroughly characterized by dynamic light scattering, rheometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. These characterizations confirmed the shape morphology as well as the protein integrity over the process. Further, the effect of various factors on the production were investigated. Our results showed that the concentration of the carrier, chitosan, and the lyoprotectant concentration as well as the extrusion pressure have a significant effect on the particle size. According to CD spectra, SMART ensured Trypsin’s secondary structure remained intact regardless of the ink composition and pressure. However, our study revealed that the presence of 5% (w/v) lyoprotectant is essential to maintain the trypsin’s proteolytic activity. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the viability of SMART as a single-step efficient process to produce biologics-based stable formulations with a precise control over the particulate morphology which can further be expanded across numerous therapeutic modalities including vaccines and cell/gene therapies.
Level-Set-Based Kidney Segmentation from DCE-MRI Using Fuzzy Clustering with Population-Based and Subject-Specific Shape Statistics
Authors: El-Melegy Moumen , Kamel Rasha , Abou El-Ghar Mohamed , Alghamdi Norah S. , El-Baz Ayman
Published: November 2022

The segmentation of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images (DCE-MRI) of the kidney is a fundamental step in the early and noninvasive detection of acute renal allograft rejection. In this paper, a new and accurate DCE-MRI kidney segmentation method is proposed. In this method, fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering is embedded into a level set method, with the fuzzy memberships being iteratively updated during the level set contour evolution. Moreover, population-based shape (PB-shape) and subject-specific shape (SS-shape) statistics are both exploited. The PB-shape model is trained offline from ground-truth kidney segmentations of various subjects, whereas the SS-shape model is trained on the fly using the segmentation results that are obtained for a specific subject. The proposed method was evaluated on the real medical datasets of 45 subjects and reports a Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.953 ± 0.018, an intersection-over-union (IoU) of 0.91 ± 0.033, and 1.10 ± 1.4 in the 95-percentile of Hausdorff distance (HD95). Extensive experiments confirm the superiority of the proposed method over several state-of-the-art level set methods, with an average improvement of 0.7 in terms of HD95. It also offers an HD95 improvement of 9.5 and 3.8 over two deep neural networks based on the U-Net architecture. The accuracy improvements have been experimentally found to be more prominent on low-contrast and noisy images.
Characteristics and Resistance to Cisplatin of Human Neuroblastoma Cells Co-Cultivated with Immune and Stromal Cells
Authors: Kitaeva Kristina V. , Chulpanova Daria S. , Zhuravleva Margarita N. , Filin Ivan Yu. , Deviatiiarov Ruslan M. , Ballard-Reisch Alyssa C. , Rizvanov Albert A. , Solovyeva Valeriya V.
Published: November 2022

We investigated the features of the morphology and cytokine profiles of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (BM-MSCs), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in double (BM-MSCs + SH-SY5Y cells) and triple (BM-MSCs + SH-SY5Y cells + PBMCs) co-cultures incubated on plastic and Matrigel. Cells in the co-cultures communicated by vesicular transport and by exchanging membrane and cytoplasmic components. The cytokine profile of double and triple co-cultures incubated on Matrigel and plastic had differences and showed the highest concentration of a number of chemokines/cytokines, such as CXCL8/IL-8, I-TAC/CXCL11, IP10/CXCL10, MDC/CCL22, MIP-1α/CCL3, IL-1β, ENA-78/CXCL5, Gro-α/CXCL1, MCP-1/CCL2, TERC/CCL25, CXCL8/IL-8, and IL-6. High concentrations of inflammatory chemokines/cytokines in the conditioned medium of triple co-culture form a chronic inflammation, which brings the presented co-cultivation system closer to a natural tumor. Triple co-cultures were more resistant to cisplatin (CDDP) than the double- and monoculture of SH-SY5Y. The mRNA levels of BCL2, BCL2L1, RAC1, CAV1, CASP3, and BAX genes were changed in cells after co-culturing and CDDP treatment in double and triple co-cultures. The expression of the BCL2, BAX, CAV1, and CASP3 proteins in SH-SY5Y cells after the triple co-culture and CAV1 and BAX protein expression in SH-SY5Y cells after the double co-culture were determined. This study demonstrated the nature of the cellular interactions between components of tumor niche and the intercellular influence on chemoresistance observed in our tumor model, which should enable the development of novel test systems for anti-tumor agents.
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistula Creation Simulation Training in a Lifelike Flow Model
Authors: Isaak Andrej , Wolff Thomas , Zdoroveac Andrei , Taher Fadi , Gürke Lorenz , Richarz Sabine , Akifi Shuaib
Published: November 2022

Objectives: To assess the feasibility and training effect of simulation training for ultrasound-guided percutaneous arteriovenous fistula (pAVF) creation in a lifelike flow model. Methods: Twenty vascular trainees and specialists were shown an instructional video on creating a pAVF in a dedicated flow model and then randomized to a study or control group. The procedure was divided into five clearly defined steps. Two observers rated the performance on each step, and the time to perform the exercise was recorded. The study group participants underwent supervised hands-on training on the model before performing a second rated pAVF creation. All participants subsequently completed a feedback questionnaire. Results: After supervised simulation training, the study groups participants increased their mean performance rating from 2.2 ± 0.9 to 3.2 ± 0.7. A mean of 3.8 ± 0.8 procedure steps was accomplished independently (control group 2.1 ± 1.4; p < 0.05). The time taken to perform the procedure was 15.6 ± 3.8 min in the study group (control group 27.2 ± 7.3, p < 0.05). The participants with previous experience in ultrasound-guided vascular procedures (n = 5) achieved higher overall mean scores 3.0 ± 0.8 and accomplished more steps without assistance (2.0 ± 1.0) during the simulation training compared to their inexperienced peers (1.5 ± 0.3 and 0.8 ± 0.4, respectively). The feedback questionnaire revealed that the study group participants strongly agreed (n = 7) or agreed (n = 3) that training on the simulation model improved their skills regarding catheter handling. Conclusions: The study group participants increased their overall performance after training on the simulator. More experienced attendees performed better from the beginning, indicating the model to be lifelike and a potential skill assessment tool. Simulation training for pAVF creation using a lifelike model may be an intermediate step between acquiring ultrasound and theoretical pAVF skills and procedure guidance in theatre. However, this type of training is limited by its reliance on the simulator quality, demonstration devices and costs.
Platelet Rich Plasma and Platelet-Related Products in the Treatment of Radiculopathy—A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Kubrova Eva , Martinez Alvarez Gabriel A. , Her Yeng F. , Pagan-Rosado Robert , Qu Wenchun , D’Souza Ryan S.
Published: November 2022

Back pain with radicular symptoms is associated with detrimental physical and emotional functioning and economic burden. Conservative treatments including physical, pharmacologic and injection therapy may not provide clinically significant or long-standing relief. Regenerative medicine research including Platelet rich plasma (PRP), Platelet lysate (PL) or Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) continues to develop, however evidence appraisal for treatment of radicular pain remains lacking. Thus, we performed a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of epidural steroid injections containing PRP or related products to treat radicular pain. Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Google Scholar databases were queried. Twelve studies were included in qualitative analysis, consisting of three randomized controlled trials and nine observational studies. The primary outcome was pain intensity, and secondary outcomes included functional improvement, anatomical changes on advanced imaging, and adverse events. All studies identified improved pain intensity and functional outcomes after epidural injection of PRP, PRGF and/or PL. Similar or longer lasting pain relief was noted in the PRP cohort compared to the cohort receiving epidural steroid injections with effects lasting up to 12–24 months. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis revealed a very-low certainty of evidence due to risk of bias, indirectness, and imprecision.
Current Perspectives on Adult Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Biological Features and Clinical Indications
Authors: Alberti Giusi , Russo Eleonora , Corrao Simona , Anzalone Rita , Kruzliak Peter , Miceli Vitale , Conaldi Pier Giulio , Di Gaudio Francesca , La Rocca Giampiero
Published: November 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) constitute one of the main mechanisms by which cells communicate with the surrounding tissue or at distance. Vesicle secretion is featured by most cell types, and adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) of different tissue origins have shown the ability to produce them. In recent years, several reports disclosed the molecular composition and suggested clinical indications for EVs derived from adult MSCs. The parental cells were already known for their roles in different disease settings in regulating inflammation, immune modulation, or transdifferentiation to promote cell repopulation. Interestingly, most reports also suggested that part of the properties of parental cells were maintained by isolated EV populations. This review analyzes the recent development in the field of cell-free therapies, focusing on several adult tissues as a source of MSC-derived EVs and the available clinical data from in vivo models.
Baseline Circulating miR-125b Levels Predict a High FIB-4 Index Score in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients after Nucleos(t)ide Analog Treatment
Authors: Wu Jyun-Yi , Tsai Yi-Shan , Li Chia-Chen , Yeh Ming-Lun , Huang Ching-I , Huang Chung-Feng , Hsu Jia-Ning , Hsieh Meng-Hsuan , Chen Yo-Chia , Liu Ta-Wei , Lin Yi-Hung , Liang Po-Cheng , Lin Zu-Yau , Chuang Wan-Long , Yu Ming-Lung , Dai Chia-Yen
Published: November 2022

The regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in HBV-associated HCC pathogenesis has been reported previously. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum miR-125b and liver fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients after nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) treatment. Baseline serum miR-125b levels and other relevant laboratory data were measured for 124 patients who underwent 12-month NA therapy. Post-12-month NA therapy, serum miR-125, platelet, AST, and ALT levels were measured again for post-treatment FIB-4 index calculation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for a higher post-treatment FIB-4 index. Results showed that baseline miR-125b levels were inversely correlated with the post-treatment FIB-4 index (ρ = −0.2130, p = 0.0082). In logistic regression analyses, age (OR = 1.17, p < 0.0001), baseline platelet level (OR = 0.98, p = 0.0032), and ALT level (OR = 1.00, p = 0.0241) were independent predictors of FIB-index > 2.9 post-12-month treatment. The baseline miR-125b level was not significantly associated with a higher post-treatment FIB-4 index (p = 0.8992). In 59 patients receiving entecavir (ETV) monotherapy, the alternation of serum miR-125b in 12 months and age were substantially associated with a higher post-treatment FIB-4 index (>2.9), suggesting that miR-125b is a reliable biomarker for detecting early liver fibrosis under specific anti-HBV NA treatments (e.g., ETV).
Cellular Prion Protein Role in Cancer Biology: Is It A Potential Therapeutic Target?
Authors: Yousaf Saba , Ahmad Muhammad , Wu Siwen , Zia Muhammad Anjum , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Liu Qingyou , Rehman Saif ur
Published: November 2022

Cancers are worldwide health concerns, whether they are sporadic or hereditary. The fundamental mechanism that causes somatic or oncogenic mutations and ultimately aids cancer development is still unknown. However, mammalian cells with protein-only somatic inheritance may also contribute to cancerous malignancies. Emerging data from a recent study show that prion-like proteins and prions (PrPC) are crucial entities that have a functional role in developing neurological disorders and cancer. Furthermore, excessive PrPC expression profiling has also been detected in non-neuronal tissues, such as the lymphoid cells, kidney, GIT, lung, muscle, and mammary glands. PrPC expression is strongly linked with the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, and breast malignancies. Similarly, experimental investigation presented that the PrPC expression, including the prion protein-coding gene (PRNP) and p53 ag are directly associated with tumorigenicity and metastasis (tumor suppressor gene). The ERK2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway also confers a robust metastatic capability for PrPC-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Additionally, prions could alter the epigenetic regulation of genes and overactive the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which promotes the development of cancer in humans. Protein overexpression or suppression caused by a prion and prion-like proteins has also been linked to oncogenesis and metastasis. Meanwhile, additional studies have discovered resistance to therapeutic targets, highlighting the significance of protein expression levels as potential diagnostic indicators and therapeutic targets.
RBL-2H3 Mast Cell Receptor Dynamics in the Immunological Synapse
Authors: Tsai Ming Chih , Spendier Kathrin
Published: November 2022

The RBL-2H3 mast cell immunological synapse dynamics is often simulated with reaction–diffusion and Fokker–Planck equations. The equations focus on how the cell synapse captures receptors following an immune response, where the receptor capture at the immunological site appears to be a delayed process. This article investigates the physical nature and mathematics behind such time-dependent delays. Using signal processing methods, convolution and cross-correlation-type delay capture simulations give a χ-squared range of 22 to 60, in good agreement with experimental results. The cell polarization event is offered as a possible explanation for these capture delays, where polarizing rates measure how fast the cell polarization event occurs. In the case of RBL-2H3 mast cells, polarization appears to be associated with cytoskeletal rearrangement; thus, both cytoskeletal and diffusional components are considered. From these simulations, a maximum polarizing rate ranging from 0.0057 s−2 to 0.031 s−2 is obtained. These results indicate that RBL-2H3 mast cells possess both temporal and spatial memory, and cell polarization is possibly linked to a Turing-type pattern formation.
A Study of Differential Resting-State Brain Functional Activity in Males and Females with Recurrent Depressive Disorder
Authors: Sun Jifei , Gao Shanshan , Ma Yue , Guo Chunlei , Du Zhongming , Luo Yi , Chen Limei , Wang Zhi , Li Xiaojiao , Xu Ke , Hong Yang , Yu Xue , Xiao Xue , Fang Jiliang
Published: November 2022

In this study, we observed the sex differences in functional brain activity in patients with recurrent depressive disorder (RDE) and assessed the correlation between abnormal functional brain activity changes and clinical symptoms. A total of 40 patients with RDE (19 male and 21 female) and 42 healthy controls (HCs) (20 male and 22 female) met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of images using regional homogeneity (ReHo) and further analysis of the correlation between abnormal brain areas and clinical symptoms of the different sexes with RDE groups were carried out. For the main effects of sex (male vs. female), there were statistically significant differences in ReHo among the four groups in the right middle temporal gyrus, right thalamus, and left posterior cerebellar lobe. For the effects of the sex-by-group interaction, there were statistically significant differences in ReHo among the four groups in the left middle frontal gyrus, left precentral gyrus, and right insula. Post hoc analyses showed that compared with the female RDE group, the male RDE group had decreased ReHo in the left middle frontal gyrus and right insula. In the female RDE group, the ReHo values of the left middle frontal gyrus were positively correlated with the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) scores. This study provides new insights into the clinical targeting of different sexes for RDE.
Mechanical Behavior of Special-Shaped Reinforced Concrete Composite Columns Encased with GFRP Core Columns
Authors: Ji Jing , Li Jiaqi , Jiang Liangqin , Ren Hongguo , Wang Qingqin , Wang Xue , He Lingjie , Zhang Zhanbin
Published: November 2022

In order to investigate the mechanical behavior of special-shaped reinforced concrete composite columns encased with GFRP core columns (EGCSSCs) subjected to axial load, twenty-seven full-scale EGCSSCs were designed with varying parameters: axial compressive strength of core concrete (fcc), axial compressive strength of peripheral concrete (fco), thickness of GFRP tube (tgfrp), ratio of longitudinal reinforcement (ρv), stirrup ratio (ρs) and GFRP ratio in the cross-section (α). The three-dimensional finite element refined models of EGCSSCs were established by ABAQUS finite element software, and the response of EGCSSCs under axial load was studied based on the verification of finite element modeling. The influence of different parameters on the ultimate axial compressive strength (Nus), initial stiffness (K), and ductility index (µ) of EGCSSCs was obtained, and the typical failure mode of EGCSSCs was clearly described. The results showed that the main failure mode of the EGCSSCs subjected to axial load was bulging outward at the middle of the EGCSSCs, showed yielding of the longitudinal steel bars, and was crushing both ends of the peripheral concrete. When the column was damaged, the peripheral concrete reached peak stress earlier than the core concrete. All specimens exhibited excellent load-carrying capacity and good ductility. Moreover, with the existence of GFRP core columns, the Nus and µ of the columns were increased by 11.61% and 140.86%. In addition, K increased with the increase in fcc, fco, tgfrp and α, and the largest increments were 23.99%, 50.54%, 21.77%, and 34.19%, respectively. µ decreased with the increase in fcc and fco, which decreased by 14.05% and 40.28%, respectively. By using statistical regression and introducing the constraint effect coefficients and the reduction coefficient, the calculation formula for the axial compression-bearing capacity of EGCSSCs was derived, which could lay a foundation for the popularization and application of this kind of composite column in practical engineering.
Building Envelope Retrofitting Strategies for Energy-Efficient Office Buildings in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Tamimi Nedhal
Published: November 2022

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is working to establish cities based on the economy and attract investments such as Neom and The Line. Moreover, at the beginning of 2021, the Saudi government announced that it will stop dealing with foreign companies that establish regional offices outside the country, starting from the beginning of the year 2024. These acts will contribute to strengthening the presence of office buildings significantly. However, the biggest challenge is the inefficient energy design and operation of the existing office buildings in an overheated environment. Therefore, improving the thermal performance of existing office buildings has become a priority for sustainable development. This study aims to evaluate the current scenario of energy performance in Saudi governmental office buildings. One of the most important strategies of the Kingdom’s vision 2030 regards energy conservation. In support of the aim of this research, the annual electric energy bill of the Agricultural Development Fund building in Najran has been collected and analyzed. Accordingly, the analyses were carried out to evaluate the improvement in energy consumption through retrofitting the building envelope. DesignBuilder simulation program was used to investigate the effects of different retrofitting strategies of the building envelope in terms of changing the type of window’s glass, adding thermal insulation layers, and applying egg-crate shading devices. The results reported that applying a combination of those strategies reduced total energy consumption by 26.81% compared with the current base case.
Autotaxin in Breast Cancer: Role, Epigenetic Regulation and Clinical Implications
Authors: Drosouni Andrianna , Panagopoulou Maria , Aidinis Vassilis , Chatzaki Ekaterini
Published: November 2022

Autotaxin (ATX), the protein product of Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase Phosphodiesterase 2 (ENPP2), is a secreted lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD) responsible for the extracellular production of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). ATX-LPA pathway signaling participates in several normal biological functions, but it has also been connected to cancer progression, metastasis and inflammatory processes. Significant research has established a role in breast cancer and it has been suggested as a therapeutic target and/or a clinically relevant biomarker. Recently, ENPP2 methylation was described, revealing a potential for clinical exploitation in liquid biopsy. The current review aims to gather the latest findings about aberrant signaling through ATX-LPA in breast cancer and discusses the role of ENPP2 expression and epigenetic modification, giving insights with translational value.
Environmentally Friendly Fabrication of High-Efficient Fe-ZnO/Citric Acid-Modified Cellulose Composite and the Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity in the Presence of H2O2
Authors: Fiszka Borzyszkowska Agnieszka , Sulowska Agnieszka , Zekker Ivar , Karczewski Jakub , Bester Kai , Zielińska-Jurek Anna
Published: November 2022

In the present study, a novel Fe-ZnO/citric acid-modified cellulose composite (x%Fe-ZnO-y%CAC) was synthesized using an environmentally friendly hydrothermal method. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen physisorption, and electrochemical and photocurrent density analyses. The influence of the additives from the series of x%Fe-ZnO-y%CAC photocatalysts with Fe content from 0 to 5% and CAC content from 0 to 80% on photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen (IBU) under simulated solar light was investigated. The photocatalyst 0.5%Fe-ZnO-40%CAC showed high photocatalytic activity of 0.0632 min−1 first-order kinetic rate constant and 46% TOC reduction of IBU under simulated solar light irradiation. Additionally, H2O2-assisted photocatalytic process was investigated for facilitating the IBU degradation in the presence of 0.5%Fe-ZnO-40%CAC; the first-order kinetic rate constant was 2.7 times higher compared to the process without addition of H2O2. Moreover, the effect of radical scavengers was examined to explain the degradation mechanism of IBU by synthesized photocatalysts supported with H2O2. The demonstrated system provides a low-cost and green approach to improve the photocatalytic activity of x%Fe-ZnO-y%CAC photocatalysts.
Proteomic Landscape and Deduced Functions of the Cardiac 14-3-3 Protein Interactome
Authors: Qu Jia-Hua , Tarasov Kirill V. , Chakir Khalid , Tarasova Yelena S. , Riordon Daniel R. , Lakatta Edward G.
Published: November 2022

Rationale: The 14-3-3 protein family is known to interact with many proteins in non-cardiac cell types to regulate multiple signaling pathways, particularly those relating to energy and protein homeostasis; and the 14-3-3 network is a therapeutic target of critical metabolic and proteostatic signaling in cancer and neurological diseases. Although the heart is critically sensitive to nutrient and energy alterations, and multiple signaling pathways coordinate to maintain the cardiac cell homeostasis, neither the structure of cardiac 14-3-3 protein interactome, nor potential functional roles of 14-3-3 protein–protein interactions (PPIs) in heart has been explored. Objective: To establish the comprehensive landscape and characterize the functional role of cardiac 14-3-3 PPIs. Methods and Results: We evaluated both RNA expression and protein abundance of 14-3-3 isoforms in mouse heart, followed by co-immunoprecipitation of 14-3-3 proteins and mass spectrometry in left ventricle. We identified 52 proteins comprising the cardiac 14-3-3 interactome. Multiple bioinformatic analyses indicated that more than half of the proteins bound to 14-3-3 are related to mitochondria; and the deduced functions of the mitochondrial 14-3-3 network are to regulate cardiac ATP production via interactions with mitochondrial inner membrane proteins, especially those in mitochondrial complex I. Binding to ribosomal proteins, 14-3-3 proteins likely coordinate protein synthesis and protein quality control. Localizations of 14-3-3 proteins to mitochondria and ribosome were validated via immunofluorescence assays. The deduced function of cardiac 14-3-3 PPIs is to regulate cardiac metabolic homeostasis and proteostasis. Conclusions: Thus, the cardiac 14-3-3 interactome may be a potential therapeutic target in cardiovascular metabolic and proteostatic disease states, as it already is in cancer therapy.
MK-2206 Alleviates Renal Fibrosis by Suppressing the Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Chen Meiling , Yu Yihang , Mi Tao , Guo Qitong , Xiang Bin , Tian Xiaomao , Jin Liming , Long Chunlan , Shen Lianju , Liu Xing , Pan Jianbo , Zhang Yuanyuan , Xu Tao , Zhang Deying , Wei Guanghui
Published: November 2022

Renal fibrosis is a common pathological feature of various kidney diseases, leading to irreversible renal failure and end-stage renal disease. However, there are still no effective treatments to reverse renal fibrosis. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of a targeted drug for fibrosis. Here, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-treated mice and a TGF-β1-treated human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2 cells) were used as models of renal fibrosis. Based on the changes of mRNA in UUO kidneys detected by transcriptome sequencing, MK-2206, an Akt inhibitor, was predicted as a potential drug to alleviate renal fibrosis through bioinformatics. We dissolved UUO mice with MK-2206 by gastric gavage and cultured TGF-β-induced HK-2 cells with MK-2206. Histopathological examinations were performed after MK-2206 intervention, and the degree of renal fibrosis, as well as the expression of Akt/mTOR pathway-related proteins, were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot. The results showed that MK-2206 significantly improved the pathological structure of the kidney. Furthermore, MK-2206 intervention effectively inhibited UUO- and TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix deposition. Mechanistically, MK-2206 treatment attenuated the activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, our study revealed for the first time that MK-2206 is a promising drug for the improvement of renal fibrosis.
LncKCNQ1OT1 Promotes the Odontoblastic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells via Regulating hsa-miR-153-3p/RUNX2 Axis
Authors: Lu Xiaohui , Zhang Jiawen , Lu Yuanzhou , Xing Jing , Lian Min , Feng Guijuan , Huang Dan , Wang Chenfei , Shen Nimei , Feng Xingmei
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to explore the role of LncKCNQ1OT1/hsa-miR-153-3p/RUNX2 in the odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and its possible mechanism. The expression of LncKCNQ1OT1, hsa-miR-153-3p, and RUNX2 in the odontoblastic differentiation was detected by qRT-PCR. Interaction between LncKCNQ1OT1 and hsa-miR-153-3p and interaction between hsa-miR-153-3p and RUNX2 were detected by dual-luciferase assay. The cell viability of DPSCs was detected by CCK-8, and the effect of LncKCNQ1OT1 and hsa-miR-153-3p on the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs was observed by alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, and Western blot for RUNX2, DSPP, and DMP-1. The results showed, during odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs, the expression of LncKCNQ1OT1 increased, hsa-miR-153-3p expression decreased, and RUNX2 expression increased. Dual-luciferase assay showed that LncKCNQ1OT1 sponges hsa-miR-153-3p and hsa-miR-153-3p targets on RUNX2. After LncKCNQ1OT1 and hsa-miR-153-3p expressions of DPSCs were changed, the cell viability was not notably changed, but the odontoblastic differentiation was notably changed, which was confirmed with Alizarin Red staining, ALP activity, and Western blot for RUNX2, DSPP, and DMP-1. The results indicate that LncKCNQ1OT1 promotes the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs via regulating hsa-miR-153-3p/RUNX2 axis, which may provide a therapeutic clue for odontogenesis.
Long-Term Ventilation in Children with Medical Complexity: A Challenging Issue
Authors: Caldarelli Valeria , Porcaro Federica , Filippo Paola Di , Attanasi Marina , Fainardi Valentina , Gallucci Marcella , Mazza Angelo , Ullmann Nicola , La Grutta Stefania
Published: November 2022

Children with medical complexity (CMCs) represent a subgroup of children who may have congenital or acquired multisystemic disease. CMCs are frequently predisposed to respiratory problems and often require long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV). The indications for LTMV in CMCs are increasing, but gathering evidence about indications, titration, and monitoring is currently the most difficult challenge due to the absence of validated data. The aim of this review was to examine the clinical indications and ethical considerations for the initiation, continuation, or withdrawal of LTMV among CMCs. The decision to initiate long-term ventilation should always be based on clinical and ethical considerations and should be shared with the parents.
Optical Properties of Valve Metals Functional Thin Films Obtained by Electrochemical Anodization on Transparent Substrates
Authors: Khoroshko Liudmila , Baglov Aleksey , Orekhovskaya Taisa , Trukhanov Sergei , Tishkevich Daria , Trukhanov Alex , Raichenok Tamara , Kopots Anatoly
Published: November 2022

Nanostructured aluminum, tantalum, and vanadium oxide layers on glass substrates were obtained by electrochemical anodizing in oxalic and sulfuric–oxalic electrolytes. The morphological and optical properties of the obtained structures were investigated experimentally by scanning electron microscopy and transmission spectroscopy. Obtained oxide coatings are quasi-ordered arrays of vertical (aluminum oxide/tantalum oxide, aluminum oxide/vanadium oxide, and aluminum oxide obtained in the oxalic electrolyte) or non-ordered tree-like (aluminum oxide obtained in the sulfuric–oxalic electrolyte) pores depending on the initial film metal and anodizing technology. The light transmission in the range of 750–1200 nm is up to 60% for aluminum oxide/tantalum oxide/glass (annealed) and quasi-ordered aluminum oxide/glass structures, and around 40% for aluminum oxide/tantalum oxide/glass (not annealed) and aluminum oxide/vanadium oxide. Non-ordered aluminum oxide is characterized by low transmission (no more than 8%) but has a developed surface and may be of interest for the formation of films with poor adhesion on smooth substrates, for example, photocatalytic active xerogels. The refractive indices of dispersion of the obtained layers were calculated from the transmission spectra by the envelope method. The dispersion of the refractive indices of the obtained oxide films is insignificant in a wide range of wavelengths, and the deviation from the average value is assumed to be observed near the intrinsic absorption edges of the films. The glasses with proposed semi-transparent nanostructured oxide layers are promising substrate structures for subsequent sol–gel coating layers used in photocatalytic purification systems or up-conversion modules of tandem silica solar cells with forward and reverse illumination.
Fabrication of Multi-Material Components by Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Chaoqun , Yu Hongying , Sun Dongbai , Liu Wen
Published: November 2022

Complex and harsh service environments in the aerospace industry, power industry, automotive industry, injection molding industry and medical industry require components to have spatially tailored properties [...]
Design and Research of Biomaterials
Authors: Yasmin Humaira
Published: November 2022

Trauma, degeneration, and illness frequently necessitate surgical intervention [...]
Secondary Structures on the Friction Surface of Diamond-like Coating
Authors: Gershman Iosif , Mironov Alexander , Fox Rabinovich German , Muravyeva Tamara , Shkalei Ivan , Shcherbakova Olga , Torskaya Elena , Fedorov Sergey , Endrino Jose Luis
Published: November 2022

Peculiarities of the formation of secondary structures on the surface of a diamond-like coating are studied on the example of a friction contact between a steel ball and a diamond-like coating. The friction surface was examined in various areas; the zone of wear products (the boundary of the friction track) and the original surface outside the friction area. It is shown that secondary structures with a high content of iron, nickel, manganese, chromium, and oxygen are characteristic of areas with the highest wear resistance. Such secondary structures are formed because of the intense interaction of the diamond-like coating with the steel of the ball during dry friction.
Comprehensive Safety Evaluation of Corroded Circular Steel Tubes under Compression Based on Image Processing
Authors: Wei Yuan , Li Yingjie , Wu Zhaoqi , Chen Jinyu , Jiang Shao-Fei , Lin Deyuan , Xiao Xianbiao
Published: November 2022

In order to achieve a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the safety of compression members made of circular steel tubes, image processing technology is commonly utilized to extract the morphology of the steel tubes before and after rust removal. The obtained results have validated the feasibility and applicability of employing digital cameras and image processing technology to analyze the images of the steel tubes before and after rust removal and to extract useful structural mechanics features. The feature values of the apparent morphology before rust removal grow with the increase of the corrosion depth, while after rust removal, the feature values first increase and then decrease with the growth of the corrosion depth. Based on this fact, a simplified equation is proposed to quantify the relationship between the feature values of the apparent morphology before and after rust removal and the corrosion depth. In continuing, a simple, fairly accurate, and comprehensive safety evaluation methodology for corroded circular steel tubes under compression is established. Finally, an example is illustrated to check the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Evaluating the Performance of Deep Learning Frameworks for Malaria Parasite Detection Using Microscopic Images of Peripheral Blood Smears
Authors: Uzun Ozsahin Dilber , Mustapha Mubarak Taiwo , Bartholomew Duwa Basil , Ozsahin Ilker
Published: November 2022

Malaria is a significant health concern in many third-world countries, especially for pregnant women and young children. It accounted for about 229 million cases and 600,000 mortality globally in 2019. Hence, rapid and accurate detection is vital. This study is focused on achieving three goals. The first is to develop a deep learning framework capable of automating and accurately classifying malaria parasites using microscopic images of thin and thick peripheral blood smears. The second is to report which of the two peripheral blood smears is the most appropriate for use in accurately detecting malaria parasites in peripheral blood smears. Finally, we evaluate the performance of our proposed model with commonly used transfer learning models. We proposed a convolutional neural network capable of accurately predicting the presence of malaria parasites using microscopic images of thin and thick peripheral blood smears. Model evaluation was carried out using commonly used evaluation metrics, and the outcome proved satisfactory. The proposed model performed better when thick peripheral smears were used with accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of 96.97%, 97.00%, and 97.00%. Identifying the most appropriate peripheral blood smear is vital for improved accuracy, rapid smear preparation, and rapid diagnosis of patients, especially in regions where malaria is endemic.