bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Post-Mastectomy Radiotherapy on Survival Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients Who Underwent Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Lee Janghee , Kim Jee-Ye , Bae Soong-June , Cho Yeona , Ji Jung-Hwan , Kim Dooreh , Ahn Sung-Gwe , Park Hyung-Seok , Park Seho , Kim Seung-Il , Park Byeong-Woo , Jeong Joon
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to determine whether post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is beneficial for the prognosis of patients who achieved pathologic complete response (pCR), or who had minimal residual disease, after undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Patients who underwent a total mastectomy between 2006 and 2018, after NAC, were included. Patients who did not receive PMRT were matched using 1:3 propensity score matching (PSM). Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to compare locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 368 patients were included after 1:3 PSM. PMRT improved the LRRFS (p = 0.016) and OS (p = 0.017) rates of patients who underwent NAC. However, PMRT did not affect the prognosis of patients with pCR (LRRFS: p = 0.999; OS: p = 0.453). In addition, PMRT had a limited effect on LRRFS and OS in patients who responded well to NAC, with a neoadjuvant response index (NRI) value of 0.7–1.0 (LRRFS: p = 0.568; OS: p = 0.875). PMRT improved the OS of patients with a large residual tumor burden, such as nodal metastases or pathologic stage II/III. The benefits of PMRT vary depending on the patients’ response to NAC, although PMRT is useful for treating patients who underwent NAC. PMRT can be omitted, not only in patients with pCR, but also in good responders with an NRI value of 0.7–1.0.
The Hippo Signaling Pathway in Cancer: A Cell Cycle Perspective
Authors: Xiao Yi , Dong Jixin
Published: December 2021

Cell cycle progression is an elaborate process that requires stringent control for normal cellular function. Defects in cell cycle control, however, contribute to genomic instability and have become a characteristic phenomenon in cancers. Over the years, advancement in the understanding of disrupted cell cycle regulation in tumors has led to the development of powerful anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, an in-depth exploration of cell cycle dysregulation in cancers could provide therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment. The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved regulator network that controls organ size, and its dysregulation is implicated in various types of cancers. Although the role of the Hippo pathway in oncogenesis has been widely investigated, its role in cell cycle regulation has not been comprehensively scrutinized. Here, we specifically focus on delineating the involvement of the Hippo pathway in cell cycle regulation. To that end, we first compare the structural as well as functional conservation of the core Hippo pathway in yeasts, flies, and mammals. Then, we detail the multi-faceted aspects in which the core components of the mammalian Hippo pathway and their regulators affect the cell cycle, particularly with regard to the regulation of E2F activity, the G1 tetraploidy checkpoint, DNA synthesis, DNA damage checkpoint, centrosome dynamics, and mitosis. Finally, we briefly discuss how a collective understanding of cell cycle regulation and the Hippo pathway could be weaponized in combating cancer.
Facile Construction of Magnetic Ionic Liquid Supported Silica for Aerobic Oxidative Desulfurization in Fuel
Authors: Liu Fujie , Zhang Ming , Gao Yongkang , Tan Haojie , Li Hongping , Wang Chao , Zhu Wenshuai , Li Huaming
Published: December 2021

With the rapid growth in fuel demand, deep desulfurization of fuel oil is vitally necessary for the sake of health and environmental protection. In this work, a kind of magnetic ionic liquid supported silica is prepared by a facile ball milling method, and applied in the aerobic oxidative desulfurization of organosulfurs in fuel. The experimental results indicated that ball milling procedure can increase the specific surface area of samples, which is beneficial to oxidative desulfurization process. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the prepared materials can have an entire removal of aromatic sulfur compounds as well as a good recycling ability. Moreover, the introduction of Fe3O4 did not decline the desulfurization performance, but help the catalyst to be easily separated after reaction.
Recent Advances in Homogeneous/Heterogeneous Catalytic Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation for Potential Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) Systems
Authors: Cho Jun-Young , Kim Hahyeon , Oh Jeong-Eun , Park Boyoung Y.
Published: December 2021

Here, we review liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) as a potential solution to the global warming problem due to the increased use of fossil fuels. Recently, hydrogen molecules have attracted attention as a sustainable energy carrier from renewable energy-rich regions to energy-deficient regions. The LOHC system is one a particularly promising hydrogen storage system in the “hydrogen economy”, and efficient hydrogen mass production that generates only benign byproducts can be applied in the industry. Therefore, this article presents hydrogenation and dehydrogenation, using homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts, for several types of LOHCs, including formic acid/formaldehyde/ammonia, homocyclic compounds, nitrogen- and oxygen-containing compounds. In addition, it introduces LOHC system reactor types.
Insight into Composition and Intermediate Evolutions of Copper-Based Catalysts during Gas-Phase CO2 Electroreduction to Multicarbon Oxygenates
Authors: Li Guihua , Zhao Yonghui , Li Jerry Pui Ho , Chen Wei , Li Shoujie , Dong Xiao , Song Yanfang , Yang Yong , Wei Wei , Sun Yuhan
Published: December 2021

Conversion of CO2 to valuable chemicals driven by renewable electricity via electrocatalytic reduction processes is of great significance for achieving carbon neutrality. Copper-based materials distinguish themselves from other electrocatalysts for their unique capability to produce multicarbon compounds in CO2 electroreduction. However, the intrinsic active composition and C–C coupling mechanism of copper-based catalysts are still ambiguous. This is largely due to the absence of appropriate in situ approaches to monitor the complicated processes of CO2 electroreduction. Here, we adopted operando spectroscopy techniques, including Raman and infrared, to investigate the evolution of compositions and intermediates during gas-phase CO2 electroreduction on Cu foam, Cu2O nanowire and CuO nanowire catalysts. Although all the three copper-based catalysts possessed the activity of electroreducing gas-phase CO2 to multicarbon oxygenates, Cu2O nanowires showed the much superior performance with a 71.9% Faradaic efficiency of acetaldehyde. Operando Raman spectra manifested that the cuprous oxide remained stable during the whole gas-phase CO2 electroreduction, and operando diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRFITS) results provide direct evidences of key intermediates and their evolutions for producing multicarbon oxygenates, in consistence with the density functional theory calculations.
Mouse Organ-Specific Proteins and Functions
Authors: Sun Bingyun , Lorang Cynthia , Qin Shizhen , Zhang Yijuan , Liu Ken , Li Gray , Sun Zhi , Francke Ashley , Utleg Angelita G. , Hu Zhiyuan , Wang Kai , Moritz Robert L. , Hood Leroy
Published: December 2021

Organ-specific proteins (OSPs) possess great medical potential both in clinics and in biomedical research. Applications of them—such as alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and troponins—in clinics have raised certain concerns of their organ specificity. The dynamics and diversity of protein expression in heterogeneous human populations are well known, yet their effects on OSPs are less addressed. Here, we used mice as a model and implemented a breadth study to examine the panorgan proteome for potential variations in organ specificity in different genetic backgrounds. Using reasonable resources, we generated panorgan proteomes of four in-bred mouse strains. The results revealed a large diversity that was more profound among OSPs than among proteomes overall. We defined a robustness score to quantify such variation and derived three sets of OSPs with different stringencies. In the meantime, we found that the enriched biological functions of OSPs are also organ-specific and are sensitive and useful to assess the quality of OSPs. We hope our breadth study can open doors to explore the molecular diversity and dynamics of organ specificity at the protein level.
Human rDNA and Cancer
Authors: Smirnov Evgeny , Chmúrčiaková Nikola , Cmarko Dušan
Published: December 2021

In human cells, each rDNA unit consists of the ~13 kb long ribosomal part and ~30 kb long intergenic spacer (IGS). The ribosomal part, transcribed by RNA polymerase I (pol I), includes genes coding for 18S, 5.8S, and 28S RNAs of the ribosomal particles, as well as their four transcribed spacers. Being highly repetitive, intensively transcribed, and abundantly methylated, rDNA is a very fragile site of the genome, with high risk of instability leading to cancer. Multiple small mutations, considerable expansion or contraction of the rDNA locus, and abnormally enhanced pol I transcription are usual symptoms of transformation. Recently it was found that both IGS and the ribosomal part of the locus contain many functional/potentially functional regions producing non-coding RNAs, which participate in the pol I activity regulation, stress reactions, and development of the malignant phenotype. Thus, there are solid reasons to believe that rDNA locus plays crucial role in carcinogenesis. In this review we discuss the data concerning the human rDNA and its closely associated factors as both targets and drivers of the pathways essential for carcinogenesis. We also examine whether variability in the structure of the locus may be blamed for the malignant transformation. Additionally, we consider the prospects of therapy focused on the activity of rDNA.
Roles of Mesenchymal Cells in the Lung: From Lung Development to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Nasri Amel , Foisset Florent , Ahmed Engi , Lahmar Zakaria , Vachier Isabelle , Jorgensen Christian , Assou Said , Bourdin Arnaud , De Vos John
Published: December 2021

Mesenchymal cells are an essential cell type because of their role in tissue support, their multilineage differentiation capacities and their potential clinical applications. They play a crucial role during lung development by interacting with airway epithelium, and also during lung regeneration and remodeling after injury. However, much less is known about their function in lung disease. In this review, we discuss the origins of mesenchymal cells during lung development, their crosstalk with the epithelium, and their role in lung diseases, particularly in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Tributyrin, a Butyrate Pro-Drug, Primes Satellite Cells for Differentiation by Altering the Epigenetic Landscape
Authors: Murray Robert L. , Zhang Wei , Liu Jianan , Cooper Jason , Mitchell Alex , Buman Maria , Song Jiuzhou , Stahl Chad H.
Published: December 2021

Satellite cells (SC) are a population of muscle resident stem cells that are responsible for postnatal muscle growth and repair. With investigation into the genomic regulation of SC fate, the role of the epigenome in governing SC myogenesis is becoming clearer. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been demonstrated to be effective at enhancing the myogenic program of SC, but their role in altering the epigenetic landscape of SC remains undetermined. Our objective was to determine how an HDAC inhibitor, butyrate, promotes myogenic differentiation. SC from tributyrin treated neonatal piglets showed a decrease relative to SC from control animals in the expression of enhance of zeste homologue-2 (EZH2), a chromatin modifier, ex vivo. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-Sequencing (ChIP-Seq) analysis of SC isolated from tributyrin treated pigs showed a global reduction of the tri-methylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) repressive chromatin mark. To determine if reductions in EZH2 was the primary mechanism through which butyrate affects SC behavior, SC were transfected with siRNA targeting EZH2, treated with 0.5 mM butyrate, or both. Treatment with butyrate reduced paired-box-7 (Pax7) and myogenic differentiation-1 (MyoD) gene expression, while siRNA caused reductions in EZH2 had no effect on their expression. EZH2 depletion did result in an increase in differentiating SC, but not in myotube hypertrophy. These results indicate that while EZH2 reduction may force myogenic differentiation, butyrate may operate through a parallel mechanism to enhance the myogenic program.
Imidazole-Thiosemicarbazide Derivatives as Potent Anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis Compounds with Antibiofilm Activity
Authors: Bekier Adrian , Kawka Malwina , Lach Jakub , Dziadek Jarosław , Paneth Agata , Gatkowska Justyna , Dzitko Katarzyna , Dziadek Bożena
Published: December 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an intracellular pathogenic bacterium and the causative agent of tuberculosis. This disease is one of the most ancient and deadliest bacterial infections, as it poses major health, social and economic challenges at a global level, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. The lack of an effective vaccine, the long and expensive drug therapy, and the rapid spread of drug-resistant strains of Mtb have led to the re-emergence of tuberculosis as a global pandemic. Here, we assessed the in vitro activity of new imidazole-thiosemicarbazide derivatives (ITDs) against Mtb infection and their effects on mycobacterial biofilm formation. Cytotoxicity studies of the new compounds in cell lines and human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were performed. The anti-Mtb activity of ITDs was evaluated by determining minimal inhibitory concentrations of resazurin, time-kill curves, bacterial intracellular growth and the effect on biofilm formation. Mutation frequency and whole-genome sequencing of mutants that were resistant to ITDs were performed. The antimycobacterial potential of ITDs with the ability to penetrate Mtb-infected human macrophages and significantly inhibit the intracellular growth of tubercle bacilli and suppress Mtb biofilm formation was observed.
Exercise Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Obese Mice via the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Meteorin-like
Authors: Javaid Hafiz Muhammad Ahmad , Sahar Namood E , ZhuGe De-Li , Huh Joo Young
Published: December 2021

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. The benefits of exercise are partly attributed to its anti-inflammatory effect, but whether exercise can regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation in obese adipose tissue remains unknown. Meteorin-like (METRNL), a recently discovered myokine, has been implicated in mediating the effect of exercise on metabolism. Herein, we examined the effect of exercise and METRNL on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were subjected to treadmill exercise for 8 weeks. A subgroup of HFD mice was switched to normal chow with the exercise intervention. Exercise and diet attenuated weight gain, fat accumulation, and insulin resistance in obese mice. In addition, exercise downregulated gene and protein levels of inflammasome markers, including NLRP3 and caspase-1, in adipose tissue. In isolated bone marrow-derived macrophages, activation of NLRP3 inflammasome was suppressed in the exercise group, as confirmed by the downregulation of IL-1β and IL-18. Exercise significantly enhanced the expression of METRNL in various muscle depots, and further in vitro analysis revealed that recombinant METRNL treatment inhibited IL-1β secretion in macrophages. In conclusion, exercise exerts its anti-inflammatory action by suppressing adipose tissue NLRP3 inflammasome, and this is, in part, associated with METRNL induction in muscle and its anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages.
Gene Expression Profiles of Multiple Synchronous Lesions in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lim Jisun , Han Yeon Bi , Park Soo Young , Ahn Soyeon , Kim Hyojin , Kwon Hyun Jung , Lee Choon-Taek , Cho Sukki , Chung Jin-Haeng
Published: December 2021

Many studies support a stepwise continuum of morphologic changes between atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) and lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). Here we characterized gene expression patterns and the association of differentially expressed genes and immune tumor microenvironment behaviors in AAH to ADC during ADC development. Tumor tissues from nine patients with ADC and synchronous multiple ground glass nodules/lesions (GGN/Ls) were analyzed using RNA sequencing. Using clustering, we identified genes differentially and sequentially expressed in AAH and ADC compared to normal tissues. Functional enrichment analysis using gene ontology terms was performed, and the fraction of immune cell types was estimated. We identified up-regulated genes (ACSL5 and SERINC2) with a stepwise change of expression from AAH to ADC and validated those expressions by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. The immune cell profiles revealed increased B cell activities and decreased natural killer cell activities in AAH and ADC. A stepwise change of differential expression during ADC development revealed potential effects on immune function in synchronous precursors and in tumor lesions in patients with lung cancer.
Decidua Parietalis Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Their Secretome Diminish the Oncogenic Properties of MDA231 Cells In Vitro
Authors: Basmaeil Yasser , Bahattab Eman , Al Subayyil Abdullah , Kulayb Haya , Alrodayyan Maha , Abumaree Mohammad , Khatlani Tanvir
Published: December 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to suppress tumor growth, inhibit angiogenesis, regulate cellular signaling, and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. We have earlier reported that placenta-derived decidua parietalis mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (DPMSCs) not only retained their functional characteristics in the cancer microenvironment but also exhibited increased expression of anti-apoptotic genes, demonstrating their anti-tumor properties in the tumor setting. In this study, we have further evaluated the effects of DPMSCs on the functional outcome of human breast cancer cell line MDA231. MDA231 cells were exposed to DPMSCs, and their biological functions, including adhesion, proliferation, migration, and invasion, were evaluated. In addition, genomic and proteomic modifications of the MDA231 cell line, in response to the DPMSCs, were also evaluated. MDA231 cells exhibited a significant reduction in proliferation, migration, and invasion potential after their treatment with DPMSCs. Furthermore, DPMSC treatment diminished the angiogenic potential of MDA231 cells. DPMSC treatment modulated the expression of various pro-apoptotic as well as oncogenes in MDA231 cells. The properties of DPMSCs to inhibit the invasive characteristics of MDA231 cells demonstrate that they may be a useful candidate in a stem-cell-based therapy against cancer.
Lenticulostriate Vasculopathy in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Infants: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Hung Yi-Li , Shen Chung-Min , Hung Kun-Long , Hsieh Wu-Shiun
Published: December 2021

Background: The pathogenesis and clinical significance of lenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV) are unclear. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence, presentation, and evolution of LSV, and the perinatal risk factors associated with LSV among very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Methods: One-hundred-and-thirty VLBW preterm infants were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Serial cranial ultrasound examinations were performed regularly from birth until a corrected age of 1 year. Infants with LSV were assigned to early-onset (≤10 postnatal days) and late-onset (>10 postnatal days) groups. Data describing the infants’ perinatal characteristics, placental histopathology, and neonatal morbidities were collected, and the groups were compared. Results: Of the VLBW infants, 39.2% had LSV before they were 1 year old. Linear-type LSV was the most common presentation, and >50% of the infants had bilateral involvement. LSV was first detected at 112 ± 83 postnatal days, and its detection timing correlated negatively with gestational age (GA) (R2 = 0.153, p = 0.005) and persisted for 6 months on average. The infants with and without LSV had similar perinatal characteristics, placental pathologies, cytomegalovirus infection rates, and clinical morbidities. The late-onset LSV group comprised 45 (88.2%) infants who had a significantly higher rate of being small for gestational age (SGA) and used oxygen for longer than the infants without LSV. After adjusting a multivariable regression model for GA and SGA, analysis showed that the duration of oxygen usage was an independent risk factor for late-onset LSV development in VLBW infants (odds ratio: 1.030, p = 0.032). Conclusion: LSV may be a nonspecific marker of perinatal insult to the developing brains of preterm infants. Prolonged postnatal oxygen usage may predispose VLBW preterm infants to late-onset LSV development. The long-term clinical impacts of LSV should be clarified.
Effect of Doping Element and Electrolyte’s pH on the Properties of Hydroxyapatite Coatings Obtained by Pulsed Galvanostatic Technique
Authors: Ungureanu Elena , Vranceanu Diana Maria , Vladescu Alina , Parau Anca Constantina , Tarcolea Mihai , Cotrut Cosmin Mihai
Published: December 2021

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is the most widely used calcium phosphate as a coating on metal implants due to its biocompatibility and bioactivity. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of the pH’s electrolyte and doping element on the morphology, roughness, chemical, and phasic composition of hydroxyapatite-based coatings obtained by pulsed galvanostatic electrochemical deposition. As doping elements, both Sr and Ag were selected due to their good osseoinductive character and antibacterial effect, respectively. The electrolytes were prepared at pH 4 and 5, in which specific concentrations of Sr, Ag, and Sr + Ag were added. In terms of morphology, all coatings consist in ribbon-like crystals, which at pH 5 appear to be a little larger. Addition of Sr did not affect the morphology of HAp, while Ag addition has led to the formation of flower-like crystals agglomeration. When both doping elements were added, the flowers like agglomerations caused by the Ag have diminished, indicating the competition between Sr and Ag. X-Ray Diffraction analysis has highlighted that Sr and/or Ag have successfully substituted the Ca in the HAp structure. Moreover, at higher pH, the crystallinity of all HAp coatings was enhanced. Thus, it can be said that the electrolyte’s pH enhances to some extent the properties of HAp-based coatings, while the addition of Sr and/or Ag does not negatively impact the obtained features of HAp, indicating that by using pulsed galvanostatic electrochemical deposition, materials with tunable features dictated by the function of the coated medical device can be designed.
Dependence of Crystallization Behavior of Interacting Telechelic Poly(butylene succinate) Oligomer on Molecular Weight
Authors: Chen Cong , Zhang Xue-Wen , Ye Hai-Mu
Published: December 2021

A large spherulite structure deteriorates the mechanical properties of crystalline polymers, and therefore various methods have been explored to increase primary nucleation density. Recently, chain-end modification has been proposed as an effective approach for regulating polymer crystal nucleation. However, the relevant nucleation mechanism still requires investigation. Therefore, in this work, 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy) units, which can form stacks via quadruple hydrogen bonds with each other, are introduced as end groups for the preparation of interacting telechelic poly(butylene succinate) (PBS-UPy) oligomers with different molecular weights (Mns). The crystallization, especially the nucleation behavior of PBS-UPy, is studied in detail by comparing with the corresponding pre-polymer, the hydroxyl-terminal PBS (PBS-OH). The thermal properties of PBS-UPy exhibit similar Mn-dependent tendency to those of PBS-OH, but with weaker total crystallization rate. The spherulite growth rate is significantly reduced, whereas the primary nucleation density is highly promoted, after introducing UPy groups. Further investigation reveals that the mechanism of UPy stacks’ influence on nucleation ability changes from inhibition to promotion with respect to Mn. Even under an inhibition of nucleation ability, the final nucleation density is obviously increased because of a significant decline of the growth rate. In addition, the change in the impact of UPy stacks on nucleation ability is speculated to originate from the memory expression feasibility of ordered conformation in the melt during crystallization.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic, and Biological Assessments on Some New Rare Earth Metal Adrenaline Adducts
Authors: Al Yousef Sulaiman A. , Al-Wasidi Asma S. , AlZahrani Ibtisam I. S. , Thawibaraka Hotoun I. , Naglah Ahmed M. , El-Mowafi Shaima A. , Ibrahim Omar B. , Refat Moamen S. , Gaber Ahmed
Published: December 2021

Adrenaline (Adr) reacts with chlorides of Y3+, Ce3+, Nd3+ and Sm3+ in methanol at 60 °C to yield metal ion adducts of definite composition. These compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, UV-Vis., 1H–NMR, Raman laser, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and mid infrared spectral measurement investigations. The adducts are found to have the formulae [Y2(Adr)2(H2O)8]Cl3.8H2O, [Ce(Adr)2(H2O)2]Cl3.10H2O, [Nd(Adr)2(H2O)2]Cl3.6H2O, and [Sm(Adr)2(H2O)2]Cl3.12H2O, respectively. The two phenolic groups of the catechol moiety are linked to central metal ions based on the infrared and Raman laser spectra. The new compounds were tested against five gram-positive and two-gram negative bacteria, in addition to two Aspergillus strains. Metal adducts were shown to have stronger antibacterial and antifungal properties than free adrenaline compounds.
Flow Analysis of Hybridized Nanomaterial Liquid Flow in the Existence of Multiple Slips and Hall Current Effect over a Slendering Stretching Surface
Authors: Hou Enran , Wang Fuzhang , Khan Muhammad Naveed , Ahmad Shafiq , Rehman Aysha , Almaliki Abdulrazak H. , Sherif El-Sayed M. , Galal Ahmed M. , Alqurashi Maram S.
Published: December 2021

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are favored materials in the manufacture of electrochemical devices because of their mechanical and chemical stability, good thermal and electrical conductivities, physiochemical consistency, and featherweight. With such intriguing carbon nanotubes properties in mind, the current research aims to investigate the flow of hybridized nano liquid containing MWCNTs (multi-wall carbon nanotubes) and SWCNTs (single-wall carbon nanotubes) across a slendering surface in the presence of a gyrotactic-microorganism. The temperature and solutal energy equation are modified with the impact of the modified Fourier and Fick’s law, binary chemical reaction, viscous dissipation, and joule heating. The slip conditions are imposed on the surface boundaries. The flow equations are converted into ODEs by applying similarity variables. The bvp4c approach is applied to tackle the coupled and extremely nonlinear boundary value problem. The outputs are compared with the PCM (Parametric continuation method) to ensure that the results are accurate. The influence of involved characteristics on energy distribution, velocity profiles, concentration, and microorganism field are presented graphically. It is noted that the stronger values of the wall thickness parameter and the Hartmann number produce a retardation effect; as a result, the fluid velocity declines for MWCNT and SWCNT hybrid nano liquid. Furthermore, the transport of the mass and heat rate improves with a higher amount of both the hybrid and simple nanofluids. The amount of local skin friction and the motile density of microorganisms are discussed and tabulated. Furthermore, the findings are validated by comparing them to the published literature, which is a notable feature of the present results. In this aspect, venerable stability has been accomplished.
Is Lung Ultrasound Helpful in COVID-19 Neonates?—A Systematic Review
Authors: Stoicescu Emil Robert , Ciuca Ioana Mihaiela , Iacob Roxana , Iacob Emil Radu , Marc Monica Steluta , Birsasteanu Florica , Manolescu Diana Luminita , Iacob Daniela
Published: December 2021

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 infection has occurred in neonates, but it is a fact that radiation exposure is not recommended given their age. The aim of this review is to assess the evidence on the utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) in neonates diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed so as to find a number of published studies assessing the benefits of lung ultrasound for newborns diagnosed with COVID and, in the end, to make a comparison between LUS and the other two more conventional procedures of chest X-rays or CT exam. The key terms used in the search of several databases were: “lung ultrasound”, “sonography”, “newborn”, “neonate”, and “COVID-19′. Results: In total, 447 studies were eligible for this review, and after removing the duplicates, 123 studies referring to LU were further examined, but only 7 included cases of neonates. These studies were considered for the present research paper. Conclusions: As a non-invasive, easy-to-use, and reliable method for lung lesion detection in neonates with COVID-19, lung ultrasound can be used as a useful diagnosis tool for the evaluation of COVID-19-associated lung lesions. The benefits of this method in this pandemic period are likely to arouse interest in opening new research horizons, with immediate practical applicability.
Apnea Detection in Polysomnographic Recordings Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Piorecky Marek , Bartoň Martin , Koudelka Vlastimil , Buskova Jitka , Koprivova Jana , Brunovsky Martin , Piorecka Vaclava
Published: December 2021

Sleep disorders are diagnosed in sleep laboratories by polysomnography, a multi-parameter examination that monitors biological signals during sleep. The subsequent evaluation of the obtained records is very time-consuming. The goal of this study was to create an automatic system for evaluation of the airflow and SpO2 channels of polysomnography records, through the use of machine learning techniques and a large database, for apnea and desaturation detection (which is unusual in other studies). To that end, a convolutional neural network (CNN) was designed using hyperparameter optimization. It was then trained and tested for apnea and desaturation. The proposed CNN was compared with the commonly used k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) method. The classifiers were designed based on nasal airflow and blood oxygen saturation signals. The final neural network accuracy for apnea detection reached 84%, and that for desaturation detection was 74%, while the k-NN classifier reached accuracies of 83% and 64% for apnea detection and desaturation detection, respectively.
Advanced Bronchoscopic Technologies for Biopsy of the Pulmonary Nodule: A 2021 Review
Authors: Levine Micah Z. , Goodman Sam , Lentz Robert J. , Maldonado Fabien , Rickman Otis B. , Katsis James
Published: December 2021

The field of interventional pulmonology (IP) has grown from a fringe subspecialty utilized in only a few centers worldwide to a standard component in advanced medical centers. IP is increasingly recognized for its value in patient care and its ability to deliver minimally invasive and cost-effective diagnostics and treatments. This article will provide an in-depth review of advanced bronchoscopic technologies used by IP physicians focusing on pulmonary nodules. While most pulmonary nodules are benign, malignant nodules represent the earliest detectable manifestation of lung cancer. Lung cancer is the second most common and the deadliest cancer worldwide. Differentiating benign from malignant nodules is clinically challenging as these entities are often indistinguishable radiographically. Tissue biopsy is often required to discriminate benign from malignant nodule etiologies. A safe and accurate means of definitively differentiating benign from malignant nodules would be highly valuable for patients, and the medical system at large. This would translate into a greater number of early-stage cancer detections while reducing the burden of surgical resections for benign disease. There is little high-grade evidence to guide clinicians on optimal lung nodule tissue sampling modalities. The number of novel technologies available for this purpose has rapidly expanded over the last decade, making it difficult for clinicians to assess their efficacy. Unfortunately, there is a wide variety of methods used to determine the accuracy of these technologies, making comparisons across studies impossible. This paper will provide an in-depth review of available data regarding advanced bronchoscopic technologies.
Challenging Cases of Aortic Prosthesis Dysfunction, the Importance of Multimodality Imaging, a Case Series
Authors: Pergola Valeria , Cabrelle Giulio , De Conti Giorgio , Barbiero Giulio , Mele Donato , Motta Raffaella
Published: December 2021

ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a promising complementary technique for evaluation of cardiac native and prosthetic structures. MDCT is able to provide a broader coverage with faster scan acquisition times that yield higher spatial and temporal resolution for cardiac structures whose quality may be affected by artifacts on ultrasound. We report a case series about the most challenging complications occurring after prosthetic aortic valve implantation in four patients: pannus, paravalvular leak, prosthesis’ misfolding and subaortic membrane reformation. In all the cases, enhanced MDCT using a retrospective protocol provided accurate 3D morphoanatomic information about cardiac and extracardiac structures, improving and speeding up the correct diagnosis and treatment planning. Integrated imaging, in particular with MDCT, is now the present, and it will increasingly be the future in the assessment of cardiac structural pathology.
Association between Altered Oncogenic Signaling Pathways and Overall Survival of Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Huang Yi-Hsuan , Lin Peng-Chan , Su Wu-Chou , Chan Ren-Hao , Chen Po-Chuan , Lin Bo-Wen , Shen Meng-Ru , Chen Shang-Hung , Yeh Yu-Min
Published: December 2021

Systemic characterization of genomic alterations into signaling pathways helps to understand the molecular pathogenies of colorectal cancer; however, their clinical implications remain unclear. Here, 128 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving targeted next generation sequencing were retrospectively enrolled to analyze the impact of altered oncogenic pathways on clinical outcome. The datasets from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were used for validation. In 123 patients with non-MSI-high tumor, the most common mutated gene was TP53 (84.6%), followed by APC (78.0%), KRAS (49.6%), and SMAD4 (22.8%). When mutated genes were allocated into signaling pathways defined as The Cancer Genome Atlas Pan-Cancer Analysis Project, alterations of cell cycle, Wnt, p53, RTK-RAS, PI3K, TGF-β, Notch, and Myc pathways were identified in 88%, 87%, 85%, 75%, 28%, 26%, 17%, and 10% of mCRC tissues, respectively. The survival analyses revealed that Myc and TGF-β pathway alterations were associated with a shorter overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.412; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.139–5.109; p = 0.018 and HR: 2.754; 95% CI: 1.044–7.265; p = 0.033, respectively). The negative prognostic impact of altered TGF-β pathway was maintained in patients receiving an anti-EGFR antibody. The OS of patients with mCRC carrying MYC and BRAF mutation was shorter than those with either MYC or BRAF mutation (HR: 4.981, 95% CI: 0.296–83.92; p = 0.02). These findings have clinical implications, such as prognosis prediction, treatment guidance, and molecular-targeted therapy development.
Absolute and Relative Reliability of the Assessment of the Muscle Mechanical Properties of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women with and without Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Rodrigues-de-Souza Daiana Priscila , Alcaraz-Clariana Sandra , García-Luque Lourdes , Carmona-Pérez Cristina , Garrido-Castro Juan Luis , Cruz-Medel Inés , Camargo Paula R. , Alburquerque-Sendín Francisco
Published: December 2021

An analysis of the muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) is relevant for understanding the physiopathology of urinary incontinence (UI). However, there is no objective and reliable methodology currently available for quantifying the MMPs of PFMs. Thus, the objective was to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the MMPs of PFM assessment with a hand-held tonometer device, called the MyotonPRO, in young women with and without UI. Sociodemographic and pelvic floor questionnaires, plus MMPs of PFMs were assessed in 38 nulliparous women with UI and 40 matched healthy women by two trained physiotherapists on two different occasions, 48–72 h apart. Good to excellent absolute reliability was found for tone, stiffness, and decrement of both intra- and inter-rater analyses in both study groups (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ranged from 0.75 to 0.92), with a trend of lower values for relaxation and creep. The standard error of measurement (SEM) did not achieve 10% of the mean values for any MMPs. The minimum detectable change (MDC) values were also provided for clinical applications. In conclusion, the relative reliability of tone, stiffness, and the assessment of the decrement of PFMs with MyotonPRO is good to excellent for UI and healthy women. The SEM and MDC values were acceptable for their application in clinical settings.
Prediction of Postoperative Sepsis Based on Changes in Presepsin Levels of Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury after Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Kim Chang Hwan , Kim Eun Young
Published: December 2021

Presepsin (PSP) is a viable biomarker for the detection of bacterial infection, but it lacks accuracy when acute kidney injury (AKI) develops. Herein, we evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of PSP in predicting postoperative sepsis after abdominal surgery respective to the degree of AKI. A total of 311 patients who underwent abdominal surgery and were admitted to a surgical intensive care unit were enrolled and classified into non-AKI, mild-AKI (stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3 without renal replacement therapy (RRT)) and severe-AKI (stage 3 with RRT) group, according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. In each group, PSP and other biomarkers were statistically analyzed between non-sepsis and postoperative sepsis at the admission (T0), 24 h (T1), 48 h (T2) and 72 h (T3) after surgery. In non-AKI and mild-AKI group, PSP levels were significantly higher in postoperative sepsis than non-sepsis group, whereas no difference was detected in the severe-AKI group. Cutoff values of PSP in the mild-AKI group for the prediction of postoperative sepsis were 544 pg/mL (AUC: 0.757, p < 0.001) at T0 and 458.5 pg/mL (AUC: 0.743, p < 0.001) at T1, significantly higher than in non-AKI group. In multivariate analysis, predictors of postoperative sepsis in the mild-AKI group were PSP at T2 (odds ratio (OR): 1.002, p = 0.044) and PSP at T3 (OR: 1.001, p = 0.049). PSP can be useful for predicting newly developed sepsis in patients with transient AKI after abdominal surgery with modified cutoff values.
Concordance between Pressure Platform and Pedigraph
Authors: Gonzalez-Martin Cristina , Fernandez-Lopez Uxia , Mosquera-Fernandez Abian , Balboa-Barreiro Vanesa , Garcia-Rodriguez Maria Teresa , Seijo-Bestilleiro Rocio , Veiga-Seijo Raquel
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Determine the concordance between two methods of obtaining the plantar footprint (pedigraph and pressure platform). Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study of prevalence was carried out in the social center of Cariño (Coruña), Spain (n = 65 participants). Older people without amputations or the presence of dysmetria were included. The variables studied were: sociodemographic (age, sex), anthropometric (body mass index) and footprint measurement variables. These measurements were made by obtaining the plantar footprint using two methods: pedigraph and pressure platform. Results: The mean age of the sample was 37.42 ± 15.05 years, with a predominance of the female gender (61.54%). Positive linear correlation between pedigraph and platform was observed in both feet in the Chippaux and Staheli indices (correlation coefficient > 0.3, p < 0.001 in each comparison). The reliability was good or moderate in relation with the Chippaux and Staheli index. Slightly lower coefficients were observed in the dimensions of the foot. Conclusions: A positive linear correlation between pedigraph and platform was observed in both feet in the Chippaux and Staheli indices. Significant differences were observed between pedigraph and platform in relation to the width and length of the foot. It is probably due to the fact that the pressure platform provides more exhaustive, detailed and accurate information of the foot.
Thermodynamic Analysis and Optimization of a Novel Power-Water Cogeneration System for Waste Heat Recovery of Gas Turbine
Authors: Wang Shunsen , Li Bo
Published: December 2021

A power-water cogeneration system based on a supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle (SCBC) and reverse osmosis (RO) unit is proposed and analyzed in this paper to recover the waste heat of a gas turbine. In order to improve the system performance, the power generated by SCBC is used to drive the RO unit and the waste heat of SCBC is used to preheat the feed seawater of the RO unit. In particular, a dual-stage cooler is employed to elevate the preheating temperature as much as possible. The proposed system is simulated and discussed based on the detailed thermodynamic models. According to the results of parametric analysis, the exergy efficiency of SCBC first increases and then decreases as the turbine inlet temperature and split ratio increase. The performance of the RO unit is improved as the preheating temperature rises. Finally, an optimal exergy efficiency of 52.88% can be achieved according to the single-objective optimization results.
Non-Destructive Assessment of the Elastic Properties of Low-Grade CLT Panels
Authors: Opazo-Vega Alexander , Benedetti Franco , Nuñez-Decap Mario , Maureira-Carsalade Nelson , Oyarzo-Vera Claudio
Published: December 2021

The use of cross-laminated timber panels (CLT) made of low-grade structural timber has steadily increased in developing countries. These panels usually present several natural defects, which can cause a high local variation of their orthotropic elastic properties, generating future structural serviceability problems. Our work aims to estimate the local variability of the elastic properties in low-grade CLT panels by combining nondestructive transverse vibration testing, numerical simulations, and regional sensitivity analysis (RSA). Four three-layer Radiata pine CLT panels were subjected to transverse vibration tests with supports at four points. Besides, a series of numerical simulations of the panels, considering the local variability of the elastic properties of the panels in eight zones, were carried out using the finite element method. Then, RSA analysis was performed to study in which ranges of values the panels’ elastic properties generated lower differences between the measured versus simulated dynamic properties. Finally, a structural quality control indicator was proposed for the CLT panels based on keeping low the probability that the elastic properties in the central zones do not exceed minimum acceptable values. The results obtained suggest that the proposed methodology is suitable for segregating CLT panels with high concentrations of defects such as pith presence.
Effects of Radio Frequency Pretreatment on Quality of Tree Peony Seed Oils: Process Optimization and Comparison with Microwave and Roasting
Authors: Wang Zhi , Zheng Chang , Huang Fenghong , Liu Changsheng , Huang Ying , Wang Weijun
Published: December 2021

In this study, we explored the technical parameters of tree peony seeds oil (TPSO) after their treatment with radio frequency (RF) at 0 °C–140 °C, and compared the results with microwave (MW) and roasted (RT) pretreatment in terms of their physicochemical properties, bioactivity (fatty acid tocopherols and phytosterols), volatile compounds and antioxidant activity of TPSO. RF (140 °C) pretreatment can effectively destroy the cell structure, substantially increasing oil yield by 15.23%. Tocopherols and phytosterols were enhanced in oil to 51.45 mg/kg and 341.35 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, antioxidant activities for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were significantly improved by 33.26 μmol TE/100 g and 65.84 μmol TE/100 g, respectively (p < 0.05). The induction period (IP) value increased by 4.04 times. These results are similar to those of the MW pretreatment. The contents of aromatic compounds were significantly increased, resulting in improved flavors and aromas (roasted, nutty), by RF, MW and RT pretreatments. The three pretreatments significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacities and oxidative stabilities (p < 0.05). The current findings reveal RF to be a potential pretreatment for application in the industrial production of TPSO.
Advances in Genetics and Epigenetic Alterations in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Notion for Therapeutic Treatment
Authors: Rabaneda-Bueno Rubén , Mena-Montes Beatriz , Torres-Castro Sara , Torres-Carrillo Norma , Torres-Carrillo Nora Magdalena
Published: December 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a disabling neurodegenerative disorder that leads to long-term functional and cognitive impairment and greatly reduces life expectancy. Early genetic studies focused on tracking variations in genome-wide DNA sequences discovered several polymorphisms and novel susceptibility genes associated with AD. However, despite the numerous risk factors already identified, there is still no fully satisfactory explanation for the mechanisms underlying the onset of the disease. Also, as with other complex human diseases, the causes of low heritability are unclear. Epigenetic mechanisms, in which changes in gene expression do not depend on changes in genotype, have attracted considerable attention in recent years and are key to understanding the processes that influence age-related changes and various neurological diseases. With the recent use of massive sequencing techniques, methods for studying epigenome variations in AD have also evolved tremendously, allowing the discovery of differentially expressed disease traits under different conditions and experimental settings. This is important for understanding disease development and for unlocking new potential AD therapies. In this work, we outline the genomic and epigenomic components involved in the initiation and development of AD and identify potentially effective therapeutic targets for disease control.