bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NOD2 Agonism Counter-Regulates Human Type 2 T Cell Functions in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Cultures: Implications for Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Gimenez-Rivera Vladimir-Andrey , Patel Harshita , Dupuy Franck P. , Allakhverdi Zoulfia , Bouchard Charlie , Madrenas Joaquín , Bissonnette Robert , Piccirillo Ciriaco A. , Jack Carolyn
Published: February 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is known as a skin disease; however, T cell immunopathology found in blood is associated with its severity. Skin Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and associated host–pathogen dynamics are important to chronic T helper 2 (Th2)-dominated inflammation in AD, yet they remain poorly understood. This study sought to investigate the effects of S. aureus-derived molecules and skin alarmins on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, specifically testing Th2-type cells, cytokines, and chemokines known to be associated with AD. We first show that six significantly elevated Th2-related chemokine biomarkers distinguish blood from adult AD patients compared to healthy controls ex vivo; in addition, TARC/CCL17, LDH, and PDGF-AA/AB correlated significantly with disease severity. We then demonstrate that these robust AD-associated biomarkers, as well as associated type 2 T cell functions, are readily reproduced from healthy blood mononuclear cells exposed to the alarmin TSLP and the S. aureus superantigen SEB in a human in vitro model, including IL-13, IL-5, and TARC secretion as well as OX-40-expressing activated memory T cells. We further show that the agonism of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein (NOD)2 inhibits this IL-13 secretion and memory Th2 and Tc2 cell functional activation while inducing significantly increased pSTAT3 and IL-6, both critical for Th17 cell responses. These findings identify NOD2 as a potential regulator of type 2 immune responses in humans and highlight its role as an endogenous inhibitor of pathogenic IL-13 that may open avenues for its therapeutic targeting in AD.
Transcriptomic Effects on the Mouse Heart Following 30 Days on the International Space Station
Authors: Veliz Alicia L. , Mamoun Lana , Hughes Lorelei , Vega Richard , Holmes Bailey , Monteon Andrea , Bray Jillian , Pecaut Michael J. , Kearns-Jonker Mary
Published: February 2023

Efforts to understand the impact of spaceflight on the human body stem from growing interest in long-term space travel. Multiple organ systems are affected by microgravity and radiation, including the cardiovascular system. Previous transcriptomic studies have sought to reveal the changes in gene expression after spaceflight. However, little is known about the impact of long-term spaceflight on the mouse heart in vivo. This study focuses on the transcriptomic changes in the hearts of female C57BL/6J mice flown on the International Space Station (ISS) for 30 days. RNA was isolated from the hearts of three flight and three comparable ground control mice and RNA sequencing was performed. Our analyses showed that 1147 transcripts were significantly regulated after spaceflight. The MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and GPCR signaling pathways were predicted to be activated. Transcripts related to cytoskeleton breakdown and organization were upregulated, but no significant change in the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components or oxidative stress pathway-associated transcripts occurred. Our results indicate an absence of cellular senescence, and a significant upregulation of transcripts associated with the cell cycle. Transcripts related to cellular maintenance and survival were most affected by spaceflight, suggesting that cardiovascular transcriptome initiates an adaptive response to long-term spaceflight.
Melatonin Activates Anti-Inflammatory Features in Microglia in a Multicellular Context: Evidence from Organotypic Brain Slices and HMC3 Cells
Authors: Merlo Sara , Caruso Grazia Ilaria , Korde Dhwani Sunil , Khodorovska Alla , Humpel Christian , Sortino Maria Angela
Published: February 2023

Melatonin (MEL) is a neurohormone endowed with neuroprotective activity, exerted both directly on neuronal cells and indirectly through modulation of responsive glial cells. In particular, MEL’s effects on microglia are receptor-mediated and in part dependent on SIRT1 activation. In the present study, we exploited the highly preserved cytoarchitecture of organotypic brain cultures (OC) to explore the effects of MEL on hippocampal microglia in a 3D context as compared to a single cell type context represented by the human HMC3 cell line. We first evaluated the expression of MEL receptor MT1 and SIRT1 and then investigated MEL action against an inflammatory stimulation with LPS: OCs were cultured for a total of 2 weeks and during this time exposed to 0.1 μg/mL of LPS for 24 h either on day 1 (LPS 1°) or on day 11 (LPS 11°). MEL was added immediately after plating and kept for the entire experiment. Under these conditions, both MEL and LPS induced amoeboid microglia. However, the same round phenotype matched different polarization features. LPS increased the number of nuclear-NF-kB+ round cells and MEL alone or in combination with LPS increased BDNF+ round microglia. In addition, MEL contrasted LPS effects on NF-kB expression. Data from HMC3 microglia confirmed MEL’s anti-inflammatory effects against LPS in terms of CASP1 induction and BDNF release, identifying SIRT1 as a mediator. However, no effects were evident for MEL alone on HMC3 microglia. Overall, our results point to the importance of the multicellular context for full MEL activity, especially in a preventive view, and support the use of OCs as a favorable model to explore inflammatory responses.
Treatment of 3D In Vitro Tumoroids of Ovarian Cancer Using Photochemical Internalisation as a Drug Delivery Method
Authors: Mohammad Hadi Layla , Stamati Katerina , Yaghini Elnaz , MacRobert Alexander J. , Loizidou Marilena
Published: February 2023

Photochemical internalisation (PCI) is a means of achieving spatio-temporal control of cytosolic drug delivery using sub-lethal photodynamic therapy (PDT), with a photosensitiser that can be activated by non-ionising visible light. Various 3D models including those developed at our laboratory, where spheroids are grown in a compressed collagen matrix, have been used for studying anti-cancer drug effects. However, the use of a more biomimetic tumouroid model which consists of a relatively hypoxic central cancer mass surrounded by its microenvironment (stroma) has not yet been explored in either toxicity or phototoxicity studies involving PCI. Here, we examined the efficacy of PCI using a porphyrin photosensitiser and a cytotoxin (Saporin) on ovarian cancer tumouroids, with HEY ovarian cancer cells in the central cancer compartment, and HDF fibroblast cells and HUVEC endothelial cells in the surrounding stromal compartment. The efficacy was compared to tumouroids treated with either Saporin or PDT alone, or no treatment. PCI treatment was shown to be effective in the tumouroids (determined through viability assays and imaging) and caused a considerable decrease in the viability of cancer cells both within the central cancer mass and those which had migrated into the stroma, as well as a reduction in the cell density of surrounding HUVEC and HDFs. Post-treatment, the mean distance of stromal invasion by cancer cells from the original cancer mass following treatment with Saporin alone was 730 μm vs. 125 μm for PCI. PDT was also effective at reducing viability in the central cancer mass and stroma but required a higher photosensitiser dose and light dose than PCI. Tumouroids, as tissue mimics, are suitable models for interrogating multicellular events following pharmacological assault.
Enhanced Preprocessing Approach Using Ensemble Machine Learning Algorithms for Detecting Liver Disease
Authors: Md Abdul Quadir , Kulkarni Sanika , Joshua Christy Jackson , Vaichole Tejas , Mohan Senthilkumar , Iwendi Celestine
Published: February 2023

There has been a sharp increase in liver disease globally, and many people are dying without even knowing that they have it. As a result of its limited symptoms, it is extremely difficult to detect liver disease until the very last stage. In the event of early detection, patients can begin treatment earlier, thereby saving their lives. It has become increasingly popular to use ensemble learning algorithms since they perform better than traditional machine learning algorithms. In this context, this paper proposes a novel architecture based on ensemble learning and enhanced preprocessing to predict liver disease using the Indian Liver Patient Dataset (ILPD). Six ensemble learning algorithms are applied to the ILPD, and their results are compared to those obtained with existing studies. The proposed model uses several data preprocessing methods, such as data balancing, feature scaling, and feature selection, to improve the accuracy with appropriate imputations. Multivariate imputation is applied to fill in missing values. On skewed columns, log1p transformation was applied, along with standardization, min–max scaling, maximum absolute scaling, and robust scaling techniques. The selection of features is carried out based on several methods including univariate selection, feature importance, and correlation matrix. These enhanced preprocessed data are trained on Gradient boosting, XGBoost, Bagging, Random Forest, Extra Tree, and Stacking ensemble learning algorithms. The results of the six models were compared with each other, as well as with the models used in other research works. The proposed model using extra tree classifier and random forest, outperformed the other methods with the highest testing accuracy of 91.82% and 86.06%, respectively, portraying our method as a real-world solution for detecting liver disease.
Transcutaneous Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation Combined with Robotic Exoskeleton Rehabilitation for the Upper Limbs in Subjects with Cervical SCI: Clinical Trial
Authors: García-Alén Loreto , Kumru Hatice , Castillo-Escario Yolanda , Benito-Penalva Jesús , Medina-Casanovas Josep , Gerasimenko Yury P. , Edgerton Victor Reggie , García-Alías Guillermo , Vidal Joan
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Restoring arm and hand function is a priority for individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) for independence and quality of life. Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) promotes the upper extremity (UE) motor function when applied at the cervical region. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of cervical tSCS, combined with an exoskeleton, on motor strength and functionality of UE in subjects with cSCI. (2) Methods: twenty-two subjects participated in the randomized mix of parallel-group and crossover clinical trial, consisting of an intervention group (n = 15; tSCS exoskeleton) and a control group (n = 14; exoskeleton). The assessment was carried out at baseline, after the last session, and two weeks after the last session. We assessed graded redefined assessment of strength, sensibility, and prehension (GRASSP), box and block test (BBT), spinal cord independence measure III (SCIM-III), maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), ASIA impairment scale (AIS), and WhoQol-Bref; (3) Results: GRASSP, BBT, SCIM III, cylindrical grip force and AIS motor score showed significant improvement in both groups (p ≤ 0.05), however, it was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group for GRASSP strength, and GRASSP prehension ability (p ≤ 0.05); (4) Conclusion: our findings show potential advantages of the combination of cervical tSCS with an exoskeleton to optimize the outcome for UE.
Metal Coordination-Driven Supramolecular Nanozyme as an Effective Colorimetric Biosensor for Neurotransmitters and Organophosphorus Pesticides
Authors: Bhatt Preeti , Solra Manju , Chaudhury Smarak Islam , Rana Subinoy
Published: February 2023

Analytical methods for detecting neurotransmitters (NTs) and organophosphorus (OP) pesticides with high sensitivity are vitally necessary for the rapid identification of physical, mental, and neurological illnesses, as well as to ensure food safety and safeguard ecosystems. In this work, we developed a supramolecular self-assembled system (SupraZyme) that exhibits multi-enzymatic activity. SupraZyme possesses the ability to show both oxidase and peroxidase-like activity, which has been employed for biosensing. The peroxidase-like activity was used for the detection of catecholamine NTs, epinephrine (EP), and norepinephrine (NE) with a detection limit of 6.3 µM and 1.8 µM, respectively, while the oxidase-like activity was utilized for the detection of organophosphate pesticides. The detection strategy for OP chemicals was based on the inhibition of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity: a key enzyme that is responsible for the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh). The corresponding limit of detection of paraoxon-methyl (POM) and methamidophos (MAP) was measured to be 0.48 ppb and 15.8 ppb, respectively. Overall, we report an efficient supramolecular system with multiple enzyme-like activities that provide a versatile toolbox for the construction of sensing platforms for the colorimetric point-of-care detection of both NTs and OP pesticides.
Perceptual Contiguity Does Not Modulate Matched-Case Identity-Priming Effects in Lexical Decision
Authors: Vergara-Martínez Marta , Fernández-López María , Perea Manuel
Published: February 2023

In recent studies with the masked priming lexical decision task, matched-case identity-priming effects occur for nonwords but not for words (e.g., nonwords: ERTAR-ERTAR faster than ertar-ERTAR; words: ALTAR-ALTAR produces similar response times as altar-ALTAR). This dissociation is thought to result from lexical feedback influencing orthographic representations in word processing. As nonwords do not receive this feedback, bottom-up processing of prime–target integration leads to matched-case effects. However, the underlying mechanism of this effect in nonwords remains unclear. In this study, we added a color congruency manipulation across the prime and target in the matched-case identity-priming design. We aimed to determine whether the case effects originate at the early stages of prime–target perceptual integration or due to bottom-up activation of case-specific letter detectors. Results replicated the previous dissociation between words and nonwords regarding the matched-case identity effect. Additionally, we did not find any modulation of these effects by prime–target color congruency. These findings suggest that the locus of the matched-case identity effect is at an orthographic level of representation that encodes case information.
The Danish Version of the 20-Item Prosopagnosia Index (PI20): Translation, Validation and a Link to Face Perception
Authors: Nørkær Erling , Guðbjörnsdóttir Ester , Roest Sofie Black , Shah Punit , Gerlach Christian , Starrfelt Randi
Published: February 2023

Developmental prosopagnosia (DP) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by face recognition problems. Psychometrically sound self-report measures of face recognition problems are important tools in classification of DP. A widely used measure of such problems is the 20-item prosopagnosia index (PI20). Here, we present a Danish translation of the PI20 (PI20DK). We administered the PI20DK alongside three objective measures of face and object processing performance to 119 participants to validate the PI20DK. Further, we assess the underlying factor structure of the PI20DK. Finally, as the first study in the field, we investigate the association between self-reported face recognition ability and face perception performance. The project was preregistered prior to data collection. The results suggest excellent convergent validity, discriminant validity and internal consistency for the PI20DK. A confirmatory factor analysis, however, indicates a suboptimal fit of the PI20DK to a one factor solution. An investigation of the association between the PI20DK and face perception suggests that the poor fit may reflect that the PI20DK measures problems with face recognition in general and not specifically face memory problems.
A Preliminary Study of 3D Vernacular Documentation for Conservation and Evaluation: A Case Study in Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon
Authors: Trisyanti Shafarina Wahyu , Suwardhi Deni , Purnama Iwan , Wikantika Ketut
Published: February 2023

Despite the wealth of cultural heritage objects in Indonesia, some of which are considered UNESCO World Heritage sites, more documentation still needs to be done. One of the reasons behind this problem is that the documentation of complex cultural heritage objects is more complicated than most modern objects, which are often more simplistic. This preliminary study aimed to document vernacular heritage buildings in 3D to be used as a conservation and building management tool. The built digital model can then be used as a building assessment tool. The data acquisition method used in this study was a combination of photogrammetry and laser scanner technology. The building model was stored as BIM (IFC model) and then georeferenced before being converted to IndoorGML. The building elements’ information contained in the building model was retrieved as input to analyze the building. This research included analyses for building assessment, natural room temperature, natural lighting, and indoor space and relation. All results from the analysis were used as input to calculate the reliability value of the building using the AHP method. The case study for the heritage building was the house of Prince Arya Denda at Kasepuhan Palace, Cirebon, Indonesia.
Quantitative Analysis of Signal Heterogeneity in the Hepatobiliary Phase of Pretreatment Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced MRI as a Prognostic Imaging Biomarker in Transarterial Chemoembolization for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Minamiguchi Kiyoyuki , Nishiofuku Hideyuki , Saito Natsuhiko , Sato Takeshi , Taiji Ryosuke , Matsumoto Takeshi , Maeda Shinsaku , Chanoki Yuto , Tachiiri Tetsuya , Kunichika Hideki , Inoue Takashi , Marugami Nagaaki , Tanaka Toshihiro
Published: February 2023

Background: In the era of local and systemic therapies for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), personalized therapy has become available. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of quantitative analysis of pretreatment gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) to predict prognosis following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: This retrospective study included patients with treatment-naïve intermediate-stage HCC who underwent EOB-MRI before the initial TACE and were treated by initial TACE between February 2007 and January 2016. Signal heterogeneity in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of EOB-MRI was quantitatively evaluated by the coefficient of variation (CV). The cutoff CV value was determined using the Classification and Regression Tree algorithm. Results: A total of 64 patients were enrolled. In multivariate analysis, High CV (≥0.16) was significantly associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.038). In a subgroup analysis of patients within up-to-7 criteria, MST was significantly shorter in the High CV group than in the Low CV group (37.7 vs. 82.9 months, p = 0.024). In patients beyond up-to-7 criteria, MST was 18.0 and 38.3 months in the High CV and Low CV groups, respectively (p = 0.182). In both groups scanned at 1.5 T or 3.0 T, High CV was significantly associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: CV of the tumor in the HBP of EOB-MRI is a valuable prognostic factor of TACE.
Real World Analysis of Quality of Life and Toxicity in Cancer Patients Treated with Hyperthermia Combined with Radio(chemo)therapy
Authors: Ademaj Adela , Puric Emsad , Timm Olaf , Kurti David , Marder Dietmar , Kern Thomas , Hälg Roger A. , Rogers Susanne , Riesterer Oliver
Published: February 2023

Hyperthermia (HT) in combination with radio(chemo)therapy (RCT) is a well-established cancer treatment strategy. This report analyses the quality of life (QoL), toxicity and survival outcomes in patients with different tumor entities who received HT in combination with RCT. The primary endpoint of this study was the assessment of QoL scale items 3 and 12 months after treatment in patients who were treated with palliative intent and curative intent, respectively. The secondary endpoints of this study were acute toxicities, 1-year overall survival (OS), and local progression-free survival (LPFS). Patients treated with curative intent experienced significant improvement in emotional functioning (EF), social functioning (SF), financial difficulties (FI) and insomnia (SL) 12 months after treatment. Patients had significantly improved FI and pain (PA) three months after palliative treatment. Acute toxicity of grade 3 or more was 26% during treatment and 4% after three months. The 1-year OS rates were 90% (95% CI: 79–96%) and 44% (95% CI: 31–59%) for patients treated with curative and palliative RCT combined with HT, respectively. Moreover, the 1-year LPFS rates were 94% (95% CI: 84–98%) for patients treated with curative intent and 64% (95% CI: 50–77%) for palliative patients. In summary, combined RCT and HT stabilized or improved QoL scale items for both curative and palliative indications.
Prescribing Exercise to Cancer Patients Suffering from Increased Bone Fracture Risk Due to Metastatic Bone Disease or Multiple Myeloma in Austria—An Inter- and Multidisciplinary Evaluation Measure
Authors: Crevenna Richard , Hasenoehrl Timothy , Wiltschke Christoph , Kainberger Franz , Keilani Mohammad
Published: February 2023

Introduction: In the current absence of specific functional fracture risk assessment technology, the planning of physical exercise interventions for cancer patients suffering from increased bone fracture risk remains a serious clinical challenge. Until a reliable, solely technical solution is available for the clinician, fracture risk assessment remains an inter- and multidisciplinary decision to be made by various medical experts. The aim of this short paper is depicting how this challenge should be approached in the clinical reality according to Austrian experts in cancer rehabilitation, presenting the best-practice model in Austria. Following referral from the specialist responsible for the primary cancer treatment (oncologist, surgeon, etc.), the physiatrist takes on the role of rehabilitation case manager for each individual patient. Fracture risk assessment is then undertaken by specialists in radiology, orthopedics, oncology, and radiation therapy, with the result that the affected bone regions are classified as being at highly/slightly/not increased fracture risk. Following internal clearance, exercise planning is undertaken by a specialist in exercise therapy together with the physiatrist based on the individual’s fracture risk assessment. In the case in which the patient shows exercise limitations due to additional musculoskeletal impairments, adjuvant physical modalities such as physiotherapy should be prescribed to increase exercisability. Conclusion: Exercise prescription for cancer patients suffering from increased fracture risk is an inter- and multidisciplinary team decision for each individual patient.
The Prognostic Value of DCE-MRI Findings before Salvage Radiotherapy after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Farneti Alessia , Bottero Marta , Faiella Adriana , Giannarelli Diana , Bertini Luca , Landoni Valeria , Vici Patrizia , D’Urso Pasqualina , Sanguineti Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

Background: To investigate the predictive role of dynamic contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) findings before salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods: This retrospective study selected patients with biochemical failure (BF) after RP restaged with DCE-MRI. Patients underwent sRT in 30 fractions delivering 66–69 Gy and 73.5 Gy to the prostatic fossa and to the local failure as per DCE-MRI, respectively. Pelvic nodes were treated to 54 Gy in selected patients. The endpoint was BF after sRT. Results: In total, 236 patients were analyzed and 146 (61.9%) had presumed local failure at DCE-MRI: 54.8%, 23.8% and 21.4% were found at the vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA), the bladder neck and the retro-vesical space, respectively. The presence of a local failure at DCE-MRI halved the risk of BF; VUA-only location and lesion volume were independently correlated with survival without evidence of biochemical failure (bNED) at multivariable analysis. For patients with VUA-only disease up to 0.4 cc, the 4-year-bNED was 94.6% (95%CI: 80.2–98.6%) as opposed to 80.9% (95%CI: 71.6–87.4%) and 73.7% (95%CI: 63.1–81.8%) for other lesions and no macrodisease, respectively. Conclusions: DCE-MRI at restaging for BF after RP provides predictive and therapeutic information. Patients with small lesions at the VUA have an excellent prognosis after sRT.
Prognostic Significance of the Post-Treatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Pharyngeal Cancers Treated with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Yun Ji Min , Chung Man Ki , Baek Chung Hwan , Son Young Ik , Ahn Myung Ju , Oh Dongryul , Kim Ki Won , So Yoon Kyoung
Published: February 2023

Background: Even though the pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are well-established prognosticators in various cancers including head and neck cancers, there have been relatively few studies on the clinical significance of the post-treatment values. This study aimed to investigate the changes in NLR and PLR after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and to evaluate their prognostic significance in pharyngeal cancers. Methods: This study was retrospectively conducted on 461 consecutive patients with primary pharyngeal cancer who had received definitive CCRT. Blood test results before and after CCRT were obtained, and the pre- and post-treatment NLR and PLR were calculated. Patient prognosis was evaluated based on overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Results: After CCRT, the NLR increased from 2.01 (interquartile range (IQR), 1.53–2.62) to 2.69 (IQR, 1.93–3.81), and the PLR increased from 118.84 (IQR, 92.61–151.63) to 193.19 (IQR, 146.28–262.46). Along with high pre-treatment NLR and high pre-treatment PLR, high post-treatment NLR was also significantly associated with worse OS and RFS (p = 0.013 and p = 0.026). In addition, patients with a high ΔNLR (i.e., the difference between pre- and post-treatment NLRs) had significantly worse OS and RFS (p = 0.013 and p = 0.026). However, only a high pre-treatment NLR (hazard ratio (HR), 2.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17–4.08; p = 0.014), age (HR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.14–4.08; p = 0.018), and stage IV (HR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.15–3.89; p = 0.017) were independent prognostic factors for OS in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: In patients with pharyngeal cancers, following CCRT, the NLR and PLR increased significantly from pre-treatment values. Like the pre-treatment NLR and PLR, a high post-treatment NLR and a significant increase in NLR were also associated with poor prognosis. Further prospective studies are required to prove the independent significance of the post-treatment NLR and PLR.
Gas Flow Shaping via Novel Modular Nozzle System (MoNoS) Augments kINPen-Mediated Toxicity and Immunogenicity in Tumor Organoids
Authors: Berner Julia , Miebach Lea , Herold Luise , Höft Hans , Gerling Torsten , Mattern Philipp , Bekeschus Sander
Published: February 2023

Medical gas plasma is an experimental technology for anticancer therapy. Here, partial gas ionization yielded reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, placing the technique at the heart of applied redox biomedicine. Especially with the gas plasma jet kINPen, anti-tumor efficacy was demonstrated. This study aimed to examine the potential of using passive flow shaping to enhance the medical benefits of atmospheric plasma jets (APPJ). We used an in-house developed, proprietary Modular Nozzle System (MoNoS; patent-pending) to modify the flow properties of a kINPen. MoNoS increased the nominal plasma jet-derived reactive species deposition area and stabilized the air-plasma ratio within the active plasma zone while shielding it from external flow disturbances or gas impurities. At modest flow rates, dynamic pressure reduction (DPR) adapters did not augment reactive species deposition in liquids or tumor cell killing. However, MoNoS operated at kINPen standard argon fluxes significantly improved cancer organoid growth reduction and increased tumor immunogenicity, as seen by elevated calreticulin and heat-shock protein expression, along with a significantly spurred cytokine secretion profile. Moreover, the safe application of MoNoS gas plasma jet adapters was confirmed by their similar-to-superior safety profiles assessed in the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) coagulation and scar formation irritation assay.
Improving Automatic Melanoma Diagnosis Using Deep Learning-Based Segmentation of Irregular Networks
Authors: Nambisan Anand K. , Maurya Akanksha , Lama Norsang , Phan Thanh , Patel Gehana , Miller Keith , Lama Binita , Hagerty Jason , Stanley Ronald , Stoecker William V.
Published: February 2023

Deep learning has achieved significant success in malignant melanoma diagnosis. These diagnostic models are undergoing a transition into clinical use. However, with melanoma diagnostic accuracy in the range of ninety percent, a significant minority of melanomas are missed by deep learning. Many of the melanomas missed have irregular pigment networks visible using dermoscopy. This research presents an annotated irregular network database and develops a classification pipeline that fuses deep learning image-level results with conventional hand-crafted features from irregular pigment networks. We identified and annotated 487 unique dermoscopic melanoma lesions from images in the ISIC 2019 dermoscopic dataset to create a ground-truth irregular pigment network dataset. We trained multiple transfer learned segmentation models to detect irregular networks in this training set. A separate, mutually exclusive subset of the International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC) 2019 dataset with 500 melanomas and 500 benign lesions was used for training and testing deep learning models for the binary classification of melanoma versus benign. The best segmentation model, U-Net++, generated irregular network masks on the 1000-image dataset. Other classical color, texture, and shape features were calculated for the irregular network areas. We achieved an increase in the recall of melanoma versus benign of 11% and in accuracy of 2% over DL-only models using conventional classifiers in a sequential pipeline based on the cascade generalization framework, with the highest increase in recall accompanying the use of the random forest algorithm. The proposed approach facilitates leveraging the strengths of both deep learning and conventional image processing techniques to improve the accuracy of melanoma diagnosis. Further research combining deep learning with conventional image processing on automatically detected dermoscopic features is warranted.
Reductive Catalytic Fractionation of Abies Wood into Bioliquids and Cellulose with Hydrogen in an Ethanol Medium over NiCuMo/SiO2 Catalyst
Authors: Kuznetsov Boris N. , Miroshnikova Angelina V. , Kazachenko Aleksandr S. , Baryshnikov Sergey V. , Malyar Yuriy N. , Yakovlev Vadim A. , Skripnikov Andrey M. , Fetisova Olga Yu. , Xu Yong , Taran Oxana P.
Published: February 2023

Noble metal-based catalysts are widely used to intensify the processes of reductive fractionation of lignocellulose biomass. In the present investigation, we proposed for the first time using the inexpensive NiCuMo/SiO2 catalyst to replace Ru-, Pt-, and Pd-containing catalysts in the process of reductive fractionation of abies wood into bioliquids and cellulose products. The optimal conditions of abies wood hydrogenation were selected to provide the effective depolymerization of wood lignin (250 °C, 3 h, initial H2 pressure 4 MPa). The composition and structure of the liquid and solid products of wood hydrogenation were established. The NiCuMo/SiO2 catalyst increases the yield of bioliquids (from 36 to 42 wt%) and the content of alkyl derivatives of methoxyphenols, predominantly 4-propylguaiacol and 4-propanolguaiacol. A decrease in the molecular mass and polydispersity (from 1870 and 3.01 to 1370 Da and 2.66, respectively) of the liquid products and a threefold increase (from 9.7 to 36.8 wt%) in the contents of monomer and dimer phenol compounds were observed in the presence of the catalyst. The solid product of catalytic hydrogenation of abies wood contains up to 73.2 wt% of cellulose. The composition and structure of the solid product were established using IRS, XRD, elemental and chemical analysis. The data obtained show that the catalyst NiCuMo/SiO2 can successfully replace noble metal catalysts in the process of abies wood reductive fractionation into bioliquids and cellulose.
Operando Laboratory X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and UV–Vis Study of Pt/TiO2 Photocatalysts during Photodeposition and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Kozyr Elizaveta G. , Njoroge Peter N. , Chapek Sergei V. , Shapovalov Viktor V. , Skorynina Alina A. , Pnevskaya Anna Yu. , Bulgakov Alexey N. , Soldatov Alexander V. , Pellegrino Francesco , Groppo Elena , Bordiga Silvia , Mino Lorenzo , Bugaev Aram L.
Published: February 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production is a promising route for alternative energetics. Understanding structure–activity relationships is a crucial step towards the rational design of photocatalysts, which requires the application of operando spectroscopy under relevant working conditions. We performed an operando investigation on a catalytic system during the photodeposition of Pt on TiO2 and photostimulated H2 production, using simultaneous laboratory X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. XAS showed a progressive increase in Pt fluorescence for Pt deposited on TiO2 for over an hour, which is correlated with the signal of the produced H2. The final Pt/TiO2 catalyst contained Pt(0) particles. The electronic features corresponding to the Pt4+ species in the UV–Vis spectrum of the solution disappear as soon as UV radiation is applied in the presence of formic acid, which acts as a hole scavenger, resulting in the presence of Pt(0) particles in solution.
Dual Metal Site Fe Single Atom Catalyst with Improved Stability in Acidic Conditions
Authors: Wang Yuehua , Li Shuang , Xu Rui , Chen Junpeng , Hao Yifan , Li Ke , Li Yan , Li Yingmei , Wang Jing
Published: February 2023

Dual atom catalysts (DACs) not only retain uniform active sites and high atomic utilization efficiency as the single atom catalysts, but the two adjacent metal sites also cooperate and play a synergistic role to achieve additional benefits. However, the relationships connecting their dual-site synergistic effects on catalytic performance are not well rationalized due to limited pairs available from experiments. Herein, Fe/M dual sites supported by nitrogen doped carbon (Fe/M-N-C whereby M from 3 d–5 d electron containing transition metals) have been screened as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst. The results show that the absorption strength of ORR intermediates on four nitrogen coordinated metals is weaker than the three coordinated metals, which promotes favourable ORR activities. As a result, we recommended FeIr, FeRh, FeRu and FeOs as promising ORR catalysts. Ab initio molecular dynamic (AIMD) simulations suggest Fe/M-N-C (M = Ir, Rh, Ru and Os) catalysts with encouraging structural stability at room temperature. Furthermore, it is found that the nitrogen atoms in-between metals are vulnerable sites for proton attacking, yet the protonation process demands high energy, even under O2 atmosphere, which underlines good tolerance under acidic conditions. This work provides a broad understanding of Fe based catalyst and a new direction for catalytic design.
A State-of-the-Art Review on the Technological Advancements for the Sustainable Management of Plastic Waste in Consort with the Generation of Energy and Value-Added Chemicals
Authors: Rafey Abdul , Pal Kunwar , Bohre Ashish , Modak Arindam , Pant Kamal Kishore
Published: February 2023

Plastic waste poses a serious threat to the environment and it has been increasing at an alarming rate. In 2022, global plastic waste generation was reported to be around 380 million tonnes as compared to 353 million tonnes in 2019. Production of liquid fuel from plastic waste is regarded as a viable method for disposing of the plastic and utilizing its energy. Currently, a wide range of technologies have been explored for turning plastic waste into fuel, including the conventional pyrolysis, incineration, gasification and advanced oxidation. However, a systematic summary and comparative analysis of various technologies has still not reported. Traditional non-biodegradable plastic waste (NPW) treatment methods include landfilling and incineration, but these methods encounter bottlenecks and are unable to adequately address NPW issues. This review attempts to present a thorough summary of treatment methods for plastic waste (both conventional and novel treatment technologies that have recently been reported), examine their mechanism and their current state of development. Furthermore, the superiority and drawbacks of each technology are analysed and the prospects of technology application are proposed. By tackling the problems of white pollution and energy scarcity, this review intends to inspire the use of solid waste as a source of energy.
Depolymerization of Polyesters by Transesterification with Ethanol Using (Cyclopentadienyl)titanium Trichlorides
Authors: Ohki Yuriko , Ogiwara Yohei , Nomura Kotohiro
Published: February 2023

Exclusive chemical conversions of polyesters [poly(ethylene adipate) (PEA), poly(butylene adipate) (PBA), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)] to the corresponding monomers (diethyl adipate, diethyl terephthalate, ethylene glycol, 1,4-butane diol) by transesterification with ethanol using Cp’TiCl3 (Cp’ = Cp, Cp*) catalyst have been demonstrated. The present acid-base-free depolymerizations by Cp’TiCl3 exhibited completed conversions (>99%) of PET, PBT to afford diethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol or 1,4-butane diol exclusively (selectivity >99%) without formation of any other by-products in the NMR spectra (150–170 °C, Ti 1.0, or 2.0 mol%). The resultant reaction mixture after the depolymerization of PBA with ethanol via the CpTiCl3 catalyst (1.0 mol%, 150 °C, 3 h), consisting of diethyl adipate and 1,4-butane diol, was heated at 150 °C in vacuo for 24 h to afford high molecular weight recycled PBA with unimodal molecular weight distribution (Mn = 11,800, Mw/Mn = 1.6), strongly demonstrating a possibility of one-pot (acid-base-free) closed-loop chemical recycling.
Layered Copper Hydroxide Salts as Catalyst for the “Click” Reaction and Their Application in Methyl Orange Photocatalytic Discoloration
Authors: Marangoni Rafael , Carvalho Rafael E. , Machado Monielly V. , Dos Santos Vanessa B. , Saba Sumbal , Botteselle Giancarlo V. , Rafique Jamal
Published: February 2023

The 1,2,3-triazoles are an important class of organic compounds that are found in a variety of biologically active compounds. The most usual and efficient methodology to synthetize these compounds is the Copper-catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition (CuAAC), preferably by use of click chemistry principles. Therefore, the development of simple, robust, easily accessible and efficient materials as catalysts for this kind of reaction is highly desirable. In this sense, layered hydroxide salts (LHS) emerge as an interesting alternative for the click reaction. Thus, we describe herein the preparation and characterization of copper (II) layered hydroxide salts and their application as catalysts for the CuAAC reaction under solvent-free conditions. This synthetic methodology of CuAAC reaction is attractive as it follows several concepts of green chemistry, such as being easy to perform, allowing purification without chromatographic column, the process forming no sub-products, affording the desired 1,2,3-traizoles in the specific 1,4-disubstituted position in high yield, and having a short reaction time. Moreover, the photocatalysis for the degradation of methyl orange was also highly efficient using the same catalyst.
Relationships of First-Trimester Body Mass Index and Weight Change with Persistent Organic Pollutant Concentrations in Pregnant Canadian Individuals
Authors: Levesque Marianne , Ouedraogo Mariame , Fakhraei Romina , Dingwall Harvey Alysha , Bratton Elizabeth , Walker Mark , Dodds Linda , Gaudet Laura
Published: February 2023

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals with demonstrable effects on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. The associations of early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and antenatal weight changes with circulating POP concentrations are poorly understood in the Canadian context. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between maternal BMI in the first trimester, weight change from pre-pregnancy to 6–13 weeks of pregnancy, and first-trimester plasma POP concentrations among Canadian pregnant women. We analyzed data collected as part of the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study and evaluated POP concentrations based on first-trimester BMI and early gestational weight change categories. We tested for overall differences using Kruskal-Wallis tests. The associations between first-trimester maternal BMI, weight change, and plasma concentrations of 41 POPs were evaluated using censored regression models. After controlling for potential confounders, first-trimester plasma levels of multiple POPs differed significantly across BMI categories, with the highest concentrations in underweight/normal-weight individuals and the lowest in class III obese individuals. Our findings provide preliminary evidence of higher circulating POP levels in individuals with obesity and align with previous findings of an inverse relationship between circulating POP concentrations and BMI in pregnancy. Future studies should prospectively evaluate the interplay between weight change and POP concentrations throughout pregnancy to inform gestational weight gain recommendations for pregnant individuals with obesity.
High-Risk Neuroblastoma: A Surgical Perspective
Authors: Jacobson Jillian , Clark Rachael , Chung Dai
Published: February 2023

High-risk neuroblastoma requires multimodal treatment including systemic chemotherapy, surgical resection, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and immunotherapy. Surgeons play a vital role in obtaining local control of neuroblastoma and must therefore be knowledgeable about this complex pathology. This article provides a review of the optimal timing and extent of resection, the impact of various image-defined risk factors on surgical planning, and surgical approaches and techniques to enhance the resection of tumors in different anatomic locations.
Study on Key Mechanical Parameters of High-Strength Grouting Material
Authors: Zhang Yueran , Cao Baoyong , Zhang Heng , Zhang Xiong , He Yan
Published: February 2023

In order to better design and calculate in infrastructures, it is necessary to clarify the key mechanical parameters of structural materials, such as axial compressive strength, elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio. High-strength grouting material (HSGM) have begun to be used as structural materials with the development of large and complex structures. A large number of test dates were used to analyze the relationship between the axial compressive strength and the cubic compressive strength of HSGM in the paper. ABAQUS software was used to model the specimens of axial compressive strength, and the strain cloud maps of concrete and HSGM were compared and analyzed. By considering HSGM as two-phase (sand and paste) composites, the relationship between elastic modulus of HSGM and mechanical parameters of component materials was derived, and the test results of the mechanical properties of HSGM with different ratios of sand to cement were used for verification. The test results show that the axial compressive strength of the HSGM is closer to the cubic strength than that of the concrete material, which accords with the finite element analysis results. The elastic modulus of high-strength grouting material conforms to the theoretical derivation of two-phase material. The material composition is one of the main factors affecting the elastic modulus. Poisson’s ratio range of high-strength grouting material is 0.25 ± 0.01 by statistical analysis.
CVD Diamond Growth Enhanced by a Dynamic Magnetic Field
Authors: Liu Xuezhang , Wen Kui , Duan Xiaohua , Wang Caihua , Long Hangyu
Published: February 2023

A dynamic magnetic field (DMF) with different angular frequencies (50, 100, and 150 π rad/s) was introduced during diamond growth via hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD). The effects of the dynamic magnetic field on the growth rate, diamond quality, growth orientation, and deposition uniformity of large-area diamond films were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The correlation between diamond growth and angular frequency was discussed. The results showed that a faster growth rate (about 2.5 times) and higher diamond quality were obtained by increasing the angular frequency of the DMF. A (100) textured polycrystalline diamond film was achieved, and the preferential orientation was found to evolve from (110) to (100), while the expected uniform deposition of a large-area diamond film under DMF was not achieved. The enhancement effect of the DMF was ascribed to the activation of more gas molecules, which participated in CVD diamond growth.
RETRACTED: Benesperi, I.S. Cathode Interlayer Engineering for Efficient Organic Solar Cells under Solar Illumination and Light-Emitting Diode Lamp. Coatings 2022, 12, 816
Authors:   Coatings Editorial Office
Published: February 2023

The journal retracts the article “Cathode Interlayer Engineering for Efficient Organic Solar Cells under Solar Illumination and Light-Emitting Diode Lamp [...]
Benefits of Using Network Modeling Platforms When Studying IP Networks and Traffic Characterization
Authors: Nedyalkov Ivan
Published: February 2023

This article addresses the benefits of using IP network modeling platforms to study IP networks. For the purposes of this study, several models of IP networks were created, through which various hypotheses were studied. Additionally, different operational variants of the modeled IP networks were created. The use of the GNS3 platform was proposed, as well as several tools for monitoring the processes in IP networks. The application of IP network modeling platforms to study power electronic devices was also addressed. IP network modeling platforms greatly facilitate both the process of studying IP networks and the process of training professionals to design, install, and maintain different types of IP network. Thanks to the GNS3 IP network modeling platform, it was possible to implement different models of IP networks with different functionalities. It was very easy to determine the answers to posed hypotheses/questions through the capabilities of the IP network modeling platforms. The questions posed by the hypotheses addressed in this paper were answered thanks to the results obtained from the research carried out with the IP network modeling platform GNS3. The present study confirmed that the use of these platforms, in particular the GNS3 platform, for the modeling of IP networks is an excellent substitute for expensive network equipment, and the IP network models created in the platform performed almost like networks made of real devices.