bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Antibody Responses in Patients with B-Cell Malignancies after Two and Three Doses of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S Vaccination—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wirth Stella Rosa Maria , Podar Klaus , Pecherstorfer Martin , Wohlfarth Philipp , Jaeger Ulrich , Singer Josef
Published: January 2023

Patients with B-cell malignancies are at a higher risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infections. Nevertheless, extensive data on the immune responses of hematological patients and the efficacy of the third dose of the vaccine are scarce. The goal of this study was to determine standardized anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody levels and to evaluate differences between treatment modalities in response to the second and third vaccines among patients with B-cell malignancies treated at the University Hospital Krems and the University Hospital of Vienna. The antibody levels of a total of 80 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The results indicate a significant increase in antibody production in response to the third vaccination. The highest increases could be observed in patients in a “watchful-waiting” and “off-therapy” setting. Encouragingly, approximately one-third of patients who did not develop antibodies in response to two vaccinations achieved seroconversion after the third vaccination. “Watchful-waiting”, “off-therapy” and treatment with BTK inhibitors were indicative for increased antibody response after the third dose compared to anti-CD19 CAR T-cell and anti-CD-20 antibody treatment. In summary, the results of this study underline the pre-eminent role of the need for complete vaccination with three doses for the development of protective immunity in patients with B-cell malignancies.
Genetic Alterations in Members of the Proteasome 26S Subunit, AAA-ATPase (PSMC) Gene Family in the Light of Proteasome Inhibitor Resistance in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Haertle Larissa , Buenache Natalia , Cuesta Hernández Hipólito Nicolás , Simicek Michal , Snaurova Renata , Rapado Inmaculada , Martinez Nerea , López-Muñoz Nieves , Sánchez-Pina José María , Munawar Umair , Han Seungbin , Ruiz-Heredia Yanira , Colmenares Rafael , Gallardo Miguel , Sanchez-Beato Margarita , Piris Miguel Angel , Samur Mehmet Kemal , Munshi Nikhil C. , Ayala Rosa , Kortüm Klaus Martin , Barrio Santiago , Martínez-López Joaquín
Published: January 2023

For the treatment of Multiple Myeloma, proteasome inhibitors are highly efficient and widely used, but resistance is a major obstacle to successful therapy. Several underlying mechanisms have been proposed but were only reported for a minority of resistant patients. The proteasome is a large and complex machinery. Here, we focus on the AAA ATPases of the 19S proteasome regulator (PSMC1-6) and their implication in PI resistance. As an example of cancer evolution and the acquisition of resistance, we conducted an in-depth analysis of an index patient by applying FISH, WES, and immunoglobulin-rearrangement sequencing in serial samples, starting from MGUS to newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma to a PI-resistant relapse. The WES analysis uncovered an acquired PSMC2 Y429S mutation at the relapse after intensive bortezomib-containing therapy, which was functionally confirmed to mediate PI resistance. A meta-analysis comprising 1499 newly diagnosed and 447 progressed patients revealed a total of 36 SNVs over all six PSMC genes that were structurally accumulated in regulatory sites for activity such as the ADP/ATP binding pocket. Other alterations impact the interaction between different PSMC subunits or the intrinsic conformation of an individual subunit, consequently affecting the folding and function of the complex. Interestingly, several mutations were clustered in the central channel of the ATPase ring, where the unfolded substrates enter the 20S core. Our results indicate that PSMC SNVs play a role in PI resistance in MM.
Patterns of Postoperative Trismus Following Mandibulectomy and Fibula Free Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Lee Rex H. , Evans Cara , Laus Joey , Sanchez Cristina , Wai Katherine C. , Knott P. Daniel , Seth Rahul , El-Sayed Ivan H. , George Jonathan R. , Ryan William R. , Heaton Chase M. , Park Andrea M. , Ha Patrick K.
Published: January 2023

The factors that contribute to postoperative trismus after mandibulectomy and fibula free flap reconstruction (FFFR) are undefined. We retrospectively assessed postoperative trismus (defined as a maximum interincisal opening ≤35 mm) in 106 patients undergoing mandibulectomy with FFFR, employing logistic regression to identify risk factors associated with this sequela. The surgical indication was primary ablation in 64%, salvage for recurrence in 24%, and osteonecrosis in 12%. Forty-five percent of patients had existing preoperative trismus, and 58% of patients received adjuvant radiation/chemoradiation following surgery. The overall rates of postoperative trismus were 76% in the early postoperative period (≤3 months after surgery) and 67% in the late postoperative period (>6 months after surgery). Late postoperative trismus occurred more frequently in patients with ramus-involving vs. ramus-preserving posterior mandibulotomies (82% vs. 46%, p = 0.004). A ramus-involving mandibulotomy was the only variable significantly associated with trismus >6 months postoperatively on multivariable logistic regression (OR, 7.94; 95% CI, 1.85–33.97; p = 0.005). This work demonstrates that trismus is common after mandibulectomy and FFFR, and suggests that posterior mandibulotomies that involve or remove the ramus may predispose to a higher risk of persistent postoperative trismus.
Therapies in Cervical Cancer—Editorial
Authors: Naik Raj , Wood Nick , Anagnostopoulos Antonios , Yiannakis Dennis
Published: January 2023

George Papanikolaou is famously quoted as saying “the first observation of cancer cells in the smear of the uterine cervix gave me one of the greatest thrills I ever experienced during my scientific career” [...]
The Antineoplastic Effect of Dimethyl Fumarate on Virus-Negative Merkel Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines: Preliminary Results
Authors: Gambichler Thilo , Brüggestrat Lyn G. , Skrygan Marina , Scheel Christina H. , Susok Laura , Becker Jürgen C.
Published: January 2023

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, difficult-to-treat skin cancer once immunotherapy has failed. MCC is associated either with the clonal integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) or mutagenic UV-radiation. Fumaric acid esters, including dimethyl fumarate (DMF), have been shown to inhibit cell growth in cutaneous melanoma and lymphoma. We aimed to explore the effects of DMF on MCPyV-negative MCC cell lines. Three MCC cell lines (MCC13, MCC14.2, and MCC26) were treated with different doses of DMF. The cytotoxic effects and cell proliferation were assessed by the MTT cytotoxicity assay and BrdU proliferation assay at different time points. A significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation were demonstrated for all the cell lines used, with DMF proving to be effective.
Recent Advances in g-C3N4-Based Photocatalysts for NOx Removal
Authors: Gu Zhanyong , Jin Mengdie , Wang Xin , Zhi Ruotong , Hou Zhenghao , Yang Jing , Hao Hongfang , Zhang Shaoyan , Wang Xionglei , Zhou Erpeng , Yin Shu
Published: January 2023

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollutants can cause a series of environmental issues, such as acid rain, ground-level ozone pollution, photochemical smog and global warming. Photocatalysis is supposed to be a promising technology to solve NOx pollution. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as a metal-free photocatalyst has attracted much attention since 2009. However, the pristine g-C3N4 suffers from poor response to visible light, rapid charge carrier recombination, small specific surface areas and few active sites, which results in deficient solar light efficiency and unsatisfactory photocatalytic performance. In this review, we summarize and highlight the recent advances in g-C3N4-based photocatalysts for photocatalytic NOx removal. Firstly, we attempt to elucidate the mechanism of the photocatalytic NOx removal process and introduce the metal-free g-C3N4 photocatalyst. Then, different kinds of modification strategies to enhance the photocatalytic NOx removal performance of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts are summarized and discussed in detail. Finally, we propose the significant challenges and future research topics on g-C3N4-based photocatalysts for photocatalytic NOx removal, which should be further investigated and resolved in this interesting research field.
Oxidative N-Dealkylation of N,N-Dimethylanilines by Non-Heme Manganese Catalysts
Authors: Meena Bashdar I. , Lakk-Bogáth Dóra , Török Patrik , Kaizer József
Published: January 2023

Non-heme manganese(II) complexes [(IndH)MnIICl2] (1) and [(N4Py*)MnII(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 (2) with tridentate isoindoline and pentadentate polypyridyl ligands (IndH = 1,3-bis(2′-pyridylimino)isoindoline; N4Py* = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2- di(2-pyridyl)ethylamine) proved to be suitable to catalyze the oxidative demethylation of N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) with various oxidants such as tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), peracetic acid (PAA), and meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA), resulting N-methylaniline (MA) as a main product with N-methylformanilide (MFA) as a result of a free-radical chain process under air. The effect of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents on the aromatic ring on the relative reactivity of the substrates and on the product composition (MA/MFA) was also studied and showed a significant impact on the catalytic N-demethylation reaction. Based on the Hammett correlation with ρ = −0.38 (PAA), −0.45 (mCPBA), and −0.63 (TBHP) for 1 and ρ = −0.38 (PAA) and −0.37 (mCPBA) for 2, an electrophilic intermediate is suggested as the key oxidant. Furthermore, the spectral investigation (UV-Vis) resulted in direct evidence for the formation of a high-valent oxomanganese(IV) and a transient radical cation intermediate, p-Me-DMA•+, suggesting that the initial step in the manganese-catalyzed oxidations is a fast electron-transfer between the amine and the high valent oxometal species. The mechanisms of the subsequent steps are discussed.
Highly Selective Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots/Eriochrome Cyanine Composite Photocatalyst for NADH Regeneration and Coupling of Benzylamine in Aerobic Condition under Solar Light
Authors: Singh Ruchi , Yadav Rajesh K. , Shukla Ravindra K. , Singh Satyam , Singh Atul P. , Dwivedi Dilip K. , Umar Ahmad , Gupta Navneet K.
Published: January 2023

Photocatalysis is an ecofriendly and sustainable pathway for utilizing solar energy to convert organic molecules. In this context, using solar light responsive graphene-based materials for C–N bond activation and coenzyme regeneration (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen; NADH) is one of the utmost important and challenging tasks in this century. Herein, we report the synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs)-eriochrome cyanine (EC) solar light active highly efficient “NGQDs@EC” composite photocatalyst for the conversion of 4-chloro benzylamine into 4-chloro benzylamine, accompanied by the regeneration of NADH from NAD+, respectively. The NGQDs@EC composite photocatalyst system is utilized in a highly efficient and stereospecific solar light responsive manner, leading to the conversion of imine (98.5%) and NADH regeneration (55%) in comparison to NGQDs. The present research work highlights the improvements in the use of NGQDs@EC composite photocatalyst for stereospecific NADH regeneration and conversion of imine under solar light.
The Multitasker Protein: A Look at the Multiple Capabilities of NUMB
Authors: Ortega-Campos Sara M. , García-Heredia José Manuel
Published: January 2023

NUMB, a plasma membrane-associated protein originally described in Drosophila, is involved in determining cell function and fate during early stages of development. It is secreted asymmetrically in dividing cells, with one daughter cell inheriting NUMB and the other inheriting its antagonist, NOTCH. NUMB has been proposed as a polarizing agent and has multiple functions, including endocytosis and serving as an adaptor in various cellular pathways such as NOTCH, Hedgehog, and the P53-MDM2 axis. Due to its role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, it has been suggested that NUMB may be involved in various human pathologies such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Further research on NUMB could aid in understanding disease mechanisms and advancing the field of personalized medicine and the development of new therapies.
Multivariable Model Predictive Control to Control Bio-H2 Production from Biomass
Authors: Adjisetya Muhammad , Wahid Abdul
Published: January 2023

Two significant units in biomass-based hydrogen plants are the compressor and steam reformer. The compressor works to achieve high pressure for further operations, while the steam reformer produces H2 gas. For the units to operate well against disturbances that may occur (regulatory control) or changes in the set point (servo control), as well as the interactions between the relevant process variables, a Multivariable Model Predictive Control (MMPC) is considered as a controller. The determination of MMPC parameters, including the sampling time (T), prediction horizon (P), and control horizon (M), is crucial for achieving such objectives. Therefore, in this study, MMPC parameter adjustment was performed. The Integral of Absolute Error (IAE) and Integral of Square Error (ISE) were used as control performance indicators. For comparison, we considered the IAE and ISE from the Single-Input Single-Output (SISO)-based Model Predictive Control (MPC) from previous research. As a result, the optimum MMPC parameters were found to be T = 1, P = 341, and M = 121 for the compressor unit, and T = 1, P = 45, and M = 21 for the steam reformer unit. The average increases in control performance (IAE and ISE), compared to the MPC (SISO) used in previous research, were 85.84% for compressor unit 1, 61.39% for compressor unit 2, 94.57% for compressor unit 3, and 73.35% for compressor unit 4. Meanwhile, in the steam reformer unit, the increases in control performance were 63.34% for the heater and 80.16% for the combustor.
Incorporating Cerium Vanadate into Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Fabrication of Sensitive Electrochemical Sensors toward Sulfamethazine Determination in Water Samples
Authors: Ma Jingying , Zhang Chaoyan , Hong Xiaoping , Liu Jiyang
Published: January 2023

We developed a simple hydrothermal technique for the fabrication of a flexible integrated composite containing cerium vanadate (CeVO4) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The CeVO4/MWCNTs composite possessed good conductivity and interesting electrochemical catalytic performance when immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). This CeVO4/MWCNTs-GCE sensor provided excellent analytical performance for the detection of the sulfonamide antibacterial drug sulfamethazine (SMZ). Benefiting from the significantly enlarged surface area of the modified electrode and the catalytic effect of CeVO4-MWCNTs, the sensor offered high sensitivity, good stability, fine selectivity, and a remarkable limit of detection (LOD) of 0.02 μM. Furthermore, the sensor also exhibited ideal performance with good recovery and precision when applied to SMZ residue detection in real aquaculture water samples.
Impedimetric Biosensor Coated with Zinc Oxide Nanorods Synthesized by a Modification of the Hydrothermal Method for Antibody Detection
Authors: Sitkov Nikita , Ryabko Andrey , Kolobov Alexey , Maximov Alexsandr , Moshnikov Vyacheslav , Pshenichnyuk Stanislav , Komolov Alexei , Aleshin Andrey , Zimina Tatiana
Published: January 2023

Impedimetric biosensors are used for detecting a wide range of analytes. The detection principle is a perspective for the development of new types of analytical devices for biomolecular diagnosis of diseases. Of particular interest are biosensors with very high sensitivities, capable of detecting trace amounts of biomarkers or drugs in biological fluids. Impedimetric biosensors possess a potential for increased sensitivity, since their electrodes can be modified with nanostructured materials, in particular zinc oxide. In this work, a miniature biosensor with an array of zinc oxide nanorods synthesized by the hydrothermal method has been created. Protein A was immobilized on the resulting structure, which was previously tested for binding to omalizumab by capillary electrophoresis. Using impedance spectroscopy, it was possible to detect the binding of omalizumab at concentrations down to 5 pg/mL. The resulting structures are suitable for creating reusable biosensor systems, since ZnO-coated electrodes are easily cleaned by photocatalytic decomposition of the bound molecules. The biosensor is promising for use in Point-of-Care systems designed for fast, multimodal detection of molecular markers of a wide range of diseases.
Identification of Distinct and Common Subpopulations of Myxoid Liposarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma Cells Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Forootan Amin , Andersson Daniel , Dolatabadi Soheila , Svec David , Andrade José , Ståhlberg Anders
Published: January 2023

Myxoid liposarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the two most common tumor types that are characterized by the FET (FUS, EWSR1 and TAF15) fusion oncogenes. These FET fusion oncogenes are considered to have the same pathological mechanism. However, the cellular similarities between cells from the different tumor entities remain unknown. Here, we profiled individual myxoid liposarcoma and Ewing sarcoma cells to determine common gene expression signatures. Five cell lines were analyzed, targeting 76 different genes. We employed unsupervised clustering, focusing on self-organizing maps, to identify biologically relevant subpopulations of tumor cells. In addition, we outlined the basic concepts of self-organizing maps. Principal component analysis and a t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding plot showed gradual differences among all cells. However, we identified five distinct and robust subpopulations using self-organizing maps. Most cells were similar to other cells within the same tumor entity, but four out of five groups contained both myxoid liposarcoma and Ewing sarcoma cells. The major difference between the groups was the overall transcriptional activity, which could be linked to cell cycle regulation. We conclude that self-organizing maps are useful tools to define biologically relevant subpopulations and that myxoid liposarcoma and Ewing sarcoma exhibit cells with similar gene expression signatures.
Application of SPR Method as an Approach to Gas Phase Sensing of Volatile Compound Profile in Mezcal Spirits Conferred by Agave Species
Authors: Sánchez-Álvarez Araceli , Luna-Moreno Donato , Silva-Hernández Oscar , Rodríguez-Delgado Melissa Marlene
Published: January 2023

Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit produced by distilling fermented agave, with a unique taste directly related to its volatile compound composition. Thus, the present research proposed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique as a potential method to differentiate mezcals, studying several parameters at angular interrogations and at a fixed angle. The study evaluated eight mezcals from different agave species using SPR and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Despite the similarities in mezcal spirits corresponding to the same ethanol content and the same artisanal method, it was possible to obtain well-differentiated characteristics by SPR parameters, such as the width of the curve, the resonant angle, and reflectance intensities. Therefore, it was possible to demonstrate the potential use of the SPR technique as a rapid first approach to a screening test to differentiate types of spirits.
Delta Neutrophil Index Does Not Differentiate Bacterial Infection without Bacteremia from Viral Infection in Pediatric Febrile Patients
Authors: Kim Maro , Lee Jin Hee , Kwak Young Ho , Kim Hyun Kyung , Kwon Hyuksool , Suh Dongbum , Kim Do Kyun , Lee Ha Ni , Kim Jin Hee , Jue Jie Hee , Hwang Soyun
Published: January 2023

Introduction: We sought to determine whether the delta neutrophil index (DNI), a marker that is reported to be used to predict the diagnosis, prognosis, and disease severity of bacteremia and sepsis, is useful in differentiating bacterial infection without bacteremia (BIWB) from viral infections (VI) in pediatric febrile patients in the emergency department (ED). Method: We conducted a retrospective analysis of febrile patients’ medical records from the pediatric ED of the teaching hospital. The patients with BIWB and those with VI were identified with a review of medical records. The primary outcome was the diagnostic performance of DNI in differentiating BIWB from VI. The secondary outcome was a comparison of the diagnostic performances of DNI, CRP, WBC, and neutrophil count between the two groups. Results: A total of 151 (26.3%) patients were in the BIWB group, and 423 (73.7%) were in the VI group. There was no significant difference in DNI between the two groups (3.51 ± 6.90 vs. 3.07 ± 5.82, mean ± SD, BIWB vs. VI). However, CRP levels were significantly higher in the BIWB group than in the VI group (4.56 ± 5.45 vs. 1.39 ± 2.12, mean ± SD, BIWB vs. VI, p < 0.05). The AUROCs of DNI, WBC count, neutrophil levels, RDW, and CRP levels were 0.5016, 0.5531, 0.5631, 0.5131, and 0.7389, respectively, and only CRP levels were helpful in differentiating BIWB from VI. Conclusion: In the absence of bacteremia, DNI would not be helpful in differentiating BIWB from VI in pediatric febrile patients.
The Development and Usability of a Mobile App for Parents of Children with ADHD
Authors: Păsărelu Costina-Ruxandra , Kertesz Reka , Dobrean Anca
Published: January 2023

Background: Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent mental health problems in children. Behavioral parent training (BPT) is the first-line treatment recommended by clinical guidelines; however, parental dropout is high. Mobile apps could be used as an adjunct to BPT in order to increase treatment adherence, homework compliance, and parental engagement. In this paper, we describe the development process of a mobile app for parents of children with ADHD. Methods: We conducted a study to investigate parents’ perceived usability of the ADHD Coping Card. Results: The mobile app developed has a high usability. Future improvements in the app were suggested by parents. Conclusions: Given the increasing importance of digital mental health interventions in psychotherapy, it is important that future research is conducted with a higher number of participants to investigate the key factors implicated in choosing such an intervention in the future, both by parents and by mental health specialists. A mobile app can be used as an add-on in psychotherapy with parents of children with ADHD. Digital health interventions could help surpass gaps in treatment access for child mental health problems.
Evaluating Emotional Outcomes of Medical Students in Pediatric Emergency Medicine Telesimulation
Authors: Nomura Osamu , Sunohara Momoka , Watanabe Ichiro , Itoh Taichi
Published: January 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged the feasibility of traditional in-person simulation-based clinical training due to the public health recommendation on social distancing. During the pandemic, telesimulation training was implemented to avoid multiple students and faculties gathering in confined spaces. While medical trainees’ perceived emotions have been acknowledged as a critical outcome of the in-person simulation-based training, the impact of telesimulation on trainees’ emotions has been unexamined. We conducted an educational team-based simulation study with a pediatric case of septic shock. Seventeen and twenty-four medical students participated in the telesimulation training and in-person simulation training, respectively. The institutional pandemic social restrictions at the time of each training session determined the participant assignment to either the telesimulation training or in-person simulation training. All participants responded to the Japanese version of the Medical Emotion Scale, which includes 20 items rated on a five-point Likert-type scale before, during, and after the simulation sessions. The measured emotions were categized into four emotion groups according to two dimensions: positive or negative and activating or deactivating emotions. The one-way analysis of variance between the telesimulation and in-person simulation training revealed no significant differences in the emotions perceived by the participants before, during, and after the simulation training sessions. The perceived emotions of medical students were comparable between the telesimulation and in-person simulation training. Further longitudinal studies with larger samples and multiple variables are needed to generalize the effectiveness of telesimulation.
1,2-13C2-Glucose Tracing Approach to Assess Metabolic Alterations of Human Monocytes under Neuroinflammatory Conditions
Authors: Giacomello Ginevra , Otto Carolin , Priller Josef , Ruprecht Klemens , Böttcher Chotima , Parr Maria Kristina
Published: January 2023

Neuroinflammation is one of the common features in most neurological diseases including multiple sclerosis (MScl) and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is associated with local brain inflammation, microglial activation, and infiltration of peripheral immune cells into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the central nervous system (CNS). It has been shown that the diversity of phenotypic changes in monocytes in CSF relates to neuroinflammation. It remains to be investigated whether these phenotypic changes are associated with functional or metabolic alteration, which may give a hint to their function or changes in cell states, e.g., cell activation. In this article, we investigate whether major metabolic pathways of blood monocytes alter after exposure to CSF of healthy individuals or patients with AD or MScl. Our findings show a significant alteration of the metabolism of monocytes treated with CSF from patients and healthy donors, including higher production of citric acid and glutamine, suggesting a more active glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and reduced production of glycine and serine. These alterations suggest metabolic reprogramming of monocytes, possibly related to the change of compartment (from blood to CSF) and/or disease-related. Moreover, the levels of serine differ between AD and MScl, suggesting different phenotypic alterations between diseases.
Torsional Strength of Recycled Coarse Aggregate Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Ju Hyunjin , Serik Alina
Published: January 2023

This study discusses the torsional capacity of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) reinforced concrete beams under pure torsion based on the experimental findings available in the literature. The experimental data on RCA specimens were collected and compared with the conventional concrete specimens with key variables, such as compressive strength and longitudinal and transverse reinforcement ratios, as those variables affect the torsional capacity of reinforced concrete beams. Overall, the database consisted of experimental results from 30 RCA specimens and 256 natural coarse aggregate (NCA) specimens. The result shows that specimens with a 100 % replacement ratio have the lowest strength. In addition, as the structural mechanism of torsion is similar to the shear mechanism in reinforced concrete beams, a comparative analysis was performed with RCA specimens subjected to shear force. It was concluded that the RCA has a similar effect in strength reduction for the specimens subjected to torsion or shear with a 100% replacement ratio. However, further study and experimental evidence are required to confirm the applicability of the recycled aggregate to produce and design the structural members.
Forecasting Impacts on Vulnerable Shorelines: Vulnerability Assessment along the Coastal Zone of Messolonghi Area—Western Greece
Authors: Filippaki Eleni , Tsakalos Evangelos , Kazantzaki Maria , Bassiakos Yannis
Published: January 2023

The coastal areas of the Mediterranean have been extensively affected by the transgressive event that followed the Last Glacial Maximum, with many studies conducted regarding the stratigraphic configuration of coastal sediments around the Mediterranean. The coastal zone of the Messolonghi area, western Greece, consists of low-relief beaches, containing low cliffs and eroded dunes, a fact that, in combination with the rising sea levels and tectonic subsidence of the area, has led to substantial coastal erosion. Coastal vulnerability assessment is a useful means of identifying areas of coastline that are vulnerable to impacts of climate change and coastal processes, highlighting potential problem areas. Commonly, coastal vulnerability assessment takes the form of an “index” that quantifies the relative vulnerability along a coastline. Here, the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) methodology by Thieler and Hammar-Klose was employed, by considering geological features, coastal slope, relative sea-level change, shoreline erosion/accretion rates, and mean significant wave height as well as mean tide range, to assess the present-day vulnerability of the coastal zone of the Messolonghi area. In light of this, an impact assessment is performed under three different sea-level-rise scenarios. This study contributes toward coastal zone management practices in low-lying coastal areas that have little data information, assisting decision-makers in adopting best adaptation options to overcome the impact of sea-level rise on vulnerable areas, similar to the coastal zone of Messolonghi.
Towards a Safe Hydrogen Economy: An Absolute Climate Sustainability Assessment of Hydrogen Production
Authors: Dillman Kevin , Heinonen Jukka
Published: January 2023

Policymakers and global energy models are increasingly looking towards hydrogen as an enabling energy carrier to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors (projecting growth in hydrogen consumption in the magnitude of hundreds of megatons). Combining scenarios from global energy models and life cycle impacts of different hydrogen production technologies, the results of this work show that the life cycle emissions from proposed configurations of the hydrogen economy would lead to climate overshoot of at least 5.4–8.1× of the defined “safe” space for greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and the cumulative consumption of 8–12% of the remaining carbon budget. This work suggests a need for a science-based definition of “clean” hydrogen, agnostic of technology and compatible with a “safe” development of the hydrogen economy. Such a definition would deem blue hydrogen environmentally unviable by 2025–2035. The prolific use of green hydrogen is also problematic however, due to the requirement of a significant amount of renewable energy, and the associated embedded energy, land, and material impacts. These results suggest that demand-side solutions should be further considered, as the large-scale transition to hydrogen, which represents a “clean” energy shift, may still not be sufficient to lead humanity into a “safe” space.
Preventing Respiratory Viral Diseases with Antimicrobial Peptide Master Regulators in the Lung Airway Habitat
Authors: Baindara Piyush , Ganguli Sriradha , Chakraborty Ranadhir , Mandal Santi M.
Published: January 2023

The vast surface area of the respiratory system acts as an initial site of contact for microbes and foreign particles. The whole respiratory epithelium is covered with a thin layer of the airway and alveolar secretions. Respiratory secretions contain host defense peptides (HDPs), such as defensins and cathelicidins, which are the best-studied antimicrobial components expressed in the respiratory tract. HDPs have an important role in the human body’s initial line of defense against pathogenic microbes. Epithelial and immunological cells produce HDPs in the surface fluids of the lungs, which act as endogenous antibiotics in the respiratory tract. The production and action of these antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are critical in the host’s defense against respiratory infections. In this study, we have described all the HDPs secreted in the respiratory tract as well as how their expression is regulated during respiratory disorders. We focused on the transcriptional expression and regulation mechanisms of respiratory tract HDPs. Understanding how HDPs are controlled throughout infections might provide an alternative to relying on the host’s innate immunity to combat respiratory viral infections.
Size-Dependent Switching in Thin Ferroelectric Films: Mathematical Aspects and Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Veselova Elena , Maslovskaya Anna , Chebotarev Alexander
Published: January 2023

The paper is devoted to the theoretical analysis and numerical implementation of a mathematical model of a nonlinear reaction–diffusion system on the COMSOL Multiphysics platform. The applied problem of the computer simulation of polarization switching in thin ferroelectric films is considered. The model is based on the Landau–Ginzburg–Devonshire–Khalatnikov thermodynamic approach and formalized as an initial-boundary value problem for a semilinear parabolic partial differential equation. The theoretical foundations of the model were explained. The user interface design application was developed with COMSOL Multiphysics. A series of computational experiments was performed to study the ferroelectric hysteresis and temperature dependences of polarization on the example of a ferroelectric barium titanate film.
An Enhanced Virtual Cord Protocol Based Multi-Casting Strategy for the Effective and Efficient Management of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Latif Sohaib , Fang Xianwen , Mohsin Syed Muhammad , Akber Syed Muhammad Abrar , Aslam Sheraz , Mujlid Hana , Ullah Kaleem
Published: January 2023

To solve problems with limited resources such as power, storage, bandwidth, and connectivity, efficient and effective data management solutions are needed. It is believed that the most successful algorithms for circumventing these constraints are those that self-organise and collaborate. To make the best use of available bandwidth, mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) employ the strategy of multi-casting. The communication cost of any network can be significantly reduced by multi-casting, and the network can save resources by transmitting only one set of data to numerous receivers at a time. In this study, we implemented multi-casting in the virtual cord protocol (VCP), which uses virtual coordinates (VC) to improve effective routing and control wireless data transmission. We have improved the classic VCP protocol by making it so that intermediate nodes can also forward or re-transmit the dataset to interested nodes. This improves data transmission from the sender to multiple receivers. Simulation results proved efficacy of our proposed enhanced virtual cord protocol-based multi-casting strategy over traditional VCP protocol and helped in reduction of number of MAC transmissions, minimization of end-to-end delay, and maximization of packet delivery ratio.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Conservation in 2022
Authors:   Conservation Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Analysis of Cosmetic Products Containing Serratula coronata Herb Extract
Authors: Kroma Anna , Feliczak-Guzik Agnieszka , Pawlaczyk Mariola , Osmałek Tomasz , Urbańska Maria , Micek Iwona , Nawrot Joanna , Gornowicz-Porowska Justyna
Published: January 2023

Phytoecdysteroids exert significant anti-inflammatory effects, which makes them valuable ingredients in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. However, data on their use in cosmetics are limited. Here, a new formulation with the extract of the Serratula coronata herb containing phytoecdysteroids was developed. The aim of this study was to perform physicochemical characteristics and evaluate the safety of the creams with S. coronata. Chromatography was used to detect the dominant phytoecdysteroids in the extract. The chemical and physical description of the creams was performed using the following parameters: viscosity, pH, and stability. The microbiological purity (pharmacopoeial methods) and transdermal permeability (Raman spectroscopy) were assessed to ensure the safety of the plant extracts used in the creams. The study confirmed the presence of phytoecdysteroid fractions of the S. coronata herb in the creams (20-hydroxyecdysone, polypodine B, and ajugasterone C). The results indicated that the cosmetics containing the S. coronata extract were chemically and microbiologically stable, thereby contributing to their safety. Their effectiveness is the result of transdermal permeability of 20-hydroxyecdysone. In this study, we demonstrated the importance of the S. coronata extract as a source of bioactive phytoecdysteroids and proved that the extract’s characteristics may make it the key ingredient of safe and stable skincare products that support the treatment of various inflammatory skin diseases. These results were a continuation of those presented in our earlier publication.
On the Adoption of Modern Technologies to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Technical Synthesis of Latest Developments
Authors: Majeed Abdul , Zhang Xiaohan
Published: January 2023

In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, digital technologies have played a vital role to minimize the spread of COVID-19, and to control its pitfalls for the general public. Without such technologies, bringing the pandemic under control would have been tricky and slow. Consequently, exploration of pandemic status, and devising appropriate mitigation strategies would also be difficult. In this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis of community-beneficial digital technologies that were employed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we demonstrate the practical applications of ten major digital technologies that have effectively served mankind in different ways during the pandemic crisis. We have chosen these technologies based on their technical significance and large-scale adoption in the COVID-19 arena. The selected technologies are the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence(AI), natural language processing(NLP), computer vision (CV), blockchain (BC), federated learning (FL), robotics, tiny machine learning (TinyML), edge computing (EC), and synthetic data (SD). For each technology, we demonstrate the working mechanism, technical applications in the context of COVID-19, and major challenges from the perspective of COVID-19. Our analysis can pave the way to understanding the roles of these digital COVID-19-fighting technologies that can be used to fight future infectious diseases to prevent global crises. Moreover, we discuss heterogeneous data that have significantly contributed to addressing multiple aspects of the ongoing pandemic when fed to the aforementioned technologies. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a pioneering work on community-beneficial and transformative technologies in the context of COVID-19 with broader coverage of studies and applications.
Organic Nonlinear Optical Crystals for Highly Efficient Terahertz-Wave Generation
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Xinyuan , Hu Zhanggui , Wu Yicheng
Published: January 2023

Terahertz (THz) technology is an emerging field that is promising for future applications. Nonlinear optical (NLO) materials can effectively convert incident light into the THz frequency range using optics methods. Ionic-type organic π-conjugated NLO crystals containing electron donor-π-acceptor motifs have long attracted attention for their possibility to achieve large nonlinear optical coefficients. In this paper, an overview of the recent progress in ionic-type organic NLO crystals for highly efficient THz wave generation is presented. The substitution design strategies of cations and anions, for increasing optical nonlinearities and reducing absorptions in different structure series, are summarized. In addition, the progress in crystal growth and their THz output performance are also discussed.
Computational Studies on the Interaction of Organophosphorus Pesticides with Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase: Quantum Chemical Cluster Model and HSAB Approaches
Authors: Chi Shu-Chun , Chang Chia Ming
Published: January 2023

In the present study, the interaction between organophosphorus pesticides and cholinesterase enzymes was investigated by quantum chemical cluster model and hard-soft acid-base (HSAB) approaches. The computational results of the equilibrium structure and reaction enthalpy were used to decipher the mechanism of organophosphorus pesticides coumaphos, dicrotophos, phorate, and terbufos, which interacted with the molecular cluster models of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. In addition, the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and the HSAB descriptors prove that AChE has outstanding electron acceptability, which is suitable as a biosensing material. In terms of the calculated electronic spectrum, because the energy level of the ground state and the excited state are changed after adding pesticides with enzymes, a significant red shift phenomenon will occur.
Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Deng Jia , Liao Ziyue , Gao Jian
Published: January 2023

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may enhance the efficacy of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT); however, it remains unclear. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of TACE combined with TKIs. Methods: A thorough literature search was performed on major databases since their inception until October 2022. Based on the eligibility criteria, eight studies (2103 patients) were included. Results: Meta-analysis showed that TACE+sorafenib/apatinib had a better tumor response (objective response rate (ORR): RR = 4.85, 95% CI 2.68–8.75, disease control rate (DCR): RR = 3.23, 95% CI 1.88–5.56), and prolonged OS (HR = 0.50, 95%CI 0.42–0.60, p < 0.00001) than TACE alone. TACE+lenvatinib was stronger than TACE+sorafenib in ORR (60.7% vs. 38.9%) and TTP (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.86), whereas it was similar in DCR (96.4% vs. 96.3%) and OS (HR = 0.70 95% CI 0.46–1.05). Conclusions: TACE plus sorafenib or apatinib was superior to TACE alone for hepatocellular carcinoma with PVTT; no significant advantage was found between TACE+lenvatinib and TACE+sorafenib, although TACE+lenvatinib performed better in terms of ORR and TTP.
Bacteria Release from Microplastics into New Aquatic Environments
Authors: Nikolopoulou Ioanna , Piperagkas Odysseas , Moschos Stefanos , Karayanni Hera
Published: January 2023

Microplastics are considered the most common waste in aquatic ecosystems, and studying them along with their interactions with biota are considered a priority. Here, results on the role of microplastics in the dispersion of microbes from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems are presented. Data were obtained from microcosm experiments in which microplastics (plastic bags (BA), polyethylene bottles (BO), acrylic beads (BE), and cigarette butts (BU)) with their attached natural bacterial communities were inoculated in filtered and autoclaved lake water. The bacterial abundance on microplastics was estimated before inoculation using a protocol for the enumeration of sediment bacteria and ranged between 1.63 (BA) and 203.92 (BE) × 103 cells mm−2. Bacteria were released in the new medium, and their growth rates reached 5.8 d−1. In the attached communities, Beta- (21.4%) and Alphaproteobacteria (18.6%) were the most abundant classes, while in the free-living communities Gammaproteobacteria dominated (48.07%). Abundant OTUs (≥1%) of the free-living communities were associated with the genera Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Ecidovorax, Delftia, Comamonas, Sphingopyxis, and Brevundimonas and members of the FCB group. Members of these genera are known to degrade natural or man-made organic compounds and have recently emerged as opportunistic pathogens. Thus, besides trophic transmission, microplastics can directly release bacteria in the environment, which could affect the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems.
The Species Diversity Assessment of Azygia Looss, 1899 (Digenea: Azygiidae) from the Volga, Ob, and Artyomovka Rivers Basins (Russia), with Description of A. sibirica n. sp.
Authors: Vainutis Konstantin S. , Voronova Anastasia N. , Mironovsky Alexander N. , Zhigileva Oksana N. , Zhokhov Alexander E.
Published: January 2023

This study is devoted to the investigation of Azygia (Digenea: Azygiidae) species diversity using classical morphological, recent molecular tools (28S rRNA and cox1 mtDNA for genetic-based inference) and robust statistical techniques (Principal component analysis, PCA). The analysis revealed that the genus Azygia included four valid species: A. lucii, A. longa, A. hwangtsiyui, and A. sibirica n. sp. The distribution of the type species A. lucii was confirmed in the largest Russian rivers: the Volga and the Ob. The worms isolated from Perccottus glenii were determined as the Chinese species A. hwangtsiyui, according to the genetic data for the cox1 mtDNA gene, at 1.32–1.56%. The new species, Azygia sibirica n. sp, was described from Esox lucius in the Ob River and differentiated from the type species A. lucii by the smaller ovary, testes and prostatic sac, wider body, very narrow pharyngeal lumen and form of anterior margin of ovary. In addition, multivariate analysis and three methods for species delimitation (ABGD, GMYC, bPTP) showed the subdivision of A. lucii and A. sibirica n. sp. into two separate groups, one from the Volga River and another from the Ob River, respectively. To conclude, A. lucii infects Esox lucius in the western (European part of Russia, the Volga River basin), and northern (Western Siberia, the Ob River basin) parts of Russia; A. sibirica n. sp. has also been found to infect Esox lucius in the Ob River, while A. hwangtsiyui infects Perccottus glenii in the South of the Russian Far East (the Artymovka River basin).
IgA Nephropathy: Current Understanding and Perspectives on Pathogenesis and Targeted Treatment
Authors: Du Yating , Cheng Tingzhu , Liu Chenxuan , Zhu Tingting , Guo Chuan , Li Shen , Rao Xiangrong , Li Jinpu
Published: January 2023

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, with varied clinical and histopathological features between individuals, particularly across races. As an autoimmune disease, IgAN arises from consequences of increased circulating levels of galactose-deficient IgA1 and mesangial deposition of IgA-containing immune complexes, which are recognized as key events in the widely accepted “multi-hit” pathogenesis of IgAN. The emerging evidence further provides insights into the role of genes, environment, mucosal immunity and complement system. These developments are paralleled by the increasing availability of diagnostic tools, potential biomarkers and therapeutic agents. In this review, we summarize current evidence and outline novel findings in the prognosis, clinical trials and translational research from the updated perspectives of IgAN pathogenesis.
Radiomics in Cardiac Computed Tomography
Authors: Ayx Isabelle , Froelich Matthias F. , Baumann Stefan , Papavassiliu Theano , Schoenberg Stefan O.
Published: January 2023

In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) and gated non-contrast cardiac CT in the workup of coronary artery disease in patients with low and intermediate pretest probability, through the readjustment guidelines by medical societies. However, in routine clinical practice, these CT data sets are usually evaluated dominantly regarding relevant coronary artery stenosis and calcification. The implementation of radiomics analysis, which provides visually elusive quantitative information from digital images, has the potential to open a new era for cardiac CT that goes far beyond mere stenosis or calcification grade estimation. This review offers an overview of the results obtained from radiomics analyses in cardiac CT, including the evaluation of coronary plaques, pericoronary adipose tissue, and the myocardium itself. It also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of use in routine clinical practice.