bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
R Libraries for Remote Sensing Data Classification by K-Means Clustering and NDVI Computation in Congo River Basin, DRC
Authors: Lemenkova Polina , Debeir Olivier
Published: December 2022

In this paper, an image analysis framework is formulated for Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor (OLI/TIRS) scenes using the R programming language. The libraries of R are shown to be effective in remote sensing data processing tasks, such as classification using k-means clustering and computing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The data are processed using an integration of the RStoolbox, terra, raster, rgdal and auxiliary packages of R. The proposed approach to image processing using R is designed to exploit the parameters of image bands as cues to detect land cover types and vegetation parameters corresponding to the spectral reflectance of the objects represented on the Earth’s surface. Our method is effective at processing the time series of the images taken at various periods to monitor the landscape dynamics in the middle part of the Congo River basin, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Whereas previous approaches primarily used Geographic Information System (GIS) software, we proposed to explicitly use the scripting methods for satellite image analysis by applying the extended functionality of R. The application of scripts for geospatial data is an effective and robust method compared with the traditional approaches due to its high automation and machine-based graphical processing. The algorithms of the R libraries are adjusted to spatial operations, such as projections and transformations, object topology, classification and map algebra. The data include Landsat-8 OLI-TIRS covering the three regions along the Congo river, Bumba, Basoko and Kisangani, for the years 2013, 2015 and 2022. We also validate the performance of graphical data handling for cartographic visualization using R libraries for visualising changes in land cover types by k-means clustering and calculation of the NDVI for vegetation analysis.
Modeling the Transient Response of Thermal Circuits
Authors: Silva Daniel
Published: December 2022

Although stationary models for thermal circuits have been widely used, a direct analogy of transient responses of electric circuits to thermal systems is still difficult to establish. In this work, a thermal circuit model for transient responses is developed. The model states that each thermal object is a thermal resistance and a heat capacitor in parallel. The heat capacitor is the heat capacity of the overall material plus a correction term due to the thermal contacts of all thermal objects. The transient response of three basic thermal circuits is modeled, based on the proposed method, and validated, using the heatrapy Python package: single thermal resistance, two thermal resistances in series and two thermal resistances in parallel. A more complex model of a thermal circuit involving a heat source, a heat transfer medium and convection of heat to the surroundings is also developed and validated with data from literature of a thermal switch used in caloric cooling. The proposed method tackles computational issues introduced by the majority of numerical approaches.
Numerical Optimization of the EGR Rate and Injection Timing with a Novel Cavitation Model in a Diesel Engine Fueled with PODE/Diesel Blends
Authors: Wei Yanju , Zhang Chenyang , Zhu Zengqiang , Zhang Yajie , He Dunqiang , Liu Shenghua
Published: December 2022

Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether (PODE) is one of the most promising alternative fuels for diesel engines with a high cetane number, high oxygen content, and no C-C bonds. In this paper, a new spray model with a novel cavitation sub-model is adopted in order to create a numerical model suitable for engine simulation fueled with PODE/diesel blends. The effects of the blending ratio, injection timing, and EGR rate on the combustion and emission characteristics are investigated by the simulation. The simulation results show that the self-restoring oxygen properties of PODE can efficiently improve the combustion, causing a higher in-cylinder temperature, and therefore, higher NOx emissions. Additionally, with the increase in the blending ratio, the increase in the oxidation activity of PODE/diesel blends and the improvement of atomization are conducive to reducing soot emissions. Then, the injection timing and EGR rate are optimized. The numerical results suggest that the NOx emissions decrease initially and then increase; however, soot emissions decrease monotonically with the delay of the injection timing. When the volume blending ratio is 15%, the emission performance is best when the injection timing is between 710 °CA and 715 °CA. The increase in EGR rate can effectively reduce the in-cylinder temperature and control the NOx emissions, but the excessive EGR rate leads to higher soot emissions and a deteriorated combustion process. Therefore, an EGR rate in the range of 0.0 to 0.2 has a better comprehensive emission performance from the perspective of controlling both the NOx and soot emissions.
Andrei Sen-Senkov and the Visual Poetics of the Global Commonplace
Authors: Pavlov Evgeny
Published: December 2022

This article considers the visual poetics of the prominent contemporary Russian poet and poetry translator Andrei Sen-Senkov whose work is examined through the Deleuzian lens as a prime example of rhizomatic poetry. Senkov’s poetics is that of the commonplace: working with cultural cliches, and primarily visual material, it embeds very private concerns within a global matrix, with astounding and often theoretically challenging results.
Simulation of Low Energy Waves during Fair-Weather Summer Conditions in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Effect of Whitecapping Dissipation and the Forcing Accuracy
Authors: Chaichitehrani Nazanin , Allahdadi Mohammad Nabi , Li Chunyan
Published: December 2022

Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) on a structured grid over the Louisiana shelf in the northern Gulf of Mexico is used to evaluate the performance of three different classes of formulations for quantifying wind input and whitecapping dissipation. The formulations include Komen based on the mean spectral parameters, Westhuysen based on the saturation concept of the wave groups, and the most recent observation-based physics package ST6. The evaluation was implemented for two summer months (July and August 2015) to assess these formulations for a low wave energy period. The modeling area consists of the Louisiana inner shelf with the offshore open boundary located beyond the continental shelf. The model was forced using the spatially variable Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) wind field and wave parameters obtained from the NOAA’s WAVEWATCH-III (WWIII) model along the open boundaries. Simulated wave parameters and spectra regarding each formulation were evaluated and compared with measured wave data at NDBC stations; comparisons showed that the most appropriate formulation for the simulation of low energy waves for the study area to be ST6. The e performance of each whitecapping formulation was described by examining 1D/2D spectra and the source term balance at different met-ocean conditions during the simulation period. It was also shown that the inaccuracies in the input wind field and boundary conditions can substantially contribute to the model inaccuracy.
Assessing the Cloud Adjacency Effect on Retrieval of the Ground Surface Reflectance from MODIS Satellite Data for the Baikal Region
Authors: Tarasenkov Mikhail V. , Engel Marina V. , Zonov Matvei N. , Belov Vladimir V.
Published: December 2022

The cloud adjacency effect on surface reflectance retrievals for the region of the Russian Federation with coordinates 51–54∘ N, 103–109∘ E including the southern part of Lake Baikal for the period of 1–23 July 2021 is assessed in this paper. The method is based on the computer program for statistical simulation of radiative transfer in the atmosphere with the stochastic cloud field including a deterministic gap of a given radius. The results of this program are then used in the interpolation formula. Masks of cloudless pixels, for which the cloud adjacency effect (CAE) changes the ground surface reflectance by more than 0.005, are constructed. The analysis of the resulting CAE radii shows that the average radius is 13.7 km for MODIS band 8, 11.2 km for band 3, 8.4 km for band 4, 7.2 km for band 1, and 7 km for band 2. For the considered MODIS images and bands, the pixels with strong CAE make up from 2.8 to 100% of the total number of cloudless pixels. The correlation coefficients between the initial data and the CAE radius suggest that the cloud optical depth, cloud cover index, and ground surface reflectance exert the major influence on the considered images. A simplified approximation equation for the CAE radius as a function of the cloud optical depth, cloud cover index, and surface reflectance is derived. The analysis of the approximation shows that for the considered images, the CAE radius decreases nearly linearly with wavelength for low reflective surfaces. However, for high reflective surfaces, its wavelength dependence is nonlinear.
Hypersingular Integral Equations of Prandtl’s Type: Theory, Numerical Methods, and Applications
Authors: Boykov Ilya , Roudnev Vladimir , Boykova Alla
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we propose and justify a spline-collocation method with first-order splines for approximate solution of nonlinear hypersingular integral equations of Prandtl’s type. We obtained the estimates of the convergence rate and the method error. The constructed computational scheme includes a continuous method for solving nonlinear operator equations, which is stable for perturbations of the coefficients and the right-hand sides of equations.
Complications of Severe Odontogenic Infections: A Review
Authors: Neal Timothy W. , Schlieve Thomas
Published: December 2022

Severe odontogenic infections are routinely treated with little associated morbidity and mortality. Improvements in surgical techniques, antibiotic treatments, and imaging modalities have made associated complications exceedingly rare. A number of complications have been described in the literature including airway obstruction, descending necrotizing mediastinitis, orbital abscess, septic cavernous sinus thrombosis, cerebral abscess, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, and Lemierre’s syndrome. The purpose of this article is to discuss the pathophysiology of severe odontogenic infections and the risk factors associated with the development of complications. Given the morbidity and mortality of these conditions, it is important to review the clinical features of each and the diagnostic tools that aid in early recognition.
Joint Action Toxicity of Arsenic (As) and Lead (Pb) Mixtures in Developing Zebrafish
Authors: Kiper Keturah , Freeman Jennifer L.
Published: December 2022

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) are environmental pollutants found in common sites and linked to similar adverse health effects. Multiple studies have investigated the toxicity of each metal individually or in complex mixtures. Studies defining the joint interaction of a binary exposure to As and Pb, especially during the earliest stages of development, are limited and lack confirmation of the predicted mixture interaction. We hypothesized that a mixture of As (iAsIII) and Pb will have a concentration addition (CA) interaction informed by common pathways of toxicity of the two metals. To test this hypothesis, developing zebrafish (1–120 h post fertilization; hpf) were first exposed to a wide range of concentrations of As or Pb separately to determine 120 hpf lethal concentrations. These data were then used in the CA and independent action (IA) models to predict the type of mixture interaction from a co-exposure to As and Pb. Three titration mixture experiments were completed to test prediction of observed As and Pb mixture interaction by keeping the Pb concentration constant and varying As concentrations in each experiment. The prediction accuracy of the two models was then calculated using the prediction deviation ratio (PDR) and Chi-square test and regression modeling applied to determine type of interaction. Individual metal exposures determined As and Pb concentrations at which 25% (39.0 ppm Pb, 40.2 ppm As), 50% (73.8 ppm Pb, 55.4 ppm As), 75% (99.9 ppm Pb, 66.6 ppm As), and 100% (121.7 ppm Pb, 77.3 ppm As) lethality was observed at 120 hpf. These data were used to graph the predicted mixture interaction using the CA and IA models. The titration experiments provided experimental observational data to assess the prediction. PDR values showed the CA model approached 1, whereas all PDR values for the IA model had large deviations from predicted data. In addition, the Chi-square test showed most observed results were significantly different from the predictions, except in the first experiment (Pb LC25 held constant) with the CA model. Regression modeling for the IA model showed primarily a synergistic response among all exposure scenarios, whereas the CA model indicated additive response at lower exposure concentrations and synergism at higher exposure concentrations. The CA model was a better predictor of the Pb and As binary mixture interaction compared to the IA model and was able to delineate types of mixture interactions among different binary exposure scenarios.
Proteome Profile Changes Induced by Heterologous Overexpression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Derived Antigens PstS-1 (Rv0934) and Ag85B (Rv1886c) in Mycobacterium microti
Authors: García-Ruiz Viridiana , Orduña Patricia , Castillo-Rodal Antonia I. , Flores-Rodríguez Teresa J. , López-Vidal Yolanda
Published: December 2022

The development of new tuberculosis vaccines remains a global priority, and recombinant vaccines are a frequently investigated option. These vaccines follow a molecular strategy that may enhance protective efficacy. However, their functional differences, particularly with respect to glycosylation, remain unknown. Recent studies have shown that glycosylation plays a key role in the host-pathogen interactions during immune recognition. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the glycosylation profiles of two recombinant strains of Mycobacterium microti, overexpressing Ag85B (Rv1886c) and PstS-1 (Rv0934) antigens of M. tuberculosis. For each strain, the glycosylation profile was determined by Western blotting with lectins. The results showed the presence of mannosylated proteins and evidence of linked sialic acid proteins. Interestingly, different proteome and glycoproteome profiles were observed between the two recombinant strains and the wild-type strain. We have shown here that the construction of the recombinant strains of M. microti has altered the proteome and glycosylation profiles of these strains, leading us to ask what impact these changes might have on the immune response.
Safety and Tolerability of Oral Cannabinoids in People Living with HIV on Long-Term ART: A Randomized, Open-Label, Interventional Pilot Clinical Trial (CTNPT 028)
Authors: Mboumba Bouassa Ralph-Sydney , Needham Judy , Nohynek Dana , Singer Joel , Lee Terry , Bobeuf Florian , Samarani Suzanne , Del Balso Lina , Paisible Natalie , Vertzagias Claude , Sebastiani Giada , Margolese Shari , Mandarino Enrico , Klein Marina , Lebouché Bertrand , Cox Joseph , Brouillette Marie-Josée , Routy Jean-Pierre , Szabo Jason , Thomas Réjean , Huchet Emmanuel , Vigano Antonio , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali , Costiniuk Cecilia T
Published: December 2022

Background: With anti-inflammatory properties, cannabinoids may be a potential strategy to reduce immune activation in people living with HIV (PLWH) but more information on their safety and tolerability is needed. Methods: We conducted an open-label interventional pilot study at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Canada. PLWH were randomized to oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): cannabidiol (CBD) combination (THC 2.5 mg/CBD 2.5 mg) or CBD-only capsules (CBD 200 mg). Individuals titrated doses as tolerated to a maximum daily dose THC 15 mg/CBD 15 mg or 800 mg CBD, respectively, for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the percentage of participants without any significant toxicity based on the WHO toxicity scale (Grades 0–2 scores). Results: Out of ten individuals, eight completed the study. Two from the CBD-only arm were withdrawn for safety concerns: phlebotomy aggravating pre-existing anemia and severe hepatitis on 800 mg CBD with newly discovered pancreatic adenocarcinoma, respectively. Seven did not have any significant toxicity. Cannabinoids did not alter hematology/biochemistry profiles. CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and HIV suppression remained stable. Most adverse effects were mild-moderate. Conclusions: In PLWH, cannabinoids seem generally safe and well-tolerated, though larger studies are needed. Screening for occult liver pathology should be performed and hepatic enzymes monitored, especially with high CBD doses.
Detection of BRCA1, and BRCA2 Alterations in Matched Tumor Tissue and Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Patients with Prostate Cancer in a Real-World Setting
Authors: McFarland Taylor Ryan , Mathew Thomas Vinay , Nussenzveig Roberto , Gebrael Georges , Sayegh Nicolas , Tripathi Nishita , Sahu Kamal Kant , Goel Divyam , Maughan Benjamin L. , Sirohi Deepika , Agarwal Neeraj , Swami Umang
Published: December 2022

Background: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are approved for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer harboring deleterious or suspected deleterious BRCA1 and/or 2 mutations. Identifying patients with prostate cancer harboring these mutations may be challenging. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) provides an avenue for an easier detection of these mutations. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the concordance of BRCA mutations in the tumor tissue and cfDNA in patients with metastatic prostate cancer in the real-world setting. Methods: Somatic genomic profiling results were obtained from a clinical cohort of patients at our institution who had at least two samples tested. One of the samples needed to be from either primary or metastatic tissue. Concordance was adjusted to not include mutation types that the cfDNA platforms were not designed to detect. Results: The presence or absence of mutations in the BRCA gene was assessed in a total of 589 samples, including 327 cfDNA samples, from 260 patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The median time between the first test and any subsequent test was 22.8 (0.0–232) months. BRCA mutation was present in the patient’s original prostate tissue in 23 samples (3.9%) of patients. The adjusted concordance between prostate tumor tissue and cfDNA was 97.9% [95% CI, 95.3–99.1%]. The adjusted concordance between metastatic samples and cfDNA was 93.5% [95% CI, 86.4–97.3%]. Of the patients who had a BRCA mutation detected in their prostate tissue, there was a 70% probability of detecting a BRCA mutation in the patient’s cfDNA as well. For patients who did not have a detectable BRCA mutation in their primary prostate tissue, the probability of detecting a subsequent one later in the disease course was less than 0.9%. Conclusion: There is a high level of concordance between tissue and blood for BRCA mutations. Testing cfDNA can provide reliable information on BRCA mutational status and is a viable alternative to solid tissue sequencing when unavailable. The development of a new BRCA mutation later in the disease course is a rare event.
Allogenic Perinatal Tissue for Musculoskeletal Regenerative Medicine Applications: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aratikatla Adarsh , Maffulli Nicola , Rodriguez Hugo C. , Gupta Manu , Potty Anish G. , Gupta Ashim
Published: December 2022

Producing tremendous amounts of stress and financial burden on the global patient population and healthcare systems around the world, most current modalities of treatment for musculoskeletal ailments often do not address the etiopathogenetic causes of these disorders. Regenerative medicine for musculoskeletal disorders relies on orthobiologics derived from either allogenic or autologous sources. Multiple drawbacks are associated with autologous sources, including donor-site morbidity, a dearth of studies, and variability in both patient reported and clinical/functional outcomes. On the other hand, allogenic sources address several of these concerns, and continue to be a suitable source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This review qualitatively reports both the preclinical and clinical outcomes of publications studying the applications of umbilical cord (-derived Wharton’s jelly), amniotic suspension allograft, amniotic membrane, and amniotic fluid in musculoskeletal medicine. A systematic review was conducted utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on studies published between January 2010 and October 2022 that used allogeneic perinatal tissues. Further randomized controlled clinical studies are necessary to properly evaluate the safety and efficacy of these tissues in orthopedic surgery.
Infection Risk in Patients with Dermatomyositis Associated with Anti-MDA5 Antibodies: A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Billet Anne-Claire , Barba Thomas , Coutant Frédéric , Fabien Nicole , Perard Laurent , Sève Pascal , Lega Jean-Christophe , Durel Cécile-Audrey , Gallay Laure , Hot Arnaud
Published: December 2022

Objective: Dermatomyositis associated with anti-MDA5 autoantibodies (DM-MDA5+) is a rare autoimmune disease usually characterized by skin involvement, often-severe lung involvement, and general features. Several reports of infections have been described, sometimes early after the introduction of immunosuppressive therapy. We studied the infection risk in a DM-MDA5+ population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study comparing the number and type of infections during the follow-up of 19 patients with DM-MDA5+ and 37 patients with another type of inflammatory myopathy was analyzed. Patients in both groups were matched on initial immunosuppressive therapy. We described and compared significant infectious complications (SIC) in each group. Results: Patients DM-MDA5+ had more SIC: 27 events in the DM-MDA5+ group versus 6 in the controls (HR 7.08, 95% CI 2.50–20.04, p < 0.0001). The number of SIC per patient was higher in DM-MDA5+ (1.4 ± 1.57 vs. 0.16 ± 0.44, p < 0.001). These were mainly lung (n = 13, 48%) and skin infections (n = 6, 22%), more often infections of an undetermined infectious agent (n = 11, 41%) or of bacterial origin (n = 9, 33%). A few cases of opportunistic infections were reported. The median duration of follow-up without SIC event in the DM-MDA5+ cohort was 3.5 months. Conclusion: Patients with DM-MDA5+ have an increased infection risk compared to others inflammatory myopathies irrespective of immunosuppressive therapy exposure. These results highlight the importance of monitoring for infection during patient follow-up.
Regulatory Effects of Curcumin on Platelets: An Update and Future Directions
Authors: Hussain Yaseen , Abdullah  , Khan Fazlullah , Alsharif Khalaf F. , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Saso Luciano , Khan Haroon
Published: December 2022

The rhizomatous plant turmeric, which is frequently used as a spice and coloring ingredient, yields curcumin, a bioactive compound. Curcumin inhibits platelet activation and aggregation and improves platelet count. Platelets dysfunction results in several disorders, including inflammation, atherothrombosis, and thromboembolism. Several studies have proved the beneficial role of curcumin on platelets and hence proved it is an important candidate for the treatment of the aforementioned diseases. Moreover, curcumin is also frequently employed as an anti-inflammatory agent in conventional medicine. In arthritic patients, it has been shown to reduce the generation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and to reduce edema, morning stiffness, and other symptoms. Curcumin taken orally also reduced rats’ acute inflammation brought on by carrageenan. Curcumin has also been proven to prevent atherosclerosis and platelet aggregation, as well as to reduce angiogenesis in adipose tissue. In the cerebral microcirculation, curcumin significantly lowered platelet and leukocyte adhesion. It largely modulated the endothelium to reduce platelet adhesion. Additionally, P-selectin expression and mice survival after cecal ligation and puncture were improved by curcumin, which also altered platelet and leukocyte adhesion and blood–brain barrier dysfunction. Through regulating many processes involved in platelet aggregation, curcuminoids collectively demonstrated detectable antiplatelet activity. Curcuminoids may therefore be able to prevent disorders linked to platelet activation as possible therapeutic agents. This review article proposes to highlight and discuss the regulatory effects of curcumin on platelets.
Examining the Flourishing Impacts of Repeated Visits to a Virtual Art Museum and the Role of Immersion
Authors: Cotter Katherine N. , Crone Damien L. , Rodriguez-Boerwinkle Rebekah M. , Boerwinkle Martin , Silvia Paul J. , Pawelski James O.
Published: December 2022

Visiting art museums has been associated with a range of flourishing outcomes. However, there have been recent shifts towards increasing digital engagement with art, leading to a radical change in how people experience visual art. Given the now expansive virtual art viewing options, it is important to understand whether digital engagement can also lead to greater flourishing, and, if so, under what conditions. We examined the flourishing effects of viewing art in a virtual gallery in a pre-registered experiment comprising four sessions over four weeks, with varying viewing instructions designed to increase immersion. Participants were recruited from a USA representative sample on Prolific, resulting in a final sample of 687 participants. People were randomly assigned to one of nine experimental conditions. Eight art viewing conditions involved four 15 min virtual gallery visits with viewing instructions varying on two factors: slow-looking and immersive mindset framing. An active control condition involved reading about (but not viewing) art. Participants completed a battery of baseline flourishing measures in week 1, completed experimental art engagement sessions during weeks 1–4, and completed the battery again in week 5. While immersion levels were greater in the viewing conditions than the reading condition, growth in flourishing did not differ across condition. Exploratory analyses, however, showed that immersion during the gallery visits did predict some changes in specific facets of flourishing (e.g., engagement, meaning, autonomy satisfaction). We suggest a number of possible explanations for these null results and point to what is needed in future research.
Combination Immunotherapy in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Baxevanis Constantin N. , Goulielmaki Maria , Gritzapis Angelos D. , Fortis Sotirios P.
Published: December 2022

During the last decade, there has been significant progress in the field of prostate cancer therapeutic treatments based on androgen receptor-axis-targeted therapies, which resulted in improved clinical outcomes [...]
Enhanced Electrolysis of CO2 with Metal–Oxide Interfaces in Perovskite Cathode in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell
Authors: Ma Guoliang , Xu Yihong , Xie Kui
Published: December 2022

The application of solid oxide electrolysis cell in CO2 electroreduction is a hot research topic at present, but the development of low−cost catalysts with high catalytic activity has always been a challenge for this work. Herein, we use NiCu alloy nanoparticles to modify the perovskite LSCM electrode to build a metal–oxide active interface to obtain high catalytic performance. At 850 °C, 4.66 mL min−1 cm−2 CO productivity and 97.7% Faraday current efficiency were obtained. In addition, the current remained stable during the 100 h long−term test, indicating that the active interface has the dual effect of improving catalytic performance and maintaining cell durability.
Biogas Upgrading by CO2 Methanation with Ni-, Ni–Fe-, and Ru-Based Catalysts
Authors: Sanz-Martínez Andrés , Durán Paul , Mercader Víctor D. , Francés Eva , Peña José Ángel , Herguido Javier
Published: December 2022

This piece of work dealt with the concept of ‘biogas upgrading’ or enrichment of the CH4 contained in a sweetened biogas to proportions and features comparable to those of synthetic natural gas (SNG). For this, the behavior of three lab made catalysts (Ni/Al2O3, Ru/Al2O3, and Ni–Fe/Al2O3) was tested in a CO2 methanation reaction (Sabatier reaction) under different feeding conditions (with and without methane). In the first set of experiments (without methane), the good catalytic behavior of the solids was validated. All three catalysts offered similar and increasing CO2 conversions with increasing temperature (range studied from 250 to 400 °C) at a constant WHSV of 30 × 103 STPmL·gcat−1·h−1. The CH4 selectivity remained close to one in all cases. Considering their total metallic load, the Ru (3.7 wt%)-based catalyst stood out remarkably, with TOF values that reached up to 5.1 min−1, this being six or three times higher, than those obtained with the Ni (10.3 wt%) and Ni–Fe (7.4–2.1 wt%) catalysts, respectively. In the second set (cofeeding methane), and also for the three catalysts, a high correspondence between the conversions (and selectivities) obtained with both types of feeds was observed. This indicated that the addition of CH4 to the system did not severely modify the reaction mechanism, resulting in the possibility of taking advantage of the ‘biogas upgrading’ process by using H2 produced off-peak by electrolysis. In order to maximize the CH4 yield, temperatures in the range from 350–375 °C and a H2:CO2 molar ratio of 6:1 were determined as the optimal reaction conditions.
Inhibition of EZH2 Ameliorates Sepsis Acute Lung Injury (SALI) and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Proliferation through the PD-L1 Pathway
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Guo Zhe , Wang Xuesong , Liao Haiyan , Chai Yan , Wang Ziwen , Wang Zhong
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Both sepsis acute lung injury (SALI) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are life-threatening diseases caused by immune response disorders and inflammation, but the underlining linking mechanisms are still not clear. This study aimed to detect the shared gene signature and potential molecular process between SALI and NSCLC. (2) Methods: RNA sequences and patient information on sepsis and NSCLC were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to build a co-expression network associated with sepsis and NSCLC. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis of shared genes was intuitively performed by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database. The involvement of EZH2 in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and sepsis immune microenvironment (IME) was assessed by R software. Western blot, flow cytometry, and other in vitro assays were performed to further confirm the function and mechanism of EZH2 in NSCLC and SALI. (3) Results: WGCNA recognized three major modules for sepsis and two major modules for NSCLC, and there were seven shared genes identified for the two diseases. Additionally, the hub gene EZH2 was screened out. It was shown that EZH2 was closely related to the IME in the two diseases. In the validation assay, our data showed that EZH2 was expressed at a higher level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of septic patients than those of healthy donors (HDs), and EZH2 was also expressed at a higher level in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PBMCs and non-small cell lung cancer (A549) cells. EZH2 inhibitor (GSK343) downregulated the proliferation ability of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, parallel with the decreased expression level of PD-L1. Similarly, GSK343 inhibited PD-L1 protein expression and downregulated the level of proinflammatory factors in LPS-induced PBMCs. In the co-culture system of PBMCs and human type II alveolar epithelial cells (ATIIs), the addition of GSK343 to PBMCs significantly downregulated the apoptosis of LPS-induced ATIIs. (4) Conclusions: This study illustrated that EZH2 inhibition could ameliorate A549 cell proliferation and LPS-induced ATII apoptosis in parallel with downregulation of PD-L1 protein expression, which provided new insights into molecular signaling networks involved in the pathogenetics of SALI and NSCLC.
Activation of OR10A3 by Suberic Acid Promotes Collagen Synthesis in UVB-Irradiated Dermal Fibroblasts via the cAMP-Akt Pathway
Authors: Kang Wesuk , Choi Dabin , Son Bomin , Park Soyoon , Park Taesun
Published: December 2022

In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in the ectopic roles of olfactory receptors (ORs) throughout the human body. Especially, the ectopic function of OR in the skin is one of the most actively researched areas. Suberic acid, a scent compound, was hypothesized to increase collagen synthesis in the ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (Hs68) through a specific olfactory receptor. Suberic acid ameliorated UVB-induced decreases in collagen production in Hs68 cells. Using in silico docking to predict the binding conformation and affinity of suberic acid to 15 ectopic ORs detectable in Hs68, several ORs were identified as promising candidates. The effect of suberic acid on collagen synthesis in UVB-exposed dermal fibroblasts was nullified only by a reduction in OR10A3 expression via specific siRNA. In addition, using the cells transiently expressing OR10A3, we demonstrated that suberic acid can activate OR10A3 by assessing the downstream effector cAMP response element (CRE) luciferase activity. We examined that the activation of OR10A3 by suberic acid subsequently stimulates collagen synthesis via the downstream cAMP-Akt pathway. The findings support OR10A3 as a promising target for anti-aging treatments of the skin.
Quantitative Targeted Absolute Proteomics for Better Characterization of an In Vitro Human Blood–Brain Barrier Model Derived from Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Dehouck Marie-Pierre , Tachikawa Masanori , Hoshi Yutaro , Omori Kotaro , Maurage Claude-Alain , Strecker Guillaume , Dehouck Lucie , Boucau Marie-Christine , Uchida Yasuo , Gosselet Fabien , Terasaki Tetsuya , Karamanos Yannis
Published: December 2022

We previously developed an in vitro model of the human blood–brain barrier (BBB) based on the use of endothelial cells derived from CD34+-hematopoietic stem cells and cultured with brain pericytes. The purpose of the present study was to provide information on the protein expression levels of the transporters, receptors, tight junction/adherence junction molecules, and transporter-associated molecules of human brain-like endothelial cells (hBLECs). The absolute protein expression levels were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-based quantitative targeted absolute proteomics and compared with those from human brain microvessels (hBMVs). The protein levels of CD144, CD147, MRP4, Annexin A6 and caveolin-1 showed more than 3-fold abundance in hBLECs, those of MCT1, Connexin 43, TfR1, and claudin-5 showed less than 3-fold differences, and the protein levels of other drug efflux transporters and nutrient transporters were less represented in hBLECs than in hBMVs. It is noteworthy that BCRP was more expressed than MDR1 in hBLECs, as this was the case for hBMVs. These results suggest that transports mediated by MCT1, TfR1, and claudin-5-related tight junction function reflect the in vivo BBB situation. The present study provided a better characterization of hBLECs and clarified the equivalence of the transport characteristics between in vitro BBB models and in vivo BBB models using LC-MS/MS-based protein quantification.
Porphyrin-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks for Efficient Electrochemiluminescent Chiral Recognition of Tyrosine Enantiomers
Authors: Cai Wen-Rong , Zhu Wen-Kai , Yang Bao-Zhu , Wu Da-Tong , Li Jun-Yao , Yin Zheng-Zhi , Kong Yong
Published: December 2022

Science the biological activities of chiral enantiomers are often different or even opposite, their chiral recognition is of great significance. A new assembly structure named TCPP-Zn-(S)-BINOL was obtained based on the interaction between chiral binaphthol (BINOL) and the porphyrin-based MOF structure formed by Meso-Tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (TCPP) and Zn2+, and a new chiral sensor was designed relying on TCPP-Zn-(S)-BINOL. The chiral platform was designed by using binaphthol as a chiral recognizer and the porphyrin MOF as an emitter, which can recognize tyrosine (Tyr) enantiomers via the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method. According to density functional theory (DFT), TCPP-Zn-(S)-BINOL has a different affinity with L/D-Tyr due to the different strength of the hydrogen bond between chiral ligand BINOL and the tyrosine (Tyr) enantiomer. It will be more suitable for combination with L-Tyr, and the presence of L-Tyr will increase the ECL intensity of the modified electrode via the catalytic reduction of co-reactant reagents, achieving the purpose of the chiral recognition of Tyr enantiomers. These findings show that TCPP-Zn-(S)-BINOL can be used as an advanced ECL chiral recognition platform for biomedical applications.
Parents’ Experience in an Italian NICU Implementing NIDCAP-Based Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bertoncelli Natascia , Lugli Licia , Bedetti Luca , Lucaccioni Laura , Bianchini Arianna , Boncompagni Alessandra , Cipolli Federica , Cosimo Anna Cinzia , Cuomo Giovanna , Di Giuseppe Michela , Lelli Tamara , Muzzi Veronica , Paglia Martina , Pezzuti Lucia , Sabbioni Claudia , Salzone Francesca , Sorgente Maria Cristina , Ferrari Fabrizio , Berardi Alberto
Published: December 2022

Background: The birth of a preterm infant and his/her immediate admittance to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are sudden, unexpected, stressful and painful events for parents. In the last decade, in response to the increased awareness of the stressful experiences of parents, much attention has been paid to Family-Centered Care (FCC) and the implementation of the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP). According to the NIDCAP model, the infant–parents’ dyad is the core of the care provided by the NICU professionals to reduce the stress experienced by parents. So far, the literature does not show a clear correlation between parental experiences and the NICU practices according NIDCAP principles. Aims: To explore how parents of preterm infants experienced the NIDCAP-based care from admission to discharge, in particular, their relationships with NICU professionals and with other parents, and the organization of the couple’s daily activities during this process. Design: Qualitative exploratory study. Methods: Twelve parents of preterm infants born between January 2018 and December 2020 at the NICU of Modena, with a gestational age at birth of less than 30 weeks and/or a birth weight of less than 1250 g, were recruited. Three couples had twins, and the total number of infants was 15. All infants were followed for up to 24 months post-term age (PTA) for neurological outcomes. Each couple was given a semi-structured online interview about their experience during their infant’s hospitalization in the NICU up to discharge. The interview was developed around three time points: birth, hospitalization and discharge. The data analysis was conducted according to the template analysis method. Results: The admission to the NICU was unexpected and extraordinary, and its impact was contained by the skilled staff who were capable of welcoming the parents and making them feel they were involved and active collaborators in the care of their infant. The emotional experience was compared to being in a blender; they were overwhelmed by changing emotions, ranging from terrible fear to extreme joy. The couple’s activities of daily life were reorganized after the infant’s birth and admission to the NICU. Fathers felt unbalanced and alone in taking care of their partners and their children. Conclusions: This is the first study in Italy to explore parental experience in an NICU implementing NIDCAP-based care. The NIDCAP approach in the NICU of Modena helps parents to be involved early, to develop parental skills, and to be prepared for the transition home; and it also facilitates and enhances the relationship between parents and NICU staff.
Peripheral Bone Relapse of Paediatric TCF3-HLF Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia during Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Horváth Máté , Kertész Gabriella , Kassa Csaba , Goda Vera , Csordás Kata , Hau Lidia , Kövér Anna , Stréhn Anita , Horváth Orsolya , Kállay Krisztián , Kriván Gergely
Published: December 2022

The present case report features a highly uncommon form of a paediatric TCF3-HLF positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) relapse, an extramedullary, peripheral bone manifestation. Following complete remission, during the conditioning for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), our sixteen-year-old male patient complained of fever, pain and swelling of the right forearm. Radiography suggested acute osteomyelitis in the right ulna with subsequent surgical confirmation. Intraoperatively obtained debris culture grew Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter pittii. Measures taken to control the infection were deemed to be successful. However, after the completion of the otherwise uneventful HSCT, a very early medullary relapse was diagnosed. Revising the original surgical samples from the ulna, bone relapse of ALL was immunohistochemically confirmed. Reviewing the previous cases found in the literature, it is advised to consider uncommon forms of ALL relapse when encountering ambiguous cases of osteomyelitis or arthritis during haematological remission.
Seizures in Children with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Epidemiological, Clinical and Neurophysiological Characterization
Authors: Pascarella Antonia , Maglione Marco , Lenta Selvaggia , Sciorio Elisa , Mancusi Raffaele , Tucci Celeste , Angrisani Francesca , Acierno Sabrina , Calì Camilla , Tipo Vincenzo , Giannattasio Antonietta
Published: December 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may present with a wide variety of symptoms, including neurological manifestations. We investigated clinical, demographic, laboratory, neurophysiological and imaging characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-positive children with seizures and analyzed differences between children admitted during the periods with prevalent circulation of the Alpha/Delta and Omicron variants, respectively. Patients’ characteristics were analyzed according to the presence or absence of seizures and then according to the SARS-CoV-2 variants. Five-hundred and four SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were included: 93 (18.4%) with seizures and 411 (81.6%) without. Patients with seizures were older, had more commonly an underlying epilepsy and had more frequently altered C-reactive protein than those without seizures. Electroencephalography was abnormal in 5/38 cases. According to the SARS-CoV-2 variant, seizures were recorded in 4.7% of the total number of hospitalized patients during the Alpha/Delta period, and in 16.9% of patients admitted during the Omicron period. During the Alpha/Delta variants, seizures were more commonly observed in patients with epilepsy compared to those observed during the Omicron period. Our findings suggest that although SARS-CoV-2 may potentially trigger seizures, they are generally not severe and do not require intensive care admission.
The Importance of Healthy Habits to Compensate for Differences between Adolescent Males and Females in Anthropometric, Psychological and Physical Fitness Variables
Authors: Mateo-Orcajada Adrián , Abenza-Cano Lucía , Cano-Martínez Ana , Vaquero-Cristóbal Raquel
Published: December 2022

Adolescence is a crucial stage in human development, and differences in psychological, physical and body composition variables between males and females have been amply demonstrated. However, the role played by certain healthy habits, such as the practice of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD) or the maintenance of an adequate weight status, in compensating for the differences found between males and females in these variables, is not well known. For this reason, the study aimed to analyze whether the practice of physical activity, optimal AMD, and adequate weight status can compensate for the differences between adolescent males and females in anthropometric variables, psychological state, and physical fitness. The sample was composed of 791 adolescents (404 males and 387 females) aged twelve to sixteen years old, whose anthropometric, psychological (autonomy, competence, relatedness, and life satisfaction), and physical fitness variables (cardiorespiratory fitness, upper strength and explosive lower limb power, hamstring and lower back flexibility, and speed) were measured. All measurements were carried out in a single day using the sports pavilion of the four participating schools. The most novel results of this research show that the practice of physical activity was determinant mainly in females, as it reduced the differences found in comparison with males in psychological (p < 0.001–0.045) and anthropometric variables (p < 0.001). Regarding weight status and AMD, these were still relevant for the adolescent population, mainly the achievement of optimal AMD, but males continued to present higher values in physical fitness tests (p < 0.001) and lower values in fat accumulation (p < 0.001), regardless of weight status or AMD. Thus, physical activity seems to be the most determining factor that compensates for the differences between adolescent boys and girls.
Research Progress on Antibacterial Coatings for Preventing Implant-Related Infection in Fractures: A Literature Review
Authors: Wang Hao , Xiong Chenwei , Yu Zhentang , Zhang Junjie , Huang Yong , Zhou Xindie
Published: December 2022

Implant-related infection is a difficult problem in orthopaedics as it not only leads to failure in internal fixation, but also increases the financial burden and perioperative risk on patients. In the past, orthopaedic implants were designed as mechanical fixation devices simply to maintain mechanical and biological properties, not to regulate the surrounding biological microenvironment. More recently, antimicrobial biocoatings have been incorporated into orthopaedic implants to prevent and treat implant-related infections through the modulation of the local environment. This article reviews the application of orthopaedic-implant biocoating in the prevention of implant-caused infection. Although there are many candidate coatings, they are still in the preclinical testing stage, and thus additional research by biomaterials and clinicians is necessary to identify the ideal implant coatings for patients who require fracture surgery.
Aggregation and Conductivity in Hot-Grown Petroporphyrin Films
Authors: Koifman Oskar , Koptyaev Andrey , Travkin Vlad , Yunin Pavel , Somov Nikolay , Masterov Dmitry , Pakhomov Georgy
Published: December 2022

As a follow-up to our study on aggregation of metal-etioporphyrin complexes (Colloids Surf. A. Physicochem. Eng. Asp. 2022, 648, 129284), we considered thin films of three isomers of copper(II) etioporphyrin deposited on hot substrates. Despite the almost identical absorption spectra of isomers, their solid-state superstructures differ remarkably both in form and size. The lateral conductivity of films is much less sensitive to an isomer-type, regardless of the substrate temperature. However, the dark conductivity of cold-grown films is about two orders of magnitude higher than that of hot-grown films, whereas the photoconductivity of the latter is 100–1700 times greater, depending on the isomer.