bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Serum Concentrations of Ischaemia-Modified Albumin in Acute Ischaemic Stroke, Intracerebral Haemorrhage, and Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A. , Zinellu Angelo
Published: April 2022

The identification of robust circulating biomarkers of stroke may improve outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of serum concentrations of ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) in subjects with or without acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception to March 2022. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively. In 17 studies, IMA concentrations were significantly higher in patients with AIS (standard mean difference, SMD = 2.52, 95% CI 1.92 to 3.12; p < 0.001), ICH (SMD = 3.13, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.25; p = 0.004), and SAH (SMD = 4.50, 95% CI 0.91 to 7.01; p = 0.014) vs. controls (very low certainty of evidence). In AIS, the effect size was associated with the male gender, and was relatively larger in studies conducted in Egypt and India and those using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. IMA concentrations were progressively higher, by direct comparison, in SAH, ICH, and AIS. In sensitivity analysis, the pooled SMDs were not altered when individual studies were sequentially removed. Our meta-analysis suggests that IMA concentrations might be useful to diagnose stroke and discriminate between AIS, ICH, and SAH (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021320535).
Molecular Signature of Neuroinflammation Induced in Cytokine-Stimulated Human Cortical Spheroids
Authors: De Kleijn Kim M. A. , Straasheijm Kirsten R. , Zuure Wieteke A. , Martens Gerard J. M.
Published: April 2022

Crucial in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases is the process of neuroinflammation that is often linked to the pro-inflammatory cytokines Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). Human cortical spheroids (hCSs) constitute a valuable tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases in a complex three-dimensional context. We recently designed a protocol to generate hCSs comprising all major brain cell types. Here we stimulate these hCSs for three time periods with TNFα and with IL-1β. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that the main process induced in the TNFα- as well as in the IL-1β-stimulated hCSs is neuroinflammation. Central in the neuroinflammatory response are endothelial cells, microglia and astrocytes, and dysregulated genes encoding cytokines, chemokines and their receptors, and downstream NFκB- and STAT-pathway components. Furthermore, we observe sets of neuroinflammation-related genes that are specifically modulated in the TNFα-stimulated and in the IL-1β-stimulated hCSs. Together, our results help to molecularly understand human neuroinflammation and thus a key mechanism of neurodegeneration.
Autophagy Modulation in Aggresome Formation: Emerging Implications and Treatments of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rahman Md. Ataur , Rahman MD. Hasanur , Mamun-Or-Rashid A. N. M. , Hwang Hongik , Chung Sooyoung , Kim Bonglee , Rhim Hyewhon
Published: April 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevailing neurodegenerative diseases in the world, which is characterized by memory dysfunction and the formation of tau and amyloid β (Aβ) aggregates in multiple brain regions, including the hippocampus and cortex. The formation of senile plaques involving tau hyperphosphorylation, fibrillar Aβ, and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) is used as a pathological marker of AD and eventually produces aggregation or misfolded protein. Importantly, it has been found that the failure to degrade these aggregate-prone proteins leads to pathological consequences, such as synaptic impairment, cytotoxicity, neuronal atrophy, and memory deficits associated with AD. Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that the autophagy pathway plays a role as a central cellular protection system to prevent the toxicity induced by aggregation or misfolded proteins. Moreover, it has also been revealed that AD-related protein aggresomes could be selectively degraded by autophagosome and lysosomal fusion through the autophagy pathway, which is known as aggrephagy. Therefore, the regulation of autophagy serve as a useful approach to modulate the formation of aggresomes associated with AD. This review focuses on the recent improvements in the application of natural compounds and small molecules as a potential therapeutic approach for AD prevention and treatment via aggrephagy.
Prediction of Chronological Age in Healthy Elderly Subjects with Machine Learning from MRI Brain Segmentation and Cortical Parcellation
Authors: Gómez-Ramírez Jaime , Fernández-Blázquez Miguel A. , González-Rosa Javier J.
Published: April 2022

Normal aging is associated with changes in volumetric indices of brain atrophy. A quantitative understanding of age-related brain changes can shed light on successful aging. To investigate the effect of age on global and regional brain volumes and cortical thickness, 3514 magnetic resonance imaging scans were analyzed using automated brain segmentation and parcellation methods in elderly healthy individuals (69–88 years of age). The machine learning algorithm extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) achieved a mean absolute error of 2 years in predicting the age of new subjects. Feature importance analysis showed that the brain-to-intracranial-volume ratio is the most important feature in predicting age, followed by the hippocampi volumes. The cortical thickness in temporal and parietal lobes showed a superior predictive value than frontal and occipital lobes. Insights from this approach that integrate model prediction and interpretation may help to shorten the current explanatory gap between chronological age and biological brain age.
A Systematic Review of the Sustainable Campus Concept
Authors: Sugiarto Agus , Lee Cheng-Wen , Huruta Andrian Dolfriandra
Published: April 2022

Higher education institutions’ contributions to environmental conservation are manifested in their commitments to develop Sustainable Campuses. Numerous studies have investigated higher education institutions’ efforts to create Sustainable Campuses. Many studies on Sustainable Campuses have been completed partially. The analysis is carried out on the basis of practices at various campuses around the world. However, a thorough analysis of Sustainable Campuses has so far not been carried out. This is evidenced by the lack of publications on journal database portals related to Sustainable Campuses which are carried out in a systematic literature review. To address this gap, this study provides a systematic and comprehensive review of the literature on Sustainable Campuses. The purpose of this article is to identify various dimensions of implementing Sustainable Campuses from various countries. We use the qualitative systematic review method with the meta-aggregation approach in this study. The results of this study indicate that Sustainable Campus development activities are classified into three aspects such as behavioral, learning and educational tools, and physical facilities. Further, each dimension has several strategies and programs and actions performed by global higher education institutions. The results are also expected to be a motivator and reference for campuses to contribute to environmental conservation through Sustainable Campus programs. The various dimensions of a Sustainable Campus that are mapped out in this research can be used as a reference for realizing a Sustainable Campus for every university campus in various countries.
Collaboration and Risk in Building Information Modelling (BIM): A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ali Kherun Nita , Alhajlah Hamed H. , Kassem Mukhtar A.
Published: April 2022

Building information modelling (BIM) has become increasingly popular in construction projects in recent years. Simultaneously, project management has received more attention from academics and practitioners worldwide. Many studies have suggested that perceiving collaboration and risk are critical for successful construction project management. This study investigates the current status and future trends in building information modeling (BIM) literature from the Web of Science database. This review systematically uses bibliometric and systematic literature review (SLR) methods through co-occurrence and co-citation analysis. First, 650 academic documents were retrieved from the Web of Science database. Then, co-occurrence and co-citation analyses were performed along with network visualization to examine research interconnections’ patterns. As a result, relevant keywords, productive authors, and important journals have been highlighted. The prominent research topics within the literature on building information modelling focus on the following topics: collaborative in BIM, integration of BIM, GIS and Internet of Things (IoT), barriers to the integration of BIM, sustainability and BIM, and risk assessment and uncertainty. Finally, the potential research directions are developing towards digital twin technology, integration of BIM and AI, and Augmented Reality (AR) and BIM. The presented findings of only 88 articles discuss the collaboration and risk issue in BIM for the construction industry and thus confirms the need for more studies on this topic to enhance the chances of successfully building information modelling projects. The review focuses only on the academic documents retrieved from the Web of Science database, thus restricting the coverage of the reviewed literature relating to building information modelling collaboration and risk.
Comparative Life Cycle Analysis of Timber, Steel and Reinforced Concrete Portal Frames: A Theoretical Study on a Norwegian Industrial Building
Authors: Hegeir Osama Abdelfattah , Kvande Tore , Stamatopoulos Haris , Bohne Rolf André
Published: April 2022

The construction industry is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which has a negative environmental impact. Several studies have highlighted the possibility of using timber to reduce the environmental impact of construction. Most of these studies have focused on residential buildings, but little attention has been devoted to industrial buildings. In this paper, an attempt is made to compare the environmental impact of using timber, steel, and reinforced concrete in industrial buildings using life cycle assessment. The system boundary was set to cradle-to-gate with transportation to construction site due to the limitation of data, and only the quantities of the main structural system are considered. Portal frames with variable spans were designed using the three materials to meet similar load carrying capacity. Reinforced concrete was used in the foundation of all frames. The results of the comparative study show that timber has, by a good margin, better environmental impact than reinforced concrete and steel, due to the carbon stored in the wood. The results also show that reinforced concrete and steel alternatives have similar environmental impacts. The findings of this study agree with the findings of other studies on residential buildings.
Evaluation of Machine Learning and Web-Based Process for Damage Score Estimation of Existing Buildings
Authors: Kumari Vandana , Harirchian Ehsan , Lahmer Tom , Rasulzade Shahla
Published: April 2022

The seismic vulnerability assessment of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings is a significant source of disaster mitigation plans and rescue services. Different countries evolved various Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) techniques and methodologies to deal with the devastating consequences of earthquakes on the structural characteristics of buildings and human casualties. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods, such as machine learning (ML) algorithm-based methods, are increasingly used in various scientific and technical applications. The investigation toward using these techniques in civil engineering applications has shown encouraging results and reduced human intervention, including uncertainties and biased judgment. In this study, several known non-parametric algorithms are investigated toward RVS using a dataset employing different earthquakes. Moreover, the methodology encourages the possibility of examining the buildings’ vulnerability based on the factors related to the buildings’ importance and exposure. In addition, a web-based application built on Django is introduced. The interface is designed with the idea to ease the seismic vulnerability investigation in real-time. The concept was validated using two case studies, and the achieved results showed the proposed approach’s potential efficiency.
Pore Structure and Gas Diffusion Features of Ionic Liquid-Derived Carbon Membranes
Authors: Tzialla Ourania , Labropoulos Anastasios , Pilatos Georgios , Romanos Georgios , Beltsios Konstantinos G.
Published: April 2022

In the present study, the concept of Ionic Liquid (IL)-mediated formation of carbon was applied to derive composite membranes bearing a nanoporous carbon phase within their separation layer. Thermolytic carbonization of the supported ionic liquid membranes, prepared by infiltration of the IL 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium tricyanomethanide into the porous network of Vycor® porous glass tubes, was applied to derive the precursor Carbon/Vycor® composites. All precursors underwent a second cycle of IL infiltration/pyrolysis with the target to finetune the pore structural characteristics of the carbonaceous matter nesting inside the separation layer. The pore structural assets and evolution of the gas permeation properties and separation efficiency of the as-derived composite membranes were investigated with reference to the duration of the second infiltration step. The transport mechanisms of the permeating gases were elucidated and correlated to the structural characteristics of the supported carbon phase and the analysis of LN2 adsorption isotherms. Regarding the gas separation efficiency of the fabricated Carbon/Vycor® composite membranes, He/CO2 ideal selectivity values as high as 4.31 at 1 bar and 25 °C and 4.64 at 0.3 bar and 90 °C were achieved. In addition, the CO2/N2 ideal selectivity becomes slightly improved for longer second-impregnation times.
Characterizing the Inflammatory Microenvironment in K14-HPV16 Transgenic Mice: Mast Cell Infiltration and MicroRNA Expression
Authors: Costa Alexandra C. , Santos Joana M. O. , Medeiros-Fonseca Beatriz , Oliveira Paula A. , Bastos Margarida M. S. M. , Brito Haissa O. , Gil da Costa Rui M. , Medeiros Rui
Published: April 2022

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the etiologic agent of several types of cancer. Mast cells’ role as either a driving or opposing force for cancer progression remains controversial. MicroRNAs are dysregulated in several HPV-induced cancers, and can influence mast cell biology. The aim of this study was to evaluate mast cell infiltration and to identify microRNAs potentially regulating this process. Transgenic male mice (K14-HPV16; HPV+) and matched wild-type mice (HPV−) received 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) (or vehicle) over 17 weeks. Following euthanasia, chest skin and ear tissue samples were collected. Mast cell infiltration was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. MicroRNAs associated with mast cell infiltration were identified using bioinformatic tools. MicroRNA and mRNA relative expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Immunohistochemistry showed increased mast cell infiltration in HPV+ mice (p < 0.001). DMBA did not have any statistically significant influence on this distribution. Ear tissue of HPV+ mice showed increased mast cell infiltration (p < 0.01) when compared with chest skin samples. Additionally, reduced relative expression of miR-125b-5p (p = 0.008, 2−ΔΔCt = 2.09) and miR-223-3p (p = 0.013, 2−ΔΔCt = 4.42) seems to be associated with mast cell infiltration and increased expression of target gene Cxcl10. These results indicate that HPV16 may increase mast cell infiltration by down-regulating miR-223-3p and miR-125b-5p.
Surgery after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Clip-Based Technique to Improve Surgical Outcomes, a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Minella Carola , Villasco Andrea , D’Alonzo Marta , Cellini Lisa , Accomasso Francesca , Actis Silvia , Biglia Nicoletta
Published: April 2022

Background: This study aims to describe the surgical management of breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with attention to the impact on surgical outcomes of a clip-based marking technique. Methods: Patients who underwent NACT at the Breast Unit of the A. O Ordine Mauriziano of Turin from January 2018 and had a surgical intervention by January 2022 were included. Data on the feasibility of clip insertion, after-treatment visibility, and successful removal during surgery were collected prospectively. Surgical outcomes in terms of breast-conserving surgery and axillary dissection reduction were described. Results: In 51 patients who had surgery after NACT, 55 clips were placed (34 breast and 21 axillary clips). Ultrasound visibility of the clips was optimal (91%) as well as preoperative localization and retrieval within the surgical specimen. Moreover, the use of the clip positively affected surgical outcomes. In our study, clip insertion allowed to avoid mastectomy and axillary dissection in patients with a complete radiological response. Conclusions: In our findings, the use of breast and/or lymph node clips has proved to be a simple and effective method to improve surgical conservative management of breast cancer patients after NACT.
Automated Prediction of the Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Patients Affected by Rectal Cancer
Authors: Filitto Giuseppe , Coppola Francesca , Curti Nico , Giampieri Enrico , Dall'Olio Daniele , Merlotti Alessandra , Cattabriga Arrigo , Cocozza Maria , Taninokuchi Tomassoni Makoto , Remondini Daniel , Pierotti Luisa , Strigari Lidia , Cuicchi Dajana , Guido Alessandra , Rihawi Karim , D'Errico Antonietta , Di Fabio Francesca , Poggioli Gilberto , Morganti Alessio , Ricciardiello Luigi , Golfieri Rita , Castellani Gastone
Published: April 2022

Background: Rectal cancer is a malignant neoplasm of the large intestine resulting from the uncontrolled proliferation of the rectal tract. Predicting the pathologic response of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy at an MRI primary staging scan in patients affected by locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) could lead to significant improvement in the survival and quality of life of the patients. In this study, the possibility of automatizing this estimation from a primary staging MRI scan, using a fully automated artificial intelligence-based model for the segmentation and consequent characterization of the tumor areas using radiomic features was evaluated. The TRG score was used to evaluate the clinical outcome. Methods: Forty-three patients under treatment in the IRCCS Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic were retrospectively selected for the study; a U-Net model was trained for the automated segmentation of the tumor areas; the radiomic features were collected and used to predict the tumor regression grade (TRG) score. Results: The segmentation of tumor areas outperformed the state-of-the-art results in terms of the Dice score coefficient or was comparable to them but with the advantage of considering mucinous cases. Analysis of the radiomic features extracted from the lesion areas allowed us to predict the TRG score, with the results agreeing with the state-of-the-art results. Conclusions: The results obtained regarding TRG prediction using the proposed fully automated pipeline prove its possible usage as a viable decision support system for radiologists in clinical practice.
Silica-Supported Copper (II) Oxide Cluster via Ball Milling Method for Catalytic Combustion of Ethyl Acetate
Authors: Ye Yuhang , Chen Han , Ye Yuchuan , Zhang Huiqiu , Xu Jing , Wang Luhui , Mo Liuye
Published: April 2022

Highly dispersed CuO/SiO2 catalysts were successfully synthesized by a green process of ball milling (BM) under solvent-free and room temperature conditions. The structural evolution of CuO/SiO2 catalysts prepared by BM was elucidated by TG-DSC, XRD, FT-IR, and XPS characterizations. We found that the copper acetate precursor was dispersed over the layer of copper phyllosilicate which was formed by reacting between the copper acetate precursor and the silica support during the BM process. The copper phyllosilicate layer over the support might play an important role in the stabilization of the CuO cluster (<2 nm) during thermal pretreatment. The 15% CuO/SiO2 catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity for the catalytic combustion of ethyl acetate as it owned a highest active surface area of CuO among the CuO/SiO2 catalysts with different copper loadings.
Efficient Utilization of Hydrocarbon Mixture to Produce Aromatics over Zn/ZSM-5 and Physically Mixed with ZSM-5
Authors: Shim Hyunjin , Hong Jinju , Ha Kyoung-Su
Published: April 2022

A mixture of saturated and unsaturated light hydrocarbon was used as feed gas for the production of aromatics. Natural gas liquids (NGL) from gas fields and hydrocarbon molecules obtained in the middle of conversion processes could be considered a kind of light hydrocarbon mixture. Therefore, for the conversion of the mixture into aromatics compounds, Zn-impregnated ZSM-5 catalysts were prepared and evaluated by employing different loading of Zn. In addition, the catalytic performance was tested and compared by charging physically mixed two different kinds of catalysts in the bed. The NH3-TPD result showed that the impregnation of Zn led to an increase in the number of medium-strength acid sites, whereas those of weak and strong acid sites were decreased. From the results of the catalytic activity tests, 0.5Zn/ZSM-5 showed the highest aromatics yield. As the amount of Zn loading was further increased to 1 wt.%, the yield of aromatics decreased. The test result in the case of the physically mixed catalysts showed a slightly lower yield in terms of total aromatics, but showed the highest BTX yield. To reveal the relative contribution of each hydrocarbon conversion to aromatics yield, each C2 compound was separately tested for aromatization over Zn/ZSM-5.
It’s All in the PAN: Crosstalk, Plasticity, Redundancies, Switches, and Interconnectedness Encompassed by PANoptosis Underlying the Totality of Cell Death-Associated Biological Effects
Authors: Gullett Jessica M. , Tweedell Rebecca E. , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi
Published: April 2022

The innate immune system provides the first line of defense against cellular perturbations. Innate immune activation elicits inflammatory programmed cell death in response to microbial infections or alterations in cellular homeostasis. Among the most well-characterized programmed cell death pathways are pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. While these pathways have historically been defined as segregated and independent processes, mounting evidence shows significant crosstalk among them. These molecular interactions have been described as ‘crosstalk’, ‘plasticity’, ‘redundancies’, ‘molecular switches’, and more. Here, we discuss the key components of cell death pathways and note several examples of crosstalk. We then explain how the diverse descriptions of crosstalk throughout the literature can be interpreted through the lens of an integrated inflammatory cell death concept, PANoptosis. The totality of biological effects in PANoptosis cannot be individually accounted for by pyroptosis, apoptosis, or necroptosis alone. We also discuss PANoptosomes, which are multifaceted macromolecular complexes that regulate PANoptosis. We consider the evidence for PANoptosis, which has been mechanistically characterized during influenza A virus, herpes simplex virus 1, Francisella novicida, and Yersinia infections, as well as in response to altered cellular homeostasis, in inflammatory diseases, and in cancers. We further discuss the role of IRF1 as an upstream regulator of PANoptosis and conclude by reexamining historical studies which lend credence to the PANoptosis concept. Cell death has been shown to play a critical role in infections, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and more; therefore, having a holistic understanding of cell death is important for identifying new therapeutic strategies.
Improving Microalgal Biomass Productivity Using Weather-Forecast-Informed Operations
Authors: Gao Song , Yan Hongxiang , Beirne Nathan , Wigmosta Mark , Huesemann Michael
Published: April 2022

The operation of microalgal cultivation systems, such as culture dilution associated with harvests, affects biomass productivity. However, the constantly changing incident light and ambient temperature in the outdoor environment make it difficult to determine the operational parameters that result in optimal biomass growth. To address this problem, we present a pond operation optimization tool that predicts biomass growth based on future weather conditions to identify the optimal dilution rate that maximizes biomass productivity. The concept was tested by comparing the biomass productivities of three dilution scenarios: standard batch cultivation (no dilution), fixed-rate dilution (harvest 60% of the culture every three days), and weather-forecast-informed dilution. In the weather-forecast-informed case, the culture was diluted daily, and the dilution ratio was optimized by the operation optimization tool according to the future 24 h weather condition. The results show that the weather-forecast-informed dilution improved the biomass productivity by 47% over the standard batch cultivation and 20% over the fixed-rate dilution case. These results demonstrate that the pond operation optimization tool could help pond operators to make decisions that maximize biomass growth in the field under ever-changing weather conditions.
Ultrasound-Determined Residual Gastric Volume after Clear-Fluid Ingestion in the Paediatric Population: Still a Debatable Issue
Authors: Abdul Kadir Mohd Zaid , Cheah Saw-Kian , Mohamad Yusof Aliza , Mohd Zaki Faizah , Teo Rufinah
Published: April 2022

Background: Current fasting guidelines are often exceeded in clinical practice, resulting in stressful events during anaesthesia in children. This prospective study compares residual gastric volume after 1 versus 2 h of clear fluid ingestion in fasted children. METHODS: A total of 106 patients were enrolled in the study. Ultrasonography (USG) of gastric antrum (GA) was performed in the supine and right lateral decubitus (RLD) positions. All children fasted from solid food for 6 h. Blackcurrant flavoured drink (3 mL/kg) was given following the measurement of baseline (T0) USG of GA, with follow-ups after 1 (T1) and 2 (T2) hours post-ingestion. Residual gastric volume (RGV) was calculated from the cross-sectional area of GA using a standard formula. Parental satisfaction with their children’s behaviour concerning fasting time was recorded. Results: RGV was significantly higher at T1 compared to T2 (p < 0.001). No significant difference was seen between T0 and T2 (p = 0.30). Parental satisfaction was similar at T1 and T2 (p = 0.158). Conclusions: The RGV in paediatric patients after 1 h of clear fluid ingestion was significantly higher than after 2 h of ingestion. There was no difference observed in parental satisfaction concerning the two intervals of fluid fasting. RLD and supine positions can be used reliably to measure the RGV in children.
The COVID-19 Pandemic: Early Ripple Effects in Pediatric Palliative Care
Authors: Bustamante Linda Marisol , Okhuysen-Cawley Regina , Downing Julia , Connor Stephen R. , Muckaden Mary Ann , Phillips Marianne , Icaza Andrea , Garzon Nicole , Nakashima Yuriko , Morgan Kelsi , Mauser David , Grunauer Michelle
Published: April 2022

Palliative care, which aims to provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary, holistic care to children, adolescents and adults with life-threatening, and ultimately life-limiting conditions, is a discipline that has emerged as an integral component of healthcare systems throughout the world. Although the value of life-affirming palliative care (PC) has been shown across many domains, funding and acceptance of palliative care teams have been variable: some hospital systems have free-standing, dedicated interdisciplinary teams while, in many instances, palliative care services are provided “pro bono” by individuals with a special interest in the discipline, who provide PC in addition to other responsibilities. In this article, we hope to highlight some of the observations on the early effects of the COVID–19 pandemic on the provision of PC in children.
Enteroviral Rhombencephalitis with Abducens Nerve Palsy and Cardio-Pulmonary Failure in a 2-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Lin Chien-Yu , Huang Shih-Yu , Jiang Chuen-Bin , Peng Chun-Chih , Chi Hsin , Chiu Nan-Chang
Published: April 2022

Enterovirus infection is endemic in many areas, especially in Southeast Asia. Enterovirus infection with severe complications (EVSC) is life-threatening, and timely diagnosis and management are crucial for successful management. Here, we report on a 2-year-old boy with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Myoclonic jerks developed and left abducens nerve palsy followed. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed rhombencephalitis. Pulmonary edema and cardiopulmonary failure developed, and intravenous immunoglobulin and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were administered. He had a tracheostomy with home ventilator use after 64 days of hospitalization. At a 5-year follow-up, his neurodevelopment was normal with complete recovery from the abducens nerve palsy. The progress of EVSC may be rapid and fulminant, and timely diagnosis is critical for patient prognosis and outcomes. The presence of abducens nerve palsy is an indicator of enteroviral rhombencephalitis, and immediate and appropriate management is suggested.
Light-Induced Surface Wrinkling on Azo-Based Composite Films
Authors: Wang Bowen , Wang Juanjuan , Han Xue , Lu Conghua
Published: April 2022

Here we report a simple micro/nano patterning strategy based on light-induced surface wrinkling. Namely, we fabricated a film/substrate system composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a soft substrate and non-photosensitive polymer polystyrene (PS) mixed with azo-polymer (polydisperse orange 3, PDO3) as a stiff film. Taking advantage of the photo-thermal effect and photo-softening effect of PDO3, we fabricated various microstructured wrinkling morphologies by a simple light illumination. We investigated the influence of two exposure modes (i.e., static selective exposure and dynamic moving exposure), the illumination conditions, the composition of the blended film, and the film thickness on the resulting wrinkling patterns. It is highly expected that this azo-based photosensitive wrinkling system will be extended to functional systems for the realization of light-induced surface micro/nanopatterning.
Self-Formed Diffusion Layer in Cu(Re) Alloy Film for Barrierless Copper Metallization
Authors: Cheng Bin , Chen Hongmei , Asempah Isaac , Wang Jiheng , Zhu Yilin , Wan Jun , Jiang Feiran , Wang Ze , Shui Yang , Wang Lei , Jin Lei , Qiao Yanxin
Published: April 2022

The barrier properties and diffusion behavior of Cu(Re) alloy films were studied. The films were deposited onto barrierless SiO2/Si by magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction patterns and electric resistivity results proved that the Cu(Re) alloy films without a barrier layer were thermally stable up to 550 °C. Transmission electron microscopy images and energy-dispersive spectrometry employing scanning transmission electron microscopy provided evidence for a self-formed Re-enriched diffusion layer between the Cu(Re) alloy and SiO2/Si substrate. Furthermore, the chemical states of Re atoms at the Cu(Re)/SiO2 interface were analyzed by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The self-formed diffusion layer was found to be composed of Re metal, ReO, ReO2 and ReO3. At 650 °C, the Cu(Re) layer was completely destroyed due to atom diffusion. The low electrical resistivity in combination with the high thermal stability suggests that the Cu(Re) alloy could be the ultimate Cu interconnect diffusion barrier.
Active Learning Activities in a Collaborative Teacher Setting in Colours, Design and Visualisation
Authors: Roberts Jonathan C.
Published: April 2022

We present our experience with developing active learning activities in a collaborative teacher setting, along with guidelines for teachers to create them. We focus on developing learner skills in colours, design, and visualisation. Typically, teachers create content before considering learning tasks. In contrast, we develop them concurrently. In addition, teaching in a collaborative setting (where many teachers deliver or produce content) brings its own set of challenges. We developed and used a set of processes to help guide teachers to deliver appropriate learning activities within a theme that appear similarly structured and can be categorised and searched in a consistent way. Our presentation and experience of using these guidelines can act as a blueprint for others to follow and apply. We describe many of the learning activities we created and discuss how we delivered them in a bilingual (English, Welsh) setting. Delivering the learning activities within a theme (in our case, colours) means that it is possible to integrate a range of learning outcomes. Lessons can focus on, for instance, skill development in mathematics, physics, computer graphics, art, design, computer programming, and critical thought. Furthermore, colour is a topic that can motivate: it sparks curiosity and creativity, and people can learn to create their own colourful pictures, while learning and developing computing skills.
Purification of AZ80 and Degassing of AZ91 Alloy by Ultrasonic Treatment
Authors: Jia Zheng , Yu Bing , Yu Yongzhi
Published: April 2022

The effects of ultrasonic power, treatment time and holding time on AZ80 magnesium melt purification by ultrasonic field were studied. The results indicate that ultrasonic treatment can accelerate the separation of inclusions and attain melt purification. When the magnesium alloy melt is treated with ultrasonic power 80 W at 650 °C for 60 s and holding 100 s, the best melt purification is achieved. Moreover, the effect of ultrasonic degassing on AZ91 alloy was also investigated. When the ultrasonic power is 150 W for 90 s, the hydrogen content and degassing efficiency are 9.6 cm3/100 g and 50.5%, respectively. The corresponding mechanical properties are Rm = 194 MPa, R0.2 = 133 MPa and A = 4.8%, respectively, and the mechanisms of purification and degassing were analyzed because of the cavitation effect.
Evolution of Reproductive Traits and Implications for Adaptation and Diversification in the Yam Genus Dioscorea L.
Authors: Chen Min , Sun Xiaoqin , Xue Jia-Yu , Zhou Yifeng , Hang Yueyu
Published: April 2022

Dioscorea is a pantropical monocotyledonous genus encompassing several well-known tuber crops and medicinal plants. It possesses remarkable morphological diversity, especially in reproductive characteristics, which are suggested to play important roles in species adaptation and diversification. Yet there have been few studies that consider the evolutionary pattern followed by these characters in this genus. In this study, the phylogenetic relationships among Chinese yams were reconstructed from five chloroplast and two mitochondrial DNA sequences. The evolutionary histories of bulbil possession, inflorescence architecture, the color of the male flowers and the degree of male flower opening were reconstructed. The results suggested that yam bulbils evolved after the divergence between D. sect. Testudinaria and other species of Dioscorea except for in D. sect. Stenophora and D. sect. Apodostemon. The evolutionary trend in the degree of male flower opening ranged from fully open to nearly closed. Male flowers with dark colors and panicles were shown to be derived in Dioscorea. These characteristics were found to be closely associated with the reproductive patterns and pollinating mechanisms of the Dioscorea species. The findings also shed light on the systematic relationships within this genus.
Are the Interactions between Oaks and Pre-Dispersal Seed Predators Retained in Urban Environments? An Analysis of Two Quercus Species in Southern Mexico City
Authors: Díaz-Guzmán Hilda , González Edgar J. , Bonfil Consuelo
Published: April 2022

As urbanization proceeds, natural ecosystems surrounding cities are transformed, but usually some elements persist, notably trees from forest ecosystems. However, it is still unknown the extent to which isolated trees, immersed in an urban matrix, maintain their interactions with insects that feed on their seeds. In this work we analyzed pre-dispersal seed predation by the two main groups of insects, weevils (Coleoptera; Curculionidae) and moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), whose larvae feed on the acorns of two oak species (Quercus rugosa and Q. castanea). We compared these interactions between trees located in a protected forested area and trees isolated in an urban matrix. Our hypothesis was that, since pre-dispersal seed predation depends on insect dispersal, acorns from isolated trees would have lower predation levels than acorns from trees in the forest. A second hypothesis, based on reports that moths exhibit larger dispersal distances than weevils, was that isolated trees would have higher predation levels from moths than from weevils compared to their respective proportions in forest trees. Finally, we expected that moth predation would increase with seed size, as it does in weevils. We collected 1200 acorns of the two oak species (ten trees per species) in a protected oak forest and a nearby highway in southern Mexico City. From the whole sample, 17.3% of the acorns were predated by weevils and 3.8% by moths. The probability of predation was larger in acorns from trees in the forest (0.30) than in those from isolated trees (0.07), which confirmed the first hypothesis; tree species identity did not have a significant effect on the proportion of predated acorns. When only predated acorns were analyzed, predation by weevil larvae was larger than predation by moths in both oak species, although the probability of predation by weevils was higher in the oak species having large acorns (Q. rugosa, 0.93), than in the species with small acorns (Q. castanea, 0.63). Inversely, predation by moths was higher in Q. castanea (0.37) than in Q. rugosa (0.07). Seed predation decreased similarly for weevils and moths in isolated trees, so we failed to find support for our second hypothesis. A positive relationship between seed predation by weevils and seed size was found in Q. rugosa but not in Q. castanea; seed size did not affect predation by moth larvae. Therefore, although isolated trees in the urban matrix harbor smaller populations of pre-dispersal seed predators than forest trees, their interactions with the two main groups of insects feeding on acorns are maintained, which points to their importance for the conservation of urban biodiversity.
Beyond Site-Specific Criteria: Conservation of Migratory Birds and Their Habitats from a Network Perspective
Authors: Xu Yanjie , Green Andy J. , Mundkur Taej , Hagemeijer Ward , Mossad Haitham , Prins Herbert H. T. , de Boer Willem F.
Published: April 2022

Many populations of birds depend on networks of sites to survive. Sufficient connectivity that allows movement between the sites throughout the year is a critical requirement. We found that existing international frameworks and policies for identifying sites important for bird conservation focus more at the level of the individual site than on the site network and its connectivity. Only 21% of site criteria acknowledge the importance of movement networks for birds, and such network criteria were mostly (67%) qualitative. We suggest a three-step quantitative approach for informing conservation about the connectivity of bird movements (especially when migrating) from a network perspective, by reviewing current scientific knowledge. The first step is to construct a bird movement network by identifying sites frequently used by birds as ‘nodes’, and then define ‘edges’ from the probability of non-stop flight between each pair of nodes. The second step is to quantify network connectivity, i.e., the extent to which the site network facilitates bird movements. The last step is to assess the importance of each site from its contribution to network connectivity. This approach can serve as a tool for comprehensive and dynamic monitoring of the robustness of site networks during global change.
Microscopic Imaging and Labeling Dataset for the Detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii Using Methenamine Silver Staining Method
Authors: Reyes-Vera Erick , Botero-Valencia Juan S. , Arango-Bustamante Karen , Zuluaga Alejandra , Naranjo Tonny W.
Published: April 2022

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is one of the diseases that most affects immunocompromised patients today, and under certain circumstances, it can be fatal. On the other hand, more and more automatic tools based on artificial intelligence are required every day to help diagnose diseases and thus optimize the resources of the healthcare system. It is therefore important to develop techniques and mechanisms that enable early diagnosis. One of the most widely used techniques in diagnostic laboratories for the detection of its etiological agent, Pneumocystis jirovecii, is optical microscopy. Therefore, an image dataset of 29 different patients is presented in this work, which can be used to detect whether a patient is positive or negative for this fungi. These images were taken in at least four random positions on the specimen holder. The dataset consists of a total of 137 RGB images. Likewise, it contains realistic, annotated, and high-quality microscope images. In addition, we provide image segmentation and labeling that can also be used in numerous studies based on artificial intelligence implementation. The labeling was also validated by an expert, allowing it to be used as a reference in the training of automatic algorithms with supervised learning methods and thus to develop diagnostic assistance systems. Therefore, the dataset will open new opportunities for researchers working in image segmentation, detection, and classification problems related to Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia diagnosis.
Primary Cutaneous Gamma-Delta T-Cell Lymphoma Initially Diagnosed as Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-Cell Lymphoma with Dermatomyositis
Authors: Hirata Chika , Nakai Kozo , Kurasawa Yusuke , Maekawa Naoki , Kuniyuki Shuichi , Yamagami Keiko , Ohsawa Masahiko , Tsuruta Daisuke
Published: April 2022

Primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma (CGD-TCL) is a rare cutaneous lymphoma. Panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) has a better prognosis than CGD-TCL. SPTCL is sometimes associated with autoimmune disease. A 64-year-old Japanese female with a history of dermatomyositis presented with subcutaneous nodules on the upper extremities and exacerbated dermatomyositis. A skin biopsy showed lobular panniculitis, a vacuolar interface change, and a dermal mucin deposit. Fat cells rimmed by neoplastic cells, fat necrosis, and karyorrhexis were observed. The atypical lymphoid cells showed CD3+, CD4−, CD8+, granzyme B+, CD20−, and CD56−. Polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated a T-cell receptor rearrangement. The patient was initially diagnosed with SPTCL, so the dose of prednisone was raised from 7.5 to 50 mg daily (1 mg/kg). After one month, erythematous nodules regressed, and muscle symptoms improved. Subsequently, prednisone was tapered, and cyclosporin A was added. After one year, the patient remained symptom-free and continued taking 7.5 mg prednisone and 100 mg cyclosporin A daily. Afterward, we immunostained skin samples with antibodies against TCR-ß and δ and found positive TCR-δ and negative TCR-ß. Therefore, we corrected the diagnosis to CGD-TCL, although the clinical course and the presence of dermatomyositis were reminiscent of SPTCL.
Radiomics and Machine Learning Analysis Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Colorectal Liver Metastases Growth Pattern
Authors: Granata Vincenza , Fusco Roberta , De Muzio Federica , Cutolo Carmen , Mattace Raso Mauro , Gabelloni Michela , Avallone Antonio , Ottaiano Alessandro , Tatangelo Fabiana , Brunese Maria Chiara , Miele Vittorio , Izzo Francesco , Petrillo Antonella
Published: April 2022

To assess Radiomics and Machine Learning Analysis in Liver Colon and Rectal Cancer Metastases (CRLM) Growth Pattern, we evaluated, retrospectively, a training set of 51 patients with 121 liver metastases and an external validation set of 30 patients with a single lesion. All patients were subjected to MRI studies in pre-surgical setting. For each segmented volume of interest (VOI), 851 radiomics features were extracted using PyRadiomics package. Nonparametric test, univariate, linear regression analysis and patter recognition approaches were performed. The best results to discriminate expansive versus infiltrative front of tumor growth with the highest accuracy and AUC at univariate analysis were obtained by the wavelet_LHH_glrlm_ShortRunLowGray Level Emphasis from portal phase of contrast study. With regard to linear regression model, this increased the performance obtained respect to the univariate analysis for each sequence except that for EOB-phase sequence. The best results were obtained by a linear regression model of 15 significant features extracted by the T2-W SPACE sequence. Furthermore, using pattern recognition approaches, the diagnostic performance to discriminate the expansive versus infiltrative front of tumor growth increased again and the best classifier was a weighted KNN trained with the 9 significant metrics extracted from the portal phase of contrast study, with an accuracy of 92% on training set and of 91% on validation set. In the present study, we have demonstrated as Radiomics and Machine Learning Analysis, based on EOB-MRI study, allow to identify several biomarkers that permit to recognise the different Growth Patterns in CRLM.
Translating Molecules into Imaging—The Development of New PET Tracers for Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Vercellino Laetitia , de Jong Dorine , Dercle Laurent , Hosten Benoit , Braumuller Brian , Das Jeeban Paul , Deng Aileen , Moya-Plana Antoine , A’Keen Camry , Yeh Randy , Merlet Pascal , Baroudjian Barouyr , Salvatore Mary M. , Capaccione Kathleen M.
Published: April 2022

Melanoma is a deadly disease that often exhibits relentless progression and can have both early and late metastases. Recent advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy have dramatically increased patient survival for patients with melanoma. Similar advances in molecular targeted PET imaging can identify molecular pathways that promote disease progression and therefore offer physiological information. Thus, they can be used to assess prognosis, tumor heterogeneity, and identify instances of treatment failure. Numerous agents tested preclinically and clinically demonstrate promising results with high tumor-to-background ratios in both primary and metastatic melanoma tumors. Here, we detail the development and testing of multiple molecular targeted PET-imaging agents, including agents for general oncological imaging and those specifically for PET imaging of melanoma. Of the numerous radiopharmaceuticals evaluated for this purpose, several have made it to clinical trials and showed promising results. Ultimately, these agents may become the standard of care for melanoma imaging if they are able to demonstrate micrometastatic disease and thus provide more accurate information for staging. Furthermore, these agents provide a more accurate way to monitor response to therapy. Patients will be able to receive treatment based on tumor uptake characteristics and may be able to be treated earlier for lesions that with traditional imaging would be subclinical, overall leading to improved outcomes for patients.