bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic Knowledge and New Advances in Panoramic Radiography Imaging Techniques: A Narrative Review on What Dentists and Radiologists Should Know
Authors: Izzetti Rossana , Nisi Marco , Aringhieri Giacomo , Crocetti Laura , Graziani Filippo , Nardi Cosimo
Published: August 2021

Objectives: A panoramic radiograph (PAN) is the most frequently diagnostic imaging technique carried out in dentistry and oral surgery. The correct performance of image acquisition is crucial to obtain adequate image quality. The aim of the present study is to (i) review the principles of PAN image acquisition and (ii) describe positioning errors and artefacts that may affect PAN image quality. Methods: Articles regarding PAN acquisition principles, patient’s positioning errors, artefacts, and image quality were retrieved from the literature. Results: Head orientation is of the utmost importance in guaranteeing correct image acquisition. Symmetry, occlusal plane inclination, mandibular condyles localization, cervical spine position, aspect of upper teeth root apexes, exposure parameters, and metal and motion artefacts are factors that greatly affect the image quality of a successful PAN. Conclusions: Several factors are the basis for PAN performance; therefore, a systematic approach that takes into account correct patient positioning and preparation is strongly suggested to improve overall examination quality.
Evaluation of Long-Term Leaching of Arsenic from Arsenic Contaminated and Stabilized Soil Using the Percolation Column Test
Authors: Panthi Gayatri , Choi Jaeyoung , Jeong Seung-Woo
Published: August 2021

Arsenic in the soil can leach into groundwater and contaminate drinking water, posing a serious risk to human health. The stabilization of arsenic in contaminated soil is one of the immobilization technologies used to remediate contaminated lands. However, few studies have evaluated the long-term release of As and pH changes in stabilized soils. We compared different stabilization techniques in the field by mixing contaminated soil with 5% of either acid mine drainage sludge (AMDS), coal mine drainage sludge (CMDS), steel slag, or cement. We evaluated the results using an up-flow percolation column test to observe any pH changes and As releases from the stabilized soils up to a liquid–solid (L/S) ratio of 50 (approximately representing a 50 year period). At the initial stage of percolation (at an L/S ratio of 0.2 or 0.2 of a year of exposure), some alkaline components and any incompletely bound As in the soils washed out with the eluent. The pH of the cement-stabilized soil was approximately 12 throughout the experiment (up to 50 L/S). Adding stabilizers to the soil reduced As leaching by 54–81% (overall efficiency) compared to the control (contaminated soil only). The order of stabilization efficiency was: steel slag (55.0%) < AMDS (74.3%) < cement (78.1%) < CMDS (81.5%). This study suggests that the groundwater of the stabilized soil should be carefully monitored for the initial five years because the soluble ionic species can leach over this period.
Control of a Variable Blade Pitch Wind Turbine Subject to Gust Wind and Actuators Saturation
Authors: Sendi Chokri
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the dynamics and control of a variable blade pitch wind turbine during extreme gust wind and subject to actuators saturation. The mathematical model of the wind turbine is derived using the Lagrange dynamics. The controller is formulated using the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model and utilizes the parallel distributor compensator to obtain the feedback control gain. The controller’s objective is to obtain the generator electromagnetic torque and the blade pitch angle to attenuate the external disturbances. The (T–S) fuzzy controller with disturbances rejection properties is developed using the linear matrix inequalities technic and solved as an optimization problem. The efficacy of the proposed (T–S) fuzzy controller is illustrated via numerical simulations.
Automated Defect Detection Using Threshold Value Classification Based on Thermographic Inspection
Authors: Lee Seungju , Chung Yoonjae , Shrestha Ranjit , Kim Wontae
Published: August 2021

Active infrared thermography is an attractive and reliable technique used for the non-destructive evaluation of various materials and structures, because it enables non-contact, large area, high-speed, quantitative, and qualitative inspection. However, the defect detectability is significantly deteriorated due to the excitation of a non-uniform heat source and surrounding environmental noise, requiring additional signal processing and image characterization. The lock-in infrared thermography technique has been proven to be an effective method for quantitative evaluation by extracting amplitude and phase images from a 2D thermal sequence, but it still involves a lot of noise, providing difficulties in detection. Therefore, this study explored the possibility of improving the signal-to-noise ratio by applying filtering to a stainless-steel plate with circular defects. Thereafter, automated defect detection was performed based on the threshold value through the binary images. In addition, a comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the detectability according to the presence or absence of a filtering application.
Research on Semi-Physical Simulation Testing of Inter-Satellite Laser Interference in the China Taiji Space Gravitational Wave Detection Program
Authors: Wang Yikun , Meng Lingqiang , Xu Xuesen , Niu Yu , Qi Keqi , Bian Wei , Yang Qiujie , Liu Heshan , Jia Jianjun , Wang Jianyu
Published: August 2021

To guarantee a smooth in-orbit space gravitational wave detection for the Taiji mission, a semi-physical simulation test of inter-satellite laser interference is carried out. The semi-physical simulation test consists of three aspects: the establishment of the inter-satellite laser link, interferometry of the inter-satellite ranging, and simulation of the space environment. With the designed specifications for the semi-physical simulation platform, the test results for the inter-satellite laser interference can be obtained. Based on the semi-physical simulation test, the risks of inter-satellite laser interference technology can be mitigated, laying a solid foundation for the successful detection of in-orbit gravitational waves.
Action Recognition Algorithm of Spatio–Temporal Differential LSTM Based on Feature Enhancement
Authors: Hu Kai , Zheng Fei , Weng Liguo , Ding Yiwu , Jin Junlan
Published: August 2021

The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network is a classic action recognition method because of its ability to extract time information. Researchers proposed many hybrid algorithms based on LSTM for human action recognition. In this paper, an improved Spatio–Temporal Differential Long Short-Term Memory (ST-D LSTM) network is proposed, an enhanced input differential feature module and a spatial memory state differential module are added to the network. Furthermore, a transmission mode of ST-D LSTM is proposed; this mode enables ST-D LSTM units to transmit the spatial memory state horizontally. Finally, these improvements are added into classical Long-term Recurrent Convolutional Networks (LRCN) to test the new network’s performance. Experimental results show that ST-D LSTM can effectively improve the accuracy of LRCN.
Characterization of Turbulence in the Neutral and Stable Surface Layer at Jang Bogo Station, Antarctica
Authors: Mazzola Mauro , Viola Angelo Pietro , Choi Taejin , Tampieri Francesco
Published: August 2021

The availability of 5-year time series of velocity and temperature data from two sonic anemometers installed at Jang Bogo Station, Antarctica, allowed a systematic investigation of the turbulence features in a stable layer affected by submeso motions and characterized by the vertical divergence of some second-order moments for a large fraction of time (quite a non-ideal surface layer). The investigation of the effect of the averaging time interval on the statistics of the second-order moments showed that this is greater for the variances of the velocity components with respect to that for the vertical fluxes. This corresponds to a greater contribution from low-frequency motions. The turbulence statistics were investigated and compared with current literature results in terms of vertical structure, share of energy between horizontal and vertical components, skewness of the vertical velocity and turbulent velocities. As a general result, all the normalized second-order moments show a clear change passing from neutral to stable conditions, passing through the range of bulk Richardson number equal to 0.1–1.
Children Health Risk Assessment of Metals in Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP) and PM1 in Kindergartens during Winter and Spring Seasons
Authors: Mainka Anna
Published: August 2021

This study evaluates the health risks related to heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Zn, and metalloid As) in the indoor dust samples of total suspended particles (TSP) and particles with diameter <1 μm (PM1). The samples were collected during 5-day periods during the spring and winter seasons in the Upper Silesia region, Poland. The highest concentration among determined trace elements revealed Fe. The greatest concern expressed the concentration of carcinogenic Cd in PM1 (from 6.7 to 9.7 ng/m3), exceeding the permissible value 5 ng/m3 (for PM10). The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks were assessed for three exposure pathways (inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact) for preschool children. None of the single trace elements obtained the Hazard Quotient Index (HQ > 1) or carcinogenic risks above the upper acceptable limit (1 × 10−4). However, the cumulative HQ values (ΣHQ) for three exposure pathways were greater than the safe level. The highest cumulative non-carcinogenic risk presented the TSP in rural kindergartens (2.0 × 10−4). In the same location as the TSP, the highest carcinogenic risk was also observed (9.1 × 10−4). High carcinogenic risks (>10−4) were found for the ingestion pathway of TSP inside urban and rural kindergartens and of PM1 in urban ones. A comparative evaluation shows that the health risks of trace elements in airborne particles in Polish kindergartens bring high risk.
Sensitivity of Change-Point Detection and Trend Estimates to GNSS IWV Time Series Properties
Authors: Nguyen Khanh Ninh , Quarello Annarosa , Bock Olivier , Lebarbier Emilie
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the sensitivity of the GNSSseg segmentation method to change in: GNSS data processing method, length of time series (17 to 25 years), auxiliary data used in the integrated water vapor (IWV) conversion, and reference time series used in the segmentation (ERA-Interim versus ERA5). Two GNSS data sets (IGS repro1 and CODE REPRO2015), representative of the first and second IGS reprocessing, were compared. Significant differences were found in the number and positions of detected change-points due to different a priori ZHD models, antenna/radome calibrations, and mapping functions. The more recent models used in the CODE solution have reduced noise and allow the segmentation to detect smaller offsets. Similarly, the more recent reanalysis ERA5 has reduced representativeness errors, improved quality compared to ERA-Interim, and achieves higher sensitivity of the segmentation. Only 45–50% of the detected change-points are similar between the two GNSS data sets or between the two reanalyses, compared to 70–80% when the length of the time series or the auxiliary data are changed. About 35% of the change-points are validated with respect to metadata. The uncertainty in the homogenized trends is estimated to be around 0.01–0.02 kg m−2 year−1.
Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin as an Antimycobacterial Agent
Authors: Barua Nilakshi , Buragohain Alak Kumar
Published: August 2021

Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid obtained from the plant Curcuma longa and has been extensively studied for its biological and chemical properties. Curcumin displays a vast range of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activity. Specifically, curcumin has been linked to the improvement of the outcome of tuberculosis. There are many reviews on the pharmacological effects of curcumin; however, reviews of the antitubercular activity are comparatively scarcer. In this review, we attempt to discuss the different aspects of the research on the antitubercular activity of curcumin. These include antimycobacterial activity, modulation of the host immune response, and enhancement of BCG vaccine efficacy. Recent advances in the antimycobacterial activity of curcumin synthetic derivatives, the role of computer aided drug design in identifying curcumin targets, the hepatoprotective role of curcumin, and the dosage and toxicology of curcumin will be discussed. While growing evidence supports the use of curcumin and its derivatives for tuberculosis therapy, further preclinical and clinical investigations are of pivotal importance before recommending the use of curcumin formulations in public health.
Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastasis Mimicking Astrocytoma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Lapolla Pierfrancesco , Bruzzaniti Placido , Costarelli Leopoldo , Frati Alessandro , Chen Rui , Li Xiaobo , Miglietta Selenia , Familiari Giuseppe , Familiari Pietro
Published: August 2021

Intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCMs) are infrequent lesions. Their incidence is estimated to range from 0.9 to 2.1%, found in autopsies of cancer patients. However, as the life expectancy of malignant tumour patients constantly increases, the reported incidences of ISCMs are consequently rising. This report presents a case of the misdiagnosis of an anaplastic astrocytoma type of tumour due to its similarities to small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Therefore, we would like to underline the importance of further investigation that could assist and support the surgeon in the making of the differential diagnosis. We present the clinical case of a 73-year-old woman with a solitary intramedullary spinal cord metastasis as the initial manifestation of a carcinoid type of tumour. The patient was admitted to our department while presenting a rapid onset of paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which showed an intramedullary mass at the C2–C6 vertebral level with a heterogeneous contrast enhancement. In light of these findings, the patient underwent surgery for a partial tumour resection. The lesion resulted in being a small-cell neuroendocrine type of carcinoma. This peculiar type of tumour presents similar radiological characteristics to the anaplastic astrocytoma type, which is why our diagnostical mismatch occurred. This is the report of a rare case of solitary intramedullary spinal cord metastasis, which is the result of an initial presentation of a lung small-cell neuroendocrine type of carcinoma. We conclude that ISCMs should be regularly considered as a part of the differential diagnosis of intramedullary lesions, especially in the case of a rapid onset and deterioration of neurological symptoms.
Neurons in Primary Motor Cortex Encode External Perturbations during an Orientation Reaching Task
Authors: Ma Yan , Sun Weiming , Zhou Nanrun , He Jiping , Ma Chaolin
Published: August 2021

When confronting an abrupt external perturbation force during movement, subjects continuously adjust their behaviors to adapt to changes. Such adaptation is of great importance for realizing flexible motor control in varied environments, but the potential cortical neuronal mechanisms behind it have not yet been elucidated. Aiming to reveal potential neural control system compensation for external disturbances, we applied an external orientation perturbation while monkeys performed an orientation reaching task and simultaneously recorded the neural activity in the primary motor cortex (M1). We found that a subpopulation of neurons in the primary motor cortex specially created a time-locked activity in response to a “go” signal in the adaptation phase of the impending orientation perturbation and did not react to a “go” signal under the normal task condition without perturbation. Such neuronal activity was amplified as the alteration was processed and retained in the extinction phase; then, the activity gradually faded out. The increases in activity during the adaptation to the orientation perturbation may prepare the system for the impending response. Our work provides important evidence for understanding how the motor cortex responds to external perturbations and should advance research about the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying motor learning and adaptation.
Numerical Simulations of the Seismic Response of a RC Structure Resting on Liquefiable Soil
Authors: Alzabeebee Saif , Forcellini Davide
Published: August 2021

The seismic response of buildings resting on liquefiable soil is a complex problem that is still poorly understood despite numerous studies on the topic. This paper attempts to enhance the understanding of this phenomenon by simulating an RC structure resting on liquefiable soil and subjected to seismic shakes. The solid-fluid fully coupled analysis was conducted with OpenSeesPL utilizing 58 earthquake records to simulate a wide range of shaking scenarios. In addition, the effect of the soil density and the thickness of the liquefiable layer were examined. It was noted that the liquefaction-induced settlement of the building increased as peak ground acceleration (PGA) increased, where the percentage increase ranged between 2.5% and 888.0% depending on the soil density, thickness of the liquefiable layer, PGA and the predominant frequency of the seismic shake. However, a scatter of the relationship between the PGA and the liquefaction-induced settlement was also noted due to the effect of the predominant frequency of the seismic shake. In addition, a reduced effect from soil density on the liquefaction-induced settlement was observed, where the settlement changed by up to 55% as the soil density changed from loose to medium, and by 68% as the density changed from loose to dense. Additionally, the results of the lateral displacement of the building did not show a definite trend with the increase in PGA, which could be attributed to the complex interaction between PGA amplification and the predominant frequency of the seismic shake as the liquefiable soil layer thickness changed.
Evaluation of a Novel Three-Dimensional Robotic Digital Microscope (Aeos) in Neurosurgery
Authors: Maurer Stefanie , Prinz Vincent , Qasem Lina-Elisabeth , Lucia Kristin Elizabeth , Rösler Judith , Picht Thomas , Konczalla Jürgen , Czabanka Marcus
Published: August 2021

Objective: Current literature debates the role of newly developed three-dimensional (3D) Exoscopes in the daily routine of neurosurgical practice. So far, only a small number of cadaver lab studies or case reports have examined the novel Aesculap Aeos Three-Dimensional Robotic Digital Microscope. This study aims to evaluate the grade of satisfaction and intraoperative handling of this novel system in neurosurgery. Methods: Nineteen neurosurgical procedures (12 cranial, 6 spinal and 1 peripheral nerve) performed over 9 weeks using the Aeos were analyzed. Ten neurosurgeons of varying levels of training were included after undergoing device instruction and training. Following every surgery, a questionnaire consisting of 43 items concerning intraoperative handling was completed. The questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: No intraoperative complications occurred. Surgical satisfaction was ranked high (78.95%). In total, 84.21% evaluated surgical ergonomics as satisfactory, while 78.95% of the surgeons would like to use this system frequently. Image quality, independent working zoom function and depth of field were perceived as suboptimal by several neurosurgeons. Conclusion: The use of Aeos is feasible and safe in microsurgical procedures, and surgical satisfaction was ranked high among most neurosurgeons in our study. The system might offer advanced ergonomic conditions in comparison to conventional ocular-based microscopes.
Impact of Inhibition of the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier on the Tumor Extracellular pH as Measured by CEST-MRI
Authors: Buyse Chloé , Joudiou Nicolas , Corbet Cyril , Feron Olivier , Mignion Lionel , Flament Julien , Gallez Bernard
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: The acidosis of the tumor micro-environment may have profound impact on cancer progression and on the efficacy of treatments. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a treatment with UK-5099, a mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) inhibitor on tumor extracellular pH (pHe); (2) Methods: glucose consumption, lactate secretion and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) were measured in vitro after exposure of cervix cancer SiHa cells and breast cancer 4T1 cells to UK-5099 (10 µM). Mice bearing the 4T1 tumor model were treated daily during four days with UK-5099 (3 mg/kg). The pHe was evaluated in vivo using either chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)-MRI with iopamidol as pHe reporter probe or 31P-NMR spectroscopy with 3-aminopropylphosphonate (3-APP). MR protocols were applied before and after 4 days of treatment; (3) Results: glucose consumption, lactate release and ECAR were increased in both cell lines after UK-5099 exposure. CEST-MRI showed a significant decrease in tumor pHe of 0.22 units in UK-5099-treated mice while there was no change over time for mice treated with the vehicle. Parametric images showed a large heterogeneity in response with 16% of voxels shifting to pHe values under 7.0. In contrast, 31P-NMR spectroscopy was unable to detect any significant variation in pHe; (4) Conclusions: MPC inhibition led to a moderate acidification of the extracellular medium in vivo. CEST-MRI provided high resolution parametric images (0.44 µL/voxel) of pHe highlighting the heterogeneity of response within the tumor when exposed to UK-5099.
ATP Inhibits Breast Cancer Migration and Bone Metastasis through Down-Regulation of CXCR4 and Purinergic Receptor P2Y11
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Riquelme Manuel A. , Tian Yi , Zhao Dezhi , Acosta Francisca M. , Gu Sumin , Jiang Jean X.
Published: August 2021

ATP released by bone osteocytes is shown to activate purinergic signaling and inhibit the metastasis of breast cancer cells into the bone. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate the important roles of the CXCR4 and P2Y11 purinergic receptors in mediating the inhibitory effect of ATP on breast cancer cell migration and bone metastasis. Wound-healing and transwell migration assays showed that non-hydrolysable ATP analogue, ATPγS, inhibited migration of bone-tropic human breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. BzATP, an agonist for P2X7 and an inducer for P2Y11 internalization, had a similar dose-dependent inhibition on cell migration. Both ATPγS and BzATP suppressed the expression of CXCR4, a chemokine receptor known to promote breast cancer bone metastasis, and knocking down CXCR4 expression by siRNA attenuated the inhibitory effect of ATPγS on cancer cell migration. While a P2X7 antagonist A804598 had no effect on the impact of ATPγS on cell migration, antagonizing P2Y11 by NF157 ablated the effect of ATPγS. Moreover, the reduction in P2Y11 expression by siRNA decreased cancer cell migration and abolished the impact of ATPγS on cell migration and CXCR4 expression. Similar to the effect of ATPγS on cell migration, antagonizing P2Y11 inhibited bone-tropic breast cancer cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. An in vivo study using an intratibial bone metastatic model showed that ATPγS inhibited breast cancer growth in the bone. Taken together, these results suggest that ATP inhibits bone-tropic breast cancer cells by down-regulating the P2Y11 purinergic receptor and the down-regulation of CXCR4 expression.
Canonical NF-κB Promotes Lung Epithelial Cell Tumour Growth by Downregulating the Metastasis Suppressor CD82 and Enhancing Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Cell Transition
Authors: Roupakia Eugenia , Chavdoula Evangelia , Karpathiou Georgia , Vatsellas Giannis , Chatzopoulos Dimitrios , Mela Angeliki , Gillette Jennifer M. , Kriegsmann Katharina , Kriegsmann Mark , Batistatou Anna , Goussia Anna , Marcu Kenneth B. , Karteris Emmanouil , Klinakis Apostolos , Kolettas Evangelos
Published: August 2021

Background: The development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involves the progressive accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes. These include somatic oncogenic KRAS and EGFR mutations and inactivating TP53 tumour suppressor mutations, leading to activation of canonical NF-κB. However, the mechanism(s) by which canonical NF-κB contributes to NSCLC is still under investigation. Methods: Human NSCLC cells were used to knock-down RelA/p65 (RelA/p65KD) and investigate its impact on cell growth, and its mechanism of action by employing RNA-seq analysis, qPCR, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and functional assays. Results: RelA/p65KD reduced the proliferation and tumour growth of human NSCLC cells grown in vivo as xenografts in immune-compromised mice. RNA-seq analysis identified canonical NF-κB targets mediating its tumour promoting function. RelA/p65KD resulted in the upregulation of the metastasis suppressor CD82/KAI1/TSPAN27 and downregulation of the proto-oncogene ROS1, and LGR6 involved in Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Immunohistochemical and bioinformatics analysis of human NSCLC samples showed that CD82 loss correlated with malignancy. RelA/p65KD suppressed cell migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition (EMT), mediated, in part, by CD82/KAI1, through integrin-mediated signalling involving the mitogenic ERK, Akt1 and Rac1 proteins. Conclusions: Canonical NF-κB signalling promotes NSCLC, in part, by downregulating the metastasis suppressor CD82/KAI1 which inhibits cell migration, EMT and tumour growth.
SHP2 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Diffuse-Type Gastric Carcinoma Addicted to Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling
Authors: Nagamura Yuko , Miyazaki Makoto , Nagano Yoshiko , Tomiyama Arata , Ohki Rieko , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Sakai Ryuichi , Yamaguchi Hideki
Published: August 2021

Diffuse-type gastric carcinoma (DGC) exhibits aggressive progression associated with rapid infiltrative growth, massive fibrosis, and peritoneal dissemination. Gene amplification of Met and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) has been observed in DGC. However, the signaling pathways that promote DGC progression downstream of these RTKs remain to be fully elucidated. We previously identified an oncogenic tyrosine phosphatase, SHP2, using phospho-proteomic analysis of DGC cells with Met gene amplification. In this study, we characterized SHP2 in the progression of DGC and assessed the therapeutic potential of targeting SHP2. Although SHP2 was expressed in all gastric carcinoma cell lines examined, its tyrosine phosphorylation preferentially occurred in several DGC cell lines with Met or FGFR2 gene amplification. Met or FGFR inhibitor treatment or knockdown markedly reduced SHP2 tyrosine phosphorylation. Knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of SHP2 selectively suppressed the growth of DGC cells addicted to Met or FGFR2, even when they acquired resistance to Met inhibitors. Moreover, SHP2 knockdown or pharmacological inhibition blocked the migration and invasion of Met-addicted DGC cells in vitro and their peritoneal dissemination in a mouse xenograft model. These results indicate that SHP2 is a critical regulator of the malignant progression of RTK-addicted DGC and may be a therapeutic target.
18F-FDOPA PET/CT SUV-Derived Indices and Volumetric Parameters Correlation in Patients with Primary Brain Tumors
Authors: Chiaravalloti Agostino , Ricci Maria , Cimini Andrea , Russo Francesca , Ursini Francesco , Filippi Luca , Schillaci Orazio
Published: August 2021

Novel parameters in PET imaging, such as volumetric parameters, are gaining interest in the scientific literature, but the role of dopaminergic tumor volume (DTV) and total lesion F-DOPA activity (TLDA) and the correlation between volumetric and SUV-derived parameters are not well defined yet. One hundred and thirty-three patients that underwent 18F-FDOPA imaging for primary brain tumors were included in this retrospective study. SUV-derived indices were calculated (the occipital region was chosen to generate ratios of tumor SUV) and compared with volumetric parameters. Regression models were applied in univariate analysis and lnSUVmax was positively associated with lnDTV (beta 0.42, p = 0.007), the lnSUVmax ratio was positively associated with lnDTV (beta 0.80, p = 0.011), lnSUVmax was positively associated with lnTLDA (beta 1.27, p < 0.0001), and the lnSUVmax ratio was positively associated with lnTLDA (beta 1.87, p < 0.0001). Our study demonstrates that volumetric uptake parameters in 18F-FDOPA PET/CT are easier to assess in primary brain tumors with higher SUV max and SUV max ratios, and supports the emerging role of volumetric parameters in the data interpretation.
Redox-Sensitive and Folate-Receptor-Mediated Targeting of Cervical Cancer Cells for Photodynamic Therapy Using Nanophotosensitizers Composed of Chlorin e6-Conjugated β-Cyclodextrin via Diselenide Linkage
Authors: Kim Howard , Kim Mi Woon , Jeong Young-IL , Yang Hoe Saeng
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to fabricate a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive and folate-receptor-targeted nanophotosensitizer for the efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cervical carcinoma cells. Chlorin e6 (Ce6) as a model photosensitizer was conjugated with succinyl β-cyclodextrin via selenocystamine linkages. Folic acid (FA)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (FA-PEG) conjugates were attached to these conjugates and then FA-PEG-succinyl β-cyclodextrin-selenocystamine-Ce6 (FAPEGbCDseseCe6) conjugates were synthesized. Nanophotosensitizers of FaPEGbCDseseCe6 conjugates were fabricated using dialysis membrane. Nanophotosensitizers showed spherical shapes with small particle sizes. They were disintegrated in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and particle size distribution changed from monomodal distribution pattern to multimodal pattern. The fluorescence intensity and Ce6 release rate also increased due to the increase in H2O2 concentration, indicating that the nanophotosensitizers displayed ROS sensitivity. The Ce6 uptake ratio, ROS generation and cell cytotoxicity of the nanophotosensitizers were significantly higher than those of the Ce6 itself against HeLa cells in vitro. Furthermore, the nanophotosensitizers showed folate-receptor-specific delivery capacity and phototoxicity. The intracellular delivery of nanophotosensitizers was inhibited by folate receptor blocking, indicating that they have folate-receptor specificity in vitro and in vivo. Nanophotosensitizers showed higher efficiency in inhibition of tumor growth of HeLa cells in vivo compared to Ce6 alone. These results show that nanophotosensitizers of FaPEGbCDseseCe6 conjugates are promising candidates as PDT of cervical cancer.
Therapeutic Potential of Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yow Yoon-Yen , Goh Tiong-Keat , Nyiew Ke-Ying , Lim Lee-Wei , Phang Siew-Moi , Lim Siew-Huah , Ratnayeke Shyamala , Wong Kah-Hui
Published: August 2021

Despite the progressive advances, current standards of treatments for peripheral nerve injury do not guarantee complete recovery. Thus, alternative therapeutic interventions should be considered. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are widely explored for their therapeutic value, but their potential use in peripheral nerve regeneration is underappreciated. The present systematic review, designed according to guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, aims to present and discuss the current literature on the neuroregenerative potential of CAMs, focusing on plants or herbs, mushrooms, decoctions, and their respective natural products. The available literature on CAMs associated with peripheral nerve regeneration published up to 2020 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. According to current literature, the neuroregenerative potential of Achyranthes bidentata, Astragalus membranaceus, Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, and Hericium erinaceus are the most widely studied. Various CAMs enhanced proliferation and migration of Schwann cells in vitro, primarily through activation of MAPK pathway and FGF-2 signaling, respectively. Animal studies demonstrated the ability of CAMs to promote peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery, which are partially associated with modulations of neurotrophic factors, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and anti-apoptotic signaling. This systematic review provides evidence for the potential use of CAMs in the management of peripheral nerve injury.
Two-Step In Vitro Model to Evaluate the Cellular Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Melgaço Juliana G. , Azamor Tamiris , Silva Andréa M. V. , Linhares José Henrique R. , dos Santos Tiago P. , Mendes Ygara S. , de Lima Sheila M. B. , Fernandes Camilla Bayma , da Silva Jane , de Souza Alessandro F. , Tubarão Luciana N. , Brito e Cunha Danielle , Pereira Tamires B. S. , Menezes Catarina E. L. , Miranda Milene D. , Matos Aline R. , Caetano Braulia C. , Martins Jéssica S. C. C. , Calvo Thyago L. , Rodrigues Natalia F. , Sacramento Carolina Q. , Siqueira Marilda M. , Moraes Milton O. , Missailidis Sotiris , Neves Patrícia C. C. , Ano Bom Ana Paula D.
Published: August 2021

The cellular immune response plays an important role in COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2. This feature makes use of in vitro models’ useful tools to evaluate vaccines and biopharmaceutical effects. Here, we developed a two-step model to evaluate the cellular immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced or spike protein stimulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from both unexposed and COVID-19 (primo-infected) individuals (Step1). Moreover, the supernatants of these cultures were used to evaluate its effects on lung cell lines (A549) (Step2). When PBMC from the unexposed were infected by SARS-CoV-2, cytotoxic natural killer and nonclassical monocytes expressing inflammatory cytokines genes were raised. The supernatant of these cells can induce apoptosis of A549 cells (mock vs. Step2 [mean]: 6.4% × 17.7%). Meanwhile, PBMCs from primo-infected presented their memory CD4+ T cells activated with a high production of IFNG and antiviral genes. Supernatant from past COVID-19 subjects contributed to reduce apoptosis (mock vs. Step2 [ratio]: 7.2 × 1.4) and to elevate the antiviral activity (iNOS) of A549 cells (mock vs. Step2 [mean]: 31.5% × 55.7%). Our findings showed features of immune primary cells and lung cell lines response after SARS-CoV-2 or spike protein stimulation that can be used as an in vitro model to study the immunity effects after SARS-CoV-2 antigen exposure.
Coffee Wastes as Sustainable Flame Retardants for Polymer Materials
Authors: Vahabi Henri , Jouyandeh Maryam , Parpaite Thibault , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2021

Development of green flame retardants has become a core part of the attention of material scientists and technologists in a paradigm shift from general purpose to specific sustainable products. This work is the first report on the use of coffee biowastes as sustainable flame retardants for epoxy, as a typical highly flammable polymer. We used spent coffee grounds (SCG) as well as SCG chemically modified with phosphorus (P-SCG) to develop a sustainable highly efficient flame retardant. A considerable reduction in the peak of heat release rate (pHRR) by 40% was observed in the pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter analysis (PCFC), which proved the merit of the used coffee biowastes for being used as sustainable flame retardants for polymers. This work would open new opportunities to investigate the impact of other sorts of coffee wastes rather than SCG from different sectors of the coffee industry on polymers of different family.
Development of an Educational Application for Software Engineering Learning
Authors: Sarasa-Cabezuelo Antonio , Rodrigo Covadonga
Published: August 2021

Software engineering is a complicated subject for computer engineering students since the explained knowledge and necessary competencies are more related to engineering as a general knowledge area than to computer science. This article describes a software engineering learning application that aims to provide a solution to this problem. Two ideas are used for this. On the one hand, to facilitate its use it has been implemented as an Android app (in this way it can be used anywhere and at any time). In addition, and on the other hand, a gamification system has been implemented with different learning paths that adapt to the learning styles of each student. In this way, the student is motivated by competing with other classmates, and on the other hand, the application adapts to the way of learning that each one has.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence and Comparative and Phylogenetic Analyses of the Cultivated Cyperus esculentus
Authors: Ren Wei , Guo Dongquan , Xing Guojie , Yang Chunming , Zhang Yuanyu , Yang Jing , Niu Lu , Zhong Xiaofang , Zhao Qianqian , Cui Yang , Zhao Yongguo , Yang Xiangdong
Published: August 2021

Cyperus esculentus produces large amounts of oil as one of the main oil storage reserves in underground tubers, making this crop species not only a promising resource for edible oil and biofuel in food and chemical industry, but also a model system for studying oil accumulation in non-seed tissues. In this study, we determined the chloroplast genome sequence of the cultivated C. esculentus (var. sativus Boeckeler). The results showed that the complete chloroplast genome of C. esculentus was 186,255 bp in size, and possessed a typical quadripartite structure containing one large single copy (100,940 bp) region, one small single copy (10,439 bp) region, and a pair of inverted repeat regions of 37,438 bp in size. Sequence analyses indicated that the chloroplast genome encodes 141 genes, including 93 protein-coding genes, 40 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. We also identified 396 simple-sequence repeats and 49 long repeats, including 15 forward repeats and 34 palindromes within the chloroplast genome of C. esculentus. Most of these repeats were distributed in the noncoding regions. Whole chloroplast genome comparison with those of the other four Cyperus species indicated that both the large single copy and inverted repeat regions were more divergent than the small single copy region, with the highest variation found in the inverted repeat regions. In the phylogenetic trees based on the complete chloroplast genomes of 13 species, all five Cyperus species within the Cyperaceae formed a clade, and C. esculentus was evolutionarily more related to C. rotundus than to the other three Cyperus species. In summary, the chloroplast genome sequence of the cultivated C. esculentus provides a valuable genomic resource for species identification, evolution, and comparative genomic research on this crop species and other Cyperus species in the Cyperaceae family.
Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Residual or Reconverted Red Bone Marrow on Knee MRI
Authors: Vo Minh Tu , Singh Ambrish , Meng Tao , Kaur Jasveen , Venn Alison , Cicuttini Flavia , March Lyn , Cross Marita , Dwyer Terence , Halliday Andrew , Jones Graeme , Ding Changhai , Antony Benny
Published: August 2021

Background: Residual/reconverted red bone marrow (RBM) in adult knees is occasionally observed on routine knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We aimed to identify its prevalence, distribution, and associations with lifestyle factors, knee structural abnormalities, and knee symptoms in young adults. Methods: Participants (n = 327; aged = 31–41 years) were selected from the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health (CDAH) knee study. They underwent T1-weighted and proton-density-weighted fat-suppressed MRI scans of knees. Residual/reconverted RBM in distal femur and proximal tibia were graded semi-quantitatively (grades: 0–3) based on the percentage area occupied. Knee structural abnormalities were graded semi-quantitatively using previously published MRI scoring systems. Knee symptoms (pain, stiffness, and dysfunction) were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale during CDAH knee study (year: 2008–2010) and at 6–9-year follow-up during the CDAH-3 study (year: 2014–2019). Associations between definite RBM (grade ≥ 2) and lifestyle factors, knee symptoms, and structural abnormalities were described using log-binomial regressions. Results: Definite RBM was seen in females only, in 29 out of 154 cases (18.8%), with femoral involvement preceding tibial involvement. Definite RBM was associated with increased BMI (PR = 1.09/kg/m2; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.16), overweight status (PR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.07, 4.51), and WOMAC knee pain (PR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.74) in cross-section analysis. However, there was no association between RBM and knee-pain after seven years (PR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.66, 2.00). There were no associations between RBM and knee structural abnormalities. Conclusion: Presence of definite RBM in young adult knees was observed in females only. Definite RBM was associated with overweight measures, and the modest association with knee pain may not be causally related.
Factors Affecting the Necessity of Tracheostomy in Patients with Deep Neck Infection
Authors: Chen Shih-Lung , Young Chi-Kuang , Tsai Tsung-You , Chien Huei-Tzu , Kang Chung-Jan , Liao Chun-Ta , Huang Shiang-Fu
Published: August 2021

Deep neck infection (DNI) is a serious disease that can lead to airway obstruction, and some patients require a tracheostomy to protect the airway instead of intubation. However, no previous study has explored risk factors associated with the need for a tracheostomy in patients with DNI. This article investigates the risk factors for the need for tracheostomy in patients with DNI. Between September 2016 and February 2020, 403 subjects with DNI were enrolled. Clinical findings and critical deep neck spaces associated with a need for tracheostomy in patients with DNI were assessed. In univariate and multivariate analysis, older age (≥65 years old) (OR = 2.450, 95% CI: 1.163–5.161, p = 0.018), multiple spaces involved (≥3 spaces) (OR = 4.490, 95% CI: 2.153–9.360, p = 0.001), and the presence of mediastinitis (OR = 14.800, 95% CI: 5.097–42.972, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors associated with tracheostomy in patients with DNI. Among the 44 patients with DNI that required tracheostomy, ≥50% of patients had involvement of the parapharyngeal or retropharyngeal space (72.72% and 50.00%, respectively). Streptococcus constellatus (25.00%) was the most common pathogen in patients with DNI who required tracheostomy. In conclusion, requiring a tracheostomy was associated with a severe clinical presentation of DNI. Older age (≥65 years old), multiple spaces (≥3 spaces), and presence of mediastinitis were significant risk factors associated with tracheostomy in patients with DNI. The parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces were the most commonly involved, and Streptococcus constellatus was the most common pathogen in the patients with DNI that required tracheostomy.
State-of-the-Art Techniques for Diagnosis of Medical Parasites and Arthropods
Authors: Ruenchit Pichet
Published: August 2021

Conventional methods such as microscopy have been used to diagnose parasitic diseases and medical conditions related to arthropods for many years. Some techniques are considered gold standard methods. However, their limited sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, and the need for costly reagents and high-skilled technicians are critical problems. New tools are therefore continually being developed to reduce pitfalls. Recently, three state-of-the-art techniques have emerged: DNA barcoding, geometric morphometrics, and artificial intelligence. Here, data related to the three approaches are reviewed. DNA barcoding involves an analysis of a barcode sequence. It was used to diagnose medical parasites and arthropods with 95.0% accuracy. However, this technique still requires costly reagents and equipment. Geometric morphometric analysis is the statistical analysis of the patterns of shape change of an anatomical structure. Its accuracy is approximately 94.0–100.0%, and unlike DNA barcoding, costly reagents and equipment are not required. Artificial intelligence technology involves the analysis of pictures using well-trained algorithms. It showed 98.8–99.0% precision. All three approaches use computer programs instead of human interpretation. They also have the potential to be high-throughput technologies since many samples can be analyzed at once. However, the limitation of using these techniques in real settings is species coverage.
A New Optimization Algorithm Based on the Fungi Kingdom Expansion Behavior for Antenna Applications
Authors: Alnahwi Falih M. , Al-Yasir Yasir I. A. , Sattar Dunia , Ali Ramzy S. , See Chan Hwang , Abd-Alhameed Raed A.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a new optimization algorithm based on the behavior of the fungi kingdom expansion (FKE) to optimize the radiation pattern of the array antenna. The immobile mass expansion of the fungi is mimicked in this work as a chaotic behavior with a sinusoidal map function, while the mobile mass expansion is realized by a linear function. In addition, the random germination of the spores is utilized for randomly distributing the variables that are far away from the best solution. The proposed FKE algorithm is applied to optimize the radiation pattern of the antenna array, and then its performance is compared with that of some well-known algorithms. The MATLAB simulation results verify the superiority of the proposed algorithm in solving 20-element antenna array problems such as sidelobe reduction with sidelobe ratio (SLR = 25.6 dB), flat-top pattern with SLR = 23.5 dB, rectangular pattern with SLR = 19 dB, and anti-jamming systems. The algorithm also results in a 100% success rate for all of the mentioned antenna array problems.
Impacts of the National Forest Rehabilitation Plan and Human-Induced Environmental Changes on the Carbon and Nitrogen Balances of the South Korean Forests
Authors: Kim Hyung-Sub , Noulèkoun Florent , Noh Nam-Jin , Son Yo-Whan
Published: August 2021

Humans have affected the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles in forests; however, the quantification of the responses of forest C and N balances to human activities is limited. In this study, we have quantified the impacts of the long-term national forest rehabilitation plan and the contribution of the increase in air temperature, CO2 concentration, and N deposition on the C and N balances of the South Korean forests during 1973–2020 by using a biogeochemical model. During the simulation period, the C balance increased from 0.2 to 4.3 Mg C ha−1 year−1, and the N balance increased from 0.2 to 17.4 kg N ha−1 year−1. This resulted in the storage of 825 Tg C and 3.04 Tg N by the whole South Korean forests after the national forest rehabilitation plan. The increase in air temperature, CO2 concentration, and N deposition contributed −11.5, 17.4, and 177 Tg C to the stored C stock, respectively, and −25.4, 8.90, and 1807 Mg N to the stored N stock, respectively. This study provides references for future forest rehabilitation efforts and broadens our knowledge on the impacts of human-induced environmental changes on the C and N balances of forests.