bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fucoidan from Ericaria crinita Alleviates Inflammation in Rat Paw Edema, Downregulates Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Levels, and Shows Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Lukova Paolina , Apostolova Elisaveta , Baldzhieva Alexandra , Murdjeva Marianna , Kokova Vesela
Published: September 2023

Fucoidans are sulfated polysaccharides detected mainly in the cell walls of brown seaweeds. Here, we examined the effects of single doses of fucoidan derived from Ericaria crinita (formerly Cystoseira crinita) on carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in rats. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 of rats with LPS-induced systemic inflammation after 14 days of treatment were also evaluated. Subchronic treatment with fucoidan from E. crinita attenuated the inflammation during the late phase of the degraded carrageenan-induced paw edema (3rd to 5th hour after carrageenan injection) with peak activity at the 3rd hour after the application. Both doses of fucoidan from E. crinita (25 and 50 mg/kg bw) significantly decreased the levels of all tested pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) in the serum of rats with a model of system inflammation but had no effect on the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The results showed that the repeated application of fucoidan has a more prominent effect on the levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum in comparison to a single dose of the sulfated polysaccharide. This reveals the potential of E. crinita fucoidan as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, E. crinita fucoidan exhibited in vitro antioxidant capacity, determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays as follows: IC50 = 412 µg/mL and 118.72 μM Trolox equivalent/g, respectively.
Optimizing Movement Performance with Altered Sensation: An Examination of Multisensory Inputs
Authors: Mortaza Niyousha , Passmore Steven R. , Glazebrook Cheryl M.
Published: September 2023

Two experiments were conducted to assess the impact of induced paresthesia on movement parameters of goal-directed aiming movements to determine how visual and auditory feedback may enhance performance when somatosensory feedback is disrupted. In both experiments, neurotypical adults performed the goal-directed aiming task in four conditions: (i) paresthesia—full vision; (ii) paresthesia—no vision; (iii) no paresthesia—full vision; (iv) no paresthesia—no vision. Targets appeared on a computer screen, vision was obscured using visual occlusion spectacles, and paresthesia was induced with a constant current stimulator. The first and last 20% of trials (early and late performance) were compared to assess adaptability to altered somatosensory input. Experiment 2 added an auditory tone that confirmed successful target acquisitions. When compared to early performance in the no-paresthesia and no-vision conditions, induced paresthesia and no vision led to significantly larger endpoint error toward the body midline in both early and late performance. This finding reveals the importance of proprioceptive input for movement accuracy in the absence of visual feedback. The kinematic results indicated that vision could not fully compensate for the disrupted proprioceptive input when participants experienced induced paresthesia. However, when auditory feedback confirmed successful aiming movements in Experiment 2, participants were able to improve their endpoint variability when experiencing induced paresthesia through changes in movement preparation.
Hypothalamus, Neuropeptides and Socioemotional Behavior
Authors: Caria Andrea
Published: September 2023

A large body of evidence from old stimulation and lesion studies on the hypothalamus in animals and humans demonstrates that this subcortical area significantly affects socioemotional behavior [...]
A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Trends and Innovative Therapies in Epilepsy Management
Authors: Ghosh Shampa , Sinha Jitendra Kumar , Ghosh Soumya , Sharma Hitaishi , Bhaskar Rakesh , Narayanan Kannan Badri
Published: September 2023

Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide, with a substantial number of patients facing drug-resistant epilepsy. This comprehensive review explores innovative therapies for epilepsy management, focusing on their principles, clinical evidence, and potential applications. Traditional antiseizure medications (ASMs) form the cornerstone of epilepsy treatment, but their limitations necessitate alternative approaches. The review delves into cutting-edge therapies such as responsive neurostimulation (RNS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS), highlighting their mechanisms of action and promising clinical outcomes. Additionally, the potential of gene therapies and optogenetics in epilepsy research is discussed, revealing groundbreaking findings that shed light on seizure mechanisms. Insights into cannabidiol (CBD) and the ketogenic diet as adjunctive therapies further broaden the spectrum of epilepsy management. Challenges in achieving seizure control with traditional therapies, including treatment resistance and individual variability, are addressed. The importance of staying updated with emerging trends in epilepsy management is emphasized, along with the hope for improved therapeutic options. Future research directions, such as combining therapies, AI applications, and non-invasive optogenetics, hold promise for personalized and effective epilepsy treatment. As the field advances, collaboration among researchers of natural and synthetic biochemistry, clinicians from different streams and various forms of medicine, and patients will drive progress toward better seizure control and a higher quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy.
The Development of a Pilot App Targeting Short-Term and Prospective Memory in People Diagnosed with Dementia
Authors: Nanousi Vicky , Kalogeraki Konstantina , Smyrnaiou Aikaterini , Tola Manila , Bokari Foteini , Georgopoulos Voula Chris
Published: September 2023

Background: According to the World Health Organization, people suffering from dementia exhibit a serious decline in various cognitive domains and especially in memory. Aims: This study aims to create a pilot computer app to enhance short-term memory and prospective memory in individuals with dementia using errorless learning based on their individualized needs. Methods: Fifteen dementia patients and matched controls, matched for age, sex, and education, were selected. Their daily routines were analyzed, and cognitive abilities were assessed using the MoCA test. Considering the participants’ illness severity and daily needs, the pilot app was designed to aid in remembering daily tasks (taking medication and meals), object locations, and familiar faces and names. Results: An improvement in patients’ short-term and prospective memory throughout the training sessions, but not in overall cognitive functioning was observed. A statistically significant difference between patients and healthy controls was indicated in their ability to retain information relevant to them in their short-term memory, or to remember to act in the future following schedules organized at present (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This app appears beneficial for training dementia patients and healthy individuals in addressing memory challenges. Recommendation: While the pilot app showed promise, further research with larger samples is recommended.
Participants’ Bias in Disability Research on Family Quality of Life during the 0–6 Years Stage
Authors: Francisco Mora Carmen T. , Ibáñez-García Alba , Balcells-Balcells Anna
Published: September 2023

Background: Over the past two decades, various research teams have designed and applied instruments to measure the quality of life of families with a member who has a disability. A recent systematic review on the state of the Family Quality of Life in early care identified that many of these studies collected data only from the mothers. The present study aimed to investigate whether there is a bias in participant selection in these types of studies. Method: A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted in three databases—Scopus, Web of Science, Eric—from 2000 to 2022. A total of 72 empirical studies were identified. Results: The findings indicate that most studies examining the Family Quality of Life were based on the information of a single informant per family unit. The profiles of participants according to the research objective are quite similar. In one-third of studies, the authors reported that family members who participate cannot be represented by only mothers or one participant per household. Conclusions: Given the dynamic and collective nature of the construct, the application of a systemic approach is necessary.
A Study on Differential Effects of Mathematics Reading Ability on Students’ Value-Added Mathematics Achievements
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Wu Xiaopeng
Published: September 2023

Value-added assessments have become a reasonable and accepted assessment method for education and teaching. Mathematics reading ability is an important ability in mathematics learning which provides a prerequisite for solving mathematical problems. With the aim of uncovering the effects of mathematics reading ability on the continuous development of mathematics learning, this study focuses on the value added to students’ mathematics reading ability as well as their mathematics performance. From a longitudinal perspective, we collected academic achievement data for 463 s-grade students, including their scores on their mathematics reading ability, which were then used a developed measurement tool. Building on Weiss’s “Theory of Change”, the students were divided into four categories: high academic achievement and high value-added, low academic achievement and high value-added, low academic achievement and low value-added, and high academic achievement and low value-added. Finally, we discussed the impact of the students’ reading abilities in mathematics on their overall achievement. This study reveals a close correlation between mathematics reading skills and value-added performance. Higher scores in mathematics reading indicate higher value-added levels. For students with initially high scores, their mathematics reading skills greatly contributed to their high value-added performance.
Physicomechanical Behavior of High-Performance Concrete Reinforced with Recycled Steel Fibers from Twisted Cables in the Brittle State—Experimentation and Statistics
Authors: Chetbani Yazid , Zaitri Rebih , Tayeh Bassam A. , Hakeem Ibrahim Y. , Dif Fodil , Kellouche Yasmina
Published: September 2023

This research studied the effect of recycled steel fibers extracted from twisted cable waste on the fresh and hardened states of high-performance concretes. Accordingly, slump, water absorption (WA), compressive strength (CS), flexural strength (FS), and split tensile strength (STS) were measured in the laboratory using mixtures generated by the response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM-based central composite design (CCD) was used to assess the influence of water-to-binder (W/B) ratios from 0.27 to 0.31, length-to-diameter (L/d = 46 to 80) and steel fiber content (SFC) in the range of 19 to 29 kg/m3 on the behavior of high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (HPFRC). The accuracy and validation of the generated models were evaluated by employing analysis of variance (ANOVA) and optimal parameters. The experimental findings revealed that the use of an L/d ratio of 63, a W/B ratio of approximately 0.28, and an SFC of around 22 kg/m3 resulted in high workability in terms of slump. While a notable increase in compressive strength was observed when employing an L/d ratio of approximately 70, a W/B ratio of around 0.28, and the maximum SFC of 29 kg/m3, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.
Dynamic Feature Identification of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Laminates Based on Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Technology
Authors: Chen Cong , Wang Hua-Ping , Ma Jie , Wusiman Maihemuti
Published: September 2023

Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have many advantages, and have been widely used in aerospace structures, buildings, bridges, etc. The analysis of dynamic response characteristics of CFRP composite structures is of great significance for promoting the development of smart composite structures. For this reason, vibration experiments of CFRP laminates with surface-attached fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors under various dynamic loading conditions were carried out. Time- and frequency-domain analyses were conducted on the FBG testing signals to check the dynamic characteristics of the CFRP structure and the sensing performance of the installed sensors. The results show that the FBG sensors attached to the surface of the CFRP laminates can accurately measure the dynamic response and determine the excited position of the CFRP laminates, as well as invert the strain distribution of the CFRP laminates through the FBG sensors at different positions. By performing Fourier transform, short-time Fourier transform, and frequency domain decomposition (FDD) on the FBG sensing signals, the time–frequency information and the first eight modal frequencies of the excited CFRP structure can be obtained. The modal frequencies obtained by different excitation types are similar, which can be used for structural damage identification. The research in this paper clarifies the effectiveness and accuracy of FBG sensors in sensing the dynamic characteristics of CFRP structures, which can be used for performance evaluation of CFRP structures and will effectively promote the design and development of intelligent composite material structures.
Embroidered Carbon Reinforcement for Concrete
Authors: Konzilia Julian , Wachter Jonas , Egger Matthias , Waltl Christoph , Fröis Thomas , Bechtold Thomas , Feix Jürgen
Published: September 2023

This research focuses on the manufacturing process and mechanical properties of textile reinforcements fabricated using embroidery technology. The study investigates both 2D and 3D reinforcement products and compares the advantages and possibilities of embroidery technology with other manufacturing methods. A series of tests using carbon reinforcement is conducted, and the results are presented and evaluated comprehensively. The uniaxial tensile tests reveal the characteristic behavior of carbon-reinforced concrete (CRC). Furthermore, the bonding behavior between the concrete matrix and embroidered carbon reinforcement is analyzed utilizing asymmetric pull-out tests, demonstrating that the embroidered reinforcements provide a sufficient bond. In addition to conventional 2D reinforcements, 3D reinforcements were also investigated, which can be efficiently manufactured using the TFP (tailored fiber placement) technology. Through the implementation of stirrup rovings, shear failure loads can be increased significantly. The results suggest that the mechanical properties of the reinforcement are influenced by the manufacturing process, which is particularly evident in the variation between longitudinal and transverse directions. The research highlights the potential benefits of using embroidery technology for textile reinforcement and indicates areas for further research and optimization in the manufacturing process. A pilot project that utilizes the embroidered reinforcement is currently under construction.
Application of Stochastic Finite Element Modeling to Reinforced Lightweight Concrete Beams Containing Expanded Polystyrene Beads
Authors: Ghannoum Maria , Abdelkhalek Lara , Assaad Joseph J.
Published: September 2023

Limited investigations have evaluated the effect of expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads on the structural lightweight concrete properties. EPS offers many features compared to natural or artificial lightweight aggregates including the elimination of aggregate saturation prior to concrete batching, ability to be fabricated on site, consistency in size and quality, and reduced cost. The main objective of this paper is to assess the suitability of finite element (FE) modeling based on deterministic and stochastic approaches to predict the shear strength behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams containing EPS additions. Test results showed that the experimental load-deflection properties recorded at failure can be well reproduced using both FE approaches. Nevertheless, the damaged-zone distribution and crack patterns that occur during the loading stages of RC beams cannot be approximated using the deterministic FE approach. In contrast, the stochastic method was quite suitable as it accounted for the concrete heterogeneity and altered spatial mechanical properties (such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and Young’s modulus) due to EPS additions. Such data can be of interest to civil engineers seeking to predict the failure patterns and performance of structural lightweight members while reducing the time and resources needed to account for the concrete’s strength variability during experimental testing.
Adding Glass Fibers to 3D Printable Mortar: Effects on Printability and Material Anisotropy
Authors: Li Leo Gu , Xiao Bo-Feng , Cheng Cong-Mi , Xie Hui-Zhu , Kwan Albert Kwok Hung
Published: September 2023

Adding fibers is an effective way to enhance the printability and mechanical performance of 3D printable cementitious materials. Glass fibers are commonly used owing to their sound mechanical properties, high durability and affordable price. However, there is still a lack of systematic and in-depth research on the effects of adding glass fibers to cementitious materials. In this study, a series of 3D printable mortars with varying glass fiber content and water/cement (W/C) ratio were produced to evaluate their printability, flexural strength and compressive strength. The results showed that decreasing the W/C ratio generally has positive effects on printability and mechanical performance, whereas increasing the glass fiber content from 0% to 1% would substantially improve the extrudability, dimensional stability and buildability; increase the flexural strength by up to 82%; but decrease the compressive strength by up to 35%. Such large differences in the effects of glass fibers on the flexural and compressive strengths indicate significant material anisotropy. In fact, comparison of the strength results of printed specimens to those of un-printed specimens reveals that the printing process could increase the flexural strength by 98% but decrease the compressive strength by 47%.
Energy Management and Environmental Protection in Industrial Parks: A Comparative Study of Central Taiwan Science Park and Silicon Glen
Authors: Chen Fu-Hsuan , Liu Hao-Ren
Published: September 2023

This manuscript focuses on analyzing the growth dynamics of the Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) and Silicon Glen in Scotland with a specific emphasis on their approaches to energy, environmental conservation, and economic management. The objective is to provide insights into their sustainable development strategies. In terms of energy, CTSP addresses Taiwan’s energy security and green transformation challenges, while Silicon Glen concentrates on Scotland’s wind energy generation technologies. Both regions prioritize the advancement of renewable energy sources and smart grid technologies. In the realm of environmental conservation, both CTSP and Silicon Glen prioritize environmental protection and sustainability by implementing rigorous environmental monitoring measures. Regarding economic management, CTSP and Silicon Glen serve as vital technology industry hubs in Taiwan and Scotland, respectively, attracting a multitude of high-tech and startup enterprises. This growth is facilitated through various means, including policy support, access to research resources, and robust infrastructure. This manuscript presents a comparative analysis of these two industrial parks, focusing on their environmental and economic management strategies. It aims to elucidate the principles underpinning the sustainable development and economic growth of industrial parks, offering valuable insights to decision-makers and stakeholders involved in the planning of sustainable industrial parks.
A Workflow Investigating the Information behind the Time-Series Energy Consumption Condition via Data Mining
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Shuming , Cui Weiwen , Zhang Hong , Wu Rui , Huang Jie , Li Zhixin , Wang Xiaohan , Wu Jianing , Yang Junqi
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to develop a framework to understand building energy usage pattern finding using data mining algorithms. Developing advanced techniques and requirements for carbon emission reduction provides higher demands for building energy efficiency. Research conducted so far has mainly focused on total energy consumption data clusters instead of time-series curve peculiarity. This research adopts the time-series cluster algorithm k-shape and the ARM Apriori method to study the simulation database generated by the official restaurant energy model. These advanced data mining techniques can discover potential information hidden in a big database that has not been identified by people. The results show that the restaurant time-series energy consumption curve can be clustered into four type patterns: Invert U, M, Invert V, and Multiple M. Each mode has its own variation characteristics. Two aspects for the solution of intensity and peak shift are proposed, achieving energy savings and focusing on different curve modes. The conclusion shows that the combination of time-series clustering and the ARM algorithm work flow can successfully discover the building operation pattern. Some solutions focusing on restaurant energy usage issues have been proposed, and future investigations should pay more attention to building area-influenced factors.
Assessing Dust Emissions, Health Impacts, and Accident Risks in Prefabricated and Conventional Construction: A Comprehensive Comparative Study
Authors: Kumi Louis , Jeong Jaewook , Jeong Jaemin
Published: September 2023

All over the world, construction accidents and respiratory diseases are among the most important problems. The prefabricated system is an introduction to reduce emissions and accidents during the construction phase. However, there is a lack of research that proves the superiority of the prefabricated system in terms of both dust health impacts and accident risks simultaneously. Therefore, this study conducts an assessment in terms of dust health impacts and accident risks to compare the prefabricated system and the conventional system. This research is carried out in the following steps. (i) collection of data, (ii) calculation of dust emission, (iii) health impact assessment, and (iv) calculation of accident risk. The conventional system produced 5,454,527.43 kg of dust, had a willingness to pay $12,631.40, and caused 4.87 × 102 injuries and 8.05 × 102 fatalities, while the prefabricated system produced 2,711,423.72 kg of dust, had a willingness to pay $6282.02, and caused 3.45 × 102 injuries and 5.69 × 102 fatalities. The results show that when the prefabricated system is applied instead of the conventional system, the dust emission, health impact, and risk level can be reduced by 38.59%, 43.04%, and 29.03%, respectively. This study contributes to previous knowledge when decision-makers select prefabricated systems over conventional systems. Furthermore, it provides insights into the health and safety impacts of both construction methods and the necessary measures to mitigate these impacts.
Quality Evaluation Approach for Prefabricated Buildings Using Ant Colony Algorithm and Simulated Annealing Algorithm to Optimize the Projection Pursuit Model
Authors: Wang Qun , Xu Xizhen , Ding Xiaoxin , Chen Tiebing , Deng Ronghui
Published: September 2023

There are problems with an inadequate quality assurance system and non-standard construction organization and administration while creating prefabricated buildings. There are currently fewer quality assessments employing prefabricated component combinations as the research focus, and the quality evaluation methodology is more subjective. We propose a method for evaluating the quality of prefabricated buildings using an ant colony algorithm and a simulated annealing algorithm to optimize the projection pursuit model: firstly, create a prefabricated building quality index system; secondly, questionnaires were distributed, tested for reliability and validity to avoid the influence of questionnaire subjectivity on the results, and structural equation modeling was used to calculate the weights of the quality influencing factors; thirdly, quantify the quality factors of prefabricated components by using the quality function development method, and construct a quality optimization model for the prefabricated component combinations; fourthly, use the ant colony algorithm to solve the quality optimization model to obtain a set of prefabricated component combinations to satisfy the quality requirements; and lastly, use a simulated annealing to optimize the projected pursuit method for evaluating the quality of prefabricated component combination solutions. The results show that (1) The use of optimization algorithms can successfully avoid the issue of a more subjective evaluation approach and increase the efficiency and accuracy of evaluation. (2) Residential Comfort (RC), Usage Durability (UD) and Structural Reliability (SR) have a substantially negative association, but Residential Comfort (RC) and Installation Stability (IS) have strong positive correlations. (3) Based on the magnitude of the vector of the ideal projection direction of the quality indicators, it was determined that the Installation Stability (IS) indicator had the greatest influence on the evaluation of the program, and the Structural Reliability (SR) indicator had the least influence on the program.
The Impact of Freeze–Thaw Cycles on the Shear and Microstructural Characteristics of Compacted Silty Clay
Authors: Jia Jia , Wei Hongying , Yang Dehuan , Wu Yuancheng
Published: September 2023

The shear strength characteristics and weakening effect of soils under freeze–thaw (FT) cycling are the key problems that should be solved to ensure the integrity of infrastructure construction in seasonally frozen soil areas. Thus far, however, the research on the mechanism of strength deterioration resulting from microstructural changes induced by FT cycles remains insufficiently comprehensive. To investigate the deterioration characteristics of the shear strength of seasonally frozen soils in FT cycles, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted using compacted silty clay subjected to a maximum of five closed-system FT cycles. The stress–strain curve, secant module, shear strength, and microscopic structure were measured for specimens before and after the FT cycles. The stress–strain curves of the unfrozen and thawed specimens demonstrated a strain-hardening behavior, indicating an increase in resistance to deformation. Moreover, the shear strength and secant modulus of the unfrozen specimen surpassed those of the thawed specimen significantly. As the number of FT cycles increased, there was a gradual decline observed in the strength, stiffness, cohesive properties, and internal friction angle of the thawed specimen. The nuclear magnetic resonance technique was employed to interpret the experimental findings. It was demonstrated that the micro-pores undergo continuous enlargement and transformation into medium-sized and large-sized pores, leading to FT deterioration. Based on the experimental results, a modified Duncan–Chang model was developed to simulate the mechanical behavior of compacted silty clay while considering the influence of FT cycles.
Membranes of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in Chitosan–Starch with Mechanical and Compositional Properties Useful in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Estévez-Martínez Yoxkin , Quiroga-González Enrique , Cuevas-Yañez Erick , Durón-Torres Sergio , Alaníz-Lumbreras Daniel , Chavira-Martínez Elizabeth , Posada-Gómez Rubén , Bravo-Tapia Jeremias , Castaño-Meneses Víctor
Published: September 2023

This work reports on membranes of a combination of chitosan–starch with lithium-modified multiwall carbon nanotubes. One of the most important contributions of this article is the functionalization of the surface of multiwall carbon nanotubes by means of an accessible technique that allows for high grafting yields of lithium and their incorporation into a polymeric matrix. The natural compounds chitosan and starch were used as a support to embed the nanotubes, forming membranes with good mechanical stability. A thorough characterization via Raman, infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, transmission and scanning electron microscopies and dynamic mechanical analysis is presented here, as well as electrochemical characterization. The composition, structure and mechanical stability of the membranes make them viable candidates to be used as anodes sustainable Li-ion batteries.
Targeted Therapy in Follicular Lymphoma: Towards a Chemotherapy-Free Approach
Authors: Chen Chung-Jiah J. , Choi Michael Y. , Heyman Benjamin M.
Published: September 2023

Background: The treatment of follicular lymphoma (FL) has previously centered on chemoimmunotherapy, which can be disadvantageous due to patient intolerance, cumulative toxicities, and disease refractoriness. Targeted therapies can produce deep responses and improve progression-free and overall survival with more tolerable adverse event profiles. Methods: We summarize the current literature and key clinical trials regarding targeted therapies in follicular lymphoma both in the front-line and in the relapsed-refractory setting. Results: Targeted therapies studied in FL include immune modulators, anti-CD20 antibodies, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, enhancers of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitors. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) therapy and bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) therapies also show promise in monotherapy and in combination with targeted therapies. These therapies exhibit high overall response rates and substantial progression-free survival and overall survival, even in high-risk patients or patients previously refractory to chemotherapy or rituximab. Adverse events vary substantially but are generally manageable and compare favorably to the cumulative toxicities of chemotherapy. Conclusion: Targeted therapies represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of FL. Further studies are needed to directly compare these targeted therapies and their combinations, as well as to investigate biomarkers predictive of response.
Neuroimaging and Neurocognitive Outcomes in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Correa Denise D. , Vachha Behroze A. , Baser Raymond E. , Koch Adrian , Wong Phillip , Gohel Suril , Giralt Sergio , Root James C.
Published: September 2023

There is a paucity of research on treatment-related neurotoxicity in older adults with multiple myeloma (MM) treated with high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous SCT (HDC/ASCT), despite the increasing use of this regimen. We examined resting state functional connectivity (RSFC), gray matter (GM) volume, neurocognitive function (NF), and proinflammatory cytokines (PCy) in older patients with MM pre- and post-HDC/ASCT. Eighteen patients underwent MRI, NF tests, and serum PCy measurements prior to HDC/ASCT, and fifteen patients completed a follow up five-months post-HDC/ASCT. There were significant decreases in RSFC post-HDC/ASCT in (1) the central executive network (CEN) involving the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right posterior parietal cortex (p = 0.022) and (2) the CEN involving the right posterior parietal cortex and the salience network involving the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (p = 0.029). There were no significant changes in GM or NF, except for improvements in attention (Digit Span Backward, p = 0.03). There were significant increases in several PCy post-HDC/ASCT (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, RSFC decreased in frontal, parietal, and cingulate cortices post-HDC/ASCT, NF was relatively stable, and several PCy increased. These findings are congruent with other studies in cancer patients and provide supporting evidence for the vulnerability of frontoparietal regions to chemotherapy’s adverse effects.
Prognostic Factors in Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcomas Treated with Radiotherapy: Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Lebas Arthur , Le Fèvre Clara , Waissi Waisse , Chambrelant Isabelle , Brinkert David , Noël Georges
Published: September 2023

Soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities are rare tumors with various prognostic factors. Their management is debatable due to their inconsistent results within the literature and the lack of large prospective studies. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the available scientific data on prognostic factors concerning the characteristics of the patients, the disease and the treatments performed, as well as their potential complications, on studies with a median follow-up of 5 years at minimum. A search of articles following the “PRISMA method” and using the PubMed search engine was conducted to select the most relevant studies. Twenty-five articles were selected, according to preestablished criteria. This review provides a better understanding of the prognosis and disease outcome of these tumors. Many factors were described comparing the frequency of occurrence according to the studies, which remain heterogeneous between them. Significant factors that could orient patients to radiotherapy were highlighted. These positive prognostic factors provide valuable insight to optimize radiotherapy treatments for patients treated for soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities.
The Role of Blood Microbiome in the Development of Thyroid Cancer in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: An Jeongshin , Kwon Hyungju , Kim Young Ju
Published: September 2023

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer are likely to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer as a second primary cancer. Similarly, patients with thyroid cancer are likely to develop breast cancer. In this study, we found an association between these two types of cancers in the microbiomes of patients with breast cancer. Blood samples were collected from 96 patients with breast cancer, their bacterial extracellular vesicles were isolated, and their microbiomes were analyzed. After microbiome analysis, researchers performed thyroid function tests, estrogen levels, and thyroid ultrasound results of these patients, and the relationships among these parameters were analyzed. Based on the thyroid ultrasonography results, differences in the microbiome were confirmed in the normal, cyst, nodule, and thyroid lobectomy groups. We investigated the microbiome differences between normal thyroid and thyroid cancer. In particular, the abundance of the genus Bacillus is related to estrogen levels, which could affect thyroid abnormalities and increase thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. This study explains the causes of thyroid cancer in patients with breast cancer using microbiomes and serological tests for thyroid hormones and estrogen. These can be used as basic data for preventing thyroid cancer in patients with breast cancer.
Modern Kidney-Sparing Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Ghoreifi Alireza , Sari Motlagh Reza , Fuchs Gerhard
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To review the latest evidence on the modern techniques and outcomes of kidney-sparing surgeries (KSS) in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Methods: A comprehensive literature search on the study topic was conducted before 30 April 2023 using electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. A narrative overview of the literature was then provided based on the extracted data and a qualitative synthesis of the findings. Results: KSS is recommended for low- as well as select high-risk UTUCs who are not eligible for radical treatments. Endoscopic ablation is a KSS option that is associated with similar oncological outcomes compared with radical treatments while preserving renal function in well-selected patients. The other option in this setting is distal ureterectomy, which has the advantage of providing a definitive pathological stage and grade. Data from retrospective studies support the superiority of this approach over radical treatment with similar oncological outcomes, albeit in select cases. Novel chemoablation agents have also been studied in the past few years, of which mitomycin gel has received FDA approval for use in low-risk UTUCs. Conclusion: KSSs are acceptable approaches for patients with low- and select high-risk UTUCs, which preserve renal function without compromising the oncological outcomes.
A Contrast-Enhanced CT-Based Deep Learning System for Preoperative Prediction of Colorectal Cancer Staging and RAS Mutation
Authors: Lu Na , Guan Xiao , Zhu Jianguo , Li Yuan , Zhang Jianping
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to build a deep learning system using enhanced computed tomography (CT) portal-phase images for predicting colorectal cancer patients’ preoperative staging and RAS gene mutation status. Methods: The contrast-enhanced CT image dataset comprises the CT portal-phase images from a retrospective cohort of 231 colorectal cancer patients. The deep learning system was developed via migration learning for colorectal cancer detection, staging, and RAS gene mutation status prediction. This study used pre-trained Yolov7, vision transformer (VIT), swin transformer (SWT), EfficientNetV2, and ConvNeXt. 4620, and contrast-enhanced CT images and annotated tumor bounding boxes were included in the tumor identification and staging dataset. A total of 19,700 contrast-enhanced CT images comprise the RAS gene mutation status prediction dataset. Results: In the validation cohort, the Yolov7-based detection model detected and staged tumors with a mean accuracy precision (IoU = 0.5) (mAP_0.5) of 0.98. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the test set and validation set for the VIT-based prediction model in predicting the mutation status of the RAS genes was 0.9591 and 0.9554, respectively. The detection network and prediction network of the deep learning system demonstrated great performance in explaining contrast-enhanced CT images. Conclusion: In this study, a deep learning system was created based on the foundation of contrast-enhanced CT portal-phase imaging to preoperatively predict the stage and RAS mutation status of colorectal cancer patients. This system will help clinicians choose the best treatment option to increase colorectal cancer patients’ chances of survival and quality of life.
Demographics, Clinical Characteristics and Survival Outcomes of Primary Urinary Tract Malignant Melanoma Patients: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Morra Simone , Incesu Reha-Baris , Scheipner Lukas , Baudo Andrea , Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , de Angelis Mario , Siech Carolin , Goyal Jordan A. , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Califano Gianluigi , la Rocca Roberto , Capece Marco , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Ahyai Sascha , Carmignani Luca , de Cobelli Ottavio , Musi Gennaro , Tilki Derya , Briganti Alberto , Chun Felix K. H. , Longo Nicola , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: September 2023

All primary urinary tract malignant melanoma (ureter vs. bladder vs. urethra) patients were identified from within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database 2000–2020. Kaplan-Maier plots depicted the overall survival (OS) rates. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression (MCR) models were fitted to test the differences in overall mortality (OM). In the overall cohort (n = 74), the median OS was 22 months. No statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences were recorded according to sex (female vs. male; p = 0.9) and treatment of the primary (endoscopic vs. surgical; p = 0.6). Conversely, clinically meaningful but not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.05) differences were recorded according to the patient’s age at diagnosis (≤80 vs. ≥80 years old; p = 0.2), marital status (married 26 vs. unmarried 16 months; p = 0.2), and SEER stage (localized 31 vs. regional 14 months; p = 0.4), and the type of systemic therapy (exposed 31 vs. not exposed 20 months; p = 0.06). Finally, in univariable and MCR analyses, after adjustment for the SEER stage and type of systemic therapy, tumor origin within the bladder was associated with a three-fold higher OM (Hazard ratio: 3.00; p = 0.004), compared to tumor origin within the urethra. In conclusion, primary urinary tract malignant melanoma patients have poor survival. Specifically, tumor origin within the bladder independently predicted a higher OM, even after adjustment for the SEER stage and systemic therapy status.
Resveratrol-Laden Nano-Systems in the Cancer Environment: Views and Reviews
Authors: Sarfraz Muhammad , Arafat Mosab , Zaidi Syeda Huma H. , Eltaib Lina , Siddique Muhammad Irfan , Kamal Mehnaz , Ali Abuzer , Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin , Khan Abida , Aaghaz Shams , Alshammari Mohammed Sanad , Imran Mohd
Published: September 2023

The genesis of cancer is a precisely organized process in which normal cells undergo genetic alterations that cause the cells to multiply abnormally, colonize, and metastasize to other organs such as the liver, lungs, colon, and brain. Potential drugs that could modify these carcinogenic pathways are the ones that will be used in clinical trials as anti-cancer drugs. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenolic natural antitoxin that has been utilized for the treatment of several diseases, owing to its ability to scavenge free radicals, control the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes, and have effects on inflammation, cancer, aging, diabetes, and cardioprotection. Although RES has a variety of pharmacological uses and shows promising applications in natural medicine, its unpredictable pharmacokinetics compromise its therapeutic efficacy and prevent its use in clinical settings. RES has been encapsulated into various nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, lipidic nanocarriers, and inorganic nanoparticles, to address these issues. These nanocarriers can modulate drug release, increase bioavailability, and reach therapeutically relevant plasma concentrations. Studies on resveratrol-rich nano-formulations in various cancer types are compiled in the current article. Studies relating to enhanced drug stability, increased therapeutic potential in terms of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and reduced toxicity to cells and tissues are the main topics of this research. To keep the readers informed about the current state of resveratrol nano-formulations from an industrial perspective, some recent and significant patent literature has also been provided. Here, the prospects for nano-formulations are briefly discussed, along with machine learning and pharmacometrics methods for resolving resveratrol’s pharmacokinetic concerns.
Interaction between Macrophages and Adipose Stromal Cells Increases the Angiogenic and Proliferative Potential of Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancers
Authors: Doyle Michael , Kwami Noor , Joshi Jaitri , Arendt Lisa M. , McCready Jessica
Published: September 2023

Pregnancy associated breast cancers (PABCs) exhibit increased aggressiveness and overall poorer survival. During lactation, changes take place in the breast tissue microenvironment that lead to increased macrophage recruitment and alterations in adipose stromal cells (ASC-Ls). The interaction of these cells in PABCs could play a role in the increased aggressiveness of these cancers. We utilized an in vitro co-culture model to recreate the interactions of ASC-Ls and macrophages in vivo. We performed qRT-PCR to observe changes in gene expression and cytokine arrays to identify transcriptional changes that result in an altered microenvironment. Additionally, functional assays were performed to further elicit how these changes affect tumorigenesis. The co-culture of ASC-Ls and macrophages altered both mRNA expression and cytokine secretion in a tumor promoting manner. Tumorigenic cytokines, such as IL-6, CXCL1, CXCL5, and MMP-9 secretion levels, were enhanced in the co-culture. Additionally, conditioned media from the co-culture elevated the tumor cell proliferation and angiogenic potential of endothelial cells. These finds indicate that the changes seen in the microenvironment of PABC, specifically the secretion of cytokines, play a role in the increased tumorigenesis of PABCs by altering the microenvironment to become more favorable to tumor progression.
Screening for High-Risk Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV31, HPV33, HPV35) in a Multi-Racial Pediatric and Adult Clinic Patient Population
Authors: Hinton Hunter , Coleman Spencer , Salem J. R. , Kingsley Karl
Published: September 2023

Many human papillomavirus (HPV) strains induce cancer in the cervix and the oral cavity. Although high-risk strains including HPV16 and HPV18 are commonly known, additional high-risk strains including HPV31, HPV33, and HPV35 may also induce carcinogenesis, and much less is known about their prevalence. Using an approved protocol, samples from a salivary biorepository were screened to find pediatric and adult samples from a multi-ethnic, university-based patient clinic population. A total of N = 86 samples from the saliva biorepository met the quality and concentration standards and were screened for high-risk HPV. qPCR screening of adult samples revealed n = 10/45 or 22% were HPV31- or HPV33-positive. In addition, a total of n = 9/41 or 21.9% of pediatric samples were either HPV31- or HPV33-positive (or both). No samples harbored HPV35. Most samples were derived from patients within the recommended vaccination or catch-up age range (age 9–45 years). These results demonstrated that a significant percentage of patients harbor additional high-risk HPV strains within the oral cavity, including HPV31 and HPV33. These data support oral healthcare provider recommendations for the newer nine-valent vaccine, which includes both HPV31 and HPV33.
Unlocking the Potential of Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Dal Collo Giada , Takam Kamga Paul
Published: September 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are pharmaceutical agents capable of disrupting immune checkpoint signaling, leading to T-cell activation and a robust anti-tumor response [...]
ZFP64 Promotes Gallbladder Cancer Progression through Recruiting HDAC1 to Activate NOTCH1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: He Zhiqiang , Zhong Yuhan , Hu Haijie , Li Fuyu
Published: September 2023

The lack of meaningful and effective early-stage markers remains the major challenge in the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer (GBC) and a huge barrier to timely treatment. Zinc finger protein 64 (ZFP64), a member of the zinc finger protein family, is considered to be a promising predictor in multiple tumors, but its potential effect in GBC still remains unclear. Here, we identified that ZFP64 was a vital regulatory protein in GBC. We found that ZFP64 expressed higher in GBC gallbladder carcinoma tissues than in normal tissues and was positively correlated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, ZFP64 was responsible for the migration, invasion, proliferation, anti-apoptosis, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, through Co-IP assay, we confirmed that ZFP64 recruits HDAC1 localized to the promoter region of NUMB for deacetylation and therefore inhibits NUMB expression. The downregulation of NUMB enhanced the activation of the Notch1 signaling pathway, which is indispensable for the GBC-promotion effect of ZFP64 on GBC. In conclusion, ZFP64 regulated GBC progression and metastasis through upregulating the Notch1 signaling pathway, and thus ZFP64 is expected to become a new focus for a GBC prognostic marker and targeted therapy.